Dominion Balance Rest Ye Merry Imperials | FO Dominion of Crytal Nest

[Resurgent Narrative]

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What a crazy and hectic year it has been for everyone in the First Order. As 862 winds down, the normally shy and apprehensive Shashay have agreed to allow their gorgeous Crytal Nest to be annexed into the First Order. The agreement was done by Foreign Secretary Ariel Yvarro and the Chime of Nestmothers. It was done under the conditions that the First Order follows the Nestmothers’ environmental laws and preservation of the Wind Forest. ​

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A celebration of both Life Day and the annexation is to be held in the capital of Passeri. However, while the celebrations may be ongoing, the Shashay have asked the First Order to look into the mysterious Mount Tyrannus. The Nestmothers believe that a group of Ssi-Ruu may be hiding out there and are the source of their missing. Lastly, the Nestmothers have given the First Order a large swath of land near the Gondwana Sea in which to build a settlement. The Refugee Council is looking to create a beautiful place in which those arriving from the Galactic East can call home.​

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Open to First Order members, and guests of their choosing. The Shashay have prepared a beautiful feast, and have been rehearsing with the Enlighted Balance Temple Choir to give a beautiful performance to highlight the joining of Crytal Nest into the First Order. This is most certainly a social event, but nevertheless, security will be tight. The Chime of Nestmothers will be in attendance, and government officials from all across the First Order have been invited. [Social, First Order Members + Guests] ​

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Mount Tyrannus to the east, overlooks the city of Passeri, and while it’s been dormant for quite some time. The Nestmothers believe that a group of Ssi-Ruu or other Raptor-like creatures have been holding out there. They’ve provided evidence of Ssi-Ruu crashed ships and explained that they’ve had several disappearances near the volcano. Even if their missing are dead, the Nestmothers want the issue resolved sooner rather than later. [Knights, Intel, Spec Ops, Military]​

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Beyond the Wind Forest, west of Passeri lay a great swath of land. Plains that overlook the Gondwana Sea, and there the Nestmothers have given to the First Order a place to build their first settlement on Crytal Nest. The Refugee Council has asked that this be one of the first places where Refugees can begin to call the First Order home. Help build the settlement and keep an eye out for anything suspicious. [Medical, Engineering, Corporate, Government] ​

Crytal Nest is a beautiful place with a mix of neotropics and various dry climates throughout the planet. Enjoy your time here. [Bring Your Own Objective] ​

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[Auteme]

Brama Tagge | Elisea Korrado Ryv (?) | Objective 3​

It was easy to think that politics was evil. There'd been governments for thousands upon thousands of years, but there would always be those who were unhappy with them. More insidious still was the factionalism that arose from having many competing galactic states. With the Elder Compact seemingly falling apart, tensions rising as the Draelvasier hordes approached, it always seemed like the galaxy was at its worst.

But there were rare moments when things were not so grim; when people worked towards genuine good and governments collaborated. Funny how the times she left the Core as a Jedi were often more violent than when she left as a Representative.

She watched the sea pass by. The speeder truck glided across the plain, blowing over the long green grasses. In time the Alliance envoy arrived at the First Order's camp, just outside the planned settlement. Of course there was part of her that wanted to go off and Shasay away the day studying the native avians. They'd spent so much time hiding away their homeworld, after all. Still, she was just as interested in the First Order.

Her previous attempt to learn more about the newest player on the galactic stage had been dashed by the dashing Lucien Dooku . Even so, the guest list to Natasi Fortan's coronation had spoken volumes. The First Order, though bearing a heavy burden with its namesake and history, seemed to be an intelligent and well-meaning nation. The Alliance intended to build a good relationship with them, all the while creating the beginnings of a plan by which the two nations could safeguard the people of the worlds in the Bryn'adûl's warpath.

As she stepped out of the speeder she couldn't help but marvel at the Order's organization. Though she preferred democracy and right to self-determination, there was a certain appeal of centralized systems and groups, ones that could organize in an instant to respond to crisis.

"We should have something like this," she said, half-addressing it to Senator Tagge. "When the time comes, I think we'll need it."

The First Order was showing their strength and their will; it wouldn't be right for the Alliance not to do its part as well.

 

[Elisea Apollodor]

"This is so much nicer than a lot of my previous assignments," declared Elisea as she disembarked the transport. Wearing her uniform, Elisea gathered her team. "Alright guys, our job is to help the engineering team determine what we need. So I've given each of you an assigned medical building. You'll partner up with a member of the engineering team and work together. There is no room for petty rivalry, besides we'll kick their asses in limmie later on."​

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A nearby engineer must have heard her, because he quipped, "oh no, Medical gonna beat us with their stethoscopes?" ​

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"Please, we'll beat you with a look," returned Elisea, and then she put her hand in the air to stop him, "as I was saying, we are going to help them understand all of what we need."​

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After the two teams were done with their briefing, the Engineer who hailed from the newly annexed system of Baralou approached Elisea. He introduced himself as Engineer Gallardo. Elisea then introduced Nylea Apollodor who happened along by that time, the Avalonian then caught a glimpse of Hazel Zanteres . "You know, Gallardo I'm sure that it'd be great if you worked with Hazel. She's got a couple of medical buildings she can help you out with."​

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Gallardo introduced his buddy and fellow Baralouan, Engineer Andrade to the pair. However, before anyone could break out to their assignments it seemed that there was another important announcement. One that meant Doctor Vyala Benitez needed to give personally, Benitez was the Chief Medical Officer of the entire First Imperial Medical Services. Beside her was Doctor Audberto Vega the Chief Engineer of the First Imperial Corps of Engineers. "A lot of you are aware that we are here to build a settlement in preparation for the multitude of refugees that are to call the First Order home," began Benitez. "What a lot of you are not aware of is that we have help today, help from the Core in the form of representatives of the Galactic Alliance."​

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Vega continued, "we want all of you to set aside any differences you might have and think about our mission here today. Our mission is to ensure that the people who will be here, the people who will call this place home. Are going to have everything that they need, and more, so that they do more than just survive."​

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"We want everyone," Benitez went on, "everyone who comes here to call the First Order home, to thrive."​

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Both then went on to encourage both teams to work with everyone who showed up to help build the settlement. It was then mentioned that more supplies, construction equipment, droids, and prefabricated buildings would be showing up as well. They then both emphasized how important it was that they maintained the integrity of the environment as per the agreement with the native avians who called Crytal Nest home. ​

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Once the talk had concluded the teams split up, pairing off to the pre-designated sites as outlined by an earlier survey team. Elisea, Nylea, and Engineer Andrade walked across what had been outlined as the promenade toward Auteme and Brama Tagge . The Avalonian figured it would be best to get to them before anyone else did. "Hi there, I'm Research Chief Elisea Korrado, this is my colleague Engineer Paulo Andrade, and a good friend to the First Order, Nylea Apollodor." ​

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Meanwhile, Chief Engineer Vega and Chief Medical Officer Benitez offered to work with Hazel and Gallardo. ​

 

[Nima Vantoon]

Not for the first time, Nima Vantoon pondered how she got here- socializing. She unconsciously smoothed out the nonexistent creases in her dress- and making sure her shoto lightsabers were still secured to her leg. She had almost foregone the dress- her mechanical arm was on full display- but had decided, in end, that she looked too smashing(and spent far too much sovereigns) for it to go to waste. She had been a long year since she got out of the ice-a year spent taking on clandestine missions, of the cloak-and-dagger variety. And for the year it was fine, until she found out about the girl- her own daughter, apparently! - and Operation Harbringer. She would do a lot for the First Order, but it would be her choice. Berik took that away from her.

That's why after she stormed the headquarters of the Alpinn Mining Company, she informed the Director that she was taking a leave of absence for an unspecified period of time, starting with Life Day. Surprisingly, he was more then amiable, just requesting Nima bring "work clothes". So here she was- not the Shield of the Order, but simply Lady Vantoon of the Most Noble House of Vantoon, of Vardos- for the time being. She snagged a drink from a passing waiter, taking a sip.

Nima grimaced as the brown liquor burned. The role of "lady, philanthropist, socialite" was one the Vardosian had not elected to play for nearly 800 years- especially since she had to pretend actually be blind- but it was one she was raised to do. With a deep breath, Nima went to mingle and network.

 

[Firenne Van-Derveld]

Tag: B’rukh clan Obvupam | Elisea Korrado | Nylea Apollodor | Hazel Zanteres
Gear: Light battle armor | Lightsaber | Tactical Karambit
Muse Soundtrack: L'Orchestra Cinématique "Epic Christmas, Album 2"​

The music was soft as she hummed it, mostly under her breath, steps carrying her forward from the small transport that had brought the latest batch of engineers to the settlement site. Workers were already neatly organized and questions were swiftly answered as work progressed on the structures. Turning to watch as one of the smaller buildings was secured in place, she nodded to herself and continued walking toward a small group of security personnel.​

There was a festive energy in the air, but a faint undercurrent of unease coming from some of the Shashay volunteers given the issues being investigated over at Mount Tyrranus. An inauspicious name if ever there was one, Firenne thought briefly, and remained silent as the short briefing concluded. The personnel fanned out to take up their positions, and the Sentinel took the opportunity to address her companion, a tall Noghri who had come to the First Order as a refugee from the atrocities being committed in the Galactic East. He was a Force sensitive, and as such, once he had been processed through the Refugee Intake Center on Dosuun, he had been assigned to the Imperial Knight Academy.​

She had spent time there herself in the last few years, needing the time to realign her abilities with the neutrality in the Force she had discovered suited her best. "Welcome to Crytal Nest and to the Imperial Knights, Novice!" Firenne said brightly, glancing up from her petite height to meet his gaze. "I'm Sentinel Firenne Van-Derveld, and I've been assigned as your mentor." her expression was warm as she canted her head to the side, her canid half taking careful stock of him. She'd met few Noghri in the past, but never one that had been Force sensitive, and the dossier she'd been given contained only the basic details.​

Which sufficed neatly, in her opinion. She looked forward to getting to know her new charge, and seeing where this particular journey would take them both. Beginning here on Crytal Nest with the establishment of a settlement was the perfect opportunity as Firenne saw it.​

"For the record, I don't like to stand on too much ceremony unless we're in a very formal setting. Please feel free to call me Firenne. Walk with me a bit, would you? We're tasked with helping where we can, and beginning that with a quick check of the perimeter for the security team." she nodded, and began walking, raising a hand to wave at Elisea Korrado and Nylea Apollodor as they passed, both of whom she'd met while on Skye.​

"By the way, how do you prefer to be addressed? I'm unfortunately lacking on knowledge when it comes to Noghri customs and would be delighted to learn if you're willing to help me."​

 

[Nylea Apollodor]

Nylea had taken a short moment to refresh herself and now made her way back to Elisea's side, who was exchanging introductions with a pair of engineers. It was good to see so many people here today, all lending a hand to make sure that those who would become displaced by the tides of war could still have a roof over their heads. The echani herself saw it as a breath of fresh air, considering her fiancé's previous assignments she had joined her in. Hazel was still around, but as long as she kept her distance, things would be okay.

After listening to the announcement, letting everybody know they would be getting assistance from the Galactic Alliance, it was time to get to work. Various sites had already been outlined beforehand, meaning they could get started without much delay. She was confident the small group could work together well, even if Nylea and Elisea had only just met engineer Andrade. As they began to walk, they passed by Firenne, who gave the group a wave. Of course, a smile and a wave was given in return.

Before they set off properly, however, they would meet up with two representatives from the Galactic Alliance and one of them Nylea quickly recognized. "Auteme, it is a pleasure to see you again," she added after Elisea introduced their group. It was good to be in the company of another Jedi again. "It has been some time. I am glad to see you are doing well."

Elisea Korrado | Auteme | Brama Tagge | Firenne Van-Derveld | B’rukh clan Obvupam ​

 

[Renata Westaway]

Renata stepped through the security scanner and waited for the direction to come forward. A few moments later, the guard beckoned her forward but halted her in the doorway. "I'm afraid you've been flagged for secondary screening, miss."

"Miss?" she echoed, her eyebrows furrowing. "Do you know who I am?"

"I do, Dr. Westaway. This way, please."

She was escorted to a private tent where she was patted down by First Order security. Only once this humiliating exercise was completed was she turned loose. Things had reached quite a pretty pass. Some of the First Order functionaries that she recognized had been watching and, upon her emerging from the tent, tried to look like they hadn't, while still trying to see if she was angry. She was, but she wouldn't give anyone the satisfaction. People in Avalonia circles were so thirsty for gossip that they would invent conflict where there was none. Renata's position was in flux, but they were looking for a feud between her and the woman that had displaced her.

It was ridiculous.

But Renata had a job to do. She was there to mingle, to meet other guests, and to organize advantageous trade with others. She took a drink and took a sniff of it before lifting to her lips to have a sip. Not bad. The First Order Trade Delegate scanned the crowds, looking for an 'in'.

Caulder Dune​

 

[Caulder Dune]

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"Doctor Westaway."​

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She didn't have to wait long. Behind Renata stood an absolute relic of an Umbaran, clad in the sharp attire of a businessman, leaning heavily on a sleek cane for support. Either the years had not been especially kind to him, or he had endured so many that their level of kindness was now immaterial. This was Caulder Dune, the Deputy Director of the InterGalactic Banking Clan.​

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For whatever that was worth these days. It depended largely on one's proximity to the Core.​

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The Deputy Director was, as always, not alone. A bleak protocol droid a head taller than either of them stood off to his side, and delicately accepted Caulder's half-empty glass as he passed it on.​

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"I don't believe I've had the pleasure of being formally acquainted. Caulder Dune. I represent the Banking Clan."​

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He offered his hand. Which, as a rule for many Umbarans, looked pallid and lifeless.​

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Renata Westaway​

 

[Seto Du Couteau]

Seto Du Coutaeu
Senator of Empress Teta
Action: Readying to Off-load Supplies
Objective Three: Tidings of Comfort and Joy
Attire

Sifting through several pages of information, it would have seemed to anyone paying attention to the snowy haired senator that he was an almost unbelievably fast reader. Seto had never attempted to read at speeds that would make him more computer than human, instead he was attempting to seem busy. He was keeping an eye out for words such as “important” and “urgent” with the occasional “Do Not Ignore” but after a while even such words blended with the rest. Fingers delicately danced across his data-slate, rhythmic to the point of nearly matching a beat once heard before, but Seto finally stilled his anxiety as he stood up and headed back into his private room.

Most days when he flew across the stars, his companions were often “silent” and “alone”, especially whenever he was called to attend the Senate Chambers on Coruscant. Though for this voyage, and diplomatic severity, the young Du Couteau found anonymity among a large crew nearly equivalent to being “alone”. Though the silent part was often a contentious issue even at the best of times, and some ship noises even seeped into his private room.

The moment the doors slid closed behind him, Seto collapsed onto the slightly comfortable bunk and sighed heavily. His hands covered his eyes and his mind slowly began to empty, old Force teachings were hard to lose and Seto for a brief moment felt a sense of calm before an alarm blared to life, signaling their approach to the planet’s surface. Without a second thought Seto stood up and smoothed out the creases developed on his shirt and pants. His eyes turned to a mirror where they sharpened and the ghostly return of his smile brought upon a renewed sense of confidence.

Seto moved quickly to inspect the supplies being ready to be unloaded, this charitable event had been proposed in many cities and planets. Seto had figured that Empress Teta would enjoy a sense of comradeship, with the spreading war they would no doubt see an influx of refugees escaping it all. He figured this would help foster more acts of generosity and ready the good people of Empress Teta for the future ahead.

His eyes traced over the rest of the Alliance members that had joined for this diplomatic mission into First Order territory and wondered how much good-will could be gained for acts such as these. Memories of the war often cut deep, wounds that took time to heal, and yet often the fear that it produced often stayed long after the wound left only a scar. Seto knew, he knew where exactly the suspicion and anxiety came from, and yet here he was regardless of it all.

Their shuttle had landed and the supplies were being off-loaded, Seto eyes refocused on his data-slate again.

“Make sure you’re careful with the handling of these packages,” Seto began to speak to one of the Foremen handling the unloading process.
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[Ariel Yvarro]

"Thank you so much for your hospitality," thanked Ariel to Ghyslaine one of the Nestmothers, she stood at a proud 1.6 meters tall. "Oh it's quite beautiful," she complimented and was brought around the gorgeous treehouse village called Verderón. Not too far away, Ariel spotted Nima Vantoon but kept her attention to Nestmother Ghylsaine one of the more outspoken members of the Chime. The sounds of jazz filtered through the venue as the Shashay took to their instruments. "I agree, music is certainly very, very important."​

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After a bit longer, Ghyslaine was distracted by fellow Nestmother Bélise. Ariel inwardly was grateful and she took the moment to head over toward the agent. "Vantoon, isn't it?" Ariel inquired as she took the offered glass of champagne. Holding it in her hand she looked about the architecture of the village. "A beautiful place isn't it?" Small talk at best, "it is so beautiful and I certainly hope to maintain it for generations to come."​

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It wasn't news that Ariel had been moved to Foreign Secretary, effectively replacing Moff Westaway. "I wanted to apologize for any unpleasantries that might have been exchanged in our previous introductions. Perhaps we can start off on a new foot?"​

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[Renata Westaway]

Renata turned, nearly jumping out of her skin. She wasn't expecting an attack from behind, as it were. She collected herself immediately, summoning a broad smile and even, for the special occasion, a genuine crinkling of the skin around her eyes. "Mr. Dune," she beamed. "Of course. You were at the summit in Avalonia. I'm sorry we didn't have the opportunity to be formally introduced."

She took his hand and, finding it rather lackluster, gave it a gentle shake before releasing it. "I'm pleased you could make it. It's all in a good cause," she said genially. "And more importantly, it opens up a whole new market for financial services. Yes?" She flagged down another waiter and took two glasses from the tray, offering one to Dune. He looked like he could use a cup of holiday cheer.

Any kind of cheer, really.

"How fares the Clan during these turbulent times, Mr. Dune?"

Caulder Dune​

 

[Nima Vantoon]

Nima stiffened as she sensed the new Foreign Secretary come her way. Their first meeting- when she was charged with confirming that Natasi Fortan reborn was the genuine article- it had gone...less then ideal. It didn't help that the woman had a mind like a steel trap; she couldn't sense anything coming from her. She relaxed when Yvarro opened with genial banter. As a bonus, she didn't have to pretend to be blind.

"A beautiful place isn't it?" Small talk at best, "it is so beautiful and I certainly hope to maintain it for generations to come."- @Ariel Yvarro

Nima smiled gently. "Good evening, Madam Foreign Secretary- congratulations, by the way. Crystal Nest is quite lovely. If it's the environmental standards are anything like anywhere else in the Home Sector, I'd imagine this place will be here for generations to come. And the work that the Refugee Council is doing here is remarkable. Our office only gets to vet refugees. Sometimes, I wish I could be doing more." She sighed, absentmindedly nursing her cognac. "Peace is not a normal state in the galaxy, granted- but these Bryna'dul monsters are a menace, like the Vong. They revel in the slaughter. It's a blessing that the First Order has opened themselves up like this.."

"I wanted to apologize for any unpleasantries that might have been exchanged in our previous introductions. Perhaps we can start off on a new foot?"

Nima waved her hand. "It's no trouble at all. I imagine resurrection is a tiresome thing- I'd understand why interviewing with someone like me is the last thing anybody would want to do after all of that. But, you'll find it's very hard to say no when Orum Berik wants something done." Nima paused as she realized she let out a bit more vitriol about the Director then she intended. Taking a quick sip of the cognac to steel her nerves, she reasserted her mask, as it were.

"And I would love to start off on a new foot. I don't think we got the best impression of one another, so why not try again?", Nima said, smiling. "To be honest, I've always quite admired you- a woman of action. You remind me quite a bit of a figure in our history that frankly I don't think receives the gratitude she deserves for all she did for the First Order- Grand Admiral Rae Sloane." It was always odd to talk of people she met and served under as historical figures- and a bit painful. But such was life.

Nima motioned over to a nearby high table. "I'd love to learn what this particular woman of action's plans as new Foreign Secretary- or anything else really- over drinks", she quipped, still smiling.

Ariel Yvarro

 

[Ariadne Gallaer]

It was a wonder what a fresh jumpsuit could do for you, Ariadne mused as she pulled one on. Now that her ship had finally made its way someplace civilized and they were able to go about the daily business of life -- cooking real food, drinking fresh water, and washing clothes -- it was remarkable how much like a real person it made her feel. She tugged the elastic cuff down around her delicate wrists and inched the belt around her trim waist before working her feet into a pair of boots. She set about brushing her still-damp hair, working out the tangles carefully before securing it in a tight braid.

She didn't know where her sister was. Maybe still sleeping. She wouldn't bother her; the girl deserved the rest. Their journey had been harrowing indeed.

But they had made it here, a world called Crytal Nest, and had been invited by the natives to make a home on the planet. Ariadne wasn't sure it suited her; she was used to a city life, with busy people and bustling streets, and landspeeders that regularly broke down and needed repair. But she would help this settlement get on its feet, at the very least. She had nowhere else to be.

She opened the ship's door and just before stepping onto the ramp felt a thudding jab against her right shoulder. She didn't even need to look anymore. "Good morning, Chunk." The ancient BD unit chittered at her, a cheerful approximation of 'good morning' in whatever passed for the droid's language. The droid had been her constant companion since she discovered it in the back of one of the refugee ship's old supply cabinets and, using bits and pieces from around the ship, had restored its ability to move and communicate. It still struggled with tools, though it had somehow mastered the art of opening boxes.

It was a curious little thing. Endlessly curious. Infuriatingly curious. It beeped its questions at her like she had all the answers.

"Don't know," she said, her accented voice equal parts answer and grunt. "Gotta get my work assignment." Another question. "Maybe they don't need a mechanic today. That's why we have work assignments." She went to the duty officer, consulted the list, and was directed to a supply ship. Chunk continued to pepper her with questions. She closed her eyes, rolling them slightly, and set out towards the designated ship. "Unloading supplies."

She was wary as she approached the Galactic Alliance shuttle; she felt out of place there, but its registration matched the ship to which she had been assigned. Ariadne stopped at the foot of the ramp, shifting out of the way of someone coming down it. "'Scuse me," she called. "Name's Ariadne. Been assigned to help. Permission to come aboard?"

Seto Du Couteau​

 

[Vhondryl Gallaer]

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Vhondryl wasn't nearly as gifted in the mechanical arts as her sister. The one-time police cadet was just another gunslinger for hire. Except, no one really needed the low-rent version of a merc. The Keshiri had gotten up early that morning and went for a walk along the sea, she ran a hand across the stubble of her fresh hair cut. It was nice to finally get it cut and take an actual shower, with real water and not sonic. She took in a deep breath and exhaled she missed home, she missed the way everything used to be before the Bryn'adul.​

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That life was gone.​

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The Keshiri found a place to sit along the rocks that looked out over the sea. Quietly, Vhondryl wondered if she could pick up a new trade out here, after all the First Order offered job training. Or at least that's what the social worker mentioned the day before, the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks brought Vhondryl some manner of comfort. She patted her jumpsuit down and fished out the assignment card she picked up this morning. "Kitchen," she sighed and groaned over it, she hated kitchen work - even if her father swore up and down she was talented. ​

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Admittedly, she just wanted to stay there on the rocks all day. Crytal Nest was peaceful, and so far removed from any of the dangers that both she and her sister Ariadne Gallaer had experienced. The hellscape of survival, fleeing their homeworld and being in a tin can that bounced from port to port. Hoping those ports would be friendly to refugees that had little to nothing to offer in return. Vhondryl looked back down at the assignment card in her hand and tucked it back away into her pocket and rose to her feet. ​

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It was time to make her way back to the main settlement and get to work. The sight of Galactic Alliance transports beside First Order transports didn't bother the Keshiri as she was sure it thought bothered others. The kitchen tent was set up not too far from the loading area. ​

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Seto Du Couteau | Brama Tagge | Auteme | Firenne Van-Derveld | Hazel Zanteres | Nylea Apollodor | @B'rukh clan Obvupam
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[Caulder Dune]

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"Indeed it is," Caulder replied. He carefully accepted the newly requisitioned glass, giving the contents an idle swirl. Crytal Nest would likely see a modest infrastructure boom to accommodate First Order occupation. Doubtless some private firms would be looking to follow those coat tails, and the Banking Clan would be more than happy to join such investments. But such matters were far below his paygrade.​

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In response to her next question, Caulder offered a weaker smile. His teeth were too white, too perfect, and almost certainly fake. A million credit smile in the most literal possible sense.​

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"Quite well," he answered, as if he were legally allowed to give any other for the state of the Banking Clan. "Opportunities multiply as they are seized, as the saying goes. But these days the Core is still an isolated place. I don't suppose you've had the pleasure of meeting any Alliance functionaries?"​

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Renata Westaway​

 

[Renata Westaway]

"I attended the coronation gala for their Supreme Chancellor," said Renata as she, too, swirled the contents of the glass experimentally, her good eye observing the subtle effervescence that bloomed within the tiny glass biome. "Only I believe they called it an inauguration." She smiled subtly, her eye flicking up to Dune's visage to see if her small joke had landed. "I say we drink to your good health, Mr. Dune." She raised the glass towards him in a silent toast before taking a sip of it.

The somewhat spicy local beverage was nice, albeit not especially strong. Renata thought it did the trick rather nicely.

"I also attended a diplomatic summit on Coruscant a few months back," she went on. "Though they did not, at the time, seem particularly interested in a discussion. We weren't an officially established government then, no true interstellar influence, so I suppose they can't be blamed. But they are here now... somewhere." She craned her neck around the Umbaran, glassy eye scanning for faces she recalled from those meetings.

"I'm told they've also contributed to the refugee settlement that is being built on this world," Renata said, her gaze returning to Mr. Dune. "It is strange, perhaps, to see First Imperials and the Galactic Alliance on the same world without shots being fired, much less working together, much less breaking bread. What say you, Mr. Dune? All this peace: Life Day miracle or Life Day mirage?"

Caulder Dune​

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

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"Together everyone can help make a difference, from vetting the refugees to providing them a place to stay," remarked Ariel with a warm smile, she then inclined her head to agree with Agent Vantoon's sentiments. "I agree, it is good that we're fortunate enough to be able to open our doors like this. Indeed, the Bryn'adul are monsters and they pose a threat to every living being in this galaxy." Hopefully, other governments can stop their bickering, stop their finger-pointing, and actively decide to work together. Until then, Ariel supposed that they would lead by example. ​

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Ariel turned away from the tables and crossed the venue to lean against the railing. The treehouse offered a magnificent view of the woods surrounding them. "Oh, I know," returned Ariel with a cheeky smile, "I know." She had a few turns with the Director but enough to know that Vantoon was absolutely correct. Talk less, smile more. "Mhmmm, then I'm quite glad my mother is nowhere in sight. Otherwise she'd be right next to you talking away about Rae Sloane."​

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"Grand Admiral Rae Sloane was and will always be my mother's hero," Ariel touched briefly on the historical figure's influence. "From the first day she left Galidraan until now, my mother has always looked up to her. There's not a biography, a holoflick or book that my mother doesn't own that describes the Grand Admiral." ​

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The Foreign Secretary was glad that she and Agent Vantoon could start off on a better note this time.​

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"I'm sure if the Grand Admiral was around she'd keep things short and simple, but if you wanted to I could arrange for you to speak with my mother, the notorious, and infamous around these parts Fiolette Raaf. Although most here might remember her as Fiolette Yvarro." She recalled and set the glass of champagne down on a floating tray as the droids came by. Briefly a moment to herself to gather her thoughts and then Ariel added, "as far as policies, well, I'm sure you'll see them all in good time."​

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Nima Vantoon ​

 

[Caulder Dune]

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One corner of Caulder's mouth tugged upwards in what might have been a loose approximation of a smirk. The line between a coronation and an inauguration was a thin one indeed. The same cabal of political elite tended to rule regardless of the exact systems in place. It was largely a difference of formality. Theater. Pageantry.​

​

The same might be said for the difference between a normal annexation and... Whatever this was.​

​

"I regret missing that gala," he said, distantly. "I believe I was indisposed on Bastion at the time."​

​

He had the pleasure of making the Chancellor's acquaintance while she was still a senator. Now the matter of that "account" was being personally seen to by Harper. Hopefully the Director could find it within himself not to botch things so close to home.​

​

Caulder snorted, evidently amused at her toast, and raised his glass in reflection. His health. A safe bet to be sure. She asked him whether or not any pleasant relations between the Alliance and the First Order would last, in so many words.​

​

"Sensible governments led by sensible people will naturally find common ground," the Deputy Director vaguely mused, "They were amicable with the New Imperials before border disputes broke out. That will not likely be an issue here."​

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Barring the collapse of the Confederacy. Or the Eternal Empire. Neither of which would bring him very much joy. Quite the opposite.​

​

"I trust the Alliance and the First Order to pursue rational policy. Not so much a miracle as a reasonable expectation."​

​

He sipped his drink.​

​

Renata Westaway​

 

[Renata Westaway]

Renata sighed and resumed swirling the contents of her glass. "I truly hope so," said the onetime Foreign Minister. "And I hope it lasts. There is so little to be gained from war. It's destructive and self-perpetuating and hardly ever justified." Renata took another sip of her drink and sighed thoughtfully. The man opposite her was probably better qualified to aggregate data and come up with a reasonable approximation for a prediction for the future; his livelihood depended on it. From your lips to God's ears, she thought.

"History casts long shadows, especially where the First Order and the Alliance are concerned. But I believe we can look beyond that and recognize that the injuries we gave each other have more or less healed. Doing more damage isn't going to fix them." She cleared her throat and summoned a smile. "But today's not the right time to wax philosophical or worse, get morbid."

After a beat, she went on: "What are you hoping to achieve here, Mr. Dune? And is there some way I can assist?"

Caulder Dune​

 

[Seto Du Couteau]

Seto Du Coutaeu
Senator of Empress Teta
Action: Readying to Off-load Supplies with Help!
Objective Three: Tidings of Comfort and Joy
Attire

While he often checked his own Force awareness to be minimal as possible, a padawan could notice the sense of despair hanging in the air. These refugees were coming from a brutal battle, a planet lost to them. The young Du Couteau heir held no issue with these people, while his suspicion of the First Order remained paramount, the hopelessness of losing one’s home was heavy. And if the First Order wants to help relieve this pain. . . There was good still within the galaxy at least.

Keeping his eyes on the data-slate he nearly failed to notice someone standing at the entrance of the lowered ramp. Swiftly putting down his data-slate he glanced towards the voice’s source, calling herself Ariandne. The height difference was evident, but being on the ramp made it rather comical in Seto’s mind. Walking closer, Seto had disliked yelling towards anyone and as well straining his neck to look down, he spoke; “Permission granted.”

With his free hand he gestured towards the rows of supply cargo boxes, many stacked perfectly on top of one another, all sitting on grav-sleds. “The first column is filled with foodstuffs, the second column with medical supplies. . .” Seto pointed to each before walking back towards the third column of cargo boxes. “-This third and last column is a tad smaller, but are filled with-”

His hand opened the top cover and picked out something small to show, “-Toys for the kids. . . or adults, or anyone really.” Seto held up a stuffed animal of sorts with rather large ears.

Perhaps not the most useful thing when it came to survival, but he figured it would bring a sense of normalcy, after all saying “no” to a box of toys for kids was rather difficult. He placed the toy back into its box, with his eyes scanning the rest of the boxes with mild interest. Seto hadn’t inspected the toys when it was first being loaded into the ship, he wondered if it was all stuffed animals.

Walked back towards Ariandne, bowing his head, his eyes peeking through his lashes, “Apologies, I failed to introduce myself. I am Senator Du Couteau. On behalf of the Alliance we offer our support.”

Seto lifted his head and presented Ariandne with his data-slate, holding the list of supplies as well as the count sheet to help with the sorting process once everything had been unloaded. “If you require anything else from myself, I shall provide it to the best of my ability.” Seto added. He scanned Ariandne's clothing but failed to notice any markings of a First Order officer or diplomat sigil, in fact she didn't introduce herself as one, just with her name, well she did mention about being assigned. "Also, if you don't mind me asking, are you a representative of the First Order?"
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