Lady Rowan Vale
Duch'a of Terephon
Hapan Battle Dragon "Bane of Lorell"
Currently in orbit over Denon
864 ABY
"Is this really necessary?" Rowan asked her Chief of Staff for what was probably the hundredth and twelfth time since the idea had been brought to her attention.
Standing at the other side of her desk, clad in a Hapan naval uniform that marked her as a Captain, Valara Stone regarded her Ducha evenly. "It is, my Lady." She said simply, never showing even the slightest hint of irritation with Rowan, no matter how difficult the noblewoman knew she could be. "Word has gotten back to the Queen Mother's court of your deal with Obsidian Star. Already the Hapan tabloids are talking of a possible split within the Consortium, perhaps even a coup."
"When aren't they talking about a possible coup? You remember when those two Courtesans were caught kissing in the bushes last week and the tabloids suggested that it could be the beginning of a male-dominated attempt to take the Consortium?"
Captain Stone smiled wryly and inclined her head, a gesture that was one part respect for her superior and several more parts indulgent condescension. "There's a difference between a couple of boys enjoying...each other and a Ducha unilaterally retrofitting her entire fleet. You need to get as public as possible, as quickly as possible with the reality of what you're doing and your reasoning. That's the best way to ensure nobody thinks you're trying to hide anything."
Looking out the window of her state-room Rowan sighed, perhaps a little over-dramatically, and waved her hand. "Okay, well is she here yet?"
A few taps to her datapad and Captain Stone responded. "Yes, Miss Starstorm appears to have arrived. I am having her brought up here now. Do try to be gracious, my Lady."
"Yes, mum." Rowan answered absently as she turned to wink at her Chief. As expected, Stone offered no discernable outward reaction, though Rowan thought she could see a glint of laughter in the other woman's eyes. "Dismissed."
The Captain did a crisp about-face and left the state-room. A moment later, her door bell went off and a pair of officers stepped in. "My Lady, may I present Miss Holly Starstorm. She is the reporter you requested?"
Standing, Rowan came from around her desk and nodded, dismissing the officers and offering a slight smile to the young reporter. "Ah, Miss Starstorm. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview. Please do come in! Would you like a glass of brandy before we begin?"