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  1. In Memory of LAJ_FETT: Please share your remembrances and condolences HERE

The Courtship of Princess Palpatine - Game Is Closed!

Discussion in 'Role Playing Forum' started by Sinrebirth , Oct 18, 2022.

  1. Sinrebirth

    Sinrebirth Mod-Emperor of the EUC, Lit, RPF and SWC star 10 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Nov 15, 2004
    NABOO

    [​IMG]

    For a small, pastoral world in the Mid Rim of this galaxy, it had been the sight of, and turning point from, the galaxy's rise and fall.

    Many historians considered that the current era began at the Battle of Naboo, where the Trade Federation were routed by the natives. Even though a decade before the Clone Wars that ripped the galaxy asunder, it was as a result that Sheev Palpatine was elected as Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic... and began to give shape to the infection the Sith had injected into the Senate and government.

    The Empire was born.

    It's shadow body had to merely be perfected while gestating inside the Republic.

    The Clone Wars excised the waste, the corporations and nonhuman factions that fromed the Confederacy of Independent Systems.

    Order 66 merely confirmed a fact that had been so for thirteen years; that the Sith ruled the galaxy.

    That was some thirty years ago, now.

    The Battles of Yavin, Hoth and Endor were years ago.

    The Battles of Mindor, Dathomir and Bilbringi were more recent.

    The destruction of Byss, the Dark Empire and the last clones of Papatine, mere months ago.

    Currently the most zealous Imperials fought back, leading genocidal campaigns under the auspices of Operation Cinder, cutting hard at the legitimacy of the Galactic Empire as a sane government.

    All because of what had happened here, on Naboo.

    Palpatine's homeworld.

    And even then, this world had nearly been burned, too, by those self-same zealots, following the Emperors Will.

    "You are not your relative."

    Ederlathh was shaken from her reverie by the soft voice.

    It was just the three of them in the room, watching the landing pad.

    Queen Soruna, herself, and Sybelle, her handmaiden.

    [​IMG]

    Queen Soruna had a pilots helmet in her hands; she had flown her own N-1 Starfighter to the remote mountain, largely because she didn't want to advertise to the court that she was hosting a Palpatine. Ederlathh knew that, but nonetheless appreciated the appearance.

    "They're a curious lot," Soruna said, stepping closer to the viewscreen. "Imperials, corporate pigs, young and old... and you intend to select one from them each?"

    Ederlathh shot Sybelle a look, asking her to remain silent in their pre-agreed code.

    "I do," she said, pious in tone, firm in resolve, keeping in mind she was merely fifteen.

    But at the same time, Soruna basically worshipped Queen Amidala, who had been a teenager when she won the Battle of Naboo.

    Ederlathh kept her face impassive. Led around by the nose by Sheev...

    "Any early thoughts?" She began to absently count the ships landing on the expansive mountain 'pad, which had been redesigned to allow numerous vessels to land. "And aren't you a ship missing?"

    "Maybe," Ederlathh said, "or maybe not. The invitations were... speculative."

    She indicated an Imperial shuttle. "The Crimson Empire sent a second, after all. Carnox Jax just died."

    "I see," Soruna said, carefully. "Well, I shall have my trusted Royal Guards available if you need them." She held out a comlink.

    Ederlathh shook her head. "Give it to Sybelle; she's responsible for my security. I want as little to distract me as possible."

    Soruna lightly passed the comlink to Sybelle, and turned to leave. "As you wish, Princess."

    Her tone was amused, piqued, curious.

    Ederlathh looked back to Sybelle. "I want you to go as myself to the initial greetings. Make them think you are me. Understood?"

    Nervously, she bit at a finger. "You look more like me than I do, and I have other factors to keep track of." Unspoken factors, as ever. "Do not break character for a second. I'll be watching, and setting this up is essential to saving the galaxy from this war."

    She desperately wanted to trust Sybelle, but she had scars, emotional and physical, and they wouldn't let her. Her tone briefly reflected that desperation, that need, and her eyes cut into the older woman's soul. It was almost real emotional connection, forged through sisterhood, but Sybelle was the senior of them in experience, Ederlathh was simply the woman who escaped her captors as Sheev died. Nothing more or less.

    But she would become Empress, and she would end this war.

    TAG: @Lady_Belligerent
    ---
    IC: Scarev Quest

    Arriving

    [​IMG]

    The landing area was a remake of the official Theed Hangar, he could see as much, albeit atop a secluded part of Naboo. They weren't far from the official capital, and his sensors had detected the departure of a solitary Naboo starfighter. That would be noted by all who had come to land. It told Scarev Quest that there was at least involvement of the Royal family, which was to be expected, because they undoubtedly kept track of their more... troublesome citizens.

    The Emperor's personal estate had been where he ruled the Empire for a time, especially a year after the destruction of the first Death Star. His Retreat had entertained Moffs, Inquisitors, Grand Admirals and more besides, as he sought to extend his influence to the southern quadrant after years of neglect. Naboo had remained Imperial for some time after his passing, after Endor, so perhaps it had succeeded. But then Naboo had broken away almost immediately after Byss was destroyed, so what shadow of Sheev Palpatine's power had existed here was long gone - moreso since Operation Cinder had targeted the planet.

    Scarev Quest was fresh from the capital of Ord Cantrell, the primary planet of the Crimson Empire.

    His shuttle was the typical Imperial one, the go to, the Lambda-class.

    [​IMG]

    It was no surprise to him that there were four others dropping to the planets surface.

    Other Imperials.

    He knew those shuttles would include Mas Amedda, Irek Ismaren, Ephin Sarretti, and Rae Sloane.

    He wasn't interested in those arrivals. He could tell you a great deal about each of those Imperials.

    However, he was much more interested in the others.

    For the moment each shuttle touched down, and nobody emerged.

    The rules stated that the ships were to be piloted by their occupants, and only those that were not of age were allowed attendants, and only if they wished. Rogana Ismaren and Lady Colla were chaperones, but Scarev purposely turned his thoughts from them.

    He wanted to see who emerged from the other ships.

    Them, he knew less about than not.

    They were the wildcards in this affair.

    In this Courtship.

    The Courtship of Princess Palpatine, the late Emperor's name now a royal one, rather than the simple surname of a noble House.

    Would all subsequent Emperor's claim the name Palpatine on ascension?

    Would Scarev Quest one day be Scarev Palpatine?

    He resolved it would be so.

    One way of another, he would command the Imperial throne.

    He would be...

    Emperor.

    TAG: @Silvertough, @darthbernael, @CosmoHender, @HanSolo29, @Mitth_Fisto

    Welcome to the game. To the beginning. These posts are all singles, please. There are five Imperial shuttles on the hangar concourse, and they won't let their occupants out until at least one of you lands and emerges. This is a 'First Impressions' moment, so please speculate, enjoy, pontificate, be confident or be deceitful. I'll add along as one of the Imperials as we go.

    Good luck.

    May the best suitor win!
     
  2. darthbernael

    darthbernael EU Community Mod, Fuego, Pyrofuego! star 5 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Apr 15, 2019
    IC: Sinclair Eldar
    Location: Naboo, Arriving

    It was a relatively quiet flight from home to Naboo. The trip was not a short one, from the northeast Mid RIm down to the southeast of the Mid Rim. His path, to avoid conflict with other star nations as he had no need to start further wars for now, took him on a long arc. From Mandalore down the Hydian Way, through the Inner Core, to a stop at Corsin. From there, the Corellian Run to New Cov where he took the Duros Space run down to Enarc. At which point it was a short hop on the Enarc Run to Naboo. The one thing it was good for, his trip, was to catch up on the bane of any Warleader’s existence, paperwork.

    He’d worked through the masses of comm messages until there was very little left to consider, as his Kom’rk class fighter/transport began the descent to the planet’s surface. One, however, caught his eye. It was from a group, not quite a clan but more a group of Mandalorians that had banded together much like the Death Watch. He had basic intelligence on this group, one that seemed to have the same outlook as that group, which had been reduced in number. It made him wary of any message sent by them, but this seemed to have been sent to every clan leader and warleader that might have interest in their proposal.

    [​IMG]

    He sat back, behind the controls of his Kom’rk, as he read the message. It spoke of one of the satellite galaxies, one that was at war, much like Known Space had been until recently. It also spoke of the possibility of glorious warfare and power to be found by aiding one or more of the various factions that lived in that satellite galaxy. As the fighter’s wings rotated to the vertical, the ship landing on the pads at the ends of them and the one at the nose, he sent a brief message to his clan leader, suggesting that they ignore further requests from this group, that the cons far outweighed the pros of taking part.

    His helmet turned as he felt the fighter settle onto the landing pads, scanning the hangar. He snorted softly, unsurprised to see that there were five Imperial shuttles already secured in the various bays of the former royal hangar that was the destination that he had received for this ‘courtship’. Which meant that there were at least five beings from various worlds that still supported the ideals of the former galactic regime that were already present even though none of the shuttles appeared to have released their crews.

    Sitting back again, he pondered. His helmet turned again, seeing bay after empty bay, wondering how many others had received the same invitation he had as well as why each had been invited. He wondered what it was that had caused each to have received such an invitation, what it was that made each of them, including himself, worthy to be considered as a potential mate, in this courtship.

    His attention turned back to the fore again, simply looking out of the cockpit of his fighter, observing. As none of the others seemed to have debarked he considered that perhaps they were all waiting for the entire group of those to court this Princess to arrive before they were allowed to depart their craft. In that case, he decided, he too would wait. The advantage of learning who the others were, as he’d not been able to find any intel on them, would go to the one who had the most patience and was able to let others make the first move.

    TAGS: @Sinrebirth, @Silvertough, @CosmoHender, @HanSolo29, @Mitth_Fisto
     
  3. CosmoHender

    CosmoHender Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Dec 2, 2016
    IC: Mural Dren

    Arriving on Naboo

    [​IMG]

    Mural had been quiet during the flight to Naboo. She knew that unless she had something that needed to be said, she shouldn't speak at all. Words were otherwise not meant to be wasted.

    And that is why she hadn't wasted any when her family had accepted the invitation to this courtship on her behalf. It wasn't like Mural had chosen to be here. The choice had been made for her and she knew that it would have been useless to object. As a Dren, certain things were expected of her. She had a duty and a responsible to do what was required of her. And that meant she had no say in this at all.

    Not that Mural thought this event would be completely unpleasant. It was just that with all the pressure being placed on her, Mural knew she could not forget why she was here and she doubted she would be able to enjoy herself much with that pressure always being on her mind. Instead, Mural had to focus on being perfect in order to uphold the Dren family name. It was a name that carried much weight, like like her first name, which had never really been her own. It had belonged to Mural Veen, a hero of Eriadu's past. Which meant that for as long as she had been alive, Mural had been compared to her namesake. And that had done no favors to the pressure placed on her.

    Mural sat in a Lamda-class shuttle, accompanied by bodyguards whose names she did not know. Once they landed, Mural let out a deep breath. It was best to get it out now.

    Was she ready for this?

    The only acceptable answer was that she had to be. Mural sat up, allowed one of her bodyguards to get in front of her and followed him out of the shuttle and into the Naboo hangar that they had landed in. She looked around, noting the other shuttles that were already in the hangar. Nobody else had disembarked and Mural wondered what they were waiting for. Was there some advantage to waiting that she didn't know about? Or was there some official protocol that they were supposed to be following?

    The teen looked up to her bodyguard for answers, but his face had none.

    Fortunately, Mural did not have to wait long for another one of the suitors to leave his ship. Another ship that had arrived at around the same time as hers was a Personal Luxury Yacht 3000. And stepping out now was a young man with white hair, blue eyes, and a red coat. He had seemingly come alone.

    [​IMG]

    Seig looked around the hangar, smiling. "Not bad," he said to himself. "Not bad at all."

    This place was nice and he could appreciate that. Naboo was known for its beauty. Beautiful architecture, beautiful landscapes, beautiful women... but of course, as nice as this place was, Seig was admittedly not used to nice things. He preferred the dirt and the grit, but he was willing to dress up nice for this event.

    The ship was not originally his, of course. Neither was the invitation, for that matter. He had been lucky to get his hands on one and though he wasn't at all interested in marrying a teenager, he had still decided to come.

    After all, a lot of interesting people would be showing up for this.

    A lot of interesting, rich people, unlike the people that were in his usual crowd.

    Yes, this would be fun.

    As Mural spotted Seig, she found him strangely familiar, though she wasn't sure why. When Seig noticed her staring at him, she quickly looked away, though her curiosity remained. Seig didn't give her much thought. She was just a kid and not the kind of people that he was hoping would be here.

    And he knew they were here. They were just waiting on their ships for someone else to make the first move and disembark.

    Well, that play had been made by the Drens. Now it was time to see who would leave their ship next.

    TAGS: @Sinrebirth @Silvertough @CosmoHender @HanSolo29 @Mitth_Fisto @darthbernael
     
  4. Mitth_Fisto

    Mitth_Fisto Chosen One star 6

    Registered:
    Sep 29, 2005
    IC: K'zk Vrai
    Aboard the Nascent Skimmer - Mantaris Class medium transport, Naboo - Provided Coordinates

    Drifting down through the atmosphere the ship dipped and seemed to almost tug towards the waters below. He knew it was his own inclinations but he patted the console just the same, muttering soothing words to the ship. "Not yet." he finished, the ship was home. It's mantis form reflected in the waves, but it could not dip below them. For he was called to a high landing field. Which would not do.

    Slowing he put the ship in a hover mode, nodded to the crew and went aft. The others onboard would see to things as he climbed a ladder to the attached orbital jumper. Inside was the Imperial guest that had brought the pad, who flinched at the sight of him. Perhaps this whole courtship idea was as much folly as he thought it was. After all whoever had heard of anything as crazy as a marriage of power between a pirate and royalty of different species? He wasn't even sure there were fan holos that dipped that far into drivel.

    Blinking his eyelids, and then his other eyelids he clicked his tongue idly at the man before moving forward to the cockpit and launching the small orbital jumper. It rose smoothly and fast just as the transport below them sank beneath the waves. Continuing on the last leg of the trip he gave his clearance and landed. Seeing most others had come in full shuttles. His lips curled back exposing teeth at the simplicity of these suitors, maybe he had a chance after all if this was the might of their intellects he would have to defeat! Only the Mandalorian ship gave him pause, that was one that might yet prove a challenge.

    Seeing at least two others out he turned around and headed aft. "Our time together has come to an end." he spoke to the little messenger as he pulled out his knife, the man flinching again. With a hard sigh of annoyance K'zk reached forward and drew the man to his feet by his cuffs and flipping the knife tapped the butt of the handle against the binders. Which promptly toned and unlocked. "Bad salvage, but most never try their luck." he spoke with a self assured smile.

    Pushing the man to the ramp, he deployed it and followed him out, although K'zk waited at the bottom of the ramp for someone to come for him as he pushed the messenger to return to his lady and let them know he was here. He stood there in his skin-tight deep green hydro-suit with his ring rebreather on full display for any to see as he in turn eyed the others already out, and the other shuttles openly with an appraisers limpid eyes.

    TAG: All
     
  5. HanSolo29

    HanSolo29 RPF/SWC/Fan Art Manager & Bill Pullman Connoisseur star 7 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Apr 13, 2001
    IC: Aryan Graul
    Arriving on Naboo

    The journey itself had been a blur, compounded by the fact that neither Lyz nor Jalynn had bothered to contact him. But that wasn’t unexpected. They were both on an educational trip to Corellia and wouldn’t return home for another three days—at which point, they would discover the note he had left them; the note that detailed his plans to woo a young princess and ask for her hand in marriage.

    Never mind that he was already a married man; never mind that he was extraordinarily stupid.

    Aryan Graul sighed and ran a hand over his weary eyes, willing himself to straighten his posture and exude an air of confidence as the landing ramp lowered onto the tarmac. He had reached the point of no return; there was no turning back. Fortunately for him, the actual note wasn't quite as incriminating as his thoughts. In his composition, he had chosen to emphasize his desire to reconnect with the last remnants of the Empire rather than his foolish crusade to prove his worth and rediscover his youth. Lyz would never accept the latter. Maybe that was just as well; he wasn’t sure if he could accept it either. That was the crux of the problem.

    Godsdammit.

    Closing his eyes, Aryan thrust that thought from his mind and inhaled deeply to compose himself. Only then did he proceed down the ramp to meet his fate.

    [​IMG]

    He noted that he was not the first to arrive, nor was he the last. A wide array of beings had already disembarked from their vessels to occupy the hangar, ranging from human to piscine; young and old. They shared no apparent similarity except for their power and influence; otherwise, the princess would’ve never extended them an invitation. That was reason enough to keep an eye on them.

    But as Aryan regarded the gathered assembly, including the Imperial contingent, the fish-like creature, a pair of siblings, and more besides, he couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching him in return. The Force brushed perceptibly at the back of his neck, sending a chill down the length of his spine and prompting him to glance up to search for the source of his dismay.

    As expected, nothing was there—at least, nothing he could perceive with the naked eye.

    Was he jumping at shadows?

    A slight frown crossed his features as he rubbed the back of his neck in an effort to conceal his embarrassment. He couldn’t allow himself to flounder; not now. At this point, there was only one way forward.

    Inclining his chin, Aryan strode forward to join the others with renewed resolve.

    TAG: @Sinrebirth; @Lady_Belligerent; @Mitth_Fisto; @CosmoHender; @darthbernael; @Silvertough
     
  6. Lady_Belligerent

    Lady_Belligerent Queen of the RPF, SWC, C&P, and Pancakes & Waffles star 10 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Jan 29, 2008
    IC: Sybelle
    Naboo - palace

    She sat at the desk in her chambers that were adjacent to the Princess’s suite. Her space was neat, and very posh considering she was there as an employee. It was still unsettling, and a discovery had just deepened the mystery. Her strange employer had not prepared her for this… well, for one of the suitors.

    Sybelle had dossiers on all of those that were summoned to be scrutinized, the flimsy documents were spread out into stacks. Ederladthh had made some helpful notes, but some of these suitors made no sense. It left Sybelle wondering what the Princess had been thinking, or had she even selected all of the candidates herself.

    Several documents lay on the rug at her feet where they had fallen. She’d read the name and the pages had slipped through her fingers. They had gently floated down, much like the tears that slowly began creeping down her cheeks. Sybelle got down on her knees and gathered the pages, and then added them to the stacks.

    The galaxy was a cold and cruel Goddess to do this to her, Sybelle thought as she opened a drawer and took out a jewel case. Inside was a locket that she usually wore, but now she was wearing the Princess’s jewelry. She held the warm locket in her hands for a moment, a sort of hug before opening it. The hologram inside made her smile, even though she had tears of sadness. What would he look like now? Would his hair smell the same?

    Also, would he recognize her through the cosmetics and finery she had to wear?

    Later…

    She had repaired her makeup, and was now all business. Sybelle was now the Princess Ederladthh, and she had the Princess’s entourage behind her as she strode through the corridors. Sybelle rolled her eyes over some of the duties these beings performed, she had no idea being royal could be this tedious. It was absurd to have a servant that only opened doors for her, or another one to assist her only with putting on footwear.

    Soon Sybelle had settled into the vantage point she had previously scouted out, and a servant appeared with a chair upholstered in silk. This was the best place for her to be able to get a first impression of the suitors as they arrived in their transports. She held her hand out and an aide placed macrobinoculars in her palm.

    From her seated position she could see the shuttles drifting into their line up for arrival. The aide knelt near her and whispered the first name, Scarev Quest. Sybelle repeated the strange name in her head, it certainly did not fit with the title of Emperor, but what did she know?

    He disembarked from his ship and practically strutted across the landing pad. Sybelle couldn't help but audibly groan. She typed a quick note beside his name in her datapad, ‘cocky in his attire and attitude.’ Scarev also had a smug expression, it was way too arrogant for Sybelle.

    The next suitor to arrive was the infamous Mas Amedda. Sybelle cringed, surely he was too old for the Princess…

    The Chagrian had initially agreed to only attend by holo, but was forced to change his plans when he was told to show up in person, or forfeit being considered as a suitor. He certainly knew the role, and was pompous enough to carry it off… maybe too pompous.

    Sybelle typed two words beside his name, ‘please, no.’

    Ephin Sarretti was next, and received the same notes as Amedda. Having a child Emperor was a recipe for disaster.

    Rae Sloane followed the boy suitor. Sybelle studied the woman’s gait as she crossed the landing pad, there was no mistaking she was military, and a Grand Admiral. This one looked much better than the previous suitors, except for perhaps her age.

    Sybelle had not been able to find out if the Princess planned for more than a marriage from the chosen candidate. Would they have a physical relationship as well? That definitely would rule out the child, unless Ederladthh kept a lover, and Sybelle had not seen any evidence of that yet.

    She finished typing her notes when the aide whispered the next arrivals name, ‘Sinclair Eldar’. Sybelle quickly raised the macrobinoculars and asked the aide, “who comes to court a Princess in a fighter?” This was not a good look, it said that he planned to use the Princess’s ships if they left Naboo. A bit arrogant, maybe? Mandalorians typically have access to very nice ships, she’d have to find out why this one didn’t.

    He sat in his ship, in a helmet. This gave her very little to work with as a first impression, was he insecure? Holding back for others to arrive wasn’t very Emperor-like, it was the opposite. There also could be an issue with the helmet, Mandos were so fussy about them.

    ’Mural Dren and Seig Dren’ whispered the aide. Sybelle nodded, these were the siblings she read about. Her notes were favorable on their ships, and they carried the name of a prominent family. The only real concern was what sort of drama would arise if the Princess favored one of them. It would be up to Sybelle to find out how they feel about competing for the same position. Unless they were planning on working together?

    K’zk Vral was next, Sybelle had thought he might have the most potential when she read the dossier on him. The marriage would be a showing of a more open minded Empire, one that would recognize all species equally. It wouldn’t erase the past, but it could forge the way into the future. How would he feel about living in a home that isn’t an ocean? The added gear to sustain his life outside of water might be a hindrance, so Sybelle added those notes to her datapad.

    She sighed and resisted the urge to rub her eyes, which was something she couldn’t do since Princess Ederladthh had her own mannerisms, and Sybelle had to stay strictly in character… even around the servants.

    The aide whispered, “Aryan Graul.”

    Sybelle calmly lifted the macrobinoculars to watch. On the inside, she was anything but calm. For years she’d only seen him in holos, then he’d all but disappeared since he was wanted by the bloody Republic. Sybelle had tried to keep up with him, but she’d kept her distance. Norin had been very clear as to what her fate would be if she ever contacted his son again.

    After taking a deep calming breath, she watched as the sleek Nubian model ship settled to the ground. “Very nice ship,” she murmured to keep up appearances. The aide made note of her assessment on the ship while the Princess studied the suitor.

    Her breath caught as he stepped into the doorway. Sybelle swallowed hard as he walked down the ramp, she’d been shocked that he was invited to court the Princess, and had convinced herself that just maybe it was all a mistake.

    But, there was no mistaking that her Aryan Graul had just disembarked his ship with an air of confidence that was unmistakable. What the hell was he thinking?

    ’Aryan, what are you doing?’ Her Aryan was taking a big risk doing this, and she couldn’t imagine that his family would agree to him accepting an invitation to court the young Princess.

    She leaned closer into the open window, anything to be near him. “What is that?” She whispered practically laughing.

    Aryan was as bold as ever… he was actually wearing his wedding ring!

    Suddenly he glanced right at her position, causing Sybelle to fall off her chair and land very un-Princess like onto the floor.

    Had Aryan felt her?

    “I thought I saw a wasp flying at me,” she said to the servants helping her up from the floor. They didn’t act like anything unusual had occurred, so she let it go and informed them that she had seen enough for now.

    There would be time later to evaluate any later arrivals. She really needed a few minutes alone to think.

    During the walk back Sybelle decided that she would recommend the Princess marry the child.

    Tag: @Sinrebirth @HanSolo29 @CosmoHender @darthbernael @Mitth_Fisto @Silvertough
     
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2023
  7. Silvertough

    Silvertough Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Aug 19, 2018
    IC: Lord Sulnerea Galrada Oolidu-Udee von Hytovin Voldumarr
    Naboo - In route

    The journey from Nar Shaddaa to Naboo had been long, generally uneventful, and worse of all, dreadfully droll. The state of the galaxy was, in a word, unaccommodating when it came to general star travel. With the Empire broken or still breaking up, petty warlords had begun to carve out niche fiefdoms all across the Outer Rim. Meanwhile, the so-called New Republic had recently begun to exert it's own willpower further and further out from the core. Skirmishes, pirates, and border clashes were all to common a sight these days, a sight Sulnerea normally wouldn't have minded.

    They usually relished it. This level of chaos brought with it entertainment in comparison to the prior exhausting stagnation that the galaxy suffered through of late.

    But this was different. Sulnerea had a date with an Imperial Princess. To find oneself stuck in a proverbial traffic jam was frankly embarrassing. The near constant stream of explosive expletives which could be heard coming from the pilot in the cockpit regarding their current situation did manage to ease Sulnerea's mood, if only slightly. Still, one could only lounge in luxury for so long before becoming restless. No, Sulnerea needed a change in pace.

    Or perhaps, a change in face. As appearances went, the Lord Sulnerea Galrada Oolidu-Udee von Hytovin Voldumarr was rather infamous for their often radical changes in body shapes and gender. A slimmer jawline one day, an extra set of eyes and limbs another. Most of the time the choice came down to pure whimsy. Sticking with what one was afforded by their birth was dreadfully boring. The galaxy was filled to the brim with reasures, one just had to have the courage to experiment a little.

    Sulnerea hummed in thought, stroking their pointed chin with a porcelain-hued finger. "I think.. Male today.." He said aloud, rising from his seat. He passed by the various silken cushions arranged within the passenger cabin of his Sheathipede Shuttle to stand before the stationed medical droid on the far wall. A 2-1B surgical droid, albeit an extensively modified one. It's golden photoreceptors blinked in recognition of its Lord's presence, but otherwise remained motionless.

    "A change is needed, Droid." He whispered, slinking forwards to place a delicate hand upon what amounted to the surgical droid's shoulder. "We voyage towards a den of vipers and savages. I'll need protection. Additional protection. I'm thinking.. subdermal implants. Armor plate, know what I mean?"

    The droid stood motionless for a moment, exposed servos whirring as it processed his request. It then turned, motioning with a weeping gesture of its arm towards a nearby hospital-style bed. Sulnerea smirked before clambering onto the bed. He had a few hours to kill anyway, might as well get a touch-up.

    ---
    Naboo

    Sulnerea had since joined his Miralian servant in the cockpit, clothed loosely in a medical gown. Both individuals were fuming, in one sense or another. Four hours they had been delayed, trapped within a queue for an illegal poll station set up by some insignificant warlord. Such an indignity would not go unpunished. A few quick calls had arranged a rather sizable bounty to be placed on the Imperial "Governor", which had only been possible due to the amount of time they had been delayed. But no matter. The time spent waiting had also given Sulnerea time to heal from his most recent cosmetic work.

    His skin twinkled faintly now when he moved, the spider-webbed lattice of crystalline metal buried just beneath the skin catching and reflecting any sources of passing light. A pleasing side effect of the operation, he had to admit. And it looked much better now, after a quick round of bacta, then earlier in the day, when he was covered near head-to-toe in angry red splotches of protesting skin. Sulnerea clicked his tongue. Perhaps the delay then was worth it, if such aesthetics aided in gaining the hand of the Princess Palpatine in marriage.

    He remained quiet throughout the remainder of the journey, moving only when the Sheathipede finally broke through Naboo's atmosphere and began to descend towards the provided coordinates. He spied the collection of various shuttlecraft already landed with a faint sneer. He was always one to be fashionably late, but such a delay was truly pushing the definition of the phrase.

    The moment the shuttle landed, he was on the move, quickly donning a pale-purple shimmersilk cloak over his similarly hued tunic. A second later, he was descending the ramp, chin held high and an easy-going, boyish smile spread across his lips. He paid no visible attention to the others who had answered the summons, not the motley collection of Imperial warlords, nor the wannabe Emperor or the Mandalorian or the Politician. They were beneath him, and he carried himself as such.

    His attention was drawn to an overhead viewing gallery. He couldn't see anyone from his position, but it was the most obvious spot for a suitor to watch the incoming arrivals. It's where he would have waited, if the positions were reversed. Sulnerea scoffed inwardly. As if. Smiling wider, he offered the window in question a respectful nod of his chin, before continuing on further into the hangar.

    Let the games begin..

    Tags: @Sinrebirth @Lady_Belligerent @HanSolo29 @CosmoHender @darthbernael @Mitth_Fisto
     
  8. Sinrebirth

    Sinrebirth Mod-Emperor of the EUC, Lit, RPF and SWC star 10 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Nov 15, 2004
    IC: Ederlathh
    Watching

    It wasn't just the candidates she watched, no, but her double herself.

    Ederlathh came to her own conclusions, and sent out a handful of missives.

    Each of them received a communique to their datapads; nobody directly came to greet them, the doors opened and a set of droids were placed to guide them, and along the tour indicate their individual rooms for the duration of the stay. An itinerary was passed along; they would be split into two groups and the Princess would meet them as a group and then individually later on, and then they would meet for a banquet thereafter, to be held in her honour, of course.

    This information was new to Sybelle, but Ederlathh didn't entirely trust her.

    They would know how they were each divided.

    Mas Amedda, Rae Sloane, Scarev Quest, Sinclair Eldar, K'zk Vrai and Sieg Dren to one room.

    Aryan Graul, Irek Ismaren, Ephin Sarretti, Mural Dren and Galrada Oolidu-Udee von Hytovin Voldumarr
    to the other. Roganda and Colla were expected to stay with their charges.

    Ederlathh sent Sybelle, dressed up as Ederlatjh, to the room headed by Mas Amedda.

    The architecture of the chateau led itself to division, some ancient embrace of duality, so it was quite possible for the droid staff to seal off half the building from the other, and keep them all separate.

    They wouldn't know until too late that there were two Ederlathh's walking the complex.

    In-theory.

    But they would undoubtedly have opinions on all of this, and she looked forward to watching them all.

    Mas bristled; Rae narrowed her eyes; Scarev shot Roganda a glance which Colla followed and turned into a baleful stare at Roganda; Irek grinned, much like Ephin...

    Reactions, interactions...

    TAG: @Silvertough, @Lady_Belligerent, @darthbernael, @CosmoHender, @CosmoHender (twice), @HanSolo29, @Mitth_Fisto
     
    Last edited: Feb 7, 2023
  9. darthbernael

    darthbernael EU Community Mod, Fuego, Pyrofuego! star 5 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Apr 15, 2019
    IC: Sinclair Eldar
    Location: Naboo, Introductions of sorts

    The helmet had turned, observing each of the craft as they entered the hangar. Unlike himself or a couple others, most had not stayed in their craft which let Sinclair observe them. He’d made both mental notes and had the armor save the initial observations as the last few before him decanted from their craft.

    There was the teenage human male, trailed by what Sinclar would have described as a hovering mother, as though she was determined that he get everything he wanted. The bearing of the youth spoke of a certain kind of arrogance, that sort that he’d only ever found when encountering the rare Force user.

    There was a Chagrian; the way that one stalked across the hangar spoke about being used to being obeyed, in Sinclair’s opinion. There was an odd aquatic creature, the harness it wore suggested that, the helmet having accessed the ship’s database, finally identifying the species.

    An older human male, or so it seemed, upon first observation, emerged, with a similar yet more mature arrogance that the first teen had shown. The Arkanian had him arch an eyebrow. It was interesting that one of those was here. They seemed male at the moment but he’d faced one on the battlefield in the past and, when the medics had gotten their hands on it, they’d found Arkanians could shift genders, in some way so that one didn’t matter what sex they were now.

    A pair of humans looked very similar in appearance, the computer suggesting a high probability of a familial bond. That was an odd thing and he’d try to find out what it was in the coming days. Another teen male then appeared, trailed by what could have been a chaperone or his mother, making Sinclair shake his head.

    Another teen male, more than enough of those were in the mix, making him wonder why the rest of them had been invited. He chuckled as yet another human male, this one with a similar bearing to the Chagrian decanted; that one was slightly interesting as the man’s face was familiar. And finally…Rae Sloane! Sinclair’s helmet tracked on her like an autoturret. He’d not faced her in combat, most of his clan’s battles had been in other areas of the rebuilding Mandalorian polity. But he knew of her and how capable and ruthless she was.

    Which left him. He hit the release, standing, the canopy opening over him. Not need for theatrics, he pulled himself out of the cockpit, sliding down the side and to the hangar floor as the canopy closed and locked again behind him. A slight motion, from above caught the attention of the tracking software and he glanced that way. He could see movement but did not lift his head to give away that he’d seen.

    He grinned wryly inside his helmet, willing to wager money that those that had just seen him suspected he followed a similar philosophy to those Death Watch idiots. Which made what he did next satisfying to a degree.

    His hands rose, cupping the sides of the helmet, unlatching it. With a slight hiss he lifted it off of his head, securing it to the latch on his belt that was there for it. Shaking his head, his shoulder length mahogany hair settled from being stuffed inside. The scar on his face stood out as he scanned the others now, his golden eyes examining them all without the enhancements.

    [​IMG]

    As he heard the doors opening, he walked over, calmly but with that feline grace that spoke of one long used to combat. He glanced at the doors as the group headed toward that portal. The chime of his datapad caught his attention for a moment and he saw that they were still on their own, even as a group as the chime had been a message.

    He walked with the group yet, even here, apart to the doors, the droids there arrayed. Following their robot guides he paid attention to the tour they were given, especially his quarters for this stay, at least the initial look as they passed.

    A vibration of his pad told him of another message, which he checked. The scar shifted on his face as the left side of his lips rose in a fractional smile. They were being separated for what appeared to be a group interview and he’d been placed with Sloane, the Chagrian he now recognized from the holonet so another imperial, the strange aquatic being, the older male that was potentially a Force user, and the male of the two humans that seemed to be related.

    The pauldrons of his armor rose fractionally in a shrug at that, he’d been in no win situations before and he was still here, this was no different. Aside from that he did not show any emotion or reaction to the news he’d just been given. The others, some of them anyway…they reacted, which added to the information he desired to form a more complete picture of what was truly happening here, aside from what they’d been invited for.

    He turned his attention to the architecture as though that was the more interesting part at the moment as he considered things further. Given what he’d seen of the entire group those more likely to be of an age or potentially more useful to this Princess were in the other group so…he let his attention turn to where they were being shown that their group would wait for the Princess. They were the ‘other’ group. Which suited him, he’d doubted from the start that anyone of this Princess’ lineage would choose a Mandalorian, so he would be himself and if that impressed so be it, if not then he’d have learned more about those his people would face in the future or ally with.

    With that, he began to head in the direction indicated, to wait for the Princess to arrive.

    TAG: @Sinrebirth, @Silvertough, @Lady_Belligerent, @CosmoHender, @CosmoHender, @Mitth_Fisto, @HanSolo29
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 7, 2023
  10. Mitth_Fisto

    Mitth_Fisto Chosen One star 6

    Registered:
    Sep 29, 2005
    IC: K'zk Vrai
    Waiting

    He watched as others descended. Men, women, and children if he was not mistaken. This would be an interesting retreat that was for certain.

    He blinked them in calmly, waiting as they did as they would. Even the Mandalorian eventually came down, removed his helmet and strode forward. Several glanced up as if they thought they would be able to spy whomever was surely watching them. He blinked double at them, what silly whimsical suitors this woman had chosen! Although, what then did that say about her choosing to meet with him? Hmm. Not everything was important and it was just as likely some high born like her wasn't fully in control of whom was invited as a suitor.

    He received a communique to his datapad; it was time to go inside. Taking the hint he took his position toward the rear of the group as they advanced, all responding to the final summons. Nobody directly came to greet them, the doors opened and a set of droids were placed to guide them, and along the tour indicate their individual rooms for the duration of the stay. An itinerary was passed along; they would be split into two groups and the Princess would meet them as a group and then individually later on, and then they would meet for a banquet thereafter, to be held in her honour, of course.

    How they were divided was an interesting little bit of info.

    Mas Amedda, Rae Sloane, Scarev Quest, Sinclair Eldar, K'zk Vrai and Sieg Dren to one room.

    Aryan Graul, Irek Ismaren, Ephin Sarretti, Mural Dren and Galrada Oolidu-Udee von Hytovin Voldumarr
    to the other. Roganda and Colla were expected to stay with their charges.

    This was interesting. All water breathers and half the Imperial suitors were put in one room. He actually had some very prominent persons to share the space with, some he would not mind robbing blind as soon as mingle with. Never turn down a chance to get to know a possible future customer though. Never know when that might come in handy again. And so he was resigned to try and make the most of it when it came to it.

    The architecture of the chateau led itself to division, some ancient embrace of duality, so it was quite possible for the droid staff to seal off half the building from the other, and keep them all separate. This also gave his mind an odd notion of an elimination challenge. It would be an easy way to process candidates and remove those that you didn't want so long as the surviving chosen were in a position to take over the removed suitors power bases. He clicked his tongue at the thought.

    Mas bristled; Rae narrowed her eyes; Scarev shot Roganda a glance which Colla followed and turned into a baleful stare at Roganda; Irek grinned, much like Ephin, Mando was bravado...

    Looking Mas Amedda he gave a small tilted head bow. "Come. See much." he softly called in a nearly purred tone. Death and fortunes awaited them, it wouldn't do to keep them waiting.

    TAG: @Silvertough, @Lady_Belligerent, @darthbernael, @CosmoHender, @CosmoHender (twice), @HanSolo29, @Sinrebirth
     
  11. CosmoHender

    CosmoHender Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Dec 2, 2016
    IC: Mural Dren

    Waiting

    Mural remained quiet as they were split into two groups. She seemed to prefer to keep to herself, which was probably wise when she was surrounded by so many older, more powerful figures.

    She was absolutely shocked by how old most of the people here were. She wondered if they were actually the other suitors and if they knew how old Ederlatth was. I mean, were they actual serious contenders for marrying Ederlatth? She hoped not, since Mural honestly hated the idea of a girl her age being married to someone much, much older.

    In fact, of the other people here, only TWO seemed to be around the same age as herself and Ederlatth. And that certainly did not help Mural feel anymore comfortable.

    Fortunately, both of the boys who seemed to be around her age were placed in her group: Irek and Ephin. Mural waved at both of them, trying to at least make an effort at being friendly.

    Besides the two teen boys, there was Aryan Graul, a human male who looked to be in his late forties. Mural couldn't help but wonder why he was really here. But she was even more curious about the other suitor, the Arkanian. Mural found herself unable to tell his age, but that only made her more curious.

    However, as Mural waited with her group, she once again thought of the strange man that was now in the other group. Who was he? And why did he seem familiar to her? Those unanswered questions still nagged at the back of Mural's head...

    IC: Sieg Dren

    Waiting

    Sieg found himself amused by the group he had been placed in.

    A fish man. The so-called Emperor of the Empire, Mas Amedda himself. A member of the Imperial Ruling Council. A Mandalorian. And an Imperial Admiral.

    All of them here to try to marry a teenager?

    Sieg chuckled to himself, finding the whole situation to be absolutely hilarious. Of course, he knew that many of the 'suitors' must have other agendas for being here. Sieg himself certainly had a different agenda.

    Despite his amusement, Sieg did find himself wishing he could have been placed in the other group, especially since the Lady Colla, one of the chaperones, had caught his eye. He absolutely had to try and find out more about her later, he knew that for sure.

    As for the little white-haired girl, he still gave her very little thought.

    Oh no, he had much bigger fish to fry...

    TAGS: @Sinrebirth @Silvertough @HanSolo29 @Mitth_Fisto @darthbernael
     
  12. Lady_Belligerent

    Lady_Belligerent Queen of the RPF, SWC, C&P, and Pancakes & Waffles star 10 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Jan 29, 2008
    IC: Sybelle as the Princess
    The palace, Naboo

    Clearly she was Ederlathh’s puppet, but Sybelle felt that her and Aryan Graul’s presence here was no coincidence. She had been careful not to give any indication that she knew him, other than the one foolish tumble from her chair. Maybe he wouldn’t recognize her? He had moved on and has a wife and children, so what was he doing here? It was bold of him to show up, wearing his bloody wedding ring, to court Ederlathh.
    In time she would get to the bottom of that too.

    For now she wore the serene Princess expression that she had rehearsed for hours on end, and strode into the large room. It was laughable how they had been placed into a room like boarding school kids, it must feel humbling to someone like Mas Amedda who would be used to more posh lodgings.

    Ederlathh’s game was complicated, Sybelle thought as she crossed the room and pretended to be interested.

    She wondered if the water breather would fare well in these conditions, but that really wasn’t her problem, was it? Quickly dismissing trivial matters, she continued a slow inspection of the room.

    There had been no clear answer as to if Ederlathh had a preference of male or female, or if she would be sharing a marriage bed. So, what should she look for in an Emperor?

    If she went based on looks that would be Aryan, but Sybelle decided that was not an option, she would see to that.

    So? Health, he should be healthy. Then education, that was important too. Sybelle approached Mas Amedda, but did not speak or indicate any desire to speak to him. Instead she inspected him as if he were a prized creature at auction.

    Sybelle wasn’t big on head tails or lekku, it was something that didn’t appeal to her, she’d need to see if Ederlathh had any feelings on that.

    He was tall, but old.

    Then she crossed the room and circled Sieg. This one was very handsome, he would be a striking Emperor at the Princesses’ side. But, could he fill that role? Sybelle liked that he wasn’t as ancient as the Chagrian.

    Sybelle veered over to the Imperial Rae Sloan. She walked around the stern looking woman, who was no doubt capable, but way too serious for Sybelle’s taste.

    Up next was K'zk Vrai, the water dude. She got strong vibes that he was aloof, yet could be serious if necessary. He appeared more suited to an aquatic empire, would he be willing to live full time out of an ocean? She finished her inspection wondering if biological offspring were possible between his species and humans.

    Directly across the room she strode over to Scarev Quest, old Sybelle thought sighing, and his garish outfit was… interesting. He looked like a gambler, and would be high maintenance.

    Last she walked over to the Mandalorian, Sinclair Eldar. His arrogance was off putting, Sybelle didn’t like to see that in any ruler, it makes them feel unapproachable and uppity. An Emperor must be able to relate to their citizens. The scars on his face made him look like someone who would prefer to fight than handle situations with diplomacy.

    There was much to think about, Sybelle exited the room and went to her quarters to enter notes into her datapad.

    Tag: @HanSolo29 @Sinrebirth @Silvertough @CosmoHender @Mitth_Fisto @darthbernael
     
  13. HanSolo29

    HanSolo29 RPF/SWC/Fan Art Manager & Bill Pullman Connoisseur star 7 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Apr 13, 2001
    IC: Aryan Graul
    The Palace, Naboo

    The presence Aryan felt in the hangar persisted long after the group had departed to explore other parts of the palace. Initially, he thought it was a manifestation of his own growing apprehension; a sense of being watched from afar. Though the incident caused the hair on his neck to rise, he soon realized that perhaps it wasn’t as ominous as it first appeared. There was something more to the strange sensation. It almost felt… familiar, but he couldn’t possibly comprehend why. There was no rational explanation.

    At least, none that he could readily identify.

    Nevertheless, that did not stop him from obsessing over it. It consumed Aryan’s mind as they set out on a tour of the grounds. Despite the droids demonstrating a wealth of knowledge about the assorted relics and explaining some of the more prominent rooms in the main residence, he found it difficult to concentrate. He failed to retain any information they shared. If not for the chime that announced his datapad had downloaded a hard copy of the itinerary, he would’ve overlooked his room assignment as well. That would’ve proved detrimental to his goal, especially since it also served as his social group for the various activities planned during their stay.

    But once he entered the room and paired the names on the list with the faces of those present, he felt a rise of indignation—and perhaps even a hint of embarrassment. Aside from the towering Arkanian, they were all children.

    [​IMG]

    Was this someone’s idea of a cruel joke?

    There were also two chaperones, though he wasn’t about to include them in this farce; that was only an insult to injury.

    Two young boys and a girl, all barely into their teenage years. How was he supposed to relate to them? He couldn’t help but compare this to his academy days, where he had bunked with several other young recruits in the dormitories—but this was hardly a fraternity. This was a serious engagement in which he was a potential suitor for Princess Ederlathh. He deserved all the opulence and praise that his role entailed.

    It was no way to treat a future Emperor!

    Aryan closed his eyes and clenched his hand into a fist to expel that ruinous thought from his mind. He recognized that he was beginning to spiral, and he needed to compose himself before he said something he would come to regret. He was here to heal and overcome his anxieties; not to feed into them.

    And yet…

    As he sighed and tossed his travel bag down on the bed, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had made a terrible mistake.

    TAG: @Sinrebirth; @Silvertough; @CosmoHender; @Lady_Belligerent; @Mitth_Fisto; @darthbernael
     
  14. Sinrebirth

    Sinrebirth Mod-Emperor of the EUC, Lit, RPF and SWC star 10 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Nov 15, 2004
    A Group Update




    IC: Lady Colla

    Curious

    There was a slight lull after they were separated into their groups and then directed to meet in separate rooms.

    A single droid directed them; a Butler droid, each to a location that was sufficiently isolated and independent from the other; even half the building was immense enough to do this.

    [​IMG]

    ORN-8 'Ornate' the Butler Droid

    Each room was not opulent, but not dull, either.

    Naboo architecture was drawn from Core World traditions; Grizmallt, the world which had sponsored the sleeper ships that colonised Naboo, had imparted a firm sense of how a property should look. Naboo's relative isolation from the greater galaxy for the last three millennia had protected that style, to the point perhaps of ossification. But there was no visible dust or cobwebs, it was simply elegant.

    Pleasant, even, with the watery view and the opulent greenery.

    To think that this world birthed a devil like Sheev Palpatine.

    A slight shake of her head, and she refocused on the greater task at hand.

    This gathering, hot on the heels of other attempts by Imperials to consolidate allegiances by Rae Sloane at Akiva and on Ord Cantrell by the recently late Carnor Jax, was a sign that the Empire was trying to get its act together. A re-unified Empire would be a problem, and skirmishes in the Bormea Sector were bad enough; an offensive by a regrouped but disjointed Imperial Fleet could usher in chaos. The New Republic was small, and vulnerable, while the Empire was immense and unwieldy.

    That meant an event like this could devastate the galaxy.

    And so, after ensuring Ephin was busy in the sanisteam - the teenage predilection for obsessive cleanliness in the face of anxiety inducing social events once more rearing its head - Colla slipped away from her charge to head to the rooms. It didn't take too long for her intuition to gather the location of who she sought.

    A not-quite glance down the hall-way nudged her crimson auburn hair, and then slight rap on the door of Aryan Graul's room. "Senator?"

    She slightly pitched her voice.

    TAG: @HanSolo29 (combo)
    ---

    Sneaking out

    Ephin wasn't in the sanisteam.

    He'd been waiting for Colla to assume he was, and then he was going to go for a wander.

    The young man was curious, and he felt as if it was a good idea to connect some dots before the main event.

    There wasn't much else he could say about that the others in his group, save that the Palpatine Princess truly did have a wide set of tastes.

    He had spied where they had been ushered by the droid servant.

    In short order, he knocked the door of Mural Dren.

    "It's me."

    He was whispering, he realised, and that she wouldn't know who me was.

    [​IMG]

    "Ephin," he said, belatedly, perhaps not even in-time for her to open the door!

    TAG: @CosmoHender (combo)
    ---

    Another Room

    Sulnerea Galrada Oolidu-Udee von Hytovin Voldumarr had been quietly ushered to a room, but the butler droid was not a conversationalist, and wandered off shortly thereafter, wanting to settle the other guests, but also wanting to simply having nothing to do with the interlopers.

    A slight huff as the droid wandered off.

    "Aliens in the Palpatine Household, whatever next."

    He stalked off, but Sulnerea's door was not long shut.

    [​IMG]

    It was the tof, Irek, looking as dressed up as a noble, sporting falsetto muscles on unnecessarily bare skin.

    The door had, seemingly, unlocked of its own accord.

    "So you're the, what, exactly?"

    TAG: @Silvertough (combo?)
    ---

    The Princess

    Access to the miniaturized Holocams meant she was watching them all, even though the estate was large enough.

    But of course, Ederlathh was just as interested in the one, as the other.

    For now, though, she was following Roganda Ismaren, the woman she knew as a former Emperor's Hand.

    She was crossing from one side of the house to the other...

    Why?

    TAG: No-One
     
  15. Sinrebirth

    Sinrebirth Mod-Emperor of the EUC, Lit, RPF and SWC star 10 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Nov 15, 2004
    The Other Group



    IC: Roganda Ismaren

    [​IMG]

    She'd crossed the line between thresholds.

    Between one side of the Estate to the other.

    Forever the apprentice, never the Master.

    A Hand, not a Sith.

    Once a Jedi, never a Knight.

    Roganda Ismaren was looking for someone.

    But she would instead encounter Sybelle.

    "Oh, Princess!"

    Her voice was all falsetto, not an ounce of genuine tact to it.

    "I appear to be lost."

    TAG: @Lady_Belligerent (combo)
    ---

    Much like the others

    As was the case with the others, there was a slight lull after they were separated into their groups and then directed to meet in separate rooms.

    A single droid directed them; a Servant droid, each to a location that was sufficiently isolated and independent from the other; even half the building was immense enough to do this.

    [​IMG]

    LEP-1 'Lepi' servant droid

    Each room was not opulent, but not dull, either.

    Naboo architecture was drawn from Core World traditions; Grizmallt, the world which had sponsored the sleeper ships that colonised Naboo, had imparted a firm sense of how a property should look. Naboo's relative isolation from the greater galaxy for the last three millennia had protected that style, to the point perhaps of ossification. But there was no visible dust or cobwebs, it was simply elegant.

    Pleasant, even, with the watery view and the opulent greenery.

    To think that this world birthed a devil like Sheev Palpatine.

    A slight shake of her head, and she refocused on the greater task at hand.

    This gathering, hot on the heels of other attempts by Imperials to consolidate allegiances by Rae Sloane at Akiva and on Ord Cantrell by the recently late Carnor Jax, was a sign that the Empire was trying to get its act together. A re-unified Empire would be a problem, and skirmishes in the Bormea Sector were bad enough; an offensive by a regrouped but disjointed Imperial Fleet could usher in chaos. The New Republic was small, and vulnerable, while the Empire was immense and unwieldy.

    That meant an event like this could devastate the galaxy.

    And so, Mas Amedda wandered from his room to find out more.

    [​IMG]

    To put together pieces.

    The pieces which would ultimately redeem him in the eyes of his master.

    A last minute check, and a rub of dirt from the Scepter of Sistros he held as befit his office, and he left his room.

    That little segue brought him to the room of K'zk Vrai.

    "Come. See much."


    He wondered what that nonhuman had to show him.

    TAG: @Mitth_Fisto (combo)
    ---

    An Exception

    It was very slight, but there was precisely one oddity in all this.

    With the innumerable rooms that were to offer, the Mandalorian and the white-haired suitor, Sinclair Eldar and Sieg Dren, they were berthed together.

    There was a snicker from Scarev Quest as he was taken on into the Estate; Rae Sloane, and the others in their party had already been placed in their separate rooms.

    Why ever were they were being put together?

    What sneakery was afoot?

    And, even more intriguingly, why eleven suitors, not twelve?

    [​IMG]

    As Quest and the servant droid turned the corner, however, there was a commotion, and the servant droid flew into the wall -

    TAG: @CosmoHender, @darthbernael (combo)
     
  16. darthbernael

    darthbernael EU Community Mod, Fuego, Pyrofuego! star 5 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Apr 15, 2019
    OOC: That was a roller coaster combo, with CosmoHender and Sinrebirth.

    IC: Sinclair Eldar and Sarcev Quest
    Royal Estate, berthed together

    When the Princess had come into the room, Sinclair had remained standing, slightly apart from the others. His eyes had followed as she’d examined every one that had been grouped in the room, his own appraisal occurring as she seemed to be sizing them all up. He’d been the last that she’d approached and he remained silent, as she was, while she did so. To be honest, he had no idea why he’d been invited in the first place. Her body language gave away nothing but that in itself was a tell and he had a feeling he’d been dismissed as one of the ore favorable suitors, which wasn’t truly an issue to him, his people had more than enough on their plates.

    After the departure of the Princess they had been separated once again, each had a droid to guide them to the space they’d been assigned. The fact that he and one other, a tall, pale skinned man, were being guided by the same droid only told him that his presumption of what the Princess thought of him was on point. His shoulders rose and fell in a small shrug, if it were not to be so he could potentially speak to others and possibly create alliances that could benefit his people.

    That thought was in his mind as the two men walked, following the droid. However, at the first hint of an unusual motion, he spun, just in time to see the droid go flying and impact the wall. His eyes lifted, meeting those of the other man, “So…a Force user?” he asked, his scar warping as the eyebrow on that side arched.

    Sieg barely glanced at the servant droid that was sent flying into a wall by Scarev Quest, but he did chuckle slightly. "It seems so," he said to the Mandalorian who he had been assigned to share a room with. "Presumably our fellow suitor is one of the late Emperor's Force-using agents," he suggested, looking unfased.

    He then turned to Sinclair, studying his face. It was always interesting to see a Mandalorian without their helmet, because that raised the question: which was the true face of the warrior? The mask or the face underneath?

    It was obvious that Sinclair didn't belong to the Children of the Watch, at the very least. But there were so many Mandalorian clans that Sieg hadn't bothered to keep track of them. However, he did have to admire the Mandalorian aesthetic. They were once a proud people for a reason... though the Mandalorians of today did not quite live up to their ancestors, in Sieg's opinion. Their pride had been taken from them.

    Sieg could relate to that.

    "So... who are your people?" Sieg asked, curious.

    Keeping his attention mostly focused on the pale man still, Sinclair turned to the other, the one he thought was called Sieg. “That would make sense, most of those here are aligned that way, it seems.” he responded to the man’s first statement.

    Reaching up, he tapped one armored finger on the crest on his right pauldron. “Clan Eldar.” he said firmly. “I’m the current Warleader of our clan. Our homeworld has been reclaimed and the Eldar are one of the clans leading the rebuilding of it.”

    His scar bunched as he smiled softly, “More than rebuilding, the clans are returning and reuniting. We have expanded our people’s influence and we have secured our borders from all who would seek to destroy our culture again.”

    Sieg nodded as he listened to Sinclair. It was unsurprising to hear that the clans were returning and reuniting. The Battle of Endor marked the beginning of a new era. It was now a whole new galaxy out there, full of opportunity for everyone who suffered under the reign of the Empire and the Sith. Opportunity for the New Republic, the Mandalorians, the Jedi, and... other parties.

    The power structure of the galaxy was now an endless mountain range with many peaks, not a pyramid like it had been under the Emperor.

    Sieg recalled a description of that power structure he had once heard: Everyone climbing to the same place, pushing others down so they can ascend. And at its peak, someone waits, ready to destroy anyone who would dare approach. The only free person in the entire galaxy. Emperor Palpatine.

    The Sith had taken so much from everyone. Pride, ambition, love, hope, legacy...

    Sieg paused. Was he actually getting sentimental? That wasn't like him at all.

    "Is that why you're here?" he asked Sinclair, getting his mind back on track. "To expand your people's influence?"

    The corner of Sinclair’s mouth turned up in a fractional smile, the scar wrinkling on his face at that. “I am here because…” he snorted as he thought about it, “either foolish enough or arrogant enough to believe that Mandalorians would be tempted by the thought of one of us sitting at the side of the center of power.”

    Turning his attention back to Sieg, “Considering the reaction of the Princess only a few minutes ago I would believe that she has already written me out of her books as a suitor.” His pauldrons rose for a moment in a shrug, “Whether she shows interest or I remain on the sidelines this does afford the opportunity to meet others who I would normally meet only in negotiations or across the field of battle. Which could lead to alliances or even a better knowledge of those who may desire to keep my people from regaining our prominence.”

    Seig nodded. He noted that the Mandalorian seemed to be honest about his motives for being here, at the very least. There were others who were less so, including Seig himself. "Smart," he acknowledged. "It is important to have connections, after all. Know all the right people. I'm here for the same reason. Some of the most interesting people in the galaxy are here and I wanted to see what happens when you put them all the same vicinity as each other." He gave a shrug. "I don't really have any interest in marrying a teenager anyway."

    The fact that the pale man had remained silent was beginning to cause the hairs on the back of Sinclair’s neck stand up. He wanted to confront the man but this was the first conversation he’d had since he’d gotten here. The corner of his mouth, the fractional smile, quivered for a moment. “That makes it sound as though you are one of the architects of this whole supposed courtship.” he said, cautiously. “However, I agree, at least about the teen princess. Marriage for convenience and power is a thing but my own people have been down that path before and it’s not one that ends well.”

    In the background, the droid stood up, and held up its arms, the little rabbit droid running their way.

    A moment later, Scarev Quest flew and slammed into the wall where it had just been.

    A set of Imperial Stormtroopers, four in total, were evident. A single man in a green uniform stepped after them. Nondescript, the man simply looked at them. "I have a warrant from the Imperial Ruling Council for this man's arrest, and permission from the Princess to act upon it." He had a datapad with as much information to hand.

    Quest's head was lolled, he'd clearly been stunned, and was trying to fight it off. "Roganda -"

    His mouth slurred.

    Sieg just chuckled. "Then please proceed," he told the stormtroopers with a smile. He gestured toward Quest. "Don't let me stop you."

    At the commotion, Sinclair turned, facing down the hallway. He spied the man as he spoke, listening. His current companion spoke up before he did, causing the scar on his face to writhe again at the arched eyebrow he affected. He’d heard the word that the pale man had spoken and it caused him to pause.

    His mind was racing, his face stilling into a neutral expression. Tentatively his first thoughts were to agree with this Sieg who he’d been conversing with. But the word the pale man had said made him think hard, it had triggered something in his mind, something he remembered of a recent briefing. His eyes shifted over the stormtroopers before he studied the officer.

    He also attempted to recall any of the names of the other suitors that were present. Any that could have been tied to that word. When he came up blank, at least for now, he simply nodded. “Agreed, he means nothing to me. If the Princess has given her leave, and this being her home, he is yours to deal with.”

    Turning back to Sieg, his eyes were searching, wondering if the man had any inkling of the word that the pale man had spoken.

    Sieg turned back to Sinclair and noticed the searching look in the Mandalorian's eyes. He just gave him a calm smile.

    "Force users," he said in a relaxed tone. "They're interesting, are they not? Especially since they always seem to be at the heart of galaxy-shaking events. Have you any experience with Force users before, Mandalorian?"

    The miniscule smile that had been on Sinclair’s face returned. “There’s a reason that…usually…I carry projectile weapons. Force users tend to,” he glanced at the green clad Imperial officer, suspecting who they worked for, “...take the prominence in galactic events, yes.”

    Returning his attention to Sieg, “So, shall we go await whatever the Princess has planned next, in this highly regulated dance that has been set up?”

    The Stormtroopers stunned Scarev Quest twice more to ensure his safe transport, and then promptly trooped him out. Two hefted him, and then one led, and one followed. A standard Imperial formation, but these Stormtroopers took the precaution of removing the weapons of those bearing the prisoner, to prevent an easy snatch-and-grab.

    The Imperial sketched a slight salute. He was moustached, had a captains cap, and it would be apparent he was a naval officer rather than ground-pounder. "Thank you for your cooperation. I shall note your names to the Imperial Ruling Council." A slight nod. "Regardless of how the engagement goes, I have no doubt that you will want friends within high places."

    He actually stepped over to them. "If you should ever need anything, you may ask for Captain Pellaeon of the Chimaera, formerly the Harbinger." A smile beneath his moustache. "Currently of Death Squadron, and once upon a time the Seventh Fleet." Whether he was trumpeting his own horn or conveying the importance of what they had just allowed, they'd essentially cut down the number of competitors to ten.

    Sieg let the Imperial speak. He found the importance that the man treated himself with to be amusing. Once he and Scarev Quest were gone, he turned to Sinclair.

    "I suppose," Sieg said, stretching slightly. "Though to be perfectly honest... I hope that things don't go as the Princess planned."

    It was always more interesting and fun that way.

    The way the Imperial spoke continued to make Sinclairs hackles rise. First the pale one threw out that name, at least partially. Then the mention of the Imperial Ruling Council from this officer. Followed by him mentioning Pellaeon which conjured another name before associating that other name’s flagship with Death Squadron and what that meant which could tie into that first name spoken. ’Wheels within wheels within wheels’ he thought to himself.

    Even here in the corridor he wouldn’t take the time to truly map out his thoughts, wasn’t even sure his current companion would be trustworthy enough to discuss it with. At the man’s words, though, he chuckled. Turning again to face the man his hair shook as he shook his head. “I believe that is the first, completely honest thing you’ve said.” he replied, tone humored. “A refreshing thing in this atmosphere and an outlook I can agree with.”

    Looking back up and down the corridor, “Do you suppose they have anything good to drink in these rooms of ours?” He asked, suspecting that heading to the room they’d been assigned was a good next step.

    TAG: @Sinrebirth, @CosmoHender, @Silvertough, @Lady_Belligerent, @CosmoHender, @Mitth_Fisto
     
    Mitth_Fisto and CosmoHender like this.
  17. Lady_Belligerent

    Lady_Belligerent Queen of the RPF, SWC, C&P, and Pancakes & Waffles star 10 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Jan 29, 2008
    OOC: A combo with @Sinrebirth is never dull! Thank you!

    IC: Sybelle and Roganda
    Princess’ estate, Naboo

    "Oh, Princess!"

    Her voice was all falsetto, not an ounce of genuine tact to it.

    "I appear to be lost."


    Sybelle stopped and slowly turned to face the speaker.

    A Princess wouldn’t be the person Sybelle would ask for directions, maybe this woman was so common that she didn’t consider that she was making a breach of etiquette.

    She stood unmoving except for blinking, and when not one of the staff that accompanied her answered the woman, Sybelle sighed and spoke up.

    “I don’t believe I’ve ever been lost, but I shall try to sympathize,’ she said to Roganda. Sybelle singled out one of the attendants and ordered they see the guest back to her assigned room.

    Roganda looked to the attendant droid, the butler one. "But I was rather hoping to share a quiet word with the Princess before the preliminaries." She smiled fully, and warmly. "I know how the Imperial Court works, and I would not want any impropriety to occur... in-front of the other candidates, your Imperial Highness."

    She fully curtsied.

    “Very well,” Sybelle answered. Her expression composed, which was the opposite of what she was feeling.

    She walked to her right and stood before a doorway and waited for one of her servants to open it. It would certainly be beneath her to perform such menial tasks, staying in character was critical.

    It was a small sitting room, which seemed adequate. Sybelle entered the room and motioned for Roganda to enter. “You may speak to me here, but one of my ladies in waiting must be present. It would be unacceptable otherwise,” she informed the woman.

    "Of course," Roganda said, drily. "Very Naboo." She curtsied again. "I am happy to meet you with whomever."

    The door was opened, by the Footman butler droid, and he bowed his head, in-character as programmed.

    Inside the room, Sybelle sat in a wingback chair and smoothed her skirts. She pointed imperiously to a stiff wooden chair for Roganda to sit in, “I’m afraid my time is limited, but I will now hear what it is you wish to discuss.”

    She had wondered how long until the drama would ensue… now it seemed she had her answer.

    Roganda's eyes flicked around the room briefly, settled upon the droid imperceptibly, and nodded just as invisibly; all obvious to Sybelle, however. "Princess Palpatine," she said, firmly. "You are likely aware of the rumours involving my son. I would seek to confirm them."

    She smiled. "His father is your name-sake; Sheev Palpatine. Your second cousin."

    Her words were so smooth, and her sense in the Force so small, it was impossible to say anything about the truth of what she had said. But she pressed her point. "Would not reuniting the Palpatine bloodline produce the powerful heir that the Empire truly needs to stand up to Skywalker?" She spat the name.

    Sybelle’s eyes never blinked as she listened, once Roganda stopped speaking she gave the woman a small smile and asked, “did you have anything else to tell me?”

    It wasn’t news to them that Irek was believed to be the son of Sheev Palpatine. Maybe the Princess had proof one way or the other, but Sybelle could care less. The conversation with Roganda would go into her report to the Princess, and she was sure the droid had already been recording the exchange.

    This woman’s appeal to give her son an edge in the race to be Emperor didn’t impress Sybelle. It was true they were close in age, but the mother gave her the creeps.

    Roganda looked wistful. "I have a dowry, of course." But she titled her head, a Force probe reaching out.

    Unless you know more about me than I do you..."

    Sybelle quickly stood with the intention of ending their chat.

    “You insult me by mentioning a dowry in my presence,” Sybelle motioned to the droid, “you claimed to be wise to Imperial Court etiquette, Roganda. I should have you and Irek removed immediately from my home.” Sybelle moved to the doorway, she wanted to call out the woman’s obvious bribe, but she had to remember to speak as Ederlatth would.

    Roganda hesitated. Was her response to the offer, or the Force usage?

    Was the Princess a secret Force user?

    Standing to join the woman swiftly, she bowed. "I intended no offence, your Highness, I merely wanted to make the appropriate offer for your hand. My son is young, and he is male. I thought a frank discussion between women would expedite matters."

    Another bow. "I do apologise for misinterpreting you."

    Sybelle nodded curtly and said, “I accept your apology, and you will be informed later if your son is no longer under consideration.”

    Maybe Ederlatth would be okay with a bribe, but Sybelle wasn’t. What really spooked her was that Roganda tried to use the Force on her. Did she suspect that Sybelle was standing in for Ederlatth?

    Roganda paused. "If... but not when."

    She was parsing something. "Well," a slight nod, and another full curtsey. "I appreciate your consideration."

    Sybelle pursed her lips and walked away, now more confident that Roganda had not seen through her guise.

    Her thoughts strayed back to the candidates gathered to win the title. It only made sense that the younger ones, like Irek, had been told what they would be doing and not given a choice. Others who came had accepted the invitation by choice, like Aryan Graul. As happy as she was to lay her eyes on him, Sybelle was vexed that he was there to marry the Princess for the title of Emperor.

    Will your current wife approve of that, Aryan? She thought while shaking her head.

    Tag: @Sinrebirth @HanSolo29
     
  18. HanSolo29

    HanSolo29 RPF/SWC/Fan Art Manager & Bill Pullman Connoisseur star 7 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Apr 13, 2001
    OOC: The following is a combo with Sinrebirth – thank you so much!! [:D]

    IC: Aryan Graul and Lady Colla
    Private Quarters, Royal Estate, Naboo

    Fortunately, the room arrangements weren’t quite as humiliating as Aryan first believed. After a brief reprieve in the common area—presumably, to socialize with their fellow group members, an activity he had no intention of participating in—a butler droid called for their attention before assigning them each to their own private quarters.

    Aryan was happy to oblige and quickly exited the communal space without speaking to the others. It was awkward enough for someone of his stature to associate with these children; he wasn’t about to linger and compound the situation.

    As he entered the room and deposited his bag on the floor, he noted that it wasn’t the most lavish of accommodations, but it was certainly an improvement over dormitory living. All he needed was a bed, a holovid, and a refresher with a water-based shower. He considered everything else a privilege, especially in this environment. While their hosts weren’t exactly rude in their reception, he did question their proficiency as it pertained to hospitality and service. It was a fairly minor criticism, though it could lead to wider implications if left unchecked.

    Shaking his head to clear his mind, Aryan proceeded to unpack his belongings and place several articles of clothing into the single closet. The relative quiet provided an additional opportunity for him to ponder the strange presence from earlier. It continued to needle at the back of his mind, like a persistent itch he could not satisfy—

    A sudden knock came on the door, followed by a pitched voice, clearly female.

    "Senator?"

    Aryan froze and uttered a curse, oblivious to whether he had spoken it aloud. Perhaps it didn’t matter; he had no desire to engage with this interloper. For a moment, he even considered ignoring her, hoping that she would leave on her own.

    But in the end, his curiosity prevailed over his better judgment. He noticed that her voice held a note of subtle sophistication, implying that she was not among the adolescent crowd.

    And sure enough, as he opened the door, the tall, shapely woman standing on the other side confirmed his suspicions.

    She had an almost exotic appeal with her emerald eyes, slight features, and thick auburn hair that fell to her shoulders. Aryan remembered seeing her as one of the adult chaperones, but that seemed like a crime for someone so beautiful. Surely, her attributes would be better suited elsewhere.

    He quickly clamped down on that thought and adopted an impassive mask to conceal his emotions. "Umm, I apologize for the delay, I wasn’t expecting anyone," he said evenly, his eyes meeting her gaze and never straying from her face. "I only assumed everyone wanted to settle in before the festivities."

    Exhaling softly, Aryan canted his head as he casually leaned his shoulder against the doorframe. "What can I do for you, Miss… uh—?"

    He winced, trying to recall a name she never provided.

    She smiled slightly. "Colla, you can call me Miss Colla." She took a firm step into the room, crossing the threshold.

    Her eyes narrowed somewhat. "You really don't remember meeting me, do you?"

    A minor smile, all superior, no friendliness to it. "I was introduced to you once upon a time, as Lianna, one of the Emperor's court dancers. A couple years before the Senate was dissolved, in-fact."

    Her lips did not move to match what she was saying. Cameras and microphones in the hallway, she was mouthing.

    Under normal circumstances, Aryan would have questioned his mental capacity for his failure to remember his previous encounter with Miss Colla. She was a stunning woman who would have made a lasting impression on his memory. However, he noted her odd behavior almost immediately, and after reading her lips, understood her reasoning. It was probable the meeting had never occurred, and she had merely used it as a ploy to confound any potential eavesdroppers.

    As a result, Aryan allowed himself to relax, and after hastily surveying the corridor for any obvious bugs, waved her casually inside.

    "Sometimes that feels like a lifetime ago," he said with a short laugh, indulging her with idle chatter until they could speak more openly. "All the parties, charity benefits, and political gatherings; you can’t imagine how many people have passed through my hand at those functions. Too many to possibly keep track of them all."

    He paused and gestured for her to sit on the silken couch, his expression safely guarded behind an impassive mask. "I hope you won’t hold that against me, Miss Colla… though, the fact that you are here at all tells me you have already moved beyond that and are seeking something else."

    Standing back, Aryan crossed his arms over his chest and raised his brow expectantly. She no longer had to act coy now that they were alone and out of view of the others.

    She smiled warmly, green eyes fluttering slightly as she stepped forward and checked the door was closed.

    When sure, her demeanor dropped and she fished what appeared to be a microphone from her hand. With a switch, her voice turned harder. "And you're not looking for something else, Aryan Graul?"

    Her voice was a little sharp. "A cozy bunch of Imperials here." A lifted eyebrow. "Maybe I should call the NRI and have them blow the joint?"

    Lady 'Colla' was certainly something else.

    Someone else.

    Aryan’s eyes narrowed dangerously, his arms relaxing back to his sides as the veneer of calm vanished from his features. The woman had revealed herself as a potential threat, the microphone in her hand a testament to her deceitful ways. Did she intend to record their entire conversation? Or had she already obtained enough discriminating information to use against him?

    Maybe you’re just paranoid, he thought wryly.

    Either way, he wasn’t amused by this unexpected turn of events. Once more, he found himself wondering if he had made a grave mistake by accepting the Princess’ invitation.

    "Nah, that violates New Republic protocol," Aryan clarified smartly, his voice adopting a slight edge. "Their leadership wouldn’t allow them to commit such an atrocity; it’s not their style. They would insist on a fair trial for everyone involved, especially for high-profile targets. Can you imagine the media storm that would ensue if they discovered an NR team descended on Naboo and bombed the palace? They would lose all public support, and at a time when they’re already struggling to control the narrative, that would be the final death knell."

    He canted his head to regard her, a hand brushing across his chin in thought. "Considering I had to make the effort to explain that to you, I’m convinced you’re not an NR agent or affiliated with anyone on the inside. So, who are you… really?"

    "I mean," she said, dryly. "I'm very off the books."

    "But I used to be known as the Emperor's Hand," the woman said, casually. "And Imperials like Ephin Sarreti just beg for NRI supervision, don't you think?"

    She held out her hand. "You could give me an alibi if I call in that strike."

    A smile, her green eyes sparkling. "I could save you from that strike, if so."

    Aryan scoffed lightly as he lowered his gaze to consider her proffered hand. He didn’t trust her, that much was certain, particularly when she condemned her own ward. However, it wasn’t so easy to dismiss the intense curiosity she stirred within his heart, both from her proposal and the merits of her credentials. She had piqued his interest by revealing her mysterious past as an Emperor’s Hand, which was undoubtedly what she had intended all along. It was a means to intimidate him, perhaps even coerce him into accepting her rhetoric.

    And yet, despite the insatiable hunger mounting inside, fueled by a desire to learn more about her motives and experiences, he refrained from indulging her. He quelled his irrational thoughts and continued to hold firm.

    "I don’t have a choice, do I?" Aryan muttered flatly, his brow lifting as if daring her to contradict his words. "You settled on a plan of action long before you relayed the details to me. You’re going to call in that strike whether I agree to your terms or not."

    He exhaled sharply through his nose and shook his head. "I suppose my question should be why, out of all the qualified suitors on the planet, many of them Imperial, did you decide to spare me? You could’ve absolved any one of them from their crimes. Some are arguably more valuable than a former Imperial Senator who was relegated to his family estate to escape incarceration."

    "Maybe I don't like murdering parents," she said, with a shrug. "Maybe I'm using you for something else."

    Her eyes hardened. "Perhaps I have something you want, Aryan Graul."

    "But for now, I'm Lady Colla, and I don't expect you to treat me any differently than the other competitors."

    She went to go. "But you'll know my real name by the end of all this."

    A smirk, and the woman headed out of the room, merging with the shadows cast by the Naboo sun.

    Aryan angled his chin and allowed a crooked grin to overtake his features, his eyes tracking her progress to the door until she disappeared from sight.

    The danger she posed to his well-being was undeniable, but that only seemed to enhance her appeal. Despite his best efforts, he found it impossible to tame the acute hunger she had already roused inside of him. It evolved into a raging fire, continuing to grow and spread as it invigorated his senses. He wanted to know more before diving headlong into the fray, but all he could do was watch and wait for her to act.

    It never once occurred to him what could potentially happen to Princess Ederlathh in an aerial strike or whether she was the true target. His mind was clearly elsewhere... wandering...

    ... distracted.

    The mystery surrounding Lady Colla was too much for him to resist.

    TAG: @Sinrebirth; @Lady_Belligerent; @Mitth_Fisto; @Silvertough; @CosmoHender; @darthbernael
     
  19. CosmoHender

    CosmoHender Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Dec 2, 2016
    OOC: Combo with @Sinrebirth

    IC: Mural Dren


    Once Mural was in her room, she began to pace nervously, no longer able to hide her anxiety.

    While trying to get herself together, the teenage girl heard a knock on the door, causing her to freeze in place.

    "It's me," someone whispered from the other side of the door, sparking Mural's curiosity.

    "Ephin."

    Realizing it was one of the teen boys who seemed to be around her age, Mural walked over to her room's door and opened it. While technically Ephin was one of her rival suitors, he was also one of the only other people here that she could actually relate to.

    "Hello," Mural said while looking into the hallway. Ephin's chaperone was nowhere in sight. It was just them, much to Mural's surprise. She looked back at the boy. "Why... are you here?"

    Ephin actually blushed. "Well, y'know, we're both trying to win the hand of the Princess, and, well, I thought we'd -"

    A slight um noise. "Compare notes?"

    His voice actually dropped a slight octave out of embarrassment.

    Mural was quiet for a moment, looking the boy over.

    Well, he seemed harmless enough.

    "Come in," she said, gesturing for the boy to come inside.

    The boy smiled, broadly, and slid in, shutting the door behind him.

    Then he turned back.

    "Hi."

    Again.

    "Uh, hello," Mural said again as well.

    She was quiet for a moment.

    "So... how'd you get roped into this?" she finally asked.

    "Well, I am the son of a family that fled Coruscant, to Sartiniyan, in the Pentastar Alignment." A shrug, as he described the fourteen-sector independent state that had, for the most part, kept to itself until recently. Now it had closed its borders again, bereft of a leader, seemingly unsure what to do. "And I'm being groomed to be a Moff."

    A slight smile, self-depreciating, as if he had no faith in himself. "Sartiniyan is the capital, so I may even be the Grand Moff."

    Mural nodded. "That's nice," she said, looking away slightly. "My family were the ones who sent me here." She sighed. "Well, them and the rest of the Quintad. Which means that the future of both my family and the entire planet currently rests on my shoulders." She also have a slight self-deprecating smile. "It is completely up to me to uphold the Dren family name and ensure that Eriadu helps to determine the future of the Empire..."

    Of course, nobody had ever asked what she wanted. But she was used to that.

    Ephin nodded slowly. "I did hear Eriadu had a family setup. The original colonists from Corulag?"

    The exact detail wasn't important, he was making small talk.

    "You say they sent you here? You didn't want to marry a Princess?"

    Mural just shrugged. "I mean... I wouldn't be against it," she admitted.

    Though truth he told, she didn’t know what she wanted. Because what she wanted had been insignificant for so long and she had lived her life the way others wanted instead. That was all she knew.

    Ephin wasn't sure about her reply. "I mean, it does sound a bit fantastical, but that's the point, isn't it?"

    Mural shot him a look. "I mean, we live in a galaxy where people can levitate objects and choke people with their mind." She shrugged. "Compared to that, this is pretty mundane."

    "That's very true," Ephin said, demurring. He didn't know her well enough to become excited or show his interests. There wasn't a lot of chemistry here... "Well, this was nice." He brushed himself down, bowed a little, a formal Imperial one that had been all the rage on Coruscant once upon a time. "M'lady, I hope we don't compete too ferociously."

    Mural nodded and gave a respectful bow as well, like she had been trained. Or was groomed the more accurate word?

    "I hope that as well, Ephin."

    He dropped to one knee, and reached for her hand, going all the way formal.

    "Know that I do not wish you any ill-will, Mural, I can only do what I have been made to, for my family, for the Empire... for peace, even."

    Mural managed to smile. "Thank you, Ephin. I do not wish you ill-will as well."

    And at the moment, that was enough.

    TAG: @Sinrebirth
     
  20. Silvertough

    Silvertough Jedi Master star 4

    Registered:
    Aug 19, 2018
    IC: Sulnerea Galrada Oolidu-Udee von Hytovin Voldumarr and Irek Ismaren
    Another Room

    Sulnerea had followed along behind his apparently assigned butler droid in amused silence. He had taken mental note of where the other suitors had been led, but otherwise appeared unbothered by the state of things. It made sense for their hosts to spilt them all up into groups, there were a lot of them after all. But not just in number, there was also a wealth of backgrounds and experiences to choose from as well. It was all positively exciting.

    But such thoughts were the luxury of a far lazier being. Before even being given an opportunity to take in what was to be his home for the coming weeks, he was interrupted by a knock on the door. Followed immediately after by a stranger letting himself in.

    Sulnerea raised an eyebrow at the svelte human male and smirked. "It reflects bad on our host if their droids can't handle as simple of a task as assigning individual rooms to each suitor." His smile widened. "Or if they're forcing us to.. Double up."

    Irek snorted. "It does make one wonder which of the suitors are being tolerated, for mere appearances sake, and which are being courted."

    He leaned, languid, teenage bravado. "Which are you, Arkanian with far too many names?"

    Sulnerea laughed at that, a soft, twinkling sound that was pleasing to the ears. Yet another of his personal modifications. "Are you so sure that those are the only options? No, my human friend, I am merely here to enjoy all of what our bountiful galaxy has to offer." He replied with an easy-going smile, before gesturing to a set of lounging chairs on the far side of the room. "Come, sit. We may as well get comfortable while we wait."

    His smile widened, "Of course, now it would be impolite if I didn't ask you the same, friend. Suitor, or inconvenience?"

    "Suitor," the young man said, impetuous. "Emperor-to-be."

    He flopped into the couch with a grin. "Irek Ismaren, son of the late Palpatine."

    Sulnerea slid into the seat besides Irek, folding his hands together in his lap. "Son, but yet not a Prince?" He asked softly, raising an eyebrow. Choosing to sidestep the issue of probable incest, Sulnerea instead tilted his head, closing the gap between the two fractionally.

    "I would be positively furious in your shoes, my bloodline being disrespected so.."

    "Ha!" Irek snorted. "Imagine if I stood up without a power base and declared myself so, made a target of myself." His chin tilted up as he sermonized. "The Empire is in civil war. Crimson Thrones, rogue Moffs, warlords and admirals in acts of treason."

    He squeezed his fist, and the very room vibrated. "I am furious."

    The Arkanian's brow raised appreciatively. While not Force Sensitive himself, he had devoted a considerable amount of his extended lifespan to studying the Force. More accurately, on whether or not the potential to wield the Force could be transplanted into another being. But he didn't need such knowledge to come to the realization that his curious intruder was a Jedi.

    No, a Dark Jedi.
    Sulnerea corrected himself. He doubted the monastic order famous for forgoing all attachments would care to pursue a political marriage.

    "And you hope to build your power base here on Naboo? Or merely cement it by marrying your, what, step-sister?" Sulnerea leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a dramatic whisper as if the two were sharing schoolyard secrets. "I couldn't help but notice the amount of high ranking Imperials either friend. The Grand Vizier, a few admirals? How exciting."

    "Yes, very," Irek said, tartly. "It makes one want to thin the competition."

    A slight smile. "Are you competition, or merely here to tell a story to the grandkids one day?"

    Sulnerea hummed, as if enjoying a private joke. "As I said, Prince, I am merely here to enjoy all that the galaxy has to offer me. What exactly that entails remain to be seen. Perhaps I'm here to simply make friends? Or maybe I'm here for more insidious reasons.."

    A playful smirk spread across his lips. "Can't wait to find out myself. But I'm more interested in you, Prince. I would be so disappointed if you turned out to be just another Imperial Aristocrat swinging your birthright and privileges about like a cudgel. It'd be far more interesting to see you use some.." A soft laugh escaped his lips. "..Tact."

    Irek narrowed his eyes, and they briefly blazed yellow.

    And then the waif laughed. "Very well said. I am young, indeed, my mother would be besides herself if she realised I had snuck out of our room." A snicker. "But I wanted to get to know you better."

    "Arkania is in the Colonies, isn't it? Very likely to be trodden on the advance to Coruscant. Wouldn't it behoove you to parley with the Empire, before we launch our grand unified counter-offensive?"

    Sulnerea held Irek's gaze, the humor in his smile fading as he let out a long exhale. He searched the young man's eyes for a hidden answer, for some iota of humor, but found them wanting. No, Irek was behaving just as he expected a young, pompous Imperial to do. Where was the fun in that?

    He reclined back into his seat, his gaze never leaving Irek's. "It would have behooved you to check on whether or not I was a patriot before threatening my homeworld with domination." He countered dryly. "If you had, you would have realized what a waste of a proverbial card that was to play."

    "Besides," Sulnerea said again, "You overestimate my ambitions, Irek I'm simply here to enjoy myself. I'll leave the civil war to you lot."

    Irek shrugged, laconic, as he stood from the couch and stretched. “Well then, we don’t need to discuss anymore. You’re not a threat, I’m not a threat. That works.”

    With a slight salute, he went to go.

    Sulnerea dismissed the man with a wave of his hand. "Enjoy yourself, Irek," He said with an amused smirk, "The Princess has provided quite the feast for those hungry enough to partake.."

    After the Prince had left, Sulnerea let out a drawn out sigh. Other than him being obviously Force Sensitive, Irek was a waste of his time. He was simply too young and too unexperienced to cause any serious change in the Galaxy. Maybe a short-lived civil war over a power struggle between himself and the Princess, but even that seemed unlikely now. A last resort, if none of the other suitors proved sufficient for the chaos he wanted to sow. Cute though.

    With a final shrug, Sulnerea mentally crossed Irek Ismaren off his list. Onto the next one..

    Tag: @Sinrebirth, @Lady_Belligerent , @HanSolo29, @CosmoHender; @darthbernael
     
  21. Mitth_Fisto

    Mitth_Fisto Chosen One star 6

    Registered:
    Sep 29, 2005
    IC: K'zk Vrai
    Much like the others

    Coming inside he followed the sedate flow, like a stagnant current turgidly winding to their individual hovels inside this compound. A single droid directed them; a Servant droid, each to a location that was sufficiently isolated and independent from the other; even half the building was immense enough to do this.

    LEP-1 'Lepi' servant droid it was that guided them. Turning them off one by one to their little coves. Each room was not opulent, but not dull, either. A fine balance if a bit airy.

    Naboo seemed to be a world of sweeping lines and cavern ceilings. Possibly pleasant if not merely just for the lack of water. So this world birthed a black boned Emperor like Sheev Palpatine. Drawing a bath K'zk was interrupted by a beep from his wrist band. He had put a small device by the inset of the door frame which alerted him to vibration disturbances, not that he didn't trust his host, but he didn't trust his host.

    Coming out and around to the door he waited, opening at the first sign of someone being actually there for him. And so, Mas Amedda was found to be standing there.

    [​IMG]

    "Yes?" K'zk asked with a languid blink of his eyelids.

    "Yes?"

    Mas Amedda snarled.

    "You address the Grand Vizier of the Galactic Empire," he snapped. "You are an aquatic species like myself! Surely you know and worship my mere existence?"

    A cutting voice, all but spitting at K'zk.

    "Nothing to see after all." K'zk stated with a watery sigh as he palmed the door to shut in Mas Amedda's face.

    The door slammed shut!

    There was a hammering at it.

    "How dare you!"

    Reaching over he palmed the doors intercom to speak to the other side. "K'zk had hope for you. But I see you are merely guard eel that has lost it's master and going feral. Nothing I can do for you."

    The Chagrian hissed, his tongue appearing between fanged teeth. He nonetheless pitched his voice. "Holocams, and recorders. I have to appear a certain way, or my handlers will know."

    There was a slight panic to his voice.

    Blinking languidly at the closed door K'zk pondered the words it was hearing. Wasn't this confirmation of the insult he had just used? Except for the word - handlers, now that was an interesting word.

    Tapping a button the door hissed open once more. "Explain." he calmly asked with canted head.

    "May I come in, first," Mas was considerably more contrite, clearly needing the man. At the distant end of the corridor, a red figure had appeared, indistinct, shadowed, and Mas looked back with almost palpable panic. "Please?"

    With a bit of a watery sigh K'zk stepped back and waved the wannabe inside. "Bathroom. Giant tub filling." he added with a slight incline of his head. He was welcoming this man into his relaxation pool, hopefully it would be worth it.

    Amedda appreciated the sincerity of his offer, and nodded, stepping through the door quickly. The door closed, and for a moment the red figure appeared more clearly, floating towards them, a black visage -

    Mas shut it, pressed the lock, and released a deep sigh.

    He placed the Sistros scepter upon the door, inclined at 45 degrees to keep it pinned -

    Nothing.

    Another pregnant moment passed.

    "I'm being held hostage," Mas affirmed. "I am Grand Vizier, de jure Galactic Emperor - but in name only." His expression sharpened into malice. "I have avoided my handlers to take my own power here." He tilted his eyes to K'z'k.

    K'zk tilted his head at the man, de jure? Did he look like a protocol droid? Mas could of just as well been talking about a type of mustard if not for the other words he recognized, well that and the imposing black and red figure aided the man's claims. Using his staff of office as a door jam also lended weight to his words. "Droids have ears. To the bath." he calmly and softly replied with a wave to where the sounds of a filling tub could be heard.

    He stepped after, and the Grand Vizier found himself actually forcing himself to relax, and removing the majority of his attire. He was an old man, the waters would do well for his bones. Propping his staff to help him lower himself into the large bath, he winced at the heat. "I needed this."

    Weaving his hand languidly in the water he felt it was a touch warmer than the tropical lagoon he was aiming for. Leaving his watery rebreather on he removed his attire aside from his vest and in a smooth motion sank into the water. Letting his rebreather protect his gills from the temperature shock.

    Blinking at the old man he nodded and let his head sink beneath the surface, letting his membrane nictitate and stay slid over his eyes. "Now we can speak freely." with a graceful wave of a hand he motioned for the man to continue to share as he was obviously want to do.

    "I am Grand Vizier in name only, in actuality -"

    The door to the room clanked loudly.

    As if something metal was slamming its fist into it.

    Were they to peer back into the wider room, they would see a definitive crumple inwards -

    Pulling himself up from the tub he looked at the bent door. Opening his vest he felt around inside, along one of the pipes that was connected to his rebreather that kept his gills properly hydrated. With a rub, tap, and twist the tube came free and pointed the end at the door resting it on the edge of the tub. Inside was a battle droid strength surge restraining spike, all he would need was to adjust as the droid came through and paused to reorient to shoot it, once impact happened the end of the tube shot would mag-weld to the droid part it hit, ram the core spike with a mining tip in, and then deliver a power surge from the inside out to force the droid to shut down. It then could operate like a normal restraining bolt if someone rebooted the droid.

    "In actuality you're a figure head. With a droid nanny?" He asked softly when his mouth dipped below the water level in a bob as he waited for his would be assailant.

    “Quite so,” Mas said, standing, dripping wet. “The droid is hardened, the best technology out late Emperor could afford -“

    As if to accentuate the point, the droid was only silent for a moment before it leered up. Palpatine’s visage appeared -

    ”Operation: Cinder is to begin at once. Resistance. Rebellion. Defiance. These are concepts that cannot be allowed to persist. You are but one of many tools by which these ideas shall be burned away.”

    “Yes, yes,” Mas said, stepping over and rapping at the semi-disabled droid with his sceptre. “Naboo was targeted and the Rebels saved it.”

    The droid didn’t respond to the physical beating. It seemed to sag, and then, the image of Palpatine twisted, snarled, the face as gnarled as ever. ”Then we shall target it again.”

    It’s hands became claw-like -

    “I’ve never seen one-” Mas went pale, eyed the weapon his aquatic ally had to hand. “Again!”

    Without waiting for the droid or anyone else to observe and react that he was doing anything more than maintenance on one of his rebreather filter tubes he triggered it to fire! Aiming for the position of mouth/chest region that was aligned with how the droid was positioned, although he wouldn't be surprised if he hit the head either.

    The bolt blew open carapace of the droids forehead, it thrashed for a moment, and then tumbled.

    Mas, dripping, stepped closer and prodded it with the sharpened end of the staff. It didn’t respond, and the Grand Vizier released a breath he hadn’t recalled holding. “You have my thanks, my friend.”

    His lips pursed. “But we should warn the Princess. A second Operation Cinder could mean a second attack on Naboo… assuming we were even believed” For a moment Mas’s eyes gleamed. “Unless we keep it secret?”

    With a fluid surge he raced from the tub, slide walking as a dancer might moon walk to the droid. While Amida prodded and talked he looked over the pieces and made sure the restraining bolt was firmly in place. If it wasn't he would make sure to firmly apply it. K'zk nodded languidly all the while, a droid was never down unless the mind and the power source were disconnected or the restraining bolt was firmly planted. "Tell if you want. Hand this over and see what you get for bringing it here and telling it to finish a failed mission." With a circular wave in the air that would have been much more effective in water he continued, "Let me see if this sent anything. See if this bolt works, and whether or not such panics are worth entertaining."

    Turning back to the unit he spoke to it now, "Droid. Confirm restraining bolt is working, sole authorized users present, weapons offline, movement restrictions active, communications remote offline."

    "Confirmed."

    It stood, slowly but surely.

    Stepping back from it he nodded, "Any transmissions sent from this unit? Operation Cinder, has orders been sent out for Naboo?" He asked in turn.

    "A re-request for Operation Cinder has been sent to the Eviscerator to complete the scourging that was failed before by the Torment." The unit confirmed, as if saying very little of import.

    Mas hissed. "Admiral Versio. One of the very worst. He burned down his own homeworld in Cinder."

    Stepping back with a fluid wave of a hand he nodded to Mas, "Now you have something to report. You came and saw." Looking down at the droid he waited to hear what Mas would do, and if the man would leave now. If so he had work to do on this droid, because as it stood he still didn't trust it. "Power down all weapons, deactivate fingers. Disable self-destruct and all self-correction operations to subvert restraining bolt."

    “No,” said the droid, still inflecting as Emperor Palpatine. “Compromised. Self-combust.”

    “Not self-destruct?” Mas said.

    The droid suddenly activated an internal mechanism and began to consume itself, a powerful magnet crushing it inwards. Within a mere moment, the Messenger was reduced to a spheroid of crimson metal no larger than a hand.

    Mas hesitated. “We need to let the other suitors know.”

    With a wave K'zk dismissed Mas. Turning he walked back to his bathroom and his privacy. He had nothing more to say to this man and as soon as he left he planned on activating the comms to let their host know. Suitors be burned for all he cared, he was here for one potential and while he wouldn't ignore other possibilities he wouldn't loose focus on the prize. Let Mas let the suitors know, he would let the Princess know.

    TAG: @Sinrebirth
     
  22. Sinrebirth

    Sinrebirth Mod-Emperor of the EUC, Lit, RPF and SWC star 10 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Nov 15, 2004
    The Appointed Time

    Ederlatth spent her time well, keeping track, working through things.

    The groups remained split in two and they would regroup in short order.

    The Suitors had an update on their comlinks when they had opportunity to settle themselves down.

    Crimson Empire candidate Scarev Quest has been removed from the process by the Imperial Ruling Council, arrested for treason against the Empire. The new Head of State, Burr Nolyds, has indicated he will be shortly departing from Ord Cantrell to attend in the stead of Quest.

    [​IMG]


    Burr Nolyds

    We have had an incident involving an assassin droid during the interlude, which was foiled by candidates Mas Amedda and K'zk Vrai. My thanks to them, I have acknowledged your messages and do not intend to do anything further at this stage. Please do keep to your assigned rooms, for your safety.

    I have also word that the Twelfth Candidate will be shortly arriving. Please do keep this in mind as discussions go forward.

    TAG: @CosmoHender, @darthbernael, @Silvertough, @Mitth_Fisto, @HanSolo29, @Lady_Belligerent
     
  23. Sinrebirth

    Sinrebirth Mod-Emperor of the EUC, Lit, RPF and SWC star 10 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Nov 15, 2004
    In the East Wing.

    Her ersatz self, Sybelle, with one group of suitors.

    Mas Amedda, Sinclair Eldar, K'zk Vrai and Sieg Dren to one room.

    They would undoubtedly notice that Scarev Quest had vanished.

    Ederlatth left no direct guidance for Sybelle in the meantime save for one cryptic message.

    Leave Aryan to me.

    However, each had messages of their own.

    Mas Amedda for his part glanced at K'zk Vrai but said nothing of the pending danger to Naboo.

    Did he not believe the messenger droid had called a second Operation Cinder upon this world?

    And what of Sinclair and Sieg? Did it matter to them that their actions had taken out a suitor, albeit temporarily?

    Rae Sloane, for her part, was absent - late, perhaps.

    A spread of food and drink was evident, but seats were not assigned.

    They were to choose where to sit; there were precisely five seats set, with the Imperial Princess at the head of the table, relative to the door. It was a circle of a table, with the Imperial symbol creating spokes, and opportunity in something as banal as seating.

    Mas was haughty; he would not rush.

    TAG: @darthbernael, @Mitth_Fisto, @CosmoHender (combo)
     
    Last edited: May 21, 2023
  24. Sinrebirth

    Sinrebirth Mod-Emperor of the EUC, Lit, RPF and SWC star 10 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Nov 15, 2004
    In The West Wing

    Ederlatth
    attended in person.

    Aryan Graul, Irek Ismaren, Ephin Sarretti, Mural Dren and Galrada Oolidu-Udee von Hytovin Voldumarr to the other.

    Roganda
    and Colla were present too, looking at each other obtusely from the corners of the room.

    The eldest in the room, Aryan, he stood out like a sore thumb, but Ederlatth watched Colla's green eyes shift to him occasionally.

    Ephin was stealing glances at Mural, and blushing, and Ederlatth nearly rolled her eyes.

    Irek was looking at her wolfishly, like she was prey.

    What of Galrada? She slid her gaze to him, but didn't have a great sense of precisely who he was as of yet.

    They each had messages from their homeworlds and representatives too, and others besides.

    Skifters in the proverbial deck, no doubt. A sabacc proverb.

    For a moment her scars itched, concealed beneath her sleeves, and Ederlatth schooled her features even more firmly than they had been beforehand.

    A spread of food and drink was evident, but seats were not assigned.

    They were to choose where to sit; there were precisely five seats set, with the Imperial Princess at the head of the table, relative to the entrance door. It was a circle of a table, with the Imperial symbol creating spokes, and opportunity in something as banal as seating.

    Irek was too busy staring at her to make the first move, and Ephin was too busy blushing.

    She didn't say anything.

    TAG: @HanSolo29, @CosmoHender, @Silvertough (combo)
     
    Last edited: May 21, 2023
  25. Sinrebirth

    Sinrebirth Mod-Emperor of the EUC, Lit, RPF and SWC star 10 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Nov 15, 2004
    [​IMG]

    Captain Brandei

    [​IMG]

    The Imperial I-class Star Destroyer Judicator

    Above Janara III, Captain Brandei, formerly of Death Squadron, formerly commanded by Grand Admiral Thrawn during his campaigns against the New Republic, and later pursuing Operation Shadow Hand on behalf of the Reborn Emperor, stared at his guest.

    He'd retaken this part of the Inner Rim during the recent counter-offensive, bringing in the sphere of influence of the Empire the key trade worlds of Devaron and Yag'Dhul, who had both committed to the Crimson Empire, appreciating that his distant position from Ord Cantrell meant that he was unlikely to be recalled to the capital.

    No, Pellaeon would remain there, a captain forever more.

    [​IMG]

    "Naboo, you say?" Brandei said lightly, glancing down the guest list.

    The Emperor's grand-niece.

    And his, if rumour was to be believed, illegitimate son.

    Let alone the various other officials.

    A Second Operation Cinder?

    He didn't much care for burning down loyalist worlds, but capturing them all?

    TAG: No-One

    TAG: @CosmoHender, @darthbernael, @Silvertough, @Mitth_Fisto, @HanSolo29, @Lady_Belligerent