Private Long to Reign Over Us

[Renata Westaway]

NEW STERANDEL, AEGIS
CAPITAL OF THE RENASCENT HEIRATE

the Efficient & the Dignified​

The motorcade was a modest one: a single towncar speeder bearing two of the dark cerulean and gold flags of the Renascent Heirate, flanked on two sides by speederbikes and escorted to front and back by a police speeder, lights flashing but sirens silent. It would not be uncommon for the residents of New Sterandel to see this particular motorcade taking this particular route through the city on this evening every week, from 10 Alderney Square, through Highgate, along the Mall, though it had been irregular for awhile now. At the far end of the Mall, the guardsmen at the gate to the River Palace opened it to admit the motorcade, which drove through the courtard, easing to a halt with the towncar beneath a covered carport. A footman in dark blue and gold livery approached the door and opened it. Another man in a dark suit greeted Renata Westaway as she emerged from the back seat, leather portfolio in one hand, handbag around one forearm.

"Prime Minister," he said politely. "How nice to see you again."

"Likewise, Kenat. Not very often she's here, so we must take advantage when we can, hm?"

"Of course, Prime Minister." He gestured back the way he'd come from, into the building. "If you'll follow me, please."

Renata knew the way by heart, but there was protocol to be observed, so she simply smiled her thanks and nodded her assent, following Kenat into the palace.

It was smaller than the Imperial Palace in Avalonia. There hadn't been the resources here that the First Order could bring to bear, Renata realized, but she also thought that the Sovereign probably preferred it this way. No brutalist tower signaling dominance more than strength. River Palace was grand, in its own way, but also more personal. Closer to the city streets. Populated by people whose faces and names Renata recognized and remembered. It had the feel of old Galidraan, if Renata understood it correctly. She had never been, having always assumed it would disappoint in comparison to the way the Sovereign and others from her homeworld would describe it as some sort of Nirvana in the mortal realm.

The walk did not take long. Along galleries and corridors, past state rooms and ceremonial chambers, until at least Renata paused at the door of the audience chamber. Kenat might observe that she was nervous, though that wasn't true exactly. Renata Westaway was never particularly overawed by the Supreme Leader nor the trappings that came with her. But today was going to be a difficult meeting. The two women would have to discuss things that were going to be difficult. Unpleasant.

Not to mention that it was likely to cause a constitutional crisis. But all countries had to have their first one, right?

Kenat glanced at her. He had no idea, bless him. "Are you ready, Prime Minister?"

The Prime Minister took a breath, inclined her head, and nodded. Kenat stepped forward, rapped at the door briefly, and then led Renata inside. While Kenat bowed at the neck, Renata executed a curtsy. "Your Majesty," she said as she rose, and Kenat turned to leave the two women alone. Natasi Fortan stood at the other end of the room, statuesque and slender in a dark green dress and blazer The Sovereign extended a hand, at which signal the Prime Minister crossed the room and took it, curtsying again before releasing it. "I believe I speak for all your subjects when I say how relieved I am that you made it off Coruscant safely, ma'am. When we lost communications with your Senate office, we feared the worst."

​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi usually enjoyed the weekly audience with the Prime Minister. It had been too long since the women were under the same roof, with Natasi's dual role as Sovereign and Senator often keeping her away from New Sterandel. With any other Prime Minister it might have been impossible, but Renata Westaway knew more about the Renascent Heirate than anyone, Natasi included. The care of the government was in strong hands. Still, it felt right to be there together once more. The Sovereign extended a hand, inviting the Prime Minister to cross and take it, executing a curtsy as they shook once. "Please," Natasi said, gesturing to the pale gold upholstery of the armchair opposite the twin behind Natasi herself. Natasi settled into her chair and watched as Renata did as well.

Was it her imagination or was the Prime Minister distinctly less comfortable today than usual?

Natasi had the good grace to look somewhat abashed by the Prime Minister's commentary. Natasi had a general sense that it was -- perhaps -- irresponsible. To stay on Coruscant after the Senate fled to Fondor meant that resources had to be dedicated to protect her. And yet, Natasi's presence and the security it brought meant that she could spread that security around, to the refugees that the Alliance had huddled under its protections. The Balance only knew what would have happened had a Senator not been present.

"I appreciate your concern," Natasi answered after a moment's hesitation. "I worry that -- it may be unavoidable. These Imperials have the most damnable habit of getting into places they oughtn't to be. How the Core could be so easily usurped, and Coruscant itself so apparently ill-defended as to be invaded twice in just over a year." The Supreme Leader shifted in her seat a little, her elbow coming to rest on the upholstered armrest. Delicate, but uncharacteristic for Natasi to lean during an audience.

Evidence of the toll the last few days had taken on her. "Inquiries will be made, of course," Natasi said, in the manner of assuring the Prime Minister that she was on top of things. "And with the Galactic Empire -- what a name -- popping up next door... well, the Senate will need to demand answers. We will need to be assured of our defense posture."

Natasi paused and then she cleared her throat. "Apologies, Prime Minister. This is your time, I ought not to be setting the agenda. Please." She gestured generously toward the space between them, inviting Renata to take the floor.

Renata Westaway​

 

[Renata Westaway]

Renata settled uneasily into the chair, reaching up to tuck her blonde hair behind one ear as she fixed her glassy blue-green eyes on the Sovereign. The Supreme Leader was chatty today. Did she sense what was coming? Was she looking to head it off at the pass? Renata was about to interject when Natasi censored herself and turned the meeting back to its purpose. Renata's smile was brittle. "Not at all, ma'am, though of course there are some matters of import that I feel we should discuss."

She set her handbag down at the side of the chair and unzipped her portfolio, letting it rest open on her crossed legs. She did not consult the pages inside, not in this moment. "Actually, it's the Senate I'd like to discuss. In fact, it's the only thing that's on my agenda for this evening." She paused, swallowed audibly. She froze a moment, prompting Natasi to lean forward encouragingly.

"The thing is, ma'am," Renata began again. "The thing is this."

And yet, she found herself grasping for words to explain what the thing was.

"Prime Minister?" Natasi said softly.

Renata cleared her throat and looked up, blue-green eyes meeting the dark ones of her Sovereign. "I apologize, Your Majesty. This is, I suspect, as easy to say as it will be for you to hear. But it must be said. And it must be heard." Renata noted the Supreme Leader's eyebrows lift in the same way they usually did when the women were sharing a private moment of unspoken humor.

"The time has come for you to return to Aegis on a permanent basis. That means -- stepping away from the Galactic Alliance and the Senate. It is simply too dangerous for you to remain abroad when the Alliance seems to be ineffectual at protecting its institutions and its most closely-held territories. I cannot in good conscience allow it to continue."

And then Renata got to experience the very first time being fixed with Natasi's gaze in that famed moment when they went from deep, melted chocolate brown to icy, frozen Galidraani mud, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees as the Supreme Leader's lips subtly turned down at the edges.

Natasi Fortan​