Private Goodwill does not mend bridges

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | B'yaaim Haar Cabur
| Objective | Bring a guest home

The Enduring Flame did not wait long to head on out of the agreed meeting point. As soon as the dropship returned within the hangar, the Mandalorians left, keen on returning to the safety of Kestri before the fragile negotiations could break down. Even with Senator Alicio Organa of Alderaan aboard, the warriors remained on edge, seemingly ready for an Alliance fleet to come out of hyperspace at any time - or for a team of commandos to board the ship! Not to mention the lingering concern of a Jedi making their way on board to rescue the Senator... after all, they had been drilled by their Alor to expect such tactics from the Jedi, using footage and reports from prior battles between the various iterations of the Jedi Order and a variety of foes to study their ways, and thus defeat them when the time would come to face them in battle.

Veshok Rook , for his part, was thanked for his assistance throughout Natasi's captivity and charged with returning to Tor Valum to inform Vren Rook of the events that unfolded, down to the last minute detail. The Guildmaster had shown a great deal of trust by agreeing to leave the operation in Jenn's hands, and the least she could do was to repay that trust with a first-hand account of the negotiations, delivered by an unbiased source. Someone without familial ties to her.

For his part, Alicio was left alone on the journey back, led to a plain room guarded by a pair of warriors. Upon the arrival of the Enduring Flame into the system, however, the Alor of Clan Kryze made the bold choice to inform the captain of the ship of a change in destination. Rather than orbiting Kestri and sending a dropship down with their prize to be imprisoned within one of their max-security cells, she had the light frigate brought into orbit over Inuyahya'baar. And, rather than sending a warrior over to inform Alicio of their arrival, she walked on over to the room he had been confined to herself.

"Senator Organa. I would respectfully ask you to see to it that any long-range communication device on your person is deactivated... and for you to withhold from using any comparable feat achieved through the Manda." Quite the demand for her to make, that much she knew, and yet she remained polite to a fault, treating her prisoner with the respect he was owed. Letting her instructions hang in the air, she then invited him to follow her with but a motion of her hand, leading him through the corridors and towards the hangar, followed by the pair of warriors previously standing guard over him.

"I would not make this request of you, if not for the rare privilege I wish to extend before you today. Rather than taking you to a cell, as I did with Senator Fortan, I intend to bring you home, where you will be treated as a guest, rather than a prisoner." Quite the choice for her to make, to be sure, and yet, she showed nothing in the way of doubt, and neither did the armed escort whose steps shadowed their own. When they arrived in the hangar, the gunship was ready for them to embark- and, naturally, she showed him the way, quietly bidding him to go first. Before long, they were heading towards the surface of Kestri's moon in a steady descent.

"When my Clan and I claimed it for our own, we chose to give it a new name. B'yaim Haar Cabur! Home of The Protectors." At last, pride filtered through her voice. For such a particularly devoted member of a proud, honor-bound people, Jenn showed a certain restraint when it came to showing such emotions before aruetiise, but, evidently, family and Clan were worthy of an exception. Then again, dissociating the two was a particularly difficult proposition when it came to Mandalorian culture. "Those who do not bear the name Kryze are not allowed within the lower levels, where we rest, train, and raise our children. But accommodations have been made for visitors on the surface: dignitaries from the other Clans or diplomatic envoys. Much like yourself, if after a fashion."

The gunship set down on the landing pad sitting atop the main structure of the complex, and when the doors opened, a few of the warriors set out to unload the heavy crates. Others opened their arms and took their children into their arms, welcomed lovers with a soft Keldabe Kiss, resting their helmets against another- and, although a few glances were given to the Senator, most were too engrossed in being reunited with loved ones to care much. Jenn let out a warm chuckle as a trio of teens ran up to her and began to talk over each other, clearly looking to her to settle some dispute incurred within the arena. "Easy, easy, verd'ika! I must see to our guest for now - run along and ask the alor'ad, would you?"

With the rowdy young warriors dispersing to find Jenn's second-in-command, she gave a shake of her head, clearly amused. "Follow on along, Senator", invited the Alor as she let her steps guide them away from the landing pad and onto the air control tower, fresh snow crunching underfoot as she went about unlocking it with her personal code. As soon as they came through the door, Alicio might realize that no guards followed them, and apart form the pilots clad in flight suits checking on the communications systems, they were alone. Another heavy door stood in their way, and this time, voice activation was necessary to unlock them.

"Mando'ad draar digu."

With that, the doors opened, revealing a... remarkably large meeting room, more than capable of housing a sizable delegation. Empty, save for the both of them, and undoubtedly private. Yet another sign of trust and respect from the Alor. Walking on over to her own seat at the head of the large, oval table, she directed him to sit nearby, that they might discuss.

"If you require refreshments, I can fetch water, tea, or wine - I keep everything in here."

​

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

Alicio had put a lot of trust in Jenn Kryze. And in return, Jenn Kryze had put a lot of trust in him.

He sat alone in a room on the Enduring Flame, sitting at a barren table, his datapad open in front of him. In the beginning, Alicio had sat in silence, but eventually, his restless mind forced him to begin working once again. They hadn't taken his device away from him, so he figured he was allowed to write up some drafts in the meantime. At the moment, he pondered over a short speech, changing a word here, tidying sentence structure there.

Every other minute, he would glance at an image at the corner of his screen. Himself, arm wrapped around a smiling green woman, two adorable half-Mirialan babies shared between them. The picture of his family was there to keep him from worrying. Even if there was a lot to worry about.

But as Jenn entered the room, Alicio slowly stopped what he was doing, turning his device completely off as he was directed to. Alicio stood, replacing the datapad within the folds of his cloak, and giving the Alor a slightly raised brow as she mentioned the shift in plans. He'd been expecting a cell, had prepared himself to be mistreated once the watchful eyes of Jenn were turned, but it seemed she had different plans.

"Understood," was all he said, frowning in thought.

The dourly-dressed Count followed the Kryze matriarch through the ship, eventually tasting a bit of freedom as they touched down on the Moon, and Mandalorians embraced Mandalorians. The sight brought a little warmth to his heart, as he saw soldiers reunited with their friends and families, a feeling he was intimately familiar with, whenever Amani came home from a dangerous assignment. But as quick as the warmth came, it passed, replaced by cold, somber reality.

How many Alliance soldiers, how many civilians, did it cost to allow these reunions? If he ever killed a Mandalorian, in defense of the greater good, how would their family react to their passing?

Waiting patiently for the leader to pass a small argument along, Alicio trailed behind Jenn, until they entered a heavily secured meeting area. Jenn took a seat at the head, while Alicio lingered away from her, his hands brushing tentatively against the back of a chair.

"If you require refreshments, I can fetch water, tea, or wine - I keep everything in here."

"Water would be appreciated. Thank you." Then, the senator paused. "...Why am I here, Alor Kryze?"

He'd expected binders, a cell, cold isolation. Not being treated like an honored guest.

- Jenn Kryze -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

​

| Location | B'yaaim Haar Cabur - Air Control Tower
| Objective | Speak truly, and listen honestly.

With but a nod showing her acknowledgement in the face of his request, Jenn showed yet another casual, but no less significant display of trust as she stood up from her seat and turned her back to him as she went to fetch the requested refreshments from a small side area, kept within sight of the large table. Soon, she returned with a simple pitcher of water and a pair of glasses, filling them both and setting one before the Senator. His question went unanswered at first: instead, she found herself pondering silently on just how far she could take this trust. None in the Galactic Alliance had seen her face, save for her dearest friend and her husband - a woman she trusted not to describe her likeness to the SIA. Her guest would not show the same scruples, she realized that much, and yet... perhaps standing on equal footing would help her vision.

Uncomfortable as she was with the notion of baring her face to one who did not walk the blessed path, Jenn had sacrifices and concessions to make. Yet another burden of this newfound position of leadership she now occupied. So it was that she brought her hands to her helmet, a hiss of depressurization announcing what was to come. Slowly, reluctantly, the Mandalorian removed her helmet and brought it to rest on the table, taking a hold of her glass and drinking greedily from its contents. Another sign that she had no intent to poison Alicio, and a chance to hydrate once more. Stars knew she needed it after the stressful negotiations aboard the Gift of Peace. Setting down her glass with a sigh, she then dipped two fingers inside it, dragging them over the gills at the side of her neck.

Although her armor was rather plain, for a woman of such influence, what lie beneath was anything but. From her fiery mane of coppery hair to the piercing gray eyes truly befitting of her proud legacy as a Nite Owl, she possessed a certain... intensity about her. As if the control she kept over herself demanded effort.

Plunging that piercing gaze into his eyes, she finally spoke, her expression betraying a little more than the Y shaped visor could. There was a touch of cautiousness, yes, but also hope.

"You are here because every journey begins with a single step", began the Alor calmly. "Senator Fortan's capture was done by my hand, under the command of a superior in the Enclave. Her mind was predisposed to spite, looking down on my people as savages - I could not converse with her as I want to believe I can with you. I followed my orders to the letter. But that... was then. Now, I am the Alor of Clan Kryze, and although my family must recover from many years of decline, I am nonetheless afforded some measure of trust and consideration. Enough so that I can afford to make my decisions."

It was then that she sat down once more, folding her arms over the table as she did so. There was a moment of reluctance, of hesitation - but it passed quickly, and her confidence returned quickly. "Catechism Thirteen: Outsiders are not privy to private matters between Mandalorians. By enlightening you as I do now, I shame myself, and risk the fate of my very soul - as I have done so before with a- actually, make that two members of the Jedi Order. One, I call my dearest friend. The other, a noble soul I wish I could have called friend, if not for this war. But, I digress. The fact of the matter is, Senator Organa, that our culture is not monolithic. I understood the motivation behind the raid on the Inner Rim, and I stand by the idea of a quick and brutal strike meant to teach your Alliance a lesson it will not soon forget... but I know the cost of victory. I took it upon myself to return to Ukatis, and sear the sight into my very soul."

Then, there was a pause. Up until now, she had only spoken of her perspective, and her opinion on the savage raid on the worlds of Kiffu, Ukatis, Yag'Dhul, and Thyferra. No rules had been broken just yet... and the thought of openly breaking a tenet of the Mandalorian Catechisms left a bitter taste in her mouth. Refilling her glass, she took a nervous sip from its contents, trying her best to mask her anxiety. In the end, she inhaled sharply through her gills, making them stand out a little more... and chose to make that first step.

"After we mauled your worlds, a Council was held, where all were welcomed to let their voices heard. And I... renounced the Crusade, before all of my people assembled there. I tried to make them see, to realize that throughout our history, conquest has ever been a herald of decline: each and every single time, we were crushed for our belligerent attempts at seizing eternal glory for ourselves. I told them I would not be a part of it any longer, and in doing so, I earned the respect of some - and the ire of many. From my pledge to devote myself to the defense of our worlds, others came to me, and so I seized the mantle of Alor, and found myself here. Matriarch of a Clan, and would-be figurehead of the Protectors."

​

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

Alicio hadn't expected the Mandalorian to get up and retrieve his drink herself. Though, he supposed he should have.

He watched her in silence as she pointedly ignored his question, finally picking up the glass as it was set before him. He afforded it a moment of attention, the same sort of curiosity on his face as he'd watched her, before taking a sip. Standing strong against a kill-team of Nite Owls had a way of tiring him out, too.

He had done his fair share of research on Kestri's Mandalorian Enclave in preparation for the hostage negotiation. Information was sparse, but there, if one knew where to look. He knew how important one's helmet was, to some. Jenn's pause, the hesitation he tasted in the Force as she removed her's, told him that it was significant. Yet another show of trust.

She began to talk.

Alicio had found, in his time working with people, that the less he said, the more his conversation partner would fill in the gaps. So he waited. Listened. Studied each word, like one would pour over the text of a book. His expression soured at moments, especially when the attacks on Alliance worlds were brought up. But curiosity replaced it, as soon as more hesitation leaked into the air. As she continued, describing something he hadn't expected.

There was division in the Mandalorian cause. Warriors that didn't want the war. The crusade.

"It's... noble of you to share, Alor. I know we are enemies, that it would be... smarter, for you not to. But I do appreciate it." The gratitude was obvious on his face. As was, perhaps, a bit of mirrored hope.

Alicio's eyes, veiled by dark grey, were just as intense as Jenn's. Not piercing like her gaze, but just as wickedly sharp, hiding a thousand thoughts a second. "The attack on the Core was brutal." That, they could agree on. They should begin there. "It would have worked to turn away any other group. But not the Galactic Alliance. They have a history of standing up to their aggressors, despite their fears. Many clamor for justice. It will only get worse from here, I think. For all of us."

He took another drink, then set down his water. Obviously, he didn't want the war to get worse. But... was there a choice?

"Would you protect the occupied worlds overran by the Enclave's Crusade? Worlds that did not wish to join? Ryloth? Rodia?"

- Jenn Kryze -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

​

| Location | B'yaaim Haar Cabur - Air Control Tower
| Objective | Speak truly, and listen honestly.

A smile pulled at the Alor's lips when Alicio gave her his thanks, and yet, it remained devoid of mirth. Jenn was tired, and she could do little more than muster a polite response to show her appreciation for his words. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained, Senator Organa", came her response. "Given the circumstances, someone has to make that first step. If it must be me, then so be it. None stepped up when the time came to speak up against the Crusade, so I did. None stepped up when the time came to take the ashes of Clan Kryze and build something anew, so I did. I could go on."

When the time came to speak of the immensely successful raid in the Inner Rim, she could only nod in agreement. Standing by her belief that the strike had been a necessary act to show the Alliance the might of the Enclave before they could muster their fleets and armies, she knew his words to be true. Although the Enclave had seen the intended effect unfold before their eyes when Lohopa rebelled: fear was an effective tool to wield, and one Jenn did not shy away from, Peacekeeper or not, as the Rebels on Ryloth could attest. But, where some felt only fear and a desire to distance themselves from the Alliance that dragged them all into war against the galaxy's greatest warriors, others felt only the burning desire for vengeance, justice, or whatever it was they decided to dress up their longing for a chance to strike back.

In truth, she already knew how the war would end, if either side allowed it to come to that. With the superior numbers of the Galactic Alliance backing them in every last engagement, they would eventually win the day, grinding down the Mandalorians in a war of attrition. A war that would cost them dearly, and leave them exposed to the inevitably resurgence of the Sith. And her people... they would return to a petty existence as bounty hunters and mercenaries, fighting for nothing.

Alicio's query was answered immediately. "Yes. A Protector does not pick and choose who they defend: our duty is clear. My Clan and I have no intention to accompany the Crusaders in their assaults on your worlds, except perhaps as a rearguard meant to help our wounded return home without preyed upon by marauders. But those worlds we have made our own, through diplomacy or conquest? They are, by creed, ours to defend. If I refused, and forbid my Clan and the rest of the Protectors from protecting these territories, we would lose all credibility among my people. And I will need their respect, if I am to make a difference."

​

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

Alicio canted his head to the side, if only a little, at Jenn's response to his thanks. She seemed willing to take the first step for what she felt was right. If that was the case, maybe...

"Yes."

His hope were dashed by the surety of her words.

He listened, with that rapt attentiveness that hadn't left him yet, but his mood had darkened considerably. She may have seen it as her duty, or as making concessions to her people for the sake of political power, but he only saw it one way. His head dipped, a heavy breath escaping his lips. "Then you are a crusader still, Jenn Kryze. Whether you wish to label yourself one or not."

He finally sat down at the table, his derisive comment made dull by how he looked into the middle distance. He wasn't trying to start a fight. He was trying to start a conversation.

"If a Mandalorian wishes to leave the creed behind them, put down their helmet for a simpler life, or out of moral objection, what would happen to them? What would the Enclave do to them?"

- Jenn Kryze -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

​

| Location | B'yaaim Haar Cabur - Air Control Tower
| Objective | Speak truly, and listen honestly.

"Then you are a crusader still, Jenn Kryze. Whether you wish to label yourself one or not."

There was no overt display from her - her hands were not balled into fists, nor did her features betray anything harsh... but her eyes could not dissimulate the sheer spite behind them. Again and again, she argued against the Crusade, against those she called friends as they argued with her endlessly, and when she crossed paths with outsiders from the Alliance, she spoke as earnestly as one possibly could to make them see that she, and by extension, those who rallied under her banner, were not the monsters they had been depicted as. Having her honor insulted by outsiders was, unfortunately, something common enough that she hardly took offense anymore. A line of thought that slowly, but dangerously pushed her towards the notion that those outsiders were worthless, beneath her very contempt.

A wolf should not concern itself with the bleating of sheep, after all. And for her to do so took a conscious effort, each and every single time. Perhaps this exhausting venture was not worth the pursuit.

And yet, the Mandalorian soldiered on, in spite of all of her reservations. Rather than wasting her time debating this man over who and what she was, she took another greedy gulp from her glass of water, taking a hold of the pitcher to refill it soon thereafter. "If someone leaves the creed behind them, then they are a Mandalorian no more. They lose the right to call themselves so, or to bear the name for their Clan. But they are free to do so. Personal choice is an important part of our culture: forcing someone to become or stay a Mandalorian is antithetical to all that we are. The Enclave would do nothing. That is a matter for the person to decide, and their Clan to deal with. It is only when one decides to take up arms for the enemy that we begin to cast judgement upon them. Even so, I regard those of us who have grown so astray as to side with your Alliance and fight against their very people as misguided. Not lost."

If she gave him too much of a window, he would ask something else, and she would get nothing out of the conversation. It was time for her to ask something of him, and she knew exactly what as her eyes came to rest upon his ring once more.

"Making this a war for our survival is not something you want to do, Alicio. When we stop fighting for territories, and begin to fight to ensure our existence as a haven for our people, then you will witness the true extent of Mandalorian ferocity. I fight for hearth and home, for the chance to give a safe haven for my people to drop their guard, to settle down, and raise their family in peace and safety. I know you understand that. The things we would both do for our families." Her gaze looked up from his ring and into his eyes, giving a short pause, if only for him to realize her intent.

"I have a daughter. Her name is Varys. And, although she was not born of my blood, I love her as my very own child all the same: just as the one whose flesh birthed her is not her mother. Aliit ori'shya tal'din - family is more than blood. Knowing all this... then you understand that I would stop at nothing to keep my family and my Clan safe."

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

"I do not want this war to come to that." Alicio seemed sad, yet undeterred. He knew what she spoke of. If anyone, anyone, threatened the safety of his children, he wouldn't stop to think of the right or wrong of it, either. He would simply save them. By any means necessary. It didn't make Jenn right, but it did make him relate to her, quite a bit. "And if it comes to that, I will fight for a resolution before that point, if I think there is one."

"I have two children. A daughter, and a son. I didn't want them to grow up in war." He found himself staring at his ring, too. "But this war is about more than just one family."

He returned to the intended destination of his original comment. It hadn't seemed Jenn had caught on. "If personal choice is integral to the Mandalorian culture, then why didn't the Mandalorians respect the choices of the Twi'leks and Rodians? Both were rather clear on what they wanted. Or are the choices, the families of aruetiise worthless to the Mando'ade?"

"By holding and suppressing them, you rob them of that choice, and support the Crusade from behind, whether you participate directly or not."

"So, which is more important to you? The right to choose, or the right to conquer?"

- Jenn Kryze -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

​

| Location | B'yaaim Haar Cabur - Air Control Tower
| Objective | Speak truly, and listen honestly.

"It will come to that. My people have little regard for aruetiise. Your people look upon mine as savage barbarians - look no further than Senator Fortan. You cannot stop this war, nor can I. Accept it."

Jenn listened to her guest speak of his children with a nod. More than anything, she understood his desire for stability, for a chance to raise his children in a Galaxy at peace, where he need not fear for their safety, should a strike force of Mandalorians darken the skies in another display of shock and awe. "I take no pleasure in keeping you from them", spoke the Ersansyr calmly, sympathetic despite their differences.

Perhaps to his surprise, Alicio's words were met with a nod of agreement. "The fate of aruetiise is but a secondary concern at best to many of us, this is true. And even for those who do care, their future will always be a distant second to our own. We are a tight-knit and insular people, Senator Organa. In the end, what do we have but each other? The Mando'ade stand alone. The last time we put our trust in outsiders, Mandalore burned. I watched everything I knew dying around me."

Her gaze grew harsh, then, and for a moment, she looked about ready to stand up and rest her fists against the table, the anger that flashed over her betraying what she truly was, from the rapid change of her eyes to a luminescent blue to the sight of those fangs to the straining of her gloves as fingers slowly turned to claws. "Do not mistake my desire to see peace for weakness, Senator. Nor a confession of guilt. Ryloth, Rodia - those words were not yours. Why, then, did we face the Jedi in battle, before any declaration of war was received from the Galactic Alliance? Am I to understand that you follow the whims of an order of mystics whose hands are red with the blood of my people since untold centuries?"

But the moment passed, and with it, so did the outburst of anger, even though the Ersansyr's features remained so very... otherworldly, alluring, and dangerous. Her gaze was almost difficult to hold for most - but, then again, Alicio Organa was not like most men.

"The right to choose will always be more important to me", continued the Alor, her calm returned to her. "Conquest is not a right. The Crusade is an outdated and archaic belief holding us back, and it ultimately pushed us to war - a situation made worse by the meddling of the Jedi Order and the overreach of the Galactic Alliance, to be sure, but we set the pyre up for all of this. "

The siren gulped down the rest of her glass, her thirst seemingly unquenchable indeed - not that her constant battle against dehydration was the most difficult part of her nature for her to handle, it seemed. Without the cultural guidance of the rest of her people, she had never learned to turn the predatory instinct of an Ersansyr towards social competition and contests of words as they did, and she suffered for it.

"The argument made was such: we need worlds, if we are to reassert ourselves as a major power and stand the test of time. But the Enclave, upon its founding, had no need for conquest. Many worlds joined us through diplomatic means, and under the wisdom of the Quartermaster, Manda rest her soul, we grew steadily, and peacefully. We brought a measure of safety to Wild Space, and a chance for people to start their lives anew, to prosper under the watchful eye of their protectors, ready to give our lives for all who choose to make the Enclave their home, aruetiise or otherwise. That was the promise of the Mandalorian Enclave! A safe haven for the Mando'ade and those who chose to live alongsided them. The woman I love, my cyar'ika, is a Coruscanti mechanic - she and I are living proof that our people could change for the better. And then... I suppose we lost our way. The Quartermaster died. Romul Saxon proved an ineffectual leader in all matters unrelated to war. Our youth, who have never known loss as I and the rest of the old guard have, hunger for a chance to return the Enclave to what it once was, but they scarcely understand the price, or what the Enclave was founded upon. If I let you destroy the Enclave, then I can never return it to what it once was."

​

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

"I hold out hope," Alicio responded, and left it at that.

Perhaps a little of it rekindled in this conversation, as Jenn agreed with him. That people mattered, despite what those who openly crusaded said. It was... tempered, slightly, by a primal outburst by the Mandalorian. Despite watching the future, Alicio couldn't help but flinch a little, his eyes going wide, and then narrowing in thought.

He did hold her gaze. Alicio was made of sterner stuff, had survived things more withering than the glowing blue eyes of an Ersanyr. "They did not belong to the Mandalorians either." There was no right to conquest. She soon said so herself.

Alicio couldn't fully get a read on the mind of Jenn Kryze. It seemed she understood what the Mandalorians were doing was wrong, but thought they weren't wrong for doing it. It was... confusing. Perhaps a little frustrating, though Alicio didn't let it show. Instead, he tried his best to keep an icy calm.

"If I let you destroy the Enclave, then I can never return it to what it once was."

Alicio waited a moment, pondering his next words. He gave each syllable the proper time, honing them to have the intended effect. Then, he let the first of them fly.

"Do you know why the Galactic Alliance declared war on the Enclave?"

- Jenn Kryze -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

​

| Location | B'yaaim Haar Cabur - Air Control Tower
| Objective | Speak truly, and listen honestly.

With her true face bared to the world like this, there was something so much more primal about Jenn. Her gaze betrayed something else than the absolute calm and control she had shown during the negotiations, and up until her outburst a few moments ago. Because there was no denying that this was everything the Alor truly was: the gills betrayed that she was no human, but the fangs and the luminescent eyes spoke of a predator. A being more than capable of luring lessers souls to their doom, singing oh-so sweetly to them, weaving a beautiful tapestry with her words... oh, if only she knew the true extent of what she could do.

But, no matter how intense she now appeared to be, the Mandalorian before Alicio kept to her virtues - or, at the least, she sought to embody them earnestly. Truth, Justice, and Honor indeed. And, should one look into those enthralling eyes and resist the alluring presence all but demanding submission, then they would be able to glimpse at the sheer extent of her considerable will. Jenn, Alor of Clan Kryze, was possessed with an indomitable will that surpassed her martial skill. In the eyes of some, that will might appear wasted on her pursuits, torn between her duty to her people and their heritage... and what she thought was right. A perpetual tug-and-pull within her mind - and, perhaps, the cause of this never-ending storm within her mind, the dissonance that left the Senator so perplexed, if not frustrated.

But, when Alicio spoke once more, Jenn regarded him warily, pondering on the meaning behind his words prudently.

"No", answered the Ersansyr at last, her voice taking an enthralling and otherworldly quality to it - to her chagrin. Frowning, she brought her fingers to massage her temples, mortified (and enraged) by how easily she was losing her focus with this man. He seemed earnest, respectful, and worthy of her attention - and that made it all the more difficult for her to dismiss his words. More than anything, the smith wanted to believe him, to believe the honesty behind his words and his rationale. And that made it oh-so hard to hate him, to cast him out as yet another aruetii treating her and her kin like savages.

"No", she reiterated. "I can only assume it was done as a direct response to the Enclave's conquest of Rodia and Ryloth. Either the Jedi pressed the Senate into it, or you figured it fell to you to be peacekeepers. Or to strangle our growth before we became something for you to worry about - anything more than warriors confined to a single planet."

​

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

"No."

Alicio felt the power in that word, as he tasted sweet burning incense on his tongue. There was a tickle twisting it's way along the defenses of his mind, that urged him to nod his head, agree with her. But he didn't nod in agreement. Instead, suspicion caused his lip to twitch down. His will was made of sterner stuff.

Then, his head titled to the side, grey eyes filling with curiosity. She hadn't meant to do that, had she?

"We declared war because the Galactic Alliance has a creed, too." Alicio took another sip of water, the action only leaving his mouth more dry. "We believe that a planet should be free to make it's own choices, like you do. That families shouldn't have to live in fear of their neighbors invading them. With the raids on Rishi, Kashyyyk, and finally, Rodia, we saw a pattern developing. Mandalorians, killing for the sake of expansion."

"We started by declaring our intent. 'Stop hurting innocent people, or we will be forced to take action'." The Count's tone became bitter, as he stared ahead at nothing. "That would have been the time for negotiation. For an Alor, or a Forgemaster, or someone to step forward and open a line. But all we got in return was contempt. Scorn. And Ryloth. And civilians targeted by Mandalorian weapons in Alliance space."

"And the Enclave has the gall to claim the part of the victim." For the first time, true rage and anguish broke from the Count's forced calm. He knew he shouldn't have. But he couldn't stop it. He cared too much to pretend he didn't.

But soon enough, Alicio let the anger go, leaving only hollow sadness behind. A surreptitious hand passed under his eye, as he continued to stare ahead, away from his host. "...Sorry. I shouldn't've... That isn't helpful."

"But... what other choice did we have? Honestly?"

- Jenn Kryze -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

​

| Location | B'yaaim Haar Cabur - Air Control Tower
| Objective | Speak truly, and listen honestly.

"This is war, Senator", answered the warrior coolly. "No matter how professional the Si'kayha or the Bes'kyrade may be in their pursuit of military objectives, civilian casualties can only ever be avoided, not prevented." But... the Mandalorian's expression did not match her words. That argument had been used time and time again whenever her people were accused of horrid acts: one, she had been called a child murderer by a certain pilot she had once called friend. But this, she realized, was not Alicio's point, and her words formed a refusal to address it. Jenn nodded, and sought to keep her cool. "We are a proud people, Alicio. There was only ever one way we would respond to a threat made by a collective of politicians, spineless cowards who think throwing away the lives of true warriors makes them brave. Some among us took it as an overt attempt to stifle our growth, to confine us to Kestri. And... I agreed, then. It is a sign of strength, to cry out and resist. To refuse weakness imposed upon us. Would the Alliance have tried to stifle our progress, had we employed different means to the Crusade, vindicating my vode? I suppose we will never know, now."

The words that followed gave her pause, but there was no time for her to mull them over - not when Alicio reached some kind of outburst of his own. Nothing quite as spectacular or worrying as her shifting a few moments earlier, but for a man who managed to keep such a great deal of control over himself, she knew the reaction to be genuine. And, in a way, Jenn respected Alicio for it, for such a raw, naked display of genuine anguish. At last, it seemed she had found a politician who believed in the words that left his mouth, someone who truly devoted themselves to a cause worth fighting for and rose above the rest of the parasites.

Alicio's apology was met with naught but a slight lift of her hand, as if to stop him from pursuing that line of thought. The look she gave him seemed well and truly devoid of anger, nor judgement for his words. The reaction he might have feared was nowhere to be seen: if anything, she looked... almost accepting. As if he was right to be angry.

"I don't know", came the Alor's answer as she closed her eyes, the sheer weight of it all suddenly bearing down on her with such a confession.

"You know, I see all manner of my people who say they want to help. Every day, they say it on the news, on broadcasts, or right to my face, but they're lying. They're not ready to do what's necessary. They just clutch their honor and stand by wringing their hands, getting upset when they get held accountable for what they allow to happen."

​

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

Jenn's initial response was returned with pursed lips and a furrowed brow. It was one thing to have accidental casualties. It was another to specifically and intentionally aim for soft targets.

But Jenn quickly left this line of thought, so Alicio didn't expand on it either. Instead, he listened. Offered one last bit of dialogue, one last answer to her question, before his outburst. "Yes. It would have. We had no reason to the fear the Enclave, until it wanted to be feared."

His broken peace wasn't met with the contempt that he'd feared might come. Instead, there was a different expression on her face, a mixing in the flavors of the Force he didn't entirely understand. She... agreed.

Alicio looked up to the Kryze Alor then, not without a little helplessness at her commiserated 'I don't know'.

"You know, I see all manner of my people who say they want to help. Every day, they say it on the news, on broadcasts, or right to my face, but they're lying. They're not ready to do what's necessary. They just clutch their honor and stand by wringing their hands, getting upset when they get held accountable for what they allow to happen."

"All it takes is for one person to stand up, Alor Kryze." The Senator had regained his cool, but despite his reigned-in tone, each word was still brimming with sincerity. "Then others will have the courage to follow. Take it from a spineless senator." He quirked his lip up, before letting it rest again.

"You have the Force." An observation, not a question.

- Jenn Kryze -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

​

| Location | B'yaaim Haar Cabur - Air Control Tower
| Objective | Speak truly, and listen honestly.

Jenn did nothing to further pursue the line of thought expressed before Alicio's outburst. It was pointless, for them to speak of what was, and what might have been. Just as it was pointless for her to try and make him see that her people were not the only cause of this war. What mattered now was what the two of them could do about it: which, unfortunately, well and truly felt irrelevant to her. Both held a significant enough office, as Senator and Alor respectively, but their reach was nonetheless limited.​

​

Further adding to the sense of helplessness invading her thoughts. Perhaps this had been a mistake. Perhaps, even with good will on both sides, they were powerless to change anything. When Alicio spoke of just what it might take to change things, her gaze met his once more, thoughtful. Although she had not seized the mantle of Alor then, Jenn was the first to stand up against the Crusade - at least, in such a public and unabashed manner. There were others who rejected the war, of course, but all of those had simply told her they would be leaving the Enclave, resigned to the impossibility of stopping the Crusade. Now with that kind of momentum.​

​

"Such has been my aim with the Protectors", spoke the Ersansyr quietly, answering his words with a tilt of her head. "A difficult venture at the best of times."​

​

Slowly, she lifted a brow as he gave her but the shadow of a smile. "I have precious little respect for the Senate, for a great many reasons I am sure we do not need to get into, chief of which being the existence of Imperials among them. But... no. You, I do not hold in contempt. Perhaps you are one of the few politicians who shows heart. Who may well and truly be genuine. Or perhaps you are a apt liar, and I am a hopeless fool with much to learn, still. If I never made the choice to trust others, then we would never have found out."​

​

It as then that her honored guest made an observation that left her visibly uncomfortable, if for but a moment. Shock, written all over her features... accompanied by reluctance, and not a little shame. ​

​

"Were it not for the kindness of the Jedi I call friend, I may not have learned of my nature", spoke the Alor softly, her fondness for her friend shining through... before her voice grew cold. "I find it to be more of a curse than a blessing on most days."​

​

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

"If it were simple, someone else would do it." He offered another short smile. 'Nothing worth doing is easy' wasn't typically a thought process he ascribed to, but it rang particularly true to him here.

It seemed he had earned some sort of cautious respect from the Mandalorian. Alicio pursed his lip, but gave her a nod of his head regardless. He didn't comment on her trust. Instead, he commented on her distrust. "I wish that wasn't the common perception. Each senator represents a planet, voted in by all it's residents, entrusted to be their mouthpiece, to fight with her best interests at heart. They are the will of the people." He paused. "At least, that's what it should be like. I'm also well aware of my body's failings, as you are yours. That is a battle I still fight, too." He knew about the greed, the corruption, the selfish thoughts of the influential few. He'd been opposing them long before he became a senator.

Jenn's reaction to his observation of her Force abilities was... telling. Her hesitance with it made her all the more human in his eyes, which softened as she explained herself. "I... know what that's like. I have the Force, too. Used to call it my 'gift', when I first found out." Reaching out with his senses, he caused a few droplets of water to float from the cup, spin around each other in a slow, careful dance, then retreat to the glass. "Now? I don't think it's a gift. But I don't think having it is a curse, either."

"Especially for us, for people in power, it's... a responsibility. A duty, to use it well."

"I didn't expect you to have a Jedi friend." He crossed his arms. "From what I understand, the average Mandalorian views the jetii as traitors."

- Jenn Kryze -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

​

| Location | B'yaaim Haar Cabur - Air Control Tower
| Objective | Speak truly, and listen honestly

When she found herself met with what seemed to be encouragement from the Senator, the Alor looked even more thoughtful. For all of their differences, the proud champion and inheritor found the man before her to be worthy of respect, even though he was clearly no warrior. Alicio would never understand the peace she felt whilst in the midst of battle, surrounded by the screams of the dying, the whizzing of plasma bolts flying by, the roaring of engines, the earth-shaking thunder of artillery... but that was acceptable. Slowly, but surely, the Mandalorian had learned the virtues that lie in those who did not share the fire within her.

The two of them could have discussed the differences in positions all day long, that much she knew - between a martial society rooted in isolationism and tight-knit bonds between families, and one built around the representation of entire planets, letting the will of untold billions known in one concentrated place of power. The thought of joining the Alliance had occured to her, of course, when relations between the Enclave and their erstwhile allies remained cordial. But she knew, deep in her heart, that the Mando'ade could not trust outsiders to do what was best for them. To genuinely look upon their culture and treat it with respect and consideration.

Even now, she very much doubted that Alicio would look favourably upon the customs she chose to preserve, even as a reformer. But, in the end, she realized that compromise was the only chance for the both of them to achieve any sort of agreement, and when he spoke of his lucidity when it came to the rot in the Senate, just as she was aware of the backwards ways her people chose to cling on to, Jenn rested a hand over her heart, before extending it in his direction. A sign of peace, and well wishing - my heart goes out to you.

"I forge my words and my intent in the fire of truth, and thrust the lance of verity into the heart of the liar, the corrupt, and the greedy. If more people chose to do as you do now, perhaps this Galaxy would be a better place."

The topic of the Force, however, left her far more expressive than before - far more than she wished to be, to be sure. "But what if we harm those we love?" asked the Mandalorian quietly, her voice almost a mumble as she looked to the display of Alicio's power, visibly impressed. Some might dismiss it as nothing more than a trick, but the fiery-haired warrior knew better. To tap into the Force required... a measure of control.

"Most of my time is devoted to my duties as Alor. Pursuing control over my powers is... a secondary concern. For all of my grievances with the Jedi, some of which I cannot reconcile, I respect those among them who truly stand by their values, who genuinely do good. I have saved two Padawans since this war began - one, by keeping her from people, and the other, from the predations of pirates on Kaddak. A knight, I believe, did me the grace of letting me go, so long as I never return to Alliance space. And then, as I mentioned, there is... my dearest friend. If not for this war, I would jump on a grenade for that woman. They are, all of them, good people, with truly beautiful hearts."

Jenn paused, realizing how her lips had curled into a smile so very full of joy and melancholy as she spoke of her run-ins with the Jedi. It was hardly all sunshine and rainbows, of course: each and every time she met one, the Mandalorian understood that war would, one day, bring them to trade blows. That those brilliant souls she seemed to respect and adore so would need to be snuffed out by her very hands to protect her family and her Clan. A sigh escaped her lips, and she stood from her seat to refill the pitcher, quiet and thoughtful.

"The Jetii are the ancient foes of my people. We've been killing each other since long, long before this armor was first forged, a millennia ago. All that blood... it could fill oceans. To find common cause with people who call themselves peacekeepers, and go wherever they will to do the business of warriors - casting a terrible judgement on my people when we think to do the same - is difficult. The Jetii fight for peace, for an end to fighting - but we fight for glory and honor, and relish the chance to accumulate both."

Returning to the table, Jenn held the pitcher in one hand... and a glass filled with a liquid that glowed a brilliant blue green of a tropical sea. Refilling Alicio's glass if he needed it to be, the Alor then sat down once more after putting the pitcher down on the table, sipping from her drink most eagerly.

"The Mandokarla, shamans of my people, have warned me not to follow the folly of the Jedi, and their desire to play peacekeeper for an entire Galaxy. And yet... I can't help but dream of all we could achieve together. To see the Mando'ade renowned as warrior-knights, fighting shoulder to shoulder with our old foes once more for something worth preserving. After all, we are all of the Manda."

​

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

"If more people chose to do as you do now, perhaps this Galaxy would be a better place."

"All it takes is for one to stand up, and others will find the courage to follow," the Count repeated, a short smile as thanks for her compliment. As optimistic, as naïve, as if made him seem, he did believe it. Despite everything he'd seen, every atrocity he'd bore witness to, every time his trust had been broken... he believed people were still capable of good.

Jenn showed a healthy caution for her abilities, one that Alicio saw mirrored in his own past. His shadowed grin returned. "It's a responsibility," he echoed. "What advice would you give a new recruit, who was afraid of the weapon in their hand?" He knew what he would say, but he'd also found the best advice was often given from one's own mouth.

Alicio seemed to ponder the Alor's perspective on the Jedi, letting his lips touch his glass. She had a mature view of her enemy, even obviously cared for a few. Yet, she remained firmly on her own side. "Believe me, I hold a similar... fondness for the Jedi." He smirked. "I'm married to one, after all. Us and another couple watch each other's kids."

Alicio nodded as Jenn offered to refill his drink, studying the vibrant color, and the face of the Mandalorian beyond it. "I don't suppose there are any Mandokarla you could imprison alongside me." He felt comfortable enough to joke, now. If only a little. "I would like to ask one what's so wrong about wanting to see a galaxy safe from injustice."

"Your vision almost happened. At the end of the war with the Maw, there was... a chance." Alicio's eyes became wicked sharp again. Not out of disdain, or anger... but intense thought. Maybe it wasn't the right time. But he had to try. "There won't be another. Not unless the trajectory of this war changes."

"So. How can we make that happen?"

- Jenn Kryze -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

​

| Location | B'yaaim Haar Cabur - Air Control Tower
| Objective | Speak truly, and listen honestly

Alicio chose to trust his host - at least, enough so that the two of them could have an open and honest dialogue. The significance of all this was not lost on Jenn, and the more they spoke to one another, the easier it became for things to become... a little more warm. Not quite casual, but certainly conversational. So, when the man before her asked her such a question, the fiery-haired warrior felt no wariness, her features betraying only thoughtfulness... and then, came her response. "I would tell them that a weapon is not evil", spoke the Alor with a little nod, seeing the wisdom in Alicio's approach. "That it is but the extension of their will. The weapon cannot force them to act a certain way: but, by treating it with the same respect as any other tool, then they ensure that no accident can occur."

Perhaps to his surprise, that smirk was answered by one of her own: the Mandalorian seemed all the more human for it, otherworldly creature born of Sith alchemy or not. There was playfulness here, and not a little gentleness beside. "A Senator and a Jedi, and the two of you have somehow found time to raise a family?" A lift of her brow followed that little remark, accompanied by a sip of her glowing drink. Clearly, in spite of the good-natured ribbing, the Alor was taken aback by the news. "I can't lie, I'm impressed. Seeing to your duties and giving your children the attention they deserve is... not exactly easy. And my daughter is an adult - she can take care of herself when I'm not around! You are a brave soul, Alicio Organa."

It seemed the good Senator had found the clearest way to the Alor's soul: family, and the joy that came with it. For her part, Jenn could only think of her own fondness for the Jedi, in spite of it all, and how she almost found herself craving the thought of spending more time with some of them. For all of the disagreements, the key differences in personal beliefs and creed, they were so irresistibly driven, embodying the strength of will sought after by most Mandalorians in a partner! An amusing thought, to be sure, for ancient enemies to fit so well together, if only in her own perception.

"Oh, you're asking the wrong person here", chuckled the Ersansyr as she poured her guest a drink from the pitcher. "The Mandokarla are... very spiritual. Keepers of wisdom and ancient lore. Me? I am Kayatr'ade. I hit things with a hammer to make them take the shape I want. It taught me patience, but not exactly how I should speak to people."

Leaning back into her seat, Jenn slammed down the rest of her drink greedily. Stars knew she would need it before working out any sort of a plan.

"I have tried, time and again, to foster... unity among my people. Between Crusaders and Protectors. Rallied around the notion of protecting our home, to fight for our future and that of our children. But I realize now that, for all the love I hold for my people, there are differences that cannot be reconciled. For this war to change, Alicio, then we must cleave into that fragile unity. The more difficult you make it for the Enclave to hold a united front, the more success you and I will see. If this war becomes one fought for survival, then you will find every last Mandalorian standing together to fight until our very last breath. I know this is a difficult proposition, when my people and I have made ourselves so very easy to hate, but if you and I manage to make it abundantly clear that ending the Crusade and giving up the worlds we forcefully seized would bring an end to the conflict, then it is up to the Crusaders to convince the rest of my people to reject that proposition. And then, I can level the duty of the Protectors to put the safety and well-being of our people first to see them cornered. If they lash out, then they are nothing but the warmongers everyone thinks our people to be."

Scheming like this against her own people was... evidently difficult for Jenn, loyal as she was to the Enclave, from the promising beginnings under the wise guidance of the Quartermaster to its decline under Romul Saxon, all the way to the pointless war they were now embroiled in. And yet, for all of her reservations, there was a certain determination in her eyes. Reluctant as she may be, Alicio's patience and earnest attempt to speak in good faith had not left her untouched.

She could be loyal to the Enclave, to the dream they once had when building a safe haven in Wild Space... but her loyalty was to her people. Not to misguided leaders, and certainly not to those who had dragged her into a war she had never wanted.

​

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

As suspected, Jenn knew all about weapon discipline. In his eyes, the Force was no different. It wasn't a Jedi mindset, one of the few deviations he held from the Jedi Order. In most other instances, he may as well have been a Knight. Amani had called him an honorary Jedi once, and he'd taken it as the highest praise. But despite all outward appearances, cape and laser-sword and all, he was no Jedi.

The Ersanyr's thoughts on family were met by a kind, if slightly guilty smile. She called him brave for it, which did make his grin a little wider. "Thank you. It was most difficult in the beginning, when they were infants. Liana and August are twins, toddlers now, but when they were truly babies, one of us always had to be with them." Still, the nostalgic grey glint in his eye, before returning to glum overcast, betrayed he didn't think entirely poorly of the time. "I worry. Often. About my children. About what happens if a risk... like this... doesn't pay off." Alicio's lip briefly twisted in imagined pain.

He took another sip of the strange liquid, pondering Jenn's thoughts on the Mandokarla. On herself. "I have often found that one of the most necessary skills in a conversation is patience." He left it there. At least within the halls of the Assembly, it was true.

As Jenn continued to speak, Alicio tried, and failed, to cover his mounting surprise. His brow furrowed, and his mouth twitched into a concerned pucker. "You're talking about... dividing your own people." He amended a former thought he had about the Nite Owl. She didn't stubbornly stand by the Enclave. She cared most for it's residents. "For the sake of your people. That is honorable, Jenn."

Not Alor Kryze, not Jenn Kryze... Jenn.

"I can try to push an ultimatum through the Senate. Urging the Mandalorians give up their conquered lands, and pay reparations to them, and us. But many of my colleagues will certainly think it isn't enough." Alicio let a hand travel along his chin as he thought. "The other thing I worry about is on your end. By outward appearances, the Alliance is in a place of weakness. You and I can see how this war will end, but other Mando'ade may not. I worry our sue for peace will be rejected too swiftly, or seen as another insult."

"If the Galactic Alliance gets into a winning position, that solves both issues, but... I want to stop this war before that happens."

- Jenn Kryze -