Fresh Faces, New Places

[Kay-Larr]

It was a little odd with [member="Riven Black"] 's reaction to her husband's passing. She saw the clenching of his fist when he looked away. He obviously cared, his eyes said as much. Yet it seemed as though the circumstances surrounding his death is what bothered him more.

Kay listened to his tale about his past. There was no way that she could have survived such an upbringing. She would have been killed too, especially if they had discovered her secret of being a Force user as well. That was something that she liked to keep closely guarded.

"I am glad that you were able to escape such a life. And from the way that you describe the Kro Var, perhaps the murderer of my husband came from there. We knew so little about him. He liked to be called Masquerader or Masq. He could change his appearance. He even tricked me into believing that he was my husband in a bid to try to turn him against me.

As for my enemies, well...mostly space pirates that used to work for the Hutt Cartel. I rescued a lot of slaves from them, and they didn't like it."

She nodded a little to accept the brandy. She wasn't much of a drinker, but she would have some out of politeness. "I wouldn't mind a small amount, thank you."

 

[Riven Black]

[member="Lady Kay"] was understanding, after all she had been through it seemed the two of them shared sympathy for one another. A widow and a man willing to desert his people, for the greater good of the galaxy, a weird combination; but a deadly one in time.

"Yes, that life is far behind me. Thankfully their teachings haven’t clouded my mind; much like those left to squander what was left of the corrupted Kro Var. Perhaps there will be a day where the Kro Var can see the upside to kindness and nurturing. However, that day I fear is far from close.”

Riven gripped onto the glass, the liquid pouring into the bottom. He handed it off to Kay and with a smile, he nodded. The taste was strong and elegant. As it swished around his mouth he felt the tingle grasp his tonsils. The smooth licorice that was left made Riven smirk, it was truly excellent. Placing the brandy back down onto the desk he looked to Lady Kay once more.

“I trust that I’ll be able to solely decide things when it comes to outsiders and their wants. Of course, what they need will also be taken into consideration. I have little experience in dealing with powerhouses like the First Order, the fact that it will be my first dry run means I’ll have to be ever more vigilant in what you and Commenor wish to obtain. Are you thinking of allowing them Embassy here?”

Riven wasn’t sure if he liked the idea of having evil doers reside here, even if for the betterment of the planet. He had just been inducted into Lady Kay’s service, but he felt at home. Changes would be made…

Real changes.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay took the offered glass and smiled with a small nod. "Thank you." She took a small sip, moreso just a taste, enough to pool on her tongue for a moment, before swallowing. It was pretty good, but she wasn't very trusting of the effects that alcohol had when one had one or two glasses. Or maybe she was just a control freak when it came to herself.

She nodded when [member="Riven Black"] inquired about his position and what he was allowed to do. "You will be able to make your own decisions. I won't be micro-managing you. But yes, the First Order will be invited to have an Embassy here. I wish to keep Commenor neutral and if we have Embassies from different governments here, then we can better learn of what they are up to. We will learn of whether they are friend or foe. Information is quite valuable of a commodity. Especially when it pertains to our own safety and security."

 

[Riven Black]

"So to be clear our sole focus of these...Embassies is to keep an eye out for impending threats to not only Commenor, but those that are truly our allies around us?"

The question was straightforward.

He already had a particular person in mind for hire. A man of vigilance and a deep heart of goodness. Things would go way smoother with his buddy around. Riven liked the idea of being able to manage his own unit. Protecting the lives of thousands was a honor in itself, slacking wouldn't be part of his daily routine.

"While I understand how imperative it may be to keep tabs on those we allow to come here and establish themselves. I think we may need to be strict on who and what is allowed, within our borders of influence. I've seen downfalls from the most simple of papers, I only ask that I look at all important decisions revolving around outsider propositions. If we agree on this, I think we can curve the influx of negative outcomes pertaining to our alliances with any unlikely allies."

Riven took another sip of the brandy, the sweet taste began to sink into his tongue. It was spectacular in it's consistent quality. Patiently he waited for [member="Lady Kay"]'s rebuttal.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay nodded to [member="Riven Black"] 's statement about why she wanted the various Embassies. He understood it perfectly.

She took another small sip of brandy as she heard his next request. It only took a moment for her to think it over before she nodded. "Agreed. But please keep in mind that I'm not allowing everything to come into our ports. Our laws and restrictions on illegal items and weapons would still be upheld, including on the property of the Embassies. I don't want my kindness to be taken advantage of. And I am well aware that there are many that would want to do just that. Every contract and permit must be free of loopholes."

Kay was waiting to see who would try to cozy up to her now that she was leading an entire planet. Though she was not one to accept bribes, unlike the previous administration that seemed to enjoy it. They were the ones that dug the hole that she was working hard to get Commenor out of.

 

[Riven Black]

"Loopholes..."

He paused for only a moment and turned his head at the edge of the mantle. A fireplace nestled neatly below. Dry ash rested on the grate, a shiny black glistening back as he continued.

"I'll have to become more accustomed to what is and isn't allowed. Obviously I wouldn't want any illegal activity within our trade influence to be taken advantage of. As far as documents, I must admit, I will need practice learning all the codes and policies. This is a new venture for me and as I've already stated, I will do my best."

He took another sip of the smooth brandy, the sweet burn forming a tiny twitch to his left brow. The taste had surprised him. Most drinks from other planets lost their potency after a while, Commenor clearly had a better grip on keeping their consumption fresh. Riven looked to [member="Lady kay"] and extended his arm, everything about the things they had discussed was more than mutual. This would seal the deal.

"Lady Kay, it would be my honor to expand Commenor's graceful hand to those seeking relations with such a unique and beautiful planet. You have my loyalty and most of all my respect, let's build a better world, together.." Riven said, his words like water flowing in perfect harmony.

The smile that formed seconds ago grew, his dark brown eyes staring into Kay's. Once their hands met, the future in question no longer seemed that dark, but instead, fate looked brighter for the both of them.

 

[Kay-Larr]

"This is a learning experience for all of us. But we have to start somewhere, right?"

Kay reached out and took his hand, meeting [member="Riven Black"] 's gaze. There was hope there, perhaps a bit of a naive hope on her part, but in times like these, hope was fleeting. She knew that Riven would be a great Minister and even an advisor as well. His life experience was different than her own, and different from many Commenori's too. But it's not as though any would hold it against him.

She lifted her brandy in a bit of a salute and had a small sip. "The Raxis Embassy will probably be the first to finish, with the First Order Embassy closely on it's heels. The Red Ravens hospital, library and Embassy will also nearly be finished. And when our Embassy in the First Order's capital is finished, we should all be there for the opening ceremony."

She had her plans already underway for the First Order's Embassy opening. "I have many students at our University working on a grand performance for the ceremony. I hope that it displays us well and pleases everyone." Of course it cost money and she was already using a bunch of the budget on military, but the arts were important too. People needed a creative outlet to help them with stress.

 

[Riven Black]

Riven felt her hand slip into his own, the firm grip showed her leadership and poise. [member="Lady Kay"] was a strong woman, he could tell. Her unyielding confidence was present at all times, a trait that he too would come to master. It wasn't that he wasn't confident, cause he was, it was matter of maintaining a calm and intelligent approach to the adversity in the coming months. She laid it on him like a brick, relations with other factorial groups clearly saw Commenor as an opportunity for growth. Riven would have to make sure everything went smoothly, careful not to let any illegal or unwilling parties to take advantage of him or the president before him.

It was all new, but Riven wasn't blind to what had, no, what needed to be done. He had traveled the stars and left the Kro Var long ago. This moment meant he could make a difference. It wouldn't be easy and enemies would be made. It was inevitable in his new position. Although, he could sense it was the right thing to do, being able to help one planet could lead to others.

"I don't know much about the Raxis Clan, or organization. I'm assuming by the way you talk of them, they are close to you?" Riven looked down into the glass, the brown liquid teasing him for another sip, but he resisted. "The Red Ravens I've heard of...only I'm not sure what they are all about, regardless, you've made relations with them both, which I trust was a right move based on what you ask of me."

Riven realized they had been shaking hands still before he retracted his arm and smiled.

"I wouldn't miss the ceremony in the capital of the First Order's influence. I will follow you and offer anything you may seek of me. On The other topic, I will take a trip to Commenor's Universities soon after I leave here, make sure everything is going according to your expectations, Mi'Lady. I have a knack for art, I draw rather, of course, I criticize my own work viciously, but it relaxes me. Art can tell a lot about a person and the world. At the end of the day, I want you to remember that just because the First Order is bigger, powerful, and talented. Doesn't mean we can't give them a show beyond comparison. Even small people have big dreams..."

 

[Kay-Larr]

"The Raxis Clan adopted me. One of my closest friends is it's leader. Given the Crusades that the Mandalorians are on against the Republic and the Sith, and with ties to both on Commenor, he thought it was best to become allies, so that we wouldn't become a target.

The Red Ravens, I knew them to be ruthless criminals, but I was assured that they are wanting to change that now that they have become smaller. They are building a hospital, library and temple along with their Embassy. So if they are wanting to turn a new leaf, I'm willing to help them. But of course we'll keep an eye on them, along with the others."

Kay smiled as they seemed to be close in the right frame of mind. And at least [member="Riven Black"] wasn't afraid to ask questions. As for the First Order's ceremony, she hoped that it would go well. Tents were being set up for the spectacle, as were the sets. Performances were being rehearsed as well as the music. "You are an artist? I shall have to see your drawings some time."