Every Day a Little Death | First Order Dominion of Taloraan Hex

[Zef Halo]

The drizzle had gone past by his umbrella due to the agent's careless grip on it. Nonetheless, it was not that bad. Besides, a slightly wet hair gave a sexier look, right? That's what they advertise on the holo anyway.

A few other First Order representatives were already gladly making their way into the palace. They appreciated the shelter that the palace provided from the ugly, rainy weather outside.

To Kuril's explanation Jude simply shrugged as he opened the door for the two to enter the palace. Within it they found themselves among a few other First Order officials that were commenting on the baroque aesthetic of the place while putting down their umbrellas. The agent followed their actions and scanned the immediate area.

The Grand Vizier had an eye of wealth, he had known that due to being on Taloraan for the past month but he had not seen it. Jude could see a ton of similarities between the Taloraan and First Order upper class culture.

"Looks like a copy of Dosuun, doesn't it?"

[member="Kuril Vehn"] | [member="Rolf Amsel"]​

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Grand Vizier's Estate
Post 2

"How very right you are," she acknowledged as they with seemingly many others of the First Order had arrived at the estate. Connections were always a thing to make and she was sure, she still had some manner of sway with the Taloraans. Even if she was no longer acting as a diplomat, Brentaal IV still had its own economic interests within the planet itself. Namely the Curovao family who looked to secure land to construct a few warehouses and distribution centers. Valessia looked about the estate and gave it a pass in her mind, it was charming in an old world sort of way. Decorated with meaning, everything in its place and everything had a place, a purpose almost. At least in her mind, and then she heard the door the guests would be let in and would no longer be made to fend for themselves in the rain. Valessia defaulted to the title of Lady Brentioch of Pemberley, ensuring that [member="Gunther Creed"] would be addressed by his rank and station within the First Order military. Once they were allowed in she sighed and wondered if there might be a proper place to sit and rest her feet. Heels were not something she had worn in six months, and now to wear them while with child. It was a bit of a challenge, still, she managed it with poise and grace befitting a socialite.

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

"The weather's not too great, huh..." The pilot of the craft didn't respond Kaalia's words and so she shrugged and looked out to the sight of the planet once more. It seemed he wasn't much of a talker, although she figured it wasn't without reason. Inquiring about it obviously wasn't going to get her anywhere, so she just let it be. The trip was fairly short, and when the pilot offered his hand to help her out of the craft she took it and put up her umbrella with her other hand. Part of her wanted to simply thank him for the offer and get out on her own, she was more than capable of getting out herself, but it was part of how things would work today. It wasn't her thing, but she'd go along with it. She nodded as she left the craft and pilot behind and approached the estate.

The structure looked grandiose. She quickly made her way to the entrance and was met by the sight of a man with a cane standing at a large door, seemingly waiting to be let in. She shook out the umbrella now that she was underneath the arch of the entrance and collapsed it. "I assume we have come here for the same reason?" The woman wondered what awaited her inside, having little experience with formal occasions such as this event. She was going to rely on her flexibility to not seem out of place, a little politeness and good manners would likely come a long way.

[member="Rolf Amsel"]

 

[Mishel Kryze]

Shuttle en Route to Taloraan
Post 3

Mishel just stared blankly at the datapad. She'd been on the job for less than three days and she still had no idea what she was supposed to be doing. All the girl knew was that Seiger Ren's infinite wisdom sought to teach her how to act like a lady. How to act with dignity and class, and not like a ruffian who boozed her way through the galaxy. It seemed that she would be removed (partially) from her brothers and sisters at the Bastion. Mishel was enrolled at Avalonia University and set up with an administrative internship... As the Grand Moff's assistant.

And so, here she was two shuttles behind [member="Natasi Fortan"], staring blankly at her itinerary. It wasn't that Mishel was unintelligent or unable to do the job. She just wasn't sure why the Grand Moff couldn't do this herself. And where was the other assistant? The young girl looked over at the second seat in the two-person shuttle. It was filled with the Grand Moff's overnight bag, a luggage set devoted to shoes. "And I thought sisters Ara and Kaalia had a shoe fetish..." She whispered to herself, and then cast a glance over the the garment bag. Then back to the datapad, where she forwarded an updated schedule to the group labeled, "Taloraan Dinner."

So if there were any discrepancies she could have them adjusted and accounted for. Also a list of dietary concerns, rather - items the Grand Moff would and would not eat. And then an alert popped on her tablet. "Astrophysics Lab?" Oh. Lab. "Feth," she had to report to lab in the morning. How was she going to make it back? Lab wasn't exactly something she could holo in for, not like lectures. Indeed, the vat-grown Ren had been thrown into the lions den that is called life beyond the Bastion.

 

[Progflaw99]

-- -- --​

Grand Visier's Estate - Entry​

Post 3​

-- -- --​

​

A raised eyebrow signaled the Colonel's surprise as the door opened and the Butler greeted him by name. He supposed such a gesture shouldn't have been out of the ordinary, but even so he was taken aback. Normally there was a guest list which required one to check-in. Forcing a bit of a smile, Colonel Amsel replied to the woman who'd stuck up beside him first, and then the butler.

"I'm sure it could be assumed." he said somewhat curtly before turning back towards the door. "Ladies first - and you are correct sir, Colonel Amsel at your service."​

​

As he stepped inside behind the woman he caught a glimpse of a shuttle or two arriving as another flash of lightning cut across the sky, followed by a crack of thunder. *Sure am glad to be out of this mess.* thought the Colonel. Shrugging free of his greatcoat with a bit of difficulty, he recovered enough to set the umbrella in one hand into the open repository just inside the door. Offering the butler the nape of the coat, he thanked him with a nod, between his fingers several credit chips. It was polite to tip, at least that's what he'd been told - so far he'd had yet to see anyone refuse the gesture.

Settling back, distributing some of his weight back to the cane, his eyes traced across the interior of the estate. Ornate, grandiose, extravagant, all words he would have used to describe even the foyer alone. A small umbrella corral rest to the left of the door, a chandelier hanging from the vaulted ceiling. No doubt priceless works of art hung from almost every wall, each complementing the color scheme, each frame as if it were meant to be placed exactly where it was. A minor detail beholden to only the highest echelon of social circles. The Colonel took in a deep breath as he stood, awaiting the others to catch up. Stifling a grimace, he felt a pain gripping at him, residual damage from the wounds he'd sustained on Mustafar. Even now they gave him trouble, though according to the doctors it was more psychological at this point than physical. Gripping his cane tightly, he clenched his jaw until it passed.

[member="Lydia Finn-Camden"] | [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] | [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]​

[member="Mishel Ren"] | [member="Valessia Brentioch"] | [member="Gunther Creed"]​

[member="Kuril Vehn"] | [member="Jude Falkrowe"]​

 

[Ria Misrani]

Post 4
Kayri III

Agent Orentho sat in his own vessel within the system, the view of Kayri III on his holomap. Disgusting creatures who lived here, the Charon. He shuddered at the thought of having to deal with them, but far be it from him to argue with orders. In fact he was meeting with another agent to handle the matter whilst the First Order wooed the government of Taloraan into annexation peacefully. It always pleased him to see things being done with out getting the military involved.

The FOSB agent sat in a rather comfortable sofa, his legs crossed, as he sipped a cup of tea. The Chiss's eyes studied the planet's formation and then proceeded renegotiate the view. Focusing in on a particular spot he did his best to study it. Really recon only provided so much detail so he had to try and piece together a quiet approach. Silently he brought the cup of tea to his lips and sipped gingerly. Setting the cup down, he stood to his feet and walked around the holotable to get a better look. "For the Order," he whispered to himself, "for the Order."

[member="Jacques"]

 

[Kratacos]

Post One.
Kayri III

A'sharad had plotted a course through First Order Space for Vraukt.

That was why he was present within the same sector of Space as the Imperial Order. The Pureblood remained masked, a simple black robe concealing his crimson flesh as his shuttle broke atmosphere over Kayri and headed down to the planet below. The ship was fast, and the First Order had no actual jurisdiction over the planet - yet.

Kuat Drive Yards had done well in making the ship fast.

Within minutes he was landing a mile or two out from a mine - coordinates acquired from someone he had long since interrogated back in Resurgent Empire Space.

Better get moving.

Vraukt disembarked from the ship, a dozen or so other Sith present with the mining equipment needed to collect what he came for.

 

[Progflaw99]

-- -- --​

Landing Pad - Taloraan City​

Post 4​

-- -- --​

​

The weather had been poor but as the First Order pilot made his way towards the shuttle pad listed on the invitation rain had begun to fall. Unlike some of the others in attendance, he'd worn a simple suit, choosing a quaint bow-tie instead of his military attire. He'd had the presence of mind to bring an umbrella, though he'd hesitated to use it until now. With a light drizzle turning to rain, he extended the tool, the canopy opening up just enough to protect him from the brunt of the rain as heavier drops began to fall. Yet a ways out, he'd seen two shuttles depart but there yet stood a lone figure - waiting. He noticed the lack of umbrella, and as he began to close on the platform he caught sight of a shock of red hair, the woman beneath certainly far from unattractive. With an interested frown, Nils made his way up to the platform, a hesitant wave towards her as he approached.

"Hey there, no umbrella?"​

​

As he asked the question, being the gentleman he was, he extended his own, offering her the limited protection it gave against the elements. Flashing a smile and introducing himself, he glanced at one of the empty shuttles yet resting on the pad. It looked like they were taking folks in pairs - small shuttles. Perhaps to add to the mystique of the whole thing. Not unlike the First Order, it appeared the Taloraan had a dramatic flare of their own.

"Nils Brenner, First Order Starfighter Corps - Care to share a shuttle? You're headed to the estate I take it?"​

​

Patiently waiting for her reply, the pilot's eye twitched as a particularly large raindrop found itself a home upon his eyelid. Still smiling, he reached up and wiped it away with his free hand, still holding the umbrella above the stranger.

[member="Madlyn Sol"]​

 

[Alkor Centaris]

Kayri III, Abandoned BioEngineering facility
23:00 Hours Galactic Standard​

Post 1

A call came out from this position less than 72 hours prior. Heat damage remained prominent, even the sulfuric smell of blaster bolt residue. Chitin was melted away from several corpses, dessiccated and ruined beyond recognition. 0772 tilted his head as he observed the sight, horrific to the standard citizen. Stormtroopers saw this level of death and mutiliation over the span of hundreds of worlds. This was nothing new.

His fingers hovered inches from their mangled bodies. The boy felt a tinge of fascination, supreme interest in their final moments of life. How did it feel to die? What had they seen in that single instant?

He recoiled. No, he reminded himself. He was here to serve the Supreme Leader. His natural instincts did not rule him. There were no other signs of life in the area. His senses stretched out and brushed across the landscape in search of any survivors, but found nothing.

It was safe for landing, at least. "0772 reporting," he hailed the vessel of FOSB agent [member="Zethim Orentho"], "the LZ is clear for approach. No hostiles in area."

His tongue slid across his teeth absently as he looked over the scene again. Death was a natural process, but war the state of a disorderly galaxy. This iteration of the end only vindicated latent parts of his genes, which manifested as hunger.

"Quiet," he hissed aloud. He produced an object from his garb and pulled back a sleeve. It plunged into a vein, and he depressed the hammer. His ruby eyes rolled back as the chilling sensation spread through his veins. "There will be Order," he reminded himself. "Order is the proper state of the galaxy."

0772 let out a heavy sigh. His eyes glazed over as he looked at the scene with newfound clarity. "These Charon obviously need to be domesticated," he observed as he turned from the charnel pile and glanced skyward. He clasped his hands behind his back as he waited for the Agent to arrive.

 

[Alleycat]

Landing Pad, Talroraan City
Awaiting shuttlecraft
(2)
___

Madlyn was just about to leave to find somewhere dry and get something hot to drink when she was joined on the landing pad by a gentlemen, and he had an umbrella!

The redhead had been partially covered by the overhang of the building that she took refugee near while waiting for the next available shuttlecraft. But when the rain starting coming down harder with a slight sideways angle due to the increasing wind, well she was getting wetter by the minute. The diplomatic aide wondered if she could turn in on her expense account a charge for new shoes as Mads expensive navy pumps were going to be ruined; that is if she stayed out in the inclement weather much longer.

"Why thank you kindly," Mads smiled appreciatively as the younger man moved over his umbrella to cover her instead of him. "And unfortunately that would be a big no because I listened to the government sanctioned weatherman instead of my gut," she chuckled softly, then switched over the leather briefcase carried from her right hand to her left so as to step closer to her knight in shinning armor.

"It is very nice to meet you, Mister Brenner," she greeted back graciously, then introduced herself just as a huge rain drop hit the pilot's face, and a direct hit too right on his eyelid as if there had been a bombing run made from some ace above in the clouds. Mads bit her lip to keep a giggle inside as he smiled through it.

"I am Madlyn Sol, First Order Diplomatic Corps - and yes, I would definitely like to share a ride to the estate. Shall we take that one before anyone else commandeers it?"

After the two made a mad dash for the shuttlecraft and got settled inside, Mads offered a tissue packet taken from her light grey trench coat pocket should [member="Nils Brenner"] care to use one to wipe off any moisture. "So do you get uneasy when others are flying and not you?" she asked curiously. Interesting the dashing flight officer was in a suit with a bow tie no less and not his dress uniform. Madlyn was still getting use to military customs after spending time with the Army's leader.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Post 5

[member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]'s small talk was very small indeed.

In fact, by the time the shuttle touched down at the Grand Vizier's estate, they had exchanged no more words. The Grand Moff studied Rausgeber for a few moments as the shuttle pilot shut down the engines, then stood and collected her handbag and disembarked without another word. She put the umbrella up before she strolled across the grounds towards the front door of the estate. She reached out and pulled the chain, and was surprised to be greeted by the butler almost immediately.

"Grand Moff, welcome to the estate," he said, pulling the door open. "May I take your coat?" He took her umbrella and then helped Natasi out of her coat. "May I have your handbag placed in your suite, Your Excellency?"

"That won't be necessary," said Natasi primly, resting the handbag's loops on her forearm and clasping her hands together. "I believe I'm a little early. Would it be possible to go to my room myself before the events begin? And am I the first of the First Order to arrive?"

"No, ma'am." He listed the names of those who had arrived already, most notably [member="Valessia Brentioch"] and [member="Rolf Amsel"], and Natasi managed to keep her face impassive. "Halston will see you to your suite, Your Excellency. This way, please." Natasi smiled her thanks and took to the stairs with the footman.

 

[Progflaw99]

-- -- --​

Shuttle - En Route to Grand Visier's Estate​

Post 5​

-- -- --​

​

Nils grinned as the playful redhead had conceded to sharing a shuttle - and then dashed across the platform! It brought a smile to his face as he dashed after, quickly hopping into the rear of the shuttle after her, closing the hatch behind them. Giving the woman an expression of thanks, he gratefully accepted the tissue, using it to soak up a bit of the moisture from his face and neck. He felt the shuttle shift beneath him, the pilot in the cockpit saying nary a word as they lifted off up into the air. Tucking the damp tissue into his pocket, he shifted to look at the woman as he replied.

"Oh, I don't get too bothered by it - though I have to admit my flying might be a little more interesting than this run of the mill shuttle ride."​

​

As he finished speaking, he offered her a playful wink. It was true, when Nils was behind the controls of a ship, a speeder, a speeder bike - things tended to get a little bit intense, the younger man no stranger to high speed. He liked to push things to the limit, operating on a very fine edge of tolerances. It was part of why he took studying the stats of the ships he flew so seriously. To know your vessel was to know yourself - at least when it came to starfighters. It could mean the difference between barely scraping by or being scraped off a hull or planet's surface. Of course the grim realities were something he'd not burden his fellow passenger with.

"Diplomatic Corps, that sounds - " He paused, a sheepish smile as he continued. " - a little bit interesting. What does that all entail?"​

​

The fighter ace wasn't much one for small talk, or at least it had been a while - long missions and patrol assignments had taken him away from his more social endeavors. No doubt the woman would find his talk of starfighters and their flight tolerances boring, and so he tried his best to indulge her, to learn something new. It was a sad truth that one day he'd be force to accept, that there was an entire world outside of the cockpit of a TIE. *If I manage to stay alive that long* he mused darkly.

[member="Madlyn Sol"]​

 

[Alleycat]

Taloraan City
Aboard shuttlecraft en route to Grand Visier's estate
w/[member="Nils Brenner"]
(3)
___

Madlyn took a tissue from the packet herself and lightly blotted her face, then leaned down and tried to wipe the water from the toes of her heeled navy blue pumps with another. It was useless of course to salvage them at this point, but it was worth a try. While doing so the redhead listened attentively to her ride companion; Mads red-gold head turning upward to give a polite glance. She rather enjoyed his carefree humor.

"Well I bet being in the Starfighter Corps would be quite exciting. I know nothing of flying though I do admire your courage and dedication. I am not sure I could get into one of those eyeballs... a bit cramped for my taste. Though, perhaps the thrill and view would diminish my panic of small spaces," she chuckled softly, then rose back up from her faulted attempt of cleaning off her shoes and stuffed the two used tissues into her own jacket pocket. It was amazing Madlyn didn't go crazy having to ride the elevator up to her apartment near the top floor of a residential tower in Avalonia.

Suddenly there was a bit of rough turbulence and immediately Madlyn's arms went out with her petite hand grasping onto Nils' arm as the man sat next to her and the other to the shuttlecraft's hatch door on her side.

"I'm sorry... I wasn't exactly expecting us to drop that much," she smiled apologetically, removing her hand from his forearm, then tucking some hair behind her ear almost as if a nervous habit.

"For my part in the Diplomatic Corps, I give legal counsel to the diplomats and oversee negotiations to make sure all the I's are dotted and T's are crossed from an intergalactic law point of view as seen through the First Order of course," the diplomatic aide winked. "It can become quite interesting at times, though mostly verbal jousting and gymnastics I'm afraid."

As the shuttlecraft made a gradual banking turn with a few more bumps to spare, the Grand Visier's estate could be seen up ahead. It was impressive yet not. For some reason the Eriaduan thought it would be a much 'grander' place.

"Ah... Looks like we are here, and it appears your umbrella will still be needed, Mister Brenner. I do not mind sharing this time, if you don't?"

 

[Zeradias Mant]

A carbon copy of Dosuun? Kuril hadn't thought of Taloraan that way. While the planet certainly featured countless regal metropolises, it had a certain wild feel to it. Not in the sense that things were out of control, but almost natural. The forest the Grand Vizier's estate looked over was a prime example of the untouched nature on the planet. It was nice to see that kind of respect between man and nature. It was refreshing.

"In a sense.", Kuril responded. He didn't feel like disputing a minute opinion. Staring out into the abyss of tree canopies, the rain gently pattered onto the large leaves, echoing in the chasms below. Rather than just follow the mob mentality and flow with the crowd, Kuril figured it'd be best to at least mingle somewhat with some of their peers from the First Order before making entry to meet all the officials of Taloraan. He seemed to have thought so too late, with the doors of the estate opening and the First Order's dignitaries making haste to escape from the rain.

"Time to dance.", Kuril said with a chuckle as he turned his back to the woods below and made his way to the entryway.

He could hear someone from the Grand Vizier's estate announcing the entry of the different parties as they filtered in. As he joined the short line, he heard the announcements of one Lady Valessia Brentioch of Brentaal IV and Colonel Gunther Creed of the First Order Army. After a few brief moments, it was his turn.

"Superintendent Kuril Vehn of the First Order Capitol Police.", he announced. Shortly after was Jude, though he didn't truly hear what he was announced as. Whether he used his true identity or a cover he would have been curious to find out.

"The booze Jude, where is it?"

[member="Jude Falkrowe"] | [member="Valessia Brentioch"] | [member="Gunther Creed"]​

3​

 

[Zef Halo]

(4)​

​

Jude lifted his head up at the host who was taking their names off the guest list or something. He glanced at the back of [member="Valessia Brentioch"], he'd met her only once during the Omega awards ball. FOSB's awareness of who was coming had given him the same identity he had used back at that ball.

The agent almost chocked keeping his chuckle within. "Jay Farrano, Primo Victorian Shipwrights representative."

A nod was all Jude got and the man was dismissed to join the Superintendent in their...well, tour for alcohol.

"I don't think it works that way here, bossman." Jude said and then with barely parted lips added. "Call me Jay."

"I think we have to attend a boring dinner, no?" He raised an eyebrow as he looked around at everyone from the First Order that had gathered. "At least the people attending suggests to me that."

[member="Kuril Vehn"]​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"Superintendent," the butler greeted [member="Kuril Vehn"] with a respectful nod. "Mr. Farrano," [member="Jude Falkrowe"] got the same treatment. "Refreshments are being served in the drawing room, to your left, if you'd like to make your way there directly. Alternatively, you can view your rooms and, if you are so inclined, change for the evening." He gestured towards the drawing room door as he described it, and then pointed towards the grand staircase when he mentioned the rooms. "There will be a footman on the landing with a list to direct you. If there's anything we can do to make your play more pleasant, please speak to a member of staff."

Joffrey tried not to glower as he greeted the guests. He surely looked like a man with thunderclouds gathering in his head. He turned towards a passing footman when there was a lull in the arrivals. "Stay here and answer the door as we receive more visitors," he told the footman gravely.

"Won't they be insulted to be greeted by a footman?" asked Samuel -- known affectionately downstairs as Sammy -- with a quizzical look at his superior.

Joffrey, for his part, looked as if he couldn't be less interested. "Not likely. Besides, I greeted the Grand Moff. That should be quite enough for these people. Now -- do as you're told," he ordered irritably before stalking away. He headed towards the drawing room, a broad, comfortable room overlooking the gardens in the rear of the house, and saw that the drinks were being served. The Grand Vizier had hired a bar for the event -- a bar, in the drawing room -- which Joffrey couldn't quite understand, given that he had seemed less and less enthusiastic about the event as time went on. He nodded at the bartender, then made sure the appetizers were hors d'oeuvres were being passed before turning and crossing towards the study.

The door was ajar. How odd, Joffrey thought. He pulled the door open and was about to enter when across the hall the door to the smoking room burst open and, on a cloud of smoke, the Grand Vizier's brother, Donavan burst out with a face like he'd been stabbed in the groin. Joffrey turned towards Donavan. "May I be of service, sir?"

While his back was turned, Lydia slipped out from the study and hurried back belowstairs, not even pausing to check whether Rolf would still be there to blow her cover, and dashed down to pick up the dish prepared by [member="Iseult Ren"].

She forgot the tray on a chair in the study...

[member="Rolf Amsel"] | [member="Valessia Brentioch"] | [member="Madlyn Sol"] | [member="Nils Brenner"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Gunther Creed"] | [member="Mishel Ren"]

 

[Kratacos]

Post Two.
Kayri III

Vraukt led the group of large Zuguruks that carried the mining equipment to the mine. Massassi warriors followed, taking up positions within the vicinity. Protection, early warnings against any First Order operatives that perhaps would come in close. Their mission would be best to move quickly.

The Sith Acolyte only required enough Voidstone to create something thin, yet resistant enough to the Force to protect him from more devastating attacks.

"Hurry," he said, coming to a stop as zuguruks and massassi a like rushed into the cavern, glow rods in hand. This place hadn't been touched for a long time. He expected they would have company soon.

 

[Zeradias Mant]

"Yea, more than likely.", Kuril responded to the agent. In excess, the formal dinners grew to be a bore. In moderation however, it offered an opportunity to expand one's networks as well as travel or enjoy a host of complementary food - at least most of the time. The nature of the superintendent's mission though largely saw him within close proximity of the Dosuun. Opportunities to travel abroad seemed to get rarer and rarer for him.

After a couple quick glances, he a number of hosting staff bearing glasses of much of what he was looking for. Approaching, he took a glass off the tray and took a sip. "Gah, always this Corellian crap.", he said, curling is lips as he drank. It wasn't his favorite, but it'll do for now. As he grabbed another glass and handed it to Jude, he looked past him to see none other than the Grand Moff herself, [member="Natasi Fortan"]. He would need to have a word with her before the night was out.

For now though, they lingered, caught up. It wasn't yet time to join in on the dinner festivities. Kuril took a sip and his eyes scanned the crowd, perusing the attendants to determine who would be blessed enough to be graced with the company of him and his clandestine compadre. "By nights end Jude, you're either gonna love me or hate me.", he said with a mischievous grin and chuckle, taking another sip. "What do you think of the Security Bureau? Ever consider a career change?"

[member="Jude Falkrowe"]​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Post 7

"Not unless you want to feed my brother feet-first into a wood-chipper," Donovan growled as he stalked past Joffrey. He was tired of the ceremonials and the time-wasting courtesies inherent in politics. His business hanging in the balance, with his brother's government endless dickering about, and the First Order looming large in the background. He paused a moment after passing the butler, then stopped and turned. "Actually, you can help. Has Fortan arrived?"

"Yes, sir," said the butler. "She's in the Queen Theodosia suite."

"On the third floor?"

"Yes, sir. Shall I -- "

Donovan waved his hand. "Not necessary." He stalked across the hall and took the stairs two at a time. He intercepted the Grand Moff on the third floor landing. She looked, somehow, glamorous and understated, in a simple black dress embellished with onyx and jet beading, with a set of long black beads and jet earrings, a jet comb holding her chestnut waves in place. Donovan offered his hand. "Grand Moff Fortan. I'm Donovan Destartes, the Vizier's brother."

Natasi, ever the diplomat, did not display the discomfort she felt being intercepted on the stairs, and shook his hand genially. "Of course. Destartes Industrial, right?"

"Indeed," said Donovan. "I just wanted to introduce myself before the festivities begin. I know you'll be in high demand once you make it downstairs and I wanted to make an impression."

"And so you have," Natasi said pleasantly. "Shall we?" she gestured towards the stairs and took a step toward the stairs, but Donovan stopped her by putting his arm out onto the banister to block the way. Natasi looked up into Donovan's face.

"Actually -- " He smiled from beneath his mustache. " -- I wanted to discuss something with you directly. You see, I'm in the middle of something of an environmental dispute with my brother's government. Nothing that we can't handle between ourselves, but you know -- it's inefficient, the wrangling. Since we're about to become part of the First Order family, I thought it might be better to go directly to the Order to resolve the dispute. I can assure you that the matter is purely political, as our environmental efforts more than outweigh any detriments. I can go through it with you if you'd like. Perhaps we can come to an informal understanding before you meet with the Vizier."

"I'm afraid this isn't the time," Natasi responded. "After the signing, I can set you up with a contact at Commerce, and -- "

Donovan suppressed a grunt of irritation. "Grand Moff, if you'd only -- "

Natasi stepped around him. "Excuse me, Mr. Descartes." She padded down the steps and followed the butler's directions into the drawing room, where she helped herself to a cocktail and walked over to [member="Rolf Amsel"]. "Colonel -- good to see you. How's the -- everything?"

 

[Ria Misrani]

Post 5

[member="Jacques"] had provided Orentho with the all clear. Steadily he brought his vessel down through the atmosphere the expedition today could afford no mistakes. As it was they were already behind schedule much to the Chiss's chagrin. The sound of his vessel masked by the wind and the optical mask worked to conceal her from the eyes of those around her. The special agent could only hope that no one was paying attention to their own sensors. Otherwise, they would see his ship, but he supposed that would be a problem for another time. "0772 this is 06114, lowering the ramp now - should be en route to you momentarily," he adjusted the pauldron on his shoulder and examined his rifle. It'd be the first time in ages he needed to suit up in such a manner, but he could ill afford the luxuries of a suit and tie. With the ramp lowered, he secured his boots and cloaking device and began his trek to rendezvous with 0772. Eventually, he found the young man with hands clasped behind his back, having only just heard his words with regards to the Charons.

"I couldn't agree more, 0772, shall we proceed?"