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Homecoming
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| Artemis_Vanden | Date: Monday, 18 Jun 2012, 6:04 PM | Message # 1 |
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| The sliding glass door to the balcony opened and Artemis Vanden stepped out from parlor for a moment's contemplation of his estate's sweeping view of the Lake Country—and he wasn't the only Vanden who did. His son, Davon, was with him. They had, a moment ago, concluded a long discussion, saying the things they'd thought but not said for all these many years. For Artemis, these last hours had been therapeutic, and he supposed it'd been for Davon, too. Now, as father and son stood on the balcony for the first time in years, he put his hand on Davon's shoulder.
Artemis had been expecting a homecoming of an entirely different sort today; Ana's return to the estate. It had been a shock to find Davon at the door instead, older now but hints of his boyish features still immediately discernible to his father. And it'd been shocking, in its own way, that he wasn't mad at his son. He had been, many times since Davon had run away from home. But he'd since come to understand that he wasn't free of blame—he'd lost Davon's mother, and he wasn't going to lose Davon too even if it meant smothering his son's ambitions. To Davon, at his age, Artemis must have seemed domineering and quick-tempered for reasons he couldn't possibly understand. When his son had run away, Artemis's worst fear had come true; he'd lost everything he loved.
He couldn't explain all of this to Davon, even now, but he sensed in their conversation that he understood. He was a grown man now who'd seen the galaxy and knew its ways. Knew them too well, perhaps—they hadn't spoken in years, but Artemis knew enough from the occasions when he'd sent money to bail Davon out of jail to figure out that he was involved in some unsavory work. He didn't approve of this, but this was hardly the time to admonish the boy.
"So where have you been, Davon?" Artemis asked, the bucolic Lake Country seeming to take on a warmer and a more nostalgic feel. The occasion seemed so much larger than either of them. "Who have you become?"
Artemis could be forgiven for losing track of time, and of the fact that Ana and her travel companion, Alyn Stark, were due here at any moment.
Artemis Vanden
Representative of the Naboo
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| Alyn_Stark | Date: Monday, 18 Jun 2012, 6:58 PM | Message # 2 |
 Generalissimo
Group: Users
Messages: 1359
Status: Offline
| (( I don't foresee anything happening on my Lorrd thread, it's more of a catch up on some personal stuff so I'm going to start posting here too. ))
With the few matters of overseeing the Kinyov Province taken care of, Stark and Ana had come to Naboo. There was no need for extreme circumstances, so the Viridian Sky's massive bulk would not grace the spacelanes of Naboo this day. There were, however, three craft that came through the spacelanes towards the planet. The primary was Stark's smallest yacht, the PLY 3000 Beautiful Mind, looking a tad odd with a YV-666 attached to it, and then escorted by an AIAT, the Flame of War and a Rainhawk-class transport, the Wings of Destiny. Stark's pilot would request clearance for a diplomatic landing pad, and arrange transport to the Vanden estate for one Representative Stark and a Miss Ana Riley.
On board, Stark was preparing to depart, with full intent on taking his transport. Aside from his attachment to the ship, he had a number of items he liked to keep close to himself, namely the interceptor, the pair of combat droids and a certain suit. As he dressed, he looked over to Ana with a smile. "Excited, my dear? It has been a while since you've seen Naboo."
Alyn Stark
Lord of Kinyov
Senior Captain, Retired, Republic Navy
Head of House Malos (former)
Licensed bounty hunter
Majority shareholder, Lorrd Engineering
Owner, Stark Defense Conglomerate
Civilian Medal of Honor recipient
Representative, Lorrd (10 BBY-9 BBY)
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| Ana_Stark | Date: Tuesday, 19 Jun 2012, 4:17 AM | Message # 3 |
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| Ana had been very homesick for more than a few days, but she hadn't mentioned it to anyone. Mrs. Mitaeya had guessed as much, of course, but it seemed to be part of her nature. She trailed a comb through her soft curls before she looked at Alyn's reflection in the mirror she was sitting in front of. She was draped in a soft, silvery-blue silk dress, something familiar and cut in the style of the clothing that she had grown accustomed to on her home world.
"I am." She said simply, her voice quiet. It had been an internal struggle for at least a few days as to if she would be able to leave her home, though she was sure Alyn would not keep her from there forever if she wanted to go. For the moment though, she was quiet about it, but kept her struggle completely internal. Ana had no intention of upsetting anyone, after all.
Her thoughts turned to dear Artemis, whom she had taken care of for so long. After he had lost his wife, a tragic enough time, and his son, she didn't want the old man to hurt any more. She cleared her throat softly and laid the brush down on the vanity top before she let a small smile cross her lips. "Very excited. And a little sad too." Ana finally admitted.
Message edited by Ana_Riley - Wednesday, 27 Jun 2012, 3:27 PM |
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| Davon_Vanden | Date: Tuesday, 19 Jun 2012, 7:53 AM | Message # 4 |
 Lieutenant colonel
Group: Users
Messages: 100
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| Home.
It was funny, despite often contemplating the loaded meaning of the word, and also where exactly his true home was, Davon found the idea of calling Naboo such difficult to grasp. For the longest time home had been a cramped, inebriated galley or a sleazy cantina on some despondent rim-world that invariably ended in armed pursuit. Home had been friends and memories more than it had actually been a singular place in the galaxy, and he had made peace with that. But then everything fell apart, Davon was left alone and, for the first time in a long while, at a loss for words. The decision to return to Naboo hadn't been an easy one, far from his first choice; but the longer he thought about it the more he realized that it was time to start building a new bridge between himself and his father. If Rawls' disappearance had taught him anything; it was that life was short, and the people you cared about wouldn't be around forever. And so Davon had returned to the Vanden estate, a place of tumultuous memories that seemed emptier than he remembered. Their conversation had been heated, emotional, cathartic... and by the end of it father and son had come to a mutual, silent understanding.
His father's rough hand came to rest on his shoulder, and though he initially tensed under the warmth, Davon allowed it to remain. He wasn't sure if it was the several glasses of smooth wine he'd gulped down before, or if these were truly happy memories, but his mind drifted back to a time when his father had been more attentive. He wasn't the father of the year, even then, but he remembered laughter and smiles, things that disappeared soon after his mother had died. The way Artemis had acted then had infuriated to the point of leaving, it had been over six years now; and Dav wasn't sure if that bridge could ever truly be built up to where it was, but he knew he had to try.
"Around," was his only response to his father's inquiry. Rather than turn and face him, Dav's brilliant emerald eyes remained fixated on the sunlight dancing on the lake. He'd forgotten just how much beauty there was on his homeworld. "All over. You... don't really want to know."
There was grim truth, there, he feared just how much he had changed in his father's eyes. The less he knew about the specifics of Davon's criminal past, the better. Artemis could be somewhat heavy-handed in his judgement, especially when it came to matters concerning himself or his family; and though the younger Vanden's crimes certainly weren't heinous in nature, he still feared reprisal.
Davon "Booster" Vanden - Big Damn Hero.
For what avail the plough or sail, or land or life, if freedom fail? ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Theme ~ Wanted - Bon Jovi
Message edited by Davon_Vanden - Tuesday, 19 Jun 2012, 2:49 PM |
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| Artemis_Vanden | Date: Wednesday, 27 Jun 2012, 12:08 PM | Message # 5 |
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Major general
Group: Users
Messages: 302
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| (( Ana, Alyn, I think the thread might go smoother if the two of you RP for a few rounds so you can catch up to us. ))
Artemis Vanden
Representative of the Naboo
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| Alyn_Stark | Date: Wednesday, 27 Jun 2012, 1:25 PM | Message # 6 |
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Generalissimo
Group: Users
Messages: 1359
Status: Offline
| (( We can do that. ))
Once Stark was dressed, he offered a hand to Ana, looking her over with a small smile. "You look stunning, my dear. A true vision." A frown creased his countenance for a moment as he released her hand. "Why so sad? I thought this was a happy homecoming for you?" He partially wondered if he'd be able to drop in on Blackfire's operative on Naboo. The man should have had his plans and approval for his business by now. Stark could certainly use a Sando aqua monster. That would be a rather magnificent specimen to weaponize. Pushing the thought from his mind, he turned his attention back to Ana.
"Has it truly been that long since you were home?"
Alyn Stark
Lord of Kinyov
Senior Captain, Retired, Republic Navy
Head of House Malos (former)
Licensed bounty hunter
Majority shareholder, Lorrd Engineering
Owner, Stark Defense Conglomerate
Civilian Medal of Honor recipient
Representative, Lorrd (10 BBY-9 BBY)
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| Ana_Stark | Date: Wednesday, 27 Jun 2012, 3:46 PM | Message # 7 |
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| She shook her head some and forced a small smile. "It is not that. I mean, yes, I have been gone for a while. I am just worried about leaving there on a more permanent basis. Coruscant, until I met you, had been the furthest I had ever been from home, and those jaunts were usually only a few days at a time." Ana paused briefly before she turned her attention back to the mirror and fumbled to clasp a necklace around her slender neck.
"I am excited though. Especially to show you my home, since I have been to yours. And excited to talk to Artemis, but worried at the same time." She was concerned, but she was sure everything would work out the way it was supposed to.
"Anyway...are we close to being there?" Ana asked before she smiled.
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| Alyn_Stark | Date: Wednesday, 27 Jun 2012, 4:58 PM | Message # 8 |
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Generalissimo
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| Stark moved behind Ana and deftly moved to assist her in clasping the necklace. Her nervousness was evident in her movements and he felt a moment's empathy for her. She was a stranger to all these far away places and it was a lot to simply ask her to move. "If you like, my dear, you are more than welcome to remain on Naboo for a time while I return to Imperial Center." For some odd reason, it struck him that she said 'Coruscant' and not 'Imperial Center.'
"It would do you good to spend some time with those that are your family, in essence. Imperial Center, I fear, would leave you rather unhappy. I do not plan to stay on it long though. There are a few measures I wish to propose to the Senate and some expansion I wish to see with Stark Defense Conglomerate. And indeed, we are nearly there. It is about time to go and board our transport."
Alyn Stark
Lord of Kinyov
Senior Captain, Retired, Republic Navy
Head of House Malos (former)
Licensed bounty hunter
Majority shareholder, Lorrd Engineering
Owner, Stark Defense Conglomerate
Civilian Medal of Honor recipient
Representative, Lorrd (10 BBY-9 BBY)
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| Ana_Stark | Date: Wednesday, 27 Jun 2012, 5:15 PM | Message # 9 |
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| Ana frowned briefly as he helped her and proposed that she stay on Naboo for a while. It was a very sweet sentiment, of course, and she was grateful for it. "I do not mind Coruscant so much, really. But I can stay home for a while, if I am needed. Or perhaps at least long enough to find a replacement for myself." She said, as if she was convincing herself that it was a good idea.
"We can talk about it with Artemis, certainly." She finally said as she stood up and smoothed her dress with her hands. "You would come back, right?" she smiled some as she linked her arm with his and started to walk. "After your business, of course." Ana walked with him in the direction she thought the transports were.
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| Alyn_Stark | Date: Wednesday, 27 Jun 2012, 5:40 PM | Message # 10 |
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Generalissimo
Group: Users
Messages: 1359
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| The Beautiful Mind had no transport bay, as transports went. It wasn't designed for such as such a small yacht. To Stark, it was an escape mechanism if nothing else; the yacht was damnably fast. However, a connecting tube and docking clamps allowed Stark to retain the use of the Infinite Thought. His Shadowguard had pointed out numerous times that he was too attached to the craft. Having had a personal hand in the blueprints that he retained the rights to, he was inclined to agree. Though it was still a YV-666, it was a one-of-a-kind.
"Of course I'd come back for you, my love. I'd be a fool if I didn't." He smiled at her and nodded his goodbyes to a few of the crew they passed. "Nonetheless, I wish to make sure you are well taken care of. I hear there's been some unrest on Naboo as of late; fighting between Gungan insurgents and Imperial forces." He paused for a moment and then continued. "Artemis Vanden is a peaceful man. I doubt there will be any trouble, but Tarin Mako and Irlilia Dannen will be remaining with you. It will ease my mind greatly."
Alyn Stark
Lord of Kinyov
Senior Captain, Retired, Republic Navy
Head of House Malos (former)
Licensed bounty hunter
Majority shareholder, Lorrd Engineering
Owner, Stark Defense Conglomerate
Civilian Medal of Honor recipient
Representative, Lorrd (10 BBY-9 BBY)
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| Ana_Stark | Date: Wednesday, 27 Jun 2012, 6:07 PM | Message # 11 |
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Major general
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| "Two? Alyn that might be a bit overkill, don't you think? I have lived there for years and have never had so much as a hint of a problem." Ana explained. She did understand his reasoning though. He just wanted her safe, even though Artemis Vanden's house was likely the safest place that she could be. "Alright...." She relented, letting him have his way. Ana offered him a small smile.
"We've not seen any trouble near the estate though, just so you know. But if leaving them puts your mind at ease, please leave whomever you wish." She said as she squeezed her hand around his arm lightly.
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| Alyn_Stark | Date: Wednesday, 27 Jun 2012, 6:15 PM | Message # 12 |
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Generalissimo
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| "Between Tarin and Irlilia you should be just fine," Stark laughed again as they arrived at the tube entrance into the Infinite Thought. "I'm sure you'll find Irlilia the talkative one; she's quite girly, if you'll pardon the term. Then again, she is a Hapan and they tend to be fond of such things as beautification and shopping. Mind you though, she has skills that would make a few of the Imperial commandos think twice. Tarin is rather opposite. He's quiet, watchful and if he does speak, he's either imparting wisdom or trying to save your life. He's a Mandalorian, after all, and he prefers to let his weapons speak for him.
"I would leave more, but I fear that Malinara would have my head for it. She's the informal captain of the Shadowguard and she seems to insist that I take some of them with me wherever I go. Now that I've become Representative of Lorrd she's been positively insufferable about security."
Alyn Stark
Lord of Kinyov
Senior Captain, Retired, Republic Navy
Head of House Malos (former)
Licensed bounty hunter
Majority shareholder, Lorrd Engineering
Owner, Stark Defense Conglomerate
Civilian Medal of Honor recipient
Representative, Lorrd (10 BBY-9 BBY)
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| Ana_Stark | Date: Wednesday, 27 Jun 2012, 6:30 PM | Message # 13 |
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| "I will be fine with them, I am sure." she murmured. "Malinara does not like me much, I fear." Ana said a moment later. It didn't bother her too much, of course, but she couldn't help but wonder why. "I do like Irlilia though. Perhaps I can take her shopping on Naboo, though I am sure that it is nothing she hasn't seen before. It should be fun anyway." She shrugged some, offering him a smile before boarding the transport.
Ana made herself as comfortable as she could, considering her nerves. He knew where they were going, and she was just going home, so she couldn't understand why she was such a nervous wreck about it. Maybe it was talking to Artemis about leaving, or letting Alyn talk to Artemis about....well...her leaving. She sighed softly and pushed the thoughts aside. "You're going to love it here."
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| Alyn_Stark | Date: Wednesday, 27 Jun 2012, 6:58 PM | Message # 14 |
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| "Malinara is... temperamental, I fear. Nonetheless, she is peerless at her job. Don't let her get to you, my love. I'm sure she'll come around in time." As they boarded the transport via the hold, which was still rather crowded with the Clone Wars-era fighter, the pair of covered, hulking combat droids and the rather curious sealed case that was a little larger than man-height, Stark took her hand again. "I know I will love it here, because you are here. How could I not? Shall we depart for the surface, then? I'm sure Representative Vanden is waiting us eagerly."
Alyn Stark
Lord of Kinyov
Senior Captain, Retired, Republic Navy
Head of House Malos (former)
Licensed bounty hunter
Majority shareholder, Lorrd Engineering
Owner, Stark Defense Conglomerate
Civilian Medal of Honor recipient
Representative, Lorrd (10 BBY-9 BBY)
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| Ana_Stark | Date: Wednesday, 27 Jun 2012, 7:06 PM | Message # 15 |
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| Of course the covered droids and the case piqued her curiosity, but Ana did not let it get the best of her. She would ask about them another time, perhaps when she was not quite so anxious to get home. "I am not worried about her, Alyn. I am sure she does her job well, that is what you pay her for after all. " Ana commented before she dropped gracefully into the copilots seat as she had last time.
"Any chance you will ever let me try to fly this? " She joked, knowing that there was no way he would let her, especially after the brush with death while she was driving a simple speeder. After that, she just settled back and relaxed and let him take them to the surface.
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