Headstrong

[Relina Zhan]

Location: Royal Navy Aviation Corp Base Hierlark, Gallinore
Time 1304 hours


Spread Your Wings (System F)

Relina Zhan walked out to Hierlark Base's airfield, black knee-high boots with barely a centimetre's heel-height clacking on the paved walkway. The minor fleet of Type-M808 Terminus fighters, their colours and emblems denoting squadron affiliation, were fueled and armed, waiting for their pilots with machine patience. Beautiful ships, they had a shape and form to them that seemed to hearken back to an ancient time, before repulsorlifts, when aerodynamics mattered and stealth was achieved by clever reduction of the machine's sensor crossection by way of returning as little of the scanning signals as possible due to shape. However, each Terminus was perfectly capable of contending with modern starfighters of the present day.

Relina, dressed in full flight-gear, hair dressed in a tight military bun, strode up to the silver Terminus with her name and rank embossed under the cockpit's seal in cerulean blue cursive Hapan script. She ran a gloved finger under the starboard wing, held in its standard forward-swept position. The angles and bevels of the sleek craft's design were quite unique to the Terminus line; one such ship in flight would be difficult to detect directly from a distance. Perhaps the reflective of the silvery paint would give it away before scanning sensors could, but the reputation of the 7th Division, 77th Tactical Fighter Wing suggested that by then it would be too late. Of course, a sensor lock, Relina was aware, could still be achieved at close range.

She examined the craft briefly, taking a more personal approach to the maintenance of her 'baby', from behind roundish fashion sunglasses. Her flightsuit's charcoal-grey was a stark contrast to the brighter colour of the ship, decorated only with shoulder patches representing the Hapes Consortium's flag on top and that of the Federation of Gallinore below it. On her chest was a patch with the Hapan Royal Navy's insignia on the right and her Major rank on her left with a gold-coloured nameplate fixed to the turtleneck collar. The mechanics had done a fine job, she determined.

It was not long before she heard the distinctive beeping and chirping of the binary language of an astromech droid coming from above her. She looked up to see her R9-Z5 unit greeting her. She didn't understand binary directly, but figured she was saying hello. "Sallan, R9." she greeted with a smile, her distinctive Hapan Interior accent subtly smooth and posh, the auditory evidence of noble upbringing. "I'll be in momentarily." she added as she ascended the ladder that allowed her access to the open maw of the high-tech cockpit system. Incidentally, a Terminus's canopy was opaque and armoured, bearing a small honeycomb of holocams in protected recesses along the titanium-alloy skin thereof. Acting as a single unit, divided into two subsystem partitions acting as virtual hemispheres, the unique system acted as a set of omnidirectional compound eyes, achieving binocular vision and superior situational awareness for the pilot.

"It is good to be flying with you again, Major Zhan." A feminine, artificial voice spoke, almost indistinguishable from a Human's. The translator system actively relayed what R9 was saying in binary and into Hapan for her. There was no need to read a text version of this nor understand the tricky binary language.

"And with you." Relina replied before donning her visor and headset. "Angel One, callsign Edge, ready for liftoff." she spoke into the tactical comm. "Angels, get your asses in gear." She'd unholster her sidearm, a repeating blaster pistol, and inserted it into an on-board gun holster to keep it out of her way, since her personal holster was strapped to her thigh. Her vibrorapier, a beautiful, elegant weapon, was placed beside her in a slot added in for it. Carrying personal arms in a contouring ejection seat tended to be uncomfortable.

The goal of this operation was simple: to invade and occupy the skyhook Dammerung, Corporate headquarters of Paragon Enterprises, the House Zhan family business. While formally owned by House Zhan, the traitorous and treacherous House Kel operated it at the executive level. After determining House Kel to be behind two attempts on Relina's life, it had been decided that House Kel needed to be dealt with in a manner consistent with their crime without resorting to the same underhanded intrigue they brought upon her. This would be an escort mission, primarily, to deliver a lance of marines to the Dammerung, cut off communications, and keep the orbital space around the skyhook sanitised until it was seized. If all went well, the enemy House should be in the dark until the next phase, however as a war vetaran, Relina knew plans were always subject to change as a battlefeild was a dynamic place indeed.

[member="Aleister Grey"]
[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

 

[Aleister Grey]

[SIZE=12pt]Location:[/SIZE] The High Charity [SIZE=10pt](The Pride of the Hapes Consortium), currently in hyperspace.[/SIZE]​

[SIZE=9pt](Development tagged for a canon specific ship. The Hapen Battle Pulsar. The very symbol of the Hapes Royal Navy and the Consortium.) [/SIZE]​

[SIZE=14pt]T[/SIZE]ransitory Mists, un conte parmi les étoiles. An extraordinary beauty unmatched. A rarity among the stars. The ionized purple and pink hues made this region of space unique. An extraordinary bastion of a nature. Its cloak of protection and the few rotes in or out of the mists gave birth to what is known as the Hapes Consortium.​

​

The long history of the Consortium was extensive and as unique as the mists. It lasted for centuries and still shines today. The Consortium being a monarchy where gender roles was reversed. By tradition women held a dominate role. They were not second classed citizens. They just played a more compassionate role. A civilized arrangement for a kingdom dominated by strict yet eloquent etiquette.​

Luxury was not something normally found on a military ship of war. The High Charity was not your typical capital ship. Only one was ever commissioned at a time. It was the flag ship of the entire Hapes Consortium. It was thee symbol Consortium. Its image seen on the Consortium Flag. The very same image seen on the shoulder patches of the women and men who served in the Royal Hapes Fleet.

It was an iconic symbol. A symbol that brought pride. It inspired any Hapes System it flew into. It boosted morale of anyone loyal to The Consortium and inspired fear to its enemies. It was a weapon used as a Naval Command platform. Historically a match in power with Star Destroyers. Despite being fitted for war inside the High Charity held the luxuries of a palace inside. Hapen Artwork, sculptures, small monuments. The ship even had planet life tended daily by a botanist. With such comfort most crew members are said to be quite content and willing to live on this vessel for the rest of their lives. Such duty and commitment is a requirement called upon the crew.

The telltale streaks of white light upon a black canvas was the predominate view out the starport in Aleister’s office. There was another image out the port. It was a Type-D 505 Battle Dragon. It flew alongside of the High Charity. The words Song of War painted on the side of the Battle Dragon. It was just one of many ships part of the First Fleet of the Hapen Royal Navy.

Aleister currently sitting at his desk was reading an intelligence report. It was report on a situation brewing and continuing to develop. A situation that required his attention and the attention of some nobles gathered in the main parlor located on the High Charity.

(OOC: Any Hapen Nobles that wish to be a political delegation are welcome to be on the High Charity. The delegation and the First Fleet are an answer to the request for aid by the Duch’a [member="Relina Zhan"]. This maneuvering both political and military is a response to the Court and the Queen Mother that was asked for aid.)
[member="Persephone Callas"] [member="Melanctha Dallamoor"] [member="Allana Badeaux"]

(OOC: I would have tagged more Hapens writers that are part of the Royal Court but I was not sure if it was open to everyone that is a member of the Hapes Consortium faction. If you are and wished to be part of this thread please PM Relina.)


Translations Lexicon:
Un conte parmi les étoiles – a tale among the stars.

 

[Allana Badeaux]

Location: The High Charity/ Main Parlor

Black Corellian leather sofa. It would have not been Allana’s choice in her parlor. It was very comfortable. Allana sat there, legs crossed. Her eyes were not on any other the others in the room. Nor was she even listening to any of the conversations in the room. The young woman of noble blood had her noise in a romance novel. It was filled with epic lightsaber battles and gorgeous hunks. It was far better than listening to a bunch of old people. They were complaining about distasteful failed assassinations. Horrible treasonous acts of a noble whom should have undying love for the Queen Mother. Nope. It was all selective hearing here.

 

[Relina Zhan]

[member="Allana Badeaux"]
[member="Aleister Grey"]

"Hierlark Base to Angel Squadron, you are clear for liftoff. Altitude restrictions cancelled. You are to rendezvous with High Charity. You are assigned to him as a carrier until further notice." One of the base's control towers advised.

"One to base, rodger." The seven fighters of the Angel Squadron lifted off from the base and accelerated skyward. The staccato of seven pairs of pulse-detonation aerospikes filled the air as the ships took off, afterburners activated leaving bright trails of blue ionised efflux behind them.

"Angel Squadron to High Charity, We will be in Gallinore's orbit momentarily, ETA 2 minutes and counting. It is a pleasure to finally meet him." Relina said over the comm to the ship whose carrier deck she and her's would be occupying for the campaign. Incidentally, Relina's use of the masculine when speaking of ships was a thing in this part of the Galaxy.

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

On board the High Charity the symbol of the hundreds that lived within the Consortium. Hundreds which held themselves to a high standard not often found in the Galaxy anymore.

It was a rare for anyone to look upon a Hapan and think anything other than beautiful this was the result of generations of selective breeding. Melanctha was a representative of this genetic breeding from the chestnut colored mane which topped her head to the very tip of her littlest toe painted in vibrant red.

There is nothing as comforting as being among your own and feeling the presence comforting, even if behind each set of stunning orbs the mind worked on puzzles, and acts of treachery. In this respect she was different, for some reason that gene seemed to have skipped her.

While it was the whimsy of young girl to dream of being the Queen, it was the reality of the woman that understood what it took to get there. The sacrifices to be made of body and soul the cost were high, sometimes too high. Mel knew she did not have that in her to do.

She was content to be the Duch'a she did think on expansion and being here on the High Charity gave her exposure that she would need in the long term.

Currently she walked casually along the long hall that looked out into the vastness of space. Her thoughts touching upon a myriad of subjects as she kept herself occupied. There were places she could be right now and she was working her way towards them. But sometimes it was best to stop, think, and take in the sights and sounds around you.

[member="Aleister Grey"] @Relina Zahn

 

[Aleister Grey]

[SIZE=14pt]Location:[/SIZE] The High Charity (The Pride of the Hapes Consortium), currently in hyperspace.​

[SIZE=10pt](Development tagged for a canon specific ship. The Hapen Battle Pulsar. The very symbol of the Hapes Royal Navy and the Consortium.)[/SIZE]​

A distinctive sound resonated over the communication speakers within Aleister’s office. It was the bridge of the High Charity. There must have been a situation update that was important enough to divert his attention. Reaching over, Aleister the holo image of a button on his desk, “Report Commander Desmel Clemott.”

“Please excuse the intrusion Admiral Grey”, the voice was a woman. Maybe middle aged and spoke with the directness and respectfulness of a veteran officer. “You had wished me to notify you when we are to drop out of hyperspace”, after giving the report the Commander had remand silent. She was just asked to report. So she did while still maintaining the full respect her commanding officer deserved.

‘Yes, we are near to the TRP’, Aleister had thought silently. TRP being a naval acronym for tactical rendezvous point. “Commander Desmel Clemott, be sure to be there to greet the Duch’a of Gallinore yourself. Give her the normal pleasantries as our guest. Do also let her know I apologize for not being there myself. Then after pleasantries give her an honorable escort to the main parlor. Do not forget, she is to be formally announced to her fellow peers as soon as you and she step through into the parlor. Any slight be it real or imagined is not just a stain on your or my hospitality. We serve the Ta’Chume directly. It is our Queen Mother’s hospitality for she is the Hapes Consortium.”

“The rest of Angel Squadron can be directed by the Hanger OFTW”, OFTW being the naval acronym of Officer of the Watch. “Master Sargent Davoleon Winsla is more than capable in guiding the pilots to the proper ship mess hall for their social cultural position within the Consortium.”

Aleister did not believe the Commander did not know what was expected of her or would not be able to handle this situation. It was in fact expected of him to remind her how to handle the situation. “That will be all Commander Desmel Clemott”, Aleister waited for the typical response. “Yes Admiral Grey, SIR”, the Commander responded in fashion then Alister closed the call and went back to work.

(OOC: Once you’re on board [member="Relina Zhan"] I will handle the NPCs the Commander and the Master sergeant. The hanger will be your typical busy hanger with a few exceptions. The only starfighters will be Angel Squadron. There will be no forces gathering for a ground invasion. The High Charity does not garrison such forces. It is a mobile command platform for the nobility and royalty of the Consortium. As expect being a ship of war it is fully capable for ship to ship conflict.)

(OOC: I would have tagged more Hapens writers that are part of the Royal Court but I was not sure if it was open to everyone that is a member of the Hapes Consortium faction. If you are and wished to be part of this thread please PM Relina.)

[SIZE=11pt][member="Persephone Callas"] [member="Melanctha Dallamoor"] [/SIZE] [member="Allana Badeaux"] darn tags >.>

 

[Relina Zhan]

[member="Aleister Grey"]
[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]
[member="Allana Badeaux"]

((Rodger!))

Just as the Angels crossed the threshold of the planet's stratosphere, Relina gave the order to engage the SLAM system standard on the Terminus model and make a trajectory flight into orbit. This would be expedient enough to make that ETA she announced.

"All Craft, close up cruising formation, pattern delta. Prepare for trajectory flight." she said, as she began the sequence for the direct, controlled fuel-dump into the afterburners. While this expended more fuel in the long term, reducing operational time between refueling, it had the effect of yielding a shielded atmospheric velocity five times the speed of sound. "Going hypersonic in Tango-minus 5... 4... 3... 2...1... Mark."

The seven fighters engaged their SLAM systems, pumping additional fuel into the afterburners. Relina felt absolutely thrilled, momentarily putting aside the anger and vindictive feelings toward her once-loyal rival's treachery that prompted the series of events that lead to this exhilarating moment. In the heat of her liberated enjoyment, she'd trill almost musically, "HIGHER THAN THE SUN!"

Relina would look over to her right to see her forward-swept wings folding inward to form a sleek, needle-like delta configuration for maximum drag-reduction. She noticed her wingmen's ships were following suit as well, each closing up their formation in sequence with the trailing ships moving in to draft behind the wake of each leading craft in the formation... that is, until the atmosphere thinned out to vacuum within the next minute, anyway.

"Mach one.... Mach two..... Mach three..... Mach four..... Mach Five...." R9's translated voice resounded, with approximately 11 seconds between each speed marker.

Ten seconds until the appointed time to rendezvous, the Squadron had cleared Gallinore's atmosphere, rolling with the top of the ships facing the planet below. They flew opposite the planet's rotation, continuing to gain altitude until they reached their rendevous point.

"Cut the engines, ladies and gentlemen. We'll let inertia take us in." she ordered as the High Charity exited hyperspace right in front of them.... right on time. "He's .... glorious." Was Relina's only comment on the sight of the warship. For her, this was almost as great an honour as dining with the Queen Mother herself.

((Hope you didn't mind, but I took the liberty of bringing the ship into orbit. You can go ahead and have the Angels land in the carrier bay. :3 And yeah, any Hapans that want in can post, as long as it's IC. This is for us and guests))

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

The Jedi Master had been there since the beginning. He had intercepted House Kel's first attempt on Ducha Zhan's life, sabotaging the attempt by House Kel to hire one of Relina's own incredibly trusted servants to murder her in the night - taking down the would-be-assassin just before she could fire the death blow on the Ducha. He had then been instrumental in foiling the second attempt on Relina's life while they were touring Gallinore in a speeder, risking life and limb in a reckless move to down the enemy speeder with nothing but the Force and his own physical capabilities, unarmed. He had stayed by Relina's side, giving advice and ideas for how to handle the situation. And of course, he had been the one to non-violently interrogate the assassin and figure out who she was hired by, all while finding out her reasonings and all in all making things better for everyone involved.

Now, the decision came to whether he would participate in the battle or not. He didn't want to participate in political wars, he'd done enough with the Republic, but... He decided he would act the way an Old Republic era Jedi would. He would participate in the battle, staying alongside Relina and fighting in a certain way. That was the best compromise he could think of without being naught but a common soldier like the Republic Jedi had ended up being.

He stood within the flagship, waiting for [member="Relina Zhan"], his face blank as he would stare out at the warship... It all came down to this.

 

[Relina Zhan]

[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]
[member="Aleister Grey"]
[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]
[member="Allana Badeaux"]

"Angel Squadron, begin carrier landing checks. you are clear to land." An officer on the High Charity said over the comm as the squadron approached. The seven ships coasted toward the carrier bay they were to land in with their engines offline. Inertia carried them along at about the same speed they broke the atmosphere with due to the lack of significant resistance in the vacuum of space. The pilots would only manoeuvre and brake to ensure a smooth, controlled landing.

One by one, each ship touched down on the flagship's Carrier Bay Delta. Relina's was the first to land. Behind her opaque canopy, she was completely concealed as she holstered her sidearm and reattached her rapier to her belt. Her R9 unit was released from her socket first while the armoured canopy that concealed the Ducha within slid forward at a steady pace. Removing her tactical visor, Relina stood and climbed down the ladder wheeled over by a deckhand.

"Sallan, Joshua. It would seem you have beat me here, no?' she asked in greeting with a wry grin. Her wingmen were likewise leaving their ships. Having been assigned to the High Charity for at least the duration of the minor campaign was kind of a big deal to combat pilots. There was a degree of prestige to it. Relina was noticeably excited, if only for this.

"Major on deck!" A man with a lieutenant's insignia on his chest said with a stiff salute. Relina saluted back.

"As you were." she replied, then returned her gaze to her Jedi friend. It momentarily crossed her mind to wonder whether she was the highest ranking officer on deck presently. She didn't see anyone with a Lieutenant Colonel's rank insignia... yet.

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

[SIZE=12pt]There ahead was the door into the formal parlor it was time to enter, time to see who else was part of this delegation.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Melanctha paused taking a breath then entered, she could see a young woman sitting there quite properly the epitome of Hapan breeding for certain. The perfect face, and perfect shape. She did not recognize her though but everything said nobility.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Good Afternoon, I am Duch’a Dallamoor of Cheruba to whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?” Brown hair, and the baubles that adorned her yes nobility. Young nobility at that, she wondered from where. She did not smile she did not make any motion that would indicate curiosity, she kept her face plain. As she walked closer to the young woman[/SIZE]

[member="Relina Zhan"] [member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] [member="Aleister Grey"] [member="Allana Badeaux"]

 

[Allana Badeaux]

Allana looked up from her book. Unconsciously auburn lashes fluttered, just twice as Allana looked at the person to whom had just addressed her. This was indeed a first. The first she had a chance to meet the Duch’a of Cheruba. Allana graciously placed her book next to her on the couch and stood up. “A pleasure, Duch’a Dallamoor”, Allana gave a small curtsy, even though Allana having a higher rank within the Consortium.

“I am Ta’dine Allana Flore Badeaux of Hapes Prime”, the young noble answered with a warm inviting smile. The young grand duchess was appreciative to away from the Fountain Palace. She just hoped @Malanctha Dallamoor was more interesting than some of the other nobles gathered in the parlor.
[member="Relina Zhan"] [member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] [member="Aleister Grey"]

 

[Aleister Grey]

The Hanger Bay:
The uniform, oxford blue with golden trim. Pressed and polished. The Commander with typical marine escort entered the hanger bay. Commander was a woman in her early fifties. Well groomed her hair was short, collar length. Long years in the Royal Hapen Navy left its marks upon her once stunning beauty. Such things came with age and so did wisdom.

The Commander made her way across the hanger. Men and woman on deck saluting her as she passed. She made no eye contact and she did not salute back. Such was not needed with naval protocol. The two marines, one to each of her sides followed. “Duch’a [member="Relina Zhan"] of Gallinore”, the Commander gave a respectful bow. Upon completion of the bow, the Commander returned to an upright position. “Admiral Grey does apologize he come not greet you himself. He is currently preoccupied with preparations for the Fleet. If you would please. It is my pleaser and honor to escort you and Master [member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] to the main parlor”, there was not much could be said. The Commander waited for a response.

 

[Relina Zhan]

[member="Aleister Grey"]
[member="Allana Badeaux"]
[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]
[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

Relina turned to the Commander that came to meet her. She briefly looked the woman over and gave her a nod of acknowledgement. "Very well, Commander. Thank you." she replied to her statement. She'd glance to Josh with a grin, then would nod to the other six Angels as they went to settle in themselves.

The Ducha would follow her escort, sort of wishing she had enough room for her ACUs and dress-blues. Those would have to wait for the next cargo shipment slated to make a drop off of supplies and mail within the next hour. Her flightsuit would have to do for now. Walking the corridors, Relina was impressed with the degree of luxury the flagship had been outfitted with. Not only was the ship beautiful and imposing from without, but he was also beautiful and comfortable within. She appreciated this, believing it had to be great for personnel morale.

As they entered the parlour, she'd notice two lovely ladies who didn't seem to be active military themselves. They were obviously noblewomen, though. "Good afternoon, ladies." she greeted them in Hapan, her stance and appearance not immediately speaking of her own nobility. Relina was now more conscious of the fact that she just looked like another common combat pilot, albeit one with an elegant vibrorapier at her side. Her accent, however, was more posh than a commoner's. "Major Relina Zhan, Ducha of Gallinore." she introduced herself formally.

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

The Jedi Master would smirk faintly in response to Relina's greeting. "Sallan, Ducha" The Jedi would greet in response. As he watched more people file in, he noted that he would likely be the only dedicated Force User on board. While this made him stand out a little and might even ostracize him from her men, that meant he gave them an edge. Blending in amongst the masses, he'd be able to manipulate the battlefield to his preference if he felt the need to. He just hoped that House Kel didn't have the same idea.

He didn't speak beyond that. Just followed walking alongside Relina, as she would greet her men as well as other nobles. If he were spoken to, he would speak. But for now, all he could do was think, and plan.

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

[SIZE=12pt]Melanctha nodded and gave the curtsy, “Ta’dine Badeaux pleasure” how odd the young girl smiled, strangely most hapans did not often show emotions when dealing with one another.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“What brings you this far from the Fountain Palace? I am curious I find that most prefer to stay within it’s comfortable walls” She put it politely many did not wish to come out into the wilds of space it was unpredictable what could happen. The Grand Duchess must have a curiosity as well, or was dictated a duty to perform, either or still she was young.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt][member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] | [member="Relina Zhan"] | [member="Aleister Grey"][/SIZE]

 

[Aleister Grey]

The Grand Parlor:

[member="Relina Zhan"] entered and went directly as to where she wished. It was her prerogative but yet the Commander still followed the direct order of the Duxh’ix Grey. “Duch’a Relina Zhan of Gallinore”, after fulfilling her duty the Commander began to back out of the room. She had introduced her to the room. Now she had to get back to the bridge.

Aleister:

It was near time, Aleister got up from his desk. He was still in deep thought, as he walked across the room to the coat rack near the door. Politics aside his mind covered details of a strategy. Soon he might have to unleash the wrath of the Royal Hapen Navy.

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"] [member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] [member="Allana Badeaux"]

 

[Allana Badeaux]

It was most certainly a question. Why of all times would the Ta’dine be allowed to leave the protection of the Fountain Palace? A mystery set among politics. How very coincidentally? Not very likely.

“Yes, what brings us here today”, the young lady answered very adept at the game. “That is, very lovely”, Allana motioned to the trinket adorned around Melanctha’s neck.

Before anything more could be said or not said they were joined by? Looking to the lady no addressing her and Melanctha. Dressed in flight gear? “Greetings Duch’a Relina Zhan. This”, elegantly Allana gestured with her left hand to Melanctha, “Is Duch’a Melanctha Dallamoor of Cheruba. I am Ta’dine Allana Badeaux of Hapes Prime.”

Allana’s eyes fell from Relina to the gentleman with her. “And your friend is”, Allana asked with perked interest of curiosity.

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"] [member="Relina Zhan"] [member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] [member="Aleister Grey"]

 

[Relina Zhan]

[member="Aleister Grey"] | [member="Melanctha Dallamoor"] | [member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] | [member="Allana Badeaux"]

Relina stood at rest, considering the strategy necessary to simply bring down House Kel and be done with it. The sooner the better. House Kel had a city under their governance on a smaller continent on the opposite side of Gallinore from where Dimitor, the capital city, was. Taking the city would be the more difficult part of the operation. Relina had her assurances that the Dammerung, which orbited Hapes Prime, would be taken out of the picture safely by nightfall without further military involvement. The last thing she needed was for the Navy to break that expensive and essential skyhook... even worse would it be for her to take part in doing so. Either way, she'd need to meet with the Admiral before anything was set into motion.

Relina had spoken and introduced herself to the two women she had only occasionally seen or heard about in the media, but would not impose into their conversation beyond that point. She figured she would be acknowledged in due time. She'd turned to look out a window at the stunning sky of Hapan space, coloured a variety of hues of red, blue, and violet. And then, there was Gallinore itself shining brightly and her two moons, Pholus and Nessus. Despite having seen this sort of sky all her life, she never got tired of it.

"It's glorious, isn't it, Joshua?" she asked her Jedi companion in Basic, albeit with a prominent Hapan accent. "How the sky looks here. And to see it from this magnificent ship...." Relina was stopped when she was finally addressed.

The Ducha would nod, dipping her head to her social equal cordially, since she was the first of the two to be named. Then the younger lady provided her title and name, which prompted a courtesy from Ducha Zhan, as best she could in a formfitting flight-suit. "Well met, Ladies. This is my friend and, as of late, bodygaurd, Jedi master Joshua Dragonsflame." she answered, gesturing to Josh. "He's visiting me and, well, in light of this conflict, he is also apparently along for the ride."

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

Melanctha nodded, "Duch'a Zahn of Gallinore a pleasure, and welcome [member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] " Traditionally Jedi were not trusted by Hapans so what had this one done that had entrusted him so deeply to the Duch'a . There were Jedi that merited recognition for the devotion to duty but there were some that were not so honorable and given history, well.

"Perhaps we can negotiate and avoid conflict" Melanctha spoke in her even tone. And where was the Commander of the Ship, would he be joining them soon or had he decided to avoid all the females, and the Jedi all at once. She doubted it from what she knew of the Duch'ix he would always adere to custom and protocol.

[member="Relina Zhan"] [member="Allana Badeaux"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"Indeed...." The Jedi Master would respond, taking in the view. But he knew that soon enough, this view would go from beautiful.... To dangerous. Battle would cloud it's skies soon enough. Battle... He hadn't been in something this high scale in quite some time. Did he still have what it takes? Could he still keep his focus? Or would he fall? Would he buckle under the pressure? He didn't know... All he knew was that he would find out in time. This was big... This was serious. A blood feud between two incredibly powerful families that had spilled out and now Duchas and other nobility from all across Hapes were flocking.... It occurred to him just what an occurrence this was.

He would allow Relina to introduce him to [member="Allana Badeaux"] on his behalf and he would bow politely in response. "A pleasure to meet you, Madam Badeaux. Do be careful out there if you're getting involved in the fighting... I do hope this battle doesn't scar your fair face, it would be a shame to waste your looks" He would add with a small smile. He was being playful again, just a bit. Relina had adjusted to it over the last few days quite a bit.

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"] would make her appearance and he would bow once again to greet her. "Greetings" He responded. To her request about negotiation... He shook his head. "If you think you're going to try and find a way to deal with this peacefully, Ducha, I'm afraid hundreds have tried already. Ducha Zahn has been adamant about this battle, no matter what I, or anyone else, have said. This needs to end, and after several attempts at Relina's life, it's clear that this will end in bloodshed, whether I, or anyone else, like it or not"

That saved a little bit of arguing time. He knew nobles could argue for hours... It was better to just say that and save it.