The royal party

[Bartic Myth'rand]

Bartic explained himself "Your Grace, I do not intend to land an army, nor do I have one, as I stated before I can only act in a defensive manner. Should you change accept my offer I have several units of the DSB's best ready to extract and if necessary defend those being threatened. They are still on board the Interrogator, I do have a personal guard on it's way to the palace as we speak, a threat of violence has been made by a third party and thus I must follow regulations and prepare to defend myself."

As if on queue a group of ten men and women moving as silent as ghosts entered the room, the wore all black, a face obscuring armour weave mask, and night vision googles. They were armed with Merr-Sonn Deck sweepers and automatic slug throwers, one of them passed Bartic a high capacity handheld automatic slugthrower along with a couple spare clips.

Bartic continued to speak to Stardust as his team checked the area "I wish to avoid violence as much as you do, but in the case it becomes inevitable most of us do not have the force to call upon as a weapon"

[member="Rayen Katoka"] | [member="Stardust Raxis"] | [member="Avin Starfire"] | [member="Arctorius"] | [member="Kurayami Bloodborn"]

 

[Rayen Katoka]

Rayen was much calmer on the outside than she was on the inside. Like [member="Kurayami Bloodborn"], she had much practice with hiding much fear or anxiety. As a royal she had to learn to keep her composure for as long as she could. Luckily, going through what she had when she was little, she had learned to keep a good composure and stay very calm in stern situations. Inside, Rayen was fearful of what the situation may be. She was troubled by it. Knowing other force sensitives were there though, it was best not to get other's suspicious.

Hearing the man's response, didn't come across Rayen in any wrong way. Either way, he had a reason. Everything was off and some of this seemed to be a set up for [member="Stardust Raxis"]. She just had the feeling that the young lady as pulled into something she didn't want to do.

"Yes of course. It's no issue. A pleasure meeting you as well. Belasco is a wonderful planet. It's similar to Naboo and it's mostly a water planet. You should visit sometime. I do agree. I will be joining in when the time calls for it, but if it isn't needed at the moment, I'll remain idle. The emotions are definitely running high tonight. But yes, especially since this is such a beautiful palace, it would be a shame if someone started a fight."

she responded. Rayen continued watching people dance randomly across the floor. It was slightly awkward being one of the only ladies at the party, but it'd be rude to leave so early. Then Rayen sensed someone coming up behind her and she turned to see the chest of a man. She had to look up to see any type of face.

"Pleased to meet you @Arctorius. I am Queen Rayen Katoka of Belasco and this is Kurayami Bloodborn. Unfortunately, we don't know what's going on. Things are very tense. I wish I knew what was going on. All we really know is that emotions are running very high somewhere."

she responded to the man. Rayen was amazed by his height and it took her mind off of the situation for a moment, but then it came back to her a few moments later.

~ [member="Bartic Myth'rand"] ; [member="Avin Starfire"] ~​

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

[member="Rayen Katoka"] | [member="Avin Starfire"] | [member="Arctorius"] | [member="Kurayami Bloodborn"] | [member="Bartic Myth'rand"]

She slower part way, she looked around and took his hand moving to the dance floor, she knew that at least if she was dancing and not moving around talking at least some of the tension would die down, as she needed it to calm a bit

fine just *sigh* just keep careful, tension are high and I don't need people freaking out.

She kept them moving simply to the eye of some this was just the queen dancing with one of the delegates just as what should, to some it may seem little suspicious...

I understand that, but a light tread of feet will allow us a smooth party. Now then let's keep this party going still have a lot to do

She said and ended the dance with a bow and moved back to the sidelines as she got on comms to [member="Avin Starfire"] for a moment

sitrep?

She looked to the other guest, [member="Rayen Katoka"], [member="Kurayami Bloodborn"] and [member="Arctorius"] and moved over to them and gave polite

hello folks enjoying the party I hope? And you sir don't think I got your name

She said speaking to the group and then directly to [member="Arctorius"]

 

[Arctorius]

"I am Arctorius Impratrix of the Shadow Imperium, and King of Spintir." Arctorius replied, "I hope all is well, it seems something other than a party is going on as well." He recognized the queen when she walked up, and she looked like she was tryng not to be worried about something.

[member="Stardust Raxis"] [member="Rayen Katoka"] [member="Kurayami Bloodborn"] [member="Avin Starfire"] @Bartic Mythrand

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Cameron's face showed rather little reaction to [member="Stardust Raxis"] leaning in close to him. He hadn't actually come here for any purpose of physical interaction or romantic engagement. Wife presumed dead or not, the Sith Lord had long ago hardened his heart to any real hints of actual romance. No, his presence here was more business than pleasure, though he could not deny the joys in pulling on the strings of someone else's life.

Silver-green eyes shifted in another direction as people dressed in all black with real obvious masks and optical devices entered the room. Watching as they moved towards a specific individual, the Sith Lord fought real hard not to laugh at both the ridiculous display or the tactical idiocy. Shaking his head, Cameron excused himself from his current conversation.

Perhaps all the party attendees had forgotten what government reigned in this area of space. It was of little real consequence, the Sith Lord supposed. If Cameron was truly concerned, there was no way to tell. He acted with the simple understanding and reality that his station within the First Order was far and above any occupied by those present, system royalty or not. These...illusions of control were allowed by the First Order simply because they did not really matter.

Up to this point, the Sith Lord had very little reason to be anything other than another invitee to this party. It seemed, however, all needed a gentle reminder of the reality. Just as Cameron was nearing the party's exit, he offered a shallow nod to another man that had been quietly entertaining a number of others for some time now.

The man, dressed in a fitted suit, excused himself from his conversation and casually approached Stardust. Waiting for a brief break in the conversation, he handed the woman a simple note. One that had been written long before either man had arrived on the planet.

Ms. Raxis,

It had been my hope you would understand the fragility of your position both on Imahalyan and within First Order space. However, the time for half measures and gentle words have past. My point of traveling here was to, hopefully, limit any involvement from other elements of the government. I am merely a specialist, sent in when the upper spheres wish for a bit of finesse. You seem to believe you are shackled to the perception and beliefs of your Council. It is not their perception you should be worried about...but rather that of the First Order. You occupy your position out of courtesy and kindness from the Grand Moff and Moff Eriksen, not this Council.

You have until the sunrise to silence your impetuous nobility, or it will be done for you. We want to see you succeed, Ms. Raxis. However, the definition of success is established by us not you. The people of this planet are citizens of the First Order, and we will hold them accountable as such.

Also, you understand, marriage to a non-First Order citizen will be subject to approval for one of your...station. Have a pleasant evening.


Lord Cameron Centurion

The steward would remain by Stardust's side until she was done reading the datapad before asking for it back, but it wasn't exactly a necessity.

 

[Bartic Myth'rand]

"Worry not, these are among the Dominion's best they know how to stay hidden from they eyes of most, only those of use whom were present for their arrival will see them with their own eyes. The infiltration droid will blend in with the background and it will be like it doesn't even exist." Bartic told the queen before parting ways.

Of course due to the nature of the force his target would know he was being watched by someone, the best he do now is to be the one attracting the attention, Bartic struggled to forget all of the skills he had and forced himself to slip up while watching [member="Cameron Centurion"] the man had sent another message to [member="Stardust Raxis"] all his man was able to get was a blurry holo of the screen as well as Bartic himself getting a quick siting. What he could gather was that the man was not working with the full authority of the First Order, only that of some of the higher ups, that the higher ups did not take a liking to the internal politics of the planetary government, and that marriage to an outsider would be scrutinized. Fortunately for Bartic the First Order and the Dominion were on quite good terms, and if the queen did choose to marry him it would quell the drama that seemed to be the catalyst for this man's presence.

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

[member="Cameron Centurion"] | [member="Rayen Katoka"] | [member="Avin Starfire"] | [member="Arctorius"] | [member="Kurayami Bloodborn"] | [member="Bartic Myth'rand"]

Stardust paused her conversation, she took the datapad and started to read it, her face grew more and more pale as she read further down. Her hands shook lightly as she made eye contact with [member="Bartic Myth'rand"] as she handed the pad back

excuse me for a little

She said as she turned and started for the council hall, she entered quickly as her council trailed behind trying to catch up to her. When they finally got up it was like a cascade of questions

-queen raxis where are you going!
+you can't just leave the party you have to select a-augh!+

Stardust had swung around and back handed the man sending him flying, the others moved back from star half in fear that they would suffer the same half in surprise. Stardust turned fully anger in her voice

WHAT IF I DECIDE TO NOT SELECT SOMONE HUH? WHY IN THE FORCE IS IT SOOOO IMPORTANT*she took a minute to get a breath before her voice lowered malice lacing it's words* that I find a king to please you? I have not heard myself the people want a King! Only from YOU people I have heard such things....next time I here a word of this...i won't hesitate to strike you down!

She said as she turned quickly and went to the room provided for her, the council helped the other guy up and moved away speaking to themselves. Within her room stardust sat down as she covered her face, she couldn't deal with this...this day had started out bad and just grew worse....she thought for a moment, and had a servant send for [member="Bartic Myth'rand"] to lead him to her room so they could speak. Once he entered started would look up, her face wracked with sadness guilt and stress

this has...gotten worse

 

[Bartic Myth'rand]

Bartic saw the queen look his way before she left the ballroom and the party, he had taken this as a motion to follow, however as he started to catch up she was swarmed by the members of her court and he was blocked out as they moved into the next room. Bartic stood by the door a moment and heard Stardust let them have it, although he could not make out the works it was clear she was not happy with them. He moved away from the doorway in order to mingle with other party goers, some of the men who followed the queen out of the room returned, one of them clearly is some pain, and all of them unnerved.

More time had passed but nothing new had developed, it seemed that an unstable peace was coming over the party's intrigue for now. That changed when one of the staff arrived and politely pulled Bartic aside and explained that Stardust wanted to meet with him and motioned for him to follow.

The entire way Bartic was wondering if there had been a new development.

He entered the room and started to speak, "You summoned me Your Grace-" he stopped when he saw her face, it was clear this wasn't meant to professional, things had gotten personal. Everyone had their limits and it looked like Stardust had hit hers.

Bartic dispensed with the pleasantries immediately and sat down next to her on the bed, he let his professional demeanour slide some it was neither need nor would it be welcomed, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

[member="Stardust Raxis"]

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

[member="Bartic Myth'rand"]

She looked away, she took a moment of silence before she spoke in a sad tone, this woman who had fought in numerous war was breaking down

I don't know what can be done...i have struck one of my council, I'm being pushed to marry again and being pushed to silence those wish for me to marry again....i fear now I may be knocked off my throne for what I've done

She said and paused as she looked up again, she thought for a moment then looked at [member="Bartic Myth'rand"], she remembered his proposition. She sighed

I think...i..will accept your proposition, with me under stress I don't think I can rule alone ...but first....my council will be disbanded...im tired of them swaying my decision...

She said as she finally looked at him, she let those words sink in them spoke again with a slightly determined tone...but still

then only thing I ask is that within two months, we learn how each other works...no secrets...and...if within those two months we can't seem to work together or find any connection between me and you...i guess I'll think of that if it comes

She said and closed her eyes as she slowly

I think I'm ready to head out again...this time ...can you follow me?[/color

She asked as she gave a small hint of a smile

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Cameron's assistant didn't say anything to [member="Stardust Raxis"] as he took the datapad back. Offering the woman a polite half-bow out of respect, he immediately disappeared from her side. In a matter of minutes, he had returned to his Lord's side whom was just finishing a conversation on his communicator. "The message has been delivered, Mi'lord."

Cameron's bright gaze focused on the shorter assistant. "And?"

"She departed the company of the guests shortly after reviewing the information. She asked the Imperialistic looking gentleman to accompany her."

Cameron nodded, eyes shifting back towards the location of the party as if he already knew. "Yes. A representative from the Dominion as I'm told from the Port Authority." The Sith Lord paused for a brief moment before allowing a thin smile to touch his features. "Come. I sense that we are about to miss the most entertaining part."

In a matter of moments, Cameron had returned to the party, standing near the edges of the room. He had counted on this happening. In fact, he had hoped it would happen. The relative freedom of control Stardust formally enjoyed on this planet was about to come crashing down around her, and it would rather solely be her fault. Leaning in towards his assistant, he gave a simple command. "Patch in a holocom connection to the Grand Moff."

"As you command, Mi'lord."

[member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Stardust Raxis"] | [member="Bartic Myth'rand"]

 

[Bartic Myth'rand]

Bartic was only slightly surprised when Stardust told him she struck one of her counsellors she was under a lot of pressure from both sides. However when she told him that she would accept his marriage offer he had to work hard to keep surprise contained he had not expected to be chosen, nor did he expect her to choose tonight to begin with. Her condition was completely reasonable, only Bartic had expected to have gotten that out of the way before any proposal.

He spoke before leaving "If we can't make it work it was never meant to begin with, but I promise, no secret-"

He was interrupted by his comm, "Sir the target is on the move."

Bartic resumed speaking "It looks like your friend has run out of patience, how do you want to play this?'

[member="Stardust Raxis"] [member="Cameron Centurion"]

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

[member="Bartic Myth'rand"][member="Cameron Centurion"]

She nodded As she looked forward opening the door, she took a breath in simply collecting herself as she looked to him

I can only play as they wish...the council will be silenced and I will play good girl...just to at least get through this day so that we may gather ourselves

When they left her council was standing a little way away waiting for her to come up, as she passed them one spoke

<ma'am we have to have the displeasure of informing you that you will no longer be in ru- >

Her was cut off, not even speaking anymore, in fact his hands went to his throat as star had held her hand out and silenced him with the force, the others moved back in shock as she looked over at them

that's a shame, because I was about to say the same. AS of now you will no longer be in control of anything...i will be true queen now of this planet....as the people will want

She released her hold as he fell, stardust looked forward as the other quickly called for back up. She didn't stop walking forward as she hoped [member="Bartic Myth'rand"] was still following her. Once she got to the door and opened it several of the council guards were approaching her with weapons ready and pointed

I see where your loyalties lie....my apologies my guest *she called out to those attending the party* but it seems theres been a few rats that have decided to choose to betray me and the people....no problem however

She would look to [member="Bartic Myth'rand"] then spied in the crowd [member="Cameron Centurion"] as she made eye contact then spoke quietly so bartic cpuld hear her only

deal with these traitors in front of me...a threat to the crown is a threat to the people

She said as people in the crowd started moving back confused and scared, what was going on why was the council guards turning on the queen...cwrtainly the others in attendance would be greatly confused to what was going on

 

[Bartic Myth'rand]

Bartic follow Stardust out of the room and watched as she, quite spectacularly, dismissed her counsellors. Their personal guard did not take it laying down, the nearby ones raised their weapons they were ready to make the bigger mistake of their rapidly shortening lives.

Bartic tapped a button on his wrist when he was asked to deal with the increasing tensions, from several directions stun bolts struck guards and the counsellors that tried to fight back or flee.

One of the guards was able to power through the stun bolt, having only taken a glancing shot, and made a lunge at the two of them. Bartic was able to put a boot into the man's knee and get his beskad up to the man's throat.

He got right next to the assailant's ear and whispered menacingly, "If I were you I'd think very carefully about my next move."

It appeared that the guard valued his life enough to lie down and let himself be cuffed by one of the loyalists who had started to respond to the commotion and DSB agents now emerging from the shadows.

[member="Stardust Raxis"] [member="Cameron Centurion"]

 

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

Kurayami was a bit confused by the sudden shift, but overall it didn't seem to be a bad thing...at least not completely. Of course this was all just a guess based on the few clues he could glean from the ebb and flow of the Force at the event. While this was running through his mind [member="Arctorius"] made his way over to he and [member="Rayen Katoka"]. Another King, he couldn't say he was exactly surprised, it seemed likely he was one of, if not the only one not of noble or royal status. What she had mentioned about the planet she ruled over was interesting.

"I thank you for the invite Your Highness, I will be sure to make some time to visit. A mostly water planet similar to Naboo? It has been many years since I last was on Naboo, but it is a place that I hold close to me for a few reasons. It seems as though the majority of issues have been avoided thusfar, hopefully that trend shall continue, but I have no doubt something is on the horizon, soon to come. Emotions are too high for tonight to end as peacefully as it seemed to start.

He turned his attention to Arctorius when he spoke to the two, he smiled slightly and bowed his head.

"Pleasure to meet you, Arctorius. As my friend here was kind enough to introduce me, I won't insult you by restating my name. I run Nubia StarDrives and seem to be the only one who isn't of a royal or noble line here. An interesting turn. You are right in saying there is much more than a simple party taking place. Politics run rampant tonight as the Queen is to choose a new King soon.

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

[member="Cameron Centurion"] | [member="Rayen Katoka"] | [member="Avin Starfire"] | [member="Arctorius"] | [member="Kurayami Bloodborn"] | [member="Bartic Myth'rand"]

The doors to the main hall opened, and out stepped stardust in a new demeanor. Those that had attended had been close at the door curious and as to the commotion that had been going on, she got a microphone and cleared her throat before speaking so all could hear

my apologies folks, it's seems we had a short lived rebellion...the council that has...presided over me tried to remove me...your queen the one who fought for you out of power...worry not as I said short lived...they and their small band of...traitors...has been apprehended and is no longer a trouble

She took a minute as she let that set in before she spoke

as well...i have chosen the new king...thatll reside over you along side me...with a total rule of monarchs...so that no council can try and trick my people into a false peace...so please still enjoy the party and don't worry about a thing

She said as she looked back to [member="Bartic Myth'rand"] and waved him forward as she descended down the stairs into the party were the party slowly resumed...with a unsteady air

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Silver-green eyes looked up from the holocom as [member="Stardust Raxis"] swept back into the room to make her...announcement. When the twi'lek had finished speaking, the Sith Lord glanced back to the blue-hued image of [member="Natasi Fortan"] and smiled thinly. "Looks like I will be here a touch longer than expected. I'll return to Dosuun to debrief you in person once things here have...stabilized."

Once he'd finished his brief conversation with the Grand Moff, Cameron deactivated the personal holocom in his hand before handing it back over to his assistant. "In a few moments, my datapad will receive a series of authentication codes and orders. Once that is in place, contact the regional military authority and request a temporary picket force augmentation. Consider yourself my new deputy in this system."

Cameron's assistant didn't display any shock or confusion. "As you command, Mi'lord. May I have your leave to ensure the orders have been confirmed by local commands?"

The Sith Lord offered a subtle nod. "You may. Also - have the Sector's Security Bureau liaison setup for a holocom meeting first thing in the morning." Cameron did not wait to see if his orders had been understood, instead initiating a casual pace towards Stardust. The fact that she had dealt with her Council was admirable, but she'd missed the entire point of their conversation. There was no version of reality wherein power over this system was the decision of anyone other than the First Order. If she wanted to rush into a pointless marriage, that was her prerogative. What authority, if any, he had on the planet however was not even a decision she had the power to make.

Cameron was now, apparently, responsible for making that explicitly clear to Stardust and the gentleman that had waded into a sea of First Order politics without the first clue as how to swim. Not to mention...there was no actual form of diplomatic arrangement one way or another between the First Order and the Dominion. He was a foreign national in sovereign space. A guest. A guest that had brought other armed foreign nationals inside the borders of the First Order without the proper authorization for the Foreign or Home Office. Poor form.

Stopping just inside of earshot of the Queen, the Sith Lord spoke calmly but loudly enough to be heard. "Congratulations...on quite literally the quickest engagement I've ever seen in my life. We need to talk. Now." Raising his left index finger, Cameron allowed his smile to dissipate as he turned his attention to [member="Bartic Myth'rand"] near Stardust's side. "The Supreme Leader welcomes you to remain in his system, on his planet as a guest given your pending nuptials. However, the armed men on this planet's surface and the vessel in orbit are not now nor are they ever permitted in First Order space without prior approval from Moff Eriksen and the Home Office. It is in your best interest for all of those resources to be removed immediately and peacefully. I'm sure you understand."

 

[Bartic Myth'rand]

Bartic followed and watched Stardust address her people it seemed with the demands of the First Order representative capitulated too it seemed that things would be returning to normal, well as normal as possible anyway. That was until [member="Cameron Centurion"] marched up to them and Bartic would have to put what little political training he had to use.

"Thank you but I've already been officially welcomed by the First Order governor-equivalent of this world. Of course I have no issues removing my security forces, the threat presented has passed and the loyalists should easily be able to take care of any threats that might emerge." He said with the same plastic smile every polition he'd seen wear.


[member="Stardust Raxis"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

He...hadn't been, but the point was moot as the standing instructions were being followed. Cameron cared little and less for the minutiae of how they had all arrived in their present predicament. "Your concern for the safety of First Order citizens is commendable. However, you need not concern yourself with First Order affairs. Future-Consort-of-Raxis is not a position within either our society or government. I'm sure you understand." It was a very diplomatic way of saying 'stay out of it next time'.

Maybe not as diplomatic as Cameron was actively convincing himself.

Shifting his gaze back to [member="Stardust Raxis"], Cameron motioned her away from the crowd. "Ms. Raxis. If you please." Cameron's tone did not suggest there was much option in the matter. Her own personal contact devices would have received the same information he had by now.

The Sith Lord looked forward to being done with this entire sophomoric spectacle.

[member="Bartic Myth'rand"]

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

[member="Cameron Centurion"]

She looked to him, surely she was in for a few words....better to take a few then to lose it all eh? As she started off she listened to bartic talk to the sith, she looked between the two as Cameron spoke back and placed a hand on bartics shoulder before giving a quick smile

thank you Mr Myth'rand for the assistant now if you excuse me

She followed Cameron before she got a bit ways away then she spoke

the council has been dealt with...tjoigh I'm sure not in the way you...hoped

She said as she stopped the two now far away as she held a professional posture and looked him in the eye

what is it you wish to speak

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Cameron's gaze only settled onto [member="Stardust Raxis"] again once they had moved off to a more private area. Truthfully, he did not have anything overly sensitive to say to the Queen, but he preferred to have a discourse free of any potential objections. "I have felt as much. However, that is not exactly why I wished to speak with you. The point of our earlier conversation was simply to remind you that the agreement struck between the First Order and yourself extended only to you. We have been comfortable abstaining from assigning a formal Governor for this system so long as the original terms of the deal were maintained on your end."

Pausing for a moment, the dark-skinned Sith clasped his hands behind his back. "That has temporarily shifted until such a time as your new chosen partner can be fully vetted. His service with a potential ally notwithstanding...he is a mostly unknown and, therefore, uncleared quantity. Even in the instance that this union receives...the full support of the First Order, you understand we cannot permit him to inherit any form of actual authority over the citizens of this planet. He, for all intents and purposes, can remain your consort if the errant concept of love-at-first-sight has settled over your person. However, your rapid onset of emotions does not and will not equate to him having any say or standing in the business of this planet and thus the First Order."

Silver-green eyes maintained a steady, emotionless gaze on the twi'lek. It might have seemed as if they were searching for something, but the reality was they were not. "I will do my level best to expedite this process. Are the terms of your agreement with the First Order still acceptable, or shall we move to have you relegated to the status of figurehead?" There was no threat in the Sith Lord's words. He merely conveyed the information very directly and dispassionately.