Diplomacy at its Finest (Republic Dominion of Hapes)

[Teynara Jeralyr]

Standing slightly behind the Vice Chancellor, Teynara noticed the soft sigh that issued from between the woman's lips, perhaps a sign that something was bothering her. Although it was typical of the blonde to pick up on little things like that, normally she would simply dismiss them, but given who it was she was supposed to be shadowing, it seemed like a good idea to keep an even closer eye on things like that than she might otherwise do. Besides, she's a politician, Teynara mused with the faintest of smiles curving her lips. A sigh from her might mean anything from 'I'm bored' to 'galactic war is imminent, so break out the wine and hide under the tables', she thought wryly. Hopefully it wasn't the latter.

Teynara was only attending this particular event at the request of Master Za'tire, and even then, she wasn't entirely certain that Ryori hadn't made a major mistake in suggesting it. Observe the meetings and report back, in addition to protecting the dignitaries. Considering the blonde wasn't even carrying a lightsaber, that last part seemed rather difficult to do, but her role had never been a combatative one anyway. Maybe if one of them gets shot, I could help patch them up, but other than that... Hopefully it wouldn't come to that, though. This is supposed to be a dignified meeting of important people, after all. What could possibly go wrong?

She did feel rather underdressed, though, surrounded by these career politicians and the highly-placed Hapan women, most of whom made certain to dress in expensive clothing that yet served clear functional purpose. Some of the dresses around here probably cost enough to feed a family for a year on some of the Outer Rim worlds, she thought, her pale-blue eyes narrowing thoughtfully, though her own attire was pretty standard Jedi fare: white tunic, a flowing white ankle-length skirt, both trimmed in dark blue and all gathered at her waist with a black belt that matched her boots. Not exactly what you'd call ostentatious, but it's not made to stand out, she reflected. Even so, she didn't like feeling so far out of her depth.

So far, though, the Hapans had been polite enough not to make any comment, though their guarded expressions left little for the Jedi to read openly anyway, so Force alone knew what they were actually thinking. Probably best that we don't know, Teynara mused, reflecting that it would just likely put her in a bad mood. And we're supposed to present a positive front here: representatives of the Senate alongside members of the Jedi Order, unified in our purpose. That ought to at least make an impression, or so it had been reasoned before their little trip had begun.

"Is everything alright, Vice Chancellor?", she asked in a soft, polite voice, barely above a whisper, but carrying sufficiently that the other woman would hear her. "Is something bothering you, Ma'am?" Teynara didn't particularly like the idea of a woman as powerful as the VC find herself perturbed during something as important as a meeting of this nature: frankly, it just made her feel a little on edge. And that's without the Force occasionally whispering to me. The combination just made her skin crawl.

 

[Aurelia Saelari]

The presence of more Jedi in the room, as well as ms Kerrigan did make Aurelia feel better. She might be the most powerful woman in the galaxy from a political point of view, but her martial skills were really quite limited. Her sole concession to military thinking was a small holdout blaster concealed in her robes.
Siobhan Kerrigan was another matter. Having heard of the woman's prowess at Anaxes and her later removal to Omega Pyre she had contacted that organisation and called upon the woman's help. And here she was, looking as grim and scarred as she had been led to believe.

Meanwhile, the political meeting was going on. Since the long meeting does not bear repeating in full, a time lapse of some half an hour brought the meeting to a final end.

A large document was laid out on the desk, set with elaborate seals and flowery writing. It was the formal display of the Treaty of Hapes, which effectively made the Matriarchy a vassal of the Republic, and opened them to fuller contact with the rest of the galaxy.

Aurelia affixed her signature to the document and turned to her companions. "My friends, Jedi and members of the Republic, for on this day we are all citizens of the Galactic Republic. In this treaty is declared the intent for Hapes to join our union, but also for them to preserve their ancient laws and customs. The Republic is a body which seeks to civilise and help the galaxy, not bring it under control. From out of the chaos and despair of the dark ages we have brought forth a new light to banish the darkness. While the lights are going out all over the galaxy, as Sith and pirate, criminal and slaver feasts on the poor and the helpless, the Republic will stand as a beacon of justice. And maybe, just maybe, we will overcome this darkness and a new dawn will come, over which the entire galaxy will see that there is hope even in the darkest night. For truly, it is always darkest just before the dawn."

Aurelia liked grand speeches.

 

[Hanna Ike]

Hanna whispered back " I will let you know afterwards" She loved these events. when there were short, and of course the Chancellor gave a great speech, and the signing was momentous occasion. Hanna stayed and chatted with everyone but she finally found a moment to speak to her jedi protector is all she could guess. " Hello there, I am afraid I don't know your name. " She smiled and continued talking " I was sighing because I will have to adjust to the ways of the republic... I have been picking out my staff, but well I only want women to work for me... such important jobs are not meant for lowly men... but I know the Republic don't have such thoughts, so I am torn on what to do. "

 

[Aurelia Saelari]

The Chancellor, quite unconcerned that her grand speech had not gotten any applause, turned for the door. The treaty had been signed, and in theory that was all there was to it, right?

Not quite. There was a faction of Hapan nobles and others who weren't quite ready to become vassals to the Republic. The Queen Mother's daughter Kiena was determined to act, no matter the consequences. Soon she would spring her plot and drive the Republic imperialists from Hapes...or so she hoped.

Meanwhile Aurelia looked around at her Jedi and non-Jedi protectors so they would know it was time to return to the throneroom....

 

[Flint Pherson]

The Sailing Skiff "Godiva"

"...And, as you can see Commander. This is the grand market area. I myself always enjoy flying over it. Reminding the little people down below that our Red and Gold banners are still heavens above them. No doubt you must feel the same way when you overlook your Capital from your Flagships."

"Yes. I.. I always go shopping with my Cruiser."

"Erm. How, unique. Ahem. Anyway... If you'll look over here Commander you'll also notice..."

"Who is that."

"What? I'm sorry I didn't..."

"The two other skiffs that are approaching."

"...Oh well I? I don't know. I told my Staff to keep the airways clear for us. You must understand. The Capital is a very busy city and I don't think..."

The fairy man's words were interrupted as a spear went 'thunk' into the sidewall of their luxury sailing craft. It was attached to a tow cable coming from the approaching vessels.

"Minister. I'd say your day just got a lot 'busier'."

"Oh dear. I surrender! ...I surrender!"

Flint quickly punched the Hapan male in the face and knocked the 'sparkling diva' out cold. He slumped to the deck with a thud. It was, 'Diplomacy at it's Finest'. (Though, in sudden hindsight, Flint would have to remember to ask Republic Marshall Montoya to forget about that little incident.)

"...Ah. Now that felt much better." He flipped his com up and called to his allies,

...

~ "All units. We have aggressive locals above the Market. The Minister has been hit and Marshall Montoya and I have been engaged. Requesting back up to this signal." ~ He peaked over the railing and counted heads. About sixteen bad guys between both boats.

~ "...And don't be late." ~

 

[Inigo Montoya]

Inigo Montoya was enjoying the breeze blowing through his hair as the sailing skiff lazily floated above the market place. He was assigned as Marshal to the Republic Supreme Commander, a task he did not take lightly at all. He was wearing simple brown vest over his plain grey shirt, a plain but sturdy brown belt wrapped around his waist, from which a simple silver and ivory colored light saber hilt hung for a left hand draw. Dark brown leather pants tucked snugly in to his knee high dark caramel colored boots, completed his ensemble.

Be seen, not heard. Those were the orders of his Jedi Mistress, and one he struggled hard to maintain. He was rather enjoying himself when the grappling spears started flying. Dodging out of the way of the shaft, he raced to the Commander and engaged the hostiles, drawing his light saber and dropping into a Makashi defensive stance as he greeted his attackers. "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. Please surrender or you will die."

The first boarder ignoring him and rushed with a vibroblade in hand, Inigo parried the blade to the side and punched him in the face, breaking his nose and knocking him out cold. "Sorry." He said as he prepared for more attacks.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

Siobhan wondered whether they were expected to clap now. Admittedly she was not the clapping type and clapping her flesh and metal hand together might be sort of painful. Woman sure likes her light metaphor. Dawn, light, beacon, she thought. Being a semi-literate philistine, she probably lacked appreciation for impressive rhetoric. She preferred more basic methods of persuasion when it came to getting her to bow down and worship someone.

After the Chancellor's grand speech about the Republic being an enclave of civilisation in a Galaxy of tyranny and barbarity, Siobhan quickly departed the private room and fell in line along with Chancellor Saelari and her personal guards. Then suddenly her earpiece cackled. "Kerrigan," she said gruffly, then wordlessly nodded when the Supreme Commander's message came through, over the sound of intense blasterfire, without any change in her grim expression.

She did not turn as she spoke. "Supreme Commander's under attack. A Minister's down. We need to move." Her jaw tightened, she stretched with her senses when she felt a slight tingle through the Force, trying to discern from where the threat came. She shot the palace guards and officials probing looks, who knew whether the elaborate robes of the courtiers might not hide blasters and blades, then she felt a tug in the Force and her eyes were pulled towards the large window and the building opposite it.

Within seconds she surged forward to position herself in front of the Chancellor, pulling the woman down in a quick motion so that the head of state was covered behind the mercenary. A shot rang from the building, penetrating the glass. It never reached Aurelia, but instead struck a force barrier Siobhan had thrown up. There was a faint glow from the otherwise invisible shield when the round hit the ex-Jedi at a high velocity. Were it not for the shield it would have blown quite a hole into her chest. Her cyborg eye flared up. Siobhan winced and was pushed back a bit by the impact, but the round seemingly bounced off harmlessly. And suddenly things are a hell of a lot more interesting, Siobhan thought to herself. Her lightsabre flew into her hand and the blue blade hummed as she ignited it.

 

[Carmen Dax]

Carmen was wearing her com and heard over it "All units. We have aggressive locals above the Market. The Minister has been hit and Marshall Montoya and I have been engaged. Requesting back up to this signal." Carmen didnt know what to do. She felt something wrong and saw that one of the Hapes guards brought The chancellor to the ground And heard a shot fire. Hr lightsaber few to her hand and ingnited She new that the chancellor was safe from the shots. She was saved by Siobhan using a force sheild. Carmen knelt down and and asked the Chancellor "Ma'm Are you alright?" Before she could answer she said to Siobhan "Thank you."

 

[Sal Katarn]

"You will betray them all. You are their destruction in human form, constructed for a singular purpose. You are superior. We are superior. We will eliminate this Republic from the galaxy. We must. You must. It is your duty. It is your directive."

"I can't."

"What do you mean? It is your duty! Your destiny!"

Seth shook his head, desperately trying to clear it of the voice within. His gaze took in the market place from where he was onboard the skiff "Godiva." So many people. The galaxy was full of so many people, who, just like these, went about their daily routine unaware of the danger around them. The danger in him. He saw children with their parents. Men and women. All different species. Unique. Individual. People.

"Some must die to serve the directive." The voice in his head whispered.

Seth gritted his teeth. "It's not right."

"You do not know what is right and wrong. Only what the directive has told you. Serve it. It is what you were created for. Release your doubts. Release your emotion," the voice said soothingly.

Desperately, Seth drew his fingers through his hair clenching his head in his hands. His knees were shaking. Disgusted with himself. No, frustrated. At ease... doubtful. Calm, but nervous. A conflict of emotions warring within him as two pieces of him fought for control. He felt sick to his stomach.

"Seth," a hand touched his shoulder. He glanced over, startled. The owner of the hand was a short man in his mid-thirties with a shock of brown hair, green eyes, and a single earring dangled from an ear. He wore nondescript clothes, apparently unarmed, but Seth's trained eyes could spot the bulge of a blaster underneath his armpit. "Seth, have you been listening to anything I've said?"

"Sorry, D, what?" Seth said restraining a grimace of pain.

D frowned, pirate swagger disappearing somewhat, "Are you feeling okay? IntOrg can't have you down for this one. It's important."

The Voice sighed, "You will have to kill him too, you know."
"When did I become such an asset?" Seth wondered as he tried to ignore the voice. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Give me a sec." Clutching his stomach, he made his way belowdecks. He stumbled as his vision began to blur and leaned heavily against the wall. What was happening to him? Struggling, he made his way to the head.

He collapsed to his knees and clutched the cold, white bowl desperately. Its cool touch refreshing to his fevered body. He didn't want this. He had never asked to be used as a weapon. And those memories. The flashes. Of someone he wasn't. Or someone he had been. Who was he? And why had he been sent only to destroy? Bile leapt into his throat at the thought of gunning down children like the ones in the market place in the name of the "directive." And what terrified him most was that he knew he would... if it came to it. It was programmed into him. Into his genes. Loyalty. Subservience. He retched into the bowl.

"You can't ignore me forever."


"I can try." Seth thought, feverishly.
The Voice merely chuckled in response. Laughing in his head. Seth shook as images began to flash through his mind. In them, he burnt whole planets of innocents just to make the Republic suffer. He saw images, too real and visceral to be just dreams. Images of things he did.

"GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" Seth screamed. "You realize how absurd you sound? You're ONE MAN!" He stopped shouting. "How are you supposed to take down an entire Galactic Republic?" He thought. The images stopped and the laughing ceased. Only to be replaced by the wailing of the skiff's alarms. Seth sat upright and released the bowl. "Shit." He pushed through the nausea and leapt to his feet, bounding up the stairs. Even as he reacted physically, he felt himself giving in to his body. To his genes. They repressed his emotions. His empathy. The emptiness welcomed him with a kind of numbness soothing in comparison to the chaos he experienced before.

He emerged on deck to the sight of a hostile boarding party. A sweeping glance took in the situation as his heightened awareness absorbed information. A Jedi stood in front of the Commander, protecting him from the first wave of onrushing attackers. Seth glanced back as a second boarding party rushed onto the aft section of the skiff from a separate ship, where D was fending them off with his blaster. Seth raced over to assist the Republic Intelligence Agent.

Blasterfire bounced between the engaged vessels, but Seth's focus was honed in. He drew a concealed blaster pistol from his boot as he ran and opened fire with several well placed shots, dropping the lead attacker and causing the others to stumble over his body in the charge. As he did so, he felt a tension growing between his shoulder blades and spun around just in time to receive a boot to the chest that sent him sprawling to the deck. Apparently, there had been another boarding party he had missed.

With a kick of his leg, Seth swept the attackers feet out from under him before the man could land a blow with his vibroblade. Seth rolled backward and came to his feet, hands out and ready for a fight. He felt the excitement tingle through his body before it was focused into clear, precise thought. The attacker got to his feet and swung the vibrosword in a diagonal cut. Seth dodged with a sway while stepping into the attacker's guard. He rammed an elbow into the man's nose, crushing the cartilage and causing a run of blood. He hooked the man's leg around the back of the knee with his leg and in a flurry of motion tossed him to the ground. Seth still held the man's arm. He knelt and promptly broke the arm over his knee, leaving the man screaming in pain. Shorn retrieved the vibroblade and ended the attacker's life with a sharp motion and spray of blood.

Now armed, Seth turned to face any new threats onboard the skiff. He felt the Voice in his head smile with satisfaction as it finally had control over him, doing what he had intended to do. Destroy. No, it had always been in control. The Voice was him. And he was the Voice.

 

[Teynara Jeralyr]

Teynara raised a pale eyebrow at the Vice Chancellor's remark, a little surprised to hear such...well, bigotry was the only way she could think to describe it. Especially coming from someone in such an important position. Why would she think that way? Teynara had no explanation, though certainly she had noticed that the Hapans acted in a very similar manner: the matriarchal society dictated that women were more important than men, and thus the Consortium was ruled mostly by the women of the aristocratic families, men playing a more servile and secondary role in their society. And the Vice Chancellor clearly shares their affinity for this system of government. It seemed strange, but it could hardly be commented on by a Jedi.

The blonde woman had to admit that she hadn't really been listening to the Chancellor's speech, and had missed the grandiosity of it all - just as well, given that she had a particular aversion to grandstanding of all kinds - but even so, her attention had been too closely focused upon her own thoughts, and keeping an eye out for any possible threats to the dignitaries that they were escorting. I may not be the best the Order has to offer, but I still have a job to do here. She couldn't forget that, and the security of the Chancellor and her Vice Chancellor could hardly be ignored - indeed, it was their sole priority. That and to be witness to this treaty.

Their departure from the reception came as swiftly as their arrival - and, in truth, that was the way Teynara preferred it. Best to keep diplomatic dealings brief, so nobody has chance to change their minds before it's too late. The Chancellor certainly didn't seem to want to hang around, particularly given the reception to her speech - even Teynara had sensed the lackluster enthusiasm that existed there. Not exactly hard to spot, but then even I get uncomfortable with big speeches, she thought. Best to be off quickly. The young woman stepped into line just behind the Vice Chancellor, following her but being sure not to dog her footsteps too much - you had to give important people what little privacy you could.

The sudden rapport of a blaster sounded in the long corridor, and the well-organised group suddenly descended into momentary panic. The Chancellor had be pulled down to the floor by one of their escort and had another of the Jedi contingent standing in front of her with lightsaber activated, casting a gentle hue across the group, lighting the area immediately around them. Teynara deemed that a relatively prudent measure and took the Vice Chancellor by the arm, gently but firmly moving her over to stand next to the Chancellor herself, ensuring that the two of them would benefit from the same level of protection. Teynara herself wasn't armed, and would only be useful in a fight if things went hand-to-hand, but beyond that...

"I guess not everyone enjoys a good speech, Madame Chancellor," Teynara remarked wryly, standing a pace or so behind Carmen and Siobhan, her pale-blue eyes glancing around looking for any other potential threat which might yet assail them. "Never been shot at after listening to one before, but there's always a first time for everything, no?"

 

[Aurelia Saelari]

Aurelia cast a glance at Teynara. "So it seems, Jedi. Not the reception I was hoping for, but one I expected." She looked to Siobhan and Carmen and bowed her head. "I'm fine, thank you, Padawan. Thank you, Ms Kerrigan. Now, enough pleasantries, let's get under cover!"

The throne room was in turmoil. Hapan and Republic officials were taking cover behind anything that was available. The Queen Mother and Chancellor were led into another room, a wide ballroom where they were safe for a moment.
Aurelia immediately turned on the Queen Mother. "Is this my reception, Majesty? Is this what Hapes does to show its gratitude?" she asked quietly.
"I had nothing to do with this, Chancellor!" Tasaria said, looking offended. "To think I would try and have you assassinated is insulting!"
"Then who and why?" Aurelia demanded.

They had little time to ponder because the ballroom window shattered and a half dozen soldiers entered, opening fire on the two heads of state. Aurelia took cover behind a pillar while her protectors went to work....

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

In a span of mere minutes, all hell had broken loose. Well, metaphorically speaking. Fortunately our heroes - or evil imperialists, depending on one's perspective - were not being assailed by hellhounds and giant fire demons or tentacled, winged monstrosities from the deep. But it was mayhem and bloodshed nonetheless.

The window shattered into pieces and soldiers stormed in, causing a cacophony of sound and a lightshow of red bolts as their blasters caused a barrage of light that struck the walls and pillars. Priceless vases and portraits were blown apart in the action. Siobhan was in her element, spinning her blade in a fast flurry of motions to deflect salvoes of blasterfire from those first to fire. When the initial barrage became too strong she dodged and spun, drawing on the Force to increase her speed. They were targets, she was under contract to protect the Chancellor, so she would get the job done.

Then she charged into the fray. One guard firing his blaster rifle was forced to the ground when his laser bolts were reflected right back to his shoulder, she slashed across his neck as he fell. She thrust out her hand to levitate a guard coming at her a few metres over the ground, then when he fired she ran her blade through his chest, impaling him on it. The attackers tried to move out of her way, two concentrated their fire on her while others strove to evade and get at the high officials from the flanks and pin the two Jedi down by keeping up a continuous volley.

Face grim Siobhan whirled around and ridded two guards of their heads in a fast swipe, sending them tumbling down to the floor. For a moment this distracted her and the warning from the Force came too late, so she felt a sharp pain in her back when a sword pierced her. Snarling, she spun and gave the trooper a hard kick in the face, knocking him back. As the guard recovered and tried to reach for his gun she had jumped and crossed the distance to the flanking guards. One guard spewed out a hail of bolts upon seeing her, but she drove her blade down through his helmet into his forehead. Another soldier, discarding his blaster given its inefficiency against lightsabres, came at her with his vibrosword and she twirled out of reach of his slashes, before slamming her boot into his knee and then driving her blade into him.

The last guard groaned, pulling up his blaster to fire, then Siobhan turned and threw her lightsabre in a spinning arc. The guard saw it coming and tried to hit the ground, but by then the sabre had struck his face and burnt through it with great heat, splattering brain matter across the ornate floor. The mercenary held out her hand and recalled the sabre, searching for further targets. No doubt there would be more coming and they wouldn't be as easy to slay.

 

[Inigo Montoya]

Inigo was in his element now, parrying the thrusted blade of his assailant to the side before kicking him in the rear, bringing his blade up just in time to deflect another blaster bolt back to its shooter, hitting him in the leg. All told, Inigo had engaged four enemies and had incapacitated them in one form or the other, taking them out of the fight.

The Jedi Padawan loathed to use lethal force, preferring to capture the criminals so that they could be brought to justice later on. For him, killing should always be the last option.

"Commander I hope you are alright." He called over his shoulder at the man he was supposed to be protecting. "Looks like they might be just a tad enthusiastic for their own good."

At that moment another man joined them allowing him to cover the left flank more efficiently as a pair of thugs came at him. With a flash of his blade, he intercepted one weapon and used that to block the other, then used the force to knock their heads together as he disengaged his weapon.

 

[Aurelia Saelari]

Aurelia had watched the show in awe. Such a brutal takedown was not something she had expected. The other Jedi hadn't even needed to engage. She made a note to keep this particular ex-Jedi on her list of contacts....

However, they were interrupted by the arrival of many guards and soldiers, all entering from the far side of the ballroom. Aurelia stepped forward with the Queen Mother...recognising the Queen's daughter Kiena was there.
"Mother, I'm so glad you're safe, come with us, we'll take you to safety. Chancellor, please come with us too."

Something wasn't right. Aurelia wasn't a Jedi, but she was a politician, and when it came to reading faces and attitudes it was almost as good. Aurelia saw the mass of guards starting to close in around them and started to get a very bad feeling....

 

[Flint Pherson]

Godiva
Montoya, Seth

Sixteen opponents quickly turned into more as two more skiffs could be seen taking to the sky. The Republic agents nearby seemed to be doing just fine however. Well, given the circumstances.

"...Shut up Marshal and keep fighting! And somebody break those tow cables, damn it!"

Flint leaned over the Minister and hefted the slim body over his shoulders. Carting the limp body down the stairs and into the deck. He carted the man into the cockpit and pushed the Helmsmen aside.

"Move! Now! Get the hellion out of my way! I'm driving!"

The pilot resisted and Flint socked him in the kisser. That made two knockouts in one day. Not bad. Not bad. He threw the Minister to the floor and took the wheel. Then he pressed the com to alert the agents top-side,

~ "Hold on up there! We are going down!" ~

He killed the repulsar engines.

"Yeehaa! Hahaha!"

Smiling as the large Skiff tanked into the sky. Dragging the other smaller boats along with it. He spun the wheel and engaged the engines only meters from the Market's Surface. Sending them up into the air again and smashing into a Rampway overlooking the Market. They had reached the ground. And it was quite the mess.

~ "This is your pilot speaking. Please disembark the vessel in an orderly fashion. Thanks for flying Republic Airways. Heh." ~

Flint grabbed the Helmsman's pistol and blasted out the cockpit windows. Grabbing the Minister and the Helmsman over his shoulders and leaping down onto the Roads below. To his surprise he was greeted by Hapan Soldiers in ornate Bronze armor running out from the buildings. So he tossed down the pilot with a frown.

"You there! Republic man. Quickly. This way. We'll deal with these rebel scum!"

"All yours boys. Sorry about the mess."

Flint set off down the street guarded by four Bronze Soldiers. He Minister was beginning to awaken over his shoulders,

"...Ugh. Wait. What happened? Did we survive?"

"Oh yeah. All thanks to you Minister too. You fought them all off by yourself Meir. Good work up there."

"...Oh. Ugh. I... Brilliant..?"

He passed out again and Flint smirked. Pansy.

 

[Hanna Ike]

Hanna being Hapan, herself had seen to go largely unnoticed during the fight, so she did what she did best, improvise. She searched the bodies.. and found a blaster and a grenade, It would have to do, since no one seemed to be worrying about her own safety, other than her own bodyguards. There was horrible fights as she watched a jedi tear apart a mob, and the other guards shoot down the attackers. It was amazing yet horrifying as she had her life saved yet again by her bodyguards, catching an emerging soldier. That was when she saw the group of guards, more of the attackers and they were going for the Chancellor and Queen Mother.

Hanna didn't see that they had the Queen Mother's daughter with them from her angle so, she did what she could she threw the grenade she had found towards the mob of guards encroaching at the Chancellor and Queen Mother. She then ducked as her guards dragged her off to another area, it seemed like this was one hell of a treaty signing.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

Siobhan sized up the situation as the guards started to close in on them from the far side of the ballroom. Then the Princess spoke her honeyed words of how concerned she was for the Chancellor's safety. If anything, this confirmed the undoubtedly stereotyped view she had of aristocratic courts in general.

She cocked her head slightly, then conjured a telekinetic force push that slammed into the guards closest to encroaching upon them. "I don't think the Lady likes your idea of hospitality," she said deadpan, lightsabre held in a one-handed grip. Then surprisingly Vice-Chancellor Lissiri sprung into action and hurled a grenade into the fray. Thick smoke filled the air and the room was filled with the cries of wounded Hapan guards and several were blown apart altogether.

Had Princess Kiena perished as well? Smarmy aristos had a way of getting out of trouble when the shooting started, and Siobhan had more immediate problems to deal with than renegade princess. Namely the mob of guards that came storming towards over the bodies of their dead and injured comrades. Even those that had suffered injuries tried to provide covering fire for their brethren, as much as that was possible when one say had been deprived of one's legs.

Siobhan advanced, positioning herself in front of the dignitaries, spinning her sabre at a rapid pace to deflect bolts. Many were reflected and guards cried out in pain, but she could not hold up against the sheer mass of attackers, especially since many of them carried light repeaters that unlike normal rifles actually had a decent rate of fire. Siobhan kept up her defensive stance, then readied for attack, but winced when a round penetrated her defences and grazed her, then another.

A pillar crumbled under the pressure of being riddled with highly-powered bolts and the bricks came tumbling down on her. Siobhan jumped sideways, rolling across the ground, but nonetheless a few bricks hit her hard, leaving her disorientated for a moment. Guards swarmed across the ballroom, a small group staying behind at its end to keep up a continuous barrage of red bolts to provide cover for the attackers.

Siobhan jumped up just as the first guards reached her. One hit her with the butt of his rifle, she brought up her fist to parry a punch from another, but then suffered a hard kick in the stomach. A soldier drew his vibroblade and brought it down on her, aiming for her chest. But she reached out with her metal hand and grabbed his arm, catching it in a hard grip. The soldier's features contorted, he struggled to free himself, but Siobhan yanked his arm and drove the blade straight into his knee. His comrades came at her with a flurry of slashes, she suffered a cut into her face, but then she whirled her captive around and slammed him into his nearest comrade, driving him around full circle to use him as a battering ram of sorts.

Gripping him by the neck, she held him in front of her as a shield, holding her heavy blaster and firing at incoming guards, then snapped his neck and slammed him a guard peppering the room with rounds ejected from a repeater, knocking them both down. Mayhem, the smell of blood and ozone, a luxurious ballroom being torn apart by lasers due to some political dispute about planetary rights, heavy risks, a prize to be won. Siobhan was right at home. She reached out with telekinesis and recalled her lightsabre, just in time to parry another hail of laser rounds.

The Republic and Hapan guards loyal to their leaders rallied, trying to keep the more numerous attackers at bay. Siobhan moved into the fray, hacking and slashing at attackers with her sabre in a fast motion. One was cleaved in half by a swipe, another ended when her blade struck right through his mouth just after he had cried out "Liberty or death!" Happy to oblige with death. She leapt into the air when guards cornered her close to a pillar, kicking one in the face and chopping the head off another. But one grabbed her by the legs when she was landing and she was slammed against a pillar. She twirled her blade to get a better grip, then swung it at an attacker, taking his hands off.

As she emerged from the ground she stared at the intruders intently, then clenched her fist, holding the sabre with one hand, seemingly yielding. Then several portraits and vases started moving, released into the air and hurled at the assaulting guards, functioning as improvised missiles. Siobhan added to the mayhem by hurling a phosphorus grenade after them, channelling the Force to guide it into the centre of the attackers. Bodies were thrown up into the air by the explosion, cries of pain were heard. But more boots could be heard hitting the ground from further afield, their enemies would not yield easily and soon there were more moving towards the hall, though more wary now when they beheld the carnage before them.

While the floor was shaken by the detonation and the smell of death permeating their senses, she bolted, spinning her sabre to deflect incoming shots. She gripped Aurelia by the shoulder, moving for the exit. "Come with me if you want to live," she said flatly, giving a quick nod toward the Queen Mother and her surviving guards to get out. The room behind them was littered with corpses, Hapan loyalists and rebels often piled up on top of each other so that the combatants had to quite literally charge over the bodies of their comrades to get forward. Some of them were still alive, or rather in the throes of death, and groaned at the pressure, with no one having the time to put these wretched souls out of their misery.

 

[Davin Jusik]

Bravo Company had been on standby since the Chancellor had disembarked from the huge Preservation-Class Star Defender that hung just above Hape's Capital's orbit. Davin had been cleaning his SR4 CMD when command had ordered Bravo Company, 73rd Infantry into action. Shots were being fired and the situation was largely unknown, HighComs were apparently in danger. He quickly reassembled his weapon and keyed his com.

"Lieutenants get your platoons into the gunship, be ready for a hot LZ gentlemen."

Three blue lights acknowledged. Bravo Company's one hundred and eighty seven men loaded into the Independence gunship that had also been on standby for when "it" hit the fan.

Davin stood at the front of the group, situated just behind the cockpit so he could get the right elevation to see all of his men. The large gunship buckled as it detached from the hanger and the gunners view ports filled with stars before being quickly closed. It was almost like a coffin. Davin clicked the Company wide com and spoke in what he liked to call his "battlefield voice"

"We'll be securing the Chancellor and her landing party. Check your fire and watch out for the Vice Chancellor or any other Republic Soldiers. Assume hostile if you see any non republican ID's with a weapon out. Alpha's taking charge of securing the Supreme Commander. We got this Troopers!"

As he spoke images of the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor popped up in their armor's HUDs, in addition to members of their landing party and a few independent contractors.
The building's layout was also displayed, one platoon would cut of the back, another the sides, and another would go in through the front, where the fighting had likely started and was probably continuing.

The Pilot gave the signal for twenty seconds and Davin saw the beautiful city approach them at a rapid speed.

"Safeties off, prepare to disembark." Davin shouted over the coms. He switched his coms to 1st Platoon's and the rest of his troopers switched to their respective stations.

The ship shuttered as it landed and the bay doors opened.

Davin leapt out with 1st Platoon's CO, Lt. Sparrow, and felt pride as his soldiers fanned out to do their duties.
A soldier shouted.
"CONTACT!"

Twelve SR4's. responded to the red outline that popped into their HUDs with punishing accuracy and force. The outline faded and the Platoon pushed into the ornate building, throwing themselves into the fray.

Two lights on Davin's HUD told him 2nd and 3rd Platoon were in position and pushing into the building.

Most of the enemy ran or surrendered at the sight of the soldiers.

The ballroom was filled with fire as the Republic Soldiers spotted a mass of armed hostiles moving toward the Chancellor. Davin ran to the Head of State as his troops quickly secured the ballroom and captured the remaining Hapes that were either wounded or throwing down their arms. His soldiers cut off the freelancer before she could exit with the Chancellor.

He grabbed the Chancellor's other shoulder.

"Are you ok ma'am, Captain Jusik, my company's been order to exfil you or protect you, whichever you order." He said through his helmet's outgoing com. He eye'd the freelancer warily.

 

[Aurelia Saelari]

Aurelia watched the battle with a mixture of awe and horror. The noise, the sights the smells...so many dead. It might have driven a lesser person to turn away or feel sick. And why not? Lightsabres and blaster bolts roasted human tissue, wounds caused those hurt to scream, and the grenades had dismembered enemies.

Aurelia Saelari was not such a person. She drew herself up to her full height as two people grabbed her shoulder. So far she had been almost passive in proceedings, defended and guarded like a glass sculpture. Now though, it was time to take control.
"Captain, this is Siobhan Kerrigan, contracted as personal security. Your men have done well, Captain, but I need more from you. I am not running like a coward before these criminals and terrorists. We will return to a safer area of the palace, and then we will find these traitors and destroy them. Captain, I want a description put out on the Queen Mother's daughter and her consort. They are to be arrested on sight, and if they resist, shot."

The Queen Mother, on whose child the Chancellor was passing judgement, began to intervene.

Aurelia turned on her. "No, your Majesty! These people must learn the price of betrayal. Captain, Ms Kerrigan, lead me to a safe place from where we can conduct operations with the Hapans. Vice Chancellor Lissiri, thank you for your help, you will come with us also. Padawans, attend upon me and the Vice Chancellor if you please. This is the day that people realise that the Republic will not be cowed."

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

"Really came here fast," Siobhan could not resist snarking at the Republic troopers with a grim smile, unimpressed. She gave the Chancellor a short nod, then led her out of the door, releasing her from her grip. Siobhan had a low opinion of aristos and politicians in general, the same applied to democracy. But nonetheless she felt a certain surge of respect for Aurelia since the woman was clearly not cowed by the violence she had just witnessed like some wet hen. She checked her datapad, her hand reached for her earpiece.

"There's a bunker on level three," she said flatly, leading the Chancellor and her companions through the corridors, which had yet been spared the desolations the ballroom had just suffered. It would be quite a mess to clean up! Moving down deep into the bowels of the palace, they quickly reached the sealed bunker complex. Hapan loyalists in full combat gear and military-gradr droids stood sentinel, there was also a retinal scanner though they obviously gave way when they saw the Chancellor.

The durasteel doors opened with a snap and they were led into the complex. The bunker was more utilitarian than luxurious, but held several rooms and was built to withstand a baradium bomb being dropped on the palace. Given the cuttroat Galaxy our heroes inhabited, even such a crime could not be ruled out. Almost as importantly perhaps, it houses a comms room with an array of holoprojectors and perfect access to the holonet. Thus equipped they had the command and control capabilities to get in touch with the loyalist forces and the Supreme Commander. A few techs were busy trying to keep up with the reports coming in from the security stations, keeping track of rebel movements.