Dev Silken Steel

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Location: Sovereign Frigate enroute to At-Avexxian

The sleek observation lounge of the starship stretched before the gathered guests like a suspended jewel box, its curved crystasteel walls offering an unbroken panorama of the planet's upper spires drifting past in slow, majestic rotation. The vessel hung in geosynchronous orbit above the glittering planetary cityscape of new white with black windows absorbing the clear skies and sunlight, golden aurodium trimming to the buildings and green as plants were being cultivated on the world as public transports had filters and scrubbers while they ran for the air aand pollution, far enough from the atmosphere that the perpetual twilight of the ecumenopolis resolved into crisp geometric patterns: kilometer-high towers clad in mirror-bright materia, rivers of traffic lanes pulsing with multicolored navigation lights, and the faint auroral shimmer. Inside, the air carried the faint, clean tang of oxygen laced with the subtle metallic bite of high-grade environmental systems never quite sterile, but deliberately neutral, as though the ship itself were breathing with careful restraint.

Ayumi stood at the forward curve of the deck, where the crystasteel dipped lowest and the view felt most vertiginous. At six-foot-two she dominated the space without effort, her lithe frame balanced with the easy precision of someone who had spent years moving between gravity wells and zero-g corridors. Her skin, smooth copper-bronze with that persistent sun-warmed glow, seemed to drink in the shifting hues from outside: cool blues from the orbital shadow, sudden flares of gold whenever a reflected sunbeam struck the hull and spilled across her. Long silken hair in deep dark honey woven through with finer threads of pure aurodium hung straight to her waist, swaying only faintly with the ship's minute station-keeping adjustments. When she turned her head to address the group, the strands caught the overhead glowpanels and shimmered like liquid sunlight poured over dark amber. Denon had continued on with thanks to Melanie Sato and even Rojuhr Pouihl as cantankerous as he could be. The boarded were pleased with the last session and she had eaten crow returning to them but she had also given them the means to much more profits which they had liked.

Her eyes held the room's attention even before her voice did. Deep honey irises flecked with molten amber shifted subtly with every change in light: darkening to near-black in the shadowed corners near the bulkheads, warming to bright gold wherever a direct beam from the external floods touched her face. They moved with quiet precision taking in the senators' guarded postures, the calm stillness, the handful of corporate aides clutching datapads like talismans yet betrayed nothing of the assessment behind them. A small pale scar notched the skin just below her full lower lip; it appeared only when her mouth curved into the faintest welcoming smile, a private punctuation mark on an otherwise composed expression. Verity Stuyveris had been briefed on the progress and her rebuilding stations. the Sunwire preforming better then they had expected with the ships and vehicles as well as special projects... a benefit in her opinion to what could be accomplished through Denon's unending competency. Dominique Vexx was always encouraging if tempering so she didn't go too overboard.

The dress she wore seemed engineered as much for the environment as for elegance. Seamless metallic fabric pale silver-white with an undertone of liquid pearl molded to her body like poured mercury, catching and fracturing every stray sliver of light into soft prismatic ripples. The high mandarin collar rose smoothly around her throat, framing the long column of her neck without constriction. Sleeveless, the garment left her toned arms bare save for the wide electrum-aurodium bands that encircled each upper arm in three sharp, diagonal wraps elegant restraints that evoked both ceremonial armor and high-fashion restraint. The bands gleamed with a warmer alloy tone than the dress itself, their edges precise enough to catch light in thin, razor-bright lines whenever she gestured. From collar to hem the fabric followed every contour: the subtle flare of her ribs, the taut plane of her abdomen, the curve of hip and thigh, before tapering into a fitted skirt that ended a hand's-breadth above the knee. The material moved with her never clinging too tightly, never loose rippling faintly as though a breath of wind moved beneath the surface even in the ship's perfect climate control.

One bronzed hand rested on the low, polished obsidian table that curved along the forward wall, fingers relaxed yet deliberate as she looked over a few more details using her interface as much as the datapad. It allowed her to do a lot more but it was also showing the improvements that had gone into the implant packages they were offering workers to help augment their health. The omnibus of bills and reforms that she had put forward with Denons distract directors were going over well. Beyond the crystasteel, a transport shuttle drifted past at respectful distance, its running lights painting momentary streaks of white across Ayumi's profile. She did not flinch or glance away; her posture remained open, shoulders squared without tension, spine straight in a way that spoke of old habit rather than conscious performance. She had the information about the Veils Shroud as they had been working on it and deploying it at the edges of the system. While on the planet the reports of what they had been working on with the deployment of the DPH-SW had proven effective. Their waters were self cleaning and nullified their weight and strain so they could have waterways and oceans across the hundreds of levels.

Across her lower back concealed for the moment beneath the dress's flawless drape lay the tattoo that few in this room had ever seen: crimson-and-black runes interwoven with thorn-sharp spirals, all radiating from a jagged, glyph at the center. A reminder of her and Vespera's father... his ambition and older things. The ink seemed to pulse faintly in low light, though whether that was optical trick or something deeper remained. She straightened slightly, the motion sending a fresh cascade of highlights across the metallic dress ripples of silver chasing gold chasing silver again as though the garment were reflecting not just the ship's interior but the starfield beyond. The gathered people shifted in their seats: a director of the resource farms adjusted his collar, a covert member of the twin suns fingers stilled on the string of her lyre, an aide's stylus paused mid-note. Ayumi let the silence stretch one measured heartbeat longer, allowing the view outside to do half her work. Then her voice smooth, measured, carrying the faintest trace of a smile and goof humor cut through the quiet. "Ladies and gentlemen," she said, amber-flecked eyes sweeping the room once more, "thank you for joining me aboard this vessel. What you see beyond these walls is Denon as it appears thanks to many of you, vast and still full of possibility."

She gave a smaller look though and there was the chance for plenty of others to come. She would have sent an invitation to several senators and others. "Tonight we will tour the newest developments Denon has prepared innovations designed to serve not just itself, but every world that is within the Republic. If you will follow me to the forward conference chamber, we can begin." She turned with fluid grace, the dress refracting light in a final shimmer as she moved toward the iris hatch at the far end of the lounge. Behind her, the city-planet continued its slow rotation, indifferent and eternal, while the small group rose to follow the woman who walked as though she carried both its future and its shadows in equal measure. She was going through as the displays were showing a number of their Tourism and Recruitments Ads. The displays being able to show off other products as many of their skilled Lightwire slicers were being loaned out to planets on a lease program. Skilled and trained negotiators for business dealing that could be used. "We have been busy, with many of the reforms we promised, our peoples retention and quality of life as improved, new equipment, new attitudes and new healthcare. The boards took some convincing but they have seen the light and with the resource bill coming to pass we have been developing a few things to hopefully impress the chancellor."

Feng Huang Eharl Sarn Fervos Kej

 

[Dominique Vexx]

It wasn't out of fear of technology or some unforeseen consequence that Dominique counseled caution. There was a very real chance someone on the Executive Board sought to assassinate someone as ambitious as Ayumi. Some that felt threatened. And then there was the simple fact that while solving resource scarcity would help the Chancellor of the High Republic, it might injure Denon. If things progressed gradually toward her friend's ultimate aims, it gave people and culture time to adapt. Move too quickly and there would be little Dominique could do to shield Ayumi from it.

Denon wouldn't be the only planet potentially impacted by Ayumi's marvels either; which only expanded the pool of potential contractees for her sudden and unforeseen demise. A rippling effect could shake confidence in the market. Countless corporations could be affected. Even someone with an analytical mind for anticipating the market such as herself, Dominique couldn't begin to fully envision what might happen in the worst case scenario. Not in detail. At a high level the outcome was obvious, and not the sort Ayumi was after.

Which was why the Chancellor loitered near the back of the lounge having a discussion with someone on the Board. A... partner, so to speak. Not entirely of a willing nature, but they'd progressed well beyond simple extortion. Too deep now to turn back. A self-interest for survival had taken over. Still, Dominique wouldn't leave them starving for attention or riches lest someone else convince them to turn. A little appreciation for how they backed Ayumi in a vote when it mattered most.

Then the woman of the hour turned to address them all. Dominique smiled and turned her attention toward Ayumi.

Dominique lingered a moment before she joined the crowd so as not to crowd their guide and speaker. It would be interesting to hear Ayumi describe her reformation efforts. Where they were. Where they were headed. She even smiled with the other woman's consideration. Impressing the Chancellor was good, but as a Denonite she'd be content to be impressed as a Director. There was so much potential left to explore on her homeworld.

Ayumi Pallopides | OPEN​

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

Verity stood with a glass of something bubbly that tickled her nose whenever she sipped it, her glacial eyes pale and curious as she took in Senator Pallopides. It was hard not to like the woman, who seemed to have no limit to her ambition and energy. When she wasn't legislating -- and boy did the woman legislate -- she was innovating, looking to solve the galaxy's problems the way capitalists tended to do: increasing market share.

Yes, Verity liked Ayumi Pallopides . That didn't stop her wanting to throttle her, sometimes.

Where Verity saw problems as an opportunity to solve by way of collaboration and hard work and incremental progress in the realm of what was possible, Senator Pallopides saw problems as trivial matters to be surmounted quickly by way of some genius Denon model doodad. That wasn't wrong, necessarily, but it did rather put the Chairwoman of STACREST in an uncomfortable position. Did she shackle herself and the Republic to Sasori Research for all time on the promise of quick results? Or did she instead take a hardline position that said not only that she didn't value her colleague's ambition and expertise, but that she would rather the poor and poisoned and downtrodden of the galaxy suffer and sweat through the rehabilitation of their worlds in order to avoid the --

Verity sighed inwardly. She had no love lost for Ravion Corvalis but the man knew how to turn a phrase.

-- Denon Dependency. It was as apposite as it was alliterative.

She gritted her teeth momentarily, a rare gesture of frustration from the usually collected Senator of Druckenwell. She was sure part of her unease was envy, too. Druckenwell was no slouch when it came to industry, but mired as it was in the power struggles over the late Baron Thule's estate and his new foreign heir William Thule the world's power bases were not operating at the level they could, or should. If they didn't pull themselves together and soon, Denon was going to eat their lunch, and they'd deserve it.

Verity joined the others in the polite applause and genteel titillation that met Ayumi's remarks, and she put aside her misgivings for the moment. Senator Pallopides was one of the good ones, so it was the least Verity could do to offer her unconditional support.

Ayumi Pallopides | Dominique Vexx​

 

[Feng Huang]

Feng felt out of place. She was wearing a beautiful dress for starters, it wasn't that Feng didn't appreciate the effort the Senator had gone through for her, she just never got the chance to dress up. It was both exciting and nerve racking. More so cause she didn't even know how she would describe what she was wearing. It was a black tube top and skirt, with a dress mesh full of black floral patterns. It was beautiful, and classy and Feng felt like a fraud wearing it.

Then there were the heels, she felt like she was constantly stumbling her next steps. She was supposed to be a bodyguard for Force sake!

She'd had to hide her lightsaber in a small black clutch. She almost wished someone would attack so she could kick these beautiful but cumbersome shoes off. So long as she could find them again after. Beautiful shoes deserved a good home. If only Feng had gotten some more time to get used to them.

Feng sighed and shook her head marvelling at everything on display.

The Denon Tourism ads were certainly enticing. It made Feng wish she'd have the time to go to the locations they broadcasted during her assignment here. Maybe the Senator could be convinced to take a trip to the Adventurer's Facility. It looked fun!

All the people in splendid attire was another attraction in and of itself! And Feng was one of them! Who'd have thought a girl from the slums and backwater farms would wind up rubbing shoulders with the High Republic Elite!

Oh and the Ship! The Ship was just beautiful!

Not that Feng was coveting the high life too much. It seemed boring after a time for starts, where was the danger, the excitement. More to the point where was the humility, the selflessness, the service. Except perhaps Senator Ayumi. Senator Ayumi gave Feng hope that acts of selflessness were possible in the senate and the higher echelons of the halls of power, but Feng still had a healthy… caution that the majority of those who seek power do it at least in part because the power appeals to them.

Except perhaps the Jedi Council, but that was more a role of service than power.

Feng had faith in her fellow Jedi.

Feng realised she had fallen behind of her charge. She hurried to catch up stepping carefully in the stupidly wonderful high heels.

"Please don't move out of arms reach" Feng whispered to the senator fiercely.

"How am I supposed to pull you down and jump in front of you if you're not in arm range." Feng explained realising belatedly it sounded like she was giving orders to a Senator she blanched and blushed.

"That is if it's not too much of an inconvenience, your… Senator" Feng briefly wondered what the proper honorific for a Senator was. Did they even have one?

Feng sighed to herself.

Great first impression Feng, real suave and smooth, just like this crowd expects, maybe you should start doing a clown show to really sell it, maybe someone has some juggling balls you can borrow?

Ayumi Pallopides Dominique Vexx Verity Stuyveris

 

[Mykel Dawson]

___________________________________________________________________
​

Formal Wear

"Tonight we will tour the newest developments Denon has prepared innovations designed to serve not just itself, but every world that is within the Republic. If you will follow me to the forward conference chamber, we can begin."

Mykel followed the procession as the sole representative of the Frontier Cooperative, which was only just breaking ground on its own project on Denon. Naturally, he had an interest in this showcase, as the world was poised to become a hub of activity within Frontier's growing southern network of interests. As such, he had graciously accepted an invitation from Senator Pallopides.

Steely eyes took in his fellow attendees. Prominent Corpos, Republic Senators, and Chancellor Vexx herself no less, who also called Denon home. Everyone wore polite smiles as Pallopides began her presentation.

She gritted her teeth momentarily, a rare gesture of frustration from the usually collected Senator of Druckenwell. She was sure part of her unease was envy, too. Druckenwell was no slouch when it came to industry, but mired as it was in the power struggles over the late Baron Thule's estate and his new foreign heir William Thule the world's power bases were not operating at the level they could, or should. If they didn't pull themselves together and soon, Denon was going to eat their lunch, and they'd deserve it.

Well, nearly everyone.

Amid the joy and excitement, the Jedi also felt the air rife with tensions unspoken, animosity bubbling just beneath the surface. Envy, fear, and resentment shown in several sets of cold eyes that failed to crinkle with their mouths. For various reasons, not everyone was on board with the rapid transformation of Denon, largely guided by the hand of one ambitious Pallopides.

Edging a little too close to the sun, it seems.

He drifted closer to Senator Stuyveris with an easy smile on his face. She was yet another statuesque woman who just edged him out in height. Since migrating to the High Republic, the tall man was acclimating to looking up.

"I found your Sanctions Bill impressive," he whispered, offering the compliment while continuing to follow along with Pallopides' presentation with one ear. He made no indication that he had noticed her momentary lapse in composure. "I hope you were able to smooth out the few wrinkles of resistance."

The compliment from the Consular was genuine. Since arriving South, the refugee had been troubled to find some members of the HR Senate a bit more… lackadaisical in their stance toward the Sith. So he was pleased that senators like Stuyveris were drawing a firm line in the sand, especially as the Sith were beginning to escalate their direct actions against the High Republic itself.

"What brings you to Denon tonight? Looking for an entertaining retreat?"

His question was purposely playful and open-ended, watching to see how she might bite and judging whether or not he may open another avenue for development.

Ayumi Pallopides Dominique Vexx Feng Huang​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Verity Stuyveris Dominique Vexx Feng Huang Mykel Dawson

She was listening to a few things and continued while she spoke as going into the main area to better show it off. She moved and heard the voice of Feng who was there. "Well if you do have to push me down Master Jedi, I suppose it is only right you are on top." She gave a mea culpa shrug though looking for some forgiveness as she looked out the one viewing port and spoke. "On your starboard side you can see use going over the newly operational District 6. The Amidala medical district of denon. Official numbers for patients are up to five billion patients in the event of emergency with the districts levels themselves being able to house full compliments for various medical needs. Our newer construction and landscaping businesses that are working on buildings and ascetic designs to help with healing."

She saaid it while looking at the people there as she could see Verity and Dominique who likely had concerns or questions. "We have adjusted and rebuilt our public transportation lines using the latest in molecule conversion technologies. The trains filter the air as they move through and draw in the pollution leaving clean air behind. The public transport are guided and do the same all part of our Ascendancy Initiative and reforms that our previous Senator helped with and with our newest technologies like the patented PGE system Denon's corporations are able to see which way to move their items produced for the markets. The trade off for their increased profits is extensive improvements to the quality of life and workers health with our WWOS-01 system. The trade deals with companies both local and offworld has proven highly beneficial as alternative deals with some prove more useful then simple credits."

She said it and looked for a moment. "Nothing untoward and all is public record. Companies can have breaks in exchange for beneficial products and technologies on Denon to aaid in our continued prosperity. Long term storage, district rebuilding efforts funded and employee retention haas proven more beneficial then our initial estimates. Even with automation in areas we have been training more workers for high quality of work that they can do and allowing them to sell their services across the Republic where needed. From our construction companies to medical and diplomatic staff, business negotiators and recently the first generation of our Lightwire slicers. Trained and skilled to combat the terroristic Darkwire. Our worlds own little Light vs Dark conflict always there."

SHe said it to a few chuckles as she was moving. "But I invited most of you here and more to show a few more things and well some would say Denon Dependency but for those from Denon they know that we were considered a mini Coruscant already. That is not a moniker you get for no reason. We have high production and are opening new business daily with our incentives for companies to come here. We built the Sunwire shipyards, using specialized energy collectors to absorb the solar energy produced. Not sap it but just passively absorb it we are able to convert the energy output for molecular converters to fabricate and use synthesis production technologies. Giving Denon the technological edge and maintain it over others." She said it and looked though while bringing up a small display.

"The other thing to show off and that is where we are headed to once the viewports blackout. With the recent passing of a bill for aiding worlds and securing in case of attack or hyperlane blockage. Denon has its vault for resources as needed. A premium paid for the carbon freezing technologies. We learned the biggest stake holder of it is suddenly on Naboo of all places." She said it to a few chuckles. A display coming up while she looked at the display and it was a large station. "Using the knowledge we learned from At-Attin we have built the universal seed and world vault. Designed so all participating worlds would have a back up in case their main vaults are compromised or lost from devastation." She said it as the viewports darkened but was looking at a few other areas.

"While we wait, I will talk to you today candidly with a chance to address possible concerns both offworld and on world. The boards are happy when I work to ensure their profits are high, their credit account fat and there are ways to do that. However true strength has never come from standing alone which is something they don't always go with, or from leaning on the might of a single corporation or a single world. Yes, it's not always the popular path relying on one towering power can feel safe in the moment, but we know it's a fragile illusion. One crack, one failure, and everything crumbles. The Republic endures because we chose something far stronger: each other. We rise by lifting one another. When Denon thrives, it doesn't hoard that success it reaches out. We raise our neighbors, we share the spark of innovation, we dare to imagine futures that others might never have dreamed possible."

Ayumi was looking at them and she was certain of plenty of things that they might be able to "That's not just strategy; that's who we are. WHo we should be. Denon rises, it seeks to aid and elevate, to continue its legacy from thousands of years but with a new purpose. Where one succeeds we can all succeed." She looked at the back seeing Dominique and knew what she would say about temperament which was true it was why she had done much to make sure the boards were making plenty of credits. Meanwhile Verity was here and she was the one to convince more. Dominique knew how the senator was in her ideals and wanting to reform more and more. The public knowledge she had poured her families fortune to see much of District 19's revitalization was known and she finished. "Is it preachy, idealistic... yes and I will not deny the truth of it. I know the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or just the one."

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

Verity turned at the approach of a man in some dark finery. He wore a pleasant smile, his chin tilted slightly upward. Verity blamed her heels, but some things couldn't be avoided. Flats in formalwear was simply not done. She leaned in a little to better hear the man and smiled faintly.

"You're too kind," the Senator responded in a murmur. She cleared her throat, debating whether to remind this stranger that the primary wrinkle of resistance to her sanctions regime, Monaray Dod , had been blown apart by an explosive almost immediately after the passage of the legislation over his strenuous objections. Verity didn't miss the reflexive obstructionism, but she had a generalized distaste for her colleagues being blasted to pieces.

Even if it was only Dod, it did create something of a precedent that any of them could be exploded. Nobody wanted that.

"There's always more work to be done against the Covenant. It's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it. And I love the work," she said smoothly instead. Verity Stuyveris: happy warrior. "As for being here -- why, I'm here to support my colleague Senator Pallopides, of course. We work closely together on the Committee for Rehabilitation, Eligible-World Stabilization & Transition. Her technological marvels have the capacity to revolutionize ecological restoration and pollution clean-up." She paused a beat, her smile growing just a touch. She almost added: if we can afford it.

She took a sip of her drink. "And you? What brings you to this exposition? I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage, Mister...?" Senator Stuyveris extended her other hand for an introductory shake.

Mykel Dawson
Dominique Vexx | Feng Huang | Ayumi Pallopides​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

"She's right," Dominique said softly as she slowly passed Verity Stuyveris , "there's always a seat for Druckenwell." The Chancellor nodded to Mykel Dawson as she drifted by the pair. Far be it for her to interrupt and sidetrack their conversation. But she couldn't help but hear the Senator's trailing thought concerning restoration and cleanup. She might not know what went unsaid, but as someone that'd been where Verity stood certain concerns were unavoidable. Hopefully their worlds could remain partners and never let Coruscant recover its crown.

Add in Corellia's restored shipyards and they should make certain of it.

With a smile, the Denonite drifted through the crowd toward Ayumi Pallopides . The Chancellor lifted a glass with a smile as the Senator and Director championed working together. Such a forward-thinking woman to push the message of unity. It was a very recent turn in Denon messaging to be sure, but then so was the considerable reinvestment into the planet.

"Perhaps guests could review or take back with them some contractual language to help demonstrate despite recent, pithy remarks that Denon is committed to cooperation with our galactic partners." Snippets as examples could be negotiated around, but there was only so much you could arm people with before you started to saw off your own arm. It might at least given them a few, good negotiating subjects to discuss to avoid selling their own planet away in the process.

As Director, Dominique never had much issue with people being utter fools, but as Chancellor... well, Dominique had to make sure the whole benefited as much as the players.

She glanced over at Feng Huang as well being so near her friend and Senator. A corner of her mouth lifted at their sight. It was good to see Ayumi shielded from short-sighted or frightened individuals or groups. Darkwire might not be running rampant as they did once before, but Dominique didn't believe they -- or those like them -- were ever truly gone. To say nothing of certain Imperial and Sith elements that could gladly cripple Denon if they intended to strike at the Republic.

 

[Mykel Dawson]

___________________________________________________________________
​

Formal Wear

"There's certainly always more to be done," the Jedi agreed, fresh from direct action against the Covenant. He did not command the influence or power that the established Politicos or Corpos around him possessed, but he would do what he could for the noble cause of restoring liberty and justice to the Core, and reclaiming his occupied homeworld of Coruscul.

As Stuyveris explained the reasoning behind her appearance, he nodded along approvingly but silently noted how she referred to Pallopides as a colleague rather than something warmer. That in itself didn't necessarily mean much, but as she continued speaking, she seemed to be holding back something just on the tip of her tongue, allowing only honeyed words pour from those full lips. He also recalled her fleeting peeved expression during Pallopides' introduction. The Jedi caught the incongruities, even if he couldn't fully parse them without actively probing.

While the Pallopides was quite the open book - currently not so subtly flirting with another woman in the midst of her presentation - Stuyveris was as inscrutable as a Matryohska despite her outspoken nature in pushing policy. On some level it appealed to his diplomatic sensibilities as Consular. He always loved a good puzzle.

Her technological marvels have the capacity to revolutionize ecological restoration and pollution clean-up."

"Such miraculous achievements could be the answer, or better yet, serve as inspiration for others to develop tailored solutions for their own worlds." He danced a fine line, giving cover to those wary of accepting Denon's gifts wholesale while not diminishing their hosts' legitimate accomplishments. "I'm sure Senator Pallopides would be pleased to know that she plays the muse to such encouragements."

He seemed to earn at least a small nibble of curiosity as she questioned him in turn.

"Mykel Dawson," he answered, offering a firm but not crushing shake with a calloused hand.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Senator. I'm a director with an NGO known as the Frontier Cooperative. It's interesting that you mention you're on the Rehabilitation and Transition Committees. Frontier is actually involved in a private initiative assisting former GA-affiliated companies and moguls in relocating their operations to Republic space."

The GE's invasion of Core had been swift, but capital flight from those Core industrialists well acquainted with Sith looting had been even swifter.

"On Denon specifically, we're assisting in financing a new manufacturing and distribution hub for shipwrights. Denon has a large educated work force well suited for high-end fabrication and is ideally situated on a prime intersection between the Corellian Run and the Hydian Way."

Coincidentally, Druckenwell also sat nicely on the Corellian Run and the gateway to Bothan space with quite the industrial pedigree itself.

As he continued putting out feelers to Stuyveris for collaboration, Chancellor Vexx passed by, offering a small acknowledgment. Mykel returned her nod in passing. Vexx was another person he hoped to speak with at some point tonight. The previous gala on Naboo, crowded with dignitaries of all stripes, had been far too busy a venue to interact meaningfully. Here in a somewhat low-key setting, however, there was space to engage.

As Pallopides restated her personal mission to uplift all systems along with Denon, he offered the first clap that set off another chain of applause.

Ayumi Pallopides Dominique Vexx Feng Huang Verity Stuyveris​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Verity Stuyveris Dominique Vexx Feng Huang Mykel Dawson

Ayumi was listening to the applause aand gave a small nod. "There aare datapads you can take to rreview and see some of the other things we have developed as well as public works and upcoming projects." She raised her eyebrows forr a moment. "But welcome to At-Avexxian." She said it while the viewports went clear again to reveal the colossal artificial world that hung in the void like a monolith, its spherical form dominating the starfield with an immensity that dwarfed or would have dwarfed anything around it. The surface appeared forged from seamless obsidian-hued alloy, its curvature stretching across thousands of kilometers in every direction, unbroken by oceans, continents, or atmospheric haze. Instead, the exterior presented an intricate lattice of geometric patterns vast hexagonal panels interlocking in precise arrays, each edge delineated by faint channels of embedded conduits that hinted at internal power networks.

These panels, varying slightly in shade from deepest charcoal to muted gunmetal, created a textured mosaic visible even from distant orbits, where the play of distant starlight revealed subtle variations in reflectivity across the billions of individual segments composing the shell. No craters marred its perfection; every imperfection had been engineered away, leaving a flawless, machine-crafted sphere whose diameter rivaled that of gas giants yet possessed the density and structural integrity of a solid construct. Encircling this engineered orb floated multiple concentric rings, each a titanic band of dark metal and composite materials suspended in perfect equatorial alignment. Ayumi was giving them a moment to look at it as she moved to stand next to Dominique. "It is in a hidden location. Coordinates arre forr your office to give to who needs them."

The innermost ring, broadest and thickest, spanned hundreds of thousands of kilometers in width, its surface a labyrinth of elevated structures, docking spires, and vast planar arrays that suggested habitable zones or industrial complexes along its inner and outer faces. Further out, narrower secondary and tertiary rings orbited in layered progression, their edges sharpened to razor precision and segmented into modular sections connected by immense tensile struts. These rings exhibited faint gradients of illumination along their circumferences subtle traceries of amber and crimson light pulsing through capillary-like veins embedded within the alloy, marking energy transfer lines or data conduits that spanned the entire circumference without interruption. The rings maintained rigid spacing, their orbital paths synchronized to gravitational harmonics, forming an artificial halo that framed the central sphere in symmetrical grandeur.

From any vantage, the scale overwhelmed comprehension: the primary sphere's girth alone eclipsed entire star systems in perceived mass, while the enveloping rings extended outward in cascading layers, each successive band adding exponential complexity to the silhouette against the black. Structural reinforcements colossal buttresses and radial spokes bridged select points between sphere and rings, anchoring the assembly against tidal stresses and ensuring perpetual alignment. The entire megastructure radiated an aura of calculated enormity, a testament to civilization capable of reshaping planetary masses into unified purpose, its dark, circuit-veined facade and orbiting bands composing a silent, eternal sentinel in the depths of space. The ship was heading in as Ayumi spoke.

"At-Avexxian is still being constructed in areas but thanks to investors and much of the work. It will serve as a neutral vault of materials from all of the worlds within the Republic that wish to join the project. Collection plants, animal samples, having a reserve itself in case of more dangerous elements. Each ring of it is also able to serve as a refugee and fallbaack shelterr in event of an attack. For safety of the people on board of course we'll be looking to have a coalition fleet here to patrol it. Of those who wish to serve. No single military forrce." THe ship waas coming in towards one of the sections as the closerr they got the more details that were coming into focus. The metropolis sprawled within the colossal sections of the planet, a vast urban expanse carved into the curvature of the megastructure where gravity bent gently toward the central axis.

Towering monoliths of pristine white metal rose in clustered formations, their rectangular profiles soaring kilometers high in dense arrays that formed sheer canyon walls of architecture. Each skyscraper presented a faceted, stepped silhouette composed of stacked rectangular blocks, their surfaces clad in flawless pale alloy that caught and diffused ambient illumination into a soft, even glow. Gold trim delineated every major edge and seam thin, luminous bands of aureate metal tracing vertical ridges, horizontal ledges, and geometric insets with meticulous precision, creating a lattice of regal accents against the otherwise austere white expanse. Reflective black glass panels dominated the facades, vast unbroken sheets that mirrored the surrounding towers and distant upper reaches in perfect obsidian clarity, turning the city into an infinite hall of recursive reflections where structures echoed themselves endlessly into illusory depths.

Between these monumental pillars stretched avenues and plazas at multiple levels, suspended walkways and elevated thoroughfares bridging the gaps like delicate filaments across the chasms. The ground plane far below consisted of tiered platforms and lower-rise complexes built from the same white metal, their surfaces segmented into modular grids punctuated by circular golden emplacements perhaps landing pads, energy nodes, or ceremonial discs that gleamed with subdued metallic warmth. The towers themselves varied subtly in height and setback, creating a rhythmic undulation along the canyon's length; some rose as unbroken shafts while others featured recessed sections or protruding buttresses capped in gold, their black-glass windows arranged in precise horizontal bands that suggested countless floors within.

Ayumi was looking at more of it though and offered a small smile on her lips. Mostly while she walked around to some shocked and amazed faces. "In older times, and aages. The Chancellor Soh called her efforts in the High Republic era herr great works." She had a small grrin though on her face. "I don't know if we will get more but as it stands, the Republic will if nothing else have access to the golden age of technological innovations to try and do everything." The overall density compressed space into vertiginous verticality, where the sky overhead was not atmosphere but the distant opposing curve of the sphere's interior, faintly visible through layers of suspended mist and artificial light that filtered down in broad, ethereal shafts from concealed sources high above. Ayumi was allowing herself a little moment as she walked around.

The sheer scale defined every aspect of the city: individual towers rivaled the height of small mountain ranges, their bases merging seamlessly into the foundational superstructure while their summits pierced toward the skies of space thousands of kilometers distant. The gold trim, though slender in proportion, accumulated into striking visual weight across the vista continuous lines that emphasized the geometric purity and engineered grandeur of the design. Reflective surfaces multiplied the scene exponentially, so that from any street-level vantage the city appeared boundless, a labyrinth of white monoliths edged in gold and framed by infinite black mirrors. Ayumi looked at Mykel who was there and she spoke with a nod. "IMagine what we'll be able to do when we have better funding."

This was no haphazard agglomeration but a deliberate symphony of form and material, where every element reinforced the impression of a civilization that built not merely upward, but inward across planetary scales, crafting urban environments that challenged the very boundaries of comprehensible architecture. The cavernous loading bays of the metropolis extended deep into the foundational strata of the artificial world, where the white-metal superstructure gave way to reinforced industrial zones designed for unrelenting throughput. Towering load-lifter droids dominated these spaces, each a monolithic quadruped of thick durasteel plating in matte industrial gray, their bodies rising to heights that rivaled the lower tiers of the surrounding skyscrapers. She checked on more of it while answering smaller questions to those around her. There were worrkerrs moving between, aaround as the ship was coming in to land.

"We are using molecularr conversion of debris from attacks, asteroids. It breaks it down into programmable matter we can then shape and build with. Much improved in its function then others." Articulated limbs as thick as transport tubes ended in multi-jawed hydraulic claws capable of seizing entire shipping containers, while secondary manipulator arms folded along their torsos awaited deployment for finer tasks. Blue-glowing conduits snaked across their chassis power lines, coolant channels, and data relays pulsing faintly in synchronization with their movements, casting cerulean highlights against the surrounding white alloy walls edged in gold. These machines moved with the slow, inexorable momentum of engineered giants, each step sending subtle vibrations through the deck plating as they navigated the wide transit lanes between buildings.

Human workers, both male and female, integrated seamlessly into the mechanical ballet, their dark utility suits marked with reflective striping and reinforced joint plating that echoed the droids' own construction. Teams of loaders clustered around active transfer points, directing the descent of massive crates with handheld signaling devices that projected holographic alignment grids onto the floor. Some ascended temporary scaffolding erected against container sides to engage manual locking mechanisms, while others piloted compact hover-forks that darted between the legs of stationary lifters, ferrying smaller supply pallets to waiting access hatches. Ayumi was checking on more of it though as the datapads were updating and there were investors but also board members who saw it. "Your profit margins were never touched.. if anything this improves it as it shows Denon quality and why people pay your prices for quality."

The movements of the workers formed precise patterns pairs coordinating to guide a lowering load, trios inspecting manifests on datapads, individuals climbing catwalks overhead to monitor overhead crane rails creating a living overlay of organic efficiency atop the droids' brute strength. Reflective black glass panels lining the bay walls captured these interactions in sharp, mirrored fragments, multiplying every gesture and mechanical extension into recursive depth. Supply corridors stretched away from the primary bays in long, straight arteries flanked by tiered storage racks that climbed dozens of stories toward the curved ceiling far above. Here, pairs of load-lifters worked in tandem to shuttle cargo between adjacent towers, one machine retracting its claws from an emptied container while its counterpart extended to claim a freshly arrived unit from an incoming grav-conveyor.

Ayumi was moving to the doorway to watch the people and lead the others around for a visual tour. The containers themselves were uniform rectangular blocks of reinforced composite, their surfaces etched with standardized identification codes and secured by massive magnetic clamps that released with resonant thuds. Workers moved along elevated walkways paralleling these routes, some riding small maintenance skiffs that hugged the walls, others pausing at junction points to reroute traffic flows via control panels embedded in the gold-trimmed architecture. The scale compressed time and distance alike; what appeared as a short transit for a single droid spanned kilometers of corridor lined with identical loading ports, each framed by the same pristine white facades and gleaming aureate accents.

Deeper within the network, specialized zones accommodated higher-priority shipments where load-lifters adopted modified configurations extended telescoping arms for reaching into narrow hangar mouths, or underslung cargo pods for rapid vertical transfers. Mixed crews operated in tighter formations here: engineers in diagnostic harnesses swarmed a droid's joints during brief pauses, scanning for micro-fractures or recalibrating servos, while loaders in color-coded vests waved illuminated batons to guide precise alignments. Crates destined for upper levels ascended on massive platform elevators flanked by safety railings, accompanied by escort teams that rode alongside to secure lashings mid-transit. The interplay of scale remained relentless; individual containers dwarfed clusters of workers, yet the coordinated efforts of dozens ensured unbroken momentum, every transfer a calculated link in the megastructure's ceaseless system.

Ayumi spoke as she was showing the tour. "We are employing many more workers and there is reserves built into the structure. Allowing for internal fabrication. It will stockpile secondary reserves that can be used for relief supplies." Across the entire industrial precinct, the architecture reinforced the impression of deliberate enormity white-metal bulkheads rising in unbroken planes, gold trim tracing structural seams and access portals with regal precision, reflective black glass transforming every vista into layered infinity. Load-lifters and their human counterparts formed the beating heart of this zone, where mechanical immensity met human adaptability in perfect equilibrium. The ceaseless exchange of crates and supplies between buildings sustained the towering city above, a silent testament to the engineered harmony that allowed such a colossal artificial world to function as a unified, living entity.

She looked a little more and ascended with a few of them as she looked to Verity. "I know this will be a shock senator but I hope you enjoy it. You are one of the few I wanted to really see what we were doing aand could bring to many of the tables here." She said it while the sound of someone was there and looked up. The director of operations stood at the elevated command overlook that jutted from the central spine of the loading bay complex, a towering feline silhouette framed against the endless white-metal architecture and its gold-trimmed horizons. His form was that of a massive black panther, standing upright on powerful digitigrade legs, shoulders broad enough to eclipse the smaller workers below and muscles rippling beneath short, obsidian fur that gleamed under the bay's diffused blue-white lighting.

Cybernetic enhancements integrated seamlessly into his physique: sleek metallic plating reinforced the major muscle groups along his chest, arms, and thighs, their surfaces etched with faint circuit patterns that pulsed with subdued azure energy. His eyes piercing ice-blue irises set in golden sclera surveyed the ceaseless activity with predatory calm, while a heavy mane of darker fur framed a face marked by angular cheek ruffs and a broad muzzle set in an expression of absolute authority. Encircling his thick neck rested an advanced command collar forged from segmented durasteel links, each plate inlaid with holographic display nodes and edged in polished gold filigree. Ayumi had gotten the large Togorian mostly through her brother in law. Vespera's husband had some of the finest engineerrs who knew how to make a statement and hard to argue with an eight foot tall cat man.

From his collar hung a central medallion a circular device of blackened alloy inset with a glowing azure core that projected faint status readouts across its surface, flanked by smaller pendant charms shaped like stylized starship silhouettes and ancient navigational runes, all rendered in precious metallic alloys. His torso was clad in a fitted cuirass of deep crimson armored silk, the fabric woven from molecular-threaded nanofibers that shifted subtly between matte and reflective states, providing both ceremonial weight and ablative protection equivalent to light battle armor. The silk draped in elegant, tailored folds yet hugged his hypertrophied musculature, its edges reinforced with segmented gold-trimmed pauldrons that extended into articulated shoulder guards studded with embedded sensor arrays and micro-projectors.

A wide belt of the same armored silk cinched his waist, its centerpiece an oversized buckle of polished obsidian and gold featuring a holographic lion's head emblem that rotated slowly, projecting faint tactical overlays into the air before him. Utility compartments lined the belt rectangular modules housing compact datapads, comm relays, and emergency field tools while additional armored silk panels wrapped his forearms and shins in vambrace and greave configurations, their surfaces alive with thin veins of blue conduit lighting that traced power flows to integrated weapon interfaces. His long tail, thick and muscular, swayed with measured deliberation behind him, its tip capped by a sleek metallic band that housed a concealed vibro-blade emitter.

Every element of his attire blended ancient regal symbolism with cutting-edge functionality, transforming what might have been primitive adornment into a statement of supreme command within the megastructure's engineered order. From his vantage, the director's presence alone imposed hierarchy on the industrial chaos below. Load-lifter droids paused fractionally longer in their cycles when his gaze swept across them, while human workers straightened instinctively, their movements sharpening under the weight of those unblinking blue eyes. He carried no overt weapon beyond the integrated systems in his gauntlets and belt yet the subtle hum of active shielding emitters and the low thrum of concealed repulsor fields marked him as more than mere overseer.

This was the architect of the precinct's flawless efficiency, a being whose physical enormity and technological augmentation embodied the artificial world's ethos: absolute scale married to absolute control, where even the lowliest crate transfer served the grand design under his silent, unwavering scrutiny. He turned to look at Ayumi and then looked down as for a moment she just stood there with a small look on herr face. "Kanji." She spoke as he grinned and his arm came out a massive trunk thaat she embraced. "How is your mate?" SHe saaid it aas his voice caame out in a low rrumble. "She is well senator and we are progressing on schedule. The currency reserve vaults will be constructed and secured." He spoke and she had a smile that was qider on her face while standing and looking out over it. Letting the others catch up as she spoke to one of the board memberrs next to her.

"I'll be happy to show all recipts, this is an investment in ourr potential future and there was not a wasted credit in this." THe man gave herr a look but he might not like it... most had been cowed into submission by risking Dominique's ire but he had also learned that the senator had ways... and she often backed things up with her own fortune as collateral or the means to do it long before she even trried to leverage position on Denon. It was why they had ignored Upcity when she rrebuilt.. she did it herself and the fabrication technologies they got access to with the chancellors original deal cut costs while increasing production and profits. Ayumi was looking at their being a hub for the market of whispers which had funded projects across denon from a single deal this was seen as at least three of the hundreds done daily.

 

[Feng Huang]

Verity Stuyveris Dominique Vexx Ayumi Pallopides Mykel Dawson​

Feng tried to listen, to keep up with all the descriptions Senator Ayumi was listing, the various projects, constructions, initiatives and endeavours to help make not just Denon better but the whole High Republic. It sounded great! What little she understood of it anyway. Feng was a little warey, that not everything in politics could be as shiny and sparkling as public exhibitions would allow for, but so far she had no evidence of anything untoward happening. It was tempting to just accept what was being said at face value, and not investigate further, but that just struck Feng as lazy and complacent.

The problem was she didn't know who or how to ask without sounding rude and belligerent. Which wasn't her intent at all! She just wanted a broader view of what the Senator was referring to, maybe even some points that her opponents might try to level against her. Chances are Feng would disagree with those points, but it'd still be nice to get a sense of them.

Then again, Feng's job wasn't to satisfy her own curiosity of the Senators politics, certainly not to investigate her. Feng nearly shuddered at the thought. Such an action would set the Jedi directly against the Senate, that could very well lead to civil war. No Feng wasn't here to make waves, she was here to guard the Senator.

While rubbing shoulders with some of the most affluent, wealthy and powerful people in the galaxy. While wearing a very pretty dress. Feng sighed in contentment at the dress one more time. It was a shame not all her assignments were this plush, luxurious and cushy.

Feng's last assignment before this had turned out to be a Rakhghoul infestation on a space station. Feng felt her heart clutch slightly at those poor souls, before putting it out of her mind. Scanning the crowd for threats, Feng decided to focus on her job.

She didn't anticipate any likely threats from this crowd. It was mostly fellow politicians, colleagues really of the Senator. These people fought with words, scandals, and bills on the senate floor. They didn't draw a blaster scream anarchy and send the galaxy into chaos.

Although Feng wouldn't be doing her job if she didn't sense and eye the other fellow Jedi in the room. Again, not a likely threat, but possibly a potential ally if someone were to make an attempt. Feng supposed he could be a Sith in disguise, it wasn't likely. Part of searching for threats responsibly was not letting your wildest fantasies, daydreams or nightmares get the better of you while looking for them at every shadow, turn and corner.

Feng dismissed the thought of Sith assassins until she spotted some evidence of them. Instead, she followed the senator on her tour did her best to keep an ear out to what she was saying, while staying alert to potential threats. Something that took considerable mental flexibility, while she reigned in her insatiable curiosity of what the detractors of all these public ventures would say.

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

"Frontier Cooperative?" Verity echoed, eyebrows lifting a fraction. Now that was interesting. "Yes, I've heard of them. Of you, rather. Impressive logistical work, what you're doing with former Alliance contacts. It has not always been a -- well, there's only one way to describe it -- it hasn't always been an easy transition. I gather there was rather a lot of bad blood between the Alliance and the Republic toward the end. It's a shame."

She swirled the contents of her glass, allowing her demeanor to relax a little.

"Have you considered Druckenwell?" she asked. Hell, if Pallopides could pimp out her homeworld at every turn, there was no reason she couldn't. There was nothing that Denon could do that Druckenwell couldn't -- and a point of nationalist pride suggested that on Druckenwell it would be better or, at the very least, more stylish. "We're always looking for ways to be better neighbors and contributors to the galactic community. Slightly further out from Denon, of course, but the Corellian Run is a great equalizer, don't you find?"

Verity sipped her drink and set it down on the cocktail table between herself and Mykel Dawson to join him in the polite applause. "I seem to recall seeing something in a briefing about your outfit trying to do some sort of agricultural distribution center in the Outer Rim during that nasty business on Moorja," Verity said. "Have I got that right? You know, it might just be kismet that we met here this evening. If I were less scrupulous I would corner you and exploit your logistical knowledge for all it's worth."

She offered a smile just this side of predatory. "But -- it's a party. So I won't. But I will ask you to take my card and contact my office if you're ever in the area." Slender fingers slipped into a discreet handbag and produced a card on rich cardstock.

Mykel Dawson | Ayumi Pallopides | Dominique Vexx | Feng Huang​