Private Pillar of Democracy

[Lukka Sacchi]

Senate Commercial District, Galactic City

Coruscant laid claim to nearly every core memory Lukka had of her childhood. The gilded cradle of democracy, a home to the full expanse of political powers at play in the galaxy, was also something of a nostalgia trip for the young politician. Recent events, for a lack of better terms, had kept her away. Shaded from the political crossfire as her parents insisted on continuing her education under their watchful eye. Emerging from sabbatical, to say the least, was a long anticipated revival.

However, an up and coming diplomat crossing the threshold into what most consider a political warzone perhaps warranted concern. A fact Lukka wasn’t alone in recognizing. So when information came last minute of an escort awaiting her arrival, the only thing to catch her by surprise was the name.

She’d heard of Valery Noble second-hand, a name used rather liberally in the political sphere of Coruscant. Suffice to say, it piqued her interest. Not so much for the guaranteed protection, but rather the opportunity at hand. Establishing connections was vital, and It would be a lie to say she wasn’t pleased to finally put a face to the mountain of accomplishments.

Descending the durasteel platform of her ship, a renewed sense of conviction welcomed her along with someone else of importance.

Valery Noble
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[Valery Noble]

Outfit | Weapon | Appearance

Location: Coruscant
Items: Necklace

It wasn't often that Valery found herself in the role of a bodyguard, especially not with how few Jedi were around to respond to problems in the Galaxy. She was typically at the forefront of the war, spearheading new plans to push the Brotherhood of the Maw out of the Core, but she couldn't just keep that up forever. Fighting at such intensity took a toll on both the body and mind, and only rest and easier assignments could help her recharge to fight with her usual fire.

So after requesting some time away from the front, she had made her way back to Coruscant to keep an eye on the reconstruction of the Jedi Temple there. But that's also when she learned about the arrival of a new diplomat — one who showed great promise but had yet to dive into the rather chaotic politics of the current Galaxy. With an interest in expanding her connections with those involved in running the Alliance politically, she decided to assign herself to the woman's protection.

There have, after all, been several attacks targeting senators recently.

Today was the day of her arrival, and dressed in her usual Jedi attire, and with her weapons on her belt, she stood straight on the landing pad while she watched the ship come down. The ramp lowered after the engines powered down, finally giving Valery the clearance she needed to make her approach.

"Mrs. Sacchi, welcome to Coruscant. It's a pleasure to finally meet you," she said with a kind smile, and a respectful bow of her head.

Lukka Sacchi ​

 

[Lukka Sacchi]

A sense of assurance graced her as Valery approached, quelling any immediate worry. Whatever doubts had plagued her beforehand were swiftly squashed. In their place, self-affirmation. Dipping her head in acknowledgment as Valery spoke, the Jedi was met with a smile mirroring her own. “Likewise. Though I'll be the first to admit, I believe It’s more of an honor on my part.” Words composed and fluid, she regarded the woman for the first time.

Despite frequenting Coruscant, Lukka had never come face to face with a Jedi before. Her assumptions of the Order grounded in often exaggerated war-stories. Still, for such a vital sect on the political stage, she was willing to make the effort to further enlighten herself. First impressions being- she was definitely in good company. Valery carried herself with a certain confidence Lukka made sure to take note of. She’d come all this way to learn a thing or two after all.

“You’ve definitely solidified yourself as an asset to the Alliance from what I can tell.” Her tone good-natured, she fully stepped off the ramp, now even with Valery. “I trust your insight will be more than helpful.”

To get a firm grounding on the senate floor she couldn’t be shaken by those with more experience. And as such, she needed to familiarize herself with the political runnings of Coruscant as swiftly as possible. Valery could be highly useful in that regard.

Maintaining a controlled smile, she gestured out towards the sprawling city, as if to suggest they disembark.

Valery Noble
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[Valery Noble]

Outfit | Weapon | Appearance

Location: Coruscant
Items: Necklace

First impressions could be a very deceiving thing, but after studying the woman for a moment, both with her eyes and through the Force, she was quite pleasantly surprised. Politicians were often viewed in a negative light, especially those who had been in the senate for a while, but Lukka carried a peaceful elegance with her that Valery could appreciate a great deal. She was well-spoken, felt kind-hearted, and seemed sincere about meeting with a Jedi.

Over the last few years, the relationship between the Jedi and Alliance had been improving, but there was still a long way to go before it would reach a state Valery felt happy with. The Jedi were protectors of the Alliance, held to the laws set by the politicians, yet there was always some kind of tension. Some felt the Jedi acted as if they were above the law, while the Jedi felt they weren't always taken seriously or given the trust to serve and protect.

This mission was perhaps just about escorting a diplomat, but she viewed it as a step forward as well.

Valery then dipped her head and stepped aside so the woman could join her on the platform, "I do my best, and I'd be more than happy to help you settle in better. But I will admit, I'm no senator or politician myself." All her diplomatic skills came from just being a Jedi if that meant anything to her.

At the gesture of Lukka's hand, she began to guide her into Coruscant but perhaps in a surprising way. Unlike typical bodyguards, she wasn't using her own body as a shield, nor did she stand overly close. Her eyes weren't constantly shifting around either — it almost looked like she wasn't paying attention. But through the Force, Valery was very much aware of anything and everything happening around her.

"I wasn't told much about your visit here, so where would you like me to take you?"

Lukka Sacchi ​

 

[Lukka Sacchi]

“Outside perspectives have their value.” Lukka responded without pushing the subject. She needed the allowance to form her own opinion outside the influence of any established senator. And in that case she was fortunate. “I’m sure you know all too well how manipulative politicians are at their core- Having worked so closely with them.” With a flash of amusement she met Valery’s gaze. “I’m aware that in my position, I’m seen as impressionable. And I don’t doubt that any senator with an agenda to push would like to capitalize on that fact.” A fresh diplomat without a concrete set of beliefs to back. It was a dangerous, naïve thing to be.

As they made their descent, Valery taking the role of a companion rather than a bodyguard, a casual ease filled the space, “I haven’t set my eyes on the senate building in a while.” She answered, caught up in the reverie of it all as her gaze drifted to the skyline. A string of clouds settling against a bleeding sun as it dipped below the horizon. In its place, gold lights awakening over the landscape with uniformity. That was enough to elicit a sense of peace, however artificial.

“Perhaps we should start there. Dive into the thick of it.” She moved forward before glancing over towards Valery with a renewed sense of skeptic curiosity. Returning to her earlier remarks she kept her tone even, “If I’m correct, a certain tension exists between the Alliance and Jedi Order?”

Valery Noble
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[Valery Noble]

Outfit | Weapon | Appearance

Location: Coruscant
Items: Necklace

"With the chancellor elections coming up and all the politics revolving around the war, I'm quite sure you'll have your first encounter with pushy senators soon enough," Valery said with a slight smirk. It was a completely different world from being a Jedi or even a soldier in the war, but the political battlefields should never be underestimated. So whether Lukka was ready for it or not was going to be interesting to find out, but initial impressions made Valery feel confident.

"This is a perfect time to go there — it's quite beautiful," she said with a nod before guiding the woman to the taxi area. From where they were, they could be directly brought there and enjoy the view of the Coruscant skyline along the way. It would help make such a busy world feel just a little more peaceful.

After getting inside and settling down in their seats, Valery turned her gaze back to Lukka when she asked her question, "It hasn't been as intense, but around the time of the Maw attack against Coruscant, the tension was really high. I don't actually know all the details, as I was still stuck in stasis around the time, but it led up to the New Jedi Order separating itself. So we don't hold military ranks, we're not involved in the politics and all we do is what Jedi are supposed to do — we keep the peace and defend the Alliance." It was quite evident by the way she spoke that she actually preferred the way things were now. Jedi, in her opinion, had no business meddling in politics, and history had shown the problems of them being too involved in the military as well.

"It's not something to be worried about anymore, but it does help to keep building up the relationship."

Lukka Sacchi ​

 

[Lukka Sacchi]

Keen on Valery’s explanation, her brows knitted together in a small look of contemplation. Protection and peace were principles she clearly valued. That along with the Alliance and its enduring stability. It was almost refreshing to see someone steadfast in their beliefs. Something Lukka had always found conflict in.

“I suppose this wouldn’t surprise you, but you’re actually the first Jedi I’ve met.” After an exhaled laugh through her nose, her gaze landed on Valery, “So I can’t say I exactly have a well-rounded perspective. To be painfully honest, as a child I thought the Jedi were something in the vein of hyper-religious wizards.” It could’ve gone without saying, but addressing light-hearted ignorance head on had always been a speech pattern of Lukka’s, “Nonetheless I’m glad to discover there’s plenty of common ground.”

The taxi pulled forward, finally coming to its predetermined destination outside the marble embossed steps of the Senate Building. Attention redirected, she exited with slow purposeful intent, taking in the long awaited sight. “I haven’t been here in years-” A mix of bittersweet nostalgia coated her words.

Valery Noble
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[Valery Noble]

Outfit | Weapon | Appearance

Location: Coruscant
Items: Necklace

Valery blinked and raised a curious eyebrow when Lukka mentioned she had never met a Jedi before. But it quickly turned into a smile again, "It's not too surprising — there aren't that many Jedi out there anymore. But I'm glad your view has shifted beyond hyper-religious wizards," she chuckled and turned her fiery gaze to the approaching senate building, a sight fairly familiar to Valery but it always remained a magnificent thing to see.

"I think there's common ground as well, and that's exactly why I hope to maintain a good relationship between the Alliance and Jedi. We're after the same thing, and while we might not always agree on everything... there must be a way to keep tension low and work towards the common goal." It was something she had been fighting for ever since she joined the Council, and she wasn't ever going to stop. Even if she vouched for Jedi to be detached from the political and military bodies, she still cared about good cooperation.

Finally, the taxi pulled over near the senate plaza, and after stepping outside, Valery joined Lukka for a slow walk towards the large building, "Even if you see it every day, I think it's still quite amazing. But I'm sure it feels a bit more special to see it now," she smiled and gestured for the entrance, "If you want to go inside, we can, but I'd have to drop this first..." she tapped against the hilt of her lightsaber and smirked.

Lukka Sacchi ​