Private The Titana

[Var-Sulis]

In the docking bay 5-D was the elegant ship known as the Titana. Some things were known of it's beauty, framework and arsenal, but to many within the galaxy, It was currently another vessel amongst the stars. Var-Sulis new better. Knowing how it was commissioned and by whom made all the difference. Never tested in battle, but always at the ready, This titan of a vessel was not to be reckoned with. Var-Sulis stood in the cabin while taking a pull on a cigar. He then used his vid comm to send an alert to Loreena Arenais-Valhoun . It had been some time since they had a chance to talk on their own, and she had never been aboard the Titana. She had only seen it from a distance. Sulis' wanted to show her his ship and so much more. For he was in love with the "brightest star" in the galaxy as he referred to her. He presses the record button and the thin holoprojector scans his face.


"Well...No need for formalities I'd say. I owe you a tour Lori, and I intend to keep my promise. You have done a lot in these past few months. Come...Take a load off..Heck..I have a nice hot spring here...Even an assistant that will give you a foot massage! Can you believe that?...The crew cannot wait to meet you formally. I may have hyped you up just a smidge. See you soon." I winked and ended the recording. I immediately took to the intercom..."Men! Ladies! Creatures! Bots! Everyone! Get the tables set! Bring the banner! Any moment we will be expecting our guest! Maitenence! Make sure the temperature in the corridors is at a cooling 76! But not too cold! Diana...Tell the painter, the portrait of the Queen better be ready! Chef's...Get the Porg..and fresh greens! Let's move it people!"

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori gave a small smile as she watched the recording. Var-Sulis had recovered well. And just what he had been up to all this time, she didn't know. But he had certainly been whipping his crew up to shape.

She didn't send a reply. Lori knew where to go and she was confident that Var knew that she would see him. There was a lot that she had to sort out still and the whole arrest warrants/bounty hunters issue wasn't helping. It was all ridiculous.

Talking helped. And maybe Var was right. She probably did have to relax. And a foot massage? Lori hadn't had that before. That was sure to be interesting. Of course she was looking forward to touring the Titana as well.

Dressed in slacks and a blouse, instead of something that'd draw too much attention, Lori entered docking bay 5-D. Arla flanked her, as always. One couldn't be too careful, no matter where they were.

"Knock knock..."

 

[Var-Sulis]

The docking bay door would hiss open as the exhaust fumes would shoot from the sides of the door into the inner corridor. Two soldiers were there to welcome Lori and Arla with a standing salute. They had been trained in customary gestures and to uphold the ultimate respect for all who enter. Especially those of Royalty. This situation was no different. The taller bald-headed human male would nod and glare at Lori while giving her his welcoming speech.

"Empress....Welcome to the Titana! My name is lieutenant Jackens! At your service! On behalf of the Titans, we are honored to have you and Arla aboard! Now then shall we carry on? As you can see we have been consistently busy in our routine maintenance of the inner hull and structure of this magnificent vessel. The loading bay, where we are currently, holds several sub-space vessels for shorter travel..Including the "crescent moon." Our Captain's personal vessel of choice!" He explains as he frantically uses his hands gesturing before Lori. He was fully prepared for his introductory role but nervous as Var-Sulis had emphasized the utter importance of Lori joining them aboard one of his most prized possessions, overseen by none other than the Grand Shepherd Burtch . As he continued to explain the layout of the vessel and its compartments, a dozen servants dressed in formal wear would begin marching in line with banners representing the Queen's home planet. They stopped in formation and made a narrow line holding the flags before them as they chanted in unison. "ALL HAIL THE QUEEN!"


Lieutenant Jackens nods to them and awaits Loreena Arenais-Valhoun 's response before signaling his partner to call for the captain.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Arla gave no response to the two, other than a nod of her head. However Lori did respond. She offered a small smile and saluted back before following along. She raised a brow slightly at the nockname that Jackens gave the crew. The Titans? Was this ship it's own sovereign nation? Given what had been going on lately, she wouldn't be surprised. Damascus Station was it's own nation as well.

Lori listened intently, arms at her sides as she walked about, bring reminded of tours that she's had when she was younger. Those were the good ol' days, when life was more simple. And oh how she missed those!

The servants with banners came at a surprise. Her jaw dropped slightly, but she quickly recovered with a smile. Var-Sulis was really outdping himself. "Thank you for allowing me aboard. I must say that I'm very impressed so far. How are you finding Var as a Captain?"

 

[Var-Sulis]

Lieutenant Jackens would acknowledge Lori's affirmation and would respond promptly.

"Our Captain Sulis...Has been more than accommodating..and listens to the needs and wishes of our crew...Including downtime and paid days off..As far as international holidays are considered. We have adopted several, including the national freedom days of old..Including the liberations of Kashyyk. Credit distribution gives us time to visit our loved ones, and if I'm being honest...It gives us..and myself the chance to fall in love with what we do. He goes by a saying.....No one will bet on you...Until YOU bet on you...Meaning......You are your biggest inspiration and asset to the team!" He nods and welcomes Lori to the dining area. "We have for you...An assortment of fruits, greens, and cured meat...Tailored to the health conscious...Please...have a look." He gestures as he signals to the soldier that they would pass. It was time to let Captain Sulis know that the Queen had arrived...

Tag: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori nodded as she listened to how Var-Sulis ran his ship. She took a close look at the crew and others, seeing if she could read the truth of Jackens' words. They seemed to ring true, for everyone appeared pleased.

All in all Var seemed to be running things like her parents ran their own Kingdom. It was something to be admired among many, to be sure. Lori knew that well enough as her parents and their time was marked with kind words. That seemed to be repeated here. It was very refreshing.

"I'm glad to hear that everything is going so well. I hope that it remains that way for many years to come. And those are words of wisdom to live by, for sure."

At the offer of food, Lori nodded in thanks and headed to one of the tables of food, while Arla stood sentry nearby. Lori licked her lips a little at the meat that still sizzled, and she sampled a few of the bite sized fruits. Everything was as delicious as expected and she was happy for that.

 

[Var-Sulis]

Jackens would reach for his comm and send a message to the captain, notifying him of Lori's arrival. Within moments, through the left side, the entryway would hiss open as Var-Sulis made his way over. His hair was sun blonde as his team would call it. He was refreshed and glimmering with confidence as his navy blue blazer with the captain's insignia would shine brightly.

(Sulis' Perspective)

(Of all the things in the universe. There was no beauty quite like that which lay before me. And then there's Arla. The trusted guardian. I was happy to see them both.)

"Welcome!" I said aloud as my hands would clap together in excitement as I approached the table. "Lori, I am glad you could make it. Even if the visitation is brief! I take it my crew were polite? They can be offputting sometimes!" I chuckled as I would pull out a chair to sit next to her adjacent to her left.

Tag: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori's brows rose as Var-Sulis walked in with his hair a few shades lighter than before. Or maybe it was the lighting? Either way it gave him an almost youthful appearance. She couldn't help but smile in greeting. "Thank you for the invite. I'm glad to see that you're doing better and your crew are wonderful. They remind me of the staff my parents had on Commenor. It's...really nice."

A pang of homesickness tugged at her, or maybe it was a longing to cling to the part of her past where she was happiest and where everyone in her family were alive and together. It was before war came to the planet's borders. Life was much simpler back then.

Lori reached over and picked out a few treats to put on her plate. "I've been busy at Dar'manda Industries lately. Viken is on the breakthrough of some amazing things, and I'm keeping an eye on him so that he doesn't get taken away." She let out a heavy sigh. "I still can't get him to remove the bounties or warrants on any of you...."

 

[Var-Sulis]

I listened closely as she spoke about her parents and Commenor. At the mention of Viken and the status of the bounties that were currently active, I nodded my head in agreement. “This political web that we’re caught in gets stronger by the week. My personal bounty is up there, but I’ve recieved no alert as to any bounty hunters thus far. Perhaps I picked a good time to lay low and focus on training my crew. And remaining in contact with you all gives me a sense of unity. Something I haven’t had in a long time. I am curious though. What will you do if tensions do not cease with Rex?” I asked as I would take a sweet roll from the platter before me.

Tag: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

"Some hunters have already tried to capture Viken and Dorthea, but they've failed. No doubt the effort isn't worth the price." And for that she was thankful. Plus what was high priority for Elysium wasn't high priority for others elsewhere in the Galaxy.

Lori grabbed a drink of water, washing down her treat, using that to delay her response to Var-Sulis ' question. What would she do? She knew what her brother had told her to do, and Dorthea. Yet a part of her felt bad if she was to follow through.

"If tensions don't cease? I'm not sure. My brother told me to take you all and go far away from here. Mnemosyne is a safe place, but I'm not sure. What about Damascus? I don't know if I could just abandon everyone here like that. The station is capable of moving, though...." But that was a last resort. Losing their autonomy would certainly be a worthy reason, however. Damascus was a mining station and Anvil's mineral resources had been depleted. Especially the Beskar. It wouldn't be entirely out of the ordinary to move it. But the feat itself wasn't an easy one to undertake.

"What would you do?"

 

[Var-Sulis]

I took a glance at her as she explained her dilemma. It was a tough situation indeed. But there was a way to reach a decision. In my opinion anyhow.

"Well...Mnemosyne is a bit far, but it's safe. And with whatever allies we have left, it would be a good point to rally all of them together. Build our strength in numbers. Damascus is a moving station...It could serve as a secondary home if capable of reaching the outer orbit of Mnemosyne. Move Damascus to Mnemosyne perhaps. And the Nomadic coalition will be within arms reach of the planetary resources. In my opinion." I stated as I stood up and extended my hand out to hers.

"I want to show you something. My favorite place on the whole ship. Come." I said with a sly grin. My heart began to race, as I knew what my objective was. Hopefully, I don't screw this up.

Tag: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Yes, Mnemosyne was safe. And she ruled it with her brother. It was deep within Silver territory and as far as she knew there had been no attacks or invasions anywhere nearby. It would be a potential option for Damascus to move to. That is if Dorthea Dobson thought so as well. Everyone that she wanted to protect was on that station.

As Var-Sulis stood up and held out his hand, Lori studied his grin. It was sly and full of mischievous purpose, and of course it had her intrigued. She placed her hand in his, curling her fingers around his palm. The last time that they had been in contact like this was when he was hurt, and before that it was while they danced. It was strange to recall every detail and yet she did.

"Alright, let's see it." Of course Lori pictured a training room. That was where he had first kissed her after a sparring session. But it could be an armoury as well. Whatever it was, she figured that she'd like it.

 

[Var-Sulis]

I nodded with a smile as i held her hand and escorted her out of the chair. Fitting for the Queen to be treated like royalty. Although I was not present in her past, I could only imagine the situations and circumstances she had to endure just to become renowned, as she is to date. I took the lead leading her out of the dining hall and through the corridor to the left. Passing by a few of the crew members of the Titana, I felt their glares upon Lori. Most in approval, but if anyone knew her status and rumors of her turbulence with Rex, it would beg the question. (What is she doing here?). Passing an open floor, where several programmable maintenance droids repaired electrical wiring, I led her to the lift. We entered and headed up to the top floor, through a retinal scan. Scanning my iris once again, the airlock chamber opened and we were now on the top of the Titana outside. I turned to her and smiled blocking her initial view from what looked to be a figure towards the nose of the ship.


"There are things in life that we can control. Other things we cannot. But one thing is always certain. What we say and do will always create a rhythm, affecting tomorrow's possibilities. Lori, You have a lot on your plate. I wouldn't dream of adding to that if my status could cause a burden. But, all statuses aside. I have one very important question for you before I leave in a few days to Dagobah, on a classified mission."

Tag: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Well it wasn't a training room. Lori expected that it would be when Var-Sulis took her out of the lift. Instead they were on top of the Titana, more or less on it's roof. Thankfully she wasn't afraid of heights, yet still the whole situation puzzled her all the more. And this was his favourite place? Maybe Var liked to go out on spacewalks and work on the ship, taking in the view of the stars and planets in the Galaxy....

His words brought her out of her thoughts as she met his eyes with her own. A singular brow rose as he spoke of statuses, and she figured that it had to do with the arrest warrant and bounty on his head. That did pose a broblem, however he wasn't the only one that she was protecting and sticking her political neck out for.

"Dagobah? On a classified mission? Who put you on this mission? Was it Dorthea?." Lori bit her lip a little as she had completely bypassed his request. "What question is it that you want to ask?" Of course she didn't want him to leave, knowing full well that she had less of a chance of protecting him from hunters if he wasn't nearby. But then again she couldn't force him to stay either.

 

[Var-Sulis]

Acknowledging her questions, I glanced in her eyes. I wanted to tell her everything. But..Statuses..always play a role, whether we want them to or not. It was indeed my favorite spot. Or "new" favorite spot, as I was able to come on deck to the roof of my massive beauty and think freely without the chatter of those around me, or the clanking and drilling noises of the mechanisms of the ship. It was within a two-second exhale that I blurted out what I truly wanted to ask her, after addressing her previous questions for a sense of clarity.

"Yes...Dagobah...I cannot say who authorized such a classified mission, but I can tell you I will be fine." I replied with a glimmering smile.

"Iv'e done these types of things often enough my Queen. And I'll have a few of my trusted soldiers by my side. As far as what I truly brought you up here to address...." I stated as I took a few steps back and bowed slightly while moving out of the way towards the left, with my right hand extended towards the object of presentation. It was not a figure in the distance. But a mannequin that would hold a royal gown made of red silk, bejeweled and dazzling in it's glory. A gold-plated necklace with a diamond-like gem was imprinted and nestled comfortably in the center. An outfit that one might wear to an elegant ball, or a wedding.

"Loreena Arenais.....It would be an honor, If you like the dress...For you to wear to my homecoming on Coruscant...As my,, Well.....Girlfriend..Word had traveled about the happenings with the Elysium empire...And also, about my dealings with Captain Burtch, his crew, and my recent promotion. A few friends of mine are throwing a celebration. Nothing too formal, but formal enough to the point where I believe a Queen should show up in style."

I completed my statement and as my heartbeat felt like it was about to burst from my chest, I maintained composure..Calm and collective on the outside.

Tag: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

So he couldn't tell her who was sending him on some bizarre mission out to Dagobah of all places. What was he going to find there? It was a swamp world. And more importantly she wanted to know how long the mission was going to last.

Var-Sulis was studying her eyes just as she was studying his. She tried to find the hidden meanings behind what he was saying. But then the conversation shifted and so did he; stepping back and to the side as he bowed and revealed a beautiful dress.

And then came the rest. He addresed her by her unmarried name, followed by his request. Lori's eyebrows rose as he asked her to attend a celebration, but not just as his plus one. Var wanted her to be more than that. She kept silent for a moment as she approached the dress and felt the silk material. Yet her mind was racing as her own heartbeat quickened.

She knew well enough that rumours had spread about her marriage being broken. Lori had attended enough public events to know how such rumours had started. It was awful. Quite a few had told her to escape yet she had hoped that Rex would come around. Unfortunately he didn't, instead putting arrest warrants and bounties on her friends. Whereas Var had done the opposite. He looked out for her, trained with her, and gave advice. He also ensured that she was happy and did his best to treat her as though she was someone very important....

"I haven't been to Coruscant. It was always contested territory. I was always mindful to avoid the Core. But....I think that this would be a good reason to visit. Just promise that you won't throw me to the wolves out there. My last political outing had me labeled as a 'Nobody Queen'. Yet being there as yours would be much more acceptable."

Lori turned from the dress to look up at him and gave him a sly grin; "That is if you make it back from Dagobah." And he better come back. That was what Lori thought. Too many times she had lost the people that she cared about. She didn't want to end up losing him too soon.

 

[Var-Sulis]

To her words, I immediately clapped my hands and a smile would break my pazak like gaming face. It was beautiful. Thanks to Frigun' O'here, who told me the dress crafted would be undeniable. I felt as if the cosmos had shifted slightly as I was at a loss for words in the best way possible. But, this would be one of the greatest things to look forward to since my "cure". Lori's smile always made me smile. But to keep things in a matter of perspective, she was absolutely correct. I needed to make it back from Dagobah. I wanted to tell her so badly about my mission. But could it jeopardize my view of it's importance? Would she try to stop me?

"Being my Queen would most definitely be acceptable. And under the political state of the Empire, A fresh scenery would do both of us some good. Wolves will be no where near you my dear. Here...." I said as I ran to the mannequin and took the dress of carefully.

"In four days time. I...We...Are scheduled to land in the inner city at Port 45G-22. We will be met by my brother as I call him. Old time running partner in my underground regime. Speaking of, You know about my past...But you don't know everything...Shall I show you my bear cave and we can talk over some Weequay? It's the finest aged drink I have..With some floral notes added."

I asked as I carefully draped the gown over my arm to carry. The glimmer in my eye said it all. I was in love.

Tag: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

And there was that look. Var-Sulis ' smile was always contageous. Lori wondered if it would work if she was ever mad or any one thing. Would he be able to pull her out of it with that smile? No doubt that was something that'd be tested in the future. Afterall, her life was never full of sunshine and rainbows. Especially in this Galaxy.

Var was right though. Fresh scenery would surely do them both good. Lori was almost powerless in Elysium except for on Damascus and within her company. On Mnemosyne she had power as well, but elsewhere in the Galaxy she was no different than any other common person. It would be interesting to see how Var's friends would treat her.

"In four days? That's not too long...." Lori had figured that he'd be gone for longer than that. Regardless it meant that she was going to remain on Damascus until that time.

As for his request, Lori nodded her head. "That sounds wonderful. My schedule is mostly clear for the day." She wasn't sure of how long they'd need for chatting, but it'd probably be a few hours. Lori felt like linking her arm with his, but hesitated, feeling as though she was being watched by more than just Arla. Yet she walked close to him instead, following his lead as much as she could while next to him. "I look forward to hearing what you've got to say. And I'll probably be just as open with things that have gone with me. I don't think that there's really anything for me to hide with you." There was perhaps maybe one thing involving what was given to her by her mentor. But that could be all.

 

[Var-Sulis]

As we entered my living quarters on the Titana I briefly explained the layout. Showing Lori my command station where I receive updates and logistics on the ship, My kitchenette area, and my bed which is hardly used due to long hours and lots of coffee. I mentioned how the crew was working on innovative ways to make the Titana undetectable by thermal radar systems and would be testing a cloaking mechanism in the near future. While looking around, I turned to her and placed my hand on her shoulder, after laying the dress on my bed.

"Dagobah...In the North East sector...Of a town called Archid, There is something going on...An encampment of sorts...What I am going to tell you must remain between us. This town is a newly build base of operations for some underground criminal organization that deals with spice, alcohol and illegal weapons trading. Normally, I could care less as it was nothing to do with me or my team. But then I found out something through our recon arial drone program. Young ones...No older then 16 or so are being used for labor against their will. Used as proxys for this criminal gang...Getting involved with all types of things...According to my intel, The kids come from broken homes...Abandoned..Or are runaways. It is my intention to free then and put an end to this illegal operation as well...The spice, somehow has made it here even amongst my ranks, in which case those that were caught with it were reprimanded. I finally have a solid lead...And for some reason, I cant let it go...If that makes sense."

Tag: Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori placed her hands inside of her coat pockets as Var-Sulis showed her around his bear cave. It was pretty much what her own ship was like, although on a much grander scale. She nodded while listening to the latest upgrades and innovations that were being worked on to his ship. It made her wonder if Viken had any hand in it at all. Or even her company for that matter. It wasn't as though she kept track of every customer that they had. There was just too much going on for her to manage everything all at once.

As Var placed his hand on her shoulder and told her about the mission to Dagobah, Lori listened intently. Her eyebrows rose as word was given over young ones forced into labour. She recalled her own past when Commenor's capital city was under siege. Her highschool crush turned out to be a spy and tried to convince her to turn herself into the Sith that were overtaking the planet, yet she refused and escaped. There was no doubt in her mind that she'd of been put into slave labour too.

"I can help. If not physically, then at least let me help finance it. The Arenais Foundation is made for missions like these. And my mother always said that it wasn't good enough to just free a slave, but to look after them too. They can be offered homes, schooling, jobs and be reunited with their families if they want to. What do you say to that? Will you let me help?" These days were not much different from any other time, where she was usually kept away from stepping into danger. It was different when danger came to her. There she had no choice.