A/N: since I'm such good mood, wouldn't hurt to upload another chapter.
Enjoy.
There is no word for 'Hero' I: Blind in the Force
07.
The master plan
"Why are you here if you refuse to bend to our rules?"
"Because I don't sell my body for a job."
"So this is only a job for you?"
"A very well-paid one."
Memento and Constanz about his marriage. Three years ago.
Breakwater, Khunalis Prime. 255 Days ABG
"So, you told him everything?" the elegant man asked as he packed for his journey. Though he didn't say it out loud, his disapproval of Constanz decision hung in the air.
"Everything." The king confirmed and trimmed his pompous headdress with a comb.
"How did he take it?"
"Well, you have seen my injuries." Constanz added a finishing touch to his fake hair and jewellery that matched his crown and sat back down for a final adjustment to his make-up. He didn't like it at all but those disguises were necessary to protect his secret identity. Normally, he would just put on his helmet and become an anonymous bounty hunter, but at court other approaches were needed.
"But we poured our hearts out after you left." Constanz added.
"And?"
"He took it surprisingly well. I welcome his curiosity and his wit might be useful to me."
"Does he have an opinion on your war-planning?" Memento sneered.
"I think he considers me mad." Constanz shrugged and felt the extra weight on his shoulder and head.
"Hmm, I wonder why," Memento said under his breath. "Anything else?"
"Certainly. He is really worried about me." The king hesitated for a moment. "Ever since I told him, an aura of fear surrounds him."
"Sure it's about you?" Memento always had to point out the inconvenient and sometimes ugly truth.
"What do you mean?"
"He was a slave, Constanz," Memento said, pausing in his action. "His whole life might have been a struggle. Certainly he doesn't want to be dragged into another war."
"Who wants that…" Constanz said with a deep exhale. As he looked back into the mirror, he barely recognized himself.
"Apparently, you do." Memento spoke out what Constanz was thinking.
"Mereel…" the count muttered. "What is that name?"
"Don't know. There was a Mandalore with that name. Jaster Mereel. But I doubt any connection there. Could be from anywhere." Constanz thought loud. "I've noticed that. But he said that he was from Tattooien which I of course don't believe. But it's not a rare name in the Outer Rim."
"Do you trust him?" Memento asked again.
"To a certain degree." Constanz lied. That he didn't believe Mereel backstory didn't mean that Constanz didn't trust his husband. Although Constanz knew that he might have been too eager, he didn't regret his deeds. Mereel was his husband. And Constanz shouldn't keep a secret from his husband.
"But you trust me more." Memento's voice was traced with a hint of triumph. "That's why you're sending me away?"
"I don't like it but it's necessary."
"You have many other agents," Memento reminded him. "I could be more of use here."
"Unfortunately, none I trust as much as you," Constanz smiled at his brother in the mirror. "Besides, you know I can't be seen on Coruscant. That place is crawling over with Jedi and I'm wanted for five assassinations."
"I thought it was only three."
"Five," Constanz corrected. "I'm sentenced to death in three systems."
"How can you just say this so casually? It is serious."
"You'll get used to it," Constanz wanted to shrug but held back. He didn't want his headpiece to move out of place. Shifting it back and regaining the King's appearance might be too much for Constanz' patience.
"If that is your wish, I will go." Memento hinted a bow at the King in the mirror and went back to packing. "But be honest, you do not want to leave. You want to stay here your honey-pot."
"Stop calling him my honey-pot!" Constanz laughed. He could sense the retort on Memento's lips and said before his brother opened his mouth. "And if you call him my cream-pie I'll seriously considering banishing you."
"Uh… so edgy today," Memento teased and approached the king. He bent down to place his face next to Constanz' and smirked. "Didn't get enough wild warrior last night?"
"Memento!" Constanz tried not to laugh. "If you continue I'll ruin my painted face."
Memento laughed as well and placed a kiss on Constanz' headpiece. The king didn't feel anything though his giant wig but the gesture reached him just the same. He padded his brother on the hand and went back to business.
"Anyway," Memento said, the smile slowly fading from his lips. "What is my task in the galactic centre?"
"Later," Constanz nodded at Memento with a conspiratorial grin. "I have to arrange something first."
"Oh? That sounds promising. Just another question, why can you not dress in your own chambers? It is still occupied by another?"
"What's the matter with you today?" Constanz shook his head slightly in bewilderment. "Or, are you expecting lady visit?"
"Very funny."
With another wink, Constanz went back to his disguise. He wondered if Memento was right. Maybe he really didn't want to leave. Maybe he preferred to stay with his new husband? It was egoistic and true to a certain point.
Life became easier since Mereel knew about his secrets. It was a win on both sides. Constanz would sleep with clear conscience knowing that he didn't have to lie to his husband anymore, as Mereel didn't have to suffer the humiliation as a slave. Without his secret identity, Constanz could take Mereel anywhere. They even spent time in the royal chambers though none of them liked those facilities. But as the war-planning progressed, Constanz' spare time became valuable.
Being close to each other also provided Constanz with many other clues. He noticed that Mereel always paid extra attention when he spoke of the war. It made him speculate about Mereel's past and previous employments. Unlike Memento, Constanz was certain that Mereel hadn't had a life as a common scum. He was too well informed and too highly educated to be a wild child from Tattooien. Also, Mereel's body told another story. Slaves usually carried scars of wipes and vibro-blades. Mereel on the other hand was marked by blaster-holes and shrapnel. Even the way he fought indicated careful and intense training which could not be gained in the arena. Constanz though, that Mereel would rather suit as a veteran than a mercenary. Despite his young age.
He made a mental note to finally ask Mereel about it. He made this note several time before, but somehow every time his husband's lips touched his, Constanz forgot about his investigations.
His new husband was surprisingly interested in politics and military which confirmed Constanz suspicion about the veteran theses. It pleased him to see that his husband was a smart man and a quick learner. He had arranged lessons of Khunali structure and customs for Mereel so his husband could be prepared to the place on his side. Regardless what Memento though, Constanz was determinate to share his power with his husband.
But for most of the time, they didn't really talk about serious topics. They took long walks on the beach, speaking of sport speeder, tech and even history. They whirled in each other's arms and painted a vivid picture of their future once Constanz' reign was ended before they finally loved each other and fell asleep together.
Constanz loved his life right now.
"You are thinking of him again, are you not?" Memento's voice dragged Constanz out of his memory.
"How do you know?" He was surprised that his brother saw through him. Maybe Memento was developing force skills after all.
"You have a tell." The Count's answer disappointed him. "You always have this grin of your face when your thoughts are with him. Like you are seeing him covered in cream."
"Why does it sound so wrong?" Constanz' sighed heavily and felt his cheeks heat up with a blush.
As he stood up to check his appearance in the mirror, his blush couldn't be seen. He traced his own reflection and nodded with satisfaction. It wasn't Constanz anymore but the King of Khunalis. He felt heavy, buried under all his lush garment and accessories, and straightened his posture to his full height. He had decided that the king should have light blond hair like the most of the Acrimonias. In contrast to Constanz' bronzed skin, the King complexion was pale due to a life in prosperity. He was wearing dark iris lenses now. He had never considered his eyes as an advantage or status of heritage, only as a burden, a window to his true emotions.
Placing his hand under his garment, Constanz made sure that his lightsabers were concealed safely under it. He had learned to move in those unhandy robes but nonetheless, Constanz was always dressed battle-ready underneath. Maybe that was why he preferred rather wide robes in the first place. Thinking of it, he might have a kick for deceptions.
He turned back to Memento as he noticed in the mirror that his brother was observing with his tilted head.
"What?" he asked.
"I have been watching you." Memento started thoughtfully but faltered.
"Yes?"
"You have changed. You have become more… sensual. And emotional."
"I'm aware," Constanz said but had no explanation for it. "What is your point?"
"I wonder if it is good."
"Maybe it's just because I'm in love," Constanz said. Mereel's image filled his head and again, he couldn't hold back the found smile. "I… really love him."
Memento nodded and blinked absently. He briskly walked over to Constanz and caught his arm in a firm grip.
"Con," he said and his eyes pierced through the King. "It's dangerous to be in love with a man so much!"
"Memento!" Constanz snapped, tired of this conversation. "He is the One. He makes me happy!"
"I know," the noble replied. "It's just…. Do you know why our kings and queens are allowed to take two mates? A male and a female. It's an ancient tradition to prevent the supreme ruler from biding himself to a single person."
"What? Kings are not allowed to be monogamous?"
"You know what I'm talking about, be serious!"
"Yeah, yeah! I know, so the line of gods shall not be broken." Constanz recited with annoyance. He had learned that rule when he was crowned a few years ago. That regardless the situation, the king must have an heir. "But Memento, the force does not follow the rule of blood. She chose her children at will."
"I did not mean that," Memento said and paces the room with his hand on his chin. He looked like as if he was remembering something. "Con, listen. If we, those touched by the gods and by that I do not mean strong in the force as you call it. If we, blessed once, if we love a man too much and stay submissive in the relationship, our body will react to the demand of love."
"Say it in basic, please?"
"Your body will chance," Memento said and looked all the sudden embarrassed. "To fit the condition. You know, to carry on our blood."
Constanz burst out laughing. He couldn't believe that he was seriously having this conversation. Or that Memento actually believed those myths.
"You mean that I'll transform into a woman to womb a child!" His laughter went on louder. "You mean that I'll get pregnant!"
"Constanz, do not laugh about the truth."
"Sure! I'll be a good mother!" Constanz pressed his lips together and surprised his giggles. But eventually, he failed. "Please! Those are just stories! You know, to scare us so we won't only take one mate of our gender! So we can have children!"
"They are not just fairy tales, Con!" Memento stayed persistent. "It is in the records of our forefathers."
"Yeah, from hundreds of thousands of years ago!" Constanz snapped and dried the corner of his eyes carefully. "We have no proof! It's an empty warning that drives us into fear. Though our fear, we allow this legend to survive and gain weight."
"It is not only a mystical theory." Memento insisted. "It is dangerous."
"I would rather consider it a gift."
"Constanz, I have warned you. You must bed your wife."
"No." Constanz' laughter was gone at one. It's going to be one of those conversations!
"You kingdom is at danger as long as you are without heir!"
"Oh, don't worry about my heir."
"I know you have a ward. But he is not of your blood. Before you say anything I'm aware that you mandalorians don't care about blood. But we do. He is not touched. Do you want another king like your uncle for Khunalis?"
"My friend," Constanz said and placed a gloved hand on Memento's shoulder. "Just trust your King. This time he knows what he is doing. Now, come with me."
Although he didn't say so, his tone was clear enough for Memento to understand that this was the end of the conversation. Memento called it his King's tone. At one, the noble snapped back and bowed humbly.
"As you wish, Your Grace." Memento followed as Constanz left the room behind and walked down toward the great hall.
"What is your intention, Your Majesty?"
"You will see. I have thought about this for a while now. It is time to reveal it."
They stopped at a black door and Constanz nodded. Memento went forth and knocked exactly three times. The wings swung open and the king entered. The throne-hall seemed empty when it was not filled with nobles. Only a small gathering stood below the steps and their faint conversions died out as Constanz strutted towards his throne. He looked down at them and recognized every one present. They were all high-ranking aristocrats, born high enough to be in the King's presents without the veil. Though none of them had ever seen Constanz' face, the King still considered them highly dangerous.
In Constanz' peripheral site, he followed Memento's steps and smiled as he saw that his brother remained at Mereel's side. For the split of a second, his gaze met with Mereel's. He wanted to wink at his husband but suppressed it. With grace, Constanz nodded at his queen and sat down. His wife was as beautiful as ever. She sat elegantly in a smaller throne to his left and looked like a jewel in his treasury. A shame that he could never respond her devotion.
The one throne to his right was empty. For a moment, Constanz eyed it with sadness. He promised himself that one say, this place would be filled by the man he loved. That one day, Mereel would hold his hand from that spot and support him as his legal mate.
Constanz nodded to the crowd and the tension eased a little.
"My Lords and My Ladies," Constanz said loudly with his King's voice. "I have summoned you here today to solve the mystery about my heir."
A murmur went through the nobles. May faces lightened up and Constanz felt their bewilderment in the force. It amused him. The Queen's dress rustles as she shifted her weight in her small throne. She was just as surprised as all the others and mentally, Constanz congratulated himself. They thing I've finally slept with Menalis. Maybe, he enjoyed shocking the nobles just a little too much.
"Count Memento of house Acrimonia, Lord of Seegeto, please step forwards." Constanz demanded.
Memento, as shocked as all the others including Mereel, did as the King commanded. Though his movement didn't show his tension, he radiated anxiety inside the force. Memento stopped as he reached the slop of the stairs and bowed low.
"Count Memento, my brother." Again, a murmur went through the nobles. "Hereby, I name you the hand of the king and my rightful heir to the throne. Are you willing to carry this burden?" Constanz forced back a chuckle as he sensed Memento's shock. Maybe he had overdone it today.
Memento sank to one knee and his voice trembled as he spoke. "It is my honour, Your Majesty."
"Then rise, my brother, and take your rightful place at my side." Constanz made a gesture and pointed at the chair beside him reserved for the king's hand. This particular chair had stood empty for three years now after Constanz' removed the hand of his uncle. He hadn't needed a hand. But the perspective of govern a realm while fighting a war demanded people he could share his power with.
Slowly, Memento stood up and walked to his assigned place. He was so frightened and shattered he even missed the chance to give Constanz his usual disapproving, evil glare.
"You Majesty," came a voice from the crowd.
"Count Alectu Latus!" The Lord-speaker proclaimed.
Constanz sighed mentally but nodded. The young man that emerged from the small crowd looked so much like his father, Constanz could barely conjure any found thoughts about him. His slender face and blond hair was as annoying as his father's had been. But prejudice wasn't something Constanz could afford.
"Your Majesty, with all due respect, is this decision wise?" The blond man's voice was full of sneer. "For we all know that Count Memento's heritage is more than questionable."
"And what questions do you have, Count Latus?" Constanz replied. He seriously hoped that Memento wouldn't feel too offended.
"I dare not repeat them, Your Majesty, for the shame might be overwhelming for the Hand of the king." The meaning in Count Latus' voice was clear to the crowd. A low murmur again interrupted the silence and Constanz felt the mood in his brother shift.
"Are you calling my mother a liar, My Lord?" Memento made no effort to hide his anger. Constanz knew that Memento was offended easily of it came to the honour his lovely mother.
"No, My Lord." Latus replied with a very sweet voice. "I am merely calling her a whore."
Oh, Shab!
Indignation aroused among the nobles. Though Memento wasn't of high status before, the house of Seegeto was still popular.
"You dare?" Memento hissed.
"Well, My Lord, how else could you explain your existence?" Latus smirked.
"Enough." Constanz said calmly. Though Constanz didn't raise his tone, his dark voice still roared through the hall like thunder. "I do not tolerate such impudence in my hall. Count Latus, Memento Acrimonia is my brother and my hand. He speaks with my voice and act with my favour. You insult him, you insult me."
"Your Majesty, I beg your pardon. But without being rude…."
Constanz raised a hand to silence him. "Count Latus, already your father had strained my forbearance. I expect you not to follow in his footsteps. You may retrieve."
Count Latus bowed low and with anger inside him. He left the throne room without a further word. Many nobles turned to watch Latus leave in silence as Constanz didn't let the count out of his eyes until he disappeared in the distance. No one raised his voice again because everyone could sense that the King was not up to a discussion.
"My Love." The Queen shifted in her seat and spoke to Constanz with low voice. "I do not dare question the origin for you decision, but may I remind you that my Brother Ambrosio is your rightful heir."
"Ambrosio is my ward, not my heir. I had none, until now."
"My Love," the queen pleaded.
"My Lady, I appreciate your concern for your brother's future, but my decision is final." Constanz remarked politely to his Queen and turned to face all the others again. "My Lords and My Ladies, in Count Acrimonia's veins flows the blood of my father. The blood of our gods. He is as noble and honourable as I am. He will be the one to carry on the house of Acrimonia. I want you all to treat him as his title deserves him. As my heir and the hand of the king."
Again, Constanz used this certain final tone to end this discussion. "Good day, My Lady." He added and stood up.
As he walked back to his private entrance, Constanz caught Mereel's eyes and winked. His husband understood the hint and followed. Constanz was fully aware of his actions and smiled because everything was going as planned. When the three of them reached the chambers in the back, Constanz laughed.
"You' have summoned them all here just to tell then this?" Memento still looked pale. His shock was slowly transforming into anger and strangely, it amused Constanz.
"It was important, wasn't it?" Constanz snorted casually and pulled Mereel closer for a kiss. "Don't you like your new title?"
Constanz let himself fall into an armchair and pulled his annoying headpiece form his head. He scratched the back of his head through his dark hair and smiled. Mereel joined him and sat down on his armrest.
"You should have told me this before!" Memento snapped. Now, Constanz could sense fear in his brother. The circumstances considered, he couldn't blame him.
"You would have refused."
"Do you know what you just did?"
"Sure!" Constanz shrugged; relieved that he could so much as move his head again. "I defended your honour."
"You exposed the Queen in public."
"You lost me," Mereel interrupted. Constanz knew that despite his excellent learning skills, his husband still wasn't completely familiar with the courtly wording yet.
"He openly admitted that he would never join with her!" Memento's explanation sounded more like accusation. "He said that my child would become king after me! Constanz, this is bad! You may have annulled the marriage as well!"
"That I'll do."
"What?" Mereel gasped
"Excuse me?" Memento's eyes went wide.
"Well, I sent a note to her this morning. I will annul this marriage if she likes or not. Why should I stay married to her? I have a husband. No reason to occupy her if I don't want her. She should have the right to find love."
"She is important."
"For what?" Constanz challenged. "So his family is my side? They have nothing of use to me. No troops and no power. Only a good name."
"They have friends. Allies. Do you want your whole family against you?"
"They are not my family," Constanz said coldly. He had never considered them family. For a mandalorian, he chose his family for his own. "Besides, who else do I need? I have you."
"Constanz, we are just two men!" Memento pointed out.
"I'm not totally useless, you know?" Mereel threw in.
"Mereel, it's not something you could just beat into a pile." Memento lectured. "If they plot against us, there is little we could do."
"They won't dare," Constanz said with certainty. "Not as long as Ambrosio is in my custody."
"You are holding a child hostage?" Mereel wondered out loud.
"Kind of. But it's not like I'm treating him poorly." Constanz took a deep breath and exhaled. "I understand your concern, Memento. But dangerous time is coming. If something happens to me, I don't want a four-year-old on the throne. He is vulnerable. Too many whispered could poison his mind. I want you to be king if I shall perish."
"Constanz…." Memento sighed heavily.
"I won't have a child of my own blood," Constanz said and glanced up at Mereel. His husband squeezed his hand and Constanz grinned agonised. The stories Memento mentioned earlier was completely forgotten by now. "So you will have to carry on our line."
"I am a bastard." Memento fixed his eyes on the floor. The trace of shame surrounded his features and anger rose inside Constanz.
"And you are a son of my father!" His voice was more powerful than he had intended. At least, Memento raised his head and faced him again. "When you return from Coruscant, I will instruct you in the way of the force. When time is right, you will take my place on the throne."
"What?" Memento blinked. "You want me to be king? I thought it would only happen if you fell… in war." When Memento seemed to realize what Constanz had implied. "What are you planning?"
"You would be a better king what I am. You are born here and you understand these people. And you are the first born, the throne should be yours. If buir had known about you, you would have become king."
"What do you have in mind?" Mereel asked, searching Constanz' eyes for an answer. "Do you want to abdicate?"
Constanz stood up and face his two trusted people. He stretched his limps and said casually. "I'll be leading the fleet when we attack Coruscant."
"You don't!" Memento hissed.
"I know Coruscant better than anyone else. I know the senate building by heart. When I was a padawan, my master and I went in and out all the time. If anyone shall face the Jedi protecting the chancellor, it shall be me."
"Do you really think that this is a good idea?" Mereel seemed concerned. "Assassinating the chancellor is not something you approach without thinking it through."
"My resolution is firm." Constanz proclaimed. "Three month from now, our fleet would be circling the Galactic City. With me leading them. Turst me, my friends, I know what I am doing."
"Have you even served on a ship?" Mereel asked.
"No, that's why I'll be leading the landing troop."
"This is insane!" Memento murmured. "What are you not telling us? Why are you sending me to Coruscant?" The frustration memento was broadcasting appeared as black slides in the force. His brother was so on edge Constanz admired him for not shouting.
"You have to meet with a deserted clone for me. He has construction plans of the republic fleet. He's selling them to me." Constanz revealed and pulled out a credit-chip from under his robes.
"Why Coruscant? It would be safer on another planet." Memento remarked.
"He could be invisible among the clones in Galactic City."
"And you trust a deserter?" Memento raised an eye-brow.
Constanz chuckled. "I don't trust anyone I do business with. But so far, I trust a slave that wants to see his old masters fall." Constanz grinned and tossed the credit-ship to Count caught it from the air and both his brows went high.
"Two millions?"
"Those are good plans." Constanz said with a grin.
"You are buying information in preparation for the war." Mereel analysed. "I guess you'll need more than just the construction plans."
"I have what I need. This is the last piece of the puzzle."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Memento sat down on his bed, shaking his head in disbelieve. "When have you started?"
"What do you think I was doing all the time?" Constanz challenged with a nudge of his chin. "Practicing free jumping?"
"Oh gods…."
"Constanz," Mereel was right in front of Constanz now. If they weren't in the middle of such an important briefing, he would have grabbed his husband and kissed the hell out of him.
"Why do you want to kill the supreme chancellor?" Mereel asked. "And bring down the Jedi? Are you sure it is right?"
"Because it is wrong." Constanz replied. "This whole war is wrong. Chancellor Palpatine has been ruling for too long. No single man should have such power."
"What's about you, then? You are a supreme ruler, not even elected like Palpatine. You are a single man and yet you wield such power."
Mereel's word didn't offend Constanz but it was still not easy to realize that his husband despised his title. Constanz snorted with a smile. He lowered his head, raised his hand to his chin, and gave voice to his thoughts.
"When I claimed the throne, I've been seduced by the possibility this position grand me with. By now, I realized my purpose. This power has been laid in my hands to do the right thing."
"Which is?" His husband asked, rather curious than demanding.
"To end this war. I can to this, Mereel. I know I can."
"By killing the Chancellor of the Republic and destroying the Jedi Order?" Mereel wondered.
"I don't want to destroy the order. I'm only thinking that they need a change of leadership. And yes," Constanz' voice became firm and serious again. "The Chancellor must be removed."
"How could you be so sure?" Mereel placed a hand on Constanz' forearm and squeezed.
"I have seen it." Constanz exhaled deeply to calm his own mind. For a short moment the images the force had shown him emerged from the depth of his mind. The vivid images flashed, reminding him of his fate and then vanished.
"I have seen it in the force." When Constanz spoke, he kept his eyes shut and his voice low. "Remember the vision I told you about? There was more. I saw a galaxy ruled by a single man that allied with the dark side. A world involved in endless war and pain. A world with no light, no love, no hope. So dark I dare not imagine." Constanz jerked his eyes open. "I cannot let it happen."
Until today, he sometimes still saw those images at night. He remembered how he was thrown out of his sleep with his whole body trembling. He remembered the feeling he had as if all the good had vanished from existence. Regardless how hard he tried, he just could not ignore the call of the force.
Since the first time he saw those images three years ago, Constanz knew that his only task was to prevent this dark future.
"It's quite risky what you're up to." Mereel said at last. "You could die."
Constanz gathered himself mentally. When he inhaled he felt the suspense, the frustration and desperation around him. He sensed the life within his husband and his brother. He cherished them and savoured them. But when he exhaled, he let go of them. He let go of his personal goals and his selfishness. He let go of fear and tasted only peace.
"What is my life compared to billions of others?" Constanz said. "If I could save a whole generation by giving up my life, I will do it gladly."
"Sacrifice yourself?" Memento finally snapped out of his mental crisis.
"Constanz," Mereel pleaded. "Rethink it. It's not too late."
"No, Mereel. I have to do this."
"But what's about the others?" Memento walked up to Constanz and caught his arms. "What about those to die when you attack Coruscant? What about those clone-troopers you want to save so desperately? What about our men?"
"Yes, clones…" Constanz whispered and nodded. "I have thought about this. I know how Jedi approaches violence. They won't open fire unless there's no other way. They will try to stop you, convince you to surrender. In the meantime, I'll be entering the senate building and kill the Chancellor. When he's dead, our troops shall pull back and I go have my chat with our small, green friend."
"And if you don't succeed?" Mereel asked hesitantly.
"You pull back and defend our borders."
"What about you?"
Constanz shrugged and even managed a smile. "Well, if I fail, I would be one with the force already."
"What does that even mean?" Memento pressed on, obviously confused. Apparently, Memento's brain couldn't handle so much information at once. "You mean, dead?"
"Listen to me very carefully, my friends," Constanz said, addressing both of them. He didn't want to say it now, that the possibility of his death was very real. But he had to prepare them for what might not be prevented. "If I shall fall, you must carry on what I started. Chancellor Palpatine must be stopped."
He closed his eyes again, fighting with himself to tell then the whole truth. But he couldn't. He couldn't share this burden. He couldn't tell them what else he had seen in his vision. His master had once said that the future was always changing. That our actions defined our next day. So maybe, what he had seen about him and Palpatine might yet be prevented.
"Constanz," Memento's voice was dark and low. Constanz had always found it very comforting. "Don not do it. You do not have to."
Again, Constanz sighed. "Unfortunately, I must. Just promise me that no matter what happens, Khunalis must not fall to enemy hands."
"It's not time for it yet," Mereel interrupted. "You're both thinking too far. There are still a lot to do before we make worst-case plans. Constanz, you have to discuss this with you war-chamber before the decision is final. Besides, the galaxy is in turmoil. Who knows what can happen in the next six months."
That's why Constanz loved Mereel. Not was his husband only intelligent, he was also quick thinking and calm headed. Though he sometimes fell back to violence, Mereel's ability to analyse situation logically was beyond impressive. Sometimes, his words carried such wisdom of war Constanz though he might be worthy of a mandalorian.
"Fine!" Memento growled finally and threw a pile of robs into this trunk. "I'll go to Coruscant. But I still think you are insane!"
"You would have made a good mandalorian!" Constanz joked.
"Oh, spare me your Mando stuff!" Memento grunted and rolled with his eyes. "Before you made me your successor, I was happy with my life!"
Do here we go. That's what Constanz thinks. I know that we see a lot of Constanz right now, but don't worry, Mereel isn't forgotten^^
Thank you for reading.
HeavenOnFire
