Faction Dressed Up, Somewhere to Go! | First Order

[Renata Westaway]

Half the goodwill tour was finished, and Moff Renata Westaway felt it had gone fairly well. Mephout had been welcomed into the fold with open arms, and Renata had been wined and dined by the Mephout leadership, hosted at a state dinner, given a tour of key facilities on world, inspected troops, and signed the treaty solidifying Mephout's membership in the First Order over the course of the five-week tour. Somehow, despite the First Order Moff Council having no clear roles regarding foreign policy, Ariel Yvarro's bizarre absence from the capital and Arador Terrix's dogged insistence on remaining on Dosuun for security purposes meant that Renata -- the least seasoned and least qualified of the triumvirate -- had been saddled with the responsibility.

In a way, it was a blessing. Renata had never been comfortable speaking to crowds or in formal environments, but being forced to represent the First Order to its new member states meant that she had to get comfortable with these tasks and quickly, too. Though she suspected she would never bee quite as good as others at diplomatic small talk and speechmaking, she had had to do enough of it and at reasonably high states that she now felt she could do the job justice. Next stop was Seoul, and Renata had plenty of protocol and briefing books to read up on to prepare.

Still, she was pleased to see the inside of the FIV Redoubtable again. The Marauder-class Medium Cruiser felt safe and stable and friendly, with its iconic wedge shape and angular corridors. It felt like being home again which, for the time she had spent traveling, she supposed it was. She departed her shuttle, polished boots tramping on the deck plates as she accepted the honor guards' salute with a polite nod. "Gentlemen," she murmured genially, her gravelly voice respectful but friendly.

Renata made her way to the command deck and approached the bridge in search of Masayu Kimura. The Executive Officer greeted Renata with a curt, "Ma'am."

"Is Commander Kimura on the bridge?" Renata asked carefully. "I'd like to speak with her -- if possible," she added with a hint of apology. Throughout the trip, the XO didn't seem to appreciate having a politician on his bridge, and today was no exception.

 

[Masayu Kimura]

The XO's usual expression of general distaste changed just then, surprise replacing it but before he could say anything in response to the woman's question a voice from behind Renata spoke. "Ah, Ms. Westaway. Welcome to the bridge, what can I do for you?" Stepping forward from behind the Moff, Commander Kimura moved to her side and the XO with a quick shoo. "Pardon my XO, he's a bit of a stickler for protocol." Commander Kimura had been somewhat recently assigned as the CO of the Redoubtable - a medium cruiser of the Marauder class. In contrast to the Moff, she was short. Masayu Kimura was a mere five foot six, maybe seven with her duty boots on. Even so, she cut an imposing figure in the trim uniform of a First Order officer. A gentle shimmer behind her deep brown eyes spoke of battles won, friends lost, and an icy edge lurking there within. To the Moff however, she had tried to be warm and welcoming. There wasn't exactly a political game in the ranks of the First Order but that didn't mean there weren't secret lists or favors to be mined from the Order's Governors, Moffs, or otherwise.


"Walk with me." the Commander motioned with her hand towards the central walkway which would later give way to the iconic viewports at the stern of the bridge.

Renata Westaway​

 

[Renata Westaway]

Renata fell into step easily with the Commander, clasping her hands behind her back as if afraid that she might reach out and touch something if she let her guard down. The idea of accidentally blasting Mephout to cinders and undoing all the First Order's hard work over the last few months shouldn't have been amusing to the Moff, but somehow it was, and she felt herself smiling despite herself. "Not to worry," she said conversationally. She kept her voice calm and even, hoping that her it was loud enough to carry to the XO who had been so territorial. "I'm aware that this is not my domain. I actually just came to speak to you."

She followed along, carefully treading along the central walkway towards the viewports with Masayu Kimura. "I wanted to take a moment to thank you, personally, for your performance. Mephout's leadership were particularly impressed with the Redoubtable's performance during the war games, and the TIE fighter flyover was quite a treat for them."

She paused as they reached the viewports. "Actually -- that's not all I wanted to do," Renata said after a brief hesitation. "On this trip, I've spent so much time dedicated to the protocol and the memoranda that I feel I'm missing the opportunity to get to know you and your team better."

 

[Resurgent Narrative]

Sejong, the illustrious capital of Seoul would host the First Order's Moff Council and the Royal Family couldn't be happier. Queen Gyeong Kim and other members of the Kim Royal Family would welcome them with open arms. Handmaidens dressed the Queen in her hanbok, the palace meanwhile prepared itself. Drums sounded in the courtyard as they readied their performance to welcome the Moff Council, the best folk dancers had been brought in from across Seoul. A feast had been in preparation all morning, and nearly all afternoon. The importance of the visit was significant for Seoul it was a celebration.

News of Mephout's decision to join the First Order only brought more reasons to celebrate. The Queen recalled the days of the Fall, and how Seoul had been brought to its knees. A feeling that no doubt Dosuun had felt as well, but more importantly the Queen was going to study the council - or at least its lone member. A shame she thought that only one of the triumvirate could show, but she would not let that be on display, not today. Instead, she would prepare for what was to come. A quick word in Hangul, the native language of Seoul and her maidens had dispersed and her aid was quickly summoned to her side as they left her personal chambers and headed for the throne room.

The Yeosucheon Starport would be prepared to receive the Moff's delegation, and they would be given strict instructions on where to go. Members of the Royal Guard would be hand to personally ensure that staff at the Starport would give the Moff and her delegation the proper respect.

Renata Westaway | Masayu Kimura ​

 

[Masayu Kimura]

The polished deck shimmered as reflections of light from consoles blinked and blooped, the pair's footsteps slowly leading them to the fore of the bridge. The Commander's eyebrow rose inquisitively. A smile played at the edge of Maz's lips as Renata complimented her. "Oh, thank you. I'd like to take credit but I was lucky to inherit this crew. They make my job easy." she almost laughed. Of course, being the Commander of a cruiser wasn't what anyone would call an easy job but Masayu was genuine when she said the crew had made her job easy. "As to the flyover, I'll let our pilots know they are performing to expectations. Let's just hope it doesn't go to their heads." she winked. The conversation was a welcome one, not quite tied by the trappings of rank or proper protocol.

Commander Kimura nodded as Renata mentioned getting to know her and her team better. "Operations tempo often does that doesn't it?" she remarked. "I'm sure you were provided my file as I was yours but we both know that hardly tells the full story don't we?" Maz came to a halt at the end of the walkway, eyes gazing out into the vast nothingness of space. "So what made you come back?" It was a rather personal question even if it was a legitimate one. The pair of them had spent time away from the Order due to circumstance and yet here they stood on the deck of a First Order Cruiser barreling towards Seoul. They'd be arriving soon no doubt but for a short moment they had time to engage on more than an official level.

Renata Westaway | Resurgent Narrative​

 

[Renata Westaway]

Renata smiled confidentially. "We're not so different, then. I've learned in my short time in this job that the people who get top billing -- in this case, me -- are merely the tip of a very long spear. I couldn't do what I do without my team. There are days when I feel like I couldn't find my way out of my apartment without them." Though an exaggeration, this had been true on one occasion -- the first night she'd spent in her new quarters in Avalonia, wherein she had been unable to locate the kitchen of her apartment and had had to be shown the layout again by a helpful aid. But in a truer, more significant sense, it would have been impossible for Renata to perform the research and educate herself on the protocols of the job and the state visit without the efforts of her staff, and certainly not within the time period that had been allowed.

"I was," Renata confirmed, recalling the glance she had taken over Kimura's file. "And you're right, of course. There's only so much a dossier can say." She frowned gravely at the expanse of space just beyond the transparisteel. Just two years ago a flight like this would have been too dangerous to make without a sizeable flotilla, but by the grace of God or the Force or whatever held the balance of the universe together, the Ssi-Ruuk had been all but vanquished, leaving the area safe, as far as anyone could tell.

"Now that I think about it," Renata said after searching herself for the answer to the Commander's question. "I don't think I decided to come back. I suppose I didn't realize I had the choice until it was signed and sealed." She called back to the day she had been presented with the role of Moff and found that the details escaped her. "I was at that facility -- the reintegration center, I think we were at the same one -- and someone came and it really felt like I was being assigned. Funny, isn't it? The Order we knew was gone, but we -- well, I can't speak for you, but I felt compelled to serve anyway." She chuckled. "It must have been special, but you lose track, in the day to day, don't you? Deadlines and meetings and paperwork and teleconferencing and budgets and calendars and everything going on all at once. I lost track."

Her one good eye had by this point adapted a rather far away look, glossed over and glassy. She didn't blink, didn't look back to the Commander. "What about you? Your skills must have been at a premium; you could fly for anyone after flying for the Order, I'm sure. Ah -- perhaps not anywhere," she amended herself carefully. "But here you are. Home again."

 

[Resurgent Narrative]

While the Queen and the Royal Family prepared to welcome the Moff and her delegation. The noble houses of Seoul were also in preparation and that included the Sun-Shins. Their family had founded the city of Noryang, and even as they transitioned to more modern governance the family often lent a heavy hand when it came to the city's rule. Geon Sun-Shin, father of Commander Tae Sun-Shin was on hand to ensure that his house would be prepared. An invitation by the Royal Family was not one to be dismissed or treated lightly. The family was on their way to Sejong from Noryang, Geon, and his two daughters Tae and Areum both of whom served in the First Order's military.

Their personal shuttle, the P'aro was filled with an anxious silence as the two sisters exchanged glances with one another. While Tae served in the Navy, her sister Areum was a Stormtrooper. Both would be wearing their dress uniforms which for Tae was something of a relief - getting in and out of hanbok was like trying to assemble a puzzle piece around your body. Areum, however, enjoyed the idea of dressing up but that was not the reason the two exchanged glances. Rather, they were concerned about their father Geon. He and the Queen had been relatively close before an upstart from Myeongnyang intervened.

The Queen seemed happy? Still, neither sister wanted their father's notorious rage to get the better of him. Most especially in front of the Moff's delegation. Tae leaned over in her seat to catch a glimpse of him, she gave her sister a shrug. Geon commented, "you two can stop your worrying, Her Majesty and I have come to an understanding."

"Uh huh," Areum quipped, "is that the same kind of understanding that you supposedly came to with her a year ago?"

Tae elbowed her sister.

"What?"

"Areum, it will be fine and I will not make a fool of our family in front of the delegation."

Tae slumped into her seat, this was going to be a long - long day.

Masayu Kimura | Renata Westaway ​

 

[Masayu Kimura]

Maz smiled as Renata suggested it hadn't been so much a choice as she founder herself plodding down the path of service to the First Order - or at least what remained of it. In fairness, it did seem like things were finally on the mend. The reintegration center had been but a brief stop on their journey back into the ranks of the First Order and what it hadn't been all that difficult the Commander knew there would be struggles ahead. It was inevitable. For today though she was thankful that their efforts on Mephout had gone so smoothly. Hopefully Seoul would as well. Masayu nodded in agreement with the woman's words, her perspective quite apt. And then Maz found herself at the end of her own question.

"Yes. I suppose I could have." In fact the thought had crossed her mind several times during her interim of service to the First Order. "Almost anywhere perhaps." Maz smiled. "Truth be told, private industry just isn't what it used to be. My prior posting had gone stale and a chance to command again? In some ways it feels like it's been so long and others it could have been just yesterday... but the feeling is unlike anything else. It was an opportunity I simply couldn't refuse." It was home. Maybe not the childhood home she'd grown up in. Maybe not the Avalonia of old. Maybe not even the same First Order she knew but then again there was a time for everything wasn't there? Like a Phoenix borne from ash, the Order was well on it's way to learning flight again. A communications alert interrupted her thoughts.

"Commander, we're due to arrive in system any minute now." a junior officer piped up from a console nearby. A nod of acknowledgement Maz's only response to the man. "Well well, time to put back on the mask eh?" she remarked to Renata. "The plan is the same as before, or do you have any last minute adjustments specific to Seoul?" she inquired of the Moff.

Renata Westaway | Resurgent Narrative​

 

[Renata Westaway]

Renata's face was thoughtful as she listened to the Commander's thoughts and her story, but all too soon it was over and duty called. She inclined her head and nodded as to the question. "Yes -- well, no changes about the visit itself. However, I've had word from my staff that Moff Terrix will be joining the tour at Seoul. Be on the lookout for his transport; I'm unsure whether he plans to rendezvous with me aboard the Redoubtable or if he'll be landing directly on the planet. Thank you, again, for everything. I hope we can speak again soon."

With that the Moff excused herself from the bridge, feeling the eyes of the Executive Officer following her to the turbolift door until she disappeared behind them. It would be a few hours before she would be on the planet, and Renata wanted to give herself time to give her briefing books and protocol guidance another look before she set foot on Seoul.

Arador Terrix | Resurgent Narrative | Masayu Kimura​

 

[Resurgent Narrative]

The Yeosucheon Intergalactic Starport was ready to receive Moff Westaway's delegation. The Royal Guard as planned would escort the delegation to the palace, where the Queen and the Royal Family would greet them. The delegation would be brought up through a very specific route to highlight Sejong's regrowth. A familiar face would play the part of both guide and translator, Commander Tae Sun-Shin. Volunteered by her father for the duty, and a duty she could not refuse once it was issued by the Queen.

A white carpet had been rolled out for the delegation and Commander Sun-Shin, wearing her dress black uniform marched with a detail of the Royal Guard to where the delegation was expected to meet with them. The Royal Seoularian Army's honor guard arrived to line up on either side of the white carpet. The sounds of commands being given in Hangul could be heard throughout the terminal. There had been weeks of preparation, rehersal, for this day, and for the moments would happen when the delegation set foot on the planet.

Upon arrival, the delegation would be greeted by a city that like Avalonia was in the midst of reconstruction. Many of its temples and palaces were undergoing an extensive restoration process. The skies would be clear for them, with the exception of their escorts a set of TIE Fighters held over from the previous incarnation of the First Order. The weather today was partly cloudy, spring temperatures and a light breeze. ​

​

Arador Terrix | Renata Westaway | Masayu Kimura ​

 

[Masayu Kimura]

"Likewise." the Commander added as she was drawn back to duty. With no significant changes save the possible appearance of Moff Terrix there wasn't much of a need to revisit security arrangements. Nothing that couldn't be done on the fly anyway. As it stood, TIE pilots were already on standby, shuttle crews were ready, and all that was left was to go through the formalities of entering the Seoul system. One of the less glamorous aspects of being a First Order Commander, the back and forth communications checks, verifications, and legalese every time the cruiser entered a new system. At least, those controlled by independent planetary governments. In preparation Maz made her way back to the holo-display at the rear of the bridge, the tactical holotable reminiscent of ancient "Sand tables". Satisfied with the readouts, they waited. It wasn't long.

"Prepare for hyperspace reversion." announced the Helm officer. Following, a flurry of activity. Several klaxons sounded and displays lit up as the ship prepared for entry into the Seoul system. "Hyperspace reversion in ten. Nine." The countdown continued until the zero mark.

-
​

Far above the planet of Seoul a brilliant flash blinked against the void of space, the FIV Redoubtable materializing in an instant. Nigh immediately a communication transmitted to the planet, announcing the First Order's arrival.

:: Greetings and Salutations. This is Commander Kimura of the FIV Redoubtable on behalf of Moff Renata Westaway. Our delegation stands ready to depart. Requesting Permission to maintain orbit and send our shuttle to the surface. ::
​

Pending a confirmation of security codes and protocol the shuttle would be ready to depart. Well, after Maz made her way from the bridge to the small hangar where it waited. Unlike most similar delegations sent in the past this First Order had deigned her an important cog in the wheels of diplomacy, at least for now. "XO, you have the bridge." A quick wave of her hand indicated she was prepared to leave the bridge, a quick reply noting that her XO had acknowledged his assignment. After retreating to the turbolift Maz punched in the hangar deck. Looking at herself in the shiny reflection of the closed lift door the Commander brushed down the front of her uniform and adjusted her name badge. A few brief moments later and a few stops on different levels of the ship Maz arrived at the hangar. As her footsteps led her up the ramp to the small First Order shuttle she caught sight of Moff Westaway again. Reaching for a handhold she gave the Moff a nod of acknowledgement. "Moff Westaway - let's say we get this show on the road."

Resurgent Narrative | Renata Westaway | Arador Terrix​

 

[Arador Terrix]

Terrix's Lambda-class shuttle travelled through hyperspace, ferrying the Moff from Dosuun to nearby Seoul. He had departed for the tour later than his compatriot, and some had wondered whether he planned on coming at all. But Terrix is a careful man, and with Ariel absent from the capital and Renata on the tour, Terrix had taken it upon himself to ensure things at home on Dosuun would remain stable while the Council was away. Once ensuring that the heart of the First Order was kept in capable hands, he had boarded the Lambda and departed for Seoul, expecting to meet up with Moff Westaway there.

While the Lambda cut through hyperspace Terrix adjusted his cloak and gloves, making sure nothing looked ruffled or hastily thrown-on. He wanted to look his best for the the Royal Family, after all.

"A few more minutes and we'll be over Seoul, sir," said the pilot from the cockpit.

"Thank you. I intend to rendezvous with Moff Westaway aboard the Redoubtable once we leave hyperspace." Terrix said, taking his seat and picking up his datapad, doing a final perusal of the information regarding the current status of Seoul and changes since the First Order's initial collapse. By this time, hyperspace sensors over Seoul would most likely pick up the shuttle about to make its arrival.

Resurgent Narrative Renata Westaway Masayu Kimura ​

 

[Renata Westaway]

Renata stood in the entryway to her quarters. On a normal sortie, it would have been home to two junior officers, but it had been made available for her use. A bunk bed, a writing desk and chair, and an infotainment suite were separated from a bathroom -- no, she silently corrected herself, Navy types called it a 'head' -- by a bulkhead. A mirror hung outside the doorway of the head, where Renata was examining her appearance as she worked her hands into her gloves. Her uniform had been pressed neatly by the Navy stewards, so she looked the image of a First Order Moff as she fastened her traveling cloak around her shoulders.

She had to admit that she rather enjoyed the sensation of the cape billowing behind her as she walked towards the hangar bay. Classic power move. No wonder Vader had been such a fan.

She arrived at the shuttle just before Commander Kimura and returned the nod. "If only we could, Commander," said Renata as she turned and examined the passenger shuttle compartment. "Unfortunately I don't see Moff Terrix, so I'm afraid we'll have to wait for his arrival. As I understand it his shuttle will be arriving shortly. I'd say we should have a drink while we wait, but I suppose you're on duty. Come to that I guess I am, too." She smirked and took a seat in one of the comfortable chairs, beckoning for Masayu Kimura to join her in the same pod of chairs.

"Have you been to Seoul before?" Renata asked conversationally.

Masayu Kimura | Arador Terrix | Resurgent Narrative​

 

[Masayu Kimura]

The Commander's usually impassive features cracked, her eyes resting on a blank space on the interior of the shuttle as she let out a quiet sigh. Nothing like civilian 'punctuality' she silently mused. "Not everyone can run on Navy time." Maz replied. Taking up the offered invitation, Commander Kimura joined Renata. She was careful to sit in a manner that wouldn't create wrinkles in the uniform she wore. "Seoul, no." Maz smiled. "But..." she added. "Atrisia has a much similar culture." The Commander was looking forward to the trip to the surface. Not specifically the pomp and circumstance of it but rather the few off duty hours they would likely be entitled to after the formalities had been completed - of course that was assuming she didn't get roped into any high society after parties. "Yourself?" she asked.

The cuisine was superb, even if the Commander had a bias to that of Atrisia. She hoped it would be an enlightening trip, one of hope and excitement for the future. Too often these sorts of shows of extravagance turned into nothing more than empty promises and sunken expectations. For what it was worth, Maz had faith in this new First Order. It was the same and yet so different than its waning days, a breath of fresh air was what it needed and at least for the moment this breath was as fresh as could be asked for. "Does the itinerary give us any time to explore the city?" The Commander inquired.

Renata Westaway | Resurgent Narrative | Arador Terrix​

 

[Arador Terrix]

The Lambda exited hyperspace a few minutes later, and Terrix put the datapad down, moving to the cockpit to get a good view. Before him lay the Redoubtable and Seoul, both ship and planet as majestic as ever. The sight of the Order's navy never ceased to inspire a bit of nationalistic pride in his heart.

"FIV Redoutable, this is Major Quinn, got a delivery for ya: one member of the Moff Council, mint condition. Requesting permission to come aboard." The shuttle's pilot said with a chuckle, transmitting the pertinent information to the Redoubtable to prove that they were, in fact, who they said they were. Once they got the all-clear, the Lambda began making its approach, slowing into the hangar and folding its bat-like wings. The gleaming shuttle touched down and, once Major Quinn finished the usual landing routine the boarding ramp descended from the ship's belly. "Well sir, this is your stop."

Terrix nodded, thanking the pilot before descending down the ramp into the hangar. Major Quinn, meanwhile, relaxed in his seat and pulled out a datapad of his own, connected to the ship's HoloNet network, and breathed a content sigh.

Having seen the diplomatic shuttle as his Lambda was making its landing Terrix strode across the hangar, where he assumed Moff Westaway would be waiting for him. Mentally, he wished he had left with Renata instead of being a busybody. It's not like the First Order would've evaporated if he hadn't done anything, and he realized that holding things up was not a good way to conduct himself, making a mental note for the future. Stepping up the ramp into the shuttle, he bowed his head in greeting to Renata. "My apologies for the the delay, Moff Westaway. It was not my intention to keep you, or Seoul, waiting."

Renata Westaway Resurgent Narrative Masayu Kimura ​

 

[Renata Westaway]

Renata smirked at Commander Kimura's question, her eyes narrowing a little in thought. "I'm sure there will be plenty of time to explore, I'm sure -- for you. Probably less so for me. There will be meetings. There will be receptions. There will be photo opportunities. Tours and concerts and cultural exchanges and I don't know what else. I'm sure it will be extremely enlightening and valuable, but there should be plenty of time for you and your team to have a look around. Perhaps you could see what I don't and let me know your thoughts. We're all in this together now, but that doesn't mean the Seoularians are willing to spill it all."

The let it sit in the air, the unspoken other face to that coin, that Renata wasn't willing to share all of the First Order's secrets, either.

Before they could go on, Arador Terrix boarded the shuttle and crossed to interact with Renata and Commander Kimura. Renata stood and offered a handshake to her cabinet colleague. "Not at all, Moff Terrix," she said pleasantly, smiling broadly as her free hand gestured to Kimura. "You made good time from the capital. May I present Masayu Kimura, Commander of the Redoubtable? Commander, Arador Terrix, Moff. I'll let you two become acquainted as I inform the shuttle pilot we are ready to leave."

Only a few minutes later, the ship was touching down at Seoul. Renata lined up with Terrix at the top of the ramp, prepared to descend together. When the ramp lowered, Renata was surprised but pleased to see quite a welcoming committee. Renata descended, taking in her surroundings as she came to trod upon the white carpet that had been rolled out for them. She strode forward purposefully, prepared for whatever the Seoularians had to throw at them.

Resurgent Narrative | Arador Terrix | Masayu Kimura​

 

[Masayu Kimura]

The Commander nodded knowingly. The Moff had a point, her schedule would be packed no doubt leaving the Commander to her own devices for a time. Perhaps Maz could find some oddity to adorn her quarters aboard the Redoubtable or some small memento of the occasion. Who knew how long it would be before she got the opportunity to visit Seoul again. If we make it to the surface she glanced at her chrono. Before she could say anything further, footsteps on the boarding ramp drew her attention. Moff Terrix. she presumed. Rising to her feet, she stood tall as the Moff's greeted each other, sizing up the man. The man cut a striking figure in his attire, a sort of confident and resolute aura emanating from his posture as much as his voice. As the two shook hands, Renata introduced the Commander.

Stepping forward, Maz gave the man a half bow. "Moff Terrix. Glad to have you with us. Will you be requiring quarters aboard the Redoubtable for the duration of this mission or have you made other arrangements?" While having dignitaries aboard wasn't a problem it did change the way Maz liked to run her operation. Security considerations. Bunking. Not enough to be a major inconvenience by any means but one she wanted to be aware of should it be expected. Pending the man's response, Maz had nothing further to add. Just as well, the shuttle ramp began to rise and the pilots began their final checks. "I'll go check on the pilots." the Commander added, leaving the two Moffs to go over any last minute details for their visit.

-
​

The hiss of the ramp descending was Maz's cue. Taking in a deep breath she ran her hands down the front of her uniform once despite its already pristine condition. Though she was little more than window dressing here the Commander certainly didn't want to be remembered for an out of place device or a wrinkle on her uniform - or the void forbid, a scuffed shoe. The Dress uniform was uncomfortable, tight in all the wrong places, loose in others - not to say it wasn't sized properly but that's just the way they were made. She'd spent hours before they'd arrived in system shining every piece of metal, eliminating every stray lead of fabric, pressing every minute wrinkle. If there was anything off - it was too late to change it now. Forcing a smile, she stepped forward in the wake of the two Moffs. This was their rodeo and she was content to attend and observe.

Resurgent Narrative | Arador Terrix | Renata Westaway​

 

[Resurgent Narrative]

​

Commander Tae Sun-Shin gave a bow of respect toward the delegation her smile was purposeful and her uniform pristine. "Welcome to Seoul," she greeted them - they hadn't been expecting Terrix as the initial information revealed only Westaway, but it only meant the visit would be that much more important. "I am to be your guide and translator for the duration of your visit." Sun-Shin flanked by the Royal Guards took lead and called for the detail to march. Royal Guards would bring up the rear of the delegation. The Royal Seoularian Army's Honor Guard saluted the delegation as they passed. ​

​

The Starport's windows provided a beautiful picturesque view of the city. Temples, skyscrapers, the old and the new coming together in harmony separated only by the Han River. Photographers took their pictures, and reporters for Camden Broadcasting Corporation, Seoul National Broadcasting, and several other news outlets in the region began to detail the event. The Moff Council's visit would be a first in nearly a decade. Notes that both Seoul and the First Order were starting anew could be heard if one eavesdropped just enough as they passed them on.​

​

Commander Sun-Shin would lead the delegation to their speeder. The route would be led by armored units and brought up by armored units as well as a careful watch by the Royal Seoularian Armed Forces to ensure that the delegation's route would be kept secure. It seemed by some to be a overstep, or perhaps overly cautious. The Queen believed it was necessary to ensure that those who sought to undermine her rule were sent a clear message; this is my power, and I am not afraid to use it against those who trespass against me. Queen Kim had initially been thought unfit to rule as some believed her younger brother should have taken the throne. ​

​

Her decision to have Seoul once more as part of the First Order angered quite a few. Seoul did not believe it had been well received or treated by the previous regime. In fact, the aftermath of the Blackwing still lingered in the minds of many Seoularians. Worse, there were those who blamed the planet's crumbling currency on the Queen (although this occurred under her father's rule). Still, overall, she was well-liked by the people. She was approachable, grounded something her father wasn't.​

​

Once inside the speeder Commander Sun-Shin gave the delegation another smile, "we can breathe now, this route will be quite scenic as Her Majesty wanted you all to see the beautiful landmarks and countryside of Sejong." There was an audible exhale from Sun-Shin, one of relief - she'd never been more nervous in her life. "When we arrive there will be several performances, and speeches followed by a presentation of gifts from the Royal Family, and then we will be taken to lunch. I am told there has been a lavish feast prepared for you all, so I hope you're hungry."​

​

"After lunch, the Moffs specifically are to meet with Her Majesty and the Royal Court." That most likely would be Commander Kimura's cue to depart the delegation and enjoy the city for herself. Of course, the crew of the Redoubtable if so given leave would also be allowed to enjoy the city while the festivities were ongoing at the Palace. ​

​

Renata Westaway | Masayu Kimura | Arador Terrix ​

 

[Renata Westaway]

Despite her life's recent radical shift, Renata wasn't quite used to having people care about her opinions or wanting to take her photograph. She wondered if she would ever get used to being photographed whenever she stepped outside into the public eye. The Moff was now ever conscious of her appearance and her angles, instantly turning so that the photographers captured her best light. One of the CMG reporters called out: "Moff Westaway, what do you hope to achieve here with your visit to Seoul?" he called, extending his microphone to pick up her answer.

Renata smiled; the flashbulbs didn't stop. "I'm here to see how Seoul and the First Order can help each other and to get more perspective from outside of Dosuun. The challenges facing Mephout and Seoul and Dosuun are different, but we can still support each other, lift each other up, and share and build on the solutions we're learning. And on a personal level, I've been told the food here is absolutely exquisite, so naturally, I had to come." That was all the time they had; she was already slightly trailing Tae Sun-Shin. She gave an apologetic smile and quickened her pace to catch up.

"Thank you, Commander," said Renata as they settled into the back of the speeder. "You'll be with us for the presentation and lunch and the meeting with Her Majesty and the Court?" She fixed the Commander with an inquisitive look for a moment before turning her attention to the passing countryside and landmarks. "Beautiful," she breathed.

Masayu Kimura | Arador Terrix | Resurgent Narrative​

 

[Arador Terrix]

Terris gave Renata a smile of his own, shaking her hand when it was offered before turning his attention to Kimura, bowing his head in return. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Commander Kimura. I believe my quarters aboard my shuttle will suffice, if that isn't any trouble. I wouldn't want to cause any unnecessary hassle." It wasn't that he held any disdain for the Navy, far from it, he simply didn't want to garner any kind of negative reputation among the troops. Hence why his security detail remained aboard the shuttle, protecting it and Major Quinn; he had heard whispers that it was a bit strange they followed him everywhere no matter the occasion, and while a diplomatic mission such as this may not be the greatest place to stop bringing them publicly, he had the utmost faith in Commander Kimura, as well as the people of Seoul. What kind of Moff would he be if he didn't?

-​

Arador was perhaps a bit more used to scenes like these, albeit not with any focus on him. He put on his best smile as he descended the ramp alongside Renata, meeting Commander Sun-Shin outside their transport. He gave a slight bow in return to the Commander and followed her as she escorted the delegation to the speeder. Terrix beamed and gave half-waves for photographers, though he remained mostly unmolested by reporters as his appearance had not been expected. One, however, spoke up. "Moff Terrix! What made you change your mind about coming to Seoul?" He smiled, and when the microphone was held out to him, he responded. "Why, the cuisine, of course," he said jokingly, with a jovial laugh. "In all seriousness, I realized that first impressions are the most important, so it's best to not make mine be as a shut-in bureaucrat. This is an important day for all of us, and I would be remiss to pass it by." The reporter retraced his microphone, and Terrix took longer strides to catch back up with the Commander. A glance at the escort for the speeder that they entered told Terrix that, yes, he had no reason to expect anything but total safety. "My thanks as well, Commander. I'm certain this will be a day to remember." As they rode, his attention too turned to the majestic Sejong countryside. Quite a beautiful planet, Seoul is.