Ask Knock Knock

[Victoria]

Gannaria had gone through a lot of turmoil in recent times, threats of war always seemed to loom on the horizon, and internal politics continued to pester the attention of Victoria. The planet had seen a significant uptick in crime since local gangs had firebombed the capital's police headquarters. Every sweep knocked out one, only for another to rise up in its place making keeping the peace quite difficult.

The galactic war raged on in the distance which had commanded a significant amount of her attention but still, the Consul had responsibilities back home to attend to. The latest information pack beeped and downloaded itself onto her datapad, yet another gang had sprouted up and was terrorizing suburbs in the outer quadrant of the city. While that wasn't particularly exciting on its own, news surrounding its leadership had caught her attention.

Another issue that lingered in the background was a corporate labour dispute between an industrial corporation and its workers in relation to its treatment of the latter. It was only natural for a business to seek to do the bare minimum that it had to, they thought, and no more whereas the employees would argue that they went above and beyond for little gain.

It was a complex mess and one that would probably disrupt local production for some time as the workers threatened to strike if their demands for better conditions were not met. The corporation likewise complained they would have to close the business if they were forced to acquiesce to these.

It was also not uncommon for foreign dignitaries to visit their fellow senators, but even Victoria was unsure of what to make of the Senator of Eshan. It wasn't exactly a secret that Gannaria had been facing a little difficulty following the most recent senate session, so she could assume that it was linked to that in some way. Nevertheless, Victoria would ensure that Miss Von Bell would be treated with all due respect and afforded a diplomatic space pad near one of the Consul's offices.

After she arrived, Victoria would politely dip her head and welcome the senator to her home. "Welcome Senator Von Bell, I do hope the trip was comfortable. Please follow me back to my office, I'm eager to hear from you."

@AsenMahawa

 

[Amelia von Bell]

Perhaps the major difference between Eshan and Gannaria was the troubles themselves. Certainly Amelia had her fair share of sorting out politics and meeting the expectations people had of her. However, unlike many Echani in their homeworld, Amelia wasn’t the sort to just meet their expectations. Instead the warrior did what she pledged to do and proceeded to do more. It was the reason why Amelia united the city states within Eshan either by conquest or diplomacy. More often than not it involved their ritualistic duels, but Amelia was rarely the one who suffered defeat.

The issues that Gannaria had were truthfully greater than what Amelia had to deal with. Sure, people had their concerns who weren’t shy from voicing, but at the end of the day they listened to Amelia. Whether it was through the display of strength, wit, or intelligence. Granted, none could deny her skill with the ritual brand. But the Senator’s arrival to Gannaria was not for those reasons. Rather than talking down Senator Victoria for her decision, Amelia was one to at least respect when someone chooses to take a stand despite all odds. The first thing they must do is to get Victoria’s people under control.

Amelia arrived at the designated landing pad with a HWK-290 Light Freighter. A ship that was piloted by none other than one of her trusted associates named Carkhal Worang. Even if this was a diplomatic venture it wouldn’t do well if Amelia went anywhere off world without an escort. Besides, Amelia was no fool. Considering if any word had gotten out that two senators met and any of them had enemies both hidden and visible. Someone ambitious enough would probably attempt to seize the opportunity to eliminate two birds with one stone.

Garbed in the dark silk garments that oddly blended with the shadow as she hardly made a sound with every step she made. The half sleeves that covered up to her elbow were compressed for comfort. Even the flat shoes blended with the dark fabrics under the layered skirt. Much to Carkhal’s suggestion, Amelia opted to go forth without a weapon. Knowing that she was equally as deadly with or without a weapon for that matter.

Walking down the ramp as Amelia with Carkhal three steps behind her, she was immediately greeted by the Senator Winterblaze. It was an expected formality, and yet Amelia found herself smiling to assure the Senator that all was well.

”The trip was uneventful.” She assured before the Senator looked over her shoulder to the escort.

”Wait here with the ship. I shall not be long.” Of course Carkhal’s lips parted like he was going to say something, but one look at Amelia’s eyes told him that she will not back down. So in the end he sighed before turning to tend to the ship. Amelia would of course follow after Senator Winterblaze as she looked off to the side. The tension was almost thicker than blood even from the intel she had received beforehand.

”Gannaria is much different than Eshan is. It is more… open.” Amelia complimented, or at least it was a dry compliment if nothing else.

@Xorism

 

[Victoria]

Victoria nodded as Amelia spoke, it was after all just standard diplomatic small talk between two fellow senators. It was the first time that the pair had actually been able to meet and the Consul fully intended to make use of her valuable time if she was so inclined to offer it. Fortunately, her schedule had enough space for them to have a decent chat before needing to actually get invested in the other problems.

"Open and vulnerable, I'm afraid. The people are still a bit restless and we're no powerhouse but progress is being made where it can be. Heck, a few years ago we barely even had ships to patrol the planet and now we've started the process to build them, or at least the smaller bunch." The FWA had spent a considerable amount of effort building up a number of interesting and powerful ship designs to the extent that even smaller worlds like Gannaria had worked diligently towards building their own native craft.

"Crime has always been a problem this far from the core, particularly because of spice and its associates but we do what we can. I am interested to hear about Eshan though and your future plans there, perhaps we can find a way to help each other out?" Victoria held a warm smile as they entered her office, with the Consul offering the pair a place to sit with a particularly splendid view of the city below.

@AsenMahawa

 

[Amelia von Bell]

It was understandably difficult for an underdeveloped planet to be lacking behind in getting a ship developed, not in the form of resources. It was a matter of maintaining order while production was underway. Whether it was the matter of economic issues, health, or simply morality related problems. It can be tricky to balance these things out while also ensuring their developments are proceeding as scheduled. Perhaps the main thing that was against Victoria was none other than time itself.

”It’s the small victories that can add up to achieving great success.” Amelia spoke as Senator Winterblaze mentioned the state of affairs. A brief summary without getting into the gritty details, but it was enough to solidify some of the reports about how the public resented their Senator. It was bad enough that they had people that detested the one person that represents them, and it was even worse that they openly declared their dissatisfaction with their leader. Those who would be too weak mentally would’ve given up long ago, and yet here did the Senator Winterblaze stand against the growing tide.

”Eshan is still developing of course, but with a small fleet of our own I’d say we’re making steady progress all around. The clans continue to support my decisions and it is largely thanks to them that I can leave Eshan for a brief period of time to settle other matters throughout the galaxy.” Granted this was one matter that Amelia probably shouldn’t get herself involved with. However, the main thing that Amelia had the advantage from Eshan was honor. Honor bound them to their word, and if anything they communicated their problems and worked together to solve said problems. Victoria on the other hand was lacking in allies.

”But first, I believe we should discuss what it is that you need.” To this did the Senator von Bell turn completely to Senator Winterblaze once they were within the office premises. Amelia was never the type to beat around the bush so to speak and was quite honest if truth be told. In truth, Amelia wanted to help Victoria regain her people’s trust, but not without gain on Amelia’s end. There was the matter of obtaining favor from a senator, but it was also a matter of coordinating their efforts to ensure they can potentially withstand the upcoming crisis. Given how far apart Eshan and Gannaria were, they could establish trade routes. Building trade transports was good and cheaper to maintain, but the biggest thing was the spice. The temptation once they get a taste of it could be intoxicating. Ruins their once brilliant minds, but Amelia will cross that bridge when it comes to it. If nothing else, Amelia had faith in her clans.

@Xorism

 

[Victoria]

The whirling noises from outside provided a comforting background noise to the conversation that was going on within the office. The Consul continued to nod along as Amelia spoke, there was something to appreciate about the woman wanting to cut to the chase, rather than babbling about in diplomatic speak in circles.

If there was one thing that could help secure her hold on Gannaria it would be to keep the peace within the capital and push back the gangs. Doing so would require a hard, but firm hand but also the grace and velvet glove that came with being a leader. Victoria wondered where Amelia might come into that part, which role she might find herself in, and whether she could excel in an area that was not her expertise.

"To be blunt, I have received intelligence that one of the newer gangs in the area has been shopping around for some heavier weaponry than any street gang would need. What I need is to avoid a war breaking out in the streets, hurting innocents and the guilty alike. My security forces can intercept the shipment, but the only problem is knowing which ship to follow. How would you solve this problem?"

@AsenMahawa