Faction Internal Displacement | STACREST

[Verity Stuyveris]

THE SENATE
COMMITTEE CHAMBER 12-C​

A broad, raised, semi-circular panel table sat very nearly against one wall of the Senate committee meeting room, with seven chairs arrayed around it. At the center, slightly taller, with a nameplate in front of it, was the chair for the Committee Chair. In front of the table panel sat a small desk for a transcriptionist, and then a singular polished wood table with a chair facing the committee. There was space for more, and beyond it, rows of chairs separated by a central aisle.

Verity arrived twenty minutes ahead of schedule with her Chief of Staff. Malik Tharen was youngish by political standards, the scion of a well-connected Druckenwell family. He had served the previous Senator, starting as an intern and moving up through the press office, then the policy shop before Verity had tapped him for Chief of Staff.

"It's a bit chilly," he said. "Should I adjust?"

Verity busied herself emptying a disposable thermos of coffee into the provided carafes. She had obtained the coffee -- and the pastries and sandwiches -- from a popular boutique café known to be frequented by senators and their staff. None of the bland, cafeteria dishwater that was usually on offer. Verity had been sure to stay below the ethical thresholds, but she had wanted to make the very first meeting of the committee -- the Senate Standing Committee for Reconstruction, Eligible-World Stabilization and Transition -- a bit special. Good coffee, good pastries, good sandwiches -- and hopefully good work would follow.

"No," she answered him. "With the lights and the others, the stenographer and her computer, our datapads, it'll warm up three to five degrees. That will be plenty."

"Why do you know that?"

She hesitated as she set aside one of the thermoses. "Just observant, I guess." A beat. "Break this down for recycling, would you?" He took the box from her. Verity moved to the next. "You've confirmed with the stenographer?"

Verity completed setting out the refreshments at the table near the entrance and then wandered up to the raised panel table. A wooden palm-gavel and matching wooden sounding block sat at her seat, next to a notepad with stationary with her name emblazoned under an engraved High Republic seal and above the title of Chairwoman. A faint smile came to her lips, but she quickly bit it back. We haven't done anything yet, she reminded herself. Smile when we've made some people breathe easier.

The rest of the preparations went quickly, with the stenographer arriving promptly to take minutes. Soon it would be time to begin. Verity helped herself to a cup of coffee and stood near the door, chatting quietly with her Chief of Staff as she waited for other committee members to arrive.

​

 

[Duncan Avaron]

THE SENATE
COMMITTEE CHAMBER 12-C
Verity Stuyveris
​

Duncan Avaron arrived without ceremony, as was his preference, though his presence carried its own quiet gravity. The doors parted to admit him, the muted light of the chamber catching on the subtle lines of his robes. Senator of Ryloth. Jedi Master. Noble by blood and by obligation. Titles followed him whether he wished them to or not.

He paused just inside the threshold, allowing his senses to take in the room before he moved further. The low hum of conversation. The careful order of the seating. The weight of intention that lingered in the air like a held breath. Beneath it all, the Force stirred gently, attentive, observant. Duncan inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the space itself before acknowledging the people within it.

His gaze found Verity at the raised panel table, and something softened in his expression. Not familiarity exactly, but recognition. This was someone who understood the burden of a seat earned rather than inherited. He approached at an unhurried pace, boots quiet against the polished floor, hands folded calmly behind his back.

"Chairwoman," Duncan said, offering a respectful bow of his head when he reached her. His voice was even, warm without being casual. "Thank you for the invitation. Ryloth appreciates the care with which this committee has been assembled."

For a moment, his eyes met hers, steady and sincere. There was no performance in him, no need to project authority. It simply was. He straightened and turned slightly toward his assigned seat, though he did not take it just yet.

"I am here to listen as much as to speak," he added, more quietly now. "And to ensure that whatever decisions are made today leave fewer people fearing what tomorrow will bring."

With that, Duncan inclined his head once more, then moved to his place at the table, settling into his chair with simple grace.

 

[Talokra Vosk]

Verity Stuyveris | Duncan Avaron | All

Entering the committee room, Talokra Vosk did so with assuredness, his gait measured and almost funereal. He remained upright and resolute, composure evident in every step. Senator for Rodia, he had accepted his seat on the Senate Standing Committee with outward composure and private misgivings. He had spoken in favour of the committee’s creation, not out of faith in its architects, but from a clear-eyed understanding of how the Republic should build: quickly, centrally, and on its own terms. Order would come, yes, but it would arrive bearing conditions.

The recent and untimtely assassination of Senator Dod had sharpened Vosk’s resolve rather than softened it. Dod’s critiques of reconstruction policy had never challenged the need for recovery, only the assumption that certain models were universal, or benign. His warnings about “eligible worlds” being stabilised into quiet dependency now felt less theoretical. Vosk suspected those warnings had been inconvenient to the wrong people.

As a Rodian, he knew what it meant to be counted, assessed, and managed from afar. As a member of the Independent Caucus, he understood how easily dissent was absorbed, diluted, then cited as consensus. Within the committee, Vosk intended to ensure that Dod’s arguments remained present in the record, not as sentiment, but as resistance. Reconstruction would proceed regardless. The question, as ever, was who would benefit once the scaffolding came down.

"Chairwoman" he spoke, bowing his head to match that of Avaron of Ryloth, a senator he had not shared a Committe posting with yet. This was Vosk's first. Vosk did not say anything else, other than to walk to his own seat, taking a moment to place his fingers on the table and inspect it. He was a staunch advocate for cleanliness in all things. He hoped to be just as forensic here.

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Ayumi stepped from the hallway into the crisp air of the room, her all-midnight blue professional ensemble pristine from polished repulsor anklets letting herr walk with bare feet in a sheath of energy to protect them to crisp shirt and tailored jacket. A sharp, elegant and deliberate contrast to the lightly bronzed glow of her skin. Her dark honey hair strung with small strands of gold and in braids as she entered and let it rest at the small of her back. Hands clasped in front of herself when she looked at the chairwoman and this had been something important. it fit in with what was happening on Denon and what they were trying to do in recovering from all of the poison and pollution through their best means.

She stayed there for a moment taking in who was here and bowed her head as she spoke. "Chairwoman Stuyveris." There was a smile offered while she moved to a position to participate and listened. She was eager to see the plans in action and get a better feel as it were. Denon's technologies were being leveraged in many cases where needed.

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dressed in a customary white suit, Dominique Vexx stepped into the view through the doorway with a smile on her painted lips. "Chairwoman Stuyveris," she purred. Her golden eyes shifted to the others present as she drifted into the chamber. "Senators Avaron, Vosk, Pallopides," she acknowledged each individually with a nod and a smile.

A lone hand lifted. "Don't mind me, I won't be trying to move in on your affairs," the Chancellor sought to assuage any reflex concerns that erupted among their thoughts, "but as this is the first assembly of this magnanimous committee. I look forward to what you will all accomplish."

Her brow lifted and Dominique drifted casually over toward the table. "Is this from that little Cafe down the boulevard? Setting the bar high from the start. Would you mind if I stole some of that delectable coffee?" Doubtful anyone would actually object, but the Denonite didn't just begin pouring herself a cup; she made sure they didn't object. Perhaps Verity had only purchased enough for all those she had invited.

Verity Stuyveris | Talokra Vosk | Duncan Avaron | Ayumi Pallopides | Senators / Republic Officials​

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

Verity greeted the Senators as they arrived, inviting them to help themselves to refreshments as they came. She had the good grace to look chagrined at each address of herself as Chairwoman and she resisted the impulse to suggest that they keep things informal. After all, this was official business. It would be memorialized in minutes that would go into the Senate archives. It would probably be leaked to the press. She had to keep it together, keep it moving, keep it all looking good while they tried to do good. So instead she made herself pleasant and professional.

Each of the Senators brought a little something to the table that would prove interesting, she thought. Senator Avaron was, like Verity herself, ennobled, and unlike herself, a Jedi by training. "That was going to be my line," she said wryly to his comment about listening more than speaking before offering to pour him a cup of coffee. "I hope the others are prepared to speak their minds, then."

Senator Vosk, who had staked his position as an ally to the late Senator Dod, was all business. She offered him a cup of coffee, too, and encouraged him to help himself to whatever refreshments he'd like. "You're most welcome here, Senator," she told him as he moved past her to take a seat at his appointed place. That was fair enough.

Senator Pallopides entered, looking snazzy in a midnight blue suit that put Verity's own rather simple sheath dress to shame. "Welcome, Senator Pallopides," Verity said generously. "What a suit. I simply must get the name of your seamstress. Can I get you something? Coffee?" But then the voice of a second Denon institution drawled from behind her and Verity turned to see the Chancellor herself sweep in.

"Chancellor Vexx," said Verity, her face breaking its cardinal rule of control always as her eyebrows lifted. "It's an honor. Yes -- it is, in fact," she said, nodding to the coffee. "Please, allow me. You cannot steal what I would freely give. How do you take it?" The Druckenwell Senator set about fixing the coffee to the Chancellor's specifications. "I don't suppose I can tempt you to take the last seat we need to fill our quorum," Verity said, half-joking as she delivered the coffee to Dominique. "Or is it a bit early in your tenure to be testing constitutional limitations, do you think?"

She glanced at the wall clock over the door. Well, technically nobody was late... yet.

"I'm afraid it will be administrative tasks during this first session --selecting a vice chair, agreeing a schedule, you know -- but my hope is to get the ball rolling on identifying candidate worlds, at the very least. You know what they say about the moral arc of the universe; it is long, but it bends toward -- justice, I think."

Duncan Avaron | Talokra Vosk | Ayumi Pallopides | Dominique Vexx​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Verity Stuyveris Dominique Vexx Talokra Vosk Duncan Avaron

"I'll tell you, she is a wonderful one on Mystique island. ONly the finest for the galaxies most beautiful." She said it and listened to the rest as she was getting a drink. Seeing Dominique was nice and she offered a smile for the moment. The agenda for today at least was easier to work with when she found a place. "Well then we should have plenty. There are a lot of worlds that could use renewal and a few of the worlds have been working on advanced methods. Denon's pushing itself towards cleansing and improving the lives of the people." She said it offering a small grin. "We've recently gotten many of out resource districts developed for food and water."

 

[Eharl Sarn]

​

Senate Hall
Theed City | Naboo
Items: x
Verity Stuyveris Ayumi Pallopides Duncan Avaron Talokra Vosk Dominique Vexx

​

Senator Eharl Sarn arrived a few minutes late, the doors parting wider to accommodate his towering Ithorian frame with a frazzled looking Senator's aide at his side. He had been detained by a few lobbiests who managed to wrangle the older Senator of Enarc in a lengthy conversation, and the aide had to distinctly and carefully, guide the Ithorian away to where he needed to be.

Sarn paused just inside, great shoulders dipping in a polite, almost ceremonial bow as the folds of his moss-toned cowl shifted softly. Twin amber eye-stalks inclined toward the committee, luminous and apologetic.

Both of his mouths opened together as he raised one broad, four-fingered hand in apology, the low rumbling of his voices blending into a gentle, resonant harmony as he spoke.

"My apologies for my tardiness," he said warmly. "The corridors grow longer each year, and I am obliged to listen when they remind me of it."

The Ithorian moved with deliberate care to his seat, setting his datapad down before looking up again. When his gaze found Senator Stuyveris, his eye-stalks angled toward her and both of his mouths curved into a broad, kindly smile first at her and then at the others in attendance.

"I am grateful for your patience, Senator," Eharl Sarn continued, a soft, approving hum following his words. "This is good work you are doing and I am honored to lend my voice and whatever help remains in these old hands."

 

[Duncan Avaron]

Verity Stuyveris Ayumi Pallopides Talokra Vosk Dominique Vexx Eharl Sarn
​

Duncan rose as Chancellor Vexx entered, not abruptly, but with the smooth economy of someone accustomed to acknowledging power without yielding to it. His head inclined in a respectful bow, the movement precise and sincere.

"Chancellor Vexx," he said evenly, his voice carrying the gentle cadence of Ryloth. "Your presence is greatly appreciated."

As she moved through the chamber and toward the coffee, Duncan allowed the faintest hint of amusement to touch his expression. He did not comment, but the Force around him stirred with quiet awareness.

When Verity spoke of quorum and constitutional limits, Duncan's gaze shifted briefly to her, warmth and respect mingling there. When she spoke of justice, it held his attention fully.

"The administrative work matters," Duncan said, once the moment opened for him, his tone calm and deliberate. He folded his hands loosely atop the table, posture relaxed yet grounded. "Structure determines whether good intentions endure or fracture under pressure. Choosing a vice chair and a rhythm for the work will aid in its foundation."

He glanced around the table, acknowledging the other senators before returning his attention to Verity.

"As for candidate worlds," he continued, "Ryloth stands ready to assist in identifying systems where relief would be most immediately felt. Places where people are not asking for salvation, only stability. Dignity." He paused for a moment, thoughtful. "Justice tends to bend itself more readily when those it serves can stand long enough to feel it."

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

"Nonsense, my friend," Verity told Eharl Sarn gently as she took his hand in a gentle shake, mindful of his nigh-geriatric status. "You aren't tardy at all. Pick a seat, I've got some tea steeping for you."

Ayumi Pallopides had ably filled Dominique Vexx 's (incredibly stylish) shoes, and seemed to be nearly bursting with ideas about how Denon could be of service -- and, presumably, reap the profits of that service. Verity was from an industrial world herself, so she understood the game, but they had to be careful. The appearance of impropriety -- favoring a committee member's worlds and quite possibly her donors -- would be a soft target for critics, and after all the compromises Verity had had to make in drafting the legislation, she knew that the biggest challenge would be making results that showed without having hardly any power to achieve it.

They had their work cut out for them. "I can't wait to hear all about it," Verity said truthfully. "Denon may well be worth studying, if they were able to start food production. I look forward to knowing more." She smiled, turning to make sure everyone who had something to

"I quite agree," Verity responded to Duncan Avaron . "I may find the structures of senate procedure somewhat frustrating, from time to time, but it is there for a reason, and I cannot argue with results." She smiled pleasantly as she turned to the teapot she had set by to check on it. It had been steeping about the appropriate time, and when she lifted the lid it did appear the right shade of beige, so she poured it into a cup and fixed it as she had seen Senator Sarn do a handful of times, then carried it over to his seat at the dais. With care, she set it down before him before she rounded the dais to take her seat, passing behind Talokra Vosk 's chair on her way.

Verity paused a moment behind the Chair's chair, her hand settling delicately on the leather of the backrest before she slowly pulled it out and seated herself. After a brief moment of contemplation, she scooted the seat forward, straightened herself, and minutely adjusted the stationery before her with a shallow breath. She had hoped to feel something -- some sign from the galaxy that their efforts here were ordained, some sign that they were doing the right thing. All she got was the expectant look of the stenographer, hands to the symbol keys on her machine. Verity cleared her throat and picked up the gavel, glancing at the clock once more to see it tick over to the appropriate time, then struck the gavel against the block.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have the distinct pleasure and privilege to gavel into session this, the inaugural meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Reconstruction, Eligible-World Stabilization and Transition. We are now on the record. I am Verity Stuyveris, Senator for Druckenwell and Chair of this Committee. This is the appointed hour for this meeting and present are my esteemed colleagues Senator Sarn of Enarc, Senator Pallopides of Denon, Senator Vosk of Rodia, and Senator Avaraon of Ryloth. Also present in an -- observation capacity?" She inclined her head toward the Chancellor, questioning whether she had the right word before continuing. "Is the Right Honorable the Chancellor Dominique Vexx, formerly Senator for Denon. Your Excellency is most welcome here."

She watched the transcriber at work and then went on. "The first order of our business today is to elect a Vice Chair of this committee, who will preside in the absence of the Chair. I will open the floor to nominations."

​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

"Senator Avaron," Dominique turned toward the man as he offered his greeting. "It's the least I can do. To that extent, the purpose of my own amendment was to ensure I could do more for this body; should it be necessary." The Office of the Chancellor had reserved the right to expedite or delay the Committee's efforts. A power easily abused, certainly, but any such power used too frequently had its own costs. Dominique believed in strategic applications of authority.

Dominique smiled as Verity's cordial welcome included an offer of coffee. "Just one lump of sugar." Enough to take the edge off especially with such a refined brew. Too many additives concealed the rich flavors and aromas of the bean that took so much effort and cost so many credits. Though at times it was precisely what someone wanted -- much like mixing the perfect cocktail.

The Chancellor chuckled with Verity's good humor regarding the quorum. As it would soon turn out, not requiring direct action on her part. It was a good humor the woman demonstrate, however, to broach the matter directly.

"Every initiative begins with the first discussion of roles and responsibilities. I have no doubt once the administrative affairs are settled you will accomplish everything set out on page or in Chamber that you mean to, Senator." The woman looked to be of good spirit and high octane. Good qualities to have in someone carrying the banner of a cause. Whether the countless hurdles would cause her to stumble was a matter for time to tell; but unless that happened, Dominique had no reason to doubt.

Duncan drew nearer and spoke of the importance of said administrative tasks. Wise words. Also an effective means of subtly prompting himself for position if that had been his intent. The man didn't see a cut-throat politician, but he wouldn't be the first ruthless Senator with an award-winning smile if he were.

There was naturally time for Dominique to spare Ayumi with a smile as well, and a slight cheer with her cup.

Sarn's entrance was fashionably late. In that the Ithorian was hardly late at all. The elderly man was always so conscientious, however.

The Chancellor smiled as Duncan and Verity spoke of the legislative process causing some concern. Not enough to rail and rant on about it at length, but it demonstrated their interest in participating rather than merely observing said proceedings. "A necessary consequence of so many different cultures allied for a common purpose. Should you require any assistance, my door is always open." Most of the real work happened between sessions, after all.

Once proceedings got under way, Dominique bowed her head at Verity's acknowledgement of her presence. The Office of the Chancellor had its own authority, but it was separate from that of a Legislative Committee. Officially, it was observational. Unofficially... it would depend on the way certain matters were phrased or Dominique's own inclination to tend to certain matters. If certain members thought her efforts to keep the Chamber in Order were outrageous, imagine what would happen if they found Dominique presiding over Committee affairs. An amusing thought, if nothing else.

Verity Stuyveris | Ayumi Pallopides | Duncan Avaron | Talokra Vosk | Eharl Sarn | Open​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Eharl Sarn Duncan Avaron Verity Stuyveris Dominique Vexx

She didn't know if more people were going to come in and join them... which was fine. Her smile remained while she got some water to drink with a nod of her head. She found a seat to listen in and if they were going to go for structure with it then they were likely all going to play a part. This was beneficial in the longer term. The election of a chair waas beneficial as she spoke with a nod of her head. "I would nominate senator Sarn, he has more knowledge to help and the Ithorians restoration efforts on worlds is almost second nature and inseparable with them at this point." She said it with a bow towards the Ithorian in respect.

 

[Duncan Avaron]

Verity Stuyveris Eharl Sarn Dominique Vexx Ayumi Pallopides
​

"Madam Chair," Duncan said, his voice calm and resonant, carrying without effort. "If I may."

He waited the brief courtesy of acknowledgment before continuing, eyes lifting to Verity with respect that was neither ceremonial nor performative.

"I would like as well to nominate Senator Sarn for the position of Vice Chair."

There was no flourish to his words, no attempt to sell the nomination beyond its merit.

"Senator Sarn has demonstrated, repeatedly, an ability to balance moral urgency with solid discipline," Duncan continued. "This committee will require both in equal measure. Reconstruction is not merely the rebuilding of infrastructure, but of trust. Of credibility. That work benefits from a steady hand and a clear conscience."

He glanced briefly around the table, meeting the eyes of the other senators in turn.

"I believe Senator Sarn would serve this body well in the Chair's absence, and strengthen it when present."

With that, Duncan inclined his head once more and settled back, returning the floor to the committee. His posture relaxed again, but his attention remained fully engaged. Whatever came next, he intended to see it built on something solid.

 

[Eharl Sarn]

​

Senate Hall
Theed City | Naboo
Items: x
Verity Stuyveris Duncan Avaron Ayumi Pallopides Dominique Vexx Talokra Vosk

​

"Ah, much obliged," Eharl Sarn replied warmly, both of his mouths curving into a grateful smile as he accepted Verity's hand with careful gentleness. His amber eye-stalks dipped in appreciation before brightening at her mention of tea.

"And already steeping?" he added, a pleased rumble threading through his harmonized voices. "You honor me greatly, Senator."

The Ithorian eased his large frame into a seat, folding his hands neatly atop the table as the faint steam from his cup curled upward. His eye-stalks swept across the chamber, taking in the faces present. Some were familiar colleagues while others he had long hoped to know better. It was as he thought to himself a promising beginning.

Then came the call for the nomination of the Vice Chair.

Sarn listened attentively, a polite nod here, a thoughtful hum there -- until his own name was spoken. Then again.

The SEnator of Enarc's amber eye-stalks widened in visible surprise, the expression almost boyish upon his elder features. Both mouths drew back into a broader smile equally touched and deeply moved. He turned toward Verity first, then to the others.

"I am… humbled by your confidence," he rumbled gently through his translator, "If it is the will of this committee -- and with the Chair's blessing -- I would be honored to serve."

​

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

Verity nodded and made a note on her notepad in front of her. "I have a nomination for Senator Sarn of Enarc and a second, and he has accepted the nomination. Hearing no other nominations -- " She glanced down the table at Talokra Vosk , eyebrows lifting as if to invite him to make one " -- I will take this as unanimous consent to Senator Sarn serving as Vice Chair of this committee."

She didn't know if she was supposed to gavel after that, but for good measure, she did. "Very good. Thank you for your nominations and thoughtful discussions, everyone. The next order of business is to establish a standing meeting schedule. I took the liberty of asking my aides to pull your public and committee calendars to look for days where we are generally available. I would propose a weekly meeting cadence for the first ninety days in order to facilitate the completion the tasks we are obligated by statute to complete in that period, after which time we could review the matter and reassess."

Verity clicked a key and a proposed weekly appointment appeared on the holoprojector. "Any objection?"

When the schedule had been settled, Verity clicked again and the text of the bill, Article VII appeared. "Now," she went on. "We have ninety Naboo days, give or take, to publish initial operating procedures, establish minimum standards for Assistance Compacts, propose initial budget requests and submit allocation packages to the appropriations committees, and identify potential candidates for pilot initiatives." She paused and looked along the dais in either direction. "I don't wish to be a glory hog, by any means, but my office is already hard at work on the first two tasks, and these deliverables will, of course, be subject to your review and the formal vote of the committee. The last two tasks seem to me to be things might benefit from a preliminary discussion before we start putting pen to paper. Thoughts?"

Dominique Vexx | Eharl Sarn | Duncan Avaron | Talokra Vosk | Ayumi Pallopides​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Eharl Sarn Duncan Avaron Verity Stuyveris Dominique Vexx

"We have for a quick model what they developed at At Attin. The ability for the world to sustain itself was functional even if it after a time seems to have fallen into a cycle more then progress. If we could refine the technologies there and model to be a more beneficial." She said it and there was other the Ithorians were skilled, Denon was using much in the way and they could work to research greater applications of localized terraforming technologies that some of the companies were developing. "I will admit, I am not great with funding, I often needed the chancellors counsel to not overspend or promise when funding many of the things on Denon."