Black Orchid
Halfway between Outer Planets Alliance and The Eternal Empire, is a planet called Abridon. Like most planet’s in the galaxy, Abridon is no except in holding a history interesting to those that like to continue a tradition of knowledge. It is a beautiful day on the planet, a gentle wind swept across the grassy fields in the countryside, and a warm life giving sun bathed those that stood in the open.
For it was among the grasses that the two factions of the galaxy would meet.
Regardless of the whispers on the wind for plans to create new hyperlanes to circumvent the isolation by the CIS and subsequent restrictions, the leadership of the OPA had decided to not ignore the blaringly obvious black spot on the galactic map and instead invite them to talk here on Abridon. The grassy fields a neutral ground on which both parties meet and discuss the possibility of a bypass.
The OPA is neutral, leaning toward the purpose to do some good in the galaxy however, like most factions their primary and paramount ideals are towards giving the people that live within their borders, a better life style, a future and freedom of choice. The leadership of the OPA are under no illusion of what the EE represent with their Imperial Regime, who their ‘bed fellows’ are. Equally, the leadership of the OPA are under no illusion that the EE does not have its own (hidden) agenda to receive them here, nor in the possible aid they will lend to the hyperlane. Their way of life, their governing system run counter to OPA. In fact, they could not be further apart. No doubt the leadership of the EE will be thinking the same of the OPA.
And they would be right. Never the twain shall meet on these terms, however, sometimes it is a necessary ‘evil’ to stand on common ground. OPA’s philosophies are different to those of other factions who hold a more restrict and stringent view of life, with no room for compromise, the same could be said for the EE. But OPA is not going into this meeting with open arms, or closed eyes. OPA has its own (hidden) agenda.
The ways of wild space are a way of life for OPA people, and they can smell a con from parsecs away, simply because it is usually OPA doing the conning. Take one to know one as they say.
~oOo~
A faded red A-Wing, The Crossfire Hurricane formed part of the small fleet that travelled to Abridon. Abaigeal had flown along the Lipsec Run from Anoat to join the fleet. Dropping out of hyperspace, select ships moved slowly to the rendezvous point and began descent to the co-ordinates of the meeting with the EE. Abaigeal snapped away from breathing mask from her face and flew down to the surface. She formed part of the representative group of the OPA.
From the cockpit, she could see that she would be among the first to arrive, although she was a little early. The Jedi Master landed and stood on the wing of her ship stripping out of her flight suit, to reveal her Jedi robes which she had not worn in years and was amazed they still fit, and her lightsabre clipped to her belt.
She held a sense of trepidation about this meeting, when asked to come for OPA, she was hesitant to say the least, but after speaking with the leadership, she was assured it was necessary and they wanted her there among the representatives. Abaigeal couldn’t say no.
Looking around the grassy field, it was a pleasant day for it, she just hoped it would remain that way by the end of it.
