Star Wars OPEN Star Wars: The RPF Galactic Senate Game: A Galactic Alliance

OOC: The following is a combo with Lady B and Sinrebirth – thank you so much!

IC: Senator Bellorum, Senator Aryan Graul, Emperor Fel V, and others
Emperor's Private Bunker, Senate Chambers, Coruscant

Bell’s lips parted and formed a small smile, and her eyes tracked sideways, looking up to Aryan Graul over the Emperor’s comments. Her teeth tugged at her lower lip and she was almost proud over the mention of their chequered past, she could care less about what he knew l about her. Only now she wondered if she missed any interesting details about Aryan’s past during her research.

Later…

Fel V had been interrupted by his Imperial Knight, giving her a moment to consider their position. Clearly, they had chosen the correct path by getting the Emperor out of the Senate chambers, hopefully, that put them in his favor moving forward. She wasn’t beyond ingratiating herself if it kept her moving upward.

The foolish antics of two Senators had angered the Emperor… how unfortunate, for them.

With that, Acting Chancellor Graul was awarded the task of sorting the unruly Senators out. This was even better than she could have wished for, and the hits just kept coming.

"I need you, Grand Moff, to speak to the Chiss."

"Yes, sir," Bellorum acknowledged his orders solemnly.

She’d been shunned by the majority of the Chiss, and now Bellorum, a mixed breed, would be negotiating with them. As Grand Moff she would outrank Moff Fehlaaur;aitel’lori… this was brilliant.

The Emperor shrugged and had little to add.

"I'm sure you can handle the politics of it all, Grand Moff."

His smile was artificially sweet. "Now is the time, after all, to truly bring peace to the galaxy. They had their chance at democracy, and threw it aside."

The slight angling of Aryan’s chin was the only visible sign that he approved of the sudden promotion. In truth, he was thrilled; it was everything he had hoped to achieve. While he would’ve preferred to remove the 'Acting' portion from his new title, it would be uncouth for a man of his stature to demand such a change at this juncture. Beggars can’t be choosers, after all. He would bide his time and wait for the perfect opportunity to act.

For the moment, they had their tasks, and he would perform his duty, which included a confrontation with two unruly Senators who had taken it upon themselves to speak for the beleaguered Republic. He was to open a public discourse to mitigate the situation while his colleague, Senator Bellorum, convened with her Chiss brethren.

Aryan paused and glanced at the woman out of his peripheral vision, a wistful look evident in his eye before he turned away to conduct business. He retrieved his personal comlink from the pocket of his suit jacket and immediately opened the line to his Chief of Staff, Kellis Pilleu.

"Kellis, first of all, I’m fine," he began promptly, crossing the distance to one of the control panels that lined the wall. "There’s no need to worry about my well-being. We’ll put out a statement as soon as things settle down, but for the moment, I need you to listen carefully to my instructions."

He narrowed his eyes, casually studying the readouts on the closest panel. "Send out a communique to Senators Kabibble and Ordwgal that I wish to confer with them. They may be screening their calls, and if that’s the case, I want you to triangulate their location and break into their network to ensure that they receive the message. Override their systems if necessary. As Acting-Chancellor of the Republic, you have my authority to do so.

"In the meantime, contact HNN and inform them that they are to clear their schedule to broadcast a governmental address across all channels. Collaborate with them on the logistics and verify that they will have reporters and photogs available on-site. I want the media all over this, understand?"

The Emperor watched him go, and the chit-chat.

Kellis replied fairly swiftly. "I'll do that, sir, but will there be an... Imperial escort, that I should liaise with? A head of security? The Imperial Knights already announced your promotion."

Fel V tuned it out and regarded Bellorum as she, too, departed.

They didn't need to know that the Imperial Knights would engage darker aspects to do the Imperial dirty work. That way they could be excised when they were no longer needed.

Fehlaaur was waiting for her, in a room set aside by the Emperor. His arms were tucked behind his back, but his expression suggested he wanted to fold them across his chest in petulance.

Bellorum had heard part of Aryan’s conversation as she walked away, and she couldn’t help but smile. He was already kicking ass and taking names as acting Chancellor.

Could she perform as well? Bell knew she was hardly a politician, and part of her wondered if Fel V was setting her up?

She considered that possibility up until she reached the room that she’d been directed to for her meeting. It wasn’t far from where she’d left the Emperor, and she didn’t keep Fehlaaur waiting.

Opening the door, she entered and spoke, "I hope you weren’t waiting too long. I’m Bellorum," she smiled and went to take a seat at the conference table.

As Bellorum exited the chamber to attend to her guest, Aryan focused his full attention on Kellis’ update. The woman was prompt, and he never doubted her ability to bring his plans to fruition. However, even he was surprised by the speed with which the Imperial Knights announced his ascension to the public. It didn’t afford him much time to prepare, though that was a problem he was more than willing to contend with. The reward was too great.

"I’ll send someone down to convene with you shortly," Aryan answered in response to her inquiry about a security escort. Before continuing, he glanced surreptitiously over his shoulder to gauge the presence of the lone Imperial Knight in the room. "And let me know once you’ve established a link with our wayward Senators."

Cutting the connection, he easily replaced the comlink to his breast pocket and pivoted to meet the Knight. "I suppose we should discuss strategy," he began evenly, a broad grin accentuating his features. "As your new Chancellor, my role mandates that I oversee a stable realm for the people. Hence, I will require your assistance in establishing security measures—surveillance, cordons, checkpoints, and escort duty, among other things."

Aryan spread his hands, welcoming his input. "What would you suggest, particularly for a media event?"

He faltered a moment and decided to quickly amend his question.

"And bearing in mind recent developments?"

The Knight glowered at him; they were a pair, actually, and with a nod, he sent the other towards the room that Bellorum was in. She gave Aryan a superior expression and headed off to escort the woman in the future.



Sigel Dare didn't like politicians, she remembered the Moffs who had turned on Emperor Fel III all those years ago.

Otherwise, the Knight before Aryan rattled off something he'd clearly remembered.



Thared.

"I've taken the opportunity to send squads of Stormtroopers to each access point to the office, totaling five squads of four." He walked with the man. "We've an AT-AHT walker ready to advance on and destroy the building as need be, and a TIE Predator flight on standby."

"We've also a crimson shuttle for you to announce your arrival."

Fehlaaur ignored Bell.

Just brilliant, she thought. It wasn’t really a surprise, bloody old men.

She leaned forward with her hands on the table and spoke, "I’ve just come from a meeting with Emperor Fel V, and I am now Grand Moff Bellorum. He has sent me to secure your support of his Empire," she spoke in a tone that said she would not abide his silence. "He personally refers to the Chiss Empire as being the most important faction in the galaxy," she smiled, "shall we record a message informing him that you’ll be backing his rule?"

Fehlaaur had been looking at Sigel Dare as she entered the room, and looked back to her.

"The Chiss Empire is the most important faction in the galaxy, we don't need Emperor Fel V to tell us. We have supported five Emperors now, and we wonder why we should continue to do so. Where is the stability we were promised?"

A sniff. "We Chiss once upon a time regarded all territory beyond our borders as the Chaos. After Darth's Sidious, Krayt, and Insipid, I don't see a reason to change that view."

As Bellorum conversed with the Chiss representative, Aryan silently cursed the obscure behavior of his security detail. He already found it repulsive that he had to work with a Trandoshan; it would certainly cut into his pride to lower himself to the reptilian’s primitive standards. And now, he had another reason to berate himself when a second Knight emerged from the shadows, making Aryan appear more of a fool for not noticing her.

Inclining his chin, he clenched his jaw to refrain from uttering something he would later regret. Instead, he offered a wan smile and nodded his head to acknowledge the Knight’s plan. "I hope we can forgo any violence," he began evenly, referring to the AT-AHT walker and the flight of TIE Predators. "However, I admire your intuition; it’s a good strategy. No doubt it will pay off should we encounter any problems."

The Chancellor straightened his suit jacket and indicated the corridor with a sweep of his hand. "Shall we?"

His smile spread, reaching his eyes.

Back in the conference room, Bell ignored the Knight joining them, she wasn’t bothered if Fel sent a babysitter. "If you wish to remain in your position as Moff you will assure the Emperor that he has the full support of the Chiss," she answered.

She slammed her fist down on the table. "I don’t care what you regard the territory outside beyond your borders as long as you support Emperor Fel V and his Empire," her voice was chilling and augmented by the Force to influence his decisions as her words filled Fehlaaur’s mind.

TAG: @Lady_Belligerent; @Sinrebirth; @Adalia-Durron; (for mentions) @DarthIshyZ (for mentions)

 

NAKADIA



The two craft burrowed into and through hyperspace.

The Grinning Liar, with Chak, Kee and Jaklu aboard.

The Mynock, with Jariah Syn and Neir aboard with the now-conscious Deliah Blue.

The Wookiee, Devaronian, human and Zeltrons, their two ships came to the ground to a quartet of individuals standing in a courtyard.

First and foremost, was Cade Skywalker, the current Jedi Grandmaster.



Besides him were Jedi Knights.



Bix Creo



Gareth Lorca



Nexus Wan

They were each individualistic, as Jedi were want to be, moreso than the Imperial Knights who had just chased them off-planet.

Cade stepped forward, drew Delilah into a kiss, and smiled at the Senators.

"So you made it out of Coruscant," his smile became a smirk. "A good thing that the Resistance were prepared for him to go Bad Emperor on us."

He gestured to them to follow him to the impromptu meeting.

"We're going to convene a Senate-in-Exile here, and try to rally the galaxy against another wave of tyranny," he explained. "So we need you both to win over your respective home systems and encourage others to come here."

He looked at Neir and Jaklu. "Do you think you can convince your homeworlds that the Bad Empire is back?"

TAG: @Silvertough, @Tay Neir (combo)

 

CORUSCANT

Hondo Karr; siege line



The man in his Stormtrooper armour smirked slightly at the forming situation around the offices of a single Senator.

He knew the reports; Skull Squadron had failed to stop two Senators from escaping off-world, creating the potential of a split and civil war.

The Emperor was clamping down, and it was excessive.

Hondo had couple marks on his armour from thrown detritus, but it was presently fruit and stones and not grenades, so the Empire was taking a benevolent stance to the protestor line.

Stormtroopers were merely making a presence; the massive AT-AHT was the threat.



It stalked the area, keeping an eye on the skies and ground, armed to the teeth and a proverbial siege weapon.

Hondo saw an Imperial shuttle arriving, all in red regalia which denoted an Emperor's emissary, and Hondo finished wiping Jawa Juice from his helmet and replaced it.

It was a Trandoshan Imperial Knight and a frail man; Aryan Graul.

Hondo snapped to attention with the rest of the elite Joker Squadron, meeting at the ramp.

One Stormtrooper had a megaphone ready for the Chancellor to discuss matters with the besieged.

With Senator Kabibble and Senator Ordwgal, who would suddenly realize Kigrael had left them... somehow, he escaped.

That meant there was a way out, but with the Chancellor here, they'd have to agree a course of action.

To both flee? For both to confront the Chancellor, on open air, and incite rebellion? To split up, one to flee, one to risk their life as a martyr?

TAG: @HanSolo29, @Adalia-Durron, @DarthIshyZ (single this round)
---
Shadows

Kigrael was gone, shadowed, withdrawn.

He had made his Emperor's offer, and that was that.

What followed was not of his making.

His comlink buzzed.



It was the Emperor, looking the spitting image of his grandfather.

"Report."

TAG: @darthbernael (combo)
---
Chambers

Sigel Dare smiled slightly as the Senator poured the Force into her words.

Fehlauur blinked once, twice, and then narrowed his eyes.

Hard.

They blazed.



"Senator Bellorum, I did not expect you to resort to using an Imperial Knight to attempt a mindtrick against a Moff."

He sniffed.

Sigel wiped her expression clear for a moment; did not confirm or deny as much.

She wanted to see what the Senator would do.

The Chiss Moff began to reach for the comms.

"The Chiss recused themselves from the Jedi-Sith Wars, we can do so from your failings."

Sigel managed to keep her alarm off her expression.

TAG: @Lady_Belligerent (combo)

 

OOC: Fun combo with Sinrebirth

IC: Kigrael and Emperor Fel V
Senate Building

Kigrael let out a dark chuckle when his comm lit up, the image of the Emperor there before him. He was quite sure that the Emperor could have known what he’d been doing but the fact the man was directly comming was also not a surprise, especially when his ‘shadows’ appeared and flanked him as he moved through the building.

”Emperor…” he said calmly. ”Do you wish the part where they did not realize that I was present until I was standing before them?’ his tone held a slight edge of humor, noting that the Knights behind him snickered at his question.

In a more serious tone, ”They seemed to think that I could extend your goodwill, asked for a variety of promises or assistance.” His silver eyes dulled for a moment as he bared his teeth. ”And did not seem to understand the nuances of speech, when I gave them none of what they asked for.”

The Emperor pursed his lips. "I don't need to be regaled with your stealth abilities against mundane Senators, Kigrael."

He seemed to stand a bit taller. "Will they be a problem? Graul is en route, and I would rather assign you to track down the Senators who escaped."

A sardonic smile crossed Kigrael’s face at the Emperor’s rebuke. The elder statesman certainly was a powerful being and he would never deny that but he wouldn’t be what he was if he let it appear that it affected him. ”Considering that the Bakuran senator appears to be related to someone that is known to me in a roundabout way, I would imagine they are currently ensuring I am not there anymore, or that the method of my entry there is available again. They seem to wish only to not be hunted or to have their former status respected, even if I had to remind them to respect my own status when I was speaking to them. They are flustered and a Senator such as Graul would be able to walk circles around them.”

A frown. "Related how?"

The smile quivered on his lips before returning to a flat line. ”From how she described it, she mentioned a great Aunt. One with Force ability.”

He paced further down the hallway, as he thought. ”I’m guessing that was the woman she learned about my kind and our abilities. Anzati are not the most public of beings, the only one I know of who is close to the mayflies is my sire. In that case…”

His pacing came to a sudden halt, ”If that is true then she is related to Adalia Durron, which I believe might be the case as that woman is related to the Bakuran royal family. My sire has told me before about that woman and her husband, and generally about her relatives but I do not recall a Twi’lek being mentioned.”

"A great Aunt..." The Emperor dismissed the notion. "Adalia Durron was a Jedi who went to ground rather than step up in the Second Galactic Civil War. I care not for Durrons. Only one Imperial Knight has ever betrayed his vow, and we came for him, eventually."

"So what do you style yourself? Pet Jedi? Sith ally? Or do you aspire to turn away from shadows alone and serve in my light?"

Kigrael’s cheeks writhed as the silver of his eyes dulled. ”Every light casts a shadow, even the Light. And the Light has need of the things that are born of that shadow.” he stated in a flat tone.

”You did not create what you did, the agreement between yourself and my kind, to try to convince us to walk in the Light. You did so because you need the nightmares under the bed to do the things your Knights may not. Even if we must appear the otherwise Imperial Senator.”

The Emperor smiled, wanly. "An Empire needs its shadow pieces."

He sent a data-file. "Two Senators were extracted from Coruscant in the confusion." He looked annoyed. "Skywalker may be involved; his friends, they were here with what has to be the Mynock, and others, with the Grinning Liar."

"The Grinning Liar is known to work for Rav, and I want you to find where those Senators were taken."

An image of the notorious pirate appeared.



"The Crimson Axe used to be on Socorro. his mobile base."



"It's presently on Jakku," the Emperor growled. "Connect the dots, and capture the Senators."

A thin line of his lips was made. "Kill them, if need be."

Kigrael’s eyes had gone completely black as the Emperor spoke. When the command was given, his smile became even more predatory. ”Skywalker perhaps, rouge pirates, fled Senators, Socorro, and Jakku. And…potential feeding. Perfect.” he all but purred out.

Glancing over his shoulder, ”Do you have need of my minders or may I utilize them?” he asked, gesturing at the two Knights. ”They may prove useful, in this chaos, to retrieve my ship from the Senatorial landing field, at least that.”

The Emperor answered quickly enough. "Take everything you have with you, and any other shadows you've scattered around Coruscant." An even smile. "I find subordinates left unsupervised use their initiative."

A slight snort. "The Senators will inevitably cause grief... so if we can neutralise them early, the better for all involved."

Void black eyes still focused on the Emperor, Kigrael shook his head in a fractional gesture. He glanced back over his shoulder at the Knights, deciding something. ”As the Emperor desires.” he murmured.

Even with the Emperor still on the call he pulled out his datapad, tapping a quick message to his Senatorial aide. To anyone, save the Emperor it seemed, that being was the only other Anzati on the planet. The message was simple, directing her to both take their gear to their craft, a modified YZ-2500, as well as to call in the Hellhounds and have them on board before he arrived.

His attention returned to the Emperor, ”Initiative, yes…” The tips of his proboscises slipped from his cheek pouches, ”Whether they come back relatively alive or trapped in my mind, you will have them back, Emperor.”

The Emperor snorted. "Go, shadow, leave me. Do what must be done. End this rebellion before it begins."

He turned to go.

Kigrael’s black eyes narrowed for a moment, in thought. For a moment, he recalled a moment with his sire, where he’d been told that even in the role he’d taken for his people he was going to find himself involved in things beyond it and how he’d scoffed at the notion. Shaking his head, a small note of amusement touched his response to the Emperor, ”It will be done.”

Glancing over his shoulder once more, ”I have become used to you being my shadows. The Emperor has released my fetters but…” His black eyes blazed, ”You two will accompany me to be my archive, to report to the Emperor once we have succeeded.”

Less than a half hour later the ship, unadorned save for an infinitely repeating triangular shape crest, lifted from the Senatorial landing field, disappearing from sight and sensor before it had even cleared the tower. On the ground a pair of shapes likewise vanished from sight. The Emperor had told Kigrael to take all his shadows but one never put every piece in one basket and two remained, to ensure that all was as it should be when he returned.

TAG: @Sinrebirth, @HanSolo29 (Mentioned), @Lady_Belligerent, @Adalia-Durron (Mentioned), @Mitth_Fisto, @DarthIshyZ (Mentioned), @Silvertough

 

IC Amy Ordwgal - Senator for Bakura
Senator Kabibble's office.


A choice had been laid before her, she could run, hide and be safe. He'd given her the option to go with this staff, she could disappear into Coruscant and find her way home. Home, where her parents were, her courageous and hero parents, the one's who'd risked their lives over and over for the freedom Bakura now had. Standing behind them were her grandparents, who were Rebel heroes, fought with 'The Black Sheep' and were brave in their own right. Amy sighed, there really was no choice, her heritage gave her no option.

"I would go with you Senator, we've come this far." She turned to Wherow, "please tell my parents where I went, what I did, just so they know.....if I don't come back." Amethyst had taken this path thinking the choice was a safer one, boy was she wrong. "They deserve to know the truth please?"




TAG @Sinrebirth @DarthIshyZ

 

State of the Galaxy

A hundred and fifty six years after Episode IV: A New Hope

The galaxy begins to fall apart.

A coup and counter-coup, or a pre-emptive strike, as the RESISTANCE calls it, striking at the SENATE after EMPEROR FEL V refused to recognize its democratic process.

The galaxy is preparing for another war.

But this time, the EMPIRE and REPUBLIC are so entwined there will be no hope of a bloc secession, merely a patchwork of loyalties and violence.

The Jedi survivors are lead by CADE SKYWALKER, but they hide with the rogue Senators in the Rim.

The IMPERIAL KNIGHTS, numbering more than the Jedi, side with the Core.

The so-called Resistance seems to be drawing upon the forces of the late ADMIRAL GAR STAZI, who led the spirited rebellion against the Sith Emperors KRAYT, DANAR and INSIPID.

So what next?

TAG: No-One.

 

IC: Grand Moff Bellorum
Coruscant

“Hold on!” Bellorum demanded.

She glared over at the Imperial Knight, “get out! Now, and I’ll be reporting your interference to the Emperor.”

Her expression softened when she looked back to the Moff and spoke, “I hope you’ll reconsider, and I wish to apologize on behalf of myself and Emperor Fel V. We do not condone the actions of Knight Sigel Dare.”

Sigel Dare beetled her brow, and would have contradicted her, if she knew that was advisable.

The Moff glowered at the Imperial Knight as she departed.

"I hope she is suitably punished," the Chiss said stiffly. "She should be executed."

Bellorum gave him a cold smile, “I shall pass along that you specifically requested execution,” she assured him.

“Now, if we could get back to discussing why you should align with Emperor Fel V.”

She had fully expected this man to be difficult, but thanks to the Imperial Knight, convincing this Moff could be even more of a challenge.

The Chiss hesitated, but he was impressed by her coldness. "We wish to be considered allies, not members of the Empire; we shall maintain our own independence of you, I shall be the only representative needed." Fehlauur said, firmly. "Is that acceptable?”

It wasn’t ideal, but it was a starting point.

“I can take this to the Emperor,” she answered, “I know he will be disappointed since we had hoped for something more significant, but if ally is the best you can do, I shall inform him of that.”

There had to be something to tempt him.

“As long as you're sure? Joining the Empire would come with its perks,” she said seriously. “In the event of an enemy incursion, you would have a solid commitment of military assets. Yes, an ally would have some of that, but it might not be available as quickly and as large a force.”

"A mutual aid treaty as allies would suffice," he said stiffly. "The Houses do not want to be eternally drawn into the wars of the 'Known' Galaxy." He reflected absently. "I look forward to the repeat of Dare's execution."

And he cut the line.

Bellorum scowled at the empty air where the holo had been, the arrogant fool seriously called for the execution of one of the Emperor’s Imperial Knights. Let him pursue that if he wanted her dead.

She would get even with that condescending rat, he clearly chose to ignore that she was his superior in rank.

Using her comlink she pinged SIgel Dare to return.

Sigel stepped back in, and she already had her lightsaber in hand. "Well?"

Her voice was clipped.

Bellorum made no attempt to hide her eye roll over the Knight’s drawn weapon.

“At ease,” she said stiffly, “and put your damned weapon away.”

Bell didn’t like this one at all, she was far too arrogant for her own good, just like so many other Force users that have failed. Her actions had been helpful, in a small way, but still she hated having anyone spying over her shoulder. Which was clearly why the woman was placed with her, just to babysit and report all that transpired.

“Our business here is complete. Oh, the Moff is calling for your execution,” Bell shrugged, “you’ll surrender yourself to the Emperor, because I don’t wish to get caught up in that drama. Let Fel know that it’s expected you’ll be executed immediately and he can act on it as he wishes.”

Sigel didn't put away her weapon. "I didn't use the Force on the Moff."

"So why should I be executed?"

Bellorum shrugged and smiled, “not my problem, I’m just passing on what’s likely the terms of the Chiss’ cooperation. Any other questions?”

She turned on her foot and stormed out, stopping at the doorway. "The Emperor will hear of this."

Bell’s laughter echoed out into the corridors, “isn’t that what I just said to do?” She called out to the retreating Knight.

It was reckless to taunt one of Fel’s pet Knights, but the high strung woman had been in the wrong place at the right time… for Bellorum’s use.

This Grand Moff gig wasn’t too bad so far.

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Chancellor Aryan Graul
Coruscant

There was no time to prepare a statement, nor to ponder the impact of this moment as the security detail, dutifully carrying out their orders, escorted Aryan to the raised dais that overlooked the grand plaza. A certain spark was in the air; a nervous energy that encompassed the crowd and exemplified their excitement and fear. It was the perfect environment in which to indulge them, and he intended to take full advantage of the opportunity.

Inhaling deeply, Aryan accepted the megaphone from the trooper on his right, tapped his palm against the end a few times to test the signal quality, and then straightened his posture to speak.

"Good evening," he intoned in a firm, clear baritone. "The last few hours have been a harrowing experience for us all as we witnessed the devastating, callous… unprovoked and senseless attack on the Senate Rotunda, and in extension, on democracy itself. We now stand humbled in the aftermath—fearful, outraged, bitter, uncertain—the list goes on and on. I understand these emotions; I understand that you have questions. Hopefully, we can address the answers and rise above this tragedy together.

"No doubt you have heard the rumors." He paused for effect, angling his chin to stare out over the crowd as they murmured amongst themselves. "That those aligned with the Imperial factions initiated hostilities, targeting the innocent and defenseless. That the Emperor himself orchestrated the attack. It makes for the perfect narrative, doesn’t it? The former Galactic Empire has committed untold atrocities throughout the course of history… what’s one more?

"And yet… what if I told you that there is no truth to those accusations. That we have documentary proof that it was Resistance troopers who rappelled from the rafters to shoot our Senators in cold blood; that it was Resistance vessels that descended from the skies above and launched bombs to raze the Senate Chamber’s roof; that it was two Republican Senators who lied to you and remain unaccounted for after spreading panic and fear."

Aryan’s expression turned grim.

"I urge Senators Ish Kabibble of Ithor and Amethyst Ordgwal of Bakura to step forth in good faith and absolve themselves of all offenses. I am here; I am listening." He spread his hands amicably to show his probity. "Isn’t that what you wanted when you called for a representative of this Grand Republic to engage in conversation with you? Why the need to run if you are not guilty of any crimes? Why the need to divide this body through dissension and heresy? We all deserve answers. Only then can we prevail and overcome our adversities—but to achieve that goal, we must be united in our values and beliefs. That’s why I ask once more for Senators Kabibble and Ordgwal to do the right thing. For the longevity of the Republic. For yourselves and the integrity of your constituents. As your Chancellor, I’m waiting to hear from you.

"Help us to heal together and show our enemies that we will not be intimidated by cowardly acts of terrorism. As citizens of the Republic, we will not go quietly into the night. We will not vanish without a fight. We’re going to live on. We’re going to survive!"*



As the applause mounted, Aryan stepped away from the dais and retrieved his comlink from his jacket pocket as it began to vibrate with an incoming message:

Meet me for a drink? We could both probably need one.

— Bell​

The Chancellor pursed his lips, not entirely thrilled to receive a message from the enigmatic woman, though he couldn’t deny his curiosity. Her presence had a certain appeal that he couldn't quite put his finger on, which ultimately convinced him to accept the invitation.

TAG: @Sinrebirth; @Lady_Belligerent; @DarthIshyZ; @Adalia-Durron; @Silvertough; @Taylor Neir; @darthbernael

* Text from the Independence Day speech because... why not? It seemed fitting for this scene!

 

CORUSCANT

Downtown, Bar

The Ugly Bantha

It hadn’t been impossible for the two second most renaming members in the Galactic Senate to leave their posts. They knew the best way to depart and detach, and did so with aplomb.

Whether an Imperial Knight had tracked them was another thing, but potentially so. Once upon a time they had been masters of their own fate, but their colleagues had been reduced in number. Some they hadn’t heard from in some years, including Ike, among others.

Emperor Fel V didn’t care much for them, they were merely Senators that commanded majorities in the reduced Senate. Their promotions merely reflected that. Most of the Republican Senators had been arrested, save for the two besieged on Coruscant and the two that had escaped with smuggler assistance. Grand Admiral Yage had taken the opportunity to beef up Coruscant security, deploying a pair of fleet groups here instead of the one.

The Emperor had gone to great lengths to emphasise that he would be restoring the Republic Senators to their rightful places, or to their homeworlds to face local investigations into their involvement in the coup attempt, if any. The few dead Senators were being returned with full honours, and reparations offered where the Imperial Guard had been too zealous.

But there was already noise of Republic fleet admirals debating taking action. A third of the Alliance military was drawn from Republic Party worlds, and two thirds from Imperial Party worlds, mainly because the Empire did so much better out of the war. Scuttlebutt was that the Republic admirals were waiting for a sign from the Senators in exile.

The rumour-mill was no more accurate than it was here, in the Ugly Bantha. Queen Jool had an interest in this place, the infamous Hutt patron of Cade Skywalker during his smuggler days. The servers were a mixture of droids and nonhumans, mainly scantily glad Zeltron of all genders, the bartender a wily Sakiyan gambler named Naxy. The patrons were as much human as not, but the Zeltrons present drew a certain crowd.



Added to that, the tables all had sound shields to keep out the noise and in their discussion, as was the tendency of Queen Jool.

It was perfect for the two to meet.

Bellorum and Aryan.

Ale’s were lain by a scantily clad server - yes, that was a jockstrap - and with a flirty smile the two were left to it.

TAG: @Lady_Belligerent, @HanSolo29 (combo)
—-
Elsewhere

The two Senators were left to their siege.

A single statement from the new Grand Moffling, and the siege was left. Walkers stood behind Stormtroopers, and the elite Skull Squadron flew orbital circles around this part of the building, the screaming TIE Predators adding a component of psychological warfare to keeping them awake.

It would last some hours, the staff having fled, and two Senators alone, with whatever supplies the offices had to hand, which admittedly was a fair amount for whatever reason. Nobody came to accept their surrender.

Eventually, a Stormtrooper - the one with the megaphone that had stood besides Aryan Graul while he filibustered to with their fate. He spoke into the megaphone. “Permission to approach and discuss your surrender.”

How would the two of them take that?

They had nothing to say of their message.

Ish Kabibble’s speech wasn’t precisely blaring across the concourse, and Amy Ordwgal’s parting with Wherow had been emotional enough.

“You have my word as Hondo Karr that no harm will come to you.” He cleared his voice. “Speaking my mind, my life is forfeit.”

He was quoting the speech!



TAG: @DarthIshyZ, @Adalia-Durron (combo)

 

JAKKU

Eventually, Kigrael would track down Rav and his Crimsom Axe to Jakku of all places. Though in the Inner Rim, it was at the very edge of traditional Known Space.



But the world itself had lineage.

A hundred and fifty years ago the Galactic Empire and New Republic fought a tremendous engagement there involving hundreds of Star Destroyers and Star Cruisers. The battle shattered what was left of the legitimate Imperial Navy and saw the Grand Vizier and de facto Emperor sign the Coruscant Accords.

A century ago, an alliance of Resistance fighters, Imperials, Jedi and Sith had fought a months long siege against the First Order, commanded by a succession of mutated Palpatine clones. It had been the pivotal point in the Second Galactic Civil War, well into its twentieth year.

So even after all that time, Jakku was littered with the hulls of almost every type of Star Destroyer constructed since the Clone Wars. It was perfect for criminals to pick up scrap, even if constantly police by whatever central government existed of the day.

But with the damage to the galaxy that had happened lately, some three decades of violence between the Empire and Galactic Alliance and New Republic and Confederation, between the Jedi Order, Guardians of Light, One Sith, New Sith Order and even a Pantheon of Sith who attempted to unlock the Well of the Dark Side..,

It was not patrolled.

Neither faction of the Galactic Federation Triumvirate cared about Jakku, nor mostly obsolete technology. Or, perhaps, they didn’t have the resources to police this far outside the Core or off the hyperlanes.

Perhaps.

So when Kigrael arrived, he would be entering a system that belonged to criminals. The Bloody Bones symbol, the calling card of Rav’s breed of piracy, was emblazoned upon an Ardent-class frigate, and it rather immediately hailed him.



TAG: @darthbernael (combo)

 

NAKADIA

IC: Ona Antilles

She’d made it back.

The woman had escaped Coruscant and tracked down her charges. Crossing paths with the Grinning Liar and Mynock as they headed back to Coruscant, Ona had updates for the Senators.

It was nighttime on Nakadia, but morning on Coruscant, so how that disjoint in time would impact Anthony Neir and Jerrec Vaklu was another question. Cade was present with hot caf to wake them, and Artoo-Detoo was supplying light in a makeshift barracks that had been a literal barn.

The other Jedi were absent.

Admirals Bey, Dahl and Gahan had all been in touch with Ona, apparently.



Bey



Dahl



Gahan

Ona summed up. “The fleets the Republic systems contributed are restless, though the Emperor is reassuring everyone the crisis is as temporary as possible. The Imperial systems outgun us two to one, but even Imperial Senators are disturbed by the Emperor’s tyrannical stance.”

“Is that so,” Cade said lightly. “How long until the Sith turn up to shore up his position?”

“Let’s not joke,” Ona said, smiling at Jerrec, genuinely happy at the reunion. “Oh, and I hear that your Imperial Knight has recovered fully,” she added, looking to Anthony. “So you have no murder on your conscience.”

“Great,” Cade drawled. “Do you think we’re gonna win this without blood-loss then?”

Ona narrowed her eyes. “I think most of the galaxy is waiting for someone to declare whether this is the beginning of a civil war or not.”

“Isn’t going to be me,” Cade said firmly.

“I didn’t come to speak to you,”

Ona cut. “You’re not an elected official.” She looked back to the Senators. “They are.”

TAG: @Taylor Neir, @Silvertough (combo)

 

IC: Kigrael
Jakku

Finding Senators when they didn’t want to be found, when they most likely had the assistance of a Skywalker was tricky business even at the best of times. With the Republic aligned planets and peoples being less than friendly, the journey hadn’t gone exactly as Kigrael was sure that the Emperor had hoped. But the Anzati had expected that. After the first jump, to an uninhabited system. There, they had scrubbed the ship, removing any trace of Imperial insignia or regalia. Even the uniforms worn, save those of the two Knights, became those that the Anzati tended to wear when away from home, which was a melange of outfits. Even the two Knights, understanding they were under Kigrael’s orders still, had taken armor that fit them, rather than the armor they normally wore, which would have immediately identified them as the Imperial Knights they were.

When the YZ-2500 entered the Jakku system, Kigrael was in what was both his quarters and office, going over what they knew about the system and what it meant in how to approach those there. The pad at his hatch chimed, ”Tha sinn air ar n-ainmeachadh.”* came the voice through the comm.

Nodding, he stood, the light cortosis weave armor he wore creaking lightly. Palming the opening stud, he followed the Hellhound who had given him the message, to the bridge. Looking out of the viewscreen he saw the Ardent class frigate a short distance away. Stepping to the comm, he keyed it, ”This is the Shracadh*. What can we do for you?” he asked in a cool, civil tone.

"What business do you have with Rav and the Bloodied Bones," the man switched to Basic, sharply.

"Black Sun doesn't appreciate unscheduled visitors."

The Imperial Knights - Ganner Krieg and Azlyn Rae - exchanged glances.

Black Sun.

Kigrael let a humored expression cross his face, his father had taught him more than he knew about faking the emotions that other beings seemed to see as important to any discussion. ”I take it that word hasn’t reached the Black Sun that the Hellhounds have recently…become reavailable for hire. Our reach is quite extensive and Rav is in need of our services.” he said, calmly, but with an edge of the humor that was on his face in his tone. The fact that he was doing so had several of the Hounds working, out of sight. The Schracadh was almost the same size as the frigate and was…special.

"The Hellhounds?" The thug on the other line responded, clearly aware of the reputation. "What proof do we have you're Hellhounds?"

A sneer.

Kigrael’s eyes flicked to the sensors, his eyes dulling as more black filled them. When he refocused on the comm, his expression was neutral. ”You seem aware of what the Hellhounds are…who would be stupid enough to claim that.”

There was a quick burst of static, on his end anyway. Once it faded, ”Besides…tell me…how easy is it to get your hangar doors open to let your craft out when they’re bonded directly to the hull?” Whether that part of what his men had done had succeeded, that would cause their interrogator to think or consider what his people were capable of.

"Launch fighters!"

There was panic in the man's voice -

Ganner was haughty. "They appear to need a demonstration of your - of our - skill."

Kigrael snorted, turning to the weapons officer, knowing they’d been prepared from the moment the frigate had contacted them. ”Sgiathan agus einnseanan, a-nis.”* he ordered, before the Hound set to his task.

Looking back up at the comm, ”You should have just accepted our presence.”

Switching the frequency to the Hounds that were now crawling all over the frigate, ”Na fàg anam beò air an luing sin.”*

“Mar a tha thu ag òrdachadh.”* Came the reply before the sight of flaring sparks came from the ship, the Hounds working to gain entry, the batteries of the Schracadh fired with pinpoint accuracy.

Pirated TIE Predators screamed out from the frigate, a dozen initially -

The frigate was a swarthy vessel, it could take hits, and dished them out too -

Ganner spoke up. "Engines. It's vulnerable at the engines."

Azlyn shot him a glare, but spoke up. "We should be in fighters too."

Kigrael snorted, ”Why do you think I ordered the engines disabled?” He gestured to the back of the ship, ”If you can handle clawcraft then by all means, take the fight to the frigate. There are a pair back there.” he went on.

Turning back to the Weapons officer, ”Bheir mi biadh dhut ma nì an luchd-sabaid sin cron oirnn idir.”* he stated, calmly.

"I'm sorry I don't speak whatever tongue you are," Ganner snapped. He turned to run to the clawcraft. Azlyn hesitated, and then followed.

The Weapons officer blanched, but redoubled his fire - the Predators took hits on their shields, but another dozen appeared as the first dozen spun away to compensate -

No fire had yet hit them -

But the frigate fired, turbolasers lancing out -

Talons dug into the shoulder of the pilot, the unspoken command given as the Schracadh began an evasive pattern. The unspoken threat was there too, that any that failed would be fed upon. It was their way, that the strongest would feed upon those of lesser strength and Kigrael’s lineage was…Circle of Masters level.

”Dìon puing, thoir ùine dha ar caraidean sabaid na TIEn a chuir air bhog agus a thoirt a-mach.”*

The smaller lasers aboard their craft began harassing fire of the TIEs while they jinked around the fire of the frigate’s turbolasers.

The clawcraft joined the melee, and a combined salvo picked off a TIE Predator immediately -

The pilot was bucking the Schracadh like a Bantha, but turbolaser fire began to pockmark their shields -

The second wave of TIEs began to crest their position, and the gunner was methodically picking them off, rather than trying to deflect them all -

A bolt chewed into the hull, but from the frigate or the TIEs?

Who knew.

Kigrael’s second in command, seeing the fire finally reaching them, glanced at his commander, “Those Knights better be able to keep a secret.” he muttered.

Nodding, with a toothy grin, ”Authorized then.” he ordered.

The Weapons officer’s eyes suddenly went fully black as he smiled. Punching a button on the panel before him the hidden batteries of the ship were unmasked and turbolaser fire went into high operation, fire mostly concentrated on the frigate.

The frigate was suddenly aflame, but the attacks were upon the shields for the moment -

But the commander engaged comms with a squawk. "We acknowledge your credentials! Cease fire!"

Ganner and Azlyn had already taken down six fighters.

Kigrael’s eyes were pits of darkness as a cruel smile crossed his face. ”You wanted to see the Hellhounds. Your wish is fulfilled.”

The second channel opened, to the fighters and solo Hounds in their fight, ”No quarter, leave only dust behind.” he ordered to all, Knights included.

Eyes flicking over to the Weapons officer, ”All batteries, turn that frigate into glowing chunks.”

The guns went for it, and the Imperial Knights began to chew more fighters up.

An urgent channel opened up.

"It's Rav himself, sir."

The smirk on Kigrael’s face was no less cruel, ”Continue bombardment, I’ll take the call in the meantime.”

He tapped the channel to open it to him, ”Good…” he checked the system chrono on the bulkhead of the bridge, ”afternoon. What can the Hellhounds do for you today? We’re busy tidying a mess but that will be done soon.”

v

"What do you think you are doing?" He snarled. "Call off your attack, or I'll have your head."

”What I am doing is what you should have done, Rav. I would never condone the stupidity of the insolence that craft,” one taloned hand waved at the frigate his people were chewing up with their weapons. ”among my own, when it meant that it would enrage a group fully capable of destroying my people.” His tone was emotionless, his eyes dripping with darkness.

Holding up the hand, the weapons officer seeing the signal and commanding the attack to halt momentarily, ”But...if you desire such incompetence to remain among your fleet, I will humor you.”

The attack ceased, and the two fighters rolled back towards them.

"It's dangerous times," Rav said, grinning maliciously. "Had to be sure you weren't pulling a trick on me, my old friend."

Kigrael’s smile was as cold as it had been before, ”I am what I am, nothing would change that…old friend.”

Rav laughed, a short and sharp chortle. "What do you want, anyway? This isn't a social call. You need a job? I've a bead on an assassination against an Imp, high, high up." A grin, all bared teeth.

The hand in the air waved in a circle, the Weapons Officer taking that as a round up the troops gesture. In a quiet voice, Hound called back the fighters and the individual Hounds that had been attacking the frigate.

One of Kigrael’s eyebrows rose. ”Let me take a wild guess, that high could mean one of three beings, two more likely than others. Those being the new Chancellor and the other being the Emperor.”

"What's in it for me to tell you which? Are you gonna step up?" Rav snorted. "I hear you're working for the Empire now."

That drew a dry laugh from Kigrael, ”Those who offer the best inducement are those who gain our employ. You, more than any others, should know none have our loyalty though.” he replied, a touch of emotion, that of humor, entering his tone.

"Inducement, eh?" Rav smirked. "Ruthless as ever, Kigrael. Your Daddy would be so disappointed." A snort. "You want credits? Or something more than just a social call?" His grin grew lean. "Or did you want in on the assassination job?"

”Depends how tempting the target is. And,” Kigrael glanced around the bridge, ”You must have some prime stock you don’t mind losing if we come down for a social visit, the Hounds are hungry.” As he returned his attention to the holo his teeth were bared in a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, ”After all, they didn’t get to snack on the idiots on that frigate.”

"I can't say who it is, but suffice to say, it's pretty high up in the Empire." That devilish grin again. "High, high. Top three, at least."

That meant the Chancellor, Grand Moff or Emperor.

"Come on down, let's chat."

Kigrael felt the Knights return, could feel their curiosity and their hidden concern when Rav made his comment. He affected to ignore their feelings, knowing that they would want to know what he intended with this, with their truer loyalty.

Glancing at the nav officer, ”We are accepting his hospitality.” His gaze returned to Rav, as he continued to speak, this time to the bridge, ”And we shall see how or whether my old friend practices all of what are guest rights in such circumstances.” He knew Rav would understand the comment was as much for him as for the Hellhounds.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

*We have been hailed.
*Shrike
*Shields and engines, now.
*Leave no soul alive on that ship.
*As you command.
*I will feed on you if those fighters damage us at all.
*Point defense, give our fighter friends time to launch and take out the TIEs.

 

Combo with Sinrebirth as Queen Joel, and HanSolo20 as Chancellor Aryan Graul. It was amazing fun as always! Thanks, guys!


IC: Aryan Graul, Bellorum, and Queen Jool
Ugly Bantha, Coruscant

“We may speak freely here,” Bellorum said to Aryan in a low voice, “or maybe you already knew that.” She smiled and took a sip of the bitter drink.

It had been noisy when they entered from the streets, yet now the noise level had improved once they were seated. She had seen Naxy across the bar, but they would never acknowledge knowing each other in public.

“I’m a bit concerned by the events we witnessed today, how about you?” She asked, cutting directly to the point. There was no need to build up to it, Bell wanted to know where Aryan stood with their situation.

While the crowded cantina wasn’t the most desirable location for a meeting, Aryan certainly understood the reasoning behind choosing such an establishment. The constant bustle of the diverse clientele provided the perfect cover for their purposes; no one expected two prominent politicians, much less the Chancellor of the Republic, to casually waltz inside for a reprieve. They were essentially hiding in plain sight. In that sense, he appreciated Bellorum’s ingenuity.

Leaning back in his seat, Aryan studied the Chiss woman, a slight smirk evident on his lips as he idly sloshed the contents of his glass, the ice tinkling gently with the gesture. "So, this is a business exchange," he noted with a hint of amusement. "I wasn’t aware we were meeting in an official capacity. Judging by the tone of your note, I only assumed you intended this as leisure, especially with alcohol involved—unless that’s part of your… preoccupation?"

He raised his brow and gave her a knowing look.

"Don’t think I haven’t noticed," he drawled evenly, his smirk becoming more prominent. "I know what you are. It would’ve been possible for you to achieve your goals through brute force alone; I’ve seen how your powers work." He canted his head, curious. "So, why risk your advantage to seek me out? I think I earned the right to know the answer to that question before we continue."

“You’re already back to not trusting me?” Bellorum asked, shaking her head. “What if someone had intercepted that message, Chancellor Graul? I had that in mind when I sent it.” Preoccupation indeed…

Sighing, she took a drink and looked around at the other customers. At the bar, Naxy lifted his brow, a silent question. Bell signaled for a bottle.

“I don’t know about you, but I loathe this weak ale,” she said quietly. “And, yes. I find that alcohol compliments business, making it a bit more palpable. You’re welcome to abstain if you do not mix the two.”

She had not decided if she would address his brute force jab, it stung. Maybe she should show him exactly what sort of brute force she was capable of… ugh!

“Let’s address how you claim to know what I am, Chancellor? I’d like to know exactly what that’s supposed to mean.” Damn! She had not meant to sound so angry, but she wasn’t skilled at navigating this kind of social discourse. Brute force was suddenly much more appealing.

A low chuckle escaped from Aryan’s throat as he reclined back, clearly amused by the conversation. He hadn’t pinpointed Bellorum as the type to distort words or become so easily flustered. This was an interesting development; one he could certainly exploit under the right circumstances.

"Such… audacity," he noted with a wry grin, his gaze never wavering from her lithe form. "First, you indulge me with alcohol, hoping I will undoubtedly drink myself into oblivion, thus rendering me more susceptible to your manipulation tactics…" He brandished the glass, angling it toward her as if to mock her sensibilities. However, he refused to partake in its contents and gently set it back down on the table.

"... and then you conveniently ignore my question to prattle on about your own insecurities."

His eyes narrowed perceptibly, silently challenging her to express her disapproval. Nevertheless, despite his provocation, the Chancellor swiftly held up a hand to forestall any response. "But if it will help put your mind at ease, I’m not opposed to a little quid pro quo. You answer my previous question, and then I’ll be more than happy to clarify my statement."

Clearly she was wrong about Graul, this was turning out to be a waste of her time.
She downed the contents of her glass, and placed it on the table before she answered. Swallowing the warm alcohol she decided to try once more and then she would walk if he was still behaving like a bantha’s ass.

“Your political acumen is well known, and very impressive. I still believe it would be advantageous that we work together since we represent worlds in the same sector. It’s obvious we should be on good terms, and perhaps work in harmony.” She looked him in the eye while speaking, no games, just honesty,

The bottle lifted smoothly from the table without being touched, and it tilted over her glass to pour the sparkling liquid.

“When hell broke loose in the Senate chambers, it seemed wise to assist the Emperor, who easily could’ve saved himself. The man is quite powerful, and I’m not convinced that he didn’t arrange the entire scene,” her eyes narrowed, and she waved her hand as if brushing that subject aside, “but that is a whole other discussion. We were able to take advantage of being with him, several other senators obviously didn’t fare as well as we did,” she slightly smiled thinking of the two now on the run.

“Finding you speaking outside a few minutes ago was serendipitous, totally unplanned. I had planned on coming here and thought it would be nice to go over the events, a discussion to share thoughts and ideas. I’m not sure why you’ve turned this into me being some big baddie that should resort to brute force to get my way.”

She picked up her glass and raised it in a mock salute to him, then drank the contents. “Now, were you referring to me being a Force user, or that I am of mixed species? Either one, I found the way you said that you know ’what I am’ insulting.”

Leaning forward she picked up Aryan’s glass and drank all but a small amount of the alcohol, she held it out and watched as flames crept from her hand into the glass. She stroked the sides of the glass before setting it down, the small flames still dancing inside, occasionally giving off a shower of sparks.

“What do you want, Aryan Graul?” She asked. “To insult me, or do we work together?”

Aryan narrowed his eyes as he watched the flames flutter across the top of the glass, the coruscating patterns almost hypnotic in the sobering light. Aside from the small smirk that touched the corner of his mouth, his expression remained guarded behind an impassive mask. He would not afford her any satisfaction at this juncture, not when he still maintained the advantage. She harbored certain insecurities—namely, the fact that she was non-human, which would allow him to control the narrative.

"I never intended to insult you," he replied after a brief pause, his voice a low, steady drawl. "But I’m afraid I can’t compensate for your low self-esteem and the inevitable decline that will result from those shortcomings. I suggest you address any personal demons you may be wrestling with before we proceed with this partnership."

His gaze drifted back to the flames, canting his head as if to perceive the invisible force fueling their fury. "If it helps to ease your mind, I was referring to this." He swept his hand to indicate the glass before placing his palm over the rim to obstruct the flow of oxygen and douse the flames. "Your ability to manipulate the Force—your, uh… association with the Sith."

The bastard.

“You claim you never intended to insult me,” she said, “then you immediately disrespect me in the same statement.”

A partnership?

Bell wasn’t sure if she possessed the patience to deal with Graul as an acquaintance, much less as an ally. He had her rethinking why she bothered to approach him to begin with, savvy political mind or not, this man’s arrogance was suffocating. Yet, she stayed… for now.

“While I do appreciate you clarifying one insult from the other,” she said softly, yet firmly, “I fail to see an association with the Sith as being a detriment. In fact, I believe it could be quite the opposite.”

There was suddenly a commotion.

"OUT!"

A Hutt had slithered into the room.



Queen Jool herself.

The music stopped.

"Everyone out!"

A pudgy hand pointed to the table of Graul and Bellorum.

"Except you two."

Aryan maintained eye contact with Bellorum, even when Queen Jool ushered the other patrons from the room and demanded an audience with them. He had no desire to confer with a Hutt, an act he viewed as repulsive for someone of his stature. However, the irritation he felt over her interruption didn’t compare to how much Bellorum exasperated him. The woman was relentless, and he wanted to make sure that she understood the parameters of their situation; the conversation was far from over.

With his gaze lingering on Bellorum, the Chancellor rose to his full height and reached slowly into his suit jacket. His hand rested firmly against the familiar grip of his hold-out blaster. It was customary for Aryan to carry the weapon in a shoulder holster beneath his tunic as a safety precaution. While he didn’t expect Queen Jool to reveal herself as a potential assassin, it was still effective as an intimidation tactic.

Once he positioned his fingers around the cool metal, Aryan finally pivoted on his heel to confront the Hutt. "You have impeccable timing," he growled sarcastically, a perpetual smirk evident on his features. "If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were making a terrible mistake to delay us."

“Hold on to your skivvies, Mr. Distrustful,” Bellorum growled. She stood and greeted their host, “we are honored you’ve graced us with your presence, Queen Jool.” Bell shot Aryan a quick glare for literally threatening the Hutt before they knew what she was up to.

’Surely a politician, such as yourself, knows when to listen before whipping out your weapon?’ If Aryan noticed, her voice would’ve softly echoed through his mind. Maybe not the entire question, but enough for him to get her point.

“Please,” Bell continued speaking to the storied owner of the establishment, “did you have something to share with us?”


Tag: @Sinrebirth @HanSolo29

 

IC: Aryn Passik, Lina Odan, Amethyst Ordwgal, Ish Kabbible
Coruscant, What's all this then?


'There was a brief strategy meeting, and divide and conquer became their best option going forward.

One Senator would keep the blockade busy, and the other, they would try and find the same way that their shadow visitor had. There had to be more than one way out.'

The former "Senator" Kabibble was walking toward the troopers, planning to make the offered "distraction" when he was distracted, himself, by a shuttle leveling off by his former offices. A way off this rock? he thought. He knew the plan he'd agreed to, but given the opportunity to be *ahem* brave versus getting away from here, he'd like to choose the latter. He was standing, weighing his options. He considered if his staff had had time to get to safety, themselves, already. He decided he'd had enough of being the martyr... the center of attention. He wanted to get to safety himself. He turned back and ran back to the shuttle waving his arms like a fool, hoping they'd notice. Finally, when he was close enough, he yelled "take me with you, please!" Meanwhile, he mentally prepared an apology for Senator Ordwgal for going back on his agreement.

Amy was scared, not something she was used to. For so long, living in the shadow of two generations of war heroes she’d always been the strong kid who was so immensely proud of her heritage, was, being the operative word. She still was proud, but in her mind, she was about to become the weakest link in the family line. In her mind she could hear it, ‘that family were heroes, great in every way….then there was Amethyst…’.

Senator Kabibble has given her a distraction, with the weakest of plans to have her escape the same way their former negotiator had gone. As far as they’d both ascertained, the man has slipped out the window, and if he could do it, arguably, she could too.

While her companion distracted those attempting to gain access, at great risk to his own being, Amy now stood at the open window, looking down.

Endlessly down.

She had no idea how high up they were but it was enough that she was sure she could touch a cloud, if there was one. With her heart pounding so hard it hurt, Amethyst steeled herself and began to climb out the window, fear ripping at her as perspiration ran down her back, her feet edging along the narrow ledge.

Lina noticed the TIE Predators, "Sithspit, keep her steady Fly Girl, I'll go to the top turret to keep guard and use the speaker from there." She received a mock salute from Lysa and moved back to the top turret.

Meanwhile, Aryn looked over at the window sill from the top of the freighter attached firmly, "Do you need some help?"

Amy looked down as the ship rose toward her stopping in front of her and someone popped out the top offering her assistance. This was unexpected and confusing, "um....yes?" She called back, "can I hitch a ride maybe?"

Aryn looked away as in she was listening to someone, "Our scouts detected someone else in there, do they need help or do they have a plan on their own?" She indicated for the purple Twi'lek woman to jump onto the top of the ship, "There's an Antilles flying this, you're safe and we're the Wraiths."

Glancing back at her counterpart as he spoke, her hand grasping at the side of the window and no intention of releasing it till she was on the ship, Amethyst called out. "Move Senator!!!" She looked at the gap, not more than a meter, but if she missed...... "You won't miss." She said in an attempt to convince herself as she took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

Amy then jumped onto the ship.

Landing hard, her knees onto hard parasteel, her hands grasping for something, anything. Blue eyes wide as she crawled toward the woman who'd offered her a ride, "my counterpart is coming too!" She yelled to her, so they'd know to wait.

Aryn moved over to help Senators, with a question in who they were rescuing and she keyed her comm, "Witch Girl, have you found other people?"

Maeve grinned, "Some in two different directions. I have one group, there might be some others in the other, though Ghost hasn't found her hideout yet."

A TIE Predator finally noticed them, and began to reorient, sweeping around the Senate building which currently blocked the pilots view.

"This is Skull Squadron. Heave to, or die."

Yage as ever was firm on the comms

Aryn heard the comm call, "In here, quick!" She knew that her boss was going to go Mustifar soon if those TIEs stayed on their path.

Lina gritted her teeth and keyed her comm, "We are the Wraiths, you idiot. We're here at the request of the Emperor. Maybe if you did your job the Resistance would have started all this." She didn't open fire yet. If they had to talk to him, she at least wanted to say the idiot opened fire first.

She keyed the comm for the Wraiths only, "Hurry them up Panther, these TIEs seem especially stupid, Fly Girl, hope that you have some moves ready to go."

Clambering up toward the turret hole, Amy glanced back to see Ish standing in the window looking more than awkward. "JUMP!!" She yelled, "YOU HAVE TO GET HERE!!!"

The Ithorian shifted from enormous foot to enormous foot, nervous. He'd never been a coward, per se. At least not as compared to other Ithorians. Still, the prospect of trying to get into the hovering shuttle filled him with dread, with nerves. He swallowed them as best he could and covered the rest of the short distance. He estimated that he'd need to clear a meter to get in. He jumped at the last second. His heavy feet just wouldn't allow him to get as high as he really needed to. He ended up halfway in, scrabbling at the smooth deckplate for purchase. "Amy! Help!"

She'd been holding on tight about to crawl to the hatch when she heard him call, turning to see, her blue green eyes wide. "Hold on!!" Turning she scrambled across the ships surface till she was able to grab at the Ithorian's wrist, her foot hooked under an outside pipe as such. "Grab me!" She yelled as she pulled on his wrist and attempted to move backward.

You're going to get us all killed...

Aryn moved over to try to help pull them in.

"What did they want me to do, fly into the building?" Lysa said more than a little incredulously which drew a snort from Lina.
You're going to get us all killed...

Aryn moved over to try to help pull them in.

"What did they want me to do, fly into the building?" Lysa said more than a little incredulously which drew a snort from Lina.
Ish grabbed onto Amy's offered hand. He could look back and see the ground moving away. He saw the He hitched himself up, millimeter at a time, until he was able to get a knee up on the deck. He scooted a bit more, then he was able to get his other knee up. Then finally on his hands and knees. His feet still dangled in open air, but that didn't matter. He was securely onboard. Ish let go of Amy's hand, grabbed a nearby rail and pulled himself to his feet. He had to bite his proverbial tongue for the "get us all killed" crack. But he didn't want to be rude to these people who were rescuing him. He put on his friendliest smile (quite difficult for an Ithorian with two mouths) and said, "Thank you for the ride. And Amy, thank you for your help."

"Looks like we're on the same team, so it makes sense!" She said standing and turning to their rescuer. "I cannot tell you how grateful we are for this, who do we have to thank?"

The TIE Predator circled the building, half a second from firing range.

Lina hit her comm with the other Wraiths, "Everybody in, Panther?" she heard a comm click, "Go Fly Girl go!" Lina's orientation twisted as she suddenly saw more sky, she also heard the noise of the ramp closing, though she thought she heard that first. Her only problem was that Lysa's made it difficult to fire on the Predator should it decide to fire. She knew as she felt the acceleration in her chair it would be a wild ride.

I hope you have a spot ready for us Ghost...

----
Elsewhere

Where should we go... when Reine felt something relatively familiar, That'll be safe... and she quickly moved that direction.


TAG @DarthIshyZ @Sinrebirth @adaml83

 

IC: Hondo Karr
Coruscant, Senate Tower

The blockade line of troopers and walkers was suddenly completely ineffective.

They had been mis-deployed, but who could have expected a transport would appear just by the Senate?

Skull Squadron had only had one fighter just in position to pursue, but the Rebel Senators skipped into hyperspace without much trouble. Seemingly there had even been a gap in the orbital cover, and they slipped through like a fish in oil.

Hondo Karr, the nominal commander of the blockade, looked to the panicked and failing (and flailing) Stormtroopers and grinned.



He pulled out his comm. "Bantha 1 and 2 have left the roost."

With that, the Stormtrooper-come-Mandalorian vanished into Coruscant.

He was also a Rebel, and that was why he was here.

Ditching his plasteel attire, and moving back to his beskar.



He had no desire to have Mandalore fall under a Sith Empire again.

Cade was his best bet of that not happening.

TAG: @adaml83, @Adalia-Durron, @DarthyIshyZ (hyperspace combo opportunity)
---
Queen Jool's Bar

The patrons knew not to mess with Queen Jool.

Her thundering emptied the parlor.

As the last trawled out, Jool boomed, loud enough for those lingering to hear. "Lord and Lady Senex, a pleasure."

When the doors closed, she held a finger to her mouth and produced a transmitter. With a twist and a turn, there was a blaze of light, a scan. "All clear," Jool confirmed, before tossing it to the table that Aryan and Bellorum stood at. "For you to keep. It includes a recording of your conversation."

She looked bemused. "Hutt habit, I'm afraid, and I am friends with a certain 'Walker."

Leaning forward, Jool was all too close. "But I'd know your two faces anywhere, cloaked or otherwise."



"What can I do for the benevolent Empire, my friends?"

Her emphasis on that one word made it clear she was supporting the True Empire above all.

TAG: @HanSolo29, @Lady_Belligerent (combo)

 

IC: Cade Skywalker
Nakadia

The two Senators were separated while they got ready.

Cade went with Taylor, curious as to the man.

Ona followed after Vaklu, wanting to know his thoughts.

There were a smattering of droids working on their ships, and of course the berths of the Mynock and Grinning Liar were taken. Two more spaces were free, for two medium sized transports.

Cade, the grizzled Jedi Master, leaned on the doorjam, not bothering to knock and not concerned if he interrupted Taylor changing. "So, Senator, level with me. Your system has influence; warships, no. Would it not make sense to just shut your borders and let the galaxy burn?"



TAG: @Taylor Neir (combo)

Ona took a more measured approach.

Initially, she'd been interrupted by Hondo Karr's encrypted missive, which was passed via couriers before being transmitted from a third party location. Smiling, Ona knew that meant the Wraiths had picked up the last two Rebel Senators. Excellent. Most of the Senate had actually been incarcerated 'placed in protective custody'. The primary Senators, a half dozen key players, were out and about. Two here, two with the Wraiths hopefully on their way here, and two propping up the Emperor.

Ona soured at that, but sent a response along the network.

"Ready for Bantha 1 and 2, be prepared for relocation coordinates."

After all, Cade didn't want them to transmit their do-or-die diplomacy message to the Emperor from Nakadia, and she didn't want to cross the man who beat Darth Krayt. Let alone whatever had happened between him and Darth Insipid.

A slight shrug, and Ona cleared her throat loudly through the doorway. She knew it wasn't all that sound-proof, Nakadians liked to make their buildings from natural materials. "Senator Vaklu, it's Ona. Can we talk, more privately?"



TAG: @Silvertough (combo), mentions only for @adaml83, @DarthIshyZ, and @Adalia-Durron

 

IC: Ganner Krieg
Jakku

It was an instructive lesson in the folly of Empire, this world.

Here the First and Second Empire had fought the galaxy, and it had gone about as well as could be expected.

Ganner thought about that as he noted the littered wrecks.

Imperial-class...

Resurgent-class...

Chiss-class...

And a modern Ardent-class fast frigate, which was falling from orbit following the pounding they'd just given it.

There were of course Mon Calamari vessels among the debris, including MC80 Star Cruisers, Corellian and Sullustan ships, and a variety of what seemed like ancient Lexrullan designs...

But the overwhelming majority of the ships seeding the sands of Jakku were Imperial.

How many hundreds of thousands - nay, millions - of lives had been lost here?

Azlyn, his Imperial Knight partner in more ways than one, placed an affectionate hand on his elbow.

Ganner acknowledged her action with a hand upon hers, but kept his exterior as professional as ever.

Indeed, his eyes narrowed as Rav's ship came into view.

"We are accepting his hospitality. And we shall see how or whether my old friend practices all of what are guest rights in such circumstances.”

The last words of Kigrael to his crew, and to the Imperial Knights.

Ganner was well aware of the blade to those words.

He paused, but had no desire to dispute the actions of the Emperor's chosen tool.

Not right now, anyway.

With a slight pursing of his lips, he stilled his emotions.

Their ship landed, Ganner absently noted it was seemingly a deviation from the ancient Fury-class design, but he focused upon the view as they came down before the settlement that Rav had impressed into his 'protective' grasp.

He was there, standing on the landing pad, the beacon was directing them to land atop his pirate ship.





Ganner and Azlyn, attired in their dark cloaks, their distinctive red body armour left behind, pulled their masks up to cover the lower half of their faces as they were invited to step down. They were sure to advance before Kigrael, and then turn to face each other as if heralds. As he did, Ganner noted the various boxes of various sizes littered across the landing pad; the Force told him there were no sentients hiding behind or within them.

Indeed, most life forms seemed to be concentrated in the uppermost and lowermost levels of the Crimson Axe.

To the apparent honour guard, Rav snorted, held his arms out broadly, an exaggerated action that echoed a pirates hug, but he still had a blade out.

"By the Bloody Bones, I swear I will be true and loyal to you or forfeit will be my life."

The creed of his crew.

TAG: @darthbernael (combo)