Last Stand

News of your victory over Krenna and the subsequent defeat of the Coreward Path spreads like lightning across Obroa-Skai. Within the weeks most Neo-Crusaders have surrendered or fled, with only a couple diehard holdouts in the planet's most remote reaches.

Republic reinforcements are already enroute to the planet and doubtless you'll all be bogged down in the cleanup and administration that follows such a major victory. But before all of that Command has insisted on a private medal ceremony on the Concord Dawn. Every Hoper present will receive a decoration, with a few notable individuals being awarded multiple commendations.

A long ramp has been built up the side of the wrecked ship with plentiful seating and standing on both sides for attendees to cheer on their colleagues. Already there is lots of playful ribbing and calls from the audience and squad members joke around and pose for holos.

And of course, there's an officially unofficial after-party still to come for the full celebration experience.

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If you would like your character to receive a commendation then post up here. If there is a specific NPC you would like to receive it from you can also request that (if you aren't sure if they would be around, feel free to ask your GMs!).

Zephrin's plans to quietly listen to and perceive the ceremony from the sidelines did not survive contact with his Padawan. Yes, it was true Torvin, someone ought to represent the 7th Temple Peacekeepers who fought beside the Hopers. Yes, Zephrin supposed he had been involved in some significant operations. Right, the missile thing... Haneul and the Fallen Knights. Warlord Krenna, yes but there were many involved in that. Well Torvin was not having any of it and eventually his Master relented.

Padawans, eh? Well, it certainly gave Zephrin even more respect for old Master Sikso who had the dubious pleasure of teaching him. He pondered what the old Vurk would have to say about all of this. The ceremony looked like it would be starting soon and his force sight picked out the presence of Master Mobok who was presumably dealing with Jedi recipients.

Zephrin Hayn wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 20, 2023 9:24 pm

Snip

Once the ceremony is underway it's not long before Zephrin finds himself at the front of the long line with Torvin at his side. Master Mobok is in her full regalia and her voice booms out solemnly, although her pride is plain for all to see.

"Knight Zephrin Hayne. For service to the Temple above and beyond that expected of Jedi. For your valour, your actions as a healer and your leadership it is our great honour to bestow upon you the Republic Medallion." She smiles and gestures to her side and an elderly Vruk steps out from the Concord Dawn in his own Jedi regalia. Back straight and head high he walks to the podium and reverently opens a small hardwood box, extracting a large bronze medallion bearing a stylized bird rising into flight, the symbol of the order.

"Wear it well. But do not let its weight weigh you down, your best years are even now ahead of you."
Sikso places it around Zephrin's neck carefully, pausing to whisper in his ear. "And well done my former padawan. You have made this old Jedi very proud indeed." He clasps Zephrin on the shoulder and gives it a warm squeeze.

The two masters then turn to Torvin, Vurk raising a brow. "...It seems rude to give this padawan 'Most Improved'". Mobok scolds the Vurk as she turns to the cabinet behind her and extracts a small medal in the shape of a kolto tank.

"Torvin, we present you with the Physician's Honour. Let it remind you of the lives you have saved. We also expect your best years are still not ahead of you."
The padawan bows his head deeply, pinning the small medal to his tunic.

"Now go, the both of you. I have a long day of ceremonies ahead of me, we can speak again come tonight."
"Well, I don't" Master Sisko claps Zephrin on the shoulder again and then simply walks off back into the ship. Never much one for ceremony that one.

This whole war had been a rather wild ride from the beginning and she had initially tried to get off, only to be strapped right back in when she crashed back on the planet on the Concord Dawn. It almost seemed like she was destined to be here forever but after all of the efforts of the Hopers, they've managed to drive the Mandalorian threat back to where they came from.

Not that it was over, it seemed like a burden was picked off her shoulders and she was probably feeling a mite light-headed too. The feeling was surreal and the same could probably be said about the whole award reception. It wasn't every day that she did something and got proper thanks for it. Actually, that never happened on Corellia. There was a first time for everything, she supposed.

Vala Roke wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 20, 2023 11:28 pm

Snip

When Vala reaches the head of the line Mayor Camali Evevos beams at her and carefully selects an intricate wooden broach cared into the shape of two crossed fir tree branches.

"Ms Vala Roke. For heroism by a civilian in a time of hardship and for your exemplary efforts in the pursuit of justice and the protection of Obroan life and limb, it is my great pleasure to award you The Bright Hearth, Obroa-Skai's highest honour."
She carefully pins the broach onto Vala before turning to pick up a small embossed sheet of paper. "I understand you plan to return to Corellia after your duties are finished here. However, should you wish to return you will always find a home on Obroa-Skai. Please accept this official certificate of your Obroan citizenship."

A nearby contingent of Obroan's whoop and break out into a lively rendition of 'My heart burns hot under icy skies' an old local song about a lost shepherd who is saved by a visitor from the stars during a freezing winter night.

"Thank you Vala, for everything. Come find me at the party later."

Tomin wasn't sure what Jedi did with medals and the like. If the ranch was still there, likely she'd let her folks display it somewhere, with her siblings' ribbons from the annual fair and the like. It still seemed odd to get one, as someone just fighting to keep her homeworld safe. Probably something about setting an example for the younglings...plenty of those in the crowd.

It was a long line, and her thoughts drifted to things like rebuilding the temple without that leaky spot in the kitchen, seeing about some lightsaber sparring with some of the visiting Jedi before they left...that kind of thing.

Tomin wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 21, 2023 3:21 am

Snip

Almost before she realises it, Tomin finds herself at the front of the line with Master Mobok repeating herself. "Knight Tomin? Tomin are you with us? We have a little group presentation for you." She waves to the side as Mom, Dad, Petik looking particularly rugged, Oslet shepherding his boys, Morn with her hair now a bright orange and Ifrin & Afrin, who had apparently just jumped into their best but most rarely used clothes flood onto the stage to surround the Jedi.

There are lots of hugs all round, Dad has tears in his eyes and Mom won't stop apologizing to Mobok for all the fuss. Eventually with a smile the Jedi Master carefully calms everyone and then continues her speech.

"Knight Tomin of Funnel Creek Village. For selfless bravery, for protecting those who could not fight for themselves and for exemplifying the values of the Jedi...even if sometimes in unorthodox fashion. It is my great honour to present you with The Republic Medallion."

She reverently reaches into a carved wooden box to retrieve the heavy bronze medallion with the symbol of the order embossed on its front.

"Wear it with pride, the Order needs Jedi like you now more than ever." Turning to Petik.
"And I understand your family has another award to present?"
Her brother nods, his face breaking into a wicked grin.
"I reached out to that band you love, Tundra Thumpers and told them your story and that you are a huuuuge fan. Well, once they heard the tale they couldn't wait to write a whole song about it. When you hear the new hit, 'Miss Blindfire' tonight, that's about you. No need to thank me."

The rest of the family bursts out laughing as Master Mobok gently shepherds you all off the platform.

Nimi had called Snowie 'a hero' the night before that last, fateful battle. The word felt as unwarranted to him now as it did then. Nonetheless, remembering that still made the large Gigoran smile - all the more so because, as he had repeated to the Mirialan a few times that day, they didn't kriff up! It took the sacrifice of many good people, he knew, or felt, many had lost folks close to them. But they had done their best, they had saved many, and Obroas - the city and the planet - could now breathe and be proud to be free again.

Snowie still didn't quite believe the whole 'get a medal' thing. But Nimi had mentioned one, he heard some talk about a ceremony, and so he went looking for the Mirialan again as the day broke - certain he'd find her, of course! She'd never kriff up, of course - to pester her to come to the ceremony with him.

Oh, we should send word to Mister Glacier, Miss Frigid and other clansfolk as well!, the giddy Gigoran thought as he walked through the streets of Kandra's Run in the morning, still covered in debris from the fighting, but not filled with a more light-hearted feeling in people's faces. He'd see 'miss Roth', then maybe pay other clanners a visit. Or... maybe just send word to them?

After a hearty breakfast and some visits, Snowie would show up at the ceremony - hopefully followed by Nimi, and maybe by others from his homeclan. Family is family, after all!

...Speaking of which, seeing Tomin in the crowd, then stepping forward to receive honours, brought a... strange feeling to him. Tranquility. Calm. Belonging - which he... had already, with the clan. Somehow. But this... he felt he'd found some peace with something deep inside. The pain was still there, somewhere - but more and more, it was part of him, rather than what he was.

The smile that spread through his face seemed to send a slow, gentle pulse through the force - one that somehow almost felt warm.

Family. That was an interesting concept, wasn't it?

Snowflake wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 21, 2023 5:13 am

Snip

When Snowflake reaches the front of the line he'd probably be pleased to see Boss Glacier, Frigid and Nimi waiting for him. It seems the medal presenters had cleared a little space to the side for this reunion.

With a loud cough and a grunt Boss Glacier leverages himself out of his wheelchair, waving off the offered hand from his daughter but allowing Nimi to support him as he approaches the Gigorian.

"Snowflake, hope you don't mind but I asked for the honour of presenting you your medal. The Hopers aren't bad, but they aren't Clan. And this sort of thing should come from one of us." He waves and Frigid, her expression impassive as usual brings over a small box which the boss opens to reveal an intricately carved broach, the Bright Hearth.

Nimi beams like a proud older sister as she explains "this award is presented to the Obroans who demonstrate selfless heroism and compassion for others. You were one of the very first Hopers nominated."

Frigid, in a cool voice adds. "It means you should never have to buy alcohol, or berries in a bar ever again. And if someone charges you, please inform me and I will rectify the situation."

The boss coughs again and reaches out a hand to take Snowflake by the elbow as he waves Nimi and Frigid back. "There's one last matter. I've had to do a lot of hard things in my time, for my family, for the Clan, for Obroa-Skai. But what happened to you as a youngster...that was never right. It was convenient for us when we found you because you're a good lad and you grew up as strong and straight as a columnar tree. But you deserve better, to me that broach is a reminder of how we've failed you."

He tightens his grip slightly. "So, I'm promoting you to Clan lieutenant, if you want it. There's a lot of rebuilding that needs doing and there's no-one I'd trust more. But before that, I've talked with Miss Roth and she's agreed to fly you back to Gigor and help you for as long as you need to find your birth Clan, if you want to. You're family, but you might have a second family back there who never knew what happened to you, and I want to try and put right a little of the wrong done to you."

Boss Glacier releases his grip and shuffles back to his chair as Nimi and Frigid help him settle.
"Think it over. You've earned the time." With a polite nod he wheels himself off followed by the other Alpine Clan members.

Zephrin Hayn wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 20, 2023 9:24 pm

Zephrin's plans to quietly listen to and perceive the ceremony from the sidelines did not survive contact with his Padawan. Yes, it was true Torvin, someone ought to represent the 7th Temple Peacekeepers who fought beside the Hopers. Yes, Zephrin supposed he had been involved in some significant operations. Right, the missile thing... Haneul and the Fallen Knights. Warlord Krenna, yes but there were many involved in that. Well Torvin was not having any of it and eventually his Master relented.

Padawans, eh? Well, it certainly gave Zephrin even more respect for old Master Sikso who had the dubious pleasure of teaching him. He pondered what the old Vurk would have to say about all of this. The ceremony looked like it would be starting soon and his force sight picked out the presence of Master Mobok who was presumably dealing with Jedi recipients.

Waiting off to the side, Melchett and Dar-Ling stand a little straighter as Zephrin receives his honor from the Jedi Masters, both of them beaming; it's a little harder to tell that Melchett is beaming, what with the mustache and all. It seems that they, too, are waiting to receive their own commendations, and while Dar-Ling has his arm in a sling, their spirits are high indeed.

Apollo watched the ceremony so far with a smirk, dressed in his finest that showed off his beautiful physique to the adoring masses. Velour was certainly involved in its construction for extra flair and comfort.

He hadn't really come here of his own free will to start with, but in the end he had enjoyed some dashing adventures and daring heroics to add to his ever-growing story. What more could a scoundrel like him hope for, after all? Even if it had been somewhat awkward to be back to his old home. His birthplace.

In the end though, he realised that his feelings for his homeworld hadn't changed that much. It had been exciting during the war, but now it would return to being the most boring place in this sector.

Apollo wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 21, 2023 9:47 pm

Snip

By the time Apollo reaches the front of the line (a line so long it may very well have been the most boring line in the sector) he finds himself face to face with General Novar. Thankfully, the general isn't actively smoking and so our Zeltron hero only has to deal with the latent smell of ash that surrounds him.

"Apollo...." The General narrows his eyes. "There's no doubt in my mind you're a scoundrel, a lush and a near-do-well. But." He extends his hand to give Apollo a firm shake. "You're also one hell of a fighter. Never thought you'd so well well, I owe Borintus a bottle of the good stuff."

He turns back to the case behind him and selects a gleaming medal that he offers to the Zeltron. "The Silver Crescent, one of the highest honours the Republic Military can offer. You've earned it. But just please take it off when you're doing anything...salacious." He then presents a small sheet of paper with the embossed symbol of the Republic military and the general's own signature.

"And your full pardon as agreed, for services rendered to the Republic. Fly wherever you want, however you want, you're a free sentient now. Also heard down the vine there might be some producers interested in making a holo about you. My advice? Take 'em for whatever they're worth, get the toy rights, big credits in those."

And then he waves Apollo away. "Now try not to cause too much trouble at the party."

GM Nicha wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 21, 2023 4:27 am

*snip family reunion!*

She ducks her head in a bit of embarrassment at spacing out like that; an emotion very quickly replaced by relieved shock, joy, and a boisterous amount of group hugging. In a moment, everyone's talking at once about what's damaged and not, the twins are running over one another to relate the excitement of Petik showing up in a (stolen) Mandalorian shuttle asking to hide it in the barn, and mom's pulling off her scarf to tuck around the fading throat bruises.

Tomin tries to accept the medal with some kind of proper dignity while grinning uncontrollably, but it's honestly an anticlimax at that point.

Then... "they what? No way! Wait, but that means they're all still together?" As they clatter down the platform stairs, she's roughing up Petik's hair, "gonna make you sing that at karaoke every festival from now on!"

She spends the rest of the ceremony catching up and pointing out her companion Hopers to her family, with tales of what got them their commendations up there, with introductions to any who come nearby.

Part of military life was accepting that on rare occasion people wanted to pin medals on your chest to make you think you did a good job. Or well more likely to let other people know you did a good job. They weren't good for much really, though the right ones did get you looks from newly enlisted and fresh officers when you were required to dress up all fancy and wear them.

Which Terreck was for this occasion, you didn't really go to a function like this in fatigues, so dress uniform it was. Which was mostly just itchy and probably smelled a little bit of disuse, which the fabric spray he had applied only barely covered. Still, he was wearing if, that's what counted.

Whether he would get a fancy medal was hard to say, though he was fairly certain he would get one for being perforated. He'd been perforated a few times in the last few months after all. In the meantime, he stood off to the side, trying to stay out of the way and politely clapping as each person got their medals.

Tucked in the shadows beneath some scorched and twisted hunk of metal torn from the Concord Dawn, Sirina has no intention of being involved with the ceremony-- other than to be a witness to her fellow Hopers out of curiosity more than anything. The way she figures it, that she's even here at all to see it meant that her plans had gone completely awry. Besides, she's little more than clan muscle with no real interest in Rebpulic amnesty-- she'd like to think if she found her way to the head of the line she'd be clapped in irons before receiving any fancy medal.

And so, far even from the majority of the attending crowd, she sits and watches proceedings. Much as she feels a bit of pride and camaraderie as the other Hopers get their well-earned recognition, there's a festering seed of dread in the pit of her stomach that sees her planning a sneaky getaway before anyone picks her out of the crowd-- better to drift off somewhere and let her bosses track her down, at this rate.

As her gaze sweeps the woodline, gaining a measure of the terraining and piecing together how best to skulk off before things really wind down, however, she's ambushed by a small pack of Kandra's Run delinquents and ne'er-do-wells who immediate bombard her with questions. Before long, though, their desire for war stories are drowned out by a swell of petty punk drama, in a way leaving Sirina pleasantly stranded; solitary in a little crowd of youthful admirers of her own sort.

Terreck Fec'klee wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 22, 2023 7:46 am

Snip

Eventually Terreck's name is read out as he makes it to the front of the line to see General Novar in an equally itchy dress uniform.

"Sergeant Fec'Klee" He salutes sharply. "Good to see you're still with us son. The Republic and I owe you a great debt of service." He turns and selects a small gleaming medal before pinning it on Terreck's chest. "The Silver Crescent is awarded to Republic military members who demonstrate the very highest levels of bravery and who make a contribution to the Republic far above and beyond what is expected. It is my great honour to present it to you, you earned it."

He takes his hand and shakes it firmly. "I also have something of my own to award." Novar reaches into his pocket and extracts a Republic insignia which he places on Fec's shoulder. "A promotion to sergeant major in the 277th. Your fellow sergeants endorsed you unanimously. I couldn't think of a better sentient to fill that position as we leave planet."

He salutes again. "Now, go enjoy the party soldier, that's an order."

Sirina Kichi wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 22, 2023 8:52 am

Snip

"Hey Kichi." Kazimieras Dubick and Sven turn up. As the deliquents drawback from a healthy mixture of fear and awe...until Sven flips over and demands bellyrubs.

"The Old Man wanted me to find you, pass on a message." Kaz walks to Sirina's side and peers up at the long ling for medals. "He's told me you're getting the promotion to lieutenant for moving goods through the Hushed Forest. Apparently he found someone with something good to say about you, can't imagine."
Kaz chuckles.

"Don't screw it up, alright? That's an important job. You're gonna get a lot of respect for being the one to do it, but then you also got all that responsibility. It's tiring." His gaze finds Sven playfully nipping at his fans before flopping back to beg for more attention, and for the barest second Kaz smiles. "Has its perks though, no doubt."

He whistles and the hound springs back to its feet and is by his side in a second. "See you at the party later, eh?"

GM Nicha wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 22, 2023 9:31 pm

Sirina Kichi wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 22, 2023 8:52 am

Snip

Snip

Sirina is quick to provide Sven rubs, crouching down and scratching at the hounds belly. She glances up to Kaz with an odd expression on her face that quickly fades to a wolfish grin. "Fancy. I get a cool name with the title, too?"

Rising and then continuing to rub Sven with a booted foot until she's made it seem safe enough for the kids to crowd in and take over, Sirina cants her head. "To be honest, I wasn't planning on it. I did good dodging Dad so far, took pulling through this mess without running into him as a sign to get lost before it happened anyway. I don't know." She runs a hand through her hair and shrugs indecisively.