Alderaan - Love and Intrigue

Delmi waited in her room with her feet up on the coffee table as she waited for her guest to arrive.

Wonder how far on a scale of Captain to Major he’ll be pissed?

The knock on Delmi's door was sharp and precise. Those who knew Captain Alderaan knew that the more pissed he was, the more stiffly military he became. The knock was a clue that it was at least 'some'.

Still, during soup, he'd done no more than raise an eyebrow, so it was hard to tell.

The door opened and on the other end there was a smiling Delmi.

She looked him up and down once before saying anything.

Niall was smiling as well, in fact, if not much. He was wearing one of his usual less formal outfits; nondress Republic uniform, but still with a cape. Cape was everyday wear. Perhaps not for workouts.

One eyebrow went up as she scrutinised him. "Major." It was half greeting, half question.

“Major Cap.” She gave him a salute.

“Well… I made it. Pretty neat planet you got here. Almost as neat as your cape.”

"I'm fond of both." Niall said dryly, returning the salute.

He glanced around. "May I come in? I can't help but feel a bit self-conscious standing here in the hallway." More like exposed, but he didn't want to say that.

"Self-conscious?" She said with performed skepticism... her eyes moving side to side a few times for added effect.

She let him in out of the hallway and directed him towards some chairs and a table with snacks.

After the door closed she asked with a smirk, "Worried about being seen with one of the bad guys?"

Niall just smiled as he moved to take a seat.

Still smiling, he shook his head. "It takes a lot before I call someone who wears the uniform you do a bad guy. Especially when I know just how much good they've done for the Republic."

His smile grew a little uneven. "Still, I confess, I was surprised to hear that you're with the Thuls. The enmity between Thul and Organa goes back many years... but my particular concern is more recent."

She too sat down and tilted her head to the side and gave a face that seemed to say, 'Oh yeah? Tell me more.'

Niall took a deep breath, his handsome features full of concern. "There is some worry that the Thul's have a connection with the Sith Empire. That they are attempting to undermine Alderaan, and bring it under control of the Sith. Or, at least, have it withdraw its support from the Republic."

He spread his hands. "This is just speculation, of course. Not an accusation, not at all." He smiled thinly. "But that is my concern, Delmi. And I feel you should know it before you become too involved with the Thuls."

She nodded, "Delmi Koor on Team Sith? That sounds fuckin' terrifying."

She smiled and leaned forward onto her knees, "But I assure you ol' buddy... I am aware of the general... vibe of House Thul. I'm here because of a... let's say... 'happy accident'."

She leaned back in her seat and crossed her legs, "You're one of the few folks I ever talked to about my mom back on Bankor. Turns out... she's already dead. Or so they tell me. She's buried out on Thul lands near their primary residences. I've come to check in dear old mama. Try and figure out her story... And the Thul folks were nice enough to want to use my fame and talents for their own benefit."

She holds out a hand to the side, "I do errands for them... or make myself look important in the whole suitor quest..."

Then she extends out her other hand, "They trust me enough to tell me more about my mother."

She then folds her arms across her chest, "But actually what I'm after isn't 'mummy dearest'... it's the safety and well-being of your planet."

Niall bowed his head. "I'm sorry." He said, his voice gentle.

As he straightened, he studied her, expression thoughtful. "I see..." He said, crossing his arms over his chest. But he wasn't done thinking yet.

"So, you have found yourself with a position in House Thul? But your goals and theirs... differ rather dramatically? Do I understand that correctly?" Niall said.

She tilted her head, “I don’t know yet to be honest. If they’re hellbent on getting Alderaan onto Team Empire then… fuck yeah I’m at odds with that.”

She kicks her head to the opposite angle, “But I think it’s a bit more complex than that… Whatever is going on with all these Sith and Sith trained guards… I don’t think it’s so black and white. I’m just here to figure out what exactly is going on… so we make sure the good guys get the help they need and the bad guys lose.”

Niall smiled. "That's what I like to hear."

He leaned back, frowning thoughtfully once more. "They certainly make them sound sinister. I mean, Blackguard, Lady Massacre. If they have a connection with the Empire, it needs to be dealt with."

He tilted his head, regarding her. "But it sounds like you think there might be something else?"

She nodded, "People who are scared tend to try and act scary. What are they scared of and why? I have no idea... but right now Thul's the reason why Ulgo didn't punch the Panteer's in the face. Gotta find a way for all these folks to play nice and help everyone be invested in Alderaan's involvement in the Republic."

"Hmmm..." Niall laced his fingers together. "We do not want a civil war, certainly. Nor do we want Alderaan to leave the Republic. It's a fine line to tread."

He let out a sigh. "It sounds as though more information is required. They seem to have Sith training, and a history of friendship with the Empire, which points me in one direction. But I won't deny other possibilities." He gave her a nod. "Have you learned anything so far?"

She shook her head, "Nah... I got my first errand to do later today. Helping out House Syrush deal with their bug problem. I haven't even met with the Duchess... I've got a handler who shows me around and stuff."

She poured herself a glass of water, "Met with the Duke though. Very Sith-like. Seems interested in his family and protecting House Thul though."

She reached down and popped a grape into her mouth and chewed.

"What about you guys? Anything I should know about?"

"Oh." Niall frowned at that. "Keep me informed. And please, be careful. Kiliks are ill-understood, but quite dangerous."

He smiled wryly. "Yes, they do have a type, don't they." Gently, he shook his head. "House Organa is doing its best to keep the peace. We are concerned about the Thuls... but also about the Ulgos, in a different sort of way. As I said, we want to avoid civil war, and Duke Bouris may consider his priorities above that."

She nodded and popped another grape into her mouth, "You have a chance to check out that Separatist protest yesterday?"

"I heard about it." Niall frowned. "In fact, I heard that the Thuls were concerned about it. I suppose because of the connection with the Ulgo?"