Two days later



The Gardens of Andra Ta'Chume, Fountain Palace.



After the much trumpeted opening of the first couple of days, the following came down to business, the various projects, ranged from trade and commerce to politics, but always the main focus, the union between Hapes and the Commonwealth.

The two men had become inseperable, discussing everything from the daily politics of Hapan and Commonwealth life, to the more broader spectrum of interests from the galaxy around them.


But no matter where the conversation led, it always found its way back to the subject at hand...


It was clear something tangible was starting to take shape already, even if at this stage it was nothing but more than mere momentum...

The two men took their discussion outisde into the fresh air, walking and talking as they discussed the in's and out's of what they were trying to achieve...


Taking in the sights and sounds of the Royal gardens as they did so...


“My concern is, quite simply the interests of the Hapan cluster , I have to put that forward before anything else, I will not give up power in order to join the Commonwealth…”

Vinda nodded and smiled faintly, understanding the Hapan’s concern…

“We do not wish or seek to impose our way of life onto anyone, your affairs and interests will be decided by those who know them best, you and your people…”

The Prince nodded as he replied…”Then you understand that I will have to insist on the Royal family being relevant, allowing the people to vote on issues that affect them is all very well and good, but power must not be taken away from the Monarchy…I would not let it…the Consortium still values its heritage, and so do the people for that matter”

Vinda murmured in acknowledgement…

“We would not expect you to give up your entire history, simply in order to gain membership…”

Dakkon smiled wryly…

“As such , I would have to insist on a final power to 'veto' anything that we deem unsuitable or considered to not be in the best interests of the Hapan Cluster…I also ask that the Royal line hold a permanent position on the ISC, representing Hapes ”

Vinda stopped, paused to draw upon his cigarra, and allowed a smile to grow as he considered the Prince’s words…


…now we are cutting to the chase…


He let loose a sly chuckle…

“You’re a shrewd one Prince Darksword, if you don’t mind me saying….”

He took another toke on his cigarra, sending small jets of blue smoke billowing from his nostrils as he considered what Darksword was asking…


The pair resumed their walking...


“Acceptable”


Vinda replied finally…

Causing the Prince to smile broadly…

“…but.” Vinda stated, calmly…and he raised his finger skywards as he talked...


“The people must be allowed to vote on Councillors that can represent them both on their world council, and at the ISC…you can’t have it both ways…their interests must be seen to also”

The Prince nodded slowly…

“I would not interefere with that, unless of course I deem it to not be in our best interests…besides the people have done for many years, it may be a new development for the worlds of the Commonwealth , but not for the Worlds of the Consortium..."

Vinda paused once again to take in the beauty of the gardens, then turned to face the Prince…

“What of the Helixians?…will they be joining you?”

Dakkon laughed…

“Is the entire Hapan Consortium not enough?” He said in jest…

Vinda grinned “You know I don’t do things by halves…”

Dak simply smiled in return, before replying…“That is down to them, they will of course be informed of everything…”

Vinda nodded thoughtfully in response…

“So when do we tell everyone?…” He asked finally…

It was Dakkon’s turn to smile broadly…

“No time like the present…”

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Lorell Hall – Hapes

One year later…






As Vinda took his seat within the grand hall, he could not help but be impressed by its splendour and prestige, it was here where the affairs of the consortium were discussed and implemented…

It would also be here that the next chapter in Hapan-Commonwealth politics would evolve to the next level.

To be invited to attend was truly a great honour, one that not many had been granted.

Scipio, was present too a reward for her past efforts in helping to bring this occasion to fruition, as well as representatives from the Helixians, they had been involved in every step of the process during the course of the past year too.

Vinda cast his mind back to when this had all first started and at once felt a warm glow of pride swell inside him, it had taken many months of steady sailing to keep this course on track, no matter what the weather.

From both Dakkon and himself…

From the initial late night discussions, to the heated debates in the ISC, and the Cluster itself, it had been a long road. The ultimate test however had been the referendum held by the worlds of the Cluster , who had voted unanimously in favour of supporting the Prince and his reforms, and of course in joining the Commonwealth.

There had been voices of dissent of course, there always were , change was something people feared, but the faith in both the Prince and in their allies had won them over.

If he thought the pomp and ceremony of the first opening meetings had been something to witness, he had been mistaken, the induction ceremony had been breathtaking…

Everywhere there appeared to be a feeling of great hope and expectation for the future, the Holo-news networks were literally buzzing with the goings on inside the Cluster and its induction into the Commonwealth.


The clamour of voices that filled the great hall, began to quieten down as the Prince arose to speak…

“Fellow Hapans, we stand today on the verge of a new chapter in Hapan history, one which we share with our friends, our new family, the Commonwealth…”

There followed an immense outburst of noise as the hall cheered and clapped to the Prince’s words…

“I would like to invite Mr Vinda to join me in signing our entry into the Commonwealth, to make this shared dream a reality…”

Once more the crowd responded kindly, and the Corporate mogul could not help but feel humbled, and he rose from his seat to join the Prince at the table…The center of attention for the entire hall if not the cluster itself…

Dressed immaculately in his trademark suit, Vinda smiled warmly as Dakkon handed Vinda a pen with which to sign the official document for the Hapan’s entry into the Commonwealth.

A long outdated but still valued tradition, more of symbolic value than anything else.

“You’re not nervous are you?” The Prince said discreetly out of earshot of everyone else

The Corporate man simply smiled…and signed his name upon the treaty…

Then handed the pen back to Darksword…

“Its not too late to back out now” he replied in jest, which brokered a smile from the Crowned Prince…

With that he too signed his name , and as he the two men turned to face each other and formally shook hands… the hall erupted…

The ceremony was complete…the formal induction of the Hapes Consortium and its cluster of worlds into the Commonwealth was final.

It was the start of a new partnership, a new era for Hapes, and for the rest of the Commonwealth, a shared future now awaited them, and it looked prosperous.

This one simple small act of co’operation would ripple through all the worlds involved, and how big the waves would be to follow, still remained to be seen, but for now one thing remained clear...


The Hapes Accord was born.

Andozian Suite - Hapes – One Year Ago


“I know that your people have gone through much, and it is not entirely fair for you to have to deal with this kind of decision so soon after the Andozians have finally achieved peace once more. But you must understand that I am doing this for the Consortium, for my people. I am doing what I believe is right.”

“Spare your apologies, Dakkon my friend. Please,” Krauze smiled after the Prince had finished, “We understand completely, and maybe under less delicate circumstances I would be more than willing to sit down right here and sign my people into this Commonwealth as well. It certainly seems like a grand new step for your people and for these…Capricians, and Mr. Vinda’s people as well. But you must understand that things are very delicate for the Andozians, the Helixians, and we must think very carefully about our next step here.

We just arrived in this galaxy, we’ve just begun to rebuild our society. This is going to take a lot of work, and I likely won’t live see my people fully colonize New Andoz. I don’t want to be thinking about politics just yet.”

“Very well,” Dakkon bowed curtly, “I understand. Were I in your position I would likely do the same. But rest assured Samuel, that regardless of whether or not your people join with the Commonwealth, the Consortium is true to our word. Help is what your people need most, and help is what you will receive.”

“Thank you, Prince Darksword,” Krauze bowed in return, “I shall deliberate with my people, and I will notify you of how we wish to proceed as soon as we know ourselves.”

“Very well,” Dakkon clapped Samuel on the back and smiled, “I expect to hear from you eagerly, Sam.”

The Prince and his entourage strode regally from the Andozians’ quarters, and Samuel sat back in his chair and breathed a heavy sigh of relief. Was it relief? Or frustration? He didn’t know anymore. The sudden Hapan request to join the Commonwealth had come as a surprise to many, but the most surprised had probably been the Andozians.

I came here expecting trade and commerce negotiations, not invitations into a gigantic body of government, Krauze thought to himself, shaking his head.

He sat there deep in thought for nearly an hour, and likely would have stayed that way for much longer had not Luis taken the opportunity to stumble into the room, his clothes barely on right and his hair almost entirely standing up. He stumbled over to the table and slumped into the seat the Prince of Hapes had been sitting in an hour previously.

“What’s the word?” Chopin grunted.

“The Consortium is annexing themselves into the Commonwealth, the government under which Capricia and the Vinda Corporation worlds are aligned,” Krauze shot back, not hesitating, “Dakkon wants to know how we’d like to proceed with our relationship. He’s offered us an invitation into the Commonwealth if we want it.”

“Oh.” Luis said.

“Yeah,” Samuel nodded.

“So what do you think?” Luis asked.

“Personally?” Krauze mused, “I wouldn’t mind it. It is by no means a small thing, so protection would be ensured, and likely a lot of aide. Plus, their ideologies seem to be sound and in tune with that of the Andozians. But it’s not as simple as that, is it?”

“No, it isn’t,” Chopin mumbled. He rose slowly, achingly, and stumbled about looking for a stimcaff, “What does Daniels think?”

“I haven’t told him yet,” Krauze answered, “But you know him. He’d take any excuse to visit strange new worlds. He’d be on board with it.”

“So what do you think, politically?” Luis asked, finding a drink at last and returning to the table.

“I think…” Samuel paused, and then nodded to himself, “I think the best course of action would be to request a non-aggression pact and a treaty forming an alliance with the Consortium, without allowing ourselves to be annexed.”

“Is the Consortium going to even exist anymore?” Chopin asked, “Won’t it all just be the Commonwealth?”

“From what Dakkon has told me, the Commonwealth is more of an umbrella in which aligned governments can exist under a central form of democratic government.”

“Ah, I see,” Luis nodded, “So, alignment with but not membership?”

“Yeah, I think that’d be best,” Samuel nodded, “What do you think?”

“Okay,” Luis said at length, nodding.

“Okay?” Samuel asked, looking at the man across from him.

Luis nodded.

“Okay,” Samuel echoed.


Lorell Hall – Hapes – Present Day


Michael did what he did best. He processed.

He processed every bit of information about the ceremony taking place around him that he possibly could. He was a spectator more than anything, holding no real obligation to be here. He was merely a member of the Atal’ai delegation’s entourage. In short, Michael was a glorified honor guard.

But had one been looking at the delegation from afar, one would get a different impression entirely. From afar, Michael seemed to be the star of the show. He stood in the center of the delegation, and all other members gave him a wide berth, treating him almost with reverence. He was their hero, their prophet, their leader; he was many things to them. He was their superior in every way but officially.

As Michael processed the ceremony, the faces of Seth Vinda, of Dakkon Darksword, of the members of the Caprician delegation…his thoughts drifted back throughout the last year. It had been hectic. Michael had never experienced so much in the past year…since the second defeat of the Yuuzhan Vong his life had been the centerpoint for many things.

After the defeat of the Vong, Michael had been heralded as the Andozians’ champion, a religious prophet, and given just about every title they could think of. They had forced him into a status of near Godhood, and had pleaded with him to lead them, to be their ruler, and before Michael realized entirely what had happened he had become an unwilling King. Davin, their previous leader, had not liked that much.

Davin was dead now, and he didn’t like to think about it.

When Samuel had returned from Hapes…well, that had been one of the most interesting experiences Michael had gone through in his life. He could only imagine the surprise Samuel must have felt upon coming to terms with what had happened during his absence. When he had landed on the Atal’ai, his people had wanted to kill him.

All of that had been smoothed over now, under Michael’s supervision. The blindness of the Andozians’ actions was gone now, and their bitter hatred for their former leadership was too, but Samuel had insisted upon retiring from politics. He knew that no matter how many times he was apologized to and no matter how many times people insisted the past was the past; he would be winning no more elections. But Sam was still around, and a very big part of the government the Andozians and the Solarisians had managed to form.

Yes, Michael was here not as a member of the Andozian Republic or the Helixian Commonwealth or even as a Solarisian citizen, but as a member of the Atal’ai Protectorate. They were still mostly known as Helixians, an affectionate nickname (for now that’s about all it was anymore) that had stuck. It was mostly a joke that Dakkon had started, regarding the gratuitous number of name-changes the Protectorate had endured throughout the year of political turmoil. Andozian, Helixian, Solarisian, Atal’ai. So many words for what was now one group of people.

One group of people.


Command Center – Atal’ai – One Year Ago


“Its just umm…well, it’s a lot to take in,” Krauze managed at last.

“Yeah,” Smith agreed.

Both of them had had their fair share of surprises in the past couple of days. The Solarisians, the Vong, the rebellion…Samuel knew right away that this would all be rather difficult to explain to the Crowned Prince of Hapes. It had been hard for Michael to explain to him.

Michael.

Even under the extraordinary circumstances in which the two of them had met, Krauze could not help but like the man. He had been nothing but honest and straightforward throughout the entire time he had spent explaining the situation, and for no other reason than because, it was obvious to Sam, that honesty was all he really knew.

Sam liked that, and knew right away that Michael would not last long as a politician.

“And how…how are the people?” Samuel asked.

“Physically? They are in excellent condition,” Michael responded.

“But how…” it was hard to ask Michael what needed to be asked sometimes. Some things he just didn’t understand right away, “How are they…responding to the situation?”

“They…they want you dead, Sam,” Johnathan cut in, taking over for Michael who was obviously not grasping what Krauze was asking, “They need a scapegoat for all of their problems, and they’ve chosen you. Some of them actually expect Michael here to kill you himself.”

“I most certainly will not,” Michael said in an undignified voice, “Of course.”

“We know that, Michael,” Johnathan grinned dismally.

“I really fucked things up, didn’t I John?” Sam almost whispered, staring off into a corner.

“No, Sam. You didn’t do anything wrong,” John assured him, grasping the man’s shoulder with his hand, “Things happened, Sam. Things happened beyond both of our control. You aren’t to blame.”

“So what now?” Sam asked, “We’ve got a lot of shit to clean up, where do we start?”

For only a few minutes that felt like an eternity, there was silence.

“The people come first,” Michael said at last, breaking the spell that had been cast upon the room, “They need to be convinced that their only enemy was eliminated in space above the Atal’ai. That no Andozian threatens them. I think the best way to do that is it give them what they want most.”

“You…can’t be serious?” Smith gaped.

Michael furrowed his brow at the two, confused. Then realization dawned upon his face and his eyes widened. He shook his head furiously.

“I do not mean Samuel, of course!” he quickly said apologetically, and if the man had known how to blush he would have, “I mean what they really want. New Andoz.”

“You really think New Andoz will make all of this just go away?” Samuel almost scoffed.

“New Andoz has become more than just a new planet for them, Samuel,” Michael said, “It has become a symbol, a symbol of something new. It is a home in a galaxy strange and new and so far away from their old one. New Andoz is their future, and they want their future.”

“And what about everything else?” Samuel asked.

“Everything else, we will work out together,” Michael said, and smiled.


Lorell Hall – Hapes – Present Day


The treaty had been signed, and following it was the uproar of emotion. Emotions of excitement and approval from the people, relief and gratitude from the delegates, and hope for everyone. Hope for the future, hope for the Commonwealth. In a galaxy filled with turmoil and discord, a brave new step in the direction of peace and tranquility had been achieved on Hapes today.

Michael felt some of it himself, and was very proud of that. Emotions were very new to him, and he was still getting used to being around those who experienced them just as he did. He couldn’t identify many of them yet, and some were unclear. He knew happiness, for he was familiar with that. He thought that he felt relief as well, but he was not completely sure.

Michael basked in the emotion surging throughout the Hall, enjoying it and enjoying that he was able to be here and share this with all of these people. These humans. That had definitely been the most exhilarating part of the past year. He had spent mostly all of it not with robots, who he had come to know and…love? Yes, love as his family, but with real human beings.

Michael caught the Prince’s eye and Dakkon through him a discrete wink. The Crowned Prince had come to regard Michael as a good friend over the past year. Michael was very proud of this, considering the peculiarities of how their relationship had begun. Michael was not yet aware of the name for the emotion Dakkon Darksword must have experienced when a Solarisian vessel of war had jumped into Hapan space and informed them that the very Andozian leadership who had sent emissaries to the political summit days before had been overtaken by its citizens and that Michael himself was their appointed leader.

For a few very tense moments, Michael had been under the impression that Dakkon would have his entire armada fire upon them. But Dakkon had chosen instead to hear him out, and he was glad that the Prince had. The situation had been explained in much detail, and the words of absolute praise from Admiral Smith and begrudging respect from ex-Chancellor Krauze had gone a long way to smooth over the ruffled feathers.

After Dakkon had begun to view Michael as an ally rather than an enemy, the Prince had been greatly entertained by his presence. Dakkon had viewed him as a novelty, a man raised by robots. The Prince had greatly enjoyed confusing Michael on purpose about human customs and phrases. On how many occasions had Darksword intentionally made up fake abbreviations and nonsensical phrases just to confuse Michael and confuse even more so the people Michael had tried to share these new-found tips from the Crowned Prince with?

Over the year, Michael had worked hard to gain a little more of the Prince’s respect, and Dakkon had come to view him more as a fellow human being rather than the novelty he had originally patronized and spoken to so condescendingly. Dakkon still made up fake abbreviations and nonsensical phrases to confuse him; that was just the Prince’s humorous character. But Michael had worked hard at developing a functional sense of humor over the years, and couldn’t hold it against him.

The crowd began to die down at long last in Lorell Hall hours after the accord itself had been signed. Michael took a deep breath, and lead more than followed the Atal’ai entourage out of the Hall and into more private areas. The Hapes Accord had been born, but the real reason he was here had not yet been accomplished. There was still a little more work to be done.


Samuel Krauze’s Residence – New Andoz – Ten Months Ago


Samuel rocked back and forth on the chair outside his temp-home. The number of temp-homes in Caloran City, the capital of New Andoz, was quickly growing. Tents had not been used for some time, and the huts and shacks were quickly dwindling. The temp-homes were not the greatest living accommodations, but they were lightyears better than what the Andozians had been used to.

Krauze hated to admit it, but Michael was right. All the people had wanted had been a home, a place to call their own. Many of them now had that, even Krauze himself had it. And he had to say, it had been some time since he had felt this good. Even his dreams were getting a little better. Not much better, but a little, and that counted for something.

When he was not doing his best in the city-proper to get involved as much as he could with Andozian politics as a mere civilian, he often found himself here, in this very chair, just rocking. Rocking and remembering. It was about all he could do anymore. He had been rendered powerless to act, to make a difference. He hated it and loved it at the same time.

And explosion of noise overhead jarred him from his thoughts, and as he peered up into the sky and winced at the bright lights, he made out the blurry outline of a shuttle about to land right on his front lawn. Their government was not very stable at the moment, but Krauze was almost positive that that had to be against some sort of law.

The shuttle down opened, and a figure walked out and directly toward him.

“Hello Samuel,” the figure said as the shuttle’s engines died down and it became possible to hear again.

“Hello Michael,” Sam said curtly in reply.

“May I sit?” Michael asked.

“Be my guest,” Sam grunted.

Michael took a seat in the chair on the other side of Krauze’s front door. The chair that was usually occupied by Admiral Smith when he stopped by to visit.

“You’ve been away for a while, Michael,” Sam said after an awkward silence, “Not a good thing for a King to do. Shouldn’t you be with your people at all times?”

Michael winced. Sam had struck a blow, and he had known what he was doing when he said it. As much as Krauze respected him, Michael knew that the man could not help but feel more than a little resentment at him for the way things had gone. Michael took up a firmer posture, and a rare smile cracked across his face.

“You are completely correct, Samuel,” Michael replied, “It is a good thing that I am no longer King of anything.”

This caught Krauze’s attention.

“Oh?” Samuel asked, intrigued.

“I have relinquished all political responsibilities to the Atal’ai, both Andozians and Solarisians,” Michael announced to the man, “On some conditions.”

“What about all of that ‘this is the best way for our people, Sam’ and ‘Who knows how they would respond, Sam’ nonsense?” Krauze grunted, “Remember that?”

“You were correct, Samuel,” Michael admitted, lowering his head, “Power can corrupt any human being, even one raised by the incorruptible. I believed I could prove you wrong, and I did not realize that in doing so I only proved you all the more right. I am still nervous as to how the people will take it when they find out, but it is the only way.”

“You mentioned conditions?” Krauze asked, “What are they?”

“Immediate acquisition of membership within the Commonwealth,” Michael said bluntly.

“Somehow I knew that was coming,” Sam nodded, sighing.

“I know that you feel Andozian recovery is the most important issue for the Protectorate,” Michael said, “And I agree, but it is not, and can not, be the only issue for the Protectorate. Your people have come into this galaxy in dark time, and I can not, and will not allow my people, our people, to watch a galaxy destroy itself.”

“The Andozians are hardly in a position to be going on any crusades, Michael,” Krauze growled, “And we’ve had too many of those in our past to want to be bothered with any more.”

“The Andozians may not be in a position to do much, but the Solarisians are,” Michael said, “I will not ask any Andozian to fight for the Commonwealth, but if they want to themselves I will not stop them. I would never put any of your people in harm’s way against their own will.”

“You are speaking as if you are still King, Michael,” Krauze hissed.

“I have stepped down from all political positions,” Michael reiterated, “And retaken my original position as Admiral of the Solarisian Navy.”

“Ah,” Sam grunted, “So if you think the Solarisians can help, why don’t you let them help, and leave the Andozians out of this?”

“Because of the benefits the Commonwealth can bring you,” Michael shot back, “Because of how all the more willing the Capricians and the Vinda Corporation will be to help you when they view you as not allies of the Commonwealth but as members of the Commonwealth. Because if my people bring war to ourselves, it will be brought to your people as well. And because I truly believe the fate of my people and the fate of yours is intertwined.”

“What other stipulations did you set?” Krauze said after a long moment’s pause.

“That as a member of the Commonwealth, both the Andozian and Solarisian governments be set up in the style of all Commonwealth planets. Or at least, in the Andozians’ case, as close as we can come to it,” Michael replied.

“That I do not have much of a problem with,” Sam admitted, “The Commonwealth is very democratic. Perhaps more efficiently democratic than the old Andozian Republic. But conforming little more than one hundred thousand Andozians into a governmental system designed for the millions of an entire world will be difficult.”

“It will be,” Michael agreed.

“Any other stipulations?” Krauze asked.

“That you be seriously considered for the position of official ambassador to Hapes,” Michael said.

Krauze couldn’t really find the words for a response to that. Michael noticed, and continued on.

“The position itself, admittedly, does not matter much because we will be annexed into the Commonwealth,” Michael said, “But you will be back ‘in the loop’ again and you will have at least some say in things. You will have to move to Charmigrad as well, in the Hapes Cluster, although the planet is officially a Protectorate planet as of now, I believe.”

“I know about Charmigrad,” Krauze growled, “I negotiated with Dakkon to become an embassy to the Andozians when we first established Consortium relations.”

“So you did, I apologize,” if Michael knew how to blush, he would have.

“What if I refuse?” Sam asked.

“I do not believe you will,” Michael smiled, “I will give you time to consider it, of course. Any time you wish to visit me in the city proper, the position will be yours.”

“I thought I was only being seriously considered?” Sam asked.

Michael did something which surprised Sam greatly. He winked at him.

“Goodbye Sam,” he turned and, as he walked away, “For now.”

Krauze watched the shuttle lift off and fly toward the city-proper. He did not look away for a very long time.


Prince Darksword’s Private Study – Hapes – Present Day

“It is done then,” Michael smiled as the treaty was signed at last by both the representative from the Protectorate and the Prince himself.

“Not quite,” Dakkon said, grinning his mischievous grin that Michael had become too familiar with, “I’d like you to sign it, Michael.”

“But…Prince Darksword,” Michael fumbled, and would have blushed if he knew how; “I am merely an Admiral now. I hold no political office of any kind. My signature would not matter, it is unnecessary.”

“True, you hold no political office,” Dakkon nodded, “But your signature both matters and is necessary, in every way but official. Do you understand?”

“No,” Michael admitted, “But if you wish it, I will sign.”

“You’re an honest man, Michael,” Dakkon chortled, “I wish it.”

Michael signed the document underneath the two official signatures, and the Atal’ai Protectorate annexed itself within the Hapes Consortium.

“Now. Now it is done,” Dakkon said, “Who wants a drink?”

Synthium En Parse




A meeting in secret. A meeting in a desolate area of ruins only known to bring despair and hurt. At the edge of the Golden Desert, whose metallic sands were known to scatter and disrupt communication and reception signals. Whose glittering sands blinded both eye and photorecepters and whose grains have remained untouched for decades.


There was no wind for the Golden Desert was a quiet desert. The wind was soft and warm and the metallic strands being blown about crackled slightly against an energy barrier that was not there moments before.


A shuttle decloaked on the abandoned landing pad. A figure outside was waiting for the craft to open nonpulsed at the shuttle's armaments (such as they were).


The Crown Prince, Dakkon Darksword, patiently waited as the soft Hapan wind blew against his hair and clothes. The location was ideal for it was the battleground where he had driven his brother off Hapes, hopefully forever.

He sighed to himself as the memories of those tragic years threatened to resurface and turned to look upon yet another victim of that bygone time.

Ras Gneut, known among the older Consortium Provinces as "Old King Gnuet" slowly descended with the landing ramp, throwing sythetic light upon his Crown Prince.

"You sure know how to stir a hornet's nets." the old man barked out above the dying whine of the engines.

"Don't tell me your band of conspirators actually were on the verge of accomplishing something?" Dakkon barked back moving up the ramp to clasp the arm of the older, wiley man.

In public and among certain private corners, they were heated enemies. The Old King Gnuet loudly grumbled against the Hapan leadership's weakness and nobody questioned for the old King had lost family during the flight of Lupercus and felt he had a cause to hold a grudge. Even he had to admit that the maneuver of Dakkon to keep their 'enmity' enflamed was genius itself.

Gneut had, at one time, been in a position to crown himself as Prince marrying the then-Ta Chume until backstabbing, infighting and court politics nearly left him for dead. It was a hard life to live not trusting anyone, including your family members. It took the loss of his at the hands (or cause) of Lupercus to realize the true cost of the Crown. He was happier as a Province leader and knew that the cusp time of his opportunity had long gone. But the shortsidedness of other, more ambitious Hapans reigned and they courted him endlessly to take part in their ill-conceived, ill-earned scheme to take the thrown and destabilize the Consortium (much as Lupercus had done years ago).

Gneut was angered at the thought of others who would follow Lupercus' path but where his position was one that could threaten the Crown, it was also was one that could stabilize it.

A meeting in secret and a coming to terms with the outcome of Dakkon's family revolution reconciled the Crown Prince to the Old King. Still, Gneut kept his own council realizing that while Lupercus was the stronger, ruthless ruler (where Dakkon was soft-hearted and kind), Lupercus was also insane, disloyal and dishonorable. Lupercus cared only for Lupercus where Dakkon actually thought above his own needs.

It was almost un-traditional of the Crown Prince. Almost.


"You have no idea, Dakkon. If our fleet orders had not inconsicuously changed hands you would have had Gallenios' Battle Dragons in orbit around Hapes instead of mine."


Dakkon sobered a bit. "So Gallenios' plan almost worked."


Gneut snorted, "His plan was almost put into action. Whether it would have worked or not only the Ta Chume's of the Past know. But this move was risky, Dakkon. Any number of assassination plots were surely formed and could have gotten you killed. I mentioned as much to my co-conspirators."


Dakkon shrugged. "I am getting tired, Gneut. Every day having to wonder if my children, my wife..our Ta Chume, or myself for that matter being targeted by rivals hoping for the glory of the Crown. Our self destructiveness needs to end or we doom ourselves!"


The old man could see the strain on the Crown Prince. Did he ever enjoy a moment's peace?


Part of him held a bitter truth, This is the pill you swallowed when you became Crown Prince... now live with it!


But another, more pragmatic and reasonable part, added, "why?" What was the point of holding power if you could not bring your people to even live together in peace. And once upon a great while ago, the Consortium was at peace. With itself!


Softly, the old man intoned, "I can bring six squadrons of battle dragons..."


And Dakkon chuckled despite his bleak mood. "You and your battle dragons, Gneut."


Gneut's black and white approach publicly led many to underestimate the mind behind the eyes. He knew that he was the sword by which Dakkon would execute his enemies but even he could see the wisdom of holding that sword to the last possible stroke. What good was it to stamp out and execute your enemies every time a dissenting voice was uttered? There would always be dessention for such was the way of man. But if Dakkon was heavy-handed, the usurpers would only go underground and work to be more stealthy, more indirect and more cunning. Why give them reason? By keeping his enemies closer he kept tabs on their efforts and movements and could work to undermine them at leisure.

Just like Gallenios.


Gneut smiled at the fury Dakkon's Cheif of Staff hurled at Old Gneut for 'confusing' the fleet's orders. Still, the Hapes Accord opened an interesting possibilities and Gallenios was over his anger enough to recognize them and feel he had salvaged the situation despite the "old King's" bumbling. And he still had a few ships to attach to his ambitions.


"Do you fear a return by Lupercus?" Gneut asked suddenly, knowing that if he ever saw the man he would personally send him to hell.

Dakkon shook his head, though. "The Empire is shrewd to keep him occupied in his hedonistic pleasures on Corellia. Just stick an able bureaucracy behind him and the Governorship will run itself."


"Assuming the Empire is doing that. You never want to underestimate the Empire."


"No... but I also do not fear my own shadow. When the Empire wants something, they let you know. And loudly."



Gneut nodded at that seeing the sense. "Then you won't need me much longer.." he started when Dakkon waved him down.


"What? You think because I am letting the people and royalty decide for themselves what they want, I am untouchable? Until these planets once more swear fealty and loyalty to Hapes and agree to the Accords, I have no legal recourse should the people of a world or their leaders form a separate government. Should they do so, then we treat them as equals ..."

"That is dangerous. If an inferior thinks himself equal, they assume it's their due without having earned it."


"That's the trap of money. Because we are rich, we feel we are owed something." Dakkon remarked, "Because we command wealth and privilege, we feel that what we want is our due. By signing the Hapes Accords, we make our people earn their wealth, privilege and rights. We make them accountable for their decisions and that is something our Royalty has had little success with."


"Accountability?"


"Believe me, Gneut. They won't like it."


The old man barked out a sad laugh. "Well, I suppose I will continue to deal and scheme with Liva, Gallenios and other fellow instigators."


"The Accords should separate those loyal and those disloyal and reveal those that want to make an honest go of it alone. So I'll give them their chance but should they scheme against me after this... should their own little self-made empire not be enough for their ambitions.."


The old King grinned, revealing a missing tooth. "Then I have six squadrons of Battle Dragons..."


And Dakkon laughed against the soft chime of the metallic sands...


It was surely going to be an interesting year...

"My fellow Hapans, loyal subjects of the Consortium and fellow protectors of the Ta'Chume:



We stand before a crossroads in our glorious heritage and history. For centuries, we have lived in relative comfort and peace isolated and apart from the galaxy at large. And for the most part, we have been successful.

But our great success has begun to unravel. Our heritage of peace has been broken. And our great place in this galaxy questioned.

Now, we may look upon the rest of this galaxy thinking it ugly, thinking it crude, thinking in disdain that what should we care if the rest of the galaxy questions our place?

But we would be deluding ourselves for it is not the galaxy that judges us so.



BUT IT IS OURSELVES!



For the past one hundred years our culture has been in decline. Those too stubborn to acknowledge it simply hide away in their mansions thinking it will pass. Those too blind to see it continue on with their own back-biting and self serving agendas which weakens the blood of Hapes. Those too foolish simply ignore their surroundings and complain when they are hurt by events.

No more.



Our culture reveres the Ta'Chume and our society is based upon her solid leadership but it is this selfsame culture that is tearing apart the foundations on which the station of the Ta'Chume rests and in so doing, reveals the lie that has remained hidden within our society.


That Hapans do not revere the Ta'Chume but despise her. Rather than submit willingly and loyally to their Queen Mother, we now fight amongst ourselves for the title of Ta'Chume. We struggle to make ourselves the Queen Mother.

Under the Monarchy, any one calling themselves Ta'Cume other than the Queen Mother has committed a treason punishable by death. Under the Monarchy, any one calling themselves a Crown Prince without being names so by the Ta'Chume is an usurper punishable by death or dismemberment.


And so, those with money, aristocracy and ambition attempt to overthrow the Monarchy undermining stable Hapan society while realing against the punishments dealt to them for their crimes.


This cycle ends today!


The Queen Mother and the Royal Family have taken measures to preserve our society's status and position within the galaxy and strengthen the foundation on which our bedrock principles of honesty, fairness and excellence remain unmatched.

This progressive step requires us to shed our fears.


NO MORE WILL WE LIVE IN FEAR OF THIS GALAXY!

NO MORE WILL WE HIDE!


Hapes shall stand tall. Hapans shall stand straight with all the pride and power that is rightfully ours.

We will acknowledge not our debt to this galaxy but a responsibility to it!

We will show the galaxy how brightly we can shine and how strong we can be!



The Queen Mother, I, as the Crown Prince, the Royal Family and the Hapan Consortium has joined with the Commonwealth of the Corporate Sector in bonds of comradeship, fidelity and a commonality that extends beyond mere treaties.

What does this mean for the Hapan Cluster? It is up to each individual planet to decide whether they wish to remain loyal to the Queen Mother and her new vision by reaffirming their bond to the Consortium or if they wish to go their separate ways. Many have begun to reaffirm their bond of loyalty to our ever progressing culture and society behind the Queen Mother and Royal Family.

Be it known, if you decide to go your separate ways, the Monarchy will not think ill of you. By calling your own planetary leaders Ta'Chume or Crown Prince, this will signify your desire to break all ties with the Queen Mother, the Monarchy and the Consortium.

We shall neither assume nor harbor any responsibility towards you should you remain independent. Your actions are your own and the consequences, whether good or bad, will also remain your own. Personally, I wish you well and hope that an Accord may be made with you at a later time."


~

Dakkon Darksword in an announement regarding the Hapan Accords.