Private We Did But Build His Pedestal

[Verity Stuyveris]

THE SENATE
SENATOR SARN'S OFFICE
[MUSIC TO INTRIGUE TO? NOW I KNOW I'M IN FIRST CLASS]​

Verity greeted Senator Sarn's staff with the easy charm that came with familiarity. Since her early days in the Senate, she had developed a fondness for Eharl Sarn, the Ithorian Senator for Enarc, when he had introduced himself by bringing a moonfley vine to her office. It was a lovely gesture, and somehow, inexplicably, miraculously, that vine was not just still alive in her office, but thriving, climbing along the wooden sticks that Verity had provided it for that purpose, winding its way up and around them that would have been unnerving -- almost eldritch -- to see at speed, but which observed slowly, day by day, was -- endearing.

Her friendship with Eharl had only grown when he was elected Vice Chair of STACREST. As a rule, Verity made it a point not to call on the Vice Chair -- STACREST was, after all, one of her dearest ambitions and she did not like to miss meetings -- but she was comforted to know that if it ever did happen, with Senator Sarn at the helm, the committee's work would continue.

Verity had been loathe to put STACREST on the request for this meeting, because in truth it was about something else. She had brought something small, procedural, to discuss so as not to make liars of herself and Senator Sarn, but still. If this thing blew up -- and it may yet -- she did not want the committee's work tarnished by it. Still, the work was too important to simply let it ride, as she had established in her earlier meeting with Senator Yittreas. The Senator greeted Sarn's receptionist with a smile and made quiet conversation for a few moments before she was admitted to Sarn's inner office. Verity allowed the door to close behind it and crossed over toward his desk.

"Good morning, Eharl," she said, her smile genuine for the older fellow. "How are you doing? It's been nice to have a bit warmer weather this week, hm?"

Eharl Sarn​

 

[Eharl Sarn]

​

Senate Hall
Theed City | Naboo
Items: x
Verity Stuyveris

​

"Good morning, Verity," Senator Sarn greeted warmly, gently inclining the broad arch of his head as both voices layered in calm delight. "You do me the honor of your presence, as it is always a welcome sight when you visit."

The Ithorian rose to his feet, gently walking over towards Verity as the twin mouths along his hammer-shaped neck released a soft, harmonious hum. Those large amber eyes brightened with unmistakable curiosity but also genuine affection. One of his long fingers gestured lightly toward the chair across from him as his tone shifted into gentle attentiveness.

"Now please, I have prepared tea." He said with joyful resonance, moving to get the young Druckenwell Senator a cup.

"I am doing well, the warm weather has been lovely...I have been particularly fond of taking a few walks recently. Perhaps you will join me if given some free time." he added with a warm smile.

"I find that fresh air clears the mind and allows the better flow of thoughts. Especially pressing in times like these," he added, serving tea in a delicate cup before passing it over to Verity. The tea service was set in front of them, allowing Verity to select how to sweeten her tea or add any additions she liked.

"How about yourself, Verity?"

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

"The honor is mine, I assure you," replied the Senator for Druckenwell. Impulsively she reached over to lay a hand gently on his forearm, hoping to communicate the warmth she felt for the man she had come to think of as something like a mentor in the Senate. Verity had quickly learned the ways of maneuvering within the place despite her early uncertainty around whether her position -- provisional at the time -- entitled her to make moves.

"I was hoping you'd say that," Verity said with a confidential smile at his reference to tea. She settled into the seat he had indicated, tugged her blouse into place, and crossed her legs before balancing her folio on her raised knee. "I'd love to join you. I think it would do me some good to get out of this building on occasion." She smiled fondly as he set the tea service down and, at his cue, she stirred half a spoon of sugar into the inky liquid before picking up the teacup and saucer. "And now that it's not cold enough to hurt my face I have no excuse."

Verity took a sip of the tea and made an appreciative noise. "Mmm. Delightful, as ever," she said. "As for me -- well -- no, I've not been getting out as much as I should. There always seems to be more to do. My own fault, I know. I feel I've rather over-extended myself. But you know better than anyone -- that's why we're here. It's not about the balls and the conferences." She took another sip of the tea and then set the cup back in the saucer, cradling it carefully with one hand. "There was something I wanted to ask you about -- not committee-related -- but first..."

She glanced down at her tea, then up at the Ithorian with an indulgent half-smile. "It's just the plants that have pheromones, right? Not the tea?" She gestured at the surface of the tea with her other pointer finger and then huffed half a laugh, shaking her head sympathetically. "I can't remember the last time I read anything so ridiculous. Actually, the appropriation requests for the King of Naboo's incidentals came close. I hope you realize no one could possibly believe that awful rag."

Eharl Sarn
​

 

[Eharl Sarn]

​

The Ithorian hummed in genuine joy at the warmth of Verity Stuyveris 's gentle touch at his forearm. His twin mouths split wide in an warm smile, those amber eyestalks of his within the broad hammerhead visage gleaming with delight at her acceptance to his invitation.

"Wonderful," He added, the translator vibrating with warm candor, adding with a mild bit of concern at the notion that the cold had affecte Verity so.

"If you would welcome it, I can provide a moisturizing balm from an herbal remedy from my own garden," He offered with quiet concern as one would for someone he held in high regard. The Ithorian wanted to support and encourage the young Senator of Druckenwell, and if a balm could assist him in the Senate, he was most happy to oblige.

He saw it in Verity's expression then, over the delicate, noble features as the blonde seemed to be hesitating in her thoughts.

A soft chuckle followed suit regarding the plants and the pheromones, not the tea. Ah, so she had read the silly Quarum. That the journelist had suggested he was trying to draft his own army of devotees was ridiculous, but amusing. Truth be told, he had never been the subject of such chatter, and it was with curious wonder at the sudden spotlight.

Granted, perhaps more than a few of the newly inducted Senators may be viewing his clippings with additional scrutiny.

"I assure you, while the Moonfrey's flower releases a lovely scent, its pheromones are only for that which would allow it to bear fruit." he gave a slight chuckle, his shoulders giving a slight tremble in amusement.

"... But whether or not they serve to sway others is a matter of mental willpower. You, my dear, have one of the strongest I have ever seen. I daresay your mind is not so easily swayed, even if it were in the tea," he assured Verity, complimenting her in her brilliance as much as her determination.

At the mention of the King of Naboo, the Ithorian leaned back, taking a sip of his tea, a soft harrumph following the low hum of contemplative musing.

"Hmm, it appears the vine of gossip has truly grown short. With most of us now moving to address foreign interests, the lay of the land has been thin to grasp any sordid tale in earnest."

A pause, and then he leaned forward conspiratorially.

"Perhaps they will change their mind if I offer their staff a few of my cuttings?"

He took another sip, the elderly Ithorian's eyes glinting with wry, cheerful amusement.

"... It is only the cordial thing to invite them to my army of devotees after publishing that piece, is it not?"

​

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

"You give me too much credit," Verity said, though she smiled when she said it. "But I appreciate that you wish to see the best in your colleagues. That is rare in this building." She cast her gaze around the office, took a small breath and blew it out before returning her eyes to the Senator across the space. "Then again, I find myself less and less inclined to see the best, too, despite my best efforts." She took a long, slow sip of her tea and then forced a smile. "Anyway, what you're confusing for strong will is merely stubbornness, vanity, and a clinical -- one might say pathological -- need to prove my father wrong."

It was a joke, but not that far from the truth.

"I find the moonfrey plant to be delightful and I'd hate to deprive the editors over at the Quorum of the opportunity to experience it for themselves. But also, they're sons-of-gundarks, so..." Verity took another sip of the tea and then seemed to perk up and set the teacup down and gave one clap of her slender hands. "Oh! Do you want to sue them? You could sue them. I could probably waive into the Naboo Bar and represent you. C'mon, let's sue them. As a little treat. We could have fun."

She reached for her tea again, took another sip. "Most people wouldn't know this, but simply asking people not to sue them doesn't offer them any kind of liability protection."

Verity doubted sincerely whether the mild-mannered Eharl Sarn would want to litigate, but if he wanted a button man, he had only but to ask Verity.

"But -- If it's gossip you're after, I have some thoughts," Verity said after a thoughtful smile. "Well -- actually it's one of the things I came to ask you about, so really it's senate business and not just gossip, but -- have you been keeping track of the moves Ravion Corvalis has been making? That business during the Corellia session -- to say nothing of the Chancellor elections. I was hoping to get your view on the matter. Particularly the matter of whether he truly has the authority he claims he has."

Eharl Sarn

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[Eharl Sarn]

​

Senate Hall
Theed City | Naboo
Items: x
Verity Stuyveris

Eharl let out a long, thoughtful hum that resonated softly through the office. One of his eyestalks angled slightly toward Verity as she spoke of lawsuits, and the Ithorian gave a gentle rumble that might have been laughter.

"I suspect litigation would be… a most educational experience for the Quorum," he said mildly, delightfully amused as much as honored by Verity's insistence to defend him. It warmed his heart. "But perhaps a peaceful vine will serve as a better teacher than a court. Time, I am sure, shall have any murmurs of such an army of tea followers fade."

At the mention of Ravion Corvalis, however, the Ithorian grew more pensive. He took another sip of his tea, before he spoke, his voice settling into an honest, careful cadence.

"I have watched his movements, yes," Sarn admitted. "And I find them… ambitious."

A pause followed, although it was thoughtful, considering all the previous motions and actions that the art dealer from Naboo had risen into his current state of authority as Magistrate.

Concerning, yes, most concerning.

"Senator Corvalis is clever. Capable, even. But the authority he claims?" Another low hum rolled from his throat. "That is less certain. Authority in this chamber is not something one simply declares. It must be recognized by one's peers and come from the Charter of Unity... and it is evident that he is not unwilling to utilize what archaic laws to place himself in the most favorable conditions. Such as when he motioned for the removal of King Veruna from the Interim Chancellor position."

That hammerhead elderly visage returned fully to Verity.

"At present, I believe he is testing the boundaries of what the Senate will tolerate. Some may admire such boldness." The Ithorian's tone remained gentle but firm. "I prefer steadier ground."

The Senator inclined his head slightly towards the young blonde Senator of Druckenwell.

"But what is more pressing and concerning to me, Verity... is who is supporting Corvalis. He is an art dealer from Naboo who, within a year of his humble origins, rose to the seat of the Magistrate. Feats that would take years and plenty of support and credits for others to do."

Those amber eyestalks conveyed what was important.

"For one to move so quickly requires what every new Senator does... a mentor. Which begs the question... whose is Corvallis'?"

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

Verity favored her friend with a wry smile. "Well, all right. We can do it your way, my dear, but you know how to reach me if you change your mind. We could crush them -- or at least tie them up in motions and litigation until we are term-limited out of the Senate." She sipped her tea and cradled the cup carefully, enjoying the sensation of warmth between her palms.

The Ithorian's assessment of Ravion Corvalis was astute. "I don't know that I would object -- necessarily -- to a meteoric rise. A one-term Senator might make a fine candidate for high office -- not that I have anyone particular in mind," she added with a fluttering of one eyelid that might have been a wink. "But you're right, of course. There is something to consider there: every beneficiary must have a benefactor. What do you know about Corvalis'? He was Magister under Chancellor Berenko, before her abduction?"

The Druckenwell Senator set her cup down and crossed her legs, resting her fingers around her knees. "Before my time, I'm afraid, but I suppose we can do some digging. But I think a more pressing question is -- what can we do about it? You might know that I am perfectly happy to confront the Magister in the Chamber, but I'm afraid that without numbers, he will be able to hypnotize the Senate as he has done several times already." Verity paused a moment, her eyebrows lowering as she thought it through. "But if he has done something -- objectionable, shall we say? -- there may be another way to neutralize his authority."

Pale blue eyes flicked up to Sarn's eyestalks. "Thoughts?"

Eharl Sarn​

 

[Eharl Sarn]

​

Senate Hall
Theed City | Naboo
Items: x
Verity Stuyveris

​

Senator Eharl Sarn gave a low, thoughtful hum.

"Corvalis did not rise alone," he said gently. "Few ever do. He was not a Magistrate under Chancellor Berenko or Interim Chancellor Veruna -- his rise to that chair came only after the King was returned to his throne. Corvalis had only just been appointed Senator to Malastare... after his testemony convicted the previous Senator of working with Black Sun and being at fault for the attacks of the Senate." His long fingers folded together in a contemplative but wary pitch. "In hindsight... an alarming but curious quick rise. With no other clear hand guiding him now... it makes everything in itself, is… curious."

A somber tone coated the Ithorian's voice at the thought of the missing Kalantha, and where she could be.

"As for what we do," Sarn continued, lifting his gaze to her with calm certainty, "I would caution against anything overt. If he sways the chamber with presence, then we must answer with intentionality."

Another soft hum followed as the Senator thought it over.

"A coalition, perhaps. Quiet conversations where we approach other Senators who do not yet belong to him." He inclined his head slightly. "Give us the opportunity to ferret out the truth, and his influence will find its limits."

ANd while the Ithorian's tone softened there was a subtle firmness beneath it.

"And if there is… something objectionable, as you suggest," Sarn added, "then we proceed carefully. Truth is most effective when it does not appear… weaponized."

A faint, almost amused note entered his voice.

"Though," he admitted, "I suspect you would wield it very effectively, Verity."

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

Verity frowned. "But if he was controlling the ballot under the authority of the Magister before Dominique Vexx's election, how did he come to occupy the position? Surely he did not simply -- declare himself. Although," she amended quietly, canting her head to one side and touching her chin uncertainly. "Actually, the way he has been conducting himself, it would surprise me not at all to learn that he did. But that seems like it would be something the other Senators would take note of, no?" Verity cleared her throat. "I'm afraid I am woefully behind the curve here. I confess that between elections and orientations and all, I may well not be across all the salient details of how Corvalis came to this position."

She took up the teacup again, ran her thumb along the handle, a far away look in her pale blue eyes as she considered.

"You do flatter me, my friend," Verity said fondly. It might have been a barb -- a backhanded compliment -- coming from someone else. From Sarn, Verity took it as an unalloyed compliment. "A coalition was my thought, as well. I confess you are not the first Senator I approached -- although that was a function of my assuming you would be sensible and agree with me," she added with a wry smile. "I sought to convince someone who is not, necessarily, a natural ally first. To see if my concerns had merit by testing them against someone less inclined to agree. Senator Yittreas."

Verity lifted her cup and took a sip of the tea, allowing the warm liquid to soothe her throat on its way down. "To my credit, I did secure his agreement. We had agreed to get to the bottom of this business with the Magister, but then at the next opportunity he tried to remove the Chancellor. Fool. Now he's useless to this endeavor, because if push comes to shove -- if we need to take action to remove the Magister from his office -- his involvement will look like naked opportunism and may taint the perception of our motives."

She frowned again, shaking her head subtly. "I'm certain now that he only signed on because he saw it as a stepping stone to power for himself. With Ravion out of the way he might see himself as a natural successor, and from there, the Chancellor's office. Whatever I think of Corvalis, Yittreas would be no improvement. And he may well be worse."

Eharl Sarn​

 

[Eharl Sarn]

​

Senate Hall
Theed City | Naboo
Items: x

"It is possible," Sarn replied after a moment of musing, "that Corvalis did not declare himself… but neither was he meaningfully challenged." A soft, almost rueful note entered his tone. "In times of transition, the Senate can be… inattentive. Authority, when left unexamined, has a way of settling where it pleases."

At the mention of Yittreas, a deeper hum reverberated up the Ithorian's throat as he cradled his cup of tea.

"Ambition is not uncommon in this chamber," Sarn continued thinking back on how the events had turned out. "But when it outruns judgment, it becomes… destabilizing." those amber eyestalks returned to Verity with quiet reassurance. "You were right to test your concerns; wiser still to recognize the cost of his involvement now."

The Senator of Enarc took a deep breath, his mind working through the cogs of what was to be done.

"Then we proceed without Yittreas," he said simply. "A smaller coalition, perhaps with those who could lend a voice to the matter. Not only for the good of the people, but those who may hold sway to encourage others as well."

"Senator Lex of Nubia seems the sort to want to ensure corruption is plucked root and stem. I hear Senator of Moreau of Tatooine is a war hero favoring order and responsiblity. He is new to the seat, but may be a voice that could be lent to this. Perhaps Cynan Obaith now that he serves as Senator of Corellia...." a pause and then he added, "And while it may be a curious option, the King of Naboo, may have sway with others. He was, after all, removed from the interim Chancellor position due to the Magistrate's actions."

 

[Verity Stuyveris]

​

"Would you believe Senator Vreen is next on my list?" Verity asked, smiling broadly. Great minds and all. She always appreciated when she agreed with Senator Sarn -- or he, with her -- because while it didn't guarantee that they were right, she found it exponentially increased the odds. The two were similar in some regards: an appreciation for tea and for walking. But where Sarn seemed to be more cerebral, more cogitative, Verity was the type to crave action. She'd rather run at something and leave a Verity-shaped hole in the wall than avoid action. So when she and Sarn agreed, she felt it was a blessing -- some sign from the universe that they were on the right track.

"As for the King of Alderaan," she said, her brow furrowing slightly. She didn't have a good impression of Veruna, despite his metaphorical defenestration being the first of Corvalis' sins against the Constitutional order that she had witnessed. He seemed to have a reflexive sneer for her whenever they crossed paths -- a jab even when coming at a bill from the same direction.

Still, this was important enough that egos had to be put to one side, and Verity would start with her own. Yet -- she cleared her throat uncertainly. "I hate to impose, but would you perhaps be able to broker some sort of informal meeting between the three of us? I fear that if I approached his office he would respond... in a spirit that might not be helpful to the cause, such that we never actually get around to the cause."

She feared that Obaith had gotten the wrong impression of her intentions during the DARE debacle, but perhaps that could be rectified with some open and honest dialogue. "I'll see if I can get a few minutes on Senator Obaith's calendar as well." Verity frowned thoughtfully and tapped her chin with one fingertip. "I've not seen Senator Moreau around the building, so I'm not sure if he's moved in yet. Regardless, I'll add him to the list, as well. I'm going to get quite the reputation as a social butterfly with all these social calls."

Eharl Sarn
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[Eharl Sarn]

​

Senate Hall
Theed City | Naboo
Items: x
Verity Stuyveris

​

"An excellent next step," the Ithorian Senator agreed, giving an incline of his head even as his amber eyestalks dipped slightly in consideration at her request before lifting again.

"I would be glad to arrange a meeting with the King of Alderaan," Sarn replied with a hum. While he wasn't too keen on the man, his connection to the Voice of Naboo allowed a measure of access that he could perhaps use.

"An informal setting may broker an honest conversation. Tea has a way of doing that." A faint note of humor lingered in his tone. "I will extend the invitation myself."

A smile gently grew over both mouths.

"And your reputation," the Ithorian added, the hum returning with quiet fondness, "will not be that of a social butterfly… but of a Senator who listens and understands the lay of the Dejarik board before she moves. That is far rarer."

A small pause, then:

"Indeed, when you are ready Verity, you will not be standing alone."