Faction Celestial Navigation | THR Senate

[Dominique Vexx]

"I want to thank each of you for your contributions this day." The Chancellor paused to regard the assembled Chamber. "There is no Republic without the presentation, discussion, and adoption of new ideas. That we will not always agree goes without saying, but the manner with which we conduct ourselves in refining those ideas cannot be ignored."

"The Senator of Druckenwell re-asserted a desire for Senate participation, awareness, and input in matters of diplomacy. Others made mention of how even a well-intentioned body might delay the inner workings of such. I believe both sides had strong points on this matter. Neither was right. Neither were they wrong. Senator Stuyveris," Dominique's eyes swung easily toward the author of the now withdrawn bill, "I would welcome continuing this discussion out of Chamber. I am not disinclined toward ideas presented to this body. Or the concerns that prompted them." Eadu claimed she wanted to stonewall the effort. A good excuse to substantiate his call for a Vote of No Confidence. Still, as Ayumi suggested, if Dominique had truly been opposed to the very premise of Verity's bill she would have struck hard more mercilessly than implication and a few alterations.

For one, the Chancellor could simply terminate the session before the Bill ever reached the floor. Then Eadu would have something tangible to whinge about.

As for Eadu's motion, well there was nothing to say. He'd withdrawn it as well. Not without a few more comments, of course, but to engage further and draw it out would only invite disaster.

"Just one more thing," the Chancellor looked up from the next item on the docket having not yet moved the session forward, "concerning the Imperial Confederation. I believe this chamber rmay find they are open to further conversation even in light of our clash over Lola Sayu. There was quite the memorable encounter with someone of influence in the Confederation held when the Ambassador was returned. Our diplomatic representatives and officers remain free to continue their work in further conversation with them, and we shall establish a direct line of communication so that what happened as a result of Corellia should not be necessary again."

"Thank you, Senators. Now, as to the matter of fuel distribution in the Mara Corridor..."

Verity Stuyveris | Ayumi Pallopides | Aurelian Veruna | Hssaadaav | Cynan Obaith | Lex | Her | Adelle Bastiel | Isley the Younger | Mykel Dawson
FYI The Lord of Hunger​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Adelle Bastiel Aurelian Veruna

“Is this what they do all day?” Adelle asked Sibylla in a hushed tone. “I think I’d rather be back on Yaga Minor hosting Grand Vizier Yvarro on a warzone again. That at least had alcohol. It wasn't good, but it was still alcohol.”

The lilac Chersilk whispered softly along Sibylla's legs as the Voice of Naboo came to a graceful halt beside Adelle. She had urged the ambassador ahead to join Aurelian in the pod while she remained behind in the Senate pod hub's rear office suite, speaking briefly with Cordé. A few concerns from the Nobility Bloc had required her attention before she followed.

By the time the former Interim Queen of Naboo slipped into the pod beside the Ambassador of Mandalore and the King of Naboo, she arrived just as several of their counterparts were offering their closing remarks. The delicate arches of her brows lifted slightly, the motion drawing the pale pink scars across the left side of her face and over her eye momentarily taut before the skin eased again.

"Yes and no," Sibylla replied quietly, resting her hands lightly over her stomach where the ombré silk of yellow, pink, and violet flowed along the slender lines of her figure. She had chosen the dress deliberately -- as much for strategy as for beauty. The front displayed exquisite Nabooian craftsmanship, but when she turned, the deep sweep of fabric from the shell clasp at her throat revealed the elegant line of her spine, drawing the eye away from the scars of her face to the warm honeyed tone of her skin.

Sibylla had vacillated on wearing a headdress for her first official appearance at court and the Senate. Part of her wanted the veils and jewelry that would hide the stares that would surely be cast in her direction. Another, however, had grown emboldened in the past several weeks as a new awakening had unlocked a part of her that was slowly beginning to understand the power and strength she wielded. And even if this particular step began with a dress, then so be it.

"The truth is," Sibylla murmured, leaning slightly closer to Adelle, "most Senators arrive in these pods with their decisions already made."

She took a deep breath, her bare shoulders lifting slightly as she processed everything that had unfolded.

"The real bargaining happens long before the vote... in offices, corridors, private meetings. By the time a motion reaches the floor, most of the favors have already been traded. The speeches here rarely change minds." A faint pause. "They simply allow a Senator to stand with confidence behind the position they secured beforehand... well, that is the hope."

It was then that her hazel eyes drifted toward Aurelian, and a faint smile curved over her lips that Sibylla couldn't help but show. He sat a short distance away, absorbed in his comm, fingers moving in quick succession across the display. Dark curls had fallen over his bronze brow, shadowing the quiet edge of irritation that clung to him like static. He had not noticed her arrival yet, and if he was in the middle of drafting some message to a political contact or Tona, Sibylla suspected the rest of the galaxy could burn before he looked up.

Across the chamber, Senator Yittraes and Dominique offered their closing remarks.

When the vote of no confidence was formally withdrawn, Sibylla blinked slowly, absorbing the shift before Dominique continued -- acknowledging that the Senator of Druckenwell's concerns held merit, even as others stood firmly in opposition to the bill.

Truth be told, Sibylla understood both arguments. As Ambassador of the High Republic to Mandalore, she had learned that most matters of policy rarely belonged to a single perspective.

"But the topic does raise questions about foreign affairs," Sibylla continued quietly, the silk whispering as she stepped forward, resting one hand along the pod's curved railing while her gaze swept out across the Senate floor, the glow of the overhead light casting its illumination over the jewels woven Quartzlight in her hair and the richness of her skin.

Then she turned slightly toward Aurelian.

"It may be in Naboo's interest, your Majesty," Sibylla said, her tone thoughtful but certain, "to speak with Senator Verity Stuyveris ourselves in a more private venue."

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Dominique Vexx Verity Stuyveris Mykel Dawson Sibylla Abrantes

She listened to Eadu's closing and her eyebrow raised.. if she honestly thought it could work and be passed she would floodgate and gate keep such a thing... that state of it being a right made it seem frivolous to the point it would be nearly laughable. It would have no meaning if you called for a vote at the smallest inconvenience..... but she was given the alert and note from Mykel who was speaking as it went over her interface and display. She could see more as well as a new person was here with the king and oh Sibylla was here... she looked hot... she might have to change her opinions of a few things but all of them were good as she was adjusting her ratings for.

"Hmm." She said it with Zahira there for a moment and she spoke. "I managed to get you a few tickets to the ballet for you in case it was needed." She said it and Ayumi was looking at some of the ideas they might have. She gave a small nod of her head when things were finishing up here.. Dominiques closing speech was important and Ayumi wanted to catch Verity when she got a chance. Now that she had it though she would send a message to Dominique with a nod of her head. "Write this down and send it to Dominique." She said it as she was standing up while mentally mapping the pathway to get around and to the senators pod aat least to prostrate herself.

"Chancellor, that was... interesting. I won't apologies for taking time but it had to be said and I will give plenty of contrition as needed." She said it with a small look and shrugged as she was sending it off to Dominique and moving. Her feet carrying her for a moment with a little extra but she wanted to be able to see Verity before the woman left or got mobbed by some of the press. "Senator Stuyveris." She said it when she arrived and was looking for a moment to offer a small smile. "I hope you are not one to hold a grudge, I prefer keeping faith and camaraderie with you but I understand if I am required to be humbled... I can only offer to accept some form of private flogging."

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Adelle Bastiel

The motion rose like a flare and died just as quickly. Aurelian watched the whole spectacle with a raised brow. Eadu certainly knew how to make an entrance. Erratic, theatrical, and completely unnecessary. One day that sort of behavior might become a real problem. Today it had worked in Aurelian's favor. Still. Unpredictable senators were a nuisance.

His attention dropped back to the datapad in his hands. No replies from Lex, Eadu, or Gramps. He frowned at the screen.

Rude.

His fingers resumed tapping as he began jotting down quiet notes for later. Little reminders about who had ignored him today. Politics was memory, and Aurelian had an excellent one.

Movement in front of him caught his eye. A sweep of silk passed through his vision. The fabric curved down the back of the wearer in a way that made him pause mid-thought.

Sibylla.

He blinked once, momentarily thrown. That dress had quite the back to it. She had become quite brazen, he was rubbing off on her too well.

Dangerous development.

Aurelian rose as she spoke, listening to her suggestion about Senator Stuyveris. His expression settled into thoughtful neutrality, though his mind was already racing ahead. "Why would I need to speak with the Senator from Druckenwell?" he said lightly. "She is trying to limit the power of the nobility in the Republic. Ostracizing a voting bloc is not a particularly good strategy."

His hand settled on the small of Sibylla's back as he spoke. A casual gesture. Or at least it started that way. His fingers drifted slightly lower before he realized it. For a moment the world narrowed to that contact and the faint tension in the air between them. Then a sound behind them snapped the moment in half. His hand lifted away quickly as he turned.

Adelle stood there in the new clothes he had insisted on. The sight nearly broke his composure. He tried. Truly. Failed.

"What, no dress?" he teased, grinning. "What did you think of your first bill proposal? Quite brief this one, yes?"

He puffed his chest slightly, amused with himself.

"The power of a King."

​

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

"...and not Quorum -- ridiculous rag -- what they said about Senator Sarn, absolutely ridiculous," Verity was already deep in strategic conversation with her Chief of Staff, the very bald and very menacing Lucien Varencourt, who was taking Verity's defeat much worse than the Senator herself was. "It has to be a serious paper. No holonet, you know how they can be."

"Vultures in eyeliner," Lucien agreed, emerging from the Senate cloakroom as he helped the Senator into her fashionable coat "I'll get Sai on it. Ah," he said, his head turning slightly as he spotted a body approaching. "Pallopides, eight o'clock." Verity didn't stop, drawing a scarf from a pocket of her coat. It was pretty, pale blue silk with a subtle geometric pattern, a little frivolity and luxury added to an otherwise austere look. The confection was from a Druckenwell fashion house that made up part of her eveningwear wardrobe.

She didn't stop, but she did allow herself to be caught up to, and she had the good grace to look pleasantly perplexed by Ayumi's presence. She glanced at Varencourt in a silent signal that he should go ahead and he did. "Car in three, Senator. Senator Pallopides," he said stiffly, offering what passed for deference despite the cold fury within him. Then he peeled away, holding his comlink up to his ear to begin barking orders -- if hushed whispers could be considered barks.

"Ayumi," Verity said, her voice somewhere between disbelieving and chagrined. "Me, hold a grudge?" For a moment she tried to look offended, but her lips twitched into a wry smile instead. "No, that tracks completely. But don't worry -- my grudge is not for you. You, at least, had explicable thoughts on the matter. I don't agree," she added quickly. "But it was principled and I have to recognize that. We do what we must. You tried to thread the needle and I respect that. If the others had your sense, we wouldn't be here."

She reached into her pockets and pulled out a pair of leather gloves, carefully beginning to work them onto her slender hands. "No flogging required. Not for me, at any rate," Verity added breezily. "The Chancellor may disagree, in time, but -- well, by then she will have more pressing concerns than what you said today -- or what I did." She rested a now-gloved hand on Ayumi's forearm. "It is hard to be publicly humbled on the Senate floor -- well, you know as well as I do -- but the truth is I have already won this argument. When there is another diplomatic imbroglio -- and we both know there absolutely will be -- I will look prescient and prudent, and those who stood against me will look shortsighted."

Verity squeezed Ayumi's forearm affectionately, her eyes soft on her fellow Senator's delicate features. A look of something like regret -- almost grief -- crossed Verity's face. "Because the Senate made her the only person with authority, there will be little you or I can do to protect her. That's what today was about, Ayumi -- not just the Senate's obligations, but the idea that we share responsibility for what happens. Not power. Not hierarchy. There will be no one to answer but her. No committee to handle it with some discretion, with the sensitivity it deserves. No, it'll be under the big-top and it will be an absolute circus, because that's all this building knows how to do, in full view of the holocams. And -- optics being what they are -- it won't matter what she says. It almost can't matter."

The Senator for Druckenwell raised her other hand, carefully smoothed her blonde tresses. "The tragedy of it is that we will all let it happen, because despite the fact that it is our obligation to perform oversight, we have -- by pretending to 'defend' the Chancellor's executive privileges -- relieved ourselves of that responsibility. Not you -- and not I -- but the rest of them?" She jerked her head back toward the chamber. "They will be more than happy to let the Chancellor take the fall -- hell, some may even give her a push." Her face darkened slightly and she went on: "Imagine the fun that highly-enriched weapons-grade scughole Yittreas will have. And the Senate will have chosen that, on the record."

Verity, for her part, did not look triumphant about it. She liked Dominique Vexx and generally trusted her impulses. Shaking her head subtly, Verity frowned and looked like she was about to say more when the door at the end of the hall opened and Varencourt entered, lifting his chin, signaling that the car was ready. Verity nodded. "Apologies, Senator, I must dash. You're on my callsheet this afternoon for the Bassadro SENDEL so we'll speak later, I hope. Anyway -- don't worry about me. It's only one bill."

With that, the Senator for Druckenwell turned and strode purposefully out of the building where she was briefly enveloped by the Senate press corps clamoring for a comment about the "DARE debacle" -- well, at least Denon Dependency was no longer the alliteration du jour, Verity was pleased to have done that favor for the Chancellor and Senator Pallopides. "Democracy is a commitment to the principle that oftentimes other people win," Verity said, the pleasantness in her voice countered slightly by the chill in her glacial gaze as she paused to slide on a pair of dark sunglasses. "But winning doesn't influence reality. Were they right? Time will tell and if they are no one will be happier to eat crow than I."

Verity ducked into the back seat car, tilting her head just so, knowing how to take advantage of the flashing cameras before the speeder slid away.

Ayumi Pallopides | Dominique Vexx | Hssaadaav | Her
Isley the Younger | Aurelian Veruna | Sibylla Abrantes | Adelle Bastiel​

 

[Eharl Sarn]

​

Senate Hall
Theed City | Naboo
Items: x

​

Senator Sarn had seen many spirited debates in the Senate chamber across the years. Disagreement was the rhythm of democracy, the gentle clash of differing winds across a single field.

But this?

This felt less like governance and more like a poorly written holoseries.

The Ithorian's large amber eyes within the board hammerhead profile blinked slowly as the chamber filled with objections, amendments, counter-accusations, and then, most startling of all, the sudden call for a vote of no confidence. The noise of it all rolled through the rotunda like a storm through tall reeds. It was… unbecoming.

A faint buzzing stirred on the surface of his datatablet and Sarn glanced down.

There upon the datascreen revealed a message from the King of Naboo, Aurelian Veruna . For a moment the Ithorian simply stared at the screen, reading over the rather informal approach of a man seeking for him to vote no to Verity's bill.

A low, disapproving hum vibrated through the Ithorian's throat.

That was not how one addressed a fellow senator. Nor how one asked for counsel in a chamber built upon deliberation.

Sarn set the tablet back upon the table and left the message unanswered for now.

While the Voice of Naboo had clearly placed her support behind the man, the Ithorian still found himself uncertain about the character of a Veruna holding such sway over Naboo's future. In truth, he would have preferred if Her Excellency had continued her campaign in the tradition of Chancellor Kalantha before her.

Another thoughtful hum rumbled softly from his chest.

Instead the Senator of Enarc's thoughts drifted to Verity Stuyveris and to Dominique Vexx .

Verity's bill had merit. It addressed the reality that the Republic's borders were widening, and that diplomacy with those beyond them would grow more complicated with every passing cycle. It was precisely the sort of proposal that deserved careful shaping, not theatrical collapse.

Yes, a meeting would be wise, Eharl mused, folding his hands calmly before him.

He had once encouraged Verity to be bold.

He would encourage her again.

​

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Tags: Aurelian Veruna | Sibylla Abrantes

Adelle raised her eyebrows at the King of Naboo. No dress, indeed. Based on how he had caressed Sibylla’s back, that dress alone should have been enough for him. But no, apparently he needed her to be doubly uncomfortable by putting her in a dress while operating as Mandalore’s ambassador.

“If this,” she said with a gesture to the navy tabard, its silver embroidery catching the light, “is all I could talk you down to, I’m terrified of the kind of dress you’d put me in. Besides dresses are for special occasions. Like balls.”

Adelle gave Sibylla a sly smile before smirking at Aurelian. “And weddings.”

She let that hang for a moment before continuing on.

“Like the one I wore to the wedding on Dosuun. Changed for the reception when we were relieved of our security duties.”

He had puffed up when he mentioned how brief this proposal had been and insinuated that had been due to his influence. Adelle had wondered what he was doing, typing away furiously on his datapad in the middle of proceedings. Had that been him messaging other senators? In any case, he could stand to do a little less grandstanding around her.

“Brief?” she asked incredulously. She checked her chronometer. “That was almost two standard hours. For one bill. And if what Sibylla said is true, then all those speeches were pointless. Do you have any idea how ‘brief’ something like this would be in Mandalore?”

Adelle looked to Sibylla. “As the Republic's ambassador to Mandalore, were you ever invited to sit in on Aether’s councils?”

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Aurelian Veruna Adelle Bastiel

There was the faintest hitch in Sibylla's breath.

"That…" she began slowly, making a quiet and deliberate effort to direct her thoughts somewhere other than the distracting warmth of Aurelian's touch lingering at her back, fighting the inappropriate thoughts that followed.

Well....the dress had achieved its purpose.

Perhaps rather too well.

Drawing a careful breath, Sibylla stepped a modest distance away from him, restoring a sliver of propriety and enough space to properly address both the King and Adelle.

"…may be so," she continued with composed patience, "but if one hopes to retain any measure of influence over matters of foreign policy, it is far wiser to extend one's most gracious olive branch first. One never knows how pleasantly matters may unfold when approached with cooperation rather than immediate opposition."

Aurelian's not-so-subtle boast earned a delicate snort and the briefest roll of her eyes before Sibylla crossed to the beverage table. Silk followed the movement of her steps in soft waves that faithfully contoured her slender figure and curves as she poured herself a glass of water.

The mention of weddings, however, did summon the faintest bloom of color across her cheeks.

Fortunately, Mandalore soon entered the conversation and rescued her from lingering too long on the subject.

"I was," Sibylla replied with a small nod. "The war council as well. Their deliberations are conducted rather more like family discussions… and with admirable bluntness, I must say. Quite refreshing compared to the Dejarik match one must constantly play here."

She glanced briefly toward the Senate floor beyond the pod, the light gently highlighting the pale pink scars over the left side of her face.

"Matters are considerably more complicated in this chamber. One must always consider which political bloc is being addressed. The Corporate interests, the nobility, the isolationists, the expansionists…" Her lips curved faintly. "And those are merely the more predictable factions. With every new world admitted to the Republic, an entirely new set of perspectives arrives with it."

A thoughtful pause followed before Sibylla turned back to Adelle.

"It truly is rather astonishing that Aether manages the various clans and their competing views as well as he does," she said with genuine admiration. "I confess, I envy him that talent."

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Adelle Bastiel

Aurelian let Sibylla's suggestion drift past him, unanswered. She was right. He knew it. Tona would say the same thing, probably with that tone that implied he was being deliberately difficult again. He wasn't wrong, though. He just preferred to move when it suited him.

He ignored the small snort at his expense. Also noted. Also filed away.

Then Adelle mentioned weddings. His gaze flicked between them. Sibylla's cheeks had color now, and Adelle looked entirely too pleased with herself. He exhaled softly through his nose.

Unbelievable. If they were going to take shots at him, he could return one.

"Well," he said, voice smooth, "you clean up well regardless, Ambassador." No flourish. Let that land where it would.

He stepped away from them and followed Sibylla to the beverage table, as if it had been his idea all along. He poured himself a drink beside her, unbothered on the surface. Up close, he caught it again. The dress. The way it moved. The way it drew attention without asking for it.

Focus.

"This chamber used to be simpler," he said, lifting his glass slightly. "Smaller Republic. Fewer interests pulling in different directions." His eyes drifted back toward the Senate floor where the next discussion had already begun. "Now everyone wants something. And everyone thinks they're the one who deserves it most."

He took a slow sip, then added almost absently, "At least no one is threatening violence in here." The memory hit him uninvited. A blade. Blood over a bowl from the Warden of Roon. Rituals that made no sense. Aurelian visibly shuddered.

"I will take endless speeches over that," he muttered. His gaze flicked back toward Sibylla for a brief second, then away again, as if nothing had happened at all.

​

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Tags: Aurelian Veruna | Sibylla Abrantes

Maybe it was perverse of her, but Adelle felt a bit of satisfaction as the wedding comment landed solidly with both politicians. Sibylla’s face flushed slightly and Aurelian glanced between the two of them. They had gotten very comfortable with each other if they were chancing touches like that in front of her. Of course, it could just be because she was Mandalorian but she doubted that.

Aurelian fired back with a very steady, very pointed ‘Ambassador.’

“Always have, your Majesty,” Adelle said, just the barest hint of a smile playing on her face.

Sibylla spoke of the various moving pieces on the Moebius board that was the Republic Senate and mentioned how she admired Aether’s ability to manage the clan alors and their varied interests. Adelle nodded: she’d been part of Clan Skirata’s councils and those were bad enough.

Of course Aurelian mentioned violence being threatened. She couldn’t really argue with him there: there was usually one at clan council meetings threatening to go off on someone else. Alor Ca’tra usually kicked them out and made them settle it outside before they could rejoin. She hadn’t heard anything about the war councils offering violence but she had also never been invited to one.

“Speaking of endless speeches,” she said, looking back out as the Senate continued with its agenda, “I’m not quite sure I understand the—was it the Denon Senator?—her complaint with the bill. As far as I can tell, the bill formalizes something that’s already happening, gives it a chain of command, lines of communication, and dedicated funds. Only other difference would be the Minister, and that just… If I could compare it to Mandalorian military for just a moment, it’s the creation of a new specialized division with actual logistics supporting it and a commander that reports directly to the Alor… sorry, Chancellor. Am I missing something?”

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Aurelian Veruna Adelle Bastiel

Sibylla took a slow sip of her water, listening to the quiet back-and-forth between Adelle and Aurelian with a hint of amusement she did not quite bother to hide. Then, without looking at him, her voice slipped low enough from behind her glass.

"You are staring," she said quietly, just for him. It wasn't even a reprimand or a true admonishment. Just… noted...even if there was a subtle upward curve to the corner of her mouth in pleasure that Aurelian was doing exactly that -- staring.

"You are not missing anything obvious," Sibylla forced her attention to stay on Adelle, going over her questions to answer them to the best of her ability, "Your comparison is… quite apt, actually."

She let her gaze drift briefly toward the Senate floor, watching the slow churn of debate like a tide that never quite settled.

"The concern from Denon is not about structure," Sibylla continued, folding one hand lightly over the other. "It is about precedent. Formalizing something gives it weight. Legitimacy. And once something has both, it becomes far more difficult to… reshape later."

A faint pause.

"Some Senators fear that what begins as a practical measure may evolve into something less easily governed. Authority, once defined, has a way of… expanding to fill the space allowed to it."

Those hazel eyes flicked just briefly toward Aurelian, then back to Adelle.

"It is not always the present function that troubles them," she added softly. "It is what it may become when placed in less careful hands."

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Adelle Bastiel

Aurelian heard Sibylla's quiet remark and, instead of looking away, leaned into it. If anything, he made less of an effort to hide it. He took another slow sip of his drink, eyes lingering just a second longer than necessary before finally shifting his attention. Adelle was already watching. Of course she was.

He didn't bother pretending otherwise. He trusted her. More than most in this galaxy. If she noticed, she noticed. He was pretty sure she already had an idea.

His gaze settled on her fully now, expression sharpening with interest. "Let me ask you something, Ambassador," he said, tone easy but deliberate. "You seem to have a clearer head for this than half the chamber." A small pause as he tilted his glass in her direction. "What would you have preferred?"

Internally, he already knew the answer wouldn't be simple. Mandalorians didn't think in committees and subcommittees. They thought in chains of command, in action, in results. Lucky them.

"Would you want a Minister of sorts?" he continued. "Someone new to report to. Another layer between you and whatever decision actually matters."

His eyes flicked briefly back toward the Senate floor, then returned to her. "Or would you rather keep working directly with the Chancellor… or with me? I can get things done quicker, you know."

​

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Tags: Aurelian Veruna | Sibylla Abrantes

As Sibylla explained, Adelle thought she understood. The fear of a pattern being locked in place and unable to fix it should the structure driving it become corrupted was understandable. However, she thought that’s what the authoring Senator meant to fix. From where she stood, Adelle thought the High Republic’s current diplomatic structure operated with rather obscure structures but it seemed final say rested in the Chancellor’s hands. The bill proposed didn’t take that away, but gave the apparatus cleaner lines and more transparent accountability. An advisor to keep their fingers on the pulse of diplomatic relations and frontlines, relaying information to the Chancellor. The chokepoint of information was the only issue Adelle could see but she was no politician.

Aurelian again addressed her as ambassador, which, considering his lack of concern over his behavior around Sibylla, made her smile at the juxtaposition of professional and unprofessional. His question made her think. The compliment went deliberately untouched.

“What I would prefer? I’d prefer it if Mandalorians stopped treating the head as a viable target in sparring practice,” she said, only half-jokingly. “But really, clarity. And efficiency. You can’t move anything of scale quickly without those two things. In this specific case, my personal preference would be to interact with those I have a rapport with or at least those who have direct authority over matters that materially affect Mandalore.”

“However.” She glanced at the beverage table, looking to see if there was something with more bite than water. Caff or something. It was needed after sitting for two hours listening to people talk. “I’m not a republic. The way the Empire governs things must, by necessity, look different. I haven’t read your charter—what was it again? The Charter of Unity?—but don’t these types of governments generally need transparency and a series of checks and balances to keep things… balanced? What current system of accountability is there for your foreign affairs? The bill made it sound like there was none.”

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Aurelian Veruna Adelle Bastiel

Fine.

If he was going to stare, Sibylla would give him reason enough.

She moved before she could think better of it, and she slowly went stepping past Aurelian as though it were nothing at all. The silk of her dress whispered softly as she passed him, the deep line of its back catching the light, revealing just enough before she slipped beyond him and out of reach.

Sibylla did not break stride even though she could feel it -- the heavy weight of his attention following her anyway.

Good. Let him look.

And just like that, she was gone from his immediate reach.

Sibylla took her seat beside Adelle, folding neatly into place as though nothing at all had happened. Only the faintest hint of satisfaction lingered in the curve of her lips.

"Yes, transparency is the ideal path forward," Sibylla said thoughtfully, her calm tone providing no indication of her impishness. "But the Republic is… more complex than it appears."

It was one of the many reasons things were still going through growing pains. Those hazel eyes drifted briefly across the Senate floor before returning.

"It stems in part from its origins. Naboo was once governed by a single elected monarch and the transition into the High Republic is scarcely more than a year old."

Those slender fingers traced lightly along the rim of her glass as the young Voice of Naboo continued.

"Foreign affairs were handled through appointed ambassadors -- myself included -- acting with the consent of the Crown. Or now, the Chancellor. When Aurelian assumed the role of Interim Chancellor, the final authority rested with him, even as responsibilities were delegated to Senators… or to me, as required."

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Adelle Bastiel

She had to be doing it on purpose.

Aurelian watched Sibylla move past him, slow enough to be deliberate, the silk shifting just enough to draw the eye exactly where it shouldn't linger. His gaze followed without resistance. Of course it did.

By the time she slipped into her seat beside Adelle, he was still standing there, momentarily caught between admiration and mild disbelief. His lips parted slightly before he finally dragged his attention away.

He looked at Adelle and lifted his hands a fraction, silent and incredulous. You see this, right?

No sympathy came. Of course not. He exhaled softly and straightened, forcing his thoughts back into something resembling focus. Dangerous game. He needed to remember where they were.

"The Charter of Unity," he said, picking the thread back up, "we all had a hand in shaping it."

His tone settled into something more measured now, though his eyes flicked once more toward Sibylla before returning to Adelle. "At the time, the Republic was smaller. More contained. Expansion like this…" he shook his head faintly, "was not exactly planned for."

He stepped closer to the table, resting his glass lightly against its surface.

"The current system works because it is flexible. People who actually understand a region handle it. Sibylla. Myself. Others with established relationships." He gestured slightly between them. "We speak, we negotiate, then we bring it to the Chancellor. Decisions are made with context."

"This bill creates a single office. One person filtering all of that." A small pause for dramatic effect. "That means distance. Delay. And a loss of influence for those who have already built trust where it matters."

He tapped a finger lightly against the rim of his glass. "More structure does not always mean better structure. Sometimes it just means slower."

His gaze drifted briefly across the Senate floor before returning, quieter now. "And it shifts power away from one of the Republic's foundations."

A faint smirk touched his lips. "The nobility built this system. It would be a shame to pretend otherwise now."

​

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Tags: Aurelian Veruna | Sibylla Abrantes

Adelle tried not to notice the game the King and the Voice were playing but as an empath, it was an incredibly difficult challenge. Especially when Aurelian dragged her into it, gesturing with his hands. She smirked at him, more out of good-natured amusement than any kind of smugness. The saying did go ‘all was fair in love and war.’ But this was not her circus and so it wasn’t her Kowakian monkey-lizard.

The explanation made sense. A flexible arrangement relying on rapport and understanding changed by rapid and unplanned-for expansion—which seemed a little short-sighted but there had been several unprecedented events in a relatively short timespan. It seemed the real hang-up for Aurelian was the additional layer of bureaucracy between him and the Chancellor. And yes, it was annoying, all the red tape that had to be followed, the i’s dotted and t’s crossed. But from what she could remember from her diplomatic training among the Jedi and the brief overview of government types, she thought republics and democracies needed that level of bureaucracy. An additional layer didn’t seem like much, especially if the Minister was supposed to only enact the Chancellor’s will in Foreign Affairs, on flimsiplast anyways.

But then he had to go make a comment about the nobility being a super important pillar and that derailed any productive thought Adelle had. She had been as far from nobility as the average person her whole life. If someone had told her she’d be rubbing elbows with powerful and important people and representing the Mandalorian Empire’s interests, she would have laughed and asked for the spice they were clearly on.

“A shame, you say. You’ll forgive me if I don’t hold a glowing view of nobility as a whole,” Adelle said dryly. “There are clearly exceptions and nuances in that structure—” She gestured to him and Sibylla. “—but any system that relies on genetics to legitimize authority is questionable, in my commoner opinion.”

Adelle ran a hand through her hair, sending her short locks into disarray, and sat down with a sigh. She hung an elbow off the back of her seat.

“But that's none of my business. I just don't want to be blindsided and this seemed very important to be aware of.”

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Aurelian Veruna Adelle Bastiel

"You will not be blindsided," Sibylla assured Adelle, her tone softening as she set down her glass. "Not if you trust what you see… and what you feel."

This, Sibylla genuinely thought to be true. She had already picked up that Adelle had a sense about her, the ability to pick up on others' emotions and intentions with a similar, if not better, empathic grasp than what she could.

"Your observation skills will take you further here than any briefing ever could. And your instincts? They are rarely wrong, only untested in this particular arena."

Sibylla drew a breath, and as she turned to Aurelian, she caught him once again still staring, his attention lingering along the bare smooth line of her shoulder and then a spark of playful amusement lit behind her hazel eyes.

"We are here to assist with the rest," she added in a smoth and assured tone to Adelle, even though a distinct wryness coated her voice as she gave a slight nod towards the King of Naboo. "Though I would argue you have already done quite well navigating him."

The look she gave Aurelian was utter impish devilry.

"And as he is, without question, the most exhausting political presence in this chamber," Sibylla added a touch lighter now, setting the scene. "I find it unlikely you will encounter anyone more trying."

It was said sweetly and entirely without apology. Then, just as easily, she rose.

"Come," Sibylla said, gesturing lightly for Adelle to follow. "Let us step away from this before it becomes even more theoretical."

There was no missing the way her attention drifted toward Aurelian's HoloDash order, and she paused just long enough for quiet amusement to flicker across her features.

"…and perhaps find something resembling proper food."

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Adelle Bastiel

"Navigating me?"

Aurelian's voice pitched up in genuine shock. He looked between the two women, hand pressing against his chest as if Sibylla had just accused him of a heinous crime. He was a delight. He was the very picture of diplomatic grace and charm. The audacity of her to suggest otherwise, especially to their guest, was staggering.

"I am not," he corrected, finally finding his footing even as he sputtered. "I am remarkably easy to deal with. Professional, even."

He caught the glint of impish devilry in Sibylla's eyes. He opened his mouth to deliver a scathing, witty retort that would surely put her in her place, but the words died in his throat. She didn't give him the chance. With a fluid, practiced grace, she was already ushering Adelle away toward the promise of actual sustenance.

Aurelian watched them go, his gaze once again involuntarily snagging on the deliberate cut of Sibylla's dress. She knew exactly what she was doing. It was a tactical retreat disguised as a dinner invitation, leaving him standing alone.

"It was a pleasure seeing you, Ambassador!" he called out after Adelle, raising his voice to ensure it carried.

He waited until the doors slid shut before he let out a long, dramatic sigh. Fine. Let them go. Let Sibylla play the gracious host and whisper more lies about his temperament. He didn't need the company.

Aurelian move out of the pod area, back to his office, to his desk, and his cooling HoloDash order. He settled onto his office couch, propping his feet up on the edge of the table. He had a lukewarm meal, a quiet room, and the season finale of Secret Lives of Naboo Wives queued up. He didn't need them at all.

​