Private Conference on Alderaan

[Faith Organa]

The mountains in the distance as well as at the back of the palace were majestic with an awe-inspiring view that helped Faith to feel small yet protected. There were things to discuss on today's agenda.

The consideration of asking if the mandalorians could patrol Alderaan space for a time. Then there was this other meeting which she wasn't sure was about. Becca shrugged, "I'm sorry I only saw that it was Alicio Organa requesting a meeting I didn't think to ask what it was about, I figured the City. When he confirmed and added Inanna Harth who I have yet to receive an ok from Jax Thio or Ikenna Tahj that there' no threat here. I...." her voice trailed of then. "Do you want me to cancel it?"

Faith thought about it Alicio would not put her in danger or anyone in the family in danger, at least knowingly. "No..just add a few more guards just because if we don't Jax and Ike will lose their minds."

While she waited for the time to approach for the meeting Faith contemplated what to do to ensure Alderaan is protected. Could the Treasury afford it, Mandalorians were not cheap. She looked to the mountain was there an answer staring at her or was the silence the answer..do nothing for now. So many avenues of what could be done.

But then the thoughts of Alicio and Inanna coming to meet. Who is Inanna? What was her connection to Alicio? Another sister city? A ship? A fleet? A...her thoughts paused as she smiled again, a marriage? Was Alicio of an age where he would think of marriage?

Now her mind could focus on nothing else but the meeting with them. "Becca, I'm going to need a strong pot of tea" Problem with Faith, her own wild imagination.

 

[Inanna Harth]

"Well? What do you gentlemen think?"

The two palace guards standing on either side of the door said nothing as Inanna twirled in front of them, showing off her outfit. She'd followed through on her offer to dress like an Alderaanian for the meeting, though the white gown showed a bit more skin than the more modest traditional ones she was aping the style from. Just in case she had to shapeshift her way out of it in a pinch. Her braided hairstyle was also notable in that it was devoid of visible pins, seemingly held up by nothing.

Receiving no response from her audience, Inanna shrugged. "I take it I'm not hideous, at least." She turned to her two companions. "What about you guys?"

The Shi'ido diplomat had brought along two bodyguards, Tiamat and Enkidu. Alicio had met them during his visit to the refugee camp, but here they were unrecognizable, having shed their more alien appearances in order to look human. That was the point—to prove they were capable of assimilating into Alderaanian society so completely, they would be indistinguishable from the natives at a glance. Hopefully it wouldn't backfire and trigger paranoia rather than tolerance.

"I think the Queen is waiting for you to stop preening," Enkidu replied impatiently. He stood before a window, looking at the mountains, but the lovely view had done little to soften his mood. He had told Inanna before they even reached the planet that he considered this meeting a fool's errand. If the people of Alderaan didn't want them, there was no point in trying to gain their Queen's support.

Sighing, Inanna turned to her other companion. "Tiamat?"

Tiamat was discreetly wolfing down some sort of pastry that she must've picked up along the way. Feeling eyes upon her, she looked around in confusion, having not been paying attention to what they were saying. "Huh?"

They were waiting either for Count Alicio to arrive and escort them, or a summons from Queen Faith. Inanna hoped Alicio would show, if only to have a buffer between her and the Queen. This situation was different than anything she had ever experienced. She was on a planet whose laws and customs she was largely unfamiliar with, meeting royalty in a highly formal setting, to discuss a matter that was apparently a subject of controversy. It wasn't that she couldn't do it on her own, she'd just appreciate a little help...

Faith Organa Alicio Organa​

 

[Alicio Organa]

MOUNTAIN PALACE
ALDERAAN
​

Alicio was certain Inanna didn't need his assistance talking with the Queen.

He'd already set up the meeting. Theoretically, his job was done. He could have stepped aside, let Inanna learn for herself just how wonderful Cousin Faith was. But the diplomat had asked for him nonetheless, and the Count wasn't the kind to turn down helping a friend.

A slick blue airspeeder dropped from the sky nearby the gathering of Shi'ido, and the lithe form of Alicio stepped out, thanking the driver as they departed. He'd opted for a very different ensemble than his normal attire; a white dress shirt under a dark blue vest, with the symbol of House Organa etched in subtle gold on the breast. His hair was still a bit of a mess, but it was obvious an effort was made to tame the stray locks.

Walking up to the group, he caught the tail end of their conversation, and couldn't help but smile. "I think it looks lovely on you," he said simply, before turning his attention to his datapad, and typing out a quick message to his cousin's assistant, letting Becca know they were ready to see Faith.

"Let's head into the entranceway. She'll see us when she's ready." With a practiced motion, Alicio stepped up next to Inanna, offering his arm to walk her inside. As they went in, she would see all the fineries the palace had to offer; high vaulted ceilings, sturdy pillars, and the same symbol on Alicio's chest decorating flying banners.

"So, first impressions?"

- Faith Organa - Inanna Harth -

 

[Faith Organa]

Becca had been watching the arrival of Alicio Organa and the young woman who she would assume was Inanna Harth . Becca couldn't help but smile as the young woman spun around in her white dress. What was the young woman thinking, what was the purpose of this meeting?

A few moments later Alicio stepped out of a stopped air speeder. Everyone was here and it was Becca's moment she walked into the main hall of the palace nodding, "Good Afternoon Count Organa pleasure to see you again and Ms. Yomin I presume, welcome to Alderaan. I just need to let Faith know you have arrived. Please give me a moment."

She half bowed and then entered back into Faith's favorite parlor the one with the balcony that faced the mountains. The strong pot of tea she had requested sat upon a table with 2 cups. Faith it seemed had already helped herself to a cup. "They are here Faith."

An audible sigh was heard as Faith turned, "What does she look like?"

Becca laughed, "You're terrible judge for yourself she seems quite light hearted though. Alicio seems himself."

Seems himself she had to admit he did smile a little more since the first time he came into this room. So much had happened since that day. "Well then show them in"

The light from outside filled the room later when the sun moved the mountain would show upon the floor reminding them it was still there.

Becca opened the door, "Count Organa and Ms. Yomin"

Faith couldn't help but smile, "Alicio how good to see you. Ms. Yomin welcome. Please come in." Faith's hand cupped her tea cup a bit tighter, why? "Can I offer you some tea before you tell me how I can help you?"

 

[Inanna Harth]

Inanna exhaled a silent sigh of relief upon seeing Alicio and immediately hooked her arm through his. He seemed a lot more relaxed now—which made sense, given that this was his home. Their roles were reversed, and she was the guest in his world. Except his world was a royal palace, not a run-down refugee camp.

"So, first impressions?"

“It’s very big and grand,” she replied. “Even without counting all the secret passages I snooped around in before you got here. Don’t tell the guards. Oh wait, did you mean the whole planet? Haven’t been everywhere yet, but it’s as nice as I remember it being. A bit colder than I’d like, but much better than Erakhis.”

Enkidu and Tiamat followed behind them as they moved into the entranceway. They weren’t waiting long before a woman appeared, told them to wait a moment, then disappeared and came back. They were finally ushered into a rather cozy room with a balcony overlooking the mountains, where the woman announced them.

Queen Faith was an attractive woman with dark hair and eyes. Inanna was surprised by how young she seemed, then remembered that she was Alicio’s cousin. They were likely close in age. Yet Faith seemed more mature and confident—traits which no doubt helped her to rule.

Inanna tried not to gawk, though it took her a moment to find her voice. “Tea?” It came out as a squeak. “Er, yes. Please. Thank you.”

Tiamat coughed.

“Your Majesty, I hope you won’t mind the presence of my companions.” She gestured to Enkidu and Tiamat. No doubt Faith could guess what they were there for. She probably had an army of aides and bodyguards at her beck and call.

Inanna realized that she had locked Alicio’s arm in a Shi’ido death grip (which is to say, her limbs were beginning to curl around his arm like a constrictor snake) and quickly released the poor Count. “We’re here to ask for… asylum. Sanctuary for Shi’ido refugees from Lao-mon.”

Alicio Organa Faith Organa​

 

[Alicio Organa]

Alicio attempted to hide his amusement at Inanna's admission of breaking into the royal palace. "I meant the planet," he clarified, walking astride the Shi'ido in the entrance hall. "The chill is why capes have managed to stay in style for hundreds of years."

Punctual as always, Faith's assistant welcomed them in. Alicio nodded to her. "Of course, thank you Becca." It was only a short wait before the duo found themselves ushered into a meeting room, before the ruler of all of Alderaan.

"It's always good to see you, Faith," the nobleman responded, smiling warmly at his cousin. "I know this meeting was a bit last-minute, so I thank you for accepting."

He felt a squeeze at his side, and looked down at Inanna, concern in his eyes as she dropped his arm. "I'll pour," Alicio stated, stepping forward to the table and hefting the teapot. With practiced motions, he filled the two cups, taking one for himself, and leaving the other for his guest.

He tried to convey calm, to put Inanna at ease. But in all honesty, he was feeling a bit nervous himself.

- Faith Organa - Inanna Harth -

 

[Faith Organa]

She smiled like she always did a smile could be used in any situation, when she was nervous, she could smile, when she was confident, she could smile right now Faith put on her oh I got that all wrong smile.

Not quite what I thought she said to herself as she looked at Inanna Harth , "You don't need bodyguards, I would feel better if they waited with the Alderaan Knights in the main hall. We should be safe in my parlor here in the palace." Faith gazed at Alicio, "Alicio there is always time for you and any friend you choose to bring to the palace" Her gaze went to the arm encircling Alicio's. Interesting.

Words seemed to tumble from the young woman's mouth clearly she was nervous. "Shi'ido I know a little probably just enough to be dangerous with knowledge Ms. Yomin. " Faith held her cup before her finger entangled to form their own bowl to hold the cup.

Faith was not opposed to asylum to anyone on Alderaan but there had to be a reason why, and she wanted to know more about shi'ido. "I would ask that you tell me about the shi'ido and that you tell me why you need asylum."

Becca stepped out of the room she needed to research shi'ido

tag: Alicio Organa

 

[Inanna Harth]

Dismissing Enkidu and Tiamat with a gesture, Inanna sat down and reached for the remaining cup of tea, mechanically spooning sugar into it. At times like this, she was left wondering whether she had already ruined her chances. Powerful people could be so easy to annoy and offend. But if she could get past the initial awkwardness and nervousness, she could probably still salvage this meeting.

Her silver eyes followed the woman—Becca—as she headed out of the room, before flicking back to Faith. The Queen of Alderaan was smiling. Inanna wasn’t sure if that was a good or a bad thing.

Alicio was her only reference point. So far he didn’t look like he wanted to die, so she was probably doing just fine.

Faith asked her to tell her more about the Shi’ido.

“We are a shapeshifting species from the Unknown Regions,” Inanna began. “Our homeworld, Lao-mon, was one of the first planets to be conquered by the Brotherhood of the Maw.” The queen presumably didn’t need an explanation of who the Maw were.

“At first, we were able to hide from them in the jungles. We used our shapeshifting abilities to disguise ourselves as animals or as Mawites, and waged a guerilla war against them. But then they developed a biological weapon called the Wretchedness. It can immobilize a Shi’ido in seconds, leading to a slow, painful death by paralysis and suffocation.

“After the Silver Jedi tried to liberate us, the Maw exposed our entire world to the Wretchedness in retaliation. It was genocide. The term may be overused, but they clearly wanted to exterminate us all, and they came very close to succeeding. Those of us who are left are scattered across the galaxy, living in refugee camps on worlds unsuited to our physiology, among people who don’t trust us simply because we are shapeshifters, with the constant threat of further attacks by the Maw looming over us.”

Finished with her explanation, Inanna finally took a sip of her tea. It was much, much sweeter than she expected. She made a face, but managed to swallow it.

Alicio Organa Faith Organa​

 

[Alicio Organa]

Faith usually managed to put Alicio at ease.

That hadn't been the case the first time they had met. Back then, Alicio, still enrolled at a university, sat before the Queen of Alderaan, intimidated out of his mind despite her calm and warm persona. But after a while, she broke past his barriers, offered to help and mentor the young man through his new responsibilities. She entrusted him, inspired him, believed in him.

But today, he felt a touch uneasy, which he tried to cover with a sip from his cup.

He listened to Inanna with attentive eyes, although none of her explanation surprised him. He had done plenty of research on the plight of the Shi'ido before he'd traveled to Erakhis to meet her. That didn't make her tale of a bio-engineered plague any more stomach-able. He frowned.

"Many Noble Houses with connections in Sanctuary City are resistant to the idea." Alicio didn't want to interject too much into this conversation between dignitaries, but he figured he should give some added context while Inanna was braving her tea. "That, and a... diplomatic incident on Erakhis have made it difficult to act on my end."

He was treading a fine line, and he knew it; he wanted to be completely honest with Faith, but he also wanted to give Inanna's people the best chance of a new home as he could. "The Shi'ido refugees aren't to blame, and the Houses' notions of them are unfounded, but I've had difficulty explaining that to them."

- Faith Organa - Inanna Harth -

 

[Faith Organa]

A nod was all she could offer at the moment as she took in the details. A deep breath a relaxation technique taught by Tia to keep her from opening her mouth and having the wrong thing fall out.

"Ms. Yomin, I'm sorry that your race has faced that. I can only imagine the horror of it, do you think the MAW will continue to hunt you?." You being a collective all for the Shi'ido. What did Faith think of the word shifters if she looked at Inanna Harth she could see no difference in her that said she was anything but human, but then Faith was not looking so close to pick out details.

As she paused Alicio Organa provided additional information, "Alicio Noble houses here on Alderaan have expressed concern?" She could only assume that is what he meant what other noble houses were there. House Thul no longer existed, and House Killesa was quiet these days who else would lift their voices against helping someone?

There was something her intuition said ask the question. She half smiled as she took a sip of tea to form the question, "Alicio, what happen? She was unaware or perhaps it was one of those things that she had not read yet.

Sanctuary City was about helping refugees, and Aldreaan was already home to others who needed a home mandalorians, killiks, the raiders to the north, twi'leks, humans....there was another settlement she was missing.

If there was fear she needed to know it, most times it was the unknown that most people feared but the way Alicio spoke there seemed to be more than just that right now.

 

[Inanna Harth]

Faith was quiet for several moments before she carefully offered her condolences. It was a lot to take in, Inanna knew. Even Alicio had grown somber as he listened.

“Yes,” Inanna answered, setting her teacup down. She had overloaded it with sugar by accident, too distracted to keep track of how many spoonfuls she dumped in. “Because of our ability to shapeshift, they like to use us as spies and double agents. They call them Fleshtakers—Shi’ido who have been abducted, tortured, and brainwashed into serving the Maw.” She glanced at Alicio. “The diplomatic incident on Erakhis involved one of those. That, and there have been some… bombings, assassination attempts, the usual acts of wartime terrorism…”

She let Alicio explain the rest of the Erakhis incident, since Faith had asked him about it, but also because she was having some trouble. Inanna could talk about the genocide of her people and the destruction of her homeworld in a fairly clear tone, for she hadn’t witnessed these events with her own eyes. She’d been living offworld when the Maw invaded Lao-mon, far away from all the fighting. But as soon as she reached the subject of terrorist bombings, her voice cracked with suppressed grief. These events had touched her in ways statistics and testimonies couldn’t. They had made the war personal.

For a few suspended moments, Inanna came very close to bursting into tears. She maintained her composure through sheer force of will, digging her nails into her wrist and focusing on the pain. She waited until there was another break in the flow of conversation before continuing.

“If we were living under safer conditions, these things would be far less likely to happen. They couldn’t hunt us so easily within GA space.” Unless the Maw managed to get this far. “But I can’t necessarily blame Alderaan for not wanting to take the risk. Especially when there are so many other refugees who don’t have abilities that pose such a security threat.”

Alicio Organa Faith Organa​

 

[Alicio Organa]

"Alicio Noble houses here on Alderaan have expressed concern?"

Alicio nodded quietly. He wasn't surprised the fact came as a shock to Faith. It wasn't like the minor noble houses would bring their grievances with House Organa's dark son to the head of state. Not when they could use their collective power to stonewall his efforts.

He was thankful for Inanna beginning the tale of what happened on Erakhis. He knew Faith was a worrier, she had told him as much. He tried to choose his words carefully, taking a step towards his cousin. "One of these Fleshtakers... killed one of my guards before we left for Erakhis, and impersonated him on my diplomatic mission. When we found them out..." His frown strengthened, and his eyes found something else in the room to look at. "A Shi'ido refugee was killed, along with the spy."

"A few strong voices in Sanctuary City took this as a sign that the Shi'ido aren't to be trusted. That any Shi'ido has the capability to be an assassin. That if we accept their population, that we would be inviting brainwashed Maw spies and terrorists into our midst." Alicio's voice carried obvious thorns, as if he completely rebuked the idea.

Inanna's last comment was met by Alicio with furrowed eyebrows, his first outward sign of anything but calm. "Alderaan will never turn someone away because of their species." He glanced at Queen Faith, looking for affirmation.

- Faith Organa - Inanna Harth -

 

[Faith Organa]

It takes a clear mind and someone not so close to any event to look at it with some objectivity. It pained her that this event had happened and taken innocent lives. She could only nod for the moment.

Her dark eyes met those of Alicio Organa for a moment, "That is true Alderaan would never turn someone away because of their species. " She reached over to put her cup on the table. It was a lot to take in.

Safer conditions, was Alderaan any safer than any other place history told her no. Sith had walked upon Alderaan three other times, including a time of occupation. Did the two young people before know this? Maybe. Maybe not. Would it make a difference to them? Was there a way to keep the sadness from her voice.

She sighed for once again she was drawing parallel lines between now and the time of her mother.

Faith turned away from Alicio and Inanna Harth looking at the mountain behind them she wished at times she had the same strength it had to stand strong even while small pieces fell away.

She looked back to her guests, "I can talk to the Noble houses it does not necessarily mean they will accept it. They fear what they do not understand as anyone does. Yes they would see that your people could impersonate anyone, but is that true, can you assume the shape of anything organic? Help me to understand please. For I'm ignorant at this moment and need to understand so that I can speak like I have a clue."

 

[Inanna Harth]

While Alicio spoke contemptuously of the “strong voices” that had spoken against the Shi’ido, Inanna slouched in her seat, rubbing her forehead with her hand. Technically, everything the Noble Houses said was true. It just lacked context and understanding, as Faith said.

The Shi’ido originated on a harsh, hostile world. They had evolved the ability to shapeshift in order to survive. They learned how to blend in with the environment around them, or to mimic the appearances of the predators who hunted them. While they weren’t inherently aggressive as a species, their bodies were weapons in and of themselves. Or rather, they were potential weapons. That potential was what the Alderaanians feared.

Queen Faith asked for further explanation. Inanna’s brow furrowed. Wasn’t describing all this enough? What more did she need? Gradually, her expression relaxed as understanding dawned on her.

“You want a demonstration?”

Inanna glanced briefly at Alicio, then down at herself. She could do it right here on the spot. Change form. Shift her skin. The question was, what would she turn into?

She didn’t want to strip naked in front of the Queen and the Count, so it would have to be a human form that could fit into the dress she was wearing. That ruled out plants, animals, and most human males.

Would it be too on-the-nose to take the shape of Queen Faith? It would certainly drive the point home. But was this a point she wanted to make? Surely demonstrating that she could imitate the highest official in the land down to the most minute details would only prove the naysayers were correct about the Shi’ido being dangerous. But maybe if she spun it a different way…?

"Very well," Inanna said. “I assume you’ve made use of decoys in the past, Your Majesty. Perhaps a Shi’ido would be very useful in such a role. Observe.”

Inanna took a steadying breath and began to change. The paleness of her skin, hair and eyes darkened to the warmer tones of the Queen. Then her features warped and shifted, restructuring into a mirror image of Faith’s face.

“We can imitate voices as well,” Inanna continued. Her voice was the same as Faith’s, down to her accent and the cadences unique to her—as far as she had been able to observe in the few minutes since the meeting had begun, at least. “But not jewelry or anything metal. It just doesn’t look right.”

Alicio Organa Faith Organa​

 

[Alicio Organa]

Alicio stole a second sip from his teacup as Faith spoke, affirming his statement, and validating his trust in her. Still, that nervous pit in his stomach refused to unknot, prompting the Count to take a third sip to wash it down.

Perhaps it was the sigh and the look Queen Faith performed after the statement. As if she knew more than she let on, and didn't wish to darken the mood further by sharing it. Maybe some part of it was Inanna, and his intense desire for Faith to approve of her.

Maybe it was the job Faith had offered him. The one he had yet to respond to.

“You want a demonstration?”

Alicio caught Inanna's eye as she glanced his direction. He seemed mildly surprised, a shock which only grew as the Shi'ido took on the perfect likeness of his cousin. He looked between the two Faiths, thankful that they were wearing different clothes. Otherwise, this meeting would have gotten very confusing, very fast.

Perhaps I should hire a Shi'ido decoy. I'd never have to speak in front of a crowd again.

- Faith Organa - Inanna Harth -

 

[Faith Organa]

It was remarkable really to watch her change from one person into the next Faith's own breath caught her in her chest as her own eyes looked back at her.

"Thank you Ms. Yomin. That is part of what they fear, just as you would fear the Sith would use that ability for a dark cause, the nobles of Alderaan would likely fear you're using to obtain what you need. So that would mean a compromise that everyone can live with if you are to stay here on Alderaan. So let us work out an agreement here that can be presented to the Nobles and High Council to ease any fears. For we certainly would not want to have you and the others be subject to the Sith."

Faith let out the breath she had been holding.

She looked at Alicio and smiled it was alright all of it really. As Faith had said she needed to learn and the lesson had been quite the visual aide. "We have different environments here on Alderaan, desert, ice, jungle, rural, city where would you like to stay?"

In her mind you begin with the small things and work to the larger.

Alicio Organa | Inanna Harth

 

[Inanna Harth]

When Inanna was younger and the galaxy was new to her, she had enjoyed seeing the look on people’s faces when they witnessed her change form. She quickly learned to be wary of how others might react, watching for signs of disgust or paranoia.

Alicio and Faith exhibited neither, though they were certainly surprised by how exact her mimicry was. The Count seemed a little more than merely interested, which prompted her to remark, “I would’ve taken your form, Your Excellency, but you wouldn’t have looked as good in this dress.”

By the time she returned to her original form, much of the tension seemed to have eased. Inanna had expected the opposite to occur. When Faith asked her where she would like to live, she stared at the Queen blankly for several moments, not quite believing she had gotten this far.

“A jungle,” she finally replied. “Our homeworld was mostly jungle—that would be our ideal environment.” She paused, then cautiously asked, “Would you build another Sanctuary City for us, or would we simply assimilate into the general population?”

Alicio Organa Faith Organa​

 

[Alicio Organa]

“I would’ve taken your form, Your Excellency, but you wouldn’t have looked as good in this dress.”

Alicio was brought back from his shock by the brazen comment, uttering a low chuckle, and covering his mouth with his palm. "I don't know, I think I could've pulled it off," he said, taking the joke in good humor.

Faith's response was well-measured and thoughtful, taking into account the feelings of the nobles instead of trying to discredit them entirely. It was something Alicio hadn't done. He'd jumped headfirst into helping the Shi'ido, and hadn't even considered looking for a middle ground.

To be truthful, he wasn't sure he wanted to compromise his beliefs for the concerns of fearful nobles, but if Faith was considering it, the plan had to be the right one.

Alicio continued his silence, still cautious not to interrupt the women's discussion. But it was headed in a good direction, and as long as that was the case, his words weren't necessary.

- Faith Organa - Inanna Harth -

 

[Faith Organa]

"Jungle, I think there are sections that are currently uninhabited, but we must consider when building what wildlife and what plants are there. We don't want to create something that hurts the environment." How far they actually got was yet to be seen. It wouldn't be the first time someone asked for asylum, there was a bit of a process. Becca would be back soon enough to let her know what she had learned.

She had to think for a moment, "Sanctuary City is built with donations from the nobles and from some off world philanthropists. Let's think about how we could build what is needed for your people. While it is always good that if you are going to live here that you contribute something, I think probably labor would be the best donation. I need to think on this a bit, I can only assume that if you want to hide from the Sith we shouldn't make any announcements that your people would be on Alderaan"

Yes don't draw any attention, "Perhaps one way to appease the nobles and find some middle ground with them is that if any work is offered from a world outside of the Alliance that you would consider not taking it. But maybe the best is to say that you won't assume the form of anyone on Alderaan unless you are in their employ to do so." she looked over to Alicio, "Alicio, what do you think?"

He was often very quiet listening an Organa trait for certain but it was the intelligence behind his eyes that told her he often held his tongue. She would do her best to draw him out.

Tags: Alicio Organa | Inanna Harth

 

[Inanna Harth]

“Of course,” Inanna agreed. “We designed our civilization to be in harmony with nature.”

She didn’t mention that some Shi’ido actually lived in the wild, forsaking creature comforts to live among beasts. No doubt there would be some who would do so once they reached the jungles of Alderaan.

If they reached Alderaan, she reminded herself. Faith was open to the idea and willing to advocate on their behalf, but the jury of nobles was still out. Still, things were looking brighter now. Inanna actually felt hopeful for once.

Since he’d gone quiet, Faith tried to reach Alicio for further comment. Inanna was studying him, wondering self-consciously if her brazen remark earlier had driven him away from the discussion. (Though he had laughed, so perhaps not.) She just couldn’t help it—he was one of those people who seemed so stiff and gloomy, every smirk or chuckle she managed to coax out of him felt like a hard-won victory.

“If you give us the tools and the space, we’ll build our own settlement. As for payment, maybe a fundraiser would sweeten the deal?” she muttered thoughtfully. “Alicio, didn’t you mention something about wealthy friends of yours that could be potential donors?”

It took her a few moments to realize she had failed to address him properly. Not as Your Excellency or even Count Alicio, but just Alicio. Whoops. Granted, Queen Faith’s casual use of his name had probably tripped her up, but still. "Count Alicio, sorry." She cast him an apologetic glance and pressed her hands to her cheeks to hide her blush.

Alicio Organa Faith Organa​