The Common Building Blocks of Liberty

[Dysnomia]

Dysnomia loved going to the Spire. At the top, the height made the young Commenori feel both dizzy and unstoppable.

And what comes up must go down. And down she went.

Aside from the few strategically placed lifts around the building there were a few walkways that spiralled down, and upon those, Dysnomia, hair in a ponytail held together with a loose white bow, skated down them repeatedly, taking the lift back up, only to go down again. She was able to do this for a good thirty minutes, until a military-looking dude grabbed her arm roughly and asked to see her badge.

“I’m with Darth Interitus!” she exclaimed with her chin stuck out defiantly.

“I don’t see him anywhere around. And I'm not sure he'll be too happy with how you're just lollygagging around."

Dysnomia followed along rather dutifully. Technically, she was there to meet [member="Darth Interitus"], but had got caught up with skating around the more dangerous parts of the Spire.

But once the door opened to where the Overseer was, for a moment, the Commenori teen did not want to go in. The military officer gave her a shove and she came flying in on her ever-present lift-skates.

“This one says she’s with you, My Lord,” he said in a weary voice that said, take her off my hands, please.

No robes, no saber. He would see a young girl with sandy blonde hair, wearing a white dress, white bow and repulsorlift skates on her feet.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay watched [member="Giddean Kuat"] as he departed, but was careful not to linger on him. It was a strange thing that he was sent to help. Yet that alone gave her hope. Hopefully [member="Veiere Arenais"] got her message.

[member="Kaine Australis"] . The man had been trying to see her since she was first captured and held on the Sith Emperor's platform outside of Chasin City. And now here he was. Finally. She recognized his armour, having seen it before.

It didn't escape her notice that he looked around, probably searching for everything in the room that could spy on them. And there were many. [member="Darth Interitus"] saw to that. More than likely there were elements that she didn't know about too.

"I'm doing as well as can be expected. It's good to see a friendly face...er, you know what I mean." She gave him a small smile that was moreso seen than felt.
"How is everything out there? I haven't been able to get out much, as you can imagine."

 

[Darth Interitus]

With the shuttle fully trapped within the tractor beam, The Admiral stopped hailing, almost tempting to open fire on the craft, but the XO had stopped him for a moment. "What is it Miss Terrex?" "Sir we have an incoming transmission from Lord Interitus." He moved his finger away and nodded. Interitus's form appeared before the Admiral. "Admiral Dathart.. Report?" "Everything is going well my lord. I have so far stopped a rogue ship that dared to enter and break past the blockade down to the planet." Interitus was lost in deep thought for a moment before he had come to a decision. Something that may shock the Admiral. "Allow them to pass, scan them, then let them pass. While I have suspicions of Rebels. I believe if we have any trouble. I do know who to contact just in case. He will be arriving shortly, Admiral. Until then proceed with the blockade, and make sure that the traffic is detained at all times."

The Admiral nodded, although not always agreeing with Interitus's decisions, in the end, he was still Overseer and had to abide by such. He motioned for the officers, who had kept the shuttle locked in a tractor beam to do a scan. Reading several lifeforms, but cannot say for certain who or what. Went ahead to allow them to pass further, while still maintaining a steady precense above the planet.

Meanwhile Interitus, had sent out a message to a General within the Sith Empire. Providing that someone skilled in War, would make a valuable asset, he finished sending the message to the General asking for him to appear on Commenor while watching closely of the monitors. Seeing that the Mandalorian Envoy of Kaine Australis had arrived. It made him curious, as although if he made a move to find the devices that would be spotted, he planted a few more in hidden areas he picked just in case. As far as he knew he didn't trust Mandalorians given their history with the Sith, and the rumors he heard of Mandalorian involvement against the First Order. Nonetheless, he made sure to keep a close eye on the Queen and her companions.

Then a hiss of the door could be heard, a couple of the legionnaires escorting what looks to be @Maud Dib as he looked not to be posing a threat. "My Lord this one has requested an audience." Looking at the trooper he waved him away, the troopers falling back to the turbolift, as Interitus turned his chair, raising an eyebrow inquisitively. "Yes, Maud Dib, what brings you here to Sith Territory?"

[member="Lady Kay"] [member="Kaine Australis"] [member="Giddean Kuat"] [member="Marina DeVoe"] [member="Draxan Vazda"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay sighed a little as [member="Kaine Australis"] told her the news of the state of things outside of the Palace grounds. She hadn't been anywhere yet. Right now [member="Darth Interitus"] and others were keeping her on a firm leash. And at the moment she didn't know where that leash ended.

"They are planning for the time when people would come to rescue me. So everyone is suspect, you included."

She nodded a little to his question of her being allowed outside. "I can go out, just as long as I stay on the grounds.
For now at least. Yet I will have guards following me. They say that it's for my protection, but we all know that it's just to stop me from escaping." Given that Kay had access to the Force and some great training, she wasn't about to use them to gain her freedom. To do so would only cause more deaths of her people. The Sith would kill them until she came back.

So she had to stay. Other lives depended on it.

"Would you like to get some fresh air?"

 

[Marina DeVoe]

Location: Planet side, undisclosed location
Objective: To aid Commoner's people
Interaction: Abigail Meredydd
Posts: 8


The small transport vessel soon landed in a sparsely populated district of what should have been teeming with early morning local consumers at a day market. But the vegetable and ware stands and carts were for the most part barely manned. And those that were had little as in a way of stock. There were a few folk about, walking through, trying their best to not seem curious as to their presence... or of anything altogether.
marina knew what this was...oppression. The folk here were afraid to stand out, to look anything other than folk minding their own business. So most populations under oppressors became; docile, quiet...afraid.

"Sigh..." Marina's heart sank. Months ago, this community like the same ones further north near the capital were booming and bustling with folk on market day. She remembered a few such towns and villages along the farming belt on Commenor. The folk, their children and elders were so full of life going about their daily routines. only now...they walked with their eyes not too ahead of their feet.

Ok, so she made it planet side. Now what?
marina really had no plan...just the will and courage to come and help. But help how? She had brought nothing but her willingness and heart. These would do little if anything that could help the Commenors.

"Oh...I'm sorry..." She moved out of the way, as some of the passengers were disembarking. She had paused a bit once she stepped on Commenor's soil...bearing witness to the state of some of the folk she could see.
Marina stood a bit to the side, watching her fellow passengers disembarking. Abby soon were seen coming down the ramp also. She had gone to retrieve what she had stowed away during the crossing...especially preparing for a possible boarding, which they miraculously got through.
marina gave her a smile and were about to ask where she were heading. But Riff and a few of his buddies asked if she were Ok....or if she were going to be Ok.

"Oh, yea...I'm Ok. Just..." She looked about toward some of the folk in the market place.
"...just that I remember better days here." Marina sadly replied.

Same with Riff and pretty much everyone, had been here when it were in a better state. It was why they were here again. There were no other words spoken aloud, but marina understood.
As his group were preparing to leave, he asked if she was certain she knew what she were doing? He looked concern, as perhaps Marina certainly didn't give him the impression she were here as a fighter. he then once again reminded her that these overlords were sith...that they didn't give quarter to anyone. Little mishaps could wind her up in a labor camp...or executed.
She nodded. Marina understood.

There weren't much time to bid all of the fine men and women who had come to Commenor just like her to help oppose the sith and help the resistance.
But a few of the men, especially Riff, wasn't so sure she could or should go off on her own.
"I've had a few run-ins before. I can take care of myself..." She assured him.

But pressed for time and to not seem like they were loitering about, with some of Riff's comrades urging him to press on. He acknowledged them, and gestured another moment. That minute was spent with Riff once more being concerned about her welfare.

"No really...I'll be Ok..." Ok, so she had a droid and a ship before by which she had Lady Luck on her side. Here alone, no ship, no droid...not even knowing who from the resistance she could contact. Things were certainly different and Lady Luck herself may not be looking over her shoulder this round.
But Marina had spirit... spunk.... and determination. And by far one of her best qualities; defiance. She loathed the sith and any oppressors for that matter, which pushed their weight around to impose their twisted will on those whom wished to live free.

Hanson, and another man who for the most part had kept his distance from her during the flight came up and shook her hand. Both urged her to keep a low profile..to be safe. She shook their hand, and bid them good luck, before she turned to Riff again. He had little time left as his group were stating to move away from the transport.
A few others waved over to her yards away. Marina returned the same.
Riff then patted her on her forearm and implored her to stay safe.
"Yea, you too Riff..." she replied.
" ...take care of yourself...." And that was that, as he turned and headed to catch up to his group.

Marina then turned to Abby, whom had her share of parting company.
But Abby was far from looking like she got off a wrong shuttle that should have been going to a shopping mall. Marina on the other hand was for the most part still in her good casuals...a bit out of place here at the moment.
"Hmm..." She eyed Abby a bit.
"Maybe I should look into acquiring some local threads...huh?
Say...you up for some clothes shopping?" Yes, it sounded like something one would expect coming out of her mouth. But in a sense, Marina was taking the opportunity to see for herself how some of the local shops had been affected.
What better way to mingle with the locals to get a sense of what they were dealing with, than to shop at their stores....


[member="Abigail Meredydd"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay of course didn't speak Mando'a, but she got the jist of what [member="Kaine Australis"] was trying to say to those that were watching and listening to them.

She held in her breath for a moment as he seemed to suggest that the Palace didn't suffer. It had, of course. Kaine just couldn't see it. He seemed to have realized that he may have spoken a bit of a blunder as he tried to recover from it. Kay placed her hand on his shoulder as she began to walk past him. "Commenor Survives.
That's our motto here. But you're right. It stands as well. Come on. I'd like to show you something."

Kay wanted to take his arm, but didn't. Instead she just clasped her hands in front of her as she exited her office and headed down the hall. Guards took flank just behind them, keeping an eye and ear on the pair.

" The Sith Emperor had his engineers do a thorough job to ensure that all tunnels and secret passageways are blocked. All for my safety he says, for there are bound to be those that are angry at me for surrendering and signing the treaty, so they made sure that people couldn't reach me unnoticed." She did her best to choose her words carefully.

It wasn't long before they were outside. Yet instead of going to the gardens as one would expect, she decided to walk to the large grassy fields that would lead to the cliffs of the Twin Canyons. Kay had often raced across it on her speederbike and drive it over the cliff to a hidden ledge that was 15 feet down. Often she'd scare the daylights out of others riding along with her.

"My shield system worked very well. If Munto City had had such a system, then it may have survived. The generators are underground, so it isn't easy to breach them. And should the generators lose their feed of electricity, the batteries would hold for an entire standard day. Can you imagine what could happen if enemy forces became trapped within the field and a bomb was to go off within? Why, they could all be fried...I am glad that such a thing didn't happen here." Was she giving the Warmaster ideas? Quite possibly.

 

[Muad Dib]

He followed the legionaries into the room, easing past them as they spoke to their master. A small smile of amusement crossed his face as he moved deeper and the wave of a hand dismissed the troopers to the turbolift. He found it interesting that he was invited into the presence of [member="Darth Interitus"] without guards and remaining armed. Either the Sith thought highly of his own abilities, or so very little of Muad's. More then likely the confidence stemmed from some form of hidden capabilities that were not readily apparent.

As he closed the distance he shrugged his shoulders, reseating the beskad upon his back, before looking to the Sith. The Galaxy was a topsey turvey state, friends became enemies, enemies become allies. And strange bedfellows found themselves thrust together in trying circumstances. Perhaps this would be one such scenario. He turned sideways while placing his hands upon his hips.

"Straight to the point. I can respect that. Initially I had plans on doing this with the Queen, but with a hidden agenda. Now circumstances have changed to a degree. The true power in Commenor no longer resides with [member="Lady Kay"] , but with a man known as Darth Interius, Overseer of Commenor. Yet you led my entry with your opening."

Turning he gazed upon the form of the Sithas he folded his arms across his chest.

"Sith territory. Not Sith space. An Outpost of Sith dominance, yet cut off from speedy reinforcements from the motherland of the Sith Empire. The minature Republic, Alliance, or whatever it is that they call themselves these days, lay just upon the proverbial horizon. So too the Silver Jedi. While I would never disbelieve the ability and reach of the Sith Empire, however the facts remain. This is Sith territory, not Sith space."

Slowly he raised his left hand to rub his chin thoughtfully.

"Now what if the Sith Blockade were to be reinforced by an ally, one with fleets, space stations, troops of flesh and troops of steel. What if a mutually beneficial agreement was to be reached, one that further strengthened the entrenchment of this Sith territory? It would be a financial boon to my company as well as be an assistance to the mighty Empire, that I'm sure needs no help. No, this wouldn't be help but a mutually beneficial agreement."

Lowering his hand he placed them at the small of his back while he slowly rocked to and fro upon the balls of his feet.

"More then the assistance of added security, I can also offer to open trade between Commenor and other systems. New resources could be brought in, with the permission of the benevolent Overseer of course, to assist in construction of new buildings, hospitals, schools. We could show that the Sith are not the perceived conquerors, instead they are generous benefactors and patrons. And a bonus of utilizing my work force is that they are droids. No potential terrorists or rebels."

He paused and waited. An interesting proposition made that could benefit the Sith Empire and it would make for a wonderful public relations piece on the holonet. It would also serve to send a message, that the Sith Empire were building, that the Sith Empire were invested, that the Sith Empire were not going anywhere. This was the new status quo.

 

[Abigail Meredydd]

"Thanks man", Abigail replied with a smirk as she said her goodbyes to a few of the men they had been travelling with. A few handshakes later and Abigail was about to go over to Marina, the girl she had been sitting next to on the trip. She was curious as to what the girl had in mind, or why she was really here to begin with.

Just before she did wander over however, a last man approached her. It was the soldier who had talked to her before their departure. The one who hadn't been exactly fond of her.

He nodded at her, and then he spoke. "For a moment there... for a moment there, as we hung in space there. Vulnerable, weak, without defenses... I don't know... For a moment, I really did expect you to rise up and rat us out."

He then chuckled slightly as he saw Abigail's annoyed look. "But I see I was wrong... unless you intended to stab me right now, at this very moment", he said as he spread his arms.

Abigail let out a dry chuckle as she looked at the man. "That would be something, wouldn't it?", she asked.

"Yeah", the man replied. Then there was an uncomfortable silence between the two before the man spoke one final time to her. "Good luck"

"You too"

And with that, he turned around to join his men, and Abigail turned around to join her girl, Marina.

Abigail gave the girl a warm smile as she walked over her. "So what's your plan?", she asked, only to get a response with surprised her immensely.

"S-Shopping? Well, I don't know about you, but I'm not here for those reasons", she said as she arched an eyebrow.
After a few seconds she added, "But I heard enough to know you aren't here just to buy clothes neither."

[member="Marina DeVoe"]

 

[Marina DeVoe]

Location: Planet side, undisclosed location
Objective: To aid Commoner's people
Interaction: Abigail Meredydd
Posts: 9



"No... didn't plan on a shopping spree here..no." She chuckled.

"But I didn't quite think it out as to how i should dress without sticking out like an off worlder here either..." her eyes made a circle.
No, Marina in her haste certainly hadn't thought about how she were to dress. Her main objective back on Mr Cetril, Alderaan was to pack a bug-out bag, like the one locked in her ship. The one her father had grounded.

"My mind was more on how to get over here on Commenor than knowing how to dress the part." It were true. Marina's ship had always been her primary means of travel. As thus, she never had to mind as what to wear during any crossings. Besides, she had proper attire for almost all excursions on her ship. Just that now upon landing as a passenger and eyeing how Abby didn't stand out in a flash of color that Marina thought about acquiring proper local wear.

"I've got to get myself out of these clothes." She then said, giving a quick look about.
"I'm definitely sticking out and sure to be noticed...even questioned again. It's far easier for these vermin-" She stopped for a second, keeping her thoughts in check.
"Sigh...
Pardon, I mean the sith when I mean vermin... It's far easier for the sith to cross check any fodder story I give them if I'm stopped dressed like Miss Prissy and have me come out being exposed, than if I am in local attire.
Sooo, for the sake of me avoiding getting nabbed before I can do my part in figuring out what I can do to help Commenor...." Marina nodded to the fact that she had no other choice but to go local clothes shopping.
"Yes, unfortunately....clothes shopping...lol" She couldn't help but find her situation funny, now that she realized what she first had to do. Shop.

"Abigail.... I know you're as concerned as the guys were. I can see it in your eyes." She had a natural appreciative smile on her feature.
"But rest assured, I've been down a few similar roads before...places not akin to how some people think I should belong in.
I can't tell you the places I've been, nor the people I've met that have the same heart and spirit as you. And I don't want to know-
Rather, I can't know of your past nor of the people you know, either..." She then said, obviously speaking of the unspoken.

Abby knew what she were meaning. If any of them were discovered and questioned, they really could not divulge more than they individually knew. And although both would think they could resist questionings...they knew that under pain and duress everyone had a breaking point.

In essence, marina was confirming what Abby knew herself to be the resistance code. Only know enough to do what you need to do and not name manes. And not knowing names, places or other's plans, then that meant the vermin sith could not know anything more than what that one captured individual knew. It was the only way to keep the resistance from failing if anyone were captured, as they only knew so much and not all.

"Sooo...aside from that...hehe..." Yes, it were a dangerous life they both had chosen to live. But why not laugh a little? Life could be too short at the moment to dweel on gloom and doom.

"...I best look for something like a 2nd hand store. Can't be buying something off the shelf either.." She then nodded, eyeing out what did look like a small exchange trift shop...

"Hmm...looks like they may even be serving some java...if it hasn't been already pillaged by the vermin.
You up for a cup?....my treat."





[member="Abigail Meredydd"]

 

[Abigail Meredydd]

Abigail didn't say anything while Marina talked, she only occasionally nodded.

She believed the woman when she said that she had been in some inconvenient situations before, but she still wasn't entirely convinced she knew what she was getting herself into. But who knew, maybe that was just Abigail overthinking things.

"I'm sure you know what you're doing," she then said," it's just that.. you don't look like it... with the clothes. They're pretty, but not practical or common."

The clothes were even standing out quite a bunch, so it was obvious that Marina spoke the truth. She needed to get some new clothes, preferably as soon as possible. Abigail wasn't going to let Marina wander around here alone like that, but she also wanted to hurry things up a bit. There were here for a reason after all, and that reason sure as hell wasn't clothing.

"Alright then", she said. "Let's go and get you a more fitting outfit, eh? And let's make it quick, I'm more than ready to see what can be done around here."

As she spoke she started walking towards the shop Marina had mentioned, and the blonde quickly followed Abigail by her side.
Get inside. Get Marina new clothes. Get out. It was easy enough.

And after that was done, the whole preparation was officially over. They had landed on Commenor and had equipped themselves for whatever tasked lied up ahead.
Abigail took a deep breath as she thought about the entire story which was playing here. Whatever ended up happening, the coming times where going to be tough and tense here, she was sure of that.

[member="Marina DeVoe"]

 

[Marina DeVoe]

Location: Planet side, undisclosed location
Objective: To aid Commoner's people
Interaction: Abigail Meredydd
Posts: 10



"Quick...gotcha." Marina nodded as she followed Abby trying to be as small a foot print as possible.
She was kind overdressed, not looking at all like any common folk that were walking about. Last thing they needed was to start drawing attention to themselves....

Ding-a-ling......

Seriously?...a threshold bell thingy at the entrance way?
Yes, a quaint little motion detection bell chimed out, informing of their presence upon the two entering the small thrift store. Marina looked over to Abby a moment, for it were not something one saw quite often..if at all in the galaxy anymore. But this was a local small store in a small community town, deep in the farming belts of Commenor. Much of the old and quaint hometown appeal had transgressed through many generations. The little bell ringing over the storefront doorway were one such example.. The small town was or had once been a quiet peaceful little community before the infestation of vermin (sith).

"Good afternoon..." Marina replied to the elder woman who seemed to be in her mid forties.
Could she help them, the woman asked from behind the counter.
Marina wondered if she herself could help the woman instead. After all, it were the reason she had come to Commenor. But Marina had just made planet side, and at this moment had no real plan as to what to do now, except maybe not look the part of an off worlder. Especially in the present garbs she were wearing. One certainly contrasting Abby's more neutral looking attire.

"Uhm.... Yes, I'm hoping maybe you could..." Marina replied to the shop keepers offered assistance, making her way toward the clothes racks.
"....hmm...don't smell any brew...sorry Abby..." She spoke under her breath to her companion.
Nope, no coffee it seemed, just as she kind of figured. Whether the sith had confiscated such stuff or maybe the lack of commerce due to the blockage, it all pointed to the vermin. They always changed, upset the balance of peaceful communities.

"...you see, I'm kind of overdressed it seems..." She continued as she started to riffle through some attire. The woman asked for what kind of style she were looking for, while still remaining behind her counter.

Marina kept going through one rack, before moving on to the next, producing a pair of slack which she held over her arm.
"...oh...I'm not really sure. Something more local...you know?" She replied, looking over to the woman. And there it was...the woman's eyes told her everything.

"Sigh..." she took to look away a moment. It was obvious the woman thought her..maybe even Abby as being with the sith..the occupying oppressors. Marina pulled a random shirt off the rack and put it up against her person as she turned to Abby , seemingly for approval. Marina could see that Abby too knew of the woman's caution of them.

"What do you think?...no?..." Marina asked her accomplice. But before Abby could give her an answer, Marina turned quickly back to the rack and placed the shirt back. She then pulled out something more in line of her taste...once more repeating the gesture.
"How about this one?..." She then said, before continuing under her breath... " Lord, Abby...she thinks were one of them..."

Marina wasn't sure as to what to say or do. She certainly wasn't going to openly inform the woman that she were here in defiance of the sith. That would be crazy talk, as the woman herself could well be an informant. It weren't beyond the probability that the sith had influenced in their way some locals, whom had been given no choice but to informants for the sith.
No.
No at this time it were too early to tell who were loyal Common folk and who were the frightened folk that bent over for the vermin sith.

"I think I'll go with this one...and these slacks, Abby." Marina then said to her companion, of the pants she were still holding.

"I'll....uhm, I think I'll need like a vest or some light jacket..." Marina then said, eyeing the jacket/coat rack in the back of the store. She then pronounceably gestured with her head to the rack.

She and Abby needed to talk. If this shopkeeper was wary of them, then so would others; making it quite difficult for them to mingle among the Common folk. Marina knew that she couldn't help them, if they couldn't trust her.
Aside from looking and blending in as a local, she and Abby had to figure out how to evade suspicion from both sides. marina knew she had to acquire trust from loyal Commenors and not raise suspicion with those whom supported the occupation. It were a fine line to tread and the two needed to come up with some plan or idea as to how to go about satisfying both sides of their presence.




[member="Abigail Meredydd"]

 

[Abigail Meredydd]

Abigail offered the shopkeeper a friendly nod as they entered, but she let Marina take care of the rest.

As Marina asked her a few times to offer her opinion on a few pieces of clothing, Abigail usually just nodded approvingly. She wasn't exactly focused on what clothes were beautiful or something as she had far more important things to do.
Unfortunately it seemed the shopkeeper had become suspicious of Marina, most likely thanks to her wording, and with Marina the woman had also become suspicious of Abigail.

"Well, perhaps that has something to do with your way of shopping. Saying you're overdressed and asking for 'something more local' aren't exactly the smartest things to do", she whispered back to Marina. She wanted to say more, but the risk of the older woman hearing them was too high.

Eventually the blonde decided on clothes that Abigail just happened to think to be pretty as well, and then she asked to go and look for a jacket. Of course, the rack Marina pointed to was conveniently far away from the shopkeeper.

As they stood in front of the rack in the back of the shop, they could talk more freely.

"So she's wary of us, that's for sure, but there's no telling what she thinks of us. She might think us to be sided with the Sith Empire or she might think us to be the opposite. Or perhaps we look more like ordinary thiefs in her eyes. There's a lot of possibilities here", she whispered before she took a jacket from the rack and held it in front of Marina as if she were checking the woman's new look.

"Chances are she might tell others about us if we just leave, but she might also not do that. We could theoretically also try to trick her by pretending we're here to visit family... perhaps we could act as sisters, but if the woman actually isn't as suspicious of us as we think, trying to trick her with possible bad acting could be a wrong move leading to even more suspicions."

Abigail sighed as she ran a hand through her hair and offered Marina the jacket. "Get the clothes you want, and then let's decide on what to do. So far, I still can't be sure about what she thinks of us."

[member="Marina DeVoe"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay stopped as [member="Kaine Australis"] did. He seemed to like her shield system, which was good. Maybe he'd catch on to her ideas. It was stupid to not be able to speak plainly, but that was the way that her life was now. The consequences were dire if she didn't do so.

A ray of hope was given as he removed his helmet and stepped within her personal bubble. Normally she'd of taken half a step back; but not today. The look in his eyes told her enough of what she needed to know.

But only a minute? Was that enough time? Only one way to find out.

"Keep Lori away from here. And Caedyn if you see him.
If they were caught...one of my Overseers has already threatened their execution if I continue to be defiant. I can reach Veiere through the Force...so far. I don't expect things to change here for a long time. It could take a few years before Commenor is free. Acting hastily would be...very bad. Everyone has to be patient. Find [member="Einon"] . He'll know what to do.
And also, before you go, I'm going to give you a book. It's one of my mystery novels. DON'T lose it. Let it be inspected. There's nothing hidden in the pages. All of my communications are monitored...BUT,
I can contact you and tell you which page, paragraph and number of words contain any message that I want to give you, and vice versa. So it might be helpful if you read the book too, this way it'd be easier to hunt things down. We can pretend to start up a book club to help me pass the time. Okay?" She wasn't sure of how much time there was left. Hopefully enough for him to respond.

 

[Marina DeVoe]

Location: Planet side, undisclosed thrift shop
Objective: To aid Commoner's people
Interaction: Abigail Meredydd
Posts: 11



"Miss?..." The woman's voice surprised her as it came out of nowhere. It were the shop keeper woman.
"What are you doing here?" Those very words caused Marina to freeze in place for a moment. Only her eyes did a quick 'glance' over to Abby, like that of a cornered elph (deer-like animal) caught in a hunter's sight.

"Uhm, sh...shopping?..." Nope, not a smart answer at all, answering with such a question to a shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper, careful of not getting between Marina and her accomplice, nevertheless took a step closer to Marina...eyes intensely focused on hers.
"That's your story?...shopping?..." The woman slowly shook her head .
"...and I take it, this is your fashion consultant?...." She then asked, momentarily eyeing Abby.
"...who looks like she can double as your body guard...no offense." She then said to Abby, which totally blew marina out of the water altogether.

"Uhm...I-
Well-
Look, really,....we are here to shop..." she waved the slacks, slung on her forearm. "....Really...gulp..."

What the woman then did, was to reach over to Marina's slack and lay them on top of the jacket rack.
"I have credits...I can pay-" Marina started to say when she stopped dead in mid-sentence.

Ding-a-ling...the little motion detector bell rand as two ominous looking troopers entered the store.
Marina nearly peed in her fashion pants. But the woman, then put her hand on her forearm, gently giving her a pat to calm down, before turning to meet the two troopers.
Marina and Abby were seemingly cornered at the back corner of the store by the coat/jacket racks.

"Wait, wait, wait..." Marina urgently uttered under her breath to Abby, who was now about to draw out what no doubt would be a weapon.

Sure enough the shopkeeper went to greet the two troopers, who looked over to marina and Abby. Catching some of the conversation between the shopkeeper who identified herself as Laura Scotch or something-or-other (as Marina was still struggling in not peeing in her pants to pay too close attention to names), there was no indication that they were being ratted on. It was a routine check that the troopers were doing based on a report of a transport landing and possible revel scums.
The woman (Laura) then seemed to be vouching for them two, assuring them that they had for the most part been seen before not less than a week ago. they were just 'shopping'...if that was still allowed.
The troopers looked the two women by the coat rack over again, then gave Laura the clear, before ...Ding-a-ling... they moved to the next store.

Laura then stood there a moment by the door before she casually made her way back to Marina and Abby.
"You..." She pointed to Marina. " ...the refresher is behind the door next to the counter....don't make a mess please.."
"Whew....oh thank you..." Marina didn't have to be told twice as she skedaddled herself over to the refresher, without another word out of her mouth.

"So what's your story?...a friend of Marina?" She asked Abby, after eye tailing Marina scramble to the refresher.
Holy fodder, the woman knew the blonde's name!

Unbeknownst to both the girls, Marina had been recognized by Laura from the Holo-Network News...from months prior.
The Amber Incident, where Queen Arenais ( [member="Lady Kay"] ) had been kidnapped in broad daylight on Mastera.
Marina had been videoed as walking with the queen before she were stunned and subsequently their queen then kidnapped and ambered. The follow up news report had tagged Marina as a close friend to the queen, who narrowly escaped getting either shot or ambered by cowering behind an already ambered individual.



[member="Abigail Meredydd"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay nodded a little as [member="Kaine Australis"] seemed to have approved of her book idea. Having an AI to scan the book was probably the quicker option. Some people were very slow readers and who knew when the Warmaster would have the time?

She wished that she could take all the credit for how Lori turned out. But her influence was only on the early years. After that, the twins went their seperate ways. Yet it was nice to know that trouble wasn't as attracted to them as it was to her. "Thank you. We did what we could to raise them right."

When he stepped into her personal bubble, she almost took half a step back. Almost. The look in his eyes was enough to let her know that she could trust him. His words made her swallow a lump in her throat. It had been growing more and more difficult to bottle up her emotions, but she had to. She couldn't let the Occupiers see her cry.

Kay gave his hand a gentle squeeze, but the tingling sensation caused her to raise a brow. What was that? "I will...Thank you."

He replaced his helmet. She took the cue and started walking again towards the Twin Canyons. Already the maze that they created could be seen. "I don't have access, I'm afraid. The tunnels are sealed. At least from the Palace. If it weren't for [member="Mythos"] they'd be open. But there are plenty of other access points. [member="Einon"] would know, if you can find him. But yes, the generators did their jobs well. Commenor would be better off if we had more."

 

[Abigail Meredydd]

Abigail showed Marina her empty hands. "I'm not doing anything, don't be foolish, I'm just checking", she whispered back. She made sure to carefully divide her attention between the clothing and the troopers at the front of the store, to make sure she wouldn't look suspicious in any way.

Luckily for them, the troopers were surprisingly easily convinced that Marina and Abby weren't people to be interested in. Which, actually, wasn't as surprising as Abigail initially thought, because if the troopers had to be suspicious about every person they saw, they'd be busy for the next couple of centuries.

And then the next surprise came along. The shopkeeper seemed to know Marina... how odd.

"Oh, no, not really", Abigail honestly admitted. She figured she could trust the woman, but not entirely. The details of their reasons to be here were best unknown to this woman, and anyone who wish not to be involved.

"We met on our way here, to be honest. She's quite an alright girl, pretty funny, although a bit odd. Not the usual stuff", she said, offering a light-hearted chuckle to break the ice. "So how do you know her?", She then asked. "Are you... friends? Acquaintances perhaps?"

Then the woman proceeded to tell Abigail about some kind of event that had taken place a while back. While she now did now how the woman new Marina, Abigail had to admit she had no clue about this 'amber' thing. She Might had to ask Marina about that someday.

"Marina? You almost done yet?", Abigail then asked loud enough for Marina to hear. She wasn't necessarily rushing the blonde, but merely trying to remind them they should keep their momentum going in a way.

[member="Marina DeVoe"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay could hear the smile that [member="Kaine Australis"] gave, even though she couldn't see it. And that gave her confidence in the fact that she had help. The Commenori weren't on their own here.

Thankfully.

"I would like that.
Although I'd have to admit that I don't know what their full defences entail. I haven't visited many Mandalorian worlds as of yet." As of late she had mostly just been invited to weddings, so her stays had been rather short. Her daughter Lori had spent far more time than Kay ever had. So she'd look to her daughter for guidance in the future.

But so far her future looked like it would remain here.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay nodded as she listened. With the Occupiers being so far away from their territory, it'd be quite easy for their resources to be stretched thin. Perhaps that strategy could be of use. Once the right people had the right amount of resources, that is.

"You'd be surprised with the bravery and skill of the Commenori. My special forces and others didn't fight so hard because I had surrendered. Continuing on would be disobeying my orders." She was the Queen, and even though she wasn't military, she held the authority.

She nodded in agreement as [member="Kaine Australis"] commented on the world being beautiful and needing to be protected. "Thank you.
And I agree. Commenor will be a safe haven again. In time. We may suffer some damage, like Munto City, but we'll get there. The Sith took it over when I was a Senator. Then they collapsed and left. The Commenori will have their planet back. You'll see." History often repeated itself. Sometimes that was a bad thing. But in this instance, it left Kay with hope.

 

[Marina DeVoe]

Location: Planet side, undisclosed location
Objective: To aid Commoner's people
Wearing: slumming as a local
Interaction: Abigail Meredydd
Posts: 12



"So long..." She waved to Laura the shopkeeper, before..

Ding-a-ling...
Yes, that see all tell all little shop bell, sounded off their departure.

"Oi...hehe.."
Ok, it was not only kinda quaint in a nostalgic sort of way, but it was also an early warning announcement of anyone entering the store. Maybe it had not been it's original intention, other than announcing the shop of customers, as it now served to alert the shopkeeper of anyone, including the undesirables...the sith occupiers that would enter her establishment. And it had done just that minutes ago, alerting the shop and the two shoppers of troopers. This in a way had given Laura to have enough time to think of something to sat to ward off the trooper's inquiry as to whom the two girls were at the coat racks...shoppers of course! Why would rebel scum come to Commenor to shop?...and for clothes no less...women's clothes.

Laura hadn't disclosed much of anything pertinent when Marina returned from her little business venture to the refresher. But it were no doubt that Laura were supporting whatever resistance existed here on Commenor. The very idea of risking herself by vouching for them two, definitely put her on Marina's trusted list. But trusting someone and sharing what didn't need to be shared was one thing that kept the resistance viable, and nothing by which the sith could collectively round up and eliminate in its entirety.
Cells...
There were more resistive cells than the sith, nor anyone, including the freedom fighters collectively had knowledge off which existed throughout the galaxy that operated with one common goal in mind; to resist and defy the sith. This included all aggressive oppressors and Imperialist in any and all forms. And these resistive cells worked independently against these oppressors, so as not one which were found/discovered would know of all others, and thus not all would be found out and eliminated by the sith and their like.

The small talk that they had shared in the thrift shop with Laura had been in the cover of clandestine...double talk. It were made to direct Marina and the other woman with her to the local community's civic centers... hospitals.. schools... general assemblies. Or more to the point, the re-education reform curriculum the sith were indoctrinating into the local communities, via those avenues with their lies of re-education.
Laura, speaking with a forked tongue made like she were praising the new reforms. But subliminally she were suggesting they see for themselves how systematically the sith efforts in their propaganda were targeting Commenors. Yet, if there were prying ears about, it sounded like Laura was boasting as to how wonderful the new overlords were bringing their former corrupt Democratic system in line with the sith's newer more progressive way of thinking and policies.

Marina and Abby understood the undertones and what Laura had suggested that they see for themselves. And at the same time, Laura (the shopkeeper) gave them clue as to how to act, speak, and move among this dark blight which were currently at work on her beloved Commenor.
It didn't take much effort to have Marina pick up on what Laura was trying to convey to her. She and Abby were being told to move about in a manner that would make them seem inconspicuous and seemingly act like many Commenors who made like they were complying with the sith overlords. In many ways, most of the galaxy had learned much from the sith and that was how to defy them by playing their own game.

"So... would love to see how well our new friends are doing in making our world a much more better place to live in." Marina said with a cheery smile as the two walked to the corner of the street.
The one or two pedestrians they passed, along with a man who seemingly was just 'hanging' under a lamppost, were for the most part within eavesdrop range.
The sith it seemed were not the only one to be able double talk or be deceptive about their motives and reasons for being here. Sure, maybe the sith informants or even some and all key sith overlords would snicker under their breaths at what Marina, Abby and much of all Commenor folk were pulling; but what in reality were the sith really expecting? That folk would readily open their minds and hearts to them? HA!

Weren't the sith subjugating all their newly conquered systems with fear, and not compassion? The sith knew no other way to rule anything or anyone but with the iron fists of fear. So what else would oppressed fearful folk say and act like, if they were afraid to really speak their minds? They would all pretend to accept the sith. That is what they would do.
It were the natural order of survival, really, to pretend and act the part of acceptance. The sith were not at all interested in winning their hearts and mind really. They were looking for their compliance, and that were through physical evidence. They could not control the hearts and mind of anyone. Something by which the sith knew to exist, but had always failed to really conquer as a whole. It were why that they would always fail in holding any free system for long. The more they tried tightening their grip on the spirit of free folk, the more they lost their hold.
As much as many siths who would laugh at the folk who praised them because of fear; so were many like Laura the shopkeeper, Marina and Abby who laughed at the sith for their lack of concrete vision that they could never completely conquer the spirit of freedom... no matter how many systems they were currently conquering.

"What say we head to an educational institute?..." Marina continued as they looked to cross the street.

"I'm sure it'll be quite interesting in learning how we can improve our standard of living, now that we have proper guidance from our new superiors..." Yes, she was talking it up, like two chattering young women who had little thoughts of their own, if any at all.


It were Marina's cue to Abby to ask where she would first like to go and bear witness too? From there they could then possibly see their avenue as what they could do to help Commenors from this blight that had infested this world in the form of sith.




[member="Abigail Meredydd"]

 

[Abigail Meredydd]

Abigail anxiously looked around as Marina spoke in a way which only could be described as extremely suspicious. Yes, of course, if they were to engage in a conversation with either Sith or an agent of theirs, then they would have to pretend they supported the new regime. But even then both the Sith and the girls would know it was nothing more but a facade. It was just a form of communication. If you pretended to be okay with it, you were more or less fine. The Sith weren't stupid, and aware that just by taking a planet by force they wouldn't get the true support of its people, no doubt.

So before Marina could speak more, Abigail softly yet clearly elbowed her before whispering to her.

"While I'm sure that woman meant the best for us, let me tell you this: keep talking loudly like that and you'll be questioned within the next few minutes. The Sith aren't dumb, Marina. They know we don't want them here, so if you go around preaching them, they'll only grow suspicious of you. Only speak positive about them when they can either hear it or are conversing with you.. they'll still know you're faking it, but then they'll let you be. Most likely."


"As for directions..," Abigail muttered," I would prefer to... take in the scenery. How well they've fortified this place, and where the mother of a little friend of mine is. I have no intention of trying to get to her now, as I do not know her and it would be a futile attempt, but knowing every bit of detail could help us in the future." Marina would possibly know who Abby meant, and maybe she wouldn't. Ir didn't matter that much, and Abigail wasn't risking to say the name here.

As Abigail kept scanning their environment, she found the streets to be an strange place to be right now. There were people, but... the atmosphere was tense.

"Well, to take in the scenery, we have to move, so why not go to an educational institution like you suggested. I believe the closest one, according to those signs... is this way", she said before turning left.

There was a lot to see, and even more to learn. But if there was one thing that had become clear to Abigail, it was that Commenor was further gone than she had expected. If this planet was ever to be freed again, it would require a lot of work. And a lot of people.

[member="Marina DeVoe"]