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[Revan Centurion]

Centurion Estate
Outside Theed, Naboo

Revan was sitting quietly in his private study. The sun bathed the room in warm light from the skylights and large side windows. Outside the study, Revan could see the beautiful gardens that his servants ensured were meticulously tended to. Seated in front of Revan, were the various other Lords and Ladies who all had families that were at least in some part controlled by Centurion Industries and thusly...Revan himself.

"Lord Centurion, surely you realize how urgently your leadership and expertise is needed in this situation? Not only are we currently in the midst of huge commercial endeavors, but our economy has never been improving at such an exponential rate. If the people of Naboo felt that there was no one to lead them, chaos would shortly ensue."

Revan sat tall and rubbed his chin as he thought. While he was by no means the oldest noble on Naboo, he had, somehow, managed to come to be one of the most prominent even with his somewhat recent, extended absence. Despite these thoughts, he spoke with the confidence and poise they had all come to respect. "I understand what is on your mind, but how am I too make such a decision lightly? Surely you understand that such a transition requires coordination on many levels... Do you think the Imperial Republic will be happy about this change? I've served the Imperial Republic, and I can tell you now that this is all highly unorthodox. It has only been hypothesized on paper...that doesn't mean it will work."

One of the younger nobles was next to speak, "Lord Centurion, we all have heard the rumors of your involvement with..." Revan cut the man off with a serious glare that discouraged him from continuing his statement. Revan slammed his fist onto his desk. He was tired of people forcing him to take an unnecessary trip down memory lane. "She stays out of this..or you consider relocation.... I want to do what is right for Naboo just as much as anybody in this room...hence my hesitation. Now...I will speak with the council about the growing situation. Her assistance will be useful.. These developments stay between us...we need not start a panic about the Queen's condition. Is that understood?" Revan watched as various heads nodded.

He then waved a dismissive hand and nodded his head slightly. "Very well, you are all dismissed." When they had left the room, he sank into his chair and rubbed his temples slowly...wondering how Jayden was doing his first day at school. Maybe we should have continued to drift amongst the stars a bit longer... Five rather long years had gone by since Revan resigned from the Imperial Republic. At that time, he'd been deeply conflicted. Still, it was as if he could barely recognize any part of the government he once served. Having increased in both intelligence and patience, Revan knew the time would soon come where he would be forced into action. For the sake of his young son, he simply hoped that wasn't...very soon.

[Revan Centurion]

Two Days Later

Revan was seated in a comfortable seat before the Queen's executive assistant at her estate on Naboo. For the time being, he was serving as a caretaker for her office and duties...until the aristocracy and her executive council reached a decision.

"Lord Centurion,

Thank you for coming to see me today sir. I have here...documents that the Queen had wanted me to ensure you received on your next visit to Theed. You will find that it is completely legal and signed by not only the executive council but the majority of the aristocracy as well."

Revan eyed the man curiously. The Queen's executive assistant wasn't a noble and enjoyed little change in status due to position. It was akin to being a secretary really... Revan took the documents from the man and quickly began scanning them. His expression gradually changed from one of intrigue to mild confusion. Closing the folder and placing it back on the desk, he rubbed his chin before looking at the assistant. "Is this for real? I can understand the aristocracy...most of them work for me anyways...but...unanimously by the council?"

"The Queen had it drafted just after your most recent departure and appointment as her Chief Advisor." Of course, recent was a term of large approximation in this case.

Revan shook his head slightly, "There are numerous nobles from Naboo currently in the Queen's service. In fact...many of them are more influential than myself...heck almost all of them are."

"That is not our concern. This change is already effective..and it only relates to the duties you will hold on Naboo. It's a testament to your dedicated service to the Queen and the people of this planet despite your...other obligations that tend to arise."

Revan nodded slowly before rising from his seat and shaking the assistant's hand. "So I suppose this means the council is attempting to force my decision prematurely? Fine...I will set things in motion. Do be so kind as to inform the council that I am most displeased...and their failure to at least heed my requests...orders as the Chief Advisor...WILL be dealt with. The situation is fragile enough without them trying to manipulate people to bend to their will." Revan watched as the assistant stood from his desk and bowed respectfully. "As you wish, Lord Centurion."

Exiting the office, Revan passed through the corridors, nodding to various personnel. He would need to meet with the Royal Council sooner than expected...on top of that it would appear he needed to call a meeting of the aristocracy...very soon...

[Revan Centurion]

One Day Later

Revan had been extremely busy over the course of the past few days. Ever since his arrival, he had been feeling the pressure from his various subordinates. He had just returned to his estate from visiting the Queen at her private retreat near the lake. It would appear that her condition was not improving at all. The Royal Medical staff gave her a very low chance of survival.

Sitting at the desk in his personal study, he looked out the huge array of windows at the rainy weather outside. On his desk were two documents, the first was the document given to him yesterday by the Queen's executive assistant. The contents of the document were not entirely unexpected, but he still had been avoiding the "increase in status" for personal reasons. A part of him was still unsure about embarking down this path. It would mean many things for his life... The second document had just been drafted earlier that morning at the Queen's private retreat following a brief meeting with the Queen's medical staff and the Royal Council. Revan had given them a severe lecture about their actions...he was NOT impressed.

As he continued to stare out the window, he wondered what the future would hold in store for himself, his family, and the people of Naboo. However, it was time to stop contemplating his ability to lead and simply trust in his experience and the opinions of others. He quickly logged onto his terminal and began typing a message to Selina. The message was transmitted to her office.

Lady Vadcasta,

I require your presence at my estate with the utmost urgency. There are a number of developments that we need to...discuss. I look forward to meeting with you in the near future.

Lord Revan Centurion

Revan knew she would want to know what was really happening with the Queen. To this point, it had been kept completely secret. Oddly enough, Selina was also an advisor to the Queen, though not a member of the council. Though not a native of Naboo, Selina had managed to accelerate to the upper rung of Naboo society - with Revan's assistance. A powerful executive in the corporation that Revan controlled, she'd made the transition into politics rather seamlessly. Still, she hated politics just as much as Revan. A necessary evil, to be sure. Revan could not say that he much approved of the system the royalty of Naboo had used in the past. It was certainly one of the things he intended to discuss with Selina when she arrived.

[Selina Vadcasta]

Selina was, ironically enough, already on her way to Revan's home when she'd received his message. Ever since their return to Naboo, Selina had done her best to remain occupied. No longer subjected to Revan's intensive training and lectures on calculated use of the force, she found herself finding it difficult to fill the hours of the day. That was, at least, until she'd taken the plunge at asked Revan for a job. She couldn't really be sure what it was about him that kept drawing her in, but she was slowly starting to come to the realization that Revan would likely never see her as anything other than his student. Selina was hardly heartbroken, but she felt the pain from time to time - usually when she was alone.

As her air limo came to a stop at the Centurion estate, one of the guards opened the door. Stepping into the crips afternoon air of Naboo, Selina afforded the guards a polite nod of the head. "Alright, let's go and see what the boss wants." Even before she could take two steps, her senses prickled slightly and a familiar voice drifted to her ears.

"Selina!" The little boy that she'd practically helped Revan raise over the past five years came running towards her from some random location. Jayden certainly had his father's penchant for discretion.

Smiling warmly at Jayden, she bent down to embrace him tightly in a hug. "Hey there handsome. How was the first day of school?"

Jayden rolled his eyes as a serious expression crossed his face. Unlike most children his age, Jayden had spent his entire life following his father and Selina around the galaxy on missions. For all intents and purposes, most of his education and training had been done solely at the hands of Revan. Naturally that had formed a...certain personality within Jayden. In fact, the only real difference between Jayden and his father was likely their appearance. He had his Hapan mother to thank for that, not that he could. While Revan had told Jayden plenty about the woman he'd once loved and still did love, he never told him it was Layha. As far as Jayden knew, his mother died shortly after his birth. In some ways...it was the truth. The woman that Layha was had been forever lost, and Revan was uninterested in living in the past. "School stinks. My teacher treats us like idiots. I hate it. Why can't I spend time with you and daddy?"

Selina afforded Jayden a brief laugh as they both began walking inside together. "Because we can't have you turning into your father now, can we? I don't need to deal with two stubborn males." Jayden merely smiled as he grabbed Selina's hand on the way inside. The little boy made her close proximity to Revan even more difficult. It was like having a child of her own...only Jayden wasn't, and Revan was not hers either. Perhaps she was merely destined to be forever tortured by her desires.

Edited by Selina Vadcasta, 27 October 2007 - 11:03 PM.

[Revan Centurion]

Revan's air limo came to a subtle halt inside the expansive garage attached to the rear of the estate. Revan hadn't really been one for the public eye as of late, and it was something he was...not too interested in becoming used to once more. Stepping out of the air limo, he nodded to the two family guards waiting for him. "Gentlemen, I trust all is well?"

The senior guard bowed slightly and replied. "Of course, My Lord." The guards were devoid of any real emotion, most of them having served with Revan during his time as Director of IRIS. Ironically enough, the head of his security was also his corporation's Chief of Staff, Selina Vadcasta. After all, he'd yet to meet anyone better suited for the task.

Revan nodded his head and gave the man a slight smile as he walked through the doorway leading into the estate's interior. Having been decorated completely on his own or by his Great Uncle, Revan enjoyed the privacy of not having the inside of his estate used as a model for others. Additionally, every feature was tailored to his specific tastes and needs. Naturally however, it was not at all sparse in decoration. In truth it was rather...ornately decorated. While Revan did not exactly feel a need for all the luxuries of the rich and famous, he did recognize that maintaining appearances had its uses. Besides, the more recent alterations had been done by Selina during the three months following his resignation that they remained on Naboo. The moment Jayden was born, they were sure to distance themselves for the destabilizing Imperial Republic. Hah...Imperial Republic. It isn't a Republic at all anymore. It's just a really crappy imitation of Palpatine's Empire, lead by an individual that can barely control their own life let alone an entire government. In all honesty, Revan had been amused when he learned of the Empress' 'changes' within the government. It bothered Revan significantly...mostly because he knew what needed to be done. It was part of who he was...what his responsibility in this galaxy remained. "Balance..." It existed in all things, and the Empress had forgotten that. Then again, perhaps she simply did not care. For her sake, Revan hoped it was the former. The latter would lead to nothing other than failure.

As Revan turned the corner, he was immediately greeted by one of his aides. "Welcome back, My Lord. Is there anything you require?"

Revan shook his head. "No. Where is my son?"

"In the main living room. Lady Vadcasta is with him."

Revan raised an eyebrow slightly. "Selina? She's here already?" Before the aide could respond, Revan waved a dismissive hand. "Nevermind, thank you." Quickening his pace slightly, Revan made his way towards the area of the estate where his son and Selina waited. Upon entering the room, Revan had the severe sensation that something rather sharp was being hurled at his head. Remaining calm, Revan simply sighed as he stopped in place and raised a hand nonchalantly. Glancing off to his left, he smirked when he saw Jayden standing there and a very sharp piece of glass mere inches from Revan's own head. "Still angry about going to school then, Jayden?" The five-year old boy folded his arms across his chest.

"Why do I have to go? I'm smarter than all of them anyways."

Revan laughed slightly as he grabbed the piece of glass and set it on a nearby table. "Jayden, contrary to what you may think, you do not know everything. Nobody knows everything. Trust me, I've been around for a while. If you're smarter, than make yourself useful in helping others to succeed. Personal success is--"

"...secondary to the natural balance and order of life," Jayden replied mockingly. "Yeah dad, I know. You always say that. If you're so smart, why can't you come up with different sayings?"

Revan smiled slightly as he walked over to Jayden and pulled him into a tight hug. "Your father is just as much a student of life as you are, Jay." Revan came to his feet as he heard Selina approaching. He smiled at her for a moment before turning back to Jayden. "Go run along and have some fun. I want your homework done before dinner this time though." Jayden made a face before sighing. "Yes father." After embracing Selina's legs, Jayden took off down the hallway. "And no more using the force for menial tasks. It nulls your senses!"

There was no reply, but Selina started to chuckle lightly as she reached out to touch Revan's arm. "Revan, don't you think maybe you're a bit tough on him?"

Revan turned his gaze to Selina with a somewhat confused look on his face. "What? No? The galaxy is not a playground and he needs to learn that. If he keeps going around like a crazy person, he's going to get himself or someone else hurt. That boy has way too much of his mother in him."

Selina smirked slightly. "Oh yes...I'm sure that's one hundred percent Layha's personality right there."

Revan rolled his eyes slightly. "Please Selina, we both know I was young and incredibly stupid."

Selina wanted to make a comment about how much good Revan had done and how they never would have met had it not been for that, but she chose to remain silent. Revan really did not seem to enjoy taking those trips down memory lane. For five years now, she had watched him bury his anger and his sadness in training and study. Sure, it did him credit. He was arguably one of the most successful men she knew, in multiple ways. At the same time, it was holding him back. Holding him back from taking on the role she knew he was destined for. "Yes well...you're still kind of stupid." Revan cracked the slightest of smiles. "Anyways...what did you call me here for? My time is money you know, your money."

Revan shook his head as he laughed slightly. "Don't remind me. Anyways, surely you've heard the news?" Selina nodded. "Well, I need your help. It falls to me to make some...reforms, and I can't exactly do it alone." Revan glanced around before motioning for Selina to follow him. "Come on, we shouldn't have this conversation out in the open. Can't really be sure of who to trust these days. Needless to say...I think it's time we got back to doing what needs to be done for the galaxy..." Selina's expression brightened, hopeful that maybe Revan was going to finally start coming around. It had been some time since she'd seen the Revan she fell in love with. Of course, Revan knew nothing of that...or at least pretended not to know.

[Selina Vadcasta]

1 Day Later

Selina moved quickly and silently through the halls of the Theed Palace. Revan hadn't really moved in yet, but he did work out of the offices that the Palace contained. Arriving at the entrance to his office, the two Naboo Royal Guards standing outside bowed slightly before allowing her entrance. Stepping inside, her eyes focused in on Revan. She hadn't spoken to him since the previous afternoon when he revealed his 'plans' to her. "Just tell me one thing. Are you actually serious about doing this? Working against Layha? I mean...let's be honest Revan. Ever since you retired, you haven't exactly been the poster child for anti-Layha sentiment."

Revan found Selina's comments a bit annoying, but he knew she was right. Grabbing a manila file folder off the corner of his desk, he tossed it to the edge closest to Selina. "Read it." He sat in silence as Selina scanned over the classified document which detailed the death of the Queen during the previous evening. "They're announcing it in a couple hours."

Selina's expression was initially one of confusion, but it quickly changed to that of realization. "Wait...so you're telling me..."

Revan nodded his head. "It won't be immediate, mind you. I have some things to look into first."

"Things? What things? Where the hell are you going now?"

Revan stood from his seat and briefly smoothed out the silver-trimmed black tactical suit he wore like a uniform. By now, he had multiple sets, and he greatly preferred it to your typical business suit. Revan smirked before replying. "Just on a little trip. Be a dear and ensure the planet doesn't fall into open revolt during my absence. Oh and take care of Jayden."

"You're not going to tell him you're leaving?"

Revan thought for a brief moment. Sighing, he grabbed his cloak and made his way towards the door. "Yeah, I'll stop by the school on my way out. I was trying to avoid interrupting the academic day, though."

Selina rolled her eyes as she followed after Revan. "Please, I think they'll live if the Regent decides to make a visit and delay the academic day by fifteen whole minutes."

Revan smirked slightly. "I'll be back in a little under a week." With that, Revan was gone and Selina was left standing alone. Sighing, she made her way back into the office to try and catch herself up on what Revan had been doing. More importantly...attempt to discover what he was about to do...

[Revan Centurion]

"How in the world do you even plan to get through the blockade, Revan?"

Revan glanced at one of the men that had served him as an Adjustments agent in IRIS and continued to do so as part of his personal guard. Given their extensive experience with each other, Revan was comfortable with Detrich referring to him by his first name. "Please Detrich, I can handle one IR blockade of the Hapes Cluster. Running blockades is not exactly what one would call an 'impossible' task given the right skill-set."

Detrich rolled his eyes slightly. "You know full well that she'll have a contingency in place too, right?"

Revan chuckled lightly at Detrich. "Yes, I'm sure she does have some level of contingencies in place. I'm still not overly concerned. Come now Detrich, Layha may be foolish at times, but she isn't dumb. She knows full well that even if she did have her people attempt to capture me, I could cause more damage on my own than a good portion of the military assets she has deployed outside the cluster. A war with Hapes right now is the last thing she needs. She's already on the verge of ostracizing herself from the rest of the galaxy based on her somewhat recent policy and civil rights amendments. I've not done anything to betray the Imperial Republic, thus I'm not truly concerned. Am I not allowed the opportunity to speak with my Queen or a fellow Head of State?"

Detrich merely grumbled. The sound elicited little more than a smirk from Revan as he stepped aboard his modified Escort Shuttle. It was, very likely, one of the few ships that he knew Imperial Republic sensors would have difficulty tracking. After all, most of the IR's advanced technology and present operating procedures were developed under a time period of constant preemptive offensive action. Still, a blockade of the cluster. Revan had to admit, that was indeed a daring move. After all, Revan had been in command of the Hapan military just prior to his resignation from the Imperial Republic. They knew more about the IR military than most were likely aware by this point. We all have our contingencies...

As Revan, Detrich, and one other member of Centurion's guard boarded the escort shuttle, the loading ramp closed behind them. Quickly settling into his seat behind the controls, Revan smiled to himself as he once again slipped into the simple pleasure of piloting his own spacecraft. Within mere moments, the shuttle was rocketing towards the edge of the system and then entering hyperspace.

----------------------------
Twelve Hours Later

The soft beeping tone coming from the navigation computer alerted Revan that the spacecraft was about to exit hyperspace. The blockade of Hapes was hardly a secret, it was rather impossible to accomplish such without it getting out. Still, Revan had engaged his course such that the ship would revert to real space well in advance of reaching the blockade but within communications range. Quickly, Revan's fingers began flying over the communication system in preparation to broadcast a previously recorded message.

"Imperial Republic Blockade, this is Count Revan Centurion of the Hapan Court. I respectfully request permission to pass through the transistory mists to enter the cluster. I have important business to attend to on Hapes. I'm forwarding identification details now."

Pressing the button to transmit his clearance information, Revan simply waited to see if he would be allowed to pass. Naturally, he was getting through one way or another. However, he really did not feel like having to exert himself unnecessarily.

[Layha Solo]

Captain Nomi gave her comm officer a curt nod. "The Empress gave us permission. Let him through."

The com officer nodded and turned back to his console.

"Count Centurion, your request has been cleared. You will be escorted in by our ships. Please do not deviate from your current course or we will use deadly force. When you prepare to leave please note that we will need to board and search your vessel for any stowaways. Do you comply sir?"

[Revan Centurion]

Revan merely smirked before nodding to the Detrich in the co-pilot's seat. "Alright Detrich, engage the stealth mode systems." 'Stealth' mode was perhaps a bit misleading. Revan himself had not really looked into the addition of a cloaking system for the vessel. Sure, the technology definitely existed, and he'd had access to it in the past. The problem was, a cloaking system made a lot of the spacecraft's onboard ECM equipment effectively useless. In a ship of the escort shuttle's size, Revan was worried about being seen by the naked eye. Chances are if you were close enough to do that successfully, it was too late anyways. Instead, he'd adapated an advanced electronics suite which reduced the spacecraft's emissions spectrum severely - except for those in the infrared band. For that, Revan was more than capable of masking his entire ship through other means.

"Stealth mode activated, cancel activation." The computer confirmed the activation of the new flight mode and also repeated the order to cancel said activation should it be required.

Smoothly, Revan applied full thrust to the spacecraft's sublight drive. Sure, the Imperial Republic's military was impressive, but the technology used to create Revan's own ship tended to go beyond the concepts of normal military grade equipment. They could follow, but they'd be lost through no fault of his own in due time. Keying the communicator, he sent his reply. "How kind of you. I will comply, but I can't be responsible for the inability of your pilots to keep up should it come to that. You needn't worry, I'm going directly to the Fountain Palace and then leaving again." It was the last communication Revan would make to any Imperial Republic forces until he was leaving. It took only moments for the spacecraft to slip beyond the natural boundary that was the transistory mists. Arriving on the other side, Revan initiated the sequence to enter hyperspace once more. The Cluster was extremely large, and it was a wonder that Layha was foolish enough to try and blockade the entire thing. That would take more military resources than most military commanders would even attempt to spare. At least...it would if the goal of the blockade was to be completely and utterly effective. Fortunately, the advent of advanced targeting systems allowed for fairly good coverage without involving a lot of ships. The down side to this of course was...smaller ships could sneak through without so much as breaking a sweat. For the second time, the Legatus shot off into hyperspace.

---------------------

The short ten minute series of hyperspace jumps ended with Revan's ship coming out of hyperspace just outside the gravity well of Hapes. Activating his code clearance once more, he quickly piloted the shuttle down towards the Fountain Palace. Enroute, he opened his comlink and sent a brief message to Palace Security. "This is Count Centurion. Inform the Queen Mother that I would very much enjoy an audience with her as soon as possible." Reaching out with the force, Revan removed any inclination to deny his request. He doubted the Queen remembered him much. After all, he was no longer a necessary part to her goals. Still, it was possible she could accomplish much through him. Caralon was and always would be a resourceful woman. One not to be trusted, yes, but useful nonetheless... Turning his head to Detrich, he nodded slightly. "Deactivate the stealth mode." The soft beeping of the computer was confirmation enough that the spacecraft had been reverted to normal operation.

[Layha Solo]

THE QUEEN MOTHER

Caralon had been in meeting all day and was extremely exhausted. The day was coming to an end and she was looking forward to a nice hot bath and a relaxing time in her gardens before getting a good nights sleep. She was headed for her Quarters in the Palace when a messanger came running up. He was one among many of her play toys, she smiled warmly at him as he bowed. "Alejandro,"

"My Queen, we just received word of a ship that was permitted to pass through the blockade." Caralon's ears perked up and her brow raised. "Another one of Layha's peace talk escorts I presume?"

"No my Queen, it is a man name Revan Centurion. He claims he is a Count or something and request an audience."

Caralon rolled her eyes. "I don't have time for pesky Counts or Lords. Tell him his business can wait until the morning. I retire now."

She said no more and waved the man away. Moments later she entered her own chambers. "Draw me a bath immediately." she said as she got into more comfy clothes. Her handmaidens rushed to do her bidding.

[Revan Centurion]

Revan smirked slightly as he heard the response that came back from Palace Security. Sending no reply, he immediately reactivated the ship's stealth mode. "Sir?"

"Just do me a favor and keep your mouth shut Detrich, alright?"

Detrich rolled his eyes slightly before cracking a small smirk. "You're the boss."

As the shuttle swept low across the ground, Revan engaged the offensive sweep radar. It was largely a precaution, but it would at least grant him a level of foresight into whether or not something was about to hook the bottom of the spacecraft as he skimmed the treetops. Even as the spacecraft drew closer and closer to the Fountain Palace, Revan could clearly see the air defenses slowly beginning to come online. For all intents and purposes it was 'evening' on Hapes, but even the night on Hapes was brilliantly lit given the close proximity of so many moons. Revan's green eyes intensified as he created rolling storms throughout the entire area. The intensity of the storms that accumulated were enough to diffuse any overhead light. Smirking, Revan calmly commented to Detrich. "Take the controls. As you get closer to the palace, pull up such that you just barely clear the tallest edifice. I'm going for a walk..."

"You're freaking what!?" Detrich had seen Revan do some crazy things, but this definitely took the cake.

Standing from his seat, Revan quickly made his way back into the main cabin. Opening the side hatch, he braced himself against the wall as the wind whipped quickly through the spacecraft. Using the force to greatly heighten his senses, Revan waited. Not yet...almost there...and... With a mere thought, Revan hurled himself out of the spacecraft. The ground began rapidly approaching his body and Revan had to act fast to use the force to mitigate his descent rate. Within no more than five seconds, Revan had impacted softly on the ground.

Quickly taking the glossy black hilt of his lightsaber into his hand, Revan grumbled slightly. "I hate doing this sometimes..." He did hate having to resort to such measures, but he wasn't about to wait until the freaking morning. Cloaking his presence both visually and within the force, Revan advanced slowly and quietly inside the palace. There were a number of security protocols that he meticulously deactivated and reactivated through the force once he was past them. Having been toured around the palace in the past and having served as part of the Royal Council, Revan knew where he was going.

Still...as he arrived in the corridor leading to the Queen's chambers, he had to rethink his approach slightly. Reaching out with the force, Revan touched the mind of the guards outside the Queen's chambers. Smiling to himself, he projected images of the Queen commanding them to the throne room. Remaining cloaked, Revan watched as they walked right past him on their way to the throne room. Acting quickly, Revan made his way over to the door and motioned discreetly with his hand. His crimson-lined black cloak dragged lightly across the ground. Pulling back the hood of his cloak, Revan took a seat in a large chair near the Queen's bed. Allowing his visual cloak to subside, he smirked as he spoke directly into her mind. *Come now Caralon. It's not as if you or any other Hapan female actually...needs...beauty sleep...* The woman, while certainly older than Revan, didn't look much over thirty. A feat that he...moderately respected her for. Then again, the same could be said about most Hapan females.

[Layha Solo]

Caralon had changed and headed back into the main area of her chambers. Her heart nearly jumped out of her body when she realized there was a man sitting next to her bed. She gathered herself and entered the room. It had been years, but she recognized the man. "I thought I had said your business could wait until morning Count Centurion."

[Revan Centurion]

Revan merely smirked as he came to his feet. "Please, Your Majesty. I've not been to Royal Court in over five years. I think it's safe to say that my status as a noble of this cluster is slowly fading into obscurity. Even now, it's maintained only because my cousin still recognizes me as part of the family." In truth, Revan had not been part of that family for a long time, and he had no intention of involving his son in such things, even if he was technically some type of illegitimate Prince. Revan bowed respectfully before standing to his full height. "You can call me Regent Centurion - or simply Revan for all I truthfully care." Revan took a step off to the side as he looked at Caralon inquisitively. "Besides, I do believe I still owe you dinner from...all those years ago. However, that's a very minuscule part of my presence here. Sorry for having to compromise your security like this, but I think we should have a little chat about your...hmm...situation? More importantly what the hell you were thinking engaging in conflict against the Imperial Republic in the first place. Honestly Caralon, that was just ill-timed. You'll never beat her toe-to-toe like that. I imagine we can likely come up with an alternative however..."

Revan was not going to waste any of Caralon's time - just as he knew she wouldn't waste his. Still, a very large part of him wished he'd not come into the palace like this in the first place. His intention was not to startle her...regardless of how much it amused him...

[Layha Solo]

Caralon moved forward and sat down on her rather large feathered bed. The man in front of her had always intrigued her.

"My situation is unfortunate I will admit. And yes perhaps it was bad timing on my part. I figured Layha had been in turmoil for years, her life seemed to have turned upside down and she was ripe for the picking. How was I to know she was mastering in the dark forces. Anyway, I have no idea why I am even telling you this. For all I know you are her spy come to find out my plans."

[Revan Centurion]

Revan smiled ever so slightly. The woman was perhaps better suited for the position she occupied than Revan had previously thought. Perhaps... Shrugging slightly, Revan clasped his hands behind his back. "I think you'll find that illusions are rampant amongst the greater galaxy these days. Like the illusion that the Imperial Republic is any type of 'Republic' at all. Perhaps the IR should have simply been invaded by the rogue Imperial forces from so many years ago. It would appear...the end result was the same either way. At any rate, you are right about one thing. Layha's life is in turmoil...whether or not she recognizes it is something else entirely. Besides...her mastery in the dark side actually makes her less of threat than she previously was. It narrows her view, constricts her adaptability. These are all things she'll simply have to learn in time. Besides that, she employs a Jedi as one of her closest...if not the closest advisor. Her decision making pattern is erratic at best, and it is something...we intend to exploit."

Rubbing his chin lightly, Revan laughed softly to himself. "As for me being a spy... While it's certainly a profession I've executed in the past, it is hardly my career now. I'm afraid I've been sucked into the vicious world of politics full force. Fortunately, however - running a system pales in comparison to running a cluster of numerous systems. You need not worry about my past affiliation with the Imperial Republic. The question that remains is...what do you intend to do about your situation? Sit here and let your people rot...or execute some level of proactive involvement towards shifting the eventual tide. Understand I'm not here to favor the existence of one government over another. Quite the opposite actually...I exist and work only to maintain balance in the life force that connects us all. It's stable for the time being, but every day...we move closer and closer to a position that this galaxy will not soon recover from. Do you want to be an intrepid member of an organization working to covertly alter the perception of society...or do you simply want to die a failure. The Queen Mother that allowed Hapes to die.?" Caralon's support wasn't mandatory of course. Still, it would go a long way to making things easier. Unfortunately, it would require Caralon to swallow some of her pride and make temporary peace with Layha. If Caralon did that, Revan and his men would execute operations to the benefit of Hapes and so many others...without directly involving Hapes.

[Layha Solo]

Caralon's eyes narrowed at the young man. "Do you think I am a fool boy? Do you think all I have been doing is flaunting my position and doing nothing about my current situation?" Caralon laughed a very sweet and evil laugh. "Trust me, Layha may think she has me with this silly blockade of hers, but it pails in comparison to what I have planned next. You do not know Layha like I do Centurion. I raised her, taught her everything she needs to know about politics. Now I am sure she has picked up a lot of dirty tricks along the way, you can thank James Stratus for that, but in reality I am the player and she is simply my pawn. She just hasn't seen that yet." Caralon stood and made her way to her window balcony. "But she will soon enough." She turned back to Revan a smile played across her lips. "You know Layha considered you a lover, even more so then her soul mate Kyle Cadwallder. And trust me when Kyle heard the news he wasn't to happy about it." she paused for a moment as if in thought. "Why are you here Revan? Hapes is not what you call home. So why the sudden interest in my Cluster?" she walked back over to the bed. "Let me guess, you seem to find a common cause in both our lives. Layha is our enemy, and you want... revenge is it? Or am I completely mistaken?

[Revan Centurion]

Revan smirked slightly. "You are completely mistaken. I come here not out of some perverse desire to see Layha fail. If that were the case, why would I have waited this long? Why would I have left the Imperial Republic in the first place. I saw that she was on the downward spiral. I wanted to help her, genuinely. I still want to help her, and regardless of what happened in the past..." Revan stopped himself before he went too far. Now was not the time to be getting caught up in emotions. "As usual, everything I do is to help Layha and the Imperial Republic. Whether or not she recognizes that is really not my problem. I left her side...only because she asked me to. No...more than that she left me no real choice. I gave Layha everything I had, and she threw it back in my face without so much as a second thought." Revan looked out at the still storm-ridden sky and sighed, waving his hand slightly. Almost instantly, the sky began to clear. "Whatever she claims to have considered me, she changed her mind without a thought...without...reason. Still, I hold something dear to my heart. A gift that Layha gave me, and I will forever love her for. It's for the safety of that gift's future that I come here. Make no mistake Caralon. I like and trust you about as far as a newborn child can throw a stone. Still...I find myself needing your assistance in being of use to the greater galaxy. Still...to do this...it's not advantageous for your area of space to be under blockade. You have to cease these conflicts with your niece. Neither of you are gaining anything."

Revan really did not care what Caralon had 'planned'. In the interest of the galaxy, he could not very well allow this useless front for front war to continue. It would be so easy for him to sit back and watch the situation rip apart two governments, but that was not his role in life. The responsibility he held to the galaxy was great, but he feared that reason had left the mind of all. "It's just my suggestion, Your Majesty. I hope you make the right decision. Now if you'll excuse me..." Revan bowed to the Queen Mother. "I shall take my leave of this place." Something pulling at the back of Revan's mind...told him it was simply time to go. How he'd managed to get to this point in his life, he doubted he would ever fully understand.

[Layha Solo]

Caralon said nothing as the young man left. One moment he was there and the next simply gone. She shook her head and went to claim her bath.

[Revan Centurion]

Revan pulled out his comlink as soon as he'd exited the Queen's chambers. "Detrich, quick extract, south garden in five."

"Understood sir."

As soon as Revan was stepping on to the well-kept grass, he heard the subtle whine of his ship's engines. The loading ramp was already extended and Revan used the force to propel his body to the height of the spacecraft. Stepping inside, he slammed his hand on the control to retract the ramp and shut the door. Settling into the cockpit, he took the controls from Detrich and began piloting out of the planet's atmosphere. Once they were clear of the planet's gravity well, Revan plotted the hyperspace route back to the edge of the mists.
-------------

Nearly the instant the spacecraft exited hyperspace, an Imperial Republic patrol was waiting and immediately began hailing them. Rolling his eyes, Revan simply complied with their instructions. The inspection itself was quick and harmless enough. Two armed personnel searched the vessel and ensured that no Hapan stowaways were aboard. It took them a while to confirm Detrich's identity. After all, the man had effectively not existed for the better part of his career. Eventually, they were permitted to leave and the Legatus was on its way to Centurion's next stop, Coruscant. Just before entering hyperspace, Centurion dispatched a message for Selina to meet him at one of their very recently established subsidiary warehouses in the industrial sector. It remained to be seen what Caralon's next move would be. Needless to say, Revan was less than optimistic. "Sex-crazed old bat..."