Private Into the Fold

[Alondra Lareina]

Somewhere along the edges of Sith Space...

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​

Haven Station was nestled among the ice rings of an uninhabitable gas giant, far away from any system of real note. Out here there was only the vast emptiness of space and those scavenging to survive. Which was exactly why the small station was here -- to collect ice from the rings for water. Without a home world to call their own or corporate backing, the residents of Haven had to harvest their own supplies. Water, food, fuel, even the very air they breathed.

Nothing was taken for-granted, and life was all the more precious because of it.

Lady Alondra, Matriarch of Haven, was seated in her office, reading over the reports as they filtered in through her datapad. The screen glowed a soft blue, which cast her features in a pale light in the otherwise dark room. Her aquamarine eyes looked almost looked as if they were glowing from the reflected light. Judging from the latest update, progress was slow but that was to be expected. This far from civilization meant Haven was the only medical facility within a reasonable distance. It was far better for the harvest to move slowly, and do things correctly, than to rush and leave someone injured -- it would only lead to more wasted supplies and time.

With a quiet sigh, she set the device down on top of her desk and rubbed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose. Her head hurt. It always hurt these days it felt like. Far too much time spent staring at screens and reading report after report.

The togruta leaned back into her chair, tilting her head up just enough so that her face was angled towards the ceiling. Moments of quiet like this were truly a rare treat for her.

Yet another factor to being so far away from inhabited space: there were no shipments or any real security threats to deal with. Alondra was still uncertain if that counted as a boon or a detriment.

There wasn't much of a reason for her to stay cordoned off in her office like this, not for something as simple as ice harvesting. Even if something happened, there was very little she'd be able to do about it. The dock workers and medical staff had things well under control.

It left her feeling restless.

She'd never been very good at just sitting and waiting. There was always something that needed doing.

Pushing herself to her feet, another sigh slipped from her lips. If there wasn't anything for her to tend to from her office, perhaps a stroll was in order. It had been some time since she'd taken the time to wander the halls of the Station. She grabbed her cloak off the back of her chair and slipped it over her slender shoulders, a soothing warmth enveloped her. The soft fur collar tickled the sides of her throat and along the underside of her jaw.

The door slid shut behind her with a faint hiss, the lock clicking over to red.

An armed guard stood to the side of the elevator door, his blaster rifle securely slung over his shoulder. The tall man inclined his head when he saw her step out from her office. His expression was hidden away beneath his helmet, but she knew his stern features well regardless.

"Jasper." She said his name with warm fondness, offering him a fleeting smile that briefly displayed her pointed incisors.

She'd found that her smile unsettled most ordinary folk, the subtle fangs gave her a rather fierce visage, or so she'd been told. Jasper never seemed to mind, though. He'd been at her side for almost as long as she could remember. Of all the people on the station, he was one of the select few who knew her name.

"Lady Matriarch." He answered with his usual gruff formality.

It was endearing, in his own sort of charm.

"Care to join me?" She offered, smiling with only her eyes this time, an amused glint in the greenish-blue orbs. They both knew that Jasper would. He followed her more closely than her own shadow.

"As you say," was his simple reply. He turned slightly in place to let her step onto the lift first and then followed her inside. "Where to, my lady?"

"The docks. I fancy a proper walk with a view." She answered, her voice humming with amusement.

"As you say," Jasper repeated and pressed the appropriate button.

The elevator descended, carrying the exiled empress down to her humble domain.

| Avo |​

 

[Avo]

Somewhere in the void of space...

A white and blue-streaked nothingness flashed by faster than Lan could ever imagine. Hyperspace travel was a marvelous thing, and something he had only dreamed of experiencing as a young Padawan. Fast forward twenty years or so and the Jedi Master was already sick and tired of seeing the absolute nothingness of it. The glamour of space travel had worn off quickly - if only teleportation existed, he thought with barely suppressed gloominess. Though the episodes of boredom and existential dread came and went, varied distractions kept his mind from wandering too far.

"Arfour," came his gravelly tone, "Pull up the mission details once more. Might as well take another look while I'm only minutes away."

The interceptor's astromech droid swiveled its head around to peer at him, happily chirping in affirmation. The data and information quickly flooded the control panel before him, replacing the auto-pilot readout with relevant information. Some, no - a lot of it, was more than he had asked for in an intelligence report. Lots of unnecessary details and colorful verbiage that made his head ache just skimming through it.

The Jedi Master sighed inwardly. "Could've sent an actual diplomat, but they picked me instead."

Lan mentally shrugged, dismissing the negativity that had seemed to permeate his thoughts since his departure from Coruscant. The steel jungle of a world was a calming presence in his mind, the din of the city itself was far more preferable than the rigid soundless void before him. Now only the thrum of the fighter's engine comforted him.

He skimmed through the report. A safe haven station, creatively named "Haven." Home to refugees, the downtrodden, and numerous exiled citizens from some long-forgotten empire. The details on its history and previous contact were sketchy at best. Just random sightings by wandering spacers and traders, and nothing hostile from them either. The station seemed vagrant, never in one place for very long before it zipped across the galaxy once more. Either it was only chance that Haven had been discovered now, or the crew of the station had made a blunder in covering their tracks.

Be that as it may, his task was a "noble" one, or so the Council had presented it to be. Just diplomatic affairs. They didn't seem to take too kindly to the Sith, as their sightings in their space were far more scarce than others. Perhaps they'd be allies? Perhaps there was something the Jedi could do for them? Whatever it was, exploring a station full of lost souls excited Lan the most. They could be humanoids, or a random assortment of aliens from around the galaxy, or even an undiscovered species itself.

The pleasant thought of stumbling across new and friendly faces made the Mirialan Jedi absently smile to himself.

"Whirp, whirp!"

Arfour's chortle tore his eyes from the tasking details. The interceptor lurched, heaving its way back into realspace.

And there it was! Purples, blues, yellows, and all sorts of neon lighting brightened the blackness of space. Large rotund docking stations lined the superstructure itself, and it had the unmistakable design of most hospital stations he'd come across. He surely hoped it was something similar, doctors and nurses were kind folk - folk that he was more than happy to talk to.

"Well, here goes nothing." Lan thumbed the comms transceiver, hailing the station itself. "Haven station, Haven station, this is Jedi Master Lan Graendal. I, uh, humbly request permission to dock."

Without waiting for a prompt, the interceptor disengaged itself from the hyperspace docking ring and began a slow descent towards the station. Weapons were off, made plain as day as if he were a man walking to them with his hands up.

Alondra Lareina

 

[Alondra Lareina]

Just as Lan was ending his transmission to the isolated station, he was hailed by port control. The voice on the other end of the comm was terse and clipped, as if annoyed that he was having to deal with someone -- or that he was wary of what was previously said to him. "Say again, unidentified fighter. It sounded like you said Jedi Master?"

​

Alondra and her guard wandered one of the docking rings of the station. Jasper kept a sharp eye out, while managing to still look relaxed. The Matriarch always referred to it was a casual saunter. There was no real threat to Alondra here on the station, but that never stopped the attentive guard from trailing along beside her.

The conversation between them was intermittent and in relative good cheer. She paused to speak to those who greeted her, a kind but reserved expression on her face. Down here, she did not smile very often.

While stopped at a vendor who was selling various types of tea, Jasper stepped away for a moment with his hand pressed to the side of his helmet. This caught Alondra's attention, but she continued the pleasant conversation with the Nikto for a few moments longer. He insisted that she take a warm cup of tea, and she agreed but only on the condition that she could buy one for Jasper as well. Once they reached an agreement, the Matriarch politely excused herself with the two drinks in hand.

"Something the matter, Captain?" She asked as she approached, offering the beverage to the guard while she sipped from her own.

"A lone fighter just jumped out of hyperspace. Looks like they're hailing to request docking permissions..." He muttered lowly to her, absently taking the cup.

"Interesting." She said with an almost amused tone. "Have they made their intentions known to us yet?"

"He claims to be a Jedi Master, My Lady..."

Alondra arched a delicate brow, took another sip from her tea, and then turned to make her way towards the lift at a brisk clip. Her guard moved after her, keeping pace. He did not drink from the cup in his hand, as his helmet impeded the action and he was too busy listening to his comm to take it off.

She could sense the man's question without having to see his face to know he'd given her an inquisitive glance. "It would be rude of us to not greet our guest, would it not?"

Jasper grunted. "As you say."

| Avo |​

 

[Avo]

The voice that came in response to his docking request didn't sound entirely too pleased to make his acquaintance, nor did it seem like they cared too much for Jedi. The prodding question sounded more like an accusation than anything, as if he had perfectly heard him the first time. Lan was half-tempted to say something sarcastic, but the fleeting moment of sass passed quickly.

"Yes, a Jedi Master." He replied simply. "Here on behalf of the Jedi Council."

The starfighter continued onwards on its slow approach to the station. There was very little he could do here now, especially since the station would definitely have its automated defenses trained and locked on him the second he came within range. Hopefully Haven would prove to be far more hospitable, though. The idea of being blasted out of the sky like a duck in a hunt didn't particularly appeal to him.

Arfour beeped worriedly.

"We're fine. They're probably sending word to whoever is in charge here." He smiled at the droid. "I doubt they get many visitors."

Alondra Lareina

 

[Alondra Lareina]

Unexpected visitors were not unheard of on the Station, but they were far from common. It was always a tense situation for the inhabitants. Many of the citizens that lived on board had bounties on their heads for some reason or another. There was always a chance that an uninvited guest was actually a hunter looking to score big.

Many a would be bounty hunter had met his unfortunate end on Haven Station.

Alondra did not tolerate their presence and dealt with them swiftly.

A Jedi Master was certainly something new. Why would a Jedi venture so far from their realm to Haven? Hundreds of scenarios ran through her mind as she and Jasper made their way to the docking bay A4 -- it was the closest to their current location and Jasper conveyed the information down the chain to have the Jedi land there.

She was far from the only sith on board the station. A handful of like-minded individuals fled with her and started a new life for themselves, away from the constant infighting and treachery of Sith politics. Was the Jedi here for them?

Whatever the reason, the situation was precarious.

She sighed and took another sip from her tea as she stepped into the still empty docking bay.

"You're tense, My Lady." Jasper murmured from behind her shoulder, his tone observant not accusatory.

"Of course I'm kriffing tense. A Jedi could mean all sorts of trouble. I want to know who gave them our location." She growled, narrowing her eyes at the shimmering force field at the far end of the bay.

Jasper actually chuckled when she snapped. He was quite used to her disposition. "I'll have my team start an investigation, ma'am."

Alondra nodded and sipped her tea once more. "Good. And drink your tea before it gets cold." She muttered, a hint of a smirk curling at the corner of her mouth.

"Is that prudent with a Jedi on approach?" He questioned, coming up to stand at her side.

"As if I care what is prudent. This is my bloody station. Drink your karking tea, Jasper. I'll order you if I have to." Alondra intoned without looking at him, her smirk spreading.

The guard shook his head with another low chuckle. His head ducked down as he bent his neck to pull the helmet free, then tucked it under his free arm. He was a handsome man in his early forties. His dark hair cropped fairly short and his beard neatly trimmed. One of his eyes was cybernetic and glittered with a faint artificial blue glow. The other was a dark golden brown.

"As you say." He responded in a low voice, smirking to himself.

​

Not long after the exchange, the port authority responded. His voice a clipped, professional tone. "Jedi Master Lan Graendal, you are cleared for docking. Proceed to bay A4. Pinging your ship with the location and temporary landing codes now. Safe landing, sir."

A moment later Lan's navigation system would chime with a landing beacon, indicating where he should land on the station with the security codes embedded into the transmission.

Avo

 

[Avo]

The Jedi Master made his entry as if he hadn't a care in the world. His starfighter loped easily past the stars, showing no sign of backing down despite the uncountable number of defense cannons that were staring him down. The Force had taken him already, calming his mind and nerves for the coming mission. Allies in this region were often few and far between, though Lan had a gut feeling about this one: things would turn out to be just fine and dandy.

"Copy, I am moving in to dock."

The interceptor moved quickly, angling itself towards the shimmering light-blue ray shields of the hangar bay. It was no out of the ordinary than most he'd seen, with starships, maintenance personnel, and all sorts of mechanical gear filling it to the brim. Men and women milled about, many of them appearing to be in uniform and definitely armed. It didn't take the Force to know that there were dozens of pairs of eyes locked onto his ship slowly entering the hangar bay.

He never really did get used to being at the center of attention. It made his skin crawl.

Lan twisted the control yolk skillfully, putting the interceptor down into an empty landing pad with delightful ease. After a quick glance around, the Jedi took a moment to collect his breath before the cockpit opened with an eerily familiar snap-hiss. Blue eyes locked onto a small group approaching him and an easy smile brightened his features as he stepped out of the vessel.

"Stay with the ship," Lan commanded quietly, rising to his full height, hands clasped behind his back. He almost wished he'd taken a few moments to straighten the wrinkles in his robes, but oh well.

Alondra Lareina

 

[Alondra Lareina]

Alondra slowly approached the tall Jedi after he'd clambered out of his fighter. Her long skirts whispered across the floor as she walked towards him, one hand holding her cup of tea while the other hidden away inside the sleeve of her robes. With every step she took it almost seemed as if the woman was gliding, instead of walking, though the soft clinking of the beads that adorned her headpiece helped to dispel the illusion.

She came to a stop at a relatively polite distance, one arm folded over her chest while the other that held her drink came to rest over it. There was a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes as she looked the Mirialan over intently. Striding along behind her was Jasper, the stern looking guard with his blaster rifle casually slung over his broad shoulder.

"It is not often we get visitors in this port." She said, her tone walking the edge of warmth and suspicion. When she spoke, there was a slight purr to her voice.

"A Jedi Master though, such as you claim to be... well, that would certainly be a first." She mused then briefly glanced to Jasper over her shoulder as she paused, as if considering something.

"I'm curious as to what would bring one so far from his flock. What is your purpose here, Master Jedi?" She asked, cutting straight to the point. There was no need for an introduction as far as she was concerned. If he wanted her name, he would have to earn it.


Avo

 

[Avo]

As the Togruta and her entourage quickly crossed the hangar bay, Lan felt entirely under-dressed for the occasion. Shining armor and polished weapons in holsters, contrasting sharply with the regal colors and gold lace that seemed to line the woman's frame. If anyone was in charge around here, it was surely her. Then there was Lan, humbly shrouded in loose, comfortable browns and tans.

As the woman approached, he bowed deeply. "Lan Graendal, a pleasure to meet you."

Her purring tone filled the silence as he rose, appearing to be full of suspicion and amusement all at once. Perhaps the reports had been too right in their lack of visitors, with him being the first in a very long time. It wasn't often that the leader came all the way to their visitor. Most made a show of power and authority, having their guests led through their hovels until coming to lavish throne or meeting rooms. It seemed that, whoever she was, figured it imperative enough to determine intentions hastily.

A warm smile brightened his features as she spoke, crinkling his cheeks and making it seem as if the tattoos lining his face were smiling at her as well.

"I am here to make friends," his gravelly voice came, "The Jedi Council and its governmental affiliates caught word of your station and your lack of friendship with the Sith Empire. We do not mean to pull you into any sort of conflict whatsoever, but perhaps there is some way we can help one another?" Lan gestured to the station around them. "And I am under the assumption that this is, or was, a medical station of some sort. I am sure the Council could happily arrange for supplies and aid in exchange for a little bit of your time, and a nice conversation."

The smile never faded, though his eyes quickly scanned over the armed man at her side. The nod came almost naturally, guardians shared a kinship no matter their loyalties.

Alondra Lareina

 

[Alondra Lareina]

Alondra's head canted ever so slightly to the side, the glass beads of her of her headdress clinking softly from the movement, as Lan explained his reasoning for arriving on the station. It seemed almost... innocent in a way, though she wasn't sure if she believed him. That would likely be determined further into their conversation, it was too soon too tell for now.

"You could certainly help me by telling us where you obtained our coordinates from or who gave them to you." She answered in that same purring tone as before.

While her mouth never curled into a proper smile, her eyes still conveyed the expression. She was amused by the Jedi master and curious as to what he thought he could offer. It was entirely possible that he had something useful, and Jedi were always looking for some cause or another. Their ideologies and methods may differ, but they potentially shared the common interest of wanting to keep people safe from the clutches of the Empire and the Sith.

He may just disagree with a few of the people to which she offered such protections.

Jasper gave a subtle nod of his head in acknowledgement to the Jedi, his sharp gaze sweeping over the Mirialan in appraisal. For now, he stayed quiet; content to merely watch over his charge.

Avo

 

[Avo]

"Why, I just told you, my lady!" The smile broadened, as if he was about to gleefully laugh at her expense. "The Jedi Council and their related intelligence agencies caught word of Haven station. I don't know many of the details, but either someone was actively looking for you, or you failed to cover your tracks at some point. I was only first introduced to the report about two days ago, which was when I left Coruscant."

He held his hands out low, fingers splayed in a sign of deference. "If it will ease your mind about matters, I consent to searches on my person and vessel in good faith. I carry nothing but survival consumables, extra clothing, and my lightsaber. Just, uh, be gentle around my ship. My astromech doesn't take kindly to people chipping the paint.

"I hope that sates your curiosity for now," the Jedi remarked. "And I am open to any questions you have, provided you'll answer mine as well."

Alondra Lareina

 

[Alondra Lareina]

"The Jedi would send a kriffing smart ass, wouldn't they?" She said idly, glancing over to Jasper out of the corner of her eye. There was a barest hint of a smile that tugged on her lips, easy to miss if one wasn't paying close attention.

With a sigh, the properly turned her attention to her guard. "Have a team search his ship. Let me know if they find anything."

"As you say, my lady." Jasper said in a gruff voice. He wasn't pleased about leaving her alone with the newcomer, but it was clear that he wasn't going to argue the matter in front of Lan. If the Jedi was foolish enough to try to attack the woman, he wouldn't leave the station alive.

She gestured towards Lan, indicating for him to walk along with her.

"Either possibility is unfavorable. If the Jedi were able to find us, that means others will be able to as well. We will have to find the leak and deal with it accordingly, whatever it may be." She explained, sipping from her tea as she led him back towards the turbolifts.

Another frustrated sigh slipped from her lips, before she changed the subject. "Tell me what else was on this report of yours, Master Lan."

Avo

 

[Avo]

His face remained smooth and even, just as a slab of stone would remain. Though he knew the amusement tinged her expression, a light-hearted encounter he hoped this would be. There was no grave news to bring nor did he bear any dark tidings for the people of Haven station. Simply put: He really was here to make friends, both personal and professional. While doing the Jedi Council's footwork was occasionally boring, they never ran out of exciting places for him to travel to.

It was what he'd dreamed of as a child.

"Wasn't anything too special. Just your last known location and random, unfiltered reports of spacers catching glimpses of your signature and whatnot in other regions of space. Lots of folks mentioned a station of some sort that never appeared to hang around for long, especially not around Sith space. The make and model of it is unrecognized but from my personal experience," he glanced backwards to see uniformed men moving towards his starfigher, "It looks like refurbished hospital station."

He gave an apologetic look. "I'm afraid that's all I can tell you. I can tap into the report as well and show it to you, in good trust, but that's all that was really there. The Jedi Order is merely wanting to spread our wings and influence just a tad, and offering aid to a society like this one seemed right up our alley."

Lan grinned. "And so they sent their best smart-ass to engage in rigorous diplomatic negotiations."

Alondra Lareina

 

[Alondra Lareina]

The togruta arched an eyebrow at the Jedi's last words, clearly amused by something that he said. "Rigorous negotiations? And what exactly does that entail? Lots of tea and discussion, I imagine. Diplomacy is not exactly what comes to mind when I think of vigorous activity."

A smirk touched her features for a brief moment as she stepped onto the lift, her robes whispering across the ground from the movement of her steps. For a moment, she looked the buttons over as she considered the best destination. The fastest route to the observation deck would involve taking a tram to the other end of the docking ring. But it would also mean a crowded, tight space. Best avoided for the time being.

"And how long do you intend to pursue this endeavor?" She asked, selecting the button that would take them to the Promenade instead.

"I mainly ask because I can arrange appropriate lodging, if you plan to remain here for some time." She offered, looking to the mirialan.

Avo

 

[Avo]

His laughter came out deep and hearty, "Yes, lots of tea sipping and discourse. I consider it so since I'm not too particularly fond of kicking my feet up and discussing trade deals or mutual defense treaties. I'd rather be out and about, getting a little blood into my limbs, handling things with my hands and not my voice."

The Jedi Master shrugged and closely followed the Monarch onto the repulsorlift. "Though it does have its merits, lots of them really."

The question of his stay on the station raised a brow. Lan hadn't really considered that either, and had really only brought enough clothes and food to survive if he managed to crash land prior to this. With what he had planned in his mind, it surely wouldn't take but a day or so of talking - if she could stand to listen to his voice longer than an hour. Reckless, headstrong, and defiant never went well in diplomatic conferences.

"Only a day or so if you'll have me, Miss-" he flicked a glance over to her, waiting for her name.

Alondra Lareina

 

[Alondra Lareina]

Another smirk touched her lips at the Jedi's choice of words, blissfully innocent, as was to be expected. She was curious as to what it was he planned on discussing, as she got the impression that he wasn't exactly keen on being sent on this particular missionary trip. Which, in all honesty, was likely why he was really here -- seeking to bring more Force users into the fold of the Jedi.

It would be an interesting pitch, if that was really the case.

She glanced to the tall Mirialan out of the corner of her eye when he set about asking for her name, that too was expected. Names were such a funny thing. They were utterly irrelevant, and yet held immense power at the same time. Learning just how quickly your own name could betray you had been a particularly painful lesson. Over the years, Alondra came to understand the inherent value of mysticism and caution.

"If you're looking for something to get your..." She paused, amused that she was even going to say this aloud, "blood pumping, there are a few options available here on the Station." She finished in that purring tone of hers.

"My name is hardly of any real importance, not if you're here to establish some sort of relationship with this little colony. If you... must address me by a name, I suppose you could make something up."

The lift came to a stop, chiming a pleasant tone as the door slid open to reveal a substantial observation deck that held a rather breathtaking view of the ice rings. Along the interior wall, there were various shops and restaurants with soft, warm lighting. It was a tranquil atmosphere, everyone moved with care and spoke in hushed voices.

She gestured to her right with a nod of her head. "If you require accommodations, you can find something there. I thought this might suit a Jedi's disposition."

Avo

 

[Avo]

The innuendos and purrs fell on deaf ears, innocently blind to their ulterior meanings. Blissful ignorance was something of a curse and a blessing all in one. Lan, couldn't for the life of him, seem to remember where he ever picked up the trait. Meditation and introspection attributed it to his early years, spend on the streets, serving as a coping mechanism with the cold, biting edge of reality. It helped him sleep at night where others would lay restless, pondering useless daydreams and fantasies. It kept him alive and sane.

His ever-present, genuine grin never faded as he followed the Togruta matriarch into her home. Doe-eyed, he let his gaze wander about the station as if he was a kid in a candy shop for the first time. Ice rings, a peaceful atmosphere, and a noticeably polite populace. Dotting the streets were all of the creature comforts that he had only imagined as a child. Simple and exotic restaurants, trading outposts, droid shops, repair stations, and everything else a civilized being would ever want.

"I can definitely see that. You and your people appear to be wanting and needing for nothing here," he replied in agreement, "Very impressive. Most stations I've been too are never this clean, or quiet for that matter."

Amusement tinged his expression as he quickly formulated a name for her. "I'm sure I can think of something, ma'am." The word came out thick with accented drawl, "Though friends usually know each other's names, I'm sure that won't be much of an issue in the future."

The humble abode provided suited for a "Jedi's disposition" was quaint and simplistic in nature. Function over form, just as he preferred.

Alondra Lareina

 

[Alondra Lareina]

Alondra dipped her head once, folding her hands away inside the loose sleeves of her robes. "It's only this quiet here in this sector. There are others that are much more lively, if you'd prefer."

"As for friends... I choose mine very carefully. I've learned not to trust every being that simply makes the claim of wanting to be such." She intoned, walking across the dimly lit chamber to make her way to a table that was positioned close to the observation window.

She took a seat that would allow her to both easily gaze out the window and peer around the commons, cautious as ever.

"Seems like such a long way to come, all the way out here, in search of friends. Not worried that the Sith might hunt you down?"

Avo

 

[Avo]

"Peace and quiet is perfectly fine with me. The ambiance here is soothing." He smiled, sending a wistful gaze about the station. "And while I appreciate the gesture, Coruscant has been lively enough for several lifetimes worth of entertainment. So many people, and so much to explore..."

His voice trailed off as he followed the matriarch. Courteously, he allowed her to take a seat first before he himself took one at the opposite end of the table. Lan purposefully left his back facing the doorway, something he hoped would resemble a trustworthy move - that he would leave a blind spot within his vision and offer her a perfect view.

Lan shrugged nonchalantly at the mention of Sith. "My Order is not at war with the Sith at the moment, so there is very little for me to worry about. I would like, if possible, to eternally avoid a conflict with them as long as they are content with remaining within their own territory. They don't venture too much into the Core Worlds either, though a string of extremist attacks has left Coruscant and Empress Teta vulnerable to their influence."

The Jedi Master frowned at that. "You wouldn't happen to have any experienced personnel in crowd control or anti-terrorism operations, would you?"

Alondra Lareina

 

[Alondra Lareina]

"You may not be at war with one another, but there is certainly conflict... and you are quite far from the Core, my dear Lan." She mused with a soft chuckle, turning her gaze to a small serving droid that quietly wheeled over to their table. It chirped softly, glancing between them both and then waited patiently.

Alondra shifted her fractionally shifted her weight to face the droid, an amused smile in her eyes. "A cup of hot tea, if you would."

Her gaze flicked to the Mirialan, waiting for him to briefly address the droid with his response.

Once the droid wheeled off, she adjusted her posture once more so that she was facing the Jedi. Her hands were neatly clasped together in her lap, back straight, and shoulders relaxed. She was elegantly poised, her body language conveyed that her rapt attention was focused on the man at the table with her.

Vivid, aquamarine eyes swept over his facial features and posture, drinking in every detail of the handsome man. She wasn't ogling him, but sizing him up and trying to get a read on him. Every detail told her something, and every scrap of information that she could unravel was essential to survival -- one way or another.

"I have Enforcers under my employ, though almost every threat to this station would be counted as terrorism. Anyone who works in station security or intelligence is versed in the subject. We are not a large community, specializing in more than one field is something we've all had to take on here." She answered him at last, though she failed to mention just how large the group was.

"Why do you ask?"

Avo

 

[Avo]

Conflict was never ending, however full-on war was a thing that happened only on occasion in the galaxy. Galactic wars were a thing of the past, where one intergalactic body would draw hundreds of systems into a full scale battle for galactic dominance. It hadn't happened in so long, and he prayed each day that it would remain that way. However, border friction and other religious and cultural wars still raged behind the curtains of the galaxy at large. Thankfully, the Grayson Imperium had taken part in absolutely none of them so far. Though their foreign policy was much to be worked upon, they had done fairly well so far.

"We're making do without war so far," he gave an uneasy grimace, "Conflict is ever present in the universe. War, however, is not."

An offer of hot tea came through, with a droid ambling towards him with a glass upon its tray. While it certainly wasn't any sweet iced tea, it would have to do for now. Lan accepted it joyfully, hoisting it to his nose to take a minuscule sniff before sipping on it. Not that he had any real experience with poisons, but he could never really take a chance when dealing with folks he'd just met. The Jedi nodded in thanks to the droid as it swiftly departed.

"I ask simply because there may be something we can trade." He smiled, "Experienced personnel and trainers for counterinsurgency is what he lack - where your people seem to be trained in multiple trades. What can we offer you? I have a few ideas, but I'd like for you to name your price."

Alondra Lareina