In Time [FWC Dominion of Onderon]

[Relina Zhan]

[member="Claire Organa"]

Relina would accept the hand, nodding in understanding. The Hapan Ducha spoke with a noticeable accent and held her gaze with one of her own that seemed to speak of resolve and pride, typical of a soldier, but with a distinctive grace uncharacteristic of what a war veteran's eyes might tell of. Her lips, ungarnished with any cosmetics, were smiling only slightly from the usual straightness of a military woman.

On Relina's chest was a Major's insignia on the right, ribbon bars and a medal on the left, her gold-finished nameplate on her high collar, The insignia of the Hapan Royal Navy on both shoulders. The uniform was formal; an officer's dress uniform. She looked more like a soldier than a noblewoman, let alone the owner and primary shareholder of the company that manufactured much of the Navy's ships and supplies in this day and age. Her elegant vibrorapier was perhaps the only thing truly unique about her appearance that screamed wealth and influence; a touch of class.

"Well met. I am Major Relina Zhan, Ducha of Gallinore, Owner of Paragon Enterprises... tell me, Miss Organa, what does your company deal in, if I may ask?" Relina asked, pausing to listen and sip her brandy.

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

Location: Iziz Royal Gala

[member="Claire Organa"] | [member="Relina Zhan"] & co.



And so it was after careful thought having just come back from one of the seemingly endless trips to their Householding. Making sure things were on schedule and that things were going as the plan or proposed. With much of it seem having been delay or falling behind scheduled due to varied reason from what he only recently found out. Having made sure to push thru to make a full account of it from the time he had to take over of their House.

That he prepared to leave and having to go in his sister stead who at that time had falling ill. At any rate after what seems been an uneventful trip getting there his ship lands. And soon enough he finds himself being escorted to the Royal gala where it took a while for his clearance goes thru. Given the circumstances behind his unscheduled arrival here that it took the announcer a bit of a time get things in order as he called out his introduction.

"Announcing the Count of House Terran of Alderaan and guest....."

At which time with that said he was allowed to enter with Captain Ja'rrod walking behind him in town. And as he enters walking in he noted to take notice of all those present including the Princess cousin Lady Claire. Whom he sort gotten familiar with having spent time with his twin sister who for the most part spoke fondly of her. At which time he then slowly made his way towards her and with that respectfully approach her.

" Lady Claire....."

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Relina Zhan"] [member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"]

Well she had the Duch'a attention, "I'm a clothing designer actually" She was proud of that fact. Every she met either owned a weapons company or a medical company. She felt unique. "Perhaps I can interest you in looking at my design book." She also wasn't shy about asking someone to look at her designs.

Claire held her glass gently in her hand. Then she heard another voice turning slightly, "Ahh Lord Terran, may I introduce Duch'a Zhan of Gallinore." She stepped back to give the pair room to greet one another. "I did not realize you had planned to attend the gala here."

She tried not to appear as if she was taking a deep breath, but she was. She wasn't the great multitasker that some of her relatives were. "Have either of you met the family attempting to restore the royal family here?" Claire had not yet been presented. But that time was coming it was a matter of waiting until she was called for.

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

Location: Iziz Royal Gala

[member="Claire Organa"] | [member="Relina Zhan"]


It was then after he'd addressed her that Claire then turns and replied back while holding her glass gently in her hand.

"Ahh Lord Terran, may I introduce Duch'a Zhan of Gallinore."

At which time after now having gained a more formal introduction to the Duch'a that he then as protocol dictate turn to her. And greets Duch'a Zahn in the customary way as he had been groom to learn during his time under his mother the Dowager watchful ways.

" It is certainly a pleasure to meet you Duch'a Zhan of Gallinore...."

Noting her extended hand which he then takes as Claire step aside to give them room to greet one another. After which with the introduction all but dispense with that Clair continue on speak.

"I did not realize you had planned to attend the gala here."

To which he then, turn, came reply as he moves to stand by her side note that she seemed without an escort during the proceeding. And spoke in response to her question. At which time standing as close to her as he was Andulf couldn't help silently take notice of her.

" Well, my lady Claire I have to be honest am not the one used to having attended the gala in that it was my sister that was slated to attend but due to some unforeseen events. I had to stand in to come in her stead as it would have to be. And guess while I am here would offer to keep you company thru the proceeding of the day?"


After which hear her seem to take a deep breath to let off perhaps some her feeling of anxiousness of having to represent the family by her own. As she then came forth to continue on to speak.

"Have either of you met the family attempting to restore the royal family here?"

And he in turn replied.

" In truth, i have not as of yet met the family thought I would sooner at some point in time.Thought have you m'lady Clair ....Duch'a Zahna?"

 

[Relina Zhan]

[member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"] [member="Claire Organa"]

Relina took the approaching male's hand firmly after the Lady Claire stepped aside to allow him room to stand with them. "A pleasure, indeed, and well met, Lord Teraan. Major Relina Zhan, Ducha of Gallinore." she said, turning her gaze onto the man's. Similarly to how she did with Lady Claire, her eyes would briefly look at his entire form, taking in his build, his style, and his body language. She decided he was fairly attractive, as well, but carried himself in a way male noblemen she knew typically did not..

To Claire, she replied, "Fashion, you say? I should like to have a look at your work. I may just be interested in new clothes and accessories." Her voice took a noticeably more relaxed a undeniably feminine enthusiasm on this subject. "I'm certain my sister would, as well."

When Lord Teraan spoke of his being proxy to his sister, she lofted an eyebrow. Being a Hapan of noble blood, Relina''s thoughts automatically shifted to how such a reply might be taken had this Gala been held somewhere in the Hapes Consortium. Hapan nobles had a sordid reputation for political intrigue, so Relina's mind strayed in that direction. Had those 'unforeseen events' he alluded to been an attempt on her life or something else of the same or similar tier of seriousness? She wasn't sure how to ask without being rude.

When asked if she had met the Onderon Royal Family, she shook her head. "No. But the Hapes Consortium is lending its support to Onderon and the Coalition. It is clear that the Imperial and Sith threat is greater than we anticipated and despite our stalwart border guard, we have faced our own share of deadly incursions. An alliance is of military interest." She finished her glass and would gesture for another. She would then add, "And of course, trade between our worlds is of economic interest. With the strain of rebuilding Ta'a Chume'Dan on Hapes Prime, a little foreign trade is expected to stimulate the economy, as well."

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

Location: Iziz Royal Gala

[member="Claire Organa"] | [member="Relina Zhan"]


It was then with great care thought with a bit of hesitation he soon dispenses with the usual introduction thought in a manner his mother the Dowager Countess would no less have approved. But none the less he was not really one for such formalities or such and it would be somewhat fortunate for him that she nor his sister were there. Or he would have no less gotten an earful about what his mother the Dowager would deem such action as such juvenile pheasant demeanor. Which for a moment brought a faint smirk on his face as passing memory cross his mind which. For the most part, might not have escaped Duch'a as he took note how she turns her gaze towards him for a moment. Before turning her attention momentarily to response to Lady Claire words.

At any rate, as he then confides to reply to Lady Claire question about his presence there and guarded as he was to respond with. A somewhat vague yet seem an intriguing answer to the Duch'a. Who he took passing note as she lifts an eyebrow at his mention of 'unforeseen events'. Which in truth was suppose to mean clue Lady Claire in that his Mother the Dowager was not well? Which meant the twins had to mostly take upon themselves all the duty expected of their house. And with that said she had opted stay behind to both watches over their mother along with making sure the season harvest was taken care of. Which left him to have taken over handling the social affairs which included this Gala and keep up their presence and influence among the remaining Houses. which was something given the fragile state their house was as it tried to rebuild after all the current strife something he rather would have kept in private. And just be know between a very select few that included Royal House of Organa who was, for the most part, their most close ally and benefactor.

By then it seems though thankfully the Duch'a did not press thru and seem to drop her curiosity that instead, she turned her attention to responding to next question herself. That of she'd met with the Onderon Royal family herself and what she thought were of regarding Hapen stand towards both the Coalition as well the Onderon. Which appeared favorable as she then no sooner finishes her drink to then motion for another to which time. Once the server arrives he too took a glass. Take a few sip of it continue to converse with them as they waited.....

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"] [member="Relina Zhan"]

She smiled even though she felt uneasy. "Duch'a perhaps then we should arrange an appointment for you and your sister." She wasn't sure what she saw in the Duch'a gaze when she looked at Lord Teraan. Was it appreciation? Admiration? She was just unsure. "I'm sure the Coalition is more than willing and able to negotiate a trade agreement with a representative of your government to present to your Queen." She gave the Duch'a a genuine smile and hoped that it would provide some semblance of comfort.

"I have not yet been presented either, perhaps in time. I"m sure there are many that have come to check them out and make their judgements" It was one thing the galaxy was good at passing judgement.

She knew that Hapes and all within the Consortium were led by a matriarchy so perhaps Lord Teraan's comments about his sister had caught the Duch'a off guard.

"Lord Terran your sister, is she well?" She wanted to try and provide some ease to the Duch'a that there was no conspiracy.

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

Location: Iziz Royal Gala

[member="Claire Organa"] | [member="Relina Zhan"]

It was the conversation along with the attention shifted for a moment between the Duch'a and Lady Claire that he was afforded a momentary reprieve to collect his thought. At which time reanalyzing the look the Duch'a gave him earlier all but gave him the impression at the very least.She could from what he knew of the Hapan and past memories from his younger days that she could have very well check him out. In admiration?Appreciation? or something else he was not quite sure. But then again whichever it was Andulf was at best no stranger to it as he did have his share or brief understanding of politics as well all its nuances before while attending a royal function when his father the late Count still lived. Along with some his not so subtle outing in his youth as a teen going out and having a bit fun with some the courtesan and common folks which his father the Count had adamantly disagreed with and had been away sort have been a factor to their estrangement. And somewhat set him apart as to how he carried himself in a way most male noblemen typically did not. But then again looking back as one his tutors one read or said him once.... the folly of youth was all but expected and no less comes to pass. May they be of noble or humble birth..... but pass they will and in its place one can only hope or would be wisdom which one would hope will serve them well in the future.

But then again his thoughts were soon brought back to the present soon after By Lady Claire as she asked.

"Lord Terran your sister, is she well?"

And he in turn replied.

"I appreciate the concern Lady Claire but there is no need for worry my twin sister Countess Adelaide Anne Teraan is well. It's just that with my studies having concluded and my return back to take my place as Count of House Teraan. I have offered to share some the duties with her for one..."

 

[Relina Zhan]

[member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"] [member="Claire Organa"]

Relina would nod, picking up her third glass. She wasn't drunk, but she could feel a buzz coming. She'd have to slow down at this point, she thought. She would smile back to Claire. Two sets of business were now in the works: something more personal for her and her house and the other much more profound for her nation and Claire's. She'd make a point to pass on the word to the necessary departments and ministries to arrange for interfaction trade.

"Excellent!" was her reply.

To Andulf, she would listen to his reply and would nod. Her own cultural customs were perhaps unique... or at the very least, uncommon. The Hapan people were a matriarchal society with women holding most positions of authority. This was generally common knowledge, but also poorly understood by outsiders, who often stereotyped them as misoandrists. The truth was, the disfavor of men in authority positions was an ancient one; Men once brutally subjugated women, literally enslaving them in the Lorellian times before the birth of the modern Consortium. When their ultra-patriarchal pirate masters were overthrown, the surviving women vowed never to be ruled by a man again. However, this is not to say Hapan women hated men. Quite the contrary: they loved their men, but in more conservative circles, especially nobility, men were expected to take a role similar to that of women in very ancient, pre-industrial times. They had rights, but rarely were granted powerful positions directly outside of the ranks of the Royal Navy.

Relina felt no need to bring this topic up at length unless asked and, herself, made no indication of disapproval at the Count's position. She accepted other people's cultural differences so long as they weren't imposed upon her... another stereotype she shattered. She also did not find it appropriate to indicate that she merely found the man attractive at first glance, seeing that such would seem undignified, if unprofessional. Her gaze would then more causally shift between the two of them and at the rest of the party goers. Her squadmates were mingling just fine, it seemed... and no sign of her rival. She knew [member="Lucienne Sinclair"] was here somewhere, though.

"Interesting. I share duties with my twin sister myself. I am no politician, to be sure. That is my sister's arena. I am a Military woman and deal with business and economics. My sister handles local policy, represents Gallinore in Her Majesty's Peerage, and other political affairs. I hold the style of Ducha only because I was born five minutes before Alessandra was, making it my legal birthright." she commented. "I suppose co-ruling isn't so uncommon, is it?"

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Regent Girard stopped momentarily, white eyes observing the area quietly. "As you say, Captain." The nobleman stayed still, letting others go before him, blazing a trail in front before he followed in their footsteps, only a little quieter than originally.

Laira didn't bother stopping, she just kept pace with the Firemane force, "Only if you're get as lucky as I am sarge," the redhead winked at the man carrying the rotary shattergun. They were packing enough weaponry to deal with anything they came across but she kind of hoped that she had Dimeria with the little group in case the Sith Cultists were a little more legitimate than most believed. Thunder boomed and the sky roiled, rain falling in torrents sprinkling against the energy field that encased her head. Normally it was invisible to the naked eye, now a slight translucent blue hovered around the outline of her head.

She raised her eyebrows, "So its not about the color of the hair, but you're glad they're fun to look at while you're taking orders?" Laira grinned to herself, pleased at having found someone so rigid and professional. It was one of her past times to see if she could break them one way or another. The princess was also completely unprofessional, but not unaware. Her eyes were out and senses taking in information while she worked on attempting to break the captain's will.

Laira was about to continue in her escapades when it became apparent they were in a basin, the trees thick around them but the undergrowth light and easy to traverse. Other than back the way they came there were steep hills surrounding them. Pressure began to build in the back of her head and grey eyes looked up towards the peaks around the small group. "Cover." The words were hissed from her throat only a split second before the sounds of primitive slugthrower rifles sparked from the ridges on their sides.

Darkened shadows loomed overhead, muzzle flash emanating from them. "Dammit," she whispered, upset with herself that they had managed to elude her senses for so long. A single long shadow rose from behind them, seemingly coalescing out of thin air like smokey tendrils coming together and pooling into one being. The Dark Side, its cold hatred and fear tingled up her spine. Burning embers opened, like eyes in the midnight black smoke.

@Glory

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

Location: Orbiting Porus Vida
Objective: Reclaiming History

For a moment the darkness of the void was broken with a bright flash as the vessel tore its way back into real space, dropping from its hyperspace tunnel. Feeling the vessel shudder as it slipped towards the planet, a small smirk crossed her lips as she pushed herself up from the chair. Keeping the datapad in hand, she slipped pass the soldier in the room, giving a simple nod followed only by a few words. ​

​

"Have the squads muster in the hanger bay. I want this operation to be finished before the Free Worlds convince Onderon to join." ​

​

"Ma'am." ​

​

The doors hissed open, the hall beyond buzzing with activity as she stepped forward, her focus clear as to the goals she desired to accomplish. The world below was one of history, covered in a myriad of museums, and it was her hope that there were some items still remaining after the wake of the fall of the Mandalorians. As she pushed towards the hanger bay a small smirk crossed her lips, the siren blaring within the ship calling the recovery teams to their determined gathering points. ​

​

As she stepped into the hanger bay she was greeted by an old friend, a simple nod being given to the Knight-Captain. ​

​

"Knight-Captain Braxis, is the Sigma Praetorian ready?" ​

​

"Yes Ma'am." ​

​

"Good. Make sure they know their mission. I'll brief the other squads." ​

​

Stepping away, her attention fell upon the gathered DX units. Golden hues slipped over the identical faces as she stood quietly, watching the collection of droids quickly stand at attention. Stepping forward, she motioned for a moment, holding the datapad up. ​

​

"Our mission here is simple. While the Free Worlds Coalition works to bring Onderon and this region of space into the fold, we will use it to cover our own activities. We are to secure any item of cultural significance for study and repatriation to Alderaan, Commenor, or items of interest to the Metal Lords. Additionally we will be securing any Force Artifacts or items of potential historical value to the Jedi Orders..." ​

​

Amelia went silent, her eyes moving over the groups before a heavy sigh escaped her lips to give the next order, one that would potentially haunt her if things went wrong. ​

​

"Lethal force is approved as a last resort..." ​

​

Amelia's Forces:

• Five Shuttle Craft
• Sigma Praetorian
• (40) DX-HRDs
  ​Hadur class Light Armor
• Duskhal Assault Rifle

 

[Glory]

[member="Laira Vereen"]


When it came to Firemane employees, there was probably no bigger contrast than the one between Elpsis and Glory. Laira kept poking her, but the Dahomian did not reply. Her employer Siobhan Kerrigan was well-known for her desire to 'get to know' her favoured minions. Glory gave her credit where it was due, but found this sort of behaviour unprofessional. It opened the doors to nepotism.


However, all these thoughts vanished from her mind when they found themselves in the basin and things went FUBAR. It was Laira who gave them the headsup, showing that she was not just here to try and get a rise out of the rigid Captain. Glory was as Force-sensitive as a plank and had the common soldier's opinion of 'hookey religions'. However, she'd worked with enough Force-users to know that when the space wizards said something along the lines of 'I have a bad feeling about this' or talked about having sudden premonitions, they usually knew what they were talking about.


Besides, she had good instincts. These took over when the Alderaanian and Dahomian Rangers sought cover amongst the trees and bushes. In the same moment the staccato of slugthrower cut through the air as the bullets shot towards them, accompanied by primitive explosives. Luckily, the soldiers were wearing duraplast armour.


Glory grunted when slugs hit her suit, bouncing off or shattering on impact. One grazed her joint, causing a stab of pain. "Flash!" she yelled. Heeding her command, one of the squad members fired a flash round with his Mk1 bolter, illuminating the area from where the shots were coming from. Sergeant Blade's rotary cannon roared, creating a noise close as thunder. The power of wind burst forth from Hazani, attempting to force their attackers out into the open.


Bringing up her Magnetic Repeater, Glory took aim, she spotted shapes amongst the shadows unloading on them. Her weapon was a semiautomatic rifle that propelled its projectiles at hypervelocity. They were so fast that they would hit a target ere you heard them cut through the air. Her breathing slowed, and she depressed the trigger. The hypervelocity pellets blew a shooter's head off his torso. Her sights settled on another shooter as she saw a black shape move in the area from where the muzzle flashes were coming from. Her sights settled on the hostile's chest, and a pellet ripped through his lung, putting him down.


"Team one, suppressive fire. Team two, with me. We go high and flank them. Jets!" In battle, a static target was a dead target. Movement was essential. Hence why they had jetpacks. The entire basin was exploding in volleys of gunfire as the Rangers unloaded. However, just as she wanted to move, a new opponent suddenly appeared. One more dangerous and malicious than whoever was shooting at them.


Glory felt a cold, icy shiver run down her spine. On instinct, she turned around and beheld a shadowy figure manifest. It was vile to behold and felt like she was staring into a void. She fired on burst mode, but her bullets just passed through the shadow without having any effect. Then she became utterly incapable of movement, as if she was paralysed.


The construct's sharp, shadowy tendrils reached out, burrowing themselves inside her mind. The pain was terrible, agonising, like a thousand burning spines being inserted into her brain, like being burned and frozen and torn apart all at once. Her gun fell out of her hand. Then Hazani, letting loose a Qadiri war cry, unleashed a blast of the Force at the demon and slashed at it with her glowing Force imbued blade.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Laira froze, crawling away from the shadow that wafted up behind the group, her hands feeling around for purchase to help pull her away. She had seen many frightening things in her time, her father had even taught her some about demons and the horrors of the Dark Side, but this was the first time she had seen one. Felt one's presence gripping at her. In combat, everyone felt fear to some extent. Courage was often said as being able to overcome that pit of fear that grew in everyone's mind, but that pit was still there. And this thing was the embodiment of that pit in the stomachs of both side's fighters.

The creature shrieked loudly, an ear piercing howl that drove any thoughts of facing it from Laira's mind, as the Force smashed against its ethereal form and blade slashed through one of its arms. The creature stepped backwards, its rippling form of smoke and darkness shifting, limbs protruding from its blackness and talons lashing out at the Qadiri that charged it.

The redhead bumped against something, glancing over her shoulder to see the standing form of Regent Girard glaring daggers into a figure ahead of them. "Up child." His voice was calm and confident like before but there was something else about him. The Regent hadn't ducked for cover with the rest of them, only unsheathed his blade and stood steady. His body swayed on occasion, bullets ripping through the air beside him but not scraping his armor. Laira surmised forty years made one aware, experienced on how to avoid getting shot while appearing like a target. Her legs followed his orders even though her mind wanted nothing more than to put more space between herself and the beast. "See to the creature. Its a smoke demon and you might be the only one here than can injure it."

Laira nodded quickly, jerking her head up and down several times though she wasn't quite sure what he meant. "Yes sir." Meanwhile the Regent started his way towards the dark figure at the head of the path. Heat built in Laira's chest, fire and rage. After fear came anger, anger that she had forgotten everything she had learned, every beating and broken bone she had suffered forgotten, every single iota of pain across a lifetime of training worthless right when she needed it. Her hands grasped at a laser targeter, primed and ready to fire if she only had a bead on where she needed it pointed.

She bade her legs move, to carry her towards the Firemane Captain and relieve the bald woman. Muscles fired, the Force flowed through her veins and the world slowed around the princess as she moved, taking large steps back the way she had come until she slid to a stop beside Glory.

~

The Regent, far ahead of the embattled group stopped his slow methodical walk forward. The dark figure spoke out, "And so cometh the man into the lion's den," the figure spoke with a reedy whisper, "We were told a vessel would come, proud and noble of birth. And so has it come to pass."

Yellow eyes may have flicked up from the proud and scarred visage of the Regent, if only for a second. "And so the lion hunts the hound, unaware of the pack." Not proud, not confident. Spoken with a deep growl rumbling all around the pair in the forest.

And then there were screams.

[member="Glory"]

 

[Glory]

[member="Laira Vereen"]


Glory was angry. Terribly so. She had been caught off-guard, paralysed and spooked by some sort of bizarre Force construct she could not even harm. Visions of terror had flooded her mind as it sunk its tendrils into her. The pain was agonising, but she forced herself to stand. Fear was what got you killed, but anger kept you alive.


I am not weak, she thought, repeating the words in her mind like a mantra.
I am not weak.
I am not weak. She faced the horrors, and managed to gain some clarity. Her body could move again.


Hazani had struck, piercing the Smoke Demon's shadowy form with her blade and blasting it with the Force. But there was a cry of pain when its ethereal talons slashed at the Qadiri, hurting her in ways no physical claws could. She felt a searing burn surge through her body. With a Qadiri war cry, the young elf launched herself at the abomination once more, striking at the creature with Force imbued blade, which glowed brightly, almost as fierce as the heat that radiated from the malevolent creature. "You shall be cleansed, demon," she spat in her native tongue, anger rising inside her chest like bile.


Glory's breathing steadied. The shooters were still out there - and more might be coming. She could not know that Girard was taking care of the demon summoner, for she had lost track of the nobleman. It was time to take control again. As much as it gnawed at her, she could not this...creature. Here she'd be a liability. But she could help in other ways.


"You deal with the hocus pocus. I'll take care of the flesh and blood," she called to Laira, who had appeared at her side. "Hazani, follow her lead." Gunfire could be heard coming from the distance, for some of her soldiers were already enaged further ahead on the cliffs, so she fired up her jetpack.


Her rifle spat high-velocity rounds as she joined her soldier, catching a cultist in the knee. It would not kill him, but he would not be able to walk anymore. As she came swooping down, her hand clutched a concussion grenade and she hurled it into the fray. A cultist charged her and she ducked to avoid a brutal stroke towards her head with his mace, before she thrust her bayonet into his stomach.

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

Location: Iziz Royal Gala

[member="Claire Organa"] | [member="Relina Zhan"]


It was then after a brief pause as he listens in as the conversation between the three continued on. And only after the Duch'a spoke turn him that he replied back.


" Interesting indeed thought between us two It's my twin sister Countess Adelaide Anne Teraan. Who's about a couple or so minute older than I am who more the politician. As I am the one most into trades and business, at any rate, i guess co-ruling, not a common thing in most part though it had only seldom happened in our house. ."

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Relina Zhan"] [member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"]

"How different is Hapan society from Alderaan Duch'a Zhan?" Claire had an idea but it was best not to assume and just ask the question. She enjoyed learning something new and the Duch'a seemed amiable enough to share this information.

She wasn't too sure how Lord Teraan was handling all of this he seemed a bit out of sorts. Perhaps having to take over his sister's duties that it befuddled him but wasn't he also the Ambassador to the Metal Lords now? She thought she had heard that Faith had appointed him but she wasn't sure. Rumors were a common in court and this was likely just one more.

She looked over towards the new royal family they seemed to be waiting. For? Claire looked around there was an someone coming in escorted by a military guard. They were dressed in crimson with gold accents she did not recognize the crest. From the look on the family's face this was not good. Perhaps this was someone coming to contest their claim to rule Onderon. Claire tried to keep her attention on her own conversation.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"You got it!" Laira called, spinning her shortened spear around in her hands in a blur. The blade was perfectly balanced, and permanently sharp. The haft of the weapon even compressed into itself to make carrying it easy while still providing reach in combat. However, it was not imbued with the power of the Force, making it practically useless in this scenario. But Laira didn't know that, and having a weapon to wield provided her some sense of security and protection, bolstering her confidence now that she had fought through the initial shock of facing the creature.

The redhead moved quickly up to the Qadiri warrior woman, stomping her left foot in to the ground hard. The Force channeled through her body and her movements, flowing into the earth around her. With a twist of her wrists, the spear tip buried into the ground as she swiped it forward, pieces of the earth spraying up and towards the semi-discorporeal being. Each of the tiny shards elongated into needles as they buzzed through the air rippling through the creature's smokey form. They did nothing to it physically, but the burst of energy did cause a distraction for the Qadiri, turning the creature's gaze towards Laira rather than the warrior with the weapon that could hurt it.

Smoke tendrils solidified into long black talons ending in razor sharp points, slashing outwards towards the redhead. With all of her weight forward, Laira couldn't adjust quickly enough to dodge the sudden attack. The talons lacerated her thigh, cutting deep enough to draw a dark red viscera from her muscle. Pain shot up her body, searing into her brain and buckling her strong stance until she was on one knee. Grey eyes watered as she looked up at the smoke demon once again, but it was not the formless ethereal shape she had seen before, but the familiar weathered face of an older man with coal-like eyes. "Wha-."

~

Regent Girard stood over a messy pile of what once was a Sith cultist, his sword slick with red. With his boots he kicked paw prints, rubbing them out of the ground around him and turning his flamethrower to the carcass. "A pity."

His attention turned back towards the others of his party as the fire began to crackle, charring the evidence of his conflict with that particular dark sider. Long strides began carrying the white haired man with kind eyes back towards the Firemane force, taking a wide arc to put him along the path that the cultists might retreat to.

[member="Glory"]

 

[The Story Narrator]

From across the room he stood staring off looking at the young noble from Alderaan. She was the intended target of one of his employers as he sized her up he also took in the other guests.

Oh they were all so full of themselves here in their perfect attire holding their pinkies out to show good breeding. But he knew, he new their secrets their fears and they each paid dearly for him to keep it all safe in the shadows with him.

This young woman, this Ambassador Organa who traveled on her own throughout the galaxy had a secret or two as well. He smiled at the thought of what she would pay for him to keep those secrets. But then she was the one that sat at the table with the First Order and the Galactic Alliance taking notes like a dutiful scribe. She wrote the document that sealed the supposed cease fire between them.

He had made a lot of credits off that little war and he fully intended to do so again. His plan was simple. But that's for another time to reveal all that he was thinking for now watching her and learning her habits THAT was his order of business.

The people she met with the Duch'a Zhan of Hapes, and Lord Teraan of Alderaan. Another set of fancy names another means to an end, what secrets did they harbor. Or what could he find out and spin to his advantage.

The was a silence across the room as valet called a name, "Claire Organa, Ambassador of Alderaan their majesties are ready to receive you."

And so the story moves on.

 

[Claire Organa]

She heard her name it was time nervous she looked at the Duch'a then to Lord Teraan. "Wish me luck. I'll be back shortly." She smiled though her nerves were already making her heart beat harder.

She turned slowly knowing that moving too quickly would make her appear over zealous. She smiled as she moved the soft rustle of the fabric rubbed gently against her skin as she moved. She finally saw the royal family he was an older man his eyes were a sad brown already showing their age small wrinkles around his eyes from him squeezing them tightly shut.

His wife was a blonde with silver streaks in her hair. She sat rigid upon the couch looking uncomfortable her clear blue eyes were unsettling and yet so very striking. They made you want to know more about her Claire gravitated towards her. Behind them stood a tall young man clearly their son he had his mother's eyes and his father's hair. It was how he looked at her that made her feel uncomfortable.

That look of privilege she had seen on many faces. He had grown up being told what a special boy he was and now here he was looking to be the next King of Onderon. Claire wondered was it his idea or his parents to re-establish the royal line.

Claire did a deep curtsy to the family a show of respect as a minor noble and representative of her planet. "Majesties I bring to you greetings from the Court of Alderaan. Her majesty Queen Faith bade me to say that whatever aide Alderaan could give to Onderon and the people you need only ask. The Coalition is home to many businesses and resources. She asked that I speak with you regarding a trade agreement giving you opportunity to deal with any business within Coalition space."

It wasn't her best speech she knew it and from the look on their faces they seemed unsure. The king shifted uneasily in his chair, "Does your Queen offer military protection to Onderon?"

Claire rose up, "Every planet within the Coalition maintains their own military however agreements can be negotiated if Onderon were to come under attack each planet would offer up military aide for protection and defense. But that would only be if Onderon is part of the Coalition." This much Claire knew from previous speeches, it was one she hoped to pitch to the Queen of Hapes and why meeting with the Duch'a was so important.

The King tilted his head listening to the whispers of his son he nodded when he agreed and when he did not he merely stared at Claire.

"The Queen's offer is commendable. It is our wish to meet with her in regards to these discussions. Can she travel to Onderon?"

A loaded question and Claire knew it. They wanted to show their importance by having Faith come to Onderon, but would she? "I will communicate your desires to my Queen."

He nodded, "Very well...it has been a pleasure Ambassador"

And with that Claire was dismissed. She nodded and turned to walk away she felt uneasy was there something more here? Something they didn't know about this family. Feth.

Claire knew she would have to talk with Faith and her advisors on how they wanted to proceed.

[member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"] [member="Relina Zhan"]

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

Location: Landing on Porus Vida
Objective: Reclaiming History

The engines of the shuttle craft roared to life in the hanger bay, a small smirk upon her lips as she motioned towards the four waiting craft. With a simple nod, the collective HRDs quickly boarded the waiting vessels while Amelia turned back towards the lead shuttle. Stepping forward, she nodded towards Knight-Commander Braxis, her heavy boots thudding against the boarding ramp as she was soon followed by her personal bodyguard. ​

​

Making her way to the cockpit, she stood in the doorway, her golden hues focused forward before she looked back for a moment. Her hand resting on the co-pilot's shoulder before her attention returned forward. Giving a light tap, she slipped away, falling into her seat and closing her eyes. Listening as the vessel roared, feeling it shudder as it lift up from the deck of the hanger bay before slipping forward. ​

​

The shuttles pulled into a formation as they spewed forth from the vessel, following the lead shuttle as it quickly dove down towards the world below. Amelia's eyes shot open as she felt the shuttle shudder once it began to skim the upper atmosphere of the planet. Smirking slightly as the shuttle began its descent towards the world below. She was still unsure as to what was waiting for them, though she had been hoping that nothing had been destroyed; though such thoughts were unlikely. ​

​

Closing her eyes once more, she waited silently, patiently as the shuttle made its way towards the world below. Then it happened, the vessel shuddered again as it pulled up in a rapid jerk, her attention pulled forward as she brought herself up from the seat. Standing in the door way to the cockpit, she watched as the shuttle slipped pass the ruins of a large tower, her attention brought towards the sensors. Five vessels, at least nothing had brought down one of the other shuttles. ​

​

"Find us a landing zone." ​

​

"Yes Ma'am." ​

​

Amelia's Forces:

• Five Shuttle Craft
• Sigma Preatorian
• (40) DX-HRDs
  ​Hadur class Light Armor
• Dushkal Assault Rifle