Independence Day (Royal House of Alderaan vs Mandalorian Clans of Alderaan)

[Laira Darkhold]

Location: Alderaan

//Sent Via HoloNet
//Recipients: Alor Council [member="Gilamar Skirata"] | [member="Arrbi Betna"] | [member="Draco Vereen"]
//CC: Mand'alor [member="Vilaz Munin"]

Given the Destabilization of the Mandalorian Clans infrastructure and the dissipation of their influence over local space, the Royal House of Alderaan hereby declares their Independence from the Clans and will be enforcing their rights to Sovereignty by seceding from Mandalorian Space and Influence to better provide the citizens of Alderaan security, economic stability, and the pursuit of happiness.

All Mandalorian residents within Alderaanian space may remain with their culture and traditions in tact in territories under the Governance of the Throne of Alderaan provided they abide by the planets laws and jurisdictions. Any Mandalorians wishing to leave the planet are permitted to do so without fear of reprisal or reprimand from the Royal House.

The Royal House of Alderaan has, and will continue to consider the Mandalorians their friends and allies.

//End

And so it was done, the notice and declaration sent. Now it was only a waiting game to see what the fledgling Mand'alor would do and how he would respond. His ability to be unpredictable was astounding having told aid vessels heading for a scorched and burning Mandalore to leave or else, and so there was little telling how he would respond.

The Alor Council would likely shrug. With the Clans influence dissipating the Alor Council had willingly given up their influence and authority over most of their controlled worlds. One planet declaring independence would mean nothing. Likely others already had or the small presences of Mandalorians on those worlds were simply withdrawn. This was merely a formal declaration and offer of open arms to those Mandalorians that might find themselves in disarray and in need of asylum.

But for Draco it was a time of upheaval. "Everything is ready, Ner Runi."

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith had watched the declaration drawn, watched as they affixed the seal of the royal house, and then she held her breath. There had been change on Alderaan before, and there likely would be again. This move this declaration of their sovereignty the last time they had done this was against the Republic. Here they were once again, not because the Mandalorians had treated them poorly. Because they had grown unstable, and Faith needed to ensure that the people of Alderaan were safe.

"Thank you Drahr. I've had Ana send messages to the family that they are still welcome on Alderaan always will be. I imagine my Tia and [member="Ordo"] will contact us. I don't know if they will retreat to Alpha Mae, or establish a residence here. I've also sent word to Bella to come if she would like, though I know she is working on Vena to attain the position needed for herself."

Faith wrapped her arms around herself rubbing her arm absentmindedly as she thought about what could happen. The Clans could refuse, Draco felt sure they would not even bat an eyelash.

She stood looking out at the mountains the solace they offered. Faith fretted slightly over this move. This would mean they would stand on their own. They were their own protection, unless they could find allies. The closest would be the Galactic Alliance. Then there was no one, space was open in the core it had not been claimed by anyone. She smiled at that thought, "This could really work Draco, couldn't it?"

They could open their borders to be friends with anyone who would be a friend, and needed trade. She felt some of her fear fall away.

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Arieth zh'Vranthi]

Location: Coruscant
Galactic Alliance Minister Building

"We have an urgent matter, Ambassador."

A voice prompted the attention of the young redhead Ambassador siting at her desk. Her assistant stood by the door, a little pale and worse for wear, but seemingly still possessing all of his limbs.

"What is it."

"If I may." Sioe excuses himself, gesturing towards the holoarray.

"Of course." a hand would wave to allow him to enter and turn on the instrument.

"We've received word on a new political shift." well as if that wasn't vague. Arieth gave a slow blink and inclined her head as if asking for him to continue.

"Pardon, I just need to bring up the file." a quick swipe and tap of fingers and then the Holo-array was brought to life. A particular planet bloomed. As did several smaller screens streaming updates.

"Alderaan?" Areith would query with an arch brow.

"Yes Ambassador," Sioe elaborated, "It appears they have begun the process of seceding from the Mandalorian Clans."

 

[Matthew Rei]

Given the Destabilization of the Mandalorian Clans infrastructure and the dissipation of their influence over local space, the Royal House of Alderaan hereby declares their Independence from the Clans and will be enforcing their rights to Sovereignty by seceding from Mandalorian Space and Influence to better provide the citizens of Alderaan security, economic stability, and the pursuit of happiness.

Somewhere, at some time, there was a young man sitting in his office. He tilted his head to the side, as though he had heard something on the edge of hearing. It was his writer whispering news into his ear. After taking the news in, Matthew leaned back in his seat and started laughing.

It started as a simple chuckle, but grew stronger until his partner finally looked around the side of the wall at him; his eyebrows steepled in confusion.

"I didn't know the funny section was that good, these days," he said.

Calming down, Matthew tilted his head to the familiar sound of his partner's voice and answered him, saying,

"You know that rare day when things come full circle, Rick? Well, today is one of those days. That makes today a good day." He clasped his hands behind his head and grinned a big, stupid grin that just wouldn't go away.

Ricky replied soon after going over to the crappy coffee machine and slowly filling a cup from their depleting supply.

"Well, I'm glad you're having a good day while the rest of us are having a Monday. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to go back and finish my half of the Merdi case."

Catching the drift, Matthew went back to reading braille...but the grin stayed with him.

 

[Vilaz Munin]

Just as he received Draco's message, he immediately read it. His emotions were neutral as he thoroughly read the transmission sent by his old friend. Did he had any opposition of Alderaan on becoming sovereign of the Clans? No, he did not. Although all things considered, Alderaan was - in his mind - considered sovereign from the Clans even though they were part of Mandalorian territory. Not once did the Mandalorians dictate what the people of Alderaan must do or ever took control of their government . They were just simply allies and friends, and things wouldn't really change that much between the two cultures as Mandalorians were allowed to settle down within Alderaanian space as long as they honored and respected their laws.

//Beginning Transmission:

Very well then, vod. I wish you, your family, your clan, and the Alderaanians nothing but fortune and happiness. If you need anything, you know you can count on me.

Have a nice one.

//End Transmission.

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Cyrus Tregessar]

AXXILA
TREGESSAR HORATA, 'THE CITADEL'
INNER COUNCIL CHAMBERS

The Chairwoman sat in a lavishly cushioned seat that, were it not for the advanced electronics wired into it and connected to both a dozen data systems and to a datajack in the woman's skull, would have seemed the very height of ostentatious luxury. It's not as if it wasn't a particular comfortable and expensive chair, but it had a practical use too, which in this case was to keep Katharine Tregessar, the young Head of House, informed of all major going ons and key projects, even while she dozed.

So it was that when the Hyperwave Transceiver on the central communication orbital satellite picked up the transmission of the Declaration of Alderaanian Independence it was literally a matter of seconds before a program inside the chair had softly woken Katharine and feed the message into her cranial implant. Her first action was to pull up every file in the database on Alderaan, House Organa, and the man known as [member="Draco Vereen"]. It was a brief, enlightening read, the highlights of which were a number of positive exchanges and remarks on the matter by her esteemed brother.

For a short while she was tempted to ignore the situation altogether. The diminishing centralization of the Mandalorian Clans was more or less expected, and had little overall impact with the machination of House Tregessar. It wasn't as if the Mandalorians had been particularly demanding overlords in the first place, and their gradual draw down from Axxila was barely making the headlines (the prospect of all-out war between the First Order and Galactic Alliance occupied most of the newswaves time).

On the other hand a intergalactic alliance, or even just a bit of goodwill could go a long way. She considered what they knew of Alderaan's military, which was little. They had fought a civil war with a great deal of outside help, but still retained a reputation for being a pacifistic sort of planet with dedicated politicians. Surely they wouldn't turn down a little extra security?

Jumping procedure and the entire corporate structure, she placed a direct call to Tactical Command. The operator, a junior officer in the service, spoke in a tone that was somewhere between fear, awe, and adoration all at the same time.

"Taccom, this is the Chair. Prep a division of troops for immediate deployment. And actually, a Brigade of Assault Guards too. Call it a special assignment, contract bonus to be determined. I want them on shuttles headed outbound in two hours, destination, Alderaan."

The next step was to get a Hyperwave Transmitter hooked up and targeted at Alderaan itself, and then to make one simple phone call.

 

[Jairus Starvald]

​

Where: Humbarine
Who: [member="Neesa"]
Why: Order In Chaos

Crime.

It was said that crime never paid.

Not in the end anyway. Unless, unless you managed to get out in time, before resentments and rivalries managed to catch up with you and turn your life to hell.

The Humbarine Sector used to be a production powerhouse on par with Kuat, Balmorra and other similar worlds. Then the ancient clone wars happened and turned its capital to slag, the other worlds occupied or karked to hell and back. By the time the Galactic Empire came up again the sector was slowly recovering again. Probably a testament to the stubbornness sentient life possessed in the toughest times.

Then came the Dark Ages heralded by the Gulag Plague. Then came the endless wars after that, the Akala Crisis, one hammer followed by the other, until Humbarine and its sector arrived in the situation of today.

Precarious situation with a razor-thin balance it was crawling on.

It would take only one little, little push to send it over the edge again. This time, probably, permanently, but unlike other Sith... Lord Fa was not the greatest friend of chaos. Order had its merit and in the weeks to come he would be its agent, Force-willing, of course.

There were two main spheres on power on the world by this point in time.

The Underworld run rampant in the lower streets and levels, squelching in the ancient ruins of the original Humbarine. It was said that in the last few years a Directorate of Six had assumed control over most of the gangs, their identities shrouded in much mystery, but their directives were law.

Then there was the merchant family, the Humbars. They aren't the original Humbars, of course, but they assumed the name after the Gulag Plague and by smart maneuvering managed to ascend to relative power. Their money kept the law enforcement happy, the small military and navy funded, the infrastructure running and the thieves at bay. But the Patriarch was recently killed in riots and the last remaining heir of the House was young. Young and more interested in pleasure, than business.

In this mess Lord Fa arrived some time ago. He had just come from a meeting, sentients of ill-repute who could be the key towards dismantling the Directorate's hold on the underworld.

Vnut wasn't along with him, he walked alone through the understreets, strolled really. Pondering his next move, while silently observing the small territories forming itself around him the more he walked.

Fa wondered when it would happen.

Sometime soon, surely.

 

[Rashae]

She might not have much authority for the military fleet of the Republic, but she did have absolute authority of Medical and Research. The transmission of the destabilization of the mandalorians and Alderaan declaring autonomy made her nervous. It didnt take her long to decide to go to the side of Alderaan in this time. Even the Admiral had said it invited conflict and anyone thinking Alderaan was weak, would find vultures to descend on it. After an argument with the Admiral he soon realized that the doctor was going to Alderaan rather he liked it or not. “I will not leave my homeworld in jeapardy. You can stay here all you want. “

“Fine .. take a fighter escort. But don't say I didn't warn you. This isn't our fight. “ He made strangle noises as the woman made little strategic sense but then he couldn't blame her for her actions.

Rashae glared at the Admiral. “It is my fight. “ She said through clenched teeth. “The vultures as you put it will not take my home world and pick it apart like a desiccated corpse. “

“I will notify Master Thorne of the developments. Keep us posted Doctor. We might very well be on your tail. “ The Admiral said in an offhand manner. There was no reasoning with that particular woman.


“Good!! Maybe Master Thorne can talk sense into you. Be safe. Doctor Lovous out. “ With that she gave the signal for her Medical convoy to group up as John's ships whatever they were was soon joining them. “Coordinate with Ashhearth ships. Good. “ She took a deep breath as she looked forward. “Let's do this." Before they made the jump to hyperdrive, John was on her bridge. Rashae was willing the Alderaan system to materialize instantly.

Once out of hyperdrive, they submitted proper protocols to the Alderaan defenses. “Alderaan, Her royal Highness Princess Faith Organa and His lordship Prince Consort Draco Vereen, This is Doctor Rashae Lovous, Head of Republic Medical and Research requesting permission for orbit. “ The republic fighter escort was a necessity. Everyone knew that Medical ships in general did not possess the fire power of defenses to be in direct combat. The impromptu fleet would include the Medical frigate, four medical corvettes produced by Ashhearth, Ashhearth vessels and a squadron of Republic fighters. What kind she didn't know.

[member="Cyrus Tregessar"] [member="Vilaz Munin"] [member="Matthew Rei"] [member="Arieth zh'Vranthi"] [member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Faith Organa"] [member="John Ash"] [member="Nicolas Thorne"]

 

[H3xle]

LOCATION: Salle, Knight's Barracks, Alderaan

"Oof" Was the vocalization one gave when the air was expelled from their body. It was often accompanied by a sense of being unable to breath as the diaphram attempted to draw down lungs that weren't ready to be as empty as they were. Taryc didn't give her lungs time to decide to breathe, she spun from her supine position and pushed herself up with her arms and regained her feet. Her hands came up as her breathing resumed, and her opponent came in with a quick succession of jabs and a hook.

Taryc moved her arms only as much as needed to deflect each blow, then slipped her fingers around the wrist of her opponents right arm with her left hand, passing the hook in front of her. Her right elbow came up and struck the man in the kidneys to stun, then her right forearm slid into place behind his shoulder socket. Her right foot swept around and back, as her hands and arms pushed forward. Her opponent hit the ground hard, and Taryc twisted the arm around to apply pressure to the joint as her knees landed atop his back.

Her opponent was stronger than she was, truth be told, but she was quicker. After a quick attempt to buck her off, which resulted in her applying more pressure to the joint, the man tapped out and she released.

Taryc rolled to her feet and offered a hand to the man on the ground. She pulled him up with a grin.

"I didn't see that throw coming, nice one." She said as they walked off the mat to let the next pair spar. Taryc had been invited to train with the Knights on Alderaan after the events of Kaeshana. Taryc wanted to learn and grow, and the Knights needed to be able to practice against combat styles that weren't native to the core. It turned out to be a beautiful arrangement. Today's sparring was sans Force use, purely an unarmed sparing match. In other trainings they'd done firearm and blaster training and armed melee training. She knew the knights also did some flight training, but she wasn't very useful at that, so those days she did her own training.

"I got you down, but couldn't keep you there. You move too fast!" Her opponent said, then they both turned to see some commotion near the front of the room. Someone had turned on the holovid, where an official announcement from the Royal family was being made. Taryc and her partner moved closer so they could hear.

"...has declared their sovereign independence from the Mandalorian Clans in the wake of recent events, citing a need to maintain sovereign protection for the people of Alderaan. We will have more as developments come out." The newscaster said, then moved on to a different story.

Taryc's eyebrow rose as she grabbed a towel and waived to the Knights around her. She made her way to the shower to do a quick rinse and get changed. Many of the Knights did the same. While there were likley many who saw the act as one of peaceful transition, Taryc knew that others in the galaxy wouldn't feel that way. Draco was a good friend to her, and she would fight to defend his home if either the Mandalorians tried to push the issue, or if another entity tried to strike, assuming that Alderaan was weak.

[member="draco vereen"] [member="faith organa"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco put a hand on Faith's shoulder. "It's no different from how things have been with the Embassy Network, just on a little different scale." And there were other implications they would need to see to. The inclusion of the Mandalorians was only the first step, especially considering his own Clan was the only one with a large presence on Alderaan or the other nearby planets. There was a lot of work to be done and many people to meet with over the next several months as the Alderaanians consolidated and turned their eyes outwards.

"We'll need to send a message to Camaas. They've been good to Alderaan in the past, it'd be nice to return the favor." The peaceful Camaasi had for the most part escaped the devastation caused by the War with the One Sith and the numerous Republic regime changes by the grace of some greater power, but also their isolationism had something to do with it.

"You've done well with the rebuilding of Alderaan. Its prosperous again, healing. It's time eyes turned to others once again." Draco's eyes would forever be turned inward on his family and his clan, seeing to raising his children and ensuring the future of his people one way or another. But that didn't mean that Alderaan couldn't focus on protecting, organizing, and bringing prosperity to the Core once again. It had been years since the One Sith fell and there were still remnants out there, still chaos and people displaced by the near decade of war throughout the core. With the Galactic Alliance turning its attention towards the threat posed by the First Order they may not have the chance or resources to provide for the core outside Coruscant. Alderaan could. It was stable and prosperous, its leadership present and active, and its economy booming for the first time in years.

The man opened up his data pad, which exploded about the time the announcement was made from the Royal Palace. Queen Arianna, aka Monster-in-Law, would make a statement to the people soon and in that time there were other things that needed to be done.

Mainly, responding to messages.

Vilaz's message was simple, and a little surprising. After the ordeal with the Silver Jedi Draco didn't know what to think or how to anticipate the Mand'alor.
//To: [member="Vilaz Munin"]

Thanks Ner Vod.
//End

The message sent from the Republic doctor was different. She had met with Faith and Draco on Alderaan before to discuss the goodwill of the reformed Galactic Republic, which had gone well enough for the royals and the visitors had seemed happy with the outcome.
//To: [member="Rashae"]

The Royal Family thanks you for your presence. Orbital permission granted at sector two-two above Alderaan. You and your party are welcome to meet with the Royal Family at the Palace.
//End

The Republic vessels would be able to tell that some of the Planetary shields had already been brought online, mainly just those small sections above major population points for protection. Air Traffic Control and sensors could detect the shielded areas easily enough to move around them, and once passing beside a pilot might be able to see the dual layers present over each city just beyond the mesophere. It didn't really impede air traffic as they could simply go around the hexagonal shielding being projected, but it did provide a buffer for anyone who got antsy with Turbolasers. The other defenses were spread out with only a handful actually above the planet, the rest running patrols and flying escort patterns around visitors in system.

[member="Taryc Ap'Irae"] , who could wear spandex almost as well as Faith, would be around when most of the Knights were summoned to their posts, mostly for ceremonial purposes. Some of them mounted large black-furred destriers which were adorned with blue and gold colored caparisons and barding while the knights wore in full regalia carrying pennants atop their lances.

[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Neesa]

[member="Tai Fa"]

It seemed that Lord Siedra was one who could learn from her mistakes. Rather than pursue her isolationist policies she had started to gather allies from off world. The Broken Bones were the largest gang supporting one of the Six and apparently now trading with Siedra. Weapons and explosives following underworld channels to their region of space.

The Broken Bones seemed an odd name to Neesa. Apparently it was to do with their initiation rights. A lot of the gang underwent heavy cybernetic modification. That included the killer Neesa was following tonight.

The fact that he and several of his men had augmented senses was one problem. That this vertical city was an unfamiliar terrain was another. She could keep her distance easily enough, but she had to stretch out with the Force to pick a path through the maze of walkways that made up the levels above the under streets.

She had assumed Westle Yan and his team would strike at the meeting itself, but they had merely observed. Now they trailed just one delegation away from it. But Neesa could sense the change in their patterns of movement.

They were looking for a good ambush point.

 

[Arianna Organa]

Arianna Organa, Queen of Alderaan looked at the declaration before her.

"It's time mam" Ari looked over to the door and for a moment she wished [member="Samael Rekali"] were here if for nothing else then to give his frank opinion on what they were doing. He was good at giving his opinion and she appreciated his candor.

Wearing a gown that Claire had designed she stepped onto the platform the words she had to say already forming as she stared outward to address the Citizens of Alderaan.

"Sometime ago we sought to shake off the hand of the Galactic Republic, and place ourselves into the protection of the Mandalorians. It has been a beneficial relationship that has kept us safe. But now the Mandalorians are slowly withdrawing from the galaxy and we cannot afford to remain under their umbrella. Today a declaration was sent to the Mand'alor and his Council that Alderaan would be breaking away from the Clans."

Ari let the words sink in, though they had all already seen the news, my how rumors did fly so quickly.

"The Clans of Ordo, and Vereen have homes with us here on Alderaan. We will not be seeking for them to leave, they are family to all of us now. They are as much of Alderaan as they were once of Mandalore and are welcome to stay. If they should decide to leave, we understand and wish them well."

There was a little noise off to her left as the staff stood watching and listening, but Ari did not avert her eyes to look, not yet.

"Alderaan seeks to stand on it's own. We do seek alliances with the other sovereign worlds within the core and our neighbors. Let us form our own alliances and protect one another. No longer will Alderaan seek to hide under the wings of others when we have wings of our own. We invite you to come and speak with us, to form the bonds needed to protect all our homes and keep them safe."

First they needed to step away from Mandalore and from what she understood the Clans were not going to give them any issue.

She felt stronger than she had before, she felt confident that this was the right thing to do. "People of Alderaan the future lies ahead and we will meet it under our own flags. Stand with me as we greet a new day"

The transmission stopped and she stepped back. She didn't know what else to tell them except have hope.

 

[John Ash]

Alderaan was splitting off from the Mandalorians. That was no real surprise to any who kept up with the way the system had behaved since before the Omega threat. The people of the system seemed to always want to do their own thing no matter which larger faction they might have been a part of in the past. It was how they behaved under the Galactic Republic before it fell to pieces and how they were with the Mandalorians. The system didn't even except any outside assistance for protection from the Mandalorians, who have some of the best if not the best ships and combat vehicles in the galaxy. So them finally declaring independence was no surprise at all and it was even less surprising for John that [member="Rashae"] just had to return to her homeworld because of the declaration.

John stood in the bridge just looking out at the sights. He was wearing his armor today, as he was playing the part of guard rather than business man. He didn't bring his rifle but he had a pistol in each of his holsters. He was prepared enough in case something happened but not close to being very threatening in any way. He was here for Rashae and could care less about all of this political maneuvering going on right now. It was nothing but chatter with very little substance to it. He preferred action instead. The declaration of independence was more action that words, so it was something he could respect. But the others that were showing, he could not respect them. No, they were here to try to gain something without letting on they were even after it. Too subtle, too indirect for his taste.

John just continued to stand there and look out as he waited to hear what the next move was going to be. They might end up sitting around up here in orbit for hours. Or they might be invited to the palace as honored guests. He didn't know and he didn't care which it ended up being. All that mattered was that he be ready for what came next. These sort of things had a way of attracting unwanted attention and he would kark up anyone who threatened the young doctor while he was around.

[member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Jairus Starvald]

​

[member="Neesa"]​

​

Their scent was in the air.

The little pebbles falling down to the ground as they shifted from one position to the other in wait, while he made a decision for his route. They felt strange to him, almost as if they weren't completely alive. As if they were practically dead and their life-force extinguished. There were a number of explanations for such a thing, one could be that they were somehow altered by Sith interference, but Lord Fa had not seen the usual tendrils rooted in this territory. No direct ones, anyway. No Sith was ruling here for the moment and that was for the best.

Would have made this entire affair just that much more annoying.

Finally, Lord Fa turned to the left and walked into an alleyway. One which was conveniently a dead-end, at least for normal sentients. Behind him the Thirriken could just about sense a flurry of movement as the assassins in question took up position.

See, the assembly of rebellious criminals had never been about using them directly to get to the Six.

That was an exercise in futility- it would have taken far too long to build up anything resembling an organization that could take out the Directorate. Time was not something that Tai had in this instance. Every moment he was busy building it up, was a moment that momentum was slipping past him and that was not something that Lord Fa could allow to happen.

Finally then, Tai turned around.

Just in time to see a fist, armored gauntlet and powered, filling the horizon of his eyes.

 

[Neesa]

[member="Tai Fa"]

She lost track of where Yan was from her position. Their target had walked down a dead end alley. That in itself was suspicious. If Neesa had been leading the hit she would have pulled back her people now and called it off.

Yan didn’t. She saw several of his men finding ways to the ground, whilst others found firing positions on the upper levels. Two of them stood fast at the entrance to the alley whilst several others rushed in.

She came to a halt at the lip of a building. The alley itself was out of sight now. Possibilities raced out ahead of her. There was a chance this was about to turn into a street battle between gangs. Their avian prey’s movements didn’t seem quite right. Was this a trap for a trap?

Either way, she needed Yan alive. She needed to find the safe house where they were keeping the weapons before distribution off world from the main space port. She decided she had to take this chance and dropped down into the street below.

The two men guarding the alley turned towards her and puffed out their chests. One opened his eyes wide, not having seen the motion that left a throwing knife lodged in his neck. The other drew his sidearm and fired, but it glanced off the flat of her blade. Three quick steps and Neesa ran him through. But as she strode into the alley she heard the thrum of a landspeeder coming to a sudden halt. Not one, she realised, but two. Loaded with more Bones.

“Kark.”

 

[Jairus Starvald]

[member="Neesa"]

He had misjudged Yan's speed.

Cybernetics, Fa thought to himself as he flew into wall behind him and collapsed to the ground, should have realized.

The realization did nothing for the pain- back or beak, but the annoyance did enough to help him surge up again. Just to get kicked in the gut and thrown back again by the same Yan, who heard the blaster fire from behind him and probably realized he had to end this quickly, before getting pinned down by superior forces. Sadly, Lord Fa had not actually brought others with him this time around.

"The Six send their rega-" Yan was cut short as a primal scream forced its way through his throat. The reason? The sharp blade suddenly running through his ankle and sending him to his knees, followed by a wing cutting across his face and leaving him blinded by the sudden blood.

Why did they always try to be theatrical about it? Wasn't like if Fa was dead, that it would matter a message had been send prior to it.

The waiting Bones caught up with the fact that their boss was in trouble. They started firing on his position, before realizing that they were just as likely to hit Yan as to hit the complication that the Thirriken was turning out to be. Then the reinforcements came from the end of the alleyway where Neesa was standing, about two squads worth of additional Bones.

All in total twelve more.

The goons and thugs were dropping down from their higher vantage point to approach, but wearily as they noticed Fa's wing gently draped around Yen's neck and cutting softly into it.

 

[Liliane]

The news of Alderaan gaining independence from the Mandalorian Clans was quite likely one of the fastest spreading news of the recent history, judging by the way the information had travelled all across the galaxy now. Liliane, who'd been on a mission on Crystalsong, got the message from Grand Marshal Omai Rhen just minutes after the announcement had reached the Galactic Alliance.

And that was really fast.

"Master Strax, I believe I have to leave you here to coordinate the rest of the mission. Alderaan has just declared themselves independent from the Mandalorian Clans and I can't spend more time on the mission," the Jedi Marshal told one of the team members she had at the mission. "I'll be back soon, but this is really urgent, so I have to go."

"May the Force be with you," said Master Strax. He understood such things -- if one had to go, one had to go. And since Liliane was on such a position, it was obvious she sometimes had to act on such announcements.

She was one of the people going for a diplomatic meeting with the leaders of the Royal House of Alderaan. To her knowledge, Galactic Alliance's ambassador [member="Arieth zh'Vranthi"] was going to meet the leaders to discuss diplomatic matters, but she herself was going to take a different approach. She was going to do some humanitarian actions for once. Yeah, really.

Even though Alderaan was a really highly civilised planet and Liliane was more of a fighter than a humanitarian aid person, she still had to go to the planet and do what she could. If the New Jedi Order could form good relations with the Royal House, both would likely benefit from that.

But all of that depended on how the missions and talks would go.

 

[Neesa]

[member="Tai Fa"]

There were several spells that could have been of use here. The men started to disembark, pulling weapons free and advancing on her. A curious thing to find, a small slender woman standing over two of their own with a single sword. Curiosity would stay their hands for precious little time. Sometimes simply was more effective.

Her left hand came up and a telekinetic wave spread outwards. The landspeeders were thrown back a few metres each and the Bones were scattered across the street. She turned and made for the alley. One above her on a fire escape fired two bolts at her. She didn’t even make an attempt to parry. Instead she followed the guidance of the Force the dart and weave away from the shots.

She leapt for the far wall, both feet finding purchase before she launched herself back and ever higher. The muzzle of his carbine failed to track her as she came to land on the railings. The light glinted off her blade as it swiped down. The blood rune glowed deep red as it drank.

 

[Rashae]

Rashae smiled as Lord Vereen's transmission granting them orbit came in. She had no idea what 2/2 orbit meant but her ever patient captain would know those details. He issued orders calmly to get the Medical frigate and the corvettes in a pattern to orbit properly. The fighters landed in the bay of the frigate.

“I suppose I will take one of the medical corvettes down. Show off the new design. “ The Doctor was quite proud of those moving clinics that was smaller than frigates and could get to planet side locations more efficiently.

John looked impressively like the bodyguard he was supposed to be. Imposing was the word. Maybe it was the outfit. No it was attitude too. Rashae checked herself to make sure she was together as John and herself shuttled down in one of those Medical Corvettes. It was a new build, all nice and shiny. It glistened off of the Alderaanean sun as they landed where directed by Alderaanean space authority and military defense. Of course they were on high alert. That announcement was not surprising to most but it was like letting all of the horses out of the gate at one time.

Doctor Lovous had a personal stake in this if not a diplomatic one. Stepping out of the corvette she went to meet the officials to solidify who she was as a matter of course. It took but moments as she was provided transport to the palace grounds. It would have been a long walk otherwise. Upon approach of the Palace grounds, she walked with purpose. John was a step or two back and to her right. Rather it was him or the icy look of the Doctor was not clear. People melted.

She went through the standard protocols, but since this time she was coming as a representative of another system and organization, things were a little different. “Doctor Lovous, Welcome to Alderaan. And this is?”

“This is my Bodyguard and Head of my Security Force. John Ash from Pii 3. “ It was not unusual for officials to have bodyguards.

The official inclined his head as there was nothing on his radar or terminals on either of them being Persons of Interest or any Criminal database. “Let me get you an escort to the meeting and inform Her Highness and Prince consort of your arrival.”

“Very good. “ John was more than happy to let her deal with the formalities. Rashae was quite good with those.

Once their escort arrived they walked on through. Rashae was resplendent in formal white. Her hair was done up. If anything her hair was longer now than the last time she was at Alderaan. The doctor walked with a confidence and bearing she didn't have before as well. The escort bowed out as she inclined her head in return before turning to the man at the door.

“How shall I announce you Doctor?” The stuffy man said at the foot of the meeting place.

“You shall announce me as Doctor Rashae Lovous, Head of Republic medical and Research” She left off Gentech for now. She was here as a representative and personally see to Alderaan's well being, not to garnish a contract. There would be those who thought her to be stupid in this. Rashae coolly and confidently stayed her ground. The stuffy over sized man bowed to the woman and in a booming voice announced to the rafters whom had arrived.

There was no need to announce John. It was fairly obvious what he was. She would provide his identity if she was asked. There was a smile for the Princess as she approached. “Your Royal Highness, Princess Faith Organa. It is a pleasure to be in your company once more. “ She bowed more fully to the princess. “His lordship, Draco Vereen, Thank you for allowing us to orbit. We bid Alderaan well being and offer our services out of friendship and on my part care for my prior home world. The republic medical corp stands with Alderaan this day!” Her bow to the Prince consort was not as low as the Princess. The Princess was of higher rank. it was no disrespect just a matter of formality.

Perhaps it was too stiff and formal but Rashae couldn't help it. Those ice blue eyes combined with a passion lent the complicated doctor a fire and ice kind of feel. Cool intellect with cold logic, yet passion and drive. What held those juxtaposed emotions in place and working together? Not many knew, not even her own family.

[member="John Ash"] [member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Faith Organa"] [member="Nicolas Thorne"] [member="Arianna Organa"] [member="Taryc Ap'Irae"]

 

[Jairus Starvald]

[member="Neesa"]

Difficult situation.

Options dwindling, at least until the girl showed up. The blaster bolts flying towards and around her caught the attention of some of the mooks who had been in the approach. They looked away for a second, try to make sure they weren't being played on both sides at the same time.

That was all the time Lord Fa needed.

With one decisive whack of his wing he knocked Yan over the head and into the dreamy sleep of unconsciousness. Then, as the cyborg was collapsing, he used his body to launch himself in the air towards the mass of thugs. They were just about to return their attention to their boss and the psycho bird holding him hostage, when said bird was upon them.

It was a whirl of activity, long blade and wings acting in concert. One cut here straight through the Achilles heel as the first thug moved up with his gun, he went down on one knee. Fa rammed his face in the ground as he pushed himself off his head towards the second one. This one was faster, cybernetics in sync he lined up a shot and took it. Scorched past Fa who made a minute adjustment in the air, still burned through a few feathers -- hurt, hurt, hurt, the pain only made him angry. The blade lashed out, no surgical expression here as it cut straight through the unprotected knee.

The third one was running.

Fa landed amidst one whelp whining as he clutched half his leg to himself, the other incapacitated and bleeding. Blaster fire up in the higher levels as the lady was making short work of the mooks there.

His attention went back to the unconscious Yun and on the thugs slowly picking themselves up outside the alleyway.

"To survive, Lady.​

We should work together now.​

Talk once we are done."​

​

Tai mentally send to the girl on the rooftops, before retreating slowly back to Yun's body.