A Chink in the Armor

[Salem Ave]

“Pirates?”

“Yes, sir.”

“...Pirates?”

“Space pirates.”

“Explain.”

“Well, sir... they're like regular pirates, only instead of moving by sea they-”

The look on the Prime Ministers face told Captain Hars'tam this was not what he was required to explain. He blinked, and his eyes seemed to say 'Oh'. “It's a growing trend we're noticing, sir. There's always been a bit of trouble with imports, but in the last few months incidents have grown out of proportion. Our trade contacts are getting edgy. They're already taking a risk trading with a war-neutral faction. The fact that they're being targeted by pirates is just about enough to put them off entirely.”

Salem Ave frowned. In his hands was a data pad, detailing eight attacks on Onderonian cargo vessels in the last two weeks.

“It's not an, uh, problem for now, sir – we have enough supplies to last sometime, but if it continues-”

Ave's eyes darted upwards suddenly and Hars'tam, guiltily, felt his heart jump.

“Not a problem, Commander? Any compromise of our interests is a problem... keep me informed of any developments. Dismissed.”


***

“The Queen will be with you shortly, Prime Minister.” The young woman bowed and departed, leaving Salem alone. The attendant had left a tray of Iziz delicacies on the oval table in front of the settee upon which Salem sat. They looked as if they had been painstakingly prepared to perfect. He eyed them for only a moment before turning his attention to the business documents on the couch beside him.

[Adraudia Basillie]

It was during her monthly meeting with the Royal Court's household staff, that one of her attendants informed the Queen that the Prime Minister had some news that needed to be discussed soon. Adraudia appreciated the shrewd manner in which the girl approached her and quietly relayed that she would see Ave as soon as the meeting was over ...

Within 15 minutes, the deliberations were wrapped up. Money had been allocated to necessary areas to make sure the Palace ran smoothly, as well as enough funds to ensure that next months activities would be grand. Salem was waiting for her down the northwest corridor, inside one of the smaller drawing rooms. Escorted by two guards, she made her way and entered. He was not greeted by a smile. Far too many times in recent days has the Prime Minister's news been gloomy.

"Good morning, Mr. Ave. I've been informed that something important has come up?"

[Salem Ave]

As was befitting, Ave rose to his feet and bowed his head as the Queen entered.

“Yes, your highness...” Salem nodded, and waited for the guards to retreat to their posts in the hallway before continuing.

“I spoke this morning with one of the Commanders under the General's command, and he had some troubling news to deliver... It seems that our trade routes are no longer safe. The Commanders report indicates that the entire area of space around the planet has become a popular destination for pirates. We've lost eight shipments in the last fortnight alone.”

He handed over the datapads Hars'tam had given him and retook his seat, watching Adraudia for her reaction.

[Adraudia Basillie]

Her eyes narrowed at the report and flipped through the pages on the datapad to scour an iota of sense as to why this was happening. Onderon did not have a fleet, save for her own personal cruiser and fighter escort, which were barely used. She could barely remember the last time she was off world because of the war.

The planet never had any problems with pirates in the past, but Onderon was growing slowly. Increased trades routes to Iziz had probably garnered unwanted attention. "This is unacceptable."

She handed them back abruptly to Salem. "Why did the Ministers wait for the eighth shipment to be taken before informing me?"

[Salem Ave]

“Apparently Commander Hars'tam didn't perceive this issue as a problem. Perhaps the attacks had been reported to superior members of the army, I don't know... there is a certain degree of separation between military and state that warrants some attention.”

The conflict between the Onderon monarchy and militia had featured heavily in the planets past. It had spawned civil wars and almost brought the state to ruin. In the future, Salem hoped to unify the two 'factions' under a single rulership.

“Your majesty... Iziz does not have the facilities, funds nor the space to produce the ships necessary to establish our own naval presence. It might be wise to seek out the assistance of another like-minded power.”

[Adraudia Basillie]

Without having the ability to bring in supplies, her people would eventually starve from the lack of goods coming into the City. Not to mention if the pirates turned more aggressive, passenger ships might be targeted as well.

"I agree. Unfortunately the war with the Mandalorians has stunted Onderon's growth outside our planet. Now we are given that opportunity but that is a long-term dream. Right now we need to protect our borders." She quirked an eye expectantly, "You would not have suggested this if you did not have a system in mind."

[Salem Ave]

Ave smiled somewhat, as if to say 'of course.'

“Do you know of the Hapes Consortium?”

[Adraudia Basillie]

She pursed her lips and nodded slightly. "Very little. I know they are a Matriarchal society and have prominence over a good deal of space."

Her eyes widened. "They also have an impressive fleet at their disposal ... Would they even consider aiding us? It is in our favor that I am ruler, but we are but one planet. Do they even care about the affairs of others?"

[Salem Ave]

“On the whole, no. They are largely ignorant of the universe. However, although they are a self-serving society, they are not self-sufficient. They rely heavily upon the importing of foreign technologies and foodstuffs.” Salem reclined, a little, on the couch. “Our cultures share a number of similarities: a long-standing monarchy, traditionalist views, a pervading anti-Jedi sentiment, a sense of self-containment...”

[Adraudia Basillie]

She took a place across from Salem, making herself comfortable on the armchair. "With much in common, it would assure an audience with the ruling body. Solidifying an alliance with them will prove the more difficult task. We would have to offer something in return. Once our trades routes are protected, we could share suppliers. That would make them ecstatic, as it would increase their business. But is that enough?"

[Salem Ave]

Folding his hands together, Salem shook his head. “I'd be lying if I said I knew. It all boils down to the temperament of the Queen Mother. Her word is law. If it is possible to secure a meeting with the Queen Mother, or someone in her employ, it will be on her terms and turf. We do have some assets that I suspect would be of interest – exceptional guardsmen, wild beasts for their game hunters and such like – but I can't say for certain what kind of reception we're likely to receive. The Hapans are notoriously... mysterious, for lack of a better word. The details of what lie beyond the Transitory Mists have never been solid. They are as much of an enigma to the galaxy as it is a non-entity to them.”

[Adraudia Basillie]

As soon as Salem finished speaking, Adraudia immediately followed... "But in your assessment, the Hapan Consortium is the most probable society that will offer assistance?"

She did not like entertaining the idea of going into a situation like this with no idea what their chance of success would be, let alone if all of the parlaying involved will such a cloistered group of people would prove fruitful. The Hapan Royalty would be holding all of the cards, knowing that Onderon needed them. It was an unenviable position, but one the Queen had grown accustomed to. But the people needed her and Onderon needed a solution fast to the problem hanging, literally, over their heads.

Her eyes narrowed. "Is that right?"

[Salem Ave]

“Not exactly. There are certainly other worlds or factions who would readily offer their protection, though perhaps at a greater price... wishing to gain full control of Onderon for themselves,” Salem explained. He had looked into the profiles of various worlds, their governments and history's, and found often that an insatiable desire for expansion festered at the heart of their leadership. “It is my belief that the Consortiums general indifference towards the universe, while at first a hurdle, would later be beneficial to us. So long as our trade relations remained amicable, I can't see the Hapans trying to meddle in our affairs.”

[Adraudia Basillie]

She sighed and looked away, digesting the bleak options with a rare frown. The Prime Minister had not often seen the Queen's face grow so grim except when options were so limited.

"There really is no choice in my view. Onderon has found peace for the first time in thousands of years. I refuse to allow the chance that a door opens so another power can gain a foothold in my kingdom, economically or otherwise." Her eyes hastened back to Salem's. "What else do we know of the pirates? Is there anything learned that might sway the Hapans to our cause?"

[Salem Ave]

Ave was just as reluctant to invite an outside power onto Onderon, but if some upstart faction got wind of the planets lack of naval defense then it wouldn't be a case of inviting others in – they would take control by force.

“Their ships all appear to be drawn from the same yards, so it is possible that they are a company of some kind. If we can convince the Queen Mother that they are agents of a larger faction, we may gain some sway and turn their presence to our advantage. Many of the Hapan men are pirates themselves and might see those attacking us as competition – or even possible recruits. Either way, it's possible that they could be a handy bargaining chip.”

[Adraudia Basillie]

She nodded, weighing the only two bargaining chips that had: Supply routes and possible competition and/or recruits. It seemed so minuscule to bring to the negotiation table but at least they would not come empty handed.

"I have faith that we can come up with an effective presentation to the Hapan Consortium to persuade them towards our cause. We also need to contact them as soon as possible to encourage a meeting."

[Salem Ave]

“Leave that to me, your majesty. I can be a persuasive man when needs be.” Salem smiled- a small knowing smile. “Might I suggest the Princess Razielle as a potential ambassador to the Queen Mother? The Queen Mother may not respect my presence as a... leader, being male and all, however if I were on hand to offer Razielle advice and direction, I believe the Princess would be a more than adequate candidate.”

[Adraudia Basillie]

"That is a splendid idea, Mr. Ave. The Princess has made me aware of her desire to assist in the dealings of Onderon. This is the perfect opportunity to grant her wish. And as we both know, she has been feeling ... suffocated as of late, especially after the attempted attacks on both of our lives. A journey off world would do her good on many accounts."

[Salem Ave]

“Excellent. If it pleases your majesty, I shall make arrangements for our party to depart at the earliest convenience,” he said, then added in clarification: “The affairs of the state are all in order at the moment and a two week absence on my part would cause no disarray, I'm sure.”

[Adraudia Basillie]

"Even with the Mandalorians?" She asked. They were her only true concern while they were gone. For some, this would be the perfect time to start trouble. Then of course there was Legion ...

As much as she would love to go along with Salem and Razielle, that was not going to be possible. She had to stay on Onderon to ensure that Mandalore's people stayed in line, as well as her own people.

[Salem Ave]

“So long as you remain on Onderon, with the General's army at your disposal, I do not foresee any conflict. I don't believe that it would be in Mandalore's best interests to act out of turn.” Salem held Adraudia's gaze firmly as he spoke, a great deal of certainty in his voice.

“That being said, Razielle and I would require only a small escort of men... their presence would be nothing more than a formality but a necessary one none the less.” Both the Prime Minister and the Princess could take care of themselves, as the Queen well knew – however it would look odd for them to travel without guards.

[Adraudia Basillie]

Adraudia kept her disappointment in check like any good monarch and focused on the Prime Minister's needs.

She didn't even have to think on the matter of his request. "Of course. You may hand select any of the guards you think would do well for travel and leave a good impression upon her Majesty of Hapan."

This would be most interesting for her soldiers since most of them had never been off Onderon. "If you'd like, I could provide a list of men that have traveled off world. They wouldn't have quite the culture shock as some others might have."

[Salem Ave]

“That would be most useful, your highness.” Salem nodded. “Do you have any questions or requests with regard to the trip? I will of course confer with you before any agreements are made with the Queen Mother.”

[Adraudia Basillie]

"Of that I have no doubt." Salem, all though her Master within the shadows, knew his boundaries when dealing with the management of Onderon. He had never crossed that line in the time of his service, for the Prime Minister knew that if that day ever came, their relationship would be ended. That was part of their agreement when he suggested training her in the ways of the Force ...

"A request however, I do. I believe it would be most courteous of us to bring a gift since we will be guests in their lands. You had mentioned their enjoyment of hunts. Perhaps a gift of a Boma beast fresh from the Wilds would be a suitable expression of thanks for allowing her time to hear of our plight."

[Salem Ave]

“Indeed. Perhaps a wild zakkeg, also.” The huge zakkeg beasts were the planets most dangerous creature, with the exception of the elusive terentatek. Even the Mandalorians saw the zakkeg as challenging, making the beast a fearsome target for any hunter.

“The Hapans have a... fixation with the notion of beauty, placing it above all else. I think it might be wise if we ensured that all of the Princesses escort were... unblemished, and dressed in sufficient finery. In this instance, above all others, appearance will be paramount.”

[Adraudia Basillie]

Adraudia nodded approval and would inform Captain Dudel to capture each beast. He was one of the best hunters amongst the Beast Riders.

"The Princess and I shall take care of that, Prime Minster. It will give us a chance to talk over any last minute details or clarification required for the diplomatic mission." And to spend some time together since it would be unclear when the entourage would return. She would miss Razielle deeply until her own eyes gazed upon her friend once more. "Is there anything else that needs to be done?"

[Salem Ave]

“I believe that is everything.” Salem smiled, though not with his eyes. “Are there any other matters you wish to discuss, before I begin making preparations for the trip?”

[Adraudia Basillie]

"Just one thing, Mandalore. How have negotiations been with her?" Adraudia thought back to their short private conversation and thought the new leader arrogant and impatient.

[Salem Ave]

“Difficult. She seems to view every offer of compromise as an affront to the natural rights of the Mandalorian's.” Salem sighed, his shoulders falling. “I think it might be a little early to rest on our laurels yet. The Mandalorian conflict is far from over.”

[Adraudia Basillie]

"It was much the same when we talked. I could tell that what little I gave her would not satisfy Mandalore for very long. But she has to realize that it was the Mandalorians that started this war on my world, not my ancestors. To have rights upon Onderon, they must be earned." Adraudia looked pensive as she thought about the future. "I wonder how much of what Mandalore says is what her people truly want."

[Salem Ave]

“It is difficult to say. The entire Mandalorian culture is based upon the struggle between stagnation and the change that comes from destruction. The Mandalorian's may see this new Mandalore and her radical ideas as a perfect catalyst for the change that their nature dictates they strive towards.”

[Adraudia Basillie]

"And hopefully not for the ill of Onderon. I must be mindful of that." If the peace lasts, Adraudia would be grateful for that catalyst. However, she could be dooming another planet with war when the Mandalorians grow bored and leave her planet.

"I believe we are done Prime Minister. Is there anything I should be aware of ..." Her brow rose in question, but not in the typical fashion that spoke as the Queen of Onderon. No, this question was directed to Callidus, her Master. " ... in your absence?"

[Salem Ave]

Salem shook his head. “Not at this moment in time, though I shall inform you should our situation change.” This said the Prime Minister rose from the settee. Their discussion was at an end, and now there was much to be done. “Now, if you will excuse me...”

Continued in 'Splendid Isolation (http://sw-fans.net/forum/showthread.php?t=15984)'.