Star Wars CLOSED THE GALAXY AT WAR: EPISODE V: ACT I: EMERGENCE

IC: Captain Scyther Vectis and the All Stars
Location: Senate Rotunda, Coruscant

“I think that went well” said Terric, an enormous grin on his face as the group entered the Rotunda itself.

“Loved that bit at the end” said Madison “Wonder if that will be the name of the interview”

Scyther had a smile on her face too “Well it certainly got the crowd going”

The group entered the reception proper, seeing a throng of politicians, fellow officers, celebrities and others milling around and mingling. It looked as impressive to Scyther as it did in the holos. As a native Coruscanti, Scyther was used to it being a dominant part of the skyline, although this was more of a politicians playground than hers.

“Well boys, here we are” Scyther said “Remember, the politicians and celebrities may be annoying, but you’ll have to suck it and be polite, even if you would like to punch them in the face”

Bahari looked nervous still, and his eyes widened as he saw Grand Admiral Carthaginian in attendance, he almost wished he could hide behind a pillar. Meanwhile Terric had spotted Ahsoka, but saw that she was busy with the Empress and the young princess. He decided to wait for his chance to speak to her as it had been so long since they had a proper chat.

She looks amazing in that dress he thought.

“Well, who fancies a drink” said Arazov “Since I have now officially joined the group i’d say it’s my treat to say thank you for having me”

“I will help you” said Ivanov and followed Arazov up to the bar after Terric and Madison requested their drinks, Bahari and Scyther declined.

Scyther noticed though a strange feeling about the place, like something was either about to happen or was already happening. The room seemed on edge, people trying to look busy but obviously faking it.

“I’ve just noticed something” Bahari said his eyes darting around the room “Lord Vader isn't here”

Scyther frowned “I’m sure he left before us, why would he not be here?”

“Probably in a meeting” Madison said “Although it would have to be serious for him not to be mingling”

“Agreed” said Scyther “I may not be Force sensitive, but something is definitely going on.”

She was going to get her answer as Arazov and Ivanov were returning, someone passed her telling her the message relayed from the Grand Admiral.

Oh bloody hell…..

As Arazov and Ivanov rejoined they saw their commander have a frown on her face.

“Uh-oh, this is not good” said Arazov.

“Scyther nodded “You may be right” and she said simple “Alpha Beta 0”

Terric huffed “Well there goes my enjoyment for the evening”

Madison was shaking his head “Unless this is planet shatteringly urgent, why would they call this now, right at the beginning of the Reception”

Scyther spread her arms in a don’t shoot the messenger pose “Your guess is as good as mine”

Ivanov looked like he wanted to shoot something, his eyes were narrowed, the icy stare in full force “We are not ready” he said “Our ships are in no shape to go anywhere, and even then the only one that is is Arazov’s. If we do have to go into battle, it would be suicide just to send one of our group. Also, are our new ships here or are they on route?. All our fighters are still on the Venators”

Ivanov has a point thought Scyther.

“Let’s hope it does not come to that” said Scyther “However I cannot countermand the order. You know what will happen to all of us if we do”

Ivanov nodded “Indeed Captain. However it would still not be a good idea for us to be involved until we are back to full strength”

Again another good point Scyther thought. They were still one ship down, and with crew, troops and fighters still to be replenished, they would be sitting ducks.

“Maybe we could borrow some Star Destroyers” said Bahari

Terric chuckled his humour coming back “That would be funny. “Hey excuse me, can we borrow your Star Destroyers? We're just taking them out for a spin””

That lightened the mood in the group. “Mine is still missing it’s starboard side “ said Madison “Wonder whether I could stick something on it”

“While you discuss ideas on what to stick on the starboard side of Empire’s Will, i’m going to comm Casrah and alert the others” Scyther said smiling and then moving away to somewhere more private and out of the way, although to be honest, the group were staying away from the crowds and had decided not to split up yet.

Scyther grabbed her comm and switched it to Casrah’s comm code. Casrah answered after a few seconds wait. There was loud laughter in the background.

“Hello Captain. Wow, is it over already?”

“Not even started yet” said Scyther simply and with a slightly annoyed tone, however her tone turned serious when she reported the Alpha Beta 0 command.

“”Nice” said Casrah “Do they know we cannot go anywhere?”

“I’ve had that uncomfortable conversation with the group2 said Scyther with a sigh “Comm Delomeux, tell him and Ensign Spion-Bombardier to comm Novell, Atalza and Carson, get them to inform the rest of the crew. Get the other Lieutenants and Commander Cutter to comm their Ensigns and spread the word. Since Charios is there and Robertson has been temporarily promoted, get Lieutenant Kazama to comm Ullrich and Isaakson for Obdurate. Tell everyone to stand by, this may only be a drill, but if it isn't I will be having words.”

“I’m on it” said Casrah “Me and Haji will get it done”

Scyther signed off and then headed back to the group “The word is out. Expect some very happy crew members”

“I wouldn't be surprised” said Bahari “Would you not be if you were about to get some well earned rest?”

Ivanov was shaking his head “This is not the way to start the reception”

“Agreed” said Scyther pulling her cylinder out “but orders are still orders” she sighed and reluctantly pressed the cylinder twice to acknowledge the order.

Ivanov still looked like he wanted to blast something to bits. The others however were chatting and sipping their drinks apart from Bahari who was still looking nervously around. Scyther decided to keep close to him for now just to allay his fears.

What a grand start to the party….

TAG: Reception

 

OCC: This is another joint post with C_O. How much fun can one have!!! Thanks so much C_O and LZM!


IC: Agent Sonuf “Sonny” Koul, Agent Alexandr Kallus #ISB-021, and Quinlan Vos-Ledaren of the Kavalad, ISB Colonel Wilhuff Yularen , Emperor Anakin Skywalker, Lord Darth Vader, Re Mavrat of Ursa

LOCATION: Government transit lanes and the Naboo Embassy


Agent Sonuf Koul peered out of the open port at the skies around the transit lane, to the Naboo and to the Senate. Then, he looked out of the opposite open port and to the far transit lanes there. Somber in his mission, his team, hand picked and commissioned by the new Emperor himself, was part of a passive surveillance effort to protect the Queen of Naboo upon her recent arrival on Coruscant. Emperor Vader ordered the passive guard in place, due to the Union actions involving Naboo and the Union breaching Imperial airspace with a large number of warships without formal request and notification. Naboo was understandably concerned.


They departed according to the planned schedule for Her Majesty’s retinue. The on location operatives inside the Embassy had reported the Naboo departure and Koul and his team followed discreetly. The Agent scanned the far parts of the traffic grids to confirm all was clear. It was good things were going according to schedule. Koul really wanted to let his guard down for an hour or so. The Naboo had been very busy in the last 24 hours and they could all do with a breather.


Yet, just as Koul contemplated the possibility of a break, his comm rattled with a message from the Embassy. A fairly image-laden set of packets had been relayed from Naboo to the Embassy and the information was being transmitted to Colonel Yularen with ISB. Still, could be family images-maybe a birth in the extended family, or an annual celebration, or maybe a dental report.


“Have you ever been there-to Naboo. I’ve heard it is a magical place-” Koul, told himself not to get pulled into the conversation, but the crackle of the ship’s communications erupted from the speakers interrupting the conversation, the co-pilot speaking over the com.


“Asset returning via original transit route...”


Someone leaned out of the open port, looked down, and confirmed, “Sure is!”


Location:Emperor’s former offices, Senate Building, Coruscant


There was more happening in the Embassy district. Kallus received confirmation while coming up in the lift, that the security teams for the Naboo had been directed to approach the Embassy and that action was in progress and close on that communique, Kallus received the Colonel’s instructions on where to take the detainees. He had not been to the Executor… the new Emperor’s offices before and was not sure what to expect when he brought the group out from the lifts. To his surprise, his contingent was met by a lady and the Ursean Ledaren, who stood waiting for them. However, he was even more surprised to see as they entered the office pool, Colonel Yularen disappear into a large office with the a tall figure whose features he recognised as belonging to the new Emperor!


The blond and petite lady introduced herself as Ms Soobie, executive assistant to the Executor, she would show the interviewees to their rooms, while the Ledaren nodded and introduced himself as well.


“Agent Kallus, I am Ledaren Vos, You may call me, ‘Ledaren.’ I will assist you in questioning our detainees,” said the large and lean man, who bowed in a curious fashion, dreadlocks falling about his shoulders. Kallus stifled his surprise upon spying the lightsaber on the Ledaren’s hip and wondered if he was one of the dreaded inquisitors or was it possible he was one of a handful of Jedi who had remained loyal to the Empire after their fall and who was now a defrocked monk. Vos turned to the Assistant to the Executor and said, “Miss Soobie, if you please, you may guide us to the interview rooms, now.”


Having been informed by Colonel Yularen as to how delicate this matter and how important it was to perform this task quickly, Kallus appreciated the Ledaren’s directness. They followed Miss Soobie as she lead the understandably nervous interviewees or detainees as the Ledaren had referred to them, to a series of small and secured rooms.


The pristine rooms, showed no wear on the door jams or inside. They’d never been used! As they entered each room and situated a sole detainee and trooper in each, Kallus saw they were all the same and seemed suitable for the task at hand. The lights came up and cast a harsh spotlight down upon a central desk and the chairs to either side of it. All were fixed at the base to the flooring. The rest of the decor was sparse but functional, no windows, free of distractions, just a psychosomatic colour scheme of dark grey and a security cam. No doubt that would make the time go fast, he mused to himself. The rooms were large enough to hold a couple of people but not much else. He inspected the door and framing and the walls and noted the thickness and material should dampen out the sound between rooms. Electronic locks on them too. Soobie had the key and he tested his own security card and his clearance status was accepted.


“Thank you Ms Soobie, you’ve been very helpful.” Kallus said and then turned to the group. “One in there…” Kallus pointed to the room, a trooper went inside with Hsur Hgubmill and closed the door behind them. The door locked. Kallus pointed to another, the next trooper did the same for Ms Shilling and so forth with Luvis Grant and the others.


“Special teams are making inquiry at the Naboo Embassy,” said the Ledaren, having excused himself for a brief minute, standing to the side of the low lit corridor and now returning his attention to Kallus. “Things are happening very quickly now, we need to speed up this process. Inform the Colonel,” said Vos. Kallus acknowledge what the Ledaren said and sent confirmation to Colonel Yularen to inform him that they were secured and would start the interrogation process momentarily.


Location: Emperor’s former offices, Senate Building, Coruscant


Yularen brought the Emperor up to speed; recounting the communications of the interplanetary set of encrypted messages from Naboo to Coruscant, that passive Guardian Surveillance reports the Queen and Senator of Naboo returned to the Embassy, from where the image packets were sent to the HNN station pen in the Assembly Hall. How the HNN hijacked the other networks precipitating ISB intervention, and further, how the article intended for broadcast, made accusations of Imperial intentions to commit mass genocide.


Listening to Colonel Yularen’s quick but thorough report, Anakin bowed his head gathering calm. “The interference with the feed of other networks is a clear violation, but then I’d expect no less of COMPNOR and its shill-HNN.” Searching the legal codex on his desk monitor, the young Emperor was quickly confirmed in his suspicion that the laws had never been changed from Republic to Empire, and Hgubmil was taking advantage of the cavalier attitude COMPNOR had taken towards censorship and the interruption of other networks since the Empire’s inception.


“I recall Hgubmil was in the field, early in the war-in fact, in the way. He was a war correspondent!” said Anakin, brows knit and head cocked to one side.


A slight twitch of Yularen’s moustache. “Yes, and a position he reminds everyone about at every chance he gets. Ah… here we go.” he exclaimed and stepped close to the Emperor for him to see the screen of the datapad.


Yularen watched the Emperor’s deep blue eyes shine in the light of the images, tracing across and back over the pad, flickering with a pale gold as he heard the words spoken from Naboo, what words were captured, then the meaning given “meat” as the Naboo Senator Owney spoke with the Station Chief, and finally, seeing the recorded article intended for immediate broadcast, including the holo globe zoom of an image of Anakin’s earlier self, smiling in the Assembly Hall!


Somberly, Yularen took the pad as Anakin, with a sharp intake of breath, brow furrowed deeply, looked away in anger, his right fist balling at his waist. The room grew uncomfortably close and the Colonel kept himself still. It was instinct that directed the Colonel, now.


In silence, Anakin stepped to the curving window and looked across the night sky to the Embassy district. For a brief moment, the room seemed alive with a kinetic and unsettling energy, but as the Emperor could be seen in silhouette to rub his eyes and heave a long sigh, the feeling subsided. His chest rising and then falling, Anakin stretched, it seemed, and returned to the pool of light where Colonel Yularen stood. Biting his lip, the younger man, stared at the floor for a moment and then smiling, returned a blue gaze to his one-time comrade in arms.


Anakin nodded in silence and then, his voice a bit rough and deep, continued. “So...There’s a question for Mr. Hgubmil, he’s either got a poor memory-surely he didn’t think his misidentifying the defense formations and movements as offense or not presenting the analysis of a military consultant wouldn’t be missed,” said the Emperor, jabbing the air with a forefinger. “As a war correspondent, he’d know better.” Anakin’s eyes slimmed. “He was counting on a shock effect - though, either way, he went to direct broadcast with that article and did no fact checking. And, he did not seek Imperial input-that is the crux of the matter. He intended not to-it was seditious! He could have sought my input. I was steps away as his holo cam showed!”


Yularen concurred. “I agree, if not with you, Your Majesty, at least consult the governmental official just metres away from him.”


With a slight lift at the corner of his lips, Anakin commented sternly, “Shame on the dog, this time, Colonel. This may not have been planned, but this matter has the earmarks of opportunity! The fleet disposition and movement was intentionally-even, wilfully misinterpreted by those who transmitted those images and sent them on to Hgubmill, and certainly by Hgubmill, himself!”


Yularen smoothed one side of his mustache with the stroke of his index finger in thought and offered, “It makes one wonder...and also, in regards to Naboo’s side of the matter. Surely their defence minister, their staff, et al, would have appraised the situation. However, the one who transmitted the footage was the Governor Eicestor… so hard to say if that is Eicestor’s spin or they are all incompetent and in this together.”


It was no laughing matter, but Yularen’s dry and unintended jibe seemed to hit Anakin at just the right angle and he smirked and chuckled to himself. “You mean collective incompetence? Perhaps as a result of ‘group think.’ Their Minister Naclav has access to the Imperial Navy, they could have reached us through the proper channels. They would have contacted the ministry on planet. Yet, that did not happen. Naboo has suffered an erosion in chain of command, it seems. That’s quite possibly a significant contribution to this ‘cluster dump,’” said Anakin, using a rather informal military term. “Still, if the Imperial government is suspected of preparing to commit genocide, I want to know on what information, what basis? Those images are ...no evidence! Who is acting and ...at this moment...Why?” said Anakin, his voice trailing off into thought. “What’s to be gained? Who might be watching from the periphery or from inside administration, if this is indeed, in some part, true?”


“Precisely, Your Majesty. This is why the Ledaren thought you might want to hear from some of the detainees away from prying eyes.”


TAG: Colonel Yularen

 

~IC~ Rowan and Kaylee Halcyon
Location: Selonia

There is something to be said about being on the prow of a ship as the keel slices through the waves. The spray of the water on your skin and the wind in your face and the sense of adventure on the horizon.

The carrack was making great time. It belonged to a Selonian, Nayarue. She was the one who had befriended Kaylee and offered for us to accompany them back to their village and then give us a ride to Corellia.

I had been skeptical at first, believing the offer was too good to be true. I later learned that there was more to it than the mere kindness of strangers. Turns out they had been in a bind with engine trouble earlier, Kaylee had happened upon them and offered assistance when she had been waiting for me to return from the bank. She got it working and they had felt indebted to her. This was their way of paying forward the kindness and debts owed and repaid. Besides, Nayarue seemed genuinely pleased to have us onboard and she would regale us with stories of her previous endeavours at any chance she got.

As outgoing as the Captain was, her first mate on the other hand was a bit of a grouch. I wouldn’t say he was impolite... but he was gruff and did not speak more than necessary. I don’t know, for some reason I get a sense of resentment from him... I can only put that down to their schedule was messed up with the breakdown… or having to owe us and take on passengers. If it were only those then I cannot fault him for wanting to keep things like clockwork. Will keep an eye on things and keep out of the way.

I did what I could do to help out with the crew. They seemed enthusiastic once they noticed that I knew what I was doing. Not my first time on a sailing vessel and I certainly hope it won’t be my last. That went well until after a tea break when it all ended and there was nothing they wanted me to assist with. Given the looks I got from the first mate, I suspect he had given them a dressing down.

So here I am, keeping my distance and minimising my presence at the prow of the ship. It was a lovely day and the sun was nearing the horizon. One could almost forget their troubles... almost. There was something on the edge of my mind. Whispers which I cannot quite catch… The words too faint to comprehend the meaning. The more I try to focus, the less I can make out. I cannot explain except I feel a sense of sadness, guilt and dread.

As fleeting as the whispers were, so became my awareness of my surroundings and did not notice the footsteps on the decking approaching me until I felt a hand on my shoulder. I caught my breath and turned my head to see Kaylee beside me. I took a step to the side to share the railing with her.

“How did it go?” I asked her. She looked a little weary and a faint streak of grim marred her left cheek. She had been below deck with the engineers to ensure their engine was functioning properly.

“Letting it stretch its legs and purring like a kitty cat.” She leaned on the railing, looking down at the water below. The wind was blowing loose strands of hair wildly behind her and she reached up and tucked as best she could behind her ear. “Never seen an engine like that before but the principle is there same.” She looked back and gave me a wink. “It wasn’t hard to adapt and extrapolate.”

I chuckled softly. She always had a knack for machines and coaxing the best out of them. No doubt she had left this ship’s engineer wondering how she did it but no doubt they were appreciative and impressed with her work.

“Is that it?” Kaylee asked as she pointed ahead. “That looks rough… and steep.”

I followed her direction and saw the island, which image had been growing steadily on the horizon. Much closer now, it had a more distinguishable shape and looked like jagged teeth jutting out of the ocean. In the middle, my eyes straining to see through the shroud of mist surrounding it, rose a volcanic peak.

“On the surface, yes. I remember they tend to have most of their dwellings underground.” I answered. I could see white foam of water crashing against the black rocks. “Must have once been volcanic. There must be a network of caves that lead inland or-”

“The cove on the eastern side.” Another voice interrupted us, Captain Nayarue had snuck up on us. “We’ll be coming around to where the waters will be calmer however it will get rough around this stretch.” Her nose twitched as she looked out to the island. “I’d advise you hold on tight or step away from the edge.”

“Thank you for the heads up…” Kaylee looked to me, her eyes questioning about what we are to do.

“Thank you, I will stay here for a little bit longer. It’ll be alright.” I answered.

“Well, don’t expect me to get my fur wet swimming in after you.” Nayarue gave a toothy smirk. She turned and made her way back to the helm.

“It’s going to get rough.” Kaylee said lightly and pursed her lips, a small smile peeking out.

“It be fine, besides, I don’t think the first mate likes me…” I whispered back.

“Oh, don’t be ridiculous!” She hissed back, a hint of laughter in her voice. “I don’t think he likes anyone except the Captain.”

That made me chuckle. “Oh, I am not going to enter that web of intrigue…” I said to steer the conversation away. The last thing I wanted to discuss was about the physiology and compatibility of different species. So we spent some time going over what we could expect with the next stages of our journey.

Nayarue had told us that she’ll introduce us to the den after we get the carrack tied up and settled at the dock. That would give us time to mingle before dinner. Then they will arrange for the trip for Corellia.

We were getting close to the island, the wind was picking up too as the angle of the prow rose and dip more noticeably with the change of conditions. The cliffs were massive, my rough estimate that they were towering about one and a half, two hundred meters above us.

Kaylee’s com received a call, I held her close to me for balance while she answered it. With the noise of the wind and waves on rocks, I could only catch that it was from Ariek. I sense a change in Kaylee’s mood and brow furrowed, her eyes full of concern as she rapidly related instructions back. Streaks of water marked her cheeks, I could not tell if she was upset or if from the saline spray of the waves was making her eyes water.

“What happened?” I asked as saw her composure slip.

“Oh Rowan…” Kaylee leaned close, her arm tightened around me. Her voice strained. “It’s Se. Her condition... I’m so sorry.”

I didn’t know what to say, my voice caught in my throat. my eyes close as the black cliffs loomed above us and I held her close.



TAG: Ariek, Meril.

 

OOC: Chimaera logo sourced from Wookieepedia

Also, please note, Sabe's announcement to Eddard and his crew is quoted from LZM's post as her alternate, TheMaidofOrleans from GAW III dated 8 October '08

Again, another joint post with C-O. Thank you again for your aid and your wonderful contributions. And thank you LZM for the contribution of such vivid characters and for your bold gaming. This was a labor of love and I feel you brought to the game a much needed injection of electricity. All the best to you!


IC: Colonel Wullf Yularen, Agent Alexsandr Kallus, Quinlan Vos-Ledaren of the Kavalad, Emperor Anakin Skywalker, Lord Darth Vader, Re Mavrat of Ursa, Imperial Executive Assistant to the Executor, Ms. Soobie;, Grand Admiral Thrawn, Agent Sonuf “Sonny” Koul, Ms Shilling, Hsur Hgubmill


Location: Emperor’s former offices, Senate Building, Coruscant


“...the movement of Thrawn’s fleet...” said Anakin nodding. “And Her Highness, Sabe Amidala...?” Given what had transpired, Sabe would not be returning to the reception...in fact...


“Still at her Embassy, ‘Majesty.” Yularen answered.


Anakin looked up and out toward the Embassy district again, “Then the security escort is with the location team already at the Embassy?”


“Yes, Agent Koul and his team are with two patrol vehicles.”


Anakin seemed to come to a realization and turned back to Yularen quickly, “Get them inside that Embassy before she raises shields- I know Her Majesty well, Colonel- Contact my aid Di Toli and tell him to relay my command: Do not alert Sector Zero or Planetary Defense, only Carthaginian-He will delegate what is required of Grand Admiral Leitman. I do not wish to thrust Ursa in the political light. Put air cover overhead and have the Naboo ships boarded and communications jammed. Tell the Queen it is in answer to her concerns about a threat. Security is there at my express command. We cannot let her put the facility into lockdown or this will blow up further!” Anakin wanted to kick the chair in front of him through the window. If she did any more, if the Naboo continued, this matter would go far beyond his ability to shield Sabe and Naboo from the morass of the Imperial judicial system. It was only a day into his reign as Emperor, and the overhaul to the Imperial system was, as yet, words committed to a few data chips!


“Sabe,” said Anakin under his breath,teeth gritted, and then to Yularen he continue, “That should buy us some time. I need first to speak with Grand Admiral Thrawn, Naboo is currently his command. I want his perspective first. Remain here. I want your input, but monitor the progress with the detainees.”


“Of course…” Yularen answered and communicated the instructions via his datapad.

---

LOCATION: Outside the Naboo Embassy - Coruscant


The cabin’s calm was interrupted again by the light buzz of Sonuf Koul’s helmet com. Lifting it on quickly, as it was far faster than he could reach the one snug away in his bomber jacket, Koul could be seen by the others listening intently and they glanced, one to another as Koul answered someone in the affirmative before he spoke to the team members, “Looks like I am up. Keep the other patrol transport airborne,” he said loudly, speaking over the den of the amped engines, as the ship turned ‘round and angled down with speed. Signaling with his hands what he was saying, Koul commanded through his helmet headset, “Instruct security on the ground to secure the perimeter of the Embassy, silent running. Be prepared to counter attempts to seal the Embassy. Send message to Naboo control that we are landing just before you set us down in the forecourt, pilot.” Then Koul, clipping his pocket com to his wrist, looked to those around him and said, signaling as he yelled, “Team step out, but stay till my signal. We don’t want to set the Naboo off. Rifles on stun.”


“Roger, that, commander,” returned the cockpit, the other commandos nodding and acknowledging. “Naboo Embassy Command, this is Imperial Surveillance, Special Black Ops team, ‘Dovetail.’ Landing, Embassy forecourt, just an inquiry, copy?”


Something untoward must have happened. The team was asked to make an initial inquiry into a matter concerning the Queen’s return to the Embassy. Something was up and Agent Koul’s team was asked to approach the building, they were nearby to safeguard the Queen and her retinue, as supplement to her own guards. If there was resistance, they were to secure the facility and detain the Royal entourage.


The patrol transport settled down like a lady bird nestling in amongst her hatchlings. Koul, his team remaining outside, mounted the steps from the portcullis to the grand entrance, saluting the guards and flashing his security chip, entered the lobby with careful ease and walked up to reception to ask after the Head of Security or the Communications Director, Sonjay Smithnas. “We noted the Queen and Senator have returned to the Embassy and I’m sent to inquire if there’s anything amiss,” he said, lifting his visor and looking with friendly concern to the staffer behind the desk.


Koul had a clear understanding of his mission and of the Naboo. He’d been prepared carefully and instructed, “do nothing, no matter how small a gesture, to suggest aggression unless absolutely unavoidable.” So he leaned into his helmet in a listening stance and said smiling, “I’m instructed to see to Her Majesty, personally.”


“That won’t be necessary. We have our own security and I’m afraid Her Majesty is in conference and cannot be disturbed.” said the receptionist, signaling to the guards. Koul looked from the left to the right reaches of the lobby, as the Naboo guards approached him from either side. Clearly they were going to “sublumin’n 60.”


“I’ll be careful not to disturb her, then,” said Koul smiling as he tapped the com on his wrist, signaling that the Naboo had gone into “fight or flight mode”, and that the ground team must move in,, as well as half of his team, waiting outside to secure the entrance, lobby, facility security and engineering.


The Naboo guards blocking his path, Koul put a hand up. “I’m sent by his Imperial Majesty the Emperor. I take my office as seriously as you take yours. Who do you think I’m going to answer to if I fail in my duty? No one wants an incident. I am here to protect. I will not fail in my duty.” said Koul quietly and directly. “Now, you can assist or obstruct-in which case you are under arrest.”


“We answer to Her Majesty Queen Amidala...”


“Sergeant, I get the message behind your words and I’m afraid I’m going to have to insist-” said Koul. At this point, all around the Embassy, the combined clicks of a chorus of E-11 blaster rifles could be heard, including in the lobby. “-and sir,” said Agent Koul, directing the receptionist, “you keep your hands back of your head and step out from behind the desk without sudden movement, if you please,” said Koul.


The receptionist did not “please,” and reached to press an alarm on the counter, where upon he was hit by a stunning blast that ripped across the desk and caught the man square in the bicep leaving him to crumple to the floor where he stood, his arm depressing the alarm. Koul blew out of the side of his mouth in exasperation before clutching the trigger on his blaster, yet again, to catch another Naboo trying to exit the lobby at the far left and back.


Alerted to the melee in the lobby, the ground team leader gave his own signal for the Naboo Embassy rotunda to be breached from the balconies and the royal entourage secured. Small canon and gun emplacements had to be neutralized in the process of landing on the rotunda, not the least reason being the injuries and damage to surrounding Embassies should the munitions and blasts have been released. While there were no fatalities, there were arrests, for the Naboo had made every effort to circumvent the Imperials’ securing of the Embassy.

---

Location: Emperor’s former offices, Senate Building, Coruscant


After a short wait which the Ledaren insisted upon, Kallus and the Ledaren entered Ms. Shilling’s room. The wait had given her time to reflect and now she sat shaking, though not nearly as much as when the Ledaren seemed somehow to trigger a door in the ceiling to slide open and a small black orbed drone to float down, connected and anchored by retractable and hinged arm to someplace in the ceiling. The instrument was familiar to Kallus, who tried not to look questioningly to the Ledaren, to which Vos held up a hand and then spoke.


“Ms. Shilling, this device was designed to be used in instances where detainees show resistance to answering questions. It has never been used in this room, or at all. We will not make this the first time.” He held up his hand and waved two fingers back and up in subtle movement, whereupon the orb receded into the darkness of the ceiling above. Vos then nodded his dreaded head to Kallus to begin.


“Ms. Shilling,” he said sitting across from the shaking woman, who, upon Agent Kallus’ address, began to slither from her chair. Now he understood why the chairs and table were affixed to the floor. As Vos extended the chair into a lounge and helped Hgubmill’s assistant back onto it, Ms Soobie showed up with a sweet watery drink.


She said as she entered, to Kallus’ surprise. “It’s not unusual. Here Ms. Shilling, this should help....Oh, don’t be silly, here! Let me!” Soobie took a sip, and held out her hands, “See!” Handing the warm tea back to Ms. Shilling, Ms. Soobie smiled and stepped out of the room, the door sliding into locked position after her.


“These first questions are about timing, but first, let’s verify your identity... Once Ms. Shilling began to believe she was not going to perish, the questioning went very fast; Yes she was who her identity chip said she was and she had worked at HNN and with Hsur for 5 years. She received the call from the Station Chief, Mr. Luvis Grant. No, normally, they would have vetted the call, checking to see if the reported activity was actually as reported, but due to the time, Hsur felt it was best to get the article up immediately...Was this normal procedure for journalists-to not review and consult with an analyst in the field? “Well, no, as I said, we would have had the the key elements fact-checked.” Was it normal protocol for a journalist to authorize network disruption? “No....no, not..., but Hsur thought ...”


So it was Hsur who ordered the technician to interrupt the other networks?


“Yes.”


Kallus asked as per Yularen’s instruction, for the Colonel listened as the interview proceeded through his headset and communicated via his pad, “Do you know or are you acquainted with the person or persons who made this call?”


“No, but as I said, the call came through the front desk and the Station Chief sent it to me.”


Again Yularen wrote a question in response which Kallus asked of the Shilling, “Did the Station Chief give any directions with this call pertaining to how it should be handled?”


“Just that it looked like a quickly evolving story and to bring it to Hsur’s notice immediately.”


Kallus listened to the droid voice speaking the words Yularen wrote and then asked, “Was there anything in his words to indicate he advocated running the story as delivered from the Naboo?”


“Well...it seemed urgent...but, no...Mr. Grant did not tell me to run the story unvetted, if that’s what you are getting at.”... “Mr. Hgubmil is my superior, though he does ask for my input, but...on this occasion-right, yes upon listening to the Senator from Naboo’s message this evening, he did not give me time to advise.” ... “No, I did not remind him about protocol. I’m so used to his calling the shots, that I didn’t think to object...No, I mean it occured to me that COMPNOR was going to object...Yes, I knew that it was against regulations for Hsur to make the decision and give the directive to interrupt the other networks-Agent Kallus?”


“Yes?”


“What’s going to happen to me?” asked Ms. Shilling.


Kallus had to ask her to wait while he listened to the Colonel’s response and then he said,“I think that will depend on your Station Chief, HNN, and...apparently, there is another matter with which I am not familiar.”


Shilling hesitated and looked from Vos with his striking yellow facial tatt to the bearded Agent Kallus. “You mean, you aren’t imprisoning me?”


“Is there a reason you believe the state should imprison you without trial?”


Shilling looked a bit teary with relief as she wiped her face with the back of her hand, Alex, Agent Kallus, reaching in his pocket to withdraw and offer her a small neatly folded square. Taking it gratefully and mouthing her thanks, Shilling continued, “Well, I guess I thought-”


Vos stepped forward and interrupted, “Your testimony may be required should there prove need for a trial for any or all involved. You’ll be notified. However, the Emperor would prefer to start his reign with little drama or conflict. I will remind you, this is an open investigation, you are not to talk with anyone about this incident save the investigators originally assigned you or your legal representative unless you receive authorized notification otherwise. Everything you say is admissible as evidence and may be used against you.”


“I know that people disappear, Ledaren. Am I supposed to believe I’ll receive a fair hearing?” said Hsur’s assistant, but with failing confidence.


“I am not given to useless speech,” commented Vos, arms crossed over his chest. ”I can attest that Agent Kallus is a decent human being from my brief knowledge of him. Throwing up a lot of steam and smoke will not improve your situation and I have advised you to consider your words before you speak them!” Ms. Shilling looked open-mouthed from Alex to the Ledaren and then recognizing the Ledaren’s warning, nodded and looked still confused.


Vos continued, a little less formally, “There might still be a chance you may sleep in your own bed this evening Ms. Shilling, but we must keep you longer. I’m sure if you need it, Ms. Soobie will bring you more tea or something to eat. We will have more questions for you. Until then, you will remain in here. This button will call Ms. Soobie or another assistant. You are allowed to talk with your trooper.” He looked over to Agent Kallus, “Agent ISB-021, we’d better interview the next detainee.”

---

The large transponder lit up the northside wall with the seal of the Imperial Admiralty indicating the secured delimited channel quickly dissolving and replaced by the Chimaera’s striking insignia-a mythical creature with snakes heads, two serpent tentacle maws and eight spindly legs;





A com ops officer’s voice identified the flag ship, announcing that the Grand Admiral was ready to take receipt of the call whereupon, the former Executor’s office lit with the distinct pale light of the holo image as the flickering striation momentarily interrupted the insignia that was now pierced by the gaze of two intense and glowing red eyes.


Before Anakin and the Colonel, rose the distinctive blue hued features of the Chiss. "Grand Admiral Thrawn" said Anakin reservedly.


Thrawn’s scarlet eyes shifted a fraction. "Your Royal Majesty, Re Mavrat Ursa, "


“I am accompanied by Colonel Wilhuff Yularen of...” said the Emperor, pausing suddenly in frustration, his mind so full, he felt his head was a melon in a pressure cooker. “...ISB.”


“Colonel.” Thrawn greeted with a nod and his usual non-commital but respectful tone..


“Grand Admiral.” Yularen’s moustache twitched. “It’s good to see you again.”


Anakin nodded, concurring with the Colonel, while to himself, he was beginning to admit, in silence, the things he'd known, but had chosen to suppress and lifting his head he swallowed and gave a small, quick smile to Yularen before looking to Thrawn.


“You and Colonel Yularen know one another.” Anakin gestured with a sweep of his hand. The niceties were a drag on the precious commodity of time. “Tell me about your fleet and it's disposition around Naboo. Time is of the essence. I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to speak quickly.”


Thrawn's eyes shifted between Anakin to Yularen and back again. "My fleet in the Chommell Sector consists of 25 Star Destroyer class warships, 60 medium support vessels and 110 light support vessels. There is a mix of Squadron types assigned to those bringing to an approximation of over 160 Squadrons. The ones that are present around Naboo consists of four destroyers, two ISD I and two Victory-Classes... in addition to those are Captain Verus' flotilla which consists of a mixture of medium to light support vessels, made up of Arquitens, Raider, Gonzanti, Strike, Lancer, Quasar Fire carriers…” Thrawn’s gaze shifted to off screen. “would you require the specific count of each class for that makeup?”


"That won’t be necessary just yet,” said Anakin quickly, urging the Grand Admiral to continue


“Very well... The four destroyers are positioned as equal distance as possible around the planet... the support ships fill the spaces in between with a TIE sentry screen. There is an overlap of coverage to ensure support where needed and the capital and support ships are angled so that the planet is on one broadside and the other facing outward. They are to orbit the planet, their flight paths randomised to reduce the element of predictability while also maintaining range between each vessel. While it is not an optimal position... it allows greater coverage from threats from both outside and within, especially if something slips through and goes for the surface.”


Anakin sat back upon the edge of a desk, arms folded and looked to the holo projection to his right, wet his lips, acknowledging what Thrawn was saying with a couple of nods. “You understand, I have requested that fleet command keep meticulous track of Admiralty resources as the War is still devolving-We seemed to have misplaced some ships-When your fleet resources were reallocated, it triggered an alert. So, you say that you expect a threat?”


“We've already experienced one and a high indication that it will happen again,” Thrawn stated matter of factly.


Anakin furrowed his brow and recalled aloud, “So your caution is based on recent experience with the Naboo?”


“Yes and also in relation to recent galactic events too. Naboo was Palpatine's homeworld and no doubt a symbol, amongst other things.”


Anakin looked up abruptly and trained his gaze on Thrawn. “Naboo’s Queen endures a great deal of anxiety over the sovereignty and safety of her planet. She trusts in very little and is prone to cast reason aside to jump to conclusions and, it seems, all her staff follow suite. Her Majesty has met your actions with dangerous consequence.”


"I see… Thrawn’s eyes narrowed a fraction. “...That is unfortunate given Governor Eicestor had been informed of my concerns for the safety of their world. The Nabooian Queen and I had spoken briefly soon afterwards and she had informed me that she had been presented a recording of that conversation. She then promised to discuss further when I return from tending to the disruption at the Arrissa’s Field. However... that promise was never fulfilled as she had slipped away from Naboo regardless of the “Code Red” in place.”


The two studied one another for a moment and then Anakin responded. “It is unfortunate indeed and furthermore, she believes she faces a threat from your fleet.”


Concurring, Thrawn appeared to nod, "Yes, she welcomes chaos to her home with open arms... I think it is best you are informed of what has transpired over this past week while you were participating in the Kalee Campaign"

---

Questioning the technician proved a little more brief. “No, we normally have an analyst go over the facts. But, hey, I was a pilot for a short time and I told Hsur that the ship deployments- those formations did not look like an offense on the planet. I told him that was straight up defense, but he talked over me and told me to “shut it.” I almost walked out of the box...Yeah, right, I refused to interrupt the feeds, but Hsur threatened to see me fired. Normally, he doesn’t care, but this time he got all righteous, even though the day before when we interviewed Lord Va...I mean His Majesty, Emperor Vad...I’m sorry, what are we calling His Majesty?” Kallus waved the question aside and the technician continued, “Hsur was all- ’This is going to be a new era!’” said the tech, doing a pretty passable impersonation of the famous newsman.


It was Hsur Hgubmill, however, who proved every bit as difficult as Kallus expected, knowing the holo personality for his famous self-importance. Answering every question with a question of his own, Hsur, bluffed and issued thinly veiled threats and accusations of wrongful detention. Kallus, too, knew from Hsur’s many claims and the background check the agent was given, that Hsur spent a lot of time in the field in the early part of the Clone War.


Finally, suffering enough of Hsur’s forked tongue, Vos stepped forward and pinned Hsur’s left hand beneath his own upon the utilitarian table in front of him. Closing his eyes in concentration, the Ledaren’s hand contacting the large hand of Mr. Hgubmil and the bulky ring on his last digit. “Meetings, in secret, dark ...crashing down from above, many credits, a corporation...names....”


“Let go of me,” demanded Hgubmil.


“I do not understand all I have “seen” and “heard” in my mind, Mr. Hgubmil, but you’d better believe, I will find out,” warned Vos.


“Are you threatening me, sir?” asked Hsur standing abruptly.


“No, Mr. Hgubmil, I don’t make threats,” declared the Kiffu. “I am stating fact.”


Kallus who was receiving instructions from Yularen stepped in and assured Mr. Hgubmil that the Ledaren was not threatening the newsman. “However, Mr. Hgubmil, much of what the Ledaren stated, is showing up in our files on you. You will be required to answer further questions.” Rising, Kallus and Vos exchanged silent signals and the agent spoke to the newsman as he had his assistant and then both the Ledaren and Agent Kallus stepped outside the locked door. “He’s in pretty deep!” said Kallus to the Ledaren, to which Vos simply nodded.


Kallus hand his data pad to Vos. Aftem a minute of perusal, the Ledaren stood from where he had been leaning a shoulder holding up the wall.


“Confer with the Colonel. No doubt he has questions he’ll want to ask,” said Vos, handing the pad to the agent and folding his arms across his chest, adding, “Agent Kallus, order a chip injection for all of them, just to be on the safe side.”

---

“Please. Continue.” said Anakin, with each word spoken, feeling more and more the weight of having indulged dangerously with regard to Naboo and his own frustration with his concern at Thrawn’s gaze.


The Chiss paused for a moment, the silence drawing the Emperor’s gaze back up. Once he looked to Thrawn, the Grand Admiral continued. "There's more at work than what is reflected on the surface, but the core of this started when a representative from the Union came to Naboo for matters of a private nature... there were some disruptions surrounding his presence. However, it opened dialogue for diplomacy between the Union and Naboo.... Then it appeared the Naboo regretted the endeavor and no longer wished to continue the detente with the Union. The Queen then asked for help in defending Naboo against the eight Union ships that were to escort the Duchess to Naboo. We had 5 Destroyers in orbit, along with our squadrons of TIEs… The ships never arrived, their progress halted at Derra, thanks to Imperial intervention... and the Union Ambassador was allowed to go.... on the condition they leave the... ‘Chommell system’…” Thrawn said carefully.


Yularen furrowed his brow as he heard that. Surely it was a mistake. Anakin’s expression now remained neutral, as he listened without comment, though it seemed to Yularen he exerted some measure of control to remain so.


Thrawn continued. “Now, the extent of the Queen's power does not extend beyond the world of Naboo. She has no authority over Chommell Minor, the Chommell System nor the Chommell Sector. There had been several attempts by the Ambassador to leave the Naboo system, yet the Naboo continued recalling the shuttle until finally, Her Highness Queen Sabe Amidala herself announced over an open broadcast that the ambassador was a Jedi… I have an archived recording and you may hear Her Majesty’s own words…”


Only a few moments of silence intervened before Sabe’s voice could be heard, in her cultured speech:

“ Lord Advisor, we have received your message. Due to your refusal of our request to leave the borders of Chommel we must now withdraw our invitation to receive your leader, the Duchess Jori Atreides. Therefore you and your fleet no longer have a reason to remain within Imperial territory. As you were once a Jedi, and therefore as Jedi were skilled in diplomacy you should know that your leader has no power or authority in Chommel or any other system under the jurisdiction of the Empire. Therefore, again, you have no valid reason for remaining in Imperial space. If you remain in Imperial space, His Majesty’s military will look upon your fleet as one of invasion and will respond accordingly. If you wish to commit mass suicide , that is your choice, not ours. We Naboo, nor the other member planets of the Empire take threats against our welfare lightly and will defend ourselves. If you attempt violence, we will respond in kind. This message and the complete history of your dealings with Naboo, including your arrival upon Naboo and your most current message shall be sent to His Majesty, Emperor Palpatine, the Imperial Senate, and Lord Darth Vader, His Majesty’s Executor as well as every Imperial ship in the Chommel system and beyond. I would suggest you retreat with all speed from Imperial space and return to Union territory.”​

Thrawn eyed both Anakin and Yularen for their expressions... "That transmission was not private and as you can imagine, what followed immediately after was a break down of protocol from certain assets from within and outside of the sector... turning Naboo into veritable hunting grounds."


Anakin did not look to Thrawn but stared out of the tiny slats that closed from view the cityscape outside. Anakin had reason to find Lightbringer a foolish old man, but Master Eddard had acted on Sabe’s invitation. When she could not control the situation, she baited and entrapped him and then declared open season on the old Jedi with that announcement, knowing what the result would be.


Thrawn recounted how the code red went into effect, how he stayed on Naboo to find out the cause as to why Sabe outed the Ambassador as a Jedi and what her connection to him was. How the shuttle had been chased, retrieved by Captain Eclipse and her Squadron and brought back to Naboo. How Admiral Jon Thaw entered Thrawn’s protectorate to claim said shuttle which caused a conflict between Admiral Jon Thaw and Captain Eclipse. How he fired upon her in orbit over Naboo... it continued as the squadron lead a merry chase with him onto the Arrissa's field. How it was deemed necessary to put the investigation on hold to put an end to the escalation personally, after the meeting with the Governor had taken place about the safety of their world. The Chimaera arrived with the Judicator and Stormhawk. Admiral Jon Thaw’s Destroyer left as the shuttle had been recovered by the Relentless. The loss of the Ragnarök and how the Relentless arrived at Naboo and took its place with the forces there with the Union shuttle on board.


"I see,” said the Emperor, without turning to the holo, ”and in all that hubris, Captain Eclipse was revealed as a double agent and is a fatality.” He had been hard on Juno, but they had a respectful rapport. An excellent pilot and captain, as Executor, he had seen to her commission himself. Now, what had come of all that skill? Juno had simply been turned charred fodder for Sabe’s phobic rant against the Empire. Anakin smirked, at least Juno with her death had helped fan the fire of rebellion and she would probably approve, he thought with irony.


“What material left has been recovered and secured onboard the Chimaera, available per your review when we arrive and at your convenience-yet,there is more regarding that thread. However, it is unconnected to the situation at hand… and the situation at hand is connected to the Naboo. I’ve been informed by Captain Dorja that the Naboo have suspended inbound and outbound traffic and activated their planetary shields under direction of Governor Eicestor.”


Anakin gestured to Yularen to corroborate.


The Colonel nodded and stepped forward. “We have been in the thick of it, Grand Admiral, well aware of the situation developing in Naboo and here. In addition, we have intercepted and decoded several inbound communications that were put to unfortunate exploit.


This was no doubt, a strange experience for Thrawn, thought Anakin. This was nothing like the juntas that Sidious would hold and further and Anakin knew he was much changed since their last encounter. Not wishing to meet Thrawn’s knowing gaze, he continued to look out to the Embassy district, his profile to the Grand Admiral, but he interrupted Yularen to say, “Yes, exploits! The Naboo portrayed your fleet’s actions as aggressive and saw fit to spin their opinion to the Holonet News as fact. There was no vetting, no analysis, and it was nearly broadcast but for the intervention of Colonel Yularen and the ISB. The communications were relayed from Naboo’s Embassy to the editorial desk at the Senate Reception whereupon a hastily assembled news article was hobble together as a means to coerce me to speak publicly to their mistake!,” said Anakin tightly, but calmly. “The newscaster took authority upon himself and had his technician interrupt the feeds of all other networks operating from the assembly hall this evening. However, we were able to prevent the broadcast. While we have detained the parties involved for questioning, the Queen, the Senator, and the rest of the entourage is ...holed up in the Nabooian Embassy, which we are currently breaching and securing against lock down and further attempts at disseminating their interpretation of your fleet’s maneuvers. Unfortunately, the matter escalated far too quickly and the damage is done..” - It mattered little to Anakin whether the veil was down with regard to his association with the Naboo Queen. Thrawn had long ago understood something of his past. There was no point in posturing. Anakin cleared his throat, thumbs in scabbard and turned to face the Chiss.

---

By the time Koul reached the rotunda, the drama there had already played out. The Agent was presented with the handmaidens half-scattered toward the points of the Imperial breach, the balcony casements and the main entrance and the rest lying about the queen, stunned. Naboo’s queen stood in the center of the room with her own small handheld pistol, Senator Owney clasping his left arm, his hand, twitching and smouldering with a bubbling hiss from a bad burn, next to him on the floor, an ignited red light saber burning an oblong hole in the carpet. To the left of the queen, lay Dr. Senob, his medical bag on the floor beside him and the contents half spilled out, inclusive of several small geometric pyramidal and square curiously glowing carved crystals.


“Collect those items and bring them to me,” directed Koun pointing to Senob’s medical bag and it’s contents. “It is, unfortunately an intrusion, but you will need to pad these hand maids down and Her Majesty as well. They are noted for concealed weapons...and someone triage this wound,” said Koul as he took Owney’s arm to gage the severity of the burn. “You’re never going to play the violin again,” he said, handing Owney into the care of a another black garbed operative with a medical kit. Gingerly, Koul knelt and after a few careful tries, deactivated Vader’s saber, rising to grasp a vase of fresh cut flowers and douse the little fire in the carpet, waving at the smoke and coughing.


“Sorry about your carpet, Your Majesty, and I must ask you to please put the safety on your weapon and toss it on the floor in front of you - why is this floor vibrating?”


TAG: Carthaginian, Capt. Vectis and All Stars, Leitman, Vos, Sabe, Senob, Owney, Kallus, Colonel Yularen, Agent Koul, di Toli, Lt. Solinova, Ms. Soobie, detainees

 

OOC: An immense pleasure! This is a joint post with the talented and patient C_O and Pash! Thank you for including me!

IC: Grand Admiral Magnus Carthaginian, Senator Bail Organa, Princess Leia Organa and Senator Riyo Chuchi
Location: Senate Building, Coruscant

Jokingly, Bail noted the time dragging on as Riyo and the company in which they stood began to run out of conversation. “I believe it’s time for cogent quotes and puns, gentlebeings, and we’d be advised to ‘start drinking heavily!’-You did not hear me say that!” Having put his impolitic foot in his mouth, he coughed and told Riyo, he’d find refreshment for them, “speaking of ‘heavily,’” he said and dashed off as soon as he had her choice.

After 15 minutes of navigating the handshakes and greetings, Organa thanked the bartender who took his drink order and set down his tip, grabbing the two Coruscantinis, one for him and one for Riyo. Turning carefully in the tight crowd gathering at the “watering hole,” he slid sideways, by shear assertion, through the slimming interstices between beings, holding the grand coupes aloft, a spotted shura flower in each glass.

“Careful...excuse me...yes...tomorrow, my office or yours?...Will do!...Hello Senator!...Coming through...” he said, glancing about for his guest, Jadina Weiss-Hexa, and looking up to the two tempests of deceptive clear spirits he carried aloft like two precious offerings to the “gods.” It was then, glancing over his right shoulder, he noted a flicking and then striated lines on a large monitor just outside the Atrium. He wasn’t certain, but it seemed the screen had gone blank. For a split second, he thought something was coming across, but no, it was definitely blank space! Technical difficulties?

However, before he could give more thought to the matter, the Alderaanian Senator met with something or someone of substance, tall, groomed, and impeccably dressed in white. Coming to an abrupt stop, a few drops of Coruscantini “rain” spraying over the thin edge of the two coupes he guarded, Bail smiled apologetically.

“Grand Admiral Carthaginian!” said Bail nearly bumping into the white clad officer. “Sorry about that. Hope I didn't spoil the uniform. It's been awhile-at least, since you were made a ‘grand.’”

With his free hand Carthaginian brushed at the dark spots on his uniform, their greying circles settling in for the long haul.

“Yes,” he said, through a thin smile. “They are impossible to keep clean. No matter.”

Bail winced slight and asked, “How's your uncle?”

Magnus bowed his head to the Senator.

“He is well, thank-you. I suspect there are few people as eager as he is for the coming Sessions. Debate, as you know, is as dear to his heart as a lollipop to a child,” Magnus said, pausing to brush at his uniform again and mused seemingly to himself, “Yes. Truly impossible to keep clean.”

“I used to see him often at the opera,” Bail continued. “Ever since my wife passed, I don't really get out to the theatre much.” Truth be told, it reminded him too much of Breha and the joviality, the salutations, and gaiety only served to remind him that her beautiful, gentle, and lively presence was missing from his life, though, he thought, looking from one coupe to the other, he had found a lot to distract him in his friend Riyo, among other things.

Magnus’ lip twitched at the mention of his wife’s passing. He really had been out of touch with the political scene of the galaxy as a whole. The death of a monarch, especially one as galaxy-wide renowned as Breha, Queen of Alderaan, had escaped his notice. He silently noted Bail’s lack of attack or even overtly correcting him in his misstep. A true politician. His uncle had not been incorrect at the Senator’s ease and charm.

Still, it only heightened Magnus’ awareness that he was far out of his depth in these circles. Since leaving Coruscant for his commission under Lord Vader, he had rarely returned home to his home planet. The unceasing war had kept him outside of the social circle and his civil knowledge was as dated as his place in this world.

“Yes,” Magnus replied after a pause. “He is still a patron of the arts, as far as I know.”

Closer to the truth, the elder Carthaginian was more a patron of the female performers than the actual arts, but in their meeting earlier in the day, his Uncle had remarked to Magnus that Senator Organa had been more or less absent from the public events they’d often shared. He had alluded, instead, to the rumors of Organa’s association with certain characters as Sabe Amidala and the missing Mon Mothma. Though, they were reportedly just rumours.

Parted from one another and arriving, as if on cue, Riyo could be heard as Leia could be seen, the Princess running up between a set of very expensive bejeweled capes with owners attached. Bail raised his brows and said, “Well!” at Leia, and then watched in amusement as Senator Chuchi slipped through after the violet and gold clad Princess.

Straightening her dress and brushing a wisp of violet hair from her soft blue brow, Riyo breathily said to Bail, “We thought you could use a hand......” her voice trailing off as she saw the officer obviously in conversation with her friend.

“Grand Admiral, you know Senator Chuchi, and my daughter, Her Highness, Princess Leia,” said Bail proudly. This was really the first chance he'd had to present Leia in public and he could kick himself for not making it more of an occasion.

Leia had thrown herself around Bail's left leg laughing, but upon being introduced, turned and curtsied and said, "So pleased to meet you, Grand Admr'l, sir.”

Magnus bowed to the princess. Children had never been his forte.

“I am honored to meet you, Your Highness,” he said, whilst bowed. “Might I be permitted to say, you’ve chosen a wonderful evening upon which to be out. Evenings such as this will be remembered throughout the Empire for generations, and Her Highness honors us with her presence.”[/color]

Righting himself, and aware of the likely emptiness of the words on the child, Magnus met the gaze of Senator Chuchi with a smirk.

Leia shifted from one foot to the other in the awkward moment, looking up to her father and Bail gave her a quick wink. Leia’s smile broadened. Her father used to laugh and play with her, but for the longest while now, he was busy and he always seemed to be displeased by the things she did, scolding and forbidding her from making her toys float and fly, sliding on the railings of the formal stairway, or running and sliding in the hallway. Now, the Grand Admiral said she’d made a good choice and her father approved! She felt very grown up and special.

"Grand Admiral...I’ve heard so much about you." Chuchi smiled lightly as she stood with her left hand on Leia’s shoulder and offered her right for the Grand Admiral to take. "A pleasure to see you in person."

“It is my privilege, Senator, to meet you,” Magnus said, taking her offered hand and bowing low over it, showing a leg in formal greeting.

The maneuver allowed him a moment’s pause to shift his gears mentally from his original course and prepare another tack. Before the two of them, and the child, he sought to head into the proverbial wind.

As the Grand Admiral righted himself several people excused their way through, momentarily separating Carthaginian from the small group.

“Oh, here…” said Riyo, smiling graciously and glancing to the drinks occupying Bail’s grip. “Let me give you a free hand…” another attendee, slipping through and parting the two before Chuchi could nimbly grasp the coupe’s stem. She reached around back and barely pulled the coupe up and over as they were jostled in the stream of new arrivals to the counter. The corner of Riyo’s mouth lifted up in slight amusement at their predicament as she took the other glass, too.

Finally able to greet the Grand Admiral properly, nonetheless, he found Leia grasping his hands in order not to be parted from her father by the press of beings around them.

The Grand Admiral placed his emptied flute on the top of a server droid and turned back to the two senators and the princess.

“I am glad the both of you were spared the destruction of the Senate building, yesterday. For us who serve, danger is part of our sacrifice for the Empire. But, at home, we hope for the safety for all under our protection from insurrection and violence.”

Bail blinked as he noted a seeming inflection to the word “insurrection.” He wasn’t certain, but he nodded, “Yes...”, he said noncommittally.

Looking down at the Princess, Magnus noted his somber tone was perhaps too strong in the presence for someone her age.

Leia, studying the imposing officer with her large soulful brown eyes, a sweet dimpled smile on her face, leaned nonchalantly, her back to her father, looking up at the Grand Admiral, almost, it seemed, coyly-a tendency shared with her birth-mother, had anyone known to remark upon it.

“I am sure Your Highness has enough to concern herself with without thinking about things like that,” he added. “Nevertheless…it is harder to tell friend from foe these days, is not, Senators?”

Another buzz at his pocket let the Grand Admiral know that his last captains had checked in and received his private communique, as he continued.

“Ah, I did forget,” he noted with a point of his finger, feigning, for the moment, his forgetfulness. “You two were listed as observers to the official…”

He paused, and mouthed the word behind his hand, hiding it from Leia.

“…autopsy. Is this true?”

Bail sniffed with a smirk close following. “OH quite true! I'd say you can’t get any deader than that ....”

“Oh, shhh...” Riyo’s braids jostled as she shook her head, trying to keep a neutral expression. Bail’s remark was amusing, but probably a bit insensitive. “I trust Senator Organa was confirming our presence and the findings.”

Bail guffawed. “Oh Magnus, knows I was no sycophant-still, yes, it’s true, the remains revealed him to be greatly advanced in age-almost decrepit. It was not a pretty sight,” said Organa, careful not to say anything he felt would alarm Leia or give much away.

“So I’m told,” Magnus nodded. “Death rarely is.”

“Apparently, there was massive and severe trauma, not a bone unbroken-a slow and painful end,” said Bail, forcing himself to turn his smile into a frown. “I was skeptical going in-he was such a ....stubborn fixture, it’s hard to imagine him gone but, the DNA, the causes of ...ahem...his having passed, which, they say, was not immediate, all align with the conditions on the battlefield at the time,” said Bail, matter of factly, and then he finished, lifting his coupe and said, “Cheers!”

Bail suddenly gave a slight wince and listed sharply toward Senator Chuchi, whereupon he looked at her wide-eyed and shrugged, “What?!”

Magnus considered them both with his thin-lipped smirk for another moment. An interesting pair, these two. But, was Organa’s flippant attitude meant to incite a comment, or was the action itself a commentary of his own opinion? Magnus wasn’t wholly sure.

Riyo’s golden eyes remained focused on the Grand Admiral, her lips held a sweet, innocent smile before she brought the rim of her glass to take a sip of the Coruscantini.

“The Emperor is Dead, Long Live the Emperor. But, still a grievous responsibility, to be sure,” Magnus admitted. “You seem to be in high spirits now, as you should be. These are exciting times. Tell me, Senator Riyo…Pantora,” he said, nodding. “Your people found themselves awfully close to the front lines of the Clone Wars. I believe, if memory serves, that our esteemed new Emperor was even present at a battle there. Have you by chance met?”

TAG: Bail Organa, Leia Organa, Riyo Chuchi

 

~OOC~ This post has been a joint effort between @pashatemur and @Kalio_Dynkos . Thank you so much for the opportunity and for being a part of it.

~IC~ Grand Admiral Magnus Carthaginian, Senator Bail Organa, Princess Leia Organa and Senator Riyo Chuchi
Location: Senate Building, Coruscant

Riyo remembered the incident clearly for it was instrumental in shaping who she had become.

“Hmmm... yes...” She said, after a sip from her drink, a hint of indigo coloured her cheeks. “The Gild Station incident on Ord Plutonia... we first met then to coordinate between Republic forces and the Pantoran Assembly and investigate why the outpost had gone silent. Imagine our surprise discovering that the ‘seps’ had made an outpost there … and naturally we assumed it was them. However, they were ‘silenced’ as well. Who could resist a good mystery to solve?”

She allowed a small smile. “We later learnt that there’s an indigenous species on that world. It’s a frozen planet, we thought no one could survive there. Turns out, the outposts had been a major disruption to them-they only wanted peace and to be left alone. It’s terribly regrettable, but we blundered. Our Chairman at the time initiated conflict with the Talz, with Ma...Anakin’s guidance, we stopped… I…” She moistened her lips. She had left out about how General Kenobi had been instrumental, as was Skywalker’s Protocol droid. “I still feel that icy wind, the chill has never left my bones,” she said, remembering and recounting how frightened she had been taking those steps towards the large imposing Talz leader, mounted on a great Narglatch, unsure if he was going to impale her on his spear. Her resolve was strong and each step was made easier. “We were able to broker peace with the Chieftain and I am proud to say, a peace which still stands to this day-but yes, there was a reprisal strike from the Confederacy and we were grateful for his Majesty’s efforts in warding the Separatists off.”

She glanced down to her drink. “Cho died, he believed, for his people, but in his fervor, he destroyed in our name. I know in my heart he believed he was right…” She tilted her head, her warm golden eyes fixed upon the Grand Admiral and Bail. “But, sometimes, the ‘right thing’ is not in the fight, but in the choosing not to....”

Bail looked down at his coupe for a brief moment, returning his gaze to Riyo, his lips pursed and giving her a tight smile, he looked to the Grand Admiral.

“A wiser statement I’ve not heard, Senator Chuchi,” Magnus said. “Though, the battle is not always a choice as one might suspect. Still, it shows a lot about you, Senator, in that the experience has made you stronger as you’ve come out of it. For that, we can be thankful.”

“It does take strength.” Riyo agreed, a small smile as her eyes met his. “Thank you, Grand Admiral.”

Bail raised a brow. Again, he hadn’t realized what he expected, but Magnus’ response surprised him. Carthaginian, carried his legacy bearing as well as he carried the family name. His uncle was always possessed of noble obligation, propriety, and a natural grace that made him much beloved and admired for his easy manner and receptivity regardless of whether he thought one a fool or a sage. Bail found the Grand Admiral somewhat less warm, but nonetheless every bit as tactful and considerate as he listened to Chuchi’s recounting and responded. And, yes, he nodded, concurring with the officer, one did not always feel one had the choice. We stand on opposite sides, but we share the same sentiment, thought Bail.

Taking a sip of his Coruscantini, Organa motioned with his coupe in hand,“Quite a turn out!” looking about them at the swelling crowd, his glance, for a moment, halting and then returning to Magnus. “I don’t know what I expected, but of course, this is a rather important moment in the Galaxy’s history with such a shift in leadership,” he found himself saying and realizing that the power vacuum had been filled without bloodshed with the exception of the war’s end, he glanced down and then gave a brief smile. Was it due to the public’s notorious short-term political memory or did they really need to believe that Vader was really the man he pretended to be when he called himself Skywalker? Bail reminded himself, that he had, certainly. He’d even called him “friend.”

Bail looked about the room again and raised his glass to a tall woman in a cream and gold suit. He returned his attention to Carthaginian. “I am enjoying myself -but you, I imagine it’s good to be home though a bit strange. The fleets have been away on longer than usual details this past year. Family life is vastly different than life on the flagship; it’s a big adjustment. Will you be rotating off or putting in for continued tour,” asked Bail.

“I have interests in Imperial Center that require my attention,” Magnus replied gravely and simply.

Nodding toward the daias, Bail said, “Your boss is now Emperor, puts you in a different position, doesn’t it? It’s no secret the Admiralty don’t particularly care for Vader, and of course, he’s not exactly the easiest of bosses.”

Magnus let slip an uncommon smile, unable to hold it back. If the Senator only knew. It wasn’t that long ago that alarms were sounding in his Star Destroyer not because of an incoming Separatist attack, but because Lord Vader had forcibly thrown a specific individual through multiple bulkheads. The lesson had not been learned, however, as it wasn’t much longer after that the Onslaught sub-fleet was assigned with chasing down the fleeing Jedi.

Bail’s question struck him out of his brief revery.

“Think he’ll be running the Empire the way he ran his fleet?” asked Bail, the smile dissolving. “Even if he intends to do things differently, do you think he can, given the current political climate?”

“We would be so lucky, Your Highness. Let the muckrakers say what they will, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone that has served with the ‘Hero with No Fear’ unwilling to die for him,” Magnus paused. “I admit, I had my doubts prior to joining his sub-fleet, but the man commands and is more than meets the eye.”

He looked to Bail in the silence, choosing his words.

“He demands loyalty,” he said. “Commands it. Wears it. And, he has a way of getting it. I’m no politician, but if there is one thing I’ve learned is that loyalty is as rare as an honest politician. Present company excepted, of course.”

Organa shook his head and bowed, “Oh course!”

Riyo tilted her head. “With a fleet behind you, you be surprised at how political one can be.”


Magnus turned to the crowd, rather than to see if the salvo hit home with either Senator, and pressed on.

“Still, there is a little bit of truth in everything, even in duplicity,” he added. “The current political climate, as you say it, is awash with…shall we say shifting loyalties that will no doubt show themselves presently. A viper in the grass is only ever covered temporarily, and must choose to either strike or be tread upon, I’m afraid.”

Organa raised his chin slightly, looked to the side for a moment, wondering to which stripe of viper Magnus might be alluding. He took the last sip of his drink to swallow his lack of comment and smirked to himself. “Then again, some vipers get themselves up like silk worms and spin a smooth tale...”

From across the room, Admiral Leitman made eye contact. Magnus looked down at his uniform and brushed at the stained fabric.

Bail didn’t turn his head, but a darted looked to his periphery revealed the Ursean Grand Admiral as the possible object that momentarily “tripped” Carthaginian’s gaze. Curious, that Leitman. He did not seem the sort to put in with Vader, and yet, by all accounts, the Urseans seemed to be staunch in their support of the Re and Reina, now Emperor and Empress. Again, as with the monitors earlier, he had the sense that matter was unfolding before him, but he wasn’t recognizing it...something requiring a good deal of coordination... This little guessing game made Bail smile. He wondered...he,himself making eye contact and he looked about wondering how many silent signals were flying across the atrium just now? And surely there would be much slinging of the proverbial “mud” this evening, to see what would stick!

“Yes, impossible to keep clean,” Magnus repeated, and looked at each in the party in turn. “Senator, your Majesty, your highness…please forgive me. These are exciting times and look at me speaking doom and gloom. Here, let me see your glasses refilled.”

His aide de camp caught his eye as he made his way through the crowd. Signaling to him, Magnus waved his hand to the Senators.

“Ah, Mr. Sinjir. Good to see you. Might you be so kind as to see to the Senator’s refreshments. I’m afraid I’ve chatted the chill out of their…um…let’s see…Coruscantini’s? Yes. Coruscantinis, and if His Highness does not object, I did see some rather fine chocolates that might suit Her Highness on the buffet.”

The Grand Admiral’s offer brought a toothy smile from the Princess and Bail, with slight theatrical begrudging, patted Leia’s shoulder and said, “Welllll, this IS a very special evening. Chocolates are certainly of the rule, tonight! Thank you Magnus,” he said with a slight sideways nod of the head and then raising his voice to be heard by the speedily acting aide, “Mr. Sinjir-much appreciated.”

Riyo, aware the Grand Admiral seemed one foot in the conversation and the other on the go, smiled, “Here’s hoping you do get some down time to recharge.”

It was clear Carthaginian had business to which he was on his way attending. Greetings, introductions, and a requisite minimum of niceties exchanged, Bail excused his small group in deference to the officer's duty, whatever that might be and Bail hoped it was nothing about which he need be concerned.

“That downtime won’t be tonight, I’m sure. Good to see you, Magnus. Breha always spoke highly of you and she would have loved seeing you tonight. Give my best to your family should we not see one another more this evening.”

Riyo nodded and smiled. “Yes, good evening, Grand Admiral. Lovely meeting you.”

"Good-bye, Grand Adm'rl," said Leia, meeting Magnus’ gaze with a deep brown eyed one of uncommon intensity. She stuck her hand out for him to shake.

The Grand Admiral smiled good-naturedly and shook her tiny hand in his own.

“The pleasure was all mine, Your Highness,” he said. “In fact, Senator Organa, I have a favor I should like to ask you sometime. Perhaps you might come by the Estate at your leisure. I have come into possession of something that might interest you both.”

Bail blinked with a crooked smile, and bowed curtly. “Of course, Grand Admiral, I can come round tomorrow mid-morning-that is, if you’re available.”

As mature as she seemed, Leia once again showed her age, and distracted at spotting the the dark haired girl she’d seen earlier on the red carpet, a fact not lost upon the group, Leia leaned out, as if she were on the hunt. Bail noted the Enfanta as well, his eyes lingering, his complexion paling momentarily, at a thought he did not share.

In answer to a question he thought Chuchi had asked, Bail said, "Oh...yes...well....Breha was always the star guest at any well accoutered gathering. That's how we met....long time ago...back when you were about Leia's size.”

“Senator Chuchi, were you ever my size?" asked Leia incredulously.

Riyo smiled at Bail’s memories and the question Leia had asked. “That is true, Princess. I was once your size... I was a shy little one... big imagination… and heart. I have to tell you about it later on…” She looked to Bail as an idea came to mind. “Maybe tomorrow, if that is alright with you? Since you will be out, most on my schedule will be unable to show for nursing of hangovers and I can spend some time with Leia.”

”YES! Oh, yes, yes, yes! Can she please!” pleaded Leia, turning about and nearly jumping up and down for emphasis and taking Riyo’s hand in both of hers, looking from one to the other expectantly.

Bail huffed inward, pressing his lips together as he looked down at his very excited daughter. The evening was going to be a long one and probably a bit of a let down to Leia. He smiled and tossed both hands up at his side and said, “You’d have promise to be good about making up your lessons...!’”

Leia threw her hand over her mouth to silence a squeal of pure joy,”Not one peep, father, not one, I promise.”

Bail smiled broadly and gave it to Riyo. ”How can I say ‘no’ to that?! Then to Leia he said giving the caveat, “Well, alright then. If you take the guard detail, maybe the Senator can take you out for a treat and maybe a little something...I don’t know. Buy your poor aunts some little something or other, and something for yourself.”

Bail Organa found his arms full of daughter and he kissed her cheek and beamed at Riyo. ”You know what you’re getting yourself into?”, he asked her, with a chuckle.

“Of course...” Riyo smiled back, she bobbed her head, making a dazzling display with the light sparkling off the gems and ornaments in her hair. “...it shall be a pleasure.”

He cleared his throat and said quietly, too quietly to be heard, “Thank you, Riyo. You’re a ...you’re ..great!” Kissing Leia’s cheek he set her back down and took her hand and when Mr. Sinjir returned, thanked the aide and handed the chocolates and drink over welcome recipients, they made their way back to his waiting sisters and aunts, nodding to a blond haired human lady at the table next to them. As they sat, he found himself smiling, regarding the engaging Senator from Pantora as she held up the lively conversation he became too thoughtful to join.

TAG: Those in attendance

 

OOC: Thank you, C_O, for your collaboration, patience, and very helpful suggestions and aid. This would not happen, but for you. It was a pleasure, as always.


IC: Imperial Empress, RMU, Marie-Celeste, Commissar Ahsoka Tano and Cadet Han Solo

Location: Coruscant, The Senate Atrium, Reception


Celeste sat, as for a portrait. Recalling countless hours of instruction as she scanned the room, careful not to linger on a face or be caught meeting a questioning glance, and there were so many. Matriarch and monarch, she must be more than the sum of experience, aspiration, feelings, and accomplishments-she was a symbol of the Kavalad, of Ursa, and now, the Empire. Like a key puzzle piece, she must fit her required role...


“Always remember, Liege and Most Reverend Matriarch, you are ALLOWED to command and lead, because you give your people strength, you command so long as you embody the values and hopes of the people. They expect you to perform. You wear your crown, you are attired in sacred and royal vestments, tested, and observed, and why not?! It is your DUTY, it is small weight to shoulder given the esteem in which you are held. Yet-you must GUIDE them as a sure Captain guides his ship through perilous channels and UNKNOWN REGIONS. You must SERVE them with DILIGENCE and JUSTICE. The people INVEST you with their FAITH and have SACRIFICED a measure of their FREEDOM so that you may bring them PEACE and PROSPERITY. If you must smile when you are uncomfortable and bear up under this beautiful and sacred crown, that is a small price to pay for such a sacred trust!...”


And so, the Empress sat, as for a portrait: graceful, serene, gracious, and elevated-hands folded in her lap, strong and straight in posture, head ‘floating’ above a slender neck, garbed in fine silk, jewels glittering either side of her throat, the “faith” of Ursa upon her head and “empire” in her hands.


The music and conversation paled as she wandered in a "thicket of thought," thought, only the unexpected pause Anakin's absence, allowed. Without comment, she surveyed the large hall, the floor, the dancers, the tiers, and the thousands of inquisitive glances attendees tried hard to mask. Much of the crowd was here to measure Sheev Dantius Palpatine I’s ward, the Reina Mavras of Ursa , life-mate of his successor, the once “hero with no fear,” Anakin, Lord Vader and Re Mavrat of Ursa. A multitude of projected iterations of "the Empress" seemed to press in upon her and the Atrium wasn’t even full. Further, many were audibly noting the Emperor's absence.


The Queen of Naboo had not yet arrived. Perhaps, Sabe procrastinated, as the Reina had wistfully thought to do herself; for Celeste doubted the weight of Sabe's claim on the public’s expectation and curiosity weighed any less than her own. Rumored to be the young Emperor’s paramour, Sabe, not only a near image of Amidala I, was sister to her late queen, and, in fact, enthralled the Emperor.


Though the aristocracy held no monopoly on intrigue, intimate entanglements often abounded among the royals. Celeste’s own father had a mistress. However, as a symbol of societal values and virtues, the stability of the Royal family provided the bedrock of society and must endure, if only as a testament to stability. The Empress' husband obsessed over the Naboo, not for want of rapport between Re and Reina, but rather, because the Emperor had never let go of Amidala I. He still grieved, and carried the responsibility for her death, wounded by her deceptions and taking the twins from him, for whom he also mourned. Sabe was a bold "shade" of her half-sister, a pentimento of that past life, bleeding through to the foreground. Though he'd tried, early on, to put "Anakin Skywalker" in the grave with Padme and the children, Lord Vader, the Re, could not. Marie-Celeste understood and bore the "scars" for her own unintended part in that tragedy.


A figure obscuring her view momentarily, her thoughts stumbled, and the Empress' focus returned to the present.


"Is there anything I can do for you, Ma’am?"


"Oh..." said Celeste, aware her expression had gone flat and so she affixed another smile to her face and answered the Cadet, "No... no, Han. You're quite busy keeping watch. Anything to report?" she asked, sitting straighter.


"Not much, except, something funny happened with those monitors they've got everywhere. They cut out for a few minutes. It's alright now, though. I checked. Must have overloaded the circuits somewhere or someone uncoupled a link or hook up by mistake...Some people seemed to be hurrying around, probably because of that malfunction...Well, you seemed a little worn out...looked like you could use something to eat...!” His voice trailed off as he suddenly realized how closely he leaned in and almost put a hand on the Reina's shoulder.


"Yes, you're right, a pick-me-up would be helpful.. Could you find a little something for me and yourself and Sophia. Ask Maruuke ...Han?" said Celeste.


"Yes, Ma’am! I sure can-I mean, Majesty...Ma’am?" he said, halting and turning abruptly.


"You may call me ‘Celeste,’...if you like... when speaking between the two of us... and the family," she said putting a hand on the Cadet's sleeve, and returning a genuine smile.


"Yes, Ma’am!" he answered, cap in hand and then correcting, "Celeste, Ma’am!"


She smiled watching him hurry off to his task, but now was left facing the onlookers and their expectations. Sighing, she admitted to herself that she was avoiding treating the matter of the Naboo. Early on, she dared not oppose or interfere with the Re's intentions and attempted to ameliorate the situation that was Sabe, turning a pleasant face to the Naboo Queen, who only took exception to Celeste’s efforts and set her proverbial teacup upside down. Cool, acerbic, and oppositional, Sabe disdained the Reina and there was no altering Amidala II’s bent. In the service of harmony, the Empress sublimated whatever affront or hurt she felt and moved on. Padme’s ghost would persist all the more for any resistance Celeste might give. If Anakin, for that’s what she called the Re, now Emperor, was to let Amidala go, it would have to be at his own realization that the time had come. Uncommonly beautiful of face and form, Sabe’s ugliness was willfully met with a ‘blind eye’ by the Re, though Celeste knew, there would be a reckoning. For while he’d slowly come to relent upon the faults of others, the Emperor's measure of himself was harsh and whatever stains Sabe hid behind her beauty, eventually, he would count double upon himself for excusing.


So, Celeste dressed this night trying hard not to think on what means Sabe would employ to show how she held her will above that of the Empress, signaling her importance and power above that of the Empress and generally attempting to embarrass Celeste in whatever way possible. Yet, this evening, it was crucial the Empress transcend the affair. Establishing authority, a critical facet to the new Emperor's projects, was necessary to stability, but more, it was the tone of collaboration and of negotiation that needed to prevail, and not the tawdry jockeying for preeminence. Sighing audibly, Celeste felt Ahsoka at her side.


Ahsoka looked out to the guests, the corner of her lip curled downward, pouting slightly as she softly said to herself. “We have to move… he would want us to start otherwise we’ll lose them…”


TAG: To Be Continued

 

OOC: This is a joint post between me and Pashatemur. Thank you, it was a pleasure.

IC: Elias Blud and Nyll, Sate Pestage, Imperial Grand Vizier.
LOCATION: Coruscant, Imperial Senate Atrium, the Imperial Dais, reception

Nyll sat patiently sipping her drink. Elias seemed occupied with greeting and talking to people. She did not know that a lot of seemingly important persons knew him. Maybe Adrias was right to fear him. He was the only person Ad did not try to take down. Hopefully one day he will be able to do so. That man gave her the creeps and she did not like his presence. She knew that it was a necessary sacrifice for her mission to be successful so that was why she played along. Nyll may not be the most educated woman, but she had learned a thing or two from her time in Adrias’ crew. There must be a way, a certain angle that they had missed, or was it possible that Ad was plotting his demise already?

Something close to a plan started to form in her mind. First she needed to check her surroundings. The hall was huge and it was full of people from a myriad of species. From the holo she had seen Ahsoka was with the new Emperor, that will make her easy to spot, but not hard to approach. Adrias had taught her these things. She may be illiterate and bubbly but she was not stupid. Another problem was Elias, she needed to get away from him as Nyll was sure that Ad would not be happy if he saw her with Ahsoka. Besides she did not want to cause any trouble for her Togruta friend. A thought started to form in the back of her mind that it might be impossible to do it… No… there was still hope, besides in the end she got what she wanted, she was at a royal reception. If only she could enjoy it more.

Something caught her attention. A man was coming her way. ‘No, no, no...’ she thought. She guessed that was inevitable, but she was hoping that she wouldn’t attract too much attention. At least not so early in the reception. He was a good looking one, seemed kind of familiar, maybe a holostar of some sort? Nyll looked at Elias, he was still busy talking to that other person and didn’t notice, at least she hoped he didn’t.

“Good evening my fair lady...”

Nyll stroke her right lek, it was the equivalent of stroking her hair if she had any. It could be thought as flirtatious, but in this case she was nervous. Casual encounters with handsome men were not part of the plan. She should have thought of that before coming. She managed to smile and opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted by Elias.

“Well, I did not have any doubts that our girl would excite attention,” said Elias speaking up from over Nyll’s shoulder. “Hello, young man,” he continued. “Oh, I must interrupt, Nyll, my dear, we’ve been invited to sit with a friend and some of my business...associates on the Royal dais. Do excuse us, young man,” he said, handing Nyll from her seat before she could object. “If it’s a dance you’re looking for, you are welcome to make your appeal to the young lady again. Come dear Nyll, you are truly getting the ‘royal’ treatment.”

Elias wrapped Nyll’s arm about his and lead her with ceremony through the reluctantly parting crowd to the dais and up the surrounding steps. It was good they left when they did, for as they mounted the steps and introduced themselves to a protocol droid, drums and bagpipes sounded and the movement of the attendees, the cacophonous sound, would have made it impossible to reach the dais, let alone be heard.

Nyll craned her neck to look for Ahsoka. She tried not to be too obvious. Adrias had taught her how to stalk a target. Good thing they were surrounded by so many VIPs that she could be “stargazing”.

“Wow, so many famous people, I have seen some on the HoloNet.” she exclaimed covering what she was doing.

“Ha, ha! My girl, just you wait. You will be meeting the Emperor and Empress!” said Blud with a dramatic flourish of his hand. “Come -” he said hurrying her forward, taking care to look unruffled.

“Ah, Grand Vizier-” Elias bowed before the approaching potentate, in his purple robes and fez, his wrinkled features pulled smooth through surgery to the degree his smile seemed to go from one ear to the other.

The man looked disgusting to her. It was both his appearance and his aura. She tried not to shiver nor look too uncomfortable. She smiled and nodded as a good escort. Something she had never expect to play for a while. Nyll tried to be non-committal and just managed to say some inconsequential remarks.

“Good, good, you’ve brought this charming creature!” said the Vizier, grasping Blud’s arm and then taking Nyll on his other, effectively dividing the two. “Come with me, lovely child,” said Pestage, solicitously, but holding himself taller, it seemed, than earlier. “You may sit right here with Ms. Moore-isn’t that so, Slye?” He patted Nyll’s hand with one gloved hand of his own, lingering just a little too long.

The pale Umbaran looked up vacantly and said nothing.

This one was plain creepy, but she tried to cover it. Good thing that the Umbaran was preoccupied by something else so she did not pay much attention. The good thing of her position was that no one really paid attention to what she was doing. Of course some ogled her, but that was all. Surely the guards were on the lookout but the guests were busy with themselves to notice a single Twi’Lek. Especially since she was a nobody. Adrias taught her well how to blend in the crowd.

In a hushed aside to both, the Grand Vizier said,“You must forgive Ms. Moore. She was struck very hard by the late Emperor’s demise. She’ll warm up, child, don’t worry.” He then sat Nyll in the deep swank sofa that opened to give seating at the semi-circular table off to one side of the area occupied by the Imperial family and court.

“You sit over here by me. I have some very important matters to speak on...however, for now, I beg your indulgence. I have my duties and must speak with the Empress-Oh, you shall meet her, Elias! I may be awhile, we’ll see.”

She nodded and smiled. It did not hurt to be courteous even though Elias gave her the creeps too. It seems he liked such crowd. Something caught Nyll’s attention. A certain tall Togruta in a beautiful blue dress. It was Ahsoka! ‘I guess the Force guided me here.’ that was something Adrias would have said and she believed in these things. Now came the hard part, attracting her attention without Elias or his “friends” noticing. Her friend was standing near a beautiful and regal woman, could that be the Empress?

Blud glanced to Nyll and noted how adept she was at looking engaged. “Charming!” he muttered to no one, though he was hardly happy at being deposited summarily and separated from little Nyll. No matter, he had business at this reception and he slid into his seat to speak with several of his “associates,” none the less noting the object of Nyll’s interest. Raising a brow in thought, Elias then turned his attentions to those at his side at the table. Perhaps Nyll was regarding the lovely Empress.

TAG: Ahsoka, Celeste, Han, Sophia, Anyone else

 

OOC: LZM is on hiatus, we hope, and as she is away for an undetermined time, I am running her characters. I know I cannot replace her, but will do my utmost for them and send her my very best, hoping she is doing well. I know I speak for everyone in saying we send her our warm regards and friendship and in saying she will be missed greatly.

* Also, there is a slight but clear discrepancy between my implied depiction of the rotunda room. I have described it as having a carpet, when the photo shows a stone floor. I have imagined the room as shown, but with a fine hand loomed carpet.


IC: Sabe, Amidala II, Agent Sonuf “Sonny” Koul, Agent Sylvian, Senator Quindor Owney, Dr. Jiles Senob
LOCATION: Inside the Rotunda room, atop the Naboo Embassy - Coruscant

“Sorry about your carpet, Your Majesty, and I must ask you to please put the safety on your weapon and toss it on the floor in front of you - why is this floor vibrating?”

Sabe, staring down the barrel of Koul’s blaster, slowly lowered her pistol. There was no point driving at the stand off; the Embassy’s security had been compromised, but for what reason? This show of force came far too swiftly? Was this strike against Naboo inclusive of her too?

Koul watched carefully, his blaster held still, with the Queen in the crosshairs. He could see her perfectly centered between the two balconies, the green and diamante crystals that dangled from her delicate earlobes, scintillating, revealing a shudder...no, a constant vibration! The Queen was as cool as Karkarodon where she stood, the focus of the very symmetrically balanced decor, a pillar of green silk in a very white room. In fact, even on the plush carpet to either side of Sabe Amidala, twin markings lay deep in the dense and high loft of the pile.

The agent looked up from the crosshairs and noticed that a desk stood off to the side of the softly smiling Queen, when it should have stood where Sabe, Amidala II held forth, slowly putting the safety on her pistol and tossing it onto the carpet before her.

“Agent Sylvian, do you feel that?” asked Koul, his eyes on the Queen.

“Feel what, Sir?”

“Ummm...Agent....Koul, is it,” called Senator Owney, his voice husky and strained as he was being bandaged, “Her Majesty, had no part in any... wrong... doing... she was simply protecting herself! We were ... we were ambushed. Surely, you can see that we didn’t have our guards or necessary weapons,” he reasoned, looking, from the Agent, to Sabe, and back. It seemed to Koul the Senator glanced at the Queen, perhaps in deference, or possibly for some signal. “I was the -.”

Sabe interrupted the Senator, “As your Queen, Senator, I must command you to speak no further,” she said, cooly.

“You Majesty-” stammered Owney.

“I command it, Senator,” she said with more deliberateness.

Off to one side, the doctor stirred and then snapped up quickly into a sit and reached for his medical bag, “My...my bag!” he demand of no one in particular.

Koul waved several operatives over and offered, “You must be Doctor Senob,-”

“Brilliant! Now we know who I am, it doesn’t matter who you are! You are on Naboo property. This Embassy is sovereign. You have no jurisdiction here and you are in violation of the Imperial contract with Naboo. I would leave if I were you,” said the doctor swatting away the assistance the operatives attempted to give him. “And I’ll have my medical bag returned to me post haste, young man-”

Koul ignored the Doctor and walked toward the Queen.

“Your Majesty...”

“Yes?” said Sabe folding her hands one over the other as Koul approached.

The desk that stood slightly askew of the carpet’s edge, should have occupied the spot where the Queen stood, thought Koul, turning to look at its match across the room from the Queen, just in back of where he had been standing.

“Step to your left, please.” said Koul, as nicely as he felt he had time for...

“I am satisfied with where I am,” said Sabe.

“I’m sure of that, still, step aside, Your Majesty....”

TAG: to be contnued...

 

OCC: This is another joint post with C_O, who, always with grace and generosity, contributed his creativity, patience, sleep, and, as M. Poirot would say,"leetle grey cells!"

Tack, Snips!

IC Ahsoka Tano, Imperial Princess and Enfanta of Ursa, Sophia Anastasia, Imperial Empress, RMU, Marie-Celeste, Cadet Han Solo, Mas Amedda, Sate Pestage
Location: Coruscant, The Senate Atrium, Reception


Confused glances from the attendees lingered longer, panned and studied, as if searching. A chill current caused the Empress to shiver and the hair falling at the back of her neck in small tendrils tickled. Resisting the urge to hug herself, Celeste beckoned to her Aunt Thaliana Federov, whispering discretely. The tall blond lady turned and gestured to a group of Ursean pipers from the Black Guard, who, after consultation with the noble woman, receded from the dais and soon, a drum corps could be heard, followed by a reverberant chorus of bagpipes from outside the copious hall. Appearing at the main entrance, atop the tiers of balconies, and various corners, the pipers and drummers seemed to gather from the crowd and play and as they did so, the attendees exclaimed and gave way as more of the Black Guard’s number poured forth out of the crowd and began to fill the central floor, the sound seeming to “shatter” all boundaries.

A corp of Ursean Security Forces entered from the assembly hall followed by several rows of red clothed abbots and abbesses of the Kavalad with their strangely embroidered snoods and prayer wheels, behind them came monks and nuns carrying large ceremonial drums, long metal horns, and gongs. All in all it made a very colorful and striking moment, capturing the crowd’s interest and hiding the fact that the Speaker arrived at the Empress’ side, a slight show of alarm on his face. He had to lean in and speak above the din, “Your Majesty, we are considerably off schedule...”

Celeste soothed, putting up a hand and saying, “Mr. Amedda, we will survive this hour. We will each do our level best and all will be well,” and then she beckoned Ahsoka to her side.

Han watched, and in spite of his habitual suspicion that any moment, he might be robbed of his brief enjoyment, he found himself feeling peculiarly proud, a slight smile climbing out of it’s ‘corner’ and spreading to the other side of his mouth. He felt certain he should be looking stern and still, but the music and the ceremonial dancing he found somehow stirring.

Drawing Ahsoka and Amedda to the back of the dais where they could speak more easily, Celeste looked from Commissar to Speaker. To both, the Empress said, “Give me your most able assistance. It seems we must carry on a bit without His Majesty. We should go ahead as planned, though with a few adjustments. Speaker, you will open the reception with your address and, provided they are available, introduce Grand Admirals Carthaginian and Leitman; I think it best that Ursean and Imperial should together show solidarity and speak a little to the war’s end. The Re-ahhhh-His Majesty hoped to spare them from speeches and try to keep things simple by addressing this himself, but we’ll need the Grand Admirals to offer a few words to help focus the gathered. Then, Mr. Amedda, you shall introduce the Commissar, and Ahsoka, you present me. I will need your support, for you know his Majesty well and stood with him earlier - of course, there is the Ledaren, but as he is overseeing the security forces, a mention will have to do.” said Celeste glancing to the Togruta for her acknowledgement.

Ahsoka pursed her lips, looking thoughtful before nodding assent.

“You can stand with me and speak some few words on his behalf, before introducing me!” Celeste looked to Ahsoka and Amedda with an air of calm, but energetically, her hand on Ahsoka’s, shaking.

The realization was starting to dawn upon the Commissar, just what all this might entail. After years of hiding, she was thrusted back into the spotlight, that was one thing, but into the ‘fire.’ She took a deep breath as she glanced back over to the guests, she couldn’t see that set of montrals. The risk of confronting her past so soon was something else and she knew there was no avoiding it, which way or another. Resolutely, she moistened her lips and looked to Celeste. “Together…”

“Yes...” resolved Celeste aloud.

Ahsoka nodded, and released the breath she had been holding. Feeling more confident that she was not alone.

The large Chagrian stood towering over the Empress and the Commissar, hand to his chin. He was caught between opposing thoughts and about to speak. Celeste silenced the Chagrian with a directive, “Mr. Speaker, I believe you would advise, we send for Grand Admiral Carthaginian and Grand Admiral Leitman right away?”

Amedda was in a bind. He did not want to cross Lord...the Emperor, but the Empress had made a direct request of him and it was true, the attendees were restless and confused about the Emperor’s absence. Finally, he took a knee before Celeste and bowed his head, “As you wish, my Empress.”

“Oh...dear, well, yes, thank you Mr. Speaker, you certainly should...get up, get up.....and see to the Grand Admirals right away.” said Celeste, blushing a deep pink. Amedda rose quickly and pressed on through to several staffers, who quickly commed the two Admiral’s aides with the Empress’ request.

“Thank you, Commissar,” said Celeste, her voice, hoarse. She was nearly inaudible as the pipers and drummers played. “I’ve never ...had to work outside the lines before and I don’t know how my Lord will take this, but we must do something!” Celeste turned her back to the crowd, standing close to Ahsoka and shook her hands of tension and bent her head, almost as if in prayer.

A smile lifted Ahsoka’s lips when Celeste had mentioned working outside of the lines. It was a familiar occurrence for her and her master during her apprenticeship. “Don’t worry. It will start to feel natural.” Ahsoka assured.

Celeste looked up wide eyed. “Truly?!”

Ahsoka, in a thoughtful stance, an index finger to her lip, pointed it outward as several examples of ‘his’ teachings came to the fore. “Some things are open to interpretation and how you go about fulfilling the goals. Say your forces are ordered to a location but someone is in trouble elsewhere… doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be with the fleet… just that the fleet is there. That allows you to be free to assist those in need while achieving the same goal.” Her hand reached for the japor carving on her necklace. Her fingers reassured her of its presence and she inclined her head. “We know Anakin and we are representing him, so he is with us in spirit… I believe he will appreciate us doing so...” Then Ahsoka muttered under her breath. “...if not, I accept full responsibility.”

A hearty laugh escaped the Reina, before she managed to close her lips against it. “We had best weigh anchor, then!” Looking over her shoulder, Celeste could see the Speaker’s runners cut a path through the crowd as they hurried to make the Empress’ request of them known to Carthaginian and Leitman, as it was difficult to hear anything via comm with the blare of the bagpipes and the thromb of gongs and drums.

Much of the Ursean court drew close to the edge of the dais to the bemusement of the members of Palpatine’s ruling council,who sat on the dais with them. Some of the Urseans had dressed in ancient traditional robes with soft boots, pants, and long flared-hem fitted robes. They were colorful, embroidered heavily, and trimmed in fur. The floor was now occupied with the Kavalad, their gongs and cymbals beating out strange rhythms, their long upturned horns sounding deeply and sending vibrations up through the feet. The monks and nuns turned on one foot like spinning tops, as a chorus of them chanted, voicing the sound from their throats. It had been a long time since Coruscant saw this much ‘color.’ The Kavalad had not made such a showing since the coronation not a decade past, but before that, not since the days of the Old Republic when Kavalad and Jedi met to debate the manipulation of the Force.

“Your Majesty...forgive my intrusion!”

Celeste turned.

Sate Pestage, the Grand Vizier, bowed deeply, his dark fez dipping low.

The Empress, acknowledging the Emperor’s deputy, hazarded a glance to Ahsoka before he rose.

Ahsoka’s eyes narrowed a fraction though she tried to keep a composed and neutral expression. She stood as a sentry, her hand rested over her sash where Anakin’s blue lightsaber nestled against her, resisting the impulse to grasp the smooth metal hilt from under her silk sash.

She had encountered the Grand Vizier earlier and had distrusted the oily person immediately. To her, his words were sacarin and false… as much as she disliked Pestage, she knew it would not do to betray how she felt, nor give away the presence of the saber, otherwise, it would invite an opening to be exploited. The less known, the better.

“If I may be so bold, Your Majesty, I see, as do others, His Majesty must be occupied with important matters, and naturally, as deputy, I would, most humbly, but gladly step forward to assist with the ceremonies, in any way I can.”

“A gracious offer, and appropriate to your office, Grand Vizier. I will be sure to mention your kindness to His Majesty. However, this is to be a time of respite. You are our guest this evening,” said Celeste pleasantly.

Pestage opened his mouth as to speak, but seemed confused. “Your ...Majesty, you are as gracious as you are magnificent. I would be remiss were I not to give aide when it is needed.”

“Certainly, I see your point. You are a noted host and I should be indebted to you for your talent and skill. Can you please see to the guests and keep them engaged, for I know you are a maven and arbiter of taste. I should consider this a personal favor,” the Empress insisted, bestowing the Grand Vizier with her grace and nodding to the members of the Ruling Council and their guests.

The Urseans on the dais regarded the Grand Vizier curiously. He bowed and acquiesced, though, with some observed reluctance.

Once the Vizier was out of sight, Ahsoka whispered to Celeste that she will be a moment and sought out Cadet Solo. When she found him, she informed him of what the procedure will be, then asked for him to be on her wingman, an extra set of eyes.

Hands filled with assorted bites from a nearby table of delicacies to the side of the dais, Han’s mouth was full. He had reasoned, he should taste the food first to ensure it was not poisoned. Now he regretted, having assumed he’d have the time to swallow, at least.

Dimples in her cheeks as she grinned. “Be sure to save some for me…” She said as she eyed the food “... and I’ll be sure to ask your expert opinion on which ones to try.”

Turning his head from the Commissar, he rolled his eyes. Great! He’d actually brought her some. Now he looked like an urchin! Well, he was, at that, but he did bring some for Ms Tano and he ‘kicked himself,’ swallowing quickly. “Um...I brought this plate for you...Ma’am. It’s all quality grub, I can tell you that much!” He stepped past the tall Togruta and deposited the three plates on the table and brushed the crumbs from his jacket, and turned to bring Maruuke and Sophia back to their seats. Given what Ahsoka had just informed him of, this was no time for Sophia to be frollic’n about!

“I’ll see the Enfanta and her governess are returned to the dais and safe, Commissar, sir!” he said saluting, Ahsoka. Mid-step forward, Han emptied his hand of a savory pastry, popping it into his mouth. “The Commissar’s alright!” he thought to himself.

Ahsoka found a pastry like the one the Cadet just ate and raised it as a returning salute, then popped the tasty bite in her mouth and gave him a wink. Han returned her salute with a look of relief and then was on his way to located and return Sophia and Maruuke to their place on the dais before the ceremonies began.

She probably should have waited before eating but it would not make a dent on her appetite either way. The Cadet made her smile and she wanted him to be at ease. She chewed and swallowed stealthily as she made her way back with no one, save Han, the wiser that she had eaten one.

Looking at his hands, trying to determine just how he was going to clean them without wiping them on his uniform, he couldn’t help cracking a small laugh at Ahsoka’s salute. Thus, he zigged and zagged through the onlookers, wiping his hands together and honing in on where he’d seen the Imperial Princess and Governess moments before. However, his heart skipped, not finding them where he expected them to be and turning about quickly, shaking his combed hair into a mop, he searched the crowd frantically.

“The one thing! The one thing the Re asks you to do and you mess up!” he growled at himself.

He stood on tiptoe and peered over the beings that blocked his view of the spectacle on the floor to see if Sophia might be at the crowd’s edge - that would be Sophia! He couldn’t help think of his friend ‘Chewie.’ If he were here, this wouldn’t be an issue. He could use the commlink the Re had given him to give to Sophia, but he was told not to use it unless absolutely necessary and Han wasn’t certain he was at that point yet. Unable to see over the crowd, Han moved back up the steps of the dais and looked down and over and through-no sign! “Where are you?” he voiced between his teeth.

“I’m right here!”

He looked down at the tug on his Cadet’s jacket.

“SOPHIA ANASTASIA SKYWALKER-MONKEY! You- ‘Your Royalness’! People need to know where you are...they get alarmed ‘n...upset when you disappear...get on up there!” chided Han, hands on hips.

Maruuke stifled a laugh and the three headed back to the center of the large dais.

Sophia smiled up at him and took his hand. Han stood nearly four heads taller than the Enfanta, thus, Sophia had to tip her head back when she said, loudly, “You’re feeling better!”

“How do you know, ‘Shorty?’” he said, trying to remain stern and authoritative.

“Because you’re grouchy!”

“Oh yeah? Well...that’s...right!” he said not wanting to be angry longer and sticking out his tongue at her, a gesture which she promptly returned.

TAG: Attendees and Grand Admirals Carthaginian and Leitman, Ahsoka,...

 

OOC: I would like thank Pashatemur for helping me with editing the CS and the following post. Also would like to thank Corellian_Outrider for his patience

GM Approved



Name: James Xavier
--Age: 65
---Gender: Male
----Species: Human
-----Eye Color: Grey
------Hair Color and Style: Black with white streaks
-------Skin Complexion: Caucasian
--------Clothing: standard uniform is black jacket, white shirt, black tie, white peaked cap, black trousers, usually wears colored blocks representing the medals he had received. The parade and more formal uniform is also black, but with golden epaulettes, wears his most prized medals.
---------Physique: tall, fit, and muscular for his age
----------Personality: At first he can come across as cold and distant, but he has a good heart. James is a bit of an introvert, but he is a strong leader, loyal, particularly to House Atreides, though his loyalty is hard to win. A strategist, he believes in intensive study, and consequently, has a healthy respect for history, especially of warfare. Like many leaders, he expects discipline, loyalty, and determination from those he commands, and even more from himself. Strict with his duties, he nonetheless can be gentle, but seldom shows this part of himself. The way to gain his respect is to show discipline, respect, and intelligence. He has no patience for people who do not possess the ability to listen.
-----------Quirks: Despite having a good heart he can be ruthless towards his enemies and the enemies of the Union and particularly towards the enemies of House Atreides. Due to his traumatic past he hates the Ordonnen passionately, a hatred with which he struggles not to let cloud his judgement.
------------Force Sensitive: No

Personal Ship

-Name: Hyperion
--Class: Galactica-class Carrier
---Exterior Description:



----Interior Description: standard
-----Weapon Systems: 50 primary batteries, 12 missile launch tubes, 100 point defense batteries
------Crew Complement: 5000
-------Hyperspace Capability: Yes, Class 1.0, Backup Class 15
--------Misc. Specs.: Shields, Fighter Launch Tubes

Biography

-Brief History: James was born in the Xavier’s household, House Militant and loyal to the Atreides. A loyal and obedient young boy, James was a great student, but a bit withdrawn. Though strongly opinionated, he is a man of few words and keeps opinions to himself when his leadership is not directly involved. He exhibited leadership qualities and panache for military craft, skills and talent, he shared with his younger sister Helena. As a member of a House Militant his future was set, he was to enroll into the most prestigious military academy in the Union. He graduated with flying colors, his first commission was that of a fighter bomber pilot. There he met his first love, Lillian, who was his gunner on his Valkyrie-class bomber.

They hid their relationship, but it was cut short during the Atreides - Ordonnen War. Shot down and Lillian over enemy territory, they were caught and Lillian was executed by a group of enemy soldiers-a trauma scarring him forever and sowing the seeds of hatred towards the Ordonnen. James was saved by Duke Leto’s forces. After the battle he was invited to Kaladan for the victory celebration. It was also then when he met the young Princess Jori, whose mother had recently been killed. Understanding the Princess’ bereaved state, James has a special affection for her. Devastated by his own loss, he buried his grief in his work. Slowly and meticulously, he climbed the ranks, reaching the position of a Lord Admiral, commander of the Atreides Navy. He was then assigned a flagship, his very own Galactica-class Carrier “Hyperion.”

Meanwhile he became friends with Duke Leto and the future Lord General Xavius. While a Lord Admiral, he was tasked to command Paulus Atreides’ unruly son Lawson. James had trouble with the young man, but soon they managed to reach an understanding and Lawson eventually became a model pilot, further cementing James’ connections with the Atreides.

Appointed Commander in Chief of Navis Nobilite - the Union navy, a more administrative position which challenged his introverted nature, requiring him to engage more in the politics of the Navy command and with that of the many departments and services of the Union, a fact he disliked, but like all James did, he did to the best of his ability.

During the CIS invasion he commanded the Union forces. He fought over Kaitain, the Union administrative center. It was an almost impossible position as each house had withdrawn their navies and a lot of the worlds were being invaded. The Republic sent reinforcements, and James lead the counter-attack on Kaladan along with the Republic, driving back the Separatists.

Despite his eventual victories, James suffered another deep blow with the assassination of Duke Leto, a matter still shrouded with some mystery. He swore fealty to the new ruler - the Duke’s daughter, Jori Atreides. He accompanied her to Ursa where he helped thwart a plot that involved an assassination attempt on Lawson Atreides’ life. James was concerned about his former pupil but the young pilot was allowed to return to his service in the Imperial Navy, though the attempted assassination endangered diplomatic relations between the Union and Imperial and Ursean governments. The Union had to promised to remand the conspirators into Ursean custody, but they were killed in the attempt to identify them.

Later, James elected to take the invitation to join the Imperial forces aboard the Imperial Venator-class Star Destroyer called Roadblock, as an observer and if required, as a consulting military asset. During the following several weeks, James formed a rapport with the ship’s captain Scyther Vectis. He was impressed with her acumen both as a leader and tactician upon observing Captain Vectis and her group in action during the final battles of the Clone War. Though the detente was part of the agreement between the Union and the Empire for opening relations, he wanted to be present at these final battles. He knew they would be historically momentous for all in the Galaxy, whether Imperial or not. Though his role was only as an outside observer with no command authority, he diplomatically shared his opinions and advice, writing his notes down for the Captain to read as time allowed. As he observed, he overcame a bit of his reserved attitude and opened a little towards the able Captain, the two forming something of a mutual respect. Exchanging different views on warfare, James found that some of the Empire’s officers held a rather “soft” attitude towards the enemy. During the battle of Mygeeto he remained on the side, trying not to interfere with Vectis’ commands. Later, he noted in private, that the Captain demonstrated a concern for those under her command at all levels-which caused her inefficiencies, but also, she demonstrated reticence in dealing with the enemy in what Union war policies would consider the proper severity. After all, chief among his concerns, was how well the Union stood up to the military capabilities of the Empire. They would be foolish not to consider this. Thus, after it was over, he withdrew to his cabin for rest and analysis of what had transpired.

When they arrived on Coruscant after the battle of Mygeeto he was informed that he was named the co-ruler of the Union and that he was to attend the reception held by the new Emperor.

--Military History: the Atreides-Ordonnen War, the CIS invasion of the Union
---Traumatic Experiences: the deaths of Lillian and Duke Leto

 

IC: Lord Admiral James Xavier, duchess Jori Atreides, Dennii/Drakoniss Sunwalker
Location: Hotel Imperial, en-route to the Senate

James stood in front of the mirror checking how he looked. The Lord Admiral wore his parade uniform, black jacket and trousers, golden epaulettes, white shirt, black tie, white peaked cap, he wore some of the medals he had received the others were replaced by colorful blocks. Xavier was not a vain man, but wanted to be presentable for the sake of the Duchess and the Union. He had a new role that had different requirements for him. He had a problem with it though, he despised politics. As a career military man, orders were given and followed; no negotiating, no intrigue-or little. Regardless, his life’s work was about efficiently won results. But the Duchess had other plans for him, so he must obey her. James fixed his medals on the chest of his uniform, he was a highly decorated officer, after all. He took a mental note to talk with the Duchess when there was enough time as to what she expected of him as her co-ruler.

The Lord Admiral felt unprepared for this role, especially now. But he set aside those thoughts. He hoped that he will be able to meet with Captain Vectis again. Not that they were close, but, during his time in the past few weeks as an observer aboard her ship he knew what to expect from her, a military person herself. He hadn’t time to develop friendships, and he couldn’t say that he had now gained a friend in Captain Vectis, but whether the stated goal of improving diplomatic relations between Union and the Empire had been achieved, he had at least made an acquaintance he could respect and her fire and “spit” made him smile. If she was any indicator of the military proficiency of the Empire’s navy, he could attest that they were efficient and professional, but it seemed, reluctant to make some difficult decisions in regards to sacrifice.

He drew a finger at the front of his collar and approved his image. He found himself missing Lillian. Why was he thinking of his first true love, now?!, She would have loved going to an event like this. He could care less for them, but Lillian was the opposite. Ah, but he loved her, and she loved him. How hard it had been, hiding their feelings! With James as commanding officer of the squadron and Lillian, his gunner, they would both have been demoted or worse. James missed her easy smile and light attitude. But beneath all that hid a complex personality that chose to appear the way she did. James closed his eyes for a second as he remembering Giedi Prime, the fierce battle, crashing in the swamp, and then the torture of being made to watch Lillian’s execution of the hated Ordonnen. where he lost Lillian. They were shot down and crashed in a swamp near the battlefield.

The Civil War ended shortly after that, he thought bitterly. If not for Duke Leto and his guards, he too would have died that day. When the Duke found out that James was a Xavier, he took him under his wing. They were roughly the same age and a budding friendship formed. They had one thing in common, their loved ones were murdered by the Ordonnen. Now his thoughts turned to the Duchess. Back then, she was just a child, a child filled with a deep sadness. Such intelligence, though, showing in the eyes of one so young.

His mind raced with these memories tonight. “You’re getting old, man!” his said, his image peering back at him from the mirror. What had come of all these years? A convivial friendship between Leto and himself, dinners and intense discussion at Castle Kaladan, hard work and his slow but steady rise through the ranks. He respected Leto, for keeping his distance and not influencing or pushing his commendations for Xavier. No, every achievement, every medal was earned with hard work and dedicated to his life to be in service to House Atreides, as Commander of the Atreides navy and now, Co-ruler! This was success, but what of his own line? He never married, had occasional flings, but no commitment. James thought about his legacy, he needed an heir to inherit House Xavier and continue the line of warriors who protected the House Superior or House Ultima as it was now known. He shook his head at himself. What did he know of playing suitor or romance?

And what of Leto’s nephew, Lawson. He was spoiled, unruly, indiscrete, but smart. James owe Leto, but James and Lawson did not get along and this made it difficult to do what James considered a sacred debt. The boy was a skilled pilot, one of the best in the Union. He needed discipline so the Lord Admiral undertook the mission of shaping him to become at least a decent soldier. It took a long time but his efforts came to fruition. Lawson started obeying orders and demonstrating a better sense of propriety. This was one of his greatest achievements.

Then the Clone War erupted and for a while, the Union managed to stay out of that conflict, but Leto had friends in the Republic and House Atreides convinced the other houses to throw in with the Republic, sending relief and support to Outer Rim worlds and to the few Union interests there, as well. Their efforts attracted the attention of the Confederacy who had tried to lure the Union to joining them. Duke Leto resisted the increasing pressures, believing that the Republic would prevail. Inevitably, the droid army launched their assault during the third year of the war. They entered the Union from several vectors tying up most of the Union forces in several engagements while the main force struck at Kaladan.

The Lord Admiral lead the resistance over Kaitain, the planet closest to Kaladan and acting as an administrative centre of the Union. The defenders had suffered heavy casualties. Multiple worlds had been invaded and the armed forces were stretched thin. All those centuries of preparations were for nothing given how quickly the enemy overcame their defenses. Everything crumbled like a house of cards. Each House pulled their defenses to protect their own interests, revealing a crucial weakness. The Union was united in name only.

The Republic came to their aid and slowly but surely they managed to push back the invaders. Kaladan had almost fallen, but James and the newly arrived forces brought the much needed reinforcements. General Grievous had fled and soon the CIS resistance crumbled. The whole invasion sparked a debate within the Union. James found himself siding more and more with the then Princess Jori who was advocating for more centralisation as a means for their survival.

James never betrayed the duke, he did not fully understand him, but respected him nonetheless. The news of his death was a shock to him. The whole situation was dealt with quickly and rather painlessly to Jori’s credit. James wondered how he will fill this new role, what it all meant for him and his House. His sister, Helena, was on Coruscant too, maybe he could start repairing the bridges between the two of them at last? Maybe not, he had heard that she had pointed a gun at the Duchess and almost sparked a war. This gross insubordination must be dealt with swiftly.

The Lord Admiral sighed and walked out of his room, he was ready, enough ruminating on the past. It was high time to deal with the future. Hopefully that future will hold another meeting with that fiery Captain Vectis. He could not excise her from his mind.

****************************

Dennii sat quietly next to one of the limo’s windows. Coruscant had not changed much since she had left. It still was a busy place, bustling with life and energy. But there was something new. Was it fear? Or was it her fear? She was not sure. Nothing made sense anymore. Maybe she was just tired, suddenly the idea of coming with Jori seemed a bad one. The whole situation was bad.

A dark thought started to form in her mind, she had it before, but it had created a nest there. She focused on her baby. She could induce a miscarriage and be done with it! No one would suspect anything, she had endured hardships, she was thin, it would be natural. Dennii could not bare the thought of bringing this child to this world. Everything had gone dark, the Republic was replaced by the Empire, the Jedi by the Sith… even Jori seemed darker.

‘Dennii, you don’t want to go that way.’ Drakoniss warned her in her mind ‘Your child is an innocent and I am not sure you are ready to deal with the consequences of what you are considering. You are going to give birth and you are going to raise the child with love.’

‘But… but...’ deep down she knew he was right ‘I can’t… everything...’ she tried not to cry and bit her tongue as not to whimper.

‘Yes, you can. You will meet someone better than Alpha.’ he tried to console her.

‘No I won’t...’

‘Dennii… You will… There is someone for you out there who will make you happy.’

She decided to remain silent, no point in arguing. There was no one for her, no happiness, nothing, just pain and more misery. But Drakoniss was right, she could not take the life of an unborn innocent. Hopefully her daughter would forgive her some day for having such an awful mother. Only pain and misery… the only things she had to look forward to.

Dennii could see Drakoniss shaking his head in disapproval. ‘Dennii, I know despair, I have been there, don’t go down that path.’

She did not reply and looked out of the window again.

“I hope I am not too skinny for this dress.” Dennii said out loud to Jori.

The duchess at first did not react then a broad grin formed on her lips “Oh you look fantastic, I am sure those airheads will be wondering what diet you are on.”

Dennii managed to give a fake smile “Maybe you are right.”

‘You should enjoy this evening.’ Drakoniss started again.

‘How can I? My heart is broken, I am terrified, I am exhausted and hurt! How do you expect me to enjoy this!’

‘At least try.’

She scoffed inside her mind ‘Yeah, nice advice...’

‘Dennii...’

‘Forget about it.’ she sounded bitter.

Another sigh ‘Suit yourself...’

The speeder landed in front of a huge building. It was Hotel Imperial, people were coming and going. Some of them turned to see the limo, but it was a usual sight around here as celebrities and VIPs from around the Galaxy stayed there. Luggage was being carried around. And there he was, the Lord Admiral, or as Dennii called him ‘uncle James’. Her mood brightened, he was one of the few people she counted on and who would never betray her trust.

The door opened and with a huff and a puff the tall Lord Admiral bent and managed to get in and sit opposite the duchess and on the right of Dennii.

“Bey Lah Heifla Your Ultimacy!” he greeted and bowed his head towards Jori. “Little Star!” he then exclaimed as he recognised Dennii. This was how he used to call her as her name roughly translated in Kaladanese as “Morning Star”.

“Hello uncle James.” Dennii gave a sad smile. “I am glad to see that you are alright.”

Jori seemed satisfied as she contently observed the exchange but then decided to interject “Dennii has officially decided to join the House Atreides, she is now my sister.”

“Oh, forgive me princess! I was not aware of that.”

The two sisters chuckled simultaneously “No harm done, besides I like it when you call me that way. It reminds me of childhood.”

The speeder took off and they were moving again.

“Lord Admiral, I presume you are aware of the certain changes within the Union. We shall discuss them in the next few days.” Jori started again.

“Of course your Ultimacy...” James replied. It was clear he wanted to say more, but decided not to.

“Try to have a good time, I know how much you don’t like mingling with the politicians.” Jori smiled at him “There will be some military people there so you can spend time with them.”

Dennii smiled, her sister was talking to him as if he was a little child and he took it stoically as a good soldier. That reminded her of Alpha a bit… No… there was no time for such thoughts.

“Oh and by the way you should congratulate my sister, she is expecting.” Jori stated flatly.

“Oh really? Who is the lucky father?” the Lord Admiral turned to her staring wide-eyed from surprise.

“An ARC Commander… Alpha… he is a clone...”

Jori frowned almost imperceptibly but managed to cover it up. It seems she was not pleased with the baby’s parentage.

“Alpha? I think I remember a soldier named like that. He was on-board the vessel I was on. Maybe if we see Captain Vectis we can talk with her and arrange a meeting or something.”

Dennii looked down and blushed. On a good day she would have been excited by the prospect of being reunited with Alpha, but now the thought brought only more pain and doubts. Also there was a hint of anger and resentment towards the ARC trooper.

“That would be great. Thank you.” she smiled bitterly, but hoped that he wouldn’t notice.

With her peripheral vision she could see Jori observing her silently. What was that? Or was she imagining things?

“Well, we are here.” Jori said after a few minutes of silence.

The Lord Admiral positioned himself to exit the limo first so that he could offer his hand to the two ladies. Jori seemed calm, but underneath Dennii could sense her excitement. As for her… there was only dread…

TAG: Anyone

 

IC: Agent Sonuf “Sonny” Koul

LOCATION: Inside the Naboo Embassy - Coruscant


Koul had assessed the Rotunda room. It's interior and general layout expressed perfect symmetry, but a desk behind the Queen that was turned parallel to the carpet edge, and to either side of where Amidala now stood, markings of where the weight of furniture had matted the thick carpet.

Having directed the rest of Sabe’s entourage to be taken aboard the waiting transport in the forecourt below, Koul and the Queen were left to deal with one another.

“Alright, we’re done with playtime, Your Majesty! You will move or I will move you, one or the other. You have exactly 2 seconds...1...”

Sabe answered with silence.

“That’s it!” said, Koul signaling the stun blast that saw the Queen yield, as she crumpled into the Agent’s arms. “Oh this is NOT going to look good at all!” he said handing the unconscious Amidala II to two of his co-operatives. “Place her in the transport-not a hair, not a fold out of place,” he called after her receding guards as they directed her hover litter out of the rotunda.

“Hurry it up, and pull this carpet away,” Koul ordered the several nearest operatives,“Oh, Sylvian, com ahead and tell them to cuff the ladies too,” he said, calling over his shoulder, ”they are highly trained-I understand they are “deadly” handmaidens.”

By the time Koul turned back to see what lay under the carpet, there was an operative crouching at the spot where Sabe had stood, another standing over and both exclaiming:

“It’s a trap-”

“-Door!”

Unlocked, as someone had intended making use of it moments before, the hatch closure now depressed, it hissed open to reveal stairs, a platform and beneath, a dark interior space of small proportions.. Koul and the operatives quickly went to work, one operative stood sentinel on the stairs by the hatch while Agent Koul and the other operative descended into what became apparent, was a ship, one they had clearly entered via a dorsal access panel.

As they pressed carefully into the ship, it’s engines thrumming, they could hear the telltale sound of some other ship’s function coming online through the squeal and addition of a new set of vibrations that telegraphed through the decking to their feet. A red light strobed from several spots in the ceiling, signaling a warning of some sort. From the curved path, they could tell the ship followed the contours of the Rotunda and tower beneath. Finding a schematic with a few keystrokes at a wall-mounted terminal in the darkened passage, the operative pointed out to Koul, the ship looked to be a Flarestar or Penumbra-class shuttle. Equipped with a solid hyperdrive, it was fast, light, though it could carry a crew of 3 and 10 passengers and had storage for a month’s supplies, and what’s more, it was well armed with 2 torpedo launchers and 2 laser cannons. It was used by some of the most notorious smugglers and crime syndicates in the recent past decade. In fact, if memory served, the Weequay and specifically the Ohnaka gang were fond of the craft. However the Naboo procured this ship, it was by nefarious channels!

But the moment of discovery soon erupted with blaster fire and Koul and the operatives were obliged to separate and return it.

“I don’t think we’re the company they were expecting,” yelled Koul about the den.

The operative pulled an Electromagnetic pulse grenade from his belt and held it up for Koul to see, but Sonny signaled him to wait. “Throw down your weapons. The Embassy is heavily secured inside and out. It’s suicide to attempt escape. Your Queen has been taken into custody.”

A grating, heavily accented voice called back. “That’s a shame! Then our business is done here and I’ll have to ask you folks to throw down YOUR weapons. If you don’t make us waste more fire on you, we’ll consider letting you off on planet instead of throwing you out of the airlock.”

Koul heard Sylvian mutter, “Right! Drop us off at the nearest Galaxybucks…” Koul furrowed his brow at the response from the Naboo ship’s cockpit and looked to the operative across the passage from him, only to see his feet disappear from view. Following with his eyes, Koul heard a distinctive hiss over his other shoulder, a shadow falling over him, a long thread of saliva hanging in the dark and slipping down the sleeve of his jacket. Looking up, he was met with a row of very sharp teeth, set in a snarling green-scaled face. Then everything went bla...a...c...k!

In the transport, in the Embassy forecourt, Koul’s pilot received signal from Koul’s comm that the agent’s life signs took a dip and his brain waves erratic and winking out for a moment. “Agent down, agent down!” he called into his helmet’s comm..The Imperial special operatives were only just then ushering a forensics team into the Embassy rotunda, when they heard the loud crashing sound, the roar of a ship’s engines, and saw the operative standing guard sucked down the hatch with a strangled cry, disappearing from view altogether.

---

The gunships that were acting as shuttles, after initial surprise, began to pursue the rogue ship. The flarestar, having taken off at near subluminal speed, with it’s agility, darted in and out of the residential towers and dropped sideways down into the deep canyons of Coruscant where the gunships dare not go.

Traffic grids began to halt along the errant ship’s path, but it soon had the traffic monitors flickering offline as it followed a well laid out maze of tacks to finally disappeared deeper into the lower levels of the megalopolis.


It all happened so quickly, Special Security was all dressed up and practically no place to go, scrambling and the chatter heating up their communications nodes.

The gunships that were acting as shuttles, after initial surprise, began to pursue, the Flarestar, having taken off at near subluminal speed, and with it’s agility, darted in and out of the residential towers and dropping sideways down into the deep canyons of Coruscant where the gunships dare not go. Soon however, the screech of TIEs joined the chase.




TAG: Yularen

 

IC: Jedi Master Quinlan Vos, Sheiftain of Kiffu, Ledaran of Ursa and the Empire, Agent Alexandr Kallus of the ISB, Admiral Yomin Naclav, Naboo Minister of Defense,and Military advisor to Amidala II


Locations: Emperor’s former offices, Senate Building, Coruscant, Naboo Palace bunker


Kallus and Vos had interviewed at the detainees and both stood in the grey corridor, Kallus looking over his notes on his datapad and Vos, arms folded over his chest, head bent in thought, or so Kallus deduced as he peered over the edge of his device to the Ledaren. He wondered what quieted the dark clad man. Yellow tatts barely visible, Vos’ dreadlocks nearly hid his face as he now detached himself, drawn in, Kallus assumed, mulling over his summations. Then, Vos dropped his arms and looked up, without a word. His movement was so sudden, Kallus asked if the Ledaren was alright.


Eyes staring down the corridor between the interview rooms, the Ledaren was deep in a journey of sorts. Hsur Hgubmil’s interview disturbed him. The Holonet journalist had resonated so dischordently in the Force, it was like a harsh siren. Vos felt he had to open to whatever ‘rang’ so insistently and reluctantly he reached across the table and had grasped Hsur’s hand.


Vos purposefully avoided a casual open nature. In fact, learning how to control his receptivity to the psychometric “trails” in the Force had claimed most of his training as a youth with his Master Tholme, more than learning to separate and read the jumble of images and sounds that would litter his mind. When a youngling, Vos’ mind was like a magnet, collecting bits and pieces of unbidden information through this psychometric sensitivity. Such intense moments of receptivity as he had just experienced presented a similar one to entering and leaving hyperspace.


The constant need to wade through and straighten the confusion gave him severe headaches. The elders had to be assured by his parents that he was not somehow impaired cognitively, that he was able and could serve as a guardian, for while he showed great intelligence, he was distracted, a fact his Aunt, Tinté Vos, exploited to win her suite for control of Kiffu.


Often, the residue of past events was so prevalent, the present seemed to be obscured. These trails or resonances of the past were so much “noise” that they overpowered and blotted out thought. Shutting them off was Vos’ dearest wish and it often left him unable to touch or even to be near others before he learned how to silence the brew. This evening, the noise was beating at the walls of his mind. Upon meeting Hgubmill, Vos felt he would need to be receptive, open to the psychometric ability, and connect with whatever it was that Hgubmill still “sounded.”


There were large amounts of credits involved-too large to really get one’s mind around. He was able to distinguish, as he stood in the corridor, turning the impressions, the sounds and voices over in his mind to barest amount, yet each trail and thread was beginning to untangle. He could discern some of the speakers, and in some cases, ‘hear’ the words spoken; “...with distraction...birds will make their migration home...”


The Kiffu put a hand to his brow, shading his face in the already low lit corridor, his yellow tatts gleaming in the dark. -This ‘web’ had many trails, some at cross purposes! The information and connections were flowing with maddening speed. Vos did not speak to Kallus’ concern, but only said, “This connection is strong,” and not particularly to Agent Kallus.


Leaving Kallus to query, “I...don’t...what connection?”


Vos looked down in thought and then turned to him to answer, “Hgubmill!


“Yes,...of course...” said Kallus confused at the redundancy of Vos’ statement for they knew this already.


“...Hgubmill, the Queen, Bontraar...I know of them...near...they are integral...” said the Ledaren, still pursuing his thoughts and only speaking, in part, to Kallus who interrupted to ask who “Bontraar” was or is.

It took a moment for the agent to come to a realization and ask, “You mean that entertainment magnet, the one who bought all that property in the “Dead Zone?”


Vos nodded and straightened, “I have a feeling, the Colonel and HIs Majesty will want more from Mr. Hgubmill. There is so much yet that I cannot see clearly, but I believe the situation at the Naboo Embassy is not yet come to its culmination. Warn the special security detail that there is a shadow play and the queen is at risk.” The Ledaren shook his head, as if to clear it. Agent Kallus, I’m sending you clearance and my commlink code. You’ll be able to trace me-yes, this is event comes from many agendas, that much is clear to me. It is not one single intent. Tell the Colonel to ask Hgubmill about investors.” said Vos, as he began to stride down the interior hall. “Tell the Colonel! NOW!” he called before rounding the corner.


The sense of urgency growing as he ran, Vos grabbed the nearest and fastest speeder bike in the security pool and tore off into the growing amber-lit dark of the Coruscant night sky.

---

“The Imperial Seventh Fleet are up there in maneuvers and Naboo holds its breath-What do you mean, 'I can not enter?'” demanded Advisor Yomin Nacluv.


“The Governor gave express orders that no one is to enter his offices until he gives his leave.” said the Sergeant at arms.


“Soldier, do you really need me to remind you that I am your superior.” warned Nacluv.


“Sir, yes...NO, SIR. I understand, SIR, but with the Queen on Coruscant, the Governor is deputized to rule in her absence, sir.” said the guard, a hint of regret in his voice.


“I see. Well, with the deputy “Queen” in his office and unavailable in a time of crisis, could you please direct me to his deputy?” growled Nacluv.


“That would be Director Deesch, sir,” said the guard reluctantly.


Nacluv put his hands on his hips and looked long and hard at the guard before saying, “And Director Deesch is in the office with Govenor Eicester.”


“Yes, ...sir.” said the guard.


“Damnation!” said Nacluv under his breath. “Alright, well, if “Her Majesty Eicester” or Director Deetsch show their faces, do be sure and inform them that Minister Nacluv, the ‘fragging’ MILITARY ADVISOR, has a few questions and is using HIS prerogative to get to the bottom of this cluster dump. Would you be so kind?“



“YES,SIR!” said the Sergeant, saluting crisply, beads of perspiration forming on his brow.


TAG: Kallus, Yularen, Anakin, Thrawn

 

~IC~ Dash Rendar, LE-BO2D9, 'Jenifer'
Location: Coruscant

Five minutes can sometimes pass with the blink of an eye… and sometimes it can feel like an eternity. To Dash, it was feeling like the latter as he looked again at the chrono to find that only a minute had passed since the last time he had checked. Where was this transport? No, it was not late. He just wished it was here and now so he could get back on the way. It felt like the universe was having its fun with his fortune by making him miss Master Shuri’s train and for the wait for the next to feel longer than it actually should be.

Milling about the MagLev station for the next one to arrive, the displays kept everyone up to date on the shindig happening at the Senate Plaza and Rotunda despite a minor technical disruption with the feed. Dash paced up and down, glancing to the screens, then to the crowd. The lovely Theelin-human hybrid, Ms Sant, was on the display. Her presence hosting the red carpet reminded him of someone from another lifetime... an entertainer, a performer… one whom had gotten under his skin, infuriated him to no end and yet… He looked away. That time had past, paths diverged on different tangents so there is no point thinking wistfully about her, besides… she is bad for the heath. After a few more steps, pacing back and forth, he looked up again. Ms Sant was speaking with a Falleen…. His fists clenched. The Falleen… of course…

Yes, the universe was having some fun with him today. The performer, a crime lord and the dramas of an unrequited love…

He turned from the display and unclench his fists. No, the automatic presumption is unfair. Not all Falleen are criminals and part of the underworld, this one was a fashion designer, promoting her latest piece. Still does not change the fact that a Falleen was responsible for-

Someone caught his attention… he narrowed his gaze as he saw further along the crowded platform the side profile of a young woman. The blond hair, the shape of her face- was that Jen?

He moved closer, though a few people stepped into his line of sight and when he got there, the woman was gone. It couldn’t have been her… she was back on the ship with Leebo. Glancing to the chrono again, another minute had passed. How long for-

A change in air pressure preceded the arrival of the MagLev. It slowed to a halt and the doors open to allow people to embark and alight. He casually glanced about as he moved with the others to board the transport, hoping by chance to see that blond haired woman again. Curious as to where she had gone.


Getting onto the crowded carriage, he moved deeper in and was fortunate to find a free seat by the window. A whistle tone sounded and outside, the platform fell away from sight as the train smoothly left the station. He took a deep breath to collect his thoughts as he watched the lights of the buildings flicker past. He should probably ask Leebo for an update on Emi’s location, then work things out from there.


Bringing his wrist comm close, he half-turned to face the window.

“How far away?” He asked.

“Looks to still be situated at the next station… not much movement now...”

Dash frowned. She must have gotten off… trapped? Did that white hooded figure get to her? Is she unconscious? He pushed those possibilities from his mind. He still had a chance to catch up.

“Update me if the situation changes.” Dash instructed and signed off.

There was a small mutter amongst some of the commuters in the carriage. He glanced about and saw some puzzled expresses as they pointed outside, he followed the direction of their focus, but it was all lost on him and he couldn’t make out what they were talking about. Straining his hearing, he caught word that they had switched onto a different track from usual.

A chime sounded over the internal PA, followed by a voice. The driver announced a diversion and that they will end up at a different platform for their next stop followed by an apology for the inconvenience to transmuters.

Dash frowned more so. What had happened to have caused them to not continue on the same route?

He contacted Leebo again for an update.

“Signal still there, sir. I recommend getting off.”

“Rightio…”

Dash stood up and made his way to the end of the carriage to be one of the first off as the doors slid open. He watched as the next platform came into view and the train came to a smooth stop before the doors opened.

A surge, as a sea of people disembarked, carrying him with it. His eyes searching the crowds as he followed with them. Somewhere at this station was Master Emi-to Shuri and possibly that white hooded figure. He moved slower, taking his time and heard the whistle announcing the doors closing and the train started off. He turned saw a glimpse of the opposite platform and a train taxied there. Was it the same one he had missed earlier? Was she still on there?

As his gaze travelled, he noticed an unusual concentration of troops in the area. Had something happened? He would have to be careful to find Master Shuri without attracting unwanted attention-

“You didn’t say hi..” Dash heard a voice say into his left ear. He sharply turned his head as a young blond haired woman pressed past his shoulder and moved ahead of him. Jen!

“You shouldn’t be here.” Dash said to the back of Jen’s head as she turned her head away from him. He moved to follow her.

“You have a tail you haven’t sorted out yet.” He heard her voice as she kept her face from him.

Blast! What was she talking about? Had he fallen into the trap of tunnel vision? If he was following Emi-to and that hooded figure, who was tailing him? Had he had inadvertently endangered Master Shuri?

Before he could ask her more, she had angled away from him and lost in the rest of the commuters. Leaving Dash wondering what she was going to do… and what he was going to do...

TAG: Pascale Rouser , Emi-to Shuri , Adrias Stark

 

IC: Pascale Rouser
Location: MagLev Station, Coruscant

As he waited for the next train to arrive Pascale decided to amuse himself by watching what was going on with the rather lavish party at the Senate thanks to it being broadcast on screens around the station. Although he did make sure that Rendar wasn't going anywhere his blue eyes focusing on him like a predator watching its prey.

You’re going to wear yourself out with all that pacing around Pascale thought with a smirk, he continued to try and make he was hidden away in the crowd however he did admit with his cream suit he did stick out a little bit. Luckily he hadn't been noticed. Yet.

The delicious hybrid Ms Sant was on the screen at the moment, interviewing a female Falleen who was prattling on about the latest fashions she had designed. Pascale was never a connoisseur of fashion, however he always made sure to look presentable in the best suits and he thought his hat made him look a bit more rakish. Probably one of the best dressed men in the underworld.

He also considered that if he were not involved with the slime of the galaxy’s underbelly he would probably be invited to one of these grand parties. The Rouser name still held clout, however he had tarnished it somewhat with his shady dealings. A shame……

Rendar was on the move again. Pascale decided to step forward and make sure he didn't lose sight of him or make sure he didn't disappear into the crowd. He was probably compromising his secrecy, however the crowd should give him some protection. A slight breeze indicated the train’s arrival, Pascale followed Rendar onto the train, making sure he was well hidden within the crowds alighting and boarding the train.

It looked like Rendar had gotten a seat which was lucky considering the carriage was crowded. Rouser kept him within eyesight watching his every move, preparing himself to move should Rendar spot him. It looked like he was speaking to someone through his wrist comm, probably finding out where the people he was following had gone. Hopefully my position has not been compromised…..

A mutter arose from some of the passengers, it looked like they had moved on to a different track than the usual. An announcement from the driver announced a platform change at the next stop and they were on diversion.

Curious. I wonder if something has happened again, or whether it is due to Rendar’s mysterious cloaked figures. Pascal did not mind mysteries, after all, artifacts were linked to magic and mystery and sometimes you had to enter mysterious places to find the best artifacts.

Another conversation over the comm for Rendar and then he was off down to the end of the carriage as they approached the next stop. Making sure not to lose the pursuit, Pascale made his way down as well, saying “excuse me” in a myriad of languages. He let the crowd guide him out of the train and onto the platform He made sure to keep himself within the crowds, noticing that there were more troops than usual hanging around the station.

This is even more intriguing. I think Rendar's mystery guests must be involved….

As he continued to follow, a blonde haired woman seemed to move up beside him and then slightly forward of him it looked like he might have recognized her as his head had moved to look at her and then back in front.

Pascale frowned I think I might have been rumbled. I hope not, but I have come too far to stop now.

He resolved to continue the pursuit, and if the blonde haired woman came back to confront him, so be it.

He would handle them both. He would make sure of it.

TAG: Emi, Adrius, Rendar and friend

 

OOC: Another joint post brought to you by myself and CO. A pleasure as always

IC: Commander Sam Gerard, Captain Dorja
Location: ISD Relentless, orbital flight path around Naboo

After completing his assigned task Gerard walked back up to the bridge to check on how Dorja was getting on. When he arrived the bridge was a hive of activity, a lot more than usual.

Dorja however looked like someone had just come in and spoilt his day.

“What’s going on Captain? he asked coming up beside him.

“A case of the children acting up when the parents are out the door, Commander.” Dorja said as he saw Gerard. “Upon the Grand Admiral’s departure, there had been activity with the Naboo. They had halted all commercial and private travel, contacts on the surface has informed us that there had been a call of evacuation and the population are heading to emergency shelters… and their planetary shield has been activated.” He gave a tight smile. “To top that off, the Governor was in contact with someone on the outside, reporting upon our fleet positions. I had to jam their communications.”

Gerard folded his arms across his chest, his usual scowling face going darker “Now why would they want to do that I wonder” he shook his head “Seems a bad move on their part. Unless we want to commit suicide I assume we are not about to attack them.”

“No, unless they initiated open hostilities against our forces or our standing orders are superseded by a critical updated from The Powers That Be.” Dorja inclined his head to the viewport where the planet of Naboo took up half the view. He resisted the urge to double check the cuffs of his sleeves. and folded his arms behind his back. “Are they testing us? To see how we react? How much they can get away with? Or trying to antagonise us into a compromising position? Or staging an uprising? It makes you wonder what they are getting at.”

Gerard kept his face unreadable “That’s the problem with war, you never know what your adversary is going to do, in this case fool you into doing something stupid. Have we heard from either the Naboo or Grand Admiral Thrawn on this?”

“The Chimaera has been informed of the situation. No contact with the Naboo just yet, just of our assets on the ground. Awaiting a secure line to be established and find out what the devil is going on.”

Gerard looked over to his friend and commanding officer with a slightly raised eyebrow at his response “Anything you want me and the team to do? I can always go down there, try and talk some sense into them”

Dorja regarded him, thinking over the options and then nodded. “Not such a bad idea. You have my approval to have your team suit up and on standby for instructions. Hopefully we’ll get to the bottom of this in no time.”

A Comms Officer approached them. “Excuse me, sirs. There’s a transmission from the planet.”

“We’ve established a secure line?” Dorja asked.

“It’s… not one of ours… nor will they say who they are. Only that they wish to speak only with you.”

“I see…” Dorja exchanged a look with Gerard “...this is highly irregular...”

TAG: Captain Dorja

 

OOC: Original characters for Naboo created by LadyZaraMarta.

IC: Jedi Master Quinlan Vos, Sheiftain of Kiffu, Ledaran of Ursa and the Empire, Doctor Giles Senob, personal physician to Amidala II, Sabe Delba, Amidala II, Queen of Naboo, Senator Quindor Owney of Naboo, Admiral Yomin Naclav, Naboo Minister of Defense,and Military adviser to Amidala II


Locations: Imperial special security transport parked in the forecourt of the Naboo Embassy, Coruscant, Naboo Palace central command beneath the Palace.


In the transport, the handmaids sat separated and cuffed, each one assigned a guard. Across from them lay the unconscious queen, Dr. Senob beside her hover litter, and Senator Owney next to him, nursing his bandaged burnt hand, and beside the senator, an operative pressed into service as a medic.


Sabe began to murmur and move. “Is she coming to, Doctor?” asked Owney, with concern. The Doctor looked to Owney with an intense gaze and then back to Sabe, who seemed to settle back down into her drowsing state. She took a stun blast up close, her system overloaded, she had to be exhausted, but she was a woman of uncommon will. Though, Giles’ concern was of a different kind. Sabe was too thin and he knew why. The current situation could not be a worse for Sabe. Between her pride and her affection, she would be unbearably conflicted, her people caught in the vice, the risk of losing an affection she believed she could easily shirk and could not....

“You know something, Owney, and I think you need to tell me.” whispered Senob.

Owney put his head in his ‘good’ hand,“That Her Majesty is in trouble due to my actions.”

“What exactly were your actions, Senator.” demanded Senob.

“I ... I sent those messages on to the Holonet, you know that ...let’s leave it at that.” said Owney, the enormity of his actions weighing him down.

“Young man, I think it is imperative, you tell me what you know. I think you are in deeper than you comprehend.” whispered Senob insistently.

“Not...here-” whispered Owney, hotly, the conversation interrupted as a fleet shadow stepped into the transport, a tall dark man with a mop for hair and who now stepped to the litter’s side. As he leaned down a distinctive stripe of yellow crossed over his nose from cheek to cheek. He seemed to be reassuring himself that the Queen was alive and was determining her condition.

He turned his head to fix a hard gaze on Dr. Senob and then Senator Owney, his green eyes seeming to bore into each one upon whom he looked and he lingered long enough for Owney to squirm.

“Medic,” called the Ledaren.

“Sir,” said the Medic, standing and saluting slowly, vaguely aware he was addressing a Lieutenant to the new Emperor.

“What is Her Majesty’s condition?” asked the Ledaren, reaching the back of his hand to Amidala II's cheek.

Senob opened his mouth to snap a warning at Vos, but decided to refrain, as Vos turned to gaze at the doctor quizzically.

The medic reported, “Sir, I’m triage only. Our ‘Imsix,’” he said, meaning the IM-6 medical droid normally included in most operations for just such emergencies,”is being serviced. I was in ‘situ’ so I stepped forward, Sir. They’re sending us a medi-droid now.”

“HAH!” interjected Dr. Senob.

“You wish to give your opinion, Dr. Senob?” asked the Ledaren.

Senob darted a slimming glance to Vos. “I was not allowed to attend her, thus I am unable to render an opinion. But my guess is that she is relatively unharmed, but took a stun blast at close range-that’s what I was told, I did not witness the event. However, she will likely remain unconscious for the next 15 to 20 minutes.”

Vos looked back to the Medic. “Can you attest to what the Doctor says?”

“Yes, sir!”

“Are there any other injured?” asked the Ledaren directing his question to the Medic and to which the young man shook his head.

“Well, no sir! Not that we had anything to do with, but we found this man suffering a very acute burn due to a focused plasma beam.”

“What was that?” asked Vos.

“Agent Koul has Lord Vader’s saber-” said Owney,almost mumbling.


“His Majesty’s saber?” queried Vos, wondering how this man came to speak of it, but he remembered, Sabe had been entrusted with it when Vos’ ‘brother' succumbed to his injuries the night before.

“Alright, Medic! Make immediate report to ISB Colonel Yularen via secured channel.” said Vos to the Medic.

The Ledaren then turned to the Senator. “So you attempted to use the saber?” asked Vos taking Owney’s wounded hand with a sigh, the Senator pulling back, but unable to free himself from the Ledaren’s grasp.

“Doctor, perhaps either you or the Senator can confirm for me that the Queen was downed for obstructing special security’s investigation,” said Vos, nodding upward but looking down sharply at Owney, a faint sound, almost as a recording playing over itself in his mind. I know about the messages received from Naboo from the Governor and passed on to Hsur Hgubmil. Was the Queen stalling, protecting someone or something from discovery?


Senob answer sharply, “I have no clue, who or why or what. Her Majesty received these urgent messages from the Governor, who believed that Naboo was going to suffer dire recriminations for all that falderal with the Union and the Emperor’s own Admiralty. If there was an infraction, Her Majesty let it be known that there was a Jedi masquerading as an emissary of the Union or some such ridiculousness. I don’t blame her for outing the fellow, to shed any hint that Naboo would collude with the outlaws. The Imperial Admiralty fell one over the other to hunt him to ground and then the seventh fleet shut it all down and started circling the planet. What was anyone to think? Don’t pretend you don’t know what I mean! -No, the Governor may be spooked. Perhaps you should consider that the Queen was doing her best to protect her people from anymore blunders from the Admiralty.”

The loss of his brothers and sisters was something Vos sublimated and he did not appreciate the Doctor's callus dig made Vos eye the Doctor before turning back to Owney. He asked with hard bought patience, “So Governor Eicester suggested you forward the data to the Holonet, didn’t he? That happened relatively quickly. He had the clearance calling code for you then.”

Owney grimaced, his hand still in the grip of the Imperial. Gritting his teeth, he yanked his bandaged hand away from Vos.


“Yes, he advised and gave me the code. Look we weren’t taking chances with our planet..”


The Ledaren looked down at the unconscious Queen of Naboo, and sighed before returning his gaze to Owney. “Did she tell you to make that call, Senator? I will know if you tell the truth or not.”

“Well, no, no she didn’t.” said Owney, hesitance and concern filling his voice as he began to realize how far his action would travel and that this was going to pull Sabe into the 'cauldron.'

Vos had reason to believe the Senator, but there was more that was not being said, but which he could sense, the resonances of a greater picture shifting, growing just a bit clearer, signaling and warning. Sabe had tried stalling, but more, something was about to happen, something of which Amidala II was both an agent and a pawn....

With a quick step back, the Ledaren looked straight up sensing danger and only having time to call out,“Above!”

The Senator tried to stand abruptly, Dr. Senob restraining him protectively as Owney was about to speak to the Ledaren’s exclamation, when the comms blared with the transport pilot’s voice, “Agent down, agent down!” Then the sky above them began to rumble and a loud, crashing sound was followed by a rain of debris from above, pinging and bashing against the LAART’s hull. Everyone inside instinctively held their arms protectively over their heads as the dust clogged their noses and the transport shook. Above, the sky rumbled loudly and a swift shadow darkened the forecourt, for a moment, blotting out the bright lights bleeding their glare down from above.

“Pilot,” shouted Vos, “take these people to the Emperor, immediately, call ahead to Colonel Yularen, ISB for specifics and orders.” The Ledaren leaped from the transport, and seconds later, a 614-AvA speeder bike flew up, circled the broken tower, and flew in the direction of the receding shadow.

Vos could see, in his mind’s eye, the Flarestar, along with the still fresh images that he’d received through contact with Hgubmil and Owney. The dark strata, the jagged grid...no! Buildings, recently buckled and fallen in. The darkness of the derelict buildings grew darker...twisted metal...explosions...or ...no...he’d have to let the images resolve. They were a jumble. He would have to trust the Force, allow himself to flow with it. At the moment he felt much like the purple plushy Nexu tied to the bars and twirling in the gritty wind of Coruscant as the AvA careened after the fleeing light freighter.

The layers seemed to have been gouged out, like a putrid “layered-cake,” half eaten-but the bite was clean...recent, and large-about 6 levels thick, and maybe wide enough for a battalion of heavy tanks and walkers. The psychometric “memory,” like a reverse echo, seemed to repeat certain aspects of the images, emphasizing elements...as if his eyes lingered where the holocaster’s gaze had lingered, voices speaking over, and images layered one over the other and bleeding through, but the impression was coalescing: the dank darkness, the layers dripping with strange moss rooted in thin slime...jagged, twisted grids that had once been straight and shiny, now ominous and toxic! He was certain of the general location for which he searched, but the Dead Zone was a vast wasteland.

Yularen would know and Vos was reasonably sure he could raise him almost immediately. He stopped at the seedy edge of the toxic zone and commed the Agent Kallus, reluctant to comm the Colonel directly, for he was probably still in conference with the Re and Emperor . Patched into ISB’s service, Vos gave his name and waited for Kallus to answer. He needed to ask Yularen if he was aware of or could determine a location in the Dead Zone with any recent military activity.

Having commandeered troopers and patrol craft in the areas proximate the very general route he believed the Flarestar would have to pass, the Ledaren had made a straight line to his location, while sending his quickly gained resources to give chase. The pilots groused to themselves about the sudden action and orders, they nonetheless pursued giving the evening’s commuters a story they’d no doubt tell for years to come, having had to “fall” out of traffic lanes as the space freighter shot like a beam of light in and out and around the grid and the ‘deep-rooted’ towers, it’s exhaust burning light-signs and exploding speeders as it dodged and wove. Sirens screamed and security cameras lit up after the passed catching more of the security and municipal police in pursuit.

Brash, willful, and quick to flame, Sabe Delba, Amidala II of Naboo, was not this careless! At first, Vos believed the light freighter had clipped the rotunda tower of the Naboo Embassy in attack, but as he lifted out of the forecourt he had to turn around to pursue the fleeing craft, and quickly circling the tower, he saw the open vent below the domed top. Vos, smirked to himself. So Sabe had had the Embassy retrofitted with a central domed tower-Naboo as the bastion of democracy. The dome was to fly in the face of Emperor Palpatine’s slow dismantling of the senate, the bronzium dome of which lay in the near distance, the last remnant of the Republic. Yet, should the Naboo need to beat a hasty exit, beneath the topmost room, was built what appeared to be a cooling chamber for the steam generated by the Embassy’s power generators and utility systems. The vents, were in fact facades for the small freighter cum shuttle’s secret hangar and in it’s haste, the Flarestar had punched through part of a corner of the hangar, sending the rain of stone and debris to the court below.

It was brazen in the extreme as to be suicidal. With a high level event at the Senate, the war having just come to an end, rebel activity and defections, this was not the night to try a stunt like this. Hearing the nearing sound of low flying craft, Vos looked up to see that things had gotten worse. Planetary defense was alerted and had joined the chase! This was not going to escape the networks! Only rule by fiat would dampen this story and that was exactly what his ‘brother,’ the young Emperor did not wish to do. No, while Sabe might wish to derail the Emperor’s newly evolving government, this crazy stunt was too ranging and blousey even for the Queen of Naboo!

---

Location: Naboo Palace Bunker, Naboo

Nacluv returned the guard’s salute, “You have my sympathy, boy.” said the Adviser as he turned and headed toward the communications center across the cramped command quarters in the sheltered and fortified structure below the Palace.

Admiral Nacluv had tried ealier, before being turned away at the Governor's office, to speak with his fellow Ministers. However, The Naboo Royal Advisory Council were themselves confused and concerned. All in the bunker together, they nonetheless had been visiting various departments in the command center, trying to collect information. Nacluv had spent a solid hour rounding the Ministers together in their situation room, yet none had satisfactory answers to his questions. Eicester had called the general alarm and called for immediate evacuation of the citizenry to safe houses and bunkers planet-wide. He feared the Imperial fleet tasked with protecting Naboo was preparing to strike the planet, rather than safeguard it. It was expected that the Governor had consulted with the CEO and the senior joint chiefs of the military and no, they weren’t aware that Nacluv had not been consulted or alerted and had to drive himself back from a mountain vacation with his family to find the city abandoned and still. Nor had all of them been consulted about the general alarm, to begin with. Eicester, who had been auxiliary head of government and had been the main communicator with the Queen during her forced stay on Ursa might have become somewhat heavy handed during Amidala II’s long hiatus! Some of the Joint Chiefs of Staff joined the conversation. Eicester informed some of the Council via holo message, just before the alarm went out, he was going to implement the call and raise shields rather than risk being unprepared. The information upon which he based the need for his unilateral decision was classified and he would only speak to it once he heard from Amidala II. “Where is the Governor, at present?” asked Nacluv. Once he’d been told Eicester was in his office, he’d headed straight for it, only to be turned away by the Guard. Now, Admiral Nacluv was picking his way through the over-crowded hallways and aisles of the underground bunker, having apprised himself of the Imperial fleet’s disposition.

“Where’s the Chimaera?” asked Nacluv, finding himself surprised when he was told that Imperial Grand Admiral had left Chommell system all together, about an hour before.

He turned from the soft light of the holo map to seat himself at the communications bank, in an empty telesponder station, its corporal turning up a moment later. “I need to raise Grand Admiral Thrawn’s second,” Admiral Nacluv said, rising to let the communications officer do his job. “Make the connection and tell them Her Majesty’s Military Adviser is calling to discuss the current situation.”

After a salute, the Corporal slide into his seat and haggled with Naboo communications until the outbound call was permitted and communications recognized the Adviser’s authority in the absence of Gov. Eicester and Director Deesch.

"On second thought, Corporal, do not announce me, only Naboo Planetary Command." said Nacluv, eyes slimming in thought and resting the index finger of his right hand against his lips as he closed the transparasteel door to the tiny stall behind him.

A head set quickly adjusted, the telesponder warmed up, the Corporal spoke, “Relentless, this is Naboo Planetary Command calling on behalf of Naboo Planetary Command. We would like to speak with ....with...” the Corporal leaned to check his monitor for the CO, “ah...Captain Dorja, come on....?”

TAG: Captain Dorja, CO Relentless, Agent Kallus, Colonel Yularen, His Majesty, Anakin Skywalker, Lord Darth Vader, RMU and Emperor of the Free Systems of the Galactic Empire , Grand Admiral Thrawn, Naboo passenger’s on the special ops LAART, Governor of Naboo, Burg Eicester, and Director of Security and Intelligence, Fadine Deetsch

 

OOC: This is a joint post with TheAdmiral whom I thank most sincerely.

IC: Emi-to Shuri, Jedi Grand Master; Adrias Stark, former Jedi and now, smuggler/assassin; "Toothy,”-a Besalisk; Inquisitor


The Inquisitor, smiled slowly. “Take these two into custody!” he snapped with a theatrical bravado, that nearly made him laughable, but for the very real menace and authority he not only exuded, but was clearly willing to wield. The passengers leaned away from the three men and tried to shrink in their seats.

“Custody?” cried ‘Toothy.’ “Your Excellency, sir, I know I’m a tad in my “cups” but I swear, I ain’t done nothin’.” declared Toothy in mournful protest.

The Inquisitor ignored the Besalisk and stared at Adrias Stark and then leaning slightly toward the assassin, he made as if to sniff the air and he stepped back. “I thought I smelled the stench of 'Jeedai' in here!-Take them to the Inquisitorius and use suppression cuffs on both,” he said waving the four troopers in and around either side of him to take Adrias and ‘Toothy.’

Stepping backwards down the isle of commuters, the Inquisitor nodded to the passengers, “As you were...people.” He spat, more than said, two troopers ready with open cuffs and their partners leveling warning blasters at Stark and Toothy.

---

Master Shuri looked below, beyond the tips of her booted feet and saw a hazy and distant dark in the city canyon under where the Maglev station jutted out beyond the cantilevered edge of a mesa created by an agglomeration of old business towers. Seven enormous horizontal struts supported the station platform to either side of the rails, spaced 15 meters apart. The ends were solid, but about 3 meters in, there the struts were a cage of metal tubes to reduce wind resistance. She could make the leap, the question was, whether she could spring back and grasp the small hand holds along the sleek body of the next tram. However, the longer she remained dangling next to the-Oh dear-of course there was remote surveillance! She had to expend additional effort avoiding movement while its rotating eye was on her.

---

‘Great…’ Adrias thought, that was what he wanted to avoid. He could easily dispatch the boy and the two trooper, but he feared collateral damage. There were far too many civilians and could not risk a stray shot hitting anyone. He produced his hands as he didn't need the Force to take them out. “Very well then.” Adrias wanted to unnerve the pup with his calm demeanor.

He appraised the Inquisitor. He was young and certainly had never faced what Adrias had. With a bit of bravado, the smuggler surmised that the 'boy' inquisitor did not pose much danger, but despite that, he was still a Force user with a bad temper. Adrias' Besalisk companion was the wild card. Hopefully, they would be on the same side when the scuffle happened. If only Thorn were there.

A sliver of a second’s hesitation from the troopers intervened as they did not expect compliance and the young Inquisitor snarled and ordered that they hurry things up. He turned on his heal as he approached the twin sliding doors of the tram and stepped out to a small garrison of 20 troopers and a group of 10 droid units from the local constabulary.

With an electronic “click” the trooper to their left motioned with his blaster rifle for ‘Toothy’ and Stark to move in line and continue out of the doors. Commuters pulled their arms and legs close to make way for the group, four abreast, to move past. Some looked on fearfully, while many loosened their stance after the group passed along, glad the event seemed to have ended.

A transport of the defunct Republic took up most of the station platform, its loud engines quickly pulsing and prohibiting the audibility of normal speech. On the inside of the transport, there seemed to be some commotion, a trooper waving the Inquisitor forward, handing the young human a headset into which he listened. Swearing, he could be seen to gesticulate, an action to which the troopers responded by hurrying and another set of 4 to join the tight contingent of two prisoners and 4 troopers.

A trooper with the marking of “Sergeant” gave the universal gesture for “Hurry it up!” The Inquisitor, who had jumped into the open bay doors of the light transport stood, clearly angry and growing more so. A huge shadow, suddenly whelmed the platform: a saucer-shaped freighter passing close overhead, blotting out the garish colored lights of the surrounding signage, its engines shaking one to the teeth and the waiting commuters and troopers all crouched reflexively as the freighter zoomed by on its side, narrowly missing the transport and causing some of the bystanders to spill and topple onto the duracrete platform. Even as people and troopers alike began to right themselves, a set of three TIE fighters came screaming through after the freighter, the un-helmeted covering their ears. Something serious had to be happening. One did not see a TIE in traffic grids or off of them every day. They weren't relegated to atmospheric flying.

---

Knuckles white, as the wind gusts buffeted her, Emi-to felt the crunch of old bird’s nests and grit from years of rust and grime, blinking as bits and pieces fell to her face, her long braid blowing out past her. She hitched herself with hands and feet, pulling herself up into the cage of the support member and smiled at the wildlife that had reclaimed the space as their home. Even before the strut began to vibrate, the avians and four-legged ledge dwellers suddenly took flight. The abnormally close rumbling of an approaching freighter made her sit up in alarm, nearly hitting the back of her head on the duracrete platform above her. This was her chance! Crouched and climbing forward and then dropping below again, Shuri pulled herself, hand over hand to the end of the strut, as far up to the solid plating as she could go. She could hear on the other side of the tram, that there was a commotion as she was directly opposite the open doors of the car she’d been in earlier. There was no one on her side of the platform, as everyone had been made to stay in the trams while the troopers searched and commuters waiting to board had approached from the other side. Quickly, the Master swung herself up to the edge of the station platform and struggling to cling to the oily surface, her hands on the top of the thick slab, yet even as she gained a hand hold, her other hand would slip...

---

There was no way Adrias could escape as things were; there were far too many people and he did not bring his lightsaber. He had to consider the situation. He could try to knock out the trooper and make a run for it, but the Inquisitor would surely catch him. There was no way he could contact his Togorian friend, nor Nyll. Maybe he should have resisted arrest. Now, he must trust the Force and it would guide him in this trying time. As if on cue a Flarestar light freighter-transport appeared, scorching a path through the traffic in the tight grid between buildings. Adrias turned slightly towards the Besalisk and nodded his head toward a nearby exit to the lower levels of the station.

The Besalisk nodded back, in his crouch, and was clearly already thinking as Adrias had. This was their chance. Toothy took one furtive second to glance back to the tram and to where Master Shuri slipped out and below the tram, but it was break for it now or miss their chance. He threw his hulking form forward onto the two armed troopers crouching beside him and grabbing a handful of Adrias’ collar, he used the assassin as a flail and slammed the other troopers with the length of Stark and continuing his run to the escalators, the assassin tucked under his huge arm like a loaf of bread. Barreled down the moving steps, three and four at a time, through the screaming crowd, Toothy eventually leaped seat first onto the slick metal divider between the up and down legs to slide quickly down the level, riders falling to the opposite walls to clear for expected blaster shots from the troopers above.

---

Swearing and leaping forward out of the transport, the Inquisitor began pursuit. The sergeant yelled after, “Sir, we’ve been ordered to pursue that freighter. SIR!” The sergeant growled and leaped out too, yelling into his headset after the inquisitor. “SIR! WE HAVE ORDERS DIRECTLY FROM THE EMPEROR. BREAK OFF YOUR ....” The sergeant flew back with the inquisitor’s Force push hitting the fuselage of the transport with a loud ‘thwack’ and a grunt.

“Ugh...trooper, put your weapon down!” called the sergeant to one in his garrison who leveled his blaster after the inquisitor. “Get...get on the transport! We’ll leave him to his desserts! He’ll have to answer for disobeying orders. Come on, LET’S GO!” he called to the rest of his men as he was helped up and into the transport which lifted and swung heavily before rising above the crowd and moving off toward the ‘Dead Zone.’ The sergeant shook his head and watched through the open bay doors, the bewildered crowd looking up after them as they banked and took off after the Flarestar.

---

Toothy landed in a run, sprinting with Stark still riding on the Besalisk’s hip. They could hear the commotion and disturbance as the inquisitor mowed commuters down in his pursuit, but they had a good lead, and Toothy, spying a utility droid unhooking from a power coupling stepped onto the back end, scooted deftly around on it’s running board and flattened them along the far side as the large truck of a droid began to release steam and lower its brushes on the paving as it sped along to clean the vast lobby, lights strobing and a warning klaxon flushing commuters from its path. Leaning cautiously, Toothy peered round a corner to see their pursuer turning about and scanning for them, some 15 meters back, Adrias dangling like a rag doll off the side of the ‘sweeper.’ “You alright, there, little buddy?” queried Toothy, his arm secure around Adrias’ waist.

Adrias was a bit sore from their escape. It was an unexpected but efficient tactic. If he were a vain man he would have been offended to be used as a tool, but luckily he was not. He appreciated unorthodox tactics, especially those that brought results. But there was no time for relaxation, the Inquisitor was hunting them. It was curious that the stormtroopers stood down and did not pursue. What was going on? Was that an elaborate trap? What happened to the woman he had been pursuing? Those were some of the questions going through his mind. Something caught his attention, it was the Besalisk. Adrias nodded and gave a raspy chuckle “I have been better, but will survive.”

“Oh, my apologies there. Here,” he whispered, setting Adrias down on the running board next to him, so that the man could get a look around the front of the droid sweeper.

Adrias nodded thanking the man. “Could you try to remove the cuffs and collar?” he asked, hoping that the Besalisk was strong enough to do it. He needed the extra senses and agility that the Force provided him. The former Jedi had tried not to rely too much on it, but he was trained to use every advantage he had. Besides they were facing a Force user so he will have to be able to defend them both.

The droid sweeper was nearing a far wall, and it was then that it became apparent, the droid would be making a reverse path back across the lobby. It shot another puff of steam, and it’s motor made a different soundToothy began to search for a means by which they could make a covert exit.

“Need leverage,” whispered Toothy shaking his head to the negative. He could do it if he could pry them, but not without being noticed. “Need more time.” he whispered near frantically, realizing the droid was about to head back in the direction from which it had just come...

Toothy was about to grab Adrias again and jump and run, when with a jolt, the sweeper did not turn but simple reversed direction without turning them around, exposing them to the Inquisitor who had now reached the bottom of the escalator. Clearly he expected them to be nearby, or he would not have slowed. That must mean he could sense them or some such Force magician’s trick! Toothy did not pretend to understand how it all worked, though he had some idea. Nonetheless, they needed to put some space between themselves and that maniac!

---

The Inquisitor was now in a standing crouch on the escalator’s divide, scanning the expansive lobby. He stood up and walked slowly down, his brow furrowed as if he was thinking deeply or concentrating.

TAG: Dash, Pascal, and Adrias and Toothy, anyone else in the area or along the path of the Flarestar

 

~OOC~ Special thanks to @pashatemur for this joint point, thank you for the opportunity

~IC~ Kaylee and Rowan Halcyon, Dr Meril Blanik and Ariek
Location: Selonia

'They had failed her… they had failed Se…' was all Kaylee could think as the Carrack past the headland. Not even the calm tranquil blues of the cove could stir her from her thoughts until Rowan’s arms shifted as he pulled away from her. She turned her head to her shoulder and caught the look in his eyes before the shout of the Captain lured him away.

She knew he was putting on a brave face for everyone’s benefit though she was not sure if he was okay That mask could convince most people but she could read him like a book and there were times she could not help but feel concerned for his well being.

It was frustrating that they were not there to assist Meril with Se’s condition. She trusted the doctor and knew she was doing all in her power to save her patient. She could only imagine how Rowan must be feeling. She had only gotten him past blaming himself for Se’s condition and were they back to square one?

If there was blame to be give, it was the Cha’ala’s fault. Se’s people. Somehow they had tracked them through the hyper jump to the planet they had no idea where. They had used what Rowan had described as a psychic attack on Se’s mind. He found her in pain and entered her mind to lend his strength, shield her… drew her to him and withdrew. Inadvertently, Se had succumbed into a coma and Rowan said he could not sense her presence in the Force… though neither could the enemy. Hopefully that means they are unable to be tracked for the moment… but would they be able to be when Se is recovered… will she… she will… she has to.

Kaylee looked over to the shore, she could see smaller boats and a fishing fleet berthed by the docks. Warehouses and a small cluster of buildings laid beyond. Here they are now, so close to being home, so close to reuniting with Feye and warning Corellia about the impending danger.

---

“Seven hours…” Ariek repeated that time frame. “Yes, you are clear as crystal. What to do, what to do… We just have to arrange to have Se moved, I will reach out to Kaylee and Rowan to see about the possibility of recalling them… if that makes a difference but with that narrow window, Kal would be closer…” She was speaking her thoughts out loud through the com. “We have to use what we have on hand anyway.”

Dr. Blanik silently leaned her head down to her desk, making a rhythmic set of three ‘bangs.’ “Alright, thanks!” huffed Meril. “You’re telling me ‘tough’ it out and fix it. I need a hover palette or something similar. Can you, at least, send me that and a couple of droids or crew to heft?”

She could hear the soft whir of B0b as he approached. “Did you ask for the hydraulic infusers, Parenteral Nutrition packs,” he queried to remind her.

“Yes, B0b!” said Meril, tiredly

B0b persisted, “...the gauze and hospice supplies.” He asked again. He knew she hadn’t forgotten about bacta.

Blanik had little she could do but wait to find out who and how the temporary move could take place. Reaching across her desk, the Doctor pulled a data pad closer and began to transcribe her notes:

The Cha’ala, it seemed are like butterflies, or rather, butterflies are the closest species to Cha’ala physical needs and attributes that I have yet found. They drink through a tube-like tongue called a proboscis. In butterflies,the proboscis uncoils to sip liquid food, and then coils up again into a spiral when the butterfly is not feeding. For Se, her tongue is deeply rooted in a very long esophagus. Her tongue protracts and retracts through expanding bands. Because she needs food to be mostly liquified by the time it reaches her stomach, she exudes a liquid to break down the food with mastication and enzymes in her mouth, but when eating solids, she needs more liquid than humans. She seems to like and need flower nectar the most, but she also eats blood and the meat of other animals and it seemed that humans are not excerpt from that list-a fact that I find rather disturbing. While Se’Iva has teeth, she secretes enzymes during mastication to help break down the food more in the mouth. It seems the action of chewing for her is necessary to that secretion. She isn’t terribly different from humans, but she requires a lot of fluid for hydration. Not only this, but the key need, the one we had not been able to anticipate was that the Cha’ala need sunlight to help process and release minerals and vitamins and also, and most interestingly, to produce sugars in a process much like plants use to convert solar energy into food!...​

Meril closed her datapad and peeked in on Se once again, anxiously fiddling with some sunlamps she’d scavenged from the ship’s dwindling stores.

---

The Carrack smoothly coasted to the dock, a gentle bump before Rowan and several crew members jumped off and helped tie off. 'Oh, Rowan…', thought Kaylee, as, from the railing, she watched him working with the crew. She knew he was using this as a means to be lost in a routine to process his thoughts. He had not wanted to leave Se’s side until she was on the mend… and she had assured him that Se would be fine under Doctor Blanik’s supervision…. They needed him now.

Her thoughts were broken by the clank and shuttering of a crane as it swung overhead and lowered to collect the cargo, they were being unloaded and Kaylee could see, marked on the wharf, a collection of new cargo awaiting to be transferred onboard.

“Thank you again for your help with the engines, Lady Kaylee.” The Captain mewed as she approached. “They are performing as brand new again.”

“You’re welcome, Captain Nayarue, it was a pleasure to do so. Thank you for giving us transportation.”

The Selonian gave a strange look. Kaylee wasn’t sure what the half smile meant, looked almost embarrassed. “About that…” Nayarue made a small chittering sound. “... I am sure we can do that.”

“What do you mean about being ‘sure’?” Kaylee frowned and gave a quizzical look. “You did guarantee us passage to Corellia.”

“I just need authorisation from the Elders but it will be a sure thing.” Nayarue bobbed her head. “You helped us and we like you. It is formalities.”

“What happens if we are not approved?” Kaylee narrowed her gaze, she wished she knew the species better. 'Was the Selonian nervous? Something had it on edge? Or were they being played?'

TAG: Ariek,Meril, to be continued

 

OOC: This is a joint post with CO. This was a long time in coming and so glad to see it finally up. Thank you, CO.

IC: Dr Meril Blanik, Ariek and Kaylee Halcyon

Location: Selonia


Another wonderful moment with technology… Ariek thought to herself. What’s the point of having a comlink when it doesn’t work properly? She had been trying to get back in touch with Kaylee. Everytime it answered, her words came in at every other one. Ariek bent to her comm, as if that would compel the transmission to clear....


Finally a moment when it cleared enough to hear Kaylee’s frustrated voice saying “Ariek, I ...you aren’t coming in clear....catching every other word.”


As the transmission sputtered and fizzled over Kaylee’s, Ariek responded back, “Hurry it up! We have to resup ... need ... talk....”


It got through, at least, Ariek hope it did as Kaylee’s voice was a bit stronger but hushed. “Not now, Ariek. You don’t need us to resup. Can’t talk now, we’re trying to negotiate. I’ll call you back.”


“But…” Ariek gave a resignative sigh. “Sure!”


Blanik, who stood listening at Ariek’s side, whispered. “Ariek, we can’t wait for them!”


Irritated, Ariek, shook her head as she began to make another call, this time to Kal. “I’m getting that! Hang on!,” she said, rapping the console beneath her hand, waiting for Kal to pick up. No answer, great! Pursing her lips, she tried again to get through to Kal and this time got a response.


His voice was coming through a mile a minute, interspersed with static making it difficult to work out what he was talking about. “...wouldn’t believe…. Some of the…. bewildered, it could possibly be related to…. could be but don’t know, not right, the place looks like it’s ancient…makes no sense...”


“Well, it’s just missed your special decorator’s touch!” She said dryly. “That’s all fascinating and all but Kal, listen-”


“Har har...no there’s definitely something not right....”


“Look, Kal. We have a situation, you need to hurry things up. I think Se may be slipping.”


Concern in his voice. “What’s that mean?”


It is exactly what it means! Ariek resisted saying. “Her condition has worsened. Meril says she needs sunlight, but she looks pretty bad and her vitals are all plummeting. I can’t get Kaylee and Rowan, they’re all caught up in negotiations and the signal to them is bad. Just get back here.”


There was conflict in Kal’s voice and he sighed. “I’ll be there as fast as possible.”


“That went well.” Meril remarked sarcastically as they signed off.


“Marvelously…” Ariek agreed then rubbed her hands together. “Come on. What now? Are we taking her out in that cage or do we cut her out of it?”


Meril wrinkled her brow in concentration. “Good question. Can we get the cage out of the Med unit?”


Ariek tilted her head to her shoulder and sucked in her lips before smiling. “Oh, I’ve got an idea....”

---

Ariek had wrangled a few crew members and gently lowered a somewhat collapsed cage down the boarding ramp of the Icarus and out into the sun. With every step she was making soothing sounds, careful of the precious cargo.


B0b trundled over the rough terrain, occasionally lifting into the air to glide along on repulsor when a log or burm intervened in the path the crew where taking into a small glade with a clearing surrounded by the tropical jungle. He scudded round, ahead of Se’Iva’s cage of a litter to warn of excessive movement of the patient. Meril looked up from the indicators and cables connected to the energy pack, PNT feed system, and rebreather to direct the pallet that held the cage or framework from which Se was suspended.


When finally they had enough available sunlight, the color of Se’s skin could truly be assessed. Meril nearly gasped. Instead of the beautiful and subtle pulse of opalescent pinks and apricots under an alabaster veil, the beautiful Cha’ala’s skin looked grey. Her lips were shriveled and her face sunken, in fact her whole body showed her skeleton. The long graceful limbs now looked macabre and ominous.


Meril called to the medical droid, who now sped about hushing the crew. “B0b, take holos. We need to make observations.” To Ariek, she said, “You can leave me with maybe 4 of the crew and a couple of speeders. That would be enough to collect and help me render her food or get Se’Iva back on the ship if something came up. You need to get on with supplies and It doesn’t seem right her hanging in that cage and everyone standing around gawking.”


“Of course,” Ariek said. “However, for everyone’s safety, we need to limit who will go to the village for supplies until we’ve checked out the forces that are in play there.”


As the Doctor and Ariek stood in quiet conference, one of the dozen crew out to assist in the foraging and resupply placed several large containers with recent alteration next to the pair. On closer inspection, they could be seen as some sort of distilling units. It was a bizarre picture, thought Meril; this near corpse in her sling, her wings nearly bare of their scales-in fact, the Doctor could see a faint trail of the iridescent scales glinting pearl and cobalt in the speckled light that led to the glad and to Se’s litter-and several of the crew on speeders with several sacks each, off to pick the flowers the Doctor had identified for collection.


The two women parted, the Doctor to take delivery of the first gathering of flowers to be distilled of their nectar and Ariek to see to the various tasks of provisioning, starting with reconnaissance. Meril then, left with a larger force than expected, was able to speed up the harvesting and rendering of the nectar for the Cha’ala. Aside from nectar, the centrifuge was pulling out water from the petals as well, but Meril suspected that would be fine. As much water as they “fed” Se’Iva, they had a difficult time keeping her hydrated while in this “coma.” After several hours, making adjustment for sodium, sugars, and electrolytes, Doctor Blanik had a new more whole liquid food for Se.


As the hours passed, they’d put a thin canopy over the Cha’ala, whose skin appeared to be responding to the light, showing moderately more ‘brighter,’ though still disturbingly grey.


“Alright, Miss Se’Iva,” said Meril, talking in low tones, as she often did while tending Se, “dinner is served!” The Doctor reached over and caressed the Cha’ala’s cheek with the back of her hand, “I just don’t know if I’ve cooked it up right for you, Darlin’!” Then turning to the medical unit she indicated that B0b should open the feed tube. Meril looked on, keeping track of all systems, scanning, her hands shaking nervously. She prayed she was not poisoning the winged Se...

---

Earlier, about an hour after feeding and after 3 hours of sunlight, Se’Iva’s vital signs showed a significant slowing in their descent and began to rise over the next hour. Word circulated around the camp in the glade and every now and then crew would pause and look toward the Cha’ala, expectantly. There was no movement, however, and leveling off, Se’s condition did not improve further. If she maintained this level, she might continue for a week, but Meril had no idea if Se’Iva was sustaining permanent damage. This was now a week since Se had descended into this comatose state.


The planet slowly turned from the sun, the last rays bathing the glade in an orange glow, Se’Iva and her cage-like frame stood silhouetted against the darkening sky. Graceful, still, and silent, the Cha’ala looked like an art installation, a female trapped in a dream-cage, a trap, unable to break free, and heartbreakingly true. Dr. Blanik sat next to the Cha’ala, the doctor’s head bent to her own hand.


“Can I bring you something, Doctor,” asked a crewmember courteously and quietly.


Blanik, lifted her head, but sat motionless and in silence for a moment before finally answering. “No...thank you.”


“Doc, you’ve done your best, no one can say otherwise. We all have. We’ve been hoping for her recovery. She was a good warrior, made sacrifices, saved Halcyon.” He looked down at the Smilodon cub that was Halcyon’s, though it often came to the medical unit to sit and watch Se or would lie beneath her and keep watch and doze. His name was Estel and he had been brought out to stretch his legs, and now lay near Se, head resting on its paws and watching the motionless Cha’ala, too. “I’ll bring you something,” said the crewman as he disappeared into the growing dark.


Meril looked down at the cub and put her chin in her hand, while someone put a shawl around her shoulders. Whoever it was moved on to Se’Iva and likewise wrapped her loosely, too. It was time to pack up and return the Cha’ala to her room aboard ship.


TAG: Kaylee Halcyon

 

~OOC~ This post is a joint effort between @Jerjerrod-Lennox and myself. Thank you for that

IC: Captain Dorja, Commander Sam Gerard
Location: ISD Relentless, orbital flight path around Naboo

Gerard had just given the standby order over his comlink before the comm officer brought a little surprise.

“Well I wonder who this could be” he said “ something to distract us possibly?”

“It is a possibility” Dorja murmured as they followed the Comms officer to the Comm station. He was handed a datapad with the transcript of ‘Naboo Planetary Command calling on behalf of Naboo Planetary Command wanting to speak with Captain Dorja’ “I suppose that narrows things down a fraction…”

“Trying to negotiate or trying to stall for time?” Gerard’s face retained its usual frown “it’s your show”.

Dorja nodded. “True… though what harm could be placed in talking…?” He gave a wiry smile to Gerard. “...a lot… so let’s get this show on the road.” He acknowledged the Comms officer to allow the call through.

“Naboo Planetary Defence, this is Captain Dorja of the ISD Relentless. Please state your business.”

TAG: Naboo Planetary Defence

 

Occ: This is a joint post with Pashatemur and Corellian Outrider. Sincere gratitude for all you input, CO!


IC: Admiral Yomin Nacluv, Naboo Minister of Defense,and Military advisor to Amidala II, Captain Dorja, “Relentless,” HRM's Imperial 7th Fleet under command of Grand Admiral Thrawn

Locations: Naboo Palace bunker, “Relentless” in geosynchronous orbit above Naboo


The Corporal, young and eager to shine, looked up to the Admiral. “Sir?” he said, to allow shooting up to yield his seat to the Admiral in the small and spare communications room that was really a stall with a privacy door. Nacluv nodded, lips pursed in a grimace as he took the Corporal’s spot, “Captain Dorja, this is Admiral Nacluv, Naboo Security Forces. I’m Her Majesty’s military advisor. It’s my understanding you are in command of the 7th fleet while Grand Admiral Thrawn is away. I am contacting you to open a needed conversation. This ...situation seems to have erupted out of confusion and I’m hoping together we can bring light to a murky water. Come on,” said Nacluv, wincing at the static he could hear crackling as the jamming degraded their signal out to the Relentless and hoping the conversation would not be impeded for it, all the while knowing that surveillance would be listening in, the static and jamming having no small effect on the clarity they’d be able to achieve too. Jamming was a double edged sword!


He could feel the corporal stir, turning about at the sound of boot heels on the hard surfaced floor behind them. The Admiral himself turned to see two guards and one of the Naboo Council approaching. Putting his hand over the transceiver, Nacluv looked sternly up. “Councilman Poliforous, unless you’re looking to be put in the brig, turn about now and wait outside. Corporal, you stay put. Sergeant, clear this office and you stand guard. Send the Counsilman on his way-second thought, strike that! I need a witness, even if he’s hostile-everything above board. Bring him back in here. commanded Nacluv, waving the Sergeant and Poliforous back into the communications room.


Enough time had elapsed that Nacluv began to wonder if his message had been received. He took his hand from the transceiver and spoke again, Relentless do you read me? Again he put his hand over the transceiver, sending a loud squeal of feedback through the tiny communications “room,” and jerked his head in frustration before addressing the returned councilman. Councilman, were you informed as to the reason for this planet-wide emergency before entering the bunker?


The councilman sputtered, “Well, no, but we assembled and I was told then-”


Nacluv jumped in, speaking quickly, “Briefly, what was the reason?”


Looking to the corporal and then back to Nacluv the councilman stuttered, “We...we are under threat ...we’re not supposed to discuss this in front of non-essential staff, Admir-”


”WHAT REASON WAS GIVEN?” shouted the Admiral. ”Come on, man!”


“Threat of bombardment....” said the councilman reluctantly.


”On what evidence?” demanded the Admiral.


“I...fleet...movements...I’m not really certain...but intelligence said they had some sort of dossier recovered from the ...Emperor’s retreat...” now the councilman who had previous looked on in confidence began to look pensive.


Nacluv sighed, And the dossier, have you seen it?”


The councilman shook his head, “Deetsch has it.”


”Naturally ....”said Nacluv in a low tone and turned in irritation to the transceiver again, ”Relentless, do-you-copy?”


There was a brief crackle and the reception strengthened. “This is Captain Dorja of the ISD Relentless.” The Captain’s voice came through more pronounced. “We’ve taken the liberty to triangulate on your signal.... ”[/color]


Nacluv took another stern look at the councilman, and spoke under his breath ”In war, councilman, you make sure going in, that you have a chance at closing a conflict in your favor before you go in hot. And you bloody well don’t start, if you can help it, with your back against a wall. If they wanted to bombard, don’t you think that would have happened by now? You better hope and pray that we can talk our way out of this or we are going to cook in this oven!” The Admiral turned to the transceiver.


Relentless, Thank you, very much appreciated. Well, Captain Dorja, it is my understanding, that no specific communication has passed between Naboo and your command concerning the raising of planetary shields. Is that correct? Nacluv had to stifle the anger he felt at revealing his ignorance of the particulars, but at this point, saving face was no longer important.


There was a pause over the comms. “That is correct, Admiral Nacluv. Nor the halting of inbound and outbound traffic of private and commercial vessels for the system.”


Admiral Nacluv listened for any tone in Dorja’s voice that might give an indication as to his attitude or inclination. He was direct, his words few and efficient, certainly some impatience, the typical tone taught to police and low level officers to aid in establishing authority.


Nacluv continued, “I see,” he said, respectfully, a knuckle pressed to his chin in thought. “You’ve no idea as to the reason for these actions, then,” said Nacluv, avoiding an interrogative inflection.


Dorja answered, “The reasoning… still unclear however the one who gave those and the planet wide evacuation orders was Governor Eiscetor.”


The Admiral took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose, then looked to the Councilman for a couple of seconds, study Poliforous’ scowl before committing to his next statements. “Captain Dorja, Governor Eiscestor has acted upon some evidence that is not known to you or to me. It has come to my attention only within the past 10 minutes, but have not seen it. I have been told by one of the Naboo council, that your fleet movements along with this evidence caused the Governor to take these extreme and uncounseled measures. I deeply regret that I was ...not privy to or approached in my capacity as military advisor. I’ve just spent the last hour searching out what I could on the matter.” Here was the moment he would have to make the decision to formally disassociate himself from Eiscester. He would state outright that the Governor had made an unlawful move, but it was inferred. “To get to the point, Captain, legally prescribed protocol would have required my input. The Governor made a unilateral decision based on his inaccurate appraisal of your fleet movements and this document I’ve not seen. Again, he would not state outright that he believe Eicester deliberately misinterpreted Imperial actions for a cause of which, Nacluv, as yet, was not certain. “Given those two pieces of information, which do you think weighed most in Eicester’s eventual decisions not to consult the chief military advisor and commander and to go ahead and call a high alert, resulting in the blocking of traffic, the jamming of communications, and the raising of the planetary shield?” Beside the Admiral, the councilman stepped forward and made half a word in objection before Nacluv shot him a warning glance.

There was another pause on the line. “He was corroborating with an outside influence and from the snippet we caught, he was reporting on the defence of this realm.” Dorja answered dryly. “Unwise, especially given the volatile activities that had transpired this week, don’t you think? Do you see the need to jam transmissions?”


Admiral Nacluv returned a quiet, Unwise-yes and the present alert both dangerous to Naboo citizens and to the structure of our planetary governance! Without knowing the contents of this ...dossier, it would not appear there was sufficient reason to take such a dangerous and provocative action, no, there was no sufficient reason for these action, including jamming transmissions.”


There, he’d done it. His feet were now firmly in a highly political position, one which put the head of Naboo’s military at odds with it’s executive leader, though temporary Eicester may be. Nacluv bowed his head in thought and would have continued, but Poliforous stepped forward more and hissed, “This is an outrage, Admiral! You are colluding and undermining Naboo’s sovereignty!’


”Captain Dorja, you must excuse Councilman Poliforous. He does not share my concerns and feels I am speaking beyond my purview-and yes, Poliforous, I agree, all of this is an outrage!”


The Councilman screwed his face into a mask of disgust and disdain, “You are a traitor!”


”I required a witness to my conversation with you, Captain Dorja-you’ll pardon councilman Poliforous’ outburst-even though he does not hold my perspective. Yet, I believe it will lend credibility to my investigation. But as to what you say, I have not heard what the Governor transmitted or seen what he transmitted. Whatever Eicester made of what he saw, I do not believe him to have been so ignorant as to conclude as he did, the need for his unilateral actions, because from what I have gathered, there is nothing aggressive in the tactical configurations or the comings and goings of the Imperial 7th. This being the case, I believe much hinges on this dossier Madame Deetsch holds and which has been listed as unavailable for review. May I inquire if we have time to seek the Queen’s input on this situation and find if she will request the dossier for her review and release it to me or some other party outside the Council-that is before you begin orbital bombardment,” Nacluv added sarcastically for the councilman’s sake.


“Bombardment?” Dorja responded with indignation.


”Yes, Captain Dorja, that is what I have discerned the Governor gave as reason for his actions. You say you intercepted transmissions sent from Eicester? May I ask as to the nature of those transmissions - and before you ask why I do not have access to them here, the Governor and the Head of Intelligence are closeted and I have not been allow communication or access to either,” said Nacluv dryly.


“It all happened when the Grand Admiral’s flagship left the system.” Dorja explained. “What we caught of the transmissions were inaccurately reporting upon our ship maneuvers and comparing us to the Trade Federation blockade incident prior to the war.” There was an edge to Dorja’s voice as though he was insulted. “If we were to bombard, well, no need to explain to you, Admiral, of what that would look like.”


“Of course not, which is perhaps why I was not allowed to speak to the concern in the first place!” said Nacluv looking to Poliforous. “I believe this is an internal struggle which is abusing us all, Captain. The Governor would not have tried this with the Grand Admiral present. I was purposefully left out of a first protocol. I have reason to believe there will be evidence found to counter my claim that I was not reached. Do you take my meaning, sir?”


“I do…” Dorja’s tone conveyed concern. “...and what of your position?”


“You traitorous fool! You are compromising Naboo.....” Poliforous ground out the words loudly enough to be heard aboard Relentless.


”Guard, see the Councilman has a drink of water. Councilman, calm yourself and sit silently, or I will find another witness.” said Nacluv evenly, certain that Poliforous did not want to give up his “front row seat” so as to report on the goings on and damn the Admiral.


Returning his attention to Dorja, Nacluv said, “My position is as you heard. I still command Naboo’s military forces, but I am reticent of taking any action that will further open the rift, I see is being forced. The Queen is key, as is that dossier. She must speak to Eicester-with outside witnesses,” said the Admiral, leaving unsaid what he knew the Imperial officer would understand. Like yourself, Captain, I am trained to my profession, we do not seek war, but look to avoid it. I wish to settle this without further agitation...the dossier, I understand, belonged to the late Emperor and was found in his retreat while repairs were being made to it-the retreat being the personal property of ...the Emperor...” said Nacluv, emphasizing the words, ‘property of the Emperor.’


There was silence for a few moments before Dorja’s voice came through again. “I understand...” There was a hint that he had more to say on the matter. “...and agree about resolving this without further agitation.” There was an audible sigh. “Time… allow some time...”


Nacluv nodded. “Captain Dorja, I look to you with gratitude for any and all aid you are able to bring to bear! The sooner we contain and lift this burden, the better! I ...am hoping to weighlay any discourse with Eicester before the voice of authority has say!”


“I’ll do what I can on my end to help resolve this in a timely fashion before the proportions are expanded exponentially…” Dorja promised. “There are a few procedures I need to follow up on in order to do so. What is the best way to contact you?”


Admiral Nacluv stood chin in hand and arms across chest, assuring Captain Dorja,"I will be here. This frequency.” He turned to the communications officer and said, “In fact, we will keep this channel open, corporal, just in the chance our efforts draw attention. It may buy us a little time, if they try to close us down.”


Eiceste, Nacluv thought, was playing at something, and in the course, he was certainly determined to take Nacluv down. It was indeed and internal struggle. Even if no Imperial repercussions resulted and the current impasse was resolved without further incident, Eicester was going to see the Admiral took a fall. That much Nacluv knew.


TAG: Dorja

 

~OOC~ Thank you @pashatemur for this joint post was between us. Kinda feels a bit like the "Tales of Ba Sing Se" from Avatar: Legend of Aang/The Last Airbender with the crossing of the paths in the big city.

~IC~ Dash Rendar, 'Jenifer', Emi-to Shuri
Location: Coruscant

The Tale of “Jenifer”

The city took her breath away… not because of the smells of the street which also assaulted the senses and after a few minutes, were barely noticeable… but with the scope of the city. To feel so tiny amongst the vast weight of architecture and engineering feats with little view of the sky beyond. Everything is so... vertical.

She did not like crowded spaces…. She didn’t mind people but she just felt overwhelmed by the amount of people in such a small space. Focus. She paused and looked passed the neon signs and the crowds, a few bystanders bumped into her and grumbled for her to get a move on. She gave an apologetic look and dashed across the road and stood by a street light to adjust to her surroundings. Landmarks…this road and down to the corner… she recounted the directions of Captain Rendar- Dash’s route that Leebo had given her.

Along the way, there was another who had garnered her attention. A man in white. She could not tell exactly what it was about him but there was something that felt peculiar ever since laying her eyes upon him on the way to the station. It looked as though that man in the white suit has an interest in Dash and she was not sure of his intentions towards her friend. The brief glances, the observations, all while Dash was preoccupied with something else. What could she do? All the questions and doubts clouded her mind, as did the fog, amongst everything else going on in her mind. Regardless, she was already committed to this play.

She was here for a purpose… that she knew, but for what, she was still piecing it together. She needed Dash, he was vital in working out what had happened to her memories… he is nice and that he reminded her of someone… someone she had known. So the reasons to help him outweighed her own insecurities. The more she is amongst his company, the more she started to feel like her former self again… whoever that might be.

What would he do if he saw her? He seemed capable at handling himself but people need an extra set of eyes, an extra hand every once in a while. Don’t they? She was watchful. She found an opening and wove her way to his side.

“You didn’t say hi..” She said to his ear and pressed past him, the corner of her lips formed a small smile as she saw his reaction. She looked away to make it look as though they were not together, best not to bring attention to herself.

“You shouldn’t be here.”

Well, here I am! Get used to it. She felt like saying but they didn’t have time for banter. Instead, she got right to the point. “You have a tail you haven’t sorted out yet.”

She pushed deeper into the crowd, she trusted that Dash knew what he needs to do. For herself, there was the case of finding Emi-to Shuri. She noticed the troopers at key points about the station. Her intense blue eyes observed their behaviour and how the commuters were processed out of the platform… She moved to a column and leaned against, her head turned to looked back to the train. The crowd had thinned out and the doors were still open but between the train and the platform, something caught her eye…

---

The Tale of Dash

Dash felt more acutely self conscious now with the news flash Jen had given him. He had mixed feelings about her following him. She was supposed to be safe on the ship but then, he was glad he was not alone but then the trade off is another person to keep an eye on. What’s done is done and she is here with him now….

As for the tail… who could it be? He slowly followed the flow of the crowd towards the exits, Eyes on a swivel as he walked. He could lead them away and continue to track Master Shuri and meet up with her for when he is all in the clear…

The sound of horns from the overhead airspeeders caught his attention and he turned around and looked up, his jaw dropped. A saucer-shaped Flarestar attack shuttle careening wildly through the traffic. It did a close flyby of the platform as it flew overhead. The craft he knew, usually belonged to the Ohnaka Gang but in that brief moment, Dash recognised some insignia markings on the side of the hull. That was not good.

Then came the a high pitched whine of a TIE.

“Ah, droyk...” Dash cursed under his breath as he caught sight of it in pursuit. His gaze lowered and he looked straight at the last person he had wanted to see. Smartly dressed and sporting a panama style hat to match too, it could only be one person; Pascale Rouser.

“...that’s trouble.”

---

The Tale of Emi-to

Meanwhile...

Somehow, Grand Master Emi-to Shuri had the now missing Master Yoda in mind and she could not imagine he would be slipping from the mortal coil so easily as now she seemed in danger of doing herself. The platform’s edge was greasy with sludge and a dark green lichen. Jutting out as it did, condensation collected evenings and mornings feeding the little spores that tenaciously found life in the urban layer-cake, toxic as it could be, and Emi took heart. With one of three open doors opposite her, Emi spied a pole in the center of the open tram’s aisle. If she could unclasp ....one side of the strap for the satchel, with the weight of the....satchel very expensive contents ...she could use it to pull herself into the tram. The Jedi let her shoulder fall and with one hand tossed the satchel unto the top of the duracrete platform at her eye level, unclasping one side, she spun the satchel over her head, even as her grip was slipping and shot the spice laden case into the tram, in to twine around the pole. And just as it caught, her hold slipped and she swung like a pendulum, the far away lower levels in the gathering evening mist many hundreds of meters beneath her dangling feet, the shadows so dark and darkening far below. She held fast to the tough woven strap and flung one hand over the other.

Grasping the edge of the tram entrance, she was able to get a grip, digging her fingers into the grooves of the tram floor where a grill-like corrugated soft material provided a cushioned support for commuters’ weary feet, but also dirt and grit collected, and Emi-to cringed as her fingernails dug into the collection of grime. Still, it was a hold. She swung her feet to one side and kicked up to catch the side of the door and had just hitched her booted heel to the door jam, when a smooth male voice announced the immanent closing of the doors and reminded commuters, they should “Mind the gap as you enter and stand clear of the closing doors!”

This wasn’t the only issue! Across the MagLev’s route, on the opposite platform, a LAART was taking off and the commuters were once again, in mind to return to the business of commuting. She had seconds to right herself and blend in. Pulling with all her might, the Grand Master propelled herself into the tram, rolling on her side to the central pole where her satchel was rapped around the bottom. In a snap, her view went from horizontal to upright and she tugged the satchel loose from the pole at waist level to where she’d pulled it herself up. The weight of the precious content sent it snapping free, but the in-rush of commuters knocked the content-heavy compartment across to the closing door and now it hung, caught, just outside the sealed door gaskets on the opposite side, where she was obliged to stand to hide it from view as it dangled just outside at shoulder height. Emi folded her arms, holding on to the strap and smoothed a strand of her strawberry blond hair from her cheek, the rest of her outfit, smeared with the green lichen and black lubricant from the platform and now her cheek and nose streaked with the same egregious stain. As she whistled a happy tune and appeared to read the print ads lining the ceiling, tingling, the hair’s on her neck stood as she caught movement and a familiar presence to her left and somewhat behind her.

“That was quite… a display…” A soft voice whispered in Emi’s ear.

“Um hum, catchy little tune, isn’t it?” said Emi-to, under her breath to her new “sister”, Jen, “You missed the drama!.”

“Maybe, though I’ve caught my own share on the way here.” Jen whispered back, a wiry smile and she looked to the window as she leaned close. “You needed help… Dash needed help… all sorted out for now…”

“He’s here, too?” returned Emi-to, speaking a little louder, turning to Jen even as she reached out in a sweep of the immediate area to sense Dash. “We should have a party, now that we’re all here!” she said sensing that there was more to the situation and realizing they were attracting the attention of the other commuters packed into the busy rush hour tram. Master Shuri looked to Jen. “I love what you’ve done with your hair! Where’s your Dash located now? Or is he doing pop-ups and on the move?”

“Thank you though I think we could do something for yours.” She then turned and leaned back, a gesture of her head to the outside. “He’s dealing with a man in white.”


TAG: Pascale Rouser , Emi-to Shuri , Adrias Stark

 

IC: Pascale Rouser
Location: MagLev Station, Coruscant

Pascale watched as Dash’s blonde haired friend slipped back into the crowd again. He had to keep an eye out in case his position had been compromised. Especially if the nice lady decided to come up behind him and take him out.

Not what I want to get stuck into tonight…...

Meanwhile across on another platform there was another train and what sounded like a commotion going on. An old Republic transport was also parked on the platform so it seemed like whatever was going on was serious. Pascale gave it a quick glance before making sure that his gaze was firmly fixed on Dash.

It was bad enough regarding the security situation as it was. He knew that security would be tight everywhere due to both the bombing and the reception but with the situation now developing on the other platform it was now getting even more uncomfortable.

Everyone's eyes were then drawn to the saucer shaped freighter which had suddenly appeared and then disappeared as quick as a flash. To Pascale’s trained eye it looked like a Flarestar with some markings that looked vaguely familiar to him. Most people screamed or ducked as the freighter blasted through followed by the all to recognisable scream of TIE fighters.

That does not look serious at all Pascale thought sarcastically you have to be completely bonkers to fly through the traffic like that and try to evade TIE fighters.

The freighter continued on its merry way into the city dodging the very busy traffic lanes with the TIE fighters in hot pursuit. The transport that was parked on the platform was now making its way after the group. Pasacle could not help but shake his head, this would really make things complicated and possibly delay his departure off planet because security would be even tighter.

And now there was even more commotion coming from the other platform, he couldn't see what was going on as he looked back that way but he was glad him and Rendar would have been caught up in the chaos. His pursuit would have ended right then and there.

As he turned his head back around there was a sight that immediately froze him solid.

Rendar was staring right at him.

Ah. Busted.

It was only a matter of time he supposed. He was lucky he had gotten this far through Coruscant without being spotted. Well, the blonde haired lady could have been following behind him for all he knew, but now he had been found out.

Time to meet the problem head on.

He moved forward with a smile on his face, tipping his hat politely to Dash as he moved closer.

“Well, well Mr Rendar, how nice to meet you once again” he replied his smile still showing “What brings you to Coruscant?. And if I am not mistaken, it seems you may be chasing after someone”

TAG: Dash, Adrius, Emi-to