Private The Clone Zone

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique thanked the trio for their hard work and their time in escorting Chancellor and once-and-future King Aurelian with Queen Abrantes through their greatest achievement [thus far]. Everyone was quite confident in not only meeting demand, but in continuing to improve their processes. The Arkanian certainly wasn't going to stop devising new means of accelerating production, or improving genetic 'clarity.'

Which led the visiting trio to occupy a conference room for conversation purposes. Dominique strode into the room and poured a glass of water while Aurelian made himself comfortable. With a small smirk, the Director lifted the pitcher while her golden gaze slipped from one to the other in silent offer.

Denon would be proud, but Dominique privately mulled over the personal investment in everything the duo had seen that day. There was a reason Dominique didn't live in as luxurious of an accommodation as some of her counterparts such as Ayumi. Not that Dominique lived like a commoner by any means, but a great deal of finances were poured into projects just like this one. CTRLd -- a long-term replacement of CorpSec -- was another. The 'self-defense' fleet of Denon yet another. Ventures that required mountains of credits. Fortunately, there were others like Ayumi that contributed at times, but Dominique was far from detached from the day-to-day of Denon's growth.

If either wanted a glass, Dominique would calmly set them forth as Aurelian confessed to another matter that had them there. And Sibylla was the one taking the lead on that front, it would seem.

As an outsider, a thought burst to life refuting the irresponsibility of either of them being Chancellor as Sibylla explained the underpinning of what would follow. Naturally, the Director ignored that thought and failed to voice it because her empathy -- yes, Corpos still had it, though it might not always be used the way most expected -- suggested if she were in their position she'd have done the same. They cared for Naboo; she cared for Denon. Though, thankfully, Dominique hadn't been elected as PreX, which left her far more discretionary power and authority over affairs.

Which was a conundrum as the topic took its natural turn. If they wouldn't fight it, then who would take the position?

And, evidently, her name was on a short list of people to consider if they had their way.

Dominique set her glass down having already sipped some refreshment after all the talking about clones up to that point. "My foremost concern has always been the welfare of Denon," there was only a half-second pause before she added, "as you know." The Director hardly tried to downplay her personal interest in the promotion of her world whenever a moment arose that begged for it. "However," her golden rings slipped to Aurelian and then back to Sibylla, "Denon's prosperity has been maintained by the well-functioning and judgment-free governance of the Republic. Its success is tied to Denon's success." Which they likely both understood concerning her motives as well; Dominique made no effort to hide that either.

"Do you know who the other prospective candidates for the Office might be?"

It wasn't a flat-out rejection, but Dominique wanted to know more about the situation. If there was someone else that'd fill the role just as well -- maintaining order, and responding in ways that ensured a stable marketplace -- then there was hardly a reason she had to be the one to do it. Dominique was quite happy 'governing' Denon.

Yet, something whispered in her ear of circumstances being too like those of the past. When she'd been a mere Senator of the Galactic Alliance. A woman content with plying her influence and managing the messes of the Corporate Authorities of Denon. Content until it had all gone away and left her with nothing. Almost nothing. Fools never had monitored what machinations she had in the works to satisfy customers or entice partners. Dominique used one of those for herself to ascend to higher heights than before.

This time it was being pushed toward her, but one question remain begged: should Dominique be content with just this much? While influential, she was just one Director among many on the Board. Though a Chancellor had a great deal more scrutiny. A Director operated in the shadows. There were importance differences when you changed positions on the board to consider.

Aurelian Veruna | Sibylla Abrantes​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

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Aurelian Veruna Dominique Vexx

Sibylla drew in a measured breath before accepting the drink Dominique set before her. She leaned forward slightly as she considered the question, a faint crease forming between her brows as her thoughts wandered throughat large as they continued their search for her amidst Black Sun Territory and Aurelian held the role only in interim.

"It would not surprise me if Corvalis makes a bid for it," she said at last, taking a small sip and letting it linger before she swallowed. "He is, after all, fond of presenting himself as a champion of the common people, highlighting his own origins as that as one of the people instead of that of nobility."

Sibylla pressed her lips together briefly, then eased as she continued.

"His platform has long favored the argument that nobility has been granted too much influence within the High Republic, a sentiment he is quite careful to distinguish from what the Royal Naboo Republic once represented." She inclined her head slightly, conceding the point. "In that regard, he is not entirely mistaken."

Sibylla leaned back then, crossing one leg with practiced composure, a wry, thoughtful smile touching her mouth. "Yet his ascent has been far too swift. Too… conveniently arranged."

Hazel eyes lifted again with a calm but alert gaze.

"And he will hardly be alone. Should the opportunity arise, others will certainly emerge. I would not be surprised to see Sentapoth Findos make another attempt." A pause, then, with faint amusement as her lips gave a wry twist, "Perhaps even a representative from the Trade Federation, should they feel emboldened."

She took another sip, eyes thoughtful over the rim of the glass.

"The board is far from empty."

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Dominique Vexx

Aurelian listened without interrupting, gaze fixed somewhere past the conference table as Sibylla laid out the field. Corvalis. Findos. The Trade Federation. Familiar names, familiar appetites. When she finished, he exhaled through his nose and gave a short, humorless laugh.

"She is right," he said at last, looking to Dominique. "And it is already further along than we would like." He leaned forward, boots coming down, forearms resting on his knees. "We are past the stage of speculation. We have an interest now in preparing for when they remove me. Not if. When."

Internally, the thought settled with cold clarity. He had felt it tightening for weeks. The silences. The delays. The way certain doors no longer opened as quickly as they once had.

"The vultures are already circling," he continued. "I have heard the rumblings. Quiet ones. My security clearances are being flagged. Credentials queued for revocation across Republic space." His jaw tightened. "Same procedure they used with Kalantha. The moment she was taken, she ceased to exist within their clearance systems. They are ready to do the same to me."

He shrugged lightly, as if discussing weather. It was happening whether they liked it or not.

His eyes lifted to Dominique then, sharp and assessing, but not unkind. "You are not a noble. That is obvious. It is also not a flaw. You understand weight. Responsibility. Consequence. You have built something that endures because you respect all three."

"We believe you could make a difference. And we would rather plan with someone capable than react to someone ambitious."

​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Ravion. Ambitious. Too ambitious. To think he'd overturn Aurelian's authority, install himself, and seek to become Chancellor... That was sort of move detractors claimed was only something a Corpo would do. In truth, it was something a True Believer would do. Corpos just happened to be true believers in Credits.

Dominique listened carefully to Sibylla and Aurelian as they spoke of the nobility focus of Ravion's pursuits. A curious turn. No doubt he had his supporters; the observation wasn't wildly out of line. The High Republic came from the Royal Naboo Republic, which had been heavily influenced by Naboo itself. Difficult to say that influence had waned much as all of the institutions remain on that planet. It would be easy for the Noble Houses to whisper into the ears of Senators of other worlds in ways not caught on camera. Certain promises and gifts exchanged in return for a sympathetic vote, perhaps.

A hike at the corner of Dominique's lips accompanied Sibylla's... skepticism of Ravion's ascent. It was the sort of thing she, herself, was all too familiar with. Plenty of Directors had complained of her seizing a seat being so 'new' to industry. A trivial matter to overcome if you blackmailed certain parties in supporting you. Was Ravion then doing something similar? Perhaps; or perhaps he'd simply spent so much of his time hyping up the people that he convinced others to back him.

Sentapoth Findos? The Trade Federation; they would naturally enjoy the opportunity to take control of the government. Not to destroy the Republic, of course. They weren't fools, but their zealous pursuit of credits would cripple many initiatives member worlds had in motion. There would be nothing of consequence to do with environment, education, or the concerns for refugees that did not have a directed and positive impact on the market. Dominique, herself, would hardly be their greatest champion -- so many of those ideas had real-world negative impacts on industry that needed to be weighed -- but efforts on Denon must have reassured Sibylla and Aurelian she was at least open-minded on such matters.

Golden eyes shifted over to Aurelian as he spoke of 'discrete' efforts to shut him out in preparation. That tracked. Intelligence, especially, might be guarded about such things. Might. It sounded a bit extreme to curtail his access so early and before anything was certain. How had Ravion managed to instill in so many his efforts would succeed? He certainly sounded like a dangerous, political opponent.

Aurelian's appeal at the end made it clear a decision was needed. The backstory exchange was complete. Now they awaited Dominique's response.

"I would not do this seeking power. In truth, I am most satisfied overseeing the prosperity of my homeworld." So much so some found it... intimidating. "But as you know, I don't believe it is enough to respond to the actions of others, but to foresee them and take action beforehand -- as you are." Her eyes slipped from one to the other, aware they were waiting on a clear declaration. "If I am to do this, I would need people I trust to see this Republic stand strong no matter our opponent. The Black Sun remains to one side. People are always uneasy about the Sith Order at the other. And the Galactic Empire is certain to begin moving with the Galactic Alliance's fall. We may not be at war, but a single, false step could change that."

Dominique gave a single nod. "When the time comes, I shall put my name forward, and do everything in my power to see the Republic thrive." A shiver of adrenaline touched her system. She was adept at smiling, but the one in that moment required more conscious effort than most. They were friends, allies... partners, but she couldn't help the habit of presenting confidence even in a 'social' meeting like this.

Chancellor of the High Republic. It was not the direction Dominique had foreseen her career path developing. Not seriously, anyway. Whatever would come, however, she would meet it.

Sibylla Abrantes | Aurelian Veruna​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

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Aurelian Veruna Dominique Vexx

Sibylla remained quiet as Dominique spoke, listening not only to the words but to the resolve beneath them. When the declaration finally came, something eased in her chest that she had not realized she was holding so tightly.

"Then we are grateful," she replied with an open breath of relief as much as respect. "Not simply for your willingness, but for your clarity. I know how much Denon means to you."

Another deep breath and nodded, "and that is why planning ahead would serve us all the better. It is best not to be caught unawares at the last minute."

She exhaled, tension loosening at last, and allowed herself the faintest, encouraging but genuine smile. "When the moment arrives, you will not stand alone. I will also work to gather support from others. You have me at your disposal. There is no denying we are at the brink with challenges on all sides."

"Until then, we can all work towards investigating Corvalis and see what truly lies behind his ambition."

Sibylla leaned back then, hands folding in her lap as the weight of the path ahead settled into something manageable. Dangerous, yes. Uncertain, certainly. But no longer without direction.

For now, that would have to be enough.

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Dominique Vexx

Aurelian held Dominique's gaze as she spoke, watching for the usual tells. Evasion. Vanity. Hunger. He saw none of it. What he saw instead was calculation, duty, and the kind of ambition that came with a spine.

Good.

When she finally committed, a quiet satisfaction settled through him like a blade sliding back into its sheath. It did not fix the problem. It gave it shape. That was enough.

"Then we move," Aurelian said, voice calm, decisive.

He leaned back in the chair, hands folding loosely, but his mind was already racing ahead. Corvalis would smell this shift the moment it touched the air. He would try to poison it, mock it, frame it as corporate takeover. Let him. Aurelian had lived his whole life with people underestimating what a pretty face could do. His eyes flicked to Sibylla as she spoke of gathering support and digging into Ravion. He nodded once. She was right.

"I agree," he said. "We plan ahead. We don't wait for the blade to hit the ribs before we start moving out of the way." He looked back to Dominique. "When the moment arrives, you will not stand alone. Naboo will not leave you hanging in the wind."

"And Corvalis," he added, "we investigate. Quietly. Thoroughly. I want to know what he's buying, who he's leaning on, and what he thinks he can get away with."

He rose, smoothing his jacket like the meeting had been casual all along.

"Good," he said again, softer this time. "We have a direction then."

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