Fly the Colours

[Fiolette Fortan]

Galidraanhttp://starwarsrp.net/topic/133616-the-vassal-state-of-galidraan/​

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Ablett Armada Base​

Northumbria County​

[member="Marayna Danforth"]​

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ARMED FORCES DAY​

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A celebration of Galidraan's finest sons and daughters and those lucky enough to graduate on this day often try to impress their future superiors. All throughout the Galidraani System, there would be a show of force from starships on display surrounding the planets, to the showing of troops on the ground. Parades, air shows and naval prowess on show across Galidraan's many seas and vast oceans. Armed Forces Day often accompanied the transition of spring to summer, and thus it would be warm - warmer than Fiolette preferred it but then again Herevan was colder than its seaside counterparts. It also meant a series of uniforms would be on display, from ancient Darkness-era uniforms to the modern incorporation of the Sith Empire emblems and motifs. Performances paying homage to these older eras would also be put on for the public, and this would allow Sith Empire military to mingle with Galidraani forces.

It is not unheard of for Sith Empire military leaders to recruit from the Militia on this day either. Nor was it unheard of for Galidraan to celebrate its more famous sons and daughters, such as [member="Natasi Fortan"] or in this case. Fiolette Raaf, who had been newly appointed Lord Admiral by the Sith Empire and as such she was asked to come home for such celebrations. Which meant that the Seventh Fleet would also be honored by Galidraan as if the burgeoning number of ships didn't already crowd the system. Fiolette's wife [member="Taeli Raaf"] was also welcomed with open arms, of course, her being a member of the Triumvirate didn't hurt matters either.

Ablett Armada Base sat facing the Carnarvon Sea, a typically brutal cold sea throughout most of the year. Today it was calmer, warmer even as the antiquated Age of Sail vessels took to the glittering sea. Fiolette wore a uniform from late in the era, hair pulled back with a more modern style to it. Thank the Queen she did not have to wear her hair up in the same style of the era. A security detail comprised of the local Militia kept the distance between Fiolette, the base's commander and the press. "Thank you for the tour Commodore it was truly delightful." She thanked him graciously and motioned for them to continue. "Please tell me of the events for the day."

"We've already seen the display for the Age of Sail, no doubt they'll reset for the next performance. There is a Fly the Colours parade later on in the afternoon, a show of equipment for the locals and of course the groundbreaking of the college later today." Commodore Ashley Hale informed the Lord Admiral of the day's events plainly, the two walked side by side arms at their backs. They began to proceed up the steps toward the battlements that faced the Carnarvon. The aforementioned college would now be the pride of Galidraan's military schools, the Duncan-Sandes Military College and it was situated on land donated by the Blakeslee family with the South Downs at the school's back and the North Channel at its face.

On the battlements Fiolette and Commodore Hale found themselves leaning against them. "Your new aide-de-camp should be arriving shortly, seems you've a busy day ahead Lord Admiral."

"Ah yes, so it seems, but please don't remind me," she remarked with a small chuckle. "It is a marvelous day though, I'll admit."

"Indeed, just as Her Majesty ordered."

Fiolette gave a knowing nod as she cast a glance out toward the Carnarvon once more, as the sounds of drums and horns were heard. Time on the battlements would end soon enough, as the sounds of drums and horns signaled that another parade was about to start.

 

[Marayna Danforth]

Lord Captain Marayna Marilie Danforth had never been an aide-de-camp before, nor did she ever foster the ambition of performing the honor. In fact, she only found herself hastily --and reluctantly-- instated at the very last minute after the actual aide-de-camp had the bad luck of falling down a flight of stairs and breaking his leg in two different places. With little experience in these matters, perhaps the blonde Galidraani’s one stroke of luck was that her predecessor --as poor has he had been climbing stairs-- was a meticulous organizer who documented everything that needed to be done and already prepared most of the work well in advance. All that was left for Marayna to do was to supervise the smooth execution of the preparations and, with the to-do list projected onto the touch screen display of the datapad in her left hand, that was exactly what the female Lord Captain was doing as she stood in the repurposed office at the Ablett Armada Base on Galidraan.

The office, which actually belonged to the logistical division of the Ablett Armada Base until Marayna requested its use, had been repurposed into a dressing room for Lord Admiral Fiolette Raaf for several reasons; including its view over the Carnarvon Sea and the refreshingly cool breeze that came in through the windows, and the possibility of directly crossing into the adjacent office, which was repurposed to serve as Marayna’s own dressing room, without having to venture out into the hallway. Most of the sparse furniture, which consisted of four desks and an assortment of matching leather chairs, had been pushed up against the walls in order to make room for a large clothing rack holding --in chronological order-- the various uniforms and hats Fiolette was expected to wear throughout the Armed Forces Day. On the desk closest to the clothing rack stood a silver platter with several empty glasses and, right next to it, three large bottles of water for the Lord Admiral’s refreshment. As she stood there, carefully looking over the final details and cross-checking them with the list on her datapad, Marayna watched how an officer placed a silver platter containing a variety of sandwiches on the desk next to the water bottles. Those were a finishing touch in case the Lord Admiral would start to feel peckish, and the blonde-haired Lord Captain could see that the platter was covered by transparent foil to keep the sandwiches fresh.

Noticing that everything was executed exactly as her predecessor had planned, a content smile began to adorn Marayna’s pale face while she turned off her datapad and stuffed it into one of the pockets of her blue uniform coat. Hearing the sound of drums and horns coming from the parade grounds, the Galidraani’s blue eyes carefully looked over the room once last time before she decided that the preparations were sufficient and her supervision was no longer required. After swiftly glancing over her reflection in the mirror, the Lord Captain put on her hat and left the office; making her way towards the battlements, where Commodore Hale said to look for them.

Within the short span of several minutes, the Lord Captain arrived on the battlements. Just by following the press she was able to find Lord Admiral Raaf and Commodore Hale easily enough and, after identifying herself to the security detail as the Lord Admiral’s new aide-de-camp, Marayna was able to approach the woman. “Lord Admiral Raaf?” As Marayna’s voice left her glossed lips with the sweet accent native to Galidraan III, she straightened her back and presented the woman with a crisp salute. “Lord Captain Marayna Danforth, reporting as your new aide-de-camp, Ma’am.” Her curled blonde hair waved slightly in the gentle coastal breeze as she stood there and, with her blue eyes resting upon the Lord Admiral, Marayna couldn’t help but to feel proud to be there.

[member='Fiolette Raaf']

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Fiolette Raaf"] [member="Marayna Danforth"]

While her wife was completely and utterly required for the events going on today, Taeli was under no such constraints. She was here merely as a visitor, a tourist almost really, but she had to disguise herself after the first day on Galidraan. Apparently, the Triumvir of Power walking the streets and exploring shops attracted the gawking attention of a population that hadn't seen many Force users, let alone someone as famous or infamous as her. She had excused herself while Fiolette had been getting dressed in a period uniform, giving her beloved a kiss before leaving, and had quietly ensconced herself at the nearest bookstore.

Dressed in a simple and loose green dress, starting to show signs of her advancing pregnancy, she had altered her hair and eye color, and a Force Illusion was wrapped around her face to make her features a bit simpler than usual. Less defining jaw, more heart-shaped. Feet propped up on a cushion in the reading area, a stack of books on Galidraani history next to her, and a mug of tea, she was content while she imagined her wife having to deal with the rigors and tedium of her schedule.

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

The beat of footsteps toward the battlements let the Lord Admiral know that another had joined them up on the battlements. She turned to give the woman her full attention and returned the Lord Captain's crisp salute with one of her own. "As you were Lord Captain Danforth," she replied with a smile, "I trust you have found everything you need for the day?" It was rather rhetorical but the question offered up a conversation where there was little room for it to be had. As the drums began to play and the coastal breeze swept over the battlements Commodore Hale cleared his throat and motioned for the two women to move forward.

Back down the battlements, proper Lord Admiral Raaf crossed a portion of the base to reach a carriage that awaited the three of them. Fiolette knew it would be so much easier to simply take the carriage, and she would if Taeli were at her side. "How are your marching legs, Commodore?" She teased and kept forward heading toward what she could see to be the rear of a formation. The band started up and the popping of confetti and the numerous whistles informed the group that the parade was now making its way down the street as Ablett Armada Base's troops prepared for their entry.

An enlisted man noticed the Lord Admiral's approach and called for attention. "Now let's see if I remember this correctly..." The Lord Admiral remarked as she marched into formation with the Commodore. Since Taeli was not at her side it meant she would march with the troops.

The bark of marching orders sent an all too familiar chill down her spine. Her skin tightened beneath the fabric of her uniform, it had been far too long since she'd been able to march with the troops. Bearings on, shoulders squared and her eyes forward as it came down to her to call out the marching columns. Foward March! Memories of her time with the Atrisian Empire suddenly went full in her mind as her feet marched in time with the drums that played the cadence for the parade. Ablett's marching unit would soon join the parade with the band playing in the front and the sound of bagpipes from Galidraan III was heard. Period uniforms for all as they marched down the road and crowds gathered to watch, vendors with their food and arts for sale set up behind the crowds as the Galidraani sun continued to shine upon them.

Meanwhile in the book shop as the parade went out along the avenue the men and women had their gossip about the Armed Forces. Gossip regarding the aristocracy, the empire and anything else really. Whispers of witchcraft and magic were hushed, rumors of the Triumvir being on the planet quickly quieted many. Others were more curious, talk of witchcraft resumed and had captivated the quiet book shop for a moment. The owner would have none of it, the Force wasn't real and neither was magic. Revealing Galidraan's traditionalist views regarding the Force and was seen as witchcraft or the Devil's work. True Galidraani need not rely on such superstitions and were able to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps.

The exchange would be drowned by the sound of horns and drums, the cheers from the people who gathered outside as the parade came marching by.

[member="Marayna Danforth"] | [member="Taeli Raaf"]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi had arrived at Galidraan a few days ahead of the festivities, preferring to spend a few days at the newly rebuilt Herevan Hold. She had been pleased to see that her instructions had been followed to the letter, and the stately house had been rebuilt to be an almost exact replica of the destroyed castle, but with new and modern conveniences. Additionally, a large brace of trees from the Old Forest had, to her specifications, been carefully transplanted a quarter mile to form a visual barrier between Herevan Hold and the monstrous carbuncle that her aunt Fiolette had foisted upon Herevan, the Herevan Ridge school. Although Natasi would always know it was there, she was now spared the constant visual reminder of its presence by virtue of the massive, tall trees forming a forest beyond the lawn.

The Grand Moff was not dressed in a military uniform, for she had not served in the Galidraani Armed Forces, although by virtue of her position as Countess of Herevan she was technically Lord Lieutenant of the Herevan Territorial. Still, Natasi felt it would have been churlish to show up in uniform, so she wore a decidedly non-militaristic dress of pale cream silk, a fashionable hat and shoes, pearls, gloves, and, and her Cosmic Balance pendant.

Natasi hadn't needed an overwrought uniform to conquer a quarter of the galaxy, and she didn't intend to put on the charade now.

The Age of Sail display had always been one of Natasi's favorites. An ancient relative -- she couldn't recall who, now, and thanks to the treachery of Imogen Fortan, the family books were lost to the fire at Herevan Hold some decade ago now -- had been a commodore of the ancient Galidraani fleet. The stories she had been told -- breathless, romantic tales of intrigue and swashbuckling -- had captivated her as a girl, and even now, after the ships had retired from the display and she had moved to watch the parade, she wondered what it might be like to push away from a pier with nothing but the endless expanse of the unknown seas ahead of her. Space naval affairs were interesting, it was true, and she had proved adept at it over countless naval engagements, but it still felt less magical than unfurling a sail and going where the wind took one.

The Grand Moff found herself a spot, aided in part by deferential citizens who made way for her to come towards the front. She watched, dark eyes alight and lips pleasantly turned up at the edges, as the different regiments paraded through. She might have felt a stir of patriotic emotion if it hadn't been for the knowledge that, through its membership in the Sith Empire, Galidraan was effectively under her aunt's thumb -- whether the older woman cared to admit it or not. Still, Natasi reflected, there were worse places to be as the chilly Northumbrian spring turned to summer. The piped tunes from ancient days, the clamber of marching feet on cobble, and the sweet smell of wildflowers blooming made Natasi -- now entering middle aged at forty -- feel like a girl again.

It was good to be a Galidraani on Armed Force Day.

 

[Willan Tal]

The older lord frowned and took a drink from his glass of Herevan strongly brewed whiskey. He was dressed in the finest military uniform he owned and all around him the smells, and sounds that would typically be expected from a Galidraani military parade filled the air, but Theodore found he barely noticed them. The food was delicious, the marching band was delightful, and yet he couldn’t seem to stop his mind from wandering in several different directions all at once, and it was making it increasingly difficult to focus on the simpler pleasantries at hand.

Theodore leaned against the balcony overlooking the parade grounds as soldiers from all corners of the state marched by, lost in his thoughts and contemplations of the future and what it had in store for Galidraan. His eyes away from the scenery below, He gestured a maid over with a flick of his fingers. She wordlessly poured him another shot of whiskey like the absolute angel that she is, and he takes a measured sip before tipping her on her way.

He dug his cigarette clip out of his coat pocket, holding the slim paper roll to the lighter, inhaling sharply before exhaling a small cloud of smoke over the balcony edge. With his recent promotion to Brigadier of the colonial expeditionary force being officiated, the lord of Warwick knew the trials of war as well as the next man in the militia, but it still pained him knowing many of the younger cadres would not live to see another Carnarvon sunrise.

One long drag of his cigarette wasn’t nearly enough time to process the fact that this was also his son and heirs first military parade, leading the procession march of the Warwick black watch guard who was one of the oldest regiments still active in the royal armed forces, with a history dating back since before the gulag plague. These hardened men hailed from the harsh Northern climes of Galidraan and were as hard as the land they hailed from, with a fierce reputation for close quarters fighting and skill at traversing difficult mountain and boggy terrain. They were also remarkable in the sense that they were one of the few militia regiments that were allowed beards, a nod to their origins as a pioneer unit and in part to their cultural heritage as being a northern regiment.

 

[Marayna Danforth]

As she stood at ease, Marayna spread her feet just slightly apart and folded her hands behind her back, allowing the nimble fingers of her left hand to wrap around her right wrist. “I did, Ma’am.” A content smile began to form on the Lord Captain’s face as she spoke, and she nodded in confirmation to further accentuate her words while her blue eyed gaze came to rest upon Fiolette’s cobalt blue eyes. “Your accommodations have been prepared for the ceremony.” Never one with the patience for long answers full of unnecessary information, especially not in front of new people, Marayna’s answer was as brief --maybe even downright curt-- as it was professional. While it was this uneasiness with unnecessary small talk that could sometimes lead to uncomfortable silences around the Lord Captain, the sudden sound of drums, followed by Commodore Hale discreetly clearing his throat, prevented such a thing as they soon found themselves moving down the battlements.

If there was something Marayna couldn’t really appreciate, it was an unexpected situation. Those had the tendency to force improvisation on her part, and that was just what she had to do after they made it back down the battlements; instead of boarding the waiting carriage, which would have been much preferred in this heat, Lord Admiral Raaf instead headed directly towards the rear of the formation. Considering her options real fast while the band started up, Marayna discreetly veered away from the Lord Admiral and instead made her way towards the confused carriage driver. With a curt “Follow”, which was further accentuated in coldness by a combination of mild annoyance over having to deviate from her plan, along with the simple fact she was forced to walk in this temperature as well against her own wishes, she instructed the carriage to follow them from a discreet distance in case the Lord Admiral would change her mind about walking. As the carriage driver acknowledged the instruction, Marayna hopped back off the carriage and fastened her pace just slightly in order to catch back up to Lord Admiral Raaf and, like a good aide-de-camp, to take her place just three steps behind the woman.

While marching had never been her most favourite thing, there was little she could do about it now if the Lord Admiral decided she wanted to march. And so, as an enlisted man called for attention and the Lord Admiral marched into formation along with Commodore Hale, Marayna was left with little choice but to follow suit and at least pretend like she enjoyed walking in this heat.

[member='Fiolette Raaf']

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

By the March's end, Fiolette shook hands with members of the government and various members of the Militia. "How are your marching steps, Admiral?"

"I felt myself off at least once or twice, but good overall," She admitted to Commodore Hale as the various broke away to move forward with other events around the area. "Though I suspect a shower and a change of uniform is now in order for the upcoming show." Fiolette could feel the Galidraani sun beating down on them now, as the asphalt soaked up much of the heat. Black shoes did not help matters any and her feet burned something fierce. A barricade kept the military from the populace as they too went about to other events and vendors shouted off - showing food and drink, along with portable cooling devices to the masses. Enticing them to spend their quids there, or chance that they should find another vendor group elsewhere in the area.

"Lord Captain, how are you feeling?" Raaf asked Danforth plainly, and before the woman could answer. "Why don't we head off back to the base via the carriage with the Commodore here, and prepare for the next set of displays, shall we?"

Fiolette did notice the woman's diligence and her work, the detail that went into it. "Now then, tell me more about yourself Lord Captain." FIolette waited for the younger officer to board the carriage as Commodore Hale made room for them. Once inside she shut the carriage door behind them, and got a look out over the Carnavron Sea, "such a lovely view, almost as lovely as the Northern Channel." Or her personal favorite the Southern Straits, Commodore Hale interjected.

"Oh, I don't know, the Tudor is quite the vast body of water, and holds such splendor."

"That it does," Fiolette agreed offhandedly, regarding the Tudor Sea which sat on the other side of the main content.

Meanwhile, the Galidraani Broadcasting Corporation kept a focus on various events around the system. Galidraan III's own naval display showing off great battleships and escorts within its vast seas. Galidraan IV's unique army units put on their own drum and bagpipe showing, with parades galore. Various period uniforms were on display, and even Galidraan Station got in on the act, showing off pre-Gulag Plague regimental colors, although small in number Galidraan Station's men and women were known for withstanding unsurmountable odds. Stand your ground, Galidraan Station were often the mantra stated by the service members there.

In the bookshop where Lady Raaf sat quietly reading.

A rather peculiar set of men and women entered, peculiar in that she would be able to sense them within the Force. They seemed every bit as normal as the next Galidraani, but there was something more to them now. A glint in their eyes, as they scoured the occult section of the book shop. Gossipers continued about downplaying the Force, each of them was suddenly silenced as if they had lost their voice. The peculiar men and women had a small giggle, made their purchase and left the shop returning the voices of those gossipers. They mentioned in an exchange near Lady Raaf that there would be some sort of service honoring the Armed Forces at the Grand Basicilia of the Celestial near Thames later on. Another group of the commonwealth spoke about Governor Parlow, how he had stolen credit from Governor Vitalis. Vitalis had been the inagural governor and ensured the smooth transfer. Parlow was more known for sitting on his rear, and they wondered how much Parlow paid the Chronicle for such praise.

[member="Marayna Danforth"] | [member="Theodore Royce-Clarke"] | [member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Lydia Walsh"]