Un-Common Course To Take

[Kay-Larr]

War. Battles. Destruction. Lives were being lost and endangered as the war machines propped up by the military industrial complex kicked into high gear. They call it the Great Galactic War, all buzz words created by the media that covered it. Thankfully it was well enough away from CSA space to pose any kind of threat. Yet still, both Kay and her husband [member="Veiere Arenais"] felt it best to continue to bolster their fleets and means of defending their neutral territory from anyone wanting to be hostile towards them.

More ships were being added to their fleets, supplied by their own ship yards. She had a Deputy-Minister of Defence by the name of [member="Cato Marek"] , now working under General Omar Santiago. Of course Cato's stint was a trial run so far, as Santiago wanted to be sure that his replacement was up to the task. Others had tried, yet failed. Hopefully this man was up to the task. Only time would tell.

Kay had put a call out in their territories for navy officers that could run some of the larger battlecruisers and other warships in the CSA fleet before Cato was hired. If she had known that Santiago was bringing him in on staff, she would of let the Deputy-Minister handle it. However the meeting with [member="Than Balthor"] was already arranged and there was no going back on it now.

Besides, now was the chance for them to all meet together in her office. Santiago was already there ahead of time at the scheduled meeting, however he wasn't planning on talking much. He was more of a man of action, not words. Studying people was what he did best.

Kay was never quite comfortable around him with his calculating stare. So she sipped her tea and went over her datapad on her desk while Santiago appeared to stare out of the window that he was standing in front of. However he was merely watching Kay's reflection. In his own way, he enjoyed making her and everyone uncomfortable. It kept them in line.

Soon their guests should be arriving.

 

[Dravis Rosilla]

Commenor's system of government reminded Than of good days long since passed. Younger days.

A time when democracy worked. When it was used effectively, to push back the One Sith, to curtail the Mandalorians, to show the entire galaxy that a system led by it's people, rather than a supreme leader, could work. A time of Republic strength, honor, and dignity.

Than had given up on democracy a long time ago.

Walking into the palace, Than was searched for weapons, and relieved of his vibroblade, by a duo of tough-looking individuals. The absence of his weapon gave Than pause, planting a seed of doubt he couldn't uproot. He tried to tell himself he would be safe without it, but a nagging thought in the back of his mind told him otherwise.

The old man tried to straighten what was left of his attire, brushing off his traveling clothes. They were simple, and well-worn, but at least they were warm. He didn't have anything fancier, after all. He figured his old naval uniforms wouldn't be appropriate for the meeting. The sheath of his vibroblade still rested at his side, a hollow reminder that something was missing.

With a nod to the guards, Than walked through the office doors, and saw the Queen of Commenor.

Than had expected her to be extravagantly dressed, with diamond-encrusted rings, and a crown of gold. He hadn't expected the modest woman before him, sipping tea behind a desk.

Than walked into the office with a straight back, and soft, attentive eyes. Hard, scratchy scruff peppered his chin, the result of not having shaved for a few days. He fingered the sheath at his side with one hand, a nervous habit. His other hand hung loosely at his side, as if he were unsure what to do with it.

"Your Majesty." Than finally decided upon a brisk head-nod, looking at both of the beings in the room, a confused light dancing behind his milky brown eyes.

Was he the first prospective hire to arrive to the meeting, or the only one?

- [member="Lady Kay"] -​

 

[Arahael]

Cato couldn't help but be somewhat nervous for this meeting. He had talked with exorbitantly high people before, sure, but talking with monarchs felt like a whole different situation.

Even though it was considered just outside of the core worlds, Commenor definitely received many of the same benefits of planets from that area. The success of this planet, not just economically, but through peace as well, was clear all around.

After entering the palace, Cato took a moment to think before approaching the room he was to go to. Being entrusted with the position of Deputy Defence Minister was something he didn't take lightly, even among the titles of Jedi Master. They had given him their trust, and he would in turn pay it back.

Turning the corner, he saw several people inside, then knocked at the entry to the office before entering "It is an honour to meet you, Your Majesty."

[member="Lady Kay"], [member="Than Balthor"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Than Balthor"] was the first to arrive. Kay had looked up from her datapad as soon as the door had opened. There was both a look of surprise and confusion after he took note of who was in the room. From the manner of his attire, it looked as though Than hadn't worked for some time. Yet she wasn't the type to hold it against him. More than likely he had decades of experience, much like her old pilot Terrac. "Thank you for coming. I hope that your trip here was a good one."

Santiago turned from the window, arms clasped behind him as he walked over to stand beside Kay's desk. His eyes held such weight as they studied Than, yet still he remained silent. There was another that should be here.

Right on cue, the knock on the door a split second before it opened had revealed just who the two were waiting on. [member="Cato Marek"] , the CSA's Depuy-Minister of Defence. Kay had never met the man before, only seeing his picture on file. Normally she was on top of things better, but motherhood prevented that. She bowed her head to the man. "The honour is mine, Deputy-Minister. You've arrived right on time. Would either of you like some tea before we begin?"

Kay glanced to Santiago, figuring that he'd think of tea being a waste of time. But it was what she liked to do, both to help herself relax as much as her guests.

"The Queen here has sent a call out for officers to help run our fleets, without going through you first, Deputy-Minister. A mistake on her part that I'm sure she won't be doing again. Than Balthor, what are your credentials?"

 

[Dravis Rosilla]

Than stood still, contemplative, as he observed the Queen and the General. It was as if he had been frozen in carbonite, a statuesque picture of reverence. He was speaking to two of the highest ranking members of the millitary he planned to join; of course, he was a little on-edge.

Make that three.

Cato Marek appeared, and Than acknowledged his presence with his eyes. His stare was inquisitive, yet soft, unlike the hard glare of General Santiago. Balthor kept his hands at his sides, but his head shook side-to-side.

"The trip was pleasant, not to worry." It had not been, as a matter of fact. He'd rode third-class in a planetary shuttle next to a deathstick-inhaling Zeltron, and had accidentally bumped into a being twice his height on his way out of the skyport. Than had been living a modest life for some time, and simply didn't have the funds for luxuries he used to enjoy with his time in the Navy. There had been no personal chambers for him in some time.

To her inquiry on tea, Than paused. "No thank you, Your Majesty," he finally decided upon, not offering any further explanation as he stepped forward, offering a datatape to General Santiago. He would love to sit down and have a drink with the Queen of the Commenor Systems Alliance, but preferably while they were on more solid terms. When Than knew what he was getting into.

"There is my records within the fleet of the Galactic Republic, as well as the Empire of the Hand." As much as he tried to fight off his feelings towards the two factions, he couldn't help drawing his lips into a thin line, his brow creasing ever so slightly.

"Stationed on Coruscant, received basic training at the Coruscant Officer Academy." He walked a respectful distance from the others, turning about-face to look at them. He began to feel himself relax, as he took a stroll through memory lane. "Deployed on the Republic Scouting Corvette Worthwhile. Senior Lieutenant. Participated in the First Battle of Coruscant during the One Sith Wars, where the Worthwhile was destroyed... and the Galactic Republic soon after."

Of course, he knew Kay was a former Senator of the Republic. It was the only reason he was here, and not rushing off to join the cogs of another Empire. Perhaps she gave him hope.

"Served as Commander aboard the Imperial Carrier Tempest, promoted to Captain of the Line aboard the ISD Counterpoint. Then... the Empire of the Hand fell apart as well." Than rested his hands behind his back, feeling his former confidence fill him again.

"And I come offering my services to your Alliance, Queen Arenais, General Santiago, Minister Marek, in this time of strife, this wildfire across the galaxy. But, before I promise a modicum of effort on my behalf, I must ask a question of my own."

Than Balthor stood as still as ever, as calm as ever, but his warm stare had turned almost icy. "If I am offered command under you, and if my services are needed..."

"Will you crumble, like so many others?"

- [member="Lady Kay"] - [member="Cato Marek"] -​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay looked to Santiago as he more or less chastised her in front of their guests. The General had held his position for far longer than she had, and given that he was tasked with protecting their territory, he felt more like her babysitter than a soldier in her service. She had yet to stand up to him. It was difficult with that stare of his. She wondered if Veiere shared the same sentiment.

Santiago took the datatape in hand, his eyes never leaving [member="Than Balthor"] as the man spoke of what they'd find written on his records. He wanted to see the conviction in his eyes, the subtle emotions that he gave off.

Kay lowered her head slightly as Than spoke of the fall of the Republic. It was still a sorespot for her. Her role as a Senator didn't amount to much. The Senate consisted of so many members that her voice wasn't heard. Just like in the meetings with the superpowers of the Galaxy, her voice didn't matter. Soon afterwards she was fired, though to everyone else she had resigned. It wasn't long after that that the Republic fell. Maybe if she had remained and signed up for the election of Supreme Chancellor things might of been different.

Maybe.

Than's demeanor suddenly changed. Kay took in a deep breath and held it as he posed his question. Would they fall? Would they crumble? They had lasted this long with nary a glance from the others. A robust trading economy had kept them going. While others promoted blockades or special treatment, the CSA had kept to their ideals of equality.

Now he was looking to her for an answer. It felt like all eyes were upon her, waiting for some acknowledgement that their faith in her wasn't unfounded. Kay nodded a little, releasing her breath as she reaffirmed them as much as she did herself. "We'll outlast them all. I'm too stubborn to believe otherwise. But I can't do it alone. I have to have the support of my people and those working along with me."

[member="Cato Marek"]

 

[Dravis Rosilla]

Outlast.

It was a double-edged sword. A word of neutrality, of strength in weakness. On one hand, it was a defensive stance. In olden times, it could be likened to a mighty castle, who's walls held enough food to sustain the empire until the attackers starved themselves. It brought to mind visions of stone and metal, unbent, unbroken.

Of course, it could also be interpreted as stagnancy. An unwillingness to take the fight to the enemy. It was the inability, the weakness to do what was necessary for the betterment of the entire galaxy. That had been Than's fear. He wanted to do good. He didn't want to be stuck in the doldrums of the galaxy, unable to defend the common people from their own chaotic tendencies.

He would give them the benefit of the doubt.

"That answer is satisfactory," the older gentleman said, soft eyes again warming. "Survival is optimal, and Commenor does not have the strength to do anything but." He passed his stare between all gathered, expecting some outrage. He called them weak, in front of their faces.

"These words are not easy to hear, Your Majesty, General, Minister, but I did not come to the Systems Alliance for it's military strength. If I had desired that, I would have turned to the First Order, or the Sith." His eyes held against General Santiago's, weighing his response. "No, I come because I see potential. Potential for order and lawful harmony. Perhaps not throughout the whole galaxy. Maybe only for your little corner of it."

"Should my credentials prove worthy, I would like to help you maintain that order."

- [member="Lady Kay"] - [member="Cato Marek"] -​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay lost her focus a little as [member="Than Balthor"] basically called them weak. To each their own point of view. Sadly though, he was right in some way. She knew that if any of the super powers had decided to bear down on them with their military and navy, well, it wouldn't take much for her people to be defeated. Yet she had tried to solve that by increasing their defence, increasing their fleet and adding to their numbers in terms of soldiers. She's tried to purchase the highest of quality for the men and women that served under her. But was it ever going to be enough?

Santiago's gaze didn't waver. In fact, he didn't seem to move much of a muscle at all outside of a small nod in agreement. He wanted to focus on the ground forces. That was where his strength had always been. Due to his strategy, the Commenori were kept unharmed when the Mandalorians decided to attack Republic worlds in this sector of which they were a part of. Although part of that was due to Kay's efforts as well.

Potential for order and harmony? Wasn't that something that they already had? Kay was a little confused, but then outsiders tended to have a completely different view on things. And as always, that was something that she appreciated hearing from time to time. It helped to prevent her from growing blind to everything else.

"Thank you, Mister Balthor. We'd appreciate your service and the imput that you can give. I hope that we can continue to grow and improve so that should the Galaxy's wars reach us, we'd be better prepared for it."

Kay glanced over to Santiago and [member="Cato Marek"] to see if they had anything to add. Santiago was the first to do so. "The Queen has chosen wisely. Meet me here at 08:00 hours and I will get you acquainted with what we have."

 

[Dravis Rosilla]

"That is my hope as well, Your Majesty."

Than looked between those gathered approvingly. returning the nod from General Santiago. "Oh-Eight Hundred," he affirmed confidently, almost forgetting his attire. He was slightly underdressed for the company he was keeping, but years of observing superiors told him at least the Queen didn't mind.

All the same, Than would appreciate a new uniform under the Commenor Systems Alliance.

"Now, if I may take my leave, Your Majesty." Waiting for her to allow his exit, he turned on his heel.

The Queen hadn't earned his respect yet. In his eyes, she was untested in the art of war, and too large a target for disturbers of the peace. He had truly went out on a limb going into her service. It would take more than an introduction to banish all his doubts. If he were to put all of his trust, all his loyalty, into the monarch, he would need more than a job offer.

All of that aside, Admiral Balthor was happy for the first time in months. He finally had a purpose.

- [member="Lady Kay"] - [member="Cato Marek"] -​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay gave [member="Than Balthor"] a nod of her head and a small smile, indicating that he was allowed to leave. Not that she was the type to bar anyone from doing so anyways.

Santiago didn't seem to mind either. He had given his orders and knew that Than wouldn't deviate from them. He was quite eager to get things started but was patient enough to wait. He had a good feeling about this one.