Faction A Sovereign Echo | The High Republic

[Elian Abrantes]

Era Vos
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"Liuetenant, its good to meet you." Elian responded easily enough, give a small nod. As they followed along with the delegation, finally making its move. While he loved standing guard out in this weather, perhaps somewhere a tad bit warmer would also suffice. Then again, who was he to complain, this is what he chose.

"Well, I am sure your sister would love to hear that glowing opinion from time to time,"

"I'll let her know at some point in her life. Today, tomorrow, next week. Five years from now. It's up in the air." Elian mused, keeping the laugh to himself, that he so very much wanted to make.

"But I don't believe you are completely uninteresting. In fact, I bet you have plenty of wild stories from sitting on guard duty, just like I do from the engine room."

"Don't hold your breath. I wouldn't put too much stock in my interesting tales. They are all foolish attempts to try to be something I'm not." Elian whisphered back, he took a deep breath, the air leaving his mouth clearly seen among the cool air. "Engine room must be a nice place, plenty of things that can break, and that can be easily and swiftly repaired. As long as one has the right tools."

​

 

[Osiris Thul]

nothing ever lasts forever
Jocelyn Panteer Aurelian Veruna Theron Alde Aurelia Pantilles

"Duke Thul, a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."

"How charming."

Duke Thul's perfectly sculpted eyebrow and ghost of a frown betrayed that he found this chance meeting anything but. Perhaps if they were not in the presence of Gant he would let the mask slip but as a gentleman it was his duty to exchange pleasantries with Lady Jocelyn and inquire after her family's health.

It did not take long for politics to dominate the conversation. His arrogant frown deepened the more Aurelian spoke, but it wasn't the offworld monarch's rhetoric that bothered Osiris so much as the softening expression on Duke Gant's craggy old pate. He interrupted any response with a harsh laugh.

"I am not so certain of the Republic's noble intentions."

That was sure to get the entire room's attention.

"King Alicio was my friend, your majesty. We both set aside centuries of mistrust for the sake of our world's future. But to Coruscant, the Organa bloodline represents Jedi provocation. These open declarations of political support in your Senate threaten to force their hand. How does Naboo's interest in our ancient succession rituals make the people of Alderaan safer?"

 

[Jocelyn Panteer]

Jocelyn received Thul's brushoff with all the grace of an Alderaanian noblewoman. It that was how it must be, that was how it must be.

"Very well, thank you," she said, though she had already begun moving again. She continued circling, greeting those she had not yet, but their attention had all gone to the center, where it looked like Veruna and Thul might be about to begin the spar.

Jocelyn arrived back to her husband's side. She leaned closer to him, so that when she spoke her commentary would not be overheard by the unaugmented hearing of those nearby. "A masterful opening gambit," she whispered. "I am kicking myself for leaving the floor open to him to do it. He has sidelined me rather neatly."

She glanced at Theron and leaned her head close again to explain.

"The question seeks to show that the High Republic are meddling. By addressing it to Veruna directly, it suggests that I am beholden to them. And if I try to intercede, I will appear to be either explaining away the Republic's presence, or undermining King Veruna. And yet if I do not speak, it will be put about that I am allowing the Republic to speak for me -- and fight my battles -- or worse, that my reign will serve only as a mouthpiece for Theed. Honestly, I'd be impressed if I weren't so irritated."

The Duchess observed, her eyes narrowing slightly. Then with the conviction that fortune favored the bold, she inclined her chin and lifted her voice. "My Lord Thul, the way you phrase it, anyone would think His Majesty had simply decided today was a fine day for a holiday to Alderaan," she said, her voice bearing humor rather that confrontation. "They were invited to take an interest when Alderaan petitioned the Senate for membership. You may think it wise -- or not -- but it would not change the reality."

Osiris Thul | Theron Alde | Aurelian Veruna
Aurelia Pantilles | Era Vos | Elian Abrantes​