Faction Gratia et Mensura

[Cressida Tolliver]

When the Galactic Alliance collapsed, Cressida Tolliver hoped she had seen the last of Senates and Senators, of horse-trading and committee markups, of Chancellors and the bizarre polite fictions one told oneself about power and authority. She thought that her appointment to be Foreign Minister of the Renascent Heirate, representing Her Majesty's Government to foreign entities, put another layer of separation between herself and petty politics. And yet, here she was, being escorted with the Supreme Leader Natasi Fortan through the Senate office building on Theed, bearing in one hand an attaché case and the other a portfolio of dark cerulean leather emblazoned with a crowned First Imperial cog of gold leaf. A solid, serif font beneath the cog read Gratia et Mensura -- the motto of the Renascent Crown.

Paperwork was too pedestrian for the Sovereign of the Renascent Heirate to carry herself, naturally.

Within the portfolio were the documents requesting membership for the Renascent Heirate in the High Republic, signed in three hands: her own slightly looping script, the no-nonsense script of Renata Westaway, Prime Minister, and a somewhat uncharacteristically sharp and slanting hand of one Natasi Josephine Fortan R. I. It was the R and the I that gave Cressida Tolliver pause. It seemed cognitively dissonant to display the titles, Queen and Supreme Leader, while seeking to subsume one's authority to a larger state. Not that there wasn't a need for it. The Sith Covenant snaked ever closer with that lean and hungry look the Sith mastered so well. They needed protection. And if it took looking a little ridiculous to the outside to make it work?

Everything had its price.

The first of the Senate delegates that Cressida was to visit was of Naboo. The Heirate felt that it showed the respect that was due to Naboo for its foundational role in the High Republic. The Prime Minister felt that a proud crowned head like Aurelian Veruna would not be put off by the admittedly unusual organization of the Heirate: equal parts social democracy and enlightened monarchy. Knowing that the Heirate would put forth a policy that did not rock the boat where the rights and privileges of the nobility were concerned ought to smooth matters.

The question that waited in the wings was that of the Heirate's First Order roots. Old symbols cast long shadows, and now that some other junta was waving the First Imperial flag once more, it wasn't just an old symbol. Cressida frowned thoughtfully as she wound her way through the senate office building with her escort and Fortan, until they arrived at the outer office of the King of Naboo and its senator. Cressida stepped forward and met the attention of the aide there. "Good afternoon," she said. "Foreign Minister Tolliver and Her Majesty the Queen of the Renascent Heirate for His Majesty the King of Naboo."

This could take twice as long with all these titles, Cressida thought, though her smile was anodyne.

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Cressida Tolliver

Tona offered a polite, practiced smile to the Foreign Minister and the Queen. "Right this way," she said, guiding them through the heavy doors flanked by a pair of stoic Kingsguard. Inside, the atmosphere was decidedly less formal. Aurelian sat with his boots kicked up on his desk, picking at a light lunch while scrolling idly through a datapad.

Every day was the same. Time was a finite resource and everyone wanted a piece of it. Naboo had become a revolving door for the desperate and the ambitious ever since the Galactic Alliance dissolved. Aurelian didn't bother looking up immediately. He knew the briefing: a remnant of the old First Order was knocking on the door, seeking a seat in the High Republic.

It wasn't the request that intrigued him, Core and Mid-Rim worlds were scrambling for stability everywhere. It was the choice of audience. Why seek sponsorship from him? There were easier targets, like the Ithorian from Enarc, who would sign anything for a promise of peace.

Aurelian, however, always expected a return on investment. Did they assume a fellow monarch would be sympathetic to their brand of rule? It was a bold gamble.

As they reached the edge of his desk, Aurelian finally set his datapad aside and stood. He offered a slight, measured bow, enough to acknowledge their status, but shallow enough to remind them exactly whose office they were standing in. A mischievous glint danced in his eyes as he took them in.

"Foreign Minister, Your Majesty," he said, his voice smooth and welcoming. "How may I be of service?"

​

 

[Cressida Tolliver]

"Your Majesty," Cressida said, offering a curtsy. She understood the rules as well as anyone; Cressida wrote the book on protocol on behalf of the Renascent Heirate. Behind her, Natasi offered her own obeisance -- shallower, slightly, but not lacking in respect, deference, and a sort of obsequiousness that probably caused her physical pain. "Thank you for meeting with us. I am commanded by Her Majesty and the Prime Minister of the Renascent Heirate of the Adytum System to submit the Heirate's application for membership to the High Republic."

She swallowed and offered the dark cerulean leather portfolio across the desk to Aurelian Veruna . "Understanding that our membership application must advance through the Senate, we have come seeking Your Majesty's aid and guidance for that process -- "

Cressida fell silent as Natasi Fortan stepped forward, dark green day dress swishing slightly with her movement. "We have come to you," Natasi said quietly, "as a sign of respect for the origins of the High Republic from the roots of the Royal Naboo Republic. And because we have long watched the growth of the government with admiration and interest." She inclined her head slightly. "And because, frankly, I believe you particularly are able to appreciate the intricacies of interfacing a royal house -- elected or not -- with a functioning constitutional Republic."

The Supreme Leader clasped her hands before her, studying Aurelian carefully with a thoughtful gaze. There was something like George about him, in more than just the 'tall, dark and handsome' obvious similarities. An edge, she thought. Sharp. Best to be cautious with him. "You're doubtless a busy man; we won't waste your time if you feel it's a non-starter. But between Ms. Tolliver and myself I'm certain we can discuss any matters you would want to to determine whether it's a good fit."

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Cressida Tolliver

Aurelian gestured for the women to sit as he reclaimed his own chair. He took the portfolio and flipped through the pages with a casual, almost irreverent speed. While he listened to their pitch, his eyes remained on the documents, though his mind was cataloging the tension in the room. The Queen had the look of a woman who was used to being the most dangerous person in a room, now forced to play at humility. It was a performance he could appreciate.

He closed the leather cover with a sharp thud that echoed in the quiet office. He met the Queen's thoughtful gaze with a look of his own, one that didn't shy away from the scrutiny. There was a certain weight to her words about Naboo's foundational role, but Aurelian wasn't easily swayed by flattery. He enjoyed the game too much to end it quickly with a simple agreement.

"I would be interested in bringing more Great Houses to our Republic," Aurelian said, folding his hands across his lap. He leaned back, the mischievous glint in his eyes returning. "The more the merrier. We are a dying breed in this Senate, and a little more blue blood might steady the ship. But let's skip the polite fictions for a moment, shall we?"

He tapped a finger against his own signet ring. "The timing is quite specific. Why now? What has shifted so drastically for the Renascent Heirate that you're ready to trade your total independence for a seat at our table? Moreover, what exactly do you bring to the Republic that makes the headache of your First Order history worth the trouble of sponsoring you?"

​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi had to appreciate the frank nature of Aurelian's response.

She settled into one of the offered chairs, Cressida taking the other. She glanced at Cressida and lifted her chin; the other woman nodded subtly and seemed to resign herself to a polite silence. Natasi leaned forward slightly, letting her chin come level again. "It is not a matter of timing, Your Majesty, as much as it is a matter of proximity. We have been interested in applying for membership in the High Republic for some time -- since before the Galactic Alliance's collapse, as a matter of fact."

This much was true. The Alliance's instability, and their willingness to accept in one hand the tax payments and loyalty of half their systems while the other carefully prepared to cut them loose to the tender mercies of the Galactic Empire, had deeply offended the Renascent Heirate's government. But distance was the problem. For some time it looked like the Empire might come knocking, or that the Black Sun might.

"I don't know that I would consider our First Order origins are a headache," Natasi said politely. "Especially given the nature of the First Order from whence we grew. Some may quibble on the guilt or innocence of Sieger Ren's First Order -- I believe it was more sinned against than sinning, but reasonable minds may differ and it is not especially helpful to attempt to settle what is by now ancient history -- but the First Order of which I was the Supreme Leader was above anything else a responsible galactic citizen. We participated in no wars, unless you count our efforts to prevent the destruction of Csilla."

Somehow, people didn't. Much like the old First Order's efforts during the Omega Crisis, these facts were easily dismissed by the optics of white armor and triangular ships.

"Since then -- during the colonization of Aegis and the declaration of the Heirate -- we have done what was possible to further galactic stability and peace. We will be happy to continue to do so under the banner of the High Republic, if given the option. And as far as what we have to offer." She glanced at Cressida, who immediately produced a sheet of flimsy from her briefcase. Natasi glanced over it, then turned it so the text was facing right-side-up to Aurelian and held it out. "This is the expected output of the Tregessar Naval Shipyard facilities. Now that the Empire has fallen and the Sith Covenant is less -- shall we say, organized -- about the movement of materials, we expect to have the Renascent Defense Legion fully outfitted with ships by the middle of the year."

She reached forward with her free hand and indicated the bottom half of the memorandum. "As you can see, this half of our forces is designated as the Expeditionary Fleet. We would be happy to second these forces to the High Republic in times of need. Talk is cheap, I understand, but I believe the Renascent Heirate will be a net contributor to the High Republic's financial coffers and military readiness -- not takers. And, if it helps, we are fully willing to provide a staging ground for the Republic's drive toward Alderaan and the Core, and to contribute forces and funds."

Aurelian Veruna​

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Natasi Fortan

Aurelian squinted at the Queen as she spoke. Her voice was steady, but his mind was elsewhere, racing through a mental archive of faces and galas. She looked familiar in a way that had nothing to do with holonews broadcasts or history books. He knew that tilt of the head. It bothered him, a persistent itch in the back of his brain, even as he processed her pitch.

She gave the right answers. Proximity was a logical excuse, and her defense of the First Order was polished, if optimistic. The real concern was her former title. Having another "Supreme Leader" in the Nobility Bloc could threaten his own sway, and Aurelian had no intention of sharing the spotlight. He might have dismissed them entirely if not for the memorandum. The naval output was impressive. A fleet and a staging ground for the Core was a massive carrot to dangle before the Senate.

His expression shifted from skepticism to genuine interest as he scanned the figures. Then, it clicked. A look of sudden realization flashed across his face and he snapped his fingers, leaning forward. "Avalonia," he said, the dangerous smile returning with full force. "I attended a wedding there recently. There is a very large, very grand statue of you in a garden, if I'm not mistaken."

He looked far too pleased with himself for solving the puzzle. He made a mental note to find out who her sculptor was, Naboo could use a few more monuments in his likeness. He leaned back again, the air of a bored king replaced by that of a focused predator. The deal was attractive, but it wouldn't be free.

"The shipyard capacity will certainly quiet any skeptics," Aurelian noted, his tone dropping into something more transactional. "I can carry your water in the Senate. But sponsorship is only the beginning. What specifically do you need from me to ensure this doesn't die in committee? And understand, Your Majesty, a favor of this magnitude carries a high interest rate. I will expect you to remember who opened the door when I eventually come knocking."

​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi cleared her throat and her smile grew somewhat tinny.

"Ah. Yes, I had heard that the Commonwealth was still keen on using my likeness and name," she said pleasantly. Her cousin had a long history of dining out on the family name and she didn't expect that to change. "It is nice to be remembered, but truth be told, there are some by whom I would rather be forgotten. I would hate for someone to get the wrong idea about my association." She paused for the barest of moments. "Or my approval."

Her hands clasped together in her lap, knuckles going white. But she said no more of the Commonwealth. It was a shame that Veruna never got to see the city in its prime.

Natasi felt Cressida bristling to her right at Veruna's mention of a favor. She was aware that her Foreign Secretary preferred to think of politics as a noble profession, of people coming together in common cause. As it turned out, to Cressida Tolliver's consternation, not everywhere observed the same views as the Heirate. That was probably for the best, Natasi thought. People who operated from reflexive nobility didn't tend to survive long, and people whose motivations were legible were safe compared to those who were more opaque.

"That question is part of why we came to you," Natasi said. "What do we need to ensure the application comes through? I am not so naive as to think merely wanting to participate is sufficient, but what would the Senate be looking for from us as part of this process? As far as repaying your -- favor -- with interest: I cannot make open-ended commitments, as I'm sure you'll understand," Natasi said, tilting her chin down a fraction. "But provided the ask is neither blatantly immoral or blatantly illegal, I'm sure we will be able to accommodate supporting a friend and ally."

She allowed her head to tilt toward Cressida, who met her eyes with a subtle. The Foreign Secretary's fingertips fell sequentially on the handle of her attaché case. Natasi turned her eyes back toward the King of Naboo. "Did you have something specific in mind already, Your Majesty?"

Aurelian Veruna​

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Natasi Fortan

Aurelian shifted his gaze to the Foreign Minister. He noticed the slight tension in her posture. It was amusing how some people still expected the gears of the galaxy to turn on merit alone. He wasn't particularly bothered by her disapproval, idealism was a luxury he couldn't afford, and one he doubted the Queen shared in her heart of hearts.

"No, no," Aurelian said, his voice dropping into a reassuring, silky tone. "I would never ask anything illegal of you. All I ask is that you remember my generosity when I need a little extra help in Senate dealings. Assuming you join the Republic, of course." He watched them closely, cataloging the white-knuckle grip of the Queen and the stiff silence of the Minister.

He sighed and leaned forward, sweeping the talk of favors aside as if the deal were already struck. He had no intention of letting a sponsorship fail. A rejection would be a stain on his own reputation, and Aurelian Veruna did not back losers. "You will petition the Senate with a formal request. I will sponsor that petition, but my own staff will sign off on the final draft before it is submitted. We will ensure the language is beyond reproach."

He tapped the portfolio on his desk. "In the meantime, you need to do your rounds. You cannot rely on one voice alone. Curry favor with the systems near your borders and build a solid case with the undecided Senators before the vote. I will work the channels I have. We must make your membership seem like an inevitability rather than a debate."

He flashed that charming smile again. "Does that sound agreeable?"

​