Reimbursement and Remembrance

[Eternal Might]

The Confederacy’s army had been spread across countless battlefields during the past months, waging war against a variety of foes and picking up the grime and dust of dozens of worlds on their boots. Ever present watchmen waiting for when a threat would dare rear its head, only for it to be put down with the savage efficiency of a droid.

Regardless, they had remained in the backdrop. The bodyguards of the Confederacy, standing within the Confederate shadow. But, the shadow would not persist. Many had proven themselves in the fields of war, or they may have given the ultimate sacrifice. It was time for this lot to be acknowledged, for their names to be heard by all those willing to open their ears and listen.

Geonosis set the stage, for there were few worlds more prolific within the vastness of Confederate space. Though, unlike what one would expect from a gathering of the Confederacy’s more militarily minded sort it was far from all suits and business. The coldness of a droid had seemed to be exactly what wasn’t hunted, at the end of the day this was a celebration of course! These souls deserved some sort of memory for what they had done.

As such, while there was the prevalence of sharp formal wear this did not stop bands from playing, drinks being shared, and a general attempt to keep the mood light and happy. There was a time to mope and reflect, but right now, this was not one.

The majority of the CDF headquarters on Geonosis had been left open to those Confederates who had decided to attend. Within reason of course, no one was going to be allowed snooping through the records.

Hopefully.

Soon, promotions would be announced, and the fallen would be given their chance to be remembered. A speech had been prepared, but, as of now: the goal was to simply relax, meet some souls out of the vastness of the Confederacy’s population, and to simply represent.

Spoiler

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[Madalena Antares]

She was not exactly part of the CDF. While it was true that the Knights Obsidian were the Force-wielding branch of the Confederate's defense forces, the two operated so separately that it sometimes required active thinking to remember they were meant to be part of the same thing. Madalena hoped that with time they would be working more closely together, and she had every intention of using her new position as Knight Commander to make that happen, given enough time.

There were good people in the Confederacy. Men and women of various species that she respected, not for rank or power, but for being decent folks, for making the right choices when presented with the hard options, for toughing out the consequences that had to be dealt with when nothing else could provide a better result. She had learned much in her time as a Pathfinder and Archivist, both on her own, but much from them. No person became what they were in a vacuum; and without the effects of those around her, Madalena would not have eventually turned out to be Madalena.

She had chosen a black dress for the occasion. Black was a good color. It was for the dead, the ones they would be remembering. It was for the promoted, the ones they would be celebrating. While not a fan of the endless droids that inhabited the Confederacy, she was full of awe for the people in it, and she wanted to show it in what little ways that this evening would permit her.

As such, she had sent word out – word out to those of the Knights Obsidian that would be willing to come and show their respects as well, to their no-force user counterparts. Neither side could operate entirely on their own without the other, even if they had not gone out on joined missions on a long time. And they would be together.

Unity, within the Confederacy.

A dream come true.

 

[Kurenai Yumi]

Respect for the dead and those fallen in battle, such was quite a major part of her culture, both Atrisan and her husbands Jin background. It was natural for her to attend such an important even, even more so considering her past positions in the CIS. As a squad leader for the Apex Commandos and a Dark Acolytes, though both defunct branches that worked closely with the regular defense force, even if they were not called as such at the time. It was unfortunate that she never got to know many of the fallen well before their demise, perhaps that would soon change.

Not that it would change her feelings, close of far she rarely showed emotion over a fallen comrade, a lifetime of war almost making her immune to the regular pangs of pain and sorrow most would experience. One of the few emotions she still felt when a close friend did die was that of rage and anger, often directed at those who had carried out the deed. Here, there was no one to be mad at, no villain to take provenance on so as usual Kurenai wore her trademark stoic expression upon walking through the large doors to the HQ.

She wore her usual social attire for this event, nothing over the top, simple and easy to put on, it also had some spiritual connections that she wished to show on this occasion, even going so far as to don a traditional kanzashi. Upon entering the complex her gaze shifting around, finally falling on a black dressed women who so far seemed strangely familiar and to be only one present. Kurenai slowly walked towards the individual, bowing slightly as a greeting, "good day, I assume you are the one who organised this event"?

[member="Madalena Antares"]

 

[Kiff Brayde]

As High Marshal of the Confederacy Defense Force, Kiff would argue that it was his duty to attend revelries like this. Of course, rank or not, Kiff would probably muscle in his way somehow, but this was not the usual party that Kiff boasted to love. There was a much mroe somber tone to this one, a bittersweet theme of remembrance for all those who had fallen in the Confederacy's mission of bringing peace and prosperity to the galaxy. While it was true that the bulk of the Confederacy's army were droids and other inorganic things, thousands of people had still perished in the CIS's conflicts. As High Marshal, then, it was Kiff's duty to honor them.

As much as anyone, Kiff recognized the sacrifice that the people in the CDF made every day. It did not have the glamour of the Knight's Obsidian, the prestige of the Dauntless Legion, but the men, women, and other beings that served in the CDF deserved a day of glory. High Marshal Brayde himself had started out as a captain on a Star Destroyer, and the climb through the ranks had not been pretty. Kiff had seen worlds torn apart, seen countless tragedies and terrors, watched as cities were melted into oblivion. Kiff had been on the ground in the aftermath of Eshan, had fought on the burning streets of Mechis III, had witnessed officers murdered in cold blood on Bestine. He'd been fortunate to survive them all, but for every disaster he made it out of, ten had died.

Where was their recognition? Where was their award? Had they not given the ultimate sacrifice to the Confederacy, and what did they get in return? The most they could've been given was a quick and painless send off to whatever was behind the veil of life, but Kiff could not help but feel that, in this reflection, they deserved more. This party was not to honor those that had survived. This party was to honor those that had fallen.

 

[Kiff Brayde]

As High Marshal of the Confederacy Defense Force, Kiff would argue that it was his duty to attend revelries like this. Of course, rank or not, Kiff would probably muscle in his way somehow, but this was not the usual party that Kiff boasted to love. There was a much mroe somber tone to this one, a bittersweet theme of remembrance for all those who had fallen in the Confederacy's mission of bringing peace and prosperity to the galaxy. While it was true that the bulk of the Confederacy's army were droids and other inorganic things, thousands of people had still perished in the CIS's conflicts. As High Marshal, then, it was Kiff's duty to honor them.

As much as anyone, Kiff recognized the sacrifice that the people in the CDF made every day. It did not have the glamour of the Knight's Obsidian, the prestige of the Dauntless Legion, but the men, women, and other beings that served in the CDF deserved a day of glory. High Marshal Brayde himself had started out as a captain on a Star Destroyer, and the climb through the ranks had not been pretty. Kiff had seen worlds torn apart, seen countless tragedies and terrors, watched as cities were melted into oblivion. Kiff had been on the ground in the aftermath of Eshan, had fought on the burning streets of Mechis III, had witnessed officers murdered in cold blood on Bestine. He'd been fortunate to survive them all, but for every disaster he made it out of, ten had died.

Where was their recognition? Where was their award? Had they not given the ultimate sacrifice to the Confederacy, and what did they get in return? The most they could've been given was a quick and painless send off to whatever was behind the veil of life, but Kiff could not help but feel that, in this reflection, they deserved more. This party was not to honor those that had survived. This party was to honor those that had fallen.

 

[Pom Stych Tivé]

'[member="Argis Volmir"] has been slain?! But how?! Why?!' Pomsty could not believe seeing his name listed on the roster of the deceased in battle. She went on to read the story of his heroism. The valor sounded just like him, the little of him that she knew. She had kept in touch with him since their meeting on Moorwood, where she learned that the purest form of the Light of the Force singed her flesh. He and she shared conversation while she struggled through her stay there.

'Why would his Force permit this crime?'

Receiving this news greatly moved her. Tears filled her eyes, and she turned away from the others to keep her anguish unseen. The Sorceress could sense him near, and the terrible reason proved why this is so. As giant as he was, she found him to be the most gentle and honest among men. He was a philosopher, and he shared his gifts in the likelihood that his abilities would help others evolve their best attributes.

An unexpected stirring brewed deep within her heart. Everyone she loved in her life came to mind and she could see their faces so very detailed. She felt the urge to hold them again and tell them how sorry she was for what she did to them, how she left them so abruptly and without a word; and while her stay here is progressively helpful to her, she never truly intended to leave them for so long. She could not leave the CIS no matter her desire, for she had a debt to pay society, lest [member="Adron Malvern"] hunt her down. Her family will always be a special part of her, despite the way things turned out between them. [member="Lord Depravious"], he never did hunt for her. If he had, she knew he would have found her, as their thoughts are ever interconnected. Still she must apologize to him. The soul within her, cannot live feeling that she has caused him anguish. She needs time to grow into who she was created to be, without coercion from those who wish her to be someone they desire. Her discovery of Shaidin's deep love for her, she simply was not prepared to rekindle so suddenly. She wasn't ready to remember her past lifetime with him. And she knew their shared passion was genuine, so real it took over her every sense. Her thoughts of her mate were an unrelenting onslaught. Her senses weighted when he was near; and her soul ached in a way she never ever experienced with anyone else in either of her two known incarnations. Just being near Shaidin, she would be no other persona but his soulmate, an unhealthy obsession.

No being is entirely born of Darkness, or of Light. Argis however, might have been the exception, at least she would tell this to herself in honor of the memory of her friend. Would she send a message to her family, or bury this compulsion? No matter how much passion stirs in her heart this moment, she feels far too deeply condemned in error to ever be convinced to move on this whim. Maybe this fact makes her a coward?

"I will never forget what you taught me," whispered the Nightsister, born and raised a sheltered life among the backwoods covens upon Dathomir, until the moment this living clone of a Sith was rediscovered alive by Shaidin Kamari. Pom Stych Tivé walked away from the festivities to be alone with her deepest rooted thoughts. She will seek solace for her grief the only way a Nightsister knows, in strong potions while welcoming the ravaging of an attentive man.

 

[Decious]

Havoc was not taken to sharing in feelings of remorse or the pain of losing a comrade. In his algorithmic mind, service to the Confederacy meant sacrifice, and often in his line of work sacrifice meant death. Maybe it was the fact that he had not been programmed to have these feelings. Maybe it was because the majority of those under his command were droids and there for disposable and easily replaceable. Whatever it was, Havoc hadn't returned to Geonosis because he wanted to "pay his respects". His intentions were much more simple; it had been some time since he had heard a communication from his defacto commander, [member='Adron Malvern']. Following Havoc wrapping up business on Umbara, his fleet engaged in a few minor skirmishes with enemies of the Confederacy but all were minor victories and served no real purpose as far as advancing his or the Exarch's goal.

If anything, Havoc's presence at CDF headquarters would be best served doing recon and opposition research. As far as he was concerned, everyone in this building posed a threat to his goals until the Exarch designates otherwise. With that in mind, the large droid made his way into the building, flanked by his two commando droid bodyguards.

 

[Keva]

[SIZE=11pt]Keva was a cold woman, she was a chiss of course. Amusing even, that she approached this not too unlike [member="Havoc (CT-375)"], a programmed machine. Maybe it was a testament to her training, or it was a testament to military culture. Either or, it mattered little.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]She was here less for memorial, and far more for her own selfish gain. Her mission had progressed, and she had been given prior notice about her new promotion: and the speech she would be given once awards are gifted. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Promotion[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt], the word was delicious to Keva. It signified so many things, but most of all it was progress. With each jump like this she could take, she would grow closer to being able to take the crushing metal mass that was the Confederacy’s army and annihilate all the filth that had been a plight on this Galaxy, despots, raiders, and degenerates would be cleansed. But, alas, she needed to keep herself grounded this time. No dreaming today.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]She walked through the assembly with hands clasped behind her back, only a moron wouldn’t be able to tell she was CDF. There was nothing elaborate, no dresses or fancy clothes. She wore her uniform, something that seemed almost unnaturally smooth and sharp, her posture impeccable, and her stride radiated it’s mixture of power, arrogance, and control. Rather...Imperial...for those acquainted with that lot. Though even with her all but mechanical stride, the ever socially-incapable Keva could feel the air of despair. It was faint, to an extent, but it was easy to notice. Lives had been lost, thrown as fuel for Progress. And some people just simply hadn’t grown to cold to death like she had. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]As she gazed along, she could almost see that same problem in [member="Pom Stych Tivé"]. She saw only a slight familiarity in the woman, maybe one of the many she had seen during these many Confederate gatherings. And against her better judgement, she approached. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Another lost to the many battles?”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Her basic was expectably poor, with pathetic phrasing and an accent that ended up being just a little bit too thick.[/SIZE]

 

[Pom Stych Tivé]

Pom Stych Tivé walked past [member="Havoc (CT-375)"] who towered over her height by about 2 feet. She wondered if Argis had actually been taller than the droid. She cannot help but think that he had been. She moved on slowly, facing away from those who had gathered. She just couldn't stick around.

There was [member="Madalena Antares"] whom she had worked with before. They went out on a rescue together, because Pom had been nearby when the call was received for help. They met a new recruit there. Did stuff, and did not seem to clash at all. For a Nightsister who had never been out and about the Galaxy before, this was new and enlightening.

[member="Kurenai Yumi"] is one with whom she had worked before, on perhaps the most memorable mission of her entire life. Everything to come, she would find herself comparing to this one mission. They found themselves cast into pitch blackness, inside an ever changing maze, a place that defied logic, which was home to some remarkable and unique creatures.

The High Marshal stood out from the others, [member="Kiff Brayde"]. Her eyes landed on him as she walked by him. Why she heard talk that he was a real scoundrel among men, from women who thought the need to protect the nightsister, of all people, from being used by a man. It also got around, that in the field, he fought like a well oiled machine. She rendered him a nod of her head and as she was contemplating how each and every one of them deserved a salute, she found herself pausing in her tracks as she was spoken to from behind.

“Another lost to the many battles?” [member="Keva"] asked her. Pom recognized the woman from their few passings before. Pom herself could have a pretty thick accent, especially after long bouts of speaking her native language on her home planet. She had not been home in a long time however, and is not likely to venture back there any time soon. She tried to shake off the nostalgia that had come over her just moments before.

"Aye. Even mountains crumble," she referred to [member="Argis Volmir"], who as a Jedi seemed more like a superhero to Pom. The man had shared his gift of Shatterpoint with her.

"You?" she asked Keva in return, knowing it was most likely the woman did know someone who was recently lost.

 

[Kurenai Yumi]

Kurenai contuined to wander around the complex, slowly more people entered, though most of which she did not recognize in any way. The first was a man, over all quite average in appearance, nothing really standing out to her as they wandered around, his name being just as lost to her. A quick assumption was the man had only recently joined up with the CIS, or was apart of a branch she hadn't had much contact with, either could be true.

​The man was quickly followed by a large hulking droid, escorted by some others, their presence again being unfamiliar to Kurenai, possibly some new model the CIS was producing? Regardless she could assume the being was apart of the CDF or the driod army, either was a military person. The following person was Chiss, a somewhat familiar person, not many Chiss around here, but the name still eluded her mind, once again Kuernai assuming she was in the CDF, Chiss were always military material.

Out of all of them it was only the last person to enter whom Kurenai knew, well more just recognized. [member="Pom Stych Tivé"], if she remembered was apart of the witch sect, reasonable new to the CIS but apparently have some connection with a current Viceroy. Said women being approaching the Chiss women, must have met during an operation of sorts, still it seemed as if this gathering was... too small, many had fallen in battles before today, she honestly expected many others to be here, strange.

[member="Pom Stych Tivé"] @Keva @Havoc (CT-375) [member="Kiff Brayde"]

 

[Kiff Brayde]

​Kiff could feel the eyes on him, and shrugged them off. For all of his deep and somber thoughts, he was not a ponderous man and definitely not average. Average did not get you very far in the Confederacy Defense Force, and Kiff had gone quite far. As he peered around the room, he noticed some faces that were recognizable. [member="Keva"], the Chiss he'd met when he was still a Captain during the party before the liberation of Eshan. She was an interesting one, of course, towering over him both in height and in physical might. Her coldness and lack of emotion unnerved him, but he dare not let it show. He'd met people worse than an emotionless Chiss.

There was the droid, some kind of new model with smooth plated armor and another boost in height. Was it just that Kiff was short, or did everyone seem to tower over him these days? The droid seemed more like a man than actual automaton, the curved metal lending human features, even the outline of what would be muscles had the droid been made out of flesh and bone, not steel and hardware. If he were to guess, it would be that droid was a fighter and not one of the tactical droids that the Confederacy was oh so proud of. Another guess would be that the droid was an expensive model, and not something that would be in Kiff's forces any time soon. The two women he did not know, although one of them he recognized to be apart of the Apex Commandos, some sort of branch off of the CDF that Kiff had yet to be acquainted yet. But there was still time for the wine to flow, and for friendships to be made. After all, this was a party, was it not?

 

[Madalena Antares]

Noting Pathfinder [member="Kurenai Yumi"] approach her, Madalena's face was warm and inviting. The two had gone on several missions at this point, and Madalena considered her among the best that the Pathfinders had to offer. Gracefully, she eyed the lovely clothes that thePathfinder was wearing, marveling at how delicate the fabric seemed. "For a change, I did not," Madalena laughed, "but I've heard it said that tonight will include a promotion, so I wished to see how other divisions within the Confederacy handle these things."

Hearing [member="Pom Stych Tivé"] a short distance away, Madalena took a step towards the witch, stopping herself as she realized that perhaps she was not the right person to do so. To hear of a lost one… They were all soldiers. They were all combatants. The mere job title dictated that those they worked with would always die around them if they were to be the ones who got to survive. And still, not even Madalena could deny that with some people, it hurt so much more than it did with others.

By the time Madalena had decided that she did want to approach the Mandragora, the Chiss woman had already done so first. By then the Pathfinder had also left her to walk around, so Madalena looked around, noting the presence of High Marshall [member="Kiff Brayde"], and a droid ( [member="Havoc (CT-375)"] ) that she did not recognize. She rarely could tell droids apart; something that she tended to keep to herself though. There were enough scans that could be performed when needed to identify the mass of metal in front of her.

Grabbing a few drinks, the Knight Commander walked over to Pom, and motioned for the High Marshall to join as well.

"Loss is never easy," she said quietly before a sympathetic smile appeared on her lips, "and while we struggle with the pain, let us for one moment remember those who have fallen, and remember them and their sacrifice with joy, for without them we would not have made it thus. I propose a cheer, for life."

 

[Eternal Might]

As time progressed and the various peoples who had come to give their good wishes, or simply see who had risen up in the pecking order, mingled until the actual announcements came as to whom would be given their awards, promotions, and who would be given the respects of the dead. It was frankly, painfully boring, as to be expected from a ceremony. But regardless of the mind numbing nature of the event itself, the message had been given and those who had fallen with the Confederacy would not be forgotten.​