Faction Beyond the Gilded Halls | Fondor, Outside Senate Chamber

[Lander Stalwart]

Beyond the Gilded Halls
Fondor, Outside Senate Chamber
Tags: Open to Senators

Lander's Blaster Pistol, Lander's Prosthetic Arm
​

Things were always strange when Senate meetings were adjourned.

There was a bit of an awkward shuffle out of the rotunda when it was all said and done, and everyone was already aware that they'd probably have to brush shoulders with the people they opposed within the Senate Chamber if they passed them in the halls. Fortunately, or unfortunately, Lander Stalwart was new to the whole business of being a Senator. He didn't know anyone, which either meant he was a fresh slate or a threat, whichever was soon to be the perception of his place within the institution. He didn't really mind. Between the crisis on his home planet of Sacorria and the sudden expansion of Imperial and Mandalorian factions respectively, his first week in office was proving to be a trial by fire. Lander could only hope that such a thing was the sort of action that proved his commitment to the union.

Only time would tell, of course. His reputation was not yet fully established.

As Lander parted from his senatorial pod and towards the exit, his Duros aid, Pax Umoth, came shuffling up with datapad in hand, the old man eager to relay more information into the ears of the senator.

"Senator Stalwart, an update from Sacorria," he stated. "We've been approved for the construction of new terraces to expand our damaged farmland. Shall I touch base with our agricultural department? I'm certain you will want to update the senate during the next gathering."

"That's fine," Lander sighed. "Please return to Sacorria and touch base with them."

It was a decent excuse to get the old Duros out of his hair for a while. One less thing to worry him while he mentally prepared for the journey home. As Lander stepped out into the hallway beyond the Senate Chamber, he found himself being shoulder-checked by another senator, who gave a scoff and rather hastily departed, though not before offering some form of light scolding.

"Do watch where you're going, Senator Stalwart."

"Uh... apologies..." the Sacorrian mumbled as they stormed off, certain he wasn't going to be heard either way.

They were probably just tense. The discussion had gotten rather heated today, though that seemed to be a given. Lander couldn't help but wonder where debate ended and argument began with some matters, especially when they seemed to stretch beyond the simple matter of representing the interests of planets. Maybe that wasn't something he had enough experience with to understand just yet.

It would probably take him a little time to work up to jumping into the middle of that.

As he began to make his way into the hallway proper, the honorable senators began to file out. Some were eager to make small talk, while others were simply looking to leave as soon as possible. Whatever the case was, many began to mingle in the aftermath of the assembly...

OOC: This is a neat little social thing I thought up while eating lunch lol. The basic idea is that it follows a senatorial gathering, when the senate is adjourned and everyone is departing. It's a social thread, for people to congregate following whatever fiery debates occurred. There is flexibility to fill in the gaps and more just for people to meet each other and get along or have beef. So if you're a senator feel free to jump in.

 

[Velyra Vonn]

Senator Velyra Vonn of Zeltros
​

The doors sighed open with the sort of indulgent hush Velyra preferred—polished, polite, just faintly theatrical. She stepped into the corridor not like a woman leaving work, but like a duchess entering her ballroom.

Shoulders back. Chin high. Smile curved just so.

The heated embers of the Senate’s recent discourse still clung to the air like too-strong cologne. She could feel it—irritation, pride, lingering applause in some corners of the room. She didn’t need to read their emotions to taste the flavor of it all.

Ah, democracy. Always slightly too warm.

Her stride was slow by design. Her gown flowed like starlight poured into fabric, dyed midnight and dusted with metallic threads that shimmered with her every step. A few aides murmured her name, too quietly to risk drawing her notice.

She noticed anyway.

And then—him.

The new Senator. Broad-framed, freshly bruised by his first few political elbows. His earnestness still clung to him like an ill-fitting jacket.

She tilted her head just slightly, a raven strand of hair tumbling forward like it had rehearsed the motion.

Poor thing. They always think idealism is armor.

"Sacorria, isn’t it?" she asked smoothly, her voice like warmed wine. "You wear the chaos well."

A little white lie, for his morale.

Her smile deepened as she drifted closer—never quite invading his space, yet somehow still commanding it.

"Velyra Vonn," she offered with the hint of a theatrical bow, as though she were introducing herself at a gala rather than to a peer. "Zeltros. I sit on the Planetary Ethics Committee, which is to say—" she arched a brow with velvet mischief, "—I ask impolite questions with very polite words."

A pause. Calculated.

"I do hope you’re planning to stay for drinks. The senators who slip away early often miss the real diplomacy."

Lander Stalwart | Open to All
​

 

[Helios Ardemark]

POST-SESSION... SHENANIGANS?
EXFIL FROM SENATE CHAMBER
FONDOR

Trading one battlefield for another hadn't been as much of a shift as he thought, a handful of months previous, and perhaps it was easier because of how he'd been raised, never far away from the politic of the Tapani. It was never a problem to pivot from the furor of the chamber into the after hours, assuming he had them. Now he had to be deliberate about it. He had to balance and carve out the time, more than ever.

"Some of them might long for a better view," he quipped, slowing into place when he happened on the fresh conversation - with her, was it really conversation? he would wonder, "Not everyone has the talent to see beauty in..." Helios indicated the area around them in general with a wave of his hand - clearly he meant the uninspiring landscape of brown that he wasn't sure was a step up or step down from gray steel as far as the eye could see, "...but even a desert has its merits, beyond all the dust."

The poet's eye had kept him sane and his mind limber through countless deployments. It was no less true, here. He flickered a cordial smile at Velyra, and turned to Lander.

"I see you've already met our charming pink rose," he proffered a hand to the Sacorrian, "Helios Ardemark, Pelagon. If nothing, take this opportunity as a chance to unwind a little. R&R is a must, never forget that." Even if there was always so much to do. "We're all stuck in the mire, like it or not, and together, no less."

The galactic shift had kept him as busy as anyone else, as a technical representative of not just the interests of his home, but the worlds of the province that called Pelagon its capital. No one in the Alliance was unaffected, one way or another.

"How's the settling in?"

Lander Stalwart • Velyra Vonn • Open​

 

[Damian du Couteau]

Damian du Couteau, Senator of Empress Teta
Location: Senate Building, Fondor
Outfit

Damian stifled a yawn as he walked out and paused near the edge of the hallway to allow his more eager colleagues an easier path to the exit. For a moment he looked down at his data-slate, a myriad of reports and other alerts had the young du Couteau heir make a rather disgusted look before finally he looked back up. He knew better than to show such expressions outside his office but woefully his mental defenses had seen better days.

Even the most dangerous paths can be rather monotonous to lull the senses.

The Tetan took notice of many new faces among the assembly, his concern had grown in the last few months as more and more the more veteran bureaucrats seemingly vanished. Where to was not the question, Damian’s imagination had no issue with the many answers, but who next was the question that brought concern.

The galaxy has no end of ways to get rid of any of us and with no fanfare or fuss.

Damian did narrow his only eye at a rather rude interaction, decorum was a foundational pillar among bureaucrats and governance. His expression returned to a more neutral appearance as Damian took a mental note to provide a teachable moment for the uncouth man in the future. He wished more Senators realized how their actions and words carried a heavy weight that would only be felt by others.

Always take consideration of not just your target, but those behind the target as well. Damian muttered softly as he began to return his attention back to his data-slate. He walked along and noticed another Senator approached the one who was pushed, he only caught the last few words. Better hope the only drink is caf, lest you want those morning reports to feel like one of the nine Corellian hells.
​

 

[Mela Sartha]

Senator Mela Sartha emerged from the rotunda, striding through the morass of politicians and aides that surged out. Clad in what had become her trademark dark suit, she clung onto her senatorial datapad. The expression on her face was what one might call slightly miffed. Stumbling behind, caught in her wake, was one poor senatorial aide, freshly dragged to Fondor from Hanna City.

"Senator, I-"

"-furious again, I know, I cannot believe they haven't finished sorting out that office. It's been two weeks, Rin," Mela complained as she tapped more on her datapad. A constant flow of information spat out at her, from economic figures to opinion polls to voting records. She stopped to look, nearly causing a minor pile-up as her aide was forced to stop suddenly.

"Yes but the Chandrilan Estates Committee-"

Mela pulled a face and looked over her shoulder. "Again? I'm not going to their dinner, Rin, they all hate me enough. I'm not spending any more of my precious evenings getting hassled by Tavos Rantha about his tax burden."

"-and they want a statement about your daughter-"

"From me? Jedi business is Jedi business," she said, failing to hide the hint of a snarl. Her aide froze, eyes wide. Goodness, how old was she really? Very early twenties? "Just... go home, Rin. Take the rest of the day off. But shove this in the office on your way out," she insisted, passing Rin the pad.

After a brief moment to catch her breath, Mela fixed the smile on her face and continued to step out. A fresh conversation arose between some others she'd noticed in the senate, and decided now was as good a time as any to make some connections.

"Oh, did I hear someone mention drinks?" she asked, smiling at the participants, "I shan't say no after a busy day. Mela Sartha, Chandrila. Pleasure to meet you all." She offered her hand out to the collected group, hoping that someone might take it. "Goodness knows everyone deserves a little decompression after the chamber."

Lander Stalwart | Velyra Vonn | Helios Ardemark | Open​

 

[Lander Stalwart]

Fondor
Tags: Velyra Vonn , Helios Ardemark , Mela Sartha , Damian du Couteau

Lander's Blaster Pistol, Lander's Prosthetic Arm
​

"Sacorria, isn’t it?" she asked smoothly, her voice like warmed wine. "You wear the chaos well."

"Ah... perhaps you're being a bit too kind," he remarked with a slight laugh. "I'd say I'm quite the fish out of water. No reason not to be honest, though I... do appreciate the intention behind your words."

Lander was a simple man. He grew up on a farm, served in the military, spent his nights reading in his study. He wasn't a large personality like many senators seemed to be. An every man, so to speak. Maybe that was something that would help him clear out a place for himself in the senate.

The matter of drinking came up, and all of a sudden more senators seemed to emerge from the woodworks. Lander was quick to take a mental note of everyone who came to greet him. Ardemark of Pelagon, who's hand he shook, Vonn of Zeltros, and Sartha of Chandrila. How interesting. Whatever senators drank in the company of each other, the Sacorrian got the idea that it must have to be rather strong. Some people couldn't stomach the intensity otherwise, no doubt.

"Lander Stalwart," he finally introduced. "Sacorria. Though I suppose you all likely know already given the... recent matter of ecological crisis."

Hopefully that didn't go on to define his career.

"How's the settling in?"

"I'd say it could be rougher," Lander sighed. "I've done a lot of running between Fondor and Sacorria this week alone. I suppose I could holo into the chamber, but I'm rather old-fashioned in that regard. I think it's best to address the chamber face to face."

His gaze shifted towards the window nearby.

"A little drab," he noted. "Even Corellia isn't this brown... I suppose it will take some time to adjust, but nothing I can't handle."

He'd figure it out eventually. Of course, his curiosity was drawn back to the matter of drinking. Senator Vonn seemed to approach the topic in a particularly coy manner. Zeltrons did have that cultural aspect to them, but it did draw at his curiosity. Lander took a moment to correct his tie before speaking again.

"So... what sort of drinks do senators prefer after delegation is adjourned?"

 

[Nos Voros]

Objective: Security Detail
Outfit: Senate Commando Armor [X]
Full Kit Deployment:

Spoiler: Full Kit

* Legion Combat Engineer Multi-Tool

• 4 X Combat/Utility Knife-Model 01
• 2 X Vibroblade-Model 01
• Cortosis Vibroblade
• Legion Combat Pistol Mark I with Whisper-class Suppressor Series
• Legion Crew Personal Protection Weapon Mark I
• Combat Scattergun-Model 01
• 3 X Modular Hand Grenade-Model 01
• 3 X Anti-Armor Grenade-Model 01

* GAHA-32 Lionheart Commando Armor

• Combat Blaster Rifle-Model 01 with Tactical Accessories Series and Underbarrel Grenade Launcher-Model 01 (20 X Launchable Grenade Series)
• 4x blaster cartridges
• 2x stun grenades
• Ascension Pistol
• Fusion Lantern
• Datapad
• Garrote
• 3x stimpacks
• 3x bland survival bars
• 128oz Canteen of water.

​

He didn’t stand in shadow. He was the shadow.

Nos Voros leaned beside a durasteel support strut inside the Senate building’s second security threshold, visor dark, armor azure. Senate Commando insignia, unmarred. He wasn’t guarding a specific conversation—he was the line before the line, posted as a presence rather than a participant. Sylvia Organa had yet to exit. He waited.

Through the transparisteel archways, sound carried just enough for words to slide into patterns. He didn’t need to hear all of them to get the measure.

Senator Stalwart: new. His voice dragged with honesty, but carried a faint emotional tremor—anticipation masking uncertainty. Nos guessed he was former military. That rhythm of speech never left. Farm boy, maybe. The ones who start humble tend to forget that humility is a mask too.

Senator Vonn: confident. No visible guard detail, though Nos caught the flick of her eyes when someone strayed too close. His empathy picked up a surface gloss of amusement, poise—and underneath, the smallest tether of guarded warmth. Calculated, utilized, but not insincere.

Senator Ardemark: decorative, but not unarmed. The kind of man who used words like scalpels, not shields. Poetic cadence didn’t soften the truth—he liked being listened to. His empathy shimmered with something... contained. Like a ship’s pressure valve reading just shy of venting.

Senator du Couteau: no action, just observation. That was enough. Nos hadn’t spoken to the man since training, but he remembered the blood, the panic, the eye lost on Hapes. Damian hadn’t acknowledged him yet. That was fine. Neither of them owed each other anything.

His fingers tapped once against the grip of his holstered pistol. Not impatience—ritual. A tic shaped by survival, not nerves.

Another aide passed too quickly behind Vonn. Nos’s body adjusted one half-step to the left. No one would notice. That was the point.

He made no eye contact. No greetings. The senators talked, the guards watched, and the walls kept secrets. Nos simply made sure everything stayed civil.

(security detail)​

 

[Velyra Vonn]

Senator Velyra Vonn of Zeltros​

Velyra’s smile lingered like perfume, subtle and persistent. Her eyes scanned the circle now forming—old souls, fresh faces, sharp tongues, fraying tempers. The true Senate, as she preferred it: off-script, off-stage, and just a bit off-balance.

"Ah, so the whole bouquet is blooming now," she mused, turning her head slightly toward Helios Ardemark . "And here I was worried the only poetry I’d hear today would be in a budget proposal footnote."

A graceful nod, one part respect and one part challenge.
Call me a rose again and I’ll make you bleed like one.

"But you’re right, of course. Even a desert can surprise you—if you know where to dig."

She pivoted slightly, catching sight of a quiet figure beyond the periphery. One eye, immaculate posture. Damian du Couteau . Still water, but never still mind.

"Senator du Couteau," she greeted smoothly. "You arrive like punctuation—sharp, silent, and likely to change the meaning of everything before it."

He’s watching. That’s fine. I like an audience that blinks only when it matters.

A new voice joined the fold, brisk and breathless. Chandrila’s iron reed, bending but not yet broken. Mela Sartha arrived with tired grace and a smile lacquered over a thousand frayed nerves.

"Senator Sartha," Velyra purred, reaching gently to touch fingertips in lieu of a handshake, "you’re a vision. A little wind-tossed, perhaps, but still upright—which is more than I can say for Tavos Rantha after a single glass of Chandrilan plum wine."

Her smile deepened with playful cruelty. Just a flicker.
That should buy her a breath.

And then, back to the spark at the center.

Lander Stalwart had asked a simple question—earnest, exposed, vulnerable. The kind of thing you couldn’t fake if you tried.

Velyra turned to him fully now, tilting her head as if measuring a story in the making.

"What do senators drink?" she repeated, voice dipped in velvet. "Well, the Isolationists sip aged scorn from crystal flutes. The Stewards prefer chilled restraint—neat. Expansionists like to mix bold ideals with strong liquor. And Shepherds..." she paused, eyes aglow, "...well, we drink whatever's left after everyone else has had their say."

A beat. Then:

"As for me? Something red, of course. Full-bodied, with a kick. And far too smooth for anyone to notice it’s stronger than it tastes."

She raised an imaginary glass, just barely.

"To Sacorria. And to the rest of us—who still know the difference between theater and truth, and choose to perform anyway."

There he is.
Just past the archway—blue armor, no expression. No need for one.

Nos Voros. The Senate’s silent sentinel.

She didn’t wave. Didn’t acknowledge him beyond the flicker of her eyes as she shifted slightly—just enough to signal she’d noticed the shift in her shadow.

The guards speak rarely. But they remember everything. And they only move when it matters.

Velyra smiled faintly, tilting her head—not at him, not quite. But close enough for a professional to understand.

My compliments to the wall that watches.

Lander Stalwart | Helios Ardemark | Damian du Couteau | Mela Sartha
​

 

[Helios Ardemark]

POST-SESSION... SHENANIGANS?
EXFIL FROM SENATE CHAMBER
FONDOR

Helios took the opportunity to shake the Chandrilan Senator's hand after Velyra's cheeky input, regarding the Zeltron for a flicker of a moment with an impassive expression - he didn't doubt she had thorns - before he turned and gave Mela a smile and took her hand in his own. She came with the the right idea in mind straight out of the gate.

"Ardemark of Pelagon," he said with the shake, "Helios."

He nodded with Lander's reply, sparing him a glance away from the older of the two women; the back and forth got tiresome for him much the same, so he took to longer intervals. He didn't get homesick. Pelagon was still the heart of him, but nothing had given him a significant compulsion, an ache for home in more than half a decade.

"Lest we collect any others," Helios continued, quietly, releasing Mela's hand, "we'll be in the bottle ASAP."

His words were a seeming preface when Vel answered the Sacorrian's question with her own, almost stereotyping assessment of what the different factions liked to drown themselves in.

"I must be unusual to you, Senator Vonn," he followed up on the tail of her invisible toast, brows lofting as he turned, thin amusement in his words, "but seeing as it's become a damn pain to find uzacik here, I'll have to settle for something else."

And it wouldn't surprise him if no-one had a clue what that was, much less find their way to a correct pronunciation.

Damian du Couteau • Kaela Verrin • Lander Stalwart • Mela Sartha • Velyra Vonn • Open​

 

[Damian du Couteau]

Damian du Couteau, Senator of Empress Teta
Location: Senate Building, Fondor
Outfit

Damian raised an eyebrow, the one above his eyepatch, as he listened to the Senator Vonn's words that were addressed to him. The classification would have been considered flattery but he took slight umbrage of being accused of changing the meaning of things.

I simply give people a different lens to view particular details.

If it became difficult to discern truth then it was the fault of truth itself and not his freely given perspective. Damian knew if he had any less restraint he might have actually huffed, quite the disastrous scandal to appear petulant among his peers. Optics, perspectives and appearances were paramount for politicians, politics and of course power.

Best to avoid giving my opposition fuel to burn my chances of reelection back on Teta.

“If you have pressing concerns tomorrow then any drink with enough stimulants to help work through the night is preferred. . . If you don’t care about any pressing concerns then Corellian Ale to help soothe the conscious to sleep.” Damian answered the new freshman Senator Stalwart when asked for their drink preferences.

Damian bowed his head in the other Senator’s direction, “I am Senator du Couteau, but if it pleases, you may call me Damian.” He introduced himself, his smile forced but his words flowed evenly enough.

Quite the strange situation that Damian felt the outcast among the other Senators. Like a snake slithering into a new garden filled with the unknown. The changing of political organizations to better remove themselves from the baggage of the last administration had left him quite uncertain even till present moment. Not that the baggage was particularly heavy nor dangerous but Damian understood the need to push past the labels of corporatists and the like.

Though useful labels such as those are difficult stains to remove; Even with suitable remodeling, it can be difficult to cover everything up.

“Personally I recommend club sodas to all new Senators until their sophomore year. Best to not utter radical things when under the influence. Especially when the inevitable tirade of Senators debating Planetary Rights versus Centralized Governance Authority.”

Damian added as he glanced around, unsure of what to make of this particular gathering, his mind raced around different formalities. I miss Senator Tagge. He felt far too old for being rather young, maybe he should break his own promise and find a suitable drink as well. But he also felt somewhat responsible to keep up the appearance of a civilized Senate Assembly, even after-hours.

I don’t want to wake up with a headache and face palming myself as I read the morning news on my data-slate.
​

|| Lander Stalwart | Velyra Vonn | Helios Ardemark | Mela Sartha | Nos Voros ||​

 

[Lucas Gracin]

"Good to know that another shares my tastes," Lucas stated plainly as he approached the gaggle of senators. His golden eyes darted up briefly fromt he datapad in his hands towards the Zeltros senator who'd just expressed her preference of drink. "Though something sparkling and celebratory is always nice when one needs a change." He tapped a few more messages on the datapad then sent it off before handing the device off to the man behind him, a zorren in similar attire to the Veran senator's white and gold suit, if a bit less ostentatious. "I'll meet you in my office. Brief the Valde on anything I didn't cover and let me know what he says."

He turned next to the new senator, fixing him with a gracious, if fanged smile. "I know the feeling of being on the move. Seems I hardly ever see Veradune nowadays. You get used to it, and Fondor does have its charms. A few cactus roses, I suppose." Late as he might have been to the impromptu meeting, Lucas had heard most of the discussion, his pointed ears sensitive enough to catch unhidden words as they flicked around to keep a bead on the room. "I also know that rebuilding a planet can be difficult. Feel free to call on my assistance with any aid you require. Veradune stands ready to offer our aid and experience." It was a hard won experience. Even in a galaxy ravaged by war, most planets came out relatively unscathed. But some unlucky few, like his own had found devastation that required years if not decades to fix. At the very least, he hoped that lessons had been learned that could be passed on to others.

Lucas cleared his throat as he suddenly realized he had missed his own introduction. "Lucas Gracin, senator of Veradune and Wilder the Vitae Sect." Behind him, a grey-brown tail swished and flicked as he made his introduction. "And I believe Senator Couteau may have the most sound advice for your position. You're going to be a very busy man so it might be best two stay sharp. Though I certainly won't tell if you decide to give that soda a bit of an extra kick." He gave the new senator a conspiratorial smile on his last point.

Lander Stalwart Damian du Couteau Velyra Vonn Helios Ardemark Mela Sartha

 

[Kaela Verrin]

The doors of the Senate chamber parted with a soft hiss, and Kaela stepped into the hallway with measured grace, her pace slowing as the high-energy buzz of debate faded away.

A slim datapad was tucked tightly to her chest, held there as much out of habit as caution. Her brow bore the faintest crease of focus, the kind that never fully disappeared even once the votes were cast and the speeches silenced. The session had been long, full of friction and formalities — and though Kaela was no stranger to pressure, the emotional undercurrent of the food crisis debate still lingered in her posture.

She paused just outside the threshold, taking in the shifting patterns of senators and aides weaving through the grand corridor. Names she knew. Faces she didn't. A few lingered in small clusters — whispers, handshakes, guarded glances. Others passed by with practiced speed, cloaked in the confidence of seniority or the armor of fatigue.

Kaela stood still for a moment longer. She spotted a few of her colleagues nearby. Newer faces like hers, perhaps. But unfamiliar. Her fingers adjusted the datapad slightly.

Not yet time to leave. Not when the floor was still humming and alliances were being shaped — here, just as much as in the chamber.

She took a quiet breath, then stepped forwar d— slowly, thoughtfully — watching the hallway unfold.

Open​

 

[Lander Stalwart]

Fondor
Tags: Velyra Vonn , Helios Ardemark , Damian du Couteau , Mela Sartha , Lucas Gracin , Kaela Verrin

Lander's Blaster Pistol, Lander's Prosthetic Arm
​

"...well, we drink whatever's left after everyone else has had their say."

That sounded... somewhere between unappealing and true in an ironic manner of speaking. It certainly seemed like a fair number of senators had a flair for the dramatic. Not something that Lander was put off by, but interesting to note. It was a start at understanding the landscape he had just thrown himself into.

"Lest we collect any others," Helios continued, quietly, releasing Mela's hand, "we'll be in the bottle ASAP."

"It seems we'll be in need of several bottles," Lander managed to joke. "We seem to have a second senatorial session on our hands."

“I am Senator du Couteau, but if it pleases, you may call me Damian.”

“Personally I recommend club sodas to all new Senators until their sophomore year. Best to not utter radical things when under the influence. Especially when the inevitable tirade of Senators debating Planetary Rights versus Centralized Governance Authority.”

"Lucas Gracin, senator of Veradune and Wilder the Vitae Sect." Behind him, a grey-brown tail swished and flicked as he made his introduction. "And I believe Senator Couteau may have the most sound advice for your position. You're going to be a very busy man so it might be best two stay sharp. Though I certainly won't tell if you decide to give that soda a bit of an extra kick."

"A pleasure to meet you both," he greeted. " Lander Stalwart of Sacorria. I don't imagine I'll be doing much day-drinking if that eases any concern. I don't believe I've had much time to drink much more than water with all the... rushing about I've been doing."

And boy was it keeping him busy. Between senatorial delegation and the food crisis back home he had a lot taking up his time. A little time to ease the stress was, at the very least, a sound suggestion. He offered a grateful smile to the senator of Veradune at the offer of aid. It was certainly gracious, and Lander wasn't exactly in a position to be super picky. He had, at least, seen the makings of more honest standings in regards to Gracin's presentation in the chamber.

"Any sort of aid will be much appreciated," Lander noted. "I'm sure we can set up an appropriate time to discuss such prospects in a formal meeting. Something a little more formal than a hallway."

His gaze shifted as he watched a few more senators emerge from the Senate Chamber, his eyes naturally catching the sight of Senator Kaela Verrin of Anaxes. They had already met following the delegation held in regards to the crisis on Sacorria. He'd offer her a wave, noting her glancing around the mingling senators.

"Senator Verrin," he called out. "Perhaps you'd like to join us? We're currently discussing the pressing matter of post delegation rituals."

That was a good way to put it.

 

[Velyra Vonn]

Senator Velyra Vonn of Zeltros
​

The informal gathering was blooming fast—halfway between a salon and a sabacc game, if one knew how to listen. Velyra lingered in its orbit with the ease of a woman who had never once worried about overstaying her welcome.

Her gaze swept slowly across the growing circle. From Helios's wry detachment to Mela’s sardonic air, from Damian's restraint to Lucas's fanged charisma—each was catalogued, tasted, and filed away like a rare vintage. Her expression never lost that languid amusement, as if the entire conversation were a game she’d played before, but returned to simply for the joy of it.

“Post-delegation rituals, dearie?” she echoed Lander Stalwart with playful disbelief. “Careful, or we’ll end up needing subcommittees just to decide on mixers.”

Her smile first turned, sly and indulgent, to the senator in a rush, Mela Sartha .

“Though if anyone could navigate such a maze and still leave with their lipstick unsmeared…” A glance, deliberate and feline. “It’d be you.”

To Damian du Couteau , she offered only a tilt of the head, her voice dipping lower.

“Restraint suits you, Senator du Couteau. But let’s not pretend it’s permanent. Truthfully, my second liver and consituent culture likely skews my thoughts on the matter.” she conceded playfully.

There’s always a tell. The trick is letting them think you haven’t seen it.

Lucas Gracin 's comment earned a brief laugh somewhere between a purr and a chuckle.

“Veradune makes everything look heroic. Even their exiles.” A pause. “If ever you tire of desert roses of Fondor, I’ll introduce you to something far more intoxicating — Indigenous to Zeltros."
She punctuated with a brief wink before she gave Lander Stalwart a warmer, almost maternal smile. He reminded her of a wine still breathing—full of promise, not yet sipped.

“Speaking of Desert roses — Senator Stalwart,” she murmured, “you’re an oasis in a desert of cynics. Let them joke about water and wine. Many favor the man who brings his own glass.”

And when Kaela Verrin approached, Velyra's posture shifted subtly—welcoming, but with gravity.

“Senator Verrin.” A single syllable held aloft like a toast. “Still finding your rhythm? You’re among friends now. Or at least, those polite enough to fake it.”

We all perform. Some of us just know we’re doing it.

Her hand lifted in a slow, graceful gesture—half-salute, half-invitation.

“Come! The session is over, but the discussion is only just beginning.”

Lander Stalwart | Kaela Verrin | Lucas Gracin | Damian du Couteau | Mela Sartha | Helios Ardemark​

 

[Kaela Verrin]

Kaela had taken only a few steps into the hall when she heard her name — called out with an easy tone that stood in sharp contrast to the day's earlier debates. She turned slightly, catching Senator Stalwart's wave before her eyes took in the cluster forming just beyond him. Familiar names, unfamiliar settings. Gracin, du Couteau, Vonn, and others whose voices she had recognized from the chamber — but never at such close range, and never without the structure of formal address and numbered speaking turns.

Her fingers tightened briefly on the datapad pressed to her chest.

She hesitated.

Kaela had always known how to navigate a committee floor, but impromptu mingling — jokes exchanged without footnotes, smiles measured not in protocol but in timing — this was… newer ground. Still, she knew an invitation when she heard one. She approached with a gentle, practiced smile, her steps light and posture precise.

"Senator Stalwart," she greeted, dipping her head graciously. "And — ah — Senators. Pardon my intrusion." Her gaze swept the group respectfully, a subtle touch of formality still lingering in her voice.

"If there's room for one more… I'd be honored to join you." She lingered near the edge of the group, not quite at the center, but present — listening first, always.

Lander Stalwart Velyra Vonn ​

 

[Alexander Hayes]

Objective: Security Detail
Outfit: Senate Command Armour [X]
Tags: Lander Stalwart | Velyra Vonn | Helios Ardemark | Damian du Couteau | Mela Sartha | Nos Voros | Lucas Gracin | Kaela Verrin​

Probation.

That was what this change of scenery ultimately was. And if the K’paur was honest, he wasn’t at all surprised it happened. He had always been somewhat reckless, his moniker of ‘The Gambler’ wasn’t just because of his casino habits. But it had always been his own life that he gambled with. Never compromising his squadmates, or the mission.

But then Selvaris happened, and by some miracle he had survived those events. The recklessness however, only got worse once he was back into active duty. And he knew damn well why.

Survivor's guilt.

He never joined up with a squad again, whether as a leader or not. Only ever doing solo ops, or the occasional two-person op, like with Valery or Maeve. But it seemed someone higher up in the GADF ranks wanted Alexander to put the brakes on, hard.

You’re a damn good soldier Hayes, but you are going to get yourself killed at this rate.

Thus the K’paur was ordered to join the Senate Security Force, as one of its Commandos. Because Alexander was for sure not going to be a simple guard. Even if it meant going through a brutal four week-long stint of combat training. It was nothing new for him, and he passed with flying colours.

Now here he was, standing guard as a bunch of senators wrapped up the latest Senate meeting. Practically all the faces that appeared were unknown to Alex. He wasn’t really familiar with the ‘who’s who’ when it came to politics. He left that particular detail to Nos Voros, the very much Veteran of the two when it came to the SSF.

Alexander’s opaque visor glanced around, keeping an eye out for any potential threats. Though if an enemy did somehow get here, it would require a serious look into the general security of the building.

He idly paid attention to the chatter amongst the senators, most if not all seemed in unison about getting a drink or two. Something told Alex that it wasn’t just because they were parched from so much talking.

Would it be bad sport for him to take bets on something happening because of it?

Probably.

But at least it would make an otherwise boring duty become a bit more interesting.

 

[Tiber Septimus]

Tag: Lander Stalwart | Velyra Vonn | Helios Ardemark | Damian du Couteau | Mela Sartha | Nos Voros | Lucas Gracin | Kaela Verrin | Alexander Hayes

Senator Tiber Septimus of Niahelios swept out of the Senate chambers. It had a long day- constituents to answer to, fires to put out, committees to prep for, and arms to twist. All before this session adjourned.

'And there was still so much to do', Tiber thought, stepping to the side to take in his notes he had been frantically scrawling while in session, sighing and putting it down as he realized he had been, in fact, writing too fast and his handwriting looked like illegible.

Irritated, he put it away, eager to return to his apartment decompress with some trashy holo, when he noticed his fellow Senators congregating; granted, he didn't know them well, but no time like the present, right?

He approached them, and in catching snippets of the conversation, relaxed when, as it turned out, nobody seemed to be attempting to relitigate the grueling Senate session; on the other, it seemed quite friendly and collegial.

"Greetings, Senator", Tiber said, bowing his head formally. "Would you happen to have room for one more?"

 

[Damian du Couteau]

Damian du Couteau, Senator of Empress Teta
Location: Senate Building, Fondor
Outfit

“You’ll find sleep to be one of the precious few things we won’t find time to do either. . . sadly that is perhaps the most permanent loss most of us face.” His voice carried a sense of wary and gloom.

Damian sighed softly as he turned his attention to the other Senators, the group had grown quite a bit and curiosity had captured his mind. Galas and formal parties were quite simple procedures, impromptu outing to a bar with a colleague two was as well simple but their party had grown significantly past the term ‘few’.

Better make sure we all limit our own glasses to a ‘few’ as well or more preferably down to the word ‘singular’.

While he was certain that those like Senator Vonn or Gracin might handle themselves well with any public questioning. How well will the newer members of the Assembly handle any critiques of their actions in just their first term? Damian believed as Senators they not only had the representation of their homeworld to be in their consideration but as well as the reflection of the Alliance.

“I’m certain we can make space for one more Senator Septimus,” Damian welcomed as he walked forward a tad. “-Just like our Alliance there is no greater joy than adding to our Assembly than the growth of our markets and economy.”

“-And best we begin our march to the nearest locale.” Damian encouraged the group, his lips remained rather straight as he turned his head back to the group of Senators. “. . . Unless of course you all wish to hold a session and vote first to decide our chosen location.” He added with a rather dry tone.

Can’t have my sarcasm drip freely. . . like with everything in life nothing comes free and all have a price.

“Or maybe we allow our most junior Senators to select? And no need to grow anxious about it either, as I’m sure none present will hold it against them if they choose poorly.”
​

|| Velyra Vonn | Lander Stalwart | Helios Ardemark | Kaela Verrin | Lucas Gracin | Alexander Hayes | Nos Voros | Mela Sartha | Tiber Septimus ||​

 

[Velyra Vonn]

Senator Velyra Vonn of Zeltros​

The group had grown. What began as a small ember of camaraderie outside the chamber was now crackling flame, fed by passing laughter and quiet sighs of shared exhaustion.

An interesting coalition, this. And no one has even begun the drinks yet.

She acknowledged Senator Verrin with a soft smile — one that might have seemed maternal, were it not for the sly lift at the corner of her lips.

"Only the brave apologize before a conversation begins," she offered gently, voice wrapped in silk. "You’re among friends, darling. We’ve all been new to something, once."

When Tiber approached with a formal dip of the head, she mirrored it with theatrical grace — as if bowing before a stage partner she knew would stumble endearingly through the second act.

"Room for one more? Always — though seating is limited if you’re hoping to sit beside someone interesting." The pause was intentional, playful — then softened with a wink toward the others.

And when Damian spoke — ever so dry, ever so careful — she leaned slightly toward him, not too close, but enough to suggest his words had brushed against her ear.

"Ah, a vote. How very brave of you to propose such a thing while I’m still within arm’s reach."

Yes, this one plays the long game. He’ll be interesting once he believes he’s cornered me.

—

⋆~⋆ ☾⋆~⋆​

Later, at McYoda’s Cantina.

The night had softened. Somewhere between the second drink and the sixth arrival, formality melted like frost beneath morning sun. The party had wandered into McYoda’s — half by consensus, half by inertia. They’d taken over a crescent-shaped corner booth: glittering synthwood table, mismatched lighting, and the kind of ambiance that smelled faintly of fried nuna and reasonably priced drafts.

She was glowing, just faintly. A warm, pheromonal sheen hung about her like perfume left uncapped, and though she spoke with composure, the curve of her mouth had softened. A quiet glow clung to her skin, the telltale blush of intoxication by Zeltron standards: relaxed shoulders, a touch more touch in her gestures, and a lilt to her voice that dripped affection onto every name. The wine was flowing, the laughter even more so, and Velyra had abandoned the stiffness of formality in favor of effortless charm.

She leaned back in her seat — legs crossed, glass in hand — as the conversation circled stories of family, or lack thereof. When her turn came, she didn’t hesitate.

“One of my daughters once seduced a customs officer just to get out of a lecture I was meant to give her. Walked off the ship wearing my heels and a fake diplomat’s badge like it was the most natural thing in the galaxy.”

She laughed, low and luxurious — a sound not entirely innocent.

“The officer sent me a gift basket the next day.”

That one’s on Corulag now. Studying law. And breaking hearts, I imagine.

She let the moment linger before refilling someone else's glass — without asking — and offered a warm smile to the group.

@Everyone who went to McYodas​

 

[Nos Voros]

Outfit: Clothing/Armor
Undercover Kit:

Spoiler: Undercover Deployment

* Legion Combat Engineer Multi-Tool

• 4 X Combat/Utility Knife-Model 01
• Cortosis Vibroblade
• Legion Combat Pistol Mark I with Whisper-class Suppressor Series
• Legion Crew Personal Protection Weapon Mark I
• 1 X Modular Hand Grenade-Model 01
• 1 X Anti-Armor Grenade-Model 01
• Bastion-class Load Bearing/Combat Vest (protective vest only)
• 2x blaster cartridges
• 1x stun grenades
• Ascension Pistol
• Fusion Lantern
• Datapad
• Garrote
• 3x stimpacks

Spoiler: Rubrus Squad

Squad Leader: Captain Nos Voros (Zeltron male)
Fire Team Alpha — GAHA-32 Lionheart Commando Armor
Team Leader: Lieutenant Karis Vonn (Human female, Corellian)

• AT-FL9 Flechette Launcher
• A sharp tactician with experience in counter-assassination operations.

Medic: Sergeant Lorne Vesik (Mirialan male)

• Former Judicial Forces combat medic,
• GAGL 56 Snarl Grenade Launcher
• specializing in battlefield triage and trauma care.

Machine Gunner: Corporal Bex Jarn (Besalisk male)

• Heavy weapons expert.
• AT-RB07 Heavy Repeating Blaster
• Strong but surprisingly fast for his size, excels at defensive holds and breaching operations.

Rifleman: Private Tash Renn (Human male, Chandrilan)

• A precise and disciplined soldier.
• BHSR-1 Service Rifle
• Prefers coordinated maneuvers and works best in tight formations.

---

Fire Team Bravo — GAHA-32 Lionheart Commando Armor
Team Leader 2: Sergeant Jil Torvan (Togruta female)

• Former planetary security officer with expertise in urban combat.
• GARBR-5 Beak repeating blaster
• Skilled in squad coordination.

Marksman: Corporal Rann Kyber (Nautolan male)

• Expert sharpshooter.
• GABB-15 Talon II Blaster Carbine
• Specializes in eliminating priority targets at long range.

Heavy Weapons: Private Drax Molgar (Zabrak male)

• Specializes in explosives and heavy ordinance.
• ML-04E-GA Rocket Launcher
• Often deployed against armored threats or for breaching enemy positions.

Rifleman: Private Cass Deren (Duros male)

• Agile and quick-thinking.
• BHSR-1 Service Rifle
• Often acts as the squad's point man, scouting ahead for danger.

They were already inside by the time Nos crossed the threshold. No helmet. No armor. Just a reinforced jacket, concealed holster, and the unmistakable posture of someone who still mapped exits by instinct.

Rubrus had claimed two corner tables, pushed together under a flickering light panel and half-burnt banner ad for Corellian ale. Alpha on one side, Bravo on the other, with half-finished drinks and plates they hadn’t touched in front of them. No one laughed. That was normal.

Nos dropped into the last empty chair at the table’s edge, booted foot hooking the back leg as he sat.

“Hayes is outside,” he said.

That was all it took.
Jarn grinned. “Thought he was a myth.”

“More like a horror story,” muttered Drax, adjusting his seat to make space for his rocket-sized frame.

Lieutenant Vonn didn’t look up from her datapad. “You vouching?”

Nos exhaled through his nose. Not quite a laugh. “Sure,” he said simply. “I’m inviting him.”

He tapped a short message into his wristlink and sent it Alexander Hayes ’s way. Short-range beacon ping. No words. No instructions. Just a signal to join.

A flicker of awareness crossed the squad. Not suspicion. Just recalibration. They’d all read Hayes’s file. Rubrus didn’t need approval to trust someone — just time and context.

“Jil,” he added dryly, “don’t scare him off.”

“Me?” The Togruta raised her brow-ridges. “I’m a delight.”

“Mm,” said Rann without looking up, sipping water like it was wine.

Nos leaned back slightly, giving Hayes space to approach when he chose. His eyes drifted to the cantina windows, where Senator Velyra Vonn’s party laughed in bursts loud enough to carry. It was a different world. This one was his. If Hayes was going to survive it — he’d better learn how to keep the merrymakers alive.

“So, boss…” he mumbled mid-chew, eyes never leaving the table, “when you gonna spill about your ex sneaking back into your apartment?”

Tash choked on his drink so hard he nearly upended his glass.

“W–what?!” he sputtered, blinking wide-eyed at Nos.

Nos didn’t flinch. But his grip on the table edge tightened—just enough for Rubrus to notice.

Alexander Hayes | @OPEN​