Private Bridging the Gap

[Corazona von Ascania]

Lightspire Station​

Jand Talo | Ala Quin | Vizion Trozky | Aiden Porte

"Priddy Engineering certainly knows how to build a station."

Cora had gone over the publicly available schematics prior to their visit. It certainly didn't detail all of Lightspire's features - offensive systems and shielding particulars were proprietary, after all. What held her interest, among its military barracks and advanced medical capabilities, was the refugee wing. An aspect that the Republic would make good use of, if they already weren't.

Two pairs of footsteps created a certain rhythm as they moved over durasteel flooring, then onto the masonry of the Jedi temple. Cora glanced to Jand, one corner of her lips lifting in a faint smile. The last time they'd met had been on Ilum, where Alliance personnel had regrouped in the wake of Coruscant's shattering defeat. Now, the air between them felt calmer. Still, but with a shared underlaying tension.

"Have you met this new grandmaster? Ala Quin."

Aiden had spoken highly of the woman who'd come to replace Briana Sal-Soren , but Cora's own nerves wouldn't be properly soothed until they met her in the flesh. With so much tumult in the galaxy, the Jedi needed stalwart leaders to guide them through.

Leaning a little closer, Cora's voice lowered to give her words a measure of privacy between her and Jand. "With Ukatis now in Republic space, I've spent some time among their Jedi Order. They are good, reasonable people, and now - the galaxy's most visible and influential group of Jedi."

Absently, her hand came to rest against the gentle curve of her abdomen. It had become a grounding gesture as of late.

 

[Ala Quin]

"Does that feel any better?" The soldier nodded. He said little though, still clearly in pain. Ala leaned in to focus more energy through her hands into the burn wound.

"Master Jedi. Quantum phasing burns do not heal as easily as regular burns," said the medical droid in its too-soothing voice, "you have already done more than we can do...only time will tell now."

Ala winced. "Pirates, you say?"

"Indeed, Master Jedi. Pirate activity has been increasing, but technology such as this is rare..." "...odd for pirates." "...odd for pirates."

She and the droid spoke in the same moment, causing Ala to look up at the droid with a smile.

"Master Quin. The delegation from the New Jedi Order will be here soon," said the voice of the young aide, on loan from the Senate, "I am sorry...but we..."

"...should be going." Ala closed her eyes in a silent prayer to the Force for the soldier's life, and then stood reluctantly to walk out the door towards the meeting.

The aide's stride was a little longer than Ala's and more urgent. The diminutive master had to take three steps for every two, by the time she reached the hallway's intersection, she was breathing a little bit harder than intended. She cast her eyes over the Jedi from the Republic that were joining her, and she smiled coyly. "Righty-oh then. Might as well rip this bandaid off, huh? Can only make a bad first impression once," she said, but the joke fell flat, even for her. She winced, again.

Turning on her heels, she marched towards the meeting and fought every urge to bite her bottom lip. Instead, she steeled herself. And walked confidently. No use focusing on a failed joke. She was a Jedi, not a comedian. The universe was safer on both counts.

"Welcome to the Lightspire. We are honoured that you would travel to see us," Ala said, approaching the delegation. They looked a tad familiar, perhaps from her own days in the New Jedi Order, but that all seemed so long ago.

"I am Ala Quin, recently appointed Grandmaster of the Jedi Order. This is Knights Vizion Trozky and Aiden Porte...two of our finest," she said with a bow, and then directed towards a nearby door way, "please step inside so we may talk in private."

| Tag: Corazona von Ascania Jand Talo Aiden Porte Vizion Trozky |​

 

[Jand Talo]

Jand tried to act nonchalant about the station. He had observed the impressive structure on the flight aboard, had noted several interesting defensive measures, and had guessed as to some others. His aptitude for engineering and mechanics allowed him to make some educated speculation. Still, even as he walked down the corridors with Corazona, he couldn't help a glint of intrigue in his grey eyes.

He reached out, running fingers across connected wall panels.

Precision plating, composite alloys, barely a hair's breadth between them.

"Yes, the station is very impressive," Jand said as he looked over to his companion. "Priddy Engineering does skilled work. I can only assume at some of the systems are, but do not doubt they are equally impressive."

Jand glanced toward Corazona. He saw her smile, faint as it was, and returned his own. It was good to be with a friend again, especially after how recent events had left things with some members of the New Jedi, specifically Jasper and - to a lesser extent - Braze; a definite rift had been caused there, in the pursuit of justice, and it remained to be seen if Jasper was willing or able to accept things as they now were.

Another on a different path.

The Nagai pushed that aside.

"The name is familiar," he said, coming back to the conversation. "Was Ala Quin part of the New Jedi?"

When Corazona leaned in to speak lowly, Jand inclined his head. He nodded. He couldn't deny that, yes, the Jedi Order was likely the most widespread group of Jedi in the galaxy. He didn't know specifics, of course, but following the defense of Atrisia, the New Jedi had lost more of their numbers - which had further declined them, lessening the order's potency for combating the dark side. That battle had been bittersweet; both a win and a loss, one that had sealed the fate of the Galactic Alliance.

"I am willing to trust them on your word, Corazona," Jand said simply, as he worked his jaw muscles. Trust didn't come easily to the Nagai. "And we should speak later about your position with the New Jedi. Settle any concerns or decisions, as it were. There is much in fluctuation, currently."

Jand's grey eyes became distant, as he thought about yet another friend who was likely on another path.

It remained to be seen.

Ahead, humanoids appeared, the foremost speaking with a welcome and introduction. She was short yet walked with confidence, and Jand nodded his head at Ala Quin's approach. Introductions were provided for Aiden Porte and Vizion Trozky; the latter was known to Jand, they had fought together for a time on the frontlines of the Sith borders. He offered a nod to them.

"It is an honor to meet you, Ala Quin," the Nagai said as he looked back toward the Grandmaster, offering a bow in return. "I am Jand Talo. I..." he hesitated, unsure of what he should call himself. "-I am a delegate of the New Jedi. Thank you for taking time. I will follow you."

Jand offered a hand for the Grandmaster to lead, then would fall into step.

"It is good to see you, Vizion," Jand said in a low voice with a small smile to his friend. "I hope you've been well."

___________________________________________________________________

Corazona von Ascania | Ala Quin | Vizion Trozky | Aiden Porte​

 

[Aiden Porte]

Ala Quin Vizion Trozky Corazona von Ascania Jand Talo​

Aiden stood vigilant next to Ala Quin ,newly apointed grandmaster of the Jedi Order. It was time for them to meet the delegation as soon as she appeared, Aiden gave her a smile followed by a respectful bow.

"Nonsense, Ala. I think we are afforded a bad first impression a few times in our lives." The Jedi Knight said with the simples of chuckles as he moved next to her just as Vizion had as well.

The Lightspire hummed with energy and anticipation, young Padawans moving in purposeful clusters, Jedi Knights checking security details, astromechs trundling with updated docking clearances. Yet despite the motion, a hush followed in his wake, the kind that came when uncertainty and hope walked side by side.

He first noticed Cora, and he a big smile came across his face. Ignoring all formalites as he moved forward and gave her a small hug. "It's good to see you again, Cora. And congratulations." Before standing back, he extend his hand towards Jand. "It's nice to meet you my friend."

 

[Vizion Trozky]

LIGHTSPIRE STATION
HIGH REPUBLIC SPACE

She cast her eyes over the Jedi from the Republic that were joining her, and she smiled coyly. "Righty-oh then. Might as well rip this bandaid off, huh? Can only make a bad first impression once," she said, but the joke fell flat, even for her.

One brow lifted, and that was the extent of reaction that the Grandmaster got for her attempt at humour, from the Brentaalan. He had no words for that little jape, but to no surprise, the newest knight to be added to the High Council did, but this was hardly a surprise. That was Porte: often positive and encouraging.

Now, the context behind the petite, knife-eared woman’s ‘joke’ wasn’t lost on Vizion, not in the least, but there was no band-aid to rip off, in his case. The two representatives from the flagging New Jedi Order were known to him, and he held a favourable opinion of the both of them. He had spent time with each of the Ukatian and the Nagai, individually, and seen them operating as Jedi in different scenarios. Setting eyes on the two Jedi he knew better than the two he’d come with gave Vizion cause to smile, though not widely. He waited while Ala made quick work of the introductions, then fell into place alongside Jand as the older knight addressed him.

“Likewise, Jand,” he replied to the Nagai once Aiden was done with his greetings, his voice equally low as they followed behind the Grandmaster, “and I have been, all things considered.” His smile dimmed, for a few reasons. “I would rather we were meeting under better circumstances, but what cause does a council have to convene when all is well?”

A rhetorical question. That was the persistent problem: there was plenty of cause to gather, to the point that meetings often hosted only a fragment of the Council, such as today. Their number had grown, and it was hard enough even before now to pull everyone together in one room — they’d had to adapt to the reality of the present landscape, and work within those limitations.

Peace had become so precious in quantity; what reprieves there were had to be made the most of. If he wasn’t here, there was only one place he’d rather be.

Aiden Porte • Ala Quin • Corazona von Ascania • Jand Talo​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"She was, but that may have been before our time. I've come across her name in the archives not infrequently."

Cora's smile stretched just a little, from calm to knowing. Fond, even. Jand may not have been the most diplomatic Padawan, but his leadership abilities were emerging as a Jedi Knight.

And with it, another spark of hope.

The blonde nodded once, a silent gesture of assent for smoothing over the particulars of her position later. She would help no one by stretching herself too thin, but a shadow of guilt still crept over her.

"We are honored by your invitation, Grandmaster Quin." Cora dipped her head to the woman before lifting her gaze in polite observation. Ala might've been small in stature, but the Force moved around her in a way that was heavy without being suffocating. "This station is splendid. May it serve the Jedi Order well, as the Order serves in turn."

Cora's focus swept toward a pair of familiar faces, warming in recognition. "Knight Porte and Knight Trozky - I’m pleased to see you both well."

Aiden's hug caught her just slightly off guard - it really shouldn't have - and after a moment of surprise, she laughed softly and returned his embrace. "Thank you," her voice lowered, "I suppose even in these trying times, little miracles can still occur."

They disengaged while the group made their way into the meeting room. As she addressed the Grandmaster, Cora's fingers intertwined where they rested against her abdomen, hands obscured by the volume of her flowing sleeves.

"Knight Talo is the acting head of the New Jedi Order, whereas I serve as something akin to a link between both." She paused, weighing her words carefully. "What differences these two Orders have had in the past, I hope can be put aside for the greater good of the Jedi as a whole."

Jand Talo Ala Quin Aiden Porte Vizion Trozky