Open Onderon Onderonian Nights

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Ah…Royalty felt good. Charlotte was dressed in an elaborate gown in her throne room aboard the Ascension. She was utterly please with herself. Commenor was a boon to her growing kingdom. The fortress world possess military might and acumen that fit perfectly alongside the Consortium. Already they were forming a beautiful partnership. The Governor being beautiful himself didn’t hurt. The Free Worlds slowly consolidated their governing structure just as she hoped and this mess with the Killik was causing galactic chaos. A perfect time to climb the galactic hierarchy. Who could focus on her when the galaxy at large burned. War created opportunity. The Sith had gifted her with another.

Cassian Graves was dead. King Hakan was dead. Onderan was set to crown a prince with little experience ruling. Her next-door neighbor, a world used to monarchy, was in flux. A perfect time for a visit from the Queen Mother…come to pay her respects as the month of mourning ended. The Ascension slipped from hyperspace. Charlotte was quietly shuffled from her onboard throne to the waiting Royal shuttle. Her Chume’doro forming up around her. Charlotte let a predatory smile spread across her face. She had to be careful. She knew that. But cowards were never rewarded. The Hapan Noble had spent too many wasting what she had taken. Her confusion on how to parley that into power within the Empire remain. Thoughts for another time Charlotte. She would unravel that knot.

The shuttle sped towards Onderon’s Royal Palace in Iziz. Her presence of course having already been announced. Where else did a Queen pay their respects besides the palace? And to who else besides the future king? The shuttle ramp lowered, and she walked into the humid jungle air. Her face, her blood red and shimmering gold gown, her perfect steps were all the image of regal power. Time to work.

 

[Dewson Elatar]

The Sith soldier walked throughout the streets of Onderon, having recently gotten time off as a reward for his last fight. He had chosen to come to Onderon, though it was chaotic and dangerous at this time, it also had a beauty to it. The city itself was ancient, yet it still looked as if it was only just been built. And danger had never been a problem for a Lieutenant of the Assault Corps like himself. He didn't wear his arms around like he normally does, not everyone was approving of the Sith here on Onderon, unfortunately. He kept his armor back at the hotel room he had rented for his stay, though he did keep his BR8-A1 Wolverine with him in a holster on his back, it never hurt to be armed.

He had heard the news of the Queen coming to pay their respects to the king, and since he wasn't in the mood for the cantina tonight, he thought he might spend this time watching as a powerful individual made one of their important moves to get the people on their side. He was an intelligent man and understood power moves, and he didn't disapprove of them, he worked with the Sith, he understood that power matters, and those who are willing to take it when the opportunity is right, deserve his respect, provided they are not enemies of the Empire.

He didn't know much about the queen, or whether or not she was an enemy of the Empire, so he decided to expect the best, after all, she could be an agent of the Empire at least. He was excited to see the events, and so he came to the palace requesting entrance. The guard there gave him a quick look over, then told him to hand over his blaster. He did so without question. The guard allowed him to pass through, having a gut feeling he could trust Elatar, whether or not that gut feeling was correct.

@Valen Pelora

 

[The Storyteller]

Don't let them in. Don't let them see. The mantle of leadership rested heavily on Crown prince Weylin's shoulders, coupled with the immense grief he felt in the wake of the attempted Sith invasion of his homeworld and the murders of his father and Cassian Graves.

The soon-to-be-King of Onderon turned away from Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl of Kashyyyk to receive the next visitor; the Queen Mother of the Hapes Consortium. Many from the Free World's Alliance had come to pay their respects to his father and the former Senator Cassian Graves; some he knew and some he did not, but none could make an entrance quite like Charlotte Le'Anna.

The Queen Mother had eschewed traditional mourning colors in favor of red and gold, which was the first clue to the Weylin that perhaps she was not here merely to pay respects to the deceased. However, where it normally would've been his father to receive such distinguished guests, the task now fell to him. His bearing gave no indication of the turmoil he felt inside; at least he had his father's memory of greeting Charlotte to draw on -royalty greeting royalty- having been raised for this day since birth.

How he wished this day had never come... but here it was, there were the caskets, and approaching was the Queen Mother.


@Valen Pelora @Stormtrooper @SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Dewson Elatar]

Dewson walked through the halls of the castle, then for a split second he thought he saw something run by. Looking around he realizes he’s only seeing things. Walking down the stairs into the viewing area, there are several other individuals, mostly of high status.

One person turns his head to look at him, giving him a mocking laugh, “what makes you think some army grunt like you has any place in the upper echelons of society?” The Sith soldier glared at him, realizing the man was making fun of not just his camouflage outfit, but also his military haircut and battle scar. He glared at him and stood up to full height. Intimidated, the noble turns his attention away from making fun of him just as quickly as he gave him his attention.

He waits for the event to happen, but as he is beginning to become bored a Sith Lieutenant insignia drops from his pocket. A few nobles turn to look and a few see the insignia, one shouts at the top of his lungs. “Guards, guards, it’s a Sith officer!” The Sith trooper goes ballistic, getting ready to throw a punch right before guards slap a pair of stun cuffs on him. The guard says “stay here with us until this is done, then the queen will find out who you are, and I’m betting you’re an assassin!”

 

[Dewson Elatar]

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Charlotte walked with practiced steps of one born to power. It was all fake, of course, but no one was the wiser. Her eyes swept over the assembled mourning masses. So much black. Ugh. The Hapan Nobel bowed deeply before Crown Prince Weylin. “Your majesty, I am sorry we are meeting under these circumstances.” She stood slowly, her eyes locking with the prince. “Your father and Senator Graves were good men, faithful allies, and better neighbors.” Charlotte dared to take a step closer. “On Hapes we do not wear black to our honor our dead. We celebrate their lives and wear the colors to do so.” She gestured down at her elaborate gown.

“Your father died fighting for the people he loved. I thought it only right to celebrate him as he was. Bold.” She heard some commotion down the hallways. Likely just unruly civilians trying to see the prince. People of little consequence. “Is there somewhere more private we might speak? This attack so close to my borders has made me realize what a fool I’ve been.” Remorse ran through her words. Thick as a roaring river. “I wish to atone for that mistake.” Her voice was sincere. Her eyes pleading. She needed to make Weylin understand her failure. He had to see.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[The Storyteller]

Weylin returned the Charlotte's bow smoothly and with practiced ease, listening to the Queen's words. As she spoke, he was reminded of the Hapan custom to celebrate life instead of one's death, and some of his reservations melted away. Although it might've been a stretch to call Cassian Graves a good man, the Crown Prince mused that death had a funny way of changing one's image. That Graves and his father had died resisting the Sith's unsuccessful invasion of Onderon only cemented their legacies in death. "Thank you, Queen Mother" Weylin replied, sincerely. "Onderon is honored by your presence and friendship in this difficult time." Eyes flicked momentarily over Charlotte's shoulder to where a struggle was occurring, and immediately there were guards at his side.

"This way, Prince Weylin!" urged one, part of the team whisking Weylin away from the alleged Sith soldier and denying Charlotte her requested audience with the Prince. Weylin would be quickly ferried through a nearby door; presumably to a more secure location while the threat was responded to.

Dewson (@Stormtrooper) would be quickly subdued by no less than four guards, and placed in stun cuffs. More than a few hostile stares were directed at the solider; the memories of the bloody Sith invasion fresh in the minds of the people here gathered to pay their respects to their King and Senator killed in the attack. Cries of, "Kill him!" followed Dewson and his captors out of the hall; the guests' night soon made even more sour by the premature closing of the event given the obvious security concerns.

The day was not over for Charlotte, Dewson, or Weylin, however, and their paths would cross again in a very different context. Dewson, still in stun cuffs and relieved of anything that could be considered a weapon, would be brought to an interrogation room and seated, alone, at a table, to think about what he had done.

Meanwhile, Charlotte's presence would be requested after things calmed down, and if she accepted Prince Weylin's summons, would find herself standing next to Weylin, observing Dewson through a one-sided mirror. They weren't alone in the room- there were two techs running the recording/monitoring of the interrogation room- but one could assume given their line of work that discretion was a skill they possessed in spades.

"This was not the place I'd expected us to speak privately, your Majesty" Weylin admitted, although part of him was relieved for the distraction, even if it was an unwelcome one. The Prince indicated the alleged Sith trooper on the other side of the glass, aware that Dewson could not see him nor Charlotte. "But it is clear that while Onderon is still a free world, the threat of the Sith will not go away."


@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Hot anger bubbled in her gut. Interruptions. Charlotte shoved it down and merely feigned surprise when the cries for the prince rose. The cause was immediately identifiable. A Sith insurgent apparently stupid enough to get himself caught. That anger intensive. First, that fucking ambassador on Commenor and now this. Could the Empire stop meddling in her business? The Queen Mother allowed herself to be hurried away while Prince Weylin delt with the newcomer. She spent several bored hours pacing around her rooms. She hated waiting. Eventually, guards brought her back to Weylin. This time in a far more intimate setting. Perfect.

The Crown Prince of Onderon stood looking through the mirror at the captive. Charlotte maintained her somber face. All serious royal business. Her anger quickly melting away…this was an opportunity. She turned as Weylin spoke. “You can call me Charlotte, your highness. If our lives are going to be threatened, we might as well drop the formalities.” She turned and smiled up at her fellow royal. “Has he reveled his intentions? I can only assume he is an assassin, sent to further destabilize Onderon and the Free Worlds.” She shook her head sadly. Gravitas suddenly booming into her voice.

“Truly that is why I came here. The Sith grow ever bolder and the Free Worlds waver. The attack on Onderon showed me how vulnerable we are.” She gestured at the Sith captive. “And he is proof they will not stop until we are dust.” She turned to look at Weylin again. “I would do anything for my people. Just as I know you would. We must find a way to be stronger, so they do not suffer again.” The Imperial agent, whoever he was, provided her the perfect chance to twist the reality of the world.

@SlagathorTheUnknown @Stormtrooper

 

[The Storyteller]

Weylin nodded as he listened to the Queen Mother- Charlotte, he corrected himself- hoping that he was maintaining his composure as well as she was. Charlotte was every bit the image of the royalty that he knew that he had to be for Onderon, for his people. The Sith, as the Queen Mother said, would not go away simply because Onderon had resisted them; the alleged Sith Trooper's presence was proof of that. To try and infiltrate his dead father's funeral even after failing to take the planet was an act of appalling confidence on behalf of the Sith. He nodded in acknowledgement of the Queen switching to first names; she could interpret it as permission to address him as Weylin if she wished.

Weylin knew a sales pitch of some sort was coming- why else had the Queen Mother asked for a meeting?- and he could tell by her passion that she was likely already partway into it. Besides; one did not simply turn away the Queen Mother; she was one of the most powerful people in the FWA, if not the galaxy.

A weak smile tugged at the corner of the Prince's mouth; although he'd come to the same conclusion his father had, perhaps he'd not yet mastered the art of political tact. "It sounds as if you have something in mind?" he asked, politely.

~~~~~~~~

The alleged Imperial Lieutenant would remain alone for the time being; a waiting game was being played by the Onderonian authorities to see what his reaction to the silent treatment would be.

@Valen Pelora @Stormtrooper

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Charlotte’s words were somber when she answered Weylin’s question. “I believe in the Free Worlds. That we should be left to chart our path without fear of retribution. But…we will never reach the unity of the Republic, ISC or Empire.” Her head turning from Weylin to the prisoner. “We are too numerous and too diverse. The Free Worlds will never field the unified military might of the other galactic powers. Too often we are each left to defend ourselves.” Charlotte turned back to face the Crown Prince.

“Each world fighting against the Empire alone…or begging for the Jedi to save us.” Her tone took on a sharper edge. “How long can we survive with that status quo? I think not long.” She shook her head sadly and clicked her tongue. “Commenor has joined the Hapes Consortium in formal alliance to strengthen all our defenses…I’m looking for more allies, Weylin.” Charlotte ran her hands over the front of her dress.

“Hapes and Onderon are royal monarchies. My sister, Eliza, is heir to my throne and unwed. I would propose a joining of our lines. She will marry a suitable match of your choice and we cement a formal coupling between the Hapes Consortium and royal Kingdom of Onderon.” Again, her voice strengthened. “Our might together would ensure the Sith think twice before coming here again and that we are prepared should the troubles of Ruusan reach us.” A calculated gamble but one she was willing to take.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[The Storyteller]

Weylin's surprise at the proposal would be written plainly across his face. A marriage between the royal monarchies of Hapes and Onderon held staggering consequences that could rewrite the future of his planet. On one hand, the security that the Hapan Consortium offered was tempting, especially in the wake of the recent attack on his planet and people. The presence of the Sith soldier meant that the Empire clearly wasn't done looking in Onderon's direction, and the Hapan Consortium was one of the most powerful military blocs in the FWA.

There were other things to consider, though. The history of the royal family of Onderon was littered with examples of marriages to gain power, but such a thing had never happened with another planet. A marriage into the Hapan royal family was tempting, but the Consortium had been ruled by a Queen since its inception; a wedding would mean that Onderon would be eventually absorbed into the ever-growing list of planets ruled by the Queen; hardly the legacy his father would be proud of. The other problem to consider was that, of the immediate royal family, only Weylin was of age, which meant that this was much more significant than telling someone else to get married for the good of Onderon... it was a choice that Weylin would have to make for himself.

The Crown Prince swallowed hard, knowing that Charlotte was expecting some kind of answer; he hadn't been expected to be put on the spot like this, so he tried to buy himself some time. "You offer is most intriguing, Queen Mother. The Hapes Consortium is unparalleled in the FWA. There are a great many benefits to accepting this offer. In the event of a royal union, would Onderon retain its sovereignty?"

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

She felt small vibrations in the Force. Just enough to squeak past her suppressed abilities. The Prince was interested but cautious. “Princess Eliza Le’Anna wields considerable authority and influence within the Consortium as my heir.” Not the entire truth but Weylin did not need to know that. Charlotte ruled Hapes with an iron will. Her sisters understood their place. “Onderon should remain as it is. Steadfast, powerful, and governed by your father’s line.” Charlotte took a small step back. Her shoulder shrugging. Her voice taking on an air of vulnerability. “I would not ask you to give up your Kingdom, just as I would never give up mine.” Her head turned back to the prisoner.

“What I ask is some trust…something the galaxy is sorely lacking.” Charlotte’s head tipped up. “My sister is precious to me. Critical to my line and my family’s rule. I would be trusting you with her care…what I ask in return is not simple.” Her tone took on the air of royalty again. “Onderon remains your responsibility to rule, but we move as one, act as one, and you trust I have all our interests at heart. You would have a seat on my council with Commenor and I would not meddle in your affairs just as I do not meddle in theirs.” It was a fine arrangement for now. Always changing, always moving…but that was for her heart alone.

“The Free Worlds can’t protect us. We can only protect each other. It took me a long time…too long to realize that. Perhaps if I had sooner, this conversation would be with your father.” She paused and looked down again. “For that I am truly sorry. I can't change the past but we can make a better future.” The words were soft and heartfelt.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[The Storyteller]

Prince Weylin nodded politely, processing Charlotte's answer. There was temptation to trust the Queen and rely on the Hapes Consortium for protection; protection that the Free World's Alliance had struggled to implement. It would mean less responsibility for Onderon's overall safety, as well as stronger economic ties.

On the other hand, given Onderon's proximity to the Hapes Consortium and his royal upbringing, he knew enough to see through her glowing words about her sister's importance. The Queen Mother's repeated mentioning of Commenor- a recent jewel in the Consortium's hat- was both an example of what could be, and a warning. Would Onderon be paraded around as well, as a prestigious acquisition to the Queen Mother's list of planets?

Rather than try to answer, Weylin deflected again; something his father always said that he did too much of. Charlotte's mention of his father brought a lump to his throat, which he swallowed with some difficulty. "I would that this conversation be with my father as well" he said, privately wondering just what his father might have said to such a bold proposition. "I think that he had his doubts about the ability of the FWA to effectively mobilize, but what you suggest sounds like a different approach than the Free World's Alliance. The FWA hardly moves as one, but that is by design" he said, hoping that she'd elaborate further. It almost sounded like she was trying to build her own power bloc, or even her own galactic government.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

“It is by design.” She was so close she could taste it. “And I have no desire to leave the Free Worlds behind but to protect ourselves within it.” Charlotte shrugged. “I know what they say about Hapes…about me.” Her voice became even softer. “That we are vain, selfish, and self-absorbed.” She turned away from Weylin. “I doubt I will ever change the galaxies perception…and if that is the case…believe that.” Charlotte turned back. The conviction in her words firming again. “I am not offering this because of altruism. I am offering this simply out of the goodness of my heart.” She clicked her tongue. Nasty habit.

“I am here because Hapes is exposed. Onderon is exposed. The ceaseless attacks have proven that.” Her head turned back towards the Sith captive. “The military might of the Free Worlds is scattered but the two of us control much of it…together we could finally feel some measure of safety.” She sadly shook her head. “I’m not asking to leave the Free Worlds behind. I’m asking to make ourselves stronger within it.” Charlotte turned back to the Prince.

“Weylin, this can’t happen again. The Killik threat is great, but Empire will not stop…ever. It is not their nature.” Come…on. Charlotte yearned to simply bend his mind, but the prince was strong, and she was out of practice. No. The old-fashioned way was the only way.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[The Storyteller]

Weylin listened as Charlotte continued to push for a more formal alliance between them, feeling completely out of his depth. If only he knew how to respond. If only he felt more capable of the leadership role he was being asked to step into. If only he knew what Charlotte's vision would truly mean for Onderon. If only he knew what the right decision would be.

If only, if only, if only...

In this case, it was Weylin's indecisiveness that ultimately kept him from flat-out agreeing. Having suddenly assumed the throne of Onderon at an age far younger than anyone had been expecting, he didn't feel at all ready to make such a big decision; even if it sounded like a slam-dunk win for Onderon. His lack of control over the situation kept him from being comfortable agreeing to the proposal. "I'm afraid it's not in my... er, Onderon's best interests for me to get married right now" he said, almost afraid to meet Charlotte's eyes. She did not seem like the kind of person who heard the word "no" very often... he had to keep talking.

"My people treasure their independence" he said, finding that he knew those words to be true, "but the matter of security is on everyone's minds right now." Had he just stumbled his way towards a counter-proposal?

"What might a closer military alliance between Hapes and Onderon look like?" An idea began growing in the young Prince's brain. He wasn't ready to commit to a full-on alliance to the scope that Charlotte envisioned, but taking this step could make future cooperation an easier sell to himself and his people.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Sigh. Always the hard way. Charlotte looked balefully into Weylin’s face. Such a pretty face. Such a waste. She smiled sweetly as she cocked her head to the side. Images of the face smashed against the wall spinning in her mind. Oh, Weylin…you should have just said yes. He was right about one thing. No was not a word that pleased the Queen Mother. He’d never know it, but that sweet little face had signed his own death warrant. Not today…of course. She was patient and need to sink her claws into Onderon before the Prince suffered his accident. “I understand, Weylin.” Charlotte took a step closer. A gorgeous smile spreading across her face.

“I remain unwed for that same reason.” Her eyes met his. “That need not be the end our talks.” Where could she find middle ground. What could she get? “A mutual defense pact. Our fleets work in tandem to patrol the space ruled by my house and yours. Should be come under attack, we each protect the other.” She stroked the side of her chin. “Joint military ventures should we agree on them.” What else? What was her in? “Onderon would be granted a permanent embassy on Hapes and I would expect the same here.” That wasn’t so bad was it. “And what would you suggest, my prince?” Small steps would be good enough for now.

She was hungry. Power was shifting all throughout the galaxy. She would get hers. Oh yes, she could feel the scales tipping.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[The Storyteller]

Weylin should've been relieved at Charlotte's words, so why did he still feel uneasy? She'd accepted his counterproposal, and talks were moving ahead for a mutually-beneficial defense pact. Embassies were a simple and easy way to point to stronger relations between Hapes and Onderon, while the question of an arranged marriage was, thankfully, dodged.

"Thank you for understanding, Queen Mother" he replied, finding his voice again from where it had been caught in his chest. "Your proposal is most generous, and I cannot think of anything else to add to it. Between the continued support of the Jedi Order and the defensive pact between Hapes and Onderon, the Sith would be foolish to attack again." The Resistance and the Jedi had defended Onderon the first time, and with the support of Hapes Weylin hoped there were enough deterrents to prevent a second attempt.

An aide knocked at the door and opened it only long enough to give the "all-clear" sign; the event could continue. The Crown Prince looked towards Charlotte, giving a small shrug as he did. "I should return to the celebration of life" he said, using the Hapan terminology. "Is there anything more you wish to discuss, Queen Mother?"

@Valen Pelora

 

[Dewson Elatar]

Dewson's face was red hot, he only wanted to have a damn vacation and now this. This wasn't going to look good on his record the next time he wanted a promotion, was it? "Listen... I know it sounds stupid, but I like this planet, I wish it was a part of the Empire, but that's not why I'm here, I'm only here for vacation. Why would they send Assault Corps and not Intelligence if this were an attempted assassination, I only came here to watch a power move, I thought it would be interesting."

He immediately regretted mentioning power move, if he made it obvious to others that this move was purely manipulative by the Queen, he could get assassinated just so her manipulations would go unseen. "Look, let me leave this place at least, and I won't be coming back, any time soon, or at all." He really wanted a beer now, the stress and fear he felt was unmistakable, and obvious to all around him.

 

[Dewson Elatar]

@SlagathorTheUnknown @Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Charlotte smiled and bowed. “Strength for strength, your Highness.” The Sith situation seemed to be contained. “As should I. I hope we see each other again soon, under far better circumstances.” She bowed one last time and headed off to return to the celebration. Not quite what she hoped for but good enough to start. Her heels drumming on the floor, Charlotte prepared for the next celebration of life. This one dedicated to poor prince Weylin.