A New Day, A New Leader (Free Colonies/Open)

[Nyx]

On the planet of Annaj, in the former territory of the Lords of the Fringe, something momentous was happening. The newest government attempting to tame the Outer Rim, the Free Colonies, had chosen their leader, and it wasn't who anyone had expected.
Kath stood before a throng of people on a raised platform, her head still spinning from the news. The redheaded pirate was now the president of the Free Colonies. People had actually voted her into office. Willingly. When she had entered her name into the running, she hadn't really expected to actually win. She had campaigned a bit, put out her imperialistic ideals, her credentials as a pirate captain, as a leader, as a common woman.
The Epicanthix took a deep breath, mopping at her sweaty brow. She was never good at these kind of big speeches. She was a woman of action, not words. By the Force, why was it so hot in here?! She had never even seen this many people in one place, before.
Were those cameras? Dammit, the media was here. Well, she supposed it was to be expected. Wasn't every day something like this happened, after all. Same for the VIP box overlooking her, which housed any other foreign representatives that had chosen to show.
She looked at one of her assigned aids, who signaled that it was time.
Oh, Force.

Kath stepped up to the podium, clearing her throat into the voice amplifier.
"Hello, my fellow citizens of the Free Colonies. Today marks a new era, an era of freedom for not only the people of Annaj, but the others that will join us in the future. An era that you have chosen me to lead you through. I will not lie, I am surprised and humbled to be standing here before you; but I am confident that I can lead you through the times ahead.
"Since I was but seventeen, I have lead. True, they were ship crews, but I believe that the style of leadership will transfer well. Every last one of you is more than just a face, or a number on a chart. You are part of my crew, the crew of the Free Colonies. And if there is one thing you must know about me, know that I treat my crew well.
"As long as you decide to allow me, I will ensure that every member of the Colonies will be able to sleep safe at night, without worry for work or foreign attack. I will ensure that we are a shining city upon the hill for all the galaxy to admire, to emulate, to dream of becoming.
"I once more thank you for allowing me to hold this position."

Kath stepped back, breathing a sigh of relief as she heard thunderous applause. Good. Maybe watching all those holoflicks had done something for her, after all.
Now, for the next step.

Doors opened, and the crowd was allowed in to a large room, where the inauguration party was to be held. Here, those gathered would mingle, and interact with their new president.
Kath eagerly sipped at a glass of wine. She needed it after what she just went through.
Alright. Bring on the crowds.

Spoiler

[member="Jack Raxis"]
[member="Abric Korne"]
[member="Kaeda Vevut"]
[member="Rhodessa"]
[member="James Justice"]
[member="Jagen Wren"]
@Kath
[member="Nyx"]
[member="Kei Garnik"]
[member="Thid Qaal"]
[member="X30-20G"]
[member="Blacktail"]
[member="Gray Raxis"]
[member="Audren Sykes"]
[member="Qarai"]
[member="Darth Pikiran"]
[member="Elaine Thul"]
[member="Kira Vaal"]
[member="Katelyn Thanewulf"]
[member="Matreya"]
[member="Rigor"]
[member="Ark Didrod"]
@Danger Arcenau
@Mikail Shorn
[member="Lady Kay"]
[member="Filius Stellarum"]
[member="stardust"]
[member="Dyxra'a"]
[member="Maya Whitelight"]
[member="Jayce R. Vitalus"]

[member="Nima Tarkona"]

 

[Filius Stellarum]

[member="Kath"]
Filius only partially listened to the speech. He was not really one for politics, and cared little for who or who was not the leader. As long as he was paid for his work and retained access to the Free Colonies' vast RnD capabilities, he was fine. He clapped out of politeness when Kath finished, but soon settled back down onto a bench at the edge of the crowd to continue his latest weapon design.

 

[Qarai]

Qarai had actually awoken early that morning, oddly interested in the welfare of this fledgling colonial government. The fact that the new president of this government was an aggressively gorgeous red headed pirate had next to nothing to do it.

At least that's what he told his current paramore, the former waitress turned governess Alexis Amnell, who was likewise aggressively gorgeous and a red head. She was also strangely adept at running the colony of Annaj now that the Baron was...handled.

Qarai stood apart from any of the crowds, when the speech took place. His men were scattered in the crowd, but he kept himself apart. He leaned against the wall to the side of the room and watched the crowd. He wanted to know who was around before he began to socialize.

 

[Jagen Wren]

Jagen Wren, on the other hand, was all for it. Even though he voted for [member="James Justice"], he only did that because he knew the criminal well. But as soon as the new president stepped up and gave her speech, he felt a strong feeling that she was the right one, of course Wren had had some feelings that were wrong, but this one, this one, had a strange aspect of certainty to it, it was almost like she was destined to become president.

He, unlike most of the other scum here, had worn his best trench coat, boots, and pants to the occasion. It was cause to celebrate after all in others areas aswell, Free Colonial TradeCorp was about to be created, Wren had bought a restored K1-Series astromech with gold plating that he aptly named QT, which beeped beside him happily, dragging in a small crowd of guests which fawned over the droid, and most of all, he had found out that he was a Jedi, as he had been granted precognition within the Force after a small period of meditation.

Wren walked over to the sizeable bar and grabbed rather a large mug than a glass of some sort of mandalorian whiskey which he gladly indulged in, it had a nice strong kick to it, reminding him much of home, "Alcohol just isn't the same anymore when you're not enjoying it with your aliit" He said sadly to himself, taking another large drink of the fiery whiskey.

[member="Kath"] [member="Qarai"] [member="Filius Stellarum"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Kath"] [member="Qarai"] [member="Jagen Wren"]

Jack was in the crowd as well. He wasn't done up in armor today, but rather his dirty spacers garments. He had a red bandanna tied around his forehead and was grinning drunkenly. Half way through a bottle of whiskey he was sloshing drunk, but still very coherent. As she made her speech he watched and then clapped. She retreated, and Jack followed, moving through the doors into the room and making way to [member="Kath"].

With a grin he extended her hand. She was a Pirate, same as him now, and it didn't hurt for fellow crews to make friends. Especially since they'd be working much more closer together now.

"Nice win Miss Kath. Jack Raxis, Cap'n of The Rogue!"

 

[Maya Carrick]

Today she didn't have on her silver robes but she was wearing what looked to be something that would fit into the crowd. Even so she knew that in some way she would stick out with her bright pink skin. That long beautiful blue hair of hers. Even now she couldn't help but be drawn to the one that had been newly elected to the be the president. [member="Kath"]

Listening to her speech she couldn't help but lift a glass of her fine red wine. Smiling as she let herself quicken her to the fact that there wasn't anyone she would know in the crowd or so she had thought. It wasn't until the crowd was breaking up did her eyes catch the one or a few that she knew from another place and time.

This she let herself walk up to the gathering around him, "I didn't think I would see you here, Jack" as she was very pleased to see him. As she gave him a peek on each cheeks.

[member="Jack Raxis"][member="Jagen Wren"] [member="Qarai"] [member="Filius Stellarum"] [member="Kath"]

 

[Matreya]

Sipping upon a goblet of fine Scotch, Damien reclined in a plush cushioned seat. Around him in all directions stood no one else, for he had released Tantibus from its sheath - even now the Force Fear slowly spilled further to the area about him. The very sword sat with its tip against the ground, the sword standing absolutely vertical, as if pulled towards the skies.

Tapping a finger against the arm rest of his seat, he contemplated the president and her words. He had voted for her, not for words, but because the Force had told him she was the choice that would see him best contempt. Yet, as she spoke, he pondered his place here. Drawing upon the energies of his Spirits, his mind launched into the future thanks to Flow Walking. Dozens of futures flew past his eyes, fast as his mind could comprehend - which quite intense as it is.

Finally drawing back into himself, he reached out to place a hand on the hilt of his sword. Flashing energy into it, the effect of the Force Fear broadened by dozens more meters, until it seemed he had the whole area to himself..

What he seen? Why did he suddenly want everyone away far away?

[member="Maya Whitelight"] [member="Jack Raxis"] [member="Jagen Wren"] @Qarai @Filius Stellarum @Kath

 

[Jagen Wren]

Wren was still sitting at the bar contemplating a new ship design while drinking his second mug of Mandalorian whiskey. But soon after, he started to have a dark feeling of hopelessness...and fear, he turned around and noticed that all of the people were moving away from a single man standing at the center of the action with a sword that stroke terror into Wren even looking at it.

He needed to move as well to rid himself of the feelings that were overcoming him, but his legs wouldn't move anymore, it was as if they were paralyzed in shock and fear. Almost as suddenly as the feelings came, Wren started having visions that would haunt him for the rest of his life, it was of every, single, person he had killed in his career. Thousands upon thousands of people flashed before his eyes, some dying due to a blaster bolt, and some dying due to the ship he himself had destroyed. He felt absolutely horrible, as the thought of hundreds of thousands of people that were their relatives, now without a father or a son.

Somewhere, in the back of his mind, an instinct awoke. Wren began subconsciously using the Force, in an attempt to project a barrier that would protect himself from the fear that was consuming him, it was successful, but not for long. Not even five seconds had passed when the barrier fell and he was devoured by the visions once again, but suddenly, QT administered an electric shock to Wren that caused him to stand up and walk away from the source, only finding solace when the visions went away.

He was safe, for now.

[member="Kath"] [member="Filius Stellarum"] [member="Jack Raxis"] [member="Qarai"] [member="Maya Whitelight"] [member="Darth Pikiran"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay felt unsure about her future again. She was forced to resign from the Republic Senate for reasons that she hoped would never see the light of day. But with the media, you just never know.

Her adopted brother [member="James Justice"] informed her of this new collective government. And when one was lost, gaining allies was never a bad thing. Maybe it would help her feel whole again.

She watched the speech given by [member="Kath"] amongst the crowd with some interest. It sounded good. But power usually changed people. And not always for the better either.

Kay's K1 droid, Mrs. Nesbitt beeped and whistled, pulling her out of her thoughts. Less than a second later she rolled off quickly towards QT. "Mrs. Nesbitt! Wait!"

[member="Jagen Wren"]

 

[Audren Sykes]

Audren stood among the crowd, first listening to the speech of the new President. He didn't know much about her, and had abstained from the election for various reasons. In spite of that, he clapped politely as the speech ended and moved into the crowd attending the inauguration party.

The Sephi wasn't sure that he considered himself a citizen of the so-called Free Colonies. Yes, he'd helped dismantle the government of Annaj and replace the corrupt thing with a new one. Hopefully, a better one. He had his doubts, however. Most notable among them was the proliferation of pirates in the place. Unknown to the others present, he was also a Warden of the Void. The organization was staunchly against piracy and slavery. At this point, he'd elected to simply 'wait and see'...maybe things would improve with the creation of a government.

For his part, the Jedi Knight was not dressed in any of his normal clothing. No Jedi robes making him stand out from the crowd, no suits of armor providing protection from a myriad of assaults. No, today's clothes were like many of those worn in the crowd. A quick shopping trip had provided clothing that fit reasonably well, but more importantly blended. He wasn't going to kill the party just by being here. Two things - three, technically - he couldn't or wouldn't do much about were his ears and hair. Chopping the hair would be an extreme solution, and the only way to hide the ears would be a hat or covering, something very few wore here.

It seemed there were others present who were not so restrained. Audren could feel the Force from one side of the party, the darkness staining the area and slowly expanding. On the other hand, Audren was minding his own business at the bar, lightsaber hidden inside a pocket. There were others who'd been involved in the 'liberation' of Annaj who were strong in the Force, Raxis among them; he wasn't going to go around stirring up trouble if none existed.

The place was looking less and less like one he could support.

 

[Dyxra'a]

Lost within the flow of the crowd as it stampeded towards the hall within the people would be able to interact with their newest leader, Dyxra'a stood still, alone, staring at the place where the redheaded pirate had just spoken, running every word that had been announced to the gathered audience through her mind. 'No hit words. Poetic, but lacking in being able to grab the full attention attention, cementing aspects of the speech into the audience's minds. Memorable in event, not in what was said. Still, spoken with a strong voice, no hint of nerves if there were any. This Kath has the potential to be a good leader, strong, but she is hardly a master orator. A leader by example, not by words.'

Breaking from her musings, Dyxra'a cast her eyes around her momentarily, taking in the fact that it was only her and a few others that remained. Turning sharply on her heel, her leather boots dragging across the ground with an audible scrape, Dyxra'a made to follow the tail end of the crowd which was now pouring into the great hall. As she walked, the metal cane that she held firmly within her left, lace glove covered hand caused a steady tempo of taps to ring out.

"Well, I think I shall have some fun." As she spoke beneath her breathe, her accent exotic to the majority of the galaxy, a glint of almost malicious mischief emerged from within her eyes, the only thing that broke her emotionless expression.

A few minuets later, the Falleen woman was walking away from a richly dressed human male who had a glazed look set firmly onto his face, the mask of seduction and flirtation that Dyxra'a had worn dropped, her face returning to its normal expression of cold disinterest. Stopping at the corner of the hall after creating a good amount of distance between her and her mark, she removed the stetson hat from her head and set it on the table that stood next to her, exposing the three crests that served as the physical deformity that differentiated her from the rest of the Falleen species. Next to the hat, she placed the leather bundle she held concealed in her right palm.

Flipping open the leather revealed it to be a wallet that Dyxra'a had pickpocketed from her mark. For Dyxra'a, picking the pockets of those who were, in her eyes, foolish enough to carry large amounts of credits on their person. As she saw it, she was only liberating them of the burden that they might be pickpocketed by somebeing who was willing to kill, the fact that her own fortunes would be increased was what she saw as payment for her services. Or, at least, that was the explanation Dyxra'a had told other before. The true reason was that she stole from the pockets of other because she could, using it as a subtle display of power. Back on Nar Shaddaa, it hadn't been uncommon for Dyxra'a to spend a full week focused on stealing from others and, as such, she had honed the skill as much as she could, even utilising the pheromones of her species to weaken her targets.

Removing half of the credit chips that were secured within the wallet, Dyxra'a carefully placed them within hidden pockets that lined the inside of her stetson before replacing it on her head, hiding her crests from view once more. Leaving the wallet and remaining credits where they were, Dyxra'a calmly made her way over to the open bar, removing her gloves as she did so, tucking them into the pockets of her trench coat.

 

[Jagen Wren]

Wren had relocated to a different area of the party, far away from the likes of that man that forced him to have the terrible, terrible visions of the death and destruction he had caused, currently he was sitting at a table eating a plate of food and drinking his worries away with more whiskey, QT sat beside him, whirring sadly, probably worried for the wellbeing of her owner. The truth was, Wren was not well, the thing that happened earlier had broken him almost, and now he wanted to take his mind off of things, maybe with a distraction.

And that distraction came in the form of an astromech droid that was coming over to his own, followed by a woman calling after it "Mrs. Nesbitt! Wait!" Wren heard her say. QT whirred excitedly and welcomed the new droid with open er- apparatuses.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Jayce Vitulas]

The new president of the Free Colonies had been elected. Jayce leaned on one of the small building that hung in the back of the square. The crowds roared as the [member="Kath"] gave them the speech of a lifetime. Something seemed cheery about this situation. A new leader was born and the people of this planet were eating it up. Jayce clapped to give the new president some kind of support. It really didn't matter to him who did what, but this seemed like a glorious time for anyone with hope in their eyes. A chance to rebuild and start new lives across the galaxy. Such a fickle thing life can be. It's nice to enjoy the small things.

The Gray Jedi soon spun on his heels and started walking the path back to his ship. Whatever was going on in that hall, it was going to be futile effort to get in. Turning his head back, he saw children shouting and celebrating because of what transpired. He was sure that they had no idea what was actually going on, but that was the beauty of it. This event could go down in history as the start of something grand. These children now, will soon be the future's leaders. He shook off his smile and pulled his black hood back up. Time to get moving again.

 

[Qarai]

Qarai felt the darkness and fear rolling off of the dark figure with the sword. Undirected as it was, Qarai was able to keep it at bay with a concerted effort. In such a time as this, it was more than bad form for someone to be roiling off force fear like this. Qarai paced around the edge of the party, moving away from the person exuding the aura. The further he went, the less he had to concentrate to keep the aura at bay. At a point in his past, he'd have likely just shot the person who presumed to ruin a party like that, a good portion of the crowd was crew from one of his two ships, but this was supposed to be a celebration. Some cultures prefered bloodshed in their celebration, but Qarai did not.

He slipped by the bar, grabbed a glass of ale, then moved to the side of the room away from the fear man. Qarai had wanted to get into the party spirit, but now he wasn't in the mood. That was a tragedy, for he had had high hopes for the party.

 

[X30-20G]

The droid honestly didn't care about politics,it just wanted credits.Due to it's inability to eat X30 was all alone.It sat down,and grabbed a blade.It grabbed a few fruits,stood up,and began juggling.It had no idea what the point was,but atleast the juggling gave the droid something to do.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Mrs. Nesbitt greeted QT with open appendages as well. Then the beeps, whistles and trills came out of the two so fast, it could make your head spin. As Kay reached then and [member="Jagen Wren"] she was so glad that she hadn't modified her droid to speak basic yet.

Wren looked a little worse for wear, as if he had seen a ghost or something else entirely. Her Force signature was already shrunken down to that of a small tree nut, as was her habit of doing when she was in a strange place with strange people, so she couldn't tell if there were any others nearby that were just like her.

Kay bowed her head to him. "I'm sorry about that. Mrs. Nesbitt is very impulsive at times and...Is that a K1 series that you have there, sir?" Her own K1 was blue with gold accents, a gift from her adopted older brother.

 

[Juggerduck]

The Free Colonies had elected a leader, but her name and her words meant little to Thid Qaal, beyond the fact that it would keep this disparate group from dissolution. He had no desire to share beverages or food stuffs with the majority of these people; their stares irritated, and he could feel them dying in the Force, cell by cell. Still, it was expected of him, so he remained in the back of the room, wrapped in a plain cloak, dampening his presence in the Force and using his powers to maintain as low a profile as possible.

[member="Kath"]

 

[Rae’rwna Ves’stahl]

Rae'rwna Ves'stahl had recently arrived in the Annaj System. She was here for a mixed bag of reasons the majority of which she was annoyed with while the rest were her own agenda. Since the fragmentation and collapse of the Imperial Remnant at Carida and the splintering of warlords breaking off to go do their own thing.

As CEO of Flavian Star Corporation she needed to find and establish business ventures where ever she could.
However the true power behind the company, the now turned Warlord for hire, Commodore Caius Flavian had added a mission on to all of this.
Espionage was not necessary a game that Rae knew anything about. Essentially it was simple clandestine information gathering.
I was to just make notes of the happening the individuals involved with the Free Colonies.
Something that apparently, after a thorough explanation from one of the former ISB officers now under the Flavian banner, blended easily into standard corporate practices of marketing.
Gotta know the people you are trying to sell too!
So here she was on Annaj inviting herself to witness the election of the Free Colonies' President and hoping to rub shoulders with people to make new connections, gather information, and simply have a good time. Rae wasn't one for politics, she just loved dabbling in anything to do with biology and growing things!

It was a bizarre but intriguing concept the Free Colonies. Time and time again many pirates, corsairs, vagabonds and colonists band together in the outer rim for protection against a harsh and uncaring galaxy. Although how long these enterprises lasted depended on the leadership and willingness to give to a greater cause. Which given the individualism that permeated these sort of cultures would present a challenge. Regardless of the despotism that tended to occur with some of these types most pirate crews tended to have a democratic process so it was not to much of a stretch or surprise to see presidential election having taken place.

She wore a blue headscarf along with her usual purple attire of a jacket, tunic, pants, a blue sash for a belt, and lastly kept two Imperial issued holdout pistols on her. One was clearly holstered on her thigh with the other hidden in her boot.

Arriving a little late to the speech the Chiss made her way through a throng of people to main hall where the celebrations seemed to be kicking off. She took note of a few people already heading out or leaving, perhaps had already had a few to drink. Then again considering the crowd likely off to find new opportunities in the stars above.

Weaving her way through the crowd she took a mental note of a couple of noteworthy individuals among the attendees, she thought she spied a senator from the GR among the crowd. Not surprising really the GR could use as many friends as possible these days. The famous Jack Raxis was among the crowd, fast becoming a well known name across the galaxy. A few she decided perhaps to stay clear off after observing an individual slashing about his lightsaber.
Finally she had made it to the bar and with the anxiety of the situation of new people along with the excitement in the air a stiff drink sounded great.
"Please a Long Island" She made the request to the bar tender slapping the prepaid cred card on the table for what was certainly going to be a tab night. The ISB agent thought it was a smart idea to put a limit on what he called 'Operational expenses'...

 

[Jagen Wren]

Wren couldn't help but grin when the two droids started to "talk" with each other, through means of repeated beeping and whistling. He looked up at the woman who followed the droid over, assuming she was the owner. Wren took a minute to close his eyes and let the Force sober him up after drinking about five mugs of whiskey, he found that ability to be the most useful thing in social situations when he drank heavily.

"I'm sorry about that. Mrs. Nesbitt is very impulsive at times and...Is that a K1 series that you have there, sir?" She asked him, Wren chuckled lightly "Yes, she is. I got her from one of my aliit, or family, if you don't speak Mando'a, I'm sure you've heard of James Justice?" He said, grinning again.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Gray Raxis]

[member="Kath"]

Gray listened to the speak that the woman calling herself Kath gave. He had to admit that she did a good job up there. Who knew if she would actually do things the way she said she would. All that Gray cared about was the fact she looked good while doing it. He clapped for her when she finished. She had a ton of people wanting to speak to her, so he figured he wouldn't bug her yet. Besides his cousin [member="Jack Raxis"] was already approaching her, so no need to double team her with both of the Raxis men. He would get a chance to say hi eventually.