You're My Boss, But I'm Your Prince. [Donald Kail]

[Meira]

Well, it wasn't the best birthday ever. But it could have been worse. The farther away Rook got from his home planet, the more he felt that he was being done a favor. At least on Coruscant, he wouldn't have to deal with his brothers. He'd be far away from their threats and his parents' disapproving stares. If anything, this was a favor! Besides, Junior Senator! It was a joke really! The position didn't even require election. It was an appointed office. He didn't need anyone's approval, and he wouldn't be seeking it. His parents wanted him out of the way? Fine! It wasn't like he was being sent to some backward planet in the outer rim. He was going to Coruscant! It was THE planet... THE City!

His transport landed and Rook was shown to his new home. Not nearly as large as his apartments at the palace on Coronet, but it was suitable and well furnished. He was then whisked away to the capital, where he was shown around the senate building. He even took the Corellian Senate box for a zip around the Senate floor, much to the fear of his escorts.

The grand tour finally ended at the Officies of Corellia, the area in the building dedicated to the work of his home's representation, Donal Kail and his staff. Rook had his own office, small but nice. Many things that he would need were being stocked in there already. His escorts, two advisors to Donald ended the tour by showing Rook to Donald's office, where the Senator was waiting to meet him.

Without allowing time for him to be announced, Rook flung opened the doors to the office. Donald, old boy, where are you!? Rook shouted, causing one of the advisers to go pale with worry. No, Rook wasn't about to go around all humble and pathetic. If he was going to have to be here, he was going to do it his own way.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald stood behind his desk blaster pulled from it's holster pointed at the prince's head. He laughed seeing it was the kid, but if he'd learned anything from his military career it was scare the new recruits on day one,

"Rook, nice to see you again."

He finally lowered his pistol and returned it to it's holster. He walked up to the kid and shook his hand,

"It's been a while, it's a good thing I wasn't an assassin or you would have lost any chance at all of becoming King." He said winking to the kid patting him on the back,
"Will you leave us alone?" When they were alone in the room Donald say back down behind his desk,

"Sit down," Donald waited then continued,
"I'm sure at this point you're aware that you were sent here because your parents are tired of you. Now if you think you've just gotten a free ride then I'm sorry sonny but your wrong. I run a tight ship and I'm not going to have you or any other of you nobles upset my job. I'm related to the royal family myself and am friends with your father so I agreed to try and get you into shape. Right now your probably looking at me with that smug little prince face of yours saying your not going to do anything. I doubt you'll think that by this afternoon. Under me Corella has become one of the most financially and militarily secure planets in the Core systems and beyond. You may have no care in the galaxy about politics and that doesn't concern me. What does is the Galaxy is in danger and if you get in my way, I'll personally send you on the first ship to nowhere. I have full permission to do so and I will do so without hesitation. This is your last chance to prove your worth something to your family otherwise their casting you out. I know it's hard to be the last son, I've dealt with many of them in the military and even in the senate. You feel neglected and that you haven't had as many opportunities. That's probably not far from the truth, but this is a good opportunity to do something good for your planet and for your people. So, are you going to work for me? Or are you going to be deadweight like you have been all the rest of your life?"

Donald smiled and waited for Rook's reply. He'd delt with kids like him before and he knew how to talk to most of them. Their were rare cases that wouldn't listen to reason. They usually ended up dealing death sticks or getting themselves killed in a swoop race. He didn't care what the kid did. It was a favor for an old friend. He had work to do and no punk kid was going to get in the way.

[Meira]

When Rook's eyes fell on the blaster pointed directly at him, his first instinct was to draw his own... but it wasn't there. He hadn't brought it. His hand felt nothing but the side of his pants where the holster should have been. But seeing the look on Donald's face, Rook relaxed, his features spreading in a wry smile. Shaking his finger at Donald as the man approached to two shook hands.

You dog! Rook exclaimed, patting the man on the back. Then, as Donald dismissed the advisers and asked Rook to sit, he did so, leaning back in the chair and resting his right ankle on his left knee. Donald didn't waist any time getting down to the dirty points, and while part of Rook respected the no nonsense attitude Donald was taking, the little prince inside of him wanted to reach across the desk and slap him for daring to speak that way.

Rook knew very well that Donald was good friends with his father. He had seen the Senator at the palace a few times, had heard his name. He was always well spoken of, and Rook knew why. Donald obviously didn't know too much about him, however, otherwise he would know that Rook was actually quite interested in politics... when he wasn't at the bottom of a bottle of Corellian whiskey. And what's more, he was damn good at it! But he let the man give his speech. Donald was right about the smug face, but it wasn't for the reasons he thought. Rook was looking forward to letting Donald believe he was the good for nothing, last in line for the throne, spoiled prince that everyone thought he was. It would mean that when Donald saw his work, he'd have to apologize.

When he finished with his warnings and less than subtle threats, Rook smiled. You know what I like about you? He asked, leaning the chair back onto it's back two supports and rocking it slightly. You're a straightforward guy. That's the military in you, isn't it? No bantha mess, just brass tax. I like that. He let the chair fall back onto all four supports with a light thump. Standing up, he looked out the window of Donald's office, watching as the many transports went about on their daily business.

He then turned back to look at Donald. No one could deny Rook's regal nature. Even if he sauntered around like a stuck up brat, be it genetics or simply being around nobility his entire life, he had a certain air about him. Some only saw it as ego, but a good eye might see more. I've got a deal for you, Kail. He said, moving back towards the desk and sitting on the corner. You don't jerk me around, and I won't jerk you around. Sound good?

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald smiled, he had hoped the kid would give that kind of reaction. He wasn't hopeless at all, he actually had a lot of potential. He remained a smug noble brat sure but he didn't throw everything in Donald's face. That was what he was looking for. The kid would be a good politician he kept his cool and had a good comeback...Donald liked the sound of that,
"Deal." Donald smirked and looked over the kid for a second then continued,
"You may or may not be aware, but I have called for a Vote of no-confidence in the Chancellor's leadership. That's a couple week's past news. What most people don't know is I'm withdrawing it. The Chancellor and I met and we have decided that's what's best for the Republic. See kid, what my problem is...I'm not a politician. I am rich, I could live off my military money but I don't. I want to help the people and protect the Republic. These other guys."

Donald motioned around his office not really pointing at anything or anyone in particular,

"They care about their investments more than the people. So, that's where people like me have to come in and pick up their slack. Your a rich kid yourself so you shouldn't have trouble being under me. Unless your a greedy bastard."

Donald poured himself a glass of water and offered one to Rook and returned to his seat looking out the window,

"The Sith, sicken me really. They want to destroy everything the Republic stands for. The only reason their winning is because of the Republic. It's stagnant and weak, we need men of action to do something. I think the Chancellor has got the message now. When his term runs to an end I plan to run again. If I win and your ready, that leaves my seat open. I'm friends with everyone who would ever have the power to appoint you to my position. If you show yourself ready for it and you share my interests I'll make sure you take up my position."

Donald didn't know what to expect out of the kid after that. Rook was new to poltics but if he had something to strive for it might help him. Becoming a Senator is a big deal, and if would be a great thing for him. Donald didn't know how Rook thought though. Donald was a strong advocate for a stronger and safer Republic. Some people didn't like him for it and a lot of people kept a close eye on him. Even with this complaint he had managaed to make Corellia one of the most successful planet's in the galaxy. He also was a prominant figure in poltics around Coruscant. He had helped write many treaties and policis that run everyday life and he didn't want Rook to reverse anything he had worked so hard to do.

[Meira]

Rook accepted the glass of water, and sipped it idly as Donald went on, pretty much bringing him up to speed. He had heard a little bit about what was going on on Coruscant, Corellia being such a strong force in the Republic, it was hard not to. But he'd be a liar if he said he had been paying attention. It was interesting, having a place now. Being here, at the capital of freedom within the galaxy, Rook had prospects. On Corellia, he had comfort, but little more than that.

When Donald spoke of the sith, Rook couldn't help but interject. I've wondered about them. He said, setting the glass down. My brother, the one in the military, thinks like you do I think. He and I get on slightly better than I do with the Crown Prince. I don't understand why the Republic doesn't just wipe the sith empire out. Surely we're the stronger? He asked, looking to Donald for confirmation. Then he sighed. But it's the Republic that's in the way of itself you say. All those greedy bastards looking to turn some credits rather than help the greater good? He nodded. While the Republic was great, it lacked the efficiency it needed to carry out plans quickly and effectively. The Bureaucrats and their red tape made the Republic sluggish.

Corellia didn't have that problem. But then again, there was always the chance a tyrant could ascend to the throne and take advantage of the people. Rook wondered briefly if that's what the Crown Prince would turn out to be. He certainly had the temperament for it.

Then Donald went on to speak of how he hoped to become the next Chancellor. Rook smiled. He could see Donald up there, leading a strong, quick thinking senate. And if he thought about it hard enough, he could even imagine himself there, representing Corellia. Oh, how that would anger his brother! To think that he was sitting on his little throne, ruling a planet sure, but all the while his youngest brother worked alongside the most powerful people in the galaxy! If nothing else, knowing the anguish it would cause his brother might be enough to go along with the idea.

But that was years down the road. If he wanted to get there, there would have to be a lot of work done now. He turned his eyes back on Donald, taking another drink of water before speaking. It seems to me, my friend, that the Senate needs to get it's ass in gear. The threat of the sith empire isn't going to wait for them to decide how they can make more money out of the situation. If they are allowed to gain more power, we can all be sure that our lives, however humbly served, or greedily wasted, are sure to come to a sudden, and probably gruesome end.

Rook sure did like this. He stood up, moving so that he was standing at the front of Donald's desk, facing him squarely. I am on board, Senator. To bring honor and recognition to my beloved planet, and to aid in the effort to maintain freedom and democracy across the galaxy. He gave a quick bow of sorts, as if to reaffirm his commitment. He then stood back straight, his hands tucked into his pockets. With a shrug, he looked around as if he were searching for something, So.... and then turned his eyes back on Donald. Where do we start?

He would be a diligent worker, Donald could be assured. But that wasn't to say Rook wasn't going to have fun in the process.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald chucked at Rook's antics then thought from a moment,
"You see that's where the problem begins. The Republic is very corrupt and the government is more complex than it should be. Too many loopholes and such. The Military can barely do anything, did you know on a couple planets right now that if they were attacked by the Sith they'd have to wait for confirmation from their Prime Minister to engage! Ridiculous! I hate government, but I understand politics and I shall use it to my advantage. Where do we start? I'm not sure. For now we will just press making the Republic Stronger and more secure as I have been. I've also lowered taxes for most poorer citizens and little things like that. Also, we're going to soon be finding a list of reliable Senators. I might need support for some risky bills and stuff. The Chancellor has given me a mission to go and speak with the Mandalorians. When I return from that I might speak to you about a couple of the deals we have coming up. They are under-the-table and dangerours. Their legal, but must be hidden. That's all I can say for now. The Sith won't know what hit them."

Donald said finally and finishing off his water. He looked to Rook and sighed,
"Anything to add?"

[Meira]

Rook nodded his head as Donald explained that they were going to have to continue laying the foundation before they could really start changing some things up. They would have to do some wooing as well, if they were going to get enough senators on their side. It was both funny and sad how they had to get dirty to clean things up. But if that's the way it had to be, then so be it.

When Donald mentioned meeting with the Mandalorians, Rook raised an eyebrow with interest. It would be a big help if they could win over the Mandalorians. Those guys fought like dogs! If Rook had ever taken an interest in military history, it was that of the Mandalorians. But then again, past events didn't make it likely that the Mandalorians would be too keen to help the Republic... after their whole culture was all but erased from the Galaxy. It sure was risky to go meet with them, but the reward would be worth it in the end.

Well... He said, pacing back and forth in front of Donald's desk. I wonder if I can't be of some use while you're gone. He rubbed his chin with with thumb and forefinger thoughtfully. You know, back home I was known for my skills at entertaining. Perhaps I can win over some of these senators with my charm. He said, giving a wink. And if that doesn't work, I'm a pretty smooth talker. What do you say?

If anything, Rook simply wanted to get to know some of the names and faces of the Senate. Even if he couldn't win any of them over, at least he could gather some information about them to put to future use.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald smiled he was starting to like the kid's style already. He could actually work out pretty well,
"Well, you know I have just the thing. They invited me to the Ball...I don't even remember the name."
Donald said handing Rook the datapad with the invitations,
"Lucky for us they didn't mention me by name and just said the Representer of Corellia. You fit into that category nicely. Now all you'll need to do is make you're self known...which I think your pretty good at. Make some new friends, have a couple of drinks, meet some pretty girls...You know the kind of thing old men like me should love."

Donald rolled his eyes. He hated such events they were pointless and tools of corrupt lobbyist to win the favor of senators. Donald rarely attended such events. He'd only attend the most important ones or when Betty wanted something to do.

"This business with the Mandalorians will be dangerous for me. I have some friends within the clans who shall take me to the Mandalore...or hopefully someone high up in his chain of command. When I get there I have a deal from the Republic for them. If they don't like it I maybe killed or captured, but I trust Mandalorains sense of honor enough that I don't think they'd do that. They know me, some even fear me because of my military record...that category is few in number though. My point is, I am a warrior as much as they are so I think I shall find respect from them. Whatever they may think of our offer. I doubt I shall be harmed."

Donald then felt he should return to one of Rook's earlier statements,

"The Republic is not stronger than the Sith. The Sith Fleet...at least the part we know about is better equipped and possibly in larger number. They are very determined to go to war and will find any excuse they can. That's why a deal with the Mandalorains might be necessary. The Sith are well trained and well funded. They won't be easy to defeat. Also the Republic would never attack them even if they were. The Republic's leaders are too egotistical to believe that the Sith's Forces could ever match our own. I tell you now Rook before this year is out the Sith will have attacked somewhere. Maybe even multiple planets. Their military buildup has no other explanation. Look back in the History of the Republic and you'll see...you'll see that we're making the same mistakes of our ancestors. That's deep trouble. Also I think the Sith Empire is open for a military coup. The military could easily take over the current leadership. I wouldn't be surprised if that happens before they even attack. I don't know who in their ranks would make the first move but they have the potential. The Republic is ready though, I through several independant companies have prepared to triple the Republic's fleet within a month's time."

Donald smiled and looked out the window at all the speeder's going by. He could imagine the speeder's being warships going towards their destination. They wouldn't win the first battle, that's for sure. The Republic's response would be too slow. The next battle though...the Republic would come in full force and the Sith would be crushed. At least that one time...

[Meira]

Rook's face lit up with a smile at Donald's mention of a party. Of course these old bats were throwing parties with beautiful women and plenty of booze. What else did they have to do? It wasn't like they were running an entire galaxy! He nodded, quickly accepting the data pad that was handed to him and looking it over.

And find myself a date. He quickly added to Donald's comment on all he had to do. Yes, this would indeed be fun!

His attention was brought back, however, when Donald detailed the grave truth of the situation with this sith empire. He shook his head at the words. It did indeed sound dire. And what was worse, is that the Republic had everything they needed to thwart this threat! But like Donald had said, they would be too slow to act. He thought back to his lessons on the last war with the sith empire. They had almost failed miserably. Really, they had only won by chance. And these people were willing to sit back and let it happen again? It truly would take a devastating attack from the sith to wake them up. They were so happy in their little dream worlds, they wouldn't care to open their eyes unless forced to.

So how to rouse them without touching the wrong nerves? Well, this party would serve a chance for Rook to get a feel for the people he would need to help woo. Turning his eyes back on Donald, Rook nodded his head, fully resolving to get to work.

Right well, I won't take up any more of your time, friend. He said, moving forward to shake Donald's hand. You stay safe on that trip. Father will kill me if his Senator dies after I get sent here. He said, giving a wink and a laugh. I've got to go pick out what I'm going to wear!

And with a slight bow of his head, Rook turned and left the room.