Open The Challenge of Chandrila

[Althea Tallah]

OOC: Open to all NR and FWA politicians.​

Location: Naboo Embassy
Planet: Chandrila

"As we engage with the wider galaxy, and we begin to look to a future where the AMS virus becomes not just a distant memory, but something we reflect on as a turning point in a new era of Galactic peace, unity and harmony, we can say with one voice, uplifted, together "I was there, when we linked armed, and laid the foundations for a brighter dawn"." Althea stopped, lowering the data slate and drawing a stylus. "It's too showy, soppy even." she said, striking a section from the speech as she did so.

"Maybe that's what it needs, a soft touch, a promise of a better future?" her handmaiden replied. Moreé had always been one for the softer approach, and had been that way ever since she had started in Altheas retinue. This time, maybe she was correct. Undoing her edits, she placed the datapad down. "At the risk of overediting now I think. Best you keep hold of this for now." she handed the datapad to Moreé, and refocused her attention on the mirror.

Standing, back straight and hands clasped together in front of her, Althea cut the very image of Naboo noble, a deep navy blue dress, with a headpiece and bronze disks forming a necklace, she had thin bronze chains draping down her arms, clinging the cloth. She had made a point to avoid purple, the Royal colours, or Red, those most commonly associated these days with the Sith. According to Moreé, each and every item she wore was meticulously picked to set an image of one who was here to talk, to forge a new bond. The silk had come from the Core Worlds, the jewellery from the Free Worlds Alliance - something the eagle-eyed would identify with ease.

"We mustn't screw this up Moreé." she said calmly, straightening her dress, as she turned and headed for the door.

"You never do my Lady." came the reply, as Moreé fell into place behind her, her mistress walking down the corridor and to the entrance lobby of the embassy.

Today's event was a grand one, a reception and dinner, followed by drinks, with representatives of the Free Worlds Alliance, and the New Republic. It was a chance to showcase the merits of the Naboo, and, Moreé was acutely aware, a chance for her to show her own abilities as a diplomat, and advisor, to the Queen herself. Whilst there was no specific purpose to the evenings events, it was none the less a challenge she needed to master.

Moving to her marker by the door, Althea took a deep breath and waited for the first representatives to arrive.

 

[Claudias Tannaras]

Clack. Clack. Clack. Clack. Clack. Clack.

The sound of his cane against the granite floors was a familiar, if annoying one. He'd only just recently purchased this one; a plane wooden stick with a rubber grip. His brother had harassed him to buy himself a replacement after a fall down a short flight of stairs during a consular meeting. "For the injuries our house and world suffered, and to prevent more in the future." He'd explained, a very polite way of telling him that he'd embarrassed the entire planet.

He was used to such snide remarks, ofcourse. Rarely did a week go by one someone made a not so veiled jab, or barely drawn back critique. Claudias still believed that he took these incidents in stride, ofcourse. He'd put up with worse, and he had genuine responsibilities. Ambassador wasn't as prestigious as senator, but it carried a singularly important task that, if not filled, would absolutely ruin his world.

There were treaties that needed to be negotiated, and diplomatic incidents to clear up. Hell, even relaying information was a vitally important task. Brentaal's space traffic was amongst the worst in the entire galaxy, with an abundance of ships going and leaving every day. If travel needed to be suspended, or cargo deliveries were to be postponed, it was his job to explain what was going on. The nightmare of relaying Brentaal's AMS guidelines to all of her major trading partners was still fresh in Claudias' mind.

It was why he appreciated gatherings like these. The rare occasions where he could meet and speak with a number of people all at once. He could eat, drink, drone off about what he was reading. Everyone would laugh, pretend they were interested, or if they were insane, actually be interested, and than get to the practical matters of galactic diplomacy. It made all the tedious garbage he had to deal with worth it.

"P-p-pardon," He'd ask a man sweeping, "Do you kn-know where I m-might find th-th...thh-thEEEE banquet hall?" He'd finish, a violent twitch of his neck subsiding. The man blinked a few times, before adding, "...it's just down the hall. You're going in the right direction."

"Th-thank you." Claudias replied, returning to his walk, a bit more hasty. His shuttle had arrived early, consequently leaving him early. Unsurprisingly, the room was mostly empty, save for a woman dressed in purple garbs, and presumably an attendant to that same woman. He could recognize the outfit as traditional naboo garbs. Hobbling closer, he... still couldn't recognize her. "Oh dear, I'm going to have to introduce myself."

This was always the worst part of his job.

Taking a deep breathe, he approached. "G-greetings," He began, bowing his head even as it twitched to the right. "I am C-c-Claudias, of the H-House Tannaras, ambassador of B-b-brr-brrr...BRENTAAL," He finished, taking another deep breathe. "T-t-terribly sorry, Miss..."
​

@Nor'baal

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

Sibyl wasn't surprised for being invited for the event at the Naboo Embassy in Chandrila, after she was the Senator of Brentaal, one of the most important trade centers in the Galaxy. After hearing about this invitation, Caledan Brentioch asked the Senator to bring his son Tristodd with her. After all, with the young man being her pupil, an event like that would be good to him learn more about diplomacy. Sibyl hated the idea of needing to be near the boy more than the necessary, but needed to agree with Caledan, since he is her greatest supporter.

After arriving in the Embassy, Sibyl noticed how simple was the place. Her estate in Brentaal was far more impressive than this, but with Naboo being a planet of the Mid Rim you couldn't expect much luxury. The Nabooians didn't even have a fashion sense! Unlike her, who knew how to dress. The Senator of Brentaal was wearing a red evening dress with feathers. Even Tristodd dressed better than the people of Naboo, with his blue brocade suit jacket and black dress pants.

"It's so exciting!" said Tristodd in his normal cheerful mode "I can't wait for the opportunity to chat with our hostess, Althea Tallah. She was part of the Legislative Youth Program in Naboo, I want to see how it was compared with the one in Brentaal and Chandrila." and him continued to talk excitedly, but by this point Sibyl stopped paying attention. She will need a lot of patience to put up with him all night.

After having asked an attendant where the banquet was going to happen, they entered in a mostly empty room save for three people, two women and a man, who was very familiar for both Sibyl and her aide. "Uncle Claudias!" said Tristodd with a happy smile. He walked to his favorite uncle, wanting to greet and hug him. Meanwhile, Sibyl's face briefly contorted with sneer, if it wasn't enough to have to deal with the nephew, now she would have to put up with his inept uncle too! The night sudenly became a nightmare for the Senator of Brentaal.

"Claudias! What a wonderful surprise to find you here! I hope you didn't have any trouble getting here." Sibyl said to him, while smiling falsely. Then she turned to the woman who was going to be their hostess "I'm Senator Sibyl Lassiter from Brentaal and this is my aide Tristodd Brentioch. " she said while bowing, Tristodd did the same. "Did we arrive too early?"

@Nor'baal @Tom

 

[Jal Widase]

The thuds of heavy, leather boots echoed down the marbled halls of Naboo's embassy. Commander Jal Widase reveled in the sound, closing his eyes as he stepped to appreciate it. These noble halls always had such interesting acoustics, especially on the drier worlds; part of him wanted to do a jig just to celebrate the novelty of it all. Were he a younger man, he probably would have. Today, though, he had to be a man of class and substance.

Or just a terrible bore.

He had been overjoyed at his first high-society diplomatic function, an event celebrating Mon Cala's king. After that, he realized that all of these events had a certain rhythm to them. Honesty and jubilation were in short supply, often quickly parted with, for the backhanded and salacious ways of the upper classes. They began as incredibly refined, incredibly restrained affairs. To their credit, they could evolve into quite the spectacle if given the opportunity.

He hoped that tonight would be such an opportunity. Of course, he was here on business: Being a representative of Mon Cala's military in any official capacity often meant dealing with trade queries for Mon Cala shipyards. Allies respected the superior craftsmanship that the Mon Cala people brought to the galaxy, and would-be enemies longed to know the secrets of vessels still under construction. A growing percentage of his station in the Senate became to distinguish between the two, knowing who truly stood with his Kingdom. With the Sith nearly at the door, it became a frenzied task. Part of him longed for the simplicity of his old command, in the clear-cut realm of sailing and gunnery. Here, at court, it took effort for him to feel at ease.

He could hardly let that show. He stepped into the banquet hall with a grin on his face and a drink in his hand. The party was still quiet (had he misread his is invitation?), but at the very least, he found himself in interesting company. Senator Lassiter asked the question on everyone's mind as Commander Widase stepped to join the grounp:

"Did we arrive too early?"

"Dear Senator, it appears we're just on time. Commander Jal Widase, it's a pleasure." He offered a gracious bow to the group. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything you all." His head turned towards their hostess, yellow eyes narrowing. "I do so appreciate the invitation - your people have been quite hospitable this grumpy, old sailor. This is quite a lovely estate, it almost reminds me of Dac City..." He trailed off, taking a sip of his acidic-green cocktail. "I digress. It's a true delight to be here."

@Nor'baal @Tom @LouJoVi

 

[Althea Tallah]

As the guests approached, Moreé leant forward, and with a discrete whisper bought her charge up to speed with the arrivals "Claudius Tannaras, Ambassador of Brentaal.". Althea took the mans hand when offered and inclined her head in a slight bow, smiling warmly as he introduced himself. Seeing past the stammer, Althea was not one to judge someone due to an impediment, with members of her own family suffering from speech difficulties.

"Ambassador Claudius," she started, aware that the man preferred his first name, rather than his family name to be used "...thank you for coming, Brentaal and the Naboo have much in common. I'm Althea Tallah, Advisor to Her Majesty, Queen Parnelli." she added, taking the mans free arm and guiding him up the last few steps as she spoke. At the top of the stairs, she clocked Moreé gesturing subtly that others had arrived and turned slightly.

"Senator Lassiter, and her aide - nephew of Ambassador Claudius." Moreé whispered as Althea turned to face them. "Ambassador Claudius, some others of your delegation."

"Althea Tallah," she introduced herself to the new arrivals, just as a member of the Mon Cala species arrived behind them. "Brentaal is certainly well represented today, we're honoured. And you must be Tristodd?" she added, directing her comment at the Senators aide "Is that a Brentaali LYP* pin I see?" Althea asked, taking special notice of the often overlooked aides to political figures, was something she greatly enjoyed.

Senator Lassiter however, seemed to be more concerned about the timing of their arrival, and immediately question whether or not they had come early. Eager to assuage her worries, Althea addressed them "And not at all Senator Lassiter." she spoke calmly, just as the Mon Cala said likewise. After a few seconds of awkward silence, which always followed such occurrences, she laughed.

"It appears we are in sync Commander Widase! Now, if you'll follow me through to the main hall?" she began, walking forward, in pace with Ambassador Claudius.

Legislative Youth Program

 

[Claudias Tannaras]

The polite introduction and help up the last few stares were well received by the ambassador. He flashed a warm smile, though it broke seconds later thanks to a sudden twitch. "Your hospit-t-t-tality is welcomed, Miss Althea." He answered. Closing his right hand around his left, the man felt comfortable enough to stand up as straight as he could manage. "I must agree that, generally, our p-p-p...p-p...LLAA...planets, share qu-quite a bit in common. The est-t-t-tablishment of Naboo's d-democracy is a fascinating subject..." He humored, words growing quieter after his failure to say planet.

Things were moving quicker than he had anticipated, and rather quickly, two familiar faces came onto the scene. The man felt a twinge of emotional confliction, as the two people ranged on opposite ends of possible ranges of opinion. Trying to focus on the one, Claudias gave a warm, (if subdued) smile, trying to ignore who else the gesture was going towards. Claudias would embrace his nephew with open arms, extending one to give him a surprisingly firm handshake. "My dear boy, it's been far to long! I'd last seen you on your twenty second birthday!" He exclaimed, patting the young man on the back.

He wanted to ignore the other person, but he had duties. A principal aspect of Brentaal's diplomacy was to present a United front to the galaxy. Claudias was the ambassador of his world, and whether he liked it or not... she was senator. Swallowing, and with a twitch of his neck, he pulled away from the boy. "We sh-shall have to sit across f-from each other, m-my young nephew. As long as M-Miss L-L-L...L-Lllllassiter doesn't mind." He added, nodding his head in the direction of the senator.

He actually wasn't stuttering when he said her name. The man knew that it irritated the woman to no end... so he did it as much as he could.

"M-Miss LassHhi--ssiter," He opened, smile contorting down in a twitch. "Come up with something less crass; you are an ambassador, not a primary school bully!" He thought to himself, before taking in a deep breathe. "It has been f-f-far to long s-since we llllast saw each other. I t-trust th-thhhh--THHHEEE meeting of the senate went well?" He asked, intent on conversation now. Control of his speech was a talent any politician had to master. Besides the obvious impediment, Claudias was skilled enough to fake near any emotion. He doubted the Senator bought his act though; she knew him to well.

Realizing that a third politician had found their way into the room, Claudias turned his head, twitched, and noticed the wide and scaled figure of a mon cala in what looked to be military garb. Claudias realized all to suddenly that he was the only one in the room wearing traditional garbs besides Tallah. The senator from Brentaal was wearing a dress, while he was wearing the traditionally styled white and gold cloak of the Assembly.

"No respect for culture or precedent. Shameful." He thought, quietly exempting his nephew from this standard. "C-c-commander, I ha-v-v-v-vvve not m-made your acquaintance. I am C-Claudias, Ambassador of Brentaal." He quickly greeted him. Another introduction out of the way, he finally had the excuse he needed to disengage. Turning back to his nephew, he asked, "S-so, how has traveling off-f-f-fFFFF world been for you?"
​

@Nor'baal @LouJoVi @Fine Dining Set

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

Hearing Claudia stutter while trying to speak her name was something that irritated Sibylla deeply. The Senator of Brentaal had to control herself to keep the appearance of calm. "Yes, ambassador. Today's Senate discussions were very productive."

"Of course you can sit across from each other! I know how Tristodd makes you happy. I would be a terrible person if I didn't allow you some moments of happiness with a member of your family." Sibyl said with a condescending smile. She knew very well the stories about how Claudias was considered a disgrace to the Tannaras family and how he hardly had any happy moments with his relatives. Tristodd probably was the only member of Claudias' family that cared for him.

Sibyl heard a voice behind her and turned to see a Mon Calamari, who introduced himself as Commander Jal Widase. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Commander Widase." the Senator said, while bowing her head.

Then, the Brentaalan woman turned to their hostess "Ms. Tallah, I feel honored to have been invited. I need to tell you, your political career is very impressive." As usual, Sibyl had researched Althea Tallah's career and personal life. She was really impressed how some one so young was able to become a member of the Naboo Royal Advisory Council. The Senator followed their hostess while she guided them to the main hall.

Tristodd was ecstatic, his favourite uncle was there! Due to him starting to work as the aide of Senator Lassiter, he had nearly no time to meet with Claudias. His parents didn't like him talking to his uncle, saying that he isn’t a good influence, but he was such a nice person. This was one of the few cases that he didn't obey them. Tristodd remembers how they kept each other company during boring events of the Brentaalan nobility. The young man also remembers how Claudias sometimes would comfort him after finding Tristodd crying, while hiding alone, after his father had scolded him for doing something wrong during one of these events. His uncle always seemed to understand his fears and problems.

"Uncle, I'm so happy to see you!" he said while hugging the older man. When Claudias asked Senator Lassiter to allow them to sit across from each other, Tristodd made a pleading face while looking at Sibyl. After she consented, he was even happier.

He smiled after hearing Althea's question. "Yes, it is. I was part of the LYP in Brentaal and when my parents sent me to study political science here in Chandrila, I was invited by my classmates to participate in some meetings of the Chandrilan branch." Tristodd said to the Nabooian woman. "I heard that you were part of the LYP in Naboo. How was your experience as part of the program?"

When Althea started to guide them to the main hall, Tristodd walked close to his uncle, helping him while also talking excitedly. "It's been a wonderful experience! I've learned so much about how the Senate works. I also met a lot of amazing people."

@Nor'baal @Tom @Fine Dining Set

 

[Jal Widase]

He chuckled at the faux pas he had instantly created with Tallah. "I hope we can continue to be in-sync. It will help this dinner go quite smoothly!"

Brentaal - one of the jewels of the Core Worlds. A world with a great amount of pride. At least, its representatives carried themselves with such pride - quickly acknowledging Widase before returning to their upper-class, passive-aggressive bantering. Though he had grown used to this experience throughout his years in the foreign service, he looked with nostalgia to his humble beginnings.

"Claudias, my good man. It's a pleasure." He let the man continue with his nephew - Jal was charmed by the obvious, bubbling love between the two. "Senator Lassiter, it's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. In truth, I've found your presence on the Galactic Senate to be quite refreshing; a welcome change from the typical niceties of the station." He returned her bow with one of his own.

He turned his head towards their host, stepping lightly alongside the group as they moved. "I'm inclined to agree with the Senator, my lady. I understand that earning a position on the Royal Advisory Committee is no simple task." His stomach rumbled - he hadn't eaten, in preparation of this meal specifically. These banquets were always such a great place to fill up!

@Nor'baal @Tom @LouJoVi

 

[Althea Tallah]

"Your hospit-t-t-tality is welcomed, Miss Althea." the Naboo noble smiled as her guest welcomed her hospitality, before engaging in small talk regarding her homeworld and the nature of its Government. She held back as Ambassador caught up with his nephew, the aide to the Senator herself, and the introductions between the various different parties were made.

She was rapidly getting the measure of the Brentaali Senator, however, who appeared to resort to sarcasm and put-downs as a matter of course. Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, after all, she thought to herself, not allowing her expression to change to match her feelings as the Brentaali Senator mocked her relative in such a public setting.

Instead, she focused her attention on the statement directed at her from the Brentaali, smiling, as if humbled by the praise and saying "The honour is mine Senator, and thank you - on Naboo, public service is a way of life, or so I have been told, and it is a humbling honour to be able to perform it."

Continuing as they walked down the corridor to the main hall, Tallah spoke to Tristodd. He was an excitable young man, and no mistake, but that was something, in her mind, to be fostered, focused, and encouraged. "The LYP is not just an excellent opportunity for you, it is also a great avenue for you to employ your talents in the service of others. I was always taught to measure yourself not by the standards of the past, or to seek station of status," she couldn't help but flick her eyes to the Brentaali Senator "...but to embrace the present, and employ your skills in the service of others - for no other purpose than the desire to do good for your fellow man."

"Indeed, I believe the Mon Cala have that in common with the Naboo?" Tallah drew in Widase to the conversation as they arrived at the dining room.

She took her own seat and waited for others to do the same.

 

[Claudias Tannaras]

Did everyone in this woman's entire family behave like this, or was Sibyl just a uniquely bad egg in the rotten clutch of Brentaali nobility? Claudias was used to condescension; mainly implications of mental impairment, questioning his ability to complete tasks, or such other nonsense. Words like the ones his fellow assemblymen on the other side of the aisle threw at him were tolerable, and he had developed a thick skin living under his father. Sibyl was unique in that the spite ran past just his political career; there was only one person alive who'd ever treated him close to as badly.

"It isn't much for my own b-benefit, dear s-s-senator. I simply value m-my nephew's ability to make c-c-c...c-C...conversation; I b-believe it will h-help him well in his c-c-Cchch...ch-career... once you retire." He stated in as friendly a tone as he could muster. Even Claudias was struggling to hide his distain now. Returning to the subject of his nephew, Claudias' fake tone of respect was replaced by one of genuine enjoyment.

"C-c-c-cultivating a healthy understanding civ-v-viiiics, I see! You've forced m-m-mmmmy hand, I'll be quizzing you later!" He joked, flashing a smile as his neck cocked to the right. Tristodd had always had an obsession with his studies; a product of his upbringing. Claudias wouldn’t see the boy grow so obsessive, however. The boy had a promising future, and his skills should be cultivated... but he should take the time to enjoy himself as well.

Walking just behind his nephew, Claudias would listen to Tallah's words, nodding through a particularly bad left twitch. "She sp-p-p-peaks sense, my boy. Never get it into your h-hcchh...head that our p-positions come from birthright alone," He warned, the clack of his cane speeding up as he moved beside the boy. "Our p-p-positions are ch-ch-characterized by service; it's why g-g-governments exist... ideally..." He murmured the last bit, pursing his lips together. He was more stating his own opinions than true reality; were it not for his own birthright, Claudias couldn't have ever hoped to hold the position he did.

Arriving in the dining room, Claudias sat somewhere in the middle, taking his seat carefully. He looked over at his nephew again, gesturing towards the seat across from him. He paused, than looked to the senator with a dull glare. With much less enthusiasm, he gestured towards the seat next to Tristodd's. This could be a good night... hopefully.
​

@Nor'baal @LouJoVi @Fine Dining Set

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

”Of course, all help is welcome when it can help boost someone’s career.” Sibyl said to the Brentaalan Ambassador. For her, with Tristodd being an idiot, he would need all the help he could get to reach somewhere with his career. “However, Tristodd will need to work harder if he wants to become a Senator in the future. Isn’t it right, Claudias?” this last part was a jab regarding Claudias’ failed attempt of being elected as Senator of Brentaal.

The Senator turned to Commander Widase " I say the same commander. Your presence is very welcome, sometimes I believe there should be more people with military experience interacting in politics." she made a pause, smilig at the Mon Calamari "After all, good members of the military not only know how to go to war, but also how to avoid one. Thus keeping the peace."

Tristodd laughed at his uncle’s joke, Claudias always made him happy. The young Brentaalan remembered how he preferred to talk to the older man than to be with the other children of the nobility. While with the other children he needed to act in a controlled manner, without giving them and their parents reasons to speak ill of House Brentioch, with his uncle Tristodd could be himself. The young man cherished the moments where the two would talk about silly things such as books and holofilms during boring social events “I'm sure I'll get all the answers right!” he said while laughing. Tristodd loved his uncle and sometimes he wanted Claudias to be his father or that Caledan had the same personality as his uncle.

The words of Tallah and Claudias caused different reactions on Sibyl and Tristodd. While the Senator wanted to laugh at how foolish it was, the young Brentaalan totally agreed. “I agree. I believe that we need to use our positions to best serve the people. Whether you are a king in a dynasty or an elected senator, you must do what is best for your people.” Tristodd said, smiling cheerfully. Meanwhile, Sibyl wanted to roll her eyes due to his idealism.

When they arrived at the dining room, Tristodd sat across from his uncle while Sibyl took the seat next to him. While Claudias gave her a dull face, the Senator smiled with the purpose of annoying him. Meanwhile, her aide was admiring the flower arrangements that were scattered around the room. He always liked flowers, especially the rare white Tarisian roses that his mother used to grow in one of their house's greenhouses.

@Nor'baal @Tom @Fine Dining Set

 

[Jal Widase]

"Indeed, I believe the Mon Cala have that in common with the Naboo?"

Commander Widase raised a hand at that notion, eager at his inclusion in the conversation. "You speak kind words and of a noble truth. Well said. Yes, leadership on Mon Cala is not about exerting power for its own sake, but rather, it is a sacrifice we make to our people." An empty platitude, perhaps, but it spoke to a beautiful dream of politics. "Mon Cala, like many worlds, could always benefit from your wisdom. Even the most starry-eyed idealists have fallen to their vices." He chuckled, a low and guttery sound.

"I say the same commander. Your presence is very welcome, sometimes I believe there should be more people with military experience interacting in politics. After all, good members of the military not only know how to go to war, but also how to avoid one. Thus keeping the peace."

He smiled at Senator Lassiter. Whether or not her compliment was genuine, he always had kindness for those who showed decency to his station. He decided not to press too far into the innocuous statement. "War is politics by a different name, no? But yes, I absolutely agree, and the defense of the good people of the galaxy is a common goal all of us share. It's as useful to me as it is to you. I'm just an aging sailor, I find myself learning so much from the Senate. It's an honor." He sealed his lips for the rest of the walk, taking a moment to marvel at the stupendous fixtures the embassy contained. Bottled, gaseous saltwater that's readily available? A rarity on surface worlds - these Nabooans must be practiced in serving underwater guests.

And the floral arrangements. Ah, this must be heaven! He gingerly picked one - a luminescent rose native to the jungles of Umbara - and pinned it to his uniform before he took a seat at the table. "It's a sign of good luck on Umbara, you know..." He muses to no-one in particular, playing with the new flower sitting upon him. "There's a legend that the first Jedi from Umbara found this rose shortly before the Force revealed itself to her. It's an auspicious sign."

@Tom @Nor'baal @LouJoVi