Populate [RNR & Allies] Trifecta || RNR Populate of Stewjon

[Judah Dashiell]

SOUTHERN SYSTEMS ALLIANCE

Nerfhide notebook was open in front of him once more, pen in his hand. Judah suspected he wouldn't take as many notes this time. There was one suggestion to note have the collaboration called an 'alliance' and a second worried about giving a name to the proposed partnership. Judah lightly shook his head, mostly to himself at the already splintering ideals.

Much like the Corporate Interests Guild, there were too many varied priorities. Only instead of a guild that focused on the progress of business, this was three governments trying to agree on a course of action forward. At the end of the day, he could agree with another business to make credits. Governments were more nuanced with quite a bit at stake.

"No spine to this in the slightest." Heads were tipped together as they spoke low. They had been seen at lunch together. Now talking amongst themselves. The rumors were bound to fly. "They can't even agree on a name. The most basic step in this entire process - entirely focused on the wrong thing."

Disappointment echoed in his voice.

"Confederates are running scared, granted they have the most to lose. If their politicians were wise, they would worry less about names and more about if they joined this alliance, what potential protections would the Foundation and Naboo Republic offer. Confederates could offer resources or take on more refugees in exchange."

He paused.

"However, I'm not in politics. I have been taking advantage of this refugee crisis though, hiring high-level displaced workers. Managers. Assistants. Engineers. Navigators. Foremen.Even ex-Professors. If governments are stupid to act, the vast network of Dashiell companies will....I'm getting off topic. You have thoughts, I'm sure."

Danger Arceneau | OPEN​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Interacting with: Mother Askani Kalantha Vemric Keldra Xazzex Xivar Jas Katis Eva Tektus [ Briana Sal-Soren Phee Zti FN-999 (restored) Nolan Knightfall Danger Arceneau Judah Dashiell Blakely Moore Pinda Solthar Suhara Villow @Solaina Embarri Anyone else in the assembly

Sibylla sat poised beside Senator Sarn, her hands resting lightly on the console before her, her expression composed under the decorative veil of the pearled headdress she wore as she absorbed the unfolding debate. The Assembly chamber was alive with voices, each vying to shape the course of this proposed alliance, each armed with their own ideals, ambitions, and, most importantly, agendas.

The intermission had been long, giving them time to gather information -- to weigh risks against rewards, to anticipate the questions that would inevitably come. And now, the Queen had returned, her voice ringing clear through the chamber. The summit was back in session, and soon enough, the Assembly would have its say.

Sibylla smoothed a hand over the fabric of her gown, an idle motion of habit. The discussion had begun. Now came the task of ensuring that what was decided here today would not become something they would regret tomorrow.

Senator Sarn had been clear in his stance: if the Queen deemed this alliance a worthy pursuit, he would lend his support. But Sibylla knew that support was rarely so simple. The Royal Republic was still young, fragile in many ways, its foundation barely settled as it welcomed an influx of transitioning worlds. A premature commitment to a military alliance could fracture the very unity they had worked so hard to establish.

And yet…Sibylla listened carefully as the representatives laid out their positions. The Confederacy's offer was pragmatic -- mutual defense, prioritized trade, the repatriation of refugees. All tangible benefits. All things that could strengthen their Republic.

But it was not without its risks.

Tying themselves to an external power so soon could alienate their more cautious member worlds, not to mention the looming specter of war on the horizon. The Sith were watching. The galaxy was always watching.

Still, it was the matter of identity that held her attention. Alliances held power. Alliances shaped perception.

The Confederacy, the Foundation, the Royal Republic -- three distinct entities, each with its own history, its own purpose. What they agreed to in this alliance would set the tone for what it would become. The wrong purpose could send the wrong message...a pawn in someone else's game.

Sibylla exhaled slowly, listening as Representative Zti and the Falleen delegate spoke of carving out their own destiny, of defying the old powers that had long ignored them. Their words held conviction, but conviction alone did not build a stable government.

Her gaze flicked to Senator Sarn, the ever-steadfast supporter of the Republic, but not always the sharpest when it came to judging the true intent of others. He would hold his ground when it mattered, but when it mattered most, Sibylla had learned, was not always obvious.

Now it was time to hear from Mother Askani and the Queen Kalantha about their own thoughts.

​

 

[Kalantha]

Kalantha tentatively accepted the floor once again.

"Names are simply names, I agree," she began. "They have definitions, but they only truly mean what the people make them mean. The people of the Southern Systems have seen the Galactic Alliance forge their name into something that is synonymous with complacency and greed. It's not the word "alliance" that we must avoid, it is the actions associated with it. The proposed Southern Systems Alliance is poised to be a trifecta of states that have, thus far, proven themselves to be actionable and benevolent. We have helped one another all along, without the binds of an official alliance. We could continue to do so comfortably - I have no fear that the lack of a charter marrying our nations together would spell out impending doom to any one of us. We do not need a document to tell us how to treat one another."

"But what Vice-Head Xazzex says is also true. Separately, we are bite-sized opponents for warmongers and expansionists. Easily picked off and incorporated. But together? Together, we become just as formidable as the superpowers that threaten our sovereignty. All of our sovereignties. The Sith Order won't invade just one of us and spare the others. The Galactic Alliance won't stop at just one annexation. The Mandalorians won't raid just one of our systems. All of the Southern Systems is on the galactic menu. It's up to all of us, collectively, to ensure that we do not become yet another meal for bloated superpowers."

The words flowed like water over Virdugo Plunge. There was no stopping her now.

"The truth is, we are in competition with the rest of the galaxy. I grew up on Naboo, the middle child of House Berenko, but I have visited enough worlds in the Outer Rim as Queen to see what happens when complacency is given power. We cannot afford the same complacency as the Core. Our idle hands face consequences."

Kalantha swallowed hard, the gravity finally catching up to her monologue. She was grateful her friend Aiden Porte was in the pod with her. His presence seemed to generate an endless supply of confidence, but the Queen wasn't willing to risk finding out where the end of that supply might be in front of tens of thousands of watching eyes.

Once again, she excused herself from the floor and drifted away, letting her words land on the ears of the summit.

Spoiler: Tag List

Briana Sal-Soren | Danger Arceneau | Echo Athoth | Eva Tektus | FN-999 (restored) | Jas Katis | Judah Dashiell | Kahne Porte | Kalah Redra | Lorn Reingard | Michael Angellus | Mother Askani | Nej Tane | Nolan Knightfall | Phee Zti | Pinda Solthar | Rojuhr Pouihl | San Can-e Surravod | Sibylla Abrantes | Solaina Embarri | Suhara Villow | Ukvax the Gilded | Vemric Keldra | Xazzex Xivar | Zev Tantor

 

[FN-999 (restored)]

At the Commander’s offer, Nines took a seat to the bench on his left.​

”What’s your expectations for all of this?” He asked, looking back at the Baron. ”Logistics with this whole refugee fiasco is easy to manage. I don’t know about you, but I’ve had to herd worse loth-cats than this. But I feel that the diplomats are forgetting the risks of such an alliance. The ones underneath the surface.”

“To be honest, my expectations are just about the same as any of the career politicians here at the table today.” replied the Baron. “The creation of a coalition strong enough to have an actual chance of warding off the Sith and their puppets while also challenging the Galactic Alliance’s hegemony. Despite our grand proclamation of a so-called ’Southern Systems Alliance', I doubt it will progress much beyond a military coalition thanks to our petty squabbles and internal disputes."

"You and I both saw the fiasco with the Geonosian Archduke.” continued Nines, letting out a sigh at the thought. “I suspect that will only be the tip of the iceberg as far as the infighting goes. It would be one thing if it was an alliance of three Confederacies, Foundations, or Naboo Republics, but the matter of the fact is when you put three different political systems and all the factions within each together in a single room sooner or later things will start to resemble a battlefield as intense as any that you or I have fought in before."

“In any case, I am curious about your thoughts on the matter.” inquired the Baron. “What are the risks that you see?"

Tags: Jas Katis | Eva Tektus ​

​

 

[Aiden Porte]

Kalantha

Even among the masses, Aiden showed a strong poise for himself and for the Queen of Naboo. Making sure to be as calm and as respectable as possible, as the last thing he would want to do would be to embarrass or cast a bad light that could be used against the Queen. Things were already in motion, and talks continued and he showed a small nod followed by a warm and encouraging smile towards Inara after her first speech. His gaze was constant and steady, and the words of all of those filled his ears as he listened to each of them talk.

The words that the Queen spoke again were indeed true, at least to his eyes. They were stronger together, that is what he believed. If they were together they would face whatever could be thrown their way, just as is stands.

Together...

Aiden stood by her side as he whispered to her, encouraging as he possibly could and truth with his words. "You are doing great." The Jedi Padawan hoped he wasn't sounding condescending, as in truth his talent for politics was little to nothing. He wasn't a diplomat, he was a soldier and a Guardian. The closest he came to diplomacy was a training simulation that was conducted with Roman Vossari

And even then, Roman led the way majority of that talk.

Aiden couldn't help but think of what was in the future for a few brief moments. He then regained his thoughts and focused on what was important, being here and doing his duty.

 

[Kahne Porte]

"You've got your hands full with Michael,"

"He's struggling to find his way, and I thought I could help him. But I think I only made things worse."

"I just hope you can get through to him. He needs guidance now more than ever."

" I will continued to do as I was taught, and advise as best as I can. However he is young, and has faced an incredible loss. I assure you, I will do my very best."

The Jedi Master took a deep breath as he continued to watch the delegations proceed between the various members. Each had their own cause and own agenda. Kahne just hoped everything aligned well and things could work out for the best. While he agreed to follow, that didn't mean he couldn't have concerns.

"War is coming, Kahne. I can feel it in the air. We need to be prepared for the inevitable."

"I want to protect Naboo, but this alliance... it feels like we're inviting a storm into our sanctuary."

"As do I my friend." Kahne spoke softly, looking over to Lorn. "We will be prepared, given Naboo's constant state of being under fire. I'd say we should be more than prepared and ready now. If we aren't, then that doesn't look good for us." The Jedi Master showed a small smile to Lorn. "We cannot constantly worry about the things that are out of our control. We must focus and be steadfast in our thoughts. And above all our, keep trust in each other, and we will prevail."

Lorn Reingard

 

[Danger Arceneau]

​

Interacting with: Judah Dashiell | Open

Danger listened as she relaxed her expression to one of cordial observation, though there was a knowing glint in her emerald fire eyes. She let Judah speak, let him air out his frustration, before tilting her head just so, her voice a low, velvet murmur meant for him alone.

"Oh, there's no spine to it yet," she agreed, tapping one manicured finger lightly against the table. "But that don't mean there ain't a backbone waitin' to be grown -- question is, what kind of creature's gonna come crawlin' out once it does?"

She flicked a glance toward the delegates, watching the murmured debates, the uneasy fidgeting of politicians who knew there were credits to be made...but also dangers to be measured. They were focused on names, definitions, the optics of it all. But the bones of this thing? That's where the real deal-making was happening.

"Could be a house built on sand," she murmured. "But sand shifts, and if we play this right, we might just be the ones settin' the foundation."

Her gaze cut back to Judah, sharp, considering.

"Ain't sayin' you're wrong, but I see a way this could work for us...if, and it's a mighty big if, we figure out where each of these players draws their lines." She leaned in a fraction closer, voice dropping to a near-purr.

"Because the real question ain't whether this will last. It's what happens when someone crosses one of those lines...and who's willin' to do the crossin' first."

​

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Kahne Porte

​

With a reassuring nod, Lorn stepped closer to Kahne, placing a hand on his shoulder. The gesture was meant to convey his unwavering support, a silent promise that he would stand by him no matter what lay ahead. "I trust you, Kahne." he said, his voice steady but soft.

As he spoke, Lorn felt the tension in his own chest begin to ease, if only slightly. Yet, he couldn't shake the lingering unease that settled like a heavy fog in the back of his mind. He needed to redirect his thoughts, to focus on something, anything, other than the impending storm that loomed over them.

Taking a deep breath, Lorn released his grip on Kahne's shoulder and offered a small, hopeful smile. "But for now, I think I need to check on Echo. Maybe a trip to the archives will help clear my head." He stepped back, casting one last look at his friend, a silent promise of solidarity etched in his features. "We'll face this together." With that, Lorn turned and made his way toward the archives.

-Thread Exit-

 

[Mother Askani]

​

Mother Askani observed the room, her mind carefully sorting through the tangled web of alliances, ultimatums, and veiled threats that had just unraveled before her. The Archduke had thrown down a gauntlet draped in moral coercion, Keldr had seized it with an iron grip, and now the entire Assembly teetered on the edge of something far greater than diplomacy.

This was not how she wanted the conversation to go.

She stood still, her fingers lightly pressed together as she studied the Confederacy’s Head of State. His decision had been swift, and decisive. The Archduke had issued a demand, but Keldra had an answer; she hoped she could get him to just see it a bit differently.

"President Keldra, if you are to send a fleet, please, let it be for evacuation, and not escalation by any means. A full blockade will only force desperate hands--we need stability right now.

We cannot ignore the scale of this crisis, that's true. Even if we were to accept the Archduke’s terms outright, we must acknowledge the stark reality: none of these systems are capable of taking in a billion more displaced right now. Not without a plan. Not without the necessary resources and infrastructure to house, feed, and integrate them into stable societies. We must move carefully, or we risk collapsing under the weight of our own goodwill.

If we act too hastily, we may entrench Geonosis deeper into conflict. But if we provide a corridor--ships for those who wish to leave, passage for the Archduke and his hive should they choose--then we preserve the option for diplomacy while ensuring that innocent lives are not left at the mercy of warlords" -- Kalantha began to call them all to order, a recess was being called, she rushed the last of her message, "Ultimately the decision is yours, I just want to ensure our actions don’t just shift the burden--but truly open a way to resolve it."

She had made her appeal, and Keldra seemed a man of calculation—if there was any logic to be found in her words, he would see it; she hoped. Whether he would accept it, however, was another matter entirely.

A beat.

She exhaled. The momentary pause was a reprieve, but not a victory. The refugee crisis had been tabled for later discussion, much to her concern, and instead, the Summit would first focus on defining the alliance itself. It wasn’t what she wanted, but if this was the path forward, then she would help move it along--because only once the foundation was set could they return to what truly mattered; and they were about to make their declaration soon.

When the Summit reconvened, Askani spoke first, her voice calm but firm as she introduced some ideas into discussion. As the discussion returned to the alliance itself, she took a measured breath, sensing the urgency to move forward while keeping the refugee crisis from fading into the background. She leaned slightly forward, hands clasped before her.

"With all the issues we're hoping to solve, I don't necessarily think the name is that pressing, it may be fitting to circle back and iterate that detail later. Though, I'd like to make sure we're concerned with purpose here." she began, her eyes sweeping across the room. "This alliance must not be built for the sake of dominion...I just want to make sure that this is all being outlined with sanctuary and protection also on our minds for those who have suffered under the weight of war and displacement. If we are to move forward, then let's establish what this alliance will stand for, not just what it will wield."

As the discussion returned to the alliance itself, she took a measured breath, sensing the urgency to move forward while keeping the refugee crisis from fading into the background. She leaned slightly forward, hands clasped before her.

"If I may," she began, her tone diplomatic, "it sounds like we are circling around a few key pillars for this alliance. If we are to move forward, perhaps we should try and define them clearly if only to get the details started?"

She glanced around before continuing.

"When it comes to mutual defense and security-- military aid in times of crisis? Would one attack on one member be considered an attack on all? Members can pledge military support in the event of external aggression. Joint fleet patrols can help secure trade routes and maintain stability, while a coordinating body, perhaps a Southern Systems Defense Council, could align our strategies and responses?

And on the topic of economic and trade cooperation--free and open trade among members so there's some bolstering of economic strength, and maybe with a council to oversee fair practices and resource distribution. Infrastructure investment would also be very key, not just for growth but for stabilizing war-torn or displaced populations, which is much needed, and why we're here.

And lastly, humanitarian response--though tabled for now, we must acknowledge the billions displaced by ongoing conflicts. If only to keep the thought in our minds while thinking through the parameters for this alliance, this inevitably needs to be the foundation for a long-term solution. If we are to build something enduring, it must be more than just military strength--it must serve as a sanctuary, not another throne. We'll need refugee resettlement and humanitarian relief programs, and we should pull in any other humanitarian orgs out there, all groups can contribute funding. The SSA can work to prevent the exploitation of refugees and ensure their rights and dignity are protected, and member worlds can cooperate on medical aid, housing, and employment opportunities for those in need. First and foremost.

Questions I pose, how will decisions be made? Should new members be admitted? How often will there be summits?"

Spoiler

Kalantha | Sibylla Abrantes | Vemric Keldra | Briana Sal-Soren | Xazzex Xivar | Jas Katis | Eva Tektus | Phee Zti | FN-999 (restored) | Suhara Villow | Nolan Knightfall | Danger Arceneau | Judah Dashiell --- @ Anyone I missed, sorry.

Sorry for the late post, wrote this tired will edit tomorrow.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

SOUTHERN SYSTEMS ALLIANCE

Danger Arceneau | OPEN​

A hum of agreement as Danger spoke, nodding his head slightly. It was the real reason they were here after all, he and Danger. To observe and decide what was best moving forward for business. He was a little shocked no one else he recongized was here but maybe assistants were in place instead. Personally he wanted to be here in person. A certain message was always sent being seen at an event instead of responding third hand.

"If I am reading the room correctly, the Royal Naboo Republic has been the most stable government in my opinion. Just what I've read and seen. I've never interacted with them and I need to change that. Not sure who to reach out to but they also may anti-corporation. The Naboo folks seem to be the ones driving this meeting."

Listening to the next speech, Judah wasn't sure if an agreement was going to come to fruition. He had sat in on Galactic Alliance Senate meetings and once those got derailed it was hard to get anything back on track.

"As I said, Confederates have the most to lose...if I had to hazard a guess this Foundation is the wild card....however....I can see the Confederates pulling out of this first. They are already nervous. If this SSA goes through we'll have to work quickly before it collapses."

 

[Nolan Knightfall]

Naboo – Theed – Assembly Room
Direct: Sibylla Abrantes || Indirect: Judah Dashiell | Danger Arceneau | Vemric Keldra | Jas Katis | Ukvax the Gilded | Xazzex Xivar
NPC(s): Elias Xavier, Arthur Sterling​

Tensions rose. Perhaps it was to be expected from the Confederacy, whose diplomats have displayed before a penchant for becoming a bit more . . . emotionally-inclined when faced with certain issues or problems. Xazzex Xivar had displayed as much once in a previous assembly he had attended. Although in neither case, such a reaction was not entirely unwarranted even if they were unnecessary. Despite presenting his case in a fashion that was pragmatic, Ukvax the Gilded had not presented his case entirely with the best interests at heart of the assembled body or the non-Geonosians he wished to evacuate off his planet. This undoubtedly created tension. Offloading that many civilians onto the larger assembly would no doubt come across as selfish, but there was also the fact to consider that those same civilians would be in great danger due to the political turmoil and civil strife Geonosis was under.

Nolan Knightfall may have resources and his secret weapon at his disposal, but even he could not ensure the safety of an entire population all at once. This required cooperation and teamwork. Not threats or a blockade. This would ensure Geonosis's destruction or result it becoming conquered by an entirely different political entity once the fires of war had died down. The Sith had already sunk their claws into several of their factories.

How much more were this Alliance willing to lose? Had the basic premise of catching more flies with honey than with vinegar been lost? While the Geonosians were no flies or insects, it would stand to reason that perhaps a firm but gentler hand may sway them to cooperate more with this assembly than the swift and aggressive hand the Sith had been employing with them.

Thankfully, someone stepped in to help mediate the tensions and calm the assembly. Senator Sarn of Enarc ( Sibylla Abrantes ) resolved tensions with a few well-placed and careful words before asking for a recess to help calm the room as well as assuage Vemric Keldra and Jas Katis from committing to a poorly-thought course of action. The Enarc senator's wise decision caught the eye of the Rich One. Perhaps he should speak with the senator during the recess and after the assembly.

Or have Elias at least set up a meeting.

Nolan's attention, however, diverted towards Judah Dashiell 's assistant approaching himself and Elias.

"For Mister Knightfall. From Mister Dashiell."

Nolan only raised a hand in refusal towards the assistant. Elias grabbed ahold of the letter from the assistant.

"He doesn't like to be handed things. Thank you. You may go," Elias spoke up before beginning to open the note and read it.

Then, he turned the paper towards Nolan. The Silent Philanthropist quietly regarded the note's contents before glancing away. Slowly closing his eyes, Nolan let out a deep breath.

"I believe you get your wish after all, Xavier."

A small vibration shook inside his suit's inner pocket. Standing up, Nolan reached inside and pulled out a small communicator. Glancing at the message, Nolan nodded towards Elias.

"I need to go. I trust you will handle everything?" Nolan asked.

Elias nodded in return, "You know me. Always."

"Good. Make sure to get the Enarc senator and his assistant's contact information. We need to hold a meeting with them."

"You sure?"

Nolan spared only a single look.

"Then I'll put it on the docket."

"Thank you, Xavier," Nolan adjusted his suit and tie before taking his leave, heading out the hallways along with the rest of this recess.

There was work to be done before he decided to engage in any more of these meetings.

[EXIT THREAD]​

 

[Kahne Porte]

"I trust you, Kahne."

Kahne looked over to him and nodded his head and showed a small smile. "Thank you my friend." Lorn had mentioned going to check on Echo, which was something on his mind as well. He hoped that she was doing okay, and the mention of the archives, a place Kahne hadn't been in quite some time. The more he thought, he was being more neglectful in his older age.

That would be something he would have to remedy.

The Jedi Master nodded at Lorn's disappearance, advising him he would speak with him again later. Kahne's attention went back to the screen, watching the events continue and diplomacy go back and forth. The Jedi vigilantly, his hands behind his back.

@Open

 

[Danger Arceneau]

​

Interacting with: Judah Dashiell | Open

The room echoed with Askani's voice, layered with the weight of responsibility; sanctuary, security, purpose. All the good words, wrapped in ambition.

Her fingers traced a slow, idle pattern on the datapad at her side, but her voice was low, meant only for Judah's ear.

"She's got the right of it," she murmured, the drawl quieter than usual, polished down to a cool undertone. "But words like that don't buy trust. They just open the door for it."

What now depended on what Vemric Keldra as the Head of State of the Confederacy and Queen Kalantha proposed -- and if there were any other commentary from others within this assembly,

She glanced sideways at him, subtle, thoughtful. Her gaze flicked toward the delegation floor again. Askani's appeal hung in the air like incense; sweet, necessary, but masking something burning underneath.

"If there's leverage to be had, it's in them cracks...between who wants to build a sanctuary and who wants to build a fortress. One sells wine and grace. The other sells firepower and droids. Either way, they're both buyin' control."

Her voice dropped further, nearly a whisper now, laced with quiet calculation. "But if we play this right... we carve out more than contracts. We carve out relevance..."

​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Interacting with: Mother Askani Kalantha Vemric Keldra Xazzex Xivar Jas Katis Eva Tektus [ Briana Sal-Soren Phee Zti FN-999 (restored) Nolan Knightfall Danger Arceneau Judah Dashiell Blakely Moore Pinda Solthar Suhara Villow @Solaina Embarri

Sibylla sat quietly alert by Senator Sarn's side taking everything in; the summit was shaping something that could define the future of the Southern Systems, and she knew it.

Queen Kalantha had taken the floor again, and her message was clear: names didn't matter as much as action. The Queen spoke about strength in unity, warning that standing alone would only make them easier targets for powers like the Sith, the Galactic Alliance, or the Mandalorians. Together, the Southern Systems could defend themselves. Separately, they'd be picked off, one by one.

A small nod of acknowledgement was given by the Ithorian Senator at Sibylla's side with Kalantha's speech. She didn't rely on grand promises or vague ideals. She talked about what was already happening and how these systems had been already helping each other without a formal alliance, and how the next step was simply making it official. Her voice didn't waver, even when the weight of her words pressed in.

But Sibylla couldn't ignore Senator Sarn's warning earlier. He had spoken with the Queen privately, and while he supported her in principle, he was cautious. The systems newly aligned with the Royal Republic were still fragile. A formal alliance with echoes of the old Confederacy might raise too many old fears. He had advised setting clear limits and responsibilities if they moved forward.

When Mother Askani spoke, her tone shifted the conversation. Where Kalantha focused on defense, Askani brought attention back to the people especially those displaced. She asked the room to consider not just military strength, but purpose. If they were going to build something new, it couldn't be for power alone. It had to serve those who had suffered most.

Askani laid out the pillars clearly: shared defense, economic cooperation, and humanitarian relief. She proposed joint patrols, fair trade, and a council to oversee it all. She also pushed the group to think about practical structure; how decisions would be made, how often they'd meet, and who could join.

Sibylla listened closely. Every statement, every hesitation from the others, told her something. This was the kind of experience with foreign politics she couldn't learn from a textbook or a lecture back on Naboo. It was real, unfolding politics, and she was in the middle of it.

She didn't have the answers yet. But she was starting to understand the questions, and was more than curious to see just how they would be answered by Queen Kalantha and Vemric Keldra .

​