Stronger Together (GA/SJO)

[Ciana Teigra]

(Special thanks to [member="Kaiza Pawaro"] for the banner.)​

A single stealth frigate dropped out of hyperspace into high orbit above Voss, flanked by a squadron of Kestrels as an escort. Over hyperwave, the vessel identified itself as the KSV Nollam, a Kiribian warship being used by a delegation from the Galactic Alliance, the party led by Ambassador Teigra of the GA-aligned KSU.

In the past, the Nollam would have been able to head straight down to the surface with little issue, but times had changed. Constant military assaults and large scale terrorist attacks had resulted in a major tightening of security. Airspace above the Silver Campus was heavily restricted, while several battle groups of the home fleet prowled the system and the outlying sector conducting thorough patrols.

Once the credentials of Nollam had been verified, the GA delegation was given the clearance to land. A sleek black yacht exited the Nollam hanger, and then slowly descended through the atmosphere.

Ciana's eyes were glued to her viewing port the whole way down, studying the surface of the verdant world. Much of the planet appeared undeveloped from her vantage point, a vast expanse of forests, mountains, and waterways, with a few pockets of civilization here and there.

Closer to the surface and she picked out the Silver Campus, nestled in the valley of a large mountain range, a complex ringing a massive lakefront. Each building had a similar aesthetic of rounded glittering white structures, with a single slender spire marking the Silver Temple proper. All the structures looked like they had been carved right out of the surrounding mountains, reminding her of eco-friendly Alderaanian architecture of Aldera City.

The whole ride from orbit to surface was smooth, the yacht landing on space pad within a semi enclosed hangar. The GA delegation had finally arrived. Now they would just wait within the yacht until someone appeared to collect them. Ciana didn't quite expect anything akin to a formal state visit, as she was dealing with Jedi and not politicians, but she would observe standard diplomatic protocols on her end. She desired this meeting to go off without hitch and serve to finally bring the two distant powers together, for the sake of the galaxy.

(On the SJO side, this meeting is open to all members of the Silver Assembly)

[member="Valae Kitra"] [member="Stephanie Swail"] [member="Zark"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae Kitra paced back and forth in her new office; her eyes were fixed towards the ground. Her fingers moved anxiously at her sides, she couldn’t remember the last time she had felt so nervous. She paused in front of a small mirror and smoothed down her brown locks. For a long moment, she merely gazed at her reflection. There wasn’t much about her appearance that had changed, but she felt very different now. Since assuming the role of Grandmaster, there was a new weight of responsibility on her shoulders, and she only hoped that she could carry it well. She blew out a slow breath.

“You can do this.” She said in a steady tone.

The Galactic Alliance delegation would be arriving soon, and she would be there on the landing pad to greet them. It was a big day – there was a lot riding on the success of this meeting. Through her years with the Silver Jedi, her own interactions with the Alliance had been very few… but she hoped to change that. It was time to usher in a new era of light; together they could change the galaxy for the better.

A moment later she left her office behind and sent word to the members of the Silver Assembly. She hoped that some of her fellow masters would join her today; it would be nice to give the Alliance representatives a warm welcome to Voss. As Valae herself was quite new to diplomatic meetings of this scale, she also hoped that the members of the Assembly would speak their questions or concerns. The voices of her colleagues were valuable; she wouldn’t be here without their support.

Her brown robes flowed as she walked briskly to the landing pad, and she folded her hands as she waited.

“Won’t be long now,” She said aloud, and soon enough… a yacht touched down.

Don’t panic! Just breathe.

[member="Ciana Teigra"]

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"], [member="Jessica Med-Beq"], [member="Jericho"], [member="Audren Sykes"], [member="Thurion Heavenshield"], [member="Coci Heavenshield"], [member="Stephanie Swail"]

Spoiler

Council members, feel free to join if you have the time! You can start at the landing pad with me, or in the conference room -- we'll be moving that way soon.

 

[Stephanie Swail]

The Padawan was curious. Curious and eager, and craving knowledge and understanding about herself, her Master, her allies and the Jedi as a whole.

Who really were their enemies? What resources did they have? How would they continue the fight in the darkest hours? Where would the Force guide them?

Stephanie stood at the far side of the large landing pad that was outside of the even larger hanger of the temple on Voss, the homeworld of the Silver Jedi. There, she was dressed in her usual garb, hair braided and legs crossed as she sat at a workstation tinkering away with another Force Spinner. Filing down coloured metals and plastics, ball bearings and lead covering, it was a soothing way to pass time and fashion something that helped her daily.

But while she did, she glanced up at the converging Jedi towards the end of the pad. Something was going on, and it looked important.

Force knows she didn't have a right to know, but with her Master standing there and nothing being said, it was certainly for top brass only. Eyes flicked to the skies, watching for whatever it was that THEY were watching for. Probably nothing important; returning Jedi or diplomats or supplies or whatnot.

She sighed contently, shifted in her seat a little and continued to sharpen one of the three edges of the spinner. Then, she glanced up again from under those eye-lids, always watching.

[member="Ciana Teigra"] | [member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Jericho]

Jericho had a lot of duties he had to attend to, from teaching the ways of the Je'daii to journeys of knowledge and strength to that of being a council member of the Silver jedi which he knew he wasn't particularly good at. He often left the order to attend to things of his own accord, if it weren't for his apprentice brother, Thurion among others, he would have of most likely been kicked out of the order for his unusual ways. He could stop his search for power for a time for them, it was the least he could do. Despite his lack of finesse in politics, he should know what is going on in the background aside from the constant battles that the Jedi are subject to face. As well see what the new leader of the order was like. When she called for the members to come, he was there to answer the call, unfortunately it seemed that he was the first. As he reach the meeting point he instantly did what most lorrdians did, read the person.

She was a tiny human, standing under two feet short than him despite the robes covering her body, he could tell from the shape of her face, she was slender. From face value she seems to had no scars a rare sight to see within an order that saw constant battle, it seemed like the girl hasn't seen combat outside the training center. He took a breath and listened into the sounds of her heart beat and simple shake from the movement of her hand, she was nervous. If she attempt to hide it she did well, but his Lorrdian eyes and tunes senses rarely missed a mark, from his initial of her, he wondered how someone of her stature came with the title of Grand master. But as experiences goes, looks were always deceiving, he would not question her on that matter, there was a process that the Silvers did for the position. He had to assume she was more than capable and hardworking for such a position. From her nervousness he could only assume this meeting was of great importance and he had to keep himself tact in all matters.

In contrast, the warrior stood two feet taller, clad in armor as he always was sabers clipped to his belt all hidden by his large and heavy white Jedi robes. After quickly analyzing her, the warrior and monster sized man did a humble bow of his head. "Grand Master." He said with his low yet booming voice. "My apologies for my absence within the order, I am Jericho." He stated quickly and to the point. There were many ways he could have greeted her but being the person he was, he kept things short.

[member="Ciana Teigra"] [member="Valae Kitra"] [member="Stephanie Swail"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

With more and more Jedi converging in the area, the newest member of the Silver Assembly, Josh DragonsFlame, was soon to follow. The Jedi Master was silent as he walked toward where members of the Silvers and the Alliance had begun to gather. He knew, of course from a meeting, about this gathering to discuss working together. And he knew it was inevitable.

But he wasn't worried.

The fact was, while they had different philosophies... They were Jedi. Silver Jedi, Alliance Jedi... It didn't matter. They had the same goals. They all wanted peace in the galaxy... And the Sith were a threat to that. Now, more than ever. With the First Order, and GE seeming to join forces for the attack, despite apparently being enemies not long before... The Silvers were now the target. This posed a problem, of course... It seemed that the Sith were meaning to pick them off, one by one.

But he wasn't worried. They were Jedi. Or at least... He hoped. By now, the Alliance Jedi likely knew what they did... That if the Silvers backed down, or were picked off...

They would be next.

So here was the question... Were they Jedi, or not? If they were, this meeting should go smoothly, without politics and terms... Just a common goal to defeat the Sith and protect the galaxy as well as preserve the Jedi from what sought to destroy them.

If not...

Well, suppose we'd find out soon just what they were.

Was that a blunt philosophy to have? Perhaps. But not an untruthful one. What Jedi would leave their own to die at the hands of the Sith?

[member="Ciana Teigra"] [member="Valae Kitra"] [member="Stephanie Swail"] [member="Jericho"]

 

[Jessica Med-Beq]

In the darkest hours of the Silver Jedi, this meeting with the Galactic Alliance was more than welcome. Not even the loss of Dromund Kaas, and also Ord Radama, could compare to what's happening. In both cases it seemed that the local populations sold them out to their enemies and she was powerless to stop them. The Grand General of the Silver Jedi Order was there to iron out the military questions; from what she could tell, the GA had a different approach to conventional forces compared to the SJ, and it could be a contention point for coordination. The other attendees, such as the interim Grandmaster, [member="Valae Kitra"], as well as [member="Josh DragonsFlame"], [member="Jericho"], [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] and also [member="Stephanie Swail"], were eagerly awaiting the meeting with [member="Ciana Teigra"] as well as one @Zark. The main enemies were known: the Galactic Empire and the Sith Empire. If it also meant breaking the truce between the GA and the First Order, so be it. Of course, from what she knew about the GA, their main liabilities are ground-bound, and solidarity among Jedi was important, but so was proper usage of conventional forces.

 

[Audren Sykes]

Some might call it nervousness or trepidation. Completely understandable, given the circumstances. When he'd left, the Silver Jedi weren't in the middle of a war with others. Some stray skirmishes here and there, but no war. In start contrast, the war between the Galactic Alliance and First Order had been in full swing. It hadn't been long after Kaeshana; while he'd been slowly falling away from their number for some time, he'd never officially notified them that he was leaving.

There was no hesitation. Just some lingering regret.

He was also somewhat out of the loop, having just recently returned. He didn't know that there was going to be a delegation from the Alliance until Valae's notification came in. From there, it was a matter of making himself presentable; this was an official function, after all. It would likely be frowned upon - if ignored on the surface - if he showed up dripping sweat and with char marks all over. Thus was he several minutes later than the others, but clad in fresh robes. The Sephi had forgone the shoulder and knee plates he donned for combat, as well as any other weaponry. Not formal or casual, but someplace between the two.

There were several others already on the landing pad as the small yacht touched down. It appeared that several of the Assembly had gone to meet the delegates at the hangar, and would likely be with them the entire way to the conference room. He approved, it gave a much better impression then having a Padawan or two greet and escort the Alliance representatives to the Masters. A sign of respect. For his part, Audren was already at the conference room. He was personally still getting into the swing of things here on Voss, but some things didn't change: the younglings still thought the entire place was their playground. The Master had removed two children - no older than seven standard years - from separate hiding spots in the room. Apparently hide and seek was as popular as ever. He, and hopefully some others, would meet the rest of the party here in the designated meeting room.

[member="Ciana Teigra"] | [member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member=Jericho] | [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] | [member="Jessica Med-Beq"]​

 

[Ciana Teigra]

Ciana was the first of the delegation down the ramp after it lowered, grey cloak billowing around her with each step. The rest of the GA delegation and their security detail wasn't too far behind, and within the minute there was a small crowd gathered at the foot of the ramp.

Now outside, she quickly picked out Grandmaster Kitra from the group of Jedi assembled whom she assumed was members of the Silver Assembly. She wasted no time approaching the Grandmaster, offering a polite bow before speaking.

"Master Kitra, it's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. I am Ambassador Teigra." The surname may have been familiar to some of the Silver Jedi, her mother once a close ally of the Silver Order before turning to the First Order. The motivation for working with the Galactic Alliance and Silver Jedi stemmed in part from a need to repair the image of her family on Kiribi and abroad.

"Master Voidstalker will also be present to represent the New Jedi Order during our talks." She glanced back to look at the Jedi for a few moments before returning her gaze forward.

(As per the discussion between the SJO and GA staff, we're asking for everyone aside from myself, Valae, Stephanie, and Jacen not to post anymore to expedite the completion of the thread. Thanks.)

[member="Audren Sykes"] [member="Jessica Med-Beq"] [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] [member="Jericho"] [member="Stephanie Swail"] [member="Valae Kitra"] [member="Jacen Voidstalker"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Watching the craft descend, Stephanie felt the Force Spinner glide between her fingers, but she was focused on the ship and who - or what - was inside.

It looked important, and it bore a gleaming crest on the hull. She slowly stood up from her crafting table as the figures moved around to welcome the party walking down the loading ramp. The ship was mighty, resting there on the landing pad. A few Jedi milled around and a few pilots took in the ship as they passed. Stephanie craned her head to see who was there, but it was no use. She would have to go and see for herself.

Padawan she may be, but there was more fire in her soul for good than any Master standing around her. With a flick of the fingers to start the spinner again, she walked over.

The ship loomed closer and the figures started to form. All looked elegant, regal and noble.

Stephanie slowly came to stop behind Master Kitra, seeing the pretty face of the one introducing herself. New Jedi Order? She tried not to stare, but she was too inquisitive and eager. With a glance to the others who had seen her, she gave a small smile, knowing she shouldn't REALLY be here.

But she was the Grandmaster's Padawan. That had to bring some...perks, right?

Hands behind her back, the spinner continued between her thumb and finger as she stayed quiet and looked as if she knew what was happening and she was meant to be there.

[member="Ciana Teigra"] | [member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Jacen Voidstalker"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae glanced over her shoulder and offered Stephanie a bright smile. It was good to have her apprentice along today. This sort of thing felt very much outside her comfort zone, so it was nice to have the familiar presence at her side. True, it was not normally a place for a padawan… but Valae had high hopes for young Stephanie. It would be a learning experience not readily available to most.

As the ramp lowered, she cleared her throat once more. She watched as the first figure exited, a lovely grey cloaking flowing in her wake. For her own part, Valae could only wish to ever be so elegant. The Jedi healer forced herself to focus, this was about to get serious.

“It is wonderful to meet you as well, Ambassador Teigra.” She said, bowing respectfully to the woman and those in her delegation. “Thank you for taking the time to visit us here on Voss.”

A friendly smile formed on her lips, and she motioned with her hand.

“Shall we?”

Valae turned to lead the party inside, where there was a conference room ready and waiting. As they entered, there were refreshments set up on a small table next to the door. Though the pastries looked delicious, she didn’t have much of an appetite – a first for Valae. Her hand reached for a bottle of water, and she moved over to one side of the table. Waiting with a patient smile, she would allow her guests to be seated first.

[member="Stephanie Swail"], [member="Ciana Teigra"], [member="Jacen Voidstalker"]

 

[Ciana Teigra]

"And thank you for receiving us." she replied, now smiling herself.

Usually, after initial greetings, parties usually went to all sorts of the ceremony until they finally arrived at the meat of the matter. However, she found the Grandmaster quick to whisk her off to a conference room to launch right into discussions. Ciana could appreciate the directness of the Jedi, quite eager herself finally get right down to business.

Inside the conference room, she and the rest of the GA delegation were treated to refreshments. While not hungry, she couldn't pass up a chance to have a cup of pumpkin spice latte, quite a popular beverage on her homeworld. Once seated, she enjoyed a few sips of the hot beverage before speaking again.

"Before we begin, on behalf of the GA, I would like to thank the Silver Order for providing assistance defending the sovereignty of Skor." If Skor had been allowed to fall into the hands of the First Order, a good chunk of the GA's eastern frontier along the southern end of the Hydian way would have been cut off, all the way to Lothal. "The King also sends his regards."

"None of us are oblivious to developments in the Outer Rim, which is what precipitated discussions today. However, the GA isn't as intimately familiar with this region as the Silver Jedi, so we would appreciate some details." On a personal level, Ciana was more than willing to assist the Silver Jedi, but as Ambassador, she had to do the responsible thing and probe them before offering any sort of commitment to their cause.

[member="Valae Kitra"] [member="Stephanie Swail"] [member="Jacen Voidstalker"]

 

[Jacen Voidstalker]

It was probably fortunate that the squib's King had his message paraphrased. The original had been somewhat rambling and a tiny bit offensive in a few places. They were a strange people, but in the end they had stood with the Alliance when the First Order had come with their fleets and chemical weapons to enact a "peaceful" transition. Given that membership in the Alliance was a voluntary position it was an odd plot. Member states essentially signed a mutual defence pact, contributed to the funding of the GADF and subscribed to key accords and principals that had to be enacted in local law. The benefits in trade and security had been shown to recoup most of the cost of membership.

The pleasantries had been finished so Jacen gave the room a quick scan and added only one question: "Is Thurion not coming?"

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Seated now, Valae took a long sip of her water. As Ambassador Teigra offered thanks for the Silver Jedi’s participation at Skor, she gave a small nod. All of that happened before she was in office as Grandmaster, and she had not been present during the battle. But from what she understood, the Silver Jedi had not hesitated to assist the GA in that endeavor. While their ties might have been loose, they had still considered the Alliance to be their ally. Valae hoped that today’s meeting would solidify those bonds. As the other delegate spoke up, Valae turned.

“Oh, Thurion has retired to his home-world.” She said, smiling fondly at the mention of her master. “He’s still a member of the Silver Assembly, but he won’t be joining us today.”

She gathered her thoughts for a moment before attempting to speak. Valae realized that the list of most recent events was probably not going to sound very nice when spoken back to back. But it was their current reality.

“Well, let’s see…” Valae took a deep breath. “Things over here have been pretty hectic lately, as you’ve heard. The Galactic Empire invaded at Charros and the surrounding worlds, they were quite ruthless in their attack – opening with an orbital strike. At the same time, our refugee resettlement efforts were interrupted by a terrorist attack. Unfortunately, the GE was able to wear us down.”

Valae paused, cradling her chin for a moment.

“As the First Order launched their attack on Ossus, the Empire looked to hit Tion Cluster while we were occupied. And it worked; we were unable to contend. You’ve likely heard that we’ve recently lost Ossus.”

Indeed, they lost far more than just Ossus…

“Now, the point I’d like to make is… The Sith Empire is getting close, a bit too close for comfort. It seems that the dark side forces are focused on us right now – if we are defeated… the darkness will only continue to spread. The GA could be next on their list.”

[member="Stephanie Swail"], [member="Ciana Teigra"], [member="Jacen Voidstalker"]

 

[Jacen Voidstalker]

[member="Valae Kitra"]

"A shame he couldn't be here," Jacen said. "We haven't spoken in some time. They must have come in force to Ossus. I was there when the defences were being put in place after it was recovered and fortified against the threat of the One Sith assault."

Jacen took a second to digest the news. The First Order harboured a number of users of the dark side. That deranged girl who had taken his son's arm came to mind. Yet any alliance with a new Sith Empire would have to be tenuous. The Sith did not tend to share power, but there was plenty of Galaxy before they might even consider moving into the Outer Rim where the First Order had consolidated their power. Coruscant was a different matter.

"I doubt it will even take that long for them to turn their attention towards the Alliance," Jacen said. "Darth Carnifex has claimed the title of Dark Lord. We had a run in on Krayiss."

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Stephanie stepped forward, looking at the somewhat imposing frame of the one known as Voidstalker.

”Master Voidstalker, I am but a Padawan and have a long road ahead, but let me say that you probably have heard this a thousand times before, but I genuinely believe in the Light. I believe in the Jedi, and all the good our Orders can do.”

She swept a hand slightly to indicate the others stood around.

”The tide will turn soon for us. It always does. I do not speak for anyone here, that is not my place, but I will say that our intention is good and true. Our desire to build bridges is stronger than ever. Dark Lord of the Sith? I am sure there are dozens of them out there claiming to be THE Dark Lord. Let them fight for the title, let them scrabble for the throne. Let US unite while they fight for the power they desperately want. If anything we just show them the Light is stronger than ever and Jedi of all backgrounds and of all beings will stand together when the time comes.”

A smile formed on her lips, and she turned her head a little.

”Thank you, Master Voidstalker. I know we will find the right way forward, together.”

[member="Jacen Voidstalker"] | [member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Ciana Teigra"]

 

[Jacen Voidstalker]

[member="Stephanie Swail"]

"Not as far as I can tell," Jacen said. "We've had years since the Dark Lord of the One Sith was killed. This time it genuinely looks like they have rallied behind one man again. Or at least enough of them have to make them a genuine threat to the entire Galaxy again. They will continue to stay together until they start to lose battles. That's the point where they start apportioning blame and turn on each other.

"Our facilities are on the far side of the Galaxy, though much of our Order has not moved back to Coruscant. That temple is always open to your Jedi. Where, other than Ossus, would our number be welcome? Some may well choose to train here if it is felt the dark side will fall upon your space first."

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Without thinking, Stephanie continued to talk - feeling part of this close knit group and playing a part in something bigger. This should have been Master Kitra speaking...but the eagerness took over.

”Where the Silver Jedi tread, the Galactic Alliance can tread too. We don't claim to own any system or planet - we simply have the honour of being recognized to help protect, defend and support the people who choose our Order as their own. So, where we go, you may follow.”

The issue of the Dark Lord was a truth she couldn't ignore, and a little knot furrowed on her brow.

”Other than Voss, I do not know much of where the Silver Jedi operate, so I can't be sure where we will go after this threat has died down. Maybe in order to survive we need to find a new home, closer to our allies and away from the midst of the enemy trying to rip us apart. If we take ourselves out of the equation, who have they got left to rip apart? Themselves.”

She looked to her Master and looked a little nervous.

”Sorry, Master...forgive me.” She turned to give the mighty Alliance leader a small bow. ”Master Voidstalker.”

[member="Jacen Voidstalker"] | [member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Ciana Teigra"]