Thanks to Adoven, however, she at least looked good. Nor was she going alone. Ilanah tore her gaze away from the towering structure next to the stopped speeder, and turned it to the young man sitting across from her. They were from the same planet, and appeared to have the same values. And in a place where she knew no one, a friend was an invaluable asset.

Idly, she smoothed her hands over the front and the skirting of the voluminous silvery gown that she wore. Deftly, she straightened the already perfect floral detail that trickled from her shoulder across the neckline of the gown. Gloved fingertips grazed the Chandrillian diamond that hung at the hollow of her throat and glittered in the dim lighting of the speeder. Her blonde curls were pulled up and pinned so that the glistening tendrils cascaded gently around her face as well as bared neck and nude shoulders.

"I am not sure that I have ever been as nervous as I am right this very moment, Adoven." She could give speeches before thousands, help strangers, even address the senate, but this was a completely different arena. If she was anything like her mother, the events of the evening would come naturally, of course, but pre-party nerves were still fluttering about in her stomach.

They had easily made it through all of the tightly monitored checkpoints, somehow, but then again they both did have the proper paperwork and everything was in order. "Perhaps we should go inside though." She glanced to him again and offered a small, but not too reassuring smile.

She had not wanted to go out this evening. Instead she wanted to stay in this evening and watch her holovision. But Mackey had brought up an excellent point, she needed to keep up appearances and make new friends. They were not sure of which side Garos would end up on and it would be helpful to have friends on both sides.

Ja’nar and Mackey would enter the top floor of the pyramid, her heart racing as her eyes scan those who had already arrived. No Vanden, she would relax a bit but she would still hold onto Mackey’s arm tightly. “I think this may go well tonight” she whispered softly to him.

Mackey would just look down to her, “The night will be whatever you make of it Ja’nar. Remember you are a Queen of a very valuable planet. Everyone will make nice with you, for they want the academy on their side.”

Ja’nar would nod her head “I know” she said softly as she moved towards the bar. Mackey of course followed behind her, pulling at his jacket. He would only do this for her.

As the chauffeur announced their imminent arrival, he took a few seconds to look at Ilanah and couldn’t help but smile. She looked completely stunning! He was so glad she had agreed to his suggestion of fashion designers and dresses. The color really did go well with her complexion and she looked so elegant without coming across as too bold or too demure. He himself was dressed simply but smartly in traditional Chandrilan tones of beige and whites which stood for virtue, innocence and purity. The accent pieces like the cufflinks and buttons were matte silver just like his Gladean Order of Merit medal which he wore proudly. “I know what you mean. I too am rather nervous. I memorized the list of invitees and their guests but am sure I’ll forget someone. I just know it. But look at you! You’re completely stunning. The star of the show, that much is certain.”

The pair quickly found themselves in the entrance area of the reception hall and Adoven couldn’t help but reflect on the amount of security they had encountered on their trip to this penthouse of pleasures. To be sure, the security measures were extravagant… even outrageous. But he had expected nothing less. They were ushered in the hall and a voice boomed from beside them. “Ilanah Thanatos, Senator-elect of Chandrila and the honorable Adoven Ryner” it said as they both walked by, making their way into the small crowd that was slowly gathering. Good gracious the place was opulent enough! He knew that he should be rather disgusted, but the music (and the sight of the refreshments and hors d'oeuvre; his weak point) made him feel rather... like he would actually enjoy himself?

“Well, here we are…” he whispered to Ilanah with a genuine smile. “Let us see how this show turns out.”

Seeing new Senators was hardly the reason for Cole's appearance. Simply put, the overly-political flunkies were of no great interest to the Moff, save for the ones he could pump for information or favors, but their political ideals were off less value to him than dirt. It was Moff Brandt primarily whom Cole was looking forward to speaking with. The Moff of Imperial Center was hardly someone to pass up good conversation with.

Geoff Cole
Moff, Abrion Sector
Controlling Shareholder - Dorvalla Universal Corporation

For a moment, he considered Holt. Pious in his personal beliefs...efficient...no nonsense...pragmatic. It was but a few of many words to describe the young Captain, and in the case of what many beings said, the kindest. He was surely not skilled in the skills of being a socialite among the rich and powerful, merely because he said what he thought rather than the lies and feints that many hid behind. He would make a great fleet commander one day. With that, he began reflecting upon himself...for many said the same of him back in the day.

He was captain of a Dreadnaught Heavy Cruiser in the Republic's Judicial Forces before the outbreak of the Clone Wars, his only notable action aside from chasing down various pirates and smugglers being part of the crew on one of the ships to participate in the Stark Hyperspace War. He was a very vocal proponent of the Military Creation Act since he knew what politics were. During the Separatist Crisis, he was nearing the point of going the path of Captain Zozridor Slayke and the Scarlet Thranta in going rogue to combat the Separatists, but Geonosis happened. Palpatine proved, in the midnight hour, that he was a supporter of the militarists. His ability to quickly respond with a force that had been formed under the nose of the liberals impressed him and to Palpatine his loyalty was sworn forever. Throughout the Clone Wars, he participated in many of the major battles, captaining a ship of every make and size throughout the War. When the Empire was born, so was his chance to flourish. His ideals were more mainstream and accepted, and he was of the first of the Captains to ascend to the Admiralty to replinish the descimated command level of the military's structure. While with age he has certainly "calmned down" and become more reserved, he knew and understood Holt. That was why the man was often selected by him for special assignments and duties...and why Holt had become something of a unofficial Executive Officer of their unit. He would never admit it openly though, and none of it was simply because of his last name.

There was something about classical music that caused his thoughts to flow. He was a lover of music of all types and backgrounds, but nothing beat an orchestra pouring their hearts out. It was noted among many that his suite aboard the Singularity would have a soft volumed music playing at all times, and his Chariot was no different, albeit a bit louder. His comlink beeped, and when he hit it, the music hushed; one of the few modifications he had made. "Corvus," he responded rigidly. "Sir, this is Lieutenant Autem. We've reached Carratos and assumed formation in the blockade," said a rather heavenly voice. Lissa Autem... he was still yet to know the details of her joining of the Imperial Navy, considering her roots, but it was no matter. He took a person for who they were, not their family. It was a shame more in the Empire didn't do the same. It was their identity as a person as well as their actions that impressed people upon himself.

"Very good Lieutenant, inform Captain Onasi that he is not to assume command of the blockade," he responded after a moment. "Yes, sir. Singularity out." With that, the music started up again, but quickly found itself silenced upon arrival at the Ambassador's Pyramid. In truth, it had been years since he had stepped foot on Coruscant, nine to be exact. To see it now, was awe inspiring. He would not let this show however, as he made his way through security. Eventually, he was in the appropriate room, being announced in. "Tacitus Corvus. Admiral of the Imperial Navy and commander of the Outer Rim Fleet." So began the night, as he scanned the room.

Fleet Admiral Tacitus Corvus
Imperial Navy
Outer Rim Fleet

"Loyalty. Fealty. Fidelity."

As he gazed around the room, he caught sight of a number of Moffs and other Imperial officer-types. Ah, there was Senator Cerra. Queen. Hmph. "More like whore," he muttered. Fancy dinners did indeed put his mood off. Ryuun was a workaholic above all else. Outside of work, few things brought him much pleasure, though fishing did have its merits.

Holt was a handsome man, though a bit older than herself but what else was new there? She was all too happy that he had accepted her invitation to dance. It was a calculated move. People were watching Ja’nar, watching her a bit too closely. There were whispers that she was against the Empire. While she did not agree with most of the things the Empire did, she knew Garos was better off being a part of the Empire than to be on its own with the Imperial Fleet breathing down its neck.

Ja’nar kept a kind, warm-hearted, cheerful smile on her lips as she took Holt’s hand. Her touch was gentle and warm, as she lightly held onto his hand as he guided her towards the dance floor. Ja’nar moved gracefully through what guests were there as they reached the center of the polished wood, Ja’nar would do a graceful little turn to face him, as she draped her right arm over his shoulders.

She was thankful that the dance was going to be a waltz, while it had been awhile since she last danced, she would never miss a step. She had hoped that she could escape politics for the evening though she knew in a room full of politicians and military, that would never happen, and so it began. Ja’nar would continue to smile as she glided across the dance floor with Holt. “I see, I hope everything is going well on your mission.” She would let out a soft sigh as he spoke once more “No, I do not. I voted against intervening in this situation.” She would gaze up into his eyes for a moment as she moved closer to him, “But the Imperial Senate passed the motion to send the Imperial Fleet to take care of the issue and I am alright with that. I voiced my opinion, apparently others did not agree with me and again that is something I am okay with also.” She wanted to add something else there, that she was not okay with the fact that people had been threatening her since she seemed to vote for what she felt was right and did not blindly follow the other senators. That because she had a mind and actually used it that it was causing some higher ups to take a serious look at her.

She spotted Senator Ryuun sitting at the bar, and smiled a little to herself. Being sure that she was looking immaculate, she sauntered in his direction, meeting the questioning gazes of any onlookers with nothing more than a polite nod.
"A Senator of your stature should not be seen alone, muttering to himself" she said with a slight wink, as she sat beside him. She casually whisked a Telosian Twist from the platter of a passing waiter, and set it down, then picked gingerly at the hors d'œuvres placed strategically on the bar.
"I wasn't sure I was going to be allowed entry, until I dropped your name as my host for the party" she said, seeming to relax somewhat. "You must carry some weight around here".
She took a sip of her drink, then stopped, swallowing in a hurry and setting her glass down again.
"Apologies, I don't know where I left my manners. Since we haven't been properly introduced on an informal level..." she held out her hand, violet and crimson bracelets studded with gems cascading from her wrists into her lap. "Lady Taja Lohden. 'Senator-Applicant', if you will" she said, echoing his words from their brief exchange earlier.

"Hardly great statue, Lady Lohden. Druckenwell is a modest planet at best; hardly the equal of Kuat or Corellia, but I speak my mind in the Senate, so that the Empire might become an endless glory. As for your entry... Well, Moff Brandt is a security-minded man; a good thing to have in these days of bombings and terrorist acts. Did you see that rediculous broadcast the other day? Truly terrible indeed. Such a mockery of our great leader it... it simply leaves me seething!"

Clearing his throat slightly, he shook his head apologetically. "My manners seem to have deserted me as well." Accepting her hand gently, he kissed the back of it in a manner befitting nobility in greeting. "Lomen Ryuun, Senator of Druckenwell. Welcome to Imperial Center."

The voice boomed out next to her, and the young senator looked about the room to see if she knew anyone, which of course, she did not. Adoven was it, until he introduced her to some of those tediously memorized people, or someone introduced themselves to her.

She was, of course, anxious to meet Moff Brandt. Her ideals, though hidden from everyone on Imperial Center, were completely different than his, but it would be good to perhaps have an ally, despite who it was.

Ilanah glanced up at Adoven. "Perhaps a glass of champagne?" She wouldn't drink much, and she never did, so her slipping and saying something she ought not was not going to be a problem.