Private A Queen's Favor

[Valery Noble]

Hapes

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

After spending a long time in Kahlil's arms, Valery had finally gotten back to her own feet. Not because she necessarily wanted to, but they were about to reach the Hapan system and she was expecting them to be contacted right away. To face the Hapan defense fleet in her husband's arms would be a strange first impression.

"I hope they aren't too alarmed by a sudden, unexpected fleet approaching them," Valery said before she looked at her husband with a smirk. "Old Sith transponders have been turned off, right? Or we're going to have quite a fleet waiting for us there." She waggled her eyebrows then turned back forward to look at their helmsman for this trip.

"I don't think it's because of Sith transponders, but the Hapan Fleet has set up a blockade in our path, Masters Jedi," he reported before waiting for Kahlil's orders. At his word, they'd pull out of Hyperspace and of all Hapan ships waiting one stood out.

It looked like an enormous space station but it was very much a ship - the Queen Mother's flagship.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"As far as I know, yes. Though it'll still likely scream Sith." They were, after all, very much Sith vessels. It'd be good to change it eventually, but right now the most he could hope for was they wouldn't just be shot out of the sky once they dropped. At least the Hapes would know they were on their way. Not too much of a surprise. Though they certainly were prepared weren't they? A whole blockade? Kahlil gave the nod for the ships to drop from hyperspace.

"Hail their ships. Let them know we're not here for a fight."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Hapes

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

"Maybe we can ask the Hapans to update some aesthetic as well? They're known for beauty and such... maybe they can create something fitting." She chuckled at the idea but it was a serious thought. The Hapans could easily use the main components and hull of these ships to reform them into something unique that wouldn't feel Sith or like it belonged in an enemy fleet. But she was going to leave that mostly up to her husband.

She wanted him to feel like the ships fit with what he had in mind for his people.

The fleet then dropped from Hyperspace, and was met with not just a Hapan Fleet, but the Queen's fleet, and it seemed battle ready. It was unlikely they were here just to confront this Epicanthix group of ships — the Hapans had been amassing forces to head into the War with the Mandalorians.

But they were still there with shields up and weapons locked on.

"...Masters Noble? The Queen wishes to speak with you."

Valery nodded, "Put her through."

Kha'la Daaray appeared, seated on the bridge of her Star Home with several members of the Royal Guard around her. She looked intense, and narrowed her gaze at the two Jedi she recognized immediately, "I must say, I wasn't expected the Sword and Shield to show up at my home with what appears to be a Sith fleet."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Perhaps. I'd like to involve the Epicanthix more if that's the case. We've our pride as warriors and artisans, after all." Pride was probably not the way to go, but the Epixanthix were and always would be a proud people. It'd do them no favors to take away a chance for them to rebuild after they'd done so well for themselves. He dipped his head in greeting as the Queen appeared. Flashed a brief smile.

"Some old relics from a time past. My people and I have decided to recycle. However, we don't have our own shipyard yet, and these old beasts need some repairs and.. Desithification, I suppose."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Hapes

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

"That's a good idea," Valery agreed with a smile, "It also brings them closer to the Hapans, which I think benefits both sides." Now they would just need to get the Hapans to agree, which...she wasn't sure if that'd be difficult. They had joined the Alliance and preparing for war, so maybe helping others do the same wouldn't be an issue. But there was a chance they needed the shipyards to prepare their own ships first.

But the two Nobles have ran into the best possible person to ask about this.

"They would need some modifications, yes. I doubt Alliance Command would appreciate Sith vessels confusing their fleets in battle." She looked between the two Jedi, clearly a bit hesitant to just offer up the mighty Hapan Shipyards.

Then she realized who she was talking to. These two famed Jedi could mean something for her as well.

"I will agree to have my people work on these ships under one condition. You and your wife will serve me for a little while. I have a job that my people could use your help with."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"My people alone don't appreciate the Sith aesthetic, and that is reason enough."

Kahlil had no intention of letting it simply be for the Alliance. The Epicanthix were doing this for themselves. He was doing this for them. And that was reason enough for any of this. He kept a calm smile, though glanced to Valery curiously. A favor? As payment for something like this?

"The Jedi do not serve any one person, your highness. We will help, but we are not a commodity to trade. The Epicanthix will pay you properly for your assistance."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Hapes

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

"I'm not interested in money," she countered rather quickly. "But I am interested in your help." She dipped her head and realized that Jedi didn't want to feel like their work had monetary value. They wanted to help because it's what they did, so she was going to allow them to. Still, in return for their kindness, she was going to assist the Epicanthix to build up their fleet. Not just as a kind gesture, but also because of what was coming.

She knew the Epicanthix culture well enough to understand that having them fight alongside the Hapans and Alliance would make quite a difference.

"You've heard about the recent terror attacks, I imagine? New intel reports have revealed their whereabouts, but I fear that my people can't handle them without... setbacks." A cleverly chosen word to replace casualties. But she knew that they knew, and that was all that mattered.

"The Sword and Shield should have no problems, however."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Terrorism in Alliance space is something we can't have."

It was still very much a favor for a favor. Kahlil wasn't blind to it. But, well. He still couldn't say no to helping. Jedi would always help those who needed it. He glanced to Valery, giving her a simple nod and a smile before again focusing on the Queen's hologram. "My people will be bringing their own artisans to design the remodels. In the meantime, we can handle the terrorists, yes."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Hapes

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

"Then we have an agreement. We welcome your artisans aboard our shipyards and we will work with them. While you and your wife handle the terrorists, those who came with you are welcome to stay as well." She dipped her head, then gave the signal to cut off comms. Valery just sighed, then glanced at her husband and smiled, "Well, I guess that went about as well as we could have hoped, hm?"

A favor for a favor

"There is something about going after these terrorists that feels... weird. They're bad people, don't get me wrong, but..." she sighed and looked at him with a tilt of her head.

"They aren't the only people who wish the Hapans stopped looking down on men so much." It was even something that weighed into them joining the Alliance in the first place. But the Alliance wasn't in a position to really make demands. "I almost felt like the Queen was even looking at you that way," she then added with a huff.

But that could also just be wife Valery seeing trouble aimed at her husband, where there was none.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"She's welcome to look down on me if she wants. I'm not here to please her, or any of the Hapas people." Politics weren't where he wanted to go. Especially here and now. He was here, after all, to help the Epicanthix at the end of the day. He reached out to ruffle Valery's hair, just a little. She seemed to be taking the Queen's responses far more personally than he was. "A Jedi's duty is to respect the values of all cultures while also ensuring freedom for all. It's a fine line, but we can't let our own personal feelings interfere."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Hapes

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

"I know, I know," Valery said with a pout, even as he ruffled her hair. "I just didn't like her tone to you, that's all." Well, she also didn't like that an Alliance world had views this ancient, but... she wasn't going to be able to change that overnight. It wasn't the focus of their stay here either. These terrorists were trying to solve political issues by killing innocent people, or targeting the Royal Family.

That wasn't the right way to try and change something.

"Next time, I'm shooting her a death glare, though." She smirked, then grabbed his hand to pull him alone. "Let's take the Bastion down? The planet she sent us is Kavan. Hopefully the tunnels are big enough for you~" she teased with a waggle of her eyebrows.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"I will not stand in the way of my Keshain bride reminding other woman why they don't mess with her husband." They were Jedi, but they were also husband and wife. Not even a Queen would be safe from her wrath if they treated him too poorly, he imagined. A death glare would be a very small price for them to pay. He nodded though, smiling. The Bastion would work. He did raise a brow though. Too short of tunnels?

"I didn't realize the Hapes were so short. I should be fine, though."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Kavan

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

"I'm usually not very scary, but if someone messes with you or gets weird, condescending, or flirty..." she rolled her shoulders and huffed. "I'll remind them, alright, and they're not going to be an issue again." She had zero tolerance for people like that, especially after all the crazy things that have happened in their life together already. If anything tried to remotely make itself feel like a threat to her family, she'd tear it apart.

Even a Queen.

"...really? It's not that they're short, it's that you're huge," Valery actually snickered and shook her head as they entered the Bastion and readied themselves to take off.

"Hapans do struggle to see in the dark, so I doubt they'll be spooky dark tunnels at the very least."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"And I'm on the shorter end of my people."

Kahlil snickered in turn. Most species were just shorter than him, he knew. Still, he didn't look forward to having to hunch his way through the tunnels they were going towards. And having to figure out how to see in the dark. Valery could, and he had some ways to help with that. But he was still blind when it got too dark. "We'll make due, I imagine. I'll just have to follow your lead, since I can't see in the dark."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Kavan

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

"Yeah, how do you think that makes me feel?" She asked with a chuckle. "I might actually be the shortest adult on Niv Hani, and I'm not even that small." She said that, and immediately shot him a look. She was expecting him to tease or make some kind of comment about how she was, in fact, kind of small.

But only through the eyes of an Epicanthix. They were just ridiculous, that's all.

"It won't be too dark, or else the Hapans are even more blind than you are. But if we do end up in darkness, just hold my hand and I'll guide you through." She stuck out the tip of her tongue to him and watched the Bastion drop out of Hyperspace near the planet of Kavan.

"Any ideas about how we can best locate their tunnels? Maybe the locals know where they could be hiding?"

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"You very well could be. But I love it so."

He shrugged indifferently. If someone gave her trouble for her height, they'd answer to him. Or her, really. She was just as capable as beating someone down as he was after all. He snickered a bit though, reached down to take her hand in his. Squeezed gently. "Well, I'll hold your hand if I have to, I suppose."

Kahlil nodded again though, looking towards the nearby town once they stepped down off the Bastion. "The locals will probably know things, yes. We should start there. Hopefully they'll be willing to talk."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Kavan

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

"I know you love it. I'm fun size~" she snickered and gently pulled him along towards the ramp while they held hands. "You wouldn't be holding my hand because you have to, but because you love it." She was being cheesy, she knew, but it was meant in a more teasing or playful way. It was also the truth to her — they were holding hands even now, after all.

Together, they stepped out of the Bastion and looked at the village up ahead. It looked peaceful and far quieter than Hapes itself. Not too strange with how closely guarded this area of space has been for decades. The Hapans weren't really the target of any war, and very few other troubles ever reached them.

Out here, it was as if the Second Great Hyperspace War never happened.

Yet... the people felt tense, as soon as they noticed the two approaching Jedi. Some stopped what they were doing to take a look, and others seemed to relocate to avoid them. There was a lot of strange tension in the air.

"...they definitely know something," Valery whispered.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"They do."

Kahlil continued to hold her hand regardless, glancing towards the people that were specifically avoiding them. That meant people weren't going to be too willing to talk. That was going to be it's own kind of trouble. He frowned, squeezed her hand.

"How do you want to handle this?"

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Kavan

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

She looked around and let out a heavy sigh, "What reason do they have to be so tense?" Valery asked him while she held onto his hand too. It wasn't too strange in this scenario, even though they were geared up like Jedi. They were still husband and wife, and she wasn't afraid to show the whole Galaxy that was the case.

"I say we just approach one. It might be uncomfortable for them, or they might not be too willing to talk. But... we need this information." She pulled him along and decided to walk over to another couple. They felt just a little less wary than others, so she was going to pull the answers out of them.

"Hello, I'm Valery and this is my husband, Kahlil," Valery began, but the two Hapans just awkwardly stared, smiled sheepishly and the wife offered a small Hey.

"We uh, were hoping if you could tell us more about the underground here."

Panic rushed into their eyes, and their hearts were starting to pound faster. The woman looked around nervously, and the husband stepped closer to whisper, "They're everywhere. Under us, around us."

"Among us."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"That's pretty sus(picious)."

Kahlil frowned, looking around them. So this was a rebel town? Likely against many of their own beliefs. People often just wanted to live a normal, peaceful life. Not get caught up in the politics of it all. "We just need to know where they meet. If you could tell us, we'll handle the rest, alright?"

Valery Noble