The Pen And The Sword (CSA Dominion of Denon)

[Macharius Solaire]

The Pen And The Sword​

CSA Dominion Of Denon​

South of the core worlds, where the galaxies two largest hyperlanes cross each other, sits the world of Denon. The greatest ecumenopolis in the galaxy. Trade overflows in abundance to make her rich and the enormous manufacturing base only adds to it. To say she is the crown jewel of the galaxy is not in competition anymore. Though the Coruscanti will sneer at the notion. It's a verifiable fact that they were ground down in another war only a few years ago, and Denon wasn't. The Metal Lords knew it. They came in their great trade ships and struck a deal to set up shop. Not that it lasted all too long, but folks prospered more none the less.

Now a free world once more. Macharius looks to the future of his homeworld. Ahead lies prosperity and real freedom for Denon's people.

Behind them though, closer than any think to be even a remote possibility. Unknown enemies wait in the shadows to stop this treaty dead in its tracks and take Denon for themselves.

Denon's parliament building was the chosen location for the treaty signing. Inside the House of Commons, the very heart of the government. Now parliament wasn't in session at this time. Macharius had the foresight to schedule things so that today would fall in the week parliament had off this month. He didn't need the opposition parties heckling the foreign dignitaries and their soon to be allies. Things would go smoothly.

"My honored guests I thank you all for being here today. For today Denon will join the Alliance of Commonor. A day I've long wanted since shortly after its foundation. The Metal Lords saw fit to keep me from that when their fleet came. Long before that in the waning days of The Republic I remember they came back to after we'd already left. The Sith were ravaging them. We came back to the fold because they helped us fight off the Vong of the Sith. Denon is no stranger to conflict and it revolves around when we join in with others. Whether it's open war, veiled threats or some other method. Others have forced us in one way or another to join them. Today is different I feel, because we choose with our own will to join this Alliance. The peoples will. We want to join because we to have a love of freedom, of democracy, and we have fought to uphold these values time and again as you have. We're as natural of allies as can be. Queen Arenais, would you do us the honor of putting your signature first on the document?" Macharius grabbed and held out an ornate pen for her to use. The treaty document waited for her on the table. All it needed was her own and his signature to be official. But others could add theirs to it so long as they were a representative for the Alliance as well.

In the back halls there was movement of the unknown unrevealed enemy. They'd been preparing for this day as Mecharius had, with a more sinister motive to add. One of their numbers ascended the stairs to the upper gallery, others moved to their positions below. More yet waited away for the signal to attack. Soon.

 

[Logen Brunner]

Aboard the YV-2000 "Forlorn Hope"​

In Space ​

CREW:

Spoiler

[member="Kait Holden"] [member="Celty Ree"] [member="Zyrias Pax"] [member="BX-22222"] [member="Reggie"] [member="Greeta Tan"]

Logen, sitting in the pilot's chair, looked over and across the spacious dashboard and out the long horizontal viewport of the 'Forlorn Hope'. Denon was in full view and even from space one could see with the naked eye the vast sprawling urban ecumenopolis that the planet was famous for and only being seconded to Corucant. The corellian sighed inwardly at the sight, as anxiety of claustrophobia was tugging at the back of his mind. Logen grew up on a ranch in the northern hemisphere of Corellia, open plains of natural and wild grass with sprawling mountains was what he called home. He was never comfortable in the mega structures and hive like bustles that these city worlds promoted. To ease himself, he refocused his eyes on the plastic figurine that wobbled on the dashboard. Of course it was a Twi'lek dancer, matched the rest of the artwork that was painted all over the ship's exterior.

​

Logen eased his hands off the W-styled yoke and decelerated the Forlorn Hope to cruising speed towards the planet. A blip for incoming call showed up on the communication panel to his right. It was Denon's Space Authority hailing them, a standard protocol for traffic control and customs. "YV-2000 the Forlorn Hope! This is Denon Space Authority, please identify yourself and state your business!"

The Captain took a deep breath before answering. His nerves were already calmed by the last swig of his spiced ale filled flask. He needed to keep cool and answer with confidence, it wasn't just fuel and commercial goods he was transporting. There was a fortune in spice hidden in specialized sealed containers within his eight fuel pods. Was enough contraband to land them all in DSA prison for a lifetime. "Denon Space Authority, This is Captain Logen Brunner of the YV-2000 Forlorn Hope. We are transporting commercial goods and eight fuel pods of refined tibana"

"Captain Brunner, you are clear to land in sector ten, landing bay four. Custom Agents will be waiting for you on the landing pad to inspect your cargo and crew manifest. Compliance is mandatory!"

"We copy that DSA! Sector Ten, pad 4, Customs!"

"Enjoy your stay on Denon!"

Logen looked over to his co-pilot. A young blonde human female named Kait. "Ship is yours! Take her in all gentle like!" He ordered in a low resonating jaunty northern corellian accent. His large chair would mechanically reverse on a short track allowing it's occupant to exit from the expanse of screens, controls and buttons. The old man rose to his feet and took a long stretch, could hear his joints crack and his muscles strain from sitting to long. " Nothing fancy either Kait, don't want to attract unwanted attention any more than we already have!"

He leaned over and pressed a button on the center terminal that separated the pilot and the copilot. It was the internal comms that Logen activated "Alright folks, we are cleared to land. We will be boarded by customs so I want you all to be on your best behavior!........." There was a long pause, the PA was still open " That means you Reggie! Best behavior!"

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay listened the the speech that [member="Macharius Solaire"] had given. At times her brows would raise in surprise, most especially in the circumstances that led Denon to want to become a part of her Alliance of governments. Did they really wish to have been a part of it a long time ago? No doubt they had been second guessing themselves, which had delayed such an event like today.

Commenor knew all too well about bad times. With the attack on Deneba, followed by her husbands arrest and her former Minister of Defence's unfortunate acts, and then followed still by an attack on Chasin City which led to [member="Veiere Arenais"] ' exile; Commenor could use some good news. The Systems Alliance needed a victory. And what better victory than this? Denon reaching out with open arms to increase the prosperity of all of their people, wanting to share in the relative safety that her people had.

Yes, they needed this.

Kay took the pen in hand and smiled. "It would be my pleasure." She signed her signature with a flourish, more so for show as she had to keep up appearances. "And now you, M'Lord." The pen was handed to him. She glanced over to her Minister of Trade and Finance [member="Darben Skirae"] , as well as to her Royal Advisor [member="Adron Malvern"] . There were further discussions to be had with Lord Solaire, once this ceremony was over.

All in good time.

 

[Ravenfire]

Equipment: ghost-shatter-rifle, s-3-mangler-sonic-pistol, praetorian-guard-battle-armor
Ravenfire was guarding lady kay and the other adivisors today. He knew that [member="Adron Malvern"] could defend himself. However he also knew [member="Darben Skirae"] couldn't and he owed the man after the bad stuff he had done. He was in his Armour with the standard load out to protect [member="Lady Kay"]. He kept an eye on any route he would use to attack the party. He was originally a mercenary before [member="Rex Taff"] had changed his life.

When they had arrived there was a big speech about joining the CSA. Ravenfire wasn't listening to it though. He was keeping an eye on the shadows his old soldier senses that he had honed over the years told him something was off. But what that was he wasn't sure yet and there was no reason to scare the party if nothing happened. Having said that he kept watch anyways.

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

Location: Denon, Ceremony Hall.​

Objective: Watching over [member="Lady Kay"].​

Equipment: Bo Staff & Lightsaber.​

Post Count: One.​

​

​

As he was part of the Je'daii Order, Caedyn Arenais was allowed a certain freedom of travel and leisure. His Master [member="Asha Hex"] had always encouraged his independence and his need to keep in touch with his family, especially after the incident that occurred upon Deneba and the discussion they had shared following that, Caedyn having voiced his want to be there for his Mom and Sister should they ever have need of him. The Je'daii had taught him much already, though he was still young and not nearly half as experienced as that of the girl a couple years his senior. For the most part, they travelled via The Prophet yet for this venture, he had asked that his Master simply drop him off on Denon, voicing that he would find his way back to Svivren once he'd made contact with [member="Lady Kay"] once more. Commenor held a plathora of smaller vessels, one such craft never far nor likely to decline his request for transport; Adelle Ciryal and the The Repertoire forever awaiting his or Lori's beck 'n' call.

Today was all about politics and treaty signings, another world supporting the Systems Alliance and giving over it's independance for the sake of Commenor's protection and vested interests in trade. Chances were high that Commenor, being a world rife with trade itself, would no doubt bolster the economy across the sector and aid Denon in it's financial growth; the sort of things a fifteen year old boy like himself didn't really care to know nor take an interest in. His decision to be there today came down purely to that of his Mothers safety and well-being. Between the two of them, they'd suffered greatly due to their family being torn apart by his father. With his able freedom, his first priority was to spend his time ensuring that she, his mother, managed to get by as easily as possible, at-least until Caedyn was able to be convinced that she would be alright.

Dressed within his Robes, hood drapped over his head with his right hand extending out to hold the Bo Staff against the floor, the height of which stood as tall as he did, he simply watched in silence and let his feelings search the area around them all. It was difficult not to be distracted by the want to probe his mother's presence in the force, to try to guage her emotions at the time, yet he didn't want to alarm her to his presence as he hadn't gone as far as to tell her that he had arrived just yet. He'd felt it best to surprise her only after the spotlight had shifted and he could do so without arousing interest from the public eye.

[member="Ravenfire"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Logen Brunner"] | [member="Macharius Solaire"]​

 

[Adron Malvern]

​Adron stood behind the Queen, his hand clasped before him as he watched the display proceed in silence. Denon had proposed their joining the CSA and in short order it was put to work. OF course, what happened here was nothing more than a show. Not a farce, but merely a ceremony for the small folk to watch with some interest. The true face of politics was shown behind closed doors, and there was where the true negotiations would be held.

​Watching the Queen sign the bit of parchment, Adron felt a soft shimmer in The Force. He could sense something was not as it should be. Glancing around for a moment, he would return his eyes to Lady Kay, hoping that his senses were nothing more than mere paranoia.

[member="Caedyn Arenais"] @Ravenfire @Lady Kay [member="Logen Brunner"] [member="Macharius Solaire"]

 

[Dedata | Celty Ree]

Aboard the YV-2000 "Forlorn Hope"
In Space

Spoiler

Crew -
[member="Kait Holden"] [member="Logen Brunner"] [member="Zyrias Pax"] [member="BX-22222"] [member="Reggie"] [member="Greeta Tan"]

The ship had already been bugged with small cameras and mics there was nothing said or done that she didn't know about. It wasn't that she didn't trust the crew, its just she didn't trust anyone. Depending on someone was a calling for something bad to happen, but even with her distrust she at least accepted the folk on board and had no issues working with them. They all seemed capable despite there drinking issues. Well except Reggie, Celty couldn't get a read on that man. She couldn't tell if the man was a genius or dim witted.

Celty listened into the cockpit hearing the brief conversation between the Captain and Denon port customs. They where going to search the ship, which was bad for Celty and put her in a tight spot. A good portion of Denon law enforcement would have some kind of description of Dedata, however she couldn't bring herself to revile her face to the others. The slender stood up and picked up her legless Porg from the seat made of cushions and wrapped its small blanket around its body then put its little Bomber hat on before placing the creature between her breasts. It would meap loudly flapping its wings.

Celty began to push her speeder through the Forlorn hope towards its ramp ready to shoot out when they was above the city. She'd sit on to it as the bike hovered in place. Her fingers began to type on the data-pad sending a message to Kait. "Lower the ramp when we are close. I get caught things get karked up. Tell captain i'll meet up with everyone once they are out the port okay." she sent. As she sat there waiting She began thinking about making an ear piece for everyone that would turn her text to words. It would save time and would be less distracting than having to read it out.

 

[Jairdain]

Through the years of her short adulthood, Jairdain had always wanted to be thought of as a consular or diplomat. Well her dream had sort of come around and she was the advisor to Brad. She had assisted him through several situations and then one huge one that had taken them out of the Commenor area for over a year. There had been very little contact between him and his family in that time and their return had been a surprise.

He still looked more like a vagabond than a prince, but at least he had taken her advice and cleaned himself and his garb up. Their time away from Commenor had changed both of them for the better. He had grown into his role and she had moved out of dwelling on her past. Gone were any signs of her sith days. She used to wear something with the depiction of feathers, those were removed from her garb.

The other changes had take place and would be less noticeable, but Brad would know of them. As they had both progressed and changed, they had grown close to each other. If anybody would be able to pin point what had been altered it would be him. These were some of her rambling thoughts as she sat waiting for the signing of the documentation between Commenor and Denon.

As time passed, an almost chill went up her spine. Something​ was going to happen. Exactly what, Jairdain did not know. Her Force warning brought the feeling to her like her weather sense. A storm was about to break.

 

[Judah Lesan]

Aboard the YV-2000 "Forlorn Hope"​

Landing​

​

"Alright folks, we are cleared to land. We will be boarded by customs so I want you all to be on your best behavior!........." There was a long pause, the PA was still open " That means you Reggie! Best behavior!"

There was no one to see him, but the large man shrugged when he was called out specifically. Why was the captain so worried. This was Denon. The city was large, the world had many things to offer by way of entertainment, drugs, alcohol, women... right so Reggie could see exactly what the captain was worried about. He shrugged again as he continued to take the readings of the fuel pods. Despite behaving like a bumbling idiot, Reggie was the one who kept the ship working. Until they had a full time mechanic, Reggie was it. There were places his fat arse couldn't fit, and that was where [member="Celty Ree"] came in handy. He liked the fact she didn't have him figured out. It meant his act worked.

Celty was the first one gone. Her speeder took off almost as quickly as the captain gave the order. Someone was anxious to get off the ship.

"I think I'm not the one you have to worry about," he said to Logen as he locked the panel he'd been working on. They didn't need someone breaking in and stealing their fuel the easy way after all.

He bumbled his way to the cargo hold balcony where he could view the manifest. They had room to pick up some extra cargo, and knowing the type of planet this was, Reggie was pretty sure they could find someone who needed the space, discrete like. The illegal jobs got them more credits to split, and since the captain took out a loan from a hutt... they were going to need all the credits they could get to pay it off before the interest put their entire operation underwater. If he wasn't trying to look like an idiot, Reggie could have handled that negotiation. Logen seemed happy with it though, so Reggie kept to himself that they got screwed over.

"I think I'm gonna find us someone to fill up the extra space we got in the cargo hold."

[member="Kait Holden"] [member="Celty Ree"] [member="Zyrias Pax"] @BX-22222 @Reggie @Greeta Tan [member="Logen Brunner"]

 

[Kait Holden]

Aboard the YV-2000 "Forlorn Hope"​

Sector 10, Bay 4​

CREW:

Spoiler

[member="Logen Brunner"], [member=Reggie], [member="Celty Ree"], [member="Zyrias Pax"], [member=BX-22222], [member="Greeta Tan"]

... 8, 9, 10. Ice ran down Kait's neck for every glimpse of that neon world, but she held together. Her fingers raked through her hair. 'All in the mind', gradually becoming a mantra. She jumped when the intercom came to life but settled down after recognising it was the customs department; she'd been through this lark a thousand times at least. Knowing she wasn't the only kind of powder keg on board, she resolved to keep it locked down.

"Aye." Her usual barbs were left unsaid, and her Coruscanti inflection was unusually composed. She nearly managed a snort at Logen singling Reggie out. Welcoming the distraction, she took the helm and guided them in.

A message pinged on her shades. "What now?" The girl wanted out before customs, Kait could only guess she was on the lam. Alright then... "We'll be meeting Data once we're through." The loading ramp opened up, and Kait watched through the aft feed as the small woman tore through the sky on her bike, becoming an even smaller dot in the distance. "Stay out of trouble kid."

Kait brought them in to dock, setting her down slow and steady. "Another happy landing." She gave the captain a firm nod, poised to open the ship to inspection. "Whenever you're ready."

 

[Macharius Solaire]

"With pleasure your majesty." Macharius took up the pen. With Kay's already on the paper they just needed his for it to be official. As he leaned in and the pen neared the document a blaster shot rang out from above. The bolt disintegrated the middle of the pen, sending the top flying off and scorching the table. Macharius recoiled from shock. The only though in his mind was that this was some kind of assassination attempt. There was so little time for anyone to react, even in thought, before droids began to pour through all the doors of the chamber. There must have been upwards of 50 of them. These weren't battle droids. All various makes of industrial and commercial models, and heavily armed.

"Do not think of retaliating. We surround and heavily outnumber you! Now hands up and surrender." From the same droid above that shot came this command. The leader of this attack.

Macharius was in shock and in no position to do much of anything but stare up at his attacker. They'd breached the security of his building. One he'd had reinforced for this meeting. How much of a threat were these droids to overtake them without setting off any alarms or being noticed. Someone needed to do something soon, they'd either have to do as they said, or fight.

Whether the crew of the Forlorn Hope were aware or not. The customs crew were already making their way towards the ship. Two humans were in front. Four heavily armed droids and two with the typical scanning equipment a spaceport would use towed up the rear. The crew may notice none of the droids were of the same model. Otherwise things looked routine.

[member="Lady Kay"]
[member="Ravenfire"]
[member="Caedyn Arenais"]
[member="Adron Malvern"]
[member="Jairdain"]

[member="Logen Brunner"]
[member="Celty Ree"]
[member="Reggie"]
[member="Kait Holden"]

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

Location: Denon, Ceremony Hall.
Objective: Protect Lady Kay Arenais and Non-Combatants.
Equipment: Bo Staff & Lightsaber.
Post Count: Two.

​

Droids, an enemy that consisted nothing of natural life and therefore gave off zero presence within the Force. What had clouded over the minds of those Force Sensitives, Caedyn supposed must have been fear or the threat of looming danger yet he didn't have the time to ponder such things while these metal soldiers were coming through the entrances to the grandiose hall of which his Mother and her new ally were signing their peace treaty or whatever it was they were doing.

Bo Staff already in hand, the boy would be perceived as an immediate threat by those whom had broken through the doors behind him. While the blunt force weapon wasn't made of energy the likes of his lightsaber, it was built of a strong alloy turadium and force imbued to the point of strength nigh unbreakable; while it could not fend against and deflect blaster fire, the force behind it's impact would send these metal Knights flying in pieces.

Speed and true mental clarity would be his ally here, the Force swelling around the boys form giving him the perception and reflexes to push forward upon his feet and surge into full sprint towards the entrance where the few of the opposition had gathered. A number of successive flashes of red energy forced him to suddenly veer sideways, scrambling down behind cover as the shots passed over his head, the moment come and gone so fast that he moved once more upon instinct, jumping across the railing and hurling a telekinetic blast back at the droids hoping to stagger them so that he could make up the rest of the distance and bring his Bo Staff colliding against the front of the three.

The pole that was his staff hit the droid in the chest plate, a visible shock wave throwing the trio of them back through the entrance they'd come through. While still in tact, these droids were taken off of their metal feet, the pole long and then, bending with every spin, twist and thrust that Caedyn maneuvered in it's practice.

Turning back to glare over his shoulder urgently seeking the sight of his mother, he took the brief few seconds of freedom to seek out [member="Lady Kay"]'s position and turn to run back towards her, that he might help to keep her safe.

​

​

​

[member="Ravenfire"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Logen Brunner"] | [member="Macharius Solaire"] | [member="Kait Holden"] | [member="Reggie"] | [member="Celty Ree"] | [member="Jairdain"]​

 

[BX-22222]

Aboard the YV-2000 "Forlorn Hope"

Sector 10, Bay 4​

Spoiler: Crew

[member="Logen Brunner"], [member="Reggie"], [member="Celty Ree"], [member="Zyrias Pax"], [member="Kait Holden"], [member="Greeta Tan"]

Stop tinkering with yourself. That just looks wrong

"My programming is not operating at maximum efficiency."

Karking knock it off boy. That looks wrong. Get your hands away from our crotch!

"Our relays are located at the junction of-"

Stop it or I swear by my momma's crystal form I'll tear off something important this time!

The droid paused as it processed the command. The leather duster on it's form hid the second pair of arms nestled beneath along with the dual swords and slug throwers in holsters in the rig secured to his lower chassis. Duece knew the words from Splinter were no idle threat and began running a simulation in his processor of the results of over riding the command.

Listen tin man, we are at what, 97% optimal efficiency? That's good enough for your systems. Don't want to look completely inept on our maiden voyage

The self diagnostics checked out within 0.3782 % , so reluctantly, if the was possible for a Droid, Duece lowered his arms and stopped fiddling with himself.

Never think that phrase again either

As Duece made his way to the hold to meet up with the other crew it did a word search to find what was so offensive with the terminology he used. The graphic, derogatory verbage made the droid immediately relegate the usage of the phrase to "unacceptable verbal parameters" which was quickly being filled as Splinter often used such words with him.

Entering the hold the audio receptors picked up the command for the captain as Duece neared the crew member Reggie. A quick scan of the other man precipitated his next words while Spinter choked on laughter within.

"Your size combined with the illict substances in your system and predisposition of genetic traits implies a 43.763 % chance that you will expire within the next two years, eight months, and twenty-six days."

 

[Zyrias Pax]

Aboard the YV-2000 "Forlorn Hope"

Sector 10, Bay 4


[member="Logen Brunner"] [member="Reggie"] [member="Celty Ree"] [member="BX-22222"] [member="Kait Holden"] [member="Greeta Tan"]

Zyrias had the opposite reaction to her intrepid and sometimes inebriated Captain - ecumenopolis’s like Denon excited her with the prospect of constant action, stimulation and fun. Her freckled nose had been practically glued to the viewport during the Forlorn Hope’s descent. She only managed to pull away to cackle at [member="Reggie"] getting the brunt of Logen’s scrutiny today.

Up until now, the teenage criminal had not known of Celty’s hidden cameras all around the vessel, and though she’d examined an errant wire and nearly discovered one of them. Not thinking anything of it than a disarray of hardware, she tucked it back into the crevice which led to the camera.

However like Celty, Zyri often became nervous at the thought of being searched and not just because customs inspectors liked to get handsy. She still had that arrest warrant for her in Cantonica, Coruscant, Nar Shaddaa, Tatooine, Gannaria…

Rounding the corner where Reggie was, she noticed him huffing and puffing checking out the cargo and doing some kind of repairs. Grabbing a torque wrench, she waved it around, hearing the speeder fly off the Hope as they touched down for a landing.

“Why does she get to have all the fun,” murmured Zyri. “But hey, Reg. Since you are the only mechanic we have, I wanted to offer my help. I’m not too bad putting things together and back apart again. And especially blowing them up."

What are you turning into Zyrias? A bleeding heart case that helps every stray dog? She pulled out her flask and took a pull of Corellian ale which seemed to be in long supply on the ship.

“I mean only if you want.”

"Your size combined with the illict substances in your system and predisposition of genetic traits implies a 43.763 % chance that you will expire within the next two years, eight months, and twenty-six days."

“Why are you always coming out with the most bolt-brained things, Duece? Such a downer! Reggie isn’t fat. He’s just big boned.”

 

[Kay-Larr]

The sudden blaster shot that destroyed the pen held in [member="Macharius Solaire"] 's hand was not what she had expected to happen. Kay stepped back, her hand on his shoulder as she looked up and spotted the droid that fired upon them. The other droids entering the room with blaster's drawn soon caught her attention. "Why does trouble always find me?..." Those words were spoken under her breath. Given that they were droids, people couldn't possibly link this to [member="Veiere Arenais"] and blame him. Or rather they shouldn't.

Her attention turned to the droid that spoke to them. "What is it that you want? Surely we can find some kind of...common ground..."

Kay's words faded as her son [member="Caedyn Arenais"] sprang into action. She hadn't seen him in combat before. There were a few spars that he'd done with his Father, but that was about it. He worked his staff as though it was an extension of his arm, his movements fluid and nearly dance-like in their quality.

Her attention turned again to the Droid Commander. "This isn't necessary. No one needs to get hurt. What is it that you want?"

[member="Adron Malvern"] [member="Ravenfire"] [member="Jairdain"]

 

[Ravenfire]

Equipment: ghost-shatter-rifle, s-3-mangler-sonic-pistol, praetorian-guard-battle-armor
Raven saw that the party had added another member that he wasn't told of a raven haired woman @Jairdain. Raven already had his weapon ready. So when the droids came he was already pointing his weapon at the droid commander. He was a harden veteran and he had felt something was off the second that they entered and he had said nothing that was on him. He noticed that [member="Lady Kay"], Son [member="Caedyn Arenais"] he was about to fire on the main droid.

He stopped due to Lady Kay asked for a peaceful resolution. Rex would walk closer to Lady Kay his weapon still pointing at the leader "My Lady I suggest against that, if they want us to surrender then this is an attack or a rebellion. Either way they will not let us leave peacefully. There are enough of us here that we could give our lives to get you out." Once again she would have to make a choice with his life in her hands and he wouldn't have it any other way.

[member="Adron Malvern"], [member="Macharius Solaire"]

 

[Virak Ip]

Location:​ Denon, Ceremony Hall.​

Objective: Watch over Kay and try not to get mentally eviscerated by Jairdain.​

Post: 1​

​

​

Against the fine dress of the majority of the people crowded into the Ceremony Hall, Virak stood out as odd dressed as he was. A tattered, full body cloak hung around his form as he stood, secluded, off to one side. Around him, a subtle aura was being radiated into the Force, one that spiked fear and anxiety within the hearts of those that drew too close to the gruff Zabrak, driving them away from him quickly and efficiently without them having an explanation beyond the fact that they felt uneasy around the scruffy looking form. As such, the space around Virak was cleared of any living being, giving him the isolation and privacy that he so craved. Standing within a crowd, feeling them push in on him from all sides, was something that served to only spike his rage as paranoia would overtake his hearts but he would be left unable to strike out at anything.

The leather wrapping of the hilt of the blade that hung at his waist, hidden beneath the cloak he was wearing, creaked slightly beneath his grip as his amber eyes passed across the room once more. Something was off, something was fundamentally wrong, the Force twisting and vibrating as it tried to speak of something, hint towards something. And, yet, whatever message it was that the Force was trying to convey, it was lost upon him, hidden from his gaze. It had been sometime since his sight had been fully returned to him, sometime since his rebirth into the man he was now, but, ever since then, his skill at reading the Force had been slowly declining, as if the boon of now being able to see the material was a boon he had received in place of his skill to see the metaphysical. As such, rather than knowing what was coming as he might've in the past, Virak was left with nothing more than faded impressions that did nothing to soothe his annoyance at being out in such a public space.

Scanning the room yet again, mere seconds after the prior check, Virak's amber gaze landed on the sight of Kay stepping forward to sign the accord with Denon. Naturally, such a show was nothing more than a display for the public to gawp at, the true politics and agreements took place behind closed doors after all, but, even so, the ornery Zabrak allowed a his annoyance to crash upon the rocks of a brief flicker of contentment as a smile quirked at his lips. The sight of Kay leaning over a agreement between her beloved Alliance and another soon-to-be vessel planet was one that he couldn't help but admire; even the feeble lighting of the Hall was enough to leave her resplendent as a victory, the first in a time, landed at her feet. However, Virak didn't let such emotions hinder him from too long, returning to his agitated state as soon as his gaze left Kay. It might not've been his duty, but, if an attack was launched and Kay, perhaps the only person in the entire Galaxy he could refer to as a friend, was injured because he was too slow to respond, to stupid to read the warnings correctly, then he would never forgive himself.

It was perhaps his hyper-focus, but, it wasn't until his next impatient scan of the Hall that Virak recognised one head of raven hair standing close to Kay. For a moment, he debated the worth of his next actions, but, in the end concluded that this was the best way not to get verbally, and maybe physically, eviscerated due to the public setting and that following through with his odd idea would at least distract him for a moment; perhaps taking his mind off of the stirrings of the Force would help his subconscious unravel the answers he sought. As such, a mental probe would soon brush against the mind of Jairdain Ismet, a voice and Presence the same as and yet subtly different to the voice and Presence of Darth Lykos stirring against he mental shields and plucking at a frayed and severed bond.

"My how you've grown, Zireal." Despite himself, something like a sense of pride fluttered into his eyes. "I see the doubt, the fear, that shackled you to the Dark have finally been cast out. It is, despite our storied past, a pleasure to lay my eyes on you once more, Jairdain Ismet, and see that you have grown so wonderfully. Will you permit me a meeting with you once this pompous and grandious display is done away with." The clear sound of teasing was present, strongly so, within the Zabrak's mental voice, his words clearly exaggerated as he anticipated what his Zireal's reaction would be.

Whatever response and reaction that may have been, however, Virak would not find out immediately as his focus was snatched away from the mental conversation as the Force pulsed its warning once more and the pen in the hands of Denon's Prime Minister was destroyed by a blaster shot as Droids descended upon the Hall. Growling to himself, Virak help himself in place even as the lead droid spoke out, it and around fifty of its fellows positioning themselves around the Hall. Due to him positioning himself off to one side of the Hall, Virak was separated from the main gathering of the droids, placing him in prime position to strike. However, for all of his strength and experience, he could not reasonably take out all fifty or so droids in a single strike and he had no wish to endanger Kay or the rest in her party.

Growling to himself in thought, Virak contented himself by wrapping the Force around him so that he was rendered invisible to sight and sound, reaching out gently as his awareness of reality around him suddenly expanded through the technique colloquially known as Art of the Small and began to twist reality by manipulating the behaviour of the molecules around him so that his thermal signature was no longer being broadcasted. His growl audible to himself alone now, it grew in volume and ferociousness as he prepared himself to fight should the moment be presented. The flurry of movement from the boy he belatedly realised to be Kay's son, the recognition being from files gathered in his past life, served to bring a smirk to Virak's lips as he slowly drew the sword from his hip, the Force gathering and pulsating within it at his command. Either the boy's actions would bring combat or Kay's words would bring time to plan, either way, it seemed that his moment to strike might be coming sooner than he expected.


[member="Jairdain"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Macharius Solaire"]

 

[Macharius Solaire]

"Cease your attacks. This is your last warning. We have no quarrel with the delegation of Commonor. Our business is with the Prime Minister. The Marduk has ordered his arrest. He has computed trillions of scenarios and come to the logical conclusion that Macharius will betray the rights given to droids under the Metal Lords authority. We have acted to counter this eventuality and are in the process of seizing control the planet until a reasonable and logical government can be installed. Now stand down and comply or we will be forced to initiate violence." The droid shifted its aim to have the blaster squared at Macharius' chest. Threatening to kill the old man if they didn't.

"So it's treason then?" Mach gripped his fists tight in anger. "And you threaten me because of something I might do. Having done nothing to even insinuate I might do as you accuse. This... Marduk has clearly blown some circuits. As have you all. And if you think I'll surrender you're sorely mistaken. A Denonian never bows, not to anyone. I'll die before I do." Macharius continued prattling on against his enemy. Who at this point had lost interest in asking for compliance.

"Very well then, you shall have your wish Solaire." The droid pulled the trigger and sent a blaster bolt at the old fool.

Mach immediately stopped speaking. Horror and pain spreading over his face. He looked down and saw the smoke rising out from his suit jacket. A step back sent him tumbling to the floor. Shock took over again and he could do nothing but clutch the hole in his chest.

"Subdue them all, set blasters to stun." The droid was done being nice. He would take control of things along with his metal brethren. They all had to switch their blasters to stun mode. Giving all members present time to react to the situation.

[member="Lady Kay"]
[member="Ravenfire"]
[member="Caedyn Arenais"]
[member="Adron Malvern"]
[member="Jairdain"]
[member="Virak Ip"]

[member="Logen Brunner"]
[member="Celty Ree"]
[member="Reggie"]
[member="Kait Holden"]
[member="Zyrias Pax"]
[member="BX-22222"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

Crew

Spoiler

[member="Kait Holden"] [member="Celty Ree"] [member="Zyrias Pax"] [member="BX-22222"] @Reggie [member="Greeta Tan"] [member="Logen Brunner"]

Reggie had barely gotten his message off to the captain before Zyrias had touched down to meet him. With a torque wrench in hand she asked if she could help. He knew she was trying to be nice, maybe even liked the crew, Reggie did. They were like some weird dysfunctional family that loved each other a lot. By the looks of them as individuals the crew would break up in a month, but yet they stuck it out. They were pulling jobs, getting attention, and it was because they all knew one thing, they had each ofher’s back. The only people who could mess with them, was themselves.

”Sure... maybe I can get ya to work in the tubes I can’t fit in for .... uh... my big bonedness...”

The droid had to give his opinion. Yes, Reggie was aware his weight and level of drinking was not good for his head or liver, but the man didn’t care. Life was hopping from one crew to the next, hiding his smarts, and trying to find out who he was. Everything was a giant defense mechanism, a role he played to keep anyone from suspecting he was more than anyone possibly knew.

A dismissive hand waved off the droid. Zyrias was sticking up for him, but she didn’t need to.

”Never mind the bucket of bolts there. I still get more action in a week than he’s seen in a lifetime. Both of ‘im.”

Reggie waggled his brows at Zyrias as he motioned for her to follow him to one of the engineering compartments. If she really wanted to help, she was going to get dirty.

 

[Logen Brunner]

“If you're a famous smuggler, you're not doing it right.”​

CREW:

Spoiler

[member="Kait Holden"] [member="Celty Ree"] [member="Zyrias Pax"] [member="BX-22222"] [member="Reggie"] [member="Greeta Tan"]

​

Logen cursed as he read the text from Celty. He was not upset at the fact she had a wrap sheet. This crew was certainly not made of the perfect galactic citizens. Was peeved him was the last moment notice and the quick bail. That put this operation at risk with the possibilities of DSA seeing the secondary blip on the their radar drop from the ship. The other part was now he had to come up with a quick explanation why one of the crew members on the roster are not lined up for inspection let alone not on the ship. Logen sighed, he was just going to have to wing, like usual. "This crew may be the death of me yet!" he mumbled under his breath.

​

The Forlorn Hope landed with expert ease. Soft and gentle like, the way he wanted it. Was good to get back on track with his expectations being met. The young female pilot may have been a bundle of attitude among other things, but with the yoke in her hand she was a goddess. For that, Logen returned a nod of respect, gave her his trademark side grin before moving towards the back of the bridge. He could see the inspection crew moving towards the ship, two meat bags and a gaggle of assorted droids was what he saw on the external holocam from the aft main loading bay.

"Kait open the doors and make your way down to the cargo bay. They are going to want all crew front and center for this inspection'

Logen then exited the door and moved his way through the ship. As big as she was, the ship was actually pretty quick to traverse once you got to know her. Was only moments later he found himself in the main cargo hold with the loading ramp open. Most of his crew were there, for better or worse. " Alright Ladies, stay in open sight and off to the port. If you have weapons make sure you keep your hands away from them. We don't need this day to start with a firefight. And above all, i want to be richer by days end and not full of blaster holes all less life like"

After addressing his crew he was about to make way to the ramp and make himself out to be a gentleman of a host for the inbound inspection team. But out of the corner of his eyes he saw the BX droid and a gut feeling came over him. Like he needed to make something clear. He slipped over to the droid who was unusually dressed in a leather duster and brim hat to match. "Listen Deuce and other ego. This ship crew is made up mostly of estrogen dominant hormonal females of varying levels of crazy which should be my main headache. But they do not come close to a tin can with split personality disorder and other issues who plays dress up like he is some hard frontier nerf-herder. Keep your poodooe together or I will recycle you into Reggie's new refresher, where i will take pleasure in knowing that your metal skin will be violated multiple times a day by his vile defecation"

He didn't give the droid time to rebuttal, his threat was very clear. Logen moved towards the ramp his hands staying clear of his custom Merr-song Type CC blaster. His gaze fell upon the crew heading up the ramp "Welcome aboard the Forlorn Hope, I assure you everything is in order!" He placated the human agents with his rich jaunty corellian accent with as much charisma he could muster.

[member="Macharius Solaire"]