A Queen and a Prince Converse

[Garza]

Kro Var was the planet I had been apart of for so long. My brother had fixed up the planet, and gave it life, however now, it was under the influence of the Galactic Alliance. A faction of Jedi, Dark Jedi, and even Rogue Force Users to try and create a better place for people to live. However, that meant that I would not be able to take control of the planet I was born from. The Shapers of Kro Var are rising. A small band of them were starting to form through my help, and as such, I wanted to bring them into the Galaxy through the aid of the Galactic Alliance, as well as the other groups I was apart of.

To do that, I needed help. I was no diplomat, I was not all keen on diplomacy and "talking" everything out. However, I will do what is necessary to keep my planet, and my people, out of the cross hairs of the Sith, and Jedi alike. They deserved to live how they wanted to live. As such, I had to talk to a lady in particular. One that was actually not in the influence of the Galactic Republic, but worked for them.

This Lady [member="Cecily Demici"], was who I looked to. Making an appointment with her was difficult without giving too much information that I did work with the Sith for a period of time. And considering with my recent experiments that were not common knowledge, I knew that this would be tricky at best.

I needed her help. Hence why I stood at the gate to her estate, and stood there looking up and amazed by the fact that this woman had so much power, without even having the force. It was quite impressive. Coming to this appointment on time, in fact about ten minutes early. I had hoped she would let me in. I dressed my best for this. In a set of robes, that reached down to my knees, wearing freshly cleaned boots, and black leather bracers to match. While the black and silver line robes were clearly ironed and fitted to my body. However, in my hands I carried with me a datapad, and of course, I had a lightsaber on my right hip like any force user would carry.

I pressed on what I thought was the doorbell, as a little speaker was attached to the box the button was on, and I hoped that she was here. Maybe she would ignore me since I was a known Dark side force user, or she may accept because of the chance to me owe her later for what I hoped would be, her involvement to help free the Kro Var people, and allow them to exist, and grow into the Galaxy.

 

[Cecily Demici]

Almost immediately the massive gates to the Valeria Estate on Deeja Peak opened into a vast stone courtyard. A small man in fine green robes greeted the visitor just inside the gates. Everything was made of jade or green marble, accented with gold. A gold rose was pinned to his chest, a symbol of office within House Valeria. Under his tall, green pointed hat, a shock of bright red hair could be seen poking out and he had a curled mustache and pointed beard to match. and in his right hand was a tall staff with a golden rose carved at the top. He tapped the butt of the staff on the stone and bowed.

"Lady Cecily has been expecting you, I am Alyn, Seneschal to the House Valeria," the man announced proudly, "you will follow me."

The little man turned and marched off along the courtyard and up a wide staircase with Valeria House Guards posted every few steps, looking quite regal in their emerald green uniforms. At the top of the stairs a pair of wide double doors opened into tall corridor, as green as the rest of the estate. It was a brisk walk before they would come to the end of the corridor where guards were posted at another wide arch leading into the Audience Chamber of House Valeria.

Like everything else at the Valerian Estate, and indeed, all of Deeja Peak, the Audience Chamber was green, with massive windows on either side overlooking the city below. In the middle of the room, on a raised dais was the golden and red velvet seat where the one receiving the audience would sit. Today, it was occupied by Lady Cecily Demici.

"Presenting, Master [member="Nick Imura"] of the planet Kro Var," the seneschal announced, slamming the butt of his staff on the green marble floor before turning and walking briskly out of the room.

Cecily was unlike what one would normally find in such a prestigious Audience Chamber. She was not glaring down at him or tapping her fingers impatiently, she was simply smiling. Perhaps the only person in the entire estate that wasn't wearing green, she had donned a sky blue gown with sapphires sewed into the bodice. She stood out among all of the green and gold.

"Welcome to Naboo, and to House Valeria, I am Cecily Demici and I am receiving you on behalf of Her Royal Highness, Eleanora Valeria, Head of House Valeria, and Princess of Deeja Peak," she began, still beaming, "tell me, Nick, is it? How may we be of assistance to Kro Var?"

 

[Garza]

As soon as I pressed the button, I had reached to my pockets to attempt to grab a smoke while I waited. However, the doors open, and the closest thing that I could think of this man was a leprechaun. His entire green attire, gold accents was almost blinding to my eyes. Why would anyone wear that much green? Sure, there were some of us that wore all black for a reason. It was a material that absorbed heat, and would keep people warm, or the fact that the clothing I wore was made out of Shadowsilk. A rather expensive silk that was built for the specific purpose of dampening sounds that the wearer made. Even my boots would hardly make any sound as I walked after the man.

However, what got me to look like I was sick, was the guards wearing green. So much green. Why green, again? It was almost like I was at some Saint's day and I missed the memo. Either way, I continued to walk after this man. Coming into a rather elegant opening room. Expansive and and yet looked odd to me. So much green around here, I thought that their theme may have been going green with the environment. But once the man stopped, I looked at him as I almost ran into the man. Stopping, He announced my name and heritage for me. However, I was more than just a native of Kro Var. I let it pass and watched as the woman who stood before me was dressed in all blue instead.

Different, and it was better than the green. So I couldn't complain. The man left the room almost as though he didn't want to hear what the two were going to be speaking about. As such, I decided to take a step forward and bow. I bowed low enough to show respect to this princess. Rising my head, I looked at her and folded my hands behind my back with the question of her assistance. She was right to the point. Liked her already. In my rather deeper voice compared to hers,

"I come to seek assistance with the reemergence of the Shapers of Kro Var."

I stood still, Not walking towards her as I didn't know if I should or not. However, I continued to speak to her in basic.

"The Galactic Alliance has taken a hold of the planet that I hold so dearly. I fear that their interference with the planet will cause the Kro Varian people to become even more superstitious of the "invisible" Force. For our culture, we practice shaping the arts of the elements. The invisible force is looked heavily down upon. And should we receive too many visitors with these powerful abilities, and even technology that is hundreds of thousands of years before their time, it will cause a rift between the people of Kro Var, as well as the Galactic Alliance."

From there, the rest was simple. A rift between them could cause a rebellion. And I didn't want that to happen. In fact, I could see a future alliance with the Galactic Alliance. And I didn't want to squander that with them forcing technology upon me. Hell, even them seeing my own ship in the air, and knowing that I, their High Elder, would cause confusion as to why I did this. They needed reason to believe in me, and the Galactic Alliance. Yes, Naboo was very far away from Kro Var, however, this woman was very influential. Her list of titles she spoke to me told me so.

"I come, asking for your aid in preventing future conflicts between my people of Kro Var, and the people of the Galactic Alliance."

[member="Cecily Demici"]

 

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily leaned back in her high chair as the man began to speak and considered carefully what he had to say considering his home planet. She was a new addition to the Galactic Alliance with much less influence in that particular organization then compared to her vast influence in the galaxy-at-large. So, she surely had enough sway to make some impact in his requests, but the question of whether she would want to was a different story.

"I'm sorry, your people fear the Living Force and yet have the ability to shape the elements themselves?" Cecily was not a force user herself, but was a devout follower of the Church of Light which taught that the Force permeated everything. She had never heard of these elemental shapers, but to her they sounded quite like Force users.

"And... forgive me, the Galactic Alliance is a threat to your people because some within it are capable of wielding the Force and have access to modern technology? Has the Galactic Alliance made any attempt to attack or enslave your people?"

[member="Nick Imura"]

 

[Garza]

The woman's questions were valid. I smiled as my head turned to the side. It almost felt like she were judging me for already coming here and asking assistance. However, I decided to stay calm about this rather than burst upon the woman like I would on a student who had forgotten their place.

"Yes. We are a sect of force users who believe that the Living force, as you say, is against our own religion. If I am correct, You believe in your own... portion of the force. An aspect that the force is a living entity that flows through everything. The Shapers of Kro Var believe differently. Our religion resides on polytheism. Five lords of the elements. Fire, Water, Ground, and the Air. However, the fifth one is that of this "invisible force"

I inclined my head a little and indicated that I would be performing something. With a snap from my left hand, A flame would reside in my palm. Slowly moving and shaping into letters of the Basic Alphabet. However, in my right hand that I held up, My lightsaber floated to my hand and would spin like a top ever so slowly spinning. The black hilt was a little longer than normal, yet half the weight of a normal lightsaber hilt.

"We control the elements using our gifts, rather than controlling items. As you see in my left hand, I am performing feats of shaping, or bending fire to my will. And my right is making an object that would not move on its own, spin much like a top would."

Letting the fires burn out with a puff, and the lightsaber be placed back onto my belt, I then took a step forward.

"The people of Kro Var are very superstitious of this Living force, or any force religion that uses this "invisible force." I come to ask for your aid to prevent others from going to Kro Var for a time. The planet is like a child. Scared of what they do not know, and should the Galactic Alliance push upon them something they don't want, like a child, they will argue and fight back. I want to prevent this from happening."

Once more I folded my hands behind my back. Hoping against everything that this woman would aid me. I was not interested in balls or parties, or get togethers. I wasn't one for them. Sure, I will go and do this things for the betterment of my people, as well as to prevent others from forcing their beliefs upon my people. Like the humans in the Galaxy, The people of Kro Var deserved the right to learn at their own pace.

"I am not calling war upon you, or the Alliance. Merely, I am being the voice of concern, and of the possible future should things continue as they are. The people of Kro Var still build their homes out of Mud brick. They still forge weapons with hand hammers and files. The closest thing to any ranged weaponry is a few slughthrowers, and bows and arrows. They are in an era that is behind the rest of the galaxy. Forcing too much upon them too early will cause mass confusion, and conflicts to tear apart the people of Kro Var. I ask you only one question. Would you sit there, and let your people bicker and quarrel over things that mean little to nothing in the grand scheme of things?"

I may be coming off as a bit harsh, but I need to be to get my point across. These people were innocent of the ways of the Galaxy, and I didn't want people taking advantage of them. This process will be slow, agonisingly slow, to bring forth a new generation that would be willing to learn more of the Galaxy. I had people coming to Kro Var on a daily basis asking for teachings of the Kro Var people. Some I had to turn down because of their misuse of the powers they could learn. I had to prevent that from the future. Instead of denying people from going onto the planet, I wanted to prevent them from having public knowledge of us. I wanted to prevent people from coming to a planet that was not ready to enter the galaxy.

It was much like learning how to ride a bike. First you taught them how to pedal, and how to balance, you kept training wheels on their new bike, and teach them to use a real one. Even taking the training wheels off to allow them to learn and experience it for themselves. I just hoped that this woman would see this as well. Because if need, be, I was more than willing to ask her permission to take her to Kro Var, and show her how we lived. How far behind we were on... everything.

[member="Cecily Demici"]

 

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily continued to listen to his explanation of the Shapers and their distrust of the Force, but still, as far as she knew these Shapers were descended from Force Users. Though, far be it from her to have a debate of culture with a native of the planet. Cecily had spent a great deal of time teaching at the Galactic University, specifically in the area of law and civics and she understood quite a bit about making contact with underdeveloped species. This man had her sympathy there.

"I want you and the people of Kro Var to know that I hear you, and understand your plight," she began, "it would irresponsible of the Galactic Alliance or any great power to force rapid change upon an undeveloped people. However, as Kro Var is a full member of the Alliance and under their protection, the Alliance itself has a vested interest... nay, a responsibility to care for and integrate the people of the planet into galactic society."

"The Jedi, the wielders of the invisible force, as you call it, are no threat to the people of Kro Var, I'm sure you know this. However, a very real and ever present threat does exist in the Sith, who would, no doubt, seek to exploit your people and enslave them if Kro Var were not cradled in the embrace of the Alliance."

Her words echoed throughout the hall, and she gave them a moment to sink in, watching closely for his reaction. The best that Cecily could do without a clear and present threat being posed to the safety of the Kro Var, was broker a meeting between them and the leadership of the Alliance. No doubt, an agreement could be reached that would give the people of the isolationist planet some of the solitude they longed for while ensuring they would not remain cut off from the rest of the galaxy.

"My authority within the Alliance is not what it was when I served the Republic, but if it is your wish to seek a solution to your problem, I may have the influence still to broker an agreement between the Kro Var and the leaders of the Alliance."

[member="Nick Imura"]

 

[Garza]

The woman was intelligent. She had the skills to talk to people reasonably. I however did not. I had the skills of alchemy and forging of weapons. I fought on battlefields while she rested away from the fight. Our different skill sets meant that we acted very differently in the same situations. I was leaning more towards the aggressive tactics and using the point of my sword or the power of the force to bring people to their knees. However, she used her words, and skills as a politician to bring people to reason and listen and still make people bow for her. However, it was in this that I needed her.

The people of Kro Var needed a representative that was not so... dark if I could say. More so, I needed her help to get my words across in a less angry, and less demanding manner. Where my judgment on something would be completely different than hers, I bowed my head as she voiced being able to use her skills to make an agreement between the Kro Var and the Alliance. The entire time she spoke it was clear I was holding my breath. Finally being able to release it felt good. I almost felt like I needed to apologize to the woman for being so rash about this.

"I may come as blunt and rude, and that is why I ask your assistance. I thank you for listening to me. I am not suited for a room full of titles, and big wigs."

I bowed to her once more letting my eyes drop to the floor to show respect towards her, and her willingness to aid me in keeping others away from Kro Var. I may have not grown up around these people. But my brother did, and for his sake, I wanted to protect the people who meant so dearly to him, and now meant the same to me.

"You grace me with your willingness to help. That is all I ask of you. Thank you."

[member="Cecily Demici"]

 

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily rose from her high seat and the two guards who had been standing outside the double doors filed into the audience chamber with the Seneschal in tow. The two guards stopped on either side of Nick while Seneschal stepped around him and approached Cecily.

"Dispatch a missive to the leaders of the Galactic Alliance, inform them of our meeting here," she said in a firm, clear voice as the Seneschal began scribbling down her words, "request a meeting of our own."

"Master Imura," she said, turning now to her guest, "you shall be a guest of Deeja Peak until such time as a meeting can be arranged. I will summon you when I have received a reply, the guards will show you to the gates."

She did not wait for his response, but turned and disappeared behind the throne, descending a wide staircase behind it that led to the vast corridors of the estate with the Seneschal following closely behind.

[member="Nick Imura"]