SW: Politics

   "You said you had intriguing news Axton?" Imperious was curious what her diplomat to the Order came back with. "Yes my Queen, overheard a particularly loud conversation between the Knight Warden and his council." Imperious frowned a bit with an eyebrow raised, "You know the way to trust doesn't exactly start with eavesdropping?" Imperious didn't feel right if she were to break Thexan's trust, a bit more personal of a feeling she couldn't explain then simply about two nations. Axton nodded, "I understand my Queen but it does not deal with policy or secrets, just something i believe you'll wish to hear." Imperious pondered on the matter for a moment and with a sigh she let her curiosity best her, waving for Axton to go ahead. "Here is how it went..."

    On Acre, the Order of the Eternal Throne's Homeworld, Axton was inside the Temple Palace of the Knight Warden. Waiting outside the council chambers to discuss policy and agreements with his two guards, Axton began to overhear from within, taking a few steps to hear clearly. Thexan was inside clearly discontent, "Is this matter why you drag me here? The majority believing of this importance to rip me from my duties?" One of the Council members, Bishops as their rank was, spoke, "We are simply wondering what is your angle with this Queen Imperious? To trust her so much, to give her secrets of ours." Thexan was growing livid, "So instead of seeing to the training of young brave new recruits who could use the advice of a Veteran to stay alive, my services were best used to defend my actions?"

   Thexan look to his council, among them a wise old Grand Peacekeeper, oldest of the Order who sat opposite from Thexan and was excluded from the conversation for the time being. Thexan continued, "We stand between the Imperial Remnants who will destroy whoever doesn't bend to them, the Republic who isn't happy with anyone with a shred of military might, and a untold list of pirates, slavers, and people wishing for peace and help. We need an ally, someone who we can shoulder the responsibility with." One of the bishops fired back, "By giving this Queen a bounty of gifts? By giving her secrets on our proud heavy armor, or soon access to our very Temples of Peacekeepers and Force Knowledge? Is this the act of a leader or someone who fancies this Queen?"

  Thexan paced back and forth as he tried to keep his composure, "What gifts she recieves comes from my pocket and my personal privacy. The knowledge our force users holds can provide a glimpse into our society, our people and provide us with knowledge as well. Are you so petty now that you fear losing power to her? That she managed to gain what your families spent years trying for power? I trust Queen Imperious, after our joint operation a few days ago, i now even trust her with my very life. She has proven herself, her brilliance, her dedication, and her people. She is one of us for all i care. So she shall receive my trust, our secrets, our ways as an equal for that is what we are. Equal rulers trying our best to provide for our people." The bishops sat silent, some ashamed of themselves. The Grand Peacekeeper finally spoke, a soft voice despite her venerable age, "More importantly, the question no one has asked you...what does she mean to you?" Thexan took a deep breath, calming himself. This woman held a great, deep rooted respect from Thexan and he would not wish to raise his voice to her. "I see her as much more then as a Queen. I understand her burdens, her responsibilities, and other emotions i can't explain. But i do know i can trust her with my life. That she wouldn't betray me and i the same to her."

  The old woman nodded her head, "Then i trust in your judgement Knight Warden. As always you have the utter support from the Peacekeepers." Thexan felt relieved that out of all the bishops and key people who helped run the Order, she vouched for him. "Thank you Grand Peacekeeper. It means a lot." Turning his attention back to the Bishops, Thexan spoke clear, "When the Diplomat arrives, he will be dealt with the utmost courtesy. If they wish for something of ours, trust in that they will offer something of equal value. Their Queen is giving just as much as asking, and if you try anything to destroy this trust or alliance, i will show you why i alone am given authority over this Order."

   "And that is all my Queen, their meeting adjourned after that." Imperious allowed the details to sink in, Thexan cared a lot more then she thought. It was surprising and warmed her heart knowing. "How did your meeting go?" She asked calmly. Axton informed her, "We've been given access to their scientist's research as we extend ours in our mass driver technology to them. Shipments of alloy from us are arranged in exchange for food. It was also expressed that the Knight Warden wishes to speak with you privately some time on sharing their techniques on animal nursery. Besides that I'll make sure to write up a formal report on the details." Imperious nodded, "Thank you, you are dismissed."

  Once Axton was gone, Imperious pondered on Thexan, touched by his defence of her, on how he felt of her. She soon received a message from him, "So if i were to erect a statue of you on Acre, what material would you want it made of and what should i focus on? Your breasts or bottom?" Imperious laughed as she thought about it for a moment, deciding to tease him, "Pure Gold, I'm willing to allow you to personally measure my curves and hips if you'd like." All she got back was, "Umm not necessary." Imperious giggled to herself, Thexan was definitely going to be a fun one to tease with she could tell. She also wondered quietly to herself how this will shape...