Locke and Key

“You’re going to have to explain that? Why would I do that?” Linora offered a seat and Locke accepted. As he sat he began to explain.

“Every world with membership to the Senate is obligated to make contributions toward the war. If you’ll look, you’ll see that Cantonica’s donations are not disclosed.” Locke began. “I’ve tried and I cannot get access. This goes contrary to the freedom of information pact of the Senate charter.”

“So you want me to bring this up, how exactly?”, Deliphe replied.

“You should add to the agenda that you have a way to ensure more financial support for the war. That will get Mas Amedda’s attention, he will like that. When you get called on you need to make a big speech about how Baklid and other smaller worlds are doing their fair share, but it’s not fair that larger worlds’ efforts are not open too, the appearance of favoritism cannot be allowed. You will have to call out Cantonica directly, and I’ll be forced to respond.”

“And you want the attention on you?”

“Exactly, I’ll make a big speech about how outrageous this is, and we have nothing to hide. I’ll call for an immediate review of all related documentation and prove we are above board.” Locke explained. “This will get me into the news, and really piss off someone I know, which is a strange goal I know, but I want their attention and this is the only way to do it.”

“And what’s in this for me? Or I should say Baklid?”

“A fair question.” Locke admitted, “You’ll be part of a much larger discussion. You’ll curry favor with Palpatine as you’ll be showing public support for his war, and concern for the little guys. You’ll gain political capital, and your name will be on many people’s lips at least for a time. If you’ve got political goals or other things you want to accomplish, you’ll have a lot of doors open to you for a few days. Really how you play these cards are up to you, but at least you’ll have a winning hand for once. What do you say?”

She turns her head sideways. " You quit the bad influence," She said an attempt at a joke.

She thought a moment longer. " I'm not very good with that kind of attention Baklid has tried to stay quiet but the lack of trade in our system is becoming a problem," She said.

"This will be an opportunity to increase trade for your world." Locke was happy to see Linora was open to the possibility and he was glad he could help her out. "And once this blows over in a week or two something else will get the Senate's collective attention and you can relax, once again being out of the spotlight. So, are you in Senator?"

“Yes I'm in let's hope the royal family is not angry," She said.

][

Mas Amedda stood alone on the center stage. “Our final item on today’s agenda has been submitted by the Senator of Baklid, Princess Linora Deliphe, and the topic of increasing wartime funding.”

“Thank you all fellow Senators, I know it has been a long day so I will get right to the point and say that Baklid is proud to do its part in promoting peace and security throughout the galaxy in supporting the ongoing war effort. We all contribute, some in larger ways than others, but we all share and do so willingly. Corruption is not tolerated. It has no place in our society, and the Senate Charter makes plain that all member worlds must publicly declare their donations.” Linora swallowed as she now had to sell indignation she didn’t really feel. “Worlds like Cantonica have SOMEHOW been able to redact their fiscal dealings with the Empire and who knows what other malfeasance is being concealed? I demand a full accounting, what say you Senator Fluzhi?”

The attention of the Senate members turned toward Locke. It was the moment of truth. He pressed the ‘hover/approach’ command on his console. The unit came alive and lurched forward, gracefully floating in the space between the berth and the other floating console. He was off-book now, and no one could control his speech, but himself. “I am outraged at such accusations. Cantonica had gone above and beyond with it’s financial obligations and payments.”

“Thank you Senator Fluzhi.” Amedda was ready to cut off the conversation there and stop the proceedings from going any further. Locke was not.

“You’re Welcome, in addition, I pledge to provide a full accounting to anyone who would like to audit our books, and I encourage all other Senators to join me in taking a pledge to do the same. Anyone with something to hide is not welcome in this place!”

Thunderous applause broke out, first fervently amount the higher-placed poorer, and remote worlds, but now a larger player was taking up their cause. The other worlds closer to the galactic center joined in too with approval as the peer pressure got to them. Locke and Linora raised their hands up high causing even more applause. Locke’s smile was genuine. He had pulled it off, they had made the news. He had made enemies.