Private Stop Resisting, We're Trying To Plan

[Alina Tremiru]

"It'd be easier if you weren't so damn stubborn, you know."

The shuttle had just finally landed on Korriban, and Alina finally stepped into the cargo hold to see her 'guest'. Stubborn was a funny word for her to use, given how stubborn she was in getting them to come along. And now she crossed her arms over her chest. Huffed her vocal annoyance. To think they'd be so damn stubborn in coming back to Korriban. It wasn't like they were mistreated, right? A’Mia had always been a good host from what she knew of.

"We've landed. Don't keep A'mia waiting just because you think she's some Kainite. She's not."

Alina turned from Alisteri then, walking down the ramp towards the waiting Madrona. Offered her a shrug. "He's here. Not that willingly, but he's here."

Darth Strosius | Madrona A’Mia

 

[Darth Strosius]

"One of us has to stand by our principles Alina." Darth Strosius pulled at the restraints that had been binding him for the entire trip thus far, not making any more progress on it now than he had since he was first placed into them. He supposed that's what he got for falling asleep onboard a ship not under his own control for once. Never again then.

He glared at the other Sangnir as she walked past him and kept trying to wrench his body out of his restraints. A growl left his throat as he reluctantly stopped his useless struggling and instead simply chose to bide his time until the opportunity to escape arose. "A'Mia is not the issue. Much like you, it is the masters that you serve that are abhorrent and in need of slaying."

The masked man scowled and attempted to appear as refined as possible despite his position of restraint. He had to maintain some level of dignity. "Officer A'Mia. A pleasure to see you again, I simply wish it was under more..." His gaze shifted to Alina as his hands curled into fists. "Pleasant circumstances."

Alina Tremiru / Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

The pair had arrived upon one of the vast and currently empty academy training grounds. Most students were away to supper if not bed by now so it mattered not that Alina's shuttle had parked there at A'Mia's invitation. The host of their odd soon to be fellowship awaited them, arms outstretched and smiling. The jovial expression actually reached her eyes in a rare show of true mischievous excitement.

"Welcome, welcome! I had no doubts as to your capabilities Alina Tremiru . Much like I had no doubts that a simple invitation would not actually suffice if I wished to treat with you again on Korriban soil, Darth Strosius ."

Her expression turned to a smirk as she eyed her begrudging guest. A'Mia turned briskly and gestured them toward a vast greenhouse, the likes of which must have required a great deal of effort to establish on this desert world.

"I've put the kettle on, we can speak in my personal quarters."

 

[Alina Tremiru]

"Perhaps you should try dying, some time. It'll really put your principals in perspective." She scoffed. Death had changed everything for her. He was far too stubborn for his own good. She reached out, waving a hand to undo the restraints now that A'mia was here. She strode forward, smiling softly towards the Madrona. At least she understood that stubbornness had a limit in it's usefulness.

"Is it the tea you were serving at the dance? Lord Strosius could use some.. Relaxation, I imagine."

Darth Strosius | Madrona A’Mia

 

[Darth Strosius]

"I am not one for being invited usually A'Mia. At least not to territory in the hands of my enemies, such as Holy Korriban." The moment that his restraints were undone Darth Strosius had to debate whether or not he could take on Alina while he was unarmed. He pondered it for a few moments as he stretched and stepped out of the shuttle before casting the idea aside. "Or Dromund Kaas." He muttered under his breath with a frustrated hiss as he rubbed his wrists.

The masked man strode past his fellow Sangnir on a march towards the greenhouse, offering the their host a polite bow of his head. "Something warm and soothing would be lovely thank you." These days he was used to such a beverage coming from the still-living forms of his foes, but tea would do. Given the location he was hesitant to drink from any of the locals anyway.

He glanced back at the other Sith as he neared the greenhouse, reluctantly slowing his stride. He might as well play civil, until he found a way off of Korriban on his own at least. "Do remind me, what is the purpose of this meeting? I was a bit...occupied during the trip over and can't recall it off the top of my head."

Alina Tremiru / Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

A'Mia's eyes widened at Alina's easy conversational tone, the way she quipped and bantered so easily. This would be one to study more closely if she hoped to excel further in social dealings. Then Darth Strosius spoke up and she was reminded once more why she experienced an odd kinship with the rather formal man. Her bright voice feigned a hint of laughter as she answered both her guests in one go.

"This educational planning meeting is unfortunately not the correct setting for that particular tea, whose formula I will admit still needs tinkering. We'll have a simple herbal variety today, but I'll happily provide intoxicants should you wish to spike it yourself."

She led onward and they quickly closed the distance to the vast greenhouse, which appeared to be built on two levels. The entrance was at ground level and the smaller second level appeared to, in part, be cut into the stone so it extended up and back farther than it might otherwise be supported with a stand-alone structure. Together they entered a rather beautiful, if somewhat starkly clinical foyer. She paused there so her guests could take a brief look around, addressing them and their purpose more specifically now.

"The both of you offer two very different perspectives I wish to draw upon as Kor'ethyr Academy nears its grand opening. Alina Tremiru , I have been so bold as to assume you somewhat of a peer in matters of educational reform. Your planet hosts more and more Sith minds for the shaping every day that goes by. I feel confident in speaking for the powers that be here on Korriban that we stand to benefit from working closely with you to form a strong working relationship between our academic institutions."

A'Mia gave a small bow of her head but continued on, wanting to finish her point before the other two joined in.

"And you, Darth Strosius," she turned to him with an air so jovial it almost felt wicked,
"You are one of the most strong headed, opinionated, and outspoken Sith I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. I have since learned that you have a rather extensive combat history and your service on behalf of the Sith order is quite admirable. Though your reputation is not without blemish, I would consider you an important ally in the task at hand."

 

[Alina Tremiru]

"It is worth noting mine is not an academic facility, but more.. Production. Students are here on Korriban to learn. On Kaas, the experienced and skilled will be funded for their work to progress their chosen research. In exchange their work will be used by the Sith as a whole." She was not going to be running a school, not like A'mia was. No, her goal was to further growth of those with the aptitude. They were rare enough, after all.

"And yes. You've done quite well for yourself now that I'm not the one dragging you from battlefield to battlefield. There are Sith that will need a purpose more than becoming some Lord's lackey. I refuse to see the new generation be resigned to work as some Kainite."

Darth Strosius | Madrona A’Mia

 

[Darth Strosius]

Darth Strosius had to stifle a chuckle at the offer of available 'intoxicants' as their host put it. He wasn't sure what concoction A'Mia and Alina were referencing but he doubted that anything would be enough to get him out of his current sober state. And given how deep he was in enemy territory, he had no reason to try anything inebriate either. Instead he was more curious why he had been dragged all the way here for what seemed like a rather simple discussion of academic work between Korriban and Dromund Kaas, given that he had no real leg to stand on in either case as it were. "Alina, you do remember that I simply slept at the academy right? I was far too busy fighting a losing war to bother enrolling in it."

The masked man's gaze wandered around the greenhouse as they entered into it, pausing as their guide did to take in the sight. Nothing too extravagant yet it seemed but he had seen enough of the academy itself to know that there was more to meet the eye. Knowing how aggressive certain Sith influenced flora could be he had no doubt that there would be some interesting displays ahead. He was snapped from his idle scan of the foyer as he was addressed by A'Mia, cocking his head to the side slightly and raising an eyebrow as she spoke.

He was a bit unsure what his combat history had to do with anything but the blemish comment caught his attention and made him scowl for a moment. The only blemish in his career, as far as he was concerned, was his failure to execute the Kainite leadership when he and Malum assailed the Malsheem some time ago. Regardless it all hardly qualified him for any educational discussions and unless A'Mia knew of his cult then- His scowl returned as he glanced at Alina. Perhaps that was where his invitation to this meeting had come from then.

"If you're wanting my advice on your curriculum and on how best to ensure more independently minded Sith, then I'm afraid none of my answers will be to your liking. They all involve far too much 'housekeeping' shall we say, and neither of you are very receptive to that sort of talk from what I can recall." He crossed his arms as he spoke, obviously hinting to his distaste for the Kainate in general that he had already thoroughly expressed to both the Sith present. "Aside from that, I still fail to see what it is you want from me Lady A'Mia. Other than to comment on the decisions the two of you come to."

Alina Tremiru / Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

A data pad was in A'Mia's hands within moments, relevant information inspiring an immediate beginning to the ledger of their meeting. She listened intently to Alina Tremiru , nodding along in understanding and added a mumbled agreement.

"Yes, the difference between a generalist education and vocational training."

She nodded too along with the sentiment that new generations must be treated as more than mere lackeys, more than just fodder to feed into some grand machine. The tall woman turned as Darth Strosius began speaking, still typing. A genuine smile, one of mischief and forethought to schemes ahead pulled her mouth wide and made her eyes shine as Alisteri continued. She paused in typing as he finished speaking, voice rising past the earlier murmur and answering the pair in unison once more.

"Yes, this is precisely why you are here, why I have sought council across such a spectrum as I work to submit lesson plans for Kor'ethyr."

She gestured broadly to the plants surrounding them in the foyer, indicating their varied foliage and mutual though diverse existence under one roof.

"The Sith Order needs cultivation. 'Keep only the strongest' some say as they gesture to contested lands where many lives have been spent, seeking those few soldiers who rise from the mud or snow, having proven themselves against the test of battle.
'Pick the weeds, cull the pests' say others." A'Mia gave Alisteri a knowing glance as she continued.
"The point is, we three seem to have the verve to move things forward, to sew new seeds and help our culture, ensure that our very way of life will blossom. If my allegories prove to be tiresome… then let me be clear."

She froze then, body stilling unnaturally so, the only thing that moved was her eyes as they shifted from Alina to Alisteri as she considered them in equal measure.

"Individual greatness can carry the Sith only so far. It is time that we bring Darkness to bear that it may match our adversary in the Light. It is time we shift the cosmic scales and our future generations will necessitate this change."