Dorean Selanne’s eyes opened, the sweat dripping from his forehead beginning to drip into his brown eyes. He continued in his circular arc in a steady, determined pace, his weapon held in a high guard. Across from him, Bail Starfire grimly nodded, gripping his deactivated force pike with a tenacity that rivaled that of a Wookie. Dorean lunged forward, the tip of his vibrorapier sliding forward directly at Starfire’s heart. At the last moment, the dark-skinned man abruptly whipped his staff-like weapon to the side, sending the thrusting tip out of alignment while twirling it around for a retaliatory slash. Selanne withdrew his rapier and side-stepped a hack that would have gave even a Gamorrean a serious concussion.
“Stop.”
Both men lowered their weapons at the voice and turned; it was Elder Monoceros. The graying man genially smiled down at the men, presenting a palm-up gesture to both of them. The elder slowly strode down the stone stairs of the garden. The younger men bowed.
“What may we do for you, your excellency?”
The man’s blue eyes looked at them like a proud father.
“My sons.”
Dorean and Bail looked at each other; neither looked alike: at all. Dorean was a pale-skinned descendant from the once-prominent House of Selanne of the Meridian Sector. Despite centuries of removal from their aristrocratic homeland to Audacia, the Selannes still looked every bit the nobility they once were, even they did not still possess the wealth.
Bail was another matter altogether. An orphan from Hosk, he had been taken to Audacia along with many of the refugees from that station when it had been destroyed by the Vong. The Vong had sent many people among the stars, albeit few planets welcomed them. One of the few that did was Audacia. His powerful arms and vindicative demeanor made him as strong as Dorean was cunning. Obviously not biologically. The old man happily shook his head in amusement.
“I am sorry to interrupt your practice.”
All youths of Audacia practiced melee combat as a pastime, which was strongly encouraged by the Elders of Soresu. Originally, it was so that the populace could hold their own against the Vong if the planet was ever invaded. But with the recession of the Vong, it had become more of a sport.
“What is it, your excellency?”
The man spread open his arms to encompass the ancient stone grounds of the Rampart Academy. He managed a crooked smile as he spoke.
“This is all I have ever known for my life,” he gestured, ”Audacia has been home for centuries; I have never even ventured into orbit.”
He shook his head wryfully at that last comment.
“I do not know the galaxy or the ways of it. But I need trusted bodyguards and aides that do. And those people would be you.”
-------------------------------
One week earlier...
Pegasus, Kashan Flagship
Corise smiled out of the viewport, which offered a sketchy, incomplete reflection of the military man. Raising the glass to his lips, he took another ginger sip of the tea. Tea is good. To the maker; Commander Fyre and myself actually agree on something. He slightly shuddered at the thought. But that didn’t dampen his spirits. Vacation is here. Finally. He set down the crystal glass on the maghony table of his quarters with the grin of boy receiving birthday presents.
He dove into the couch and let a chuckle as he lay there in complete idlement. I’m liking this already. Shrugging, he loosened the first button of his tunic.
“What on Kashan are you doing?”
The Commodore continued to unbutton his jacket, unfazed by the presence of a fellow triumvirate member and widely respected peer. I bet she’s idolized. And not only by the teenage girls…
“Hey Christina.”
The woman raised a dark eyebrow over her hazel eyes. Her shorter black dress accentuated every curve of body in manner that was somehow both tasteful and socially acceptable. Corise never figured out how she did it. And all I can do is look official and stoic. Oh well, can’t have everything.
“You know, next time you knock or ring the doorbell or something of the like,” commented Corise, grabbing the holoprojector remote.
“Do I know you?”
He turned the channel to watch the Coruscant Guards facing off with the Axxilian Raiders.
“Well,” yawned the man,” by my count, it’s been a little over half a decade.”
“This is incredulous,” gasped the Pro-Consul, nearly dropping her purse. “Have you had too much to drink tonight?”
“Maybe too much tea. I might have to use the refresher more often.”
Her purse dropped as she stood directly between the holo-projector and the Corellian leather couch the Kashan man occupied.
“Yes?”
“Give me that,” ordered the woman, snatching the remote. She fumbled with the remote, sending it through an assortment of channels before finally touching the right one: the projection disappeared into nothingness as fast as it had came.
“You are unbelieveable.”
Corise straightened up and rose. “I would say the same to you. Not many people walked in announced and take charge of a man’s activities; especially considering he is in charge of an entire fleet.”
Her mouth dropped. “If you are in charge of an entire fleet. Why are you acting like a child?”
He broadly smiled.
“Do you know when the last time I had a vacation?”
She stopped for a second and frowned. “No.”
“Neither do I; which is why I’m taking one. One, that mind you, started thirty minutes ago.”
Her eyes swept around the room, before observing the man with a look that alluded to her wondering if he was sane. He gently took the remote from her hands and turned the projector back on.
“So when was the last time you had a vacation?” questioned the Commodore.
She stammered. “Ah…”
“Too long ago.”
She slowly nodded. “I’ve never seen you like this before. Are you taking something?”
He shook his head. “No, although I suppose not having any burdens of responsibility is probably giving me something of a high.”
He glanced at his chrono. “Any guesses on how long it will last?”
She shook her head. “No, but you’re worse than Commander Fyre.”
“Ouch.”
“And I like it.”
The commodore made an abrupt about face to meet her gaze, which briefly locked for moments, albeit it seemed like time stopped to the Commodore. She smiled and looked down.
“So are you spending your vacation here?”
The younger Lucerne waved a hand to encompass his suite of rooms aboard the Pegasus.
“I’ve spent nearly one and a half decades here,” stated the man, “I think it’s time for a background change. No, I am heading off to Audacia.”
“Never heard of it.”
“Nor should you have. It’s a pretty backward planet not too far away from Genon. It’s mostly meadows and farmland, but there is an exquisite forest valley by the capital of Soresu; that’s where I am staying.”
She nodded and brushed up against his side. “Mind if I join you?”