Greater Good

[Daxton Bane]

[member="Lady Kay"]

Oh did his skin itch. Not the kind you could scratch and it would go away. This kind of itch was the kind you wanted keep on scratching until the skin breaks and bleeds. Perhaps it was the atmosphere of Commenor, with its mild content and law abiding populance. Perhaps it was because he had worn the face of his hated rival, [member="Judah Dashiell"] and it was beginning to irritate him to wake up and gaze at that ugly as puss mug. Whatexver the reason, the time was still well spent after he made contacts with an underground doctor who was interested in off the books organics.

Dr. Victor Ashkeep, was a practitioner to wealthy and powerful in the city, who happened to have a soft spot for the poor and downtrodden who he supported through a soup kitchen and free clinic. However funds were stretched and he needed to get a new heart for one of his patients. Waiting for donor was out the question nor was directly buying one, not at the legal prices any way. All this information was gathered by Red Raven agents and forwarded to the Sith.

Hatching a plot to once more further his goals, he approached the doctor in his disguise to make a deal that couldn't be refused. After much haggling, the doctor agreed in exchange for a favor to be asked for at an undetermined time in the future as well as the doctor's services for a special project.

Truth be told, he didnt really a choice. Daxton held all cards and he knew it. That was why the good doctor was meeting him at one of the storage spaces he had rented to do the handoff.

Making sure people got a good look of his 'face'. He wanted to be sure Dashiell would get the fair share of the blame, one way or the other.

A scattered collection of guards, the kind wearing an assortment of gear associated with freelance mercenaries, could be seen guarding the perimeter as well as the interior. What wasn't so obvious were the discrete holocams strategically placed around the location to capture what was about to go down. Should the doctor have a change of heart, Daxton would release the footage showing him making a deal with the Sith, enough to detroy him professionally and leave him a pariah.

He arrived an hour later, as expected, with his own crew of muscle. Clearly he didn't trust the Sith completely. Laughing softly, Daxton offered him a drink from the wet bar he had installed before gesturing to several cryofreeze containers used to ship vital organs.

"As promised, two healthy human hearts and a rodian heart fully ready for transport and transplant. Here is the paperwork for them including the waivers signed by donators. Expert craftmanship, if I say so myself. You would almost think it was the real deal."

Any remaining reservations the doctor may have had, were discarded the moment he checked on the organs. They were real and this deal might save a few lives. Trying hard not to think of the fate of the organ donators, he shook the Sith's hand and sealed the deal.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay was not the kind of President that remained inside of the Presidential Palace except for off world visits. Oh no. She took whatever opportunity that she had to be out amongst the people, especially those that voted for her. Even while she was a Senator, her times on Commenor were not entirely spent in an office. Her concerns were on the well being of everyone.

The previous administration was not so kind. They brought in trickle-down-economics that gave wealth to the rich, while making those that made less, fall into destitute. That gave rise to the Underground and Black Markets on the trade world. Crime Lords and gangs started to take over the streets, manipulating the desperate. Even the Sith roamed the streets secretly, perhaps gathering intel for a chance to further expand their territory to include Commenor.

It was through this that Kay was pushed into running in the election. Her campaign on cleaning up the streets through a stronger economy for the masses and the purging of the Crime Lords also helped to garner her the majority of the votes. She even had the support of the military.

It was late morning by the time that Kay made her way through the market to Dr. Ashkeep's soup kitchen. He knew the state of things on the streets better than her aides did. She smiled when she approached him, with two of her security detail dressed casually. "How are things this week? Is there any improvements?" And by that she meant with regards to the number of people using his soup kitchen.

[member="Daxton Bane"] [member="Judah Dashiell"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

With a soft sigh of a man burdened by things outside his control, the kind doctor brushed his errant salt and pepper hair before adjusting his glasses. "Do you want the honest truth? People on the ground level feel too little and not enough change in their lives. Desperate times make people more willing to grasp the blade even though they know they might get cut. People in the fringes don't think much of right or wrong, not when there is rumbling in their bellies. I don't think you know just how bad things are in reality."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay sighed as well. It wasn't the news that she wanted to hear, but she certainly needed to. "I am working on it. But change can't happen overnight. I'm replacing the corrupt Ministers and Councillors and trying to put the lid on the crime and black markets. New construction will be underway and we'll need a lot of workers. So there will be plenty of jobs for people. And their taxes will be reduced so that they have more credits at the end of the day." She couldn't give out the details as to how this was all going to happen. The point is that it was. "Do you think that I should call a town hall meeting and let everyone be aware?"

Kay knew what it was like to struggle. She wasn't born into wealth and most of the time her credits were spent on freeing slaves.

[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

[member="Lady Kay"]

"Before you do that, there is some who would like to meet with you. Now before you ask who, let me say I was skeptical of their intentions at first. After all their reputation tends to preceed them so I was wary to start with. But they seem to be honorable and to be frank, they have helped keep this place afloat in its darkest moments." pausing to gather his thoughts, the doctor was uncertain if he should continue or just keep his peace instead.

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Daxton Bane"]

She raised a brow as Dr. Ashkeep spoke. Having someone express interest in meeting with her was not an uncommon thing. But it was what he said afterwards that gave her pause. He had to be talking about a Sith. Some were honourable and she knew that for she had allies among them. But of course she knew that there were plenty that were not. Although the same could be said about many different governments and races, so it wouldn't be fair of her to single just one out.

And besides, she wasn't alone. "Then I will meet with them and thank them for their help and good work."

 

[Daxton Bane]

[member="Lady Kay"]

"Actually he is helping out in my clinic. If you could spare a few moments I could introduce you. His name is Judah Dashiell, friendly enough character although a hit rough on the edges. If you could follow me I could introduce him you now."

Getting up from his desk, he led the stateswoman to a room which connected to the next building. "So sorry about the mess. We are still renovating.......ah here we go." Leading the way up a flight of step, they arrived in the consult room. A small line of eager patient were waiting their turn and beyond the door they could see a man dressed in smart black tunic teasing a yound child before giving them a sweet treat.

The doctor entered the room and introduced him by name. "Hello. Just call me Judah and you are?" He offered hand to shake, if she would accept she would find firm and sure as if without pretence.

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Daxton Bane"]

Kay followed the Doctor, as did the two members of her security team. Given that she figured that she was about to be introduced to a Sith, she focused on shrinking down her Force signature to that of a small tree nut while she walked. It was her secret and one that she wasn't prepared to have known just yet. It was better that way. People tended to be less trusting of Force users.

She smiled to the patients and watched in amusement as the little the little child was teased. Kay raised a brow as Judah didn't seem to recognize her. Perhaps he was far too busy to pay attention to the election. Or even the holonews in general. But that was okay.

Kay took the offered hand and gave it a firm, yet soft shake. "Madam President Kay. Pleasure to meet you Judah. I hear that you've been doing a lot of good work and have helped keep this place up and running. Thank you. I'm working on reducing the damage to our economy and society that were created by the past administration in hopes of creating more stability and benefits for everyone here."

 

[Daxton Bane]

[member="Lady Kay"]

"An admirable goal, one which my master would be interested in supporting. In this matter I represent Daxton Bane. He wishes to seek your approval to establish an embassy on this world, as well as a temple, a library and a hospital. He wishes to share knowledge and healing to all who need it should you allow such a proposal to pass. Needless to say, such an ambitious project would require a lot of labor and provide ample employment for your citizens. Should this interest you, I will arrange for my employeer to schedule a visit at your earliest convinience."

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Daxton Bane"]

Kay raised a brow slightly. First he sounded like a doctor, then a Force user and then a lawyer. But a temple? A library? A hospital? AND an Embassy? That was a lot, and she wasn't entirely sure of just what she was dealing with yet. Only one way to find out.

She nodded her head a little with an approving smile. "I would be happy to discuss it with Daxton Bane. How does tomorrow morning sound? He could meet with me at the Presidential Palace."

 

[Daxton Bane]

[member="Lady Kay"]

"Excellent news. I shall communicate your invitation on the fastest sub space relay at the earliest possible time. You might say that I have a very good feeling he would be most pleased to hear this news. In the meanwhile would you like a tour of the facilites and what the good doctor and I have been up to?"

Should she be paying attention, she would observe the older doctor appear to ill at ease, almost flinching at the mention of his presence by the younger man. Suddenly an idea came to him qne he was eager to use the tour to try and communicate what he could not mention directly.

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Daxton Bane"]

Kay glanced over her shoulder to her two security detail members whom merely nodded, her eyes passing over the Doctor. She noticed his nervousness, but pretended that she didn't. Though in all respects, she wasn't a very good liar, and that's what actors were, weren't they? She looked to Judah once again. "I would like a tour, thank you. It seems as though you have a lot of happy patients. So what's your secret? Is it candy?" She was referring to the sweets given to a patient when she was walking in. Having a treat after any medical test or procedure was always a welcome thing. Just like having tea was a welcomed thing for her. She waited patiently for Judah to lead the way.

 

[Daxton Bane]

[member ="Lady Kay"]

Laughing at her joke, his features lost their seriousness for a brief instant and some what softened to that of someone she might have known before. "You are right. The sweets work wonders on the young and some of not so young anymore. Something to look foward to when paying us a visit here in the clinic. The bigger secret is we can provided them with easy and viable solutions that they can avail without disrupting their lives."

Judah takes her on a short tour of the facilities, first showing the section for family planning which included literature on contraception and maternity info on various species common to the system, a scanning room full of diagnostics gear, consulting rooms where patients could discuss their treatments and a small pharmacy for dispensing minor drugs. An astute observer would note the prescence of many security cameras covering nearly all apects of the facility, as well as a lot of the items bore the mark of the Red Ravens. Furthermore, none of the clinic equipment were brand new, some even bore marks of having been used in less peaceful settings. But on the more part people appeared to be happy and content. Could the same be said if one were to scratch beneath the surface.

"Alas, this is where our tour ends.The clinic is still a bit understaffed and I still have a lot of patients to see. Thank you for paying us a visit and I will make sure the message will be sent with all due haste. If you have any concerns, please feel free to approach me and we can accomodate you."

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Daxton Bane"]

Kay kept her hands clasped behind her as she walked during the tour. Seeing security cameras seemed to be more common these days, given the fact that crime was on the uprise. The Red Ravens logo wasn't one that she was quite familiar with, as she hadn't encountered them very much at all. The same could be said about the logos of the Techno Union and other such groups. She just wasn't around their regions of space to warrant catching their attention.

She bowed her head as Judah was finishing up with the tour. Already ideas were running in her mind about what she could do to help this place. They needed a lot, but it was nothing that she couldn't handle. She had the right connections.
"Thank you Judah. We'll be in touch. Have one of your assistants draw up a list of things that you need for this clinic, and I'll see what I can do to get them as soon as possible."

Kay left the clinic with her two security detail behind her. She was curious as to who this Daxton Bane person was the she was set to meet possibly in the morning. At least progress was being made as to the well being of the people on Commenor. Her plans were working.

 

[Daxton Bane]

[member="Lady Kay"]

Daxton Bane arrived on schedule the following day, dressed in a black quasi military dress tunic favored by senior military officers. The symbols of the Sith and the Red Ravens were clipped to the collar of his suit making it clear where his loyalties lay. Black boots highly polished you could almost see your face reflected back strode up the stone steps with a calm measured pace. The was an aura of calm quiet reassurance about him, that one wouldn't expect from a Sith, much less particular Sith is the rumors were true.

He bore no obvious weapons, nor did he appear to have anything else aside from a small container wrapped in red and silver. Should he be subjected to a weapons scan, nothing would turn up on him or the package.

He would politely wait for his turn and after being presented would offer to shake the politicians hand before handing her the gift. "Thank you for the invitation your Grace. On behalf of myself, the Red Ravens and my brethern we welcome an opportunity for dialogue. I heard you do enjoy an occassional cup of tea. I hope you don't find it presumptious of me to present you with Naboo Golden Root tea. Our specialist on Naboo grow that special blend twice a year. I find it gives me a nice boost of energy and helps me relax and concentrate after a long day."

The tea was exactly as he said it was, grown and processed primarily for the wealthy and powerful, having a cup on hand could be considered by some as a status symbol.

The Sith paused to observe how she would react to the gift as well as the inevitable question, what do you want? He wondered to himself, would she be crass.and ask straight out or coy and concealing.....

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Daxton Bane"]

Security knew of Daxton's impending arrival, as they do with all guests. So when the man entered the Presidential Palace, he was checked for weapons and given that he had none, was escorted to Kay's office. One of her guards knocked on the door before opening it and announced his arrival.

It was funny how Daxton and Kay both seemed to have dressed with a military style in mind and in black. She took his hand, giving it a soft yet firm shake, her eyes giving away a hint of amusement as he gave her the title of 'Your Grace'. She had assumed that such titles were given to Royalty, and she was anything but.

The Red Ravens. Kay had heard of them, but only that they were on the wrong side of the law. Yet she hadn't heard any details as to why they had that reputation. She just couldn't paint everyone with the same brush in the same way that she couldn't do with the Sith. She had allies among them, even ones that she would call friends as they would risk their lives for her, and she would do the same for them.

Before Daxton's arrival, Kay had done what she always did with strangers. She had shrunk down her Force signature to that of a small tree nut. Being Force sensitive wasn't something that she wanted everyone to know. It was a little ace up her sleeve should she get hurt.

Kay let go of his hand and bowed her head as she took the small package. She smiled. "Thank you for coming, and please, you can just call me Kay. Or Madam President if you wish to be formal." She opened up the package just enough so that she can smell the aroma of the tea. It was more exotic than the Sapir tea that she drank many times a day, but it was still a lovely brew. "Thank you very much for the tea. I see that you've done your homework."

She gestured to one of the chairs by the coffee table and invited him to sit. "I'm a firm believer in diplomacy. Violence should be a last resort, and not the first. Judah tells me that you wish to have an Embassy built, as well as a temple, hospital and library. And I must admit that I know very little about the Red Ravens. Would you care to enlighten me?" Kay's first priority as President was to the Commenori. Their safety was paramount, as was their well being. She did not want any of her decisions concerning the Red Ravens or any other world or organization to jeopardize that.

 

[Daxton Bane]

[member="Lady Kay"]

"Kay it is then. If you would be so kind as to call me Daxton. I completely agree with you that all means must be exerted before turning to violence. I can see we are going to get along quite well."

"Before we discuss our long term plans, let me tell you more about ourselves. The Red Ravens are a group of like minded individuals who are motivated by adventure and profit. We do not get involved in what tends to be petty politics, no offense intended, but the reality is that more than a few politicians put their well being ahead of their constituents. For this we are labelled criminals by our detractors."

"While it is true we have been known to associate with known criminals and anti government groups, we have used any and all means to get the situation resolved especially if the legal or correct way would have resulted in a stalemate."

"While I nor my brothers and sister Ravens make no claim to sainthood, we neither go out of our way to make trouble for existing government. We are always willing to work with authorities to come up with viable solutions that both work and provide profit for everyone concerned."

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Daxton Bane"]

Kay nodded to him with a small smile, glad that they were on the same page when it came to when was the time to resort to violence.

She listened quietly to what Daxton had to say about the Red Ravens. It almost seemed like a fitting group for her adopted brother, [member="James Justice"] , to be a part of. She knew that he did things that she didn't approve of, things that weren't always legal. And yet...he was family. There was good in him and she couldn't shun him away. Besides, her missions to rescue slaves and ambush pirates were never sanctioned by any gov't, and she too broke laws for the Greater Good.

"Thank you for the insight. The previous administration here had put in 'trickle-down-economics'. All that it did was fill their own pockets and give the Commenori less. It widened the gap between the wealthy and the poor. Sadly more crime and gangs are the result. I am already working on ways to reverse that mistake. More jobs, higher wages and help will be given to those that need it. And then Commenor will prosper together as a whole." Hopefully such goals were attainable. In her mind they were.

Kay set down her gift on the coffee table and began pouring a cup of Sapir tea. She had already had it brewed and didn't want it to go to waste. "Might I offer you some tea, Daxton? And what are the long term plans for the Red Ravens?" She had many other questions as well, especially if it was agreed that they could have a place here. The drums of war beat all around them and she was determined to keep them at bay.

 

[Daxton Bane]

[member="Lady Kay"]

"Thank you Kay. A nice cup of tea would do quite nicely right about now." Pausing to take a sip from the tea offered, he would close his eyes and smile. When they opened, his emerald eyes seemed to twinkle in anticipation. "As I had touched on earlier, we believe that with the changes you plan to implement there is a potential for growth and profit. It is our view that your world, no your system presents a golden opportunity as a safe and secure trade route for our products, both as a shipping hub and as an end market. We have dozens of ships carrying produce from both the Core to the Outer Reaches. It would be positive investment on our part to secure your governments permission to allow commerce both for local consumption to distant worlds. We have no desire for black propaganda of our enemies to taint your impression of us."

"Aside from expanding on our existing operations for the clinic, we would hope you would grant us additional space to create a hospital. A joint endeavor between your government and our group. We want it to be a teaching hospital so that gifted students from your populance will learn the very latest medical techniques and procedures, and should they desire we can open opportunities for employment on our ships or foreign based locations."

"Furthermore we want to spread awareness about us. For the most part people only know the Ravens as opprtunitistic criminals. Nothing could be farther than the truth. We want to build three locations which support our core beliefs: knowledge, belief and adventure. By building a public library for the people and filling it with literature from all ends of the galaxy we can expand their horizons. Building a temple would allow then witness the vast array of beliefs our members exercise. Finally an embassy would encourage not only dialogue but a sense of adventure as well. An excellent opprtunity to introduce your local products on the galactic marketplace. Now while there would be those who would call these plans ambitious and far fetched, I do believe they are possible if we work in partnership with each other."

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay handed [member="Daxton Bane"] his tea and then poured herself a cup. She sat down in one of the chairs, crossing her feet at the ankles underneath the chair. She sipped her tea as she listened to him speak about their products that they wish to bring to market here and elsewhere. She wasn't quite sure what those products were, but she would find out. And they had a tight security protocol with anything that came in or out. It had grown lax due to the previous administration, but she was working on getting things back to the way that they were.

A hospital of course was a great idea. Combine it with the University that was already present and popular, and they could be a very good draw for new students. The benefits would be plentiful.

She had another sip of her tea as he spoke of temples and their beliefs. Kay had no idea what those beliefs were. Are there more than one? Or just one in particular? Daxton was pretty good at giving information out, yet not be specific. But then again, she shared the same talent, as did most politicians. Of course there was also those that spoke that way without even being aware of what they were doing.

"Ambitious? Yes. Far-fetched? I don't think so. I have a few questions of course." Kay rested her tea cup on her lap. "We are working on keeping the peace here. Your Embassy wouldn't be the first in my term in office. The Raxian Empire has one under construction too. I hope that as more are built, that everyone would keep the peace amongst themselves?

And what products do you wish to pass through here? I ask because it would give me an idea as to what types of warehouses you'll need. And it's for security purposes as well. Illegal goods are...well illegal. Many have tried to smuggle spice, but we've been pretty good at catching it all. As well as illegal weapons. You'd probably get a laugh at the different ways that they are disguised.

Your hospital and teaching facility is a fantastic idea, not to mention your library. People should be exposed to many different subjects so that they can make informed decisions on their own.

Almost everyone loves a good adventure, including myself. And this partnership would certainly be one of those."

She had another question as well, one regarding defence. But for the moment she decided to hold off on that until the opportunity presented itself.