HidHop-0-2

==Prologue 2 – The High Queen==
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10/18/3050
The Triad sprawled outward north of Olympia and almost intruding onto Tharkad City’s COMSTAR exclave where Precentor-Advocate Ulthan Everson of the First Circuit was when he was not touring the Realm or recalled to Terra. Its campus looked more like that of Tharkad University while the Triad was clearly a government complex nah a city in miniature filled with statuary, gardens, and grandiose architecture sometimes built upon ruins left behind in the wake of conflict.
Within the Katrina Steiner Memorial Auditorium of the Royal Court, renamed for the preceding Archon upon their passing, was a bust of the ‘Iron Lady of Tharkad’ cast from a scan of her face when she assumed power. A similar face equally published in everything from glossy tabloids to video holography walked onto the stage standing in front of the richly upholstered chair that waited for her to applause, salutes, and the baroque melody of Arnaldo Champenski’s Gruß des ersten Bürgers (Salute of the First Citizen).
Golden ringlets fell upon an understated yet elegant indigo dress while her jewelry was kept to her wedding rings and small diamond earrings that sparkled under the lights. Archon Melissa Alexandra Steiner-Bradford retained the youthful grace, beauty, and demeanor that had enchanted the Commonwealth ever since she assumed power almost thirteen years and two children ago.
“Welcome all and thank you for your generous donations. It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Memorial Auditorium for our forum this afternoon.As you have been of personal service to me. I shall be to you.Please sit.” 
The assembled represented as variable a cross-section of the Commonwealth or Inner Sphere as could be imagined for slightly more than a hundred individuals, The Chiefs of Mission for Ambassadors Sortek, McCarron, and Miraborg, Duke Thelonius Gracchi of Furillo, Precentor Alpha XII Candice Fallows, deputy to Precentor-Advocate Everson, Junior Executives from three dozen companies as well as Barons and Counts from as many worlds, and an equal number of senior military officers wearing four different uniforms. All of whom had donated a tidy fortune to the Archon’s preferred charities to borrow the Archon’s ear in an ‘intimate’ and very discreet setting for an afternoon, as well as show their support to her endeavors and network between themselves. 
Melissa gently slid into the chair and drank some of the water waiting beside it. “I will start with the prepared questions unless anyone has something pressing to get off their chest.”
Silence filled the chamber, “As you wish then,” Melissa opened a folder positioned next to her water, “It seems that many of you are either concerned with or want more details regarding our recent policy of investing in expanding our shipyards, financing Jumpships directly through the Commonwealth’s Bank system, or participating in joint ventures around New Oslo and Capella. 
Particularly given the government’s investments in the more remote regions of the Commonwealth.
I have authorized the Commerce Bank of Donegal and Gibbs and others to explore our options since the technology is returning to rebuild our fleets, and it seems the Inner Sphere will enjoy a period of abundance.
I understand your concerns however, the lifetime costs of underwriting a jumpship are daunting and the insurance liability is even bigger. Because of this risk COMSTAR’s Phi Branch has always been responsible for this type of business.
This Commonwealth has always prided itself on our stability. The Kroner is as widely accepted as COMSTAR’s own c-bill throughout the Inner Sphere thanks to our alliances and economic aid. Tharkad has a history of refraining for reckless behavior with few exceptions.
This is not New Avalon with its grand adventuresome spirit; indeed, it is fortunate that Ian married a much younger woman. I found him.Frankly.Exhausting during our times together. “
She let out a dramatic sigh as laughter erupted from the small audience, loudest among the Sun’s subjects. “Now please give me something more engaging than spreadsheets and prospectus. You have me for the whole afternoon and I already get enough from the Estates General.”
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