[b][right][color=yellow]Koren Omi-Ren[/color][/right][/b] Koren stood to wait for some time, the receptionist was informing him that their official diplomat a [i]Solace[/i] was currently engaged with talking to a Jedi from the [i]Shadow Council[/i] whatever that was supposed to mean. He was about to inform her that he did not mind to wait, and could simply take a tour of the grounds when she stopped midsentence. He turned to see a woman in Jedi Robes coming straight towards him, most likely a Miraluka from her the head covering blocking where her eyes would be from sight. The species always interested him, some had no space for eyes, others had eye sockets but merely nothing in them. With a slight wave of his, the guards stepped aside. Used to reading subtle movements that only he and the Queen knew. He was ready to bow to her in greeting, though visibly recoiled slightly as he felt her presence probe against his mental defenses. His guards looked at each other as he did so, unsure of the exchange that was going on. He had no doubt the two women would go for their weapons if he had reacted a little more violently. He dropped two fingers at his side as he bowed, indicating to them to stand down. All was well, he was sure he saw the Jedis two guards react slightly to the movement of his own. Part of him wondered what was the particular importance of this Jedi, to be given the escort of two. From their age, the way they moved. He doubted it was a Padawan style relationship unless things had changed in greater ways than he had ever imagined. [quote=@Alfedil][color=f49ac2]"Crown Prince Koren Omi-Ren of the Hapes Consortium, I do hope that the Citadel has been welcoming to you so far. While my sister Solace is a bit occupied at the moment with one of our Imperial friends, I would be most pleased to speak at length with you of our ways, as well as hear of yours."[/color][/quote] [color=yellow]"Greetings Master Alleron"[/color] He had to guess at her last name, considering she had never actually offered it. Though hearing of Solace Alleron being this Jedis sister gave him a potential clue as to her surname. [color=yellow]"That is a most gracious offer Master Jedi, I would appreciate that. I may have been born and raised a Jedi, though things appear to be very different these days. I would appreciate an update on what the Jedi Order [i]is[/i] these days, I had hoped in some ways to be able to return to the Jedi Order-"[/color] He raised his right arm to highlight his wedding band [color=yellow]"-without giving up the things that currently make me who I am of course, though the matter of my potential return is likely more of a conversation to have with the council."[/color] [hr] [b][right][color=orangered]Xarthas Den[/color] [sup]Den Enclave - Concord Dawn[/sup][/right][/b] Sitting in the pilot seat once more the engines of the [i]Nightfury[/i] roared to life as Xarthas' hands glided over the console. Pulling on the yoke the ship creaked and strained as the repulsors pushed against gravity allowing him to pull a vertical in his push toward orbit. If he had been taking off from any [i] civilized [/i] spaceport in the Galaxy he had no doubt that he would have a very angry ATC worker shouting through his comm system, but being at the Den Enclave he likely just had a group of children looking at the ship laughing while Hawk shook his head judgementally. He turned his head to Odd Ball who sat in second seat, a mischevious grin on his face. [color=6ecff6]"There was absolutely no need for that Xarthas."[/color] [color=orangered]"It has been a while since you've been to space old man, just wanted to make sure you enjoyed it."[/color] There was a tweedle as Chuckles rolled into the bridge, saying something about how the cargo was secure even without the help of the two so-called 'sentients' who were too busy playing with the ship to help. [color=6ecff6]"I remember how it works, I've flown more combat ops and faster ships than this old bucket."[/color] Xarthas turned to Odd Ball with a pained and insulted look on his face, though with his helmet on it probably looked more like a death glare. [color=orangered]"You want to see what this old bucket can do?"[/color] There was a chirp of warning from the small astromech at the back who [i]really[/i] didn't want to do it. Odd Ball chuckled slightly. [color=orangered]"No really, you want to see what this can do?"[/color] The old clone turned to him, his head tilted to the side. [color=6ecff6]"This ship has nothing I haven't seen before."[/color] There was a whine of protest from Chuckles and a [i]clunk[/i] as the droid magnetized its legs struts, bolting itself to the ground. Xarthas hands meanwhile ran over a console to his left, the console had obviously been tacked on as an optional extra. Flicking a couple of switches to overwrite safeties in the engine control systems. There was a whine all over the ship as systems prepared for the lurch in speed, grinning below his helmet he flicked the final switch as the two pilots were thrown back into their seats at the sudden lurch of speed as the interia dampeners struggled to compensate. The modifications he had made weren't exactly safe, overdoing it and he'd burn out the engines. It was essentially only good for a sudden burst in speed but not for a continuous burst. There were extra conduits running to the main engines, reinforced components and a second reactor designed to give a momentary surplus of power. It also acted as a backup should the main reactor fail, and that was its original purpose. Though why have all that energy go to waste? Xarthas chuckled, and Odd Ball couldn't resist joining him as the two laughed as the ship shook breaking atmosphere. As a low warning trill began to sound Xarthas flicked off the feed from the second reactor, the engines returning to their normal output and the warning lights fading. [color=orangered]"Told you old man, don't try me."[/color] [hr] [b][right][color=orangered]Xarthas Den[/color] [sup]The Tipsy Rancor // KELDABE // Mandalore[/sup][/right][/b] Xarthas walked into the small tavern just off one of the Main Bazhaars in Keldabe. If there were two things in abundance on Mandalore, it was weapons and cantinas. Not two things that went together rather well, but typically infractions were kept to a minimum. At least between Mandalorians, off-worlders sometimes liked to cause trouble. No doubt there'd be a couple of them fighting in one of the cantinas along this Bazhaar. His filtration system hissed as he entered the room, helmet instantly compensating for the lack of light. He heard a lot of the mercenaries talk about how on most worlds beyond the Mandalorian Republic the entrance of a Mandalorian into a cantina turned everyone's head. While he was unlikely to experience something like that on Mandalore, it was an egotistical craving off his. To once be recognized for what he was, even though he wasn't exactly the epitome of a Mandalorian Warrior. By his reckoning, he could outfly just about everyone in this cantina when it came to a melee or even a blaster fight he probably ranked no higher than your average Clone Trooper. There's a reason no-one from Clan Den served on the front lines among a Banner. [url=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/51/8f/09/518f09accb81ab7e4761e176908d0371.png]He saw the individual he was looking for[/url] navigating the cramped space as he worked his way over to her. He bowed his head respectfully. Alaris was one of the best 'acquisitions' experts on Mandalore. Nothing illegal, within Mandalore, but she had a way of getting him exactly what he needed when he needed it. Together the two of them were exclusive, at least in the arms dealing world. She didn't use anyone else to ship her goods, and he didn't smuggle for any other arms dealers. A working relationship that kept them both in business. [color=Hotpink]"If it isn't my favorite smuggler-"[/color] [color=orangered]"I hate to skip the foreplay Alaris but this is just a flying visit, you'll have to manage with a quicky."[/color] The Togruta audibly scoffed under her helmet, as she indicated the booth beside her for the two of them to sit down. [color=Hotpink]"You know you can't tease a lady like that."[/color] [color=orangered]"Well, when I see one I'll take that into account."[/color] Reaching down to his belt he pulled off a datapad and placed it on the table, sliding it towards her and spinning it so it was the right way around for her. [color=orangered]"I have an important client in need of some serious arms right now, I've negotiated an extra five percent for us both due to the timing. I've taken the liberty of taking most of the items of the list which I had in my stockpile, there's just a couple of rarer items I'm in need of. Do you have anything on hand?[/color] He could hear her clicking her tongue in her mouth as she worked her way down through the list. Shaking her head as she did so. [color=Hotpink]"You're a greedy boy Den, you practically want all I have to offer."[/color] He raised his arms in an amorous shrug. [color=orangered]"Well, what can I say? You're my [i]favorite.[/i]"[/color] She waved her hand at him in mock bashfulness. [color=orangered]"So, can you be my gleaming beacon of hope?"[/color] He could practically hear the excitement in her voice. [color=hotpink]"Don't worry Xarthas, I can sort you out."[/color] [hr] [b][right][color=orangered]Xarthas Den[/color] [sup]The [i]Liberator[/i] // Mandalore Orbit[/sup][/right][/b] The ship hissed slightly as it settled down on its landing struts. Xarthas could practically feel the uneasiness radiating from Odd Ball. He hadn't seen droids nor been this close to a Lucrehulk since the Open Circle fleet settled in for the long haul at Mandalore. While there were many sentients running in the hangar below them, Talik still used a large number of B1s to perform the menial tasks that it would be a waste to use her limited crew on. Right now the droids were running around all manic, as he heard Chuckles whir away towards the loading ramp he saw a group of B1s approaching and swore under his breath. [color=orangered]"Stay here [i]ba'vodu[/i]. The old B1s sometimes still get defensive when they see someone in clone armor."[/color] He stood up and ran towards the ramp, swearing at the deck officer who should know better than send B1s to his ship to help with the unloading. As if on cue as he approached the ramp he could already hear one of the droids. [color=7bcdc8]"Stand aside Astromech. We are here to unload the cargo of this ship in the name of the Not-Separatist Alliance."[/color] There was a blurt of astromech expletives as Chuckles used a rather specific form of language that wasn't for polite conversation, though Xarthas picked up the gist of it which was [i]There aren't any other droids coming aboard this ship so long as I'm here.[/i]. Just before rounding the corner Xarthas stopped running, it didn't do well to send an image of being panicked and in a rush. As Xarthas rounded the corner the droids all looked to him for help, as Chuckles took the opportunity to rush forward and push one of them over. [color=7bcdc8]"Hey!"[/color] He raised his hands, sliding in front of Chuckles as he approached the droids. [color=Orangered]"Alright boys, you know the deal. Only sentients unload my ship, that's the rule. There's a lot going on back here, and the last thing I need is more malfunctioning bolts running around back there."[/color] He turned his head to Chuckles putting a lot of emphasis in his voice. [color=orangered]"Especially when I already have enough."[/color] His hidden meaning to the little droid being clear. [i]Start behaving or you're going to be left here to play with the lunatic B1s.[/i]. [color=orangered]"My droid will start bringing some of the goods down to the deck, and you lovely gentlemen can take it from there. If the deck chief wants things to go faster, he can send some sentients to do the work. These have always been the conditions of my business."[/color] Xarthas sighed as the droids reluctantly went down the ramp and he turned to his little astromech. [color=orangered]"Please go start fetching the merchandise, I'll wait here for the deck chief to come and complain at me."[/color]