Private Walk with Me

[Diarch Reign]

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Location: Botanical Gardens near the Grand Forum | Ravelin | Bastion
Tags: Maldor Mecetti

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The Diarch had sent a personal message to the High Chancellor not two days ago, requesting to meet him at the botanical gardens near Maldor's offices. Reign had begun to notice a concerning change in the politician since the start of the crisis. He looked worn, and to have lost some weight. This had given Reign a bit of pause as the High Chancellor had seemed unassailable even back on Malachor V.

The message was innocuous enough. A simple "Please meet me here, we need to talk" but after it was sent, the Diarch realized that such a message from a head of state may induce some fear. When the man arrived, Reign would need to do his best to alleviate those concerns. Maldor had become a trusted member of the High Council and Reign considered him a friend. The brief clash on Malachor V a thing of the past, and his dedicated and steadfast service to the Diarchy all that mattered.

As the time approached, Reign stood waiting underneath a tree, enjoying the mild weather.

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

​

When the utmost authority of your government wished to have a chat, there was a procedure to follow.

First, you scoured your inner circle for individuals who might have leaked disfavorable information. Then, you insinuated loyal agents near the meeting place, preferably learning the best escape routes and planting opportunities ahead of the meeting. Finally, you positioned a ship nearby. A ship big enough to defend itself and fast enough to escape.

At least, that was the modus operandi for the Empire, where every meeting could be your last.

What, then, should he do in the Diarchy?

He wasn't sure. While the Diarchs held just as much authority to dictate life or death as any Emperor, their demeanor was not one of capricious cruelty. They... seemed wise. Seemed to care. Seemed... better.

But old habits died hard. So he had a ship, not far away. He had notified Velda that her services might be needed. @Vyllia's chauffer had been told to be ready to evacuate her, in case she was also to be wiped out in an effort to snip loose ends.

And then Maldor had shown up, trying his best not to look like a deeply concerned man.

As he approached, he paused to bow.

"Diarch Reign. You have chosen a most pleasant venue for our meeting. I do not get out to these gardens often enough.

Tell me... how can your High Chancellor best enact your will on this fine day?"

Hopefully he would not be ordered to die, with Network agents popping up from behind nearby bushes. He would have extended his feelings to check, but the Diarch would surely have detected the attempt.


Diarch Reign

 

[Diarch Reign]

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Location: Grand Forum Gardens | Ravelin City | Bastion
Tags: Maldor Mecetti

---

The Diarch watched the High Chancellor approach. He seemed tired, and that solidified the worry in Reign. He considered the man his friend and while once they had been potential enemies, those days were gone.

As Maldor approached he bowed low to Reign and the Diarch returned the honor. Sweeping low as one may greet an equal.
He had a smile on his lips as he rose to respond.

"These gardens are a wonder. A testament that beauty flourishes when order is maintained."

At the formal inquiry that escaped Maldor's lips, Reign's smile broadened.

"Let us dispense with the formalities High Chancellor. Right now I am just Reign, and you are just Maldor... Come. Walk with me"

He turned to walk down the path within the gardens, flanked on each side by newly blooming cherry blossoms. Trees he had specifically requested planted for his with Lady Nocturne . Seeing them brought light to his eyes.

"There's much I would like to discuss with you. Thank you for giving me your time"

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

Maldor's eyebrows arched in surprise at Reign's gesture.

While it was consistant with what Maldor knew of the man, it was so inconsistent with other people of authority, he couldn't entirely become comfortable with the idea. He always felt there was a metaphorical shoe waiting to drop. A hidden surprise.

...a hidden knife.

He wondered if Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was something one could get from living too long in the Empire.

Maldor wanted to say, My time is yours, but sensed that would be inappropriate given the mood Reign was trying to foster, here.

Instead he went with, "It's my pleasure... Reign." He'd have trouble getting used to that.

"I've been working on proposing a discussion in the forum about using more droids in our security and military forces," he said, trying to guess if this was what was on the Diarch's mind, "if you had some thoughts on that, I could shape the discussion accordingly."


Diarch Reign

 

[Diarch Reign]

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Location: Grand Forum Gardens | Ravelin
Tags: Maldor Mecetti

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Reign fought the chuckle that threatened to work its way out of him. The High Chancellor was dedicated to his role, always thinking of how best to serve. It was a trait that the Diarch had come to greatly appreciate about Maldor, yet as the old saying went.. all work and no play.

"The Droid initiative, one of Diarch Rellik 's brainchildren if I recall. He's always said something along the lines of "the fickle nature of organic beings" or something like that. A noble endeavor and your dedication to our cause is admirable. But no.. I wanted to speak of something else."

His tone was light as he spoke, he wanted Maldor to be at ease, or as at ease as one could be when speaking with both a head of state and powerful force user. Coming to an archway, the Diarch paused, turning to face the other man directly.

"I have to ask, and I want your honest answer... How are you?"

There was no accusation or threat in Reign, nor even the probing for weakness Maldor might suspect. Just genuine concern for another living being. For a friend.

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

"How are you?"

Maldor resisted the urge to glance about, re-evaluating the foliage in the garden for hidden threats.

During his brief tutelege under Her, and Alicia Drey before Her, Maldor had realized something embarrassing about himself. His connection to the Dark Side was not born of a lust for power. Nor from Greed. Nor from Rage. These 'nobler' passions were not at the heart of him.

No... his connection to the Dark Side was achieved through the conduit of Fear.

He was always afraid. Afraid of failing to achieve. Afraid of losing what he'd achieved. Afraid of not being appreciated. Afraid of losing the appreciation he'd earned. Even his heroic moments were guided primarily by fear. When he'd charged a rooftop full of enemies to rescue Vyllia, the act had been motivated by Fear of losing her. When he'd fought during the war, faced down fleets... that, too, was Fear. Even if only Fear of being thought a coward.

It all boiled down to Fear.

But Fear was exhaustng, and he'd never found a way to let go of it.

Perhaps that was because everything he'd achieved was linked to that Fear. It was the tether to his success. Letting go of it might mean letting go of his status, his position, his strength...

The Dark Side provided cover. Camouflage for one's feelings. Even of one's Force Presence. Those were secrets he'd learned well. He was mostly obscure to the Force when he chose to be.

But there were ways other than the Force for detecting disquiet in other human beings.

There was, for instance, simple human empathy. And if any leader of nations could have such a thing, perhaps it was Reign.

"I..." Maldor started, and didn't know how to proceed. He sensed that a simple "I'm fine" wouldn't cut it, here.

"I've been working hard to secure Vyllia's and my place here. To prove to you that we're both an asset. We are both glad of the opportunity to serve. I hope I haven't projected anything less than gratitude."

He hesitated, adding, "You don't have to worry about us."



Tag: Diarch Reign
Mentioned: Vyllia Santhe Her

 

[Diarch Reign]

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Location: Grand Forum Gardens | Ravelin
Tags: Maldor Mecetti

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Reign caught the hesitation in the other man. Perhaps he was unused to being cared for. Thought of as a person instead of an instrument. From the Diarch's understanding of Maldor's time in the Empire, it was no surprise. Under the manipulations of the Sith one had to constantly fear for their lives.

Yet he was not among the Sith any more. Here he was safe, valued, and respected.

"That you are an asset was never in question my friend. We would not have supported your ascension to this role if that had ever been in doubt. You have worked wonders here, and I can not imagine the Diarchy without you now."

Reign stared into the other man's eyes. The piercing green seeming to look into Maldor's soul. Reign was no tyrant, his people loved him because he loved them. The same as it was with Rellik, and this love extended from the top down. In the Diarchy Maldor was more than a friend, he was family, as with every citizen.

"That's not what I mean when I ask. You look tired Maldor.. worn.. and here in the Diarchy, we are family. We look out for each other. So tell me, plainly, there is no danger here. Are you alright? Is there anything I can do to support you?"

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

Maldor blinked.

"Oh..."

Was that possible? Was the Diarch just worried about his health? Concerned that he seemed tired? Stressed? Overworked?

Did such things actually happen in the galaxy? Could powerful leaders find themselves worried about an underling?

Had Maldor ever inquired about Velda's health?

Had it ever even occurred to him to wonder?

No...

It was utterly alien. It was... new.

"I... suppose preparations for the wedding have left me spread a bit thin. Between that, and the colony on Zeta Nine, and the yards at Yaga Minor..."

He paused, and a thought occurred to him.

"Actually... that reminds me. I have no family here. No real friends." That was a somewhat embarrassing admission. The closest thing he had to a friend here were his coworkers. Fellow administrators. Figures in government. Or the military. He wasn't sure he'd shared a personal, informal moment with anyone here since he'd come to live in the Diarchy.

Until now, maybe?

"I need to find a First for the Wedding. It's ah... what some might call a Best Man. By custom, I'm not permitted to engage in violence on my wedding day. So in the Tapani sector, a trusted friend is traditionally asked to serve as First. It's mostly ceremonial, now. But back in the old days, it would be their job to defend the honor of the married couple during the ceremony. Fight duels if needed..."

He realized it must sound silly to someone from a different part of the galaxy.

"Would you, ah..." this was like asking the Emperor to be your Usher. It was probably foolish.

"Would you be interested in serving as my First? It would be a weight off my mind to have that taken care of."




Diarch Reign

 

[Diarch Reign]

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Location: Grand Forum Gardens
Tags: Maldor Mecetti

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The Diarch considered himself to be one of the most unflappable men in the galaxy.. but at the moment he was at a loss for words. The High Chancellor had asked him to be his “first”.

“Ah”
was all he said at first, the man’s mind racing to formulate thoughts. Here was a man used to staring down armies. Emperors. And not flinching. Yet a simple act of friendship had thrown him.

Realizing he needed to say something, Reign smiled broadly and clapped the other man on the shoulder.

“Of course! I will defend you both with my life if need be! I’m familiar with the custom but have not had much opportunity to just be a friend to someone… thank you for honoring me”

He bowed low, lower this time as one may address a superior. When he rose his face was more serious.

“I was happy to hear of the success in your ventures, however, remember not to bare the weight alone. It begins to crush. Trust me”

He said, pointing to the grey beginning to form at his temples.

“I remember crossing blades with you. It seems like a lifetime ago, but we have come together. I told you then that you had the opportunity to be a hero then. You are a hero now Maldor.. the people of the Diarchy look up to you. Students have drawn you in class..”

He looked the High Chancellor in the eyes, Reign’s green eyes reading his soul.

“You feel this weight.. the weight of leadership, of family, responsibility. Of Legacy. But you don’t have to shoulder it alone. I know how it feels.. the doubt.. the fear but together, we can conquer it. Just ask and I will be there”