A Commoner Meets The Queen

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM1vU-jFivE​

The halls of Commoner's senate had been buzzing for the past three days, with the arrival of a trade delegation from first imperial space. Although diplomatic missions were the norm, what had piqued the interest of senators and their aides alike had been the military compliment. Although the diplomats before had brought small compliments of special forces to act as bodyguards, never before had a senior officer material been brought to Commenor.

Having recently been promoted, thanks to his actions in the Ison Corridor, Fleet Admiral Carlyle Rausgeber now stalked the corridors of the senate house, towards the offices of [member="Lady Kay"]. The monarch of the CSA and ruler of the land. Carlyle had booked a meeting with her, hoping to tie up grievances Central Command, the First Order's equivalent of the general staff, had regarding recent developments with their enemy the Galactic Alliance.

Sieger Ren had eyes everywhere, and the meeting between Kay and Coruscant's governor had not gone unnoticed. After having volunteered for the mission to Commoner, Carlyle was tasked with a key objective, gauge the relationship with the Alliance and then dissuade Kay from any further cooperation. Or at the very least, seek assurances to cement the First Order's status as one of Commoner's allies.

Briskly marching through the grand corridors of the senate house, Rausgeber was flanked by three men. One matched his pace, and was slightly shorter than he was. The other two, stood at a near seven feet tall. The trio were attired in the uniform black gaberwool coat of the military, while Carlyle opted for ostentatious attire. Dressed in a crisp white uniform, with matching cape, Carlyle lead the group to the chambers of the monarch. They cut through the see of bureaucrats, politicians and assorted aides as they stormed through to their objective. The Queen's Offices.

Upon entering, Carlyle saw that there was no direct entrance. Instead, there was a waiting room, which was staffed by a singular secretary and Commenori security. Carlyle approached the desk, the secretary was busily working at, and leaned on it. "Fleet Admiral Rausgeber and the military delegation," Carlyle informed her, "We're to see the Queen." He added.

The secretary nodded, wary of Rausgeber's First Order Security Bureau bodyguards, "I'll inform her highness," The secretary said, "Please wait here." She instructed the party.
Carlyle turned and sat on the couches, watching the guards, before turning to his own. "At ease lieutenant," He commanded, "We're not going to be attacked here."

"As you wish." The larger bodyguard replied in a gruff, husky tone, "Would you like us to wait outside?"

"Yes," Carlyle affirmed, "We're here on a mission of peace, and intimidating a friendly head of state would not be congruent with that." He drawled, before he turned his eyes to the door to the chambers. Waiting, and wondering, when they would be allowed in.

 

[Kay-Larr]

The Senate Hall was indeed bustling with activity. Not everyone was comfortable around the First Order, so upon hearing that such a high valued senior officer was soon to arrive, they wanted to keep as busy as they could and well out of their way. It was well known that Imperials had itchy trigger fingers and short fuses, or so the rumours went. But neither wanted to get in the way to find out.

Kay on the otherhand had some time to prepare for herself for [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] 's visit, having being given three day's notice. She dressed herself in a more military fashion, yet regal nonetheless. She had a hunch about why this visit was taking place. No doubt the First Order somehow found out about her visit with Coruscant's Governor and have taken an issue with it. Or, given that a huge battle was won, they had come to see about increasing their trade and replenishing their supplies. Either way, it had been the first time that a delegation from the First Order had come for a very long time, not since their ties as allies had begun.

It was time. Kay had just finished preparing some tea and small bites to eat. She also had a few bottles of Commenori Brandy on hand as well.

Her secretary's knocks came at the door. Kay took a deep breath and flattened down the front of her dress before stepping to the door and opened it. Her eyes fell upon Carlyle and the men that came with him. She put on a polite smile anyways and opened the door wide for them.
"Fleet Admiral Rausgeber, welcome to Commenor. Please come inside." She stepped aside to let him and any of the others inside, closing the door behind them. "Can I offer you some tea? Or brandy? And please, come and sit down and make yourselves comfortable. There's no need to stand on ceremony for my account."

[video]https://youtu.be/MkAYEg7Zikk[/video]

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

Carlyle rose and looked at his men, "Lieutenant, stay out side." he commanded, before approaching the chambers. The two guards nodded, and sat down, their gazes glued to Carlyle as he entered. Rausgeber was followed by an older man whose hair was white, and stuck out in tufts from beneath his cap. His face was lathered in scars, and he carried a stern gaze around.

Carlyle watched the woman, "Your highness," He began, ignoring her calls for a sense of casualness. His introductory remarks would be formal, a certain level of pomp that came from his seniority and rank within the naval establishment. "It is my distinct pleasure to meet you. I would like to express on behalf of the First Order, our gratitude to granting us your audience." He then gestured to the other man in the room, who had bowed along with him. "I am fleet admiral Carlyle Rausgeber," Carlyle began, "And this is my army adjunct, brigadier general Lucien Montague."

Montague appeared to be Carlyle's senior in terms of years. His hair was a marble white, with only the occasional flecks of grey. His face was grizzled, and covered in deep scarring. His cold, blue eyes held flecks of green, and told a story of great sacrifice and regret. "If I may reiterate the admiral's thoughts, it has always been a wish of mine to meet royalty." He began with wry grin, "Perhaps, I can die happy now." the general paused to think about his selection of beverage. "A tea if you do not mind."

Carlyle nodded, "I'll have the same, it's not too much trouble." He said, unwilling to become too unprofessional while speaking to a foreign head of state. The two officers moved to a pair of leather seats, and sat down. Carlyle had a checklist of business he wished to attend to, but knew it would be far too rude to press her majesty into such matters. At least, without a cup of tea in his hand.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay's brows lifted as [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] seemed to suggest that there was a chance that she would of denied the First Order delegation the chance to visit. She had never denied anyone before and she certainly wasn't about to do so now. But maybe they weren't used to that.

She bowed her head to them both as the two men introduced themselves, filling the air with flattery that she hadn't had since her visit to Kamino not long ago. Perhaps it was just the way that Imperials were. Regardless, she wasn't going to take issue with it, just as she didn't take issue with people calling her a various assortment of titles. "Thank you, gentlemen. It is an honour to have such highly esteemed officers visit us here." Flattery can go both ways.

Kay poured a few cups of tea, one for each of them and then handed them out, first to Carlyle, then to Lucien. She was going to get into the fact that she had only been a monarch for a couple of years, but then changed her mind. After having a sip of her tea, she sat down on the sofa across from the two of them. "I must congratulate you on your successful defence of Hoth and it's nearby worlds. I heard that it was quite the campaign. So what do I owe the honour of this visit?"

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

Carlyle bowed his head at the mention of Hoth, perhaps his finest hour. But, if it were straight to business, then he would oblige her. "Thank you for the tea," Carlyle first said, before taking a sip. The rich, sweet flavour of it was intoxicating. He paused, and placed the cup on a saucer, on his lap. To business it was then.

"The First Order has eyes and ears everywhere." Carlyle began, "And Supreme Leader Ren has heard that Commoner played host to the Galactic Alliance's governor of Coruscant." He paused, "Although we have won a peace, as you must understand, even though we did win the war, we do fear that the Alliance will attempt another war of aggression against us."

Carlyle took another sip, "While my civilian colleagues won't broach the issue with you, the military wants assurances that this opening of relations will not affect the CSA's standing with Dosuun." He looked at her, "The Galactic Alliance are a malignant tumour which have turned nearly the whole Galaxy against us, and we do not wish to see them turn close friends against us."
[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smiled as [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] seemed to be enjoying the tea. But that smile faded a little as he touched on the First Order knowing about her meeting with [member="Jerolme Moore"] . She chewed the inside of her cheek as she listened to him address their concerns. As she had first figured, it wasn't a visit that was cordial in nature. Instead it was to be sure of where Commenor stood.

She sipped her tea, cupping it in both of her hands, giving the two of them a small smile while she spoke. "However you came to find out about this meeting, were you not informed that it was merely for a trade deal with the planet of Coruscant? Commenor is neutral, so we deal with all sides. Keep in mind that this meeting was not with the Galactic Alliance, but with one planet that is feeling neglected by them. I know that they are your enemies, yet they have yet to attempt to reach out to us at all. It seems that they spare all of their attention to the First Order as the First Order does to them.

Your military colleagues have nothing to worry about as our ties with the First Order have not changed. I have attended and donated to all of the fundraisers on Dosuun with nary a glance in our direction.

I find it...a little disappointing that for being such close allies, we appear to be spied upon as though we were your enemies and only when it is felt as though our alliance is shifting, that a visit is paid. I see it as a distrust for us, when we have done nothing but fulfill our obligations to maintain and protect our trade routes, your Embassy and help in fundraising efforts on top of that. I would hope that the First Order would stop treating us as a potential enemy, but as a friend."

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

Carlyle eyed her cautiously, taking careful sips of his tea as he listened to her air her grievances. He did hold some reservations about her criticisms, but did not interject, interrupting his host would be rude. When she was finished, he launched into his rebuttal. "I can promise you that it was not us spying upon you, but our intelligence agents within Alliance space who alerted us to Governor Moore's visit." Carlyle paused, "But the meeting nonetheless was something of a concern for us."

"Through their propagandising, and lies the Galactic Alliance have turned nearly the whole Galaxy against us." He paused, "So there is naturally a concern that they would do the same to you," He considered his next words carefully, "We have just fought a long, and bloody conflict against half the Galaxies armies. Although we are at peace, the weariness from that conflict has set in, and naturally there are those among my colleagues who are prone to jumping at shadows. Believe there is subversion where there is none." He grinned and gestured to General Montague, "Wouldn't you agree General Montague?"

Montague looked into his cup of tea, clearly somewhat ashamed that he'd been put on the spot. But he nonetheless agreed, "You must understand, as my learned colleague," He glared at Carlyle, "Has said, we have faced the Silver Jedi, the Tygaran's, the Outer Rim Coalition and countless others on the battlefield." Montague stated, "We fear the Alliance's subversive ways. That, was how they got the One Sith, and how they aimed to destroy us. We, we were fortunately stronger."
Carlyle did not let the general's lamentations stand on their own, and continued. "I will assure Central Command upon our return of the status of your meeting with Governor Moore," Carlyle replied, he had been genuinely surprised by the revelation. "Though I must say, you obviously have some issues with our attitude to the CSA, may I press on the matter?" He asked.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay sipped her tea while [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] spoke. Although it could be true that their intelligence agents learned of the meeting through spying on the Governor of Coruscant, she wasn't so confident in the fact that they weren't spying in her too. A few months ago she had secretly wed her husband [member="Veiere Arenais"] and upon a visit to their Embassy, both Kay and Veiere were congratulated for it. But no one knew except for themselves and the man that married them. Surely he wasn't a spy?

Her eyes drifted between the two of them while they spoke. For a moment she had almost felt bad for the manner of which she addressed the situation. But being accused of becoming an enemy of her ally for no reason other than be spoken to by someone from the Alliance didn't sit well with her. They just didn't know her very well.

Kay sipped her tea and remained silent for a moment as she pondered her words, not wanting to insult them further if she hadn't done so already. "Gentlemen, my loyalty to my friends and allies doesn't waver due to the words of some third party. I know the ugliness of war, having gone through it myself during my days serving in the Galactic Republic. But my duty first and foremost is to Commenor. The First Order and others have yet to cause us any harm, so there is no need for me to sever ties. If that result of that loyalty only means that there is no aggression done towards us, then I understand. We are of course, not exactly close neighbours, not to mention we are very small in size and population, so it is quite easy to be overlooked and forgotten. I just hope that when we are in need of your aid in either of it's various forms, that we can count on you. I was informed that during my abduction, in the months that followed, none of our allies helped in the search. Commenor was left on it's own. Only when I was brought back did they come, but not out of concern for myself or my people, but over concern with how it affects their coffers. It really gives someone a certain perspective on how insignificant one person like me really is..."

That was why Commenor grew, building up it's forces and working to protect itself and those around them that also felt insignificant. She didn't want others to go through what she did. So she took steps to be sure that the chances of it happening were slim.

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

Carlyle took some issue with her highness' high horsed nature when it came to discussing her capture. He could tell Montague too held some contempt for her words, and shot him a warning, by way of a glare. They would wait for her to finish before continuing. When satisfied she had finished, Carlyle began. "I understand your concern that the First Order and it's allies had not pursued your captors, but the fact is, is that as that happened, Dosuun and Avalonia burned."

Carlyle paused, "The Ssi-Ruuk smashed out navy, humiliated our troops and slaughtered our people. Had we not been drawn away by the lizards, we most certainly would have pursued them." The admiral then paused, "Your majesty, I believe I speak on behalf of the entire general staff of the First Order when I say that Commoner's position in the Galaxy is more important and precarious than ever."

"Although your system of governance and it's democracy are....archaic," Carlyle clearly sneered at the prospect of a democracy, "We feel, that in comparrison to the other governments now clambering for control of the Deep Core's industrial assets, you're the most reasonable, and have the most longevity." He paused, "Now we launch into my personal opinion," he began with a small smile growing across his mouth, "Which is that we should grow stronger military, diplomatic and cultural ties."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay sat back in her chair, tucking her feet underneath her after she spoke. From the looks on their faces, it was clear that [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] and Montague didn't like some of what she had to say. So she thought it best to just not say much at all. She was just a figurehead anyways, or so she thought that others saw her.

Of course Kay knew the name of the one that took her and tortured her, but it was probably pointless to bring it up now. Still she had no clue as to why it happened to begin with. Whatever those reasons were, it was abandoned just as she was.

Upon hearing of Dosuun and Avalonia burning, however, that was new news to her. She was completely unaware, given the distance and the fact that her staff didn't allow her to go into battlezones. "I'm sorry to hear about your Capital having been under attack. If you need any supplies or help with reconstruction, we can do that..."

Kay raised a brow as Carlyle reverted back to statements of flattery again. He was up to something, had something in mind that was other than a potential alliance between Commenor and the Galactic Alliance. He didn't approve of her way of running things, yet the man had something up his sleeve. "What are you proposing?" She had to listen to his answer very carefully.

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

"I propose stronger ties." Carlyle began, "Not in the general, military sense, because I can't grant that sort of power. No, I think in terms of cultural exchanges, and trade." Carlyle continued, "I think it's of the imperative that we, we two people of very similar outsets, and beliefs, stick together." He gestured to Montague, "Wouldn't you agree General?"

Montague gave a gentle nod of his head, "Your highness, what both our nations need, more than anything is cooperation," He paused, "I was a Colonel within the One Sith, and one of the issues I felt with them, was we had turned nearly everyone away. There was no unity, no alleigance." He paused, "Commoner sits in a precarious position right now, one which sees it surrounded by nations who are more than happy to throw out diplomatic niceties in favour of wanton destruction and the like. I feel that should we exchange ideas and good, we can build a solid relationship. One which will last whatever the Galaxy's vagrants throw at us."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay raised a brow slightly as [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] and Montague spoke of cultural ties and trade. "But gentlemen...We already have such agreements with the First Order in place. Unless they have been forgotten. We each have Embassies in eachother's Capitals and the First Order has direct and free access through our trade routes." Have they really become that small to have to start all over again? Would they have to sign another pact of non-aggression? Perhaps their treaties signed when a delegation from the First Order came had been destroyed during an attack. It wasn't as though they had any reason to be on the mind of the strongest government in the Galaxy.

She sipped her tea, staring at nothing in particular while she listened to them continue on about their views on how they felt the other governments in her corner of space was like. It was vastly different than what it was like in the south.

"Commenor is on good standing with it's neighbours. We all have pacts of non-aggression, of trade and social agreements with eachother, much in the same way that Commenor has with the First Order. We are neutral and haven't turned anyone away and that's worked, providing us with no enemies and no war. It might not be the same way that the First Order operates, but it has worked for us so far."

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

Carlyle looked at Montague, and then at the Queen. "We seek to strengthen those relationships," Carlyle began, "However, should you feel that our relationship is already steady enough, I'll relay that to Dosuun." Carlyle mused, "I just, on a personal level, not in any professional manner, feel that we should have stronger ties." Carlyle continued, "As it sits, I believe there is more cooperation we should try to seek, in the space of intelligence and even, dare I say it, military ties."

Carlyle watched her, "Commoner is surrounded by all manner of empires, loons and ruthless dictators, if I may present an opinion, it is this," Carlyle began, "That Commoner will eventually be crushed by these powers." He paused, "One need only look at the incestual relationships which have progressed. The Darth Vereen's hermit kingdom, the Alliance and HK-36's scrapyard carry much in common," He paused, and a wry smile pursed his lips, "Excuse the pun. But their monoculture and inter-allied groupings will see to it your end."

"They despise neutrality, they despise anything which seeks to threaten them." Carlyle continued, "What I'm trying to say, is that your policy of neutrality, and playing nice will only last so long. There will come a point your highness, where this axis of evil will care not for your lands, or your past deeds. They can, and they will see to your demise." He then sipped on his tea, "Commoner will need allies when that fight arises," Carlyle began, "When these three something, they will spare no end to take it. One need only look at the thousands of doctors, and humanitarians who died on Kaeshana, wiped out by the callousness of these three."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay held up her hand part way as [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] spoke of Commenor's relationship with the First Order being good enough. She shook her head a little as he mentioned relaying that to Dosuun, as if to let him know that she didn't want him to do that. She nodded in agreement when he gave his personal opinion about having stronger ties, including in intelligence.

She shifted in her seat as Carlyle watched her and spoke of Commenor being surrounded. That very idea made her uncomfortable. Kay sipped her tea, glancing to Montegue briefly before turning her gaze back to Carlyle as he spoke of some of her closest neighbours wanting to end her own government. That wasn't a good thought.

She furrowed her brows while she continued to listen, chewing the inside of her cheek. Carlyle wasn't the first to tell her that at some point Commenor was going to be attacked. It was always just a matter of time. But would it happen in her lifetime? She wasn't sure. And she hoped not. "We don't threaten anyone. We expand our reach, but not in any claimed territory. Why would the others feel threatened by that? Why would they...be threatened by peaceful means?" She hadn't heard of the battle of Kaeshana, nor of what happened there. News doesn't come to her desk very quickly. They were usually the last to be contacted, which may or may not be a good thing. "My hope is that through our many allies in all sectors, it would keep us safe from attack. If they all have stakes in Commenor, wouldn't it make sense for them all to protect it? Or am I just being too naive? You have gone through more war than I have, you have more of a strategic mind. Do you see them taking steps against us?"

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

"Your optimism is charming." General Montague mused, with a smile tugging at his lips, "But good intentions and a perceived friendliness with one's neighbours does not necessitate war won't come." He then paused thoughtfully, "Although the First Order's recent war is proof of that one's Cassus Belli needn't be one which is justified based on your actions." He paused, "My learned colleague can elaborate on this further." He gestured to Carlyle.

The admiral in turn bowed his head, "The trio of nations who surround Commoner are no strangers to military conflict, I was there when the war began." he said, "I was there, telling them to not come close, and they did so anyways." He said, his voice becoming cold, and cool, "Their war was one of unbridled aggression, they were threatened by our progress, by our command in the Unknown Regions and the resources we had. For that, they waged a short, and unsuccessful war with us."

He paused, "Commoner is an outsider, the Metal Lords, Coalition and Alliance all sent ships to attack us in that war of aggression, and should they become tired of your presence. Should they wish to take your territory, and your lands, they will." Carlyle took another sip, "Your enemies will not come from the Outer Rim, but are already here, with you."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay couldn't quite tell if Montegue was making fun of her or not for the optimism that she had. Some had a habit of doing that. But these men had experiences in war that vastly dwarfed her own. So their advice had to be taken to heart.

The floor was seemingly given to [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] to elaborate more fully on where her line of thinking had it's flaws. Kay listened to him describe the three closest governments, although he had failed to mention the Mandalorians. They were much closer than the Alliance were, and they lived for war, something that made her a bit nervous. "One thing that has kept us safe is by our acts of non-aggression. The Commenori stay home. I haven't let any of them go off to fight in another's war that we had no business sticking our noses in. Ever since I was first elected leader, we had stayed away from conflict."

Kay looked from one to the other, both as of equal importance as the other. "What do you gentlemen suggest that I do? I'm already bolstering my forces and my fleet as a precaution."

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

"A fleet should always receive top priority in any military engagement." Carlyle began, before gesturing to the general, "I believe that General Montague agrees with me on the issue, correct?"

"Most certainly," The general affirmed, turning to look at the Queen. "Your highness, while the use of an army is important, it should always remain subservient to a strong navy, and fighter corps. Without those two elements, any military would be lost. Would collapse, and be at the mercy of any attackers."

Carlyle then cut in, "In addition to that, orbital sensors, and defensive emplacements are a vital addition to anyone who wishes to properly defend their borders." Carlyle paused, "If you wish to pursue a pacifist approach, I would suggest the implementation of shield gates and the like." He paused, "They allow the regulation of traffic, as well as a certain point for a fleet to defend. In other cases, without them, you can often be found pursuing an enemy around a planet, rather than fighting them up front."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Both [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] and Montegue seemed to be in their element. Perhaps it bolstered their egos a little with giving such advice to a Queen and Chancellor to a system of planets. Or perhaps it increased their pride. Either way, it was clear to see that they didn't mind sharing some of their knowledge. And Kay didn't mind receiving it.

"We have a defensive sattelite shield system in place, however it is not up to the scale of the one surrounding Kamino. And given that we are a heavy trade world, there is an incredible amount of traffic moving in and out. I am hoping that other worlds in our care will also adopt planetary shielding systems, but that is up to each of their own governments. Every world is soveriegn here. I can't impose everything upon them."

More than likely the First Order wouldn't approve of that, given that their government was vastly different than her own. But it didn't really matter anyways. They were not a vassal of the First Order but a financial ally.

 

[RIP Carlyle Rausgeber]

"That is where you go wrong." Carlyle said, referring to her last talk about the differences in military doctrine. "While I understand a democracy," He visibly sneered while saying that, "Has a different way of operating, the fact is, is that by not having a uniform military budget, or allocation of assets, you've set yourself up for failure." Carlyle informed her, he was quite frankly enjoying this. The idea of military consultancy had been one which had been considered, before he decided to press ahead within the admiralty.

"A failure which will lead, most certainly to defeat." Carlyle informed her, "An army is only as strong as it's weakest link. And if Commoner seeks any longevity as a galactic power, it must with no uncertain terms, seek to ensure all systems follow the same doctrines." He paused, "Should one system fall, it will begin to demoralise your defensive forces. You'll have refugees streaming in from those territories, stressing your forces further. You'll need to radically reform your borders, and that will cost man power and time you simply will not have."

"There are many different ways to make this happen. Ways of making systems conform to this standard. Whether it be sanctioning those who refuse to pull their weight. Perhaps in the way of tariffs, trade embargoes and the like."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay raised a brow slightly. "But we do have our own Military budget, or at least Commenor does. We have some ships, some troops, vehicles and the like. Commenor Systems Alliance doesn't have it as of yet, but I am working on changing that."

But as [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] had pointed out, democracy had a different way of doing things. The First Order was a vast military power. She knew this without needing to see it in person. Just going to the fundraisers was enough for her to see. The ways by which they reveared themselves was enough to let her know what kind of a government they led. In some ways she was glad that Commenor was ignored. The last thing that she needed was to anger them enough to lose their safety net of non-aggression.

"But I'll have to disagree with you. Not every world under my care has the same strength of an economy. Nor do they have the population to support such a large military budget. So punishing them for not being as wealthy of a planet is the wrong thing to do. It's like beating on someone when they are already down. It does no good. It only creates enemies and instability."