Dough or Doughnut; There Is No Try

[Kay-Larr]

DEEP SPACE STATION LIBERTY
KORBIN SECTOR

Kay sat in her quarters, reading one of the mystery holo-novels that she loved so much as her small fleet exited hyperspace near the station. It had taken a few weeks for them to reach the Korbin sector from Zakuul. But hopefully it wouldn't be all for nothing.

[member="Sentus Olan"] was new to her fledgling Empire, yet already he was moving quickly up the ranks. This mission was both a testing ground for him as well as for the small fleet. However they weren't hear to greet enemies in battle, but to meet with family and friends. [member="Yasha Cadera"] was the Empress' niece; and one that held a high seat of power of her own. This visit was for more than just a social gathering, but one of political business as well. And it wasn't going to be easy or without argument. Kay knew that much. But still, there wasn't going to be any clashing of weapons unless it was in a fun game or spar.

Kay sipped her tea after finishing one of the chapters. She felt the ship moving back into real space moments earlier, so the time for reading was over. She shut off her datapad and placed it on the side table before getting to her feet and making her way over to one of the viewscreens to look at the station their fleet was approaching. Hopefully Yasha was going to be able to make it. Not since her escape from Purgatory had she laid eyes on her niece. But she could easily of sent someone else in her stead. [member="Adenn Kyramud"] seemed to hang around Zakuul a lot. [member="Kaine Australis"] was a mentor for her daughter, [member="Loreena Arenais"] . And then there was [member="Strider Garon"] . Kay knew that she'd have to hire him and his Clansmen if more threats came her way. And especially if war did...

[member="Ghorua the Shark"] was a new addition to her own Advisory Council. The Herglic offered a great point of view with his gifts of observation brought on by his talents in bounty hunting. There was Jareth of course and even [member="Kuxtal"] held ancient knowledge that could give her an edge over her many enemies.

War was coming. It was unavoidable. The only thing in her control was how she was going to approach it. One thing was for sure; it was going to be different than what happened with Commenor.

 

[Yasha Cadera]

Finally.

‘Finally, Aunt Kay.’ Yasha sat on the Command Throne of the Never Again Super Star Destroyer, feeling the jolt of hyperspace as a flexion in her fingertips. The Mandalorian Armada contained dozens of ships, a sizeable enough fleet to give any potential marauder or ne’er-do-well pause.

Incapable of joining her beloved Aunt’s rescue herself, Yasha sent the most loyal of her gurlanin, [member="Ambrose Cadera"] to keep Kay company. He returned with stories, some which had Yasha caterwauling with laughter. Others, which had her hold her tihaar closer to her chest.

Disparate whispers spoke of the Empress of Zakuul. For, against, deprecation, holiness, despair… the Eternal Empire lingered on the precipice of disaster. Enemies haunted their space, shadows lingered.

Zakuul was too close to the Pacanth Reach for comfort’s sake. Dressed in her resplendent black and gold armour, the wolf-helm firmly in place, Yasha waited for the journey to the Station to complete. Her thoughts rested not with those she brought with her, but with her Aunt.

How was she? What rumours were true? Where was [member="Beth Cadera"], Yasha’s daughter? As Yasha sat in ponderous thought, [member="Aditya Fitz Kierke"], her biological mother waddled up pregnant belly and all, and watched her firstborn child.

“… you know you’re gonna have to talk to her straight, Yaiya.” In a rare moment of stolid honesty, Aditya gave a sad smile. This… [member="Kay Arenais"] was important to her vagrant child somehow, and although Aditya didn’t realize the bond between Aunt and Niece, nor [member="Gray Raxis"] and his daughter for that matter, the Panathan Noblewoman attempted in her way to fathom it.

“… Yash?”

“Yes, Mama… I know.” Yasha sighed, setting one hand up on the bottom end of her helm. “Kaine was so sure she’d gone off… when it comes to Kay, Kaine Zambrano has never lied to me, Mama. Not once. Even when he knew it would cause me to beat his face in, and I did… I did it for her.”

“That’s why you smashed the Dark Lord’s face to be considerably less pretty?! Some human bint with a saucy attitude and more love for tea than my old slave Baiko!?” Aditya rolled her eyes, when the wolf-helm standard tilted gruffly to the side. “Oh don’t you roll your mechanical eyes at me, baby child. Just because Baiko married your… Mandalorian surrogate father doesn’t mean on Panatha she wouldn’t be setting our shoes at the door of the Estate… oh fine, if you’re going to get hissy about it, I’ll leave! See if I’ll try and comfort my daughter again…”

“… Mama? I love you. Shut the feth up. Baiko was my legal guardian, and my step-mother longer than you were… And Aunt Kay means a great deal… so shush. Go eat some form of cravings food… but… thanks. I love you, too.” Yasha reached for her mother’s hand, squeezing it gently before sitting back on the looming black marble throne.

“Well! I never… love… LOVE! For me? Bah… love… gosh darn it, what’s a mother to do, eh? Frick, try and help ease the situation and bam! I love you Mommy…. well I’m still gonna size her up! Might’ve been dead, but I wasn’t oblivious. Fine! Fine, I’ll… I’ll be civil. Promise. Gosh… what I wouldn’t give for a cheese puff and almond butter sandwich with irli jelly and a side of fries… ooo maybe one of those chocolate shakes for dipping… freaking triplets. I blame [member="Adenn Kyramud"]! His mess, this. Not that I’m complaining, I’m as happy as a clam in a sun-warmed ocean channel. Hey, you! Comm nut! Yes, you! Stop texting your significant other and comm the Station! We’re ready to board in three minutes! Oh, don’t you give me that look! I know how long it takes to make that jump! I do too! Oh, it is… ON!” Aditya bumbled off, to set the record straight of her scientific prowess. Yasha stifled a laugh and shook her head.

If only [member="Kaine Australis"] were by her side… maybe then this would all be easier somehow.

“Kay… what did you do?” Yasha whispered, leaning back in her gilded throne.

 

[Thom Naudir]

Sentus stood quietly on the bridge of the Errant Judge, the current flagship of the small Eternal Fleet contingent just now entering the system. It was mostly made up of a few ramshackle craft Sentus had been able to muster in the short notice he had been given by the Empress, but among them were a few of his latest experiments were present as well. Three Thexan Class Assault Frigates and a single Valkorion Class Cruiser, the Errant Judge herself. Sentus would have preferred an entire fleet to have been constructed around the New Class ships, but for now they simply served as the supplementary ships of the task force. Luckily the fleet coming out of hyperspace directly across from them was not hostile, and expected. Intense sensor scans had also informed Sentus no one else was present. Therefore, the threat to the Empress was minimal.

For the moment. It never hurt to be cautious these days, and Sentus rarely found it within himself to blindly trust others. Too many years of poor experiences in that department had led him to focus entirely on his career, and the drive to always be ready for anything.

Maybe he needed a hobby.

The last thought more than anything roused Sentus from his position on the bridge, the pure blue and gold uniform he wore still freshly made. He had been advanced to the position of Grand Admiral only a few short weeks ago, a move that had surprised Sentus, though he had promised the Empress to to validate the trust he had been given. His deployment of the Eternal Fleet was as much ceremonial as it was tactical. The largest vessels of the fleet dominated the center around the Errant Judge, a visual display from a distance, but the vessels themselves had their shields slightly extended over what would be considered standard. They overlapped with that of the flagship, giving the vessel carrying the Empress far more cover than standard, whilst still maintaining a semblance of normality. The fastest ships of the fleet were located on the flanks, trailing slightly behind the core, though at a moments notice their superior engine speed would propel them forward and out to establish a picket force to protect the Empress. Every detail had been accounted for, every possibility planned for. Sentus had spent days ahead of the trip itself observing solar wind patterns and stray radiation readings to be certain nothing took their sensors by surprise.

As the station came into view before them, and the Mandalorian fleet came into range, Sentus tapped a small panel on the console nearest him, clearing his throat briefly as he sent a message down to the Empress's private quarters. "Your Majesty, we have arrived at Deep Space Station Liberty. Also, a Mandalorian fleet has just exited hyperspace at the edge of our sensors. We shall be within visual range shortly, and be prepared to board the Station in less than an hour." As he closed the channel, he turned to a nearby crewman, nodding his head as an open channel was sent out to both the station, and the Mandalorian fleet.

"This is Grand Admiral Sentus Olan of the Eternal Empire of Zakuul. We have arrived in system with the Eternal Empress on board."

[member="Kay Arenais"] [member="Ghorua the Shark"] [member="Adenn Kyramud"] [member="Yasha Cadera"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

The message that [member="Sentus Olan"] sent to her quarters came in loud and clear. It was time to get ready. Kay got herself dressed in an outfit that didn't scream royalty so much. Instead it just conveyed the look of someone that was very good at her job. And she was! Why else would politics keep her in the midst of it's grip? Like the Jedi were to Veiere, politics was to Kay. It was enough to keep them seperated not just in distance, but in which path they took as well. More than likely he'll be brought up in conversation, so she made sure that she was ready for that.

Before leaving Zakuul, Kay had contacted the owner of the DSSL and had arranged for their meeting to be in a special suite that housed a conference room, banquet hall, lounge, kitchen and guest rooms. No expense was spared. A contingent of Eternal Knights was also sent ahead to sweep the suite for threats, listening devices. They also guarded some of Kay's staff which prepared the suite with proper food and decor to represent both cultures. Hopefully they would all feel comfortable and welcomed.

With the hour coming to a close, Kay exited her quarters and allowed herself to be escorted to the bridge. Whether Sentus suspected that she would head to the bridge or not, she wasn't certain, but she did so anyways. They hadn't spent much time together to get acquainted, but they would soon enough.

As she stepped onto the bridge, an ensign was quick to announce her. "Eternal Empress on the bridge." Everyone that was seated rose and stood at attention. Kay looked to each of them in turn and then nodded before she approached Sentus.

"Grand Admiral Olan, I was hoping that you'd accompany me to the station. It could be very informative for you to attend this meeting. A word of caution, however; try not to offend our guests." That was the last thing that she needed. There were a lot of people that didn't like the Mandalorians, and there were some that Kay didn't like as well. But [member="Yasha Cadera"] and others were family. And she owed her niece a lot.

 

[Auburn Sioda]

Auburn admired the artistry and effort put into the Never Again as she wandered it's inner workings, guided by [member="Yasha Cadera"]'s grandmother, Ada Fitz-Kierke. The Panathan noblewoman was quite unlike anyone Auburn had ever met, and was conversing with Auburn as they waited to arrive at their destination. So far, Ada had introduced Auburn to many new things, such as whatever this "ice cream" treat was.

"This... ice cream you speak of... It's just a frozen milk mixture? With flavorings added to it? How strange... Most of the food we have on Domhanda is served fresh from the oven, or in the case of fruits and vegetables, eaten raw. "

 

[Mig Gred]

Mig smiled as he walked through the station, enjoying the smell off all the possible goodies that there were. He looked back at Ilik and Leddie, with the old medic getting his young daughter a cream filled pastry. It was always funny to think that Zabrak was young enough to be his adika (child) while Ilik was old enough to be, and often acted as, his buir (parent). Mig could help but chuckle at the two before looking at everything. It only took him years to figure out how to delegate his clan so he could get time like this.

 

[Thom Naudir]

Sentus turned swiftly upon hearing the Empress entering the bridge. He watched with some satisfaction as the bridge crew snapped to their feet, folding their hands behind their backs and lifting their chins slightly. Sentus turned and faced the Empress, folding his right arm across his chest and bowing from the waist as well, extending his left foot backwards and bending forward slightly. His mother had always taught him proper etiquette and procedure on Bakura. She would have been horrified to see Sentus do anything less in the presence of royalty. As he was coming back to his feet, he saw one of the bridge crewman lean slightly to the side, whispering something to his comrade as the Empress's gaze passed over them. A single frown from Sentus silenced the man. He would deal with the young man later.

"Your Majesty, it would be my pleasure. I shall do my best to not push anyone too far." Turning back, Sentus snapped quick orders to the bridge crew, sending them back to their stations to proceed with docking the Errant Judge, with Deep Space Station Liberty.

Sentus was slightly worried about the public appearance he had now found himself in. He was not much of a public speaker, and preferred to operate behind the scenes to ensure everything moved forward accordingly. He would have to do his best to ensure he did not disappoint. His uniform as it was would have to do as he had not packed anything else. On the bright side, Mandalorians were well know for their ability to drink. Perhaps Sentus would finally find a drink companion that could keep up.

[member="Kay Arenais"]

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Tags: [member="Kay Arenais"] [member="Yasha Cadera"] [member="Sentus Olan"] [member="Mig Gred"] [member="Auburn Sioda"]
Fleet: Mors Classemque(Death Fleet) in BIO at bottom
Location: Aboard the Aegis Eternum
Squad: 10 Mandos

Two calls had come, both about the same thing, but the calls were from different factions. One came from the UCM and the other from the EEoZ, both asking for Adenn to be at the Korbin sector for diplomacy between the two factions. Because of the importance of this, Adenn decided to head there with the entire might of Clan Mortuis fleet. Each ship was centered on the Unicorn-class Heavy Cruiser, while Adenns ship, the Aegis Eternum, was at the forefront of it all.

The drop out of hyperspace was the same as every other, only when Adenn looked out of the bridge, he spotted 2 fleets, one on the left and one on the right. Sighing in relief, Adenn nodded his appreciation to the jump coordinator, they had come out right where he wanted them to. Smack in between the two fleets, even if they weren't directly in front of either one. The move was more symbolical than anything, for this diplomacy, Adenn would be on both sides. Of course, that was a white lie, he'd remain neutral and play nice with everyone involved, but if push came to shove, well... Adenn was a Mandalorian and honor bound to the Mand'alor.

Thankfully though, that would only be if things got ugly, hopefully everyone could remain civilized and calm. Shaking his head in wry amusement, Adenn let his captain get to work, which was them getting to the station, and not get shot. Measures had been taken of course, as soon as they had emerged from hyperspace, messages had been sent to both sides leaders. It amounted to the following.
"Greetings, I am Alor Kyramud, you know who I am and I know who you are. I've been called here for the diplomacy, same as you, however, seeing as I am allied in some form with both sides, I shall act as the intermediary. Thus, I shall await you on the station, where, hopefully, we can join together for a common cause and unite as one. Until we meet on the station, glory and honor."

With that, the communique ended and the fleet made haste towards the station. As they went, Adenn idly wondered if [member="Aditya Fitz Kierke"] would be there, he hadn't seen her in some time. A shame for them really, but duty called, and a Mandalorian was often away from home and loved ones for long periods of time. Shaking himself out of the reverie, Adenn instead began making preparations for the meeting. He had at least 2 squads of honor guards ready per faction, and the 6 Beskad Elite with him were also prepared. Adenn himself was practically prepared, he just needed to get a few more weapons...

A few minutes later everything was set up. Adenns fleet had arrived at the station, immediately shuttles had departed, traveling from the Mors Classemque(Death Fleet) and to the station. The Mandalorians aboard had been given simple orders, secure the conference room and provide escort to the dignitaries. That was something they went to do with gusto, quickly securing hallways and the grand meeting hall, all before setting up landings spaces for both sides. Then the 2 honor guard squads set themselves up within the hangers, awaiting the arrival of the dignitaries.

Adenn himself was waiting in the meeting room though, a grand room, spacious enough to fit a hundred and something guests with room to spare. That wasn't the problem though, the problem was seating, how to seat everyone, one big table, or several smaller ones. Family together, or dignitaries together. So many choices, so little time. Eventually, they decided on several tables in groupings of 4, they would be based slightly on rank, mostly on where people wanted to sit though. The faction leaders and their closest advisers would be led to a set of tables at the front of the meeting hall, from there, the rest of the tables were more free game, with anyone being allowed to sit anywhere. However, those for the faction leaders were specifically for them and close family and advisers, everyone else would be heavily discouraged form sitting there, but not outright forbidden. But, the 2 Beskad Elite standing with their backs to the wall, right behind the 4 tables, were there as much as observers as guards. The other 4 were spread out evenly across the room, meant to keep an eye on things while being the 'strong arm' that would keep peace. Aside from them, there were 6 squads of regular Mandalorians, alongside dozens of waiters and other servers there to provide food and drinks to the guests.

Standing near the door, Adenn looked over the place once more, everything was set, now it only needed people to arrive. Sighing to himself, Adenn sent another message to all parties involved.
"Thank you for your patience, everything is now set up. Please, come and land in these locations." Coordinates were sent then, "There will be an honor guard for each of you waiting to escort you to the meeting hall and to your spots. Until we meet."

With that done, Adenn put the comm device away and waited. He knew what would happen once the delegates arrived, they would be met by a clashing of fists on chestplates as they came down the ramps of their landing craft, and then they'd be led towards the meeting hall. As they'd walk, they wouldn't pass any of those aboard the station, aside from more Clan Mortui Mandalorians spread out evenly, on guard and watching everything. When they'd arrive at the door to the hall, Adenn himself would be standing there, waiting to greet them, and hoping to see his love if possible, but knowing duty came first and foremost. Thus, Adenn waited patiently for the groups to arrive, hoping that things went well for all involved.

 

[Aditya Fitz Kierke]

Her Ladyship (as if she’d let anyone forget it) Ada Fitz-Kierke of the Pacanth Reach held her greying head as high as a crested Panathan Cassowary. She (much to my chagrin) felt it was her place to take the fellow noble Queen [member="Auburn Sioda"] around the metropolis known as the Never Again. While others (namely me) fretted over the publican docking maneuvers, and ensuring the population of the Never Again was safe in this neutral space, Ada had the most important of tasks.

Ice cream for a Queen.

“In a way, my dear Highness. The milks are taken and beaten with eggs into a cooked custard, and once cooled, churned around ice to create a fluffy texture while the flavourings are applied. My Kitchen Maid Doris makes the most fabulous irli cordial flavoured iced cream. Oh if only she had not lost her arm in the messy Ssi-Ruuk business. Torrid affair. I’ve graciously petitioned my daughter Aditya to craft the girl a cybernetic replacement.

Maybe a whisk attachment. Possibly a wooden spoon for a thumb.” Ada swayed through the marketplace area, her navy blue high collared dress cut with white satin and long bell sleeves. A jewelled coronet sat upon her aging head, gold and silver and sapphire, as was her function. Coming to the ice cream stand, Ada saw a green blur out of the corner of her eye.

“Here, dear. Chocolate. It’s a seed grown in trees, then fermented and churned. It’s quite the loveliest thing.” Ada purchased two waffle cones, a frosted caramel cookie sticking out of the chocolate ice cream. She smiled, the perfect Lady, as she entertained the Queen. Gosh I’m almost glad mother’s entertaining the innocent young thing. Gives me time to count down to this... diplomacy.

Little did she know the green blur was [member="Tamar Fitz Kierke"], who was engaged in the most useful training game in history: avoiding my mother like the gulag plague.

Lips covered in chocolate, Tamar held her caramel and chocolate ice cream cone close to her chest, against the nearest wall in an attempt to slide away. I can see [member="Mig Gred"] coming on a direct course for the former slave. Oh gosh. This is getting good.

If it wasn’t for the voice echoing in each party’s comm, I’d stay and watch Tamar make a living fool of herself. Instead, I turn my heels and rush as fast as a waddling woman can to the apropos airlock. [member="Adenn Kyramud"] is there, acting as a larger buffer than he realizes.

Can’t wait to see him, my love, father of the babies in my belly. Maybe I should warn him. The negotiations ahead are more complex than he might know.

Takes a bit, but weaselling into the retinue isn’t hard when you’re Mand’alor’s Mom. You know what is hard? Walking with swollen feet! Gosh, triplets are exhausting! I do my best waddle over to Adenn, a brilliant grin betraying my sense of carefree verve.

“Clan Mortui. Y’all ain’t much of a sore on th’eye, I’ll tell ya flat!” I say in Mando’a, my drawl downright offensive to my proper mother. Running a hand along my belly, I push up on my top toes to place my forehead against his.

“Hope you brought shields... gonna need ‘em sweetpea.” I whisper into the Keldabe Kiss, leaning back down with both arms firmly clenched around his biceps.

Life? Oh it’s getting there alright. Fine and dandy.

 

[Auburn Sioda]

Auburn nodded along curiously as Ada explained in further detail what ice cream was. It seemed simple enough to make. If it was truly as delicious as Lady Ada said it was, Auburn would need to find a way to bring it to Domhanda. A frown of concern twisted Auburn's lips as Ada spoke of poor Doris. To lose an arm, or any limb, was not an easy thing to cope with.

"My, I do hope her mind is unaffected by the trauma. Losing a limb is such an unthinkable experience." Auburn walked beside Ada, her turquoise dress gliding across the floor with ease. Her like-colored earrings and jewels hanging from her dress clinked together, as the circlet upon her head shined in the light. She reached out to take the chocolate ice cream, and was given a small spoon. A hum came from the queen as she scraped a small amount off the cone, before a look of surprise washed over her face after tasting the delicious chocolate ice cream.

"By the gods, this is delicious! I absolute MUST find a way to spread this onto Domhanda. This flavor, chocolate, you said? Are there more way to prepare it?"

[member="Aditya Fitz Kierke"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay nodded as [member="Sentus Olan"] agreed to go with her. No doubt the numbers representing Zakuul and her interests would be small. But that was okay. She was used to that. In most intergalatcic government meetings her voice was rarely heard. That wouldn't happen today, however.

The message from [member="Adenn Kyramud"] was patched through to the bridge. Kay smiled in amusement. As if he'd have to act as a mediator....maybe in a spar or something. And although she expected there to be some arguments, what she knew not to expect was violence. Even if it was to be that [member="Yasha Cadera"] and Kay retire to 'powder their noses', they'd be able to drop all barriers and speak openly to eachother. And boy did she have a lot to talk to her niece about.

Once the Errant Judge docked, Kay headed down to board the station. She kept her pace even, just in case some others wanted to go along, besides Sentus and a half dozen Eternal Knights. Once she was off the ship, she followed the escorts to the meeting room. It was larger than she had expected, but nicely decorated as well. The tables were arranged in such a manner that she knew exactly where she was to sit.

Adenn himself was pretty distracted by whom Kay could only guess was his wife [member="Aditya Fitz Kierke"] . She let them have their moment, her eyes looking straight away for a pot of tea that she knew would be there. "Ah! There it is."

Upon heading over to it however, a server anticipated it and poured a cup quickly and without spilling a drop. He met her halfway and handed it to her with a bow of his head.

"Thank you." Kay took the cup and saucer in hand,blew on the hot liquid for a moment andthen took that first delightful sip. Oh that was better. Already she was feeling a bit more relaxed.

Now where was her niece?

 

[Yasha Cadera]

The Wolf-helm’s ruby eyes scanned in a constant 360 view of the Hell Wolf’s surroundings. A grey armourweave cape clung to the gold pauldrons on Yasha’s shoulders, the emblem of Mand’alor the Infernal emblazoned on the functional, yet flowing fabric. It fluttered as she walked, her long legs carrying her faster down the hall than other creatures could walk. While the honour guard on either side of her wore their matte black beskar’gam, any intimidation paled for the gold and black woman in the middle.

Her mother’s caution stilled Yasha’s mind, reminding her of the stakes and tenuous nature of her current arrangements. Sliding her left hand along her right arm, Yasha felt for the Vong biot, which was now permanently implanted there, fending off the Orindan infection. Impossible to feel through her crushgaunt and armour, Yasha’s inner eye sensed the foreign invader, which attempted to aide her. War.

It clung to the air, a tension in the troops roused in the Never Again and through the docking clamps to the Station where [member="Kay Arenais"] and [member="Adenn Kyramud"] set the concord up. Clan Mortui in the middle of the two, Yasha saw the act for what it was.

A buffer. Her mind lingered… had Kay changed as others spoke? Was she no longer the tea-crazed pacifist, fending off the Sithly nightmares of her imprisonment years before? She kept silent, her Epicanthix nature making any force-based mentalism impossible to penetrate her genetically closed mind.

[member="Sentus Olan"] was yet nothing but a name, a potential on the guest list updated in real time as dignitaries and onlookers arrived. She wanted to know him, the man who attempted to help her beloved Aunt. Further in the Never Again, Yasha knew Queen [member="Auburn Sioda"] adventured with her grandmother Ada, a chance for the Domhandan monarch to see the art of diplomacy from another angle.

The guards who came through the meeting place’s doors were visibly armed and swelled through the place taking positions in silence. Along her shoulders and two steps behind the Infernal, [member="Ambrose Cadera"] and Tuulu walked in syncopation.

A lingering sensation of recent violence carried upon the Infernal’s shoulders, as she walked without a glance to her mother [member="Aditya Fitz Kierke"] or Aditya’s paramour [member="Adenn Kyramud"]. Adenn understood, and Yasha wasn’t about to get in her mother’s way of the joy she’d found.

“Aunt Kay, the tea is sufficient, I expect?” Yasha stood behind her chair, not yet daring to sit down until she saw her. Until she discovered what happened to her Aunt. “We shall commence when you are comfortable. I... have someone for you to meet. A gift from Darth Prazutis.”

Locked in her default official tone and manner, for others it might appear as if the Infernal were a cold and unfeeling tyrant. Yet, Kay knew Yasha far better. She knew how Yasha got, when confusion set in, when many disparate voices all cawed at once in her inner ears. She motioned to Aditya, still nestled beside Adenn Kyramud.

"... my mother." Aditya. The woman who died, when Yasha was eight. The ghost who haunted Yasha's teenaged years locked in the Netherworld.

 

[Thom Naudir]

Sentus was silent as he entered the conference room, his eyes briefly travelling the room to note the location of any concealed compartments. From his brief look at the schematics there shouldn't have been any here, but you could never be too careful. As the [member="Kay Arenais"] got her tea and the server shuffled away, Sentus turned to the Eternal Knights, briefly pointing at different areas of the room. The armored warriors nodded and took up their assigned positions.

With preperations complete Sentus moves to stand beside the Empress, waving his hand to dismiss the server who attempted to hand him a drink as well. He was about to turn to speak to the Eternal Empress when their Mandalorian counterparts entered the room. At once Sentus took them in, bowing his head in greeting briefly and he noting the heights and build of each of the guards, judging their effective ranges should close quarters be called for. As the Mand'alor spoke, Sentus idly turned his head, appearing to find something else to focus on. In the same motion, he briefly nudged the Empress chair backwards just a bit. She would hardly notice the two inch difference, but in a moments notice it could mean everything.

As the Infernal pointed towards others in the room, Sentus turned his focus to them, keen to find out the social lay of the room.

 

[Kuxtal]

Kuxtal was a bit late, but he wasn't that worried. He was in his quarters abord the Empresses ship and had spent his time reading and researching on the events of the last couple hundred years. He could tell when the ship had docked but he didn't leave his research until he had concluded the topic he was on.
Empress Kay Arenais had invited him to this meeting in an advisory capacity. But of course he had his own reasons for coming as well.

As he made his way from his quarters to the meeting room he once again had to thank the forethought of the engineers who built the place to make it tall enough for the larger races to move comfortably. He was dressed in formal attire custom made to fit his towering size. Since his arrival on Zakuul he had regained much of his strength but could not see an immediate path or purpose to follow, so he allied himself with the Empress who took an interest in him and had nurtured him in his time of weakness.

He was allowed into the conference room and invariably towered over everyone in the room. He didn't smile or say anything, but he acknowledged each person in turn and bowed to all of them respectfully before taking his place at Kay Arenais's side. The empress while standing only as high as his hip. He folded his arms behind his back and examined everyone in the room. Mandalorians, he would recognize that armor anywhere no matter the era. Besides that, he couldn't tell the connection the others had with the Eternal Empire.

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Tags:
Fleet: Mors Classemque(Death Fleet) in BIO at bottom
Location: Meeting room door
Squad: 10 Mandos
Tags: @Kuxtal @Sentus Olan [member="Yasha Cadera"] [member="Kay Arenais"] [member="Kay Arenais"] [member="Auburn Sioda"] [member="Aditya Fitz Kierke"] [member="Mig Gred"]

Waiting for others to come wasn't as boring as one might think, but it still left Adenn time to think., a fact he didn't let go to waste. So, as he stood there waiting for the diplomats arrival, Adenn made plans for the future and what could be, of course a large part of it involved [member="Aditya Fitz Kierke"]. It was as he thought of her that she appeared, at first he believed her to be a figment of his imagination, until she grins. Adenn smiles beneath his helmet and he chuckles as she speaks with her drawl. Then she leans up to Keldabe Kiss him and Adenn does it right back, but it's been too long, so after a moment he breaks contact, tilts his helmet back slightly, and kisses her lips with his own. After that he breaks the kiss and lets his helmet fall back down while gazing into her eyes, laughing lightly, he speaks to her in Mando'a.

"Hello c'yare, it's been too long darlin', for that I apologize." He kisses her again then, lettings his own arms wrap around her beneath her arms. "I'll make that up to you, I promise, I don't know how yet though." Adenn winks with a head tilt then, at once signaling his mirth and mischievousness. Laughing, Adenn shakes his head and draws Aditya into himself, hugging her close. "No shield needed here love, only a place to sit, and I have just the place."

When [member="Kay Arenais"] walked past, Adenn turned his head from Aditya and towards her, nodding his head in greeting. Then he focused back on Aditya, but noted that talks would start soon. He was going to say something, but the Mand'alor arrived then. Even though he was ignored, and Adenn understood completely why, he still saluted her, clenching his fist to his chestplate, but then he returned his attention to Aditya. Grinning behind his helmet, Adenn wrapped an arm around her shoulders before turning towards the group of tables. Adenn had promised he'd be there to act as intermediary if need be, but at the same time, he wanted to spend time with the love of his life. Then again, Aditya was probably here for the talks as well. Turning to her, he spoke then, while hugging her tight.
"Aditya... I said I'd help as intermediary for these talks, so I was going to sit at those table there." He gestured towards the table with the 2 Beskad Elite standing behind them, statuelike. "That's the table for the dignitaries. Would you like to join me, or would you wish to sit elsewhere? If you wish to sit somewhere else, I would gladly sit with you, but I'd have to excuse myself from Kay and Yasha. What would you like love?" He shrugged slightly then, it was up to her, that's how much she mattered to him.

 

[Kay-Larr]

There were various types of beverages, as well as a multitude of foods available. Even doughnuts. But Kay was hardly ever without her tea. It was her crutch, her comfort, and always reliable.

Seeing [member="Ambrose Cadera"], she smiled a little and gave him a nod. His companionship and protection while she was in Purgatory Prison was deeply appreciated. There were times when she missed that since she had left. He was a good listener and even when he was in his female form, she felt comforted as he held her. There was none of that for her now. And more than likely it'll be that way for the rest of her days.

But there were more important matters at hand. Kay looked to [member="Sentus Olan"] as he flanked her and then to [member="Kuxtal"] as he entered the room and made his way to her side as well. "Feel free to get something for yourselves. These people are family and friends." But it seemed that everyone was overly cautious. Maybe they caught onto some of Kay's anxiety, she wasn't sure. Regardless, she tried to make herself appear calm and relaxed.

And then [member="Yasha Cadera"] approached, tall and in her full armour, Wolf-helm included. Kay bowed her head and then raised her tea cup a bit. "Indeed it is. Sapir, my favourite." She gave her niece a brief hug full of warmth, but given the armour, it was probably hard to tell. "Let's sit and relax. We can start this off shortly."

Kay sat down, not really noticing how Sentus had situated her chair. Her attention was on Yasha and her following statement; the one mentioning Prazutis. Her jaw visibly clenched before she took another sip of her tea, a large one this time. Her eyes followed Yasha's gesture to [member="Aditya Fitz Kierke"] and [member="Adenn Kyramud"] for a moment, before looking once again upon her niece. "I'm...happy for you..." A big part of her was. What lady wouldn't want to see their dead mother returned and full of life? Kay didn't really remember her own mother. She was put up for adoption by her Father [member="Tobias Larr"] as soon as he found out that she was Force Sensitive at the age of four. Her mother Loreena had died on the planet Graveyard, something that Kay had discovered by accident. Whether it was through starvation or some attack, she would never find the truth.

But what Kay didn't like was that it was Prazutis that brought her back. No doubt it was all part of their plan to keep Yasha firmly in their grip so that she could do nothing while they slaughtered and tortured innocent people, including her family. Just like they did with Commenor. Their use of politics to continue to torture and wage war across the Galaxy with impunity almost dwarfed that of Palpatine himself.

"Prazutis, Carnifex, none of them are coming here, right?" The last big meeting she had with Yasha and other governments, Carnifex had decided it best to use the body of a dead Commenori soldier to relay some kind of message. Kay left the meeting in disgust after that. She didn't want the same thing to happen here.

 

[Yasha Cadera]

[member="Ambrose Cadera"] gave Kay a nod, which for him was downright warm. Maybe if the meeting went well, Ambrose would be able to sneak another of the novels from their series from Kay. Trade his books back and forth. Truth was, after his wife died on Barataria, the monogamous Gurlanin knew he’d never know romance again. Yet, there was a companionship beyond romance, a friendship built upon protecting her, and sitting in that cell beside Kay. He would have sacrificed to the end for Kay, on more than the order from Yasha. But on the order of his once shattered heart.

Even if in order to do it, the shapeshifter had to be an unfortunate woman named Hilda.

“Yes, it is your favourite… you look well.” Yasha hugged Kay with her left arm, the right potentially suspiciously still. As they hugged, Yasha whispered, “I love the sequins.”

No use letting the other warriors in the room know of her affinity to aruetiise fashions. “She was a gift… Braxus returned her to me after I signed Dathomir over to the Sith in exchange for a Mutual Defence Pact. One moment, I’m staring down Carnifex’s beady eyes, the next Prazutis ripped a hole in the ether of the universe, and yanked Mama’s soul out from the Nether. It was.. I’ve never seen anything that matches it… Mother! Alor Kyramud. Come meet Aunt Kay.”

Yasha didn’t have to turn her head to see [member="Aditya Fitz Kierke"] with [member="Adenn Kyramud"]. Why hadn’t Yasha stopped to acknowledge the man? It was simply this: Yasha was dashed back to the Netherworld if she stole even one second of joy from her formerly deceased mother. It was odd enough to see Aditya at peace, but pregnant and happy? Living in joy? How could such evils produce something so purely good?

“No, Kaine and Braxus aren’t coming.” Yasha settled in the largest chair she could find, which at 8 ft in armour, was a feat of its’ own. For a moment it appeared the Infernal was exhausted, even the wolf-helm with its’ ruby eyes dimmed. Her right arm was all but immobile… not that Yasha would give away that tell easily. While she trusted and loved her Aunt, those with her were a mystery.

And the rumours running from the Pacanth Reach to Bastion spoke of a [member="Kay Arenais"] controlled by outside forces. Cajoled into taking a non-vacant throne, in an act meant to sacrifice her on the altar of Galactic Politics. Her HUD centred in on [member="Sentus Olan"]. On @Kuxtal. Who were these, who walked so closely with the once Commenori Queen?

Leaning her left elbow against the arm of the chair, Yasha sat up and the intermittent fatigue appeared to be over.

“Although Kaine did tell me about your throne, the other day. He was… kind. In his way.” Leaving out the true nature of her visit with [member="Darth Carnifex"], for it would give away too much about her recent injuries, Yasha sighed. The sound garbled out of her helm’s audio, a lupine hissing growl. “Kay. In a galaxy with greater dangers, the Sith… want no war with the Mandalorians. For the good of my People, I agreed to an Alliance between our two Empires. You know I will perpetually do what is in my Peoples’ best interest… I couldn’t go another minute without being honest, and you deserved to hear it from me.”

 

[Aditya Fitz Kierke]

“Oh, she’s a resilient sort. We Epicanthix are natural bred warriors, your Highness. From royal to slave, we prove our worth, or we are culled by the very jungles and seas which sustain us. Doris will adapt. We refuse to coddle our injured on Panatha. Coddling is for the unweaned infants yet to crawl.” While Ada’s words might have seemed needlessly harsh, when one lived in an environment where the space around them was given to violence, a race adapted or ran extinct. “But I do mourn silently with her. Thus, I agreed to purchase the apropos replacement. Suppose I can throw in an hour or two of therapy. Keep her mind ship shape.”

[member="Auburn Sioda"] tasted the glories of ice cream, and Ada tasted her own with the small spoon provided. If crocodiles could gloat, they would look half as smug as my mother, introducing a Queen to chocolate.

“My dear! Of course there are more ways. Goodness, I know what you need, you need Doris! She makes cakes, cookies, the lot. Certainly we can bring a cocoa plantation or two to Domhanda. Why, House Fitz-Kierke will see this done. Yes. You shall have not only Mandalorian support, but Panathan, as well.” Ada weaved her arm around Auburn’s, patting it lightly with a smile as she licked her cone. “Try the wafer cookie on top, darling. It’s scrumptious.”

“Far… far too long.” I drawl, a hand sliding behind his back. “Oooh you’ll think of something creative, gorgeous…You think we don’t need them, you’re underprepared.” I whisper, lips buzzing from the kiss [member="Adenn Kyramud"] lifted his helmet just enough to give me. My arms won’t stop clinging. What is this sensation? Have I had some form of seizure?

An attack of the palsy?

It strikes me as he kisses me again, that my arms wringing around his waist aren’t part of some medical emergency. I missed him.

“Adenn… Adenn!” I reach for him, but off he goes. There’s a strange imperative in the air, and although she’s covered in the dang metal coffin known as her beskar’kandar, I know my girl. Yasha’s prepped for a fight. Girl’s holding her breath.

“Adenn stop, you have-“ Shutting my eyes as she shows me the table, I shake my head with a nod, confusing action. Sure. “… by Yash and the Arenais woman… we… we need to be as close as we can… Adenn, I have to…”

“… For the good of my People, I agreed to an Alliance between our two Empires…” I shut my eyes, hissing out a breath as I didn’t get to warn Adenn in time. The Alliance with the Sith Empire is an immediate and major shift in the Galactic Political landscape. It wouldn’t be more than a curio but for the contestation of the Eternal Empire’s throne.

Folk have picked sides faster than children dig their hands in the only jar of sweets.

“Oh gods. You ready to intermediate, c’yare? I won’t go anywhere else.” I tromp off with him, over to [member="Kay Arenais"], [member="Kuxtal"] and [member="Sentus Olan"] near my Yasha.

“Well now! Ain’t this a treat?” I put on as fresh a grin as I can and drift over to the two empty chairs at the head table, easing my belly and all the rest of me into the chair before Yasha could say anything else which could get her beskar slapped. “So you’re the human. The tea-sipping Aunt who filled in for my decaying corpse! Lady Aditya Fitz-Kierke, of the Pacanth Reach. Heir of House Fitz-Kierke and the Holy Fire of Nussyn, and a bunch of other antiques passed down. Glad to meet the woman, who informed my daughter’s procreative life choices. I hear you turned Ambrose into a woman?”

Bam! Something hit my leg! Gorram it, something hit… oh. “Yaiya stop kicking my shin so help me, by the Goddess’ Merkin. I’m just making conversation with the only proper female you had access to. Fascinating, she’s… well, she’s you, and you’re… tiny in comparison… gosh when do humans become fully grown?”

Wham! Another kick to the shin. I glare at my daughter, whose posture’s grown even more pristine since I sat down.

“… Sapir tea. An old slave of mine drank that all the time. Oh listen to me, imagine my shock and my awe, when I get yanked back from the hoohaw of the Void by some gigantic demi-god with a terrible haircut to discover my old slave became Yasha’s step-mother?! Gawsh, but you’d know Baiko wouldn’t you, she married your brother? The blind one with the affinity for dank caves and child support. Greet? Grimbley? Gray?” At this rate my leg’s going to bruise. “Ow, stop kicking my… what? That’s what she was, I’m not retconning decades of House Fitz-Kierke history to impress a human I just met. Baiko didn’t die a slave, so hey! Improvement, right?”

Another growling gurgle sunk out of the mask of the Infernal, and I know my mission was accomplished. Nobody at the table will be thinking about the unpleasant tension of new treaties with me around! Hah! Mission and negotiations rescued. Score.

“… Aunt Kay? Her Ladyship Aditya Fitz-Kierke of the Pacanth Reach… Mama? Empress Kay Arenais of the Eternal Empire of Zakuul… as you can see, Aunt Kay? We’re all thrilled to have Mama back.”

“Dang straight you are… Gawsh.”

 

[Thom Naudir]

Sentus had barely been sitting for a few minutes when [member="Aditya Fitz Kierke"] and the others began to move towards the table. His eyes narrowed as her rhetoric became more hostile, and he shifted in his seat slightly. Sentus had not been aware of the ever expanding family ties in this little group, though he suspected he should not have been surprised. Rarely were things easy or pleasant when family was involved. Though Sentus would keep an eye on her. If the Empress was uncomfortable by her presence, Sentus would do his best to keep them apart.

Shaking his head as they took their seats, Sentus turned to look back at [member="Yasha Cadera"] and those nearest her. The alliance with the Sith was surprising, but not unexpected. Whenever galactic powers had touching borders, there were only two outcomes. War, or an alliance. It would seem the Mandalorians had decided to tie themselves down to veiled promises of the Sith rather than fight.

How un-Mandalorian of them.

Sentus cleared his throat, leaning back in his chair and folding his right leg over his left, his right arm resting on the arm of the chair as he began to speak. "If I may speak, an alliance with the Eternal Empire is still possible. By your own words, my Empress is your relative, if by nothing else then in spirit. In my eyes, that makes her Mandalorian, and therefore part of your people. Would it not then be in your interest to also protect her? Or do family ties come to an end the moment they are no longer convenient?"

Sentus kept his tone neutral as he spoke, though the accusitory words at the end could not be missed. He did not want to spark a fight, but he would not sit idly by while he was here either. Everyone in this galaxy seemed to bow and grovel the moment the Sith drew near. Were they all too afraid to actually stand up and fight back? Sentus knew the Sith were powerful, but history made it clear that they were not eternal. Their empires rise and fall in a blink of time in the view of the endless universe. The longer people thought the Sith were unbeatable, the longer they actually would be.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay noticed the minimal movement of her niece's arm, but she didn't say anything. There were some things that the two of them shared in private and she knew that if [member="Yasha Cadera"] had wanted her to know, she'd of whispered it to her just as she did with her compliment.

She listened to the story, most importantly about the payment for such a gift. An entire planet was given, plus a Defence Pact. So that was the kicker, was it?

Kay nearly scoffed as Yasha mentioned Carnifex being kind with words in regards to herself. Why would he say anything to enrage Yasha when she was so important to him? Yet she merely nodded instead, listening and keeping herself composed so that any outburst could be controlled. Of course there was a LOT that she wanted to say on the manner.

"An Alliance...of all the dangers for the Sith, you are their biggest and only threat. That is why they pushed for this." In Kay's mind that was fully true. Both Yasha and her had plans long ago, during the Siege of Commenor. Hopefully those plans weren't forgotten.

[member="Aditya Fitz Kierke"] waddled over then with [member="Adenn Kyramud"] behind her. Oh she was quite the character! Only now that she was close did Kay come to realize how tall the woman was. Perhaps some of her personality had to do with her pregnancy, she wasn't sure. But she was quite amusing. Her views were different, but she liked that sort of thing. It was why Kay preferred to have people of all types around her. Some could see things that she couldn't and that was invaluable.

"Yes, I knew Baiko for a time. I was saddened to hear of her death. And I do hope that the care that I've given to your daughter is up to your standards. It's lovely to meet you, your Ladyship. I hope that we'll get to spend some time together in the future and get to know eachother better."

[member="Sentus Olan"] spoke up next. His words were very close to being offensive, even if he hadn't meant them to be. [member="Kaine Australis"] was quick to interject. When did he get here? Kay was so distracted by Aditya that she didn't even notice. As he had said, Kaine had protected her against the Sith, and even the First Order. There was no doubt of the close ties their family shared.

"I am Mandalorian, adopted into Clan Raxis long ago in order to save my people from the wrath of Ra. We all do what we must to protect those that we care for, even things that we don't like." She spoke up a little liuder then, so that all at the table could hear her. "Times have changed, Kaine. You are right about that. The Jedi ally themselves with Sith that threaten genocide of my people over a name. A bloody NAME. Will I have to defend my people from BOTH Sith and Jedi alike? I thought that being rescued from prison would be the worst of my troubles, but it isn't. We've had the First Order attacking us through acts of terror as they are displeased with our independance. I don't want to have what happened to Commenor to happen here too."

Kay let out a breath, giving herself a bit of a pause. Already a Sith ship had been spotted outside of Zakuulan space and although it had only seemed to observe them for a while, she knew that it was just a test.

"We're going to fight back against those that hurt us." Even if that meant that she had to fight against her own husband. To his eyes and the eyes of many, Kay was an escaped convict that more than likely deserved to be put back in jail. "I was brought here to stabilize this region and that's exactly what I'm going to do. An alliance with you in still on the table, and if not that, than a non-aggression pact. I don't want to go to war against any more of my family than I have to."

There were other things that she needed to speak to Yasha about, concerning Loreena. Whether to say so in private or not however, Kay was still waiting to decide.