Private Primeday In the Park with Dominique

[Sela Basran]

THE SENATE DISTRICT - THEED
NABERRIE MUNICIPAL PARK
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The sun was warm on that early spring day. This was Theed at its loveliest, the stone of the oldest buildings a beautiful gold, the verdigris roofs as verdant as spring itself. Birds flew overhead, some of which Sela hadn't seen for months since the beginning of the cold season. It was easy to believe that the planet was heading for brighter days, even if things inside the buildings painted a slightly grim picture. But Sela Basran was there in hopes that cooler heads could prevail and avoid a something happening that could be... possibly drastic.

Sela -- as the Jedi Liaison to the Senate -- had a pod in the building, but not an office. Something about occupying real estate in the Senate was a bridge too far. Senators who wished to consult or request mediation were welcome to invite Sela to their offices, or to visit her at Shiraya, or to walk in the park as she had arranged to do with her meeting today. But her meeting today was not just any Senator. The Chancellor herself had requested a conversation with the Jedi Liaison, and so Sela had made herself available. Since the weather looked good, they had decided on the park as a good place to meet.

Sela gathered her shawl closer around her as a breeze swept over the park, and she stepped up to queue at a little wheeled cart from which she often bought tea, centering herself in the Force.

Dominique Vexx


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[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique strode casually through the park. She did not go out of her way to shake everyone's hand or kiss every baby in sight; but to those who eye she did catch along the way, the Chancellor nodded her hand, smiled, and if they were near even shook their hand if they extended their own. The Denonite was not desperate to 'make friends' with strangers, but she wasn't allergic to them either. That being said, it was hardly her comfort zone to engage the masses so openly. A firm discipline among generals and rulers alike could apply with civilians as well to keep them from noticing; but that didn't mean she enjoyed the attention. Control, yes, but not attention.

Things would have been easier if Aurelian had remain the Chancellor with her operating in the shadows.

Well, easier for her. Perhaps things had worked out for the best considering that little diplomatic faux pas with the Mandalorians.

Soon, the white and purple adorned woman drew near the cart where Sela Basran stood acquiring a cup of tea. "Master Basran. Beautiful day, isn't it?" An ice breaker of two meeting out in the open. An opportunity for the woman to brace herself for dealing with the mercurial political type -- at least that was how Dominique imagined the Jedi saw them.

 

[Sela Basran]

THE SENATE DISTRICT - THEED
NABERRIE MUNICIPAL PARK
​

Sela had almost reached the head of the queue when there grew a little hubbub behind her. She half-turned to see the Chancellor -- a distinctive figure in her own right, even if she weren't being cautiously approached like some kind of celebrity. She smiled serenely as the Chancellor approached and offered a slight nod. Respectful without being genuflecting.

"It is a beautiful day," Sela agreed. She didn't name Dominique then -- not wanting to draw attention that wasn't already on her. "It looks like we may be approaching an early spring." The person ahead of her took their paper cup and left, leaving Sela at the front of the line. "Can I tempt you? My treat." She nodded toward the cart menu. When it was settled, Sela placed her order, paid, and took it -- distributing Dominique's to her if she indeed had agreed.

The two women wandered away from the cart.

"Do you prefer Chancellor? Or Your Excellency? Or ma'am? Or some other title?" Sela asked, her tone light but clearly signaling that she meant to be respectful of the woman and of the office she occupied. "You can call me Sela -- or Master Basran, if it is your preference." Sela lifted her cup to her lips and took a silent sip. The woman at the stall always got her tea just right. It made these sojourns to the capital all the more pleasant.

"Now: can I help?"

Dominique Vexx


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[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique regarded Sela Basran from behind her translucent lilac glareshades for a second. "I'd be delighted. Thank you." It certainly couldn't hurt, and she was curious the manner in which she had the beverage drawn up. Despite what some though, an order might just be an order; unless it involved something truly remarkable and then you might learn something about the person.

A soft chuckle followed the Jedi's kindness. "Just Dominique... Sela. This isn't a formal meeting." Cup of tea in hand, she took a second to take a sip of her own. A soft hum followed as the well brewed refreshment warmed her from within. "Events are at risk of outpacing us, if I may be honest, Sela. Moorja was just the beginning, I fear. I'm certain other governments will feign disinterest, and my efforts to demonstrate the Republic isn't full of milksops might cause them to think twice, but inevitably they will try again. And then there is the matter of Senate proposals of late drawing on the Jedi Order despite its efforts to remain separate from the political engine."

There was a moment's pause as Dominique flashed Sela a smirk. "I think it's important that the High Republic government and Jedi Order maintain an open and honest means of communicating, as a result. Actions either group takes may have ramifications for the other, and I have seen what a body Senate can do to a Jedi Order. I think we both desire to see history doesn't repeat itself."

The Galactic Alliance had made certain choices that had drawn friction between factions. At the time, it had been beneficial. Dominique did not need Jedi investigators constantly snooping around Denon as the Corporate Authorities continued to engage in war crimes or illicit activities. Things had changed drastic since those days, however.

 

[Sela Basran]

THE SENATE DISTRICT - THEED
NABERRIE MUNICIPAL PARK
​

The Jedi Master inclined her head with a kind smile. "Very well. Dominique." Sela cupped the tea between her hands, enjoying the warmth as she listened to the Chancellor's assessment of the situation that lay before them. Yes, things were reaching quite a pretty pass, and the knives seemed to be out for the Republic. Moorja had been concerning, to say the least, and the Jedi were still getting to the bottom of it. It had been ugly. It promised to get uglier still.

"Agreed, Dominique. And I am concerned that the public perception of a rift between the government and the Jedi may further embolden bad actors looking to exploit it," Sela mused thoughtfully. "For the record -- and I can speak only for myself, not the entire Order -- while I found the implications of Senator Pallopides' bill to be... troubling ...I viewed it as an excess of enthusiasm rather than some effort on her part to corral or handle the Order. And I believe her willingness to change directions speaks to her intent, as well."

She took a sip of her drink and surveyed the gentle rolling slope of the grass knolls in the park. Dark eyes took it all in. It was hard to believe that such an idyllic place was host to something so pedestrian as politics. But that was the job.

"Communication is so important," she concurred with the Chancellor. "If for no other purpose than to reduce the need for legislation to achieve what could well be done with a simple request and explanation. I suppose there are... political considerations when it comes to the optics. Perhaps there are colleagues of yours that would benefit from the appearance of friction -- or the appearance of needing to coerce the Order into doing something, whether they would have agreed if asked."

The Chancellor's commentary on the Galactic Alliance and her own former spiritual home, the New Jedi Order, was spot on. There was a delicate balance to these interactions. Cooperation could so easily look like collaboration in the wrong hands. "We are eager to be constructive," Sela said cautiously. "And we must all do our part. But we should be clear; the Jedi Order is not as it was in the Old Republic, or even as I understand it as it was in the Galactic Alliance. The current numbers simply do not allow a dispersed, broad, and sustained peacekeeping effort. It's not obstructionism, it's just math."

Dominique Vexx


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[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique nodded as Sela describe how she'd viewed a recent session in the Senate chamber. Ayumi was enthusiastic, and held fast that people were rational being with a desire to do the right thing. On the other hand, the glareshade-wearing Denonite was more pragmatic. People were often irrational and self-serving. That didn't keep her from recognizing when another seemed to have a beneficial effect on an industry or planet, however. If anything, Dominique enjoyed the ways Ayumi and Sibylla were not inclined to view the galaxy with the same lilac shades that she, herself, did. They held a necessary charm with sway of their own.

"Some would see the Order as little more than a tool. A fulcrum upon which to leverage their own aims. A... brand with recognition among the masses to tout in support of their cause, or to decry in hampering it." A soft bark of laughter interrupted her thoughts. "As the Order exists outside of the government there would be a certain amount of carelessness in how it might be referenced. A tool lent and broken is not so great a loss as one bought and owned."

A pause to draw in and expel a deep breath followed. "I have no intention of buying the Order or using it until it breaks," Dominique added to answer what might remain an otherwise unasked question. "I can temper the Senators' zeal, and not for a price. Your Order has contributed in its own way to this Republic and would be instrumental in its defense should the Sith strike. In whatever way you can. That alone is enough." Dominique turned to look at Sela with a smile. "Provided your field agents abide local laws in their pursuits." It couldn't be carte blanche for them to do as they will, but having them be outside the normal chain of command could be beneficial.

"Which is why I hope we can keep the lines of communication between us open. I can share concerns of the Republic with the Order, and you can pursue those you feel are in line with your philosophical designs. I can even offer material support as I did in the wake of Moorja. Your Healers and Knights are strong, but not inexhaustible." Dominique took a measured sip of her tea. "Would that be worth consideration?"

What if they refused? Dominique could hardly force them to agree. She couldn't even force them to accept shipments of bacta if they didn't want the appearance of owing her anything. What else could she offer to entice and reassure? The Republic needed them, and they needed the Republic. It could work if both sides allowed it.

Sela Basran​

 

[Sela Basran]

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Sela listened carefully.

There was something refreshing about the Chancellor. Dominique Vexx did not seem to dissemble or to hide behind a guise. She did not seem to need to hide what she was. Sela did not necessarily agree with the Chancellor's classification of the Order in exactly those terms, but that she put it that way -- not dressing it up as some of the more loquacious senators might -- was of tremendous value to the Jedi Master.

"I tend to disagree," Sela said quietly, her voice good-natured, not quite solemn. "I feel much worse damaging something I have borrowed than something I have purchased for myself." She gave a small shrug and frowned thoughtfully. "It takes all kinds, I think, and -- as I am fond of telling my students -- there are not always right and wrong answers. But I do take your meaning, and I appreciate what you mean by it."

She took a sip of her tea and continued strolling alongside the Chancellor. She cast a glance sidelong at Dominique, eyebrows lifting a little. "Have you something to report, Dominique? If you are aware of misconduct -- or worse -- I would be happy to bring them to the Council."

Her offer of material support felt warm, but the hairs on the back of Sela's neck prickled. "I am certain such support would be appreciated," Sela began cautiously. "Provided we are aware of any expectations that may come along with them." She hoped it was clear that this was not meant as a slight -- that the Chancellor was some sort of opportunist -- but rather that Dominique Vexx understood at a molecular level about bottom lines, tit-for-tat, and consideration in the contractual sense. Sela didn't want to wander in with the wrong expectations.

Dominique Vexx


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