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

[Aster Rose Baelor]

"I understand," Aster replied. "Fortunately, it may be a while until I need a master who specialises in healing," she smiled. "I have a few more Force abilities I wish to learn as well but those two are the only ones I can remember off the top of my head."

"It is unfortunate that the Gathering is not one that has been continued but I guess it cannot be helped since the Silver Jedi space are quite a distance away from Ilum and it certainly did not help that the planet was on the border of One Sith space before their fall," the young Baelor said with a sympathetic tone. "When the time comes, I certainly would enjoy the company very much," she smiled again. Ever since the death of her parents, her life had been a lonely one. Even now, she was filled with loneliness - though that was something she would never admit to her uncle in fear of worrying him. He had done so much - almost too much for her already.

"Even then, I'm not sure if I can take a life. My father was a soldier. He died a hero on the front like - or at least that is what I was told. My mother became a shell of her former self when she learned the news and eventually, she abandoned me join father," Aster teared up as she spoke. "I don't think I could inflict something so horrible on a family. Death is a tragedy for those left behind."

"Your view sounds like quite a good one," the teenager said as she wiped a tear before it could fall on her face and forced a smile. She had to be strong.

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Krayzen Dratos]

The Anzati remained quiet as he saw [member="Atheus"] arrive, and he could see [member="Sorel Crieff"] and [member="Aster Rose Baelor"] converse among themselves. Krayzen then heard [member="Coci Heavenshield"] converse speak about the Sith's usage of guerilla tactics, something the remnants of the One Sith had been doing to many of it's enemies.

"We have suffered the same issue with One Sith remnants, although not to the scale of your conflict with the Sith Order." Krayzen quickly replied. He then made a mental note of making sure to converse with the SSJ about a solution, although he believed that now as not the correct time.

Krayzen then waited for Atheus to speak. He wondered to himself when the treaty would be signed, although this was most likely due to the Anzat being inexperienced with diplomatic meetings, and not having the patience for them.

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel listened. “There is at least one Jedi in the Silver Order that specialises in Healing. Cathbouda I believe her name is. And that’s just a name off the top of my head. I’m sure there are others.”

“And it is always best to start with modest ambitions. Learn a few abilities and learn them really well. That’s my advice.”

“And Ilum is just one crystal cave. There are plenty of others. Rhen Var is a good example – and within Silver space. A great source of Solari crystals. They only work for light-siders, but given who we are, that should not be a problem, should it.”

“And as for taking a life? It is not something any Jedi should do through choice. It will always be a last resort in my opinion. I’ve captured enough Sith when others might have killed them to know what is possible. And sometimes I let them walk away – given the alternative. Tragedies should be avoided at all costs.”

Sorel smiled. “It is, as I have said before, a tough life. Maybe you won’t wish to become a Jedi – but if you learn enough to do some good in the galaxy, why would you pass up the opportunity. And why wouldn’t I offer you the training you need?”


[member="Aster Rose Baelor"]

 

[Aster Rose Baelor]

"Cathbouda seems like someone I should seek out one day," Aster remarked and forced herself to cheer up a little then nodded at Sorel's words as the woman continued.

"Oh?" the blonde uttered, surprised. It seemed she knew less than she thought about the Jedi. "Of course not," she said, a little embarrassed by her own obvious lack of knowledge.

"Is it necessary for one to own a lightsaber?" the young Baelor inquired having just thought up the question. She doubted her uncle would be too fond of the idea of her on the front line of battle. This, combined with her unwillingness to kill made the blonde wonder if the weapon would see much - if any - in her hands.

"I'm glad we share similar views on taking lives," she smiled. Unless it was a matter of her own survival, Aster had no intention of robbing another of their life.

"Thank you," the teenager said gratefully. "I am very thankful for your gracious offer," she smiled again.

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

“Sometimes Masters can be a little…” Sorel looked to be searching for the right word. “Territorial. They want to be the only one to teach their Padawan. My view? As long as you don’t go to a dark-sider then I would be relaxed. So seek out any and all Jedi that know of Healing, even if they are outside of the Silver Order.”

Sorel looked around the room. “I’m afraid many questions you have – entirely justified questions – don’t have a single answer. Most Jedi have a saber. It is a way to protect the weak. Even carrying one can prevent crimes – I have seen this first hand. Criminals are less likely to perpetrate something in your presence. But does that make it mandatory? Of course not. I am aware of Jedi who never used a saber. And if you keep away from specific hot zones, the likelihood of needing to have one goes down exponentially. So what I’m really saying is that it is up to you entirely.”

“And please ask more questions if any come to mind. They invariably do.”

[member="Aster Rose Baelor"]

 

[Isamu Baelor]

The Iron Legate was brash. Lacking in discipline. His abrupt entry had startled the Grandmaster. An ill-advised act, if ever there were. One that would likely earn a reprimand, from the Iron Praetor: Gaius Aurelius’.

Atheus spoke in defense of the Mandalorians. Though sincere, his words were suspect. His judgment, perhaps clouded by bias. Few could look at the recent actions of the honourable warriors, and think them any more than animalistic.

He shifted attention to that of a holoprojector, of which displayed a planet. A foreign one, far outside the Iron Realm. He asked for permission, this time, to speak.

Isamu was curious, as to what relevance this world held. “Say your piece, Atheus.”

[member="Atheus"] | [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]

"You need not worry then. I have no intention of making friends with dark-siders," Aster said and shot her uncle a glance. "If I did, I would have to face severe punishment at the hands of the Emperor. He despises Sith and as do I," she added with a stern expression recalling memories of the One Sith's cruelty on Coruscant. They knew not how to care for others, only themselves.

"I am relieved to hear that. The Jedi culture seems less rigid and more diverse that I expected," she grinned.

"I don't believe I have any further questions but I would love to hear about Voss. What is the planet like? And, oh! Where shall we meet in Voss?" Aster's eyes brimmed with curiosity and excitement, ready for adventure and yearned for the freedom she never really had.

​

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel smiled. In part because of the young woman’s honesty. In no small way because no Jedi ever sets out to befriend a dark sider – but it tends to happen – and finally because defining a dark sider was trickier than people realised. If Jedi and Sith were on opposite ends of a continuum, both group would occupy different places along the line. Throw in rogue Jedi and dark Jedi and who knew what else and you ended up with a very blurry sense of light and dark.

But intentions were what mattered right now and Aster had passed with flying colours.

And oddly Aster was already picking up on the notion that being a Jedi was less of a set of rules and more of a philosophy. The problem of course that you can tell if a rule is broken but a philosophy? That was far less tangible and altogether tougher to measure.

“We are a family. And like any family we tend to love each other and fall out from time to time. But we get over it. And Voss?”

Sorel lowered her head and her voice in a conspiratorial whisper. “I have to admit I have spent so much time on missions, I only spend a few days a month there. Perhaps I ought to rectify that?”

She straightened up and smiled, her voice returning to normal. “It’s in many ways an unremarkable planet, which is not a criticism by the way. And the buildings have a certain style about them. That’s my one-defining descriptor. And the Academy is very well appointed, set in beautiful gardens.”

[member="Aster Rose Baelor"]

 

[Garza]

As the Jedi Masters who were here didn't speak against me, they waited for my lord to allow my place. Surely I would as per my stature within the Empire. However, I would back off should I not be allowed. Considering I barged in between the two, only to speak about my people. However, this was very valid. My kind who had once been with the Silver Jedi, tried so hard to learn how to become one to protect his people. To learn how he could better prevent people from reaching our planet. As such, I was here to finish that, however in a different manner.

With the words to speak, I did so.

"My former Kings, as they have perished from time, or in war, fought with the Silver Jedi before their reformation. Hora, a planet secluded far away from anywhere else, is alone. As such, I speak for my people. They do not know of the galaxy, and will be overwhelmed should any outsiders visit the planet. We can easily be identified much like the Epicanthix. I ask in these talks, that should we trade, or even have a neutral agreement, to keep the people of Hora away from these wars. They can be introduced to the galaxy, however, I come to prevent forced sublimation into the galaxy."

Looking to either side, I also knew of the planet Commenor that lay between the borders as well. They too were within the reach of the Iron and Silver's reaches. As far as I am aware, they were neutral to everyone. Wanting to stay out of the war, and not have the rising Sith, come against them.

"I do not ask for trade, nor a big brother to watch over. I ask that the people be left alone, or should anyone claim them under a rule, that a representative be brought forth to represent their kind."

[member="Isamu Baelor"],

 

[Aster Rose Baelor]

Family - a word filled with many painful memories for Aster. "Family?" she muttered to herself almost as if in deep thought. "That sounds lovely," the young Baelor said hesitantly. The meaning of the word 'family' had, unfortunately, been lost to her.

"I thought Jedi spent all their time on temples," Aster returned Sorel's whisper - her cheeks flushed a rosy colour. She was embarrassed by her ignorance. "The missions sound like they may be quite and adventure - I am a little envious."

"Nevertheless, it sounds like it might be a nice change of scenery," she smiled, her tone returning to normal as well. "The Academy's gardens sound quite delightful!" excitement filled her. "It has been too long since I had the privilege of taking a stroll in a proper garden or admiring the beauty of flowers," she beamed brightly as she spoke. It was clear that she was eager and more than ready to embark on the journey that awaited her.

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel had never considered the gathering of Jedi as lovely – but reflecting on it, a few years ago she would have called her ship her home. Now she called the Silver Order home, even if she did not specify a particular planet. And it wasn’t until this conversation that she realised the fact.

“Many Jedi spend their entire lived in Temples. Librarians and the sort. And from a young age until maybe fourteen, I never travelled outside of the grounds of the two Temples I lived in. First Coruscant and then Ossus. Some never visit a Temple, it depends on their needs. I tend to visit to take classes and once upon a time to do research but most information is now available remotely, so there is less of a need. Although some prefer to pore over original documents – and I can’t blame them if they do.”

“And most missions are routine. Escort a diplomat here. Collect a cargo there. Many are valuable – like running aid missions or helping to relocate refugees. And a minority are dangerous. Typically dealing with criminal gangs. Rarely do we come across Sith, despite popular misconception.”

“And one thing is for sure, there’s a lot less snow on Voss.”

[member="Aster Rose Baelor"]

 

[Aster Rose Baelor]

"It seems I have much to learn about the Jedi," Aster remarked. "I thought Jedi hunt Sith and go on a lot of dangerous missions but it seems my expectations of a Jedi's life may have been romanticised by the books I have read that only wrote of adventures Jedi would embark on risking life and limb," she frowned, a little disappointed.

"What about Jedi Healers? What does their role entail?" she asked, curious about the path that had appealed to the most. Aster had always known she was no fighter nor did she wish to fight if possible - the thought of making another bleed or badly wounding another scared her. Furthermore, the Iron Empire lacked healers so this, combined with her desire to help others had led her to her chosen path.

"Voss' lack of snow makes me even more excited to visit the planet. Waking up to a scenery of snow on snow loses its charm and gets a bit dreary after a while," the teenager admitted, lowering her voice as she did not want her uncle to hear. The last thing she wanted was for the man she had owed so much to think she was unhappy or unappreciative of the comfortable situation she been allowed.

[member="Sorel Crieff"]​

 

[Isamu Baelor]

“I’ll hear no more, Atheus.” Isamu said. “I forgave your interruption, and allowed you to speak, under the assumption that it would be pertinent. It is not.” Sterns words escaped the lips of the Emperor. “Once the Grandmaster and I have finished speaking, then you may re-introduce your concerns.”

Isamu returned to the issue at hand. “I fear we talk in circles, Grandmaster. We may only speculate as to what has led the Mandalorian’s astray. However, it will do little to resolve the situation. As such, I would be blunt. What is it that you would ask of the Iron Empire?”

As the Emperor and Grandmaster spoke, the Iron Praetor approached Atheus. “I would have words.” He said, in a hushed tone.

He led the Iron Legate out of sight, and earshot, before addressing him. “Your arrogance knows no bounds.” He said, his words harsh. “You interrupt the summit, and push your own agenda? Disgraceful.”

“You are an Iron Legate. You should know better.” He said, shaking his head. His words rife with disappointment. “We will discuss this further, at a later time. For now, you will return to your seat, and remain quiet.”

[member="Atheus"] | [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"]

 

[Sorel Crieff]

“The greater good comes in far more mundane tasks than Sith hunting,” Sorel said, smiling. “But even taking down a crime lord can be risky business and we often provide humanitarian aid in places where wars are being fought. And a routine medicine drop can end up being an encounter with pirates or slavers. So there is never such a thing as a routine mission. At least many appear that on paper only to change drastically once you’re actually engaged.”

“Some Healers work at the Academy. They train other Healers and work on cures for various things – using the Force and various plants and herbs. Some travel to areas that require significant assistance. The site of a natural disaster or even war zones. More often than not it is work akin to a regular doctor, dealing with sprains, fevers and the like. Other times it is nasty injuries. Sometimes they tend to the general populace and other times they work almost exclusively on Jedi.”

“I think you’ll fit in quite nicely.”

[member="Aster Rose Baelor"]

 

[Garza]

As the words of the Emperor said my words were not needed, He continued on speaking to the Grandmaster while the Leader of the Iron Legion, came up and spoke to me quietly. Asking me to follow him for a moment. Behind the curtain of my hair I rolled my eyes. Gritting my teeth behind my mask as I followed silently. Trying so hard to control myself as I was called disgraceful as I would push my own agenda. Like the man even knew!

I never pushed my own agenda.

I asked that the planet of Hora be left alone in the expansion of the two factions. If one should try and take over, then they shall be represented correctly, and not thrown aside much like how others had been. The Chiss had tried to start a Coup because they felt as though the Emperor was false, and was not worthy of leading. And after the words that were spoken to me, I had a feeling there was more to this Baelor family than meets the eye.

"To you, I am an Iron Legate. I have a voice as much as anyone here. Including the Silver Jedi accepting their youngers to attend. From where I come, Your throat would have been slashed for taking me away from the table."

Speaking back to the Praetor in the same hushed tone that he had given me. Hora may not be very accepting of others, but they accepted those who clearly held power within their fingers. And they accepted the fact that everyone had a voice. No matter Which city state you came from. Spathi had two kings to take over the load appearances, and taking care of the city and their people. Atticia and Emporio were two city states that used a democracy, or republic like government. Officials appointed by a vote of the people to act as their voice. Any one of them could be voted. From the greatest of soldiers, and wealthiest of men, or the lowly farmer tending his flock.

My eyes may be silver, but they were clearly burning with an anger that would not leave so easily.

​"Tis not arrogance of my agenda, but the safety of my own people. They are on the cusp of the Silver Jedi space. I want them to leave them alone in their expansion. Attempting to hold the planet for us as a remote outpost. Yet you, and the Emperor slander me with mud and spit. You wish the safety of the Empire, yet you know nothing of the possible threats. You, Praetor, disgrace me by not trusting my word as a Master of the force, and a man who spent time over in the Mandalorian crusades, to gather information, and to report to you."

Clearly looking back over to the table as the Emperor finished his words to the Grand Master, I looked back at my second in command leader. The man who I was supposed to follow. Yet I could hardly look at his face without gagging right now.

"Hold me away from my people, hold me back from protecting the lives of multiple nations, and I will remove you from more than just a debating table."

I didn't even hear the man's words. I did not care for his own simpleminded actions to remove me from the table at the command of a man who should have known that even the smallest of cracks in a government can tear down everything. I went back to the seat that was available. Calming myself as much as I could to prevent any words I may not wish to speak. I knew I was either going to be removed from the table again. Be taken out of the room as per my "arrogance." Or I would be having a good talk to after this was all over. And honestly, I would love to see which one happened.

Throwing a very bold and outright claim for the man who I worked under. However, I was steadfast in my resolve. In the past few years, I seemed to have grown an attachment to saving the lives of people. At first, it was just a job. Then it was to protect those who needlessly died. Now, it is to prevent deaths like I had seen when the Omega Sith had attacked us. It was to prevent nations and planets that were still growing into the galaxy from perishing. His words would not remove me from anything. More so, strengthen my ideals to push for my people to be safe from the hands of people who I did not trust.

Yet now, I didn't know who to trust.

[member="Sorel Crieff"], [member="Isamu Baelor"] [member="Aster Rose Baelor"], [member="Krayzen Dratos"], [member="Thurion Heavenshield"],

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

As the situation with the man by the name of [member="Atheus"] being handled by swift action by the Iron Emperor, Thurion was equally swift in settling back down in his chair as the brief spike in tension dissolved. His gaze wandered between the Iron Legate and his emperor, noting the strained relationship the two seemed to share. While Atheus' intentions were honourable and caused by the love for his homeworld and his people - something Thurion could respect and relate to immensely - it did feel like he went about it the wrong way. Feeling like he should say something on the matter, ultimately it would not do to undermine the Emperor's word, and so the Grandmaster's gaze instead followed the man from Hora as he was directed to his seat before returning his attention to [member="Isamu Baelor"].

"I agree," he replied with a nod of his head. "The Mandalorians, no matter how vast their armies or lust for war may be, are not the true threat. That 'honour' falls to the Sith, as is so often the case. But, if the former were to resume their attacks on Silver soil, then we'll have no choice but to defend ourselves. I'd like to know we can count on your support should such a time come." Thurion bowed his head as he stated his request to the Emperor, only to then offer him a smile. "Cooperation between friends should always be encouraged, I've always felt."

His gaze then settled upon the young niece of Baelor, [member="Aster Rose Baelor"], and [member="Sorel Crieff"] chatting away in the background. The pair seemed to be enjoying themselves, which prompted another smile from him. "I hope we are not boring you," he asked the two ladies with a chuckle. "Master Crieff, I trust you're not filling Lady Baelor with Jedi propaganda," he added with a wink and a smirk.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​