Private The Clone Zone

[Aurelian Veruna]

Location: Airspeeder, Denon
Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Dominique Vexx

Aurelian watched Denon rise beneath the airspeeder, a city without edges. Towers stacked on towers, transit lanes braided through glass and durasteel, lights burning even in daylight as if the planet refused the concept of quiet. He rested one elbow against the frame of the window, chin tipped into his knuckles, mouth curved in a smile that suggested he was already planning trouble. This was the kind of place that thrived on momentum. It suited him.

Director Vexx's homeworld spread out like a promise and a warning. Denon did not pretend to be elegant. It was dense, efficient, alive. Aurelian tracked the movement below with a practiced eye, noting security corridors, industrial blocks, the way traffic subtly bent around certain districts. Cloning facilities would be buried somewhere in that sprawl, hidden in plain sight. Dominique's proposal would either become the backbone of their next phase or die under a mountain of practical objections. Today would decide which.

The thought of legacy surfaced, as it always did when he looked at cities. Not monuments or statues, but systems that endured. Programs that survived their creators. The Republic had taken everything he could give without complaint. Now it was loosening its grip. His term as Chancellor was ending. Naboo waited again.

Aurelian straightened and tapped the transparisteel lightly, drawing their attention. "I have never been to Denon," he said, looking towards Dominique, voice easy. "It reminds me of Coruscant. But better. I have a house guard from here, loyal man..."

He glanced to Sibylla, curiosity sharp beneath the charm. "Have you ever been here?"

​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Location: Mmhmm...
Aurelian Veruna Dominique Vexx

Sibylla caught Aurelian's glance out of the corner of her eye and answered it with a very deliberate side-look of her own, the sort that said she knew exactly what game he was playing and had no intention of letting him win it. He was baiting her, plain as day, and he knew she knew.

"I have," she replied lightly, rolling her eyes as if the question bored her. "You know that already. You're just being facetious."

She turned then to Dominique, her expression warming as her tone smoothed into something genuinely fond.

"I greatly enjoyed my time here with Dominique. She was an excellent guide and introduced me to all the places one ought to see while visiting Denon."

Entirely accurate, just not complete.

A glance slid back toward Aurelian, brow lifting before turning to Dominique in amusement.

"Do not let him coax you of anything. He is attempting to draw conclusions where none are owed. All he knows is that I danced and that I enjoyed myself."

The corner of her mouth perked up in knowing.

"At this point, I think he's simply jealous I managed to enjoy myself while he was buried in Interim Chancellor duties until the early morning."

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Transportation was, of course, befitting the company. The supple leather seating of the vehicle was padded with the softest down, lathered in cream, and expertly stitched together. Unlike commercial there was plenty of leg room to the side and in front of the occupant. And, of course, there were insets along the sides where chilled refreshments could be kept available for those in search of something to wet the palette.

Dominique sat across from her companions with a smile and lilac glareshades turned nearly transparent so they could clearly see one another. There was nothing to hide. She did avail herself of a slender flute of bubbly, however, to occupy her hand and give off a certain poise for the moment. Not that she expected it to sway the minds of those present; it was just for ambiance. They should get the full experience, shouldn't they?

Flatterer, she thought, as Aurelian made a direct comparison to Denon's rival to stroke Dominique's ego. Of course, she didn't disagree. People continued to flock back to that accursed world, but that wouldn't stop Dominique -- or the Board, she suppose -- from helping people see just how much more they could get from a world that wasn't sacked every year.

The smile didn't waver, but her eyebrows rose just slightly to Aurelian's question. Not that a single muscle belied an interest in answering for Sibylla. The woman was capable of managing the fishing expedition. Dominique knew they interacted often enough to know one another's tells.

"I couldn't help myself. You were without a doubt radiant and enjoyable company. Not someone mired in duty to be present, but that explored the opportunities surrounding you." It had been quite enjoyable. Dangerous even. To be so revealing before another... They'd made a little pact in their time together hadn't they? Well, it was rather nice not to feel entirely isolated from the galaxy any longer.

"Well, if the Chancellor wishes to dance while he is here, I'm certain something could be arranged."

Aurelian Veruna | Sibylla Abrantes​

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Dominique Vexx

Aurelian turned from the window at last, the city's glow sliding off his features as he faced them fully. His smile lingered, slow and knowing, the kind that admitted nothing and suggested everything. Sibylla's deflection had been expected. That was the mark he was watching for.

"I would never be facetious," he said mildly, eyes flicking to her before settling back with easy confidence. "Curious, perhaps. Concerned for your moral wellbeing. Deeply invested in your extracurricular education."

The smile sharpened, just enough to give him away. He had known. Of course he had. Denon was not the sort of place one visited quietly, and Sibylla admitted to not coming here quietly, clubbing actually. Watching her pretend otherwise was half the entertainment.

He shifted his attention to Dominique, interest brightening. "I do not doubt that she was radiant," he said. "That part I can already picture. What I lack are the details." His tone turned conspiratorial. "Sibylla Abrantes, letting loose on Denon. I would very much like to hear that story from your perspective, Director. I suspect it differs from the edited version I am being offered."

His gaze slid back to Sibylla, amused rather than accusing. "You danced. You enjoyed yourself. That much is clear. Beyond that, I am forced to imagine." He paused, then added smoothly, "And my imagination is rarely charitable."

At Dominique's suggestion, he gave a soft laugh. "I could be persuaded to dance," he allowed. "Eventually. It would be irresponsible to deny Denon the experience entirely." He lifted a hand, palm out, signaling restraint. "But first, business."

The charm shifted into focus. He straightened, posture attentive, eyes back on Dominique with the weight of expectation settling in. "Tell me how the proposal is landing. Where the board stands. What concerns remain."

His gaze drifted briefly back toward the city below, already anticipating answers. "And the facilities," he continued. "I want your honest assessment. What works. What does not. If we move forward, I want no surprises waiting for us."

He looked back at them, smile returning, measured and intent. "After that, Director, I am entirely at your disposal. For dancing. Stories. Or both."

​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Dominique Vexx Aurelian Veruna

At Dominique's compliment, Sibylla flashed a playful wink over at the Denonite's direction, her hazel eyes dancing with mirth at their shared secrets. Although it turned into actual laughter at the thought of Aurelian clubbing at a Denon nightclub. She had felt out of place until Dominque helped her try to blend and told her to just let go and enjoy herself.

For some reason, she couldn't picture Aurelian amidst all the lights and the gyrating music playing in the background. Although the way his eyes flicked over to her and that maddening smile perked up at his comment regarding his interest in her extracurricular activities, and where his imagination went was enough to give the slightest hint of pink over her cheeks. Thankfully, the shadows of the speedercar were enough to hide it.

At least she hoped.

Deciding to take one of the drinks provided, Sibylla opened a bottle of water, using the time to follow up with, "Well, considering all that nonsense with the Senator of Malastre trying to invoke an archaic rule to relieve Aurelian of his interim Chancellor duties is enough to make anyone need a well-deserved bit of entertainment."

There was no need to withhold the information from the Denonite. Sibylla and Aurelian both trusted her and knew this was important information the Denonite would want to learn in advance.

"I would expect Senator Ravion Corvalis to broach it to the Senate shortly, as he already has submitted it to me to review and vet." A pause, and then she gave a short exhale after taking a sip of water.

"I have been meaning to talk to you about him, Dominique. My mother praises him to me at every mention of him, but something feels off."

 

[Dominique Vexx]

What Aurelian thought he knew, or knew, of those events would go hitherto unremarked by the Denonite. Especially given neither of my guests sought to dwell on it. With reason. There had, in fact, been dancing, but where they danced and 'extracurricular' subjects engaged with before and after they danced... that was where the truly remarkable matters lay. Not that anyone had need to know what transpired. It was uplifting to know the man cared so much for her 'education' though. And, of course, amusing to think Aurelian suggested something scandalous might have transpired with his insinuation.

"What happens on Denon stays on Denon," Dominique replied off-handedly, but with a smile. An otherwise true proverb with just as much left unsaid. What happened on Denon stayed on Denon wherein it involved a Cyber Runner's hangout. Everything else was merely best effort; what with those Runners trying to worm their way in to everything.

Aurelian's dare to be invited to dance warranted Dominique's full and complete attention. A smile invited him to regale them with his skills at that. A topic for them to revisit after business, as he said. Not one soon forgotten either. After all, even with things turning as they were, she hardly thought of the man losing value. They were of a kind, Aurelian and her. This was when he was slighted by those he thought to elevated. As someone known for taking matters into their own hands already, Dominique expected he would orchestrate a response so any perceived loss was compensated.

Her golden eyes slid from Aurelian to Sibylla and then back again. Talk of Ravion might go at length, whereas the Cloning project had natural pauses in conversation; and so the Director began there. "The Board expressed concern. After all, the High Republic hasn't committed to a procurement of services officially at this point. Ultimately, they succumbed to the obvious truths. Kamino is no longer a regional power able to monopolize services. Denon is well positioned to take up that loss on this side of the galaxy. And, most importantly, should the High Republic not pursue the venture," there was a slight shrug of a nod acknowleding at times cards did not always land as planned, "Denon will find other partners to make use of the facilities." So there was no risk of a failure to recapture their expenditure or failing to securing a profit; though admittedly other factions might not submit as large an order as Aurelian sounded inclined to offer, so it might take longer.

Dominique turned to look out the window and smile to herself. "Did you enjoy the fly-over?" She slowly turned to look back at Aurelian and Sibylla. Their vehicle had sailed right over the facility just a moment ago. A small jest at how unassuming it was should anyone come looking. A smart adversary would know where to bomb, but you had to contend with... less professional elements as well. "I arranged a meeting with its Executive Officer, if either of you would care for a tour. Obviously there isn't an army down there for inspection just yet, but there could be. Several subjects have been produced to run the full program through from start to finish in the meantime -- those are available for examination."

Then, the Director turned her attention to Sibylla. "Ravion Corvalis. His movements certainly have all the hallmarks of a plan. I've tasked a few analysts with discretely looking into matters. Not nearly to the extent I pursued the Five Veils Trade Route," a little admission of having pursued it at all as little more than a footnote, "but he has my curiosity. I would be delighted to hear what feels 'off' about him, knowing him far better than I."

Aurelian Veruna | Sibylla Abrantes​

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Dominique Vexx

Aurelian listened without interrupting, attention shifting easily between them as the conversation sharpened. Dominique's proverb earned a quiet breath of laughter. "What happens on Denon stays on Denon," he repeated, testing the words. "A dangerous philosophy. I find those places tend to be the most educational." His eyes flicked briefly to Sibylla, amusement warm and unapologetic.

He turned back to Dominique as the business settled in. The levity did not vanish, but it tightened into something purposeful. "The Republic will commit," he said calmly. "You have my word on that. We are past the stage of theoretical interest." His gaze drifted to the window, recalling the brief glimpse of the facility below. "We simply need to see it with our own eyes. Systems. Oversight. Practical realities. Once that is done, the procurement will move forward."

He nodded once. "A tour would be welcome. Expected, even. If we are building something meant to endure, I want to understand every layer of it."

The mention of Corvalis pulled his focus back sharply. The smile thinned, not gone, just tempered. "I do not like him," Aurelian said without hesitation. He folded his hands loosely, thinking aloud. "He is too attentive. Too invested in my movements, my authority, my timing."

A faint shrug followed. "Do not misunderstand me. People fixate on me all the time. I am captivating." His eyes lifted, intent now. "But Corvalis watches like he is waiting for something to slip. Like he wants to be present when it does."

He glanced to Sibylla, then back to Dominique. "That does not mean he is incompetent or reckless. Quite the opposite. Which is what concerns me. If your analysts find anything, however small, I want to know."

The speeder began its descent, the city rising to meet them. Aurelian straightened, the earlier amusement returning in measured form. "So. We tour the facility. We confirm details. We finalize terms." His smile resurfaced, dangerous and bright. "After that, perhaps Denon can educate me as well."

​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Aurelian Veruna Dominique Vexx

Sibylla's lips curved as Dominique repeated the proverb, and she turned just enough to flash the Director a conspiratorial wink. What happens on Denon stays on Denon indeed. Some lessons, after all, were best learned without witnesses.

The Abrantes' attention slid back to Aurelian at precisely the wrong moment for him, catching his remark about fixation. The faintest snort escaped her before she could stop it, quickly disguised behind a polite breath.

"Yes, well," she said sweetly, "your ability to command attention is truly unparalleled. I am certain entire star systems lie awake pondering you." Tawny eyes sparkled as she looked at him with apparent fondness and exasperation in equal measure.

"Do forgive me if I fail to be suitably impressed by the notion." She teased as she shook her head once, the smile lingering because it always did with him, especially considering their circumstances. His confidence was infuriating, undeniable, and infuriating again. Worse, he wore it with that charming face and that maddening knowing smirk, as though the galaxy itself had personally confirmed his opinion.

When the conversation turned back to Corvalis, Sibylla's expression sobered as her amusement faded away. She drew in a slow breath, fingers lightly drumming over her thigh as she spoke.

"What unsettles me is not his background," she said carefully. "Origins are rarely the problem. It is the timing. He advances too quickly and offers too much reassurance far too readily as though Naboo should be grateful for his presence rather than merely cautious of it." Her brow furrowed. "From the Senate attack, to the convenient fall of his predecessor, to his sudden elevation… it is all just a shade too neat."

She gave a slow shake of her head that swept her chestnut hair over her shoulders.

"I cannot yet name it, but my instincts insist there is more to him than he presents. And instincts, I have learned, are rarely so persistent without cause." She added as she agreed with Aurelian. "I can show you both the proposal he will be setting forth to the Senate to remove Aurelian from the Interim Chancellorship. Perhaps you can find something of interest there to determine where to look."

"But for now, a tour of the facilities is precisely right." She glanced sideways at Aurelian again, brow arching with playful intent. "Afterward, we can discuss just what Denon might teach the good Chancellor beyond procurement protocols."

As the speeder descended and the city rose to meet them, Sibylla leaned back slightly, flashing the pair a cheeky smile. It was a sight to behold, truly, for the once strictly composed Daughter of Abrantes to smile so openly at them both.

Time and their friendship had softened the edges around Sibylla, allowing her to open herself up to discover not only her true self underneath, but that she didn't have to perform or pretend with either Dominique or Aurelian.

A circumstance that Sibylla was truly, utterly, so grateful to Shiraya for.