Eternal Defence

[Kay-Larr]

Kay knew that some wouldn't take her decision to go to Mandalore very well. In truth some would be enraged by it. Yet what she told both parties at the meeting when it was concluded, the reasonings that she gave were only half truths.

Now she needed to hold a private meeting with [member="Sentus Olan"] . And one where both could speak frankly and openly. They needed to make plans and have all of their bases covered for every possibility.

There was much at stake. There were lives at stake too. No decision in this situation came without consequences. It all boiled down to which consequence was smaller.

Pacing back and forth with a cup of Sapir tea in hand, Kay thought about what had transpired recently. And more importantly, how to move forward. An hour ago she had sent a message for Sentus to meet with her in the War Room of the Spire. No doubt he'd arrive right on schedule. More than likely he had questions too, or at the very least some strong opinions.

Kay was ready for both. She was used to that by many now.

 

[Thom Naudir]

Sentus nodded to the two Eternal Knights standing outside the War Room of the Spire. The door beyond them opened to reveal the Empress [member="Kay Arenais"] waiting for him. He entered the room quickly, bowing to the Monarch swiftly before beginning to withdraw several datapads from the bag he had around his waist.

"Empress, how may I be of assistance?"

He already had a fair idea what he was doing here, the datapads being proof enough. However, there was still some room for guess work at the moment. Perhaps he was being called to prepare the Eternal Empires forces for a potential war. It had been rumored for some time, but perhaps now was finally the time. he had several plans on such a possibility, with ever major and minor nation in the galaxy having its own dedicated war plan that Sentus would enact. Very few of them ended in actual victory, and most ended in a bitter stalemate at best, but given the current resources of the Eternal Empire even that outcome was desirable.

Only time would tell what was to be said here,

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay bowed her head as [member="Sentus Olan"] arrived. She took note of the many datapads that he held. Good. The man came prepared. She knew that she had the right man for the job as soon as she had hired him. So far he had proven his worth. But the real tests would come soon enough.

"I needed to speak with you on a few matters. But firstly, how do you feel about my decision to go to Mandalore? I'm going there to deal with a personal matter, but also to keep the Sith Empire away from here until there comes a time that we'd be strong enough to defend ourselves against them. My niece and her husband made it very clear that the Sith Emperor wants my head and will go where he needs to to get it. With help I was able to beat back his forces from Commenor and well...he doesn't like to lose. Being in Mandalorian space keeps me safe from him and his people.

And so it will bide us some time."

She sipped her tea. "So what's your opinion on that?"

 

[Thom Naudir]

"Ah, yes. The move..." The simple statement brought a aidgh from Sentus, something he would rarely do in formal company, but the subject in question was taxing. Rarely were there such levels of pros and cons heaped onto a single subject that Sentus could not decide which was more profitable, which more costly.

Pausing, Sentus folded his arms behind his back, thinking before speaking again. "For you Empress, the move is wise. You will find more safety with the Mandalorians then here. For Zakuul as well it may be safer. Without your presence there is no reason for our enemies, numerous as they are to harshly attack Zakuul." Turning, Sentus grimaced as he turned his head away slightly.

"However, such an action is not good for the Empire itself. To have its monarch fleeing and hiding behind the walls of another government does not encourage confidence. The cost of this action will be great both at home and abroad. I am aware they are your family, and things may be happening, but I must advise caution." Sentus had noted strange interactions and happenings at the recent summit with the Mandalorians. He was respectful of the Empress enough to not broach the subject openly, but he could no fully embrace sacrificing the Empire for a single woman.

No matter what she had sacrificed for the Empress...

[member="Kay Arenais"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

" [member="Jareth"] is to inform the populace that I am going on a quest. I am not abandoning them. I expect to be briefed daily during my time there. And I will come by when I can." Kay sipped her tea once more before setting the cup and saucer onto the table, her eyes longering on [member="Sentus Olan"] . "This won't be for long, I assure you." Or at least she hoped it wouldn't be.

Kay clasped her hands in front of her. "In the meantime while I am in Mandalorian space I can solicit MandalArms and utilize their shipyards to continue to build our fleets. The more diverse the designs, the more complicated it will be for our enemies to predict what our attacks will look like."

She looked down to the stack of datapads. No doubt Sentus had things to show her. "Now, is there any news of the First Order? Any recent attacks? Any intel?"

 

[Thom Naudir]

"The First Order has established themselves on a new world. They have renovated an old fortress and turned it into a formidable bastion. They are rallying themselves and preparing to make their move at returning to the galaxy at large. I would recommend, in response to their attacks on us, that we strike them there, fast and hard before they are able to muster against us."

He spoke slowly and carefully, turning his body slightly to orient himself towards the Empress again. He truly believed the First Order would be an enemy that the Empire would have to deal with eventually. Two entities such as themselves could not exist so close together, especially not in a region of space on used to control. The power dynamic would have to be addressed and dealt with before either group could expand to any considerable degree.

[member="Kay Arenais"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay nodded as she listened to [member="Sentus Olan"] 's report. Back Commenor, she'd of left the First Order alone and would have waited to only defend herself if they attacked again.

But this wasn't Commenor.

This was Zakuul. And she had to do things differently.

"See that it's done. If you believe that we have enough arsenal for the attack, then we should. It's better to strike at them before they regain their own strength. We cannot be seen in the wrong in this. Try to minimize civilian casualties, and also keep a channel open in case they want to talk."

The First Order were great at propaganda. And with the amount of people that voted herself and Zakuul a threat, they couldn't use bad publicity to further fan the flames.