Private Only A Few Days Early

[Niki Priddy]

Outfit

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes

The small, five person squad had been arranged and then promptly deployed to keep tabs on Rayne Lo'to while she remained in her accommodations. Ordered to keep their distance while maintaining security. Nothing that Rayne or even Sibylla herself had arranged for. But with the joke about Aurelian turning out to be something more substantial than jest, Niki wasn't going to play games with someone's life when it came to nobles. She'd observed from afar the ramifications of being an innocent bystander in the path of someone with clout being slighted despite being the offending party.

Was it paranoid?

Absolutely.

But you didn't survive in a galaxy where the hottest commodity was the newest form of warfare without a little paranoia.

Especially when those with social status, prestige, or a pedigree they could flaunt, all too often had someone in their back pocket for ensuring that potential issues where nothing more than forgotten potential. Or, those with such status had a sponsor that was particularly interested in making sure no issues arose around their favorite toy.

Updates would flow into her sunglasses in case of the worst. Niki was not above making a spectacle of a situation. Nor would she shy away from showing why she was fond of producing weapons of war. It helped when you started your career in the fringes with nothing but creativity and opportunity against a much larger opponent.

But her visit, well ahead of schedule by Naboo time, eighteen days to be precise, was not for delivering the ship that lingered in a secure landing zone of the Naboo Facility.

Having already sent a simple message ahead of herself only an hour prior to Sibylla forewarning of her arrival. Leaving no clear topic of that which she wanted to discuss.

Heels clacked against the paved stone of Sibylla's family home. Cold blue swept across the scene. Brow arching slightly at the value it held. Not in credits, but in sentiment. How long had it been their home? What memories did it hold that only they would know? Was there a price they would pay to keep such a place in their hands, or would they cede the building for safety?

Her eyes rolled slightly as the door opened. "Good evening!" Posture business-like and proper as the idle wonders were shaken from her mind.

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Niki Priddy

Calab was already at the door when the chime sounded, his expression schooled into calm professionalism despite the short notice. He opened it with a smooth motion and stepped aside at once, bowing from the waist in proper Naboo fashion.

"Good evening, Director Priddy," he said evenly, gaze respectfully lowered for a brief moment. "Welcome to the Abrantes residence."

The elder man straightened and gestured her inside with an open hand.

"Her Excellency has been informed of your arrival and is ready to receive you. If you would care for refreshment, it can be arranged at once."

And without further ado, Calab fell into step just ahead of her, leading the way through the carved marble reliefs and greenery towards a section of the estate that Sibylla had claimed as an office for her duties when she spent time at her family's estate.

Sibylla had only just turned from her desk when the sound of footsteps reached the atrium. The cool blue light from the windows washed over the room, catching the edge of her sleeve as she straightened, composure settling into place a heartbeat after surprise flickered across her features.

Calab's voice carried first, followed by the enigmatic Niki Priddy, whom he escorted within.

"Director Priddy," Sibylla said, concern softening the formality as she came to a stop before Niki. "This is rather earlier than I anticipated." she gave a small pause, the delicate brown brows knitting just slightly.

"Is everything alright?" Sibylla asked as she gestured lightly toward the seating, an instinctive offering of hospitality even as questions gathered behind her hazel eyes.

 

[Niki Priddy]

Outfit​

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes

A small bow was given to the man that answered. "Good evening, and thank you for the welcome."

The multitude of minds she had been burdened with began to focus their attentions now. Murmurs in the back of her own mind beginning to form as her connection to the Force began to waver from the focused attention. A small shiver running down her neck while she resisted the urge to listen, focusing on her real world task.

Professionalism was donned despite the disturbance within her. The now courteous guest despite her otherwise sudden announcement of arrival and abrupt appearance despite the timeline she had provided. But such deception provided her with a chance to observe and form an opinion about the young woman she intended to meet.

And surprise served its own purpose in such meetings of opinions and understanding.

The footman led her through the house with ease. No doubt years of service under his pressed lapel given the coloration of his hair and the signs of age about him.

Slight cackles and jeers from the phantom entourage she carried with her at the ostentatious displays of wealth. Murming about power and wasted potential that amounted to nothing of meaning as the softer voices spoke in high regard of the carefully maintained appearance and warmth the place held.

Her glasses shifted to clear lenses as she entered. Recording the details of everything she passed by to review later in the privacy of her own space. When she had time to focus on dealing with the multitude of opinions she was always privy to.

"A lovely space the Abrantes family maintains. As for refreshments, tea or water would be greatly appreciated." There were no hints to deeper meaning or laced honey hidden within her words. Mild interest given that her focus lay beyond all of the adornments and finery the structure held within.

Some of those voices scoffing at the lackluster demand while others praised it.

Entering another room to finally find that very focus of her interest. A quick up and down scan of Sibylla revealed nothing of concern as Niki carefully bowed out of respect for the young woman. The more malicious voices quieted at the sight before offering their opinion on how to proceed.

Tear the information from her mind. We can help you-

Seek resolution of the matter diplomatically. Do not waste the potential good this young woman brings.

A mental war of debate raged behind her eyes for no one to see.

Niki's own opinion already formed as the thought pushed aside the hidden squabbling.

Leading a company was a daunting task itself when credits were largely the only concern. Leading a people in a secondary role behind someone foolishly arrogant was a much different Lylek.

"Ms. Abrantes." Practiced ease made the greeting and her smile softer. "I have to admit, I lied about how long Ms. Lo'to's order would take."

The warm smile shifting to a short lived grin before the topic of issues made her frown.

"Everything on my end for Ms. Lo'to is in order... for the most part." Her hand sweeping towards the seating as her head tilted slightly. "I would like to hear from you, though, as to what lead to Ms. Lo'to being treated in such an unbecoming manner. The topic interests me greatly."

Taking her own seat with an expectant stare leveled at Sibylla as her hand slid into place against her temple. The thumb of that hand sliding to a spot behind her ear before making a barely audible click. Niki knew the feeling well of activating her augmentation. Knew what it brought with it. But it still didn't help her deal with the physical consequences.

The cold blue-gray of her eyes now replaced by glowing amber.

Her stomach tightened as her world tilted before righting itself. A line of static blurring Sibylla's face for what felt like eons despite only being a split nanosecond of activation. The air suddenly alive with more than just the living Force as fine particles became overly profound with her enhanced sight.

Trajectories of those particles calculated instinctively as her brow ticked slightly in muted disdain for the air quality.

Thoughts dragged for longer than any had a proper right to. Processing the debate in the back of her mind now similar to watching a holomark movie at quarter speed in the background. Distinctly remembering why she did not activate her augmentation much anymore. Despite the intensity, her want to process the subtle physical reactions Sibylla gave to her questions outweighed her own comfort.

All of these thoughts occurring in the span of time it took her to draw in a single breath.

Clearing her throat as her gaze remained fixed on Sibylla. "Reports sometimes are... unsatisfactory in detail."

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Niki Priddy

Sibylla felt it the moment Director Priddy's eyes changed.

Not fear -- not quite -- but a tightening awareness, like the air had shifted its weight. She held herself still through it, chin lifting a fraction as the woman settled opposite her, hands folding together with deliberate calm. Years of diplomacy had taught Sibylla how to remain present when the room became something else entirely.

This felt entirely as if she was being interrogated. But why?

For a breath, Sibylla said nothing, peering at Niki curiously with a slight cant of her head.

Then she let out a slow and steady exhale and allowed honesty to step forward without surrendering control.

"Well, in that case, I am glad that the order is able to be processed quickly." she began, moving to the chair across from Niki, deciding to sit rather than stand.

"As for Ms. Lo'to," Sibylla continued with no desire to blur the details, "her treatment was not something thatwas sanctioned, nor something I would ever consider acceptable. However, in the wake of a discovery that had led to the disappearance of two Jedi, His Majesty was present and overseeing the securing of the perimeter."

She continued to explain calmly, if regretfully.

"Naboo can be… overly protective when unfamiliar variables enter its orbit. Particularly when His Majesty is involved, especially in the wake of his attempted murder on Wielu as a Senator. That instinct does not always distinguish caution from offense. Ms. Lo'to happened to approach too quickly at Aurelian, and one of the Republic's guards acted swiftly. In the wake of it all, whatever phenomena developed affected Ms. Lo'to's vehicle and caused it to disappear. Anything else would require the approval of his Majesty, so forgive me if I must stop there."

Her gaze held Niki's glowing one without flinching, though a subtle tension threaded her shoulders.

"If harm was caused, I regret it deeply. And if clarification is needed," she added, quieter now, "I would rather it come from me than from reports that strip context down to bones."

A pause, then Sibylla added with a slight tilt of her head.

"But why do you wish to know?"

 

[Niki Priddy]

Outfit​

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes

The explanation did nothing to stir the silent director.

Unmoving as the details rolled out. Her expression unchanged as her eyes stayed fixed point directly behind Sibylla. Unblinking as the subtle tension was noted. Uncomfortable but not the type to suggest a lie. Paired with deflection. Training did well to keep the young woman from doing anything more than her job.

The only hint of motion was the twitch of her brow when it was revealed that the act against Rayne was not sanctioned, and that it had been caution in place of the perceived arrogance that Niki had come to believe.

She remained still despite this. Noting the deliberate and profound requirement of meeting with his majesty for further details.

The slow descent to ruling with absolute power begins with the air of caution.

The reaction was out of caution and not implicitly to harm.

That does not mitigate the harm.

But it was a reasonable act within context. Meant to protect.

Another internal debate unfolded as Niki sat with the information for a split second. Picking apart the sparse details she had been allowed. Hand still resting at her temple as the first motion came not from her speaking, but her first solid breath.

"A guard acted. Without being directed to do so." Her voice cool and low. "I will not suggest anything beyond my station as an interested party that plies my wares to the defense of the High Republic-"

A leg crossed easily as her posture shifted. One arm draping across the rest. The other relaxed as her hand still rested against her temple. Not to gain control. Not to overpower. Simply to convey ease.

"But public opinion on such a matter can easily be swayed by those with interests in seeing the High Republic's humanitarian efforts overshadowed by the singular acts of those meant to ensure safety." Particles flitted across her vision as she remained unblinking, still staring beyond Sibylla as she spoke. More recalling from memory than visiting the moment that was before them.

"Powers that be can spin narratives that go against the feelings of the people they govern. Can manipulate events to their liking to stir the heart of the people despite, or perhaps in spite of, the actions they may or may not have taken." Niki finally blinked. Her attention now firmly back in the here and now as her head tilted a fraction.

"I was around your age when I joined a group in the fringes of the galaxy. Plying my wares to a leadership that had a particular bone to pick with a power that you may know of, given the roots it had here on Naboo at one point. During the first cataclysm I believe." Her tone never changed or hinted at knowing more than she did. Moving forward with the certainty that the point was well beyond what she was speaking on in the moment.

"That group I was apart of specialized in being a particularly difficult thorn to remove. But it instilled a particular set of requirements in me for my association with powers that be. Requirements that I put aside for a short while in the service of the Eternal Empire. Then returned to once I had the time and space to remove myself from the grief, and anger, of losing friends." Her hand itched to retrieve the pack of yellow vipers in the pockets of her outfit. Resisting for the time being as she continued on.

Her tone shifting to a deathly edge as her eyes narrowed a fraction. "I have watched people I knew and worked alongside be spaced. Forcibly ejected from a station meant to be a home and bastion by planted explosives from an enemy believing themselves righteous in their actions. I have watched those who proclaim themselves protectors of the greater good commit heinous acts in the name of that greater good."

A slow, measured straightening of her posture as she got to her point.

"If I believe for a second, that a power that be I am affiliated with begins to act in a manner unbecoming of their intent and nature-" Niki blinked slowly as her mouth twitched into a frown. "My affiliation and wares will be pulled for reconsideration."

"I am a provider of wares to the galaxy at large. Much of my products are meant to make life easier. Simpler. Easy to obtain outside of the influence of larger powers that militarize and take their boons with them like a tide when it washes out of the galaxy." There was a hint of disgust in her tone. Or perhaps annoyance.

"If the only legacy left behind by a group or single entity is fear, cruelty, and greed-" The resting hand rose. A twining form of purple energy taking the form of illusory scales. "Then their purpose amounted to nothing more than strip mining the galaxy of the most valuable thing in it despite whatever pretty words they used to gain power. The people both large and small."

The resting posture changed sharply now. Leaning forward in her seat, hands carefully clasped together while her elbows rested on her knees.

"The process of losing sight of your purpose is slow. Eventual for all that gain power, from my own perspective. But it begins with events like this one." She let the moment hang between them as her hand reached up to shut off the augment. The glowing amber fading back to gray blue as Niki allowed herself a moment to relax. Turning a weary look to Sibylla as her whole body seemed to slump.

"My interest in the topic, is in helping the High Republic remain the bastion of light that it is supposed to be. In whatever capacity that requires."

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Niki Priddy

Sibylla listened quietly without interrupting, the weight of Niki's words settling slowly rather than striking all at once. When the glow faded from the Director's eyes and the room seemed to breathe again, she leaned forward as well, letting her hands rest lightly on her lap.

"You are not wrong," she said quietly. "Harm done in the name of protection is still harm, but we try to mitigate these instances as much as possible. However, there is no denying that there have been a steady increase in attacks against not only the Senate, but many political figures. We still have yet to locate where the Black Sun is keeping our former High Chancellor, and seeing as there is still a six-million dollar bounty at large for King Veruna by the Black Sun, the need for increased security and situational awareness is paramount."

She met Niki's gaze with a steady, unflinching one of her own. "Yet the circumstances revolving Ms. Lo'to were unique, and harm was done to her. Which is why we moved towards recompensing Ms. Lo'to and apologizing for the actions."

"If the High Republic and Naboo is to remain what it claims to be, then it must be willing to correct itself when it stumbles. My every intent intend to see that this does not become the beginning of something worse."

A small pause, then softer, more human.

"I appreciate you coming to me directly. And I would welcome your help in ensuring it ends here."

 

[Niki Priddy]

Outfit​

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes

Placation until the next incident. This has resolved nothing.

No, it is not a resolution, but it is a resolve to be better.​

"I apologize for rambling. I've turned into little more than a windbag with my years walking the stars."

The voices in her mind seemed to finally rest on the topic once she had settled back to normalcy. A deep sigh coming from her core as she rubbed her eyes and slouched slightly.

"It would be hypocritical of me to say I fault the High Republic for it's security. I cannot fault that. Anyone in their right mind would be wary after so many attacks on you and your people. My issue largely-" Her hand moved from her eyes to the pocket in her coat as she fished out the Yellow Vipers. "Is ensuring that training for future incidents limits the occurrence."

A sadness lingered in her eyes as she let the pack rest on her leg. "The Silver Jedi I knew worked with me. Sought resolution with those I had caused issue with."

Her hand fiddled with the top mindlessly, the tension seeming to drain as she spoke again.

"I would like the High Republic to be a similar helping force while maintaining peace, and the prosperity of those that can call Republic space their home." Her hand paused along the edge of the pack now as she looked to Sibylla. "And I will remain to help with that however I can for as long as I can."

A small smile appearing as she cleared her throat and shifted gears.

"Enough, though, with the severe topics. My mind is already full of worries for another day that future me will resent myself for. Would you mind if we stepped out onto the balcony for a spell?" She nodded to the doors on the far side of the room.

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Niki Priddy

Sibylla let out a small breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, and she felt the tension ease from her shoulders as Niki spoke. She gave a quiet, almost self-conscious smile.

"You are not a windbag," she said gently, if slightly amused at the thought of another person who was surely long winded that they both knew. Of course Aurelian would bear that crown, along with one that had a flair of the dramatic, she mused, "If anything, you sound like someone who has had to learn things the hard way."

And that she could respect.

"I also do not fault the Republic for wishing to protect itself," Sibylla continued. "But I do not want fear to become the lesson we pass on. I concur on the training, as it should make us better. All the more so when it allows discourse and limits incidents such as this. I am of the mind that one should always strive towards a resolution by open discourse."

The mention of the Silver Jedi drew a soft, thoughtful crease between her brows. She had only briefly heard of them, and to be honest, wasn't too sure regarding what made them stand apart from that of the Shirayan Order.

Then again, any matters of the Force were levied against what she had come to learn during her travels and her time with the Mandalorians or in talking to Ace and Cora.

"I wish more people remembered that seeking resolution is a strength," she murmured. ".. and not a failure."

When Niki suggested the balcony, Sibylla nodded immediately, relief flickering across her expression with a smile as she rose to her feet.

"Yes, of course, follow me."

Sibylla led Niki to the doors first, pushed them open, and felt the rush of crisp, cool air greet them, along with the distant rumble of the waterfalls. Stepping aside, she gestured for Niki to join her.

"I think we could both use a moment where the galaxy isn't asking anything of us." Considering how busy things were for Sibylla, even the break was welcomed.

"I am sure your time has been equally taken with the ongoing production of the Republic fleet?"

 

[Niki Priddy]

Outfit​

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes

Niki slowly nodded at the mention of learning lessons. "Enough lessons to know my limits."

Niki listened with a weary grin. To be young and hopeful for peace again. Years of watching the galaxy ebb and flow with different ideologies clawing and cutting one another, and more than a handful of claws thrown her way, had turned her into a bit of a cynic.

Something she remembered every now and again when presented by someone like Sibylla.

"Resolution through words is a worthwhile goal. The issue stems from how universal the language of violence, and the power behind it, is. One may not understand a greeting from another, but a blaster or blade tends to be absolutely clear." A sigh ending her statement as her own thoughts wandered to her own preference.

Overwhelming force. Usually backed with turbolasers and abundant armor plating. The foot soldier business was near to being behind her now unless she could figure out a way of replacing the joints in her body.

A wonder that latched on in the back of her mind with a singular voice anchoring it.

Something she pushed away for another time as Sibylla led the way to the balcony. A chuckle emerging at the mention of the galaxy and its constant demands.

"A break is always welcome. Truth be told, production is fairing well. Development is taking some time with some of the newer ideas." She chuckled, taking the pack of Vipers in her hand. Slapping the top of the pack against her hand. "Some of the drafters brought lofty ideas that engineers and laborers are having to drag back down with reality."

Standing well clear of the open doors before turning to face the house. Leaning against the balcony and picking a Yellow Viper free from its place in the box.

"Anymore it is difficult to get a second to sit down and read something besides a report. Ugh." Her eyes turned glassy at the thought of another requisition form before letting out a deep sigh. Lighting the Viper and taking a drag before exhaling away from Sibylla.

The glassy stare was replaced a few heartbeats later with something like a dangerous twinkle as Niki turned to look to Sibylla.

"Which reminds me actually. What did you think of Ms. Lo'to's book choices?" A tiny giggle emerging with the question as her form seemed to relax even further.

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Niki Priddy

Sibylla had been watching the mist curl up from the falls, grateful for the cool air, when the question caught her entirely unprepared, prompting the young woman to swing back towards Niki a fraction too quickly.

"I--" She stopped herself, color rising unmistakably to her cheeks. A polite smile followed at once, perhaps a little too practiced, as she smoothed her hands together over her skirt.

"The… book choices?"

For a heartbeat, Sibylla deliberately avoided meeting Niki's eyes.

"Ms. Lo'to and I did not discuss novels," Sibylla said, a touch too briskly, then softened the delivery as she added to clarify, "Our conversation was confined strictly to her ship. Its specifications, its delivery timeline, and its intended use."

Entirely true. Entirely.

She risked a glance back to Niki, only to find herself mortified to still be blushing and pressed on with earnest insistence.

"Reading is, of course, a perfectly respectable hobby," she added quickly. "Encouraged, even. I would never suggest otherwise."