Fresh Out of Commenor Puns | Invite

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi Fortan strolled along the polished, gleaming deck of the hangar built into the Imperial Palace at Avalonia. It was a small hangar, really only designed for transport shuttles and three Consul-class Diplomatic Frigates. At this moment, the hangar was filled to capacity by Natasi's own Frontrunner, the premiere version of the Consul-class and easily the most luxurious thanks to her input in its design; and several TIE Fighters from the 100th, which would serve as escorts.

Speaking of escorts -- she glanced at her watch and then looked up. She was meant to have two new plainclothesmen today: [member="Viktor DuSang"] and @MK-1488. Sioux would deal with them, she was sure, and Natasi had asked to meet them in the observation lounge following their jump to lightspeed to get acquainted.

The stormtrooper honor guard spun in unison to face inwards as Natasi passed, and the Moff acknowledged with a smile their activities. She greeted her TIE Fighter escort leader, [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"], with a firm handshake and exchanged cheek-kisses with her cousin, [member="Pierce Fortan III"]. "Is there anything I need to know about?" she asked them, adjusting the collar of her blouse absent-mindedly as she surveyed the group. "We're expected at Commenor in eighteen hours' time and should arrive around midmorning local time. I fully expect that your men be on their absolute best behavior at all times, and will hold you both responsible for any lapses in their judgment. I hope I am making myself understood."

 

[Roderik von Brinkerhoff]

Roderik shook Moff [member="Natasi Fortan"]'s hand firmly and politely before her attention went to her cousin, and Roderik's chosen wingman for this task.

The commander returned to a semi-formal stance in front of what could some day be the premier First Order government official, but did allow a side-long glance that screamed don't get crazy on me, please don't get crazy on me, to [member="Pierce Fortan III"].

"Nothing to concern yourself with on our end, ma'am. Isn't that right, Captain?"

Roderik was still pleased with himself at the coup he had undertaken in convincing Pierce to give up a deceptively better assignment in order to command the fledgling TIE Fighter squadron under his Group, even if it wasn't entirely the plan he envisioned. Success was success.

"We have hand selected our most professional pilots, only." He added a moment later - and not specifically truthfully. Again with a side-glance to his wingman, as if appraising whether or not Pierce's presence - and Natasi's familial experiences with him - might betray his attempt at reassuring the Moff.

 

[Viktor DuSang]

Stepping off of the Frontrunner, the young acolyte was flanked by a gaggle of scanner droids. He typed a few notes into his datapad putting it into an inside pocket of his white jacket. His black silk shirt clung tightly to his form. His white slacks were perfectly pressed, and perfectly matched his jacket. His black shoes were so perfectly shined he could see the detailed reflections of the droids as they levitated through the hanger. His hand absentmindedly ran through raven hair as his gaze landed on [member="Natasi Fortan"].

The Moff was his charge. The Order had sent him to ensure her safety. True, there was the standard military escort, but that wasn't enough. TIE patrols left significant gaps. Military personnel can be secret operatives on a suicide mission. The Order had sent an assassin to keep her alive. A seemingly paradoxical order, but it made perfect sense. To keep an assassination from happening, one had to have the mindset of a professional killer.

In truth, the Coruscanti noble requested the position. His particular skillset made him the perfect candidate for the position of bodyguard. Not to mention this would be a perfect learning experience. Unlike his father who lucked his way into the history books, Viktor would take a different approach. His time in the First Order had been brief, but he had heard stories of the prowess that Moff Fortan held. With a wave of her hand, she could very well bring whole nations to their knees.

Yellow eyes fell to the floor as he approached her, awaiting her to finish her various conversations. He dropped to a knee in one fluid motion, his head bowed. "My Lady." he said in a most respectful tone. "I apologize for my tardiness. On my way here, I observed seven potential gaps in security here in the Citadel. I took the liberty to ensure that your ship was free from any potential sabotage or stowaways. I'll be sure to include the gaps in our security in my report."

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Pierce blanched a little as Natasi kissed his cheeks. He returned them, as if they were greeting one another for Life Day on Galidraan rather than in front of a bunch of people. "Your Excellency," he murmured. Why couldn't he have a handshake like [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"]? The man with the ridiculous mustache need not have bothered being concerned; as far as Natasi was concerned, Pierce was the picture of Imperial civility -- while on the clock, at least.

"You won't be disappointed, ma'am. Commander."

He folded his gloved hands behind his back and waited for further instructions.

 

[Roderik von Brinkerhoff]

[member="Natasi Fortan"]

"With your permission, we should begin our own spaceflight checks, ma'am." Roderik politely requested dismissal from the Home Territories minister, somewhat uncertain of the regulations in such a circumstance. When in doubt, be additionally polite, the pilot thought.

The TIE pilots, with perhaps the exception of [member="Pierce Fortan III"], would need a little additional time before the mission began, in order to familiarize themselves with their temporary cockpits.

The length of the mission required a starfighter which utilized a hyperdrive. The TIE/sf space superiority starfighter fit the bill perfectly, but was not standard issue. At least not to their Group -- not yet.

This mission would itself would serve for a perfect test-bed for impromptu training of the 100th Fighter Squadron in the TIE/sf. Roderik was already spinning the wheels in his mind, contemplating how to best convince his wing-man, Captain Fortan, to convince their eventual overlord, Moff Fortan, to redirect the starfighters into their inventory permanently. He knew Pierce was most likely thinking the same thing, or some variation of.

The man would make an excellent squadron commander.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"Granted," Natasi told [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"] brusquely, dismissing both he and [member="Pierce Fortan III"] to go about their business. Her eyes remained on the retreating figure of the starfighter commander for a few moments before turning to [member="Viktor DuSang"]. "I believe you came from aboard the ship," Natasi said with a tight smile. "Which means you were earlier than I was. Think nothing of it. I'll read that report when we get aboard and then I'd like to discuss it with you. As if the madmen of the world need any kind of impetus to try to kidnap me, but we don't have to make it easy. Copy the Supreme Commander's office, please."

Natasi glanced at her chrono, holding the inside of her wrist up to see the antique face of the watch, and frowned. "All right, people," she announced. "Let's get going. We're at mark in five minutes."

She turned and walked up the ramp to the Frontrunner, checking in with the flight crew before informing them that she would be in her suite until they reached lightspeed. As she settled into a seat in front of the media center and turned the holonews on, she wondered idly what [member="Darell Irani"] was doing at that moment. Nothing had particularly promoted her, or reminded her of him. She supposed that was just part and parcel of being half a couple. She drew her datapad, sent him a brief greeting, and then turned her attention to Sioux. "What were we able to find for gifts for the President?" she asked.

 

[Viktor DuSang]

"As you wish, my Lady."

In another fluid motion, he stood tall, trailing behind [member="Natasi Fortan"] as they boarded the Frontrunner. He buttoned his jacket, pulling his datapad back out of the pocket. As Moff Fortan did her run-through of her ship, Viktor made up his report, both on the ship and the holes in Citadel security. Both reports were forwarded to the Moff's datapad. And, upon the Moff's order, the report on the Citadel was forwarded to the Supreme Commander's office.

The young Earl was efficient, if anything. He despised when others wasted his time, so he tried his best not to waste anyone else's. Time was a precious commodity. Everything was always changing, the Galaxy was constantly in motion. Blink, and you missed a trillion babies being born, while a trillion lives were lost. That was why it was so important to live in the here and now.

He stood off in the corner of the Moff's suite, being as quiet as a mouse. He reached into his jacket once more, producing a Coruscanti clove. He began twirling it in between his fingers, the black papered cigarette dancing over olive skin. Yellow eyes stayed fixated on the dance as his charge watched the news. His ears perked up when she spoke, but he didn't get involved in the conversation as he wasn't the question's intended target.

 

[Roderik von Brinkerhoff]

"You know the drill. I'll lead the formation as alpha element, you take bravo element. We'll fly a tight formation, but " Captain Roderik von Brinkerhoff spoke to Lieutenant [member="Pierce Fortan III"] when they were satisfactorily distanced from the Grand Moff, and nearing where their flight of four TIE/sf space superiority starfighters were docked and prepared for their final pilot's checks.

These were mostly a formality, as the 100th Fighter Squadron employed some of the finest starship technicians the First Order could produce. If they couldn't produce a ready-to-fly starfighter, no pilot was going to accomplish the feat.

Roderik still preferred to do the checks himself, for piece of mind later. In the cockpit, in the midst of a frantic dogfight, or an exhausting long range escort, the only thing that could stave off an unwanted distraction of wondering whether something was right, was having personally checked it prior. Only his own eyes, his own sense of touch, would ever give him the true peace of mind necessary to later focus entirely on his flying.

The two officers neared closer to their starfighters before being intercepted by a faster-walking technician, [member="Daxin Novari"].

 

[Daxin Novari]

"Sirs, pardon the interruption. Both of your ships are primed and ready to roll," the Senior Technician and personal starfighter crew chief to both [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"] and [member="Pierce Fortan III"] spoke as he fell in beside the two officers, rendering a half-hearted and hurried salute in the process, as he slowed to their pace.

"The solar energy collection panels on Lieutenant Fortan's TIE were checked for flaws, just in case, too. I didn't have the time to check yours yet, Captain, I'm sorry. When you get back in I will, and change out your laser cannon emitter too."

The technician himself was soon swamped by a rushing member of his maintenance team, intent on asking him five questions in the span of one breadth, and blocking him from continuing on with the two pilot's. Letting them continue onward to their respective craft, to do their checks.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi settled the business about the gifts with [member="Sioux Chambers"] by the time the ship had exited the atmosphere. It took a few more minutes for the 100th's ships to dock in the frigate's squadron hangar and then the Frontrunner went to lightspeed. The Grand Moff spent part of the voyage working in her cabin and the rest of the voyage catching up on sleep so that she was fresh and rested when the ship finally touched down in Chasin City. Natasi had changed into a dark dress, to which she pinned her shiny new rank badge and a Cosmic Balance pin at her throat. The delegation lined up outside the ramp, stormtroopers and diplomatic security until the Grand Moff exited, returning their salute gracefully before walking out to meet the Commenor delegation.

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Daxin Novari"] | [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"] | [member="Pierce Fortan III"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Knowing how the First Order was, Kay picked out a dress that was more military in style. She was notified as soon as the Frontrunner identified itself in orbit, and immediately gathered her Ministers to the landing platform next to the Presidential Palace. Fortunately, the weather was pleasant.

Kay stood waiting with [member="Riven Black"] , [member="Crucifere Sin"] , [member="Darben Skirae"] and [member="Titan Kryze"] in attendance, her hands clasped in front of her. She watched the Stormtroopers and Security take their places on either side of the ship's ramp, recalling her recent encounters with others in their Order. In a way she admired their discipline and training, afterall they gave their lives for herself and members of her team on Bespin, but it was not the way of life that she felt that she could live. Her stubborness and defiance of things that she felt were wrong just wouldn't allow her to live with that kind of authority. Perhaps if she was raised in it like the rest of her family, she'd of been able to. But that just wasn't the way things turned out.

As [member="Natasi Fortan"] approached, Kay met her half way and bowed her head, noting the rank on her collar. "Welcome to Commenor...Grand Moff Fortan. It is an honour to have you and your delegation as guests. Allow me to introduce Vice President Kryze, Minister of Foreign Affairs Black, Minister of Trade Skirae and Minister of Defence Sin."

[member="Daxin Novari"] [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"] [member="Pierce Fortan III"]

 

[Darth Seraphic]

Dressed in his white armored robes with Frecker, the captain of the Blood Knights falling by his side, Sin observed the First Order ship land from afar. With his arms across his chest, he took in a deep breath behind the helmet. Crucifere had been preparing for this ever since he heard that the Order would be coming here, but something just felt...wrong. Why would [member="Lady Kay"] allow an Imperial group to land freely, and even great an embassy here. What made the Knights of Ren different from the Sith Lords? Crucifere opted it was time to learn. Soon after, he found himself behind the President of Commenor, along with the rest of the cabinet to boot. Opting it best to keep the helmet on as he was unsure who knew what about him within the First Order, and remembering his last encounter with them, it was probably best they didn't see the look in his eyes.

Oionos Mining had been on Bespin way before the First Order had appeared, and their first encounter was attempted arrest. Was the Intelligence Sect of the First Order that much in the dark about the planets they held power over? Sin believed it a lack of disciple within the First Order that had caused the up roar, though they had found themselves lucky that he was in such a good mood. Kay had briefed him on what had happened, and all he had to answer was a nod. If the First Order had simply asked to meet him, he would have gladly chimed in to a contract with them. Maybe...just maybe it was not too late for such a thing.

Frecker stood attentive, his weapon as clear as day on his back, the Blood Knight Saber while Commenor's new military fresh from the Commenor Guard program stood as just as attentive as the Dark Jedi Knight with Sin. He wanted them here so that the Stormtroopers of the First Order to get first hand sight on Commenor's rising power. He wanted everyone to understand that Commenor would no longer be pushed around, not while he still drew breath. Under the Drakon Regiment's training, these men could do everything his elite troopers could do. And that also meant fighting Force sensitives. Each member of the Commenor Guard were born and raised on the planet, and each one had produced a brotherhood with each member. With two rows, one on either side behind the cabinet of Commenor, Sin bowed as he was introduced to the woman in a black dress decorated with medals.

Behind her, he could see the Disciple of Ren, a young man with a shrewd look in his eyes. He liked that look. The Strormtroopers, Sin had to admit, were just as impressive. But the beauty of the Grand Moff was what caught most of his attention.

[member="Natasi Fortan"]
[member="Daxin Novari"]
[member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"]
[member="Viktor DuSang"]
[member="Riven Black"]
[member="Titan Kryze"]
[member="Darben Skirae"]

 

[Darben Skirae]

Darben had done his best to look good. With a quick comb over on his hair and some straightening out on a more formal looking black jacket he bought recently, he looked more formal than he had ever before. Hands behind his, he waited in the group of Ministers. Darben had heard things about the First Order. He was mildly surprised they were coming here.

Stormtroopers and Security take positions along the ramp while a woman in a black dress came down it to meet [member="Lady Kay"]. He kept his composure, not wanting to make a fool of himself. As he was introduced, he bowed in their presence. Then right away thought maybe bowing wasn't the best thing to do, but he had chosen to keep quiet. So it was all he could think of doing.

[member="Crucifere Sin"]
[member="Natasi Fortan"]
[member="Daxin Novari"]
[member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"]
[member="Viktor DuSang"]
[member="Titan Kryze"]
[member="Riven Black"]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi bowed her head in response to [member="Lady Kay"] and offered a dazzling smile to her and to the rest of her delegation. "It is an honor," she addressed them collectively before turning her attention to the President of Commenor. "Your Excellency, thank you so kindly for your invitation for us to visit. May I present -- [member="Viktor DuSang"], he looks after me. [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"], the head of my starfighter escort squadron. His lieutenant and my cousin, [member="Pierce Fortan III"]." She indicated each in turn, then turned to Sioux, who was carrying a large wooden box, looking rather like a treasure chest, polished to a sheen. "My Principal Private Secretary, [member="Sioux Chambers"]. I believe she liaised with your office to arrange everything."

Natasi opened the box to show a collection of luxury items, including furs, leather goods -- gloves, a handbag, etc. -- wines and liqueurs, a gold and ruby brooch and other small jewelry pieces. "I hope you will accept a token of our appreciation -- all items hand-crafted by proud First Order workmen on Dosuun, from materials found onworld and harvested, farmed, or otherwise procured in a sustainable fashion." Natasi shut the lid on the box and, after surveying what she could see of the place from her current vantage point, turned back to [member="Lady Kay"] with a smile.

"This is my first time on Commenor, but may I say what a lovely place it is so far. Congratulations on your election."

[member="Crucifere Sin"]
[member="Daxin Novari"]
[member="Titan Kryze"]
[member="Riven Black"]

 

[Roderik von Brinkerhoff]

Roderik kept pace alongside the rest of the Grand Moff's retinue as [member="Natasi Fortan"] strode forward to meet Commenor's planetary delegation. The Starfighter Corps officer had little knowledge or experience with Commenor or its social and cultural practices, but he found it all the more interesting and intriguing to learn while he was here.

He offered a swift salute in typical First Order fashion as a sign of respect towards the other party, when his name and position was announced by the Grand Moff.

But he stayed otherwise quiet throughout the introductory period, careful not to present an undo poor image of the Starfighter Corps, or First Order military bearing and discipline in general.

[member="Lady Kay"], [member="Crucifere Sin"], [member="Titan Kryze"], [member="Riven Black"], [member="Viktor DuSang"]

 

[Viktor DuSang]

It wasn't a shrewd look that adorned his face, but rather that of intense focus. This was Moff Fortan's moment to shine. He refused to allow any setbacks to ruin that moment. He stood behind her, slightly to the right. His jacket neatly buttoned. His shoes still properly shined. Fingertips absentmindedly ran through his hair, a nervous habit.

Yellow eyes focused on Lady Kay. He stood firm, one hand clasped behind his back, the other hanging loosely to his side. When he was introduced, he quickly bowed. "Your Grace." he said, his tone dripping with honey. He stood tall once more, yellow eyes drinking in the scene. The First Order was greeted with quite the spectacle. Both sides playing with their hands close to the chest.

Political talks seemed to be the same across the Galaxy. First, there was a showing of strong resolve, no side wanted to appear weak. Then there was a presentation of gifts. A token of good will. It was art, and Moff Fortan had just begun to run her brush across the canvas. Viktor would assist her in any way that he could.

His gaze rested on the white robed warrior who seemed fixated on the Moff. Viktor felt a slight twinge of irritation beginning to bubble deep within him. His lip twitched as he fought the curl of disgust. His gaze drifted back to the President. His features becoming stoic once more.

[member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"] [member="Natasi Fortan"] [member="Darben Skirae"] [member="Crucifere Sin"] [member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Riven Black]

Silence, it had served him, just like the wind flowed through his veins. Observant and curious he watched as the Grand Moff, [member="Natasi Fortan"] made her descent onto the steel platform. He knew of the First Order, their ways were questionable to a man of kindness and grace. Regardless, he had to deal with them now, for Commenor's and [member="Lady Kay"]'s sake. The men accompanying the Grand Moff were just as important. They in essence were key to such an imposing meeting. Strong and fearless they strode onto Commenor, but Riven would not falter, gifts or not, they wouldn't be treated differently. The mere thought of dealing with the First Order made him question their true motives, what did they gain seeking Commenor? Most of all; why?

Riven would get his answers sooner than he thought. Expectations would need to be met, they would not be pushed aside by a dominating force of soldiers. Riven could feel it, the tension already shifting the winds of the force. He looked to [member="Crucifere Sin"] his white robes showing his pride and unwavering message to fight. He was without a doubt an invaluable asset to the defenses of Commenor. Things were moving fast, maybe too fast. It was inevitable that some powerful people would eventually get word of Commenor's changes and recent growth. Lady Kay's cabinet was stronger for it.

Riven stood, motionless, navy blue jacket hiding his black shirt beneath. His eyes, earthly and dark shifted to [member="Viktor DuSang"]. His mannerism showed a slight irritation and as quickly as it came, solid and stiff he returned to normal, yellow eyes turning to slits; confidence brewing within. This man was clearly an obstacle for anyone dumb enough to strike the Grand Moff. Riven wasn't here for war, in fact, he wanted to work with many different forms of cultures, this happened to be a group of strong militaristic individuals. They were known for their army, training methods, and most of all unshaken foundation in which they laid.

This mattered little to Riven, they were strong, defiant even; this wasn't the time to ensue where they were strongest. Refusing to bow to the Grand Moff he stood and nodded forward. His silence was impeccable, his light face giving little to no emotion. He was as they say, a wildcard, a thinker among puppets; puppets to a flawed system.

[member="Roderik Von Brinkerhoff"]
[member="Darben Skirae]
[member="Titan Kryze"]
[member="Daxin Novari"]
[member="Pierce Fortan III"]
[member="Sioux Chambers"]

 

[Titan]

(Sorry for lack of tagging. On mobile.)

Titan was pretty sure this wouldn't end too well. The Clans and the First Order were enemies. But if Titan stayed neutral and polite then maybe, just maybe, nothing too bad would happen. Titan was in his armor as well, it's Gray quite different then Crucifire's white or Lady Kay's black. Though he did not say anything he nodded at the Moffat to show some respect.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smiled to [member="Natasi Fortan"] as she extended the greeting. She then bowed her head to each member of the delegation as they were introduced. She raised an eyebrow slightly at the treasure trove of gifts. It wasn't as though she was expecting any, but that was quite a bit. She had gifts for them as well, but they were but small tokens in comparison. "Thank you. Fortunately the election periods aren't long on Commenor, but it was still a lot of work. I only hope that I lead the Commenori well. And congratulations for your own promotion. I am sure that it is well deserved."

"Shall we?" She gestured towards the Presidential Palace and led them inside to one of the lobbies. Guards remained still in their positions as the delegations passed, and once everyone was inside, the doors were closed for privacy. Tea, caf, Commenori Brandy, as well as an array of finger foods were set out on the side bar. A couple of butlers stood on either side, waiting to serve anyone that needed anything.

Kay sat down on one of the sofas, crossing her feet at the ankles and tucking them underneath her seat. She invited the Grand Moff to join her. "As you well may know, war is everywhere. The space around Commenor has changed hands on numerous occasions throughout the centuries. Even now we are at a cusp as superpowers are weakening while others are growing in strength. But despite all of this, we remain the same and try to maintain our neutrality. I'd like to maintain that tradition, as well as invite others to invest, secure their trade and enjoy the peace of mind that Commenor has to offer. Not all of those in the various Embassies are on friendly terms with eachother, I realize that, but as long as everyone adheres to our laws while they are here, there should be minimal problems. I know that the First Order is growing, and although my interactions have been....less than stellar, I am still willing to extend this offer of an Embassy to you.

Minister Black will be my liason between the Embassies to see to everyone's needs and to handle any problems that might arise." Of course she hoped that there would be no problems, but she could never predict the future.

[member="Riven Black"] [member="Darben Skirae"] [member="Crucifere Sin"] [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"] [member="Titan Kryze"] [member="Daxin Novari"] [member="Pierce Fortan III"] [member="Sioux Chambers"]

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi's head was on a swivel as they entered the Presidential Palace, following [member="Lady Kay"] and her delegation along. The architecture and decor was very different to the way she had designed Avalonia and the Imperial Palace there, but it was no less beautiful. When they had entered the room in which refreshments were being served, Natasi accepted a cup of tea from one of the butlers and smiled her thanks before taking a seat across from President [member="Lady Kay"], while her staff and the rest of the delegation -- if they knew what was good for them -- arrayed behind her, standing more or less at attention.

"Your concerns and hopes speak well to your leadership abilities and the obvious care you have for your people, Madame President," said Natasi with a pleasant smile. She rested her teacup in its saucer on her spread left hand, managing to look refined and in command all at once, a trick she had learned from spending years taking tea in the drawing rooms and libraries of the great families around Herevan on Galidraan. "In truth, I feel much the same as you. If we could have it our way, we would be friends with all galactic powers and enemies with none, but you know how it is. Someone sees a man in white armor and suddenly it's Palpatine two point oh." She closed her eyes, but seasoned observers may have spotted the subtle movements of her eyelids to reflect that they were rolling.

"The point is, you can expect no trouble from us. We are happy to establish an embassy here and the Supreme Leader has asked me to extend an invitation for you to open an embassy in Avalonia."

[member="Riven Black"] [member="Darben Skirae"] [member="Crucifere Sin"] [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"] [member="Titan Kryze"] [member="Daxin Novari"] [member="Pierce Fortan III"] [member="Sioux Chambers"] [member="Viktor DuSang"]