Private Midnight Sun

[Junko Ike]

Arla Rodarch

The Kiliea system was one of the edge worlds of the Commonwealth, just touching the trade routes the Herglics had created coming through Frisal and Atrisia itself. The world was one of the first colonies that Atrisia reached and expanded too... which gave its citizens a unique perspective in some things as the colony thrived on their natural resources that could be used for construction... and it was beneficial as a place for trade and excess shipyards from Frisal. The years since that have seen it expand and grow... with Atrisian military forces turning it into an outpost. Then Xiro defected with her Command Forces making for a rogue element there that allied with Jia Ren and many criminals. THey were one of the reasons why the privateer forces were given reign to protect ships. Resistance on the world was aiding in the fight against Xiro and the last supporters of the warlord Mythos who had endangered the people of Atrisia.

Such a pairing was dangerous and they harmed many more as Junko had responded with a handful of soldiers to try and protect some fo their relief supplies. The biggest benefit was that they worked on more of the vessels and trade routes. On the ground it wasn't a massive warzone... it was in the cold season right now but would likely pick back up once the fighters on both sides had rested up... a grim idea but there was few chances for the fight. Junko could just work on many things here but protecting the people and being able to evacuate for medical purposes were beneficial. The resistance fighters who were working to rebuild many of the areas benefitted from them as well as the emperor and empress had sent more of the advanced technologies they were using and had designed some of the droids for them. Her handmaidens around and they were looking over the hospital building as two of the droids were reinforcing the struts of the building.

 

[Arla Rodarch]

900 ABY - Present Day

Arla Susni had many goals for her small fleet of mercy that she called Relief Force, she'd studied the galaxy carefully, and there were many places where her potential help could aid many. The Atrisian Commonwealth was a place she'd learned about from traders, comprising hundreds of worlds, it had many potentials for conflict. Places she could help.

As her initial foray into the Commonwealth was in the sort of a factfinding and scouting expedition, Arla took only one small escort ship and a minor force of medics and guards. The flagship Defender and the rest of the fleet remained elsewhere.

...

A light frigate brought her and her people to the target planet, Kiliea, and Arla took a shuttle down from orbit alone. Perogative of solo command without restriction of New Star League rules and taboos and regulations and impediments. Her command.

She took in the world for the first time, admiring and scrutinizing at the same time. She let instinct and her sense of purpose direct her path, and walked onward until she came upon others. Junko Ike They were watching some droids help rebuild a hospital.

Arla smiled. She was dressed casually, hair caught in a loose ponytail, eyes friendly, looking, she thought, the very essence of a tourist, without benefit of holocamera and dorky hat.

Hi. I'm Arla. Nice to meet you.

Good start girl. You totally don't sound like some dorky out of towner who is totally lost without a clue. She grimaced internally and hoped the others didn't notice her slight embarrassment.

 

[Junko Ike]

Arla Rodarch

The rebuilding continued and she looked as someone was coming to join her. She wasn't from the resistance forces... not Atrisian looking enough but she was nice and Junko bowed. "Welcome." She said it and clasped her hands in front of herself. "Welcome to Kiliea." She said it and walked a little with it as she brought up some information to see on her interface. "For the moment there is a lull in the fighting. We brought a number of supplies but can't give too much.... they tend to get raided and stolen." The real danger of it.... they could heal a lot but if they left extra supplies there while trying to get others who needed it the attraction to take it was big. She was able to check on a few other things and that they had going. Distribution of supplies while a pair of her handmaidens were handing out more.

 

[Arla Rodarch]

Junko Ike

The Atrisian noblewoman bowed to her formally in greeting. Arla stood to attention, respectfully. She listened to the situation, and considered her response carefully. She could help here.

Thankyou for the kind welcome. My people can deliver supplies, and ensure they aren't stolen. Would it be better to have the needy come to the supplies at some set collection areas, or look to deliver the supplies directly to where they are currently living?

War often destroyed homes, and forced people to seek whatever shelter they could find. Sometimes help had to come to them, for even leaving their shelter for food and water or medicine could mean risking death. Arla and her forces were trained to risk death, and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and those they aided. Whatever it took to bring aid, she would ensure it got done. She hadn't brought much this time, but could at a word bring in her fleet and access to the wealth of medical aid and food supplies. Arla did not want to bring too much military force into a situation and inflame it.

 

[Junko Ike]

Arla Rodarch

SHe nodded to that, aid in getting the supplies and protection would be invaluable. "Delivering the supplies to some of the areas would be helpful. All of the houses might not be possible but we have runners and their fighters are better able to get to the people who might not be able to make it. THe other danger for the moment is the shield grid, in case an attack comes the sectional shielding is invaluable." She said it while looking over some fo the information for them.. she knew the supplies were there and chance to see what else could be done as they were monitoring data streams from the military forces themselves... they weren't attacking. It wasn't beneficial to attack civilians trying to repair and turn more people against their cause. SHe moved towards some fo the crates and opened them showing the advanced ration cases. the saori food packs. "Thankfully the emergency food supplies we have are designed for long term use and will replenish themselves over time." The canteens with them worked similar for water. "We have worked on smaller synthesizers for bacta and medical supplies as well. The packs will work to give everyone a better chance."

 

[Arla Rodarch]

Junko Ike

Arla listened carefully to Junko's explanation of the tactical situation. She ran over the options available to her in her head as she began to formulate a plan. It seemed as if there was a well established supply situation already, what was needed were bodies on the ground. Bringing in any heavier forces might draw attention onto the civilians they were trying to help. She pulled out a comlink.

Commander Susni to Frigate Emancipator, lock in on my position. I want two companies of marine guards at my location. Come in cold, we're on a relief mission, not an invasion. Susni out.

She then turned back toward Junko and her handmaidens.

I'll bring in some more of my people to help with distribution. We'll keep appearances of military force to a bare minimum for now, unless the enemy begins targeting us directly. In that situation we can deploy some deterrence to any direct hostilities directed at our relief force.

Two full companies of marines was almost the entire complement on the Frigate. They could do more good on the ground than guarding the ship, and using infantry only would avoid the appearance of a military operation. No fighters or gunships would be in sight. The frigate could provide some limited fire support, but if that became necessary, Arla would not hesitate to call in the rest of Relief Force. Having committed to helping these people, she would not shy away from taking whatever steps were necessary to do so.

 

[Junko Ike]

Arla Rodarch

She listened and nodded as there was something to be said about the smoothness and efficiency of a well trained group... SHe was impressed and if they were something that could be hired or brought in... there was always something beneficial to the Commonwealth to having skilled minds and hands. "Impressive." The smile was there on her face when she left some of the cases for them to be able to take. Their makie droids hovering around and scanning everything that it could see to be able to keep track and records of where they needed it. Information coming into her interface from Frisal which was building ships to aid here as well as worlds like Sakura which were serving to give them more supplies from their farming and technological communities.

"We have alert systems, we have a plan... your people will be welcomed and there is extra in case it is needed. The medical supplies we have portable synthesizers that can be set up and mobile power source." She was looking at some of it and shifted her interface to project outwardly for all of them to be able to see. She was showing the sections of the city Leonorea so she could show her. "THe bridges are damaged but the waters are not as deep around the city. THe sewer system leading to refineries and filtering areas to clean and reuse it. The buildings are largely secured on the ground levels but the makie droids can open them as needed and there are alcoves for them around to get itno various buildings."

 

[Arla Rodarch]

Junko Ike

This time Arla bowed respectfully. The lady was clearly a noble, but the good sort, the sort that used their power and authority to help others. She was intelligent and thoughtful, both good qualities in a leader. It was relieving to meet a common soul on a strange new world with a new culture.

Her troopers would require assistance in an unfamiliar locale. The holo certainly helped, Arla was already recording Junko's words and the vision of the layout, and transmitting it to the troops now being shuttled down to their location.

My people will get the job done, My Lady. If need arises we can bring in droid support to carry supplies or casualties.

Arla was thinking that her frigate in orbit carried several tractor drones alongside its shuttles, which could prove useful in an urban environment. They were fast unmanned craft equipped with tractor beams. The troopers would arrive lightly armed, and ready to provide whatever logistical assistance was required. They could use the shuttles too, once the troopers disembarked.

A pair of fully loaded shuttles were already dropping toward them, coming into visual and then audible range as they cut through the sky towards the ground. They came in for a landing not far from Arla's position, with the troops prepped and ready to work.

May I please ask your name?

Arla was being polite, and also practical. She would need to be able to let her troops know who the lady in charge here was. They would be supporting her people, being guided by them. There would need to be trust between them, and so she offered her full name rank and title to Junko.

I am Commander Arla of House Susni, of Relief Force. We are part of the New Star League Remnants, formerly of the Alula System.

 

[Junko Ike]

Arla Rodarch

She looked at her and realized... she had never given her name a look was on her face of neutrality but she smiled. "I am Princess Junko Ike of the Atrisian Royal house." Shoma Ike might be the more diplomatic one but she knew how to work with people and this was what a jedi did in the end when it came to helping people. "It is welcoming to have you here." She said it while moving and the handmaidens were giving her more information. The path ahead for all of them while they were moving to meet with some of the resistance forces in the city and the officials who were there. The aid workers who were with them using the droids who carried some of the cases and were spreading them out to distribute more to the people who were coming. "Princess." The voice came and one of the people ran forward with two children in tow.... weapon going to her shoulder and out of the alley way were more people going to the crates and droids. "Nyssa." She said it with a look as the taller woman stood with armor and motioned the children forward. "We were wondering if you were going to be able to come back after the last peace talks." Junko nodded and they had failed but. "Commander Xiro has died though which will help with the efforts, her soldiers were loyal and fanatic towards her more than the cause of Mythos... it should aid when and if they can be brought back to the table."

 

[Arla Rodarch]

Arla followed Junko Ike watching and listening. As a royal princess Arla could see now why all the others seemed to defer to Junko. It was not dissimilar to the Alulan culture. She took in the armoured taller woman, this one was a soldier for sure. She did not know of the details of the local conflict, so spoke little, thus to learn as much as she could.

Not far away, the two shuttles Arla had ordered made their landing. Two full platoons came forth, each commanded by a lieutenant. They didn't bother the Commander, but quickly set off into the city to aid the locals, and provide support ot the aid workers. The soldiers didn't even carry blasters, only visibly armed with a sheathed knife. Hands free, they could help more, and appear less as military troops. They wore basic infantry gear, patterned in white. A hundred men and women, hardly enough to wage war, but enough to help. They brought strong backs, steady hands, and open hearts to the needy.

As Arla saw her own troops begin to make their way into the city she wondered why neither of the lieutenants in command had checked in with her before deploying. Then she saw the reason why. Aria Talen, Captain of the Moon Guard, was at her side, silently and quickly. Clearly Aria had deployed the troops for her, as a good second in command should. Aria didn't speak or introduce herself, and she barely glanced at her Commander. Her attention was outward, towards threats. Arla figured a royal princess would be able to identify a bodyguard when she saw one. The black and red armoured warrior beside her exuded a martial presence.

Arla spoke to the soldier's words, offering further aid, though she realized she would be involving her people further in the Atrisian Commonwealth's conflict.

If there is a chance to open peace negotiations, I can offer my services as a neutral host. One of our ships, perhaps, if a suitable location cannot be agreed upon here on the planet.

 

[Junko Ike]

Arla Rodarch

"PEaceful negotiations would be ideal but for the moment neither side wants to come to the table." She said it but didn't say it was impossible... Xiro being gone meant good things and bad is it would ensure whoever was second in command might be more open... or they might be more of a zealot. A gamble but it could pay off in the end if they were lucky. "We'll make the offer though as Myssa and many of the other forcesthey have would benefit a lot more." The woman nodded and was moving as she looked at the other bodyguard. She nodded and Junko was walking as one fo the buildings was there and they could go and overlook some of the waterways.

"Your people will be invaluable but the Commonwealth is even trying to not overstep in the politics here... that is was... is... sometimes is a colony means only so much. THey have been largely their own for several thousand years now. IF we came in and took charge even to clean up the mess that is detractors and rogue military it could be a lot worse. We don't want to occupy and stay here." SHe said it while standing there and she was pointing out some of the waterway that they could navigate. "There are people in the tunnels, we have been working to get them out but it can be safer in there if there is an attack the reinforced structural struts were redone recently."

 

[Arla Rodarch]

Junko Ike

Arla took in the situation. She was conscious of the fact that too much activity and involvement could spark an intensifying of the conflict, and undo the good they were trying to do. Sometimes it was worth a gamble, and sometimes, you simply inflamed an enemy. As Junko showed the waterway and spoke of the tunnels, Arla noticed her bodyguard speaking into a concealed microphone. She had no doubt there would be some of the Moon Guard sweeping those underground passages and ensuring the safety of the civilians within.

At her side, her bodyguard had finished her curt conversation and was outward focused again. If Arla needed to know something, she'd be told. The Captain of the Moonguard in command of the operation ensured the troops would all be putting in their best efforts. Arla was an approachable and kind leader, whereas Aria Talen was hard and unforgiving. They made a good combination, though Arla sometimes wished her second wouldn't keep things from her.

The Moon Guard and their Captain had a habit of simply stepping in and taking command of any given situation to save the Commander the bother. Today was another example of such, the Captain hadn't been ordered or asked to come down, she'd just taken it upon herself. Arla was relieved to be able to handle the diplomatic situation, but she did feel capable of doing both that and commanding the relief effort without help.

I appreciate the situation, Your Highness. We'll do what we can here. If we can stop the war, we can do more good. If we inflame the situation, we can decide whether further involvement might do more harm than good.

She felt she was stating the obvious and didn't want to seem as if she was disrespecting Junko, who clearly had a far better and wider understanding of the situation. Arla just wanted Junko to see that she understood too.

 

[Junko Ike]

Arla Rodarch

Junko bowed her head. "Thank you." She clasped her hands in front of herself while looking it over and there was more. Information coming to her visor so that she would be able to see it and the interface made its little hologram from her ear. "IF we need it we will add it to everythign else we are asking of you but for the moment worry not about them. Kiliea like much of the worlds are recovering after Mythos... he did terrible things not just on Atrisia but all of the worlds who called us home or friend and his followers benefited from it but he is gone thankfully and harming our own people is never something one wants to do."

Nyssa was there and she spoke. "You did what was best princess, exiling all of his supporters was a kind mercy even if they didn't take it. Our prince would have executed them and more given how many they sent away and sold off. We are only just starting to recover population wise with the other worlds." SHe nodded but brought up some information and than was projecting it. "What he did is a memory... fresh but we will endure and in fairness to some of you... now there is a whole new generation of men in the military and you know they are able to defend themselves and you." She laughed a little... the population of their males being taken and sent to die after a few years beginning to recover.

 

[Arla Rodarch]

Junko Ike

Arla kept silent this time, listening while Junko and Nyssa spoke. She knew her bodyguard was also taking this all in, even if she showed no interest in anything other than scanning for threats. Arla watched Junko and Nyssa. They knew the situaion on Killea and in the Atrisian Commonwealth well, it was their home after all. She did not know of Mythos, he sounded like bad news, but he was also out of the picture, it seemed.

To her surprise, at her side, the until then silent sentinel that was the Moon Guard Captain spoke for the first time. She addressed both Nyssa and Junko directly, looking briefly at both of them.

Who is currently in charge of the enemy?

A typical Moonguard question, Lady Talen would want to try to go directly to the source. Even as Commander, Lady Susni didn't bother forbidding any such action, knowing that if the Moon Guard saw an opportunity, they would take it, regardless of her wishes. Arla figured such information was immaterial to her own relief effort, but Aria Talen did things very differently. Relief Force was a humanitarian group, but their protectors were somewhat toothy.

 

[Junko Ike]

Arla Rodarch

"Asagoa Chunagon is likely the highest in command left assuming Xiro didn't promote others." Nyssa said it and looked out. "She is smart and survives above all else but she isn't a coward... just prefers to not be involved unless she is needed." Junko nodded but there was always a chance something had happened to her with Xiro vanished.. they were not certain but the commander wasn't one at the time to give up and leave she wanted to return the Commonwealth to the old empire days. She believes in superior force and position." Junko remained with it but she offered a smile. "Though you and Hel have been doing well in handling it here, even with a number of problems." SHe said it and looked at Arla and her guard offering an area to sit and some water. "But we sought you not to fight but to help heal... the people need it more than for us to fight more and more."

 

[Arla Rodarch]

Junko Ike

Arla took the offered seat and poured herself a glass of water, while her bodyguard took position standing behind her. Aria had gotten her answer, and was already scrolling through intelligence information on Asagoa Chunagon. The Moon Guard liked to know their enemy. Arla meanwhile sat easily and nodded respectfully at the Princess's words.

As you say, we are here to help, today. This is not the time for fighting.

As they sat she saw that her NSLR troops were busying themselves helping the Kiliean people, carrying supplies and escorting those that needed help to med stations. Already she could see field medics assisting with basic health issues that were unfortunately all too common among those displaced by war. The people were in good hands. Raiders would be discouraged by the number of fit and able people assisting with the aid operation, and the enemy would not see armoured battalions in the streets.

Arla was concerned for what else she and Relief Force could do to help. The Remnants were not a major power, nor even a minor one. They were a non-profit humanitarian group in their current status, but what they had to give, they would give. They had resources they could devote specifically to medical aid.

I just wish we could do more.

 

[Junko Ike]

Arla Rodarch

SHe took a sip of the water and nodded. "We do what we can, it doesn't always have to be large and grand gestures. SMall acts with great love and kindness can move just as much as a massive force." She said it with a smile and Nyssa was there nodding. "We appreciate the big and the small and rebuilding isn't going to be done overnight... this is something that we wil have to stay with and the Lady Hel will lead it... maybe not in the way everyone thinks but she is trying to not become like Xiro." She said it and Junko looked at her. "We will try and counsel her... I might not be as active as a jedi but I still have some diplomatic skills and am considered in some circles charming and cute."

 

[Arla Rodarch]

Junko Ike

Arla nodded too as she spoke, having to agree. The small acts of kindness were truly important, even if sometimes it seemed like trying to hold back a raging river with pebbles. The thing was, if you persevered, enough pebbles in combination with the right place and time really could do the job. She could already see Junko's diplomatic skill, and she was very charming. Cute wasn't the word that sprang to Arla's mind. Regal, and beautiful, certainly. Diplomatically, she didn't make the observation, letting 'cute' suffice.

We'll provide what we can, for as long as we can. We'll do some good here.

Even if we'd like to do more. Arla tried not to get lost in fantasies of righting all the galaxy's wrongs, driving back the darkness, and imposing her will on conflicts. The road to hell was paved with good intentions, and that was not a path she wanted to walk. It was just so easy to be drawn into every other war. Relief Force was militaristic, but not an offensive force. Ultimately their fighting capabilities were intended to be utilized as a means of self protection, and no more. She sipped at the cool water, trying not to let herself be distracted from being present in the discussion.

 

[Junko Ike]

Arla Rodarch

"That is all that can be asked." She nodded and was observing the woman who did seem to be thinking things to herself... good things hopefully she disliked the idea she was making a poor impression. SHe was going to say something and paused as Nyssa moved a hand to her ear and spoke quietly. SHe looked. "We have incoming shuttles." She said it and moved adjusting and motioning over to the sides to check while deploying Shield Gate. She was tossing a few nodes as Junko moved and placed them at points of the area they were in and then a second one above each as small sights worked to level them.

"Stay in the barrier." She said it and Nyssa activated them as the thin shield stretched out and enclosed while Nyssa passed a rock through it. To show rather then sit there and explain that things could pass through. Junko was looking where she indicated as two shuttles arrived and coming out were guard that displayed staff weapons. Nyssa relaxing for a moment while pointing to the woman coming down. She was pale skinned with her face covered. The top of her outfit was mostly a leather bra with black and silver lining for comfort. It was one of those that lifted and showed your cleavage to absolute best advantage. But it was tight and held in place. Nothing was falling out.

The bottom was sort of leather shorts, except that where the shorts stopped, straps took over except that there were extras. Two leather sheaths covered her upper arms, complete with a knife apiece. The knives were high quality, with a petar gleam for energy ribbons to slice like sabers. If the hilts were a little elaborate taste wise, the balance was good, and that's what counted. Two more sheaths covered her lower arms with two more knives, smaller, balanced more for throwing, though they both had hilts and weren't true throwing knives. There was a leather belt around the top of the shorts that twin jar'kai blades fit on nicely.

The straps down her legs had small silver loops, sheaths, two more knives, one on each thigh. No knife sheaths below the knees because boots came with the outfit. The boots were soft black leather with heels only a touch higher and thicker than heeled. At the front of her waist was a bleached skull... horns wrapping around her waist and obscuring the blades. Muscles from her midriff sculpted and she looked physically fit outside of the armor. Her head showing a veil wrapping around her head above her mouth. Her expression from her mouth hard but Junko nodded. "The Lady Hel." She said it and eased a little.

 

[Arla Rodarch]

Arla was happy with the gracious welcome and appreciation that princess junko had shown to a stranger. She smiled and nodded in return. Then she was suitably impressed with the workings of the demonstrated shielding technology. To be able to project a protective field that also allowed easy passage was wondrous to someone used to Alulan tech. They possessed nothing like it. The possibilities for the utility of such a technology were endless. Arla marveled at Nyssa's demonstration.

Then she turned away to regard the new arrival; the Lady Hel. She tried to remain impassive, and observe without drawing attention or giving offence. The lady was as physically impressive as she was impressively visibly armed. Arla wasn't the sort to feel naked without weapons, but she did feel the lack as she mentally catalogued Hel's collection of blades. The lady walked like someone proficient in their use, confident, and not a little impressive. Junko could remain seated, a respect due her rank and position.

Arla stood up, to show respect and deference to the visitor. She stood at attention, relaxed, not stiffly so.

The Commander of Relief Force would keep quiet and be led in this delicate negotiation and diplomatic situation by Junko, who knew the situation and the elements at play far better. She would speak only if she could help the cause of peace. Hoping that her presence would not present a distractive variable to the situation, she kept her eyes on Hel, waiting for the talks to begin. Her gaze was friendly, interested, not hostile.

Behind her, Aria Talen, Captain of the Echani Moon Guards didn't move from her position at guard, but she was watching the newcomers carefully with the gimlet eye of an elite guardian and protector. Unlike the Commander, Aria didn't snap to attention, and she was also visibly armed. She was a living deterrent to any misbehaviour or treachery here. The Captain remained outwardly inert, but was internally coiled like a predatory snake, ready to strike in an instant if threatened. She stood behind Arla's seat, ready to move between her Commander and any danger if it presented itself.

Neither Aria or Arla spoke, they would wait for Junko to take the lead with Lady Hel. Their first taste of Atrisian politics and intrigue was about to begin.

Junko Ike