Author Topic: CC: Corellian Birthright  (Read 107713 times)

Offline Syren

  • Queen of the Holodrama
  • Moderator
  • SWSF Member
  • Posts: 1,895
  • That bitch.
Re: CC: Corellian Birthright
« Reply #30 on: September 29, 2014, 05:55:49 PM »
Corellia

Surface

It has been an exceptionally wet fall and Riley Patten stares through the window at the downpour as the governess prepares the next lesson. Things had been moving along smoothly as everyone adjusted to their new schedules.

Della is able to balance her duties at the Counselor's office with caring for Riley. Her position and reputation had gone a long way in the case to grant her legal guardianship over him after Mara's "death" was announced by Director Veritaas. The Director put his full faith behind her and Riley had even given an official statement in her favor. The courts were sympathetic to his plight and want what is in the child's best interest. Della is now his legal guardian until he turns eighteen, an awesome responsibility that took some time to sink in. She had considered having a child of her own but with Artemis consumed with Corellian affairs, this would be great practice should they decide to pursue that option in the future. True, she had skipped over the adorable baby and trying toddler years yet she is grateful for the opportunity. The situation on Chandaar has her very concerned as Artemis' association with Circe Prescott and position against the Force User Registration Act has divided him against many of the more prominent Senator's. Reaction from the People's Council has been mixed with more in favor of his position than against. While no one wants to see anyone's rights compromised, some worry his position may jeopardize an already tumultuous relationship with the larger Republic structure. It had taken them a decade to join the Republic and already a significant clash in ideals. In their communications, Artemis has raised more concern over an increasingly militant Republic Security Bureau. Apparently, the RSB's scope of authority has been expanded to combat the rising public threats of Force Users despite any lack of any solid empirical evidence. The public is fractured deeply and there are rumors of a Separatist movement. That word sends ripples through the Corellian government as they did not fight long and hard to join a system that is headed for a breakdown. Faith in Speaker Apteen is waning. Della supports Artemis in whatever way she can and skimmed over the details of Vice President Tacofer's "demise." She hates keeping him in the dark but knows this is for the greater good.

Riley is a spectacularly well-behaved boy although his curiosity and tenacity may get him into trouble from time to time. He's a boy and boys love adventure. Thankfully, his school schedule is broken up by his admittance into the CorSec Junior Development program. Three times a week he joins his pal, Cassidy Clay, at the CorSec Academy where they learn skills crucial to future enrollment under the watchful eye of Director Veritaas. Despite his protests, Della had denied his request to attend school in Coronet. There were several choices, including a private academy but Della and Elon felt it was too soon to integrate him fully into the public. Therefore, the governess was brought back after summer to resume Riley's formal education.

For the most part, the public had accepted the lie. They believe Mara Tacofer is dead and, with the exception of a few conspiracy theorists, most have moved on to larger topics. Elon Veritaas has kept a tight lid on any information surrounding the Tacofer investigation with Doctor Cross adding another element of credibility to the conclusion. He ensures Riley's safety at the Patten Ranch and education at the CorSec Academy but returns to his duties of keeping Corellia safe. The system has been doing so well and in contrast to the unrest on Chandaar, this is a time of extended peace within the Corellian Sector. The streets of Coronet are safe, crime is down and the people are happy. It has been far too long since they could say that with any certainty as the population had moved on and flourished after all the darkness of the past.

 But Veritaas is not by any means naïve. He would not rest on his laurels but use this time to prepare. Training drills are conducted weekly and contingency plans created and revised for any given situation. He meets with the Governor and regional mayors as concerns arise over the growing situation in the Republic capital. They wish to quell any uneasiness as quickly as possible. No one wants this to blow up in their faces but should the situation turn, they would be ready. Veritaas also knows that Riley Patten's mere existence could spell trouble down the line. If Mara's methods of protection are any indication, they may be enemies of Kimber Patten or The Four lurking beyond the shadows. He would not take a chance and with Mara out of the public picture, they must act accordingly.


-TBC
Syren

Offline Syren

  • Queen of the Holodrama
  • Moderator
  • SWSF Member
  • Posts: 1,895
  • That bitch.
Re: CC: Corellian Birthright
« Reply #31 on: December 22, 2014, 02:38:10 PM »
Corellia

Surface

Despite Corellia's association with the Republic, it had managed to remain largely outside the conflicts that now rage within its capital. Their society is one of expression and freedom after years of rebuilding themselves from the ashes of the Phage crisis and ensuing Confederacy under tyrant Saga Judec. They enjoy the peace and unity but the powers that be are hardly naïve enough to believe they could stay out of the fray forever.

Their loyalties would be tested sooner than they might think.

Director Elon Veritaas watches Riley Patten flourish in the CorSec Junior Development Program. Having forgone the call of love in exchange for his career, Veritaas had never known the blessing of having offspring. In Riley, he feels immense pride and incredible responsibility. It was as close to a son as he had ever had. Mara Tacofer had entrusted them with his life, a life she had safeguarded since she escaped from Centerpoint with him thirteen years ago. He provided the stable male influence while Della nurtured him on the home front. They frequently met to discuss his studies and behavior, opting to remain on the same page rather than opposing forces. The boy needs consistency, dependability and they were intent to provide both. In this Riley has acclimated exceptionally well but there are times you can sense he misses the presence of his aunt. He had confessed to Della that there were so many questions he had wanted to ask her and worries he might never get the chance. She told him he would see Mara again even though that is a promise she had no way of knowing she could keep. The whereabouts of Mara Tacofer are a mystery to them all.

Somewhere, she seeks answers to her own past and a resolution that would keep Riley safe forever.

In addition to her full plate, Della wants to help a grieving Artemis on Chandaar. He had lost a friend in Counselor Prescott and the clashes between the public and RSB grow steadily more violent. The restrictive policies in the Republic and the brutality of their security forces are a major topic on the Holo. Where is the line between protection and abuse? Artemis fights on for the people though his voice is drowned out by the chants of the protesters. Della offers her support but must remain on Corellia to ensure Riley's care.

Riley finished his lessons for the semester and the governess has taken her holiday leave. He rejoices in the free time which he alternately spends between the CorSec Academy with his close pal, Cassidy Clay and the Patten Ranch where he consumes everything he can on his mother. The vid-diaries Kimber left behind are little windows into who she was beneath the glamour and fame. It gives him a sense of her true self, one that was extremely caring if not somewhat oblivious to the danger that surrounded her.

In their younger years, The Four seemed to exist on the periphery of the horror that would shape their lives in the future. A disaffected Valerie would make frequent appearances in the vid's, ever the brave face in the midst of her own familial turmoil. Kimber speaks openly about Valerie's missing "father" and how, despite the bravado, it had wounded her deeply. Riley finds it extremely tragic that Valerie never got to know her real family living in the Sector the whole time. In contrast, Kimber had a wonderful relationship with her parents. Granted, there were secrets and scandal but that never seemed to interfere with their love for their daughter. She often spoke of her mother's gardens, filming in the lush foliage that surrounds the Ranch. It was there she felt true peace and a sense of belonging, not like the cold and sharp existence on Coruscant. He feels so much closer to her when he watches her muse on her life.

As much as he is a Patten, he is also a Navris. His father appears only once in Kimber's collection and he has studied it meticulously. Riley knows Mod Navris was an agent with the Imperial Security Bureau who met Kimber under rather unfortunate circumstances. He cross-references everything he knows with the published works of Corellian reporter, Kent Carlson. Carlson had exclusive access to Kimber Patten and the Jedi Melanie Masterton who filled in the holes of his narrative. These details are the most crucial as they come from the people who lived them. It revealed Valerie's true family, the imposter posing as her father, Kyri Patten's deception to keep his daughters safe, Melanie's alliance with the Jedi, the prophecy entrusted to her by Queen Greyson-Winton, Kimber's deal with the Empire to save Valerie from Phage, Karen's complicit role in her father's abduction, Kimber's role in his first demise, the Hapan's revenge and future assistance, and the star-crossed love between a sympathetic agent and the manipulated model.

Riley sorts through these facts as he tries to get a sense of who his father was. He knows Mod Navris was born on Brentaal in the capital city of Cormond. His parents were traders who were killed in one of the many conflicts over the valuable planet. Mod was recruited to the Carida Academy where he attended with famous classmates such as Alexia Winton, Landon Price and Vex Sienna. He graduated at the top of his class and was assigned to the Strike-Cruiser Abyss, presumably to keep an eye on the unstable Alexia Winton and report back. After she departed their crew, the other Winton sister was forced into the DiploServe program by fellow agent Scott St. Claire. They embarked on several missions, the first and most important was the taking of Contruum for the Empire. The events that followed led to the Emperor Dementat retrieving Karen from the Abyss and reassigning them to transport Valerie Gellar and Kimber Patten throughout the first Corellian siege by Phage. Most of the crew was killed when the ship was destroyed in the hangar of a Republic capital ship with the exception of St. Claire, Navris, and Doctor Felicia Kensington. The doctor and Navris would go on the join a team led by Karen Winton aboard her own command ship. The majority of that team was betrayed and slain by rogue agent Marius Guile on Hesperidium. Kimber found Mod impaled and was sent away by Karen Winton to the Hapan Consortium with Rydan Stratford and Alexander Winton in tow. Shortly thereafter, she discovered her pregnancy and later had her revenge when she slew agent Guile in the Gellar Residence in Coronet. Not much else was known about Riley's father as the records for the Carida Academy are inaccessible. His story was touched on briefly in the documentary, Bound by Blood, but completely glossed over in the Holo-plex version in favor of Kimber's storyline which was seen as far more commercial.

He vows to discover more, as the Navris' are his family too. Perhaps one day he would visit Brentaal but for now he would stay put and resign himself to the knowledge he has found. He knows how dangerous it still is for him and listens carefully to Della and Director Veritaas. Riley plays a role in the lie as well and he could not jeopardize them or Mara further by misbehaving.

He stares at the bio picture of Mod Navris, amazed by the features he inherited. He is a perfect blend of his parents with Kimber's button nose and violet eyes and Mod's shaggy hair, oval face and prominent cheek bones. He attributes his whimsical nature to his mother as it is evident in just watching her. The larger mystery is what traits he possesses from his father. For so many years, Aunt Mara had played both roles and he has come to appreciate all she had done for him. He wonders what it must have been like for her, keeping that secret with them wherever they went. When his identity was discovered, did she feel relief or more fear? Riley isn't sure what would be worse, keeping who he was hidden or having the worlds know. He is proud of his heritage even if others had serious opinions about it. Della kept him away from the Holo after his identify was revealed. She said he didn't need to worry about what other people thought. All that mattered was that he is safe and loved.

And he is.

Riley is happy, healthy and has a purpose. He only wishes Mara could see it.



-TBC
Syren

Offline Syren

  • Queen of the Holodrama
  • Moderator
  • SWSF Member
  • Posts: 1,895
  • That bitch.
Re: CC: Corellian Birthright
« Reply #32 on: January 26, 2015, 01:47:02 PM »
"Like a door that keeps revolving
In a half-forgotten dream.
Or the ripples from a pebble
Someone tosses in a stream."

-Dusty Springfield


Corellia

Surface

Midnight.

The freighter touches down in the docks on schedule, a return trip from Chandaar. As the crew unloads, two cloaked figures slip into the darkness unseen. Several blocks over, Director Elon Veritaas waits in an idling speeder. Della had called him a few days prior with an urgent message from Senator Soldys. Both knew this was the right thing to do but it left little time to formulate a plan. The figures appear around the corner. One helps the other into the speeder before Veritaas eases out of the ally and races away from Coronet. They arrive at the Patten Ranch around one-thirty in the morning. Della deactivates the gate and meets them in front of the main house. With Riley sleeping soundly in his room, they are free to converse undisturbed. She watches the gates close behind them and feels a sense of relief.

Veritaas approaches with the figures that only now pull their hoods back. Donovan Atrii is younger than she expected for a Jedi Master. Circe Prescott is much prettier in person, always looking so stately and serious on the Holo.

Introductions are made and Della welcomes them to the Ranch.

"You don't know how much this means to us," Circe says.

"It was our pleasure to help."

Veritaas glances around, "Everything clear here?"

"Yes, the security detail left hours ago."

She turns to the visitors.

"How it Artemis?"

"The Senator is secure," Donovan says. "His position against the legislation has kept him out of the scopes of The Concealed. However, that does not mean he is entirely safe. The Speaker grows more tyrannical as the days pass. He draws more and more into his web. Those who oppose him must tread carefully."

"I wish he had returned with you."

Circe touches her arm, "Trust me when I say he wishes he could have. He is a dear friend that will not let the people of the Republic suffer."

Della swallows hard, "It is what I love most about him."

"We need to solidify our plan," Veritaas interjects with his typical practicality. "For starters, you will need new identities and a new appearance. We can't keep you completely hidden forever without raising questions so we will fabricate ways to legitimize your presence."

"What do you propose?"

"If you can keep the Jedi mantle under wraps, I can get you into the agency and assigned to the detail here."

"I was taught how to hide in plain sight. Protecting the Patten boy is a benefit of my presence and my honor to do so in addition to escorting Counselor Prescott. Given his lineage, I do not doubt he will need it at some point. There is a fellow Jedi with the Gellar, Masterton and Winton children on D'ian. Our Master felt it wisest to keep a watchful eye."

"That does make me feel much more comfortable. What about the Counselor?"

Veritaas rubs his chin.

"Della does have a considerable amount of work with the People's Counsel. It is not uncommon for her position to have an administrative assistant. It will give you cover while still serving the public, a goal I know is important to you."

Circe smiles, "You are too generous, Director."

"I believe in what the Republic once stood for but I am no fool. Corellia is strong on its own and we will not be subjugated by its petty trifles. I will handle the semantics of your identities if Della can handle the aesthetics."

"Of course," she replies. "What do we tell Riley?"

"We vowed never to lie to him."

"He has much weighing on him already."

"He is also strong, stronger than I was at his age. Being a Patten means carrying the weight of loyalty and responsibility. That is what Kyri Patten taught me. It is what Kimber Patten showed by protecting those she loved, regardless of the risk to her reputation and life. We, too, will lead by those examples."

"There are rooms made up for you," Della says. "Thankfully, this place has no shortage of them. We will let you get settled."

They retire to the house and Della brings Elon a cup of tea. Della stares at a picture on the mantle. Kimber is leaning on Valerie's shoulder with a beaming smile while Valerie stares off to the right, eyes slightly narrowed with a somewhat skeptical smirk. This isn't the first time a CorSec operative has fabricated information in the database about one of the agents. From Carlson's story she learned they had an Imperial plant imbedded in CorSec as part of the arrangement between Major Patten and Alexander Winton. Valerie was made to suffer because of it, losing him to his own emotional attachment to her while being denied the existence of her real family in the Corporate Sector. She wonders if things would have been different if Valerie had known; if they all had known. Would history have taken a different course? The Director stands beside her, staring at the same picture. Valerie the hero, Kimber the mother; sacrifice and leverage, both killed to free the worlds of what could have been. They brought down an infrastructure of deception and control. A legacy left to four children who are shaped by a series of actions and reactions.

Della turns to him.

"How many lies can we tell?"

Veritaas' face is backlit by the fire roaring beneath the hearth.

"To honor what we fight for? To keep those we care for safe? To protect the freedom of our people?"

She nods.

"As many as it requires."



-TBC
Syren

Offline Syren

  • Queen of the Holodrama
  • Moderator
  • SWSF Member
  • Posts: 1,895
  • That bitch.
Re: CC: Corellian Birthright
« Reply #33 on: February 09, 2015, 03:31:21 PM »
Corellia

Surface: Coronet

Director Elon Veritaas knows he is riding a fine line between the law and his own sense of justice. His actions could be viewed as illegal, even criminal, but he is bound by a code to do right by those who do right. He had learned from the examples set by Frank Farmer and Kyri Patten and helped to clean up the streets of Coronet and keep the peace throughout Corellia. He had never involved himself in the trivialities of politics save for those used to navigate leadership in CorSec. Meeting Senator Soldys and Della Avers began to change that. Seeing the brightness of hope in Riley Patten's eyes only fortified his evolving role in protecting the people. Taking in the fugitive Counselor and her Jedi companion only made his new vision more clear.

The Republic cannot be trusted.

After all the time spent pitching to gain admittance, they were almost immediately swept up in the sluggish tug of war the government had been criticized for in their previous incarnations. They had swooped into their Sector wanting to investigate Centerpoint much to their surprise and skepticism. In the beginning, Speaker Apteen promised a difference from the past and up until recently his bold leadership showed promise of that declaration. Now, with a separatist faction known as The Concealed gaining traction on Chandaar, they are on the precipice of a civil war that threatens to destroy all they had worked so hard to build. Corellia is tied to that in more ways than one and despite their moral objections, they are contractually bound to provide goods and services. The CEC has done well for them even after the setback and "loss" of Vice President Tacofer. President Mangum is as prudent and driven as they come. His efforts have kept the cyclical relationship between Corellia and Chandaar operating smoothly. The business side of their alliance had kept them out of the more delicate political matters but Senator Soldys' objections to the Speaker's restrictive laws and discriminating policies have not gone unnoticed. The people of Corellia back Soldys but it is only a matter of time before they would be forced into the matter head first.

Will the precautions he took be enough?

They will see.

Elon sits at his desk and uploads the records of the new agent joining their ranks from Denon. The role Donovan Atrii will play is that is Cale Theon. His bio is scant in detail, revealing only that he served as a security operative at a respectable mining company that had since gone under and relocated to Corellia to start a new life. His application included his previous work history in the relevant field and he was accepted after the Director personally met with him. Della had done wonders with his appearance, shaving off his trademark locks and altering the color of his eyes using special contacts. His handsomeness is a problem but that cannot be helped. She worked with Donovan to change his speech patterns to sound more working-class, despite his impeccable and aristocratic upbringing. Donovan settles into the part well and dutifully enters the CorSec training program where he is able to more than pull his own while keeping an eye on Riley when Veritaas must tend to other business.

Della also crafts an identity for Circe Prescott, cutting her hair into a fashionable bob and bleaching it a striking white-blonde. She selects a light blue contact for her eyes and updates her look to be softer and more feminine, less like the bulky political attire she work on Chandaar. Choosing an appropriate name is key and so they settle on Octavia Valles. Della creates a background of Octavia's escape from Bastion after the Imperial-Republic clash then applied for and was granted asylum on Corellia. Octavia worked as an office administrator and volunteered at the Palleon Gardens which made her an obvious choice for Della's assistant working out at the Patten Ranch.

This information is uploaded into the CorSec database by Veritaas while Della files the paperwork for Octavia with the People's Council.

There was a very serious talk with Riley about these new people and what role they would play. Riley, Maker bless him, is only too happy to help. He knows this is very important and any leaks could cause trouble for them. He takes the time to memorize their fabricated bio's and makes a point to tell them both how much he appreciates what they are doing. He may be young but he does know the Republic is on the wrong side of history in making these choices. He does not want people to suffer for who they are as he knows what it is like to be judged by what a name stands for.

The final piece lies with Doctor Tivoli Cross who matches their blood work with their new identities and attaches them to their files within the CorSec database. For the most part the transition has been seamless and both Cale and Octavia take their new places among the Corellian's.

The bustle of life continues.

There are so many balls in the air; Mara's whereabouts unknown, the ever persistent Republic team investigating the wreckage of Centerpoint, Riley's presence and it's many implications, the Republic situation, and now new additions to the team.

As the web of lies grows larger, the chances of others becoming tangled in it is much greater.

Circe Prescott - "Octavia Valles"


Jedi Donovan Atrii - "Cale Theon"



-TBC
« Last Edit: February 16, 2015, 02:51:57 PM by Syren »
Syren

Offline Syren

  • Queen of the Holodrama
  • Moderator
  • SWSF Member
  • Posts: 1,895
  • That bitch.
Re: CC: Corellian Birthright
« Reply #34 on: February 16, 2015, 01:17:39 PM »
"Oh, I remember when this road was my own
I pray to god, I just don't know anymore."
-Haim


Corellia

Surface: Patten Ranch

The strangeness of a new identity settles over Circe. She barely recognizes her own face in the mirror. She is Octavia now. Never one for the latest fashions, she generally preferred basic neutrals that suited her position as a Republic Counselor. Women were often judged for their appearance. Anything too provocative would not be taken seriously. She had always leaned toward the more masculine attire but not anymore. Della's makeover is as striking as it is severe.

Octavia is polished and feminine with makeup and a sultry wardrobe that befits an expressive and free Corellian woman. She is reminded of Melanie who, even in the most desperate of times on Arbra, still managed to look effortlessly stunning. Despite this transformation, she must remain at the Patten Ranch to assist Della. Joining her in Coronet would be too great a risk this close her to "death." Conversely, Donovan completes the rigorous training at CorSec Academy posing as the Denonite Cale Theon. He must prove himself as a standout agent before he could be transferred here. Apparently, he is a hit with the recruits who appreciates his work ethic. That's hardly surprising considering his Jedi training. Octavia is just happy to be serving the people again. Della is grateful for the help as balancing her duties with raising a teenager isn't easy. Still, Riley is a wonderful boy who makes strides in spite of all he has been through.

As a gentle snow falls, Octavia pulls on a jacket and steps out onto the patio and wanders toward the sunken gardens. She had heard much about them and wonders if they would bring her the same peace. The thick flakes melt against her warm skin and she smiles.

"It's a snow garden."

She turns, startled.

Riley trudges out in his boots and hat.

"That's what I call it when it sticks to all the bushes and trees."

"It is beautiful."

"Wait until summer. This place is magic."

"You like it here?"

"It's my home," he says. "It's where I belong."

She stares out into the swirls of white.

"That must be comforting. I'm not sure where I belong anymore."

"Here with us."

"You are sweet," she says softly with a sigh. "Everyone thinks we're dead. My brother, Donovan's sister. We've hurt them and there is no way to ease that pain. Not without consequences."

"If it makes you feel any better, no one even knew I existed up until a few months ago. I was just part of a legend, a story people passed around."

"You are so much more than that."

"I know," Riley laughs. "And so are you. This isn't the end for you or for him. In fact, this is your chance to fix the problem from another angle."

"I forget you also hid yourself under a different name. In the end, you could not deny who you truly are even at great risk."

"Aunt Mara taught me to be brave."

"Right…"

She trails off. The Valerie clone android hybrid thing. One of how many? No one can be absolutely sure. Now that she is dead they should not be popping up out of the woodwork. She decides not to press him on the subject as she does not want to upset him. Losing his caretaker could not have been easy for him.

"Bravery is an admirable quality and one that runs in the family."

"You mean my mother?"

She nods.

"Did you know her?"

"Yes. We met on Arbra when the Jedi Masterton brought her to us. Back then the Republic was weak, hiding from the Empire and trying to fight against its dark influence. As I am sure you have been told, The Four played integral parts in galactic events. The prophecy involved many people but eventually, it was discovered that your mother was arguably the most important piece of that puzzle."

"The One who carried a child. I read it."

"Kimber was frightened but bold and determined. The Jedi knew the only way through the crisis was in taking the lives of those who stood to gain from the prophecy before they took us out first. Melanie charged me with counseling Kimber. I was barely twenty then, so naïve to the scope and scale of the threat against us."

Riley knocks snow off a branch.

"Did she want me?"

It is a particularly heavy question for a teen. 

"Absolutely," Circe says, smiling as she remembers fragments of their weekly talks. "Although she did confess to being scared. Every new mother is. She was also sad that they had to lose so many in order to survive. She cared very deeply for those she loved. Losing them was incredibly difficult for her."

"I can't even imagine."

"I do remember how she would lay on the couch in my office and rub her stomach as she spoke. The tenderness of those moments always made me smile."

There is a light in his eyes.

"Thank you."

She extends a hand and together they walk deeper into the snow.


-TBC
Syren

Offline Syren

  • Queen of the Holodrama
  • Moderator
  • SWSF Member
  • Posts: 1,895
  • That bitch.
Re: CC: Corellian Birthright
« Reply #35 on: March 16, 2015, 01:32:49 PM »
Corellia

Surface: Patten Ranch

Under the cover of darkness, Director Elon Veritaas and CorSec Agent "Cale Theon" arrive at the Patten Ranch. Della Avers greets them at the front walk and they head inside where "Octavia Valles" is waiting by the dining room table.

"The Speaker is dead," Circe says. "Should we not return to Chandaar and help put the pieces back together?"

Donovan shakes his head, "I do not believe that is wise."

Veritaas nods.

"I would have to agree. This is a dangerous time and even with the demise of Speaker Apteen, the Senate itself is in turmoil."

"Artemis can help calm the unrest," Della says.

"Help, yes. But I do not believe he alone can restore peace."

"He can if he runs for Speaker."

Donovan crosses his arms, "I'm not sure he has the support to get him in office. He has many enemies in the Senate, some that never wanted Corellia granted membership into the Republic in the first place. Senator Ingrat is his most vocal opponent and the one closest to Apteen at the time of his death. I have no doubt he would make any attempt Soldys made at running difficult. Even now, Ingrat has Republic agents scouring the remains of the Centerpoint Station."

"We don't even know what they are looking for," Della says. "They have been vague at best with the People's Council. Rumors of their motives run rampant and range from harnessing the weapon it once was to finding the remains of Winton, Masterton and Patten."

"That is dreadfully morbid," Circe says, shuttering. She had never been on the station. Melanie had sent her away from Judec's orbital platform before they relocated. Despite her resistance, the order had spared her their fate. Kent Carlson curled his story into her hands and she boarded a shuttle to seek help from a fledgling Republic that had failed them. Their most recent circumstances signal a second disappointment yet her nature still compels her to fight on.

"We know they cannot be trusted. With the former Speaker's last testament to the deep mistrust of Force users; we cannot be certain what they are after."

Donovan gasps, stepping back from the table.

Circe reaches out, "What is it? What's wrong?"

The Jedi brings his gaze up to meet the others.

"I have felt a great disturbance in the Force, the cries of my allies suddenly extinguished."

"Other Jedi?"

He nods weakly.

"Where?"

"Our numbers are scattered, many of whom remained on the worlds they were sent to defend. Their cries were filled with terror and now they are…gone."

"Have they perished?" Della asks with alarm.

"I fear they have."

"We can't simply reach out to others since the worlds believe us dead. Maybe it's time…"

"No," Donovan says. "We will investigate but we must remain hidden. My duty is to protect the Counselor and the Patten boy. I realize now, after all that has happened, that this is what I was destined to do. Whatever legacy lingers around those who survived, the key still lies in the four families."

"How can you know that?" Veritaas says.

"Can you honestly say that you do not feel it too? Your devotion to a boy you never knew existed until months ago is proof of that. You have risked your career to keep him safe. So has Della. Those that surround them are placed there for a reason. You do not need the Force to recognize what he means, what they all mean. The Jedi Council had kept watch over the others to ensure they remained secure in the Corporate Sector but there are some who always considered them a potential threat. We were not as surprised as everyone else when the Patten boy revealed himself. It completed a picture that had been unclear and imbalanced. Two with the gift, two called to serve as Touchstones."

"The prophecy," Circe breathes.

"I thought that died on Centerpoint."

"Or it was just the beginning."



-TBC
Syren

Offline Syren

  • Queen of the Holodrama
  • Moderator
  • SWSF Member
  • Posts: 1,895
  • That bitch.
Re: CC: Corellian Birthright
« Reply #36 on: March 30, 2015, 03:16:57 PM »
Corellia

Surface: Patten Ranch

Donovan Atrii kneels in the sunken gardens, deep in meditation. He lets the world around him fall away. Since the other night, he has been unable to shake an underlying sense of dread about his fellow Jedi. He has taken all the precautions to shield himself from being visible through the Force, dampening his own signature to prevent being found. He is, after all, supposed to be dead. That means no one would be looking for him.

He does not believe that is the case for the others. He had felt another tremor through the Force this morning, another connection extinguished. He knows this cannot be a coincidence. With the Jedi spread so far apart since their expulsion from their chambers on Chandaar, they were more vulnerable. While most had been given instructions following the loss at Bastion, he had remained on the Republic capital to help manage the public crisis. This led him to Counselor Prescott, a true champion of their cause and for all civil rights. His path began to change and after their "death" they found themselves on Corellia under the sanctuary of Director Veritaas and Della Avers. Their kindness touches him deeply but he wonders what their courage would cost them. Corellia has always had a strained relationship with the Republic. Harboring them could cause the rift to widen or break. He hopes that is not the case.

Donovan and Circe have done well here. Playing the roles of Cale and Octavia, they began to build new lives around the new identities. As Cale, Donovan has completed the training program with the CorSec Academy and won the respect of his peers. Veritaas had then assigned him to the Patten Ranch as planned to oversee the protection of Riley Patten. Circe has been able to help Della tremendously given that she had to balance her work on the People's Council with raising a teenager. Circe has thrived in her new position, somewhat saddened that she could not interact with the populous as much as she would like. Still, she serves the people and strives to make their lives better. It is something she has always loved. These new identities are part of their journey.

His journey had begun long ago and became an emancipation from his former self.

Born and raised in the Corporate Sector to arguably the wealthiest and most powerful family, Donovan was a typical byproduct. His father's sister, Abra, had been married to Lord Rutherford Gellar and after she died under mysterious circumstances and his cousin, Blair, committed suicide, his father became a cold shell of a man. Donovan did his best to become everything his father ever wanted. Handsome, charming and arrogant, he became a popular and influential figure at Valor Prep. He was an athlete and a ladies man who won championships and broke hearts. It was never enough. He found the bottle his senior year and drank his way through the first term of university. With his grades in shambles and his legacy hanging by a thread, Donovan threw himself into the party circuit. The club scene on Mondder back then was legendary. Costumes and music and drugs were all part of the decadent revelry.

He and his friends travelled around the galaxy, following DJ's and opening clubs. They were paid handsomely for their appearances, even though none of them needed it. He became the playboy party fixture, frequently appearing in Holo-tabs with eyes half-closed and a smirk on his face. One summer, he even partied at the famous Club Hex on Hesperidium, knocking back drinks and checking out Imperial models Karen Winton and Kimber Patten on the dance floor. On Corellia, he had been so drunk that he was unaware he passed his second-cousin, Valerie Gellar, on the way to do lines in the bathroom.

His reckoning came on a night on Zeltros. The club was packed and he had taken so many pills he had lost count, washing them down with colorful drinks. A blonde emerged from the crowd, so stunningly beautiful that he could focus on only her. She smiled and took his hand, leading him out of the club. The next thing he remembered, he was in bed in a strange hotel room. The blonde was sitting in a chair on the other side of the room. Disoriented, he sat up and coughed. His throat was burning and he felt weak. Unknown to him, she had run his biological samples as he slept and confirmed what her Master had said.

"We had to pump your stomach," she said evenly. "You overdosed."

"Did I? How do you know?"

"Because I've been there. I took so many pills I almost died. If it wasn't for my friends I wouldn't be here right now. I'm paying that favor forward."

"What do you want?"

"I'm here to help."

"I don't need your help," he said, struggling to get out of bed. He fell to the floor, exhausted and shaking.

"I beg to differ, mister Atrii. You are in a desperate state, a crossroads, if you will."

"How do you know who I am?"

She switches on the projector and cycles through until she finds stories of the previous night, his waxy face plastered across the pages of the tabs.

"The obvious aside, we've felt your pain for a while now. It radiates off of you. You may look the part but you are not like the other boys. You sense things more deeply than others and your athletic prowess was enhanced by your ability to utilize more of your physical strengths. Instead of embracing these abilities, instead of questioning their origins, you chose to douse them in substances. I can relate. It can be a burden, if you allow it to be. It can also be a source of hope and enlightenment, an opportunity to transcend the banal existence of a socialite."

He focused on her face, "You look…familiar."

"I should. You've seen me before. Everyone has. But that was before I embraced what I am."

"What are you?"

She rose from the chair and crossed the room, flipping off the projector.

"I am someone who has been able to find peace with who I am and what I can do. You are suffering; mister Atrii and you are coping with that suffering by drowning in excess. You cannot run from what you are or where you came from. You want more from this life but you do not know how to get it. You are confused, lost and alone even when you are constantly surrounded by people. These people don't understand and they never will. Not like those I represent."

"What? Like, a company? Is this some sort of pitch?"

She sighed, tucking a long blonde curl behind her ear.

"No, it is an offer to change. They sent me to you because they felt you would be more receptive to someone…."

"Gorgeous?"

"With a similar background. We may have grown up on opposite sides of the galaxy but both in extreme privilege and self-involved, seldom seen parents. I know what it is like to try and live up to impossible expectations. The bar is set so high you feel it is easier to just lose yourself in the roar than even attempt to reach it. But you are special, mister Atrii. You possess a connection that few others do. The question is; do you want to continue your spiral until it kills you or do you want to finally find the peace that has eluded you your entire life?"

He didn't know if it was withdraw or the emotional gravity of her words but he became overwhelmed and sobbed into his hands. The entire pretense and the bullshit he had been using a shield came crashing down.

"I do need help," he croaked.

She took his hand, "That admission is your first step."

He nodded and looked up at her.

"Who are you?"

And she smiled, "My name is Melanie."

Donovan had left his friends without a word, boarding her shuttle in silence. She flew to Yavin IV and helped him through the worst withdraw of his life. He had screamed and puked and writhed his way across the passenger cabin. Melanie wiped his brow, kept him company and offered support through it all. By the time they arrived, he was shaken to the core, sober for the first time in what seemed like years. At the bottom of the ramp, waiting for him, was an old man in a brown robe.

"Welcome, Donovan Atrii. I am Master Adin Corrin."

From there, he learned of his unique connection to the Force and how it had played a role in his previous successes. He was skeptical at first and frightened when Melanie left Yavin on her own quest but he came to terms with who he was. He learned and trained and fought through the demons of his past. It took longer as he was much older than the others who had begun training at a young age. He was stubborn but determined and Master Corrin's patience showed him a side of humanity he had never experienced. Corrin taught him the value of life and protecting those who needed them. He accompanied the Jedi on missions, forged his own saber and provided support to the group when Melanie was killed in the battle of Centerpoint. They traveled to Chandaar where they found sanctuary beneath the Senate Hall and protected to the citizens of the Republic as it rose from the ashes of the Imperial defeat.

When he was ready, he returned to the Corporate Sector to discover he had a little sister, Demaris whom he cherished above all else. His parents were outraged by his disappearance and foray into what they saw as an ancient cult. He explained that the Jedi had helped him overcome his addiction and find peace but his father was furious that his only son would forgo the family legacy for spiritual enlightenment. Demaris idolized him but his parents forbid him from influencing her. Curious, he had run her samples and sent it to the Jedi. Demaris held the same markers he did with the same potential. Not wanting to make any decisions for her, he requested that the Jedi not pursue her as a candidate. His request was granted and Donovan remained on Chandaar with the Jedi.


Donovan opens his eyes. How time changes things.

The gardens are just beginning to bud. Spring is still young but the change is near. He reflects on the past and remains firm in his choices. Riley comes into view, leading Circe to a large planter with the first signs of growth. She looks happy as Riley explains something to her and his heart swells. They are forbidden from love and for years it had never been an issue. The more time he spends with her, the larger the danger. He had taken vows yet he finds himself drawn to her. He has never expressed these feelings and kept his desire in check to remain focused on why they are here.

Someone had used a teenager to try and kill Circe. Their efforts to investigate why have been fruitless. The culprit does not know they had failed. However, Speaker Apteen was assassinated shortly after. The RSB has not been able to make a connection but Donovan does not think it a stretch. Someone wants a change in the Republic and they have gone to great and horrifying lengths to achieve it. The unknown lies before them as the call for the next Speaker begins. Who would lead them in this time of crisis? Darkness swirls beneath the surface and with the scattered Jedi's signature's disappearing; he fears they may be at the dawn of a new era.


-TBC
Syren

Offline Medivh

  • Moderator
  • SWSF Member
  • Posts: 706
Re: CC: Corellian Birthright
« Reply #37 on: April 07, 2015, 02:21:35 PM »
Corellia
Surface: Patten Ranch

It was an unexpected visit when Director Elon Veritaas appeared at the entrance to the Patten ranch.  Della Avers opened the door with a curious smile.

"Director? are you here to see Riley?"

He shook his head.

"No - I'm here to see you.  You, and the jedi"

Della nodded her head, allowing the CorSec Director to enter.  Then she hurried out to the sunken gardens, pulling Donovan Atrii from his mediation, before both returned.

"We have received a request from the jedi on Chandaar"

"A request?"

Veritaas nodded.

"Jedi Master Agnant contacted Senator Soldys.  He has asked if the jedi can seek refuge on Corellia. The senator contacted the governor's office just a few hours ago to relay the request, and I was present at that meeting.  Apparently, there is some concern that the jedi are not just being discriminated against anymore.  There is concern that they are being murdered, and whoever is doing it is using the fact that they are scattered and vulnerable to make this an opportune time."

Donovan had felt the tremors in the force of late, but hearing that his suspicions were more than that ...
"Do we know - "

Veritaas shook his head "very little detail was presented.  Whatever Agnant told Artemis, it doesn't seem like anyone is certain of the facts, and Artemis wanted to keep it as official -and as brief- a communication as possible.  The governor hasn't made a decision yet, but he is leaning toward providing the sanctuary the jedi are asking for.  Jedi Atrii - you are presumed dead, but if the jedi come here, that might complicate things for you.  Should we inform Master Agnant that you are alive?"

Atrii placed his head down for a moment, before shaking his head.

"Not yet - when he arrives on Corellia, I will meet with him in person.  Like the senator, I do not trust that the comm between here and Chandaar is sufficiently secure, and I cannot reveal myself to Master Agnant through the force without revealing my presence to others as well."

"Very good.  I will let you know as soon as the governor finalizes his decision."

"Thank you"

TBC
([][:][][][DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
Medivh
SWSF: Legacy of the Force
May the Force be with you

Offline Medivh

  • Moderator
  • SWSF Member
  • Posts: 706
Re: CC: Corellian Birthright
« Reply #38 on: May 18, 2015, 04:22:18 PM »
Corellia
Surface: Patten Ranch

It had come as a deep blow when news of the explosion reached those on Corellia.  It was the second of two transports carrying some of the youngest and most vulnerable jedi leaveing out of Chandaar.  Communication had been so careful, such that not even those on the receiving end knew when the transports were expected to arrive.  When the first did appear, they were quickly shuttled to the Patten ranch. Donovan Atrii and Cersei Prescott had remained hidden initially, but with the realization of how many had disappeared or been killed, a decision had to be made.

Of the seven members of the Jedi Council, 5 were presumed dead - Masters Agnant, Yin-Go, Waring, Bolden, and Chinyani.  Master Manoth, a twilek jedi who had been assigned to Junction and Besh Gorgon, had after the disaster at Bastion taken command of a Firespray craft, and let a half-dozen jedi pilots on regular patrols of the two systems, based on an abandoned platform in Besh Gorgon.  Their constant mobility meant they weren't as easy a target.  Yet. But Manoth had not been reached with word of the jedi's regrouping.  The seventh, of course, was Atrii himself, junior to Manoth, but currently, the only one in a position to lead the younger jedi himself.  With that knowledge, he had revealed himself to them, embracing friends and comforting padawans.

Della had offered the Patten ranch, massive in size, as a temporary home for the jedi, far from prying eyes, and the Corellian government had provided additional security of its own along the outer perimeter.  At Atrii's behest, non-jedi personnel were kept on the outskirts, where they needn't know who the newest residents were.

Atrii was now in the process of organizing the remaining jedi, what felt like a handful at most - a dozen from Chandaar had successfully made it, and maybe five or six from other worlds where they had been scattered.  Many might still be out there, but the order had been small to begin with, and in addition to the masters, some 15-20 were presumed dead.  The last of the more senior (at least, senior now) jedi was Nevylinn, who had been stationed in the Corporate Sector.  A message had been relayed from the governor that contact with 'the corporate one' had been achieved.  Donovan, Della, and Circe had been waiting anxiously for her arrival.

That's when Della got Mara' unexpected comm message.  Brief, and leading to more questions than answers, it left a true sense of foreboding.

That a sith was alive - one believed dead - would certainly lend an explanation to the dying jedi.  Atrii had been told only a brief amount of information about the mysterious sith woman that had kidnapped the children ('the four') and held Dahlia hostage even after the rescue attempt. None of it helped the riddle.  ANd who was the daughter of darkness? What did it mean? hopefully, Nevylinn would arrive safely. ANd would help explain the puzzle.

*******************
Nevylinn had taken the shuttle, spending most of the long journey from the Corporate Sector toward the core contemplating the dream.  Nevylinn knew she had to leave, and knew that the Republic was not any safer than the Corporate Sector.  That had left only one option - Corellia.  Corellia was distant enough from the Republic and sympathetic to the jedi.  There, she could at least get her bearings, choose her next move.

Plus, she felt drawn by the force to Corellia.  She felt that there she would find kindred spirits and answers to her questions.

So it was to Corellia she had traveled, alone in her shuttle for days on end.  The galaxy was large, after all.

When she arrived, she immediately sensed that she should hide her identity, and rather than register with authorities, she asked to be connected to the patten ranch, where Miss Avers was currently living.

A comm connection was made, but it was not Della Avers that answered.

Donovan Atrii, with a thin smile on his face.

"Nevylinn - I'm glad your alive.  We have a lot of catching up to do"


TBC
([][:][][][DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
Medivh
SWSF: Legacy of the Force
May the Force be with you

Offline Syren

  • Queen of the Holodrama
  • Moderator
  • SWSF Member
  • Posts: 1,895
  • That bitch.
Re: CC: Corellian Birthright
« Reply #39 on: May 26, 2015, 07:22:30 PM »
Corellia

Surface: Patten Ranch

With Director Veritaas' assistance, the Jedi Nevylinn is able to bypass central command and alter course to land at the ranch. She had been shocked at seeing Donovan Atrii alive but neither had wished to discuss details over the com. He invited her to the Patten Ranch, a Jedi sanctuary where others from around the galaxy had been summoned. She wonders how many of them had made it. Once outside, she inhales the fresh country air. It is a welcome change from the filtered air during the long journey. Donovan is waiting for her at the bottom of the ramp. They embrace tightly, thankful to be reunited. She steps back.

"How many of us are there?"

"Not many, I'm afraid."

"The Masters?"

He shakes his head.

She sighs, glancing down. It is as she had feared. As she had seen in her dreams. Adubell was systematically extinguishing the Jedi. Donovan welcomes her inside where she is introduced to CorSec Director Elon Veritaas and says hello to Riley Patten. The boy had grown considerably since she last saw him, clearly taking to life on Corellia. She is inwardly grateful that Corrin's sacrifice had yielded such positive results in Riley and Gemma.

Through the large windows, Nevylinn can see a few young Jedi meditating near the entrance to what appears to be a massive garden. The entire situation borders on the surreal when Donovan's voice steers her back to the room.

"There is someone else you need to see."

A woman, beautiful with short white blonde hair joins them. There is something familiar about her but she cannot place it.

"Nevylinn, you remember Counselor Circe Prescott."

"You're alive as well," she breathes, moving closer to take her hands. "The explosion…"

"Was a tragic event," Circe finishes. "One that we barely escaped."

"I don't understand how."

"I spotted the device as it was being thrown from the crowd and used a Force shield to cover myself and the Counselor as it detonated. The smoke and flames provided the cover for us to flee but it was Senator Soldys who arranged for our passage off of Chandaar."

"We changed our appearances and names to legitimize our presence, Donovan as Cale Theon and I as Octavia Valles. Director Veritaas graciously accepted Donovan into CorSec so that he could be assigned to protect Riley and Della took me on as an administrator for her in the People's Council. We have been able to help a great deal since we've been here and I am thankful we can help the Jedi now. I just wish it were under better circumstances. I am deeply sorry for your losses, both of you."

"Thank you," Nevylinn says. "I am thankful to see you both alive and well. Do you know who was responsible for the blast?"

"It is included in the brief in your room and I am certainly interested in your theories later but the more pressing issue is ensuring the remaining Jedi arrive here safely."

"Who else knows we are here?"

Veritaas crosses his arms.

"Senator Soldys, doctor Tivoli Cross and a trusted handful of Corellian officials. This collaboration is how we were able to arrange for the Jedi to be granted sanctuary. Clearly, we do not stand for the injustice of the FURA but must tread carefully as Senator Soldys well knows. Although the Republic is under new leadership, the FURA has not been directly addressed by Speaker Leeds as his cabinet and the Senate focuses primarily on the Imperial threat. This distraction buys us time to regroup but we are far from out of the woods. Unfortunately, we do not have much intel on those who are hunting the Jedi as the reports for each incident seem to indicate an accident or disaster. These incidents are tactical and precise, covering up any potential pattern for local authorities or media outlets."

Nevylinn swallows hard, the truth weighing on her.

Donovan looks to her, "Does anyone know you are here?"

"No," she says. "Garron Prescott and Kylie Miranda came to me on D'ian and warned me about the Jedi murders. We agreed that leaving was the best options since my arrival had been publicized."

Circe looks pained at the mention of her brother, someone who believes her dead. He was always clever but she is surprised he and the Gellar-Masterton au pair came to Nevylinn with this information.

"How did they know?"

"A contact of Garron's in the Republic, Janessa Kain."

"The Sector liaison?" Veritaas asks incredulously. "Can she be trusted?"

"She is unaware of our location, as are Garron and Kylie, but I believe Janessa no longer has faith in the Republic. After the RSB attacked Garron on Chandaar, they forced her to return him to the Sector. She was devastated, shaken, but returned to Chandaar to continue business. I am uncertain as to how she came upon this information."

"Artemis told her."

Della Avers appears on the edge of the room.
 
"He thought the most discreet way to you was through her. They arranged a meeting under the pretense of Corporate Sector discussions and he asked for her assistance. She told Garron to warn you. So, yes, her faith has been shaken. All of ours has."

This settles over the room.

"Jedi Nevylinn, may we speak in private?"

"Of course."

She excuses herself and follows Della. They turn and head down a corridor and enter a large office. Della taps the door closed and faces her. Nevylinn can sense great turmoil within her.

"Is everything alright?"

"You were acquainted with Mara Tacofer, correct?"

"Briefly," she says. "We met during the rescue of Riley and Gemma. She was the Federation Ambassador before merging with the Corellian Engineering Corporation and named their Vice President. If I am not mistaken, she was killed in an accident with her ship here in outskirts of the Corellian Sector."

Della grimaces, "Not exactly."

"Not exactly…what?"

"Killed. She's not dead but for obvious reasons she intends on allowing everyone to believe she is. I had not heard from her months when I got a distressing call this afternoon with a message….for you."

Nevylinn takes this in, "For me?"

"She told me she had a dream about Adubell, the Sith you faced on Korriban. She told me she is alive."

Her blood turns to ice.

"Alive."

Della nods.

"She said the dream was about Adubell and about the Daughter of Darkness. She said you would know what that means."

"That's impossible."

"What is?"

"That Mara Tacofer could know this."

"Why?"

Nevylinn's eyes are wide and locked with Della's.

"Because I had that dream too."



-TBC
Syren

Offline Syren

  • Queen of the Holodrama
  • Moderator
  • SWSF Member
  • Posts: 1,895
  • That bitch.
Re: CC: Corellian Birthright
« Reply #40 on: July 20, 2015, 04:02:46 PM »
Corellia

Surface

It is close to midnight and Director Elon Veritaas waits near the loading docks in the spaceport. He leans against a wall shrouded in shadow as he casually observes the scene. Cargo is lifted from holds and placed onto skiffs for transport. Nevylinn had asked him to retrieve another Jedi refugee they had arranged to come to Corellia. She gave very few details but noted the refugee was coming from deep within Imperial territory. The obvious questions aside, Elon was more than happy to help. 

The Jedi sanctuary had mercifully gone unnoticed by the larger Corellian public. Given the remoteness of the Patten Ranch, it made the perfect hideout. The Jedi did not leave the estate and wore more neutral attire that made them appear local, drawing less attention from any of the agents on this detail. The amount of secrets inside those walls is simply staggering. The Republic's ever wavering stability offers a welcome distraction.

Riley has grown so immensely in his skills and the Director could not be more proud. He knows their laws and offers creative methods through which to investigate the cases he shares with him. Riley is also a bit of a weapons expert, having devoured all the coursework and training in the armory. His marksmanship is unrivaled at and Academy, showing up even the most seasoned field agents. He had earned the nickname "Riles" at One CorSec Plaza.

Donovan's words about his connection to a boy he hardly knew have never left his mind. The boy's parents are dead and his guardian gone fighting to uncover the larger plot that surrounds him and the others. He and Della had come to serve as his de facto parental units and they respond with his education and safety at the forefront of all they do. Riley is a teenager and can be curious and impulsive. He trusts willingly and loves openly in much the same way his mother did. However, that naiveté cost Kimber and her friends their lives. He would not be unprepared for the way the worlds really are. Elon has no qualms about being stern when teaching a lesson. If he still plays a role in a prophecy they all thought had long come to pass, Riley would be ready.

A figure breaks from the line of workers and droids, heading toward him. It is short and wears a cloak with a large hood. He pushes up off the wall and steps out of the shadows. The figure moves more distinctly in his direction and only stops right in front of him.

"Director?"

The voice is young and female and she sounds like she had been crying.

"Yes."

"Can we, um, go?"

"Of course," he says, walking briskly back toward his speeder. She follows but does not remove her hood. He races out of the city and even after they have left the lights behind, she clutches the cloak around her tightly. Elon signals the Ranch for their arrival and the gates are opened enough for him to pass inside before sealing shut once again.

"Here we are. Safe and sound."

It is then he sees a human hand poking out from beneath the cloak, curled around what looks like folded paper. She extends it toward him and relaxes her fist slowly so he is able to take the paper from her hand. Elon unfolds the crumpled edges. On the paper is a hideous creature, crudely drawn with what looks like a black marker. His face tightens with alarm.

"What is this?"

She says nothing, lowers her head.

Nevylinn appears by the side of speeder, "I see we made it. Thank you, Director."

He nods as she helps the girl up and ushers her quickly into the residence. Doctor Tivoli Cross would arrive in the morning for a diagnostic which is standard for all the arriving refugees. He glances down at the paper again. Jagged teeth with jaws open wide. Melted or disfigured flesh. The sheer, blinding malevolence she managed to capture in its eyes. He glances back up to the house, wary.

Who is this girl and what has she seen?




-TBC
Syren

Offline Syren

  • Queen of the Holodrama
  • Moderator
  • SWSF Member
  • Posts: 1,895
  • That bitch.
Re: CC: Corellian Birthright
« Reply #41 on: July 27, 2015, 01:34:33 PM »
Corellia

Surface

Screaming.

Spinning out of control through a rush of ocean air.


The girl gasps and sits upright, focusing on the woman sitting on the corner of her bed. She is pretty with a deeper olive skin and a warm smile.

"I didn't mean to startle you. My name is Tivoli Cross. I'm the CorSec medical director and a friend of the Jedi Nevylinn. Do you remember where you are?"

"Corellia."

"That's right. I just need to run a few tests. Is that okay?"

She nods slowly, slipping out from under the covers. Tivoli runs a basic exam to ensure the girl is physically unharmed. The emotional aspects of her ordeal would be more difficult and she leaves her to rest. Tivoli joins Director Veritaas and Nevylinn in the dining room.

"How is she?"

"Pretty shaken up but otherwise unharmed. There are no signs of physical trauma that I can see but if you would like we can do further testing. Do we know what happened? She wouldn't say much to me."

"Not entirely," Nevylinn says. "She cried out through the Force, pleading for help. I guided her here as best I could without compromising us."

Veritaas crosses his arms.

"You said she was within Imperial borders. Why?"

"Vacationing with friends."

"So, she's part of the Empire?"

"No."

"I don't understand."

"We need to give it time, let her settle in, and then we will go over details further. Did she say anything to you on the ride here?"

"Not a thing. She kept under that hood like she was hiding from something and I think I know what."

Nevylinn and Tivoli are suddenly very alert.

Veritaas fishes the paper from his uniform.

"She was clutching this. It looks like it was drawn by hand."

He unfolds it on the table as the women move for a closer look. Nevylinn is puzzled but Tivoli's gasp is sharp as she backs away from the table.

"Doctor Cross?"

There is fear in her wide, brown eyes.

"I've…seen that…that creature."

"You have? Where?"

Her eyes flicker briefly to Veritaas then back to Nevylinn. She touches her throat reflexively, where it had grabbed her.

"In the lab. The day Riley's sample was stolen."

"This is the creature you saw?"

"Yes."

"You are absolutely certain?"

"I will never forget that face."

Veritaas recalls the investigation of the break-in and theft. The agents and the doctor all described some kind of alien species they were unfamiliar with. They called it a monster. The hitch was that there was no trace of this thing. No one saw it leave and it hasn't been seen since. The most mysterious piece of her story was that she claimed it had changed. It was one thing and became something else.

"Nevylinn, does this look at all familiar to you?"

The Jedi studies the drawing carefully before shaking her head.

"I will have to consult the others, see what we have in our records. We must know how these creatures are connected…"

"It looked like you."

They all turn to find the girl standing in the arched doorway.

"I heard Master Nevylinn's voice in my head, telling me to come, and so I went. I went to the Masterton suite and saw you standing in the living room. Except it wasn't you. It was…that thing. It changed…all its flesh melting away…and it attacked me….it threw me over the balcony and I fell…I fell so far…."

She begins to cry.

"I didn't know if it was real, if I had dreamt it."

"It wasn't a dream," Tivoli says, moving toward her. "I saw it too."

"You did?"

She nods.

"So, I'm not crazy?"

"No, sweetie. You aren't crazy."

The girl crumples into the doctors arms sobbing. Tivoli comforts her, slowly rocking back and forth.

Veritaas frowns.

"Nevylinn, who is this girl?"

Nevylinn raises her eyes to his.

"She is Demaris Atrii."




-TBC
Syren

Offline Syren

  • Queen of the Holodrama
  • Moderator
  • SWSF Member
  • Posts: 1,895
  • That bitch.
Re: CC: Corellian Birthright
« Reply #42 on: August 09, 2015, 05:29:04 PM »
Corellia

Surface: Patten Ranch

She had cried so many tears.

The terror and sadness pull her into a state of despair. The room is her fortress where she can be alone to cower and writhe across the sheets. Visions of the monster haunt her, its horrible features so vivid in her mind. Its hot breath against her skin. The sensation of its scarred flesh gripping her as it hurled her over the edge of the balcony. She seems to spin forever, the void beyond the Bolerathon tower waiting like the jaws of the monster as it spoke her name.

Her panic spurred a deepening of her connection to the Force and she reached out with everything she had. She pulled herself out of the spiral, close enough to the tower to grip the railing of balcony a dozen stories below the Masterton Penthouse. She clawed her way back up and collapsed onto the deck in shock and exhaustion. The hours she spent curled into the ball did little to calm her. Even the morning sun, so brilliant and warm, could not ease her fear. She banged on the patio doors but no one came. Convinced she was alone; she used her powers to turn the latch and entered the musty residence. She fumbled through the bathroom, cleaning the cuts on her knees and elbow. She iced the dark bruises along her arms and wrist. There were clothes in the closet which she used to cover up the nightgown. She then packed a bag then cleared any trace she had been there. With a hooded cloak and large sunglasses, she crept out of the residence and down to the beach, staying in the shadows until nightfall.

She watched her friends pile out toward a hoverlimo, dressed to the nines and full of laughter. Only Ples looked concerned, staring back at the tower with uncertainty. She wanted to call out to him, to let him know she was okay but thought better of it. Instead, she cried out for Nevylinn, praying she would hear her. The call was answered with an invitation but there could be no rescue. She was deep in Imperial territory. She had to be resourceful, utilize her wits to get her out of here. More like her listening skills. So she entered the spaceport with all the conversations buzzing. She honed in on her destination like a keyword and sifted through the white noise until she found what she was looking for. That is how she was able to stow away on a passenger vessel full of older, wealthy retirees on their way to Corellia. Someone had family there and the others had never been.

Once they docked on Corellia, she had to walk a long way to the cargo landing area where someone named Veritaas would meet her. She tried to be invisible and stayed small and out of sight. No one ever saw her face until a few mornings ago when she woke to doctor Cross sitting on her bed.

They had mostly left her alone, coming by to deliver food or comforting words but she is plagued by nightmares and confusion. The doctor's admission made her feel slightly better but these effects were dampened by the fact that the Director and Jedi knew nothing of these monsters.

There is a rapping at the door.

Nevylinn enters the room, speaking softly.

"I thought you might want to see something. Something that may change things for you."

She clings to the covers, "Change how?"

"For the better, I hope."

The voice is known to her but she doesn't immediately recognize the man standing behind Nevylinn. His broad shoulders fill out a pressed CorSec uniform but that half-smile gives it away. She pulls herself fully upright, shaking her head in disbelief.
 
"Donovan…?"

"Yes, Demaris. It's me."

She tosses the covers aside and bounds across the room into his arms. She sobs into his chest and he waits until the tears have subsided. She looks up at him and rubs the top of his head.

"You cut off all your hair."

"Kind of a prerequisite with a secret identity."

"I don't understand….how? How are you here?"

"It's a long story."

She turns to Nevylinn, "You knew?"

"Not until just before I arrived on Corellia. I was surprised and delighted but not nearly as I expected you would be."

"What about the Counselor?"

"What about her?" Circe says, joining them in the room. She also looks dramatically different but thankfully alive. "It's nice to finally meet you, Demaris. Your brother has told me a lot about you."

"I'm so relieved you are both okay!"

Donovan holds her arms, "As I am glad to see you are well. We need to talk about what happened. Get dressed and we will meet you in the living room."

She frowns.
 
"Trust me," he says. "We are among friends here."

Demaris showers and changes into a basic black jumpsuit and pulls her hair into a loose ponytail. She practices breathing before she departs, willing herself to keep it together. Outside, the fresh air inside the house is fragrant with the sweetness of flowers. She smiles for the first time and moves through the hall into the living room. Director Veritaas is conferring with Donovan while Circe Prescott, Nevylinn, and doctor Cross sit around a table in the adjacent room with another woman and a boy that looks familiar to her.

"Demaris," Neylinn says. "I believe you know everyone here except for Della Avers and Riley Patten."

"Riley? You know Gemma, right?"

He nods.

"I've seen a picture of you in her room."

"Really?" Riley says, blushing. "That's, um, cool."

"Well, I'm Demaris Atrii. Otherwise known as the crazy girl. Sorry about that."

"It's perfectly understandable," Della says sweetly.

"We don't mean to pry given your experience," Veritaas continues. "But you have something important that may help us."

"Like what?"

He holds up the paper she was clutching. Thankfully it is folded.

"Information."

"What do you want to know?"

He offers her a seat at the table which she accepts.

Everyone is watching her.

"This isn't an interrogation but we need you to be as forthcoming as possible. Any little detail you can remember could help. The monster you saw on Hesperidium. It is the first time you have seen it?"

"Yes."

"Did it say anything to you?"

"Before it turned into the monster, yes. As Nevylinn. It spoke to me in my mind."

He glances at Nevylinn.
 
"That would indicate some kind of telepathic ability."

"Same as the Jedi or Sith?"

"Not necessarily."

Veritaas turns back to Demaris, "Did it say anything else?"

"It spoke to me again when I arrived. It told me they knew."

"They who?"

"My friends."

"Knew what?"

"About me. Being, you know Force sensitive."

"Do they?"

Demaris swallows, "Only one of them."

"Which one?"

"Ples Aguilar. He kind of figured it out but we were alone."

"Then the creature came?"

"No," she says. "Ples never saw it. None of them did. It was the middle of the night. I woke up to a voice in my head that sounded like Nevylinn and I followed it."

"Where?"

"The Masterton Penthouse."

"You had a key?"

"No, I, uh, kind of broke in. Nevylinn was standing in the living room."

"It looked exactly like her?"

"Entirely. It told me they knew about me and then it…changed."

"How did it change?"

She forces herself to be strong but her lip begins to tremble.

"The image of Nevylinn sort of, well, melted. And all that was left was this creature."

"Changelings," Veritaas muses. "Perhaps a Shi'ido or Clawdite?"

Nevylinn shakes her head, "I don't think so. We know what both species look like in their true form. Neither appears like this."

"Unless this is something they change into."

"It's not," Riley says. He had taken the drawing and unfolded it on the table. Now he is staring at it intensely. "I've seen these things too."

There are murmurs throughout the room.

Veritaas moves toward him, "Riley, are you sure?"

"Yes, we saw one on Chandaar. Aunt Mara was in a meeting with Rutherford Gellar and Celeste Masterton and we went out to an arcade. Gemma wandered off and when we found her, she was being threatened by one of those monsters."

"What happened?"

"Dahlia told Dane and me to take Gemma away so we did."

The name causes a ripple of tension.
 
"Dahlia Winton?"

"Yeah."

Nevylinn and Veritaas exchange a tense look.
 
"And after you left her with the creature?"

"We don't know. The security team found her passed out and the monster was gone."

Nevylinn kneels in front of Riley, "Do you know if Dahlia had seen these creatures before?"

"No, but I know Gemma has. She dreamed of them all the time growing up."

Veritaas' eyes widen, "Nevylinn, you were aware of this?"

"I was," she says. "Although she never described them to me in detail, she did reveal that they had haunted her throughout her childhood. She never mentioned she actually confronted one. When did she tell you this?"

"While we were prisoners on Korriban."

The wheels are starting to turn.

Nevylinn recalls the escape through the caves, the darkness and the attack. If they were on Korriban, does that mean they are working with the Mara clones? Or for them. Much of what happened was unseen as the only light emanated from their sabers. Losing Master Corrin is still a source of pain. She had felt the presences all around them as they fled, heard them screech and wail, but she never saw them. Her eyes drop to the unfolded sheet on the table.

Is this what laid in the darkness?

They now know the creatures were seen by the entirety of the new Four as well as Doctor Cross and Demaris Atrii. Twice the appearances correlated to Dahlia's presence – on Chandaar and Hesperidium. The appearance on Corellia related to Riley's genetic sample which signifies an objective. Scaring the children is one thing but attacking Demaris does not track with a clear agenda.

"If Gemma Masterton saw them first, she may be the key."

"The visions could have been sent to her to warn the others much the same way she knew Riley was in danger. In the past, Melanie Masterton was the more empathic which would make sense that Gemma inherited those attributes of the Force."

"Still," Donovan says. "There is no denying they are connected to The Four. I mean no offense by this but the doctor and Demaris could have just been collateral damage."

Tivoli follows this analytical train of thought.

"It only attacked me because I was there in the lab. I had what it wanted. But why would it target Demaris?"

"If it knew of her connection to the Force, it may have exploited that in order to lure her away from the others."

"For what purpose?"

"Those that surrounded the original Four were used to make them suffer. This could be history repeating itself."

Demaris gasps.

"If that's true then my friends are in danger. We have to help them."

"We can't," Veritaas says sternly. "It poses too great a risk to extract them or to intercede on their behalf. Not on Hesperidium."

Circe offers some optimism.

"But the Empire has called for peace with the Republic. Corellia is part of that Republic. An envoy into Imperial space would show goodwill."

"Not at this stage of the game. It's too early and nothing has been formally finalized."

"He's right," Della says. "Artemis says they are willing to talk but there have been no demands or concessions. We cannot risk it."

"I agree. With the Jedi so few in numbers, we must remain in the shadows. Donovan?"

His face is rigid with gaze trained on his sister.
 
"I'm sorry, Dem. We'll have to find another way."




-TBC
« Last Edit: August 09, 2015, 05:35:32 PM by Syren »
Syren

Offline Syren

  • Queen of the Holodrama
  • Moderator
  • SWSF Member
  • Posts: 1,895
  • That bitch.
Re: CC: Corellian Birthright
« Reply #43 on: August 17, 2015, 02:11:22 PM »
"And way down we go-o-o-o-o
 Way down we go
Say way down we go
'Cause they will run you down, down til you fall
Way down we go."

-Kaleo


Corellia

Surface: Patten Ranch

Demaris meditates in the fragrant, blooming sunken gardens with the other younger Jedi. She had spent the week training, learning from Nevylinn and Donovan. They said she had shown great strength in surviving her ordeal. Her quick thinking to draw from her connection with the Force had saved her life. Although Donovan had tried to spare her this path, he now sees her potential begin to flourish.

Was it her destiny all along?

Fate had reunited them as a family and the significance is not lost on him. There are so many unanswered questions about what she's been through, what she saw. The truth is, Demaris has proximity to the new Four and therein lays the problem. The fates of the friends of The Four were well documented. It was their proximity that had cost them their lives. It had almost cost Demaris hers. The creature assumed the guise of Nevylinn and spoke of Demaris' Force ability. It knew this about her despite that she had been suppressing her signature. Either the creature had always known about her or it had been told. The latter suggests a deeper motive, an agenda that implies there is someone else with answers, calling all the shots.

The beasts have a boss.

Nevylinn utilizes the resources at their disposal but the Jedi records have no matches for these creatures. Searches through the CorSec databases, even with Vertiaas' clearance, yield no results. So either these things are something new or something older than their records. Della introduces a more obscure theory; that any records or reference to the creatures have been redacted or eradicated. Circe expounds on the thought with a careful reminder that she had been sporadically under the influence of dark powers for over a decade. Whatever plans were unfolding, they had been in motion for a while. The group assumed it tied directly to The Four and the prophecy as the children of Winton, Masterton, Patten and Gellar became adolescent's.

"This reaches much further back," Donovan says. "Something that predates the Persephonea."

"Or another part of it."

The room becomes very still. Veritaas is pacing behind the table Circe, Donovan, Della and Nevylinn sit around.

"We don't know if what that obsessive reporter published about The Four was just the end of something. It may read like a finale and as much as I would like Riley to have been the shining hope prevailing, I'm not buying it. Not after everything that has happened. While I am certainly not an expert on ancient prophecies, I've heard enough stories to know they seldom have such a short incubation period. We all know the tale. Alexia Winton blindly digs a prophecy about her family out of a cave that comes to pass almost exactly a decade before abruptly ending here in the Corellian Sector."

Della crosses her arms, "As far as prophecies go, it was epic but brief. Suspiciously so."

Donovan nods.

"It was just the beginning. A precursor that set the tone for future events."

Circe grips the chair.

"Not to mention everything that has happened happened after we crossed the ten year anniversary of the Battle at Centerpoint Station. The kidnapping, the Wheel, the trial, the murders, everything….it all started then."

Nevylinn is pinned down by memories, searching through her own feelings to find something that may have been present all along. Melanie told her bad things started happening after they began at North Coruscant. There was escalation and confusion. Skip forward seven years to its violent conclusion in the space surrounding Centerpoint. It flows in a pattern familiar to her in stories and fables. There is a time of plotting, a time of execution, a time of peace and a time of resurgence.

This makes her question what the Jedi concluded about the Persephonea.

Could it really be only a fragment of the whole?

Della excuses herself to take a call in the other room. They must maintain appearances and obligations. Thankfully, they have found ways for their professional lives to intersect with their quest for the truth.

Nevylinn remembers the spark which started the blaze.

"The catalyst was the father but Mara destroyed the last vestiges of Alexander Winton. Property he owned across the galaxy was made rubble."

"With the exception of one."

"The Bolerathon Tower."
 
Circe shakes her head. 

"Garron told me ownership transferred to Celeste Masterton."

"Circumstantial, Counselor."

"Last one standing with any ties to the Winton family."

"And guess who just got keys to the castle?"

Elon Veritaas has no illusions about who Dahlia Winton is. He had seen (and hated) the Holoplex feature and watched the documentary multiple times. It had much of Corellian history in it, darker times they must remember in order to continue to move forward. The documentary was gritty and revealing on many levels given the source material. As much as he thought Kent Carlson a pretentious upstart, he gained unprecedented access to one of the most compelling stories that had permeated popular culture. While that information is valuable, he knows it isn't the whole story. Dahlia may have been raised away from it all in secret but those bloodlines run deep.

"Need I remind you that Dahlia has done nothing?"

"You don't know that."

"And you don't know that she has any part in this. She's a victim as well."

"Many collars have played the role to deflect suspicion. It's fairly common in law enforcement. Report the crimes so that no one believes you had anything to do with it. I understand you were both close with Melanie Masterton. You want to honor her memory by protecting these children but they aren't children anymore."

"They are all question marks," Nevylinn says. "We can guide them and hope they choose the right path. Every one of The Four had elements of darkness and light within them. They fought on both sides of the line over the course of time."

"Dahlia is the common factor."

"If she's suspect," Nevylinn says, glancing through the window at Riley helping a Jedi Youngling prune a shrub. "They all are. These creatures were seen by each, and Riley did say it knew them. It called him "the forth." What we need to know is how the creatures knew this information and in such detail. The Four were never numerically categorized. However, in reference to them in text including the prophecy, the Gellar name is always the last. Gellar would be the forth, not Patten."

Della appears at the edge of the room.
 
"Master Nevylinn, a word?"

She exits the room as the others discussion connections to the creatures and how it links back through time from new Four to the originals and beyond. Once in the corridor, Della turns.
 
"You have an urgent call."

"Thank you."

Nevylinn enters Della's office and moves to the consol. Speaking of Gellar.

"Hello, Mara."




-TBC
« Last Edit: August 17, 2015, 02:14:32 PM by Syren »
Syren

Offline Syren

  • Queen of the Holodrama
  • Moderator
  • SWSF Member
  • Posts: 1,895
  • That bitch.
Re: CC: Corellian Birthright
« Reply #44 on: August 24, 2015, 05:08:01 PM »
Corellia

Surface: Patten Ranch

At the end of each week, the "tribunal" comes together for dinner. The term had been given to them jokingly by Riley who thought their secretive talks bordered on the conspiratorial. Elon Veritaas and doctor Tivoli Cross are the last to arrive after a particularly grueling week. The CorSec Academy is gearing up for the start of the fall quarter and all the new recruits who would be passing through the halls. Many preparations needed to be made which require the presence and oversight of the Director and Medical Director.

Della Avers and Circe Prescott have prepared a fine meal while Riley sets the table. Donovan oversees practice sessions with Demaris and the other Jedi in the gardens. He must hone their skills more quickly with their reduced numbers and escalating danger that surrounds them. Demaris has surprised him in her articulate control of The Force. Nevylinn had taught her well. Although she did not receive the formal Jedi training from childhood, Nevylinn had shown Demaris how to control her gifts while hiding in plain sight. The Force signature each individual carries is like a fingerprint and a tracking device. Those attuned to the Force can sense others around them and, if more skilled, can narrow down, seek out and even follow the signature of an individual Force User.

This may have been how they were able to track down their colleagues and other Masters, leaving their ranks decimated. While there are surely others spread throughout the galaxy, Donovan prays they have concealed themselves entirely. Even if they cannot find them, he hopes no one else will either.

Nevylinn meditates in her room, drawing on the calm influence of the Force. The location has proved to be therapeutic to the others and conducive to peace. The Patten penchant for horticulture gives them all a stunning yet shielded base of operations. Della had spoken with her after their conversations with Mara. The blood is the key but so many questions remain.

Valerie Gellar is the only known member of The Four to possess the enzyme. It was used to make PHAGE and later, Mara and her many clones. Valerie was arguably the most ruthless of The Four and her genetics combined with the lethal efficiency of a machine had yielded terrifying results. The creature had stolen Riley's samples from the CorSec labs. They also know that Dane's sample was stolen from the ChemiX labs thanks to Dane overhearing his parents, telling Gemma who then told Riley. At least two confirmed. Half of the new Four. They have to assume Dahlia's was taken when she was held captive by Adubell. And it is not a stretch to imagine they procured Gemma's after the kidnapping. If they have all the samples then they would know who possesses this enzyme. Adubell would know. That puts them at a significant disadvantage since the enzyme was used to create such horror. This leads her to Mara's dream and the sphere, the dirt, the dark energy. There were whispers from the sphere, the same whispers they heard charging through the caves to rescue the children. The moans of the old ones, the ancient Sith whose darkness consumes Korriban.

What is Adubell doing?

Out in the dining room, Nevylinn approaches Doctor Cross pouring a glass of wine at the table.

"I think we should run Riley's sample again."

"Should I be looking for something in particular?"

"Any matches against specific genetic markers."

"I already ran his against Kimber Patten's in our confirmation of his identity."

"Not Kimber's, Valerie Gellar's."

Tivoli's brows rise in question.

"Oh, right. Patten and Gellar share the same father. There would be some, I suppose as Riley would be Valerie's half-nephew."

"Correct and I want to know if they share…an enzyme."

"What type of enzyme?"

"One that Kimber did not have."

"That's not uncommon with families of any species. There are going to be genes that are dominant and recessive that varies from generation to generation. I have my father's darker skin tone and my mother's eyes but looked just like my paternal grandmother when I was an infant. You believe Valerie shares something with Riley?"

"I hope not."

"I'll run the test myself."

"Thank you."

Gemma's single, "Lights" comes on the radio as they are sitting down to eat. Riley brightens and Demaris sways in the chair.
 
"I love this song."

"Me too!"

"The song or the artist?" Della teases.
 
Riley blushes.

Circe settles in, "From what I read, Gem is the latest thing. She's gathered quite the fan base in such a short time."

"I'm not sure that's a good thing," Elon says after taking a few bites. "Great meal, Della."

"Thanks," she nods. "Why wouldn't we wish her success?"

"For someone with that namesake who was kidnapped not all that long ago, it's extremely exposed. She's a target and now and highly visible one."

Nevylinn sighs.
 
Donovan smiles, "Here we go."

"What?" Demaris asks.

"Master Nevylinn has…strong feelings about that particular path and The Four's penchant for gravitating toward it."

"Like moth to a flame."

Circe shrugs, "They were born for it. Some people just are. Even when we were scurrying around the Haven base all those years ago, Melanie always stood out. She had presence, warmth, and a distinctive look that elevated her above everyone else."

"Perhaps it was her giant ego."

"She wasn't like that, like the others. She didn't want that."

Nevylinn remembers first meeting her at the Academy. Melanie had arrived in a large, shiny cruiser (albeit not her own) with so many pretty things. Her bedroom looked like a colorful palace in comparison to the sparse personal belongings Nevylinn had. She was curious, maybe even a little jealous but also somewhat sad for her. So much of her life had been superficial and sheltered and when it was stripped away Melanie was unprepared for the ugliness beneath. It took her a while to warm up to her and to see past the exterior beauty into the caring soul that wanted so desperately to save her friends.

"Admittedly, it is not what I would have chosen for Gemma but therein lays a silver lining. We had discussed at length the dangers she would face and even invite with pursuing this avenue. But to hear her sing is to know this is a rare gift. Her burgeoning celebrity, while exposed, also gives her a cover."

"The same can be said for Dahlia Winton," Elon quips.

Riley frowns, "What do you mean?"

"Duh," Demaris says. "They can go places and do things others can't. People will practically let them do whatever they want. Even with everyone watching them, a pop star and a model can get away with, like, anything."

"I'm guessing that's the problem?" Tivoli says.

"It could be if not properly monitored."

"And it is far too dangerous for us anywhere given the circumstances."

Circe swirls wine around the glass before taking a sip.

"The Imperial-Republic talks may deflect some of the heat. Speaker Leeds has not actively endorsed the Force User Registration Act."

"Nor has he repealed it," Della reminds them.

"It also doesn't change the fact that whoever is hunting us down operates under the watchful eye of both."

"Our situation gives us little room to investigate," Nevylinn says. "We need mobility to uncover the larger plan."

"We can cover one angle."

"How?"

Veritaas motions to Demaris, "We send her back."

A silence falls over the table.

"When the summer is over, we send Demaris back to the Corporate Sector where she will resume classes as normal. You said her friends believe she is distraught over the "death" or her brother. We can use that. Since no one witnessed the attack or saw the creature, a narrative can be created around her grief and that she needed time alone to think. Nevylinn cannot be in the Corporate Sector to watch out for Gemma and Dane nor can she keep an eye on Dahlia. What better ways to accomplish that than to have their close friend reappear? Demaris would keep watch and report back. If we have eyes on them, it will give us more time to focus on the larger threat."

"Um, like, a spy?"

"Cool," Riley says.

"No, not cool. I'm not going to send my sister back into this mess."

"She's not a field operative, Master Atrii. She's in no more danger now than she was to begin with. And here you can arm her with the tools she'll need to be successful and protect herself and the others, if necessary."
 
"She's not a Jedi. She isn't ready."

"Hello," Demaris says, making a face. "I'm, like, right here. Don't I get a say in this?"

Della nods, "Absolutely."

"What do you want to do, Demaris?"

"If I can help, I want to help. Donovan I know you want to protect me but I've got to try. The Jedi are being persecuted and hunted down and if Gemma, Dane, and Dahlia are somehow connected then that means my friends are in trouble too. They don't know what they're up against, what these monsters can do. Like the Director said, it's too dangerous to pull them out. So I go in."

"Are you sure, Demaris?"

"I can do this. I want to."

Donovan, while touched by her bravery, is still wary.
 
"Nevylinn?"

There is an eerie similarity here, a parallel separated by time. There was also a spy among The Four, granted in a much different capacity. Melanie discovered Reef Stratford had been bribed to orchestrate the gathering of their social circle on Alexander Winton's behalf. He brought everyone he was instructed to bring within proximity to bond then capitalized on their social clout to keep them isolated from their peers. Soon they were all they had until they were systematically murdered one-by-one. And as she remembers from Melanie's tearful confession, the boy spy met a most grisly end.

Still, she is not blind to the tactical advantage, one that Veritaas no doubt sees great advantage in. She knows that Veritaas believes Dahlia Winton can only spell trouble. It is a sobering thought that both she and Donovan have acknowledged. They do not know the extent of Dahlia's ordeal at the hands of Adubell but recognize her resurrection places all of them in grave danger once again.

"It's a viable option, one that can give us insight where we have none. If Demaris has no objections then we train her accordingly."

"I want Riley taking point," Veritaas says.

"I'm not sure…"

"Not everyone has a saber. The girl needs to know how to use a variety of weapons should the situation arise and that includes close combat. Never underestimate the enemy."

Riley and Demaris exchange glances and smile.

Nevylinn nods to the table.
 
"We begin in the morning."



-TBC
Syren