A Humiliating Business [Marzena, Natasi, Sioux]

[Natasi Fortan]

Avalonia, Dosuun - Victory & Memorial Park - First Order Memorial Center​

1026 Local Standard Time​

Sioux Chambers stood on the veranda of the First Order Memorial center, overlooking the park in which it was situated. She had arrived ahead of her boss in order to prepare the staff for the arrival of Moff Fortan to tour the premises. The interior of the building was a rotunda, dignified and classic, with alcoves for sculptures and plenty of wall space for installation of art, paintings, wall sculptures, etc. There was even a special room at the center of the first floor, a circular chamber with three dozen seats in concentric circles around a holoprojector that would play presentations and holographic art regularly. It would all come together nicely, Sioux thought, especially if her boss had anything to say about it.

Unfortunately, Moff Fortan had insisted on involving the artistic types, chief among them that woman. Sioux was not impressed, despite Natasi's apparent cautious optimism for the role [member="Marzena Choi"] would play, and found that at least among her colleagues, there was more caution than optimism regarding her involvement at the Ministry of Culture. Of course, they didn't know what Sioux knew, and never would find out from her, but Sioux hadn't made bones about her impatience with the artist. Worst of all, in front of Natasi Fortan, Sioux had to play-act. It was beyond idiotic, as far as Sioux was concerned, and a waste of time for all involved.

Sioux gathered her cloak around her and folded her arms over her chest as she waited. The sound of sirens approached after a few moments, and then a motorcade appeared. Natasi's speeder with its attendant police and stormtrooper escorts, and pulled to a stop at the bottom of the stairs. It wasn't technically a road, or a parking place, but that mattered very little. The important thing was getting the Moff back into a secure environment as quickly as possible. A pair of plainclothesmen stepped out of the speeder, hustling up the steps. "Secure?" one asked Sioux, who nodded and handed over a keycard. He took it, and they let themselves in. They were apparently satisfied that the structure was safe, for a few minutes later they emerged, handed the key back to Sioux, and walked down the steps. Another set of plainclothesmen stepped out, and the four flanked [member="Natasi Fortan"] as she walked up the steps. The motorcade waited until she was in the building to take off; they would wait in readiness nearby.

Sioux watched as Natasi took in the large space, her face impassive. She nodded at Sioux and asked her to wait for Ms. Choi and show her in whens he arrived. If Natasi saw her PPS' eyes roll, she made no comment, and only began to peel her gloves off, revealing bandaged palms beneath.

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena Choi sat slumped in the back of her speeder, her head bowed forward, and her hands clasped gently over her stomach. Her dark eyes were focused on the pointed toes of her high heels, silently willing her body to cooperate with her schedule. She had been hoping to be at the top of her game for her meeting with Moff [member="Natasi Fortan"], and she had been so looking forward to touring the memorial center.

However, if ever she was having an off day – this was it. Instead of spending the morning getting ready at her usual leisurely pace, she’d spent the majority of her time hovering around the commode, feeling quite ill. As a result, she had been forced to apply only a minimal amount of makeup. She sat up slowly, and pulled a compact out of her bag. She carefully inspected her complexion, it was paler than usual, and though the concealer had done wonders to hide her dark circles, it could not conceal how very tired her eyes looked. Marzena applied a fresh coat of her signature red lipstick, thinking that it might help to liven up her appearance... but it didn’t.

It was time to get going, for she had been sitting there for nearly fifteen minutes now, and she did not wish to keep Moff Fortan waiting. Marzena slipped on a pair of dark sunglasses with fashionably large frames, grabbed her bag and stepped out into the daylight. Slender hands tied the belt of her classic trench coat around her waist, as she was still very much in the early weeks of pregnancy, it was not outwardly apparent at this point. It was a good thing too, for it would give her a bit of a chance to get used to the idea of her body changing. Though, it was a fact that would become very apparent in the coming months.

Two guards stepped to each side of the celebrity, much like Moff Fortan’s men, they wore plain clothes. Marzena generally did not like traveling with such companionship, but figured that it would not hurt, given her current condition. These days she had been staying close to First Order space, and she felt safe on their worlds. And so, she had come to know her armed men as ‘the one that holds the door open’, and ‘the other that carries the purse.’ It was perhaps not the most dignifying work for the two men, but they never complained.

Together, they walked down the long path, with the memorial center visible at the end. Marzena walked slower than she usually did, it was obvious that her bright persona was elsewhere today. As no one else was clued into the fact that her morning sickness was so troublesome, it would likely appear that she was merely a woman nursing a rather nasty hangover. She could see the figure of [member="Sioux Chambers"] standing outside and approached with a small nod.

“Good morning, Ms. Chambers.” She said, silently fighting off a wave of nausea.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"By all means," Sioux muttered under her breath as she watches Marzena walk up the path with her two companions. "Move at a glacial pace. Odious woman." The songstress was still too far away to hear her, but Sioux felt it was helpful to get it out while she had the chance. If she so much as looked at [member="Marzena Choi"] sideways in front of Natasi, she would probably be fired -- or worse. Sioux rather enjoyed the fact that she seemed to have a distinct lack of spring in her step, but then Sioux was the mercurial and vengeful type, so that was to be expected.

Some people might have bonded, sharing the experience that Sioux and Marzena had on Lanteeb, but Sioux was made of sterner stuff, and wasn't about to let a little traumatizing event get in the way of a good blood feud.

"Ms. Choi," Sioux returned her greeting, her voice cold and flat as Marzena crossed the veranda. Sioux's dark eyes scanned critically over the visitor, and it was all she could do to stop herself smirking. "Goodness. I would ask if you needed to take a seat and rest," she said, gesturing towards a bench nearby, "but the Moff is on a schedule, so we'll have to go straight in."

Without further consideration, she turned and pushed the door open, sweeping into the room and announcing: "Ma'am, your ten-thirty," she said, before adding under her breath: "...ish."

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"Of course, we can't have a statue for every man, but perhaps we can have one for each branch. You know -- Stormtrooper, Security Bureau, Navy, Starfighter Corps, Diplomatic Corps, Government, Knights of Ren?" Natasi rotated as she pointed at each spot. "Perhaps in front of each of these large windows?" She paused when she rotated towards the door and smiled tightly as she saw Sioux and Marzena.

"Ms. Choi," she said brightly after a moment's hesitation. "I'm so pleased you could make it. Come and meet Minister Calinda -- from the Ministry of Culture." Natasi walked around the central fountain, which depicted a statue of Victory with a lit memorial candle, and walked over to Marzena. She glanced dismissively at Sioux after her muttering snark and offered a hand to Marzena before remembering the bandages on her palms, awkwardly withdrawing her hand. "Better not, on second thought," Natasi said apologetically, holding up her hand. "Ms. Choi, Minister Calinda. Petyr, Marzena Choi, one of your most effective cultural ambassadors."

Calinda regarded Marzena pleasantly. "How do you do, Ms. Choi. Keep up the good work and all," she said before glancing back to Natasi. "Must dash, Moff Fortan, but I'll see what I can do. The masonrywork at the Palace is exquisite, perhaps I'll see what that company can do for us."

"Good idea. Good day, Petyr." She nodded her farewell and then turned to Marzena, finally getting a good look at her. She looked a little less colorful than usual. Natasi's eyebrows furrowed. "I hope you're well, Ms. Choi."

 

[Marzena Vaas]

If not for the warmth of the sun, Marzena felt that she might have been frozen on the spot by the chill in Sioux’s voice. After several interactions, she had pieced part of the puzzle together... Ms. [member="Sioux Chambers"] was not a fan. Well, try as she might, she could not please everyone. And today she lacked the motivation to try. The corner of Marzena’s mouth twitched at Sioux’s comment, but she managed a weak smile. However, the smile fell away as she looked at the back of Sioux’s head, following her into the Memorial Center.

Marzena’s heels clicked pleasantly against the polished floors as she entered, and she threw her smile back on, seeing that Moff Fortan was not alone. Dark eyes watched as Natasi came around to greet her, and she had reached her own hand out to meet Natasi’s, but the two stopped short. Of course, Marzena had immediately spotted the bandages on the Moff’s delicate hand. The curiosity was there, but would not be spoken aloud; she didn’t want to be rude.

“Thank you for having me, Moff Fortan.” She said with a flicker of a smile, and she turned towards the other woman. “It is wonderful to meet you, Minister Calinda.” She said, nodding politely.

Marzena turned an exhausted eye to watch as the Minister made her exit, and then looked back towards Natasi. No doubt that the Moff had noticed her distinct lack of flair. “I’m fine – just a bit under the weather.” She said, adding a reassuring smile. After drawing in a deep breath, she let her gaze wander around the room, in order to keep her eyes off the Moff’s bandages.

“The Memorial Center is breathtaking,” She stepped towards the fountain, “I am so pleased to finally see all of it in person.”

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"There is something going around," Natasi said confidentially, her eyebrows lofting. "The Ministry of Science & Health is fine-tuning the air filtration system. It is... " She paused, clasping her hands together in front of her as she searched for the diplomatic phrasing. "... rather a moving target. Sioux!" she called, her voice suddenly sharp. Sioux, who had been skulking nearby, straightened and approached. "Would you please get me a bottle of water from the visitor's center? It's closed but I believe the machines will still be in operation." She paused, glancing over at [member="Marzena Choi"]. "Would you care or something? Water or coffee or anything? Sioux will be pleased to get you whatever you require."

Once Sioux had been dispatched -- forehead like thunderclouds, if Natasi knew her -- Natasi turned her full attention back to Marzena. "I was thinking of statues," she said briefly, gesturing broadly to the room. "Near the windows, maybe? That way we'll leave the wall space open for art. What do you think?" She wandered closer to the fountain, until she could feel the light spray on her face and hair. "And I think that we should move our committee meetings here -- so everyone has a feel for the space. I think it's very important -- I think it's crucial -- that everything flow. That the art act as an extension of the building, just as the building is an extension of the city, as the city is an extension of the First Order."

She stopped herself, glancing with a modicum of embarrassment at the songstress. Natasi seemed to talk rather more than she would normally have around Marzena Choi. She would have time to examine it in all the exquisite detail later, but she rather suspected that speaking was the only thing that kept her from staring at Marzena until the pop star saw the verdigris of envy in her eyes. Awkward wouldn't even begin to touch it. Natasi turned quickly. "Or, statues lining the walk? We could stagger them up the steps to sort of ... flank the way." She glanced towards the doorway thoughtfully, her eyebrows furrowing anxiously. "I don't know. This is a different foxhunt altogether from what I typically work on." She fell silent, listening to the trickling of the fountain.

 

[Marzena Vaas]

“Ah, I see.” Marzena nodded, her arms gently crossed in front of her abdomen, it was something she did without thinking. Even now, the instinct to protect the tiny life inside was strong and only growing stronger with each passing day. But there was also the unrelenting turning of her stomach, and she felt a sudden pang of nausea as [member="Natasi Fortan"] mentioned refreshments. Marzena doubted that she would be able to keep much down, and she was not looking to risk it. However, she nodded and looked over towards Sioux.

“Some water, please.”

She could ear Sioux’s footsteps taking her out of the room, and the space was then filled with Natasi’s voice. As the Moff moved closer to the fountain, Marzena took the opportunity to turn away, the back of her hand pressed firmly against her mouth. Her dark eyes squeezed closed for a brief moment, as she tried to concentrate on Natasi’s words. She let her hand fall to her chin, and glanced towards the windows, the immediate urge to be sick was now waning. Marzena was certainly not an expert, but she had an idea of what sort of lighting was generally appealing.

“Mmm. I think statues would look very nice next to the windows. There is ample light, and it won’t be too harsh. Of course, there may be some need to add some additional fixtures to supplement the natural light.” She said, stepping into the soft rays that were streaming into the windows, basking in the warmth that fell against her skin.

A simple nod came in agreement with the Moff’s suggestion to move the committee meetings to the memorial center. Indeed, it would help to provide inspiration and it would serve as an important reminder of the message they were hoping to convey. Marzena also had the feeling that she would be spending more and more time in Avalonia during the coming months.

As silence fell between the two women, Marzena listened to the calming sound of the fountain. A few steps brought her closer to Moff Fortan. “Hmm, I did rather like that the walk to the memorial center was unadorned. It felt peaceful. But some statues near the steps might be nice, a little taste of what’s waiting inside.” Her hand waved towards the windows.

Marzena’s painted lips parted to continue, but instead she pressed her lips back together, biting the inside of her cheek to suppress the sudden and strong urge to gag.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"Certainly," Natasi conceded to Marzena's suggestion to add additional lighting. "Some white light at the base of each statue, perhaps, and something from the ceiling. Light from only too low and they'll look terrifying. Light from only too high and they'll look like tired old people. Well -- those not wearing helmets, I suppose," said Natasi after a moment. The Moff folded one arm across her midsection, the other coming to rest beneath her chin before casting her gaze around the room, as if searching for some kind of inspiration. "Sometimes I wonder whether I oughtn't to put Petyr in charge of this," Natasi mused aloud. It would certainly make things easier for Natasi, for whom -- rather paradoxically, given how truly fond she was of [member="Marzena Choi"] -- the presence of the songstress was more a hindrance than a help.

But she had seen Petyr Calinda's office; his taste was rather more bourgeois than what Natasi wanted for the Memorial Center. His propaganda sensibilities were second to none, and of course he knew the importance of the arts, but his decorative scheme weren't exactly what she was looking for.

In response to her agreement, Natasi smiled and nodded, finally turning back to face her. "We can use the holochamber downstairs for the meetings. It should be large enough to fit us all and we can use the holoprojector to render a view of the exhibition hall, so we can get an idea of how things will look before we install them. Speaking of which, I was wondering if you had had a chance to come up with your recommendations for artists? We've had some ideas, and I'd be interested to know how our tastes overl--" She fell silent, then stifled an absurd, harsh laugh with her hand, trying to make it sound like a cough. "-- excuse me. I wonder if I'm coming down with something, too. What I mean is, whether we have the same types of people in mind."

She turned to Marzena. "Your instincts do you credit, I think. The peaceful walk -- I quite agree. I do have another project in mind -- we'll be breaking ground in the next two months or so, depending on the availability of the contractors -- for a statuary park honoring individual heroes. Perhaps we ought to reserve the outdoor -- " She again fell silent as Marzena's lips opened and shut; Natasi mistook this for a sign that she was rather monopolozing the meeting, and offered an apologetic look, her cheeks coloring slightly. "Forgive me, I do go on. What were you saying?"

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena’s eyes shifted down and to the side when Moff Fortan mentioned handing the Memorial Center project off to Minister Calinda. Indeed, she understood that the Moff was a busy woman; her time and attention were likely in high demand. However, [member="Natasi Fortan"] had a rather open attitude when it came to involving Marzena, and other members of the Ministry staff did not seem to share this view of the pop star. Living life in the spotlight had certainly given Marzena the skills to filter through the whispers, ignore the narrow-eyed glances, and walk tall in the presence of those that did not approve. But it had contributed to something of an internal struggle as of late, and a slight wavering of confidence. Perhaps they just needed some time to get used to the idea of a performer working among their number. At least they did put on quite a good show of acting friendly when she was around.

Her slender hand dipped into her shoulder bag for a moment, about to take out her datapad when Moff Fortan mentioned that the two should compare their recommendations for artists. She had been attending as many gallery openings and exhibitions as her schedule would allow. Marzena had met a few promising new names, and had put together a small collection of their works. However, she dropped the datapad back into the depths of her purse as the Moff let loose a rather strange sound. Something like a strained cough, perhaps there truly was something going around.

And then a rather awkward moment fell between them, Marzena found her cheeks flushing slightly as well. “Oh, please don’t mind me.” She stammered, waving an apologetic hand. But then it hit her, and her hand fell to her stomach. “E-excuse me for a moment, Moff Fortan.” Marzena turned and made for the powder room, forcing her steps to be calm and collected. As soon as she rounded the corner and slipped into the restroom, her heels clicked frantically as she sped into a stall. This time, she was unable to hold back the urge to be sick.

How humiliating.

Marzena remained in the stall for a moment or two longer, eyes pressed shut, and hands shaking slightly as they rested against her midsection. Her eyes found the mirror as she walked to the sink, what color had been present on her face before had drained away. She drew in a deep breath, sifted through the items in her bag until she found her toothpaste and brush; Marzena did not risk leaving the house without them anymore. After a quick moment spent freshening up, and retouching her lipstick, she emerged again. At least now there was a quiet sense of relief, and her stomach had calmed considerably.

“I apologize for the delay,” She said, bowing her head slightly, avoiding the Moff’s dark eyes. “Where did we leave off? A statuary park, correct? I think that would be a lovely idea.” A bit of Marzena’s usual brightness returned to her voice. “Would you like to walk outside? We can also discuss our recommendations for artists.”

Yes, perhaps a bit of fresh air would distract from her embarrassing display...

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi raised her eyebrows, her dark eyes softening with sympathy at Marzena, who seemed to be suffering from some sort of flu-like symptoms. As she left the room, Natasi looked after her, hearing the clicking of her heels accelerate once she was in the hall, soon replaced by the steady click-click-click of Sioux's returning shoes. Sioux looked around when she entered and raised her eyebrows at the absence of [member="Marzena Choi"]. "I really think we ought to reschedule," Natasi murmured to Sioux as she handed over the bottle of water. "I'd feel just dreadful if she died because I dragged her out of bed for a meeting."

Sioux muttered something unflattering and Natasi rolled her eyes impatiently. "Stop it," she snapped and lowered her voice. "Sioux, have you considered the possibility that your constant harping is doing more harm than good? For the Balance's sake," she said angrily. "What's done is done. And it is done. What possible good could it do now to keep talking out of the side of your mouth about -- well either, or both of them?" Natasi's eyes flashed angrily as she tore the cap off her water bottle. "Really."

Recoiling slightly, Sioux arched an eyebrow, and stood in sullen silence for a few moments before speaking, her tone defensive. "She doesn't belong here," she said flatly "And I'm not the only one who thinks so."

"When I'm interested in your analysis on the subject -- " Natasi began firmly, but at that moment she heard Marzena's heels clicking, and a moment later she emerged across the wide rotunda. "Give her the water and then go back to the office," Natasi said coolly. Sioux turned and walked over to Sioux, meeting her halfway, and held the bottle out. "Good day, Ms. Choi," she said before turning and stalking out of the exhibition hall, letting the door slam on her way out. Natasi walked over and agreed to her suggestion for a walk outdoors with a, "By all means." They turned towards the exit.

"Marzena," Natasi began softly, then amended quickly: "That is, Ms. Choi. I don't wish to embarrass you, and it's none of my business admittedly, but would you like to reschedule? I would hate to be responsible for your exhaustive collapse for dragging you to an on-site meeting when you're under the weather. I'd have a riot on my hands if your fans knew I was the cause." She forced a smile. "In all seriousness -- my time is precious but not so precious that I can't find more space in my schedule for this project."

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena had managed a smile to meet Sioux’s cold stare, her hand accepting the bottle of water. She offered a polite nod to Ms. Chambers, and stepped out of the way to let her pass. The sound of the door slamming made her shoulders rise just slightly, but they soon relaxed. Painted fingers twisted the top off the bottle of water and she brought it up for a dainty sip. As she exited the Memorial Center with [member="Natasi Fortan"], she drew in a deep breath of fresh air. Now, she was beginning to feel revived.

She turned slightly as Moff Fortan addressed her, slipping the bottle of water into her bag, and clasping her hands gently in front of her. Marzena felt the color returning to her face now, this time in the form of a rosy blush. Of course, she did not want to inconvenience the Moff with any further delays.

“I am feeling much better now,” She said, adding a smile to punctuate her point. “I will be fine.”

While the morning sickness had been very present, her doctor had assured her that it would pass. There was light at the end of the tunnel, even if it was still just a pin-point in the darkness.

“However, I wouldn’t want to keep you. Would you prefer that I send you my recommendations? I could always do that, if it is easier.”

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi stopped short, in her tracks, and looked sidelong at Marzena for a few long moments, her eyes showing a touch of reproach and hurt. She knew why every conversation with Marzena was exhausting, but still she went into each with enthusiasm, thinking it would get easier and easier. The opposite was true. "That isn't at all what I was saying," she said softly, in a tone of voice that almost no one on Dosuun had ever heard her use before -- gentle and somewhat uncertain. Not a Governor or a Moff but just a woman struggling to keep moving forward. The moment was gone in a moment, and the cool, steely shutters of efficiency and detachment came down and hard. She shook her head, reaching up to play at tucking her hair behind her ear, but every strand had remained in place.

"A digital copy of the list would be most helpful," Natasi said, her tone pleasant but somewhat more grey then before. "You have my direct e-mail account, don't you? Good. Sioux will be working on other projects so everything will go through me directly." She led the way down the ramp, breathing in the clean air. The First Order environmental technicians had taken the natural clean air of Dosuun and improved it, stripping some of the scent of the native flora and leaving it just a little sweet and bright. "I have plans to construct a cenotaph in the center here. Someday," she said in a clipped tone. "But for now it will serve as a public gathering space. Those acres over there," she pointed to the opposite end of the park from the Memorial Center, "will be for public use -- the stables, sports and games, play areas for the children. The acres nearest, on this side of the pavement, will be for public gathering and state funerals, as needed. People are free to visit and walk but no recreational activities of any kind would be appropriate. We'll have honor guards present to enforce the rules."

She reached into her briefcase and slipped a drawing out of her portfolio. It showed an idyllic version of the park from roughly their vantage point on the ramp. It showed a couple walking, arm-in-arm, in the foreground, further on the closer lawn were a pair of women sitting on a bench in reverent silence. Beyond them, a group of four people sat on horses, trotting along the trail that wound through the far portion of the park, while children played on a pristine playground nearby. "It will be the perfect setting in which to keep our Memorial Center. Silent and still, but with a distant reminder of what we fight for." She looked over the picture at the real thing and nodded firmly.

[member="Marzena Choi"]

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena stopped walking as [member="Natasi Fortan"] came to a halt, her eyes turned back towards the Moff, viewing her from below a fluttering set of dark lashes. The softness of Natasi’s voice had taken her aback, as did the slightly pained look she had received in response. Marzena pressed her lips together, feeling more than a bit foolish, her hands wringing slightly. And for a moment, the two existed solely as women – not an important Moff, and not a celebrity. It was a feeling lingered only for the briefest of seconds, for Natasi’s next words were spoken without that gentle tone, and in one that was far more familiar.

As their steps resumed down the ramp, Marzena walked just a few paces behind Natasi, listening closely. She made a mental note to send the Moff her recommendations later that evening. As Moff Fortan began to reveal her plans for the outside space of the Memorial Center, Marzena let her attention turn to the serene landscape set out before them. Her imagination was already at work, and she saw flashes of images of the things that Natasi described. Marzena’s gaze lingered on the space to be designated as a play area, her eyes grew soft and a quiet smile formed on her lips.

As Natasi held out a concept drawing of the Memorial Park, Marzena’s heels edged closer to get a better look. It was easy to see the amount of thought and attention that Natasi had poured into this project. It would not be long before the concept became reality, and she was quite excited to witness the transition. Marzena had always been quite an emotional person, but with pregnancy came a whole new torrent of changes. These days she was far more sensitive than usual, and the figures portrayed in the illustration made her eyes a bit misty. “It’s perfect,” She said softly, “I love it.” Marzena smiled brightly.

“I can see how much work you’ve put into this – well, not only this project, but Avalonia as a whole.” She moved to the side just slightly, to allow the Moff a bit more personal space now. “You should be very proud. It is quite an accomplishment.” Marzena’s manicured hand came to rest on Natasi’ shoulder for a moment, and she gave a friendly squeeze before letting her hand drop back to her side. Fame would die away, pop music would be forgotten, but a capital city would be remembered forever. Marzena’s brow arched thoughtfully, her eyes on Natasi, almost as though she were studying her features.

“I think it would be lovely to have a portrait of you here, or perhaps even a bust. This is an important time for the First Order, and it should be remembered. Not just our accomplishments, but the people that made them happen. What do you think?”

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi glanced over at [member="Marzena Choi"] as the singer's hand rested on her shoulder. She was a little surprised, but offered a smile. "Thank you, Marzena. You are very kind." Natasi turned back to the scene and took it all in. Although she knew that the buildings in the distance were homes and businesses, offices and stores. Inside each a story was playing out, a story in which Natasi Fortan had played a part, however small or large. But nothing touched her quite the way the Victory & Memorial Park did. Some day -- if the Balance were good -- she would be buried here, alongside the likes of [member="Ludolf Vaas"] and [member="Aram Kalast"]. Her name would stand forever on a white, marble sarcophagus. Plans were already in place to prepare for the death of either of the Big Three, as she called them. This park would be her final resting place, if things went the way she thought.

Normally this would be a morbid thought, but to Natasi it was a comfort, and the sooner the better.

At Marzena's suggestion, Natasi could only look over in confusion until she understood what the singer meant. Then, looking extremely embarrassed, Natasi blushed crimson and looked down. "Oh -- no, no. That would not be appropriate at all," she said softly. "It is a kind gesture but it would not be -- I mean -- these men and women put themselves in danger each day for the will of the Supreme Leader, to conquer and spread our civilization and protect what they have won. Me?" She shrugged and looked around skeptically. "I don't do anything so important or brave. Perhaps they will put a portrait of me up in the Moff Council when I have died -- really and truly died, this time. But I cannot see myself here... equal to these men and women." She looked over at Marzena and was surprised to find herself quite misty-eyed. "It is a lovely thought, though, that you should think my work worth remembering."

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena’s eyes remained on [member="Natasi Fortan"] for a moment, but upon seeing the hard blush that had overtaken the Moff’s face; she turned her gaze down towards her designer heels. Oh my, she had not meant to embarrass the Moff. However, Natasi’s soft tone of voice made Marzena look up again, and she listened to the explanation that followed. Marzena had a feeling that many of her fellow First Order citizens could share her admiration for the Moff, and she still felt that people would like to see something that spoke to her dedication. But then again, Marzena was used to seeing her own image all around, usually in the form of tabloids and holo-advertisements for her performances. She had never truly understood how it was to be humble, but Natasi was a very graceful example for her to follow.

“Well, if you’re sure...” She said, following her words with a light-hearted laugh, trying to make the mood a bit more cheerful. Marzena caught sight of the shimmer in Moff Fortan’s eyes, and she felt her own eyes following suit. Pregnancy had only served to turn up the dial on her emotional responses, and she found that even little things could send her into a torrent of tears. She brought the back of her hand to dab the corner of her eyes, but she turned to Natasi and smiled. Marzena felt a bit silly, but at least it seemed that the two women were sharing a moment.

She cleared her throat daintily, trying to regain her composure. Marzena glanced back down at the illustration, searching for a new subject. “Stables – do you ride?” She asked, her index finger pointing towards the place on the concept drawing that showed people on horseback. Marzena had taken lessons long ago, but she’d never really been that fond of being around the animals.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi's attention was drawn to the drawing here [member="Marzena Choi"] pointed out the horses. "Yes," she said with a note of surprise in her voice. "Since I was tiny. I was able to have my stallion, Green Eyes, boarded after the ghastly business at Herevan, until the stables here could be completed. I try to ride a few times a week, but... you know, things get busy," she said with a shrug. "But the stablekeepers here are very good about making sure he gets the right exercise." She smiled fondly, thinking of the horse. He was a thoroughbred and performed well at races. Natasi had entered into a few steeplechases with him, had won one or two, too. She had dreams of one day getting into the business as a hobby -- breeding and racing horses was a respectable trade on Galidraan, a sport for those of noble blood and funds.

She rattled off the lineage of the horse -- son of Halifax -- and his grandfather was Equipoise, for the Balance sake! -- until she realized that she was probably boring Marzena to sobs. She chuckled self-depricatingly. "You must excuse me, Ms. Choi," she said apologetically. "There is a saying among my people that country girls can't help but to talk, ride, and resemble horses. I suppose there is some truth to it. Do you ride? We should really take a turn round the park some morning. I can't tell you how beautiful and peaceful it is in the early morning. No one to hurry you, just you, your horse, and silence -- if you want it." She smiled broadly. "I could arrange to get you a loaner horse, if you haven't your own."

 

[Marzena Vaas]

“I had lessons as a girl, but I’m afraid I was never a very skilled rider.” Marzena replied, her hand rising to brush a few strands of hair away from her face. The thought of climbing back into the saddle made her heart jump. She had always felt that horses should be admired from afar, that way you could still see the beauty and grace in their strides, but you could not smell them. Sure, she did find the animals quite pretty to look at, but they were large and intimidating to be around. Marzena had always been afraid of being thrown or falling off, and for that reason alone, such activities were strictly off limits for the time being. “That sounds nice. Maybe we’ll do that – someday.” She smiled.

Her dark eyes turned down towards the small path, her feet carrying her forward once more. For a moment she let her gaze follow the lines of the bricks that made up the walk way, it was calming. The walk reminded her of something that she had seen before. This memory came with a note of sadness, for it carried the images of her father’s funeral. Marzena remembered seeing sentiments stamped onto bricks and built into a wall, a place to reflect and remember those that were now lost.

“I understand that the great names of the First Order will be remembered here.” She started, motioning towards the area designated for a cenotaph. “But it might be nice for people to have a way to honor their loved ones here, too. Perhaps citizens could pay a small fee to have the names of their dearly departed engraved on pavers, and they could be placed along the path.” Marzena’s eyes shifted from the path back up to meet Moff Fortan’s dark eyes. She shrugged casually, it was just an idea; she thought it might be a nice addition. And her feelings would not be hurt if [member="Natasi Fortan"] dismissed it. After all, her ideas were never taken all that seriously at the Ministry of Culture, but she didn’t let it get her down.