Fragile

[Feena]

A message had been sent out, well, more of an invitation, really. Dinner with the Archon in her private apartment. She did not explain why she had invited who she did, or what they could expect during this dinner. But Archon Feena Mason never invited anyone to her place of residence of Bothawui. Not even before she had been attacked in this very same apartment.

So for her to invite guests over now out of the blue? It was certainly strange.

Feena sat at the head of the table dressed, as always, in the latest fashion. Like a 'Queen', as her husband called her, although she was really anything but. A Queen didn't have to work such long hours...
She pushed a stray curl back over her shoulder and adjusted the golden chain looping through her hair. Across her forehead, the chain dripped a series of small blue jewels. Fashionable on her home world of Naboo. But her gown for the evening, blue silk with a high neckline and sleeves that came to a point on her hands, was from here, Bothawui.
On top of that, she wore a long violet sleeveless duster made of velvet from half way across the Galaxy. This had been a gift from her brother right before he died. She had not worn it before this night, but somehow, the feel of the soft fabric calmed her. She would never get him back, but remembering him was her only way of keeping him alive.

The Archon sighed and looked around the lavish dining hall. This... had not been her design. She preferred simple, elegant, yes, but simple. This was far from simple. Too much glittered, too many curtains on the walls, not nearly enough natural light. But her apartment had been set up to entertain royalty, and she was far too busy to bother re-designing it. It would do well enough for this meeting in any case.

And besides... what she wanted to request tonight was hardly an official matter, but rather a private one. A family matter.

 

[Sanna Legra]

Coming to these kinds of parties was nice though not Sanna's preferability. She was often the more enegergetic and not dressing too fancy type. But, then again, this was something else being held by the Archon of the CIS. Being that this was from the offical of all officals in the faction meant that it was one of those invitations you didn't ignore. She figured she'd been inviated for having attended her daugter's party and making friends with her husband Keter in the process. With that in mind she'd realized she'd not really meat the Archon then but did see her at least. Hoefully this would be the chance to meet her she hoped for.

Sanna arrived dressed long violet dress with a cut up the side that revealed her right leg. Her gloves went up to her elbow but had no finger holes as to expose her clawed digits. Her hair had been more cleaed up and styled while she wore black high heels. As she walked in them it was clear by the way she was trying to be careful not to tip over that Sanna was not used to walking in thse types of shoes. But after the advice from her master to dress as apporpriatly as possible she caved and wore them. Though to ther they felt constraining on her toes that she often prefer to keep free.

Arriving and seeing @[member="Feena Mason"] in person she bowed, almost stumbling over as she did, and said "Greetings, your majesty. Or, uh, your Archoness. Or, uh.....madam." She looked up and gave an awkward laugh, indicating she wasn't used to this.

 

[Feena]

The first to arrive was a girl Feena had only seen at her daughters party. She didn;t recall why she sent her an invitation, but she was sure she had a good reason at the time. Feena rose as her protocol droid led the young woman in.

"Lady Archon," she corrected gently, "Or, rather, call me Mrs. Mason for tonight. That would be more appropriate, I think."

This was no official meeting, and she did not feel comfortable using her title to influence those she wished to help her.

"Please sit. The other should arrive momentarily, if they accepted my invitation."

@[member="Sanna Legra"]

 

[Ak'lya]

The Viceroy of Bothuwai stepped, carefully, into the hallway outside of the apartment. When the Archon called, it was best to respond. And with all haste. Waiting for an invitation in, he stood, poised. He didn't want to be the only one here, but he didn't wish to be late. Sighing, the Bothan spoke up. "Lady Archon?"
@[member="Feena Mason"] @[member="Sanna Legra"]

 

[Gorba the Hutt]

Sith were not welcome in the galaxy. In the past year of exile that had been made all too clear to Tycho. Well did he remember the words spoken by his grandfather as he departed Tapani. "Join the Sith. Regain your honor." How would he ever do that now? The Empire had fallen. What was were mere fragments of a greater ideal. Try as they might, even the One Sith could not put all the pieces together again. The One Sith... they had been Tycho's natural next destination, but they too had failed him. Shot and captured in the first raid? Luck seemed to have singled him out for all the rainy days.

What followed afterward, interrogation from the Protectorate, disavowing the One Sith and his eventual escape to freedom only led to more troubles, though in the course of his escape he had managed to commandeer a Privateer-class frigate. With this ship, he had attempted to return to Tapani, but the House Defense Forces of his father had turned him away. Into exile he returned, but where would his course steer now? Disowned by his father until he deemed him worthy. Hunted by the One Sith. Only the Confederacy offered any semblance of hope. The welcome into the ranks of the Templars was a frigid one. Sith were not welcome in the galaxy.

Shorn sighed, "And here I sit amidst the charred remnants of my honor, trying to build castles out of ashes."

He walked up the steps to the Archon's private gala. He did not know why he had been invited, but he was accustomed to the mysteries of court intrigue amongst the Tapani Noble Houses. Templar politics could not be all that different. The guards glanced warily at the sword hanging from his belt as he passed, but they noted the Templar armor he wore and did not stop him. A bit gaudy, he admitted. The white body glove with gold-leafed armor plates and a white cloak edged with a gold fringe was very fashionable in the Core, but out here the opulence might be a bit much.

Following a Bothan in he moved to the side and waited with a pleasant smile to greet the host.

@[member="Feena Mason"] @[member="Strask Ak'lya"] @[member="Sanna Legra"]

 

[Feena]

The Archon smiled at each male that arrived, particularly the viceroy of Bothawui. She was pleased to have him here.

"Welcome, both of you. Please sit. I will wait just one moment longer for any others to arrive, then I will of course tell you why I invited you each here."

Her smile faded when she noted the sword hanging at the side of @[member="Tycho Shorn"], but she said nothing. If she did not trust the Templar Order, then she would not have agreed to become their Archon.

@[member="Strask Ak'lya"] @[member="Sanna Legra"]

 

[Garza]

"Will you be attending to the Archon's calling?" I turned around from my bed to look at a droid that was leaning over me, "Oh sithspit! I forgot about that!" In a instant I had sprung up from my bed and got dressed in my usual attire of a sleeveless turtleneck sweater that had been cut down so I just had a high popped collar. I placed my twin lightsabers on my belt with my taken S-1 heavy blaster pistol on my right thigh. "Don't worry X, you're not late, just reminding you." I turned around to look at K, my proxy droid that was built for training me when we both had been roaming the galaxy before my entrance into the end of the war with the Fel imperium. Now that I am with the CIS, I hoped to earn my respect by being on time. Looks like I will now have to work harder at that department.

"Thank you K, but I am trying to be early so I can earn my respect." K didn't say another word just left the room to go back to "sleep" After I was ready I made my way to the expansive room after others were already meeting. As a sixteen year old, I was clearly the youngest, but I was a Knight as well. Earning my rank after I had gotten to the CIS, I had wished that I could have received my Imperial armor from the Fel, but that was not to be. Instead I got better armor in my opinion.

I moved myself to sit down next to a woman that looked part feline by the way of her skin, and tail that was looked to be strange on a human's body. I nodded my head and waited for others, that was if there was anybody.

@[member="Feena Mason"], @[member="Tycho Shorn"], @[member="Strask Ak'lya"], @[member="Sanna Legra"]

 

[Ak'lya]

Strask entered, bowing to @[member="Feena Mason"] before taking a seat close enough to hear, but far enough away to seem like one of a lesser status than the others. He studied the others in the room. The.... cat, @[member="Sanna Legra"], just as uncomfortable here as Strask would have been years ago, @[member="Tycho Shorn"], the space wizard, looking almost like he wanted them to like him. And @[member="Xander Carrick"], the other wizard, who had been a transfer,.from what he had heard. What the Archon wanted from this crowd, one could only imagine.

 

[Sanna Legra]

With the settling of how to address @[member="Feena Mason"], Sanna took a seat. She just sat quietly as the others made their way in. She took note of each of them, even more so the one that came in armed. She didn't say anything since no one else did but didn't exactly hide the fact she wasn't comfortable with him carrying that around. If there was any rabble rousing to go on she was going to be one to start it. Then she noticed the blonde haired boy sit next to her. She glanced over, seeing how handsome he was, and smiled a little before looking away. She tried not to show how bashful she was around such a handsome boy like him but it was hard to hide.

@[member="Strask Ak'lya"] @[member="Xander Carrick"] @[member="Tycho Shorn"]

 

[Feena]

As yet another of the invited arrived, Feena smiled and nodded her head in greeting, motioning for the blond man to take a seat. There was still time for more to arrive, but she could serve appetizers while they waited. She nodded to the protocol droid in the corner, who promptly disappeared into the large kicthen, spoke briefly to the other droids preparing the dinner then returned with a large platter of a dozen little salads.

"Thank you all for arriving so promptly. I did not expect to have so many so soon. This is... encouraging."

Another droid filled the glass in front of her with a pink, fragraint blossom wine. She nodded her thanks and the droid moved around the table, offering a selection of beverages to the guests.

@[member="Sanna Legra"] @Strask Ak'lya @Xander Carrick @Tycho Shorn

 

[Garza]

I nodded my head in return to the Archon. And noticing that the cat woman had looked at me with a smile, I decided to ignore it for now. After being knighted and having my Birthday of 19 years old, it was rather nice. Now as the droid came around to distribute drinks, I simply wanted water. And was given as such. I looked around at the others who were here. Each wondering how they had gotten here.

 

[Gorba the Hutt]

"Archon," Tycho bowed respectfully in greeting and seated himself at the table. He unbuckled his sword belt and set it to rest against his chair. He was seated directly across from @[member="Sanna Legra"] and @[member="Xander Carrick"]. He smiled disarmingly at the feline, noticing the light flirtation between her and the Templar Knight. The Bothan he automatically assumed to be a spy. It was a species stereotype that oft proved all too true.

Electric blue eyes looked toward @[member="Feena Mason"], the Archon. His gaze did not waver as it met hers. Arrogance, or self-confidence - call it what you may - could be both a hindrance and a strength.

 

[Ak'lya]

Strask took a wine from the droid, took a sip, and regretted it. He was unused to the refinement of his position, and was still used to the beverage choices of the Mos Espa cantinas. @[member="Tycho Shorn"] was giving him a look, like.... like he wasn't to be trusted. The Bothan flashed a smile before returning his attention to @[member="Feena Mason"], his voice quiet with reverence. "With all due respect, Lady Archon, what do you expect of us? Everyone here cares for you." The Bothan seemed kind, and in truth, perhaps a touch. But if one thing is learned on the streets, then it's who to side with. And in this case, it was with the government.
After all, that was his paycheck.
@[member="Xander Carrick"] @[member="Sanna Legra"]

 

[Sanna Legra]

Sanna looked away from @[member="Xander Carrick"], since he seemed to ignore her, and then saw @[member="Tycho Shorn"] eyeing her for a moment. She tried to hide a little smile on her face before the droid came with the wine. She nodded her thanks before taking a sip. After that she gulped the rest of it down, licking her lips from what was left over. After hearing what both @[member="Strask Ak'lya"] and @[member="Feena Mason"] said, Sanna looked to the Archon and nodded in agreement that she did genuinely care about whatever it was she needed them for.

 

[Feena]

Feena shook her head slowly, looking down at the pretty pink liquid in her glass. Her lips quirked into a half smile as the Bothan insisted that they 'cared' for her. A noble gesture, to be sure. And one of the reasons she had chosen to invite this group. They were all very different. But they had something in common.

"Just Mrs. Mason tonight, if you please," she corrected, gentle as the wind, "Tonight, I am not the Archon, and the reason I brought all of you here... well it is hardly official confederacy business."

She took a deep sip of her wine, glancing towards the door, waiting to see if anyone else would be joining them.

@[member="Sanna Legra"] @[member="Tycho Shorn"] @[member="Strask Ak'lya"] @[member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

Somebody else would be joining them!

Technically, Kiskla was not a member of the Confederation. She was however, a member of The Republic and therefore a recognized ally. And as the Councillor of Reconciliation, it was her duty to maintain ties and make sure both factions remained united. As it seemed, there was a darkness rumbling deep within The Galaxy and she wanted to make sure that everything between all members of the individuals was peachy so that when they needed back up, or The Republic needed aid, it would be given.

It was surprising what could be accomplished just by answering an invitation to a dinner table. She had been slightly detained because of some hiccup with the senate, but she wasn't going to miss this evening. She didn't look like a Jedi, but she didn't look like a princess either. Should anything unravel, her apparel guaranteed her limbs operational unlike that one time on Naboo when she'd been forced to fight Sith in a skirt. Awkward. Her blonde hair was pulled back, and nothing obscured her vision as she entered the vicinity, escorted by one of the Archon's personal servants. The room was already quite filled, and Kiskla sadly realized she knew few -- something that would have to change for all members of The Republic if they were going to recognize these people as allies.

The first thing she should do, was greet the hostess. Many others were as well, and she followed suit. The woman had a glass to her lips when Kiskla arrived and recognized her from the archives. Confidently, she approached the dark-haired mistress and introduced herself.

"Archon @[member="Feena Mason"], thank you for the invitation. I'm Kiskla Grayson from The Republic." That'd be enough, I mean, Feena had sent the invite so she knew someone from the pubs would be there. Now, Kiskla had put a face and a name to the ambassador.

 

[Gorba the Hutt]

The white-clad Templar felt a prickle across his neck. Someone was staring at him. He turned. Ah, the cat-woman. He winked at @[member="Sanna Legra"] across the table. However, at that moment a powerful presence entered the room... a beacon of light, otherwise known as the currently war-happy Jedi. Shorn turned around in his chair, prepared to intensely dislike the lightsider. Then his blue eyes settled on her figure. She wore black attire that spoke of action and poise. Blonde hair tumbled from her head and fell below her shoulders. His eyebrows raised slightly. He had not expected a Jedi to appear quite so.... pre-possessing.

Shorn would not pretend that that made his feelings toward the Jedi slightly more amenable. Hmm. He knew many women of great beauty in the Tapani Noble Houses. All of them used their charms to guilefully manipulate others. Particularly men like his father. It proved one of many causes for his undoing. Tycho would not fall prey to the same trick. Fool a Shorn once...

He smiled cheerfully at @[member="Kiskla Grayson"], every bit the affable Templar. He did not, however, hide the Dark Side that rippled from his Sith sword, or from the struggle within him. Tycho had committed acts he was not proud of with that blade. What would it be like, to be fully in the light? For the barest second, his smile faltered. But no... he would carve anew his name, even if he had to wield Murmegil to do it.

 

[Feena]

Feena's smile was at it's widest when the Republic ambassador was led inside. She glanced at the chrono on the wall. Right on time. Perfect! Not a second too late, or too early. Just what Feena would expect from a Jedi Councillor. After all... Feena herself once served in their council, and although change in the Order made her feel too uncomfortable to stay, she still had respect for the idea of the Republic at least, even if she now served a different half of the Galaxy.
Feena had the feeling that she was going to like this woman. Or maybe she was biased because her last name was the same as Feena's before she married. Small Galaxy.


"Welcome Republic Ambassador @[member="Kiskla Grayson"]," she greeted, setting her drink down, standing and bowing before the Jedi, "Please have a seat. Help yourself to the appetizers available. If there is nobody else here," she continued glancing at the droid at the door, who shook it's metal head stiffly, "Then please allow me to explain why I have asked you all here."

She nodded to one of the droids by the dining room door and it hit a button. The lights dimmed, but left more than enough light for her guests to eat and drink. Nobody could ever say Feena Mason was a bad host.

"Now. First of all, I would like to thank you all for making it. As most of you know, last month, in this very apartment, there was an... incident."

She took a deep breath, hand immediately going to her shoulder, still sore, even after many sessions with the confederacys best healers.

"I was attacked by a still unknown sniper," she explained, particularly for the Republican representative. Feena had been careful to keep the incident as toned down as possible, and it was likely that news had not reached Republic ears. "I managed to survive but... Well. In any case, that is part of the reason you are here. I heard something of a whisper recently, a rumor, hinting at another attack. This time though, I am not the target."

She nodded to her droid, who hit a button. An image projected itself above the table. A little girl, light haired, smiling.

"My daughter," she explained, "Felciity Mason. She is to start her training with Master Verd and is scheduled to be transported here from Imerria."

She bit her lip nervously looking about the room. Imerria was technically in Republic space, which was why she asked the Republic representative here. She wanted to do this all as legally as possible.

"That is where you all come in. According to the rumors, she is a target for kidnapping. A way to get to me. As you can imagine, as she is my oldest daughter, I am emotionally invested in her safety. Were she to be put in danger, I can not guarantee I would be able to do my duty to the best of my ability."

Feena smiled weakly at this. For her to ever admit that she could not do her job, or that she might have a weakness... it was impossible. But her children were her weakness. Always have been. Always would be. She was only (mostly) human.

"What I need is an escort for her, security. Something better than a team of droids. However... as this is a personal matter for me, I can not officially order any of you to do this. If this is not something you would be willing to do, please feel free to decline. It will in no way effect your employment future with the Confederacy. As for the rest of you, you will of course be compensated for your troubles."

The lights went on again, illuminating the rest of the table. She hadn't mentioned just how much she would be paying, but it seemed clear from her tone and smile, that the payment would be substantial.


@[member="Tycho Shorn"] @[member="Kiskla Grayson"] @[member="Sanna Legra"] @[member="Strask Ak'lya"] @[member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Sanna Legra]

Sanna looked away when @[member="Tycho Shorn"] had winked at her. She was just doing it out of embarrassment because he'd done so, which was why she tried hiding her smile more. If she'd not had fur her face would be very red about now. But then she perked up as the others did when @[member="Kiskla Grayson"] had arrived. Sanna was a little surprised to see a Jedi Master here among what were basically CIS Templars and agents, but then she remembered how the Republic and CIS had been slowly building relations between each other. Then she listened as the Archon had explained why they were invited, how her life had been targeted before. And now her daughters was at risk. That's when Sanna remember her, Felicity, the little girl she'd met at her party some time ago. The girl she'd met that likely led to her being invited here because she at least knew the daughter of the Archon. Upon hearing that the girl's life was at risk Sanna hand gripped into a fist. This had become a personal issue for her, a thing about daughters being in danger and all.

Sanna stood and looked to @[member="Feena Mason"] before she said "I'll do it. Not because I just want to....but I can't stand to know some little girl's life is a t risk."

@[member="Strask Ak'lya"] @[member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Garza]

I had to keep my thoughts on the task at hand. Not be flirting with a girl who is probably older than myself. If she really did want to flirt later, that was fine with me, but it would not happen here where I had to earn all the respect that I could get. Another person joined us. A Jedi. I remembered when I once wanted to be a Jedi so badly. but when I had seen other Jedi who had huge egos and wouldn't tilt their head to help the ones in need, I left. THere was no need for me to be there, hence why my involvement in the Imperial Knights. And now with the CIS.

I nodded to the woman who was dressed in clearly an expensive attire that would not be suited for anything other than fine dining. As the Archon, who wanted us to call her Mrs. Mason began to talk about transporting her daughter to the planet where she would be trained. She also told us of the possibility of people wanting to take captive of her, and to me that would not happen. THe kitty lady stood up and said that she would do it with so much enthusiasm. I thought the woman might have burst from it.

I stay seated and I decided to ask the questions, "How many droid troops will we have with us? and what ship will we be using to transport your daughter in?" These questions were reasonable as I didn't want to use a large frigate to transport her. It would be too obvious that something is up. But didn't want the craft to be so small that we could not defend ourselves should we get into a space battle. Or if they were to try and attack on land, would we just be by ourselves, or with troops to back us up.

@[member="Sanna Legra"], @[member="Feena Mason"], @[member="Tycho Shorn"], @[member="Kiskla Grayson"], @[member="Strask Ak'lya"]