Faction The Fate of Alderaan (THR)

[Sycorax Laveaux]

"I am here to be the dissenting voice, Chancellor. Every beacon needs a shadow to define its edges, does it not? If the Senate only ever hears the harmonious chorus of Naboo and Alderaan singing of unity, it might forget that overexpansion is the death-keel of factions. As records have shown from the fall of the New Imperial Order, the Galactic Alliance, and the Hutt Space Consortium to name a few examples."

"I used to fancy myself a dissenting voice."

Sycorax approached the two from the side. She was dressed to the nines, a sparkling purple liquor clutched in one scarred white hand. She glanced between Dominique and Eadu. "I don't mean to intrude. I just couldn't help but overhear you and was intrigued."

She sipped her drink. "In my experience, being a contrarian gets old quickly. You'll find yourself doing and saying things just to prove a point, not because you actually believe what you're saying. It kills the soul. Much better to simply think and reason for yourself."

Eadu Yittreas Dominique Vexx​

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

Verity snagged a pair of champagne flutes from the tray of a waiter who paused to offer them, handing one smoothly off to Calren with a murmured, "Anything to worry about, Mr. Voss?"

"Only if you consider your senate colleagues a threat, Senator," Voss replied smoothly, lifting his glass to sip before a brief whisper. "Five o'clock, got a fast mover."

"It usually depends on the colleague," Verity quipped, not moving too quickly. "And the day. And whether I've said anything naughty about them in print that day." Finally slowly turning, as if in the natural course of things, and smiled broadly when she spotted Ayumi Pallopides . "Senator Pallopides -- radiant, as always. Let me get a look at you." A glacial gaze swept down the woman and up again, admiring her costume, before glancing to Voss. "May I present Mr. Calren Voss? He is a... friend from home," Verity said with a slightly affected sense of delicacy. "Calren, Senator Ayumi Pallopides of Denon, quite the best dressed woman in the Senate."

Verity leaned in to listen. "Terraforming, you say?" She echoed, head tilting forward with interest. "That sounds rather promising. I'd love to be taken through it all.bwould it be terribly gauche to whip out our calendars and settle it right here and now?"

Thankfully the Senator was saved from the potential faux pas by the arrival of a towering figure in Alderaanian public life: Queen Amani Serys herself. Verity took the proffered hand in a respectfully firm but not bonecrunching grip and, in deference to the fact that they were diplomatically speaking on Alderaanian soil, offered a shallow curtsy. More of a subtle head bobbing, really. "Your Majesty, it is an honor. But I'm afraid you give me too much credit." Her gaze swiveled to where Liana Organa and Gram Arranda were holding court across the room. "The truth is the Princess and Mr. Arranda presented Alderaan's case so well and so convincingly that it was the natural conclusion. And anyway, to leave Alderaan -- a world of such importance on so many levels -- out in the cold while those madmen lick their chops... Well, it's unthinkable."

She slipped her champagne and let her gaze turn to Ayumi to hear her response to the queen. Was there anything Denon could not achieve? she wondered idly, gazing over the rim of her glass at her colleague.

​

 

[Eharl Sarn]

​

Rémiel Durevant

Senator Eharl Sarn listened in stillness, his broad frame unmoving as a low, contemplative hum resonated from both of his throats. The music in the hall swelled and dipped around them, bright strings attempting to outrun quieter anxieties woven between conversations.

The Ithorian inclined his great head slightly.

"You do not read too deeply, Senator Durevant," Sarn replied gently through his translator, peering down at his compatriot. "Joy offered in uncertain times often carries… a tremor beneath it."

Those long fingers settled together before him, tenting them together as if even now he measured growth against circumstance.

"The Covenant's presence is no longer a distant storm. It presses upon many worlds leaving nothing but wreckage in their wake," he continued in a serious humming tone, "And yes, while fear can hasten decisions, it can also clarify them."

Those older amber eye stalks turned fully toward Remiel as the elder Ithorian Senator seemed to search the younger politican's mind and heart.

"I would hear Savareen's wisdom on this matter. How does your world judge the Covenant's intent? Are they seeking dominion… provocation… or something yet unnamed?"

A quiet hum underscored his next words.

"And more importantly....what do you believe the Republic must do in answer?"

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Verity Stuyveris Amani Serys

Her smile at the compliment was wonderful. "I only do it to keep up with your natural beauty." She looked to her guest with a nod. "And fair point this is about Alderaan though the demonstration might be able to aid them as well. I'll have to see about that." She looked at Amani and bowed as the woman approached and then spoke with a nod. "You are welcome, the Commander of our defense force assures me the Keth will do everything you need and more." She said it with a small smile. As she got a drink with only the water in the glass as opposed to the champagne. Her preference for a clear head in important meeting there.

 

[Rémiel Durevant]

Eharl Sarn

Considering the Ithorian’s words, Rémiel found a certain wisdom in them something he admired, given how many in the galaxy spoke with false insight and misplaced certainty on such matters.

“Joy it might be,” he replied, “but there’s a hint of desperation to it that dulls the emotion.”
He paused briefly before continuing.
“Desperation that, given current events, is warranted.”

Turning to face the Ithorian, Rémiel had to crane his head slightly. Only then did it truly dawn on him just how tall Senator Sarn was. A single thought crossed his mind 'Huh. Tall' but there was little time to dwell on it, as the senator had posed him a question.

“I can’t speak for everyone who calls my world home, but from the reports I’ve seen, the Covenant seems fixated on the removal of the Jedi almost to a fanatical degree.”
After a short pause, Rémiel procured another drink to replace the one he had finished, then continued.
“It makes you wonder how long such a state can persist before it collapses into infighting. As for your second question, I’d like to say that a simple show of strength on the battlefield would suffice.”

He offered a faint smile.

“But that would be a lie. I would instead employ subterfuge and psychological warfare widening any fractures in the Covenant’s command structure to weaken them from within.”

 

[Liana Organa]

​

Cassian Abrantes - Open​

"I have," Liana confirmed, "Sibylla was one of the first in the senate to reach out to me and offer the opportunity for observation. She's helped me get my foot in the door, and made me feel included." It was her who Liana had been working with on her first day in the Republic Senate, a day which was unluckily marred by the Black Sun's attack, but her first day nonetheless. It was also her who had given Liana the chance to meet Dominique, ant though she had not been Chancellor at the time they met on Ukatis, it was a connection that proved quite valuable with hindsight.

"Do you make a habit of coming to these sorts of gatherings, or is it more of a professionally-mandated kind of thing?" She smirked. Usually the military guys seemed a bit more uncomfortable at the fancy social events. Liana's attention wavered for a moment as she noticed her mom sneak into the event. She had wondered if the Queen would make it. Sure enough she had.

 

[Amani Serys]

Verity Stuyveris - Ayumi Pallopides​

Amani replied with a prim chuckle, "I am quite proud of them. Liana has settled into her role better than I could have imagined. And Ambassador Arranda has always been a trusted professional in my cabinet.

Still. Someone had to be the first to step up and reach across the aisle. I'm glad it was you." Senators could 'hear-hear' all day long, but making the real decision to sponsor this act gave it legitimacy that it could not gain solely on the backs of the Alderaanian delegation.

"We'll be sure to put it to good use." Amani told Ayumi, then offered both women a parting nod, "Alright. I'm afraid I ought to keep moving. Lots of faces to meet tonight. Thank you for indulging, and enjoy the party."

---

Eharl Sarn - Rémiel Durevant
​

She stepped away, snatching a drink from one of the waiters as she made her way to another pair: "Senators Sarn and Durevant, if I'm not mistaken? I hope tonight's events are treating you well?"

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique smiled while Eadu offered his even-handed welcome. He was by no means her greatest fan, but much like the Sith the Denonite believed nothing was ever certain unless you tried. Provided you planned appropriately, you lost nothing in the effort.

A slow and slight nod accompanied the man's cool tone. Before she replied, another stepped forward having had a curiously sharp ear for current affairs. Golden rings shifted slightly in the direction of the new voice.

"Of course, being a contrarian for its own sake is its own reward." Of which the Chancellor meant that was the entirety of what one got for their efforts -- nothing. "Though I would never ask a well-intentioned Senator with only the well-being of this Republic in mind to stifle their honest opinion." Indeed, even on Denon there were politicians that spoke their minds without being tossed into some deep abyss. Some of them ended up that way, but it was a large world. There were always more effective ways to convince people, she thought. Dominique 's attention settled on Eadu once more. "With so many worlds in the balance, especially as our numbers grow, it is important to keep in mind all the variables and their probabilities."

"Be at ease, Senator, in knowing that while the Senate may end up favoring Alderaan, we can ensure a welcoming zeal does not over commit ourselves to unreasonable timeframes. Just because we commit to accomplishing a grand vision does not necessitate it be done tomorrow." Dominique was receptive to the more idealistic visions of others, but not at the expense of maintaining the Republic's solvency.

Eadu Yittreas | Sycorax Laveaux​

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Gram Arranda

At Gram's answer, he listened without interruption. Past experience with Mandalorians. Refusal to bend the knee to any empire. Fair. Once, he might have applauded that stance without hesitation. He had distrusted Mandalorians himself, had seen only helmets and conquest. Time complicated things. Still, he could not fault a queen for guarding her world's sovereignty.

"I understand," Aurelian said at last. "History has a long memory. And names like 'Empire' tend to come with chains attached."

His gaze drifted briefly across the hall. Senators laughed near the musicians. A pair of aides argued in hushed tones over a datapad. The mood was open. Curious. Promising.

"I hope this evening proves fruitful for you," he continued. "The room feels… receptive."

He swirled the last of his drink. "I think I shall take the temperature properly. A quiet word here, a suggestion there."

Aurelian inclined his head to both of them. "It has been a pleasure. I look forward to catching up again soon."

With that, he slipped back into the crowd, smile sharpened, already choosing his next conversation.

​

 

[Eadu Yittreas]

Eadu maintained a firm posture at the arrival of Ambassador Sycorax Laveaux to their small little conference within the Alderaan Embassy. He had perused her dossier from the Galactic Alliance Senate archives, a staunch supporter of its principles yet a considerable adversary to the Corporate Lobby's influence in the chamber.

While Dod may have held a grudge against her for her political stances, Eadu was not so shallow to exclude her from his own plan to wrestle control away from the Chancellor and into his own awaiting hands. "A soul is a high price to pay for a point of order, I agree. Though I can assure you Ambassador Laveaux that my views are well within consideration when speaking my mind" He responded in a manner that revealed no annoyance at her interruption.

He offered a slow and slight nod toward the Chancellor Dominique Vexx , acknowledging her mention of variables and probabilities. It was a tactical concession to make him lower his guard by allowing him to speak his mind without backlash. There was no harm in playing her game until all the facts were available.

"The High Chancellor is correct to focus on variables," Eadu continued, his eyes briefly flicking toward the chandeliers before settling back on Dominique.

"But the most dangerous variable is not the timeframe, it is the precedent. If we establish a security corridor for Alderaan today, based on a welcoming zeal, we signal to the Sith Covenant exactly where our borders are softest. We are not just building a defense; we are drawing a target that we will be ill-equipped to defend with the Mors Mon Dreadnought still looming from the West." The Republic Navy was not prepared to confront the most powerful super star destroyer ever built in the modern era of 904 ABY. A naval fleet ten times its size would be required just to strike its hull, and he had no intention of risking his planet's people in a reckless effort to halt it.

 

[Sycorax Laveaux]

This is Sycorax Laveaux:

Former Senator of Dahrtag, now reduced to its Ambassador. She had no voice in the Republic Senate, no vote, minimal influence on their politics. Before the fall of the GA, she had tried to follow Ukatis' example and have the Republic annex her homeworld. A backroom deal with Aurelian Veruna never came to fruition. She had ended her tenure as Senator in disgrace, having drawn the ire of... oh, what was his name? She didn't remember. No matter. She had outlasted all her rivals.

That was all in the past, and Sycorax had much to be thankful for. She had survived a second assassination attempt, established order in Dahrtag's criminal underworld... and her bed was warmed by the presence of a lover for the first time in a long, long time. Not just any boyfriend, but a man who was every inch her equal. A man who had literally killed for her.

Far from being a failure, she was victorious. But she knew better than to rest on her laurels. Alderaan's entry into the Republic would set a precedent, one that she would assuredly take advantage of. Viva la Necropolis.

Chancellor Vexx didn't speak to her directly, but she implied by her words that Alderaan's induction wouldn't happen tomorrow. "If you drag your feet after passing the bill, that wouldn't set a very good precedent," Sycorax remarked. "I assume you wouldn't want to make your legislative branch look ineffectual."

Yittreas defended his "dissenting voice" - and funnily enough, also used setting a precedent as the crux of his argument against the bill. He was correct. A corridor to Alderaan would create a weak point. But only as long as it remained a corridor.

"Unless you intend for the Republic's borders to remain static until the Sith or some other hungry faction comes for you, I would say gaining the allegiance of a like-minded powerhouse like Alderaan is a good investment. Nibbling at frankly less valuable systems along the current edge of your territory would certainly be less beneficial in the long run."

Dominique Vexx Eadu Yittreas​

 

[Cassian Abrantes]

Liana Organa ​

Cassian responded with simple grace and a solid, genuine smile. "I am glad to hear that," he said. "My sister is a strong ally to have, and an even better person. I am pleased you were able to connect."

At her question, he gave a light shrug, a faint smirk touching his features. "I would not say I make a habit of these gatherings. My work tends to involve fewer chandeliers and far more battlefields and intelligence operations." There was no complaint there, just truth. However, he wasn't going to say he was opposed to this.

"Still, the change of pace is not unwelcome."

His expression settled into something firmer, conviction clear in his tone.

"My presence here is not mandated. I came because I believe in what Alderaan is asking. Military support is more than ships stationed in orbit. It is standing publicly with those you intend to defend."

 

[Gram Arranda]

Gram pondered Aurelian's response. It made the ambassador wonder about what exactly the state of affairs was between the Republic and the Mandalorians. It was something to learn more about... and perhaps he ought to inquire about their relations with the Imperials, too. It was useful information to know.

Not long after the conversation began, Aurelian opted to end it. No doubt he was a busy man. "Thank you, Your Majesty," Gram said, offering a final respectful bow of his head. "The pleasure is mine."

After the King of Naboo departed, Vera leaned toward his ear, whispering, "If anyone here is representative of the Republic, it's him. Yet I couldn't get a read on him. Could you?"

"We didn't talk to him long enough," he replied, his face remaining passive, smiling and nodding politely to people as they walked past. "No doubt there will be another time. I'll be sure to question him thoroughly." As the musicians segued into an Alderaanian waltz, he paused and raised her hand to his lips, planting a tender kiss on her knuckle. "Now, Lady Vera. May I have this dance?"

She laughed at his antics. "You old smoothie. How could I refuse? Lead the way."

Aurelian Veruna​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

"We must approach the High Republic's expansion responsibly," Dominique echoed both the Senator and Ambassador's sentiments. "Too fast and we risk over extension. Too slow and we'll lose valuable opportunities and resources needed to furnish our economic security. Alderaan is held in high regards in the galactic community, and would make a valuable ally." A brief pause before she added, "Provided we can ensure a means for our forces to protect it."

"As I explained to their Senior Ambassador previously, the High Republic does not wish to over commit to the defense of Alderaan if it cannot reasonably expect its forces to arrive when they need us most. The corridor would prevent hostile parties from besieging our ships in flight. From there we would reinforce our capabilities to avoid security shortcomings that invite invasion just as well."

"Ultimately, membership must be mutually beneficial and not built on hollow promises. I trust the Senate will make the right decision in this matter, and support the distribution of the necessary resources to back up our pledge."

"As for those in the West," Dominique nodded, "the potential threat to this Republic has not been overlooked. It is the very reason we seek new allies every day. Even ones like Alderaan that may not be military powers in themselves, but influencers able to draw in capable forces."

She looked from Eadu to Sycorax to gauge their reactions. Not everyone would be convinced -- and some didn't have a proper vote on the matter -- but Dominique did seek to reach a consensus whenever possible.

Eadu Yittreas | Sycorax Laveaux​

 

[Eharl Sarn]

​

Senate Hall
Theed City | Naboo
Items: x
Rémiel Durevant Amani Serys

​

"A fire that exists only to destroy eventually begins to consume its own fuel. It forgets why it was lit in the first place." SEnator Sarn murmured with a thrum from both of his throats, a hum reverberating from this throats.

"You are correct, a simple show of strength would not end such a foe. It might even nourish their narrative."

Those large ambereyestalks turned towards the musicians for a moment as he mused, then he added:

"Some vines choke a tree not because they are stronger… but because they are patient. The wise gardener does not always rip them free at once. Sometimes he watches where they wind, lets them reveal the shape of the trunk they cling to."

Those eyes returned to Remiel.

"Yes, subterfuge as well as skilled investigators moving quietly within the storm. The Covenant seeks chaos? Then we must learn to stand comfortably within it, to gather information from those who doubt within their ranks and widen those fractures. Information is what will ensure we act with our eyes wide open."

A soft, satisfied hum followed.

Before more could be said, a new presence approached, and Sarn's broad head turned. Then he paused, as his two mouths widened into an unmistakably genuine smile.

Ah, the Queen of Alderaan, Amani Serys!

So this was young Junior Ambassador Organa's mother.

"Your Majesty," Sarn greeted warmly, inclining his great head. "The evening treats us very well."

His tone carried quiet delight.

"But I must confess a greater pleasure in meeting not only the Queen of Alderaan… but the mother of a most brilliant Junior Ambassador."

The hum that followed was fond.

"Your daughter, Your Majesty, has been a delight to this Senate."

​

 

[Eadu Yittreas]

Eadu remained patient as he awaited Chancellor Dominique Vexx 's response. When it finally arrived, it was evident that she was attempting to craft a narrative of responsible expansion to address his concerns, a performance so refined it nearly made one overlook the Deonite blade hidden beneath her skin, poised to silence any dissenters.

He could feel the gaze of Ambassador Sycorax Laveaux upon him; she was a specter from a bygone era, a woman who had exchanged a prestigious senatorial position for the obscurity of irrelevance. Nevertheless, her remark regarding ineffective legislation caused him to pause and rethink. There was no harm in allowing them both to think that their words had persuaded him to at least consider putting up a united front in regards to Alderaan.

Taking a slow, deliberate step forward while remaining silent for the time being to prolong the awkwardness. He showed no signs of his feelings as his face stayed expressionless. "The Ambassador presents a strong argument about the dangers of hesitation," Eadu began, his voice softening for just a moment as he directed his eyes towards the Chancellor.

"And the Chancellor's emphasis on mutual benefit is... practical. It reflects the mindset of a leader who recognizes that a Republic founded on empty promises is nothing more than a house of cards poised to collapse under a political storm." He paused, allowing the concession to sink in. To those watching, it might appear that the Chancellor's reasoning had finally broken through his defenses. In truth, he was merely shifting his pieces on the chessboard.

"I will not abandon my political viewpoints but...if Alderaan is truly the influencer you claim, Chancellor. If their induction can indeed draw in the capable forces we currently lack to defend against the Sith Order looming from the west, then my opposition to the principle of this corridor can be withdrawn provided that the House of Organa no longer becomes the de-jure representative within our halls." A bold statement to be voiced in the corridors of the Alderaan embassy, yet he had his motives for preferring that the House of Organa refrain from representing the planet in the assembly.

 

[Sycorax Laveaux]

Was it her imagination, or was the Chancellor trying to sway their opinions in her favor? Sycorax's thin eyebrows rose. It had been a long time since anyone had tried that on her.

"Dahrtag is still willing to build that prison for all the Republic's criminals in exchange for membership," Sycorax said, wondering if Dominique even knew what she was talking about. Aurelian Veruna might not have told her about their deal, but that was fine. At least she was still bringing it up.

Eadu seemed receptive to Dominique's words, but Sycorax smelled placation. After all, he was a self-described contrarian. What Sycorax didn't get was, why did he care if Alderaan joined the Republic or not? What did he stand to gain or lose from it? Or did it really all just boil down to some 'slippery slope' expansionist nonsense?

"I will not abandon my political viewpoints but... if Alderaan is truly the influencer you claim, Chancellor. If their induction can indeed draw in the capable forces we currently lack to defend against the Sith Order looming from the west, then my opposition to the principle of this corridor can be withdrawn provided that the House of Organa no longer becomes the de-jure representative within our halls."

Now, that surprised her. Sycorax maintained a healthy suspicion of Eadu's motives, but she nodded her head in agreement. "Not a bad idea," she said. "There are too many monarchies in the Republic as it is. Their planets needn't be represented by royalty."

Did that mean little Liana Organa would have to give up her Junior position? Probably not. Despite her active role, she was technically part of Gram's staff, not her planet's main representative. Sycorax wasn't sure what Queen Amani had planned, but she doubted her daughter was being groomed to take on the Senator role once Alderaan became a member world. More than likely it was Gram Arranda who would be proffered as the Queen's choice, though knowing Alderaan they would still hold a legitimate election for the candidacy.

Dominique Vexx Eadu Yittreas​

 

[Rémiel Durevant]

Eharl Sarn Amani Serys


“Much could be said for most powers that call this galaxy home. History is filled with the rise and fall of alliances, empires, and countless others often brought down by overexpansion or their own infighting.”
He paused to finish his second glass before continuing.
“It’s tragic, really.”

Rémiel considered the senator’s words. They had a way of striking at the heart of the discussion, but one thought lingered in his mind 'Is the Sith Covenant acting alone, or is there someone else moving in the shadows?'

“Such a storm is not a matter of if, but when. The real question is what will ignite the spark and where it will happen.”

His musings were cut short by the arrival of another figure. At first, Rémiel didn’t recognize her, as she didn’t appear to be another senator, then it clicked.

This was the Queen of Alderaan, unsure of the proper formality, he settled for a small respectful bow.

“Your Majesty.”

 

[Amani Serys]

Eharl Sarn - Rémiel Durevant - Open​

"Glad to hear it," Amani said with a nod to them both. She took a sip of her drink, lips smacking at the bitter taste of alcohol. Probably not the most professional look for her to be imbibing out on the convention floor, but as long as she kept it in moderation she wasn't going to embarrass herself. A bit of liquid courage for matters such as this came in handy, especially to one who eternally felt out of her element in the political sphere.

"Your daughter, Your Majesty, has been a delight to this Senate."

"And that is music to my ears," She beamed proudly now. It seemed everyone had good things to say about Liana. And to think there was a time that Amani was nervous about sending her out here all on her own. The girl had done well for herself, "She has promise in the field. I'm glad she's had the opportunity to develop here with your help. More than anything I'm glad she's gotten to… be herself." Her finger brushed the rim of her glass in thought, "I think she grew tired of always being attached to the expectations of a Princess. They haven't left her, but at least now she gets to try something all her own." Politics and royalty went hand in hand, but Liana could just as easily have stuck close to home and mentored under the Alderaanian government. Instead she chose to venture unto an alien world and be exposed to something entirely new. Not just for her sake, but for her people's sake as well. Tonight's event was living proof of her success.

"She'd probably get flustered if I start talking about her youth in front of everyone, so I'll save the stories for another time," Amani chuckled, taking another sip of her drink. "So— Not to talk too much shop, but, I suppose this is what we're here for: How do you all read the Senate on this? Do you think Alderaan will be joining the High Republic?"

 

[Liana Organa]

​

Cassian Abrantes - Open​

"I wholeheartedly agree," Liana replied back. In fact, most of the senators she had met thus far had been happy to educate her on the ins and outs of political theatre. Even those who brushed her off had inadvertently taught her something about the system.

Cassian confirmed his lack of experience in such events as this. But he wasn't a stick in the mud about it. If anything he seemed to appreciate the more peaceful atmosphere. And he reaffirmed his stance on the plight of Alderaan, "Well, if all the troops are like you, I'm sure we'll have Alderaan and the Core Sith-free by Life Day." Liana snickered, although the humor of it seemed to falter midway through. The Force gave her many unprompted peeks into what may come to pass. But thus far it refused her insight into Alderaan's future. Liana was sure her mother would say something along the lines of the Force wanting her to make the journey herself or not to lead her down a self-fulfilling prophecy. Liana thought all that was bull.