Fresh Faces, New Places

[Kay-Larr]

Kay sat in the back of one of the tea houses in Chasin City. It wasn't far from the Presidential Palace, but she liked the change in scenery and didn't like to be so formal all the time. Many of her Cabinet Ministers were removed due to corruption. So day by day she was filling in the positions. Embassies were being built and she needed someone to help oversee them and see to their needs. The last thing that she needed was any of them to start fighting with eachother, or with the Commenori.

She sipped her tea and awaited the next person that she was set to meet and interview, [member="Riven Black"] . It was still a bit early, so he had some time. Kay looked over her datapad at some pending permits while she waited.

 

[Riven Black]

There were many places in the galaxy that had their fair share of traffic, but nothing compared to the trading outpost of Commenor. With influx from the core worlds to the outer rim, Commenor dealt with all products, near and far. The real feature that tickled Riven's fancy, was the planets vast array of grub. The streets of Chasin City were filled with restaurants, cooks, and tenders. The nights were lively, but the days were all business. Commenor needed fresh respective into the world, something that one man happened to have. With little knowledge of many cultures and eager to learn, Riven had been making a name for himself.

Through his travels he liberated many people in the out-rim planets. Some other ministers in the unknown region even praised him for his speech, that basically prevented an uprising. In truth Riven wanted nothing more than to help those in need, if he could do that through well thought out negotiations between worlds, then Commenor would be a good start. Contacted by the president's secretary, Riven couldn't resist meeting someone with such influence. He had taken to the news and propaganda on Kay, before arriving, hopefully giving him an edge during their discussions.

Riven wasn't sure what he was about to walk into as he stepped into the large, white tea house. The grandiose architecture that began to unfold around him, brought a smile to his face. Taste, rich taste. The dark mahogany desk straight ahead revealed a woman in professional clothes. Riven looked down at his attire and scoffed.

Under dressed...Great, you're meeting the president, dummy.

Ignoring his own discouraging thoughts, the woman stood and opened the door to a tiny back room. Sun shining through the tall windows in the distance. White tables and nicely crafted chairs presenting themselves, most of which were empty, except one small table. Another woman, beautiful in her own right, and well dressed. She seemed to be examining a datapad.

"President Kay, by your request, Riven black." The secretary said, lifting her arms to show Riven in the door way.

Riven looked at Kay, his hazel brown eyes staring into her pools of grey.

The meeting had begun...


[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Ah. There he was. Right on time. Punctuality was never a bad thing. She set down her tea and began her approach to [member="Riven Black"] with her hand held out for him to take. As she walked, she shrunk her Force signature down to that of a small tree nut, just in case."Thank you for coming, and welcome to Commenor. Shall I get you some tea?" Of course Kay was well known to be addicted to it. But at least she was always willing to share and didn't hoard all of it for herself. And thankfully it wasn't harmful.

She looked the man over, not checking him out, but more so to get a quick first impression of his character. The fact that he didn't come barging in and announcing himself was a good thing. It showed that he had respect. Kay then gestured for him to join her at the table. "Come sit and tell me a bit about yourself, please."

 

[Riven Black]

"Tea?"

Riven heard she had an obsession with the hot liquid drink. He didn't think that the rumors were true, at least till now. Kay was a woman of power, in the political sense. Riven wasn't accustomed to such antics. Thanks to many other civilizations he had came across, he found that patience and respect were pillars to any fruitful business. That was exactly what Riven was summoned for, business. Still confused as to why, Riven proceeded into the room and took a seat.

"Thank you for the notion, but I must decline. Never really liked tea." Riven stated. "About me? Well, I guess you could say I'm a man of many worlds. Since I left the planet of Kro Var, I've experienced a varying amount of cultures. I'd like to think of myself as a man of the people. I must confess, I'm still a little confused about why you asked for me."

Riven looked down at the table. Small, neatly folded napkins rested to the side. Riven hoped to be treated with Chasin City's glorious food. He looked to the window, the sprawling city below churning like a machine in course to the future.

"Lady Kay." Riven stiffened, the words slipping from his mouth before correcting them. "Sorry, President Kay, why am I really here?"

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay nodded and smiled as he refused the tea. That was okay, as not everyone enjoyed it. "Would you prefer some caf? Or water? Juice? Or perhaps some of Commenor's fine brandy?" She liked to be sure that everyone was comfortable.

At [member="Riven Black"] 's question as to why he was here, she smiled again as she leaned back in her seat. "Lady Kay is fine. And you said it yourself, you are a man of the people. As it turns out, Commenor is starting to become a planet where various other governments around the Galaxy can have representatives here in Embassies dedicated to them. I need someone to help me oversee them, to make sure that everyone has what they need as long as they are within our laws. And if there are any problems that arise, help me to solve them."

 

[Riven Black]

"Water, please."

Riven was direct, unsure if his quick response was rude. The city below continued to bustle, his brown eyes shifting back to [member="Lady Kay"]. She was poised and steadied herself as she spoke. Her posture far more reputable than his own. Kay's words were strong and more truthful than he liked. In fact, he was taken back at the thought of overseeing anything. He wasn't a political man, but his knowledge of various planets and their inhabitants were one of his many quirks. Riven rose a brow, the thought of helping the President of Commenor would be an honor. Taking a second to reply, he reached out for the cup placed in front of him by one of Lady Kay's maidens.

Smiling he took a sip and presented the issue at hand.

"Lady Kay, I trust you have other candidates to fill such a rigorous position?" Riven paused. "I am surprised I was even considered. I've only been doing odd jobs for a few other...parties, but these were necessary interventions. I'm not opposed to the idea, I just want to make sure you've thought this through."

He leaned back the soft cushion of the chair swallowing his toned back. Riven's navy blue jacket crinkled as he postured.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay just smiled nodded. "Ever hear the stories of the reluctant heroes, the underdogs who by and large were the only ones capable of the tasks put before them? Others had tried, others had even helped the reluctant heroes on their quest, but it is only those that saw themselves as being the least worthy, that ultimately succeeded." She sat up and then leaned forward as she looked to [member="Riven Black"] . "You are one of those reluctant heroes, and so am I."

She sipped her tea and leaned back in her chair again, giving him a moment to process what she had said. "I never aimed for this position. After losing my seat in the Senate, I figured that I was unqualified for anything else. Yet when it was time, I was pushed into it by some of the Commenori and my friends, my family. I'd like to think that they believed in me, but I also believe that they wanted this for me so that I would settle down and stay out of trouble." Kay smirked a little. More than likely that last bit was true. Her friends didn't much like her travelling the Galaxy freeing slaves and negotiating disputes. Having her settled into one place made it a lot easier for them. "If you really don't want the job, then you don't have to accept. But everyone gets their start somewhere. Don't be afraid of opportunity or the unknown."

 

[Riven Black]

[member="Lady Kay"] was precise in her evaluation. She clearly saw right through him. The needs of others always came before his own desires. It made him a logical choice when it came to protecting people or in this case, a nation. Everyone's interests would be considered, if Riven had say, Lady Kay was giving him that chance. A chance at something bigger, greater than he was used to. Maybe leaving Kro Var was for this exact moment. Then again, perhaps not. Regardless, Lady Kay needed an answer.

"Reluctant." Riven smirked, she knew him too well. "A hero? I wouldn't go that far, I just...well I want to help people." A fire burned in his eyes as he watched the president of Commenor carefully. She clearly had a good heart, Riven could tell. "What if I ran into a problem I didn't know how to resolve? The opportunity to change the lives around us, would require me to know what to do in every situation. If I accept you must understand I will make mistakes. However, from one hero to another, I'd be honored."

Riven was positive that this was the right choice, becoming an ally with the president of Commenor was the last thing he expected to happen. Being summoned to her tea house was even a true surprise. The wind had carried him many places.

But this was definitely one of the most important.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay sipped her tea while [member="Riven Black"] spoke, delight twinkling in her eyes. Oh he was perfect for the job and he reminded her of herself not so long ago. With all of the people tainted in darkness descending upon Commenor, it was a breath of fresh air to have someone good gain some power.

She smiled as he accepted and she bowed her head. "We all make mistakes, myself included. And if you come across a problem that has you stumped, never hesitate to contact me. I shall do the same with you when I have a difficult problem. You see, we are all a team. And it's not just made up of politicians; it is made up of all of those that call Commenor their home. Only together can we continue to keep this world safe and prosperous. It is my honour to have someone like you on our team. So thank you Riven."

Kay cradled her cup in both of her hands. "You'll have a place of residence available to you here in Chasin City. I hope that that is okay for you?"

 

[Riven Black]

It was set in stone, etched in history for all those to garner over. He was no longer a disgrace to those he left back on Kro Var. Life had dealt him an unfair hand, but every so often he found the ace of hearts, [member="Lady Kay"] was just that ace. He smiled, the idea of being a man of words had brought him fortune. If only the elder could see him now. Riven Black sought out the goodness in people, a dangerous tool when it would come time. He had to be clever and most of all truthful in his new position for Commenor. The gears of his mind continued to churn, the future looked bright.

"No, thank you, Lady Kay. Maybe this is the push I needed. A push to bring people together and weed out the corruption that wishes to latch onto your home. Commenor may not be my home, Miss Kay, but I assure you I will do my absolute best."

He took another swig of the cold water in front of him, sitting proper to show his respect. It was funny how formalities worked. He had come across thousands of primitive nations in his time, yet; even now he found it necessary. He stood, bowing before her. A sign of true respect and loyalty.

"I trust that your guidance will pave an even great path to the future for your people. Chasin City is known for it's variety of foods, almost like a melting pot of other immigrants looking for a shot to be noticed. In the end it's made one of your cities a beautiful sight. That many different people from different worlds at the heart of your reign. I must say, it speaks volumes."

The sun shined through, the afternoon more apparent than it had been a few minutes ago. The tea house was bright, the white lavish on the furniture really popped. Riven looked to the wall behind her, a painting hung at it's center.

"A residence in this city would be remarkable, Lady Kay." Riven cleared his throat. "Is there anything that needs to be addressed?" He hoped being forward showed how serious he was about such an amazing opportunity. It had been a long while, but things were looking up.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay finished her tea and then got to her feet, not long after [member="Riven Black"] did. It was wonderful to find someone that wanted the same future for Commenor that she did, one that saw the planet for what it really was, a neutral place that was safe for every visitor and every business that wished to make use of it.

She gestured towards the door. "I'm sure that you'll love trying out all of the different foods. And you must try the Commenori Brandy. Often it is given as a gift to VIP guests, so it's good to know what it tastes like." Kay began heading out of the tea house, encouraging Riven to follow her by continuing their conversation. "Speaking of which, we have a delegation from the First Order that will be arriving here soon. They wish to open up an Embassy here. I'd like for you to accompany me for that meeting."

Once they were outside, a transport was waiting for them. One of Kay's security detail opened the door for them to step in side. "But first I'll show you to your office. It's in the Minister's Wing of the Presidential Palace."

 

[Riven Black]

Riven listened intently. The sound of food made his stomach grumble. Chasin City was known for their fine dining. Brandy was something he hadn't tried, whiskey was the only alcoholic drink that really stuck with him. He followed [member="Lady Kay"] out into the warm air. The breeze comforting him as he felt the force gripping at him. Relaxed, he continued forward, the transport awaiting their orders.

"The First Order...I see." Riven slid into the seat of the transport as it bucked upward, hovering a few feet from the ground before taking off. "Where do you stand with them? Are you aware of their true intentions?"

Riven smirked, the thought of an organization like the First Order, having interest in Commenor, meant potential income, far exceeding what Commenor currently had with others. The only thing that made Riven skeptical were their motives. Straightening his jacket he fixed himself. The vivid colors of the buildings below gave off a mosaic touch. Chain City was truly beautiful.

"Presidential Palace? I was under the assumption you and other higher cabinet members would be occupying the Palace. The Minister's Wing, I like the sound of that."

His grin turned to a smile, his earthly eyes watching the art unfold below.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay stared out the window as the transport moved towards the Presidential Palace. Of course it was grand in scale and not quite to her taste, but it's where all the Presidents stay and where all of the Ministers conduct their business. Already it could be seen in the distance as it wasn't all that far from Chasin City. "I don't quite know the true intentions of the First Order just yet. I have had encounters with them lately, though thankfully I was always treated well. I know that the First Order aren't exactly on the good side, though having them here would better allow me to see what they are up to. They have a lot of military strength, I realize that. But we also have a lot of allies with fleets of their own, and our own defences that are currently under construction. It has been made clear to me that when the Sith lose their power over this sector, there will be many that will try to take control over us. In a way, I hope that no one tries and that we can be forgotten. But that could be hoping for too much."

Seconds later the transport landed on the landing platform beside the Palace. She exited the transport, once again doors held open for them and then brought [member="Riven Black"] over to the Minister's wing, directly to his office. She opened the door and let him step inside first before following after him. "Each room has been designed according to the taste of the Minister that held the position. Should you decide to keep the position and do well in it, then you are free to renovate it to your liking."

 

[Riven Black]

Just like her tea house, the white speckled paint that illuminated in the distance was jaw dropping. The structure of the palace was a sight to behold. The small dome like rooftops gave it a elegance that many other planets lacked. It had taste; the arch ways that lead to the entrance spoke volumes about those that brought it to life. They must have been true carpenters of the trade. The grounds were well kept, the small patches of square grass housed palm trees that lined the outskirts of the palace. Riven couldn't believe this is where he would be conducting his work. It was enormous, getting used to it would take time. The sway of the transport indicated a landing sequence as they made their way inside.

[member="Lady Kay"] opened the door at the end of the hallway, as he stepped in. Dark wood dressed the walls, an old age feel reaching him in seconds. Antiquities were something Riven actually collected. The fact that the desk in the far corner was made from an ancient Homogoni wood, a rarity in itself. The lamps were filled with a light dust, but in time Riven could add his own touch.

"Fascinating. This is more than sufficient, Lady Kay." Riven touched the corner of the desk as he leaned in to admire the tiny etch marks in the woodsman-ship. "Am I allowed to hire assistance?" He thought for a moment. "Also, security, I would prefer to have them solely focused on you and your well-being over mine. I have other means of taking care of threats, Mi'lady." Riven turned towards her, his brown hair scrapping across his forehead. "You strike me as a confident woman, what about Commenor makes you the most uneasy? Forgive me for being so forward, I just feel this relationship would work well, if I knew what to watch out for. At least things that make you feel unsafe on your own planet..."

Knowing who or what rattled her would give him a secondary task of his own, he had begun work already, even if Lady Kay didn't know it.

 

[Kay-Larr]

She watched [member="Riven Black"] as he admired his new office. It was a nice one, she had to admit that. She held her hands clasped in front of her, smiling as it was to his liking.

"Yes you are allowed an assistant. They must be vetted though, of course." Kay raised a brow slightly as he felt the need to not have any security. Perhaps he was a Force User? She wasn't entirely sure as her focus had been on keeping her signature small ever since he first walked into the tea house. And she wasn't exactly comfortable with sharing that information just yet.

What makes her feel uneasy or unsafe on Commenor? She remained silent for a moment as she thought about what to say. Finally she found the words that she was looking for. "During my time in the Senate, the previous administration here created an economy that welcomed the Crime Lords. That could be partly due to the Sith gaining this territory. But still, many Ministers were bribed and corrupted. It isn't as safe to walk the streets as it once was. So I am doing my best to seek out the Crime Lords and get them to leave or change their ways. That, coupled with building up the economy and giving good jobs with good pay to people that have very little should help decrease the need for crime. What worries me is that I will be deceived and betrayed by someone that I trust. And that the wars will come to Commenor before we are ready to stop them. That's partly why I want Embassies here. They are a bit of a security blanket and also an early detection system for war."

 

[Riven Black]

She was smart, [member="Lady Kay"] had feared war. Of course, with the galaxy the way that it was, he couldn't blame her. The universe was filled with treacherous fall-outs. If anything had taught people of the galaxy anything, it was war. Destruction and chaos were bred in it, nothing not even the victor came out on top. Preventing such a obvious thing made Riven question if he could stop something like a war from happening. Now, he would have to,

"War, war never changes. It always starts with the tiniest of doubt, seeds of corruption taking over, hoping for a better outcome. My time with various governments in the galaxy have taught me how frail even the strongest of empires can be. Everyone and everything eventually meets it's end, it's the time before that; that we as good people must fight for the weak. Somewhere, out there in this vast city, there's a young girl, reluctant as you are..." Riven gestured to the door behind her, indicating the direction of her great Chasin City. Taking a breath, he continued. "That will one day rise, just like you and I. This little girl doesn't know that yet, but we; we do Lady Kay. War, would ruin her innocence and her reluctant ways, would be stripped form her. She'd live in a world of death and despair, and that is not something I can allow. I assure you, I will do my best to build a secure, fruitful relationship with the worlds around us."

Riven had finished, he knew all too well how evil bred it's champions. Living with the battle-shamans of his homeworld, was the first of many examples. The force had gifted him with the ability to protect others, but his powers would be futile within the confines of the ministry. Deals were to be made. Most off all, there were deals meant to be broken...

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay nodding, approving of his promise and pledge. With each growing moment, [member="Riven Black"] was proving himself to be more perfect for the position given to him. Soon she would have to have all of the Ministers meet up with eachother, afterall, they would be a team.

"I know that war can never be stopped, just like slavery. But we can do our part to prevent some of them. Thank you for your help in protecting our future."

If the other Ministers proved to be unfit for the job, at least she had him on her side. For some reason she knew that she didn't have to worry about him betraying her trust. "I'll be scheduling a Minister's meeting tomorrow. We should all get together and be sure that we're on the same page."

 

[Riven Black]

Everything about the venture spoke volumes about change, it was something Riven really wanted.

Change.

He wanted to be a part of it. No matter what it took to alter the outcome of an awful future, he would do it. The only thing he needed to be careful of was his urge to expunge all evil throughout the galaxy. His sense of justice was harsh, but at times necessary. Justice had little room in the embassy, at least in the way Riven thought of it. Soon he would learn words and conviction, were just as dangerous.

"I think a meeting of all the Ministers would be an excellent idea. Getting to know them would only be beneficial to us as a whole."

Riven sounded so formal, the art of respect was truly profound. His brown eyes locked onto the floor a thought crossing his mind.

Slavery...

He took a moment, not thinking of it till now. It seemed direct, but he had to ask.

"You mentioned slavery. [member="Lady Kay"] were you ever..." He paused and looked up at her. "Well, a slave?"

It seemed rude to ask. Riven's curiosity gripped at him. Maybe he felt the need to ask, because of where he was from. Or the lack of freedom, he; himself had dealt with in the past.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Good. It was good to know that [member="Riven Black"] wanted to meet with the others. Hopefully everyone else was just as eager. There was much for them all to talk about, and much for them to plan.

To his question about slavery, however, she raised a brow slightly and then shook her head. "No, no I have never been a slave. I've lived under oppression for a time, but was never a slave. A Sith Lord tried to control my late husband and I. He had his boots to our throats. We did everything that we could to try to be free of him. In the end though, it was my defiance and stubborness that cost my husband his life. I didn't like that feeling of bring trapped and to have someone try to force me into doing things that I didn't want to do. So....after my own exile from the Galaxy, I got into the habit of rescuing slaves and preventing villages from being enslaved. I also made sure that they could live wherever they wished afterwards and had good paying jobs. Freeing them is only half the job. There are plenty that are living on Commenor now.

Why do you ask? Have you ever been a slave?" His mannerisms at that moment seemed to suggest that he did.

 

[Riven Black]

He looked to [member="Lady Kay"] his eyes carefully examining her face as she told of her past. She clearly mourned for her late husband, the creases of her face showing turmoil. It was this exact act of cruelty and shameful teaching that Riven was born to oppose. The Sith had their ways, their ways;to Riven, were wrong. There was never a time where Riven preformed the ways of Kro Var, the way his superiors wanted him to. The darkside was a dangerous, infectious disease that he wanted nothing to do with. Healing the galaxy was a way to repent for his blind leaders back on Kro Var. It lead him here, to Lady Kay. A dazzling woman, with a big heart. She was more than that, she was a savior; a healer like Riven.

"I am terribly sorry to hear of your loss, the shifting winds of our galaxy can sometimes bring us..." Riven looked at her with caring eyes. "Cloudy skies." He turned away from her, his fist clenching at thought of such we evil. He would expunge every inch of it, the darkside; the diseased malevolence that continued to show itself in abundant forms. Riven had learned that the Sith weren't the only ones capable of unjust actions. This made him wiser, careful and most of all stronger.

"Me? A slave..." Riven thought about it for a moment. "No, but what I can say is the Kro Var way of life is forced on you. Of course, if you were gifted, which I was...it was worse. They tried to brainwash me like all the others, forceful in their motives to make me used my hate, rage, and resentment towards them. It took years for them to realize I was a different breed entirely, force visions, they came to me, showing me what lied ahead. Heh, the Kro Var would kill me if they knew. What they can not see in the force is considered heresy. In a way my gift broke me free of their corrupted chains. A slave no more to the darkened, primitive ways of my people. Sometimes, I wish Ruusan never met it's fate before my birth. Maybe then I wouldn't have been molded into a weapon. Regardless, Lady Kay you have done good in the world. A savior of slaves, a breaker of chains; a healer among the wounded."

Riven hadn't told many of his story, and in truth there was still more to the story. There would be time for that later. He realized for the first time ever, that Commenor may have been an act of fate. A planet that needed him, more than he needed it. Time would tell.

"Lady Kay, do you know of this Sith Lord? The one you mentioned that had control of your late husband. Forgive my rudeness, I only mean to know your enemies. The more I know the less likely I will make mistakes during the road ahead. Perhaps, I could order our Border Patrol to register him as a void of access to the planet and upon sight immediate apprehension. Only if he's still breathing of course..."

Riven let up. He picked up two glass cups and reached for a tall crystal glass. A dark brown liquid swishing inside.

"Brandy?"