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Post by Aaron Starkiller on Sept 30, 2009 17:21:57 GMT -5
Aaron's right eye twitched when he received the image back from Jet. "Ee chee wa maa," he grumbled, under his breath. Taking the image, once again, he removed himself from it and placed yet another Ewok into the scene and sent it to Jet yet again.
"I'll choose a more affectionate position in the real scenario," he whispered to her, still clapping with the crowd. "If that's what you prefer, of course."
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Post by Jet Almeara on Sept 30, 2009 18:59:19 GMT -5
Jet held far to much self control to laugh outloud as Aaron altered the image once more...but she was sorely tempted. Of course she was also tempted to smack him for his whispered comment...but alas she could do neither without causing a scene.
Causing a scene wasn't something Jet typically concerned herself with - but she didn't want to spoil the moment for Taaru and the others who had worked hard to bring this ship into reality and so she refrained. Later...there was always later, and merely gave Aaron the mental equivalent of a smack to the head while she continued to focus on the Ceremony.
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Post by The Corellian Navy on Sept 30, 2009 23:12:29 GMT -5
The applause settles once more.
"As is customary for occasions where a new line is introduced to the Navy, the Diktat is given a seat of honor in these ceremonies. I would like you all to welcome her, as she says the benediction. Madame Diktat."
Pinkala turns to Jet and smiles warmly, looking over the rims of his glasses, and ceding the podium to her.
In the front row, Admiral Ragnell has already begun clapping, and stands soon after, prompting the whole audience to rise for the chief of the executive.
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Post by Taaru Masako on Sept 30, 2009 23:18:50 GMT -5
Masako does not clap, nor does any other member of the Faustus, as it is not customary for crews on review to do so.
Instead, Masako spends his time composing a mental image that he forcibly inserts into Jet and Aaron's mind-grapes, like a butcher throwing a ham.
It is this: Both of them wearing yellow sun dresses, and strung up upside down by their intestines. As if to say Woe be upon thee should you ruin this.
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Post by Aaron Starkiller on Oct 1, 2009 0:42:07 GMT -5
A single laugh escaped Aaron as he felt Jet's reaction to his tweaked image and the mental smack to his head. He smiled and considered smacking Jet back but in a much more arousing and personal area. He restrained himself, thankfully, assuming now was not the time but perhaps later would be better suited.
At Jet's introduction Aaron stood, facing her and clapping briefly before offering her his hand again, so that he could lead her the few feet to the podium. Aside from the obvious reasons for one wanting Jet on their arm, Aaron also knew it would give the public the idea that she had elegance and power. "If I may," he said, smiling and sending her waves of comfort and relaxation...with a few suggestive images just to remind her that this was Aaron standing with her.
Aaron's eyes fluttered momentarily as Taaru, so rudely, forced images into his and Jet's minds alike. In return he concocted an image of Taaru running around in a rather skimpy yellow bikini as Jet fired on him with limitless mounds of ammunition piled behind her. He sent this image forcefully back at the Thruvaran as if saying I will put you in a yellow bikini and let Jet fire on you with limitless mounds of ammunition piled behind her.
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Post by Avery Heartshorn on Oct 1, 2009 13:25:26 GMT -5
Avery was totally oblivious to the goings on in everyone's minds. She was only tuned into being polite and watching the ceremony. She clapped at the right times, otherwise she left her hands clasped in her lap.
She turned in her chair a bit to get a better look at Jet as everyone began to clap for her. She smiled, silently expressing 'thank God I'm not her' a few times in the back of her mind.
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Post by Jet Almeara on Oct 1, 2009 14:22:26 GMT -5
Having been introduced Jet was in the process of standing when Taaru's mental picture intruded upon her mind. Banishing the image almost as quickly as it resolved itself Jet let her gae rest on Taaru for a brief moment - long enough for a reassuring smile and a look that probably only Taaru who had been with her long enough to know the nuances of her expressions would be able to decipher in its entirety, while it looked like a simple smile to others - it quite clearly read to those who knew her well as 'have a bit of faith in me would you?'
Her attention turned then to Aaron and his offer of escort - a small part of her considered shunning him in fronnt of thousands of people...but for the effect of keeping the peace of the Ceremony she relented, she did however close down her mind to any further intrusions by any of them. Jet typically kept such lines of communication open with those she considered friends..but the time for playing was over and Jet's attention focused on the task at hand, she was not a pup who needed coddling despite any good intentions.
Allowing Aaron to escort her to the podium she thanked Admiral Pinkala for his gracious introduction and then looked out over the crowd, allowing their applause to run its course. Although only a few in the crowd were force sensitive, and only a few had been in the Navy long enough to recall in person her exploits during the Vong invasion, Jet needed none of these things to appear as what she was...she was not their leader because she had given pretty speeches and won them over with promises. No..Jet had won them over with actions, she had driven the predators from their midst and kept a greedy galaxy from snapping them up as just one more piece of real estate, and it took only a moment of looking upon her to know that she would do so again..and again for as long as she survived to continue doing so. Even in a dress...at a formal ceremony it was impossible to forget or delude oneself into not seeing the power lurking within, it wrote itself in her confidence and her eyes and the very presence she presented to those around her when she so chose to do so..as she did right now.
When the applause dies out and the audience takes their seats once more Jet begins to speak "Thank you all very much, it is my great honor to be here with all of you today and since I know we are all eager to welcome Faustus into our midst I will try to be brief ... Corellia has a long and proud history in the ship-building industry, throughout the Galaxy our ships fly as impressive examples of what can be achieved with not only ingenuity and skill, but the heart and soul of people unwilling to accept anything less then the very best which can be achieved."
"Both our System and our Navy stand forth as viable proof of the power an independent nation can achieve - a nation whose refusal to accept sub-par results - refusal to accept the merely average shine forth not only in our vessels...but in the crews which serve within them. The crew of Faustus will be no exception to this long established rule..." Allowing her voice to trail off she motioned to the crew before continuing.
"As the first of its kind Faustus not only represents the newest and most advanced addition to our Navy - but a step towards a bright future. She required the efforts and brought together two newly merged companies to build, as well as an endless parade of minds guided by her ever capable design team and their original vision of a ship to rival any yet built. The Faustus..I believe is such a vision brought to reality."
"It seems suiting then that a vessel which has already brought together two companies, should in her first official tour bring together two cultures. As Admiral Pinkala mentioned earlier The Thruvaran Diaspora have long been welcome on Corellia - and it is with great pleasure that I welcome them aboard to partake in this historic voyage, one which I hope will be but a preview of future journeys together."
"In closing, May Faustus serve the Corellian Navy as a fist to weild against our enemies, shall she and those who travel with her be brave in the face of death, loyal in the face of temptation and cleaver in the face of great odds. May they come away from such gambles the victor but most importantly may she bring them home safetly for as the Corellian Proverb states - The bigger the Galaxy, the sweeter the homecoming." Finishing her speech - which she reflected had turned out a bit longer then she had intended Jet stepped back to relinquish the Podium once more to Admiral Pinkala.
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Post by Taaru Masako on Oct 1, 2009 16:27:45 GMT -5
Taaru, not to be outdone, responds to Aaron's repost with an image of Aaron lying in a bed, sleeping.
In a typical dramatic reveal, he awakens, realizes he is not alone, turns, and sees Taaru lying next to him....wearing a yellow bikini.
If Aaron wanted nightmares, Taaru had a few good ones in store for him.
Taaru's grins slightly to himself, unphased when Jet laments his lack of faith.
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Post by Erika Freeborn on Oct 5, 2009 19:45:58 GMT -5
Erika had taken her seat for the speeches and made sure Rothk was sitting beside her so she could keep an eye on him. The crowd gathered was quite large, which wasn't all that surprising considering how important this ship launching was. She watched as Jet walked up to the podium, a small smile crossed her face as she fought the urge to laugh every time Jet was referred to as Madame Diktat. No matter how many times she heard that it still struck her funny, that was certainly not the Jet she knew as a kid. But things had changed, not only here but elsewhere as well. Now Jet was more a diplomat and peacekeeper than anything else. Erika was sure that she missed the good old days of randomly killing people for no good reason but clearly a planets ruler couldn't quite do that if they wanted to keep their people happy.
She listened to the speech, it was a great work and Erika was impressed by it. Jet certainly had put alot of effort into wording it just right to motivate the crew and those attending the ceremony. She glanced at Rothk who on the outside was the perfect picture of patience, sitting quietly while Jet made her speech, but Erika knew her son all too well and wasn't fooled by his outward appearance. Rothk was in fact itching to get out of here, on that ship and seeing the sights as well as getting out of these formal clothes. Her smile grew as Jet finishes the speech, for being nervous about giving that particular speech Jet did well to hide her panic of public speaking.
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Post by The Corellian Navy on Oct 5, 2009 19:55:30 GMT -5
The crowd once again rises in genuine applause as the Diktat finishes her speech. As she seats herself, Pinkala expresses his thanks and congratulations sotto voce, having known the Diktat long enough to realize public functions were not her strong point.
Pinkala then retakes the podium.
"The Navy thanks the Diktat for her inspiring words and her confidence in our mission and abilities," he pauses as another spatter of applause ripples through the crowd.
"We shall now begin the ceremony proper. For those who have never witnessed a commissioning ceremony, I advise you to pay close attention, as these matters are steeped in thousands of years of naval tradition in the Corellian Navy and her predecessors."
The admiral straightens ago, heralding another formal portion of the ceremony.
"First, we shall present and post the colors."
Pinkala: "Color guard, prepare to present the colors!"
The rear of the room suddenly becomes a bustle of activity as several sailors from the Faustus assemble in a small unit, bearing the flags of Corellia and the Navy.
"Color guard....ATTENTION!"
The color guard, now suitably arranged, stiffens at the command.
"Audience, please rise," Pinkala requests, rather than orders. The audience, civilian and military alike, does so, though the former slower than the latter.
"ATTENTION," so Pinkala, and the military members of the audience stiffen into the ordered stance.
"Color guard, ADVANCE." Every member of the guard leads with the right foot, and promptly marches down the central alley between seats, passing on either side of the Thruvarans. Reaching the stage, Pinkala executes the next order by commanding the color guard to cross the colors, with the Corellian flag leading the Navy's. Reaching the floor holder's the guard is commanded to halt and post the colors, which it executes flawlessly. At the same time as the posting, Pinkala commands the military members of the audience to salute. Thousands of arms and splayed hands touch brows in almost the same instant. The colors are posted, and the color guard is ordered to address the colors as well, the two sailors per flag stepping away from it and snapping salutes shoulder to shoulder.
"Please remain standing for the Corellian Anthem."
((The Corellian Anthem))
As the anthem finishes, Pinkala calls "Two!" and all hands fall to their respective owners' sides, before he dismisses the color guard.
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Post by Aaron Starkiller on Oct 5, 2009 21:08:29 GMT -5
Rolling his eyes, Aaron sighed at Taaru's sad, little attempt at irking him. Anyone curious about the Thruvaran can rest assured that it was indeed little.
Aaron stayed standing a few paces behind and off to the side of Jet, so as not to be in camera shot if any media related cameras decided to film/photograph the Diktat. He turned his head to shoot a knowing grin at Erika as Jet seemed to deliver the rather long-winded speech. Long-winded when taking the speaker's typical attitude.
When Jet finished and stepped back from the podium, Aaron could only stare at her for a brief moment before a wide grin came across his face. Tilting his head slightly to the side he began to clap along with the audience. "A beautifully endearing speech from a beautifully endearing woman," he said simply before offering her his arm again and escorting her back to where they were seated.
Knowing what was coming next, Aaron didn't sit. Instead he stood straighter than normal and remained silent between Jet and Erika as the color guard went through their motions. When they were finished he unbuttoned his jacket, yet again, and sat back down in his seat. After Jet had, of course.
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Post by The Corellian Navy on Oct 5, 2009 21:34:09 GMT -5
"I would now like to present Mrs. Illisandra Masefield, Poet Laureate, who will present the consecration."
Pinkala turns and extends his hand to a diminutive woman sitting on the other side of the Diktat's gaggle of followers. She is an elderly woman, with a shock of gray hair meticulously gathered into a bun, though her face and poise betrays a regality earned from adversity and struggle.
She takes the podium, and in a voice that brings to mind veteran actresses on Coruscanti holodramas, begins:
"For this occasion, I have selected a consecration poem first read two hundred and ninety years ago, when the rising star of Corellia first challenged the forces that beset it on all sides, and would extinguish her guiding light from the galaxy."
She pauses to open a glasses case, and to set its contents on her nose. She began to read, her tone mournful, but hopeful.
"I must go down to the seas again
to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship
and a star to steer her by.
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song
and the white sail's shaking.
And a grey mist on the sea's face,
and a grey dawn breaking.
I must go down to the seas again
for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call,
that may not be denied
And all I ask is a windy day
with the white cloud's flying
And the flung spray and the blown spume
and the sea gulls crying.
I must go down to the seas again
to the vagrant gypsy life
to the gull's wag and the whale's way,
where the wind's like a whetted knife.
And all I ask is a merry yarn
from a laughing fellow rover
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream
when the long trick's over."
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Post by Avery Heartshorn on Oct 6, 2009 0:56:24 GMT -5
Avery followed the direction given by Pinkala and stood when asked. And when she sat back down again, she tilted her head slightly and let her thoughts roam.
What would have happened if her father hadn't died? Would he have been here, in this exact spot instead of her? Would she be at home in a bar somewhere, counting the days til he got home so she could hear all the stories?
She looked over to Taaru, watching his stone-like expression as he remained engaged with the speaker.
Would Taaru have showed up at his house instead- blaster in hand, moving ominously towards him? Would he have been staying at the DJO Mansion?
Her eyes flicked over to Miko, who held the same expression Taaru did.
Would he have shaken Miko's hand thinking, 'I bet Avery would like him'?
She sighed a bit, and her mouth turned up into a crooked half smile. The poem rang out over the crowd as she looked back to the speaker thinking, 'I wish he was here'.
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Post by Jet Almeara on Oct 6, 2009 7:20:24 GMT -5
Giving Pinkala a warm smile as he expressed his thanks - probably for not destroying his ceremony - and congratulations - most likely for not stumbling over her words and making herself out to be a fool - under his breath,Jet stepped back towards Aaron with a pleased look, yes she was difficult she knew, and yes she despised the formality and PR game she was forced to play at these events...but she could play the game when she had too and often found some amusement in the surprise this gave her comrades.With Faustus the words had been easy and heartfelt and this ship?...she had the feeling it would be one long remembered in the Corellian Navy.
"Endearing? pity..I was going for strong and inspirational" she remarked to Aaron under her breath as they walked back to their seats, although her tone inflicted that she was somewhat amused none the less.
Turning her attention then to the rest of the ceremony, and following the accepted motions along with all the others even she had to admit there was something to be said for the smart military presentations, the color guard preformed commendably and a suitable air of pride was stirring when the anthem played.
The poem was a good choice, its words amplifying the Corellian traits of freedom and and adventure, she was pretty sure nearly everyone in room could relate to it in some way.
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Post by Taaru Masako on Oct 6, 2009 15:21:40 GMT -5
Masako has, so far, enjoyed the ceremony, being the first commissioning ceremony he has ever attended. Despite his heavy involvement with the Corellian Navy since his recognition as a Corellian citizen, he never considered these functions worth his time. But this was his brainchild, and it was difficult for him to not break into the proud smile of a new father.
He watches as the elderly Poet Laureate thanks the audience, and takes to her seat once more, shaking the Admiral's hand before she does. Taaru is keen to notice that the handshake is a vestige of a forgotten grace: It is not the handshake of enterprisee's or partners in business, but the handshake of a gentlemen thanking a lady and showing the greatest respect for her talents. Sometimes, Masako thinks to himself, he wishes he had arrived on Corellia a few hundred years before he did.
Pinkala reasserts his position at the podium.
"By the powers vested in me as Fleet Admiral and Commander of the Home Fleet, to which the CNS Faustus will be assigned, I hereby issue the order to christen this ship. Will her sponsor please step forward."
Masako takes three measured strides forward, almost immediately below the podium, and offers the Admiral a salute, which is promptly returned. Clearly, Pinkala is somewhat discomfited by being saluted by what once was his superior.
Taaru drops his hand turns to march up the steps to the podium. As he does, Pinkala introduces him.
"In addition to being the driving force behind the New Standardization & Automation Program, Major Taaru Ithillien Masako has been instrumental in the development and construction of the Prowler Corps. Major Masako, an immigrant to Corellia from the Thruvaran Diaspora, was naturalized as a citizen 7 years ago, and since then has loyally served in the Corellian Armed Forces in numerous capacities. We have much to thank him for, and I hope that this small honor will be a sort of down payment."
Polite applause. Despite Taaru's many achievements, they were not well known outside of some military circles. This suited Taaru: Service without recognition was a very personal creed.
He reaches the podium and shakes hand with the Admiral, bandying a few jocular words which cause both men to chuckle as old friends meeting after a long time apart. The Admiral raises an arm to an orderly, standing behind the podium, who recognizes his cue and marches up to join the rest of the contingent. The orderly is holding a fine wooden box, gilded with ornate hinges and carving.
This he opens, to reveal a 28 year old oak barrel single malt Corellian whiskey in a bottle whose label has begun to yellow with time and fray at the edges.
Masako gladly accepts this with utmost delicacy and care, displaying the bottle to the crowd after taking time to admire it's label.
"Almost a shame to use it for a christening," he remarks as an aside to Pinkala.
Pinkala chuckes: "Bring the Faustus home safely and I'll make sure you get a crate of the stuff."
"As good a deal as any, Admiral."
Masako takes the bottles and approaches the transparisteel wall affording a view of the Faustus beyond. Embedded in it is a mechanism for ejecting the bottle towards the ship...a small air lock with a gas-operated chute for firing the bottle.
Hovering cambots follow his movement as he inserts the precious beverage into the mechanism and closes it. Before he hits the release catch, he turns to the Admiral.
"By your leave, Fleet Admiral, I hereby christen this Ship of the Line the CNS Faustus, and grant her all rights, privileges and responsibilities therein included."
"Leave is granted, Major."
"So say we all," Masako says to himself, under his breath, as he flips the catch.
A hissing noise, then the bottle is set free, sailing towards the hull of the Faustus, on which it impacts, shattering its contents across metal plating, which quickly begins to freeze.
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