Exocron Ceremony

[Calgor Grim]

Your holoscreen shows a Devaronian, clad in full formal attire, a darkened uniform with bright purple stripe down it. His face bright red and horns have been cleaned up as he looks at the camera to address the citizens of Krath. Behind him is a large window showing an icy planet below covered in cloud.

"Ladies and gentlemen, citizens of the Krath Dynasty, esteemed guests. I am Paladin and Logistics Director Calgor Grim here with some interesting news. I am broadcasting from above the planet Exocron in the Kathol sector. A spiritual planet with harsh landscape and yet a strangely spiritual feel to it. It is here that the Krath Dynasty intends to start what I call the Arcane Ministry. This will be designed to identify and nurture all force sensitive beings inside of Krath and attempt to refine their abilities and allow them a place to retreat in peace."

"This however is not my main purpose of todays broadcast. No this is to celebrate the ties we have with the force. I have spent many a long hour in solitude meditating on a variety of issues in an effort to understand the deity we worship and serve and I have even attempted to converse with former Krath spirits. In an effort to show these former veterans the respect they deserve even in death, I am hosting a ceremony located here aboard the Exocron Retreat. The Ruling Council of the Krath Dynasty have been invited and are expected to attend as too are the force sensitives of this faction. The military will be providing support and security for this important event."

"However this event is not just about the celebration of fallen heros and our connection to the force, but also to our current heros and to celebrate a new rising star. In a few days, our very own General Fred Berry, loyal and dedicated man of the marines is expected to be elevated to the rank of Fleet Marshal, controlling all military assets within the Dynasty. This promotion truly is a step forward for him and one which he deserves. So it is a celebration of deeds as well."

"It will also be used to celebrate what Krath has achieved. We have been around for so long and in the last few months have acomplished so much but there are still lots of things to be done. We will assess the future, decide where things will do and what the will of Krath requires."

"I must point out that while this is a big occasion, due to Dynasty security, access will be strictly monitored but all are welcome. Any found to be a potential threat may risk arrest and potential injury. All who attend will be presented with a ceremonial sword for the occasion to signify the strength and importance of this event."

"Others are free to view the event from various projection sites across the Dynasty or submit their thoughts and wishes for this event. It will be held on Year 12 Day 321. I hope to see the guests there and I hope that citizens of Krath will be willing to submit their comments on this event. Krath watch over you all!"

He bows as the screen slowly darkens to the Krath symbol

Note this event is actually occuring at the date and location specified, Exocron October 16th/17th.

[Calgor Grim]

Time passes

Meanwhile Grim was at work in the station, practising his lines atop a small wooden podium at the front, the viewscreen overlooking Exocron. His co-pilot Arwen Erelen, a Kubaz he had hired a few months ago for piloting support and two droids, a yellow R3 he had named Sparky and an RX he had named CL4-TP. The droids were completing some wiring for the lights and machinery and happily chirping away to each other while Arwen and a few workers were at work with decoration, trying to dress the place with Krath Banners and tables.

"So it is with great honour I declare...decree...I dunno this doesn't sound right. What do you think Arwen?"

She turned around, "Speaking freely? It's a bit dry, you could have added some more jokes to it."

"I did, I added a joke about the Empire and about Krath drinks what more do you want?" He frowned, looking slightly offended.

"I know, look make it into a bit of a roast of Fred, he might like it, might have a sense of humour?" She responded, currently struggling with a large purple banner baring the Astaroth logo, trying to add it to the Koros banner next to it.

"Maybe...I'll see what I can do."

"Inbound ships detected, identity confirmed friendly" The security drones were reporting the first of the guests were inbound.

[Neva Balliol]

On board the MC-80b KMS Guardian

Deck Officer Neva Balliol, current Commander of the MC-80b KMS Guardian is wearing his wide brimmed hat and normal duster jacket, closed over top of his Corellian Powersuit Armor. His DL-44 strapped to his hip and a sword and sheath strapped to his back. The Guardian has dropped out of hyperspace and is coming into position in the Exocron system. Neva is on his way down to the docking bay with his friend and co-pilot, Luha Foreman.

"Okay, Luha. When we get down there, get on board the Night and get everything ready. I'm going to take the X-Wing crews out and get a perimiter set up. I don't expect any problems over the next week or so, but I'd rather be prepared." The Night that Neva is referring to is his YT-1300 Midsummer's Night.

"Alright, do you want me to take her out? Or are you going to be with us?"

"I'm not sure yet. I may take out the Nighthawk and see how she performs over a few runs. I've got the schedule for the crew set up, and I've got plans for three shifts, but I'll explain it to everyone when we get to the docking bay." Neva keys in his comlink and speaks into it. "Are the x-wing crews all ready?"

"Yes sir. The crew is ready and awaiting your arrival." This voice comes through the comlink, and belongs to Squadron Leader Krystene Sarsilles. Obviously not an official military title, but appointed to her by Neva after some serious deliberation.

Neva and Luha continue down the hallway and enter the turbolift, which brings them down to the docking level of the ship. Stepping out of the turbolift, and walking in to the docking bay, Neva sees the X-wing crews lined up along the bay. Immediately, they all come to attention. The only sound is that made by utility droids moving around the bay.

"At ease everyone." He walks back and forth, examining the crews. After a moment, he speaks again. "As you all heard in the holovid sent by Logistics Director Grim, we are here for a celebration, but, with all large celebrations like this, and with the entire High Council going to be here, security may be an issue. That is where we come in. As I was telling Miss Foreman on our way down here, I have plans for three shifts. I have already given you all color designations for your crews. Red squadron will be the first security shift. This shift will be a 12 hour shift. Blue squadron will start out with training and simulations. There will be 2 hours spent in different parts of the system working on combat tactics, as well as short range scans, and then another hour and a half spent in the combat simulator, of course set up with a simulation of an Imperial attack on the Exocron station. And last, but not least will be Yellow squadron. In 8 and a half hours from now, you will be taking over Red squadrons security shift. All of your coordinates have been uploaded to your fighters, and will be updated for shift changes. Now, Yellow squadron, since you won't be out there right away, I am going to ask you all to start by spending some time in the simulator for an hour, then you will be given the first rest shift. Krystene, please assemble your squad and get them going." As the crew leaves to their posts, Neva turns to Luha. "Alright Luha, go to the Night and get her ready. I'm going to go out with the crews and take a little scout around the system myself. I'll see you in a little bit."

Luha heads to the YT-1300 Midsummer's Night as Neva goes to the X-Wing KMS Bloody Knife #1. The docking bay is now a bustle of activity as the flight crews start leaving the Guardian, Neva right in the middle of it. "Well, this should be interesting," Neva thinks to himself as his X-wing lifts off the deck of the ship and flies out into the dark of space.

[En Sabah Nur]

Dynali system. A lone figure strides along the corridors of the Bayonet light cruiser Slow Dance Of Death wearing a distinctly personalised set of Snowtrooper Armour. His large frame moves swiftly and with a sense of semi urgency towards the ship's docking bay. Upon his arrival he activates a holo recorder mounted next to the docking bays intercom.

"Greetings Paladin Grim. I, En Sabah Nur, Order of Krath Lord Preceptor would like to formally request a delay of proceedings in regards to the planned ceremony in the Exocron system. In our earlier correspondence on the subject, I was under the impression that I would not be able to make it to the ceremony, but have since borrowed a faster ship from my good friend Wim Jurgen of the Old Republic. Please inform your security detail that I will be arriving in the A-Wing SS Wanted in around 7 days. Thank you for your time and may Krath allow you to agree to my request. En Sabah Nur out."

After finishing the recording, En proceeded to transmit the holo to the location he had been given by Paladin Calgor Grim and then boarded the SS Wanted. After completing his pre-flight check he carefully guided the ship out of the docking bay, entered Exocron's coordinates into the ship's nav comp and began his long hyper jump.

[blackhole]

Dargah winced as the end of Calgor's message made it through the radiation of the protostar's cloud into his receiver.
-I'm four days early! -He uttered out loud in the empty cockpit.
The arcona had just arrived in the system. He absently started piloting towards the planet as his mind wandered busy coming up with activities for those four days; activities that hopefully would smartly evade work helping to set the reception up. It wasn't that age and increased responsibilities had not made the nowadays Krath Lord more sensible; but some vices were part of Dargah's life, particularly now after his wife had run away, and this cold planet of the Kathol Outback was going to make it difficult to satiate any.
"Four days!"
And with that thought he slid a long finger across the controls and opened a channel to the station.
-Sheikha to Exocron Retreat. Notify Paladin Grim of my arrival to the system. Escort not needed. -After giving his salty Cona rum limited stock a sidelong glance, the arcona improvised a plan-. My agenda won't cover docking with the station until in a couple of days. Novastorm out.
The firespray kept its course into that cloud of stellar material in shy dance, but with the intention of descending to the starless planet to try luck for a city and maybe do some interesting tourism.

[Uthar Ridian]

Body relaxed but mind strained, Uthar focused intently in the force exercises which were relatively new to him. Hearing his Master Grim's holomessage being broadcast over his comm unit a few feet away led his mind astray, immediately bringing his levitating form crashing to the ground.

"Fantastic" he said to himself outloud, "Another hour wasted." Uthar walked over to his comm and shut it down. "One distraction down, lets try it again, see if I can't find another one".

Sitting once again in his meditation form, Uthar's mind wandered to the ceremony coming up. His training was most certainly interfering with his ability to participate, let alone lead, the military. He had worked with Fred for a long time and knew the dedication he put into his work would be well sought and received. The ceremony would also be an excellent chance to catch up with old friends, enjoy good company, and trade stories. His mind held in that care-free state, Uthar moved past the thoughts and back into his training.

[Calgor Grim]

Things had moved forward in the decorating. Grim had been back and forth from Exocron all week. The builders were on the surface below working on the Administration district which he had been overseeing.

"Thardus, whats progress like?" Grim asked, as he strode out the door of the KSS Titanica back onto the station heading up for the command room.

"Sir, so far the parks are underway, the Skyscraper should be done within a few weeks and we just need some bacta and we can get to work on a Hospital. Shields are available to go online whenever you want them."

"Great, keep me informed of any changes. Grim out." He had arrived at the heavy blast doors on the stairs. They were locked and stood imposing, barring entry to the command rooms.A quick flick of a keycard however and the light blinked green and he stepped through, door closing behind him, narrowly missing the cloak of his armour.

The command room was full of blinking lights and screens, the Security console was finally up and running. The main chair was waiting, by the looks of it there were idle comms waiting for his attention. Taking a seat and turning to the console he booted up the device, quite literally, providing it a swift kick under the desk, a blue screen flashed into life. A glowing purple orb was flashing in the bottom right, there were inbound messages. He began opening them while at the same time checking security, Neva had been rather...thorough.

"... Lord Preceptor ...blah blah blah ...delay of proceedings ...arriving in seven days, blah blah blah. Fair enough, I suppose nobody will mind. I can arrange that." while drafting a quick text reply to the Lord Preceptor.

"Whos this one? Oh Dargah...damn I forgot about him. Station to Sheikha, transmission noted. Take a look around the planet if you want. Station out. And close..."

With the messages out the way he began the arduous task of searching the station for security risks or any faults. The last thing he wanted was a security failure or a structural problem, not with the guest list as prestigious as it was.

[Kira Morbus]

The lights on the YV-666 KMS Ares pulsed in sync with Kira's headache. A little voice scratching at her mind, the battledroid that she had brought a long for the ride creaked in the corner near the door, the engines of the ship sounding like a musical patter when combined with the small crews voices outside of the cockpit. Kira sat in her pilot's chair holding her head in her hands. Such small things making so much noise when you're alone and over time get's annoying. She wanted to stop all of the noises and slowly turned to the creaking battledroid. She pulled a knife from her belt and was ready to end the creaking droids life when a message popped up in front of her with the Logistic Directors name then the messaged opened showing the Devaronian's face on it. Kira holstered her knife and sat back in her seat listening carefully. The mention of her commanders promotion pit a grin on her face. After the message had ended the coordinates of the meeting popped up on her screen and she quickly set a course for her Delta class shuttle.

[Fred Berry]

KMS Rhea: Year 12 Day 320 (18:46)

"General, we have arrived in Exocron. Navagation indicates a position of 10,0" said an eager helmsman
"Very well, lay in a new course for 15,1" General Berry said. Although he was disappointed at the turnout of his marines, he was excited to finally arrive at Exocron.

Fred made many commumications indicating that the marines were to report to shesharlie by Day 319, so he could transport them to exocron himself. He noticed a squad of troops on board with out a commander, but he was aware that he had assigned a marine to pick up the latest recruit. Hopefully everyone will make it here on there own. he thought.

"Course laid in Sir, Exocron Retreat estimated arrival 1 hour" the helmsman reported.
"Engage!" Fred Commanded, excited about the ceremony.

Fred activated the com system and sent a hail to the Luxery Space Station Exocron Retreat. "General Berry to Exocron Retreat, sublight travel estimated one hour to dock. Requesting Permission." Fred thought for a moment, the current transmission was short and to the point, but why should he stop there. "I hope you are ready for my troops to walk about." he added with a bit of a humerous tone. Fred then sent the hail hopeing for a quick response.

[Calgor Grim]

Grim was back in the command room, the droids were doing his head in and he wanted to take some time away from them. Throughout his time here he had met Miss Celestine. She was a human he had met aboard the station. She was a nice woman, redhead, human and a dab hand with a blaster while being able to pilot a ship at the same time. She was an excellent catch to say the least. She was currently on his ship doing some work with their engines. Sitting on the commanders chair he went back to dealing with messages. He was idly moving some swords around the room with his left hand, practising his skills with the force to move them out the way.

"...so you are coming but you'll be late? Ok...fair enough Master Katr"

Calgor sighed, the Jedi were able to attend after all however they would be nearly six days late. The ceremony would have to be pushed back until then. Meanwhile Lord Preceptor would be a day late himself. This was not looking good so far and the guests were starting to appear only to be told that they would be forced to hang around a few days longer.

"General Berry to Exocron Retreat, sublight travel estimated one hour to dock. Requesting Permission. I hope you are ready for my troops to walk about." The familiar face of the head of military came on screen just as he was about to leave.

"General Berry! Or should I soon say Fleet Marshal, you're welcome to come aboard but dont wreck the place. Approach when ready. Grim out"