Open Onderon The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

[Darth Draugr]

Onderon, FWA Space, 1600 Hours

Hours of preparation for this mission had finally brought Lord Draugr to be ready for his new mission. Being gifted the outfit of a Royal Guardsman on Onderon, he would dawn this gear with his face being covered in makeup to make him look like a yellow Zabrak serving the Royal Guard. For safe measure the Sith Lord even threw in some blue contacts to hide his Sith Yellows from the public. Arriving on Onderon he would land in a secluded town a few miles out from the Capital to meet with Charlotte who was waiting for his arrival.

Once he walked out of the Kaba-Class Shuttle, he would place the helmet on his head concealing his face further to keep his identity hidden as well as possible. This was going to give a position as a personal guard to Charlotte for the day. The Queen Mother would be greeted by Lord Draugr, "How do I look? Good enough for the Queen Mother?"

His armor shiny and nothing the same except his size and voice. Though with the size of the Galaxy, it would be nearly impossible to pinpoint his voice. He held a lightspear as his royal weapon. His Lightsaber was left on the ship to prevent speculation. He then looked to the Queen Mother for another question, "I understand you have an alias for me?"

@Valen Pelora​

 

[Kaisa Vanloa]

The potential situation forming on Onderon was concerning not just to Kaisa, but to the Jedi as a whole. She had heard the Holonet address from the woman who called herself "Queen Mother" and couldn't help but frown in disappointment at the retelling of how Onderon had managed to repel the Sith invasion.

The Queen Mother had, as it would appear, purposefully omitted the Jedi from the events. Kaisa couldn't help but feel uneasy about this.. obvious agenda to push the planet and the Jedi away from each other. Considering the present times, the Order could little afford to lose an ally, any ally.

Which, in the end, is why Kaisa found herself on Onderon now. She'd decided to bring along her padawan Kieran for this excursion, thinking it prudent to show the young Jedi just how complex - and h ow potentially dire - the politics of the galaxy really were.

Their destination was a meeting with the Onderonian Royalty, to try to make sure the bond between the government and the Jedi would remain steadfast even in their defense pact with Hapes.

As they moved through the crowded streets of Iziz towards the palace, Kaisa couldn't help but let her worry pull the corners of her mouth into a grimace. There was a great amount riding on her meeting with the Royal Court, too much to think about if she were being honest. Since becoming a Councilor, this foray into politics would be her first. An interesting way to break her diplomatic cherry, all things considered.

And before you ask, Kaisa said, shooting Kieran a side-eyed glance, her grimace shifting to the faintest ghost of a smile. No lightsabers.

A bit of humor to break the tension, a call back to another mission the two had undertaken on Iridonia. Of course, Kaisa's lightsaber hung from her hip, a clear indication of who she was and what she represented.

Neither she nor Kieran had anything to hide, after all.

@Malon @Scoobert @Valen Pelora

 

[Kieran Nomar]

"Yeah, yeah," Kieran grumbled more to himself, though he was sure his master's sensitive ears had heard him. "Seems to be the only kind of mission I'm getting lately, anyways."

He was convinced the Council wanted to pigeon him into the role of a Sage or a Seer, neither of which Kieran had the aptitude or patience for. But this was his first trip to Onderon, so he supposed he wasn't entirely miffed. The city of Iziz was far more lavish than the holos he had seen at the temple could possible capture. Flowers crowded and spilled over ancient balconies and the palace at the back of the city rose like a monolith, shading the two Jedi from the sun.

His gaze remained fixed on the palace as the pair waded through the crowds. Master Vanloa made him watch the press conference by the Queen Mother of Hapes on their flight into Onderon; but she had not offered up much since.

"What are we here to do, anyways, Master?" he asked, kicking at a tin can that had rolled into his path. "Isn't it a good thing that Alliance worlds are banning together?" He resisted adding 'Finally' to the end of his question. As much as he complained, he was observant enough to know his master was not in a mood for his sarcasm. "Sure, the Queen Mother didn't have to add that jab at the end, but surely those words alone are not enough to push Onderon out of their relationship with the Order."

Truth be told, he didn't know anything about the relationship between Onderon and the Order. Politics was his worst class back as a Youngling in the Temple. It was too complicated, always in flux, and could usually be summed up by saying "everyone hates the Jedi." Still, he was more than a little sure that several Knights and Masters he had passed in the temple's halls had complained about the lack of cooperation between Alliance worlds. Surely this was a good thing—at least in part.

@Logan @Scoobert

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Lord Draugr would meet with a Hapan far outside Iziz but not the one he expected. Having taken extraordinary care to avoid main throughfares, cameras, and any attention, one Charlotte’s most trusted Chume’doro stood before the First Blade. She wore no trapping of her station. Instead, donning plain clothes and a nondescript brown cloak. There was no chance they would be seen so far out in the wilderness. The Chume’doro held forth a small holoprojector, the image of the Queen Mother suddenly appearing. The encryptions as strong as ever. Charlotte bowed from inside the confines of the Hapes Consortium Embassy. “Splendid, my lord. The very image of Iziz protectorate…but…I am afraid we have had a complication. Although one for which we are prepared.” Charlotte was once again dressed to kill. “The Jedi arrived only this morning. Councilor Vanloa among their number…apparently they are quiet upset their part in failing to protect King Hakan and Senator Graces went unnoticed.” She clicked her tongue.

“They are headed to meet with the Onderonian Royalty as we speak.” She spread her hands in acquiescence. “I will arrive in my official capacity as Queen Mother to ensure the voice of the Consortium is heard.” Already her entourage was preparing to leave. “My Chume’doro has a map of the palace from my last visit, including the holding cells.” At that word, the woman stepped forward and handed a datapad to Draugr. “A place for you within the Royal Guard has been cleared. It should provide ample time to complete your work.” The Queen Mother smiled ruthlessly. “And I will do mine.” She bowed and the link cut off. The Chume’doro would bow to First Blade and make her exit.

Charlotte took a deep breath. Her royal entourage forming up around her. She quickly exited the Embassy, her speeder caravan taking off towards the Royal Palace. Her mental walls were shut tight, her Force signature non-existent and she carried no weapons. No taking changes today. So dangerous...so thrilling. “Please inform King Weylin we are on our way and delighted to meet our Jedi visitors.” A thrill ran up her spine. Oh this was going to be fun.

@Scoobert @Logan @Malon

 

[Reyna Vernize]

An autumn breeze swept through Reyna Vernize's chestnut hair. There was a biting chill in the air that gradually seeped through layers of protective clothing until it elicited a shiver. Fiery red and orange leaves fell from the branches, drifting to the ground below to be trampled under foot or swept into a pile for children to play in. Fall, in all of its splendor and beauty, was fading away as the first signs of winter encroached upon the planet. The weather was changing, and so was Onderon.

Reyna stood on the balcony of her private chambers, overlooking the gardens that she knew like the back of her hand. A knock at the door wrested her from her thoughts, and she turned to see a lone droid standing in the threshold of her bedroom, staring at her out of soulless, expressionless eyes. She had half a mind to rip out its wiring and toss it over the marble railing right then and there but thought better of the idea. At least her lady's maids and half of the household staff hadn't been replaced. One wrong move, and they might be disposed of, too.

"The Jedi are here, your highness," its modulated voice announced. "Korre Belasi has arrived," were the words she'd expected to hear, but she showed no sign of surprise. "The King is delayed and requests that you greet them until he is able to join you."
"Very well," she replied, running a hand over the lapels of the red blazer jacket she wore. Sweeping past the droid without a second glance, she added, "Should Miss Belasi arrive, make sure she joins us in the parlor."

 

[Korre Belasi]

Korre had been invited to Onderon to speak with the Onderonian princess about relations between them and Belasco. "Princess to princess," she noted, a twinge of amusement crinkling the outer corners of her blue eyes. The former Prime Minister had long avoided politics of any kind since she'd stepped down from her position, but this felt different enough. She wasn't here as a politician, just as herself.

Unfortunately the Belascan was running a bit late. When she finally descended down the ramp of her ship, a droid came to great her.

"Princess Vernize requests that you join her in the parlor. The Jedi have already arrived," spoke the droid in its monotone voice.

"Alright. Lead the way?"

The Belascan woman walked quietly alongside the droid, drinking in her surroundings as they went. It was almost impossible to tell there had been a deadly altercation here not so long ago, but she felt a quiet chill in the air as the sound of her heels announced her steps down the hall. She hadn't known the king, but she had known Cassian. He had died defending his home, and it left a somber taste in her mouth.

The Sith. Would there ever be a day they were happy with what they had?

"Princess Rey- Vernize!" Korre entered the parlor with a smile for the Onderonian princess, despite her somber thoughts before. The Belascan stumbled in her address, but was quick to correct herself. Old habits die hard, so they said. She'd never forget how she'd accidentally addressed Emryc by his first name all those years ago, though it had thankfully turned into a small inside joke between the two. "It's wonderful to finally meet you."

tag: @llamallove @Scoobert @Valen Pelora @Malon @Logan

 

[Darth Draugr]

As Charlotte had announced to him of the Jedi's presence, the Sith Lord would give a low disgruntled growl of annoying before nodding to Charlotte and then preparing to take his leave. Looking at the datapad he would see his new alias, 'Horux Kilmonger' and then sync it to his memory. The location given would be where he headed first. This mission would be clean cut hopefully. Even if the King doesn't die today, he would be set up to.

-------------Time Skip------------

Arriving to the palace, he would make his way into the main entrance and pass through the security as he had his new identification scanned and and cleared. His force signature hidden as he knew there'd be Jedi present and wouldn't be foolish enough to let his presence be sensed. "Welcome Sir Kilmonger!" Draugr would nod in reply as he walked forth looking for a good place to start. Looking over he would take notice of the individuals awaiting to meet with the King.

'Filthy Jedi..' Draugr thought to himself. They seemed to not leave well enough alone when someone openly admits to not wanting them around. There'd be a time and place to take their lives from them, but for now he knew he would need to get access to the security system. So walking past the group gaggled, he would make his way to the security control room. Then he was stopped by a couple guards. "Hey, you the new guy?" Draugr would prepare to hold his tongue from yelling at them to keep his cover, "Yes, I was just trying to get acquainted with the palace and where my patrols would be." The two guards gave a chuckle and then looked to him while placing a hand on hi shoulder, "Alright buddy, come on I'll take ya to where we got you holed up." The Zabrak would nod and grimace as they turned away, and then he followed.

Perhaps this would take longer than anticipated.

@Valen Pelora @Logan @Black Noise @lizziie @llamallove

 

[Reyna Vernize]

Korre Belaso was shown into the east parlor, and Reyna's dark gaze settled on the auburn haired woman that she had heard so much about but never met. There was no haughty dignity in her bearing, in the way she carried herself or moved across the room. According to Cassian, she was nothing like other politicians. Not in speech and not in conduct. That was evident even to Reyna, as the Belascan, tardy, fumbled over her words. A politician consumed by public opinion and self-regard would never do either. It was no wonder she had stepped away from the cutthroat world of politics. A part of her wished Cassian had, too, before it was too late.

"Princess Belasi," Reyna welcomed her, curtsying out of obligation but extending her hand with the warmth and familiarity of an old friend. "Thank you for coming. I realize traveling must be an inconvenience for you, as I understand Belasco is in the midst of handling its bacterial pathogen?" Planetary relations had been limited within the Free Worlds Alliance since the Sith's attack. Belasco, with the exception of Hapes, had been the first planet to reach out.
"Cassian spoke highly of you." High praise, considering he never spoke well of any of his colleagues. It hadn't all been positive, mind you, since it was coming from Cassian, but it was enough to pique the princess' interest. "I feel as though I already know you, as I've followed your career." From princess to politics—from her rise to Senator of Belasco to Prime Minister of the Free Worlds to head of the GHO. It was an impressive résumé, particularly for someone so young. Reyna knew of her achievements, now she wanted to know the woman behind them.

"Would you like a seat?" she gestured to a rosewood and mahogany settee with red velvet cushions near the fireplace. Earlier that morning, a servant had prepared a fire in the hearth, and it crackled and popped. Sprigs of rosemary and lavender, which Reyna had picked herself several days prior, had been set out to dry and wrapped in cheesecloth. The bouquet garni had been thrown into the fire, and the whole room smelled of rosemary and lavender. "Is there anything I may get you? Tea, perhaps?"

Reyna would remain standing until the Jedi arrived. The droid that had escorted the Belascan lingered near the doorway, standing at attention. @lizziie

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Her attaché whipped into the Royal Palace. Charlotte was picture perfect nobility. She could no longer worry about Draugr. He was the First Blade. He was certainly capable of taking care of himself. The best Charlotte could do for him was run considerable interference…and she had a mind to harass the Jedi. Her speeder slowed to a halt, the door swung open, and royal page offered their hand.

The Queen Mother smiled her big smile. “Thank you.” She stepped gracefully down onto the cobble stones. She had no idea if the Jedi had arrived yet or that Korre had made a sudden reappearance. None of it much mattered to the Hapan Royal. She was here to see the King. The Royal page escorted her to whatever royal chamber King Weylin would receive all of his guests. Charlotte took a seat, crossed her legs, folded her hands, and patiently waited.

@Nefieslab @Scoobert @Logan @Malon @lizziie @llamallove

 

[Kieran Nomar]

Despite his childish peppering of questions, Kieran's master remained silent and deep in thought the rest of the way to the palace. Unfortunately, the further they walked, the more questions populated in his mind; but he resisted asking them openly. There would be a later time for that.

When they finally arrived at the Iziz palace, the two Jedi were ushered into an already-filling parlor without much fanfare. Out of the many faces gathered, Kieran only recognized the Queen Mother of the Hapes Consortium from the holo his master had asked him to watch. The remaining guests were exquisitely dressed — and therefore he knew they were important — but he quite frankly didn't know who the fuck they were.

He bowed as politely as he could to no one in particular, because for all he knew, everyone in the room was royalty somewhere, and it was just the polite thing to do. Meanwhile, out of the side of his mouth, he grunted, "Uh, Master? Introductions would be nice."

Anything at all would be nice, honestly, because if Kieran was made to lead the diplomatic charge, this whole situation was about to turn from a powder keg into a straight up bomb. @Logan @Nefieslab @Scoobert @lizzlie @llamallove

 

[The Gatekeeper]

In the Main Audience Chamber
@Logan @Malon @llamallove @lizziie @Valen Pelora​

As the Jedi and politicians assembled, the attendant messaged someone deeper within the Palace before receiving the response that they were, no doubt, waiting for. At the go-ahead from the King, the attendant moved over to the group and deliberately cleared his throat.

"Esteemed guests, King Weylin welcomes you to the Palace and bids you follow myself into the Palace proper for him to meet with yourselves."

Spinning on his heel with the grace of a ballroom dancer, the attendant didn't wait for the assembled peoples to actually acknowledge the comment - he just started leading them through the ornately decorated halls deeper into the Palace. Royal Guards lined the walls at regular intervals with their armour brightly polished and their Force Pikes held tightly in hand as they stood at attention as the guests passed.

Naturally they would relax slightly as the guests moved out of sight - standing at attention all day would be exhausting and they were still primarily a defence detail rather than a parade ground force.

As they walked, the attendant decided it would be best if he spoke out of turn.

"I feel it is my duty to warn you - King Weylin has taken a little bit of a turn in recent times." he admitted as though it pained him to do so, "He has... adopted a new lifestyle that, while popular with the masses as it brings him closer to them, it also makes meetings conducted at this level rather... strained."

He sighed ever so slightly as he opened the doors to what had once been a ballroom but was now, obviously, used for a different purpose. In the middle of the room was a standard sized boxing ring, where everyone could currently see a personal trainer holding up pads for his client. Music with a heavy bass line and quick beats filled the room along with a lingering smell of stale sweat as several off-duty members of the Royal Guard worked out with free weights and other work-out equipment around the edges of the ring.

The attendant looked like a man who was suffering.

"His Grace felt a certain amount of powerlessness over the Sith Invasion and has taken to... self-improvement at a rapid rate."

Indeed, King Weylin had all-but transformed himself from the view of what people would typically associate with a King, on his way to approaching middle-age, on the Galactic political stage. Taking a set of dumbbells offered to him by the trainer, the King would continue working out even as he spoke up.

Spoiler: King Weylin

"Cut the music!" he called out as he finished up a few quick reps before handing them off to his trainer and accepting a small towel to wipe himself down with as he stepped through the ropes and dropped down to the floor, "Sylus, fetch me my protein shake."

One of the Royal Guards nodded before rushing off to find the King's shake. The King himself walked toward his visitors with a self-confidence that had nothing to do with his royal position, handing off the towel and accepting a shirt from another Royal Guard. Pulling the shirt on, he stopped in front of his guests.

"Welcome to Onderon my friends - and welcome back to those who have been here before. As my attendant has surely told you, I have made some changes that have affected certain aspects of how I receive visitors. I can't miss a session at my age you see." he 'explained' even as he gestured for them to follow him to a set of sofas squeezed into a far corner by a window, "So how can I help you today?"

Servant Tunnels
@Scoobert​

The two guards who had taken to directing the disguised Draugr took him away from the security room and crossed through an ornately decorated corridor before taking an almost-hidden doorway into a much plainer corridor. One of them shrugged as he glanced back at Draugr as he led him onward.

"Servant's Tunnels." he explained, "You'll get used to these kinds of places - they don't half get hot though so wear some anti-perspirant next time new guy."

As was implied, the servant's tunnels didn't have any AC and unlike the ornate main corridors, they had a lot of wiring and other equipment that ran quite hot. Hot enough that under his fake armour, Draugr would be beginning to sweat just like the other guards were visibly sweating. It was a mercifully short tunnel, however, that ended at a lift that opened without being called.

Inside a smaller, almost mousy, man stood with a datapad and smiled.

"Ah yes, you must be the new fellow! My name is Radyn and I work in the IT department - it'll be my job to get you set up with your access pass down in the barracks." he gestured for Draugr to step into the lift with him and he would wave off the other guards if he did so and press a button on the lift's panel that was set to be three levels below ground. As the doors closed, Radyn would smile at the disguised man, "So why did you apply for the Royal Guard? This isn't required for the access, by the way - I'm still trying to get my datapad to boot up."

True to his word, Radyn had his finger pressed on the power button of the datapad as he tried to reboot it. Sod's law, the technology seemed intent on making it seem like his was kind of incompetent when meeting someone new for the first time.

Spoiler: OOC Note

NPC actions are now controlled by the DM, the only exception are the allied NPCs brought in by player characters directly. All Onderon NPCs are under my control. To put it another way;

@Valen Pelora @Scoobert
@Logan @Malon
@lizziie @llamallove

 

[Kaisa Vanloa]

Kaisa was a little surprised with just how many people had suddenly appeared to meet with the King. Things would have been much easier and vastly less annoying if she were only dealing with the Queen Mother. Force knew what kind of tomfoolery the Senator and the Princess were going to bring to this engagement.

OF course there was also the possibility that the Korre and Reyna would give some extra credence to the Jedi staying in good standing with Onderon. Though, as Kaisa pondered it, she also considered the fact that the opposite could be true also. It really was just entirely too up in the air for her to feel comfortable, at least right now.

As they were escorted through the palace, Kaisa realized she had been a little too much in her own head and hadn't really been paying much attention to Kieran. She really needed to work on that.

Senator, Princess, Queen Mother. Kaisa said to Kieran, though she only spoke in his mind with telepathy while she made subtle indications on who exactly she was talking about.

Before Kaisa could give any further elaboration the entire group was taken into the ballroom-turned-gym. The smell of stale sweat and general overcompensation hit Kaisa's nose and made it curl just a little, though she did her best to remain as neutral faced as possible. Offending the King with her relative disgust wasn't the impression she was trying to make.

Though, all of the disgust was quickly abandoned when she finally laid eyes on the chiseled form of King Weylin, Kaisa's eyebrows arching with just the slightest bit of scarousal. As they were lead over to the sofa set, Kaisa figured she'd get the reasonings for her and Kieran's presence.

A pleasure to finally meet you, King Weylin, she said, nodding her head in the King's direction, unable to keep the hint of flirtation from her smile. To put it simply, the Jedi are here with the intent to make sure the bond between Onderon and the Order remains strong despite the.. political decisions to ally with the Hapes Consortium.

Maybe this would have been easier if we did use lightsabers.. Kaisa jokingly quipped via telepathy to Kieran, casting him a bit of a side-eye glance as a smirk creased her lips.

@Nefieslab @Malon @llamallove @lizziie @Valen Pelora @Scoobert

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Charlotte stood smoothly as the attendant ushered them from the waiting area. She nodded politely and followed at a respectable distance. The Queen Mother kept her wits about her. She frankly had no idea what to expect. A Jedi Councilor inches away. How quaint. The former prime minister and Weylin’s troubling sister an equally delicious twist. How to play it? Her thoughts turned round and round as they walked. Eventually, ending in a room that could only be described as a ball room turned gym. Charlotte clicked her tongue. How very strange.

Her head swiveled as she took in the room. Her eyes eventually coming to rest on Weylin. A sharp intake of breath followed. He was nothing like after his father’s death. A wide smile spread across her face. Her tongue darting over her teeth. Oh, yes, she had to have him. Charlotte bowed just the right amount for another monarch. “Your Highness.” She straightened her back. “I had hoped we might speak on a few recent developments close to our boarders.” She paused. Taking in the assembled guests. “Clearly, I should have called ahead.” Charlotte smile again. One that would only be described as beaming.

“But don’t let me slow you. We can work while we talk” She gestured towards the ring and the exercise equipment. “May I? If I can trouble you for a change of clothes.” Charlotte looked around. Hoping an attendant would provide what she needed. “We take our health seriously on Hapes. The body is our Temple afterall.” Her mind monetarily drifted to the First Blade. They were balanced on a razor edge. The Jedi clearly here to muck up her plan. Well if it was a flirt off the Councilor wanted...she would get one.

 

[Reyna Vernize]

Weylin had not kept his guests waiting after all. At least he hadn't lost all of the gentility their mother had strived to instill in them from a young age in his tunnel vision fanaticism for fitness.

The Princess followed the attendant down the familiar hallways of her childhood and through the elaborate, hand-carved sliding doors that led into the old ballroom. Old, only because it hadn't hosted a dance in months. Not since the passing of their father, King Hakan. Weylin had decided to... "repurpose" the room. Reyna hadn't said anything at first, believing it to be some symptom of grief—some faze that would pass away like all the others he'd gone through over the years, but this one hadn't. Now Weylin knew her opinion well. Too well, he would say. The hand sealed, hand polished marble floors had been covered up with gym equipment and weights. The family of Vernize's royal crest, placed at the center of the room, had been buried beneath a boxing ring.

Mother would've been disgusted to see the ballroom—where she had hosted countless charities and dances, where she had first met father—reduced to a sweat box for a nearly middle-aged gym junkie. At least, Reyna thought to herself with a cold stare, he had the decency to put on a shirt. He was in the presence of the Queen of Hapes, after all, and the Princess of Belasco. And as for the Jedi—she wasn't sure they'd ever even seen a man without a shirt on judging by the way the half-Annfyn's eyebrows shot up. The last thing they needed added to the mix was a suppressed Jedi celibate experiencing her first awakening.

Passing by the group, Reyna offered Princess Belasi another smile before joining her brother. Her hands came to rest on the wooden onlay of the camel back couch he sat on, still doing curls. This was their mother's furniture set, imported from Naboo as a wedding gift from a noble family on Thustra. Now its seat cushions collected Weylin's sweat.

The half-Sephi listened with interest, first to the Jedi and then to the Queen Mother, her face unreadable. The Jedi spoke of the Order's bond with Ondreon. There had never been an alliance between the Jedi and Onderon, due entirely to Cassian's influence. Father, on the other hand, had always been eager to form an alliance with the Jedi, and the two had spent many evenings fighting about it. Reyna had listened then, only interjecting when she deemed it necessary, and she would do the same now. For now. She wanted to hear what each of them had to say.

Even she, however, had a hard time hiding her emotions when Charlotte suggested to the king that they work out together. If Reyna hadn’t been disgusted before, she certainly was now. Not to mention confounded. Her eyes flicked back and forth between the two rulers, wondering what could be behind it.

What could Charlotte possibly hope to gain by working out—now of all times? She hadn’t come all this way for a weight lifting session. Was she trying to win favor with Weylin? To impress him? Or—and the princess’ stomach churned at the thought—was she trying to bed him? That was the worst thought of all, and her fingers curled around the edge of the sofa.

As soon as Charlotte looked around for an attendant to bring her a change of clothing, Reyna beckoned the attendant over and whispered in his ear, sending him off with her own additional instructions. Moments later, the same attendant would return carrying a tray with tea and a bright red track suit for Charlotte to wear. It had been a practical joke, a gift from Cassian when her father had been trying to marry her off to Emryc Thorne. Reyna’s face was placid, but her pointed ears swiveled back and forth as she watched.
“Sorry, your highness,” the attendant said to the Queen, “It’s all we had on hand.” @Nefieslab @Valen Pelora @lizziie @Malon @Scoobert @Logan

 

[Kieran Nomar]

Kieran still didn't know what was going on. His master's mental joke about using lightsabers was the first real bit of sense anyone had made since they arrived on Onderon. And he had a very distinct feeling that things were only going to get weirder from here. Thing king was, after all, not what he had expected; and judging from Kaisa's look, the twinge he felt in her otherwise tranquil emotions, she felt the same.

The Padawan had a thought to add to his master's statement. Something sagely to prove that he wasn't just some freshly eighteen pup without a thought or mind of his own. He squished that intrusive thought immediately. At the temple, Younglings were taught one thing early on: A Padawan is to be seen, not heard. A good Padawan is not heard unless spoken to.

He hated that rule. But in this one instance, it was a lifesaver.

Besides, he didn't have to be completely quiet. His master had taught him how to communicate telepathically. So he could always annoy her with his thoughts—the intrusive and insightful ones. Why do I get the feeling we're going to end up inducted into a cult? he projected at her. Next they'll wheel out robes and protein shakes for all of us.

@Logan @Valen Pelora @llamallove @lizziie @Nefieslab

 

[Darth Draugr]

Draugr would refrain from saying as much as possible, he was mostly annoyed with the guards taking him from his mission but if he could just get through it he may be able to sneak away. Whatever the cost, he would need to keep his composure.. that was until he felt the heat. Sweating may ruin his mission, but hopefully the makeup professionals had done a good enough job to make it water proof. Nevertheless he needed to go on.

The comments on the anti-perspirant was acknowledged with a nod as if Draugr had forgotten to take care of his hygiene. The Zabrak may be many things, but unclean wouldn't be one of them.. especially not for something like this. When the new tiny man had shown up, Draugr had taken a look at him and given a nod to greet him, "Horux Killmonger. A pleasure." Then accepting the invitation he would step onto the lift and go with the small man Radyn.

Answering his questions he would need to be smart with what he says, "The honor that is brought to a Royal Guard was enough for my decisions, but I joined to do my part. Show my loyalty and to protect the King." Then a small pause would sit before Draugr spoke once more, "And I just want to make my father proud." Then he would turn to Radyn and return the favor. "What brought you to do what you do in IT?"

@Nefieslab

 

[The Gatekeeper]

In the Main Audience Chamber
@Logan @Malon @llamallove @lizziie @Valen Pelora​

King Weylin nodded along as Kaisa spoke but it was clear that he wasn't entirely sure who she was - his assistant from before leaned in and whispered something into his ear that had the King smiling a little bit before stepping forward and sketching a very brief and very shallow bow in the direction of the Jedi.

"Master Vanloa, the pleasure is all mine. We hear so little concrete things about the Order on Onderon but I am delighted to have met you - perhaps today we can set many of my preconceptions to rights, yes?" he flashed her a grin of pearly white teeth, "Though I did not believe my first meeting with a Jedi Master such as yourself would be conducted without a shirt."

But he was clad in a shirt now so all was not lost and diplomacy could once again be resumed. Of course that would be if the Queen Mother didn't seem to believe that him re-dressing himself was some heinous act that she needed to try and undo as quickly as possible by enticing him to resume his work-out. The King spoke to the Queen Mother as he eyed her with a rising of a single eyebrow. It was clear that he was rather amused but not in a bad way at all.

"I didn't think this environment would suit you, your majesty. I am always glad to be proven wrong in such matters. Although..." he eyed Reyna with an odd look that only the Princess of Onderon would be able to understand due to their shared history, "I fear my dear Reyna may have strong words for me should I fail to speak with my other guests. Unless the others are interested, perhaps it is best if we merely relax and converse. I was in need of a rest period anyway before I started on the legs."

As the King was speaking, Sylus the guard returned with a shake that he handed to the King. From the first drink, everyone in attendance would be able to see the branding on the side of the shaker; Total Thorne Program. Sighing as he finished his first pull from the shaker, Weylin shook the shaker slightly.

"If Emryc Thorne had contributed nothing to society other than his workout regime and fitness products, he would still have been a great man... his program has changed my life. I'm no longer content to just be... content, you know? Reach out and seize the day!" he took another drink, "That is what the program has been teaching me and it's how I will be conducting my planet's foreign policy going forward. How, exactly, would you like to be involved in us seizing said day?"

Servant Tunnels
@Scoobert​

A sweaty zabrak and a small human waiting in a lift with no AC.

No, it was not the set up for a joke but rather the situation that Draugr found himself in during his attempt to infiltrate the palace of the King of Onderon. The mousy man grinned up at Draugr as he gave him his name, chuckling a little bit before explaining just what he seemed to find so amusing.

"Sorry - but I'm sure that people have told you that your name sounds, like, really violent."

Waving his free hand, Radyn continued to hold the power button on his tablet even as the lift shuddered slightly lights continued to tick down on the floor numbers near the door. Humming a little bit, Radyn smiled sadly at Draugr, putting his free had casually into his pocket as they waited on the lift.

"I hope you manage to make your father proud." he admitted before his smile seemed to freeze in place, "Oh I got into IT to help with my job - I'm actually not a member of the department. I'm one of the Onderonian Intelligence Officers and this isn't a datapad - its a modified thermal detonator."

Any sweat Draugr was producing now might have very little to do with the lack of AC. Even better, the datapad wasn't even the only explosive he had on him - a thermal detonator in his pocket with his other hand firmly in place.

"Now a real question... Jedi or Sith?"

After all, lightsabers and their associated weapons (such as "lightspears" or "saber pikes") were rare even if there were hundreds or thousands of Jedi and Sith. The Royal Guards of the Onderon royal family, like almost every other guard that used pikes, used Force Pikes. Ergo, the zabrak was representing one of them and Intelligence Officer Radyn wouldn't put it past either of them.

@Valen Pelora @Scoobert
@Logan @Malon
@lizziie @llamallove

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Reyna was sorely mistaken if she thought Charlotte would not don the offered track suit. It would take a great deal of effort to find something the Queen Mother wouldn’t do. She smiled pleasantly at the attendant. “This will suit me just fine. President Thorne is a favorite even on Hapes for his….” She clicked her tongue. “Assets.” A roguish tint twinkling in her eyes.

Sadly, she seemed to have failed to keep the King shirtless and shed an equal number of clothes herself. She rubbed the material of the track suit between her fingers. There was still time. “Your highness, you wound me.” Her words playful. “You’ll have the Jedi thinking I am nothing but a wilting wall flower.” Charlotte turned her smile to Vanola and her apprentice. “I certainly can’t match physical fitness with a Jedi but I’m always willing to try.” She arched an eyebrow at Kaisa. Oh, the Jedi had no idea what they had walked into. Charlotte was a beast for which they should have better prepared.


“Then let us seize the day, your majesty.” He could seize her alright. “The Free Worlds should be looking to Onderon for guidance. Our alliance has made us an undeniable power. Should we not use that to shape our goals? To control our destiny?” She shrugged. “You and I want the same for our peoples. Safety…security…and a strong future.” Charlotte gestured towards his chest. “You’ve changed yourself to better serve them. We would change our destines too together.” Reyna was a problem…but she did not need a princess if she had a king. Onderon did not need a king if it had a queen.

@Logan @Malon @Nefieslab @Scoobert @llamallove

 

[Reyna Vernize]

The tray of hot tea was placed on the coffee table at the center of the cluster of sofas and armchairs Weylin had filled one corner of the room and would-be athletic club with. At least she had been able to convince him to take down the Emryc Thorne workout posters he'd hung—the blight of the royal palace since the moment he'd ordered them online. Small victories, she kept telling herself, were still victories. Especially these days.

The Queen Mother spoke of changing their destinies together, although she did not specify beyond that. It was vague, and Reyna still was not certain why she was here. She and Weylin had already come to a defensive agreement—what more was there to discuss at present? While they waited for the Jedi's answer, Reyna took a seat beside her brother and reached for the porcelain tea pot, steam rising from the end of its floral spout. The half-Sephi's gaze settled on the Princess from Belasco first, and then the Jedi and the Queen Mother.

"Tea?" she offered in a polite tone, tilting her head to one side.
She did not offer any to Weylin, as she already knew what his answer would be. He would decline. Total Thorne was his beverage of choice at present. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in-between. She was surprised he hadn't just cut out the middle-man and administered the protein mixture intravenously as much as he consumed on a daily basis.

 

[Korre Belasi]

"Tea would be great, thank you," Korre smiled, accepting the offer from the Onderon princess. The Belascan hadn't said much since arriving in the room, but that wouldn't last for long.


"Onderon is certainly the focal point of the Free Worlds right now," Korre chimed in, lifting her tea cup toward the new king. There was a somber look in the back of her eyes, but it was quickly replaced. "You fought off an invasion, thanks to the Jedi- " Her blue eyes moved toward the Jedi councilor and her apprentice, though her gaze lingered on Kaisa for just a moment longer. "And now we look to see how Onderon will recover from this." She turned back to look at the king, and smiled.

"I came to speak with Princess Vernize about trade and relations between Ondeorn and Belasco. I would be more than happy to include you in that after this concludes."

tags: @llamallove @Valen Pelora @Nefieslab @Malon @Scoobert