Brave new world. All praise glorious manifest destiny, once again Siobhan Kerrigan found herself in the service of the Republic, here to aid in another attempt to assume direct control over a neutral world. To be sure, unlike on Anaxes Hapes was supposed to be conquered through honeyed words and backroom deals as opposed to the thunder of the cannon.
Such a beautiful place it was, ruled by scheming, decadent aristos that kept their males in bondage. Siobhan particularly approved of the latter idea, even though contrary to a certain 'holo-documentary' she had once seen they were not iterally kept in bondage and apparently did not wear ball gags. Given how pathetically effete the males at court looked, it probably was not needed anyway!
Only unlike on Anaxes Siobhan was no longer a Jedi, but had exchanged hippie robes for the in her eyes more exciting and less restricting corporate power of Omega, after getting a very persuasive offer she couldn't refuse from Tegaea Alcori. While the Chancellor was obviously relying on her own Republic guards, the Jedi and her formidable powers of persuasion to carry the day, Siobhan had been contracted to her security detail. Just in case things went south and some direct intervention was necessary to overcome any heavy risks and seize the prize.
Intelligence had indicated that certain members of the Court, a Princess among them, were opposed to the annexation, citing the usual reasons for why such a strong and proud race should not submit to outsiders, especially those who might corrupt their morals and destroy their way of life. Personally, Siobhan did not care much either way, though the idea that the Hapans could resist the Sith and the Mandos on their own seemed ridiculous to her. Hmm. They got cute chicks though, she thought.
She listened as the Chancellor and the Queen Mother engaged in preliminary horse-trading about Hapes' role, exchanging grand words about driving back the darkness. She drowned out most of the conversation, but unsurprisingly the Hapans were a making a show out of not being the Republic's pets in order to get a better bargain, while the Chancellor was making promises to get them to sign.
The force-user for hire resisted rolling her eyes when the Queen Mother said they'd only assist in a 'just war'. We gonna have a philosophy debate every time someone starts shooting? Heh. Everyone says their war's 'just' to look good for the holocams, she thought sardonically. The ex-Jedi scanned the area, taking in the Queen Mother's counsellors, civil servants and other officials of the court, taking note of the positions of the armed guards and possible exits, ever vigilant, though on the surface she seemed relaxed. Many of the portraits hanging on the wall and expensive vases probably cost far more than she earned in an entire year, even when one took bonuses from successful Omega operations into account.
The ex-Jedi experienced a sudden craving for a smoke, though she clamped down on the desire to get a cigarette out. She glanced over at the Jedi Padawan Carmen Dax. Siobhan did not know her personally, though she thought it a bit strange that the Council would assign a sole Padawan as bodyguard, but then was just her. She gave the Padawan a wry smile, then turned her gaze back to the politicians.
Hmm. Are there any old Jedi enclaves on Hapes? Perfect for sightseeing, she wondered sarcastically, suppressing a grin to keep the stony visage she projected to the outside intact. Her blue lightsabre, attached to her utility belt, was in reach, a heavy blaster pistol was holstered on her hip. Siobhan was the sort who expected trouble, maybe because she was a magnet to it. It would certainly make events exciting.
