Bitter Persimmons of Atrisia (FO, FWC, RHOA only)

[Faith Organa]

It had been months since she had heard from anyone on Atrisia, Shoma’s visit months back had been comforting to a point. He had brought [member="Muad Dib"] and her sister Arabella to Alderaan.

But now it was turnabout for fair play she was going to Atrisia to see Shoma. She wanted to see for herself what was going on, how the First Order was treating him and his citizens.

With her anyone from Alderaan and the Coalition that wanted to include [member="Riamah"] who had most recently become someone she counted on to go on such visits. [member="Marina DeVoe"] was also invited to go along provided she went on Faith’s ship to prevent her from being late.

They were nearing the borders of First Order space Faith was nervous about it all she felt like they were entering the mouth of the dragon to be eaten at any time. But then she spoke her Claire who had at one time been Alderaan’s ambassador to the First Order Capital world.

Claire swore that they were an amiable people trying to survive the best way they knew how.

Faith wasn’t sure it sounded too much like a dream world instead of reality. There would be a contingent to meet them on Atrisia. There would be no aggressive actions no military actions this was diplomacy, this was discussions and understanding she hoped.

[member="The Major"] | [member="Shoma Ike"]

 

[Robogeber]

​

Location: Atrisian Orbit, FIV Pellaeon
Objective: Secure the Galaxy, For a Better Tomorrow
Allies: His Highness, [member="Shoma Ike"].
Civilians: [member="Faith Organa"]
Musical Interlude: Han Solo and the Princess, John Williams (x)

​

Clinging to Atrisia's orbit, Battlegroup Imperator cut through the void. The wedge shaped destroyers, clustered in various patrol formations as they pressed around and across the ancient system's orbit. Aboard the by far largest vessel, the Imperator himself observed proceedings with a clinical eye. Atrisia had been a seat of imperial power for decades before the First Order. Only to have fallen upon the troubled times of the Galactic Alliance. Only now, was it finally returning to its rightful place in the Galaxy. Serving a true greater purpose.

In turn, Grand Admiral Rausgeber's purpose was a simple one. He had taken it upon himself, for a time, to upgrade Atrisia's communication infrastructure. As so, it could become a staging point and organisational for further territorial grabs and patrol groups which now sharked through the First Order's rightfully mandated Core territories. The Atrisian navy had at one point been one of the Galaxy's proudest, and now, it was up to men like Carlyle to ensure a new generation were trained in these traditions. To staff the destroyers, and crew the vessels which would project Sieger Ren's peace unto the Galaxy.

But now, the Grand Admiral's attention turned to something sensors had picked up. The idle reports and status checks performed by the crew now turned to protocol four. The Pellaeon's crew turned to action, as the vessel began to close. "Unidentified vessel," The Signals Officer began, "This is the FIV Pellaeon. You have entered First Order space. In line with the Secure Travelling Act of 851, we request the following." The Zabrak lieutenant continued. "Your vessels registration code, destination, manifest and passenger list." The lieutenant allowed there to be a pause, "Failure to comply will result in interception, imprisonment, and subsequent penalties."

Rausgeber gave a slight nod of approval, to the lieutenant, as he watched the vessel grow on his viewport, "Get me Captain Gruuse." Rausgeber commanded, "Get the Glory to spurl gravity wells." He added, before a cold grin came onto his screen, "Let's see whose come to visit."

 

[Sor-Jan Xantha]

​

The more things change, the more that they tend to stay the same.

Shoma had spent a substantial amount of time in national security briefings during his tenure as a Galactic Alliance ambassador. He still did so, except that now the Alliance-in-Exile and the Outer Rim Coalition were the focus of those briefings as fortunes had reversed themselves.

The present intelligence briefing was on the topic of Confederate expansion, though that threat seemed far removed from the Core Region. Around the sides of the room, the young prince was aware of a minor distraction as a low-ranking com-scan officer entered the room to deliver news of some kind to Captain Beifong, who lined the wall of the so-called war room with the other Self-Defense Force commanders.

As he watched, now curious, Captain Beifong excused the messenger and then approached over toward him. Leaning down, the woman spoke into his ear and informed him, "An Alderaan vessel has just entered the system. It's markings match that of the Royal House of Alderaan."

Faith, here. Concerning, but he should have expected the visit. Sooner rather than later. Turning his head, the boy said, "Inform the First Order that diplomatic code clearance is confirmed."

With a nod, then a bow, the woman passed back to the side of the room. Accessing a communications station, the women sent a transmission to the Pelleaon, followed by a message for the Endless Light. "Alderaan vessel, welcome to Atrisia," she announced formally. "We are passing landing coordinates to you now."

[member="Faith Organa"] | [member="Robogeber"]​

 

[Riamah]

Things seemed to have changed for Ra recently. A great many things. While she more common went by a different name when she introduced herself, she still thought of herself as Ra. One thing that had not changed was her being a merchant. That had gone on the back burner of her life for a while, it had given her opportunities that been lacking before.

Before she had been approached by Faith to continue her role with then that she had with the Metal Lords, she had met the boy of Atrisia. With his help, she had met with a person involved with the Republic and forged ties with them. These ties had recently been renewed and she was invited by Faith to join her again and visit this a world she had never been to.

She had heard a great many things about Atrisia and had wanted to visit a place with such a troubled history. And now here she was on the way there. Company to the Queen of Alderaan to visit another royal. Such strange paths her life had taken, but she liked where she was now and wouldn't change anything.

[member="Shoma Ike"] [member="Robogeber"] [member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Prennis Keeoli]

/ [member="Marina DeVoe"] \​

†††​

Terrani sat in the office that had been temporarily vacated for her, bouncing her left foot underneath her desk chair. The closer she got to finishing her advising report for both [member="Shoma Ike"] and [member="Robogeber"], the further away the objective seemed.

And why exactly was that? Mostly everything she needed was carefully documented and available to her, and what little data didn't exist was easy enough to gather herself. Rather it was the underlying politics made Doctor Terrani feel as if she was developing strabismus.

She kept reminding herself of the report's significance--it would document how well the First Order was treating the Atrisian people, prove that the former wasn't trading the latter poisoned medicine or incompetent services--not that that eased her intermittent headaches.

"Caf, Terrani?"

Terrani's head jerked up to see Launderslaug at the door. "Pardon?" she asked, head clouded with her preoccupation.

He smiled knowingly and repeated, "Would you like some caf? I'm on my way to the staff room."

Shaking her head, she replied, "Not unless you lace it with stims and inject it directly into my bloodstream."

It took a second for horror to wash the polite smile off of his face. "You're...not serious?"

"No," Doctor Terrani affirmed, waving her hand dismissively. "I've had too much. It doesn't do much at this point. But thanks. Enjoy."

 

[Marina DeVoe]

Location: Approaching FO Space
Objective: Accompany Queen Faith Organa
Wearing: Alderaani Traditional
Interacting with: Queen Faith, ( Riamah, Dr. Aes'ona Terrani and others, as story progresses)
Post: 1




There was not much to do after their in-flight briefing. Marina for the most part found herself a passenger again. But it had been more of her queen's request for her to accompany her personally and not rocket over to Atrisia on her own, not that she could these days anyhow.

Marina's ship the Mariner IV had been grounded, seized by her father, Duke Kyle DeVoe for her continued escapades in irritating the sith. Marina had involved herself on quite a few occasions in several campaigns, in her effort in defying the advancement of The Sith Empire. Although her efforts were valiant, it nevertheless forced her father to seize her ship; her only means of transportation that took her into sith occupied territories. But ship or no ship, she always found a way to aid her friends and allies to the dismay of her father and brother, who were only concerned about her safety. House DeVoe supported the Royal House of Organa in every endevour. But those endevours were what her family deemed to be for the males. Marina was to be Duchess and duchesses did not fly their own ships into battle stricken space and sith occupied territories to aid the resistance first hand. Her duties were to be diplomatic, like that of her queen whom marina was interning under, not in the front lines. Besides, marina was a pacifist and did not belong in the front lines of the battlefield.
Only she would argue that point as she certainly believed she had a rightful place in the front lines...to aid civilians, the sick.wounded and the children. To supply them with needed essentials and evacuate them to safer havens.
Right or not, this did cause her father to ground her ship. Now her only means of helping at this particular time was to stand by her queen.

Marina stood seated by one of the larger ports looking out into the hyper-tunnel of light. The dura-glass was shaded appropriately so as not to let an occupant of the ship go blind in looking out at the intensity of the light. But it were still a mesmerizing view for her no less. She never tired of it. It were her spirit lay...in the star fields.

The briefing had been over for an hour already and she thought everyone had left the briefing room of the ship. The last announcement was that they were entering FO space. marina was wondering about a few things within FO space. She had made some contacts herself. personal in nature and nothing of the kind that would warrant investigations into possible collusion or treason. What lay within FO space were not just Imperials and sith...but people...individuals with the same capacitance to care, love and understand that conflicts were just a waste of resources and lives.
She had come to know of two such FO individuals. Maybe if she had found two such conscientious people, then there was hope that there could be a compromise..that there could be some substantial form of peace by which everyone could co-exist within this galaxy.

"Huh?..what Becka?" Marina had been in deep thought when her companion, Queen [member="Faith Organa"] assistant drew her attention. She asked if Marina had wanted tea.

"Oh...Uhm no, no thank you Becka. I'm just a bit anxious about this meeting on Atrisia. ...sigh... It is something that should have been initiated a long time ago." Marina was one who didn't hesitate in speaking her mind. yes, negotiations were always to lead. But war, conflicts had first taken light of everything. Only after the smoke cleared and some time passed to properly burn the fires of the pyres did such meetings come to mind.
It saddened marina of all those who had lost their lives on all fronts..from all sides. She knew that despite their political differences, even the FO had families, loved ones and friends that they cared for and mourned. Such losses were great on all sides.

But here they were now..heading into new frontiers. Peace, through understanding were key factors. Yes, she had much faith in her queen that she would do her best to secure some form of peace. After all, they were Alderaani. They had survived the worst in what the sith had once brought upon them. They survived extinction, only to rebuild their beloved Alderaan and continue on their plight for galactic peace. Such convictions were stronger than those whom were set on destroying them. They were survivors and they didn't seek vengeance like so many systems attacked in the same manner. They were Alderaani. They were the voice of peace in the galaxy.

Oh wait, did her invite to get her tea mean-
"Did Queen Organa wish to see me? I mean, does she wish for me to have tea with her before we emerge to our destination?"
Maybe there was something her queen wished to speak with her in private...?

 

[Faith Organa]

"Mam we are being hailed" The communications station was relaying messages to the Captain and the Queen. Faith shook her head, "I'm not surprised we are entering their space." There was a blur of activity on the bridge and among all the offices as they jumped to attention and began quickly assessing their situation.

Fortunately for them [member="Shoma Ike"] was having his staff send the all clear for their arrival. Faith however would not ignore the challenge from the First Order vessel she made her way forward to answer herself. If it would give any impression she didn't know. Each breath she took she remembered who she was all eyes watched her as she moved she tried to smile and put them all at ease.

Someone dropped a data pad, "Relax everyone we are ok." They were.

"Let's answers their questions and keep on task." Faith relaxed her shoulders and held her head up not too proud but proud enough to give someone a good showing. "This is Queen Faith of Alderaan on board the vessel Endless Light we will transmit the data you requested." A few heads turned to look at her as if she had commited a crime "We have nothing hide.We are on a diplomatic mission to Atrisia." She loved how they threatened everyone such a ploy so many used, over used really but it must be effective.

None of it was a lie it was all truth. Whether they believed or not she couldn't control. She knew that among her staff and the ships compliment were a few ready to pull the trigger but they were few for that very reason.

[member="Marina DeVoe"] | [member="Dr. Aes'ona Terrani"] | [member="Riamah"] | [member="Robogeber"]

 

[Robogeber]

Allies: [member="Dr. Aes'ona Terrani"]
People Who Suspicious Of: [member="Faith Organa"] | [member="Marina DeVoe"] | [member="Riamah"]
People Who He's Not Happy With: [member="Shoma Ike"]
Objective: Meet With Insolent Princelings
Location: Command Deck, FIV Pellaeon
Music: Space Station Outside Perimeter | Boris Salchow [X]

"Gravity wells are operational Grand Admiral." The ghostly figure of Captain Vymen Gruuse reported, the blue hologram now showed a smirk, "Nothing will escape us now sir." Rausgeber allowed himself a similar look, and nodded slightly toward the Captain. Good. The system was now quarantined. Now the waiting game began. If they were friendly, so be it. But if they were a foe? Target practice for the gunners, and fodder for the legions of stormtroopers waiting for action.

"You have done well Captain, continue in patrol pattern until my order." The droid coolly replied, casting those thoughts aside. "Happy hunting." He added, before preparing to cut the transmission.

"At your command sir." Gruuse offered a salute before his figure flickered, and then disappeared from the bridge. Rausgeber's attentions turned to the Zabraki Signals Officer, the officer immediately pricked up, and then turned to his control panel. The bridge returned to its usual duties, now with Rausgebers communique having concluded.

"Any word from the vessel?" He inquired. The lieutenant scanned down at the screen, and then pressed a delicate hand to his headset, brow furrowed in thought. This captured his superiors attentions. "Is there something wrong lieutenant?"

The lieutenant shook his head, "There's a transmission from the Atrisian palace sir." Rausgeber was struck by this, as bizarre. "They've asserted the vessel has diplomatic credentials." Curious. The droid watched as the vessel passed over the bow of the nearby FIV Menace, and now moved toward the Pellaeon . "The palace also beamed a set of coordinates to it, over an open frequency sir."

"Shall I ready the guns for disabling it sir?" The Gunnery Officer barked, almost a little too eager. The droid gave a snarl, which seemed to deflate the buzz such an officer may have felt. The officer physically withered, and then turned to her panel, teeth sinking awkwardly into her lower lip. The Grand Admiral now turned his attention, watching it move in, and pass beneath his field of vision.

"No, no, allow it to pass." Rausgeber coldly chided, "If it is a diplomatic vessel, dispatch a TIE escort, a whole wing to bring it to the palace." The droid commanded, voice tainted with disgust. With the order received, Carlyle turned his attentions to his deputy, the ever severe Captain Evaline Brosse. "I think I need to have a word with the princeling." Rausgeber sneered, before turning away from the wider command deck, "Captain, prepare my shuttle and organise half a platoon of stormtroopers to follow." He barked.

"Do locate Doctor Terrani, she is to accompany me." He was now increasing his speed, "She is to meet me in the ventral hangar." He continued, passing through and away from the bridge. At this point, a squad of black stormtrooper bodyguards, peeled off from the perimeter of the bridge and began following in a phalanx behind him. Captain Brosse followed further to the flank, like a hound, starved of attention. "Keep me in constant update of movements here." He added, as he reached the turbolift, before turning to the Captain, "Until my return Captain, you are to hold command."

 

[Marina DeVoe]

Location: Atrisia system, FO Space
Objective: Accompany Queen Faith Organa
Wearing: Alderaani Traditional
Interacting with: Queen Faith, ( Riamah, Dr. Aes'ona Terrani and others, as story progresses)
Post: 2


"Hmm...seriously?..." were all which sounded from her, as the all too familiar militaristic dissemination of what should of otherwise have been a formal ethical diplomatic greeting toward an emissary vessel came through .

Yes, Becka had in a civil manner sent her queen's invite to collect Marina whom had remained behind in the conference room. Their vessel were in the last few minutes of countdown to emergence to Atrisia system in FO occupied space, and Queen [member="Faith Organa"] had requested Marina's presence at the command bridge. Becka had gone to retrieve her.
Foregoing the tea, Marina had indeed come to be present on the bridge, just two steps away from her queen when the initial hail from the First Order's present battle group which were in control of the system, as had been expected came through.

"Uh?..oh nothing..." She replied, when one of the deck officers turned to her upon picking up on her vocal observation.
"I'm just thinking out loud, Lieutenant...ahem..." She cleared her throat, taking a step back.
She hadn't figured on anyone picking up on her discord.

As it were, her queen had a good handle on their current situation and Marina's presence were there to assist Queen Organa, being part of her entourage. Her eyes were well accustomed to scanning several monitors and sensor ray input screens, as she herself were a pilot. And of what she assessed, it were pretty much what their intelligence reports had indicated. Naturally, Marina had not been privi of this, not up until the briefing which her queen had given them not more than two hours prior in the conference room. For the most part, what she were picking up from the bridge array of monitors and HUD displays, the present battle group had been asserted months ago through their intelligence network.

Right now, what seemed to be transpiring with the overdraft presence of so many Ties, indicated that for the most part it were a clear horse and pony show. The present overseer by which Marina had no knowledge of whom it were, had taken to embellish what had already been established through the confirmation of the very presence of the fleet. Did the FO really and truly believe that they didn't know that within the very hulls of the fleet before them that there weren't any fighters within?
The overdraft display of the fighter escorts were more of a mundane attribute, to the very fact that the destroyers could have dispatched their vessel in a much more swifter and efficient manner, seeing that they had emerged without shields. Was this display then nothing more than one's desire for showmanship? Did this mean that the current overseer were anxious?..fearful?...unsure of the balance of strength here, even before his readied fleet? It made little sense to Marina as to why an entire wing of squadrons were sent to buzz around them. Really, an entire wing?

Two fighters would have been sufficient enough by any standards. Someone of authority overseeing this occupation had a lead on Marina as being more melodramatic. Clearly proper protocols were followed by the system's open channel invite and then the given clearance by the FO themselves to unwarrant such an escort. Especially with the firepower of the destroyers and the size of their own diplomatic vessel. Intimidation had certainly been made clear by the presence of the fleet. This now was just-...sigh, again a horse and pony show by any standards.

"Well...got to give them at least a few gold stars for maintaining proper formations..." It were the least she could say at the overdraft of fighters. She was after all a pilot herself, and knew how much discipline and training had been required for the pilots of the Ties to surround their vessel as such, especially during re-entry to the planet's surface.

"Oh!....ahem...sorry, me again..." She excused herself once more for muttering her thoughts a bit too loud on the bridge again, gesturing with her index to her lips that she'd try to keep quieter.
Damn, did that lieutenant have good hearing, she took to observing....




[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Prennis Keeoli]

/ [member="Robogeber"] \​

†††​

Her comm chipping caused her to jump, and in doing so she hit her thigh on the underside of her desk. She cursed to herself; that would probably bruise sooner rather than later.

Setting down the stylus she had been typing with and scooting away from her desk, she answered the call. "Doctor Terrani," she informed.

The muffled voice of a deathtrooper that she had gotten to know reasonably well during her service to the Grand Admiral came over the line--monotone and succinct--"Ventral hangar. Ten minutes."

The layout of this flagship was still mostly unknown to her, as she had not had time or real reason to memorize it before being transferred from the Malice. Temporarily, she hoped--probably in vain; she liked her medbay there.

She squinted, trying to imagine the schematics. Unable to create an accurate picture, tracing the fastest route proved difficult. "R-right away," was all she could manage before the trooper disconnected his communicator. The silence left her to grab her datapad, save her progress, bring up the floor plans, and rush towards the nearest elevator.

She was only barely not late, trying to appear smart as she walked into the hangar. She buckled and zipped her jacket and began smoothing hair back into her bun.

"Grand Admiral," she began, smiling in her professional way. "I've almost finished your report. You'll have it by the end of the day." She came to stop in front of Rausgeber, folding her hands in front of her. "Are you off to Atrisia?" She could guess the purpose of a physical visit, though she was not at all apprised to the current situation outside of the ship. "Do you require my draft? The figures, perhaps."

 

[Riamah]

As a merchant, she was quite familiar with these kinds of things. This being her first time within First Order territory though, Ra kept silent. Her own connections did not reach this far and she was curious as to why Faith even ventured here.

Not one to fidget at all, Ra stood pretty stoically looking out of the viewport in front of her. They had reverted to normal space and she looked out at the stars around them. Everything new to her and she tried to take in the various details. She wondered if this excursion here might allow her to broaden her ability to do trade and suddenly looked forward to this meeting.

Knowing it was going to be formal, she was ready and excused herself to change her clothes. Not one to dally in changing, she returned soon enough. Having kept mostly to herself for the journey, she now approached Marina with a friendly smile. They had met once before and chatted a little. Each then went their own ways and they had no crossed paths again until now.

"It is nice to see you again, Marina. How have things been going for you?"

[member="Dr. Aes'ona Terrani"] [member="Marina DeVoe"] @Robogeber @Faith Organa [member="Shoma Ike"]

 

[Marina DeVoe]

Location: Atrisia system, FO Space
Objective: Accompany Queen Faith Organa
Wearing: Alderaani Traditional
Interacting with: Queen Faith, Riamah ( Dr. Aes'ona Terrani, and others as story progresses)
Post: 3


Her interest were on the swarm of Ties which had quickly formed around their vessel in an escort formation. A pilot herself, it always impressed her the skills of multi fighter pilots coordinating in such a display of discipline and precision. A bit over the top of course, but that had for the most part come to be expected of such regimes. Marina was no expert but she had experienced many campaigns and such display of overbearing showmanship, both from the sith empire and the FO. There was little to say, other that they were consistent in their tactics of keeping up their intimidating presence. If one were to commend them for some kind of virtues, it were that very fact... in Marina's opinion of course.

And she did her best at keeping her opinions and comment to herself while on the deck bridge. She understood that no one wanted a wise-ass or smart-mouth blonde during these trying first moments of encounter with the FO.
Besides, Marina was now pretty mush glued to the HUDs and monitors which displayed a plethora of information as to the extent of the FO destroyers and current flagship..along with what other defensive/offensive orbiting assemblage of support equipment the FO had surrounding the system. It were a habit of her to asses all of everything upon which could have a direct relation to her own interest. In so many ways and yet unknown to her, Marina was quite a tactician. Perhaps this had come by way of her experiences, or had somehow developed naturally. But whatever the case, if one could get past the fact that she appeared to be just another pretty princess like blonde from a noble bloodline, they would discover to their amazement that she were more in par with some of the best Admiralty tacticians of the day.

It were then without say that in her observation stage of putting it all together in her mind all of what she were taking in of the current FO battlements and such, much like that of a Chess master in a game, marina had not taken notice of her immediate surroundings...the personnel on the bridge.

"Huh?...what?... I...I didn't say-...." For a moment as she turned to whom had broken her concentration, Marina had thought she had slipped again in muttering something loud again and were about to apologize again, lest she were asked to please leave the bridge. Which of course would certainly look bad as she were under Queen [member="Faith Organa"] 's entourage.
But no, no one was hushing her, nor asking her to excuse herself.

"Oh my God...shoot... Ahem...." Ok, tone it down a bit...just a tad.

"Oh my God, [member="Riamah"] .... " She couldn't help herself but embrace the woman.
It had been months..ages it seemed since she had the opportunity to meet up with her Queen's most loyal friend. And to boot, a Mandolorean. Well Ok, Marina knew quite a few Mandoloreans, but they were pretty much all men and all quite true to their caste...very serious individuals. Not that Riamah wasn't, just that the woman was quite open and friendly...and approachable without all that proper Mando etiquette. And best of all, Riamah was an awesome pilot herself.

"I didn't know you were on board..." Marina was ecstatic, but did manage to release Riamah and take a step back. Naturally a few if not the majority of eyes looked over to the small interruption during the middle of their entry maneuver toward the planet's surface with all those Ties accompanying them.

"Things have been ...uhm..." Marina looked about for a moment.
"... well...kinda complicated a bit of late." She then replied, maintaining as low a tone as possible.

This weren't the time, nor the place to divulge her father had seized her ship, due to her activities defying the sith expansion and their ensuing occupations of former free systems.






[member="Riamah"]
[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

They were getting the escort. Also not unexpected it would make sure they got where they were going and it made sure they didn't deviate anywhere else. It was a procedure that even Alderaan would follow.

So far everything Claire had mentioned was true. She couldn't explain that tickle at the back of her neck though like something was waiting. Had to be nerves nothing more or a twinge of what she thought they would get. Eh. She took a deep breath realizing that even though all eyes were now back on their work someone was nearer.

Faith turned to see [member="Marina DeVoe"] and [member="Riamah"]

"Ladies we are on approach and should be on the ground shortly. And look" She pointed to the viewport, "The First Order has been kind enough to make sure we get where we need to." She smiled her tone slightly sarcastic.

"I hope [member="Shoma Ike"] is prepared for us." She had planned on staying a few days she wanted to go to her father's house and look for him. [member="Garith Darkhold"] had he disappeared on a spiritual walk again. She didn't know but she understood his reasons for why he did things. Well mostly.

She walked back towards Marina and Ra, "Let's show the First Order our good side." She thought to herself to take some notes about conditions and the people to take back to the Core Worlds and maybe to the Silvers and Republic.

[member="Dr. Aes'ona Terrani"] | [member="Robogeber"]​

 

[Sor-Jan Xantha]

A suitable area atop the palace grounds had been set aside for a tea service.

Crossing from out of the Atrisian Parliament chambers, the young prince boarded the tram that ran between the Xiaolang Palace and the attached star port. Through the windows, he could peer out over the Bay of Xam'Chi. It was a peaceful view, for the scant moments before the tram arrived at the star port.

He caught several surprised glances as he exited the tram, a pair of Yovshin Swordsmen accompanying in the shadow of the teenage noble as he made his way over toward the landing pad made available for their Alderaani guests.

And also, their First Order guests as well. Though Shoma hoped that this Admiral Rausgeber was not a brusque as his reputation indicated. With the Royal House of Alderaan visiting a First Order world, this was an opportunity to build bridges that might aid the security of the Core Region.

It would be a delicate negotiation. But also possibly a necessary one.

​

[member="Faith Organa"] | [member="Marina DeVoe"] | [member="Riamah"] | [member="Dr. Aes'ona Terrani"] | [member="Robogeber"]​

 

[Robogeber]

Allies: [member="Dr. Aes'ona Terrani"]
Diplomatic Figures: [member="Faith Organa"] | [member="Marina DeVoe"] | [member="Riamah"]
Figures To Be Chewed Out: [member="Shoma Ike"]
Location: Atrisian Guest Starport
Music: Arriving on the Death Star [x] | John Williams

​

Carlyle was about to board his Upsilon-Class Shuttle, when the sound of Doctor Terrani resonated through the hangar. The Grand Admiral turned to the source, and allowed himself a warm smile, "Doctor Terrani," He began, Shadowtroopers now backing away from their phalanx, "A pleasure you could join us." He warmly greeted, acting as if she had not been summoned. Rausgeber gestured for her to enter before him, "Yes, we are headed to the surface. I believe you will have the chance to deliver the report to the Prince, personally." he answered her, before entering behind the shuttle. The Shadowtroopers of Skull Squadron followed suit, bringing the rearguard into the vessel.

As the shuttle began to take off, the Grand Admiral briefly disappeared into the cockpit, "Do inform local Atrisian security of my imminent arrival lieutenant." He commanded "Relay to them that I wish to be able to immediately meet with Prince Ike." There was a nod of acknowledgement, and the shuttle began to take off. Its large wings arched out, swooping from the Pellaeon's hangar and out into the void. Two assault landers, bustling with stormtroopers followed, along with a grand escort of fighters. Two wings of them, swarming around as the shuttle cut through space. The Imperator, satisfied, returned to his security team, and medical adjunct, "We are to sit in on a diplomatic meeting." The Grand Admiral informed the good doctor, "So ensure you are presentable." His attentions turned to the chief of security, "Special Agent Ventor, do calibrate my appearance."

"As you wish, sir." The FOSB commander barked, before approaching the Grand Admiral. "Agent Bross, spanner." Ventor ordered as she deflty opened his cloak, revealing the almost skeletal body the Grand Admiral had. It seemed the cloak, or at least the visage of it, added an extra weight and gravitas to him. His body, was frail. Unlike his head, and arms, it was a metallic grey, in comparison to the white, almost stormtrooper sheen he had. As the Grand Admiral had work performed on his body, the pilots began to execute the Imperator's will.
"Xiaolang Palace, this is shuttle ST-321. Code Clearance Blue." The flight lieutenant informed the local Atrisian forces. "VIP Codenamed Imperator, demands immediate access to the planet, and a meeting with the Prince." There was a pause, "Please advise on flight plan approximating closest to the Prince for immediate access." The transmission ended, and the shuttle now began its descent through the upper atmosphere. The pause was tense, and terse.

"Shuttle ST-321, this is Xialong Palace security." A voice, thickly accented with local dialect began, "You have clearance, please proceed on approach vector, three, dash nine." The security clerk informed the pilots, "Landing pad four will be prepared for your vessels." The clerk then paused, for a second, unsure of what to end the conversation with, "Welcome to Atrisia." As the pilots then accelerated their approach, the clerk on the other end, switched comms to the Prince's security forces. "We are anticipating the imminent arrival of Grand Admiral Rausgeber, on docking pad four."

In the back of the shuttle, Carlyle now did up his uniform, and his screen flickered back. Rendering him now, faceless. "So Doctor." He began, his voice still the same with computerised drawl, while his body now began to transform. A flickering illusion of pixelated light began to envelop him, "Given the nature of this visit, your report will be a secondary item of discussion." His voice changed, mid sentence. Modulator now reverting from its usual artificial tone, to that of the once physically, biologically present Grand Admiral. His body now seemed to be of flesh, the last part rendering, being that of his face. Now fleshy pink, with his hair combed back. For now, he seemed a present figure. "I do hope you understand."

The shuttle now touched down at the Atrisian Starport. The airlock opened, and the Shadowtroopers of Skull Squadron, all armed, filed out, and stood to attention. Beside the shuttle, flanking it, were the two landers. A half platoon of stormtroopers, two dozen in total also filed out, and began to fan out across the landing pads perimeter, in a show of orderly theatre. And then finally, coming out of ST-321, Grand Admiral Rausgeber, closely followed by the Doctor. "So this is Atrisia?" Carlyle coolly began, "Quaint."

 

[Prennis Keeoli]

/ [member="Robogeber"] | [member="Shoma Ike"] | [member="Faith Organa"] \​

†††​

Well then.

She'd just have to skip her umpteenth proofread. Chances were, the report was fine, but her desire for perfection drove her towards attaining just that.

Upon his order, held up her powered-off datapad and used the blacked-out screen as a mirror. She redid her hairstyle entirely to dispel any evidence that she had been running through the halls of an unfamiliar star destroyer mere minutes before. "Sir?" she asked when he addressed her, following it up with, "Entirely, sir." She turned and gave the Grand Admiral an affirmative nod. She wouldn't highlight her finding until someone else asked for her to. Preferably Rausgeber, so that Terrani was sure that she wasn't deviating the talk from his agenda--whatever that was.

If it turned out that there wasn't time for her report, she'd just have to find a way to deliver the document to His Highness. Not preferable, but it would do.

When they landed, Terrani fell in line behind Carlyle, easily keeping up. "Xam'Chi?" she added in the form of a question that she already knew the answer to. "It's certainly no Prosperia." Terrani glanced around at the skylines surrounding the landing pad, but only had a moment before she stepped off the inclined boarding ramp and all she could see were their trooper escorts. Though she wasn't opposed to the new scenery, Atrisian architecture was very foreign to her.

At least she was on solid ground again. And for that she was grateful.

 

[Riamah]

The enthusiastic embrace came as a surprise, but she didn't reject Marina at all. Letting out a small oof at the strength, she chuckled a little and returned it. It really had been quite a while since they met and chatted. Maybe it was time for Ria to start working again with the people from Alderaan. The Coalition had welcomed her and soon after had fallen to the Sith. A decision had been made by her at the time to lead a movement from the shadows and her attention had been focused there. This movement was a greater success than she had hoped it would be and she still lead from the shadows.

She wore a friendly smile for Marina and nodded in understanding when she said she wasn't aware Ria had been on board. When she said things had been interesting, the smile didn't widen, but it did tip up just a little more.

"Well, I'm not one to make my presence known unless I want it to be. So the journey here I kept mostly to myself. You speak of interesting times...I couldn't agree more. Though I am unsure what has happened with you personally, I can speak for myself. I helped the Alliance and Commenor when they were recently attacked by the Sith. Evacuated refugees and helped hold the line."

While she mentioned it she that had done...it wasn't personally, but the people of her movement. One that had to fully come out of hiding. For now, they remained secret, but she felt knowledge would soon be known about it.

When Faith spoke up and announced they were on approach of the planet, Ria nodded and gave the queen a touch of a bow. Not an equal to the woman, she received some sense of respect. She wasn't entirely formal, but hopefully the message was clear.

"Of course, Your Majesty."

[member="Dr. Aes'ona Terrani"] @Robogeber @Shoma Ike [member="Faith Organa"] [member="Marina DeVoe"]

 

[Faith Organa]

ON the ground and surrounded. Faith as she stepped down the gangplank to the landing area looked at all the faces turned towards them. She smiled confidently it wasn't the first time she had been surrounded and if time were anything it wouldn't be the last.

She looked back to [member="Riamah"] and [member="Marina DeVoe"] giving them that same smile. These troops surrounding them, well more like outling the path they should walk to meet [member="Shoma Ike"] perhaps this was a greeting. An honor guard.

"This will be fun ladies" she hoped to instill a sense of don't worry in them. Across the way she could see another ship having landed. It would seem that Shoma was having lots of company today. She hoped that everyone with her looked over taking in the efficiency of the soldiers, and the precise placement of the guards. So far she couldn't say much about the conditions on Atrisia. This only said they were occupied.

[member="Dr. Aes'ona Terrani"] | [member="Robogeber"]

 

[Sor-Jan Xantha]

The young prince waited with two of his personal guard.

One of the Yovshin swordsmen seemed to check a message on the comlink. It was then that the boy learned that [member="Robogeber"] and [member="Dr. Aes'ona Terrani"] had also landed at the starport.

How wonderful. Here he was, trying to build some actual goodwill with a rather well-connected sovereign whose support could mean real progress for the First Order... and here comes Carlyle Rausgeber firing turbolasers before he even knew what it was that he was aiming at.

"Please inform the Admiral that I will receive him here," the teen remarked simply, as the guard relayed the message back.

Not a dismissal. But neither would he place the Admiral at the top of his priorities. Not when the Royal House of Alderaan was literally at his doorstep.

Making his way toward Faith's Naboo yacht, the teen strolled casually down the corridor of honor guard. "Organa-dono, welcome to Atrisia," the teen offered with his characteristic smile. Bowing toward the woman, the boy paused before giving a second, if shallower, bow to demonstrate respect for the entourage that Faith had in her company. None of whom he immediately recognized.

"Hajimemashte. Atrisia no Shoma desu. Dozo yoroshiku ne," the boy offered to the two woman traveling with Faith. The unfamiliar words being the traditional greeting in Xiaolang.

Straightening back up, the boy returned his attention to Faith. "I had thought that you might enjoy some tea," the youth remarked. "I've taken the liberty to have a tea service brought out to the palace veranda, but perhaps you would prefer to venture out of the palace?"

He let that question linger in the air a moment, before adding, "There's a rather exquisite tea house in the Nhai Mountains that Junko introduced me to."

Footsteps behind him prompted the teen to look back over his shoulder. Rausgeber. With a plus one. It seemed the admiral was traveling with an entourage of his own. Turning back toward Faith, the boy gestured to indicate the admiral. "Organa-dono, may I introduce to your Highness Grand Admiral Carlyle Rausgeber of the First Order," the boy supplied by way of introductions. In turn, the youth turned toward Carlyle to indicate the queen. "Admiral, Faith of Alderaan."

He'd allow the admiral the discretion as to whether to introduce his plus one or not. And Shoma didn't want to admit that he had no idea who the woman was. Not in front of the guests anyway. "We were about to have tea," the teen remarked, with a slight glance back at Faith as he awaited her royal decree on whether that tea was going to be in-house or out.

Turning his eyes back up at Carlyle, the young prince adopted a friendly countenance as he very cordially asked, "Would you join us, Admiral?"

 

[Robogeber]

Allies: [member="Dr. Aes'ona Terrani"]
Foreigners: [member="Faith Organa"] | [member="Riamah"] | [member="Marina DeVoe"]
Weakling: [member="Shoma Ike"]
Objective: Meet the Weakling.
Location: Atrisian Royal Spaceport

The Grand Admiral turned to his medical adjunct, "I suppose it isn't." He mused, "But, the architecture certainly holds some charm to it." He then paused, and his attentions returned to his personal security, "Special Agent Ventor, dispatch one of your cohorts, and enact whisper protocol." The Grand Admiral commanded. Ventor nodded, and pointed to one of other agents attired in black stormtrooper armour, who then shimmered out of existence, and out of view. Satisfied with the task, the Grand Admiral waited, and watched the entrance to the hangar, with some trepidation. "They seem to be taking their time." He bitterly mused.

And, as if on cue, a small, diminutive Atrisian, flanked by a guard robed in ceremonial attire, approached. "Grand Admiral Rausgeber?" The small man began, his voice thick with the accented tones of the local speech. The droid eyed the figure, and showed his displeasure with a scowl, the man licked his lips gingerly and bowed his head, "His majesty will see you in the next hangar, Grand Admiral." Rausgeber rolled his eyes. Typical. But not without it's own ironies. "If you follow me, I'll take you to him."

"Well then, I say we best not keep his highness waiting." He gestured to his security officers, the good doctor, and then the stormtrooper captain, who had organised the greater escort. "Captain, send with us two squadrons, the remainder shall keep the shuttle and its crew company." The stormtrooper officer nodded, and began to bark orders. The Grand Admiral ignored them, he knew the Corps would keep its word, and followed the servant, keeping a brisk pace behind him. The procession was one of military precision. Stormtroopers, FOSB and a naval officer leading, his cape, flowing behind him as they walked through the ornately decorated halls and passages, until Rausgeber was met face to face, with his majesty.

The servant bowed, and Rausgeber was met face to face for the first time with Shoma Ike. Prince Regent of Atrisia, and then, after his introduction, to his guests. Alderaani royalty. The Grand Admiral retained his composure, although he felt something of an internalised disgust for the prince. His diminuitive size was one which seemed to exemplify the lack of authority the Grand Admiral felt he should yield. He was no strong man authoritarian, the Grand Admiral could admire. He commanded no respect with his size. But the worst crime of Atrisia's leader was the fact he had been the Galactic Alliance's puppet. A crime, Rausgeber would keep a tally of. In spite of Fortan and her treaties.

But, for now at least, he would remain polite, and cordial. It would not be fitting of a man of his post to lash out, yet, at least. Bowing as much as he could allow, Rausgeber showed some reverence to the decorum and protocol of royalty. "Your highness," He bowed to Shoma, before then bowing before the Queen, "Your majesty." he added, before standing tall, "It is a pleasure to meet both of you." He offered with a charming smile, "I was hoping," He turned his attentions to the Prince, "Myself and Doctor Terrani," he gestured to the good doctor, "Would be able to discuss certain policies regarding Atrisia's security."