Star Wars Roleplay: Chaos

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Deputy Ambition

Rahn Haaku

Minister of Foreign Affairs, CSA
Rahn Haaku's personal diplomatic vessel, the Jaded Flame, glided through hyperspace. The passing stars glinted and reflected off the ship's iridescent green hull causing it to shimmer like a gem. It was from this opulent display that the vessel had gained its name. Corellians would tell you a sentient's choice in starship reveals a lot about themselves. Glancing at the green Charger c70 retrofit, a Corellian could gauge that its owner was vain and materialistic. However if attention were placed on the ship's weaponry, oversized engines or shield generator specs, they'd see an owner who was either paranoid or prepared.

As for the owner himself, he could be found lounging in his private quarters. Removing a pipe from his lips he exhaled a plume of smoke. Sighing happily he let himself sink into the memory-mesh couch. He raised the pipe again and inhaled, letting his mind go blank and his anxiety disappear to be replaced by a sense of calm and euphoria. Rahn had initially used such sedatives to combat his species' biological weaknesses, the most notable being that Neimoidian skin turns pink when they are stressed or scared. This biological betrayal of his own insecurities would surely ruin negotiations and as such he chemically suppressed those emotions. However in the years since, he had grown quite fond of the inebriating affects.

"Sir, we are about to drop out of hyperspace." Reported a silver plated protocol droid. Rahn's orange eyes turned lazily towards his translator and perhaps the closest thing he had to a friend. "Very good TC-14, inform the pilots to begin land as soon as possible."
Rahn rose from his couch slowly before making his way across his lavish stateroom. His hands waved across an invisible sensor that opened a hidden compartment where he stashed his pipe. He had survived many years thanks to his paranoia and suspicion. He was a Neimoidian who covered his tracks well.

"May I suggest the red and gold Cyrene silk robes with blast-mesh undercoat?" TC-14 was already at his master's large wardrobe, his robotic arms stiffly holding out the chosen garment.

Rahn accepted with a grumble and began fastening his blast-proof armor around his mottled grey torso. He complained about the armor's weight and how stiff it was every time he donned it, however his instinct of self preservation was strong enough to override a daily inconvenience. As he dressed he had TC-14 recite to him the daily briefing that his staff had prepared. The faithful protocol droid reviewed the recent xxile of Commenor's King and provided his staff's impact analysis of the event.

It was these recent upheavals that had forced Rahn to return to Commenor with all possible haste. A Royal summons was not to be ignored and as far as Rahn was concerned the queen remained firmly in control. He would present himself as a loyal supporter and reap the benefits of the confusion. It was an opportunity to make himself indispensable if he played his cards right, and once that was done, he could return to Cato Neimoidia and take his revenge on those who had cast him out...

____________________________________________________________________________


Having landed at one the Presidential Palace's landing platforms, the Jaded Flame's boarding ramp lowered with a hiss of released steam. As Rahn stepped into the light he squinted and raised a grey hand to shield his eyes. Commenor was a beautiful world to most sentients but for now the beauty of Chassin city's landscape was lost on the Neimoidian. He was followed down the ramp by his entourage of staff, advisors, bodyguards and TC-14.

[member="Lady Kay"]
[member="Rys'sya"]
 

Kay-Larr

Sphaera Tea Company Owner
[member="Rahn Haaku"] and his staff were greeted by Palace security. Tensions were a little higher than normal, so each person was checked for both identification and weapons. Right now they couldn't be too careful and the Deputy Minister was sure to agree with such precautions. Afterall, he had brought his own bodyguards.

The group were escorted through the main entrance and down the hall towards Kay's office. A small foyer which held Olivia's desk were right by the door. The desk sat empty at the moment, with either side of the office door guarded by Imperial Sentinals.

Earlier in the day Kay had sent word for [member="Adron Malvern"] to join her, along with her new assistant [member="Rys'sya"] . Although the latter hardly ever left her side, tending to nearly all of the needs that the Commenori Queen allowed her to. But it was kind of nice to have someone else do her hair, and have someone to sit and drink tea with. But the young woman still needed to learn that she wasn't a servant. One of these days she'll get to understand that.

Kay sat at her desk, drinking tea and going over her notes that Rys had provided for her. A cup of tea rested beside her datapad, it's contents bringing a calming aroma to the office. She looked up as the door opened, curious as to the sheer number of people that the Deputy Minister had chosen to bring with him.

As was protocol, she waited for him to greet her first, but she did so with a pleasant smile on her face.
 
​The halls of Commenor were becoming an increasingly reoccurring sight in Adron's day to day. In the mornings he often took time to train the Imperial Sentinels in the court yard. By the afternoon he was likely in his own quarters or roaming the palace. Yet it never failed that the Queen tended to set her meetings later in the day, causing a bit of travel on the man's part. As he moved down the long winding halls, he whistled a small tune.

​Perhaps he had been coming into an increasingly better mood lately. It surely seemed he had been enjoying his days a bit more than usual. As usual he was clad in a slate suit, with a regal cape that hung over his right shoulder, falling just below his waist. The cape held a modest, yet noticeable crest that fell over his shoulder. An avian of some kind, wrapped in a blanket of blue flames. It had been some time since the exiled Count had worn the standard of his House. Perhaps it was the setting he now found himself, or even the release of the Imperial uniform that brought on such fashionable choices.

​Flanked by one of his own Imperial Sentinels, the man approached Kay's office with a confident stride about him. Once he reached the door, he offered a polite tap before allowing himself in. The sight of his Queen sitting at her desk, hosting the very familiar cup of Sapir tea was almost amusing.

​Placing a hand on his waist, he bowed his head respectfully as he greeted her. "My Queen." With the formalities seen to, he made his way over to her side, where he often stood in matters of business. "And what do we know of this applicant, My lady?" He said, turning himself immediately to business.

[member="Lady Kay"][member="Rahn Haaku"]
 

Rahn Haaku

Minister of Foreign Affairs, CSA
As if sensing the Queen’s gaze on his entourage he raised his hand and waved it to dismiss them. All but the silver protocol droid left with hurried bows. Rahn silently cursed himself for the oversight. Bringing along his entourage of aides and assistants had become second nature during his diplomatic tours. Their presence and collective intelligence was intimidating in negotiations and they also served a dual purpose of stroking the Neimoidian’s ego. But today he was in the presence of the Queen. He was a member of her retinue and in her presence and service he must divest himself of personal liberties.
His mind raced to find an appropriate explanation in case she had taken offense to their presence.

“Your eminence.” The Neimoidian greeted her with a low, sweeping bow. “You are truly the radiant jewel of our systems.” After the appropriate respect had been conveyed by the length of his bow, he finally rose. “It is a great honor to receive your royal summons. Forgive my staff, I believed that seeing your highness would serve as an inspiration. How may I be of service?”

As the Niomoidian’s question hung in the air, his mind raced with questions. He was in the dark as to the implication of the King’s exile and their circumstances. He hated to admit it, but he had not kept up with the court or domestic politics. The fashionably dressed man at the queen's side had labeled him an "applicant". But to what, Rahn was not yet sure. He was grateful that he was still in a state of chemically induced calm. If not for the sedatives his heart would be beating fast enough to cause his cranial sacs to swell, perhaps even more embarrassing, his skin would turn a shameful pink with the release of stress hormones. Fortunately he remained composed, the perfect picture of a venerable Neimoidian diplomat.


[member="Lady Kay"]
[member="Adron Malvern"]
 
Rys'sya had been busying herself about the Queen's office when the Royal Advisor, [member="Adron Malvern"], entered the room. As always, the Miraluka woman felt his approach before he even reached the threshold of the room. Without lifting her gaze from her current task, the delicate woman offered an almost cheerful greeting. "Greetings, Advisor Malvern." She would fall silent afterwards, her quick announcement of his arrival serving dual purposes, firstly to greet, and secondly to draw the Queen's attention to him.

As he moved to take his customary position by Kay's side, Rys'sya would find an unobtrusive moment to offer the man a refreshment, before either fetching him his requested beverage, or simply falling silent to observe if he asked for none.

It was at this time the Miraluka felt a large retinue of people approaching. Delicate lips parted into an 'O' if surprise, fingers rising to attempt to cover her surprise. "I don't think I have quite enough tea made...." the diminutive woman whispered to herself, before the apparent head of the procession waved off his entourage.

It was at this time the young Miraluka would make the same offer to the Neimoidian, provided a socially acceptable window of opportunity, to fetch a refreshment of his preference, before either moving to fulfill said request, or taking a seat at her side desk to begin taking applicable notes for [member="Lady Kay"] to review later.


[member="Rahn Haaku"]​
 

Kay-Larr

Sphaera Tea Company Owner
Kay wasn't surprised that [member="Adron Malvern"] was the first to walk in. The man was always so prompt. She bowed her head to him. "Afternoon." He soon took up his usual position. However instead of answering his question straight away, she remarked on his attire. "Looking rather sharp today, Lord Malvern. I don't believe that I've seen that cape before." However the crest was similar to that of Commenor's. "The applicant is the Deputy Minister. By rights it should be him that takes up the vacant post, but let's see if he's well suited for it first."

She glanced over to [member="Rys'sya"] as she remarked on not having enough tea as the entourage stepped in. It was rather funny and Kay would have laughed if they were in private. But they weren't, so she refrained herself.

Her full attention was then brought to [member="Rahn Haaku"] as he greeted her, doing her best keep a polite smile as he indulged her with flattery. That was the Neimoidian style, of course. Kay just hadn't often been among those of that race.

"It's quite alright, Deputy Minister, your staff are welcome. I will be sure to meet them a bit later once our business here is concluded." She glanced down to her datapad and then back up to Rahn, her eyes studying him, not with judgement, but to gage his reactions. "As you may or may not be aware, the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs has become vacant. So I am going through a list of applicants and prospects. Being the Deputy Minister, well it's understandable that you are at the top of my list. So I must ask you; are you interested?"
 

Rahn Haaku

Minister of Foreign Affairs, CSA
Hearing those words elicited a surprising reaction. His facial muscles contracted to produce the the closest thing a Neimoidian could get to a beaming smile. It was already too late to try to regain his composure, so he attempted to embrace honesty. "Your highness, It would be the honor of a lifetime to be your chief ambassador. If you would accept my service, I would be able to move quickly to ensure our neighbors know that recent political shifts have not shaken your resolve or the CSA's commitment to its values."

He was entering his end-game now. Years of work, of sacrifice, of self control, were finally about to pay off. A promotion of a Neimoidian to the queen's cabinet would be a boon to his species. They would see it as a sign of respect and enfranchisement. This would effectively guarantee Cato Neimoidia's continued support of the CSA and Rahn was perfectly happy to use this to his advantage. It was one of the few times being a Neimoidian may actually have helped him.
He hoped that TC-14 was recording every moment. Rahn imagined being enthroned on Cato Neimoidia, his gutless enemies at his feet, forced to watch a montage of his greatest moments as they contemplated their failures.

[member="Lady Kay"]
[member="Rys'sya"]
[member="Adron Malvern"]
 
​Adron had never been a fan of crowds or entourage. It was usually a fruitless show of power or station, unless the men were some sort of guard. If not, such thing were not necessary. Drawing his lips into a thin line, Adron arched a brow as he watched the man, not taking a moment to comment on him, merely assessing him.

​When the Queen's advisor approached him with an offer of tea he glanced over to the girl. Her, much like the Nemoidian guest, was someone he intended to learn more about. Yet he waved her off, not requiring any manner of beverage. The Queen spoke of the Deputy Minister and the position he held, it was far from enough to convince Adron he was the correct man for the job. His flattery and eccentrics were met with a neutral gaze from Adron.

"My Queen. I believe it would be wise to start the Deputy Minister on a trial period. In the Imperial Army before a Moff may become a High Moff he is subjected to two months in the jobs position. If he works well over the next few weeks. Allow him the position, if he fails. He remains the Deputy." He suggested.

[member="Rahn Haaku"][member="Lady Kay"][member="Rys'sya"]
 
The young Miraluka remained at her desk, silently recording what information she felt the Queen would find useful, monitoring the presences of those within the room. The Queen was warm and inviting, as always. Her Advisor, however, was observing the Neimoidian with acute scrutiny.... though the young Miraluka could almost swear that a small fraction of that scrutiny was directed at herself.... The only sign of her perception of this was the faintest angling of her head, before redirecting her focus onto the guest of the hour.

The Neimoidian was eager. Earnest. More than ready to dive into this position that the Queen placed before him. But, he had self-serving reasons within him. He did not effectively bury his thoughts.... At least, not effectively enough to go unnoticed by the mental observations of this particular mistress of mentalism. He was quite ambitious.... But, such ambition could prove very useful to the Queen, if directed in just the right manner....

A soft shaking of her head, the young woman couldn't quite permit herself to continue that train of thought. No, she would rather not mention manipulating ones ambition to the Queen. If that was a tactic that Kay wished to act upon, it would be from someone else, not from her lowly Assistant.


[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Rahn Haaku"] | [member="Adron Malvern"]​
 

Kay-Larr

Sphaera Tea Company Owner
Kay smiled more as [member="Rahn Haaku"] seemed to be very willing to accept the role. Well that was certainly a good sign. In hindsight onmy a fool would turn it down, but then again people have different aspirations and like to use their work for her government as a stepping stone for bigger and greater things. And she wasn't the type to force anyone to stay with her, for that would only brew resentment.

She listened as [member="Adron Malvern"] spoke. Such a method of a trial period was not unusual, but was something that she hadn't really done much before. Kay nodded in agreement. "I like your suggestion, Lord Malvern. It's certainly one that could be implemented here today." She glanced over to her assistant [member="Rys'sya"] , watching as her fingers flew on the datapad as she took her notes. Before long, Kay looked to the Deputy-Minister once again. She figured that she knew the answer to her own question, but felt the need to ask it anyways. "How does that sound? You'll be the acting Minister until the trial period is over. There'll be bedchambers and office provided for you here, as well as an office in the Senate Hall. Your time on your own home world will be limited..." There was plenty of travel to be had in this job. Even more so than being just the Deputy Minister. Hopefully he understood that.
 

Rahn Haaku

Minister of Foreign Affairs, CSA
TC-14 had remained at his master's side, ignored for the most part by the sentients. His left photo-receptor was moving imperceptibly as it recorded the conversation and its participants. Rahn often had his faithful protocol droid record events in order to review them at a later date. Some were analyzed to build profiles on new and important individuals, some were used as blackmail, and still others were spirited away to Rahn's private collection of triumphs,

TC-14 had been in Rahn's service long enough to know that he would want to begin building files on those closest to the Queen. Their time traveling the stars had made it difficult to stay up to date with the more nuanced court politics. The droid's small camera panned across the room to focus first on the young female assistant to the queen. She was well dressed as was expected for a handmaiden or some other such position, however her most distinguishing characteristic was the curious eye covering. While made from the finest materials, the droid questioned why one would willingly eschew their ability to see.
After the appropriate amount of time TC-14 moved its attention towards the older, more imposing man at the queen's side.

Rahn's eyes narrowed with irritation as the caped man, a noble by the look of his crest, created yet another small obstacle for him to overcome. He studied the man more closely. He sincerely hoped that the droid was recording, for its sake. This would be an important holo-vid to revisit and analyze.

"A most judicious decision your highness." He said with benevolence in his voice. He shot a quick look of challenge at the man in the slate grey suit before continuing. "Cato Neimoidia will still be there when I am relieved of service. For now my thoughts rest only on the successful execution of our foreign policy agenda."

[member="Lady Kay"]
[member="Rys'sya"]
[member="Adron Malvern"]
 
​As the Queen praised Adron's suggestion, he nodded his head respectfully. Now the Nemoidian would be afforded a standard to prove himself. Adron glanced over to the Queen's assistant. He could sense her in the Force as something he viewed as an anomaly. Her sight rested in the Force, and as she neutrally reached out to probe the individuals in the room, Adron specifically did something quirky. Focusing on the Force, he would place a barrier in his mind, just in case the Miralukan decided to go digging. There were few people, who had not already gained access through a back door, that could penetrate Adron's mental barrier. The Advisor gave off a soft tsk as he thought of the few individuals who had gained access to his mind, a reminded failure on his part.

​He turned to glance over at the Queen's assistant, smiling for the briefest moment before turning to the Nemoidian, to him he offered a knowing smile. The look of challenge was welcomed, yet met with the sugar of politics. "Well, now that the Deputy Minister has agreed, we should consider hosting a dinner soon. There have been a lot of staff changes lately. It would do good for the public to see us all together, in good spirits."

[member="Rahn Haaku"][member="Lady Kay"][member="Rys'sya"]
 
It wasn't so much 'probing', as she received the information she did simply by being able to see an individual, but she couldn't help but watch in amusement as [member="Adron Malvern"] actively erected a mental bastion. Paranoia? Or a test? the young Miraluka mused, unable to keep the corners of her delicate lips from curling into a slight smirk. She had little to provide to the present strain of conversation.... At least, not until Adron mentioned hosting a 'dinner'. Her mind reeled. A dinner? As in, with all the upper echelon of Commenori society?

The young woman knew for certain there was no way she would be present at such a fete.... But, then she withdrew momentarily, internally speaking, as she realized with a slowly dawning horror... I am the Queen's assistant.... would.... would she need me to be present?! The thought was almost too much to take in. She have a faint shake of her head, before rapidly setting upon her data-pad, pulling up whatever relevant decorators, caterers, and entertainers that would be required for such an event, should the Queen agree with her Advisor's recommendation. These lists were compiled into a single file, and transmitted swiftly to [member="Lady Kay"]'s corresponding pad on her desk, almost as suddenly as Adron made the suggestion.

Meanwhile, the young woman internally warred with herself over what in the Force she'd wear to such an event....


[member="Rahn Haaku"]​
 

Kay-Larr

Sphaera Tea Company Owner
Kay nodded as once again, [member="Rahn Haaku"] had agreed with her decision. However there was something else there when he looked to [member="Adron Malvern"] . And although she hadn't been around many Neimoidians, she believed it to be a growing hatred. Well, it wasn't as though the two were in competition to one another. Yet it made her wonder....

Her attention then turned to her Royal Advisor as he suggested a dinner be arranged for them all. "A dinner? Well, I suppose that'd be a good idea. Perhaps we could open it up for our allies to send their dignitaries as well. However many would show, I'm not so sure. There's still some damage control needing to be done after Veiere's....bad choices." That was a mild way of putting it. And despite having to appear as though he was her enemy, she still found that rather difficult.

Her datapad pinged and she looked down to the files that [member="Rys'sya"] had sent her. Wow, she was quick. Kay looked up to each of them. "How about in a few weeks time? That'll give Minister Haaku enough time to settle himself in before he is formally introduced."
 

Rahn Haaku

Minister of Foreign Affairs, CSA
"A few weeks leaves me ample time to put out the diplomatic fires your highness. If I have your leave, I shall begin my work immediately." He said with another sweeping bow. He hoped that the ambivalent commitment to 'a few weeks' meant more than a month, he'd need at least that time to begin repairing the damage that had been wrought. Under the King's command Allied worlds were openly attacked by an intergalactic community whose primary cultural export was neutrality, diplomacy, and respect towards intergalactic sovereignty laws. It was a mess to be sure. Rahn considered whether or not he'd even be able to settle into his new offices in the palace or if he'd be cruising the space-lanes for the foreseeable future.

[member="Lady Kay"]
[member="Adron Malvern"]
[member="Rys'sya"]
 
​It seemed the matters for the evening were coming to a close. The Acting Minister would step into his affairs, in the meantime the crown could organize a dinner in honor of the Alliance's new staffing. Adron did well to hide his satisfaction, at least most of it, yet his lips were drawn into a thin smile as he watched the Nemoidian prepare to take his leave. Turning his attention back to the Queen he would offer a soft nod as he spoke.

"Well, if all things go correctly, the Minister should be able to take his new position right before the dinner. By then we will also have some time to clear up the damage done in the past few months." He said to the Queen. "Commenor will appear stronger than ever." He assured her.

[member="Rahn Haaku"][member="Lady Kay"][member="Rys'sya"]
 

Kay-Larr

Sphaera Tea Company Owner
Kay bowed her head as [member="Rahn Haaku"] requested to leave. He seemed eager and confident in this promotion. That may be a good thing. Only time will tell the level of his dedication. "Yes, you may get started. We'll keep in touch. I'll exoect daily reports from you very soon."

She looked up to [member="Adron Malvern"] as he spoke. He didn't really answer her question in regards to opening up the dinner for their allies. Perhaps he thought it best that they didn't. Yeg still the media had to be there if they were going to show the CSA that they were strong. "Yes, the dinner shall be good for all of us." And no doubt she'll have to put on a brave face for it too. But it'll be a step towards a new future and her life without her husband nearby.

Kay picked up her tea and had a sip before looking to her new assistant [member="Rys'sya"] . "You'll be joining me, won't you?"
 
The young Miraluka observed the exchange in silence, a soft smile on delicate lips as the meeting seemed to be a successful one. She was still curious as to what the advisor was attempting to hide, but not curious enough to actively invade the sanctity of one's mind. That was a pastime of her previous life. That's not to say the temptation wasn't there.... she just didn't wish to indulge her more base impulses.

Somewhat pleased with herself for behaving, the young woman took up her own glass of tea, and was mid-sip when the Queen asked if the assistant would be attending the dinner. This caused a chain reaction, as she was mid-swallow as her throat seized up with sudden anxiety. After a very brief, and equally sudden, fit of coughing to clear her throat, the Miraluka turned her sightless gaze to the Queen, nervous confusion evident on her face.

"I... uh... me? I w-would be ho-honored, your majesty!" the assistant stood quickly, smoothing get dress awkwardly before giving a respectful bow. She cursed herself silently, knowing full well that her visible cheeks and her ears, partially obscured by her hair, were flushed, burning with embarrassment. She didn't dare reach through the Force, fearful of the humor the two were likely enjoying at the expense of the socially awkward woman.

Her Majesty invites you to the formal dinner, and you muck it up like an over-eager child. How foolish... she scolded herself internally.



[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Rahn Haaku"]​
 

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