First Order: A Rose In Her Hand

[Zef Halo]

First Order Balls.

Boy, weren't they boring and snobbish. It was thanks to [member="Valessia Brentioch"] bringing some really attractive and oddly familiar music and dance to the whole event that made him leave his lonely corner where he was drinking fine and expensive alcohol. For some reason, this so-called sirtaki that they had on Brentaal IV brought him memories of his own home. Or was it his own home ? He'd never been on Brentaal but booooy did this seem too familiar. It was probably the alcohol. He certainly hoped he had no symptoms of schizophrenia.

Jude shook his head hard waving away this surrealistic thoughts and images in his head but retained the good feeling in his heart brought by that Brentaal IV dance called sirtaki. The field agent's eyes scanned the public and he could see lots and lots of pretty faces with lots of nice clothes. The agent wasn't far behind with a well pressed and expensive suit, just for such occasions.

He had closed his mind to the Force. Prying into these snobs' minds usually ruined Jude's initial wants. He never liked most people that were considered part of the elite of the First Order. At the same time, he knew that no other government around the galaxy was too different.

Well, I will be damned. Look who actually left the hive. The agent's eyes fell upon a blue-skinned woman sitting alone on the large bar ordering alcohol and his mind unwillingly caught a thought escape the Chiss' mind. Accidentally, of course.

"Hey, Blue." Jude approached her with his signature smirk and leaned with his back on the bar, putting his sight upon the different faces that passed around. " I'd lie if I'd say I am not surprised. You sure you ain't turning into a human? " He chuckled and stole a moment's glimpse at Her Spyness before continuing his scan upon the many that had gathered at this ball.

[member="Sentiri"]

 

[Ophelia DuSang]

“Champagne first.” Ophelia insisted. She saw the mischief in her brother’s gaze and was well aware of the antics that usually followed. Viktor was commonly keen to jump into deep waters blind, reckless and wild. The mood of the room wasn’t stuffy, per say, but certainly serious. She thought it best they dipped their feet before taking a plunge, “… then shots.”

“Of course, if Aria doesn’t object.” She gave her brother a short, sly glance that communicated Aria will absolutely agree to a shot or two as soon as she’s loosened up with a glass of bubbly.

Phie craned her neck and motioned for a waiter. A slim young man immediately caught her sign. At eighteen, as a newly anointed countess, Ophelia had claimed that it was her Force gift that allowed her to capture servers’ attention so quickly. One of her ladies, Simone, had to explain to her that is was just easy for young women in crowded places to get a drink.

When the waiter arrived, he bowed slightly and presented his tray, “Here we are.” She said melodically, handing flutes to Viktor and Aria before selecting one for herself, “Merci beaucoup.” Smiling, the waiter nodded politely and left.

“Now…” Ophelia held her glass aloft, considering the drink’s glittering effervesce before glancing to her siblings, “What shall we toast to? To your beauty?” She gestured to Aria, “To your conquests?” She gave her brother a smile, “To Father, perhaps? And his triumphs?”

[member="Viktor DuSang"] | [member="Aria DuSang"]

 

[Ria Misrani]

Aria smiled to her siblings and recalled those rather notable events of her history. "I'm going to have to decline," she says with a smile, "because while I absolutely adore the two of you." Her career came first and those tabloid days have absolutely been something she's worked hard to be more than. She could hear her sponsor now and all the ways she could say no and go home, which now was starting to sound like a good idea. "I've been sober for the last three months," and she didn't want to waste that.

The oldest DuSang held her smile and the champagne she was better than her demons. "To our family actually," Aria suggested and was quick to swap champagne for sparkling water just as soon as she was able. The room was crowded and as soon as the dance was over, the orchestra struck up in a soft tone. "To my siblings, to daddy and to our respective mothers who do a lot for us." At least in her view and her mother did do a lot even if most of it was nagging on how Aria wasn't married yet and when would Aria be producing grandchildren. Aria's mother could wait, because she had no such desires not right now anyway, "I'm heading to Bespin soon. I've got a meeting with Cloud City Imperial Shipworks, maybe you and I can go to the tea room?" She suggested to her sister and then to her brother, "I'd say I'd meet you at the gentlemen's club but Avalonia is a tad traditional so perhaps I can meet you at a club here - one that doesn't involve terribly loud music, Viktor."

[member="Viktor DuSang"] | [member="Ophelia DuSang"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay spotted [member="Crucifere Sin"] again. So he was still here. No doubt he would look after anything involving Commrnor's interests while she headed back.

She looked to Sebastian, removing the servers coat that she was given just moments before. It seemed a little silly, with multiple coats being offered, but she didn't want the server to get into trouble for being out of uniform. So Kay handed it back and then let Sebastian drape the larger coat over her shoulders. "Thank you, Sebastian. I will be happy to be given a lift home. You are too kind. My prize is going to be sent to the Embassy. It would only collect dust in my office otherwise as I am not a big drinker."

She left with [member="Viktor DuSang"] 's butler, contemplating again on the night's events. It was a good thing that neither of her adopted brothers were there as they would of been bugging her about what happened. So she didn't plan on telling them. Some things were just better to not be spoken about. She was no one's conquest. It would take more than an evening to win her heart. Some people however, just call her selfish for it. And that was something that she just couldn't wrap her head around.

(Exit thread)

 

[Sentiri]

Faces. Names. Files.

Being the foremost member of the Intelligence division awarded an incredible amount of freedom in available information. There were a few files that were still kept hidden, records that had been wiped for one reason or another. However, every person who passed through First Order space had a file. Their name and holo went into a registry and that registry was maintained with pertinent information. The most detailed were those of military officers. Civilians had their own as well but the nature of their relations and their exploits determined how much information was required. The majority were quite slim, but some were quite expansive. Most often hidden files belonged to those who worked under the auspices of of a less than public organization. Certain members of the Security Bureau fit that label. The Knights of Ren and their monastic order also often had a more inconspicuous database presence.

Sentiri had access to the file of nearly every person in the room. She had compiled and sorted many of them herself. Though recalling every image was nearly impossible, a certain amount of recognition still maintained a certain amount of presence in her mind as she scanned the crowd. There were some she was more familiar with than others from their file alone. Until their recent excursion, Marzena had been one such person. After all, certain pieces of information were not privileged to be public knowledge. As the person who controlled the flow of data in the First Order, Sentiri saw to what was made known, and what remained behind closed doors. But all of that meant Sentiri was privy to that information herself. Information was another form of power.

Which was why she found the task of identifying those faces which were entirely unfamiliar even more important. She made mental notes of all of them and would recall security footage at a later time.

Briefly drawing her attention was the interruption of the near constant music followed by more speaking arrangements. The Deputy Director's brow perked slightly when the tall, blonde woman from earlier, addressed as Leona Eldrel, took the stage. Sentiri knew that the woman's file had crossed her display at one point or another, but any level of familiarity was still entirely foreign. So what was it about her?

As Sentiri pondered that information, her thoughts were interrupted by the voice of someone speaking to her. She turned to find one of her subordinates giving her an unruly smirk. She remained quite stoic to his remark, though. The cognac was having its desired effect: just enough of a relaxant, not yet an inhibitor. Normally [member="Jude Falkrowe"] stood a few inches taller than Sentiri did. With the three inch heels, however, she was nearly level, if not taller, allowing her gaze to be level with his. Sentiri approved of this.

"Any hint of surprise might make me think you are losing your investigative edge, Mr. Falkrowe." Her voice was even and stone-cold. The Chiss woman brought the glass to her face. "Don't give me a reason to fire you." She calmly took a drink without breaking eye contact.

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]​

 

[Zef Halo]

Ever watching, ever monitoring. That's how Deputy Director Sentiri always was in Jude's eyes. Well, not only eyes, his mentalism skills reached the same findings. Seeing her with a drink in her hand in the middle of a ball was certainly something surprising to the man. The retort she made resulted in a chuckle and a deeper smirk on his face. The field agent felt her red eyed gaze upon him but he kept his vision upon the crowd of people rather than on her and remained silent for just a moment before responding.

"Fire me ?" Jude scoffed. The tone of his voice was not arrogant but rather playful. It was something that really defined him. "And go through all the trouble of looking for someone as good as me and realizing that is a mission impossible." The blonde man turned his head and his eyes on the rather equally tall Director. "Now, wouldn't that be a bad investment of resources?"

Falkrowe as always had ignored all sorts of protocol, all sorts of manners. He was, as always, himself. It made him stand out unique among the rest of the agents who were usually the silent and methodical people. Jude was the opposite, he was unpredictable and unorthodox. He read the books and burned them right after. Perhaps that's what the higher-ups liked about him ? Perhaps.

"So, why ? What's up with you ending up here in them high heels ? I don't see any reports on your bureau." He jokingly gestured at bar with a tilt of his head and then laid his eyes upon the alcoholic beverage in her hands. "Unless, of course, that is your report for tonight."


[member="Sentiri"]

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

Ludolf offered [member="Marzena Choi"] a congenial smile as she agreed to go outside with him, and placed her hand in his gloved palm. With quick steps, he led her outside, until the two found themselves alone on the veranda looking out upon the Prosperia skyline. Stars hung above the twinkling lights of the city, which seemed so distant from where they were standing, behind the carved stone railing of the veranda. The moon lit up Ludolf and Marzena's faces in a pale shade of blue as they looked out together. Behind them, the muffled noise of the ball carried on.

"Yes... yes, I am too," Ludolf responded to Marzena's statement, abruptly breaking away from staring at the moon where his gaze had been transfixed. When Marzena told him she too was enjoying herself, Ludolf flashed her an oddly nervous smile. There was clearly something on the Field Marshal's mind as he stood in silence, staring at the moon hanging in the sea of midnight black above.

After a few more moments of silence, Ludolf abruptly pulled away from Marzena and fixed his icy gaze upon her.

"Marzena. There's something I want to talk about with you," He said. Ludolf suddenly became intensely self-conscious. Marzena probably thought he was out of his mind right now, and he was uncharacteristically nervous. His eyes darted a few times before locking themselves back onto her. It was a strange feeling that Ludolf was not used to; for the first time, he was having trouble suppressing his nerves. His training was failing him.

"I've been having a good time as well. And I don't mean just tonight... ever since I met you." No, that sounded stupid. Ludolf sighed.

"What I mean to say is," He continued, "I know there are a lot of unknowns we face right now. The child on the way, the future of the First Order with war at our doorstep. But for the first time in my life, I don't want to do it alone anymore. I want to know what it's like to be... normal. To raise a family, to have someone by my side. And I want our child to have a loving home. This whole thing may have happened out of order, but I want you to know that I want to do this together. I love you."

Ludolf was pretty sure that the next step to this process was dropping to a knee, so that was what he did. He fiddled in his black jacket pocket for a moment before producing a small box, which he opened and held up in his palm. There was a small ring inside with a diamond that glistened in the moonlight.

"Marry me, Marzena."

 

[Darth Libertas]

The dance was over far too soon and [member="Valessia Brentioch"] had to depart to perform hostess duties, which included introducting First Order functionaries and associated persons to what the Brentaalians called a sirtaki.


Alas, Sumiko was likewise pulled away, for her comm beeped while she watching proceedings. The comm's volume had been turned on low, so it should not be too obvious. A rather annoyed look crossed her features before it was replaced by an impassive mask.


Rather than take the call right here in the ballroom, she stepped out. She did not reply to the call until she was outside on a terrace at the pool. The Atrisian pressed a button and the holographic projection of Qual'Zyanya, her Xioquo acolyte, materialised into existence. "Yes, what is it?" Rather than use Basic, Sumiko was speaking in the Xioquo tongue, though her voice had a strong accent. She wondered what trouble the drow and [member="Illyria"] had run into. The Atrisian was more than a little vexed about her lovely evening being interrupted.


"I apologise for interrupting you, Mistress, but we had a security situation," the drow spoke apologetically. She was visibly nervous.


"Continue." All warmth had been drained from Sumiko's voice, leaving only a cold chill.


"Hlalyl'Jaelryn is a spy. She wanted to transmit information to Kerrigan. She's one of those loathstome blood traitors who worship at the Karishzhar's altar." Disdain and hatred crept into Zyanya's tone as she spewed venom.


"Did you prevent a leak?"


"Yes, she was appprended before she could carry out her treachery. The lair is secure. Unfortunately...she took her life before we could question her thoroughly. She carried poison," the drow elaborated. Did she look a bit shifty?


"How unfortunate," Sumiko hissed venomously. "I suppose it's just a coincidence that Jaelryn was a former slave and you loathed her for being, what was the word again, uppity. You would, of course, never think of trying to deceive me so crudely." There, barb fired.


It was, unfortunately, difficult to discern emotion on a hologram, especially one this far away. The broadcast quality was not the best. "Mistress, my only concern was the safety of the group. She would've destroyed our entire operation if she had not been stopped. I suspected her from the start. You cannot trust impure rabble."


"Yes, you did indeed. Mecatl is close to her. Have the Noghri take her in for questioning, but nothing more than that, for now. I'm sure you and Illyria will ensure there are no loose ends. Oh, and Zyanya, when I return home, I will take a look inside your mind. For your sake, I hope I like what I find. If not, I might break it into little pieces. If I do, you shall be rewarded."

 

[Quietus]

A slow, steady waltz to the music of the couples dance - it took some time for Lorelei's feet to remember the steps. It was a sign of her own imminent fate, where a mind once so sharp and keen now muddled through the fog of centuries. Had she danced with Salvador before his death? Lorelei could not recall but she did not think so. His was the sort that favored strict business and very little in the way of public displays of affection. Perhaps they might've made a show once before, but affection had not been the goal with that particular engagement.

To create a new home and better world for her children. That had been the plan. Strange how things so carefully crafted over years of detail-mongering so easily fell apart. She had begun to truly feel the effects of the unraveling when Amore abdicated the throne. For someone who never put stock in fate, Lore was becoming a believer.

The grasp that held her partner's hand was not nearly so strong as it once had been. The small portions of skin visible paler, dulled of their stately vibrance it once shone with. Lore listened only during their dance and said nothing in reply, content to simply fold into her place here tonight as a simple date for a man of high acclaim within the Order. Had she missed these things like he did? Truthfully she could hardly remember being fond of them. Multitudes, countless multitudes of gala events had been attended in her long standing history. Many dance partners and dances had. Mostly, these things had always been part of the diplomatic game. Lorelei could hardly remember a time when they had been done out of anything other than a need for appearances.

For love or romance? Certainly not.

A world weary smile, fleeting as it was, was given in return to his.

The dance ended and someone was at a podium announcing winners. Lorelei followed the man's gaze as they left the dance floor to where his children had congregated by the bar.

"How nice for you to have them all here under one roof," the Kuati Sovereign commented.

[member="Avicus DuSang"]

 

[Ophelia DuSang]

“Oh my goodness.” Her expression suddenly changed. All hints of ribbing and revelry were gone. A bubbled popped and there went the party, “… Aria, darling, I had no idea.” Ophelia frowned, feeling quite the fool, “But I should have.” She asserted, “No excuse for it.”

No excuse.

Since arriving on Dosuun, Phie had encountered a series of shocks to her system. Nothing was more shocking though than learning how different the lives of her family were… and how much they themselves had changed because of it. How was it possible that she had become so disconnected from the people she loved? How was it right?

Well, it isn’t right. She concluded. Her eyes moved from Viktor to Aria. Her mind ventured far out into the crowd where her father dwelled. Whining and whinging wouldn’t get her very far, she decided. If Phie wanted to stop feeling wretched, she should simply do something about it. Should… should I stay?

She had never planned for her visit to her father’s estate to be permanent. Ophelia had intended to remain for a season, catch up and…well, figure things out. There were a myriad of roads she could take after graduation and it eased her mind to be in the presence of those who were wise; those she felt supported by. Besides, the thought of leaving Coruscant was excruciating. It felt like a sin. She lived for the electric city at midnight. She relished each hazy, urban dawn. She spoke the language. She flew its skyways. She called it home.

But they are my home. Her heart beat. They are everything.

“To family.” Phie’s voice was low, but she echoed Aria’s words from a place of deep sincerity, “Yes, Bespin. Tea sounds absolutely perfect. And there’s an exhibition I’d love to see.”

Ophelia touched the corner of her eye, dabbing a tear that had pooled there. Her throat was tight and in her chest, the white hot pain that was usually the prelude to a sob. Oh, she could kick herself sometimes for being such a sopping sentimentalist. “Viktor…” She said, straining for a moment to wear a pretty smile, “… distract me with something amusing?”

[member="Aria DuSang"] | [member="Viktor DuSang"]

 

[Progflaw99]

The air outside had cooled significantly, enough that the Commissioner of New Advora could see his breath condensing in the air as he exhaled. He'd stepped free of the event for a moment. It wasn't that he was overwhelmed, he'd certainly attended enough social events in the past that he had a pretty good handle on how these things went. Somewhat awkwardly he'd stepped out once the dancing began. Being a full time politician, especially on the outer fringe of First Order space, didn't particularly foster a great environment for relationships. Especially romantic ones. Nathaniel had arrived right on time, reciting the pledge along with the rest, or at least most of them. It truly was a sight to see, all the military uniforms formed a pretty picture and the celebration in their honor was well earned. The Commissioner himself had donated over 50,000 credits from his personal fund. He had a lot to thank the First Order for, and that was just one small way in which he could show his appreciation for their military forces.

Letting out a long breath he smiled, turning back towards the doors. He saw a few people leaving already. Casually he checked his wristwatch as he made his way back in, flashing his ID badge to the front security. He shrugged, it was starting to get late. Passing the bar Nate picked up a glass of water with a few ice cubes enjoying the alternative to liquor.

*I've been living on Riflor for too long* He thought to himself.

The natives of Riflor, the Advosec were vegetarians. As part of his work and getting to know his constituents and the people he was looking out for in New Advora he'd also adopted the traditional diet. It surprised him how much he'd enjoyed getting to know the natives, their loyalty to the First Order was unwavering thanks to the massive influx of First Order supplies and collaborative innovation in New Advora. So many people, so many important figures. He stood near the edge, happy to sip his water and listen to the music for the moment. It was a mixture of styles but it was refreshing to hear something familiar over the typical Advosec choices.

 

[Viktor DuSang]

The guilt felt from [member="Ophelia DuSang"] was equally mirrored through Viktor. His knuckles growing white as he firmly gripped the champagne flute. "Je suis tellement désolé, Aria. Father didn't tell us..." His free hand found Phie's forearm as his fingers traveled down her wrist to entwine with his sister's fingers. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Had it truly been so long since the three of them had been together? Viktor and Phie had always known that [member="Aria DuSang"] was more like their father then they were. Avicus was an idol of indulgence. An addict. Leaving his children for months at a time, if not longer, to binge on his vices. Those demons were transferred to the oldest DuSang. He should've seen it earlier, but he turned a blind eye to it.

"To family." he said, raising his glass. Aria spoke of their mothers and Viktor's mind lingered on the woman. It had been so long since he had seen her. Felt her touch on his cheek. Wrapped himself in her loving embrace. When he last saw her, she had helped him free Ophelia from captors on Alderaan. Phie was never kidnapped... They took her to get to the Emperor... Their father... The visions were fleeing the moment they came through.

Viktor tried to bring them back, but pain coursed through his mind. Psychic whiplash. His hand released Ophelia as he brought his fingertips to his forehead. That was the only tell he gave. Though he knew Phie picked up on the pain. Yellow eyes landed on her. I'm fine, Phie. It's nothing.

Putting his hand back down, he smirked at Aria. "You know I don't like nightclubs unless they're ridiculously loud. How about a shopping trip instead? I must do what I can to keep myself looking my best." He would've straightened his jacket, but it had already gone off world at this point. He gave Phie the softest of kisses on her cheek. He would do what he could to take the pain away from her.

His attention turned back to Phie. He gave her a reassuring smile, nodding. "Well, I did bomb horribly with the two women I danced with tonight." The girls loved to gossip. And they especially loved rubbing dirt in Viktor's face. It was all in jest, of course. The youngest DuSang didn't mind being the punchline in their jokes. They were never malicious about it. "Turns out I'm on quite a bad luck streak."

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena grinned up at [member="Ludolf Vaas"] as he responded, momentarily taking her dark eyes away from the night sky above. But there was something about the Field Marshal’s smile that made her pause, he almost looked uneasy. She let her gaze linger for a moment or two longer, eyelashes fluttered lightly as she turned her eyes back to the dazzling skyline of Prosperia. Hmm, well that was a bit odd. Marzena turned slightly, just about to wrap Ludolf in an embrace, when she felt him suddenly pull away.

Her arms felt empty and awkward now, so she crossed them tightly in front of her.

“Oh?” She canted her head to the side just slightly, “What is it, Ludolf?”

There was uncertainty in her tone. It was strange to see the Field Marshal appear so... anxious. Marzena was the type of person that wore her emotions on her sleeve, but Ludolf was quite the opposite. She had known him long enough to see the different sides of his personality, and knew him well enough to see that something was clearly a bit off. She rubbed the sides of her arms gently to guard against the cold, silently wondering if she should be worried.

As he began to speak again, the uncertainty she felt before melted instantly, replaced by a warm sensation growing in her chest. In a matter of seconds, Marzena felt her eyes begin to fill with tears, her shimmering gaze still locked with his. Deep down, she had known all along that they wanted the same things for their future... but to hear Ludolf say the words aloud brought her a steady sense of comfort.

A hand slowly rose; her fingertips touched a gentle gasp that escaped her lips as Ludolf dropped to a knee. Marzena had imagined this moment more than once, and now that it was here, it was even better than she could have hoped. And she had always told herself that she wouldn’t cry when it happened, but who was she kidding?

“Yes,” Her lips barely moved, her whispered word nearly lost on the breeze.

Marzena nodded her head a few times, unable to summon a stronger voice. Despite the fact that tears were now flowing, her lips had curved into a happy smile. She presented her left hand to Ludolf, and she looked down to see the stunning solitaire slide onto her finger. The diamond that sparked under the moonlight was a lovely fit for her delicate hand – in fact, it was perfect.

Without another word, she closed the gap between them, finding her way back into the Field Marshal’s arms. She placed her palm against the side of Ludolf’s cheek, smiling brightly up at him.

“I love you, too.” She spoke softly, words that she sealed with a kiss.

 

[Doc]

As he finished putting his medical officer military dress uniform he was remained of how he heated functions like the military ball, his place was either on the battlefield treating fallen solider, and injured civilian, or in the med bay doing the same thing it was days like this he wondered why in the of the force did he accepted that promotion to lieutenant, but he had it’s perks as fell, less people yelling at you, better accommodations and of course command ability not he really need it as a medic, but still it was nice. He remember when he went through the academy First order military regulation number M-568.9 paragraph 3 section 2 A field medic or combat medic can only be overruled by a Chief medical officer, and in the absent of such an officer the field medic or combat medic his the authorization to act as such until such time as a CMO is available. He took one last look in the mirror strengthened his uniform one last time and headed for the ball.

 

[Avicus DuSang]

"Not all of them." he said, his eyes drifting back to @Silencia.

Truth be told, Avicus only enjoyed these events so that he could showcase himself and the woman who accompanied him. He was never satisfied until he turned heads. The flamboyance was exhausting at times. But, he lived for the attention. His ego demanded it. Drove him. For the longest time, it was what kept him alive. It was ego that drove him to attempt suicide through indulgence.

He would go out the same way he lived.

She stopped that. She brought him back from the brink with a mere summons. Where he stood today was because of her. There would probably never be a time when she held the same passions she once did for him. But he would always would keep a piece of his heart for her. And would cherish the memories they shared, even if they never got to create anymore.

"I'm parched. Care for a drink?"

 

[Doc]

As Doc enter the ball he somewhat taken back to splendor and grandiose scale of the party. He quickly found his way to bar and ordered a whiskey and sat drinking and watching the others dace and flirt and so on. If we was lucky he remain here for the duration and have to deal the politics and other headaches the often went along witch functions.

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

Ludolf knew that Marzena loved him with all her heart - yet that did not stop his nerves from fluttering as he found himself on a knee. She could always say no, he knew. Vaas was the first to admit that he was not the easiest person to live with. He was frequently away from home due to his position in the First Order, and the nature of his upbringing hadn't exactly made him a normal man. By all accounts, his relationship with Marzena should have failed. They were opposites in so many ways.

But somehow, the two worked together like gears made for each other, against all odds.

And they had started a family together. A little earlier than scheduled, but it had happened nonetheless. Vaas couldn't help but smile every time he saw Marzena's belly; even though it was not outwardly apparent yet, he knew that his child rested within her.

His smile grew warmer and wider as he heard Marzena utter the words he'd always dreamed she would. Instantly, Ludolf stood to his feet and brought Marzena to him in an enveloping embrace, and placed his lips on hers. All at once, it felt like a megaton weight had been lifted off his shoulders as Ludolf and Marzena stood in silence together, as two shadowy pillars on a balcony beneath the firmament above. The First Order was preparing for total war and the future was as uncertain as ever, yet for the first time in his life, Ludolf Vaas felt unimaginably happy. The night was like a fairy tale; it belonged in a book rather than played out here, in real time, between Ludolf and Marzena.

Field Marshal Vaas squeezed Marzena's hand lightly with his strong, gloved palm. For the first time, the Field Marshal no longer felt like a mere servant at his dark master's bidding. All his chips had been pushed to the center of the sabaac table now; he was all in. He was personally invested. For the first time, Ludolf had something personal to fight and die for.

"Let's go home," He whispered softly to [member="Marzena Choi"].