Alderaan - Love and Intrigue

Bran had returned to the fortress about as soon after things settled down at the parade as he could. He didn't want to be seen running off, especially if any media were zeroing in on the incident -- better they talk to him than anyone else. But it seemed the event had stayed low key at least for now, meaning they had a little time to plan.

Bran didn't know what needed to be said, so he called Kaleena, asking that she prepare a draft statement based on what little information they had. She should be on her way over shortly. For now, Bran waited in the large but rather Spartan Ulgo library to speak to his uncle. He expected it to be unpleasant as the duke had likely already bedded down for the night when Bran called.

If the Duke was in bed, he slept in his uniform. He arrived and said, “Brannis, what’s the situation, and more importantly why am I here?”

"Uncle," Bran says, quickly nodding his head in respectful greeting.

"At the flower parade, I spotted a float carrying a team of thugs with guns. I dispersed most of them, with help, but their leader was taken into custody. A minor member of our house, Julio Ulgo. They appeared to have a Jedi impersonator as part of their team as well. They were clearly moving to attack the royal balcony over the parade when we stopped them."

"It seems wise to make a statement, condemning violence during festival at least, and ensuring we aren't blamed for juvenile attempts at an assassination that wouldn't accomplish anything anyway." He tries to deliver a clear, "just the facts" report, but at the end his personal frustration with circumstances starts to show.

“I don’t even know who he is, but if he has our name idiots will talk. Disavow it, I am sur you know the proper wording to get across. The Queen should take my requests to bolster her security but politics,” he said not terribly concerned.

"The queen would do well to listen to us in many ways," Bran concedes, shaking his head a bit sadly. "The closeness of the Sith ambassador to Princess Jameela in particular worries me, even more than the overall closeness of Thul and Panteer." Not really a confidant of the duke, Bran is cautious not to speak too much as he tries to maneuver the conversation.

"A problem easily rectified in short order," he said in reply.

Bran's eyes narrow slightly in skepticism.

"In short order, uncle? Meaning, when the queen chooses a different child as her successor?" His voice makes clear he doesn't understand the duke's comment.

“We doubt she will pick Princess Jameela, she is weak and easily bent in court,” he clarified. “Assuming the Queen still has some sense.”

Bran is visibly relieved. "Of course. Quite so. Though less easily bent in the company of that Sith woman, unfortunately," the younger Ulgo says with distaste.

"I have heard some... comments that individuals might prefer Gaul to remain the heir. Which would seem... foolish of the queen," Bran offers, testing the duke's reaction to that possibility.

The Duke just grunted his reply not even deigning to give it words.

Bran nods his head, unsurprised at that level of reaction.

"Uncle, I shouldn't take any more of your time at this hour. I will get the statement issued as we discussed. Is there anything new I need to know? I'll continue on mission if there's nothing further." He adopts a formal military at-ease pose, ready to be dismissed if the duke wishes.

"Dismissed," he said. His bed was calling his name.