Leaving Common Isolation

[Kay-Larr]

It was time. Kay was growing tired of her isolation. She felt so out of the loop when it came to the movements of others in the Galaxy. Due to the stresses of her husband's trial, not to mention the bounties fiasco created by her Minister of Defence, there was a lot that people were keeping from her. She was told to delegate her tasks more, but that seemed to leave her with little to go on. It was as though they had created some sort of safety bubble around her and she was kept at home for a while, or at least until after the trial was over.

With [member="Connor Harrison"] returning, she had sent him to gather information on everything that she was missing out on concerning the governments both near and far to her own borders. She needed to know what they were all up to so that she could better plan her people's future.

She needed to break from her isolation and find her voice.

Kay sent word for Connor to meet her at the map room of the Royal Palace. There she had a large map drawn up and layed out on the table, with markers for each of the different major powers. And some for the smaller ones. Models of ships lay at the side to be used as earmarks for fleets. If other governments were moving in to surround her, then she needed to make plans so that her people wouldn't be strangled by them. She needed to ensure that their economy still flourished.

Quietly she waited, tea in hand as she studied the map. Connor would be escorted down to her, so there was no need for her to wait for him in the foyer. Normally this was something for herself and her husband to discuss. But Veiere was unavailable, as was her Minister of Defence. So she had to make do with the best alternative out there. Knowing him, he wouldn't be long.

 

[Connor Harrison]

It was welcoming to get the call from the Commenor Queen. It had been a week or so since meeting last in the safety of the palace, and now his company was requested again. Connor wasn’t far out from the Commenor worlds, and made good time the second he had the call.

His trusty freighter landed closer this time, having the right clearance to be under the Queen’s authority to be there, and the escort was waiting to lead him through the grounds and down into the bowels of the palace itself. He took in everything as he walked through.

The door opened, and Connor walked into the room. There, a map of the galaxy was laid out. Refreshments, as per, were on the trolley to the side. Lights and décor surrounded them as well as some comfortable furnishings and some texts. Either a very luxurious map room or war room.

"Good day, your Highness."

Connor walked in, little attention paid to the guard, and was drawn to the map. He rested his hands on the edge of the table, and stood opposite the Queen. He looked at the map and his eyes darted here and there, making out the various super-powers of the galaxy.

"Prepping for war are we?" He said with a wry smile.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay looked up as soon as [member="Connor Harrison"] had walked in. She had already started on the map by laying out her own territory's boundaries, each one inching ever closer to towards those of another. The buffer zones of neutral space was shrinking. How long before they were non existant? And what would come after that? Would they find some reasons to attack her people? Or would there be continued stability in the area? She had to hope for the best, yet plan for the worst.

She sipped her tea as he approached the table, smirking at his comment while she swallowed a mouthful of the soothingly warm drink. "Prepping our defences is more like it. I need to look at this properly and see where to best position our fleets. We already have protection along the trade routes. But the rest...right now they are just on routine patrols."

She furrowed her brows as she studied the map, looking towards the territories to their south. "What of the CIS? What is their stance on us?"

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor gave a little chuckle and leant on the table, looking at the galactic map like a huge strategy game. Tiny model soldiers and ships were dotted around the Commenor system representing suspected units and fleets. It had been a while since he had flexed his strategic mind, and it was something he had missed.

"The Confederacy's main bug-bear is the Empire. Where the Empire goes, the Confederacy will follow in an attempt to knock them back. You are not in their sights, unless you make more obvious moves with the Empire and show support; then you will have them sniffing around."

He licked his lips slowly and pointed to the North of their system, a small unit of ships moved under his telekinesis control.

"I urge you to focus on the North. The Collective is waning, and the Free Worlds are facing assaults from the Sith Empire as we speak. If their governments fall, think about all that space free for the taking."

He then pointed to the East, towards the Sith and Mandalorians.

"There is...or was...a weak alliance between the Sith and Mandos which I think has collapsed. Yet they could move in to eradicate what is left of the Free Worlds, but that confrontation may spill into your systems, so you need to be ready." Then, he indicated to the Alliance on the West. "The Alliance is busy with the First Order and seemed to have secured their target of Coruscant. It's the North you want to cover most."

Connor looked across the map again, eyes moving like a cipher taking in the information.

"The Silver Jedi will want to expand to compensate their loss of Voss. But, again, I know how they work. They will not be a threat, but they will simply look as eager as any power to bring planets under their governance and secure a stable support of the Light, which may well help repel dark forces, but could also attract them. Who knows right now."

With that, he looked up at the Queen.

"How do you feel?"

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay clenched her jaw a little as [member="Connor Harrison"] spoke about the Empire. That gave her cause to worry."That's troubling to hear. The Empire is one of our most supportive allies and have given us much with little in return." So far at least. She pointed on the map towards Dressel, a spot that blocked the CIS from attacking the GE from their north. "We're currently in negotiations with Dressel. Once they fly our banner, we will have secured a part of the Mara Corridor. That will bring us not only right next to the Empire, but to the CIS as well."

She sipped her tea as he pointed to the northern governments. There was much for her to say in response. "If the Free Worlds fall, there are only a few planets that I'd be interested in. I do not want to have Alderaan nor Zeltros. There is too much bad blood and they don't go well with our way of governing. As for the Mandos, I have little to fear from them. Their leader is family through marriage, adoption and other things. They will not attack us. The Sith...if they side with the Mandos, then they shouldn't attack us either." She chewed the inside of her cheek. "I don't think that the Jedi trust us, nor the new Republic. So far that has not gone so far as to deem us enemies. My friend Jaster will speak for us to the Republic should tensions arise. Both the First Order and the Alliance are too busy with eachother to give us the time of day. We should be fine from them."

Kay looked up at him. "Are there any others that could pose a threat to us?" She didn't answer his question on how she felt. There were no words for that.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Like two military officers, either side of a battle map, Connor and the Queen stood looking over the galaxy as they knew it now. Connor kept quiet, arms folded, listening to her speak and lay out her current status and plans.

It made sense, what she said, and there was no alarm bells ringing. Though, she avoided answering his question and rebounded it back to him. That was noted.

"I don’t…I don’t think so bar small criminal sects or fascists who follow the example of others. Well all know the way certain dark forces will go about getting what they want. Its’s the only difference between them and Jedi. Superweapons, slaughter and genocide. They all have weapons. We all do. We all want to protect what is ours and offer our mandate to others. Difference is, if people say no, they won’t listen if their mind has been made up."

He cupped his chin and let out a long sigh as he looked down at the Commenor worlds.

Connor gave a little chuckle and leant on the table, looking at the galactic map like a huge strategy game. Tiny model soldiers and ships were dotted around the Commenor system representing suspected units and fleets. It had been a while since he had flexed his strategic mind, and it was something he had missed.

"I would like to think that respect and decency hasn’t died totally in the galaxy. Your system hasn’t made clear offense or defence against anyone. And, yes, neutrality should be respected from the start. If anything I think your standing will affect your governments more than your military might." Wars could be fought without weapons. "If certain powers see your standing with their enemies and what they stand against, they will call you in to defend your stance, and that will be tough. The wrong word could tip how they see you. They may not invade or launch attacks, but trade routes could suffer. Rebellions could swell. Trust could collapse."

He wanted to mention her husband, but something in him refrained.

"I will do what I can to help you should any situation like this arise. I know I am not of this world or this government, and I know we have had our…history, but my vision has been resorted and that is why I am here. To help maintain balance and order from those out to destroy it."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay nodded. Much like sipping tea was her crutch, [member="Connor Harrison"] 's seemed to be fiddling with his chin. And just as the two were bouncing off ideas, it seemed as though subconsciously or not, they both were holding something back. But it wasn't as though she was going to bring any of that up. She didn't want to.

"Our neutrality has kept us safe. Countless times I have been told by others outside of the CSA that it was a failed strategy and that we'll have to choose a side. But look at the evidence." She gestured to the map, starting from Commenor and then branching out towards the south. "Not only have we not been attacked, but we've expanded and bring more worlds under our protection. And with that expansion comes more trade routes." Again she pointed to the Mara Corridor. "Even now a major trade route is being established by the UTC that runs right through my territory with stations and refueling points." Her eyes lifted up to Connor now. "Trade blockades are not a new tactic and it's one that I've kept in mind given how much my economy depends on it. In order for a trade blockade to choke us, they would have to gain control of every single route and that would entail every single government to turn against us. Given that most use our trade routes for their own supply runs, I don't see that happening."

 

[Connor Harrison]

The Queen made sense, and she was partly right. Connor nodded and pointed to the Empire.

"I see. Yes, the Empire isn't big enough to be considered a major threat, not yet, but then they have a strong history and know how to handle themselves. If there's one thing I've learnt, it's that the galaxy doesn't revolve around Jedi and Sith anymore. Alliances can be forged, and they can be saved. You are in this for more than just war and domination - you have a resource others may want a piece of and I don't think they would risk blowing it by attacking."

He inhaled and tapped his fingers on the edge of the map table.

"While I meant trade would be a threat, I meant by sabotage. Pirates, mercenaries. The ones who will hit a route and anything and anyone using it just to instigate an uproar. Just be careful, and always have a Plan B." There was a name mentioned he hadn't heard of. "This UTC. Who, or what, are they?"

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

"We have ships patrolling the routes, and always at random so that their movements couldn't be guessed. And random inspections are made in order to help prevent illegal goods from passing through our borders." She chewed the inside of her cheek as she dropped her eyes back down to the map. "But no system is fool proof, I know that."

Kay sipped her tea as [member="Connor Harrison"] asked about the UTC. "It stands for United Trading Conglomerate. [member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"] owns it and runs it. He tells me that he does a lot for this new Republic these days, so he chose his route carefully. It's always good to have more routes to rely on in case one or more are shut down."

She studied the map. "Now you said earlier that the Sith are going after the Free Worlds. Is there any reason why? Or are they just taking advantage of a failing government?"

 

[Connor Harrison]

The UTC were a new name to him, but they sounded like part of the future.

"Hmm. Interesting. Trade routes are the new battlegrounds for many, where politics and persuasion is as deadly as a blaster or bomb. Trade keeps the galaxy running. It's important to have allies in those areas. Good move."

Connor stepped around to the North side of the map, above the bloated chunk of Sith space and leant forward, drawing his finger into the Free Worlds space.

"Okay, if you ask me there are two possible reasons. One. The Sith Empire are trying to bully those just out of reach, but well within sight. They are secluded to the East but reminding the Core that they are there. It's classic Sith power play." He drew his fingers across to the Mandalorian Empire. "Second? They are desperate for a challenge. Out there on their own behind the Mandalorians, where can their influence go? Nowhere. They want to instigate fear. They want to be given attention and reason. The Core is a hive of activity, and they're not involved."

He stood back up and drummed his fingers again.

"If they are brazen enough to think they can just swoop in and planets will bow to them, then they're mistaken. I know that the Light won't kneel before them so easily. and that is when you will have to show which side of the battle you are on if they come knocking."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Well at least [member="Connor Harrison"] saw the value in her methods. While others focused on brute force and military might, Kay worked in the background, securing the framework for her own safety net for her people. They wouldn't be easy prey to anyone, unlike what some may think.

She studied the map, in particular towards the west. "Given the close proximity of FWC territory to the Alliance, do you think that it could be possible that the Sith are using it as some sort of a stepping stone to advance towards Coruscant? While the First Order have the Alliance's attention at their shared borders, it could mean weakened defence at their northern territories. The Sith would have to move through Mandalorian space, of which you said they were loose allies to, and then through FWC space to get there. Unless they go after the Collective." She chewed the inside of her cheek. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see."

Her brows furrowed as Connor told her that she might soon have to choose sides. There was a number of times in which she was told that. Yet that time had not come. "Only if we are attacked would a side be chosen. Not before. We've been through this already, Connor. I will not willfully paint a target on our backs on a whim."

 

[Connor Harrison]

With a disarming smile, Connor held up a hand to quell her defense.

"I'm not asking you to choose. We all know that's been my weakness; choosing a side. So I don't. Hence why I am here to try to forge something by NOT simply being a tool for a greater power."

The urge was there for a drink of water, so he turned to the refreshment table and ambled over to help himself, continuing as he did.

"I'm only saying the time may come where you have to slip to one side more than the other. That's all. I know you know that, I'm just being blunt." The water sloshed into the tall glass. "It may not even come to that. Who knows what will happen tomorrow."

Connor replaced the water jug and took a sip from his glass, which turned into a mouthful. It was ice-cold and refreshing. His swallows were generous, and he had nearly finished the glass before stopping. So, he filled it back up, one final sip, and went back to the table holding it in his hand.

"You make a good point about both sides effectively trying to box the Core in, but then part of me thinks; let them. Tides turn, and things never ride out how people see. Eventually they will destroy themselves or collapse from the inside. It's those standing back and letting them - those like us - who have the resources, strength and power to rebuild, reshape and return stronger in the new era presented to us."

He rose the glass in a mock 'cheers'.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Well there was one thing to be said about the new way that [member="Connor Harrison"] presented himself; it was that he was less argumentative. He didn't try to assert himself over her, he didn't invade her personal space. Instead he remained respectful on all counts. That was a good thing.

Kay pondered on his words of governments collapsing from the inside. Was hers going to be one of them? Although there seemed to be no one trying to usurp the throne, there were rumours of a growing opposition to the Monarchy. So far it just appeared to be on Commenor, but what if it spread? How was she to respond to it without being seen as evil? The situation with Veiere didn't help matters either.

"What have you sensed during your walkabouts in the city? What is the overall atmosphere of the people?" An outsuder's perspective was never an unwanted one. She wanted to be told that everythung was okay. Yet there was no guarantee of that.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Initially, the Queen's question was a brave one. Who ever wanted to hear the reality of a precarious situation when it could do nothing but make you feel worse. Still, in honesty, it wasn't too bad.

"You know, your Highness, on the whole it's not all bad out there. I mean, yes, the sight of Stormtroopers in certain areas does cause a little...shall we say unease...around people, but while they are doing nothing against Commenor, it's what they and the pristine white armous is associated with."

He toyed with a small unit of soldiers on the map, pointing them towards Commenor.

"People are worried that when a Star Destroyer appears in the atmosphere, it's all over for them. Will it be a matter of time? Is the Queen working for the Supreme Leader of the Order? Is she being pressured? You know how people talk and think. Silly, really."

To be fair, he was trying to get a reaction. He knew the Queen was a proud woman and would only do what was best for her people, but he also knew her intent to see the good and neutrality in many often made her blind to the hard truth. He took another sip.

"I am not a politician, by no means, and I know it's hard for you at the moment in your situation, both in the public and private life, but maybe the people would feel better knowing that those here from other Factions won't pose a threat, or there isn't need to worry. It's the uncertainty they worry about. You can help quell that."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay furrowed her brows. "The Stormtroopers are there for the First Order Embassy. That's the only place that they have jurisdiction....I thought that people understood that..." She sipped her tea. Maybe the Stormtroopers were spreading out a little or even shopping in their uniforms. It wasn't as though she had eyes everywhere to see. But that'll be something to check on.

"It's always just a matter of time. But would it be in our lifetime? That's hard to say. Most of the Star Destroyers here are our own." She raised a brow as [member="Connor Harrison"] made an absurd suggestion that she was working for or even being pressured by the Supreme Leader. "That is silly. I've not had any contact with the Supreme Leader of the Order, either directly or indirectly. Though I have shared tea with the Emperor of the Galactic Empire on Kamino." The Emperor was pleasant enough, but probably just because she had something that he had wanted access to. "The only thing that is pressuring me is my people's call to have my husband punished, which I am working on doing."

Kay tapped the fingers of one hand on her cup. "How would I quell their fears? Broadcast another speech? Or try to force the Stormtroopers to stay on their Embassy grounds?" Surely Connor had some idea.

 

[Connor Harrison]

The mood had turned from strategy to hard facts and action on the ground, and the Queen was certainly feeling an unseen pressure and weight on her shoulders. Connor nodded at her request and moved back to the side of the map room and took a seat, crossing one leg over his thigh and resting his fingers on the sole of his boot.

"You quell one person’s fears, you raise another. There is no easy answer, and probably isn’t even AN answer."

He had to choose his words carefully.

"And I wasn’t saying their Leader has conversed with you, not at all. But I guarantee he knows everything about you and your system and your history with the First Order. As too with the Emperor and whomever else has crossed your path, be it personally or professionally. I’m not saying this to lecture you, as it’s pretty obvious. I’m only saying it to remind you that many parties are involved with Commenor, all of whom have their own enemies and one day may seek something from you that will be a deciding point where you stand."

He sipped his water.

"Maybe enforcing some stricter rule with the First Order wouldn’t be a bad thing. If they are so noble and strict as they say, then they need to prove it and listen to you and your people. This is YOUR system, not theirs. They are intimidating and have a history of great strength and dominance; where their Stormtroopers go, people find it hard to see beyond the armour and just see a soldier who may or may not be part of a plan to take over the system."
A sigh left his lips and he placed the glass down and rubbed his hands slowly.

"What you do with Veiere is your business, but also the people’s business. Just keep doing what you are expected to do as Queen to keep confidence that they can believe in you, and that you are not afraid to put your people first over the strains of your own heart. It’s not easy, that much I do know."

His fingers cracked quietly as he flexed them.

"If you could control Veiere’s fate and nobody would know you were behind it, hypothetical question of course, what would you have done."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay took another sip of her tea, leaning against the table while [member="Connor Harrison"] sat himself down. The fact that he put it that there might not be an answer at all wasn't exactly something that she had wanted to hear. It only meant that whatever she did, someone would take issue with it, someone would find a problem.

She shifted her weight on her feet as he continued, not entirely comfortable with other government officials from the outside knowing everything about her. Did they really? She hoped not. There were things that even her own husband didn't know, but she knew that he had his assumptions. It made her uncomfortable to think that some were looking for leverage to be used against her for their own means. At least her children were safe, so the risk of them being taken hostage was low. That was partly why she let them go in the first place.

Kay nodded at his suggestion in regards to the First Order's Stormtroopers. Their Embassy wasn't very active, except for when an official was visiting. Thankfully that didn't happen very often.

Now Connor spoke of Veiere. Unfortunately she knew that what she wanted for her husband and what the people were expecting were two different things. "The people want justice. They want to be reassured that they are safe from him. Letting him break out of prison wouldn't be a good idea. Yet I can't have him spend his life in a cell either. Just these months that he has has already...driven him further down his spiral...If I could, I'd have the judge exile him." Of course there'd have to be some way for him to win the people back. If they were ever plunged into war, she knew that Veiere would help her. He told her as much.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor leant back and folded his arms. His head cocked a little as he tried his best to understand how the Queen was feeling, and what he could say to help.

Truth be told, he could say nothing. She was emotionally compromised, and in the best position to face others exploiting her, her husband and her rule.

"I'm not here to tell you how to rule, or how to live. He is your husband. You share a bond others do not. Yet nobody else will see that. They will see a choice you made to bring him into the system, into your life and into governance. And it was a choice sold on a lie. A lie you will be seen to almost...support."

The thought concerned him, and his expression was evidently one of deep thought.

"Some will see him as a leader against oppression. Others will see him as a tyrant against hope. They will only want answers, not your feelings. Your Highness," he sat up straight, "you need to be aware of how compromised you are with Veiere. His very position on both sides of the war you're trying hard to avoid puts you in a dangerous place, and only you can deffuse such a thing. Not for his sake, but yours. He's made his choice. You need to make yours."

Being blunt was the best course of action.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

A choice sold on a...lie? Her brows furrowed while she sipped her tea, staring at nothing in particular. Veiere wasn't always Dark, was he? Surely Kay would have felt it. And why would he help her back to the Light if he was Dark all along? His eyes didn't show complete signs of Darkness, so there had to be a part of him that still clung to the Light. Maybe she was a part of that; their Force Bond keeping grounded. Veiere was still a good man. He just...lost his way. And now he was quite adamant that she not show herself being weak in public. She couldn't even show her support to the man she loved.

Kay finished her tea, setting the cup down on the table before wrapping her arms around herself. What [member="Connor Harrison"] was saying about the situation was disconcerting. Veiere was fighting both sides, while she was not fighting at all. But even then, Veiere had fought against the Jedi before when they had attacked Atrisia. But that was back when she was just a President and not a Queen.

Her gaze refocused, flashing up to Connor as spoke of her needing to make a choice. "What are you saying? What choice?" Of course she had an idea of what he meant. But she wanted to hear someone else say it.

 

[Connor Harrison]

She wasn’t stupid. Nor was he. There was no need to say anything to try and soften what had to be said.

"You know what I’m saying. Does your husband have a place within your government anymore, and does he have a right to still hold your heart-strings. I know what affairs of the heart can do to a person, how they can sway a decision or blur sight. It’s a simple choice."

Connor held out his hands either side of his lap.

"I’m not telling you to pick a side. What I’m telling you is that a situation has arisen that threatens your seat of power and how you are seen as Queen. You need to decide if Veiere will have influence over you on that seat of power. He is aligned to dark forces. Are you?"

He bridged his fingers together and rested them in front of his chin.

"Does he have a place here anymore?"

[member="Lady Kay"]