The sound of engines penetrated the early-morning lull over Estel city. Hundreds of eyes peered towards the dawn-colored sky as three white and green LAAT transports with K.U.D.F. markings roared overhead, disturbing the calm and tranquility that usually preceded the early morning bells. Flying low enough to be seen from every watch tower in the city, the transport ships headed straight and narrow towards the Citadel - Estle city’s seat of power.
Inside, no sound could be heard except the hum of the engines. The sealed cabin held only several passengers now and guards, where usually it would hold at least four squads of fully armed soldiers. This was, after all, a diplomatic mission but showing some teeth, even for appearances sake, was never a bad thing. As always, right next to the large side-door, stood general V’yr Vorsa in her usual patient stance. This was her mission, one she volunteered for personally. It was only fitting that she bring her own apprentice back home after so many months. It was her duty, and her honor to do so.
Clan Odan-Urr’s Proconsul. Vacating that seat was one of the hardest things the Neti ever had to do, with the Clan in such a dangerous transitional time. It had barely risen to its feet when the call from the Dark Council came of her new… appointment. In truth she wanted to decline and send the Grand Master’s emissaries on their way, but A’lora convinced her to do it.
The Consul had had visions again. Visions unlike any before. Visions of the Clan’s destruction, the Praxeum’s fall, and their own deaths. She interpreted them as the eventual future should the Neti not accept the role given to her by the will of the Force. A’lora’s visions had never lied before, and the Neti had had no reason to doubt them then. Vorsa’s eventual departure left a void on the Council of Urr, and all candidates were left wanting, save for the one she wanted. Former Knight Commander and hero of the Liberation of New Tython, Turel Sorenn was the ideal replacement, despite his history with Tythonian authorities.
“T minus sixty seconds, general.” the pilot keyed his comm as he spoke. Vorsa simply turned towards her other companions - Jenna Tas and James Centon, two T.D.U.C. commandos personally picked from the roster by her, and her most valuable bodyguard, Kintan Strider.
“I do not expect opposition,” she spoke calmly, motioning to the weapons rack, “so we shan’t carry any firearms save for personal ones, understood?” All three commandos nodded. Vorsa smiled observing Kintan’s stiff posture. The man was a war machine bred to kill and had very little in the way of social skills. A sad fate for such an exemplary individual. Her smile drew his attention and a quizzical look.
“Kintan,” she started, “relax. This is a social visit and an exchange between friends, not the battlefield.” she chuckled, followed closely by the other two commandos.
“All due respect, General, I do not see it that way.” he replied sternly, “the Arconan Consul may be our friend, but their military certainly isn’t fond of our presence.” he nodded once, almost bowing to her in apology, “It is my duty to stay alert for any and all threats to your life.”
Vorsa’s smile grew even larger as she approached the young O’reenian. “My dear friend,” she touched his cheek, which seemed to make him blush ever so slightly, “I shall be fine. As I have always been.” She turned to the other two as well, “So please, calm yourselves. I am sure you have comrades in arms here who would enjoy your company. Especially your Mandalorian friend, Kintan.” she finished with a wink, alluding to Luna Okami, who fought at Kintan’s side at the attack on Facility Iota not a month back.
The ship started it’s descent into the large clearing just outside the Citadel proper, while the other two flew past and started their upward spiral, maintaining altitude above the Citadel, in case the primary needed backup. It was more for show and standard operating procedure than actual danger, but it gave Vorsa’s some paranoid side something to cling onto. The ship slowed down and landed with a thump and grinding sound as the metal slid against the cobbled stone floor.
As the doors slid open, Vorsa slowly emerged, pulling her dark hood over her head. She wore her black robes over a modified K.U.D.F. armor in ochre and white, her rank emblazoned on her left chest - five gray dots, evenly spaced over a white background. Bare feet touched the cold stone as a calm wind brushed against her face. She turned towards the sun, absorbing its first morning rays with joy. Dajorra was much like Yhi. Young and nurturing.
The Neti was greeted by two guards in ceremonial garb. They bowed and one of them addressed her. “Madam Herald, welcome to Estle City.” her new official rank took her slightly by surprise but she regained her composure swiftly enough. The guard spoke in a very formal and very professional manner. “The Lady Consul is awaiting you in the Throne room.” with a simple smile and nod Vorsa motioned for them to lead and followed closely behind. Two other guards came after the first two to escort the Neti’s companions.
The two commandos came out first, covered from head to toe in All-Temperature cloaks draped over their standard issue light camo armor. Behind them, and last to exit, was the seven-foot- two-inch-tall mountain of a man clad in black armor and a similar cloak to the other two. White skin shone in the light as he raised his hood; and eerie gray eyes pierced the guards, so much so their eyes widened at the sight, but they stood their ground. Kintan simply smiled and nodded. He enjoyed seeing how disciplined Arona’s army was, even though he didn’t trust them.
“Gentlemen, lady, please follow us.” one of the guards welcomed them with a wave of his hand and lead the way.
The courtyard was massive, easily fitting hundreds of people for the Shadow Lady’s entertainment. It alone was the size of most of the Praxeum academy grounds on New Tython. Impressive. she thought, imagining large ceremonies taking place there with ease. It was all cobbled stone floors and massive limestone walls covered in ornaments. Quite luxurious and expensive. Everything for the right image, I suppose. She thought to herself as they entered the interior through the massive archways.
They passed through several corridors and a large courtyard, with a crater no less. She wondered what the story behind that one was. As they entered the Citadel proper, and finally came to the entrance into the Throne room, Vorsa tensed up slightly. After all it was, until not too long ago, enemy territory. It felt strange coming to Estle City under such circumstances. Smile. At least make it seem that you are happy to be here. Another thought passed her mind before the three commandos approached, lead closely by the guards.
“Now that we are all here, may we enter?” she asked the guards politely, nodding to her three companions who took off their hoods at her signal. She followed suit as the massive doors swung open, ceremoniously welcoming them into the heart of the Arconan dominion.
The throne room was very luxurious and fairly large - far too much for Vorsa’s tastes but who was she to judge. As the party strode towards the elevated podium in the back of, they noticed a curtain of lavender and white flames on the other side, it’s light covering most of the room in light save for the throne itself. As she approached, Vorsa saw more guards stationed by the massive pillars, walls and beneath the throneitself. Several prominent members of Arcona stood next to the throne as well - Turel among them. The General payed them little heed, for now, focusing only on the one seated high above the rest.
The curtain of flame gushed behind Atyiru as she stood up, shining a light of her features and her welcoming smile. The lights around the room started blinking to life as the doors finally closed and Vorsa came to a halt several dozen feet from the Shadow Lady, looking up at her visage. Her expression was unchanged, and her hood still covered her face. The Neti stood patiently for the Consul to make several steps towards her, and bowed her head in respect. The commandos behind her followed suit, imitating their general in every movement.
“Madam Herald.” Atyiru started, calling her by her official title first, “I welcome you to my-... y’know what? Screw it. Who needs introductions. Good to have you here, my friend.” she gave a wide smile as she walked down the steps to properly greet the Odanite representative.
Vorsa returned the polite smile while removing her hood and replied, “It is good to be here, Atyiru.”
