Post by Bobbi on Sept 27, 2018 11:19:22 GMT -5
Ja’eeth:
Ra'shara was a port not too far from The Aud, the large military base that doubled as a center of administration and government runnings within Keldabe. The Aud was a nearly self-sufficient compound, home to many offices, a medical ward, and training yards for the Mandals within to take advantage of. Many arms of the Mandalorian armada had been housed within The Aud in the past. It was not the place where Nikolaus' ship would have been told to touch down. Right then, The Aud was the hub of The Occupation. Where once Mando'ade had had the run of the place, it now belonged to the Hapans, Gerrenthum special forces, and a few other smaller militias that had come to lend their hand. Ra'shara was, in itself, a large port that sat nearly dead and quiet except for a few non-Mandal Motors made ships that were bold and emblazoned with the crests belonging to the nations they came from -- none of them were native to the planet the Mandalorians called home. This wasn't to say it was void of Mandalorian life, though. The Peacekeepers presence did not stifle out the flow of life as it might in a military state. They were there to keep an eye on things, to make their presence known so their new Mandalorian neighbors would not forget what was at stake. Waiting just at the edge of the pad Niko's ship would land on, a woman was waiting. Her long dark hair was pulled into a high and tight ponytail, her green eyes were bright and watchful. The woman's complexion was tan, but lighter than many of the other Mandals on world. Beneath a loose fitting tunic-style shirt, which was a light brown in color, Ja'eeth wore slacks that were made of a material similar to her shirt -- both of a rough homespun looking fabric. Her face was not pristine. Her nose was scared at the bridge, something left of an old wound.
Niko:
The Hapan Peacekeepers had been notified ahead of time of the imminent arrival of the Prince of Hapes, Nikolaus Buffton.. and so Ja'eeth would not be alone waiting at the platform. With her would be one of the Hapan commanders over the Peacekeepers, a tall and lean armored woman, with long braided blonde hair and icy blue eyes who stood at attention and patiently and silently waited.
The wait would not be long from the previously disclosed arrival time, with a shuttle dispatching from a recently arrived Marauder class corvette entering orbit with the other Hapan ships. Once landed, the shuttle's ramp opened to reveal Nikolaus waiting at the top with a pair of Hapan royal guards behind him, as well as a small procession of techs and researchers. The Buffton himself was dressed in his typical black nanosilk suit, with his technical wristband bracer on his left forearm, and thin metallic band across his forehead, disappearing into long locks of blonde hair. His sharp green eyes caught sight of the two women waiting, and paused to very obviously scan the area.. clearly looking for more to greet him.
Ja’eeth:
What he saw was what he was getting. Watching the ramp come down, and the lack of motion from Niko, Ja'eeth cast a glance toward the Hapan at her side, "What's he waiting for?" She muttered to the woman with golden locks before taking the initiative and closing the distance between herself and the ship, "Prince Buffton, welcome to Keldabe."
Niko:
"My guess? A parade and flowing red carpet," the Hapan commander muttered in response before falling in step with the Mandal as she began her greeting. Nikolaus focused on Ja'eeth as she stepped forward and spoke, taking that moment to start his descent down the ramp with repressed disdain. "Thank you.." he began, giving a pause to allow for an introduction.
Ja’eeth:
"Ja'eeth Va'lor," the expectant expression on the Buffton's face glazed over something else. It was there for a second, and then buried beneath both Niko's words, and his pause. Her eyes narrowed just a flinch toward it before she spoke. She wore no rank, or insignia that would place her in any official role. Her attire was far simpler than the Hapan guard who was with her. She looked like she could have just been plucked right off of the streets of Keldabe at random and given this task. Her accent was that of the planet they were on, her basic fluent but tinged with it. "The Mand'alor sends his regards, and regret at not being able to make this meeting. He has trusted you to my capable hands."
Niko:
No rank, no title.. Nikolaus wasn't exactly impressed, but such was the situation he found himself in. Part of him wondered if this was a personal insult from Sadhric himself, but that would have to be considered at a later time. For now, he simply nodded his head and accepted it. "Valor," he repeated with a simplified pronunciation, before turning to the Hapan who bowed her head and greeted "Prince Buffton," and received another nod from the man. Turning back to Ja'eeth, he asked "I'm assuming accommodations have been secured for myself and my team?"
Ja’eeth:
"Of course. Would -- you like to see them now, or -- " A look went behind him to where his gaggle of personnel hung back. "Would you like to see The Aud first?"
Niko:
"They're not one in the same?"
Ja’eeth:
"--There is housing on the grounds," She told Niko, giving the Prince her focus again, "But not within the main body of The Aud. What housing had been there was few and far between, and have since been turned into offices and storage rooms for The Occupation. I am sure your royalness can see the logic in not being appointed a room full of crates and cleaning materials."
"Unless you'd like to test the comfort of The Aud's holding cells. We've not received any complaints regarding how comfortable they are...."
She smiled.
Niko:
That smile was answered by an expression showing mild annoyance. The others had made their way down the ramp now, with the lead young woman behind the guards holding a datapad in hand, quickly typing away with a focus on the conversation going on. She was small and mousy, with clear lenses over her brown eyes, short dark hair, and wearing the same black civil jumpsuit as the others in Niko's group. The Prince remained silent a few moments longer, eyeing the Mandal woman, before letting his annoyance fade away and a more neutral look take hold. "Obviously not. I'm simply surprised you're not better equipped and prepared for foreign dignitaries.. especially those from an occupying force. But that's neither here nor there. Please, lead on."
Ja’eeth:
So was that what it had been? The thought echoed back to just moments earlier when she'd caught something in the shift of Niko's expression to the expectant wait for her name. Here, very plainly, she saw his annoyance. "We've done what we can," She told him, turning once she was sure the entire party was ready to move, "made room where we can. Just count yourself lucky that the floors aren't made of dirt, and the beds have blankets. It could be much worse than what we are able to offer." The Hapan guard she had been standing with right then was shot a glance. Ja'eeth had heard -stories-. She'd talked to some of the Hapan guards before finding herself standing where she had been. If Niko was -anything- like Maltez, Ja'eeth was finding it a wonder that Ker'dan had been willing to put all in for the elder Buffton.
Niko:
Ja'eeth had turned by that point, but a look of surprise took over Nikolaus' face. He turned to the mousy girl near, whispering "it's even worse than I imagined," to which she nodded and entered more information into her 'pad. The Hapan Commander shared Ja'eeth's look and gave a very short nod, silently confirming what she believed the Mandal woman was thinking before she too turned and prepared to move. Starting to step forward, Niko stated more out loud "Whatever you can provide will be appreciated."
Ja’eeth:
With Niko moving, Ja'eeth was moving. "We do realize that we cannot offer anything near the level of lavishness that you had been surrounded by while Proconsul in The Core, or what you may be used to as a Prince elsewhere in the galaxy, but I can assure you that you will see very little struggle for comfort in our lives here. Even with The Occupation underway." The near-whisper had not been missed. Ja'eeth spoke as she led the group out of the hangar where the transport ship had landed. The rest of the port was much the same, with Peacekeeper ships occupying pads here and there.
Kel’dan:
Niko might notice that the Mandalorians he'd seen thus far did not wear their beskar'gam, as per Sadhric's decree. He might also note... That Sadhric had mentioned they could buy Hapan armor. Almost none of them wore it. Opting for a more humble appearance of no armor and just a plain uniform... It was a common belief. It was a point of pride among their people. If they could not wear their armor, they would wear no armor.
Kel'dan, formerly Akir, was late... As per the norm. He was very well groomed on this particular day. His gray uniform was clean and neat. His hair was combed back out of his face. He'd gotten a haircut-- it wasn't long enough to fall down into his eyes now. On his uniform, there was a rank-- one of the highest rank-- but there were no symbols of clan or family like there were on many others... He had an olive complexion, dark brown hair, and dark green eyes. He looked relatively young. As he approached them, his expression was pleasant. "Prince Niko," he said in greeting, giving him a respectful, but only a half bow.
Niko:
'Proconsul.' The term struck a nerve deep within the young Buffton, enough that he nearly missed a step as they moved. He bristled within and took a deep breath, but outwardly chose to show no reaction and instead gave no response. He took in the area as they moved, with Mousy Hapan typing away in a furor and taking down a quick but detailed analysis of the port. The Prince's attention went to the newcomer as Kel'dan approached, with eyes taking the Mandal's appearance--and rank--in, giving an equally shallow bow in turn. "Kel'dan Akir, I presume."
Ja’eeth:
With Kel'dan coming toward them, Ja'eeth slowed her steps so that a middle could be reached between the group she was leading and the on coming Kel'dan.
Kel’dan:
His smile was small, but pleasant. But it didn't reach his eyes... Not quite. "Please, its just Kel'dan now... I don't have a family or clan." He glanced at Ja'eeth and the commander of the Hapan Peacekeepers, then back to Niko. He stepped aside and gestured for them to continue-- he would fall in line.
Niko:
"Ah yes, I almost forgot the Mec--Mandalore disbanded your clan. Why not just rename it? Akur, maybe?" Niko asked with a slight grin.
Ja’eeth:
Ja'eeth hedged a cold glance Kel'dan's way as he fell into step with them and Niko responded. "Excuse me for saying so, Prince Buffton, but that is a matter for the clans and should be of no interest to someone of your galactic....standing." The last word there fell into a flat tone.
Kel’dan:
There was a flicker behind his eyes that could've been anger... But with Kel'dan, it was always hard to tell. The look he gave Ja'eeth behind Niko's back was one of a very split second gratitude before it was gone and back to his pleasant neutrality... "We're both directly related to people who have hurt the galaxy at large... A clan and a surname is the least of my problems right now."
Niko:
The grin faded as the humor was lost, both Mandals remaining completely serious. Niko gave a fraction of a shrug--more of an internal confirmation--and let that go. "Merely conversation, Valor" he started a reply to Ja'eeth, then glanced back to Kel'dan. "As I can see. The aftermath of the war seems to have affected your people more than any other."
Ja’eeth:
So, that's what he wanted to call it. Ja'eeth put her eyes forward. The port was stretching out into the city scape. The streets were unpaved, the houses low built and made of local materials, none at all as sophisticated as those seen on Coruscant and Hapes, or any other highly developed world. There was a complete lack of droids to be noticed anywhere one might expect them.
Kel’dan:
Kel'dan glanced at Niko again. This time, it was with that sixth sense that he was studying the other man... The Force. His own Presence in the Force was tight and kept mostly internalized... "It's been an awkward transition," he said, mostly to continue the conversation so it didn't fall into awkward silence.
Niko:
The lack of droids wasn't too surprising. Hapes too had seen a mass reduction in them, much to Niko's disdain.. though he kept that quiet, given his past with them as well as his surname and the implications that go with it. Niko's presence in the Force existed, but was muted and ignored.. as it had been since his own experience at the hands of Vikas. Despite Kel'dan's efforts to avoid awkward silence, that was what occurred next.. as the follow up question Nikolaus had didn't quite reach his tongue as he realized it would likely just stir more animosity rather than civil discourse. And so he appeared content to observe the surroundings as they walked.
Ja’eeth:
The Aud was not too far of a walk from the port, and walk they would! Speeders did exist, and were available. The streets were wide enough. The speeders weren't. For the group that Niko had with him, there was no way to fit the entire throng into one speeder comfortably. Ja'eeth had decided that on seeing how many people Niko had actually brought with him. And so, if Kel'dan could not think of something to say, Ja'eeth was comfortable in that uncomfortable silence.
Kel’dan:
Their group was a pretty big one... But he did not feel the need to converse. But what he did feel the need for was to break the tension. "Proconsul, how up to date are you of your prisoners?" he asked. "From off-world, I mean."
Niko:
Once again, the Buffton tensed at the former title and it took him an extra couple of seconds before he answered. "Please don't use that title. As for the question, I know about them in a general sense, but not any prisoner in specifics.. other than a select few. Why?"
Kel’dan:
"Just wondering... I've been so busy here, I've been unable to visit my niece." Kar'ida. Formerly Akir... Currently doing time on Hapes for assaulting the Mandalore.
Niko:
The tension in the Prince eased at that. "Oh yes, I do remember hearing about that now. I don't know her current status, but I can find out." A glance was cast over his shoulder to mousy girl, who nodded without looking up from the datapad, entering more information into it.
Kel’dan:
He smiled slightly. "She is a stubborn one," he said softly. "I would appreciate whatever you can tell me." He said, sounding genuinely thankful.
Sadhric:
Far off, as they walked, sunlight glinted off of something silver and made an earthbound star. The star brightened, white white white, with the slow progress of the sun and the group. The reflection was unmoving, and was unlike the rest of the gleaming mirrors that wings of windows over a section of the Aud had become. The Witchdoctor perched like a gigantic figurehead at the prow of an ancient ship atop the centermost complex.
Ja’eeth:
Ja'eeth remained quiet. She didn't have much to say in regards to Kar'ida, who Ja'eeth thought had foolishly gotten herself stuck on Hapes. It was only all of her own doing that got her to where she was. She occupied herself by watching the streets as they walked on, the Mandals that were doing what they did for their own lives around them, and the Peacekeepers that they may have happened to run into.
Niko:
"Of course," Nikolaus replied to Kel'dan. "I'm not here as an adversary. If there's something I can do to help while here, I'll do it." Something caught his eye in the distance, a glistening of the sun off of something.. but it was too far to make out completely without his tech, and that tech was remaining put away for the time being.
Ja’eeth:
The change in tone, the difference between how Niko had sounded when he'd first arrived and had been forced to talk to her and how he sounded now that he was speaking with Kel'dan, got a side-eye from Ja'eeth who hadn't stopped listening.
Kel’dan:
"We'll just have to see.... Mandalore and I have a lot on our plate right now, but if we see something you can help with, we will ask," he said with a nod.
Niko:
"Understood," Niko replied, nodding in agreement.
Ja’eeth:
Several minutes later they'd be approaching The Aud, and the figurehead of the Witchdoctor which sat proudly, looming over the center of the complex in all its shining glory. Clearance to get through a security checkpoint was a moot need with the arrangements having been made before hand, so they'd be allowed into the complex without much delay. The Aud, Niko and his companions would find, was a collection of buildings. Some were of older construction, and some newer. It was a little town all of its own in appearance with streets that connected to the city surrounding it where it had built up and expanded through the years, yet it was cordoned off to keep its own space defined. Here the concentration of military forces beyond what was native to the planet was at its most dense within the city. The Peacekeeper presence was impossible to miss with much of the work for security and patrols being done by the occupying forces. Ja'eeth was easily pointing out buildings to them as they passed, and relating what their intended purpose was for and which of the occupying nations had claimed them.
Niko:
The Witchdoctor stood out above all else (both literally and figuratively), but after realizing what it was and what it meant, Nikolaus' focus went back to taking the Aud in. Questions were asked and answered, with some members of his party now taking the time to speak up and make inquiries about this part of the city, with a focus on buildings occupied by the Peacekeepers.
Ja’eeth:
Ja'eeth would answer what she could, with notation being made that she had not been present for a good deal of construction that brought the newer buildings used by The Peacekeepers into use. What she couldn't answer, Ja'eeth made it a point to reserve the questions in order to find out for the visiting party. Through this all they were heading toward the main building where The WItchdoctor waited. This was a larger building, one of the largest in the complex. It housed the cells she had mentioned earlier, and many former Mandalorian military offices, including Ker'dan's former office and Kel'dan's current.
Niko:
There was no surprise when they moved towards the main building, both because of it's obvious importance and because of the Witchdoctor's perch. Nikolaus fell silent in his questioning as they approached, while the techs with him (sans Mousy) spoke amongst themselves discussing the answers Ja'eeth had provided as well as other observations they had made.
Ja’eeth:
As they were entering the central building of The Aud, Ja'eeth pulled a comm out and was putting in a simple call to The Mand'alor. It would be short and sweet, and made in Mando'a: "Your guests have arrived."
Sadhric:
No answer. Certainly not right then.
Niko:
Niko raised at eyebrow but waited patiently as Ja'eeth used the comm.
Ja’eeth:
With no answering coming right away, the comm was slipped away, the call cut. Within the main building of The Aud, much of what was outside was seen inside as far as personnel goes. Peacekeepers were ever present, mingling with a mix of Mando'ade that were doing what they did during the day. Some of the Mando'ade wore clothing similar to Kel'dan's, decked with different rank insignias than his. The Peacekeepers all boasted their own sets of armor, and the rank insignias specific to their armada of origin. It was easy to tell the Hapans apart from the Gerrenthum soldiers, just as it was easy to tell the Gerrenthum soldiers apart from others and so on. It might have looked hodge podge, but beneath it all there was a structure to them being there. To Kel'dan she said "No answer" in her native tongue before turning a shallow smile toward the Prince, and spoke in basic, "How long do you expect to be staying?" If that had been discussed prior to this, she would know the answer.
Niko:
"Undetermined at this time," Niko began with a slight shrug. "My personal time will likely be short in duration.. maybe two weeks at the most. My team will need to remain behind and work to collect data for their research until that effort is completed, however."
Ja’eeth:
She shot a glance Kel'dan's way at the word 'research'. "What sort of research will they be conducting?"
Niko:
Nikolaus caught that glance and paused a moment before responding, "This is for the Crown. The Mandalore is aware of the research.. if he chooses to entrust you with that information, that is up to him."
Ja’eeth:
"The Mand'alor mentioned no research," She told Niko, "Only that he had a -guest- coming. You are well appointed with your present team for a simple visit."
Niko:
The Buffton gave only a simple nod.
Ja’eeth;
She made a deep throated thoughtful noise before speaking again, "How long, do you think, it would take your team to collect their data?"
Niko:
"It's really hard to tell, until we get underway and start seeing preliminary data." He paused to glance towards Mousy, who looked between him and Ja'eeth a few moments before clearing her throat and speaking in a soft, squeaky voice. "Oh. Ahem. My estimated projections show a minimum of two months, with a potential for up to six months."
Ja’eeth:
She looked toward Kel'dan again. Did he know about this? Why would he not tell her? There had been no whisper of this -at all-. "I don't like this." She spat in rough Mando'a, and then continued in basic, "That seems like a long time to just gather some basic information. What are you hoping to find?"
Kel’dan:
Kel'dan glanced at Ja'eeth. He'd walked in silence... Listening to them talk with that neutral expression on his face. But that last look from Ja'eeth had made him frown. Had he known about this? He gave a subtle shake of his head... "Pardon me for saying so," he said in Basic. "But while the Mandalore is entitled to his secrets and his own dealings, things involving our people usually come through my office... So unless you tell me what this is about, and until he gives me the all clear, your people can set up shop, but not start. "
Niko:
"No one said 'basic,'" Niko replied with a slight shrug while turning towards Kel'dan. "But I'm not here to get involved in the politics between you and the Mandalore. I'll let you two discuss it and then let me know the result."
Ja’eeth:
They were turning a corner, Ja'eeth taking them on a pre-decided route toward the middle of that central building, "I have a better idea. Why not talk to him -with- Kel'dan? That way everyone has the same understanding. Politics aside, as our guest you should only be made aware of what is expected of you while you are present in our city. And your team, while they conduct their....research." she said it as if it were something loathsome.
Kel’dan:
He nodded to what Jaeeth was saying. "and since you're interested in research... Maybe I can get you in touch with Dr. Azair"
Niko:
Pondering it just a moment, Niko finally nodded. "Let's get my team settled and I'll go with you to speak with him." Him being the Mandalore, that is. The name of the researcher did get filed away for later. He would have to look into this person's skill set before pursuing.
Ja’eeth:
A few moments later Ja'eeth was stepping up to the door of a small room. It was empty inside except for a desk, and a few chairs. It looked unused. "Your team can wait here. Someone will be along shortly to take them to their bunks."
Niko:
Niko nodded as they approached the room, stepping to the side to allow his team to enter, including the two Hapan guards. "Thank you," he said to Ja'eeth, ready to move on as the team took stock of the room and settled into what chairs were available.
Ja’eeth:
As the team separated and entered the room Ja'eeth was back on her comm, making the arrangements for someone else to come and see to the group. It was all done quietly and in Mando'a. To Niko and Kel'dan she said in basic, "I'll wait here with them until someone arrives."
