Beyond - Legends Bluebells of the Highlands (AU-OC)

Title: Bluebells of the Highlands
Author(s): Liam_Vehn
Timeframe: 262 ABY and beyond. (Alternative Universe)
Characters: Original Characters.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Romance.
Keywords: Naboo, Roon Trade Organization, Warlords, Alternative Universe.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

OOC: Feel free to leave any feedback.

Notes: The foundational elements for the following story were crafted seven years ago before present events in the Star Wars universe now considered canon such as the Swarm War, the Sith-Imperial War, and the Legacy Era were created. ?Bluebells of the Highlands? is set on Naboo and elsewhere during an alternative time line that assumes the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances returns to prominence shortly after 137 ABY, stable and strong, and lasts until 201 ABY when civil war once again erupts between the core and rim worlds shattering galactic stability and prosperity. Out of the ashes of seventeen years of warfare, 201-218 ABY, arise the Republic and later the Roon Trade Organization to assume the mantle of galactic leadership.

Summary/Intro:

Naboo was a different world following the cessation of hostilities in 218 ABY. The old orders had been swept away and the economic and political devastation wrought by seventeen years of galactic warfare had taken its toll on a war weary populace eager for stability and economic prosperity. Naboo lay fragmented by warring city-states, each looking out for its own interests. Unity seemed a distant dream.

Taking advantage of the political vacuum, Sofia Quorro of Theed ascended to the vacant throne in 218 ABY with the support of the lower classes and returning military veterans, promising unity and a return to economic prosperity.

Overnight Queen Sofia Quorro, with the help of a newly formed Privy Council eliminated the democratic principles that had guided Naboo?s rulers throughout much of the planet?s history.

In the beginning few nobles of neighboring cities, supported Queen Sofia Quorro, who sought to legitimize her reign by funding a variety of public works, designed to win the support of the masses and educate them to be an effective force at home and abroad.

Criticism and anger began to mount from the upper classes, which felt disenfranchised and helpless to remove Sofia from power. In response, Sofia commissioned several scholars to research the Naboo Constitution for any legal precedence that might legitimize her reign. Weeks later, the scholars discovered a statute in the Naboo Constitution that allowed ?for the monarchy to become again hereditary once a dynasty worthy enough is revealed.?

Using this statute as political leverage, Sofia Quorro, for the time being, was able to silence the opposition and unify Naboo without a drop of blood being shed. Peace encompassed the pastoral planet for the next forty years which saw a significant amount of power being funneled to the monarchy culminating in 250 ABY with the admission of Naboo into the Roon Trade Organization.

The Roon Trade Organization formed in 250 ABY, is an economic entity consisting of twenty member worlds located primarily in the southeastern quadrant of the galaxy, created by Joaquin Vehn, who installed himself as Chairman of the RTO. Its main administrative body is the Board of Tribunes, though the Chairman of the RTO is the final deciding voice with regards to important decisions.

The Board of Tribunes is a twenty-member assembly representing each of the member worlds that have signed the RTO Charter. The RTO Charter is a binding document uniting the member worlds into an economic union under the protective blanket of a security fleet whose ships and personnel are supplied by the member worlds.

Roon was awarded the honorary status within the RTO of first among equals and held an important position at the Board of Tribunes. That position began to change, however, by the middle of the 250s, when it became clear to several member worlds of the Board of Tribunes, in particular Naboo, that the RTO Charter would have to be amended in order to allow for a larger security fleet. The reason

 

That Sofia sounds like a right awful piece of work. Though I am kind of disturbed by the implications of Hispanic names = bad? Enter freedom fighter with vaguely Celtic-sounding name lol I'm probably overthinking this.

I appreciate how you've woven such a detailed back story. You've ended it on an ominous note and I anxiously await further developments.

 

Lady_Tahiri,

Thanks for the reply! I'm glad you enjoyed the background, although, I'll admit, writing it was tedious and a bit of a pain, so looking forward to diving into the actual story.

As for the names of Hispanic origin or Celtic influence, they're simply names, either generated by a random name generator or made up by myself, after some mixing and matching of course. It was not my intention for there to be a racial or negative connotation associated with their use in this story. Perhaps I should add that to the disclaimer. My hope is that readers might find the characters, rather than the names, the crux of the story and take what they will from the personalities of the characters as the plot thickens.

Again, appreciate the feedback, the more the merrier. Look for another post soon, one actually placing the reader into the story .

 

You know, I always did think those Quorros were a little high handed. I mean really--chasing off the innocent and beloved Sabé Dormingale, Princess of Keren, from the planet. Shame! Good thing she found a very fine refuge on Bakura.

An excellent capitulation of events I am well familiar with. I can't wait to see where things go from here!

 

Author's Note: Salvadore Mithras was the man who was elected to rule the RTO after Liam Vehn stepped down allowing open elections. During his rule, Mithras recognized an insurrectionist movement on Bakura, a planet under going civil war, and was committed to sending the RTO Security Fleet to break the blockade and help out the insurrectionists. Recognizing the dangers of this bold political maneuver, Liam Vehn and Camilla Quorro successfully persuaded the Board of Tribunes to remove Mithras from power and send him into exile on a barren world. The RTO Security Fleet was never deployed to Bakura and a major crisis, and potential conflict, with the Republic was averted.

Chapter One: Expanding Borders

Golden sunlight, typical of a late afternoon on Naboo, trickled through the thick windows of the Privy Council chamber illuminating the many particles floating in the air. The light cast its glorious spectrum onto the ancient oak table that dominated the center of the room and was currently surrounded by various lords and ladies of the Privy Council.

?The King and Queen of the Naboo!? Cried the guard outside the door as Camilla Quorro, dressed in her finest outfit, escorted by her husband, entered the Privy Council chamber.

Chairs shuffled and scooted across the wood floor as the nobles stood and turned to face their sovereign lady. The nobles politely lowered their heads as the Queen strode by. Waiting at the head of the table was Morgan Kynnovan, kneeling on one knee, recently accepted at court for his pivotal role in keeping the peace on Naboo. The doors to the Privy Council closed with a resounding thud.

?Rise, brother and be seated. Your voice at my council will be invaluable,? Camilla whispered as she glided into her seat at the head of the table. Liam took the seat on her right; Morgan took the seat on her left.

?This session of the Privy Council may commence,? Camilla ordered as the nobles seated themselves and proceeded to sit in silence, exchanging a few looks.

?What is on the minds of my councilors?? Camilla inquired to the nobles.

Nobody responded. A foul mood hung about the air. Camilla picked up on this immediately.

?Is it the presence of my brother? I can guarantee his loyalty. You need not fear his presence at my court. Anything that would be said in my presence may be said in his, there is to be no debate on this matter,? Camilla announced, her voice thundering throughout the room.

Lord Cecil Avonlea, the most senior member of the Privy Council, spoke first, ?It is not the presence of your brother, my sovereign, that troubles your councilors. Rather,? he paused and cast furtive looks to his colleagues and cleared his throat, ?we wish to submit a proposal but we do not wish to offend your husband.?

?Well,? Camilla began, hoping to prompt conversation. ?There will be no offense, tell me.?

Lord Cecil Avonlea looked at Camilla hesitantly, blinking slowly.

?Out with it!? Camilla said, raising her voice.

?As you are undoubtedly aware, Naboo has risen to a position of incredible power and prominence within the Roon Trade Organization. Some would say, and a few of them are here in this room, that Naboo is the most powerful planet in the RTO, displacing Roon as the guiding world of the organization,? Cecil said, casting a glance to Liam, who seemed indifferent to the suggestion.

?Continue,? Camilla urged.

?For nearly a decade, Naboo has been supplying the majority of naval personnel for the RTO Security Fleet. Coupled with our economic agreements with the shipyards at Druckenwell, Geonosis, and Rothana, the RTO Security Fleet has grown over the past decade and is beginning to feel constraints in its original role. A role that prevents the fleet from protecting our trade convoys to the independent systems where they routinely are hijacked and destroyed by pirates. As you can imagine, those member worlds with the most to lose when pirates attack our cargo ships are quite upset and recognize that something must be done.?

?The Board of Tribunes does not see any reason to expand the role o

 

Chapter Two: Leaving of a Lover and Future Plans

?Why was I not informed that you went to the Board of Tribunes to ask permission to move the fleet?? Camilla asked, her voice roaring throughout the private chambers of the Naboo monarchy.

Liam, back to Camilla, gazed out the window at a garden courtyard reflecting the natural beauty of Theed before the city had been developed. He did not respond. He knew her anger would dissipate eventually but a great part of him wanted to crawl down a hole and hide.

?Liam!?

Finally he turned and gazed into the dark eyes of his wife, large and full of anger. ?You were not informed because you were busy running this government. In my current role I must look beyond Naboo to the other worlds of the RTO. You want the planets to unite behind you, I am doing that!?

Camilla?s face softened, relaxed. ?I wasn?t aware??

?Of course you were not aware. Running a planet such as Naboo requires the full attention of an intelligent, responsible, leader. You are that leader, Camilla. Am I not allowed to have something that occupies my attention and furthers our aims?? Liam responded, his voice betraying a sense of deep hurt.

?Of course you are, but is it that hard to inform me when you go on making deals behind my back?? Camilla retorted, her sharp tongue breaking down Liam?s delicate sensitivities.

?I wasn?t aware I had to tell you everything about my private dealings so long as they lined your coffers, your majesty,? Liam shot back, his own temper rising.

Camilla stepped back, raised a finger, and gave Liam a look as if he had stepped across an imaginary line between life and death. ?Don?t you even dare try and pull that argument with me. Lest you forget, Liam, you would very much be nothing without me.?

?Lest I forget?? Liam asked taking a step toward his wife. ?We're not at court, Camilla, we're in our private chambers, drop the formalities! I think I am not the one forgetting something here. Were it not for my family, the Quorros would?ve gone on being illegitimate power-mongering absolutist rulers who most likely would have been overthrown by a people who want democracy, not a dictator! You needed me, Camilla, because you could not win the support of the people by your merits alone!?

Camilla looked as if she had been smacked in the face. It was a brief moment of weakness and one she would not retain for long. When her eyes returned to Liam, a cold resolution emanated from their brown cores. ?Why don?t you go on a vacation, Liam, and leave me to my plans.?

Liam stared long and hard at his wife. Finally, in the quietest of voices, he whispered, ?Your majesty.?

Gathering his coat, Liam Vehn took his leave of the court of Camilla Quorro. He knew where he wanted to go for his ?vacation?, the question remaining in his mind was if he ever wanted to come back to Naboo and serve alongside his wife.

***

?You wished to see me, your majesty?? A voice asked several hours later.

To Queen Camilla Quorro of the Naboo, in her fourth year of her reign, the voice had barely been heard above the roar of the wind whipping around the gentle architectural lines of the palace at Theed and the pattering of the spring rain against the tall floor to wall windows that dominated the private chambers of the monarch. Her eyes pierced the stormy void beyond the layer of transparisteel as if through mental willpower alone the weather could return to its tempestuous origins in the Gallo Mountains.

?If it pleases your majesty I can return at a later-? the voice began to say before it was cut off by a wave of the hand from the flowing white dress made of the finest materials available on the artistic planet of Naboo.

For a moment, only the sound of the wind and the rain filled the room. At length, Queen Camilla Quorro turned and stared into the grey eyes of her most trusted political advisor, Lord Cecil Avonlea examining his weathered face.

?How long have you served Naboo, Cecil??

?Thirty six years, your majesty,? Avonlea replied, clasping his hands together, staring at his monarch, nearly thirty years

 

You do senate forum free-for-alls très well. And I do wonder about the extent to which Camilla and Liam's union was a marriage of convenience, and they extent to which they are emotionally invested in it.

I hope Salvador Allende, er Salvadore Mithras is not stirring up trouble wherever he is. Somehow I suspect that whichever backwater planet he was banished to will not hold him for long. Wonderful update, and so much easier to read than the drier prose of the prologue!

 

Lady_Tahiri,

Thanks for the compliment. As the story unfolds, we'll see if you're right about the arranged marriage between Liam and Camilla. Expect further story updates soon.

Author's Note: Trieste, a good friend of mine, has permission to post in this thread offering perspective from the planet of Bakura and its Prime Minister, Kerry Trieste and family. The Trieste and Vehn families are united by marriage.

 

Chapter Three: A Friendship Worth Keeping

?Resources, Thomas, we?re after resources,? Morgan Kynnovan announced as he paced around the conference table in a darkened room, the only light coming from a holographic image of Lannik rotating slowly on axis.

?Naboo has plenty of plasma resources, we could trade that to the Republic or the independent systems and never bother with Lannik. We could remain outside of their internal disputes,? Thomas Avonlea, third Duke of Kadaara, insisted his voice uneven, shaky, reflecting youth and inexperience.

?You know, as well as I do, Thomas, that the plasma market has crashed in recent years. The Republic is not interested in materials for war. They have had enough of such conflicts. The only buyers available now are the very warlords who create so much havoc along the borders of the RTO. Should we supply them with the necessary materials to wage conflicts against our children? That is irresponsible,? Morgan replied.

?As irresponsible as sending the fleet to Lannik to acquire its resources for siphoning throughout the RTO? We?re not even guaranteed that we will find anything on that planet. The Republic will not allow us to?? Thomas was cut short by a look from Morgan that suggested he keep his mouth shut.

?Quiet, Thomas. You are digging yourself a greater hole with your continued resistance to the Queen?s plan. How would it look, being the son of Cecil Avonlea, a man on the rise and who is rumored to be promoted to Lord Chancellor, if you were the only opposition to this operation?
That would seriously jeopardize your families position at court, would it not?? Morgan suggested, watching as Thomas Avonlea?s eyes fell to the floor, the cold realization of what was transpiring hitting him full in the face.

?My father and I do not see eye to eye on many things,? Thomas admitted.

?Yet you must agree on some things for he was influential in helping you become the youngest member to ever serve on the Privy Council. You have a bright future ahead of you, Thomas, don?t throw that away for some trifling reservations about Lannik. Look, if it makes you feel any better, the military presence is only there to make sure that the supply lines stay open from pirate attacks and that the trading outpost we?ve built will be secure. You won?t even notice they?re around, I promise,? Morgan said, reaching out with a weathered hand to reassure Thomas.

?Besides, this operation is still in the planning stages. I may not even be there on Lannik, it could be you, Thomas,? Morgan added, noticing the younger man perked up as his mind cast dreams of extending the authority of the crown and personal glory.

At that very moment, a messenger arrived bearing a datapad for Morgan Kynnovan. Accessing the message, Morgan could barely hide his excitement.

?What is it?? Thomas inquired.

?The Queen has seen fit to reward me with a commission to establish a trading post on Lannik and given me personal freedom to pick my second in command,? Morgan announced, a broad smile on his face.

Thomas Avonlea?s face fell. Their friendship, forged in the months before Morgan had come to court, seemed to have been strained lately as both men had been vying for attention from the Queen. Both were young, but Morgan had a commanding presence about him, a trait he had picked up leading the highland people of the Gallo Mountains.

Thomas was not a warrior. He was a diplomat. It was clear what his position would be should Morgan choose him as a second. It was then that Thomas realized Morgan was staring at him, analyzing his face in a vain attempt to glean information.

?So this is how I am rewarded? I, Thomas Avonlea, the man responsible for helping to make peace between our sovereign lady and her brother,? the third Duke of Kadaara growled as if he were a wild beast.

?I don?t suppose it would make you feel better if I was to name you my second?? Morgan asked quietly.

?You would have me a second in command for the rest of my life, wouldn?t you? I thought we were friends, Morgan, I thought you would help me rise to new he

 

Chapter Four: Troubles of a Personal Nature

?Smells good, reminds me a bit of Mom?s cooking,? mumbled Liam Vehn as he entered the front door of the family ranch home known as Tesserone, nestled in the mountains of Roon.

?Liam, is that you?? A voice cried from the kitchen.

Peering around the house for the source of the voice, Liam was tackled by his younger sister Verity. The two fell to the floor in a pile of clothing and laughter. ?You hit hard,? Liam groaned as Verity got up and extended her hand.

?Try to keep in shape since the pregnancy,? she replied, helping Liam to his feet.

?I can see that. So, how?s the family?? Liam inquired, following his sister into the kitchen where dinner was being prepared.

?Well, the husband is firmly entrenched here on Roon, occasionally makes it back to see his folks on Bakura. The hospital is busy and hectic as usual and we?ve opened up a new wing for children suffering from mental and physical disorders. Oh, and you have a very excited niece who can?t wait to see you, it?s been years, Liam,? Verity said, her eyes twinkling at the surprise of having her brother home for the first time in a long time.

?So, tell me, what?s it like being royalty?? Verity called as she dug her way through a cupboard.

?Has its perks. Can be lonely, and you wouldn?t believe the amount of political sludge people create just to earn favor with the Queen,? Liam responded, his voice fatigued, his mind not wanting to process the last conversation he had with his wife.

?I?ve been hearing things about Naboo, Liam, talk that Naboo is now going to be making decisions for the Roon Trade Organization. Father isn?t happy about it. Keeps grumbling that what he started twelve years ago has disappeared into the hands of the Quorro monarchs. Your wife, in particular,? Verity said.

?I?ve been doing my best, sis, to make sure that the RTO, especially the Board of Tribunes, has full purview over all of Naboo?s operations, we even??

Verity suddenly slammed the vibroknife she was using to slice some meat down on the counter. Liam stopped speaking. He knew his sister was serious. She was rarely upset, and when she was, well, he had often found it better to leave the room. But now there was no escape.

?You are not doing your best, Liam. Don?t tell me you are, don?t you dare,? Verity threatened, leveling a finger at her brother.

?Camilla Quorro, the woman you have chosen to spend the rest of your life with, she?s taken the RTO Security Fleet under her personal command. That kind of authorization and influence could only have come from one of us. One of the family and it sure as hell wasn?t Dad or me.?

?I know it was you, Liam, so, why?d you do it?? Verity added, stepping closer to her brother.

Liam stared hard into his sister?s eyes. Knew she had him trapped. Knew that the only way to get out of this trap was to tell the truth. It was hard lying to family. It was even harder lying to your own conscience.

?Naboo is the preeminent planet in the Roon Trade Organization, Verity. I know it must seem overwhelming to hear this, but face the facts. They have strong leadership, a capable vision for the economic union, and ultimately, goals that stretch beyond our limited borders. Roon fell away from this role the minute we got rid of the office of chairman of the RTO. It lost respect in the community because it allowed Mithras to gain power and the unfortunate thing about the Board of Tribunes choosing to exile Mithras is that he?s still at large,? Liam responded.

?Father never created the RTO to be a source of power, Liam. He wanted to make sure that the galaxy prospered and never had to turn to war again for a solution to their problems, he wanted to??

Now it was Liam?s turn to cut Verity off.

?Dad never saw the Roon Trade Organization growing and developing as it has in recent years. He still doesn?t see it. Doesn?t get that the RTO is busting at the seams. We need resources, certain ones in particular, and our trade routes with the Republic and the independent systems are not getting it done,? Liam insiste

 

The plot thickens. I like how Queen Camilla?s court is a cross between a Renaissance model and a constitutional monarchy. It saddens me to see what the endless jockeying for influence has done to Thomas and Morgan?s friendship ? if indeed the two of them ever possessed any genuine regard for each other, which is hard to gauge at this point. Verity is right in the main ? I smell a rat where Naboo?s nakedly expansionist policies are concerned ? but I think there is more going on here than Camilla = lying bitch, Liam = dupe. I hope it works out okay for everyone and their families.

 

Chapter Five: Forward Operating Base

One by one the trees began to fall, crashing and breaking limbs as they plunged to the forest floor. Wildlife fled in all directions. Humankind was encroaching on their sanctuaries deep in the forests of Lannik. A clearing was made in the heart of the forest. It was raining.

Landing ships, bearing the insignia of the Quorro monarchy and the Roon Trade Organization, touched down and began disgorging supplies and construction vehicles. It did not take the engineers long to establish a forward operating base on the sovereign world of Lannik, deep within the forests outside of the capital of Palesia. The rain would not stop the construction of the trading outpost.

Not one sentient being on the planet had chosen to oppose the landing the natives were too busy fighting one another. Just in case, however, the engineers had hastily assembled an energy fence with the occasional auto-tracking turret interspersed. Nothing would get through without advance notice.

Watching the construction of the turrets was Ambassador Thomas Avonlea, his robes wrapped around him as they gradually absorbed more and more water from the dark clouds overhead. A sick feeling grew in his stomach as he watched the first turret, newly constructed, come alive as it performed a sensor scan before settling into its autonomous routine. He could not believe what was transpiring before his eyes. The sick feeling quickly transformed to a quiet rage, though, one would not know it looking at his face.

Stomping through the muddy forest ground, torn up by construction vehicles, workers, and the landing skids of transports, Avonlea burst into the command tent where he found Governor-General Morgan Kynnovan, and two military men, staring over a holographic map of the region, making conversation as their eyes schemed and divided up the mineral resources of the world of Lannik.

?Ahh, Thomas, you?re just in time,? Morgan?s voice boomed as he looked up at the soaked diplomat.

?This was supposed to be a diplomatic mission!? Avonlea seethed, water dripping down his face.

?It is, last time I checked,? Morgan responded, sensing a fight brewing.

?Then why are your engineers establishing turrets and a security fence, we haven?t even talked to the local government yet and you?re busy planning an invasion!?

?Thomas, really, we?re on a foreign world, establishing a base of operations from which you may talk to these people and get them to give us access to their resources. The security measures are here to protect us, purely defensive, I promise,? Morgan replied.

?You said there would be no military presence,? Avonlea pressed.

?No, Thomas, I said that it would be diplomacy first and a military response later if necessary,? Morgan reiterated, returning his attention to the holographic display.

?It is clear from any outsider?s perspective that our base here is not built for trading, it is built for war. Where are the goods for trade? Where are the gestures of good faith to the locals? I see nothing here that would indicate that the Queen has any intention of being a benevolent patron from the Roon Trade Organization,? Thomas shot back.

?Leave us,? Morgan growled to the two military officers beside him. When the two officers left the tent, Morgan removed any pretense of playing nice. ?Understand one thing! If I don?t establish a safe environment for you to operate under, all of this will be for nothing. We must have security first. I?ve already put in an order for the goods you require, they?ll be here within the week, assuming pirates don?t attack the supply lines. The Queen, my sister, has every intention of being kind to the people of Lannik. We are not here for them; we are here for the resources.?

?Ideally, if we could go into the wilderness and acquire what we want and leave them alone, we would. I am expecting, Thomas, and this is where you come in, that once they catch a scent regarding what we are up to here, their little civil war is going to come to an end and they?ll unite to drive us off this planet. I need

 

Chapter Six: Shots Fired

The Roon Trade Organization frigate Tawntoom under the command of Captain Remus Quorro, cousin to Queen Camilla Quorro and eldest son of the famous Admiral Anya Quorro, orbited gently above the world of Lannik.

For a vessel transformed into a machine of war, all was incredibly peaceful. Tawntoom had originally been conceived as a passenger liner destined to shuttle tourists from Naboo to Coruscant, but that had all changed when piracy became rampant in the galaxy following rapid economic and social decay once the civil war of 201-218 ABY had reached its dramatic conclusion.

The Vehn?s, leaders of the RTO, needing to press into service a fleet capable of defending the precarious, and often times long, trade lanes to the rest of the galaxy discovered Tawntoom, orbiting in a catatonic state, while perusing the derelict shipyards at Druckenwell. Finding other gems in the bone yard of older vessels, the Vehn?s used their monetary acumen to scrap together a fleet that would one day evolve into the Roon Trade Organization Security Fleet.

In addition to this scrounging around by the Vehn family, a great source of naval firepower came from Admiral Anya Quorro, grizzled war veteran of the civil war, who had taken eighteen warships with her following the conclusion of hostilities to Naboo. The warships would remain for many decades in the Chommel Sector at Silver Station until the formation of the RTO whereupon they, after careful negotiations between the Quorro?s and the Vehn?s, would fall under the purview of the economic organization.

Now they had returned home to Naboo after only twelve years of service to the RTO. Still officially flying the colors of the trade organization, a tired effort to keep up appearances, the reality of the matter was that the fleet was now entirely under the thumb of Queen Camilla Quorro, a ruler who was torn between personal ambition and her obligation to uphold the tenants of the RTO Charter.

But little of these matters weighed in on the mind of Captain Remus Quorro. A man trained at the Druckenwell Naval Academy, growing up on textbooks written by his mother, he possessed a particular grasp of naval tactics and doctrine but had little combat experience. Books were a safe way to learn but nothing except personal experience would really help him master the craft of commanding a warship. Sure, he had passed a number of simulations but they were nothing compared to the real thing.

Remus was scared, afraid that he would fail when the turbolasers started firing and that he would be responsible for the death and destruction that would follow in the wake of a hesitation on his part. But he couldn?t focus on that now. He had a mission: Keep the supply lines open to the frontier with the RTO.

?Sensor contact bearing 290 coming in fast, Captain!? Cried out a young enlisted man.

?Where is it coming from?? Remus inquired, rushing over to the station occupied by the young man.

?Lannik, Captain.?

?Impossible, Lannik has had its space divisions grounded for years. I imagine they?re all moth balled,? Remus muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.

?Take a look at the read out yourself, sir. It?s the real deal,? the young man replied, pointing with a finger at the object burning a hole through the atmosphere on its course with Tawntoom.

Remus hesitated. Fear gripped his being and his feet suddenly felt like they had sunk into a bucket of durasteel. His wide eyes scanned the holographic read out as sensors identified the craft as a long range transport, cargo unknown.

?Sir, they?re getting close and we?re detecting thermal signatures that suggest they might be preparing to fire,? Quorro?s executive officer said, arriving at his side moments earlier.

?Hold fire, I want a definite scan on the transport before we go to battle stations,? Remus commanded.

?Cargo scanned, Captain. Narcotics, weapons, and natives.?

?Sithspit,? Remus breathed as rules and regulations flooded his mind. Outside of Nar Shaddaa, where such cargo was legal, the RTO ha

 

And now, here I am to abuse...I mean exercise my guest author privileges, introducing an interstellar dimension to this tale of power and intrigue.

Interlude I: Not The Only Game In Town

15 Marian Square was the official address of the Executive Mansion, home and office of the Prime Minister of Bakura. It faced on one of Salis D?aar's public parks, hence its address on Marian Square. The Prime Minister?s residence was often simply called Marian Square, even though doing so could confuse it with the park. Even so, in the context of a conversation it was unmistakable to know that ?word from Marian Square? on a given issue was coming from the Prime Minister's Press Secretary, not picnickers in the green.

Prime Minister Kerry Wyvern Trieste was currently doing work in the West Office, which had been the office of the Prime Minister for nearly 200 years. The architect of the building had heard a story about how Mon Mothma after her retirement had an apartment on Coruscant that faced west, which caused her to see the sunset every day, reminding her that her time was over. That architect purposefully put the Prime Minister's office on the west side of the building so that every Prime Minister would be reminded of the fact that their time in office would one day end.

Kerry Trieste was the ninth Taoiseach of the Noble House of Trieste the third of her line to inhabit the West Office. The first had been the second Taoiseach, Fionn Cormac Trieste, the man who had built the party of Fianna Fail from an emergent third party into the dominant center-left force that it was today. The second had been Fionn Dunross Trieste, Kerry?s own father. Both had served two terms. Kerry was working on her third.

The Prime Minister was a slender, redheaded woman in her early 40s. She had always been of an athletic disposition and had even played Limmie in college and been seriously scouted by the hometown Bakura Miners (which, incidentally, her family owned). Instead, politics had called quite strongly and Kerry had begun working for Fianna Fail. In time she was elected to the Bakuran Senate twice before she ran for Prime Minister.

Her ten years as Prime Minister had not been uneventful, including a devastating civil war on Bakura that Kerry was now working to heal through federal Reconstruction efforts. However, she had also continued her father?s work of expanding Bakura?s galactic prominence. Through their strong economy they had an influential voice in the Galactic Senate on Coruscant, but their words carried weight throughout the Outer Rim. That was why Kerry kept one eye on what happened elsewhere in the Rim, including through her sister Siona Lynd, Bakura?s Ambassador to the RTO and Special Envoy to Naboo.

A gentle ping from the terminal on Kerry?s desk reminded her that it was time for her scheduled holoconference with the aforementioned Ambassador. Kerry stood from her desk, poured some tea (she didn?t particularly like tea, but it was too early in the day to hit the whiskey) for herself, and sat down on one of the couches in the West Office. Shortly after she did so, the holographic image of her attractive, blonde sister flickered to life.

?Siona, how is Theed this time of year?? Kerry asked.

?Beautiful as always Kerry, but sometimes I miss the rain on Bakura,? Siona replied. As sisters, formal titles had long ago been dispensed between them.

Kerry gave a short laugh. ?That would make you one of the few. Tell me, what further news about Lannik??

Word had spread quickly through the Holonet about the Nabooan action at Lannik a week ago. It had turned media attention sharply onto Camilla?s court and was a growing public relations nightmare for the Queen. There were still few official details, but Siona?s position at Theed as Ambassador meant that she could circulate in court and the rumors one heard were quite interesting?and surprisingly true.

?The latest word is that it was a Quorro in charge of the Tawntoom,? Siona said.

?Really now,? Kerry said with inter

 

Chapter Seven: The Slipping of Authority

Lord Cecil Avonlea, the most senior member of the Privy Council, never liked delivering bad news to the queen. She could fly into a terrible rage at the slightest provocation. It was no wonder, though he would never admit this publicly, that her husband had left her to spend a much needed vacation on Roon.

Honestly, he could have used a vacation as well, passing up an opportunity for one earlier in the season.

Entering the throne room, dominated by the floor to wall paned windows letting in the golden light of a Naboo summer, Lord Cecil Avonlea knelt before Queen Camilla Quorro and waited patiently for her attention.
?You may rise,? Camilla commanded adjusting her seat on the ornately decorated throne.

?What news do you bring today?? She asked after a moment?s hesitation.

?Your majesty, I regret to inform you that there has been an incident over Lannik. It seems that your cousin, Captain Remus Quorro, fired upon a transport carrying the royal family. As you can imagine, this does not bode well for our intentions there,? Cecil said, his thoughts drifting to his son, Thomas Avonlea, on that warring planet.

?So I have heard,? Camilla responded, sighing.

?You, you already know about this?? Cecil inquired, shocked.

?My cousin thought best to inform me immediately after the incident occurred. You see, I like to know what actions are taken in my name, if they support my policies or go against them. The removal of the Lannik royal family is unfortunate, but then again, they should never have been stowed away on a transport with a transponder that signaled to the entire fleet it was carrying illegal substances. My dear cousin did his duty for Naboo by removing that threat from the galaxy,? Camilla responded.

?This will initiate a war, your majesty, one Naboo is not in a position to afford, much less, garner much support from the other member worlds of the RTO. Not to mention, we are under incredible scrutiny from the Republic, in particular, Bakura for our actions. The entire galaxy knows that our intentions are anything but peaceful. We are becoming a galactic pariah and this will have a trickle down effect on the profits the RTO receives from its trade contracts,? Avonlea said, his voice carrying throughout the room.

?I wouldn?t worry about wars, Cecil. That is not my intention. We are after resources and I believe the team we have on the ground, Morgan Kynnovan and your son Thomas Avonlea, will help secure them. As for the rest of the galaxy,? Camilla paused as she figured out how to phrase her next words delicately, ?leave that to me. The Roon Trade Organization will come to heel under my leadership. The Board of Tribunes will recognize our place as the leader of this economic union,? Camilla replied, her eyes flashing with glimpses of an insatiable desire for power.

A cold more numbing than any Avonlea had ever experienced in the wilds of Naboo swept over him. It enveloped his core and nearly stopped the neurons in his mind from firing properly. Suddenly, it became very clear what a life in servitude to the Quorro monarchs was costing him. It was destroying his values, what little he had left that were still precious to him.

Cecil Avonlea had helped Camilla?s mother, Queen Sofia Quorro, ascend to the throne through a combination of muscle and political guile. But those days were different. Sofia could never rely fully on the populace?s support and had a hard enough time securing her legacy and rule, much less achieving ambitious legislation. Camilla, on the other hand, grew up with everything at her fingertips and it showed in the way she ruled.

Her respect for the people was starting to fade as she distanced herself from the good will campaign she had embarked upon following her coronation four years earlier. The people, so far, had not found cause to dislike their monarch. Taxes were kept at a sustainable level and Naboo was flourishing on the trade generated from the good relations the RTO possessed with the rest of the galaxy.

Now, that was threatened by

 

Interlude II: You Can Take the Girl Out of Naboo ?

The Noble House of Trieste had been the first of the Houses of Bakura to proclaim itself as ?Noble?. This was not done due to any ancestral claim to titles but rather the lofty ambition of Niall Trieste I, the progenitor of the clan, that he and his descendants should be the first among the Houses of Bakura. The other Houses, including those of Antruse, Captison, and Sweetwater, dismissed the claim as preposterous?and continued to do so. Those Houses had become more like loose social clubs. The Noble House, on the other hand, was a financial and political empire.

Only one other House on Bakura had dared to style itself as a Noble House and it was the newest and smallest. That was the Noble House of Dormingale and its founder, Sabé Dormingale, was its first and thus far only Taoiseach.

Sabé Dormingale had started life on Naboo and was quickly put on the fast track to be one of the planet?s young political leaders. In her teenage years she was elected Princess of Keren, one of Naboo?s major urban areas. Sabé?s position caused her to be invited to the court of Queen Sofia Quorro, and she was appointed Commissioner of Urban Development for the city of Theed, a prominent post in the middle of a vast renovation of the capital city.

It was there that things went downhill. Queen Sofia began her consolidation of power, transitioning Naboo from a democracy to a constitutional monarchy. As an aspiring young political figure, Sabé was none too pleased that the elected monarchy that had been her goal was being removed from her grasp and was vocal in her objection to Sofia?s moves. When members of the opposition, including the Lord Cavil, one of Sabé?s closest confidants, were arrested and executed by supposedly ?overzealous? partisans of the Queen, Sabé?s own friends rushed her off the planet and thus began her exile from the world of her birth.

That exile had brought her to Bakura where she began working, despite her youth, as Deputy Chief of Staff for then-Prime Minister Fionn Dunross Trieste who had a very young daughter by the name of Kerry. Sabé left the first Trieste administration to campaign for Senate in the district of West Cape Suzette, eventually ousting the Unionist incumbent in a narrow victory. Sabé Dormingale had now held that seat for ten consecutive terms in the Bakuran Senate and become the parliamentary leader of Fianna Fail, which made her Deputy Prime Minister of Bakura.

During her career, Sabé had given birth out of wedlock to a single daughter, Gaeriel. Gaeriel Dormingale became the face of the BBC Nightly News and the most trusted name in news on the planet before she died in a tragic hovercar crash. She was survived, however, by her own daughter, also born outside of marriage (or, in Gaeriel?s case, even a decently long term relationship), Ayn Dormingale. Ayn and Sabé were the Noble House of Dormingale. It was not much of a House, but they had each other.

Kerry Trieste had summoned her Deputy Prime Minister to Marian Square to discuss the recent developments on Naboo. Ever since word of expansion to Lannik reached Bakura, Sabé?s visits to the West Office had been frequent. Though she was a Bakuran in all but birth now, her political instincts had been honed and sharpened in the courts of Naboo. She knew how to play that game and when she had to she played it on Bakura too. Right now Sabé Dormingale was Kerry Trieste?s biggest resource when it came to understanding Camilla Quorro?s motivations?as well as predicting her next moves.

Sabé Dormingale had aged with all the grace modern Bakuran medical technology had to offer. Though she was pushing 60, she didn?t look a day over 37. Her face did have its severe features?ones that browbeat her fellow Fianna Fail Senators into line. Her professional attire was far from the overwrought dresses that the Court of Naboo demanded and frankly she preferred it.

[image=http://i766.photobucket.com/albums/xx302/jedisully/Sabe6.jpg]

?Madam Prime Minister,? Sabé said as she stepped in

 

Chapter Eight: True Intentions

King Nestare of Lannik was a diminutive being and possessed the mind of a great scholar. His rule was just and fair and his kingdom was taking the appropriate steps toward modernization that galactic civilization required of emerging societies.

Nestare was also heavily addicted to spice supplied from the RTO?s member world of Nar Shaddaa.

The addiction had taken its toll on the Lannik monarch. He had become increasingly paranoid over the years, trusting only a few close advisors, and a terrible twitch had taken hold in his face that seemed to present itself during times of great anxiety.

Morgan Kynnovan watched King Nestare from his position by the side of the throne. A part of him pitying how far this being had fallen. What he had been willing to sacrifice in order to maintain an illusion of power.

?Did they fall for the ruse?? Nestare asked, his voice weak and his breathing more difficult.

?I believe they did,? Morgan replied.

?Now can I have it,? Nestare pleaded, wild eyes looking around for his next fix.

?In a moment. We?re waiting for the arrival of a friend,? Morgan said.

That friend was the captain of the RTO frigate Tawntoom Remus Quorro, escorted by two soldiers. His hair disheveled and his face bearing the worried look of a man who had committed a terrible crime of conscience, Remus turned to face Morgan and leveled an icy stare.

?We never should have come here, Morgan. The King?s family is dead, because of me! Our sovereign lady will not forgive this transgression. Already, she summons me back to Naboo. I imagine I shall be a head shorter by the end of the week,? Remus said, his voice worried.

?Captain Quorro, please, you?ll disturb him,? Morgan whispered, directing the young Quorro?s attention to the sleeping monarch having passed out unable to secure his drug.

The shocked look on Remus?s face was priceless. He really thinks he?s committed a crime,Morgan thought as he folded his arms across his chest and waited for the right moment to resume the discussion.

?Why didn?t you tell me he was nearby? I could have, I should?? Remus protested.

?There is nothing to explain, Captain. You killed his family, and he has brought you here to receive punishment. Unfortunately, it seems the day has worn him out and therefore you will be transferred to a holding cell in the palace. You have ruined our relations with the rest of the galaxy by your aggressive actions, Captain. You have dragged Naboo into a terrible war,? Morgan intoned.

?No, listen, the transport had a false identification, anyone could have made that mistake. It was heading directly for the Republic! I had to fire on that transport, I had to!? Remus shouted as he was bound in energy cuffs and taken to his cell, his boots screeching and scraping on the cold marble floors.

?Yes, I?m sure you did,? Morgan replied to the fast retreating form of Captain Remus Quorro.

?Who were you talking to, Morgan??

?Nobody of consequence, your majesty. All is well,? Kynnovan whispered.

?And my family, are they well??

?Your majesty knows they are safe in their apartments.?

?And what of the diplomat, Thomas Avonlea?? The King inquired.

?He will return to the planet tomorrow. He is currently visiting with the fleet,? Morgan replied, growing slightly annoyed at this line of questioning. He began to walk around the back of the throne, the drugged ruler of Lannik hardly noticed.

?With the ruse fully realized, will the Queen of the Naboo declare war on this humble planet??

Now that was the most direct question of the afternoon. Perhaps the drugs were wearing off, or perhaps King Nestare still remained within the hollow shell of this addicted form.

?I would think, your majesty, that any direct action against Lannik would be political folly. She is already drawing much criticism from the Republic and independent systems for trying to take the mineral resources of this beautiful planet. I don?t think the people back home would support her actions for very long,? Morgan replied, carefully.

?Then,? King Ne

 

Chapter Nine: Insecure Power

Lannik was on the verge of being lost to Queen Camilla Quorro of the Naboo.

The Privy Council was beginning to become less convicted in its path to exploit the mineral resources of the distant world as political pressure, and rumors of economic sanctions, were slowly piling up against Naboo from opponents near and abroad. Despite the strong support of its most prominent member, Lord Cecil Avonlea, the lords and ladies that formed the core decision making body of the Privy Council were well on their way to seeking a different solution to the ?Lannik Problem?.

Naboo?s unilateral action against Lannik, flying the banner of the RTO, had drawn severe criticism from the Board of Tribunes and the member worlds of the economic union. Few member worlds were willing to put their support behind a ruler that had thrown out a highly praised constitutional document, known as the RTO Charter, for personal power and gain.

The populace on Naboo had grown increasingly divided over the belligerent actions of their sovereign lady and violence had broken out between rival political groups in the capital of Theed on more an one occasion. Blood had been spilled. The police had been called into action to subdue the political dissent. Rights were under siege. Both sides of the political spectrum were beginning to feel increasingly alienated under the reactionary rule of their monarch.

The police were being stretched to the breaking point as powerful protests against the Queen?s actions on Lannik were gathering momentum. A breaking point was on the verge of being reached and for the first time in her life, Queen Camilla Quorro felt fear.

Politically isolated, and with little support from the Queen Mother Sofia Quorro, Camilla recognized that she stood at the edge of a terrifying abyss with no clear end in sight. Her marriage about to collapse, the Republic hot on her heels for the bellicose actions of her advisors, and the Roon Trade Organization contemplating a fate for Naboo worse than any other: expulsion and banishment from the union.

Leaning against the thick glass windows of her throne room, Camilla Quorro?s eyes tracked the wide boulevard leading to the steps of the Theed Royal Palace known as Palace Plaza. Centuries ago, Queen Amidala had gloriously celebrated her victory over the Trade Federation and subsequent peace with the Gungan people.

Those days were long past. Naboo had slipped into decline and Camilla, recognizing this fact, had sought everything within her very nature to help right a ship whose crew was on the verge of a terrible mutiny.

The full weight of her precarious position, and the stress involved, was amplified by the Bakuran envoy under the astute guidance of Siona Lynd, sister to Kerry Trieste Prime Minister of Bakura, a woman with real power and influence in the Republic. It was rumored that Sabé Dormingale, former Princess of Keren and still popular with the people, would be returning home for a short while on a personal visit.

Camilla, raised with a biased perspective regarding the exile of Dormingale during the reign of her mother Sofia Quorro, had no doubt in her mind that Bakura would be making a play for the throne. To rule Bakura was not enough for the Triestes, to rule Naboo, a planet with so much potential, however squandered, would be irresistible. Anyone with any understanding of the history between the Quorros and that woman long bereft of noble claims would recognize with little difficulty the precarious position her presence would place upon the fragile rule of Camilla Quorro.

But she would have to receive Sabé at court. Etiquette had to be observed, even if they were enemies.

But she could not do it alone.

Tears fell down her cheeks. ?Liam, I need you, now more than ever,? Camilla whispered to the empty room.

?I never thought I?d hear you say that,? a voice called from behind her.

It was Liam.

Distance and silence filled the terrible void that existed between them

Regaining her composure, Queen Camilla Quorro drew herself up to her full height a

 

Interlude III: ?But You Can?t Take Naboo Out Of The Girl

Ever since the death of her mother four years ago, Ayn Dormingale had been reared by her grandmother. Yet Sabé had decided that Ayn should not be raised in the capital but back in Cape Suzette. It was an odd move considering how much time Sabé spent in Salis D?aar, but Cape Suzette was officially Sabé?s home. The Deputy Prime Minister had never given a reason to anyone, least of all Ayn, why she chose instead to commute from the capital to Cape Suzette nightly. Ayn certainly didn?t know why.

Ayn did know the history of her grandmother, right down to the fact that she had been forced to leave Naboo out of fear for her life. But there were certain things that she still did not understand.

?If you had left Naboo behind to live on Bakura, then why did Fionn Trieste even get Sofia to agree to let you return?? Ayn asked. She and her grandmother were on a shuttle bound for Naboo at that very moment.

?Because he understood that in the event that Sofia ever even thought that I might have designs upon her crown that she might still kill me,? Sabé explained, ?The mind of a monarch with absolute power can change frighteningly quickly. It is good to keep your flanks protected.?

?So we are perfectly safe to come back to Naboo??

?Absolutely,? Sabé said, ?Unless the Queen has unexpectedly lost her wits and ordered us murdered in broad daylight, which is a distinct possibility.? Her granddaughter started, as Sabé had guessed she would, and the elder woman patted her arm. ?I seriously doubt that has happened. Camilla has one war already and even a madwoman wouldn?t provoke the Bakuran Defense Fleet by killing either of us.?

?Gentlebeings, we will be reverting to realspace shortly,? came a voice from the cockpit, ?Please strap in as we begin our final approach to Naboo.?

Ayn peered out the viewport expectantly with the hope that she would be able to the land of her forebearers as soon as they came out of hyperspace. For her part, Sabé could not deny she felt some of the same anxiety that her granddaughter did.

It was not much longer before the shuttle gently slid out of lightspeed and into the normal blackness of space, dotted in every direction with specks of stars. There, sitting in the middle of it was the blue and green disc of the garden world of Naboo.

?There she is, the envy of the galaxy. Once a mighty seat of democracy, that ironically gave the galaxy one of the most tight-fisted rulers it had ever seen,? Sabé said, ?It is a simple yet complex planet.?

?Is that not true of all planets?? Ayn asked intelligently.

?It is more true of this one than of many others,? Sabé said.

When the shuttle landed and the passengers filed out, they were surprised to find a respectable looking group waiting for them. More specifically, they were waiting for two of their number. In the front of their number was an impeccably dressed man. He clearly was no ordinary citizen of Theed, but rather a member of a more privileged class. When he caught Sabé?s face, he immediately moved with his delegation towards her.

?Madam Deputy Prime Minister,? the man said, giving the slightest bow, ?Welcome back to Naboo. It has been too long since you last graced us with your presence.?

?Thank you,? Sabé said, slightly cautiously, ?I don?t believe we have had the pleasure of meeting.?

?Sadly not until this moment. I take the liberty of hoping that you remember my grandfather. You and he were well acquainted in his day. I am Newland Cavil, fifth Lord of Brandon,? the man said with a slight bow.

?You are Tanarak Cavil?s grandson?? Sabé said, catching her breath, ?I had heard your family was disgraced after your grandfather?s?? She could not bring herself to say ?execution?.

?The disgrace that comes of honest and upright actions never stains for long,? Cavil said, ?The same cannot be said of those with unclean consciences.?

?Indeed,? Sabé said, ?Lord Cavil, you could not have presented me and my own granddaughter with a more welcome surprise.?

?Madam Deputy Prime Minister, I know you

 

Interlude IV: Diplomatic Immunity

?Aunt Sabé, how wonderful it is to see you again.?

The familiar greeting was uttered by Siona Lynd who embraced the Deputy Prime Minister warmly.

?Likewise, Siona,? Sabé said. She had not exactly been an aunt to the Trieste children, but she had been enough of a presence that she was just about one of the family. ?May I present my granddaughter, Ayn.?

?How do you do,? Ayn said with a curtsey.

?My my, you would fit in well here with manners like that,? Siona said appreciatively, ?Salis D?aar feels downright casual when one is exposed to the rules of etiquette of this Court.?

?It has always been a part of the politics of Naboo,? Sabé said, ?but even so it seems that things have intensified in recent years. When our titled beings were elected, they did not seem so lofty. Now that they inherit their titles, I feel like they are a true aristocracy.?

?It matters not how one got their title here in Theed. All that is important is that they have it,? Siona said, ?It has resulted in a very curious sort of social mobility, at least as I see it.?

?Largely dependent on the goodwill of Queen Camilla, I have no doubt,? Sabé said. The trio had long ago taken a seat and Siona was serving out some light refreshments. ?Which has me puzzled as to why I was met by such a strong reception at the spaceport.?

?I take it your real question is why have the Quorros elevated any who did not show Sofia the slightest support so many years ago,? the blonde ambassador sagely observed, ?As far as I can tell, the Quorros realize the folly of cutting out those who may not be their strongest supporters. Both Sofia and Camilla have judiciously granted favor outside their partisans from time to time. Just enough to turn those who might have been looking for a reason to support them and never anything they couldn?t afford to give.?

?I never thought the Quorros were stupid,? Sabé said.

?Which, if you ask me, only makes the Lannik situation more surprising?? Siona said, letting the sentence trail off as she poured herself some tea.

?Siona, you were a very fine Minister of State. Three years on Theed and I have no doubt you have your finger on just about everything worth knowing. If you have suspicions, I consider them excellent starting points for intelligent assumptions,? Sabé said.

?The only thing I can think of is that Camilla wanted this all along or there?s something else, another player, that?s mucked everything up,? Siona said, ?This doesn?t feel like it?s all by accident.?

?They are the most logical conclusions,? Sabé conceded.

?Though?there could be something else?.I?d hate to speculate though.?

Sabé held her peace. She knew that Siona would come out and say it given enough time.

?It?s only a rumor, and a malicious one at that. In fact, I almost hate to repeat it,? Siona eventually explained.

Sabé simply motioned with her teacup for Siona to continue. She did. And when Siona finished, Sabé set her teacup down with the utmost precision and poise.

?Of course I can?t say if it?s true,? Siona stressed.

?Indeed. But if it is?well, that changes everything, doesn?t it?? Sabé said with no small amount of appreciation for the tidbit she had just heard.

 

Chapter Ten: Mother Lode

The clanking of tools and the groans of the suffering fell deaf on the ears of the mercenary forces employed by Morgan Kynnovan to oversee the mining operations in the harsh and forbidding mountains west of the capital of Lannik known as Palesia.

The soldiers of fortune, blaster rifles ready for any provocation on the part of the work force, patrolled around the edge of the massive pit as thousands below them toiled hour upon hour to assist in the exploitation of their native land. Many died of exhaustion, others died for want of food and water, and still many more died because their will to live had been shattered in the span of a few weeks.

The King of Lannik was dead. A brief insurrection had followed that had been harshly put down by the forces under Morgan Kynnovan, self titled Governor-General of Lannik, and the remainder of the civilian populace, their numbers thinned by disease, had been put to work to uncover the vast treasures of a planet whose mineral wealth was estimated in the millions of credits.

Far from the horrible conditions of the mines sat Morgan Kynnovan in the former palace of the royal family of Lannik examining the estimated figures for the first series of shipments with a greedy heart. Technically, Morgan Kynnovan was fulfilling the mission set forth by the Naboo monarchy though were any respectable figure from the Quorro government to journey to Lannik they would find that the placement of trust in Kynnovan?s honesty and integrity had been sorely misplaced.

?The first batch of shipments is ready, sir,? an aide said.

?Good. Tell my sister that there has been a delay,? Morgan replied.

?My lord, I do not understand,? the aide stammered, ?are we not shipping the first containers full of resources back to Naboo??

?No, we are not shipping them back to Naboo, young man. They will find homes elsewhere,? Morgan responded.

?But, sir, the Queen, when she finds out??

?What can she possibly do? I have the fleet under my control and she is a long way away. Queen Camilla made a terrible mistake sending me here, a terrible mistake indeed,? Morgan laughed.

?Will there be anything else?? The aide inquired after a moment?s hesitation. Clearly he had not been informed that his adventure to Lannik would turn into a dictatorial conquest of a people full of life, culture, and purpose.

?Yes. Send a message to all the overseers of the mines. Tell them to work the beasts harder. Break them if you have to but I want more output and I want it now.?

?Understood, sir,? the aide replied feeling sick to his stomach as he left the room to relay the order. Someone had to be contacted about these atrocities, but who?

 

Interlude V: Dinner Party

The city of Keren was one of Naboo?s lesser known metropolises, but it was a fitting place for the dinner that honored the return of Sabé Dormingale. Sabé had been elected Princess of Keren as a young woman, which had launched her political career and brought her to the court at Naboo. There were still several people in Keren who remembered their former Princess well.

The nobles who gathered for dinner that night were unostentatious, largely from the point of view of practicality, rather than desire. Sabé?s presence in Theed had been noticed accordingly by Camilla?s advisors. Though peace had been made between Sabé and the Quorros, it would not do to give unneeded provocation through a dinner that might be too akin to those given in the Palace.

Sabé preferred it that way. Now her business was done privately, in conversation, in the Bakuran Senate. It was simpler that way. One could be frank in private. Then again, no one on Naboo these days seemed to be able to do anything but talk around an issue, rather than talk about it. So be it. She remembered her old tricks.

?Madam Deputy Prime Minister,? Newland Cavil said after the entrée had been taken away, ?We do have a sensitive issue regarding the future of our homeworld to discuss with you. It seems that each week the Queen?s position grows more untenable. Her relations with the Vehns are reportedly strained, the occupation on Lannik continues to draw criticism from both inside and outside the RTO, which in turn affects our economy here. We worry about what will happen to Naboo if things continue on this path.?

?What my Lord Brandon means to say,? interjected Lady Dartmoor, ?is that we believe corrective action needs to be taken to ensure the long term stability of Naboo. Your time on Bakura has made you well respected throughout the galaxy as a sage leader, and you are still much beloved by many here. We ask you tonight whether you will respond to Naboo?s plight.?

And that was how they did it. As Sabé expected, they asked without asking. It was a curious way to ask someone whether they would participate in a revolution to overthrow a sitting monarch. Yes, curious indeed.

?When I left Naboo, I did so thinking it was forever,? Sabé said, ?Accordingly I cut all bonds between the place of my birth and myself. It was painful, but it was what had to be done. My home is now Bakura. It is where my granddaughter and I choose to make our home. Though I agree that Naboo is on a dangerous course, ancient promises keep me from assisting as you may wish me to.?

It was a very emphatic no. Sabé had promised never to challenge the Quorros for the throne of Naboo. She kept her promises.

?We understand your obligations, but surely they do not extend to your progeny?? Cavil asked, ?There are many who have been impressed with your granddaughter, even at her young age.? He let the statement hang in the air.

?It is too early to tell whether she will choose the path in life that I did,? Sabé replied, ?I think it best not to thrust anything upon her so soon.? She had anticipated that request. For now, she only wanted the thought in their minds?and nothing more. ?But you strike me as a patient aristocracy here on Naboo. Surely you can wait to ride out the waves, can you not??

?What exactly do you mean?? Lady Broadmoor asked with confusion.

?Regarding the Queen,? Sabé said, though that failed to illuminate things any further for the nobles, ?I have been told that it is widely believed that she cannot produce an heir.?

The nobles consulted each other silently with their eyes before Lady Broadmoor said, ?Such is said, but there is no proof??

?Ambassador Lynd is a woman who, in my experience, is party to a great deal of information that is generally reliable. It occurs to me that waiting for Camilla to leave the throne vacant would be a much more stable option,? Sabé said.

?But at what cost to Naboo?? Cavil demanded, ?Camilla is a young woman still. She may live for 50 years more for all we know! And then we are no be

 

Chapter Eleven: Sacrifice

?How could he do this to me?? Queen Camilla Quorro questioned aloud to a room filled with only one occupant, her husband, Liam Vehn.

?I trusted him. Gave him all the funds necessary to successfully establish a peaceful outpost. Granted, there were times when the military option felt tempting but he has carried this too far. Too far indeed!?

?It was not a wise decision for you to send Morgan on this mission, Camilla. The man is ambitious and dangerous and now holds the fleet hostage over Lannik. We have not heard from your cousins, Vidal and Remus Quorro for some time. It is possible he is holding them hostage at the royal palace on Lannik,? Liam responded with a gentle tone.

?Or they?re dead,? Camilla snapped back. Her nerves were still frayed by the increasing demonstrations in the streets against her repressive policies and the military occupation of Lannik. Naboo was on the verge of being cast out of the Roon Trade Organization and that, Camilla knew, would result in economic and political suicide.

?What has happened to my reign?? Camilla exclaimed, collapsing on the bed.

?You set out to achieve too much, too quickly, and it has cost you valuable support amongst the Privy Council,? Liam responded, holding his wife tightly to his chest.

?Is there a way out?? Camilla inquired, feeling doubt and fear regarding the future of the monarchy of Naboo.
Liam did not respond immediately.

Liam had anticipated this moment for quite some time. Had thought about what he would say should Camilla ever realize that her tenuous hold on power was on the verge of utter collapse and ruin. Knew that what he was about to say could potentially destroy his marriage. Destroy everything his family had worked for with regards to the Roon Trade Organization. But they had gone down this path for quite some time now. Personally, it could not get much worse.

?There is a way out, Camilla. But you might not like it,? Liam responded after a long pause.

And then he told her his plan and suddenly the world seemed to hang in the balance. For a long while, Camilla did not respond. Finally, grief and pain, rather than anger, burst across her young charming face.

Tears flowing freely, a terrible wrenching feeling in her gut, Queen Camilla Quorro of the Naboo admitted something to her husband she never thought she would say, ?I made a mistake and have selfishly paid for it. Your plan, dear husband, seems the only way to save Naboo. I have been so terribly blinded by ambition that I nearly destroyed everything I cared deeply for.?

Gathering her emotions, Queen Camilla Quorro stood up and drew herself to her full height, proclaiming with a bold voice,

?Tomorrow is a new day and I shall make my announcement and plans known to the Privy Council and the people of Theed at dawn. I can do no better than that, though, I am afraid, Liam, that I have lost your love in this entire sordid mess.?

Liam smiled and gently replied, ?You never have and you never will, Camilla. Not once. Not ever.?

?Naboo will be stronger as a result?? Camilla asked.

?In the end, yes, I believe it will be,? Liam said, gently kissing his wife on the lips.

?And Morgan, what of him??

?He shall meet his fate as all tyrants do. Whether by our hand or another?s, it does not matter at this point. What matters is that we hold true to the RTO Charter and repair our relations at home and abroad.?

?And so we shall!? Camilla said with a resolute tone.

 

Interlude VI: Would Smell As Sweet

(And for those of you looking for a little music to set the scene...enjoy Admiral and Commander)

Why they didn't make homes in the timeless arts and crafts style of Kilmainham Brook, Kerry Trieste did not know. Then again, few people grew up in such homes, though her's could be more accurately called a mansion. It was the hereditary seat of the Noble House of Trieste and the place she had called home more than any other in the galaxy. It had only been in the last few years, though, that she had been able to think of it as anything but her father's house, for Fionn Dunross Trieste had rebuilt this home after the Sith decimation of Bakura. Even now she felt him in it the very wood of the building.

But she was Prime Minister now, and Taoiseach too. That was why this night's duty fell to her. Sabé had met with Kerry privately in the West Office immediately upon her return and discussed her trip to Naboo. The news that she had to report regarding the state of affairs in Theed was surprising that things had degenerated so far. The recommendation that Sabé made, however, was even more so. Still, Kerry had thought it over and come to a decision, one that she discussed with her uncle in-law, Joaquin Vehn. And that decision was to be carried out now.

Kerry's youngest brother Oisin was a poet who had married Verity Vehn, a well known doctor and hospital administrator on Roon. She was quietly content to be known as that, rather than as sister to Liam Vehn, husband of Queen Camilla. The pair had given birth to three children and had, at the request of the Taoiseach, brought them from Roon to Bakura. They stood with their parents before the sturdy desk that dominated the room.

"Thank you for coming," Kerry said, "I know it is beautiful on Roon this time of year, and I apologize you for taking you all from Tesserone. However, it is precisely because you have been living there that I asked you here today. You would say that you have become close with your grandfather?" This last remark was directed towards the three children. It need not be said that Kerry meant their Grandfather Vehn. Their Grandfather Trieste had passed before any of them were even conceived.

"Of course," Eleanor Trieste said.

"He and I talk from time to time and he loves all of you very much," Kerry said, "Now, has your grandfather told you about who you are on his side of the family? Who the Vehns were?"

"Sometimes he talks about his dad. He was a doctor like Mom," Dallas said.

"And about his grandfather. He did a lot of good stuff for the galaxy," Eleanor continued.

"Yes. Your great-great-grandfather, Derek, was very similar to your Grandfather Fionn, my father," Kerry said, "The Vehns have done a lot of great things. You come from two very old families. In fact, in a certain sense our families have known each other a long time, believe it or not. I think that your grandfather is a little sad that there aren't any young Vehns anymore, now that your mother is a Trieste."

"But what about Uncle Liam? His kids would be Vehns," Dallas said.

"They would be, but your Uncle Liam may not have any kids for a variety of reasons," Kerry said, "That is why I have a question for you. It is a very important question--one that I wish I did not have to ask you now. I believe it would be mean very much to your grandfather if you were to be Vehns, not Triestes. You would still be members of the Noble House, for what that's worth, but you would also be carrying on a long tradition of great things. And, as much as I may not like to admit it, you have not grown up here on Bakura. You are already more Vehn than Trieste."

There was silence for a few minutes. Oisin gave his eldest daughter a gentle touch on the shoulder. "What do you say Eleanor? Do you want to be a Vehn?"

"I do," she said after a moment.

Kerry turned her eyes to Dallas and silently asked the same question.

"I am a Vehn," he said.

Kerry nodded and then looked at the youngest, May, who had remained si

 

Chapter Twelve: The Closing of a Year

Throngs of people lined the wide avenue of Palace Plaza as far as the eye could see, all the way to the Triumphal Arch that had once been paraded under by the Gungan Army that had assisted the Naboo in defeating the Trade Federation centuries earlier. Since that time, the city had expanded, contracted, and ultimately fallen into disrepair, especially under the reign of the Quorro dynasty.

A thin line of the Queen?s personal security forces, known as the Royal Naboo Security Force, resurrected under Sofia Quorro from an earlier era, gently held back the throngs of people. In case the situation got out of hand, they would be unable to effectively protect the safety of Queen Camilla Quorro but for now they stood at ease patiently behind waist high energy barriers that separated the crowd from those who enforced the laws of Theed, blasters lowered and in a safe position.

Gathered at the top of the steps leading down into Palace Plaza was the Privy Council in their flowing ornate robes of blues, blacks, and purples. They were the administrators of the Queen?s will and had come under criticism from the populace for the Lannik debacle and the excessive amount of executive power being given to a monarch so young and ill prepared to handle such power. Their presence at the top of the stairs, overlooking the people of Theed, made them uncomfortable. Rarely had they ventured beyond the safety of the palace in their tenure under Camilla Quorro?s reign.
Once, a long time ago, nobles could intermingle with the people but that had changed since the 18 year war that had consumed the Outer Rim. Since the autocratic leadership of Sofia Quorro and her offspring had changed the democratic principles of governance on Naboo. For the multitudes assembled, the mood that buzzed the most through the crowd was one of curiosity. All that was known to the Privy Council and the people of Theed, and of Naboo as a whole, was that the Queen of the Naboo, Camilla Quorro, was to make an announcement.

The voices that had generated a low hum on this fall day on Naboo fell silent as Queen Camilla Quorro, face painted white, lips accented with a red hue, and clothing symbolizing solidarity and accordance with a generation of proud monarchs who had ruled before her, emerged from the palace flanked by her husband, Liam Vehn, wearing his finest robes.

Small droids, carrying amplification devices so that the crowd in the very far end of Palace Plaza could hear what was to be said, flitted this way and that around the Queen of the Naboo. Queen Camilla?s eyes floated over the people and over the faces of the Privy Council, some friends such as Lords Cecil Avonlea and Thomas Marre, enemies in the visage of Lady Sela Jimmu of Otoh Gunga and Lord Alastair McCullough of Keren, a city never popular with the Quorro?s historically.

Camilla ignored her enemies now. Within a few arm?s length of her person. They could strike her down now if they so dared. She had no protection. Nothing to prevent them from liberating Naboo of its tyrannical ruler as some of the people claimed. Out of the corner of her eye, Camilla saw Alastair McCullough tense a bit, the situation making him nervous. But then he relaxed and Camilla knew that even an enemy on the Privy Council would still allow his sovereign lady to speak her mind to the people. It was the very least courtesy he could extend her.

?People of Naboo and of the Outer Rim. I come before you now not as Queen of a sovereign planet but as a human being who must right certain wrongs that have been committed in my name. Most, if not all, of the wrongs that have been done in my name were presented before me and signed with my approval. I sincerely regret having done so, in particular to the beings of Lannik, who now are being subjugated by my very own brother, Morgan Kynnovan and driven off planet.

?Lannik was meant to be an economic enterprise that would strengthen Naboo?s position in the Roon Trade Organization. It has failed by all estimates and violated the very principles of N