Open Social [Ralltiir] Under Twenty-Eight Moons

[Neri Morelle]

Finance. Trade. Economics. How would relationships be defined now that the Core (and beyond) was no longer defined by a unifying flag? Would the Galactic Senate continue? Could it even be trusted?

"Honestly, the Galactic Senate is such a joke. Do you recall some of the arguments we would be forced to listen to when we attended? All for the proposition to get thrown out!" Two senators laughed about past experiences over two glasses of champagne. Both women were dressed in elegant dresses with diamonds in their ears and braids in their hair.

"I'm not sure how long we can survive without entering a trade agreement," another senator said to his conversation partner. "After all, we rely too heavily on imports and exports. Our economy needs to be a part of something."

"See, I can't say I agree. Not that we wouldn't gladly trade with you and your people, but if another republic to try and fill the New Republic's shoes..." the man stopped to laugh, shaking his head. "...We'll pass!"

All sorts of talk filled the grand hall, from chattering about trade to rumors about corruption and more. Various senators debated whether or not to rendezvous to the Galactic Senate that had been scheduled, with some adamant about attending while others could only laugh at the idea. But the room was not only filled with senators. The event was taking place in Cambriele, the capital of Ralltiir, and thus there were a dozen important financial officers present. Nobles were there. Businesses were there. And some, estranged from their only connections, were there to make more.

---​

Neri was one of those. She'd worn the nicest, most appropriate dress she still had, pairing it with pointy black heels and a glittering gem choker. Despite her own personal fashion tastes, the woman had been born into the Hapan aristocracy - she knew how to fit into an elite crowd. Still, she'd put every effort into making sure she looked ravishing. Beauty was the foot in the door with these old men, after all.

"Good evening," she greeted the doorman, smiling at him from under her lashes. He cleared his throat and let her through, and the woman entered the music-filled hall followed by the click, click, click of her heels. Grey eyes scanned the crowd, searching for her 'step one.'

After all, anyone who wanted to get their fingers into Galactic politics would be here tonight.

// Open to any politically-related characters, whether that be senators, nobles, or wanna-bes!
Takes place BEFORE the Galactic Senate thread.

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ever since Ezra returned from running away, he had become more disillusioned about being a Jedi than ever. He had obtained the rank of Knight, and his powers were those of a Jedi Master’s. However, he simply didn’t develop the Jedi instincts and that sense of commitment to the Order as much as it warranted. Finding out that his parents were Sith and that Darth Raze was tied to him somehow made him even more dangerous to his friends. His passion had always been engineering and he wondered if there were ways to help the Jedi without waving around a lightsaber and doing jobs no one else wanted to do.

Ezra found himself at a social gathering that would target the elite. It wasn’t as exclusive as his father’s parties, but he was able to lock in an invitation. He wanted to try out a political social to see if he found it tolerable. He had attended these before, but always as a tagalong to his parents. Tonight he was here entirely on his own and he was representing himself.

The Thorne walked in dressed in an expensive suit and shoes to match. There was a chrono on his wrist and his hair was styled. Despite attending these things his entire life, he felt oddly out of his element since he was here alone. There was no looming figure in the shape of Emryc Thorne for him to duck under.

Right away a few guests recognized him even if he didn’t know them. Conversations became slightly hushed as he passed, his sensitive ears picking up whispers about him. Ezra largely ignored it, making his way over towards where the food and drinks were. He promised himself he would socialize instead of being a wallflower, a goal that sounded horribly difficult with how much he despised smalltalk.

@lizziie

 

[Alexi Stravos]

Alexi stepped out of the speeder, buttoning his red jacket before walking inside. He was not a politician yet but a growing figure in the Core World social scene. He had thrown around enough of his family's money for others to take notice of him as he formed connections and began building a power base.

As he walked in, he scanned the crowd. It was a mix of two different breeds; there were the old politicians who had let the republic dwindle and die a slow, unceremonious death. They were to blame for the stagnation of the Galactic Empire. Their days were numbered as a growing number of newcomers had come onto the scene. The old guard would be allowed to witness as power was stripped from them little by little, and they were left with nothing and discarded. The power would fall to people like Alexi, who deserved that power.

He was brought a glass of champagne which he sipped at as he searched for his first conversation of the evening. You could sense the panic from some as they struggled to find a place in this new Galaxy before it left them out in the cold. It brought a slight grin to Alexi's mouth.

@lizziie @Sreeya

 

[Lyra Lota]

Lyra stepped out of her speeder and tossed the keyfob to a nearby valet. "Park that for me, would you darling?" she drawled with a smile, before approaching the entrance. The very tippity-top of Galactic society should be floating to the top of this event, she'd been assured of that. Quite whether that meant the cream or the scum, Lyra wasn't sure. Nevertheless, it was a way to make a few introductions.

Entering the room, Lyra heard the patter that made up the great and good of high society. Much crowing over the corpses of the Republic and Alliance, which reminded her of home. She was quite certain that the Republic's demise was met with a few cheers and celebrations on Empress Teta. Such turmoil provided opportunity and she'd make sure to grasp it. She had always been good at that.

Making her way gracefully through the crowd in her green dress, she swiped a flute of champagne from the tray as she passed a waiter. Sipping from it, she cast her eyes over the gathered crowd and made her way towards the closest conversation, listening in intently. Chuckling softly as one of the assembled 'luminaries' complained about the uselessness of the Senate, nodding in agreement.

"I quite agree. We all know that the Senate's main purpose is to contain the hot air and ego of some of our least capable. If you were equipped with cleverness, skills and ambition, would you join the Galactic Senate and spend your days arguing? I think not. You would be getting involved at the face of things. Forging connections. Building a business. Seeing the Galaxy." She paused to sip more champagne. Nothing like a little hypocrisy to start a shindig.

@lizziie @Sreeya @Raydo

 

[Ezra Thorne]

“Quite right,” Ezra cut in as he sipped from a drink, walking over as he overheard the conversation and Lyra Lota speak, “What better way to avoid accountability than to go off and face things instead of improving the political machinations that got us all here in the first place?” He asked, his silver gaze icy and fixing on her. However there was no bite to his tone or appearance.

“Ezra Thorne,” He introduced himself. It would click right away who he was. Unless, of course, she didn’t keep up with the most up to date news in the galaxy. The Thornes became even more popular since the ISC singlehandedly crippled the Sith Empire. He extended his hand to shake hers.

“I haven’t seen you around these parties before,” He remarked. In fact, he saw quite a few new faces in the crowds. He wasn’t entirely surprised - the old guard were busy trying to salvage what they could while newcomers moved in to usher in a different era.

@Charndley

 

[Neri Morelle]

Neri plucked a fluke of champagne from a waiter as she passed, strutting confidently through the floor of diplomats, businesspersons, and social elite as if she belonged among them. As far as she was concerned, she did. The world was her oyster.

The Hapan-born woman set her sights upon a dark-haired woman in an emerald gown (@Lyra Lota) who had just begun engaging in a conversation about the state of the Galactic Senate. Neri joined the group as Lyra finished stating her own opinion on the matter, which Neri couldn't disagree with. 'How fitting that in a room full of old men, a woman has the right idea,' she thought smugly to herself, easing seamlessly into the little circle of senators and more as she sipped from her champagne. Her eyes immediately caught themselves on Ezra, a sparkle of recognition in their stormy color.

'What's the Thorne brat doing here?' she wondered. It was no secret the son of the ISC's president had joined the Jedi. She would have much preferred to see his sister here. She was surely more suited to the intricacies of the political world than he was. But seeing as his father was an exception and a shining example of what a leader should be... perhaps she would give him a chance. Plus, she'd come here to make connections. Beggars couldn't be choosers, as the saying went.

"How was the Galactic Senate ever expected to function when the New Republic remained constantly at odds with its own Chancellor, and the Free Worlds could barely stand each other long enough to stand in the same room to disagree on something?" Neri added, slipping naturally into the conversation when the appropriate time arrived, some moments after Ezra and Lyra made their introductions to one another.

"I, for one, expect to see nothing worthwhile come out of the coming senate until the complacent are replaced." She put her weight on one hip and took a sip from her glass while she allowed her eyes to travel from Lyra to the others in the group. One man, in particular, had something to say.

"Easier said than done," the senator pointed out, adjusting his tie as he did. "The youth are always so eager for change, but you will soon find that change is not always good. Too much change too quickly will always cause problems."

"Additionally," he added, adjusting his eyes to Ezra and Lyra, "the Galactic Senate is invaluable in its ability to regulate trade and maintain order, despite what my colleague here might tell you." That colleague, the same one who'd laughed at the idea of aligning himself with another mega-government, simply laughed and shook his head once more.

Neri, to her credit, expertly hid her distaste as the men spoke. Once they finished she would give them a tight-lipped smile, and turned to face Lyra and Ezra. "Neri Morelle," she introduced, extending her hand to shake Lyra's hand. "Pleasure to meet the both of you," she added, her grey eyes flicking toward Ezra. She would extend him a hand as well. The two other men would not be offered the same.

@Sreeya @Charndley @Raydo

 

[Alexi Stravos]

He found himself drawn to growing people as they conversated. Ezra Thorne was certainly a wild card; he didn't fit the mold of what Alexi assumed a Jedi was, though that wasn't based on much. It still seemed like an odd place to find one of their Order, even one with the political ties Ezra held.

"And what a gloriously well-ordered Galaxy it is," he said, breaking into the conversation. He openly laughed at the Senator. "The Senate couldn't get anything done when people pretended it was important; tomorrow's session is going to be a bloodbath, even worse, it will be a boring bloodbath" he scoffed.

Alexi thought it should all crumble. Maybe then they could start a new. The system still propped open those who pretended they had power. They needed to be left to die so that new growth could occur.

He nodded to each of the others, except for the two Senators and their antiquated ideas of the Galaxy. "Alexi Stravos." he said, giving a slight bow. His family had deep ties to the banking clan, which is where most might recognize his name, although he had started to strike out on his own well.

@Sreeya @lizziie @Charndley

 

[Lyra Lota]

The words cut deeper than the young man might have expected. Shades of family arguments bubbled in the words avoid accountability, enough to cool Lyra's good humour for a second. His introduction clarified his familiarity as Lyra broke into a surprised smile, taking the proffered hand.

"Ah! I wondered why you looked so familiar!" she said, giving a firmer handshake than one might expect. "Lyra Lota, of the Tetan Lota's. A distinct pleasure to meet you." She nodded at his remark, giving the slightest of shrugs as if she'd been caught in the act. "Alas, you wouldn't have. I'm afraid I've been away from the Core, avoiding accountability as you so adroitly put. Family matters have conspired to return me home, at least for a while." How long that was, she wasn't sure yet.

"But I'm sure I don't need to dwell on the value of getting out into the Galaxy to one of the Jedi Order," Lyra said, sipping a little more champagne afterwards. "I suppose that there must be quite the contrast between these affairs and the living arrangements of the Jedi, no?" Lyra privately regarded the Jedi as sexless, dour space monks with an irritating penchant for acquiring valuable trinkets, but such petty-minded insults simply wouldn't do.

They were approached by a very interesting young woman, who seemed to agree with the thrust of Lyra's arguments. She smirked at her comments, nodding in affirmation. A woman of interest, Lyra noted mentally. She took her hand and shook it, eyes twinkling as she did. "Lyra Lota. A pleasure indeed." She did not stop smiling when the senator made his 'input', regarding the man as one might regard a stray, injured creature left by the roadside. It seemed others shared her sentiments, given the interjection by a new, young man. A Stravos too, no less. This had become quite the gathering.

She nodded in reply to him, raising her glass. "I must say that I am in agreement with our young friend here. However high-minded and optimistic the aims of the Senate, if you look around at the events of the last few years and call that order, I have some magic denta beans to sell you, Senator." Another patronising smile, before she turned to the more interesting guests. "The Senate was... my apologies, is built on a noble idea. But noble ideas alone are not enough. Turmoil abounds, from the Core to the Outer Rim. Our governments collapse, war rages on and our salvations are brought by cavorting drunkards. Do you think the Senate as it is now still commands the mandate it once did? Does it still hold the confidence of the people?"

With that, she opened her hand up to her fellow conversationalists. She had truly missed the cut and thrust of 'polite' debate in her time out in the Galaxy. It was like a breath of fresh air.

@lizziie @Sreeya @Raydo

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra was surprised the Hapan girl bothered to introduce herself to him. He knew all about Hapes and their matriarchal ways. If she was talking to him, it was solely because his name carried more weight than any others in the galaxy right now. He wouldn’t lord anything over her, so he shook her hand and gave a polite nod as men did to the women on her planet. Just a small hint that he wasn't entirely oblivious to galactic customs, “Has your Queen Mother amended things with the Core Worlds?” He asked, genuinely curious. After all, the Hapes Queen Mother went on an impulsive rampage against Byblos. (@lizziie )

He turned his attention back on Lyra. He didn’t miss the way his initial words made her bristle - in truth he hadn’t intended to hit a nerve. Politics wasn’t his thing. It was his father’s thing, and probably his sister’s too. However, he knew how to be blunt and honest, “No one knows how to hamstring the Jedi better than the Jedi,” He said flatly, “I would know,” He remarked with a shrug.

“I’m here because it’ll take a lot more than waving around a saber and good deed missions for the galaxy to take the Order seriously,” Ezra didn’t have the self sacrificing tendencies that Jedi had, and in some ways, it probably made him a failure as a Jedi. However, he wanted to get in the room with the people that did control the tides of the galaxy and bring the Jedi out of the dumps from that angle. (@Charndley )

Ezra took a sip from his drink before his icy gaze flicked to other newcomer. The man was his age and certainly easy on the eyes, “Good to meet you, Alexi,” He said, “Our fathers are quite familiar with one another,” He remarked. He hadn’t met Alexi before, but Emryc was no stranger to the banking clans and the names associated with them, “Galaxy’s wide open for the Stravos’ now, isn’t it?” He smirked. (@Raydo )

 

[Neri Morelle]

"I do not believe so," Neri answered honestly, turning her gaze back to the Thorne. "But I have not set foot on Hapes in many years, so I would not know." She was surprised that he immediately tagged her as Hapan- well, no. Hapans had a look. Though her accent was slight, there was still a very distinctive Hapan look about how the girl did her makeup and carried herself.

"So, you intend to boost the Jedi Order's reputation?" she asked, her interest piqued. This was interesting, coming from him even as a Jedi. The ISC was notorious for its views on Force users. "How do you intend to change the mind of a Galaxy that distrusts them?" She wanted to know his opinion of them. Did they differ from his father's? Were they the same? "The Republic's former Chancellor would've thrown a fit knowing a Jedi stood proudly on Ralltiir," she added with an amused smile, her distaste for the former Chancellor clear as she spoke. Ezra's answer, no matter what would be controversial to some.

And here about came another man, so sure that his family name and connections would make up for every failing he had. Neri's grey eyes flickered toward Alexi, regarding him from beneath her dark lashes. She allowed her eyes to travel the length of him as he bowed, then smiled when he tilted his chin back up. 'He looks sharp as a marble,' she sneered in her head, her lips still smiling. Fortunately, he seemed smart enough to have the same idea as she did.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance," she hummed, turning her ear back to Lyra. All these names... Stravos, Lota, Thorne... hers was nothing in comparison. Though her family's name might turn an ear, she refused to wear it. She would never allow them to ride the coattails of her success, so 'Morelle' had become her identity. She was still standing here with the rest of them, wasn't she? Perhaps she didn't have their initial advantages, but she would not be dissuaded.

Back to Lyra. Neri thought for a moment, then responded. "No," she answered simply to start. "One look at any HoloNet forum or any minute spent listening to holoradio would show that. But senators will continue to beat their dead horse." The collapse of the FWA and the NR hadn't just broken the governments - it had broken the people's trust in centralized senates.

Neri took another sip of her champagne, glancing not-so-subtly at the two senators in their presence. They already showed signs of wanting to leave the conversation. She glanced back at Lyra. "I believe it will die once the ISC finally gives up on it," she added.

@Sreeya @Charndley @Raydo

 

[Alexi Stravos]

"I imagine it was also to spend some time out of the ghastly sacks your order likes to parade around in." he said, feigning shivers. "At least the Sith, and to a lesser extent, Imperial Knights, had the sense to have some style." he commented.

"And you as well." he regarded Ezra. Alexi found him the most interesting of the group. "If that is the case, I imagine it was quite an entertaining evening when you informed him of your career path." he joked.

"Did the Senate ever hold actual power?" he added to Lyra's question. "Any world with a half-decent military could basically disregard the Senate whenever it pleased. It was a laughably naive political experiment that has finally run its course. The Galaxy is better off for it." he said.

@Sreeya @Charndley @lizziie

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra had to agree with Alexi’s assessment. He was in a constant battle with the Jedi Order over his flat refusal to wear their crimes of fashion. He didn’t respond initially to Alexi’s remark about his father, opting instead to sip from his drink. Truth was, he was still reeling from learning that his parents had both been Sith in the past. His gaze drifted away for a moment, lingering on nothing in particular.

It was Neri’s question that anchored his attention back to the conversation, “The way I see it, if the Empire can reinvent itself, why can’t the Jedi?” He proposed, “The Jedi historically rely on doing good deeds and being there for people. But you know what? The average citizen doesn’t give a shit. Why? Because altruism is a concept that may only exist for those that devote themselves fully to being Jedi. The Jedi live and die by a concept the vast amount of the galaxy isn’t capable of embracing and are surprised that the Order isn’t subsequently embraced,” He had clearly thought about this for a long time, “And the Order has no credibility because their skillset is limited to waving about a saber and using powers less offensive than the Sith.”

He took a sip of his drink, “I intend to show the galaxy that it’s possible to be a Jedi and still make strategic plays in the political or corporate space. I want to normalize Jedi being more than just a religious Order no one takes seriously. If the Sith had the Empire, the Jedi can perhaps have individuals that actually speak the language of the rest of the galaxy.”

Ezra’s eyes flicked over to Alexi, “And do it with some style,” He said with a wink.

@Raydo @lizziie

 

[Rrodossk]

He had decided to show up to one of these political gatherings for once, and Rrodossk felt out of place doing so. He was muscular and large and wore clothing that made him stand out like a sore thumb. He stepped through the crowd in a burgundy deel with gold sash and detailing, a burgundy loovuuz much like his shirt with black fur, and his now traditional black wookie fur cape. The tailors back aboard his ship was working on something to make his outfit even more grim and ghastly even though he did not want to. He had to play the role of brutal and powerful warlord for his people. His entire ensemble resembled that theme: the tribal lord who had no fear of the outside galaxy at all.

He felt awkward, his gaze rolling around the room to see the other nobles around him. He decided to bring along with him a more normal being to not just ask as an ally but also to act as a bridge between the groups at least look wise. Lissa Blackhand (@Panda Hermit 98) was indeed a rather nice looking mammalian, but with her usual attire she too would not blend in at all. He had acquired her a rather nice deel for her troubles, one she had picked out of course. Yossk would have been helpful at this meeting of minds, but as he was newly promoted to the Millitary Commander of Dosh he had more important things to do. So maybe until he found the right body guard he could use Lissa as his go to in the mean time.

"While I agree with you that nothing will come out of the new senate meeting," Rrodossk softly spoke to the group with his gravely and powerful voice, "I disagree that the Alliance senators could not stand eachother. Former senator Celeste and I were good friends, Dusty was rather entertaining, and even Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl and I were... on rather good terms. I have yet to see my Wookie compatriot after the dissolution of the Alliance but some day I shall return to him to talk. The senate, much like the old Dosh Council of Elders, is a corrupt and inefficient process. The vast majority just want to keep the power they have and nothing else, not focuss on the needs of the galaxy or their people. Which is why I did what I did, Trandosha needed a refresh." Before he spoke again his eyes turned to Ezra and nodded to regard his statement. He grabbed a glass of wine from one of the trays near by as he began to speak again.

"Much akin to us, I believe the Jedi too can change. I admit... many in the Alliance were possibly spoiled by thinking that the Jedi were their private army. Or at least could be called upon at any time. That is one reason it collapsed. But the Jedi were mostly seen as peacekeepers and soldiers and nothing more. With you, Ezra, I hope the galaxy can see the Jedi is not a role but a religion that one may follow and walk the path they choose. I wish you an excellent career, and hope you are the first in a long line of Jedi that shall change the galaxies view. To change." He raised the glass and offered the young male a toast, before taking a small sip of his drink. Let's hope that made someone happy.

@lizziie @Raydo @Sreeya

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Tia never thought she would see the collapse of the Republic and FWA in her lifetime; she thought she would have seen the sith empire tear them apart, but instead, she had watched as all but the ISC, crumble from the inside out. This left many uncertainties for the average galactic, jobs, foods, trade...the basics that help even the smallest of planetary governments prosper against the odds of a changing galaxy. However, this change of seasons also offered opportunity to those who were limited or unfortunate previously; to meet new faces, learn and implement new policy and for innovators like herself, to see who would be willing to promote change in how trade and markets operated.

She had first hesitated to go, uncertain if she were able to keep up that evening with political games among the socialites and aspired who looked to expand their power. The woman checked her make-up one last time on her compact before dropping it back into her clutch and exited her speeder, leaving it behind, but keeping her comm as she dropped it into one of the pockets on her light pink dress.

Inside, she was greeted and directed to the hall where the rest of the guests were mingling. Tiamat begun to make her way around the elite circles, many faces she didn't recognized, but she could only guess it was to be expected. There was no doubt a power vacuum in the core by the way some of the people here spoke. She paused to grab herself a Naboo(-ian?) riesling, before she took notice of a conversation nearby of a familiar voice. Her eyebrow quirked, nearly having to do a double take to see Ezra present but she also recognized the Trandoshan senator.

Curious, Tia made her way over.

 

[Neri Morelle]

'Ah, and here comes the peak expression of a male.' Tall, imposing, and large, Rrodossk took up more than his fair share of space as he strut into the grand hall. His outfit was standout and would have been even if he wasn't wearing the literal skinned corpse of a Wookie on his back. And of course, how could a male of such importance come to such an important event without eye candy to accompany him?

Rrodossk was the epitome of a male — 'Always assuming they're ten times more important than they ever are.' Neri regarded him with a barely-disguised look of distaste as he butted his way into the conversation, telling her that 'no, she was actually wrong, and the FWA senators did actually quite like each other.'

"Former Senator Celeste, the Sith?" Neri asked, her voice laced with amusement as yet another man joined the conversation. 'Mother Above.' Her grey eyes jumped to @Lissa Blackhand for a moment, pitying her for having to put up with someone as bone-headed as Senator Rrodossk. He was exactly what she felt was wrong with the FWA: all bark, no bite.

"I find it hard to believe that you were truly 'good friends' with a woman whose leaders left Firrerre and Kashyyyk smoldering," she said plainly. "Though, considering the corpse you're wearing as a cape, perhaps you didn't quite mind the latter. I wonder how Senator- " 'Oh Great Mother.' - Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl feels about the 'good terms' between the two of you?" The dig was intentional, and drew more attention to the Trandoshan. Personally, Neri had never understood why it was alright for him to wear the pelt of a sentient to any civilized event.

And surprise, surprise; he had half an idea of what they were talking about. Typical. 'So typical.' Mother be damned, this was why most men were kept out of politics on Hapes! Neri briefly regarded Lyra, eyes searching to share that universal look between women when some bullshit was about. "And, might I point out that he said he wished to 'normalize' Jedi as more than a religious Order? Not more so as one?" She raised an eyebrow, then watched as some of the nearby senators and other attendees attempted to disguise their own amusement. Listening was never a male's strength, now was it?

Whatever. Rrodossk was a member of the 'old Senate' that would, in time, become obsolete. "Though, on the topic, I do look forward to seeing how that plays out," she said, turning her attention back to the male in question - Ezra. "I would personally like to see the Jedi in the better graces of the galaxy." Perhaps he would prove useful to her, even if just because his supposed agenda furthered her own.

Changing the subject, at least for herself, Neri would turn to Lyra. "What plans does Empress Teta have going forward? Will they send a senate representative, or do they share your opinions on the matter?" It would be curious to know if Lyra was going against the status-quo of her planet or not.

@Sreeya @Olwin @Charndley @Raydo @Panda Hermit 98

 

[Alexi Stravos]

He smiled and raised his glass to Ezra at the mention of style. In reality, he didn't much think about the Jedi; they were largely irrelevant as far as they daily workings of the Galaxy were concerned. He was fine with that, there was no need to encourage zealots of any kind if they didn't have to.

It was brave approaching the group after they had just sent two senators turning tail. Alexi could respect a small amount of guts, but it was quickly dashed. "Yes, yes you were all just such wonderful friends, and yet your coalition is.." he made a smoke gesture with his hands "..Gone." he said as he made a blowing sound. "I suppose friendship wasn't the key to Galactic peace either." he said with a shake of the head.

The talk of religion almost caused him to leave. Instead, he settled for a very obvious eye roll as he looked to Ezra to see if he looked like he was buying into it. It would be such a shame to ruin all of those interesting bits with religion...

While she might be right, it was quite painful listening to the Hapan woman break out into a near lecture. He drank the last of his champagne, quickly reaching for another.

@Sreeya @Olwin @Charndley @lizziie

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra wasn’t sure how he felt about talking that much. Truth be told, he wasn’t a big talker, but neither was Pops. But Pops opened the floodgates in these political parties and had everyone hanging on every word. Clearly he needed to work on his skills, but he was rapidly deciding maybe pure politics wasn’t for him. The part Sephi watched with mild disgust as the Trandosha senator waltzed into the scene - dressed in what looked like a pile of skinned animals.

He briefly wondered whether Trandoshans were entirely sentient before the man started blabbing. The Thorne watched in silence, his frosty gaze fixed on the overgrown crocodile pontificating about friendships with Sith and Wookiee while he dressed in Wookiee. And the pinnacle of the speech was the complete misunderstanding of everything Ezra had said seconds prior.

Politics may definitely not be for Ezra.

Ezra’s blank, unamused face would say it all. He calmly drank from his glass as Neri tore into the lizard, and he couldn’t help but find this entertainingly similar to the actual Senate. He caught Alexi looking his way, likely wondering if he was eating any of this drivel. Ezra used the Force to calmly float over two flutes of champagne for both he and Alexi, “Well…here’s to a Galactic Senate where a single, incompetent voice can no longer tarnish the reputation of an entire government,” He said dryly, clinking his glass against Alexi’s before he took a sip.

He looked over to spot his Aunt Tia. Was she following him everywhere now?! It was akin to having a parent showing up to bust a party he was at. He played it cool for now, giving her a jut of his chin to greet her.

@Olwin @lizziie @Charndley @Raydo @Tiamat

 

[Jana Kang]

After the attempted glassing of her planet by the governments of Hapes and Onderon, and the subsequent dissolving of the two main defensive partners her planet had, Senator Kang had been send to be more proactive in her role of entertaining diplomatic relationships with other nations. As such, she had an appointment on Ralltiir to see if its interests were intertwined with those of Byblos or seemed to conflict on certain topics. It had been fruitful, but as always it seemed her counterpart was an appointee by a government focused on its banking sector and trusted therefore on its safety from invasion or other hostile actions. Afterall, who would burn the bank down if your own credits were stored inside?

Deciding to join what was advertised to her as a diplomatic social gathering, Jana quickly seemed to regret her presence. She wore a two-piece suit as she usually while at work, but having been a senator for over a decade she noticed former colleagues dressed up in expensive dresses and wearing diamond necklaces and even a current one at that, the senator from Trandosha. She had entered just as he was addressing some young adults, no doubts training to go into politics themselves.

"Could I bother you for a whiskey instead?" Jana asked the server that went around with glasses of champagne. Champagne never sat well with her and she'd have to catch the overnight shuttle to Coruscant. She really could not afford to feel unwell while she still had to work on several drafts of her speech to the senate. Luckily, the server nodded with a gracious smile and moments later returned with a glass of Corellian. Jana thanked her wordlessly and took a grateful sip as she listened to the senator of Trandosha's discussion with the young adults.

 

[Lissa Blackhand]

You know, if you had told Lissa that, maybe a few months after leaving Nar Shadda, she would be walking into a room full of dignitaries, senators, and political representatives as a bodyguard for the Trandoshan Senator, she probably would have told you to lay off the Hutt Absinthe. Honestly, she used to be small-time, doing basic intimidation jobs for local spice dealers, with maybe one big job in among it (which she would never forget considering the memento currently attached to her right arm socket), now she's stealing from governments, participating in armed revolutions, and shooting down notorious pirates. She didn't know which benevolent force to thank for putting her in the right places for these jobs...but now she was ready to curse them out for placing her at a political gathering. At least she got a killer outfit from it.

Rrodossk was a big boy, he could handle himself, but despite that, she was along for the ride as a bodyguard, moving through the crowd next to him, eyes scanning for knives or blasters or hostile stares. A senator responsible for an armed uprising wouldn't exactly be popular, especially one that loved to talk so much. When they cleared the initial swarm, Lissa let herself breathe for a moment, relaxing her shoulders. Kark, this was gonna be stressful, but at least she didn't need to talk, that wasn't the job...then again, if someone asked her...but she didn't want to make a fool of herself...thoughts for later.

She followed her client to the small gathering, silently moving just behind him and to his side as he opened his mouth. It seemed relatively sparse in this area and only the odd server approached with drinks every so often, so Lissa didn't have much to do aside from stand there and listen to Rrodossk completely assassinate his image in front of everyone. Even she could tell that everyone there wasn't taking him too seriously, especially the Hapan (@lizziie) - she looked about ready to acquire some new shoes. She couldn't help but nod a little to the Hapan's statements and rebuttals, a slight smirk forming on her face. Given her time spent with Rrodossk, she knew he meant well, but it was nice to hear someone express something other than mindless admiration for him for once.

She was a bodyguard, so she didn't think much about arming herself too excessively, with her blaster pistol holstered to her hip. Strangely enough, she had the feeling she might actually use it today, if for no other reason than to put herself out of her own misery...

 

[Alexi Stravos]

Alexi plucked the glass from the air, eyes lighting up as his grin widened. Now that had been a useful trick. His glass tapped against Ezra's before he lifted it to his lips. "See, my opinions of the Jedi are already changing." he said teasingly.

Normally, he paid no attention to bodyguards, they were far beneath him and not worth acknowledging, but something quite interesting unfolded before him. The Trandoshan's own bodyguard nodded along as arguments were made against her employer.

"Even your bodyguard seems to disagree with you, friend." he laughed. "Really, man, you should pay your help more. This is just embarrassing.." he said, shaking his head before sipping from his glass again.

To think, bringing a bodyguard who cared so little for their work that they would even be paying attention to the conversation at all, much less openly nodding as someone berated you. It was shameful. Perhaps the guard meant nothing by it, but everyone was a pawn in their game.

@Panda Hermit 98 @Eccles @Sreeya @lizziie @Charndley @Olwin @GABA