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

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

Meanwhile on Tygara, Siobhan was taking a break from resettling Eldorai refugees, dealing with Game of Thrones style plots and plotting to kill Archangel's clones. Said break consisted of spending time on a treadmill. This was good exercise. She was not getting any younger after all, even though she'd vehemently dismiss claims about having grey streaks in her flawless firemane.


While she was busy with her walk/run, her PA, an Eldorai called Maerys Medea, stepped into the office. As usual, the bureaucrat was well-dressed in a conservative women's business suit and wore a neat pair of glasses. "Yes. What is it, Maerys?" She made a casual mental gesture to turn down the holotelly's volume. She'd put on a trashy comedy series to distract herself.


"Pardon the interruption, ma'am, but I have news that require the Countess' attention," she spoke in her usual prim and proper tone. "Progress reports from Sergeant Solveig regarding the training of the Qadiri Sepoys, a COAS assessment regarding Archangel operations on Zygerria," she put to folders with neat aurebesh sigils on the desk, "oh, and the Royal House of Alderaan just declared independence from the Mandalorian Clans."


Siobhan raised an eyebrow, but maintained her pace on the treadmill. "I see. That's interesting. I imagine Vereen is backing it since their Alor is Prince-Consort, and Ordo has ties to the Royal House. How are the other Clans responding?"


"So far it appears they're letting Alderaan go. They have enough trouble on their hands since the cataclysm on Mandalore. I imagine Alderaan's royal house will reach out to other worlds in the quadrant, such Camaas and Kuat. Alderaan's defence fleet seems to be on high alert."


"Probably. Being disarmed and pacifist did not go well for them when the death star came knocking. Compose a message to the royal family expressing our support and enquire about their intentions." Siobhan had no connection to Alderaan, but Draco had been an ally on the battlefields of Atrisia and Kaeshana. "Do we have any assets on the ground?"


Maerys checked her notes, adjusting her glasses slightly. "Ms [member="Taryc Ap'Irae"] has been training with the Knights of Alderaan and I believe [member="HK-36"] is engaged in talks with the local leaders, ma'am."


"Good. Instruct Taryc to keep up the good work and assist the Alderaanians if they require it. Now about the Sepoys...I hope Solveig did not have to kick out too many because they didn't meet her standards. And has COAS finally made any headway in locating Kaelin Isandros' clone? I'd like her head on a silver platter sooner rather than later."

 

[Jairus Starvald]

[member="Neesa"]

Lord Fa did take notice that she ignored his question for the moment.

Quite rude all things considering, but perhaps the Thirriken should not have expected better from a human. She didn't seem to be very sophisticated, all rough lines and angles, leather stripes and dirt. Blood marring her boots, twisting locks in her expression. No, this one was a killer.

Not so much a planner, which made him wonder who stood above her and what their purpose was here.

"A concerned citizen." Lord Fa responded with a smile. "Such as yourself, I am quite sure."

Behind them Yun woke up finally.

To give the man credit, he immediately started pulling at his restraints, awake crystal-clear in a second and realizing what situation he found himself in currently. But Neesa's interference had deactivated his cybernetics- which had been quite the foresight from an assassin such as hers.

"What is it that you are looking for here, miss? I may be of assistance."

 

[HK-36]

[member="Faith Organa"],

HK nodded to Faith in confirmation as he pushed on the window they were standing next to, opening it up,

"I will let you know how it goes once I settle with them on something."

The droid would step up on the edge of the window, pulling himself up before turning around to face the room they were in, just when [member="Rashae"] came up to speak with him as well, the machine would look back to her,

"Hello Doctor, I am the Iron Lord Protector Sovereign of Abregado system and its holdings,"

He returned the pleasantry towards Rashae by introducing herself,

"The Minor Republic, eh? I hope you are one of the reformists and not the ilk that followed Suravi into the mockery she made of the system."

What the droid was referring to was the fact that one of Republic's last chancellors used the power's resources for piracy, going as far as conducting a terrorist attack on Naboo civilian spaceport.

"Hold your speeders and corvette for now,"

Damn right she was going to use honorifics to address HK, although it only fed into his already bloated ego. Either way, he raised his hand to hold her offer,

"It is better for me to go there alone without anyone hanging around in the area or in the skies over the Castle Lands, no need to set the Kiliks off on accident. I will send you a transmission should your forces be needed, thank you."

Still standing on the ledge HK would look towards [member="John Ash"] then,

"Hey kid,"

He addressed John, the man who had a pistol aimed at the droid's head earlier,

"If I wanted you dead, you would be already. I can survive decapitation, the first rule of modern droid design is to not put all vital systems in the head since it seems to be the first thing you organics aim for, it would not even inhibit my ability to see or hear you. Next time aim for the chest, at the very least you would disable some motor functions with a shot there."

Of course HK failed to mention the fact that he was made out of Phrik and most blaster shots would just splash against his outer armor plates without actually doing any damage, but one secret at a time.

Looking to Faith he would give her another nod,

"I will speak to you again soon."

And to others he would say,

"HK out."

Before stepping and falling backwards, plummeting out of the window.


WHOOOSH

There was a noise of his black cloak spreading and flapping like a pair of black wings before the machine could be seen gliding off below the window into the distance with the aid of jet systems built into his armor and body. And so, the machine flew away towards the horizon, heading in the direction of the Castle Lands.

 

[Zef Halo]

GUUL'S PRESIDENTIAL SUITE
HUMBARINE


Days had passed since Vitor and June's incursion on Deputy Chief Gav Hanassee's house in order to bring him into the fold. The man was not hard to convince. He had been craving that Head Chief position for years and when it was snatched from someone he considered a 'rookie', Gav was furious. Engulfed in rage, jealousy and feeling that there had been no justice, he had grown roots of hate to those that the Head Chief served - the Humbars.

Guul's network of spies and massive profiling of every piece on the 'dejarik board' of Humbarine along with June's show of force were both vital in the events that followed after that fateful night in Hanassee's house. The 'rookie' Head Chief had to step down. Why ? Brilliantly forged embezzlement documents were used as blackmailing. While someone else - Guul's associate - had infiltrated the ranks of the Humbars and was tapping into the fountain of credits, the books were edited. This rookie had step down and depart this planet before the Humbars decided to seek what was missing.

Logically, Hanassee was appointed as Head Chief. The Humbars saw him as an insect but little did they know that Hanassee was a key figure in their future planned down fall, at least that was how Akash Guul saw it.

Both the Givin spymaster and Vitor sat on the sofa as they had turned on the holoTV in front of them. News, upon news of the free rehabilitation program Lord Fa's newly founded hospital was offering. Bread for the people. You, and most likely the Humbars, would see this as a separate event but it was all connected. All part of Guul's scheming that absolutely thrilled Avendahl and taught him much.

You see, with Hanassee becoming Head Chief, all knowledge of law enforcement operations were known. Guul had successfully finally accessed another plethora of information to add to his already massive 'library'. Action was finally taken as publicly secret spice cartels were busted, replaced with new ones associated with Fa himself. It also came with a large step at building a good reputation of the 'people's hero' - Lord Tai Fa whose newly open hospital was treating drug addicts for absolutely free.

"One coin. On which both sides our Lord Fa's face is engraved." Guul spoke as he shut off the HoloTV. "This is but the first chapter of the book we are writing here, Mr. Avendahl. The Humbars will fall. And with their fall Lord Fa would rise." Givin were emotionless, more or less, at least when they spoke. Yet, it was hard not to feel through the Force the burning ambition that thrived within Akash Guul at this moment.

Vitor was pleased. He knew, though, that there was much more to do. It was time to become a bit more direct with the Humbars. Their young patriarch's hedonistic lifestyle had to be used against him. Yet, right hand men stood between their way. Right hand men hungry for power.

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith had started to respond to the Doctor [member="Rashae"] when the Lord Protector [member="HK-36"] made his exit along with the promise to contact her when he had made his plans with the killiks.

Faith moved to the window looking out to see if she could spot the droid flying but he was a bit quicker than she thought, she turned to the Dr. "Yes we must discuss the opportunities that can be found for you on Alderaan and not interfere with any endeavors you seek, that do not come into conflict with Alderaan or any of her allies." She had last appointed Reen as Commander of a Squadron to patrol Alderaan skies, she had not heard from him. Was he still on Alderaan?

How long had it been, and still no uprising from any of the Mandalorians. There were reports of some loading up and preparing to depart. The peacefulness of Alderaan did not agree with some of the warrior culture and they were seeking to find a home that would provide additional benefit. Faith part of her wished they wouldn't go but she understood the need and desire. So she would wish them well.

She looked at Draco he was busy doing what he could to keep peace through communication and awareness. Yes the fleet and the military had been alerted, just in case. Draco was good at that, protecting them.

"Has there been any word from the Galactic Alliance? Will they be sending someone to speak with us?" Being the closest faction she wasn't sure they would come, they might..yes they might. It would likely not be [member="Rhen Qel-Droma"] but just maybe it would be [member="Arieth zh'Vranthi"] yes maybe.

Faith looked at the serious faces around her, "It's not the declarations that are so hard, its the waiting to find out if someone is going to fight you to keep you from your goals. But so so they only thing I've gotten word of is a few mandalorians leaving to head home to help out there. Terrible what has happened, my heart breaks for them."

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Neesa]

[member="Tai Fa"]

"What I need,” Neesa replied slowly and deliberately, “Is to know where the warehouse is. The Broken Bones are guarding a shipment of weapons being delivered off world and…”

She slowly turned her head back to face Westle Yan. She gave him a sweet smile. It did not suite her hawkish features. “…he knows which one.”

“Feth you talking about girl?”

“Oh I’m really very short on time,” she replied. This time she turned her whole body to face him. She dropped onto her haunches to bring herself level with his gaze. The tips of her scabbards scraped against the bare concrete floor. “I might get careless if you test my patience.”

 

[Jairus Starvald]

[member="Neesa"]

A warehouse then.

Weapons and a shipment off-world.

Of course this could mean anything, but that did give him a hint or two about the situation at hand. It probably meant that the Sith guiding this one's hand was not from this world, otherwise her interest wouldn't be in this particular warehouse. With no overarching governmental oversight and the Republic long gone, it wasn't that difficult to find yourself some weaponry.

Even military-grade.

Yun did not seem to be willing to budge, instead opting to spit on Neesa's feet. This would probably invite a retaliatory response. Which was just as well, he hadn't been the most courteous of individuals.

"I understand. You do not wish to speak - honor among thieves and such." Lord Fa calmly said without dropping off his position, opting to keep the higher ground. "But you must understand. We do not play by your rules or the Directorate's rules."

The Thirriken's head cocked to the side.

"When was the last time you spoke to your wife, mister Yan, or your little daughter? This morning, before... heading to work, I suppose?"

 

[Catalys Maijora]

Alderaan System - Unknown Ship - Sweeping

The long-range scanners began to pick up the various defenses spread out from Alderaan, undoubtedly there to defend the planet from assaults and other tangible 'real' threats. "We are detecting a fighter squadron, commander." One of the sensory officers alerts. "Move us out of their path," Catalys orders. Avoiding short-range scanners was essential--they would easily pick up the vessel's signature, and result in an investigation. That was something Catalys wished to avoid. Their recon ship hadn't any weaponry, and starting a skirmish was not on their agenda.

Vertical thrust brought the vessel below route alignment, and the starship adjusted its course to just dodge the patrol route. Such patrols would likely become more frequent the further they sweep inwards, as would starship traffic in general. The vessel continues to conduct its scanning. "Get ready to deploy probes," the second order went out. Deep in the probe bay the skeleton crew prepares to launch a decoy probe that will activate later on when patrol activity picks up.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"Regarding the Doctor, there is a medical research arm of Alderaan Engineering. Its possible she could come on as a consultant there. Her expertise could be used to further the prosperity of Alderaan." Draco said looking up from his datapad for a moment. The company had a small medical research arm, mostly devoted to supplying emergency medical supplies during their foreign aid efforts. They were moving to restore the ecosystem and fauna of Alderaan through biological study if possible.

Draco nudged Faith slightly with his elbow, smiling at her. "The transition seems to be going well." Nothing in space had set off any alarms regarding invasion forces and the Knights hadn't reported any situations on the ground, meaning none of the cities were currently under attack of suffering acts of terrorism. All in all, it was a step better and less stressful than when the Republic arrived with their Star Destroyer and attempted to force orbit over the planet against the requests of the defense force.

The customs rings and light patrols throughout the system wouldn't be something they could maintain all of the time, eventually the patrol groups would have to slow down and be used as a response to unknown signal blips rather than constant patrols. The only reason they were during the transition period as Alderaan declared its independence was because Draco was well aware of the Mandalorian ship's capabilities, and thanks to Clan Rekali, how dangerous they could be at avoiding early warning detection.

"No word from the Galactic Alliance officially. They've probably only just heard and haven't made it out this far yet."

[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Neesa]

[member="Tai Fa"]

"That would not be wise."

Neesa just watched. She could see the thought process playing out across his face. In her head she silently counted.

"You wouldn't. What they'd do to you..."

This time the note of concern, the break in the stoic visage. He had just seen three kill teams taken apart by two individuals. Neesa decided now was the time to drive the point home.

Stepping closer she held one hand out over his chest and closed her eyes. She murmured some alien words, ancient sith, quietly. Her fingers traced out a delicate pattern and a symbol was etched into the very air above his sternum.

Her eyes snapped open. Fingers outstretched she pulled her hand away slowly. As if he was tethered to her fingers, Yon arched his back, his chest rising with the pull. His face screwed up as he managed to contain the pain for a whole two seconds. He threw his head back, veins in his neck bulging as he cried out.

Neesa closed her first. The symbol vanished and Yin collapsed back down.

"That doesn't frighten me."

 

[Jairus Starvald]

[member="Neesa"]

"It isn't meant to, mister Yan."

Lord Fa patiently explained, while the thug tried to hide the pain. It was an exercise in futility. They were Sith, they could practically taste the pain in the air, feed from it if they truly wished to and become stronger through it. But that kind of technique only served to enflame the emotions and right now Tai wished to be clear-headed.

"We are merely showcasing what will happen to your loved ones, if you do not give us what we want."

For a moment that hung in the air.

Then the Thirriken gave a pleasant smile, before inclining his beak in respect. Of course, he completely understood Yan's desire to stay true to his vows -- or perhaps not betray his known associates, after he had seen them rip through the ones he already brought -- but was that truly stronger?

Stronger than the only two people he ever really cared about? It was no coincidence that there was a locket in his left breast pocket with their holo-images.

"Fine." Yan whispered softly, the fight snapped away from him like a coil unwinding. "Fine, just..."

"They will be unharmed, of course."

 

[Rianna Organa]

Mandalore

Rianna was leaving behind some staff, she would get their new headquarters settled and then if possible return and continue to help where she could. But this wasn't just about volcanoes this was about conditions for survival.

They would evacuate the patients that needed continued care, she ordered them to the frigates. The medical fleet under her care one frigate would stay in support the other two would move to Alpha Mae and the refugee center. Critical flights would be set up between Mandalore and Alpha Mae. The operational headquarters would move to Alderaan, while the manufacturing would move to Alpha Mae.

In talking with [member="Ordo"] it was decided to take up the offer from [member="Draco Vereen"] and move MandalTech to the Nubula. It would take time, and movement of resources. A mining operation would still remain on Mandalore shipping beskar to MandalTech.

Mandalmedical would use Mandalorian Steel, and phrik for now for their ships. Everything else the materials were easy to get from anywhere. Delivery points were all that would need to be changed.

 

[Neesa]

[member="Tai Fa"]

Yan looked down at the floor; he felt it was the only place he was worthy of looking upon in this moment. The Bones could do dreadful things to him if they found out he had talked, but they would never have touched his family. These were despicable creatures with otherworldly powers. Apparently without a shred of respect.

"Warehouse twenty three in the Shingsome Estate. They move it out in three or four hours," he mumbled. The pale, humanoid girl made several quick motions with her fingers. He felt something like an itch at the back of his mind.

"That's the truth," she said, stepping away from him and turning towards the bird perched above them. "What did you want him for?" she asked bluntly. So they weren't actually working together? Not a deliberate ambush then? Yan looked down at his arm, she'd done something to disable the cybernetics. Perhaps remove the power core.

 

[Jairus Starvald]

[member="Neesa"]

Knowledge was power and the less knowledge they possessed, the better.

The Thirriken gently fluttered to the ground, before moving past Neesa and in front of Yan. Embarrassment, anger, resentment, those were the emotions currently coiling around the gang boss and it solidified Fa's opinion. There was no chance that this one would be of more use to him, not as a proxy nor as a possible lieutenant once he started building his own operations.

Too broken, too much humiliation that would slowly churn and eventually turn into betrayal.

His wing lashed out and hit Yan straight under the chin. At once Yan went limb - not dead, if Neesa bothered to check up on his lifesign - but currently out for the take, while Lord Fa pondered further opportunities.

"The same thing, but not for the same reason, I suspect." Tai looked up to Neesa, cocking his head in mild curiosity. "I propose we continue this partnership, until both of us have what we need."

"I have no interest in the weapon shipments at this time." The peacock added shortly after.

 

[HK-36]

[member="Faith Organa"],

HK was actually a governor within the Alliance political scene, so he may have just been the representative sent by them to speak with Alderaan, but primarily he was there of his own accord although any message Faith would want to send to Alliance to her, he could always pass along.

TSHHHHSHSHSHSHHS

The wind would pass by him with a rustle, his cloak flapping on the wind, the whooshing of the air as he cut through the skies would mix with the sound of his jetpack. The droid would fly over hills and forests, zooming past cliffs and mountains, until finally the tall spirals of the Castle Lands would become visible just over the horizon. His task was dangerous, to an organic at least, and would be arduous, for he would have to go within the Killik Hives and attempt to persuade each of them into believing that the machine was for one thing on their side, that his tactics would benefit them, Alderaan is their ally, and they would submit to the droid as their leader. Once that was done he would have to go to the next hive and do it all over again.

Finally arriving at the nearest mound HK would land with a bit of a run, deactivating his jetpack before the large structure made from hardened soil and insect spit, his cloak would settle down and cascade over his shoulders. He walked forward towards the entrance to the spire mount when the Killik sentries finally spotted him. The insectoid soldiers rushed forward towards the machine, brandishing their blast-spears to surround him, clicking and chittering as they dangerously jerked their weapons towards the machine as if to stab him,

"I know, you do not like my kind,"

That was a bit of an understatement, Killiks were not fans of droids because they could not connect with them telepathically, which means they could never become joiners or communicate with the hive as a whole, only with particular members who would relay their words to the rest of the hive-mind. Few of them trusted machines, fewer still would follow their commands or spend too much time around them.

As HK spoke the insectoids only grew more agitated, chattering wildly and shaking their bodies aggressively,

"But I come here as a friend, see no weapons,"

He raised his arms and opened the palms to let them see he was not carrying any visible pistols or swords,

"And I come with an offer to trade."

The Killiks chittered still and shook their chitin covered bodies,

"So take me inside the hive where you have an advantage, I will explain it further. I am a friend, you can trust me."

The insectoids waited a moment, thinking about what was said and probably taking a consensus through the hive mind before finally the Killiks behind the droid started to poke their blast-spears into his back to gesture for him to move forward, bringing him along deeper within the hive-mound.

 

[Zef Halo]

FAINE HUMBAR'S MANSION
HUMBARINE

Not everything goes as planned. Those are the risk when playing with sentient beings. You may have narrowed down their character to the smallest details and yet they do something completely spontaneous and contradicting their general personality. Indeed, that's how Guul learned the unpredictable factor of emotion. So did Vitor.

Faine Humbar, whose body you can see well in the pond of blood among his henchmen, was a man of ambition but not a man in the direct line of heirs. Not enough ambition to dispute or attempt to overthrow his current patriarch. Thus, Guul had found the man's biggest weakness - lovers. Who didn't have those nowadays, right ? The difference was, unfortunately for Faine, that he couldn't hide them well enough for the Givin to find them.

Toss that to his wife, which is from another very prominent family you know these familial alliances dating back to ancient times, and you'd expect that the woman would forgive him but end his authority. Yeah, basically, for Faine to repent for his mistakes and keep this absolutely vital alliance between the houses, which let us be honest, was what made him strong among the rest of the Humbars. Yeah, he married into power, more or less.

But here comes the unexpected factor - emotion.

You cannot believe what people can do when their connection to their brain is completely lost. Hurt greatly by her husband's unfaithfulness, she vowed for retribution upon him for ruining their great marriage. Say that to a trigger happy father and you get this masterpiece painted in blood all over Faine Humbar's mansion. Faine and his power are non-exist ant, no more. Plan was different, plan was to be able to influence him via his wife since Fa's people had strong influential connections there already, thanks to Guul.

Now, Guul and Vitor stepped through the lake of blood and bodies that covered the mansion. The wife's family had lost enough manpower here and valuable people, in the pursuit of justice, that they could no longer be considered a powerful family. Faine and his influence that was to be used by Guul was also gone.

"There's a fine silver lining here, though, Guul." Vitor said as he scanned the area.

"I am failing to see it."

"One of the right hand men is gone, nonetheless. And a possible rival for power literally dug their grave here." The Sith acolyte said as he gestured at the body of the wife's father.

"Better than nothing, right ?" The Givin scoffed, unusually for a Givin. "You learn quick. Now, let us go and report to Lord Fa. I do hope he sees the same silver lining as you do."

Somewhere in the background, the police sirens could be heard.

They were later to the crime scene than usual leaving enough time for the duo to leave the crime scene.

And you know why already.

 

[Catalys Maijora]

Alderaan System - Unknown Ship - Still Sweeping

The vessel had successfully dodged notice of a nearby patrol, and now drifted further into range of the world itself.

Although the planet remained far enough away to avoid larger detection, it was enough to conduct the final stage of the initial sweep. The bay doors opened, and from the bowels of the ship spat forth a series of small probe units that scattered across the emptiness behind them. Only their most basic functionally was active at this time, awaiting a signal to activate their full potential. The purpose of these probes is simple: Scream as loud as possible until someone notices, taking the principle of decoy devices used by pirates and applying them to a more professional design.

Once deployed, the starship continued onward whilst the probe units continued to drift further apart from one another, becoming invisible in the darkness unless one was close enough to see. The density of patrols continued to pick up, and once it was clear such patrols were nigh unavoidable is when the probes will activate. For now the scanners continued doing their diligent duty, downloading a full scan of the system and allowing the advanced computers to try and decrypt transmissions at the same time.

 

[Neesa]

[member="Tai Fa"]

Neesa wasn't really sure what was supposed to happen next. She kept some distance between herself and the bird. Enough room to draw a weapon.

"Good, if you're thinking of developing one I suggest you don't for the next three hours or so."

Eyes narrow eyes moved between the bird and the unconscious cyborg. Give and take. Some fights weren't worth picking when there was other work to be doing. Risk and reward. A game she played putting her life down as the stakes. She hadn't lost yet.

"I have no interest in their wider operations or whatever it is you have planned. Just that shipment and ensuring there are no future ones."

 

[Jairus Starvald]

[member="Neesa"]

"We would not be having this conversation if you did." Lord Fa answered simply, before taking another look at unconscious Yan. There was already a little bit of drool coming away from his mouth.

Humans could be quite disgusting at times.

"How long until his cybernetics start working again?" It would be some more time, before his men could get here from their other tasks. He doubted that Yan would wake before then, but better to have all the answers to the dilemma ahead. Which was what to do with this man. There was a little plan forming, of course, there always was, but Tai guessed it would all depend on how their mission went against this warehouse.

In the meantime it did not seem as if the Sith was overly concerned by Neesa.

Not that Fa did not recognize the danger that she posed, because if it did come to a fight... it would be a difficult one. At best.

 

[Arieth zh'Vranthi]

[member="Faith Organa"]

Word from the Alliance would indeed come.

Enroute to Aldaraan, Ambassador Zh'Vranthi would send in a formal request for an audience with the Royal House of Aldaaraan. Already nicely settled into her diplomatic vessel, the Chandrilian message was as follows:

[ Greetings,

I realize that today is a most auspicious day, and that perhaps the Royal House of Aldaraan is most dutifully attending to their affairs and that of their subjects. Yet if there is any small chance of potentially being able to meet I would be most humbled to do so.

Sincerely,

Ambassador Arieth zh'Vranthi
Galactic Alliance