Negotiations to Arkanis

The Queen

Ben awoke from his nightmare with a start. Pain spiking to the point that he was sure he would simply pass out again. He spent five long minutes just trying to control the onslaught, eventually dulling the agony to its usual, bearable amount. The nightmare that had woken him up was the same one he always had, a man in a mask that killed with ease and little remorse. The worst part of these nightmares though, was always when the man removed his mask. And Ben saw his own face looking back at him. Only it was older, blank, with no remorse for the victims at his feet.

He put on his veils and sat on the bed, focusing on his breathing. It was a awhile before he regained his composure. Not long after that one of his handmaidens walked into the room, bringing him his daily medication, tidying the already spotless room, and checking that all supplies were packed for Ben's trip.

Tomorrow the queen would begin his journey to the planet Arkanis, the planet's officials were going to decide whether to surrender to the First Order or join the New Republic and the Resistance in trying to free the galaxy from their occupation. Ben was going to be a representative for the Republic. Arkanis was a central planet and could greatly contribute to the Republic's fight if the queen could convince them.

After confirming that everything was up to par and ready for the queen's trip, the handmaiden left. Allowing Ben to get properly dressed. He put on one of his more comfortable gowns. It was mostly black and flowing to the ground, with extravagant designs and plenty of embellishments. Satisfied with his choice, he proceeded to breakfast.

The breakfast passed quite uneventfully, and could only be described as bland. As soon as he finished his meal, however, one of the councilors came to notify him that his guard had arrived. So, the queen went to meet the person who would protect him on his correspondence.

When he walked into the room he saw a young man in an orange jumpsuit and white vest, a pilot. Hopefully sent by his mother, if the uniform was anything to go by. He was looking around the room seeming quite distracted. This was going to be the man watching over Ben for the next few weeks.

"Hello," said the young queen, startling the pilot.

"Oh, I didn't see you come in. Hello your majesty. My name is Poe Dameron, I was assigned to help you on your trip to Arkanis."

"Are you from the Resistance ?"

"I am," he seemed a bit hesitant at Ben's comment, "I was under the impression that Naboo supported our efforts,"

"Very much so. I doubt they would have sent you if we didn't support your work. I simply wanted to know if you could tell me, how my mother is doing?" He severely hoped that the pilot could.

"Well, it depends on who your mother is. Unfortunately, even I don't know all of the members of the Resistance."

"Her name is Leia Organa. I was under the impression that she was quite high in your ranks?" That was what Ben thought anyway, he hadn't been wrong had he?

"Wait. Your mom is... but, how is that possible? I mean, I knew she had a son but..." Ben had obviously confused the pilot.

"You did not expect someone like me to be the child of a woman like her?"

"Oh, no, I'm so sorry. That wasn't what I meant, it was just that I thought I would have heard if the generals son was the queen of Naboo," the pilot must have seen his mistake. His comment didn't offend Ben though, the queen knew that he would never be as great as his mother.

"It's fine Mr. Dameron, you do not have to explain yourself to me. I just wish to know how she is doing?"

"Oh, right. She's well, she was actually the one who assigned me this mission."

"I'm glad to hear that she is well. And I do wish to know anything you can tell me about her. You must be tired though, you can rest before we leave for Arkanis. And we have plenty of food and drink as well if you are in need of it."

"Thank you, your majesty. I'll be ready to go whenever you are."

"Very well, Mr. Dameron"

"Just call me Poe. No one calls me Mr. Dameron."

"Very well then, Poe. My attendants will escort you to your room. And will help you with whatever you may need."

      With that, Ben took his leave, heading to a council room for another meeting that would probably yield no real result.  Afterwards they could discuss what would transpire on their journey.