Chapter 43: Two Queens

Jas watched as the shuttle broke through the clouds, flanked by an escort of Republic fighter craft. The sun glistening on the crimson and gold hull as the ship made its way down from the capital ship in orbit.

He took a deep breath, and tried to center himself.

I fear that you are going to be greatly disappointed this day, brother, he thought to himself.

Yes, you are going to be most disappointed, indeed.

The Senate envoy had arrived two days later then when Sy Dar Bynn had said they would, some kind of mechanical failure apparently. Yet, despite the delay, the ship had finally reached its destination. The star cruiser Righteous now hung in high orbit of Alderaan. Sy Dar Bynn as well as several other senate representatives were now on their way to speak with Vess, to offer her whatever settlement that their committee had decided was fair in getting her to give up her birth right, and accept that things needed to continue on as they had, with her aunt on the throne.

Jas pursed his lips in thought.

What they were about to get was not what they expected.

Vess stood at his side, he could sense her nervousness through the Force. Dressed in a beautiful blue and emerald gown, the young woman looked every bit the queen she had been born to be. A simple silver circlet adorned her golden-haired head, a circlet studded with pearls. According to Lady Dorma it was a replica of the one worn by the legendary Queen Bayla the Bold of Bantoon.

Jas doubted that Sy would recognize such a thing, but anyone from Bantoon might. It was a symbol, a sign that Vessaria was not going to back down, and that she still considered herself a monarch of her people.

Val approved of that, in her eyes, Vess had been queen since the loss of her mother seven years ago.

Now it was time to get the rest of the galaxy to accept it, starting with the Senate and Sy Dar Bynn.

It won't be that easy, Jas thought.

Sy…will need convincing.

The full might of House Rist had assembled for this meeting, the only one not visibly present was Mirax Fallenstar. Jas could sense her presence, but he could not see her.

He wasn't surprised. Given what he had learned about the former padawan's history, he now understood why she would not look favorably on any Republic politician.

These men and women weren't the governor who murdered her master and abused her, but that didn't mean that they didn't have an agenda that went beyond what was best for their people. Fallenstar understood that, and so did Jas.

Plus, she didn't wish to cloud the issue with her presence. Seeing a known bounty hunter and Jedi renegade would likely not have gone over well with Sy Dar Bynn.

Whether she was visible or not, Jas knew that she was still watching, still doing her job. Coop had paid her to look after Vess, but Jas got the feeling that, even if he hadn't, since getting to know Vess, she might have just done the job for free.

Vess had a way of winning allies and motivating people, but…that is what a true leader did wasn't it? This was not simply going to be an acceptance on Vessaria's part, it was not going to be a surrender. Jas hoped that would be the first step towards negotiations, TRUE negotiations, matters needed to be discussed if the succession on Bantoon was to be settled fairly.

He just hoped that reason would win the day, they had plenty of examples in Republic history of why Vess' claim to the throne should still be honored, and that the Republic, if it was smart, should be willing to deal. Jas had even hoped that the Jedi might become formally involved, perhaps a full delegation of negotiators could be sent to Bantoon, to help resolve the conflict peacefully.

He hoped that would be the case, that was the idealist in him talking, but he was also a realist.

If Vess' uncle had done even half the things he had done to gain his wife the throne, it was unlikely that he would surrender it peacefully, no matter what any Jedi negotiator said.

Jas had hope, but he was also cautious.

Not all problems could be solved with words.

Speaking of his fellow Jedi, he had hoped that Tup Secura would have joined them for this meeting, the Jedi Watchman's presence might have gone far in convincing Sy to see sense. Sadly, the Twi'lek was busy elsewhere, he was still on the hunt for the Zeltron slicer, Kyp Tobyn. Secura still believed that the slicer was still an important piece of the puzzle that they were trying to solve.

Unfortunately, the Jedi's contacts had turned up nothing on the Zeltron, it was believed that he had managed to slip off world before either his employers or the authorities could stop him, and now…the trail had all but gone cold. The slicer could be anywhere, not that the Twi'lek had given up.

He was a skilled investigator with the Force as his ally.

He had faith that he would be able to find the boy, and bring him back.

Jas looked over at Vess again, she was biting her lip, looking more like the eighteen-year-old girl she was than a monarch, her worry growing as the shuttle began its final approach.

Jas gently brushed her hand with his, she looked over, and he smiled at her.

"Relax," he murmured, "You have this."

She nodded, reaching out and smiling, she gave his hand a quick and gentle squeeze before taking a deep breath and refocusing herself.

Val had noticed the exchange, she had smiled at him, and nodded, ever so slightly.

Jas looked away quickly, not wishing the protector to get the wrong idea.

He still thought her whole idea of him courting Vess was crazy. Surely, she could do better, a young noble from House Rist, maybe even one of the young sons of her own world.

He feared that he was not the man that Char Valenthyne thought him to be. He was not what the people of Bantoon needed to protect their young queen.

The shuttle finally touched down with a gentle bump and a hiss of steam. As the welcoming party watched the boarding ramp lowered, and the Republic delegation began to emerge.

Jas straightened the simple black dress robe he was wearing, it wasn't exactly a Jedi robe, but his lightsaber was firmly on display.

This is not about business or profit, he thought to himself, this is about the betterment of an entire planet of people. It is about making sure that Bantoon is represented fairly and honestly in the galaxy.

Two blue senate guards emerged from the shuttle and took up defensive positions at the foot of the ramp. Sy Dar Bynn emerged a few seconds later, clad in this Jedi robes, a merry smile on his face.

Again, he chose not to reach out to his brother through the Force, and again Jas was surprised.

Do you think so less of me, brother?

Is the life I've chosen so repellant to you?

Trailing just behind Sy was young man clad in the fine dress of Bantoon, and a Mon Cala Republic Admiral. Jas guessed the dark-haired Bann was some representative from Vess' home world, maybe some observer sent by Queen Adira. The pink skinned Mon Cal blinked his large amber eyes as he stepped out into the Alderaan sunlight. The slight discoloration of his skin suggested that he spent more time on ships than he did in the natural light of any planet.

The party let Jas' brother take the lead, he approached the Rist with the long-practiced smile of a career politician.

"Greetings to the brave men and women of House Rist," he began with a slight bow. "I am Sy Dar Bynn, of the Jedi Order."

Dorma Rist, who was serving as the representative of their house, curtseyed.

"I bid you welcome, Master Jedi, and freely offer the hospitality and protection of House Rist to you and your party."

"We are most appreciative, my lady," Sy said, "May the Force always be with you and your house."

It was then that he turned his attention to Vess. She had been patiently waiting to be addressed.

Again, Sy Dar Bynn bowed slightly.

"Lady Istillo," he said, "It is an honor to meet you at long last."

Before Vess could reply, Val spoke up, she was frowning at Jas' brother.

"You are in the presence of Her Grace, Vessaria, Ninth of her Name, Voice of the People, and Shield of the Matriarchy."

The Protector glared at Sy.

"You will acknowledge her properly."

Jas covered his mouth, to hide the fact he was smiling.

He found it interesting that Sy greeted Vess in such a way, hadn't he not told him back on Peebee that he considered Vess a possible imposter.

Yes, but he had also said any legitimate claim she had was irrelevant.

A fact shared by the others in Sy's party, apparently.

The young Bann male chuckled.

"Protector…Valenthyne…is it?"

He gave her a cold smile.

"The young lady does not need to bear the weight of so many titles, Bantoon already has a skilled monarch on the throne, and a good friend to the Republic as well."

Val glared at the man.

"And you are?" she asked.

"Senator Albin Ross of the Affon system, the voice of Bantoon in the Senate."

That announcement prompted looks of both shock and disbelief from both Val and Lady Dorma.

"But…you're a man?" Dorma said.

"Last time I checked," the senator said dryly.

Char Valenthyne's eyes narrowed.

"Your accent? You are not originally from Bantoon are you?"

"Bantoon is my home now," he assured her, "I've been her voice in the Senate for almost three years now."

Jas frowned as he looked at the man, or rather, the pin on his coat. It bore a very familiar gold and black logo.

"I was unaware that a mining guild representative could hold such a high office in the Senate?"

The young man shrugged.

"My position as Senator means that I often need to meet with the mining guild to discuss matters. My position within the guild is strictly to confer on matters involving Bantoon. I'm a mere advisor to the guild, nothing more.

Jas pursed his lips.

It was a likely story, but he didn't really buy it.

Senator Ross served as Senator of Affon, which meant that Bantoon was only a satellite system, which meant they had no direct representative in the galactic government.

Despite what he said to the contrary, Jas didn't buy that he was simply an advisor to the guild, he had the look, and accent, of a Coruscanti, one born into both wealth and privilege, which meant he likely had grown up in a guild family.

No, Jas didn't really buy his story at all.

Val looked at Sy Dar Bynn, her eyes cold.

"What does the matriarchy think of all this? I can't believe that they would be happy being represented by not only an off-worlder, but a man as well?"

"Bantoon has grown far more important than you realize, protector," Sy informed her, "The days of its isolation and adherence to outdated tradition is done."

Val shot Jas an angry look.

Outdated tradition? she mouthed.

Jas could sense her horror, and what she was thinking.

Those traditions had served the Bann for almost five hundred years!

"In last seven years, Bantoon has become a valued member of the Republic," the Mon Cal Admiral spoke up in his raspy voice, "Your six moons have provided much to continue Republic expansion. Your people can no longer remain bound to the rules of the past."

Sy chuckled.

"I couldn't have said it better myself, Vice Admiral."

The Mon Cal nodded. Clearly pleased with himself.

"May I humbly introduce Vice Admiral Rakkas, he has recently been assigned to oversee the new ship production line that is soon to begin on Bantoon."

"Our republic engineers are very pleased with what we have found on your world. The new light escort vessels that will soon emerge from Bantoon will be the pride of the Republic Fleet."

"Once Senate authorization has cleared the committee," Senator Ross reminded him.

"Of course," the Mon Cal nodded, "Of course."

Jas pursed his lips.

So much for starting any kind of constructive negotiation.

It sounded like Sy and his friends had already decided the fate of Bantoon and its people. They had already carved it up, and were distributing its future to their allies.

Though he was not the type to enjoy hindering such plans, he found himself looking forward to at least slowing this triumvirate down.

He saw three men before them, claiming to speak for Bantoon, but he didn't see a naturally born Bann among them. He preferred to side with those that had been actually born on the planet, and knew a thing or two about the world that these others were trying to exploit.

Dorma and Val at least had lived on Bantoon and knew its people.

Could Sy or his Vice Admiral say the same? What about the Senator?

No, Jas tended to support the opinion of those that would have to live with the consequence of what was about to happen.

Vess, who had remained silent up until this moment, crossed her hands in front of her waist and smiled politely.

"It does sound so very exciting, Master Jedi," she said, "But…sadly, the Republic Senate are not the ones that can dictate Bantoon destiny. Such a fate…it belongs to the Bann people. The ore and crystal that you take from our moons is theirs. The ships and facilities that you wish to build are on their land. The Matriarchy of the Bann must decide how best to serve our world, not the whims off world business, and political leaders born far from our shores."

Her reaction stopped Sy Dar Bynn in his tracks, his smile remained in place, but Jas could sense his disbelief.

"Lady Istillo," he said, "I believe that my brother has spoken with you about how things are. Surely you can understand…"

"I understand that you and your allies wish much of my people, and that you hoped that I would step aside and allow you to decide the course of my world and the people that my family has served for almost five centuries."

The young Senator frowned as he looked at Sy Dar Bynn.

"I thought we came here to accept the young lady's writ of abdication?"

"Think again, pal," Val said flashing him an evil smirk.

Jas turned to his brother, for the first time he sensed Sy reaching out with the Force, trying to understand what had happened.

Clearly, he felt something had gone wrong.

Jas almost smiled.

No brother, he wanted to say, nothing has gone wrong, in fact, something is going right for once.

The Vice Admiral glared at Sy Dar Bynn.

"I thought you said the matter of succession on Bantoon was settled?"

"Bantoon has a queen," he answered trying to assure the Mon Cal.

"It does indeed," Char Valenthyne said with a slight bow, "You are standing in front of her."

"Adira II is Queen of Bantoon," the Senator said.

"The right of succession would say otherwise," Dorma Rist said, "Annara V's daughter is alive, and more than capable of taking up her mother's throne. It is her birth right."

Sy Dar Bynn was now glaring at his twin. Jas said nothing. What could he say?

He never promised to convince Vess to sign away her right to her mother's throne, he had only said he was going to talk to her. No credits had changed hands between the organization and Republic, Jas was perfectly within his rights to do what he saw fit, and this was what he had decided.

Despite being caught off guard, Sy Dar Bynn didn't lose control, he took a deep breath and smiled anew, his Jedi calm still firmly in place.

"This is not the place to discuss such matters," he said, then turning his attention to Dorma Rist.

"Shall we retire to some place more comfortable. There is another who will wish her voice to be heard on this matter. I trust House Rist's hyper-comm system is fully functional?"

"It is," the Lady Dorma promised, "I trust this person understands what is being discussed here?"

"Most definitely, Sy Dar Bynn assured her, "she is a queen after all."

Jas glanced over at Val who nodded grimly.

So…it would not just be sycophants that Vess would have to deal with today.

She would need to confront her aunt as well.

If Vess was intimidated, she didn't show it.

She merely nodded.

"Then let us retire to one of the meeting rooms," the young queen said, "It has been too long since I have gotten a chance to speak with my beloved aunt."

Vessaria smiled.

"I look most forward to seeing her again.

IOI

Jas Dar Bynn watched Vess closely as the hologram shimmered to life.

Normally, he liked being in a room with Vess, her presence was calm and centered; with just a touch of being silly and fun loving, but now…this was something else.

As the image of a blonde woman in her mid-thirties appeared, he felt something else for the first time.

He felt…cold, and…rage.

He looked down, Vess' hands were curled into fists, and were shaking.

He didn't blame her.

What did you say when you finally met one of the people that destroyed your life? What did you do when you met someone that should have loved you, but decided to betray you, for their own benefit?

What did you do?

The hologram of Queen Adira II looked upon Vess for the first time, and the other woman blinked, she seemed…surprised to say the least.

"Vessaria?" she said her voice guileless, her expression one of innocent surprise.

"Hello, Aunt Adira," Vess said coldly.

"It has been…some time."

The queen laughed nervously.

"Vessaria…I…ah…oh praise the gods! You are alive! We had all but lost hope!"

Jas frowned,

He wasn't sure if the woman's response was genuine or if she was simply playing with her niece.

Vess had had a target on her back for years now, four assassination attempts that he knew of.

Did the queen truly know nothing of these attempts, or was she simply a better liar than most.

"Yes, Aunt, I'm alive," Vess acknowledged, "and have been living a moderately safe life here on Alderaan, living in exile."

The queen's eyes widened slightly.

"Exile? Oh…oh Starfish, that…that won't do, that won't do at all."

The queen gave her a warm smile.

"You should have contacted me years ago. We have had so many pretenders step forward these last few years, so many claiming to be you, claiming to have survived the ship wreck that claimed your poor mother and father."

"I'm sure," the girl said glaring at her aunt, only just keeping her temper in check.

Jas could only imagine the accusations that were running through Vess' mind at that moment.

This woman had profited from her sister's death. Had she known about it, or was she simply an innocent pawn, had her husband kept her in the dark all these years about what had happened to her niece?

Jas was too much of a cynic to believe that that was the case.

"What of Alric," Adira asked her, "He was your protector. Did he also survive your ordeal?"

At the mention of her previous protector Vess shuddering, no doubt remembering the boy's blaster at her head.

Jas remembered the boy very well, he had been in on the scheme to assassinate the queen and her family, he had believed he would be granted a lordship for his part in securing the throne for Adira and her husband.

He had perished at the hands of the Red Eclipse. The criminals that had killed Queen Annara, the escape pod he had been on had been blown up, had Vess been aboard that pod when he had fled, she would have been dead to.

"Alric died serving Bantoon, as he saw it, anyway," Vess answered.

"The poor boy," the queen said shaking her head.

"Yes," Vess said dryly, "The poor boy."

It was at that moment that Val stepped into the holofield.

"Lady Adira," she said drawing the queen's attention.

Her presence clearly startled the queen.

"Chief Valenthyne? We…we had heard you still lived.

"I still live," she said coldly, "And I serve your niece, the rightful queen."

If Adira was insulted she didn't show it.

"This is most troubling," the queen said, "I thought that all sworn protectors were suppose to perish with their masters or mistresses?"

"Your sister named her daughter my mistress before leaving Bantoon. My bond is intact, it simply serves Vessaria now, now and forever."

"That is good," Adira said, "I'm most pleased that my niece has not been alone through all this upheaval."

Again, Jas could not tell if the woman was being serious or if she was lying.

"There are those here on Bantoon who believe that you found someway to cheat the system," the queen said, "That you were somehow involved in the death of my sister? Given your history, and family name, I' sure you can guess why."

Val glared at the woman she considered a usurper.

Char Valenthyne's history was well known to him. Yes, she had been a thief once, and been accused of murder, but the latter had not been her fault. If the queen thought to use that against Val, all she would end up doing was annoying the protector, and only increase her desire to see the woman removed from the throne.

"Any protector on Bantoon can tell you that that is impossible," Val said, "The system always wins. As for Queen Annara…had we been together, I would have gladly followed my imperative, but her orders regarding her daughter were clear."

Queen Adira II smiled serenely.

"Then…at last…all has been explained, at last we can put this tragic time in our history to rest."

She turned again to her niece.

"There is no need for you to remain in exile anymore, Starfish. Please come home, Lyron and I will welcome you with open arms. It will please the matriarchs to know that you are finally back in the palace, that you are home, and safe."

Unwise, Jas thought, if Vess entered the palace on Bantoon, she would likely spend the rest of her life as a hostage, or have a fatal accident shortly after her arrival.

Val wouldn't risk it, and he was sure the Vess was smart enough not to accept such an offer.

The young queen smiled coldly at her mother's sister.

"And what will be my place in the palace, dear aunt?" Vess asked.

"As a matriarch of our family, of course, you will still need to complete your education, of course, but now that the matter of the succession has been settled…"

Vess gave her a cold smile.

"But the succession has not been settled, Aunt. I've not abdicated, nor will I ever."

That news stopped the queen in her tracks.

"You haven't…Vess…you cannot hope to…"

"I've heard of your work on my people's behalf, Aunt," Vess said, "You have served well as Regent, and steward of the throne, but now it is time to do your duty to our people, and step aside."

"The queen has come of age," Val added, "It now falls to her to govern, and carry out her place in the succession, as her mother would have wanted."

For the first time, Adira Istillo didn't look innocent or happy.

She was almost glaring at Val, but once again addressed her sister's daughter.

"There is much that you don't understand, niece. Bantoon has advanced much with Republic aid."

"I can, and will, learn about those advancements, Aunt Adira. Once the throne is mine, and the matriarchs and I have been consulted on what has been done in the name of the people."

The Queen frowned.

"You do not understand what this would mean Vessaria. Our people need unity. I understand how you must feel, but the crown must come first. You are not ready to lead our people, and you are not prepared for the threats that we've been facing. Several matriarchs have been disputing the Istillo throne for months now. If you continue down this path, you will legitimize their resistance. If you don't do your duty to the throne you could cause a civil war. Our people will suffer and die."

"I don't wish to see our people suffer, aunt, but at the same time, I will not give away my rights. If you agree to step aside, the two of us could do much to bring the matriarchy back into order."

"There are many here that would question your legitimacy, Vessaria. They don't know you like I do. They will assume that you are a pawn of outsiders, a puppet of off-worlders."

Vess refused to back down, she remained undaunted.

Jas was…impressed.

He had to admit he found it ironic that Adira would accuse Vess of being a pawn of off-worlders, considering who she had sent to negotiate on her behalf.

The queen sighed and sat back in her chair; she shook her head wearily.

"It is clear that we shall have much to discuss when you return home, Vessaria. I would be most honored to see you as a guest here in the palace."

"In Vessaria's palace," Val added. She might have said more, but Vess stopped her with a raised hand.

"We do have much to discuss," Vess agreed, "But you will excuse me if I prefer a neutral site."

She gave her aunt a cold smile.

"You do understand the need to feel safe, I trust?"

"Of course, Starfish, of course," the queen replied sweetly.

She smiled warmly at the girl.

"We shall discuss this as a family, as is proper, there is no need for problems between us. Our family saw enough of that after the troubles began under our descendant Bayla I."

"What happened back then doesn't apply here, aunt," Vess reminded her, "Vessaria IV and Danai III were twins, the succession was contestable during their lifetime. You are my mother's sister, but I'm her first-born child, and you, forgive me for being blunt, have no legitimate heir."

That comment didn't go over so well with the Queen, her eyes narrowed angrily.

"Must you be so cold, niece?"

"I'm merely stating a fact," Vess said, "You have my sympathies for your recent loss, but the lines of succession are clear."

She stood firm, her hands on her hips.

"Let the loyalists in the matriarchy see me, and they will know that I am my mother's daughter, and no pawn of any outside force."

"Maybe you are right," Adira said, "Perhaps we should discuss this in person, perhaps a meeting on Coruscant? I'm sure that the Republic will be delighted to give us a chance to discuss our matters civilly."

"I'm willing, if you are?" Vess agreed.

The Queen smiled.

"Then we shall arrange this as soon as possible."

She looked around.

"I assume Senator Ross is there with you."

"He is Aunt."

"Do set this up for us, Senator," the queen said, "We shall not waste any time in dealing with this unfortunate set of circumstances."

He stepped into the holofield.

"It will be done, my queen."

She nodded.

"Until then, Vessaria."

"Until then, dear Aunt."

"Farewell child."

The holo turned off, leaving the room all but silent.

Vess continued to stare where the holo had been, she seemed shaken, but otherwise in control.

She took a deep shuddering breath.

"Excuse me," she said, "Please."

She hurried out of the room, Val following her quickly while Lady Dorma and her husband engaged the Senator and the Vice Admiral in conversation.

Jas nodded.

It had not gone as badly as he had hoped, it seemed that they might be able to resolve this matter peacefully. They might just…

He felt a strong hand on his shoulder, he turned to find Sy glaring at him, his brother was a storm cloud in the Force, barely able to contain his anger.

"Brother," he said coldly, "Let us go speak privately…now."

Jas smiled slightly.

It seemed that Vess wasn't the only one with family problems.

He sighed.

Oh well, he thought.

Let's get this over with.

It had been years since he had last spoken openly with Sy.

Their time…had finally come.