Coral City

The Starwind-class Exeter glided smoothly into the berth assigned to it in the denoted starport of Coral City. After a few moments of running idly, the ship's drives powered down and the small cargo doors on its port side opened to allow the few cargo crates it carried to be unloaded by several of the crew. Archais himself stepped down the crew gangplank that extended from the ship's underbelly and looked around with a mercenary's hard stare, his satchel of necessities strung over his back. He observed as customs agents began to see to the cargo, and one was already running a scanner across one of the several crates. He was confident their method of defeating said scanners would yield success, but remained wary all the same and half-expected a sudden alarm as they detected the illicit goods held within. One customs agent, as if the being were Force Sensitive and had detected such misgivings, approached him with a datapad in hand.

"You would be Captain Skugr, yes?"
"I would," the Sith Lord answered, drawing on the Force to amplify and deepen his voice to a normal tone.
"Your bay profile reads as security consultants. Why are your men unloading what appear to be Tatooine dewbacks?"
"Bomb disposal."
The official adopted a skeptical expression. "Bomb disposal?"
"Correct. Those dewbacks are hardly a year old, still young by dewback standards. The planets they eat on their home planet smell similar to several common bomb-making compounds, especially those that would be utilized by an insurgent force like the one my people and I are being brought in to deal with."
"Consult against, keep in mind that Mon Calamari customs does not permit offworld visitors to transport weapons without special dispensation. And we've had no reports of bombings in Aquarius or as a part of any rally yet held by the separatists, so I'll need to detain these animals."
"Semantics. And just because there hasn't been a bombing yet doesn't mean there won't be. Prior to yesterday I'm guessing there hadn't been a shooting either, yes?" The official's silence was an answer in the affirmative. "And yet you have a martyr's blood on the pavement. I'm being brought in to stymie any escalation, and bombings count as escalation. These animals will prevent any more unnecessary loss of life in your city, officer, of that you have my assurance."
The officer pursed his lips and looked down to his pad, then shrugged and signaled to his techs to move the animals through. Archais offered a smile and started to make for the blast doors to the outside plaza before the officer spoke once again.
"Oh, and Captain, the heavy metals and energy readings we're getting from the crates would be...?"
"Life-support apparatuses and metal containers. Dewbacks don't like forcefields, and this is more economical for our transport costs. Besides, don't want to open these crates and have them come running out in a crowded plaza, do you?"
"I suppose not."
"You suppose correctly."

With that, he turned smartly and strode away, feeling the man's annoyance pervading the space behind him. Good that he be focused on the haughty captain of the bayed ship and not on his own people, one of whom had adopted a docile, far-off looking expression as he answered one of the ship's crew who stared intently at his inspector.
"On second though, these readings aren't high, they're perfectly in range. I should re-calibrate my scanner after you've left.
"That's right," was the response from the operator who'd spoken to him with a sly smile.

Archais felt his team's Force activity behind him, and his mouth curled slightly as he felt his plan unfolding. He held the look as an oily-looking Quarren approached him followed by another of his species, both dressed garishly and carrying the stance of humble superiority - the lead one, at least, knew he was better than whomever he was speaking to but knew the social power that soft deference carried. With an opulent bow, he introduced himself.

"Greetings, Captain," the Quarren said in passable, if gravelly, Galactic Basic, "I am Cephorda. I trust your arrival through customs has been uneventful?"
"As much as could have been hoped for, at any rate, yes. Is our transport to Aquarius sorted?"
"Of course. I have arranged for a hydroshuttle to transport your team and my staff to the Domed City at your earliest convenience."

The Quarren's intent in gauging their difficulties through customs, to be sure. His question wasn't simply an offering of meager greeting to a newly-arrived business associate, as Cephorda was aware of Archais's movement of weapons onto the planet and into the theater of his operation. The Quarren had long been a project the Imperium's spymasters had been preparing, as they were aware of his past run-ins with the Republic. Those run-ins amounted to several busted smuggling operations and high tariffs on goods the entrepreneur had sought to move, mostly minor, but all had contributed to the idea that he could evade or discourage the Republic from noticing his mostly-extralegal schemes. An Imperium agent had contacted him recently when it had been discovered that he was a high-ranking member of a newly-formed ultranationalist movement on his homeworld, and what had been intended as a blackmail operation to snare security clearances or some other useful utility had become full-fledged alliance when the Quarren found out he had a benefactor who would help him in his anarchic plans.

The Quarren had arranged the plan to have an outside security team to help him fortify his movement into a militia and force the hand of the Mon Calamari government in seceding from the Republic - what the Quarren didn't know was the true nature of the organization he'd become a bedfellow with, and very soon the squid would realize that the resource he'd so cleverly called upon was only using him to further its own plans. Of course, he didn't have to know that anytime soon.

As such, his questions were simply probing to see if their duplicity with customs had been uncovered. Clearly, it hadn't.

Cephorda's tentacles writhed in what Archais interpreted as a pleasurable display, if the creature's emotions were exuding was accurate, and he was beckoned to follow as the Quarren pair turned to make their way from the spaceport. Archais signaled to his team to follow, and as one the group exited the spaceport.

The two Quarrens and Archais walked fairly far ahead of the rest of the group, and once they were several blocks from the spaceport, the lead looked to his subordinate and simply said, "Activate it."

Cephorda's aide reached a hand into his pocket, and for a moment Archais expected some kind of trap before the former spoke again. "Acoustic baffle. What we discuss will not be overheard. The subordinate waited a moment, then nodded, affirming that nothing they discussed on their short journey to their transport would be overheard.

"Were you able to bring what was asked of you?"
"The weapons? Yes. I have several organic compounds stashed with the dewbacks that will make for fine explosives, if your people can get me the rest of the supplies I need. Cleaning products, industrial sterilizers, bacta fertilization implements, fairly common items. I also have a few blasters disassembled and stored within the dewback cages, but anything else you'd like us to use will need to be supplied by you."
"My, Captain Archos, I'd heard you were resourceful but if you're able to deliver on your promises with such scarcity in the way of armaments, I will be most impressed."
"Call me Archie. And don't worry about our loadout. Revolutions are made not in killing, but in appearances. Preparing your group for a war would take months of training that you're not prepared to spend and that you, frankly, could not afford anyway. I'll give you your victory with the people of this planet, and you're free to do with it what you will, but we will be doing this the way I've done it in the past - surgical application of violence and good old-fashioned rhetoric on your part as the heroic leader who sympathizes with the oppressed masses. Trust me, it's easier this way."
The Quarren was silent a moment. He seethed, from Archais's perspective, and after some time passed without a word he spoke softly.
"I have fought for Mon Calamari independence for three and a half decades, Captain. I do not appreciate condescension in tone or in thought of how I will take what is rightfully mine among the elite of Dac. Do not forget who is your employer and the source of your power on this planet. Step out of line and I will have you removed from the city. Far better that you do as you're told and get me my throne."
Inwardly, Archais smiled. This would be easier than he'd thought. "Of course, sir."
"That's a good soldier. Ah, here we are."

The group had arrived at another large building with much traffic going in and out of it, and the script on the large marquee sign denoted it as another port - this one, though, for oceangoing vessels. After a brief interaction between Cephorda and the official that stood at the entrance to one of the private bays, Archais and his team were allowed in and eventually came to two submersibles that were docked next to a pier. Cephorda had insisted that Archais join the Quarren submersible and let his team ride separately, but he contrived an excuse and left Adur to be his representative aboard the other ship. The first submersible took off, and after loading the dewback cages onto the second, Archais and his team were aboard and on their way to the underwater city of Aquarius.

The two Quarren pilots were alone in their control pod, and it was separated from the passenger cabin by several doors. All the same, one of his operators pulled an acoustic baffle identical to the one used by Cephorda's lackey earlier and, for the time being, they were effectively alone. Archais looked to the various individuals within the cabin and said simply, "Questions?"

Jax had remained silent during the journey. He had nodded where appropriate and done what he was told, it suited him to do so. In his current form he was not much good for unloading or carrying the cargo they had brought with them and had looked slightly out of place among the band of "mercenaries". His casual clothes and lack of a weapon did not dampen his usual confidence which allowed him to shrug off any odd looks he was given during their arrival on the planet.

He was constantly fighting the temptation to transform and seek vengeance on those who made fun of him or even thought about mocking him. He knew this could not happen, it would ruin the plan, and what a plan it was. The rage swelled inside him but the mental image of Archais's stern look kept him in control. His whole life had been about control, the early stages were about a lack of it. Every time anybody even slightly wronged Jax he would transform and remove them as an irritation. Now he sought an even greater form of control over all aspects of his being.

He boarded the submersible along with the others, not worried about being submerged deep beneath the waves of Mon Calamari. He had spent most of his early life in space, the dangers were much the same, certain death! He had listened to the plan before the mission had even started and had no questions then, however now the situation was playing out things were changing, factors were being added. A good plan is a flexible one and he listened to Itzal voice his opinion on the current state of things. Jax agreed, the Quarren was arrogant beyond his station and would compromise everything, given the chance. He had nothing more to add to that point but he did have something to add to the other point raised.

"I don't think it would take me too long or much observation to be able to drive one of these ocean barges. At least enough for us to escape in one piece. With your permission, Dread Lord, I will spend the rest of the journey in the cockpit learning what I can." Jax did not presume anything, he was ready to be shot down and the group adopt a different plan but his thought process was sound. Even if his piloting skills were rusty!

Archais listened to the conference with a fixed stare at each who participated. First Itzal, then Varik, a relatively new addition to the ranks of Force-sensitive operators who had been brought on this mission not for his stealth expertise, per se, but for his usefulness in combat should the worst happen. Though rather small and frail in his normal state, when enraged he became a hulking behemoth that could rip the doors of an airlock apart. That strength would serve them well if it came to it, though ideally such a display would be unnecessary.

"It would be wise to familiarize yourself with the template of the Calamari submersibles, Varik. If the uniform layout of their capital ships is an indication of their shipbuilding mode of operation, roughly the same controls will be present on all means of transport we will find once we make the city. Work quickly; you will have time to refine your findings but there may be a time when you're needed in the field."

He turned then to Chisisi and Kruor, two of his older operatives whose natural cunning would be critical to the success of this mission.

"Our escape from the city is something we cannot anticipate yet; much will depend on how the masses receive Cephorda's movement and how quickly they can be incited to do as we wish. There will surely be permanent escape vehicles leading away from the city for just such an emergency, and identifying any patterns that regular transit craft use will take observation - if we are to leave before we destroy the city, which is preferable, it must be along the timetables that local shipping authorities will expect. To do otherwise, particularly if we succeed in turning Aquarius into the hell we desire, would trigger an unacceptable level of wariness from the ruling powers of the city that could thwart our every effort."

He shifted his gaze then to the Omwati Acolyte in particular.

"The Quarren is malleable. His is an ambition that is coated with noble intentions but that is corrupted at its core by a thirst for power that is common among his people. It is that nature of the Quarren that may prove dfficult to work with - for the time being, we need Cephorda to interface with his people and to move them along the avenues that are useful to us. They would not take their orders from a newcomer, much less an offworlder. Recruiting another of his species would be useful, but may be more time-consuming than we can afford. To that end, Chisisi, I have a special task for you: retrive the Quarren's biometric data, at which point we can use a sufficiently advanced terminal to fabricate any communications and rid ourselves of his unpredictable tendencies. Retinal scans and voice recordings should be sufficient, but any personal datapad you could recover would be particularly valuable if we intend to replicate his transmission credentials to other Vengeance leaders. He will almost certainly try to betray us once his people are sufficiently armed, but for the short-term I will be able to keep him in check. He is powerful here, though, and we would be wise to be in position to strike as soon as is tenable."

He then turned his glare to Kruor, addressing his input.

"As for our target. Inciting an insurgency is something that must be done with the utmost care. Press too lightly, and we will have effect at all; press too firmly, and we will overexert ourselves and become exposed. That is the methodology here: we select a target that symbolizes that which we seek to destroy, and one that the Calamari can live without. We do not want t cripple their government, for that would deny us the utility of their resources here. Attacking a prime capital will similarly bring to the fore our actions in the eyes of the galaxy at large, and for now the Jedi still actively seek us; at least a few do. For the time, we must be selective in our targets and maximize the benefits to be gained from the least investment on our part. Attacking a planetary capital would bring in all manner of variables which we do not have the tme to factor - Aquarius is ripe for its isolated nature and for its prominent symbology to the people of Mon Calamari."

Another Sith Lord, perhaps of the variety that had spawned his unique viewpoint on the Force, might have bitten at his apprentices to simply compel obedience with his plans. Archais taught. Now was not the time for demonstrations of strength - that would come when he crippled a city and snared himself a planet. For now, he had many apprentices vying for his tutelage, and it would benefit him for the to be as well-abled as possible.

At last, the submersible underwent a palpable slowing in progress, and a slight jarring signaled that the vehicle had come to a halt in its berth. Archais nodded to the group, and as one they moved to exit the vehicle.

*Having once more gotten through another minor security search he made his way in the direction of the emporium; a wide open and organised space the Emporium was the housing for hundreds of permanent market stalls as well hundreds of put up stalls and interwoven among all these were several peddlers, some had set up stall on the floor, but many were the sort Tal was disguised as. They meandered around with goods in their hands stepping in front of beings preventing them from being on their way in the hope that they could shift their wares.

The dark haired Humanoid joined the midst of travelers and store holders and peddlers, he wove his way around the many denizens all the time he approached any being, and pretended he wished to sell his wares. However as part of his supposed sales push Tal would ask how their day was going and how they were finding Coral City today, in this manner he hoped that some passer by would actually divulge some tidbit that would lead him to his goal.

As the day passed on and the majority had attempted to ignore him he did find that an elderly Mon Calamari, as often with the elderly she did wish to talk and as somewhat boring her one sided conversation about the inflation of this and how she couldn't stand the salt air for too long, she did peek his interest when she spoke of some commotion. She told him that she didn't know what had gotten into the young, they seemed to be rioting over things that she would have struggled through and oh how dreadful it was someone had died. She further explained that a great deal of the young were moving to force Mon Calamari to succeed from the Republic.

It was at this point Cipher's brain began to tick, as always there regularly was no smoke without fire. It sounded like there was a minor political movement and according to this Female Mon Calamari someone had died. Now as with exaggerations that were sometimes made by the elderly he couldn't be certain this was true, yet if it was then there could be something behind it.

I began to make my move through the crowd as I walked I arranged her statement. The action had taken place in Aquarius and apparently a protester had been killed. Currently there was a leaning sentiment of distrust toward the Republic and Mon Calamari wanted out. In my mind it seemed unlikely the Republic would silence a being vowing for succession from the Republic for fear of staining them further.

I could not be further and I needed hard evidence, surely something such as this carried enough gravitas to be aired on HNN, and this too was suspicious, I detected a cover up and these events were certainly cloaked in intrigue. I continued to move through the crowd selling my wares, tomorrow I had decided that I need a more proactive guise through which I could gather clearer information.*

*Coral City, a fascinating sight to any who had not beheld it in person before. A floating city, comprised of buildings that resembled Mon Calamari starships; the type of starships Aerandir hoped would serve in defense of the galaxy in the coming fires. The scenery was absolutely fantastic, and Michelle herself was taken in by the coral structures surrounding and connecting many of the floating buildings, as well as the endless oceans situation below them. It was was as magnificent as it was terrifying; a fall from here would find anyone dead from surface impact, regardless of whether or not they had an affinity for the sea.

The proper channels had been gone through, granting the pair of Jedi an audience with the planet's ruling Council. The Council chambers were located within one of the more decorative pods, which hailed the craft as it approached, seeking the proper credentials. Once cleared, a large door fanned open for the small Horizon-class to glide into, settling into its designated landing pad. After securing and departing the ship, they were met by a greeting party, who politely greeted them and led them to a small conference room. Gathered there were a handful of delegates, who rose and greeted the two Jedi and promised that more were on their way, also expressing great interest in what the Jedi had to say. Aerandir and Michelle greeted the two with a bow, Aerandir thanking them for their hospitality and ensuring them that what he had to say would be a matter of great importance...*

"That is why I feel we need to create an Alliance and commit as many resources as we can to galactic defense, before the Imperials have a chance to swoop in and take what's left." *This conclusion came after a brief explanation of Aerandir's intuitions, as well as an expression of his belief that the galaxy needed to stand united, if not in government, then in arms.

He stood before the seated delegation, consisting mostly of Mon Calamari individuals but also a handful of Quarren. They seemed to bow their heads in unison to contemplate Aerandir's words. This was the toughest part: Getting them all to agree. It was a tough sell, Aerandir knew, but he hoped the fact that he had taken the time to personally come out of his way to entreat them would help draw them to his side. As Michelle had mentioned, they had historically opposed the Imperial regime, so he truly saw no reason they would oppose the offer to join an Alliance. He needed their support. The Mon Calamari were a gifted race, in strategy, diplomacy, and ship-building; losing their support, especially so soon, would almost be a death blow.

At length, a single male Mon Calamari looked up, asking,* "Are you absolutely certain the Imperials would so soon unleash their war machine upon the galaxy once more?"

*Aerandir promptly nodded.* "I personally know the man claiming to be 'Soku Ren.' ... his name's actually Jacob, by the way. Anyway, he wouldn't so confidently proclaim such a status, the 'sword of the Imperial,' if he weren't confident in action. Inaction on the part of the rest of the galaxy would leave it wide open for a takeover."

*The male who'd spoken lowered his head to contemplate further, even as another spoke up.* "The Republic has only just dissolved, and already you wish to formulate a new one?"

*Aerandir immediately shook his head, explaining,* "This isn't an Alliance to Restore the Republic. It's more of an Alliance of Free Worlds. Systems will remain independent, but we'll all have each other's backs, form a navy and a military, form a resistance against the coming onslaught."

*A female Mon Calamari spoke up.* "And should we hear nothing more of the Imperial?"

*An outcome Aerandir highly doubted, but he nonetheless addressed with a smile.* "Then we'll have a galaxy-spanning Alliance, with plenty of time to hammer out finer details and agreements, while being prepared for any other threat that might come."

*Silence fell again among the delegation as they continued to contemplate this. Aerandir folded his hands behind his back, deciding not to rush them despite how urgent this matter was. Michelle mimicked his stance, content to listen and take in everything; her brother's pitch, the delegates' questions, her brother's explanations. She wanted to take part in a diplomatic situation like this, but not without preparation, and she'd have plenty of opportunity later. He could sense her eagerness and he inwardly smiled, outwardly remaining a patient figure.*

"Well," *the female spoke again,* "I, for one, endorse this new Alliance." *There were no outward signs of the elation that welled up within Aerandir at those words.* "You are correct in that we cannot sit idle while the galaxy remains without defense. We know you Jedi can't do it alone."

*She spoke with the Mon Calamari equivalent with a smirk, preventing Aerandir from properly discerning whether it was a playful jab or a sincere pledge of support. Aerandir's response was an odd mix of a grimace and a smile as he nodded his head to her as others spoke up, likewise voicing their support. Soon, it was put to official vote, with only one dissenting opinion, but his voice was not enough to drown out the overwhelming support in favor of beginning a brand new Alliance.*

"Excellent!" *Aerandir exclaimed, beaming as he clapped his hands together, at last allowing his joy to show.* "This is just the first step in bringing the galaxy back together, without the strictures of the Republic."

"You'll be wanting ships, I presume," *an elderly Mon Calamari remarked with a grin.

Chuckling, Aerandir nodded and answered,* "Well, those would be kind of important."

"Consider it done."

*He was impressed. This had all gone rather smoothly. He was certain future diplomatic missions would be much rockier, and he was prepared for those, but for this first step to come together so near-perfectly? The Force was truly with them.* "The galaxy will yet be safe."

*After a handful of smaller topics were discussed and covered, Aerandir and Michelle individually spoke briefly with each delegate, thanking them for their time and support. Even the dissenter seemed ambivalent, a bit hesitant perhaps, but otherwise not truly bothered by the verdict. Aerandir's next step was then to secure a meeting with the shipmasters of the Shipyards, after promising they would find the means to finance the creation of a defense fleet. Aerandir allowed time to answer any other remaining questions before he and Michelle departed, returning to their ship. It was time to make for orbit, and to secure the creation of a new home fleet...*