A friendly hello

[Sargon Vynea]

The skies of Bakura were a vision of shipyards at the equator, and it brought him a swell of pride at knowing how much their production was improving. With funds actually reaching the shipyards they were producing both civilian and military vessels at an incredible rate. The people of Bakura were not totally happy with their new government, but slowly time was wearing away the dissent that the corrupt ex-government had created.

Normally Sargon didn't visit the equator, he preferred to stay on whichever continent was receiving the summer end of the sun, but not the scalding heat of the equator belt. This however was a necessity as he was to met a @[member="Meret Blackmoon"] the newest governor of Fringe territory. She was a pure politician, and a full on civil leader unlike the military governor of Bakura. Sargon also noted she didn't seem to have a force user background, and that made her interesting.

As her shuttle came down Sargon prepared himself with a warm smile and waited for her. In truth he loved showing off his planet of Bakura, he was proud of their success.

 

[Meret Blackmoon]

The shuttle was plush and slightly pretentious. This was a grand opportunity for Meret to make a difference, to work with local populations, to build something better. She checked her chrono and she had enough time to freshen her make-up and pile her long blond hair on top of her head to look professional. Over the shuttle intercom the pilot requested the passengers to secure their seats and fasten their restraining harnesses. The touch down was textbook. Meret carried a wooden box that contained a string of blue Naboo pearls for Governor’s wife and a Kiffar military knife for the Governor. It was a tradition from Naboo to bring a small gift to your host to bless the events to come.

Meret wore a modest white linen suit and sliver colo claw fish shoes. On her lapel were two small pins: one the symbol of Naboo and one the symbol of Kiffar. With a sense of humility Meret disembarked from the shuttle. Her eyes gravitated to the Governor Vynea. He was tall and elegant in a slightly scruffy way. She approached him and bowed slightly from her waist. Then she handed him the intricately carved wooden box. “Thank you for meeting my shuttle, this a small gift to express my appreciation. The pearls are for your wife. I thought you might like the knife.” @Sargon Vynea

 

[Sargon Vynea]

With a soft chuckle Sargon took the box in his hand and bowed in return. "I'm sure when I have a wife she will love them. I will hold onto them until them though for whomever she may be." He smiled warmly at her in an attempt to show he meant it, and appreciated the offer. "I'm only sorry I didn't bring anything in return, but I promise you that I will make up for that before the end of the day. Now we have a rather full schedule, but to start with I thought it best that we have a quick lunch. I'd like to hear about your plans for the world of Endor. Then I will go over a couple of things with you, and give you a tour to show off Bakura. In honesty that is my favorite part, the people have worked hard and deserve to be shown off. I'm sure you feel much the same way about Endor."

Offering his arm to her Sargon had a table ready nearby, nothing quite like lunch under the open sky. "Tell me, Lady Blackmoon, about yourself? Where did you call home before the Fringe, or were you born in Wild space? I don't mean to pry I'd just like to get to know you. As you may know anyone who breaks bread with an Iridonian Zabrak is like family for the day, so please speak freely. There will be time enough for political talk later, but today let us be friends."

@[member="Meret Blackmoon"]

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Luciens yacht slid down and landed next to the yacht of the new governor of endor.His yacht was overtly pretentious as was it's owner.the door hissed as it opened and Lucien came striding down it.He had decided to visit sargon on a whim and the fact that he was entertaining guests at the time was ... coincidental.He was followed by his personal assistant a trimmed women with the devils gift for shorthand,Lucien swore she didn't write all he asked her to down but the tasks he set were always completed with brutal efficiency, so he reasoned she must write it all.

He stepped off the steps into the yacht He walked over to the pair "Lord sargon I thought we could discuss the gathering of commerce I was unaware you were entertaining guests" He spoke a slight nod of respect to begin his sentence.He turned his attention to Sargon's guest "M'lady It is a pleasure to meet you My name is Lucien Cordel I am the governor of Zaadja and one of Sargon's many friends" He offered his his hand and his assistant gave a polite curtsy.

 

[Meret Blackmoon]

After giving Governor Vynea the carved box Meret explained that the gift was a simple expression to ensure success in their endeavors and that a reciprocating gift was not necessary. The invitation for lunch was a perfect gesture because she had not eaten in hours. ”I have heard of your accomplishments on Bakura and it would be a pleasure to see them at first hand.” She hesitated slightly before sliding her slender arm around his. They walked to a charming, almost intimate, set table. It had fine crystal stemware, hand embroidered linens and porcelain plates—all exquisite. They sat at the table and a squad of servers filled their glasses and brought appetizers and fresh fruit. ’ My parents were both in the diplomatic corps so I followed suit. I was home schooled and went on my first humanitarian expedition when I was twelve years of age.” She looked over her shoulder and leaned close so he could hear her as she spoke softly. “I have witnessed destruction, disease, and atrocities caused by war. I have no love for the Empire nor the Republic. I am apolitical and want to transcend hate, revenge and corruption. My home is Naboo; my spirit is Kiffar…oh I should explain something and please do not take offense. I do not like to be touched. It is uh uhm an invasion of my aura field. In certain formal situations I allowed it because I do understand diverse protocols.’ Meret smiled slightly and waited for the Governor’s response when Governor Cordel and his Personal Assistant approached their table. Cordel extended his hand in a kind gesture. Meret looked at Governor Vynea and then slowly put her hand out to touch Cordel’s. ” The pleasure is mine. I am Meret Blackmoon, soon to be Governor of Endor after some training… by you?”
@Sargon Vynea
@[member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Sargon Vynea]

Sargon smiled brightly as @[member="Lucien Cordel"] joined them, "My friend, welcome your arrival was well timed. I was just meeting here with Lady Blackmoon about her new position as governor. It was Lord Lucien who in fact trained me in the fine arts of governing, and thinking for myself. Lady Blackmoon was just telling me about herself, and her plans for Endor. I do believe she is beating us right out of the gate, my friend, it is hard to create bad press on such beautiful women no?"

After signalling over a server to bring Lucien a cup and some wine Sargon returned his attention to the newest member of the club, @[member="Meret Blackmoon"]. "Please forgive my ignorance on the matter of your heritage, Lady Blackmoon, it isn't my intention to offend. As for your future tell me, what are your plans for Endor? I can say I'm hoping to bring some stronger exports to the Fringe, and if I'm successful in my diplomacy with the Republic all of our worlds will profit. However, that plan is not the matter at hand. Tell me, Lady Blackmoon, what does the future hold for Endor?"

 

[Meret Blackmoon]

"Governor Vynea, first I will observe, then I will access, then I will evaluate my assets, form a plan and finally implement my plan. I will not ask others to do anything that I would not do myself. " Meret took a bite of a bright red berry. It was full of flavor and her delight was conveyed in her facial expression. It had been a very long time since Meret had enjoyed such a treat.
@Sargon Vynea

 

[Sargon Vynea]

Sargon nodded at @[member="Meret Blackmoon"] as he considered her answer. "Tell me, why Endor? Of all the Fringe worlds why select Endor as your own? What drew you to it? This is just the informal part after this your real training begins, so if you have any questions please ask. Both Lord Lucien, and myself will be overseeing it. Perhaps since he's already here with his lovely yacht we will take a trip to his world as well. That is up to you of course though, Lord Lucien. So why Endor, and your open chance to ask questions, if you'd like."

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien sat down before them. He nodded in response to Meret "I believe I am to train you yes" He turned to sargon "I can create bad press on anyone Sargon, Whether it is deserved is another matter" He smiled slightly.He watched as the two exchanged words, Lady Blackmoon seemed kind hearted and strong but also naive to think that she would never do anything unpleasant "I am beginning to feel outnumbered both of you have such warm hearts and kind minds democracy may yet penetrate the fringe. I oversee in a ... different way" He smiled again as he took a sip of the wine he had been presented with. It was cool and sweet, and quite refreshing, most definitely a summer wine. It was then that sargon elaborated on the training Lady Blackmoon would be undertaking "I will of course answer any questions you have,However I fear that you may be a little too lightly dressed to visit Zaadja it is viciously cold however we can go if you like" He said pleasantly before biting into a apple.
@[member="Meret Blackmoon"]
@[member="Sargon Vynea"]

 

[Meret Blackmoon]

‘Do either of you gentlemen play a musical instrument or play cards? Do you know what a riff is? In music it is a short often repeated series of notes that forms a distinctive part of the accompaniment. It is a distinctive way of treating a situation. In cards it is taking a trick by playing a trump. It can be a visible ban of agitated water. And here’s the rub. The Empire and the Republic are both interested in Endor for its resources. I cannot show you my credentials in Energy Engineering and Power Technology but I can create a riff where the Empire and the Republic are paying phenomenal fees to harvest Endor’s natural gas. And we will profit! Governor Cordel I have cold weather gear in my trunk if your schedule permits? But Governor Vynea has me on a short leash or a tight schedule…”

Meret laughed softly and looked down at her full plate. She wondered how all the testosterone was going to mix with her pheromones. She was a woman playing a man’s game in a man’s world. It was something that she had dealt with all her life. BUT the Governors have they had dealings with a half-breed like Meret.
@[member="Sargon Vynea"]
@[member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien smiled it was good to see someone with intuition, He most certainly could not tell that she was a half-breed. He put his spoon down and pushed the plate which once carried his melon slice aside.The he spoke "I am rather impressed by your plan and I have a feeling you will fit right in. If time allows us to complete all our tasks here before too long then I will be most pleased to have you join me for dinner." He turned to sargon and slide a data stick to him it contained the coordinates of the starship where the society would first meet to discuss a more permanent base,He dared not transmit the information ... and this seemed far more dramatic. Lucien picked up his glass and finished his wine, this summer food made a welcome change from the thick broths and pies he was used to eating back home.

 

[Sargon Vynea]

Sargon smiled genuinely pleased that the exchange among governors was going so well. In fact he made a note to bring up civil government. As the institution known as the Fringe grew its need for a more well defined government increased steadily. Standing up Sargon gestured to one of the servants to come over. "If you could please package the berries we will be taking them with us. Also two bottles of strawberry wine, chilled please." With a small salute the woman left with the berries to package them. It was little known, but Sargon employed only ex-legionnaires in his staff. At the moment he was still living in military bases, and truth be told he just liked helping veteran legionnaires find a good job out in the civilian world.

"Now if you both would be so kind as to join me we will join Lord Lucien on his world to began your training. I'll be observing, and there mostly because I enjoy the company. I had planned on a slightly different schedule, but I believe this will actually work out best for all things. As for the tour, Lady Blackmoon, if you'd like I would relish your company again, so I hope you'll allow me to schedule you in sometime for one, and maybe dinner? I've actually been meaning to start construction on my home here on Bakura sometime so perhaps a view from the shipyards will inspire me. Now I will stop my endless talk, and allow my own teacher, and friend Lord Lucien to enlighten us."

@[member="Lucien Cordel"]
@[member="Meret Blackmoon"]

 

[Meret Blackmoon]

Meret listen to Lord Cordel and nodded with approval. And then she heard his invitation to dine with him. She looked at Lord Vynea and then at Lord Cordel. “ My time is your time, I have had a long trip but I was able to sleep…it’s is really up to the both of you. Are there time sensitive priorities?” She observed Cordel slide the datapad over to Sargon to give him some discrete information. For a moment Meret wondered if it was about her. As Sargon stood up and the staff members circled the table. A young man assisted Meret by pulling out her chair so she could stand up. She listen to Sargon as he changed their agenda. “ Of course Lord Sargon.” Meret watched Lord Cordel to take the lead.
@[member="Sargon Vynea"]
@[member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Lucien Cordel]

As the staff got to work Lucien just watched they were really quite efficient.Lucien also stood up but only when prompted.Taking the data-pad back it would be ... counterproductive if the information got out.He turned "I trust I am also invited to tour your world at some point" He spoke warmly As he turned to leave with the newest of their group he remembered "Perhaps you would both like to fetch some warmer clothes" he asked, Zaadja was notoriously cold at this time of year.

 

[Meret Blackmoon]

Without a single word, a staff member brought Meret her trunk and showed her to a ladies room complete with bath and perfume. She was tempted to take a quick shower but realized Lord Cordel and Lord Vynea were waiting. Layers were the trick to keeping warm. She dug through her neatly folded clothes and found her tightly woven silk long underwear which would cover her body from her wrist to her ankles. A synthetic blend ski suit, wampa boots, gloves and maybe googles? that should do it. Meret return to join them her cold weather gear in hand. It was far too hot to put all those layers on. She wanted to enjoy the warm balmy breeze against her skin for a few more moments.

 

[Sargon Vynea]

Sargon had no intentions of a full change of clothes, but he imagined Lord Lucien already knew that. His uniform was more then enough for him, and when he threw on his large black thermal overcoat he would be fine. He did however have a few things to do. With a gesture his aide went and gathered his equipment, and thermal coat. It was one of the rare expensive things he owned, but the coat had a thermal gel in it to keep him warm even in near freezing environment. As for his weapons and shields those also would go with him, and after sending a quick message to one Cade Lee he was set. "Now the only question is, who's letting me ride along?"

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien nodded they were both ready to go. "It is up to you you can all come with me in my yacht or you can go in Lady Blackmoon's" He said as the walked back to the ships. Once the passenger situation was sorted out he boarded his yacht and walked to his room to change the light fabric suit he had worn to visit sargon's planet would be useless on Zaadja. His valet drew a suit from the dresser in Luciens room and Lucien changed with the normal amount of help.He pulled on a pair of fur lined gloves before his valet helped him into his overcoat.

 

[Meret Blackmoon]

"Lord Cordel, I don't have a yacht or a ship...I take shuttles so we will be going on yours." Meret wondered how this would all play out. She did not like the waste and corruption that was so obvious. She was having second thoughts about her job as governor. Meret had travelled across the galaxy, was treated like royalty and treated like scum. Things did not impress her. She always wondered why someone would need a fleet of ships? You can only fly one ship at a time. It was clear that her being a woman maybe a problem. She needed to set the record straight before, before this situation became unmanageable. Meret took the lead from Lord Vynea and followed him.

 

[Sargon Vynea]

Sargon smiled as he joined Lucien on his ship, "Lord Lucien, is a man of means, but the Fringe will supply you with a military ship for escort purposes. We'll take care of that later, but we all do business our own way. I live in military barracks, and everything is owned by the Office of Governor and will from there be given to the next Governor after me. You must decide how to rule your own world, but make no mistake Lord Lucien has his reasons. His world respects him for his class, and pomp, but you'll see soon enough."

Taking a rather plush seat he opened a bottle of wine and offer each of the governors a glass. "Always remember though, it is our duty to work for the betterment of the Fringe as a whole, and its people."

@[member="Meret Blackmoon"]@[member="Lucien Cordel"]

 

[Lucien Cordel]

Lucien laughed "Sargon you are wrong there I am respected by few but feared by all,hated by many " He turned to the newest of the fold "however I keep them divided the classes all hate each other more than they hate me" He took up the wine taking a small drink "Me and sargon differ greatly in method but are identical in result" He smiled.He had take residence in his usual chair. He intended to show Meret a style quite different to Sargons. "Your ladyship have you any idea how you plan to manage endor?"