Starspeaker IC (Closed for silvertongue217)

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera couldn't help but smile at Jase's concern for their security. It was already sorted of course, but it was good that he was thinking of it. She reached out, her hand seeking his under the table.

"Just so you know, the press will be merciless. If you're unsure of an answer you can hand the question to me, or I have found rephrasing their question and then nodding thoughtfully can usually hold them off until you pick another reporter." She said with a wink.

The press secretary came over to Jase and Vera, interrupting their discussion with a polite smile.
"Chancellor, General, are you ready for the press?"

"Yes, thank you," Vera said with a smile as the secretary motioned for security to open the doors.

The press filed in, their faces alive with interest as they observed Jase and Vera sitting down together. Everyone settled into their seats, the buzz of conversation almost deafening.

"Hello, welcome, and thank you for coming," Tomas said, getting out of his own seat at the long bench and addressing the crowd. "Today we have a number of issues to cover, as I am sure you are all aware from the press brief we released last night. Before we open up for questions, we wish to share with you the announcement that we had broadcast to all PEACe vessels this morning."

Behind the desk Vera, Jase and the council were at, a large holoscreen projected a recording of the announcement they had made an hour earlier. The press ooh-ed and aah-ed throughout Vera and Jase's speeches, but the biggest reaction came when Vera clasped Jase's hand and led him from the room. Tomas called for silence as the footage of Fierra announcing the new promotions played on the screen. After another couple of minutes the footage stopped rolling and Tomas turned to the crowd.

"Okay, the floor is now open for questions." A hundred hands shot into the air and voices clamoured for attention. Tomas pointed to one of the most eagerly gesturing reporters.

"Yes, thankyou!" The reporter called out. "Tom Gray from the Laverne Daily. My question is for Chancellor Starborn and General Cresftield. You left the earlier broadcast holding hands. What is your relationship status?"

Vera looked to Jase with a smile.

"You want to take it?" She asked him.

 

[silvertongue217]

Jase looked at her raising an eyebrow before shrugging

"If you think the best thing for my first press release is that" he teased winking at her before getting up. He walked over to the podium looking the man in the eye.

"Were together" jase said simply ignoring the mumurs "I am sure some of you maybe shocked but we met on the same mission that found this threat and yes we are happy together and in love" he said nodding his head before stepping back.

"That's all well and good general" a man said with a sneer as he got up "but let me be frank with my question did you become general because your sleeping with the empress?"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

The murmurs at Jase's question were only to be expected. The one that followed made Vera angry, though she knew it had to be coming. She stood up, ignoring the fact that the question had been aimed for Jase. She strode over and joined him at the podium, sharing the space rather than taking it from him.

"Thank you for the eloquently worded question, Richard," Vera said, addressing the reporter that had been a thorn in her side ever since she had taken her own mantle. A tinkle of laughter travelled through her room at her comment. "If you remember the official position announcement made to the staff, I think you will recall the reasons that PEACe has selected General Crestfield for the role. With deep and thorough knowledge of our universe, excellent practical skills in piloting, and a penchant for innovative and clever designs for weapons and new technology, General Crestfield is a top candidate. We have chosen to steer away from another politically based General. That is not what we need right now. And, as I am sure you heard, we have a big and dangerous threat looking in the fringe. With Hive poised, preparing to rain destruction upon us, we kneed the practical smarts and out of the box thinking that comes from a mind like General Crestfield's. We also need every single one of our constituents to know that we are thinking of them. Smugglers, adventurers, planet-side home makers. Everyone is important to us, and General Crestfield has made it his personal mission to remind us of that."

Vera finished speaking, giving Jase an apologetic nod for the interruption, though not regretting it. With her words out, some of her anger had abated. The reporters' all threw their hands back in the air once more, knowing it was time for another question.

 

[silvertongue217]

"That's all well and good empress" Richard said giving her the same weight she had with him "but this threat your speaking of we do not even know it exists how do we know your not trying to downplay the fact you are at civil war with your uncle?"

There was a mumur at that and again all eyes turned to her

"I have sent these things" jase said shaking his head "and mate I have seen their power"

He pulled off his jacket and lifted his shirt there was a low murmur as every one apreaised his body before a look of shock ran through the crowd. The large burn on his chest from the energy blast was still there faders but still clear.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

"As mentioned earlier today," Vera added when the gasps at Jase's scar was revealed died down. "General Crestfield and I were both there when the star gate opened. The General took an unspeakably large voltage from a sheer offshoot of their power. He took that injury to protect our vision of the future. I will admit that the threat is new, but I assure you that it won't be long before it makes itself apparent. They have been to our universe before, and left such a path of destruction that I can barely comprehend. They feed off advance technology; cannibalising it to increase their own power, to assimilate it to their own purposes.

"As for the civil war, I do not downplay that at all. We have taken such radical and unprecedented actions because of it. We do what we do because we wish to end it and see our universe united again."

 

[silvertongue217]

Richard sat down finally sated. A blonde rose next eyeing them both and locking eyes with Vera.

"Forgive me empress if we down play the threat for one moment" she said pushing her glasses up "but you being in a relationship is at this time galactic news! We all re!ember the heartache of the last love you were public with tell me do you worry by putting him in a position as general you will lose him how serious are you two any ways?

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera observed the blonde as she asked her question, her expression neutral. The question stung, the young upstart referring to Matthew and threatening to break her heart all over again with such emotive words. Vera imaged that she was from one of the teen magazines on some core planet,w hat with a questions like that.

Vera took a moment together before answering.

"You mention the fact that I have fallen in love at a time like this, with the very security of the universe compromised," Vera gave Jase a sideways look and a small smile. "Even though some might find it selfish, to concentrate on such a luxury at the moment, I have to say there is nothing more selfless. What else have we to inspire us to survive than love?" Vera grabbed Jase's hands and entwined their fingers together before placing it on the pedestal for all to see. "No, I encourage everyone in the known universe to take this time to discover what is really important to them. Though I vow that my relationship with the General will not get in the way of our leadership, no matter what challenges we face our top priority is making this universe safe."

Vera let that settle for a moment before turning to Jase.

"Anything to add?" She asked him.

 

[silvertongue217]

"Only that I took this position to keep you safe" jase hooked before noticing the raised eyebrows.

"That is not to say I don't want to keep this universe safe" jase said rollingf his eyes and causing a few of the reporters to laugh "what I mean to say is that here with the empress working together and protecting each other is where I want to be" he said nodding at here.

"So is this to say you two are in love" the woman asked "are you going to be doing a talk show to discuss your relationship the viewers at home and your poeole could use the morale boost!"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera couldn't help but laugh at the question.

"I'm afraid we have other priorities right now, with Hive poised to attack. We will shelf that idea for a time fraught with less danger, thanks for the inspiration though." She said, keeping the mood light from Jase's comment. She had observed as the press reacted to him and realised he was naturally everything the council had hoped for from him. Hell, he was even charming her with his replies.

"Any other questions about something other than our love lives?"

 

[silvertongue217]

"Just one more" the blonde woman said eyeing base up before smirking

"Quite the catch you got empress how's he in the sack?"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera's eyebrows shot into her hairline with that question.

"Seriously?" She asked, looking at the pretty young reporter incredulously. Before deciding on a new direction for her public image she would have ignored the question and sought a new one immediately. However, she knew the council would chastise her for losing an opportunity to hint at their whirlwind romance. So, with a hesitant look at the reporter she turned to Jase, smiling at his dashing features before turning back to the gathered crowd, her cheeks tinged with a blush.

"The General has been given an assessment of his performance," Vera hedged, hesitating, "Though I've always heard it said that pilots are the same in bed as they are in the cockpit. I think I have given a number of testaments to the General's piloting skills today."

Vera bit her lip as the room errupted in appreciative laughter and whoops. She looked at Jase, betting that he had enjoyed that question very much.

"Now, seriously this time, questions about more pressing matters?" Vera asked, stepping closer to Jase so that their arms were touching. She pointed to one of the reporters. "Yes?"

"Good morning Chancellor, this question is for the General. General Crestfield, up until this morning you were a smuggler. Can you tell us why we should trust you in a position that has historically been reserved for men and women who dedicated their lives to PEACe and worked their way up through the ranks to get their title?"

 

[silvertongue217]

Jase couldn't help it

He burst into laughter and shook his head causing The crowd of reporters tro laugh as well. He heard vera trying to bring it back to order and wisely stopped scooting closer to her and placing a hand on the small of her back.

She choose a reporter at random and jase shot his eyes up at the rather blunt question.

"In my opinion smugglers have to work hard to stay outside of the law if that helps" jase dead panned before wincing "a poor joke I know and I don't have an easy answer for you I'm not trying to step on any ones toes that I can assure you I may not have had the most respect for PEACe or be a true patriot but I do care about people the people under my command and the people in this room and I'll do !y best and give the best of me to protect them"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

"So caring for the people but not the vision of the organisation you will be sworn to is enough?" The reporter asked, a look of incredulity on his face.

"He's one of our PEACe reporters." Vera whispered meaningfully into Jase's mind through their comm link.

 

[silvertongue217]

Jase shook his head

"I believe in the mission of PEACe I believe in a unified force a force of peace exploration and when needed of defence" he replied sizing himself up and drawing a deep breath.

"Peace and I have not always fallen in line with one another true but if my position is to have any take away its that now is not the time for such petty things we all need to be uniyted if we are to win the day"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

A different reporter, one from one of the fringe planets, raised their hand.

"Yes?" Vera asked.

"General Crestfield, you said that Hive is positioned just beyond the fringe. What are your current plans for protecting the outer planets?"

Vera allowed Jase to take this question as it was addressed to him. The reporter was testing him, trying to ascertain just what he was about. Vera interrupting would be counter productive in building Jase's image as a General in his own right.

 

[silvertongue217]

"Well you'll have to forgive me if I say any thing that makes me sound likkre a framing idiot" jase said giving a reufull smirk.

" I plan on meeting with the fleet commander tomorrow to see where we are at withj planetary defense as we have seen a taste of their power but no combat my immediate goal is to bolster our outer rim planet's and let the bastards come to us!" Jase said his voice rising an octave.

"This one is for the empress" another reporter stated rising "while the need general is protecting the worlds how will you face this threat?"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Jase's answer was perfect, as she knew it would be. The press seemed to approve, even with the swearing. Vera wondered at his crowd appeal, knowing that the rest of the universe would adore his charisma and charm.

Vera thanked the reporter for his question.

"I will be focusing on strengthening the political relationships across the span of our galaxy in order to create a united front. I have requested meetings with the other half of PEACe as well as the Rebels in order to negotiate treaties, but they have yet to respond. It is disappointing; in times such as these we need to negotiate, to see the bigger picture. We are willing to negotiate, but they won't even come to the party," Vera shook her head with disappointment, "It is, frankly, nowhere near good enough. General Starborn, General Astranova, you need to come to the party. PEACe will give everything we have to protect everyone, but there will be less loss if you decide to help us."

Vera stopped speaking for a moment, looking around and allowing another reporter a question.

"Yes?"

"You both make mention of the threat that Hive pose, that they are technologically advanced and strong beyond our reckoning. What do we have that could possibly help us against them? What advantages do we possess that would stop a repeat of their previous destruction?"

After their meeting with Starspeaker, Jase had been updated on the current situation.

"With the help of some ancient records we have located, and General Crestfield's keen eye for weapons and technology I have no doubt we will be able to face this threat. Though I feel we need to be deliverately vague about our specific plans as we would not dare risk letting them fall into the hands of our enemies."

 

[silvertongue217]

The crowd seemed to accept that but still jase stepped forward

"I want to make this clear" jase said looking at them all "the hive is advanced specifically geared toward destroying the dominant species however we humans are used to being the dominant species" he said earning a few nods.

" if history has taught us any thing its that humans when faced with a massive threaty band together to take down that threat that is what we must do now pur greaytests mind and our best leaders we all need to unite against this common threat! "

The crowd sat for a minute before exploding in cheer jase nodded at them before stepping back.

"One final question" another woman said getting up "during this trying time such topics of happiness take a back seat so tell me do you and the general have any plans for kids or to get marries!"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

The crowd loved Jase's declaration, his testament to humanoid strength. She herself felt bolstered by his confidence, it was contagious. She smiled at him, heart warmed by how well he appeared to be adapting to all of this.

But the floor was quickly swept out from under her as the reporter asked about children. Vera froze, looking at Jase and resisting the urge to press her hand against the babies growing in her womb. She wasn't ready for the universe to know yet, she wanted the babies as their own little secret for as long as they could keep it.

"At this stage nothing is off the cards," Vera said evasively unable to stop a blush creeping up on her cheeks, "though the General and I are trying to live in the moment."

 

[silvertongue217]

The crowd seemed to accept that.Toma's stepped in answering a few motre general questions. The council was already leaving moving out and nodding at them both.

"Good job" he said to vera before moving off the stage himself. He nodded at a few of the reporters moving out of the room.

"Hi" the woman who has asked the relationship questions said coming up "my name is ashlyn ashlyn greyjoy I am a big fan!" She said smiling "I'm sorry for my questions if they seemed invasive but I was hoping to have a few minutes of your time off the record of course"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera looked at the girl that came up, the pretty blonde with a nose for romance. She cast her eyes to Jase, curious about what this reporter would come up with.

"Sure," Vera said, giving her a big smile. "There is a small consultation room just though here, please, come along."

Vera led Jase and Ashlyn off the side of the stage and through a door. The room beyond was small, but comfortable. Two two seater lounges and two single armchairs were positioned around a round table in the centre.

"Please, take a seat Ms. Greyjoy. How can we help you?" Vera said, taking a seat and resisting the urge to sigh at the comfort of the lounges rather than the stiffness of the seats they had been in before.

 

[silvertongue217]

"It's more like how I can help you empress" ashlyn said stepping in behind them. She pulled out a vapor cigar and lit it drawing in the smoke.

" ever since you came back sprouting the imminent danger and the ancient artifacts you were chasing when you stumbled upon it the whole fraking universe has exploded half the galaxy believes you and the other half thinks your sprouting bullshit just to justify the govermentr going to shit while you were gone"

"In short your image isn't the greatest right now as a matter of fact your on the verge of a full on war" she said turning "but I can turn it around I know how to turn it around"

"By giving them the greatest love story the galaxy has ever heard"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera watched the young woman ply her piece with interest. She spoke the truth of course, and it was nothing that Vera hadn't already discussed with the council. As soon as the door had shut behind them she went from ditzy, young, reporting newbie to slick talking business woman. Vera was impressed by the change, the young woman was clearly much more than what she first appeared.

"Really, Miss Greyjoy? I should have my PR team hire you, you would fit right in. Tell me though, what can you offer to the tale of our whirlwind romance that we don't already have? You seem very invested in our story."

"What do you think of this girl?" Vera asked Jase through their personal comm link. She was bold, this one, but Vera was hesitant to give her anything without getting a clearer picture of her motives.

 

[silvertongue217]

"No offense empress" ashlyn said shaking her head and waving her cigar

"But the council and its PR campaign doesn't know how to properly... Shall we say handle your story its not some thing ever done before your parents were already married and we all know what happened last time you were in the romantic spotlight"

"I however know just what to do with it" she said looking at them both "how to use your romance to bolster the entire war effort you work with me and you'll have people joining in droves to help the power couple"

"I don't know" jase said shrugging listening to her spiel "but then again I'm still getting used to all of this"

"If I may" Samantha cut in "I think she is perfect"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera was wary of the calculatory look the girl was giving them, she could see uer inner mind whirring and it was alarming.Jase was undecided, Sam liked her, and yet Vera wondered whether it was worth keeping the girl close and involved if only to keep an eye on her. She could help, Vera supposed, but could she be trusted?

"My team are not experienced tellers if love stories, no, you're right. What do you want out of this?" Vera asked, wishing the girl would quit bringing up her lost love.