Luminosity

[Relina Zhan]

Location: Palace of St. Clavelle, Gallinore
Time: 0945 hours, local time.

Luminosity (Sou Kanai feat. Ai Takekawa)

"... And so within the next fiscal year, we are looking at almost double the profits from C.Y. 4899. A projection five years from now, we should be in fantastic shape to overtake Olanji/Charubah, if all goes well." advised an ash-blonde woman in Hapan.

She was dressed in a fine business suit and wedge heels and carrying a datapad in her soft hands. Like all Hapans, she was gorgeous. She walked along side two other women, whose hair was redder, but noticeably blonde as well. The two other women were dressed alike.

"Te'ta'xida, Tuila Kel." replied one of the Women, Ducha Relina Zhan. "This is wonderful news. I trust our employees are doing well, no?" she asked her.

"Yes, a happy workforce makes a company successful, Alarah. The Royal Armaments Guild bottom-line, I hear, complains of too high a cost of living in Esthar than they can comfortably afford. Let Paragon not be THAT company." The other woman chimed in, with something of a condescending tone as she spoke of the rival business.

The three women laughed as they strode past the large, imposing statue of Saint Clavelle in the main hall of the Duchal residence, her hand held out gently and a serene, almost stereotypically Jedi-like expression on her beautiful marble face. The image of the ancient Saint seemed to glow as sunlight flowed through the alabaster hall though the windows and skylights.

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

The Final Dragon would touch down on Gallinore, a ship that [member="Relina Zhan"] would recognize full well as the ship of her old friend, Jedi Master Joshua DragonsFlame. Well, least time she'd seen him, he'd been a Jedi Knight in the late stages. Much had changed since then, of course. His ascendance to Masterhood, his ascendance to the role of Grandmaster, the changes in the Order wrought by a former Grandmaster and their cronies that led to his dismissal, and him leaving the Republic after in his eyes, he was backstabbed. He'd changed, really changed. But Relina still had a friend in him, and as it'd been so long, the Jedi Master had decided to pay a visit.

He was aware she was likely in some meeting at the moment, she always was after all. As the ships doors opened, the Jedi Master, clad in his traditional brown Jedi robes, would walk down the ramp, gazing around the area with a stone-faced, serious expression. Relina knew he was here, of course, and knew where to meet him when she was able.

 

[Relina Zhan]

Relina's commlink vibrated in the modest pocket of her dress. [member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] had arrived, according to the message she received. "Ah. He is here." she said in a low tone.

Tuila Alarah Kel and Lady Alessandra Zhan looked to her. "The one you were expecting, Relina?" her twin sister asked of her.

Relina nodded. "Yes, the same. Shall we go meet him?" she asked, already turning toward the side corridor that would lead out to the palace's landing pads. The other women followed behind her.

Ducha Relina Zhan walked out through the covered walkway, glancing about to see that the gardeners had been there recently. The flowering plants and shrubberies had been neatly groomed, mirrioring the main gardens themselves in the east part of the grounds. The Ducha and her identical twin sister both wore an elegant form-fitting dress of expensive fine fabrics coloured a vibrant purple. The shoulders were bared and the sleeved were fitted to a point at the middle finger, fastened by a loop. They also wore matching sandals in a tarnished bronze colour. Their hairstyles were a mirror image of each other.

She was still too far to greet him, but made her way at a leisurely and casual pace.

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

It didn't take long for the Jedi Master to note the group of women approaching the docking bay where he'd parked his ship. Once he exited the ramp, it would close up behind him, and he would walk a little ways before coming to a stop at the center of the docking bay, watching as the Ducha, Relina and her little entourage would come to greet him.

The Jedi Master, once she came close enough, would try to identify the two with her, but only could identify Relina, even if the other blonde one looked like someone he knew in a past continuity or something. Once they came to a head, the Jedi would graciously bow respectfully to the Ducha.

"Ducha Zhan, a pleasure to see you again" Joshua would greet politely. It was certainly a more.... Formal air, coming from him, then Relina might have been used to. But perhaps he'd lighten up over time. But the change was an obvious thing.

[member="Relina Zhan"]

 

[Relina Zhan]

[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

Relina certainly noticed the disposition change. Where was the more laid back Jedi she knew? "Sallan, dear Joshua. I trust your flight went well?" she asked, nodding her head in acknowledgement. She stopped a metre or so before him.

Her sister and the CEO stopped behind her, although Alessandra approached a bit more to have a look at the Jedi. She said nothing, but seemed to be sizing him up.

"Oh yes. This is my twin sister, Lady Alessandra." she said, motioning to her double. She'd then motion to her other cohort. "And this is Tuila Alarah Kel, the CEO of my family's business."

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

He'd done some growing up in the time since he had seen Relina last. He knew to be formal when dealing with positions of authority or royalty, and friend or not, Relina certainly hit the quota. Especially when in the company of her associates. If she was lucky, perhaps later on she would catch him in a mood where he would be happier to be the laid back, joking, wise-cracking, flirtatious Jedi that she had once known. It certainly wasn't gone, even if he didn't have much chance to show it as he didn't tend to trust people much these days. She just had to get lucky.

"It went well indeed, dear Ducha. I apologize for not having been in contact in the time since we last spoke, I've been busy dealing with various affairs after my rather... Unruly exit from the Republic and the ramifications that have followed in the timespan since" He spoke politely. "I trust you have been well?"

To be quite honest, when he first spoke before Relina did, he had to look straight, not looking anybody in the eyes, because for the life of him, he was unable to tell Relina and Alessandra apart. They looked like mirror images, but he was too proud to admit that he'd been unable to discern Relina from her twin sister. Had Relina been unfortunate enough to be his lover, and the Jedi had ended up somehow sleeping with Alessandra, he would not have been able to tell that he scored the wrong twin until he was informed later.

Thank the Force that Relina had spoken, and made sure he knew which twin was which. Perhaps he'd make a joke later? Who knew? "An honor to meet you both, fair Lady Alessandra, and Madam Tuila" He greeted. "If I may ask, you wouldn't happen to know one Tallia Farn, would you? It's been quite some time since I've seen her, but last I knew, she had some sort of roots in the royalty of Hapes. I'd been meaning to inquire, but it continuously slipped my mind" The Jedi would admit.

It was funny, actually. At one point, he had deeply cared for Tallia. Perhaps even a small crush. But he had allowed himself to push things like that away, especially with the path she had taken. He couldn't allow himself to be caught off guard again.

Changing the subject once that was cleared up, he would speak again. "Alas, once again it is an honor and privilege to meet you both. You would think our dear Ducha would have introduced us earlier" He remarked, a small, almost playful smile crossing his face. There it was, just a small flicker of the Josh that Relina had known.

[member="Relina Zhan"]

 

[Relina Zhan]

[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

Relina chuckled lightly at the remark. "I am afraid I don't know a Tallia Farn, but I know of the House." she said. Her sister reacted only slightly at the name, but shook her head.

"They've been quiet lately. However, the individual I do not believe I have met." Aless replied simply.

Relina explained. "Aless gets more face-time with the Royal House than I. She is the politician in this family as it stands..." she trailed off, then looked about briefly. "Well, let us not stand out here, as fine a morning as it is. Have you eaten, Joshua?" she asked.

Hospitality, of course, had not changed one bit.

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Joshua would nod in understanding to her response to his name drop, that was all he needed to know, of course. He had not seen or heard from Miss Farn in quite some time, and assumed that this was a purposeful decision on her part, just as it had been the last period of time he had not seen or heard from her.

He smiled a bit and nodded again when they went into a little more detail. "I've never been one for politics... Even if I've sort of gotten pulled into it a few times" He remarked with a small chuckle escaping his lips. He didn't need to talk about his political escapades, they were well documented for anyone who had followed the Republic in DragonsFlame's final days as a Jedi of the Republic Jedi Order.

To her final question, he shook his head. "Not as of late, Your Grace. I'll admit that I've kept myself rather occupied during the trip here. And didn't really find myself realizing I was hungry until it was time to disembark" He would admit with a sheepish smile.

[member="Relina Zhan"]

 

[Relina Zhan]

[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

There it was, the grin she was looking for. She'd smile back and nodded. "Very well. Come. You missed breakfast, but I'm certain we can have something prepared while we catch up." She said, motioning the lot of them inside. She would touch something on her comm and said something her mellifluous native language.

"Things have been steady here. New innovations have been underway with the company, for one thing. I cannot speak of most of them, however." she said. "Apart from that, I've been helping with the training of new pilots. I know, it isn't terribly interesting, is it?" she asked, glancing up at the taller man.

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

The Jedi would smile and give a nod in appreciation in response to her offer of food. Oh, thank the Force, thank the Hapan gods, thank the whatever! Food! It had taken her to mention it before he realized that he was absolutely STARVING! How did he manage to survive living on his own all the time anyway? When he busied himself, and put his all into his training, the hours could just fly by and he'd even forget to eat - and sometimes even forget to sleep if he wasn't careful.

"I very much appreciate it, Your Grace" He would add with a respectful bow, back to the formal routine once again for the moment. Or perhaps that was just how he was now, in terms of being respectful and polite? It was the right way to handle things in the presence of someone in a position of power after all, especially if they were offering you food.

"New innovations? How so?" The Jedi Master would inquire curiously as he would follow the Ducha's lead as they went inside, noting her speaking some sort of language - he would assume the native tongue of Hapes - into a comm. To her next question, he smiled faintly, and would shrug in response. "Taller man" was an understatement. At some point, he'd grown from 6'1 to 6'3, he figured he'd probably end up with a sore neck eventually in order to meet Relina's eyes. "Not interesting, but a necessary measure when you're dealing with an entity that could be attacked at any time" The Jedi would respond calmly. "I'm sure you'd love to be relaxing in the Gallinore sun, with sunglasses on your eyes, a lounge chair beneath you, and a smoothie straw in your mouth. But lofty positions mean you're busy, busy, busy" He would suddenly tease, his smile becoming a playful one toward her.

[member="Relina Zhan"]

 

[Relina Zhan]

[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

Relina sighed as Josh's presumption of what she'd rather be doing at the moment was spot-on. "You know I get a bit... edgy when you read my mind." she said with mock sternness. She didn't appreciate mind reading, even passively, but she forgave Josh for it. Of course, if Josh had a mind to get nosy during one of her midnight episodes that could be linked to the beginnings of PTSD, he'd probably get a different image of her. She had thought of such only fleetingly and in the very back of her mind. Concerning the size difference, in an ancient measurement system of base-six mathematics, Relina would be measured at 5'6" and dainty at that.

"Jedi really CAN do that, can't they?" Asked Aless offhandedly. She had not met many Jedi in her time and had something of a cultural bias... moreso than Relina had. Alarah didn't say anything. "Truly, how do you do what seems sorcery?"

Relina furrowed her neat brows at her sister, finding the inquiry to possibly be taken as rude. She'd change the subject and answer the other question posed to her. "Innovations... many of them are classified and so cannot talk about them apart from public knowledge. However, as everyone surely knows, we are well-known for our advances in ion weapon technology and we have taken interest in the use of ion weapons on the planetary battlefield, namely when mounted on a tank. The Seraph is relatively new and I have seen the initial proving grounds tests... I am notoriously difficult to impress, I'll have you know." she said with a grin.

The small group would pass through the atrium of the Main Hall, the statue of Saint Clavelle dominating its decor. She took him on a sort of tour of the palace, pointing out historical paintings, ancient suits of armour, and other historical artifacts housed there. This place was a political office, Duchal residence, and museum all in one. "We live a few levels above, incidentally. The public tours rarely go through the residential section, but we do allow our subjects to see how we live from time to time. There are hundreds of documentaries from several time periods in which you can see how things have changed over the years." she advised. The grand dining room was just beyond a large decorative double-accessway. Food could be smelled from the kitchen beyond the dining room easily. Servants were already preparing things for all four of them.

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"I'll keep that in mind next time, Relina" The Jedi would remark in response, with that playful smile still evident. It wasn't even mind reading, he had just made an educated guess. "I don't usually tell people, but I'm a noble myself. Velmorian, somewhere in the line. Not royal, noble, but I've had education and heard stories about the busy busy busy side of things... It's one of those times where being a Jedi has freed me from something that could be rather uncomfortable" He cracked, chuckling. Actually, the main reason he didn't usually speak of it, unless he trusted someone such as Relina, was the possibility of someone taking advantage to go through some family links in Velmor and get some kind of arranged marriage going for financial and power gain without his permission. He was a free man, he didn't want any part of that chit.

Josh hadn't trained much in reading minds, he wasn't 100% sure if he even could. He could gauge emotions using the Force, but that was about it. If he trained it, who knows? But he'd need help. Help he didn't really have. To Aless's questions, the Jedi would chuckle, and noting Relina's reaction, decided to have a little fun. Relina would be able to recognize that small, almost mischievous grin immediately the moment it crossed his face.

"Well, while my answer to Madam Relina was simply an educated guess, Jedi really CAN read minds" Josh would remark, almost sounding too casual. "I'm not sure how we learned that power, but I heard that they took people into really tight pods and use the Force to probe into them, to learn how people's minds work and learned how to identify brain patterns. It's a really scary thing. I also hear that Jedi can even use that probing to fry your brains and kill you instantly, but they're nice enough that they don't do that unless you're lucky enough to really piss one off" He would fib, telling a tall tale just for the sake of giving Relina a laugh at the expense of the girl who obviously had no idea what Jedi were.

"How do we do it? It's simple... Years and years of training" He responded. Not a lie. Truth. "After we go into the ruins of an old Force God as an initiation, of course, and dive into it's pool of flames, dealing with incredible degrees of torture to the skin in order to be able to use the Force like we do. Why do you think the Jedi that survive are so tough?" He would fib, with a grin. He was obviously playing, but Aless didn't have to know that - Relina could tell her later.

Once the subject was changed, he nodded as he listened to Relina's answer. "I'll pretend I know a thing you just spoke about. I'm not much of a weapons guy, I have my laser sword and I'm happy" He joked, chuckling.

He nodded along to her words as they took the grand tour, but his eyes lightened up when he could smell the food from there once they reached their destination. Now he really did realize he was starving!

[member="Relina Zhan"]

 

[Relina Zhan]

Relina herself didn't know THAT much about Jedi. She knew more than her sister did, but even then that wasn't saying much. However, she knew [member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] well enough to know more or less when he was being serious or not. "I understand that Jedi train for years to do even basic things with the Force. I won't profess to know very much about it, only that it is supposed to be some kind of energy field that permeates the universe." she said as she took a seat at the table.

There was fresh fruit of various kinds already placed in a large bowl nearby them. Whatever was cooking, however, smelled wonderful. "Do tell them what you would like to eat. We have quite a variety. I, myself, am still in the mood for breakfast foods.... something simple considering the time of day." she said, calling a passing servant over, a rather handsome man dressed up nicely and cleanly. She'd use Basic, although she spoke the Galaxy's lingua franca with a plainly noticeable accent somewhat reminiscent of High Coruscanti, but easily that of a romance language. "Would you bring me some bacon, thinly sliced bliz-eggs hard boiled, soy-sauce, and a cup of caff, dear?" she asked him.

Aless and Alarah both used Hapan to make their orders. They sat across from Josh and Relina, speaking in Hapan in a low tone occasionally glancing at Josh. Relina simply blinked. She obviously could understand everything they were saying and seemed to be losing her patience. "For Aphrodite's Sake, you two! That's enough. Jedi aren't Yuuzhan Vong." she said, not rightly sure just how much of Josh's sarcasm either one of them were buying as fact.

Aless raised a finger and parted her lips as if to provide a retort, but opted not to. "Very well..." she said and left it at that. "So.... Mister Joshua... you are of Velmoran nobility, you say?" Aless asked, becoming more civil.

"Ah yes, I didn't know this about you. Do tell. I trust there are stories, no?" Relina asked.

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

He certainly hoped that Relina didn't think that he was serious. Of course, most of what he had said had been a fib. Mainly to see just how much knowledge they had, and how gullible they could be. How much they had believed? Well, he wasn't sure.

"Yes, that's true" He spoke in response to her words. "I've been training as a Jedi since I was five years old. It takes many years of hard work and training to become a Pokemon Master Jedi Master. I'm actually a rare case in my age in terms of Masterhood. Especially when it comes to becoming Grandmaster as well" He would add. "Well... At least, it was, back in my era for the Jedi Order. Things have changed since. I was more or less part of a dying breed, so me being where I was, was considered rare. Not so much now with the way things are but... Well, me not being there anymore says it all, even if I'm still a Jedi" Joshua would explain.

But oh boy! Food! When pressed to order, he decided breakfast would be great. "Hmm... How about... Buttered toast with cheese and mayo, grilled, and a side of bacon... If that's not too much?" He would ask the waiter politely, hoping he wasn't too badly inconveniencing anybody. If he wasn't paying for it, then he was going to be stingy about making sure he wasn't causing any inconvenience. This wasn't a restaurant, after all!

He noted that the two were whispering and looking at him... And he couldn't help but chuckle, even with Relia's annoyance. It sounded like they had indeed fallen for it after all. To Aless's question, and Relia's remark, he would shrug. "I'm in one of their noble families, it's not really a big deal, I'm a Jedi after all" He responded, not really sure why it was that important. "Not really any stories to tell. I was given the whole broohaha about where I stand and what I inherit and have to have responsibilities for when this and that dies, yadda yadda. No big thing, I'm not really one for glamor and nobility anyway" He added, with a laugh. "You weren't hoping to arrange a marriage, were you, Aless?" The Jedi would joke with a playful grin and a teasing wink. He was kidding, of course. "You could have just asked~"

[member="Relina Zhan"]

 

[Relina Zhan]

At the arranged marriage comment [member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] made, all three women laughed. "We usually arrange marriages from within our own noble ranks. A lower house, for example, may marry into a higher one, but gender matters in the Hapes Consortium. If a male belonging to a higher House consorts with a woman of a lower one, the woman's status is raised and she becomes the heir to her consort's mother's position. Thus, arrangements are often sources of contention and stress, especially when one has the misfortune of only having sons." Alessandra explained evenly. "Conversely, males of lower houses, or even more rarely from among commoners, would rise in standing, but they aren't as likely to be problematic if they don't know how to handle thier new House's responsibilities. Historically, men simply do not rule.... at least not politically." Aless's tone was civil, but Relina could detect more than just a desire to make conversation. She knew her twin well; there was a practical and political reason for educating Josh like that.

Relina nodded. "She is correct. It's common knowledge that our's is a matriarchal society, but you typically only see such gender-related strictures in the Nobility. I have known commoners to be more liberal about the roles of mother and father. Hell, I am still a proud member of the military and the line between genders is even more blurry there. I don't discriminate based on gender when selection of squadron members comes about. What I care about is competence and discipline. When your life can be taken in an instant, your commands must be followed even more quickly." she replied. "As for marriage, I would rather love my consort than be wed to someone for political reasons."

She could tell Josh was being modest when it came to food. "You are my guest, Joshua. Eat your fill and stay as long as you would like." she would say more softly.

Relina then looked to her sister. "... you can have Baratheon, for all I care." she said, getting back to the arranged marriage topic.

Alarah looked between the twins. "My brother?" she asked.

Aless shook her head, blushing slightly. "Yes, Alarah, dear. your brother. Your mother wants him married to a Ducha, though." She said, glancing at her sister.

"And I've rejected him and every other suitor who has the balls to call on me." she said rather plainly. "No offense, Alarah. Baratheon is a fine man and I have nothing against him, but on principal, I'm not taking a consort for political games.... I'd rather do things the old fashioned way, if you know what I mean."

She then looked back to Josh. "Sorry... Anyway, what news of the outside Galaxy?" she asked, rapidly changing the subject.

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

He had been kidding, of course. Unfortunately, this led into a lecture about the whole Hapan women superiority thing and marrying for power and social status and... By the Force, he really didn't like it one bit. The whole sexism and superiority was one thing, but add that to marrying for status and such... It just sounded so conceited. He really didn't understand it. If you were a noble or in some kind of position of power... Instead of sleeping your way to the top, why not work for it like the rest of the world? Were they lazy, or just greedy? His whole life, he'd been under the impression that if you wanted to climb higher, work for it. Do something to merit it. It'd been how he'd become a Jedi Master, it'd been how he had at one point become the Republic's Grand Admiral for his tactical genius, it'd been how he had become the Republic Jedi Order's (He refused to call them "The" Jedi Order) Grandmaster at one point. Sure, it could be taken away just like that, that was politics, but you couldn't undo the fact that you'd worked hard.

So he had very little interest in it, it was nice to hear about how Hapes' politics worked, he supposed. But he just didn't really understand why these kinds of people sullied marriage like that for power. But that was his opinion. He was a simple man, who enjoyed dreams of settling down, marrying and starting a family himself. He couldn't imagine marrying for power, or to up the power of somebody else, and to him that would just make him miserable. He had made the arranged marriage remark in jest, but that didn't stop him from despising the entire concept. But a Jedi knew how to be patient. So he listened, he feigned interest to the best of his ability. For the most part, he just remained quiet and listened, it was the same kind of jibber jabber the Velmor guys had spoken to him about when they tracked him down.

When Relina would finally speak up, he couldn't resist but finally speak his mind, throwing his hands up jokingly. "Finally, someone gets it" Joshua would remark with a laugh. "I think out of you both, you'd be the one I could see myself marrying after that statement, Relina. No offense, Aless, though you're very pretty, just like your sister" He would joke cheekily toward the other twin with a cheeky grin and a playful smile. After that, his tone softened as he would look toward Relina. "Forgive me if I cross a line while speaking freely, Ducha, but I just don't see the point of the arranged marriage thing, despite me speaking in jest. Nor do I see merit in the idea of a womens superiority society, but that's Hapes and that's not changing so I won't get into detail on that bit. But back to marriage... We share the same ideals here, I'm more of a simple sort... I want to settle down, with a nice girl, someone I love, someone who I can stand to spend the rest of my life with. Start a family.... That, to me, is something that anyone can be happy doing if they try. A marriage is about love... Not power. At least, that's how it is in my eyes. It's been a dream of mine. Even if I joke around, or playfully flirt all the time, that's always going to be the case" He admitted with a warm smile, and a calm, soft tone. That wasn't a joke, he was serious on that matter. "I hold no desire to ever be arranged married, and I sort of... Tend to avoid the Velmor family members in case they try to set me up without my permission. I mean, how could you be happy with that? Sure, there's power involved... But does power, money... Really bring you happiness? I own a small business and have money to keep myself going, but it's not the money that makes me happy. When I was the Grandmaster... Pretty much the head karking honcho of the Order I grew up in, which to me is your equivalent of a ruler, the top of the heap... That wasn't what made me happy. It was what I was doing, whether it be as Grandmaster or as I am, that made me happy. The fact I was working, and helping, and making a difference. The power made no difference. It was what I did that brought me happiness"

It hurt him then, to think about it, and he frowned a bit when the thought came that; that happiness had just been taken away from him... All because of a group of selfish individuals. But since then, even without an inch of political power in him, he'd managed to make his own happiness doing what he did best, Jedi Order or no Jedi Order.

He allowed the girls to talk about their arranged marriages, laughing a bit when Relina reaffirmed her statement about wanting to do things the old fashioned way. Though he did nod with a thankful smile when she would correct his behavior in terms of the food. He'd handle it as he felt he should, but he did appreciate her words.

When she spoke to him again, he would shake his head. "There isn't much news for me to tell, unfortunately. I'm rather out of the loop" Joshua would admit, scratching his head in embarrassment. "I think the Sanctum is starting some kind of war. Or having it inflicted on them, hell if I know. I haven't really been happy with them since the Silver Jedi merged with a governing body. I was kind of hoping I was free of being ruled by a governing body that sees it's Force Users as nothing but weapons and soldiers for their wars" He would admit, with a sigh. "Probably won't stick around long. The Silver Jedi were good to me, but... They're not really the Silver Jedi anymore, are they?" He remarked. "Not that I had much contact with them anyway. I never saw much of them. Didn't work with their Jedi very often. I was as alone as I was before I joined"

[member="Relina Zhan"]

 

[Relina Zhan]

Relina nodded to [member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]. "I understand. Our society is structured the way that it is because of our history. It was a long time ago, but it has become a part of our cultural identity." she said. "About 5,000 years ago or so we were thrall to a group of violent pirates called the Lorell Raiders. To make a long story short, after the revolution, we vowed never to be ruled by a man again. A declaration made to punish the remaining Raider men became the cultural distinction of our people. It is more pronounced in the more traditional nobility, but what many outsiders do not often see is that while the wife and mother is often considered the head of the household in any family, commoners tend to be more egalitarian than us, as I stated before. The military is also very egalitarian as well." She explained.

Food was soon brought out little by little as some things were still being prepared. Relina's caff was brought to her how she usually took it. "Te'ta'xida." she said to the servant that brought it.

"As for such marriages, they are not unusual at all and are a fact of life among the upper class. Considering one's nobility is not earned, but hereditary, marriage is often the best way to raise status for some families. It can also bring valuable connections to both families, which is another reason why it is done. It is an anachronism, but one that is still part of this... complicated traditional behaviour. I personally don't want to be party to such an arrangement, but I cannot speak for anyone else." she added evenly.

She'd pause and sipped her caff, listening to Josh's concerns. After careful consideration, she'd nod. "I see... I sort of understand that Jedi aren't about combat, even though they are trained for it and are known for it, particularly against other users of the Force with opposing views, not unlike two religions who disagree with each other, albeit with one party being known for violence. And if I understand correctly, governments tend to deploy Jedi like they do soldiers, which is objectionable?" she asked. She seemed to have a thought cross her mind, but with Josh's thoughts on the matter, she figured the fleeting idea would not be taken well. She held off on it, glancing a moment at her sister whose mental gears appeared to be turning as well. The following pause was broken with the Chef came out with the rest of the ordered foods. Relina was then asked what she was considering for dinner that night.

Relina and Aless both replied after making brief eye contact. "Lobster." both women said in unison. Incidentally, they both had similar tastes and could also often complete each others sentences.

Looking to Josh again she gave him a soft expression. "Listen, you're welcome here anytime you want to get away from everything. Hapan space is relatively isolated, even with Republic affiliation." She offered.

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

The blonde would smirk faintly as he rested his cheek on his palm, his elbow on the table. "You would think that something short-sighted like that would be rectified in favor of an equal household by rulers who in this day and age know better, no? Men don't have to rule women, and women don't have to rule men. Why is it that they cannot co-exist in all positions?" He would inquire, letting out a sigh. "But... That is the custom, as strange as the custom is. But that's just my opinion. I'm a Jedi, peace and equality should be my game, no? Just because not every Jedi knows how to do it right doesn't mean I have to divert from it" He added, chuckling just a bit. "I suppose not everyone has that mindset though.... And that's why there will always be conflict, as there will never truly be understanding"

To her point about the Jedi, he would nod. "That's correct" He said. "The Republic started to use the Jedi in place of it's own soldiers, when their aim was to keep the peace. In olden days of the Old Republic, Jedi would be deployed for rescues of high school political figures, but would only draw their lightsabers and deflect blaster fire, only going on the offensive when they were forced to, or to even the odds when a Sith Lord would take the battlefield, charging the Sith Lord immediately to stop them from killing people. Nowadays, in every war, every battle you see the Republic in, you see hundreds of Jedi, lightsabers blazing, running across the battlefield and cutting down everyone in their path. It doesn't matter if their opponent has families, or someone who cares about them... They just cut them down, they just.... Lose themselves out there. It started around the time of our war with the Sith, and became a serious problem when Grandmaster Selena Halcyon was pretty much a war lover herself, and she and her little possee encouraged it. It was something I wanted to change when I became the Grandmaster, but the people who had been influenced by Selena, as well as by the Sith in our midst... Well, they pushed me out for it. Called me too soft, wasn't dealing with the Sith properly just because I wasn't doing it with an iron ruthless blade of justice, and instead wanting to use a more diplomatic hand. It's why I left" He would explain. "But they do not represent the Jedi as a whole. So yes. It's objectionable" He would explain. "I will never become a soldier, or a tool of war, ever again. I will lend my powers in the case of a Sith, but nothing more"

His expression had turned serious, this was obviously a tough subject for him, but he despised the very thought of Jedi being nothing but soldiers, tools for war. It went against everything they were founded on. He tried to relax, and take a deep breath. To Relina's words, he would smile faintly. "Relina, you're as generous as you are beautiful" He would tease with a playful smile. "I appreciate the hospitality, and I'll be sure to visit when I have the chance. It wouldn't trouble you if I stayed a few days, would it? I'm just coming here from a very long, two month mission, you happened to catch me just as I'd finished it and was making the trip home. To tell you the truth, I'm completely spent" He would admit. "If it's an inconvenience, of course, I can make the trip back. Would rather rest while I'm here, but if need be, no worries"

[member="Relina Zhan"]

 

[Relina Zhan]

[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] had, of course, differing opinions from the Hapan majority, but Relina made concessions for him. While she wasn't as strict about her people's oldest custom as her peers, matriarchy (or borderline de facto gynocracy) was all she really knew. "If it helps, Virgill is governed by an Archon.... and he's a man. The people seem to support him and life on Virgill isn't much different culturally than other Hapan worlds. The thing is, he rules with the support and advisory of the women of his family, which is why that world isn't considered backwards to the rest of us." she said offhandedly, nibbling at her bacon between sentences. She had a structured way of eating, stereotyping herself as a noblewoman indeed.

After hearing what he had to say about his recent adventures and what he had been through, Relina shook her head. "War is a terrible thing. I fear it brings the worst out of all of us.... It even give people names they regret. It is an unfortunately necessary evil at times and when conflicts arise, I will of course do my duty, but wish it over as expediently as possible..." she trailed off

"... With as little bloodshed as possible, especially that of the innocent. My sister fought in the Second Rim Insurrection eight years ago, a conflict started by anti-Republic radicals. I attended the tribunals after the war with our mother and watched justice be served. I was relieved that the infighting was over, but I had to harden my heart seeing some of our peers and their subordinates sentenced so harshly." said Aless, completing Relina's last sentence, as if they were both on the same wavelength.

"What did you do when you held what I presume is the highest office of the Jedi Order, knowing there were warmongers among you, I wonder?" Relina asked, next using a small fork to gently dip a slice of hard-boiled bliz-egg in soy sauce prior to eating it. She would soon follow it with a sip of caff. Incidentally, both twins had ordered similar things with little variation; Aless was also eating a pink-skinned fruit that had been neatly sliced for her.

Alarah excused herself, to which the two would nod. Perhaps she felt a little out of place in the current conversation.

Relina then blushed at Josh's charming words. True, Hapans were considered beautiful by and large in the eyes of other Humans and those attracted to Humans. But, Relina had to wonder if Josh was seeing more with his space-wizardry and all than just what everyone else saw. Relina found him attractive, but did he find her so beyond skin-deep, selectively bred beauty? "You are such a charmer, Joshua." she said with a gentle, playful push on his shoulder. "Of course, stay as long as you wish. If your ship needs any repairs or if you need anything yourself, just ask."

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"I see..." He spoke, taking a breath. "I guess I just don't see the logic behind it all, besides the whole 'Oh this is our custom from long ago' thing. I mean, people get older and smarter, and later generations are supposed to make the smarter decisions, right? Sure, that didn't apply for my Order like it was supposed to, but that's generally the idea" He remarked with a chuckle. "But... When they made that vow to never let men rule over them, who says that men had to rule over women, or that women had to rule over men? It's like a bid for equality turned into near-absolute supremacy. And I'm not even saying this because I'm a man. If it were reversed, I'd be saying the same thing" He would add.

His food had arrived, and what was the first thing he did? Ravenously dig into the bacon like the last thing he'd ate was space rations a day and a half ago - oh wait, that's exactly what happened. And before long, once he was done that, he dug into the bread as well. It was clear he hadn't been eating the way he should, and had taken his mission - and then his training, much more seriously then he had taken his health.

To Relina's question, he took a breath. "I sought to show them that there was another way, a more compassionate and pacifistic way without bloodshed to deal with our problems. Seeing as this came soon after I managed to diplomat everyone out of a full on war, the evidence was there, plain and simple. And if I'd found the Sith in our midst, or if there were warmongers acting out, like there were near the end of my tenure, then they'd be dealt with" He spoke as he would quickly finish his breakfast. He hadn't ordered that much, now that he looked at it, and honestly, he was still starving. He pondered if he should ask for anything else... But whether to or not... And if so, what... He had to think.

He smirked faintly to her response to his comment. Relina was attractive, he could say that. But he saw someone who had some common sense in a world of Hapans. Intelligent as well. "I try" He teased in response as he would wrap an arm around her playfully and nudge her, before gently retracting the hold without letting it linger, due to her position. "I thank you for the hospitality then, Relina. I'll keep that in mind" He spoke politely. Making up his mind on the food, he would decide he might as well have his dinner since it was around that time anyway, and he was already here.

He would nod toward the nearby waiter. "A 14 ounce steak, done medium well, with a side of ketchup along with a drink of soda, if it's no major inconvenience" He would request politely, though it was obvious by his mannerisms that he was nowhere used to a high class life and tried to be as modest and polite as possible.

[member="Relina Zhan"]