Ask Hapes What Have We Done?

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

The opulence of the palace surrounded the Queen Mother. Her fingers drumming on the arm of her throne. Her Chume’doro at anxious attention. She held a glass of Corellia’s finest…perhaps the last glass she would ever taste. Charlotte’s attention fixed on the large holo screen. The scenes of the Imperial Assault playing out before her. The tension in the room was palpable. She hardly considered herself plugged in but she thought Draugr might warn her so that she could prepare the proper response. That was annoying. Her greater concern was the sheer stupidity of the assault.

The ISC was staunchly neutral. Yavin had fallen, the Jedi were scrambling which left the Free Worlds on the edge of collapse. It would have been a simple thing to wait them out before consuming the Republic. Finally, giving the Empire the strength to route the ISC. This…this made no sense. It left them vulnerable. Her vulnerable. Charlotte didn’t like that.

The First Blade had reveled Celeste was not the Free World advocate she claimed. Of course, neither was Charlotte. She needed to know who to trust or at least who wouldn’t immediately stab her in the back. She had invited her fellow Senator to the Royal Palace in hopes of finding out just how worried she needed to be. Once the Celeste arrived, Charlotte would remain sitting, waving towards the small bar off to the side. Pointing her drink at the screen.

“It seems the galaxy has lost its mind again, Senator.” She clicked her tongue. They were in a dangerous position.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

She had literally spent a whole bunch of senate sessions with the Hapan Queen Mother with both of them in the roles of FWA senators. While Charlotte had always been rather straightforward and direct in her pursuits - she remembered well how she had been one of the first to question the absence of a role of centralized power in the FWA - she had only met the other woman via holomeetings. She assumed that if they had ever gotten the chance to physically meet in person, she would have realized that the two were much more alike than she had first thought earlier. Now, the extremely interesting news had been delivered by Darth Draugr, and while Celeste had first only raised an eyebrow in disbelief, she had reflected about the Queen Mother's behavior from a different perspective and couldn't deny that it did make sense...

Well, now the two blondes both had leverage and found themselves in a very spicy situation...While Celeste was presumably missing and the senator's whereabouts were completely unknown, Charlotte still held her double agent position and so Celeste was extremely curios about this in-person meeting. It was her first time visiting the Hapes Consortium and she was even surpised by the fact that Charlotte had basically invited her right into her home. She wasn't too concerned about her motives as she knew that Draugr was involved in this all somehow, so that she was not actually tense while she walked through the impressive halls of the Royal Palace. She was led right towards the Queen Mother who was obviously awaiting her patiently and a smirk immediately crossed her lips. It was not that Charlotte got to see that as her face was hidden behind a mask for safety reasons, but she would be able to tell that Celeste was in a rather good mood. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person, your Highness" she politely greeted the other woman with a slight, respectful, all perfectly acted inclination of her head before her gaze flicked over to the large screen. Of course she had heard the news and she was constantly following them, wondering how this chaos would all play out. "Again? To me it sometimes seems like an endless continuation. It seems like the Killiks are already forgotten with those new wars". Hadn't there been an incident with the NR and the rogue admiral as well? Tensions were everywhere and the two women actually knew a lot about tension. ''Can we speak freely?' she telepathically added, wondering about how she handled this whole situation and who actually knew about this dangerous game she was playing as well.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

“Leave us.” Her words cracked in the air. The Chume’doro dutifully retreating from the throne room. Charlotte stood and pressed a pearl on her throne. The security video and audio feeds cut, her personal encryption springing up. “We can. I daresay the Empress herself can’t hear us now.” She swirled the whiskey in her glass. Flowing down the steps to stand on equal ground with Celeste. She took another drink as her eyes were drawn back to the holo. The brown liquor warming her throat. “This is different.” She could feel it in her core.

“I wield a great deal of influence and power outside the Empire." Charlotte gestured around them. The Queen Mother was growing political Force. “But I am not so stupid to forget my place. When I left, we were still called Marauders.” Andruil had changed all of that. Far after Charlotte was ruling the Consortium. “I am a piece on the board. An important piece…yet a piece, nonetheless. The Sith Lords could snap me like a twig.” An uncomfortable reality. The power of Hapes was all that protected her standing. “Still, I would have expected to be told of something like this.” She pointed her glass at the holoscreen.

“What good am I if our response is not coordinated? The attack has begun, and I have heard nothing but silence.” She clicked her tongue again. “It doesn’t make sense. Why provoke the ISC now? Why do it in secret?” Charlotte’s tongue clicked yet again. A nasty habit. A nervous habit. “I am alone here Celeste. Less than a handful know the truth of me. Andruil, Draugr, Aadya…you. Isolated should things turn sour.” Her hand tightened on her glass. Her careful control threatening to crack. “Something is not right. I just don’t know what.” She turned to look at the screen again. A bloodbath. The losses on both sides would be tremendous. What the fuck was the point?

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Right as Celeste had expressed those words, the Queen Mother reacted. Within a few moments, the throne room was getting emptied and soon the two women found themselves all alone in the vast, pompous halls. Celeste watched her get off the throne and walk down to meet her, a subtle hint of actual unease radiating off the Hapan Queen Mother. Normally, Charlotte was excellent at holding up her composure and Celeste knew all about that as well, but perhaps for the very first time ever, it seemed like the Sith was showing her real face. Well now that Celeste was in on her secret, a lot had changed. But not just for the way she was seeing Charlotte. Everything had changed for Celeste as well and so this meeting was perhaps indeed even more interesting than she could have ever imagined.

As Charlotte started acting genuinely, Celeste attentively glanced around before she took off her mask, now actually facing the other woman as well, her emotions held back for now, even if inside her there was actual surprise. She was not only surprised by what she said about how not even the Empress would be able to hear them, but also by openly she now spoke. She had considered the Queen Mother to remain someone who played her cards close to her chest, but no, she had been wrong. Was that actual despair that shone through the disbelief? Celeste kept her eyes on her, the golden flecks calmly mingling in the sea of light blue and teal. She slowly tilted her head to the side, pondering on her words for a moment and studying her open body language. She was tense, frustrated, perhaps even a little angry, but Celeste couldn't blame her. She, too, had been surprised by the sudden declaration of war and well, her rank hadn't be high enough to have saying in what happened on Corellia either.

"I understand your mixed feelings, Charlotte" she finally answered, a slightly sympathetic smile landing on her lips. "First of all, since we can finally talk like that, I've got to admit that I'm impressed by the power you wield" what she said was absolutely genuine. While Celeste was a master of charades and deceptions, she had no reason to play a role here. "This...sudden developments have me worried as well. The ISC is someone not to be underestimated like...ever, and I too feel like this move might have been a mistake, or at least not a fully calculated move". She was not saying the Empress was doing some arbitrary games of power, but the timing somehow seemed off. There would be open criticism of the Empire once again and what if both great governments would harm themselves enough to be left vulnerable for the Killik? "So I agree. I'm left with many questions". She was not questioning her own loyalty towards the Empire at all, but she was really hoping to be enlightened about the actual reasons behind this unexpected move.

She stepped a little closer as she was realizing that Charlotte was getting increasingly emotional. She hadn't known who was in on her double identity, yet she understood why she felt like this. Celeste found herself in a very dangerous, complicated position as well and so she could absolutely relate. "You are not alone though" she calmly placed a hand on the other woman's arm, locking eyes with her, "With Hapes in the FWA, you're the one that's making the decisions for your whole Consortium. I expect all member states to remain neutral for now and while we cannot fully assess the situation, we should stay calm and watch. It might be hard to lean back and observe, but it seems like there is nothing we can do for now. Perhaps we'll get more explanation and undertpstand why and why now in particular, but I'm afraid for now we need to wait...". Perhaps it was slightly soothing that Charlotte was indeed someone who was similar to her and many regards, but she also wanted to calm her right now. As unsatisfying as this all was, they had to be clever about that.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Charlotte was extraordinarily careful to hide herself in the Force. Her mental walls never dropped. Her Force signature pressed deep below the surface. She did not dare touch the Darkside in mixed company. Today was different. They were alone. Safe in the seat of her power. Celeste’s mask came down and Charlotte further lowered hers. The Force rushing to meet her. Ah. She fed her worst impulses to the ever hungry maw of the Darkness. The two women did not know each other well but they shared an understand from the roles they played. Besides, she was so very alone.

A broad smile did spread across her face. “Oh, you wield your position with equal skill. I thought for sure I’d have to kill you.” The Queen Mother laughed. “Something to scare the Free Worlds into handing me the keys.” She shrugged. “Life might be a little easier now.” She began to walk around the room. Her heels clicking on the marble.

“What I hate is watching. Waiting to be told when to jump…what to do.” The was a sharp edge in her voice. “I am a good solider but this…” She motioned at herself and the throne. “Is not an act. This is who I am with a few bits and pieces carefully hidden.” Charlotte’s eyes flashed for a moment. “Tell me Celeste, do I strike you as the type who very much enjoys watching and waiting.” It ground her gears to no end. “I know it’s wise advice. The right thing to do even…but fuck…it’s infuriating.” Her head snapped around. “Who can we even trust within the Empire?” She would not be some sacrificial lamb. Fed to the ISC if the war tumbled sideways.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

It was truly interesting to see how much Charlotte had changed now that there was so facade to hold up or composure to maintain. It was not even just the Queen Mother's demeanor, but also her presence within the Force that was suddenly so vividly perceivable. Celeste felt how the temperature changed once the cold set it. She had gotten so used to the icy darkness and that insatiable hunger inside her for more. The Queen Mother was no royal Highness right now, two women were no politicians in this very moment. In a way, they returned to their very roots, the very cores of their nature while they allowed themselves to thrive unhingedly in the Dark and be the Sith they were. The facade that was so carefully constructed could be laid down for a while and Celeste usually felt an oddly pleased in those moments as there were no games necessary.

"Kill me? That's amusing indeed. I was already considering organizing an unfortunate accident as well" she admitted, joining in on her laughter. It was no lie. She had watched the Queen Mother's power and influence grow and it had obviously worried her, but it was good to finally know that their lives and ambitions were so smiliar and that the two powerful woman were actually fighting on the same side and this truly made it easier. Or were their motifs even aligned? Charlotte made a few good points and Celeste had noticed some tension in the ranks of the Sith and the Empire...different sides started to emerge, seemingly growing more distinct each day and this recent attack was probably just adding more tensions.

"I believe you" she immediately stated when Charlotte revealed that she hated waiting. The Queen Mother obviously lacked patience and she was the directed, perhaps even aggressive type. Celeste made a few steps forward to one of the curtains and let the soft fabric run through her fingers, her gaze not leaving Charlotte though. "No, absolutely not and I can understand your frustration. I even share it to some extent. When I came back, I was put on a tight, short leash. I've worked my way up again and everything is find now, but I am still not fully able to do all the things I'd want. I'm used to lead, I'm used to manage things and I don't like giving up control, but this war might now be getting out of control. It doesn't seem like diplomacy might still help and yes, the FWA might get pulled into that, but this is not our time to act. We're not in such a position. We need to wait for orders...".

Celeste had learnt a lot in the last year. As feisty and driven as she usually was, she listened to the superiors and she'd have to adapt to the current situation regardless of how much she disliked that. What did slightly worry her though was that Charlotte was questioning whom to trust. She could fully relate, but she would try to avoid getting caught inbetween different fronts at all cost. What made the Empire so strong was that unity, just like the unity between the Sith and the Imperials. What made it strong was how everyone tried to work towards the shared goal, but even Celeste began doubting whether everyone was working towards the same goals right now..."That question is probably impossible to answer for now. We should definitely be careful, that's for sure. As much as I despise waiting around as well, we don't get to choose for now". She let out a slight sigh before she walked over to the other Champion. "But know that you're not alone. We do share a lot and I'm pleased that we finally get the chance for an honest exchange". She softly smiled at her, slightly tilting her head to the side. "I bet you're busy with ruling the Consortium anyway and I guess it's also safe to say that the Hapan Fleet is strong and your system is safe". She still understood her concerns, but despite having the strong Hapan Consortium, she also had backup and support from different areas.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Her sharp intake of breath echoed in the chamber. “Cautious counsel.” Charlotte’s fingers drummed on her glass. “The Consortium is time consuming. Much like our other lives, my life is constantly in danger.” A harsh but vibrant piece of Hapan politics. “Our fleet remains unrivaled in the system. Commenor has only made us stronger…but a prize remains.” A toothy grin flashed on her features. “I want Onderon badly. I am so close I can practically feel the jungle humidity.” Charlotte’s hand tightened on her glass again. “Fucking Jedi always sticking their nose where it doesn’t belong.” They were driving her mad. The Jedi and their little princess.

“But I suppose that is a concern for another day.” Her heels continued to click on the floor as she walked. “I don’t know where the future is going to take us. I do see the Empire changing.” Charlotte turned to looked at her counterpart again. “I am a Sith, Celeste. There was a time that meant something. Andruil herself, before she was even on the Council, put me on this path.” Even Stolas had endorsed her adventure into Free World space. “Now, the Empire is a bureaucracy. Andruil believed in something…in the Darkness.” She shook her head. Dangerously close to a line they both knew she shouldn’t cross.

“I’m not sure I recognize what I am serving.” The First Blade seemed reasonable enough. Yet, she could not shake the feeling he wasn’t like the others. The Imperial Council had once been stocked with the greatest terrors in the galaxy. Andruil, Stolas, Raze, Art…now well Raze remained a horror…Trelain by all accounts should be feared…but it was not the same. Whatever had happened when Stolas and Art died had wounded their order. She was uncertain that strength would ever return.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

The constant clicking of her heels resounded through the grand hall while the other woman kept pacing restlessly. It wasn't hard to tell that her despair was genuine and that it seemed like Celeste's visit had been necessary and about time. It was always good to know whom to trust and their shared backgrounds and interests brought them both to a different level of mutal understanding.

She listened to what Charlotte explained and also noticed that urge to add Onderon to her considerable collection of Consortium planets. Onderon was an interesting choice though, as the planet had been contested terriority before. The Jedi had defended it so that the Empire has to withdraw, but it had been a severe loss. Onderon was indeed a planet of economic strength and a valuable economy, so she understood Charlotte's point, but if she would push too hard, suspicions could technically rise. "It was a pity we've lost and that the invasion failed...it still left Onderon vulnerable with the death of this pink rascal and the King...I'm sorry you couldn't win them over yet" she let out a slight sigh and rolled her eyes over what she said about the Jedi, but there was nothing more she could add. They were a nuisance and always interfering when they weren't even in the position to actually do so. "Have you considered charming the King with more than your pretty face?" Celeste raised an eyebrow, referring to possibly waiting for an appropriate moment to sneak in some additional persuasion with the Force. Celeste herself loved such easy tricks if needed.

However then the conversation quickly shifted into dangerous territory again and for that she had to ponder on her words for a moment, before she offered her a reply. "We serve the darkness, don't we? And our Empire. Yes...there was definitely change and change is still on the horizon as well, but you and me both are not just Sith. We've gotten into positions that require us as politicians as well...as leaders, too". They were both used to playing games and toying with alleged allies, but in the end the answer was at hand, wasn't it? But she understood how Charlotte wasn't fully sure whether this was still her Empire. "It still sounds like the two of us could need a little timeout to re-center ourselves...perhaps to grow as well". Would she accept such a suggestion? Celeste had learnt that once she had gotten in contact with the dark side again, she had felt her true purpose. She had fed it deep within her and she had expanded her powers and it had felt great. Maybe that would bring the Queen Mother to different thoughts as well. "If your time allows it, what would you say to going on a little expedition?" Expedition was hardly a fitting term. Celeste wanted to explore something truly dark.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Charlotte’s pacing slowed. Her tongue darting out across her lips. “Weylin will be mine in time.” She pushed her hands down her sides. “He is a man after all…and I’m much more than a pretty face.” The Queen Mother knew she treaded on thin ice but Celeste did not dismiss her offhand. In fact, the other woman seemed to understand better than most. Charlotte had almost forgotten what it felt like to speak plainly. An utterly alien feeling.

“A…time…out.” She had never considered such an opportunity might arise again. She was used to training alone. Locked away in her rooms were there the risk of discovery was minimal. Charlotte did take the odd chance away from Hapes but they were rare…and dangerous. “I’d say yes.” She was not just ruler of the Hapes Consortium. She was a faithful servant of the Darkness. That was a piece of herself she could not forget.

“What did you have in mind?” Trust…something she did not really possess. However, today felt like a day for chances. To change a course that she was rapidly disliking. This could be the change in direction.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Celeste's lips immediately curled into a smirk as Charlotte described what she expected of King Weylin. Obviously, Celeste was informed about the newest events and she had at least some information about Weylin. He was...well fit at least, but otherwise old and not her type, but this was obviously not about attractions. It was a step that would aid Charlotte, a necessary business to commence. "Oh yeah...he will be one lucky man for sure". While Celeste didn't know whether Charlotte would just arrange the marriage and be done with it, or even planned on pursuing long term oriented goals like even considering succession, didn't matter for now. It was a fact that the Queen Mother was obviously desired on the market and that the muscular best-ager would, if he was clever, accept whatever she was offering. The Hapes Consortium was thriving and Onderon would make a fine collection after all.

But this was a concern for another time. Celeste could sense how Charlotte was not only lonely and a little antsy, but perhaps even a little desperate. The prospect of getting caught inbetween the war was not a nice one and she additionally questioned whom to trust. It had a few reasons that Celeste suggested the change of scenery, most importantly was that Charlotte would manage to realign herself once again. "Far away. Undercover. You can tell your court your taking a little break or just say nothing at all if that's possible. We hop to some remote planet far away, where no one knows our faces and we let the Force lead us. We serve the dark side and it will surely guide us". She didn't have a specific planet in mind, but actually a whole bunch of them. There were already known worlds that either buzzed with the dark, or worlds that had once offered a nexus of the dark side that was now, however, in need of restoration. She had done that before and she remembered well how great it had felt, so why not?

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Could she trust Celeste? No. She barely knew the woman and their heritage did not breed trust. But she did want to get the fuck out of the palace. She felt trapped and the longer that feeling festered, the greater chance she’d do something dumb.

Charlotte needed release. She knew it. “Let’s go.” Her eyes flicked back to the holo. “I have a proxy who can stand in my place for a few days. A good enough fake only my Chume’Doro will know.” She actually had several but no need to share that tidbit. They were a necessity in her line of work.

“Lead the way, Senator.” She winked, having already relayed the instructions to her Royal Guard. They would quickly get her decoy in place so that her absence would go unnoticed. A few days away would be just what she needed.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Celeste could feel the doubts within the Queen Mother and she actually couldn't blame her. It was their first time interacting as what they really were and they both knew about each other's nature, so those were obviously not the best conditions for a fair base of trust. Yet, she had also seen how desperate she was.

Even desperate to leave this Palace for a while and maybe try a change of scenery. She was tempted. She could see that too, and as she finally agreed, a smirk crossed her lips. Celeste didn't have any ill intentions as she was actually believing that the two of them could potentially get along really well, as they were simply so much alike. "Good" she replied, her voice betraying a hint of satisfaction as she began walking. "We're headed to Dromund Kaas" she disclosed, throwing her a gaze over her shoulder. "I believe we might find something there what we could both be looking for". A chance to recenter, maybe, or simply a little escape. Celeste would lead her to her ship, actually surprised by how easy she could slip away unnoticed. It was a good thing, as this was keeping matters easier and she was actually looking forward to getting to know the other woman better.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Dromund Kaas. “It has been some time since I’ve returned to Imperial space.” Charlotte followed after Celeste. “You have a spare mask?” A small smile on her lips. The woman’s ship was easily found and their escape even easier. Her palace staff was accustomed to her absences. Any good ruler needed time to blow off steam.

They ensured she was unbothered while taking those opportunities. Her momentary jaunt would go unnoticed. “How exactly did you end up returning to the Order?” She clicked her tongue. “You certainly had me fooled.” And she felt all the dumber for it. Couldn’t sense a Sith standing right in front of her.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

The two women made their way towards Celeste shuttle and after setting the coordinates and advising the pilot droid, she led Charlotte into the lounge area. She then instructed the service droid to fetch them some wine before she gracefully let herself down on one of the couches. "Of course. I'll provide you with the necessary disguise as long as we need it". Celeste was very cautious with each and every step she took for as long as she would have to play those games and so she was always prepared.

Charlotte seemed curious about how she had gotten back to the Sith and as Celeste didn't mind sharing the story with the woman who shared a similar fate, she leaned back and took one of the glasses the droid offered now. "I regretted I've ever left...all I did was wasting potential, but trying to suppress the dark side in order to focus on politics...but it was bullshit". The Dark side was inevitable. Inescapable. It was sheer power and now that she finally let it all in, she was feeling so much stronger, so much better.

She simply couldn't help but to chukle though as she mentioned she had her fooled. "Well, your Highness, all the same applies to you". Charlotte had mastered that art as well and she commanded an impressive Consortium as the Queen Mother. "It's simply impressive how you are capable to fool the strongest force within the FWA without anyone noticing a single thing. I can only imagine how exhausting that must be, yet you're doing a great job".

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Charlotte shrugged. “It has been difficult.” She couldn’t stop the sigh. “It was all so simple at first.” So many years ago, now. “My lovely mother sold me to Sith as a child. I served faithfully for more than a decade. I never dreamed of going home.” Those years as a Marauder trying to climb the ladder were burned into her memory.

“The night Stolas challenged Malacia I found myself faced with Andruil…when she was still a Sith Lord, not even yet on the Council.” That same night she’d spent with Aadya. “She set me on this path. I came home, killed my parents, took control of my house, and rest followed.” It had taken a very long time for her to claim the throne. A path coated in blood. For a brief moment, she missed Cairo.

“It was easy enough back then. I swore a blood oath to Andruil. I took my orders from her and served faithfully.” She shrugged again. “There has been no clear path since she left.” Charlotte turned to look more closely at Celeste. “I don’t regret leaving…I do regret not finding a way to come home.” She leaned back as her mind wandered. “Although, I’m uncertain there is home to go back to.” The Empire had changed so much. She hardly recognized her place in it. Perhaps it was better this way. The woman she was lost. Hapes demanded so much of her attention. Maybe it was time to accept she could not go home.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Celeste listened to her story with genuine interest, actually curious and now perhaps even more intrigued as she heard the whole, true story. "I see...things are always getting more complicated..". There was so much happening and Anaris was on a dangerous course. Charlotte was right about the lack of a clear course. Tensions were raising more rapidly each day and it was out of their control.

She had always taken the Queen for a steadfast, strong leader, yet she seemed entirely vulnerable now. While she appreciated her honesty and openness, she wondered how long it would take for her to break. She had a reputation to uphold, finding herself in a very vital position, yet she voiced that she was getting desperate. Celeste couldn't fully blame her as things didn't look good, yet they couldn't afford any weakness. That was exactly this little break was needed. Dromund Kaas would make her focus again. But one question she rose kept echoing through her mind.

Home. What even was home? In the face of the constant, rapid changes it was easy to get lost, yet the dark side they served was at least there to guide them. "I understand what you mean though...We do share a lot. That's why you're still not alone". It was only a mild encouragement, yet maybe it offered some comfort. Her gaze lingered on the Queen, gaze meeting hers.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Hmmmm. She nodded…slowly. Keeping her eyes on Celeste. “It seems I am not.” Charlotte stretched her neck from side to side. “My people are much like our Order. I rule through unquestioned strength with an eye always on my back.” Her eyes hardened for a moment. “Any hint of weakness and they will pull me down.” It had made her a careful woman. An isolated woman. Her ascent was bloody, and she ruled with absolution. Strength. But a piece of her was missing. The Darkness within her that required nourishment. She knew this was the path to a better future.

“Thank you.” Charlotte meant it…rarely…but she did here. “It has been a long time since I could tell even part of the truth to anyone.” Careful planning was the center of her world. It made for a lonely life.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

The things she said about Hapes confirmed a lot of what she had heard of it. She didn't envy her. As powerful as she was, she was a slave to her position, always forced to hold back like she had once been. She was not free to follow the dark side freely as she was now and she pitied her for it. Yet, she also had a point. She was securing all those assets by holding onto it and for as long as her true loyalties would lie with the Sith, it was a sacrifice that was at least partly valuable. For the Sith, not for her though. But that was why this break was much needed. "Do you ever get time alone?" she curiosly asked her, tilting her head to the other side as she remembered well how exhausting it had been to suppress those inner urges.

A soft smile crossed her lips as she still held her gaze. The other woman seemed more relaxed and genuinely grateful, which was a gesture she had never seen from the Queen Mother before, but then again, their relationship had drastically changed as all cards were finally open. "It definitely feels good to get it off the chest for once". Both rarely ever got such chances, so they might as well embrace it. Through hyperspace, their journey wouldn't be super long, but they still had a few hours to kill. "Feel free to use the ship to your hearts content by the way. If you feel like taking a bath, we've got enough water". As soon as they'd land on Dromund Kaas, they'd get going, so if Charlotte wanted to relax without having the whole Consortium pressing down on her neck, she'd better do it now.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Time alone? What exactly did that feel like? She could barely remember. “Some…when I’m away.” Rarely was she alone on Hapes. The risk was simply too great. Her Chume’doro were ever her faithful servants. Watching. Waiting for inevitable betrayal. No, she was never alone…that did little for her loneliness. Charlotte smiled as Celeste mentioned the ships supplies. “Thank you.” She nodded slightly and wondered off to find the tub. The searing hot water a welcome distraction.

Slowly, she let her mental walls down. A deep breath welcomed in the Force. The Darkside rising up to great her like an old friend. What was she to do? She had spent years carefully spinning her webs. Working tirelessly to control her environment. She answered to others but only a small few…she was the master of her life. Now that was in disarray. The Free World’s spun out of her control. The Empire was a mess. She did not know where to go from here. Charlotte knew only one thing. Power made you safe. It was more power she needed. No matter the cost…no matter the source.

The Darkness hummed in agreement. Smiling, she finally rose form the bathwater. Taking her time to dry her hair and dress for the occasion. In time, she moved to rejoin Celeste in the larger part of the vessel. “We must be close.” Her heart beat just a little faster in anticipation. She was ready for this. No no Charlotte. You need this.

@LadyRen

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Celeste's gaze remained on the Queen Mother as she seemed to ponder on her words. Her reply didn't sound convincing, but she wasn't going to push further. A faint smile crossed her lips at the thought that she'd at least have some time now. She watched her walked off while she kept sipping her drink, assuming she was going to relax and center herself before they'd be off and Celese intended to do the same.

She stayed in the common room and meditated after a while, time passing faster in this state of full concentration before she heard footsteps approaching. Charlotte seemed much more relaxed and despite not knowing the blonde well, she seemed more herself or at least more authentic. No appearance to keep up, no need to act differently or hide her real nature. She could let go and be one with the Force and let the darkness from within guide her.

Celeste opened her eyes and found Charlotte in a different attire. She still had to change herself, so as she rose with a smirk, she approached a shelf nearby and pulled out her uniform before she began changing right where she was. "Indeed. We'll enter the atmosphere in about 15 minutes". She didn't mind the other woman's presence ans amusedly added, "I'll hand you a mask in a second" a few seconds later right as she was slipping into the new pants.

@Valen Pelora