Senator's Personal Log 08 (after CMDR'S Log 31)
31 Oct 2024Eric Vonsa
08/25/331013:30 Universal Galactic Time.
Location: Senator's Private Lodgings, I.N.V. Stellar Dragon, Geosynchronous orbit of Capitol, Achenar System
Aurora's POV
I make my way through the ship. A group of security accompanies me. As we pass Tetco's suite she joins the group falling in alongside me. "My Lady." Tetco says as she joins us. "Tetco, feeling better?" "Yes, My Lady." "Glad to hear that. We're going to be leaving Capitol soon. Can you make the arrangements for the rest of our things to be transferred to the ship?" I ask as I hand her a data pad. "Of course. Will we be heading to the Prism System then?" She asks as she takes the datapad and begins putting the requests in. "No. I don't have a particular destination in mind yet but I will have one before we leave." I answered as we turned down another hallway. "Understood. Where are we heading, My Lady?" "To pay Senator Denton Patreus a visit. While he is still here at Capitol. We'll be in the private office here. According to Senator Patreus it's safer and more secure here than anywhere else private that was suggested." I answered. "We are meeting Senator Patreus, My Lady? Is this a publicly known meeting?" Tetco asks.
"No, it is a private meeting. He's keeping it off his schedule and I am doing the same." "That explains why I wasn't told. How long ago was it arranged?" "Not that long. About an hour ago." I reply as I arrive at the entrance to the office. There's a group of Senator Patreus's personal security detail waiting outside by the doors accompanied by a small detail of my own security. They all immediately greet me with a bow. "Senator Rebia." Senator Patreus's security detail greets me. "My Lady." The detail of my own security that accompanied Senator Patreus and his security detail said. I acknowledge both groups. Then I turn to face the detail that was following me and say. "I'll be fine from here." They bow and set off down the hallway. I turn back towards the office door and start forward. The detail of my security that accompanied Senator Patreus open the door as I approach it. Tetco, follows me in and the door is closed and locked after we pass.
The room is comparable in size to that of most medium sized private offices. With dimensions of 10 meters by 10 meters and a height of 3 meters. The walls and ceiling are a general shade of light tan with a golden trimmed architecture design of simple yet elegant styling. A soft golden yellow light emanates from elegantly styled light fixtures on walls. The floor appears to be made from white marble. A desk designed to look like it is made of mahogany sits on the side of the room. Along one of the walls is a window with a view of space and Capitol. By the desk is a brown chair armchair. In the center of the room on the floor is a tan rug. Next to the rug are three cream colored arm chairs facing each other at a forty five degree angle. Between the two cream arm chairs is a elegant circular side table. On the table are two glasses. Between the glasses sits a bottle of Achenar Blue. One of the cream colored arm chairs is occupied.
As I glance around the room the man in the occupied arm chair rises and turns to face me. "Senator Rebia." He says. "Senator Patreus." I reply. "This is a nice office." Denton Patreus says looking around for a minute. "Thank you Senator Patreus." I reply. "Please, just call me Denton for now. Dropping the formalities will make this conversation easier and I know you are used to doing that for staff you frequently associate with. Such as your aide." Denton Patreus responded. "Alright... Denton. First name's then is fine with me. Would you like a drink?" I ask, gesturing towards the bottle and glasses. "Thank you for the offer Aurora, but I must decline. Do you know why I am here?" "No. I really don't." "Well, I am here for a few reasons. First, you have been, among other things, looking into subjects that are better left alone. Asking questions that have difficult answers." Denton said. "So?" "So, Aurora. You have put in multiple requests for information on your security. Your Aide has done multiple searches to try and find out who the person who you know as Theta97 is. And you need to stop. Stop looking. Stop searching. They will reveal themself to you in due time. But not before then. All you are doing with the searches and information gathering is making it harder for them." "Denton, you know them?" "I do." "Well I don't. And from what I have gathered so far they are in charge of my security. If they think they see a threat they increase it with no explanation. I have essentially been held prisoner here these past five months. Even if the Emperor told me to stay. I am sure that she didn't mean to stay with security measures so tight that I can't sneeze without this Theta97 being informed about it. And my powerbase is being completely reorganized. Members replaced. Tetco is the only one who hasn't been removed from my service."
Denton sighs and resumes his seat. I sit in the brown colored arm chair as he speaks. "Aurora, Theta97 is managing your security from a distance. They don't actually get every single notification that you set off. But someone does look at them. More importantly, Theta97 is a trusted member of the Empire. Your powerbase is intact. In fact, when you made the decision to let Ambassador Delaney handle the day to day details and that I could continue my own actions in your system, you paved the path for what was done to your powerbase. You allowed those of us amongst the Empire with a plan to reorganize and keep you in your position as Senator without even realizing it." "You are behind the restructuring? Both of you?" "Yes, well Theta97 was slightly involved in that." "So this Theta97 is behind everything that has happened to me these past months. Why, Denton, Why?"
"I can't answer that Aurora. Not because I don't know, but because I can't. I came here to tell you to wait. To be patient and play your part. There is a plan and everything is proceeding according to that plan. You will have the answers to all your questions soon enough. Now that you have permission to leave the Achenar System and you have already begun preparing for exactly that. I must warn you to not go do something stupid." "So you know, and you won't tell me. Why? What plan? Was that your whole reason for this visit? To tell me to avoid doing something stupid and let me know that Theta97 is working with you? Because that's something I already figured out. And I will do what I need to, Denton." I say with a bit more fire in my voice then was maybe necessary. Denton merely gave me a look and held up his hand. "Aurora, I know you have seen the recent news articles. I won't tell you anything more about Theta97 or the plan. I am on your side whether it seems like it or not. The whole point of this visit is to discuss your recent inquiries and remind you to look after your future. The galaxy is both at war with the thargoids, and there's potential for a second war against other galactic powers to break out. Already both us and the Federation are making territory grabs. Bolstering our positions and undermining theirs. Prism, needs their Senator. And their Senator needs to serve the best interests of the Empire." Denton said as he stands up. "I'm aware of my responsibilities." "Good, then I won't take up anymore of your time Aurora." Denton said as he turns to leave. "Of course, Senator Patreus. Would you like me to accompany you to your shuttle?" I offered. "I'll be fine. Your security can see me out. Senator Rebia." He says before he leaves.
"My Lady, have you decided on where you want me to tell the ship to lay a course for yet?" Tetco asked after the room was empty. "Not yet, Tetco. But, I will have an idea. Soon." I answer, looking at her. Then I add. "We aren't going to stick to that plan someone has in place either."