Neith Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 63
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Neith Ren on Apr 20, 2024 1:15:16 GMT -8
Neith smiled, perhaps the first one in quite some time. It was definitely the first one since this Civil War begun, for there was usually little cause of joy or happiness. She continued to run her gloved digits through Fiora's hair, even as her Sister tried to admonish her for not using the correct term of address. She let out a mirthful laugh Oh no, what ever would I do... Perhaps it is a good thing that I am an accomplished Knight of Ren. I could deal with them... Or perhaps I could pull some strings, being that I know this Empress... Her free hand reached out and gently squeezed at Fiora's side, trying to tickle her and get a reaction that was not a sob. Regardless of if it succeeded or not, she removed her hand on Fiora's side, whilst continuing to stroke the fiery mane. Perhaps once this was all done and behind them, she might ask her sister what her hair care routine was Also, don't think I didn't notice you trying to dodge the matter... Want to talk about it?
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 334
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on Apr 20, 2024 4:41:01 GMT -8
She snuggled backward a little, pressing her back up against Neith's knees on the bed behind her. But she stopped as the older Knight of Ren spoke of "dealing" with anyone that might cause her trouble for not addressing Fiora properly. A term which was a nice way of saying that Neith would kill them. But then the woman spoke of using her connections to make the problem go away instead just as a hand came down to tickle Fiora's side. An action which momentarily elicited a reactionary choked laugh. But any joy she experienced from the action was short lived, especially as Neith inquired once more about the room's state.
Indeed she had hoped that changing the course of the conversation might avoid the most obvious topic of conversation. But such hope was well in vain. It was difficult to ignore the chaos and her effort had been rather weak. She hugged herself a little tighter Not really, but I assume that's not an option... She turned her gaze on the mural on the wall and stared at it for a moment, trying to draw some strength from it Was this really the right path forward? This war? Could we have found a peaceful path with the Imperial Knights? Perhaps my brother could have been reasoned with...
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Neith Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 63
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Neith Ren on Apr 20, 2024 5:14:16 GMT -8
Correct, it is not an option... Her hand continued to stroke through Fiora's hair before suddenly coming to a stop as the Princess-turned-Knight-turned-Empress seemed to finally get to the root of what was bothering her. Neith had to take a moment to calm herself and stop a more visceral reaction from rising to the surface. Instead, she focused her energy into grabbing hold of Fiora and pulling her up into a seated position and into a cuddle from behind Sweet Sister... I know things seem bleak and that perhaps hope is lost. But do not let such feelings fester. We may use the darksider, but even we are not immune to feeling demoralised... She slid her arms around Fiora, hugging her fiery haired sister as she leaned her face forward to kiss the top of the girl's head. This in turn caused her silver locks to drape forward Let me tell you a little story about the Imperial Knights and their peace... There once was an Imperial Knight by the name of Izalea Kasalle, cousin of Jenia Kasalle. She joined the Imperial Knights as a young girl, believing them to be honourable and just. There was no greater service for her than to be an Imperial Knight, with the order becoming like a family to her... But a secret laid beneath the oh so shiny surface of that order. For despite their espousal of following the Light and adhering to its tenets, a darkness grew in the hearts of many. A darkness which consumed them when Xeonon Solomon plotted his treachery against Nicademus. They tried, and failed, to assassinate Nicademus, falsely claiming that they were merely carrying out their oath sworn duty to prevent him from being corrupted by and using the Darkside. But it was merely a cover for the darkness within their own hearts. They were the ones that sought power for themselves...We purged the traitors, but it was little too late. What had once seemed a noble and stalwart Knighthood had been revealed to fall well short... She pressed another kiss to the top of Fiora's head I left their order and became a Knight of Ren not long after that purge... There was no path to peace with the Imperial Knights. They long ago abandoned their principles and were merely biding their time until Nicademus was gone to once again resume their agenda... We are a threat to the First Order, not just because we are darksiders, but because we threaten their power. When your Mother became Empress, the Imperial Knights were furious. But when Octavian was offered to the Imperial Knights to train and Faina eventually became Empress, they knew victory was theirs... Sure, the Imperial Knights may have purged their ranks, but I suspect it was only of scapegoats to cover for the sickness that still festered in the hearts of many... Octavian was raised within this corruption, taught to think as the others did. No... I doubt he could have been reasoned with, even if Jin had managed to find him. Of that, I am certain...
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 334
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on Apr 21, 2024 20:35:03 GMT -8
Fiora had been content to stay curled up and pressing back against Neith's knees, but the older Knight of Ren had other ideas. Suddenly she felt Neith's hands grip her sides and pull her up into a seated position, her back pressing up against Neith's torso. Silver hair soon fell down over her field of vision, confirming some aspect of Neith that had remained hidden beneath the masked visage for so many years. But before she could summon up some comment about it, Neith was launching into a story. It was a story she'd heard some whispers about growing up, but it was not a story was ever told much. But it quickly became apparent that this story was more personal than some retelling of past treachery by the Imperial Knights. A fact Neith confirmed soon thereafter when she spoke of how she joined the Knights of Ren.
It was then that she realised that part of why she had been keeping her gaze anywhere but behind her was to avoid looking at Neith's face. But she gave up that little bit of privacy and mystery she had sought to leave about Neith and twisted within her older sisters grip to meet her gaze. Many a story had been made about what the face beneath the mask might look like, but none could have quite lived up to what she saw Neith... I'm... I didn't know... He was never forth coming about the assassination attempts against him... To be fair, she wasn't surprised he had understated the risk to his life so his kids would not worry. She let out a sigh But do you really think Faina and Octavian are implicated? Faina has... She did a lot for me when.... Well... you know. And Octavian... Well, what ever we might be whether that's full twin siblings or half-siblings... She turned back around, pressing back against Neith's chest, her head drooping forward He wouldn't have been part of this knowingly... Right?
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Neith Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 63
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Neith Ren on Apr 22, 2024 15:57:22 GMT -8
She moved her face up and back a little when Fiora twisted around to look at her. The younger Ren was now the first person to see what lay beneath her mask in quite some time now. The truth of the matter was that Izalea Kasalle had died years ago and only Neith remained. Unlike her siblings, she did not much care nor enjoy reminiscing about her past or bringing it up to others. But in such a moment as this, she could bear the pain Yes, well... Could you imagine the scandal that would have been? Imperial Knights sworn to protect the Emperor try and take his life... He protected them to save their reputation, even when Harnan found one of their number helping protect and defend a Jedi Library on Ossus... No that information had to remain under lock and key, yet we were the ones that the Imperials were suspicious of betraying the First Order... She unwrapped her left arm from around Fiora's waist and ran her hand through the fiery red mane, brushing it down across her sisters back while she considered the statement made I can't speak with any certainty, but Faina never seemed like she was part of it. But perhaps that was her greatest skill... Many a spy never seemed like they were working for the enemy and even seemed like they were aiding their allies... As for Octavian... Perhaps he was not knowingly part of it, maybe he was, but what ever the case it does not matter any more. Even if he did not want the Crown and Throne before, he will fight to keep them now. His whole life Nicademus prepared the boy to succeed him. Now his own Sister has raised a standard against him, something which threatens the one thing his whole life has been about until now... She let out a sigh, her hand continuing to comb through the red mess of hair If he wins and the Imperial Knights achieve victory, they will wipe us all out...
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 334
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on Apr 29, 2024 19:44:31 GMT -8
It wasn't a big leap for her to believe her Father capable of such a conspiracy as to protect the image of the Imperial Knights. He'd long respected them and wanted them on his side publicly as a political tool. So long as they did not turn against him, it was a message and signal that the Emperor that sat the throne was not a Sith or a Darksider. It had definitely featured in some of his old propaganda that she could remember I suppose you're right in that regard... We were the scapegoats whilst the Imperial Knights took all the glory and praise... It was hard to believe that Faina had been knowingly involved and corrupted by all this. Part of her just didn't want to, not that Neith seemed to completely believe it. But Octavian... He'd never shown much ill-intent toward her, but he had never much agreed with her training under the Ren. But Neith was right, he'd spent so many years being prepared to succeed Nicademus as Emperor, that it had become part of his identity. It was a large part of who and what he was, and she had challenged that notion. She was still challenging it, by seeking to remove him from the Throne and by extension remove a significant part of his identity. But the truth was, he couldn't just be left to sit in power if it was a detriment to the Empire and a risk to the Ren and their allies.
Her attention was quickly drawn to the growing commotion and sound just outside the bedroom door. In a swift movement that Fiora could barely perceive, Neith was off the bed and upon her feet with her helmet in hand Stay here, I'll check it out... Before she could object, Neith slipped her helmet back on and disappeared out of the door. Alone once more, Fiora let herself fall back upon the bed, thinking about what Neith had just said and implied whilst waiting for her fellow Knight of Ren to find out what was going on
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Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 424
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Nem Yin on Apr 30, 2024 6:00:21 GMT -8
Reminiscent of a void dwelling crustacean, the personalized yorik-vec of the Executor descended through the clouds, silent as a wraith as its dovin basals manipulated the forces of gravity for propulsion. It served as a stark contrast to the four TIE-Conquistadors that followed them in, escorting the Bleeding Orifice all the way down from orbit to the landing pad situated outside the Citadel of Ren, their twin-ion engines shreaking the entire way. Long spindly segmented chitin armoured legs extended from crevasses on the ventral bow just prior to the coral craft setting down, operating as the living ship's landing gear, puncturing the tarmac with their pincer ends and bending slightly at the joints as they accepted its weight. Beneath the prow a section of yorik-coral retracted and a seam split in the flesh beneath it, revealing a dilating hatch-sphincter that split apart, exposing the interior of the organic vessel while a long molleung worm unravelled from the foot of the opening all the way to the ground to form a ramp."We're here." Hissed Nem's hoarse voice, stating the obvious given the view of the Citadel they had through the translucent membrane serving as a cockpit window. He released the controls and rapped his knuckles on the cognition throne to signal the thrall to take over, then stepped out of the enclosed space and into the corridor just beyond. Sliding a hand beneath the left lapel of his coat, the Executor withdrew a scrap of parchment and a stylus biot from a pocket in the inner lining, then quickly scribbled down a series of digits onto its surface. The living pen squirted a bio-degradable ink from a slender proboscis that served as the writing tip of the stylus. When he was done recording the sequenced series of numbers, the Intendant returned the pen to his pocket and folded the piece of paper remaining in his hand, before then offering it to Jin. "Take this. Given the unlikelihood of you allowing me to surgically implant a villip in your skull so we can remain in contact, this is the next best thing. That's the frequency for a private channel you can reach me at. Opposed to the uncrackable telepathic network a villip uses for communications, this frequency can be sliced using your infidel technology, so if you need to transmit try to do it from a secure connection. Use the passphrase 'blue givin' to identify yourself. It may take me some time to respond depending on what I'm doing, but don't hesitate to contact me if extraction proves necessary. I'll do what I can to provide a distraction to take some of the heat off of you."Clawed toes worn down to nubs by time and decrepitude sounded on the vein strewn coral floor behind Nem, causing the Executor to turn his hooded head and regard the old chazrach standing there quietly, its scaled hands and head shaking with infirmity. The bipedal reptilian was wearing what looked like a ceremonial set of shimmering robes produced from expensive glistaweb, while a robeskin satchel hung over its left shoulder, full of the various knickknacks the Intendant typically carried for diplomatic events or cultural exchanges with infidel races. It contained a bladder-flask of sparkbee honey, a handheld qahsa device, writing and recording implements, a pulsating living lambent crystal, his personal villip, and a commbuzzer among other things. Nem looked his aide over, then nodded, before turning back to Jin."Getting here was the easy part, but getting out will be somewhat trickier, especially without Fiora's support. Even with a few surprises, there is no way my ship will be able to outfight or outrun that Ren fleet in orbit. So, if you must extract, go to ground. Even at the centre of the Ren's seat of power, there will be places to hide within the city. Locate one of them and hunker down. I'll find you when I am able." The tight skin stretched over his right cheek lifted slightly, suggesting he was smirking beneath the gnullith. "You already know what happens if you fail. My suggestion, assuming you don't want Harnan as a future father-in-law...don't fail, Jin. Heh, heh, heh." Even his snickering was distorted by the rebreather.Half a minute later, the Executor appeared at the threshold of the ramp, joined by his chazrach manservant Scab. Decorative hooks of bone attached to the bottom of the Intendant's sleeveless long-coat rattled together in the breeze, adding a musical quality to the Yuuzhan Vong's presence, which otherwise exuded a cold menace. Barely any of his face was visible, hidden behind his gnullith and veiled in the shadows cast by his hood. Only the tight skin around his glowing emerald eyes was visible, strewn with dark veins that spiderwebbed out from his skull sockets across his corpse pallor complexion. Empty hands rested down at his side, not far from a pair of coufee blades sheathed in coral scabbards on either side of his waist where the living pants adhered to the skin of his legs gave way to his naked navel and chest, which themselves were a pale canvas of religious artwork. The left half of Nem's body appeared devoted to the Trickster Goddess, Yun-Harla, while the right was a shrine to the Slayer God, Yun-Yammka. A self admitted atheist, the humour was not lost on Nem, who in life had known both Yuuzhan Vong his peoples pantheon of deities were based upon. Harla, the one he barely remembered from long ago, would have likely shared a laugh over it. His ocular implants studied the Citadel connected to the landing pad, then he lowered his gaze and sauntered down the ramp with an arrogant swagger, curious who would be there to greet them.
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Jin Song
Member
Posts: 177
Affiliation: First Order- Fiora Delvardus
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Post by Jin Song on Apr 30, 2024 12:04:10 GMT -8
As the ship descended, Jin had collected what few possessions she had had on her when she was taken: A red bladed lightsaber, a small data pad that had been in her pocket (the screen was cracked after her duel with Nem), and a handful of credits. She accepted the paper that Nem gave her and took a moment to tuck it away in her boot. She didn't want it being taken should the worst happen and she be taken straight to processing. Giving Nem a silent nod as he once more impressed upon her the importance of their task. Jin took a deep breath before stepping out and following her former enemy and now ally out onto the ramp, her disheveled state a stark contrast to Nem's grandeur. We'll succeed, she whispered to him, we have to...
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 597
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Apr 30, 2024 18:31:15 GMT -8
The Yorik-Vet's descent to the surface provided Harnan the time to make his way from the Command Centre down to the Landing Pad alongside a honour guard of Purge Troopers. Given their location, there was no real need to be particularly heavy handed with a show of security, but that had not prevented Atlantia and Neith from joining the party. As the Organic Vessel touched down, the Purge Troopers formed up into two lines, their electrostaffs held at their sides. Harnan waved his fellow Knights down as he strode up along the line of guards to meet Nem and Jin halfway. He didn't have to look hard at Jin, recognising her presence and disdain for him through the Force with ease. If he was honest, he had half expected some kind of deception from the Executor, but it seemed like today the man was being genuine. He crossed his arms over his chest, ready for what was to come next You weren't lying... So, how do you wish to play this? You are the one with the hostage after all... Harnan had lived well before the Yuuzhan Vong had arrived to the galaxy and had awoken after they had invaded and been defeated. He didn't have the same history or prejudices that many others did against the extragalactic visitors. He had read of their invasion, something which had given him some frame of reference. But beyond that he treated Nem as he would anyone else who would be standing in the same position
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Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 424
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Nem Yin on May 3, 2024 5:32:27 GMT -8
Hostage? Beneath his hood, the Executor's forehead ridges furrowed, his face pulling tight with restrained whimsy. Clearly Harnan had inquired into Nem's reputation. Years of serving aboard the Cutlass as the second of the notorious pirate captain, Arkhan Bloodrage, had established the Intendant as a noteworthy figure in the Underworld community with all the respective infamy that entailed. Infamy, however, was a double edged coufee. For every customs officer he sent scurrying away, shaking in their boots as an uncomfortable wet warmth spread through their undergarments, there was an equally unshakeable law bound marshal waiting to clap him in irons for crimes of void piracy on warrants a decade out of date. It sometimes made negotiating on the Praetorite Vong's behalf difficult, though he was nothing if not persistent, as Jin had so recently learned on Coruscant.
"Let's continue where we left off aboard your ship." His voice hissed through the gnullith as he raised his chin and regarded the Master of Ren with a glowing green eye, while the dark purple sacks beneath puffed like cushions of flesh to serve as footstools for the mqaaq'it sunk into the sockets of his skull. "If you win you can have her back, but if I win...hmmm, what do I want? Ah, I've got an idea. If I win I'm taking that helmet you're wearing. The toilet beast aboard my ship has been on the fritz lately and that bucket looks like it will make a fine pot for night soil." His hands hovered over the hilts of the twin coufee blades scabbarded on either side of his waist, fingers moving like spiders legs to assist the circulation of oily black Yuuzhan Vong blood through his nimble digits. Then as quickly as the threat had been delivered, the Intendant's rebreather barked with laughter, pulling the exposed skin of his face tighter. "Har, Har, Har!" The flitting fingers of his right hand ceased their rhythmic movements and formed a flat palm, which he used to slap the side of his leg, bending at the waist slightly as he coughed up his humour.
"I'm kidding, of course. While I admit my initial introduction to the Tribune Knight was...rougher, than anticipated, we've since become fast friends." He considered throwing an arm around Jin and pulling her close in that moment to emphasize the point, but he was fairly sure she might jam her lightsaber hilt into his gut and activate the emitter if he tried, so best to just lie through his teeth. He looked at Jin and then back at Harnan. "She is not my hostage." As the head of Domain Yin, Nem knew better than most to try and cage a feral bissop. It rarely worked. Better to give them a taste for blood and set them loose upon your enemies. "I was more than happy to have her aboard as an honoured passenger, even despite her currently quite pungent odour. It has been made known to me that the Empress has a special affection for the Tribune Knights companionship, thus I made the effort to retrieve her and return Jin to her Royal Majesty, as a show of sincerity to negotiate in good faith. The Ren's actions at Ralltiir displayed a necessary ruthlessness more in keeping with my own moral code. It seemed prudent we should speak."
Nem looked around, surveying the troopers with suspicion. There were a lot of eyes and ears out here, and despite all them belonging to Harnan, it made the Intendant uneasy about exposing anything more specific.
"In private." He leaned in, moving his hooded head closer to Harnan's helmeted visage. "I want to be on the winning side, Harnan. Up until recently, I thought that was with Octavian, but now I'm not so sure. What I do know is that the Praetorite Vong are in a position to help ensure a Ren victory in the final battle to come."
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Jin Song
Member
Posts: 177
Affiliation: First Order- Fiora Delvardus
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Post by Jin Song on May 3, 2024 6:48:05 GMT -8
Jin was in fact rather hot under the collar. The fact Fiora wasn't here greeting her personally made Jin wonder if her return was being kept from her lover. And then there was Harnan assuming she was a hostage, and not standing here, unshackled and conscious, of her own free will. She did feel a little nervous at the moment Nem offered to resume the duel here and now. Almost putting a hand on his arm to try and stay his action, but it was revealed to be a joke, in very poor taste and time she would note. Though she didn't object to the Vong's declaration as friends, she just staired at Harnan. If things did come to blows, she knew in this fight who she would be siding with. And I would very much like to see Fiora. Now. Had this been after any mission in another time, she would have wanted to shower, and clean herself up first, but she felt an immense pressure that time was not on their side. Every minute that past drew Octavian a step closer to arriving on the Ren doorstep, and if what Nem said was true, it would be too late. Jin broke eye contact with Harnan and looked around at the assembled guard, wondering how many of them, if any, would attempt to stop her if she simply walked past. But she was loathe to leave her only ally behind before his safety was at least a little assured.
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 597
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on May 3, 2024 7:18:51 GMT -8
Atlantia and Neith both twitched, their hands hovering close to their saber hilts at Nem's offer to resume the previous fight. Harnan's lack of movement gave them no reassurance, but they stayed in their spots. Harnan, for his part, stared the Yuuzhan Vong down waiting to see just how serious his offer was before laughing it off. Given he had already mentioned having come to negotiate an alliance between the Ren and his Praetorite Vong, it seemed an unwise move to launch straight into a fight.
With the truth of Jin's situation confirmed, he shifted his gaze to the raven haired woman. She had seen better days and vastly improved moods, even where he was concerned. He took a step back and to the side, extending his left hand back toward the Citadel so as to allow Jin passage. He had no reason to try and stop her, nor did he wish to make her feel like she was in danger By all means, you have free reign of the Citadel as you always have. Go as you please, you'll find the Empress in your old chambers... Atlantia and Neith took a step back as well, making sure to allow Jin room to pass before Harnan would turn his focus back to Nem. It did seem prudent to keep these discussions behind much more closed doors, for even here loose lips could see what was happening upon the Landing Pad As for you, we shall head for the Throne Room of the Ren. That should be private enough... This way.... He turned fully toward the Citadel and led the way from the Landing Pad into the fortress. Fortified corridors snaked through the structure, their paths best known to the Ren that inhabited the structure whilst working to confuse those unfamiliar with their pathways. Eventually they arrived to the Throne Room where the doors were thrown open and Harnan strode up to the Throne and swung himself down into the seat. Atlantia and Neith slipped into the shadows at the edge of the room near the door, whilst the guards remained outside, pulling the doors closed behind Nem. Harnan set his gaze on the leader of the Vong I had my doubts about you, but he seemed confident you would deliver... And deliver you have. You risked a lot pursuing Jin to bring her here, she was as likely to kill you as you were to bring her in alive. So... Let us get to business. Neither of us has much time to spare for pleasantries, what with the rabid dogs being almost at our doors. What help do you and your people offer, and what would they want in return for it?
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