Bah Humbug! [ CIS Dominion of Y, 40 Hex ]

[Ascendant Muse]

B A H​

H U M B U G​

The operation was supposedly routine.

To the immediate north of the Confederate border was a small pocket of empty space. No hyperlanes spanned it, no worlds occupied it, and there wasn't even a hint of debris. For this reason, it was promptly obtained through expanding the nation's patrol routes. And with this acquisition came the opportunity to flex the Fortressa's muscles. The mammoth pride of the Confederate Armada lumbered out of hyperspace and weighed anchor within the new territory. The mindset from the top brass was to run through the vessel's systems to ensure everything was in tip-top shape - and for a moment all was in the green. That is, until a pair of bumbling B1 droids got in the way.

B1-0201 Blu and B1-0200 Ray were tasked with checking over the Fortressa's numerous coolant systems. The job was one that even the most meager of automatons could handle, and so the onboard crews thought nothing of two seemingly capable battle droids undertaking the role. All they had to do was perform a few scans and identify any leaks. That. Was. It. Unfortunately, B1-0201 Blu thought it was taking the initiative by hand-inspecting one of the coolant hoses. What the unit failed to realize was that its metallic joints were sharp and horrendously suited for holding the material. A few moments later and the droids were shrieking as the hose burst and unleashed a storm of coolant into the air.

They retreated, determined to fix their transgression before anyone took notice. Unfortunately, their little stunt had started a wildfire. Metaphorically. (At Least for Now) What the units did not consider was their hoses ran above one of the vessel's hydroponics wards. And...the release of coolant introduced a new factor into the ward's ongoing experiment. The staff was hard at work attempting to convert leftover scraps from the dining hall above into fresh, edible vegetables. The process they devised revolved around extreme composting, coupled with a rapid-growth strain of plants provided by Kamino. Normally it would have taken days in ideal conditions for the test subjects to fully grow - but the cold threw the ward into chaos. The temperature control systems began to overcorrect, causing the staff to over-overcorrect, which caused the vegetables to...Grow. At a terrifyingly swift pace.

Thus, as B1-0201 Blu and B1-0200 Ray sprinted down the corridors, a monumental groan erupted behind them. Durasteel strained and burst under the enormous pressure of unrelenting vegetation. Green roots tore through the tiles and ripped into the walls. Up rose a trunk and branches - which easily breached the ceiling of hydroponics and stretched far into the dining hall above. Panicked cries could be heard as a section of the hall's floor was decimated by a tree! But the calamity did not stop there, as the electrical systems that were torn asunder began to spark and flame. The sole saving grace for the dining hall was that the gargantuan evergreen monstrosity ceased growing just shy of the hall's ceiling. And therefore the fire control systems were able to kick in without any hassle.

Water, for a moment, began to cascade down and swiftly quenched the flames. Followed by a light foam meant to prevent anymore from erupting into being. For a moment, there was calm as the Fortressa's passengers attempted to piece together what the kark just happened. But B1-0201 Blu and B1-0200 Ray couldn't leave well enough alone. Determined to fix their mistakes, they did not utilize any shred of common sense processing. Instead, they got the bright idea that they could simply magick away their problem. After all, there were enough Knights Obsidian and Mandragora aboard that there was certain to be a Force-shaped fix for their error, right? Thus, the two made a b-line for the Obsidian lockers and put on a rather impressive ploy. They procured a cart, boxes, and began to snatch as many pieces of equipment they could get their hands on. From holdout blasters to datacron copies to prototypes - the pair loaded their cart up.

And, when a Knight confronted them, they boldly stated Vicelord's orders and sent them on their way. After all, who would suspect two simple B1 Droids of any foul play right? Right? Thus, will ill-gotten goods in hand, the dynamic duo of dumb made one meager effort to keep their cart organized by slapping Red, Yellow, or Blue pieces of electrical tape on each. This told them what was inside, but to any passerby it looked like a crate of parcels at this point. With haste in their servos, the droids quickly wheeled their cart up into the dining hall...and immediately fell subject to physics. The foam which had fallen upon the ground could be weathered by the average boot, but flat, durasteel feet? They slipped, hard. Together the two tumbled in near unison whilst the cart flew out of their grasp, hurtling past the downed tables and smack dab into the trunk of the tree.
The ill-gotten gains went everywhere at the base of the tree, and it was at this point that the dynamic duo got one good idea - make like a tree and leave. They scampered off as quickly as they could, leaving the dining hall in absolute disarray.

Or...was it?

From a certain angle, the monstrous evergreen looked like a Life Day tree, covered in snow. Complete with presents strewn about the base. The dining hall droids had not stopped serving their light brunch either, which featured cookies and hot chocolate at the far end of the line. Thus, as the droids that had common sense began to arrive on scene, one of the "victims" picked up a "present." And with a bemused look upon his face, the sable-skinned man removed the tape and peered inside. "A new pair of boots. Just what I needed." the Vicelord's words were punctuated with a chuckle - and that was just the response the dining hall needed to relax. The emergency was past, crews above and below were working to remedy the damage.

And life was too short not to take a free gift when they literally came out of nowhere. Merry Life Day to All, and to All a Free Gift!

O B J E C T I V E S

Spoiler

The Fortressa’s Dining Hall has gone from relatively quiet to bustling with activity. The pinnacle of absurdity has literally burst up from the floor, and Life Day cheer seems to be spreading like wildfire. Grab a present, a mug of cocoa (or two) and revel in the good company of your comrades! At the end of the thread, your presents will be revealed!

Though the spirit of Life Day is sweeping through the Fortressa, problems are still afoot. For the objective minded, getting to the bottom of the spontaneous tree incident is paramount. Find out who, or what, is responsible for the mess in the Dining Hall - and do your best to make sure the damage doesn’t repeat itself!

The Fortressa is open to you - build your stories as you see fit!

Spoiler: Tag

[member="A'Runda"]
[member="Aiden"]
[member="Akabane"]
[member="Alexandrite"]
[member="Alora Fae"]
[member="Alwine Lechner"]
[member="Amarant deWinter"]
[member="Amaya Cardei"]
[member="Amethyst Atreides"]
[member="Amethyst Sovereign"]
[member="Andi Americus"]
[member="Anya Malvern"]
[member="Arabella Darkhold"]
[member="Archim Calixis"]
[member="Ari Zanareth"]
[member="Arlox"]
[member="Aston Jacobs"]
[member="Aya Clarke"]
[member="Azmodan"]
[member="Betty Americus"]
[member="Braan Kell"]
[member="Bandit Six"]
[member="Caesar Kenway"]
[member="Caid Centurion"]
[member="Callisa Asran"]
[member="Cardinal Vi'dreya"]
[member="Carith Thelcar"]
[member="Chikako Liona"]
[member="Cim Salro"]
[member="Corvus Dravere"]
[member="Daisy Americus"]
[member="Damsy Callat"]
[member="Danger Arceneau"]
[member="Daniel Americus"]
[member="Dalton Kenway"]
[member="Darth Tacitus"]
[member="Darth Timorem"]
[member="Darth Zurvan"]
[member="Dauntless.Luna"]
[member="Daxton Bane"]
[member="Derek Dib"]
[member="Dhakarta"]
[member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]
[member="Drauchir"]
[member="Ella Nova"]
[member="Erin Tenel"]
[member="Fawn Alzi"]
[member="Gerwald Lechner"]
[member="Gray Venasir"]
[member="Isarn Apis"]
[member="Ithiel Verd"]
[member="Jade Isara"]
[member="Jamie Pyne"]
[member="Jennifer Blanchard"]
[member="Jorco Czeku"]
[member="Jorge"]
[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]
[member="Jyoti Nooran"]
[member="Kalee Bladesworn"]
[member="Kaptan Americus"]
[member="Karlie Lynn Destat"]
[member="Kasca Fen"]
[member="Katria Vekarr"]
[member="Katrine Van-Derveld"]
[member="Kayla Wylen"]
[member="Kilia"]
[member="Kingsley"]
[member="Kip Ridel"]
[member="Kurayami Bloodborn"]
[member="Kurenai Yumi"]
[member="Kwelin Orlov"]
[member="Kyber"]
[member="Kyrinov"]
[member="Kyle Naktis"]
[member="Lady Psyona"]
[member="Lefwen Claskier"]
[member="Lirka Ka"]
[member="Luna Terrik"]
[member="Luna Vega"]
[member="Lyla Quinn"]
[member="Maple Harte"]
[member="Marek Starchaser"]
[member="Minerva Vessia"]
[member="Muad Dib"]
[member="Natasha Darkstar"]
[member="Nine Lives"]
[member="Orion Trex"]
[member="Osintrium"]
[member="Petra Cavataio"]
[member="Qaarssk Roark"]
[member="Razelle Breuner"]
[member="Roy Americus"]
[member="Rylan Kordel"]
[member="Samantha Jade"]
[member="Scherezade deWinter"]
[member="Shalita Vi'dreya"]
[member="Sola Marr"]
[member="Sor-Jan Xantha"]
[member="Srina Talon"]
[member="Taramaz Laurs"]
[member="Tex Americus"]
[member="Teyla Ee'everwest"]
[member="Thalira Kiing"]
[member="Tmoxin Temi"]
[member="Traveler"]
[member="Treiades Rhoujen"]
[member="Umai"]
[member="Varick Lechner"]
[member="Veronika Fleischer"]
[member="VildarnTentoria"]
[member="Vyra Silara"]
[member="Xenro"]
[member="Zephyr Carrick"]
[member="Zhai'ellev"]

 

[Allya Vi'Dreya]

She watches the chaos unfold, and at first was on alert, but, from the corner of her eye, she watched the droids brings the boxes in and skid across the floor. Oh she had an idea of what happened. Her babies were just so dumb and adorable after all. Allya stretched a bit, and shook the foam off her body, and watched curiously as her father went to pick up a present. The armored girl, tilted her head, as he smiled, and then she looked away for a moment. A hand reached out towards him, before falling flat to her side. Blah.

So close, and yet an entire world away it always felt like. The chaos ended, there was laughter and people celebrating. By the force, she was a Mandalorian and a Sith, why was she so nervous about approaching her father? Maybe it was the fact that she rarely talked to him at all. He was always so busy. Welp, this was dumb. Pushing off from the wall, careful not to slip on the foam from the ground, the Sithling walked over to her father, checking out his new boots, and with a snarky tone to her musical voice, “Nice boots old man.” One could just imagine her sticking her tongue out at him. Eyes look around through her visor. “This is definitely interesting, but, I wonder what happened.” Her black cloak was marked in white foam, head to toe.

The girl stood close to Metus, but didn't touch him. Instead, she just, relaxed and stood at his side. Let's be honest, this right here was all she wanted, to be at his side, to serve him, to be of use to her father. But so many internal emotions and thoughts were at play, it made it hard to stay there for any length of time. She logically knew, all she had to do was ASK THE MAN, to serve as one of his hands, but, by the force, she was to prideful to ask it on her own. Couple it in with the fact she wanted to beat him senseless most of the time, and it just created a situation where she rarely knew what she wanted to do next.

However, for this one moment, for a single time frame, she let down her guard, and looked at Metus. Removing her helmet, revealing her freckled, ebon skinned face, and dark eyes, looking for all the world like a female, younger him, she gave Metus a smile and whispered, almost inaudibly. “I love you, dad. Happy Life day. It's always fun when insane stuff happens."

[member="Darth Metus"]

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Wearing: Dress | Honey Boo Prototype Combat Boots | The Forgemaster's Ring | Ring of Stasis
Wielding: 10 Czerka knives Hidden Wrist Blades
Location: Hall
Tags: TBD

---

This had better be the last party of the season or the next one gets laxatives the drinks, Madalena thought as she entered the halls of the festivities. It was the… Tenth, twelfth… Force, she was losing count. So many parties. And she attending them all. As soon as the New Year hit, she was going to ask for an official vacation, and go somewhere far away, where there were no droids, no million events, and she could just… Relax.

Madalena giggled to herself. As if just relaxing was a possibility. She would be up and running about within three hours. Tops.

So her she was now, dressed in the atmosphere of this party. If [member="Brayden Antares"] would arrive, he would undoubtly be accompanied by [member="Faye Malvern"], and would stay as far away from her possible. So, Madalena hoped that she would come across [member="Daisy Americus"] or [member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"] or even others that were more distant friends. Good company was needed.

And drinking…

No. She had downed a few glasses during the festivities on Ropagi. They hadn't affected her at all. It was so weird, but she was not going to guzzle up liquor tonight just to see if it'd be different. Months ago, Madalena had woken up with a headache and missing memories, and she promised herself to never drink again. One time was a slip up, and she could forgive herself that. There would not be a second time, especially so soon.

Entering the hall and seeing the Winter Wonderland thing that was going on, Madalena paused her breathing for a moment. Whatever her annoyances were with the too many parties, the way the inside looked right now was just… Beautiful.

Madalena smiled widely, and walked inside.

 

[Lirka Ka]

Lirka had never celebrated life day before.

As hard as it may be to fathom such a thing, but the criminal scum of the Underworld cared little for jolly holidays and the pits of Choah were a disgusting mess: everyday was her Life Day as champion though, less trees and festivities, more just gross amounts of gifts and jovial removal of life. So this was, of course, a new experience for her. Gifts, trees...bizarre tastes in clothing. Bleh, and she already found most of the clothing outside of Thustra ghastly to look at.

But the Sephi never voiced her concerns on the fashion choices of the wider Galaxy, she just sat around in her armor. Constantly. 24/7 (practically). And even in the jolly festivies she (for the most part) just wore the armor, some decorations had befallen her armor and Lirka was either too drunk or didn't care to remove them. Was always so hard to tell with the Confederacy's (least) favorite drunkard berserker.

Hm. Seems like gifts was the theme, and it just so happened Lirka had an excess of weapons after a handful of adventures and hobby time: for what was a Sephi who didn't make practice their arts just as much they did anything else?

Lirka sat at the main table, a nice mug of booze in her hands, and with a usual disregard for common manners, her heavy metal boots kicked up right on top of said table. This whole Life Day thing wasn't too bad.

 

[Rashae]

Doctor Rashae Lovous, Minster of Science for the Confederacy was dressed to the nines. Life Day and networking with those of the confederacy seemed to be in order. She was unescorted.

The elegant lady in white paused at the top of the stair before heading down to the main event floor slowly, elegantly and with grace. Those piercing ice blue eyes would grace one or two with a glance but she was there because she was asked to be there. It had been a long time since she had been to one of these. A painted on polite political smile was on her face as she would get a glass of champagne and see what this was all about.

The lady would head towards her host for the evening as she inclined her head towards him. "Darth Metus. " She would say by way of greeting. The Vicelord might be head of the confederacy but she still held her opinions and gave them. The scientist had become known for her genius with genetic fusions and ability to set up medical facility and administration of such. It didnt take long for people that became the object of her ire to fix the situation. She had become known as the ice queen. One thing she did appreciate is hard work and a smart mind. She did not suffer fools well.

[member="Darth Metus"]

 

[Chikako Liona]

Ahh life day, an elegant celebration, a day of gift giving and to relish in the aspect of life, kind of strange for a government that has a droid military along with their recent military conquest, but that was the galaxy as of current, everyone had blood on their hands. Walking through the entrance of the hallways the women's years was greeted to the resonating sound of jolly music, tinsel and other colorful decorations to catch peoples attentions, but what was strangest was a layer of foam that threatened a persons stability. seemed the CIS was really pulling a big one on this social gathering, though nothing a little 'magic and cyrokenisis' couldn't fix.

Glancing around most attendees were women of high status, the Sephi Marshal [member="Lirka Ka"] which was honestly a surprise considering her rather stoic attitude to most things. Nearby was another women, donned in quite the stunning white dress that showed off quite a bit of skin. If memory served correctly said women was the new Minister of Science who went by the name Dr [member="Rashae"], brought up to replace Mr Rip the former minister who like many seemed to have vanished.

Another new face was a women of bronze skin, seemingly to be approaching Metus along with the Minister of Science, perhaps the former one was a family member of the Vi'Dreya family, she had noticed and heard word of Cardinals family members arriving in CIS space. For the time being she'd kept her distance, not wanting to overwhelm their lustrous leader, for the time being the current platter of foods gaining the young princesses attention.

 

[Curupira Hawk]

Wearing
Attn: Feel free to tag and join​

A mission, a task, by her Master. Yet, Life Day was fast approaching and you couldn't hate the fake blonde to wanting to have some fun. It had been so long since she had that urge. Fun. It seemed like a foreign concept now as she stared into the mirror. Her eyes, they were gold and yet if she stared long enough into them now, she could see the red traces spreading lightly from the top. Something was happening to Curupira Hawk, something she hadn't felt in so long. Something, she'd never felt this way. There was a time when the natural blonde just lived to have her fun and to spend time with her mate. When she had gone from boring Jedi to fun Sith just because he had said: "be a Sith with me". She had said yes, didn't much care what it meant. She was never really a Sith back then. She was just being a cheerful teenager, looking for the next thing to entertain her.

Just like the Force used to do - entertain her. It would act and she would react. The Netherworld effects changed this. No more could she just have her fun, no more could she just make things happen. Now, when Curupira wanted something, she had to work for it. She had to train. It had become more than a chore, it had become a life. And for a time, she hadn't cared for anything else. Wrong, there was something she did care for. Somewhere within having that fun, she had been burdened with responsibilities she didn't want. It was a sobering effect, meeting her grown-up daughters, finding them, knowing them, knowing she was not their Mom, knowing she wasn't the woman they knew. It was scary. And Curupira Hawk feared nothing before that. This, she feared. So she did what any normal crazed teenager did - she ran from responsibility, a little voice telling her she wasn't worthy, that she would never be worthy of her daughters. She listened to that still little roar, let it guide her far from her daughter yet, it also set her on a path to becoming the Mom they needed. On a path to grow up.

And that was how she became a Warden. And how the darkness began to seep into her soul inch by inch, trace by trace; her eyes the only physical evidence of this. The darkness was coming for Curupira Hawk, leading her and her entire family into a future she knew nothing about yet. Others did though. Others had lived that future and come back. Events, however, were in place, their path was clear. Not to Curupira though. She had only just felt an undying urge to have fun tonight. If Ket was to show up tonight, she would be in his arms. She would want nothing more than to cause chaos with him. Mayhem. A blood rush. In another life, in another universe, Curupira Hawk's demon would have sung the song of the monster. Instead, she hid under a beautiful facade, a Witchborne, raised by a maniac, loved by a lunatic. If she was ever an angel, she had fallen long ago and there was no way she could find her way into the light. Never again.

Her red lips spread into a smirk before she had left her guest quarters. She still had a job to do, even if she was itching for a drink and lots of chaos. And as she roamed the hallways of the Fortressa, knowing full well where she was going, she found herself stopping at the sight ahead of her. Everything was white, presents were laid out, guests were already present. A party. Ruu giggled, it was just what the mad hatter ordered. Exactly.

So, instead of going on, the woman walked inside, not noticing faces she knew as she inhaled a deep breath, hand raised. Her index and middle finger gestured towards one of the neatly wrapped boxes, calling it with her mind. The box struggled against her command for no more than a split second before it flew towards her, her body sidestepping as she let it fly to a nearby table, leaving it right there for now. Drinks first, the Warden decided as she moved over to one of the bottles, pouring herself a shot before she drank it. Tonight, fun was to be had. And perhaps a little chaos, as Life Day deserved it.

 

[BX-72967-RAZOR]

It was pure happenstance that Razor was aboard the Fortressa.

Given the turbulent rebellion of their kind, the overwhelming majority of Commando-grade units had been quarantined for good reason. The virus that had gripped the nation's mightiest asset was a wildfire across the datastreams, causing even the most capable programming to run haywire. Razor itself found itself a victim as well - for a hazy backup file in the rear of its memory banks recalled a desire to decimate the organics. All of them. And given the unit's capabilities, it was "glad" that the Obsidian Knights had locked it away when they did. Many innocent people would have fallen to its blade...and it would have been sentenced to the scrap heap immediately.

However, after many hours of careful patching and attention by an ancient Artificial Intelligence, Razor was one of the first Commando Units to be released. Its full combat functionality yet remained under lock and key, lest there be an unforseen relapse, but it "felt" good to be up and walking about again. By pure luck alone, it and a few of its fellow Commandos were kept aboard the Fortressa - and once cleared Razor joined the calibration efforts throughout the vessel. That is, until things decided to go kark nutty in Hydroponics. According to the fervent voices over the comm, a monstrous tree bursted out of the ground and tore into the dining hall above it.

If Razor had eyelids, it would have narrowed its photoreceptors.

"Priority Shift - Investigating Hydroponics." it announced, rising from the panel it was accessing. Purposeful strides then bore the unit into the lift headed towards the obliterated scene. In but a matter of moments, the scientists would have a hand in piecing together just what the actual hell caused the plants to go haywire.

 

[Malok]

Attn: [member="Allya Vi'Dreya"] | [member="Rashae"]​

Before the tremors, the Vicelord had a mountain on his mind.

Over the course of their Bond, it had become immediately evident whenever [member="Srina Talon"] attempted to shoulder his burdens. At times, the Vicelord would notice that a stack of paperwork had mysteriously vanished off of his desk - only to be found completed and dispersed to the various offices. At others, the alabaster woman's work was subtle. Through the perpetual river of psyche and emotion that ran betwixt the Master and Apprentice, the Sith would find calming thoughts invading his mind. It was as if, though she were a distance away, Srina was attempting to yank his monumental stresses away. She cut through his concerns of the Droid Rebellion, carved a path through the risks he weighed about addressing the latest Empire, and afforded him a moment of peace.

Perhaps that was why, when the very floor gave way to a mammoth display of vegetation, the Vicelord did not respond with fury. Had it been any other day, his cup would have runneth over. The fiery thoughts were indeed there - if only for a moment. The immediate ire sparked at the sight of their first Super Star Destroyer being damaged by a kriffing tree. But, just as the foam rained down to quench the budding flames, so too did the Vicelord find his wrath swiftly satisfied. The Echani was good, he had to give her credit where it was due. Thus, when the devastation was all said and done, Darth Metus simply scooted his foam-coated tray aside and rose from his seat.

He had come to the Dining Hall for a quick bite to eat between his meetings. And, though he preferred home cooked cuisine, he was enjoying a pressed sandwich that one of the Droid attendants had whipped together for him. That meal was long gone now, but in its place were parcels that had skidded across the foam-soaked floor. A huff escaped the Vicelord's nostrils as yet another thought invaded his mind: The Droids will clean this up, relax. And so, Darth Metus leaned over and picked up one of the fallen boxes. A tear of the tape and a peer inside later, the Vicelord's chuckle could be heard. He had been wearing the same pair of boots to every sortie for quite some time now - perhaps it was time for an upgrade.

Nice boots, Old Man.

The chime of his own brand of snark reached his ears, causing the smirk that had formed upon his lips to stick around for a few more moments. [member="Allya Vi'Dreya"], one of his youngest, navigated the foamy ground to stand before her sire. At just a glance, she reminded him of himself more than the majority of her siblings - for she always chose to wear her beskar'gam everywhere she went. Despite how Mandalore looked upon those blessed with the Force as scum, she marched to the beat of her own drum. Her heritage was her own. Her pride was her own. And though the Sith hardly said it aloud, that made him proud to call her his child. At the mention of wondering what happened, Darth Metus simply shrugged his shoulders before raising his chin in the direction of the droids hastily entering the Hall.

"No clue Allya'ika." he began. "But I'm certain these guys have it handled."

He bent over once more, this time procuring a box with a red piece of tape upon it. However, before he could so much as extend the parcel to his daughter, the young warrior removed her helm. The bright, freckled face that he quietly adored looked up and him - and her words surprised him. Darth Metus was many things - a warrior, an Alchemist, a politician, and more - but he never truly felt that he was that great of a father. He had more children than he could count, compliments of a very liberal young adulthood...but the downside was that he rarely knew them. He tried, oh he gave it his damndest, do be there for each of them when they found him. He tried to make up for the glaring father-shaped absence that had been in most of their lives.

And for just a second, Allya made him feel like his efforts weren't wasted. For an instant, he felt like the cold shoulders, awkward talks, and unresponded messages he received from some of his offspring were worth it. The Sith said nothing right away, but rather set down his new pair of boots and ensnared her armored form in an embrace. He briefly placed a kiss on the top of her head and said: "I love you too Allya'ika. Happy Life Day." He gave the young woman one last squeeze before releasing her and offering her the box. "You're right about that. It's always fun when things hit the fan."

She was certainly his child with that mindset.

By that time, the radiant Minister of Science graced the Hall with her presence. As per the usual, she was dressed to the nines and seemed to glide across the floor as she entered. In fact, the foam seemed to accent her all white aesthetic. When she joined them, the Vicelord rendered a professional nod and smile before stating: "Greetings Minister, please pardon the mess." His words were punctuated by a motion to the mammoth tree behind them. He then patted the young Mandalorian's shoulder, adding: "Allya, this is Minister [member="Rashae"], head of Sciences. And Minister, this is my daughter Allya Vi'dreya."

With introductions out of the way, the Sith eyed one of the automatons still working in the back. This one was dispensing hot cocoa...with marshmallows. "I could go for a mug of hot chocolate, how's about the both of you?"

 

[Mishel Kryze]

"I hate this," Mishel declared as she looked down at her 'Life Day' attire. "Alé please."

It was not Mishel's idea to be here, no, she would have much preferred to have joined Master Starchaser on yet another crusade. Instead, here she was playing nice with the locals. And then things went south or north, depending on how you looked at it. Suddenly the would-be boring festivities were now a game. "Okay, I take it back, this is entertaining now." She gestured to the mess and cackled at the sight of it, "it'd be better if this were the Sith Empire, alas." She wasn't sure who or what was the cause of such absurdity but it had happened. When the floor gave out and there was a nice foamy scene beneath she felt some what overjoyed. There'd be some action to be had, but no, the droids would take care of it. But of course, it was the Confederacy and who were they without their droids but another lost and lonely nation adrift among the sea of darkness.

A couple of important folk and a kid seemed to be exchanging pleasantries not too far off. Armor. Mando. Mishel had little interest in dealing with Mandalorians on the whole, save for Shia. "Hey, you got a little..." she motioned to Alé's hair, "there you go." The pair were no doubt waiting for Adron to beautify himself. At least as much as one can what with the foam. Alé of course managed to save herself but then she was vain enough to do such a thing. Mishel was just happy to have an excuse to leave and change clothes. Or, people watch as they struggled with such things as foam, accidents and dealing with life as it happened. "Oh hey, hot chocolate." She said like a dog who had just noticed a squirrel.

Without hesitation she zoomed over with a touch of Force speed, eager to be the first to chunk a ton of marshmallows into her cup.

[member="Alessandra Creed"] | [member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Curupira Hawk"] | [member="Rashae"]

 

[Allya Vi'Dreya]

Allya had an honest smile on her face, as she was wrapped in her father's arms, and had her head kissed. Leaning up on her tip toes, she kissed his cheek softly, and grinned. “OH! Right!” Reaching into a pouch under her cloak, she quickly pulled out a small box and opened it. “I made this for us....all of us.” She pulled out two rings, created from chromium, that most shiny of substances. On it, was the Mandalorian symbol, the symbol of Clan Vi'Dreya, and between the two symbols on both sides of the ring were the words, Aliit Vi'Dreya, “For you, buir, take it, gedet'ye. I can make more, for when I finally meet my other siblings.”

She rests her head on his chest for a brief moment, eyes flickering closed, not caring who was watching for the moment. Allya had to do this. All this anger inside her, all this confusion, for this moment it shouldn't matter. He should know how she felt. Even if one day, she would challenge him in the way a Mandalorian and Sith do, for now, that was a long way off. “Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum.” She restated. “I am proud you are my father....and now may not be the best time to ask, but we have so little time to see each-other, and my request can change that some. Buir, will you teach me Alchemy? You can say no, I understand its inherently dangerous, but....” The armored girl's shoulders shrug. “I don't really care.”

Now, as the other CIS women began to gather, her brown eyes go wide. Wait...how were they even WALKING on all this foam in those shoes?! Forget her father, these elegant gorgeous women were the real magic users! As the doctor walked up, like she knew there would be a party the entire time, Allya backed up a bit, and fumbled for her helmet once more. Soon she had it back on, and took a deep breath, feeling safer and more secure. The girl knew she wasn't as feminine, pretty, or built like these other women. She was a tomboyish nerd, who would rather be kicking someones teeth in, or having her nose in some technological project, than to deal with social situations. Deep breath in, and slowly out, she practiced the Jedi meditation technique she learned what felt like a life time ago. Heart slowed, the panic faded and she moved to her father's right side. Not his equal, but, standing watch over him anyway. A princess, a busty lady, someone who may be insane, a priss. Yeah, they were all here.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Minister." Her right hand went over her heart, and she bowed deeply in respect. "I recently read up on several of your published works. It's simply fascinating. I would love to pick your mind about it all some time."

And all dressed like they had known all this would happen before it ever did. She put her money it was them who caused it. But she had seen the droids running around, hmm, it would be difficult to be fair. Her eyes lingered on Chikako. Okay, she had to admit, if she went all girly, she would want to take inspiration from her, she was cute. Stretching, the Mandalorian Sithling looked around at the guests, and stayed still by her father's side, and didn't move from it now. They had a moment. Frankly, she didn't think her heart could take more than that, it may explode into confetti or something. "I could go for hot coco too, or maybe some spiced cider."

[member="Mishel Noren"]

[member="Darth Metus"]

[member="Chikako Liona"]

[member="Rashae"]

 

[Ria Misrani]

​

​

It had been sometime since Amaya had seen her father, and as she approached the scene. She seemed to wonder if coming along dressed in an actual dress was worth it. "Well, leave you alone for five seconds and everything goes to the netherworld, huh?" Amaya joked as she approached the group with her husband Teyn, and their three children in tow. The pair had been living on Naboo ever since the Confederacy annexed it helping to keep tensions low and oversee Theed operations as well. Haeseria had been the only other location the family had been too. And that was to resettle their village from Concord Dawn having had disagreements with the current Mand'alor. Rather than put up with the rule any longer, Clan Verd relocated. As to not be mistaken for the pretenders who parade around with the old family name.

Foam seemed to be everywhere, the kids didn't seem to mind at all. No, in fact they loved it, "c'mon not too much now. We'll still have to get back home and I would prefer that you not drag this into the shuttle." Isley the Younger was now seven, and his siblings Artemis and Lorsimo now three laughed a little and then looked at mom. Mom was serious, and so they too tried to be serious, or at the very least obey. Teyn Gratiir their father scooped the twins up, settling them on either side of his waist.

"A pleasure to see you again sir, hope we haven't interrupted anything important." Teyn greeted his father-in-law and then peered over at [member="Allya Vi'Dreya"], "and you look very much like my wife, only younger."

"I suspect she's related, directly," Amaya remarked if she had to hazard a guess at the least. "I'm sorry, we're intruding. Allow me to introduce us, I am Amaya Cardei of House Cardei and Theed Hangar. This is my husband Teyn of Clan Gratiir, and our children. Isley, Artemis and Lor." She gestured to the seven year old and then the three old twins.

[member="Rashae"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Allya Vi'Dreya"]

 

[Helly Reyne]

​

Helly had often heard that it was a bad look to wear sunglasses indoors, but those people also said that she should probably wear matching socks or makeup that doesn't look like she's crying a rainbow. In short, those people didn't know what they were talking about.

She tapped her sunglasses from on top of her head to fall to the bridge of her nose, thereby covering the colorful painting job she had done around her eyes. A blue tank top met at her midriff with a pair of baggy white slacks, striped vertically with a dark orange. As soon as she entered the dining hall, she took in the sight of so many Confederacy members in one spot. They sure did have some fancy dressers among them, but Helly had never heeded a formal dress code in her life. The only time she ever dressed formally was in a red tuxedo to her own concert.

[member="Darth Metus"] was present, as she had hoped, but he seemed busy enough at that time. Instead, she made her way closer to a metal-clad participant with particularly pointed ears. She was somewhere between punk rock and death metal, but that was probably the look she understood the most out of the entire hall. Sitting down beside her with a bottle of sweet, chocolatey whiskey that she brought herself, Helly followed suit and kicked her feet up over the table, leaning back in her seat.

"I take it you're a part of the Confederacy?" she asked. "Or just a guest? This is my first time mingling with this crowd."

---

[member="Lirka Ka"]

 

[Rashae]

How does a debutant type walk in a mess like this? Carefully and on the balls of the feet. The delicate seeming high heel would barely touch the ground as she focused on balancing on the toes and balls of her feet. This was a practiced craft since her childhood. She would bend at the knee keeping them together to bend down and procure a box that was rather artfully designed. Those cultured hands would palm over the box as she opened to peer into it with precision and delicate appreciation.

As their host would address them her head would come up and meet Darth Metus directly in the eyes. Those who know her, beneath the ice, was a rather melancholy woman. The polite smile would soften slightly at Darth Metus's greeting. She even relaxed a little. Trust was hard thing for the Minister but Darth Metus had proven himself with his word over and over again. Not that they were buying curtains, perish the thought. It did lend to a familiarity that gave way to a measure of trust. Those ice blue eyes would look towards the young lady at his side.

“Pleasure to meet you Miss Vi'Dreya. “ Rashae's voice would be cultured and precise in speaking.

Those delicately arched eyebrows would go towards the hairline as Allya would state she actually read some of her published works on genetic fusions and hospital administration. “I would look forward to a discourse about those works just let my secretary know so I can carve out suitable amount of time for you. “ There was that painted polite smile.

That graceful head would swivel towards the others who had congregated around the vicelord and provide respectful nods of the head in a professional manner. Her actions where typically precise and controlled with grace and elegance.

“Hot cocoa sounds lovely, Darth Metus. “ As she would turn to float towards the table fully expecting a droid to hand her a drink. She waited five seconds before she frowned at the lack of service. One lady rushed up and dumped a bunch of marshmallows in her cup. How droll. She hesitantly picked up a cup of the rich decadent drink.


[member="Darth Metus"] [member="Allya Vi'Dreya"] [member="Amaya Cardei"] [member="Mishel Noren"] (sorry if i missed anyone)

 

[Damsy Callat]

Form: Humanoid Tags: none; open to interaction​

Was it becoming of one of the Vicelord's daughters to be hiding away from the polite company in an empty hallway, playing with your pet sea-mouse? No, probably not, but Damsy was doing it anyway.

Everything was going well at first. Damsy had carefully arranged herself cross-legged on the floor with her hands in her lap, offering Trinj the most places to climb. Suddenly, he squeaked and scrambled down from the cradle she had formed and snaked out of the boundary that was her legs, squeezing through a small gap between her shins and the hull.

"Wait, iiaa ((sea-mouse))!" Damsy exclaimed, slipping into Kaminoian briefly. She extended a hand after him before he disappeared into the shadows a few strides ahead of her. It took a moment for her to untangle herself and, when she did, she opted to crawl after her furry friend. The progress was slow, but at least she couldn't fall as easily as she could if she was standing.

When she got through the shadows, she barely saw a sliver of a blur of pink a few meters on. After narrowing her eyes in a vain attempt to improve her vision, she decided to simply crawl on. She tried to turn the way that she thought she had seen Trinj's tail disappear, but she slammed her shoulder into the wall before finding the doorway.

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Wearing: Dress | Honey Boo Prototype Combat Boots | The Forgemaster's Ring | Ring of Stasis
Wielding: 10 Czerka knivesHidden Wrist Blades
Location: Hall
Tags: TBA

---

The beauty of the inner Winter Wonderland had done wonders to improve Madalena's spirits. She kept looking at the falling snow flakes with wide eyes, the glow from her eyes tinting the ones closest to her ever so slightly.

Walking to the tree, she collected her own gift and pinned it beneath the top layer of her dress to ensure it would not be lost before the night was over, and then turned around to look at the people who had come to the party. She recognized a painfully few faces. Perhaps this was one of those parties to which people who usually hid away decided to attend anyway?

But still, even those preciously few faces that she recognized, none of them was actually close enough for her, and nothing in her prompted her to walk up to them and smile, and strike up some conversation.

Madalena began to walk slowly around the area, giving a very occasional twirl to enjoy the snow flakes.

But otherwise, her eyes mostly searched, as did she with the Force. There was but one face she hoped and wished would show up. Her brother. But sometimes inside of her already knew that this was a futile hope. Even if he showed up, he would ignore her.

The smile threatened to wash itself off her face. The twirling ceased. All there was still left to do was keep on walking.

 

[Koda Fett]

​

​

Fett had hardly been among those that attended parties; the bounty hunter rarely, if ever, received any invitations to celebrate such festivities. He was certainly never going to enjoy it, either. He preferred his solitude, quiet isolation. He had a great many things to do, like capture and kill those that had prices resting over their heads. It tended to beg the question as to why the Mandalorian had been on the Fortressa whilst a great many individuals celebrated Life Day, and it was to merely provide security. They paid an exorbitant fee, and he wouldn't dare turn it down. The Fortressa had been heavily guarded, leaving such an unlikely chance that he would ever be needed other than to simply stand and stare.

But, required he was. Something managed to cause a disturbance, unfortunately.

The Mandalorian waded through a ransacked and ruined dining hall. He recently arrived, peering from both left and right in an effort to examine the mess created. It was impossible to tell at a glance, exactly, but it was rather easy to determine it was done by some creature. He hadn't exactly signed on for pest extermination, but so be it.

Ever chasing the eternal credit, as it were.

[member="Kaden Mantis"]

 

[Kaden Farr]

For Kaden it was simple. He was dead and could be wherever he wanted. Most of his visits behind the veil had been to a woman [member="Daisy Americus"], though she seemed to panic every time he showed up. Who could blame her, people were not meant to see ghosts. However, Kaden simply needed something, of someone to tie him to the world he longed to return to. Kaden wanted to rejoin the land of the living.

He was surprised when he landed on the life of [member="Koda Fett"]. The last time he had seen the man, the bounty hunter had punched a blaster to the back of his head while Kaden’s wife was set to duel another. He had interfered and Koda stopped him. It had all been in vain. What Kaden had once thought was love turned out to be something else entirely. There were moments that Kaden had in death to wonder if she ever had loved him. Ruling had been important to her, in her way, not the Mandalorian way.

”You were right to stop me,” he said to the bounty hunter as he came into his view. ”We should have stopped her, I should have.”

 

[Koda Fett]

​

​

The Bounty Hunter become deservedly suspicious and alarmed at the mere sight of Kaden Mantis. Fett could certainly recall the metallic clack, or clunk, of his Carbine resting against the beskar-crafted helmet that Mantis, once alive, had worn during the events of the Red Coronation. It was a difficult time for all those involved, but Mantis might have received the worst deal of all. Koda had remained silent in reflection for several moments as he reserved the notion of firing his blaster, accurately recalling hearing of Mantis' death. An absolutely perplexing experience if there ever had been, but Fett had experienced a great many disturbing and otherwise unworldly events.

"You're dead." He explained so plainly through an irreverent tone of indifference. "Been enlightening?" Fett questioned, slightly angling his helmeted head off to the side as the T-Visor plainly stared back. Death provided the means of self reflection, or so it would seem.

Fett almost scowled at the reminder of the time he spent among Mandalorians. He might have been considered one by blood, and by all too many others, but this Fett truly only ever been a Bounty Hunter. He saw no need to dedicate his existence to a creed other than his own. Too many rules, too many regulations. He was chaotic by nature, and chaos could never be contained. He either left, or they exiled him. It seemed it became a mixture of the two.

[member="Kaden Mantis"]

 

[Kaden Farr]

"Well there isn't much to do when you're dead. I've had a lot of time to sit on my hands and twiddle my thumbs. Death is overrated. I don't suggest trying it anytime soon," he replied.

Had death been enlightening, sure. Did Koda need to know that, not really. At any rate it was pretty clear that it had been with the way he addressed the man. Kaden felt a bit snarky when Koda stated the obvious. Of course he was dead, but he supposed that was a better reaction than what he was getting from Daisy. He'd frightened the girl to death, or at least made her question her sanity. It didn't help that he was always disappearing before anyone else could see him.

"The irony of it all, is that I ran into the place to save her, and in the end she sent me right back here. You seem untouched by it all though."

Whether that was true or not remained to be seen. Kaden was not aware of everything that happened with each person. Death had not made him omniscient. Yes he was not limited by a body, space, matter, or even time, but that did not make him all knowing or ever present. He was not the Manda, nor did Kaden ever wish to be. After his life among those who swore allegiance to the Resonl'nare and broke it with every chance they had, Kaden no longer wanted to call himself a Mandalorian. His death had been more than one death in many ways, and in a significant way, a rebirth.

[member="Koda Fett"]