Exodus Day [CIS & Allies]

[Frontier Tenacity]

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Attn: [member="Amethyst Atreides"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Curupira Hawk"] | [member="Lorelai Ventira"] | [member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Alessandra Creed"] | [member="Noriko Ike"] | [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] | [member="Allyson Locke"] | [member="Scherezade deWinter"] | [member="Jyoti Nooran"] | [member="Aryn Teth"] | [member="Kiso"] | [member="Theodosius Organa"] | [member="Josh DragonsFlame"]​

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• Hall of Shrouds
  Fortress of Solitude, Nelvaan

Despite the introductions being cut short by Scherezade's outburst, the schedule would have to be adhered to. Organizing such an event was a tedious affair and any changes would be difficult, if not impossible to make at this time. Protocol droids began to arrive into the Hall of Shrouds, waiting to escort the guests to the speeders that would take them to the parade grounds and guide them to their assigned seat within the booths. The military parade would begin shortly.

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OOC: Guests should try to wrap up their introductory conversations and begin to make their way to the parade grounds in time for the main event of the day. Each guest will be assigned a seat in the VIP booth. The banquet will follow after the parade is finished.​

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[WelshGuy]

It seemed there was a disagreement, something about a mother and a daughter. He didn't spend much attention to the argument and instead wandered on his own, shifting through the crowd. He noticed Darth Metus, Tacitus and several other CIS members. Spotting Master Nooran talking with Allyson Locke and a couple of others. He also spotted Master DragonsFlame running off on his own. Shaking his head, he ruffled his short hair. Perhaps him coming here wasn't the best idea, he didn't really know what he would do, yes, he had been involved in helping the Dominion in their fights but that was over a decade ago and he was a much different man than he was back then. He was naive and foolish back then, all his limbs were natural and he was looking to become a Jedi Master like his mentor. Nowadays, he was more wary and less trusting. While the CIS were helping the SJO for the moment, they were still a faction with Sith and Dark Siders.

Lifting the sleeves up on his shirt, Yuroic wondered if he looked perhaps too casual compared to other, his outfit was something he found comfortable and suited him. In his opinion at least. His stomach growled slightly as he found himself getting quite hungry. Wandering over to where Asaraa was, "So, do we know when we get to eat? Have you talked to anyone here? I have seen Metus before at other social events, his Padawan Srina has also appeared at said events. Close to Stephanie Swail I believe. Believe Tacitus is our host, but everyone else is stranger to me." He commented to his former Padawan, he missed teaching her the ways of the Force and the appreciation of nature. The Living Force was something Yuroic firmly stuck with.

[member="Jyoti Nooran"] | [member="Allyson Locke"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Darth Tacitus"] | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] | [member="Asaraa Vaashe"]

 

[Theodosius Organa]

Fingers arched as the tips slowly moved over the stone.

The brief moment was over and the druid rose back to his feet. Whatever he found he did not share. He just walked further in with the rest of the Silver Jedi.

There was a parade soon? It was not really why Theo was here today. Nor was it the Force that brought Theo here this day. It was about family.

Theo’s sister Faith Organa and Draco had friends in the CIS. The Confederacy on more than one occasion had come to the aid of Alderaan. Theo was just here to get acquainted.

 

[Kiso]

Scherezade deWinter little outburst did not go unnoticed though Kiso could only watch, record and proceed trying to keep out of notice it was probably a problem binging so many people from different factions. Tension where always high between people of different ideologies, more so past enemies, even if things had (for the most part) been smoothed over. Though the whole Aunt thing was lost on herself, Kiso never really took much thought into the lives the dewinters and related families.

In time the Sith Lord addressed the audience, talking about how the planet had been progressing, a rather lack luster cold icy world, seemed Wolfe had an affinity for such worlds. It could be considered odd but everyone had their own little thing, if the Sith Lord liked snowy planets and industrialization then let him have his fun. The mention of the world being a virgin though did raise a small chuckle from the General, it made Kiso wonder how the natives where adapting to the new tech.

Soon though spot light for a moment was shone of the for once neatly dressed woman, herself returning a salute to [member="Darth Tacitus"] like she had done many times before. Perhaps in time the cyborg general would take up arms once more, but for now the Atrisian was more or less taking a much needed LOA and family time, even if her adoptive mother had gone back to Atrisia for the foreseeable future. With all introductions done and dusted Kiso shuffled in with the other members that had joined, taking a small lead towards the parade ground, being a more familiar face among the present SR military present.

Even if she was not in agreement with all the ideals of the former republic she still respected those among it's ranks and those she used to command when apart of it's hierarchy, even if she had not participated in many battles, though she was darn good at it.

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"] - [member="Theodosius Organa"]

 

[Curupira Hawk]

Her words were met with a singular no. Barely even a whisper, that one word. Repeated a second time before she had moved back. Curupira remained where she stood, paralyzed by her own words. I'm not the Mother she needs. It was a truth she didn't think about. It was the truth she was always running from. Curupira had run from the daughter that wasn't hers but was, the one that would be but wasn't yet. It was a complicated story altogether, one that Katrine told backward. There was a time when Ruu herself had been convinced of it, believing the girl. She had become a Mother and that was that. She had tried. I'm a poor substitute for the woman she wants.

Truth had a way of creeping up on someone when they tried denying it. That was exactly what it did to Curupira. The doubt had began, slowly creeping. She had rejected it many times over as she had tried, even the girl telling the story rejecting her. And then it hit her like a freight train one night. A nightmare. A monstrosity. A demon. It had stared at her, right into her eyes in the darkness. Terrified her. You don't deserve her, the monster had shouted at her. Roared. Clawed at her. She had been long convinced there was a demon inside her but faced with a monster, she had tried to convince her that that demon was not hers as all. The demon had kept screaming at her, yelling at her, pushing her away. When she awoke, she was drenched in sweat, her nails bloodied. She could remember herself clawing against the demon, trying to break free. In the end, she was.

And instead of facing the nightmare, she had run, accepting her doubts, accepting the nightmare, accepting the girl's behavior. I've never been ready to be her Mother and she's always known, on some level. The words echoed in her mind all while she watched the girl turn her back on her. Curupira had wanted to speak but instead, the scream pierced through, making her cover her ears. Not just a scream, a scream through the Force. It hurt. Not just her ears but her insides.

In the moments her eyes were open, Curupira could see moments as the ground shook beneath them. The girl was kneeling in one moment, in the next she was falling back, throwing something away. Glass broke, shards flying around.

When it ended, her hands carefully, involuntarily left her ears. She had partially missed the first thing the girl had said but she heard the second one. Still insisting, wanting Katrine to decide. There was no forgiveness in staying away from their children. You don't deserve her, the memory flashed before her vision, eyes carved into her memory. "I don't deserve her. She doesn't need me, Curupira tried again before she heard her pleading again.

Her gaze now only left the girl when a figure appeared at the end of the hallway, approaching them. [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] approached the girl, staring at her as she tried to reassure the girl. She needed to not be here, Curupira knew. Not because of the man, him staring at her cause no immediate effect. What the girl had said, what it had brought on though had been nerve wrecking, piercing through the shields she had learned to raise, to dig herself out of the place she had been in for so long, hiding, drifting.

Curupira still didn't move, except for her gaze, finding her Master as he made his way to them. He didn't look at her at all as he addressed the girl, demanding an explanation. Her expression slowly began to neutralize as he spoke. There was odd safety in his presence, her nerves slowly coming together and relaxing back. deWinter. It was the first time Curupira had heard any sort of name relating to the girl. And he continued talking to the girl, the deWinter girl, though the name itself didn't mean anything to Curupira as she listened. Her Master knew the girl's aunt, Curupira would soon realize, wondering if she had met her but no, deWinter hadn't rung a single bell in her mind. Finally, he was coming to a conclusion, with the intent of speaking to her. Curupira gave the girl one last look. She didn't understand, she couldn't. Whatever had happened between her and Katrine hadn't changed her loyalty towards her. Ruu was glad for that but that didn't change the situation at hand. Her children didn't need Curupira at all. They needed their Mother, their real Mother.

Slowly, Curupira had inhaled a small breathe as she walked towards [member="Darth Tacitus"]. This conversation was over and had been for a time now, though the girl had refused to listen to her. There was a ceremony to be attended.

[member="Scherezade deWinter"]​

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Location: Corridor
People within a few feet radius: [member="Darth Tacitus"] | [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] | [member="Curupira Hawk"]



Everything happened at once, too fast. She was sure she'd gotten up, but suddenly she was on the floor again, and her nose protested the wrong scent of the arms that were around her. She was being rocked. Scherezade blinked in confusion, ready to push away whoever it was that dared touch her, but her eyes fell on Josh and there seemed to be some calming effect. She let him hold her, rock her, allowed her body to be lean against his. He asked her what had happened and she wanted to answer, wanted to tell him about this horrible woman, this abandoning mother who refused to go to her daughter even though she had no reason, had no excuse. It was unforgivable. It was betrayal. It was-

And then Lord Wolfe arrived. Because again, everyone had to be a wolf these days, in one way or another. Only now did she notice the armed squads there, but she didn't care. They could shoot her. Maybe it would've been better if they would. It would make the pain stop. It would make everything stop. And suddenly she was being talked down to by him, by someone who was not even part of the conversation. Why was he here? Why was Josh here? Why were people meddling? Couldn't they see that she was not the problem, that she had done nothing wrong other than outright beg for a mother to go talk to her child?

But there was one good thing that came from all these people being here suddenly. Her tears had stopped. Her face was still wet, but it wasn't getting any wetter. Small as it was, it was still a mercy.

With Josh's help, she managed to rise to her feet, to stand up. Her footing was unstable, her body wobbling under the effects of the liquor. She wanted more of it, but the bottle had snapped when she'd accidentally summoned and then very purposefully unsummoned the stupid Sword of Darkness. She needed to find a replacement bottle. The pain, the memories, they were all rising, coming too fast. She wanted to scream again.

"I want to go home," she whispered miserably to Josh before turning to Lord Tacitus.

"I'm sorry, Lord Tacitus," she said, trying to keep her voice even, and failing harshly at it, "I will take my leave."

With Josh's help, without it. It didn't matter. She was getting out of here.

Her gaze moved then to the woman, to Katrine's mother. Anger and pain made way for hatred. She hated this woman. She hated her with every fiber of her being. And unlike with Gerwald and Kat, she didn't both want to destroy her and to beg for her forgiveness at the same time. No. For this woman, all she wanted to do was to kill her in the harshest ways possible, and there was nothing she could do to keep that hatred out of her gaze. And still, destroying her, hurting her, ripping her spine out of her back, that was not possible. She wasn't drunk enough to think that was possible with all the troops around them. So she did the only thing she could.

Scherezade spit at the woman, aiming for her face.

"Let's go," she said to Josh, not even looking to see if the spit had landed where she wanted it to.

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"Despite our previous differences, I welcome you and your compatriots here, within these halls. Your people had fought and bled for the Dominion as well and their sacrifice should be remembered and honored, regardless of our ideological disagreements,"

"One who, despite her differences of opinion, has served this nation with loyalty and distinction, until the very end. Step forward, General. You will always be welcome within these halls and your contributions shall never be forgotten,"

Even before he had run off, he for some reason had this overwhelming temptation to punch Darth Wrinkles in the face. Maybe someday. But when he had moved to comfort [member="Scherezade deWinter"] the first thing he could smell was alcohol on her breath as she would plea that she wanted to go home. Josh let out an exhale as he would begin to help her up, only to hear [member="Darth Tacitus"], AKA Darth Wrinkles, berating the intoxicated woman. As he finished his spiel, Josh would then turn, piercing eyes staring dead into his own. A warrior's eyes.

Oh my god, shut up, shut up, shut up, SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP! That was all he could think of in this period of time. The woman was clearly broken, intoxicated, and needed help. Not to be berated and talked down to as condescendingly as this man was... If you could even call him a man. A desire to punch him in the face had quickly evolved into a desire to stab him. Perhaps not the most Jedi of thoughts... But he knew he had always been closer to the ideals of the Grey regardless.

"That's enough" He spoke calmly, but firmly, not taking his eyes off Lord Wrinkles. "She's intoxicated. Your words are wasted."

Congrats buddy, you were an arrogant shtock for nothing. Grumbling obscenities to himself, he would fully help Scherezade to her feet, hearing her apology to the arrogant skrick in front of them. He could admit he was surprised though when she addressed him particularly to accompany her. While he'd told her he'd be there if she needed him, she was still a fairly singular-minded individual, who generally didn't even let people touch her, much less ask for company. But he nodded his head. He had intended to help her if she would allow it anyway. "Of course" He spoke as he would wrap an arm around hers to give her support. If she needed it, he'd give her his shoulder, as he did before on Zeltros. But before they left, he would look back toward Wrinkles.

"Inform Master Nooran if you would, that I'm handling matters and will return" He asked as he would help lead Scherezade away. Oh, he'd be returning alright... And returning with a de-toxed, cleaned up and civil Scherezade at his arm if he could, just to spite Wrinkles. If he could. Little chance. But he'd try.

[member="Allyson Locke"] - [member="Jyoti Nooran"] - [member="Srina Talon"] - [member="Asaraa Vaashe"] - [member="Curupira Hawk"] - [member="Jessica Med-Beq"] - [member="Darth Tacitus"] - [member="Kiso"] - [member="Theodosius Organa"] - [member="Noriko Ike"] - [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] - [member="Aryn Teth"] - [member="Scherezade deWinter"]

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

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Attn: [member="Amethyst Atreides"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Curupira Hawk"] | [member="Lorelai Ventira"] | [member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Alessandra Creed"] | [member="Noriko Ike"] | [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] | [member="Allyson Locke"] | [member="Scherezade deWinter"] | [member="Jyoti Nooran"] | [member="Aryn Teth"] | [member="Kiso"] | [member="Theodosius Organa"] | [member="Josh DragonsFlame"]​

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• Hall of Shrouds
  Fortress of Solitude, Nelvaan

With a sigh, the Overlord shook his head, his expression losing some of its harshness as he dismissed the soldiers with a wave of his hand. Whatever had happened to the deWinter girl, it had turned her into a broken mess, a pale shadow of the wide-eyed child he had first met. And while he was a harsh man, he was not incapable of compassion.

Acknowledging Josh's words with nothing more than a dismissive look, his attention returned to Scherezade even as he responded to the Jedi's insolence with a tone of calm, aloof superiority. "No need. While she stands within these walls, she is my guest," he spoke, waving a servant forward. "Have the protocol droids prepare a bath and a fresh set of clothes for Scherezade," the Overlord ordered.

"I know what that pain is," he spoke to the broken girl, his eyes carrying a hint of... was it empathy? "Its the pain of losing everything you love. I've been there and trust me, this," he said, hand waving towards the broken bottle on the floor, "will not help you."

"Get yourself cleaned up. Take as much time as you need, clear your head and find me when you're feeling better," he said to her, his tone still firm, but kinder, more understanding than before. "I will speak to you about this after the banquet. If you would listen, perhaps I can help you learn how to turn this pain into a strength."

He didn't know why he was helping her. Perhaps, he saw something of himself in her. Whatever had happened to her, he knew from experience that pain such as that, would never go away. He would not lie to her and make empty promises in that regard. But he felt compelled to offer what comfort and advice he could.

He did not have the time for that right away, though. The parade was due to begin soon and once more, his duty called. So the Overlord left her in the care of his servants and made his way to the speeder that would take him to the parade grounds, where his presence was now required by those who served under him.

Behind him, a huge, wolf-like creature padded out of the shadows and laid its head in Scherezade's lap.

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Location: Leaving
Tags: [member="Darth Tacitus"] | [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] | [member="Curupira Hawk"]


Again was an arm around her. She knew she had sort of asked for it, and still her insides potested. She willed them to shush as she leaned against Josh. There were other things to do. Important things. Like get the hell out of it and start planning the death of Katrine's mother, whose name she did not even know. It was settled then. Josh would take her to her ship, and then he'd return, and she'd go float somewhere in space, letting people slowly forget she'd ever existed. She wanted another swig from her bottle, but her bottle lay broken on the ground and there was no way to salvage what remained there.

She couldn't quite believe her ears when the droids were ordered to prepare a... A bath? And clothes? Scherezade blinked, the surprise breaking through her boozy fog. That... Hadn't been what she'd expected. This was the part where the peasants threw lettuce at her head, not the part where the Lord of the Castle offered her a bath and some clothes. She was also pretty sure her pants size was different than his, which put the whole clothes thing in question, so she remained quiet.

But then he spoke of other things. Of pain. And loss. Scherezade shrank into Josh's arms at hearing that, and could do little but nod when Tacitus said they would speak after the banquet. He had not been as stern with her as he'd been a moment earlier. In fact, if she thought about it, he had not actually been stern at all. He was... She didn't know what to make of it. She didn't know what to make of anything.

They were almost about to leave when she felt something warm and furry on her lap. Normally, she would have jumped back and draw her knives at such a thing. But she was slow right now.

Scherezade looked down, realizing a wolf's head was on her lap. She blinked in surprise. Gerwald? No. He looked completely different. He smelled completely different. Her fingers pet its head, feeling the fur. Even him fur felt different. But it was a wolf. She was surrounded by wolves, wherever she went, whatever she did.

Letting go of Josh, Scherezade crouched down, her arms wrapping around the wolf, smelling him. He didn't smell like pine forests and musk and freedom. He smelled... Entirely differently. And still she had a hard time releasing him, a hard time to top petting him, touching him.

After what felt like an eternity later, she and Josh finally left without added words, the protocol droids taking them to where she would bathe.

 

[Theodosius Organa]

It was hard not to notice the interaction of some.

[member="[member="Scherezade deWinter"]"] ‘s Force Scream had rippled through the Force. The Kashi Mystic had given pause, there in the corridor.

There in the Living Force he could feel the pain and anguish of the young woman. Not being devoted to the light or the dark, Theo peered through the veil from another perspective. To him they both were from the same coin, just like life and death. There was not one without the other. So he did not shy away from nether one.

Still he was not without empathy. Once more Theo knelt down and placed his hands upon the cold stone floor. Through the stone he examined the memories of the stone linked with the Force scream. With a span of a thought images, conversations, and even emotions twinkled through the mind of Theodosius. There, the events took place mainly with four people in the present these of the images took place.

There was two woman and two men. One of the men Theo knew to be [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] . The other man [member="[member="Darth Tacitus"]"] , Theo did not know personally.

One of the women was the young lady who let out the Force Scream. [member="Curupira Hawk"] was there as well.

Theo noted no one was in any threat of danger and it looked as if Josh was tending to the young lady in pain. So upon realizing it was none of his business Theo stood back up and started to walk down the hall again.

 

[Eugen Aker]

Moving deeper into the hall, she didn't feel any sense of mirth among the foreign attendees. Just tension and dread, as if no one really wanted to be here, just fulfilling their stately duties.

When Allyson quietly inquired about the identity of the all the VIPs, Jyoti had to take a moment to bite her tongue and hold back the snark. More than a few present were former enemies Silver Jedi. It left her leery seeing more of them assemble under the banner of the Confederacy. She understood the neutral nature of the CIS and liked them, but she felt like they were making a mistake with their open policies in the long run.

Snakes rarely stopped at one betrayal.

"The Echani is Srina Talon," she whispered. "Exarch of the CIS - the equivalent of a deputy prime minister."

That was Srina's official title, but from their exchanges, Jyoti knew that her counterpart's influence within the CIS was as great at Metus'. When it came to day to day management of the Confederacy, Jyoti considered her the de facto leader of the whole enterprise. Thus her focus had been on cultivating that particular relationship with her fellow Echani. It was a bonus that she liked Srina on a personal level, finding her intelligent and level-headed if just a tad blunt (a common Echani trait).

"Aside from Wolfe, and Malvern I don't know the other CIS officials by name," she admitted. "Though right now they really don't matter to us as outsiders."

As if on cue, Srina turned her attention on the Silver Jedi with a smile, Jyoti returning in kind as the Exarch made her introductions.

"Hello, Srina," she replied. "Oh no, the guards don't bother me in the slightest."

They really didn't - with a single thought, she could delete them from existence.

Closer now, she could overhear Tacitus speaking with Srina about relations with the locals, working in a snide comment about Nibelungen. She remained quiet, but couldn't help but think of the fact that Wolfe had brought all his misfortunes in the Nidhog system with a brutal invasion and subsequent pograms, but then she knew the Sith to be quite fond of revisionism.

Finally, Tacitus addressed her directly, cordial and welcoming in his greeting.

"Darth Tacitus," she replied with a small nod of respect. "Yes, in spite of our differences, I am glad we can come together like this to honor our dead - all life is precious."

Everything seemed to be going fine, no matter how she personally felt about their host, but then there was chaos.

She winced as she could hear a piercing scream emanate through both the Force and sound. Josh gave her a pat, then bounded off to the source of the disturbance, Tacitus and other leaving soon after. She remained still with the rest of her party, just looking in the direction of the origin of the scream, but she kept her thoughts on Josh, ready to spring into action if he needed her.

"This is turning out well..." she whispered to Allyson.

((Last post for this stage of the thread. I'll skip to the parade on my next post.))

[member="Darth Tacitus"] [member="Aryn Teth"] [member="Scherezade deWinter"] [member="Curupira Hawk"] [member="Kiso"] [member="Asaraa Vaashe"] [member="Srina Talon"] [member="Theodosius Organa"] [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] [member="Jessica Med-Beq"] [member="Noriko Ike"] [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] [member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

Allyson had remained at Jyoti’s side as she observed the entirety of the situation. You didn’t need to be empathic to feel tension in the air around the guests that attended. Didn’t help that the stronghold seemed readier for war than a celebration of life such as this. Hands remained behind her back folded, as her steps remained in tune with the Jedi beside her.

Jyoti answered her questions and Allyson glanced at everyone mentioned. The Corellian made note of their faces and where they stood within the current government of the Confederacy. It was interesting as Jyoti mentioned Srina and the power she held within. Never having interacted with any of them, Allyson made a note to make sure she introduced herself when the time came.

A slight smirk pulled at the corner of her lip as she read the Echani beside her. They had known each other long enough and Allyson could tell that the woman had more to say on the matter of the other guests. She wouldn’t poke at it – probably later since Allyson knew her curiosity would get the best of her.

At that moment the woman Jyoti pointed out as Srina Talon, turned to say hello to her fellow Echani. Allyson remained quiet letting the women exchange their pleasantries. A hand would extend afterwards from the Lt. Commander, “Allyson Locke, pleasure to finally meet you, Exarch.” Introductions would be cut short as a Force scream echoed and caused the pilot to shudder. Her hand pulled back quickly as covered her ear the best she could.

Josh left, leaving her and Jyoti on their toes in case the situation spiraled out of control. A heavy sigh and everyone left heading to the next stage of the event. Looking to the Echani Jedi, Allyson shook her head with a small smile. Her voice remaining low as well as she remarked. “At least no one can say this was going to be boring.” Looking towards the direction Josh ran off to, she folded her arms in front of her chest. “I hope he’ll be okay. We should start following everyone over.” Allyson nodded her and softly nudged the woman with her elbow.

“Diplomacy is weird, you know that.”


(Heading to the parade after this, just finishing up introductions)

[member="Darth Tacitus"] [member="Aryn Teth"] [member="Scherezade deWinter"] [member="Curupira Hawk"] [member="Kiso"] [member="Asaraa Vaashe"] [member="Srina Talon"] [member="Theodosius Organa"] [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] [member="Jessica Med-Beq"] [member="Noriko Ike"] [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] [member="Jyoti Nooran"]

 

[Frontier Tenacity]

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Attn: [member="Amethyst Atreides"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Curupira Hawk"] | [member="Lorelai Ventira"] | [member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Alessandra Creed"] | [member="Noriko Ike"] | [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] | [member="Allyson Locke"] | [member="Scherezade deWinter"] | [member="Jyoti Nooran"] | [member="Aryn Teth"] | [member="Kiso"] | [member="Theodosius Organa"] | [member="Josh DragonsFlame"]​

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• Parade Grounds
  Fortress of Solitude, Nelvaan

As the guests arrived to their assigned seats in the booths, they would be greeted by an awe-inspiring sight. The massive parade grounds occupied a sizeable portion of the fortress' southern section and the guests could immediately see why.

Along with dozens of walkers and war droids, over forty thousand troops stood at attention in perfectly ordered rectangles, silently awaiting the Overlord's speech, the soldiers as still and unmoving as the B1 Battle Droids that made up half of this massive contingent. And this was but a portion of the Shrouded Republic's military strength.

Heavily armed and outfitted with the latest high-tech equipment, the Shrouded Republic's army was a frightening sight. It was clear that the galaxy had yet to see the true destructive potential of this militarized nation and should anyone make enemies of the Confederacy, they would face such destruction as it hadn't been seen since the days of Revan and Malak.

Many of the numerous regiments assembled here, had a well-known history and a frightening reputation. The aptly named 72nd 'Death Guards' Infantry Regiment, comprised entirely of Nelvaanian natives, had a reputation for horrific cruelty towards any prisoners they captured. And they did not distinguish between military and civilian, torturing and killing any enemies they came across without any hint of mercy or remorse.

Several Ultranaut regiments bore insignias that spoke of their many battle exploits. Some had been present during the Conquest of Nibelungen and the crossed-lightsabers-and-skull emblems on their regimental flags, marked them out as units that killed over a hundred Force users in that battle.

Others had been involved in the invasions of Tund and Dredd, the latter being responsible for one of the highest body counts of Wild Space's recent military conflicts, having enacted Tacitus' decimation order against an entire district of the planet's massive city, killing a full tenth of its population in a swift and brutal genocide against what the Ancient Eye forces had deemed to be 'irredeemables', simply to make a point to the rest of the planet's residents. While it was true that the inhabitants of Dredd's Dark Zone district were violent and insane, they had ultimately suffered a cruel fate.

It was a great and terrible army, one who's discipline matched that of the First Order and which fought with a ferocity that rivaled the Sith Empire's. These were battle-hardened troops, who had learned to show no mercy or kindness, as they had demonstrated with their cold, calculated atrocities, which they believed to be the course that led to the least loss of life.

They were the product of a cruel galaxy, a people who survived having everything taken from them and being relentlessly hounded by the Galactic Empire and elements of the Outer Rim Coalition. To the Shrouded Republic, weakness was not something to be protected, but something evil and cancerous, to be hunted down and ruthlessly eliminated. In their eyes, the Nation had to survive, no matter the cost.

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

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• Parade Grounds
  Fortress of Solitude, Nelvaan

Cloak flapping in the wind like an angry banner of war, the Overlord climbed the steps to the large stone podium that stood at the center of the massive booth, flanked by Wolfguards on either side. Everything about him, from his posture, to the flawless cut of his uniform and the weapons hanging from his belt, pointed him out as a born military leader with countless years of experience. He held himself with an air of unquestionable authority as he silently scrutinized his army for a few brief moments before speaking.

A bone-rattling thunderclap rolled across the massive square as forty thousand soldiers clapped their fists against the chestplates of their armor, all moving as one in a display of the astonishing discipline that they were known for.

The Overlord acknowledged his troops with a salute of his own, his eyes beaming with pride. It was clear that, in his own way, he cared about his people, perhaps more than most rulers ever did. Every decision he had made, had been to insure their survival and prosperity, against insurmountable odds that this mastermind had somehow beaten.

"Once, there was a dream," he spoke, breaking the silence. His voice was carried across the entire parade grounds by hidden loudspeakers. "A dream of a Nation built on the ideals of peaceful coexistence and collective security in an otherwise chaotic and violent galaxy."

"Five years ago, that dream was murdered. There were those who, looking at this Nation with jealousy, sought to kill those who built it. There were those who, in their relentless pursuit of personal wealth and power, betrayed this Nation and all that it had stood for. At Krayiss II, than nation was stabbed through the heart," he spoke, pausing for effect.

"But, through the sacrifice of those valiant few who chose to make one final stand for the ideals of the Dominion, the Nation survived! We survived! Through their sacrifice, we have gained the chance to learn from our mistakes! And learn we did."

"Long have we endured the hardships and the horrors of this galaxy. Many challenges we have faced and overcome. Throughout the years, we have learned how to replace weakness with strength! Chaos with order! Discord with discipline..."

"Less than a year ago, our people once more had to sacrifice and leave a home behind! Because of the actions of vile traitors, once more our worlds burned! Over four million of our people died in the tragedy that was the collapse of the Ancient Eye, a nation which merely sought to bring order and modernity to an otherwise lawless and desolate part of this galaxy,," the Overlord said, hoping that the number would weigh heavily on the conscience of the Silver Jedi guests. "But once more, the Nation survived!"

"Today, we are a transformed Nation! No longer held back by the Dominion's weakness, we have become proud, prosperous, strong! For us, a great future lies ahead! Together with our Confederate brothers and sisters, we will build a better future, one free of corruption and complacency, where the principles of meritocracy and justice stand absolute, as immovable as the mountains upon which we stand!" Tacitus spoke, his words impassioned and powerful.

"And for our enemies, there will be only great wrath..." he said, more silently and slowly, once more pausing for effect.

"Let us remember those who died so that we may stand here, today! Let us remember the people of the Dominion and the allies which gave their lives so that we may build a better galaxy! Let us remember those who fell in defense of this Nation, on Krayiss II, on Winter, on Nibelungen, on Dredd, Tund, Haven, Ankhypt, Caradim, Lowick and Edemar! And let us honor them by making their sacrifice matter! By making the hard, necessary sacrifices so that this Nation and the great Confederacy that it is a part of, continues to survive and grow!"

"Let us never forsake those who yet live and always uphold the principles for which this Nation stands! Unity through strength! And justice without mercy!"

The end of the Overlord's speech led to another thunderclap rolling across the massive square as once more, the soldiers saluted. Then, the orchestra began to play the national anthem, each note filled with purpose. One by one, the regiments of the assembled army began to march, forming perfectly ordered columns as they paraded in front of the booths from left to right, heading for the fortress' exit. Their march would continue on foot, to the nearby capital city, a symbolic representation of the hardships that the nation had endured.

Overhead, countless TIE fighters and Vulture droids soared, joined by heavy assault dropships and troop shuttles. The impressive military might of the Shrouded Republic was paraded in front of the assembled guests, a display of strength and reassurance for their compatriots, whom this great army protected with its life.