And It Is Surely to Their Credit | First Order

[Natasi Fortan]

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[member="Rolf Amsel"] | [member="Irajah Ven"] | [member="Marzena Vaas"] | [member="Valessia Brentioch"]​

Other First Order members welcome!​

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The Avalonia Grand Hotel - Avalonia, Dosuun​

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Once again, the Avalonia Grand Hotel was playing host to the First Order's social event -- this one, honoring the heroes of the Siege of Dosuun. The debris that had littered the streets had been hauled away, the streets themselves scrubbed clean, but there were still chunks of the Avalonia skyline missing, and the city was more subdued than usual. Natasi, who had had a major hand in designing the city herself, felt the change, like the injury of her own child. She hoped that a good old fashioned ceremony would start the ball rolling on healing the nation of the wounds it still nursed from the devastating Ssi-Ruu invasion.

The Grand Moff arrived with her cousin Pierce, who served as her escort. The press were lined up on the sidewalk outside the hotel, and lights on cameras flashed as reporters and the public alike clamored for attention. Natasi was not the only famous person who was scheduled to attend, but as the ostensible hostess of the event, she was among the first. Getting around was still a minor inconvenience, which is why Pierce was there. He helped her without looking too much like he was helping her. Though the Ministry of Culture and the First Order State Media had capitalized, over Natasi's strong objections, on her injuries during the Battle of Avalonia, the true extent of Natasi's injuries during the siege had not been detailed to the press. It would not have done to have people know that one of their leaders was crippled.

They wouldn't know what to do with that information. They wouldn't know what to think.

Pierce held her by the sides as she leaned into the crowd to sign autographs and shake hands. It was nearly ten minutes before she was able to pull herself free of the crowds and enter the lobby, where she was met by the hotel's events coordinator, who talked her through all the preparations. "As you requested, the Lotus Club is open for the Government's use and the bartenders have been given instructions to avoid over-serving, again as you requested."

"And on the other side of the lobby we have the ceremony room. Chairs are all lined up in the front of the room and there will be passed hors d'ouvres and champagne served until the ceremony begins at nineteen hundred hours sharp. The cases containing the medals and certificates arrived and are being held in the hotel vault until the ceremony begins. Also, the audio team has set up a podium at the head of that room, under the clock, and it is wired for sound."

"And of course the Orchid Room is laid out for dinner per your specifications. A pianist will play during the dinner service. Is there anything else you'll need, Grand Moff?"

"No," Natasi said as she gave one final look around the dining room. Not a fork, not a bloom, not a piece of glassware was out of place. The Avalonia Grand surely knew what they were doing. "You've done a splendid job, as always. Can you please have the guests of honor escorted to my seat in the Lotus Club when they arrive?" The guests would have received word that they were being honored by the First Order Government, and that the privilege of their company was requested on this day and time, but the details of the honor had been left vague. Natasi hoped that curiosity, if not devotion to the First Order, would cause them to appear.

A thought occurred to Natasi as the coordinator walked off. She lifted a hand. "Excuse me -- there was one other thing. For the dessert menu -- this may seem like a silly question, but -- is there some sort of cake on the dessert menu? It's rather important."

The coordinator checked at her datapad then looked up. "Chef has prepared two cakes, actually -- a pink champagne gateau with rum custard filling and a light whipped frosting, and a traditional chocolate cake with chocolate mousse filling and white chocolate ganache. Will that be all, madam?"

"Yes -- quite, thank you."

Natasi watched her go, then went with Pierce to the Lotus Club. They knew it well; they had both spent many nights here. The bartender knew them, and prepared their drinks, dispatching a waitress to their usual spot in the reserved section where they waited, talking between themselves, for the hotel to fill with First Order patrios.

 

[Kuzo]

"Azi give it back!"

It was a good thing her shoes were still by the door. Chasing the biot around the living room would have been even more ridiculous in those heels. Raj feinted to the right of the table, then dodged in, snatching the silver chain dangling from Azi's mouth.

"Found it!" She called over her shoulder to [member="Boo Chiyo"], who was helping search in the other room. Azi curled around her right leg and Irajah went clumping back into her bedroom to consult the mirror. She didn't often wear jewelry, so it took a minute to secure the clasp and set it to rights. She frowned at her reflection. Finding high necked, long sleeved dresses was not particularly easy. At least in this one she didn't look like someone's grandmother. Soft, slightly clinging fabric in midnight blue, it went down to just below her knees.

She paused, reaching over to pick up the invitation on the dresser. She turned it over and over in her hands, brow furrowed slightly. Besides the wedding of @Marzena Vaas and [member="Ludolf Vaas"], Irajah hadn't really been involved in First Order *society*. It wasn't exactly her comfort zone. But..... why not?

"Ready to go Boo?"

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena made her way towards the venue, trying her best to appear comfortable and at ease, when she was anything but. She had painted on a dazzling smile, and raised her manicured hand to greet the crowd that had gathered outside of the venue. The details regarding the event itself had been few, but it was being hosted by the Grand Moff herself. Needless to say, Marzena’s expectations had been adjusted accordingly. There was no doubt that the dinner would be classy, sophisticated, and very tasteful. She smiled at the thought; it would be nice to see [member="Natasi Fortan"]. It had been quite a while since their paths had last crossed.

For her own part, she was dressed in the last formal maternity gown that still fit. Black was slimming, but it would certainly not hide how very pregnant she was. With only a few weeks to go, she had been enduring comments from everyone she knew, and even some complete strangers. “Wow, look at you! You’re huge!” or “Are you sure you’re not having twins?” Marzena had concluded that there was just something about pregnancy that made people forget their social graces and blurt out the first thing that came to mind about her appearance.

Though she desperately longed to be at home with her feet up, she was never one to turn down a social event – not even when she didn’t have a date. Unfortunately, her husband was unable to attend, and had sent her on her way with his regrets. It was strange to be out in the evening without him by her side, but she knew that she would still have a good time. As expected, the members of the media were out in full force, Marzena took a couple of moments to pose for photos and offer quick words where she could. Just as she was about to make her way up the stairs and into the Avalonia Grand Hotel, she paused and looked over her shoulder.

Had she heard someone calling her name? Her dark eyes scanned the crowd of reporters, it was difficult to tell. With a small shrug, her hand slipped into her clutch and retrieved a compact and a tube of lipstick. Just a quick touch up before going in…

 

[Natasi Fortan]

It was Lydia's first time covering a big event for the Avalonia Broadcasting Station, and she couldn't have been more nervous. The pomp and circumstance with which the First Order held its events harkened Lydia back to the days of her youth on Galidraan. The influence of the Grand Moff, perhaps Galidraan's most famous ex-patriate, was felt in the movement of the guards, the setup of the rooms, and in little touches that even Lydia couldn't quite pinpoint but instinctively grasped as 'home'.

She stood in the crowd to the right of the door, with the rest of the reporters, and she had her cameraman with her. Lydia was covering the style section today -- not her favorite beat, but it was surely an improvement over sanitation -- and so she was taking notes on the famous faces that entered the hotel, calling out to them for comments on their attendance and their fashion. She jotted down designer labels, complimented jewelry and accessories, and tried to flag down celebrities.

[member="Marzena Vaas"] was one of the most famous women in the First Order, having a successful career in pop music before her well-publicized affair with and marriage to [member="Ludolf Vaas"]. She had been feted in several First Order publications, including the Cloud City Chronicle, and as much as Liddy would have wanted to get an exclusive for her own station -- well, the one she worked for, anyway -- it was probably not the time. Still, it couldn't hurt to establish a contact. "Marzena! Ms. Choi!" she called, holding up her hand and waving. "Who are you wearing?"

 

[Ria Misrani]

Avalonia, Dosuun
The Avalonia Grand

Aria wore a simple black gown as she walked through the doors of the Avalonia Grand Hotel. She admired the architecture and the way that the hotel felt as she entered, greeted promptly she did not deny the offer to have an escort. One of the fine young men working the event escorted her down the steps and toward the Lotus Club. Officially, the young woman was not a member of the government, unofficially she took her father's invitation to the event. Deciding that her father was too busy to make good on the DuSang name while in First Order territory then she would do the job. "Thank you so much," she gives the escort's arm a squeeze, "here."

Aria pays him a handsome tip and takes in a deep breath, wishing her sister [member="Ophelia DuSang"] were here at least then she'd have some semblance of family support. Or even, Aermoira but she was busy - as a Navy Commander should be. The blonde surveyed the club and took note of those already in attendance and gave them each a tight smile. All work and no play would make anyone dull, and it was that time for Aria to play although - playing was not on her objective tonight. Alright buttercup, time to woman up, Aria thought to herself as she put her hand along the rail and headed down. Paying heed to refrain from the bars, taking another deep breath she exhaled, spotting [member="Marzena Vaas"] was fairly easy, and of course there were other faces like the Grand Moff. [member="Natasi Fortan"], and someone else she didn't recognize personally but knew of - after all she was one of the guests of honor the good Doctor [member="Irajah Ven"]. And just like any First Order event, the Avalonia Broadcasting Station sent out a reporter, one that she didn't know - [member="Lydia Finn-Camden"].

Clearing her throat, Aria took a few steps forward making an elegant line for [member="Natasi Fortan"]. "Excuse me, Grand Moff Fortan?"

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

"Ambassador," the Chiss guard greeted as he opened the door, helping her out of the speeder. A crutch emerged from the speeder followed by Valessia who with the help of her Chiss guard stood tall for the cameras, the lights and the reporters. Who with their endless line of questioning seemed to set the event for her, who was she wearing they would ask. Valessia only gave them a wave, they didn't need to know that it as purchased her dress at a consignment shop on Brentaal IV and that this was her third time wearing it. How was she feeling, they would ask noticing how she leaned on her crutch. How did she survive would be their follow up. [member="Irajah Ven"], was in short, a miracle worker and one Valessia had a mind to thank until then she managed to siphon off the pain between a mixture of medicine and the force from what little she had learned from Sumiko.

The Ambassador's teeth grit against each other as she made her way down toward the hotel's entrance, the doors might as well have been on the other side of the city. Each step felt heavier than the last, each one a stark reminder of what occurred here not so long ago. With her head held high and shoulders back, she would hobble with pride, the Scion of House Brentioch and Ambassador to Panatha - Industrialist, and several other rather opulent titles. Titles that were without weight, at least in her eyes but perhaps this was simply a side effect of her injury. Her guards opened the doors for her, her feet screamed in pain as did her injured leg but she would get through the evening, one way or the other. Tonight was a night in which she would be honored, but to be honest she wasn't entirely sure why or that she deserved it. So many had lost their lives, and many more could have lost their lives including the Grand Moff, [member="Natasi Fortan"].

When Valessia first arrived in Avalonia and walked through the capital complex she hadn't known what to make of Natasi. Natasi was so young - younger than Valessia and here she was, shouldering the weight of a nation. A nation, - at the age of twenty eight? At twenty-eight, Valessia was still getting her chit together. She admired Natasi's endurance, her strength and perseverance. Crossing the threshold she looked around the lobby of the hotel, its design, the little nuances placed around felt Galidraani. A small smile surfaces momentarily and then dissipates just as the two Chiss guards gain the necessary paperwork. "Right this way Ambassador Brentioch."

Each step and each breath served to further remind Valessia of how it was she ended up like this. Hobbling along a beautiful floor with hired help, it was simply because she had not been in control of the situation. She had been rendered helpless by the Ssi-Ruuk, helpless. Seemed to be a running theme in her life, being either helpless or a tool for someone else to use. The very thought of it all burned beneath her already dark bravado - the same dark bravado who declared anyone living outside of the First Order a poor unfortunate soul, the bravado who yearned to be more than that. "The Lotus Club, Ambassador."

"Thank you," she says as she surveys the club, pulling herself together as it were, for if it was one thing that the Ssi-Ruuk's Siege of Dosuun had taught Valessia, it was this.

Peace Was a Lie.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"I'm just saying, I'm not sure why I should spend twenty credits on a gin and tonic when I can get Bartoo to mix a perfectly serviceable one for a fraction of the cost?"

Natasi let her eyes survey the Lotus Club, with its old world, deco charm, as the room filled with attendees. "There's something to be said about -- you know -- ambiance. Ambiance and also the social aspect. You and ninety of your closest friends." She paused and lifted her drink to her lips; it was club soda on the rocks with a thin wedge of lime that made a reasonable facsimile of her usual gin and tonic. The potent cocktail of drugs she was on for the night -- which worked to stiffen her muscles and keep her upright with the aid of a complicated system of leg braces -- forbade entirely the use of alcohol. "There's something about this place. It reminds me of -- oh, what was it called? In the City on Galidraan -- ahh -- I think it was Mariner's, wasn't it?"

"Mariner's -- ah, yes of course, Mariner's." He sniffed and dabbed his nose with his kerchief. "Used to go there with the lads. Mathes and I went a few times. Golly, did we ever have fun. You know it is rather like that. Better pianist, but Mariner's whisky selection is better." The fighter ace sipped his drink. "Good thing I just drink what's cheap," he said, then fell silent as [member="Aria DuSang"] approached over Natasi's shoulder. He dragged his finger along his bottom lip, giving Natasi a significant look. She half-turned her head just as Aria spoke.

"Ms. DuSang, how lovely to see you again," said Natasi pleasantly. She didn't move to stand, instead reaching out with her hand for a shake. "How have you been? How's your father?"

 

[Ria Misrani]

Aria knelt down before the Grand Moff and gave the other woman's hand a gentle squeeze, "he's good thank you for asking, and it is an honour to see you again, Grand Moff." Her voice was cool, sweet as it could be with an air of sincerity about it. The Coruscanti woman ran her hand through her hair pushing loose strands of blonde behind her ear, hazel-green orbs looking into the Galidraani's brown. "I just wanted to say thank you on behalf of myself, and my family both the DuSangs and the Cyones." She pauses for a moment thinking on her next choice in words, "if there's anything you need or would need from me, please don't hesitate to ask."

Tucking her lower lip in, Aria takes a breath and continues, "we both know that my father's occupation often takes him away, and I would like to honour his oaths." Words form at the tip of her tongue but she's not sure how to press them yet, and so, "I'm not a soldier, or a - well, or anything moderately useful but seeing you, seeing them." She gestures toward the guests of honour, "has inspired me - so again, if you ever need anything. I'm only one call away." Rising to her feet she gives [member="Pierce Fortan III"] a soft smile and then clears her throat, "thank you for your time, Grand Moff Fortan."

With that said she gave them both a polite bow and headed toward the bar, club soda would have to suffice.

[member="Natasi Fortan"]

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena gazed over the top of her compact, pinpointing the waving hand of [member="Lydia Finn-Camden"]. A smile found her painted lips as the pretty brunette called out to her. Who was she wearing? The songstress had a reputation for wearing a number of designer labels, and tonight was no exception. The young reporter and her camera crew happened to be strategically situated next to the door, a fabulous place to catch people as they entered the Avalonia Grand. Quickly stashing her makeup, she tucked her clutch into the crook of her arm, and stepped to the side to speak with the media woman.

“Good evening,” Marzena greeted Lydia and arched her brows thoughtfully. Despite having never met her before, there was an inkling of familiarity. “I am wearing Evelyn Grey tonight -- she’s an up and coming designer. This is from her latest maternity line.”

A manicured hand settled on her hip as she posed briefly for the camera. Marzena offered a quick wave to Lydia as she turned to enter the hotel. Her head bowed slightly as she walked inside, she couldn’t help but feel a bit shallow. Of course, she had not forgotten her true reason for being here tonight, and the memories of recent events had not yet faded. However, she was coping with the aftermath in the only way she knew how -- placing the sad and upsetting memories in the back of her mind, and distracting herself with pretty things.

She wanted to keep looking towards the future, and this ceremony would be a good first step.

Marzena was greeted warmly by a member of the hotel staff, and followed along as he brought her swiftly to the Lotus Club. She stood in the doorway for a moment or two before entering, already spotting a couple of familiar faces.

 

[Kuzo]

"Oh wow."

Irajah had dropped off Boo on her way here. After all, a fancy cocktail party was probably not an appropriate venue for a kid, though she'd been tempted. After all, who was she going to know here? She was excited, yes, after all, it wasn't every day she got to dress up and just go out. But especially seeing the actual party location and the variety of people pulling up, she realized that, not for the first time, she was going to stick out like a sore thumb.

It didn't deter her however.

Unlike most of the other arriving there, Irajah walked up, rather than being delivered by fancy transport. She walked most places around the city, and it didn't feel like this should be any different.

Seeing @Marzena Vaas ahead of her, she let out a small sigh of relief. There would, at least, be one person that she knew here tonight. The press to enter the hotel prevented her from hurrying to catch up with the other woman, unfortunately.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Cocktails. Of course, Valessia took in a breath exhaling slowly as she surveyed her surroundings. From here she could see several people of note including a very pregnant [member="Marzena Vaas"] that elicited a soft smile from the ambassador. She could recall being pregnant with her own daughter several years ago. Riona was her name now, and Siobhan was raising her. The prick at her heart was enough to remind Valessia of her weakness, her failures in life - the words of her new master [member="Darth Prazutis"] sprang to her mind.

She would have never met Prazutis if had not been for the assignment given to her by [member="Natasi Fortan"], the Grand Moff. With her walking staff (crutch) in hand, the Ambassador made her way across the floor having witnessed a member of the DuSang family departing Natasi's presence. While in the process of walking across the Lotus Club floor, Valessia spotted Doctor [member="Irajah Ven"] out of the corner of her eye. She'd have to personally thank the Doctor in private, for now she was content enough to greet her good friend Natasi.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi watched as Ms. DuSang wandered off, her dark eyes following the woman until she got to the bar, then slowly sweeping across the room. As guests filtered into the room, Natasi felt the need to stand and greet anyone who might come over. She reached out for Pierce's hand, and he took it and helped her stand up. The drugs and braces allowed her to stand and to sit, it was the movement that caused the problems. But still, they managed to achieve it with a minimum of fuss and ordeal, just in time for [member="Valessia Brentioch"] to approach. Natasi beamed at her friend and leaned over to plant a kiss on either cheek, taking her by the shoulder.

"Darling," she murmured happily. "I'm so pleased to see you. I'm glad you could tear yourself away from the Reach to be here."

She lifted a hand towards the bar, and a waiter hurried over to take a drink order from Valessia, if she so needed one. When she turned back to Valessia, she saw [member="Marzena Vaas"] in the doorway. Natasi let her eyes linger on the woman for several long moments, feeling the usual pang of jealousy and irritation that even at this stage of her pregnancy, the singer managed to look beautiful and effortlessly so. Still, she smiled over Valessia's shoulder and raised her hand to invite Marzena over, hoping that the singer would catch her signal and feel inclined. "You two must have made some sort of deal with the devil," she murmured to Valessia. "I look like I was wheeled in from the crypt and you and she show up looking like -- well, like that."

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena’s gaze flickered back towards the entrance, had she seen [member="Irajah Ven"]? It was quite possible that the woman was being accosted by the members of the media. She mused that it was probably a bit of a shock for someone that wasn’t used to it. The songstress took a step into the room and caught sight of [member="Natasi Fortan"] waving her over. Marzena threw on a dazzling smile and approached the Grand Moff and [member="Valessia Brentioch"]. It had been some time since she’d seen either of them, so she was looking forward to catching up.

Of course, she had heard about the Grand Moff’s injuries during the siege. Marzena admired Natasi’s bravery and the fact that she carried herself with such grace and dignity. She could never hope to possess the same strength and resilience.

As she walked, she tried desperately to keep from waddling.

“Good evening, ladies.” Marzena said as she moved in to give each woman a small half-hug and a gentle squeeze on the
shoulder. “It is so lovely to see you again; I hope you have both been well.”

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

"You look fantastic," Valessia murmured in response to Natasi. Taking in a breath she thought on the deal with the devil comment her friend had made. In truth, the Scion of House Brentioch had made a deal with a certain devil. She looked Natasi over once more and thought on the sacrifices made during the Siege of Dosuun. A smile would adorn her lips as Mrs. [member="Marzena Vaas"] approached the pair as she gave the woman a half hug in return. "You are looking beautiful this evening, Marzena."

Valessia complimented the other woman honestly, "how's the baby?" Was the first question she asked while keeping close to [member="Natasi Fortan"]. "I have to say Grand Moff, this is turning out into a delightful evening. Wouldn't you agree?" She inquired of Mrs. Vaas while giving the Lotus Club another look over. "And is your friend here, Marzena? What was his name, Jean? Jean was it?" Valessia was sure that that was his name, "I wanted to ask his opinion of the last fashion show, reminds me, perhaps we should host one here in Avalonia. Then we can see what the Grand Wardrobe aims to sell next." She teased lightly and gave Natasi a cheeky smile, while doing so. The Grand Wardobe was a start up company by Valessia who turned the sell of San Guinem into the new company. Which aimed to market to citizens of the First Order, the style of the Grand Moff.

 

[Kuzo]

"Doctor Ven!"

An unfamiliar voice called her name and she paused, looking confused as a reporter thrust a microphone into her face. The first and obvious question was 'how does this person know my name?' The second, and only slightly less pressing was 'and why is that mic so close?'

"Erm. Uh. Hi. I mean, yes?"

"I just wanted to find out, for the viewers at home-" Viewers? Good lord. "-What are you wearing tonight?"

Irajah blinked.

"I- I'm sorry, I don't- oh!"

Her dress. The confusion shifted into something slightly less alarmed.

"Um. It's.... a dress?"

The reporter just stared at her like she had three heads.

"Well. Yes. But. Who designed it?"

".... probably someone who works for the store I bought it at?"

This was clearly an unsatisfying conversation for both of them.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

The idea that [member="Marzena Vaas"] was a fashion inspiration still annoyed Natasi more than she cared to admit. Despite having bigger fish to fry -- an empire to run, a war looming on the horizon, and her own health crisis -- the fact that everyone, Natasi included, found the singer so compelling and chic made her jaw clench uncomfortably. She shook her head at [member="Valessia Brentioch"]. "You go," she said encouragingly. "I need to get down to the event room so I can be set up before everyone goes down. Wouldn't do for everyone to see me in this state," she insisted. She leaned on Pierce's arm as he helped her out of the bar.

When the guests would arrive, those who had RSVP'd to the event would be shown to their reserved seats. The surprise guests of honor, [member="Rolf Amsel"], [member="Valessia Brentioch"], [member="Marzena Vaas"], and [member="Irajah Ven"], would find themselves being escorted to the front, where four chairs were set nearly a meter in front of the next row. Natasi, meanwhile, stood at the dais in the front and studied the four small crimson boxes that sat on it, next to her speech. Everything seemed to be in order.

 

[Progflaw99]

He'd been shaken - that much was evident, but as he finally began to push the thoughts and memories of the fallen to the back of his mind, he was able to break free of the fog which plagued him. With a gentle shake of his head, he found himself being ushered towards a seat, any attempts at conversation with the Major had fallen on deaf ears. He'd found himself drifting as of late, his mind consumed. It wasn't something he enjoyed. And so now, he forced himself to focus on the event at hand. Quickly glancing about the room, he noted the exits, people of importance - and then bit down on the inside of his cheek. He was doing it again. They said it was something called hyper-vigilance, fairly common in soldiers returning from the battlefield. Letting loose a sigh, he took his seat, crossing his hands on his lap as he prepared for the event to kick off.

[member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Marzena Vaas"] | [member="Valessia Brentioch"] | [member="Irajah Ven"]​

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Valessia frowned a moment as she watched Natasi depart. "Excuse me," she told Marzena and her friend. She worried about her friend and the state of her health. A soft mhm from her as she pondered on the word. Friend. In her own lifestyle hadn't been afforded the luxury, at least not growing up and even now there were few who she could call such. And it only made her ponder what- no, it made her realize not ponder Natasi's reactions. She knew enough that by now, if she were to reveal her quest, her desires to become Sith. It would not be looked upon well, least of all by the Grand Moff and not just on a personal level. A professional one as well, it might as well be considered treason in this state. And so for now, the Ambassador kept that bit to herself as she hobbled (with some manner of grace) toward the event room.

[member="Rolf Amsel"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Irajah Ven"] | [member="Marzena Vaas"]
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