Senator Ryuun, my interest in Mr. Sky is not an academic, but rather a legal one. As you know, four months ago I pressed, successfully, for terrorism charges to be brought against Mr. Sky in addition to those already outstanding, and suffice to say, a criminal of that sort (or anyone with a criminal record) is not welcome to teach at the Brentaal Academy. The original bounty that I posted, thus, is intended simply to deliver the suspect into New Republic custody, which the Jedi--and unfortunately, our own law enforcement officials--have been unable to do as of this point in time.

But as for why I should "bid" in response to your bounty, my reasons are twofold. Primarily, that I believe firmly that the recent Jedi Commissions Act is manifestly unconstitutional, that the Jedi should have no special regard under the law, and ergo, that Darwin Sky must be tried in proper, New Republic courts for the heinous crimes he has committed upon New Republic citizens. Having Mr. Sky hastily apprehended permits me the opportunity to challenge the Jedi Commissions Act in court, and also to discuss with Mr. Sky his legal accomodations before he is transferred to the Republic's custody.

My second reason, stated bluntly, is that I cannot fathom of what possible interest Mr. Sky would be to the government of Druckenwell (especially to be so willing to bid competitively for his capture). The fact that a declared Sith enjoys a prominent position in your government, and that he has stated his intention to assemble "Dark Siders" under his tutelage, has aroused my suspicions that there might well be a concerted effort on the part of certain persons to circumvent justice for Mr. Sky once again.

Reuke

Firstly, Senator Ryuun, I have been called many things, but rarely "trustworthy." I appreciate the confidence, but I am not deserving of it, and I do not say this out of modesty but rather, simply, because I am not trustworthy. That said, appropriating Mr. Sky's lightsaber is odd indeed considering especially that the murder weapon is evidence, and witholding evidence is a crime itself. I would also, as a word of professional advice, beware of the appearance of a conflict of interest, in the treasury of Druckenwell offering a 52 million credit bounty on an individual, when an officer of Druckenwell's government has, as you say, dispatched a "bounty hunter of sorts" to capture that individual, presumably for payment.

It does not seem like a propitious beginning for Mr. Novak's declared intent to present the Sith as mild, moral and amenable beings. Be wary of his machinations, Senator. Remember that the albatross is a ship's good fortune, until it becomes its curse.

Reuke

I would be glad to assist insofar as it is prudent and appropriate of me to do so.

Reuke

I agree with your sentiments, Senator, that a fleet answering only to one man might be used to defend Druckenwell today, or to hold it hostage tomorrow (not that I would make such an accusation against Mr. Novak, but it is a possibility). If I lived on Druckenwell, I would most certainly demand that the fleet be made Druckenwell's, and be commanded by Druckenwell's own officers. However, that is only if I lived on your world; since I do not, I believe a measure such as the one you suggest would have much more credibility if it was a decision made by Druckenwell itself, rather than being proposed by me.

Reuke

Senator, as you may have surmised from my recent statements on the matter, it is not my intention to propose or support any measures regarding the limitation of planetary fleets, at this time. As I have said, I believe it is Druckenwell's right, its prerogative, and its responsibility to ensure that its fleets truly do answer to Druckenwell, and not to Mr. Novak alone. If Mr. Novak is inclined to resist the orders of your government, then perhaps it is better that he is made to do so rather than remaining an officer of that government, even if it means his entrenchment on your world. If this does occur, I believe you may be surprised at how broadly willing and able the New Republic will be to support you in Mr. Novak's ouster (particularly considering that a Sith using force to defy a democratic regime is just not seemly).

In fact, my colleagues and I of the Prosperity Alliance―which, as you know, is the tactical union of Brentaal, Neimoidia and the IMC―have discussed this very matter, and we would likely be willing to assist Druckenwell much as we did Acherin, should the need arise. But with regard to your latter remark, I believe you can indeed ask New Republic Intelligence to monitor him (if they are not already; I'm told that the NRI monitors even me, of all persons), particularly as regards vessels that are unaccounted for, which of course should be reported if Mr. Novak does not have a verifiable explanation. In fact, I would recommend that these memos, and the concerns you've expressed, also be forwarded to the NRI as a precaution.

Senator Sir Reuke Cambrist, Brentaal
Chairman of the Commerce Council