Alderaan - Love and Intrigue

It was with some reluctance that he'd slipped out of bed that morning, kissing his wife on the forehead as he did so. But Niall knew to be both prepared and punctual.

Dressed in full formal gear for the day, Niall stood at the door to his father's study. He reached up, pressing the ringer, then stood at, if not quite attention, nearly so, hands clasped behind his back.

His father's voice replied from the other side, "Come in, Niall."

Another press, and the door slid open. Niall stepped through, letting it close behind him.

"Good morning, father." Niall said, respectful, but not without warmth. He looked at the older man. "Have you eaten yet?" After Niall's sister had died, it had sometimes been a struggle to get his parents to remember to eat. Lately, that had been changing, but Niall hadn't stopped worrying.

Rhys stood and set the datapad aside and said, “I am fine, I could stand to miss a breakfast or two. You could too.”

“Besides, we have greater concerns than a missed meal. Alderaan stands on the cusp of civil war, and it’s everything I can do to keep the planet from sliding into the flames. I’ll be damned if I let Alderaan explode underneath me.”

Despite the assurance, Niall eyed his father critically. Well, he looked healthy enough, anyway.

"Indeed." Niall straightened. "This business seems to be setting everyone at each other's throats. Where do you think will be the most likely source of trouble?"

"Thul before the heir is named and then Ulgo afterwards, if they don't get someone attached to the throne I suspect Bouris is going to want blood," he said sternly.

"Organa and Ulgo have long been friends." Niall said. "And I suspect there are endeavours in which we would support them."

He shook his head. "But that thirst for power concerns me as well. Not so much as the Thuls, but nevertheless."

"Bouris wants the throne, it's been his ambition for some time. So... I fear he may do anything to get it," he said grimly.

"Then we have the undue influence of Thul, and that Sith is too close to the princess."

Niall grimaced. "I've long thought that what is best for Alderaan and what is best for the Republic is the same thing." He said. "Ulgo supports the Republic. If they get what they want..." Niall spread his hands. In truth, he was uncertain on that score.

His grimace deepend. "I worry about how close Thul is with the Empire. Twice in my lifetime they've invaded Alderaan. No more." Niall said, his tone firm.

“There is a proper way to do things, Duke Ulgo would break our traditions and crown himself King through blood and not through noble action. We are not barbarous, we are the founders of the Republic, and we must hold ourselves to a higher standard,” he chided.

“And as for the Sith Empire, I would rather see our world burn then allow them to seize it.”

"I very much hope it does not come to that." Niall said grimly.

He sighed. "So it would seem the best course of action is to let Duke Ulgo have his way, but make him play by the rules. A just victory, if he is to have one." Niall's chin tilted upwards. "Does that fit with your analysis, sir?"

"It's an option, or Panteer could put Ulgo in their place," he responded.

"And then who would be the next rulers of Alderaan?" Niall asked. "Speaking for myself, I wouldn't want anyone without a strong moral character. That way leads to making deals with the Sith."

"Joran Panteer then... or his brother the adopted one," he said calmly.

"I can't believe that all of Panteer are corrupt. I am sworn to the Queen, I believe in her even when she falters."

Niall shook his head. "No. I don't believe it either. Her children are not close companions of mine, but while they aren't perfect, there is good in them. They could both be fine rulers, given the right guidance."

He sighed. "Perhaps I've been away too long. The balance between the Houses, the politics of it all, it's not clear to me as it once was." He smiled ruefully. "Or perhaps now I just better understand how little I know."

That made Rhys chuckle and then he said in his deep voice, "I want to record that, and save it for a rainy day the next time you question me."

Niall's eyebrows went up, and then he chuckled. "I consider that part of my filial duty. Most of House Organa wouldn't dare disagree with you. I like to think of my questioning as, ah, refreshing mental exercise." He flashed his father a grin.

"I pray your children return this to you tenfold," he said warmly.

"Still you are right, get yourself reoriented with the politics involved, and quickly."

Niall just grinned at the first part.

The second... his expression turned serious. "Indeed. Later today I'm meeting with Lady Katarzyna Ulgo. She represents them, but as I understand it, she's a former Jedi. I'm hoping she can allow for clearer heads to prevail amongst House Ulgo."

"She might be the most stable of the lot as Jedi, they usually keep their heads," he responded.

"Maybe speak to Yulastranza Ulgo as well, see how she feels about this situation."