The Little Things Give You Away

[Numenius Pax]

Theme

Spoiler: OOC

Death disabled, Senators preferred, all welcome

Charity.

It was something he had always known the value of, something he had been seen supporting since he was a pre-teen but old enough to know that others did not have his advantages and he was supposed to feel bad for them because of that. It had been rather bothersome to begin with but the more charity work he had done, the more he saw that people were rather interested in speaking to him more seriously after he had organised something for charity.

Whether or not it showed them something they didn't expect or not didn't matter - all that mattered was that the look in the eyes of the people he helped. It was the look that told him that they would be singing his praises to anyone who listened and that was exactly what he wanted.

Right now?

He had just finished donating as much plasma as he was physically capable of giving without adverse health effects, at a plasma donation rally that he had helped organise and publicise. Adjusting the little pin he had been given for donating as much as he possibly could, he smiled a little bit at a group of photographers, who snapped a couple of shots of him smiling at them as he seemingly finished attaching his pin.

He'd been waiting for them to notice him with the pin so that he could time it perfectly and it showed as they seemed rather pleased with the shots they'd taken.

Charity? Done.

Be seen doing charity? Done.

All that he needed for a better 'day at the office' was to do some networking now!

 

[Krat Talren]

Coruscant. Besides the outer rim worlds, like tattooine or florrum, Neive had heard this place was a center for scum... but depending on where you went in the single-city planet, you could see a range of people.

Krat stood by the exit of the charity event, his black espionage robes gently waving in the interior of the building as he watched over the horde of people, thinking to himself as he watched the event. As one man began his publicity stunt of donating his own plasma for others, Krat couldn't help but wonder... is this all that galactic politics had come to? Publicity stunts that meant nothing in contrast to the ideas that the politicians spewed during speeches? he shook his head as he watched the man... Krat knew next to nothing about politics, but from what he had learned, and what he had taught himself over time after leaving Utapau, Krat knew enough to know that things like this meant nothing when it came time for serious discussions...
Krat walked out of the building, standing on a semi-circular balcony, looking at the buildings and speeders that made up the cityscape. He crossed his arms as he looked out, that same feeling that he had in the past rising... a connection. A bond between him and something else, out there in the galaxy. And that something else had a connection to everything... everything living that made up what Krat saw around him. And to complete the chain, he felt a weary connection to the life of the galaxy, both in the building that he stood just outside, and the organisms throughout the streets below.

(OOC: Sorry for posting it twice, had an issue with the posting accounts. Should be fixed, I'll ask for the above message to be deleted)

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

Charity.

It was something Nicolás cared little for. From his time back on Brentaal to his time as Senator, there was absolutely no need for him to care about the poor or downtrodden. They could not choose the life they were born into, but they could choose the life they sought to pursue. That was how he saw it, and if they chose to wallow in self-pity, so be it. Like his father, he would not bother conditioning the poor to beg or train the homeless to scrounge. If they wanted to stop being poor, they had to work for it. Needless to say, Nicolás knew next to nothing of their plight. He might have been a bastard, but being raised in one of the wealthiest houses on Brentaal only made him ignorant to their suffering. Even now, as he wandered through the charity show in the city streets, he remained indifferent.

Since he had also been appointed as Senator simply to drive him off-world, Nicolás didn’t need anything to prove. Back on Brentaal, nobody was watching and nobody cared. The only reason the man had come to this charity was to meet with another Senator: Numenius Pax. Although he found the name absolutely ridiculous and his whole attempt at charity mildly pathetic, the man still made a fine opportunity. As a contact and intermediary, of course. As Senator of Corulag, a populous and resourceful world, Pax could someday aid Nicolás in his rise and return to Brentaal. Needless to say, that required the two actually met, something he was hoping to change within any moment.

Weaving through the surrounding crowd and slipping past several photographers, Nicolás stopped short before Numenius. “Senator Pax.” He managed a smile and reached out his hand. “It’s a pleasure.”

@Nefieslab

 

[Mira Arlo]

Action often speak louder words, but in politics is often hard to know whether those actions are genuine or not, whether it was just a political move to look good or an actual piece for kindness, it was hard to tell these days with everything else going in the galaxy but these thoughts were rather uncharacteristically cynical for her as she tended to see the good people but politics can wear that down in a person.

Snapping out of her internal conversation, she stood there, watching senator pax give plasma, in her dress holding a flute of champaign, her pink hair everpresent as usual. what she was here for was to see what senator was all about, to see what he was made of and what he believed. for in politics, one needs allies, both in and out of the Senate, to support them if they want to get things done. from what she had investigated senator pax, they could be dependable allies of one another.

she made way to Mr pax after the photo shoot, scooting by the photographers, only to spot a man (@Deviant ) doing the same. they spoke at the same time "Senator" she said smiled, realise what she did, she apologised "oh sorry, you first, I didn't mean to talk over you" gesturing her towards Mr pax directing the man to him with a smile.

 

[Aurora Adasca]

Aurora was among one of the junior organizers of the charity these "fine" senators presently found themselves attending. As the representative of one of the galaxy's foremost leaders in medical sciences and bioengineering, she could hardly pass up the opportunity and had already donated herself. But she was not naive enough to believe that they were here for anything but themselves. This was politics, after all.

She scanned the room for familiar faces. There was Senator Pax of Corulag (@Nefieslab), Senator Cormond (@Deviant) from Brentaal, and Senator Arlo (@christhebarker) of Hosnian Prime. She didn't recognize the fourth man (@Neive Undant), but there were always a few nobodies at these events. Though, she had to confess, the stranger's black robes made him stick out like a sore thumb for one so obviously trying to look for a means to avoid detection.

But, alas, she paid him no mind. She needed to put on the face of a politician—at least for the moment. She stepped towards the gathering of senators at a slow enough pace to give them time to introduce themselves without her interruption. She put on a pleasant smile for them. However, her greeting was anything but faux cordiality.

"Imagine that," she said in a thick Coruscanti accent as she placed a hand lightly on Cormond's shoulder. "Senator Cormond socializing in public. I didn't imagine anything could drag you out of the doldrums of your penthouse." The smile was real, the sarcasm was real, but it was all in good fun. Cormond could be an asshole, but a charming one at times. She turned her glittering smile on pax. "And Senator Pax, thank you so much for helping to organize this event. With any luck, it will help to draw some attention to the plasma donor shortages our hospitals have been faced with since the end of the war."

Her blue eyes swept over to Senator Arlo, to whom she slightly inclined her head. She admittedly knew less about Arlo than the other two, but it was good to have another strong woman in the pack. There were too few of those in the Senate, she had always thought. "And you must be Senator Arlo. We've never had the pleasure. I'm Aurora Adasca of Arkania; thank you for coming." Her eyes immediately cut back towards the men. "It is rare we senators congregate in public outside our usual committees. How fare things on Corulag and Brentaal?"

 

[Numenius Pax]

Honestly, there were so many people here that Numenius was having a hard time to keep himself from getting a little bit annoyed. They were crowding him, which was fine, but he could tell that so many of them also really hated him for one reason or another. Some probably because he was a politician and hadn't managed to magically fix some of their problems... god the masses were fickle.

Some of them looked to be a little bit shady, like the dark-robed one who had left (@Neive Undant) , but he was Senator for Corulag and you didn't get to where he was today without understanding that shady people voted too.

He was saved, in some manner of speaking, by the arrival of Nicolas Cormond (@Deviant) , the Senator for Brentaal if he was no mistaken! Almost immediately he realised that the man needed to work on his smile - it looked insincere. The other senator to approach him though? Mira Arlo? (@christhebarker) She seemed to be more genuine.

Which was probably just her skill as a politican coming through, honestly.

Shaking Cormond's hand with a smile, he patted the other man's upper arm with his free hand as he continued the handshake,

"The pleasure is shared, Senator Cormond! I have heard so much about you." he answered before letting go and taking a step closer to Mira to take her hand and kiss the back of it, "And Senator Arlo as well... my day is filled with such wonderful meetings, the Force must be with me today!"

That last part was said with a slightly cocky smirk and a wink at Mira before he turned to address another newcomer, Senator Aurora Adesca (@Malon) ... was this all that was required to bring Senators crawling out of the woodwork? He certainly hoped so, it would be easier to meet with them all outside of work if that was the case. Numenius just smiled back and bowed his head slightly,

"Please Senator Adasca, I'm just trying to make sure I do my part to raise awareness." he declared with a bright smile, "All of us here could give every drop of our plasma and it wouldn't make a drop in the ocean - we need to be seen and need to set the example, don't you think? Rally the people to causes that benefit them as a whole."

Taking a drink from a server with vocal thanks, Numenius turned back to the conversation as Aurora was addressing himself and Cormond,

"Home? A favourite subject." he joked with a sip of his drink, "Corulag is as it has always been; busy. It seems to me that my people are beginning to worry about different factions within the Galaxy but are coping well by pushing themselves into their work harder... a response to troubling times I believe we can all agree is rather commendable. But please, Senator Cormond, I too am interested in the current state of affairs on Brentaal!"

He waved a finger between the two women with a light chuckle,

"And Arkania and Hosnian Prime as well, naturally!"

 

[Freya Velstei]

A charity event? Now this was a first for Freya. Carefully, she walked through the event, wearing a slightly more 'simple' outfit. Well, simple as in not as widely detailed as her other outfits. It was still flashy of course, but it didn't particularly draw too much attention. She was here to try and have the people of Coruscant and other senators gain a good image of her. That was what she wanted, and attending an event like this would just do that. Of course, news of her attendance would probably make its way back to Koros Major, and that would only raise her popularity back on the planet.

Naturally, she had already donated to the event, and she was now wandering about in search of something to entertain her. Photographers were all over the place, snapping shots of several people. Freya found herself in one of the photos, and naturally she posed for the snapshot. Another one to add into the newsletter, she thought to herself. Quietly, she looked around, spotting a few interesting people: a somewhat somber looking man all alone and a group of senators conversing with each other. Bingo.

With grace, she strode over to the group of senators, hoping that they would make good company. As soon as she reached them, she spoke.

"My my, I don't think I've met you all." A warm smile formed on her lips, her voice with that same tone she always used in public, "Freya Velstei of Koros Major, it's a pleasure of mine to meet you all."

Freya did a small curtsy, before setting her eyes upon the senators, examining them. A white-haired girl with no pupils stood out, along with another woman who had dyed hair. There was an extremely good-looking man, and another handsome man. Tonight was going to be really eventful.

"And you all would be?"

Spoiler: Le Tags

@Nefieslab @Malon @christhebarker @Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

His attempt at an easy introduction and private conversation with Senator Pax was effortlessly foiled by none other than Mira Arlo, the Senator of Hosnian Prime. Given Nicolás had researched and evaluated virtually every Senator in the Republic in search for opportunities to build his growing power base, he knew the woman more than she might have believed. Genuine, sweet, always full of good intentions. Those were his least favorite kind of people, but often the easiest to manage. Already, he figured she would make a fine addition to his list of connections. It seemed his rare appearance at the charity would give him the chance to strike two birds with one stone. Or in other words, two Senators with a quick smile and a dash of charm and wit. “No need to apologize, Senator Arlo.” His attention shifted back to Pax with a wink. “And I’m sure you’ll hear only more, Senator Pax. Now—“

Before he could continue, however, he caught the voice of a young woman slither through the air and a hand brush against his shoulder, now tense. Now, it seemed, his attempt at another easy introduction was foiled once more, this time by Senator Aurora Adasca— of damned Arkania. The two were neither friend nor foe, but Nicolás always saw to her as a growing rival. Someone always poking fun where it was not wanted. Already, the man glanced back, offered a thin smile toward the woman, and met her quip with one of his own. “Senator Adasca. Come to haunt another charity ball?” He stopped himself short from going further. Strange, I don’t remember inviting you into this conversation. Needless to say, he maintained only that classic, pretentious grin.

“But that is good to hear, Senator Pax.” He nodded, taking a glass from one of the passing servers as well. “Though Brentaal fares well. Since opening our borders, and our minds, to rest the galaxy, millions have flocked to Brentaal in search of work and sanctuary.” The Senator granted a quick glance toward Aurora, knowing Arkania was long a world of inherent xenophobia and isolation. It seemed since her distasteful introduction, Nicolás was not finished with his veiled taunts just yet. He might be a charmer and a self-proclaimed womanizer, but he knew Senator Adasca enough that his appeal would never work. She saw right through him, just as he saw right through her.

Nicolás suddenly took a glimpse at the fine watch wrapped around his wrist. An aimless time ticked forward, but to the Senator, he gave a look as if it mattered. Things to do, plots to plan— this charity made a perfect opportunity, but he was getting far too stuffed far too quickly. Two’s a company, but three’s a crowd. And four? That was just one too many. If Nicolás wanted to establish some exclusive allies, he would have to do it, well— exclusively. “Ah, Senators. You will have to excuse me. I have some urgent business to attend to.” With an inviting bow toward Senator Pax, Arlo and newcomer Velstei, followed by an unamused, fleeting look at Aurora, Nicolás was off. Here, then gone a moment later.

“Perhaps another time.” A tempting offer, if any one of them were willing.

 

[Krat Talren]

Krat only looked out to the environment around him for a moment. He was no senator, he was barely knowledgable in the political world... but there's always a start to any journey. And for Talren, perhaps politics could be a pathway to something more for him... But he would have to make things happen for himself.

Krat walked back into the building, merely observing how others conversed for a moment. He noticed their clothes, much of a contrast to his own, but sometimes to be someone who's noticed isn't a bad thing. There was no reason, as of yet, for him to hide himself. But in order to truly figure out things around here, he had to take note of the more important figures.

A group of senators, conversing, Krat looking to one as he left. Although Krat didn't invite himself into their ring of conversation, he did slightly listen as he let his gaze move between the donators and the small entertainment set up for the event. Nonetheless, his attention stayed to the group now behind him.

 

[Mira Arlo]

so that was the man Senator Cormond of Brentaal. she had heard some rumours about him but never had a face to put them. a supposed heartbreaker but if he wanted her heart he wouldn't be getting it, not at least without a fight, she had been guarding it her entire life. but he seemed more focused senator Pax which she didn't mind. But another voiced joined the crowd, senator Adasca, another woman of the Senate, something not common within it. she couldn't help but do muffled laugh at her comments at Cormond.

"The pleasure is all mine and please call me Mira, let's leave the last names for the Senate," she replied back to Aurora with a smile.
unfortunately, she didn't know much about the senator but hopeful that would change in the near future.

"Every drop adds up senator. I would know, in the grand army medical supplies were always low, we'd burn through them just as fasts as we get them. ultimately, it was a dreadful state of affairs, I have to admit." she responded to Pax's comment about how their plasma was a drop in an ocean. as conversation carried on between the group she took a sip from her drink, she noticed the dark robe Pau'an, he looked quite out of place among the others guests, but she couldn't judge a person on how they dressed and came back to the conversation as senator Cormond was leaving.

"Did you scare Cormond off with your comments, Aurora or is it he just doesn't like big crowds?" she jokingly remarked as he left earshot of the group. it was a shame, she hoped to find more about the man before he left but there are plenty opportunities for that in the future. but best remain in the present for now, with current people surrounding her here

 

[Numenius Pax]

Ah this was already turning into a bit of a farse... luckily comedy was his preferred type of theatre because there was so much of it happening right now. It really was like something of a comedy of errors to see all of these personalities just clashing against each other like this.

It was rather fun.

At the appearance of yet another Senator, Numenius was beginning to think that they were crowding each other rather too much and he didn't much like that. Thankfully it seemed that Cormond (@Deviant) felt the same way and answered the question regarding his homeworld before moving to leave the group of Senators and Numenius almost couldn't help the urge to follow his example and leave... but he resisted that urge without complaint as he smiled at the newcomer,

"Lovely to meet you Senator Velstei." he greeted the woman (@TenthCodex) before nodding to Cormond respectfully, "Oh certainly my friend... I may have to have my people contact your people and set up some drinks."

Numenius chuckled, hands up in acceptance or surrender at Mira (@christhebarker) and her comment about how every drop countered. It made sense that someone with her history would like the idea of this rally. He nodded in agreement,

"Indeed - would that it were not so! Would that it were that your fellow soldiers and fighters had no need of such supplies... but our Galaxy is cruel so I will always be happy to support our men, women and others fighting for our freedoms." he assured Mira with a bright smile before chuckling a little bit, sipping a drink idly for a moment, "He did seem to... flee from you rather quickly Aurora. I do hope there's no bad blood between the two of you."

His smirk was playful, like a younger man looking to hear some gossip... rather than a man waiting to find another weapon to use against people who may yet be his enemies.