Faction Celestial Navigation | THR Senate

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

THE HIGH REPUBLIC SENATE
THEED - NABOO
[VIBES? GLAD YOU ASKED]​

Verity Stuyveris sat in her pod, waiting for the appointed time to speak. She used the few minutes of administration to fire off a quick holomail and then to check in on her office staff, who were preparing for the media blitz that would accompany the bill. When the moment came, she rose serenely and -- suppressing the imagined groan of her colleagues as the sermonizing Senator, the bloviating blonde was once more rising to harangue them -- activated her microphone. "Thank you, Madam Chancellor. I rise this morning to formally introduce Senate Bill 6946, the Diplomatic Accountability and Reform Enforcement Act, which I submitted to the legislative office earlier this week. This bill's aims are threefold: first, it creates the executive agency of the Ministry of State, an apparatus designed to coordinate and execute the foreign policy directives of the Chancellor through the use of vetted, professional diplomats. Second, it creates the office of Minister of State and defines its scope and purpose as the primary adviser of the Chancellor on matters of foreign relations and diplomatic efforts, seeking to relieve the burden of managing the diplomatic apparatus the size of ours from the Chancellor and freeing them to focus on other matters while still protecting the executive's prerogatives to define foreign policy aims and set foreign policy goals. Lastly, and equally as important in my view, it reaffirms the principal that the Senate -- the people's representatives -- are obliged to maintain oversight and the means to hold accountable the diplomatic apparatus as they do the people's business, by way of the establishment of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee."

She paused as her pod slowly orbited the central spire, her glacial gaze dropping to her notes briefly. "The Corellian Crisis exposed us -- the Republic as a whole -- as having taken our eye off the ball. I spoke to several colleagues -- who will remain unnamed, naturally -- who had never heard of Cynan Obaith until his abduction drove the Republic to the very brink of war. We are all busy people -- we are all responsible for much in this job, and the Chancellor most of all. Much carry, much care, I believe is the phrase. And while we are eager, of course, to retrieve the Ambassador and to return him safely home, we must also reckon with the fact that there is work to be done to make the High Republic's foreign policy more efficient, more effective, and more secure -- while protecting the Chancellor's prerogatives to set the direction of foreign policy."

Verity's gaze swept the pods before settling on the Chancellor's spire, then inclined her head gracefully. "The people who elected us deserve transparency and accountability regarding the work they sent us here to do, but not just them. The diplomats who bravely go into the galaxy to carry the light of our Republic deserve it, too. They deserve to be supported and protected, to have a structure in place that can communicate effectively to the Senate what they need to successfully complete their work. And Chancellor Vexx -- to say nothing of future Chancellors -- deserves professionalism and support in the implementation of her foreign policy directives."

The Senator from Druckenwell lowered her chin briefly. "Madam Chancellor, to break the habit of a lifetime and in consideration for the schedules of my esteemed colleagues and yourself, I will keep my remarks brief and end them here -- with the understanding that I will reserve the remainder of my time. I yield by inviting the kind of thoughtful discussion and amendments that this body has been characterized since my election. Thank you."

Dominique Vexx | Senators & Dellow Felegates​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

'How thoughtful' was the sentiment of the hour. Chancellor Dominique Vexx stood at her podium and listened while Verity Stuyveris spoke of bolstering her and the Republic's ability to manage diplomatic affairs. A sentiment that would have carried more weight with the person it was claimed to help had they discussed it with them before hand. As things were, Dominique couldn't help but see it for a legislative over reach; an attempt to carve out a piece of the Executive hidden in the same breadth as expanding it by the creation of a new Office.

But to what end? Had certain elements taken a notice in Dominique's efforts to do more than be a figure head to be trotted out to reassure people all was well? Was Verity disgruntled that such efforts included weighing the disposition of Sith representatives? An effort to stymie reaching out to the Covenant whose cabal she'd previously introduced harsh legislation against? Something had spurred this, and the unnamed names were likely agents provocateurs.

"I applaud the Senator's interest in the intricate diplomatic relations necessary for a galactic government to function. It certainly takes great consideration and no small amount of time to navigate cultural, social, and even legal waters to find the common ground necessary to establish an accord." Dominique smiled as she looked out at those assembled. "Efforts that are not done in isolation. Countless hard working men, women, and members of all kinds dedicate themselves to the task every hour of every day. Across all worlds, within and beyond our borders." Her hands lifted just over the top of the podium, palms up. "A testament to our commitment of unity. To one another."

"The creation of a Ministry of State staffed by those entrusted with authority and vision by the Office of the Chancellor would enable expanding those efforts. To give those dedicated individuals someone to contact at all times even when the Chancellor must manage critical matters internal or abroad." She set her hands down atop the podium. "A mission this legislation recognizes."

There was a pause as her golden eyes slowly panned over the faces present.

"Wherein a shadow looms, Senators. I see before me an effort to ensure the People of the Republic are not forgotten, and at the same time conditions whereby our efforts for coexistence might be influenced by nameless individuals. A cabal of interests that cannot be held to account for word or deeds none can prove out, rather than the Chancellor who is chosen and serves at the pleasure of the members of this Republic."

"I motion to strike Article Four, Section Two, paragraph a. Well intentioned in conjunction with paragraph c as it may be, should the interest of this legislation be to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the Ministry its candidates should not be limited. The Will of the People carries through by the selection process. Likewise, Article Three, Section Three, paragraph b should be amended to remove the Minister of State."

"I motion to replace mention of the Committee in Article Four, Section Two, paragraph d with that of the Office of the Chancellor. As the position enables the vision of the Chancellor selected by the People, it is appropriate that an Acting Minister of State should therefore be chosen by the Office of the Chancellor until the Senate reaches consensus."

"I motion to strike Article Three, Section Two, Paragraph d. The Office of the Chancellor and Minister of State must retain the ability to punish those that report to them. Likewise, Article Three, Section Three, paragraph c should be stricken as the section dictates the Committee shall have no limitation; which deprives the Executive its ability to government its own office. Should the Senate feel the diplomatic corps behavior is in excusable they possess the recourse of approaching the Executive directly in such matters."

"I would also request clarification regarding paragraph e. To what extent does 'administration and operational efficiency' apply?

"I, furthermore, request clarification on the Committee's ability to compel appearance and produce records without limitation."

"I motion that Article Three, Section Three, paragraph b be revised to exclude mention of 'any such offices or positions' above that of Ambassador. As Ambassador is the highest rank of diplomatic representative, and any Deputy Minister should be retained at the Minister's discretion, this is unnecessary. It would thereby be in accordance to Article Four, Section Five, paragraph b recognition of the Deputy Minister abiding existing procedure."

"And I motion that Article Three, Section Three, paragraph g be stricken as it introduces more ambiguity than it would likely be intended to resolve. Should this Act require amendments, the Senate may convene and recognize the need for revision."

Another pause was given so that Senators had a chance to finished following along the list of recommended alternations to Senate Bill 6946.

"As always, Senators, I welcome your interest in this Republic and ensuring its prosperous future. It is not only necessary that we establish relations with those outside our borders, but also with one another. Dialogue, such as we here perform, can ensure we possess the tools needed to make our vision real, and to ensure that the bureaucracy does not deny the Will of those we represent."

Verity Stuyveris | OPEN​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Dominique Vexx Verity Stuyveris

In the vast, circular expanse of the Senate Chamber its towering domed ceiling lost in soft, diffused illumination high above the repulsor pod of Denon's Ayumi Pallopides drifted forward with silent grace. The chamber's identical platforms had become a common sight and no matter the outcome she always loved it, their occupants a mosaic of people and attire reflecting the boundless prosperity that Denon was working to try and help bring about. At the distant center rose the Chancellor's podium, a beacon of well it was Dominique and hard to argue when she usually brought hushed anticipation of others. Ayumi's pod was looking towards it while she gleamed with a smile.

She stood tall at all legged six feet two with her lithe frame carrying the dancers elegance of one born to try and drraw attention. Her straight, silken dark-honey hair cascaded to her waist in loose waves, interwoven with natural aurodium strands that caught the chamber's ambient glow like threads of sunlight. The warm tones complemented the deep dark honey of her eyes, where amber flecks shimmered subtly as she surveyed the chamber eyes that shifted to near-black in shadowed alcoves yet warmed to molten gold under brighter lights. Her smooth, lightly bronzed copper skin held a sun-kissed radiance, standing out against the cooler metallic tones of the surrounding repulsorpods.

Her attire, a masterful fusion of Atrisian, Denon with a touch of Naboo opulence, draped her form in layers of pristine white sunless lands silk and luminous karlini fabrics that evoked Naboo's graceful aesthetics while letting her get some of the best seamstresses. The off-the-shoulder gown featured a fitted bodice of ivory charmeuse, delicately embroidered with intricate golden aurodium filigree that traced swirling patterns reminiscent of ancient naboo house sigils symbols of unity. A deep V-neckline plunged and revealed just enough to accentuate her collarbone and the subtle rise of her shoulders, framed by voluminous off-shoulder sleeves of translucent white chiffon edged in fine golden thread. These sleeves flowed into long, bell-like cuffs that moved with her gestures, adding a sense of fluid motion to her stance.

At her waist, a wide sash of rich black silk cinched the gown, its surface adorned with an ornate central clasp of polished obsidian and hammered gold shaped like a stylized galactic spiral. Golden embroidery spiraled outward from the clasp in thorn-like motifs that echoed the crimson-and-black runes of her lower-back tattoo, though here rendered in elegant, non-threatening symmetry as mere decorative homage to ancient custom rather than dark family legacy. Fur-trimmed accents of soft white jakobeast fur lined the sash's edges and cascaded in luxurious panels down the front, their pristine texture contrasting the gown's sleek lines and softening the overall silhouette while maintaining regal poise.

The skirt cascaded in ethereal layers of layered silk and gossamer, white at the core yet transitioning to pale gold at the hems through subtle gradient dyeing. Intricate brocade panels along the sides featured raised golden embroidery of interlocking vines and celestial motifs, their metallic threads catching every shift of light from the chamber's holoprojectors and glow-panels. Long, flowing outer robes of semi-sheer white organza draped from her shoulders, edged with the same gold filigree and opening at the front to reveal the gown beneath; these robes billowed gently with the repulsor pod's subtle currents, creating a look of movement that drew eyes without demanding them.

Aurodium jewelry completed the ensemble delicate earrings of cascading chains, a necklace with a pendant of amber-hued crystal that matched her eyes, and a slender circlet of gold nestled in her hair. In the hushed expanse of the chamber Ayumi allowed her repulsor pod to drift forward until it occupied a central position among the orbiting platforms. The soft luminescence of the dome bathed her in even light, accentuating the eye catching outfit on the chamber's holoprojectors. Activating her microphone, she inclined her head first toward Chancellor Vexx, then toward Senator Stuyveris, acknowledging both with a smile and bow of her head.

"I second the chancellors amendments. I rise in support of the principle that our diplomatic apparatus must serve the Republic with efficiency, professionalism, and fidelity. Yet I find Senate Bill 6946, in its current form, introduces several risks that could undermine those very goals rather than strengthen them. The creation of an entirely new executive agency the Ministry of State risks fragmenting authority at precisely the moment our frontier demands swift, unified direction from the Chancellor's office. The delicate negotiations with independent systems require immediate coordination, the addition of another bureaucratic layer could delay responses that have historically been resolved through the Chancellor's office."

She was looking at more there as she was thinking about what had happened the last time and she wouldn't do such a thing to Verity. Her voice coming out as she offered a smile and more spoke softly but with encouragement. She was one that she liked working with after all. "I therefore move to strike the establishment of the Ministry of State in its entirety, or, at minimum, to amend it into a purely advisory office that remains wholly subordinate to and funded through the Office of the Chancellor, preserving executive flexibility without entrenching a parallel power center vulnerable to prolonged senatorial confirmation battles."

She paused briefly, her gaze sweeping the concentric rings of pods as she allowed the weight of her words to settle. "Equally concerning is the expanded authority granted to the proposed Senate Foreign Affairs Committee. Oversight is essential the Senate must never abdicate its responsibility to represent the people's will but the bill's language permits near-unlimited compulsion of appearances, records, and testimony without adequate safeguards for ongoing, sensitive operations. Diplomats in the field, whether negotiating trade pacts on the Outer Rim or responding to emerging threats, deserve protection from premature exposure that could endanger lives or compromise Republic interests."

She hands came out as she touched her pods railing for a moment though. "Real-time interference risks turning diplomacy into a perpetual senatorial spectacle, where partisan divisions or unnamed influences could stall progress at critical junctures. I therefore move to amend Article Four, Section Two, and all related provisions, to require joint approval by the Chancellor and the Committee chair for any subpoena or compulsion involving classified diplomatic matters, and to limit the Committee's purview to post-action review and annual performance audits rather than operational interference." She gestured lightly with one hand, the translucent chiffon of her sleeve catching the light in a soft ripple.

"A third red flag lies in the appointment and vetting processes outlined for the Minister and senior diplomatic personnel. While the emphasis on professionalism is commendable, the bill's reliance on Senate mechanisms for confirmation and oversight opens the door to exclusionary politics, factional sabotage, or the subtle influence of special interests precisely the kind of internal friction that we have at times worked so diligently to overcome. The Corellian Crisis demonstrated that diplomacy often demands immediacy; rigid, multi-stage confirmation requirements could paralyze leadership during emergencies."

She looked at more of it and between Corellia and Alderaan there had been a lot. "I therefore move to insert a new clause in Article Three granting the Chancellor unilateral authority to make emergency acting appointments to key diplomatic positions for limited terms not to exceed six standard months, with full Senate confirmation required thereafter only in non-crisis circumstances. Such a provision would ensure agility without sacrificing long-term accountability." Ayumi's expression remained composed, though a faint, resolute light shone in her amber-flecked eyes. "These amendments are offered not to obstruct reform, but to refine it."

She had moved her pod back towards the spot so that she could finish doing a circuit as she spoke. "The Republic flourishes when its branches cooperate in trust rather than entangle one another in procedures that could slow the very outreach and coexistence we champion. Chancellor Vexx has rightly highlighted the need to preserve executive prerogative while welcoming dialogue; Senator Stuyveris has rightly called for greater structure and accountability. Let us meet in the middle strengthening our diplomatic capacity without burdening it with layers that history warns can calcify into inefficiency. I yield the remainder of my time for consideration of these motions and invite thoughtful debate from my colleagues."

With that, she lowered her head in a graceful nod and allowed her pod to ease back into its orbit, the flowing white organza of her robes settling around her as she went back itno place while listening for what othersmight say. She motioned to her two aides with her and Zahira as she spoke with the mic off. "Keep a count of the usual." She said it to them and herr bodyguaard gave a nod as she mirrored Ayumi in looks with a collar of metal and there was her professional suit giving her a look of a bodyguard but the biot was prominent at relaying information and keeping records for everything that she needed.


Pallopides Amendments to SB 6946 (Diplomatic Accountability and Reform Enforcement Act)

1. Strike / Downgrade the Ministry of State Eliminate the new executive agency entirely or reduce it to a purely advisory office under direct Chancellor control. Reason: Avoids bureaucratic fragmentation and preserves swift, unified Chancellorial direction essential for High Republic frontier outreach and crisis response.
2. Safeguard Committee Oversight Powers Amend Article Four and related sections to require joint Chancellor–Committee approval for subpoenas/compulsions in classified matters, and limit scope to post-action review + annual audits only. Reason: Prevents real-time interference, protects field diplomats from premature exposure, and stops diplomacy from becoming a partisan spectacle.
3. Add Emergency Appointment Authority Insert new clause in Article Three allowing the Chancellor unilateral emergency acting appointments to key diplomatic roles max 6-month terms during crises, with Senate confirmation required afterward only in non-emergency cases. Reason: Ensures agility in urgent situations without sacrificing long-term accountability.

These changes aim to strengthen diplomacy without layering inefficiency, politicization, or executive erosion aligning with High Republic ideals of trust, speed, and cooperative governance between branches.

 

[Lex]

"Nice."

The voice of the young aide by his side tore Lex from the big introduction. He blinked at the kid for a moment.

"What? What's nice?"
"Oh, it's a joke on the 'net. Every time—"
"Ah." Lex groaned. "Say less."

Lex hadn't exactly kept up with the fads and movements on the 'net since his own days being a layabout student embedded in the Worlds of War scene. The joke had existed twenty years ago just like it would seem it was still around to this day.

The senator turned his focus back to the blonde aggrandizing her bill and speaking the politics to the crowd. It would seem that his aide wasn't the only one with a sense of humor. DARE? Really? Lex shook his head and decided to read through the brief rather than listen.

He leaned back in his seat, finger tapping at the armrest as he read. The craving was coming back. Lex gritted his teeth to fight back. A thousand podiums and he was just a small dot in the greater scheme. Would anyone notice?

His eyes set on the gold-teal packet on his aide's table and the brown, filtered joy within. The aide caught his despairing glance and gave a cautious shake of their head. Lex forced himself back to the pad to focus on something else.

Why couldn't the chancellor speak Basic? Henceforth thus unto the denizens of thee. Why was it so impossible for these so-called best-of-the-best to just talk like a normal goddamned human person? This language was helping no-one.

He should have had one before stepping into this. But no, that idiot from column fifty-three had to talk to him. Had he been played? Was this that political bullshittery he had been warned about? He swore he could feel the way the members of that particular podium were laughing at him.

"Ministry of State, good idea." He whispered to his aide. "Maybe if we're all quiet they'll grant us a quick recess."

And then Pallopides spoke up. Oh, this was about to get torturous.