A Common Practice [Aegis Initiative/Commenor]

[Kay-Larr]

The Royal Palace: Chasin City, Commenor


With renovations inside of the former Presidential Palace now complete, it was time to start getting things moving to help Kay with her new vision for her world. Since her return from her captivity, there had been some that disliked her new strength, so they packed up and left. It seemed as though some preferred that she remained dependent on them and vulnerable.

Not any more.

An open holo-message was sent out to the growing powers and businesses in the Galaxy. She had done some research and there were some that could use the help that her people could provide, and vice versa.

One such message was sent to [member="Zeradias Mant"] . Whether or not he would come, or send others in his stead remained to be seen. Regardless, a gourmet dinner was being prepared in the hall across from the Throne Room, while Kay sat in her throne; a hot cup of Sapir tea in one hand and her datapad on her lap, her attire being a sleek black dress. She valued these quiet moments alone in such a large room.

In time she'll venture outside again.

 

[Zeradias Mant]

ISV Retribution
Commenor, High Orbit
1153 Local Time

The beginning stages were often the biggest obstacle. Much like the sea, sailing offshore past the aggressive waves served as the biggest physical challenge, but once that obstacle was cleared, it was quite literally smooth sailing from there. The Aegis Initiative was still in the early stages, and the hardest task still lie before those in it. Creating a name for themselves was something they needed to do throughout the galaxy, and one such way of doing so was by forging relationships in all corners of the galaxy. When coming across a message from the newly declared Queen of Commenor welcoming guests to forge these relationships, it was too perfect an opportunity to pass up.

Coming out of hyperspace, the ISV Retribution warped into high orbit above the system. From the bridge, Commenor appeared to be an exceptionally beautiful system - though from space, most planets did. Without any cue, his marine security detail began preparations for departure. The communications officer began acquiring the appropriate clearances to send shuttles into the system.

While his servicemen did all the busywork, Zeradias made his way to the hangar to find his security detail waiting for him. Entering, the marines followed suit and he was on his way.

He knew little of the queen, aside from that Commenor had once been a democracy and the same person who sat on the throne was elected the system's president only months before that. Though it raised some questions, it spoke to the monarch's tenacity. He'd soon find out what kind of person she was and what kind of operation she ran.

"Nearing Chasin City now, sir."

Minutes later, the shuttle made contact with a landing pad on the royal palace. The doors whirring open, two marines stepped out posting on both sides before the admiral himself emerged. The city certainly seemed to be doing well enough - he had a lot to look forward to in days that would follow this one.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Royal guards would greet the group, flanked by her head servant, Darius. He wasn't a slave by any means. One could tell just in the manner that he was dressed; black tailored coat and trousers. " [member="Zeradias Mant"] , the Queen is waiting for you. If you would please follow me." He turned on his heel in almost a military fashion as he led the visitors into the Palace towards the throne room.

Kay sipped her tea and sent out a quick message to [member="Connor Harrison"] on her datapad:

~Please meet me in the throne room. We have guests. There will be times when I will need you to aide me during negotiations, so this would be a good time for you to learn.

Your Queen.~

She sent it off and then tucked her databad beside her. The yellow speckles in her eyes glittered when the light caught them, though the level of light in the room wasn't as high as most would have. Perhaps there were still some parts of her that she liked to remain hidden.

After finishing her tea, she had a servant come and retrieve her cup. Kay then trained her eyes to the open doorway. She held herself upright and poised. It was showtime.

 

[Zeradias Mant]

It wasn't long before he was greeted and escorted to the throne room. The halls were definitely of an eloquent taste, with fine art seeming to cover every square inch of the walls. After some time strolling through the halls, the throne room was before them. His security detail entered first, posting on both sides of the interior of the doorway. It was not meant to be a show of force, but rather a demonstration of military discipline. The commanding entrance was fitting of a field grade military officer, and it further exhibited the kind of troops that Zeradias kept under him.

Entering the throne room, he looked to see the monarch sitting upon her throne. Approaching it, he offered a curt bow before introducing himself.

"Your grace, Admiral Mant, Director of the Aegis Initiative.", he said quietly, careful to not let his voice echo in the otherwise empty room.

[member="Lady Kay"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay watched as the soldiers walked in and took their positions. There was a definate order there. And as [member="Zeradias Mant"] stepped in, his very presence seemed to command respect to both those serving under him, as well as those he was bound to meet. People like her. He had a vast array of experience under his belt, be it good or bad, and it was that that made him the man he was today.

Or at least that's her first impression of him. There was a chance that she could be wrong.

Kay bowed her head as he introduced himself. "Admiral Mant, 'tis a pleasure. Welcome to Commenor and thank you for heeding my call. As the newly crowned Queen, I like to prepare myself and my people for the many possibilities that the future could hold. Having a strong economy, security and many allies are a part of that. Wouldn't you agree?"

 

[Zeradias Mant]

"Of course.", Zera said in agreement. She sounded so diplomatic already, not that it was a bad thing. Nodding in polite agreement, he piggybacked off her last statement.

"The Aegis Initiative is not just a military project, but a movement for a self-sustaining society, in which all of what you reference plays an integral role in it's development. I'm certain cooperation between us would prove to be a symbiotic relationship.", he started.

He wanted to be sure to play off each others strengths - it was how both factions would make the most of their relationship. Crossing his arms in lieu of sitting, he continued.

"The Aegis Initiative is a predominantly a military organization, though our sole purpose extends far beyond combat.", he started the talks at. It was their strength, may as well address the elephant in the room. He was curious as to how Commenor might utilize their specialization in such a field, be it military partnerships, joint training exercises, or allowing the establishment of a military outpost on the system even. The possibilities were numerous, and they were only scraping the top of the barrel just now.

"What can you tell us of Commenor's military capabilities, or rather, your government's strengths as a whole?"

He didn't want to sound like he was plotting an invasion, but he was a direct speaking person. The best way to find something out is to simply ask about it, and that's just what he did.

[member="Lady Kay"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay nodded while he spoke. The Aegis Initiative may be small now, but it certainlly had the potential to grow, with Commenor's help of course. A symbiotic relationship is what she has with all of her allies. And the fact that they were predominantly military was quite useful. Of course she had no mind to take advantage of them. That was how allies were lost.

"We have a military, run by General Omar Santiago. It grows each day as more Commenori are being trained. It is my goal that we will be fully capable of defending our world from any foe. Back in the days of the Empire, the Commenori had large ship building factories. I have workers restoring those factories now. As for our strengths, Admiral Mant, we are a trade world. Companies and governments from across the Galaxy move their goods through here to the worlds closer to the center of the Core, and vice versa. Commenor also houses one of the best Universities in all the Galaxy." Of course she didn't lay out all that Commenor had to offer just yet. It pays to have an ace or two in her sleeve.

"What other fields are the Aegis Initiative expanding to?"

[member="Zeradias Mant"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Commenor was a nice place to be, away from Voss, and Connor felt more relaxed and at home here. The Silver Jedi embassy could wither and die for all he cared – he was done wasting time trying to save them. Queen Kay had been more than generous providing temporary accommodation for him when he visited.

Today was one of those days after he had a request to stand by her.

He walked with confidence to her throne room, letting the guard know what he was here for, and without issue he was allowed in, with a meeting already in place.

Connor walked directly to the throne, eyes moving to take note of the man before her. Obviously involved with military of some sort. Eyes back to the queen, and a wry smile crossed his lips. She looked rather fetching in her dress. He stopped a few feet back rather than simply walking to stand beside her.

Hands behind his back, he stood and waited.

Respect, of course, was mandatory.

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Zeradias Mant"]

 

[Zeradias Mant]

Commenor certainly seemed to be a hub of just about everything. Economy, trade, culture - though they seemed to be minute in the grand scheme of things, they were imperative to a functional and efficient society. The Aegis Initiative needed more than sheer military might to thrive, it needed this culture that Commenor boasted. However eloquently she flaunted Commenor's military, it didn't sound where she wanted it to be. The Initiative could help remedy that.

"As it stands presently, the Aegis Initiative remains a roving flotilla, unrestricted in our movements and ungrounded to any ties. We are looking at establishing ourselves in this corner of the galaxy, however.", he responded. "I'm sure a satellite location on Commenor would prove to further both our interests - military and culturally." Looking up to the monarch, he saw someone out the corner of his eye.

"Ah, I was unaware we'd be having company.", he said, redirecting his attention to the man in the shadows of the throne. "And who might you be?"

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Connor Harrison"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

A roving flotilla wasn't always a bad thing. It made one harder to track. She knew that from personal experience. But it was good to have a few places to go to, to gather supplies and relax outside of the confines of ships. It intrigued her that [member="Zeradias Mant"] had mentioned the want of culture. Commenor had plenty of it.

Kay followed the Admiral's eyes to [member="Connor Harrison"] and then back to her guest. "Admiral Mant, this is Minister Harrison. He oversees our populace and ensures that our laws are being followed. I thought ahead of time that you two should meet. If you are to station some of your people here, they should become accustomed to our laws. Everyone gets the same level of justice for breaking our laws, no matter which government they belong to. I'm sure that you have the same sort of system on your floatillas."

She sat back in her throne, wanting to ease what little tension was grown. "What sort of satellite location are you looking for? A base? An Embassy?" Kay had a few ideas for them.

 

[Zeradias Mant]

For a justice minister, the man had an eerie aura to him. He wasn't mentioned ahead of time, so he was almost blindsided by Harrison's presence. It made little difference to him though, he was just another official that could help facilitate anything he needed done - or be a hindrance. If he proved to be the latter, Zeradias was sure he'd be able to handle it should it ever come to that.

If his soldiers ever became a problem, they would be met with swift justice not only from the Initiative, but also from their hosts on Commenor. Zeradias would have no problem throwing his own to the dogs if they proved to be at fault. He was big on accountability and sometimes referred to as a staunch disciplinarian, though he held his merciful views. A peaceful land, a quiet people.

Reverting his gaze back to the queen, he answered her questions.

"As a matter of fact, your grace, both are exactly what I am referring to. An embassy would serve as a symbol of our diplomatic ties and a base as a one of military unity. Their practical functions I would hope need no explanation."

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Connor Harrison"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Only the Commenori had bases here. Even Commenor's two moons were home to only Commenori forces. To have a base run by another government on their soil was not a usual request. There were pros and cons for such a thing. Yet Kay held all the power to remove them if need be. It also made sense for [member="Zeradias Mant"] to want a base in this sector and on a world like this one. There was plenty of goods and supplies passing through, not to mention all of the other opportunities for adventures in the wild landscapes.

She didn't glance at [member="Connor Harrison"] when she made her decision. Kay kept her eyes on the Admiral. "You have my permission, Admiral Mant. Details will need to be worked out as to the size of the base, location and more. If your people want culture and to get their land legs again, they'll get it here."

Her head tilted to the side slightly. "And what would you offer us in exchange?" Normally she would get an Embassy on the other's capital planet, but as the Aegis Initiative had none, it was difficult to say just what would be offered.

 

[Zeradias Mant]

The negotiations were going much smoother than he had originally anticipated. An embassy and a base had been approved for construction on the system. They'd have to comply with Commenor's laws and regulations of course, which would have been expected to begin with. It appeared that Minister Harrison would be keeping a watchful eye on the Aegis Initiative's progress and outposts to ensure his greater mission's safety.

They had the quid, now they needed the quo, as the queen asked what the Initiative might offer in return. It wasn't too difficult to think of a response, especially for such a specialized military faction. "Your grace, the Initiative would like to host Commenor's military for biannual joint military training exercises, so that both our forces might learn from each other. This may take place on Commenor or beyond.", he started. While the offer seemed fair, it didn't seem to be enough. Sure they'd have to foot the bill for equipment, ammo, accommodations, but it all paled in comparison to what the queen had granted them. Training didn't seem to be enough to Mant, at least not in his eyes. He had to convince the queen that this base was not only in the Initiative's best interest, but also in Commenor's. "As cliche as it might sound, protection is probably the most prominent thing we have to offer. Potential foes would think twice of striking a place with a heavy military presence, especially when it involved hostilities against two parties rather than one. An entire garrison, at your beck and call."

He glanced once more at the justice minister, unsure of what role he might truly play. His gaze then returned to the queen, curious. Would his offer be enough, or would their hosts ask for a higher price?

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Connor Harrison"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor held a mildly amused look on his face, but one of respect as he let the two converse. This was far beyond what he knew – politics and negotiations – but he knew when to listen and when to shut up. Seeing the Admiral glance again at Connor, he knew it was time to speak up

"Forgive me for interjecting, your Highness" he said calmly, "but could you tell me your stance with the Jedi, Admiral?"

Call it habit, call it protecting his own back, but the Jedi were never far away from politics themselves. If Kay was going to do this, she needed to know just who and what any potential threats were and where they were coming from, and that was Connor’s job to root out.

[member="Zeradias Mant"] | [member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Joint military exercises sounded like fun, and very worthwhile to boot. The Commenori soldiers could learn a lot from a different perspective, and General Santiago would love to scrutinize the Initiative's forces as well. Kay wondered how long it would take them tp grow uncomfortable with his judgemental stare. It made most everyone uncomfortable, herself included. The Empire of old would have loved to have him in their ranks.

The offer of being able to have more protection and to have use of the soldiers placed there was indeed a great trade off. It was a good incentive and one that was hard to turn down. It gave her more control over what was happening in her territory.

Kay was about to reply to [member="Zeradias Mant"] when [member="Connor Harrison"] spoke up. It caught her by surprise, though his question was a good one. There was a chance that the Jedi could try to remove her. But the same could be said about many others as well."Commenor is a neutral planet. The governments involved in the Embassies here don't always get along. We do not pick favourites, yet we are always on guard for hostilities against us."

 

[Zeradias Mant]

Harrison's first words were inquisitive ones, probing the admiral for his stance on the Jedi. Looking curtly to the man who spoke the words, he reverted his stare back to the sovereign of Commenor. "Your grace, the Initiative is indifferent to the qualms of the Jedi and the Sith. While the actions of the Sith are oft more despicable, we have little love for the Jedi as well." Glancing back at the justice minister, he thought to inquire as to the rationale behind such a question, but left it alone - at least for the time being.

He could tell that Harrison might be a problem in the future. He very well could have been there to look after the queen, but from what he's been a party to so far indicated that he'd rather the queen didn't pursue this initiative.

"We can have construction begin within a fortnight, with your leave of course.", he nudged. Soon, the talks would be over and action would begin.

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Connor Harrison"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

The Admiral looked to him, and then continued as if he wasn't even standing there.

A puzzled frown crossed his face - did that just happen? - and he turned to the Queen in bewilderment, and then back to the Admiral.

"Sorry - I could have sworn I just asked you a question. Admiral."

His face fell a little sterner.

"What is your stance with the Jedi."

[member="Zeradias Mant"] | [member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Zeradias Mant]

Zeradias was well-versed in the ways of diplomacy. Politeness was oft a necessary front, at least for first impressions - then things might become more informal with time. However, this was not the case with Minister Harrison. Apparently having not answered his question to his satisfaction, Zeradias turned to face Harrison once more. This time, his gaze did not turn. His piercing gaze and prying eyes belonged to him now.

"Minister Harrison, neutrality is a legitimate stance despite whether or not it personally satisfies you. If the Government of Commenor is allowed to be, so is the Initiative.", he spat. "If our neutrality isn't permissible, I have no qualm averting our resources elsewhere."

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Connor Harrison"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay was satisfied with [member="Zeradias Mant"] 's answer, but it seemed that [member="Connor Harrison"] was not. More to the point, it seemed as though her Minister didn't like others not answering his questions with direct eye contact. There were some circumstances where that was warranted, but this was not one of them.

She listened to them bicker politely in the way that politics dictates and then held up her hand as if to stop them from arguing. She needed to interject before this had become a waste of time for all of them. "Gentlemen, please...." Kay looked from the Admiral to Connor, offering a hint of warning in her eyes to her Minister, before turning her attention once again to her guest. "Your terms are ones that I can agree with. Permission is granted Admiral. I am looking forward to our partnership and overseeing the first of these military training exercises."

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor did all he could to bite his tongue.

The fact was, thre was NO neutrality in this at all. The Queen was an agent of the Dark Side, however she wanted to see it. And those behind the scenes weren't going to play neutral games for long.

But she had spoken. He waved his hand before him in a "carry on" guesture.

"But of course. I am just a mere aide. Nothing more."

Oh, how he had to bite his tongue indeed.

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Zeradias Mant"]