For the Common Good

[Adron Malvern]

​There was a soft shift as Adron's star destroyer came out of Hyperspace over Commenor. Opening his eyes, the High Moff let out a soft huff, as he pulled his own mind from the dark recesses of meditation. "Finally." He muttered, looking to the view port before him. The planet loomed in the distance as the High Moff stood to his full height.

​"Sir. We have prepared your shuttle and your security team. We have already transmitted our clearance to the planet's security teams." A soft, mousy voice called out to Adron. His eyes caught the fire-haired woman who spoke to him from the other side of the command deck. As she closed the gap between them, he would offer a soft nod to her. "Thank you, Admiral. I do not suspect this will take too long, keep the engines hot." He said, his eyes looming over Commenor as he turned away from Admiral Yahla.

​"Always, sir. We'll stay on stand by." She offered, before turning back to her gathering group of Deck Officers.

​Adron moved down the hall, adjusting his uniform as he approached the corridor that held his personal shuttle. Once he finally made his way to the hangar, he looked to the men lining each side of his ship. On either side of the loading ramp was five Imperial Novatroopers, standing as if they were statues in the presence of the Moff.

​"Let's go." He told them, making his way up the loading ramp.

​Adron was not thrilled to be on such a mission, and while he tried his best not to show it, the thought lingered none the less. With his system of Bothawui, his duties over the Imperial Guard, as well as his personal training in the Force, there was little extra time for errands requested by the Moff council. Of course, these requests were orders from the Emperor himself, so they could not be brushed off. Commenor's current standing had caused the Emperor more than one moment of reflection, which in turn required Adron to be sent as an envoy.

As the High Moff traveled planet side, his eyes remained planted on the planet below, eager to see what was to come.

​[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Of COURSE the Galactic Empire would want to come now of all times. Kay had been busy as of late, moving from one task to the other, then to the other, all in a bid to keep herself distracted while her husband sat in prison. There were rumours of uprisings on Commenor itself. Not to mention the public relations messes that she needed to clear up. Her recent trip to meet with the nationalist party Coruscant First had hopefully helped to correct some of the errors in recent broadcasts.

She had her security team relay the co-ordinates to the Palace's landing pad. Kay didn't want them to wait long and she needed to get changed into something more formal. Today was supposed to be a day of just her working in her office, but no matter. Throughout the years she had learned to be flexible.

After all was said and done, she went outside to the landing pad to meet with the Imperial. Her last conversations with them were in acquiring the designs for some Star Destroyers for her own fleets. It certainly paid for her to live up to her end of her bargains with the Emperor. For as little as securing a trade route for the Galactic Empire through her territory, she had gained much. Although she wasn't quite trusting of the 10,000 cloned troops given to her years ago, the ship designs contained no flaws that her engineers could find.

Kay stood in waiting as the shuttle carrying [member="Adron Malvern"] began to drop out of the atmosphere. A half dozen uniformed guards stood waiting, their blasters holstered. Commenor wasn't at war. So there was no need to appear as though they were. Here there was safety. Here was secure. She hoped to keep it that way.

 

[Adron Malvern]

​"Sir. We're touching down now." The pilot called out, causing Adron to rise from his seat. The Novatroopers, who had been standing the entirety of the trip, made a silent movement as each of them turned towards the rear landing door,

​As the ramp was lowered onto the landing platform, Four of the Novatroopers led the way down the ramp. Following closely behind them, Adron's eyes fell upon the Queen of Commenor and he allowed a his lips to be drawn into a small smile. "Queen Kay, of Commenor. An honor." He said, his tone respectful, yet lacking none of it's confidence. "I am High Moff Malvern of the Galactic Empire, Moff of Bothawui, and Captain of his majesty's Imperial Guard......a bit of a mouthful, yet tradition stands." he said, ending his words with a respectful bow. Placing his hands to the side, he would bend at the waist, the traditional greeting of the Serrenoan courts.

​He glanced back to his soldiers, waving a hand back at them, dismissing them back to the shuttle. In a sharp movement, the Novatroopers spun on their hills, making their way back up the shuttle ramp. All but two of the soldier, who remained at the bottom of the ramp, immediately taking up guard. "I don't believe they will be necessary. They are for more uncivilized company." He said, taking a moment to shroud his mind and body in the cloak of the Force. Building a barrier around his mind, he was ever on the defense.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Well she certainly wasn't expecting High Moff [member="Adron Malvern"] . Kay blinked a little in surprise before bowing her head in greeting. His titles certainly were a mouthful, but yet so was hers. "We share the same issue, High Moff, of extensive titles. My own are: Lady Kay Arenais, Queen of Commenor and High Queen of the Commenor Systems Alliance. But Lady Kay will do just fine."

She took note of the troopers headed back inside, all but the usual to guard the vessel. A slight smirk flashed across her face briefly as he remarked on uncivilized company. Was he trying to flatter her? It seemed as though this going to be a lighthearted meeting in tone. One could never tell when it came to the Empire.

Kay gestured for him to walk alongside her as she turned to head back into the Palace. "This way, please." Once he was at her side, she clasped her hands in front of her as she led him inside towards her office. "I trust that the Emperor is doing well? I shall give you some tea for him before you leave. He seemed to love it almost as much as I do." Kay had had a meeting over tea with the Emperor during her first visit to Kamino.

 

[Adron Malvern]

​As Kay led the way to the palace, Adron nodded, keeping up with her pace. "Of course." He said. In his whole, Adron seemed to be a man of patience and consideration. Of course there was much to be said about what lied beneath the surface, yet there was no reason for such things to come to surface in such an environment. Growing up in Serenno, the former Count was well versed in the ways of politics. Manners and respect went farther than one would wager,

​"His Majesty is doing well. Of course, so long as the Empire remains a beacon of order in the galaxy, I do not doubt there will be little change in this." Adron said, returning the bit of chatter with an amused look about him.

​"I am certain he will appreciate the gesture." He said, his eyes taking in the palace grounds. Always one to respect good architecture, he was quick to commend the palace. "The Commenor palace is spoken of highly, even among the nobility on Serenno." He commended.

​"What of you My Lady? I hope the station of Queen has not tarnished the legendary glamour of Queen Arenais?" He stated, his words spoken as if coated in honey.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Beacon of order...Yes, she knew of some of the Empire's oppressive tactics. Although she didn't quite approve of them, her husband [member="Veiere Arenais"] was somewhat of an admirer of the Imperial structure. "Well that's good to hear."

She glanced over to [member="Adron Malvern"] as he seemed to admire the architecture of the Palace. Commenor was known for their skills. Many different styles throught the centuries were on display in the various wings. Kay was a fan of the older sections. She loved the dark woods and tall ceilings. "I didn't think that many spoke of us at all outside of our own territory. It's nice to be known for something that's good, at least."

Small talk. Mostly every meeting started off with them. The High Moff's next comment caught her by surprise. Did he just say what she thought he said? Legendary glamour? My he was buttering her up for something, that was for sure and certain. "Well, just like in any position of leadership, it certainly has it's challenges. But then again, everything worthwhile does."

Her own guards had followed them through the hallway until they had arrived at Kay's office. Her assistant Olivia was not at her desk. More than likely she was tending to other affairs in the Palace. Kay opened the door and stepped aside to let him in first. "Would you like some tea or a bite to eat before we get around to the purpose of this visit?"

 

[Adron Malvern]

​Adron was rather amused at the Queen's words, so much so he offered a soft chuckle. "My father used to utter such words. Of course, while things worth while can be challenging, it does not mean it must always be so."

​Once they arrived at Kay's office, Adron took a moment to glance around, though made sure not to put on an investigating persona. When offered tea, Adron's hand was raised in declination. "No, no thank you." His eyes finally fell back on the Queen as his hand tapped the small datapad embedded in his gauntlet. Pulling up a small screen of information, his eyes skimmed over it before he returned his arms to their place behind his back. "The Empire appreciates your timely response to our request for an audience, of course we would not have been so insistent if it was not important."

​Awaiting a moment, to be sure he had gathered the Queen's full attention, Adron spoke with a tone that had turned more fitting for that of business. Losing none of his respect, yet falling far from flattery, he expressed himself as he was. "I will not beat around the bush, My Lady. It has come to the attention of the Moff Council that several...sensitive situations have occurred which leave Commenor in a rather precarious light. Because of this the Emperor has dispatched me to gauge the truth behind these rumors."

​"Chief among them....the imprisonment of King Arenais." He said, his brow arched in a apparent show of curiosity.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Well [member="Adron Malvern"] might not want any tea, but Kay surely did. So after closing her office door she walked over to the side table and prepared herself a cup. The ritual was so second nature to her that she didn't even need to observe what she was doing as the High Moff got right down to business.

Kay looked over her shoulder to him, her back facing him while she poured in the hot water. She didn't even notice the slight glow of her cup. Her attention was instead given to the High Moff as he spoke of this visit being of importance. That alone made her feel a bit uneasy. At least she had her tea to give her a small measurement of comfort.

She cradled the cup in both of her hands as she turned and headed over to one of her comfy chairs, seating herself down. She didn't move to sip her tea just yet, for it was still too hot.

And then he brought it up. Veiere's imprisonment. Kay cleared her throat a little. Sensitive situations indeed. "Former King....He gave back the crown a short while before he attacked the Jedi Temple on Deneba. There was no need to hunt him down, for he allowed himself to be arrested. Once the trial is over, well...I've got it all under control." She sipped her tea, already knowing of at least one other rumour going on about her people on the holonet. More than likely the Emperor knew about it as well.

 

[Adron Malvern]

​The High Moff watched as Kay prepared her tea, not disturbed by it or even taking too much notice of the special tea set she was using. Reckoning it could not be easy to deal with the topic of her errant husband, Adron decided it best to rip that Band-Aid early.

"Of course, you understand his surrendering his crown does not abolish his connections with Commenor." Adron pointed out, raising a finger to accent his point.

​"Trust me, My Lady, we had no plans to track down your husband. Yet, his actions have not been in the best interest of Commenor or your people." He said, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm not here to tell you how to run your government. Nor do I believe you need such advice, yet the holonet has been abuzz because of your husbands actions." Adron concluded, before deciding against continuing the matter. "I had heard rumors that the former King was imprisoned, I am sorry such an outcome was the result of his actions."

​The High Moff had actually met Veire on more than one occasion. In fact, at one point in time, Veiere had agreed to instruct the Dark Jedi in the deeper ways of the Force. However, for the time being that information had no place in the halls of Kay's palace.

​"Another....incident. You are familiar with Amelia Sorenn-Syrush, are you not? She has garnished a great many enemies over the past few months. Also something that is not ideal for your people. She is noted as being associated with you and her actions are likely to cause you a great deal of headache."

[member="Lady Kay"]

​

 

[Kay-Larr]

"I know that it doesn't. But he ...thought it did." Perhaps things would have been different if Veiere attacked some other temple somwhere else. Yet becaise it was done in their own territory, well it didn't surprise her that people were calling him the Traitor-King. The last thing that she needed was for such a thing to sully the reputation of their children as well.

Again she sipped her tea as [member="Adron Malvern"] spoke of what the holonet was saying in regards to her husband. "Veiere is awaiting trial. At least we have no capital punishment here. The worst that can happen is that he'd be sentenced to life." That would be difficult. And with the power that Veiere was weilding, she knew that he could break himself out. Or even get some in his Order to get him out. Kay didn't want him caged. She didn't want any harm to come to him. She loved him too much.

And then he touched on Amelia. "She is...my Minister of Defence. She told me that she had a personal matter to tend with. I figured that it had something to do with her company. It wasn't until later that I found out what happened." Oh it was quite a mess, and a PR nightmare that she was working on cleaning up. "I'm working on getting it handled. She'll be brought in for questioning and then quite possibly be put on trial." The Minister of Defence position seemed to be jinxed. Everyone that held it tended to disappear or leave for something else. It was a good thing that Commenor wasn't at war.

"Is there anything else?"

 

[Adron Malvern]

​Adron arched a brow as Kay spoke, finally offering a soft smile as the woman spoke. "King Arenais is a fully realized Jedi Master, is he not? It is no simple task to keep such a man imprisoned for life, yet what is done with him is the decision of your courts. That is merely my observation."

​As the Queen spoke of Amelia, Adron cleared his throat. Once she had finished, the man took a moment of pause, eyeing her with a peculiar expression. "A member of your inner circle...in open feud with a....very well thought of adversary. In under a year you will be putting both your King and Minister of Defense under trial for, what I could pleasantly identify as conduct unbecoming. Where terrorism and recklessness are more apt." Adron said, before tilting his head to the side ever so slightly.

​"My Lady. The Emperor is worried you are losing control." He said, frankly.

​"While he does not doubt your ability to recover from such, he worries that the actions of your inner circle have jeopardized the peace you have fought for." Adron said, clasping his hands together in front of his waist. "That is why I am here."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay spoke quietly in regards to [member="Adron Malvern"] 's remark on her husband. "He is not a Jedi anymore..." Surely he could guess at that. Afterall why would a Jedi attack a Jedi Temple with a squadron of troops with him? No. Her husband had gone dark. Their own son and asked her about divorce, yet she wasn't going to say yes to something like that. It would leave her vulnerable to those seaking power and a name for themselves.

She stared at her tea cup, now noting the slight gliw of the blue crystals. Was she doing that? Her own Force sensitivity wasn't quite hidden. She couldn't focus on that enough right now to make it work. And when it was suggested that she was losing control, a part of her agreed with him. But it wasn't as though she was going to admit it.

Kay sipped her tea once more. At least the Emperor knew that she could get everything handled, yet he had sent a High Moff to....do what exactly? She raised a brow as she inquired. "And....what is it that the Emperor has tasked you to do?" Surely there was more to it than merely pointing out her current situation.

 

[Adron Malvern]

​Adron had decided to choose his words carefully with the Queen before him. While she did not seem the type that was quick to temper he did not care for a sour meeting. After a moment, the man exhaled, looking up to the woman with a meaningful look. "The Emperor has sent me because I have been in....similar waters. My planet's Government was weakened because of the selfish actions of the few. The result was.....well let's just say there were many prices paid."

​"The Empire is worried that the recent events have made Commenor a target. The Sith Empire is suspected to be expanding closer to the core soon, the Galactic Alliance is waning against the First Order, and now my spies suggest an organization known as The Ancient Eye has set it's sights towards expansion as well. My Lady, Commenor is in the center of all the galaxies conflict. Through your proper leadership you have remained out of these wars. Yet, the actions of your husband and your Minister threaten your people's safety."

​"I am here to offer aid." He said simply, crossing his arms once again. "I believe you need a....stern eye to help reign in your advisors and the actions of your circle. The Imperial Inquisitorious exists to erase any...embarrassing mistakes that has occurred under the Empire's watch, to keep our people's minds at ease and our enemies unaware. You need something of a similar nature."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

So [member="Adron Malvern"] had gone through this before. No wonder he had the insight that he did. It was no wonder that the Emeror had hand picked him to come here. Plus he wasn't as stoic and intimidating as other Imperial officers were.

She sipped her tea, crossing her feet at her ankles and tucking them under her chair. "The Sith are moving this way? That is a cause for concern. They are not our enemies, but that doesn't mean that we are friends." Kay brushed aside the mentions of the Alliance and the First Order. Both had little to do with her government for they were too busy quarreling with themselves. "The Ancient Eye, I know their leadership well. [member="Mythos"] wouldn't allow them to attack us. He would have them protect us, even though I don't approve of their methods."

She raised a brow as he offered to help her. The High Moff wanted to keep her Ministers in line? "We don't...execute people here. Nor do we make people go missing...What alternatives do you have in mind?"

 

[Adron Malvern]

[SIZE=11pt]Shaking his head at Kay’s words, Adron’s opinion of the Sith was not one that was hard to determine. “The Sith are ally to no one. Least of all the common good.” As the lady spoke, Adron arched a brow at her words. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“I do not believe Mythos commands the Ancient Eye anymore. There are rumors of his disappearance. The bulk of their fleet is commanded by a Sith known as Kainan Wolfe. A man who would sooner set Commenor to fire, than aid it.” He revealed, running a hand over his chin as he spoke. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]When Kay spoke of assassinations and executions, Adron chuckled a bit. “My lady. I am not suggesting you move to executions or stripping your people of their rights. However it stands you need a stern force, capable of collecting and muting those who would go against your interests. I can supply such a force.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“With your permission, I could personally handle such matters. In my absence, there is a unit trained for such things. The Imperial Senate Guard.” He explained to her. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt][member="Lady Kay"][/SIZE]

 

[Kay-Larr]

"What of the Mandalorian Empire? The Sith are loosely tied with them and I have...family ties with the Mandalorian leadership. I'm certain that that could provide us some protection for a little while. And with the Silvers right nearby, they would be the bigger target for the Sith, would they not?" That was her hope anyways. Kay thought if the galactic map in her mind and who was where. Of course such a map didn't show the movements of fleets.

As [member="Adron Malvern"] spoke of the Ancient Eye, it was her turn to shake her head. Sure the man held her hostage once, but it was all some misunderstanding. And he did treat her well. "No. I have contracts with @Kainan Wolfe . I don't think that he'd risk breaking that." Nor risk making Mythos mad. But if her friend had disappeared....Maybe Kainan was behind it all in a bid for power? She didn't know. But she didn't want to give any merit to the idea of such betrayal.

Another sip of her tea was taken as Adron made his proposal. He was right of course. She was at risk of losing control and losing support. However allowing him to do what he wished could also cause her to lose control and support. There were pros and cons for each. Now she was tasked to see which was better suited. Most importantly, she had to keep herself out of dangerous situations, especially as her heart and mind were focused on her husband's trial.

The Galactic Empire was perhaps Commenor's closest ally. Was she really in the best position to refuse their aid? She owed them favours as it was. Perhaps this was a way to repay their generosity, by giving one of their own a position of power. "Alright...You have my permission. But understand that I can pull it at any time."

 

[Adron Malvern]

[SIZE=11pt]“Sith keep allies only as long as those allies are useful. If the Mandalorians voice their opposition, they too will stand be under the Sith’s heel.” Adron said, shaking his head at the thought of the Mandalorians being of any use in such a situation. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Kainan Wolfe is a madman… And cannot be trusted.” The High Moff offered, before raising his hands in a silent retreat. “Yet, I will say no more on the matter.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Once Kay offered her conditional acceptance, and the High Moff returned her words with a smile. “Exceptional. Give me a few weeks to prepare a detachment of the Imperial Senate Guard. I trust you can provide the lodging and upkeep for the men?” He asked, his confident smile never faltering. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The result the former Count had achieved was one he had hoped for, allowing the Empire greater voice in the halls of Commenor was perhaps the greatest thing for both factions. “Also. I will require a private residence, somewhere I can operate from with some manner of privacy.” [/SIZE]

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Adron Malvern"] was right on both counts. The Sith couldn't be trusted and Kainan was mad. His ideas of keeping order consisted of crucifiction and torture, both of which she would never do. Her own visit to his city was...uncomfortable.

The subject was then changed. Adron had one thing going for him; he didn't argue for too long. Kay was a stubborn sort and sometimes that didn't go in her favour.

"Lodging, food, everything will be provided here. Do the Imperial Guard wear armour at all times? Or do they have simple uniforms as well?" The last thing that she had wanted was for people to believe that they were falling under Imperial control. "As for yourself, you can have your own office with adjacent bedchamber in this wing." There were more rooms in the Palace than there were people. "Would you like me to show you?"

 

[Adron Malvern]

[SIZE=11pt]As Kay asked her question, Adron took a moment to consider the answer. “The Imperial Guard are armored only when on duty. However, while they are here, even not on duty they will maintain a dignified appearance.” He explained. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“That will suffice.” Adron said, in response to her granting him an office and attached bedchambers. Holding a hand out to the Lady, hoping to aid in her rise, he spoke in a softer tone. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“You are doing the right thing My Lady.” He assured before nodding at her words. “Let's take a look, shall we?”[/SIZE]

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Each government had their own way of doing things, their own style of dress for their staff. Imperials were...well, Imperial in nature. So she'd just have to let staff be aware so that they don't get too concerned.

Kay finished her tea, placing the cup on the coffee table before taking hold of [member="Adron Malvern"] 's hand as he offered it. Whether or not she was doing the right thing, only time would tell.

She put on a small smile. "Right this way then." Kay let go of his hand as she led him out of her office. She couldn't walk around the Palace hand in hand with him, afterall! Think of the gossip!

"The kitchens are available for anyone to cook their own meals or have some cooked for them and brought up. We have meeting rooms, ball rooms, a map room, catacombs and escape tunnels." For now she kept the mention of secret passageways....well a secret. They were needed in case of siege.

Kay led him to a door with a touchpad beside it. She placed her hand on it until it clicked. "Here you are. Just place your hand on there to set the lock." Of course she had access to every room in the Palace.

Inside was what was expected. An office made with dark woods like her own, though smaller in size. It contained a fireplace as well as the desk and chairs. Behind a door lay his bedchambers, complete with a couch, table for eating, large bed and nighstand. Then of course there was the ensuite.