The End of a Common Monarchy

[Kay-Larr]

On the holonet and broadcasted across all of Commenor, perhaps even beyond that, a live feed of Kay was shown. She was distraught and visibly shaken, yet with a slight nod of her head, she composed herself, centered herself and began to speak.

"My fellow Commenori....I know that efforts were made to fake my death and I was disappeared. Some might blame the Sith or slavers or any number of enemies that I have. But no. It was an elaborate plot, a back up plan, if you will, to ensure that the wrongs done be made right. I have a confession to make...

...Years ago when I was captured by a Sith Lord and held for months, I was brought back as a different person. What left Commenor that day was it's elected President, and what returned was a cold blooded murderer. I killed the Elders. With the Sith Lord backing me, I had slaughtered all three of them and took their power for myself.

Some had suspected this, including my husband, but all had remained silent on the issue and just let the lie fester and grow. What happened during the siege, the lives lost with the destruction of Munto City; that was the final straw.

And now I will be paying for my crimes. I am being escorted to what they say is an unescapable prison to serve out a life sentence for each life that I have taken. My trial was not public and the only mercy given to me is this broadcast, so that my husband, my children and all of my family will know of my fate.

I...I am consoled in the fact that Commenor is stronger now than what it was all those years ago when I was first elected. I am sorry for putting you all in danger and most of all, I am sorry for keeping this all from you for so long.

My final act as Queen is to dissolve the Monarchy, returning Commenor to a democratic state. Do not look to my children as heirs, for they too have now lost their titles.

The dark chapter now closes and a brighter future for Commenor begins.

Goodbye."

The broadcast ends, leaving only a blank screen. No music, no images, just nothing.​

Hours later Kay sat near motionless in a freighter. There was no crew to be found. Everything was fully automated. Her wrists, ankles and waist were bound and chained together to prevent her from escaping. A small voidstone imbedded in a collar was clasped firmly around her neck to keep her severed from the Force.

Quietly the freighter moved through hyperspace on a direct course to Purgatory Prison.

 

[WolfMortum]

"Chateau La Arenais", ​

Eldritch Mountain, Commenor.​

​

​

​

"My fellow Commenori....I know that efforts were made to fake my death and I was disappeared. Some might blame the Sith or slavers or any number of enemies that I have. But no. It was an elaborate plot, a back up plan, if you will, to ensure that the wrongs done be made right. I have a confession to make...".

Veiere slowly rose to his feet unable to believe who he was seeing standing there upon his Holo-display. [member="Lady Kay"] clasped in cuffs, making a statement to all of Commenor and possibly the greater Galaxy too. Recently he had sent word to the Silver Jedi Order for assistance, before that he had put a price on Kay's head for her safe return home. Now there she was, not within the company of either of those peoples but instead making a confession...

"...Years ago when I was captured by a Sith Lord and held for months, I was brought back as a different person. What left Commenor that day was it's elected President, and what returned was a cold blooded murderer. I killed the Elders. With the Sith Lord backing me, I had slaughtered all three of them and took their power for myself. Some had suspected this, including my husband, but all had remained silent on the issue and just let the lie fester and grow. What happened during the siege, the lives lost with the destruction of Munto City; that was the final straw".

...And there it was, the truth that Veiere had always suspected had been brought to the light of day. The Elders had counselled his Wife from the moment she had been elected Lady President of Commenor. Veiere had even met them once, long ago when he served to be Kay's Bodyguard. A time where she had actually been safe for a change. Still, this sort of confession was damning, and it would further impact their family's future. If his wife truly was in custody by someone or some thing, then he and the Children were on their own.


"And now I will be paying for my crimes. I am being escorted to what they say is an inescapable prison to serve out a life sentence for each life that I have taken. My trial was not public and the only mercy given to me is this broadcast, so that my husband, my children and all of my family will know of my fate. I...I am consoled in the fact that Commenor is stronger now than what it was all those years ago when I was first elected. I am sorry for putting you all in danger and most of all, I am sorry for keeping this all from you for so long".

Moving across the living area, Veiere sought his comlink from the dining table and took it up into his hand, fingers curling around the device as he continued to listen, his eyes closing as Kay's words continued to ring home. What would their children think of her, what would they think of their family now who's parents had both been proven guilty of having once been affiliated with the Dark Side of the Force and having committed such atrocities.


"My final act as Queen is to dissolve the Monarchy, returning Commenor to a democratic state. Do not look to my children as heirs, for they too have now lost their titles. The dark chapter now closes and a brighter future for Commenor begins. Goodbye", and then the image faded and all sound within the room around him died.

"Get me in touch with [member="Aida Aquila"], immediately" Veiere spoke into the device, having dialed in the Palace's frequency and been put through to one of his Wife's secretaries. As far as Veiere was aware, the Silver Jedi were still present on Commenor and might have even seen the recording themselves; "Have them brought to my residence in the mountains. We don't have time for formalities".

Spoiler: Persons of Interest

The following names have been tagged out of relevance for the threads that will follow,​

and the conclusion of Commenor's Arc:​

​

[member="Aida Aquila"]​

[member="Asaraa Vaashe"]​

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]​

[member="Cassius Droma"]​

[member="Darlyn Excron"]​

 

[Silfe Sosuri]

Silfe sat in her office of the House of Lords, processing paperwork and enabling more funds towards agricultural needs on Acuin. Several large machines had finally broken down post invasion and had needed replacing. There was a group of farmers asking for better working conditions and she had been working with the company to ensure their needs were met. Really, it was all Silfe knew how to do.... to work while the search for Lady Kay continued. She wasn't an investigator. She wasn't a spy with a vast network of contacts. She wasn't anybody really except what Kay had made her here on Commenor. Even that was on shaky ground.

She sighed softly and set down her datapad when the vision of Lady Kay caught her eye on the holovid. Silfe turned it up and watched in utter shock.

"My fellow Commenori....I know that efforts were made to fake my death and I was disappeared. Some might blame the Sith or slavers or any number of enemies that I have. But no. It was an elaborate plot, a back up plan, if you will, to ensure that the wrongs done be made right. I have a confession to make..."

Her mouth dropped open of its own volition. Granted, there had been a limited time in which she had come to know the Monarch, but she had always envisioned that Lady Kay was a fair and honest person. It was a bit incongruous to match the woman she knew with the woman confessing on the screen. Her hand, delicate and shaking, closed over her open mouth.

"My final act as Queen is to dissolve the Monarchy, returning Commenor to a democratic state. Do not look to my children as heirs, for they too have now lost their titles.The dark chapter now closes and a brighter future for Commenor begins. Goodbye."

The silence in the wake of the transmission lasted for a full minute before Silfe could even begin to process what had happened. Of all the things they had brainstormed in the course of the aftermath of Kay going missing, this was not even in the realm of possibility. She sat back and dropped her hand to her heart. Poor Veiere. She felt for him and their children. She wanted to go to them and ... and what? They barely knew her. They wouldn't want a practical stranger coming to their home and barging in on this emotional announcement. And god, what if [member="Bradshaw Ku"] came back? How would he feel?

Then too was Commenor. The monarchy was dissolved. Undoubtedly, the people of Commenor would want to hold elections. Surely the honorific House of Lords would be dissolved too in due time to allow for the democracy. Would she stay? Or should she explore the galaxy some? For what purpose and would she do it all by herself? Would Darlyn want to do something specific? Would she tie herself to him and his choices or would she decide to break away from everything and start fresh? Silfe felt terribly alone, as though the announcement of [member="Lady Kay"]'s had somehow truly severed her connection to everything. She felt adrift and monumentally sad. Where did she go from here?

[member="Veiere Arenais"] | [member="Jairdain"] | [member="Darlyn Excron"]

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori was out on a date when the broadcast came through. She had brought her boyfriend [member="Zeke Tune"] to a popular restaurant in Chasin City called Plenty's for some yummy food that wasn't all that good for you. Well, he was more than just a boyfriend. Or at least it certainly felt that way. Sure they hadn't known eachother for long, but they had such a connection that felt more than just something physical. Both of them felt it.

And when the images and voice of [member="Lady Kay"] came through on the multiple screens throughout the restaurant, Lori went still. Her eyes found the nearest screen as one hand put down her fork and sought out Zeke's hand so that she could hold it. Her jaw clenched during certain points, most especially during her Mom's confession. At times even her breath was held.

Once it was over, Lori's eyes met Zeke's, her voice quiet when she spoke. "That's my Mom...I have to go find my Dad." Already murmers were starting to be heard. Some were in support of the former Queen, while most fell short of calling her a traitor.

She got to her feet, pulling some credits out of her pocket to pay for their half eaten meal. "Will you come with me?" That was a silly question. Of course he would! But she had a lot of explaining to do along the way.

[member="Veiere Arenais"] [member="Silfe Sosuri"]

 

[Zeke Tune]

Each date he had with Lori was magic. They quickly deepened their relationship, it wasn't some physical lust that drove them. It was...almost spiritual. Besides, they had a lot in common, and he would be the first to call Lori his best friend. In his free time he had been painting for the people of Commenor, and had led the search for Kay. So much information had been gathered, about a large number of events. Some that shouldn't be brought to light. However right now, this beautiful being infront of him had his entire attention. She told some silly joke and he laughed, however, her eyes moved to the holoscreen and his did too.

No, this wasn't right. There was very little way what she had said was true. She hadn't disappeared on her own. It wasn't even a physical possibility, there had been far to much to it, and no connection points that showed she had done such a thing. The artist's mind went into overdrive, observing each word as he analyzed them. No something was wrong. The words seemed forced, out of character, as if from a disassociated mind. The woman was being forced one way or another. And if not forced, was clearly not in her right mind. However, they would have no choice but to take her at her word, for the Commenori justice system had no one who could question the queen....Unless....He needed to get in contact with a few lawyers.

As Lori's eyes filled with the knowledge, he leaned forward across the table and kissed her lips in a comforting manner. “Let's go. I'll always be at your side, especially when things are hard or confusing. I'm with you Lori. I've never cared who your parents were. But if they are in trouble....Let's go.” As he stood up, he reached out for her, to wrap her in his large, protective arms. When he finished with the hug, he released her and took her hand in his. Then loudly, so the entire diner heard, spoke, but like he was just talking to Lori. “Oh, that is clearly forced. Someone is most certainly framing the queen. Or forcing her into saying those things.” The crowd murmured about how that was probably true. Queen Kay wouldn't have done those horrible things....and soon it would spread from here, outwards to the rest of the city. Technology was an amazing thing after all.

“Let's go, tell me all about it on the way, my lovely.” Zeke gave her the warmest, most comforting smile he could manage. Oh, if someone was targeting his lover's family.....they would be subject to his most horrific artistic desires.

[member="Loreena Arenais"]
[member="Silfe Sosuri"]
[member="Veiere Arenais"]

 

[Jairdain]

She was eating lunch with Marcus when a tingling went up and down her spine. Reaching out with the Force, she didn't sense anything coming. That didn't mean nothing was there though. Without that sense of danger, Jairdain decided to turn on the holonet to learn if there was anything going on somewhere else on Commenor.

It was within moments that the broadcast from Lady kay began. In her mind, the mystery was solved as to what happened with Kay on the beach and why she disappeared. Something was wrong though.

Not wanting to upset Marcus, she finished eating with him and then decided to make a trip to Chasin City. She was sure her presence there was going to be needed. Bringing her son with her, thoughts went through her mind. Brad was no longer the Crown Prince if he ever returned. She knew he wasn't dead so when that return happened, he would be in for a great surprise. How would he handle the news of what just happened?

In a way, it was probably a good thing the trip to Chasin City took the amount of time it did. She was able to get over the worst of her surprise and shock before arriving. Walking up to the palace with Marcus at her side, she did not know exactly yet what to do.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

The hug from [member="Zeke Tune"] was more than welcomed. Lori just sank into it, soaking in the measure of comfort that it gave. And already he was taking steps to protect her Mom, disbelieving what was said almost as much as she did. But......

Her thoughts went back to those of her Dad, [member="Veiere Arenais"] and the crimes that he had committed on Deneba. He had murdered people there too, had gone to trial. Lori knew first hand as she was there to watch it happen. What trial had her Mom gone to? It surely wasn't a public one. Maybe they feared that she'd be rescued, just as Darksiders attacked to rescue her Dad at his? All entirely plausible.

"Thank you." She took hold of his hand as he offered it, heading out of the restaurant before anyone could figure out who she was. Luckily for her and her twin brother, they were kept out of the spotlight for the most part. It gave them a greater ease at traveling and less of a chance of becoming a target.

Once they were out of earshot, she stopped and looked up at Zeke, her mind racing as her thoughts dwelled from one topic to the next. "I'm sorry that I didn't tell you sooner. I was going to....later this evening. I just didn't want it to change your view of me. People tend to treat royalty differently, but I guess that doesn't matter now if it's all been abolished. But at least you know that your own wealth wasn't a reason for me taking an interest in you."

She took out her commlink and connected to that of her Dad's. If Lori knew how to reach into the minds of others with the Force, then she'd of connected with him that way. Thank goodness for technology. ~Dad, it's Lori. Where are you?~ She just left it at that. There was little doubt that he had seen what everyone else had seen.

[member="Silfe Sosuri"] [member="Jairdain"]

 

[WolfMortum]

'Dad, it's Lori. Where are you?'.​

​

Veiere was standing outside of the House, his gaze looking out from their mountain view at home, over the land and in the distance the glimmer of Chasin City reflecting the light of the sun above. Unlike Caedyn, [member="Loreena Arenais"] had stayed close to home thanks to her wish to train under Veiere's experience as a Jedi Master. She still had a great deal to learn, though he had started off first with the ideals of the Jedi Order, trying to encourage her in the restraint and responsibility required to be a Jedi Knight one day herself....-But honestly, today he was just glad to hear from her and to have her close by.

"I'm at home Lori...-Our family home on Eldritch Mountain" he spoke aloud, though there were none around to hear him and thanks to his connection with Lori, these words would be carried to her through their telepathic link. Not only did she her those words, but with them came the knowledge that Veiere had watched the recording that her Mother had sent them all. It was instinctive, emotions and memory portrayed across to her. Compared to his Daughter, Veiere was far more experienced in the practice.

He didn't say anything more, she knew the location well. She'd been raised in this home by her Mom, Kay who had been there the entire time even when Veiere's dark past had taken him away from them all. Looking over the land before him, it was difficult not to wonder what the future held for them. The Silver Jedi gave them options, and he wouldn't be content to simply walk away without knowing that their home would be safely guarded. On top of that, if they would take him in as Coren Starchaser once suggested, then perhaps he might be able to find a way back into his old life...Lori too, if she agreed to it.

Kay however...-If she had truly been taken into custody already, tried and found guilty, then the matter of her returning home would be a long, legal battle. Given all Veiere's suspicions and the history they had both gone through, everything pointed to her being guilty, as much as he hated to admit it.

 

[Zeke Tune]

As soon at [member="Loreena Arenais"] was done with her call, he stopped her, turned her towards him and leaned over. He planted a soft, tender kiss to her forehead. “Lori, I never thought you were just after me for my money. The time I've had with you has made me alive in a way I've never been. Even if you had been, I would have happily given it to you and supported you in the lap of luxury for the rest of your life, just because of that alone. It never worried me.” He cupped her face with his hands. “I've actually known for a little bit. I had an old friend contact me, and gave me a lot of information. I was kind of a Private Investigator for a bit when I was your age. I lost my parents to an assassin, and I tracked him down. And I helped others track down bad people too. He told me I had a vested interest in the case, and called in the fact he saved my life back then....because he wanted me to find your mom.”

Then and only then did he kiss her lips, a quick peck. “So I began to do so. She was kidnapped from the beach, she didn't fake it. There are too many things outside of her control, and far to many inconsistancies. That announcement that she faked her own kidnapping? Not true. It's not even physically possible. That means, there is a very high likely hood she was mind controlled, brain washed, or forced into this confession. Which by Commenori law, means it can't be taken as reality. Someone really wanted to put your mom in jail for it to go by this fast, and not make any sense.” He took her hand in his, and held the girl close to him. The older man protected her now, and tried to make it make sense. “This is all one damned big conspiracy plot, probably someone saw a chance to gain power, and took it. So, where do we go to talk to your father?”

His mind raced a million kilometers a minute. He approached this from every angle, and frankly, he came to a bad conclusion. Oh she probably had killed the Elders. However, the confession was forced. And that was how he was going to approach this. If it took a confession to put her away, if they could undermine that, then.....he didn't want Lori to suffer without her parents. He knew what that was like. To have their love and stability, their purpose, then to have it ripped away from you. It had broken him. It would not break this beautiful woman at his side, so long as he had breath in him. He would call in every favor, make every promise, but he would get Kay out of prison, in a way that allowed Lori, and her brother, and her father, to be at her side...things may not ever be the same again, but, they could learn to adjust.

[member="Veiere Arenais"] [member="Jairdain"] [member="Silfe Sosuri"]

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Well she knew that [member="Zeke Tune"] never thought of her wanting him for his money. But still, it would whisper in the back of her mind sometimes, considering all of his crazed fans out there. But it was nice to hear how genuine he knew her intentions with him to be.

Her brows furrowed as he cupped her face and let her know that he knew what she was; a Princess--no former Princess to a trade world. Someone close to him had passed on the information. Were they being spied on? Followed? It made her wonder how much privacy the two shared. It wasn't as though she was followed around by bodyguards. But it seemed as though Zeke was tailed at times.

What did that matter though? He was asked to help and with all the theories bouncing around in his head, it was clear that he was heavily invested. She couldn't ask for anything more than that.

"He's at home. Our private home. We're not going to the Palace but into the mountains.
Come on." Lori kept hold of his hand as she moved through the street to where she parked her landspeeder. It was easy to guess that she'd get in the driver's seat. After he had buckled in, she took off to exit the city. Her mind raced. Through her communication with her Dad, she knew that he had seen the broadcast. She felt it when his mind touched her own. This was not going to be a pleasant conversation.

Her mind also went towards Zeke. [member="Veiere Arenais"] was going to meet him for the first time. Would he have prior knowledge of the pair? Was she spied on by the CIA? There was only one way to know for certain. And that time was just minutes away.

As they drove up the path that led to the hidden Estate, Lori took hold of Zeke's hand. "I hope this all goes well." Of course she was nervous. It'd be silly for her not to be. But she had to push all of that aside as the Estate came into view. Lori took in a deep breath and released it slowly before shutting off the airspeeder and climbing out of it. She gave Zeke a small encouraging smile and then looked for her Dad.

 

[WolfMortum]

Knowing that company was on it's way, Veiere Arenais collected his hooded cloak and moved to leave the house and out into the yard connecting the path [member="Loreena Arenais"] and [member="Zeke Tune"] would take. He hadn't met the young man of course, at-least not that he was aware of. His daughter had been under his study for quite some time, though she kept her personal life quite separate. Naturally, circumstances like these had a way of forcing uncomfortable first impressions.

Here at home, he was dressed in a much less political attire, wearing his casual-wear instead. Given Kay's latest declaration, he supposed that he ought to get used to it. "Hello Lori..." her father met her with a quick embrace before turning his attention to the male accompanying her, "Who's your friend?" he asked with obvious intrigue. He seemed a little older than she was at first glance, though first impressions were never lasting.

Curiously, this friend of hers didn't appear to be Force Sensitive. Chances were that Veiere could see right through him if he thought to try, though imposing on someone else's privacy wasn't his way. Knowing Lori, he was likely someone of strong intelligence, which always helped against the persuasion of a Force User. "Nice to meet you" Veiere reached out, extending his hand in a greeting of formality and respect. Such simple gestures that often showed more character than most people realized or even took into account these days.

 

[Zeke Tune]

As they drove, Zeke smiled at [member="Loreena Arenais"], and tried to keep the conversation light. Every so often, he would glance behind them, make sure they were not followed. Frankly, the speeder carried his entire world in it, and with the situation the way it was, he had no doubt someone in the government of Commenor had it out for the royal family. Frankly, the killer had done something of this nature before. Blamed one member of the house for the death's of another. They got arrested, and the other members died off, due to unfortunate accidents. Destabilized an entire planet, 10 out of 10, he would not do again. It made a great alibi, and the results spoke for themselves, their entire corrupt corporation collapsed in a matter of weeks. But the number of innocents caught in the cross fire when it collapsed, was not good. He had been young, his parents had pushed him to do it. It's why he much preferred more hands on work now...like his art. Though he still struggled with the intense desires his childhood caused. But now, they had a healthy outlet. He would protect Lori, and her family.

As they pulled up to the house and got out, he looked at the former King of Commenor. It was easy to see this had hit [member="Veiere Arenais"] hard. Zeke looked well dressed, in a full black tuxedo, as he often wore. He enjoyed them, honestly, and he had been on a date with Lori, so, it worked. His hair was well groomed, and everything about him was honestly...classy. As she went up to the man, he gave him a charmed smile. He was clearly a bit older than Lori, in his mid twenties somewhere. “Zeke Tune.” He reached out, took the hand offered and shook it. You could tell a lot about a man by his hands, and his handshake. Zeke's hands were warm, no hint of sweat, he hadn't been nervous in the slightest. His fingernails were well groomed, and the hands were soft, but were also calloused, he clearly used them a lot. His grip was firm, confident, strong, the man wasn't afraid, or intimidated, and clearly worked out.

“The pleasure is mine, Sir. Lori talks about you often.” If Veiere did in fact search his mind, he would find it to be an open book. A large amount of affection for Lori, a bit of unease at the situation, a lot of confusion, and the man would be able to tell Zeke had art on the brain, he literally always examined things, his eyes searched for the perfect way to paint a situation, to get the emotion across, in fact, in his mind, most of his world was expressed through artistic interpretation. However, this would also make it a confused place, where things were not what they seemed. Colors and lines would abound, it would be hard to get a handle on it. One idea though, would shine through. He was desperate to protect and comfort Lori, to make the suffering inside the girl go away.

“So, to make a long story short. I know your wife lied while she was on the holo. She was kidnapped. She did not make that happen herself. Someone forced through a confession, when it's very likely she isn't in her right mind if she just got back. And she did just get back. This entire thing couldn't have been more than a few hours in the making. That isn't enough time for a trial.”

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori spotted [member="Veiere Arenais"] easily. He was waiting for them. She approached him instantly and returned his embrace. "Hello Dad."

[member="Zeke Tune"] was quick to be by her side. She let go of her Dad and allowed the two of them to shake eachother's hand. "He's my..." How to say it? Boyfriend? Soulmate? Love? Admirer? Suitor? It was all of the above really, but what would one say to their Dad?! Fortunately Zeke responded for her. Sort of. He gave his name, anyways.

She didn't interrupt as he laid out his theories. They all seemed like sound ones. Knowing her Mom, it wasn't hard to guess that she'd have enemies. "I don't know if it was someone inside the government. But it could be outside of it. No one's taken over, right? So whoever it is, they could be waiting for something. I just dunno what that is..."

 

[WolfMortum]

“So, to make a long story short. I know your wife lied while she was on the holo. She was kidnapped. She did not make that happen herself. Someone forced through a confession, when it's very likely she isn't in her right mind if she just got back. And she did just get back. This entire thing couldn't have been more than a few hours in the making. That isn't enough time for a trial”.

Veiere stared at [member="Zeke Tune"] for a moment, a little surprised at how forward the young man was being; Glancing to [member="Loreena Arenais"] he looked for some hint as to how involved her friend was, exactly. Problem was that Kay had paraded the whole show across live holo-net, and so Zeke wouldn't be the only one asking ridiculous questions or making crazy accusations, he was merely the first of many.

"The recording is legitimate, Lori" he replied, looking his daughter in the eye so that she understood just how serious the situation was. He had spoken to her briefly about how her mother had been lured to the darkside by one of the Sith, though he'd never gone into detail about how the Monarchy had come about or what Kay had done to secure her place of power over Commenor.

"I've always had my suspicions, but today has confirmed my fears" he continued; "The Sith tortured and lured her to the Dark Side of the Force, and then she...-Murdered her former advisers, the three elders who were responsible for her inauguration as President so long ago when we first came to this World". The children hadn't been around back before the Monarchy had come about. They'd always known Commenor to have a King and a Queen.

"Now it seems she's on her way to a high security prison, and Commenor's future is uncertain...".

 

[Darlyn Excron]

Points for presentation.

Darlyn sighed as he sat back in his desk, closing the transmission he'd watched, repeated even, to make sure he'd caught all the details. A full confession was it then? Seems his time was coming too. Darlyn hadn't been responsible for the events Kay had admitted to, but it was no secret when he entered her employ. Pieces fit too well, he would surely be implicated in the incident and questions would certainly come. Which meant, he had best prepare for the worst. First, he had to apprise [member="Silfe Sosuri"]. Let her have an out if she wished, and then call Veiere.

Oh V, whatever was that man going to say.


Setting up a call, he first made a recording for Silfe, which he would send to her. It was, impersonal perhaps compared to a call, but he had to make sure what he needed to say wasn't interrupted.

"Hey Silfe, I'm guessing you probably saw Kay's broadcast. Darn thing, I wish I could say it wasn't going to be a huge problem for us, specifically you and me but, it may. I started working for Kay the day she became Queen, rather than president, which means people are going to suspect some sort of... ill intent I had for Commenor. I never did, I just wanted to help someone I owed a personal debt to, with really poor timing. Which means suspicion will fall on me, probably.. and I don't want you to deal with that if you don't want to. I've been enjoying time with you, and I care about your well being. So I want you to make your own choices. I would love for you to come with me on some journey across the stars or stay here and keep running Acuin, whatever you want. But I want you to make that choice, especially if Kay just accidentally made me public enemy number one. I'm going to try and talk to Veiere and see if the situation can be handled, but I really would like to make things work with you. Please give me a call when you can?" He didn't really know how to say what he wanted, but sort of just rambled through everything. He sent it quickly so he wouldn't get caught on doubts, and made his way to a speeder.

He knew where Veiere had to be.

He made no wasted time speeding off to the Arenais's family home, and very quickly invited himself in. "Veiere, we need to talk. Not just about Kay." For once, the tone of Darlyn's voice betrayed exactly what he felt. Fear, deep, intense fear, over what this meant. Likely something neither [member="Veiere Arenais"] or [member="Loreena Arenais"] had ever heard him express, at least clearly. Darlyn didn't seem to notice [member="Zeke Tune"] at first, as he passed by him to give Loreena a pat on the shoulder, a weak attempt to try and be reassuring despite his fear boiling over after force knows how long.

[member="Jairdain"]

 

[Silfe Sosuri]

Her personal comm bleeped, indicating she had a message. She turned and opened the message on her desk console and watched as Darlyn spoke. There was a great deal on her mind, and he was only a small part of it. She finished the video call and then turned, slipping out of her chair so she could begin to pace. Her mind felt crammed with infinite possibilities; Commenor, Silfe's place on it, her relationship with Darlyn, but also [member="Veiere Arenais"], and the children of her first friend, [member="Kay Arenais"].

Commenor was likely in an uproar or would be soon. On the heels of Kay's disappearance, it would be rough times. How many of the House of Lords would be around to make sure order still reigned. Would they become a democracy? Probably the best option. Even then, Silfe had no idea what had come before or how to set it up. There would need to be research. Who would run? Could they be vetted in any way before running? Would Silfe take on the Presidency... She stopped walking and shook her head vehemently. That was just too much for her life at this point. She would be so busy, she would never be able to do anything else and she had found that she very much wanted to live her life fully. Being Lady of Acuin had been wonderful and perfect for her wants. Now that would likely change.

She went to the door and opened it, looking to her assistant. "I need any and all remaining House of Lords to come here immediately as well as our military and police district leaders. Also, find someone who can brief me on what the Commenori system of government was like before the Royal Family was put in place." Her assistant nodded and began making the calls while she walked back into her office, letting her door close behind her. Silfe began pacing again.

Her fingers reached up to touch her lip absently as her mind calculated the problems out one or two at a time. Then she came to [member="Darlyn Excron"] and his message. She believed him when he said his hiring had just been poor timing so she didn't see any reason why she had to stop seeing him. They were yet in the early phases of their relationship and so far she was fine with how it was turning out. However, right now she had a great deal on her plate to be handling. She sent him a message back, a quick letter.

Darlyn,

Don't worry. I'm sure it will be fine. Tell Veiere I am sorry for him and his family and I am here if he needs me.

Silfe



[member="Loreena Arenais"] | [member="Zeke Tune"]

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori's optimism about finding a solution had faded. [member="Veiere Arenais"] looked at her so seriously that she just had to back down. Things were more grave than she had thought. And that gave her a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. So of course she reached out to grab hold of [member="Zeke Tune"] 's hand.

"So what are we going to do, Dad? Can we break her out?
Can we bring her home?" Or would she just be in prison wherever she went? Or worse, would she be hunted and killed? There was too much that she didn't know. But Zeke had told them that there was some hope. At least in the legal sense.

[member="Darlyn Excron"] came in then. The man was scared and she had never seen him like that before. That made her even more worried about the whole situation. It was quite the thing to have the adults that she admired appear to be frightened about what had occured.

Everything was going to be different now.

[member="Jairdain"] [member="Silfe Sosuri"]

 

[Zeke Tune]

Zeke entwined his fingers with Lori's. It didn't matter if it was in front of her father. In fact, better to simply let him understand now, than for the man to find out later. He was eight years older than Lori, it wasn't a massive amount, but still a good chunk. But right now, his nose scrunched in thought. He pulled Lori close, so his side touched hers, in a sign of comfort. It was to let her lean on him, to feel a bit more secure in life. Finally his eyes closed. “Ahh, I think I grasp the situation. I don't think this is a legal issue. But more an issue of the woman herself wanting to go to jail for crimes weighting on her mind. I doubt there even was a court case so much as an executive order. Am I wrong?” He opened his eyes and looked at Veiere. “If there is anything I can do, let me know. I don't expect you to trust me right now. That is fine. But, we both have someone, I think...we want to keep safe here. Just let me know what I need to do.”

As the other man barged in, Zeke began to grasp the situation. His eyes went to Veire again, this time the man allowed his thoughts to flow free, he knew of the man's force abilities, and decided to see if this would work. A single thought would run clear and free through the area, from the inside of Zeke's mind. Should I give her to you, or should I get her off planet as fast as possible?

If a man like Darlyn was scared, something bad was about to happen, something was about to come undone that shouldn't be, and war, violence always followed it. Unless something desperate was done about it.

[member="Loreena Arenais"]
[member="Darlyn Excron"]
[member="Veiere Arenais"]

 

[WolfMortum]

"For the time being, you're not going to do anything" Veiere told [member="Loreena Arenais"], speaking both as her Father and her Jedi Master. He didn't need to justify his reasons, but for the time being they had to put the needs of Commenor first, millions of lives were affected by [member="Kay Arenais"]' shocking revelation and Veiere needed to do all that he could to maintain order with the last of is days as King; "Commenor comes first".

[member="Zeke Tune"] had a way with words that rubbed Lori's father the wrong way, and it wasn't just because he was her father and he, her partner. His assumptions behind Kay were blunt, and it made Veiere feel as though the man prioritized facts and conveyed very little emotion in doing so. Perhaps it was lawyer thing, if that's what he meant by proposing legalities. "I'm sure my Daughter will appreciate your support" Veiere answered him in an elusive manner. It wasn't that he didn't wish to get along with who Loreena chose to date, but as far as first impressions went, the whole situation around Commenor and his Wife didn't exactly make for the best of times, nor accommodate first meetings such as theirs.

[member="Darlyn Excron"]'s arrival was well timed, though he looked morbid which was something of a rare occurrence for the man. "Our home in the hills will be our residence full-time now. The Palace will soon be under someone else's care and responsibility" Veiere added, looking back to Loreena before gesturing to Darlyn to walk with him as the King turned and meant to put some distance between the group and the pair.

"I'm going to assume you don't have any good news for me then?" Veiere asked, his shoulders falling some as he allowed himself to drop his composure and show a little more of how tired and stressed he was feeling, in the company of his friend.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

The weight of his gaze and the words that [member="Veiere Arenais"] spoke lay heavy on her. He wasn't very happy. Granted there was a lot going on and a lot of trouble which she didn't even start. But he had already put his foot down. She wasn't to do anything.

He didn't seem very impressed with [member="Zeke Tune"] either. She couldn't tell if he was being protective of her or if there was too much going on. She sighed a little as she nodded. "Yes Dad..." Most of her stays on Commenor were at their Estate instead of the Palace anyways, so it wasn't a huge change.

But now her Dad was taking [member="Darlyn Excron"] away from them to talk on their own. If they had wanted some space, she was going to give it to them. Lori looked up to Zeke and gave his hand a small squeeze. "Come on." She wanted to leave the Estate, but went to the kitchen instead. Her Mom always made tea at times like this. Maybe that's what she needed to do too. "Want anything to drink? Or eat?" There was bound to be plenty of food and drink available to them. Getting it all ready would give her something to do to take her mind off of how she felt.