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May The Invisible Hand Be With You - (Star Wars CK2-Style Quest)

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force200 said:
Yo @Panory, could you write a possible-future omake that involves Ahsoka and Barris both turning out to be Silas' grandkids during the "Wrong Jedi" arc and the ensuring hillarity? Pretty-please!
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Probably not, sorry. Not because I think it's a bad idea or anything. I've just never actually finished the Clone Wars show, so I'm not confident in my ability to write a version of the final episode.
 
Publicola said:
Is this canon? (Is this mentioned in the ROTS novelization?) I'd never considered that as why 'Vader' was so quick to descend to atrocities -- the movie only really shows "I want to save my wife -> I guess I'm a Sith now -> whelp, time to go kill kids." Rationalizing it as keeping Palpatine from gaining an army is quite a bit more nuanced....
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Probably not, but IIRC, the RoE for Imp troopers was basically attempt to capture Padiwans, Knights were case by case, and just outright kill Masters.
 
You know, I think this is the first time in a couple weeks where we've gone two (daylight) hours without someone posting something. So naturally, this must not stand.

As I mentioned, I've been looking up some nearby sectors to see if any of them would be inclined to join the CNS and/or if there's anything useful or interesting that we could get out of them. I'm still compiling the mega-list, but I did want to post a bunch of new sites for 'Archaeological Expeditions' that we should consider. Basically, I did the system-by-system search of the Gordian Reach and Sith Worlds sectors (a bit NW of Neutral territory), which also led me to learn about Tython in the 'Deep Core' region.


Deep Core
Tython sector
- Tython: original center of the Je'daii Order, site of the Jedi Academy and nine specialized Temples based around Tho Yor landing sites

(Comment: yeah. Apparently Tython was lost for a couple millennia due to changing hyperlanes in the Deep Core, but it's been 'rediscovered' for a while, and there's a lot of really interesting backstory behind the nine temples, plus the Academy, plus the Tho Yor pyramid-ships...).


Outer Rim:
Esstran sector
- Odacer-Faustin: icy planet, site of Darth Scabrous's Sith Academy, origin world of 'The Sickness' (zombie virus epidemic created by Sith alchemy)
- Ord Radama: homeworld of Devlikk race, urbanized wetland world, major battlefield during ancient Sith-Republic War, site of Narek Manor
- Thule: savanna world, site of Sith Temple and separate Sith Arts Academy, location of 'Dark Reaper' (Sith superweapon)


Sith Worlds subsector (Esstran)
- Begeren: desert world, site of massive Sith monuments (some ruins) built into outcrops and cliffs, now known for gemstone quarries
- Dromund Kass: wetlands (ysalamiri), former capital of Sith Empire, site of 'Dark Force Temple' (Force nexus) and 'Imperial Citadel' (Mandalorian enclave)
- Korriban: homeworld (and sacred planet) of Sith race, site of the 'Valley of the Dark Lords', including the original 'Sith Academy' and 'Great Temple'
- Jaguada I: moon of Jaguada, site of multiple Sith temples converted into Separatist communications & droid storage facilities by Count Dooku
- Khar Shian: moon of Khar Delba (sacred Sith planet), site of palace & citadel of Naga Sadow dating from the Great Hyperspace War
- Krayiss II: sacred Sith planet along Nache Bhelfia hyperlane, site of Krayiss Obselisk and massive underground Library-Temple complex
- Rhelg: sacred Sith planet along Nache Bhelfia hyperlane, site of palace & citadel of Ludo Kressh (Naga Sadow's rival)
- Ziost: adopted homeworld of Sith race, sacred planet & adopted capital of Sith Empire, planetary Force nexus, site of 'Great Citadel' and 'People's Tower'

(Comment: basically the entire Sith Worlds sector is full of artifacts and history and information and ludicrously dangerous places. Odacer-Faustin has a zombie virus that might actually be worse than rakghouls, Korriban's Valley has surviving holocrons from pretty much every Sith ever, Krayiss II has a underground library-temple that's basically a heavily trapped unescapable labyrinth, and all of them are swirling vortices of dark-sided Force energy. So yeah, I'm pretty sure the "chance of success' for most of these should be pretty abysmally low. OTOH, both Ord Radama and Dromund Kass should interest us -- the former has an uninhabited and really awesome-looking manor that could serve as a bolt-hole, while the latter has a long history with Mandalore, including an official embassy in their capital's citadel. Not to mention that its swamps are quite possibly the one place outside Myrkr where you can find ysalamiri -- which tells us that someone found a way to transport them off-planet without killing them...)


Gordian Reach sector
- Presbalin: commercial hub of the 'Loop Worlds' region, known for long-abandoned 'alien' cities with 'strange' architecture
- Tenara: isolated agriworld famous as a former pirate bolt-hole and 'treasure planet' due to hidden vaults throughout the planet
- Yavin IV: jungle moon of Yavin Prime, center of Sith nexus, site of the Great Massassi Temple, Temple of Exar Kun, and the Palace of the Woolamander

(Comment: Yavin is self-explanatory, Tenara's vaults have been mostly cleared out (but there's almost certainly more to discover), but frankly the most interesting here is Presbalin. Seriously -- explain this. We're talking about a fictional sci-fi universe which includes 100 quadrillion beings, 1 billion star systems, and between 5-20 million different species with markedly different customs, cultures, and aesthetic traditions. And yet Presbalin is known across the galaxy for having "alien" cities with "strange" architecture. WTF?)
 
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1. Go to Honoghr.
2. Fix up their environment problem.
3. Gain the loyalty of the Noghri. Hire them as covert ops.
4. Profit!

:V
 
Publicola said:
You know, I think this is the first time in a couple weeks where we've gone two (daylight) hours without someone posting something. So naturally, this must not stand.
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I, for one, got utterly nerdsniped by that Star Wars fic recommendation. >_>

(Which, for the record, is a totally terrible piece of writing as we all know. Yes. Totally terrible.)
 
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Publicola said:
I did want to post a bunch of new sites for 'Archaeological Expeditions' that we should consider.
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Thank you for reminding me that the omake I'm writing framed as an archaeological expedition to Jedha should probably include some form of archaeological reward should it ever be made canon.
 
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Interlude - The Tears of Caamas
  • Threadmarks
    • Caamas

    Once Jango had been declared to be the new Mandalore by the Guardians it had become increasingly clear that you would need to send a message to the galaxy, assuring them that Jango's return was not going to turn the CNS into a new Mandalorian Empire. As such, you and Satine went on as many diplomatic trips as you could possibly afford to while Thrawn began planning a PR event to help the galaxy become more 'familiar' with Jango. It's hard to decry someone you actually know about in some fashion...

    That being said, the plan to have some diplomatic meetings and some PR events revolving around Jango rapidly ballooned out of proportion as you and Satine were wildly successful during your trips, the two of you cooperating as best you could to not only reach to as many worlds as you could but to people who were willing to listen to you.

    And as it turns out, there were a lot of people willing to listen to the idea of peace in some capacity. So much so that Satine hatched a plan so crazy you're beginning to think you're rubbing off on her.

    The plan was to hold a meeting on Caamas between as many Republic and Separatist representatives willing to attend and initiate a massive, albeit temporary ceasefire in as many places across the galaxy as you possibly could. Satine handled the publicity, you leaned on everyone you possibly could to get as many attendees and by extension ceasefires as you possibly could. It took everything you had but you managed to get enough contacts through your many connections to actually get the ceasefire process moving forward. While neither side's upper staff would be attending for security reasons, both sides would send representatives to Caamas-quite possibly one of the most peaceful planets in the galaxy to negotiate the ceasefire.

    When Thrawn heard about this, he saw a golden opportunity and instructed you to push Satine to allow Jango to go to the conference. It took some doing, but she relented when you pointed out how powerful it would be for him to be present at a ceremony like this.

    And then...there you were, at what was already being called the Caamas Ceasefire, what was already being called your greatest contribution to the galaxy even before the treaty itself had been signed. It was honestly a rather surreal feeling when you walked off of the diplomatic transport alongside Satine and Jango to thunderous applause from the people attending. It was impossible to make out anyone you actually knew in the crowd, so you simply settled for waving and smiling in a way that satisfied the newscasters.

    Speaking of which, Jango was looking surprisingly personable as he walked off with seemingly unblemished skin and smiling warmly as he walked forward. You were honestly impressed at the lengths Thrawn went to make him presentable with having a full-on makeup team touch him up before the event as well as having him coached to look and sound more presentable.

    And then you arrived at the location of the signing-an outdoors structure, beautifully built from white marble to give any proceedings inside a greater sense of grace. And there, the speeches would begin.

    As Thrawn put it, the order of said speeches was extremely important as there needed to be a sense of flow between the three for maximum impact. As such, he prepared one for each of you, and made sure that the order would be Satine (to demonstrate her commitment and set the tone), then Jango (to capitalize on Satine's momentum), then you (so that people would maintain interest in the other two speakers who were admittedly less popular).

    Satine was clearly overjoyed to take the stand seeing that her ideals of peace had managed to bear fruit during the war.

    "To all of you who are willing to stand here today in the name of peace, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. These times of war have caused no end of grief for so many innocent people who have been caught up in its flames, and I cannot find the words to fully express my joy that there are so many who believe in peace, that there are so many who simply want to live their lives without fearing what comes tomorrow. While this peace may be fleeting, we should look at it as a time for the galaxy to breathe easier, to heal the wounds that the war has caused in the hopes that we can leave behind a better galaxy for those who will follow us.

    I thank you all, and once again I say that it is truly from the very bottom of my heart."

    The applause is almost deafening as Satine respectfully bows towards the audience before she steps back and Jango steps forward. As he does, the tension in the room dramatically spikes, the audience holding their breath to see what the Mandalore has to say to the galaxy.

    "Before we start, I want to say that I have never done something like this before, so I hope you'll be willing to bear with me," Jango says flatly.

    The tension in the room slightly evaporates at that and you can tell that a few people are sincerely confused at what's happening. Though no one but you and Satine know it, that was a calculated move to make Jango seem more human to the audience, instead of some all-powerful figure beyond their understanding. Clearing his throat, Jango begins to speak.

    "I look around at you all and I can tell that many of you are afraid of me in some way or other. It's alright, I wouldn't hold that against you in the slightest; to you the Mand'alor are a great enemy, some great force that you can't understand.

    But that's not what the Mand'alor is.

    The Mand'alor is...think of them as the embodiment of the passions of the Mando, a face given to the fires in their hearts. And for the longest time, we Mando let that passion run wild with abandon, never considering whether it needed to be tempered or kept in check or anything like that. And because of that everyone suffered for it. The galaxy suffered from the people they've lost, and the Mando have suffered from the people we've lost...as much as we don't like to show it.

    And I will say right here and now that I want that to end with me. I won't deny the passions of Mandos like the Guardians, young boys and girls who want nothing more than to protect their home and the peace they've found in recent years. But I've learned from people like the Duchess that we need to control passion like that, and channel it towards whatever will be best for everyone. It won't be easy for us, and I can't imagine how hard it's going to be for you to trust us to do that. But hopefully all of us," and as he utters those words he gestures towards the audience as a whole, "no matter who we are, will be able to start something new today that we can all look back on with pride. Thank you all for your time."

    There is silence for a moment, before one man starts clapping, then another, then more and more until there is a crescendo of applause at Jango's speech and cheering from the crowd.

    They would never know that the first few people who applauded were in fact placed there by Thrawn to deliberately start the applause in general...but given how much faith in Jango had been generated by this, you suppose it didn't matter in the end.

    With a slight but deliberately awkward bow, Jango steps back as you step forwards, the applause and cheering now deafening, the walls beginning to shake from the sounds of the ecstatic audience. You smile and hold up your hand in a calm, but firm gesture indicating you would like silence, which the audience is willing to give you after a few moments.

    "Honestly, after these two have been up here I'm not really sure what more there is for me to say," and you get a small amount of applause for Satine and Jango at that, "so I suppose I'll have to keep myself from going on for too long. I would just like to say that it is truly an honor to be a part of something like this, an event that will echo throughout the ages as a great victory for peace and for the greater good of the galaxy. Let the events of today represent how there are people who want nothing more than to live without fearing what comes tomorrow," you say as you deliberately echo Satine's speech, "and to create something that they can take pride in," now Jango, "and to show those who come after us that the times we live in now are more than just war. Thank you all."

    Once again the applause and cheering is deafening, and with that Thrawn's script effectively ends as the speeches will hopefully be passed around the news and holonet to amplify their effects.

    It's an hour or so later when something happens that you weren't expecting. As the event wound down into a more relaxed atmosphere, a group of Lurmen approached you, parting the crowds despite their diminutive stature.

    And then, one elderly Lurmen stepped forward from the group. ...And you could see the tears welling in his eyes as he introduced himself as Tee Watt Kaa, leader of the Lurmen refugees on Maridun. He didn't manage to say anything more before he broke down, trying to coherently thank you for what you had done for him and his people as he continued sobbing, the group behind him quickly breaking down as well.

    You simply knelt down and offered your hand which he was barely able to shake before more people came to you, a more disorganized group than the Lurmen but still no less emotional, many in the group losing their composure as they came forward. When they finally managed to get coherent statements out from behind the tears the group of refugee leaders ended up thanking you for what you had done for them on Taris, giving them a chance to start a brand new life away from all of the horrors of the war.

    ...That was nothing short of a miracle in and of itself now that you thought about it. You'd used your influence to have refugee-friendly policies implemented on the planet, as well as invested in some of the more downtrodden areas of the planet to rebuild them into proper homes for the incoming people. And they did come, first in a stream, then a torrent as refugees from across the galaxy flooded the planet, occupying homes that had been abandoned for centuries. Buildings that had been left to rot had been revitalized by volunteer construction teams allowing even more people to arrive on the planet, businesses reopened with the massive influx of workers and customers alike...you've heard that there's now a popular movement to get you formally elected as the planet's prime minister after your efforts sparked a rebirth for Taris, allowing it to reclaim glory it hadn't had since before it was devastated by the Jedi Civil War. The similar policies on Muunilist had gone over well, revitalizing the economy and earning the gratitude of the Muun and the support of the Banking Clan, but their reactions had been nothing in comparison to the Tarisian government.

    At any rate, after the grateful refugees, general well-wishers, and so on began to die down you managed to slip away from the group to find Thrawn in the middle of painting something you couldn't see from your position.

    "Excellent work, Lady Ciaran. You and the others have played your roles to perfection," he said, glancing up at you with a slight smile before returning to his painting.

    "Thanks," you say neutrally as you cross over and look at it. While it was a work in progress, you could tell that it was a stylized painting of the Lurmen and Tarisian groups meeting you, their tears visibly bright on their faces.

    "I know I tend to observe art rather than create it, but I felt that there needed to be something that truly captured the spirit of the day's events, something more than just news reports and conversations on the holonet," Thrawn explained, not even stopping his painting as he did so while you looked on with curiosity. "Though it is unfinished, I already have a name for it: 'The Tears of Caamas.' I do admit this is more for myself than for anyone else."

    A thought occurs you as you turn to Thrawn. "Are you sure you don't want to be with everyone else? Even introducing you as a valued associate of mine-"

    Thrawn held up a free hand as he set down his brush, then turned toward you with a serious expression on his face. "While the gesture is appreciated, I see no need. There are times in history where the most important figures in events are those who go unrecorded, and I consider myself to be among their ranks today." He turned back to his painting, restarting from where he left off. "Enjoy this brief moment of peace while you have the chance Lady Ciaran. We both know it will not last for much longer."

    "I can at least thank you for helping me make today possible can't I?" you say, and while Thrawn doesn't visibly react you swear you can see his lips briefly twitch upwards. "Enjoy your painting, then." With that you leave and rejoin the celebration, and there you can actually see groups of people you recognize as you mingle with the crowd.

    You see Satine talking with Obi-Wan and Siri of all people, and although Obi-Wan looks slightly nervous the three seem to be getting along well enough.

    You see Padme talking with Bail briefly, before moving over to check on a board game between Anakin and Ahsoka. From what you can see, the pupil is surpassing the master. Repeatedly. Though given the cocky grin on Anakin's face that suddenly appeared that might not stay the case...

    You see Jango look slightly nervous as he tries to unwind while still trying to look professional in the cheerful atmosphere as small amounts of people come by to talk with him.

    And as you look around you get a message on your communicator with a cipher indicating it's from Seti. Opening it you see copies of articles on the ceasefire with one single sentence from him attached:

    "This is why I have faith in you."

    You close the image and glance around before the briefest of sad smiles comes across your face as you remember everything that is happening out of sight of the celebrating masses...then your smile becomes more genuine as you resolve to genuinely enjoy yourself for this briefest of moments.

    Barely a day later the Lurmen declared that Mygeeto would be joining the CNS, using the opportunity granted by the ceasefire to declare neutrality without reprisal. Maridun would join as well to protect the refugees that had moved to the planet. The day after that the Muun announced that Muunilist would follow suit in joining the CNS.

    If nothing else, your pragmatic side notes, after this you're politically nigh-untouchable and Jango will likely be freed up soon so that he can be recruited by you.

    Still...being declared a hero isn't so bad.

    -------

    "Obi-Wan, are you alright?"

    "I'm fine, Anakin, just...if nothing else, Lady Ciaran is proving to the entire galaxy that peace can be the most powerful tool of war. Two CIS systems neutralized in two days, a feat no army could match, accomplished by one woman."

    -------

    Diplomacy Results: Temporary ceasefire enacted between the Republic and Separatists. Mygeeto, Maridun, and Muunilist join the CNS, with the eternal gratitude of the Lurmen and regular gratitude of the Muuns. Ciaran's popularity skyrockets to new heights in the wake of the Caamas Ceasefire. Ciaran gains 'Bringer of Peace' trait. Tensions between rest of galaxy and CNS rapidly deflate after Jango's speech, and any stigma from potential CNS applicants for having a Mandalore around is effectively negated. Oversight on Guardians and Jango dramatically reduced and due to end early next year. Political tension on Mandalore decreases. Thrawn gains 'Public Relations Master' trait.

    Stewardship Results: Muunilist economy recovers. Income from Muunilist increases to 130% (current and future). Recovery package encourages Muun to use ceasefire to join CNS. Taris is effectively reborn due to the resettlement efforts, putting the planet back on the map. Serious talks among the people of Taris to get you in an elected position. Income from Taris doubled (future), new options for property available due to dramatic economic gains. Ciaran gains 'Revitalizer' trait.

    AN: This right here is where a lot of all the crits went, and the results show it. Aside from that I figured it would be nice to show just how much this whole ceasefire means to people who have been suffering from the war, especially the poor Lurmen who finally get to catch a break.

    Still, there's a lot of nasty shit waiting in the wings as you all well know. But for now...you might as well enjoy the good feelings.

    Give me time to update the front page, and stay tuned for more~

    Edit: Credit goes to bookworm702 for that last line from Obi-Wan.
     
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  • Threadmarks
    • Very nice. That was very well done.

    Come Sidious. The galaxy is fully of opportunity to cause mayhem and madness, but so long as people are willing to fight, hope will always be within reach.
     
    Dr. Snark said:
    Caamas

    Once Jango had been declared to be the new Mandalore by the Guardians it had become increasingly clear that you would need to send a message to the galaxy, assuring them that Jango's return was not going to turn the CNS into a new Mandalorian Empire. As such, you and Satine went on as many diplomatic trips as you could possibly afford to while Thrawn began planning a PR event to help the galaxy become more 'familiar' with Jango. It's hard to decry someone you actually know about in some fashion...

    That being said, the plan to have some diplomatic meetings and some PR events revolving around Jango rapidly ballooned out of proportion as you and Satine were wildly successful during your trips, the two of you cooperating as best you could to not only reach to as many worlds as you could but to people who were willing to listen to you.

    And as it turns out, there were a lot of people willing to listen to the idea of peace in some capacity. So much so that Satine hatched a plan so crazy you're beginning to think you're rubbing off on her.

    The plan was to hold a meeting on Caamas between as many Republic and Separatist representatives willing to attend and initiate a massive, albeit temporary ceasefire in as many places across the galaxy as you possibly could. Satine handled the publicity, you leaned on everyone you possibly could to get as many attendees and by extension ceasefires as you possibly could. It took everything you had but you managed to get enough contacts through your many connections to actually get the ceasefire process moving forward. While neither side's upper staff would be attending for security reasons, both sides would send representatives to Caamas-quite possibly one of the most peaceful planets in the galaxy to negotiate the ceasefire.

    When Thrawn heard about this, he saw a golden opportunity and instructed you to push Satine to allow Jango to go to the conference. It took some doing, but she relented when you pointed out how powerful it would be for him to be present at a ceremony like this.

    And then...there you were, at what was already being called the Caamas Ceasefire, what was already being called your greatest contribution to the galaxy even before the treaty itself had been signed. It was honestly a rather surreal feeling when you walked off of the diplomatic transport alongside Satine and Jango to thunderous applause from the people attending. It was impossible to make out anyone you actually knew in the crowd, so you simply settled for waving and smiling in a way that satisfied the newscasters.

    Speaking of which, Jango was looking surprisingly personable as he walked off with seemingly unblemished skin and smiling warmly as he walked forward. You were honestly impressed at the lengths Thrawn went to make him presentable with having a full-on makeup team touch him up before the event as well as having him coached to look and sound more presentable.

    And then you arrived at the location of the signing-an outdoors structure, beautifully built from white marble to give any proceedings inside a greater sense of grace. And there, the speeches would begin.

    As Thrawn put it, the order of said speeches was extremely important as there needed to be a sense of flow between the three for maximum impact. As such, he prepared one for each of you, and made sure that the order would be Satine (to demonstrate her commitment and set the tone), then Jango (to capitalize on Satine's momentum), then you (so that people would maintain interest in the other two speakers who were admittedly less popular).

    Satine was clearly overjoyed to take the stand seeing that her ideals of peace had managed to bear fruit during the war.

    "To all of you who are willing to stand here today in the name of peace, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. These times of war have caused no end of grief for so many innocent people who have been caught up in its flames, and I cannot find the words to fully express my joy that there are so many who believe in peace, that there are so many who simply want to live their lives without fearing what comes tomorrow. While this peace may be fleeting, we should look at it as a time for the galaxy to breathe easier, to heal the wounds that the war has caused in the hopes that we can leave behind a better galaxy for those who will follow us.

    I thank you all, and once again I say that it is truly from the very bottom of my heart."

    The applause is almost deafening as Satine respectfully bows towards the audience before she steps back and Jango steps forward. As he does, the tension in the room dramatically spikes, the audience holding their breath to see what the Mandalore has to say to the galaxy.

    "Before we start, I want to say that I have never done something like this before, so I hope you'll be willing to bear with me," Jango says flatly.

    The tension in the room slightly evaporates at that and you can tell that a few people are sincerely confused at what's happening. Though no one but you and Satine know it, that was a calculated move to make Jango seem more human to the audience, instead of some all-powerful figure beyond their understanding. Clearing his throat, Jango begins to speak.

    "I look around at you all and I can tell that many of you are afraid of me in some way or other. It's alright, I wouldn't hold that against you in the slightest; to you the Mand'alor are a great enemy, some great force that you can't understand.

    But that's not what the Mand'alor is.

    The Mand'alor is...think of them as the embodiment of the passions of the Mando, a face given to the fires in their hearts. And for the longest time, we Mando let that passion run wild with abandon, never considering whether it needed to be tempered or kept in check or anything like that. And because of that everyone suffered for it. The galaxy suffered from the people they've lost, and the Mando have suffered from the people we've lost...as much as we don't like to show it.

    And I will say right here and now that I want that to end with me. I won't deny the passions of Mandos like the Guardians, young boys and girls who want nothing more than to protect their home and the peace they've found in recent years. But I've learned from people like the Duchess that we need to control passion like that, and channel it towards whatever will be best for everyone. It won't be easy for us, and I can't imagine how hard it's going to be for you to trust us to do that. But hopefully all of us," and as he utters those words he gestures towards the audience as a whole, "no matter who we are, will be able to start something new today that we can all look back on with pride. Thank you all for your time."

    There is silence for a moment, before one man starts clapping, then another, then more and more until there is a crescendo of applause at Jango's speech and cheering from the crowd.

    They would never know that the first few people who applauded were in fact placed there by Thrawn to deliberately start the applause in general...but given how much faith in Jango had been generated by this, you suppose it didn't matter in the end.

    With a slight but deliberately awkward bow, Jango steps back as you step forwards, the applause and cheering now deafening, the walls beginning to shake from the sounds of the ecstatic audience. You smile and hold up your hand in a calm, but firm gesture indicating you would like silence, which the audience is willing to give you after a few moments.

    "Honestly, after these two have been up here I'm not really sure what more there is for me to say," and you get a small amount of applause for Satine and Jango at that, "so I suppose I'll have to keep myself from going on for too long. I would just like to say that it is truly an honor to be a part of something like this, an event that will echo throughout the ages as a great victory for peace and for the greater good of the galaxy. Let the events of today represent how there are people who want nothing more than to live without fearing what comes tomorrow," you say as you deliberately echo Satine's speech, "and to create something that they can take pride in," now Jango, "and to show those who come after us that the times we live in now are more than just war. Thank you all."

    Once again the applause and cheering is deafening, and with that Thrawn's script effectively ends as the speeches will hopefully be passed around the news and holonet to amplify their effects.

    It's an hour or so later when something happens that you weren't expecting. As the event wound down into a more relaxed atmosphere, a group of Lurmen approached you, parting the crowds despite their diminutive stature.

    And then, one elderly Lurmen stepped forward from the group. ...And you could see the tears welling in his eyes as he introduced himself as Tee Watt Kaa, leader of the Lurmen refugees on Maridun. He didn't manage to say anything more before he broke down, trying to coherently thank you for what you had done for him and his people as he continued sobbing, the group behind him quickly breaking down as well.

    You simply knelt down and offered your hand which he was barely able to shake before more people came to you, a more disorganized group than the Lurmen but still no less emotional, many in the group losing their composure as they came forward. When they finally managed to get coherent statements out from behind the tears the group of refugee leaders ended up thanking you for what you had done for them on Taris, giving them a chance to start a brand new life away from all of the horrors of the war.

    ...That was nothing short of a miracle in and of itself now that you thought about it. You'd used your influence to have refugee-friendly policies implemented on the planet, as well as invested in some of the more downtrodden areas of the planet to rebuild them into proper homes for the incoming people. And they did come, first in a stream, then a torrent as refugees from across the galaxy flooded the planet, occupying homes that had been abandoned for centuries. Buildings that had been left to rot had been revitalized by volunteer construction teams allowing even more people to arrive on the planet, businesses reopened with the massive influx of workers and customers alike...you've heard that there's now a popular movement to get you formally elected as the planet's prime minister after your efforts sparked a rebirth for Taris, allowing it to reclaim glory it hadn't had since before it was devastated by the Jedi Civil War. The similar policies on Muunilist had gone over well, revitalizing the economy and earning the gratitude of the Muun and the support of the Banking Clan, but their reactions had been nothing in comparison to the Tarisian government.

    At any rate, after the grateful refugees, general well-wishers, and so on began to die down you managed to slip away from the group to find Thrawn in the middle of painting something you couldn't see from your position.

    "Excellent work, Lady Ciaran. You and the others have played your roles to perfection," he said, glancing up at you with a slight smile before returning to his painting.

    "Thanks," you say neutrally as you cross over and look at it. While it was a work in progress, you could tell that it was a stylized painting of the Lurmen and Tarisian groups meeting you, their tears visibly bright on their faces.

    "I know I tend to observe art rather than create it, but I felt that there needed to be something that truly captured the spirit of the day's events, something more than just news reports and conversations on the holonet," Thrawn explained, not even stopping his painting as he did so while you looked on with curiosity. "Though it is unfinished, I already have a name for it: 'The Tears of Caamas.' I do admit this is more for myself than for anyone else."

    A thought occurs you as you turn to Thrawn. "Are you sure you don't want to be with everyone else? Even introducing you as a valued associate of mine-"

    Thrawn held up a free hand as he set down his brush, then turned toward you with a serious expression on his face. "While the gesture is appreciated, I see no need. There are times in history where the most important figures in events are those who go unrecorded, and I consider myself to be among their ranks today." He turned back to his painting, restarting from where he left off. "Enjoy this brief moment of peace while you have the chance Lady Ciaran. We both know it will not last for much longer."

    "I can at least thank you for helping me make today possible can't I?" you say, and while Thrawn doesn't visibly react you swear you can see his lips briefly twitch upwards. "Enjoy your painting, then." With that you leave and rejoin the celebration, and there you can actually see groups of people you recognize as you mingle with the crowd.

    You see Satine talking with Obi-Wan and Siri of all people, and although Obi-Wan looks slightly nervous the three seem to be getting along well enough.

    You see Padme talking with Bail briefly, before moving over to check on a board game between Anakin and Ahsoka. From what you can see, the pupil is surpassing the master. Repeatedly. Though given the cocky grin on Anakin's face that suddenly appeared that might not stay the case...

    You see Jango look slightly nervous as he tries to unwind while still trying to look professional in the cheerful atmosphere as small amounts of people come by to talk with him.

    And as you look around you get a message on your communicator with a cipher indicating it's from Seti. Opening it you see copies of articles on the ceasefire with one single sentence from him attached:

    "This is why I have faith in you."

    You close the image and glance around before the briefest of sad smiles comes across your face as you remember everything that is happening out of sight of the celebrating masses...then your smile becomes more genuine as you resolve to genuinely enjoy yourself for this briefest of moments.

    Barely a day later the Lurmen declared that Mygeeto would be joining the CNS, using the opportunity granted by the ceasefire to declare neutrality without reprisal. Maridun would join as well to protect the refugees that had moved to the planet. The day after that the Muun announced that Muunilist would follow suit in joining the CNS.

    If nothing else, your pragmatic side notes, after this you're politically nigh-untouchable and Jango will likely be freed up soon so that he can be recruited by you.

    Still...being declared a hero isn't so bad.

    Diplomacy Results: Temporary ceasefire enacted between the Republic and Separatists. Mygeeto, Maridun, and Muunilist join the CNS, with the eternal gratitude of the Lurmen and regular gratitude of the Muuns. Ciaran's popularity skyrockets to new heights in the wake of the Caamas Ceasefire. Ciaran gains 'Bringer of Peace' trait. Tensions between rest of galaxy and CNS rapidly deflate after Jango's speech, and any stigma from potential CNS applicants for having a Mandalore around is effectively negated. Oversight on Guardians and Jango dramatically reduced and due to end early next year. Political tension on Mandalore decreases. Thrawn gains 'Public Relations Master' trait.

    Stewardship Results: Muunilist economy recovers. Income from Muunilist increases to 130% (current and future). Recovery package encourages Muun to use ceasefire to join CNS. Taris is effectively reborn due to the resettlement efforts, putting the planet back on the map. Serious talks among the people of Taris to get you in an elected position. Income from Taris doubled (future), new options for property available due to dramatic economic gains. Ciaran gains 'Revitalizer' trait.

    AN: This right here is where a lot of all the crits went, and the results show it. Aside from that I figured it would be nice to show just how much this whole ceasefire means to people who have been suffering from the war, especially the poor Lurmen who finally get to catch a break.

    Still, there's a lot of nasty shit waiting in the wings as you all well know. But for now...you might as well enjoy the good feelings.

    Give me time to update the front page, and stay tuned for more~
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    I..., that was amazing. Well done, @Dr. Snark.
     
    Dr. Snark said:
    Bringer of Peace: Thanks to your efforts in enacting the Caamas Ceasefire, your name has become a synonym among many cultures for "peacemaker." +4 Diplomacy

    Revitalizer: Restoring Taris to its full glory has not only turned out to be insanely profitable for you, but has given you the chance to learn more about how to turn entire economies around. +4 Stewardship
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    Haoly shit that some good traits right there
     
    Public Relations Master: Thrawn understands that to give the public the...proper opinion on a subject the information surrounding it must be perfectly calculated down to the most minute detail. Do that, and the people will believe everything you say. +4 Diplomacy, +2 Intrigue
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    Impressive.

    Most impressive.
     
    Obi-Wan: "...If nothing else, Lady Ciaran is proving to the entire galaxy that peace can be the most powerful tool of war. Three CIS systems neutralized in two days, a feat no army could match, accomplished by one woman."
     
    bookworm702 said:
    Obi-Wan: "...If nothing else, Lady Ciaran is proving to the entire galaxy that peace can be the most powerful tool of war. Three CIS systems neutralized in two days, a feat no army could match, accomplished by one woman."
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    ...I'm going to have to steal this line and edit it back into the update, if you don't mind. It's just so perfectly Obi-Wan in all of the sincerely best ways.
     
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