Private New Generation of Politics

[Khrusaes Akron]

Location: Akron Family Estate, Outskirts of Pantoran City, Pantora
Objective: Mold the Future
Tags: Jon Rhalin | Tiyo Rhalin | Shija Loigos

After a fruitful if not necessarily pleasant outing to the Tion Cluster for a conference of Imperial minds, Khrusaes left his agents and allies to do the heavy lifting of rescuing employee and friend Moda Dorn . Though he wanted very badly to see things rushed as much as possible he knew that such a mission did not fit his expertise and he would more than likely end up getting in the way. After hearing of the potential rise of House Rhalin’s new political hammer, Khrusaes rushed home, urging his ally Eremia Loigos to do the same or at least send representation.

Khrusaes did his homework on Jon and Tiyo Rhalin on his long voyage home. Unlike the High Admiral who wanted all the power in Pantora for Pantorans alone, Khrusaes didn’t see any fault in the ties between House Rhalin and the Rimward Trade League. His own company and extended family resided in RTL territory after all. If he was able to push things just right perhaps he’d be able to use RTL shipyards to send capital ships to Pantora. As it stood now he was limited to sending fighters only outside of RTL borders.

House Rhalin was the antithesis of what House Akron had been prior to abandoning Pantora during the Sith occupation. Steady and dutiful with a long history of military prowess. House Akron was rich and flashy. A history in business and reputation for being selfish. Khrusaes had tried his best to fight through those opinions when he returned and hoped that Loigos and his company’s support of the military would be enough to win over the fast rising Rhalin.

Jon had fought his way through childhood illness to make a name for himself in the Navy. Whether it was because of his name, exploits or a combination of the two he soared through the ranks and was now a very young Admiral. Obviously an overachiever that was not enough for young Jon. He soon sought and obtained a position in the Pantoran Assembly. Now it seemed that he was eying an even higher position. To be Chairman Jon would need more than a dutiful nature and a good name. Khrusaes could help with some of that.

Tiyo Rhalin had a much shorter file than her brother, though as an unapologetic playboy Khrusaes would not deny that he spent much more time looking her over. Little was attainable about her childhood. Khrusaes guessed it was something like his girl cousins’ sheltered existence. The history of her service in the Assembly was where the dialogue with the RTL seemed to really gain steam. It seemed that she was a bright mind in politics and Khrusaes was not averse to having pretty girls help his cause.

After inviting the Rhalin to his estate, Khrusaes learned that Admiral Loigos was sending her daughter to look into the changes in the Pantoran political landscape. Shija was not entirely like her mother, so Khrusaes invited the young woman for the meeting with House Rhalin. Khrusaes rarely missed the opportunity to add to the count of attractive women present at his meetings, that being said knowing Shija’s mother as he did this pretty young Pantoran was certainly in the look but don’t touch category.

Invitations had been sent and accepted. Servant droids had seen to drinks, refreshments and the correct ambiance for the gathering room. Now the only thing to do was to wait. Khrusaes sat on the couch in the corner or the room watching his drink swirl around the inside of his glass. ”Wait by the door and see that our guests are given a proper welcome and escort them in please,” Khrusaes instructed the dependable 3P0 series protocol droid that served as his head of household. The droid nodded and went about the duty assigned.

 

[Jon Rhalin]

Tags: Khrusaes Akron Shija Loigos
Location: Entryway to the Meeting Room

Times have been hectic as of late. In the state of independence through neglect Pantora found itself in, it allowed for young men like myself to reach positions in certain offices others may wait decades of their life to achieve. The Pantoran Navy was in a unique situation compared to the Army. The Army had the luxury of tradition and various stockpiles of equipment, as well as a steady pool of eager recruits. The Navy, on the other had, was stuck with leftovers from past hegemonies that assimilated Pantora into their realms, as well as less of a stream of recruits. It was a hodge podge of old CIS models, as well as others that were purchased from foreign shipyards in Rimward Trade League space.

During my teen years, the coups lead by Admiral Poigos and others may have resulted in terrible division in Pantora's elite and military classes. However, looking back on it, there were some areas that should be recognized. I was mostly inclined towards the idea of a strong Pantora. I may have my sympathies to the Rimward Trade League, however Pantora ought not to be turned into some outpost from an interstellar nation. I may have not been as zealous on the ideas proposed by Poigos' supporters, but I envisioned a method that less extreme Pantorans could find merrit in.

While my sister was invited to this meeting, she had business to attend to regarding our ties to the Rimward Trade League. Current policies in the Pantoran Assembly left it where the Rimward Trade League was our lifeline to the greater galactic markets. Trade vessels from Pantoran companies were granted fair protection in that space to reach the larger markets towards the Core. However, such a situation still required keeping ties with that larger power. Thus, it fully fell to me to represent our family's interest with this meeting. It certainly was strange that the invitation made note of that. However, such a note with the invitation meant all the reason to not ignore it.

As I walked to the room where this meeting would take place, I pondered what I had learned of my host. The Akron family certainly was of different stock that that of my family, Rhalin. While we of House Rhalin served dutifully for centuries as noble warrirors, the Akrons were merchants that flaunted their success. In the times of our independence through neglect, the distinction between classes certainly came about. It hardly surprised me how a wealthy merchant family was fully willing to leave Pantora when things were not going their way like spoiled children. Khrusaes Akron, however, seemed to be somewhat an antithises to his family's trend. I could find respect in a man wanting to stick to principle more than profit. He may be more prone to excess than even most relaxed nobles, but the fact he was of principle meant he was a potential ally in the struggle for Pantora's future.

A protocol droid was what greeted me at the door.
"Please state your identification. Master Khrusaes is expecting particular visitors and has no time for visitors without an appointment."
"Jon Rhalin. Admiral in the Pantoran Navy, and Assemblyman in the Pantoran Assembly. I am invited.", was my reply.
"You may enter."
I then entered the meeting room to await my host's greeting. I was not in my uniform, rather my ensemble for the assembly. A simple suit of very fine make. I stood with military posture, and an unvlinchingly stoic expression. It was not too frequent that a wealthy merchantman would call together representatives from two notable military families. It was time to see exactly what this meeting was for.

 

[Shija Loigos]

Objective: Learn about the future of Pantora
Location: Akron “family” estate
Outfit: Business Suit
Tags: Jon Rhalin | Khrusaes Akron

I was very glad to be back home. Not that I thought my mother’s instincts were wrong, but the thought of completely abandoning Pantora for colonies was a bit off putting. Thankfully the people of my generation were now gaining a voice and we could start to make our opinions matter more in how Pantora will move forward. The news my mother got was that the two Rhalin siblings who had won Assembly seats were quite progressive in the thought that Pantora should be more than just a moon full of blue-skinned beings waiting for the other shoe to drop. Mother might not be happy that the two have started conversations with the Rimward Trade League, but what was the harm in that? Mom took aid from Imperials in her coup attempt. The RTL seemed like a much safer bet to allow Pantora to do their own thing than the Imperials. So now it was time to see what House Rhalin was about.

As my speeder approached the Akron estate I wondered what ADL’s stake in this was. Though Khrusaes liked to pretend like he was the life of the party with all ages, I am convinced that his mind is always working towards profit. I know there is a patriot in his soul, but I am just not convinced that he has completely escaped the selfish high noble ties of his family’s well earned reputation. More than likely Akron was looking to guide the youth of Pantora in a direction that would fill his own accounts. It may well end up being what is best for the people as well. Time would tell on that part. I just hope for the sake of my home that a Rhalin would be able to see Khrusaes’ motives and be able to use the assets of Akron Defense Labs to their benefit, but still not become beholden to them. Just as was needed when speaking with the RTL.

Exiting the speeder I straightened my suit and started towards the main entrance of the estate. The suit was more my personality than the army dress uniform that my mother would surely have preferred that I wear. But I wasn’t here as a representative of the army. And while Mom was out doing her thing in the Outer Rim Territories I was going to be myself. Just as I hoped Pantora would do. My soul was not military one hundred percent. I liked to let my hair down. At the same time I did understand this to be a serious meeting, so while the color was fun, the suit was business. Hopefully Khrusaes and Jon would see them both. Well, I’m not sure just how much fun I want Khrusaes to think I’m willing to have.

I wasn’t exactly sure what was expected of me when joining this unofficial conference. I was standing in the doorway when a protocol droid came shuffling up to me. ”I hope that you are Mistress Shija Loigos or Assemblywoman Rhalin. All other visitors are to be turned away by order of the Master of the house.”

I gave the droid a smirk. I didn’t know Khrusaes as well as my mother but the behavior of the droid in contract with its owner was amusing to me. ”You seem quite formal, if you don’t mind me stating. I am indeed Lieutenant Shija Loigos. The droid gave what I assumed was a stiff bow and started off into the large luxurious home. I followed down a long hallway until we reached the meeting room.

Inside the room I saw Khrusaes lounging off in the corner, a young man with a less than typical in appearance for our species. I was used to being the tallest person in a room. I knew Khrusaes was even taller, to have Jon standing eye to eye with me was actually a bit intimidating. ”Assemblyman Rhalin,” the droid motioned to the man standing in front of me. ”I’m unsure if you are acquainted. This is Lieutenant Shija Loigos. Lieutenant, Assemblyman Rhalin.”

I nodded to the droid who I hoped would be dismissed quickly. [color=#FFD1DB”Good to meet you Aseemblyman. Please call me Shija,”[/color] I gave a smirk to the droid after making a point of calling out my rank rather than being addressed as Mistress or Miss or whatever other formal female title could be given. ”I’ve heard good things. My mother sent me to make sure you didn’t frak things up, but to be honest I’m hoping to be more involved with the future of our home, than she’d like.”

 

[Khrusaes Akron]

Location: Akron Family Estate, Outskirts of Pantoran City, Pantora
Objective: Mold the Future
Tags: Jon Rhalin | Shija Loigos

”Thank you Shiny. You can leave us now. Make sure that refreshments are brought promptly,” Khrusaes instructed the droid who made a bow and shuffled out of the room, the door sliding closed behind him. The elder Pantoran stood from his seat and made his way over to his visitors. ”It is good to see you again Shija. I was surprised to see you had returned home. Your mother didn’t make mention of it when I saw her in the Tion Cluster. I’m equally surprised that she didn’t send one of her yes men to do her bidding. You’ve a mind of your own and don’t mind speaking it. Does that mean that you’re home for good and looking to make a difference?”

After another smile to the young woman who he’d known since she wasn’t even enrolled in the military academy, Khrusaes turned his eyes to the Assemblyman. ”I am quite sorry that I have not made it a point to meet you before now Admiral Rhalin. However my company keeps me quite busy and as of late congratulations on your new position. I was disappointed to hear that your sister would not be able to make the meeting.”

Khrusaes waved both of them into the large lounge. ”Please make yourselves at home. The seating is quite comfortable and the bar has whatever you may desire. Intoxicant or not. I’m sure you’re both wondering why I’ve asked you here,” Akron moved into the room and grabbed his own drink, a clear liquid of little note. He moved to a central sofa and waited for the others to choose their own seats. ”I am curious what the new generation of Pantorans want for their home. Even after losing our home for a short time, my generation still seems willing to bury their heads in the ground and pretend like the galaxy isn’t dangerous and there are no threats to our freedom.”

He looked to Shija first. ”I know that your mother wouldn’t have sent you if you were going to keep up with such tradition, but your mother was willing to take things to the other extreme. So I’m curious,” Khrusaes’ eyes shifted back to Jon. ”And you are quite ambitious. Admiral, Assemblyman and now seeking the highest position on Pantora at such a young age. I’m wondering what your vision is. And if it comes close enough to mine, I’d like to figure out how I can help.”

 

[Jon Rhalin]

Tags: Khrusaes Akron Shija Loigos
Location: Meeting Chamber on Akron Company Property

Shortly after I entered this meeting chamber, the third member of this talk came in behind me. I turned to face her. Being of the frame I was, I somewhat overtook her in height. I could tell my stance over her may have been rather imposing. I was not one to leverage my physique, especially over ladies like her. However, it would also not be of my status of nobility to apologize for any passive intimidation. I decided to simply act hospitable while maintaining my course of action.
"A pleasure, Lieutennant.", was what I said with coridal warmth while maintaining my military stoicism, "Your family name precedes you. The records on your mother show a philosphy worth some salt."

Our host sat comfortably in his chair. For me, I was not to partake in a similar level of hedonism of indulging in drink. I slowly sat as he spoke and carried myself in a manner that displayed the attention I was paying. His regards to the Lieutennant seemed to coincide with my own to a degree. His words on me made my brow furrow with focus. Shortly after he had finished his remarks, I addressed him in turn.
"Executive Akron, it is, likewise, to make your acquaintance. Military and politics do not often cross with civilian companies outside of the matters of liasons. As for my sister, she is present in the Rimward Trade League's systems ensuring galactic politics do not get in the way of businesses like your's."
I was clear with my pronunciation, and cool in my delivery. The military cadence had a way of making one's words hide little.
"It is true what you say on both my career up to this point, as well as the previous generation. Pantora must not hide in its system to find itself surrounded by enemies. We are a people capable of strength, but history and current events coincide to show that us standing on our own will be folly. As for me, I merely wish to serve that people however possible. Even if I do not win the election for Chairman, I will not waver in my duty as anyone who is of the occupation of Pantora's defense."

 

[Shija Loigos]

Objective: Learn about the future of Pantora
Location: Akron “family” estate
Outfit: Business Suit
Tags: Jon Rhalin | Khrusaes Akron

I gave a nod to Jon’s greeting. Though I hoped that he would not completely judge me based on who my mother was. We shared a lot of ideals, but we had different views as well. Aside from leaving a small garrison in the Vilonis sector, mother had all but abandoned Pantora. She felt that it’s people were too passive. That it was a sitting duck for the Sith to come again or the Rimward Trade League to dominate. While I had concerns about the Sith, the prospect of using the League to our advantage was one that I was willing to investigate. And ultimately whether the Sith came or not, I thought it was more honorable to stand our ground and fight than to run off and from a new vision of Pantora out in the wide galaxy.

”I have been away from Pantora for a short time. Your family name has risen since then,” I said with a welcoming smile. ”Not to say that it was not something to be proud of before, but it is good to see Pantorans with vision seizing opportunity.”

Once inside Khrusaes’ lounge we were greeted by our host. I blushed slightly as Khrusaes focused on me first. He was like an uncle or cousin or some other familial relation, however he was a noted playboy, so just hearing his humming voice made me feel a bit awkward. ”As you said I have a mind of my own. I asked the High Admiral to send me home. I agree with her thoughts in colonizing and pressing Pantoran ideals throughout the galaxy, however it means nothing if we let our home whither and die. It is time for Pantora to portray strength to both enemies and allies. That is what I am here for.”

Khrusaes turned his attention to Assemblyman Rhalin for a greeting before offering his hospitality to them both. I eyed the bar for just a moment before choosing to make my way to one of the sofa’s to take a seat. If things went well I might be convinced to partake in a beverage to celebrate new direction and relationships. Khrusaes was in an interesting position. He was present, though very young, for the last Sith occupation. His family fled and he returned. His interest however cannot be considered completely patriotic and philanthropic. His business would profit well from increasing Pantora’s military presence.

Though Khrusaes spoke to me first, I allowed Jon to answer. I hated that everything I did would be tied to my mother’s will. She was just as one-sided as the elder generation who wished to keep the status quo and wait for threats to come to them and hope to be bailed out by some galactic power. That being the case I too was eager to hear the Rhalin plan. Then perhaps my own views could be heard instead of thinking I was just a megaphone for my mother.

It was interesting to hear that the other Rhalin was meeting with the Trade League. That brought a smile to my face. The League didn’t press itself on established governments. Their naval capabilities could help fill the gap while Pantora built a defense fleet of their own, and shipyards within the Trade League could be used by Khrusaes to put designs that were already in development into action to supply Pantora with a state of the art navy. The rest of Admiral Rhalin’s statement brought a smile to my face. Mother thought that forming alliances was a sign of weakness. I was glad to see that Jon did not fall into such folly.

”Your passion and vision are shared by many within the Army Assemblyman. Or do you prefer Admiral?” I wondered which title would hold more pride for the young man. ”I can promise that you will have the support of myself, many of my army compatriots, and the Loigos name if you find any of those beneficial to seeing your vision become reality.

“My mother would be quite upset to hear that you are reaching out to the Trade League,” I said with a sigh, hoping that they wouldn’t immediately take that as my own criticism. ”However, I see the League as an opportunity. The devil is in the details however. Pantora will need to maintain strength and use a friendship with the League in order to become leaders. Our resources are not absolute. Getting where we wish to be will take give and take. I think that we need to be open to many things to make sure that Pantora is as secure as possible.”

 

[Khrusaes Akron]

Location: Akron Family Estate, Outskirts of Pantoran City, Pantora
Objective: Mold the Future
Tags: Jon Rhalin | Shija Loigos

Even though it was Jon who Khrusaes needed to feel out, he couldn’t help but be disappointed by Jon’s sister’s inability to attend the meeting. Khrusaes always had an easier time dealing with females. Or perhaps it was more precise to say he preferred to. The long standing saying not to mix business and pleasure was something that met with deaf ears when it came to Khrusaes. The fact that talks with the Trade League had already started however was a good sign. A good portion of Akron Defense Labs’ assets were inside the territory of the RTL. An agreement or alliance would make getting full use of the assets to sculpt the future of Pantora much easier. And more profitable for Khrusaes at the same time.

”I have interest in the League,” Khrusaes stated with a nod. ”Offices on Seswenna and personnel on Eriadu. Hopefully you will share your strategy, or allow me to join your sister in the future to see things go smoothly. Though I do enjoy allowing youthful exuberance to rein in these times. Sometimes old relationships help get the ball rolling.”

Jon seemed wise. Pantora was in no position to stand on its own. But it was possible that they could be with the right support in the interim. The Rimward Trade League seemed like a good place to get that support. They weren’t terribly intrusive on local governments. ”I find it much easier to serve from the lead than as an appendage. As I said I do have some influence. And if we do things right I can Akron Defense Labs can help make the defense of Pantora much more complete. If you would like to work together in this, I think that I can help you win this election.”

Shija proved to be her own woman. Something that Khrusaes was very happy to hear. Though her mother would continue to get support from Akron Defense Labs. In many cases getting prototypes to test in the field, Khrusaes had abandoned Pantora once, though not by choice, and it ate away at him. Even though Shija would not press to follow her mother’s ideals completely, having a Loigos speaking on the side of Akron Labs and House Rhalin would be a boon. The coup of Eremina may not have been supported by the masses, but the military saw her vision. And the word of her daughter would give them faith that a tempered version of the Loigos vision was possible.

”Your mother will do her thing, in her place,” Khrusaes cooed towards Shija. ”We will see that she was quick in her movement to leave Pantora behind. Our people will become strong at home and galaxy-wide.”