Apparently the 'Great Countess' was giving another pompous speech. Kaida was, you probably guessed it by now, not enthusted about it and indeed seemed rather bored. Force, can't you just shut the hell up and go back to your pleasure palace? she thought to herself. She felt herself feeling a sudden craving to go and have a smoke.
Star Wars Roleplay: Chaos
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Iron Lord On His Iron Throne [Omega Protectorate Leadership and Promotions]
Artemis Vahl'Nyx
I'll Be Your Lionheart
Huh. Nyx found it mildly amusing that just a few days after she joined the Protectorate they changed leaders. Didn't change anything for her, really. Just a different man- excuse me, robot- telling her bosses what to tell her to do. Despite that she was here at the ceremony. Not doing much besides standing there. By now she had grown tired of the speeches and wasn't even paying attention. Instead she simply looked over the other people gathered. Who were those people in the fancy-ass garb? Nyx raised an eyebrow at them before pulling out a cigarette. Her trusty lighter followed shortly after. The Zorren lit the stick quietly... though she could have sworn the first flickerings of a flame appeared before she even hit the button... Huh. Weird. Pushing the thought away she took a long drag, her one good eye locked on the space elf honor guard...
[member="Kaida Taldir"]
Aeron Kreelan
Zeison Sha Adept
Omega Protectorate
Omega Pyre Headquarters
Apartment of one Aeron Kreelan
Fondor
Thump.
Thump. Thump.
Thump.
Now came the real surprise. "Heh." Aeron kept the constant back and forth routine going. Swosp! A fifth ball joined the fray. She had to start paying more attention now, but in the rear of her mind, she was mulling over how things would change. How would this affect the Pyre? The Protectorate?
No one had a real clue what happened to the first Lady Protector. The second now was a noble at Kaeshana. While the former Lord Protector now would do... what exactly?
How will the fight with the One Sith go now? Relations with the Republic? What about the Lords of the Fringe?
Thump thump.
Thump.
Thump thump thump.
Lots to think about.
Omega Pyre Headquarters
Apartment of one Aeron Kreelan
Fondor
Thump.
Thump. Thump.
Thump.
Now came the real surprise. "Heh." Aeron kept the constant back and forth routine going. Swosp! A fifth ball joined the fray. She had to start paying more attention now, but in the rear of her mind, she was mulling over how things would change. How would this affect the Pyre? The Protectorate?
No one had a real clue what happened to the first Lady Protector. The second now was a noble at Kaeshana. While the former Lord Protector now would do... what exactly?
How will the fight with the One Sith go now? Relations with the Republic? What about the Lords of the Fringe?
Thump thump.
Thump.
Thump thump thump.
Lots to think about.
HK-36
The Iron Lord Protector (Neutral Good)
After stepping down from the podium the Iron Lord gave a nod in appreciation to [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"], giving her a quick pat on the bum before he shook few hands and exchange a few kind words, sending a ping back to [member="Nyos Val"],
Thanks Nyos, but it is not just my victory, it is victory for all of us, cyborgs, machines, and organics.
But there were some other business to attend to, for he knew that [member="Feena Mason"] would not be too happy about the promotion, and he knew that she was present along with her son, [member="Graxin Rade"],
And so the new Lord Protector made his way to the banquet tables set up in the Towers' lobby where more prosperous OP members sit waiting for the celebrations to commence, he would strode right for Feena and Graxin's table, exchanging a few more bows, nods, and handshakes along the way,
"Queen Mason."
The droid would address her with a dip of his head,
"I hope that you had no trouble with finding someone to carry your baggage on your journey to Fondor"
Yeah, he was not going to let her forget about that any time soon,
"And who is that strapping young lad?"
The droid would in turn dip his head to Graxin,
"And an armor I am not familiar with, I do not suppose that is one of our models?"
He would take notice of the suit Graxin wore before looking back to Feena,
"You have heard about your new duties."
Thanks Nyos, but it is not just my victory, it is victory for all of us, cyborgs, machines, and organics.
But there were some other business to attend to, for he knew that [member="Feena Mason"] would not be too happy about the promotion, and he knew that she was present along with her son, [member="Graxin Rade"],
And so the new Lord Protector made his way to the banquet tables set up in the Towers' lobby where more prosperous OP members sit waiting for the celebrations to commence, he would strode right for Feena and Graxin's table, exchanging a few more bows, nods, and handshakes along the way,
"Queen Mason."
The droid would address her with a dip of his head,
"I hope that you had no trouble with finding someone to carry your baggage on your journey to Fondor"
Yeah, he was not going to let her forget about that any time soon,
"And who is that strapping young lad?"
The droid would in turn dip his head to Graxin,
"And an armor I am not familiar with, I do not suppose that is one of our models?"
He would take notice of the suit Graxin wore before looking back to Feena,
"You have heard about your new duties."
Mao
Commander Mao
Eriadu
Weary Traveler Cantina.
Shore leave baby.
Who didn't like THAT? With a massively large glass of Corellian whiskey, Major Mao sat at the bar with a smoking cigar hanging limply from her lips. A snark of a snort came tumbling out of her mouth, along with a colorful swear that would make the bar patron eye her.
A defensive tilt of her chin came next, along with a "What? Ya got an issue with my tongue nao?" She tossed another credit chip at him.
"Get me tha entire bloody frakin' bottle." she said in a gruff voice, boots hitting the floor with a loud thud. It was gonna be one of those nights. That's when the news came in. Lord Iron Protector. Or some chit like that.
Mao would jerk the vice from between golden lips, and another snort came as she blew a stream of spicy white smoke from her lips.
"Frak me."
Weary Traveler Cantina.
Shore leave baby.
Who didn't like THAT? With a massively large glass of Corellian whiskey, Major Mao sat at the bar with a smoking cigar hanging limply from her lips. A snark of a snort came tumbling out of her mouth, along with a colorful swear that would make the bar patron eye her.
A defensive tilt of her chin came next, along with a "What? Ya got an issue with my tongue nao?" She tossed another credit chip at him.
"Get me tha entire bloody frakin' bottle." she said in a gruff voice, boots hitting the floor with a loud thud. It was gonna be one of those nights. That's when the news came in. Lord Iron Protector. Or some chit like that.
Mao would jerk the vice from between golden lips, and another snort came as she blew a stream of spicy white smoke from her lips.
"Frak me."
The Eternal Queen
The Queen was still glaring when the new Lord Protector made it's (his?) way over to her. She forced a smile on her lips, but she knew any idiot could see that she was less than enthusiastic. She rose to her feet, grabbing her sons hand to force him up as well.
"My Lord," she murmured, dipping into a perfect bow, "You honor me beyond belief. And no. I suppose I shall have to find another to carry my baggage."
She forced a little laugh, still gritting her teeth.
"This is my son, Cyril," she introduced, "He is a Jedi Master now. Runs in the family, I suppose."
Another laugh, then her smile faded entirely, as if a big wave had washed it from her face.
"I had not expected such a... promotion," she hissed between grit teeth, "I don't suppose you could, err, find another to do the job better? I am simply not worthy."
[member="Graxin Rade"] [member="HK-36"]
"My Lord," she murmured, dipping into a perfect bow, "You honor me beyond belief. And no. I suppose I shall have to find another to carry my baggage."
She forced a little laugh, still gritting her teeth.
"This is my son, Cyril," she introduced, "He is a Jedi Master now. Runs in the family, I suppose."
Another laugh, then her smile faded entirely, as if a big wave had washed it from her face.
"I had not expected such a... promotion," she hissed between grit teeth, "I don't suppose you could, err, find another to do the job better? I am simply not worthy."
[member="Graxin Rade"] [member="HK-36"]
HK-36
The Iron Lord Protector (Neutral Good)
[member="Feena Mason"],
The machine would nod and look towards [member="Graxin Rade"],
"A young Jedi Master then?"
He would look over his armor suit again,
"No, a young Jedi Lord. I have not seen those around for a while."
The droid would look into Graxin's eyes directly with his dull photoreceptors,
"I hope you will meet a better faith than Lord Hoth,"
He referred to a legendary Jedi who ended up being vaporized in a Dark Side explosion conjured by Sith,
"And tell me what are your opinions on the Vong?"
HK asked, testing Graxin's believes before looking to Feena once more,
"My request is that you hold the office for two years, two years that you were supposed to hold as Queen anyway, in mean time you make sure you region is prosperous and your border well protected, in two years shape the next Queen of Naboo to take over your office when you retire and be even greater than you, that way I will not have to worry about your successor when I allow you to retire."
He would tilt his head before adding,
"And if there was anybody else for the job I would not bother you, Prominent Queen,"
He would dip his head to her
The machine would nod and look towards [member="Graxin Rade"],
"A young Jedi Master then?"
He would look over his armor suit again,
"No, a young Jedi Lord. I have not seen those around for a while."
The droid would look into Graxin's eyes directly with his dull photoreceptors,
"I hope you will meet a better faith than Lord Hoth,"
He referred to a legendary Jedi who ended up being vaporized in a Dark Side explosion conjured by Sith,
"And tell me what are your opinions on the Vong?"
HK asked, testing Graxin's believes before looking to Feena once more,
"My request is that you hold the office for two years, two years that you were supposed to hold as Queen anyway, in mean time you make sure you region is prosperous and your border well protected, in two years shape the next Queen of Naboo to take over your office when you retire and be even greater than you, that way I will not have to worry about your successor when I allow you to retire."
He would tilt his head before adding,
"And if there was anybody else for the job I would not bother you, Prominent Queen,"
He would dip his head to her
The Eternal Queen
The Queen sunk back down in her seat, motioning for her Lord Protector to join her at the table.
"No. It is not that simple," Her voice went hard, stern. This was business. She was not going to be told what to do here, even by her new boss. "You see, what you are asking is for me to do more work for very little return. Unfortunately, I see no reason why I should put myself and my health at risk simply so you'll give me a pat on the back. No, no. Of course you must know better."
Her face was hard, but she did manage a thin smile.
"Now is the time, my Lord, that we negotiate the terms of my promotion. Would you mind terribly if I start?"
[member="HK-36"]
"No. It is not that simple," Her voice went hard, stern. This was business. She was not going to be told what to do here, even by her new boss. "You see, what you are asking is for me to do more work for very little return. Unfortunately, I see no reason why I should put myself and my health at risk simply so you'll give me a pat on the back. No, no. Of course you must know better."
Her face was hard, but she did manage a thin smile.
"Now is the time, my Lord, that we negotiate the terms of my promotion. Would you mind terribly if I start?"
[member="HK-36"]
So his mother was to gain prestige with the Protectorate? That would be troubling. The other members of the Grand Council held a certain scorn for the Omega Protectorate--nothing personal of course, simply on a basis of ideals. Graxin's opinion was muddied by both the good and the bad he had seen of the Protectorate. He'd been in the shadows of the events on Drunkenwell with people from both sides. He knew both sides of that story, and while fault was on both factions, the Protectorate had proven itself a danger. To have family ties to one of their--what were they called, Exarchs?-- was going to be an issue with the other Lords and Ladies.
Not that he much cared. Graxin loved his mother, regardless of her political positions and allegiances, and this droid seemed a polite enough sort.
"Master is a title I'm not yet sure I am worthy of carrying. Lord however, is accurate. All things willing, I won't be turned into ash by crazed Sith." He lifted his shoulders in a slight shrug. "Though that'd make for a lovely story for my kids--when I have them, of course." He offered his mother a small smile; she was paranoid woman, and he didn't need her thinking he had any secret bastards running about.
Force knew he wasn't a Zambrano.
"Vong? I don't have much of an opinion. They gave the Reformation the Dreadguard-Mark-Two's, and they've proven allies on some fronts. Enemies on others. It all depends on who they call friend, really." He answered casually, finding himself a bit confused when Feena called him by his birth name. She was the only one who ever did so, and only in private. Perhaps taking up the name would be better than the one he used now. It would certainly confuse Grayson's order ofheretics Jedi.
He lofted a brow at his mother, and fell silent. He was there to support and protect her, elbowing in on her argument was not on that list of duties.
[member="Feena Mason"] [member="HK-36"]
Not that he much cared. Graxin loved his mother, regardless of her political positions and allegiances, and this droid seemed a polite enough sort.
"Master is a title I'm not yet sure I am worthy of carrying. Lord however, is accurate. All things willing, I won't be turned into ash by crazed Sith." He lifted his shoulders in a slight shrug. "Though that'd make for a lovely story for my kids--when I have them, of course." He offered his mother a small smile; she was paranoid woman, and he didn't need her thinking he had any secret bastards running about.
Force knew he wasn't a Zambrano.
"Vong? I don't have much of an opinion. They gave the Reformation the Dreadguard-Mark-Two's, and they've proven allies on some fronts. Enemies on others. It all depends on who they call friend, really." He answered casually, finding himself a bit confused when Feena called him by his birth name. She was the only one who ever did so, and only in private. Perhaps taking up the name would be better than the one he used now. It would certainly confuse Grayson's order of
He lofted a brow at his mother, and fell silent. He was there to support and protect her, elbowing in on her argument was not on that list of duties.
[member="Feena Mason"] [member="HK-36"]
HK-36
The Iron Lord Protector (Neutral Good)
[member="Feena Mason"],
The droid shook his head at her proposal to sit down, deciding to stand with his 2 meter or so slender frame, wrapped in exoskeleton of his heavy armor, instead putting his metal hands on the table and leaning in to Feena,
"The Confederacy or what the devils they decide to call themselves now will not put any more mercy on you if you remain a Queen if they cross the border, they came once and you resisted, you defeated them, they will remember that. To look over that border will mean protection for your people, and I know that you are able to provide that. If you expect payment then why go into social service in the first place, to know your people are safe and prosperous under your watch should be enough, with their thanks, for a payment."
He would cross his arms at his metal chest, straightening up,
"What do you ask for in return?"
He would look then to [member="Graxin Rade"],
"Reformation? So it is Ession you are part of, I have received reports of you and my photoreceptors will watch your decisions in the future."
The machine nodded before continuing,
"And that is a good answer. Although history expects from me otherwise, I will not condemn a Vong unless they support their current regime and slaughter innocent like I have seen them do countless times, whether it was among Fringe, the Horde, or the One Sith. But if a Vong comes around who wishes to not align himself with those practices, those tyrannies, and wants to leave in peace,"
HK would spread his arms slightly,
"I will welcome them and allow them to walk the path of peace, for there is a name for beings who wish those they represent to live in peace and safety, promoting equality, yet they kill others for whom they were born as without hearing what their goals are. And that name is a hypocrite."
The machine would nod again
The droid shook his head at her proposal to sit down, deciding to stand with his 2 meter or so slender frame, wrapped in exoskeleton of his heavy armor, instead putting his metal hands on the table and leaning in to Feena,
"The Confederacy or what the devils they decide to call themselves now will not put any more mercy on you if you remain a Queen if they cross the border, they came once and you resisted, you defeated them, they will remember that. To look over that border will mean protection for your people, and I know that you are able to provide that. If you expect payment then why go into social service in the first place, to know your people are safe and prosperous under your watch should be enough, with their thanks, for a payment."
He would cross his arms at his metal chest, straightening up,
"What do you ask for in return?"
He would look then to [member="Graxin Rade"],
"Reformation? So it is Ession you are part of, I have received reports of you and my photoreceptors will watch your decisions in the future."
The machine nodded before continuing,
"And that is a good answer. Although history expects from me otherwise, I will not condemn a Vong unless they support their current regime and slaughter innocent like I have seen them do countless times, whether it was among Fringe, the Horde, or the One Sith. But if a Vong comes around who wishes to not align himself with those practices, those tyrannies, and wants to leave in peace,"
HK would spread his arms slightly,
"I will welcome them and allow them to walk the path of peace, for there is a name for beings who wish those they represent to live in peace and safety, promoting equality, yet they kill others for whom they were born as without hearing what their goals are. And that name is a hypocrite."
The machine would nod again
The Eternal Queen
The Queen could not help but roll her eyes. He thought she wanted money. He was wrong. She wanted security. She wanted to know that when she went to sleep, her people could awaken the next day without fear.
"First off, I demand additional security along our boarders. It has become clear that in order to protect our central planets, we must first secure the outlying planets. You cannot expect me to keep the boarder secure on will alone. Second, Naboo restoration is moving along nicely, but there is more to do. We need additional funds to complete the restoration. I will send the exact numbers when we have both settled. Third, on the subject of the Naboo invasion... I want names," she paused, looking down at her fractured wine glass, "Names of those who died fighting. I plan to erect a memorial in the Theed center square. And my last request.... one heck of a life insurance policy. On the Protecturate dime, of course. I am not just a ruler, my Lord. I am a Mother too."
She nodded to her son sitting next to her, gently resting a hand on his shoulder.
"I am putting myself in greater danger by taking this promotion. Three attempts were made on my life within my first month as Queen. I can only imagine that whatever danger is out there that wishes to end me, will only get more serious with this promotion. If anything were to happen to me, I need to know that my family is taken care of."
[member="HK-36"] [member="Graxin Rade"]
"First off, I demand additional security along our boarders. It has become clear that in order to protect our central planets, we must first secure the outlying planets. You cannot expect me to keep the boarder secure on will alone. Second, Naboo restoration is moving along nicely, but there is more to do. We need additional funds to complete the restoration. I will send the exact numbers when we have both settled. Third, on the subject of the Naboo invasion... I want names," she paused, looking down at her fractured wine glass, "Names of those who died fighting. I plan to erect a memorial in the Theed center square. And my last request.... one heck of a life insurance policy. On the Protecturate dime, of course. I am not just a ruler, my Lord. I am a Mother too."
She nodded to her son sitting next to her, gently resting a hand on his shoulder.
"I am putting myself in greater danger by taking this promotion. Three attempts were made on my life within my first month as Queen. I can only imagine that whatever danger is out there that wishes to end me, will only get more serious with this promotion. If anything were to happen to me, I need to know that my family is taken care of."
[member="HK-36"] [member="Graxin Rade"]
HK-36
The Iron Lord Protector (Neutral Good)
[member="Feena Mason"],
"I cannot just make soldiers and ships magically appear by your border."
The droid retorted,
"You are being placed in this position in the first place to see what are the problems with our border and tell me what you need to reinforce them, if you need more troops, I can give you a grant to start a large scale recruitment campaign in the sector you will be overlooking, other than that I can only station a company of war drones to supplement your numbers. If you need ships I will let FLEETCOM know to assign more vessels when they will be manufactured. The best I can do immediately is ask the Yag'Dhul sector to station their fleets closer to your sector and run more patrols in your direction. Remember, Feena, you do not have the only sector in Protectorate, we have boarders near Fringe, near the Sith, near Moross to the South, we need to protect those as well. As for names, I will send our Medical division to cross-check the corpses with medical records and determine the identities, if you want more funds for restoration then show me the reports of your efforts, if they are satisfactory then more funds will be given to you to finish them, if not, I will ask you to restructure the efforts to be more efficient."
The machine explained, already having a ton of things on his mind,
"As for your insurance, that depends on Naboo laws, but I will send someone from Medical to give you a physical, we will see in accounting what is the best what we can do. But I will make these official during our first Council Meeting."
He would folded his arms again,
"So if you want that to happen, you need to accept your position as an Exarch of Naboo."
"I cannot just make soldiers and ships magically appear by your border."
The droid retorted,
"You are being placed in this position in the first place to see what are the problems with our border and tell me what you need to reinforce them, if you need more troops, I can give you a grant to start a large scale recruitment campaign in the sector you will be overlooking, other than that I can only station a company of war drones to supplement your numbers. If you need ships I will let FLEETCOM know to assign more vessels when they will be manufactured. The best I can do immediately is ask the Yag'Dhul sector to station their fleets closer to your sector and run more patrols in your direction. Remember, Feena, you do not have the only sector in Protectorate, we have boarders near Fringe, near the Sith, near Moross to the South, we need to protect those as well. As for names, I will send our Medical division to cross-check the corpses with medical records and determine the identities, if you want more funds for restoration then show me the reports of your efforts, if they are satisfactory then more funds will be given to you to finish them, if not, I will ask you to restructure the efforts to be more efficient."
The machine explained, already having a ton of things on his mind,
"As for your insurance, that depends on Naboo laws, but I will send someone from Medical to give you a physical, we will see in accounting what is the best what we can do. But I will make these official during our first Council Meeting."
He would folded his arms again,
"So if you want that to happen, you need to accept your position as an Exarch of Naboo."
Graxin's mind was reeling. His mother's job was difficult enough. She barely had time for his sisters, little Celeste was left be, and Felicity spent more time with him than her own parents. The girl was only fifteen. Of course, this droid wouldn't understand that. They didn't feel things.
He bit back the anger. It was an outburst waiting to happen, and a sudden loss of control that had become foreign to Graxin--Cyril. It was an issue that would need addressing; how was he to teach his Padawan and lead the Council wisely when his heart was so strung up on his family's issues? The Archlord breathed a quiet sigh to steady himself, and took some measure of comfort from his mother's touch.
There is no emotion.
He had a solution. A long shot, but given the Reformation's resources...
"I can assure you the ACA will not be an issue, mother, Lord-Protector." He bit down on his lower lip, and leveled his gaze with the droid. This move would stretch the Reformation's resources even further, but it had to be done. Naboo was crucial to the Reformation's future, and Graxin's family took precedence over political matters. "I have resources and various connections with them...they're in no shape to fight your people. The majority of them never wanted to. Your Protectorate forced them into it." He stated boldly, aaaand perhaps a bit too far.
"My people can see to it that conflict ceases, so long as you stop pressuring my mother into a position she clearly does not want, Lord-Protector."
@HK-36 [member="Feena Mason"]
He bit back the anger. It was an outburst waiting to happen, and a sudden loss of control that had become foreign to Graxin--Cyril. It was an issue that would need addressing; how was he to teach his Padawan and lead the Council wisely when his heart was so strung up on his family's issues? The Archlord breathed a quiet sigh to steady himself, and took some measure of comfort from his mother's touch.
There is no emotion.
He had a solution. A long shot, but given the Reformation's resources...
"I can assure you the ACA will not be an issue, mother, Lord-Protector." He bit down on his lower lip, and leveled his gaze with the droid. This move would stretch the Reformation's resources even further, but it had to be done. Naboo was crucial to the Reformation's future, and Graxin's family took precedence over political matters. "I have resources and various connections with them...they're in no shape to fight your people. The majority of them never wanted to. Your Protectorate forced them into it." He stated boldly, aaaand perhaps a bit too far.
"My people can see to it that conflict ceases, so long as you stop pressuring my mother into a position she clearly does not want, Lord-Protector."
@HK-36 [member="Feena Mason"]
The Eternal Queen
She kept her eyes narrowed. Okay. So the droid could barter too. She could handle things at the boarder. Fine. The request for proof of her efforts was reasonable too. And the names. But the insurance...
"No. It is not about 'the best you can do'. These are my terms. I can take this position, or I can leave it. I still have Naboo under my care regardless. You, my Lord Protector, are the one that needs to decide here. Am I worth the extra credits, or would you rather hunt down someone else? Maybe someone who will work cheaper? I am not young. I am ill. I am tired. And I am already overworked. I am afraid this is something I can not back down on-"
She cut herself off when her son spoke.
"Cyril Mason!" she snapped, unconsciously giving him the family name, "You will not speak to his lordship in that tone! An apology this instant!"
She gave her son a sharp look, gritting her teeth. She may be a hard one to bargain with, but Feena Mason was loyal to the Protectorate, and she supported her Lord Protector. In all things. Her son was going to have to learn that.
[member="Graxin Rade"] [member="HK-36"]
"No. It is not about 'the best you can do'. These are my terms. I can take this position, or I can leave it. I still have Naboo under my care regardless. You, my Lord Protector, are the one that needs to decide here. Am I worth the extra credits, or would you rather hunt down someone else? Maybe someone who will work cheaper? I am not young. I am ill. I am tired. And I am already overworked. I am afraid this is something I can not back down on-"
She cut herself off when her son spoke.
"Cyril Mason!" she snapped, unconsciously giving him the family name, "You will not speak to his lordship in that tone! An apology this instant!"
She gave her son a sharp look, gritting her teeth. She may be a hard one to bargain with, but Feena Mason was loyal to the Protectorate, and she supported her Lord Protector. In all things. Her son was going to have to learn that.
[member="Graxin Rade"] [member="HK-36"]
Ropo Lord of Hoth | Supreme Comandante General
Clearly it was a great day for all, though not all were in attendance for the grand speech. Nay, for there was one little Ropo that had his own plans for that day. For on that day as all eyes were away looking upon the new Iron Protector, the little Ropo Lilicky was hatching his own plan. Peeking around the corner, he nodded his whole body when he noticed that the coast was clear. Rapidly waddling down the hall, or as rapid as a ropo could move in such an instance. His little tutu bouncing with each padded step as his hat seemed to never move. Stalling for a moment, it looked like he was checking to see if the coast was clear. Really though he had just fallen asleep for a short moment, a small dream shaking him from it as it lightly thudded into the wall with a soft 'merp'.
Looking around again, he began to waddle in a small circle, before promptly tripping over his tongue. This was normal for the little ropo as he began to roll back and forth, managing to push himself back up. Now then, where was he, no really where was he!?! It took a moment for the Ropo to remember what he was doing before it dawned upon him. With a nod of his whole body again, well what did you expect, he doesn't have a head. Now then, as he remembered where he was, a big gleeful.... er smile I guess, filled his wide grin as his tongue hung out. With a step forward he tripped yet again, this time his face meeting with a door. Of course he would play it off as intentional as the door opened.
Then there it was, his goal, his own little conquesting dominion for treasure. There was no one there to stop him, all too busy with a speech. With a little "Merp" he lunged forward, rushing into the matte grey side of the cabinet with a little thud. The force enough to push the door forward before it swung open, catching Lilicky slightly and pushing him back as he fell down with an "umph."
With a little roll here, and a little roll there, he was up again. Then there before him lay his prize. A whole cabinet of biscuits.
"BISCUITS!"
The little Ropo squeed out before rushing, jumping slightly, okay it was more of a hop, to manage to get himself into the cabinet. Then as his little feet kicked to push himself up, the door swung back close, launching him straight into a box and into happiness. He had succeeded and successfully invaded the kitchens, which were now under his banner of conquest.
Looking around again, he began to waddle in a small circle, before promptly tripping over his tongue. This was normal for the little ropo as he began to roll back and forth, managing to push himself back up. Now then, where was he, no really where was he!?! It took a moment for the Ropo to remember what he was doing before it dawned upon him. With a nod of his whole body again, well what did you expect, he doesn't have a head. Now then, as he remembered where he was, a big gleeful.... er smile I guess, filled his wide grin as his tongue hung out. With a step forward he tripped yet again, this time his face meeting with a door. Of course he would play it off as intentional as the door opened.
Then there it was, his goal, his own little conquesting dominion for treasure. There was no one there to stop him, all too busy with a speech. With a little "Merp" he lunged forward, rushing into the matte grey side of the cabinet with a little thud. The force enough to push the door forward before it swung open, catching Lilicky slightly and pushing him back as he fell down with an "umph."
With a little roll here, and a little roll there, he was up again. Then there before him lay his prize. A whole cabinet of biscuits.
"BISCUITS!"
The little Ropo squeed out before rushing, jumping slightly, okay it was more of a hop, to manage to get himself into the cabinet. Then as his little feet kicked to push himself up, the door swung back close, launching him straight into a box and into happiness. He had succeeded and successfully invaded the kitchens, which were now under his banner of conquest.
Sic transit gloria mundi
[member="Feena Mason"], [member="HK-36"], [member="Graxin Rade"]
This writer is not really qualified to answer the question whether Siobhan's speech found any resonance amongst the crowds or not. Anyhow, once it was done she would have left the podium and eventually limped over to the banquet tables for the VIPs, where she would find HK apparently engaged in conversation with Feena.
Siobhan was a bit late to the party but heard enough to get the gist of the conversation. "Assuming the burdens of government already, HK?" she asked HK rhetorically with a strong element of sarcasm to her voice. Oh, and for the record, she would not be calling him 'Lord Protector'. Payback for the fact that during her term in office he had consistently refused to call her Exarch.
However she turned more serious when she addressed the Queen. "Apologies for the interruption. If Your Majesty is concerned about your planet's safety and your personal security, Firemane would stand ready to assist in further fortifying it, without the Protectorate's resources further being stretched. To further protect your world against foreign invasions, we could offer a variety of turrets and anti-capital ship planetary turbolaser cannons, say for a military base outside of Theed. We've already used these designs to fortify Kaeshana. Likewise, we've developed hold-out bolters, a miniaturised, easily concealable bolter for personal defence at point-blank range, say against assassins. Perhaps something for your handmaidens to be equipped with. They can easily be hidden as say a pendant or even in handbags."
This writer is not really qualified to answer the question whether Siobhan's speech found any resonance amongst the crowds or not. Anyhow, once it was done she would have left the podium and eventually limped over to the banquet tables for the VIPs, where she would find HK apparently engaged in conversation with Feena.
Siobhan was a bit late to the party but heard enough to get the gist of the conversation. "Assuming the burdens of government already, HK?" she asked HK rhetorically with a strong element of sarcasm to her voice. Oh, and for the record, she would not be calling him 'Lord Protector'. Payback for the fact that during her term in office he had consistently refused to call her Exarch.
However she turned more serious when she addressed the Queen. "Apologies for the interruption. If Your Majesty is concerned about your planet's safety and your personal security, Firemane would stand ready to assist in further fortifying it, without the Protectorate's resources further being stretched. To further protect your world against foreign invasions, we could offer a variety of turrets and anti-capital ship planetary turbolaser cannons, say for a military base outside of Theed. We've already used these designs to fortify Kaeshana. Likewise, we've developed hold-out bolters, a miniaturised, easily concealable bolter for personal defence at point-blank range, say against assassins. Perhaps something for your handmaidens to be equipped with. They can easily be hidden as say a pendant or even in handbags."
Graxin bit back a curse the he almost spat on reflex. He was not the most politically inclined; most of his conversations involving that sort of thing involved 'Join us or be swept aside' or 'Burn down the academy.' He didn't know what to say. He'd expected his mother needed some sort of support, but that seemed not to be the case. That, and her apparent loyalty to the Protectorate was disheartening--if she was loyal to the Protectorate, then he and his own would assist them if need be. If only for the sake of Naboo and its people.
"Apologies." He grunted, tilting his head forward in a slight bow. He affixed the Queen of Naboo with a pointed stare for a moment, and turned his attention back to HK, and then the other woman whom he did not know. The Archlord fell silent, and folded his arms over his chest.
So long as Naboo was safe and Feena Mason somewhat appeased, he would remain so.
[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Feena Mason"] [member="HK-36"]
"Apologies." He grunted, tilting his head forward in a slight bow. He affixed the Queen of Naboo with a pointed stare for a moment, and turned his attention back to HK, and then the other woman whom he did not know. The Archlord fell silent, and folded his arms over his chest.
So long as Naboo was safe and Feena Mason somewhat appeased, he would remain so.
[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Feena Mason"] [member="HK-36"]
HK-36
The Iron Lord Protector (Neutral Good)
At Feena's snap at Cyril the droid raised his hand to signal it was alright before speaking,
[member="Graxin Rade"],
"It was not the will of Protectorate to lead our vessels to Druckenwell, but its Protector, we are not the Jedi, we are not the Republic, we are soldiers, we do what needs to be done to survive in this world and create a society where those whom we serve can be happy and safe. Although our leaders can make mistakes, can go into war to protect our citizens, we still follow orders even if we disagree with them, for through discipline and chain of command we will carve out order in Chaos."
The droid made his point with OOC pun,
"And if the Confederacy is so weak then they will be willing to conduct a joint investigation as to what really happened on Druckenwell, for I was there, on the Shipyard ring when it begun to fell, saving the predecessors of your Dreadguard by bringing to them dropships and shuttles. And I can tell you this much."
The machine would lean in,
"It was not Protectorate guns that brought the ring down and condemned thousands of civilians to death, although we came there with force we offered them the way out, their planetary guns fired on the ring and broke it, and then it was our ships that rescued the troops and civilians on the planet, as much as we could, no matter which side they belonged to."
HK would fold his arms then,
"I made a promise before the survivors of Druckenwell that day, I promised to conduct terminatus totales on the beings who ordered for that ring to be brought down and thousands of lives to perish, and I will keep to my word, I will find the bastards who gave these orders and I will launch them out of an airlock in Druckenwell's orbit, let the planet's gravity bring them down and guide them into death just like they guided through it the shipyard to terminate so many innocent."
Apparently the machine still had its taste for poetic justice since he spoke about it to [member="Kaida Taldir"] on Hoth,
"I have infiltrated the Confederacy when they started out, I have witnessed them signing their articles, I lead them in a disguise through carving out their initial territory, I wanted to mold them into a faction which can prosper while helping the Greater Good of the Galaxy."
He would shake his head,
"Sith had the same idea and they won, unfortunately, they poisoned their leading council, they took over and I delivered the reports to Protector that they were lost, corrupted and carrying the taint of Sith in their leadership. They say they changed, that it was past."
HK would imitate a scoff,
"If that is true then let them prove it in actions, for their words have weight of helium. And we can conduct the negotiations ourselves. A Protector has started this mess to rid of the Sith in Confederacy, another Protector will see it through and clean it up."
After that he would look to [member="Feena Mason"] to continue,
"Let him speak, I am a soldier still and one of the common folk, Force knows that nothing was handed to me and I had to either work hard or fight to get where I am. If your son lays claim on an armor of a lord then I hope he can back it up with a claim on wisdom and respect from his kin and soldiers that go with him into battle. Otherwise it will be as empty claim as me flirting with a lass."
The machine quipped while [member="Lilicky"] was raiding a kitchen somewhere in the Towers,
"I can get you what you are asking for but it will not be instantaneous, this is a management of resources which are not infinite. If I command your border to be strengthened right away then another border gets weaker and I have to go through this all over again, even in central provinces like Yag'Dhul, if the Fringe's attack on Eriadu has showed us anything it is that not only border provinces can be targeted but planets within our territory as well, Yag'Dhul, Eriadu, Fondor, Kaeshana, they deserve as much protection from me as Naboo does. And while I can grant you better protection with expansions and investitures, I cannot give you better protection if it means another planet will be more vulnerable because we had to transfer soldiers and ships from them. As to your wage and insurance, it will be worthy of an Exarch, it is nothing you should worry about."
The droid would look to [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] when she stepped in,
"Better prepared now than to be sorry later, Siobhan."
HK would look to Feena then,
"I know from personal experience that Siobhan's planetary defense methods are very effective, and indeed she has resources to start upgrading your planetary and border defenses right away. If you two work out a plan together I can send a grant to make paying off the expansion easier."
[member="Graxin Rade"],
"It was not the will of Protectorate to lead our vessels to Druckenwell, but its Protector, we are not the Jedi, we are not the Republic, we are soldiers, we do what needs to be done to survive in this world and create a society where those whom we serve can be happy and safe. Although our leaders can make mistakes, can go into war to protect our citizens, we still follow orders even if we disagree with them, for through discipline and chain of command we will carve out order in Chaos."
The droid made his point with OOC pun,
"And if the Confederacy is so weak then they will be willing to conduct a joint investigation as to what really happened on Druckenwell, for I was there, on the Shipyard ring when it begun to fell, saving the predecessors of your Dreadguard by bringing to them dropships and shuttles. And I can tell you this much."
The machine would lean in,
"It was not Protectorate guns that brought the ring down and condemned thousands of civilians to death, although we came there with force we offered them the way out, their planetary guns fired on the ring and broke it, and then it was our ships that rescued the troops and civilians on the planet, as much as we could, no matter which side they belonged to."
HK would fold his arms then,
"I made a promise before the survivors of Druckenwell that day, I promised to conduct terminatus totales on the beings who ordered for that ring to be brought down and thousands of lives to perish, and I will keep to my word, I will find the bastards who gave these orders and I will launch them out of an airlock in Druckenwell's orbit, let the planet's gravity bring them down and guide them into death just like they guided through it the shipyard to terminate so many innocent."
Apparently the machine still had its taste for poetic justice since he spoke about it to [member="Kaida Taldir"] on Hoth,
"I have infiltrated the Confederacy when they started out, I have witnessed them signing their articles, I lead them in a disguise through carving out their initial territory, I wanted to mold them into a faction which can prosper while helping the Greater Good of the Galaxy."
He would shake his head,
"Sith had the same idea and they won, unfortunately, they poisoned their leading council, they took over and I delivered the reports to Protector that they were lost, corrupted and carrying the taint of Sith in their leadership. They say they changed, that it was past."
HK would imitate a scoff,
"If that is true then let them prove it in actions, for their words have weight of helium. And we can conduct the negotiations ourselves. A Protector has started this mess to rid of the Sith in Confederacy, another Protector will see it through and clean it up."
After that he would look to [member="Feena Mason"] to continue,
"Let him speak, I am a soldier still and one of the common folk, Force knows that nothing was handed to me and I had to either work hard or fight to get where I am. If your son lays claim on an armor of a lord then I hope he can back it up with a claim on wisdom and respect from his kin and soldiers that go with him into battle. Otherwise it will be as empty claim as me flirting with a lass."
The machine quipped while [member="Lilicky"] was raiding a kitchen somewhere in the Towers,
"I can get you what you are asking for but it will not be instantaneous, this is a management of resources which are not infinite. If I command your border to be strengthened right away then another border gets weaker and I have to go through this all over again, even in central provinces like Yag'Dhul, if the Fringe's attack on Eriadu has showed us anything it is that not only border provinces can be targeted but planets within our territory as well, Yag'Dhul, Eriadu, Fondor, Kaeshana, they deserve as much protection from me as Naboo does. And while I can grant you better protection with expansions and investitures, I cannot give you better protection if it means another planet will be more vulnerable because we had to transfer soldiers and ships from them. As to your wage and insurance, it will be worthy of an Exarch, it is nothing you should worry about."
The droid would look to [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] when she stepped in,
"Better prepared now than to be sorry later, Siobhan."
HK would look to Feena then,
"I know from personal experience that Siobhan's planetary defense methods are very effective, and indeed she has resources to start upgrading your planetary and border defenses right away. If you two work out a plan together I can send a grant to make paying off the expansion easier."
The Eternal Queen
The Queen kept smiling, even when the conversation turned awkward. But she did not smile as wide as she did when [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] stepped in. The Queen dipped into a low bow.
"I am grateful for the suggestion," she said, then turned her attention back to [member="HK-36"], "Well, it seems we may be able to come to some agreement after all. Consider this my acceptance of the position, my dear Lord Protector."
She nodded to her son, motioning for him to bow once again as well.
"My Lady Kerrigan, would you mind terribly discussing this further after the celebration?"
"I am grateful for the suggestion," she said, then turned her attention back to [member="HK-36"], "Well, it seems we may be able to come to some agreement after all. Consider this my acceptance of the position, my dear Lord Protector."
She nodded to her son, motioning for him to bow once again as well.
"My Lady Kerrigan, would you mind terribly discussing this further after the celebration?"
Sic transit gloria mundi
[member="Feena Mason"], [member="HK-36"], [member="Graxin Rade"]
Well, things got a bit awkward. HK got speechy and mentioned that whole thing about the CIS comitting war crimes at Druckenwell. Siobhan knew a lot about that since she had been on the planet and one of those masters who used their powers to try and stop the calamity. Many lives had been saved, but still too many lost and the planet was left a hellhole.
But she did not bring that up again because, well, it had already been said and things were awkward enough. Instead she inclined her head in a low bow before addressing the Queen. "I would not mind at all. It would be my pleasure to discuss this at your convenience once the celebrations are done, Your Majesty."
Well, things got a bit awkward. HK got speechy and mentioned that whole thing about the CIS comitting war crimes at Druckenwell. Siobhan knew a lot about that since she had been on the planet and one of those masters who used their powers to try and stop the calamity. Many lives had been saved, but still too many lost and the planet was left a hellhole.
But she did not bring that up again because, well, it had already been said and things were awkward enough. Instead she inclined her head in a low bow before addressing the Queen. "I would not mind at all. It would be my pleasure to discuss this at your convenience once the celebrations are done, Your Majesty."