Rewatched TFA and TLJ and had this plot bunny doing somersaults in my head.
When certain types of stars collide, through the collision they either form a new, brighter star or a black hole. That was my inspiration for the title and the plot.
This is going to be a slow burn (not that slow though), a romance with a bit of space politics. I have no idea how space politics work but I just hope you don't either.
Disclaimer: Cover image is from WallpapersMug and not mine. Neither is Star Wars and everything related to it.
Set about 2 years before The Force Awakens
Outer Rim/ Unknown Regions
~o~
Kylo Ren
~o~
The planet that came into vision was small, green and blue. Kylo saw the flower meadows and rolling hills, the dark blue lakes and turquoise seas stretching underneath.
"Voltrea. Our new ally. Hopefully. If not… well, the universe can do without, I am certain."
Hux turned around.
"Bring us down."
The shuttle landed on a grass runway, and the landing was everything but smooth.
"Primitive...but it will do for now." Hux loved listening to himself. He loved belittling other planets. Perhaps the reason was his own dull home planet or perhaps he was just an insufferable bighead, whatever it was, Kylo had learnt not to listen. It made interactions much easier.
Why the Supreme Leader kept such a rabid cur in a position of power was beyond Ren's comrpehension but as long as the man was out of his way, he did not care. Ren had just returned from a mission with his fellow knights of the Ren and was already missing it. The Force, the fighting, the silent companions...all that was preferable to this. A diplomatic mission. With Hux. On a planet so far from the Core Worlds that it did not even deserve to be classified as Outer Rim. More like outer Outer Rim.
Ren left the ship with Hux and Captain Phasma, pleasantly silent compared to Hux. He sensed his loud tension and excitement and her quiet discomfort. She was always uncomfortable without blaster in hand.
Their arrival had not gone unnoticed of course. Their reception committee consisted of two women and three men, all dressed in the fashions of the planet. A meagre guard of perhaps fifty men accompanied them. Pitiful. If Ren had wanted to, he could have laid waste to this planet within seconds.
"What is the meaning of this?" The woman that walked in the middle was apparently furious. Furious and not unattractive. Ren felt a jolt of surprise and excitement go through the man standing on his left. Hux was always very susceptible to the obvious charms of attractive women.
Hux seized the opportunity to speak, to prove Ren wrong. The general had advocated diplomacy, not force, because of the considerable reputation Voltrea had as a peaceful and prosperous planet. Despite its location, it was well-known in the galaxy, the subject of fairy tales and dreams. Politically insignificant but very important economically. And an alliance with Voltrea would sway others to their side, insofar Hux was right.
"I take it you are the council of Voltrea. I am General Hux, these are Captain Phasma and Commander Ren. We are the leaders of the First Order." His nasal voice sounded too arrogant to be pleasant and Ren felt the irritation of the council members. The young woman in their middle had the strongest feelings.
"And what would the First Order want from Voltrea?" She had her hands on her hips now and Hux's gaze dropped to the curves her billowing dress tried to hide.
"We came to negotiate with you." He said to her hips and apparently, his comment infuriated her even further.
"You came to negotiate and yet, you did not see it fit to ask whether it is convenient for us?"
The woman's eyes were full of anger. Ren was more than annoyed. This woman said she wanted sugar and bows...but she would only respect strength. Hux's bootlicking would get them nowhere.
"Indeed, that was ill-done-" he started meekly, but Ren interrupted him.
"This is not supposed to be convenient for you." His modulated voice made the message sound even harsher and Ren could sense their fear. And the memory of someone who had once instilled terror in the galaxy. His grandfather.
"Is this the way the First Order treats potential allies?" The woman in the middle was scared too, but her fear was overshadowed by anger. Not boiling hot, not the kind of anger Ren knew so well. No, hers was cold and controlled.
"Perhaps we should take these talks to a different location." Hux suggested and to Ren's surprise, the young woman agreed.
A shuttle took them to the royal palace of Xanthos.
Voltrea was a planet in the Outer Rim, rich in resources and luxury goods but with a meagre human population due to their strict regulations. Other species lived here, less developed. Humans had come here only some ten generations ago. Instead of extinguishing those other species, they had domesticated many of them and created parks and zoos for their protection. Korra furs were amongst the most costly things in the universe because the Voltreen refused to kill these animals but instead, waited for their natural death and skinned them only then.
The enormous sapier tusks, that could be more than 7 feet long, were luxury goods and many old Arkanisian families took pride in their intricate statues made from the black and green material. But the Voltreen refused to kill these enormous beasts and had thereby limited the costly material which had made it even more costly.
Voltrea's wealth was visible wherever he looked. The city of Xanthos, the capital of Voltrea, was modern but had still retained an old-fashioned flair. Most imposing was the royal palace of Xanthos though. It was famed for its excellent architecture in the whole galaxy and many great buildings in the Core Worlds emulated its style.. The roofs were made of diamond glass, floors from marble and the walls from all sorts of gemstones and precious metals. The room they were led to had emerald and brushed silver walls and a black marble floor.
The room was furnished with a long black table and a number of comfortable chairs. At the far end of the table, the young woman sat down on a throne-like armchair. Kylo had suspected it because of her bearing and pride but Hux had not, apparently, for he went red as a beetroot.
"Your Grace-" he started stumbling, but the Queen only made an inviting gesture:
"Please, sit down." She waited.
"I am Queen Roxena Zalderion of Voltrea. These are the Honourable Lady Isidore, and the Lords Paffrey, Domion and Ferres." They each bowed in turn.
"You said you have come to negotiate. I am waiting."
Hux had still not recovered from the embarrassment judging by the colour of his cheeks but he spoke anyway.
"Your Grace." He bowed. "The First Order offers the Voltreen a very special partnership. We have dire need of the resources you can offer, of the support of a planet as significant to the galactic trade as Voltrea-" Don't talk about what we need, talk about what we'll take...and what they can hope to receive in return. Kylo found the General insufferable. Apparently, the Queen agreed.
"And what do you offer?" Her eyes were cool and now he saw that they were a greyish green, not like the gemstone on the walls, more like the seas on Chandrila. Blue would have made for a more intense gaze.
"Well, we offer peace." Hux smiled. Too meek. The threat was too subtle, his whole demeanour still too ingratiating to be taken seriously. A threat was best brought across sternly or not at all.
"And I thought we already had that. I wasn't aware this peace was threatened." Her smile was dangerous. "If I had cause to suspect you of trying to blackmail us...well, Voltrea has a defence pact with five other planets, all dwarfing us in size and manpower. But I am certain you never meant to insinuate that our galactic peace is threatened, General Hux."
As Ren had foreseen. She did not fear them. She was playing with the general like a cat with a mouse.
"Well, this was a lovely conversation." The Queen sat on her chair as if she was bored. "I fear that we cannot accept exploitation on our planet but if we can be of assistance in any other way, do let us know. The guards will show you to your ship-"
The Supreme Leader had suggested diplomacy, so despite his own reluctance, Ren spoke up to save the deal.
"Have you ever heard about Alderaan?" His modulated voice sounded bored.
The reaction of the lords present was remarkable. One went red as a setting sun, the other two pale as snow. The matronly woman gasped, only the Queen showed no outward reaction. Inside her though… Ah, she can lose control then. That was good to know.
"The destruction of Alderaan was a crime against humanity." Her voice was cool and her outward demeanour contrasted her inner storm. "And they were not prepared for war. We are." She tried to appear unimpressed but her face was tense.
"Are you?" Ren asked and his tone was mocking. Hux was not at all pleased that the knight was raining on his parade but it was his own fault. Kylo had tried, he had given him the chance to get it right himself...but the General had failed. This woman was no Coruscant businessman.
"What are you suggesting?" The Queen had risen from her chair. "Why don't you take your mask off, Sir. I will not make a deal with a faceless creature."
Who does she think she is to speak to me like that? Kylo did not even try to suppress the anger that welled up in him. She presumed too much. He was not Hux and he was not to be toyed with.
The Queen of Voltrea was pressed against the back of her chair by nothing but air, it seemed, her fingers clutched her throat and her nails left red trails on the white skin. Ren watched her face go from pale to pink to red, felt her fear, her desperation. And her rage, no longer cool and controlled but boiling hot.
"I think Her Grace has understood, Ren." Hux seemed to be under the impression that Kylo was his combat dog that could be released and leashed at his will. He was mistaken. Kylo had not lost control, quite the contrary. At the moment, he was in complete control.
"Have you?" He asked the Queen, knowing that she would hear his voice not only with her ears.
"Yes." There was not much left of her voice but what remained still sounded defiant.
Ah, a fighter. They always made for a good sport. And Ren was bored spitless on the Finalizer so perhaps this mission, as futile as it was, would prove a welcome distraction.
Hux tried to save his face with a threat but again, it was too wordy, too long, he was too intent to appear formidable.
"A warning, Your Grace: Should you try and call your allies for help, they will soon find that the First Order has little patience. We need Voltrea….but we do not need the other planets. And the First Order has the means to destroy what we do not need, should it cause any inconvenience." Well, great, you blustering oaf. Now she knows for sure that we are interception their communication.
On her chair, the woman had regained her composure but inside, she was still shaken.
"I must ask you to leave now while my council and I discuss your suggestions. Quite frankly, I am appalled by your methods. As I said, our guards will escort you back to your shuttle. We await your return in four days."
Ren understood that she had to demonstrate strength. His lesson had left her pride hurt and her furious. But he had no doubts that in four days, she would either be so foolish and declare war on them… or agree to their terms. Whom was she trying to fool? There was no way out.
~o~
Roxena
~o~
It looked grim. That much she was willing to admit. But she would not give up. Her people's safety was what had to concern her most now, not her pride.
Roxena summoned the council, all 49 members, to decide in this matter but they could not make the situation any easier. There was one last ray of hope...
"Councillor Todd." The plump man rose ponderously from his chair.
"I want to contact General Organa. Please make the necessary arrangements."
The old man seemed confused.
"But, Your Grace. Leia Organa is the leader of the Resistance."
No, really? I never knew.
"I am aware of that, Councillor. Yet it seems the Resistance is our only hope."
She would not drag their allies into this. Alderaan was still fresh in the memory of the galaxy and in all truth, Xena feared betrayal from her allies. The First Order did not make empty threats, although the Republic was unaware. Here, outside of the Core Worlds, the war had already begun and the First Order had more support here than anywhere else. For centuries, Voltrea had been too far away from all other planets to care, for centuries they had stayed neutral in every conflict.
Nowadays, they still were. Most of their deals and arrangements with other planets were either trade or non-aggression pacts. But this policy that Xena had already tried to mitigate in the last four years had also left them isolated. They could not hope for help from the Republic. They were too busy sipping apricot wine and telling each other how well everything had worked out. Neither could they hope for help from other planets. The protection pact with some other worlds she had mentioned to the First Order officials was no more than a paper shield. She doubted they would ever come to their rescue against a foe as powerful as the First Order. In fact, it was more likely that some of the surrounding planets would join the First Order, hoping to get their share of Voltrea's wealth.
Voltrea had excellent shields and defensive weapons but the First Order was far more advanced in warfare technology. No, if Leia could not help her, she would have to accept the terms of the Order and hope that she saved her people's lives that way.
"Shall I contact the General via the secret line, Your Grace?"
Xena's face fell. He wasn't joking. Oh, stars, this one is not the brightest lightsaber in the galaxy.
"If you want the First Order to listen to every word, why not? In case you actually want a secret conversation, I advise you to use the outdated communication devices that will not appear on their scan. The HoloComm or the Vista Line."
She had no idea why this man had been elected.
"As you say, Your Grace." He bowed and left the room with a red face.
"I will make this call in my study. Please, help yourself to refreshments in my absence and consider our options."
The council rose for their Queen. In the privacy of her study, she reached out to General Organa.
The hologram that appeared was unstable but the voice connection was acceptable.
"Xena. What is the matter?" It was always good to hear Leia's voice.
"Leia. I am sorry to to disturb you but I see no other way. The First Order has been so kind to pay us a visit. They offer us peace in return for goods and resources. Metals for their ships, gemstones and furs to buy senior politicians. Although I think what they want most is the allegiance of Voltrea. We have neither the means nor the manpower to oppose them...And their senior commander kindly reminded us of Alderaan's fate."
Alderaan had been the General's home planet. While her own councillors might not understand Xena's position, she was sure Leia would.
"Which Commander?"
Her friend sounded tense.
"Ren. The one that pretends to be Darth Vader." Xena rubbed her throat where the creature had choked her.
Leia lowered her head. "You ask me for military help. I can give you what I have."
That did not sound promising.
"But you would not advise me to oppose them."
"I try to win over new allies, but alas, that is an excruciatingly slow process. The Resistance is small, our numbers are not sufficient to defend a planet against the Order. The Republic will conveniently forget about your existence. The planets of the Outer Rim are just not important enough. And the Empire has still many followers there that will come to the Order's aid. You love your home and you love your people."
"And to protect them, I have to do what is best for them and not what is right."
It went against her own pride, her own convictions. But Voltrea was not in the position that Alderaan had been. They were isolated. And even the prosperous, well-connected Alderaan had fallen to the Dark Side. Voltrea would follow if they opposed the Order, no doubt.
"I thank you for your counsel."
"I thank you for your trust." Leia smiled. "And you must try to see the positive: Having them so close might prove an advantage. You will no doubt get to know what they are planning."
Xena had to smile at that. Leia always saw a light in the dark, no matter how hopeless the situation was.
The Queen returned to her council soon after and laid out her words carefully:
"The Resistance does not have the means to support us. Our allies have not replied to our attempts to get in touch. The Republic has ignored our plea for help as well. We are completely isolated. As I see it, we have two options: War with the First Order against all odds, hoping that someone will come to our aid." She paused, allowing her councillors to weigh their options. "Or we comply and thereby further the First Order's cause but save our people."
Xena had already made her decision.
"Please, cast your vote."
The councillors entered their decision in the datatabs.
And their decision did not please their Queen.
"Only 52% of you would decide to save our planet. Only 52% of you were willing to sacrifice their personal values and beliefs, to sacrifice pride and honour in order to save their people. I am more than disappointed. The well-being of our people is our first priority, of utmost importance."
"Your Grace, forgive me." councillor Linn had risen from her chair. "We all agree with you, no doubt. And yet, by supporting the First Order, we doom the galaxy. We should oppose the Order for the greater good." The greater good.
"And by starting war? We all know that the Republic will not help us. Our allies fear the old Empire and the First Order. We cannot expect any help at all. Starting a war is not only suicide and genocide of our own people. It also enables the First Order to take what they want without consequences."
Councillor Linn sat down again. She did not approve but she saw that the Queen was right.
"The galaxy is already doomed. The First Order will rise high, will destroy the Republic. We have alerted them to the danger but they chose not to listen. It is no longer in our hands...But with the Order on our planet, we might be able to dictate certain terms. Terms on which we now must agree."
It was a long, tedious session that took until the small hours of the morning. Tired and worn out but relatively content, Xena went to bed that night.
~o~
four days later
~o~
"General Hux. It is my pleasure to receive you on friendly terms this time. I hope from now on, there will be no room for hostility in our close partnership." Xena's eyes darted to Commander Ren, as did Hux's.
"No. We value your friendship, Your Grace."
Xena led them into the great reception hall where a cold buffet had been prepared.
"We are a peaceful people. We need you to assure us that no harm will come to the people and creatures that inhabit this planet. We will accept no poaching or exploitation."
Xena smiled. "The mines are of primary interest to you, I think."
"Indeed." Hux sat down opposite her.
"Well, you have our leave to mine some of our most precious metals. In return…"
She paused and allowed Hux a glimpse at her low neckline.
"We demand the right to stay independent. We do not want to be part of an Empire. Instead, we would prefer a trade union and a non-aggression pact. We want the support and protection of the First Order without being swallowed by it alive."
Hux's eyes darted from her face to her chest and then back up again.
"I am certain the Supreme Leader will agree to your terms. Of course the non-aggression pact is bilateral."
"Of course. Well, we have set up a contract but there is time to discuss that later. Please, help yourself."
It was a ridiculous scene. Captain Phasma and Commander Ren sat at the table, their masks on, and touched neither food nor drink. They did not even speak. Xena sensed discomfort on the Captain's side, annoyance and boredom on the Commander's. Only the General seemed to enjoy himself. A social mammal. Bred for these kind of interactions. He was neither self-conscious nor honest, the perfect politician. He oozed self-confidence and a sense of entitlement. Xena found him unbearably arrogant but she laughed at his jokes and shared some gossip with him.
She saw his eyes darting through the hall, from one valuable to the next. A greedy, grasping fellow as well. Statues of all kings and queens of Voltrea lined the walls, and at the far end, the first human on Voltrea, Zed Zalderian, the Peacemaker. It had been him that had chosen coexistence over war. The centaurs had given them a rough time at the beginning, so had the sapiers and the phlox. But now the centaurs had made peace with them, the sapiers lived in the protection parks they had built and humans were riding domesticated phlox, huge black cat-like creatures with long manes that could outrun some spaceships. The phlox were a part of the official coat of arms of the royal family of Voltrea.
After the ridiculous meal, Xena led her guests to the conference chamber where the contract had been prepared.
"I will need your signatures." She smiled as she presented them the datatab.
They scrolled through the many articles of the contract that stated exactly how much metal, minerals and stones they were allowed to mine, what Voltrea was ready to offer and what they expected in return.
"The Supreme Lea-"
"Forgive me, General. I was under the impression that you are the leaders of the Order. If there is an authority above you, should he not be negotiating with me instead of you?"
The General went red as a beetroot, a colour that clashed terribly with his ginger hair.
"We have full authority to negotiate a deal with you, Your Grace."
"I need him to sign too. Only then is this deal valid." Xena was no fool and bureaucracy was a maze.
"As you wish. We will also need an operational base on this planet. Our main military base is located elsewhere but it would be far more convenient-"
And the whole galaxy will know that wealthy Voltrea is in bed with the Order.
"Of course. For your troopers and mechanics, the subterranean barracks near the mines will be sufficient. You will also find room for your shuttles there.
I would be honoured if you accepted my offer to reside here in the palace for the time of your stay. There is a wing for foreign diplomats, you will find it to your taste, I hope."
Hux agreed and the other two Commanders said nothing.
"Will all of you stay here?" Hopefully, those two bucketheads will return to that flying monstrocity.
"Captain Phasma has to oversee the training of our troopers and will therefore return to the ship. Commander Ren and I thank you for your hospitality."
Oh, stars. The Darth Vader copy sent shivers down her spine, in all truth. As Queen and politician, Xena had met many unagreeable and frightening men. But never had there be someone like him. His silence made her insecure and his mask made it impossible to read him. And there was of course the Force that frightened her in all honesty. She did not know what this creature was capable of and she hated being ignorant. He was not one to be underestimated, however. So she chose a respectful tone for her final request:
"Commander, I would prefer to see your face. Should allies not be able to look each other in the eye?"
She stared at the black mask, somewhere where she assumed his eyes were.
"I am not your ally, queen." His modulated voice was full of disdain.
"Commander Ren exists outside of the military structure of the Order. He is Commander but not a part of the system. He is the leader of the knights of the Ren, a group that sympathises with the Order."
A group that emulates the Sith Lords. Xena had heard of them. Force users. For her, the Force had belonged to the world of tales...until that masked creature had choked her with it. Yes, that had made it very real.
At least that meant that she would not have to see Ren frequently.
"Ah."
Xena did not attempt to talk to the Commander again and was overly pleased when they finally left.
The diplomats' wing was far away from her own private quarters and had a separate entry. She would hopefully not meet the Order's officials very often.
Hux was an unpleasant fellow but at least he was predictable. Xena knew what it took to sway this man to her side. He was hungry for admiration, recognition, approval. A few remarks about his efforts and engagement, his success and strategy, a smile here, a touch there, and he would be hers.
The Commander on the other hand...Well, at least he and Hux did not get on. That was something she could use, hopefully.
Please review if you find the time. I appreciate both praise and constructive criticism! Thank you for reading.