Private This Party's Over

[Sela Basran]

THE SENATE BUILDING - THEED
CHANCELLOR VEXX'S OFFICE
​

Jedi Master Basran glanced between her colleagues as they waited to be admitted into the Chancellor's inner office. She doubted whether she needed to admonish Romi Jade about watching her tongue with the Chancellor. Colette was -- perhaps -- slightly more likely, but still. She suspected that the Quartermaster was here -- reluctantly -- to observe matters. Sela didn't wish for Colette to feel the need to remain silent, but if it came down to a choice between saying nothing and sparking an international incident, she knew which one she'd choose.

So she merely smiled faintly and adjusted the pleated edge of her robe. She was not self-conscious about meeting the Chancellor -- they had spoken before and had seemed to be of one mind on most important matters -- but she thought walking in looking disheveled showed a kind of disrespect to the office. But she didn't have long to fuss. In short order, the three Jedi Councilors were being shown into the Chancellor's office.

Sela greeted Dominique Vexx with a deferential nod. "Chancellor Vexx, thank you for seeing us. May I introduce my colleagues, Master Jade, and Knight Noble, the Order's Quartermaster." She gestured to each one in turn.

​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

The Chancellor stood from behind her desk and spread her arms out to invite the trio deeper into the room, and to the comfortable chairs. "Master Basran, Master Jade, Knight Noble. A pleasure to have you here today. Please, make yourselves comfortable."

Dominique wore what had more or less become her 'uniform' as Chancellor of the High Republic. A stylishly tailored white jacket with the hallmarks of naval command, but with influences of home. True, she was the Commander in Chief, but Dominique didn't need to blend in with the Admirals with countless hours of battle experience. That being true, she did want it clear to their rivals they were not gaudy simps waiting to be crushed under an aggressive heel.

"I hope the trip was uneventful. Enough excitement in the galaxy these days, wouldn't you say?" Dominique wouldn't prolong the small talk any longer than the Jedi desired, but it made certain they had an opportunity to get the words flowing. Sometimes people needed something 'disposable' to break the ice socially before they dropped matters of importance.

Sela Basran | Romi Jade | Colette​

 

[Colette]

Sela Basran / Dominique Vexx / Romi Jade

Colette was wearing a practical field jumpsuit for this, same as she always wore to everything else. It was clean, of course, but it was a far shot from any smart suit that others might have worn. After all, a politician who took offense to what another person wore was just sad. Besides, they had met once before and Colette had worn something just like it then too, if not quite possibly the same jumpsuit.

She could see the slight worry in the older councilor’s gaze, but she had nothing to fear from Colette. The quartermaster straightened her back and scratched behind her ear for a moment before the door was opened and gave a courteous nod at the mention of her name.

Her entrance was as unspectacular as the rest of her was. There was a row of chairs and Colette took the one furthest to the right and let the other two handle the talking for now. The kid swore she could feel the walls stare at her as if something unseen was watching, listening, taking notes of their presence.

… It was probably just the establishment-related paranoia.

… Probably.

 

[Romi Jade]

---​

Prior to the last council meeting, she'd felt like something was on the horizon, so much so that her left hand would go stiff, and at times tremble. As she'd grown more sensitive to the premonitions she'd get, her level of control over them came from her ability to recognize the physical signs and changes in her body...by this point she knew if her body was reacting as such then a big one was upon her...but she didn't know when it'd come.

And after their last gathering, the deeper well of the empyrean was flooding, but it was still clouded by the murkiness of the darkside. In her dreams lately she'd been seeing fire again...that flame...

And inside of it glimpses of an aftermath, so she knew there’d been a battle of some kind. There were chunks of a planet floating aimlessly in orbit, and it was as if the Force itself had been silenced mid-scream. Whatever happens, it doesn’t end in victory...

While a lot of the specifics remain unclear, she was still not seeing the Jedi survive, not if they continued on their current path. She knew these were only bits of a large vision to come, one which she hoped brought more clarity. But her instincts and experience pushed her towards some sort of attack; but she wondered if that was due to her own bias, or if the Force had been tipping her off. She'd gotten the timing wrong before.

Regardless, she wanted to inquire with some other councilors first before speaking on anything else, and there were only a couple who shared her perspective thus far.

She'd been standing off to the side in thought most of the wait time till they were invited in; Just before the door she deftly slipped Sela Basran a message wafer, a small physical data chip for her to listen to later, unrelated to this meeting entirely -- but she had had no other chance to speak with the scholar. She had had a similar one delivered to Zark San Tekka via her old and janky astromech R0.

She sauntered in after Colette, "A pleasure Chancellor, thank you." she nodded.

She found her seat, the furthest on the left, leaving the center for Sela as the liaison. As she was sitting, "I'd even say more than enough, yes."

Colette | Dominique Vexx

--- ​

 

[Sela Basran]

​

"I quite agree," Sela said. "I have often heard it sited as an ancient curse to wish people to live in interesting times. I believe it is, in fact, apocryphal, but it makes for a good story. And times have certainly been interesting lately. You look well, Chancellor, but do not fret. We will take care of that in short order."

It was said wryly, as a joke, but she then wondered whether that was wise. There was likely some truth in it. Sela took one of the seats offered, but kept herself upright completely.

"One of the matters we came to discuss, and perhaps the most pressing, is the presence of an individual in the High Republic that we are reliablyinformed is a Sith Lord, operating under diplomatic immunity under the Second Treaty of the Twin Crowns -- signed with the Mandalorian Empire." She paused a moment, reaching to self-consciously adjust the monocle hanging against her chest from a simple durasteel chain. "I am speaking, of course, of the Mandalorian Warden and the Queen of Eshan, Quinn Varanin. The Jedi have no intention of attempting to apprehend Varanin whilst she is protected by this diplomatic immunity."

She allowed a beat, folding her hands together in her lap then. Then: "However..."

Glancing between her two colleagues a moment before turning her gaze back on the Chancellor, she continued, "My colleagues on the Council are interested in meeting with her in order to ascertain what her purpose in the High Republic is. There is some concern -- allow me to rephrase that. It is my concern and in this I speak for myself and not the entire Council. I am concerned that Varanin may be here to sow discord within the Jedi Order, or to influence -- subtly or otherwise -- some of my Order's younger or more impressionable members. For this I have no evidence, other than an understanding of the Sith modus operandi from the study of centuries."

Sela knitted her fingers together in her lap. "This obviously poses a political problem, as we could not ignore such actions, and yet not only does Varanin enjoy diplomatic immunity within the Republic's borders, a brief examination of the current galactipolitical situation suggests that taking action against her would likely prove catastrophic for the Republic, given our relationship with the Mandalorians and Varanin's web of connections to Eshan, to the Sith Order, and to the Mandalorians -- to say nothing of her connections within the Republic and the Jedi Order already."

Sela looked again between Romi and Colette. "Now, have I left anything out?"

Romi Jade | Colette | Dominique Vexx


​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique spread her hands out before her with a smile at Sela's playful threat. What would Jedi do that growing up and rising to power on Denon had not? Oh, yes, Sith liked to think their little Empire was above and beyond a terror of horrors, but, really, one form of terrorism was as mentally scaring as the next. They weren't special. Merely well marketed.

Just as soon as Domnique's interest was piqued it was instantly settled by Sela saying the Sith Lord in question was covered by Treaty. Well, there was only one person this matter would be geared toward then. It had been merely a matter of time. Still, she expected them to wait until the woman had done something truly remarkable in their borders.

Golden rings shifted slightly to that of Romi and Colette as Sela begged their input.

"We brokered an understanding regarding the Warden of Eshan. So long as she acted in accordance with her role as Warden, and abides local law, she would enjoy the same privileges as any other dignitary. The Republic, naturally, retains the right to eject such a dignitary should conflict arise or diplomatic relations breakdown." Which went without saying, but she would say it anyway as Jedi might not care for the nuances of diplomatic channels. "Meanwhile, should she act under the capacity of a Sith then she will be treated as a Sith regardless of her position as Warden or Queen." A summation of the agreement the High Republic and Mandalorian Empire had struck.

"I understand her connections with her mother raises a great many questions and doubts. And while this Republic is not about to shy away from open confrontation with the Sith -- if it becomes necessary -- it will not easily abandon the ideals of peaceful coexistence. Please," Dominique spread her hands again this time in invitation, "let me know the extent of your concerns and any recommendations you have regarding Warden and Queen Quinn Varanin ."

Sela Basran | Romi Jade | Colette​

 

[Colette]

Sela Basran Dominique Vexx Romi Jade

Her head shook. There was nothing to add, and if anything the longer she remained the more out of place Colette felt. Anything she said was laced with an insurmountable dose of bias. She was far too closely associated with the person they were discussing to provide anything even remotely valuable.

Or so she told herself at least.

"We're mostly reaching out to see where the Republic stands." Colette added. "We're also sending another delegation to talk with Quinn herself directly."

"With luck, depending on what they find, we'll be able to put together some kind of image of what we're dealing with. While we're not exactly expecting Quinn to act out of turn, we can't look away from the possibility either."

"There are no plans to take the first shot here. We just seek understanding."

She turned to Sela and Romi with an unspoken 'right?'

 

[Sela Basran]

​

"Allow me to separate my concerns regarding Quinn Varanin as an individual and as a Sith. I know very little about Quinn Varanin directly. I am told that she is a beautiful, wonderful person who has never one time done a single thing wrong by those who believe they are in a position to know. I reserve judgment on her at a personal level."

Sela did not believe that Quinn Varanin had never one time done a single thing wrong, because everyone had done something wrong. She also did not believe that Quinn Varanin was as innocent and non-threatening as Lily Decoria would have the Jedi Council believe. The Jedi Master frowned thoughtfully. That was a problem for another day and another audience.

"That being said," she said after a minor pause, "Sith are by their very nature corrupted. This is not a moral judgment. We know what prolonged experience to the Dark Side of the Force does to a person sensitive to the Force. It is, perhaps, not even intentional. It is seductive and corrosive and addictive. And, without getting into conduct -- which, again, for the sake of argument I am conceding may well be blameless -- it is distinctly possibly that her presence may influence younger, more impressionable Jedi or others."

She spread her hands. "The moral health of our initiates and padawans is our responsibility, after all."

Dominique Vexx | Romi Jade | Colette

​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique's smile turned to Colette as the woman spoke of another delegation. The mask never slipped, but the Chancellor set up a little straighter at the news as she drew in a breath. A Jedi delegation to a Sith Ruler and a Mandalorian Enclave? All the makings of trouble. How the Jedi constantly managed to waltz straight into such political quagmires seemingly oblivious to the consequences was a question for the Ages. The very people that spoke of patience and prudence were utterly incapable of proper diplomatic overtures. Philosophical zealotry would do that.

Sela Basran tried to make a distinction about the person and their... standing. Dominique knew what the woman meant, but the Chancellor didn't see there being an actual distinction. Even the sophistry of distinguishing between the Warden and the Sith pushed boundaries. To try and remove the person from their beliefs was the sort of thing Dominique expected of a Corpo to excuse their actions in a court of law.

"I understand, Master Basran. Corruptive influences have considerable sway over less experienced, younger minds. That said," Dominique lightly lay one hand atop another in her lap, "Quinn Varanin is a complex and nuanced political matter between the High Republic and the Mandalorian Empire. None of us made the decision lightly, but in the interests of fostering peaceful coexistence necessary accommodations were made." Dominique didn't hate them by any means, but having dealt with their tenacity and tendencies for justice at any cost there was a concern.

"The Jedi Temple and its estates are, of course, private property." Another of those benefits of not being formally part of the government -- though not without its consequences. "You are free to decline entry to Quinn Varanin, and to ask that she refrain from engaging with members of your Order. Republic Security will respond if there are any concerns of harassment or trespassing." Albeit perhaps not as strongly as some might like, but Diplomatic Immunity only went so far. Considerably far, but there was an expectation of abiding the authority of Law Enforcement.

Of course, that was only if the Jedi didn't "handle" the matter personally. Dominique hoped the Jedi and Quinn could see reason and not go out of their way to antagonize one another.

Now, she would wait to see if the Jedi felt what she'd described was insufficient, and if they'd come with something in particular in mind.

Sela Basran | Colette | Romi Jade​

 

[Colette]

Funny how a Sith, a Mandalorian, and political hazard could all be the single same person. Not to mention the other, very genuine potential for death if there ever was a day when she snapped, or worse, showed her true colors.

And yet, for all of her own colors, the chancellor remained about as lifeless in her response as one would expect from a politician. Colette leaned back in her seat and merely looked at the woman for a while, scrutinizing the way she talked and the words that crawled out of her mouth.

She used all the right ones. Shielded herself, made it clear the Jedi stood alone on this one unless they asked.

Ironic. They knew of a tumor but would be pincered from two sides — possibly three — if they tried to excise it. It wasn’t even worth asking why they wouldn’t just change whoever was in that diplomatic seat, Colette had already seen the chancellor try to butter up Quinn with her own eyes once before.

Or perhaps that was part of that ‘charade’ they liked to enamor themselves with. The little pool of lies and false niceties that were supposed to be some kind of social deduction game. The kind of lie moronic aristocrats liked to spin to elevate their position and stab each other in the back. The fact that there was no open communication between the chancellor and the Jedi said more than enough.

“It’s my understanding she was once wanted for,” Colette squinted, trying to remember. “I think it was… Attacking senators, conspiracy to undermine the Republic, suspected ties to the Black Sun cartels, and being an agent of a hostile government?”

You didn’t just forget things like that when you held a grudge, dropped or not.

“I want to know why you would even agree to give this person diplomatic immunity.”

Sela Basran / Dominique Vexx / Romi Jade

 

[Sela Basran]

​

Sela's gaze softened on Dominique's face, then her eyes settled shut for a moment as Colette did her thing.

It was not as bad as it might have been, she observed to herself. It was still perhaps not the appropriate tone and tenor for the Chancellor of the High Republic. She made a note to have a quiet word with the Quartermaster later. After all, Sela had been rather pressganged into service as Senate liaison, and there was every possibility that she would die and someone else would have to be similarly dragooned. There was no reason it shouldn't be Collette.

Well, no reason other than this one, now.

Sela's eyes opened again and her mouth moved. Not quite a smile, but something indicating good nature to Dominique, something that suggested some version of: ah, youth.

As far as Sela was concerned, it was not for the Jedi to decide these matters. Politics -- at least, politics of this nature -- was beyond the purview of the Jedi Council. It was part of the bargains truck between the two powers: the Jedi did not meddle, and the Republic did not set terms. Except, of course, when it called upon the Jedi in hours of need, but that was another subject altogether.

Still, she suspected that Dominique would not thank her to intercede here. A woman like her would likely want to speak for herself. So she smiled placidly and continued to yield the floor.

Dominique Vexx | Colette | Romi Jade

​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique glanced over at Sela, but saw the Master withhold personal comment on the matter. The Chancellor simply smiled in response.

"I'll be direct, please bear with me," golden rings slid back over toward Colette, "the Jedi are a powerful force in this galaxy. One often," but not exclusively, "dedicated to the pursuit of the greater good. Justice. Order, if you prefer a single word to describe a diverse assortment of nuanced beliefs. But for all that effort and studious deliberation by its Councils, such gatherings do not welcome the political realities in which this galaxy operates. Which is precisely why the Jedi should not be part of the High Republic governance. You must abide its laws, but not answer every request as though it were a command. To do otherwise would call to question the uncompromising stances your people have the luxury of possessing."

"I, on the other hand," Dominique lightly pressed a manicured hand against her chest, "do not. Have the luxury of uncompromising beliefs. There is no force outside of this Republic that will meet your expectations. None with the influence, the strength, or the will to be called Ally. In this moment, we are the sole gathering that seeks to promote balance, peace, and justice."

Her hand rolled away from her chest with a light wave, "On the other hand, we cannot do this alone. The Sith are growing in number and influence. As they gain control of more worlds, their strength grows. Their ability to wage war grows. Inevitably, emboldened by their growth, they will strike. For reasons much like how a Mandalorian Empire might strike. To test their worth. Because they are... bored." Dominique paused with a bitter smile.

Now to the young woman's request. "Who then do we turn to? Who do we trust? There's only one, large faction even remotely compatible -- the Mandalorian Empire. They may be militaristic. They may take extreme action, but they do believe in peace and justice. To make this difficult, but possible partnership work we will need to make certain political compromises. Not excuse crimes taken within our space or against our people, but certain historical actions must be... put aside for a time. Perhaps even forgiven in exchange for certain considerations or favors."

"If you're wondering how to stomach everything I've said, my Dear, you only need to ask yourself: how much peace and justice would the Order bring to the galaxy if there were no interstellar force left to oppose the Sith? We all stand on the precipice, and everything we do is to keep this galaxy from tumbling over it."

Dominique's hand reached back to support her place at the edge of her desk. "And it was King Aurelian Veruna , then Acting Chancellor, whom she was a party to attempted murder. If he found it in his ability to accept this peace, I ask that the Jedi too abide it for the greater good. So long as she does not step outside her role as Mandalorian Warden or Queen of Eshan."

Sela Basran | Colette | Romi Jade​

 

[Colette]

Dominique Vexx / Sela Basran

Why was it that the only way to get these snakes to speak plainly, you had to insult them first by asking a relevant question? The purple-haired scorpion's venom had no bite. At least no worse than what Colette had heard from others. Just another would-be 'leader' confusing pertinent questions for something more personal.

Oh please, Colette thought and kept from rolling her eyes. The Mandalorian Empire was already a compromised ally at best. The very topic of conversation, if not the whole conversation in itself, had proven that much.

But then she mentioned Aurelian by name and Colette couldn't help but tilt her head in surprise. That made two people close to Corazona that had been stabbed by Quinn.

Although once the initial amusement faded it was replaced with the same grim face as before. There was nothing fun about this woman taking tolerance for acceptance.

"I see." Colette's brows rose in defiance and she glanced away at her companions for a moment. "Well, it's been enlightening to talk to you."

Her gaze twisted back to the chancellor. "I've no further questions."

 

[Sela Basran]

​

"Thank you, Quartermaster," Sela said quietly. Colette was not wrong to feel the way she did, but Dominique was not wrong to react the way she had. The Chancellor of the High Republic had a broader purview than Jedi Councilors, to be true. Sela did not envy her position. Not that Sela's own position was much less complicated. "We understand the political sensitivities at play and I, for one, appreciate that there are competing priorities. As long as we are on the same page about with whom we are dealing and what the Jedi Order must do to protect its members, our work is finished."

"But there is one other matter, Chancellor, if we may intrude upon your time for a moment more?" asked Sela serenely. She steepled her fingers and turned her gaze back to Dominique. "I am not sure how familiar you are with the woman who calls herself Ella Nova, of the Kenari Resource Compact. She has recently spent some time in the custody of the Jedi Order for entering the Sanctuary and making threats against Grandmaster Quin. She is, we believe, a Sith operative of some extraction. She came to make serious allegations about the Trade Federation of Planets being in cahoots with the Sith, and having been so for some time."

She folded her hands in her lap and cleared her throat. "It is difficult to say whether Ms. Nova was lying, but I spent some time discussing the matter with her and she more or less confessed to seeking to launder the allegations against the Trade Federation through the Jedi Order. She claimed a concern that using her position as a representative for the Kenari Resource Compact would result in the Trade Federation's allies in the Senate derailing any investigation, or exposing her own unsavory background. Having seen how the Senate operates, I hope you will forgive me for saying that those concerns do not seem outlandish."

Sela took a breath; she felt weary all of a sudden, a bone-weariness that even reaching for the Force could not seem to cleanse. Politics was a tiresome business.

"However," she added, lifting a finger. "It is not clear how much of what Nova says is expressed in good faith or is some kind of effort to manipulate matters and to drive a wedge between the Order and the Senate. She as much admitted that bringing the information to us was an effort to lend the allegations against the Trade Federation some kind of credibility. See, she might say, even the Jedi have looked into these crooks."

"We are still deliberating as to what to do with this information," Sela said cautiously. "But given that this is political in nature, I feel that you should be aware of it and have the opportunity to act if you so choose."

Dominique Vexx | Colette | Romi Jade

​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique's smile didn't slip nor did the Chancellor so much as lift a brow in response. Colette 'saw' in much the same way the masses 'understood' why people in her position did the things they did -- not at all. It was a polite way of extracting one's self from an otherwise... passionate topic of discussion. To avoid a blow-up. Prudent in public places or when you were afraid of offending someone of influence. Dominique didn't envy the Jedi Masters that had to make certain what Colette 'saw' didn't turn into something explosive.

A slight nod was given to Sela when one of those Masters remain content -- albeit not thrilled -- with matters. Long as the Jedi didn't try arresting or harassing Quinn things should turn out quite well. That and so long as Quinn didn't exercise her Sith heritage, of course. Dominique hadn't vacated the woman's crimes prior to her ascension; she'd merely suspended enforcement. Whether the Mandalorians or Quinn chose to understand that nuance only time would tell.

"It's no intrusion, Master Basran. I welcome an opportunity to hold conversations with our Jedi partners." A lack of communication would inevitably result in some very unpleasant political fallout. The Chancellor had considerable pull, of course, but even she was subject to political realities -- there were limits to which she could (or would) go. Best if the Jedi didn't gleefully throw themselves to the wolves.

Ella Nova? Dominique let the smile slip in the face of news Ella had threatened the Grandmaster. Quite the dire circumstance for her Jedi friends.

As for the Trade Federation being in "cahoots" with the Sith... Well, Dominique wasn't going to fall over in shock even if it were true and there was irrefutable evidence. The Sith had credits like any other. Corpos liked credits. It went without saying there'd be Corpos conducting deals with the Sith. And, yes, she was well aware of the competing priorities. Then again, Dominique had Senators such as Verity Stuyveris to put forth Corpo-unfriendly legislation to take some of the burden off Dominique (who didn't want to upset her allies back on Denon needlessly).

A subtle smile returned when Sela spoke of the Senate's disposition.

"Interesting." Dominique didn't look away from Sela even as she took a moment in silence. "I am familiar with Miss Nova. Indirectly. It is interesting you happen to mention her after just speaking about another in similar -- but divergent -- circumstances."

The smile grew as golden rings slipped back in Colette's direction. "You see, Quartermaster, unlike Warden Quinn's complex web of political intrigue, Miss Nova's history and standing is far more straight forward."

"My advice, Master Basran," the Chancellor turned her attention back to the lead delegate present, "is to not bring her charges before the Senate." Which the woman might no doubt account for. "Rather, I will assign this to a Task Force for further consideration. If the Jedi Order would be interested in participating in such an investigation, I would welcome anyone you designate. We will assess the validity of her accusations before making anything public." That would not be a matter settled in short order. The Trade Federation was no regional band of fools. They'd survived plenty of scandals and the collapse of governments. Looking into their affairs would be a slow, tedious process. And that all presumed what they found would be worth punitive response at all.

"And as for Miss Nova, you still have her in custody, Master Basran?"

Sela Basran | Colette | Romi Jade​

 

[Sela Basran]

​

Master Basran spread her hands at Dominique's advice and lowered her chin a fraction. "Certainly. I do not feel it is my place -- at this juncture -- to raise the matter before the Senate." There was a universe in which she might be tempted; if Dominique had tried to bury it, for example, or if the Chancellor had engaged in some other kind of misconduct. The rules were nebulous, to be certain. The Jedi were meant to be apolitical, after all, but in such a scenario there was no getting out from under politics.

Damned if they did. Damned if they didn't.

She listened further as Dominique suggested the way ahead.

"A wise course of action," Sela Basran said gravely. "There are some matters that the secular apparatus of the Republic's government should take an active role in, and I consider this one of those. As to Jedi involvement -- I will take it back to the Council, though I am all but certain that we will have significant interest in aiding the investigation."

Then the sticky bit.

Her 's continued custody with the Order was eminently reasonable as far as Sela Basran was concerned. The woman had confessed to all manner of malfeasance in addition to admitting to threatening the Grandmaster of the Order. "Yes, she is still... with us." Her eyebrows lifted a little. "She committed at least one crime in the Sanctuary, which is why we have detained her there rather than turning her over to law enforcement, for the time being."

Dominique Vexx | Colette | Romi Jade


​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Did Sela's voice hold a discrete measure of uncertainty to it? The Jedi should be concerned, of course, that a political body might try to 'steal' Her from their grasp. "Excellent." Dominique smiled. "I trust I can leave her in your hands while proceedings against her for crimes on your property are addressed? I ask only that the Republic be given the opportunity to take possession of the prisoner should the Jedi decline to press charges."

"Furthermore, I caution against making too many aware of Miss Nova's present location. For her safety, and the integrity of your proceedings." So long as Her wasn't in the Republic's custody there was no need to tempt the Mandalorian Empire to make demands just yet. It'd allow time to consult with Sibylla Abrantes regarding the woman and how best to use her given Nova's history with the Republic's ally. Being made aware of their location, however, Dominique had to inform the Mand'alore eventually; the Chancellor doubted the Jedi would be inclined to 'keep it our little secret' for long either. Dishonesty by any other means and all that. Frustrating philosophy.

"Would it be acceptable if I or a delegate were to visit Miss Nova while she stays with you? Should it become necessary to establish the particulars of certain activities prior to her arrival." Might as well ask the question now since they were discussing the matter.

Sela Basran | Colette | Romi Jade​