Private Three Cheers, and Damn It, C'est la Vie

[Verity Stuyveris]

EN ROUTE TO THE SENATE BUILDING
1117 HOURS LOCAL TIME
BETWEEN CELESTIAL NAVIGATION & THE TRINITY AFFAIR​

The speeder had collected Verity from the spaceport directly on time; Lucien Varencourt emerged from the back seat to greet his boss with a subtle bow of his head and a leatherbound portfolio. "Good morning, Senator. Good flight?" He pulled the door open for her and followed her in. "The Senate," he told the driver.

"It was fine," Verity said briskly as the speeder eased into traffic. She was one for pleasantries, but for the moment she was all business. She set her briefcase on the seat next to her and snapped it open, maneuvering past an individually-wrapped Cavaellin Spice Cream to draw out a portfolio that matched the one carried by Varencourt. "My notes on the DPRRA. Trade?" She held it out to her Chief of Staff.

"Early draft of the Diplomatic Security Reform Act," Varencourt said, offering his portfolio. The pair traded.

"I already know one edit that will be required," Verity said dryly, taking out her lucky stylus. She flipped open the portfolio and struck through the word Reform on the cover page. "I don't want to see the word reform in legislation in the foreseeable future. There's no point in antagonizing the other inmates, to say nothing of the warden. Tell the legislative affairs office, would you?" A beat. "I don't mean we're not going to be trying to reform, we're just not going to paint a target on what we do by describing it in those terms."

"All right." Varencourt glanced at Verity's face; her glacial blue eyes were tracing back and forth on the page, reading. There was something vaguely sad in her voice -- like she was reaching for fire, but reaching only a weak spark. "Are we going to talk about it?" Verity didn't look up, but made a vague questioning noise. "This meeting. The Chancellor."

"What about it?" Verity's lucky stylus jotted a note in the margin. Outdated cost estimates -- pull new figures. "Have you heard anything? Rumors in the staff canteen about Stuyveris getting a bollocking?"

"Nothing," Lucien said. He opened the portfolio Verity had given him, but didn't begin to read it yet, merely let his eye wander over the page. Dozens of notes in the margins even on just the first page. There were benefits and drawbacks to working for someone as detail-oriented as she. "She didn't say what it was?"

"Kiva didn't ask," Verity said, finally looking up. "Well, I'm not worried. The Chancellor has a lot of power on a national scale, but there's not a lot she can do to me that she hasn't done already. She can stymie my legislative agenda, of course, but..." An elegant shrug of her shoulders. "She doesn't seem the type to hold a grudge over a mere political disagreement."

"The papers are reporting on this like you came at her with a machete," Varencourt said. "That's not just political."

Verity glanced at him, then looked down to the bill text and shook her head with a subtle smile.

* * * * * * *
CHANCELLOR VEXX'S OFFICE
THE SENATE BUILDING
1142 HOURS LOCAL TIME​

"Can you see that the DPRRA draft is finalized today?" Verity asked Varencourt as the pair approached the entrance to the Chancellor's outer office. She had passed by here, of course, but had never had the occasion to enter. Verity wasn't sure what to expect; she eyed the closed doors warily. "I'll be looking to circulate it to my colleagues for commentary and cosponsorship -- you know, so we can put in subsidies for You-Know-Where and build out enforcement to look effective, only to have the Senate soil its collective trousers because it looks like it might require someone, somewhere, to do something."

"I'm glad to see you taking this whole DARE thing in stride, Senator," Varencourt chided as he helped the Senator out of her coat. He took the notes from the portfolio.

"You're fired," Verity said distractedly. Her fingers gently skimmed her pinned-back hair, ensuring nothing was amiss as she checked her reflection in a nearby window.

"Sure I am," Varencourt replied. "I'll be in the office."

Verity watched him go, then reached into her bag for her parfum, which she dabbed subtly on her wrists and throat before straightening her clothing -- a simple but unspeakably expensive dark grey sheath dress and matching coat which, when opened, exposed a vivid dark cerulean satin lining, matching the sapphires at Verity's ears and throat. Her Senate pin, identifying her as a member to security, sat in pride of place at her lapel. Everything in place.

With one last look at her wristwatch, Verity Stuyveris noted she was still a little more than fifteen minutes early. Good. Respectful. Deferential, even. She turned the handle on the outer office door and let herself in, approaching the receptionist. "Good morning. Senator Stuyveris for the Chancellor. I'm -- a little early -- but happy to wait, of course." The receptionist noted her arrival and invited her to sit, which she did. Verity allowed her eyes to wander the outer office. What clues as to Dominique Vexx could be gleaned from the decor choices here? she wondered.

Anything to distract from the tight heaviness in her stomach.

Little was she to suspect that there was at least one measure of comfort present that morning: the steady and steadfast presence of one of her friendlier colleagues, Ayumi Pallopides .

Dominique Vexx | Ayumi Pallopides​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Verity Stuyveris Dominique Vexx

The senate building was always a nice place to be and Ayumi wasn't entirely worried about the office she had. Big beautiful window looking out on a park, she had a proximity to a smaller side entrance to the building that her security chief had flagged but also said was good once he stationed his own at locations. Coordinating with the buildings own... It was a little over but she had found it lovely being able to slip away outside where she could meet with the Nubian peoples, take in some of the local flavor... and the parks were where single mothers or the nanny's congregated aas the senator could have a small lunch break.

The smile that remained on her face though aas she walked back towards the building and saw a couple of things. Ayumi was moving through the halls towards Dominique's office as she was wearing a minimalist evening outfit built around a sharp geometric design rendered in signature white and gold. A smooth reflective with hypergem paneling ivory white collar encircling her throat, structured like a polished band resting closely against the base of her neck but flexible materia that allowed her to breathe perfectly. The collar forming the top point of the garment's design, acting as the apex of a deliberate shape across her torso.

Its surface is smooth and slightly reflective, trimmed with thin gold seams that trace its edges and catch the ambient lighting of the room whenever she turns her head. From the base of the collar the garment opens downward across her chest into a horizontal white panel that forms the crossbar of the design. This section covering her curves in a clean, fitted half band that runs straight across the front of her body before tapering slightly toward the sides. From the outer ends of this band two wide strips descend diagonally along her torso, angling outward as they travel down toward her belted hips. The strips are broad enough to cover and conceal while leaving the sides of her ribs exposed, her navel in a pyramid window similar above from her throat to the band.

It was all creating a striking negative space that frames her waist and emphasizes the clean lines of the dress. The angled panels connect seamlessly into the waistband of her pants, completing the capital A shape across the front of her body. The outfits strapless and backless design leaving the small things exposed. The scar along herr spine and her lower back tattoo just above the belt and band. A gift from herr father when she was younger and something herr sister had as well. The completely bare smooth bronze tone of her skin and the long vertical line of her spine. The open design highlights the natural structure of her frame, from the slope of her collarbones to the defined shape of her shoulders and arms.

The pants she wears are stark white and extremely form fitted, the material smooth enough that it appears poured over her legs rather than worn. The fabric follows the contours of her hips and thighs with a polished, almost liquid finish before narrowing toward her calves in a continuous, uninterrupted silhouette. Fine gold threading runs subtly along the outer seams and across the waistline, visible only when the light shifts across the surface. Her boots rise to mid-calf and are constructed with sculpted wedge heels that lift her height without the sharp angle of a stiletto. The wedge itself curves smoothly beneath the heel and arch, reinforced along the inner edge with brushed gold metal that reflects the surrounding lights as she moves. The boots match the white tone of her pants but are finished in a slightly matte surface that contrasts the sleek shine of the leggings above them.

The most stylized part of it is the design of the wedge as the A that matches the top is left as an impression when she walks. Ayumi having a signature series of outfits wasn't entirely enough, she liked the personal touch and charity auctions were able to sell off vintage outfits for good causes after it had been donated. As she walked the halls the carpet showing briefly the A for her name in the impression but she rounded a corner going towards Dominique's office. Against the white and gold of the outfit her tall, physically fit and slender form stands out clearly, her bare arms relaxed at her sides. Her long dark-honey hair is gathered into a high stylized ponytail secured with thin gold rings, the length falling down her back in a soft wave.

In motion the outfit reads as deliberate and confident, its sharp lines and exposed structure giving the impression of engineered elegance rather than simple evening wear, a look designed to stand out easily in the shifting lights of the senate building but as there wasn't a session today she could be more casual as she only paused to slid a small flower from the park out before passing a junior aid to one of the senators. Which one was it? She debated with herself but spoke as she stopped. Looking down at her a little. The weight of her senatorrs well time in session making things crazy for all of them.

"You're standing here, all fierce and radiant, reminding me of a love I've been chasing through the stars forever. Tell me, gorgeous, what's your heart craving? Well maybe a few other things. And my own proclivities are, uh... well-known and, uh, often-sensationalized facts of Senate lore. What I'm wonderin' is beautiful." She looked at the woman who was there for a moment and seemed to be blushing. The junior aide stood attentively near the edge of the main chamber overlooking the endless pods for all of the Republics worlds, her posture straight and composed despite the subtle tremor that betrayed her inner turmoil.

She wore one of the classic Senate gowns typical of those in service to the more prominent senators flowing layers of deep crimson and gold-trimmed fabric that cascaded in elegant pleats from a high, structured collar down to the polished floor. The outer robe featuring intricate embroidered pattern along the hems and sleeves, subtle Naboo-esque inspired motifs blended with minimalism, while the underdress shimmered faintly with metallic threads that caught the artificial light filtering through the massive transparisteel windows. Her dark skin gleamed under the soft glow of the chamber's illumination, warm and rich like polished bronzium.

Her hair was neatly woven into tight braids that framed her face and gathered at the nape of her neck in a professional yet graceful style. Small, understated earrings glinted at her lobes, the only personal adornment she allowed herself in this formal setting. She clutched a datapad against her chest as if it were a shield, her fingers tightening around its edges every few moments. As the compliment continued warm, teasing words delivered with that effortless charm only certain senators or their favored guests could muster the aide felt heat rising inexorably to her cheeks. She tried to maintain her practiced neutrality.

The calm demeanor expected of someone in her position who handled correspondence, scheduled meetings, and ensured every detail of her senator's day proceeded without flaw. Yet the flattery landed like gentle sparks against dry tinder, igniting a flush that spread from her high cheekbones down to the elegant line of her throat. Her full lips parted slightly as if to form a polite deflection, but no sound emerged at first; instead, she dipped her head just a fraction, allowing a few of the finer braids to slip forward and partially veil her expression. The gown's high collar suddenly felt constricting, though she knew it was designed for both dignity and subtle protection in the often chilly drafts of the Senate rotunda.

She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, the soft rustle of silk taffeta barely audible over the distant hum of repulsorlifts and murmured debates echoing from the chamber and hall. Her breathing quickened, shallow and controlled, as she fought the urge to press cool fingers to her heated skin. Such reactions were unbecoming of her station, she reminded herself sternly, yet the sincerity or perhaps the playful intent behind the words made resistance feel almost futile. The aide finally managed a soft, breathy laugh, more exhale than sound, and lifted her gaze just enough to meet the eyes of her admirer without fully committing to the contact.

Her own eyes, dark and luminous, shimmered with a mix of embarrassment and reluctant delight, the whites stark against her warm complexion. "You are too kind Senator Pallopides," she murmured, her voice low and modulated to carry only between them, laced with the faint accent of an Outer Rim world that spoke of careful upbringing and even more careful ambition. The blush deepened, impossible to hide now, painting her cheeks in a rich mahogany tone that made her skin appear to glow from within. She tucked an errant braid behind her ear with trembling fingers, the motion deliberate and slow as though buying time to regain her composure.

Around them, aides and minor dignitaries moved in their own orbits, datapads glowing, robes whispering, but in this small pocket of space, the world narrowed to the exchange of glances and unspoken implications. She straightened again, drawing on years of training to project professionalism even as her pulse thrummed visibly at the base of her throat. The gown's heavy fabric helped conceal the quick rise and fall of her chest, but nothing could quite mask the way her lips curved upward despite her best efforts, a small, involuntary smile that spoke volumes more than any rehearsed response ever could. Ayumi slipped behind her ear the small flower offering more words.

"If we met once before because I swear, we've danced this dance before, you and me, in some past life among the stars." She didn't hide anything... if anything Dominique usually said she should be more discreet but the biggest scandal of Denon's senator was out in the open. She wore it like an armor that would and could protect her at times or at least compared to some she didn't suffer it. Her family name, her house, her ambition, her past, her enjoyments... well all of it was welcoming and so in the hallway as she was looking she sense Verity approaching but she didn't make a notice of it. Tapping the chin of the aid as she spoke.

"You can tell me later, over dinner... on my island... on Denon. A full date to make you feel like a princess." She offered a smile and the girl was twitterpated as Ayumi guided her. "Now go, have a nice day beautiful." She spoke and used it to look up and over as she looked at Verity with a wider grin as the girl walked away. "Senator Stuyveris. You look lovely as always." Her smile was warm and she stayed always friendly.. the corners reaching her eyes but she stood tall and at the ready for anything as she started to walk towards Dominique's office. Verity was going one way and it wouldn't be nice to walk and adjust easier to let her play catch up a little though as Ayumi walked.

She used the force to guide herself while she moved and found a good place to turn while avoiding the others who were busy in the hallway. The small trek towards the chancellors office held a grace and poise though in her outfit as she was slightly showing it off. A few of the people walking always got a chance to enjoy when she brought something new to wear... they should see her swimsuits. "I am so glad you stayed on Naboo and didn't go home, gives me at least one person to be able to talk with at times who isn't trying to get favor or suck up about something." She was happy to share Denon's prosperity with them anyways and preferred they just asked instead of trying to manipulate.

She said it as the door to the outer office and secretary to Dominique was there and Ayumi knocked.

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique casually strode over to the side where a small refreshment station was built into one of the walls. She reached out to retrieve a kettle and carefully poured the steaming contents into a cup she'd flipped over. There wasn't always time to take a walk outside, but that never stopped a Director of Denon. Having an assistant fetch you a drink or ensure your self-service items were readily available was second nature. Hardly an abuse of power to continue a tradition even if she were now Chancellor of the High Republic. All to say, the tea smelled delightful to the sense as the vapors washed over her face.

Meanwhile, one of those very attendants busily relayed matters of import. The Chancellor would turn and begin to make her way back to the broad desk all while the reports continued to pour in. Some matters needed to be known, but demanded no action; whereas others were going to require a response sooner than later. It was a big Republic, and an even bigger galaxy.

With a light sip, her golden eyes drifted closed for a moment. It was important never to rush or become tense with the countless burdens and every possible consequence on your shoulders. The galaxy would work a woman to death if she let it.

As Verity Stuyveris and Ayumi Pallopides arrived, they were greeted by a well groomed and refined woman with black hair, equally dark lips, and thin-rimmed glasses. The midnight blue suit jack not tailored to close at the center only accentuated the white button-up shirt beneath it. More striking, once they were closer, was how a scarf or neck brace of some kind was found to be nothing more than pitch black tattoos along the woman's neck and collar.

The woman's bionic, red eyes lifted from the holo-displays to regard the two woman with openness even whilst lacking an inauthentic smile. "Senators." Ayumi, at least, would be able to discern the dialect of a woman from some of Denon's... deeper places on the secretary's tongue. "I'll let the Chancellor know you've arrived." While she still didn't smile, her voice was friendly enough and her eyes had met theirs even if it might be difficult to tell whether she saw them or was looking at something projected on the other side of her iris.

Until the Chancellor was ready, Verity's survey of the lobby would find a number of artworks from Naboo's modern artisans on display. Two standing sulptures framed the doorway to the Chancellor's office, with smaller works set on pedastols in the corners -- out of the way and something to give those nooks of the room purpose.

Despite being early, hey wouldn't need to wait more than a minute or two. They were invited to enter as the double doors parted. Through them could be seen two assistants already approaching Dominique's side of the door, quickly through and out of her next guests' way. One of them stole a quick look at the pair, though it would be difficult to say which one of them she seemed to study more. Her male companion had made a point not to look and make a hasty withdrawl from the room.

Dominique stood before her desk and waved for the Senators to enter even if they were already on the way inside. "Senator Stuyveris. Senator Pallopides. Come in," she invited as they'd stepped inside. "Would either of you like a drink? I have tea from a nearby stand, and coffee from that little cafe down the boulevard."

Despite possessing both weapons of caffeeine, Dominique's snow-white uniform remain as spotless as ever.

The interior of her office had a few more choice pieces of local furniture, but the walls and side tables along them held less familiar works of art. Full of color, they reflected the brilliant cityscapes and chaos of a world overflowing with information and people alike. Naboo might demand the Chancellor spend more time on the world than she might otherwise like, but Dominique had ways of bringing a little of home with her.

Shame about the lighting though. The neons of home didn't go well with the natural lighting and scenery of the forested world of Naboo viewed from the Chancellor's office. Well, not during the day, anyway. Rank had its privileges, and having a special lighting mode to work into the small hours of the night hadn't been arduous to arrange.

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

A compliment from the Senate's frontrunning clotheshorse was always such a treat, and Verity responded with the modesty the occasion demanded. A slender hand smoothed over the midsection of her comparatively plain office dress. "I assure you it is merely a benefit of being in the reflection of your own style," Verity said, smiling pleasantly as she rose to greet her colleague properly. "You are very kind, as always. Though of course, looking like that, you can afford to be generous with compliments. My word." She craned her neck, as if to see around the curve of Ayumi's dress, and nodded her approval.

"You look like a queen as much as a Senator," Verity said with a wry smile. "Are you in to see the Chancellor? I am, as well -- though -- I'm pleased to have a moment before. I wanted to apologize if I cut you off when we spoke last. After the -- well, no point in soft-peddling it, hm? -- after I faceplanted spectacularly in front of the entire Senate and every holocam in this place?" Her smile turned more heartfelt, apologetic. "It was not my intention. I... well the truth is I was not prepared to look any of them in the face, and I could sense the chamber emptying. Still, my own humiliation doesn't excuse rudeness. I am sorry. Ayumi."

The Senator clasped her hands behind her back, and in short order the Chancellor's staff were inviting both of them into the inner office. Her hands clenched behind her back briefly, as if to work the blood back into her extremities. Interesting. Verity paused, gesturing for Ayumi to proceed ahead of her, and then fell into step beside and a step behind. It wouldn't do to accidentally trip over Ayumi's dress and perhaps damage their burgeoning friendship irreparably in so doing. Verity kept her gaze level as she passed the pair of staffers on their way out, her chin lifting a fraction of a degree momentarily as she took in the office briefly, then tilted down twice that much, eyelids lowering momentarily. "Your Excellency," she said, the genuflection present in her voice, if not in her knees. She lifted a hand in a gentle and polite refusal of her offer of refreshment. "Thank you, no."

She allowed her eyes to linger on the Chancellor for a moment before going past her, to the desk, then slowly crawled along the landscape of the office. So, Verity thought to herself, one golden eyebrow lifting just a touch as she allowed her eyes to drink it all in. This is what power looks like. This is what it smells like. This is what it might feel like. Her eyes glanced to Ayumi, and she wondered just what was going on in her pretty head. Then again, she had probably been here before.

Ayumi Pallopides | Dominique Vexx
​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Dominique Vexx Verity Stuyveris

"Why thank you and I was planning on it." She said it with a grin though as the outfit gave her a small amount of leeway with the pants when she was going inside. A small stretch but she looked around as Verity was taking it all in and Dominique spoke. "Hmmm looks only slightly better maybe then your palace on Denon. The lack of neon, the lack of a bunch of monitors and that high backed chair you sat in. You looked like a holonet super villain just needed the loth cat." She said it and looked at the chancellor with a nod. "Some tea though would be nice it isn't often I get to be in such..." She flicked her eyes between the two. "Enjoyable company. Let alone without having a line of people wanting to steal either of you away for nefarious ends."

Ayumi was looking at both of them amused as she positioned herself but only had a smile. Hands clasped in front of her. "Though Eadu's aid is cute, how she works under him is a definite show of her ambition and character." She said it with a small look but gave a shrug. "Though Verity my dear I hold nothing against you. There is more then enough happening that we shall be able to go tit for tat in session.. it is afterwards and if I upset you just say the world and we can whisk you away to some private beach on a planet island. We have a hypergate in my villa here so traveling to Denon can be done under everyones eyes and the beach there is private with a security screen in the Upcity."

 

[Dominique Vexx]

"Senator, please," Dominique smiled even as she turned her head aside, "you'll give people the wrong impression." She centered her gaze once more with no less the smile on her lips. Super villain. Ayumi shouldn't give people such scandalous and colorful thoughts. They were amusing, however.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable." The Chancellor gestured to the chairs set before her desk.

She turned and strolled over to the drink station to carefully pour Ayumi a cup of that light tea. "Experience comes in all forms, Senator," Dominique remarked concerning Eadu's aide as she poured. "Questionable as some of his tactics might be at times, it is apparent he rose to his position through skill and not nepotism." Well, not just nepotism, perhaps. "Would you like any honey, Senator?"

Once the drink was prepared, Dominique slowly pivoted and drifted back toward their side of the desk with the cup atop a little saucer. The Chancellor smile as she extended it out for Ayumi to accept.

"Really, now, Senator, are you trying to make up for lively banter with a stay at a resort? You'll make it impossible for people to stay angry with you for long that way," she said with a quiet chuckle. "Actually," Dominique paused at the corner of her desk, golden eyes regarding the two women for a second, "I wouldn't be aghast if either of you wanted to discuss certain topics before a Bill got to the floor. Not that you must, of course, but one less voice making a fuss can make all the difference."

Verity Stuyveris | Ayumi Pallopides​

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

Verity proceeded to one of the chairs that Dominique had gestured to and crossed her legs, smoothing her skirt absent-mindedly.

"The man is a gold-plated buffoon," Verity said irritably when the topic of Yittreas came up. "He seems incapable of forming a sentence without a noun, a verb, and a motion of no confidence. I bet if you splashed water on him in the middle of the night he'd jerk awake shouting a motion of no confidence in your leadership. Honestly, we get so little done as it is without all the folderol that comes with trying to hurl you off your perch," the Senator for Druckenwell, nodding with a touch of deference to the Chancellor. "It's almost like a conspiracy to try to keep us from achieving anything at all. Probably so when the elections come he can whine about the do-nothing Senate and act like he's got plans."

She rolled her eyes and waved a hand.

Verity couldn't think of anything worse than going to the beach. All that sand. All that sun. But she understood the nature behind the suggestion and so she smiled genuinely. "I might be persuaded to go as far as a fruity cocktail with an umbrella, but -- well, I'm not much of an outdoor girl these days." She fussed softly with the hem of her skirt as she waited for the other women to settle and turned her attention to the Chancellor.

"Did you have a topic in mind, Your Excellency?" Verity asked primly. "Or are you inviting topics? Because I have had a few thoughts -- though I do not expect to find an approving audience here. No offense intended, of course -- reasonable minds can differ." A beat, then an enigmatic smirk. "About some things."

Dominique Vexx | Ayumi Pallopides​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Dominique Vexx Verity Stuyveris

She listened to Dominique and Verity with a small nod of her head. "Perhaps though if he raises it every vote it will erode its impact which benefits later on. The real voice to try and have back you is Aurelian Veruna as he influences more. I am learning that." She said it but shrugged as the senate waas the senate and right now she looked at Verity as she sat down checking the chancellor with a look. She took the drink for a moment. "Well I try, I would prefer everyone love me... that is female... and legal... and endowed." She said it with a smile though as Verity said she didn't do outside. "A shame but I am more then happy to get you a drink."

Her laugh was more when she was thinking about topics and there were not as many she was thinking on. Bill wise she didn't have anything but there was the docket possibly. "I don't know what there will be coming up but we should be able to find a few good things to talk about... though senate business should be short it will age you both more if all you do is stress about it. Take a moment to leave it in the hands of your chiefs of staff. Melanie is able to do a whole lot of what I want to get done and we have managed to get the vertical gardens improved and at the ready." She said it with a look. "Though we should do something fun, we are on Naboo, home of beautiful women... decent drinks and well a few can hit those high notes so I'll give them song."

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique gave a slight inclination of her head in response to Verity's regard. "Something to that effect, I agree." Eadu's game wasn't unknown to her. Suggest the government was incompetent, drum up support, and attempt to exert influence for himself and any corporate backers. Denon might hold elections, but there was no doubt heavy industrial influence helped shape narratives to see the right person put in charge.

Well, ordinarily. Ayumi's more carefree attitude certainly didn't reflect the social club and old money narratives of the past. She sought to convince them with results. Admittedly, she had plenty. It would last for a time as few would deny her effectiveness. So long as the profits rolled in she'd be successful in keeping them in line it would seem.

"This is an opportunity for you ladies to bring up whatever topics you'd like to discuss. I think you both get enough of me preaching to the Senate in Chamber already. Please," the Chancellor pivoted to lean against the edge of her desk with a smile, "if there isn't freedom to address even unpleasant topics we'll never manage that lofty vision of unity and prosperity." If anything, she rather they talk about those topics that might not be approved of here, in private, rather than before the countless special interests represented in public. Were nothing else accomplished, at least Dominique would know what to expect in advance, and perhaps help Verity garner the support for passage -- when they agreed even if reluctantly.

Verity Stuyveris | Ayumi Pallopides​

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

Verity allowed her gaze to linger on Ayumi curiously, her pale eyes impassive. She was a curious one. Work hard, play hard, it seemed.

She was less inclined to court the support of the King of Naboo, but perhaps that was why Dominique was suited to sit in the big chair. Verity was of the view that one could not be reasoned out of a position that they had not been reasoned into, and His Majesty's reflexive contempt was, as far as she knew, not just unreasoned but unearned.

"Do you not find legislating fun, Ayumi?" Verity asked casually. She allowed herself to relax a little, leaning against the armrest of the chair in a way that would have seemed completely foreign to her the moment before she did it. But when she did -- now that it seemed that this meeting was less a ticking-off than a social call -- it seemed natural, somehow. Like she was a human being after all, not merely a political animal. "I can't think of anything more entertaining. Well, not nothing but surely it's close." She rested her chin on her fist, an enigmatic smile on her lips leaving much to the imagination -- whether she was talking about a lover or ice cream or polo ponies.

"At the risk of boring our colleague," she continued, turning her gaze back to Dominique. "I did have one or two pet projects in the timeline. First, Charter reform -- not that I have anything specific in mind, but I think it's important that there be some method by which the Charter can be amended. Surely as the Republic grows and develops we will need some kind of flexibility there. Second, ethics reform." Verity's eyes flickered to Ayumi, eyebrow lifting. "Hopefully nothing my esteemed colleagues would find overly burdensome. But I will be taking soundings and seeking cosponsors so as to avoid another... kerfuffle."

"And once we've solved all the world's problems, then -- who knows. Maybe a bill to put our faces on money."

Dominique Vexx | Ayumi Pallopides​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Dominique Vexx Verity Stuyveris

She looked at Verity and the question as she took a drink and spoke. "Oh I do, I adore it. in the waning years of the RRepublic under Popo when much was being gutted, the jedi under Kiskla and later the Dragonsflame. I adored the senate. The vice chancellor at the time, her wife and their young daughter were good friends and still are. I even moved them to my villa after the core was lost but if all you do is think about the senate or the next bill or the next board meeting or the next press conference, next crisis... You'll never be able to do this for a long time. Balance is ideal, fun is recommended and dalliances are enjoyable. Why therre was this senator from Chandrilla for a brief time but she."

Ayumi looked at her offering only a small smile. "There once was a girl with tangerine hair, she stole my heart and left me stranded elsewhere ,truly a crafty and full of sass, but cant deny she had a spectacular.... " She trailed off looking at them and expected the deadpan stares... there was a method to it though. SHe was also listening to Verity's idea and held a hand up to her sternum for a moment. "Oh my face on money... could be fun. Would make the currency pools on Denon more interesting." She said it with a smile though as she sat there. "And kerfuffles are fun, it just means when we kiss and make up it will be that much more meaningful."

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique listened to Verity and then Ayumi in turn. Her eyebrows rose slightly at her friend's penchant for colorful encounters.

"I do appreciate flattery and a little attention, ladies, but there was once a statesperson that said only the dead should be immortalized on currency. And I don't know about you, but I have no intentions of requiring a memorial any time soon." It certainly wouldn't hurt to garner the people's constant awareness of her place in their lives, but tiny engravings on credit chits was hardly foremost on her mind. It was an amusing thought, however, by the Senator.

"As for reforms," her golden eyes fell to Verity in particular, "I've yet to gnash my teeth, Senator. Though I think you will find amending the Charter a most arduous task. It is our foundational document, which is not easily modified for a good reason. That said," Dominique shorted softly, "there have been some interesting disagreements of late over what it was intended to accomplish, and what authorities were granted in its ratification. What, in particular, did you have in mind?"

Verity Stuyveris | Ayumi Pallopides​

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

"Flattery?" Verity echoed dubiously, one brow lifting. "No, Your Excellency. It's vanity, but you know how I loathe to appear self-serving, so I would necessarily need to include others in a legislative vehicle designed primarily to put my own face on the currency. You see, I have no such compunctions about being alive. But I suppose if you won't play, then there's no way for me to do it gracefully."

The Senator for Druckenwell laced her fingers together around her knee and leaned forward.

"Charter reform," Verity repeated slowly. "Well, first I would very much like to establish it as a legal reality that the Charter is a document that can be amended at all. It shouldn't be easy, it shouldn't be fast, but setting down something in stone is really a message to the galaxy that what we intend to do is create a government -- a set of ideals -- intended for the moment it was made and no other. Don't we want the High Republic to outlive that moment?"

She paused and unlinked her hands, spreading them palms-up. "If we do, we need to give it the tools. Right?" Verity straightened and absentmindedly fiddled with the clasp of her wristwatch as she directed her attention between the Chancellor and Ayumi and back. "And once we do? Oh, you know, I haven't given it much thought."

A pause; all three women knew that was a lie. Verity had the good grace to seem almost chagrinned. "Much. Perhaps something simple: an enumeration of the individual civil rights of citizens."

Ayumi Pallopides | Dominique Vexx
​

 

[Ayumi Pallopides]

Dominique Vexx Verity Stuyveris

"I think you have given it a lot." She sat there and looked at her with a grin but spoke as she gave a small shrug. "It is okay you can be honest with us. I know wanting to have liberties for the people is important but I am more practical. I'd rather have a way to identify ones in a riot who are trampled and have no other way of identification. Rather then try and have a droid match them months later." She said it with a look while she took another drink but was enjoying herself there while she looked at Dominique with a small look. "BUt you should be on something. Kalantha was pretty and I will be the first to admit to it. I wish I had had a chance to meet her at a party but now we got you and have you seen yourself in a mirror?"

She didn't need to get up and she wasn't denying Verity's idea... in fact she loved it and offered her a smile. "The best change happens as needed. The ones in the senate who only care for themselves generally make themselves known. The ones who care about the people usually have the ideas that make sense but get resistance. Amending and changing aspects of the charter might take awhile and be like pulling teeth but it can be done. Just need to make it the most appealing thing.. and have it be that changing and altering is an eighty to twenty issue. A way that opposing it looks bad with the rest of the people of the Republic."

She said it with more amusement. "Though this senate is a lot more civil then the Republic under Popo, there any resistance they wanted tot ry and exile you. You want to see no confidence votes go back and watch some of those archival sessions. Lots of yelling, lots of people only wanting their world to succeed and they even let the sith come in to weigh in with their opinion because they were friends of the chancellor or the grandmaster of the jedi. SOmetimes I wonder how I managed to make it through with only a few scars or burns." She was thinking about it but looked at the Chancellor. "You remember how it was with the Alliance well one of them."

Hopefully it helps you when I offer a little, I'd much prefer we all get to head out and grab Sibylla Abrantes convince her to get the royal speeder and hit up a McYoda's while leaving the worker a massive tip. Or a Nubian club, I want to culturally exchange and develop relations between Drrukenwell and Denon. We'll exchange stories and dances while partaking of the best food that binds the galaxy together." She said it with her drink but she hadn't moved from her seat though made it closer to something that would benefit all of them. "Then I plan to find no less then three girls to flirts with, one likely in the line while waiting for the food., one in the club and one between the two of you and since I don't drink you will know it is all legit."