Faction Slice of Life Day: Hindsight's 2020 | Open to GA and Friends

[Spirit of Hope]

“And at that, I say we rejoice!”
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- Emmen Tagge​

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Another year has come and gone. Those within the Core can celebrate safely knowing the threat of the Sith Empire and Bryn'adul have momentarily been quelled. While tumultuous times wracked the Core for decades, the Core Federation and High Republic's merge have brought peace to our home under the banner of the Galactic Alliance. Years of arduous labor stabilized the many worlds battered by the One Sith's occupation, giving them a new chance at prosperity.

They could only do so with the help of many. The New Jedi Order has risen to prominence and illuminated those long entrapped in shadow. The Senate has carefully rebuilt a fractured economy and established a military capable of facing powers longstanding throughout the galaxy.

The Sith Empire has lost swathes of territory to the joint offensive efforts of the Galactic Alliance and New Imperial Order. While others only entertained the idea of defeating the Bryn'adul, the Galactic Alliance has stood against the genocidal draelvasier every step of the way.

We've lost much in our struggles, but we must also find the time to take a break from those grim duties and lighten the burden we bear. With Life Day fast approaching, people all over the Alliance are preparing for a much deserved holiday.

Join us at the Jedi Temple for the much anticipated Life Day festival! A feast fit for the Chancellor awaits all within the grand hall of the temple. Music can be heard all throughout the grounds as various bands have been invited from throughout the galaxy. The festivities spill out to neighboring districts as the people of Coruscant take to the streets in honor of their faithful protectors.

The Chancellor is preparing to give a public address to the people of the Alliance. Join her in celebration of those who’ve distinguished themselves throughout recent history.

 

[Zaavik Perl]

S H A D O W
The Galactic Alliance
CORUSCANT // Jedi Temple
OPEN TO INTERACTION

「 NO ONE KNOWS 」​

Ugly sweaters weren't really his jam. Could anyone really blame him? That question might prove to be insidious, but he hoped to see more formal than clashing multicolored fabrics. Come to think of it, formal wasn't really his jam, either. Wearing anything aside from the usual was a tough sell. Everyone was probably hoping he'd grow out of it. Though, it was getting perhaps a little late for that, wasn't it?

To make matters worse, WeatherNet had decided to make it snow. Snow. On Coruscant. This joke wasn't funny. His jacket saw to it that he'd inadvertently come prepared. One would think it mattered little in the climate-controlled chambers of the Jedi Temple, but the very atmosphere of the harsh weather made him feel vexed. Winter was such an ugly season, and WeatherNet's artificial replication somehow looked even worse.

Surprisingly, he hadn't touched any of the prepared buffets. A feast fit for the entirety of Galactic City and Zaavik couldn't even be bothered to smell it. Prior business, the details of which he didn't desire to recant, had unequivocally killed his appetite for the days that followed, including today. He was dreading the possibility of the mention of the former Senator's passing.

That grave had been his to dig.

Zaavik fidgeted with the punch ladle, stirring almost on autopilot as he zoned on the swirling, glistening red liquid. A sudden jolt of his head side to side snapped him from the near disassociative trance. The metal basin on a handle scooped the refreshment and dumped it into a glass he'd seized. The sensory feedback of cold glass against his cybernetic was a dull, distant feeling. His lip curled with displeasure as he caught sight of the prosthetic. Did it really have to be that hand?

He took a sip from the glass vessel. Facial features immediately tightened as the burn and flavor hit his tounge. A laborious swallow preceded a gruff exhale. "Foito. They really had to make the punch alcoholic?" Zaavik glanced around, trying to clear himself of any spectators before he poured the punch from his glass back into the bowl.

The glass was returned to the table with a resonating, hollow thud. His shoulders sagged greatly as he let out a long, drawn-out sigh. What a drag, he thought. Angstier than usual, probably another side effect of the aforementioned business. "How much longer is this supposed to run?"

 

[Teica Giraan]

[Location: Jedi Temple]
[Objective: Defend the safety of the Life Day celebration.]
[Focus: Captain Teica Giraan]

Teica readjusted the collar of her Galactic Alliance dress uniform as she set off for the temple entrance.

This is a bad idea. Gathering so many people in one place couldn't possibly end in something other than disaster. No state of peace ever could escape the darkness of the universe. She walked forward at a brisk pace.

Before she knew it, she had entered the brightly lit, crowded hall of the Jedi Temple. Years of service in starships had dulled her memory of blinding lights. Her eyes rapidly blinked as they tried to compensate for the sudden surge of colors. As soon as she had readjusted, Teica's eyes scanned the top levels of the hall. Nothing suspicious, seemingly absent of the reflection of light from a sniper's scope. Move in, use extreme caution.

Teica crossed her arms behind her back, put on her best smile, and treaded along the polished floors. She took a deep breath, but made sure to keep a steady view of any strategic location for a sniper to hide, or for someone to mount a bomb. She stopped in her tracks, as she began to sniff the air around her. It smelt of Corellian wine. No, don't even think of it. Nahhh, you deserve some fun. No, drinking dulls the senses.

She found herself pouring some wine into a goblet. The captain muttered a few curses and took a drink. You already filled it...take a drink. Teica took another deep breath, and gulped the wine down without thinking. Her eyes dashed back to the top walkways. There, a brief flash of light appeared in a corner. She gulped down the rest and took off running for the stairway. People jumped to the sides as the captain darted up the stairs, then to the far edge of the building. Nothing, just a decorated wall. Teica swallowed a lump.

Wait, am I already drunk. Shoot...I just...erm... full..errm....bottle??

"It couldn't havee been that much wiiine..." she muttered.

Teica rested her head on her right hand, her vision blurred for a few seconds. Then, her head aimed upward as she shouted.

"It'as won bottle!"

She didn't know what was worse, the effects of the wine, or the looks people gave her.

 

[Seto Du Couteau]

Seto Du Coutaeu
Location: Coruscant, Jedi Temple
Action: Wandering
Attire

​

Coruscant had a strange, unique beauty about it, centuries if not eons of construction built this fabled Planet City. Seto always held a fascination of such history, each building with its own story carved into the walls themselves. The Jedi Temple was no exception, its rather grand magnificence brought along a sense of honor and hope. Ancient the Jedi were after all, and as such history, the roots of the Jedi dug deep into Coruscant. So, Seto knew how fitting it was to hold a Life Day celebration within the very halls of the Jedi Temple, a reminder to the Senators and Alliance Members that the Jedi were protectors; likewise to the Jedi that the Senators and Alliance members were servants to the innocent people of the Alliance. ​

​

Seto believed this was a nice gesture, an honest gesture, a chance to gather those who fight for the Alliance and work towards its success. Well, I guess everyone has their own different definition of success. Seto mused as he was reminded of a few Senate hearings and the heated discussions held there within. But that was the past and here we are to celebrate the present and give hope towards the future. The young Du Couteau heir bemusedly thought to himself. The common thought was that since life was short, best to be cautious, but for many it was the opposite approach, and Seto couldn’t determine which side he felt more inclined to follow on most days. ​

​

His eyes danced around the many guests, walking between nobles and other politicians and other appointed officials of the Alliance governance. Deep azure eyes winked, his smile delicate as he spoke silvery words dipped in honey to many ears. A part of him enjoyed the flushed cheeks, blushing faces and appreciative glances of those who enjoyed being swooned. Like feathers being swept by a graceful gust of wind. Some thought of it as nothing more than empty gestures of nobility and chivalry, Seto though took his time to focus his eyes and mind on those he sought to flatter. An effort to make them believe that the young Du Couteau heir chose them to be the center of his galaxy, as his lips kissed their hand and his words inspired smiles and nods. ​

​

Perhaps it’s my way of atoning for past beliefs. ​

​

Belief was important, and it was what drove many to support the Alliance. Belief continues to spur motion, to inspire action and greater works of many Alliance Members. Senators, Soldiers, Admirals, Pilots, Engineers, and of the Jedi. Seto swam through the crowds as his eyes continued to search the grand hallway of the Jedi Temple. ​

​

 

[Asmundr Varobalder]

CORUSCANT // JEDI TEMPLE // O P E N TO INTERACTION
LIFE DAY ON CORUSCANT

Jolly as ever, Asmundr smoothed the vermilion velvet suit down around the edges, rotating to look at his posterior. Arcanus Sunstrider’s lingering conscience had helped him collect the required reading materials, and two helpful Padawans had stitched together a suit large enough to fit him. It was an ugly thing, too big, but they were proud of it. So Asmundr wore it and found delight in their joy. The pillow strapped around his belly like a reverse girdle was a little strange, though – but Arcanus’ intelligence had informed him that Santa’s torso’s radial magnitude was quite blessed.

Two young Padawans with brightly painted skin jingled happily in the doorway, the bells on their toes and the tips of their lekku moving as they did.

“Oh, Master Varobalder! You look just like him!” Janu, the eldest of the younglings complimented. She was a Twi’lek far too small for her age and had bells on the ends of her green lekku.

“Are you sure Santa won’t mind you dressing up like him?” Tallya, the youngest, asked. She was under Janu’s care for the evening, not old enough to wander off on her own–– still only holding up five fingers when asked How old are you?.

“I hope he doesn’t take offence,” Asmundr admitted and cast a dubious glance to the main terminal he stood by when he interfaced with the Artificial Intelligence that roamed throughout the starship. Associating the program to a physical location helped him come to terms with the existence of a fully aware intelligence that had full access and autonomy throughout the ship. Otherwise, it just felt like a ghost. “From what I understand from Master Sunstrider..he’s a very generous fellow.”

Manifesting on a nearby Holoterminal like the Ghost of Life day’s past, the flickering apparition of Arcanus nodded with a warming smile. “You are correct, Master Varobalder, at least according to what Kashyyykian scriptures we have in the archives. Anything else is merely Conjecture, or utilized by Corporations for merchandising.”

Despite his best intentions, the great Valkyrie still shuddered at the life-like projection. The technology was eons beyond his comprehension, and as kindred as the program was, it still made him uneasy.

“You still need your hat,” Janu reminded, holding out a stretched triangle of fabric with a white, fluffy brim and equally fluffy pom at the tip. A stark contrast to the usual mental defensive helmet Asmundr donned.

“Ah, yes, thank you.” He moved from the mirror to kneel, dropping his colossal body down so he could be closer to eye-level with the youngling. At least she could reach his head and tug the hat down over his ears nice and snugly. He reached up to adjust it, the pressure contesting with the loops from the faux white, curly beard strung around his chin. He itched it casually and drew himself back to his full height with a gentle finger wag in the girl’s direction. “Remember, you mustn’t tell the others it’s me under here.”

Tight-lipped, the two committed their understanding promise in unison with enthusiastic, jingling nods.

“Show us the laugh!”

“The laugh?”

“Yes!” Tallya insisted shrilly, “He has a very tell-tale laugh!”

Wide-eyed, Asmundr looked across at the projection of Sunstrider for assistance once more. He hadn’t read anything about a laugh. Sunstrider only shrugged in response. Gratefully, Janu was ready to inform. She clutched her stomach and shrugged her shoulders up and down quickly “Ho ho ho ho!”

“Oh..” He adjusted the false beard once more. “Okay, Ho ho ho.”

Spoiler

Thanks Rynn Vizsla for cameo'ing the ghost of life day past!

 

[Auteme]

Zaavik Perl | OPEN AND WILL GIVE YOU HOLIDAY SWEATER​

"Oh, you know. All night." She sidled up beside Zaavik at the drinks table. "The non-alcoholic is over here, by the way."

Auteme grabbed a pair of glasses and filled them up. Normally she'd never drink anything so sugary, but it was a night of celebration, so she handed him the cup and took a long sip from her own.

Life Day had always been special to her, and she was glad to see that even in the most difficult of years the Jedi and the Alliance could celebrate. Though her parents couldn't make it this year (unless they were planning to surprise her with a visit) she was happy to be around so many people. The cool evening outside, the warmth of the halls and the little fires, the bustle of the party in the Temple; all of it contributed to the festive air. It made her smile to see others smile. It was very, very obvious when there was someone who was not in a smiling mood.

"You can always leave, y'know," she said. "But if you do, people who know you will think, 'Hey, why's Zaavik leaving?' And they'll get no answer until, like, way later, when you show up again, or tomorrow or whatever. So if you are thinking of leaving, you should probably tell someone why, so when people ask, they can answer and they won't run off to bother you."

She gave a joking grin, but it soon turned to a warm smile. "What's on your mind? Life Day's supposed to be a day to celebrate. Not... complain about punch."

 

[Cassus Demici]

Cassus entered the main hall of the Temple. By the core. His first instinct was to backtrack. He'd known there would be a celebration but he didn't think it would be anything of this magnitude. He hadn't even thought to come, parties were not his thing. Besides the dismal nostalgia they always brought up, he wasn't a particularly cheery individual and although he would be hard-pressed to admit aloud, he found the quality in others rather contemptible.

He rather be meditating.

It looked like the setup had just been receiving finishing touches as Jedi helped decorate the harder to reach corners of the room with their telekinesis which Cassus shook his head ever so slightly in disapproval of. Holiday fluorescent lighting, the odor of liquor and the muted stream of chatter lingered in the air together affronting his senses. This was all accompanied by the aromas of various cuisines that Cassus let his body instinctually follow to the source of.

Looking at the feast laid out he remembered why he had come in the first place. One thing Cassus never turned down was food, even if he had to endure the holiday music and tasteless festive getups to get his grubby hands on it.

He was pleased about the snow, that was a touch he could appreciate as, looking out onto the street from the giant windows of the hall, a smile betrayed his contrarian stoicism. He'd have to set a reminder to have a hike in it tomorrow to supplement his regular morning training, if it wasn't melted away by then that was. He hadn't seen snow since he left Serenno.

As he walked over to the tables carrying all manner of decadent confection and fare, he regulated the fanning out of his cloak. Once a pristine white fabric, now an off white almost tan color with time and wear, mud and rips besmirching a greater surface area the lower it reached. Several higher ranking and glitzy dressed individuals frowned at him but Cassus didn't notice, and if he did he wouldn't understand what they were looking at.

Cassus grabbed the largest plate he could find and started filling it with whatever smelled appetizing enough. He was the only individual who seemed this excited over the food at the event. As he started scarfing the food down his throat, feeling content, his thoughts dwelled on Persephone Hero . The real reason he had come here was to make her a plate and bring it to the Medical Bay she was still admitted to. Although he largely disapproved, it would probably have been nice for her to be around other padawans and make friends, but he kept on forgetting the terrible thing she was. . .

He turned back to the crowd around him as he finished his plate and felt less bothered. Food always fixed everything.

 

[Ryv]

S W O R D _ O F _ T H E _ J E D I
GALACTIC ALLIANCE
NEW JEDI ORDER
FEED THE HOMELESS
Ripley Kühn | Auteme | Zaavik Perl | Open

ITS THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR
​

Nestled on one side of the Jedi Temple's grand hall, a dozen Jedi stood behind a table of steaming hot food. It was one of many within the space. A line of disheveled people waited patiently, plates in hand, disposable silverware on top. Now that WeatherNet decided on artificial snow for the ecumenopolis, many were left out to fend for themselves in the cold. And for a place like Galactic City, homelessness proved to be an ongoing issue already. The last thing anyone wanted was to see bodies piling up in side streets and alleyways due to an ill-thought-out plan for holiday festivities. The New Jedi Order has opened their hallowed halls for as long as it takes to get the less fortunate housed to combat this.

"Alrighty, whatcha in the mood for, boss? I've got bantha stew, roasted kaadu, or tauntaun bites?" Ryv lifted a pair of tongs and clicked them twice with a smile.

"Hrm," the human considered. "How about all three?"

"No problem!" the Jedi Knight took the plate from the man across from him and stacked it high with slices of the roasted kaadu and the sphere-shaped tauntaun bites. He returned the plate and scooped up three ladlefuls of the bantha stew. He held it out, a smile plastered on the kiffar's face. "Here you go! Enjoy, man! Happy Life Day!"

As the stranger wandered off, Ryv turned to the next in line and fell into autopilot. He scanned the room while he provided food to the less fortunate. A poorly hidden interest in who'd arrived at the temple for the evening's festivities guiding his every movement. Countless Jedi wandered about. Some socialized, others worked the event. He expected turnout from his Order. Hell, he damn near made it mandatory to show up and be involved. It wasn't his kinfolk who interested him. He sought foreign dignitaries, members of the Senate, or war buddies from the Sith-Imperial front. While no one who fit those categories caught his attention, the sight of Zaavik and Auteme speaking didn't go unnoticed.

"Of all the people to wind up bothering you tonight, huh, Z?" Ryv chuckled and looked to another in line. He dished out a double serving of the bantha stew and precariously balanced a slice of fresh bread atop the rim of the bowl. "Enjoy the meal! And happy Life Day!"

His gaze returned to the Jedi duo, only to shift down to the loose sleeve that hung from within Auteme's pack. Ryv blanched as realization struck.

"Oh no, not again."

 

[Ravraa Vyshraal]

CORUSCANT | LIFE DAY | NEW IMPERIAL ORDER | OPEN TO INTERACTION

Hellfire and brimstone.

It was easy to forget what life was outside of the shell of betaplast that he was incased in for the past four years of campaigning. There was a reality outside of being sighted down a carbine and counting off the dwindling shots inside of your powercell. He was tired, admittedly, of all of it. He was tired of the fighting, tired of the stress, the worry, the warfare. He was tired of his marching as a stormtrooper years before Bastion, and endlessly so after. World after world, front after front, life after life. He still couldn’t shake the shadows of what he had done, they followed him in his steps, in his voice, in how he smiled from underneath that frail social mask he wore.

He wasn’t a trooper anymore though, he was a Moff. Member of the Imperial Assembly. Finally back at his homeworld of Shili. One of the few aliens to be elevated to such a position.

Moffdom brought with it quirks, many of them he had come to expect, many of them he had heard stories of through his time in the 501st. Stories passed around to the ire of the stormtroopers at what the planetary governors were afforded. Personal starships and the like, all of which had been pushed on Ravraa without much fanfare or without care of his personal opinion.

Was he expecting a holiday to Coruscant for Life Day to be anywhere on that list?

No he didn’t.

The rural Togruta hardly felt at home in the stiff, throat collapsing officer’s uniform that was the standard for Moff’s of the New Imperial Order. He would’ve preferred some relaxed coveralls, mud stained boots, simple working man’s clothes opposed to this slate grey coffin-wear. But, he couldn’t be presenting the wrong message to Galactic Alliance, besides, it was his first time at the big city.

The Jedi Temple took his breath away at first sight, with it’s towering pillars and wide open hallways, constructions that he had only seen as ruins during the Braxant Campaigns. He had never been to the Core…

It was different, to say the least.

He barely could keep his eyes off of the splendor of the whole setup, if it wasn’t for the pulling of his date, Jeresan, he never would have made it inside the venue.

“Come on, honey!” Jeresan would beg, tugging Ravraa into the Temple proper by his wrist. The former marksmen all too happy to be living it up in the lavish celebrations of a foreign power.

“Comin’, comin’.” Was the only reply Ravraa could manage. Stumbling after the man.

He didn’t expect to know anyone here, or for that matter, meet anyone. He didn’t exactly intend to.

Though, with the crowd that had gathered, it seemed impossible not to...

 

[Aerarii Tithe]

LOCATION: Grand Hall, Jedi Temple
OBJECTIVE: And so this is Life Day
INTERACTING: Open!

“Jedi Knight Kiplor of Mikkia, she was injured during the Battle of Byss.”

“Knight Kiplor, so marvellous to see you back on your feet.”

Tithe shook the Jedi’s hand and gave his best crowd-pleasing smile. The Vice Chancellor-elect had been tasked with meeting and greeting the members of the New Jedi Order who were being honoured tonight, thereby feeling up the Chancellor’s time so she could do actual work, such as running the Alliance. It wasn’t the exact role he’d anticipated when she’d offered him the position, but once you got past the required public-facing obligations it certainly came with untold benefits.

“Jedi Knight Purando of Malastare, an avid pod racing fan.”

“Knight Purando, well met. Now, did you catch the Mygeeto 1500 the other night?”

Aerarii moved down the receiving line, his protocol droid leaning in as they approach the next Jedi to give him their name and an interesting fact with which to make small talk. As Senator for Aargau he had already met with more folks daily than he could ever have kept track of, and it had only gotten worst with his elevated position.

Of course, he always remembered the name and face of somehow who he did business with, or who owed him money.

“Master Elii Wyund of Tholoth. She is charting hyper-routes along the border of the Sith Empire…”

“Ah, Master Wyund, a pleasure to meet you…

“…and you’ve met her a number of times, most recently on Caamas.”

“…see you, a pleasure to see you. It’s been far, far too long.”

Having come to the end of the line Tithe took a moment to look around the temple. Jedi and non-Jedi alike were mingling and laughing, celebrating the year and their many achievements. There was a certain irony to Tithe’s participation given he had knowingly fought on the side of the Sith-Imperials not too long ago, but that was forgotten and forgiven. Well, at least as far as he was concerned.

“Next we have representatives of the Jedi Agriculture Corps…”

“I, ah, I need a drink.”

The protocol droid turned to him with the closest thing it could give to a look of confusion.

“Amend the schedule, I’ll be right back.”

Aerarii made straight for the nearest bar and a few moments of solitude.

 

[Marae Tavlar]

W A S P

Coruscant // Life Day Celebration // OPEN

Starsleigh Ride

It had been a while since Marae had been to the centre of the galaxy, probably just after she graduated from the flight academy. Unfortunately, unlike most of the heroes in attendance, she hadn't been off fighting legendary battles against the Sith or winning new territory for the Galactic Alliance. As it had turned out, apparently the Galactic Alliance thought she did so well on the Lialic relief effort that they sent her on another.

And another.

And another.

Being raised on a backwater planet doesn't make it any easier when the only places you've been have been your ratty old freighter cockpit and a bunch of planets that somehow managed to be worse than Dantooine. That was a Life Day miracle in its own right.

The pilot shrugged off the phantom feeling of the torn-up leather pilot seat as she made her way to wherever the eggnog was being served, coming in cute little Taun-Taun shaped mugs. "Cheers, Happy Life Day!" Marae couldn't even control the greeting, the majestic Life Day decorations that both the Jedi and the Senate worked on were enough to make sure everyone felt in the holiday spirit.

The Dantooinian began to push her way to the centre of the building, adjusting the sleeves of her not nearly ugly enough sweater as she made her way down. Life Day was of course one of Marae's favourite holidays, perhaps just after Dantooine Super Boogie Solstice, but it wasn't really why she was here. As much as she loved the festivities, the backwater pilot was hoping for a bit of a promotion if she could find someone drunk and influential enough. She didn't consider herself to be impatient, but the very vivid feeling of sweat peeling from old leather had gotten to be enough with her relief efforts and the girl was hoping that she could find someone help her get to the front of the action.

Become a proper "Hero of the Alliance" or something just slightly less grand.

Though that didn't mean she had to completely ignore festivities. Not when you can have eggnog in a Taun-Taun cup, didn't have that in the freighter. Everything was better already. As her honey eyes glazed over some of the ice sculptures that the younglings had created, she decided that there just might be one of the most influential people in the Galactic Alliance over there.

"And what are you making dear?"

Hands wrapped around the warmth of her ceramic mug as she crouched down to the height of a young Zabrak girl she finished the horns on what was probably a Taun-Taun. That or a Zabrak Jedi. Or maybe a Rancor. The kid was having fun with it, so Marae decided it best not to critique her art. "It's Rudolf the Taun-Taun."

"Well, it certainly looks like him!" The pilot could see it despite some... imaginative expressions of childhood on it. "Though I think you forgot the red-no-"

A verbal smack as the child took a handful of her red sno-cone and slapped it right onto the face of the Taun-Taun, interrupting Marae's correction before she could finish it. "All done!" The eyes of the Zabrak girl beamed as she looked at her finished Rudolf the Red-nosed Taun-Taun. Marae couldn't help but smile.

It had been far too long since she'd seen a child's smile.

 

[Dagon Kaze]

Life Day, Coruscant
Interacting: Marae Tavlar | OPEN

"Never again was the Wanderer seen by the people of Solace—not even when the Dark Wraith rose from the underworld to strike them down—and yet his story persists amongst those who survived the ruination, and his tale is still told beside hearths throughout the land, for the people of Cerosha know that he is out there still, wandering from world to world, helping those who cannot help themselves. The End."

The children watched him in silence, wonder written on their eyes. Behind them, the lethargic fireplace oozed of cinder and cinnamon. The orphans' sorrow disappeared under the marvel of the fable. A soft smile curved his lips but gloom hid beneath it. The Jedi had provided them new clothes, hot food, and occasional lessons. Alas, he couldn't help but feel powerless. Their aid was never enough, just a momentary lapse of suffering. Some were 'lucky' enough to have been orphans since their birth, others lost their most precious parents during the sacking of Coruscant.

The Wanderer. A fable, some argued true, resonated with the young Jedi padawan. A Jedi's noble service to the galaxy helping those who cannot help themselves. But most importantly, as his Master Zoryu always said, a Jedi's duty is to kindle hope in the hearts of the galaxy.

Dagon only wished he had been able to do so for even only one of these children.

"Alright, kids, it's time to eat and I am sure Master Dagon's throat has gone dry already." matron Kistra materialized from behind. A young lady whose path to become a Jedi was obstructed by her feeble sensitivity to the Force.

Murmuring protests erupted among the kids but she stood firm in the face of juvenile adversity. It took them only a moment before they followed Kistra with the same enthusiasm for Ryv 's cooking as for listening to tales. She gave the padawan a soft smile, which he returned, and ventured away.

The Jedi rose up after a moment of contemplation over the orphans and ambled into the Life Day festivities hosted in the Jedi Temple. He noticed an awarding ceremony being hosted by senator Aerarii Tithe , a man he'd only seen from the sides while helping chancellery work with Auteme . The concealed guards situated a few feet away from him were a new, necessary precaution after the murder of yet another senator. Senator Ido Bastra of Coruscant. A case Dagon was appointed to work on. The serial murders of politicians in the Alliance had led many among the Jedi to believe it a plot of Sith assassins. He succumbed to the bleak thoughts mindlessly pacing through the crowds until he rammed like an idiot at a girl with a sweater rivaling the ugliness of his own Life Day sweater.

"Ope." he blurted out like a peasant at Marae Tavlar . "Sorry!"

 

[Ripley Kühn]

Coruscant | Life Day Celebration
Tags: Cassus Demici | Ryv | OPEN

The zeltron muttered something indiscernible as she fumbled with removing the last lightbulb from the small satchel that hung at her side. Snowflakes melted as they fell upon her blue locks, the cold wind chaffing her face. She had been tasked with changing all the dead bulbs on the various strings the hung from the exterior of the temple, after being shooed out of the kitchen by irritated chefs. Ripley had just wanted to help prepare the meal, to give back a bit- only to destroy an entire pot of soup by adding sugar instead of salt. She shook her head as the dead bulb was slipped into her bag, turned away, and headed for the entrance.

The warm air greeted her as she came in, almost as warm as the friendly atmosphere. She spied many Jedi mingling with others, laughter and joy radiating off of them. It brought a smile to her face to see it- everything had been tense with the ongoing wars, but today was a reprieve from that. A moment to just simply exist and cherish companionship.

Her gaze eventually floated to the tables that housed food, Ryv standing behind one. Beaming, she gave a small wave, but the kiffar was obviously busy. The knight drifted to another table instead, one that housed appetizers. A variety of offerings, most done up to make them festive in some way. Grabbing a plate, she worked her way through, picking one or two of whatever looked good. As she reached the end, her head pivoted, scanning the crowd for a familiar face. None were found, so she instead chose to retreat to where Cassus Demici stood alone.

"Some party, huh? I've never been big on Life Day, but this is pretty cool, and the foods good."

 

[Bernard of Arca]

Coruscant, Jedi Temple
Actors:
Alliance Deputy Marshal Bernard of Arca
Master Asmundr Varobalder

Bernard's foot tapped impatiently on the floor. He leaned against a wall, next to one of the Temple's crucial chambers, on guard duty. Life day kept the halls empty, as most everyone had gone out to party, but occasionally a youngling or padawan would pass by and earn a wary glance from the watchful custodian.

Part of the reason he disliked the assignment so much was all that time to think. He could scarcely remember the last time he had stood in one place for more than a minute. Following the Jedi's return from their military excursion, a lot had happened, and times were hectic for the young padawan.

Well, ex-padawan.

The chrono on his wrist sprang to life and gave off a quiet murr.

Bernard couldn't help but feel a pang of relief, though he nonetheless rolled his eyes. Casually, he kicked off the wall to turn towards the door and pressed the entry switch.

A quiet jingle still died down as the door whooshed open. Why the masters forced him to wear this ridiculous green get-up, he still couldn't understand. The bells at the end of his curly shoes and inside the pom of the long green cap he wore made no tactical sense whatsoever.

They were extremely efficient at alerting everyone to his presence, however.

He could feel the eyes of both padawan and younglings boring holes through his body as he stood in the doorway. Their stares made the discomfort of his get-up sting even deeper.

"Would you be ready to depart, Master Varobaldr?" He asked, though uncertainty slipped into his voice.

The venerable Jedi was barely recognizable. Had it not been for the unmistakable amber sheen of his eyes, Bernard might have believed some padawan was attempting a poorly-thought-out prank.

 

[Darth Daiara]

Spoiler

DON'T BE ALARMED. i was invited in. incognito mode dont spit in my drink

Aradia had never worn a dress before.

Of all the things to run loops through her mind as she pressed deep into enemy territory, that was it. She had learned from last time that simply walking in and hoping to get by undetected wasn't the best of plans. Okay, obvious much, yes. But she was learning on her own terms, which naturally meant Aradia The Bullheaded Apprentice was learning the hard way.

This time was different though. This time, she came prepared. Unlike previously, she actually told her Master what she planned to do. Not only did Kaalia Pavanos humor her apprentice's questionable drive, she sponsored her.

Now Aradia had a few more tricks up her sleeve and better guidance on how to infiltrate for intel. It all started with a Jedi's saber on her belt and a book of Mechu Deru left on her ship's dashboard. It was almost like asking for help was a... good idea.

It never occurred to her that she might want to disguise who she was.

The galaxy was large and the Jedi were as numerous as ants. It's not like she'd ever encounter the same one again. Even if they were all gathered en masse in a room together, they would all be absorbed in their drinks and their... whatever stupid Jedi do on holidays.

It was the perfect distraction.

Entering the temple was too easy. Aradia followed the crowd through the main doors, the buzz of energy palpable as she entered the Grand Hall. For a flickering moment her heart slammed in her chest. She let out a heavy breath and stepped to the side, melting into the edge of the room.

 

[Zaavik Perl]

S H A D O W
The Galactic Alliance
CORUSCANT // Jedi Temple
Auteme | Ryv | OPEN

「 NO ONE KNOWS 」​

He groaned again. All night? That was enough to make him consider actually drinking the alcoholic punch. Though not quite enough for him to actually do it. Accepting the glass from Auteme he took a begrudging sip. It almost made him feel like a child; being a Padawan with the non-adult beverage at the gathering. "Thanks," he mumbled sheepishly. Another drink hid the scowl on his face.

Zaavik shook his head when the topic shifted to the ideation of leaving. "No, no," he began. "I'm not going to leave, I just, I dunno-" He took another drink, playing for time. "These kinds of gatherings aren't really my thing, I guess." The Gala a few years ago had put him about equally on edge. Something about the crowds, maybe? Zaavik didn't really care to analyze it.

It is what it is.

"What's on your mind? Life Day's supposed to be a day to celebrate. Not... complain about punch."​

"Nothing," he lied. "Like I said, just not really my kind of atmosphere."

"Oh hey, by the way-" Zaavik reached into his jacket, trying to quickly change the subject. He produced a tome-shaped object, wrapped softly in an off-white cloth, and handed it out toward Auteme. "I couldn't really wrap this for the gift table, it's uh, too delicate. 'Careful with it."

"Of all the people to wind up bothering you tonight, huh, Z?"​

Zaavik shrugged. At least it was Auteme. Could have been worse. Much worse. She was someone who wasn't going to be vapidly infatuated on account of catching a whiff. It was easier to appreciate people like that, and especially easy to tolerate. He waited for her to unwrap the gift, catching a glance of the exposed sleeve. He heard Ryv's quiet lamentation just barely.

Oh no, indeed.

 

[Cassus Demici]

An individual to his left at the banquet table spoke to him. A giant leg of poultry in his hands raised to his lips, a fresh mouthful taken from it looked more like the size of a rancor gnaw. Mouth bursting and still chewing Cassus turned and looked down to regard the woman, up until now he had been focusing on savoring the flavorful lump tantalizing his palette.

Her pale pink skin and blue hair denoted her instantly as Zeltron, and her lightsaber at her side a fellow Jedi Knight. She looked familiar but he couldn't say he knew her.

Cassus nodded at her words, his mouth yet masticating the tender meat.

"It's good for the children and the needy," He finally swallowed. "They need it most," he rationalized aloud.

He noticed the satchel slung over her arm, "decorating duty?" He suspected.

The caroling in the background hit a crescendo as the pair looked out onto the crowd before them, tending to their plates. Cassus wasn't really one for small talk but he had been so disconnected from his compatriots. Completing his trials weeks earlier and then being mandated with the keeping of his new charge Persephone in what was essentially his first task as a Knight. He hadn't had much time to keep up with current events and this was his opportunity to do so.

As he thought of what to say a prickling spread throughout his body. A disturbance in the Force. He dismissed it however as the terrible events of the past week and moved on.

"How has the year treated you?" He finally asked.

Ripley Kühn​

 

[Kier Grey]

-

Sergeant Kyli Graf
Coruscant Security Force
Coruscant, Level 5127, Galactic City, Senate District, "Jedi Temple"
Tags: Seto Du Couteau , Spirit of Hope , Otto Shule

The single aqua-coloured eye lens in Kyli's expressionless faceplate scans around the "Jedi Temple's" floor, truly it hadn't been so many years ago the woman had called this very grand structure home, occupied by the Imperial Confederated Systems of the Core Worlds, or as it was more commonly known as "Core Imperial Confederation" A unitary authoritarian federation of core worlds. Kyli had been its' autocrats' adopted daughter and though living a life of obscurity uninvolved in its' government she once held a residence in this "Jedi Temple" when it was known as the "Imperial Palace" years lost now. Kyli did not mourn its' absence she never was one for extravagance or being the centre of attention.

Wearing a cumbersome powersuit clad in ceramic and metallic armour, a data computer hung off its' upper torso below a thick gorget that wrapped around the woman's neck; it was uncomfortable and heavy although all of the soft and hard armour plates made Kyli feel like a brick. It was nowhere near as protective or effective as her old DARKSABRE powered assault armour, though it still had its' own merits. Its' livery is shades of grey, black and red the crimson and charcoal sillitoe tartan was worn on both pauldrons below the word "POLICE" written in High Galactic.

"Senate forty-five" Kyli's helmeted head shakes off the stupour of a day-dream and steadies herself to the comlink's call inside of her helmet. "Senate forty-five receiving over." Their annunciator made no vocalization the sound of Kyli's cold and passionless clipped dosuun accent trapped successfully within the powersuit's unique hermetic atmosphere. The woman's appointments: Telescoping, Baton, Binders and Chemical Munition projector were sheathed in holsters along the powersuit's belt with a blaster carbine holstered prominently off the right thigh in a 'drop rig'. A long broad riot baton hung and swung calmly off the belts' rear sitting in a ring above tailbone.

"Senate forty-five, attend the Grand Hallway. Senate-Eleven and Senate-Twelve have not performed a radio check in the last fifteen minutes. Last contact was in the Grand Hallway." The radio operator's transmission ended with an audible 'cliscp' of static, brooking a reply. "Copy that radio, Senate forty-five moving." Her steps purposeful and measured, Kyli breathed in the stale air from the helmet's closed-circuit rebreather there were citizens and revellers with the occasional robed warrior-monk passing the coruscant security force officer. The officer's powersuit marked them as one of the Riot-Division, it attracted their operational presence given the public interest in the event and the risk of public order offences being committed through the course of the evening.

 

[Auteme]

Zaavik Perl Ryv | OPEN AND WILL GIVE YOU A SWEATER
​

Auteme's eyes narrowed at Zaavik. "Are you sure?"

They'd spent just enough time together for her to be able to feel when he was in a groan-y mood. She could also hear him groan. Still, it felt like he did have something on his mind. And if he did... what could she do about it? Force him to cough up whatever secret problem he had? Despite her last question to him, her expression softened, signaling she wouldn't press him any further.

After all, it couldn't be that bad if he'd remembered a gift for her. She smiled and took the half-wrapped tome. Even to the touch, it felt... old. A book, definitely, but she was surprised that Zaavik would put that kind of effort into a gift for her. That much made her happy. But when Ryv arrived...

Auteme placed the book on the table. The air seemed to still and the party grew muted. Her head turned; she gave a look over her shoulder worthy of the evil of Euteme from the Totally Real Adventures. An evil glow grew in her eyes. Of course she'd left that sleeve just visible enough, just out of her bag. For a brief moment she reveled in the terror of the other two Jedi.

With a swift grab she ended it, pulling the sweater from her bag and putting it on. It fit her perfectly; as in, far too large. Her bag disappeared under the giant sweater. She grinned and presented her handiwork; knitted wool of red and green and white, the vague shape of the ancient Grandmaster Yoda on the front. 'Merry Force Be With You', it said, and the puns would only get worse.

From that large sweater she pulled two more from under it, as if it were a mother sweater giving birth to baby sweaters. She tossed the boys the ones she'd knitted for them. Ryv's was red and white, with a menacing Zabrak on the front -- the tagline was 'Let's Get Sith Faced'. Zaavik's was bright pink, a furry brown visage knitted on it -- 'Wookiee In A Winter Wonderland'.

"Put them on! They're nice and warm," she said, sinking into her own.

 

[Marae Tavlar]

W A S P
Coruscant // Life Day Celebration // Dagon Kaze // OPEN

​

"Oh-"

Whatever semblance of balance Marae had held on her tiptoes when crouching to speak to the child did little to prevent the pilot from falling over. Marae wobbled for a second before falling to her side, a little snow being preferable to drenching some poor youngling in eggnog. The eggnog that now sadly splashed onto the snow undrunk, the same snow that now covered Marae's hands and pants.

A small chuckle from the little Zabrak all the pity she got.

"Funny is it?" A little playful banter came from Marae's lips as the girl's laughter trailed off, before turning around to look at her assaulter. "Guy like you should watch your step, might've run someone over." Her hand wiped the snow off on her pants before reaching out towards the person that knocked her over, a dark-haired man nearly twice the size of the Dantooinian. "Lucky for you, snow starweirds were on my Life Day celebration list. Though it isn't very polite to leave a lady in the snow."