Cement for the Foundation

[Adraudia Basillie]

Adraudia sat down at the head of the table just after introductions had been made to Captain Victer Dejan and to her Lords Ordine and Marlas, the Ministers of Intelligence and Trade respectively. Both were cautious in allowing an off-worlder a trade agreement, especially with the embargo set in place, but the Queen was firm and reassuring. Once the embargo was lifted, they would need people like Dejan to get the much needed supplies to Onderon. Their pirate situation would not be dealt with in the foreseeable future, unless Prime Minister Ave and the Princess' mission to the Hapan Consortium proved fortuitous.

The room that they were in was used for various official capacities. War strategies, treaties, and of course negotiations. It was quite large for the four of them, but it was made to fit the entire Ministry inside. It was the second biggest room in the palace, but not as luxurious as the throne room. The walls bore the arms of Basillie, but nothing else, save for the guards that stood silent. Four holovids were set into the table and each chair had its own monitor and uplink for presentations.

"Captain Dejan. If you wouldn't mind starting? The Ministers are eager to hear your proposal and answer any questions that you may have." She smiled at Victer and looked to Ordine and Marlas to gauge reactions. Marlas was always an easy read, but Ordine was a reticent fellow. She would probably have to rely on a bit of trust in the Force to understand his feelings.

[Victer Dejan]

Victer smiled pleasantly, but not smugly. It was a difficult balance, to come off as confident but not overbearing, charming but not a snake, polite, but not a pushover. He had to convince these two men that his services were of value to this planet, although the bulk of his task had already been accomplished.

"My proposals are seperate, but it is vital to have both. First, I'm offering, in exchange for cirtical face time an attention, to provide a foriegn intelligence service until Onderon has established it's trade routes well enough to get it's own information. It's usually bi-weekly, but depending on how critical a situation may be, I might issue a bulletin. However, I'm less able to provide intelligence services without the second proposal."

Victer motioned to the holovids, and keyed up his Guild charter.

"I think you'll find my shipping guild's terms most agreeable. We'd, of course, need the underlined to start operating on Onderon." Victer leaned back as the pair began to scrutinize the carefully constructed text that he had constructed during his time in Imperial service.

[Adraudia Basillie]

Lord Ordine slipped on his glasses and scrolled down the proposal to the items that concerned him. He was fit for a man of his seventy years, but his eyes had started to fail him. Captain Dejan had asked for nothing out of reason. Besides, he was actually doing them a service by providing crucial information that had become severely limited over time because of war and isolation.

Lord Marlas, the more apprehensive one, went over the entire proposal word for word carefully. He did not trust this Captain. Not yet, at least.

Victer received an encouraging smile from the Queen as things became silent. He had forwarded his proposal to her earlier and found everything to be in order, fair and well spoken. His arguments were compelling and he even added a projection of how trade would increase over a period of tens years. It was really hard to find a flaw.

"Everything seems to be in order, Captain. However ..." Of course, Marlas had to find something wrong with it. "... your location is rather ... unorthodox."

He keyed up a display of Iziz and the sector of the city that Dejan wanted to move into was highlighted in red on top of the blue layout. "This area has had much trouble in the past due to some downtrodden citizens. It's why most of the area is made up of empty warehouses. Considering that you wish to create a trade alliance with her Majesty, would it not make more sense to either have it near the space port, or possible near the Palace where we can secure our interests?

[Victer Dejan]

"Correct. I chose this location precisely for that reason. It's within 2 kilometers of the space port, and previous plans to expand it already favor the same direction. The current owners were almost eager to sell, and somewhat baffled by my choice, which makes the aquisition much less expensive for all parties involved. The area isn't as bad as it looks. It's far from the richest area, but it's not the poorest. It has the earmarks of the next swell in the middleclass. The people in that area are hungry for work and not afraid of it.

Most importantly, it won't feel threatening to your existing infastructure. We're not going to be competing, merely complimenting your existing traders."

[Adraudia Basillie]

"Hmmm. It does make logical sense, Marlas." Lord Ordine's refined manner of which he spoke brought some level headedness to the discussion. "This could also help with some of our less fortunate citizens and provide them with honest pay. The war has depleted our resources. Pirates have decided to hang around our world like vultures. We need to give them some hope, no matter how small."

"Queen Basillie does just that." Marlas, interjected. "It's why our crime rate is not as excessive as it could be. We do not need a foreigner to instill hope."

"Correct me if I am wrong," Adraudia was not understanding of her Minister's issue. "But am I to believe that your only point of contention with Captain Dejan is that he is not of Onderon blood?"

He winced and his lips fumbled for the words to dig him out of the ditch he created. "No. Your Majesty. That is not ..."

"Need I remind the Minister that there are quite a few foreign born citizens that have stayed on our planet and chose to be part of our society." She was angry with Marlas' connotations. Adraudia understood the basis for his prejudice but the Mandalorians were not the standard of the galaxy. "General DeSang and Captain Tar have bled for our freedom. Others merely live within the walls of Iziz because they are content. I bless them for that. Not condemn them considering the stress we all have been through with war. So unless you have a credible reason to not allow trade negotiations with Captain Dejan, I believe this meeting is through with Lord Ordine's approval."

She normally wasn't so cross with Marlas. He was a very intelligent man that had negotiated numerous trade relations with nearby systems. Not an easy thing to do during the war. However, his distrust wasn't usually so blatant. It was increasingly so with the embargo and pirates threatening his work. That was still no excuse to be so blind. His accusation of Victer rubbed her the wrong way as well. More then it should have perhaps ...

[Victer Dejan]

Victer was a little taken aback with how vigirously Adraudia defended him, but it was just as much a damnation of xenophobia as it was to his defense. Perhaps it was a personal sticking point with the Queen.

"As I stated, this effort would parallel your own works to increase trade volume. My Guild's charter is inclusive, and strives to be as fair as possible for all parties. We're starting small, and your own locals are welcome to join the guild or operate seperately. Sir, if you can present me with a concrete economic or even social reason I will amend my proposal to try and address those issues. The fact of the matter is that you do not have the capacity to service Onderon's basic needs right now."

[Adraudia Basillie]

Ordine held his tongue, Adraudia merely watched Marlas like a urotrior hawk. She was sure he wouldn't be foolish to try her patience. The Queen did not like putting her trusted advisers in place, but she would do so again in a heartbeat.

To by himself some time and compose his thoughts, Marlas read through the proposal once more to try and find anything amiss, even though he couldn't find anything wrong with it the first dozen or so reads.

He would look more the foolish for disagreeing with the proposal. It was clear that the Queen was not oblivious to her people's needs and the plan was solid. Still, he did not trust Dejan. It was more to it then just a petty phobia. There was talk amidst the palace of the Princess' wild affair with the Prime Minister. However, there was also talk about her and the supposed good Captain.

He closed his terminal by sliding his finger down the side of his monitor. "If this is what her Majesty wishes?"

Adraudia slowly nodded her head. "Yes."

Lord Ordine felt it proper to speak now. "As do I."

"Then it is decided." Marlas directed his attention fully on Dejan and there was no mistaken the distrust or the pride that had been swallowed to agree to this in his eyes. "I shall inform our Guild and write up our portion of the treaty. It will be ready for you late tomorrow."

[Victer Dejan]

Victer and Adraudia stayed behind while the two ministers left. Ordine confident in his decision to agree to Victer's proposal, and Marlas now a little bitter and completely suspect of Victer's motives. Dejan was a motivated, driven bussinessman, but he was fair, even when his rivals were not. His group of independent operators were some of the most satisfied in the galaxy. They made decent, steady money, Victer made good money after years of establishing contracts and routes, and the customers got their goods at a resonable rate and almost always on time.

Victer frowned a little, off-put by Marlas's paranoia. Deep down the man must have known that after the recent piracy, they didn't have enough spaceworthy vessels for Onderon's critical imports. He found it ironic that Ordine had been less paranoid than Marlas.

"That didn't go quite a smoothly as I had hoped. Are you sure Marlas isn't the Information Minister?"

[Adraudia Basillie]

Adraudia's face lit up with amusement. "Yes, it would seem that their personalities do not match their roles, but Ordine has always been a quiet and calculating man. He's been in my family's service for over thirty years and can sniff out duplicity in seconds. It's just the way he is.

Marlas ..." Her lips fell into a pout as she finished powering down her terminal. "I'm not quite sure what caused him to become so jaded. Besides the obvious problems we're having."

[Victer Dejan]

Adraudia was distracting when she pouted, but doubly so when she smiled. Sentences took longer to come into coherence than usual.

“He probably feels out of his element. He understands Onderon based on it's current, limited scope. He's probably uncomfortable having a foreigner in charge of any of your economic engine. I'd wager he knows that I knew more about the piracy problems before he did.” Victer shrugged.

[Adraudia Basillie]

Victer had escorted the Queen out of the conference room quietly, an unusual trait for the Captain, but it didn't take long for the conversation to continue down the hallway.

"If Onderon is to survive, we need to learn how to adapt. The Prime Minster taught me that. You have reinforced it." Adraudia fell silent briefly, trying to find the right words to how she felt. It wasn't like her. "I ... hope that in time, he comes to trust you." She turned to face Victer and smiled. "As I have."

Trust did not come easily for the Queen, but had proven he could be. He still held the secret of what occurred at the Masquarade and he was helping Onderon get much needed supplies so her people could survive. With the pirates over their heads, Victer was the only one willing to take that risk.

[Victer Dejan]

Victer blinked, taken aback.

"Thank you." He smiled back at her.

"Has there been any word from Prime Minister Ave and Princess Razielle?"

[Adraudia Basillie]

"No, not yet," she said as they walked down the South staircase. It was possible to get to any place in the palace from this point. Considering her schedule was clear for the rest of the day, she decided to head to the courtyard for some much needed fresh air after dealing with Marlas. "I should be hearing from them as soon as they land on Hapes."

[Victer Dejan]

Victer watched the Queen step out into the sunlight. Her hair shimmered, red and gold highlights picking up the fading afternoon sun. Not too far in the distance, the centerpiece fountain burbled and sparkled in the light. He leaned against the stone railing next to her. All of the previous signs of struggle had been erased by hard work from the Royal staff. The grass was still a little brighter in one spot, having been fed well by Razielle's blood. It had been almost a month. He looked back at Adraudia, who seemed calm.

Victer smiled at her and went back to watching the fountain.

[Adraudia Basillie]

The breeze caused some of the water from the fountain to cheerly mist against her skin. It felt lovely and Adraudia closed her eyes to enjoy the pleasant sensation. This was a good idea to come out here and relax with Victer, who seemingly had no prior engagements to run off to.

Opening her eyes, she looked down at him and found herself smiling. She really enjoyed his company and was guilty of looking forward to today's meeting for that sole reason. The night they shared over a seemingly innocent dinner had often strayed the Queen's thoughts towards Victer; remembering his handsome face and dark endearing eyes focused upon her as they danced...

"What are you thinking, Captain?" She had turned around to lean against the railing. He had grown quiet again.

[Victer Dejan]

Victer grinned.

"If I told you I'd be in big trouble." He glanced at her and then back at the fountain.

[Adraudia Basillie]

"Oh come now." She was using that persistent tone, a touch of determination attached with charm, to get Victer to relent and speak whatever it was on his mind. "Since when did you start playing coy?"

[Victer Dejan]

"Since I am but a man, having simple man-thoughts, but no longer. I cannot tell you." Victer grinned even wider.

"But, I will tell you I am not immune to your charm." He added, regaining some composure.

[Adraudia Basillie]

His humor was well timed and caused a chuckle, mainly to calm herself, but Adraudia's cheeks flushed with implications of what Victer admitted. One did not required a vivid imagination to put together what he was thinking!

Apparently he had felt something towards her, but she wondered if this occurred at dinner, or had this been going on longer?

"I ... see." She lost the words that should have be spoken, but instead her head drifted towards the ground in silence. Her face still felt warm and her heart would not settle! This was a very inconvenient time to loose the ability to speak!

[Victer Dejan]

"Oh please." Victer waived dismissively.

"Half the palace feels that way. What those tabloid holographers wouldn't give for a picture of you, soaked and laughing in the fountain."

[Adraudia Basillie]

A wide smile broke through the cloud of insecurity just before she laughed. "Is that a threat, Captain?"

Adraudia looked up and suspiciously scanned the grounds for reporters. "That wouldn't be very sporting of you to make some quick credits off of me before you sign our treaty."

[Victer Dejan]

Victer faked offense. He snorted.

"Pah. You take me for someone in colusion with Onderon's paparazzi? I would never do such a thing."

He leaned forward, close to her ear. "Unless Razielle asked me very nicely to put you into the fountain."

[Adraudia Basillie]

His breath felt warm against her skin, which caused a shiver. It took all of her will to not physically tremble. If he were not immune to her charm, she was most certainly not immune to his either.

"Well then," she spoke barely above a whisper, "I should be worried."

Adraudia turned her face towards Victer and found herself scant inches away from his. "Since that would be precisely the type of antics I'd expect from her."

She almost had to force the words out since her chest had grown heavy and tight, heaving at times in order to inhale a proper breath.

[Victer Dejan]

Victer leaned forward, and their lips met. The kiss was brief, maybe a few seconds. Neither flinched. They both withdrew, and both turned a little more red. They looked at each other silently, not sure what to say. She was still breathing sharply, although slowed it down. Victer could hear his heart race, and wondered if he let passion make a terrible mistake.

"I, er..."

[Adraudia Basillie]

Adraudia's lips tingled from Victer's contact and trembled for she could hold it back no longer. This was most unexpected. Not only the kiss, but the feelings that coincided with it. This was the first time she had been kissed and didn't know what to say.

Absently she turned from him, covering her lips with a hand, and slowly walked away in a daze.

[Victer Dejan]

Victer slunk down and sat against the railing, both hands on his head wondering what the hell he had just done. He watched Adruadia walk away, shocked. He cursed his libido. At best, she would likely keep him at arm's length. At worst, he had just thrown out 3 weeks of work. It might be even worse.

He kicked himself for being so impulsive. He was calm and cool. He was the calmest and coolest, but in front of her?

[Adraudia Basillie]

Only five simple steps were taken by the Queen. Five simple slow steps forward that felt as if she had hiked five miles. She could go no further as the haze of what just happened was starting to give focus.

She lowered her hand and looked over her shoulder, more out of curiosity then out of anger, wondering what Victer was doing. He looked as if he'd been punched in the gut and was about to vomit into the fountain.

"Why ..." Adraudia cleared her throat and face him fully, regaining a sliver of composure. "... Why did you kiss me?"

[Victer Dejan]

Victer did not look at the Queen, but instead stared back at the palace.

"Because you are beautiful in many ways and I am foolish in front of you."

[Adraudia Basillie]

He was disappointed in himself. She could feel it without the Force, but Adraudia allowed herself a momentary glimpse into his emotions. The disappointment he felt was not only due to the treaty, that was merely an unfortunate consequence. Victer was utterly fascinated with Adraudia and felt towards her a deep admiration. There was also desire, and that caused her to blush. A sense of relief came over her knowing that he wasn't like the others that had wooed her. There were no ulterior motives towards the throne or using Adraudia's power to their advantage. It was the first time this had ever happened ...

She lowered her head and took a hesitant step forward. "Nor more foolish then I. Or did you not notice?"

[Victer Dejan]

"Yes." He said, and rose back to his feet. He still felt uneasy, but the way she blushed...

Victer smiled a little, and could feel his cool and composure coming back.

"I think we need to be careful about this, although surely Razielle will be giggling like a schoolgirl."

[Adraudia Basillie]

"I'd suggest not speaking of this to her but ..." Adraudia glanced around the courtyard and wondered who had saw them kiss. There were her guards, but they wouldn't dare spread rumors since they would be the first to blame. She didn't spy anyone else that had a nature for gossip present. "... I'm not sure if it would matter. The palace loves to spread rumors, it's even more delightful when they're true."

[Victer Dejan]

"Of course not." Razielle did have a loose tounge and was prone to flights of amusement. Victer looked over his shoulder at the guards, who stood motionless ten meters away.

"You may want to have a word with the gentleman, though. I think that we may need to take this more slowly."

[Adraudia Basillie]

"Hmm?" Adraudia had thought someone else had entered the courtyard without her notice, but Victer had meant the guards. "Oh. Them."

She smiled and chuckled sweetly at their over protectiveness, which was recognizable to her. Some of the guards hands had actually moved on to the hilts of their vibroswords, others seemed ready to pounce on Victer with bare fists if she but say the word, but it was quite clear all eyes were narrowed suspiciously at the Captain.

"We'll have a chat later." Adraudia sucked gently on her bottom lip as she placed a hand over his. "But yes. Taking things slow is a good idea."