A Common Partnership; It's Pzob's Law (PM for Invite)

[Kay-Larr]

The Pzob Orbital Array was ready. After months of construction, both sections of it were complete. With Veiere away and both twins occupied, Kay arrived on her own, accompanied by a small team of security forces to watch over her for the grand opening event. Instead of just the Free Lady bringing her to Galactic Empire space, she had one of her Escort Cruisers carry her little ship to Pzob. [member="Mythos"] had insisted that she travel with more firepower and Pzob wasn't exactly close by, so she had agreed, if not just to prevent him from assigning his own people to follow her every step.

Luckily, the CSA and GE were allies, otherwise this trip could become a hostile one. Instead of passing through GE territory to reach Pzob which sat on it's southern edge, Kay had instructed the ship's Captain to fly them around in neutral territory, before entering into GE space right in the vicinity of [member="Eddak Manod"] 's home world.

Once her escort cruiser popped out of hyperspace, Kay went down to the hanger to where the Free Lady was docked, her guards in step behind her. She brought out her commlink and signalled Eddak's personal channel. ~My Lord, it's Lady Kay. We've just arrived. I'll bring the Free Lady in to dock with the station. I hope that the market carries some tea. I would love to try a new blend.~

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Lady Kay"]


It was true, Pzob was on the utmost edge of Galactic Empire space, it was also in the outer rim, or Wild Space, and so they didn't risk having many ships out here. Still, to keep in compliance, Eddak continued to give part of his resources gathered, that were also useful, to the Galactic Empire. However, that didn't stop the stations import and export business. Being on the edge of the territory literally offered many explorers the chance to have a major pit stop before going and charting stars, looking for treasure, or anything else of value. And this also encouraged merchants to come by and grab stalls, but it also encourages the more illegal type of trade; piracy and smuggling. Eddak made it a priority to 'buy off' a merchant from Commenor to ensure they had Commenor delights, and any tea Lady Kay may be yearning for.

When he heard Lady Kay on hiscomms, calling him 'lord,' he may have blushed a little. Eddak had docked in the Galderra portion of the Station and was explaining the posts and security position for the Galderra troopers, especially that today there would be no 'low security areas,' and that they were strictly, only, assisting the Commenor guards that were already in their positions. The Queen of Commenor was making an official, public, visit to Pzob and its facilities and Eddak was not going to allow the danger of the Queen. He was still in the transfer ring from the Galderra station to the Commenor Embassy when she radiod in, "Greetings, High Queen Kay. I'm just transferring from the Galderra Station to the Commenor Embassy. I'll see about meeting you in the docking bay. I hope to see you soon, and yes we have all your favorite drinks ready and waiting; I personally made sure of it." Eddak smiled as he radiod out, continuing his walk with his Troopers. He was wearing a new outfit which he was hoping the Queen appreciated for this event. It was tight, a little scratchy here and there, but he didn't want to over dress. He was King of Pzob, not the galaxy. It just felt right.

 

[Darben Skirae]

Darben Skirae was aboard the Escort Cruiser along with [member="Lady Kay"]. He had met with [member="Eddak Manod"] once, and a deal had been made between them. He was waiting on the Free Lady for Lady Kay to come, and soon she did. With him, he had Mia and Renla as well. He was still getting used to space travel, having Mia and Renla by his side was helping him with it a lot. Darben kept both of them very close to almost everywhere he went. He wore his casual leather jacket and faded grey pants, Mia her outfit and Renla a lime green dress.

 

[Riamah]

Being in business, when news reached her of a potential new avenue, Ra decided to take the chance and attend this meeting. As head of the Merchant Fleet, the woman brought her ship that represented her and her faction. It was clearly nothing meant for war and was commerce in nature. However, its size prevented her from docking with the station. Not a worry, bother or concern for the secret sith lord, Ra announced her arrival and went to board her shuttle.

She entirely hid her Force signature and none of these people knew her or that she could use the Force. Her focus and calling was that of business, but she followed the Code of the Sith. That did not matter today and as such would not be something she worried about.

Knowing she needed to be presentable as a representative for the Free Worlds and a new potential business partner. Not expecting anything bad or violent to happen, she for once was without weapons. No boot knives or saber hilts up her sleeve. Even her hair was down for a change, the normal ball at the end of her braid could be used as a weapon. She actually wore something she was comfortable in rather than what she normally would wear.

A blue skirt with varied shades of blue that went from a pale blue near the top hem to a dark blue at the bottom. Her top was a solid shade of brown and she wore her almost black cloak over everything.

Taking a seat on her shuttle, once permission was granted the pilot would guide them to the station.

 

[Kay-Larr]

~Understood. We'll see you soon.~

Kay stepped into the Free Lady, smiling as she already saw Renla, [member="Darben Skirae"] and Mia on board in the lounge area. "We're almost there. Just a short trip now. I'm eager to see what the markets have. You could find some neat items for your store." She headed to the cockpit, spotting her pilot Terrac already nestled in his chair casually with a bottle of whiskey to keep him company. "Terrac, we're ready to go."

"Alright, doll. You know that we could've just docked the cruiser directly to the station."

"I know. But I wanted to be sure that there was room for others."

Terrac just smirked and rolled his eyes. "Sure, doll. Whatever you say." He sat up and turned his chair around, getting the little modified freighter ready for the shortflight.

Kay was glad that their friendship was back to normal. She hated the tension between them. It was a rough time for all of them. The ramp was raised as she headed back to the lounge. Moments later they were exiting the Cruiser.


********


After docking with the station, she smiled to her fellow companions. "Feel free to enjoy yourselves. There's no need to hover around me all day. Just go and explore." She headed down the ramp, looking out for [member="Eddak Manod"] , quite certain that he'd be there waiting for her. This was his pride and joy afterall.

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Darben Skirae"]


Just as Eddak arrived at the docking ring, it seemed Lady Kay's ship was already docking. Eddak straightened his outfit, and nudged Admiral Vruumond to do the same. As Lady Kay exited the docking ring, a nearby serviceman played a trumpet as if to announce the Queens arrival. It was a short, simple tune. Eddak always went with fancy, and besides, Eddak was making this Embassy out to be Lady Kays second throne. He gave Lady Kay a bow and shook Darbens hand, giving him a look of recognition, remembering him from their earlier chat. "Queen Kay, I'm so happy you could arrive. We can hit the vendors before we get to the ceremony, but I've prepared a ribbon cutting in front of the Embassy, if you don't mind. Oh and," Eddak paused, looking over to Admiral Vruumond, placing an arm around his shoulders to introduce him and then removing it. "This is Admiral Vruumond, he holds the rank of First Admiral in my Navy. He's been with me for a long time, he was present in the practice games." Admiral Vruumond tilted his head into a very small bow, acting very fashionable and reaching out for Lady Kays hand, hoping to bless it with a kiss. "The pleasure is all mine, my Queen. Eddak has told me much about you, and I can only imagine how gracious you are to bestow such boons to him and his people. Eddak has assisted my own people, as well. I am honored to be in service to both of you." Vruumond seemed aged, but he didn't look older than Eddak, just his wisdom was older. He was very respectful, maybe even more so than Eddak. "Uh, shall we?" Eddak asked, ushering the Queen to proceed before them, a remark of 'ladies first.'

-----​

[member="Ra'a'mah"]


"Holy fething force," one of the comm officers spoke out loud, reading the sensors from within the docking tower. One of the Docking Managers approached him, "What is it?" "The size of this ship! But I'm not reading any major weaponry.... what is this thing..." He proceeded with a heavier scan on the vessel as it approached. "Unknown... whatd'ya.... vessel. This is Orbital Array Docking Management. Due to your size, as long as you are not hostile, we require to keep a distance of one thousand meters away from the station, and more from the planet. What is your business?" The Docking Manager leaned in to see the results of the scan as the comm officer communicated with the Captain of the vessel. Sounded like someone was arriving uninvited to the event. It wasn't new, there were several patrons, not even vendors, here for the occasion, but it seemed this merchant was boasting a little. Guess it really didn't matter to the docking management, so in the end they gave permission to dock in the station with a shuttle. "A ship that big must be coming with a lot of trade goods," the Docking Manager stated, turning around, "Yeah, that or trade deals," the comms officer replied.

 

[Darben Skirae]

Darben gave a small wave to [member="Lady Kay"] as she came aboard the ship with them. He hoped to find some good things for his store aboard the station. As the ship moved, he held onto his seat as it moved to the station. "I always forget I sometimes hate flying" the Minister said aloud. Renla was there for him, taking his arm and giving him a reassuring look. He smiled down at her before they docked with station, and he disembarked with Kay. He got up slowly from his seat as he moved off the ship and onto the station.

Renla was rather eager to go off, so he had Mia go off with her. She had been quite a good bodyguard for them, and he could not be anymore thankful for that. Darben joined with Lady Kay, on the lookout for [member="Eddak Manod"]. And soon, he was spotted. This was quite a different Eddak to the one he had met, much more formal. He was quite surprised, and it showed on his face.

He shook Eddak's hand back with a quick greeting, "Eddak, nice to see you again...your drink is quite good, I might add" he said, with a small grin. It had been good, and he still had some saved.

 

[Riamah]

As information was requested to their presence here, an answer was provided by one of the communications officers. Most of her crew were droids, but a few positions were held by organics.

"Miss Ra'a'mah Numare representing the Merchant Fleet of the Free Worlds Coalition and hoping to arrange trade deals between parties. Your instructions will be followed exactly."

As ordered, the ship stopped and the permission given for Ra to shuttle over.

She sat in the shuttle patiently, only a small sign of humanity in her was that she drummed her fingertips on her chair while they travelled. Clearance was given for her to land and when the door opened, she walked off the shuttle.

Keeping her Force signature hidden, Ra was here as a businesswoman and not a Force user and thus presented that facet of herself.

[member="Darben Skirae"] [member="Eddak Manod"] [member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Trumpets? Kay wasn't exactly expecting a fanfare. It caused her to halt her steps for a moment, glancing to [member="Darben Skirae"] , Renla and Mia to see their reaction. Once the short music was over, she approached [member="Eddak Manod"] and Admiral Vruumond with a bow of her head. Knowing that Eddak liked to take her hand, she held it out for him and listened to his schedule for the day. "Well we wouldn't want to keep everyone waiting just because I'd like to browse."

Her attention was brought to the Admiral as he introduced himself. She held out her hand for him too, expecting it to be shaken, yet he had planted a kiss on it instead. It was a strange custom that she'd have to get used to, much like the trumpets. "Pleasure to meet you Admiral. You played well in the games, both of you did. I'm quite proud of everyone's efforts there."

Eddak gestured for her to move on and take the lead, though she had no clear idea of where she was going. Straight was good enough for now until they'd hit a fork in the corridor. "This project was quite the undertaking. I'm glad that it was all done in good time."

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Darben Skirae"] | [member="Ra'a'mah"]


Eddak shook his head and started to walk behind Lady Kay and her group, a couple Troopers following behind Eddak as Vruumond took a place behind Eddak. "You're quite early, Queen Kay. Have no doubt, you have a moment to converse and greet with the guests, or visit the shops. I didn't want to make a rushing schedule for you, Queen Kay," Eddak clasped his hands together as Vruumond stayed patient and merely observed. "I quite enjoyed the games," Vruumond spoke softly to Lady Kay, not interjecting the conversation, but gently responding, "I am honored by your prestigious opinion." Eddak took a few extra steps to try and walk beside Lady Kay, "And it was all thanks to Commenor. If not for your support, all we would have are construction ships sitting around, haha!" Eddak continued as they stepped out into the Promenade, out of the docking areas. The place wasn't loud, but it wasn't quiet either. Guards were standing about, patrons at tables or speaking to themselves. "Ah.... and here it is, Queen Kay," Eddak opened his hands to give emphasis to the promenade, "the result of your generosity. I only wish to pay you back in due time... where would you like to go first?" Unfortunately, Eddak was keeping close to the Queen, and guards were watching them. He knew the Queen didn't want it, nor would she feel comfortable with all of the eyes, but it would devastate the man if anything were to kill this good day.

Once Ra docked and left the airlock, two guards, just following protocol, proceeded to get her information, or the information she would offer. A standard scan for weapons, and she was free. One trooper was using a console interface on the wall, probably recording logs and information and such, while another was speaking to Ra and inputting information onto a datapad. "If you head down the corridor, take a right, and then your first left, you'll find the Promenade. Shops, cantinas, all necessities - and the Embassy - will be there. And if I may ask, since you weren't invited, what is your purpose here, uh.... miss... Ra. Just something for the records." Of course it was alright for her to be here, invited or not. Just those invited didn't need to go through security checks.

 

[Darben Skirae]

Darben Skirae watched the interaction between [member="Eddak Manod"] and [member="Lady Kay"], remaining somewhat silent. He then began to follow along with them. He couldn't help the nervous shake of his hand at not having his eyes on Renla, and put it into one of his jacket pockets to hold it there and stop it. "Are we the only ones to come?" he spoke up, hoping to take his mind off of it. It didn't help so much, so he took out a flask that had brandy and took a couple sips to help calm his nerves, and that helped somewhat, with the taste. As they went along, he looked about the station, keeping his eyes out for anything he could use to spice up his store.

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Riamah]

Being here for potential business Ra did not balk at any of the procedures that were done before she was allowed to exit the docking bay. She answered their questions, told them she was interested in potentially make a trade contract between the Free Worlds.

Listening to the directions given and once she was released from the brief questioning, she nodded and left the docking bay. The looked around as she followed the path to the Promenade. It sounded like an idea place to try and make and new connections. Items she could offer and what could be offered to her fleet. Not so much the fleet, but her other contacts.

Not correcting the guards that searched her, but Ra had been under the impression there was an open invitation to people to come and go. Unaware there was going to be an opening ceremony of the Embassy today.

She walked with a confidence that couldn't be missed and carried herself professionally. Entering the Promenade, Ra glanced around and noticed the fanfare and procession. Visiting dignitaries from other locations and she started to look away. Then looked back. The woman involved wasn't just any dignitary, it was Lady Kay of Commenor. A woman Ra had met many years ago in her life. It felt like a lifetime ago and in a way it was for Ra.

A simple freighter pilot at that point, she had been delivering supplies for the Dominion. Stumbling blindly into a situation where she had been so very out of place, she had met Kay then and her soon to be husband Veiere. If the opportunity presented itself Ra would take it and renew that acquaintance with the woman and maybe even form another alliance for the fleet.

The movement of Darben to take a drink caught her eye and Ra let out an almost silent chuckle. Not being close enough to the group to be heard, they probably wouldn't even notice her. That simple movement reminded her of another person she knew. A man that professed to be a smuggler, but had agreed to work with her in a legitimate business manner.

Turning in their direction, Ra looked around the Promenade and would wait to see if anybody in that party approached her. If not, she would start conversing with the merchants to see what they might offer that she or her other contacts would be interested in.

[member="Darben Skirae"] [member="Eddak Manod"] [member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay was glad to be able to do a bit of browsing. Yes, both her and [member="Darben Skirae"] had come early. But it was better to be early than to be late. Dramatic entrances were fine, but they weren't her style.

She walked with the bunch to the marketplace, smiling a little to herself at the praise [member="Eddak Manod"] and Vruumond were giving her. "You'd of found some way to make this, for this vision to come true. But I'm glad that we could help."

Now she stood on the promenade, watching the hustle and bustle of people buying and selling their wares. It was a hub of activity, just as she had hoped it would be. "I'd like to find a tea booth first, if you please." Of course Kay had noticed Eddak remaining close. The man had always worried for her safety whenever they were out of eachother's Palaces. And he swore his services to her and her family. It wasn't right for her tell him to give her space, even if she wasn't expecting trouble. Trouble always came when one least expected it. And she was a magnet for it.

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Ra'a'mah"] | [member="Darben Skirae"]


Eddak nodded over to Darben, "Yes, unfortunately. There's many merchants here in the promenade, some you might even converse with, if you wished, Darben. I did get a Trooper report of someone from the Merchant Fleet of the Free Worlds Coalition, we may check that out later." Eddak turned his attention back to Lady Kay, steering her towards a small stall against the wall. It was walled like a hemisphere, with two vendors with their own small stalls within the walls. Eddak leaned up against the counter and ordered his classic Moogan tea, offering Lady Kay to get what she wanted. Once they had their tea, Eddak pointed down the hall, where a small platform was, with a few stairs leading up into an executive building. Above the entrance was 'Coemmnor Embassy,' but the entrance was blocked with a ribbon and a couple guards from Commenor and Galderra standing together, chatting. "Do you wish to mingle, or get your hands on the big ceremonial scissors, Queen Kay?" Eddak chuckled. Ra would have entered the promenade right in front of the Embassy; it was made convenient that way.

 

[Darben Skirae]

Darben Skirae scratched real quick at his beard as he thought about that, many merchants to speak to, to converse with. The Minister quite liked the idea of that. "I...I might go off for a bit" he said, then he went off on his own. "When you need me, [member="Lady Kay"] just call me over." Then he went off to vendors about, looking about to see what exactly he could buy. Mostly decorations to find for his store, to spice up it's look a bit. Make it more appealing.

[member="Eddak Manod"] @Ra'a'mah

 

[Riamah]

Coming up the ramp and right within line of sight of Kay and her party, they would see Ra in passing even if they didn't notice her. If they didn't stop her, then she would just continue on. Not knowing Darben or Eddak, she wasn't going to approach them. Noticing one of them leaving to look around, her gold eyes followed him for a moment wondering what role he played here.

She herself was here to make deals and strike up potential connections and would do her job.

Looking away from Darben, she started glancing around the room to see if anything caught her attention and interest. As a client as well as a merchant herself. The fact there was a ribbon tied over the entrance to the embassy wasn't missed by Ra, but that itself was only an interest, not the reason for being here.

Unless Kay or Eddak had stopped her earlier, Ra started to circle around the room to the various merchants. Stopping now and then to get a feel for the items they were selling and the people themselves.

[member="Darben Skirae"] [member="Eddak Manod"] [member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay raised a brow slightly as she had heard that someone from the Free Worlds Coalition was here. It made her wonder who else was going to set up shop or work on some deals here. At least the word was getting out there.

She nodded to [member="Darben Skirae"] as he headed off on his own. "Enjoy yourself." There was no way that she wanted to interfere with his business at the moment. It was beneficial for him to make new connections.

Kay followed [member="Eddak Manod"] and Vruumond to the tea merchants, ordering herself a Sapir tea. She took a look at the platform with the ribbon. Well, this was certainly going to be interesting. She didn't even have a speech prepared. But the right words will come when she needs it. "Let's mingle a little and enjoy our tea. We can cut the ribbon shortly." Her eyes fell on Ra, perhaps for longer than what was considered polite. She recognized her somewhat, but it was hard to place her. Having to rack the brain like that was bothersome. For she knew that it would bother her until she was either told, or had figured it out. So many faces came and went, that it made it hard for her to keep track. "I know her....from somewhere. I think..." The words were pretty much just spoken to herself.

 

[Eddak Manod]

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member=Ra'a'mah]


"Would you like to get her attention?" Eddak asked after looking towards what Lady Kay had been staring at, idly sipping his tea. He was content, and only cared about what the Queen wanted to do at the moment. Right now, he wasn't a King. He was an official Representative of the Orbital Array, but he was free for the luxury of the station for the moment. Eddak looked over to one of his Trooper escorts and clicked at him, casually. While some cultures may see clicking or snapping fingers at someone as rude, it was extremely common in military to get someones attention, and to have them do something the clicker/snapper and the individual would know of without talking. The Trooper looked up, having paid attention to Eddak and Lady Kay for the moment and nodded. The Trooper walked over and approached Ra, seeming very calm and not abrasive. "Where would you know her from?" Eddak questioned, having no idea himself who they may be. But if it was someone Lady Kay liked, he'd lover to get to know her. If she was someone Lady Kay despised, he would work to get her off the station.

"Excuse me, miss," the Trooper spoke to Ra with a voice sounding like it was coming through a speaker, "I believe Queen Lady Kay would like to speak with you." He turned to the side so he wouldn't be blocking Ra's view as he gestured to where Lady Kay was standing. The Trooper would be sticking close by Ra if she decided to approach the Queen. He was under orders to protect Lady Kay, so if Ra declined, he would head back into formation.

 

[Riamah]

Setting down the item she had been looking at when the guard approached her, Ra listened to what he said and nodded.

Lady Kay at least remembered her face, but probably not from where. It had been so long ago and Ra had been a different person then. A young woman not yet sure of her place in the galaxy. One that had lacked any real form of confidence in herself or power. Not that she wanted power just to have it, but time, knowledge and business had given her a different form of it.

"Yes, of course. I will follow."

It wasn't much, but a simple acknowledgement of what he said and a brief nod before falling into step with him.

[member="Eddak Manod"] [member="Lady Kay"] [member="Darben Skirae"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay just blinked. Would she like to get Ra's attention? Maybe after she figured it out so that she didn't feel so stupid. It was probably bad enough that she was staring enough to be noticed. She looked to [member="Eddak Manod"] as he posed his question. "Must have been at some gathering. I'm not sure..."

Yet before she could protest any, Ra was already being escorted her way by a Trooper. Oh boy. Hopefully the lady didn't think that she was in trouble or anything.

Kay bowed her head a little, offering a polite smile. "Forgive the uh...awkwardness of this, but I've seen you somewhere before and for the life of me I can't quite place it. And it's been bugging me ever since. Something that'll probably nag at me until I remember. Have we met before?"