Private It's a Brand New Day

[Ayumi Pallopides]

The Island's penthouse gleamed like a beautiful and frozen city. The stillness of the polished marble as Denon's sun was rising over the horizon. It was a new day and there was the continued sound across the entire planet. From the lowest levels at the surface of the planet, to the sub levels that were being burrowed into the world and connected. The construction droids who were replacing, reinforcing and upgrading the infrastructure of the world for the hundreds of levels. The island was in the middle of Upcities sea still and Ayumi hadn't taken the time or initiative to move. She liked it here, it had all of her stuff and a private island was like the ultimate thing when she was at Mystique Island and her dance club. Ayumi would go there afterr a long day and even if she just stayed in the central area it was well worth it.

Ayumi stirred slowly amid the decadent nest of silk and fur sheets, the fabric whispering against her bronzed copper skin. Artificial dawn light poured through the wide-open bedroom arches, painting the bed in molten gold and soft rose as the first rays crested the ridge. Far below, the sandy beach curved in a pale crescent, waves rolling in with rhythmic, languid crashes that carried the faint salt tang upward on the breeze. She rolled onto her side, long dark-honey hair spilling across the pale furs in a silken cascade, golden strands catching fire in the morning glow. The motion sent ripples through the bedding deep crimson silk pooling around her hips, plush white and charcoal furs brushing along the curves of her. Her body moved with unhurried grace, tall and lean yet softly curved, every inch radiating the quiet confidence she always tried to have.

Beside her, the other woman lay in peaceful repose, dark hair fanned across the pillow, skin warm against Ayumi's as their legs tangled loosely beneath the sheets. The air between them held the lingering musk of night jasmine oil, skin, and the sea while the distant call of seabirds threaded through the constant murmur of surf. Ayumi's deep honey eyes, flecked with amber, fluttered open to the light. They shifted from near-black in the pre-dawn shadows to warm gold now, drinking in the view: endless blue ocean meeting sky, the jagged green of the mountainside dropping away to white sand. A faint smile curved her lips, pulling at the small pale nick below the lower lip. Her hand drifted lazily upward, fingertips tracing the scar that was just faint against her skin when it was tanned.

The day beckoned, rich with possibility. But for this stolen moment, she simply existed in the luxury she had claimed: beautiful, scarred, indulgent, and utterly alive. She rose up with a smile though letting the woman remained there as Zahira was in the corner. The biot droid was her eternal protector and bodyguard after all and Ayumi spoke. "Let her sleep, she had a long night." THen afterward, Zahira would take her home but Ayumi had things she needed to get done as she walked and glided through a small tunnel. The water cascading as it was a mobile shower, a cleaning way she had seen before but for a senator who was busy she didn't get the chance to lounge around and enjoy it. Once she got towards the end the sonic dryer was functioning with her. She was going through much of her clothing aas she slid on the suit.

Denon's District 25 was new to most, the reforms had improved many aspects of it and Ayumi after all of the work that they had managed to do in Upcity. Herr transport has been quick and the districts themselves as they were being worked on showed other efforts. The zoo's that they had developed with hardlight enclosures were beautiful. Classes going to them to see animals from around the galaxies. Waterways from the new water processing and purification districts. Many of the advertisements were showing now all around Denon. They had even more going for them as the senators office gleamed there. The central garden for meetings, with its own pond to relax and sooth tense situations. An office that she would be able to use with a nod before her transport touched down.

The door opening to the crisp air of the district. She rose up from her seat and was walking out when she pulled her hair back a little. It was nice to be back in many instances and they had many of the reforms going in.

Melanie Sato

 

[Melanie Sato]

​

As always, Melanie rose at the brink of dawn.
​

She methodically exchanged her pajamas for a variation of her usual work clothes - a lapis blue dress shirt with a gray pencil skirt - before leaving her bedroom in the hotel room she had rented for the night. It was a sleek, modern, towering building of gleaming durasteel and glass, a far cry from the humble five-story duracrete apartment where she had lived the first eighteen years of her life. Floor-to-ceiling windows provided stunning views of the district below and all around the hotel.

District 25, which in her childhood had been referred to simply as the “forgotten city”, was now anything but forgotten thanks to the immense efforts of Senator Ayumi Pallopides’ Reconstruction initiative. In the place of rot and ruins stood a metropolis brimming with newfound prosperity. Constant sunlight, lush nature, modern residential skyscrapers, and sprawling university campuses stretched as far as Melanie’s eye could see. Back in the Seven Corners, such luxuries would have been unimaginable to all but the ultra-wealthy, yet here under the supervision of Senator Pallopides millions had been raised into a higher standard of living. It was visual proof that prosperity for all was not a utopian fantasy as her more conservative counterparts liked to think.

But there was still work to be done.

Melanie entered the hotel’s living room, where her portfolios for the day were neatly stacked atop a crisp wooden table in the center of the room. She picked up the documents as well as her work holopad, which she had placed just to the right of her papers. Melanie then stored both the portfolio documents and the holopad inside a rectangular black suitcase hanging up on a coat rack near the front door, careful to place the papers and the holopad in separate compartments of the case. Finally, she picked up her purse, an accessory with a long strap and constructed of undecorated but durable brown leather. With her suitcase slung over her left shoulder and her purse strap over her right shoulder, Melanie was fully equipped and ready to go.

Two hours and one delicious breakfast later, Melanie arrived outside Senator Pallopides’ district office exactly five minutes early.

“Miss Sato, welcome.” spoke the Senator’s secretary. “Come on in."

“Thank you.” replied Melanie.

She then entered her boss’ office, anticipating that the Senator would set the agenda.

Ayumi Pallopides

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Melanie Sato

Ayumi stepped from the transport into the crisp air of District 25, her all-white professional ensemble pristine from polished boots to crisp shirt and tailored jacket. A sharp, elegant and deliberate contrast to the lightly bronzed glow of her skin. She crossed into the outer office with long, purposeful strides. As she took in the looks of the district for a moment. Enjoying the fruits of many things... the senate district as they were centralizing many aspects of certain programs was beautiful. Bridges, hundreds of levels to the surface of the world filled with programs, workers and hotels for visiting officials. Meeting areas and more. She was walking into the office as she looked.

At the curved reception desk within the office entrance sat Megera, the secretary Ayumi had hand-picked after one unforgettable interview. Well two but only one was professional and the other was in the club island she owned. Megera's poise and razor-sharp mind had sealed the hire in minutes; what lingered sharper in Ayumi's memory was the way her gold jewelry caught the light just as it had days earlier when Megera danced with the pair of twins at Mystique Island as they were identical in every striking detail tall, curved women with rich, deep chocolate-caramel skin that gleamed under the club's pulsing lights. Hints of golden hues from cosmetic augmentations to make them highly alluring.

Their long, intricate box braids cascaded down their backs in uniform golden-brown strands interwoven with metallic threads, swaying in perfect sync as they moved. Full lips, dark eyes lined with dramatic kohl, and high cheekbones gave them an almost sculpted intensity, while their bodies full and narrow waists flaring into wide hips and powerful glutes moved with fluid, hypnotic coordination. They favored zoosha in matching ivory lace that clung to sweat-slicked skin, gold body chains draping across collarbones and hips like delicate restraints, accentuating every curve. The energies around them were beautiful and Denon's cyber augmentations welcomed enhancements like much more.

They'd pressed close on either side of Megera and several other dancers on the floor, bodies glistening, tongues playfully extended in mirrored mischief as steam rose around them pure and unapologetic that would draw every eye in the club. Ayumi looked from her elevated pavilion in the center of the club at the woman between that unforgettable pair of twins at Mystique Island. The hovering platform was above the other dancers but there was always the most beautiful of the exquisite and beautiful who were given a chance there. The allure of the club was the women of exceptionally exotic beauty.. and the booze top shelf all the way.

Megera had endured the club's brutal vetting process just to reach the director back then; now that same tenacity served as Ayumi had retaken the position of senator with Dominique rising to Chancellor nearly a week previously. Megera's rich, warm brown skin glowed under the lights, dark hair in a tight elegant chignon secured by a single gold pin. Her navy suit fit almost too well tailored to trace every curve with precision, high collar and structured shoulders projecting unassailable professionalism while the close cut left the body's power unmistakable. Gold bangles circled her wrists, thin chain at her throat catching light with quiet confidence.

Two datapads waited: sleek black for business, slimmer silver for personal. Megera looked up, dark eyes sparking with recognition, small knowing smile curving her lips. "Good morning, Senator Pallopides," she said, voice smooth and low. "I have the briefs queued: infrastructure progress reports, board addendums, skimboarding session confirmed. Tea poured atrisian red, two sugars, timed perfectly. Personal file from last night on the silver pad." She rose, bangles clinking softly, sliding both pads forward. Her gaze met Ayumi's appreciative, professional, reciprocal. Ayumi smiled slowly, amber flecks catching light. "You certainly haven't failed to rise to the occasion Megera."

Makes the galaxy feel almost lazy." She took the silver pad, eyebrows raising when she looked both over. "I'll be in the office should I be needed until the first meeting arrives." Megera's smile deepened fractionally. "My pleasure, Senator." Ayumi glided past, the familiar charge lingering as Megera resumed her work. She has a chance for Melanie to get all of her work in. She was proving effective which was good and she was hungry for reforming Denon in ways that would be beneficial to the long term plans. She had more ideas, a roadmap and there was plenty of people to meet with. She would just have to see what they would be able to do now while construction and efforts were going forward.

She took in the sight of Melanie who had arrived and offered the woman a warm smile as she was incoming. "Melanie, you look wonderful this morning." She said it gliding in as her eyes went to the panoramic view of the inner garden of the office. The pond being there for tranquility as she sipped the tea with a grin. "We have a busy day I hope." The grin was on her face when she slid the datapads on the table to look over and check the black one first. "The infrastructure progress is expanding it looks like. Their reinforcement of the levels is roughly eighty percent." Progress but essential, instead of tearing all districts up they were developing it with materia and reconstructors.

 

[Melanie Sato]

​

As always, Melanie’s boss looked nothing short of gorgeous.
​

Senator Ayumi Pallopides sat across from her at her desk, dressed in a white dress uniform that seemed to shimmer in the light while accentuating the bold red of her lips and the measured tan of her skin. It was an open secret that Pallopides was a prolific womanizer, with enough mistresses and flings to fill ten of Melanie’s suitcases with their tales. Her charm and beauty were obvious to anyone with eyes, and Melanie too sometimes had difficulty averting her eyes from the stunning Senator. But deep down, she understood that Ayumi’s allure was as much a weapon as it was a seduction. It endeared her to her people across traditional divides, and up close it was all too easy to let down one’s guard when they were the target of Senator Pallopides’ affection. For that reason Melanie admired and respected Ayumi’s character, but she would not let her boss’ charm influence her work.

“You look charming as well, Senator Pallopides.” replied Melanie. “As you have mentioned, good progress is being made in the district. Enrollment is up, vacancies are down, and basic infrastructure is in place. However, I must address the elephant in the room. This district will not be in the green financially for at least five years.”

Melanie opened up her suitcase, its hinges detaching across the middle as the case split in two atop the Senator’s desk.

“I have two written reports to present: one on the financial status of the Denon Ascendency initiative in District 25 and one on options for stable supplemental income. The first report will be on your right, and the second will be on your left."

Melanie withdrew two sheets of paper from a compartment within the suitcase, taking one in each hand and placing it in front of the suitcase to the Senator’s left and right respectively.

“First off, the current financial status of the Denon Ascendency initiative in this district.” began Melanie. “Take a look at the graph on the top of the report paper. For the first five years of operation, the revitalized District 25 will operate at a deficit - the cost of maintaining the district will exceed the revenues it produces. Only after the fifth year of operation will the district break even and produce a net profit for Denon. Until then however, Denon will continue to accrue debt from District 25, which will likely cause bankers on and offworld to issue higher interest rates, making it far more challenging to acquire funds for future projects."

“Clearly, we will need new sources of revenue to offset the short to medium-term costs of District 25 and other projects as part of the Denon Ascendency initiative. For that, my team has found two options - both with benefits and downsides. The first option is an increased luxury tax. While this may raise revenue with almost immediate results, there are two main downsides. One, it could lower demand for luxury goods and consequently reduce long-term revenue. Two, sections of the wealthy could choose to purchase luxuries offworld instead, harming local luxury distributors to the point of forcing them out of business."

“The other option, and the option I would strongly prefer, is a progressive income tax. The benefits of such a program would be less immediate, but far more reliable and long-lasting. While a few executives may choose to relocate offworld to a tax haven, most will keep their investments on Denon due to the sheer volume of consumers available to them. We will gain a permanent boost to tax revenue, potentially as much as 35%. This will allow us to fund essential social programs and infrastructure upgrades while increasing taxation for only those who are more than capable of paying up."

Ayumi Pallopides ​

​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Melanie Sato

SHe found her seat and looked at the sheets with interest, giving the full attention to Melanie as she gave her presentations. The ideas were not wrong and that was the downside of the initiative at first. It had been the hardest selling part of the many boards but Dominique had aided her in doing it. Once she was done a small grin played on her face. "Growing pains, we knew the first few years were going to be the most tricky." She said it and tricky was an understatement. She knew the initiatives were being funded by a lot more though and it wasn't just this district. It was all of them but a benefit was diligence from Melanie.

"Set up appointments with the financial districts, Dominique left us a gift when the reserve currencies were voted on and Denon controls one of the mints we reverse engineered on At-Attin." She tapped her chin for a moment as she looked up. There was the tourism they were bringing in. The facility itself they had in Upcity brought people a lot of tourism and there was The Uptown Girl flying in the skies. Ayumi though didn't discount any of it. "We have drastically reduced a lot of the expenses with the enclosures. Farming on hundreds of levels across an entire planet for production. The medical district has been renovated and they have been treating workers."

SHe said it all though and walked looking at the woman with a nod. "This is helpful through and I will bring up the increases for now with the boards. You might not like it but corporations built Denon and Dominique had a better way with them but they have accepted a lot of the changes for the projected profits that will come when they don't have to pay importing and transportation fees. When they don't have to constantly train new workers to repair aging equipment or have accidents." She said it with a small grin on her face though. She was moving around as she tapped the wood of the desk with a hardlight display coming up showing the planet and various districts.

"And it helps that I turned District nineteen into one of the most profitable without any of them being there from the lowest levels to the skyline. Some of them were chomping at the figurative bit to get a piece of our credit making endeavors." She knew some of Melanie's ideals but didn't make her spill everything just continued to want to see her passion and ideals help shape the future of Denon. "There is a lot more, the water processing districts are operating now and the people have excessive clean water." She looked at the pond in the center of the garden for show but also to swim. "We also will have better automated production for food stores."

She was walking around the rest of the way and sat down in her seat as she set the datapad down on the desk. Slipping the silver one up. "Hmm looks like Megera found a few interesting things." She said it while she was looking over many of the people. An instructor for her skimboarding lessons which tied to some of the community outreach but it was nice to know the womans interests right here. She set it down as the other ones flagged was an artist in the lower levels and an architect who could be helpful in some of the design works for building. She looked at Melanie though offering only a grin. "HOw are things in the Seven Corners? I want to make sure even if we are uplifting all we don't neglect opinions."

 

[Melanie Sato]

Senator Pallopides responded smoothly to Melanie’s opening reports, thrusting the initiative upon her once more.​

She understood her boss’ arguments - the agricultural enclosures would indeed be an immediate source of revenue that could offset part of the significant costs associated with the district renovations. So too would the medical improvements implemented across the district save costs, albeit over the longer term by reducing the prevalence of severe illnesses. However, Melanie suspected that, for all her intellect and wit, Senator Pallopides did not fully comprehend the costs of revitalizing nearly the entirety of a metropolis the size of Denon. For her Denon Ascendency initiative to succeed, either new sources of stable, short to medium term income would have to be acquired or social programs would have to be cut at great cost to billions of lower-income residents.

Senator Pallopides then brought up the Seven Corners, asking Melanie how the district was faring. Her heart warmed a little at the thought and consideration from her boss. But the stark reality of the situation in the district brought her back into work mode.

“On one hand, the Seven Corners are benefiting from renewed government investment.” replied Melanie. “Your tourism initiatives have resulted in rising employment, even in neighborhoods far from the Sakedo Tower. Decaying infrastructure is being repaired or replaced, reducing cholera and lead poisoning cases alone by 37% and 43% respectively in the past year."

“However, this investment is being applied very unevenly. Almost half of all investment in District 7 is going directly towards the Sakedo Tower and its immediate surroundings, nearly all of which are financially self-sufficient. Furthermore, in some locations outside the Sakedo Tower area, what investment is being received is being allotted primarily for luxury housing or commercial warehouses, pushing lower and middle-class citizens into more dangerous neighborhoods. Crime levels remain constant despite increased security, suggesting that some government investment is likely being misappropriated or laundered to finance underground activities."

Melanie paused for a moment to catch her breath before continuing.

“Returning to District finances as a whole, I already have three appointments scheduled with major banks in District 26 and the Overseer’s Office next week. I also have meetings scheduled for you this month with several chambers of commerce in District 2."

She reached into her suitcase, pulling out three sheets of paper from a compartment within and placing them with practiced ease in a neat line between the previous two documents.

“These papers have your schedule as well as that of me and your staffers for the next month.” continued Melanie. “You can move things around if conflicts come up, but I highly advise you contact me or Megera before you make any adjustments. Better yet, contact both of us.”

Ayumi Pallopides ​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Melanie Sato

She listened to a good amount. There was plans and they had a lot of efforts already in... even more in some cases where they were choosing to work on it. She knew the framework that she had used for Upcity and District nineteen... improving and revitalizing that had been a challenge but she knew a few other things. As she listened to the information, she was not happy and saw it as something to handle right away. "I see." She said it while sitting there and touching the datapad was flipping through information to find what she needed. "We'll make a few adjustments but we'll find where it is going." She tapped it with a smile on her face.

The news of the appointments though was good as she spoke. "Did you make sure it was with Constantine, she is much more... enjoyable." She said it with a grin as a joke more then anything as she looked at Melanie. The schedule was well it was good and efficient. She'd have to follow it at least mostly meeting wise. "Do tell me you have time on there to breathe and eat." She said it from her seat as she was using the datapad to put it onto her schedule for her interface. The little earring that showed glowing as the kirano was the best for it.

"Melanie, it's not difficult to surmise how up we feels about corporation or nobles in some cases... maybe even a few other things. And my own proclivities are, uh... well-known and, uh, often-sensationalized facts of Denon lore. What I'm wonderin' is have you gotten a chance to walk the district. Not the offices, not the hanger here but the walkways into the rotunda's? The classrooms, the mock senate debates that they have? Talked with the instructors?" She was it while sitting there. "Seen the fruits of what is being done, these reports and all of this information is vital but perspective and results even if small can do a lot to keep one moving forward."

She said it with a small smile on her face that grew. "Also the one woman in the machine shop for working on the pods and construction she is beautiful and it is important that I find reasons to go there when she is on lunch to talk with her." She gave a nod of her head but had the reports going on her desks screens while looking at the information for the funding itself. She would have to make sure it was handled to deter such things in the future. Maybe not like Dominique but she had other means at her disposal. "You don't have to but there is something fun to be had meeting more of the people and the district itself so you can see where the credits are going when someone is not being greedy."

 

[Melanie Sato]

“Yes, you do have several breaks built into the schedule.” replied Melanie.
​

“However, it’s important to remember that your work hours technically cover the majority of the day, six days a week. That is not to say that you should be constantly working during that time, but your constituents will expect you to at have a pen or holopad within reach if anything needs to be reviewed. I can only forge your signature so many times before people start to grow suspicious and question what exactly their Senator’s priorities are."

It was a strange position for one to be in, lecturing their own boss on discipline. However, Melanie had grown used to reining in the more… adventurous impulses of Senator Pallopides not long after assuming her position as Chief of Staff. It required a careful balance to respect the Senator’s personal autonomy as well as her status as Melanie’s boss while also ensuring her choices did not jeapordize her immensely important role as Senator of Denon. A year into her tenure directly under Senator Pallopides, Melanie was still figuring out exactly how to fine-tune that balance.

“Nonetheless, I can concede you this. You have three hours of free time between our scheduled briefing and your next meeting with the Denon General Medical Association. As you mentioned, we can explore the district from up close. I can even make an excuse for you to go visit that machinist of yours. I just want one promise in return."

“Spend at least half your time actually exploring the district, where the public can see you and even your naysayers can know you care as much as I know you care."

Ayumi Pallopides ​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Melanie Sato

"Good." She said it looking at her. "And I have been doing this for awhile, before the High Republic and the Alliance and the Confederacy, and the strange attempt by Darkwire to expand and overtake several worlds. I have learned amazing time management." She said it while watching her. "But your advise is noted." She said it offering her arm for the woman while she grabbed the two datapads for herself. Going to the entrance into the garden and a private walkway. "And I usually don't need that much time when talking to women... usually though there are a few exceptions but that just makes it oh so much more fun and exciting."

Ayumi said it while she was walking and pulled up the information on several other matches from the silver datapad. "Hmm Megerra knows a few things I enjoy and better, she has noted dance in their histories." She said it while she was looking over a lot more of it. "Oh I like her.... and her... hmmm harder then I thought... But they are from all over Denon including a captain in the new defense force. She might like getting to see the defense stations." She was tapping ehr chin while walking and letting Melanie join her. "I know I know but No woman or beauty is to be pursued halfheartedly... and any woman worth romancing will certainly reward more or less generously the effort made to win her."

Ayumi stepped out of her suite in the upper levels of the central administrative area. The doors sealed behind her with a soft pneumatic hiss, leaving the quiet hum of climate controls and holographic displays in the swimming area. She moved onto the elevated private walkway a wide, gently curving ramp of smooth gray marble composite reinforced with embedded metallic strips. Low transparisteel railings lined both sides, offering clear views downward as the path began its controlled descent through the heart of the structure. She almost skipped though as from here they could see out into the district but it looked like stone and metal from the other side for security.

The walkway spiraled in a broad arc, descending at a shallow angle designed for efficient yet unhurried movement. As Ayumi walked, the surrounding architecture unfolded layer by layer. The central building rose as a massive cylindrical core, its outer walls segmented into wide bands of pale alloy panels alternating with bands of tinted transparisteel. Blue accent lighting traced the edges of each segment, forming continuous glowing lines that followed the building's contours. Structural supports thick, curved beams extended outward at regular intervals, connecting the core to concentric rings of platforms and secondary structures.

Lower down, the view opened to reveal the full district layout. The senate complex spread in symmetrical concentric rings around the domed central hub. The innermost ring housed the primary legislative chambers and executive offices, enclosed by a wide circular promenade with integrated gardens and reflective pools of turquoise water. Radiating outward, additional rings contained administrative blocks, security stations, transit hubs, and support facilities. Broad bridges and elevated causeways linked the rings like spokes, each wide enough for multiple lanes of pedestrian traffic and small repulsor vehicles. Slender towers rose at key junctions, their surfaces etched with geometric patterns and topped with sensor arrays.

The entire complex sat beneath a vast atmospheric dome that filtered natural light into an even, cool blue-white glow, while artificial daylight panels supplemented it in shadowed areas. Ayumi continued her descent, passing sections where maintenance access panels dotted the walkway walls and small service droids moved along ceiling tracks. The scale became more apparent with each turn of the spiral: distant figures on lower levels appeared as specks, while the bridges spanning between rings carried steady flows of officials in formal attire, aides with datapads, and occasional security patrols. "Megera we are going to take a walk in the district. Me and Melanie will be out for the moment at least."

The district's design emphasized order and accessibility every ring connected seamlessly, with mag-lev lines running parallel to the main walkways and vertical turbolifts piercing the levels at regular points. Ayumi approached the checkpoint at the base of the private ramp. Two Senate Guards stood in position, one to the left and one to the right of the wide gateway, their stances symmetrical and unmoving. The guards wore full tactical armor in a dark amber base layer overlaid with irregular camouflage patterns in muted silvers, grays, and blacks, concentrated primarily on the lower body pants, thigh plates, and shin guards.

The upper torso consisted of a segmented plate carrier vest with multiple rows of webbing, pockets, and attachment points loaded with spare power cells, comms units, and small utility pouches. Reinforced shoulder pads extended outward, connected to upper-arm guards that ended in black tactical gloves. Chest plates featured additional layered inserts for kinetic and energy protection, with a central plate bearing a subtle Senate insignia etched in low-relief silver. Their helmets were absent, revealing practical hairstyles: one guard with brown hair pulled into a tight, high ponytail secured with a dark elastic, the other with shorter dark hair tucked under a low cap.

Faces showed focused expressions narrowed eyes scanning the approach path, jaws set in neutral alertness. Each guard carried a compact sidearm holstered on the outer thigh, secured by retention straps, with the dominant hand resting near the grip in a relaxed but ready position. A slung rifle rested diagonally across the back, barrel pointed downward, secured by a single-point sling over the shoulder. Additional gear included belt-mounted items: a multi-tool pouch, handcuff case, and a small radio clipped to the vest shoulder strap. Knee and elbow pads were integrated into the armor, padded for prolonged standing or movement on hard surfaces.

The overall silhouette remained broad and imposing due to the layered plates and pouches, yet functional for rapid response in a high-security zone. As Ayumi drew closer, the guards adjusted their posture slightly shoulders squaring, weight shifting to a balanced stance without unnecessary motion. One guard gave a single, crisp nod of recognition, the motion economical and professional. The other mirrored the gesture a fraction later. Their eyes tracked her passage briefly before returning to forward scan. Ayumi acknowledged them with a small inclination of her head and continued onto the main walkway without interruption.

Ayumi looked at them and stopped. "Oh I just love a woman in a uniform." Beyond the checkpoint, in the adjacent recessed alcove behind low translucent energy barriers, the emergency evacuation speeder sat elevated on repulsor maintenance stands. The mechanic a woman in her late twenties knelt beside the open rear compartment, one knee on the ground and the other foot planted for stability. She wore a black cropped top that left her midriff exposed, revealing intricate purple floral tattoos curling across her lower abdomen and sides in symmetrical, vine-like patterns with detailed petals and leaves.

Orange cargo-style pants covered her lower body, fitted through the hips and thighs before loosening slightly at the calves, held up by wide black belts and multiple crossover straps that looped around the waist and thighs for added security. Dark straps crossed the upper thighs, securing small pouches or tool clips. Her short, dark hair was styled in a tousled, textured crop with longer strands at the front swept to one side, strands slightly disheveled from work. She leaned forward with her left hand braced flat on the speeder's matte-orange frame, fingers splayed for balance, while her right hand held a hydro-spanner to a connection point in the thrust array.

The speeder's chassis was a low, aggressive arrowhead shape in bright orange with black panel accents and subtle purple neon trim along the seams and headlight housing. Exposed suspension coils and thick, rugged tires were visible beneath, with purple-glowing accents on the wheel hubs and exhaust ports. The canopy stood raised on hydraulic arms, exposing internal wiring bundles and the compact cockpit layout. A floating diagnostic holoscreen hovered at her eye level, displaying columns of amber text confirming system status: power cells near full charge, coolant circulation within parameters, shield generator output stable.

She finished tightening the connector with a precise twist of the spanner, producing a brief, contained spark burst that lit the compartment for a moment. Stepping back, she wiped her hands on the side of her pants, reviewed the holoscreen readouts once more, then gave the frame a light pat as if confirming readiness. The speeder idled with a low, consistent vibration through its repulsor stands, every panel and component aligned for immediate high-speed deployment. Ayumi passed the alcove and stepped fully onto the broad main walkway of the district. She smiled waving bye for the moment to the three who were there and looking at Melanie. "Come on lets go and meet some people."

Here the space widened dramatically: dual pedestrian lanes separated by a central strip of low planters, directional holo-signs floating at eye level, and occasional benches integrated into the railings. Traffic flowed steadily senatorial aides in tunics, protocol droids trailing behind, maintenance crews in utility vests. The air carried a faint metallic tang from the recyclers, mixed with the clean scent of the nearby water features. Overhead, transit tubes hummed as pods whisked passengers between rings.

The class of school children continued along the main walkway in orderly pairs, flanked by their two female teachers. The lead teacher, positioned at the front, guided the group with calm authority. She was a woman in her mid-thirties with warm brown skin, standing tall with an athletic yet graceful build. Her long dark hair was pulled into a high, neat bun secured by a simple gold clasp, with only a few stray strands framing her face. She wore a fitted navy-blue jacket that hugged her figure, the fabric smooth and slightly reflective under the district's artificial lighting, paired with matching straight-leg trousers and low-heeled black boots suitable for extended walking.

Thin gold bangles stacked on both wrists caught the light with subtle movement, and a delicate gold necklace with a small pendant rested against her collarbone. Her posture remained upright, shoulders squared, one hand occasionally gesturing toward architectural features or signaling the children to stay aligned, while the other held a slim stylus linked to a datapad for notes and itinerary checks. Her expression was composed dark eyes alert, lips curved in a gentle but firm line projecting quiet confidence as she led the group forward. The second teacher walked at the rear, keeping watch over the stragglers and ensuring the line remained intact.

She was a woman in her late twenties with light olive skin and straight black hair that fell just past her shoulders, parted slightly off-center and left loose with a natural wave. Her build was beautiful, emphasized by the way she stood with one hand resting on her hip, the other occasionally reaching to guide a child back into place. She wore a simpler version of the school's staff uniform: a short-sleeved navy blouse tucked into high-waisted navy trousers, the blouse fitted enough to outline her figure while remaining professional. Ayumi looked at the pairr of them with appreciaation though as she was making notes about the teacher. "Melanie make a note, teacherrs like them are important."

Her posture was relaxed yet attentive weight on one leg, hip cocked slightly, head tilted as she listened to the children's chatter. Her face held a soft, approachable expression: full lips parted in a small smile, dark eyes warm and watchful, with a hint of playfulness when one of the students pointed something out excitedly. Ayum looked at Melania and offered a small smile. "See perfect timing we can meet the bright future of Denon on our way arround the district. As the group drew closer to Senator Ayumi, the lead teacher slowed her pace and turned her head toward the rear teacher. In a low, clear voice she said,

"The district still feels like a work in progress, doesn't it? All those scaffolds and unfinished rings on the outer levels but thanks to the Ascendancy reforms, so many of the central chambers and the new classrooms are already complete and in use. The children get to see real progress happening around them." The second teacher nodded, her hand gently nudging a boy back into line. "Exactly. It's exciting for them. Look how far they've come in just a few years." Then her gaze lifted, catching sight of Ayumi's distinctive senatorial look with the solid colored suit pants and jacket a short distance ahead. Her eyes widened slightly, and she leaned forward to speak to the nearest cluster of children in an excited whisper.

"Look there's the Senator now! Right ahead, in the crimson and gold. Wave if you'd like, but stay in your pairs." Several children turned their heads, faces lighting up with recognition. A few small hands rose tentatively in waves, while others pointed and murmured to each other. The lead teacher smiled faintly and gave a respectful nod toward Ayumi as the group passed, maintaining formation without halting. Ayumi waalked to greet and see them as she offered smiles to the children before checking on Melanie and switching to her black datapad. Hands coming out to greet and touch shoulderrs. Even stopping with one of them for a picture.

 

[Melanie Sato]

Melanie followed the Senator down the building and into the city streets.
​

She had great respect for the architects and urban planners who had given life back to District 19 over the years. It astounded Melanie how they could go seamlessly combine visual appeal and practical utility and do so on a scale that filled an entire district serving tens of millions of people. Every neighborhood was carefully planned meticulously organized, yet flourished with life of all shapes and sizes. Even the guards that Melanie passed were the model of professionalism, standing with their weapons in unbroken formation, their patient gazes never unprofessional.

Melanie took in a deep breath, reminding herself not to idealize life in District 19. While it was true that the district had seen dramatic improvements in just about every aspect compared to the “forgotten city” days, there was still much to be done. Parts of the district were incomplete or under construction, classroom vacancies remained high, and poverty was still far from eliminated. What she and the Senator were viewing was the city center, which was the largest, wealthiest, and most developed part of the district. Beyond the guards and teachers in their crisp uniforms, beyond the shiny new schools, and workshops, beyond the perfectly symmetrical roads and transit tubes, millions of people in this district remained neglected.

Still, Melanie could appreciate the progress they had made without neglecting the work that still needed to be done.

“I know.” replied Melanie on the topic of the schoolchildren. “Without the public school in my neighborhood, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to be where I am today."

Indeed, Melanie had fond memories of Grayden Public Schools in District 7. There, she had made long-lasting friendships and met teachers who encouraged her to never stop believing in a better world. Thanks to the outpouring of support she had received in Grayden Public, she became the first member of her family to go to college, learning leadership skills and an understanding of galactic politics that would prove invaluable for years to come.

“Of all our expenditures, education is where I have always been the most lenient.” continued Melanie. “I have seen firsthand how a good public education can raise a person’s social and economic standing while injecting a fresh surge of experts into every industry, benefiting the entire planet in the process. Nothing is more tragic than a wasted or withheld education."

Ayumi Pallopides ​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Melanie Sato

Ayumi looked at Melanie as the children and their teachers were walking away. "I mean dying is pretty tragic too just saying. When I was growing up on Coruscant there was a lot I didn't know until I went to school though. I learned a lot more about people... also learned that teachers with those skirts and glasses.... hot." She said it but had a small grin. "But to be serious for a moment. Walk this way." She said it and went down the walkway as it rounded over a small grassy park. More people were out there enjoying their meals. "I have been working on my first proposed bill for the senate. Nothing major yet it will take a little refinement and polish.... but."

She said it while sliding the datapad for Melanie to look at and see. Keeping her silver one filled with available women but the business one showed a bill. She was checking on a few other things but offered a small grin. "I know, I know it is rough but that is where working on it comes to bare and this is as good a time as any we can still travel around, meet the people, see the district and get to the meetings... just you know get something better done and we'll also be able to show I am awesome." Her smile remained but she was swiping on the datapad so she could look at a few of them. "Oh Megera found me a few great ones. This girl is from district 2, her mom runs a cafe."


Bill Name/Topic: The Galactic Educational Unity & Accreditation Act (GEUA)
IC Information: In an era of increasing interstellar commerce and rapid technological advancement, the Republic faces a fragmented labor market and cultural silos. Currently, a medical degree from Naboo may not be recognized on Sullust, and architectural standards on Coruscant often baffle engineers from the Outer Rim. This disconnect stifles the "freedom of movement" that is the hallmark of our Republic.
The GEUA proposes three primary pillars:

• The Common Core Curriculum (CCC): Establishing a voluntary galactic baseline for mathematics, astrogation, Galactic Basic linguistics, and xenobiology.
• The "Legacy Credits" System: A formal recognition framework where indigenous planetary histories, artistic traditions, and local sciences are codified as accredited electives, ensuring students can transfer to off-world universities without losing their cultural identity.
• The Sovereign Subsidy Fund: A financial grant system to help developing member worlds upgrade their local academies to meet the new galactic standard without infringing on their right to self-governance.

Attachment(s): > Addendum A: The "Unity through Diversity" Clause

"No provision of the GEUA shall be used to suppress, alter, or diminish the teaching of local planetary heritage. Instead, the Republic shall provide the digital infrastructure to share these unique traditions with the wider galaxy, turning local wisdom into a galactic asset."

She had taken the time while Melanie would get to read it over to look over the railing at the grass below and she spoke. "Hey melanie look... you can see down that womans shirt."She said it and waved when the woman looked up.... offering a wink though as the woman hid her face and looked back at what she was reading. Ayumi though was turning back around to look more at the area around them and the district was coming aalong. She knew the lower levels down to the surface were in a similar enough state, rebuilding would take time and she had learned from what she had done with district nineteen when she was the director and past senator.

 

[Melanie Sato]

Melanie could only sigh as Ayumi found her next distraction.
​

“If you spent as much time checking out your finances as you did checking out out pretty women,” muttered Melanie, “Denon would have more credits than the entire Rimward Trade League."

She wrapped up reading the bill draft the Senator had presented to her, returning her full attention to her boss.

“The GEU Act has a solid foundation.” remarked Melanie. “All its proposals clearly have serious thought put into them and have the potential to create immense prosperity for the Republic. However, I have concluded from my research and that of our staff that an additional addendum is needed."

"There should be a provision establishing a scholarship fund for talented students and scholars on any planet in the Republic who lack the financial stability or transportation to attend a quality university. Each system in the Republic would have a regional scholarship board that would receive and approve recommendations from planetary education departments, with the Republic Senate only responsible for distributing scholarship funds equitably to the regional boards."

“Adding this addendum will ensure that students of all economic backgrounds have the ability to attend modern galactic standard academies."

As Melanie discussed the bill and potential amendments, she couldn’t help but be envious of her boss. While Melanie and her team had put in the majority of the direct research needed to craft Denon’s portion of the GEU Act, it would be Ayumi who got to present it in front of the Senate and debate its pros and cons with some of the most influential people in the Republic.

As much as the two got along, it would be years before Melanie had the opportunity to step outside Ayumi’s shadow.

Ayumi Pallopides
​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Melanie Sato

That got a laugh from her as she spoke. "Ah see, you do make jokes." She said it and listened to the addendum, not dividing her attention from Melanie as she gave a nod of her head. "I like it, we will get it added in there along with one or two others that might have been suggested from a few others who have read it." She said it offering just a wide grin that was warm and not political. "See though you have talent and this will help, now just have to get you to enjoy a few things.... or at least I will. I hope you will use this time to develop your style." She said it while she was walking with a look on herr face to check out other parts of the district when she walked.

"But if you learn anything from me Melanie it is this. It isn't about the glitz, the glamour, the wine, the women... even I have heard some sing songs. We do this because we want to change things and help but there are a dozen aand more approaches to that... and ways to do even more. I have alwaays been a lot better like this, just being open about it. it is hard to have a scandal when I will openly tell the people the truth. It builds a trust they want to have after so many others lie to them and try to gain their support for elections. I don't pretend with them so more trust me and I have the benefit of having turned around District nineteen."

Dominiques support had also gone a long way and still did as the new chancellor was beneficial to handling the board. "Denon is built on profit, we won't change that attitude overnight... or likely at all but changing the perception of how to make that profit is key to dealing with the people who control the boards and the companies. The jobs and investors. There is also the appealing to their unending pride, they want to do something they haven't been able to and show we are better then worlds like Coruscant which is always in constant upheaval. Having ideals is greaat but the means to get it done that helps as well. So I want you to pick a district."

Ayumi looked at her when she walked but greeted several people as she passed by and named them. Asking smaller questions as more guards were around them going into the buildings. "Rissh, always lovely. How is your wife?" SHe said it with a smile as the older guard seemed to beam and speak. The senators attention remaining on him as she listened. "She is doing good, the new hospitals have been amazing." He got a nod and arm on his shoulder. "Good, if you need time away just have the request sent to my office and I'll talk with your commander." He offered a nod while she continued to move around and talk to them stopping only so she could look at Melanie.

"As I was saying, pick a district we have reforms and renovations going throughout many but one of the lesser renowned. There is not much in district forty for instance. It will be getting all of the reforms and is already feeling many things for it with construction efforts but the districts utility itself is what I am interested in. What would you use it to do?" She said it while walking down the hallways with her hands behind her back for a moment. "ANother secret, learn the people. All of them are wonderful and have potential you just need to know how to encourage it. That was another thing I learrned in my school from my teachers."

 

[Melanie Sato]

”Wise words.” remarked Melanie.
​

“As for District 40, I assigned a team to research potential applications last month. They finished their report last week. I’ll upload a digital copy to your holopad, but the gist of it is that the district would make a great regional spaceport due to the lack of excessive vertical clutter in and around the area. Outside the main facility, other parts of the district could be used to warehouse supplies or as customs offices, increasing revenue to offset the spaceport’s expenses.”

She retrieved her personal holopad from the depths of her suitcase, holo-mailing the report to the Senator.

“Now, I’ve probably said this a couple times to you before,” continued Melanie, “…but my ideal project would be District 3. It’s everything that used to be wrong with this district and more. Dilapidated infrastructure, rampant crime, and nothing to live for but dead-end jobs and the hope of being able to move to public housing elsewhere.”

"The people there don’t have much trust in the corporations, for good reason. Furthermore, we can’t expect the same big wigs who sat back and let District 3 collapse after squeezing it dry of all investments to suddenly have a change of heart. To make District 3 livable for all, we will need an approach different from that of any other we have renovated so far."

“What I am suggesting is a government-led, government-funded project to transform District 3 from the rust belt of Denon into a center of modern green industry. Hire a construction team to repair decrepit buildings or tear them down if absolutely necessary. Open up schools in this district to adults from District 3 so they can learn new skills so they no longer depend on mining or extraction jobs. The passing of the GEUA will certainly help, but additional scholarships to entrepreneurs will help spring up new business in the district with genuine ties to the people living there. The district’s revival will be built not by megacorps, but by hundreds of small and medium businesses united by a dedication to sustainable development of their community."

Ayumi Pallopides
​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Melanie Sato

District three... Ayumi didn't pause her stride or lose her smile. "District three is home to Rachne, the Chancellors company. She might take a little convincing but she wants Denon to be strong and succeed and was essential for starting these. Still I'll talk with her about it." She said it with a smile though while she was looking at Melanie and then back to the people. "I wouldn't say your plans arre bad just try not to upset the chancellor. She did a lot to bring the boards into line with improving Denon as senator and she is taking that to the High Republic now. I doubt we would have been a dystopia of Darkwire they burned themselves out but we would have been worse off with she hadn't sought to spread the technologies we brought to Upcity and its levels."

Ayumi continued as she was going and there were more utilities coming into her datapad as Megera was giving her information that updated. "We'll also be able to do a lot on district forty. Your idea can go a long way and a dedicated port would be a good thing to have\. A few districts maybe dedicated to magnetic cradles... it would allow for storage of emergency ships." She said it and the idea of stores for supplies was a big concern. They had it in places across the planet more and was why they had been digging and making facilities dedicated to it throughout the levels, districts and even the planet itself. "We have also been looking at what was on the moons and how we will be able to use them. THey can be terraformed and worked on with stations as well as the means to have housing."

Ayumi ended at the hallway as it opened into one of the classrooms for mock senate debates, repulsor pods set up at a smaller scale but it mirrored the grand halls. Enough space for a class of thirty as in the center she walked around the podium. "It will finish and come online next week but a chance for our junior senator program to be functional. Children from all over the Republic coming here to Denon to learn and tuition as well as enrollment fees go a long way. We have space for local citizens though likely in a year there will be more interest. For now the outreach will serve to spark the interest in more and hopefully the education bill will be in effect to help with many aspects of it. We'll also have more from the adventurer's facility. Our revenue from the holonet shows has been big with some of the fights we got going."

 

[Melanie Sato]

Melanie was a little bit frustrated with the galaxy at the moment.
​

Of course District Three just had to be where Supreme Chancellor Vexx’s corporate venture was headquartered. Quite frankly, she thought it ridiculous that Dominique was even allowed to be the CEO of a corporation at the same time as she was Chancellor of the High Republic. Clearly, the Republic’s conflict of interest laws, if they existed, were a joke. But that was beyond the point, and bringing it up would right now only upset Senator Pallopides. The two were known to share a close friendship, with Chancellor Vexx being the previous Senator of Denon before handing the title to Ayumi. For better or, in this case, the worse, Ayumi would always take Dominique’s side. Even if it came at the cost of genuine, transformative change.

Instead, Melanie returned her attention to the Senator’s newest venture.

“Holonet shows are indeed proving to be highly profitable ventures right now.” replied Melanie. “But there is no guarantee that this will last. Holonet revenues are heavily based on two factors: studio investment and consumer spending. Rising studio investment means more shows advertised for Denon, which increases supply in a market where demand is nearly constant. This in turn increases consumer spending."

“The main problem is this - studios will only spend in safe markets with minimal outside disruptions. If our military loses another system to the Empire, Denon will be right on the frontier of the Republic-Imperial conflict. Film studios alongside many other investors will panic and withdraw their investments from the system to avoid having them be destroyed by Imperial forces."

“If Denon is to prosper through the High Republic’s border conflicts, we must prioritize sources of revenue such as taxation, duties, and local enterprises that will stay with Denon even when it faces the threat of invasion."

Ayumi Pallopides
​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Melanie Sato

She was looking at Melanie and offered a smile. "There are plans for many things Melanie. Remember I said to enjoy the moment, as it stands we have the tourism bureau which is making recruitment and ads for our different revenue streams. Taxes are coming in, the corporation boards are riding high on their profits as we have been modernizing much of their equipment and the districts." She was walking around the room with the mock pods that would be used. "And our adventure facility is more then just shows Melanie. One hundred random rooms designed to test a person. Corporation for team building retreats, militaries looking to train, weekend warriors wanting to show their skills."

She moved as she said it though and went through the doors leading out and into one of the outer rings of the facility. The waterways showing trees along the edges, people having a picnic with a nod of her head. "Remember that the senator of Denon is not a dictator, I have to take bills here as much as to the High Republic and handle the boards as well as the people and right now we have the momentum. The first wave of projects will be getting completed, there are the ascension stations coming online we had built for other investors which has done a lot more, there is the Sunwire shipyards and Lightwire district which rents out reformed Darkwire slicing skills to the galaxy for security."

She said it walking along the path and greeting more people. Entertaining some conversations but also having the chance to really check on the people. She went along towards the hanger bay as the speeders were all lined up and she looked at many of the mechanics. A nod of her head as she listened to what they were working on to tweak their speeders engines and unveil several of the designs being worked on to fit the new Denon looks. white plating with gold trim to it all. A beautiful design that would go with some of the buildings being designed in the rebuilt districts. "Oh these are going to look beautiful and you sent them to the Commander?"

She offered a smile and looked at Melanie. "Have you had the chanced to meet Thrace Sloane? She is the Defense for Commander brought in to train what we have." She said it and looked at the senate guards they had as well. They were trained by former guards but that was easier then others. The real trick was getting them skilled and honest police or at least ones dedicated to the goal enough they were not complete bastions of corruption. "She has been helping the engineers and shipbuilders design the third generation of defense force forces with specific ones we loan out and rent to other systems. As well as training for their smaller forces."

 

[Melanie Sato]

Melanie thought over the Senator’s words carefully.
​

It seemed as if, at least for now, pushing Senator Pallopides on further sources of income for Denon would get nowhere. She seemed determined to discuss Denon’s affairs a mile wide and an inch deep, which had brought them from the topic of district infrastructure to the education bill and now the topic of planetary defense. Melanie knew better than to try to pin Senator Pallopides down on a single subject, resigning herself to let Ayumi take control of the conversation.

“I have not met Commander Sloane yet.” responded Melanie. “I do however have a meeting scheduled with her in three days."

“Perhaps more powerful and modern defenses will help encourage businesses as well as everyday citizens to stay on the planet.” continued Melanie. “However, we must be careful not to proscribe a military solution to anything other than military problems. Nor should we sponsor corporations that create chemical weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, however powerful the enemies of the Republic may seem."

Melanie turned to gesture towards the speeders they were walking past, modified to Denon specifications. A domestic manufacturing core would certainly boost planetary defenses while giving gainful employment to many.

“In general, I believe we have done well on this front.” elaborated Melanie. “The more domestic manufacturing there is, the more prosperity and jobs there will be on Denon. Still, we must be careful to ensure that workplace safety standards are followed, especially in shipyards and arms factories where a single malfunction can kill."

Ayumi Pallopides
​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Melanie Sato

"I don't think we do." She said it as a more serious thought when she was mentally going over many of the companies they had. Denon was a world of businesses and well much like someone funneling credits meant for improvements as Melanie showed the many businesses they were looking to help flourish and get off the ground to encourage workers and profit... could do untowards things. "It is certainly a place to make a line and add it to the list for audits and investigations. We'll improve and suggest diligence in making sure such weapons are not being manufactured." She gave a nod as it was a good idea and line to have for their standards.

"We'll have to add it to the list and agenda when I meet with some of the district leaders. Get a further inventory of what they have in all of their districts business wise." Which meant more work and longer hours and she blew out a breath... well she was up for it. Take out food in the senate district was some of the best they could get sent to themselves. Ayumi was looking at Melanie though and gave a nod of her head. "Workplace safety is important and one of the things we are looking to improve, along with much of the incentives to retain workers instead of burning through them. Healthy and safe workers means there is more prosperity."

Ayumi said it as she continued to walk through the rooms of the district. Clasrooms some filled, some empty or under construction and came to one of the lesser seen areas but she was able to look at the railing around a chute. Large enough for the lifts to come from below and she looked down but touched the shimmering shielding. "One of the new safety measures for the level shafts. gravity shielding so if someone falls it will send them back up. Since we are reinforcing the structures of all the levels in all of the districts we will be able to make better lifts and connections. Lift speed might need some research and development but if we could make it like some of the trams it could be fast."

She saaid it while looking at her chrono with a smile. "See we are making good time, get to enjoy the sights, see the people."

 

[Melanie Sato]

Overall, Melanie thought her meeting with the Senator had gone well.
​

Important issues of policy had been discussed, and Senator Pallopides had given her an opportunity to explore the district while doing so. It was often difficult to understand real-world situations if one never left their high-rise office, so being able to travel with the Senator was certainly a benefit to Melanie. While their differences remained, especially over the influence of Chancellor Vexx’s personal enterprises on Denon, there was far more that the pair agreed on. Even where they disagreed on fundamental issues, Ayumi always listened to Melanie with an open mind, which she greatly appreciated. It made her feel as if she did not need to hide anything about her, even the messy and radically progressive parts.

So as Senator Pallopides sent Melanie off, she did not try to force the Senator to discuss more business with her. Not every day required the passing of bills or meetings with top officials to be productive, especially where Senator Pallopides was involved. She clearly paid attention to the needs of Denon down to the level of individual citizens, making her popularity no surprise. There would be other times to try to convince the Senator to shift further left on vital economic issues or debate her personal spending habits.

For now, Melanie would take up her boss’ offer for a much-needed break.

“Sounds good.” responded Melanie. “Remember, you still have two hours time before your next appointment. You shouldn’t forget to go enjoy yourself too. Though knowing you, I doubt that will be an issue."

Ayumi Pallopides
​