Blood on the Beach

[Taa Nul]

Morcus took in a deep breath, regaining his composure. He quietly examined the body of Lady Kay with his gaze. Something felt...off, yet the reason was not yet evident. "Very well. I will proceed to the palace and take command of the situation while King Arenais remains off world. When you locate the culprits of this crime, you will inform me immediately, is that clear? I will deal with them myself.", Morcus said in a commanding tone of voice to Darlyn. Without another word, the Grand Inquisitor took his leave, travelling swiftly back to the palace by speeder bike.

When he arrived, his first act was to proceed to the throne room. Taking a seat upon the throne, he swiftly entered his emergency command transmission codes into the throne's built in holo-communicator. Soon enough, his holographic form was transmitted to the council chambers, and to important military and law enforcement personnel coordinating the investigation into the assassination. "This is Baron Morcus, Lord of Tarkin City. As you are all likely aware, Lady Kay has been assassinated. Until the culprits are located, and his highness King Arenais is able to return, I shall be taking temporary regency to coordinate our efforts personally, and enacting planet-wide martial law, as well as a blockade to ensure none of the culprits can escape. I want those responsible for this treachery located as swiftly as possible, and their whereabouts reported to me so I might deliver the Crown's justice upon them myself. Commenor will not fall to terrorism while I have anything to say about it. To the council, I say this. Do not despair. I have ensured the palace remains fully defended by our best troops. Your security is paramount in this crisis. I shall join you in the council chambers shortly. Commenor WILL endure."

[member="Shoden Moz"]
[member="Loreena Arenais"]
[member="Orrico Wayke"]
[member="Voph"]
[member="Yasha Cadera"]
[member="Stardust Australis Skirae"]
[member="Lady Kay"]
[member="Darlyn Excron"]

 

[Darlyn Excron]

Somehow he didn't display any pain as Viribus climbed up onto his shoulders, and got settled for the trip. Fortunately, as he probably would've made quite the amusing, pained noise had he not been prepared, as he doubted Viribus was as gentle as with Kay. When the little dragon was ready, he went back out, grabbing another steak in an air sealed container so the dragon couldn't smell it in his robes. He was about halfway out of the palace when he got the call from [member="Theseus Reneum"]. He opened his holocom in turn, and recognized the man from his many personnel files. Fortunate, as it meant he had an idea why he was calling.

Dark Jedi, if he recalled, and it seemed unaware if this was where he went. "I have a feeling in know why you're calling. No, if it's the palace, I won't let you in, that defeats the purpose of lockdown. If you're going to ask why I locked it all down, the queen's dead. Or so it seems. We only just found out ourselves, and I'm on my way to confirm something. If you want to help, you can meet me at the coordinates I'm sending you and prepare to go hunting. Just don't touch the body yet." He closed the call before he could respond, and rushed out the doors. He might not even notice the man he just talked to as he got back into the police cruiser.

Force knows he almost broke the law again speeding back... until he did return to the crime scene, amazed to see the Mandalorians so dutifully guarding the body. That would certainly do. He opened the door, and drew more than a couple eyes from investigators as he arrived with Kay's young dragon atop his shoulders. He motioned a bit for the Mandalorians to part, as he knelt down by the body. "Viribus, who is this?" He asked, helping the little dragon to get a good examination of the body, smell, sight, and all.

Of course if the little dragon tried to bite anything, he had the emergency extra steak..


[member="Yasha Cadera"] :|: [member="Voph"] :|: [member="Loreena Arenais"] :|: [member="Stardust Australis Skirae"] :|: [member="Orrico Wayke"]

 

[Kyyrk]

Voph straightened up from the table as Lori stepped into the room. His brow furrowed slightly at Shoden's response to Lori's arrival. Must be her first time dealing with a crisis like this. And, he was by far the least connected to [member="Lady Kay"] of all parties involved. Yet...that did not lessen the sting of another failed promise. He turned towards Lori, and smiled softly. "She's...still at the crime scene. Minister Darlyn hasn't finished his investigation yet, so she'll remain there for the time being." A sorrowful look came about him, as he tried to comfort the girl. "And...I think it best you remember your mother how she was. Not to see her how she is..."

Voph placed a hand on her shoulder. Seeing the girl before him now, he so desperately wanted to tell her what he thought. But it would crush her, more than the news of her mother's death already had, to be given a false spark of hope. He stepped aside and gestured to one of the chairs around the table. "As it stands, you are the lone member of the royal family that is well and accounted for. Under different circumstances I'd congratulate you." Voph stepped back, regardless of if Lori followed him, and stepped back towards the Table. "We're monitoring all activity in the sector, hoping to find something...anything, to lead us to--"

He paused, turning to the holoprojector as it was overtaken by an image of Baron Morcus. Voph watched quietly, brow furrowing more and more. Claiming the throne? Even as a regent? Without consulting them. Correction. Consulting them AFTER he decided this. That was exactly why Voph had summoned the council in the first place. By the end of the broadcast, Voph was...angry. "That fool..." He muttered under his breath. He turned back to Lori and Shoden. "Your Highness, until we find who did this, I want you either in this room or at my side at all times. I may have failed your mother, but I will not do so a second time."

Voph turned to the door as it opened, revealing the same Commando that had escorted Lori down. "Sir, The Covenant is rallied and awaiting your orders." Voph nodded, and turned towards the table. He bowed slightly to Lori and Shoden before he began walking, and said, "If you will excuse me, I must address my people." He activated the holoprojector, and stepped into the broadcast zone. For a moment, his mind was clear. He forgot that Shoden and Lori were in the room. Instead he focused his gaze on the holoimager. "Voph to Arbitration, Begin synchronization." Voph paused for a moment, as his transmission was routed to the other five ships in the Fleet, and the various starfighters that had already been deployed. He took a deep breath.

"Today, the forces of chaos and evil sought to bring us to our knees. Lady Kay, our guide and our ruler, has been killed. The planet would seek to tear itself apart in fear, anger, confusion. We will not let that happen. Kay's ideals did not die with her. They live on in us. She would have us hold fast. Protect what is ours. Rebuild from this devastation."

Voph fell silent for a moment, folding his arms behind his back. He stood tall...proud. Commander of the Octarchy Covenant, and the winner of numerous wars and countless battles. He smiled softly. "And we shall. But first, there is a matter that begs our attention. The being that sought to bring our mighty planet to her knees is still out there. And he will strike again if left unchecked. Today, we are not the defenders. We are vengeance. We are death incarnate ready to rain down hell on those who would oppose us. We are the final bastion. Commenor Survives."

[member="Darlyn Excron"] [member="Lannis Morcus"] [member="Shoden Moz"] [member="Loreena Arenais"] [member="Lady Kay"]

(EDIT: Adjusting post due to misunderstanding of prior post)

 

[Williamice2]

Theseus was appreciative of [member="Darlyn Excron"] handling the conversation as short and to the point as possible. Answering all the questions he could of had in quick succession. Though the Queen is supposedly dead hit him hard. Sure, it hit many hard. Though Theseus was a mixture of anger he had only now got into touch with his old friend after eight year. He had only been around a couple of weeks, and in those couple of weeks he was assigned to training security recruits. Even having permission to train... Well now that might not even matter.

Theseus studied the coordinates he recieved. A hunt would help. Though he still looked to the palace with a deathly cold stare. Analyzing the odds of tearing the whole thing down. Before lowering his attention back to the guard standing in his way. Who seemed about ready to draw his blaster. Theseus let out a soft chuckle. It wasn't a pleasant one. He reached out and gripped the guards shoulder firmly now. "Keep up the good work." Theseus spoke in a calm tone.

Before he turned and slipped his lightsaber out of his sleeve. Walking away as the guard was left to decide whether or not to take his words as a compliment or warning. He attached his blade to his belt. Then went and grabbed a speeder for himself. Barely tolerating dealing with the security and formalities to rent the bike. He was furious in so many manners, he himself wasn't even sure whom he was more angry at. Lady Kay for leaving unannounced, the people who killed her, or himself for failing to foresee something like this happening so soon.

Theseus pulled up nearby and hopped off. While he approached the area. The mandalorians guarding the body. Took notice of him being the newcomer, and he noticed them get ready to take him. "Peace." He spoke immediately. "I am here on Darlyn's instructions." He expressed. Deciding to politely leave out mention he would not be the fight they would want to pick right now. He might be down one of his two lightsaber blades. Though it wouldn't of hindered him much right now. Behind his mask of cold calmness a storm raged, and if anyone nearby was force sensitive they'd easily pick up on the energies burning around him.

Theseus kept his distance none the less as well. While he let the man whom he figured he contacted. Continue his analysis of the body. Now bringing a young Krayt dragon into the frey. Theseus never met Kay's pet. Though he had heard word about it. He kept silent though he figured if the dragon would have a little better of a chance identifying the corpse, either that or would be just as uncertain as the rest of them. Either way someone had been murdered, and Kay had been attacked. Theseus just needed to struggle to direct his fury towards the right parties.

 

[Silfe Sosuri]

Silfe heard commotion as she walked toward the House of Lords main conference room. It was then that she simultaneously heard [member="Voph"]'s declaration and read [member="Darlyn Excron"]'s message that [member="Lady Kay"] had been assassinated... possibly and that Lord Voph was calling for Martial Law. She walked in with a somber expression on her face. All of her wanted to break down in tears, but so many years of diplomacy training in her could not allow for the barrage of emotions to play out on her face or anywhere else for that matter. Now, she could only do what was necessary to protect the people of Commenor and provide comfort and support to Lady Kay's family.

"Lord Voph, I will send that message to my people right away." Her voice was just as somber as the expression on her face, but softer as if some giant weight had caused her to lose much of her Will. She felt a great deal of concern for [member="Veiere Arenais"]. He and Lady Kay had been through so much. For him to lose her now, so soon after the occupation and liberation of Commenor... it was unspeakably sad. "Do we know where the King is and that he is safe?"

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori was surprised to see [member="Shoden Moz"] , most especially when it came to...was that a smoke she had? A deathstick? When did she start doing that? It was a weird thing to fixate herself on, but her eyes just stared at the bits of it that lay on the floor as her cousin hugged her. She returned the hug, listening about Uncle [member="Darlyn Excron"] and how he was taking care of things. Of course he was. That was his job, afterall.

But it didn't change what happened. He can't change what happened. No one had a time machine.

She looked up to [member="Voph"] as he arrived, adjusting her stance so that Shoden was beside her. Her brows furrowed as she listened to what he said about her Mom. And it was true. It was better for her to remember her alive, rather than to see her....her body...

Lori walked over to the table, following Voph and then slowly took a seat as he spoke. The only member of her family that was accounted for? "We have to find them. We have to---" Her words were cut off as [member="Lannis Morcus"] ' holo image came through on display. This was...crazy. He was declaring himself Regent? So soon? What about her Dad? What about her brother? Where were they? Did he know? She was safe with her crew and off planet when all of this was going on. She swallowed down a lump in her throat as a thought sprang to mind. What if Lord Morcus did it? What if he killed her Mom, Dad and her brother? What if all of this was a play just to gain the throne and take over Commenor?

That would mean that she was in the way.

She quickly looked to Shoden and then to Voph again as he instructed her to stay. It could be safer here. Perhaps he'd intercept Lord Morcus before he could get into the Council Chambers. That must be the plan.

[member="Silfe Sosuri"] soon arrived. Lori looked to her and then looked to Shoden. "He can't take Regency, not while I'm still here. If he doesn't step down when he sees that I'm alive, then we know that he's behind whomever did this." And that would at least give them some answers.

And someone to go after.

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

While inspecting the wreckage of the speeder and helemet, stars holo comm went off as she took it out and looked it as morcus appeared speaking and started declaring himself regent?

what the bloody hell....this...this is insane! What does he thi-

A chill went down her body....berry eyes narrowed as she put the comm away and looked to the wreckage as her raced. He wouldnt would he? Take out lady kay? For the throne? Who was next then?! Calmong herself she pulled out her holo comm and typed a few things in and tossed it to the ground as it started transmitting to the order

this is grand master skirae with...morbid announcement that im sure some of you have a idea of...queen kay had been murdered, I know this will shake everyone to the core but we must keep strong within the force, who ever has done this will feel your anger, will feel everyone's anger. You must direct your anger do bit let it cloud your judgment, put it forth to your training....your daily routine and if you need talk to the knights and masters....do not let it fester

With that it shut off, however she was done, moving a hand to her ear stardust spoke to the warriors of the order

I want every knight and master not at the temple to move to the palace.....lord morcus' emergency Regency is to well timed...do not act until the order is given...grand master skirae out

She stood and turned looking to where the body was, then towards the capital....it all fit to well...all to well

[member="Loreena Arenais"] [member="Silfe Sosuri"] [member="Theseus Reneun"] [member="Voph"] [member="Darlyn Excron"] [member="Lannis Morcus"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Viribus was a little on edge. It was hard not to be when everyone else was. He was picking the emotions up from [member="Darlyn Excron"] and everyone. And it didn't make him very comfortable.

As they exited the cruiser, Viribus eyed [member="Yasha Cadera"] and the other Mandalorians VERY closely. A growl formed in his throat as they too seemed agitated and on guard.

His eyes narrowed as Darlyn knelt next to the body. Quickly Viribus lept off of Darlyn and moved towards it, a small cry similar to the one he always used when greeting Kay was uttered. He approached the nearest hand, waiting for it to stroke him or scritch him under the chin. But it didn't move. He sniffed the hand then, nudging it with his nose as he took in deep breaths.....

And then his spikes bristled on his back as he took a step backwards. What kind of trick was this?! He let out a scream, looking over towards Darlyn in what could only be interpreted as confusion.

Maybe it was dinner time? Darlyn went hunting for him? Hmmm....

Looking to the dead hand in front of him, Viribis opened up his jaw and went to take a bite.

 

[Yasha Cadera]

“Why are your officials declaring [member="Lady Kay"] murdered before we know the facts? How could that possibly be useful?” Yasha heard the communicated announcement with an incredulity bordering on shock. The Commenori find a suspicious body, and without the evidence to support their statements, already they were peppering the people with potentially erroneous news?

“Darlyn, control your people, or I will do it for you. The dragon clinched it. This is not my Aunt’s body. You’re going to send your people into a panic, when it could have been avoided by waiting an extra fifteen fething minutes!? For what, glory? Seeking power?” Shaking her buy’ce clad head, Yasha flicked her comms to the emergency channel she shared with family.

[member="Loreena Arenais"] was probably fit to burst.

“Lori, it’s Yasha. Your mother isn’t dead. Don’t listen to these sensationalists, something did happen, but we’re figuring it out. I’ve got [member="Ambrose Cadera"] and some of my guards convening on your position to help protect you. The body was a clone… honestly, does nobody on Commenor wait to double-check? What a mo-…” Yasha’s comm message to her cousin faded off to naught as she cut it off.

“[member="Stardust Australis Skirae"], I’ve got the scene if you need to take care of the ‘good’ Baron, by all means. At your command, I can have a legion of the 9th down from the Infernal to help you secure the capital.” Yasha watched Viribus without having to move her head. The 360 view of her HUD made scanning and watchful eyes much better yet.

“Good sweet googly Kad-moogly. Who the heck sends out an announcement like that as a power play? Quick, someone hand me a gun. I’ll take care of it. Kidding… kind of. I’ll be good.” @Ginnie Dib rolled her eyes visibly, shaking her head then moving to the other side of the dragon to take the corpse’s shoulder in her hand.

A blur of images. Memories, scenes the body experienced flashed into her mind, and more. Sensory perceptions. Smells, touches, the tastes in the mouth… if anyone or anything touched the corpse before or after death, it was open to the psychometric kiffar, who combined her genetic gifts with the spells of her Dathomiri sisterhood. It would become clear. Ginnie just had to search deeper.

Yasha shook her head and looked to [member="Darlyn Excron"]. “Does your Council not have a contingency plan on how information is disseminated? Is this how Commenor normally functions?”

Yasha motioned to two of her guards with a fist. They snapped to attention, then broke off from the protective circle, bringing out instrumentation from their packs to scan the area.

“Captain Kierke, full scan of the planet and surrounding space. Give us data down here. Infernal, out.”

[member="Loreena Arenais"] [member="Silfe Sosuri"] [member="Theseus Reneun"] [member="Voph"] [member="Darlyn Excron"] [member="Lannis Morcus"] [member="Stardust Australis Skirae"]

 

[Williamice2]

Theseus decided to speak at long last. As he had been idly hovering near the scene of the murder. He had of course announced his presence and that he was here on Darlyn's orders. Though now it was time to show he could act. He chose to do so in response to [member="Yasha Cadera"]. Whom was clearly in charge of the mandalorian force.

Theseus looked between the two. "Personally, I would hold off on trying to control this. At least the public side." He glanced to Yasha for a moment. "No offense, Miss. Though please hear me out." Theseus clamped his hands behind his back. "All though a degree of panic is ensuing from the word being spread around the street. If this indeed the case. It also means that if this indeed is not [member="Lady Kay"]'s body. The murderer of this supposed clone or fill in. As well as the abductor of the Queen. Will be left under the impression we still fully believe that she is dead. Which means that whoever holds the real Lady Kay in their possession. Does not suspect their ruse has failed. Not yet at least. They won't feel pressured to take additional actions to try and conceal her, or relocate her, or fortify their defenses around her. They still would think the ball is entirely in their court." Theseus expressed as he paced back and forth at his distance from the actual scene.

"This will provide us the opportunity to act upon what we know.. Nail whoever we can track down related to the abduction. As it would so seem. Then pull the rug right out from under their feet. Before they have a chance to catch up. Then as they are watching their plan unravel right in front of their face. They are sure to try and retreat or hide themselves out of a panic. Panicked people slip up more easily then ones guarded against a fall. We use the slip up to remove the snake's head. End this debacle once and for all, and then work on damage control for the public." Theseus suggested to the two leaders. Who were now debating the courses of action. "Either that or you can test your luck seeing what happens if we go about announcing to the public the truth that the queen isn't dead. I am sure the abductor would appreciate the heads up."

Theseus plan was not the most civil approach. Yes he knew it had faults and repercussions. Though it was none the less a direction that needed placed on the table. Theseus believed [member="Darlyn Excron"] should view all the possible routes. Then determine where the most reward from the least amount of risk would be obtained from. Either way Theseus was promised a hunt of some sort. People would suffer, and it giving advice helped him stay focused on not killing anyone and everyone whom he felt like killing to release his anger and pain towards the matter.

 

[Silfe Sosuri]

Silfe looked down at her datapad as [member="Lannis Morcus"] made his play for power. The fact that he was sitting on the throne was incredulous. Her jaw dropped. The man wasn't one of the royal family. He had no right to declare martial law without consulting the royal family and the council. There were conflicting reports on whether or not [member="Lady Kay"] was actually dead.

"My Lady Arenais," She said to [member="Loreena Arenais"]. "I know this is all a bit of a shock. If I could make some suggestions?"

"First, I believe we .. maybe [member="Voph"] can do it, should contact Morcus and inform him that a member of the Royal Family is present and he should come to the House of Lords as requested when this first began. All other Council and Royal Family not directly involved with the investigation into the death should come here as well. All communication about this investigation and our government orders should come through here to inform you and get your approval when necessary. Then, we need to make a public announcement with as many of the Council with you as possible standing behind you. It's a show of solidarity we need. Since we do not have confirmation that Lady Kay is indeed dead and facts are fairly nebulous at this time, we should convey that to the people. We should express that we have our Minister of Justice looking into the matter... that as soon as we are able, we will give the public a report on the progress of that investigation. And finally that as the daughter of the queen and with the full support of the House of Lords, you will be ruling until your father and other family members arrive home to Commenor. Reassuring the people that the government is very much intact despite this incident. That Lord Morcus was hasty in his announcement and that Martial Law is indeed in place and no ships are able to leave at this time, but that the Royal Family is still very much alive and present. Everyone should remain calm during this troubling time. I can write it up if you would like. My years as Minister of Foreign Affairs has made me a fairly decent speech writer."

"IF Lord Morcus is reluctant to follow you my lady, we may have to come up with a separate plan of action. I just hope it does not come to that. No lord or lady of the council has the power to usurp the royal family in matters of succession." Everyone was losing their minds either due to the need for revenge or rabid from the manhunt. She really wished that the people in government positions would act like they had two brain cells to rub together.


[member="Yasha Cadera"] | [member="Theseus Reneun"] | [member="Veiere Arenais"] | [member="Stardust Australis Skirae"] | [member="Darlyn Excron"] | [member="Shoden Moz"]

 

[Darlyn Excron]

"Now now Viribus, you've done well. Now look over here, Bantha steak." He took the food out of his robes and opened the container, to get the dragon to come over and eat that instead. So much, so quick. He couldn't help but grumble at the acts taken by Morcus of all people. Regency, bah, bottom of his alert list. He tried his best to get Viribus away from the body, before taking a seat in the sand. "The official story was always going to be a murder. The couple that discovered the body already spread the rumour, and we can't very well stop it. So instead we planned on using the story even should she be alive to manipulate the criminal's actions. We can't very well make the push without making sure we've got enough of the story. Otherwise, we're just killing her ourselves."

HE took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "If one of you guys finds something good for our investigation alert me. I'm going to.. I don't know. Something else..." He sighed and shrugged. He usually didn't do this but, for Kay he'd try. Perhaps if he simply meditated, and opened his mind a bit... perhaps there would be some sort of trace not physical, not in the body. But echoing in the Force, a tug, the will. Darksider or not, it was something that could still speak to him...




[member="Yasha Cadera"] :|: [member="Voph"] :|: [member="Loreena Arenais"] :|: [member="Stardust Australis Skirae"] :|: [member="Orrico Wayke"] :|: [member="Silfe Sosuri"] :|: [member="Lannis Morcus"] :|: [member="Theseus Renum"]

 

[Shoden Moz]

So many things, so much announcing and fear and missteps. Shoden simply held onto the hug with Lori as long as she could, before reluctantly letting go of her cousin and stepping to the side. She listened quietly as Voph and Silfe expressed concern, offered suggestions, and otherwise simply spoke their minds. Closed doors, they were all safe, they could be candid for a while. That meant she had time to think, and she hummed quietly. Silfe and Voph seemed more than able to concern themselves with the political affairs, they were better at this than she. She had alerted Nordel to the official statement, and it'd be sent out to where it was needed soon enough. What more could she do to help....

A thought occurred, and she took a breath. "I.. can't offer help with the political side, not much more than I have with regards to Nordel. But I do.. know someone who can help. Someone way, way smarter than me when it comes to collecting information. No one's going to tattle on me to Dad right? He hates that I keep in contact with them. Especially you Lady Sosuri..." She tried to feign a laugh, but all that came out was a bit of air, as she moved to Voph. She waited for him to finish his broadcast before she spoke up. "You don't mind handing me the reigns for talking to my contact, do you?"


[member="Voph"] :|: [member="Silfe Sosuri"] :|: [member="Loreeena Arenais"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Ginnie Dib would get a variety of things from the body. The smell and taste of booze and sweet treats, a hint of perfume, the smell of the ocean water, dirt, sand and soot that surrounded them. Images of walking along the beach at night towards the campfire, the feeling of anticipated joy of warming up by the campfire, followed by a sharp pain in her neck, the cracking of her vertebrae before she lost all feeling and everything went black before she fell to the ground. Gloved hands moved her away from the fire so that she wouldn't be consumed by it. And then there was the jogger that carefully turned her head, only to back away in shock and fear.

The Bantha steak that [member="Darlyn Excron"] was providing was much more appealing to Viribus than a human body. And it was more his size. Less work for him to eat it. And besides, his belly wasn't THAT big enough yet to consume a human in one sitting. He scarfed down the steak in minutes, his belly full and satisfied. At least for the next few hours, anyways. Then he approached Darlyn and laid down beside him, his eyes fully open while he rested, watching [member="Theseus Reneun"] , [member="Yasha Cadera"] and all the others assembled.

********************​

Kay opened her eyes, slowly, as one would after a deep sleep. The last thing that she remembered was being out on the beach. And now? Now she found herself in a bed in a furnished room. The bed was most comfortable and the blankets were the perfect cozy weight. It was no wonder that she had slept so soundly. The room held a delightful fragrance that soothed, much like her Sapir tea.

But where was she? And how did she get here?

Kay sat up in the bed, only to be startled as a disembodied male voice echoed in the room. ~Good morning, Lady Kay.
I trust you had a restful sleep?~

"Yes, thank you.
But where am I? What happened? How did I get here?"

~I do not have a name. You are on vacation, Lady Kay, as you requested. There will be no one to bother you or interfere with your solitude. I have taken care of that.~

Kay slid out of the bed then, moving to the bedroom door to find it surprisingly unlocked. She opened it and stepped out into what appeared to be a sitting room with a small kitchen on one side. There were windows as well, bringing in plenty of natural light. It appeared as though she was in a little cabin.

"What do you mean?
How did you take care of it?" Her access to the Force was somehow blocked. Even her wedding rings that increased her Force Bond with [member="Veiere Arenais"] were missing.

The voice seemed to follow whatever room that she was in. A holo projection turned itself on on the table, the images of the two joggers coming into view. "We were out on our morning run when we saw her. Her neck was broken. There was no way that we could have saved her if we were there earlier. We alerted the authorities right away and at first they didn't believe us.
But I guess that when they couldn't contact the Queen, they knew that we were telling the truth and had to come." The jogger took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I just still can't believe that she's dead."

"Dead?! Am I dead?! Did you kill me?!"

The projector turned off. ~They say that death is a permanent vacation and you wished for a vacation where you could read, enjoy your tea and not have to worry about your people. This is what I have provided for you.~

"This is not what I had in mind! You're crazy, you know that?
I'm going home." Kay approached what appeared to be the front door. And again, to her surprise, it was unlocked. She opened it and stepped outside, only to stop in her tracks as she found herself in an enormous cave. There was an opening for light, enough to allow some trees and foliage to grow. Yet it was far too high for her to climb out without help.


This was not what she had in mind.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

The voice of [member="Yasha Cadera"] came through her commlink. So her Mom wasn't dead? It was a clone? Well..where was her Mom then? She surely wasn't at home.

Lori looked to [member="Silfe Sosuri"] as she spoke. The lady wasn't much older than she was, but had far more exoerience in this sort of thing than she did. There had never been a time where Lori has had to address the public, or any large gathering of people for that matter. It was kind of scary.

"Yes, please help me with this. And I hope that Lord Morcus would stop claiming Regent as soon as he finds out that I'm here. Otherwise...we may have to fight him." But how big were his armies? How many ships did he have? Would he really turn against them?

Right now, as far as anyone was aware, she was the only Arenais on Commenor. Did that really mean that she had to rule over it?

"I hope that the other Lords and Ladies arrive soon..." So that they could decide on what to do.

Her attention then turned to [member="Shoden Moz"] , raising a brow. "What contact? Do you have a boyfriend? Is that why your Dad doesn't want you to be in contact? Who is he? Is he cute? I bet he is!" Lori had attempted to lighten her own mood. But it wasn't really working out so well.

[member="Darlyn Excron"] [member="Voph"] [member="Lannis Morcus"]

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

[member="Lannis Morcus"] [member="Darlyn Excron"] [member="Theseus Reneun"] [member="Yasha Cadera"]

Her hands clenched into tight fist, her anger was boiling needing a direction to go. However part of her urged her to not simply waltz right up into the throne room and knock him off the throne on live broadcast. Instead she called for a shuttle as she spoke to [member="Yasha Cadera"]

move them in discreetly, I do not want to cause mass panic and have everyone think a civil war is going on I'll be heading to the palace right NOW


With that she turned as the shuttle landed not to far away, she hopped inside and grabbed a handlebar as she looked to the scene one last time before the doors closed as she lifted off into the air. The ride was silent and honey stardust was brooding as she looked down at the floor....would her give it up peacefully? Would she have to fight him? Star didnt want to fight someone she considered a ally but his actions were timed to perfect. Sighing she felt the the ship descend and land

have hold the shuttle here

She said as the doors open and she departed, quick strides brought her to the palace as she stopped and let a breath out as she entered stopping as she eyed the throne

lord morcus

She said calling his attention

 

[Taa Nul]

The temporary regent had just finished formalising a few matters regarding the martial law with his generals and admiralty, arising from the throne when all of a sudden Miss Skirae had arrived. "Ahh, Miss Skirae. Do excuse me, I need to report to the council chamber and see what's what." Morcus said with a polite bow, before he quickly made his way down to the council chamber. When he arrived, his eyes widened upon spotting Loreena.

"Princess Arenais! Forgive me, I hadn't realised you'd arrived on world yet. It seems none of my underlings bothered to inform me. I....I am so sorry about your mother.", Morcus said with a great hint of sorrow in his tone. "Rest assured steps are being taken to ensure the perpetrators do not escape the planet until our investigation is complete. And I apologise for not consulting the council about adopting an emergency regency. It was to my understanding that none of the royal family had arrived here yet, and I didn't want to bog down our efforts to catch your mother's murderers with needless bureaucracy. I hereby hand the regency to you, Miss Arenais, should you wish it. I'd...wanted to give you some time to grieve beforehand, admittedly."

He then turned to face Voph. "I apologise if I caused any unnecessary panic in the council chamber, my friend. Time is a resource we cannot waste, however. Queen Arenais was a dear friend of mine. I would see her killers thoroughly made an example of if only to grant her family some semblance of peace..."

[member="Stardust Australis Skirae"]
[member="Loreena Arenais"]
[member="Lady Kay"]
[member="Shoden Moz"]
[member="Darlyn Excron"]
[member="Silfe Sosuri"]
[member="Theseus Reneun"]
[member="Yasha Cadera"]
[member="Voph"]

 

[Kyyrk]

Voph's head turned towards the door as Morcus stepped inside. He said nothing, simply watching him with a cold stare as he addressed Lori. When Morcus turned to him, Voph's brow furrowed deeper. "What you did was selfish and foolish, Morcus." Voph stepped away from the holo projector, moving rather quietly for a man clad in full beskar plate armor. "Time is indeed a valuable resource. And it is a pity that you see fit to waste it acting of your own accord, ignoring my summons in doing so. Every second you spend chasing your own agenda is a second we must spend adjusting." Voph stepped up to the back of his own chair. The Council was as gathered as it was going to get. He looked around at the others standing in the room. "The queen is dead, and if we act without thought, Commenor will consume itself. If we act, we do so with the full knowledge and support of this council."

Voph gestured for people to take their seats, turning to face [member="Shoden Moz"] as he did so. "Lady Shoden, now is not the time for doubts. Call your contact. If your father does not approve, he will answer to me." Voph pushed his chair back, and away from the table. He hated sitting at times like this, instead leaning over the table. "Kay's death is a secondary target for us. She's gone, we're not bringing her back. Right now our primary focus should be on securing Commenor." Voph held up a hand to preemptively silence any objections. "Once Minister Darlyn finds us a lead, we will resume pursuit of Kay's killer. In the mean time, I agree with Silfe. A formal address by the princess would go a long way in soothing the crowds."

Voph fell silent for a moment. "In the mean time, the matter of Morcus's initiation of Martial Law still hangs over us. We need to end that as soon as possible, people won't feel safe staring down the barrels of their own military. And there is still the matter of regency." Voph turned his head to look at Lori. "Under Commenor law, you are the highest level of authority, Your Highness. I, however, feel that this may be more than you are prepared to handle. Should you chose to continue forward as regent until the proper successor is chosen, you shall do so with my support." He paused for a moment. He wasn't going to suggest himself for a task such as this. He would soon be needed elsewhere. Tracking down the killer. So he made a decision. "Otherwise, I suggest it may be best for you to surrender regency to someone with the experience necessary to see Commenor through this dark time. I have the utmost faith they will be able to do what needs to be done, and maintain balance until Kay's killer is brought to justice." He turned, letting the name, and silence, punctuate his vote. "Lady Silfe."

[member="Lannis Morcus"] [member="Stardust Australis Skirae"] [member="Loreena Arenais"] [member="Shoden Moz"] [member="Darlyn Excron"] [member="Silfe Sosuri"] [member="Theseus Reneun"] [member="Yasha Cadera"]

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Finally [member="Lannis Morcus"] had arrived. He nearly stumbled over his words after he caught sight of her. Lori merely nodded her head at him. Should she be mad? No. He said he'd step down right away and that was enough for her. "It's okay, Lord Morcus. You were...acting on instinct and impulse. Just like everyone is." Including herself. But everything was happening so fast that she was trying to hold onto something to keep herself from falling. Maybe that was why her Mom always drank tea.

Lori's brows furrowed as she listened to [member="Voph"] speak. Did no one else hear the news?...No, no they couldn't of.

Her jaw clenched as he didn't see her fit to lead. He thought her merely as just a temporary fix. Sure she was the last in line, but that was due to being the last to be born. It had nothing to do with her ability. So what did he want her to do? Just be some pretty face while someone else pulled the strings? If all of her family were dead, did that mean that she'd be pushed out?

Lori didn't like that at all. And she was doing her best to not let her anger get the better of her. It was bad enough to grow in the shadow of heroes. She always did her best to try to make everyone proud, even captained her own crew! But it just isn't enough....

She looked to [member="Shoden Moz"] and [member="Silfe Sosuri"] for a moment before getting to her feet. "I know that I'm young and unexperienced when it comes to leading a planet full of people, but I'm not incapable either.
Yet even after calling me here, you're so quick to have me removed." Lori took a breath and then shook her head. She was handling this all wrong. "My Mom's not dead. I got the call from [member="Yasha Cadera"] minutes ago. The body that was found is not her. So could you PLEASE stop trying to find some successor that you APPROVE of, and at least TRY to find my Mom?? Or would you rather just...have her out of the way?
If that's the case, then I'll go to find her myself...with or without your help." Lori made no move to sit back down. She just folded her arms across her chest and gave Voph a hard stare.

 

[Silfe Sosuri]

She bowed to Lori in respect and started working on the statement as requested. "Don't worry Shoden. I am not going to come between you and your father. That's between you and he, whatever this is." She pointed and made a gesture as if to encompass that friend situation she was speaking of.

Finally [member="Lannis Morcus"] came into the House of Lords and she grimaced at his stupidity. She looked up from her datapad and sighed. "Lord Morcus, a two minute conversation with the Council would have been able to fix much. As it is, Lord [member="Voph"] is correct. We spent much time trying to figure out why you would be so motivated to take a hold of the regency without even CHECKING that there was a member of the Royal Family present on Commenor. Honestly, there is almost always one here. It is not up to you to make such decisions carte blanche and we wasted a great deal of precious time. Hopefully in the future, there will be more concrete order of operations in place so that this will not happen again. I am sure it was a mistake made with the best of intentions however. Let us continue to assist Lori in doing what she has been raised to do."

At Voph's suggestion that they make herself regent she shook her head vehemently and blushed profusely. "No!" but before she could continue to protest, [member="Loreena Arenais"] stood up for herself and Silfe could not be more proud. [member="Lady Kay"] did not leave her children defenseless at such a time. As much as it may have been devastating to learn your mother had died, or in this case, seemed to have died, Lori was well trained in running the planet.

"I know that I'm young and inexperienced when it comes to leading a planet full of people, but I'm not incapable either."

Silfe quickly said, "Here here!" in response and was incredibly relieved to hear the news that Lady Kay was not dead and that the body had not been hers. She let out a breath and rubbed her hands on her face to keep the tears from stinging her eyes. After a moment to collect herself, SIlfe said in a voice thick with emotion, "That is very good news that your mother is not dead, merely missing. I will adjust the statement to reflect that My Lady. I think however, it is prudent to remain here and allow [member="Darlyn Excron"] to continue to do his job. It is our job, as the Council to stand behind you, to advise you and to show solidarity to your actions as this news will have shaken much of Commenor and they will be looking to you for guidance and information. We should get to that conference as soon as possible."


[member="Shoden Moz"] [member="Veiere Arenais"] [member="Stardust Australis Skirae"]