Mission to Alderaan

[H3xle]

::LOCATION::​

::En Route to Alderaan::​

​

It felt strange to Nicolas, to be on the bridge of a starship that wasn't his Azure Star. His position with in the resurgent Galactic Republic, however, necessitated that he not be quite as active with his previous activities. The Azure Star was still roaming the galaxy, with a knight taking over for Nicolas in his role of mediator. Now, Nicolas was at the forefront of a small fleet, not anything menacing like the Suravi Republic would take to a meeting, their only armaments were enough to combat pirates and small raiding forces, not take on a planetary system. Especially a Mandalorian planetary system with the resources of Alderaan. The ship Nicolas stood on presently was a medium sized frigate. The majority of the military force present was there to perform training exercises with the Alderaanian military. Nicolas truly wanted to mend this fence in particular, after everything the previous Republics had done to Alderaan. The fact that his Republic would need strong friends only made it more certain that he would do anything in his power to develop strong ties to Alderaan.

"Signal the fleet once we transition into Alderaanian space. All weapons are to be powered down and locked. Shields should remain ready, but the Alderaanians have a formidable defensive fleet that has no need of our assistance, nor any provocation." Nicolas ordered the communication officer. He received a nod in reply, then returned to looking out the front viewer as the scape of hyperspace returned to normal space, with the planet of Alderaan a small planet in the distance.

"Alderaanian officials are hailing us. They wish to know our destination and business." The communications officer spoke up almost as soon as they were out of hyper space, he then hit send on the key that relayed Nicolas's orders to the rest of the fleet.

"Send them over our code, and let them know we are expected by her Highness. Follow any orders they give, and park us right where they want us. They have earned the right to be wary of our symbol in their space, so we'll walk on egg shells for a little while." Nicolas said. The communications officer got to work talking with the officials from Alderaan. Nicolas took a deep breath and waited, watching the orb of Alderaan grow closer. Soon he would meet with the rest of the Republic delegation he had brought with him, and the talks would commence.

Spoiler

[member="John Ash"]
[member="Cambria Zadira"]
[member="Valkren Calderon"]
[member="Mensa Dak"]
[member="Rashae"]
[member="faith organa"]
[member="draco vereen"]

 

[Zef Halo]

It had been a few months since he had 'arrived' more than 800 years in the future and a little bit less than that when he was found by the Galactic Republic or actually the Republic-in-Exile. It was his purpose since birth to be a soldier of the Republic, 850 years later the Fett clone would be doing the same.

The difference was big.

He still felt a foreigner among the variety of soldiers around him. He missed his brothers, he missed his talks with them. These soldiers were different, completely different than what the clones were. Even now as the mess hall was closing down as the starship exited hyperspace, the clone stood up from the table alone and made his way out of the hall with no companion. He had to get down to the armory in case he was deployed.

[member="Nicolas Thorne"]

 

[Cambria Zadira]

Galactic Republic Frigate
En route to Alderaan
Meditating

"The duty of a Jedi is to protect those who can not do so for themselves and to help maintain peace in the galaxy, but the most important is to follow the will of the Force." - Jedi Master Antone Soros ​

As Cambria exhaled, the exotic alien beauty shifted her weight from one bootless foot to the other while she gracefully moved through a three step exercise. Each footfall over the cargo bay floor was accentuated with a breath. The motions remained slow as the Rutian Twi'lek turned and her right arm swept across her ample bosom.

Breathe in

Thick dark lashes brushed over a lightly blushed blue-hued skin as gold-speckled hazel orbs fell behind closed lids. The Jedi Knight did not need her vision to perform a kata familiar since she was but a youngling.

Breathe out

Tight muscles loosened as she breezed through the first level kata. The terrors of the attack, the ache still in her heart from those lost, especially the slave children Knight Zadira was not able to save, drifted away as she easily stepped into the second level kata with the grace that could only come from a lifetime of practice. The simple, controlled moves stretched muscles and prepared her for the more complex actions of the daily meditative ritual as thoughts shifted from her past thirty-five years to the present, and onto the possibilities of the future.

In time with her gentle motions, another breath filled the Jedi Guardian's lungs. The rise and fall of her chest shimmered with a light sheen of moisture from the meditative workout. Soft planes of toned muscles shifted under velvety soft skin as bare feet danced over the cool durasteel decking while twin, lightly tattooed brain tails swayed in a synchronized duet above.

Falling into the ingrained motions of the ancient kata, Cambria's mind slipped free from its restraints of blood and bone. Weary thoughts reached out, mingling with the awesome presence of the Living Force. The energies flowed around her like the oceans of Minaar, wrapping the Jedi in a warm, gentle floating comfort.

*beep, beep, beep*

The ethereal power source was all encompassing, enveloping Cambria's battered spirit and filling in the chips of her mental armor, centering the Twi'lek once again in the Force.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

As the Force washed over her like a great wave, then returned out to sea, Cambria was cleansed of the burdens that had weakened her strength of heart.

*beep, beep, beep*

When the blue-skinned Knight opened her golden eyes, the annoying nature of her communicator announced itself once again; echoing against the walls of the frigate's chamber borrowed. Upon reading the message the Guardian acknowledged it, then quickly pulled back on her boots and left for the bridge to join the leader and others of the new Republic as they arrived at their destination of hope - Alderaan.

Stepping off the turbo lift, Cambria made her way over to where [member="Nicolas Thorne"] was standing on the bridge. She was dressed in modified Jedi robes that fit her spirit with a bronze-colored hooded cloak draped over them; a straight-hilted silver lightsaber hanging from the left side of the leather utility belt slung low off her shapely hips with a matching shoto attached on the right.

"Knight Thorne," the Twi'lek Jedi greeted the dark-skinned near human with a respectful bow of her hoodless head and twitch of her free-flowing lekku as she came up beside the man.

 

[Faith Organa]

Alderaan - New Aldera City the Royal Palace.

Faith paced the floor a new Galactic Republic was coming calling today, how long had it been since Alderaan removed the Republic from Alderaan. Thirteen years including the same after they came under the protection of the Mandalorian Clans.

And now a new leadership, a new Republic....but were they? Why were they coming? Did they see value in phrik that lined the Juran Mountains? Surely it wasn't for the desert sand, or snow capped mountains, or could it be they wanted to see just what Alderaan was up to.

"Princess the Republic is on approach" Ana every faithful stood waiting for what she knew Faith would say.

"Ok. Send them to the Palace platform and have my guards ready to greet them as any dignitary would be greeted. I'll receive them in the throne room, let the family know they are on approach." She exhaled and went to change into something to meet them in...after all she wanted to make a good impression upon them.

Faith's mind worked over and over on what was the purpose, she had accepted the request but had not asked why. Bad on her...but she had to admit to curiosity. And soon it would be satisfied.

Yes...it would.

She wandered off to get ready.

[member="Cambria Zadira"] [member="CC-1147"] [member="Nicolas Thorne"]

 

[Rashae]

The medical bay was in order and supplied sufficiently. The doctor put all the equipment through its diagnostics and paces to ensure they were in working order just in case. The small lab was also checked before she headed up to the bridge. They were headed to the last place she thought she would ever see again, Alderaan.

A curious thing these circumstances. She found herself with the republic managing research data and thei r medical units. Rashae wished time and time again for a medical frigate with full lab facilities, but this was an upgrade considering where she came from.

Doctor Rashae Lovous stepped up on the bridge after seeing that the status of the medical bay of this ship was in good order. Her posture was erect and proper as she coolly stepped forward to see whom she was working with and what situation she was looking at.

“Dr. Rashae Lovous, if you please. “ She said by greeting in a succinct, cool and direct fashion to those on the bridge.

While it was true she hadn't had a lot of experience with Jedi, to her they were just as an other person that may likely need her skills. Alderaan was staring her right in the face. Home. A twinge of painful memories of her parents last words to her went through her head. She straightened her medical attire provided for continuity of the team. The eyes would go cold to cover the pain as she stared apparently dispassionate and reverting back to cool logic. It was safer. Much safer.

“Have we acquired orbit?” She asked succinctly and with ice.

[member="Cambria Zadira"] [member="CC-1147"] [member="Nicolas Thorne"] [member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Stuart]

Mensa liked hyper space. Even though they were moving at speeds faster than that of light, it was so simple in hyper space. It was directed motion with no interference. It was much like how he viewed life for so many years.

It was the moment the ship exited hyperspace that he learned things got complicated. Even though space was moving slower, there were numerous factors one had to observe and act upon. Aldaraan stood in front of them as an example. It was just a blue dot upon approach but in time it would get bigger, with green and white cascading across the canvas which was the planet. But it didn't stop there, motivations were running across the planet which he did not know of. Something that would steer the planet down a direction on history would measure.

Mensa didn't like a complicated life. It was why he stayed away from the duties of the bridge. He was Jedi, but he was also a soldier. He believed that is why [member="Nicolas Thorne"] were agreeable on topics. He believed he saw him as who Mensa was, yet knowing where he had to go. Where he was going at the moment was the docking area of the ship. He was ready for diplomacy, but would be ready with the other soldiers of the ship if they were needed.

How he longed for hyperspace

[member="Cambria Zadira"] [member="Rashae"] [member="CC-1147"]

 

[Commander Firestorm]

Unbroken, Venator-Class Star Destroyer
Exiting Hyperspace near the Alderaan system

Commander Firestorm watched as the age-old ship exited hyperspace from the left bridge of the Unbroken. He locked all of the ship's weapons, but kept the deflector shields up, he never knew when something might happen. The ship transmitted its clearance code and placed itself into high orbit above the planet, he then powered the ship's shields down and kept the weapons powered down and locked down. The ship itself was empty all except for Firestorm. He took his modified LAAT/i gunship and flew into the city, landing on a platform just outside the palace for the meeting. The young clone ARC trooper, still in his hybrid clone trooper phase 1-2 armor, climbed out of the gunship and looked around. The architecture of the city was mostly the same as what he had seen back during the Clone Wars but there were still plenty of differences. He pulled his helmet off and placed it under his arm as he walked down the platform toward the meeting area.

[member="Mensa Dak"][member="Rashae"][member="Faith Organa"][member="Cambria Zadira"][member="CC-1147"][member="Nicolas Thorne"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

The Republic delegations diplomatic frigate, the Azure Star, arrived just as expected. It was accompanied by a very small token Honor Guard of a single flight of Alderaan Knights in their starfighters. Nothing intimidating, especially chosen to keep the appearances and intentions of not meeting them with guns pointing at them or distrust. They were ceremonial, flying in full colors for a reason.

However the Star Destroyer, which was detected minutes before it reverted to realspace was not met so kindly. A pair of Sovereign-class Star Destroyers, Aldera Star and Lightbringer, the twin center-pieces of the defense fleet around Alderaan received the Early Hyperspace Warning pings and maneuvered into position between its reversion point and the planet. When it reverted early due to the Interdiction fields produced by the Alderaanian ships, it would receive a message while its sensor and targeting systems were targeted with the Sovereign-class's jamming beams.

::Bring vessel about one hundred eighty degrees, power down all combat systems. Power down shields. Maneuver to outer system. This is not a request. Attempts to reach long range with the planet will be considered hostile.::

One did not park a Star Destroyer in orbit with a planet on a diplomatic mission. The Republic had suggested glassing Alderaan in the past, and there were very strong feelings about the Republic-in-Exile among the Mandalorians that called Alderaan their home. They were restrained, as could be told by the fact that they did not open fire. The lone gunship, while not expected was allowed to pass however four more Knight Fighters fell into escort positions with it.

~Planet Side~
Draco received the news on his personal comlink only a moment after the Star Destroyers maneuvered into defensive positions and scowled as he pulled on his ceremonial colors. Organa Blue and Gold adorned with a spotted fur half cape over his left shoulder. His dagger and sword on the left side of his belt as he stood. "Okay Knight-Commander. Keep me appraised, but assert command over the defense. Make sure the city's defenses are ready just in case." The comlink resounded with what could be a confirmation, and though there was some mobilization, it wasn't extremely noticeable.

The retired warrior made his way around the bedside to where Faith was changing for their guests. "Faith, there might be an incident, but the boys are keeping me appraised and handling it. I'm not sure this is a good idea anymore though, ner Runi." He had his strong doubts about their visitors. He had been a figurehead that had spearheaded the destruction of the Republic several times, and though he believed that the People of the Republic were good, his experience had taught him that it was the leadership that was often corrupt and down right evil in the case of the current Warlord in the deep core it had created.

He put his arms around her gently, he was just an observer, there for Faith's protection and the protection of Alderaan. "I will let you know how the situation in space develops. I expect it is about to calm down and come to an end." They hadn't brought an invasion force, but like hell was a Star Destroyer going to be allowed to sit in orbit above the planet where it could turbolaser strike cities and towns. In the end her word was what they needed to hear, her voice was the one that needed to speak and it was her that they needed to convince they were not here to bring harm to Alderaan. And they were lucky for it, because she was forgiving and kind, much more so than he.

[member="Faith Organa"] [member="Commander Firestorm"] @Rashae @Cambria Zadira [member="Nicolas Thorne"] [member="CC-1147"]

 

[Commander Firestorm]

Firstorm flew the gunship back up to the Unbroken and made a hyperspace jump into the orbit of a star of a nearby solar system, out of bombardment range of any planet, turned on its shields and its close-in weapons so it would be attacked by scavengers. He then made a small hyperspace jump in his gunship and flew back down to Alderaan. The gunship landed on the platform once again and Firestorm climbed out of the ship. He then proceeded to walk into the platform's hub and took a transport to the meeting destination.

[member="Draco Vereen"][member="Mensa Dak"][member="Rashae"][member="Faith Organa"][member="Cambria Zadira"][member="CC-1147"][member="Nicolas Thorne"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

The Knight-Commander heard the response and raised an eyebrow. "One more warning. Do not, under any circumstances dally and let them hit orbit without a hull between them and the planet. I don't care if we swap paint." The crew nodded at the Alderaanian. He was decorated and in command, despite the majority of the crew being Mandalorian, their Alor had ordered him in command, and so the man was. As a Knight of the Shield it was his responsibility to defend the people and cities of Alderaan to the fullest, even if it meant his own life.

::Negative. You are trespassing on House Organa's Sovereign Space. Do not attempt to reach orbit or you will be fired upon. Pull one hundred eighty degrees, power down shields, and remove yourself to the Edge of the System or be treated as hostile.::

The lead Destroyer, Lightbringer, maneuvered directly between the incoming Star Destroyer and planet, pointing and locking its primary armament of Hypervelocity Cannons at the vessel, broadcasting the orders on repeat with a ten second delay. An 'empty' Star Destroyer normally indicated it was about to be used as a projectile against something, and while it had no life forms aboard, droids weren't so easily detected by Life Form Scanners. The Aldera Star moved alongside the Lightbringer, bringing its own weapons to bare making it very clear, they weren't requesting the possible weapon of mass destruction stay out of range of their planet.

Weapon locks could be easily activated and de-activated. Explosives could be concealed like in the Emperor's Spear tactics. Shields could be raised. It was a clear and present threat, and it would have to move or be moved.

[member="Commander Firestorm"] [member="Nicolas Thorne"]

 

[H3xle]

::LOCATION::​

::Alderaanian Space::​

Nicolas nodded and was about to turn from the bridge to assemble his team when he saw the old Venator peel out of hyperspace. The warnings made from the Alderaanian navy had been broadcast in the clear, to better get their point across.

Nicolas could feel the moment dancing on a knife's edge, but he met it with a calm smile. He looked to the communications officer and nodded. "Hail Commander Firestorm, broadcast in the clear."

He waited a moment as the channel was opened, then spoke as the communications officer nodded.

"Commander Firestorm, bring the Unbroken to the outer system and sync her systems with the Azure Star. She will remain out here as well and we will be shuttling down to the surface." Nicolas spoke with a calm serenity, entirely unhurried and unworried, despite the potential for violence. Mixing the Alderaanian love of freedom with the Mandalorian fervor for combat readiness, and you had some of best trained soldiers and sailors around. You also got some issues with other factions firepower hanging around, but the Azure Star wasn't enough firepower for some in the resurgent Republic, considering Nicolas was on it. So they had sent the venerable Unbroken along, with [member="Commander Firestorm"] to assist in the defense of the small vessel.

Patiently, Nicolas awaited the reply.

 

[Commander Firestorm]

"That won't be necessary Thorne, I moved the ship already, she is currently in the orbit of a star with a nearby solar system. I just think the Mandalorians were slow to react to her suddenly making a hyperspace jump out of orbit. I am currently waiting at the meeting rendezvous for the rest of you to get here. I took my LAAT/i gunship to get to planet's surface." He continued to wait for Thorne and the others to arrive.

[member="Nicolas Thorne"]

 

[H3xle]

::LOCATION::​

::Alderaanian Space::​

​

"That won't be necessary Thorne, I moved the ship already, she is currently in the orbit of a star with a nearby solar system. I just think the Mandalorians were slow to react to her suddenly making a hyperspace jump out of orbit. I am currently waiting at the meeting rendezvous for the rest of you to get here. I took my LAAT/i gunship to get to planet's surface."

"Thank you for your prompt action to dispel any potential hindrances to the diplomatic process." Nicolas responded to [member="commander firestorm"], then signaled for the line to be cut. "Send a signal to the lead ship." He received yet another nod from the bobble-head behind the communications console.

"This is Jedi Knight Nicolas Thorne aboard the Azure Star. I apologize for any strain my..." He paused for a moment as he searched for the appropriate word. "...Associate may have unintentionally put on our visit. He is a bit out of time. I am hoping we can move forward with our meeting, the rest of my delegation and I request permission to land on Alderaan." [member="faith organa"] [member="draco vereen"]

Then, as he awaited a response from the Mandalorian/Alderaanian authorities, he walked to a nearby panel and opened the intercom within the ship, making sure to mute his side of the conversation with the Mandalorians before speaking.

"The Republic Delegation should prepare to land on Alderaan. I'll meet you all in the hangar in a few minutes." [member="John Ash"] [member="Cambria Zadira"] [member="Valkren Calderon"] [member="Mensa Dak"] [member="Rashae"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"This is Jedi Knight Nicolas Thorne aboard the Azure Star. I apologize for any strain my... Associate may have unintentionally put on our visit. He is a bit out of time. I am hoping we can move forward with our meeting, the rest of my delegation and I request permission to land on Alderaan."

The four Knight Fighters flying Honor Guard for the Azure Star answered the message with one of their own. ::Continue towards the Palace Landing Pad Master Jedi. No orders have changed regarding the Republic Delegation. Welcome to Alderaan.:: The voice of the Knight seemed pleasant, non-aggressive.

[member="Nicolas Thorne"] [member="Mensa Dak"] [member="Rashae"] [member="Cambria Zadira"] [member="CC-1147"]

The pair of Alderaanian Star Defenders hadn't moved to intercept the Azure Star, only ensuring the Republic Star Destroyer didn't make it to orbit with the Planet. No doubt there would be some sour words about the blatant threatening presence of a Star Destroyer, even going so far as refusing the orders of the Planet's defense force and attempting to loom over a population center during a diplomatic meeting, but so far no shot had been fired and there was no serious change in plans.

Draco maintained his reservations about the Republic, but then again he likely would hold such doubts and suspicions for as long as he lived. Fanatics of any belief were dangerous, far more dangerous than people thought. Fanaticism was at its heart the Dark Side, regardless of how one identified themselves. Fanaticism was the sacrifice of free will, logic, and conscious thought in the pursuit of a belief.

"The situation seems to be over, love. The defense force kept a Republic Star Destroyer from attempting to hold authority over our orbit, there was a bit of a stand off. No shots fired, just a bit of tension." Draco's voice seemed relieved at least somewhat as he spoke to Faith. For a second he reached for his helmet, the T-visor gleaming, showing his reflection in the red photo-absorbent beskar visor. For a second, and then he decided against it, instead deciding to accompany Faith without it, just his armor painted in their House's colors and the half-cape. "I'm ready when you are to go meet them."

[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Zef Halo]

"Alright, boys. Phantom squad is being called to act as part of the delegation's escort." The squad's sergeant - Gan Klyne - announced to the men and women who were chilling out in the armory. Reluctantly, everyone began gearing up. "No complaining."

"Oh, c'mon, sarge, you know well we don't want to be doin' no stupid escort that's gonna see no action." Traz, the Gotal representative of their squad voiced what seemed to be the collective opinion of everyone in the squad. Approving nods followed from others of the squad while CC-1147 proceeded on putting on his armor.

"Orders are orders. Now get yourself ready, the delegation should be already on its way to the hangar. How stupid would it be if we are there later than them ?" Klyne sharply said with an authoritative voice and everyone knew there could be no more complaints.

One thing he appreciated of the political situation this Republic was in was the fact he could keep his own armor on as there was no standard armor issues for the military yet. It seemed quite rag tag and nothing like the Grand Army of the Republic of ages past but his armor was his last connection with his long gone brethren clones. He gazed at the T-visor of his yellow marked helmet before donning it and activating the HUD.

The HUD went online and for CC-1147 it felt like home.

Soon after, the soldiers of Phantom Squad moved out pacing towards the hangars of the Azure Star to await the delegation of the Republic that was to be sent on the surface of Alderaan.

[member="Draco Vereen"] | [member="Faith Organa"] | [member="Nicolas Thorne"] | [member="John Ash"] | [member="Cambria Zadira"] | [member="Valkren Calderon"] | [member="Mensa Dak"] | [member="Rashae"]​

 

[Rashae]

After the tense issue with acquiring orbit, they were finally headed down to the Hangar. Rashae hung towards the back as she was quite possibly the only non-combatant of this delegation. The precise young woman smoothed out her attire with the palm of her hand. She looked stately and formal in white formal medical uniform. Her black boots were shined to perfection as they made sharp staccato sounds to her precise steps.

She was Alderaanian by birth as the dark hair, the shape of the face and eyes may indicate. The cold logic she would exude held nothing of the bedside manner of a country doctor but the cold callous calculation of a professional in both medicine and science. She was armed with a datapad and a medical scanner only. Accent metal in the form of the medical insignia adorned the collar on each side as was her acquired rank with this new Galactic Republic was on her left breast. Her hair was fully up and in a perfect bun. Not a hair was out of place. If she was to step foot on home, it would be at her absolute best.

The Doctor moved with the Delegation and their escort although she felt she was going to her funeral. She knew her family still did not want to see her and that perhaps made her so cold and indifferent to being what should have been a happier moment to be amongst her own people. The stoic icy cold expression was maintained on an otherwise beautiful face. Rashae moved with the Jedi with ease of movement.

The Lovous family were more known for their technical acuity than medical. That was the realm of her brothers. It was said she took after her mother in that regard but the socialite was more interested in her standing in the party season than medical knowledge. Her father had a strong sense of honor and propriety. He tolerated no embarrassment. Rashae was just that, an embarrassment. The tainted Doctor gave them no indication that she was going to be on the planet nor did she attempt to even talk to them. Not after that fateful day when they strongly suggested that she never come home. She buried that hurt into the icy fortress she was known for now. Hidden behind glacial small polite smiles, cool logic and blistering wit.


[member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Faith Organa"] [member="Nicolas Thorne"] [member="John Ash"] [member="Cambria Zadira"] [member="Valkren Calderon"] [member="Mensa Dak"] [member="CC-1147"] [member="Commander Firestorm"]

 

[Commander Firestorm]

Commander Firestorm sat in a seat outside the meeting room, he had his helmet sitting in his lap as he waited, he knew it wouldn't be long now. While he waited for the delegation he started polishing his helmet with a cloth from one on his storage pouches. He has also left his blasters in his gunship before he got out in order to maintain some image of a peaceful presence, especially after his mishap with the Unbroken. He noted that he should probably apologize to the rulers of Alderaan for that when they arrived.

[member="CC-1147"] [member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Nicolas Thorne"] [member="Mensa Dak"] [member="Rashae"] [member="Cambria Zadira"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith stood there staring at the window looking towards the skies of Alderaan Ana would be meeting the delegation on the platform outside the palace and escorting them to the Throne room, as Faith had directed earlier.

"Already problems with the Republic" Faith turned, "This doesn't sit well with me. Or perhaps I'm just apprehensive." Faith looked at Draco he would see the concern in her eyes and know from her movements that this was already starting to weigh heavy on her mind. But today there was something more she had Claire design the dress she would wear today.

When she turned smoothing everything, "What do you think Draco?" She had Claire design the same outfit that Princess Leia wore, "I thought it fitting considering all things" Even her writer thought it fitting that an Organa should wear this dress in memory of the departed Princess.

"Do you think anyone will recognize it?" Yes the style was old word but it was comfortable. She walked slowly towards Draco, "I'm ready if you are." There wasn't much to do, it was now a matter of negotiation.

[member="Commander Firestorm"] [member="Rashae"] [member="CC-1147"] [member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Nicolas Thorne"] [member="Mensa Dak"] [member="Cambria Zadira"]​

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"It doesn't sit well with me either Faith. They may say they are different, but I'm not convinced. I'm not sure I will ever be convinced." He'd spent time as a Republic Soldier where they left him to die on a distant world far from home so the Jedi could protect some random piece of rubble. He'd watched people of the Republic vent the atmosphere of civilian hangars knowing it would only kill non-combatants, he'd even seen that admission from the then Supreme Commander, that she ordered civilians killed solely to kill them. He'd seen the Republic rally to her support and refuse to put her on trial, even knowing it would ease tensions between them and the Mandalorians who had for so long been their allies. He'd watched as they ordered civilians out to fight for them in any effort to maintain a grip on space they claimed, bully worlds into submission, topple sovereign states, execute prisoners, bomb civilian targets, and ally themselves with Sith who were burning their own people alive, all for honor, justice, and peace; all in the name of 'Democracy.' No, he'd seen a petty few of their leaders use the system to gather power to themselves and manipulate a once proud nation into a stained and tarnished shadow of its former self, that's mere name could elicit anger in many across the galaxy.

Draco had told himself many times during the war between the Mandalorians and the Republic that it wasn't the Republic's people that were evil. It was the Oligarchy that lorded over them and controlled their every move and thought. And not even all of those leaders were like that. Faith hadn't been, she had saved Draco when he had fallen to the point of preferring to be called by his Sith name. And she had sacrificed so much for Alderaan, for the Republic during her time with them. Did one long string of failures and tyrants render any who tried to resurrect the honor and pride of the Republic equally evil and destitute? These were words bouncing around in his head, gems of wisdom to contemplate on, though his current knowledge of experiences with this Republic-in-Exile was hardly benevolent.

Faith pulled the warlord out of his contemplation, posing for him modestly. "I hope that they will, though I've seen paintings and holograms of Princess Organa-Solo, and not to be rude to her, it looks far better on you." Draco flashed her a cheeky smile, trying to lighten and lift her spirits before they arrived to being the talks. Already there had been hardships in the relations between the planet and the Republic today, and the second vessel on the landing pad being an armed gunship that wasn't expected like the Azure Star didn't help matters.

She was worried, concerned about the proceedings. The couple didn't even know who she was meeting with and what positions they held, what influences they commanded. Draco stood stoically beside her. "Let's have them brought in then. I say we make them listen to a herald say all your titles, though." Draco smiled at her again, his grey eyes gleaming, doing his best to be supportive of his Princess. Knights of the Wolf-Cat stood around them, the colors of the Order even Draco was technically a member of stood on the dais and at its base. A very small handful of Mandalorian warriors had gathered off to the left of the central corridor, standing in a small group, present for the meeting though only to watch. The Royal Guard and Ana, Faith's handmaiden, would be escorting the Republic delegation from the landing pad as a single group to the Throne room where several more stood guard. Captain Lindsey was about somewhere as well.

[member="Faith Organa"] [member="Commander Firestorm"] [member="Rashae"] [member="CC-1147"] [member="Nicolas Thorne"] [member="Mensa Dak"] [member="Cambria Zadira"]

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

Alderaan - New Aldera City near the Royal Palace.

[member="Faith Organa"] & co....

And so it was that despite having a rough start or go at it. Andi had been so far able make good with keeping to his duties . Being that given the situation of their household...with his dowager Mother health. Making it harder for her make the daily travels to the capital needed run the household. And his dear twin sister seem still distraught grieving the loss of her husband. It seem been left to him and responsibility he'd taken as dutifully son.

That he learned and took over as much the responsibility of daily dealing needed run their household in the capital. Where in what brought him here today as he'd just meet with a few key investor and royal suporters that he'd hope. Could and would find funding for one their household latest endeavors. When thru the com he'd hear the reports come in from his house guard captain. Of ship landing in the royal palace and that from the early sightings. It was said they appear be republic ships. Which in a way peak his curiosity if anything knowing about the talk and reports about them of late.