Memories! [Astra] (Closed)

[rythmicjea]

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
3.25 0968

Astra set on the side of the medical examination bed waiting for the droid to return. The look of disconnect on her face explained her reason for being in the medical lap.

The Droid rolled in and reached out its arm, "after doing the tests twists, I am happy to report you are not suffering from any known illness."

The mechanical voice continued, "in fact you are in prefect health."

Almost as if reading her face, "the reason for your current condition, I am happy to report, you are expecting."

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
Astra blinked " I'm what?... No no no I can't be. Lord Sereno is going to kill us" Astra said without much thought.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
The Droid didn't move as he spoke, "there are procedures that can terminate the pregnancy if this is an option you would prefer."

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
Astra just stared at the droid. " what is wrong with you" she snapped then. Then left medical to find Sol and probably Lord Sereno it was probably best if both of them heard this from her rather than a droid.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
As Astra got up to to leave, the Droid offered one other option. "You can abandon the child to the Academy. Many females in your place has done this in the past," he explained.

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
Astra glared at the droid" this child is a Sereno and Kanobi it's not that simple you dumb droid" she snapped resisting the urge to use the force and send it flying.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
Astra finds Sol in the grand library of Serreno. As always, the young man is studying as she walks up to him. He turns his attention to Astra as she walks up, "How are you feeling Astra" he said softly trying to keep his voice down so not to bother the other cadets studying. "Did the droid give you something for your vomiting?"

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
Astra just stared at him " no there's nothing they can do Sol we are umm... Lord Sereno is going to kill us" Astra said.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
Sol's face turned to pure fear and concern as he spoke, "it's......it's.....not......um.....non-treatable....." his eyes welled up with tears as the look on his face betrayed the dark fate she was placing before him.

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
Astra blinked " It's a baby, Sol..." She growled in frustration.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
Sol's face shifted through a wild and wide range of emotions, from shock and fear to surprise and wonderment. He finally settled on wonder as he shifted and rose to his feet, "I'm going to be a father," he half asked, half stated. And without giving her a moment to even consider the question or an answer he yelled out in a joyous loud voice, "I'm going to be a father!" Part of the Cadets nearby hushed him, while others took sudden interest to the now public conversation. He grabbed her up in his arms and spun her around with all the joy of his heart, "I'm going to be a father," he cried out loudly again.

Then suddenly setting her back down and slighting bending over as if speaking to her belly, "sorry...." he gazed with tears of joy on his face, "I'm going to be a father...."

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
Astra raised her fist as if she might punch him. But ended up dropping it and hiding him. " we are in so much trouble, Lord Sereno is going to kill us. It's probably better he finds out from us the stupid unfeeling droid" Astra said.

She looked up at him "and what will your family think. We aren't even you know" she said quietly. She thought she might cry.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
"Why would he be angry?" Sol said confused, then caught on to her larger statement.

Sol looked to her and frowned, he know what she meant, "you don't worry about that. I promise you. You will be honorably married before our....." he paused then asked, "son? daughter?"

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
Astra blinked she did not know what the child's Gender what. " I umm did not stay long enough to find out I kinda panicked," she said quietly.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
Sol drew in a deep breath, "okay, okay, I have to contact my brother. His wife can help us. I think they still have their old crib and all."

He tossed caution to the wind and wrapped his arms around her waist once more and lifted her up, spinning her around, "I'm going to be a father," he cried out joyously.

He set her back down, "okay, we need to tell Lord Serrano."

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
Astra nodded" I know, I just don't know what happens now," she said quietly.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
He smiled, "now we go to the Academy Offices and announce to the whole place i am going to be a father!"

He laughed and caught her glare. "Or maybe we just go talk to Lord Serrano," he said softly.

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
Astra put her hand to her face in an exasperated sigh. " let's go" she said and pulled Sol along with her.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
Sol walked in to Lord Serrano's private office, there was a confidence in the way he led Astra in behind him.

The old Master looked up fron his desk, "Ah Sol, Astra, I am glad to see you."

"Master," Sol said determined, "Astra and I have to tell you something of great importance."

Lord Serrano rose up from his desk and walked around it to face the two young adults, "you have my full attention," he said calmly.

Sol nodded, "okay Astra, tell him."

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
As they walked to Lord Sereno's office she smiled at Sol. " If it's a Girl we should name her Roza I don't know about a boy's name though " she suggested. She started to calm down some until they got close to Lord Sereno's office.

Astra looked at him almost panicked. " Sol and I are umm... Well, you see Master" she shook her head. She stepped behind Sol. " I'm pregnant Master," she said finally. She shut her eyes and held onto Sol's arm tightly. She expected Lord Sereno to be angry.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
Lord Serrano stood there silently for a moment before Sol spoke up in a brave, foolish, yet still brave tone. "And I want....no, I will marry Astra.." he lowered his tone as if being stared down by the Jedi Master. "With your permission, Master."

Lord Serrano spoke calmly and with care, "Astra, come here," he demanded waiting for her to step out from behind Sol."

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
Astra looked up at him tears in her eyes. She was shaking as she stepped forward and let go of Sol. " Yes master," she said quietly.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
Lord Serrano towered over her as if he had grown a few meters in the two steps she took to stand before him. He looked down at her with little to no expression on his face. His beard concealing his lips.

"Did you hear what this Hunter has said," he spoke calmly then added, "Padawan."

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
" yes Master I did and he made those feelings clear to me before we came to see you" she said quietly.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
His eyes moved only slightly to gaze at Sol while still talking to Astra. "Do you think he is worthy to marry a Dooku," he said calmly. Then added, "after all...he is a....Kenobi....."

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
Astra drew herself to her full height and glared at him. " What does that have to do with anything Master. I love him, that alone makes Sol worthy" she snapped.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
And finally he smiled, that approving smile that only a father figure could give to a daughter.

"And it would appear, that is all that is required,"

He turned to fully, "and while seeking my permission is noble, I am the wrong person to ask."

He turned and started to return to his desk as Sol stepped forward, "so who am I to ask."

"Her mother of course," Lord Serrano answered taking his seat.

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
Astra blinked " I don't have a mother or father Master," she said. She was beyond confused.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
Lord Serrano looked up from his desk, "don't be foolish. Padawan. Everyone has a mother and father. Even you do."

He changed his tone as Sol just stood there dumbfounded, "but first we have a problem. We have been invited to the Royal Coronation of Crown Princess Lenora Delphinium. She will becoming their next Queen."

He leaned back in his chair, "I wasn't planning on going but the Dooku elders believe this is a good opportunity."

He frowned, "the Elders have demanded I attend despite my desires not to. Which means both of you will be joining me."

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
Astra nodded " I understand but Master if who my parents are please tell me," she said. Then frowned realizing what he said.

" I can still be a Jedi," she asked. She had thought that the Baby would get her kicked out of the Academy.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
He slammed his hand on the desk with such force that it actually got Sol to jump in surprise.

"Padawan," he said with authority. "Focus," he demanded.

"Hunter Kenobi," Lord Serrano called, "threat assessment."

Sol took a moment to collect himself, "um Master," Sol started desperately trying to get his mental footing. "The feud between Serrano and Baklid makes this a rather dangerous mission." Sol nodded, "but then again, I concor with the Elders, this could prove to be an opportunity. At the very least should anything go wrong, blame will fall solely on the Delphiniums."

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
Astra squeaked and jumped backwards. She drooped her head " I'm sorry Master, Please forgive me" She said. She had been distracted she know better but still let it happen. "But master the Delphiniums will be focused on the Coronation, It seams unlikely they would attack on such an important day. at least the Princess is unlikely to plan such an attack. If anything they would try and insure your safety as if harm comes to you it would likely spark war" Astra said.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
He nodded, "well spoken Padawan." he reached over to the com station on his desk. "Ready my private yacht, I am taking a trip to Baklid."

The voice on the other side responded in surprise, "Lord Serreno, you don't want to take a warship?"

Lord Serreno shook his head, "No, there will be enough warships in orbit, I don't want to add more confusion. And anyway, I will be under the protection of Hunter Kenobi."

"Yes, Lord Serreno," the line went dead.

He smiled and looked back to Astra and Sol, "The Coronation is in a couple of days. Make sure you bring your dress uniforms. You will not be representing the Jedi Order. You will be in service of House Dooku. I expect both of you to dress and behave appropriately."

He paused, "Is that clear?"

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
Astra spoke up again " it might be a good idea to have at least one extra bodyguard along. Just a precaution. Master Jedi are not invisible if there is an attack an extra set of hands could be useful," astra said.

Astra nodded her understand" She looked to Sol, I should probably see if there is anything that medical do about the morning sickness it would not do to get sick during the ceremony," she said more to herself than to anyone. Her mind trying to prepare for the mission.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
Sol relaxed a bit, "I would disagree with Astra Lord Serreno. Normally she would be right. But in this situation, as she said, they would be focused on the Coronation. I don't suspect that they would try anything." He smiled looking at her, "Astra is a competent fighter, but her gift would make the difference here."

Lord Serreno leaned back thoughtfully as he carefully considered both suggestions. The a smiled crossed his lips, "Padawan," he addressed Astra, "what is your opinion of the Crown Princess."

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
Astra blinked " my gift right... You two know I don't have much control over that right" Astra asked. She looked nervously between both Sol and Lord Sereno.

" I only meet her once, my opinion, of her is probably not one we should go on. I did not like the way she treated Sol or you Master. what started the fighting Between the Dookus and Delphiniums" she asked.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
Lord Serreno nodded, "I understand that you don't have much control over it. But what ever you can offer can help. Sol is right, your gift could be the difference. And I don't want to act like we don't trust the Delphiniums."

He leaned forward on his desk, "that is a interesting question and the answer is different on who you ask." He frowned, "Both Serreno and Baklid are equally wealthy. Alone, among our trading partners, both worlds controls a great deal of influence in the Outer Rim. But, the families are arrogant." His frown grew, "including us. Instead of using our wealth and influence to help the Outer Rim, we used it to wage economic warfare on each other. We would celebrate their misfortune and they likewise. When things got hot, they exploded heavily. One could say that the feud started over Serreno being name Host World to the Region's Jedi Council. But in all truthfulness, it was going on long before that."

He leaned back in his chair and held his hands, with the palms facing upward, "we have as much blood on our hands as they do. Did you know, that we arm and incite their local conflicts. In fact the entire century of civil war that Baklid has endured, was started by my predecessor. Not that it really took a lot, but we were the match. Some ninety years later," his face grew dark and his voice filled with remorse, "and countless loss of lives, this Crown Princess is on the verge of ending that civil war, peacefully."

His face softened a bit, "there are those within the elders that want to see the war on Baklid continue. It has been very beneficial to their interests and bank accounts. There were those who wanted to assassinate the new Queen to keep Baklid in chaos." He smiled softly, "now they all want me to go in hopes of some rogue officer taking a cheep chance to kill me. For them, its a win win. I am removed, like the thorn in their side and they have an excuse to keep funding and arming the rebels on Baklid."

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
Astra shook her head" The Princess just wants an end to the war. She wants to stop her peoples from suffering." She said the look on her face one of understanding and compassion. That quickly turned dark. " Elders are wrong. They a contributing to the suffering of an entire planet, why would the Jedi stand by and do nothing" Astra snapped. The look on her face becoming a scowl.

" I think it would be a good idea if I never meet the elders of the Dooku family. That would never end well" she said.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
Lord Serreno smiled, "Well, if you are to ever replace me Padawan, you will need to win their support. Though by that time, there will be new Elders. And with hope, new way of thinking."

He nodded, "the Jedi have gotten involved a number of times. Each time the feud gets hot, and violence erupts, they are the ones who steps in and helps bring an end to it." He held up a finger, "however, it is not their role to make everyone behave. As I have said, there is plenty of blood to go around. We can look to the Jedi Code for guidance, but Padawan you must understand, peace can only be secured by those who want it. Peace forced through by arms won't last. When you remove those arms, conflicts will reignite."

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
She turned her head sideways the gears in her head turning. " So for there to be a piece between Bocled and Sereno, both ruling families need to want peace so we should be trying to convince the elders that peace is more beneficial," Astra said.

Then her mind caught Lord Sereno's statement " Weight what me replace you. I don't even think that is possible" she said her eyes going wide.
TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
He smiled, "you are a Dooku, by right of title, you can, in time and if you desire, can secure the title of Lord, well Lady Serreno."

He nodded, "you are quick, Padawan. We are lucky that the Delphiniums have but one member of their family. That being the Crown Princess. So for us, all we need to do is ensure that the Elders of Dooku see the wealth and prosperity of peace instead of war."

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
" I see now to figure out how to do that" astra said. Half of her wanting to reach out to the force and see what she could learn. The other half afraid to try it. After what had happened with Roza she was afraid to try leading to her difficulty using the ability.

" Master is the elders in control for their entire lifetime," she asked.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
He drew in a deep breath as if the subject matter warranted it. "There are nine Elders in House Dooku. Each controls an equal part of the family holdings. All are Force Sensitive and members of the Jedi Order, well more like retired members of the Order. Their not evil people, just greedy." He held up a finger, "Padawan you must understand that while is Black and White, in which that is the realm of the Hunters. There are shades of gray, which is your domain. The Elders, because of their greed, exist within these areas of gray."

"During their time as Elders, they serve House Dooku. If they fail to serve with honor, than they are removed by the members of their own holdings. A successor is named and if the successor wins the support of their holdings than they become an elder. Normally an Elder will serve until they retire from family service. I have only heard of one Elder removed. That was linked to the scandal involving the Baklid Civil War and the former Lord of Serreno. Though the official records will show that they retired, trust me when I say this, it was a bitter struggle to remove them both."

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
" why is everything so complicated and why do Jedi hunters work in black and white?" She asked.
She continued to consider the problem. " how do you prove to someone that there gread is only hitting themselves and their people" she said thinking out loud

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
He smiled and gave a nod, "luckily for you Padawan, you don't have to. That is my job. But I will tell you this. Nothing distracts a greedy person from a bad action like money from somewhere else." He smiled to her as he rose from his chair. "do you two have any other questions for me?"

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
" Just one of the elders are not fond of you wouldn't they just have me removed from the family of something we're to happen to you," astra said. She could she that he hoped she would take his place one day. But it seemed unlikely.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
He smiled and shook his head, "there are limits to what the Elders can do. Removing you from the family would require cause. You would have to have broken oath with the family and as it stands now, there is little you can do to do that."

Astra Korraay — 06/11/2021
Astra nodded " I see master I think I know what I need about the conflict and missions. Are the best bet of success in making sure you return unharmed. " she said.

TheTraveler — 06/11/2021
He smiled, "the best bet for success, Padawan, is to see a successful change of the guard on Baklid. Lets hope that the Queen is someone who can bring about that change."
He motioned them, "okay go pack. We leave after lunch...."
(END SCENE)