Public Homecoming King | Parade on Alderaan

[Amani Serys]

"Alicio Organa" - Corazona von Ascania - Lodd Grimmin - Osiris Thul - Anet Raine​

Amongst the gathered crowd, a number of key faces all reached the King and Queen in rapid succession. The first of which was most welcome. "Cora," Amani offered a courteous bow of her own, "We're so glad you could join us. Alicio is in desperate need of familiar faces," She pulled his arm closer in a show of affection. More quietly, the princess reaffirmed her people's stance with Alderaan's. Amani nodded, "We'll be in touch." She gave Cora a knowing look as she pulled back. The two were already in league, and pieces were already starting to move. It was just a matter of finding the right window of opportunity.

Not fit to let stereotypes go unaffirmed, Lodd Grimmin appeared not a moment later, in search of a handout he claimed was legally binding. "Senator Grimmin. Is it still 'senator'?" The question might have seemed a slight, although it was a genuine mixup on Amani's part, "Your timing is impeccable. I was under the impression you had chosen not to continue your partnership with House Ulgo?" She glanced over to see the lead of a different house hot on Lodd's heels: Osiris of House Thul. Amani's brow furrowed. Reports claimed that House Thul was already a conspirator of the Sith. She wanted to believe otherwise, as Osiris had made himself out to be a man of honor at the coronation. One willing to overlook the centuries of antagonism between the two families for the sake of their shared home. Could he now be counted among their traitors?

"Duke Osiris," Amani acknowledged him as he finished his exchange with the King, "This is Corazona von Ascania. Princess of Ukatis." She stressed the title, lest he insult the woman through ignorance, "Cora, this is Duke Osiris of House Thul. One of Alderaan's most stalwart patriots, if I do say so myself." And patriotism was the name of the game today.

It was around this time that Amani began to notice a stench intermingling within the Force that surrounded her. The taint of Darkness, bold and unhidden. A Sith presence was to be expected, although Amani thought they might at least be more subtle about it. Then again, why be subtle when they can project instead? Nothing had happened yet, however, and Amani would wait for a first move. She brushed her hand against her cheek, a signal to some unseen individuals to be on high alert, just in case. Throughout the parade, guards both uniformed and plainclothed became a little more vigilant, and the ever loyal Gram Arranda was already on the case. Amani refocused on the conversation just in time to receive the intrdocution of Anet Raine, "A pleasure, Senator. We're always happy to see more representation from the High Republic."

"Ah, Senator Raine. It is quite humbling to see that even the peaceful High Republic knows about decorum at such a public function, perhaps they could apply the same decorum to my people who are currently under occupation by your government without their consent."

"Do you suppose the two sides would be willing to make a trade?" Amani smirked wryly, "Cato Neimoidia for Alderaan?"

 

["Alicio Organa"]

Tags: Amani Serys Corazona von Ascania Lodd Grimmin Osiris Thul Anet Raine ​

It wasn't long before people started arriving. Royalty, nobles, businessmen, senators - they all wanted an audience with the king and queen. Alicio was attentive and polite to them all, though he was clearly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, well-wishes, and... debt collection?

Amani took the lead, addressing each person in order of appearance. The Princess of Ukatis was first. "Thank you, Your Highness," he said, bowing in return. "Alderaan will welcome any and all help from our allies."

Cora's promise of aid was heard, but Lodd butted in before Alicio could say anything. Then came Osiris Thul. Alicio could never quite figure him out. Was he a man of honor, or a two-faced traitor? As he drew near enough to whisper, Alicio gave him a silent nod of acknowledgment. "We can meet at the palace after all this is over."

Osiris proceeded to make a fool of himself by assuming Corazona was one of Amani's ladies-in-waiting. And just like that, the ordeal of responding to three different people simultaneously was--

"I always find it rather interesting when we declare the support of one entire world for the whole of another. The whole of Ukatis for the whole of Alderaan..."

Alicio's gaze flicked to the latest visitor. He was unfazed by her "inappropriate" introduction, and much like Amani didn't bother to respond to her musing. Bowing yet again, he said, "Welcome to Alderaan, Senator."

Lodd was growing restless. Everyone else has already told him to save it for another time. Rather than repeat what had already been said, Alicio laid a hand on the Neimoidian's shoulder as if he were an old friend. At this point, he might as well be. "Today is a day of celebration. It's your chance to take a break from business, relax and enjoy yourself."

 

[Lily Rhodes]

Tags: Lysander von Ascania Varin Mortifer The Vulptex Gram Arranda​

“Stop her!”

Lily slid along the pavement, one knee dropping as she took the corner too fast, barely keeping upright as she found her feet again and sprinted forward, not looking behind her. Silver blonde hair peeking from beneath her hood, satchel swinging wildly.

“Cut her off!”

Another Alderaan guard launched out of a side road just ahead of her arms wide ready to grab her, but Lily was fast, ducking beneath an out stretched arms and slamming the side of her hand into the back of his knee as she passed, dropping him. She didn’t look back, feet hammering against the paving stones. The sea of people watching the passing parade ahead of her was her out and they knew it.

They couldn’t shoot her, they risked panicking the crowd or hitting one of them. It was all too easy. She slid between the people, turning as she did to look back at them grin wide, middle fingers on both hands gracing them with her farewell before the crowd swallowed her.

She waded through, till she was several people deep. Till the press of people around her meant she was carried with the movement. She pulled down the hood of her jacket, shrugging it off as she moved and pulling the stolen datachip from its pocket and slipping it into her periwinkle blue top before discarding it.

Her hand reached into the satchel at her hip pulling an ornate hair clip that she rapidly pulled her hair into, leaving a few strands loose, delicate golden teardrop earrings she slid quickly into place, along with a matching necklace and bracelet. She kicked her shoes off, pants dropping after, pulling the skirt of the dress down, the periwinkle blue hemmed with delicate white flowers. Knocking a couple of people as she hopped from one foot to the other. Sandals followed as she paused, scanning the crowd carefully for a tail as she slipped them on her feet.

Then the bag was gone.

Transformation from scruffy street thief to just another pretty face in the crowd, she blended seamlessly, no longer rushing she let herself be swallowed by the festivities. A defiance of noise and colour against the boot of the Sith Covenant that was hovering above Alderaan. Lily had to hand it to them, it was the boldest ‘fuck you’ she’d seen, but she was also a cynic. This wouldn’t last.

Her eyes drifted from the parade moving to the people. Then she saw them. It was impossible not to notice them, even without the darkness emanating from them. One was a mountain, standing head and shoulder above everyone else, the other was clad in black armour, a stark contrast to the colour and life around them.

Sith.

A huff of annoyance blew out of her nose. Of course she had expected them to be here, this was Covenant space, but how was it she kept running into them? Maybe the galaxy was trying to tell her something. She squashed that thought instantly, contemplating moving against he crowd to get away from them but that would have been more obvious. Instead Lily tried to make herself small and insignificant keeping them in her peripherals.

 

[Eloise Dinn]

Eloise's comlink suddenly crackled to life. <All units, requesting backup at the parade. Several suspects spotted in the crowd.>

"Copy," Eloise muttered into the receiver. She reluctantly put her shoes back on and stood up, heading for the gardens' exit.

Tags: Joren Vale
​

Suspicious characters in the crowd, eh? Eloise surveyed the people around her. She stood at the edge of the throng, head and shoulders taller than nearly everyone else. What made a person suspicious was pretty up to interpretation, although showing up in armor or with a mask or helmet on was a pretty dead giveaway.

Alas, Eloise was on the other side of the parade, away from the most blatantly obvious Sith. The most dubious-looking figures in her immediate vicinity were less dark lord and more dirty scoundrel. Her gaze honed in on a guy in a leather jacket accompanied by an astromech droid.

"You there," she said, getting the man's attention. "Your droid is taking up too much space. Either take it home or move it somewhere else."

 

[Wedge Draav]

Wedge quite missed the pageantry, the fanciness. Behind his sunglasses, he observed the parade. No longer donning military dress or formal attire, he adopted a quite simple look. If one was observant and knowing, they would recognize his sunglasses as official Alliance issue. But everything else was everyman, grey-man, even. He wasn't sure if he was wanted, or if he was being watched now. Certainly, he had enough people looking at him negatively for him to not want to draw attention to himself.

He watched from behind sunglasses, letting them fall around his neck as he observed the parade. It was a joyous occasion, and he was glad to be here.

Kept his mind off things, maybe.

The parade was massive, it was loud, it was fun. But he could only bring himself to half-smile. Wedge turned his head, pushing his sunglasses back up over his nose and back onto his face. Alderaan was a symbol of hope, of democracy, triumph, rebuilding, and....

Rebellion.

And Wedge was looking for inspiration beyond smuggling weapons and whatnot into and out of Sith and other occupied spaces. He came to Alderaan, both to see the triumph of a great leader in Alicio, who he knew somewhat personally....

And also, maybe, he'd get something of inspiration of where to go next. He sat on a bench, watching the parade pass. His left hand was stiff, his right hand spinning a ring on his left hand. It was a habit of his when he was lost in thought.

Thinking, and thinking, and thinking.....

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Amani Serys "Alicio Organa" Lodd Grimmin Anet Raine Osiris Thul​

Cora's polite smile never faltered during Lodd's crude introduction. Her precisely manicured brows did lift a fraction, and a tic higher as a woman – who then identified herself as the Senator from Belazura – mused on a figure of speech. How charmingly myopic.

"Oh," she laughed softly, as if this were a joke both women were in on. "Does Belazura not support the sovereignty of other nations?"

She tilted her head first to Alicio, then to Osiris. Something about the particular chisel of his jaw seemed familiar. Seeing him next to the King, she realized who he was; the man who'd initially challenged Organa for the throne of Alderaan. Cora had attended the debate, and while she could not recall the finer points of what had been discussed, she did remember being mistaken for the mistress of a politician.

"Charmed, Duke Thul." The Princess inclined her head in greeting, then offered her hand. "I recall you from debate stage. You spoke well."

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Varin Mortifer Lily Rhodes Gram Arranda
Mentioned: Anet Raine
Helm of the Twin Suns | Armor
​

Another rasp of the rebreather, another whisper of the void. The drag of air dared to remind him he was something more than flesh. Naturally, a more tactical mindset under the weight of armor that was heavy and all too familiar. He felt capable of springing at any given notice, but stillness could be its own weapon. Behind the visor, he allowed himself a small smile. Nothing wrong with exchanging a few metaphors of death; a language they'd both spoke fluently in countless situations before and would do so again.

"The masses always need their spectacles."

A collision between the boy and Varin occurred in a space wide enough to drive a speeder through. Interesting to say the least. No reaction came from his brother. Expected, really. Patience was their shared virtue, unlike many of their more impulsive brethren.

His attention then shifted back toward an elderly man in a suit. Bold or foolish? Impossible to know which life experiences had shaped such convictions. Either way, they were words hardly worth entertaining.

"Save your guesses for someone who gives a chit." The modulator clicked once, the sound like a trigger being pulled. "Propaganda is the same everywhere. Only the lies change."

Something shifted in the rhythm of the festivities, an anomaly among several that felt.. wrong. His helm turned, eyes narrowing a fraction at a figure swallowed by the crowd. She hid well.. too well for a civilian.

He glanced to Varin, then a nod in that direction. “Blue dress. Three rows in.. she’s thinking way too hard for someone who's supposed to be enjoying a parade.”

It mattered, the way all small things mattered. The way keeping a distant eye on their undercover acolyte near the King mattered.

Anything spoken aloud could always carry consequences, and so Lysander stepping past the figure became necessary now, without further acknowledgement. Something else had captured his focus through the moving spectacle.. a flash of purple hair bobbing above the crowd. Real or imagined hardly mattered. The position had grown stale, and instinct necessitated a shift.

 

[Anet Raine]

Amani Serys Corazona von Ascania "Alicio Organa" Lodd Grimmin Osiris Thul
​

Anet turned from her greetings with the sovereign family back to Lodd, who lodged a not-so-tactful complaint about his world's occupation.

"Ah, Viceroy - Believe me. I am as concerned about my government's overreach as you are. Let us talk sometime, hm?"

Then, she turned to the von Ascania Jedi.

"Does Belazura not support the sovereignty of other nations?"

"Belazura is a practiced democracy with a long history of defending our sovereignty from tyrants. But with so many Jedi sovereigns about, I am beginning to wonder if the Jedi are returning to pre-Ruusan days." Back when Jedi called themselves "Lords" and ruled systems directly in their war against the Sith.

"Nonetheless, I sympathize with Alderaan's proximity to those butchers in the Core. But I have to say... It's not Sith I see occupying this world." She said so innocuously, as if failing to catch her own subtext (if it could even be called that).

She glanced, skeptically, at Osiris.

"But look at me prattle on - this is what happens when I don't have my wine." She laughed dryly.

 

[Osiris Thul]

you know me, yeah you know me, you got telepathy
"Alicio Organa" Amani Serys Corazona von Ascania Lodd Grimmin Anet Raine

"It is my pleasure, your highness."

Duke Thul gently took Corazona's hand in his fine shimmersilk gloves. Something passed between them just for a moment as the Force seemed to move darkly through Osiris. From the blank expression on his face, it was clear the nobleman did not remember her at all.

"I believe the Senator makes a just point," the duke spoke up in a surprising defense of Raine, "Not everyone is so eager to rely on the charity of others. Alderaan should be strong enough to stand on its own."

His imperious gaze dared someone to challenge the word of a Thul. Perfect lips curled up into an almost imperceptible grin as Osiris turned back to address the man of the hour.

"Do you not agree, my king?"

 

[Lodd Grimmin]

Corazona von Ascania Amani Serys "Alicio Organa" Anet Raine Osiris Thul

Lodd's eyes barely shifted as Queen Amani Serys mistakenly regarded him as merely a former senator of the Galactic Alliance, overlooking his current role as the Viceroy of the Trade Federation and Trade Monarch. However, her inquiry regarding their potential collaboration with House Ulgo did present a noteworthy consideration.

With Ransik long deceased, the Trade Federation had little to gain from perpetuating hostilities with Alderaan. Though they could not allow a debt to go unpaid else it might incentivize people to forgo their payments because of the lack of consequences.

"Viceroy now, your Majesty. And I will admit that our relationship with House Ulgo is shaky after the coronation. But time can mend any relationship, though I'm not sure that can apply to the Hapan People, who don't show a particular liking to you." It was a returned slight towards her but in a respectful way, as she was the one who struck down the Queen Mother during the Hapan Crisis in cold blood after the Chancellor foolishly decided to allow himself to be taken hostage.

He doubted they ever forget Amani's face, nor would they for a thousand generations. His attention was drawn away from the murderer to the former Chancellor as "Alicio Organa" laid a hand on his shoulder, trying to get him to calm down on the matter of debts and instead enjoy the celebration.

"Perhaps you are right, my colleague. Business can wait until a more appropriate time." At this moment, retreating seemed the most sensible option, especially as the crowd continued to grow beyond his comfort level. The Neimoidian, sensing the shift, replaced the King's hand on his shoulder with a firm handshake, signaling their agreement to revisit the matter later.

Senator Anet Raine managed to escape his snare much to his displeasure, "That would be acceptable to me, Senator. My shuttle will contact you later with the details." Was all that Lodd commented before excusing himself from the conversation to grab a beverage nearby.

 

[Varin Mortifer]

VARIN MORTIFER

Equipment: Durum Mantle | Black Blade of Chandrila | Eye of The Dragon | Heavy Sith Mace | Cross Guard Broadsaber

The burning eye within his left socket eyed the older man before him. His form towering over the stranger, his words reaching his ears drew a small smirk from his face. His hand gently placed on his brother's shoulder with a slight squeeze signifying that he understood what he said.

“Perhaps if you do not know what we mean then you must open your eyes to further truths.”

It was common for politicians and governors to battle with backhanded compliments and daggers hidden behind well kept smiles. Varin could care less for words, they would not rile him up, he was a man of action and movement.

“Just simply call us curious observers.”

His gaze turned towards the directed direction from Lysander, his eye tracking the force signature of the woman traversing the sea of ignorant bodies around them.

His senses remained attached to her, a sense of a second pair of eyes that followed where she went.

“Excuse us.”

He moved with his brother, his gaze now finding the taller woman in the crowd. He was not normally one to take conversation, but in this case it felt necessary.

“They certainly do not hide their security well.”

He spoke quieter to Lysander as he walked beside him, shifting through the bodies that seemed to instinctively move away from him, like a hazard within the walkway of a crowded hall.

Lily Rhodes | Lysander von Ascania | Gram Arranda | Eloise Dinn​

 

[Gram Arranda]

"Very well. Since you two are about the most obvious pair of Sith terrorists I have ever seen, I must ask you to leave Alderaan immediately. If you refuse, you will be detained."

He had already alerted security. While the boys were apparently distracted by the purple-haired Jedi on the other side of the parade, the crowd around them had gradually thinned, civilian bystanders discreetly evacuated. All that remained were the guards, agents, and Jedi in disguise surrounding them. If the Sith didn't leave - and not just move to another area, but leave Alderaan altogether - they'd find themselves stunned, cuffed, and on their way to Azrael.

"Just because you have drawn a circle around us on your maps does not mean you may do with us as you please. Your presence is neither wanted nor permitted here."

Lysander von Ascania Varin Mortifer
Jasper Kai'el The Vulptex Thexann Pehnataur​

 

[Amani Serys]

"Alicio Organa" - Osiris Thul - Lodd Grimmin - Corazona von Ascania - Anet Raine​

"Apologies, Viceroy," Amani corrected herself, hand-over-heart. Lodd was not intent to let the conversation remain entirely cordial, and made a jab at Amani's relations (or lack thereof) with the Hapans. She squinted unmausedly at the Neimoidian, but did not dignify the comment with a retort. Surprisingly, Lodd did back down when Alicio extended an olive branch. He made his way out of the conversation, though not without assuring they would speak later. The Trade Federation was an odd group. Amani struggled to see things from their point of view. For now, she was just glad he left without making a scene.

Thul continued his part in the exchange without so much as a blink at his own misstep. Lacking in confidence, he was not. The Duke aimed his following comment at Alicio. Amani did not see fit to answer on his behalf. He had been gone for quite a while, but she trusted his acumen no less than before…

"Nonetheless, I sympathize with Alderaan's proximity to those butchers in the Core. But I have to say... It's not Sith I see occupying this world."

Still sensing a foulness in the Force, Amani sneered, "You should be more observant, then." She looked over the crowd, distracted by the many people and events vying for her attention. She turned back toward Anet, "I often find those who claim not to see are just refusing to look in the right direction."

 

[Connel Vanagor]

SECURITY
ALDERAAN
ALDERA

Omega Squad Every Day Gear Locations

• Michael, Gabriel, Raguel, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel
  [Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]
• 
  Rides
  
  • "Enterprise" Station Ship
  • Vigilant Reaper
  • Null Vector
  • Speederbike
  • Iron Psalm
  Gear/Armor
  
  
  • Gear(“Bodycam” Datapad, UAD Drone, link to Seraphim AI included)
  • Lightblaster
  • Shortsabers (“Night” and “Day”)
  • 5 Throwing Lightknives
  • 3 Force Blinding Flashbangs
  • RI-17 Rifle-w-MS-0412 Grenade Launcher
  SURGICAL - CRYBERNETIC IMPLANTS
  
  • Repli Implants that would be for the limbs
  • Bonemer enhancements to strengthen structure of the body
  • Muscle enhancements.
  • Hemo enhancements for blood flow
  • Hawkeye implants for eyes
  • Advanced Medical Implant
  • Scentzy
  • Injected Nanotech upgrades
  
  
  
• Shadow Sanctuary - Enterprise

[Check in.]

[Bravo- Alpha in Position.] Gabriel was in an undisclosed position inside the parade, running surveillance and overwatch.

[Charlie- Beta in Position.] Raguel, a Shi’do was posing as an onlooker among the patrons.

[Delta- Alpha in Position.] Sariel was in position hidden in a strong Sniper position, in between palace spires.

[Bravo- Beta in Postition.] Raphael was sitting next to Gabriel, ready to jump up and open fire if things go truly south.

[Alpha- Bravo in Position.] Jeremiel was not far from Michael, wherever they were.

[Charlie - Alpha in position.] Connel was in a covered position above Raguel. He was hidden and his aura not only cloaked but masked. This was not good, yes, it was necessary for the people of Alderaan to see their King and feel some good morale with all that could possibly be happening soon enough. The thing is something about all of this felt “wrong”...

That was confirmed when the Sith started to show their arrogance. Showing in public, not even bothering to try to hide themselves, it was as if they were boasting, baiting any Jedi to show up. No, this was the play of Acolytes and Assassins, not Lords. Those who were all too eager to try and attack and fight and do anything they can to look good in the eyes of their masters.

He was dangerous. Often reckless.

He was not stupid.

[You on?]

[Talk to me.]

[Two figures in black. They’re advanced recon. They’re paying way to much attention to the King.]

[They’re a distraction.]

[Always knew you were smart. Check out the mask talking to the Senator.]

There he is. He had never met him, but Lysander von Ascania was one he knew of by reputation. The thing is, he was smart. The position he placed himself, there were almost no chokepoints. This would be difficult, he could not simply run through the crowd, there would be a panic. No, he had to play this smart. [Charlie- Alpha moving.]

[Charlie- Beta following.]

[Negative, keep eyes but nothing more.] Connel was not Team Leader but if he gave a directive there was a reason.

It took some time, but he was in a position above Von Ascania and the other ( Varin Mortifer ). He was still cloaked heavily in the Force and well hidden. If they focused, they could possibly still sense something “off” and maybe know he was in the area, but they would have to look for him. Either way, the Senator Gram Arranda could see him if he looked. Hopefully he, nor Eloise Dinn who was in the area were not dumb enough to give him away.

Either way the Shadow remained quiet and watched, his hand on his Lightblaster.

TAGS • ARE • OPEN
Personal Effects - Omega Squad Loadouts​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Gardens
Aurelian Veruna

"Shh," Sibylla murmured, the word softened but firm as she nudged Aurelian lightly with her shoulder, a quiet reminder tucked beneath the motion. "You do realize not every observation requires an audience."

It was hard, though, not to have the corner of her mouth twitch at his remarks. The man had an uncanny ability to make her react, be it with incredulity, alarm, or amusement. More often all three at once!

"…even so," she continued more quietly, "with the Sith Covenant pressing as it is, I would hardly dismiss the possibility that considerable resources were spent to find King Organa. You know that a ruler is not merely symbolic, Aurelian. A world breathes with them. Morale, unity, and even their people's resolve rise or fracture in tandem."

She flicked her eyes toward him then, knowing he understood that as well as she did.

"Queen Amani has done well to hold that balance in his absence," Sibylla went on, keeping her one tone quiet, "Particularly with noble houses already circling, eager to carve out advantage where they can... you already know how that feels on Naboo."

Although the way the conversation veered next was utterly surprising, Aurelian caught Sibylla off guard. She turned her head toward him at once, the delicate brown brows drawing together just slighty as the incredulity flickered over her heartshaped face.

"You met him," she repeated, the words landing somewhere between disbelief and suspicion. "At the opera."

There was a question there. Several, in fact. Most of them beginning with what, precisely, did you say?

But before she could press it, Aurelian did, resulting in Sibylla giving a quiet exhale before rolling her eyes skyward.

"If you are going to critique my past choices," she countered deliberately, "I would recommend remembering whose judgment you are currently relying upon."

She turned her head back to him then, chin lifting just a fraction. It didn't hurt her as it had before. No less important but time had done its part.

"And do be careful," she added, quieter now, almost thoughtful. "We could very easily find ourselves discussing your own… history."

There was no mistaking the way her right eyebrow arched in dare as she added, "I could only imagine the sort of women you were inclined to pursue."

The gardens opened further around them, light spilling over manicured paths and carefully tended blooms, and despite herself, Sibylla allowed her attention to drift as a cluster of roses caught her eye. Their color was a beautiful sunset gold that reminded her of the sun reflecting over the water at Rainspire. She slowed, just enough to lean in, drawing in their fragrance with a soft draw of breath.

"…they are lovely," she murmured, almost to herself.

Then, as if remembering, her attention slid back to Aurelian, a faint, knowing curve returning to her lips.

"Should I inquire to Tona about those competitions you mentioned before?"

 

[Joren Vale]

​

"You there."

Joren paused as soon as he was addressed, her tone signaling he was in some kind of trouble. He raised both hands defensively, feeling caught in the act, and turned on his heels to face the woman with a disarming smile. A habit he inherited from his father.

But where he expected something serious, she instead made a big deal out of his droid taking up too much space. Joren merely perked a brow in response and looked her over. She was tall and definitely not sore on the eyes, with purple hair and-

His eyes caught the lightsaber on her belt and he grinned, "I thought Jedi of all people would be a little more inclusive," he commented before lazily gesturing at her height, "Besides, you take up about three times as much space."

R7 was about to chirp something clever in addition but Joren silenced him with a raised finger.

Eloise Dinn​

 

["Alicio Organa"]

Tags: Amani Serys Corazona von Ascania Lodd Grimmin Osiris Thul Anet Raine ​

It came as a bit of a surprise when Lodd actually decided to take Alicio's advice. The Neimoidian slipped one last insult in, aimed at Amani's relations with the Hapans, but otherwise made a clean exit, wandering off to go purchase a drink. The King of Alderaan watched him go with a smile.

If only the rest of these encounters would go that smoothly. Alicio was beginning to feel like he had lost the plot somewhere along the way. His stormy gray eyes darted from Corazona to Anet to Amani, then to Osiris as he addressed him directly.

"I believe the Senator makes a just point. Not everyone is so eager to rely on the charity of others. Alderaan should be strong enough to stand on its own. Do you not agree, my king?"

"If our enemy was just one world like ourselves, perhaps," Alicio replied, eyeing the Duke. "But we face a foe with the strength of hundreds of worlds behind it. We can't fight them without allies. It isn't a matter of strength or pride or honor. It's simply logical."

He turned toward Anet. "If Belazura were in the position we are in now, threatened by the Sith, and you asked for our aid... Alderaan would answer. It would be the same if it were Ukatis, or any other planet. Our decision to seek membership with the High Republic doesn't mean that we are trying to join an exclusive club of worlds who have been judged 'good', and damn the rest. The galaxy is a rough place, and we need to look out for each other in any way we can."

 

[Eloise Dinn]

Joren Vale
​

The smuggler turned around with a smirk on his face, and Eloise nearly forgot why she was bothering him. Why were the guys who were almost certainly bad for her always the best looking?

"Yeah?" She grinned. "Do you like big girls?"

She rested a hand on top of the R7 unit as she leaned in closer to the charming rogue. "I'll be honest, I just need to check your droid out. We've been getting reports of suspicious activity over here. Gotta make sure it isn't carrying a bomb or something." The fingers of her other hand brushed the lapel of his jacket. "I can scan it right here, but it would be better if we went somewhere a little more private..."

Even as she spoke, a vague sense of impending danger crept along her senses. Great. Just great.

 

[Lily Rhodes]

Tags: Varin Mortifer Lysander von Ascania Gram Arranda Connel Vanagor​

Lily stopped as the black helm angled toward her before a small nod followed and the pair of them moved towards her. "You've got to be kidding me." she muttered, turning to look back the way she had come, noting a couple of the local feds picking their way through the crowd scanning for her. If she was busted by them, she'd not only lose a payday but the rep she was building would take a hit, jobs would be harder to get. That was a step backwards she could not afford.

Forwards was her only option, but forward the crowd began to thin. The shift in the force was subtle, but unmistakeable it was charged like the air before a storm erupted. She stopped focusing on the Sith, they weren't the ones trying to hide. Her gaze swept the crowd again as she came to a stop, noticing small details. A tightened fist, a narrowed gaze, tension in shoulders where there shouldn't be any.

Were they really that stupid?

Did they really think attempting to accost two Sith, who as far as she could see were simply observing, was a smart move?

It was a disaster waiting to happen, it didn't matter how many civilians they cleared out, the minute a fight started the panic would spread like wildfire and there would be innocent people caught in the crossfire. And for what? Because Alderaan was trying so hard to live in denial or the shadow that loomed over it. Doing nothing wasn't an option, not when she was close enough to make a difference.

Light brown eyes settled on the Sith and she stopped trying to avoid them, moving towards them instead. Maybe if they saw a civilian close, then maybe, just maybe they'd rethink things. And if not? Well, there was always plan B. Whatever that was. Hopefully something smart like running.

This was possibly going to be the dumbest thing she'd ever done.

"You could have at least tried to hide." she said as she came to a stop before them. Stars, the glowing eye was creepy, was it moving independently of his other eyes? Gross. She supressed a shudder, focusing on no-face instead, there was something familiar about his presence. "Would be better for the bystanders if you were."

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

OBJ I | Amani Serys Anet Raine Osiris Thul @“Alicio Organa”

As Osiris took her hand, a spark of something darker laced itself into the Force. It clung to him like static.

This wasn't the only flicker of darkness that moved through the throng of sentients - Sith weren't foolish enough to be overt in a place like this (she hoped), but they were arrogant enough to believe that putting down the embers of a dying empire made them titans.

Maybe they were. They controlled the core, and that made them dangerous enough.

The jabs continued even as Lodd departed. Amani and Alicio had no trouble handling themselves. Cora mused that it was too bad she wasn't Ukatis' sovereign - ugly role that it was - then she could've claimed a sturdy title like Jedi Lord.

"Better a Jedi Lord than a Sith…oh, what is it they call themselves now?" Cora hummed as she idly picked a stray hair from the arm of Anet's outfit. "Empress? Empresses?"

She rubbed her index and thumb finger together, letting the hair - perceived or real - float towards the ground. Cora looked to Alicio and Amani.

The Senator from Belazura had brought up a fine point: "Does this event have wine?"