Aftermath (open to Galactic Alliance folks and Naboo people)

[Ashin Varanin]

The Queen's palace, and the attached hangar, held constant and innumerable meetings in cavernous, ornate meeting rooms. One such room -- all marble, bronzium, and art deco chrome -- had been pegged for a discussion on Naboo's future security.

Only days ago, a Darksider had called down a storm on the palace. Lightning rods had blunted the assault, but some structural damage had been done. Notably, debris had fallen in the palace ballroom, and several visiting Force-sensitives had exhausted themselves to keep the debris off the guests. Lady Ajira Cardei, who very publicly was not a Force-user, had retreated to the security office to help coordinate the security response -- to the storm, and to the ultimately impotent mercenaries who had landed in Theed. Some, too, whispered that the First Order had been involved, though why the latest pseudo-Empire would have chosen that act and that moment, Ajira couldn't say. If anything, the attack had driven Naboo into the arms of the Galactic Alliance.

As a senior executive within the Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps (commonly known as Theed Hangar), Ajira had been tasked with leading consultations on future security issues. Various Galactic Alliance bodies and Naboo notables had been informed of this meeting.

For the moment, Ajira sat at the head of an oblong table, sipping R'alla mineral water and poring over security holofootage.

 

[Elaine Thul]

[member="Ajira Cardei"]

Elaine was in the gardens of the palace, she reading a datapad on what they did and did not know about last night. Though most of it was speculative, and the local newspaper did like speculate on these issues. Though she had no idea where to begin herself, and she did not enjoy the ball, as no one asked her to dance. She felt socially awkward there, so she decide to retire to garden area, and just read about the events. She was dressed in casual purple dress, and was leant her back against a tree.

Wondering what to do next.

 

[Loske Treicolt]

She was doing her absolute darnedest not to stutter, stammer, or offer any other visual cue that she was in way over her head. The decree had been issued and thus resulted in an admittance for one to a meeting that, because of their heroism, the Galactic Alliance was privy to. Before her feet had touched the marbled hangar of the Theed palace, she'd been observing. The atmospheric permissions were standard, which was surprising in light of recent events. It helped, of course, that her T-70 was such an obvious Alliance make and that she was racking up a good resume in the skies. In hindsight, she should have appeared in an unmarked vessel - that would have really sent them for a head spin!

[…by the protection of several Alliance Force Users and an overarching shield over the palace.] Frank concluded, finalizing the report that Loske was supposed to be listening to about the whole ordeal that had caused the call for the meeting.

“Son of a murglak those Forcers are crazy. How can humans have that much power - mother nature’s got nothing anymore!” She shook her head, wondering absently if Abel would ever be able to muster that kind of power. En route to the designated room, she chomped on some chewstim - mostly because of her issues when breaking out of hyperspace. She’d forgotten mints, and water just wasn’t going to cut it because on top of the jolt from shift in space to atmosphere, she was really nervous.

[Don’t forget to spit that out.]

“Didn’t Kaili build a disposer in you?”

[Don’t you dare.]

She merely afforded a thoughtful smile, light eyes glancing skyward innocently as she leaned against one of the massive doors that led to yet another foyer. It was wholly unbeknownst to her, that her injected ancestors had once walked in these halls, and ruled this planet with an iron fist. A story for another time, perhaps.

Frank gave a warning beep, indicating that his internal map was complete and that the next door would be the one to the meeting room.

“Are we late?”

[On time. In some cultures though, that counts as late.]

“We’ll worry about it when we’re contending with those cultures then. Can we not right now.” Making as much eye contact as a sentient could possibly with a non-sentient (though the AI made that a little confusing), Loske confirmed no more backtalk would be provided before she pushed against the entryway that lead to [member="Ajira Cardei"]’s called meeting.

“Hi,” upon entrance the stretched table would be enough to make Loske think twice. Someone of a higher caliber and more authority should probably be sitting here, but, as proxy, she had some realm of appropriate calls to make in regards to star fighters. She chalked it up as being [member="Sieb Tevv"]’s favourite. Her salutations to the room wasn’t so short as a single syllable. While the attendance was peppered, she assumed the lady at the head was in charge. Did she give her a handshake? Uhm, she best not sit without any sort of permission. “Loske Matson, Galactic Alliance’s aerial representative.” The only one? Maybe. Who knew. Probably not.

Not to worry, all decisions would be processed for confirmation. "Where would you like me to sit?" Best not to presume these things! Self importance was not good when people were bigger.

Ah chit. Her chewstim.


[member="Elaine Thul"]

 

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily, now the Princess of Dee'ja Peak had summoned an entire regiment of the Emerald Guard to Theed to assist with damage assessment and repaired. She was accompanied by one of her ladies in waiting and the senior officer in command of the regiment as she made her way to the meeting with the rest of the important Naboo figures who would be discussing repairs and upgrades to secure the palace in the future, all led by [member="Ajira Cardei"].

As she entered the room where they would be meeting she bowed her heard in courtesy and took her seat, the lady and officer sitting on either side.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

A Theed Hangar aide came out to invite [member="Elaine Thul"] to the meeting.

Inside, Ajira sipped her R'alla, then set it aside as [member="Loske Matson"] and [member="Cecily Demici"] came in. "Officer Matson, welcome. Lady Demici, you and your associates are welcome too. If any of you need refreshments, we have mineral water and light pastries. Feel free to sit anywhere."

She paid special attention to the Demici commander who'd accompanied Lady Cecily. Recent events with Feena Mason's progeny and his house security forces had made it clear that the Naboo political situation could be complex. House security forces weren't always completely known quantities. Still, she sensed no danger from the commander, and the Demici forces in the city were nothing if not helpful.

"I'm Lady Ajira Cardei; I work for Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps. Theed Hangar's security forces have been tasked with coordinating outreach and consultations on future security arrangements, hence this meeting. It's clear to all of us, I think, and to Her Majesty's Office, that we need to present a united and coordinated front so far as security goes. That goes for the Naboo system, the planet, and the city. For example, Her Majesty's Office has instructed the Space Vessel Engineering Corps to offer repair, refit, and basing resources to Galactic Alliance system defense forces. We have Tier Four shipyards on the planet and around Ohma-D'un, and appropriate facilities on the other moons. That, however, is only one element of a united security policy. I've been asked to request your input on any and all matters related to security."

 

[Elaine Thul]

[member="Ajira Cardei"]

Elaine listened to aid, and his gracious invite to a security meeting, no doubt it was about unfortunate events of yesterday, and not the fact no one danced with her. She listened to her introduction, and what she assets she had available they where more than her to be sure. She had only one thing she could added, and she was not sure it was going to be useful against that type of threat. She decide to give her two option she did have, I do have armoury company, mainly to make weapons for my own forces, to be honest. Though I do make two peice of equipment that might help, though I think I have to make a better AA weapon, to take down what that was. She then gave her the holo data her S.A.M. battery, though this was designed to take out bombers, not some woman flying in mid air. She also gave her data for the Howler, as it could double up as aa defense, but relied on area effect than accuracy. She waited to see what others thought, but she was in her mind already thinking of a better missile to combat such a threat.

 

[Loske Treicolt]

Mmm, pastries!

Perhaps this is why people got into politics. At any Rogue meeting, there were never any delicacies. Or actually, bite her tongue - Admiral Tevv gave them dinner once or twice. He was a good soul.

It was also probably for the connections. Loske was now sitting with a House Lady and a Space Vessel Engineer. How cool and useful could both of those connections be?

Loske took a seat nearest the pile of pastries, but before reaching for one, she thought she’d offer some worth to what she was here for. [member="Elaine Thul"] was the faster speaker, though! And her armaments were better provided too.

“Are those shipyards around Ohma-D’un defended?”

Bite your tongue, Little Loske. This is how easy promises can be made.

[member="Elaine Thul"] | [member="Ajira Cardei"] | [member="Cecily Demici"]

 

[Soleil Ishtar]

[member="Loske Matson"] [member="Ajira Cardei"] [member="Cecily Demici"] [member="Jamie Pyne"] [member="Marcello Matteo"]


Things never happen as planned. Things can happen in an instant. They could come without warning and without mercy.

Andromeda Versai, Queen of Naboo, had known for a long time now that she was running a ticking clock. Through her term as the Princess of Theed and the subsequent reign as the Queen of Naboo, she had done all she could to ensure that her people would be looked after. That they would have their independence and be able to live freely as they had in the past. Perhaps, to a degree, she had managed that.

At age sixteen she had done much as a political power her short life. One would hope that she would be remembered for the good, for everything she did had been done with the best of intentions.

Pity, then, for one to die so young.

---

The announcement was set early in the morning. Her Majesty, Queen Andromeda Versai, died in her sleep the night before. No foul play was found, as it was discovered that the Queen had long since been suffering the effects of Quannots Syndrome.

A tempory measure has been put into place for an interim Queen, while all matter of bringing to popular vote a new one shall commence within all typical procedures of Naboo democratic policy.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Elaine Thul"] [member="Loske Matson"]

"Anti-fighter ground emplacements are a useful thing to have close at hand, Miss Thul. So far, we've relied on outsystem exports for equipment like that. I'm of the opinion that buying Naboo-built gear, increasing our system's overall production capability and military self-sufficiency, is an ideal end goal.

"Yes, Representative Matson, Theed Hangar has its own defense forces. Mostly small ships, though, at this stage. Theed Hangar is comfortable with its defensive arrangements, but the recent incidents demonstrated that we can't defend our shipyards at the same time as we defend other strategic interests. Thankfully, that's a niche that the Galactic Alliance system defense forces fit as neatly as the Techno Union did, and naturally we'll provide the same repair, resupply, and production services to the Alliance that we did for the Union."

Ajira looked down at her datapad as a priority message came through. A moment later, other datapads and comms around the room began to buzz, all sharing the same news.

This put all sorts of things in a new light. Nothing that directly, immediately affected this meeting, so far as she knew offhand, but certainly decisions that had been made in past weeks.

"Ladies and gentlemen," she said to the assembled representatives, "it saddens me to inform you that Her Majesty [member="Andromeda Versai"] has passed away. At this time, the Royal Security Force does not suspect foul play." Her notice included a palace-eyes-only note that suggested an undisclosed illness had been responsible, but that wasn't Ajira's place to discuss. "A press release will be issued shortly, and Naboo's interim constitutional procedures will take effect. Naturally this will affect decision-making for future security options. Until then, we can continue to cooperate within our respective authorities and discretion." She stood. "I'm afraid this meeting must be postponed; Her Majesty's Office is requesting my presence immediately. Thank you all for coming."

 

[Ria Misrani]

After her little stunt on Thissipi- whatever, Ria managed a ride back into more familiar territory. Or, friendlier territory to be honest - she'd seen something or other from Theed Hangar. Something about helping Naboo after a dark lord strike - attack. Ria's always had a habit of stepping out of one poodoo of a mess and into another. So it felt nice to get some real experience in engineering, well - kinda. She was here to see if anyone could use a slicer. Engineering seemed to be more of a [member="[/FONT][FONT='lucida sans unicode']Runi[/FONT][FONT='lucida sans unicode'] Verin"] thing, of whom she hoped to see again. She paid her transport and headed for the place, satchel and bandoleer secure her utility belt also in place. She'd lost a little bit of weight between running from Sithspawn, shooting them, trying not to die and then deciding that taking care of actual Sith acolytes was a good idea.

Thankfully the latter did not require her to do more than simply getting them to leave their precious compound and letting the Mandalorians take care of the rest. Exhaling she kept a hand on the brim of her hat. Which as usual made her look something out of a space western, especially with how her duster trailed along. Hovering just above the floor, looking around she just sorta stared at the damage. "Karkin' feth..." She says, and maybe it's a little too loud but she couldn't help it. "What in the blue abyss."

Is this what things looked like after a real dark lord got done with a place? She'd been so focused on looking up and around at all the damage above her, she didn't see the debris in front of her. Ria tripped over a few pieces in rapid succession. "Sweet Twi'lekkian dancers!" She yelped stumbling forward. Workers looked her way and she gave them a nervous look. "Sorry."

She's not sure where or who to report to. "Hey, ain't you one of those, Outbackers?" Says a guy to her, as she tries to avoid work tools.

"Yeah, one of them Kathol folk!" Someone else mentions, "yeah that ring! Look she's got the ring!"

"Wha?" Ria asks and looks down just as someone much, bigger begins to 'escort' her. "Whoa, hey I just came looking for a paying-ing, gig, um where are we going?"

"The lady will want to speak to you." He says, whoever he was - he was big and Ria wasn't about to argue with guys bigger than her. At least none that weren't also part of the Outback? She guessed? There's a polite knock, before security answers and allows them in. Ria has no idea who these people are, she didn't even recognize any one of them. Thankfully it seemed that meeting had just ended. "M'lady." Said guy greets, "a member of the Outback."

Ria's mouth is agape and she looks around, "uh." Clearing her throat she dusted herself off and gave the big guy a glare, before looking around. "Uh, yeah I'm Ria Misrani. I um, I was in Kathol and then Thissis- um so I saw a thing from Theed Hangar and then..." She nervously gestures. "I'm a slicer." Licking her lips. "Um... yeah, that's all I got."


[member="Ajira Cardei"]

 

[Elaine Thul]

[member="Ajira Cardei"] [member="Ria Misrani"] [member="Andromeda Versai"] [member="Loske Matson"]

She listened to the woman in charge, as she spoke about the need to get naboo to make it own stuff. She ponder for a moment, and replied I can always open a factory here, with permission of course. She new this was probably not what she meant, but it was worth a shot, after all she did need new customers. As she waited for a reply, news came in the queen had died. She hung her head for a moment, as sign of respect she did not really know her, but she was royalty not just nobility like her. So she knew there would be funeral arrangements soon enough, and she would be expected to attend. As she lifted her head another woman came in, she most of not got the news she seemed a little jovial considering. She decide not to say anything but let other speak first, as it was not her world, and nor was it her queen that just died, she only wished it was.

 

[Marcello Matteo]

Naboo Countryside
Veruna Estate

Strands of long blonde hair fell around the slightly weathered features of Marcello as he leaned over a table, signing off on a number of letters. Time had continued to slip by at an almost staggering rate. As the rise and fall of the sun hearkened each new day, the Jedi Master found his time increasingly sequestered on his homeworld of Naboo. During the most recent struggle to befall the planet, Marcello had played no integral role, not really. Instead, his efforts had been localized, helping to assist the many citizens of Naboo that had suffered in one matter or another in recent years to the best of his abilities.

He had not succeeded with all of them, but that was never truly his expectation or desire. Marcello believed in being realistic. He knew that, alone, he could never hope to safeguard the entirety of a planet. He was thankful and fortunate for the help of countless individuals and not just the capable members of the Galactic Alliance. So...the Lord of House Veruna sat quietly, writing and signing letters of thanks to several key individuals; human and gungan alike. There were dispatches for the Galactic Alliance as well, but those did not strike as close to his heart. He knew they would be here, stalwart when Naboo required them, but that was the life they had signed up for, devoted their lives to. The people of Naboo did not sign up to be constantly entrenched in battle and struggle with other organizations.

There was a time when Marcello had been selfish enough to turn his back on the planet and its people. A time...when the Jedi Master thought Naboo too stuffy and restrictive. A point where Marcello Matteo honestly believed everyone on the planet merely cared for themselves. Fortunately for everyone, time and a life of war had matured the Jedi Master to a more realistic, rationale point of view. Undoubtedly, the selfish still remained in various areas, but what he had once thought was self-importance, he recognized as pride and tradition. In recent times, it was the guidance of their characteristically young Queen that had given Marcello hope. Though the woman was endlessly intelligent and patient, she lacked the life experience to shoulder the burdens of a galaxy at war. The support arrayed around her had been...well...it had been helpful to the extent it was capable. 'Good enough', however, was not enough.

"Lord Matteo."

Marcello's eyelids slid shut to cover his glacier-blue orbs as he exhaled heavily. "I have asked you repeatedly to stop calling me that."

"Sir, a message has just been dispatched by the Royal Palace."

Slowly, Marcello turned to regard the protocol droid with a curious expression.

"The Queen has died, sir."

It sounded so...empty and metallic coming from a droid, but Marcello supposed that was why he'd preferred the protocol droid. The idea of a sentient being waiting on him hand and foot had been...uncomfortable for the Jedi. "I see. Thank you, George." Marcello also hated random designations. Returning his attention to the letters, the Jedi Master could sense that his protocol droid was lingering. "Is there something else?"

"Sir I just... Are you certain that you should not be present at this meeting?"

Marcello really wanted to roll his eyes. In truth, he should have made plans to attend the meeting called by [member="Ajira Cardei"] regardless, but he'd believed it to be of a concern more for those with official leadership positions within the Naboo and Galactic Alliance governments. Not that he supposed it mattered. Marcello had really tried not to be involved in Naboo government affairs at a fairly high level, going as far as to liquidate and donate a healthy majority of his assets and holdings to the government in exchange for House Veruna no longer being recognized as a Major House. Marcello envisioned this to give him some element of freedom, to detach him from the ring of the more powerful noble families. In truth it had been a penance he forced himself to serve for the sins of his ancestors. In Marcello's mind it was hardly enough. Then [member="Andromeda Versai"] had asked him to consider accepting a position as a member of the Royal Advisory Council. His response had been...to ask for time to think. Marcello was completely, utterly not a politician. He said what came to his mind, and he couldn't really suffer lengthy meetings that accomplished nothing.

Standing, Marcello glared at the droid for a moment. "In light of this news? I'm positive that I should not be present." Lest he be prompted to cave in the teeth of some pompous noble in attendance with nothing of real value to contribute. "However, I owe Andromeda and Naboo at least the effort to contribute." A rustle of fabric was the only sound that echoed in the wake of Marcello's departure. In a matter of minutes he was at the controls of his modified N-1T and rocketing towards Theed.

Once he was at altitude, the Jedi Master keyed in his communicator to connect with a transmission frequency belonging to Rogur Bow, the nominal leader of the Gungans. "Blondie Jee-die!"

Marcello just rolled his eyes.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Ria Misrani"]

The Queen's death sent shockwaves through the combined schedules of Theed's upper crust. Security being a paramount concern, however, the rest of the meeting was rescheduled for a time later that day.

Thankfully it seemed that meeting had just ended. "M'lady." Said guy greets, "a member of the Outback." Ria's mouth is agape and she looks around, "uh." Clearing her throat she dusted herself off and gave the big guy a glare, before looking around. "Uh, yeah I'm Ria Misrani. I um, I was in Kathol and then Thissis- um so I saw a thing from Theed Hangar and then..." She nervously gestures. "I'm a slicer." Licking her lips. "Um... yeah, that's all I got."

Ajira looked up from a complex set of documents. She'd just finished approving a request from [member="Elaine Thul"] to open a small production facility on Naboo, with an eye to building anti-air defenses for Theed Hangar security purposes. "The Kathol Outback? Well, Miss Misrani, that's downright neighbourly of you. As I'm sure you've heard, Her Majesty died this morning, and we're all playing catchup. We're reconvening for a security meeting shortly. If you're here to offer your assistance in beefing up our security, you're more than welcome."

Her comm buzzed. It displayed a short message, an RSVP from the office of [member="Marcello Matteo"]. He'd be attending the rescheduled meeting after all. Interesting fellow, Matteo, though she only knew him by reputation. Apparently he'd gone to great lengths to remove his noble house from certain kinds of formal status. He was on record as a current or former Jedi -- if there was any difference in this day and age of desperate convocations, fractured allegiance, and piecemeal cooperation. She wondered which of the Jedi Councils he answered to, if any. Regardless, she'd need to be especially careful about her Force signature's concealment.

 

[Ria Misrani]

The young slicer had walked in on the tail end of this deal, she looked toward the one and bowed out of respect. Man, oh man she was nervous as all get out. Ria grimace sure she might've heard about it? Though it wasn't anything to her, the lady hadn't been her Queen. "Uh, you- you have my condolences." That's what people said during these sorta things, right? Clearing her throat as she realized she'd been addressed as Miss Misrani. Holy bantha bells, someone thought she was something to be reckoned with. Or they were just being very nice about things. Er, a meeting? A meeting? Security? Where was General Merrill or that Corellian Jedi guy from Demonsgate weren't they the more 'official' folk of the Outback?

Kark, how do you get yourself into these things, Ria girl? She thinks to herself, and then looks over to C-Caarr-dei, Cardei. Right. "I would be honored." Her hands coming together, head tilted to the side. She's pretty sure that's what people said during these type of big meetings. "I will, will return later this afternoon with security things, and blueprints and things, stuff." Clearing her voice, "I'm gonna go now-erm, I'll return later." Ria nearly smacked herself right into the security dude's chest.

She turned and ducked under the security guy's arm and walked back out into the more, 'open' hallway. Open but not by choice, she imagined. Ria had to get on a holo to the Outback, and fast. "So where's, where's a holo from where a girl can call home to?" She asked someone and they pointed her in the appropriate direction. Ria ran for it and just as soon as she could slammed in a line home. General, General... Jorus? This guy's first name is Jorus? Okay, whatever, [member="Jorus Merrill"] here we go.

"General Mer." She stopped got herself together. "General Jorus Merrill, sir." Ria took a moment and breathed, in and out, in and out. "I am here on Naboo, sir. I'm here for this security meeting? The Queen of Naboo just passed away, sir. What do I do, what do I say, sir? I think some of the big wigs of the Galactic Alliance are here, sir." She didn't wanna throw away her shot, but here she was on this big planet with a room full of people with wigs bigger than her gun. "I, I'm Ria Misrani, sir. I don't know if you remember me, sir. I just, I just don't wanna throw away our shot. I want, I'd like to represent the Outback here, officially, General Merrill, sir."

@Ajira Cardei [member="Elaine Thul"]

ooc: one of these days I'm gonna be able to write her posts w/o listening to Hamilton...

 

[Marcello Matteo]

((NPCing a few people at the behest/approval of [member="Andromeda Versai"]))

Theed
Nayva Estate

The dark blue N-1T landed gracefully at a pre-appointed landing pad at the rear of the Nayva's Estate at the edge of Theed. Once the vessel had been shut down, the Rogue Master depressed a button to open the vessel's bubble canopy. Dressed in what passed for casual on Naboo and formal most other places in the galaxy, the large figure of Marcello emerged from the comparatively small interceptor.

Following a short jump down to the stone landing pad, Marcello briefly adjusted the dark blue folds of his cloak that he wore over a tunic with an identical shade of blue and gold trim. Just beyond the boundary of the landing pad, a stately man stood waiting. It was evident to Marcello that the man appeared serene on the surface. However, the Jedi knew better than to trust his own glacier-blue gaze in this instance. Through the Force, Marcello could sense the despair lingering in the pit of Aarisar Nayva's soul.

Rather than force an unnecessary smile, Marcello approached the man with a somber look of his own. He hadn't known Andromeda well, but he knew her well enough to recognize the period of mourning to follow would not be comfortable for anyone. Still...they would all have to soldier on. Stopping just before the Baron of Theed, Marcello offered a polite half-bow. "Lord Nayva - thank you for accepting my audience."

Aarisar dipped his head slightly in recognition of his guest. Stepping forward, he extended a strong hand. "Lord Matteo. Welcome. Oh my apologies...is Master Matteo a more comfortable fit?"

Marcello managed a slight smirk in spite of himself. "Marcello will do just fine, Your Grace." Grasping the man's hand firmly, Marcello gave it a single shake before releasing and moving to follow the man towards the estate.

"Very well, Marcello. It would seem we are not without visitors this day...with the public news of our daughter's passing."

Marcello arched a curious brow. "Oh?"

Aarisar Nayva offered a slight nod of confirmation. "Princess Xerian arrived just an hour ago. She is inside with Neari."

The Princess of Theed. Well then...it seemed that Marcello had inadvertently stepped into quite the convocation of powerful individuals. "I see." Abruptly, Marcello halted his progress. "It is not my intention to intrude, Lord Nayva. I merely wished to convey my condolences in a more personal forum, but if you are entertaining official guests..."

Aarisar turned casually towards the tall Jedi Master. Marcello was only a handful of years his junior, and Aarisar respected the man for not only the quality of his past, negative interactions with the government and all, but for his recent actions as well. It was certainly...uncommon for a member of the nobility to effectively donate the vast majority of their fortune to the people of Naboo. It was even more rare for such an action not to be leveraged against the government for increased political power. Aarisar and the rest of his family understood the seemingly time-honored tradition of electing youth into positions of power. However, he selfishly felt that perhaps the pressure was...a bit much for today's youth. Children simply were not raised in the same environment these days. There was too much they had yet to understand. "Please, Marcello. Giving up your fortune and retreating to the countryside does not change the quality of who you are. You did not grow up in the world of nobility...yet your actions have proven to be more noble than can be counted on this galaxy."

Marcello swallowed uncomfortably. In that precise moment, he really wanted to leave. "Thank you for the kind words, but I do not th---"

Aarisar raised a hand. "You are the last descendant of House Veruna. There is a history there that cannot be ignored...for better or worse. You have a responsibility even if you prefer to ignore it. Besides..." Aarisar managed to crack a thin smile. "I've already informed Neari of your arrival." Leaning in slightly, Aarisar whispered to Marcello unnecessarily. "She's quite fond of you and the stories of your life, Master Matteo." Aarisar allowed his smirk to subside as he shrugged and continued walking. "It must be the hair."

Marcello managed a brief chuckle as the aforementioned hair partially concealed his features during their walk towards the estate.

"Oh if she... No...when she mentions the fact that you haven't married that pretty Jedi you're so frequently seen in the company of...just ignore her. She's very...traditional...and rather thinks you should already have at least a wife if not that and two children."

Little did they all know... "Rogur Bow of the Gungans sends his condolences as well, and he intends to be present at the funeral ceremony." Smooth transition.

((OOC: When you all are ready to proceed with the meeting, just go ahead. I'll finish vamping on this other stuff at that time.))

[member="Ria Misrani"] | [member="Ajira Cardei"] | [member="Loske Matson"] | [member="Elaine Thul"] | [member="Cecily Demici"]

 

[Elaine Thul]

[member="Marcello Matteo"] [member="Ria Misrani"] [member="Ajira Cardei"] [member="Andromeda Versai"] [member="Loske Matson"] [member="Cecily Demici"]

She looked at Ajira as she agreed to let set a factory up locally, to help Naboo out and her own people. She said in somber voice ​I shall make the necessary arrangements, then looked at the other woman as well. She had no scowl on her face, as the other woman had no idea that the tone had just changed, it was just unfortunate. Also the outback was near her new homeworld, so it would pay to be polite to them. I shall see you both in the briefing later, and we see what the needs of naboo are, and how else I can help. She gave polite bow, and head off. She would need to get changed, as purple was not a colour of mourning. So she need to wear something more appropriate, to the meeting later.

 

[Loske Treicolt]

Representative Matson, eh? That sounded neat. Orbital defences in lieu of the Techno Union? It sounded dark, but in the reality of protection and governance, it would make sense that such agreements would be made. She nodded in comprehension, and moved to open her mouth and respond but electronics interrupted that. Frank, her AI companion, rocked slightly by her chair an she turned to look at him. Before she could open the message herself, [member="Ajira Cardei"] had announced the queen’s sudden death.

“Wait what..” Was all Loske could intelligibly recite. It’s not that she knew the queen, but for something to happen so naturally seemed almost unnatural. The only deaths she heard about were in combat; the sense of someone drifting away seemed so….. foreign. She was in baffled silence until the hostess of the meeting directed their next steps. People started moving now, whispering amongst themselves about the news and what implications this would have on their own agendas. Loske continued to sit, peeling at the flakes of a croissant and placing them on her tongue and sort of swishing them from cheek to cheek while observing the ripple effect that took place throughout the room.

Soon, the ornately decorated chamber was empty save for Loske and her droid companion. The croissant was finished and she leaned back.

“Think we may be in over our heads here, Frankie.”

[No, you are in over your head.]

--

The message about the meeting being postponed to .. approximately now-ish, Loske was killing time around Theed's royal gardens.
"Do we go back in there?"

[It's the same meeting you were just at. I'd say, logically, yes.]

She tilted her wrist and looked at her chrono, lips pursing ever so slightly in consideration.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Loske Matson"] [member="Elaine Thul"] [member="Marcello Matteo"] [member="Ria Misrani"] [member="Cecily Demici"]

Aides and messages facilitated the participants' return to the rescheduled meeting. Ajira, fresh from a standing lunch and seventeen five-minute meetings, looked out over a party of altered composition. Her Majesty's death this morning had changed the security landscape and more nobles and officials were present now.

"Looks like we're still trickling in, but I think we'll get started in a moment. Thank you all for coming. This morning, before we heard the news, we discussed a few points that I'll go over now.

"It's clear to all of us that the Naboo system, especially Theed, needs a more comprehensive security approach. These consultations are designed to air concerns and facilitate cooperation between Her Majesty's Office, Naboo noble houses, local corporations, other concerned parties, and the Galactic Alliance. One of our goals is to increase short-term security. Another is to build Naboo's self-sufficiency, especially in military production capacity. To that end, the Theed Palace Space Vessel Corps of Engineers just contracted with several Naboo firms to provide military materiel on an exceptional and short-term basis, to shore up defenses. We've also agreed to provide repair, refit, and refuelling services to the Galactic Alliance.

"That's where we stand so far. The meeting hadn't been going long before we heard the news, so we're effectively ready to start fresh. Ladies, gentlemen, you have the floor. Where does Naboo's security fall short, and what solutions can you offer?"

 

[Jorus Merrill]

"General Mer." She stopped got herself together. "General Jorus Merrill, sir." Ria took a moment and breathed, in and out, in and out. "I am here on Naboo, sir. I'm here for this security meeting? The Queen of Naboo just passed away, sir. What do I do, what do I say, sir? I think some of the big wigs of the Galactic Alliance are here, sir." She didn't wanna throw away her shot, but here she was on this big planet with a room full of people with wigs bigger than her gun. "I, I'm Ria Misrani, sir. I don't know if you remember me, sir. I just, I just don't wanna throw away our shot. I want, I'd like to represent the Outback here, officially, General Merrill, sir."

Far, far away, Jorus switched his attention from the Gypsymoth's helm controls to the tiny holodisplay of [member="Ria Misrani"]. He glanced over at Beyyr, a wordless question about Misrani's reliability, and the big Wookiee nodded once.

"Sounds good to me, Misrani. You're our eyes on the ground there. Don't get us into any wars, don't lose us any friends, don't make any specific promises we can't deliver on. If the Alliance gets uppity with you about anything, remind'em we're the one and only reason they have guns that can ignore shields, yeah?" He rubbed the back of his neck, pondering. "And tell'em someone from the top staff will be heading there for the funeral. Me, Beyyr, someone with general or admiral rank. Least we can do. If you've got any questions or run into and problems, hit me up on this number again."

 

[Ria Misrani]

Somehow a rag-tag slicer who sometimes is in need of a shower ended up at one of the biggest meetings she's ever been to. In fact, it was made even more important after the death of the Queen. She was just a slicer from the Smuggler's Moon and now here she was dressed in commoner's clothing at this security meeting. She wasn't even Merrill's right-hand girl, she was just a girl and now she was the girl in the middle of this whole karkin' thing. The young blonde stood in silence, observing as she's done in meetings past when the Runners would meet at some random point with some cheeky little code name. She watched this person talk, and listened to what they had to say and what it was they were saying.

Ria personally couldn't see anything, she'd just gotten there. Honestly, if someone wants to know where the holes were in their security. It sounded like the idea Outback game, who could do it better? They were smugglers, sometimes con-artists, and exiles that had more than a few unsavory talents. Then she remembered that General Merrill told her not to say things that they couldn't deliver on. Although she figured it was at least something for them to run by the other Runners.

"If I may?" Ria asks speaking up from the back, and she gets nervous seeing all these important people turn their eyes on her. "If I may, ma'am." She works up her confidence. "I'd like to offer condolences on behalf of Generals Merrill and Beyyr of the Kathol Outback." The blonde takes a moment to pause and breathe, nervous as all feth. "Perhaps some of us Run- erm, Outback operatives?" Goddess she wanted to cringe. "Operatives, could assist you? A small team of us, could run for Naboo and see where your holes are, ma'am."

"As I mentioned earlier, I'm a slicer. Grew up on Nar Shaddaa." She rolls her eyes the moment she hears the groans. Ria grits her teeth as to not mouth off right then and there. "Maybe if, if I could get a team of us?" Clearing her throat, "what I mean to say is. I just got here, I have no clue where your security holes are. I probably won't know unless you let me work your system." And to that extent, "so if I can pull a small team of four of us, including myself - and if Theed is alright with it. We could work your system?"

Squaring her shoulders. "And we'll have one of our actual, um. We'll have a General or Admiral..." We have Admirals? She thinks to herself, kark - when did we get one of those? "For the funeral." Too soon? Too soon. "That's, that's all." Ria steps back as fast as she can and her face flushes red with a combination of nerves, embarrassment, and anxiety or as she likes to put it the need to find a hole and crawl into it.

[member="Ajira Cardei"] | [member="Loske Matson"] | [member="Elaine Thul"] | [member="Marcello Matteo"] | [member="Cecily Demici"]