A Common But Major Flaw

[Kay-Larr]

Kay's tummy grumbled. It was early in the morning, the sun had yet to rise, yet she was awoken by hunger. This wasn't normal for her, yet it meant that she was in the next stage of pregancy; odd-hour cravings. And what was she craving right now? Steak of all things; a nice juicy bantha steak with a sweet dessert on the side. Or maybe on top. She couldn't decide which just yet.

As it was so early, she didn't want to bother any of the staff or [member="Veiere Arenais"], who seemed to have not risen out of his slumber by her growling tummy. So Kay slipped out of bed and put on a robe, giving Veiere's forehead a soft kiss before heading out of their bedchamber and down the spiral iron staircase to her office. Low level nightlights led the way, enabling her to not bump into anything as she exited to the hallway.

"Everything alright, M'Lady?" One of her sentry guards had moved from his position to walk alongside her.

"Yes, I'm just hungry. Thought that I'd cook myself something to eat."

"I could call one of the staff to do that for you."

"No need. I don't want to be a bother." The last time she cooked for herself, she ended up being distracted and burned it, causing a bit of a commotion due to the smoke. She didn't want it to happen this time and neither did he. "You can just continue your rounds. I think that most are asleep. There's no need to alert everyone that I'm awake."

"Yes, M'Lady." With a bit of reluctance, he followed his orders. It was true that others didn't need to be set to start their shifts earlier, but still, the Queen was a magnet for trouble and it put them on edge sometimes. That was all going to get worse later before the child was due.

Kay stepped into one of the kitchens of the Palace. It was the middle sized one of the three within it and one of her favourites. It was simple, didn't have a lot of the modern appliances, and retained a lot of the old Commenori architectural style. Sometimes simple was perfect. She turned on the lights and began busying herself with preparing a kettle of tea, as well as her steak breakfast. Hopefully none of the cooking staff will mind.


[member="The Major"]

 

[The Major]

Wind has for ages innumerable represented a harbinger of change, intersected by the nuances described by perspective. One day an ill wind flows; another day showcases a favorable outcome upon the breeze. ​

Force only knows what outcome would be ascribed to this. . . ​

Timed in fashions sinister, slight, and yet palpably one could detect a flutter of temperature changing within the kitchens as though a sudden draft by an opened window flowed through. The first thing detectable was a voice, subtle and sweet yet irreverent all the same.

". . .It's the breakfast of champions, or so the proverb goes." No doubt, she remarked on the steak breakfast.

There stood the Major leaning upon the threshold casually with arms crossed at the level of her chest. She was a tall and gracefully long limbed woman -fresh faced and seemingly untouched by the ravages of time. Every centimeter upon her person spoke of anachronism, as though a Victorian noble had popped into the universe beckoned by means unknown. A frock coat with an embroidery of myriad dark patterns was opened slightly to reveal a silk ascot tie -meticulously white and further enhancing a brilliant amulet apparently stained by speckles of blood. Visibly unarmed in any fashion, a morbid and dangerous aura surrounded the very air this pale and freckle faced lady touched. Silver framed coke-bottle glasses glittered randomly at the even the slightest catch of reflected light.

Shadowy blue eyes blinked slowly, amused. And then the mysterious woman gave [member="Lady Kay"] a dandy bow, touching her right hand upon the spot a human heart should be.

"Good morning. I trust it finds you well."

This was impossible. It had to be a dream. How could anyone pierce the veil of security surrounding the palace.

 

[Kay-Larr]

The chill in the air brought her a shiver, so Kay brought her robe closer around her neck. Tea would help. Was she getting hot flashes or something? Was that all a part of it?

And then she heard the strange voice, soft like a whisper. Was one of the staff awake? Kay turned around and did a bit of a double-take as [member="The Major"] stood there with seemingly no care in the world. Was she there earlier? She had no idea. Hunger, her desire for tea, all of that could've blinded her to a better observation of the kitchen. Yet, her security staff had said nothing about anyone else being awake. Or visiting. Especially at this odd hour.

Kay just stood there, no more relaxed than she should be with the sudden intrusion. Even the bow did little to put her at ease. "I...am well. Thank you. And who might you be?" First thing was first. She needed to know who this person was. That'd at least give her a clue as to the purpose of this visit.

 

[The Major]

"Most gracious Queen of the Systems Alliance: titles and names mean so little to me." A sheepish grin touched from cheek to cheek and the mysterious woman undertook a simple shrug before standing up straight.

"However, out of respect for your actions -and understanding your current predicament of tolerating my intrusion- I will share." This time the tall operative placed a clenched fist to her heart and clicked her boot heels.

"Call me Sybil, charmed I'm sure. I'm a First Order. . . delegate. Currently on vacation, naturally."

[member="Lady Kay"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay wasn't one to be a stickler for titles either. She never forced others to call her by them, never insisted on it. At least [member="The Major"] thought along the same lines. Or so it seemed.

She raised a brow as the woman spoke, her wording unusual in some way. Was she an aristocrat? This was an intrusion, one taken at a really odd hour.

The kettle came to a boil, though for the moment, she ignored it. "Sybil, is it? Would you care for some tea? Or something to eat, perhaps?" Kay turned to focus on the kettle, removing it from it's source of heat. What was the First Order thinking of sending someone over at this hour? Was she being spied on? The part of it being a vacation was very hard to believe. "Do you always break into other people's houses on when you're on vacation? Or is there some other purpose for this visit?" Another showcase of the First Order's capabilities, maybe? There was so much that she could guess.

 

[The Major]

So many wandering thoughts, wicked or polite, meandered through the Fallanassi's mind as she considered the magic of this moment and strangeness that was every waking moment in this galaxy. Those dark blue eyes lit up with a glint as she considered going along with a sort of joke and egging the Queen along with threats of power or preaching on the First Order's destiny to master this and all realms. However, even she knew when she was pushing the sky with her actions -and above things etiquette and protocol had to be maintained, for it was all that people like the Commenor Queen or the Security Bureau agent separate from the nerf chewing cud upon the fields.

"Dearest Queen, your forgiveness of my boldness in the form of tea would be an immense gesture and a welcome one." She clasped her black gloved hands in a symbol of eagerness that just barely touched the imprint of innocence.

"To answer your second question plainly: yes. I go where I want. See who I want. Learn whatever I want. Barriers, borders, and even beliefs are all distractions that keep us from glorious conversation. Why not cut through it all and see what sticks?" Sybil's head rolled slightly, for clearly she was on the verge of a long winded rant than would ill serve either party's morning.

[member="Lady Kay"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="The Major"] spoke in such a strange way. She could only conclude that the woman wanted some tea. So Kay prepared her a cup after seeing to her steak, dropping the raw meat carefully onto the hot pan. The aromas from both the steak and the Sapir tea began filling the room.

Once the tea was steeped, she walked over to her, handing her the cup. It didn't surprise her that certain members of the First Order could go wherever and do whatever they wanted. In a way that was creepy, yet it was probably part and parcel of what kept the First Order on top, giving them a full advantage against their enemies. Thankfully her people and her government weren't designated as such. At least not yet. Their ideologies on how to run a government were different. Whether that'll ever come to a head remained to be seen.

"Well...Sybil. What curiosities have given you cause to visit?You are of course welcome to stay. Have you come to see the sights that Commenor has to offer?"

 

[The Major]

How considerate of the queen. The First Oder agent took the proffered cup with a smile and carefully drank from its contents, savoring its flavor but partly considering what the point was in drinking such a thing when not feeling ill. Call it half-finished teachings, but she felt the only real use for this type of beverage was for lulling a person to sleep. Well, when on Commenor. . . as the saying goes.

What was troubling the woman preparing her breakfast anyway. Sybil couldn't exactly detect a racing mind frantically looking for answers, but something was strained there. Perhaps it was a lack of trust. What a problem! Nothing that friendly discourse could not solve.

"The sights of the planet? What a silly thing to say. I'm here to see you: to get an impression of you and your character."

Tilting her head quizzically, she regarded the Queen from this new angle.

"So far; so good! You're diplomatic. Calm. Controlled. What enables you to be assured of yourself?"

​

[member="Lady Kay"] ​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay wandered back over to her simmering steak once [member="The Major"] took the tea. Already the steak needed flipping and to be slathered with butter and herbs to keep it moist. Thankfully it was the type of food that didn't take long to cook. Her tummy was already grumbling in anticipation.

She blinked in surprise as Sybil made it known that it was Kay herself that drew her to Commenor. Wasn't there a file on her already? Surely the First Order had one. One of these days she'll have to take a peek at it, yet more than likely such a thing was near impossible. "Well that's...not a common reason for a visit, but hmm...I'll indulge. Now let's see..." All the while that she spoke, she kept her attention on the steak, not wanting to burn it or to have it underdone. "...I guess that I get my confidence from those that I keep close to me. They all work hard and get their jobs done, making it easier for me to get my own work done. The results are worth it, as you can see. Wars rage on around us, but we are left in peace, left to prosper. It means that I'm obviously doing something right."

 

[The Major]

With as much politeness as possible and with an incredible air of gravitas the Major took a long sip of her tea. Savoring the subtle flavor, her mind was no doubt filled with all manner of tip-toeing thoughts. Imagine the sinister machinations and bitter pains that were planning to be inflicted upon the good and successful society built around this center of Commenor. Alas, such could not be further from the truth. Internally, Sybil was quite at ease while enjoying the Queen's company. Ironically, it felt quite relieving to be placed in a situation comprising other than the charged intensity of the First Order; where everyone was always "on" and any error could be a fatal one.

“Would you say you trust those you’ve assembled around you?”

It would be either an easy or difficult question for the galactic leader to answer. The good lady’s last answer had tickled Sybil’s mirth. From a certain point of view the systems alliance was at peace due to their inclination for cooperation which enabled them to dodge the threat of war. They certainly were prosperous. Shift that interpretation and one could see a more likely case: one where the surrounding wars were in fact the saving grace of this alliance. Without them, then scrutiny would surely be more poignant and possibly unpleasant. But what would the ailing Major know? She only watched from afar and was curious.

[member="Lady Kay"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

That was a difficult question to answer. Not that she didn't know of the answer, but more to the point of it not being a simple 'yes or no' answer. Did she trust those that she had assembled around her? For the most part, yes. But how far did that trustgo? It depended on the person.

Kay kept her eyes on her steak while she finished cooking it, making sure that it was at an ideal temperature. With her back turned to [member="The Major"] , she gave her answer. "That all depends. There are a few that I trust completely, my husband being one if them, while others are given some of my trust. Then there are others that I trust very little. So far, I have not been betrayed. But that doesn't mean that it couldn't happen." She brought the steak onto the plate and carried it over to the table, taking a seat and with a knife and fork in hand, she started to carve into it. "I do what I can to ensure the safety and well being of those under my care. I'm sure that most rulers do the same."

 

[The Major]

A keen desire to have further access into the mind of the polite Queen to rummage through its contents began to burn pervasively through the Fallanassi. Pleasantries and simple conversation could only satiate her curiosity for so long. These responses lacked a depth -a cutting edge. Something darker; something violent must flow in the undercurrent of this palace. The Major took a mental moment and re-contextualized this interpretation as a result of her experience within the First Order. Its power projected and stained its operatives with a blunt world view. While she wouldn't call herself bloodthirsty something inside warped, begging to go on the offense, and to put her new abilities of persuasion to use upon the somewhat unassuming woman.

". . ."

While [member="Lady Kay"] began to cut and dig into her breakfast, the bespectacled operative remained silent. Taking a seat across from the Commenor Leader, she stared off into the distance and finished up her tea, not wanting to disturb the expectant wife. Internally, Sybil was reminding herself to be patient: reminiscing on how strange this circumstance truly was.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay continued to eat her steak. "Are you sure that you don't want any?" [member="The Major"] seemed to just regard her responses with silence, more or less. It was obvious that she was pondering something. Perhaps even a lot of things. But just what those thoughts were, she had no idea. And it wasn't as though she was going to reach into the woman's thoughts and find out. Kay didn't have that skill. She could reach into her husband's mind, but not in the way to read his thoughts. Instead she does so just to communicate. It was a useful tactic when they were in a meeting together.

Sybil was a rather curious individual. How or why she was here remained a mystery. More importantly was the why.

Kay had her fill, pushing aside the plate which still had half of the steak left on it. She then got to her feet and headed to the counter to make herself some tea, given that she didn't pour any for herself. "Did you want a refill of your tea?" The tea leaves were crushed into her cup before the hot water was poured on top of them. "And just what is the First Order up to these days? Are they still experiencing peaceful times?" She knew very little about what was going on so far away from her borders.

 

[The Major]

“No, thank you. I couldn't eat.” Spoken in response to the offer of breakfast. Immense, the level of hospitality of the Queen provided an insight into the kind of character she was. Arrogance had little place amongst her values. And Sybil found this to be a most refreshing change of pace from the insufferable admirals and generals of the Order. Those men were always on razor edge, quick to anger and terribly cocksure under the worst of circumstances.

“Tea, however, I'll take more of —if you please. What is this leaf? I must admit I've never cared for tea. But to this drink I say: brava!” The Major’s right hand made an exuberant excuse of an “OK” gesture with finger and thumb.

Finally, came the most important question. The matter of the First Order itself. From the Queen’s need to repeat this topic it was quite clear to the macabre agent that the good leader was either suspicious to their intent, or considering the political ramifications of this humble operative’s presence. Assuaging the young mother’s concerns was understandable. Proper.

“You, Dearest Queen, should know by now that all peace is only an interlude between conflicts. Soon, most of this galaxy will be embroiled in such mighty struggle. Thus, we come to the reason of my visit, and it is a basic reason. Like any sensible person, I desire peace and safety. Peace for creative minds to engage in their crafts. Safety for happy families such as yourselves. You see, I've heard so much about this place: it's a bastion, a safe haven, dream-like. I only wanted to see it myself and indulge in such peace before the inevitable chaos.” The strange woman then sighed wearily.

[member="Lady Kay"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay prepared more tea for [member="The Major"] after her own cup was ready. "The tea leaves? They are Sapir. I get shipments of it from Bakura, actually. I used to visit there frequently as it used to be away from all of the galaxy's struggles. I even had a cabin there once. But as you can imagine, I don't get to visit as often as I'd like." Once the leaves were crumpled, she poured the hot water and then handed Sybil her cup.

The answer to her previous question came up. Was word spreading about their safe little corner of the Galaxy? That could be both a good thing, and a bad. Of course if they were to keep others from danger, be a neutral place for those fleeing conflict, then that wasn't much of a problem.

However the problem would be if people started to use her territory as a place to hide from their crimes. That could be an issue in that they could be hunted down and that other governments would demand that they be brought into their custody. What would happen if she said no to that request? It wasn't a pleasant thought.

Kay allowed her mind to change gears while she sipped her tea, leaning back against the counter. "Well you're welcome to stay for as long as you'd like. We've worked hard to maintain peace with both ourselves and our neighbours. If the rest of the Galaxy did the same, we'd all be better off. Of course I know that that's nearly impossible." Much like ending slavery was impossible. And the spice trade.

"What sort of things would you like to see or do?"

 

[The Major]

"That is such a darling sentiment, but I'm not here to intrude upon your hospitality or cause you any duress with my presence. I have to job to return to; any dream, no matter how sweet, ends." It almost looked like she was looking for the correct way to address her next point. Weighing the cost of outright leaving the truth of the matter etched upon her sleeve or reserving judgement until a more opportune time arose.

"Be very careful, Good Queen. Soon refugee and war criminal alike will be flocking upon your shores. Wars have been started for far less than harboring enemies of the state." Her tone shifted to one filled with earnest supplication.

"Don't take it my words as a hidden threat -they are not. It is my sincerest hope your kingdom can continue to grow and prosper -for it reminds me of a place that I might call Home." She allowed that to process while finishing her second cup of tea. Once that was complete the dignitary of sorts arose.

"I think I've seen enough of this place for now. Please, take my contact information and do not hesitate to call if some strange set of circumstances besets you."

[member="Lady Kay"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay furrowed her brows. In some ways she felt really bad for [member="The Major"] having to spend so much of her time in conflict. Sure she didn't know the lady much at all, but that didn't mean that she wouldn't treat her with respect and kindness. So of course the invitation for her to return was extended. Maybe they could even become friends. It wasn't that far fetched of an idea.

She nodded as the warning was given. Kay knew of silly reasons that wars were started. She had been witness to some of them. But not here. "We will be careful. No hastey decisions will be made and you are welcome here any time, should you get another chance to take time off from your duties."

Kay held out her hand for Sybil's credentials. A brow was raised however as she mentioned strange circumstances a goid reason to call on her. "What kind of strange circumstances are you talking about?" She had no idea really.

 

[The Major]

A sort of wide, unpleasant grin broke across the mysterious woman's face. The mischief implied thereof was palpable, unsettling, and completely sardonic -like a warped fat cat expecting the very worst from the future.

"Now, now, good Queen: an agent worth two never ruins a surprise or gives away too much ere the fall. You'll know it when you see it."

And the smile spread out as the biggest hint was dropped:

"The whole galaxy will be watching soon."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay furrowed her brows. [member="The Major"] was either toying with her, or knew plenty about something that was going to happen. Both were plausible and equally so. People liked to toy with her and her naiveness. Her want of finding the good in everyone often clouded her judgement and caused her to ignore her instincts. Yet there was plenty going on in the Galaxy that she was unaware of. Affairs at home had kept her busy. What went on elsewhere didn't quite affect them.

Sybil's latest sentence caused her to raise a brow. The whole Galaxy watching? Surely the upcoming birth of her twins weren't going to merit any attention outside of CSA space. There was nothing else strange that could happen that she could think of. "The Galaxy's eyes rarely look our way. I'm sure that the First Order would be viewed by them far more than us, not to mention the other super powers. But I'll have your contact information on file, just in case. Thank you."