Private Coreward Bound

[Joa Sodi]

COREWARD BOUND
Quarzite Orbital Skyhook

The Quarzite Orbital Skyhook shimmered like a jeweled needle against a canvas of stars, tethered delicately to the world below. Senator Joa Sodi stood by the viewport of the reception lounge, her hands folded neatly at her waist, watching the slow, measured drift of cargo haulers and diplomatic shuttles. She turned as the doors hissed open, offering a warm, welcoming smile to Junior Representative Sibylla Abrantes. Joa's robes, tailored in muted greys and blues drawn from Quarzite's deep-crust mines, caught the sterile light and softened it, giving her the grounded, reassuring air she often carried into her work. "Representative Abrantes," she greeted smoothly, gesturing to the low seating arranged near a spread of caf and sweetbread. "I'm grateful you could make the journey. I thought a face-to-face would do better than a hundred holocalls."

As they settled, Joa slid a slim datapad toward her guest. The draft of the Refugee Repatriation and Naturalization Act glinted on its surface. She spoke as Sibylla took it in, her voice steady yet suffused with a quiet urgency. "This bill has the chance to reshape how displaced peoples are handled across our sector," Joa explained, her words carefully measured. "Not simply by granting sanctuary, but by offering them a true, structured path home… or toward a new one, here in the Republic."

She shifted the tone after a moment of quiet, allowing a softer, almost conspiratorial note to enter her voice. "Tell me, Representative," she said, tilting her head thoughtfully, "what does a home mean to you?" It was an innocent question on the surface, but as with all things Joa Sodi, there was an invitation beneath it—an offer to connect not as mere colleagues, but as individuals determined to craft something lasting together.

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Interacting with: Joa Sodi

Sibylla stepped into the reception lounge, her hazel eyes enjoying the sight before her. The view of the Quarzite Orbital Skyhook was impressive, though she had no intention of letting the sight distract her from the more important matter at hand: meeting Senator Joa Sodi. She had read enough about the woman to know that a careful mind and a certain level of diplomacy would be required to navigate this conversation.

Senator Sodi's warm greeting was met with a measured smile from Sibylla, the young Junior Senatorial Assistant reaching out with a hand to greet her.

"Senator Sodi, it is a pleasure. Quarzite has long been a symbol of resilience in our sector, though I must admit, I had not anticipated such a stunning view of the Orbital Skyhook. It is my first time seeing one in person."

She allowed the slightest pause before continuing, her voice light but sharp, the way she had seen her mother speak to unfamiliar faces at court and as the former Cultural Minister of Naboo. Sinylla was still learning how to manage foreign affairs and it came with specific differences that a commonality of Naboo culture would normally assist with. When discussing different worlds, they of course would have their own priorities.

"It is, indeed, refreshing to meet face to face. So much of diplomacy is lost in transmission, wouldn't you agree?"

Sibylla moved to the table, her gaze briefly flitting over the draft of the Refugee Repatriation and Naturalization Act before settling back on Sodi.

"The bill," she mused, taking a seat before continuing in a carefully thought of manner. She had done her best to consider the Act as she assisted Senator Sarn.

"Indeed, the act will do much to shape the future of displaced peoples, but, as with any political endeavor, I suspect there will be... nuances to consider." Her lips curled into a polite smile.

Sibylla's gaze flickered from the datapad to Senator Sodi, her expression still and composed.

"A home, you say?" She glanced toward the viewport, where the stars stretched endlessly as if contemplating the expanse of the question.

"I imagine it can mean many things, depending on one's perspective. For some, it is the land beneath their feet, the foundation of their lineage," She allowed a slight pause, a playful flicker of a smile. "And for others, it is a matter of strategic alliances and how one positions themselves within a given constellation of power."

Sibylla's smile deepened, though it remained cool. "But if you are asking what it means to me, Senator Sodi… well, I suppose it is a blend of duty and belonging. To carry the weight of one's heritage while ensuring that the future is shaped, not simply inherited."

Her gaze met Sodi's, sharp yet calm, before she added with a curious hint in her tone, her fingers gently adjusting the datapad, setting it just so.

"I imagine your definition of home is tied closely to the bill you offer. A sense of protection for those who have none, and perhaps a new path for those who would rather not rely on the kindness of others. Am I correct in that assumption?"

 

[Joa Sodi]

COREWARD BOUND
Quarzite Orbital Skyhook

Joa listened with careful attention, her expression unreadable save for the slight tilt of her head—a subtle gesture of interest that mirrored Sibylla's own poise. The junior representative's words were well-measured, but more than that, Joa could hear the echo of something deeper: legacy, ambition, and perhaps a cautious willingness to trust. She let a breath linger between them before replying, her voice soft, but steady, like a melody grounded in stone. "You're more right than most would be brave enough to suggest, Representative Abrantes," she said with a faint, approving smile. "There are too many who've learned to survive by clinging to charity… when what they need is a stake in something of their own. A future that isn't borrowed."

She shifted in her seat slightly, folding one leg over the other, allowing the light from the viewport to illuminate the side of her face. "I've seen what it does to people—being left adrift between systems, told they'll be taken care of but never truly welcomed. The bill is about grounding them again. Not just with shelter and status, but with dignity. With roots." Joa reached toward the datapad, tapping the corner as she spoke.

"The nuances are always the puzzling part," she admitted. "Economic tensions, regional hesitations… the quiet, persistent resistance to change."

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Location
Interacting with: Joa Sodi

Sibylla watched Senator Sodi with quiet attention, her eyes reflecting a mixture of respect and calculated interest. The discussion had already shifted from formality to substance, and though the subject of the bill was not one she had personally championed, it was clear that Sodi's commitment to it was far more than political maneuvering.

"A future that isn't borrowed," Sibylla echoed, her voice thoughtful but not without a hint of quiet approval. "A sentiment I can appreciate. It is one thing to offer temporary aid, but quite another to offer the foundations of something lasting. I am well aware that the measure of a society is often found in how it treats those without, whether they stand as equals or remain forever as subjects of its mercy."

She allowed her gaze to flicker toward the datapad briefly, though her attention remained focused on Joa, feeling the subtle undercurrent in Sodi's words.

"It's not unlike the politics we find back home in Naboo. Change is often seen as a challenge to established order, even when that order has long since ceased to serve the needs of the people." Her tone shifted, warm with the acknowledgment of shared understanding.

"Though, I do wonder, if this bill passes, what will it mean for those who resist? Will they be brought along, or left to watch from the sidelines as the Royal Republic moves forward?"

Sibylla tilted her head, as if considering the implications of her own words: "After all, it is not just the displaced who need a home. Some might say the entire system could use one due to the sudden convergence... the sudden thrust of worlds, cultures, and outlooks that they never expected to change, much less governments they are beholden to. The term requires three years for the application, yet we are still suffering in the wake of the systems clashing not a month ago. "

 

[Joa Sodi]

COREWARD BOUND
Quarzite Orbital Skyhook

Joa absorbed Sibylla's words with stillness, a quiet that wasn't empty, but full of calculation and care. She admired precision when it was rooted in truth, and the younger representative had articulated a reality many senior lawmakers danced carefully around. "You're right," Joa said, her voice low, deliberate.

"The bill addresses borders and rights, but beneath it is something far messier—the grief of systems no longer recognizable to the people who built them. The resistance won't come only from the powerful. It will come from the frightened, the disoriented."

She leaned forward, tapping lightly at the edge of the datapad, as if weighing the document's heft against the history it challenged.

"The bill, as it stands, focuses specifically on Galactic Alliance refugees who arrived between 875 and 902 ABY of their own volition… or rather, individuals who elected to flee the Core, not those displaced by the Sundering," Joa clarified, her tone precise but not dismissive.

"Those whose worlds were shifted fall into a distinct category, and their situation demands a different legislative approach, one rooted more in transitional governance and identity reconciliation than in repatriation. But even they will soon have to face certain realities: the borders have changed, and with them, the frameworks of belonging and citizenship. We cannot legislate comfort, only clarity."

"We don't intend to leave anyone behind," she said explained while remaining resolute.

"But we can't slow the tide for the sake of comfort, either. Those who choose not to move with the moment will find themselves observers to it. We'll extend a hand in good faith and with clear terms, but we won't pause the future for those who insist the past is still viable."

Her gaze met Sibylla's again, softer now, though not without steel. "We make room for those willing to evolve. The rest will have to reconcile with the reality that the galaxy has changed."

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Joa Sodi

Sibylla tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing with thought as she considered Joa's words.

"You speak with clear conviction, Senator, and I agree, this bill cannot be simply about borders, but about the people whose lives are tangled in them." She paused, her tone firm yet sympathetic.

"If I may, though, I would recommend ensuring that the transition feels less like a loss and more like a chance for renewal. A joint commission, perhaps, with cultural ambassadors alongside legal experts from both the Alliance and the Royal Republic, could foster understanding and trust, showing those displaced that they're not just being governed, but genuinely welcomed into the future."

Sibylla's gaze softened, but the edge of her words remained.

"Change cannot be paused, but it can be made easier for those who are willing to move with it," She added, musing quietly, "If they see it as a step forward, not just a burden to bear." She sat back, watching Joa carefully. "The future is for everyone, not just those who adapt first."

Another pause, and then she asked, "Is there a term limit to this repatriation and naturalization? A timeframe within which these refugees from these specific instances must submit for consideration before it is cut off?"

 

[Joa Sodi]

COREWARD BOUND
Quarzite Orbital Skyhook

She hesitated for a beat, then added with a touch more clarity, "Part of the reason this bill even needs to exist is because the Alliance never acted. These refugees were never intended to be a permanent fixture in our territories, but years have passed, and not once has the GA initiated a structured repatriation effort. They were left in limbo, caught between worlds. And many of them, frankly, have already moved on. They've built lives here, renounced their citizenship in everything but paperwork, and stopped waiting for the GA to come back for them. The option to naturalize isn't just a courtesy, it's a recognition of that reality." Joa swallowed, realizing she may have been coming off too intensely.

It was a point of frustration that she and many others had felt for a long time. Naboo and her environs had been a dumping ground for Alliance refugees since the Second Great Hyperspace War, nearly 30 years ago. A population of Alliance refugees lived out their golden years and died on foreign planets, just waiting to go home.

"For those who do wish to return,” the senator said, “this bill offers them a path." Joa slid the datapad gently across the table again toward Sibylla.

"There's a summary there from the Queen's most recent discussion with the Chancellor. He offered to fund repatriation efforts outright, but Her Majesty believed that responsibility, and trust, would be better placed with the individual worlds these people came from. There's a kind of dignity in that, I think."

She paused, then added more thoughtfully, "Maybe there's room for local representatives from those worlds to form a short-term committee, help mediate the process. But I doubt we'll see anything more formal than that. Not now. Not with the current climate. After what happened on Fondor, the appetite for joint commissions between our governments has… thinned. Caution is winning out over cooperation, at least at the upper levels."

The Crimson Dawn’s recent attack on Fondor was proof enough that carefulness was paramount, and besides that, who better to weigh in as cultural ambassadors than the local representatives of the worlds these refugees would be traveling to?

She folded her hands lightly on the table, considering Sibylla's final question. "Yes, there is a defined window. Individuals seeking repatriation under this measure will have a three-year period to apply, beginning at the date of the bill's enactment. That structure allows time for outreach and clarity, enabling people to make informed decisions rather than reactive ones. But it also respects the administrative burden of the systems involved. After that, alternative paths to naturalization will remain, but not under the same framework or guarantees."

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Interacting with: Joa Sodi

Sibylla leaned forward, her brow furrowing slightly as she listened to Joa, the weight of her words sinking in. She could feel the senator's frustration simmering just beneath the surface; the frustration she knew all too well. For Sibylla, diplomacy was a tightrope walk, and she was always careful not to rush into judgment, no matter how clear the path might seem.

"The Royal Republic," Sibylla began, her voice calm but steady, "has certainly faced its share of challenges. The influx of refugees, particularly after the Hyperspace war and more recently the Mandalorian attacks and convergence, has been overwhelming, but we've done our best to manage and extend what aid we can."

She paused, meeting Joa's eyes for a moment, her expression thoughtful.

There had to be more to the story on why Joa was so passionate about this. Quarzite certainly was far closer to Alliance borders than Naboo, so perhaps there was a story to tell there? Sibylla did not want to pry, but she also wanted to understand. Coming here to assist Senator Sodi meant that the Junior Representative had conducted her own research as well, and there had been plenty to report on the Alliance's ventures assisting Hapes, Ord Providence, Empress Teta, Corsucant, Tython, and Onderon. That was just within and near their borders.

"But the Alliance's efforts have not been without merit either, especially considering the Supreme Chancellor and our Queen worked together on this bill. I've taken the time to look into their actions as the Royal Republic continues to build bridges with our respective neighbors, and it's clear they've been working within their borders, especially with the repatriation and support efforts they've been coordinating. The timing may not coincide with the uncertainty and complexities of their territory in the last two years, especially with the ongoing battles and the Stellar Convergence shifting everything around us -- the stars are quite literally realigning and shifting in ways we have not seen before. The galaxy is stretched thin for all, to put it lightly."

Sibylla's gaze softened just a touch, acknowledging the difficulties both sides faced.

"We see that same challenge in the Royal Republic. The newly transitioned worlds we've absorbed into our territory are not without their own complications, and that requires time, patience, and more than anything, action. But as we've seen, even that takes time. Time that may not be akin to the timeline of others as we shuffle the precious few resources we have; resources that saw significant impact when the Neo Crusaders raided and damaged the plasma refineries in Theed and at Dee'ja peak. "

She let the silence linger for a moment before her voice grew firmer, tinged with quiet resolve, continuing back to the bill.

"I do think your idea of a local representatives committee is sound. It brings a personal touch to what can easily become a cold, bureaucratic process. It allows the voices of those affected to be heard and respected, which, in the end, is what will make this process work."

Her gaze fixed on Joa, steady and confident.

"All of this is a step in the right direction. I'll take it to Senator Sarn and I am sure it will have his full support. With that in mind, I believe we'll be ready for a vote soon. However, I would suggest we prepare for objections, especially from those in the Assembly who might push for more immediate action from the Galactic Alliance. They may want to play a larger role in repatriation, despite what or how it may appear that has gotten us here in the first place."

"And perhaps," she continued, "there's room for more collaboration, not just between us, but with the Galactic Alliance, despite the difficulties. The events of the convergence, while unfortunate, have undoubtedly shifted the dynamics of intergovernmental trust. Yet, in my experience, the more we close ourselves off, the more we risk isolating those we intend to help."

With a final, thoughtful glance, she looked back up. "The question now is how to navigate these waters with as much dignity as possible. For them. And for us."

 

[Joa Sodi]

COREWARD BOUND
Quarzite Orbital Skyhook

“Forgive me if I speak too passionately about the matter,” Joa said with a dip of her head. Her voice was much more even now than before, but the look in her eyes was unchanged. Her opinions of the Alliance and its foreign affairs were steeled by too many years of firsthand experience.

“In a perfect galaxy where no one does wrong by another, the Republic would certainly have no qualms with a much friendlier relationship with the Galactic Alliance. But that is unfortunately not the case. Few have questioned the validity of Alliance politics in the past, and those who do have not typically been aligned with the tenets of peace and justice that we are; Sith, Imperials, Mandalorian offshoots… they use their dissatisfaction to wage war on the Alliance, strengthening not only their own resolve against the Core, but the Core’s ingrained belief that it can never be wrong.”

Joa blinked softly. Her breathing was controlled, giving the senator a much better grip on her emotions as she spoke.

“The galaxy is not used to good people questioning good people. It is not used to the Core being held accountable. I intend to challenge that paradigm, starting with righting the wrongs of GA’s refugee solution from thirty years ago. This bill holds the Alliance accountable in ways that it has never been.”

She smiled then, bringing a warmth to the room. “It’s kind of exciting, no?”

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Joa Sodi

Sibylla listened quietly, her expression softening as Joa spoke with a conviction that only years of frustration could fuel. She understood the fire behind the words, the weight of experience and Joa's deep-rooted desire for justice. But there was still more to consider, more to navigate. As a representative of the Royal Republic and training under Senator Sarn, Sibylla was learning that justice often required balance, diplomacy, and a careful hand.

Especially in times like these.

"No need for apologies, Senator," Sibylla replied, her voice calm but infused with a subtle warmth.

"It's evident that your resolve has been tempered by experience, and I respect that." She allowed herself a small, knowing smile, her tone light, but still serious. Indeed, we all have our scars from the past, just that some wore their scars more openly.

"And while the galaxy may not be used to questioning the Core, as you rightly said, accountability is key. If we don't begin by confronting the concerns of the past, how can we expect the future to be any different?"

Sibylla's gaze lingered on Joa for a moment, understanding the weight of her mission but also feeling the immense responsibility that came with it. She couldn't help but admire the Senator's passion.

"For now, however, the refugees in question, those who've lived among us for decades, are the immediate concern. Their futures, whether they return to their homes or stay here, must be secured. The bill, as it stands, is a necessary step in that direction, and certainly an exciting one."

Sibylla leaned forward just a fraction, her eyes meeting Joa's with a quiet resolve.

"This is a new era, and if the Republic is to grow, it must do so with both accountability and compassion. I will stand with you on this, Senator. Together, we will ensure that the future is shaped with care."

She paused, then smiled.

"Let's make sure this step is the first of many, shall we?"