Faction The Murkhana Festival

[Quuthut]

Location: Murkhana City
​

In the outer rim a movement has been growing across a dozen worlds; Jabiim, Cholganna, New Alderaan, Mon Cala, and many more have seen the weakness inherent in trying to remain independent in this chaotic galaxy. The planeshift disrupted a barely stable galactic order and the independent systems have suffered the most. Markets crashed, resources once abundant had to be found anew, and pirates and criminal elements thrived in the chaos. The past two years have been difficult, and those with the will to make their lives better have joined together for a better future. When a few friends; politicians, business magnates, and bureaucrats first met over a game of cards to discuss how to protect their worlds moving forward, the ideas they proposed seemed unobtainable. Yet the Confederacy of Free Worlds, has seen massive growth as an idea and as a movement since it has been first pitched to the masses. Planetary governments have slowled turned an ear to the benefits the CFW would bring, corporate interests have begun to invest to stabilize markets, and activists now take to the streets daily to call for political action.

That action has finally come. To celebrate the resilience of the Auril Sector and the surrounding worlds through the Plane Shift and their shared identity a grand festival has been organized by CFW officials on Murkhana in collaboration with that planet's government. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets to browse stalls, intermingle with their neighbors, and generally eat, drink, and be merry while more private gatherings are held by officials and business interests to intermingle and discuss the practical components of the movement.

Fireworks explode periodically above the crowd below as at the largest of these private meetings Admiral Quuthat takes to the stage. Before him, a hundred tables of delegates, politicians, ambassadors, CEOs, and celebrities sit waiting patiently. With a nod towards the production team his image would be broadcast through grandiose screens set about the square so that the public may listen to his address. With a broad Mon Calamari smile the admiral would begin:

"Today, is a glorious day for the Outer Rim. A day of peace, prosperity, and joy for all of us who have struggled these past few years. Things have not been easy, but we have done more than survive. Rather, we have thrived! And no individual, no planet, no government, can take full accountability for our prosperity. It is through uniting together, through aiding one another, we have weathered this storm. The past two years have shown us how going it alone doesn't work, it never has! The Galaxy is a chaotic place, prone to disaster and filled with tyrants who seek to conquer all they can. Yet it is also filled with hope and with those willing to stand up and unite against the worst aspects of this galaxy we call home. Tonight, is a celebration of that. A celebration of unity, a celebration of heroes, and a celebration of hope. A hope for a better tomorrow! Thank you all for attending-" He would pause to nod to the crowd before him, and then to the cameras that broadcast his image throughout the city and beyond "And thank you for sharing this dream with me. Tonight is a celebration, but is also a first step towards something greater. Thank you, for taking that step with me."

Admiral Quuthat would raise his fist in solidarity. The crowd before him would clap as the crowd outside would let out a roar of cheering and applause heard even from the highest tower in the city from when Quuthat's own private party was being held.

As the Admiral left the stage, servers would begin flooding the meeting hall to take the drink and meal orders of all who were in attendance. Already individuals were leaving their tables to intermingle to discuss a variety of topics. Quuthat himself would find his table near the center of the room, shaking a few hands and giving a few brief greetings as he shifted through the crowd. Finally sitting in his chair he'd let out a sigh of relief, looking about the room at what could genuinely be a bright future for his people.

Alex Stern Mu'awiya ben Barca Jonyna Si Miraya Thaine
(Anyone else is free to join, regardless of if you're a part of the CFW or not!)

 

[Alex Stern]

​

Alex loved a good party, especially on an occasion such as this, the coming together of people to celebrate the building of something new. Not a march of conquest or ego, but mutual benefit. At the conclusion of Admiral Quuthat's speech, Alex was up with the others, clapping and calling out "Here here! Well said!" Outer Rim Resources had always been pressing for and in support of raising up the Outer Rim and other impoverished territories. They'd supported numerous nations and groups doing it until the planeshift and spectacular collapse of several nations along the Outer and Mid-Rim set back their progress with a disruption of the trade lanes and economic depressions.

Now here they were again, restarting the process as they would every time. Only now the company had a much greater industrial capacity, secure routes, the resources, and manpower. What they laced was partners in local governance, the people to raise their hand and say there was a need and direct the flow of resources while providing the stability and governance needed for communities to grow and form economies of their own. Which was why he was here, Alex thought as he checked his smile, to form those relations.

Standing from his table, the Director went to mingle and see if he could take the lay of this new Confederacy.

 

[Mu'awiya ben Barca]

The Crucival delegation, led by the Opaline Creed, stood from their seats as the Admiral's speech ended and shuffled through the crowd like one indivisible rock cutting through a sea of sentients. They moved with humble confidence in their steps, but also the discipline of men who had spent much of their years in combat against a foe superior to them. Mu'awiya knew that, as best as they tried to fit in their newly tailored suits and formal outfits, they all still felt out of their skin.

This was the first time they had stripped their camo shirts and armor for the civillian attire of dignitaries; the first time they had stripped their nom de guerres for their real names; the first time they mingled off-world without hiding their faces that were plastered as terrorists across Imperial spaces; the first time they walked in wide open spaces without fearing the screams of a twin ion engine coming down upon them from the skies. Used to the confines of caves and tunnels and cramped spaces, the former militants now labored to keep their backs straight.

After the speech, they had met with the Jabiimi delegation and embraced them as brothers. The Jabiimi had played a pivotal role in training and aiding the Opaline Creed's struggle against both the Imperials and other factions warring for Crucival. Their greatest gift of all was the repulsorlift skates the Nimbus Commandos had trained the Creed to use, and their use played a key part in Operation Wings of Liberty's success that led the Creed to here as representatives of a world.

Debriefed by his closest confidante, his right-hand man, who now served as the minister of foreign affairs, of the possible invitees, Mu'awiya was quick to recognize the face of Mr. Alex Stern of the Outer Rim Resources corporation. To meet face-to-face with the other invitees was a secondary priority to finding capital for the rebuilding of his war-torn world. The Outer Rim Resources would be a great start.

Mu'awiya approached the man. "Mr.Stern." he said and offered a hand, "Mu'awiya ben Barca of Crucival."

Alex Stern Quuthut ​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Judah stood and clapped after the speech was through. Rousing, to say the least. It was apparent the Admiral had grand ambitions of pushing the government forward. Just how successful they would be depended on a number of different factors. Given the Galactic Alliance finally dying all sorts of groups were trying to pop up to replace it. So far he had only seen the High Republic gain any sort of traction.

Speaking of, he was even more shocked to not be investigated for the death of Senator Monaray Dod . Judah had laid low for a bit, trying not to attend many events beyond that one for a salvage world trying to turn Empire. Curious if Danger Arceneau took them up on their offer - it would be stupid to but he was no one to the Trade Queen these days.

Yet there had been no knock on one of his many doors. No request for questioning sent to his legal team. Judah was unsure if they were getting all their facts, tailing him hoping he would "slip up", or simply hated Dod enough that they merely didn't care. Yet with the winds of accusation blowing(heh) away from him, the old salvager was back making the rounds at events.

He had already spotted Alex Stern - a young man who had hooked up with another representative at the Empire pitch. Beyond that many of his fellow corporate colleagues he had yet to see.

Sitting back down, trays of food were starting to circulate throughout the space. Champagne was also starting to flow and he snagged two from a passing waiter, passing one to his guest for the evening, Miss Iandre Athlea . Judah hadn't heard from her only to discover the woman now a widow. Her husband dead and the Diarchy in tatters.

So he had extended an invitation to neutral ground for the evening. Surprisingly she had agreed.

"Thank you for accompanying me this evening. I imagine it wasn't easy getting here."

 

[Iandre Athlea]

Iandre had chosen elegance without spectacle. Her gown, a deep blue-gray, the color of twilight, flowed to the floor in graceful, deliberate lines. Fine silver embroidery traced the seams like branching starlight, visible only when it caught the glow of the hall. With sheer sleeves and a modest neckline, the design spoke of craftsmanship rather than display.

Her hair was styled with equal restraint. Drawn back into a low, sophisticated arrangement at the nape of her neck. Fine braids added texture to the style, leaving a few soft strands to frame her face. Together, the look reflected a woman touched by sorrow, yet one who carried herself with unwavering dignity.

She stood beside Judah as applause filled the hall following Admiral Quuthat's speech. Her own claps were measured; her expression remained thoughtful rather than stirred. She knew that while unity was easy to praise, it was far more difficult to sustain.

When Judah offered her a glass, she accepted it with a small inclination of her head.

"Thank you, Judah," she said softly.

As fireworks flashed beyond the high windows, casting brief colors across the dignitaries and polished floors, she took a measured sip. The room was a tapestry of politics: delegates, industrialists, soldiers, and opportunists.

"He gave them what they needed," she observed, referring to the admiral. "A vision large enough to gather many different ambitions beneath it."

There was no cynicism in her tone, only a quiet realism.

"Whether it becomes durable will depend on what happens after tonight, when the speeches no longer carry the room."

Her attention returned fully to Judah, and some of her formality eased.

"Your invitation surprised me," she admitted with quiet honesty. "But it was welcome."

Her fingers shifted slightly against the stem of her glass as she looked at him.

"I have kept too much to myself since Rellik's passing. Aside from one journey with Aiden, I have allowed grief to become a very private company. So no, it was not easy getting here, but I think it was necessary."

A faint trace of warmth finally touched her expression.

"And I am grateful you thought to ask."

Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Taking a sip of the champagne, there was a small shrug of his shoulders as Miss Iandre Athlea mentioned the speech. It was true that after tonight the governments involved would have to carry through. Judah wasn't aware of much of the doctrine the Confederacy was peddling. If he had to guess autonomous worlds bound together by a contract to assist one another in conflict or disaster.

"There is no need to thank me for the invitation. I am glad you decided to join me however and that I could help provide a small necessary change." He paused and gestured to himself, clad in a basic black-and-white suit. "I should be groveling before you for joining a scraggy old man out for an evening."

Judah chuckled and took another sip of his champagne, thinking.

"I hate to say I'm not quite sure what to say or what subjects to broach. I don't even think I have anything to say about Confederacy beyond what I just mentioned and it seems trivial to speak of business."