The Rebel Faction

Angella raised an eye-brow at what the ambassador had said, she had been given orders to listen to what the ambassador had to say and to speak on Lavality's behalf, she had been personally chosen for that assignment due to how open-minded she was and how she never made assumptions unless there was facts to back it up

She crossed her leg over and placed her hands on her knee, then glanced away from the ambassador and toward a crew member that had accompanied her from her ship. He placed a mobile-holo display on the table and, after some button pressing, an image appeared. "The Seren's are a group of mercenaries that have decided to stay together and formulate an organization. Fikan Serendivus was our founder and helped pave the way for many colony's and eventionally, two starbase's. We have over ten asteroid base's located in different area's of space."

She brushed her hand to her left and the image changed to show the area around Kashyyyk. "Further more, our main base is secret, even I don't know it's true location. Only Flag Officers and high ranking admiral's have that information, even Tzhali, who was placed in command of two Seren ships and granted the rank of 'Fleet Admiral' wasn't given that information"

Tzhali snarled at that. "Does she just not trust us?"

Angella frowned. "It's not that, our HQ is heavilly fortified and is always being reinforced everyday. I don't truely know what goes on there, only that it's top secret." The girl waved her hand once more and another image, this time of an asteroid field located in Coalition space appeared. "You want our trust so we'll reveal this bit of information: Three asteroid colony's exist in this field. Each housing a grand total of ten thousand to thirty thousand people." Should she mention that each colony is defended by two groups of modified x-wings and the prototype g-wing? No.. that was something she couldn't release, espically related to the G-wing, that ship still hadn't been combat tested, but she knew if an alliance was formed that information would need to be released on it.

Another wave of the hand showed an image of the crest, then Lavality herself. Tzhali nodded, the girl looked like a normal twelve year old female, but he knew she had been hiding a lot, the scar's on her face and the bruise's on her body that where pretty evident in the image showed just how much she had gone through. "Lavality, adopted daughter of Fikan Serendivus, a child found on a desolate planet four years ago, she was found to have been in possession of a vast amount of military knowledge, so much that in simulation's she made ring's around some of our most experienced officers." a grin formed on her face. "Although she was rather impressed with Tiosk's command, she almost gave up her own command handed it to him."

She noticed a few looks and shook her head. "Lavality is a human being, she may be a child, but she's a child only by nature, I have my reasons that she was born rather smart and that, perhaps, she was the catalyst to our organization." the image of the girl vanished and the crest appeared. Showing just what had been show in the holo video that was played awhile ago. "The Seren's are a peaceful organization that are assembled here in Kashyyyk until we are no longer needed."

"The recent attack's where unannouced." Angella admited. "We have had issue's since helping the people in these systems." she collasped her hands and thought about it. "We hadn't any warning that two of our prototypes had been taken from drydock and brought here... surprised the hyper-drive modules even worked.." she said

Angella straightened up and stared at the Ambassador straight in the eye. "Now-" she said in what some would pervice is a very cold tone, but at the same time a hint of 'enjoyment' could be sensed. "You have any further questions? Like one's related to our weapons teachnology, ship designs? I mean you did after all notice two of our ships, one of which appeared surprisingly close to the planet." she turned to Noasha. "And I must apologize, we'll fork over some material's to Tiosk for repairs, when I get my hands on the dockmaster I'll personally ring his neck." she snarled and turned back at the Ambassador. "Well?"

Jargur turned to Oaxaca. Oaxaca turned to Jargur. For a second, they shared a look that said We just might be in over our heads. Intrigue, politics, all this they had expected, but there were so many factions, so many forces at work! How could they hope to untangle these issues, or find the root cause, or provide a solution?

Unless, of course.... there might not have been a root cause at all. Perhaps in reality, situations are not always all spawned by one thing and solved by another, sometimes they just had to adapt to each problem as it came along and solved it in its' own way. They were ambassadors, by the gods, and if they couldn't represent their people and make decisions then what good were they?

As you can guess, it was quite the involved look, with rather complicated facial expressions.

"Well then..." began Jargur "There's only one solution we can provide..."

"We can't say it'll be any easier, but it might be just what's in order." Oaxaca stepped up to the table, and rested his hands on it. "The Coalition is full of people who didn't get along at one time or another - the Tynnans and the Kubaz, the Verpine and the... Kubaz - actually, a lot of people don't seem to like the Kubaz." Jargur quickly recovered for him.

"But the important thing is, that the Coalition is an organization that works to mediate disputes, that brings its' members together, and promotes peace and justice through various programs and the promise of guarenteed soveringty and freedom. We've had to deal with internal unrest before, as well as straight-out civil war."

"We can help and protect you a little now, but joining the Coalition makes your two races part of something larger, a community of nations, putting aside their differences for a common cause. It will be strength you can call on when factions inside your own societies threaten to destroy unity or break the peace."

"As for the Fleet..." said Jargur, who nodded to their representative. "I can't say there's a set way to deal with such a thing, but you have proven honourable in intention, and the Coalition would also be prepared to welcome you too - if not as a member, then at least as an ally, so that you might find just as much safety and respite here as before, as well as the Coalition should you need us."

Oaxaca took out a stack of documents, treaties and forms that were standardized for such situations and placed them on top of the table. "When we first came here, we dodged around the main issue, not wanting to say what we really came here to say - which is that the Coalition wants your help, and in return we can help you. We fight wars and try to stop the spread of Imperialism, and you are all trying to adjust to a new time period where the galaxy is fractious and dangerous, and many old traditions are just as apt to see you killed at the hands of foreign invaders.

"After seeing the effects of our indirect ambassador-talk, however, and the confusion and chaos that followed, now we are being honest. What we offer is stability and strength in return for adding your strength to the Coalition's should we in turn need it. What do you say?" The room became deathly silent as all waited for someone's voice to break it with an answer.

Naosha beamed at the offered alliance. “I would be happy to join the Coalition. However…” Her smile faded. “I am not privileged to make that decision on my people’s behalf. I was sent here as a representative to here out your purpose here in our system and nothing more. I will take your offer of allegiance before the Council and no doubt a full Council, a Council between not only the Elder Councilors but the top ranking Clans of the planet, will need to convene to discuss it. That is where I fear difficulty will com, for I know some of those ranking Clans will adamantly refuse to join.”

She looked over at Tzhali. “I know little of how Wookiee politics work my friend, but I wouldn’t advise basing your decision to join the Coalition on whether or not my people decide to. I would take the offer back to your government and let your people decide, though I imagine you would have a less difficult time coming up with a majority vote then I would.

“With that said, I have a suggestion.” Naosha paused a moment to ensure she had everyone’s attention. “No offense meant to you Ambassador Jargur and Ambassador Oaxaca, but it is clear you have been away from your own cultures for a long time. I propose that you return with us to our respective homeworlds, not only to assist in the decision making process, but to get a first hand look at how things are. No doubt this could be dangerous with the radical elements involved, but I am fully prepared to take full responsibility for your welfare Jargur.”

***

Varcanna’s eyes widened in shock and as he suspected she pushed herself away. “Wh…what? Why did you tell me sooner?” She asked accusingly.

“I wasn’t expecting us to want to go that far.” He said simply. “So I didn’t think it was necessary to tell you fully.”

“But what we were doing…couldn’t that…”

“No.” He shook his head. “Saliva is the only body fluid it isn’t capable of transferring itself through.”

“Still…all others I’ve heard that got that were culled to prevent an epidemic.”

“Why do you think my father is so poor despite his rank as Vice Admiral?”

“What…? I never noticed to be honest…”

He sighed. “Father uses all his money to bribe the doctors to keep quiet, to pay for the blood transfusions I go under every six months and to import medicine that helps keep it suppressed, medicine I must take once a week. That is why he practically lives on his ship and when he’s on the surface he stays either with his second in command, Konik, or on the Clan grounds. Konik and Rissonik are the only other two T’Doshok father can trust with the knowledge of my condition.”

“That…seems to be a lot of effort to keep you going, when he has two other perfectly healthy sons.” The comment was a sharp jab in his heart, but nodded regardless. “The only reason he wants me to stay alive is because I’m the only thing he has left of the one he truly loved.”

“So your mother was someone else…”

“Yes. She was a noble from a Clan of weapon smiths, but many of them also warriors in their own right.” Silliss explained. “She was the youngest of three siblings and she and father fell head over heels in love with each other. However, her Clan disapproved of there relationship, in part because father is a commoner and the other because they had a grudge against the K’Satikur Clan. They continued to see each other in secret however, even after she was forced to marry a noble from other Merchant Clan.

“Then one day she broke off the relationship, for reasons my father didn’t know why until a few months later, when she risked her life to bring me to him. She had gotten pregnant, but didn’t know who the sire was until the eggs hatched. Apparently I was the first to hatch and it’s obvious who my father is.” He smiled faintly, but it faded quickly. “That night she brought me to father was the last time either of us saw her, for she was killed in a terrorist attack in the merchant sector of Hsskhor a few months later. It seems though…that someone in her family found me out…”

Varcanna blinked in confusion, then the horrifying realization hit her. “Dear goddess…you mean....”

“Yes. The virus was purposely given to me when I was a boy, in an attempt to assassinate me.” Silliss sighed again. “Unfortunately we have no proof they did it, for they covered their tracks well. Compounding that, it was soon after we discovered the infection that not only the doctor suspected of giving me the virus ‘disappeared’, Tnossok forcefully took over the Clan and to protect me father was forced to leave the Clan, as Tnossok would have surely culled me himself if he knew. It was a dark time…I nearly died back then as father no longer had the support of the Clan and no income. Fortunately he was able to find a sympathic minor Clan to help us, but at the cost of marrying into their family and siring sons for them. He has since broken nearly all ties with them, now that he has enough income to pay for the expenses of my care himself and that I am starting to get income myself to help with the payment.”

Varcanna was quiet for a long time, digesting all the information Silliss just gave her. The longer she thought, the more he worried. He knew she did have a capability of being prejudgest, her feud with Asri was proof of that, but he feared that prejudgest would extend to him now.

“You should have told me from the start…” She said finally, Silliss noting a faint hint of anger in her voice.

“I know…I’m sorry.” He said softly. “I feared you would reject me if I told you then though…”

“And telling me now is any better!?” She snapped. “After we had started forming a bond between us? Goddess Silliss, how could be you so careless!? So selfish!?” Though he was just as tall as she was, he felt so small. “How do you expect anyone to trust you if you are not honest with them from the start!?”

“You know why!” He snapped back. “I can’t just tell ‘anyone’, I would end up getting culled and all that I worked for would have been for nothing!”

“I am not just ‘anyone’ Silliss.” Varcanna said coolly. “You know I am open minded.”

“Asri would disagree with that.” Silliss countered before he could stop himself.

Varcanna just stood there staring at him, then without working she smacked him, sending him to the floor. “Don’t you ever mention her around me!” She screamed. “That freak isn’t worth the ground I step on!”

“And Trazu isn’t a freak?” Silliss said boldly as he got to his feet, bracing himself for another slap. It was a bad thing to say, considering how close Varcanna was to her brother, but the point was there.

“How dare you….”

“Yes I dare…even Trazu is disgusted with how you treat Lady Asri.” Silliss hissed. “He knows what it’s like to be mistreated because of something he couldn’t help. Perhaps you should heed those lessons….”

Varcanna swung at him, but he caught her arm, spun behind her and pinned both her arms against her sides with his own. “Let go of me!” She growled.

“Not until you calm down.” Silliss said calmly.

“Let me go you…you diseased freak!”

That hurt. Hurt so much he let her go due to shock. Fortunately instead of continuing the confrontation, Varcanna dashed for the cockpit and closed it behind her. Unfortunately, Silliss was left alone with the sudden rush of pain and despair in his heart. Shaking, he sat down in a corner and buried his head in his arms.

"Trouble in the hangar?" said Jargur.

"I'm on it." said the captain, who turned on the wall panel again "Report!"

"Sir! Explosion in the hangar! We... we don't know what caused it! I think it was the Serendivus shuttle that blew up, sir. Lots of fires, but no serious damage to the hangar."

"This meeting is adjourned." said Jargur, straightening swiftly and collecting his papers. "There is nothing more to discuss until Naosha speaks to her people and all parties have an agreement to sign - for now, the danger is too great to remain any longer."

"We'll supply escorts immediately to get you back to your own ships," Began Oaxaca "and thoroughly search the other shuttles for any signs of explosives before we-"

"Wait, the other shuttles..." said the captain, who turned the wall panel back on "Crewmen! The other shuttles! Stay back, and evacuate the area, they could be trapped as well!"


Down in the hangar bay, two soldiers dashed with fire extinguishers under their arms, dodging around small fires to the Trandoshan ship.

"I'm telling you, we've got to make sure there's no one aboard!" said the first soldier, who quickly dashed up the boarding ramp. The second soldier followed reluctantly, with thoughts of the most recent explosion still in his mind.

"We just have to check that there isn't - ah! Space monsters!" Briefly forgetting himself in the panic of the moment, the soldier turned his fire extinguisher on the two Trandoshans he found within, covering them in flame-retardant foam.

"Oh - Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to... um..." he noticed the compromising situation they seemed to be in, and coughed. "There was an explosion - outside, I mean, and..."

The second soldier slapped him on the back of the head. "Good going, doofus. Let's just get out of here in case this one explodes too! Quick!"

Tzhali sighed. "Why do these things always happen to us..." he said in a low tone. Angella shrugged. "Who ever it was must've got on the ship somehow, because only two people where with me when I came here."

She gestured to her wookie translator. "Merlin here. And-" she pointed toward the far corner and suddenly noticed that the other translator wasn't there anymore. "Where the hell did Julian go?!" She shouted as she glanced about the room. "Sith Spit!" she got up and gestured to one of Tzhali's guards, who followed her out of the meeting room

Tzhali blinked. "So that explains why Lavalitys choose her." He smiled and, before anyone could ask. "She was a high guard for Fikan, the late admiral for the Serendivus, I guess Angella took her ship being blown up as an act of aggression. If she's anything like Lavality, then I strongly suggest YOU-" Tzhali pointed to the captain, "-Find the sabatore first BEFORE she does..." he nodded and added one more thing: "Also, please send a team to my shuttle"

***

Angella fast walked down the hallway, the guard handed her a pistol which she checked and put it on her belt. "Stay by my side." she snarled, the guard nodded