Comes the Conqueror

[Faith Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]She nodded when he accepted the terms, she couldn’t help but laugh just a little he was playing along with her nicely giving her enough rope to hang herself with.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]It would seem he had played this game before. Was he giving great concentration to what the company for a vacation would be. “I acknowledge your devotion to duty sir” she said in the most calm and regal voice that she had.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Giving that little wave of the hand so practiced by royalty across the galaxy, that was for him to go on.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She arched a brow when he said your pleasure. He was accepting of his title of Knight-Errant. Thankful that he did not make fun of her giving him such a title. Chivalry perhaps was not dead across the galaxy.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Well now that list does require a specific type of woman that I know.. there is Ana Fa’leen of house Panteer, [member="Lady Kay"] though not royalty, but I can give her a title if it is an absolute necessity , and my sister Alyesa. And though I shouldn't, I would also put myself on that list.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She couldn’t help but notice that he was inching closer, “careful my Knight-Errant that you do not fall off the love seat” Her voice had dropped to just above a whisper.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]This is how Faith got in trouble, she was herself. Open, playful, and direct. It seemed that it was not as horrible as many had told her it was.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“So, do you want me to set up a few dates for you Knight-Errant? That way you can..see if any of them hit your fancy?” She smiled as she tilted her head, the question hanging there.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]This conversation had switched gears quickly, and unexpectedly. Is this what sharing personal history did? Drew people closer. Shared experiences that seemed to open wounds that had not healed, that had been buried. She knew she had buried hers over and over. She knew that it had been a very long time since she had been so openly flirtatious.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]"By the way the Princess thing there are places she doesn't exist" Surely he would know what that meant. [/SIZE]


[member="Darth Vulkan"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco listened to her carefully, playing around acting like he was weighing the options she laid out in front of him. "I suppose I have specific tastes. It might explain why I haven't been as successful as you claim I should have been." The man from Eriadu listed the names on his fingers as she spoke, smiling a little wider when she mentioned herself, her playful flirting having intrigued Draco greatly. It was a rare opportunity that presented itself today to him, and he intended to make the most of such an arrangement.

"Well, while I do not know Lady Fa'leen, her beauty cannot be awe inspiring like another you've listed as I had not heard of it before now. No matter my current standing with Kay, she is like a sister and would make poor company for such a vacation." He said, lowering his fingers as he listed off the first two options she had given him to consider, however he kept his eyes forward, on Faith.

"Then there is your sister, but if I was picking from members of the House of Organa," he paused, finally leaning off the love seat and propping himself against the ottoman she was sitting on, "I would prefer her beautiful sister." His voice was a whisper as he found himself only a short space away from her shimmering brown eyes. "And I think you would prefer that as well." He held his hand out to brush her hair away from her face and lean closer to the Princess of Alderaan. Draco had flirted with Alyesa, but not like this, not even close. They had only shared a few passing words, had no substance yet.

Sith Lord and Princess who served the Republic was ironic, almost star crossed, but Draco wasn't thinking much about that as his heart beat just a little faster. Places a Princess didn't exist? He had a hunch about what she meant, but decided not to say anything about it, waiting for her to commit to his move before continuing with plans for the future.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]“you might be missing out on something wonderful” she whispered even as he had shifted and now rested against the ottoman. She stared into the stormy grey eyes, yes he was still looking at her. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The seconds passed by[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]I would prefer her beautiful sister[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She caught her breath[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]And I think you would prefer that as well[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She didn’t say a word, as his fingers reached out to touch her hair. A gesture, a hint of the gentleness he contained.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She smiled, she lifted her hand, and it was a trembling finger that slowly reached out to touch his lips. Faith had only kissed one man in her life, was she going to kiss Draco? This moment she was scared and excited.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Was it wrong to do so? Was it cheating? Was it lust? Was it complicated?[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt] Maybe maybe yes always[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Life was too short for so many questions, and if she had learned anything it was that you do not know when it will end. She took away her hand. Her gaze still locked onto his.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She felt her breathing change shorter breaths, and the wings of mynocks were crashing in her stomach. Everything around them faded in her eyes, it was just them.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She wasn’t thinking now about anything else, not the Republic and not her family. She waited for the calm, the moment she knew when she had reached a decision and what to do.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]I’m out of practice [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]she thought he’s waiting. She studied his face for a moment looking deeply not only into him, but into herself.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]OH Feth it[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“You’re right, I do prefer it”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]She dipped her head and pressed her lips to his.[/SIZE]

[member="Darth Vulkan"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco closed his eyes and met her kiss, letting his hands move to embrace her gently, his anger and rage inside him boiling away. Loss had driven him to the verge, caused him to break and splinter into many, but with Draco there was not malice or hatred, only regret and fear. Fear to hope again and have it be dashed into a millions pieces before him once again. Regret that he had chosen the paths he had, taken the roads that had lead him into the arms of the Sith. Regret he had never lived in peace or found his own little corner of the galaxy to leave peacefully despite all his attempts.

But for this moment that was only a memory, all Draco could think about was hope. His heart beat increased as one hand carefully held the back of her neck, keeping her locked against him as the other found her waist, just holding Faith. He had questions, but they could all wait for now. The seconds fell away, and he thanked his Force Senses, allowing him to slow his perception, and live this in slow motion. It had been years since the man had been shown real affection, and it dulled away the pain of a dozen wars for that moment.

After what felt like minutes, Draco pulled away, flashing her a smile, remaining close to Faith, pressing his forehead to hers and softly kissing the tip of her nose. "Can you be seen with me?" He asked, self conscious about his status for the first time, regretful of his decisions to become a Sith Lord for the first time. "You know, because of what I am? Wouldn't that cause you some backlash, from your family, from the Senate?" His voice was filled with concern, he didn't want it to be true, but there was little chance she could be seen courting the Sith Lord without backlash. As much as he wanted to, he showed genuine concern for her reputation anyway. How much hope would be broken from her answer he could not dwell on, best to get it out of the way if she could not, but what little light there was left in Draco hoped she would not care what they thought. Surely she picked up on this anxiety.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

The kiss was gentle as she expected, the touch light,, and yet possessive. She lifted her hands to rest on his chest. It had been too long since someone kissed her so, too long. She seemed to lose her breath.

All too quickly the kiss ended.

She stood there his forehead to hers, her eyes closed for fear that opening them would awaken her to find this all a dream, and gone. The sound of his voice slowly piercing the fog of her brain. "Right now no. I'm still a Minister in the Republic. And Alderaan needs it's position clarified. Additionally" her fingers began to draw small circles on his chest, "the movements of my family must be completed."

She sighed, "I'm sorry Draco, I....wasn't expecting this...you. And yes there will be backlash from everyone who mistrusts the Sith, they will see you as a Sith, just as I did when I first saw you." She stood there with her eyes closed as they spoke softly together.

She did not want to be a source of pain or weakness for him. "So far it's a kiss, if you need to step away. Think about the repercussions. I understand. There's a lot of baggage that comes with being around me." she laughed softly.

"You might want to consider your position and how you are affected. I've endured heat before, I can do it again. But in the beginning it won't be easy..." Faith finally opened her eyes and tilted her head back so she could see him.

She couldn't help it she reached up and put her palm to his cheek, "Everyone me who knows me sees me as married. It is only by my mother's decree that she declares me a widow. Because I"m stubborn like that...so...think about it what you could face because of me." She kissed his chin.

Nothing was ever easy, never.

[member="Darth Vulkan"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco listened to her, his eyes displaying a hint of pain as she spoke, but no more than a hint. He held her close, letting his hand fill the small of her back and press her forward into the curve of his body with gentle pressure. "I understand your obligations to your world, to your family, Faith. I won't fault you or blame you for being loyal to those that are loyal to you. Backlash we can handle when it comes up, but for now, no one has to know but us and anyone you trust." Her warm breath kissed his neck, and he sighed deeply, eyes still closed, forehead resting against her own. Her touch on his chest caused his heart to beat a little faster.

He smiled as she kept talking, trying to warn him away. He wasn't at risk here, only her and her position. "Few good things in life are expected, Faith. I'll do everything I can to protect you if you'll have me. If that means hiding what we are in the shadows, then so be it. But I won't be walking away. I've literally walked through fire and brimstone to get where I am now, and that has brought me to you, which I'd consider it a good thing to have your path lead to a beautiful princess." His voice changed, more coy and playful for the last bit of that sentence, "So long as you will have me, I will be here with you, in body or in spirit." He couldn't imagine negative repercussions following him for being involved with a Princess, or a Senator for that matter. If anything he would have to ward off those that would wish him to manipulate her. Keeping to the shadows for now would probably work best for them both as far as the eyes of others. She leaned her head back, and for now they stood together, not separating.

When she spoke of being married he winced, remembering that she had lost a family, and as far as she knew they were gone now. "I don't care what other people think you are, or say you are, or wish you were, Faith. I only care about what you think you are. If your don't want me, I'll understand. I won't like it, I will fight it, but I will understand." Draco was the dominant personality for now, and if he could try and find happiness or comfort in Faith he would, but he was wary about her past, he didn't like the idea of losing all he fought for by some ghost of her past. He couldn't afford to be hurt again. If she was going to turn him away, it would have to be now. Her short peck of a kiss on his chin, reassured him, somewhat, causing his blood to rush to his cheeks. Perhaps she just needed time with him, they had only known each other a short time as it was. As time stretched on all their fears would melt away, perhaps his psychosis would as well, maybe she could help him with that problem.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Writer]

The call to the Minister of Intelligence would be intercepted and re-routed through a variety of security satellites around Alderaan and be pushed through to the Throne Room. Yes, the very room where Alyesa sat upon a silver and white chair, surrounded by a contingent of Royal Guards. The shimmering image of Alyesa would appear before the Senator of Kiribi. Her facial expression was lacking anything but amusement as hands would come together before her to clasp gently and rest in her lap. She was aware that the communications had come from Republic frequencies, but the more interesting point was that the frequencies were more private in nature. Of course, she had no idea as to who she was talking to – beyond a member of the Republic.

“This is Princess Organa, Heir to the Throne of Alderaan, leader of the Royal House of Alderaan.” She dare not say Queen, not yet anyways. She raised an eyebrow as she gestured before her to the holo. “I presume this is a communique to my sister, Senator Organa of the Alderaan.” She brought a hand down to rest in her lap. “How may we assist the Republic on this day?” A question that she really didn’t care to answer, especially to a government that was mired by corruption and greed. Alderaan had made it’s case. With the presence of the Mandalorian fleet over Alderaan, with the bolstering of the Royal Military Forces – she wasn’t afraid of reprisals.

[member="Suravi Teigra"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]The stood together as if melting one into the other, words of commitment that any woman would seek to have whispered to her. Faith smiled.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Faith kissed Draco again, drawing him as close as she could. Then she broke the kiss, “No, you will stay, I won’t have you running off. WE will figure this out” She caressed his cheek. Then the communications device broke the silence.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“That will be [member="Alyesa Organa"] I need to speak with her”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith reluctantly moved listening to her sister throw a bunch of titles around as if they impress her any, surely she was doing this to remind everyone around her that SHE was in charge.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Alyesa, this is Faith. I think we drop the formalities. I have left the peace accord with the mandalorians and came to Alderaan. I do not know what the status of the peace talks is, but it would seem that the Republic is very nonchalant about your announcement of leaving the Republic. I have with me Draco Vareen he has offered to help protect Alderaan until the Republic let’s go. I wanted to make sure that you were ok with this”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith looked back at Draco.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“I understand you two know each other already” Faith stepped back and motioned for [member="Darth Vulkan"] to approach and be seen.[/SIZE]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco's anxiety melted away when Faith echoed his willingness to commit to each other. Even if it was just giving each other and the possibility of a future a chance, taking it slow and hiding in the shadows to keep each other safe, her far more so than he. A second kiss from her, just as passionate and as soft as the last, and Draco's heart beat faster still, blushing as she touched his cheek with her hand, his eyes closing as he sighed. He had been angry and alone for so long, Faith's kindness, her flirtation, her affections, were a refreshing change of pace.

She had hammered his weakness, getting him to open up about Abigail, made him vulnerable, and then she had complimented her and paid attention to his hardships and woes, something no one had done before. No one had every acted like they actually cared where he came from and what had happened to him or his family. Now, here they were, standing together in a tight embrace. When Faith pulled away to answer her sister's call, Draco spoke quietly, "Don't...", but she did, and he couldn't blame her. She had obligations to her people, just as he did. Nevertheless Draco looked somberly at her as she answered the communication. He wasn't sad or upset that she had to, just regretful they couldn't enjoy their newly discovered emotions a bit more before then.

When she offered him the floor, he gave her a look of longing before stepping into view. "Ah, yes. We met earlier and came to a mutually beneficial business contract." Draco bowed at the waist, some before straightening and continuing on, "Without the Republic's fleet assets to protect Alderaan, and with the terms as they are I worried for the safety of the planet, so I offered assets from my own fleet to protect the system. Faith accepted on the conditions that while I am here I serve at the, ah, pleasure of the House of Organa." He almost emphasized the word Pleasure, but had been able to stop himself. Draco couldn't help it, he hadn't been smitten and vulnerable in a long, long time. "I accepted these terms, and my people will remain here for as long as we can, with your permission of course."

Draco was already anxious to return his attentions to Faith, but he couldn't hang up on the Princess of Alderaan, nor could he demand to be left alone.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]
[member="Alyesa Organa"]

 

[Writer]

The image of Faith would appear to the left of the Senator of Kiribi. Alyesa held her facial expression, closing her eyes and letting off a soft sigh. “This apparently is a call for you, Senator.” She emphasized the word Senator, ensuring to open her eyes at the most opportune moment to stare at the hologram of [member="Faith Balor-Organa"]. “It appears the Republic is trying to relay a message to you and our security satellites intercepted it.” She raised a hand and gestured. “Do you care to take it Senator Organa, or shall I ask they call back another time?”

Her left hand raised as she placed the holocall with the Senator on hold for a moment before shifting her gaze back to Faith. “I will ensure formalities are kept because it’s the right thing to do Faith, need I remind you as a Princess of the Crown – you have obligations as well.” She gestured. “You also serve as a representative of the Royal House to the government that has failed us. Now, you make an alliance with the Mandalorians when I’m trying to free us from any government hold?” She sighed heavy.

The mention of Draco caused her eyes to narrow. “Oh yes, we have purchased quite a bit of military strength from his company and I met with him briefly for a business transaction – beyond that I agreed to their presence.” She shrugged lightly and gestured. “I believe you have business of your own to handle with the Republic dear sister. We shall handle our own family squabbles on less public communications.” She stood and inclined her head. “Have a good evening.”

With a wave of her hand, the holocall with the Senator would resume, however, it would be between only Faith and Suravi as Alyesa disconnected her end.

[member="Suravi Teigra"] | [member="Darth Vulkan"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith stepped back into the holo and waited for Senator from Kiribi to speak [member="Suravi Teigra"] . She smiled and "Senator Teigra, are you there?"

Faith sometimes lost her calm and considering the events of the last few days, yes her mind was a bit scrambled. She looked over at Draco to see what he was doing, she figured he was calling a meeting of the Alors by now.

This was when being a politician was difficult knowing that others would never see what you see. but still it was worth the try to tell them.

[member="Alyesa Organa"] [member="Darth Vulkan"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

"Yes I am. It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Minister."

Inside her penthouse, she had been pacing around. There were photo-receptors and acoustics situation through the entire residence, so Faith may have been able to see a hologram of her walking around her home toward her study, a small hiss coming from door unsealing itself for entry. In contrast to the ultra-modern stylings of the rest of her penthouse, the study had a quaint quality about it. All the walls were lined with shelves filled with real books and other ancient artifacts. In the spaces between the shelves, there were either oil paintings hanging, or sculptures standing. The air was filled with the sweet scent of her hand-crafted wooden furniture, fashioned with premium Resinwood from Mandalore. The room would seal itself as she took her seat in a cushioned wicker seat behind her desk, much like a tomb.

"I've received reports of a Mandalorian battle group being sighted in your system. Can you confirm this?"

She cut straight to the point, knowing that by reputation, the woman wasn't one that who liked to dally with circle talk.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

If there was one thing Draco was it was impatient. He didn't like waiting for others to make decisions, he didn't like slowing down to let them breath and change their minds about military actions. He would call the Alor'e Council as soon as he could, but he hadn't taken his leave of Faith, and he was still interested in staying near her, waiting for her command. Right now he was unofficially her Knight-Errant, and so it wouldn't do for him to simply walk away and make the call to the council. Later tonight he would.

"I've received reports of a Mandalorian battle group being sighted in your system. Can you confirm this?"

Draco snorted a little, Mandalorian Battle group sighted. That meant there was someone making a call from the local system to the Republic. Draco's forces had slipped through One Sith space, one of the many benefits to being a well established mercenary with a spotless record of victory. That said, he was rethinking his allegiances with them. He was loyal to Mandalore, and if the clans called him to fight the Sith he wouldn't think twice, but now he was reconsidering taking their millions of credits and rare, ancient knowledge.

"It's alright, I didn't bring a fleet to be secretive about it." He said, standing off out of view. "But, I do serve at your pleasure, not my own interests." Or he would have hung up on the Senator and went back to his conversation with Faith.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]
[member="Suravi Teigra"]

 

[Faith Organa]

"Yes that is true" It was odd how fast news often traveled. And it was a relief to have someone actually be direct and not have to give a flowery speech followed up by a list of titles. Faith looked over at Draco , "There is nothing to hide, Alderaan space belong to Alderaan it can have it in whomever the Queen decides has the right to be there, and today the right belongs to the Mandalorians, and besides I'm hoping that their presence will encourage my Aunt to come home for visit. Considering how threatened she has felt to cross into Republic space to visit home."

"How are things on Kiribi today?" She smiled. Not that she was trying to change the subject she was being polite. As a Politician she knew the benefit of being polite, as much as she knew getting to the point went further than the daily dance.

[member="Suravi Teigra"] [member="Darth Vulkan"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

"Kiribi is currently in a state of suspense because of a now confirmed incursion by Mandalorians, right on the tails of their invasion of Roche."

She interpreted the Minister's question as an attempt at some deflection, so she was keeping focus on the issue at hand.

"Due to recent events, the government of Kiribi currently considers the Mandalorians a hostile force, so you may be able to understand my concern with news of a detachment appearing over Alderaan. Is everything alright there?"

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

((I'm playing as if [member="Darth Vulkan"] being out of earshot of Faith's mic since he's not making direct use of it. If that's not the case, then I will edit my post to acknowledge him in the background.))

 

[Faith Organa]

"The mandalorians are not hostile to Alderaan, or to me, and my family. House Organa has family ties to the Mandalorians. Everything is fine here, my mother Queen is resting comfortably."

Faith exhaled she did not want to be glib, or uncaring. "Would you like to come for a visit Senator?" One thing Alderaan had rarely turned away visitors who wanted to see what had to be done to restoring Alderaan.

Perhaps holos of the leviathan that had to be dealt with from under the black palace, or the throne meant to control creatures, or even the vong forming that had taken over the planet. yes they had it all documented for the archives.

No one paid attention to Alderaan then did they, but suddenly park a fleet in the system, everyone notices.

[member="Suravi Teigra"] [member="Darth Vulkan"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco stayed off screen, but approached, close enough to the microphone to be heard, though remained unseen, especially since he would not be appearing in his traditional armored visage. He wasn't happy about having ships come and go from Alderaan as he was unprepared for check points, but then again his mission was to secure the system. "I just wouldn't advise showing up in a Star Destroyer." With an ocelot backing up four of the toughest close combat ships there was, one being a full scale battle cruiser.

He looked at Faith with more than a little longing, just wanting to return to just the two of them, free from interuptions and distractions. He knew that wasn't going to happen often, that her position and responsibilities would make it difficult to spend time with her and that his alignment with the Force made it necessary for them to remain hidden.

"Transmit your transponder code for your ship open and obvious, and expect to be targeted with a stealth null weapon upon re-entry."

[member="Suravi Teigra"]
[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

"Be that as it may, the true designs of the Mandalorians remain unclear to Kiribi at this time, so I must act with a healthy dose of suspicion. I will take you up on your invitation, but I would like to bring a small fighter escort, and a security detail for the ground. I don't think my government would allow me or any Kiribian dignitary to come to your system with anything less."

She was pleasantly surprised by the invitation. Alderaan had always been on the mind of the woman, as she saw some economic opportunity with the wealthy planet. Commercial deals, and defense contracts with a system that fell right near the border between the Galactic Republic and the empire of the One Sith. Through the Oraganas, she saw the chance to open up relations with the Mandalorians. As a Republic Senator, she followed the line of the Mandalorians being belligerents, but privately, she saw a potential ally as Kiribi was quietly making its own moves.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]
[member="Darth Vulkan"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith turned the mic off looked at Draco, "What she asks is not unreasonable, I would as the same if it were me. I say let her come, and allow her the guards. She is outnumbered on Alderaan by Alderaan forces, and she doesn't seem a threat. She's concerned, wants to be sure her own home is safe."

Faith wasn't seeking his permission, she was only describing her point of view. His fleet against her fighter escort, no match. Faith turned the mic on, "by all means Senator we understand the concerns, we look forward to receiving you"

Faith nodded. And waited to ensure the Senator had no other questions.

[member="Suravi Teigra"] [member="Darth Vulkan"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco shrugged at Faith, largely unconcerned with the Senator from Kiribi, mostly interested in his own affairs. "Perhaps I could escort you personally while she's here though. I'd be lying if I said I didn't worry." He did worry some, that the Republic would see a threat and attempt to assassinate that threat. At least if the target was him, he could do something about it. Its not like he was easy to sneak up on or trap.

After Faith turned the mic back on he remained silent, standing just out of view of the holoprojector and waiting patiently for Faith, not for the Republic or their senators, but for her. He knew better than to start making demands and issuing orders to the Princess, but he did have his concerns for her safety.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]
[member="Suravi Teigra"]