Open [Manaan] Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands

Darth Tempest

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allen-song-coastal-city.jpg

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Vahliri knew the risks that were involved with this operation. Since the embarrassment that was Corellia, the Empire had struggled to mount any counteroffensive against the Consortium - effectively allowing President Thorne to run roughshod over Imperials both economically and in their own territory. It was enough for Vahliri to decide to take matters into her own hands, contacting both her own apprentice and a member of the ISB for a covert operation. She wanted to hit the ISC where it hurt the most, and knew precisely how to do it.

Seated within her transport, Vahliri watched as the ship lurched out of Hyperspace - appearing above the blue-green pearl of Manaan. A planet deep within ISC territory and home to Kolto production, it was one, under normal circumstances, would be difficult for Imperials to reach without drawing attention.

Luckily, Vahliri had her own connections within ISC territory. In lieu with her own success as a Sith, Vahliri hailed from a noble Induparan family - one with enough money and official documentation to secure a ship for their operations. One that was equipped with local licensing, transponders and identification - registered to match the identities that the ISB had so kindly provided for them.

“Should be landing within the next fifteen minutes,” Vahliri said back to Val and Celeste. Both had been briefed on the basics of the mission and the payload they were all part of carrying - odorless and colorless, tucked well out of sight.

With little reason to be stopped, Vahliri guided their shuttle down towards the local spaceport - prepared to run her official tags and registration, in the unlikely event that they were contacted by authorities.


@Malon @LadyRen

Covert thread - PVP enabled but that shouldn't be the first response. Open to a maximum of 3 opposition. Please read the full OP before joining. Looking to keep this to a rough 48hr deadline.
 

Celeste Stythani

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War was all around, fought at various fronts and causing massive losses on various sides. The ISC had shown its real face and had mananged to land some successful strikes against the Empire, while the Sith leadership had remained rather passive for now, and as time was ticking, Celeste appreciated her master's initiative.

Together with the ISB and Vahliri's fitting pedigree, the plans for their covert mission on Manaan had come together, the three would that were taking matters into their hands now aboard the ISC tagged shuttle that was headed towards the spaceport. While she wasn't too familiar with Lieutenant that accompanied them, as she had only briefly met the tall woman on Eriadu, but given her position and the most recent developments, she had proven herself useful. The three women were obviously not approaching the ISC territory as Imperials, but had a perfect backstory as cover. "Good". While they didn't expect any issues at the registration, Celeste was still hoping it would all go as quick and smoothly as intended.

@Altaris @Malon
 

Hera "The Joyful" Albion

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Hera Albion walked slowly back and forth along the edge of one of the thousands of balconies on the beautiful world of Manaan. A dozen or so Selkath crowded around one corner as a small group of Jawas played a strange assortment of instruments in order to generate an almost haunting tune. There was a strange feeling in the air that Hera could not place, almost as if the Force was trying to warn her of some impending danger, but Hera couldn't track down what that danger was in any way.

The Knight put it out of her mind for now. She, along with a few of her colleagues, had been sent to Manaan as part of a Jedi outreach program. They were showing their support for the ISC by coming to their planets and providing a calming presence to the locals. However, ever since arriving many days ago, Hera hadn't been able to shake these dark feelings. Instinctively reaching for her two lightsaber hilts, she shuffled them further back in order to keep them out of sight. The first thing the locals saw shouldn't be a lightsaber, after all.

Turning out to the sea, she smiled and tapped on her comlink in order to communicate with her companions, remarking, "Shall we head towards the spaceport next? I hear the next round of shuttles arriving should be bringing fairly interesting. I heard an indie band that still pretends it isn't popular is on one of the shuttles."


@Painus
 

Val Varthra

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It had been a long time since Val had taken an undercover mission; but now was the most important time. The Empire could not tolerate sluggishness in the face of its mounting challenges, so she had accepted Lady Vahliri's request to join her on a mission to Manaan. Right into the heart of Consortium territory. Vahl had gotten them this far with her Consortium connections. It was up to Val to carry them over the next hump in their plans.

"Alright," she said, reaching into the white purse that was a part of her disguise. She withdrew a triage of identification cards courtesy of the ISB offices back on Serenno. "Take these. They're your false identities. Lady Vahliri, you and I are Aerin and Selene Aegnor of Indupar to match our ship's transponders. We're a newlywed couple visiting Manaan as ecotourists hoping to tour Ahto City's various efforts to keep the surrounding oceans clean and pristine." She slid out her phone — a clean one, provided by HQ in case their phones were at any time confiscated — and displayed a QR code containing three tickets. "Our tour will end with a private viewing of the underwater facility where kolto is harvested in an eco-friendly way out on the Hrakert Rift."

She turned next to Celeste. "Celeste," she continued. "You are Haleth Morr, originally from the Lake Country in Naboo. You came into our employ as Miss Aerin's personal secretary turned friend with a particular interest in animal conservation. So we invited you on our vacation to see the Rift's effort to conserve the endangered firaxan sharks, which require kolto as a food source."

"I don't expect to be asked too many questions," she went on, addressing them both now. "The Selkath are a peaceful and unassuming people, even with the war on. But there is always the risk of increased ISC presence and Jedi—now that the two are aligned. Be alert. If we're stopped, the Aegnor family is a reclusive family of socialites who obtained their wealth from the plasma markets over a century ago, before the outbreak of the Clone Wars." She gestured to the IDs she had just handed them. "All of that information is stored on those ID chips."

Here, Val's expression turned grave again. "Last warning. Do not do anything to arouse the Manaan authorities. The Selkath take law and order, as well as tradition, very seriously on their world and will not hesitate to detain law-breakers. Capital punishment is not unheard of for the worst offenders. You know the plan. We play this by the books, or we don't play at all."

The ship rocked as they neared the spaceport. Ahto City was now a growing white shell in an infinite sea of pristine blue. "Here we go, ladies. Don't fuck this up."

@Altaris @LadyRen @BlackNoise
 

Sylphrena

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Syl was focused on the task at hand, her attention entirely on what lay before her, brows furrowed in concentration. Taking a deep breath, she reached forward, knowing full well the repercussions of making one wrong move, a single bead of sweat running down the side of her brow as if aware of the dramatic effect it would add. A steady hand reached out, and pulled a card from the deck the little girl was holding in front of her, immediately drawing a chorus of joyous cheers as she pulled the wrong card, losing the hand yet again.

She had attracted a small gathering of children by then, street urchins who had no where else to be. It had started with a tug on her robes, a little girl trying to get her attention to sell a hand-woven straw hat to her, and had somehow ended with her buying her entire stock and agreeing to play at a little stall the girl's sister had set up. It was a simple card trick, one that she had seen through as the first hand was being dealt, but she was yet to win after over half a dozen hands. But before she could carry on any further, and "lose" even more credits to the children, her comm beeped and a message from Hera cut her personal time short.

"Well, duty calls. I guess I'll just have to come back another day to try and win a hand," she said with a feigned sigh as she pushed herself to her feet, dusting off her robes and placing a straw hat on her head, "but don't you think this is over. I won't rest till I win, you haven't seen the last of me!" Smiling as some of the older children laughed, having caught on to her little charade, she waved farewell and began walking towards the spaceport. A poncho draped over her robes and hiding her weapons, complemented by the new hat she had acquired, the outfit let her fit in as just another gambler, down on her luck and wandering the streets.

"I could do with some music," she replied on the comms, chewing on some sort of candy she had bought, a bottle of some fizzy drink tucked away on her belt next on her list, "as long as its not country. I hate country music."

@Black Noise @Painus @Altaris @Malon @LadyRen
 

Eirik Sunwielder

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The wonders of the galaxy never failed to awe him.

Eirik leaned forward and pressed his hands against the railing, peering down into the sea below. For several silent heartbeats, he stared as far into the abyssal depths beneath Ahto City as the light allowed, wondering what manner of creature lived beneath them. With a snort and a second thought, he pushed himself back up and raised a hand to block the glare from the sun shining overhead. Across the vast, endless ocean around them, sunlight reflected off the gentle ripples. To Eirik, it looked like a planet-bound star field, all blinking and twinkling incongruently. He wondered how impossible it would be to find anything under the surface if it truly wanted to remain hidden.

His commbead chirped in his ear and Hera’s voice came through, clear as the surface of the sea. He turned and raised a hand in acknowledgement to the other Knight up on the balcony. A simple mission on a beautiful world; that was their purpose on Manaan. An outreach program to the locals to show them the calming presence of the Jedi, as well as show support for the newly allied ISC. A routine assignment.

He'd spent the morning walking along the promenade and getting to know the locals. The smell of roasting and herbs wafted out from local restaurants, juxtaposed with the pungent aroma of fish-laden carts wheeled by low-wage laborers. In one particular seaside bar, he’d spent nearly four hours playing dejarik with a group of off-world visitors before moving out with a heavier credit pouch to watch the ocean’s waves lap at the edge of the surface city.

His lightsaber, hidden beneath the folds of the simple, black jacket he wore, seemed to weigh heavily to him. There had been a lingering feeling of dread that he’d felt before on Yavin mere moments prior to its invasion. He’d tried to dispel this feeling with meditation, and, when that failed, opted to distract himself with this foray out into the city. If the Force was warning him of something, it was sure doing its best to remain vague and ominous.

”The hell is country music?” he retorted over comms as he walked to regroup with the others, ”Everywhere’s got countries, I thought.”

@Black Noise @Wit @Altaris @Malon @LadyRen
 

Celeste Stythani

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The shuttle rocked a little while Vahliri was completing their descent. Her tight fitting skirt and the made-to-measure blouse made her feel a little stupid, but it was the perfect cover for an unimposing, animal-loving and environmental-friendly personal assistant to the wealthy Miss Aerin. She was accompanying the newlyweds to their eco-vacation on Manaan and was already adjusting to her role.

She listened to the details supplied by the ISB-Peacekeeper again, nodding to signal her understanding as she fumbled around with her black purse. The secretary was kind and eager helper, yet a rather shy and calm woman with green eyes that the contact lenses lent her. Her hair was a little wave and hazel brown, so that while looking into her reflection at the viewport, she hardly even recognized herself, which drove a little smirk to her lips.

She was careful to hide her presence within the Force, just like the dear Queen Mother of Hapes was always doing it as well and pondered on what Varhtra outlined about the potential Jedi presence. Celeste had done her little research and had learnt how the Selkath were indeed very interested in maintaining order and implemented strict prohibitions of weapons. It didn't feel good not to have her lightsaber at her side, but it was necessary. With their cover, they wouldn't need it. The Manaan authorities would work in their favor by preventing conflicts of all sorts. "We'll just have the perfect little vacation..." she agreed, her voice sweet and airy and not betraying the actual sarcasm. Ahto city was already visible and if this wouldn't have been a covert mission, it would have indeed been a beautiful place to relax..."You two should hold hands...you'll surely be a sight to behold".

@Altaris @Malon @Black Noise @Wit @Painus
 

Val Varthra

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Val had undergone a transformation of her own. Though she wasn't concerned about being recognized. After all, she was a lieutenant in the ISB. To the big players on the galactic field, she was a nobody. Yet, she was anything but clumsy. The slightest risktaking could throw their cover. So she had arranged for her hair to be changed, and she wore a white collared suit adorned with a diamond necklace and a series of rings from her mother's collection, left to her when the older woman had passed.

She looked every bit the pretentious ecotourist she was posing as. The reagent that would make their toxin of choice — well, an actual toxin — was cleverly disguised as one of the diamonds on her necklace. Sometimes the holodramas did get the details of spywork correct. And yet, all that said, the thought of holding hands with anyone turned her stomach. "Oh, really, must we?" she complained. "Public displays of affection are hardly the style these days. "

She fussed at the cuffs of her sleeve as she descended the ramp, debating what to do. She had already settled on a personality for Selene Aegnor, and she wasn't sure holding hands was in that profile. "Well, I suppose," she huffed, begrudingly holding out her hand to Vahliri as they approached the custom's desk. Already, a practiced smile was on her face. "We are newly weds after all, aren't we love?"

Just saying the word made her want to gag.

@Altaris @LadyRen @BlackNoise @Wit @Painus
 

Darth Tempest

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Vahliri couldn’t deny being thoroughly impressed by Val. Naturally, the half-Annfyn had worked with a multitude of Imperials and ISB agents during the course of her career, but the Lieutenant certainly ranked amongst the most thorough. It was for precisely that reason that Vahliri had requested the two women she had - and was more confident than ever they would be able to pull their operation off without a hitch. As the shuttle pulled into the spaceport, Vahliri rose from her seat - running a hand across the front of her attire. She had no qualms with playing the part of the pretentious aristocrat - drawing upon some of her own upbringing to fit the role.

She was adorned in an elegant white gown, custom tailored and very clearly expensive. Her black hair flowed loosely in waves and ringlets down to her waist, while her fingers were accessorized with a multitude of glittering, diamond rings. The one on her index finger was the only one that wasn’t from Vahliri’s own collection - its true nature only known to the three of them.

As they began to descent from the shuttle, Vahliri couldn’t help a small smile that worked its way onto her lips - eyes flicking up towards Val, “Oh come now,” The half-Annfyn remarked with a sly grin, extending her own slender hand to intertwine with Val’s own. “I am sure we can suffer through it together,” The statement was followed up with a playful wiggle of her eyebrows. It certainly didn’t hurt that her partner for the evening was easy on the eyes.

While Selene may not have been the physically affectionate type, Aerin clearly was. Anyone who glanced their way would clearly see the warmth and affection that burned behind the half-Annfyn’s eyes, alongside the way her hands gently held her ‘wife’ close.

The half-Annfyn brought their joined hands up to her lips, planting a little kiss to their knuckles in plain sight of the busy spaceport. “That we are, darling.” She said with a sweet inflection to her voice.

As they began to progress through the spaceport, Vahliri gestured a hand to Celeste. “Haleth, remind me when was that tour scheduled to leave? I would loathe to be late,” She commented as they walked, allowing the secretary to take the lead. The woman was hired to line up her appointments and destinations, after all, while the half-Annfyn walked close alongside her wife.


@Wit @Painus @Black Noise @Malon @LadyRen
 

Hera "The Joyful" Albion

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Hera stood quietly talking to the Selkath spaceport workers in their native tongue. The hissing and gurgling speech felt weird to attempt to imitate, and the Jedi Knight wasn't sure she was being understood, but the locals were having a fun time trying to talk to her and it seemed entertaining enough for them. The Knight had been waiting for the arrival of a band when one of the spaceport officers received approval for landing from a very impressive-looking ship.

Hera pointed it out and asked about it as best she could, met with a quick exchange between the two Selkath she was working with. They couldn't exactly tell Hera who was onboard as it would be a breach of privacy, but they did introduce that whoever was on board would have to be a very high-profile client. Possibly a businessman? No matter, Hera's interest was piqued and she bid goodbye to her two new friends.

It did not take her long to spot the hanger doors where the shuttle would be landing. Tapping on her comlink, she informed her companions, "I've got a sight on some rich businessmen, maybe business ladies? They're landing now, I'm going to make nice to them. Get us some more friends if we can."

Waiting outside the shuttle bay, she waited to see if she could spot the group as they exited the doors. 'One, two, three ladies? Interesting! And as they walked, two of them kissed! How scandalous! Or loveable? Maybe they were married? I know better than to assume, time to go make nice!' Hera thought. Walking straight in their direction, the green-armored knight waved and smiled at them. Despite her Jedi robes, her gauntlets could still be seen covering her fingers. While armor was uncommon on Manaan, wearing it was not illegal, yet.

Approaching the three women, Hera attempted to introduce herself. "Hello! I am Hera Albion, Jedi Knight, I am here on behalf of the Jedi Order to foster good relations with the Selkath and all visitors to this fair city! May I accompany you for a time? I would be delighted to escort you wherever you'd like to go, as well as tell you about some new initiatives of the Jedi Order-" Hera mentally scolded herself, she felt the pushiness in her voice. However, the wealth of these three, especially the couple, was more than evident in their clothing and jewelry. They would be powerful patrons if she could get them to sign up to one of Hera's schemes...



@Altaris @Malon @LadyRen @Wit @Painus
 

Sylphrena

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Who didn't know country music? The simple thought crossed her mind as she stepped around a puddle on the street, almost jealous of the other Jedi's upbringing that had kept him safe from the horrors of possibly the worst form of music that had ever graced the Galaxy. Well, maybe second worst. There was dubstep, and jizz. She liked the music, but why call it jizz?

"Imagine a kowakian monkey lizard serenading a Hutt crime lord and you'll know what country is." She replied over the comms. "You aren't missing anything worthwhile."

Navigating her way through the streets, she reached the spaceport not long after Hera, and as the Knight was speaking to the new arrivals, Syl spotted the local customs officials who were approaching their ship to inspect any cargo they might be bringing in. Having just passed through a security check herself, she waited just outside the customs booth, seeing as the new arrivals and Hera would anyways have to pass through it to exit the spaceport. She still remembered a time when outside the Core you rarely saw any security protocols being implemented at most spaceports, but the Independent Systems had changed that. They had brought wealth, stability, knowledge, and all of that had been a great boon to the infrastructure of most worlds under their jurisdiction. It was only because of the Jedi's presence there on a diplomatic mission that they had the credentials to carry their lightsabers, and were it not for that status they would likely have spent hours trying to get through customs.

"They look rather fancy for musicians," she spoke softly over the comms, thinking the Knight had found the ones she was looking for, "don't tell me they're one of those jizz bands?"

@Black Noise @Painus @Altaris @Malon @LadyRen
 

Eirik Sunwielder

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Eirik elected not to comment further on the courting rituals between Hutt lords and their beloved slave-pets. Man was simply not meant to know some things, and the Weikian chose to let that ignorance blanket the topic of country music. Whatever it was, it sounded foul. Instead, he let his mind focus on more fruitful endeavors, such as his comrade’s calling-in of wealthy businessfolk in the spaceport.

Hera, having had a head start on reaching the spaceport, arrived before Eirik could and began accosting the trio nearly immediately. With the firebrand gusto of a proselytizing evangelist street-preacher, the orange-haired Jedi set upon the couple and their tagalong, introducing herself, their mission, and the many initiatives of the more active Jedi Order. He couldn’t blame her; the alliance of the ISC benefited the Jedi immensely, but it was through networking with the many high-profile businesspeople of the galaxy that they secured financial and social stability. Friends in high places, and all.

Master Sylphrena’s voiced spoke up in his ear once more, this time bringing up the topic of jizz bands. Steering well clear of that can of worms, Eirik responded with a simple, ”I believe these are the businessfolk that Hera spotted, Master,” as he made his way over to join his comrade in her escapades. Clad in a simple, monochromatic tunic and breeches with buckled boots, he looked less like a guardian and more like a modern diplomat. Winning hearts and minds meant that he had to adopt a friendlier disposition from his usual saturnine demeanor.

Despite the general busyness of the spaceport, Eirik found little trouble in navigating through passing travelers and approaching alongside his fellow Knight. ”Making new friends, Hera?” he interjected without introduction as she began to rein herself in, ”Surely travelers of such sophistication could entertain conversation about the good will of the Jedi Order while we accompany them on their visit.” His voice, though coarse as the sand on the ocean floor, was calm and genial. He’d adopted his best diplomatic personality for this undertaking. It was almost a complete reversal of his usual gruff self.

He dipped his head politely and offered a reassuring, though faint, smile. ”Eirik Sunwielder,” he finally introduced, ”Jedi Knight.”

@Altaris @Malon @LadyRen @Wit @Black Noise
 

Celeste Stythani

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Haleth was in full business mode as for her, this was only half a vacation. She was still working and focused on keeping her lady happy, so she immediately pulled out the data pad and checked through her several checklists and the very busy calendar. The green eyes were concentrated, yet the assistant's mood was very good, as she found she place lovely.

"We are expected at our shuttle around 2.45. As always, I've calculated, a little buffer in case we lose ourselves in a shop again". The fashion on Manaan was interesting, and Haleth planned on buying a bracelet for herself. She gracefully walked next to Haleth, still scanning through the appointments and doublechecking on their booking again.

When she was done, she leaned a little closer to Aerin, brushing a streak of loose hazel brown hair behind her ear. "I can't wait for the sharks" she giggled softly, her voice lowered a little as she knew the kind Aerin shared her fascination to some extent, while Selene's curiosity was a bit more restrained as always. That was, however, right before they were suddenly approached by a red-headed woman who waved at them happily while Celeste immediately wondered what had piqued her curiosity. Business ladies were no uncommon sight here, yet she seemed to show and particularly interest in the trio.

The woman started babbling and while Haleth's gaze curiosly lingered on the stranger while she stored her datapad again, Celeste was internally gagging. Why was the Jedi the first to approach them and since when did they aggressively try to missionize like that? Did the pushy red head want their money? Of course Haleth was just delighted and her friendly eyes sparkling in the sunlight, not letting any of it shine through.

Celeste obviously knew about that Jedi were stationed on ISC planets as support, yet it simply didn't make sense that the moment they stepped out, they were already greeted by one. Even worse, a second one was already approaching as well. No such emotions radiated off the Sith and her presence within the Force was well hidden while the smile on her lips even widened in a warm, friendly way.

Haleth found the Jedi nice and helpful, so she was a little hyped to see them. Yet, her shyness would hold her back a little, drawing nothing but a soft, sweet chukle from the personal assistant as her green eyes subtly checked out the male Jedi Knight. Haleth found him good-looking, especially because she found the warrior-like demeanor impressive and attractive at the same time, but the woman was obviously hiding her admiration by looking away. She had studied her ID carefully and as Haleth was a single and potentially a little desperate woman, so she was trying not get flustered about the broad shouldered Knight. Yet, while her ladies would do the talking, she would shyly steal a glance every now and then.

@Malon @Altaris @Painus @Wit @Black Noise
 

Val Varthra

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Great. Jedi.

Val had suspected some of their ilk might show up. The second the ISC made nice to them, they started turning up in places they weren't welcome, bothering the public with their hokey religion. They were rather like Sith in that way. But, fortunately, Val had a plan to deal with such annoyances. After all, the Imperials were 'citizens' with valid IDs and purchased tickets, and the Jedi had absolutely no authority to stop and harass anyone on this world that wasn't theirs.

In layman's terms, it was time to become a 'Grade A' Karen.

She smiled politely at the first girl who approached them (@Black Noise). A nappy little red-head who looked like she spent most of her days in the wilderness than in civilization. "Such a kind gesture," she said, radiating that customer-is-always-right passive aggressive smile she was both a natural at and simultaneously hated receiving in any other context. "But that's quite alright. We've booked a private tour for our honey moon" Two words she emphasized that translated to 'you're ruining our special moment, now get the fuck away from us' "—so you wouldn't be able to go with us very far, anyways."

Val ignored the second girl (@Wit) who mistook them for musicians, focusing next on the burly man (@Painus) who looked plucked straight from the snowy dunes of Hoth with his general get-up. Her fake smile remained in place like a latex mask, only barely concealing her feigned annoyance at having her 'vacation' interrupted by monks. "I didn't know the Jedi Order was allowed to proselytize to tourists on Consortium worlds these days, dear (@Altaris)," she said just loudly enough for some passing Selkath spaceport officials to glance their direction. "In any case, we'll be late for our tour if we're not along soon. Haleth (@LadyRen)? Be a dear and stop drooling uselessly over the stranger you just met and double-check where we're supposed to meet our tour guide, would you?"

She was already walking off towards the outside of the port, Vahl still in hand, without really waiting for the Jedi's permission. After all, they had no authority to force them to stop, and no probable cause to doubt their story. And in any case, she had been trained by the ISB in how to deal with the mind-scanning powers Jedi and Sith so often employed. So long as one projected confidence into their act, the Jedi wouldn't sense deception. Just annoyance, which was genuine either way.

She waved for Celeste to follow and carry out her orders. Since Val first met the girl on Eraidu, it seemed her only purpose was to stand around, staring blankly at people, and saying nothing useful at all. They were going to have to work on that unless she wanted to be a dead weight on the mission.
 

Darth Tempest

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Vahliri couldn’t help the way that her lips tugged down ever-so-slightly, watching as some over enthusiastic Jedi began to frolick her way into their personal space. It really was their luck that members of the Order immediately attempted to corner them at the first opportunity - save for the single woman in the back, with her head in the clouds. The half-Annfyn made no attempt to mask the perturbed expression that appeared across her face, amber eyes flicking between Hera and Erik with an arched brow.

While her displeasure was palpable, it was hardly unreasonable for a woman being interrupted on her honeymoon. “Another time, perhaps. I fear our schedule is a bit too crammed for impromptu charity work,” She offered a small smile - not at all genuine.

Fortunately for all of them, Val did a fantastic job providing their alibi and sufficient reason to ditch the Jedi - preferably before they started following them along to their destination. Of course, Vahliri didn’t miss the way that Celeste effectively did nothing at all - save for making eyes at the broad-shouldered Knight that made up part of the Space Missionary squad. The half-Annfyn’s eyes immediately narrowed, a distinct spike of annoyance traveling through her.

They didn’t need any additional attention from the Jedi - and that was precisely what Celeste’s flirting risked. Perhaps Celeste was feeling nostalgic after Lukas, or perhaps she was so desperate to oogle anything with a dick - but Vahliri wasn’t going to tolerate any mishaps on a mission of this importance. Even less, when it came from the half-Annfyn’s own apprentice. “If you’d prefer it over the sharks, do feel free to hear out Ms. Albion once we’re pointed in the right direction. I am sure you can fill us in later,” Vahliri said with a small wave of her hand. She fully expected her apprentice to drop the act and fall back into line - but was just as satisfied using Celeste as bait to distract the Jedi.

While herself and Val actually got the job done.

Regardless of the answer, Vahliri continued right along with Val - giving the taller woman’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Such an odd group,” The half-Annfyn commented, her voice loud enough for the nearby Selkath, alerted by Val’s own statement, to hear. “I can’t imagine the Selkath allow them to carry their laser-swords here? Weapons are illegal in Ahto, if I recall.” It was loud enough for a few officially to glance in that direction once more, clearly paying attention to the group of Jedi now.

Assuming they weren’t stopped, Vahliri continued right along - eager to begin their scheduled tour.


@Malon @Painus @Black Noise @Wit @LadyRen
 

Hera "The Joyful" Albion

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Councilor

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OOC
Black Noise
Joined
Jan 12, 2021
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345
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142
So much happened in such a short time. Hera had approached these women with, perhaps, less than honorable intentions. She saw a pair of rich bodies and money was something the redhead was always looking for in order to fund greater and stranger plans of her own machinations. The older of the two women refusing Hera in such a perfunctory manner was not unexpected, though her note on proselytizing was a little strange. A few Selkath raised their head at that statement, and Hera waved at them. Awkwardly waving back, they went back to their work.

Then the other woman spoke, and Hera's friendly smile widened ever so slightly. A few more Selkath looked over at Hera at the mention of laser-sword, their apprehension understandable. After all, Hera had hidden her blades before ever entering the spaceport and they hadn't seen them on Hera. In fact, all of them had hidden their blades long ago in order to make sure that wasn't the first thing that could be seen when they spoke with the locals.

So how did this urbanite stranger know they were carrying their blades? A lucky guess to try and get them to go away? But if that was the case, why did she declare it loudly to passerbys and not to the authorities if it was a genuine worry? Why did both of the couple speak up to attract attention to the Jedi? It was a compounding of little red flags that drew Hera's attention more and more to these nobles. It was not that she suspected that they were not who they said they were, but Hera suspected they were more than they said they were.

Hera would continue following the trio, after all, they were going in the same direction anyway. The nobles and their secretary would need to pass by the customs booth to exit the spaceport where (@Wit) Sylphrena had been waiting far off. Keeping up her joyous appearance, and it was still a little bit of genuine joy, Hera decided to push a little harder. "Of course, I understand that I am perhaps intruding a bit. But unfortunately, we are moving in the same direction at this time, so I'm afraid you'll be blessed with my presence a little longer." At Hera's own bad joke, she laughed a little.

Looking to the pair's secretary, (@LadyRen) an interesting young woman, Hera asked, "Where is your tour? I would love to point out the correct direction before we part ways."


@Wit @LadyRen @Malon @Painus @Altaris
 

Eirik Sunwielder

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

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Painus
Joined
Oct 15, 2022
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41
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14
Eirik hadn’t quite expected the cold reaction to their presence, let alone the disdain with which the two, wealthier women responded. Though not the most popular organization in the galaxy, he thought that the Jedi had still fostered enough goodwill over their millennia of peacekeeping to at least afford them a polite ‘no’ when offering conversation. Rather than deny the Jedi, the two decried their actions as proselytizing, prompting a few cursory curious looks from surrounding passers-by that quickly faded. It was a little unkind, but he took no offense.

Though less outwardly bubbly than Hera, Eirik nonetheless maintained his congenial demeanor. A soft smile tugged at the corners of his lips that slipped away when the other woman (@Altaris) called attention to their weapons. Having made certain that his sunfire sword was not easily seen for fear of prompting these exact cries of alarm, Eirik found the attempt to draw the attention of nearby bystanders. A whisper of caution tugged at the back of his mind, for it did not seem ordinary to nonchalantly call attention to something that would otherwise be a very big concern. Given the Selkath’s law-bound rigidity, unauthorized weapons, especially lightsabers, would be a significant breach of their protocol.

But they had not been here illegally. They were here on behalf of the Jedi Order as part of a diplomatic outreach program. The mere presence of their lightsabers was authorized, though they were forbidden from using them, and not one of them had displayed the weapons openly since their arrival.

He found the perniciousness of their attempts to dissuade the Jedi from further conversation off-putting but did not show it. Instead, he offered a low, but warm chuckle. ”I can assure you, ladies, that you are in no danger,” he replied as Vahliri mentioned their weapons, ”We are equal parts warrior and diplomat, and today the latter is our concern.”

After several moments, in his periphery, he noticed the unusual glances cast by their tagalong (@LadyRen). Believing the woman suffered from some sort of nervous tic, or perhaps overwhelming anxiety, he paid it little attention. Best not to make the problem worse, though he figured Hera could handle it with a little more finesse than he would. He was grateful. He was never sure how to handle people who were awkward. He was rough-cut; sheepish and bashful did not win any favor with him.

Instead, he turned his attention to Vahliri, occasionally passing a glance to Val. ”You mentioned sharks?” he queried with genuine interest, ”Is this a fish-spotting tour? There are a few agencies around that offer them – are you going with Dorsay Expeditions? I’ve heard they’ve got high praise.” His time mingling with locals and travelers let him know about the goings-on for those visiting Ahto City. The best bars, the ones to avoid, the best restaurants, the ones that won’t serve off-worlders, so on. He’d been interested in seeing the ocean depths and what lurked down there, but the importance of winning hearts and minds took precedence over idle fancies. Instead, the many rows of offices of seafaring expeditions sat unvisited by the adventurous Jedi.

The corners of his lips twitched upwards again in a faint smile as he looked between the three women, walking along the way towards the customs screening area. The Selkath were unflinching in their laws, after all.

@Wit @Malon @Black Noise @Altaris @LadyRen
 

Sylphrena

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Master

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Wit
Joined
Aug 1, 2022
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19
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40
Syl had planned to stay where she was, waiting for the visitors to come to her before they passed through the customs inspection, that was till one of the strangers made her comment about lightsabers. Thankfully the officers in the customs booth, who had just waved Syl herself through, had seen the documents she carried, and one walked up to confirm that the others were with her, and to remind her that they were not allowed to actually use their blades in public.

"I assure you," she said to the officer, well out of earshot of the others, a placating smile on her lips, "we will cause you no trouble. At least nowhere near as much trouble as two Karens trying to push their weight around." He chuckled at that, the comment about Karens striking a chord. "We deal with the sort all the time," he replied, the topic a button for him just as it was for many a blue-collar worker across the Galaxy, "they walk in, thinking they own the place, don't follow a single rule, and expect everyone to just bow to their every whim."

She chuckled at that, eyes on the women as Hera and Eirik continued speaking to them. "Well, looks like you have a few more to deal with. Bet you ten credits this lot complains more than usual. We Jedi tend to bring the best out in people." The man laughed, and turned away with a shake of his head, heading back towards the booth. "No thanks, I've seen enough to know what to expect. I'd like to keep hold of my credits."

He returned to the booth, ready to process their documents and scan them through, while Syl stayed put and returned to leaning against the booth. The women though, from being just three among the many visitors to the planet, were now two Karens and their slow attendant that the spaceport officers were on the alert for shenanigans from.

@Black Noise @Painus @Altaris @Malon @LadyRen
 

Celeste Stythani

Character
Sith Order
Rank
Champion

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LadyRen
Joined
Apr 17, 2022
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903
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339
As a third Jedi chimed in, she was actually a little confused as history had shown how the Selkath had never been very fond of them and allowing Jedi to stay while even carrying their lightsabers was odd. Where they this desperate? Her plan worked excellently though, prompting the male Jedi to pay them even less attention and not mind them any more. As much as Haleth was an ISC citizen, there were a few things that fascinated her, but the lady Aerin was right. The sharks were waiting, and this was absolutely the thing she wanted to do most.

The assistant was called back to work, and thus, after clearing her throat and pulling out the datapad and open their tight schedule, Haleth regained composure and focused on the task at hand. "Yes, Milady. We are supposed to meet the tour guide in a few minutes", she confirmed for Selene (@Malon), giving her a kind smile before she turned to Aerin,"you know I wouldn't miss it for anything" (@Altaris).

She then turned back to the Jedi again, her smile still warm. "We thank you kindly for your help, we should meet our guide outside the Ahto Luxury resort. We'll be touring the city's various eco-friendly solutions in a few minutes. We've got a private tour booked with Ahto Wildlife EcoTour-Adventures. They're such a renowned agency, we can't wait to get started!", she happily replied to the Knight and the red-haired woman with regained composure, back to her natural environment, which was work(@Black Noise) (@Painus). It was obvious that Haleth was grateful for being part of their honeymoon and while Dorsay Expeditions had been their third choice, the Ahto Wildlife EcoTour-Adventures had seem to be even more concerned about preserving wildlife than other agencies and if the Jedi had been here for a little while, they would know that, too.
 

Val Varthra

Character
Empire
Rank
ISB Director

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Malon
Joined
Dec 28, 2022
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54
Reaction score
39
Inwardly, Val was pleased to see that Celeste had stuck to the script; and now they had a way to rid themselves of the Jedi Order's little puppets. They could hardly get on the private tour, and if they continued to harass them, it was easy enough to get the Civil Authority involved. The Selkath would hardly tolerate the Jedi harassing paying guests. Most of the ISC was still wary of the Jedi Order despite the recent change in their government's relationship to the Order. Decades of suspicion didn't just go away overnight, and the Selkath were already suspicious people to begin with.

Val kept up the charade. "Thank you, Haleth," she said in a high, nasly, rich lady voice before turning to the two Jedi who had spoken to her (@Painus / @Black Noise). "Once again, Master Jedi, we thank you for your attempt to help us along, but we're more than capable of getting ourselves to our destination." She made sure to put more force into her voice this attempt. So the nearby Selkath could see she was clearly uncomfortable with being so openly harassed.

"A speeder taxi will get us across the city to the Ahto Luxury Resort in time, love," she said now to Vahl (@Altaris), ignoring the Jedi entirely. She indicated to open taxis waiting for guests near the spaceport entrance. "Let's grab one. Should be enough room for us and Haleth." There would be enough space if they all squeezed together. Uncomfortable, sure, but worth it to get rid of the Jedi. "We don't want to be late. I can't wait to tell your mother all about the Selkath's efforts to keep their one surface city environmentally friendly for the ocean." And with that, she glanced back at Haleth (@LadyRen) and waved her along — "Come, come. Customs should be a quick stop, but we don't want to be held up too long." — and spared the Jedi only one last forced courtesy. "Have a happy stay on Manaan, Master Jedi. Hopefully the next tour group won't be in such a hurry to make their appointments."

And then she was strolling off towards the customs desk to check-in alongside Vahliri, ignoring any further attempts to follow them by the Jedi.

@Wit
 
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