An Alderaani Story

[Claire Organa]

There were rumors of a member of House Ulgo being within the influence cloud of the Iron Empire. It was one of the things that the Royal Family often did try to locate Alderaani who might want to come home, who might be looking for a reason to return but unsure of how to begin.

There was a story of how House Ulgo helped House Organa even though they had differences of opinion in a time when civil unrest was running rampant and Houses blamed one another the one House that they had suspected the whole time of the crime had actually helped.

If there was a member of House Ulgo out there Claire was going to find them and see about bringing them home.

She was not on the planet of Makatak very close to Iron Empire space she had sent the invite to come through friends. Now to see if [member="Aurren Ulgo"] would come. He was under no obligation to, and she didn't know his mind he might hate Alderaani, and House Organa as much as they had once hated House Ulgo.

She could end up in trouble alone out here, but here she was. Here she would wait with her pot of tea, a bottle of emerald wine, and whatever other reminders of home she could bring.

 

[Aurren Ulgo]

​

It had been a long time since Aurren had been nervous. His fingers tapped idly on his helmet as he held it under his arm, walking with what seemed like perfect composure through the hall. An Organa, of all people, wanted to see him. He assumed no Alderaanian would want to see him at all. He was wearing his uncle's old armour, the last symbol he had of home, the armour sparkling blue in a way that stood out without being gaudy. He had considered all of the possibilities of what this could mean.

He had considered it was a trap to capture or kill him; but none would care enough to do so, and the crime everyone thought he had committed, he'd already paid for. Besides, that wasn't a strictly Organa thing to do. There was the possibility that they'd simply run out of Ulgos to be the lord of their lands, but an exiled bastard wasn't usually an option; if it was to the point where he was the only choice, they may as well write the Ulgo name out of history entirely. He was sure there were many relatives and cousins he had who were much better candidates.

Finally he stepped through the doors, and there she was. She certainly looked like an Organa. This whole room felt like home. Even the wine, the tea, everything. He paused, almost opening his mouth to speak but he couldn't think of what to say. It was all a lot to take in at once. Say something, you idiot. He still couldn't think of even a word. All he did do was smile, bowing his head politely in a greeting. At least, when he was in House Ulgo, that was considered respectful. Perhaps things had changed, it had been decades since he was home.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

She turned when she heard the doors open her gaze settled upon him to take in the details of his presence. She smiled and nodded a greeting back but now what to call him?

"Are you [member="Aurren Ulgo"] ?" She had to be sure just in case this was one of his loyalists, did he even have them out here? She gestured for him to come closer there was something in his eyes. Relief? Confusion? She hadn't figured it out yet.

Was this the man that held the lineage to lead House Ulgo? Him being part of the Iron Empire wasn't a surprise not from all the history there was. Seemed House Ulgo liked the order that Imperial governments offered. Claire couldn't help but wonder if having this meeting wouldn't invite the fox into the hen house but she was under orders from her Queen.

 

[Aurren Ulgo]

Aurren paused. It was an awkward question for him. He wasn't technically legitimate, but he supposed a lot of things weren't technically true anymore. He simply gave a nod, clearing his throat. "I...yes, I am. I was never actually legitimized." His biological mother was an Ulgo by blood, that was true. He considered himself as much an Ulgo as any of the others had been, but children born out of wedlock weren't looked so favourably upon by his house, it seemed. He waited for a moment before adjusting his stance, trying to at least look more proper as he kept his helmet under his seat.

"It's...good to meet you though, my lady. I haven't actually seen an Organa, or any noble in years. How have my house- my family, been doing? Is everything...stable?" There was almost palpable dread in his voice. The Ulgos were no stranger to infighting, and he wondered if truly that was why she was here. They couldn't be all gone, could they? There had been cousins, relatives he didn't even know what to call. No matter how they were or had been, he didn't think they could all deserve that.

His tenseness was obvious. He gave off an aura of uncertainty, like he hadn't ever been in this situation before; though any noble on Alderaan would know that he had to have been. He was only going through all the possibilities; if he was the only option, he could be legitimised. He would have serious responsibilities, ones he couldn't ignore. Doing his best to keep composure, he steeled himself, trying to be prepared no matter what her answer was.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

"Your mother was of House Ulgo you can be legitimate through her as the Queen sees it." Claire tried not to be tense she found this difficult knowing that he was of the Iron Empire someone who she had not yet been able to get a meeting with to discuss what the relationship should be between the two factions.

"Your house is why I"m here. While it doesn't matter whether the heir is male or female the truth is that we've not seen any of the House come back to Alderaan since restoration. My Queen would like for me to discuss House Ulgo with you, and your feelings if any about it."

Actually the conversation went more along the lines of Claire he's Alderaani make him miss home and get him to come home. But she just didn't have it in her to make anyone do anything. It was wrong. It made words stick in her throat to even attempt it.

He was tense and she was uncertain, this was going to be an odd conversation for a bit. Least until they found some ground that they felt equal on.

"And don't worry about me being an Organa, I've not seen anyone of House Ulgo either so we are even." She nodded. "Come sit, let's have some tea or wine and figure this out." Claire reached over for the cup of tea she would have preferred the wine but this was a discussion and losing her focus could be costly.

[member="Aurren Ulgo"]

 

[Aurren Ulgo]

So, it was just him. None of them had returned. In a way, that was a relief. It hadn't been an awful massacre or any kind of tragedy, at the very least. He gently placed his helmet down on the side of the table, sitting down across the table from [member="Claire Organa"]. He had to pause and think about what she said, and what it meant for him. He had responsibilities he would have to fulfill - but he had sworn himself to the Iron Empire, one way or the other, and he had a duty towards it. However, there wasn't any reason he couldn't do his best to fulfill both obligations. He glanced at the tea and wine, but didn't seem to be up for a drink right now.

"I'm fine, thank you." He said with a smile. He didn't want to come across as rude, refusing her hospitality. "House Ulgo were soldiers, at least when I..left. I gather that the Queen wants me to come back and take over the lands, is that right?" He paused for a moment to let her mull it over before he spoke again, keeping quite still in his seat. "I have my swon duties to the Iron Emperor, but there's nothing that says I couldn't handle whatever needs done back home." Though, he didn't know if he was actually being asked to come back and run things - that didn't matter.

In the back of his mind, he just needed an excuse. To go home, to see Alderaan again. He smiled slightly again, his mind wandering to memories and thoughts of his childhood. "I...can only assume my house did something wrong while I've been gone. Most of them, at least my close family, never liked the Organas. Or any other house, for that matter. But I have no cause to be that way." There must have been some reason none of them returned, after all. It wasn't as though House Ulgo had been against open rebellion or civil war before, either. He could only hope they hadn't caused any misery while he was gone, that his assumptions were wrong.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Aurren Ulgo"]

She watched him he seemed nervous at odds maybe she wasn't sure. "The Queen would like all Alderaani to come home. The lands of House Ulgo could use attending. "

His house didn't like hers imagine that. "House Ulgo has long worked against House Organa. Your house sir seems to like Imperial rule as well as they lifestyle. But we are all of Alderaan. Our home sir has seen much damage since the occupation of the Sith"

She wondered what did he think of that, didn't the Empire like the Sith? She didn't know about this Empire but it seemed any Empire that enjoyed total power liked the Sith.

"As far as I know your house has done nothing wrong. They were actually helpful when it came to the murder of my Grandparents. Something that we have not forgotten. The Queen wishes to give you opportunity to reclaim the lands, and yes restore your house." Claire understood the need to reach out to everyone. Claire shifted she was uneasy herself.

"She would have no problem granting the title of Duke to someone who wants to help rebuild Alderaan. That would make you head of the House." Maybe she was being too harsh. Maybe she needed to take him to Alderaan and see what had been done.

 

[Aurren Ulgo]

​

Aurren paused as he heard the mention of the Sith, and he understood the implication. "I can assure you - I don't care for the Sith at all." He could understand it from her point of view - Empires had hardly been kind so far, and most simply went out of their way to rule for the sake of it or harm others because they could. Within the Iron Empire though, he saw something different. There was something genuine, a real desire to bring an organized government that would help others; the thought crossed his mind that perhaps if he helped more on Alderaan, it would reflect well on the Empire. Though perhaps he should've been thinking more of just home.

"I'm sorry." He said it automatically as she mentioned her grandparents' murder, and his face seemed to show genuine sympathy. He knew what it was like to lose close family after all, and whether his house had acted honourably in the face of that situation or not, those within House Organa were the ones that should've been thought about. It did, however, give him some sense of pride to hear that his family had helped those who needed it in a time of tragedy and need. Perhaps there was plenty good still within his house, and he could only try his best to add to it.

Aurren shifted uneasily in his seat as he heard the promise of being a Duke. He didn't have any desire to grab power, but with that position, he could do much good. He still had loyalty to his family, and his parents least of all wouldn't have wanted to see House Ulgo fall into decay and ruin on the planet they loved. He sat up more properly in the seat, giving a nod to himself as he looked more firmly towards her. "I'll gladly help rebuild Alderaan. If I have the privelige to do restore my house as I do that, then I'll take it. The Queen seems like a good woman."

He didn't truly know that, though. He knew nothing about the Queen, really. But Claire, she seemed an honest person. That she didn't want to try and tug on his heartstrings to make him come help; it was genuine. He found himself respecting that, and was glad that she acted that way enough that he'd figured it out. He wanted to be sure he made his own decision, that it was the right decision. He was more nervous now than ever. What would home be like?

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

Well now that had gone a bit smoother than she expected. There was no real argument like she thought there would be there was just the explanation of facts. Well..that kind of took some of the wind from her sails.

"The Queen only looks to do what is right for the future of Alderaan." Ok she thought what next, "Can you come to Alderaan? Meet with the Queen, look at your lands, and I'll show you around so that you can see what we've done so far."

He seemed genuine in his statements about rebuilding and helping. Good. Well. Faith will be pleased.

"They vong forming is all gone, some areas are still recovering. But for the most part it is restored." It as too they had begun to rebuild locations and homes but there didn't seem to be enough people. She didn't know if they were concerned about another invasion, or if they just preferred where they had settled to. Either way House Ulgo would have a new Duke and their lands would become productive. House Ulgo loyalists would have jobs again and a sense of purpose.

[member="Aurren Ulgo"]

 

[Aurren Ulgo]

​

Aurren could tell, either from the look on her face or perhaps just the vibe he got, that she hadn't been expecting him to agree so quickly. He smiled a bit more, remaining still in his seat and sitting back more comfortably; most of the tension was gone for him, and he found it easier to think calmly about the whole thing and how he could get about helping to rebuild. "The only reason I didn't return before was that I wasn't sure that I was wanted back. Many in my family had disagreements about my birth or other...events surrounding me, and they aren't exactly the type that are easy to reach." The comment brought a small smirk to his face. He was keeping his cards close to his chest; he didn't want to spill his whole story out to her, at least for now. Whether she knew about anything that had happened to him before or didn't, he preferred to keep these things to himself.

He cleared his throat for a moment, pursing his lips as how he tried to think about what he would ask next. The mention of vong forming had piqued his curiosity, and he gripped the arm of his chair a little more. "I hope you won't mind my asking. I've been a bit indisposed for these years. As in..isolated, so to speak. I tried to find out what I could about Alderaan, but so many conflicting stories, I didn't know what was true. What's happened there? You mentioned Vong, and the damage that's caused. Is there anything else I should know?" He phrased the question as politely as he thought he could, but he wasn't particularly aiming for politeness; he just hoped he didn't come across as impersonal. The last thing he wanted to seem was cold, even if he tended to stay quite inward. He did care; if he could have returned, he would have. The reason for it wasn't something he could easily explain, though. That would only complicate things.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Aurren Ulgo"]

Oh why does he keep smiling like that she wondered. Even his whole body seemed to relax more so odd she thought. "Well I don't know about your family but the archives showed you a son of a daughter of the House. The Queen was raised by a single mother. So I don't know. It's all a bit more than I needed to know."

Why, maybe he was the only one running around with the Ulgo name. The Queen could have just well given the lands away, but no. Anyhow. What happen there ? She thought everyone knew.

"The Old Republic wasn't able to protect Alderaan the Sith invaded and took the planet. During their stay they began Vong forming the planet and some of the people. Then the Netherworld event happened and Alderaan was won back by the Republic. But Queen Arianna had enough of the Republic by then and went to the Mandalorians for help. Which they help to free Alderaan from the Republic. Within the last years Alderaan left the influence of the Mandalorians and now they are sovereign once more." It was a pretty story.

"Queen Faith works to keep Alderaan free and to do that it means asking Alderaani to come home. Like you. What do you do out here?" She was curious.

 

[Aurren Ulgo]

​

Aurren nodded along as Claire told the story of the planet, clearly listening intently. He supposed it must've seemed so odd to her that he really didn't know. It was odd, or at least the situation was. So perhaps it was best not to share it for the time being, and he can explain more once he knew her better, and vice versa. He glanced down for a moment, considering how to explain what he did for the Empire. It was almost kind of funny, the more he thought about his House's tradition and what he did now.

"I suppose it's fitting. House Ulgo are known for being soldiers, like the Organas are known for their diplomacy. In the Iron Empire, I serve in the Army. I'm also involved in the Security Bureau." He tapped his fingers on his leg, continuing to ponder on how he could help Alderaan, talking about it actually helping to flesh the ideas out for him. "Once Alderaan is more properly rebuilt, and so is House Ulgo, hopefully the experience I have by then can help us be more prepared to deal with any threats like the Sith, or other foreign invaders. Though, I only-"

He paused, stopping himself and pain flashed in his eyes, if just for a moment. Nothing physical, but the look in his eyes for that moment implied something long-term; something he was still dealing with. He cleared his throat, regaining his composure. "I only found and joined the Iron Empire quite recently, so I'm still learning. What about you? What do you do? Out here, or anywhere." He was quite curious about her; perhaps to some she seemed the typical Organa, but he hadn't really met any 'typical' Organa in decades, so it would be a nice change. That, and it could give him some insight into home.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Aurren Ulgo"]

Yes it did seem they were almost genetically engineered to gravitate towards these types of jobs. she couldn't help but laugh a bit as he said it. "It is true Organa's seem to love politics and diplomacy. If only everyone truly knew what strange bedfellows the two made."

His questions gave her pause no one had really asked what she did. So what does she say to this, "Well I followed the family genetics. I'm an Ambassador for Alderaan, but I also own my design company. I make clothes, and do some personal shopping for folks. So if you need some new suits I can do it. I seem to be getting more male customers lately though my business started with women." It was interesting and strange how her business developed.

"I have a storefront on Alderaan and I'm looking to expand it given some recent events though I'm not sure how everything will go" It would seem to be easy to just go do this and that move on.

But her last trip had been quite a fright she wasn't over it yet. but then no one got over being hunted by someone. Did they?

"Will you and your family be needing temporary residence on Alderaan. Crevasse City has some nice views, good schools, and its become the go to spot lately for fine dining." She smiled again. She wanted to be helpful and answer questions.

 

[Aurren Ulgo]

Aurren chuckled as she mentioned following the family genetics. He wasn't sure if it was genetic predisposition or just a bad habit everyone had gotten into on Alderaan, but people, at least the nobility did tend to stick to the family business. He supposed it played to their strengths; something about Organas was just very convincing, and he supposed most people in House Ulgo must have had a talent for fighting somewhere in there, or at least strategy.

He listened carefully as she talked about her business, which got the gears of his mind going. He wondered if business was one of the best ways to help revitalize Alderaan, to inject into the economy and also help with the rebuilding of House Ulgo's lands, as well. If there was nobody left, there'd be many retainers, staff and other personnel that would turn up needing places to stay, so they'd need to have a solid budget. He supposed he could think about that for later.

His attention was snapped fully back to the conversation when she mentioned family, giving him pause. "No family. It's just me, for now. I'm sure I can find something myself, I wouldn't want to trouble you." Aurren seemed to pause, considering something else as he tried to quickly move on from the subject of family; he assumed that was something just not meant for him. He felt as though he should be getting old now; he was in his mid 40's, yet he looked almost as young as when he left the planet. "How soon will I be needed on Alderaan? And...is there anything left of House Ulgo's lands? If you don't know, I'll just find out for myself when I arrive."

He smiled again, obviously trying his best at being friendly at diplomatic. Social situations were in an odd place for him; he was pretty sure he enjoyed them, but it felt like it had been so long since he had one that wasn't on a professional level. It was odd for him, to say the least.

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Aurren Ulgo"]

"Oh it's no trouble you wouldn't be familiar with locations and places I would just be there to help. Make a suggestion perhaps. The Ulgo Fortress was located in the Juran Mountains, there's not much left of it I'm afraid. " She had noticed that he didn't say much about family. So what could she say to him that might ease his mind or reluctance.

"My parents are both gone, my sister is missing. So it isn't odd to not have family. Yes I have Organa family cousins..I guess but it's not the same. if you know what I mean" It wasn't something that was hard to discuss for her. Claire had said it to a number of people over the last year it helped her to work through her own grief and loneliness over it all. So she had an idea about not having family.

"How soon, it is up to you. I am here to make the offer it is then up to you when you decide to claim the lands and the title. And to do that..you must see the Queen. As for the lands. I can't tell you much except what I've said about the fortress. There are other places to build on Alderaan. Maybe that is something you can do for the loyalists."

She knew that ancestral lands were important but he could have more than one location so..maybe the fortress and something else. If he was so inclined.