Private All the King's Men

[Corazona von Ascania]

"You're fidgeting."

Fabian Albinac, the recently crowned King of Ukatis, paused as he adjusted his glove for the umpteenth time. He looked rather sheepish.

"Apologies," he murmured. The white cotton rested flat in his lap, undisturbed.

Axilla's starport had sustained heavy damage during the attack. The charred fields outside of the city served as a temporary landing pad for aid ships, and soon it would see the Chancellor of the Galactic Alliance.

"Are you certain that it is wise to have him land…here? The construction to the starport is-"

"Precarious." Cora finished. The pair were aboard a speeder headed towards the outskirts. It wasn't a luxury vehicle, but something older and bulky. After everything that had happened, Cora took it upon herself to inject as much of her vision into the rebuilding of Ukatis as she could without actually touching the crown. She hovered around it, buzzing like a fly in Fabian's ear.

"Alicio Organa is a man of great importance. Won't he think less of us for having him meet in a place so…" Fabian paused, searching for the proper word amidst the passing scenes of shattered stone debris and fresh scaffolding. "…raw?"

Cora hummed, low and assured. "The Chancellor will think that we are a world rebuilding ourselves after a devastating war. Because that is what we are."

Fabian didn't appear wholly convinced. Like many Ukatians, he'd been privy to the way off-worlders looked down on his people, thinking them backwards. Surprisingly, he didn't entirely disagree with them - but that didn't mean that he wanted to suffer the judgement of the core-ward types.

Seeing this uncertainty, both Cora's expression and voice softened.

"He's a good man. He won't begrudge us for our lack of amenities. The Chancellor knows what war does to a planet." One corner of her lips began to pull into the suggestion of a smile. "If anything, we may have to stop him from picking through the rubble himself."

Alicio Organa was a good man; Cora believed that wholeheartedly. This meeting had been arranged so that she could show him that Fabian Albinac, protector of the Ukatian throne, was also a good man.

Alicio Organa

 

[Alicio Organa]

Temporary Landing Strip, Axilla
Ukatis
- Corazona von Ascania -
​

"If anything, we may have to stop him from picking through the rubble himself."

The second Alicio stepped from his shuttle, it would be entirely clear to both Ukatians that, despite the facetious nature of her comment, Cora had been almost exactly on the money.

The Chancellor of the Galactic Alliance arrived without guard or fanfare, wearing simple, working blacks and carrying a datapad. He surveyed the scarred, burnt landscape with a thoughtful frown, before waving behind him, beckoning Alderaanians with hovercrates to follow. No matter how many years he served in the Senate, no matter how long he sat in the Big Chair, he would never be able to shake his roots in relief work. If there was something to be done, he wanted to do it himself. It was... who he was. Moreso than any crown or title.

It was only then that Alicio spotted two forms waiting for him. A shallow grin caught his face, and after passing off his datapad to a worker, he went to meet them.

"Your Majesty," he said, offering a clipped bow to the young monarch. Then, he inclined his head to Cora, his smile filling out a little more. He addressed her with a humorous level of professionality. "Master Jedi. I come bearing gifts. Bacta, and enough bandages to make use of it. I would've brought some portable tanks... but they didn't fit in the shuttle."

"It's... a thank you, and an apology. This can't be an easy time to entertain guests. I'm sure we have plenty to discuss, but while I'm here, consider me a resource."

"How can I help?"

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"Chancellor Organa," Fabian addressed in an overly-stiff tone unfitting of his softer facial features. He gave an overly-stiff bow. "We are honored by your presence, and humbled by your generous gift. Ukatis thanks you."

His mannerisms were distinctly Ukatian. In their society, a poorly phrased greeting could be a social death blow.

Cora dipped her head, deeper than that of the two monarchs. She wore Jedi robes, navy and cream, cut in a style that borrowed elements from billowy Ukatian garments.

"We welcome you back to Ukatis, Chancellor." Her words were formal, but her tone familiar. Warm, even. A genuine fondness was worn in the polite lines of her smile. "How are Amani and the children?"

She sent a glance to Fabian, brow faintly quirked as if to say: See? I told you so.

"These supplies will be put to good use. We've established a central field hospital to triage cases, but some of the smaller clinics in the affected districts are running low on bacta." Fabian's voice was controlled, perhaps overly so. Speaking to public figures had a tendency to make him nervous. He'd been chided by the Jedi beside him for over-correcting, which made him sound too firm and blunted his sincere nature.

Cora pulled a datapad from beneath her cloak. A few taps, and several Ukatian aid workers appeared within the minute to guide their Alderaanian counterparts toward the nearest supply depot.

"A conversation is best had over a meal. Don't you agree?" Cora's smile widened a fraction. There was a faint chord of mischief in the manner that she spoke. Still polite, still pleasant. "I've informed the soup kitchen over there-" Her head tilted towards a spire rising from the rubble at the edge of the city. An intact cathedral. "-that we will be volunteering this afternoon."

It was not their meal they'd be conversing over.

Fabian looked a touch uncertain, adjusting the fringe of his perfectly coiffed auburn hair with a pristine glove. While he was not against ladling soup into bowls, no King of Ukatis had ever been caught performing such a menial task for commoner. It would turn the status quo on its head, he argued.

That's the point, Cora had insisted.

"Come now, we don't want to waste daylight."

She was quick to usher both Kings into the speeder - along with anyone else from Alicio's retinue who would come along - and make for the city.

Alicio Organa

 

[Alicio Organa]

It was his first time seeing King Albinac up close.

Alicio had made sure to do his research before coming, but digital records of Ukatis were scarce. He found it a little funny- the few detracting Ukatian voices he'd listened to had called Fabian a 'boy king'. Sure, they may have been referring to his experience, but... he and Alicio were the same age. Which, he supposed, made him a boy Chancellor.

My opponents in the Senate would enjoy that particular title, he thought with some amount of humor.

"We welcome you back to Ukatis, Chancellor. How are Amani and the children?"

His smile cooled a little, turning wistful with thought. "...Far," he finally decided on. "The perils of leadership. But we call every night." Amani was the headmaster of a traveling herdship temple, and Alicio was constantly involving himself across the Core, flitting around the Alliance like a starving hummingbird surrounded by flowers. Between both of their duties, finding time to meet with any regularity had proved impossible. But they made do.

"August and Liana are at the point they can create full sentences, and they do so liberally. I have no idea who they get that from." Alicio smirked. "They'll talk my ear off about their day, the friends they make, complain about the temple food... I'm happy to listen." Even though he couldn't be there to tuck them in... he wished them goodnight, every night, without fail.

Fabian knew where bacta was scarce? That was a point in his favor. Alicio nodded, glad that his gift had been a useful one. He knew the Dawn of Hope had visited the system- he was still a major benefactor of Jonyna Si 's initiative- so he had been mildly concerned they would be drowning in bacta, at this point. "Have your people connect with mine. They're prepared to help distribute. We even have a few medics, if your satellite centers are low on healers." After, Cora mentioned a meal, and Alicio raised an eyebrow. It seemed like a normal-enough request, but something about her tone...

Then, she revealed her twist, and Alicio's countenance visibly brightened. "That is an excellent idea." Too much had weighed on his mind, lately. It would be a breath of fresh air to work at a kitchen again. He glanced at the King, noticing his slight unease, but also the cautious willingness. Point.

He moved to follow Cora to the speeder, and was suddenly mugged by a stray thought.

"By the way... Congratulations are in order for your marriage, Cora. I would have told you at your wedding, but my invite must have been lost in the mail." He let some mischievous energy through, himself. He remembered a blessing, from a long time ago. "May your union be blessed with many strong, happy... memories."

- Corazona von Ascania -

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora's expression gained a measure of genial warmth when Alicio spoke of his family. "Are the twins really that old now? Goodness. I remember when August and Liana were toddlers at Amani's mastering ceremony."

It was a pleasant recollection, and a testament to their strength as a family that they continued to make things work within their particular set of circumstances. It was also heartening to know that as the children grew, so did their traits come into bloom.

She'd watched the same process in her younger siblings. Sweet little babies grew their own personalities.

Fabian nodded, seemingly a little relieved. "Certainly. Replenishing our bacta stores is a top priority."

Many things were a top priority.

As the royal trio bundled itself into the speeder, Cora blinked, then flushed at Alicio's well-wish. Not only for the implication that she'd forgotten to invite a King, Chancellor and friend, but for his subtle return of her own awkward blessing.

"Hear, hear," Fabian echoed with a faint tickle of amusement. "I must say, I am a tad disappointed that you didn't use my family's summer villa for the reception. You always loved it so, and we would've offered it in a heartbeat."

"That's because-", Cora paused to clear her throat, cheeks tinted a healthy crimson. "Well, I do apologize. I certainly would have invited you both, but we decided to keep it small."

"Just your families, then?"

"Just…well, us, actually. Just the two of us. I will relay your kind congratulations to Makko, though." She glanced to Alicio, looking a bit bashful. "Some memories are stronger than others, I suppose."

The drive wouldn't last for long, and the old speeder would come to a stop in front of a cathedral - miraculously untouched aside from a few broken windows, despite the rest of the block having sustained heavier damage.

"This building has stood for centuries," Fabian supplied as they exited the vehicle. "Through two foreign incursions and countless rebellions. Some call it a miracle."

"And some call it divine intervention," Cora murmured. "This church has served as a shelter in more ways than one."

The heavy oak doors were already propped open, but they'd pass through the threshold without fanfare. Pews had been pushed aside, and a steady mass of refugees and aid workers milled about. Towards the back of the cathedral, a makeshift cafeteria line formed along a series of old wooden tables.

Alicio Organa

 

[Alicio Organa]

"It doesn't feel that long ago that I held them in my arms, for the first time," Alicio agreed, matching her easy warmth with his own. Despite the distance, talking about his loved ones was the easiest way to improve his mood. "But now, Liana is creating entire melodramatic soap operas with her stuffed animals, and August has forced some of the Padawans at the Tython temple to let him crash the flight sims." Those in particular had been their topic of conversation last night. He could listen to them babble on and on about the adventures of Gooby and Miss Twinkle, or the simulator crashes that were so much fun.

As Alicio sat in the speeder, he smirked at Cora's sudden fluster, holding up a warding hand. "Don't worry. Amani and I may have had a big to-do, but we certainly discussed keeping it small. No worrying about guest lists and food tickets. Leaves more time for the two of you to enjoy each other's company." He looked innocent enough, finding something interesting to stare at, somewhere else.

It wasn't the first time Alicio's tongue had soured at the devastation he'd seen on Ukatis. Their speeder ride was a quick one, but not quick enough to hide the city's pain from the Chancellor. It may have been... presumptuous of him, but he viewed the Ukatis' people as his people, too. Just as much as Fondor's, or Coruscant's, or even Alderaan's. They were his responsibility, just as much as they were the new King's.

Alicio tilted his head up at the cathedral briefly, before noting the crowds of people inside. "When all else fails, faith endures," he said simply, sliding from the speeder with a cat's grace, and waiting for the others to follow. He kept in step with Fabian, nodding towards the makeshift kitchen area in the back.

"Corazona and I can start preparing food. But someone's going to need to organize the crowd." Was it a test?

...Maybe.

- Corazona von Ascania -

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Fabian glanced from Alicio to Corazona. He had to tilt his head, given that she flanked his other side, half a pace behind them. The Chancellor's tone curled in a particular way.

Cora gave Fabian an encouraging smile. Before either of the Ukatians could respond, a portly, red-faced woman trundled up to them. Ginger curls stuck out from beneath her cap, bouncing slightly with her hurried gate.

"'E's right, Yer Majesty. This lot'll organize 'emselves a lot smoother if the king 'imself ordered 'em to."

"Thank you, Mrs. Saltby." Cora stepped forward. "It's good to see you again. And thank you for making time for our guests - you already know of King Albinac, but today we have the honor of hosting the Chancellor of the Galactic Alliance and the King of Alderaan: Alicio Organa."

Mrs. Saltby gave the royal pair something that resembled a curtsy as she cleaned her hands on the skirt of her apron. She was a hardworking, busy woman who'd likely been up before the sun.

"Pleased to make your acquaintances, M'Lords." A quick dip of her head was added for good measure as her eyes scanned the crowds. "I'll leave this lot to- oi! Aggie, don't ya be bringing the bread out before the stew!" Pausing mid conversation, Mrs. Satlby craned her neck to chastise a teenage girl carrying a tray of loaves, who quickly scurried back to the kitchen.

The cook let out a heavy sigh before eyeing both Alicio and Cora. There was an intensity to her gaze, and perhaps a slight suspicion that she did not trust the pair of nobles to boil a pot of water between them. "Don't mean ta be rude, but if you two'll be helping, you can start by peelin' spuds. Go on now, Aggie will show you how it's done."

"Of course," Cora agreed with a nod. There was something about Mrs. Saltby that made you want to do as she said, as quickly as possible.

Fabian gave the pair a fleeting look before the head cook continued to bend his ear. As Alicio and Cora slipped into the kitchen, the latter would murmur, "that was intentional, wasn't it?"

Alicio Organa

 

[Alicio Organa]

It seemed Mrs. Saltby didn't trust a couple of nobles to have any level of proficiency in a kitchen. Which, Alicio figured on further reflection, made a lot of sense if one had only ever known the Ukatian royalty.

He returned the woman's bow, one hand drifting over his heart. "A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Saltby." It was... relaxing, almost, to have someone else running the show. He'd gotten too used to multitasking, juggling requisition orders and a ladle. It was like a pleasant vacation, having to only focus on one.

He was silent as he was directed to the cutting boards, only giving Fabian an encouraging half-smile as he left, and picked up a small knife. He rolled the tiny blade between his fingers, considering it for a moment. He preferred it over a peeler. It was how he'd done it, growing up on Balmorra.

"That was intentional, wasn't it?"

"Whatever do you mean, dear Caretaker?" He let the subtlest of sly grins eek out the corner of his mouth. He continued to stare at the knife in his hands... perhaps a bit too long. He blinked, then got to work, using his thumb on the dull end of the metal to guide the knife over the spud.

He would wait for Aggie to check their work, and get into the groove of prepping vegetables, before speaking again. His tone was a bit more even, but it hadn't lost it's humorous edge.

"There were plenty of options for the Crown. You likely could've installed anyone you wished for. So... why him?"

- Corazona von Ascania -

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora let out a hm! of acknowledgment to Alicio's wry tone. Potato in hand, her knife skimmed along the edge of the peel. From the corner of her eye, she glanced towards the Chancellor's own hands.

Perhaps that was just the way he contemplated things. She hoped that his podium or desk had implements that weren't as sharp.

"He's the former King Cholmondeley's great-nephew. The crown falls to him. It just so happened that he's a far more humane than his predecessor."

It made enough sense to satisfy both those who'd been loyal to the deceased king, and those who'd felt the impact of his greed. While Fabian's installment had plugged the power vacuum, his appointment hadn't sat well with everyone.

Alicio knew that Cora wasn't simply following Ukatian customs. By her own measure, she'd involved herself more in politics than any Jedi should - if Fabian hadn't been a decent choice, she would've thrown her weight behind another contender.

"He's something different. Palatable to both traditionalists and those who seek change. I had to pull him away from his art studio this morning, but…"

Cora craned her head to the side, angling to see out the open door to watch Fabian try and organize the crowd. He looked awkward and overwhelmed until Mrs. Saltby came to his rescue, banging a pair of pots together to hush the crowd and gain their attention.

"He still has things to learn, of course. It can't be easy trying to right a place like Ukatis after all it's suffered."

Alicio Organa