Iron & Silver Treaty [Iron Empire & Order of The Silver Jedi]

[Bato Golden]

Bato Golden made a point of not talking during diplomatic meetings. Politics tends to crucify an actor's career, and Bato was toeing the line as it is. But at [member="Krayzen Dratos"]' rebuttal, the actor rolled his eyes. "Oh, stop being so melodramatic and sit down. They came here to talk with the Iron Empire, and that's you too."

The words were delivered without sting, despite the sarcasm. The conversation seemed to have taken an unpleasant turn, which meant it was the perfect time to crack jokes. "Besides, if you're supposed to go on trial today, I'm severely under-dressed."

Bato took immense care not to get out of his seat, lean forward, or look in anyway like he had more to add. The last thing he needed was someone questioning his immense lack of knowledge on the One Sith. Or dark-side. Or force. Or anything, really - the man was terribly uninformed.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She gave her husband a smile as he pulled out the seat for her, and soon Coci took her place. She had given Emperor Baelor a deep respectful bow before she did and settled in to allow talks to commence. It did not take long before Thurion opened proceedings, providing much of the issue the Silver Order face in their end of the galaxy. But one thing was certain, the Iron Empire and the Silver Order had an enemy in common, the Sith. And there was something else, like the Silver Order, the Iron Empire's purpose was to protect it's people by what means possible. It was true enough they had different ways in doing so, the Empire more strict in their application, but there was no solid dictatorship as best Coci understood it. Nor is there with the Jedi, there never could be and there never will be.

So there was common ground.

Thurion's impassioned opening to the talks only served to illustrate the concerns of the Silver Jedi and so the issues had been placed on the table for discussion. At the time of Korriban, it had been exposed to the galaxy that a Sith cell had formed in the north of Silver Protected Space and now starting to take hold little by little, and this would not be good tidings for the Empire as well, as eventually the Sith would turn their eyes to the north. She would not add to Thurion's words, he had said what needed to have been, but her attention turned to a man that had escorted them to the rooms. General Dratos.

"General Dratos, please stay and take your place at the table. We have not come all this way to place judgement on you or anyone else here. We are aware of your past, and your words tell me you strive for change. It has been my experience with some that consider themselves Dark Jedi, that they are not all, bad", she offered him a smile. Which was true enough as Coci had had friends of this purpose and conviction. However, she over heard the words of a man behind them, and could not help but laugh softly, he had provided a good tension breaker which appeared to be needed.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Isamu Baelor"] | [member="Zeradias Mant"] | [member="Krayzen Dratos"] | [member="Viktor Alexander"] | [member="Serenna"] | [member="Catherine Soja"] | [member="Sorel Crieff"] | [member="Aster Rose Baelor"] | [member="Vinten Veers"] | [member="Bato Golden"] | ​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel reflected on Aster’s question. “I wouldn’t say my life was harsh. Maybe part of that is not missing what you’ve never had. Being selected for Jedi training was a great honour for my family and me too I suspect. As you can imagine, my memories are fuzzy at best. In a sense the Jedi have become my family or more accurately a large network of friends.”

“One thing I have learned as a Jedi is to avoid attachments. Or at least to accept they will end one day and that this is an inevitable part of life. And that my duty as a Jedi comes ahead of any personal relationships. Not having a family makes this a lot easier to commit to.”

“And like you, I’m glad the Jedi found me first – although every day I must guard against the dark-side. Not just the obvious pitfalls but the subtle ones. Like being selective with the Code or believing I am stronger than others that have fallen before. Unlike many people’s opinion, Jedi are not immune to emotions and we are not trained to purge ourselves from them. Rather we are taught to accept them but not to allow them to interfere with our decisions.”

As the talks began in earnest, Sorel nodded at Aster’s next question. “I’d say the Mandalorians are looking for something. Not sure if it’s war exactly. I was once with the Republic Jedi and they attacked them on more than one occasion. It was always blamed on individuals of course, but there was a pattern – and it’s being repeated here. But sadly conflict is an ever present in the galaxy. Jedi and Sith have been at odds since the latter first emerged. And I suspect they will always be in conflict. The Mandalorians are by nature involved in encounters. But whereas I defend a principle, they seem to seek personal gain. In my eyes that makes them barbarians. Warriors serve a greater purpose, often reluctantly. To attack the Silver Jedi just because they can? Maybe there is some sense to it, but I cannot personally see it.”

[member="Aster Rose Baelor"]

 

[Zeradias Mant]

The senior admiral sat proper in his seat, glancing around the table, shifting his gaze subtly. Observing, studying, analyzing. Some would say that he could see a man's past just through looking at them, and though he vehemently denies having any such ability, he oft wondered if the rumors might be true. As the patriarchal leader of the Silver Jedi spoke of Jedi-Mandalorian relations, he reminisced on his time with the Mandalorian Protectors. While he knew the warrior culture was one of honor, there were some who would stray from that path and needlessly engage in combat for purposes of glory. He knew not and cared not if the Force brewed a storm inside their Mand'alor - he was a man all the same. What did worry him though, was that the leader of a supposedly honorable people wold sponsor such unwarranted engagements. This might warrant a personal trip to Mandalore for the admiral.

Major General Dratos was the Empire's most vocal participant at the table so far. While he knew little of the man, the emperor seemed to trust him, and that was enough for Mant, if only for the time being. He was concerned though that he spoke out of turn, inaccurately conveying what the Empire hoped to achieve from this summit. While he saw the validity of the reasoning for an alliance between the two factions, he worried that the fledgling empire would be able to support a war effort this early in it's life. Regardless, he kept his mouth shut, but not for a lack of anything to say. When he spoke, he commanded attention - not through tone of voice or assertion of authority, but because of his unique prowess in matters of the military and state, boasting one of the most tactical yet diplomatic minds in the galaxy. When Zeradias would open his mouth, he was confident everyone would listen with the utmost attentiveness.

His concern grew as the talks began to appear to centralize around the general. His history had been called into question, as did his difference in his following and practice of the Force. Standing from his seat, he turned his head slightly to look at Dratos with a disapproving stare, and then shifted his glance to the more prominent public figure, Bato Golden. Despite everyone's checkered past, it was important for the Iron Empire to front a show of unity, something they couldn't do if they continued to put their own appearance before that of the empire. They were there for the empire, not for any one individual.

Thankfully, the any potential tense situation that might have happened was eloquently defused by Master Coci. Their way with words was something to be admired. He'd have to have his adjutant take note of places he'd need to travel to, because the Silver Jedi helped put Voss on the list.

Rather than chime in to the already scattered conversation, he leaned back in his chair so the emperor might clearly state his intent and the rest of those parlaying could adapt accordingly.

[member="Isamu Baelor"] | [member="Aster Rose Baelor"] | [member="Krayzen Dratos"] | [member="Viktor Alexander"] | [member="Vinten Veers"] | [member="Bato Golden"] | [member="Kiriko"]​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Sorel Crieff"] | [member="Catherine Soja"] | [member="Rianna Ar'klim-Organa"] | [member="Serenna"] | [member="Sor-Jan Xantha"]​

 

[Sor-Jan Xantha]

MEANWHILE...

People said he was indecisive.

This was false. He'd decided within ten seconds of arriving at the counter that we was going to have the Youngling Meal with a wampa junior (with cheese).

The only question was... which dessert was he going to pick? Now this was a very, very serious decision. So it merited a lot of thought. During which, the child's chin rested on the counter as his large eyes stared longingly at the picture of a Blizznado, with its creamy soft serve and crunchy cookie crumbles. Or there was the seductively scrumptious Marbled Cookie-Brownie. A la mode.

Was it a brownie?

Was it a cookie?

Who cared!? It was served hot, with ice cream.

...how was any kid supposed to make up his mind with these kinds of choices?

So he did what any Corellian kid would have done. He took the third option and got the Youngling Meal with a wampa junior (with cheese) and a chocolate lava cake.

It had the words 'chocolate' and 'lava' in it. Not to mention 'cake.' That pretty much guaranteed it was going to be awesome.

As he made his way to a seat, the tow-headed boy was conscious of just how many sets of eyes were upon him.

Why does the boy have yellow hair?

Why is his skin that color? Is he sick?

As a telepath, even with his customary shields in place, the expressive nature of children assailed him from across the room.

Technically, he was always the alien in the room, being that he wasn't human in the least. But, as an Anzat, he blended into the humanoid population so well that even he tended to forget that he was nothing human. Sitting in a restaurant on Csillia, it was suddenly very strange to be the only non-blue kid in the room.

 

[Aster Rose Baelor]

Not missing what you've never had... Aster had never thought of it like that. Interesting, the blonde thought.

"The path of a Jedi seems like a difficult one filled with temptation," she said thoughtfully. "How do you avoid attachments? That seems awfully difficult to do," the blonde asked inquisitively. The Jedi's world was a curious one that intrigued the young Baelor.

"And how do you accept your emotions yet, not allow them to interfere with your decisions?" As someone ruled by her heart rather than her brain - that was a concept Aster could not understand. To not allow emotions to play a part in one's decision making - that sounded quite impossible!

The blonde listened with an interested expression as the Sorel explained the Silver Jedi's situation with the Mandalorians, nodding as the Jedi spoke. "Although I know that the Mandalorians are a warrior culture with a thirst for war, I am surprised to hear that they would attack the Silver Jedi just because they can - I was under the impression they were mercenaries or something similar. It is quite unfortunate that they would wish to attack the Silver Jedi unprovoked.”

Aster paused to shoot a glance towards the leaders of both factions engaged in discussions. “I hope that a new friendship can be forged today between the Iron Empire and the Silver Jedi. I would very much like to pay the Jedi a visit and take you up on your offer of training,” the young Baelor smiled softly.

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

“The path is entirely rewarding,” Sorel said smiling. “And things that are worth having invariably don’t come easily. Temptation is a challenge if you let it be. Doubt is your real enemy. Believe you will fail and you shall. It’s no more complicated than that."

“You see, it’s like emotions. If you accept them and allow friendship and grieving and other such emotions into your life, then you can deal with them. The key is to be a person and also a Jedi. The person is emotional. The Jedi simply refuses to make decisions based upon emotions alone. It’s not impossible at all, just tough. The greater good is what matters, not my happiness. And if I can’t put my happiness aside, I probably should stop calling myself a Jedi.”

She smiled again. “I never said it was easy. Being a Sith is. You simply act selfishly. But ultimately your life is hollow and without meaning.”

“Some Mandalorians were subject to a terrible act by someone that was part of the Silver Order. That person was dealt with but the Mandalorians hold a grudge. In a sense I can understand mistrust or even hostility – but an outright war despite the evidence?”

“But enough of them, today is about the Iron and the Silver. And continued friendship. And on that very subject, I’d be delighted to show you Voss and the Academy there. And I’d be honoured if you’d accept my offer of training.”

[member="Aster Rose Baelor"]

 

[Aster Rose Baelor]

Aster nodded her expression thoughtful as Sorel answered her questions. From what the woman had told her, the young Baelor assumed that the path of a Jedi was not an easy one that anyone could simply embark upon but one filled with selflessness and sacrifices. Accustomed to an upper-class lifestyle with many luxuries, the blonde was not quite sure that the path was the one for her.

"The path of a Jedi seems to be one filled with many trials and tribulations and not one I'm sure I won't deviate from," Aster admitted sheepishly. "However, I would still like to learn the ways of the Jedi even if I am unable to adhere to the principles completely. Perhaps it might help me find my own path in life so that I can become something more meaningful than a socialite like my mother before me," her expression was earnest as she spoke.

“It is regrettable that the Mandalorians would want to wage war with the Silver Jedis over something that should have been resolved as the person responsible was dealt with,” Aster spoke, her expression one of disapproval. “Should the time come and war erupt between the Mandalorians and Silver Jedi, I would like to offer my assistance. While I may not be trained in the ways of the Force, I do however, have some experience providing basic first aid,” her words were sincere.

“I would very much like to pay Voss a visit. It would be a nice change from the sub-zero climate of Csaplar,” Aster smiled. “And it would be my pleasure to accept your offer of training,” the young Baelor beamed as her voice filled with excitement.

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel sensed apprehension in Aster and this was confirmed in her words. “Nobody is asking you to become a Jedi. It must be your own decision. And if the path is not for you, all I ask is that you do not turn to the dark-side. Using your abilities for good and not following the Code precisely is not exactly a bad thing.” She smiled.

“But above all, I repeat – please don’t feel pressured. Accept my training at face value and do with it whatever your conscience dictates. If you remain true to your heart, you will not go far wrong. This I sense and I am not often wrong.”

She smiled again. “I did not say I was always right, but on the whole? My judgement is pretty good. And your offer of help is a further demonstration that I was right in my observations.”

“So...” Sorel glanced around the room, hopeful she would hear words that suggested the meeting was just about to finish – but as she expected, what she heard suggested that days might pass before agreement was reached and signed upon. “Voss it is, once our two parties can demonstrate enough words have been shared to allow them to sign whatever piece of paper they probably drew up before the talking started.”

Sorel shook her head. “Compared to this, Jedi training is a doddle. As you’re about to find out.”

[member="Aster Rose Baelor"]

 

[Isamu Baelor]

“Enough. I’ll not tolerate further outbursts.” Stern words escaped the gritted teeth of the Full Metal Emperor. He was a serious man, with little patience for the disruptive whims.

“We did not gather here today, to squabble like children.” He explained, his gaze shifting between Catherine Soja, and Krayzen Dratos. “To forge a friendship between our two nations. For the betterment of our people. For both our people. That is why we are here.”

It was little surprise, that some of the Order held mistrust for the Empire. In past, the Jedi were notorious for allowing petty differences to divide them. It was under such conditions, that the One Sith had been allowed to thrive.

The young Jedi seemed idealistic, but ultimately naïve. Fortunate that both the Grandmaster, and Master Heavenshield, were wiser.

The same could not be said, however, about two of the Iron Empire’s own: Krazyen Dratos, and Bato Golden. The two acted as fools. One allowing the Jedi’s comments to elicit a reaction, and the other for mocking him. They had undermined the Empire, fracturing its image of unity.

Their ill-advised actions would be addressed following the summit.

With that, Isamu returned his attention to that of Thurion’s impromptu speech. “You speak with great fervour, Grandmaster.” He replied. “Born from a want to protect your people. I respect that.” If only more took to their duty with such enthusiasm, Isamu mused.

“Though impassioned, your words ring true. The Mandalorians act as wild beasts. Beholden to whims of bloodlust.“ Isamu said, his words tinged with disdain. “No doubt due to the apparent-death of Ra Vizsla.” It seemed their honour, had died with him.

[member="Krayzen Dratos"] | [member="Daegon Vaelaellis"] | [member="Aster Rose Baelor"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Bato Golden"] | [member="Kiriko"] | [member="Sorel Crieff"] | [member="Catherine Soja"] | [member="Serenna"] | [member="Viktor Alexander"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Vinten Veers"] | [member="Zeradias Mant"]

 

[Aster Rose Baelor]

"Thank you. I remember you mentioning that last time as well," Aster smiled her expression grateful. Although her position afforded her a privileged lifestyle, it was also one full of restrictions. "I have a tendency for overthinking things at times," she confessed feeling a little embarrassed and fought back the urge to play with the loose strands of hair that framed her face.

"Thank you," she thanked Sorel again as another smile spread across her face. Aster was accustomed to false flattery from others but not compliments so she was not quite sure how to respond properly. Hoping her reaction was appropriate, the teenager fiddled with her fingers under the table.

"Is that so?" Aster asked not familiar with either. She had little interest in politics and knew nought about Jedi training. "Though I am knowledgeable about neither, learning to harness to Force sounds like a much more difficult task than an exchange of words and signing a few pieces of paper," the teenager said naively. Although a majority of her extended family - not including those in the Iron Empire - had shown her the ugliness of humanity in their disagreements over her custody, each vying for possession of the child over the money in her bank left to her by her parents, Aster could still be naïve at times.

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Garza]

Silence had come from my lips. It had been what felt forever since I had seen the plate armor of the guards of the Iron Lords, and the Iron Empire. Walking down the halls of the palace, I made my way past various guards. Some had turned their attention to me as though I was just a late comer. Others moved towards me as though I were a pest that was trying to interrupt the proceedings of the Iron Empire, and the Silver Sanctum. Contrary to that thought, I was here for myself. Following behind me was my apprentice Thalia. Both of us were Hellyni. A race of humanoids from the planet of Hora close to the two factions in question.

I was here to represent those people who refused to be here. I came to ratify the idea of the Hellyni people to come under one banner, and join in these proceedings. I hated playing diplomat for people who I could care less for. However, I stood for my people. They were my blood, my kin, and my legacy. If I had to, I would kill, and die for them.

As I got closer to the doors, I had four guards stop me. One was an Iron Lord. The other three were soldiers. I stopped in front of them. As they came to question me, The Iron Lord seemed to squint at me through his helmet. I could see in the clear visor his green eyes. Standing there, I reached into my pocket. In that instant, their weapons were drawn. I continued on and showed a single coin. One that had the twin wolf heads emblazoned upon the face. Tossing it to the Iron Lord, I spoke in a very simple tone.

"I am Atheus. I lead our troops upon the battle of Ilum, and fought for our cities when the Omega Sith attacked our kindred. I come to speak at these talks."

The Iron Lord knew immediately who I was. Having had my own arm cut off by my own hand in the fight to protect them, I sacrificed much for them. He bowed his head slightly and let me pass. Motioning the guards to let their weapons drop. With a motion of his left hand at the doors, they opened wide enough to let two to three people pass.

Entering, I could hear my Emperor and Lord [member="Isamu Baelor"]. Raising up his voice to quell all thoughts of argument, and to bring the attention upon himself.

I smiled under the half mask covering my nose, cheeks and jawline. Speaking through it to everyone in the room, My voice seemed to echo slightly as I walked towards the many before me.

​"I begrudgingly speak to say that not all Mandalorians are animals, My lord."

I had to show that I was here for a reason. Taking a second to tilt my head at the man, as well as turning to his daughter and bowing my head, Thalia followed suit.

"I have trained under a few for some time. However, that is not important."

Bringing out a holocommunicator, I sat it on the table an turned it on. Showing a planet that I had been birthed upon.

​"I come to speak for my people, as well as advocate for the Iron Empire, and the Silver Sanctum to form a bond. I ask for permission to proceed."

It was rare for me to ask. Even more so for me to be a diplomat. The Baelor Family knew this from their time in working with me. They also knew I was one to not share my ideas or voice anything other than for some credits and gear to compensate for my working relationship with them.

Now, I offered everything to them. I put my neck on the chopping block. All I could hope for was one chance to make my stand.

[member="Aster Rose Baelor"], [member="Isamu Baelor"], [member="Sorel Crieff"], [member="Zeradias Mant"], [member="Coci Heavenshield"], @Thuron Heavenshield,

 

[Catherine Soja]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Atheus"] | [member="Aster Rose Baelor"] | [member="Isamu Baelor"] | [member="Sorel Crieff"] | [member="Zeradias Mant"] | [member="Bato Golden"]

She stood up looking slightly annoyed by the interruption and the utter disrespect from the Emperor she felt. But Calming herself she looked to the Grand Masters. "I'll be back on the ship masters. I don't think you need a Guardian here. If theres nothing more for me to be of use I can be at the ship or outside attending to any of the younglings." She spoke plainly and obviously with something on her mind but she already could tell the Empire was not interested in the jedi or their ways of life. They just wanted a flank covered. As she'd stated before the Jedi were not a strict military order as these Imperials believed. She did what the grand masters said because she respected them not cause of threat of punishment. But for one surrounding himself with dark force wielders she was hardly surprised.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion offered [member="Catherine Soja"] a nod to give her leave to exit the room, but before she could do so he offered her a bit of guidance. "Catherine. These people are only looking to protect their people, same as us. Not all use the powers of the dark side for evil, you'll find. I would take a moment to meditate on this," he spoke calmly, after which she was free to exit the room. His gaze then returned to meet that of [member="Isamu Baelor"] and his closest flanking the Emperor.

The Grandmaster thanked Baelor for his respect by way of nodding. "I do not believe the Mandalorians themselves are to blame. Like I said, I've met many of them before all these hostilities began without incident. I do believe that somehow they are being used by an unseen force, one that knows exactly which buttons to push to cause them to lash out against their former friends and neighbors. And yet, during the attack on Ossus they would not open fire until provoked by the Sith. I believe they too question the logic of these recent events." With furrowed brow he raised a hand to his chin in ponderous fashion.

They were suddenly interrupted by the doors opening behind him and the appearance of a man most noticeably wearing a metal arm. Thurion rose from his seat, trying to discern whether this man was here to threaten the talks from proceeding. His fears were put to rest as the man spoke of his intentions, and so Thurion's hand came off his lightsaber hanging from his waist and he sat back down. He would leave the Emperor with the decision whether to allow this man to join them.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Atheus"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel smiled. “You would be surprised how easy the training can be – once you learn to trust in the Force. Only doubt will be your enemy. And time of course. Even a Jedi cannot magic extra hours in the day, so rest and nourishment will eat into your study time – no pun intended.”

“There will be some book-work. The Code and its tenets – but this is not a dry history lesson but a way of understanding what differentiates a Jedi from other Force users and therefore what drives our actions.”

“So tell me, since you’ve learned of your gift, have you done any research? Are there any Force abilities or techniques that you’re especially keen to learn?”

[member="Aster Rose Baelor"]

 

[Aster Rose Baelor]

Aster nodded as Sorel spoke. "Trust in the Force?" she asked thoughtfully, repeating the Jedi's words. The idea of trusting in something she didn't understand made her uncomfortable. The blonde was never one for blind faith.

"I don't mind book-work," Aster smiled. "In fact, I've actually been a bit about the Jedi recently," she said, not concealing the excitement in her tone. "The Gathering seems like an interesting tradition as does the many Force abilities one can learn. After a little reading, I find that my interest lay in more passive areas such as Force Heal and Sense but telekinesis seems quite useful as well."

"It would weigh greatly on me if I were to end a life or injure someone in a manner they cannot recover from. Even if they are Sith," the young Baelor admitted. It was one thing to watch her bodyguards do what they had to in order to protect her but another thing entirely to perform these acts herself.

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel supressed a smile. Even Younglings with many years of schooling struggled with the concept of trusting in the Force. Yet Sorel knew that, for Aster to be truly successful, that was precisely what she needed to do. But that was a conversation for another day.

Sorel listened to Aster’s interest in abilities. “I can definitely teach you the basics of Force Heal but if that were to be a vocation, you would need to study under a specialist eventually – of which there are a few within the Silver Order. My capabilities are like a field medic. First aid and enough competence to keep someone alive and stable. But the more intricate acts require someone with not only a level of knowledge of anatomy but also of the many interventions the Force can enable.”

“And you may find that some traditions are less well protected than others. I’ve heard of Gatherings but all of my Padawans have crafted their saber on more of a one to one basis. I’ve overseen the construction and they’ve done all of the hard work of course – but I’m sure we could encourage a few Padawans to participate in a field trip if that appeals to you.”

“And no Jedi should ever wish to take a life. Not unless it was impossible to complete a mission without that outcome and even then, only if the mission was significant enough to warrant the loss of a life. It is never weak to turn the other cheek, in fact it demonstrates great courage. Something more Jedi should consider in my opinion.”

Sorel blushed, aware she was in danger of becoming opinionated. “But that is simply my perspective. It is for each Jedi to walk their own path – to ensure there was truth between their heart and the Force.”

[member="Aster Rose Baelor"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

There was no need for Coci to add to the talks at this point, even though this had turned to the Mandalorians in which she held very strong views on them, she would keep those to herself. The Mandalorians only lived to revive old glories, living off what they once had been and even that was paved with pass betrayals. They would side with one side to fright for glory and in the next encounter would be facing them as enemy. Thousands of years of history had shown this time and again, and continued in most recent history. But their want of war which they believed to be their only reason for existence, is out dated in a galaxy that has moved on and become more progressive in their mind set, even the Jedi had done so. But this lack of vision from the Mandalorians has seen them stagnate, fight among themselves for what they define as honour.

So it was time to speak of what Thurion alludes to in his words, the threat of what might be the driving force behind the actions of the Mandalorians, the Sith. "The arrival of the Sith on Ossus was unexpected, from both sides I do believe, however I could be wrong the Mandalorians could have informed them of the assault but this has not been confirmed. However the more concerning factor to come out of Ossus was their ease in which they enter the battle. Korriban, revealed to us many things that day and one of which that the Sith have taken up a hold in the Stygian Caldera. They operate with guerrilla warfare tactics, forming up pockets of cells within the Caldera".

She kept her voice moderate as she spoke and held a demeanour of calm which some in the room lacked. Jedi do not allow their personal emotions get the better of them, it is a lesson taught to Jedi the day they walk into the Academy and one that is repeated time and again and yet it is disappointing to see the lesson had still not been learned by none other then Jedi Knights in the room, who should know better. Everyone is allowed their opinion, everyone is allowed to have their voices heard, but to do so with prudence and guided reasoning.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Isamu Baelor"] | [member="Krayzen Dratos"] | [member="Aster Rose Baelor"] | [member="Bato Golden"] | [member="Sorel Crieff"] | [member="Catherine Soja"] | [member="Serenna"] | [member="Atheus"] | [member="Zeradias Mant"] | ​

 

[Catherine Soja]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Atheus"] | [member="Aster Rose Baelor"] | [member="Isamu Baelor"] | [member="Sorel Crieff"] | [member="Zeradias Mant"] | [member="Bato Golden"]

She looked to the Grand Master Bowing. Before leaving however she whispered to the two grand masters. It was low so it'd be hard for others to hear. "I sense Fear in his words, and if there is one thing I was drilled into since I joined the old jedi academy as a youngling it is one mantra. Fear is the path to the Dark side. Last time that order made a treaty with the Dark Sides disciplines they collapsed not long after. History shows us to be very weary of such. I shall be outside if required Masters." With that she took her leave. She would not bother trying to teach the lesson to the old man who woudl be Emperor, his emotions told of him being stubborn as did his file. But fear could cloud judgement and when used could lead to destruction. She refused to just believe with nothing to back it up that a bunch of dark side wielding force users wanted peace. It was not to say it was not possible merely a very very odd case and one she'd want more than just a smile and a promise. however she was for now going to defer to the grand masters she could bring further issues up at assembly.

 

[Zeradias Mant]

Stern were the emperors words, and hardly expected. The squabbles between the Silver Jedi's junior Jedi might have been expected, but for a senior military officer to participate in such a matter was unacceptable. Zeradias shook his head subtly as the emperor scolded the two so the parlay might continue, following a path towards friendship and mutual benefit rather than that of suspicion and open hostility.

The Mandalorians were the heart of the conversation at hand. Proven to be tenacious warriors, both officials from the Silver Jedi Order and Iron Empire agreed that the Mandalorians were a threat. Striking out unprovoked, disregarding logic in favor of what they believed to be 'honorable'. Zera spent years with the Mandalorians, he knew how they operated. Not all were like this, though in light of recent happenings, it was difficult to deny their unpredictability. He knew of the death of Ra Vizsla, however, he also knew the one taking over the mantle of Mand'alor was also quite capable.

"I do not believe the motive of the Mandalorians to be the Sith. I've spent a few years among them, and though generally noble, there are those in power who seek to maintain it by asserting dominance over others in a quest for honor and glory, feeding their inner verd. Too often though, the innocent suffer.​", his first words at the meeting.

Shortly after he spoke, the chamber doors opened. Entering through them was an Iron Lord by the name of Atheus. Zeradias recognized him from the earlier days of the empire. He defended the Mandalorians, or at least some of them. Not all Mandos were bad, just most, and all it takes is most.

Atheus remained standing after a bow of courtesy to the emperor and his niece, placing a holoprojector on the table. Emitting from it was a hologram of a planet Zeradias did not recognize. He's come to speak for his people? Zeradias wasn't privy to this information - he thought that as a citizen of the Iron Empire, any in it's holdings were their people. This didn't seem to be the case. His curiosity was peaked. As Atheus asked for permission to proceed, Zeradias leaned forward, leaning his head on his adjoined hands, looking inquisitively to the hologram.

"Go ahead, Atheus.​", Zeradias said quietly.

[member="Isamu Baelor"] | [member="Aster Rose Baelor"] | [member="Krayzen Dratos"] | [member="Atheus"] | [member="Kiriko"] | [member="Bato Golden"] | [member="Vinten Veers"] | [member="Viktor Alexander"]​

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Catherine Soja"] | [member="Sorel Crieff"] | [member="Sor-Jan Xantha"] | [member="Rianna Ar'klim-Organa"]​