Treading Common Ground

[Adron Malvern]

[SIZE=11pt]The morning sun had just breached the horizon as Adron stepped into the palace courtyard. The cool night breeze and dark tint of the early morning had yet to subside as the High Moff looked to the gathering before him. Twenty men, handpicked from the Imperial Guard Academy on Bothawui, they were the first candidates selected for this special assignment on Commenor. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The men before him we're a sight to see. The pristine white and grey armor of the Imperial Sentinels, freshly polished boots, and Stoic demeanors trapped behind near lifeless helmets. The sight brought a smile to Adron’s face, however not one of sheer approval or happiness, one of amusement. Each one was eager to prove himself better than the man next to him, each one prepared to happily die for what they believed in. It was amusing because in essence these men were what the Empire represented. Purpose. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]He was not clad in the Uniform of his station today, neither was he sporting a stylish suit more fit for a businessman than a Moff. No, this morning he was dressed in a black tunic with a matching pair of trousers. The heavy, thick cloth draped down to his waist, bound to him with a single leather belt. He looked more like a Jedi or a Sith than anything else. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]As he stepped into the center of the courtyard, the formation of men bent to his approach, moving to line the area, giving their Captain ample space and complete attention.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Remove your helmets. Ground your weapons.” He called out, his eyes scanning the men as they obeyed his orders. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Each one would see their helmets removed, and their Vibropikes laid down, right beside their right boot. Adron took a moment to examine the faces he saw. Most we're human, however a few aliens could be spotted among the masses. Most we're older than Adron, dancing into their forties or preparing to exit their late thirties. Regardless of their differences, each man was hardened, hardened by years war they were some of the most skilled soldiers in the Empire. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]After the time was taken to take in each man’s face, Adron called out to them, his arms falling to the small of his back as he did. “As of this moment, you are all hereby assigned to the Imperial Commenor Sentinels. You will operate, train, and reside here on Commenor from now on. All of you are new to the ranks of the Imperial Guard. Prove yourselves here and you will join your brothers in guarding the Emperor. There is no failure.” The speech was curt and straight to the point, it was something these men would respect. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Now. Guardsman Arak, Guardsman Noana, step forward.” There was the slightest pause before two members of the guard stepped forward, identifying themselves amongst their peers. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The pause was likely born from surprisal. Though this group had been trained via Adron’s instruction, this was his first time interacting with any of the men. The first Guardsman was older than the rest. His hair was nearly entirely gray and he had more scars along his jaw line than one would think possible. The second man, a Rodian with light blue skin, determining his age was not something Adron was capable of. He seemed focused, and never once did his eyes leave Adron’s. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Take your weapons.” He ordered, an amused smile coming over him once again. Each man took their Vibropike into their hands. Adron’s hand fell to his waist, taking the lightsaber that hung freely into a firm grip. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]As the two men stood opposite from the man, the silence between them was cut into by the snap-hiss of Adron’s lightsaber. The violet blade hovered above the ground as the Moff brought his left hand behind his back, clamping it tightly there. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Time to see if you're worthy of that armor.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Begin.” [/SIZE]

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

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay had overheard that [member="Adron Malvern"] had returned with some men for the Imperial Commenor Sentinals, a new unit that he was personally overseeing. So of course she had wanted to check them out soon.

But she didn't know that it would be this soon.

Kay was taking in some fresh air, waking herself up properly so that she wouldn't look as tired as she felt. Sleep didn't come easily to her these days. Too much stress from multiple events, too much pressure brewing in regards to her marriage. Adron had suggested that she take a day off, but she refused.

Sipping her tea, she heard Adron's voice as she rounded a bend into the courtyard. He had his back to her and what she saw in his hands gave her pause. A lightsaber. Was he a Force User? She did her own abilities and signature quite often, yet she had no idea about him. It wasn't a real issue, but still...it changed things slightly for her.

Quietly she observed to see how good these men are, as well as Adron whom seemed to be ready to spar against them on his own.

 

[Adron Malvern]

[SIZE=11pt]There was no hesitation, no pause from the Imperial Sentinels who stood before Adron. The words were uttered to begin the match and each of the guardsmen moved forward in a charge. Tightening their grips on their polearms, they lunged forward in unison, likely hoping to catch the High Moff off guard. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Rather than retreat away from the press, Adron brought his lightsaber up, immediately slapping the blade against the Rodian Guardsmen’s weapon. The force of his attack was enough to force the weapon into a swing, flowing away from Adron. Recovering from the maneuver, he quickly allowed his wrist to swivel, swinging his arm back just in time for his purple blade to connect with the sharpened tip of the vibropike held by the other guardsmen. His footwork prevailing, he stepped to the side, letting the guard’s momentum carry him past Adron. As the man passed him, Adron’s free hand pressed onto his back, pushing him even further from his opponent. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]A soft buzzing rising in the back of the Moff’s ear caused him to turn and face the Rodian he had countered. Were it not for his quick reflexes he would have fallen prey to the wide swing that was aimed for his back. Turning on his heel, Adron spun around. This time he would outstretch his free hand towards the attack. Just inches before cutting into his welcoming palm, the blade fell as still as a statue. Using the Force, Adron had wrapped it in the tendrils of Telekinesis, halting it’s advance. As his opponents struggled to free his weapon of the Force, Adron turned his attention to the sound of footsteps rushing behind him. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]A content smirk came to his face when another jab was attempted at his mid, region. This time the High Moff reversed his lightsaber in his hand, dropping it down between the Pike’s barbs just before it could inflict any damage to his side. With the weight of conflict on either arm, Adron knew he could not maintain this lock for long. Sweat bled down his temple as he glanced from one guardsmen to another. “Well, done…But...” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Adron would call The Force to him, allowing it to enhance his muscles, his speed, and his strength. He felt the weight of the weapons losing the physical strain they we're causing on him. In but a moment, Adron swung his lightsaber arm away from him, forcing the human guard’s Pike to be claimed over his head. Just as he was free of the hold, he called on the Force, ripping the Rodian’s Pike from his hands, and into the palm it had been hovering adjacent to. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Reversing his feet, and swinging his lightsaber around, the High Moff would pause when his lightsaber was held to the Rodian’s throat, and the Vibropike hovered inches from the human’s gut, exposed by the weapon forced into a flail. “...press your advantage while you have it. Do not give your enemy time to turn your advantage into his.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Each man stood in a Stoic moment of surprise, yet each responded in turn. “Yes, Captain.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]With a soft chuckle, Adron would run his hand over his lightsaber’s activation pad, causing the blade to die back into its emitter. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Handing the vibropike back to its master, Adron would clip his lightsaber back where it had hung before the match. Turning from the group, he called over his shoulder to the Guard he had assembled. “Formation.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Without question the men fell back into a rectangular formation, standing silently with their weapons held close to their chest. Even the two chosen to spar, worked quick to return to the formation. Each man stood silently, with his helmet grasped firmly in his hand as if a statue. “Well. What do you think?” He called out to Lay, having noticed her presence some time ago. [/SIZE]

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

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay watched the spar with interest. It gave her something else to focus on, which was very much welcomed. She sipped her tea, making note of the different strategies being used. Kay wasn't much of a fighter. Oh she had learned a thing or two, most especially during her captivity, but she had let those skills lax. More often than not, she had others watching over her closely to keep her from getting in harms way. When violence ensued, she was whisked away from it like a small child. Afterall, there was no plan in place yet of who would succeed her she die. So her safety was paramount.

Very quickly the spar had ended, with [member="Adron Malvern"] calling everyone into formation. She sipped her tea, having done her best to keep herself quiet during the practice.

But still she was noticed.

Kay remained where she was, speaking up to answer his question. "Impressive from what I've seen so far. Both from them and from you. I wouldn't of guessed that you could wield the Force." Was it a secret of his like hers was? She didn't know. But soon she'd find out.

 

[Adron Malvern]

​The Force was, of course, an important factor of Adron's life, yet it was never something that he believed defined him, regardless of if it did or did not. "Oh? Did I not mention it? Apologies." He said, partially disregarding the topic as he gestured for her to join them in the court yard. "Please, come and take a closer look." He urged, before wiping the sweat that had gathered on his brow during the spar.

​"I will need you to supply an instructor for them. Someone who can teach them about Commenor. History, Economy, Customs, everything they will need to fit in as if they were born here. It will certainly help when and if they need to interact with the people." He explained to the Queen.

​Adron glanced to the Imperials before turning back to Kay, a brow raised. "Would you care to have breakfast? I believe there are a great many things we have to discuss if I am to begin my duties."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smirked a little as [member="Adron Malvern"] remarked on his Force use as though she it were something as trivial as her learning that he could fish. She stepped forward when asked, noting that neither of the men moved as she walked among them. They were like statues and due to the armour, she couldn't even see them breathe.

Following her visual inspection, she nodded to his request for a teacher for them. "I'll have someone from the University come by. A couple of hours every day for a fortnite should do it. We are a little more....lax here. With no real enemies to speak of, it has allowed us to be."

And then he made a request from her directly. Well it was still quite early and she hadn't eaten breakfast yet, herself. It came as a bit of a surprise that Adron would practice on an empty stomache. "Breakfast spunds good right about now. Let's go to the kitchens. I'll cook something up." She waited for him to dismiss the men before leading him inside, sipping her tea in the meantime.

 

[Adron Malvern]

​Kay had agreed to the breakfast, and in turn Adron turned back to the Imperial Sentinels who stood behind him. "Guardsmen, dismissed." In a unified motion, each of the men raised their vibropikes, tapping them on the ground before they began to file out of their formations in a rather unnecessarily organized manner. As they filed out of the courtyard, Adron turned back to Kay expectantly. "Shall we?" He urged, before following her inside.

​As they began to move through the halls, Adron spoke to Kay as intended. "I've given a few of your problems some thought. Mainly in regards to your husband and errant Minister." He explained. "I understand Commenor does not practice in the Death penalty, and I don't expect you to change that. However, I'm sure you understand that after their trials, they will need strict and appropriate punishment. Are you prepared for such a thing?"

​Amerlia's judgement did not worry Adron, however Veiere was another case entirely. While the young Moff had knowledge, and even a slight fondness for the wayward Jedi Master, there was little he could do to help him before the trial. "Also have you considered who will run their trials?"

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Already she didn't like where this was going. [member="Adron Malvern"] was going straight into a sore subject; [member="Veiere Arenais"] and whether or not she was willing to do what needed to be done. He wasn't the first to bring it up and he wouldn't be the last. Kay took in a deep breath and let it out slowly before she responded. "In regards to my husband, I will not go as far as a divorce. But as for punishment...I will have to accept whatever the judge gives him. It will be very difficult, for the both of us." She couldn't help but feel as though she had betrayed Veiere, yet he had allowed himself to be arrested. And to her that spoke volumes of his character. Hopefully the judge thought so too.

"In regards to Amelia...I'm uncertain as to how she'll react. She was set to get married, had so much going for herself. She had done so much for us. And yet this one slip up...It's the kind that ends careers." And causes wars if people weren't too careful. It made her wonder what mistake she could make that would turn everyone against her.

Kay led him down into the smaller of the kitchens. It was one commonly used by those that wanted to prepare their own meals. She set her tea on the counter and put on an apron, tying it behind her back while she spoke. "I have found a judge for Veiere's trial at least. His name is [member="Eralam"] and he's completely neutral and unbiased. My husband deserves a fair trial. And he wishes to keep me out of it, for my own image." She then tied her hair back. "What would you like for breakfast?"

 

[Adron Malvern]

​Of course the topic of Veiere would be a sore one, yet not something Adron was eager to put off. As Kay spoke he realized the truth in her words, or what he believed to be truth. So long as the Queen was not foolish enough to save Veiere from his fate, then both of them would be better for it. If Kay was to be found aiding her errant husband, it would not reflect well on her if she was found out.

​"It's generally when you reach your highest that you fall." Adron said, knowing the truth to those words all too well.

As they reached the kitchen, Adron could not help but chuckle as Kay began to put on an apron. A queen that cooks her own meals, now that was a rare sight on any planet. As Kay spoke, Adron nodded at her words. "Your husband is not a fool. He knows your involvement will make it personal, to the people and to the both of you. It is best that you remain a shadow to such things, yet when the verdict is landed, you must publicly back the ruling." Adron said. The things he told her, he doubted she did not already know, yet if he did not voice such he would be doing her a disservice.

​"Now. Let's move onto other matters. What is Commenor's relationship with the Sith Empire and the First Order?" He asked, taking a moment of pause when she asked what he would like for breakfast. Offering a soft shrug, it was a question that caught him off guard. "Something with cheese." he said, before offering another amused smile.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay just wanted everything to be normal again. For Veiere to be allowed to live at home, to come and go where he pleased and to be there for her when she needed him, both for comfort and advice. Not to mention protection. She looked up to the man that she married, perhaps because he was older. But he was a born leader and a respectful one. Did he really reach his highest? She hoped that he would regain that height again.

She smirked as [member="Adron Malvern"] chuckled at her getting ready to cook. Did he expect that she couldn't do anything herself? Kay wasn't born into royalty by any means. Nor did she marry into it either. It was a long story.

"Omlette it is, then." Kay got out a pan and placed it on the stove, adding a dash of oil to it as she heated up the pan. Then she went into the cooler for the other ingredients, carrying them all in her hands and preparing it all as she spoke. "Publicly...I'm sure that many will be at the trial, including the media...So, I guess that I'll stand up and say something when the judgement is made." With the ingredients whisked together, she poured it into the hot pan. "The First Order were our first allies, though we have little to do with eachother. We have an open trade agreement, meaning that our goods can flow through eachother's territories freely. They have an Embassy in Chasin City here and we have one in their Capital. I attend their fundraisers, but that's about it. And as for the Sith..." Kay flipped the omlette over. "...we have no agreements with them as of yet. I know that my Minister of Trade tried to set up a meeting with them, but it did not come to fruition."

 

[Adron Malvern]

​Adron nodded at what the Queen had said, as far as the trials were concerned, he felt she would handle things appropriately.

​As she explained their diplomatic standing with the First Order and Sith Empire, Adron took a moment to consider her words in silence. Finally, he ran a hand through his hair, looking to the Queen with a slight smile. "Attempts should be made to enhance your standing with the First Order...and anyone else who could be a potential ally."

​Running a hand over his chin, Adron glanced over to a nearby window before speaking once more. "When was the last time Commenor threw a gala? Or perhaps some type of charity event?" He asked.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

"We're far too small for the First Order to bother with. And we don't give them military aid. They are quite occupied in their wars and given that we are neutral and keep out of them, there is no interest in us outside of keeping the trade lanes open. And as for others...well we haven't garnered the attention of the Outer Rim Coalition, the Confederacy nor the Republic as of yet."

She flipped his omlette onto a plate and opened a drawer, getting out some utensils before carrying it all over to him. Kay set it all down on the table and gestured for [member="Adron Malvern"] to take a seat. "There you are. Careful, it's still a bit hot." She then returned to the stove and poured her own omlette's ingredients into the pan.

"A gala on Commenor? Well....I think that the last one was...way back when Veiere and I had our public wedding. Although we did host a charity auction for the Mandalorians not long ago. It was mostly attended by their own people." She waited a moment to flip her breakfast over. "I hardly think that the timing is fitting for right now. With Veiere's trial and later Amelia's...is it really a time to celebrate?" Of course she'd be the one impacted the most by the trials. Not anyome else.

 

[Adron Malvern]

[SIZE=11pt]Adron believed Kay underestimated Commenor’s value to the galaxy, however it was not something he felt a need to press. As Kay brought the omelet over and set it down before him, the man glanced down, offering an appreciative smile to the woman. “Thank you.” Taking the fork into his hand, he would lightly prod the meal, watching as steam flowed from the freshly cooked omelet. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Allowing it to sit, he instead returned to conversation. “Throw such a gala now? No. No it is an inappropriate time, as you said.” He chuckled. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“But after the trials we should look into such a thing for the coming future.” Adron would take the fork, slicing off a piece of the omelet before taking a bite. A soft grunt of enjoyment erupted from him. “This is wonderful, Thank you.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Glancing around a bit, a thought finally occurred. “Where is the Prince and Princess? I am surprised I have not seen them yet. Hiding them from the big bad Imperial?” He said, with a teasing tone. [/SIZE]

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

 

[Kay-Larr]

The timing just wasn't right. At least the two could agree on that. And despite whatever mood she was in after the trials, she had to put forth a good attitude to the public. What better way to do that than to move past the terrible events and prove that there is an underlaying strength within. "Alright. I'll see to it that something is arranged."

Kay flipped her own omlette onto a plate, gathered her utensils and brought them all with her at the table. She seated herself across from [member="Adron Malvern"] so that they could converse properly. Steam rose as she cut into it, giving it a better chance of cooling.

A brow was raised as he asked about her children. The tease brought a small smile, lighting up her features a bit. "You haven't seen them because they aren't here. Nor are they in our territory. They are each on their own path, each bring led by a guardian to ensure their safety and that they learn skills that will help them to be prepared to handle danger. Both Veiere and I never wanted them to be pampered or coddled. We wanted them to be able to have normal lives." Having them away from home kept them safe as well, safe from those that might try to hold them hostage.

 

[Adron Malvern]

[SIZE=11pt]As Kay explained the whereabouts of her children, Adron nodded in understanding. While sending your children into the reaches of space did not seem the best way to protect them, it was certainly an option. He did not respond, taking another bite from the omelette before setting the fork down to ponder. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“What is the maximum punishment of Commenor? Exile?” He asked, wondering what Veiere’s fate could be.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]As far as Amelia was concerned, she had warranted a death penalty among the Empire ,yet her fate was not Adron’s to decide, nor was Veiere’s, yet he had done enough to garnish some respect from Adron. “If, such an unfortunate event were to occur, perhaps your husband could serve out his exile in the Empire? Not under our command but as a guest free to come and go as he pleases. That will allow you… Visitation whenever you wish, under the guise of a political visit.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Adron was essentially trying to create a place for Kay and Veiere to cohabitate without fear of social and political backlash. [/SIZE]

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

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay took her first bite of her omlette. She had forgotten the salt, but that was alright. It still didn't taste too badly.

"Exile or life in prison. I hope for the former. Being locked up forever could drive him insane. And it could garner attacks by those in his Order. More than likely they'd try to break him out."

She listened to [member="Adron Malvern"] as he brought up a suggestion. Have Veiere go tp the Empire? Well her husband had been growing rather fond of the Imperial way of doing things. More than likely he'd approve of the steps that she had taken.

"That would be lovely, thank you. I'm sure that he'd be pleased with the idea. I cannot influence the judge or the trial. But I can make suggestions. I sometimes wonder if it's better that I am not there at all. But either way, people will take issue with it."

 

[Adron Malvern]

[SIZE=11pt]Adron took another few bites from the omelette, savoring the cheesy flavor as he did. No one could say the Queen of Commenor couldn't make a good omelette. As she spoke of the plan Adron had, the man nodded his head in understanding. “I may be a cold man, but I'm not heartless.” He said, before taking another bite from the dish. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Once again setting his fork on the side of the plate, the man exhaled before a thought occurred. “Speaking of the trial, when is it set to be held?” [/SIZE]

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smirked a little before taking another bite of her breakfast. She hadn't heard of [member="Adron Malvern"] being cold or heartless. Actually she knew so little about him. It wasn't as though information about others flowed so freely in CSA space. Basically it was just on a need-to-know basis for her.

"The trial will take place in the coming weeks. It'll be held in the Senate Hall and open to the public. If I held it behind closed doors, the people might not trust it and think that I was behind whatever judgement is made." She hoped that she was making the right decision. It was hard to make these choices, given that each decision would be wrong to someone.

No one ever said that being a Queen was easy.

 

[Adron Malvern]

[SIZE=11pt]“Smart.” Was all Adron said in response to Kay’s statement. If course the High Moff had more he was curious if, yet he decided not to press for the time being. “Well, as it seems we're going to be working closely for the foreseeable future, perhaps it's proper we get to know each other.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Taking the final bite from his omelette before setting his fork on the plate, the man opened his hands expressively. “Well. I know about you, or of you. I can imagine I'm somewhat of a ghost to you. And though you came to my wedding, we still know little of each other.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Is there anything you wish to know about me?’ He asked, not entirely sure what information he would allow her to have and what he would keep to himself. Honestly, Adron didn't care what people knew of him, he was more pressed by what they believed they knew.[/SIZE]

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

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay downed more of her breakfast while [member="Adron Malvern"] spoke, not wanting it to get cold on her. At least he didn't seem to have any issues with her plans for the trial. It was nice to know that she was doing something right. Lately people have been pointing out everything that's wrong, as if the only views on the Galaxy that they had were negative ones.

And now he had opened up the floor for her to ask him questions. In truth she knew next to nothing. Even the invitation to his wedding came as a surprise.

Regardless she didn't want to pry too much into his personal life. Just because privacy was something that she didn't really have, it didn't mean that others couldn't have it either.

Kay sat back in her chair a bit. It had been a while since she had a conversation over a meal with anyone. This would probably be the first of many. "Well, what was your upbringing like? What sorts of training have you had?" She was very glad that the Emperor had sent someone that was pleasant. Though she had yet to see what he was like if he had lost his temper.