Silver Circuits, Roger Roger [Diplomacy]

[Srina Talon]

System: Pyrshak
Planet: Manaan
Location: Galene Medical Center [Conference Location] & Gritti Hotel [SJO-CIS Delegation Housing]
A Continuation Of: A Drop In The Water
Tags of Participating Members:
CIS: [member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]
SJO: [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] | [member="Drystan Marakos"] | [member="Asaraa Vaashe"] | [member="Jend-Ro Quill"] | [member="Celeste Rigel"]
Goals: To renew the alliance between the Confederacy and the Silver Jedi. Thread restarted and posted per the expressed will of current SJO administration.

Previous SJO Agenda [Copied from "A Drop in the Water"]
[SIZE=10pt]

Spoiler

[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14pt]SJO Main Agenda[/SIZE]

• 
  [SIZE=10pt]Liber Initiative: A new plan to invest in the inner regions (Deep Core, Core, Colonies) and Hutt Space to encourage the development of free economies and a respect for civil liberties.[/SIZE]
  
• 
  [SIZE=10pt]The Silk Road: Plotting a new [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]superlane[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] that threads through the ORC and CIS to the Core to bypass current and future interdiction measures by common adversaries.[/SIZE]
  
• 
  [SIZE=10pt]Refugee Relief Movement: Consolidating various joint operations and programs for refugee settlement and job training, particularly for freed slaves, into one comprehensive institution. [/SIZE]
  

Previous Location Information [Copied from "A Drop in the Water"]

Spoiler

​

[SIZE=10pt]The [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Galene[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Medical Center of Manaan was a sight to behold, a vast city-sized complex of glittering rounded buildings and lush parks stretching across the entire area of the small island, all ringed by pristine white beaches. From afar, Galene could be mistaken for some kind of fancy resort, but it was so much more. One part trauma center, university, and laboratory, Galene was, in fact, a major medical hub within the Inner Rim on the cutting edge of healthcare.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]It represented progress for the [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Manaanians[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt], who were working aggressively to position themselves as the single largest healthcare provider in the galaxy. So then Galene was a fitting location for the coming conference between the Silver Order and the Confederacy, all about future development to bring on peace and prosperity throughout the galaxy.

One wing of the luxury Gritti Hotel was rented out by the SJO to house both delegations for the week, with the Silver delegates arriving first to set up ahead of their meeting. The CIS delegation wasn’t due to arrive at the island until the first morning of the three-day conference. [/SIZE]

---

Meanwhile with the CIS...​

Things had not gone entirely as planned.

The small caravan that was being chauffeured toward the Galene Medical Center for the Conference was interrupted. One moment, she'd been watching her Master, and Adron, fight over whom actually owned Dianah, by birth, or by Apprenticeship, and the next her holo-comm began to light up like some sort of party The Slave may have thrown on the Technicolor Beat. Srina had attended one once. Never, again. Her hand moved over the device and a holographic screen appeared before her. A keyboard, made of lights, let her enter a few simple commands. What she saw surprised her. The representatives of the SJO that they had intended to meet with were being called away on an emergency?

Srina's elegant brow knit together for a moment while she tried to discern exactly what sort of urgent issue had drawn their hosts away. Two parts concern one part curiosity. The Silvers had always seemed to take their diplomatic relations seriously. Not for the first time, or the last, she found herself longing for the days when Valae Kitra-Heavenshield and Stephanie Swail were the figures on the docket. What she wouldn't have given for the simplicity and transparency of speaking plainly with both women. They'd always seemed to understand, and accept, that the Confederacy had not come to their door to harm them.

Now...She wasn't so sure that sentiment remained. She didn't know who their contacts would be, their credentials, or what ranking they held within the hierarchy to confirm or deny their continued alliance. It was perplexing.

"Our meeting will be delayed."

Her words were ice cold and cryptic. She offered no further explanation because there simply wasn't one to give. The slender Exarch never bothered to consider how her words may come across through the spacious compartment of the landspeeder. [member="Darth Metus"] knew her well enough to read between any line, and Adron, was more than used to her taciturn heart. Poor Dianah. She held some exposure to the Echani but not quite enough to completely desensitize her to the wintry personality she held. There was nothing warm about her. Nothing gentle. It may or may not take some getting used to.

As such, the quartet, and their pair of unarmed Magnaguard would be shown the Gritti Hotel and then escorted through the Galene Medical Center on a guided tour by a fairly overenthusiastic junior scientist. Srina had never seen someone walk as if they were bouncing on the balls of her toes, nor, with hair that reminded her of a strawberry sparkle mint stick. The white-haired woman would follow along, as directed, with a small hand wrapped around the forearm of her Master. It had long ago become a habit to reach for Darth Metus whether it was actually required or not. Their combined presence could be hard on the senses. A sun and moon in the same dark sky, snow on the hottest day of summer, the Devil wearing white. So close were they, so bound, that an edge of power always seemed to hum in the air around them. The Darkside, even controlled and surrounded by Light, always found a way.

The Confederate representatives were shown the medical advancement centers, the laboratories, and even places where kolto was being refined for greater efficacy. It was impressive, truly, but it was not the reason they had come all this way. It was not the reason that the Vicelord, his daughter, and both of his Exarch's had cleared their schedules. The Silver Jedi had unfettered access to some of the most influential individuals in the Southern Systems. It would be wise to utilize the time granted to it's utmost.

"And if you look to your right you'll be able to see where we grow--"

"Please, take us to the meeting hall."

Srina interrupted their pleasant guide. The young woman, pink-skinned, looked entirely startled. The ivory Dread Queen did not blink, but instead, continued her words as if the cheerful creature before her suddenly didn't look a combination of perplexed and terrified. "The Galene Center is state of the art. Thank you for the tour. Yet, we have business to attend. We will await our hosts there."

The junior scientist turned on her heel, laughing nervously, and ushered them toward their destination. "Of course. Right this way..."

Srina would follow suit easily enough. They were to stay on Manaan for at least a week. There would be plenty of time for sight-seeing after formalities were met. Business, nation, and duty always came first.

 

[Adron Malvern]

[member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]​

The Exarch had just finished a rather agitating debate with [member="Darth Metus"] when his counterpart's voice caught his ear. He gave her a silent look that held the slightest bit of interest, but otherwise said nothing of the Silver's change in plans. It was not usually the way of a Jedi to rearrange plans so close to their execution, of course it was the way of the galaxy. He tapped the head of his cane, his eyes falling to the window beside him as they seemed to slightly alter their course. It had been their plans, against Adron's wishes, to take the Silver Jedi up on a tour of the world and what it had to offer. Crystal blue eyes narrowed as he saw the destination that they headed for, The Gritti Hotel, one of the more luxuries lodgings close to the Medical Centers.

The woman who had been selected to lead them on this tour was....enthusiastic. A young scientist who seemed to take more joy in her job than the breath that ran through her chest. Adron walked in step with [member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"], only a few steps behind Srina and his master. His cane did not let out the rhythmic tapping sounds he was used to, instead it was firmly tucked under his arm, while his left hand was placed at the small of his back.

When Srina finally insisted they make their way to the meeting hall, a small smile threatened to creep over the Exarch's lips. The scientist had been thrown out of her element and was forced into a situation she was obviously not expecting. Everything from her shaky voice to that almost awkward laugh only continued in amusing Adron.

They continued down the main hall, this time making their way for their meeting area. The soft tapping of Adron's cane would resume as they moved through the pristine hallways.

 

[Celeste Rigel]

​

It wasn't often that Celeste found herself away from Kashyyyk, away from Silver Rest, and away from her family. Sitting in the quiet of her hotel quarters was... odd. Simply put, it was just too quiet. Though alone time was precious to the woman, she found now that she needed the small footsteps, babbled words, and smiles of her son to truly feel at home.

Celeste smoothed down the front of her dress and took a quick peek in the mirror.

She had chosen to dress simply, but without the rough-spun robes of the Jedi. For some reason, she felt that the occasion called for something a bit more easy going. Her eyes shifted towards the datapad that sat on the bed.

“He's fine,” Celeste spoke aloud, pushing out a sigh. “Don't do it...”

But she couldn't resist.

After a quick holo-call home (the 2nd already today), Celeste felt much better. However, a glance at the clock made her eyes grow wide. The realization set in, she was already late. In one fell swoop, she slid her belongings into her bag and was out the door.

While she did not fancy herself much of a diplomat, she was more than willing to help entertain the members of the Confederacy. A member of the Silver Services Corps, she was very passionate about helping others – she hoped that the meeting would help build strong foundations for the future. If she could assist with the program to resettle refugees, she would consider her work well done.

Rounding the corner, she moved on towards the meeting hall.

And it seemed that the CIS delegation was already on approach. These people were something of a mystery to Celeste, though she was aware that the former Grandmaster had worked with them in the past.

“Greetings,” She spoke, stepping to welcome their guests. “Celeste Rigel, at your service.”


[member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Darth Metus"] |[member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]
[member="Josh DragonsFlame"] | [member="Drystan Marakos"] | [member="Asaraa Vaashe"] | [member="Jend-Ro Quill"] |

 

[Malok]

Our meeting will be delayed.

When it came to dealing with creatures of the Light, all children of Darkness would be wise to stay ready. As the storied pages of history demonstrated, the clash between these opposing forces always occurred - and all it took was one zealot to incite a wildfire. It was due to this reality that Darth Metus scarcely let down his guard in the presence of the Light. Though there were notable exceptions, those being the lovely Grandmaster Kitra and Padawan Swail, the majority of the time the Sith operated with a slight unease just beneath the surface. The sort of unease that could prompt survival at a moment's notice. It had been as such when his Confederacy first aligned with the Galactic Alliance on Sullust - and so it would be in the present moment.

For a few minutes, as the comfortable vessel ferried them along, Darth Metus did genuinely attempt to loosen up. Even by a hair. But when the alabaster Darth Omnia spoke, he was on his guard. Her tone was as winter, but she wore no reflection of her inner thoughts upon her countenance. Yet the boundless river which flowed from Master to Apprentice shed some light on the situation. She spoke no more on the matter because she simply did not have to. Metus knew all that Omnia had learned, simply by the nature of their Bond. An emergency of some kind had tugged the Silver Jedi away from their momentous meeting.

Were they under attack? Was the Confederate delegation in peril? What could be so important that it tugged the Silver Jedi's finest away from meeting with their allies?

If Darth Metus were a typical politician, his response would have solely been agitation due to the inconvenience. However, his very nature made him wonder if they had suddenly became sitting ducks. His sulfuric gaze wandered about the cabin of their vessel as their heading continued on to the Gritti Hotel, making note of the Quartet of Magnaguards that were present. Though he was confident in the abilities of his Apprentices and his daughter...he now regretted not bringing along a couple Executors instead. At least they would be able to sling lightning if the situation grew dire.

Once the delay was announced, the Vicelord's efforts to lighten up did not resume. The banter between he and Darth Malphas regarding "ownership" of Dianah's tutelage did not continue - nor did the Master make any quips about the pimp-like nature of his cane. Instead, the Sith tolerated the impromtu tour that was intended to fill the absence of the Silver Delegation. As they were shepherded along by a creature who was excessively upbeat, Darth Metus found his patience truly tested. It was not the poor soul before him's fault, mind. No one could truly be blamed for whatever unseen calamity befell their Jedi patrons. Yet, he could feel the slight pang emanating from his alabaster apprentice. As they walked, attached at the hip per the usual, the Sith found thoughts of time wasted.

They had painstakingly cleared a week. And now, potentially, were on the same planet as some yet-to-be-named emergency. Omnia's patience broke before his. Just barely. Her demand was unwavering, and in an instant their tour had come to an end. At last. Instead, they were directed to the meeting hall where they would await the arrival of the Silver Delegation. Fortunately enough, they did not have to tarry too long before someone other than the facility staff made their presence known. She was garbed in the attire of a Jedi, which was a sign of some progress being made, but she was certainly not the Grandmaster. According to what little the Vicelord knew about the new liege of light, she was of the Atrisian variety or something along those lines. The woman who entered the hall was the furthest thing from that description. Her name also confirmed as much.

"Greetings, Celeste Rigel. I am Darth Metus, Vicelord of the Confederacy." he began. A polite nod was rendered in tandem with his introduction before he indicated his peers with a gloved hand. "Accompanying me are the Exarchs of the Confederacy: Darth Malphas and Darth Omnia. In addition, we are joined by Dianah Vi'dreya, the honorable Viceroy of Krant."

His words were very deliberate, due to the fact that she was a Jedi. You see, when first the Confederacy and the Silver Jedi Order met to commence their alliance, the Vicelord was perfectly candid about who he was. He, like now, made no attempt to stifle his Darkness. He, like now, introduced himself and those accompanying him as who they were. It was through true transparency that a relationship like this could be forged and even flourish. And so, the Sith did his part and did it well, acknowledging that today marked the first time he had introduced his Apprentices by their true names in public.

With Omnia still at his side, the Vicelord took a single step closer to their new host.

"Now then, where is the Grandmaster? What emergency has called the Silver Delegation away?"

[member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"] | [member="Celeste Rigel"]​

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

This meeting held significance to Josh beyond just the SJO's agendas for today, and bringing to writing a re-forging in a way of the longstanding alliance between the Silver Jedi Order and the Confederacy. Re-settling former slaves in some matter, one of their objectives, was something that Josh took very seriously and wanted to see realized. It was something that Grandmaster Nooran had established at some point as a project to be covered with the Confederacy, though he wasn't sure how much the other side knew of said plans. Grandmaster Nooran was an expert on keeping the rest of them in the dark, after all. The other terms for why they had set up this meeting were also important, and he had looked forward to being part of the discussion to set all of these into motion, as well as strengthening the working relationship between themselves and the Confederacy. Josh had worked unofficially in the past to strengthen those ties, participating in CIS engagements and missions as a show of good faith and to show that the Silver Jedi Order did indeed care about the welfare and affairs of their closest allies.

So to see the meeting delayed due to an emergency on their end, one that he knew the CIS especially would not be happy about considering they had taken time out to come to... Well, it certainly wasn't something he was happy about either. But Jyoti had dictated their withdrawal to handle it, and while he was still conducting research on the incident, whatever was going on had meant that Jyoti was off handling it still and would not be able to attend the new meeting. Which meant that as Master Of The Order, the role of conducting this now fell to him. Being thrust into this sort of thing... Was this what Valae had felt when Arisa had passed her duties off so abruptly? While this was just a meeting and not the entire delegation of duties, he still wished that he was capable of setting a better impression than he likely would. But despite that, Josh walked to the meeting place with his head held high. Despite his misgivings of how he would seem, being here instead of Jyoti, he refused to make the CIS wait any longer. And he wholly intended to make this work out. Not just for his own reasons, or the affairs of the Silver Jedi... But because he knew that the CIS would likely not think much of how the Silver Jedi thought of them after before. The speed he and the Assembly attempted to make a new meeting, he hoped would show how important the CIS was to them. Honor bound him to ensure that was known.

Once he arrived to see the greetings well underway, Josh would quickly answer the question of the one called [member="Darth Metus"] who had inquired as to Jyoti's whereabouts.

"There is a rather sizable issue underway on our end that Grandmaster Nooran is still off handling" Josh answered truthfully. "I will be conducting the discussion in her place, if that is agreeable to you all" He added politely as he would respectfully extend a hand first to Metus, than next to his delegates. "Josh DragonsFlame, Master Of The Order. At your service."

He was quick to indicate where he stood in the pecking order, to ensure to the Confederacy that as Jyoti would be unable for an indefinite, most likely very long period of time, they had sent the upmost closest person to Nooran's rank to handle this.

Of course, the man's emphasis on the "Darth" titles did not escape his notice during the greetings. It was still... Strange to him, working with Sith, especially those with Darth titles. Josh was used to every Sith he encountered being... Well... What one would expect. That the Confederacy's leadership was mostly constituted of Sith and yet they still made strides to improve matters in the galaxy as they did... It puzzled him. It really did. He did not wholly understand the creed of the Sith in front of him, and while she was one as well... Madalena did not seem to wholly understand their creed either, instead just being a ball of... Well... But Josh knew that with the times, he'd need to change as well. He would need to let go of preconceptions, just as the rest of their leadership had. Their actions would decide who they were in his eyes... Not their titles.

But most of all, he was just so curious. He found himself with more drive to learn about them than anything else. He would eye [member="Srina Talon"] who he had not realized possessed a Darth title until now. It came as a surprise to him, a woman like her having that... But he would perhaps get a chance to ask her about it later. Deciding to leave nothing unsaid, he would speak his mind. They had decided to keep things transparent. He would provide them the same courtesy.

"I'll admit, this is the first I've heard some of your titles. I am genuinely curious about the creeds and culture of the Sith that constitute the Confederacy" Josh would admit with a gentle smile. "Perhaps once affairs have been concluded, I might borrow one of you eventually so that I might explore the topic? It's a topic that fascinates me, and I would love to know more about it."

While he was obviously still a bit culture shocked by it all, he genuinely did enjoy the idea of gaining a further understanding of them and getting to know more about what their comrades were all about. Understanding too, would breed a better partnership. He was willing to welcome new ideas and a new perspective with open arms. His refusal to judge them purely by title alone in this case kept his smile bright, his features warm and his tone welcoming and friendly. They had given them no reason to think ill of them, after all. Josh would speak to them and treat them as their friends until proven otherwise.

"Regardless, I see you've already met Master Rigel" He spoke, moving on as he motioned to the woman they had already greeted. "With us also..." He began as he would motion to each member that had accompanied them. "... Are Master Marakos, Master Quill and a junior member of our Assembly, Asaraa Vaashe who I've trained personally."

SJO: [member="Celeste Rigel"] - [member="Asaraa Vaashe"] - [member="Drystan Marakos"] - [member="Jend-Ro Quill"]
CIS: [member="Darth Metus"] - [member="Srina Talon"] - [member="Adron Malvern"] - [member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]