Private Grand Scheme | Ariel Yvarro

[Natasi Fortan]

The Avalonia Grand Hotel - Imperial Suite
1358 Hours Local Time
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The Imperial Suite was atwitter with activity as Natasi's ladies maid, Banks, went through each room of the suite, collecting her mistress' belongings. The Supreme Leader was preparing to vacate the premises, and it wouldn't do to leave anything behind. One place of serenity was the terrace, where Natasi sat, awaiting the arrival of her cousin, Ariel Yvarro. The two hadn't seen much of each other since Life Day; things had been rather hectic, and the expansion of the First Order in Natasi's name had taken priority. Still, there were matters of state to discuss, and discuss it they would, over a pot of strong and sweet Galidraani tea and the fine tea sandwiches and pastries that accompanied them. Natasi had been pleased to discover that the head chef at the hotel hailed from Galidraan as well. His family had been middle class, respectable merchants in Calavar, and he had received his training in some of the better hotels there before moving to Dosuun as the First Order got back to its feet.

Natasi was idly considering poaching him to work at the Palace whenever it was finished. After all, he was talented and she would probably pay him better. Besides there was a certain cache of working for a crowned head. She breezed through the doors of the terrace back into the large 'living room' -- whatever that was -- and went to the small writing desk against one wall. She scribbled a note providing her compliments to the chef and an enigmatic invitation to contact her should he be looking for a change of situation. A Galidraani would certainly pick up on that.

She glanced at her wristwatch. The second-hand was ticking towards 1400 hours. She wondered if Ariel and the tea service would share an elevator up. She went back to the terrace with the note in hand and leaned against the railing. Avalonia stretched in all directions, a city bustling with life and activity. The breeze was cold -- it was winter, after all, and Natasi had ventured outside the warm cocoon of the subtle heatlamps that made the dining area of the terrace quite comfortable, even without a coat. Natasi didn't mind the chill. It wouldn't last long.

She half-turned when she heard footsteps approaching, but it was the governess. "Pardon me, Your Majesty," she said. "I'm just after one of Master George's cricket balls."

Natasi smiled. "I think he and Reima were playing fetch with Raj over by the fountain. Perhaps it rolled under the settee." The governess bobbed and went to the designated area, crouching to look under the settee, then stretched beneath it and stood with the ball. "Are they handling this all right? I worry about moving them around too much. Their lives have been... well, unsettled, at the least."

"They'll be fine, ma'am. Children are resilient. If there's nothing else I'll go and finish packing."

"Thank you," said Natasi. She watched the governess retreat back into the suite and turned back to the railing, her gaze once again falling on her capital city. Beautiful in its way. Different from what she remembered. But then she supposed everything was. No one could survive the horror the Ssi-Ruuk had inflicted upon Dosuun without changing a little bit.

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

863, 22nd of Protos.​

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It was Deraday, the second day of the week and Ariel was running behind on her appointments. The changes in her life since meeting Commissioner Bline were great, but she was adamant on maintaining her lifestyle for as long as possible. She had checked the time and sighed, hoping to get into the lift before tea. She caught a glimpse of the tray before it was ushered into the lift, Ariel hoped she could hold it all together but the smell of tea just wasn't what it had been before. Ariel had to step into the loo and clean herself up. ​

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She sent word to her cousin via the front desk that she was indeed on her way up. Ariel needed a moment to gather herself and once she had done so, Ariel hopped into the lift and took several deep breaths. She cleared her throat once or twice and waited for the sound of the lift as it signaled the arrival to the Imperial Suite. ​

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Once there Ariel put on a smile and was escorted promptly to Her Majesty. There she was announced and there she waited, "my apologies on my tardiness." The normally early bird type was late even by a minute or two - late was late. ​

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Natasi Fortan ​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

The tea arrived with with a message from the front desk that Moff Yvarro was on her way. When Ariel arrived, Natasi greeted her with a familiar kiss on each cheek and a smile. Even if she were put off by Ariel's tardiness, which she wasn't, she had learned her lesson about criticizing Ariel Yvarro's personal habits, so as far as Natasi Fortan was concerned, her younger cousin's moral, ethical, financial, health, and -- yes -- punctual habits were Ariel's business alone. "Not at all, my dear," she said pleasantly. "Come through, I was just about to pour tea."

The Supreme Leader was dressed, as per usual, somewhat conservatively although not in the usual Herevan style. Her figure was shrouded in a slightly oversized brown and tan plaid blazer and she wore matching trousers. When she sat, the blazer hung open, exposing the dark brown camisole beneath. It was vaguely reminiscent of a traditional Herevan hunting getup although, obviously, if it were traditional it would feature a skirt rather than trousers. She settled into one of the chairs, nestled under one of the heatlamps, and gestured for her cousin to take the other.

"How have you been?" asked Natasi as she poured a cup of tea for Ariel and then one for herself. Natasi did not let on what she knew -- what she could sense about her cousin's condition. It was none of her concern, after all, unless and until Ariel decided to confide in her. But that wouldn't stop her inquiring genuinely after Ariel's health. With the tea poured and the sugar and milk added, Natasi helped herself to a scone. "I haven't seen you since Life Day, and with all the comings and goings we didn't get much chance to catch up."

Ariel Yvarro​

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

Ariel did as instructed and moved to take her seat opposite of her cousin. She watched Natasi pour tea for both of them and offered a soft smile when asked how she was doing. "I've been okay, just a little tired lately but nothing I can't handle." Then, of course, there was the time spent apart, and to that, the younger Galidraani answered, "yes things have been quite busy at the Foreign Office as of late, the nation's expansion notwithstanding of course." Diplomacy and trade for starters but it was all just part of the work now the work that years ago didn't seem like it could be.​

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"Did George and Reima like their gifts? I apologize for not being able to arrive on Life Day itself. I had gone to visit with Cousins Lawrence and Kathrielle, Nate's parents on Galidraan." Informed and inquired Ariel as she nursed her cup of tea feeling some manner of relief, glad that something was - thus far - settling well. "They were telling me of the Free State movement there, and of course asked about you, mother, and everyone else they could ask me about."​

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She waved it off with a motion of her hand, "oh, and did you get your gift by the by?" Ariel had given her cousin a gorgeous piece of jewelry with Herevan Hold's seal embedded. ​

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Natasi Fortan ​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"Oh yes," said Natasi, smiling broadly. "That reminds me, don't leave without collecting the thank you notes. I think I left them on the hall table. George and Reima were thrilled, as was I." The jewelry had been a nice touch, too. She would have worn it for the occasion, but it didn't quite go with her traveling clothes, and Natasi had learned from her mother that one never traveled in good pieces as Reima would have called them. There was too much risk of loss or theft. The piece was nestled safely in her jewelry case, ready to be transported.

For her part, Natasi had commissioned her cousin a gift to include a complete luxury desk set, replete with monogrammed leather blotter, folio, stackable in/out trays, business card holder, nameplate, picture frames, sticky note dispenser, letter opener, daily-calendar holder, pen and stylus with holders, privacy roller, and portable, lockable laptop writing desk. Each of the items was, as applicable, of the finest Galidraani wood or leather and trimmed and/or monogrammed in platinum, naturally. The note enclosed had congratulated Ariel on her professional accomplishments and indicated that the gift was in recognition of service to the nation, etc. etc. etc.

"I may look in on Lawrence and Kathrielle," Natasi said conversationally as she topped her scone with some double cream. "That's part of the reason I've asked you to come. Well not that, specifically, I'm sure Lawrence and Kathrielle are of limited interest." She gave her cousin a confidential smirk across the table. "Rather, I will be away from Dosuun for some time and felt it advisable that we should converse and take care of some housekeeping details before I take my leave." She dabbed some strawberry preserves atop the double cream, then lifted half the scone to her mouth to take a bite. She set the rest down and dabbed her lips.

"There are a few Orders-in-Council I plan to issue but I thought it would be prudent to discuss with you first as they are not, strictly speaking, only family matters."

Ariel Yvarro​

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

"I'm pleased to know they were delighted then, now I really wish I had been there," remarked Ariel with familial affection for her younger cousins. "Oh and thank you by the way I did receive the, very, very splendid gift you gave by the way." It was all so well made and done, the note was of course something that made Ariel smile. "They would be very happy to see you," the younger of the two women commented with regard to their family on Galidraan. ​

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While Natasi helped herself to the scone, Ariel didn't want to chance tempting fate more than possible. Tea as it was, was plenty good and was staying down thus Ariel refrained from touching the scones, or anything other than the tea, really. "Oh?" Ariel did seemed surprise that Natasi would be away from Dosuun but she supposed there was a reason for it and if she was privy to it then Natasi would tell her. Otherwise, the younger cousin nursed her tea. "Alright then let us converse away then." Stated Ariel as she set the cup of tea back down on its saucer. ​

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"Please continue," a gentleness to Ariel's voice as she relaxed into her seat.​

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Natasi Fortan ​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"First," said Natasi plainly as she folded her napkin back up and put it in her lap. "You understand, I think, my feelings about naming you Grand Moff. The very appearance of nepotism is anathema to me, and for a project as important to me -- to all of us, you and I and all the people who make it up -- as the First Order I am loathe to bend even a little on that score." She folded her hands in her lap and looked across the table at her cousin, scrutinizing the young woman's reaction.

"But we are at an impasse now," Natasi said after a few moments of silence. "The First Order needs a leader, and the leader needs to be indisputable. Understanding that my role is no longer to make the day to day decisions for the government but to serve and support in other ways, I do not feel it is appropriate to allow this government to go without someone who is accountable for its leadership. Given the way Renata Westaway has been dispatched, and that the other Moffs are either too inexperienced or too new, there is only one choice that makes sense. You will be Grand Moff."

She stood and went to a small box on the side table, which she picked up and then placed in front of Ariel. "The great seal," she said. "Someone found it in the wreckage where Number 10 used to be, and it found its way into some museum or another, but they were quite happy to give it to me when I asked." Natasi took her seat. "Normally you'd kiss hands and all, but we can forego all that ceremonial bunkum, except this: Upon my coronation I swore to govern the people of the First Order and its dominions according to its laws and customs, and to cause law and justice, in mercy, to be executed in my realms. In accordance with this solemn oath, as the Sovereign, the duty falls upon me to invite you to form a government in my name."

The Supreme Leader looked across the table at her cousin, her dark eyes shining. "Congratulations, Grand Moff."

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

The cogs in the younger woman's mind had begun to turn, trekking the conversation until the very last had been spoken. Ariel moved to speak but stopped and closed her mouth, a hand over it. She took a deep breath and exhaled, placing her hands in her lap she blinked away the tears and replied diligently, "and I am honored to do so, your Majesty." Ariel swallowed hard and looked at the Great Seal. Her mind raced with about a dozen or so memories, sitting in Number 10 waiting patiently for Natasi. "Deeply so," added Ariel as she cleared her throat, leaned forward and reached out toward the Great Seal.​

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It felt heavy as she held it in her hand, and with good reason she supposed. All she could think of were the days, the nights that the woman across the table had spent at Number 10. Sleep-deprived with nothing more than the sound of the fire for company. Ariel set the the Great Seal back down on the table and looked up at her cousin. She held there a look of understanding, there was a vision for the nation, and it laid within the now-Grand Moff's mind Pax Imperalis. ​

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All the Moffs would now report up to Ariel, the thought of it sent a chill down her spine. She hadn't quite worked her way up to the title of Grand Moff in the same manner as Natasi, but here she was. Here she was indeed, "you mentioned Orders-in-Council, what exactly did you want to discuss?" Straight on to business, if only so Ariel could gauge what it was exactly Natasi had in mind and see if it lined up what she was considering. ​

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Natasi Fortan ​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi settled back into her seat and picked up her tea, taking a sip and swirling the contents in its cup. The result was another hit of the delightful scent of the blend. She sniffed -- her one concession to the emotion of the moment -- and set the teacup down again. "Ah yes," she said. "The first officially laying out the line of succession. George, then his children, then Reima and her children, then any future children I may have," she went on, waving a hand airily. "I don't suspect anything will happen to me, but it's been demonstrated that I can die, so it's only responsible to set up boundaries."

She folded her hands around her knee.

"The next would be to appoint a Regent to stand in for my heir in the event of my absence, incapacity, or death before he has reached the age of majority. That will be you, obviously, as his closest relation as an adult," said Natasi, looking across the table at her cousin, studying her for a reaction. "The third and final one, at least for now, is to appoint you as a Counsellor of State. These are senior members of the royal family to which I can delegate royal functions such as the Royal Assent to legislation, receive credentials of new ambassadors, that sort of thing."

She paused and then straightened, a firm and stern look in her gaze. "Ariel, this is very serious," said Natasi. "While I am away from the capital, you will hold total control of this government. It is highly unusual to place power to make law and power to assent to the law in one set of hands, so I will expect you to exercise good judgment and restraint and remember, in all things, you are a representative not just of me, not just of my name, but also of the Crown. I'm not trying to imply that you wouldn't be a good steward of this responsibility; I'm saying this in order to be sure we are on the same page about the importance of this role."

The Supreme Leader stood and picked up another box from the table and set it in front of Ariel. "Before I forget," she said. "The key and access codes to Herevan Place, the Grand Moff's country residence. You'll need to arrange staff, but I'm sure that's all within your purview. Any questions?"

Ariel Yvarro​

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

It was a very good thing Ariel had such a robust education that included her time on Galidraan. It seemed her cousin was not missing a beat of it at all, to which, Ariel gave a solemn nod of acknowledgment. Ariel smiled softly as Natasi reminded Ariel of the importance of the position she was bestowed. Oh. Herevan Place. Ariel didn't foresee herself utilizing it, "none at all." Ariel remarked with a mental note to seek residence elsewhere, for now she hadn't seen the need to leave her penthouse. ​

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Ariel had no desire to shake hands and kiss babies as her cousin did in the position of Grand Moff. No, Ariel's desires were quite different altogether and perhaps it was that desire, paired with the ambition to reclaim what had been lost that set Grand Moff Yvarro apart. Time would certainly tell what would become of Ariel's legacy in the position of Grand Moff. "I'll see to it that the paperwork regarding succession is complete."​

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"Now then, perhaps we can turn the discussion to more pertinent matters of state?" ​

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Not that, succession wasn't - it just wasn't exactly Ariel's - it wasn't what she had in mind when she heard orders-in-council. "I shall be reorganizing the Cabinet to better reflect the diversity of our nation. Secondly, there will be the matter of streamlining the military, of which the position of Supreme Commander will only be utilized during wartimes. Otherwise, the position does not exist. Members of the Defence Staff shall submit a candidate for review by the Cabinet. Once reviewed and approved, I'll bring the name to you for final approval."​

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"Third matter, the reorganization of sector lines, to reflect our growing nation."​

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"Fourth matter - and one that I am working closely with Moff Graham on is the overhaul of our intelligence services. I am hoping that you will be able to brief me on the former director..." Ariel by that point had moved to grab her journal, it had rested within her bag until then. The cup of tea had been moved aside, "yes, Sybil Shepard."​

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"Fifth and final, for now..." her voice trailed off again as she flipped a page in her notebook, "would be the approval of the Imperial Knights' budget for the year. Knight-Commander Roule presented me with their needs for the year, so I thought to look it over with you while I'm here."​

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Natasi Fortan ​

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[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi sat back in her chair and listened to her cousin. It was all becoming clear to her what had happened. Why she had been dragged back from the Netherworld and pressed into a fresh body. The list of matters to discuss was quite extensive. She had to admire the performance, the play-acting at humility. To anyone who didn't know her well, it might have been charming.

Natasi's face was placid as Ariel ran through her list of items to discuss, giving no indication of her approval or disapproval of any of the items that Ariel touched upon. If she wanted to remain in her position (and, for the moment, she did), she would need to make it her life's work not to look as if she approved or disapproved, agreed or disagreed with anything anyone said to her. To be vaguely, noncommittally pleasant was going to be exhausting, but it was better for the nation. Ariel had clawed this nation back from the void. That earned her the right to run it as she saw fit. It would not do to be seen to undermine Ariel, but neither could she be seen to endorse the policies, because the next Grand Moff might have other ideas and would be entitled to the same level of respect and support.

The time for feedback was during private audiences, at which the Sovereign could be consulted, advise, inquire, and warn her chief minister, and it was now understood between them what acceptable consultation, advice, inquiry, and warning looked like.

Natasi sipped her tea and refreshed her cup as Ariel continued along her list, flipping through her notebook. It was good that she had a plan, and kind of her to pretend that Natasi could offer any insights. "An ambitious start," said Natasi when Ariel had concluded. "Well done. Was there more to discuss for items one and two, or shall we move straight to item three?"

Ariel Yvarro​

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

"If, Your Majesty, you approve of my first two items then yes we can absolutely move to the third point," remarked Ariel who then looked about her person checking her pockets. "Ah, okay, I did, did bring it... Well, I wanted to, Your Majesty, to show you my plans for Your Nation." Ariel flipped open her notebook and place a hand underneath the cursive ink. From her pocket she produced a small holodevice and a datastick, she inserted the datastick into the portable holo. Projected there before the two of them the map of First Order space, "now then here is the current map of Your Nation, here are my expansion plans."​

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"There, and there are the current sectors Aetos and Kaldwin, here and here outlined for you are sectors Vudrirn and Korrado," continued Ariel who then highlighted routes, "we have golan defense platforms here, and here, we're looking to deploy more around these outlying sectors. I've instructed Dr. Vega to have FOCIE continue to work in tandem with our military engineers."​

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She spared her cousin a glance with an eager smile, pleased with herself as it were, "and here, here is where I'm looking to deploy smaller stations, listening posts, and early warning systems."​

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"We have medical and science stations here," she rotated the map with her hands and isolated the stations, "and I have projected that with the population increase as Your Nation expands, we should have stations there in these new sectors."​

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"So now let me take a step back and let you get a look, and then you let me know your thoughts," Ariel drew the holoprojector map out with her hands. Technology as it was made it so it hung there in the air like a delicate painting waiting for hands to interact with it. ​

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Natasi Fortan ​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi watched Ariel for a few moments, her head cocking to one side briefly. Ariel, darling sweet Ariel, who had toddled around in her high heels as a child, seemed to be looking for reassurances. Natasi hated to disappoint her. "You don't need my approval," she said in response to Ariel's prompt. "It is not for me to approve the makeup of your cabinet. It is your cabinet, and you will need to staff it with people that will support you and efficiently implement your agenda. If you feel this is the best way to do that, I leave it to your best judgment. You can always make adjustments down the road if necessary." She paused and brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Sieger Ren interfered with my cabinet once. I resented him greatly for it, but he did put Dante Calgar in my path, so it isn't all bad."

The Supreme Leader clasped her hands together. "I will, of course, provide any feedback I feel is necessary and appropriate in our weekly meetings. You are free to accept or reject it, at your leisure," she said dryly. "Of course."

The next display of the sectors and maps was of interest to Natasi. Logistics had come naturally to her as Grand Moff, and rapid growth had been a point of pride for her. She followed along, her gaze darting between this area and that as Ariel pointed them out. She manipulated the map, studying it from differing angles before settling back in her chair. "This all looks well-reasoned," she said. "What would you like to know about Ms. Shepard?"

Ariel Yvarro​

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

Ariel took a moment at hearing her cousin's words. It hadn't and still didn't occur to the woman that she in fact very much wanted her cousin's approval. It was perhaps a weakness that the newly minted Grand Moff hadn't even been aware of. "Of course, of course, it's just..." her voice trailed off as she settled a bit. The excitement placed on pause, "it's just that." Ariel sighed and exhaled, "ever since I was a girl." She looked back at the holoprojector where her plans laid bare and then a glance at her cousin. A smile bloomed across the half-Galidraani's features.​

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"Ever since I was a girl, all I wanted to do - was to be like you," she pointed to the map, and then her arms fell at her side and she exhaled again, this time it was plain as day the sheer joy that radiated from her. "That I would be here, and no - this isn't quite how I had dreamed of it, but I just want to make sure that everything I do. I do right, right by you, cousin." Perhaps one of the few people who had ever given a damn about Ariel sat right there in front of her. Clearing her throat, and adjusting her tunic Ariel mentally set herself back to the task on hand.​

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She looked over at her notebook and then shifted her gaze to her cousin, once again taking her seat. "One second, I want to write this down, yes Ms. Shepard, I want to know all that I can know about her."​

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"A lot of records were destroyed by the Ssi-Ruu and whatever we had left. I managed to scrape out of Hoth before the Outer Planets Alliance set foot there, but I'll be honest..." a plain look on her face now, "there isn't much to go on and whatever I found regarding the project that brought you back. Well, even those were hard to find." Thankfully, Ariel had help. ​

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Natasi Fortan ​

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[Natasi Fortan]

"That's very touching, Ariel," Natasi said, allowing herself to appear misty-eyed before diplomatically dabbing the corner of her eyes with a lace-trimmed kerchief. "Thank you. You rebuilt this nation without my help and in your own image. I am content to support you by serving as a nexus for the people and the government. They may not know you, they may not appreciate you the way they did me, as Grand Moff. It is perfectly acceptable if your strengths lie in other areas besides courting public adoration. It's not for everyone. I can do that for you."

The Supreme Leader spent some time smoothing out her kerchief and folding it as she listened to her cousin's request for information on Shepard. "Sybil Shepard was a key player in the latter days of the old First Order. As Director of the First Order Security Bureau, she was known to be a competent administrator and strategist. She had a penchant for bold risktaking that sometimes paid off and other times did not. I don't know exactly what kind of trauma she suffered during the Ssi-Ruuk occupation, but she has been cleared medically for service, so I have no concerns there. She has demonstrated rather an impressive personal loyalty to me and to the First Order."

Natasi briefly recounted the exchange she had heard about -- after her resurrection, of course -- when Sybil Shepard had stormed into the First Order situation room at the Imperial Palace after Natasi had plowed her flagship the Concordia into the Ssi-Ruuk mothership, destroying both and Natasi in the process and upbraided the entirety of First Imperial High Command. "She went on to serve with distinction at the Battle of Bakura, where she worked tirelessly -- I am told -- to secure George and Reima after Pierce..." She fumbled over this part, the painful lost of the man that had been like a brother to her still squeezed her heart in an icy grasp. "After Pierce died in the fighting," she concluded in a slightly strangled voice.

Her dark eyes probed Ariel's, searching for the impetus behind the question. "I trust Shepard implicitly," she said after a moment, her voice plain and flat. "As to the details of her personnel file, I couldn't tell you, but that is the most important detail I can share. I trust her. Is there anything specific about her you wanted? There may still be backups on Pa'Desh," she said, furrowing her brows thoughtfully. "I know she made it there after Bakura."

Ariel Yvarro

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

Ariel settled for a moment sitting on the chair she had pulled up across from Natasi. It was clear that this Sybil Shepard meant something to her cousin. Add to that, that Sybil moved what sounded like both the Force and the Netherworld to ensure that her younger cousins were safe. "Thank you for sharing that with me Natasi." Ariel's expression shifted, heavy with thought as she processed what she had been told. She looked away momentarily and glanced over at the map as if it would determine the decision she mulled over in her head.​

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She had decided then that she would appoint Shepard as the director of intelligence, Shepard and Graham would make for an excellent team. At least this was the thought that Ariel had. Her mind wandered over the words Natasi had spoke of - building the nation back up on her own. It dawned on Ariel that she had done exactly that - although she had done it for the reason of refusing to let others sully the work her cousin had put in, had given her life for. A realization for Ariel had occurred and one that was perhaps visible on her face. That realization was just how much trust had been placed with her when it came to the security, the stability of the nation. ​

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The younger of the two women rested her chin on her hand a moment, and her attention once again went to the map. There was simply the sound of the chair as Ariel shifted her weight and looked at Natasi. Studying her cousin as if she were committing to memory this very moment in time. "Bakura." The word came off of Ariel's tone with sadness. "Bakura has suffered a fate it did not deserved, it has been damned to Chaos and back, left to rot in the pits of the Netherworld with the Maw Cluster hovering above it for sins unknown."​

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Slowly Ariel got back to her feet and walked toward the projector on the table. Quietly she manipulated the data and watched as the map moved to the system of Bakura, it was highlighted in red. "Bakura," she breathed shakily, "is gone, the people who called this system home are gone..." her voice trailed off, death lingered in her eyes the crimes committed there. "The Eternal Empire decimated the entire population."​

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"Verkyul, Varonat, Endor, Trenwyth,..." Again, Ariel's voice trailed off as she stood there, stood there dejectedly. "What, what do we do?"​

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She shifted her attention to study her cousin once again. "We, they, they were ours and now..." Now they were gone.​

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Natasi Fortan ​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi's eyes were dark, soulful. Even sympathetic.

Yes, Bakura.

Her mother's homeworld had suffered greatly during the Ssi-Ruuk Imperium onslaught and during the intervening years. Just who had damaged it more, between the Ssi-Ruuk and the Eternal Empire, was a matter for debate. Natasi read the same intelligence that Ariel did. She knew that horrors that had befallen Bakura. More important than the loss of a lucrative and fondly-remembered namana plantation that had been in the Esperell family for hundreds of years, countless lives had been lost. And for what? Natasi still didn't understand it. To be made an example of? Just because?

The wanton lust for blood of her neighbors was a matter for concern.

"These are not our concern in the immediate tense," Natasi said. "As you correctly pointed out, the First Order has not been in a position to secure for its citizens in the way that it should. These worlds belong to the Eternal Empire now, and our ability to influence their fate is limited. Limited to the point of nonexistent, I would say," said Natasi with a sad shake of her head. "I would suggest to offer them some kind of aid, but given the atrocities to which the Eternal Empire has been a party, it seems foolish to tempt them with embezzlement. There would be no way to know whether the credits -- excuse me, the Sovereigns -- would be getting where they ought to be."

Her gaze narrowed at her cousin, and she cocked her head to one side. "What do you think?" she asked.

Ariel Yvarro

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

Ariel's upper lift stiffened, for a moment there was a visible curl to her lips a snarl that wanted to be released. Instead there was a visible shift in her stance her back straightened and her shoulders were squared as if she herself were ready to fight. The way her eyes narrowed on Bakura spoke of a warrior's gaze, a fighter who wanted back into the ring. Her fists balled up and the sadness, the despair she felt withered away - it was replaced by rage. A palatable rage that for some Force Users might seem delicious and something to stoke. Yet, there was control - a remarkable control and that spoke to someone who had learned to control their anger, the hard way. "For now, you are correct, we cannot do anything for them but rest assured... ​

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It could be easy now to see Ariel in a different light, an Ariel who might have made for a brilliant Stormtrooper. "They shall pay for the blood that they spilled so recklessly. I will find a way to ensure that this is not forgotten." She gestured to the holographic image and once more the scar on her left hand would be exposed. As she manipulated the image again the anger that Ariel held simmered beneath the surface and it was the same anger she felt when she learned of the Sith Empire-backed Dosuun Hegemony. ​

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"Until then, we shall continue to monitor the situation in the so-called Eternal Empire," the name was poison on her tongue, "brisetr pe'nr." Ariel cursed beneath her breath, calling them wretched dogs in Mando'a. "Between this and Galidraan..." the Grand Moff stepped away from the table, she wanted to hit something, she wanted something - someone to bleed. All she could do in the interim was to take a deep breath and exhale. "I believe it is time to ensure the safety of our nation and then ensure the safety of the region, peace and order do not come without a price and it must be one that we as a nation are ready to pay."​

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Natasi Fortan ​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi's dark eyes settled on Ariel. Interested, but not in the usual way. She was like a mother anticipating a child's first steps, first words. Ariel seemed to be on the edge of a breakthrough. Yes, that had been Natasi's point all along: that leadership required hard choices, and sometimes there wasn't a choice between good and bad. Often the choices were between bad and worse, or worse and catastrophic. There was always a price. Natasi let her gaze linger on her cousin for a moment, then she looked back down into her lap.

Progress all the same.

"Yes," Natasi agreed to Ariel's plan to continue monitoring the situation with the Eternal Empire. "I'd like regular updates on this. These people have clearly taken leave of even the most basic sense of decency, so there is no telling how they might behave. Please be sure to include anything important in my daily briefings."

Natasi steepled her fingers and examined her fingernails subtly as she listened to the rest of what Ariel had to say. "It seems that there is a price you are willing to pay," the Supreme Leader observed. "What are you doing to ascertain the price my subjects are willing to pay and adjusting that, as needed, so that it matches your thoughts?" She looked up at her cousin curiously, interested to see what the Grand Moff would do to prepare the people for whatever was going to come next.

Ariel Yvarro

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

"... And you shall have them, the updates that is," replied Ariel as she turned to walk around the table, and in the glow of the holoprojector's light there was a moment where Ariel wasn't there. Her mind had gone back to the Reclamation Campaign, back to her days of training with Trajan Kurze. The younger of the two women had heard the words of the elder. Ariel rounded the corner and looked over at her cousin and responded. "The same thing that I did during the Reclamation Campaign, although perhaps with less extreme measures."​

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"I reminded them of you," she explained the half-Galidraani looked at her left hand, "and fight beside them as I did before." Ariel looked straight forward her eyes on a blank space on the wall. She moved fingers just to see if she could still fit them around a blaster. "In the Reclamation days, it was stand and fight beside me, or die."​

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"Now?" She cast a glance over her shoulder at her cousin, "now I don't have to do that."​

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The Grand Moff further elaborated, "now I know they'll be devoted to your name, for they believed your words on that day during Remembrance Week. They believed that you so loved them that you willed yourself back to life." It worked before, and it would work again, "add to that, that those who remember - know that we once held dominion over Bakura. We shall be liberating our brothers and sisters from the likes of the Eternal Empire." Ariel turned around to face Natasi and at that moment it was not Ariel who looked at Natasi, it was Matidia Kurze. Matidia Kurze, forged by blood and iron by Trajan himself. ​

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When she spoke however it was Ariel who returned to the forefront. "I don't know that that necessarily answers your question, cousin."​

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Natasi Fortan ​

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