Private THe Aftermath

[Hetton Vemec]

War never changes, only the tools change, Hatton thought to himself, as he was being sorted as a pow, on one the Diarchy ships. He did not know it's name, or their intent, which made him nervous. Though the fact they took him onboard alive, rather than just blasting him, he took some comfort in. That said, he may end up getting torchered for information, and then kill him, so he knew this was not over yet. His thoughts dewled on his family, what will come of them. The Diarchy had won, surely the new king Damian dooku son of the abdicated king Lucien Dooku would flee, then again, he may stay and try and do his duty to the people. Then thought came may be he was a hostage, to be bargained for, to make the King more amenable to the demands of The Diarchy.

As he waited an officer, approached him, looked him up and down and said "Ensign, take him to the brig, and get him some food." His voice was official, he wonder if he would be this courteous after the battle, then again this was not over yet. Two guards not speaking dressed uniforms, the uniforms were slightly worn, then thought, these soldiers possibly just fought them. So he complied silently, and moved to the turbo lift. Soon he was at the brig, and he stepped in side, he looked around it had the basic amenities, better than he expected. Seeing as little over an hour ago, he was a drift in escape pod. As the force field lifted, another guard came up to him, this one uniform was fresh, and asked in a more casual voice, "Your Name Ensign" He looked at him, he a scar on left cheek. This looked like an old wound possibly from a glancing blow from a blaster shot. He replied "I am Ensign Vemec, of Serenno" He named this was his homeworld, to hope distance himself from the sith. The man typed it down on a pad, and sent a message to someone., and then left to go to an office.

Hatton then went for a wash, and drink water, and sat down on his bed, and waited to see what would happen next.

Ra'a'mah

 

[Ra'a'mah]

Ra'a'mah hadn't been called upon to deal with prisoners of war for a long time. Not since she had been one herself. One of the many iterations of the Galactic Empire had captured her along with a couple of close friends. After several weeks in prison, she and one of them were released. Entirely free to go and nothing to stop her or her friend. The person who had secured her freedom had been a man from Sorenno. Adron Malvern, a man who had been a friend, ally, and even a trainer, had remained with that Empire for many years and eventually joined another government. Over the years, they had lost contact, but more than once, Adron had come to her rescue.

Now it was her turn to save somebody from Sorenno. To offer him a position within the Diarchy and a new future for himself. As the one he had in front of him currently looked rather bleak. In an attempt to make this an official offer, she invited another friend of hers along. He wasn't a simple friend, however, but one of the leaders of the Diarchy. If Hetton had done any research, then she was positive he would know who Rellik was.

Ra was just a faceless member to most people, and that was how she liked it. She was the kind of person to run things from the shadows. Let others take credit for her plans. Action was not her strength. Sometimes, she needed to show herself and come out of the shadows. This was one of those moments. Besides, seeing a face that might be friendly and one that was nobility might help expedite getting this man to join their side.

They arrived together and walked into the prisoner area. With a motion to the cell where he was being held, they would then commandeer the office the trooper had been using to conduct the interview. It was not going to be an interrogation.

Diarch Rellik Hetton Vemec

 

[Diarch Rellik]

The door's hiss was soft, almost polite, as Rellik stepped through behind Ra'a'mah. He didn't fill the space with movement or voice right away. His hands were loosely clasped behind his back, posture relaxed but upright, and his eyes found Hetton with a steady, appraising calm. After a moment to see if the dealings had begun already or if he had made it in time he decided to speak.

"Ensign Vemec," he began, "I am Diarch Rellik. I imagine the name is familiar enough by now, though not perhaps in the manner I would prefer. War can be a barbarous thing." He stepped closer, but not in a way that pressed. His words were deliberate, giving Hetton room to hear them rather than feel cornered by them. "You stand at a tide of change, Ensign. Allegiances shift, thrones rise and fall, but the measure of a Serennoan is found in how he preserves his honor when the world moves beneath him."

Rellik's tone softened, though the undercurrent of command remained. "I am not here to wring confessions from you or pass judgment. Ra believes you have a place in what we are building. I believe you deserve the chance as well."

Ra'a'mah Hetton Vemec

 

[Hetton Vemec]

He saw the doors open near his cell, two people walked in a woman, he thought possibly a zorren. She looked mid thirties, and judging by the esteemed man next to her, no doubt a capable bodyguard. He need know introduction, upon seeing him he bolted top attention. The Diarch Rellik spoke, and Hetton listened intently, about honour and shifting allegiances. he remained emotionless. His loyalties, where as follows, to what was left his house, then Serenno, and then his men. The empires like sith, galactic and others he never cared about. People like him, had more flexible loyalties at that point. He guessed that was what he was talking about. He left the topic who needs to fight for, to his family leadership, but for all he knew they were dead. Last he saw, sith were on the run, and the sith are not know about being pleasant when they lost.

As far as he was concerned, he had nothing to confess to, he did his duty like good soldier, one side had to lose and one win. He did not command the battle, just the last moments of a corvette, after he seized command as last officer standing. His first order was to abandon ship, to save his men. He did not choose the fight others did, he just did his best. The last bit however, was an offer, he was intrigued. Hetton raised an eyebrow, and replied, " I am listening, what would you think Ra would need me off me?" Hetton would comply, and then do what he must by Serenno. The only issue he had, would the Mandalorians invade, now it has been weekend.

Diarch Rellik Ra'a'mah

 

[Ra'a'mah]

If there was one thing Ra liked about Rellik the most, it was his manners. He had been nothing but polite and open with her. That was why she had brought him along to speak with Hetton. His form of honesty was heartening, but Ra could tell he kept some things hidden and secret. She hadn't known him long enough to have learned what those were, though. Given enough time, she figured she would find them out.

However, that wasn't why she had invited him. She needed him to speak for his government. She could have done something, but she felt he was better suited for the role. Ra rarely provided support, but this time she was. As a friend to a person from Sorenno, she understood what might impress this man more—position and rank. Nobility mattered. And she expected this might make a difference with the young man. Rellik was noble in his way but not by blood.

Listening to the speech and the offer given to him, she silently nodded to Hetton. Lifting an eyebrow at his question. Her expression matched his.

"A young man could be used with far better results by the Diarch and his people. I can only offer you a position on one of my ships. Nothing meant for a nobility like you. Listen to what the Diarch can offer you before me. Please."

Keeping her voice level, she didn't reveal any of the surprise she felt. Just the lift of her brow, and that was all.

Hetton Vemec Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Rellik inclined his head slightly at Ra'a'mah's words, letting her sentiment hang before he stepped forward. His gaze rested on Hetton with the calm intensity of a man who weighed people as carefully as he did battles.

"You have already shown the measure of who you are," Rellik said. "You preserved your men when others would have abandoned them. That is Serennoan honor at work, not Sith cruelty. That is what I would ask of you, join us and continue to bring forth that act of kindness unto a galaxy wide scale. There are many out there who would rally behind actions such as yours. Help us, help you to honor your house, your people, and yourself. Build something greater then ever possible before."

He drew in a slow breath, folding his hands behind his back again. "The Diarchy does not seek to strip Serenno of its bloodlines or traditions. Quite the opposite we know the galaxy needs anchors of culture and continuity. Families like yours hold history that the Sith tried to bury beneath fear and fire. If Serenno is to have a future, it will be through those who carry themselves with dignity when the old empires crumble."

For a moment, his tone softened, more personal than political. "I would see you not as a prisoner, but as a peer. A voice at the table when decisions are made. If your house still lives, you would bring honor to them; if it does not, then you would be its continuation. In either case, it endures and prospers through you."

He let the words settle, then gave the faintest of nods. "That is what I ask. That is what the Diarchy needs."

Ra'a'mah Hetton Vemec

 

[Hetton Vemec]

Hetton listened to Diarch Rellik and Ra'a'mah , and nodded with them, he was been giving an opportunity, to help rebuild his house. He wondered how he start that, obviously his first step, would be to pledge his loyalty to their cause. His issues, were a few, one them was the rest of surviving Serrenoians, that they have prisoner. The second weirdly was his king, and what happened to him. Then he guessed only way to serve his people was to be active.

After pondering what they had said to him, he replied in a polite tone "I agreed to serve you and yours, though I have still much to learn what you stand for. Though your words, do seem to mirror my thoughts." He gave slight pause, and then asked "May I ask what of the rest my people of whom you have captured?" He was hoping they would be given the option of helping as well, most would, as under the circumstances, they seem friendly enough considering what happened.

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Rellik inclined his head at Hetton's words, the faintest trace of a smile at the young man's acceptance. "You honor us with that pledge. It is not given lightly, and I will not treat it so."

He shifted his stance, easing his clasped hands to his sides. "As for the others, they will be offered the same choice you have. To join us, to carry their houses and their names forward, to rebuild in dignity rather than languish as prisoners. The Diarchy does not seek to erase Serenno's blood or bury its families. What we win in war, we seek to preserve in peace."

His tone softened, more earnest now. "If they choose to walk with us, they will not be treated as captives, but as compatriots. The Diarchy grows stronger not by chains, but by those who choose to stand with it. You have chosen. And through your example, others may find the courage to do the same."

He let the words rest in the air, then inclined his head again. "Your concern for your people is proof enough you are a man of your word. That is precisely the kind of voice I meant when I said you belong at the table. As far as our intelligence has gathered. You are now at the head of the Serenno people. If you wish to lead them, then we would help arrange that."

Hetton Vemec

 

[Ra'a'mah]

While she had been the one called to assist the young man, she had brought Rellik along to give him more. The only thing Ra had over her friend was her status as a noble, and even she hadn't been born into it, not like Hetton. He was a man born and bred into that life, and neither she nor Rellik would likely be able to comprehend what that meant entirely.

Listening to what Rellik said, she kept silent. If he had wanted to keep the young man locked up, she would have stepped in and given him freedom as much as she could have, at least. A place in her workforce and flying around the galaxy doing small people's jobs.

Whatever had happened on Serenno was before the time that she had been aware of the Diarchy to any real extent. It was clear that both of these men had been there and lived to tell their tales. Tales she would like to hear if given the chance—everything on another day when they weren't hanging out in a security detention center.

With Hetton's agreement to serve them, she narrowed her eyes a little. He asked about his people, also held captive, and she wasn't going to speak. That information wasn't within her knowledge, but it was clear Rellik had an answer. She just hoped his word was as strong as hers.

Hearing the answer that was provided, she was happy to have invited the Diarch along. He was a far better leader than she would ever be. This was his area of expertise, and she could take lessons from him. Their bloodlines were important, and he understood that. The people of Serenno wouldn't languish if Hetton had anything to say about it, and Rellik would support their choices as well.

A final offer was put on the table, and Ra hoped the young man would accept it.

Hetton Vemec Diarch Rellik

 

[Hetton Vemec]

Hetton listened to Diarch Rellik , and nodded. He wondered who would be the one to talk to his Serennian brothers and sisters. He looked at them both the Diarch and Ra'a'mah , and asked "May I help bring them to your cause?" He was hoping for the opportunity to do that, that said they would be wise to spread them out, just to prevent this from being a ruse of some sort. He then pondered his own future, and asked "May I ask what my official role will be?" He waited for the reply, as after all this was important, also getting out this prison, and getting some food.

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Rellik's expression softened, almost approving, at Hetton's initiative. "You may, yes. In truth, you are the most fitting one to speak with them. They know your face, your voice, your name. You stand as proof that this choice is not surrender, but survival with dignity. Through you, their path forward will be clearer than if it came from my lips alone."

He shifted slightly, his tone steady but purposeful. "As for your role that will depend on how you wish to shape it. You are no longer a prisoner, Ensign Vemec. You are a representative of Serenno under the Diarchy. If you choose, we will seat you as liaison to your people, the one to speak on their behalf as they enter this new chapter. That voice, yours, will guide how Serenno is remembered and rebuilt. - Or you may choose to aid in the war efforts and lead from the front. Taking vengeance against the Sith who damned your people."

Rellik's gaze lingered on him a moment longer. "It will not be easy work, nor without opposition. But it is work that matters. And it begins with your brothers and sisters here."

The last words to follow could be seen as a threat or praise. The Diarchs expression did not fully give way to either.

"No matter what we will watch your career with great interest."

With that, he fully stood up and gave a quick signal. Two Diarchy armed forces soldiers entered the room with them. "These troops will take you from here, feed you, house you, and set you up with anything you need moving forward. It was a pleasure to meet you Mr. Vemec. If you and miss Ra'a'mah wish to discuss anything further than feel free to do so."

The Diarch turned and gave a deep bow to the new member of his family... The Diarchy. Then moved to leave the room.

Hetton Vemec Ra'a'mah