Faction Senate Security Reformation Act [THR]

[Aurelian Veruna]

Senate Security Reformation Act
Senate Bill No. 4726

Spoiler

Shout out to Patt for this Bill. Please take the time to discuss or argue. I will have Aurelian out and about to do a little different way of Senate RP, if you wish to communicate that way instead of soapboxing. Please submit any edits to the bill you wish to see in spoilers at the bottom of your post. I will continue to push this thread, we have a timeframe we would like to have it completed.

Aurelian stood at the center of the Assembly Hall. The soft hum of the chamber carried the weight of a thousand murmured voices. Light streamed through the great transparisteel dome above, catching the gilded trim of his robes, giving him that faint halo the press loved to photograph; he looked part statesman, part specter of Naboo's royal line.

When he finally spoke, the hall stilled.

"Honored members of the High Assembly," he began, his voice smooth and measured, but edged with the fatigue that comes from too many nights without sleep. "We stand here as stewards of a Republic that must learn from its own vulnerability. We cannot afford to be passive."

He paused, letting his gaze sweep across the room, taking in the senators, the aides, and the datapads already alight with notes and projections. "The recent attack on this very chamber was not just violence; it was a clear challenge. It exposed deep fractures in our security that we can no longer afford to ignore. Senator Joa Sodi of Quarzite has now brought before us Senate Bill 4726-R, the Senate Security Reformation Act."

He gestured subtly, and the holoprojectors flared to life around him, casting clean blue light into the air. "This bill seeks to restructure the Senate's defenses completely. It proposes the establishment of a Republic Security Council; nine administrators tasked with crucial oversight, coordination, and accountability. This reform restores faith that those who stand in this hall may do so without fear."

Aurelian inclined his head toward Senator Sodi's platform. "I commend Senator Sodi for her clarity of purpose. The intent here is the fortification of trust. The bill is a promise to the citizens we serve."

His smile was sharp and fleeting, cutting through the formality for a moment. "That said, transparency remains our most significant defense. I open the floor to the Assembly for discussion. Let this chamber do what it was built for: debate, deliberate, and decide the future of our Republic."

He stepped back from the podium, as the hololights dimmed to neutral white. Aurelian's tone softened as he added, "For those who wish to raise immediate concerns or require clarification, I'll be available outside the chamber to answer questions personally while the discussion proceeds."

A subtle, respectful bow followed. With that, Aurelian descended the dais and slipped through the great arched doors into the marble corridor beyond. The sound of democracy, the lively murmurs and starting discussions, was alive behind him, but the weight of vigilance remained heavy on his shoulders.

​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique only half-listened to Aurelian's speech. She'd heard similar before. On Denon. Whether they had genuinely good intentions or not, all the right phrases, all the right 'high notes' were struck to make it sound like what everyone needed and expected. Whether it turned into that very thing everyone claimed or became excited for was another matter entirely.

The Republic Security Council, for one. Sounded great on paper. Nine members, oversight, assignment of command personnel, appropriations, and coordination with other Intelligence and Judiciary entities. What was there to complain about? Dominique was curious as to the initial board, however, and what their objective would be. Was it bolstering security? Was it rewarding investors? Only time would tell. That Joa had a reputation for being progressive didn't sell Dominique on the merits of the Bill either. That too could be another trick.

Actions. Actions told the tale, and only in time were they made.

With a few quick taps, Dominique proposed a minor modification to Article IV Paragraph 2:

Members are nominated by the High Chancellor, and confirmed by the High Assembly;
A two-thirds majority vote is required to impeach and remove a Security Administrator appointment.

After all, if they had concerns over the language in the Republic Reserve System, why should the same means of selection not be used here?

With that out of the way, Dominique turned to follow Aurelian out of the chamber.

"The Republic seems reluctant to acknowledge the galaxy in which it resides," the Denonite announced with a silky, soft voice after she'd passed through the arched doors. Her painted lips pursed for a moment as her golden gaze fell upon the ground before which she stood. "Perhaps if more of them had been out here they would understand just how near the danger is." Dominique had, after all, defending the chamber -- unwittingly by simply being present when it came under siege -- though she hardly needed a personal awakening of what threats existed. Denon provided enough experience on such matters.

"Still, I hope the Republic will select a suitable partner to train its forces. It is not enough to merely have enough bodies and equipment on hand. You could easily end up with a larger, but as ineffective a force or -- worse -- a corrupt one intent on seizing whatever is in their reach. Recovering from either of those states is neither quick nor cheap." Dominique knew of what she spoke. After all, she sought to replace CorpSec with CRTLd.

Her personal security force? By necessity, yes. CorpSec was the result of the Corporate Authorities of Denon and the Executive Board being consumed with personal interests and using the security force as a brutal force able to suppress dissidents -- not one concerned with the rule of law. Given how lax corporate law was on Denon, Dominique believed CorpSec hadn't been directed not to enforce it they'd merely being brought up in a social structure that begged why they should bother. And it was taking time finding people that still cared.

Aurelian Veruna | Joa Sodi | Open
​

Spoiler

Article IV Paragraph 2:

Members are nominated by the High Chancellor, and confirmed by the High Assembly;
A two-thirds majority vote is required to impeach and remove a Security Administrator appointment.

 

[Eharl Sarn]

​

Senate Hall
Theed City | Naboo
Open | Dominique Vexx Joa Sodi Aurelian Veruna

Senator Eharl Sarn sat within the curved pod of Enarc, the faint hum of the chamber resonating through his chest and up his twin mouths. The large, amber eyes stalks followed Aurelian Veruna as the young Interim Chancellor, former Senator of Plooriod III, concluded his address. The elected King of Naboo addressed had been delivered in a clear, decisive tone that was tempered by strain yet carried the gravity of conviction. A curious change from the way the former Senator had stood tossing his fist into the air, covered in blood, in the wake of Wielu attacks, as he called for a state of emergency and defense package.

Times had indeed changed.

Eharl could respect that. In all his long years, he had come to know the difference between speeches meant to inspire and those meant to heal. This, he thought, was a little of both.

As the holoprojectors dimmed, the tall Ithorian turned his attention back to the glowing script of Senate Bill 4726-R. The Security Reformation Act. A noble cause, he thought softly, though nobility alone seldom built the Republic's trust. His clawed, slender fingers traced the edge of the datapad in a thoughtful manner

Corporate interests on Enarc had already sent him their opinions, some supportive, others wary of any new oversight that might reach too far. Still, Eharl believed in discussion, not division. He let out a low, rumbling breath, adjusting the translation collar at his neck before moving to explore what the other senators thought.

He had wished to consult Lady Abrantes, no, Queen Abrantes, as he corrected himself. He was pleased his young mentee was in such a position, if temporary, but she was already proving herself. She reminded him of Kalantha , and at that the Ithorian felt a pang of ache in his chest.

He dearly hoped they could locate and rescue the High Chancellor as soon as possible.

For now, the only other counsel he thought of was of Senator Dominique Vexx . Sibylla had placed faith and spoke well of her. Perhaps Denon would have insight.

"Let us see," he murmured with his billowy tone gentle but firm, "if this promise of security also carries the weight of fairness." As he went in search of the young lady.

 

[Joa Sodi]

SENATE SECURITY REFORMATION ACT
Theed, Naboo

As her bill was introduced to the Senate and her name was spoken by her colleague-turned-King-turned-Interim-Chancellor, Joa Sodi of Quarzite dipped her head in graceful acceptance of Aurelian’s commendation. She was a modest woman who carried out her duties for the benefit of the Republic, not social clout… but acknowledgement of hard work would make anyone smile. Joa kept the expression brief and graceful, turning her focus to Senator Dominique Vexx of Denon.

The woman could best be described as “sharp” in Joa’s mind. Though the Republic’s political parties lacked formal leadership roles in the official sense, there was no denying that Vexx was the name and face of the Corpo-Confederates. Her voice hummed with the low buzz of commerce and industry as she spoke.

“An oversight in verbiage,” Joa admitted as she considered Vexx’s proposal. “Yes, not only should the Senate hold the power to veto an appointment, but also to impeach should the office fail to protect and serve the Assembly.”

There was no argument to be found on that matter. Joa nodded and smiled, performing the clerical tasks necessary to add the amendment to the voting ballot. Once finished, Senator Sodi glanced upward at the Assembly, awaiting further discourse should any arise.

Tags: Aurelian Veruna | Dominique Vexx | Eharl Sarn | OPEN​

 

[Ravion Corvalis]

Aurelian Veruna | Joa Sodi | Dominique Vexx | Eharl Sarn​

The chamber lights were too bright in his opinion, it clashed with the colour palettes of the senatorial pods. Colour opinions aside Ravion was a sea of calm as he adjusted the cuff of his cream-coloured sleeve and leaned toward his aide, who was already standing beside the dias with a datapad held like a shield.

“Has the amendment revisions been released yet?” Ravion murmured.

The aide, a striking Chiss woman with eyes of the most intense piercing red shook her head. “No, Senator. They’re holding them until after the Chancellor’s statement.”

A faint smile touched Ravion’s lips. “The acting Chancellor’s statement.” He corrected. “And of course they are. Nothing invites applause quite like secrecy.” He flicked his gaze to the chamber floor where aides, guards, and droids swirled in restless motion. “Still, we shan’t oppose it. We’ll simply remind them what happens when power forgets its own reflection.”

The aide’s brow furrowed. “You plan to support the bill? I thought you…”

“Visibly,” he replied, voice a low current. “But visibly and completely are not the same thing.”

When the call for comment reached his dais, Ravion rose. The lights tilted toward him, and his reflection glimmered on the polished marble beneath his feet.

“Honourable Senators,” he began, his voice carrying with deliberate calm, “today we are considering not merely a bill, but a mirror held up to our own fears.”

He paused just long enough to let the murmurs settle.

“I commend Senator Sodi for her diligence in presenting the Senate Security Reformation Act. After the tragedy that struck this Assembly, no one among us can deny the need for vigilance. The people demand it; conscience demands it.”

He inclined his head slightly toward the Chancellor’s podium in a respectful, but measured gesture.

“However,” Ravion continued, “vigilance must not become appetite. In our haste to fortify these walls, let us ensure we do not wall ourselves in.”

He gestured lightly toward the holodisplay showing the bill’s articles. “Nine administrators, appointed by one hand. A two-thirds challenge threshold. These are not safeguards, they are assurances; assurances that the Republic Security Council will answer upward, not outward. We risk creating an echo chamber in the very place meant to guard against silence.”

He let his tone warm, almost reassuring. “I do not oppose oversight. In truth, I welcome it. But let that oversight be seen. Let’s put a civilian seat among the nine. Rotational appointments, transparent audits of modernization contracts, publication of loyalty screening protocols. These are not hindrances, they are guarantees that the public’s trust is not traded for our own protection.”

A ripple of assent moved through some sectors. Others stiffened. Ravion noted both.

“Honourable colleagues,” he said more softly now, “the Senate must not mistake a fortress for safety, nor confusion for reform. The Republic’s strength was never measured by how thick its walls are, but how open its doors remain. Let us build wisely and remember that fear is the most expensive architect of all.”

He inclined his head again, the perfect picture of deference.

Ravion turned slightly toward his aide and murmured, just loud enough for her alone

“Now they’ll think I’m the reasonable one.”

Spoiler

ARTICLE IV -

“The Republic Security Council shall consist of nine (9) appointed members; one (1) Chief Security Administrator and eight (8) Associate Security Administrators. Appointments are made by the High Chancellor and may be challenged by the High Assembly; a two-thirds (⅔) majority vote is required to overrule a Security Administrator appointment.”

Proposed change to

“The Republic Security Council shall consist of nine (9) appointed members; one (1) Chief Security Administrator and seven (7) Associate Security Administrators and one (1) Publicly elected official. Appointments for Security Administrators are made by the High Chancellor and may be challenged by the High Assembly, appointment for Publicly elected official are voted by the Republic Public at same time as Senatorial Elections; a two-thirds (⅔) majority vote is required to overrule a Security Administrator appointment. Any decisions made that adjust the build of the RSC must be filed and reported publicly.”

ARTICLE VI -

“Mandatory background screenings and loyalty assessments prior to commission.”

Proposed Amendment:

Requirement of a publicly accessible criteria or a Senate-approved charter defining what counts as “loyalty.” Supported by the creation of an independent review board within the RSC to handle disputes about screening results.

ARTICLE VII -

“The Ministry of Defence, in coordination with the Department of Civil Engineering and the Republic Security Council, shall modernize all Senate security installations, facilities, and technologies.”

Proposed Amendment or Addition:

Require independent auditing of all security modernization bids and creation of a Mandate for public disclosure of contractors and expenditures through Senate records

ARTICLE VIII -

“A Joint Oversight Committee on Security Enforcement shall be established to: Conduct annual reviews of SSF performance; audit expenditures and modernization programs.”

Proposed Amendment or Addition:

Make the Oversight Committee’s reports public or subject to Senate floor discussion and Require quarterly reviews rather than annual, ensuring continuous transparency.

ARTICLE V -

“Institute a system of merit-based promotions subject to review by the Republic Security Council.”

Proposed Amendment or Addition:

Codify that political affiliation or Senate faction cannot be used as criteria for advancement within the SSF.

 

[Aerys Mourn]

Senate Security Reformation Act

Tag: Aurelian Veruna | Dominique Vexx | Joa Sodi | Eharl Sarn | Ravion Corvalis​

The senator from Vandor stood in the back corner of the chambers, his steel-grey eyes glancing around the room, flashing to the Interim High Chancellor as he spoke, bringing the session to order on the issue of the Reformation Act. His hands rested clasped together behind his back as he listened, his brow furrowing gently at the words.

As soon as the words escaped Aurelian's lips and he closed his opening statements, the room filled with a flurry of movement and voices as senators moved to discuss the issue among themselves. Aerys continued to scan the room, his senses pushing out as he listened to the conversations around the room. He did not intend to be a storm to shake the conversation, but a gentle wind that picks up every little conversation from his position in the back of the chambers.

Once more, his eyes flashed as the voice of Ravion raised above the others, the room's eyes following his gaze to the man. The room listened to the words the man spoke. Aerys listened, his pose still as rigid as the moment he had walked in, before Ravion's words fell to silence.

His mind thought briefly before he spoke, his voice carried over the chambers, his voice holding none of the eloquence of his heritage but the gruffness of someone forged from hardship, "Senators, I understand the worries that come from the positions we hold, and the dangers that come from it. Senator Sodi has done great work on bringing forth a system to protect those who stand within these walls, but I pray we keep in mind that those we appoint to these offices hold more weight than just the duty of protecting us and our families, any corruption and those meant to protect us and ours would soon be turned against us.... In these dire times, we must continue to think rationally and not give in to fear of another occurrence that has stained these hollowed halls." His hands clenched tighter together behind his back as he spoke, his face stoic as he spoke, not flinching a bit at the attention it would bring to him.

As the words finished escaping his lips, he gave a slight bow of his head, letting his declaration come to a close.

 

[Eharl Sarn]

​

Senate Hall
Theed City | Naboo
Items: x

Senator Eharl Sarn's pod eased into motion, gliding toward the sector where Senator Dominique Vexx 's stood lit in soft blue. The Ithorian adjusted his robes, the edges embroidered with Enarc's crest, and smiled warmly as he spotted not just Vexx, but Senator Joa Sodi beside her.

"Ah, what a welcome sight," his translator chimed, carrying the gentle tone of his native speech. "Two of the most thoughtful minds in the chamber, together."

The Ithorian inclined his long neck in greeting, the twin mouths of his curved head forming a pleasant hum before he continued, "If I may, might I join you both for a moment? I was most curious to hear your thoughts on Senator Ravion Corvalis 's proposed amendments and the follow-up by Senator Aerys Mourn . They seem to have stirred quite the current beneath this debate."

His large amber eyes glimmered with interest as he folded his hands before him in a patient and sincere manner that perfectly punctuated his kindliness -- a virtue which his staff tried to ensure was not taken advantage of by shrewd cunning lobbyists.

"I promise not to interrupt too much. Only to listen and perhaps learn."

​

 

[Joa Sodi]

SENATE SECURITY REFORMATION ACT
Theed, Naboo

Joa nodded kindly, a soft smile on her lips.

"Of course, Senator Sarn," she invited. "A moment, please, as I review the proposed amendments..."

A moment of small panic jolted through the Kage's body—oh how she wished she were a faster reader. Her eyes ran at a pace that was both comfortable and expedited. After a brief but thorough time in silence, Joa looked up to face Eharl Sarn with an expression that revealed piqued interest.

"If the Assembly is worried about cracks through which corruption may flow, I believe a public vote for one of the seats may undermine what we are working to accomplish. After all, public votes are more or less popularity contests. Not to mention the added logistics of such a role; from which pool do we find our candidates and by what means do we measure their qualifications?"

She paused, thinking over the words. "Yes, one could argue that the appointments themselves are arbitrary. But one must also remember that the Chancellor is appointing the heads of security for his or her own detail; even a corrupt head-of-state would not risk their own life by choosing poorly."

There was no qualms over the loyalty assessments from Joa, though she did find it a tad too bureaucratic to instate another review board to oversee screening disputes. Loyalty could be measured easily enough by the dedication of those appointed, but if the people wanted their taxes to fund yet another committee, she would find another hill to die on. As for the remainder of the amendments...

"It's a security risk to publicly disclose itemized expenditures or the Oversight Committee's findings. Such sensitive intelligence would be detrimental if revealed to the broader public. There are billions of eyes and ears in Republic space; it's simply unnecessary to pass around handouts that would reveal our flaws and shortcomings."

Senator Sodi looked from Sarn to Vexx, then back again.

"I'm interested to hear your thoughts as well," she said, her smile returning. While she enjoyed writing bills very much, Joa loved the discourse that followed their presentation even more.

Spoiler: Joa's Standing

• Senator Vexx's amendment to Article IV: AGREE
• Senator Corvalis' amendment to Article IV: DISAGREE
• Senator Corvalis' amendment to Article V: AGREE
• Senator Corvalis' amendment to Article VI: INDIFFERENT
• Senator Corvalis' amendment to Article VII: DISAGREE
• Senator Corvalis' amendment to Article VIII: DISAGREE

Tags: Aerys Mourn | Aurelian Veruna | Dominique Vexx | Eharl Sarn | Ravion Corvalis | OPEN​

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Location: Assembly Hall
Tags: Dominique Vexx | Aerys Mourn

Aurelian had lingered in the marble corridor, savoring the brief hush beyond the Assembly doors, when Dominique's voice found him. He turned as she approached, a dangerous smile easing into place like a reflex.

"Senator Vexx," he greeted, inclining his head. "You always manage to find the fault lines before the rest of the chamber even sees the stone. I saw your proposed amendment." He paused, brief and deliberate. "A necessary correction. Power should never rest unchallenged, even in good faith. I'll back it."

He studied her, weighing the sharp gleam in her eyes. "As for training and command, yes, we'll need more than protocol. The Republic's last mistake was assuming structure alone breeds discipline. You're right; rot starts small. I'd rather it not find purchase here." His gaze flicked toward the towering doors. "I appreciate your candor, Senator. Don't lose it; it's rarer than you think."

He offered the faintest grin, then moved away as his commlink chimed. Holoscreens in the corridor updated with the latest amendments: Corvalis. The Senate was beginning to stir in earnest now, the real work emerging beneath the speeches.

He tapped his holotablet and dictated quietly to his aide. "Corvalis wants a civilian seat on the RSC. Interesting. Public visibility plays well, but execution will be a nightmare. Loyalty charter and auditing requirements. Useful, if they don't strangle us in bureaucracy. Make a note: prepare a statement on operational independence, something that keeps the Council's spine intact."

His steps carried him back into the chamber proper, the echo of conversation washing over him. His gaze swept upward until it found Senator Mourn's pod near the back, and Aurelian adjusted course. He looked as rigid as a statue: composed and deliberate.

When Aurelian reached the pod, he inclined his head politely. "Senator Mourn," he greeted. "You spoke well in there. Restraint isn't a common virtue in this hall. Tell me, what's your read on all this? Do you think we're building safeguards or cages?"

Spoiler

Senator Vexx's amendment to Article IV: AGREE
Senator Corvalis' amendment to Article IV: AGREE
Senator Corvalis' amendment to Article V: AGREE
Senator Corvalis' amendment to Article VI: AGREE
Senator Corvalis' amendment to Article VII: AGREE
Senator Corvalis' amendment to Article VIII: DISAGREE

​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique returned Aurelian's smile. Why wouldn't he back it? The man knew of Denon. A world whose government met every Republic requirement for self-determination by the letter of the law. Now, its spirit was quite a different thing entirely. Give the people their "voice" by proxy. Let them seem to have a hand in whom gets selected. It was all a formality anyway unless a candidate was truly abhorrent. But the appearance made everyone feel in control.

There was no apology in her heart for exploiting the system. If she didn't, others would and they wouldn't be half as considerate.

Perhaps Sibylla never did get around to telling Aurelian of Kira's enthusiasm. Or perhaps that was one of the things that had led to the day's legislation. In either case, he didn't seem perturbed. Nor should he, really. The penetration test had been for cause.

Golden eyes watched as Aurelian answered his commlink and stepped away. A slight twitch at the corner of her lips accompanied her eyes on the man's back. Ever the compliment. Ever the reason to be elsewhere without revealing anything of import.

With no further reason to be in the corridor, Dominique turned and strode back into the chamber. The glareshades grew more opaque to conceal the severity of her golden gaze. It was only a moment afterward that Sarn's pod drifted near. He was a man that did not have the cunning of Aurelian, but he did possess a heart for those he represented. Sibylla favored him having spent time guiding him in Assembly matters; and so Dominique felt some measure of responsibility to ensure he did well. Long as their interests were irreconcilable.

He seemed to catch Dominique near Joa, and greeted them in measure.

"Senators Sarn, Sodi," the Denonite's smile was renewed at their approach. "An elected position is a non-starter. If every council, board, committee, and department head is chosen by direct democratic processes we shall end up a government comprised entirely of those of silver tongues, deep pockets, and little ability. They ask for a single seat, but if one now, why not more later? A representative government is elected to see to these matters in the place of the populace so they do not need to be experts in all facets of governance. If anything, it should be this Assembly overwhelmingly concerned about the capabilities and fiduciary responsibility of this new Security Force."

A fine brow rose at Joa's concern about the disclosure of budgetary matters. Dominique nodded slightly as she expressed her thoughts on the matter. "A governmental budgetary oversight committee given discretionary access to such information, charged with its confidentiality, but duty bound to ensuring the proper distribution of funds for the People would be better." A chuckle followed suit. "Which, I assure you, the Economic Development board monitors closely."

The section about loyalty was actually of more concern, but Dominique felt confident of being able to manage that maze. Others might not be so fortunate, depending on who was left to manage such a thing.

"There is a line, Senators, between having an appropriately sized and trained security force, and one built and levied to forcibly assert a political agenda. Senator Mourn is not wrong to be mindful of that line, but the Republic -- as it is today -- is in no danger of stepping over it. Naboo has enjoyed a great deal of peace as other factions have been dormant or engaged with one another. That, however, is changing. We must change with it or corruption shall be the least of our worries."

"In short, I'd vote against the modification of Article IV as proposed by Senator Corvalis, and selectively vote against the disclosure of information publically or outside of established and vetted committee members."

Dominique turned her gaze from Joa to Eharl. "I appreciate your willingness to listen to us go on, but your thoughts are welcome in these matters as well, Senator. Especially if you have a perspective that differs from either of ours." If it weren't for Sibylla's interest Dominique wouldn't be quite so encouraging to someone willing to be led in how they voted.

Eharl Sarn | Joa Sodi | Aurelian Veruna
Ravion Corvalis | Aerys Mourn​

 

[Ravion Corvalis]

​

The murmurs of the chamber rolled through the air easily distinguishable as background noise from where, in the upper tiers, Ravion’s pod hovered in its usual place. He had started making it a habit to be not so close to the floor as to appear ambitious, as well as not so far as to seem aloof. His was a game of being balanced. Always balanced.

Kayrce sat at his shoulder, her crimson eyes faintly reflecting the holoscreens flickering across their console. She was reading the live transcript of the debate, the changes and the revisions as well as the disagreements and busied herself highlighting sections with quiet precision.

Ravion leaned back in his chair, watching the slow spin of the chamber as he idly turned the large kyber stone crystal ring that sat on his middle finger, it was a habit he had realised he had taken up of late. Beat smoke sticks though he guessed.

“I’m surprised we haven’t heard from Naboo’s wonder boy yet, he never wastes a speech,” he murmured, voice low enough not to travel beyond the pod. “ Counters of the optics here, Substance questions there… and yet, do you notice? No one actually rejected the premise.”

Kayrce’s fingers paused mid-scroll.

Ravion smiled faintly. “They argue against my amendments as if that alone legitimizes the foundation. It means the language has already settled in.”

The Chiss inclined her head slightly. “Sodi is right about disclosure being a security risk. If she pushes that line hard enough, your transparency clause will fall apart.”

“That’s fine,” Ravion replied, eyes focusing on several of the nearby pods. “Transparency was never the point. Perception was. They think I want sunlight. All I really need is a skylight; one I can open when it suits me.”

Kayrce’s crimson gaze flicked to him. “Then what is the objective?”

He reached for his datapad, tapping to expand the voting map as if it were a painting. “The Council seat. If I can get the language softened to ‘civilian liaison’ instead of ‘representative,’ it becomes an appointed position. A position I can make sure I have leverage over, eventually. The rest of it; loyalty boards, oversight charters, let them fight over indefinitely. Bureaucracy is the Republic’s most dependable form of sedation.”

Kayrce considered that, then allowed the faintest smirk. “And if they reject all of it?”

“Then I become the moderate voice they ignored,” Ravion said softly. “The reasonable man in a room of zealots and paranoiacs. The one who tried to make the Republic accountable, only to be shouted down by its own fears. Either way, the bill works for me.”

He set the datapad aside and rose, smoothing the front of his coat. Below, the pods drifted and repositioned; small pockets of the worlds they represented turning around their own gravity wells of ambition.

“Kayrce,” he said, “draft a statement for the press office. Something measured, something calm; ‘Senator Corvalis expresses faith in the Assembly’s deliberations, and remains confident that dialogue will yield a balanced and enduring solution.’”

She gave a curt nod, already entering the note. “And what about a private message to Veruna?”

Ravion’s smile returned, cold and bright. “Tell him I’m open to compromise. And that compromise begins at a price.”

He turned back to the chamber, hands clasped loosely behind his back, the image of a man steeped in patience.

“Fear moves the Assembly,” he murmured, almost to himself. “All I have to do is decide where it moves next.”

Aurelian Veruna Dominique Vexx Joa Sodi Eharl Sarn Aerys Mourn​

Spoiler

ARTICLE IV - STANCE UNCHANGED

ARTICLE VI - STANCE UNCHANGED

ARTICLE VII - STANCE UNCHANGED

ARTICLE VIII - STANCE UNCHANGED

ARTICLE V - STANCE UNCHANGED

 

[Aerys Mourn]

Senate Security Reformation Act

Tag: Aurelian Veruna | Dominique Vexx | Joa Sodi | Eharl Sarn | Ravion Corvalis​

The hum of the chamber felt quieter from this vantage. Aerys had not yet retaken his seat, the lingering stir of conversation still ebbing in his wake. The words he’d spoken, caution wrapped in discipline, hung faintly in the air, like dust in a shaft of light. It wasn’t rhetoric that concerned him, but tone. Fear had a way of seeding itself between well-meant sentences, and the Reformation Act already reeked faintly of it.

He turned at the sound of footsteps, measured, deliberate. Aurelian Veruna , the Naboo monarch who now bore the mantle of Interim Chancellor, approached with the calm precision of a man who knew how to command attention without ever demanding it. The man’s presence was stately, refined, but behind his poise, there was something else, weariness, perhaps, or the practiced vigilance of one who understood just how fragile the galaxy’s balance truly was.

“Chancellor Veruna,” Aerys greeted with a short incline of his head. His tone was even, unhurried. “If only restraint were as contagious as passion, this chamber would be far quieter, and perhaps far wiser.” The ghost of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth before it faded. “But then, perhaps silence would frighten them even more than chaos. They mistake motion for progress.”

He looked briefly toward the Senate floor below, where aides darted between pods, each carrying fragments of new proposals like couriers of ambition. “Safeguards or cages?” he repeated quietly, eyes narrowing with thought. “That depends, I think, on whether those crafting them remember who they are meant to serve. A safeguard protects the Republic. A cage protects those within it from accountability. The line between them is thinner than most here would like to admit.”

His gaze shifted back to Aurelian, the steel-grey of his eyes steady and searching. “You understand this better than most. Power without humility becomes tyranny, yet humility without conviction becomes paralysis. If this Act tilts too far in either direction, we risk becoming the very thing we claim to have outlived.” He exhaled slowly, the breath almost a sigh. “The Jedi once believed wisdom alone could guard against corruption. We were wrong. The Republic must not make the same mistake, believing procedure can do what principle cannot.”

For a heartbeat, his tone softened, losing its edge of political precision. “I don’t envy your position, Chancellor. To rule is to stand in the storm and convince the frightened it is only rain. But know this, Vandor stands with you, so long as this Republic remembers why it was worth building.”

He inclined his head again, a gesture of respect rather than deference. “If I may offer counsel, let your next move remind them that unity does not mean obedience. It means trust. And trust, hard-won as it is, will outlast any reform.”

Stand Together, or Fall Alone.​