Ask The First of Many

[Jin Vaisra]

Fondor, The Palace of a Thousand Stars​

As the home of the Vaisra family, the Palace of a Thousand Stars was a marvel of beauty and engineering. There was no others like it. Situated in the desert canyons well outside of Fondor's polluted cities, it was a blessed sanctuary to Jin and the rest of the royal family, who ruled in relative comfort.

It was almost impossible to think that the palace had once been little more than a farmstead, manned by immigrants from Obroa-skai looking to strike rich during the Clone Wars. Now, centuries later, it was the seat of the Jade Dynasty, one of the most powerful governments in the Core Worlds. At least, for the moment. There were threats rising from every corner of the galaxy, and Jin Vaisra was intent on making sure his family, and the rest of Fondor, would see them through.

It was why he was meeting with the Senator of Belasco, Korre Belasi. They had briefly met on Balmorra during one of Emil's agonizing charity drives, and since then, Jin had been hoping to establish a close friendship with the princess.

But as she walked through the grand doors and into the foyer, he was again struck by her beauty. Under the golden light of a chandelier, her red hair and freckled cheeks shone, and Jin nearly forgot to curtsy. “Welcome, Senator Belasi,” he said after a long moment. “We are honored to host you for today’s negotiations. I’m afraid Queen Leyti is not here to welcome you, but she offers you her deepest regards.”

Should Korre offer it, Jin would take her hand and kiss the back of her knuckle. “I hope you’re not too exhausted after your trip? There is much to discuss between our worlds.”

@lizziie

 

[Korre Belasi]

Fondor was a far cry from Belasco. Both were technologically advanced, but one was a lot more...environmentally friendly. Regardless, Korre was happy to have been invited by Senator Vaisra to his home. She opted to wear a dark green floral dress which was both very comfortable and very flattering. The best of both worlds.

"Senator Vaisra!" Korre would remain oblivious to any staring, as she tended to do. "Tell Queen Leyti that she will be missed, but that I am glad she's welcomed me into her beautiful home." She did not offer her hand to him, as she had just slightly missed the cue. She was still new to the political scene and had not quite yet memorized all the different customs of different worlds.

"Oh no, not at all! I am very much excited. We do have much to discuss, indeed."

@Feng Mian

 

[Jin Vaisra]

“Wonderful. I will be sure to give the Jade Queen your regards.” Although Senator Belasi had ignored his first gesture, perhaps more out of inexperience than spite, Jin would make sure she didn’t miss the next one as he carefully extended his right arm for her to take. “But please, there’s no need for such formalities. Allow me to give you a tour of the royal palace while we talk business.”

Once—or if—she slipped her arm into the crook his elbow, Jin would guide her out of the gilded foyer, and as his slippered feet carried him through the winding halls of the palace, the rhythmic thump of Midori boots would follow. “You may have already seen her during my visit to Balmorra, but this is my personal bodyguard, Venka.” Jin gestured to the lone, young woman that had fallen in step behind him, trailing them through the grand corridor. She nodded thoughtfully in return.

“Venka is a member of the Midori, a force of elite female warriors who are trained to serve the royal family. Typically they are entrusted to the Jade Queen and her daughters, since they are the future of our dynasty, but the only reason she puts up with me is because of my position as senator.” Jin smiled warmly in her direction. “As I’m sure you already know, unless you are an elected official, men share very little power in Fondor’s government.”

He lifted his chin, almost in pride. “There are some who might balk at the very idea of matriarchal rule, but I beg to differ. Women tend to make far more practical leaders. Wouldn’t you agree, Senator Belasi?”

@lizziie

 

[Korre Belasi]

Korre would slip her arm into the crook of his elbow, allowing him to guide her to wherever they would go. He spoke first of the Midori, the bodyguards of the royal family. The Belasi family had no such arrangement as they relied mostly on security systems and hired guards. It was very interesting to the senator, but not quite as interesting as their matriarchal society. Belasco was nothing of the like; her people were extremely egalitarian.

"Belasco's leader of government is Prime Minister Celeste. She is certainly one of the most practical leaders Belasco has had in a while." Korre nodded as she said this. While she disagreed entirely with Jin, she wasn't here to debate the structure of each other's societies. While they walked she would admire the interior architecture of the castle with her bright blue eyes. It was certainly royal.

"How long have you been Fondor's representative?"


@Feng Mian

 

[Jin Vaisra]

“Of course, Minister Marrion. Lovely woman. More than twenty years of service to Belasco and she’s still going strong. I take it she is a role model of yours?” Marble columns loomed above them like a forest of white trees, and between each was an arched window, inviting in the purple light of Fondor’s six moons. Certainly, it was no Belasco, but the vast canyons and constellations outside had always been enough strike a sense of awe in his guests.

As a child, Jin found it hard not to look, either. He’d always wondered what it was like out there, beyond the palace walls and his mother’s withering glare. But right now, his focus was only on Senator Belasi. There was something to be earned from an alliance with her distant world, and he didn’t want to mess this up.

“I’ve been representing Fondor for the last five years,” he answered, humbly enough. “Second term. Which is odd, because my first was an absolute disaster. It was a miracle that I managed to score another, let alone in a landslide election.” He chuckled, remembering that fateful day as the results poured in. “The last senator had, unfortunately, passed away due to unforeseen circumstances. Some say he was poisoned. By me, no less.” He looked at Korre for a long, awkward moment.

“Kidding. It was a stroke, actually. The old man was a terrible alcoholic.”

Just as he said this, an attendant carrying a tray of drinking glasses emerged from around the corner, bowing low. Jin restrained a laugh. “Ah, excellent timing. Would you care for a glass of champagne, Senator?” Whether or not she accepted the offer, Jin plucked one from the silver tray and raised it in the air. “Well, how about a toast to good fortune? Here’s to a productive term, and to many more in the future.”

He winked at the young woman. Many more indeed.

@lizziie

 

[Korre Belasi]

Minister Marrion... It was odd to hear Belasco's Prime Minster be referred to by her last name. Out of all the preparation she'd gone through to represent Belasco on a galactic scale, adjusting her speech to fit the galaxy's norm was the source of her biggest slip-ups. On her planet, she was known as Princess Korre, but to the greater galaxy she was Senator Belasi. Why is it that everyone puts such emphasis on someone's last name?

"She is indeed," Korre would finally reply. "I've known her since I was little, actually." The senator would continue to walk along, arm linked with Jin's while he described his political career. It seemed he had a bit more experience than she did, though they were both far from any of the seasoned politicians one might find lurking about any social gathering. His comment about his predecessor being poisoned did cause her to pause. Was that meant in jest? He dismissed what he said not soon after, just as a tray of champagne arrived. She decided it was an awkward attempt at a joke, so she accepted a glass and raised it up in a toast. "Too good fortune," she would hum after he finished. At his wink, she would grin and take a small sip from the glass.

"So, to which good fortunes have I been invited here to discuss today?" While she appreciated and enjoyed the pleasantries, Korre was, by nature, a very objective-focused individual.

@Feng Mian

 

[Jin Vaisra]

“Ah, straight to the point,” Jin said, acknowledging how quick the senator had abandoned pleasantries in favor of business. He couldn’t blame the poor woman. They couldn’t drink champagne and tour the royal palace forever—he’d called her to Fondor for a reason, and there was no point delaying the inevitable. “There are several things I would like to discuss with you, Senator. Matters that are of great importance not only to me, but the New Republic.”

Jin swirled his drink as they continued walking, the mirrored passages widening into something of a gallery. The Hall of Ancestors. It was here the history of the Vaisra family was portrayed in all its majestic glory. Portraits of former queens, murals of great battles, and even sculptures carved from marble and stone. A beautiful display, if not obviously pretentious.

“I will be honest with you, Korre—is it alright if I call you Korre?” He smiled warmly, a glint in his eye. “The Republic is entering a new era of expansion and mobilization, and I intend to make Fondor the center of it all.” He took a brief sip of his drink. “The galaxy is at a historical flashpoint. There are rumors of a unifying Mandalore. Whispers of Syndicate activity. News of the Consortium militarizing. Reports of the Sith on the move against Alliance worlds.”

“War is on the horizon, whether we like it or not, and we must be ready for it.” He paused nearby a statue of the first Jade Queen, Empress Makhi, who held a beskar spear in one hand and the head of a snake in the other. A warrior queen. “My point is, I am planning to improve Fondor’s shipyards at every level, administratively and technologically, in order to secure our future.”

“Belasco has some of the most brilliant scientists in the known galaxy. I am only hoping that they—and your world—might offer insight and support in this endeavor.”

@lizziie

 

[Korre Belasi]

There was, indeed, a lot going on in the galaxy at the moment and the idea of war made Korre nervous. While she, only being a senator, would serve only as the extended mouth of her people in the Senate, the idea of having an impact regarding conflict was not fully welcomed by her. Trade agreements? Lending of knowledge? Literally anything else? She was eager to do her part, but war? War frightened her.

Jin's ambitions were obvious, however, and considering the scale of Fondor's shipyards, not impossible. He would be competing with the likes of Kuat and other ship-building economies, so looking for aid outside his government would serve to avoid the internal competition between Fondor and the others. A thoughtful expression passed over Korre's features as she listened to him explain.

"Belasco does indeed boost a large population of scientists." Education was one of Belasco's foremost priorities for its citizens. A lot of her people went into academia. "My people would certainly be willing to offer support, should support be offered to us as well." As much as Korre was willing to offer assistance, she did of course have to ask of something in return. "Perhaps an exchange of sorts could be worked out? And yes, Korre is just fine, Jin." Korre would end with a bright smile aimed towards the New Republic senator. It was a shame they weren't colleagues; he was much more pleasant than some of her own.

tag: @Feng Mian

 

[Jin Vaisra]

“Indeed. Your homeworld prides itself in being a scientific powerhouse, and your support would serve the interests of Fondor—and the Republic’s desire for peace—quite well, should you allow it.” He kept walking until they had passed through the portrait gallery, leaving behind the paintings of countless queens, and entered the conservatory.

It was Jin’s favorite place in the royal palace. The high-ceilinged room was a dome of a hundred colors, and enhanced sunlight streamed through walls made entirely of glass. The conservatory’s winding paths were lined with potted fruit trees and tall palms, flowering shrubs that overflowed the walkways, and hedges trimmed into tiered arches and lattices. An artificial stream flowed through the room’s center, narrowing and widening to form lily ponds and reflecting pools.

Feeling his spirits lift, Jin turned to the senator and continued guiding her forward along the stone pathways. “I understand your hesitation, Korre, because I am of the same mind. War is cruelty. War is death. But I am not asking for your help to create one, only to defend from it. I wish only to make Fondor more than the wasteland ecunomopolis it is now.”

“Besides, who’s to say the ships I may build will be used only for battle? Consider the transports, the medical frigates, or the corvettes that I could construct for the Republic, for the Alliance—for you.” He paused by a low-hanging tree, offering her one of the pears on its branches. “In exchange for your help, I am willing to give Belasco whatever it desires, including several CR100b Corvettes, perfectly capable of being used for pandemic relief and missions both scientific and diplomatic.”

@lizziie

 

[Korre Belasi]

Pandemic relief... Korre accepted the pear from Jin as those words repeated themselves in her head. She immediately recalled her conversation with Dr. Ilana Morata. The project in which they had spoken of would need vehicles to utilize their cause, but it was not something she could bring up to Jin at the moment. Her eyes looked up momentarily to the high ceilings of the room, taking in the rainbow of hues with her blue eyes. It was a beautiful garden with greenery she suspected was extinct from Fondor's natural terrain. The exchange seemed reasonable to Korre, and she could not blame him for wishing to increase his planet's fleets in lieu of the Sith's reemergence.

"This is most definitely something that I and my people would be interested in. Our scientists are always happy for new avenues of research and the corvettes would be immediately utilized." Korre took a bite of the pear. Its flesh was sweet. They were not native to Belasco, and they had little reason to import them. "What sort of use would Fondor hope to find from our scientists?"

@Feng Mian

 

[Jin Vaisra]

“I have plenty of things your scientists could do in service to Fondor,” Jin replied. “They could certainly offer insight in both streamlining and improving the technology we currently possess. Upgraded computer systems, parts, or blueprint designs—just off the top of my head.”

“Of course, I understand much of Belasco’s research focuses in conservation and biology. Outside of helping us study the pandemic, your scientists could help design new, improved shipyards. Self-sustaining, with living quarters and, perhaps, conservatories like the very one we stand in now.” Jin swept a hand to the gardens around them, between plum trees and lavender bushes. The air smelled of sweet orange blossom, and the low splash of fish in the lily ponds was incredibly soothing.

“Making Fondor's shipyards self-reliant will not only cut down transportation costs, but significantly improve working conditions. Productivity and output would skyrocket.” He smiled, having clearly done his research on the subject. After all, as a chief shareholder, he knew them both inside and out, including every detail down to scheduling reports.

“Your people could, not to mention, provide medical assistance and health protocols. Due to the close quarters and tight conditions, Fondor’s orbital shipyards suffer yearly from outbreaks of disease. To bring us to maximum production, guaranteeing the health of our workers is a must.” It was the truth. Even if Jin personally didn’t care for each and every individual who manned the shipyards, a dead worker was not a very useful one, honestly.

Corpses couldn’t build an armada. Only a healthy, spirited work force could fulfill Jin’s dream for the future: a modern fleet of unimaginable scale. “What do you think, Korre? Does my answer satisfy your curiosity?” Jin said, turning to face her, eyes gleaming with warm sunlight. “Does my offer satisfy your demands?”

@lizziie

 

[Korre Belasi]

"It seems entirely reasonable, yes." Korre gave Jin a smile in response to his question. She would reach into her pocket and present him with a white aluminum card engraved with the symbol of Belasco and her name in small print. "Here is my contact card. It's much easier to reach me through here." The card contained two forms of communication: one associated with the Belascan government, and the other, a personal.

"I will bring your proposal to the Belascan parliament as soon as I return home. I'm sure they will be more than happy to follow through."

tag: @Feng Mian

 

[Jin Vaisra]

Jin accepted the glossy, white card and examined it carefully. He found her name encrusted into the metal surface, as with Belasco’s emblem, and contact information for each. “Is this aluminum?” he said, drumming it against his hand as his lips tugged into a smile. “I must say, I’m impressed. This may be the first business card I’ve received that’s not shamelessly plated in gold.”

Truly. Jin had met plenty of investors and politicians who seemed to think the more flashy, the better, but if anything, it showed the truth to their character. Ridiculous as it might sound, he could glean a lot from one’s business card, or the cut of their earrings, or the material in their dress. And he could tell that Korre was everything he’d believed her to be—a sweet, modest princess with an overflowing heart.

Compassion, he thought. A dangerous quality to have when it comes to politics. Would she survive to her next term? Jin almost hoped so. She certainly didn’t lack for spine.

“It’s unfortunate that our negotiations are coming to an end already,” Jin continued bleakly. “But I am grateful for your support in this matter. The people of Fondor will be forever in your debt, and I will personally see to it that you receive those corvettes at the earliest opportunity.” He tucked the card into his breast pocket and, by her leave, escorted her toward the end of the conservatory.

“I know you are a busy woman, Korre. I will not keep you any longer. Just know that you are always welcome to visit the Palace of a Thousand Stars. Perhaps, one day, you could even meet my mother, Queen Letyi. Though I’m afraid she is quite… abrasive.” Jin laughed softly, even if it wasn’t a joke. The Jade Queen was known often to have noblemen stripped of their titles or exiled from court with the slightest offense.

@lizziie

 

[Korre Belasi]

"It is! I like the sound they make when I tap them," Korre would answer. If she were being honest, she never had considered plating a business card in gold. It seemed like a waste of money when she could have many more made in aluminum for the price of a singular gold-plated one. The aluminum was more durable as well. Anything could be plated in gold, Korre supposed, but not everything had reason to be. A microscope, for example, had no business being so shiny.

"Again, please send her my regards." Korre would give Jin a bow of her head before she turned to exit. "And to you, I extend the same as well. If you are ever near Belasco--and you don't mind going through the screenings--" Korre would smile and shake her head. "I would love to show you around the city."

With that, Korre would make her leave. She had yet another proposal to present the Belascan parliament with, so she would get right to work.

/ thread end

tag: @Feng Mian