Private A Commonality Between Us

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

Reading over the holo-news on a certain little world leaves my heart to sink. Much like with New Cov, an enemy came to the planet in an attempt to plunder their resources and to steal control over it. During the attack on New Cov, my security team brought me to safety so that I couldn't be tortured and killed. Our laboratories were sealed so that our secrets were kept safe.

However in this case, the rulers of this little world were killed. Yet they had an heir that thankfully wasn't, leaving the attempted usurping of the throne a failed one. How awful it must be to lose one's parents in such a way. I do not want to imagine it for my own sake. I am unsure of how I would react, most especially as I have so very little in the way of friends.

That does not have to be the way for everyone. He could use some help and his planet could use some aid.

So quickly I reach out with a holo-message:

~Greetings,

I am Director Liin Terallo of New Cov. It is with my deepest sorrow that I send my condolences to you. I have read about the news and I find it very similar to what happened here on New Cov recently.

I would be honored to schedule a meeting with you where we can discuss any aid that I and New Cov can provide. Please let me know at your earliest convenience.

Respectfully,

Director Liin Terallo.~

Tag: Caelan Valoren

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Liin "Tera" Terallo

It came as a bit of a surprise, the message that reached him on Coruscant. It had been some time now since the events of his parents death, but perhaps it hadn't reached all ears. Likely those responsible were doing what they could to suppress the news in order to keep losing their temporarily gained power. It made sense to him, but what didn't make sense was the message coming from New Cov, from the director there. Not the director of the temple, but the director of planet.

But, she was the first to express an interest in helping Lazerian IV and the Kingdom of Dewit. Because of that, he felt an obligation to see it out. So he chartered passage, predominantly by tagging along on a flight to the New Cov temple. He'd been there once before, but it hadn't been a long trip, and he hadn't explored anything but the temple itself.

Now he was directed to a settlement, where people unassociated with the Jedi resided. There he found a people seemingly also recovering, though they didn't seem as hard pressed to do so as some would. They had the help they needed. He found the place where the meeting was to occur and entered, approaching a receptionist and waiting his turn to speak, waiting until he was called upon.

"Master Jedi?"

"Ahh, not a Master," he said, shaking his head. "Just a Padawan, but I have received a request for a meeting from Director Liin Terallo."

"Oh, I see. I will let her know you're here. Wait just a moment."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

Some people do not like to travel much. I am aware of that. There are some that prefer to hold meetings over holofeeds. But I am not one of them. I am old fashioned in a lot of ways, and that included meeting others in person. I do not mind travelling so much myself, however New Cov was in the midst of a rather large transition and I could not depart my world during the middle of it.

The receptionist informed me of the young man's arrival and for the moment I am caught offguard. Normally my guests are announced as soon as their ships enter New Cov's orbit, however he must have travelled by a different means than on his own. How peculiar.

Still it does not take long for me to ensure that my appearance is acceptable and that my office was presentable. Afterall if we are to touch on a sensative subject, it is betrer to do so in a room that was far more comfortable than a conference or board room.

Putting on a polite smile as I spot the young man patiently waiting in the lobby, I extend my hand towards him. "Thank you for coming. I am Director Terallo. I hope that your journey to New Cov was a pleasant one. Shall we head to my office? There are some refreshments and drinks on hand should you require it."

Tag: Caelan Valoren

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Liin "Tera" Terallo

It didn't take long before a woman appeared, walking towards him. She seemed serious, driven, but she had a smile on her face that indicated she was polite and formal as well. Her hand was extended towards him and he reached out to shake it as it was offered. His grip was firm, but not crushing. His hands were calloused, belying those of someone who worked with them often. He suspected they always would be from then on. Her hands felt soft to him, and he hoped his weren't too rough.

"Pleasure to meet you, Director," he said, offering a smile in return.

This whole meeting people in an official capacity as the Crown Prince was something new for him. Technically he should be King at this point, but he had yet to return to Lazerian IV. He needed the backing of the Alliance and others before he could do so.

"My trip was comfortable enough, and your office will be fine."

He didn't say anything about drinks and refreshment. He was only fourteen, and though he'd imbibed before, he didn't particularly have a fondness for alcoholic beverages. They were... bitter. Sometimes they were mixed with other things and then were far less biter, but he still found the taste of them altered in comparison to what they were mixed with. So, he wasn't really interested in drinking, but he was certain she would have water on hand, and he followed her as she lead the way.

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I notice his grip. While my own was firm, confident and soft; his was the same. However the difference was that he had the hands of one used to hard labor. It was a far cry from what I myself am used to.

With a polite gesture, I lead him through the lobby towards the turbolift. From there it was a momentary ride up before we walk through the hall towards my office. As one might expect it was lavishly decorated, with a sofa, my desk, some chairs and indeed a side table carrying a platter of finger foods. There were a variety of drinks, but mostly non-alcoholic. Afterall, I am aware of my guest's young age.

"There is plenty there for the two of us. But if you are not hungry, then that is quite alright as well. I just find that when talking about troubling subjects, it is easier to do so over food."

Tag: Caelan Valoren

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Liin "Tera" Terallo

He was pleasantly surprised at the selection of drinks being largely non-alcoholic. When people started drinking varied from world to world, he knew, but he did not and so he quietly selected a local juice that looked appetizing to him and took a sip from it. It was refreshing, cool and naturally sweet on the tongue. A good choice. The food, for the moment, he ignored, because he wasn't that hungry and didn't want to dive into it before she did.

"That's understandable," he said. "An empty stomach is easily troubled."

Moving to one of the seats, he settled in with his drink in hand. She'd brought him there for a reason, and he wanted to get down to it.

"I'm curious, Director, what it is you can do for my people."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I follow his lead, as one must do when in the company of a guest. I pour myself a glass of juice, albeit a different flavor than his own choice, and then walk over to one of the chairs opposite him and gracefully sit down. As always my posture is straight and perfect.

After a sip of my juice, I cradle the glass in my hands and rest them gently on top of my lap while I respond to his inquiry. "New Cov had gone through a similar situation. Right here in Ilic City a Sith Lord came under a false guise with plenty of monsters. They killed and abducted many Covie, and tried to usurp the leadership here. But they were unsuccessful in their attempt to secure me as their prisoner.

I know that the same cannot be said in your situation and there are no words that I could express that would make you feel better over your loss. However I can secure whatever is needed to liberate your homeworld. I have a lot of contacts in a lot of different fields of expertise. And just as we have been recovering on New Cov, we can help your people to do the same."

Tag: Caelan Valoren

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Liin "Tera" Terallo

He frowned at what she said. The idea of a Sith coming in there, under the dome, with a horde of sithspawn? That didn't seem right. Why would they do that? It wasn't as if New Cov was in their line of sight for galactic dominion. There was a lot of space between their space and the planet. Most likely they had done it because they'd seen an opportunity to take something that didn't belong to them. That and there was the reality of the Jedi temple on the world. Perhaps they knew about it.

"I'm sorry to hear the Sith caused such strife here," he said. "I know firsthand the horrors of their monsters."

They had been present on Tython. He'd fought several of them, but hadn't directly killed any of them himself. They were tough and he hadn't been ready for the field of combat then. Not like he was now.

"I would appreciate the assistance. I intend to push for the Alliance to bring Lazerian IV into their protection because of the proximity, but I know we could use help in rebuilding. It would be good to have our worlds work together."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I gave him a small bow of my head as he expressed his sympathy for what had transpired here. However although the event had caused a lot of destruction and grief, it had brought forth some good as well. I had gained new allies as well as protection for New Cov amongst those that some might consider to be enemies. The only exchange for that protection was in lending my expertise when it was required.

I listen as he seems to have the idea that the Alliance could protect his world. I had my doubts, for I had encountered and heard of their bureaucratic red tape that made easy decisions take months. For emergency situations such as his, that amount of time was far too much.

"We will gladly offer our support in the rebuilding efforts. But I also offer support in it's liberation. I have access to an excellent array of ships, weapons and soldiers that were vital in the Sith Lord's failure. Yet first a small team will need to be sent to gather intel on the ground so that a proper strategy can be made. I can help with this and you need not worry about it's funding. I will look after that." There is little doubt in my mind that he was looking for some kind of price to be paid. Afterall armies do not come cheap. Yet I know some of what he was going through. Liberation should not be only for the rich. "I ask for nothing much in return. Only in the strong partnership of our two worlds. What do you say?"

Tag: Caelan Valoren

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Liin "Tera" Terallo

It was a lot to offer someone you barely knew, and he was more than a little bit wary of it. If he'd had the opportunity, he would have consulted his father about something like this. It was not something he really felt comfortable making such a hasty decision upon, and that was probably noticeable in the way he shifted about in his seat while his brow furrowed in thought.

"I appreciate your willingness to help," he said, and he meant it, "but it has long been our desire to join the Alliance and this seems the best opportunity to do so."

Not that he wanted to wait to do it. The thought of going through the red tape process with the Alliance really did bother him. Governments were always full of it and put little import on doing what needed to be done right when it needed to be done. Many worlds had suffered in the past because of it. Discussions in committees lead to blockades and attacks on peaceful worlds. Lives were lost while politicians drank and ate and "talked" about nothing at all related to the issues.

"Perhaps, you could be an independent investigator and send a team to Lazerian IV to gather data that I could utilize to support my case with the Alliance? It will be hard for them to not act if we have proof other than my testimony."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I bow my head in accordance to the young Prince's decision. Although I was not seeking for his people to join New Cov. New Cov is it's own secular government that belonged only to it's own world. I have no desire to spread our influence, nor our territory. Neutrality is what is best, and I feel that is the best for everyone. A loyal trading partner is what I had desired, yet perhapps such a thing would come in due time.

To his proposal, I give him a nod of understanding. "I can certainly send in a small team to gather intel on the state of things on the ground. They would not be Jedi or anyone that would cause suspicion. Where on Lazerian IV do you recommend that I send them?" A whole planet was entirely too much to search through. Most especially for a small team of just a few individuals. Holocam footage would certainly help. However how much that could speed up the process for the bureaucrats of the Alliance into acting? I cannot imagine. But I know that it would not be as fast as would be needed.

Tag: Caelan Valoren

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Liin "Tera" Terallo

Where was a good question, but he could think of the best place for them to go.

"The city of Devit itself," he said with little hesitation. "It's the capital and if there's information to be gained, that's where. Need to know how much control they have over it. That will tell what else they have controlled."

If they controlled the entirety of the city, then they would have control of the outlying areas as well. He didn't know what it was they were after, but given their ability with the Force he suspected they were after the Empeth crystals. They were the only thing of worth on the planet to people with abilities in the Force. Only other option was they really just wanted the planet because of the trade ability and location. Also possible, but they needn't have killed for that.

"There's a military base there, as well. The state of our military would be worth knowing."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I listen quietly to the young Prince, taking in the responses to my questions. The Capital city makes for a good location. Afterall our own Capital was attacked here. More often than not it is a central hub to any planet's government.

The state of the military was also something to make note of. A number of things could of happened when the planet was taken over. The military assets could all but be obliterated. Or the soldiers could be turned into monsters while their assets were commandeered by their enemies. Or it could be a mixture of both.

"I will surely have the team look into it all. Is there anything that you can think of that they should watch out for or to look for? I will surely get on this straight away. Wasted ours could mean wasted lives, afterall."

Tag: Caelan Valoren

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Liin "Tera" Terallo

He tried to think if there was anywhere else worth mentioning, anywhere that he would be willing to mention to people not of his family that he didn't know all that well, and the answer was no. There were numerous cities within the Kingdom, but without the military and security force, they would be easily controlled, and that required them taking control of Devit itself. If they did that, if they had full control of the capital, then there was a guarantee they had control of the outlying cities as well. Probably only Doxeti would be safe.

"No, I believe that's the best place to get information," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "If they control Devit, they control the planet."

Thinking about that made him feel sick in his stomach, but what else was he to do? At least she wanted to help.

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I give him another nod of my head in understanding. That may be how some planets are, however if someone were to try to take over New Cov, it would take more than overtaking the Capital in order to control the entire planet. In some ways the domes were stylized that way. They were each seperated and far apart in such a way that having control over one did not control the rest. Liin believed that her Covie ancestors were very smart in that regard.

"Thank you. I will send them out very soon. Once they can mobilize, they will be off. Communication will be severed until they have completed their mission as that would maintain their cover all the better. Once I have a report for you, I will send it your way as soon as possible. There may be pockets of resistance somewhere. I can almost be certain of it. They only need a helping hand."

I have another sip of my drink before another thought comes to mind. "You are most welcome to stay here while you wait. Or if you have elsewhere to be, then that is quite alright as well." I would not be offended as he probably had other allies to gain help from.

Tag: Caelan Valoren

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Liin "Tera" Terallo

"I appreciate the offer, but I have more work I must attend to before I can return home," he said, indicating that he would not stay. "You've been an excellent host."

He really did need to return to the Temple by way of the New Cov temple. His training was really important for when they did return to Lazerian to free it from whomever was holding it hostage, assuming those people were still there. He had to assume they were. Considering there had been next to no communication from the world since he'd escaped, what else was he to believe?

Standing, her offered the woman a bow of his head.

"Thank you for your hospitality, but I must depart. I hope that your team has much success. You can reach me again the same way you did before."

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I set down my drink and rise to my feet after he does. I bow my head in turn and follow it up with; "You are most welcome. I will contact you again once I have more information for you."

With a polite gesture I direct him towards the door and follow him there to it. "Should you need anything else, do not hesitate to ask. And good luck with the Alliance." In my experience, seeking help from any large government was a very tall order. Unless one has something that they desperately needed. From the sounds of things, it did not appear as if his homeworld did. Such a fate was more common in this Galaxy than not. I know of it very well.

Tag: Caelan Valoren