Maiden Voyage of The Black Rose

[TheTrodaire]

Ara nodded and looked around as she left, drinking his whiskey as he thouht of Astrid, a noble Grand Moff, and himself, a gruff bounty hunter."Hmm, I didn't think it would turn out this way."He said,getting into silk pajamas with a lace trim as he lay on the bed.

 

[Tristan16]

It was some ridiculous hour at night and Astrid had finally finished the mountains of various paperwork she had had to fill out. There were militay operations to conduct, events to attend, people to see, MORE paperwork to fill out, among loads of other tasks required of her. A great deal of energy was needed to be even slightly successfull in as high a position as her and she was ready to give her all.

She decided that she had had enough for the night and desperately needed at least a few hours sleep to prepare herself for the morning day of business to come. The TIE defenders would be arriving first thing and she would let Ara oversee that, she needed to notify all the pilots to make an appearance for a test flight, send out the invites to the officials containing the information about the task at hand and get into contact with her spy that would be boarding the Alliance craft. Yes, it would be an extremely busy day but Astrid took releif in the fact that Ara would make it somwhat easier so she didnt hav to be in as many places at once. He was a good friend and Astrid though it only fair that he had a chance to live the life he had so far been depraved of.

She slipped into silk gown and climbed into her enormous bed, falling asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.


Morning came in the form of a knock at the door

Astrid wearily opened her eyes and managed a grumbled "What?"

"Miss Zendu, a call came through from the Spaceport and your delivery will be arriving within the hour" it was one of her servants

"Very well, please wake Ara, give him his suit, and tell him to meet me in the dining room for breakfast" she responsded clambering out of bed "And then prepare breakfast"

"Of course Miss Zendu" and the servant left

Astrid walked into her dressing room and looked around for something to wear "Ah, this will do nicely" she exclaimed pulling a set of extravagant robes down from their hangar "I dont think i've worn this yet, well I guess thats what happens when money isnt an object" she laughed

She dressed and glided down the flights of stairs and into the dining room where she took her seat and began sipping her tea waiting for Ara and breakfast.

 

[TheTrodaire]

Ara lays on the edge of the bed,the whiskey bottle on the floor,nothing in it.(4 minutes later....)A knock came to his door as he put the whiskey bottle into a trashbin, when a knock came to the door, to which Ara's head poppped up."Yeah?"He said as the servant answered with a pleasant, low voice."Yes breakfast is ready and Miss Zendu would like to speak with you,here is the suit you ordered as well."He said,as Ara gets up and smiles at the servant, as he closes the door, and puts on his morning suit.


(Moments later......)Ara walks downstairs in his Morning suit, complete with his crystal medallion, his family heirloom, and sits in a plush chair at the table."Mornin' Astrid, what do we have to do today?"He said, as he stuck a piece of meat into his mouth,then swallows and begans to speak."Wait, we have the pilots coming in and the TIE Defenders being shipped to the spaceport right?

 

[Kassa]

((Taking control of a random servant if you don't mind. :)))

Crossing her arms, Lady Grethallion floated over the ground in her repulsorlift as she floated around the cabin. While the ship she was in was most definitely not a luxury space-yacht, the Nightsister Grand Moff was quite certain that it was equipped to get her to where she needed to be.

Lady Grethallion had decided to pay a visit to Lady Astrid of the Bastion system. Both being in politics, each had a thing about hating Jedi. Especially because of the near-destruction of her Clan caused by Luke Skywalker a thousand years ago.

While many wouldn't hold a grudge over ancestors, a politician was bound to dig up things from the past. The rage began to build slightly in her. That, and the repulsorlift's "slow" movement irritated her beyond belief. They had to get to the command deck.

A few moments later, she arrived at the command center. Engineers ran around frantically as they piloted the ship and slowed it down as they approached the yacht and trade ship. An Engineer rushed to prepare the holotransmission.

Slowly, Grethallion stepped off her repulsorlift and made her way towards the transmission center with her cane. Tapping a button, the transmission appeared on Lady Astrid's ship.

An elderly, pupil-less woman with a bruised face appeared on the other end. A servant seemed to get it's attention caught by Lady Grethallion's presence.

"L-Lady Grethallion..." he murmured. "We weren't expecting you until dinner, along with the other guests,"

"I request to board now," her ancient voice croaked. "I have things to attend to later. I find that the sooner we begin this conversation she wanted, the better. As politicians, we have much to discuss as well. Alert her of my arrival,"

The servant gasped lightly, bowed in respect, and scurried off to find the woman.

 

[Tristan16]

(OOC: welcome to the RP Kassa)

Astrid sat the table with Ara elegantly nibbling her breakfast

"Good morning Ara I trust you had a good sleep as for today you would be correct. The defenders will arrive within the hour and I have had HoloMessages sent to the Pilots who will be there shortly after. If you would do the honours I would like you to oversee their safe arrival and loading into The Black Rose please. Also if you wouldnt mind observing the pilots do their test runs to ensure they are capable than that would also be appreciated. I have also had messages sent to some of my political freinds who share the same view of the Jedi and wanted a show so they should start arriving some time this evening to pick their rooms. what else?... ah yes I almost forgot i'll have your papers sent off as soon as we finish here, declaring you as my right hand and advisor so that will take care of that. I also have to contact my spy at some stage and get all the details of our targeted flight. Then I suppose i'll join you at the Spaceport to greet our guests" she finished her long speech "Now I think im finished here so i'll be in my office if you need me, and you hover limousine should be arriving at any moment to take you to the Spaceport. Take this communicator, it has a direct link to mine if you something arises. That is all Ara"

So Astrid rose from her seat but no sooner did she than her communicator came to life "Miss Zendu" came the voice of a servant aboard The Black Rose "A one Lady Grethallion has arrived and is requesting early board of the ship"

"Ah Lady Grethallion, she always was one for getting things over and done with. Well I suppose I will be accompanying you to the Spaceport then Ara. Come, let us go Lady Grethallion is not a woman of patience. Inform Lady Grethallion that I will be arriving very shortly to collect her" she spoke the last sentence to the servant through the communicator and together with Ara they boarded the Hover Limo and sped to the Spaceport.

The Spaceport was a mass of hustle and bustle but Astrid managed to seek out the cargo ship that had just arrived carrying her TIE defenders

"Well thats your queue Ara, see to it that not a scratch is made on them, thank you. As for me I shall head over The Black Rose and await our guest"

So Astrid and Ara parted and Astrid headed to her ship and spoke to the servant awaiting her "Inform Lady Grethallion of my arrival and escort her here to me"

"As you wish Miss Zendu" and the servant scurried off

Astrid now stood waiting and observing the magnificent beauty of her ship

 

[TheTrodaire]

Ara nodded as he walked up to the dock workers,and stood as they put Defender after Defender into the Black Rose, and inspected each one carefully, making sure none had any visual or mechanical problems to fix.(45 minutes later....)"Alright boys, go and enjoy your small chat."He said casually,as he went to The Corellian Saint to change into his casual clothes and pick up his Nightstinger sniper rifle."Astrid, the Defenders are all loaded up and ready to go, no malfunctions or dent, dings, or scratches."He said as he looked at the ship.


(About an hour later.....)Ara still sat within the ship as the pilots individually stepped down from he ship that carried them,and flew off."Good morning, ladies, I'll be your......Trainer."He said lowly as they each began getting into the TIE Defenders and powering them to life.They all began the test drives as Ara flew beside them in The Corellian Saint,watching the Defenders fly and shoot at a few asteroids.

 

[Kassa]

Lady Grethallion and her bodyguard, who was undoubtedly a skilled Nightsister, began walking out to greet the servant sent to pick her up. The Nightsister and Grethallion slowly lifted themselves using their telekinesis, and floated over to it.

"You're the servant?" she croaked, her pupil-less eyes peering at him.

After a small conversation, the two Nightsisters followed their escort to Astrid.

"Ah... Lady Astrid," Grethallion croaked again, her blank eyes looking towards the middle-aged woman.

"Let us talk once we get inside. According to you, we have much to discuss,"

 

[Tristan16]

Astrid stood waiting at the entrance to The Black Rose when Aras voice came over the communicator

"Astrid, the Defenders are all loaded up and ready to go, no malfunctions or dent, dings, or scratches"

"Thank you Ara. Please report to me on your obersvations of their flight skill when your finished" was Astrids response

No sooner had Astrid ended the conversation than she saw the approach of one of her servants accompanied by Lady Grethallion and another Nightsister.

"Ah... Lady Astrid," croaked Lady Grethallion

"Let us talk once we get inside. According to you, we have much to discuss,"

"Lady Grethallion, so nice of you to join me. Yes do let us continue this inside, follow me" Astrid replied

Astrid led the small group into her ship

"Isnt she just beutiful" Astrid mused "Of course she cost an arm and a leg but when you get to where we are Credits seem to grow on trees, am I right" she giggled to her guest "Ah, we have arrived at the bar. You'll find we stock anything imaginable so im sure theres something to your taste. So let us discuss my plans over a drink shall we? what can I get you?"

 

[TheTrodaire]

Ara flew with the squad of pilots, eventually taking down in the spaceport and speaking into his comm."Astrid, pilots and defenders are good, i'm coming to the bar in the ship."Said Ara as he walked out of his ship and to the bar in the ship, eventually getting their and rummaging through a shelf and pulling out a bottle of Whyren's Reserve."So ladies, we have some discussions we need to speak about?"He said as he took a drink of the whiskey.

 

[Kassa]

Lady Grethallion looked at the woman. Astrid wasn't young, but she wasn't old either. By her perspective, Astrid was a skilled politician, but whether this talk of money was ignorance or arrogance, Grethallion couldn't tell.

"You speak of money, yet you make no move to assist impoverished planets. Five-hundred thousand credits could of purchased a lot of food for a world. While I'm in my own unique circumstance with my Nightsister-hood and hatred towards normal Dathomiri witches, I do watch over my planet and the other planets in your system and I must keep it well for the good of the whole. You have an obligation to Bastion, as well as the other planets. I advise keeping a cache of cash to help save your planets from economical and ecological disasters. Flaunting wealth can only get you so far. It's what you do with that money that keeps you in the race. And if you keep your stamina up, you can win that race. I'm talking about politics now, of course. I also trust you won't take offense at what is said. I am simply passing on wisdom that I have collected over the years. But of course, the ultimate wealth is the livelihood of the system you rule over. If you can keep a cooperation between the planets, you will receive surplus money, much trade, and a healthy population," she rasped.

"Politics is a dangerous business. You need to be alert at every corner, exploit every loophole, and keep your planet close to the Emperor's right hand. You do not want to be in a situation, such as mine, where you have disobedient warriors and peasants that resist the Emperor's will. You must move a still hand to silence opposition among your planetary system. As of now, that motion is in business. I do hope my brethren remain loyal to the Sith empire. It could be disastrous for everyone if I fail in this mission placed upon me, thanks to the arrogance of one of my worlds."

The elderly woman wrapped her gnarled hands together as she is asked what she wants to drink.

"Tarine Tea for the both of us," Grethallion stresses, casting a look at the relatively young Nightsister accompanying her, who seemed to have a sudden downcast look on her face. "This one is strong. I can feel power radiating from her. However, she is young. She shall not be tainted by alcohol. We both thank you for the tea,"

Grethallion's head turned to see an aid coming in. He looked like a military man, though she wasn't sure of his tactics, or if she even approved them. Lady Grethallion was one who would watch and wait. This aid may proove interesting.

"So, now that I have bestowed my wisdom, what is the reason for this sudden summoning?"

 

[TheTrodaire]

Ara just looked at the woman and her aid, as he drank the whiskey in his hands."Well, she summoned you because we are going to blow up a ship and shoot up a jedi."Said Ara sarcastically as he drank,the whiskey feeling good as it soothed and went down his Vurk neck."No but really, Astrid is throwing a party and every Ewok is invited."Ara said as he smiled in a Vurk way, then sat down on a stool and bought a pack of Sabaac cards.

 

[Tristan16]

Astrid sat listening intently to Lady Grethallions speech. As much as she hated to admit it the woman had a point.

Lady Grethallion requested Tarine Tea for both her and her aide. Astrid had it brought to them promptly before beginning her response.

"I must say Lady Grethallion you do make a very interesting point, you have always been of great wisdom. After hearing your views it has stirred something in me so i've decided that as my next task im going to personally see to it that every impoverished planet in my system is brought to self sefficiency. It will be a great task but such is the responsabilites of those in our positions, it seems I have let wealth get the better of me and lounge about days on end in my estate when I should be out being proactive and promoting that I have the Systems best interests in mind. Thank you Lady Grethallion. As for keeping this planet close to the Emperors right hand, darling its the capital of the Imperial Empire how much closer to his right hand can it become, I jest I course" she giggled

"As for keeping your planets in line, well remember I am an Admiral also so if ever any of them need a personal visit from an Imperial Fleet dont hesitate to ask my dear, theres no shame in help, and we politicians must stick together in times of trouble, although if history's any indicator politicis is a corrupt game indeed, still"

Astrid finished her speech as Lady Grethallion ask about their summoning and Ara walked in to join them

"Well, she summoned you because we are going to blow up a ship and shoot up a jedi."Said Ara sarcastically as he drank,the whiskey feeling good as it soothed and went down his Vurk neck."No but really, Astrid is throwing a party and every Ewok is invited."Ara said as he smiled in a Vurk way, then sat down on a stool and bought a pack of Sabaac cards.

"Ah, Lady Grethallion let me introduce my new advisor Ara since he failed to do so himself. We go back a ways to childhood and he recently agreed to help me on this mission so im giving him a taste of what our lives are like and I do apologise for his outward displays of disrespect. It becomes second nature when your a seasonsed bounty hunter"

"As for you Ara" Atsrid spoke now turning towards her friend "You would be wise to show a little more respect in the company of politicians, perhaps some lessons in political etiquette would set you straight hmm, we are not dealing with fellow bounty hunters here. However I do thank you for completing all the tasks i've given you this morning"

"Lady Grethallion, as blunt and rude as my friend put it, this task is essentially cull some Alliance scum with a Jedi on the side and sharing similar views I have asked some other officials to join us and we'll make a little get together out of it. A break from the lives we lead is deserved every now and again, dont you think" Astrid mused "But thats the jist of it. I'll explain more over dinner tonight with the others. Now is there anything else I can do for you? else you may go and unpack and come to my estate for dinner later this evening"

 

[Kassa]

Lady Grethallion nodded at Astrid. Looking over your system was of the top priority. You didn't want the Alliance to get a foothold with any rebels, else it may turn catastrophic. Dathomir's main export was slaves, so there were literally sapient breeding partners, such as Twileks and other desired slaves of their caliber stationed there. Slave planets could always be replaced... The Nightsisters had much work to do.

"While the Emperor may be stationed on Bastion, I do believe you'll find that living on a planet and having someone on your right hand are two separate things. I find Bastion more up the Emperor's sleeve than anything else," the elderly woman chuckled.

She turned to the arrogant bounty hunter. "Your Lady here is right. I have a nasty habit for making people disappear. And crushing their insides," she chuckled.

"I kid, mostly," Lady Grethallion dipped her head in respect after finishing off her tea. "Come, Nightsister. We will see to it that our things are unpacked," Nodding at her guard, the two disappeared towards their quarters.

 

[TheTrodaire]

Ara listened to both Astrid and Lady Grethallion's speeches, and drinks his whiskey as he chuckled at the women, as he walked to the other side of the bar,looking at his custom made Corellian Powersuit helmet."I understand the politeness, but i'm not for the whole 'Manners' thing, I mean, I kill for a living.Its not like I'm a noble from Naboo or Corellia or where anywhere else."He said with a more serious tone, but still sarcastic.Ara then walked to the outside of the bar, and took out a cyndrilical bottle with six holes at the top, and pressed a button, making a cigarro pop out of one of the holes, and lights it.

 

[Tristan16]

Astrid politely laughed at Lady Grethallions joke but knew all to well that when she said "mostly" she meant it.

Astrid watched the pair leave for their quarters before turning to Ara.

"Come Ara, let us retire to my Estate we have more preperations to tend to"

As they sped towards Astrids estate she pleaded with Ara

"All I ask is that you be on your best bahviour, and stay by my side, who knows what trouble you could yourself into in a room full of corrupt politicians, I joke of course..for the most part anyways. Ah good we've arrived, i'll let you use the time before now and dinner to do whatever pleases you. I shall be in my office should anything arise"

And she climbed the stairs and dissapeared around a corner. In her office Astrid was greeted, however much it disdained her, by another immence pile of paperwork sitting on her desk. She decided to disregard it for the time being and walked over to the viewing wall from which she could see a vast amount of the hustle and bustle that was Bastion, it sometimes made her envy those that were out enjoying it but then she remembered that she could tell most of them what to do.

 

[TheTrodaire]

Ara scoffed to himself as he thought of how corrupt politicians could try and stop him."That could never happen, I'd blast them all away with these."He said, pointing to his pistols as he looked at himself in a mirror, then walking to his room to find a case of whiskey sitting in front of the door, and he gladly brought it into the room as he opened a bottle and enjoyed the cool liquer go down his throat.

 

[Tristan16]

A few hours had passed since Astrid had returned from the Spaceport and she hadnt done much except do some paperwork and make sure that all the perparations for her mission were going according to plan.

She had contacted her spy aboard the Alliance ship and the two ships would be in the same air space shortly before the Alliance ships arrival on Coruscant, which was where the plan would take place.

There came a knock at the door and a voice

"Miss Zendu, the guests have started arriving so your appearance downstairs would be appreciated" came the voice of a Servant

"Yes, of course. I'll just get dressed and be right down. Oh and please give Ara the same message." was Astrids reply

She walked into her wardrobe and picked out her most elegant, expensive and flowing dress made of the finest silk then she glided downstairs to begin greeting the guests.

 

[TheTrodaire]

Ara answered the door to a servant telling him that guests were here and his appearance was needed."Okay, be down in a minute."He said as he closed the door and walked to his wardrobe and put his most expensive suit-made on Sembla from silk and washed by hand in the flowing blue rivers-on as he gently walked down the stairs after taking a shower and glossing his skin so he didn't look so gruff.He made his way over to the dining tables and poured two glasses of Blossom Wine, and strode over to Astrid, offering one of the glasses to her as he fixed his tie, wanting to look his best for the Politicians and guests that had arrived.