Private Social Call: Valery Noble

[Efret Farr]

"What are you doing, Toric?"

The Kessurian male looked over his shoulder at Efret and Nirrah. He was kneeling in front of an open cargo crate, and was taking items one by one from a pile he had created nearby and packing them into the box: tubes of nullification resin, bundles of brushes, magnifying glasses wrapped in cloth, and various other small analysis instruments. It was obvious what he was doing. What wasn't was why.

"We're gonna get told to pack it up," he said matter-of-factly. His rose a hand in an attempt to stop her brewing reply. It worked, for now. "Don't. I know it."

She leaned to the side against the doorway leading into the supply room of the long tent. A smart-alecky smile took over her features. "Is that right?" she asked rhetorically. "Reading the grandmaster's mind from sectors away. Impressive."

He had finished putting a few things into the box as she spoke, so now stood and crossed the room to stand closer to her. "Very funny."

She almost beamed, clearly proud of herself. "I know."

"I just have a feeling."

Then her smile grew serious, consoling. She stood up. "Yes," she agreed. Again, as much was obvious. He wouldn't be preemptively packing the camp's things unless he truly thought that the grandmaster was coming all this way to tell them to give up on Field Camp Nu's mission and return to the Core. Granted, she could be, but that was out of character and thus highly unlikely. It was more likely that Toric had his own feelings about this venture and they were turning into fears now that they were expecting a visit from Valery. "About what we're doing and how we're doing. Don't project that onto Val."

"But we haven't—"

It was she who now interrupted him. Guessing what he was about to say was easy. Not only was it was evident in his body language and in the Force, but she was also little-e empathetic to the sentiment he had almost verbally expressed, for it has occurred to her too. They had come here with hopes of doing two things: recover and cleanse lost Jedi artifacts, and nullify Sith ones. They had yet to do either. But— "Is that our fault? Is that anyone's fault? No. So don't worry." She reached out to take his hand, held in for a few moments, and let go to sign again. "We'll find the type of artifacts we came for in time."

"We just need to start winning battles."

Efret sighed and closed her eyes for a long moment. "Please don't mention that unless Val does first. And come away from that." She indicated the cargo crate behind him.

And so they found something else to do while waiting for Val to arrive at the field camp.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery stepped into the camp with an easy smile, her gaze moving between Efret and Toric. She noticed the tension in Toric's posture — the way his shoulders were slightly hunched, his jaw set — and wondered if he was worried about her arrival. Perhaps he thought she was here to monitor their progress too closely, or even worse, to cut their work short.

Or perhaps he was just nervous because of who she was.

Sensing his unease, she offered a reassuring smile. "Thank you for having me on site today," she said warmly. "Projects like these are challenging, and every step matters. I just wanted to check in, see if you need any additional support, and... well, offer a friendly face." She understood how hard the war had been on progress in other projects. Jedi were often called away, supplies were more limited and morale wasn't always the best.

All the more reason for her to visit.

Her gaze softened as she looked to Efret. "This mission is important, not just to the Order, but to all of us who care about preserving the light and healing the wounds the Dark Side has left behind. I believe in what you're doing, and I want you to know you have my full support."

With a gentle nod, she added, "If there's anything you need — more supplies, assistance, even just someone to talk things over with — I'm here for that." She extended her smile to whoever was with her, and continued with a smirk, "I'd even love to get my own hands dirty if I could help somehow."

Efret Farr ​

 

[Efret Farr]

Unbeknownst to the grandmaster, she had already been a great help. She didn't need to get her hands dirty to dig the kind of hole she just had. With just a first few sentences delivered with a calm disposition, she had laid Toric's concerns to bed. And he already felt so much better for it. Efret could tell even without looking at him that he seemed lighter; her Empathy was no longer picking up on his nervousness and pricking at her efforts to remain calm.

Toric wasn't the only one with doubts, but he was the only one between the two of them that had shared them. Efret kept hers to herself for weeks. She didn't see why that had to change.

The chief curator nodded her head and fisted hand. "Yes, I know," she began. She would even if Val had not said as much aloud. Val was and always would be a hands-on leader. That's what made her successful, inspiring, and loveable to Jedi and non-Jedi alike. "I'll keep that all in mind, but we'll try not to ask much of you or the rest of the Order. Our mission is to deal with this aspect of the war so that everyone else can focus their energy and supplies elsewhere." She glanced to Toric, then back at Val. "That said, we do have some questions for you. Come inside."

With that, Efret turned on her heel to lead them back to the long tent.

Toric took up a pace beside Val. "Tea?" he asked. "Caf?"

Heavy plastic flaps were rolled and tied up from the lightweight durasteel frame of the tent's entrance. A couple meters from there a long, picnic-style table ran the length of the main room of the tent. At the end, one door and another set of flaps lead into two other sections of the tent. Two females were already sitting at the table: a Sith Pureblood and a Rodian.

"Knights Pipma Groti and Kili Zsoke." There was a good possibility that Val was well aware of the names of those on Efret's archeological crew, but it case she didn't, or needed a reminder, Efret made one-sided introductions. They didn't need to be told who the grandmaster was. "Sodus is at the Temple museum. We'll give him a call."

Pipma nodded. "The line's open. We're just waiting for him to get on."

Efret motioned for Valery to sit one one bench and then slid onto the one opposite so that she and Nirrah could see her easily.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery offered Efret a grateful nod, appreciating the quiet but genuine welcome she felt from the team. She sensed that Efret's calmness and assurance were a form of leadership that grounded the others, and she respected that immensely. With a soft smile, she followed them into the long tent, her gaze drifting briefly over the workspaces and supplies, each item a testament to the commitment and care this team had put into their mission.

As Toric fell into step beside her, Valery flashed him a small, appreciative smile. "Tea would be lovely, thank you," she replied, her voice warm. She wanted to keep things light, aware that her presence alone could be intimidating, especially given the high stakes of their work. But she was here as an ally, and every gesture, from her calm tone to her easy smile, was meant to reassure them of that.

Inside, she noted the makeshift but functional layout of the tent and the two Jedi Knights waiting at the table. She dipped her head slightly in greeting to Pipma and Kili, her eyes reflecting warmth and a sense of camaraderie.

"Knights Groti and Zsoke, it's a pleasure to finally meet you both," Valery said, her voice calm but genuine. She took the seat Efret indicated, her posture relaxed yet attentive as she placed her hands lightly on the table. "I'm curious to hear what your questions are, or how I might be of assistance."

Valery glanced at the holo-communicator as she heard it activate, her expression remaining focused yet open.





=

Efret Farr ​

 

[Efret Farr]

The translucent blue image of a Chiss male projected from the hologram stand. He help his hands clasped behind his back. He nodded to Val and said, "Hello, Grandmaster."

As he spoke, Efret glanced down as her right wrist gauntlet. Captions for the holocall was displaying in real time on the screen built into it, as Efret couldn't lipread holograms well. After she had read Sodus' greeting, she signed, "Let's get started."

Toric, who had come out of the camp's full kitchen portion of the tent, set a durasteel mug down in front Val. A tea sachet floated in the steaming liquid. Wisps of brownish infusion swirled out of the bag, coloring more of the otherwise clear water with every passing moment. Then, his delivery done, he rounded the table and sat down beside Pipma.

"The Dark Empire holds onto Tython more strongly than expected," Efret began, "but perhaps we should've." She didn't want to directly mention the failed invasion, but implying it seemed safe. "Regardless, their continued presence in the Deep Core is very troubling for many reasons. The one we're primarily concerned with is the safety of our artifacts, both the ones we're collecting here and those left in the Temple museum."

Val certainly knew what Efret was talking about. The invasion of Coruscant and infiltration of the Temple had caused widespread destruction, including some of the artifacts on display in the Temple Museum. Others had gone missing, surely dispersed across the galaxy through smuggling operations and black markets.

"We would like to discuss relocation of all artifacts with you today." Efret and her team knew well that they were tasked with protecting the New Jedi Order's history, as well as that of cultures that could no longer protect theirs themselves. Given current militaristic and political circumstances, they had come to the same conclusion: that they weren't in an advantageous position to protect anything in their charge anymore.

To that point, Pipma spoke up, but not before getting Efret's attention with a wave of her taloned hand, "None of us are hoping for another invasion of Coruscant, but another Dark Empire strike does seem imminent. The next time, we may not lose just parts of our collection. We may lose all of it."

"We also realize," the Chiss, Sodus, added, "that an evacuation of artifacts from the Temple won't inspire confidence in the people of Galactic City, and perhaps even in our Order's ranks themselves."

"But it has to be done," Toric finished.

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery sat silently, her fingers gently wrapping around the warm mug of tea Toric had placed before her. The subtle aroma of the infusion swirled up, but her mind was far from the present comforts of the moment. Her amber eyes remained fixed on Efret's hologram, even as her thoughts drifted to the heavy weight of the discussion.

She didn't need to be reminded of what was at stake. The invasion of Coruscant and the loss of artifacts — some destroyed, others scattered across the galaxy — had been a painful lesson. These relics were more than just historical curiosities; they carried the legacy of the Jedi and countless other cultures that had sought refuge within the Temple's walls. Preserving them was a duty she did not take lightly.

Valery exhaled softly, her gaze flickering to each member of Efret's team as they spoke. She understood their concerns. Another Dark Empire attack felt inevitable, and the thought of losing everything the Temple safeguarded was a risk she couldn't afford to take. Yet, the consequences of such an action weighed heavily on her.

After a long pause, Valery lifted her gaze and set the mug down. Her voice, though calm, carried the authority and resolve of her position. "You're right," she finally said, her tone measured. "The artifacts in our care are more than pieces of history — they are the soul of what we stand for, and what we fight to protect. If the Dark Empire strikes again, we cannot risk losing them entirely."

Her fingers lightly traced the edge of the mug as she continued. "The evacuation won't be easy, and you're right — it may shake the confidence of some within the Order and among the people of Coruscant. But our duty isn't to maintain appearances. It's to preserve the legacy that inspires hope and resilience, even in the darkest times."

"I trust this team to handle this important task."

Efret Farr ​

 

[Efret Farr]

Pipma and Kili looked at each other. Their expressions were subtle but mirrored the feelings of the other archeologists on Efret's team, as well as her herself. They, and she, had thought they would have to convince the Grandmaster to see their duty as they did, and thus were fully prepared to defend their suggested course of action.

Now that it was clear that they wouldn't have to, they were collectively trying to refocus.

Efret was first to reply to what Valery had said. "Thank you, Val. Yes, we'll handle it, starting as soon as possible. We'd like to use Fondor for the temporary relocation with your blessing. We can find a stretch of inactive underground steam tube and fortify it to secure the collection from possible future attack or infiltration."

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery nodded, her expression calm but carrying a weight of resolve as she listened to Efret's proposal. The mention of Fondor brought a flicker of thoughtfulness to her amber eyes, but she seemed to approve of the practicality and foresight in the suggestion.

"Fondor is a sound choice," she said after a moment, her voice steady. "Its infrastructure and resources will allow us to create a securelocation. You have my full blessing to proceed."

Her gaze moved across the team, softening slightly as she continued, "I know this isn't just a logistical challenge for you. These relics are pieces of our history and our identity, and I know what it means to protect them. You not only have my trust, but also my gratitude."

Valery straightened, her tone shifting to one of quiet encouragement. "Keep me updated on your progress, and if there's anything you need — resources, personnel, or even my direct assistance — you only need to ask. The preservation of this legacy is a priority for all of us."

Efret Farr ​

 

[Efret Farr]

A warm smile broke across Efret's face, a picture of pride that hopefully assured Val further than she had made the right choice. "Of course. We will preserve it with our lives if necessary."

Pipma waved to get Efret's attention again. "Wonderful," she said, equally to the chief curator and grandmaster. "We'll get back to cataloging." She motioned to Kili.

"And I have reconstruction to continue," Sodus added.

Efret glanced to her gauntlet, then back up and nodded. "Very good. Dismissed. Thank you for meeting with us."

"It was a honor to meet you, Grandmaster," Sodus said before his figure leaned forward to shut off the feed, which then flickered out.

Pipma and Kili stood and left the table to move into another room of the tent.

Efret glanced to Toric. "I'd like you to plan a visit to Fondor," she told him.

"To scope it out?" he asked.

"Precisely."

"You got it, boss." With a slap of the counter, Toric too left the table.

Efret turned to Val. "Thank you," she said again. "For all of this." She motioned all around them. "I know it wasn't only you, but still. It's a dream. Difficult to manage sometimes, but a dream."

Valery Noble​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery offered Efret a warm, reassuring smile as she leaned slightly against the edge of the table. Her posture was relaxed, but her amber eyes carried the quiet strength of someone who understood the gravity of the work being done here.

"Dreams worth pursuing are often the hardest to manage," Valery said, her voice steady but laced with encouragement. "But that's what makes them meaningful. You and your team have already accomplished so much, and I have no doubt you'll continue to exceed expectations."

Her gaze briefly followed the others as they departed, the tent growing quieter with their absence. Then, she turned her full attention back to Efret, her expression softening further. Valery straightened, folding her hands lightly in front of her. "It's a privilege to support you, Efret. Thank you for dedicating yourself to this dream."

With that, Valery offered a respectful nod, a gesture of both gratitude and trust.

Efret Farr ​

 

[Efret Farr]

Efret's smile dropped just a little under the weight of what she had come to realize it took to truly exceed expectations in this regard.

"Yes," she began. "We all will try." She attempted to smile as widely as she had a moment before, but she found it impossible to keep up the expression at all. The smile slowly slid from her face altogether. "Actually, I wanted to discuss that with you."

The archeologist's friendly countenance shifted to worry when her brow knit softly. "I feel like we're stealing. Sometimes we are stealing." Efret had taken a very direct role in some of those instances and was sure to engage in many more. Now, in hindsight, she didn't know how to begin forgiving herself. When she had been largely working alone as a wandering archeologist and anthropologist, she had sworn to never collect physical artifacts from living cultures unless asked to or given free and explicit permission by the people to who it belonged, and so she had instead built a collection of high-quality holoscans of artifacts she had encountered on her many journeys.

"Right now, I know that's what we have to do to deprive the Sith Order of all the power we can, protect what they haven't destroyed yet, and restore what they have, but..." A small pout formed on her face, but she looked rightfully upset rather than unnecessarily fussy. "Val, it feels wrong. Some nights, I can't sleep."

In fact, this was only one of the issues that kept rest away, but she still wanted to try to resolve it. That solution was what she sought now: how was one supposed to balance two callings that at times like these seemed incompatible in certain ways. If the grandmaster had been anyone but Valery Noble, the likelihood that Efret would have silently bore this internal dilemma, even if it was the kind of conflict that might tear one in two, or else eat them alive. And it sure seemed like it would have on or the other effect on her.

"I'm not a Sith Order sympathizer, but I am an anthropologist. I wonder if I can be both that and a Jedi involved in this war."

Valery Noble​