Hello Friends!
I'd like to take a moment to give a big shout out to Beta Boy! Not only has he spent nearly 2 decades being an amazingly supportive friend, editor, and storyboard sounding boss, he's spent the last week talking me down from a writer's block melt down.
I've had a rough year... well - who among us hasn't, right? But I also lost my job (thanks again Covid) in October, then started a new job in February, and lost that one in May. The stress of all of that, and the fact that I've written 9 episodes of F&L since January... it's been a stressful few months and I hit a wall the other day.
Some of you may have noticed that my last post, Season 3, Episode 2, was massively screwed up - I somehow posted a draft without having gone through and put in all the mark ups. Since so much of Kyp's innerloguing should have been in Italics...
Anyway - I've gone back and made the corrections. I do suggest rereading in order for it to make sense, but understand if you don't.
IN the meantime, I'm starting a new job Monday, and given what I need to do to get up to speed in order to do that job well, I've decided to cut back my posting schedule to once a week. I'll post the next episode Saturday, then go to posting on Saturdays only for the time being. I want to make sure that I get a handle on the job and what I need to do, without stressing about writing. this way - hopefully, I'll have time to get more writing done so that I don't hit a point where I'm writing to post, as opposed to actually writing the story that I have in my head and want to tell.
As always, I am incredibly grateful to all the comments and appreciation you've shown, and hope you continue to enjoy.
I'd also like to give a special shout out to heartpalm at FF.N, who was concerned that for the first time in 7 months missed not one, but two postings, and messaged me to make sure I was ok. Our subsequent conversation helped pull me out of my funk and inspired me to correct the last episode and post again.
PP
Previously on As The Consortium Turns…
Cem's da bomb and Teeka couldn't be a happier Hapan,
...except for that whole 'almost dying in childbirth' thing...
Tahiri isn't really a Neo Imp 'ho… she's a GA Intel 'ho,
But that's ok, she has the love of the Fel Family to see her through…
Huff and Tahiri's relationship remains a mystery to all, except Jag…
What isn't a mystery is Huff's dislike of the Queen Mother,
Or his anger at her 'interference' with worlds he's trying to interfere with…
And Jacen is…. still Jacen, but he didn't make it into this episode.
He's talked about a lot though...
Season 3
Episode 3
Have you heard it on the news
About this fascist groove thang
Evil men with racist views
Spreading all across the land
Don't just sit there on your ass
Unlock that funky chain dance
Brothers, sisters shoot your best
We don't need this fascist groove thang
Brothers, sisters,
we don't need this fascist groove thang
Brothers, sisters,
we don't need this fascist groove thang
History will repeat itself
Crisis point we're near the hour
Counterforce will do no good
Fascists are in power
Hitler proves that funky stuff
Is not for you and me girl
Europe's an unhappy land
They've had their fascist groove thang
Democrats are out of power
Across that great wide ocean
Reagan's president elect
Fascist god in motion
Generals tell him what to do
Stop your good time dancing
Train their guns on me and you
Fascist thang advancing
Brothers, sisters,
we don't need this fascist groove thang
Fascist Groove Thang/ Heaven 17
Queen Mother's Conference Room, Fountain Palace, Hapes
40 ABY
Ten and a Half Years After the Yuuzhan Vong War
Wilhuff Tarkin wondered if it was his destiny to forever be subjected to the abuse of conniving, manipulative, opinionated, overbearing women.
If it wasn't his grandmother insulting his intelligence, or making disparaging comments about the other women in his life, it was Rabeeta insulting his intelligence, or making disparaging comments about the other women in his life, though she was more subtle about it.
They had very different styles; his grandmother was aggressive and overt in her disapproval and condemnation. Rabeeta, on the other hand, thought he didn't realize how much contempt she felt. In fact, she was actually the less bright of the two in that regard, and if Huff didn't need her talents to develop the ysalamari serum, he would have done away with her already. Even the use of her body wasn't that much of a draw these days.
It was ironic actually; his 'assistant' was a creative genius in terms of biochemistry but unhinged… In fact, the woman was stark kriffing mad. Huff figured that was part of what made her a nexu in bed, which he had to admit, had been a nice distraction for a while, when Tahiri was away. Funny that as great as she was, never once had he thought of her when he'd made love to Tahiri, rather - he'd had to close his eyes and pretend she was Tahiri when he kriffed her.
He was very aware of how much Kozima and Rabeeta hated Tahiri; they made it abundantly clear on a daily basis, going so far as to suggest that she was being unfaithful to him. He'd thought it humorous at first, their snide little comments and insunations that Tahiri was cheating on him with Jacen Solo. He saw it clearly for what it was of course - their way of trying to undermine his relationship because they felt threatened by her.
He'd been on the verge recently of telling his grandmother that she could go kriff herself and that Jacen was more interested in his former apprentice than he'd ever be inTahiri. He'd stopped himself though, because he knew Kozima would mention it in front of Tahiri later, and she'd have a fit. Jacen was a very sensitive topic with her, in fact she still refused to actually say that Jacen and Valin were a couple, but everytime Huff referred to it, or joked about it, she panicked and begged him to never say anything about Jacen and Valin in front of anyone else.
As much as he disliked Solo… loathed him really, he'd been unfailingly supportive of Tahiri when other supposed friends hadn't, and for that Huff felt obliged to keep the secret. And - he would have made quite the personal dresser if he hadn't been a Jedi. The man had impeccable taste in women's fashion, and seemed to be particularly adept at dressing Tahiri. Time and again when she wore something exceptionally stunning, whether on stage or off, it would turn out that Master Solo had either found it for her or suggested she look into the designer. For that too, Huff supposed he owed the other man a little gratitude. Though he'd never admit to feeling such a thing.
He vaguely wondered if he could send Kozima and Rabeeta on a shopping trip with Solo. Given their unbridled hatred of Jedi in general, and the Skywalker or Solo family in particular… no. Neither one of them would come back from a spending spree with Solo as relaxed as Tahiri always did.
Yet another way she was different from the others. Why couldn't they be more like her? She knew her place, never tried to interfere in his work, or, for that matter, pay attention to it. One more example of why she was the perfect woman. Well, almost perfect.
He did wish she'd hurry up and grow out of the rebellious stage she was still in. It'd been cute when they first met, in fact they wouldn't have met at all if she wasn't going through it, but her continued insistence on pursuing this 'career' was getting tiresome. He'd much prefer she retired and just let him take care of her. She was still young though, and had been confined by the trappings of the Jedi Order for most of her life; of course she'd want to spread her wings for a few years... roam the Galaxy. That was alright, he could be patient - for a little longer at least. Hopefully this phase would end soon though, without too many more arguments. He hated fighting with her, but more importantly, he missed her when she was gone, and he needed her; needed her support to keep him going while he worked to build a better Phelarion, a better Galaxy.
With Tahiri by his side, rather than writing silly love songs to entertain plebeians, he might even consider doing away with his grandmother. Huff suspected that part of the reason Tahiri refused to stay put on Phelarion for too long was because of the way his grandmother treated her, and honestly, he couldn't blame her for it. Woman was a kriffing monster and he'd spent the better part of a decade in his own youth fantasizing about galavanting around the Galaxy to get away from her.
In fact - he'd seriously consider giving up on the ysalamari toxin and doing away with Rabeeta too if Tahiri would just stay home. Stars knew there were plenty of other methods of dealing with intrusive Force-users…
But alas… Tahiri's ultimate capitulation would not rid him of Tenel Ka D'jo… who also seemed intent on making his life difficult. In fact, due to the familial connections, he'd probably have to spend even more time with the Queen once Tahiri finally agreed to marry him.
Yes… he thought resignedly… being plagued by despicable women who didn't know their place did seem to be his lot in life.
Realizing that the Queen Mother had been going on for some time, and finally having had enough of the uppity redhead's whining voice, he cleared his throat and inserted himself back into the conversation he'd drifted off from.
"I appreciate your intentions, Your Majesty, but frankly, your help is not wanted in this matter."
The Royal Family's Privatte Pool and Gardens, Fountain Palace, Hapes
Cem grabbed a bottle of water off the poolside table and began wiping the sweat off his face and neck with a towel. He watched Tahiri sit down gingerly, rubbing her hip flexors and grimacing.
"Kickboxing, Cemmie?"
"Ahhhh, is the itty bitty former Jedi out of shape? And cranky because she can't beat her Force-blind brother?"
"No… I'm cranky because you just forced me to abuse muscles I'd forgotten I had."
"That pain should go away in a couple days… the pain to your ego however…" he couldn't help the broad grin that spread across his face, but was surprised when Tahiri spit water in his direction.
"That's disgusting!" he cried out, laughing as he dodged the stream. "Mom would be appalled."
"Wrong…" Tahiri sang out smugly. "Mommy would be appalled at your treatment of me."
"You know what? You're probably right. Explain to me how even her adopted child is in higher standing than her baby boy."
The change in Tahiri's color, a slight paling that lasted only a couple of seconds, and someone less familiar with her might not notice, made Cem feel bad. For some reason she was not taking this jibe the way she normally took his teasing. She'd been tense all morning and Cem was determined to figure out what the issue was.
"Ri, I'm kidding… we all know I'm Mom's favorite and she just humors the rest of you."
"Keep telling yourself that big brother," she cooed as she relaxed. Then a wicked gleam lit her eyes as she picked up on the topic she'd started with. "So… kickboxing? Why this new hobby? You've lived on Hapes for years and only now you take an interest in the global pastime?"
"Backstabbing, I believe, is listed in all official tour documentation as the Hapan global pastime, you should know that."
"Right... how silly of me to forget…"
"I needed a new challenge."
"Really? And Teeks is what, six months pregnant now?"
The tone of her voice told him that she was about to insult him… but he couldn't quite figure out the route she was taking.
"Almost seven, though no one knows that of course."
"Of course. So, your wife, who is highly ranked among kickboxers on this planet…"
"In the top five… and it's not her full time job."
"Exactly. Let me see if I have this right... she is very pregnant, has been told to curtail her physical activities for the duration, and it will be four, maybe five months before she'll be back to a point where she can start training again… could be even longer?"
Cem tried not to, but he knew he was glowering, which just seemed to delight Tahiri all the more. How had she figured out so quickly what hadn't occurred to him until only recently? She didn't give him long to ponder this thought, or respond.
"Knowing how soon she'll want to get back to the mats after the baby is born, how weak and tired she'll still be then, and how many hours you will have put in while she grows and nurtures your child… her body morphing into a large blob, virtually unrecognizable to those of us who know her best…"
Cem rolled his eyes. Was it only a moment ago that he had felt bad for teasing her? Never again.
"You just wait…"
"For what?" she laughed.
"You'll understand how hard it can be…"
"To be married to a woman who can kick my ass?"
Now it was his turn to smile. "To be married to a galactic head of state, perceived by all around you to be indefatigable."
Tahiri's eyes squinted and Cem knew he had once again said the wrong thing, and he couldn't tell if she was about to inadvertently reveal something good, or throw a temper tantrum. He was disappointed when once again her body relaxed and she smiled before responding.
"Never going to happen." She said.
"You sound so sure of yourself?"
Tarkin's desire to marry Tahiri had been the recent subject of several sludgenews stories, causing quite a stir in the Fel family. Syal, accessing the GA holonet through equipment installed at the Fel Estate as a gift from Tahiri and Jag, had been so disturbed by the marriage stories that she had placed numerous frantic comms to both her sons, her daughter-in-law, even her brother and sister-in-law. Wedge and Iella didn't know Tahiri that well, but Syal wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to ask a former NRI agent for information pertaining to her beloved daughter. Cem suspected that the only other person in the GA his mother had any easy access to that she hadn't asked to verify or discredit these stories was Tahiri herself, even though the two spoke at least once every couple of days, regardless of the distance separating them or what was happening in their lives. Which of course was the reason that the super high tech equipment had been installed at the Fel Estate to begin with.
Or so the story went.
He wasn't sure why, but that explanation had never really sat right with Cem, though he couldn't deny his mother's delight and gratitude. And even the Hapan branch of the Fel family was reaping the benefits. Not only did the equipment allow Syal to keep in close contact with Jag and Tahiri, she also used it to spend 'time' with Talitha, and, as of a few weeks ago, pester anyone she could raise about anything they knew of Tahiri's love life.
Syal was as appalled by Tahiri's involvement with Tarkin as the rest of the family, but she had vowed early on, when she'd first begun to realize how much she loved Tahiri, and how much they both needed each other, that she would never commit the mistake that Leia Solo had made; which was to relentlessly criticize Tahiri's choices and thereby drive her away. Instead Syal supported Tahiri in everything she did and said, working hard to hide the fact that she was worried sick.
While Cem agreed with their mother's assessment of Tarkin, he had a little more patience with his Tahiri's terrible taste in men - after all he'd made some questionable decisions regarding companions before meeting Teeka. Tahiri deserved the chance to be stupid just like the rest of them. He was also still holding on to the dream of Tahiri winding up with Jacen when all was said and done.
In fact, this line of teasing could prove useful. And if not, he'd simply bring Jacen up directly, temper tantrums be damned.
But Tahiri wasn't done teasing him, yet.
"Oh… I am sure I'll never be married to a head of state..." Tahiri said, leaning slightly forward, her fingers stroking the back of his hand, "because despite how sadistically competitive you and Teeka are, I know that you two do love each other, and I wouldn't want to be the cause of your break-up."
Cem watched the delight play on her face, then yanked his hand out from under hers, and smacked it against the table when he'd figured out what she was saying. "My wife was not the Galactic head I was referring to, bantha butt."
Tahiri giggled delightly. "You don't think I'm Teeka's type? You're so confident she wouldn't dump you for me?"
Now it was his turn to smile. "I guarantee you can't please her the way I do."
She laughed again. "Fair enough. Your marriage is probably safe from the likes of me."
Shaking his head at her ridiculous joke, Cem watched Tahiri lean back and face the Hapan sun, closing her eyes to soak up the warmth, and did the same, only to look up again abruptly a few moments later at the sound of Tahiri voicing disgust. He turned to the direction she was facing after hearing her 'ewwwww' sound and chuckled at the sight that brought it on.
Ta'a Chume and Lady Tarkin were strolling through the garden a hundred meters away, followed, at a respectful distance, by a fleet of servants, aides, and bodyguards.
"Have you ever seen anything more frightening?" She asked.
"Why, whatever do you mean? All I see is two sweet, elderly women…"
Cem was cut off by Tahiri's inelegant snort, and chuckled.
"Sure," she said, "from here you can hardly tell that they're two mad, power hungry fiends, willing to eat their own young to advance their twisted and diabolical agendas."
"To be fair, even my father-in-law doesn't know for certain if Ta'a Chume killed his brother, though he and Teeka suspect she did. And really, no one can blame Kozima for her son's death; she didn't blow up the first Death Star. And I don't see what she would have gained politically by having her daughter-in-law's suicide faked…"
"I don't think politics had anything to do with that. The old hag was probably just having a bad day and throttling that poor woman was as good a way to release tension as any." She sighed resignedly and shook her head. "And I live in constant anticipation of hearing that she released the same tension on her grandson's throat."
Cem whistled. "Should I be taking that seriously and alerting our foreign intelligence operatives?"
"Noooo… I guess that was my not so healthy way of joking about their not so healthy ways."
"I can't say I've ever met a more hateful woman than Kozima Tarkin. Even Ta'a Chume pretends she doesn't despise us to our faces, but you may be right; they probably aren't a good influence on each other."
"We could have them separated for the duration of the visit," she suggested.
Cem thought for a moment, watching the women, trying to imagine what they could be discussing. He knew kriffing well that it wasn't nerf recipes or garden parties, but couldn't help feeling guilty for assuming they were up to something truly devious without evidence. He would definitely review their conversations as soon as he had a minute. After all, wasn't that precisely why he had the whole palace wired so intricately?
"Not a terrible idea," he finally sighed out. "But they're probably ok. Teeka's got Granny pretty well out of the loop these days. She's not as much trouble as she used to be."
"Do you actually call her 'Granny'?"
"Every chance I get. Sometimes I stop by her suite just to call her Granny. And I taught Talitha to call her Granny-Granny, because she's momma's granny, and I take her with me on those visits whenever I can. Ta'a Chume does so love to spend time with her Force-sensitive, half-Corellian great-granddaughter."
"I'm sure. How much longer until she gets here? Not that I begrudge Isolder time with her, but I miss my Little Star, and I have fabulous stuff for her. I found the most amazing shop on Balfron."
Cem grinned, his heart warmed by Tahiri's adoration of his child.
"Isolder said to say hello, and he knew you'd be anxious to see Tahly; he said he'd try to have them back after lunch. Go easy on the gifts though, please. As soon as she heard you were coming she asked if 'Auntie Ri' was bringing her more shoes and 'bee-wuh-tifull dwesses'."
"What can I say? She and I have a special bond."
"Yeah, the same bond you both share with Mom. I knew that by marrying a queen the chances of having a 'princess' for a daughter were high, but I never expected that Teeka and I would produce such a princess."
"At least the next one will be a prince."
"Thank the maker."
"Is Tahly excited about the baby?"
"Thrilled."
"Are you excited about the baby?"
At that moment Cem was grateful that Tahiri was one of the few people he could be completely honest with; it got so exhausting pretending that he couldn't wait for his son to be born.
"I'm scared."
She leaned forward and took his hand. "Look at me Cemmie. It's going to be very controlled this time, and you know Poppa is arranging the best medical care available on Csilla. You'll have a lot more support this time, and with Jacen and me in the delivery room to help her into a healing trance if she needs it…"
Cem squeezed her hand. "I know. And thank you."
"No thanks needed. I'd do anything for you and Teeka. And so would Jace. You know that"
They were both silent for a moment, Cem trying to take comfort in what Tahiri had just said, then, looking for a way to lighten the mood, felt a familiar sensation - rarely felt these days, come over him - the joy of anticipation at taunting a sibling.
He waited until Tahiri was tipping the bottle of water in her hand up for a drink and had swigged a good amount back into her mouth.
"Speaking of Jacen… I wonder where he and Jag are. They said they'd be here well before lunch."
To her credit, she only choked for a second before she managed to swallow the water, and none came out her nose. She was truly a worthy adversary.
"Jace… here?"
Cem knew she would have asked a more detailed question had she been able to breathe, but it was okay, he got the gist of what she wanted to know.
"You okay?" At her nod he continued, trying not to laugh. "Yeah, they're picking up my old speeder. I got a new SoroSuub Lux-9 for my lifeday and Jag liked all the modifications I made to the Corvair. Since I won't be needing it he asked if he could take it to Coruscant."
She'd pulled in a few long slow breaths to replenish her oxygen supply, and only needed one more after Cem's explanation to answer.
"Went down the wrong pipe." She grabbed a towel off the table and wiped the tears that had fallen down her face as she was choking and then continued. "I knew Jag was coming to pick up the speeder, I didn't realize he was bringing Jacen with him."
"I think it was last minute. The Council gave him some time off to rest after trying interstellar flight without a starship… again."
She paled once more at the mention of Jacen's most recent mission fiasco and subsequent EV experience.
"So... he and Kyp have recovered then?"
Cem made doubly sure that his shields were in place, as his wife had taught him; there was no way he'd ever get any information out of her if she could read his intent in the Force. "I believe Kyp is still in bacta actually… or back in bacta. Jace and I only talked for a few minutes, but he said something about Kyp running into Jysella, or having a run in with Jysella… not sure why that was part of it… anyway, Jacen's fine. Didn't you speak to him afterwards? I assumed you would have."
Yes, definitely more pale, he hadn't had this much fun since… well, actually, since about an hour before Teeka left for her first meeting that morning, but this was an entirely different kind of fun.
"I wanted to call, but Huff was with me when I heard… and…"
Oh, this was fantastic, if she lost any more blood from her head she'd faint. Maybe he'd finally get somewhere on this. It had been killing him for ages and he was determined to figure out if the crush he was certain Jacen harbored was one-sided or not.
"How long will they be staying? Did Jacen know I was… I mean… that Huff and I were here?"
"I think they planned on a couple of days, and I would assume Jag mentioned that you'd be here."
She was contemplative for a second, staring down at the table with a miserable expression. Her reaction was beginning to suck all the enjoyment out of this.
"You know, Jacen hates Huff… and Jag doesn't… like Huff. And as hard as Jag tries to hide it, I think Huff knows… and the three of them together might be a bit much. I got the impression when I spoke to Jag that he was just stopping by, alone, for a couple of hours, and then needed to get back to Coruscant."
"Ri, they may not like each other…" He wanted to say that none of them liked Huff, but what good would that do? "But they are all adults and they will all behave themselves; none of them would dare act inappropriately in front of the Queen, so don't worry."
But her face showed nothing but worry, and suddenly, this little bit of teasing wasn't as much fun as he thought it was going to be.
Queen Mother's Private Conference Room, Fountain Palace
"I appreciate your intentions, Your Majesty, but frankly, your help is not wanted in this matter."
Tenel Ka silently thanked the Force that she did not possess the ability to roll her eyes or sigh in frustration. She was almost certain that this was one of those times that a person prone to such displays of displeasure would employ them.
Apparently, Tarkin had had enough of daydreaming and had decided to grace them with an opinion to add to the drivel that his aides had been spouting while his eyes were glazed over.
"It would seem, Governor, that the Iuggians disagree."
"The Iuggians are not the only race on the planet."
"No, but they constitute eighty percent of the population and at least sixty percent of the planet's workforce, yet only possess ten percent of its wealth and less than five percent of its governing body. Not hard to figure out why they'd finally begin to engage in protestations over their lack of representation."
His smile was irritating and she would have loved to be able to throw a Force slap at him to wipe the smugness off his face.
"They are not capable of governing themselves," Tarkin said imperiously.
"You have no way of knowing that."
"If they could rule themselves they would never have needed the Roarnach to take over in the first place."
"They did not need the Roarnach to take over; they were a peaceful culture, subjugated with the help of your grandfather in his service to his Emperor."
When she finished, and had called on the Force to calm herself, she lifted her gaze and tilted her head slightly; a signal to the household servant who had slipped into the chamber and was standing patiently behind Tarkin, waiting to speak.
"Excuse me for interrupting, Your Majesty, word has just come in from the hangar, Ambassador Fel and Master Solo are landing."
Tenel Ka focused back on Tarkin, fascinated at the not so subtle changes in his features when the message was delivered. She was again confused, even more so than usual, by the concept of Tahiri being involved with this man.
Tahiri was as quick and proficient at reading people as Tenel Ka; she had to know what a self-serving monster this man was. And yet she continued to live with him; was building a life with him.
If Tarkin was as obsessed with Tahiri as the queen suspected, and Jag had all but confirmed, if he would go to any lengths to keep Tahiri by his side, and Tahiri could read his emotions at all, she could be running the government of Phelarion, and yet this did not seem to be why Tahiri was with him.
Was it possible that Tahiri truly did love this man and was simply choosing to look beyond his politics? A few years ago Tenel Ka would have said that that was impossible; that there had to be something beyond the obvious going on in Tahiri's life. But then, a few years ago she would never have predicted Tahiri's leaving the Order to become a singer, nor her meteoric rise; becoming the most famous and wealthy entertainer in the galaxy at that.
It would be interesting to compare notes with Cem later.
While it was part of his duties as Prince Consort to entertain the companions of visiting dignitaries, he would have spent the day with Tahiri even if it weren't. Not only was Tahiri one of his oldest, and most adored, friends outside Chiss space, he'd accepted Syal and Soontir's 'adoption' of her as readily and completely as Jagged had, and she was one of the few people Cem felt completely safe being absolutely relaxed with. Which meant that Cem and Tahiri would spend all their time together today sparring, training, and talking, and Cem was not only an excellent athlete, but one of the nosiest people Tenel Ka had ever met.
Cem had an amazing natural ability to glean information from people without them even realizing that they were giving, or that Cem was receiving, anything of value. It was an ability she found endlessly useful in their political life, and endlessly entertaining in their social life. The psychology of Tahiri and Jacen, separately and together, was at the very top of Cem's list of favorite topics and he had vowed that very morning that he would figure out the true nature of their relationship if it killed him. She was confident that along with getting Tahiri to divulge information about her feelings for Jacen, he would also get something about her feelings for Tarkin.
In the meantime, Tenel Ka could probably not have stopped the small smile that pulled at the corner of her mouth while Tarkin worked, unsuccessfully, to control his expression as the messenger spoke, but why bother? Did every aspect of this meeting have to be unpleasant?
"Thank you," Tenel Ka finally said. "Please let the Prince and his sister know they're here." Turning back to Tarkin she said, "Tahiri will be thrilled to see Jacen… in one piece, that is." Huff's eyes twitched again, and she felt a great deal of satisfaction at his clear unease. "Don't you agree, Governor? That Tahiri will be happy to see Master Solo after such a close call only days ago? She's always been so fond of Jacen, and of course it's been months since she's spent any real time with her brothers."
"Yes, she will be, and it has been. I must ask though - did any other Jedi accompany Ambassador Fel? Their treatment of her since she left their Order has been appalling; I would hate for her time with her brothers to be marred by harassment from any others."
"To the best of my knowledge Jacen is the only Jedi Jagged brought with him. But Jagged and Cem are very protective big brothers… and haven't been any happier about the way Tahiri has been treated than you seem to be. I can't imagine Jagged would have brought anyone along who might upset her."
"Good. Perhaps we should take our first break though; join them for lunch and finish this discussion after the meal?"
"Very well, though know this: no matter how many 'breaks' we take, or how many times we return to this table, I will not cease counseling the Iuggians, and I will support any initiative they take to see that they have access to voting rights."
"I must admit I find your relentless support of democracy on Ja'Rallun surprising, given that you are the leader of a non-democratic monarchy yourself."
"You don't know or seem to care much for learning the true working process of a government you are interfering with, I don't expect that you would take the time to learn how one you know you can't interfere with works, so I will tell you this - rather than expect you to figure it out on your own; Hapes is not a non-democratic monarchy. I've worked hard to modify the constitution during my reign and have relinquished increasingly more power to the people during my reign."
"How noble of you. But do you really think that you can stop the will of the people in my region?"
"Ja' Rallun may be close to Phelarion, but it is not in the same region, and I simply cannot believe that you don't know that your governing tactics are creating instability in your region, and your interference in surrounding areas is causing that disruption to spill over."
"You may need to look up the meaning of the word disruption, Your Majesty. It usually implies a negative situation in which unwanted acts interfere with the norm. My involvement is not doing that. Furthermore, Phelarion has lower crime rates than any of the worlds in the Hapan Cluster and, I might add, is more medically advanced. You might want to consider coming to stay with Tahiri and me when your baby is due to be born. I'm sure my physicians could help you avoid a repeat of the unfortunate situation you found yourself in after the birth of the Chume'da."
Tenel Ka held herself perfectly still and worked to control the emotion boiling within her. She had rarely been this angry, certainly not in her professional life, but would be damned if she allowed Tarkin to know he had affected her so deeply.
She used the most measured tone she could summon to answer, ignoring the comments about Talitha's birth completely.
"Your military, which has not engaged in a non-planetary conflict in thirty years, is losing personnel more rapidly than the Jedi lost Knights in the Vong invasion, to what has been classified simply as 'friendly-fire fatalities' by your government. Your penal system is overflowing with women widowed by these 'friendly-fire fatalities', while the children of those killed flood your orphanages; orphanages that don't educate or train those children to do more than perpetuate a cycle of poverty and servitude.
"You're doing something to your own people and you may be able to fool GFFA bureaucrats, you may have bribed enough senators to ignore the actuality of how you treat your population, but I know there is something going on and so do the Iuggians. I will not stand by quietly and turn a blind eye while you rape neighboring planets of their natural resources, corrupt their economies, subjugate their beings, and fund puppet governments that serve your agenda and escape punishment when the infrastructure of these societies collapse, because you know, as well as I do, that that is precisely what will happen when you are done with Ja' Rallun, and all the other planets that have fallen under your influence in the past eight years."
Huff sat back in his chair and smiled. Tenel Ka thought for just a second that it was impressive that he hadn't wilted under her stare during her diatribe, but then realized that he was probably used to far worse from Kozima.
"It's interesting to me that you and Tahiri are such good friends, family no less; you couldn't be less alike."
"I fail to see what my relationship with Tahiri has to do with this. Although I must admit, the more time I spend with you, the more confused I am by her choices."
"I believe," he began slowly, "that in me she sees a man unafraid to stand up for what he believes in."
"And just what do you believe in, other than your own power and the cultivation of scapegoats?"
"I believe in stability and cutting the fat out of government. You accuse me of being arrogant, but at least I'm not a hypocrite. Yes, you are correct that I have helped establish functional government bodies on planets that the GA has abandoned. Yes, I've given incentives to companies on Phelarion that utilize sentient labor, but that is because our sentient population needs to work. My policies translate into jobs."
"Your policies translate into government subsidized slave labor hidden behind a shiny veneer and one day all of your criminal operations will come to light…"
Tenel Ka stopped herself, registering the stunned look on Tarkin's face, as well as her own shock at going so far. Why had she allowed this man to get to her?
"Well," he began coolly, "if the way I run my government constitutes illegal operations in your eyes, I suppose I'm lucky that the GA doesn't seem to support your views. In fact, the bottom line in all of this is just that. The GA does not support your views. Otherwise, they would actually step in and say something. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll retire to my room and prepare for the trip home. Clearly nothing constructive can be accomplished here."
Next time on Fear and Love...
Tahiri plays with Jag and Jacen...
Separately!