(D1 LA) Most of our ships are stationed in SPACE...port

[Cynella Andrim]

Cynella traversed the docks when she really had no reason to. She checked in on Riss' ship out of curiosity before going on her way. Maybe I really should have studied the models more. If anyone actually asked about why Kuati ships are better, I couldn't say. But they most assuredly are!

She pursed her lips. Oh, maybe I should get more ready for that debut. Eh, what I'm wearing right now is fine. They'll love me, I'm sure of it.

[Niall Organa]

Niall knew his duty and he would do it, as an Alderaanian, as a Republic Soldier, and he would fight in the name of the Republic!

But, at the moment, he was not called upon to do so. Instead, he was merely at the spaceport, doing his best to ensure that there wasn't any trouble. The sight of a Republic uniform often helped to diffuse situations.

"Excuse me." Niall greeted the young noblewoman with a smile. "Do you require assistance?" He stood straight and tall, hands clasped behind his back; it was the same pose he had in most of his recruitment posters.

[Cynella Andrim]

The recruitment poster pose... that was surely recognizable by anybody who knew anything! "Y-you're Captain Alderaan!" Cynella clasped her hands together in delight. "How wonderful to make your acquaintance. I am Cynella Rhiannon Esmetrice Andrim," she said, her names spewing out in rapid succession. "But please, Cynella is quite alright... but in your case, I would permit Rhia."

She fluffed out her jacket, reeling herself back in. "It really just is an honor to meet you."

[Niall Organa]

Niall smiled, somehow both warmly and tolerantly. "Yes. Ca... actually, now it's Major Niall Organa. At your service, Miss Rhia." He bowed, in the courtly Alderaanian manner, his fine cape sweeping about."

He straightened. "The honor is mine, truly." He looked at her, eyebrows elevated in polite interest. "May I ask what brings you to Alderaan? Are you here for the Festival?"

[Cynella Andrim]

Now I want a cape. Although she wondered if only he was able to pull it off.

"I am indeed here for the festival," Cynella said. "Although it seems tradition involves the royal prince and princess marrying from one of the Great Houses of Alderaan, I intend on winning one of their hearts. Or both, maybe, though that's a bit more grand, isn't it? I'm sure you could pull that off if you put your mind to it, though."

She smiled. By all of the Ten of Kuat, she was embarrassing herself! "So far, I must say that my reception has been beyond compare. Don't repeat what I said but us Kuati are not as welcoming..."

[Niall Organa]

One eyebrow went up a little, but as she went on, Niall felt that he really had to raise both. "Both their hearts? My goodness. Well, aim for the stars." He smiled at her. "Actually, as it happens, I'm married, so you won't be getting any competition from me." Also, it seemed like it might be a good idea to mention that before Cynella fainted, or her nose started to bleed, or something.

This time, his eyebrows went up in polite inquiry. "Oh, you're from Kuat? I've never been there, but I'm sure I'd find it a welcoming place." Another smile. "I've flown on more than a few ships manufactured there, though. That's hardly a surprise, of course."

[Cynella Andrim]

Married or not, Cynella still fawned over him. It was more-so hero worship than any sort of lust, after all. "Kuati are born for the stars, so the saying goes. Speaking of which, I do believe I should level with you this: though I wish to wed either of the royal heirs, it is not a necessity on my family's part. House Andrim hopes that I will find a suitable match among any of Alderaan's nobility for the sake of a, well, prosperous relationship."

It was a shame, though, that the dear Captain Alderaan was spoken for. "Though I'm sure I'd marry into House Panteer if my goal is met, I'm not so sure if that'll happen otherwise. Let's say that someone else marries into my family. Do you think I could be a good, well, Captain Kuat?"

[Niall Organa]

Niall listened, eyebrows still curiously up. "Oh, I see. And so you came to the Festival." He smiled. "Well, I do very much hope you find what you are looking for, Miss Rhia."

The eyebrows went up a little further. "Although I feel compelled to ask... what is it that you are looking for? Besides a spouse, that is. And what do you think makes a good Captain Kuat?"

[Cynella Andrim]

"I'm glad to have your blessing, though I'm curious why my reasons come as such a surprise." The eyebrow raises hadn't gone completely unnoticed. "Alderaan, in all its majesty, was sure to attract suitors from across the galaxy. It helps that the people make such excellent company too," she added with a wink.

Cynella pursed her lips and looked to the ceiling. "Well, I suppose I seek to increase my House's standing among the Alderaanian nobility like any good and filial daughter would. That's also something that a good Captain Kuat would do, no? The betterment of one's planet, some heroics too." Her talk with Tethys had left an impression on her regarding glory-seeking. "Betterment of the galaxy as a whole."

[Niall Organa]

Niall chuckled softly, smiling. "Well, thank you. We do our best to be welcoming." He waved a hand. "And no, I assure you, no surprise. Many people come to the Festival for more or less that. Why, just yesterday, I met a Hutt seeking the true meaning of love, or something like that."

Tilting his head, he studied her as she considered. "Right. As Captain Kuat, you should think big! Not just your house, or even your planet, but perhaps other planets. The Republic!" He flashed her another smile. "And then, right, just do a few heroics, and you're good."

He cleared his throat. "Ah... are you in a line of work which lends itself to heroics, miss Rhia?"

[Cynella Andrim]

Cynella blinked. "Unless there are multiple Hutts here for the same thing, you must be referring to Keyhote. I admit that his presence thus far has not troubled me. A surprise, honestly, as I did not expect good company from one of them."

Under the esteemed Captain Alderaan's analysis? Why, that certainly made her flush. She couldn't resist doing a little fist bump in the air during his talk of the big picture. Peace! Freedom! Justice! Security! All things she cared so deeply for.

But for his final question, her mood dampened ever so slightly. "I wish I could claim such a thing. My House doesn't wish for me to abandon my job in the shipyard... so unlike your military posting, I doubt I have much opportunity for heroics." She laughed. "That being said, I'm sure pilots are thankful that I chose a comfy chair for them."

[Niall Organa]

Niall nodded. "Yes, it was Keyhote. And yes, I quite agree. Speaking with him was, ah, a singular experience." Smiling, he shook his head. It was unique for any number of reasons, to be sure.

Watching the play of emotions across Cynella's face, Niall smiled. "May I let you in on a little secret?" He leaned closer, his voice pitching lower. "The heroics aren't the important part." He straightened again. "You're doing your part. That's what matters. That I occasionally get shot at doesn't make me more worthy."

He tilted his head again. "May I ask, what sort of ships does your family make?"

[Cynella Andrim]

"Singular for the time being. I have a feeling that we'll both be seeing a lot more of him." Cynella giggled. "I think he's taken a liking to me. Not in that way, of course, but in my quest, so to speak. I wonder how he took the news of your marriage."

Cynella smiled meekly at that. "I suppose not. I just hope that I have the right heart for it, is all. But I suppose helping my House produce more ships to help the Republic contributes more than my two eyes may ever see." That was a way to look at war profiteering...

"But yes, my family's ships. Mine in particular focuses on the larger vessels instead of, say, fighters and the like. But Kuat itself is known for designing other vehicles too." At the end of her little spiel, she again turned a bit timid. "Or were you wondering about specifics?"

[Niall Organa]

Niall smiled wryly. "That seems likely. He struck me as rather like a hero from an old tale. Except, ridiculous and a Hutt."

"Hmmm." Niall said, frowning thoughtfully. "Perhaps sometime you could show me some of your work. I have a cousin who would be especially interested. She's in a similar line."

He flashed her a smile. "You could come by the estate sometime. If you'd like to have Alderaanian friends to go with your eventual Alderaanian spouse."

[Cynella Andrim]

"Perhaps he will prove to be the true hero of us all yet." Cynella tilted her head. "Though Captain Nal Hutta doesn't have the same ring to it."

She dipped her head. "Ah but I didn't bring any such products with me. I can, of course, provide references but if you or your cousin were hoping for any tours, I'm afraid... well, I suppose that could actually be arranged. I imagine my mother would wish for there to be, well, further stipulations involved though."

The Kuati glanced around. "Does this not count? Or do you mean your personal estate?" A wide grin. "Does that mean I'd be getting to know the acclaimed inner circle of Captain Alderaan? Or perhaps some of Revan's Blade? How ever did you manage to contain any of the Mandalorians?"

[Niall Organa]

"Perhaps." Niall said dryly.

"What about schematics? Or technical specifications?" Niall pursed his lips. "It may be that House Organa could have a use for atmosphere-capable combat ships of some sort. In the event of yet another Sith invasion." He sighed.

The last made Niall chuckle. "Yes, my personal estate. And the Mandalorians contain themselves. Sort of." He tilted his head, looking at her. "I have a feeling you and Vera would get along. I don't suppose your family would make a giant statue, would they? She finally got one, but I think she might want another."

[Cynella Andrim]

"I'm afraid schematics are a trade secret. As for specifications, I'm sure I can have those forwarded to you." Cynella smiled ruefully at his comment on invasion. "It's good that we're of the same mind. Alderaan is sure to be another warzone someday. The Sith Code is all about 'peace is a lie' or some sort of garbage..." She shook her head. "Damn blackguards. Oh, and I'm not referring to the Thul ones, though they're a suspicious group, aren't they?"

Somewhat like the Mandalorians too, though in a different manner. "Kuat is home to many an artist too. I suppose their designs play a part in our ships, though practicality is the main measure of such things. But yes, if this Vera earns yet another statue, then I imagine someone would be happy to take that commission."

[Niall Organa]

"Peace is a lie, yes." Niall smiled ruefully. "I don't know how many times I had them tell me that before I learned to take them at their word. A mistake I won't be making again."

And then he shook his head. "But they are suspicious! They named themselves Blackguards. They're led by Lady Massacre. Unfortunately, it takes rather more than that." He frowned at her, suddenly thoughtful. "You haven't heard anything about them, have you?"

[Cynella Andrim]

"They all wear such dark and drab clothing anyhow. Really, I'd think they'd have better PR about their, well, schemes. Same goes for the Blackguards and Lady Massacre! Who goes around calling themselves such things?"

She shook her head. "Not much, I'm afraid, though I did hear from another local noble about the delicate political situation here. I imagine House Organa is loyal to the Republic while others... not so much."

[Niall Organa]

"That's exactly what I said!" Niall waved a hand. "If people think of you as a villain, perhaps you should have gone with, I don't know, Lady Happyguard or something."

He smiled gently. "Alderaan is loyal to the Republic. And are many of the Houses." The smile turned into a frown. "But I won't deny that there are some who are not. And some that are concerned with themselves. On some level, I can't blame them, I suppose."