Private The duties of an Heir

[Rex Valhoun]

Yesterday
​

"Rex, my son, how are things? I know I haven't been present much lately, especially since the marriage, and I'm sorry for it."

Rex gave his father an understanding nod and answered, "Things are going well. Loreena and I have gotten closer every minute, and she trusts me as far as I can tell." He wasn't sure why he had been summoned by his father. Perhaps it was simply to talk, because as Heath had said, they hadn't spoken much since the marriage. Though it was more likely that he was going to be given a job to do.

Sure enough, Heath spoke, "Good, good. I have a job for you, if you have time. There's a woman requesting an audience with me tomorrow to negotiate something. I'm too busy, but I thought perhaps you or Loreena could speak to her."

"Of course. You don't know what the negotiations are for?"

"No, but you'll be on this ship, surrounded by security, so safety isn't an issue. Thank you, I was worried I'd have to turn her request down."

"No problem. I'll tell you how things go." With that Rex gave Heath a nod, then left the room.

Present
​

Rex took a seat at a rectangular table that had been set up in a vacant room on The Utopia. Next to him sat Loreena Arenais-Valhoun , his wife via an arranged marriage, and the owner of MandalArms. Loreena's presence gave Rex a confidence boost. He had done some light diplomacy, but he had taken a break from it lately. Loreena had experience and Rex expected that she'd be helpful throughout. Soon the woman would be escorted into the room to begin negotiating something. Rex still didn't know what she wanted to talk about, or even who she was. He he'd just have to wait for her arrival....

Naivia Neryn

 

[Naivia Neryn]

Still, it is interesting to imagine what her own family would think of Neryn if they knew what their daughter had gone through to find herself on the other side of the barricades and with completely different plans and outlook on life.

Trying to look less formal, and as always in her beautiful cloak in a dark colour and covered in ancient designs of various tones and shades, the girl acted cautiously, hoping that no one would mistake her for a murderer or someone worse.

"And as always our little angel is worried. It'll be all right, though I'm sure you know that. Try to explain your position formally, not too emotionally, and offer the local ruler a chance to think it over and decide for himself."
Singing fire said inside Neryn`s body

"As you say... " Quietly uttered Neryn , already entering the throne room with the same calm, sweet look that could in no way have come from a being with an aura of ancient, majestic power...

The girl approached the centre and bowed and said
"My name is Naivia Neryn. I was once a full member of the great house Naivia that ruled over the planet Brentaal IV. I was kicked out of the family due to a personal fear of the family members that I would become its next head. I would like to discuss the subject with you , great Rex Valhoun "

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori wasn't dressed in her Rebel Ops armour as she was used to doing these days. Rex Valhoun had invited her to sit with him during a meeting with Naivia Neryn . Such a chance meeting had a special air to it, and so she worse a red dress more fitting of a Princess, as that was what she was in the Elysium Empire. Outside of that she was a Queen, and of course the CEO and owner of MandalArms. She carried a lot of titles, which seemed more of a burden at times than anything else.

She watched the young woman come into the room, glancing to Rex in order to give him a nod of encouragement before turning her attention back to Naivia.

Hearing her words of being kicked out of the family due to fear reminded her a little of what she had gone through herself. Whereas Naivis was removed due to what she could become, Lori was pushed away out of safety from the enemies that her family had made. It wasn't easy being alone, and yet now she had more of an extended family here and with the Mandalorians.

It was interesting to find out where this discussion would lead....

 

[Rex Valhoun]

Rex returned the nod to Loreena, then looked to meet the woman. As she approached he examined her, first scanning to see if she was armed, then observing how she was dressed, then finally looking at her face. She didn't appear armed, and she was dressed formally. She seemed determined, which could be good, but could also be problematic, depending on what she wanted.

Immediately she introduced herself, and revealed her intentions. Rex's heart skipped a beat when the woman revealed her family was once the most powerful on Brental IV. It was similar to Loreena's family, which held much power on Mnemosyne. Sure, the girl had been kicked out of her family, but that could be beneficial. The girl was very polite, even calling Rex "Great", which made him grin.

"Pleased to meet you, Naivia. Obviously you know who I am..." He gave a reassuring smile and extended his right arm to give the woman a handshake "How can The Elysium Empire help you?"

 

[Naivia Neryn]

The girl listened very carefully and respectfully and studied all the little details. From childhood she had been a very docile and sensual girl, able to understand a person's state and desires by the facial expressions of the body, the power flowing through it and dozens of other small details.

In response, the girl shook Rex's hand gently and with great respect and just as calmly returned her hand to its original position.

"Every ambiguous personality has an uneasy past and therefore the heart beats the same in such people."

Said the girl aloud to let them know that she in no way has any negative views or emotions that could cause Rex himself, his wife or anyone else to suffer.

"I would like to help certain members of my family who, unlike its head and some representatives, are very good-hearted rulers of the planet. To that end I am willing to offer my assistance as an interpreter or advisor in order to study the current state of my family and then decide how to save those who have not yet fallen into lust and pleasures."

"The only thing is, when you speak in front of people with a certain level of power, try to make them understand that you are not in any way opposed to them. That way it will be easier for you to reveal yourself or explain your position.

In response to her deep thoughts the girl drew a response in her head as a joke
"Thank you, O wonderful one."

And waited for a reaction to her speech while her strange immense force aura was flowing through entire hall
Rex Valhoun
Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori could feel the Force growing in the room. More than likely it was from Naivia Neryn for she didn't believe that Rex Valhoun was that strong in the Force.

She gave the young woman a curious tilt of her head. "How many people in your family? Is it a big family?" There were a load of other questions that she wanted to ask, but right now she was letting Rex hold the floor for the most part. Lori knew that he had taken lessons in politics and she wasn't the heir like he was. Dorthea Dobson was probably proud of her for not letting her questions flow so freely. At times Lori couldn't contain herself. But today she hoped to do so.

 

[Naivia Neryn]

"House of Naivia is a huge vertical like system. At the top is the family containing all my brothers and sisters, my mother and father. Around 10 in total. Then goes all smaller levels and divisions who help families influence grow non stop and huge connections with other dealers beyond the planet. At least that's how it was when I was still a part of the family and my father was telling me quick news about mechanisms under which they operated and grew. "

Neryn could feel a bit of tension coming from Loreena Arenais-Valhoun as she probably was very curious about the girl with such a tragic background but she couldn't just ask her to continue so she just stood there waiting for next set of words to be heard.

 

[Rex Valhoun]

Rex listened to the woman make her case. He continued to listen as Loreena took the initiative, and asked how large the family is. It was a good question, Naivia's answer would give important information for the negotiations. Rex took mental note of Naivia's response. She had a large family with many connections...it strongly reminded him of The Dobsons, and even the Arenais family. That could be a good thing, or a bad thing. In the case of The Dobsons it was bad: They were corrupt, and the family had grown so much that they were a true threat to The Empire. But it could be like The Arenais family...who helped The Empire a lot, especially on Mnemosyne and Mandalore.

Before Loreena had asked how big the family is, Naivia revealed that her intention was to help the lower ranking members of the family, who were not corrupt. Rex thought for a moment, then spoke up, "You don't need to call us great" He gave a friendly smile, "We would be happy to help you, if you can help us afterwards. Are there any members of the family in particular that we could help?"

He hoped Naivia would reveal some names, that way, during a break in the negotiating he could research them. It would give him a better understanding of what the situation was, and who The Empire would be committing resources to.

 

[Naivia Neryn]

Neryne was surprised by this benign and benevolent attitude towards her. She even wanted to sit down at the table, play her favourite classical music and discuss for a long time over a cup of strong black tea the various political news and plans of various powerful families and clans. But she had an epiphany! She herself was born into a family that had now perhaps already reached the stellar, maybe interstellar level of trade and fraudulent plans and she was trying to go up against the heads of the family, her own parents, in order to help those family members who still believed in saving the family from a complete fall from their once true status as guardians of the ancient planet.

"Yes of course, Rex. The first one I'll name is probably the only person in the whole family who has at least tried to bring me back into the family though he hasn't seen the whole picture either. But I have hope that he has matured and become more realistic about what his own kin are doing to the Great Naivian trade and political dynasty. His name is Vales Niran. I don't know his exact status at the moment, but his parents said he'd probably become head of security for the family's main factory posts. There is also an adopted girl in the family. Her name is Marguerite Alstone, daughter of a former weapons company owner. She may be of some help. That's all for now. "

The girl fell silent, trying to catch her breath and let Rex think things through

Rex Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori listened carefully. And just like Rex Valhoun , she too was reminded of the Dobsons. However that was to be expected. Either a family was corrupt or a family was not. At least hers and the Valhoun's fell on the side of the latter.

She nodded in agreement with Rex about them wanting to help. At this moment there wasn't a reason for them not to help. The rewards could be new alliances, trade contracts and the like. At least that was how she understood it.

"And how do they feel about outsiders? There are some people that are wary of them, especially if they appear to be meddling." She couldn't help but ask Naivia Neryn that one for it was important to know what certain threat factors there could be.

 

[Naivia Neryn]

"I can say from personal experience that the native family and the outside world are two separate realities that very rarely touch. History, culture and tradition have simultaneously turned the House of Naivia into a majestic dynasty, but also alienated it from the common people, whom they look down on as if they were the supreme ruler of the planet. In terms of trying to interfere in internal affairs... My dad, though perhaps involved in many things, was a true genius and an expert in his field, so it would be difficult to meddle in the internal affairs of the top of the house, i.e. the family itself, and digging from below is not easy either. Agents of the family in the most unexpected places read everything and find out."

The girl answered and closed her eyes, drawing a picture of her father... Who was probably not so young and distant anymore, in his amazing ability to predict all the moves of the enemy.

Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Rex Valhoun]

Rex nodded as Naivia answered his question. She only listed two people, but that was enough, he would look into them later. For now it was again Loreena's turn to jump in the conversation with another great question, this time about how open the family is to outsiders. They were turning out to be a great team at this kind of thing. He hoped Naivia didn't feel like she was being interrogated...she was probably already a little worried since she was speaking to an heir to an empire, even if that empire had no territory.

"So, Naivia, your people dislike your family. That's good, my father has many flaws but he is a mastermind at winning the hearts and minds of people. We have more questions for you before we can make a decision, but if we choose to help regain control of your family, what can you give us in return? I know Brenaal IV is in Galactic Alliance territory, so I doubt you could swear allegiance to us..."

It was unfortuneate that the planet was in Galactic Alliance space. That made everything more difficult. Everything. Even sending supplies to the planet would be tough, any ships had to get through hostile Confederate territory, and then try and avoid Alliance patrols since they probably wouldn't like an Empire that doesn't recognize them as a legitimate nation sending anything to help overthrow a family that had supported them so far. But The Empire would find a way. Rex just needed a reason to take such a risk, and he hoped that Naivia would give him one....

 

[Naivia Neryn]

Neryn realised that joking around with the Galactic Alliance was bad and so tried to think of anything useful and serious to latch on to as a serious reason for taking such high risks...

"In terms of political views, each influential family member has a unique view of the world. Especially in the service of the family are formerly trained Jedi, some of whom I have heard left the family upon learning of my father's plans. These Jedi were his father's confidants and I'm more than sure they can tell you the location of valuable abandoned vaults and secret mines that have everything you need to build a fleet. Since my family was planning to sign a solemn treaty of independence from the Alliance in the near future, an entire fleet was being prepared in case they had to leave the planet. As cruel as it sounds, my family was capable of a lot. I can personally help you make contact with the Jedi and perhaps even facilitate them in your service."

Rex Valhoun

 

[Rex Valhoun]

The family was prepared to leave The Alliance. That was important information, perhaps it would be better for The Elysium Empire to sit out and let the family leave The Galactic Alliance. Surely there would be a conflict, which The Galactic Alliance would win. Then the few good members of the family could be put in power...

But the mines and vaults were very important, The Empire was doing well economically but a surplus of resources would allow production to continue for perhaps years before they needed to do any raids, or purchases.

"That is great, those resources will be essential to our rise to power. Could you guarantee that in the event of war between The Elysium Empire and The Galactic Alliance, your family will help us, or at the least remain neutral in the conflict?"

He didn't want to push too much, and while war with The Galactic Alliance seemed unlikely, he still needed a guarantee of neutrality if he were to dedicate Elysium resources to the family. So far things were looking good, the mines and vaults she mentioned were a massive benefit and were certainly worth the risk. He only had a few more questions, and then the negotiations would end and he could do a little research.

 

[Naivia Neryn]

Neryn was aware that each side was, in theory, trying to take a strategically effective and maximally grasping leverage position during negotiations at this level.
She stood perfectly still and tried to match the ruler's every word with an answer from the knowledge she had gathered and was willing to confirm with material information from good hands.

"They will most likely accept neutrality. They may look brash and rogue, but at its root the family has always served the ancient traditions of independence and a bastion of high culture. Therefore, any squabble over a possible conflict of major galactic players
means a chance for the family to gain a foothold where no one expects it. But this is unlikely to happen due to the division of opinion within the family at the moment what the future holds for their dynasty. That's all I can say at the moment on the subject."

Neryn replied, once again looking around everyone with her deep gaze to sense the change in people's moods. This was a great argument in favour of her collaboration with Elysium Empire

Rex Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Resources. MandalArms could use those too. Afterall her stockpiles had their limits. Mnemosyne didn't carry a lot of vital ores, and poor Mandalore had been nearly stripped. So she had followed some of Kaine's ideas and taken to mining asteroids. With no territory of their own, it wasn't so quick and easy to garner the right licenses and permits.

"I understand well the need for independence and neutrality. My family's empire was built on it and thrived for many years. There was nothing but collaboration and teamwork amongst the planets under their alliance. I can see such a thing happening here too."

The Jedi were more of the department of her brother, but he had no say in what went on with the Elysium.

Rex Valhoun Naivia Neryn

 

[Rex Valhoun]

The response was logical, fair, and acceptable enough for Rex. Loreena pitched in, explaining to Naivia that her own family had an empire built on independence. She went on to say she could foresee a similar alliance of planets in the current situation. Rex nodded as Loreena spoke, showing his agreement to what she said. An alliance of planets was what made up every nation in the galaxy...from The CIS to The New Imperial Order. The differences were in collective culture and beliefs...and then the extent of freedom given to planets within the faction. In The Elysium Empire's case, planets would be given massive autonomy, including the right to a planetary militia and independent judicial system. This system would allow them to extend their reach further, but they'd have less control over what they had. Regardless, Loreena was correct, the planet could join a sort of alliance under The Empire....


...But first the family had to be dealt with. That would be Rex's next question: How?

"Good. Alright Naivia, I have one more major question for you. If we commit our resources to help you take down your family, how do you propose we do it? We could simply give weapons to supporters of your side of the family, or we could send some troops to help overthrow them. Alternatively we could be stealthy about things, and try and remove them politically. We could even let them declare independence from the Galactic Alliance, and when The Alliance wins, we can support the "good" members of the family..."

 

[Naivia Neryn]

Neryn listened attentively to Loreena about the steps and phases of empire building and only managed to add in response

"I cannot be certain that my family will follow your path. More likely they will, with all the resources they have, take control in a distant star system and
there to further their spiritual, political and military goals. This will make it much easier for them in galactic politics to stand up to possible adversaries, as their personal
culture will play the role of a universal shield."

This was followed by a succession of rulers of the empire, whom Neryn listened to with no small level of curiosity and once the options of support and change of the top of the family were given the girl began to remember the different connections she still had and by which one or another level of success could be achieved from the options she had been given. Then she analysed
all the information she had received and from this she found the best method, which she began to talk about.

"If we take the option of neutrality and support of strong young family members then we can already start with introducing agents in the middle and lower levels of the vertical to monitor situations from below.
You can feel the weight of decisions being made at the top, explore your ability to influence the opinions of employees and then gradually develop a plan of action.
should they decide to take a neutral stance on planetary and galactic politics.

Loreena Arenais-Valhoun Rex Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Uproot. That was what Naivia Neryn seemed to imply. There was an advantage to starting up fresh somewhere else. Her own parents had done so in secret and through that they had not repeated their past mistakes. But of course they had also died....

"We don't have our own system as of yet, but I'm sure that you'd all be welcome to reside in one of the worlds when we do and bring with it your family's culture." Lori took a sidelong glance to Rex Valhoun , hoping that he'd agree with her and hoping that she didn't overstep anything.

It was weird to almost want to seek his approval. Yet he outranked her here and her training had taught her to be a bit less outspoken during political meetings. Of course it was kind of easy given that neither of them were touching on a hot button topic.

So far...

 

[Rex Valhoun]

"Loreena is absolutely correct, you will be welcome in Elysium territory, though currently we are just a fleet." Rex jumped in, backing Loreena's claims. It was good that she wasn't afraid to use her position in The Empire. Eventually she would be the queen, and the more she did, the less Rex would need to do. Of course she could potentially flaunt her power too much, and become a problem, but currently she was far from that point fortunately.

"Alright...Well, I have no more questions at this time. Do you have any other concerns, questions, or thoughts Naivia?"