A New Taldrya Rises, Take Two

It was the next day.

Not just any day though for the dozens of Taldryanites who had gathered inside the Taldryan Tower’s immense ballroom...for the second time.

Not even just for the Taldryan Republic at large around them, which continued to grow by the day after the immense hits it took following the near civil war over a year and a half and a day ago.

It was a proud day for the Taldrya, as this was the day that yet another new addition would be brought into their ranks, hopefully for real this time. There were murmurs and suspicions among the Taldryanites on who it might be, though none would bet on it this time after an Ewok walked away with tens of thousands of credits from last night’s betting pool.

Near the front of the ballroom sat the various members of the Taldrya yet again, some having not set foot on Caelus since…well, last night. Among them at various tables sat Seraine “Erinyes” Taldrya Tenama, Jac Cotelin Taldrya-Cantor, Aylin Sajark, Cassandra Oriana Taldrya, Rian Taldrya, Benevolent Taldrya Whiner, and more. The Ewok, Teebu, the troublemaker from the previous night, was tied to one of the pillars and gagged.

At the front walking up from stage right was the blue digital hologram of Vodo. The Twi'lek was dressed in the finest of Taldryan uniforms, well-kept and groomed as he normally was. But then again, he was a hologram. It wouldn’t be hard to be well groomed at all times. The room fell silent as he approached the middle and the lights shined upon him.

“Welcome, everyone.” Vodo began, with glances around the ballroom. “We are gathered here– yet again– to celebrate the real induction of one of our most esteemed members as a Scion of Taldryan. Someone that has demonstrated exceptional loyalty, dedication, and excellence to Taldryan itself. Not an object picked by an Ewok, a drunk, and the person living in our ceiling.”

“On a weekly basis, without fail, he encourages individual development and the growth of knowledge by creating inquiries centered around missions undertaken in specific regions of our various systems. What kinds of plants did you encounter? What new potential threats or predators have appeared? What environmental issues trouble the Ice Flats?”

“He consistently serves as a driving force with our new recruits, helping them to become oriented with the Taldryan Republic and the Brotherhood at large. He maintains his involvement with the Republic unphased, participates in missions directly when he does not have to, all in the name of making sure our new recruits see what we are capable of.”

“He reminds me much of not just myself, but Cassandra, Zen, Appius, Erinyes, and many other Taldrya with his demeanor, his focus towards the Republic’s future and activity both in the here-and-now as well as in the future. But most of all, helping when anyone needs it most.” Vodo read much the same script as the night prior, but this time it was delivered perfectly.

“Tonight,” Vodo said as he pulled a small folded card from his holographic pocket, “I am proud to announce the induction of the newest Scion of Taldryan. Please join me in congratulating -”

He opened the card and started to read. “Narman Losa!”

Applause broke out as Narman blinked, rather surprised at what was happening. He waited for a moment to see who would walk out to the stage but quickly realized - it was his name.

Vodo dimmed his eyes. “Come on up.”

Narman rose from his seat and made his way up to the stage as everyone continued to clap.

Erin raised her glass proudly, while Jac pouted slightly almost as if he had another plan that mysteriously failed. Teebu squirmed, and Cassandra clapped.

Aylin sat there and smiled, clapping the hardest out of everyone.

Zen just stood there with his arms crossed, giving nodding approval. Howie was in the back of the room, snacking on a massive platter of trout yet again. Two nights of trout, he probably thought it was his birthday. Rian and Ben both as well cheered, whistling.

“Three cheers for Narman!” Jac called as he stood up, his glass raised. Everyone stood and celebrated. Howie raised a whole trout into the air in celebration before letting it fall into his mouth and be swallowed whole, again.

Narman bowed his head forward as Vodo clapped as well, though his claps sounded strange coming from the speakers instead of his location. “Congratulations, Narman Losa Taldrya!”