Celebrate | CIS Dominion of Relovian (T,51)

[Ascendant Muse]

C E L E B R A T E​

Relovian was much like the growing nation to the East.

In a time of great turmoil, when millions of souls vanished into the ether, the distant world looked inward. For centuries, her people had organized into a number of factions; and while peace existed, there was always tension. Although they were all the same - each and every soul born of Relovian - the political divisions spurned resentment throughout the population. Yet as each family felt the sting of the Netherworld Crisis...as the factions’ armies were laid low by the disappearance of so many, something had to give. Something had to change. And thus the factions, for the first time in eons, sat together at one table. They acknowledged that their world was vulnerable now. They acknowledged that before them were only two options: Unity or Death.

And unanimously, the factions chose Life.

Yet, although they were willing to stand together in the name of survival, there were many questions which needed to be answered. The divisions between their factions ran so deep that even the slightest step towards progress was marred with countless obstacles and frivolous arguments. Days quickly rolled into months - and at times it seemed as though this gathering was at its breaking point. But one soon had a notion that would alleviate their sordid reality. One suggested something absolutely radical: help from the outside. It was an outrageous suggestion...so outrageous that it worked. A small, private organization known as the Liberatum Populi soon found itself contacted by the troubled council. They sought an unbiased hand to help soothe the petty divisions that marred Relovian.

And one such hand was found in [member="Vyra Silara"]. Under her guidance, the ideals of her organization - of freedom for all - superseded the pettiness of old divisions. And soon, she found herself in a rather unique predicament. The people, the factions, all did not want her term of guidance to come to an end. Rather, they placed a gilded crown upon her head. All seemed joyful and finally at peace. Relovian was recovering from the Crisis and heading towards a better tomorrow. Yet all were not thrilled by the state of the far-flung world. Under the cover of shadow did whispers of violence begin to spread. Whispers of hatred towards the new Crown. Rumors of betrayal upon the horizon. Yet none among the council would dare admit to any treachery - and soon the young Queen found herself looking upon her allies with doubt. Where could she turn? Who was faithful, who was not?

A coded missive was sent to Geonosis.

A plea - for liberation from this terrible circumstance. A promise of a new world joining the fold in exchange for bringing the treachery to light. Straightaway a response was given...and Relovian soon found herself celebrating a new Holiday. The Queen declared that on one, upcoming summer day, the whole of the planet will cease their labors and flock to the streets of their cities. They will join together and celebrate their freedom - with parades, with fireworks, with food and music! And she, before all her beloved people, would throw the grandest parade of them all down the streets of the Capital.

Yet little did any know that the Confederacy would be among them.

Dancing as they did to the live music. Indulging in the plethora of food and drink at every stall. Standing aboard the gilded floats throwing candy to the children or firing confetti cannons into the crowd. They would play the part of citizen...whilst waiting for the assailants to make their move. On this day, the Queen would appear as vulnerable as ever - seated upon a throne of white astride the largest float. On this day, any would be foolish to miss out on an opportunity to strike. And when the enemy did make their move, the Confederacy would be there to make them pay.

And as the clock struck nine in the morning, the Parade began!​

Spoiler: Objectives

O B J E C T I V E S​

It is our duty to see the Queen safe to her destination, from the far end of the main boulevard to the halls of her Palace. We are certain the enemy will strike sometime during the Parade, so must blend in:

FLOAT DETAIL will ride alongside the Queen and be her last line of defense. But in the meantime, feel free to throw candy to the children, beads to their parents, and to fire the confetti cannons to your heart’s content.

STREET DETAIL will patrol the streets adjacent to the Parade. Here, a variety of food trucks, gift and game stalls, and live music have parked to add extra joy to the celebration. Play the part, but keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious!

Spoiler: Tag

[member="Aedan Miles"], [member="Ahani Najwa"], [member=Ailuros], [member="Aithne Charr"], [member=Akabane], [member=”Alden Kyr’Nau”], [member="Aleksander Miles"], [member="Alistair Myre"], [member="Alyva Terrix"], [member="Amaya Cardei"], [member="Anastasia Verd"], [member="Anya Malvern"], [member="Aoker Veru"], [member="Aova Nerys"], [member="Arabella Darkhold"], [member="Aria Lyr"], [member=Arlox], @Averin An’Arach, [member="Aya Clarke"], [member=B1-990], [member=B2-D34T7], [member=Ballen-Ist], @Bartic Myth’rand, [member=BBZ-20], [member="Ben Mentel"], [member=BX-22222], [member=BX-24601], [member=BX-25233], [member=BX-72967], [member=BX-73300], [member=BX-75244], [member="Causstik Rahn"], [member="Chalim Vern"], [member="Chek Zun"], [member="Chikako Liona"], [member="Connor Harrison"], [member="Dakita Calfur"], [member="Dalton Kenway"], [member="Darth Atrox"], [member="Darth Illisus"], [member="Darth Inanis"], [member="Darth Malus"], [member="Darth Nius"], [member="Darth Phren"], [member="Darth Rixas"], [member="Darth Seraphic"], [member="Darth Zurvan"], [member="Daxton Bane"], [member=DE-16], [member="Derek Dib"], [member="Dinah Vekarr"], [member=Duidatos], [member=DV8-420], [member="Ella Nova"], [member="Emberly Carrick"], [member=”Er’in Tenel”], [member="Faa Vera"], [member="Faustina Beryll"], [member=Fidelis], [member="Galven Hansol"], [member=Gorm], [member="Hades Dai"], [member="Iris Issey"], @Irys Arist’lar, [member="Ithiel Verd"], [member=”J’Raa”], [member="Jack Anderson"], [member="Jahn Harrington"], @Jasmine Zittoun, [member="Jaya Tandris"], [member="Jayce Pryde"], [member="Jennifer Blanchard"], [member="Jia Darkhold"], [member="Jorco Czeku"], @Kaiya Halcyon, [member="Kal Jaii"], [member="Kal Kandossii"], [member="Karlie Lynn Destat"], [member="Kas Varad"], [member="Katria Vekarr"], [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"], [member="Kayla Wylen"], [member="Keric Dynt"], [member="Ket Van-Derveld"], [member="Khia Varad"], Kilia, [member="Koda Fett"], [member="Kurayami Bloodborn"], [member="Kurenai Yumi"], [member="Lady Psyona"], Lanna, [member="Lera DeVana"], [member=Lewis], @Lola An’Arach, @Lord Metallum, [member="Luna Terrik"], [member="Lyla Quinn"], [member="Maple Harte"], [member="Marcus Lund"], [member="Marek Starchaser"], [member="Maxerian Gron"], [member=Meira], [member="Miki Starfallen"], [member="Mira Talus"], [member="Muad Dib"], [member=Mythira], [member="Nasho Vesh"], [member="Natasha Darkstar"], [member="Nayru Wyndaru"], [member="Nicholas Covosi"], [member="Nilia Saavilin"], [member=Nyx], [member="One-Eyed Jack Varren"], [member="Orion Trex"], [member="Paige Blossom"], [member="Pitts Carnegue"], [member=Prime], [member=R4N-JR], [member="Rale Elysar"], [member=Rapax], [member=Rashae], [member=Raziel], [member="Rex Taff"], [member=Riggs], [member="Rima Orwray"], [member="Rosaline Rousseau"], [member="Ryker Wylde"], [member="Samantha Jade"], [member="Scherezade deWinter"], [member=Shadar-Pox], @Sko’saht, [member="Sol Damerin"], [member="Space Prius"], [member="Srina Talon"], [member=Sungie], [member="Super TD-T47"], [member="Surnin Strenger"], [member="Taran Holt"], [member=Tevro], [member="The Fallen"], [member="The Slave"], [member=Titan], [member="Tmoxin Temi"], [member="Tyrande of Isobe"], [member="Tyris Hayes"], [member="Tytos Ardik"], [member="Valis Marr"], [member=Valjan] Hon’rey, [member="Verd Skirata"], [member="Veronika Fleischer"], [member="Viktor Hawthorne"], @Vinter Veers, [member=”Vuh’kis”], [member="Vulture 21"], [member="Vyra Silara"], [member="Werah Unon"], [member="Xero Wran"], [member="Yuna Hart"], [member="Zenva Vrotoa"], [member="Zephyr Carrick"], [member=Zesiro], @Zhorin Cenvax

 

[Daxton Bane]

By the blood gods did his face itch, a small price to pay when wearing a new face but quite necessary if he were to blend into the crowd. If anyone were to spare a second glance in his direction, they would see nothing of the Zabrak known as Daxton Bane. Instead they would see a ruggedly handsome bearded human who seemed to be quite happy among the hundreds watching the parade of floats pass by.

Protection wasn’t his speciality, in fact he was usually on the opposite side, which gave him a unique perspective to look for the signs of one or more ambush teams. His teams were deployed since dawn, some disguised as the cleaning crew, others part of the crowd itself.

The princess was wearing a large bulls eye on her back, too tempting a target for her ambitious foes to pass up. It was his task to make sure they did not succeed, a rather challenging task given the level of exposure involved.

Daxton wore a dark blue robe, the hood covering his head, covering the fact, he was listening to the secure feed from his agents through one ear as his eyes scanned the crowd for anything out of the ordinary.

 

[Ahani Najwa-Zambrano]

Ryloth

"Hah! Like heck you say! Like heck and vinegar I'm going to Rovovelovian, or Relolelochian or Rebecanovia. Rather read m'book." Ahani flopped backward on [member="Darth Metus"]' sofa and cracked open the spine of her latest comedic library pick.

"Baaah, that's not what Palpatine said! Aaahaha! Lookit what they did to Thrawn! He wasn't nearly that much of a douc-" Ahani's silver eyes craned upward... it couldn't be... no, it wasn't possible... "... is that a confetti cannon?"

The book went flying back on the shelf, a knife sliding in place as a bookmark. "I'll get my coat!"

Roloviviovia-Relelelobrrria achem Relovian

Oh the folly of sentient beings to dress Ahani Najwa in a fluffy voorpah costume, and put her on bodyguard duty in the float nearest the whoever it was she was supposed to... ooo! A kid with eyes too close together! A piece of hard candy ended up in her palm, then flung at enough speed to bruise. The candy hit the kid between the eyes, and Ahani fistpumped.

Oh yeah, right, yeah, protect the Princess or...

"Someone pass me more candy! There's a kid with a birthmark!"

 

[Katrine Van-Derveld]

Location: Sitting on the pretty binoculars (yes, that)
Post: 1
Objective: Figure out what a float is, protecting the Queen from
Tag Team: [member="Daxton Bane"] [member="Ahani Najwa"] @Open
Wearing: This

Relovian had called, Confederacy had come. Rumors said there would be an assassination here today but Katrine Van-Derveld, seated upon the large binoculars of the large puppy balloon, watching the cheerful crowd that gave no indication of that trouble was on the way or already there. It seemed like a fun occasion, with all the happy faces, royalty waving towards the crowds.

It looked like fun, the Witch decided as she called for the Force, setting off the canon beneath, firing confetti towards the crowd as the float passed them by, causing more cheer from the gathered, improving her mood immensely as she watched them.

So far, nothing that she'd seen had given her indication anything here would go bad but then, trouble was probably lurking behind some corner. That was what trouble usually did. Her gaze shifted down to the float again, away from the crowd as she watched the object moving slowly, occupied by the hosts and protection details, reminding her of an important question that had formed in her head earlier but hadn't gotten an answer yet.

"What the kark is a float?" Katrine asked out loud, trying to comprehend the purpose of the vehicle beneath, the whole ceremony. It was like nothing the Witch had seen before. They simply didn't have this sort of thing on Dathomir, especially not on a vessel like the one that was beneath and they definitely didn't have puppy shaped balloons "What is the purpose of this?" Her next question came. That was what was bothering her, no matter how fun it looked. At that thought, she summoned the Force once again and used it to fire another canon, confetti causing more cheers from the crowd, making the blonde giggle at the sight.

 

[Ravenfire]

Post: 1
Allies: [member="Daxton Bane"]
Rex was walking quietly among the food stall with Crow his own rakghoul droid. Not that many people even among the CIS knew of there existence. Whenever he was asked, he always said that it was just his robot dog. He had decided to wear civilian gear, however he still had his weapons and light-sabres, if he had to leave armour he would at least bring his weapons. The parade had begun and he was going to quietly keep an eye out for anything unusual. "Come on Crow lets have some fun." He said to his droid as they continued to walk thru the crowd of people waiting for their food.

 

[Muad Dib]

EARLIER THAT DAY ​

"You've got to be kidding me. I mean what the feth is this? You want me wearing this while riding myself? Just so you know, I'm not waving .... I'm flicking you off right not."

NOW ​

Sitting atop the head of Snoopy Muad was entertaining himself while the parade made their way down the streets. Pretending to be an ace fighter pilot he was using his imaginary ship to defend the floats against the villainous Red Baron.

[YouTube]https://youtu.be/takG-CgCxlY[/YouTube]​

After nearly thirty minutes he sighed and flopped back no longer amused by his imagination. Pulling the head off he dropped it next to him and lit a deathstick, with much difficulty, and picked up the bag of food sold at a vendor called "popcorn". As he watched the crowd for the attempted assassination that was supposedly going to happen, he spied the Nightmother sitting below. Amusing himself he began tossing kernels into the wind and watching them arc back toward the top of the blonde head, a giggle escaping the Mad One.

 

[BX-25233]

Equipment

Spoiler

BX-25233: Cats Claws
BX-86-Zelta: Cats Claws, Revolian Pistol, Revolian Rifle
Iron: Cats Claws, Revolian Pistol, Revolian Rifle

You would think a planet that was once enslaved by the CIS of old would destroy any battle droid that sets foot on the planet but instead the planet keept its droid factories operational and even had geonosians living on the planet. Due to battledroids that technically were not affiliated with the CIS BX-25233 was allowed to come to the planet as part of its security force with fake documents stating he was created on the planet sometime during 700 aby. BX-25233 was with BX-86-Zelta and a commando droid not created or owned by the CIS who was truely created on the planet called Iron who was assigned to help 25233 and Zelta in patroling the streets and hopefully finding whoevere was planning on dethroning the queen.

BX-86-Zelta asked Iron a question "Unit BX-Iron what is it like going against your purpose and not serving your rightful masters the Confederacy of Independent Systems"

"Much better than being a slave to an army who will scrap you with no questions the minute they don't like you" Iron responded.

 

[Malok]

P R E V I O U S L Y​

Haseria had left more than one scar.

Although several bacta baths had seen the wound to his flesh restored, a sting yet lingered. It was not skin-deep, but rather a persistent nagging at the rear of his mind. What he saw that day...he simply could not shake. It did not matter how much netra’gal he consumed. It did not matter how often he confided in his Apprentice. The future...the twisting roads of fate all seemed to lead to a fiery oblivion. What was the point, then, to pushing forward? Was he to believe that the Shatterpoint had given him a glimpse of all possibilities - or was there something missing? Were the visions are warning, or were they set in stone. Darth Metus simply did not know.

And were he the same Sith of his youth - the budding, ambitious alchemist of so long ago...his response would have been hasty. Rash. He would have defied fate by might alone - diving deeper into the Dark Side than ever before. He would have rallied his armies. He would have turned the mission of the Confederacy into a weapon. He would have let paranoia define him. But age gave the Sith Lord pause. Experience made him ponder. What paths could he take to defy his fate...how could he keep this dream of his alive?

He thought of what kept him from slipping in the present.

He thought of the pain the practice of Blood Alchemy had put on Srina’s face. He thought of the disgust of his sister, Keira, upon seeing how far he had fallen. They were the barrier that kept him from falling off the deep end. So long as they lived, the Darkness would remain just a tool. But as the visions...they were not present. Neither Apprentice nor Sister were anywhere to be found. What happens when they depart? Who is left to keep Darth Metus closer to being a man and far away from becoming a Devil.

Upon this rock, he built his Knights.​

A proclamation echoed throughout the covert channels. The Dark Acolytes were mustered from across the stars, recalled to the sandstone halls of Sinner’s Well. Upon his throne did their leader await - with purpose waiting on his lips. When they had, one and all, stood before him did he rise.

”The Force is a Tool. There is only Justice.”​

And on that day, the Dark Acolytes ceased to exist. They were reforged into something far greater. A Force for Peace. A Force for Justice. A Force for Freedom. And above all - they were the needle which would point Darth Metus forward. A deterrent for the visions which had plagued him since Haseria.​

The Knights Obsidian were reborn​

* * * *​

[member="Ahani Najwa"] | [member="Muad Dib"] | [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] | [member="Srina Talon"]

Hopefully, today would be quiet.

Not physically, mind - there was no way that the Sith had deluded himself into thinking there would ever be a silent parade. Rather...he hoped that the day’s events would be less stressful than the usual operation. In recent history it seemed that his world was constantly in motion - for the Confederacy danced from one flashpoint from another. From a literal warzone to a deadly gameshow, Darth Metus did not exactly have the most easy of times with foreign affairs as of late. But as he stood upon the Queen’s Float, a small part of him was hopeful that today would be a contrast. A small, naive, part of him hoped that they would see the monarch safely to her Palace with no incident.

But he knew better. They all knew better.

As such, Darth Metus played his part in the operation well. While some of his comrades aboard the lead float were garbed in fluffy costumes or adorned with makeup, he was simply dressed in an all-white tuxedo. Feathers adorned the shoulders of his getup - as if to signify that he were apart of the “Swan” aesthetic the Float had going on. It was not the most uncomfortable outfit in the Galaxy - as being stuffed into a leather getup on Secundus Ando clearly took the cake - but it wasn’t beskar’gam either. Gone was his helm (and all the sensory bells and whistles along with it). Gone were his rockets, his blasters, his backup blasters, and his backup’s backup blasters. Today, he was armed with simply his lightsaber, neatly tucked away within his pocket, and his wits.

That would be more than enough.

As the Float hummed beneath his feet, lumbering the resplendent vehicle along, Darth Metus’ amber gaze found the form of [member="Ahani Najwa"] first. She was clearly enjoying herself with the act of throwing candy - but he sincerely doubted that it was because she loved seeing children chase after confections. Rather, if he had to place credits on it, she was probably keeping some weird score in her head for how many tots she could bean. The thought - while admittedly amusing - caused the Sith to shake his head ever so slightly before he adopted a regal wave for the crowd. Nothing too fancy, nothing too simple either.

And as he walked about the float in a slow semi-circle, beaming and waving, he found himself closing in on where the “Queen” sat. Adorned in a truly regal dress of white, complete with feathers, was the monarch of Relovian. Or so the people would think. Darth Metus offered an over-the-top bow to the liege, but as he rose his gaze slid over to a pair of her handmaidens. One was a brunette (and seemed perfectly fine with not wearing the regal attire). The other was a beauty whose complexion was as alabaster as his attire. Effortlessly Regal was what came to mind. Reaching out, Darth Metus offered his hand to the Handmaiden with a toothy grin.


”I do believe I owe you a dance, no?” he said, tapping his foot to the beat of the marching band’s drums. ”Come - let’s put on a show!”

And though amusement defined the Sith this day, the rebirth of the Knights Obsidian yet lingered in his thoughts. This would be a true test for the reconstituted Order - for failure to eliminate this threat would mean failing the ideals they now championed. But Darth Metus had confidence in them all, each and every one.

They would not fail.

 

[Arabella Darkhold]

Street Detail

Bella leaned against the food vendors truck she had paid him for 5 of the bowls of food he was preparing. She was hungry and the food smelled good. From where she stood she could see the entry points, and one exit.

She reached over and picked up another bowl of the BBQ bantha ribs with some sort of fruit sauce with a kick to it covering them. She picked up a single bone and pulled the meat from it. Her metabolism was running high again her cells were breaking down again. She needed a doctor but for now she'd have food. She chewed and watched. Her senses waited to feel that urge, that thought that said kill. She would recognize that thought.

She had lived with it for a long time but it did not dictate who she was, what she was, or her actions any more. She was free of that. She smiled BBQ sauce smeared across her lips. "yum"

 

[Damien Van-Derveld]

​

There was no need for an outfit when one was a wolf. Damien had recently been united with a member of his famlily, another witch and nightmother. What was it about the Van-Derveld women he knew and their affinity for being witches? Either way, Damien was yet cautious to reveal himself to the rest of the Confederacy. For that, his ability to be a wolf came in handy. There was no one other than [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] who could possibly know he was another Lupine, unless the rest of her family opted to make an appearance.

For now he was content to be Katerine's dog. She sat atop the binoculars, and he kept his loyal place at her side. Why anyone allowed him to get on the float as he was, was as good a mystery to any. Damien was there regardless. He hoped this would give him an idea of this Confederacy was like. All he knew was what it meant to be among the nightsisters of Dathomir. There would be a cultural adjustment for certain. What Damien knew was that he needed to observe them, learn their customs, and then blend in. He would serve his cousin well, though for him, this was about House Van-Derveld first. His loyalty would always be to his family first.

Yellow eyes peered to his cousin as he let out a soft wine. As the confetti launched from the canon he let out a bark followed with a howl. The noises scared the wolf in him, but he still had control. Damien was well practiced in both sides of his nature.

 

[Vyra Silara]

Location: The Queen's Swan Float


Truly, the Capitol had outdone itself.

Scents of crisp, baked pastries and spiced candy mingled on the breeze as the sweet perfume of roses and fresh jasmine flooded the streets, falling like snow from the heavens. Brightly hued confetti burst from cannons high and low, setting the air afire with color and finding its way into every nook and cranny as it blanketed the ground. Intricate banners of all factions and all families flew from every building, united under the Relovian flag.
The floats, each an elaborate work of art, trailed slowly down the causeway surrounded by entertainers, dancers and acrobats, musicians and magicians, candy-throwers and characters from popular holofilms come to life. Many anchored the huge floating assortment of animals, characters, symbols and designs that towered over the parade, occasionally blocking the sun like clouds. Scattered between them were small armies of people from every invited organization, each with their own brilliant display, from high profile politicians, celebrities and visiting royal families to local schools, aquatic preservation societies and disaster relief programs. A grand display of unity, not just for Relovian but for the galaxy at large, whether or not it was truly felt consistently outside the parade. But despite the many differences in culture and ideals, there was no sign of animosity among the participants. The jubilant mood was palpable and self-sustaining, catching even the deepest of frowns and twisting them around, lighting the crowds like matches each time the music swelled or candy rained upon their heads.

It was beautiful.

Vyra saw right through the façade, for that's what much of it was, a show for the people. The same politicians who were laughing and dancing across the confetti together were neck deep in plots to bring the other down, and the Liberatum Populi had received bold, open threats from a handful of fierce Relovian factions just days ago, though they stood side by side on a float smiling and waving benevolently at the children.

Such was politics. Smiles full of lies. Trust no one, but favor everyone. Build friendship while you weaponize their secrets.

So exhausting. So toxic. It hadn't taken the Naboo native long after her arrival on Relovian to remember why she'd left the government behind. But she wasn't the same tender woman who'd surrendered to the venom of the Senate years ago, and when the people had asked her to stay and lead them, she couldn't refuse. It was time to stop avoiding the rest of the world. She could manage her condition now and her reprieve was over.

After all, she'd promised the galaxy she'd help it change, and what good was she doing isolating herself at home?

Adjusting the hood of her pale amethyst gown, Vyra glanced at the floor near 'The Queen's' throne, bending to fuss with the voluminous feathered pearl-white skirts of her dress gathered and arranged around her feet. Savani paid her no mind, straight-backed against the ornate chair, intent on playing her part to perfection. The diamond crown atop her head sparkled blindingly in the sun, the sheer gossamer veil obscuring her face fluttering delicately in the wind. "Having fun?" Vyra murmured at her, fixing the edge of her friend's veil that had caught under the throne.

"This chair hurts my butt. I'm starving. Pretty sure there's a pin wedged between ribs three and four. And I'm literally just sitting here waiting for someone to kill me." Savani raised her hand graciously in a queenly fashion at a group of elderly throwing flowers from the stands above.

Vyra, still on her knees smoothing the fabric, used the moment to briefly scan the scene around the float. "So…is that a no?"

"Are you joking, this is great. Sign me up for the next one," Savani snarked, nodding respectfully at the incognito [member=Darth Metus] as he swept the finest bow ever seen on Relovian.

Vyra smiled, the shadow of her hood concealing it. She gently rested her hand on 'The Queen's' arm, giving it a light, thankful squeeze before she returned to her position behind the throne. The dangers endured and sacrifices made of the Handmaidens was not unfamiliar to the young monarch. The emotional toll it took on all of them was, perhaps, one of the hardest elements of her position to handle. They were her closest companions, deeply loyal and willing to die to protect her at any moment.
Allowing people she cared for to take such risks, it was a hard pill for Vyra to swallow.

She cast a glance to her left at her other Handmaidens Reyna, [member=Eirene] and Vishaka standing on the other side of The Queen, the hoods of their own simple lavender gowns pulled forward to match Vyra's. She knew they were smiling, though she couldn't see it. And slightly in front of Savani to the right, his keen eyes peeled for any sign of mayhem stood the only other person as close to her heart as her Handmaidens. [member=Kyle Ajahn]'s posture was relaxed but Vyra could see the prepared set of his shoulders under his parade attire, could somehow feel the sharpness of his senses as he watched everything and everyone, tuned into his surroundings with precision. The rest of the CIS operatives had certainly done their job of blending in, Vyra couldn't spot any of them. Well, save the one ([member="Ahani Najwa"]) pelting children with candy. One youngster burst into tears as a piece hit his nose. How awful!
Vyra tried not to laugh at the woman's delight.
She tried.

A flicker of silver-blonde at her right side caught her eye. One of [member=Srina Talon]'s lovely locks of hair had escaped the confines of her hood. The Confederate Queen's flawless composure and powerful command of her surroundings, though she'd only met her in person earlier this morning, had left the brunette with quite an impression. They'd had little time to associate beyond 'battle' plans, but Vyra was eager to get to know her. There was a wisdom in her pale eyes that she'd seen in only a handful of leaders before, and she had a hunch she'd find a fast friend in the Echani should time allow it.

"That's a fine idea!" she enthused as the Vicelord offered Srina his hand for a dance. Vyra beamed at the two of them, dancing a little in place as the music picked up, lively and bright. Very unbecoming of a Handmaiden in a public, social setting, but half the point of this parade was to let their guard down, let everyone see they were all just human despite their ranks and positions, and not just in hopes of drawing out the assassins. "I'm sure you're a much better dancer than he is, show him how it's done!" she chirped at Srina with a mischievous little smile.

 

[Kyle Ajahn]

Location: Queen's Float

Guarding a Queen had never been something he'd ever laid in his cards.

When it came to her, however, he was not above stepping into the shoes of a man he had once been a century ago. While it was never quite as official in those days, there was no difference in his eyes in the present; while the setting may have changed, the players were relatively all together the same. There was a certain atmosphere to the Relovian's monarchy that altered a plethora of circumstances but none too overly complex that he could not overlook. He could not simply look at her and see what surface had been painted over it. She needed no disguise.

That said, he kept his eyes fixed on the surroundings. A man paced a half circle about the float near him, a woman tossed candy into the crowd and a number of others fixed themselves into neatly woven positions that a common passerby would not have noticed. He would have commended them were his focuses not dedicated to the safety of the Queen and those in her service. As such it went without a word that he was privy to ever cast syllable between the Queen and her handmaiden, eliciting a partial glance from the gray with bemused eyes that fell on [member="Vyra Silara"].

She had certainly blended into her role, and was making the most of it in light of the circumstances.

With a wary flick of his gaze to the man offering a dance to one of the handmaidens, Kyle plodded through their presences in his mind as he distilled those that were a threat from those that likely were not; ultimately bringing himself back to the rear right of the Queen and putting himself between her and her brunette handmaiden. He was not accustomed to the duty of royal guard, his position relatively unique within even hers assigned, but his manner was his own. With a draw of his hands up behind his back, allowing his saber hilts on his belt to show for but a moment before his cloak fell back over them, he exhaled a breath and returned his eyes to the crowd.

"Speaking of such things in such a manner is likely to bring them about all too quickly," he mused to himself, partially for the amusement of the Queen but more for the handmaiden's. His tone was soft but stern, and his posture remained unchanged by the lightness of the mood he was attempting to provide. "I would suggest composure, but I doubt that either of you would listen to me."

Blunt, perhaps, but he was nothing if not consistent in his perspective.

And she could be quite stubborn.

[member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Ahani Najwa"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

From beneath his cloaked hood, restless eyes roamed the crowd, trying to catch something out of the pattern. Too many people, too many avenues of attack. Had he gotten his way, it would have been handled more discretely. A blade from the shadows, a family poisoned, a scion gone of murder suicide rampage. Neat and tidy.

This was a bubbling mess just waiting to explode, one spark could set off the powder keg that would send everyone flying in all directions. Well that was probably why he was part of the ground detail. Chaos was his speciality, dealing with the mess was his rhyme and reason. No one was more suited should push come to shove than the Harbringer.

Pausing to pretend to glance at his reflection from a shops mirror, Daxton took a dep breath before going back to the task on hand,

 

[Connor Harrison]

OBJECTIVE: Protect the Queen; repel the assailants; observe the Confederacy

The streets were alive.

Carnival time.

Connor leant on a building a good way up the street from where the floats were. He had time here to position himself, survey the crowds and simply let the floats make their way past him. The sky rained petals and confetti from floats and surrounding windows, eager citizens throwing the decorative material high in the air that streamed down across the street. The senses exploded with the amount of activity around area.

Smells of foods, burning fireworks and perfumes teased the nose. Colours cascaded across the line of sight, with everything seemingly moving one way or another – people, floats, balloons. The noise of music, cheering and laughter filled the air, as well as the random sound of a piercing engine cut through the air from the aerial pilots performing fly-bys.

In all, it was a day for celebration and a day perfect for murder.

Connor looked down to the floats and picked out the Queens nestled within the convoy. A hand suddenly tugged at his crimson cloak.

”’scuse me, sir?”

A young boy, 8 or 9 in age, got Connor’s attention.

”Are you a wizard?”

Connor looked down, bemused.

”A wizard?”

”Yeah. A wizard. You look like one.”

Glancing down, he didn’t really take note of how he looked. The crimson cloak wasn’t very loud, nor was the charcoal grey tunic, brown belts and overall muted appearance. The lightsaber by his side was tucked away out of site.

”Sorry kid, no wizard here.”

When talking, Connor had called over a host of balloons tied together, letting the string float into his hand before passing them to the boy. Reds, blues and greens.

”Go enjoy the carnival.”

The boy smiled. ”Thanks mister!”

The balloons battered Connor across the face as the youth walked away back towards the festivities. With a small smile, it felt…nice to be looked at again as a human, not a monster; how he had been seen by many back serving the Light before the darkness clouded him and turned his aura.

[member="Rex Taff"] | [member="Arabella Darkhold"] | [member="Vyra Silara"] | [member="BX-25233"]

 

[Katrine Van-Derveld]

Location: Sitting on the pretty binoculars (yes, that)
Post: 2
Objective: Figure out what a float is, protecting the Queen from
Tag Team: [member="Daxton Bane"] [member="Ahani Najwa"] [member="Muad Dib"] [member="Darth Metus"] [member="Damien Van-Derveld"] [member="Vyra Silara"] [member="Kyle Ajahn"] @Open
Wearing: This

Another handwave as the Force worked through firing yet another dosage of confetti at the crowd. Katrine was having way too much with that. At least until she felt something extremely light touched her hair, making her look up, only for the same something to hit her in the forehead. "Hey," the Witch protested, cheers drowning out the sounds from above.

She did, however, see the white puppy suit before she'd climbed and she might have been to blame for who was in the costume. "Either share that popcorn or you'll lose it, pretty boy,," the Nightmother spoke up a little louder before she smirked, turning her attention to the supply of candy, using her telekinesis to raise a handful of them in the air, throwing them towards the children jumping up and down in the crowd. Her attention turned to the Lupine beside her, the smirk on her face decreasing into a smile as he let out a wine, bark and finally a howl. "Come on, it's fun. I have no clue what the point of this is but it's fun." With a quick glance, she summoned two pieces of candy from the pot below, the small objects flying into her hand. One, she'd placed in her mouth, another one, she'd offered with an extended hand to Damien. "They're delicious, try it?"

It was strangely comforting to have another Lupine at her side. Katrine had grown up with two brothers and an older sister, each and every one of them like her. They were a pack, all of them, with Mother and Father as well. But it was the four of them that were a team, a unit. Together, they were invincible and dangerous. Apart from each other, Katrine could never shake the feeling of being alone. Her cousin's presence had made it a little bit easier but it was only the two of them, making her wish for all of them.

 

[Rhaegar Nemesis Dib]

Location: the parade
Objective: disrupt the crowds and draw attention from the queen


The parade was making its way down the street in a glorious spectacle of frivolity and celebration. Floats loaded with garnishly clad individuals and figures from pop culture greeting the populace. Food vendors and toy booths sold their wares to the spectators who were filled with a spirit of joy at the grandiose gesture that was the parade.

Standing in the mouth of an alley he watched behind crimson colored shades as the pompous officials lavished the attention given them like a gamorrean at a buffet line. Either the food would give out first, or the lining of the pig's stomachs. Either way, it was an obscene image. Just as this one was.

Moving from the alley he merged into the crowds and watched the march of progress, the literal sense, eyes turned to the float which held the queen. There she was in regal form, waving to her constituents as if there was not a care in the world. Political posturing was sickening. But it wasn't the queen that held his eye for long. On the float was a dark skinned man dressed in conflicting white, his form moving across the float to pull one of the pale beauties to her feet for a dance.

Darth Metus and his porcelain apprentice...

His cane moved ahead of him as he cut through the crowds slowly, just another pedestrian dressed in a suit out for the festivities. Already the food, candy, and other snacks that had been distributed from free vendors had begun to be ingested. The narcotic spice would begin affecting those who had ingested it while the drink was laced with a version of cyanide. The 'free' toys that had been distributed amoung the children and their families at the parade held small explosives just waiting to be activated.

He allowed a cold smile to raise the corner of his lips as he continued along the path of the floats, eyes open for more of the self righteous Confederacy.

 

[Asher Mossa]

Celebrations.

Asher sighed as he walked among the crowd. This was a concept he could find no joy in, not anymore. Every loss he’d endured haunted him when the jubilee of such occasions were made large and public. This was a waste of resources as far as he was concerned. They should take what they want, kill whom they needed to, and end the charade of peace and well being. This world was to be taken in by the Confederacy and they celebrated?

Hazel eyes looked around as a small smirk tugged at his cheek.

The people had been played. Most of the participants were leaders of the CIS itself. Others stood among the crowd as if they were participating in the celebration. Was this supposed to be about peace? Perhaps, but regardless of the reasons behind it, Asher couldn’t help but be contrary or suspicious. He watched from a small distance as he was supposed to. His senses attuned for any fowl play. The man would never be rid of the need to look over his shoulder or suspect the worse. Too many times had death followed him and taken the lives of those around him.

Asher took a deep breath in and started walking into the crowd. He placated those near him with a smile to calm the nervous looks they gave him. His robes and visage told of a man who was out of place. This wasn’t his world, nor his home, and Asher was certain nothing would ever be. For now he was with the Confederacy, so for now he would attempt to celebrate.

He stopped at vendor cart. Asher could smell the booze.

”Give me an ale,” he said as the credits were dropped onto the table.

With a nod he took the tankard and walked off with it raised to his lips. He could fake his enthusiasm with a little bit of alcohol in his blood.

[member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Daxton Bane"] [member="Kyle Ajahn"] [member="Vyra Silara"][member="Darth Metus"] [member=“BX-25233”] [memeber=“Muad Dib”] [member="Rex Taff"] [member="Ahani Najwa"] [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"]

 

[Arabella Darkhold]

She was busy licking her fingers when the floats started to move. Cobalt blue eyes scanned each one looking at the details. She stared up at the dragon as it passed by


The one passing her now looked like something she and [member="Muad Dib"] had encountered on Korriban when they were apprentices. How did the designer know that's what wrinkled old mummies of long dead sith lords looked like? Amazing. Where was the dancing snoopy at.

She looked around not sure where the madman was at. He was missing it hopefully down the road he'd see it.

Bella was full having eaten her weight in ribs she just couldn't take another bite. She didn't know many of the people around her she was shy like that. But every once in a while she thought she felt something familiar. Was it her old inclinations, or the presence of someone she knew.

She started to walk eating ribs was fattening and she liked the slim curve of her hips over the well padded look that others of her age were sporting.

[member="Asher Mossa"] | [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] | [member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Daxton Bane"] | [member="Kyle Ajahn"] | [member="Ahani Najwa"]

 

[Seren]

C H A O S​

Location: Apartment Building, Main Boulevard
Interacting With: [member="Muad Dib"], Everyone
Posts: 2/12

It was early.

Too early.

And yet, the Young Wolf could smell the eagerness on their breath. The men...if they could even be called that...lacked discipline. Lacked focus. Their nerves were jelly - as were their spines. But, they had committed to this act of utmost treason; and Seren would not have his time wasted. His icy gaze fell upon the long barrel of the sniper rifle, whose aim was being calibrated by one of his two "cohorts." The other kept his eyes on the door, with blaster raised to address any unexpected visitors. "Shouldn't be much longer." said the marksman as his fingers turned a knob upon the weapon's scope.

A scoff escaped the Wolf. His knife twirled impatiently between his fingers.

"This scheme of yours...I still find it lacking."

Lacking was putting it simply.

The Fists wanted to protest the Ascension of a new monarch. And how did they want to go about it? Bam. One shot. One kill. Problem solved, right? Wrong. The Fists...they were so short sighted. They didn't see beyond the Parade. But Seren had something functioning between his ears - enough so that he could anticipate how this would all end up. There would be initial pandemonium, yes. A planet in grief. Squabbling on the Council. But then what...more cries for external help. Most likely the neighboring Confederacy - or even the Galactic Alliance. Bigger fish, bigger guns - an all around loss for the Fists.

But what they could do was inspire something more. Obedience.

"Say...aren't all the leaders going to be present to receive the Queen? Some sort of grand gathering in the Palace?"

"Supposedly."

"And what would happen if, oh I don't know...an accident happened? Something tragic...something that leaves just the Fist standing at the end?"

"...What are you suggesting?"

The dancing knife came to a halt within his grasp. A hungry grin wormed its way about his face. "We kill them. All of them. And then your boss doesn't just get rid of his problem, he becomes King of the whole Rock!"

"Hang on now! We can't be killing our own people! That 'Queen' is an outsider - but slaughtering our own? Where's the honor in that?"

"You know we are trying to shoot her right?" he said amidst a scoff. "By the gods...Y'know what? Forget I said anything."

And with but a flick of his wrist did the knife sing from his grasp. It sliced through the air, burrowing itself into the eye of the doorman. He howled immediately, clutching his broken visage - and by the time his compatriot looked up from the scope, Seren's palm collided with his nose. His offhand seized the holdout blaster resting on his waist, and in two squeezes of the trigger the room was much more quiet than it was before. As the cherry on top, the Young Wolf plucked the comm device out of the marksman's ear and set it into his own.

"There's been a slight change of plans." he began, unknowingly speaking directly into the ear of [member="Nemesis Nemonus"]. "We don't stop when the Queen is dead. Savvy?"

Seren leaned over the table and placed his sights down the scope. The barrel skidded across the table as he adjusted its angle accordingly. What he saw was not the Queen, nor her float, nor even any of the persons on the ground. No, he saw a large balloon - a canine of some sort. "Pop goes the doggo." he mused, uttering each syllable in a singsong tone.

He squeezed the trigger.

[member="Muad Dib"] would instantly find himself riding upon a rapidly deflating set piece.

The Parade had its first sign of bad luck.

Spoiler: Tag

[member="Daxton Bane"], [member="Ahani Najwa"], [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"], [member="Rex Taff"], [member="Muad Dib"], [member="BX-25233"], [member="Arabella Darkhold"], [member="Damien Van-Derveld"], [member="Vyra Silara"], [member="Srina Talon"], [member="Kyle Ajahn"], [member="Connor Harrison"], [member="Nemesis Nemonus"], [member="Asher Mossa"]

 

[Damien Van-Derveld]

​

Something white and fluffy hit the wolf in the head. His yellow eyes turned up to see the man in some kind of god costume throwing popcorn at his cousin. A low growl escaped his throat as his bark let the man know what he thought about it. The voice of his cousin was enough to call him back, as was the smell of something sweet in her hand. He didn't know what it was, but she said it was good, so he tried it.

Fun... they were supposed to be having fun. Damien had to remember that. Though, he had to admit he did not know what this groups idea of fun was. To him, fun was running through a forested wood hunting his prey. with every step the dirt of the soft ground wrapping itself around his padded paws. The sensation of the catching his prey and tearing it apart was the ultimate thrill, but no one, save for [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] would know the feeling or the joy of it.

Damien smelled something in the air. His nose picked up the sent. Another one... Damien whined as he looked for a way down. He wanted to investigate but could not. He pawed at Kat to try and get her attention. Would she sense him too? His curiosity would have the better of him, and he wanted down... now.

@Seren @Arabella Darkhold [member="Nemesis Nemonus"] [member="Daxton Bane"] [member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Kyle Ajahn"] [member="Vyra Silara"] [member="Muad Dib"]