Private The Globe of Peace

[Markus Kortu]

Location: Theed Royal Palace

Equipment: Custom Made Jedi Outfit, Markus' Lightsaber


"My word Markus are you sure about this?"

Markus was flabbergasted at what one of Inara's many handmaidens had said to him as soon as he arrived. How could she even question Markus? She wasn't the Queen! In any case, Markus would give her a mild verbal lashing. He was in a good mood and didn't want to have the Queen's first impression of Markus to be drab even though the Handmaiden started it. "Of course, I'm sure! What in blazes are you blubbering about?! I assure you that this is merely a weekend excursion! I charted the course, made deals with the sav- I mean the natives of the forest and It is as safe as it can be."

The wanderlust has affected Markus again, after spending time trying with the Silvers in their quest in keeping the peace despite that they've severely downsized in the aftermath of the Hyperspace War. It was okay though Markus was thinking of leaving the Slivers in favor of the New Jedi Order. He grew tired of living on Kashykk and rubbing elbows with those walking carpets known as Wookies. A gentlemen would do better than to continue his quest for knowledge in that place. Which was why he was happy to be back in Naboo his home and one of the few bastions of civilization in the Galaxy. The moment, Markus' feet touched the ground, sanity was restored to his fatigued psyche.

"But Markus," The Handmaiden said. "The outside is dangerous for her lady even if you claim it's safe, there's always that chance-"

Markus held up his hand to her. "Are you the brilliant Jedi archeologist?" He asked. "I thought not, I've spared no expense preparing this trip to recover an important piece of history. It's a fun way for the Queen to go on an adventure that she always wanted as a child. She even expressed interest when I offered her a chance to come with me."

"Y-you made contact with the Queen?!" The Handmaiden said shocked.

"I am a Kortu," Markus said walking towards the throne. "We have served the crown for nearly a millennia after the Galactic Civil War, of course I have the Queen on speed dial."

The Handmaiden threw her hands up in the air clearly fed up Markus' arrogance. "What are you even looking for?" She asked.

"A item that will symbolize her place as the Queen." Markus said. "An Item that was made to symbolize the peace between the Gungans and Naboo people after the battle of Theed. The Globe of Peace."

Kalantha

 

[Kalantha]

Naboo
Theed Royal Palace

"My choice in allies has kept me alive on more than one occasion."
- Padmé Amidala

Inara had made the mistake before of assuming that ‘Jedi archaeologists’ only searched for Jedi artifacts. She was once again surprised that one of the Order’s members was in search of not only a mundane object otherwise irrelevant to the Force, but one of such specificity for her people: the Globe of Peace.

The Globe was a powerful symbol for the Naboo, a physical expression of the new era of peace and cooperation between them and the native Gungans over 1,000 years ago. It was a true treasure to behold, and with both domestic and galactic tensions on the rise following the Cataclysm and the Mandalorian Reclamation War, relocating the Globe would go a long way.

It may not be food, troops, or supplies, but if it could reunite the Naboo and Gungans as they once had been before, then Inara would risk nearly anything to find it.

“Serantha,” the Queen said loudly as she entered the room from the far side. Her sharp eyes were fixed on the handmaiden.

“I thank you for your caution. It’s much appreciated, but Markus speaks true. We’re departing this afternoon for the wetlands.”

She smiled now, hoping to warm Serantha’s disposition.

“He has a lead on the Globe of Peace, and I intend to find it. Think of what this could mean for our alliance with the Gungans!”

The Queen needn’t explain further. Under the rule of Boss Nass, the Gungan army helped keep the Separatists at bay, buying the Naboo enough time to ensure their world’s freedom. The counsel and aid of the Gungans now, with so much at stake, would be invaluable.

Inara looked to Markus now, eying him with authority.

“The security forces will guide us to the edge of the wetlands,” she informed him. It was a precaution she had to take, and nothing meant negatively towards the Jedi.

“From there on, a pair of guards will accompany us. They’re not experts on the matter at hand, but they’ll help protect us if things go awry.”

She didn’t expect the Gungans to attack unprovoked, nor was there an abundance of dangerous fauna in the region. But you could never be too careful.

Inara stepped near Serantha and a second handmaiden who’d joined them in the chamber, allowing them to fasten a holster to her hip. Serantha brandished a small blaster pistol, offering it to the Queen. Inara took it, nodding her thanks as she slid it onto her side. It completed her roguish look for the mission.

“I’m ready when you are,” she told Markus.

- Markus Kortu -

 

[Markus Kortu]

Location: Theed Royal Palace

Equipment: Custom Made Jedi Outfit, Markus' Lightsaber

Markus felt sorely tempted to tell this Serantha that he told her so, she sounded like a person who thinks she knows better than her superiors. Many people in the galaxy today overestimates their intelligence. Besides, the Handmaiden has already suffered being socially humiliated by the Queen. Markus stepped nearly bumping Serantha in the process and knelt down before Kalantha. "I am your most humble servant," Markus said. "The Kortus have served crown loyally for nearly a thousand years despite the fact that we are of Alderaanian blood. But we know where we come from and we intend to serve Naboo for another thousand years."

Markus fancied himself more of a leader than a servant. He never understood why Jedi were so...... hands off when it came to politics. Which was why he was thankful that Auteme took the opportunity to become Supreme Chancellor. Jedi with their abilities in the Force should always have a say poltics. They're the ones who are doing the fighting after all, Markus loathed fighting but sometimes even a gentleman must roll up their sleeves and take down some miscreants. "Of course it will..... benefit the alliance between the Gungans and the people of Naboo. But more importantly, It will solidify your rule as Queen." Markus said when Kalantha mentioned how it'll benefit Naboo. "We are at war...... again this time against those Mandalorian savages."

Mandalorians were always nothing more than beasts barely above Sith. All they care about is killing people to appease their own ego, it'll be a mercy to wipe them out, all of them. "With the Alliance having their hands full," Markus continued getting up. "And the fact that negotiations have yet to transpire, Naboo is vulnerable. The Sith are consolidating their power in the Outer Rim, rumors of a New Imperial Empire comprised of warlords from other Empires forming in the Tion Cluster. Naboo needs strength! The Globe will rally all noble houses to you my Queen."

He turned to Kalantha. "I don't mind having you being escorted, I understand." Markus said. "But we are wasting time! Adventure awaits!"

Kalantha

 

[Kalantha]

Naboo
Theed Royal Palace

"My choice in allies has kept me alive on more than one occasion."
- Padmé Amidala

The Queen acknowledged Markus’ haste, though she ruminated on his words. Had she silently slipped from Naboo’s favor?

Her rule was still in its infancy compared to her predecessor, who’s terms extended for an abnormal length of time, but Inara - Kalantha, to the people - had gone to great lengths for Naboo’s wellbeing already. Standing with grace, unburdened by the shadow of the CIS, was a bold move unmade by those before her. Inara had sought aid and counsel from the Alliance, welcomed Jedi into the court…

If insularity was what they wanted, then she supposed they were justifiably discontent; Queen Kalantha would not allow Naboo to hunker in a shell, awaiting the Sith or Mandalorians.

“Markus?” the girl-queen asked, keeping with his brisk pace as they neared the security checkpoint.

“I’m curious to know what led you to Naboo, and the Globe of Peace?”

- Markus Kortu -

 

[Markus Kortu]

Location: Theed Royal Palace

Equipment: Custom Made Jedi Outfit, Markus' Lightsaber

Markus was aware of the Queen's determination to fight back against possible invaders. It was the fire that Naboo desperately needed ever since the cataclysm. It was a shame that the Silvers disbanded just before the tragic event happened, at least Naboo survived the whole ordeal but not without massive casualties. His family spent billions in helping the Naboo people rebuild and many others chipped in of course, but now that the planet was fully recovered, they needed their Queen to be strong and politically astute now more than ever.

He can't imagine how much pressure it must be on a girl. Markus would have no problem ruling if HE was the King of Naboo, when he was Kalantha's age, he was already heavily involved in developing the Basic dictionary and was writing his 2nd dissertation. As they exited the palace, Markus walked with a perfect gait: Erect spine, head up, his face bristling with a mixture excitement and smugness. "Curiosity my lady," Markus replied airily. "We live in a Galaxy where people are so complacent with their lot in life. All they do is sit on their rear ends and stare at a Holocomputer."

Markus shuddered when he said that. "There's no passion, no desire to get out and explore!" He said. "Naboo is billions of years old and there are still more things to discover! No one bothered to ask about what happened to priceless artifacts like the Globe! Have you wondered that my lady? Because questions like that plague me at night!"

People were fools wasting their lives over petty stuff while Markus is out there answering the real questions in life. "The biggest problem in our Galaxy is that we feel that we've answered all the questions yet one planet contains an infinite amount of mysteries." Markus said as they approached the security checkpoint. "Right then," he said. "Go to your security and we'll be off!"

Kalantha

 

[Kalantha]

Naboo
Theed Royal Palace

"My choice in allies has kept me alive on more than one occasion."
- Padmé Amidala

She pursed her lips, contemplating Markus’ sentiment. It was certainly true that Naboo’s academic circles had lapsed from their prime, but certainly their complacency in archaeology could be excused by their humanitarian efforts elsewhere. The Cataclysm had only been three years ago; There was much work to do then, and much work remains to be done to restore Theed and the rest of Naboo to its former self.

Scars will remain, but the wound must be healed.

On his last comment, though, Inara felt a bit stunned. The Naboo hadn’t thought to search for the Globe, yes - but then again, it wasn’t really theirs to search for, either. The artifact was a gift to the Gungans. Inara felt it was their responsibility to maintain it, and by extension, to relocate it should the Globe be lost. She wondered if he knew that she wished to return it to the Gungan boss if they were successful.

What would he say?

“Your passion for archaeology is admirable, Markus,” the Queen noted as she approached the checkpoint.

The security chief passed her through a biometric scanner, taking her vitals and discretely confirming that she was, in fact, Inara Berenko and not one of the handmaidens. These sort of expeditions would typically warrant the deployment of a decoy in the field, but considering the special interests of Queen Kalantha, her decoy sat the throne today instead of traveling outside of Theed.

Her thoughts turned to Melantha then, imagining the royal gown and heavy makeup she would be donning. A faint smile formed on the corner of her lips. Mel was one of her closest friends, much more than a handmaiden. Inara was deeply grateful for her.

“You’re cleared for exiting the city, my lady,” the guard say with a respectful nod. Inara returned his sentiment, then turned to Markus.

“We’ll have a pair of guards with us, as I mentioned, but the full force will remain in Theed.”

She glanced over her gear one last time, then stepped to the landspeeder prepared for them. The Queen wasn’t nearly the royal girl she appeared, however; She climbed right into the pilot’s seat and adjusted the controls to her smaller size.

“Don’t worry,” she said with a smirk.

“I know the way to the Lake Country.”

- Markus Kortu -

 

[Markus Kortu]

Location: Theed Royal Palace

Equipment: Custom Made Jedi Outfit, Markus' Lightsaber

Markus gave a hearty laugh when Kalantha mentioned the full force will remain in Theed. "I know the people around here are worried about your safety your grace!" Markus said. "But I assure you that you don't need an army to an excavation site!"

Naboo has to be the safest place despite the cataclysm's devastating affects, one thing Markus appreciated about Naboo was their spirit to endure a tragic event which saw the death of a beloved plus millions of people. Though according to rumors, they were starting to doubt the Queen's mettle and some are even finding her to be a puppet for who they can control. The Jedi Knight smiled seeing Kalantha climbing onto the speeder.

"Lead the way my Queen," Markus said sitting next to Kalantha, she had a strong spirit that's for sure. The perfect Queen but still a girl with little and less experience of the Galaxy and its conflicts. "What is the state of Naboo my lady?" Markus asked smiling at Kalantha.

Kalantha

 

[Kalantha]

Naboo
Theed Royal Palace

"My choice in allies has kept me alive on more than one occasion."
- Padmé Amidala

“Things have been… strained,” she admitted carefully.

“The people seem to be faring well. The ministers and I have worked closely with the governor, and I believe many of the policy changes we’ve made have been received well. They’re just afraid.”

And with good reason.

The Sith Empire expands to the south while the Mandalorian Enclave wages war in the east, and neither the Trade League nor the Alliance have made good on their promises of support. Kalantha even pledged Naboo’s medical fleet and space for refugees to Alicio Organa, but little had been done about the matter since their last meeting some months ago.

It was becoming clearer by the day that Naboo would stand alone against two fronts.

She sighed, bringing the speeder past the last of Theed’s stone arches and into the countryside beyond the city’s edge. Her eyes were fixed on the open lands ahead, but her mind was swimming.

Her last ditch effort was to invite the Alliance’s senators and the League’s councilors to a diplomatic conference, which would perfectly align with the upcoming Festival of Light celebration. But if Naboo fell to the wayside again, on such an ancient celebration of brotherhood, then she’d have her answer.

Inara looked to Markus with a shade of embarrassment, remembering she wasn’t alone.

“Forgive me, Markus,” she said sheepishly.

“Naboo is doing well, but I fear for our future if we cannot secure an alliance soon.”

- Markus Kortu -

 

[Markus Kortu]

Location: Theed Royal Palace

Equipment: Custom Made Jedi Outfit, Markus' Lightsaber

"It is true that people make hasty decisions out of fear but be wary of the people who will use that fear and will try to plunge the political turmoil in their favor," Markus said while he smiled at Kalantha blushing. "What is on your mind my lady?" Markus chuckled. "You're not used to travelling with people who aren't your handmaidens, security force, or your political ally? It is heavy of one who bares the crown I'm afraid."

Markus would gladly be the King as he was the few who recognize the power it wields and the responsibility that comes with it. Not that Kalantha was competent but rather young and inexperienced. "There are daggers ready to strike at you my lady," Markus stated. "Especially in the never-ending game of thrones. I know that you're aware of it but I must continue to emphasize that people will assume that you are a young girl whose mind is easily malleable."

What better way to gain power and influence than the current war between the Mandalorians and the Galactic Alliance. Markus already suspected three noble houses plotting to gain the trust of the Queen so they can manipulate her. Markus had paid servants to be his eyes and ears and already what they were informing was distressing. "You might have noble houses who are plotting against you." Markus said. "Especially if you fail to secure an alliance."

Kalantha

 

[Kalantha]

Naboo
Theed Royal Palace

"My choice in allies has kept me alive on more than one occasion."
- Padmé Amidala

Inara frowned. It was easy to forget how fickle the hearts of her constituents could be, but that seemed an ever prevalent cycle. They frequently disregarded the fact that Naboo’s monarchy is democratically elected - she was chosen for this, by them.

Markus’ words buzzed in her head while she piloted their speeder deeper into Lake Country.

It wasn’t surprising that the other houses were beginning to doubt her, circling around her like wolves. She was halfway through her first term as queen, and soon, election season would be upon her. Securing this defense pact with the Alliance was a major component of her continuance as the ruler of Naboo.

Her backup plan had been the Gungans, whom she’d gone to great lengths for in the socioeconomic arena. Guaranteeing them citizenship status on Naboo, safeguarding their customs and traditions, even granting those who resides in Naboo’s cities the right to vote… she banked on her works earning their favor and tipping the scales.

“The Globe is the key,” she said, seemingly out of nowhere.

“If we can find that, it will prove that I’m the leader my people need me to be. And if it’s returned to the Gungans, they’ll support me as their Queen.”

- Markus Kortu -

 

[Markus Kortu]

"That's EXACTLY what I was thinking!" Markus said smiling at the Queen. "You're not as naive as I thought Kalantha perhaps you can survive the vicious game known as Naboo poltics."

If Courscanti politics was a full course meal, then Naboo politics was the appetizer. It was a taste of what's to come and in many ways, the Naboo politics can be just as devious as the Senate debates on Coruscant. Everyone was trying to get their family to be on the top and will have no problem manipulating a girl who just lost her father. "The Globe will be symbolic," Markus said. "Though I personally despise symbolic gestures as they are an utterly lazy attempt to feign progress, Naboo is a planet that thrives of symbolism. What better way than to recover Globe that united the sava- I mean the Gungans and the people?"

It would also put Markus in the Queen's good graces as well.

"We're halfway there my Queen," Markus said. "It's straight into that forest in the north."

Kalantha

 

[Kalantha]

Naboo
Theed Royal Palace

"My choice in allies has kept me alive on more than one occasion."
- Padmé Amidala

The queen blinked when she caught just the first breath of what sounded like distaste for the Gungans, but she didn’t go down that line of questioning just yet. Undoubtedly, Markus has his own quiet motivations in court of Naboo, but she was sharp enough to know where to draw the line.

Her father was insightful beyond measure, easily able to paint a picture of those he met from their first introductions alone. Inara had a similar skill ~ as Markus said, she was not a naïve young girl. She’d fair well with or without the Globe. But as anyone with a mind for strategy, Inara knew the benefits of recovering the artifact outweighed the risks. The royal guards would keep her safe in a physical sense, and her trusted handmaidens were their to guard her mind from being swayed.

"We're halfway there my Queen," Markus said. "It's straight into that forest in the north."

“Unlucky,” the Queen remarked. “This block is Gungan land. It’s sacred, ancient… we must be careful not to offend them here.”

She knew Markus had the social skills to navigate a tricky conversation, but worried he may not ‘stoop’ to the Gungans if they are difficult. She said as much with her eyes as she looked over to the nobleman.

“We cannot risk hostilities.”

- Markus Kortu -

 

[Markus Kortu]

Equipment: Custom Made Jedi Outfit, Markus' Lightsaber

Kalantha was more tolerant to Gungans than Markus will ever be. The only thing that Markus didn't like were the Gungans they were primitives who hid underwater and talked in a manner that sounded like a five-year-old trying to talk in full sentences for the first time. They were a stain on what was otherwise a stainless bastion of culture and grace on Naboo. "I've made the arrangements my Queen," Markus said as he saw two Gungan warriors ahead of the forest spears in hand..... how outdated these people were. "The Gungans know of our arrival and the Boss Nass wants to throw a feast for you. To celebrate they union between the Gungans and people of Naboo."

Even though the Boss Nass allowed safe passage, he didn't seem to understand the guest that he was allowing through. It took Markus hours of negotiations plus a stern reminder of the debt he owes to the Kortus for Boss Nass to start the festivities for the Queen. "Yousa there!" One of the Gungans said. "You've come with your chest out Jedi? After what you've pulled threatening the Boss Nass."

"I merely reminded your leader of his place," Markus said. "I don't make threats my friend, my family has made generous contributions to your..... people. I'm merely refreshing his mind because he clearly forgotten about that mere fact."

The Gungan took a deep breath before staring at Kalantha. "Queen Kalantha," he said his voice calmer. "Forgive me, your Jedi friend has been....."

"Doing aggressive negotiations my lady," Markus interrupted. "You can't imagine how much time and effort I've put into excavating the site. We will first feast and then we can discuss more about the Globe."

Kalantha

 

[Kalantha]

Naboo
Theed Royal Palace

"My choice in allies has kept me alive on more than one occasion."
- Padmé Amidala

“Aggressive negotiations?” she echoed. The Queen truthfully had no idea what was said between the Boss and her Jedi envoy, but she was prepared to smooth things over if tensions still lingered.

For now, she would have to hope that relations weren’t completely damaged by whatever ‘threats’ the guards were talking about. Inara bowed her head, trying to match her elegant gestures with the field clothes she’d chosen for the trek.

“The Naboo are deeply grateful for your hospitality,” the Queen said. “Our peoples have known peace for a long time, and we wish to maintain that peace for years to come.”

Her words seemed to quell the unrest, if only for now. The Gungans allowed them to pass, and she gave another bow as they entered the forest. Inara looked to Markus with seriousness.

“I appreciate the strings you pulled to find the Globe, but I trust you didn’t sacrifice our good graces to do so.”

- Markus Kortu -

 

[Markus Kortu]

Equipment: Custom Made Jedi Outfit, Markus' Lightsaber

The Gungan gave another bow when the Queen attempted to soothe the tense air around Markus and the envoy. "Of course my Queen," he said. "The Boss Nass has prepared a grand feast for you and your Jedi protector."

"Spared no expense," Markus added much to the Gungan Guard's annoyance.

"We are making the final preparations now." The Gungan continued though his words were a bit more venomous due to Markus' presence. The Gungan spoke to his companion speaking in his native tongue. Markus frowned wondering what they're saying in the primitive language. "Better not insult her," Markus muttered. "Otherwise, your people will be a footnote in the history books." The Gungan rider whistled and two Falumasets emerged from the woods. "Please get on them," The Gungan said climbing on his "steed." "This way my lady."

"Grand," Markus guffawed these repugnant animals are going to mess with his immaculate robes. It'll probably take months to clean the stink off. "I assure you it'll be a great feast my lady," Markus said climbing up. "We'll eat, drink, and be on our way to a grand adventure. Hopefully away from these..... natives."

Kalantha