Martinis and Massacres

[Nicolás Cormond]

Coruscant was the seat of the Republic Senate, where its grand rotunda stood high and the glass spires that housed each worldly representative rose defiantly into the sky. But there was something else about Chandrila, about its stormless seas, its rolling hills, its cities that stretched across the shore with meticulous design. The world was a perfect blend of Alderaan and Coruscant, but without the awful pollution and threat of corruption. If Nicolás had to choose which world within the Core was best suited to retain the Senate, it was this one. After all, many Senators often flocked to Chandrila when looking to escape the cramped confines of Coruscant, either to hold charity funds or to discuss with one another. Today was one such day, this time between political heartthrobs Nicolás Cormond and Kurt Greyson.

Unlike Nicolás’ previous meetings, which maintained a lowbrow and discreet approach, his talk with Senator Greyson was more public. Of course, it was not purely to send the media or their individual fan clubs into a frenzy. The Senator of Brentaal made certain to keep his discussion with the Senator of Balmorra, a world riddled with a war between the Exiles, the Jedi to the Republic and the Cartel, in light. In doing so, Nicolás could maintain a name for himself: that he actually cared about the problems that now plagued the galaxy. While he, in fact, cared nothing more than for his own selfish desires. At least if he met with Senator Greyson, he could still paint that image for himself.

Other reasons also came into play, however. Nicolás had been connecting with a slew of other politicians, from the Senator of Empress Teta to Arkania to Atrisia, his influence on the Senate grew with every passing day. And hopefully by the end of this one, he would leave with yet another ally and friend on his side. Especially in a Senate this vast, Nicolás required allies to bolster his own power and provide him the help he needed if he ever wanted to retake Brentaal from his ignorant father. He might have been of House Cormond, one of the greatest noble houses in the Core, but his appointment as Senator and pseudo-exile from his own homeworld left the young man’s power base in tatters. He was desperate for aid no matter where it came from. Even if it was from a former actor and knew nothing of the Game.

Given both the casual and formal connotations of their meeting, Nicolás opted for a blazer, thin floral shorts and a buttoned down collar. Barefoot, the Senator stood under the shade of a martini bar perched on the shoreline. Several other strangers checkered the lounge as well as the coast. Ignoring the paparazzi lurking in the distance, the beach was neither too busy to be annoying or too empty to be creepy. A perfect balance. The view only added to the natural beauty around him, and all Nicolás needed now was the Senator to finally show up. The man wasn’t late, but he was simply impatient. Sipping martinis and staring at the sky blankly would eventually lose its luster. Nicolás needed some new entertainment to occupy his attention. Hopefully, Kurt would do.

@The Matt

 

[Kurt Greyson]

.

Kurt stepped out of the speeder with quick, deliberate movements. Paparazzi flocked around him, their cameras clicking relentlessly. Flash bounced off his black shades as he walked, striding at a brisk pace, toward the beach.

"Senator Greyson, what do you have to say about Senator Cormond?" click, click
"Is this a business meeting or just friendly hang-out?" click
"How do you respond to rumors that you and Senator Cormond are engaging in a romantic relationship?" click, click, click, click

They were relentless. Kurt walked past the crowd, which parted for him as he neared them. At the last question, he turned to the paparazzo that had asked, and winked, sliding his shades down the bridge of his nose so that his eyes were visible. That sent the reporters into a frenzy, and he left the boardwalk with a smile on his face. There would surely be some interesting tabloid titles in the days to come.

The fine sand felt delightful, partly because of its quality, but also because Kurt hadn't seen the beach in months. With movies and campaigning, the young Senator hadn't been able to go on an outing like this in a long time. He likely wouldn't have been able to for a few more weeks, but he'd gotten the idea of an ocean-side meeting a few days ago when he'd gotten in touch with Nicolas. Not only was it a good, relaxing place to discuss, but it would also provide both of them some publicity, which never hurt. Having someone eavesdrop was also less likely than in a cantina; the waves and wind would mask their voices well.

If it had been up to him, he would've brought a beach ball and sun screen, but despite the meeting's friendly tone, there would be no beach activities today. Rather than showing up in a swim-suit, he was wearing a floral button-up and khaki shorts, which was casual enough to not make him look out of place. He took off his shades and hung them at his collar once he neared the other Senator; he'd only brought them to shield his eyes from the camera flash, and the sun was in the clouds now.

"Senator Cormond - a pleasure to meet you!" he said, walking toward the man with his hand outstretched for a handshake.

Kurt noticed a bar to their right, only a few meters away, where he could also get a martini before they began their walk. "Mind if we stop by that bar so I can get a drink as well?" he asked, nodding his head toward it.

@Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

At last, there he was. Finished with his interview, having escaped the surrounding flash of cameras, Senator Greyson finally stood before him. Nicolás, curious as always, eyed the man up. He had seen several of his films and interviews before, more so just to evaluate the man as either a friend or foe. But he found it hard to differentiate the man from those very flicks. He was as suave and clean-cut as he was in the movies and the media, a feat hard to accomplish for any ordinary bureaucrat. Of course, Kurt was no ordinary politician. As a former actor, he no doubt knew how to put up a pretty face and a charming smile, just as he did now. Even so, Nicolás found it hard to see right through him, and was instantly drawn in the moment he introduced himself and extended his hand. A hand he gladly accepted.

“Please, Senator Greyson. The pleasure is all mine.” He answered, fingers tight, before slipping back to his side. His eyes soon followed after Kurt’s, this time to the martini bar Nicolás had been waiting beside not too long ago. While he didn’t know whether or not the drinks were worth having, the laughter and satisfied grins from other patrons inside was enough to convince him it was at least worth trying out. The drink would also help to loosen each other up— their minds, of course. Nicolás was anxious enough as it was just thinking about meeting Senator Greyson, especially after what he heard of him, so a heady martini would do some good to wash that away. “Well, of course. No reason not to.” He turned to the other man, smiled, and shuffled toward the waiting bartender.

With a nod, Nicolás beckoned to the man behind the counter. “Bone-dry martini. Straight gin. Garnish with twisted lemon, please.” The drink was elaborate and classy, but the other Senator knew his drinks, it was also the strongest cocktail one could get. While Nicolás wasn’t looking to find himself on another planet with no pants and half his savings, he wasn’t looking for some weak cocktail either. Given his many long nights of drinking and partying, from Brentaal to Coruscant, his tolerance for alcohol was far above the ordinary, especially for a politician. Ordering the martini also gave him a nice ego boost, knowing the Senator would likely order a little something on the fragile side. Still, he couldn’t underestimate the other man just yet. He had met with enough Senators to know otherwise.

Placing several credits on the counter as the bartender made him his drink, he gestured to Kurt beside him. “And a drink for whatever this fine gentleman wants, if you could.” The barman nodded, glancing to the other man to see what he wanted. Nicolás, after all, wasn’t one to make his own guests pay. He might be an asshole, but he was still one suave and swanky asshole.

@The Matt

 

[Kurt Greyson]

.

"Please, call me Kurt."

Nicolas gave off a welcoming, if not intimidating, aura. He seemed nice, although Kurt could not quite read the man as properly as he'd like. Perhaps, with time, he'd be able to come to a conclusion, but for now he would allow first impressions to shape his opinion.

The two made their way to the bar at a relaxed pace, although there was not much room for conversation as they walked. Kurt chose to look around instead, admiring the landscape. The bar they were about to enter had a sort of tribal vibe to it, its walls made of tree trunks and its inner walls covered in masks. Outside, two torches were placed outside the entrance, one on each side, although they were unlit.

Inside, the bar was filled with laughter and small chatter, just enough to make the Senator feel less awkward. He suspected a drink would have the same effect. Nicolas' knowledge of martinis surprised Kurt a bit, although someone that knew the Bretnaalian better would find it normal. He'd heard that the Senator liked to party, but the extent to which he did was a mystery.

"Let me get a stirred, wet martini. Tequila with a hint of lemon and garnished with lime." The order flowed out smoothly, and while Kurt sort of knew what he was talking about, he really was doing his best not to sound ignorant. He hadn't spent much time experimenting or educating himself on the topic of martinis (he preferred wine), but he knew bits and pieces that he'd heard at beach parties. He had drank a decent amount of tequila before, and although he was pretty tolerant to it, he wanted the martini as distilled as possible; he hated the taste and burning sensation.

As the drinks arrived, Kurt grabbed his and made for the door. It was too nice outside to spend the day cooped up in a bar, and he kind of wanted to stretch his legs as it is.

Once the two were outside, the meeting could finally begin, and Kurt opened. "Now, I wish this meeting could be all sunshine and ocean waves, but we do have some less upbeat matters to discuss," he said, holding the martini in his right hand and gesticulating with his left. From a distance, some might assume they were talking about last night's pod race. "What do you make of the recent broadcast?"

Kurt knew Nicolas would understand what broadcast. It had been publicized a few days ago and sent everyone reeling. It was still a hot topic on everyone's mind, so its relevance was unquestionable.

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

It looked like they were moving onto first names now. Good. Nicolás knew the best way to build a lasting alliance was to also fashion a lasting friendship. Loyalty was most found in attachment. Although the young man could not say if Kurt could be seduced to his side, like several of the female Senators had met before today, that didn’t mean he couldn’t foster a sense of respect between the two. Especially with cameras watching afar, a casual walk on the beach and martinis in hand, Nicolás knew he could persuade the other man into an agreement. Still, he needed to tread carefully. Not because the beach was littered with crabs, but their conversation was like traversing a minefield.

Surely, each held their own differing opinions and views. From the Hutt Cartel, the Exiles, the Jedi, or even fellow Senators. Nicolás could not alienate Kurt with his own sentiment. Of course, he didn’t want to kiss ass and claw at his feet. The young man would just have to use his words carefully. A feat not hard to accomplish. Already, he had his perceptive smirk in place across an understanding nod of his head. “Ah, yes. And here I was hoping I could walk along the shores of the Silver Sea drinking to my heart’s content while admiring the view.” He took a sip from his martini and glanced over to the Kurt. Whether he was referring to the man or the vivid horizon beyond him was completely up for interpretation. Rakish as he might be, there were politics to discuss and bridges to build.

The Exile broadcast. Trite propaganda. Nothing more than an attempt by a dying faction to foster sympathy. Nicolás found it pathetic, but still, it was a clever move. One he might come to respect, if it wasn’t so blatantly desperate. “But yes, the broadcast.” One finger traced along the cusp of his drink, as if he was reflecting on the man’s question for a moment. He had to keep a neutral stance, nothing to depict him as too weak or submissive, but neither too headstrong and obnoxious. Of course, there was also the fact that Kurt represented Balmorra, a world now plagued in a three-way war. Perhaps he could use that to his own advantage. Because a moment later, he already knew what to say.

“The Exiles are not like their predecessors. Not because they haven’t started a crazed invasion against the Republic— but they smarter, more cunning. The war taught them much. Their broadcast was not made to garner support for their cause. It was to cast doubt into the Senate as we deliberate on what to make of the Jedi. They seek to divide us, because we are only stronger when united together.” He eyed Senator Greyson, an obvious indication of what Nicolás wanted: an alliance, together. Still, he continued. “Even now, this non-aggression pact they have put forward is, in my opinion, a distraction. They are looking to stall the Republic from entering the war because they fear us. As it should be.”

Nicolás took another sip from his martini. “But this former Jedi who now leads them, the girl calling herself Andraste. I can’t say for sure if her intentions are good or not. Maybe the pact will bring lasting peace. Maybe not. But I do know the Exiles cannot be trusted so easily. As I’m sure you agree, Kurt?” He turned to the man and smiled. “What about you? What do you think about this whole Exile mess? Their broadcast, the non-aggression pact, this Andraste?” He kept his focus on the other man. Now that his answer was made, it was time for him to ask the questions. And with it, Nicolás would gauge Kurt’s own opinions and capitalize upon them. Just as intended.

@The Matt

 

[Kurt Greyson]

.

Aha, so there was where their differences began. Kurt, before the broadcast, had assumed a completely neutral stance on the war and, by extension, the two Jedi factions. And yet, after that circus, it was slowly becoming clearer and clearer that this was not a threat to ignore. They could not simply sweep it under the carpet and pretend it wasn't happening. That was, after all, what the Republic had done last time, until the Exiles started biting into the Inner Rim.

"I do agree that our trust is not to hand out so easily. And yet, what harm could the non-aggression pact bring? Should we refuse to sign it, we'll clearly be forced into the war. Should we accept, we can remain neutral and continue the rebuilding process. Our military is in no shape to fight." Truth be told, they barely even had one. "The broadcast was horrific. But it's also even more reason to sign the pact. I don't know about you, but I simply can't imagine our troops fight against those things. Lightsabers were barely effective against them, and I don't want to find out if our mass-produced blasters fare any better. We can sign the pact and spend the small time we get to rebuild our military. Maybe the Exiles will violate it. But when they do, we'll be ready. And if they don't? Even better." The Senator eyed the waves. "As for Andraste, I'm not sure what to make of her. Sure, she's a good diplomat, and her will to work with the Republic is unlike anything we've seen from the Exiles, but she did begin her ascent by killing a Jedi Councilor in a fit of emotion. We have no way of knowing whether one day she'll have another and attack us. But, we will surely face her wrath at some point either way if we refuse to stay neutral."

Kurt took a decently sized sip of martini to wet his throat. "Last war was devastating. Denying a non-aggression pact may very well come back to bite us in the ass. "

He hadn't let Nicolas' low-key offering of an alliance go over his head. But before anything, he needed to know that the man was honest and would back him up when needed. Kurt wanted a friend as much as the next guy, but he also hated fake friends.

He also knew that he had divulged a decent amount of information regarding his opinion, but it was not anything that he wasn't willing to say in front of the press.

@Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

Nicolás was a gambling man. By a high stakes table on Canto Bight to a betting race in the Coruscant underworld, he was always wagering on the best choice, the greatest potential for success. With his conversation, he had wagered Kurt Greyson would be the type to despise the Exiles, much like the rest of the Senate. Especially since his own world was under siege by the Cartel and the Warlord who called himself the Eternal, Nicolás assumed his words might hit home. But for once, he was wrong. Kurt preached a different message, one of peace and prosperity and puerility. He was one of those kind of politicians. Still, the Senator of Brentaal remained unfazed, and only nodded in agreement at what he said. He couldn’t allow that mistake to widen the gap between them.

“You bring up a fair point.” He admitted, head inclined at an angle with acknowledgement before he sipped from his martini. The waves washed across the shore, its white froth reaching close to each man. “Maybe this non-aggression pact will give the Republic the chance to build and revitalize its dying military complex. Our fleets and armies are still quite powerful, but they’re just a shadow of the past. If these Exiles are really a threat to the Core, then they need to be put in check.” A pause. “Still, there’s nothing saying that not signing the pact will immediately plunge us into war. If anything, not signing will leave us flexible on which side to support.”

“There’s also the matter of Prakith itself. With the Exiles’ temple demolished, they are cast out from the Core and are now scattered over the Outer-Rim. They’re just looking to buy time with this non-aggression pact and build up their own forces too. Even now, I hear rumors of that Andraste bringing the other Warlord’s to heel. And a united Exile front would make a dangerous and powerful rival, just like a united Republic.” He took another sip. His head was starting to feel a little buzzed, but nothing that could throw off his train of thought. He was a tolerant man, with both alcohol and with words— most of the time. But Nicolás very well knew this subject of Exiles was rather touchy. Perhaps something Kurt could agree on was a different threat. One just as powerful.

“But you’re right. A non-aggression pact with the Exiles couldn’t just give us time to rebuild our military and first line of defense, but we could focus our attention to another potential enemy. The Hutt Cartel.” He eyed the other Senator, looking to see how he felt on the subject. Nicolás was rather flexible with them anyway, so he figured the two could at least agree somewhere. “The Cartel’s influence across the galaxy is extensive. What do you think, Kurt? Are they a serious threat?” For the third time, he sipped from his glass. After all, it was hard to resist the taste when it laid right in front of him.

@The Matt

 

[Kurt Greyson]

.

Kurt nodded as Nicolas spoke, the two men walking side by side. It was true that the Exiles posed a great threat, even now while they were scattered around the Outer Rim. Yet, their troops were pulling out of Balmorra, perhaps permanently. This gesture of good faith was welcomed in Kurt's book, and it really was the most Andraste could do anyway. That, along with the footage of Jedi massacring younglings, was enough to at least get the Senator to consider the NAP more strongly. He was no naive, nor a push-over, but when presented with cold, hard facts, it would be close-minded and ignorant of him not to shift his opinion.

The Hutt Cartel came up, and Kurt already began piecing together phrases, even before Nicolas stopped talking. "Truth be told, I really can't say anything good about the Hutt Cartel. The word "Cartel" is literally in their name. They are nothing more than an amalgamation of criminals, organized under the Hutts. Whether they are a serious threat or not is a bit of a special case, because while they most certainly won't stage any large scale military invasions against us, it is clear that they are trying to spread their criminal empire into the Inner Rim. Each faction around us is its own threat, in its own way. The Jedi and the Exiles are obvious, the Cartel is a bit more stealthy, and even the Deucalians have the potential to become a problem. For that reason, entangling ourselves in alliances could prove cumbersome in the future. What if we get close to the Jedi, only to be attacked by the Exiles and the Cartel? Those two are big enough on their own, but their recent diplomatic relations are quite worrying." He sipped on the martini.

"We could benefit from isolationism, so long as we're left alone. Then again, I doubt the war will not reach us eventually, but we are bigger than the Jedi and the Exiles. Unlike them, we can't rebuild our armies in a few months. We need time. Staying out of their matters, even for a bit, will allow us to focus on capping the Cartel's rise in the Inner Rim as well." Kurt looked at Nicolas. "What are your thoughts on them?"

He knew all too well that many Senators were aligned with the Cartel, and he hoped his potential ally wasn't. Perhaps he should have chosen his words more carefully, although he wouldn't be wanting to become friends with a corrupt politician; if Nicolas took offense, so be it.

@Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

As Nicolás predicted, Kurt was no fan of the Cartel. Although it was no difficult prediction, given the fact that almost every Senator he had met during his various encounters all made their disgust for the Cartel very apparent. Which was reasonable, he knew. The Hutt’s were not to be trusted, and their criminal empire stretched across the whole galaxy. The spice trade plagued many worlds with crime and disease, the smuggling rings only tripled in size under their guidance, often mutilating planetary economies. Slave trafficking was at an all time high. The Cartel was a hive of scum and villainy, nothing more than the mud under a boot. But with every passing day, the muck grows larger, deeper. Soon, it would swallow the boot, the galaxy whole.

As a merchant on Brentaal, Nicolás had his fair share of dealings with the Cartel. The infamous trade guild there, along with House Cormond, had learned to deal with the Cartel. Not by desperately shutting them out like most worlds, a near impossible task, but they welcomed the Hutt’s. In doing so, Brentaal’s profits rose along with theirs. Investing and betting on ventures, much like the Cartel, had become commonplace across his world. Brentaal was perhaps the world closest to the Hutt’s, even if they were lightyears apart. Nicolás knew the Cartel well enough to understand the benefits of working with them, which he continued to do even as a Senator. But that didn’t mean he could support them openly. Or even privately. The Cartel was dangerous. The leverage they could dangle over one’s head could turn them into a puppet. And there was nothing worse to Nicolás than being pawn in the Game.

“Once again, you bring up a fair point.” He smiled, half of his martini now swirling around the glass. “The Cartel could be a very grave threat. Unlike the Exiles or the Jedi, they lurk in the shadows, hiding and waiting to strike. Like poison seeping into our veins. Back on Brentaal, my father benefited greatly from his dealings with the Cartel. So did many other nobles. But in time, I saw the leverage they could build over a man.” Nicolás glanced down into his drink. “I’ve seen the good that comes from an alliance with the Cartel too. But when I saw the bad?” He sighed. “It’s not worth it. The Hutt’s cannot be trusted. But my father didn’t see the same, so he sent me away. Shipped me off to Coruscant to represent the ‘interests of Brentaal.’ Yeah, right.”

He drank from his martini again. As he did, he realized that he may have spilled a little bit too much to the other man. Or had he? “Apologies, Senator. I— didn’t mean that. I’m sure you’re not here to hear me whine about my family name.” Nicolás glanced over to Kurt and managed a reassuring smile. “But yes, to answer your question: the Cartel is a risk we can no longer ignore. Perhaps the Exiles can wait.” In truth, Nicolás could have cared less about their non-aggression pact. He was just here to get Kurt on his side when he finally revealed his plan to oust his father and claim House Cormond, and Brentaal, for himself. Not that he’d know that— just yet.

@The Matt

 

[Kurt Greyson]

.

Kurt could see that Nicolas had gotten more up close and personal with the Cartel, and the man technically did just admit he - well, his family - had ties with the Hutts, although it did not seem like he was corrupt - at least not yet. He let go of a little personal information, something Kurt made a mental note to remember. He was not a cunning manipulator or anything, but he knew what to keep in his arsenal and what to forget. Perhaps in the future knowing about Nicolas' contempt toward his father would come in handy.

He'd drank most of the martini by now, a few sips left sloshing around. Sucking on the lemon gently, Kurt nodded as the sourness filled his mouth. "Perhaps the solution is simple - maybe all we need to do is increase security. But I would much rather get rid of one problem than create another. I haven't yet conversed with many other Senators, so I don't know what the overarching view on the Jedi is, but I've been scheduling meetings left and right to find out - and maybe sway some of our colleagues."

Kurt knew what this meeting had been getting at. "No allies yet, though. It wouldn't be something I'm not open to though."

He downed the rest of the martini and threw the lemon in a garbage can they were passing by. "How about you? In on any exclusive circles?"

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

So, Senator Greyson had yet to reach out to most of the other Senators. Good. It was exactly what he wanted. Not because it meant the other man could be easy to manipulate given little knowledge of the current political landscape. No, Kurt was too smart for that. In reality, Nicolás knew he could present himself as the opportunity to reach out to said Senators. He could be the network from which Kurt could rely on, and at the same time, the man could become apart of that growing net. That, and it gave the Senator of Brentaal the perfect opportunity to invite him to an upcoming gala he had planned. Not another bland charity ball, but a party yet to be unseen in Republic history. Lavish, lush, meteoric.

Nicolás smiled, further glad to hear the other man was open to allies, or at least, applications. But after his whole discussion with Kurt, he figured it would be an easy pass. He supposed he would just need the cherry on top, the icing on the cake, to persuade the man. While he had been hoping for his charm to wear him down and draw him in, Nicolás was still satisfied with wooing the Senator just with pure, unadulterated facts. Because he was right. The Cartel was a threat, even if he had done a couple backdoor dealings with them. The Jedi and the Exiles were, while untrustworthy, just a shadow compared to the looming figure of the Hutt’s. They had to be dealt with. And totally not because Nicolás was looking to tie loose strings. Not at all.

“I will admit that I am part of several inner circles within the Senate. No major political party yet, and neither a circle with any overarching opinions you might disagree with. But I have eyes and ears and allies everywhere. Helping hands that are always open to you too.” He winked, per usual, but nothing too risqué. He could already tell Kurt was not the type of man for that, even if he looked it— not like that would be stopping the media, who continued to lurk in the distance, from their shipping frenzy. “A Republic is, after all, best united. As is a Senator, because nobody should have to go in alone. Like I said, from one man to another, I’m here to help. A favor for a favor, you could say.”

He flashed his picture perfect teeth with another grin. “And don’t worry, I never ask for much. And I’m not trying to force this unexpected alliance onto you, Kurt. If you want to keep your distance, keep it.” Nicolás glanced down to his drink again before finishing it up, also draining the lemon himself. “I do have a gala planned in the coming weeks. I plan to invite the whole Senate, or at least, my personal contacts. You are more than welcome to join me there to see for yourself. To see if those ‘exclusive circles’ interest you. If not, no problem.” He raised his hands reassuringly. “Just a party.”

@The Matt

 

[Kurt Greyson]

.

Kurt could slowly see that he was not the only one who had read the purpose of this meeting. Senators almost never met up for no reason, and while it would certainly be pleasant to assume that the two men had organized a pleasant walk on the beach for no other reason than to enjoy the waves, it would also be ignorant. Kurt had no problem with this; he needed both connections and a circle to cling to on his way to the top. He would later be able to more properly maneuver through the underbelly of the Senate that way.

"Of course!" he replied when Nicolas emphasized a united Senate. "Especially in the face of all that's happening, a united Senate is precisely what we need." The Brentaalian continued, and Kurt listened earnestly, his glass now empty. "You can most certainly find me there," he added with a good-natured smile.

Kurt was more or less a member of a party, although partisan politics had not come into play yet, which he was grateful for. It was like a grace period for him to make connections and set himself up a safety net to fall back on if the whole party affiliation thing escalates into a scandal and blow up in his face, which tended to happen with things like that. Staying away from ideology and relying on making friends was a good idea if one was seeking re-election, although the Balmorran would be trying to mix dogma with pragmatism, if that was even possible.

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

Nicolás smiled at the other man’s reply. It was all he wanted, all he asked for. Of course, he knew the Senator could never refuse the opportunity of building himself a foundation of power and influence. Just like a foundation Nicolás had made now, a foundation that would only continue to grow. Brick by brick, step by step, the man moved toward the prize his eyes had been long set upon: House Cormond. His family had betrayed him, casually exiled him from Brentaal as their own powerless representative. But little did they know that Nicolás was not powerless. Never. With a few scraps, he could fashion himself a weapon. A knife to plunge deep into the heart of his father’s name. He will take not just his revenge, but Cormond along with Brentaal. All with the unknowing help of the Republic, of the Senate, and perhaps even Senator Greyson.

Not that his direct assistance mattered. Nicolás already had all the help he needed and wanted. The only thing left to do was to gather the other Senators around at another lavish party and convince them of the wrongs of his family, to persuade them onto his side for good. Kurt’s present opinion didn’t matter. Only his attendance. Because the Senator of Brentaal was beyond confident that so long as Kurt was at the ball, he would be swayed. Of course, he had to be careful. Such confidence and arrogance could mean his downfall. He needed to be careful— of wary eyes from either rival Senators like Aurora or his prying father, Ergo Cormond. If Nicolás wanted to get what he so desperately desired, he would just have to play his cards right. His career, his life, was on the line.

“Excellent!” The young man widened his grin, genuinely pleased. Then, he glanced down to his empty glass, as well as the other man’s, and nodded his head knowingly. “I guess this concludes our little meeting then? Damn.” He stopped and turned to face the man. The waves frothed along the shore, white streaks checkered the horizon, the sun began to settle into the sea. And, of course, in the distance, lurking paparazzi continued to flash their cameras, hoping for something juicy. But Nicolás simply took the man by his forearm, squeezed and shook. Like a handshake, but now between friends. Or at least, acquaintances. “Don’t be a stranger, Kurt.” He winked before sliding out from the lock. The media around them, needless to say, went into an indistinct frenzy, brief as it was. After all, Nicolás couldn’t help it. They were just starving for something to chew on.

With that, the Senator made his way back up the beach. Tossing his empty drink Into the hands of one curious journalist, he smiled for the cameras one more time before melting into the city nearby. There was so much to do— and a party to plan.

Thread End.​