Ask A nice day

[Sandè Veruna]

A LOUD ROAR resonated around the landing bay.

It originated from the dual engines of the H-Type Nubian shuttle that was touching down on Naboo, its sleek surface reeking of luxury and decadence that only the Nobility could display with such wanton abandon. Ensconced within the heart of the slight vessel stood Sandé Varuna, the eldest child of the House of that name, one of the numerous minor nobles of the world she was about to step foot upon.

As part of Theed, the capital of Naboos, desire to ensure that illegal landings were kept to a minimum, and arrivals could be thoroughly checked for illegal items, the ship was now nestled in the middle of a stone walled landing area. A blast door connected to the outside world, and it was here that Sandé had arranged to meet her contacts, hired hands for the tasks to come. Exiting the ship, Sandé was struck by the impressive size of the dock wall, and accompanying guard tower. It spoke of the Naboo’ high regard for aesthetics, and ensuring that their presence on Naboo did not disrupt the local geology, whilst disguising its true purpose to protect the planets natural and cultural wealth from those who would steal them away.

For a planet of little military power, Naboo exerted influence more passively, and throughout history had been at the heart of Galactic affairs. Dating back to the Clone Wars, Naboos nobility had been at the forefront of Galactic Politics, and, should Sandé have her way eventually, would be so again.

They had accompanied these things, she liked to thing, through understanding their place in the world, and - well - just being excellent. She felt rather excellent now, stepping off the docking ramp of her ship, dressed in a simple black dress with a blue-lined robe, hair up in the classical style, cutting the image of nobility. Behind her one of her retainers stood, a young woman in a simple black hooded robe, completely silent.

Sandé was not even sure what her name was, but was pleased when she introduced her to the others.

“Her Grace, Lady Veruna thanks you for attending her.” the young woman began, bowing slightly to the guests, inviting them to introduce themselves before the days business continued.

Sandé kept completely silent, simply observing the people before her, her hands clasped in front of her, face entirely expressionless. A gentle wind distrubed her robe, as the sun dabbled over the top of the dock wall.

It was shaping up to be a good day.

@Bran @Sangga @KinkyPrawn @Seafoam

 

[Trinity]

Spoiler: OUTFIT

Dressed to a tee and striding through the streets of Theed, Trinity neared the destination that was to be their rendezvous point. Having decided that the chances for her to be recognised in a crowd after having disappeared many years ago were extremely slim, she reasoned that her best chance at staying covert would be to simply hide in plain sight. While her clothes were darker than the average noble person, she knew that it would easily pass to meld her into the crowd. It had been a few days since she had arrived on Naboo, at first she had come in response to the transmission of Edwast, the mysterious scientist of the Sith Eternal. She had hunkered down in a humble apartment in one of the less opulent districts of the city. At one point in her life, if she were to stay in a place like that the news would've spread amongst the aristocrats of Naboo within hours and her family disgraced. Now freed from prying eyes, she flourished in the anonymity.

The meeting Trinity was about to attend was one of her more rash decisions. She knew very well that the Sith Eternal needed contacts as well as tangible assets throughout the galaxy and while she wouldn't trust an average Nabooian politician in the slightest, there was one that could serve to benefit their cause. As a child, Trin had chosen to observe rather than partake in the games her peers would play... Well, it was moreso that she was excluded altogether, being labelled 'Statue Girl' due to her unflinching nature and constant stone-faced expression. Despite the harsh treatment, the young raven-haired girl would pay them no mind, to her they were as inconsequential to her as the outcomes of their games. They would often pretend play a miniaturised political game, each representing their house, all with the ambition of becoming the 'king' or 'queen' of Naboo. Trinity would observe as the kids made alliances and betrayed each other, all practicing their persuasive and deceitful personas. To her, they were all equally inept, none of them able to see the bigger picture of the game. All except one. Sandè Veruna was a chestnut haired girl a few years older than Trinity herself. From the sidelines, Trin would conclude that she was far and beyond the smartest and most intuitive of the other noble children. Her overwhelmingly prideful composure and ruthless nature showed through in minute glimpses as she danced circles around the minds of her peers and even though she would often end up victorious, the other kids would still admire and look up to her. Fancily dressed sheep, the amber-eyed girl decided.

As the Sith cultist approached the designated hangar bay, her ears and eyes caught the arrival of a sleek silver ship as it approached and began its landing procedure. She recognised the luxury model as one commonly owned by the upper echelon of Nabooian society. Designed to bring attention to herself, Trinity found it less than ideal to her own, personal needs. That was the main reason for her contacting Sandè. While she was perfectly capable of garnering the influence of the Eternal from behind closed doors, sometimes a more... Public figure is required. As she entered the hangar, she witnessed the boarding ramp of the silver ship descend and from within its depths, the graceful figure of the chestnut-haired woman walked out. Trinity analysed her now matured features, her thinner face and narrowed eyes, now seemingly wisened with age. Her blue and black outfit put the assassin's disguise to shame, the luxury fabrics were ornately woven and strove to steal attention. Her sole handmaiden would go on to introduce 'Lady Veruna' in her stead. Trinity eyed the young girl, wondering if she was trained to the standards of the Queen's handmaidens, she very much doubted it. Her eyes fell back upon Sandè Veruna. "Your entourage is lacking." Her voice was calm and decisive, "You leave yourself vulnerable, even in a place like this." Trinity had hoped that her mind was as sharp as it had been so many years ago and that it had not gone soft. She curled the corners of her mouth into a thin smile, "Its good to see you again."

@Nor'baal

 

[Alyse Ti'Varnus]

Standing off to the side, the blonde haired cultist stood patiently observing the proceedings, the arivial of the sleak looking craft reflecting the suns light off of its fuselage sith a bright glare. The light forcing the young woman to lean her head forwards, to lower the peak of her hooded coat so that it hung briefly over her eys to block out the suns glare. Once the ship had touched down, the hooded figure drew back the hood, before shaking her hair back into place. A wry smile crossing her features as her chestnut hued gaze fell upon her Legionnaire counter part, whom would appear to not have noticed her arrival or yet alone her presence. Though then again, Alyse had been compressing her presence within the Force, burying it down to a point that she blended in with the ambient ebbs and flows of the locals going about their daily routine.

Quietly Alyse waited the exchange to conclude between Trinity and the Naboo noble, before stepping forward as the young girl, motioned to introduce the others to Sandè and her entourage. Offering a respectful bow of her head and light curtsey as the nobles attention moved onto her. In the wake of the young girl pointing her out, "My lady, It's pleasing to finally put a name to a face" Alyse spoke out with a light smile as her eyes locked with Sandè's "My father would often speak highly of your parent' s hospitality and council, I apologise on his behalf for his absense, he is currently disposed of with some matters that had arisen on Bakura" she continued has she rose back to her full height.

 

[Sandè Veruna]

Corda smarted, ever-so-slightly at Trinity's comments pertaining to her mistresses entourage, "Via konhact Bey Tehn mia siniorino," she began, looking the female up and down with a slight incline of her head. She went to speak again, yet Sandè cut her off with a simple gesture of her right hand.

Extending that same hand gracefully to Trinity, she smiled "So good to see you again," she said, and for once, actually meant it "...it has been far to long. And," she turned to face Alyse "...I hope you Father is well, he was always a charmer when he came shooting." she added, in a sentance that made her as down-to-earth as she could fathom, aka: not at all.

"My Lady." Corda interjected, a subtle reminder that they had to get moving. "Ah yes! I have something booked for us today, I am sure you will love it." she began to walk toward the docks exit, waving at the dockhand who came to greet her, and demand payment. Corda, moving almost without a sound, dealt with the transaction. "Have you ever been to the Amidala Mausoleum?" she did not wait for an answer, walking through the docks exit door and toward the waiting speeder. "It's, well - you'll see." she got inside the speeder, and gestured for the others to follow suit.

 

[Trinity]

While at first Trinity was startled by the sudden appearance of the blonde guardian, a person that she had just about reached her limit of, she quickly snapped out of it. Clearly Alyse was both more resourceful and discreet than she had first anticipated. Always finding new ways to surprise me huh, she thought to herself. Trin looked over to the girl with a slight wave of her hand she acknowledged her presence. "Can't say its good to see you again so soon." Her words were serious yet carried the slightest undertone of jest. How some backwater aristocrat on Bakura could have contacts within Nabooian nobility was beyond her yet she didn't end up pay it much thought. Sande would continue to invite the two of them to an outing at the Amidala Mausoleum. While Trinity could recall visiting the Nabooian heritage site a few times during her childhood, she would often slink away out of sheer boredom. Why anyone felt the need to celebrate or mourn the life and death of Padme was beyond her. It served no purpose to Trin and thus made no sense.

"Oh how exciting." She said with a determined enthusiasm and a dainty clap of her hands. Trinity strode up alongside the young noble, her sharp nose drowning in the overwhelming scent that was the woman's perfume. Chief among the mixture of aromas was the unmistakable smell of powdered babies. "Rominaria flowers," Trin muttered under her breath. There was another smell though, hidden under layers of masking scents, one that Trinity knew all too well. Millaflower, she concluded. A popular blooming flower among traders in the markets, being able to release a tranquilising airborne chemical that is said to calm the nerves of those who smell it. In concentrated doses however, the effect can be much more intense. Trinity knew all of this because she had used the extract on an occasion or two, useful in rendering her unsuspecting targets useless. "I suspect much has changed since I... Started my travels." She said inquisitively. "Your family is still doing well, yes?" Small talk really wasn't Trin's strong suit however she would persevere.

@Topher

 

[Arden Kryze]

From the distance the Mandalorian sat on his speeder, watching the docks through the scope of his new A-280C, just in case something went wrong and he needed to shoot quickly. He couldn't listen in on what they were saying, but from the look of it the meeting was going well. He shifted in his seat on the speeder, getting ready to follow after them from the overlook he was perched on.

When they got into the speeder he slid the rifle into a holster on the speeder and started the vehicle up to follow after them. He quickly enough got on a path that would join in quickly enough with theirs but still keep distance between him and them. He didn't want to arouse suspicion or ruin his cover.

He was far enough to hopefully not alert the guests, but close enough to shoot if something went wrong. Though what he didn't take into account was the fact that the guests were force users. That might complicate things if they caught onto him...

He would follow them all the way to the mausoleum where he would finally make his appearance and introduce himself to the trio.

@Topher @Nor'baal @Bran

 

[Alyse Ti'Varnus]

A light snigger crossed Alyse's lips, at the black haired cultists greeting, as they curled into a light smile. "Oh I understand completely, people will start to talk" Alyse responded in jest to the legionnaires words. "Still, pleasure to see you none the less" she added, before the groups attention was pulled towards the entourage as they herded the Noble and her guests towards an awaiting speeder. Following in suit as Sande and Trinity boarded to the waiting transit vehicle, the blonde cultist took her offered seat and settled in for the journey to the Nobles estate - well that was what she was anticipating on her journey to Naboo from Bakura.

What she had not anticipated however was the announcement that instead they would be headed first to the mausoleum of Padme Amidala, a curious expression crossed Alyse's features at the revelation. She had no qualms against paying respects to the late senator and former Queen of the Naboo, perhaps in part it was a tradition for the natives of this world that was extended to guests? Then again time will tell as to the reason behind the starting venue being in such a maudlin location.

Looking to her side as Trinity, rather uncharacteristically displayed a level of emphusiasm at the prospect of visiting the heritage site. Well at least from the interactions she had with the dark haired cultist, she often appeared and came off as being rather forthcoming, it was a surprise to see her display excitement, even if it was to the best part feigned.

Quietly Alyse settled down into the contours of her seat, her gaze skirting around her surroundings as the landspeeder picked off and accelerated towards its destination. This being the first time she had set foot on Naboo, it was hard to say that despite her years of reading and assimilation of Galactic knowledge, that she wasn't in awe of the grandeur that Theed radiated through its architecture, seeing and reading it was one thing to witness it in person was all together vastly different. Mcuh of her journey to Sandè's intended destination, Alyse fell into silence, opting to watch those who the landspeeder passed, allowing for Trinity and their host to continue catching up, since the pair of them appeared to share a history of sorts.

 

[Sandè Veruna]

It would appear that there was some history between Trin and Alyse, something which surely would not escape the notice of Sandè? It did not, however she played down having noticed, her carefully maintained persona of a young, out of touch member of the upper classes, requiring her to uphold an almost constant image of innocence. It suited the young schemer well, and made her life much easier, for the time being at least.

The sort of young innocent schemer who paid Mandalorian Mercenaries to watch over her proceedings.

Sat in the speeder, she adopted a somewhat mournful expression as the mausoleum came into her view through the right window. Amidala had been a Nabieere, but she had also been - according to what information Sandè had read - murdered by a rogue Jedi. It was one of the reasons why she had very little time for the Jedi, who appeared rather good at ignoring their own teachings when debutant royals came knocking!

Sandè was dragged away from her musings as Trin spoke to her "I suspect much has changed since I... Started my travels." her accomplice began "Your family is still doing well, yes?" the young woman rounded off, small talk clearly not top of her list of abilities. Sandè however, was an expert in small talk, gossip and rumour mongering.

”So much has changed Trin, Daddy has been off-world for nearly a year…” she immediately started talking about her favourite subject, herself ”...never takes me with him of course! So like him, always galavanting around the galaxy…” she waxed on and on and on about how very unfair it was perfectly meeting, she hoped, people's expectations and underestimation of her as the speeder continued on its path, before coming to a halt in front of the mausoleum.

”Isn’t it just beautiful?” she marvelled as Corda opened the door for her. Stepping out of the speeder, she looked up at the domed structure which contained, picked out in golden leaf, over its zenith the words: Beloved Queen. She tried to avoid rolling her eyes. The Nabieeres loved to play the ‘heart of Naboo’ role didn't they?

She turned and looked at Trin and Alyse ”We need to wait here, for someone else - a friend of mine if you will. What do you think?” she asked, as they waited for the Mandalorian to join them.

 

[Trinity]

Trinity only smiled as Sande went on about her father's expeditions. In truth she already knew everything there was to know about the Veruna's in preparation for this meeting. From her extensively gathered intel, she knew their locations, their social groups and even their dwindling wealth and influence. It was no secret that the family had been falling into a downward spiral for generations and Sande's parents lacked the ambition to change that inevitable course, knowing the young noble beside her however, Trinity envisioned a different path. "I wouldn't get too riled up over going off-world." She consoled, "I've done my fair share of space faring and if there's one thing that I've learnt, its that like most things..." Trin's amber eyes met Sande's, "It's all so very underwhelming." Figuring that she was bringing the conversation down she continued, "That being said, one day when you're the matriarch of house Veruna I suppose you can do what you please and decide for yourself."

As the group arrived at the mausoleum, Trinity took in the familiar site of the massive dome-shaped building. Despite its obvious grandiose design, described as a gem carved from the greatest of Nabooian architects, it seemed much smaller than when she last witnessed it. I was probably half my size myself at the time, she reasoned. "Magnificent as always." Trin said in reply to Sande's comment, "Nothing quite like it on Bakura is there Alyse?" She said with a glance in her direction and the slightest hint of snark. She realised the blonde guardian had gone quiet and that a bit of acknowledgement was in order. Just as Trinity was about to make her way into the mausoleum, she halted upon Sande's request. Apparently there would be another surprise member of this meeting and while she would oblige the young noble, her discreet nature did not approve. "The more the merrier." She answered politely.

@KinkyPrawn
@Topher
@Nor'baal

 

[Arden Kryze]

Soon enough they reached the mausoleum, and a few moments after they waited outside, his speeder pulled in beside theirs. He disembarked and casually approached, not looking to be in any sort of rush. "Wha', are mausoleums now the bee's knee's for secret meetin's? If you really wanna ge' off on mausoleums you should go to Boz Pity. Now there's some snazzy buildin's." he spoke as he approached them, his hands resting on the grips of his pistols. "Besides, didn' this slapper instigate a war or somethin'?" he asked them as he pointed up at the building.

He came to a halt beside the group, his T-visor eyeing them all. "You two look more depressed than high school girls who sli' their wrists every nigh' in hopes of some attention. Would i' kill to ge' some colour in your life?" he he quipped, looking them up and down.

He turned to look at Veruna. "All's sorted, luv. Didn' see anythin' odd on the way here." he briefed her, waiting to follow them inside.

@Topher @Nor'baal @Bran

 

[Alyse Ti'Varnus]

Peaking an eyebrow up, whilst gazing at the ornate and overtly grandeous mausoleum, the blonde haired cultist looked towards Trinity through the corner of her periphery, a light smile curling at the edge of her lips, as she nodded in response to the snarky jibe at her home world. "It certainly is very grand and elaborate" Alyse commented, as her gaze returned to inspecting the architecture of the glorified tomb with an air of awe, despite part of her wondering just what purpose these structures actually served when the occupants were nought but dust and bone. Whilst the remainder deep down side pitied those who sought to enshrine their meagre legacies s if they were of importance. The fabled tombs of Korriban and moraband, now they held purpose, the final resting places of Dark Lords, that once ruled the galaxy in an unyielding grasp, rumoured to contain artefacts of great power and knowledge to pass on their legacies to those worthy enough to best what ever trials that may lay within. Kriff what would this gilded martyr's shrine bestow, the fabled Tibia of Amidala?

"Though Bakura has its charms in its own way. The Namana fields when in bloom are quite the colourful sight to behold" Alyse resumed as she returned her attention back towards the two other women, a pleasant smile crossing her features at she returned to the conversation at hand, her chestnut hued eyes soon falling upon a Mandalorian that Sandè had beckoned over to make his approach. Though this mandalorian had a strangeness about him, not just because of his accent, but his demeanour was seemed to be starkly different to that of what she had heard, told of the silent and broody masked warriors, concealed in mystery behind their helms and their armour, whilst this example - well he liked to chat, somewhat incessantly.

A light polite smile crossed the blondes lips as the mandalorian opted to chastise her and Trinity over their choice in dark attire, she was slightly perplexed at the accusation giving that her hooded coat was a vibrant bright red, though perhaps she just figured it was down to the tint of the man's visor that made things look darker than what they actually were. "K'oyacyi!" Alyse commented dryly in response to the Mandalorian's 'fashion advice', before following the group towards and into the mausoleum.

 

[Sandè Veruna]

Sandè could not help but offer a slight laugh as Tinity began to play down her heavenward adventures in the galaxy. Did she not understand the importance a 'grand tour' of the inner-worlds held in the minds of the galactic elite? She kept quiet as the two women with her exchanged subtle spars, clearly, the two of them did not see eye-to-eye on a great many matters.

It was to be the arrival of her protector, Arden Kryze, who brought them all down to earth with a crash, as he bemoanded their meeting place before bigging up a world Sandè had only read about in history books. He crass nature, from what little she knew of him, belied his awareness, and cold-hearted method of seeing his client well protected. That was but one of the reasons as to why she had hired him. "Queen," she interjected as Arden insulted the departed Monarch "She may have been a Nabierre, Arden, but she wasn't that bad."

Alyse was unusually polite in her reply to Trinitys jab, before barking something in a language Sandè simply did not understand. Ignoring it, she entered the Mausoleum, and began to walk around the periferie of the commanding statue that dominated its entrance chamber. "I do not come here all that often," she jestured to the statues face, that of the mausoleams occupant "...you can see why. It is useful as a meeting place however, its dwindling popularity keeping it nice and empty for us, no?"

 

[Trinity]

The arrival of the mandalorian was definitely an interesting choice of company to Trinity. While she could hardly believe that the brunette noble could even think of enlisting the help of such a... Crude mercenary, some part of her wasn't surprised. Trin had only had minimal contact with people like him and yet she knew that they were particularly effective in handling one's dirty work without a hitch. With a slight cock of her head she smiled at the new arrival, "I can show you some red if you'd like." She approached him slowly, running a finger over his armored shoulder her voice now reduced to a whisper, "Tin can man." While his initial introduction did little to phase the young assassin, she would hardly let him get away with such comments.

Sande went on to correct the mandalorian, accompanying the scolding words with a hint of praise for the late queen. The young Lady Veruna that Trinity knew would not be nearly as complimentary, whether it was genuine or now she couldn't tell. The group moved into the mausoleum and immediately Trinity noticed that there was barely a soul to be seen. Her last recollection of the monument were packed halls filled with processions of both locals and tourists. Perhaps people had finally realised that it was nothing more than it seemed, a grave with a fancily engraved headstone. "Yes of course, I for one can appreciate such discretion." Her amber eyes scanned the masterfully chiseled statuettes and pillars. "The mandalorian isn't wrong though, war followed her rule on Naboo as well as her time as senator." Trin paused for a moment. "In fact her death marked the end of the Clone wars." Trin turned to the young noble, "Hardly a coincidence I'd say."

@KinkyPrawn
@Topher
@Nor'baal

 

[Arden Kryze]

Arden eyed both women as each one gave their response. The one answered in Mando'a of all things, which received a huff and a glare from him. But the second one really drew his attention. He eyed her as she approached him, both hands on his blasters. "I rest my case." he quipped as his T-visor stared into her golden eyes.

His glare finally broke when Sandè spoke up. "Oh, my apologies. queen slapper." he corrected himself before scoffing. "Let's jus' bugger off already. This place'll probably ge' bombed anyway one of these days." and with that he entered the building with the rest.

Inside he wandered around, getting a good look of the place. He had to admit that the architecture was impressive, but the place really wasn't all that cracked up to be. The one girl admitted that he was onto something, prompting a very smug bow from his part. "Precisely the point. Naboo's jus' strokin' the ego of a warmonger." he quipped as he leaned against the deceased queen's sarcophagus. "I must admit, I am curious to see what's left after a hundred years."

@Nor'baal @Topher @Bran

 

[Alyse Ti'Varnus]

A light chortle escaped the young blonde's lips as she caught Arden's correction in his referral to the deceased queen, whose tomb the group had now stepped into. Quietly pacing her way around the interior of the mausoleum, Alyse's attention appeared to be focused on the interior architecture, the gilded eaves, stained glass windows, and imposing statue - giving a clear representation to the revere that the people of Naboo had for Amidala, whether that still remained to this day however was a different matter altogether, but going by how neglected the wilting flowers were appearing. Queen Amidala was starting to fade into historical obscurity.

Although she gave next to no clear indication, Alyse's mind had wondered away from the discussion over the coincidence that the clone wars came to an abrupt and sudden end at the time surrounding her death. She could sense something imprinted in the Force within the cold stone tomb, a dark presence that clearly had long since passed had left it's mark of grief and anger within the tomb itself. Pursing her lips in thought, Alyse turned her gaze over towards those gathered within the mausoleum at the Noble's request. "Both the end of the Clone wars and the Fall of the Jedi occurred in that short space of time that Amidala died, it certainly is curious to think whether there was more to the life of the Queen than what had been let on" she commented as she stood beside the stone sarcophagus, and resting a hand atop of the carved lid.

Slowly and subtly, tendrils of the Force emanated out from the blonde guardian's hand. Snaking their way throughout the stonework of the mausoleum, probing the residual remnants of emotion that had been imprinted in the Force that flowed within the stone chamber. Whilst her channeled Force energies, spread throughout the chamber like silken webs. Alyse cast a bemused expression towards the Mandalorian who declared his curiosity as to what was left of the entombed queen. Was he seriously suggesting that this pilgrimage to a historical monument, be turned into a grave robbing exercise?

"Yet the secretive motives of a long dead queen, are like her, a relic of the past" Alyse spoke out as she appeared to come to a rest in her movements, her gaze focusing on Sandè. "What is of keen interest is the secretive motives of the now. So Sandè, what would you like to discuss away from prying eyes and ears?" she added, as a knowing smile crossed her lips, whilst she was unassuming in appearance Alyse was not ignorant to the fact that to bring guests to a remote and lesser used tomb, escorted by a hired gun - Sandè had intended to discuss something of importance that she could not risk others getting wind of.

 

[Sandè Veruna]

Sandè rolled her eyes as Arden dished out another round of verbal lashing against the long departed Nabieere, even as they walked around the perimeter of her entombed body. She kept her thoughts to herself, something of a requirement in the circles of the Nabooian nobility, she had realised at a young age. Sandè allowed her accomplices to continue their discussion, listening with interest as she began to believe that Trin and Alyse had a history, one that she would need to look into in due course.

Finally, she came to a halt at the apex of the circle around the tomb, clasping her hands in front of her as she spoke cooly.

”The Veruna family is in decline, it has been for a great many centuries, only worsening of late as Dadd...my father refuses to see the problems that beset us. His solution is to try and marry me off,” she looked at the sigil carved on the ground above the body of the departed monarch and sneered ”...to a Nabeerie. I disagree. There are a great many ways to ensure the fortunes of our family, and of the Naboo. In my view however, that begins with a little ‘Dynasty Management’. Tell me, with your connections in the galaxy, should a new Veruna take charge, could you ad your contacts see a benefit in having a friendly, Veruna, monarch on the throne?

 

[Alyse Ti'Varnus]

A curious smile, curled at the edge of Alye's lips as Sandè, spoke out. Revealing the declining nature of her household's status within Naboo's hierarchy, one that by the sounds of it was in such a state, the patriarch of the household had to marry off his daughter just to improve, or perhaps even salvage the family name. Part of her felt that she could relate, but unlike Sandè Alyse grew up on the outer fringes of Bakura's aristocracy. Well the civilised side of it at least, the Ti'Varnus' had a long standing reputation within the planet's circles of Governance, as being the political equivalent of Rancors within the ruling party. Something that had been carried down from father to son, now however that would likely change, as Alyse broke that long standing tradition.

Whilst she lacked the verbal ferocity, as her father, she made up for that by perhaps her feminine approach. Whilst she was deep down a manipulator, she learnt that she didn't have to resort to a verbal assault to get her way. Something that by the sounds of Sandè 's words, a trait that they both had in common. A light nod came in acknowledgement of the older woman's question, as Alyse raised her hand off of the sarcophagus lid and placing it down at her side, still maintaining the ever growing subtle strands of the Force that she had been weaving throughout the mausoleum like a web - reaching into the lingering taint that had been ingrained into the fabric of the structure.

"I'm sure that a change in the status quo, would be something that would be widely welcomed among the circles of Bakura's Governance" Alyse responded, with a light bowing of her head. "I'm sure that a mutually beneficial arrangement can be found for both parties, we can assist with weakening the standing of your rival households and perhaps you can use your influence within the Naboo circles to sway favourable trade with the Bakuran industries" She continued, giving Sandè an overview of the support that could be offered to the ambitious Noble, with an initial proposal of what would be expected in return. Whilst on paper it would appear to be little more than a few favours in return for a trade advantage, to Alyse's mind and planning, the more she could bolster the Bakuran economy the more money that could be siphoned into resources of the Eternal.

 

[Arden Kryze]

Arden was completely disconnected from the conversation at hand. He was genuinely interested in what remained of the beloved queen Amidala. He started to push at the lid of the sarcophagus. He gave it all he got, but it didn't move. He glanced around, seeing the women still talking. He shrugged and took his place against it once more. But this time he used his jump boots to give some extra leverage.

It took all his might to prevent himself from folding in half against the power, but still the sarcophagus didn't want to move to the side. He stood back and caught his breath as he eyed the sarcophagus. He was getting in there, one way or another.

He finally resorted to the last idea. He took both his frag grenades, planted them at both ends of the lid, then took several steps back. He fiddled with his vambrace and hit the switch, detonating both grenades. The sound was deafening, and the lid was blown apart. Dust had filled the air with some debris still falling around them.

Arden waved at the dust, clearing his field of view. "Alrigh' let's see wha's left." he commented, waltzing over to the sarcophagus. It was only then that he realized he was pushing in the wrong direction, evident in the cutouts into the walls to allow the sarcophagus to move vertically. He peered inside and recoiled slightly. "Now that's diabolical." he commented with a hint of disgust.

Inside was the mummified, dried out corpse of a woman that had been dead for a literal century. Her clothing was old and ruined, and the jewelry had lost its shine. But there it was. The corpse of the Queen Slapper. "I wasn't sure what I was expecting..." he spoke as he stared at the mummy.

@Bran @Nor'baal @Topher