Private The Elder Council

[Ascendant Muse]

POLARIS COURT
Naboo, Confederate Space

The year had been wrought with Chaos.

In the beginning, the Galaxy had enjoyed a state of relative stability. Though nations rose and fell, the eldest remained dauntless against the winds of time. Yet, as a new year dawned upon the stars, an inferno swept across each of the stalwart nations. Insurrectionist movements rose and spread chaos throughout the worlds. And, even more troubling, an Incursion erupted into being in their own backyards. The Turbulent Threat had been allowed to fester. To expand. To grow fat with bloodshed.

Now, it fought to feast upon their bones. With such hellish realities being only a breath away from their borders, the elder nations became strange bedfellows. Differences in religion, creed, and organization could be set aside in order to secure their borders and their people. Thus, a summit had been called. And for the first time in Galactic history, the elders would sit at the same table.

Polaris Court was to be the site of the meeting. Having withstood its own Hell at the hands of insurrection, the Confederacy had transitioned its capital to the stunning planet Naboo. The lakeside city, Theed, had been a gracious host and facilitated the rise of a fitting home.Theed's splendorous cityscape had been expanded: a new region dubbed Vicereine Hill had become the Seat of the Confederate Government. And among the buzzing facilities was an estate that served as the Vicelord's residence.

The rose gardens of Polaris Court would serve as the setting for the momentous occasion. A circular table had been prepared, draped in the finest white. Seats orbited this, with each being adorned in the colors of the attending states: Purple, Red, and Blue. At the appointed hour, the din of starship engines could be heard over the soft chirps of birds and the gentle crashing of waves. The delegations had begun to arrive.

The Time of the Elders was nigh.

Spoiler: Tag

Darth Metus
Adron Malvern
Faye Malvern
John Locke
Srina Talon
Gerwald Lechner
Kyyrk
Luna Terrik

Darth Prazutis
Telis Taharin-Zambrano
Taeli Raaf
Cara Dorniarn

Caedyn Arenais
Ipali Torru
Thurion Heavenshield
Coren Starchaser

322

 

[Ipali Torru]

POLARIS COURT
Naboo, Confederate Space
Representing the Silver Concord
Thurion Heavenshield | Coren Starchaser | Caedyn Arenais

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The journey to Naboo had been a long trip, not because of the time that it took but because of the weight of the cause, even for a Kaminoan such as Ipali. What would follow there today within the Capital of Confederate Space, would not only be the most significant meeting of his career, but arguably the most controversial and yet also important political gamble made under the jurisdiction of the Silver Concord...-A gamble which had appeared to please Ipali's Jedi Companions none whatsoever.

Each of the members of the Silver Jedi Order had been brief on the matter, with the exception of the youngest of their entourage, Caedyn Arenais whom had been assigned specifically as a safeguard and protector of Ipali's, he of whom carried the complete authority and voice of the Concord within this Summit of Councils, Leaders from two other vast Governing Bodies were expected to be present, and one of whom were at great odds with the Silver Jedi Concord still to this day. Nothing was set in stone as of yet.

The Delegation from Silver Space had descended, and their Starfighter Escorts had broken off to return into Orbit where they would await aboard the Capital Vessel of the Silver Fleet. Their arrival would be greeted by an escort organized by their hosts, the Vicelord and the Office of Viceroyalty. While Ipali himself was without any affects with the exception of his ever reliable datapad, his Jedi Companions were typically equipped with their lightsabers as had been part of their compromise for begrudgingly agreeing to journey alongside the Concordian Representative.

Upon reaching the Polaris Court and being guided towards the locale for the meeting to come, the delegation would be greeted by a rather beautiful garden surrounding the vast table already present with the Confederate Party. Ipali could not help but notice their surroundings in light of what was otherwise going to be an incredibly tense and heavy subject for their consideration.

Spoiler: Tags

Darth Metus
Adron Malvern
Faye Malvern
John Locke
Srina Talon
Gerwald Lechner
Kyyrk
Luna Terrik

Darth Prazutis
Telis Taharin-Zambrano
Taeli Raaf
Cara Dorniarn

Caedyn Arenais
Ipali Torru
Thurion Heavenshield
Coren Starchaser

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

POLARIS COURT
Naboo, Confederate Space
Representing Midvinter/the Silver Concord
Coren Starchaser | Caedyn Arenais | Ipali Torru

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It had been a very long time since the former Grandmaster of the Silver Jedi visited Naboo, a world widely known for the part it played during the lead-up to the Clone Wars almost a thousand years ago. Today it served, quite ironically, as the new capital of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. It was also his first visit to CIS space in several decades. He didn't remember much of it, other than it was far less harrowing than the reason for his visit this day.

There was to be a gathering of officials from the Confederacy, the Silver Concord... and the Sith Empire. Needless to say, the old Jedi was far from comfortable with such a combination of clashing ideals being in the same room together. Without one or several brandishing lightsabers, that is.

However, his reasoning for agreeing to join the SJC delegation for this historic event was born of service to his people. He would lend his support Grandmaster Coren and the Concordian Senator, but not without scoring a diplomatic victory for his kingdom as well. He'd already been away from home far longer than he'd intended.

"I don't like it," he told Coren as they followed behind Senator Torru. He was dressed not as a Jedi or even a warrior, but as the Lion King of Midvinter; a leather surcoat over brown pants and a blue cloak carrying the golden sigil of his house, along with an animal pelt draped over his shoulders. From his hip dangled his trusty lightsaber, and upon his head sat the crown he first donned the day he was made High King.

Young Caedyn had also elected to partake in this grand meeting, someone Thurion had wished to visit anyway to honour the recent loss of his mother. "Caedyn, my boy," he beckoned the young man to come walk beside him. He gave him a pat on the back and clutched the back of his neck as a loving gesture.

"I want you to stay close to myself or Master Starchaser. If something goes wrong in there... I don't want to have to bury another member of House Arenais in my lifetime. Alright, son?"

Spoiler

Darth Metus
Adron Malvern
Faye Malvern
John Locke
Srina Talon
Gerwald Lechner
Kyyrk
Luna Terrik

Darth Prazutis
Telis Taharin-Zambrano
Taeli Raaf
Cara Dorniarn

Caedyn Arenais
Ipali Torru
Thurion Heavenshield
Coren Starchaser

 

[Coren Starchaser]

POLARIS COURT
NABOO, CONFEDERACY SPACE
ACTING GRANDMASTER OF THE ORDER OF SILVER JEDI
Thurion Heavenshield | Caedyn Arenais | Ipali Torru​

Back when he was calling the shots, Coren Starchaser worked his way into the ranks of those that were leaders of the now defunct Galactic Alliance. But when he was a part of them, he was let off the leash to act as a representative for not only the New Jedi Order, but the Galactic Alliance Defense Fleet, and in certain circumstances, as a head member of the decision making team. One thing that he knew for certain, he never had to follow a politician around. Could the Order of the Silver Jedi manage a government without the Concord? No. And frankly, that wasn’t what a Jedi was supposed to do.

Another thing they weren’t supposed to do? Meet with the Sith. They were heading to the Confederate Space, even without hearing the travel plans, Coren Starchaser was an instinctive astrogator, he knew his way around this galaxy on the Force alone. While he had a positive opinion of the Confederacy, they saved more of his people’s lives than they took, he wasn’t a fan of who else was going to be here.

Once again with the leadership delegation of the Order of the Silver Jedi, and even a diplomat from the Concord herself, Coren looked to Thurion Heavenshield with a nod.

“The Confederacy… they helped my people when the Sith came calling. But…” He didn’t need to finish the thought, Thurion had been there as well. The Corellian Jedi Master looked almost every bit of a Jedi Master. He had a dark brown cloak on over a leather jacket, of a golden hue with navy piping, his belt was free of blasters, but he did have two lightsabers, a golden blade that he constructed in the methods of the Jedi Master of old, and his green blade, that was his constant companion. Around his wrists under the robe, were a pair of phrik bracers, imbued with Force energy to keep himself protected.

With the Sith, and their magicks, he had been learning a few tricks of Jedi and Jedi adjacent orders of his own. As he heard Thurion discussing with Caedyn, he nodded. “They won’t have the chance to harm any of us.” He had, as always, more tricks up his sleeve than some understood.

 

[Darth Prazutis]

Polaris Court
Naboo, Confederate Space, Sith Delegation
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The rule of order had been shattered in a firestorm of chaos.

Threats rose from every corner to beset the galactic giants on all sides with war. Insurrections gained momentum and exploded into full blown acts of terrorism in the galactic heartland of the Confederacy, the galactic north beset by civil war. It came from one day to the next as new threats developed, determined with every fiber of their being to bring the galactic giants low. Out from under their watchful eyes came demons from the darkness of space, monsters that spread from world to world like a plague, a scourge that brought no peace, no order. It brought annihilation. It was allowed to grow in size unfettered. A mere blockade in the galactic south had been deemed sufficient while the monsters gnawed on the bones of neutral worlds. No longer could they ignore the harsh realities that were right in front of them, not even for the Zambrano. A choice had to be made. It was a heavy one. For the good of the Sith. But even then. It was a choice only a Dark Lord of the Sith had the strength to make. The call for a summit had gone out and the Sith Empire had answered.​

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They would attend.​

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It would certainly come as a shock to many, some would even regard it as a farce, a falsehood. There was no way they would ever show up. But all doubts were quashed when the Super Star Dreadnought Goliath II, Flagship of the Sith Empire, Personal Command Ship of Darth Prazutis had emerged from the blackness of space. It stood out in size certainly. But that wasn't what truly made it special. Presence. That was what differentiated it from every other ship. The entire ship was the site of one massive dark side nexus, from one end to the other. It was a storm of dark energy. It was synonymous with pain and sorrow. The scythe of the reaper who brought it down to drown the enemies of the Sith in wrath. Time and time again in the name of Darth Carnifex its silhouette was the last thing many saw before their untimely demise. But when it cast its shadow upon the crown jewel of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, it did not follow its pattern of behavior. There was no bombardment, no swarm of invaders to descend upon the enemy. Only a single ship left its cavernous hangar. The personal shuttle of the Dark Titan, the Midnight, escorted by an entire squadron, his very own, Death Squadron. ​

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As soon as the shuttle entered the planets atmosphere its silent sentinels broke off and returned back from whence they came, awaiting their masters call, as it proceeded alone into what was considered one of the most beautiful worlds in all the galaxy. Naboo. It was a world of grassy plains, rolling hills, lush forests, and tranquil mountains. This was a place where the sounds of crashing waves, and the rush of soothing winds dominated even in the largest cities. As the capital city Theed was a dazzling wonder. It was perpetually abuzz with activity from a steady stream of orbital traffic. It was after all the Confederate seat of government, it never slept. They had changed much of the world since their government had relocated from Golbah City on Geonosis. Threats had forced the Vicelord to make the decision to move somewhere safer within their territory. Quite a task for such a giant yet with everything the Confederacy of Independent Systems did, it was done with speed and precision. Their reliance on droids ensured everything operated with a certain harmony. It was once considered to be the very best of the old republic all those centuries ago. For the Sith it was the world that had given them Palpatine the Great, greatest of their number, a man forever immortalized as one of the greatest Sith Lords to ever live.​

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Inside the shuttle stood the Lord of Lies. For the occasion he wore fitting robes of shell spider silk. They were a deep black accentuated by dark red livery and trimming along the sleeves, chest, skirt and tabard, with the chest bearing the symbol of the Sith Eternal. To compliment the outfit he wore a single signet ring on his left hand perfectly sized for the giant, huge for other standards that bore the Eye of Solomon, sigil of House Zambrano. Around his neck sat a necklace bearing the symbol of the Cabal of Typhojem, the state sponsored henotheistic religion of the Sith Empire completing the outfit. As for weapons? He carried no obvious weapons on him. The Dark Lord's face was obscured by the hood, only a pair of blazing molten orbs stared outward. The entire flight he spent in absolute silence surrounded by the entirety of the Sith delegation. He merely shut his eyes and reached out with the force to see, his sight touching each and every presence within the halls of the chiseled stone and high domed ceilings of the Polaris Court. The giant could pick out each and every one of the major players with precision within those halls, he could feel them and those who closed in. It was in his nature to look for threats, to read between the lines. A lifetime spent upon that blasted world had taught him much about seeing threats that lurked just beneath the surface. It was what made him perfect to stand beside his nephew, he could see things others could not, only three words came out of his mouth the entire flight. ​

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"They are here."​

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A landing pad had been designated for them by orbital traffic control and diplomatic tags ensured all traffic was cleared from their path, making the ride down quite short. Only a small escort waited on the pad as the Midnight touched down. The giant was the very first to sweep out of the shuttle alongside the bulk of the delegation of Sith. He wasted no time in pressing on following them through the high archways that led deep into the beautiful court, into the serene rose gardens where the historic summit would take place. It was the first time in galactic history that such an event would take place. It was at a massive circular table draped in white, seating marked for each delegation. The Confederate delegation was already present at the table. ​

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Spoiler

Darth Metus
Adron Malvern
Faye Malvern
John Locke
Srina Talon
Gerwald Lechner
Kyyrk
Luna Terrik

Telis Taharin-Zambrano
Taeli Raaf
Cara Dorniarn
Madelyn Lowe
Arctus Silmar

Caedyn Arenais
Ipali Torru
Thurion Heavenshield
Coren Starchaser

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

Caedyn Arenais accompanied his superiors Thurion Heavenshield and Coren Starchaser , uncertain as to why they were meeting with the Confederacy, especially with a diplomat from the Concord itself. The Kaminoan wasn't one of the most well known among the Silver Jedi, yet he had apparently been hand picked by Vril himself and so the Jedi Knight had to atleast assume that Ipali Torru was qualified in attending the summons of their former allies.

However, despite being in the presence of two Jedi Masters, Caedyn had clearly picked up on their anxiety towards the current assignment and given that he himself had been instructed to stay close to the Kaminoan Senator, there was obviously the potential that they may be walking head first into a dangerous situation.

"Caedyn, my boy...I want you to stay close to myself or Master Starchaser. If something goes wrong in there...
I don't want to have to bury another member of House Arenais in my lifetime. Alright, son?".​

"Forgive me Master Heavenshield...-But given the tension in the air this whole trip to Naboo, I can't help but need to ask what exactly this is all about?" Caedyn turned to look first to Thurion and then soon sparing a glance to Coren, the father of his very own Padawan Kyra Perl. In his experience it was most unusual to see them both so rattled like this, and so it was a comforting feeling to feel the weight of his Lightsaber against his side.

As a Jedi Knight without any formal clearance, he had been kept out of the briefing and instead expected to follow the instructions of his peers, the two Jedi Masters whom were his acting superiors, not to mention Coren Starchaser standing in as the interim Grandmaster as Elise was still captive somewhere in Sith Space.

Reaching the vast circular table situated within the center of the Polaris Court Gardens, the Jedi Knights gaze drifted across to the Confederate Delegation and he half expected to find Asaraa Vaashe there waiting for him, his Girlfriend of whom stood as one of the few Jedi operating within the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Like many others, Caedyn had gradually learned to trust in the Confederacy, if not only because Asaraa had refused to give up on goading him, nagging and playing the guilt trips until Caedyn had finally caved and decided to visit way back when. In the years that had passed his opinion of them had changed and often found himself these days wondering what could have been had their alliance remained in tact.

For a moment he had wondered if that was the reason they had come this far, all the way to their capital world....-That was atleast, until he felt the dark presence of the Sith Lord Darth Prazutis , the man who had murdered his Father WolfMortum ...

Spoiler: Tags

Darth Metus
Adron Malvern
Faye Malvern
John Locke
Srina Talon
Gerwald Lechner
Kyyrk
Luna Terrik

Telis Taharin-Zambrano
Taeli Raaf
Cara Dorniarn
Madelyn Lowe

Caedyn Arenais
Ipali Torru
Thurion Heavenshield
Coren Starchaser

 

[Kyyrk]

S U M M I T
​

Voph strode through the halls of Polaris Court in silence. Meetings with the Silver Jedi, he could suffer through. But this was to include both the Jedi, and the Sith. A match made in hell, if someone were to ask him. But he understood the necessity of such things, moreso than most alive did. After all, Voph was one of a very precious few who even knew about the wars of the past, much less lived them. In dark times when the Sith and Jedi were forced to work together to survive. Voph took a small measure of peace that today's threat was not nearly as dire. But then, history had proven a wise thing to study. They were far more prepared for this matter than the days of the past.

Voph strode into the council chamber, offering little more than an inclined head of greeting towards Darth Metus, already seated at the table. "The Goliath has arrived, Vicelord. Our guests will be upon us shortly." Voph turned to the table, and took a seat where the Confederate delegation had been placed. There was no seat of honor with his name upon it, and in fact Voph found himself wondering why he would even be brought to a meeting such as this. The Vicelord was well equipped to handle negotiations, surrounded by his ministers and exarchs, Voph could only surmise he was there to keep the peace above all else. It was of no concern to him of why his presence had been requested, however. The Vicelord decreed it, and Voph listened. Soon, the delegates of the other nations arrived.

Fear, and mistrust. These were the elements of the day. Voph sighed quietly, watching them file in in their smaller groups. He was sure that his appearance would do little to ease their minds. His mighty battlearmor hanging from his shoulders, and a long cape, black and pristine, hung from his shoulders. Between his shoulder blades, jutting out above his right shoulder, sat the large hilt of Voph's mighty weapon. Though he did not wear a helmet, his shroud was freshly washed and dark as midnight. In all, he very much presented the aura of the warrior he was. And yet, he was not here to threaten the Jedi nor the Sith. No, today he was here to offer them his allegiance, even if as part of a grander nation. To Voph's immediate side, Gerwald sat as well. The other representative of the Knights Obsidian, and Voph's backup if a fight broke out.

But Voph had a feeling this would not come to blows. Their purpose too important. Their cause too great. Surely they were civil enough to put aside personal differences for the greater good of their peoples. Right? Voph watched silently as the Silver Jedi delegates entered. They were lead by a Kaminoan, a man whom Voph knew only by reputation. And even then, only in passing was he mentioned as the new leader of the Concord. Behind him, three Jedi. Master Arenais was the only Voph had met personally. But if he was present, then perhaps the Silver Jedi were willing to listen to reason. Voph felt his natural frown deepen as another figure entered the room. Voph recognized the profile of Darth Prazutis immediately.

Voph leaned to the side and whispered to Gerwald, "You have been brought here for a reason. Do not make us regret it." Voph knew what Gerwald would likely be thinking the moment he laid eyes on Prazutis. But now was not the time for revenge. And though his message did not say much, it said enough. Gerwald may have a time to avenge his fallen love. But now was neither the time nor place. And if Gerwald were to step out of line, he would answer to Voph. This said, Voph made a mental note to seek the wolf out after their meeting. This meeting likely would not be easy for him. To sit and look at the man responsible for so many atrocities across the galaxy, and to be told to be civil with him. Voph knew from personal experience, such would not be easy.

Voph watched their guests quietly. He, for one, intended to show the utmost civility to their guests, even if the others around the room could not. Voph was no stranger to unusual bedfellows. All was fair in love and war. Ridding the galaxy of pests so that his people could sleep peacefully at night was a worthy goal. And if it meant working alongside the Sith again? So be it. A burden Voph would bear gladly. For a peaceful tomorrow, free from war. For a better tomorrow he would not live to see.

It was going to be a long day.

A long day indeed...


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Spoiler: Tags

CIS
Darth Metus
Adron Malvern
Faye Malvern
John Locke
Srina Talon
Gerwald Lechner
Luna Terrik

Sith
Darth Prazutis
Telis Taharin-Zambrano
Taeli Raaf
Cara Dorniarn

Jedi
Caedyn Arenais
Ipali Torru
Thurion Heavenshield
Coren Starchaser

Chaos NaNo: 800 Words

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[Adron Malvern]

POLARIS​

Tags: Darth Prazutis Caedyn Arenais Thurion Heavenshield Kyyrk Gerwald Lechner Luna Terrik Coren Starchaser Ipali Torru ​

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He did not trust them.

He did not trust any of them. They were all the same. The Sith Empire, The Silver Jedi Concord, it made little difference what title they bestowed upon themselves. They were orders of Force users who believed themselves above the workings of the galaxy. They disgusted the Exarch to no end with their sunken dogma and failed traditions. Still, the Exarch's opinions were just that, opinions. They were not backed by political voice or reinforced in the halls of commerce. It was not the will of The Confederacy to see these orders alienated, and that more than anything else infuriated the man.

He worked diligently to keep his anger in check. He must maintain the shroud effortlessly if it is to be of any worth to him. He did not join the gathering immediately. Instead his eyes were fastened to a myriad of security cameras. They showed everything. From the landing and entrance of the Silver Jedi to the Sith Dreadnaught entering the system, he watched it all with keen eyes. The Security Team worked diligently to closely monitor every possible factor that showed itself. They worked at their terminals, every now and again setting an image to the main screen for the Exarch to view.

"My lord." A voice called out to the man, causing him to turn and gaze back to the Commander of the Security Task Force. "All of our ships have reported in. Nothing out of the ordinary has been reported." The Exarch did not speak, instead he turned his eyes back to the monitors. That was when he saw the man, descending the ramp of his shuttle.

Darth Prazutis .

The Sith's presence could be felt even from the depths of the control room. That presence that had been so vividly felt years ago on a far away world.

The Exarch's mind flashed to Serenno. He felt the presence, the overwhelming pressure of hundreds of Sith as they descended upon his homeworld. Crystal blue eyes went cold and slowly the blue was bled from his gaze, being replaced with a thick cloud of pure amethyst. The room quaked as the Sith Lord felt himself fall into the twisting nether of the dark side. A loud, audible creaking could be heard within the control room as the monitors began to flicker uncontrollably. Finally, a single monitor exploded out in a small hail of glass, causing the man behind the terminal to jump back from the shards of glass.

The rumbling within the room settled and all was righted, even the Exarch's facial expression showed a degree of calmness, though the Commander behind him seemed unsettled to say the least. "My lord...do...is everything alright?" The Exarch turned from the monitors, passing the officer on the way out of the room. He stepped into the main hall without a word, simply adjusting the links to his cuffs as he moved down the halls of The Polaris. The Exarch had chosen something less reserved to wear for the event. A flawless ebony and purple suit, as was his taste. The trip from the Security Terminal to the meeting room was a fairly short one. The doors to a side door were opened for him as he took in the sight of those who had already entered the hall.

Adron made his way over to the side of Kyyrk , Darth Metus , and Gerwald Lechner . Taking the seat placed to the left of the Vicelord. He leaned over to the Vicelord speaking plainly. "Security is verified. We can begin." He reported to his master before falling silent. Now, he was interested to see the result of this horrid ordeal.
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[Cara Dorniarn]

Polaris Court
Naboo, Confederate Space
_____________________________​

For sixty-three years she had breathed. For twenty-two years she had tread the vast and unfamiliar reaches of space. For the first time had she been witness to such a moment in history. The chance was slim yet possible. It was the word which stirred the engineer after she had poured over a multitude of simulations in secret.

Possible.

She turned her gaze from the datapad screen and toward those present in the shuttlecraft. In reason to her own unique manner she did not linger her stare on the formidable giant Darth Prazutis, nor did she even attempt eye contact with the lord. He was to be an avatar of the Empire, its will and strength given form. Still in her mind she was but an architect, a doctor of technological and biological engineering who just happened to subscribe to the dark side of an esoteric power. If anyone had said she did not belong in the fabric of the occasion she would have given a polite nod in agreement. Yet even with her wariness the doctor knew she was chosen by the Dark Lord for the purpose of her experience, and thus she answered his call with the enthusiasm expected of all loyal members of the Sith Empire.

In her midst were others serving as their Sith delegation, including the celebrated Grand Moff Madelyn Lowe, recently returned to her rightful place among the heads of the administration. She had never met the woman in person, yet her name and story of bravery were known throughout the reaches of the Empire, even finding its way into the isolated halls of Cara's laboratory. Also in attendance was Darth Arcanix, a lady of the Sith who Cara was familiar with in only the professional sense, and whose creations had always fascinated her. Yet not everyone in their group was held at arm's length as Cara allowed the ghost of a smirk to grace her lips while she glanced to the datapad, her finger lightly clicking as it pressed "send." It was a goading message sent to the youngest in their number, Telis Taharin, who insisted that Cara call him by his official title of Darth Aagenti while they interacted in any formal setting. She would oblige him of course, but wouldn't allow her friend and business partner to take himself too seriously.

Cara filed the datapad into her satchel then tugged the ends of her jacket before leaning down to grab the large thermos at her feet. It was filled with caf and whiskey, the percentage of one greatly surpassing the other. To what degree she wouldn't reveal, but did raise a brow at her own concoction after a quick sip. She cupped the thermos in one hand and kept a protective grasp on the satchel, mentally preparing herself for the summit as the shuttle had begun its landing sequence.

As they filed down shuttle's ramp Cara quirked her head to decipher the panicked responses of electronic systems that reached her senses. Some squealed while others bellowed, all emanating from within the building ahead. The engineer slowed her pace as she approached, taking a moment to use the disoriented blurbs to plot a rough map of the facilities around the garden.

The security room? ...it'll be fine.

She took one more sip from the thermos before entering the meeting area, waiting for others in the Sith delegation to take their choice seats before taking what remained. Through the muffled whispers and and soft conversation in the room one word endured in Cara's mind.

Possible.

Spoiler: Tags

CIS Representatives
Darth Metus
Adron Malvern
Faye Malvern
John Locke
Srina Talon
Gerwald Lechner
Kyyrk
Luna Terrik

SJC Representatives
Caedyn Arenais
Ipali Torru
Thurion Heavenshield
Coren Starchaser

TSE Representatives
Telis Taharin-Zambrano
Taeli Raaf
Darth Prazutis
Madelyn Lowe

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
WEAPON: xxx

Gerwald refused to wear a suit. He hated diplomatic meetings for many reasons, but wearing a suit was the main reason he disliked them so. Today he would wear the armor which had been crafted for him by the Lord Commander Kyyrk . He smirked as he recalled the incident which motivated the miraluka to fashion something which would shift as Gerwald did. The hope was it would keep the lupine from streaking through halls should he need, or choose, to shift for battle. There were those who found his lack of shame to be bothersome. It was simply part of who he was, what he was, but that did not mean he had to subject others to it.​

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The room began to fill with faces Gerwald did not know. Much of the Silver Jedi were not familiar to him, and many of the Sith were not known to him as well. That did not matter. There was one presence which he could feel, long before the face ever came into view. During events like this, Gerwald's role was security. The Vicelord, three Exarchs, the Lord Commander, and the head of military affairs of the Confederacy, all in one room would be problematic if anyone wanted to destroy them all. The prize was much larger with the Sith leadership and the Silver Jedi leadership in the room as well. Gerwald was tasked with ensuring his handpicked guard would keep them all safe.​

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That did not mean he did not wish that Prazuits would somehow find himself vented out an airlock.​

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His blue eyes looked across the room toward the Mountain. A hand instinctively went to the ring around his neck. It was more than certain the Sith would feel it, and Gerwald wanted to protect it, protect her. Questions swirled in his mind. For so long Naedira had not know who it was that had killed her, but would she now? Would the bond with Gerwald have allowed her to pick the name from his mind? Naalol had allowed them to access it again, and would she know that the Sith which was across from the lupine was the one who had killed her. Today, she would have her name if she did not already.​

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Hatred.​

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The word was the only word which would describe what he felt about the Sith. It was pure and unadulterated, the strongest emotion Gerwald would feel in the moment. There was only one other emotion he had ever felt in such a pure way, and that was reserved for one person. Prazuits was not her. A cloud would be felt in a room for those who could feel the dark side of the force. They would sense the source of it.​

​

Gerwald Lechner​

​

Voph's words echoed in his ear. A cold stare shifted to the Lord Commander.​

​

"I am aware... And I believe you will understand why I am telling you we cannot trust this one. My guards will do their job regardless."​

​

The wolf looked away, looking for the white haired Exarch, Srina Talon . She had been the one to find him after the Mountain had all but left him for dead. Gerwald believed he would have died, that Prazitus would have allowed death to take him slowly, had she not intervened. Gerwald owed her his life, and that was something he would never forget. His debt would be paid.​

​

Spoiler

CIS Representatives
Darth Metus
Adron Malvern
Faye Malvern
John Locke
Srina Talon
Gerwald Lechner
Kyyrk
Luna Terrik

SJC Representatives
Caedyn Arenais
Ipali Torru
Thurion Heavenshield
Coren Starchaser

TSE Representatives
Telis Taharin-Zambrano
Taeli Raaf
Darth Prazutis
Madelyn Lowe

 

[Luna Terrik]

S E C U R E​

Location: Naboo – Polaris Court
Time: - - - - Hours
Equipment: Tactical Recon Handgun (2), Officers Uniform
Objective: Listen, speak, protect.
Tags: | Darth Metus | Adron Malvern | Faye Malvern | John Locke | Srina Talon | Gerwald Lechner | Kyyrk | Darth Prazutis | Telis Taharin-Zambrano | Taeli Raaf | Cara Dorniarn | Caedyn Arenais | Ipali Torru | Thurion Heavenshield | Coren Starchaser |

There were so, so many ways that this could go horribly wrong.

The leader of the Confederacy, the Jedi Grandmaster, and the Sith Lord of their empire all meeting in one room, dragging along multiple other high ranking members of their dominions with them together into one place. The security logistics of something like this was an utter and complete nightmare.

And that was just considering what could happen outside of this room. There was no telling what would happen when they all coviened and words started flying.

For her part, she had done her best to secure ever single angle of attack that one might wish to take to break up this party. All three parties were secured at different locations, or coming in at different times to not allow someone to attack all three at the same time, save for when they were in the room. Each received their own monitored security detail, would arrive at the room at different times, and all would have encrypted names of who was arriving. Only herself, Darth Metus, the Jedi leader, and Sith lord would know exactly who would be coming to meeting. At least, that’s who she thought would know. No telling who those leaders would let it spill too.

That was about the best she could do inside the room was to hope things didn’t get heated..and when they inevitably did, that the cooler heads on each side of the table could prevail.

And if that failed…that she could get her people out quick enough while lightsabers were flailing around. Luna knew well enough that every person in this room could quite easily kill her if given the chance, but making sure the Vicelord and Exarchs were safe would take precedence over her life every single day of the week.

As she sat back on the edge of the Confederacy’s side of the table, watching each of the new members enter into the room with a keen eye, the comm earpiece securely sitting in her left ear began to crack to life. “Omega squad reporting in. Sound off squad leaders.” A pause for a moment, then the litany of squad leaders began to report in from various locations around the complex.

“Charlie squad, reporting in from sn position one.” “Victor, reporting from sn position two. All set up here.” “Sierra, ready to begin, set up outside the room.”

These callouts continued for a few more moments before Omega lead’s, who just so happened to be the hulking commando standing behind Luna’s chair at the edge of the room, voice crackled through the comm once again. “we’re all set Grand Marshal..as set as we’ll ever been.” He was right. The board was set, the pieces in position, and the players ready to make their moves.

“Time to play.”

 

[Srina Talon]

P O L A R I S - C O U R T​

The wintry Exarch hated being late; but she was quite good at it.​

​

Polaris Court was a domed building with thin spires that reached for the sky. It could be seen clearly from one end of Theed to the other. It boasted off-white coloring with secret compartments and walls that had been raised to withstand significant bombardment. As much as it had been intended to be an Executive Office and Residence to the Vicelord—It was also a fortress. An old habit, Srina presumed. Their home in the wilds of Ryloth had been built the same way. Safety, meant peace.​

​

Peace was too often forgotten; Broken.​

​

Slender fingers wrapped around the hand of her Master as they moved through gilded halls at a satisfactory pace. She hurried for no one. Ever. Her touch was cool and served as a silent reminder of why they had accepted this call of urgency from the Sith Empire. Why they had been chosen to host. The Confederacy held Jedi and Sith alike among their ranks. Some fought; others simply lived their lives in the relative quietude the Droid Army afforded. The Confederacy of Independent Systems was neutral in the most literal sense. The constant clash of light and dark, while ineffable, was not their war.​

​

Ryloth. Siskeen. Talay. Rodia.​

​

These planets, these people, knew what it meant to fight with all they had. To fight—And to lose. They had been tormented and plagued by terrorist attacks; nigh burned to ashes in some instances. What added salt to open wounds were the facts that followed in the aftermath. The nature of their anguish. The reason for it. Their attackers weren’t some nameless, faceless, enemies that had come anonymously to knock on their doors. No. They had been led by former high-ranking members of the nation that had somehow, someway, fallen astray. They were friends. They were family.​

​

It shouldn’t have surprised her. Any of them, really. Nothing turned to hate so bitter as what was once love. Still. It was almost as perplexing as the deception the former Galactic Alliance had endured with the betrayal of the Lady of Secrets. However unfathomable, it happened. These were only a handful of the planets that the Confederacy toiled day and night to safeguard. Yet, it was required. The lives of their people were what they fought for. The simple right to live. To keep their children safe. To be free; in the purest meaning of the word. ​

​

With that in mind—Srina could see what drew both Sith and the Jedi to Naboo.​

​

Duty.​

​

No matter their differences they all had similar goals to achieve. Whilst their forces were running themselves ragged; they were hamstrung and bound to defending themselves while a variety of threats ran unchecked through their borders. Always on the defense, even, if they were attacking. The reason they attacked was to preserve. To hit first; to avoid the suffering of their people.​

​

To show strength, lest, they become a statistic. A victim. ​

​

“Do you remember the first summit we attended on Sullust?”​

​

Her question for Darth Metus was in regard to the first alliance they had ever formed. She could remember approaching the former Grandmaster of the Silver Jedi, Valae Kitra (Heavenshield), as nothing more than a newly made apprentice. This felt the same. An uphill battle through unconventional means that would require the pure to accept a little shadow in their midst. They were as they were. She couldn’t imagine that the Sith Empire had any designs to change.​

​

This was a bond of necessity. Not, a change of heart.​

​

“I wonder if they will have the same sentiments, especially, after everything that has transpired.” ​

​

Confederacy First—For example.​

​

It was as wildly unpopular on the galactic stage as it was misunderstood. The requirement of a legal passport became synonymous with demanding an arm or a leg. Increased security had been a result of several attacks on Geonosis. Directly. With their forces spread thin and stationed entire systems away it seemed to be the only way to respond. Withdraw. Regroup. “I also wonder, my Master, who will throw the first stone.” ​

​

It was possible that manners would win out. Possible. The mercurial-eyed Echani was not in a habit of gambling, but some odds were a lot better than others. As they entered the Rose Gardens a ghostly smile slipped across primrose lips. She liked it here. It reminded her of the Solarium full of hanging flowers in the Well on Ryloth. The ends of her onyx traveling dress pulled across the grass as if she were floating on air rather than walking. With so many powerful individuals in one place—The gardens felt like a powder keg.​

​

Hair the shade of ivory fell down her back in a moonlit waterfall. Parts of it were pulled back and artfully braided—While her countenance remained entirely still. The only emotion that would be evident from her would be the fact that she still walked with the hand of the Vicelord in her own. Everything else about her would appear distant. Cold. She knew that her presence combined with her Master could be hard on the sense. They were a dichotomy that oft made others, even non-sensitives, feel as if something was amiss. As if the moon and sun came to exist in the same dark sky.​

​

It wouldn’t be the case here. They were all strong—All potent in some way or another.​

​

Srina could feel it like an echo in the Force. A whisper.​

​

As much as she could feel Adron Malvern falling to the anger of his past. Or the eyes of Gerwald Lechner searching for her in the crowd. Yes. She knew. The self-proclaimed Lord of Lies had taken from them. Had nearly taken him. The Exarch had seen what Darth Prazutis had done with two of their Knight Obsidians in service of the Mandalorians. Rather, she had seen the remains. Any sane individual would have turned the other way. Would have denied this meeting. ​

​

Srina was, as always, unafraid. It was easy to rip the life out of a young woman that had only just begun to discover her path in the Force. Easy, to beat down a wolf that had lost their heart. The Echani warrior was not either of those things. If the climate of this summit shifted, rather, if it was an elaborate trap—The Exarch would have no qualms about doing what needed to be done.​

​

Silver eyes never left the Sith delegation as she left her Master to his seat. She wouldn’t go far, though, she paused behind Adron Malvern . She could feel as he felt, close, as they were. Srina was certain that Darth Metus could feel it too. Briefly, she let both hands rest on his shoulders before she moved to take her seat on the opposite side of the Vicelord. She did not know if John Locke would make it in time, but there was a seat for him regardless.​

​

Her hands folded in her lap. Silent, as the dead.​

​

Time to begin.​

Spoiler

CIS Representatives
Darth Metus
Adron Malvern
Faye Malvern
John Locke
Gerwald Lechner
Kyyrk
Luna Terrik

SJC Representatives
Caedyn Arenais
Ipali Torru
Thurion Heavenshield
Coren Starchaser

TSE Representatives
Telis Taharin-Zambrano
Taeli Raaf
Darth Prazutis
Madelyn Lowe Cara Dorniarn

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Polaris Court
Naboo, Confederate Space
​

Spoiler

TSE: Darth Prazutis Telis Taharin-Zambrano Cara Dorniarn Madelyn Lowe
CIS: Darth Metus Srina Talon Adron Malvern Luna Terrik Gerwald Lechner Faye Malvern John Locke Kyyrk
SJC: Coren Starchaser Ipali Torru Thurion Heavenshield

It had been a long time since she had stepped foot last on Naboo. It had been a summit of when the world was negotiating membership in the first Galactic Alliance, and that had been an exciting meeting when a Sith named Ayra had attacked the proceedings. It had done little as the palace had remained standing, and Naboo had still joined, even being given a bigger reason because of the attack that had slipped through their own security.

How times had changed.

Now, she was here in her full colors, accompanying Braxus as was her role as Pillar of Galactic Influence. It had been an intriguing idea presented by the CIS, come to the world and enter discussions with us and others about the looming threats in the galaxy, the instability growing among them all. The Goliath had arrived in system, and she had to wonder how the discussions would go. She had pushed for at least hearing them out, as closer relations with the CIS was always a good thing in these times.

Hands clasped behind her as she followed Braxus off his shuttle, dressed in flowing dark robes to mask her condition, her presence in the Force concealed also to mask her condition from others, she allowed a smile to tug at the corner as she felt some of the presences within the graceful building playing host to the summit. It had been a long time since she had seen him, but she was looking forward to sparring with Coren if the discussion called for it.

 

[Madelyn Lowe]

Grand Vizier Madelyn Lowe
Polaris Court, Theed City, Naboo​

Compared to the Lord of Lies, Darth Prazutis, the arrival of Madelyn Lowe onto Naboo was simply understated. When the shuttle touched down so elegantly onto the landing pad, and the delegation marched down the boarding ramp into the evening air, she lingered behind, emerald eyes fixed on a datapad held before her. An aide, standing a respectful distance away, shifted from foot to foot, more than likely unwilling to remind the Grand Vizier that the very meeting they had flown here to attend was to start very soon. She breathed out a small sigh, and returned to datapad to the ashen-faced aide, telling him to pass it on to Moff Linden-Karr. She would know what to do.

With the affairs of office temporarily dealt with, Madelyn turned her attention back to the task at hand, and swept out of the shuttle, her booted heels clacking against the ramp as she descended.

It was her first visit to Naboo, a system which had once been home to her historic enemy, the Galactic Alliance. She wondered how much of their influence was left here, how much their corrupting ideology had infected this elegant world.

As for the meeting itself, there would be Jedi and Sith both present, as well as the Confederacy themselves. It would certainly be a rather bizarre meeting of the minds, especially considering the various missdeeds these statespeople had committed against the other monolithic empires. Madelyn couldn't imagine the thought of Kintan burning would invoke particularly warm attitudes from the Silvers. But, these were strange times. Perhaps she'd be surprised.

She was shown through the gardens, striding across the grounds until she'd caught up with the Sith delegation. She slowed to match their pace, her white shoulder cape fluttering slightly in the pleasant breeze. She was, in her own way, dressed to the nines in the ceremonial garb of her office, with rank pins and badges and all. But, being who she was, Madelyn had elected to don the garb over a carefully-tailored outfit, with black pants and deep red blouse, subtly patterned, with sleek shining boots.

Her eyes flickered between the Sith attendees. All of them she recognised. Few of them she had spoken to. That was the way of their Empire: unless something truly terrible was going on, the spheres of innovation, politics and Sith rarely interacted. But they were here now, and that was certainly something.

Giving a polite nod to Lady Raaf, a woman for whom she had much respect, she fell into step beside the delegation, looking up at the Court buildings rising ahead of them.

"Well," she said, her flashing eyes locking on whoever happened to be looking. "This should certainly make for an interesting meeting."

TSE: Darth Prazutis | Telis Taharin-Zambrano | Cara Dorniarn | Taeli Raaf
CIS: Darth Metus | Srina Talon | Adron Malvern | Luna Terrik | Gerwald Lechner | Faye Malvern | John Locke | Kyyrk
SJC: Coren Starchaser | Ipali Torru | Thurion Heavenshield

 

[John Locke]

Location: Naboo | Polaris Court
Wearing: ...A suit...surprise?
Tagging:

CIS: Darth Metus | Srina Talon | Adron Malvern | Kyyrk | Gerwald Lechner | Luna Terrik | Faye Malvern ​

SJC: Coren Starchaser | Ipali Torru | Thurion Heavenshield ​

TSE: Darth Prazutis | Telis Taharin-Zambrano | Cara Dorniarn | Madelyn Lowe | Taeli Raaf ​

​

All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players;
~ William Shakespeare | As you like it​

​

There were certain moments in time that would send echoes through the galaxy, that would be looked back in the future as pivotal moments. The moments that you read about in the history books. The shot heard around the galaxy when a no-name pilot fired the torpedoes that sank the Death Star, that moment when through the combined effort of millions the pieces of Corellia were reunited. Moments in time that could change the social and political landscape of the galaxy. Moments were you could feel the weight of history pressing down on your shoulders.

John thought that maybe they were living in such a moment now.

For as long as he could remember the galaxy had been riven, warring factions battling for influence, for territory or simply for their ideals. There were a million possible reasons for them to fight, a million possible causes for the battles that had set the galaxy afire, had riven it into pieces. Each government, each warlord, ever soldier was sure that they were right, that they were fighting for a just cause, even when they were fighting one another. Even when weapons were unleashed that could slaughter thousands, millions, without the blink of an eye. But they were all fighting on the side of the right.

The Jedi and the Sith had waged centuries, millenia of war that had shaped the galaxy into the beast that it was. Though different iterations and different faces the clash between these two ideologies had shaped the galaxy in a fundamental way. Yet, here, in this room the Jedi and the Sith weren’t facing one another with lightsabers drawn, with their powers crackling in the air. Smiles and handshakes were the weapon of the day instead.

Sometimes…sometimes a threat came along that was so vast, so profound that the galaxy held it’s breath. That was the only thing that could bring these enemies, these leaders into the same room.

The past had been war, the future held only war but for today…today they could unite against the threats that threatened to not just bring war to the galaxy but to undermine the stability that kept the innocents of the galaxy safe.

The dark-haired exarch slipped both hands into his pockets as he proceeded down the hallway, dark eyes flicking from side to side as data hung in the air all around him. Summaries on participants, a review of current galactic politics that the office of the Vicelord had pulled together. The man absorbed information like a sponge, all that data resting at the forefront of his mind, shunted into short-term storage implants in case he needed them.

The man could overhear the reports of the guard squadrons checking in, see the Knights Obsidian patrolling the halls on cameras. The shell of protection that they’d built up around the building was impressive, the kind of shell that no-one could slip past. He could see the paparazzi circling the building, trying their best to figure out what was happening inside the building. He knew that any of them would have given their left arm, their souls to be able to listen and report on the proceedings today.

Yet, not one of them would get in.

If they could sneak past the soldiers and knights obsidian patrolling the grounds they would still have to deal with perhaps the most powerful concentration of individuals currently present in the galaxy. Enough power to tear a hole in the galaxy, to slaughter their way across a planet without breaking a sweat. The power to pick a needle out of a haystack if necessary.

Yet, today, none of that power was levelled at an individual, at least not yet. Today that power was focused on changing the face of the galaxy, creating a moment in time that would go down in history.

Or that was the hope.

The cyborg’s head nodded at the guards who pulled open the door to let him through, into that mixture of the famous and infamous. There had been a time when he’d been on the other side of the table, sitting amongst the Jedi as they met with the Confederacy. A lifetime ago.

Now, he didn’t recognize any of the Jedi, not personally, he knew of them, of their exploits but he couldn’t see anyone on that side of the table he could call a friend. The galaxy moved on, people rose to the heights of power and drifted away. The Jedi he’d called friends were no more, dead or retreated from the galactic scene.

A soft sad smile touched the man’s lips as his eyes looked past the inhabitants, seeing another room for a moment. They’d changed the galaxy that day, protected the lives of billions and extinguished a threat.

Maybe they could do the same today.

A deep breath in, a soft breath out as the man’s features still, a calmness settling over him. The mask of the Exarch settling on his features as he strode into the room, taking his place behind amongst his fellow Exarchs.

He’d sat on the other side of the table once…till he’d found that he couldn’t anymore. Till the policies of the Silver Jedi had driven him away. Till he’d found his home amongst the Confederacy.

“Sorry I’m late.”

Dark-eyes flicked over to glance at the other delegation that had joined them in the room.

The Sith.

Perhaps once the darkest most fearful community on the galactic map, that they were here told a story. That there were now threats out there that surpassed even the threat posed by those who had burnt Coruscant and had avowed to conquer the galaxy. They were a threat that was known, that could be reasoned with and predicted.

The cyborg nodded at them, not precisely friendly but…respectful. What they’d done, that they had been willing to come here, to meet them spoke volumes of what they were willing to do. That if nothing else was worthy of respect.

The mask on his face softened for a moment as he glanced at his friends, stepping up behind them as he pulled out Srina’s chair for her before settling into his own chair, that mask settling over his features again as he looked around the table. His voice quiet, a whisper meant for the other Exarchs and Vicelord alone.

“Let’s see how this plays out.”

The players were all present now.

Let the show begin.

​

 

[Decimus]

The Grand Moff had arrived to the Council meeting with Darth Prazutis, tailed by his own protective escort. A pair of IG-100 Magnaguards armed with electrostaffs, as well as a full squad of BX-series Droid Commandos painted in diplomatic livery, acted as his protection during this important conference. It was an awkward situation, for certain. Being one of the Sith Empire's Grand Moffs meant his presence was unavoidable, though his former defection from the Confederacy of Independent Systems might be a point of contention during these talks. He did not consider them HIS Confederacy, for after all, he was a relic of a time long past. He stood shoulder to shoulder with the original leaders of the Confederacy. Dooku. Grievous. He had served under all of them. Still, he would not allow his own personal opinions to cloud these talks. They were vital, given the Bryn'adul threat.

He moved to take a seat at the table assigned to the Sith delegates, sitting beside the Grand Vizier while his security detail kept a healthy distance away from proceedings so as not to cause offense to their hosts. His visual receptors surveyed the room with interest, peering at those gathered for the meeting. These talks would certainly be of great interest....


CIS: Darth Metus | Srina Talon | Adron Malvern | Kyyrk | Gerwald Lechner | Luna Terrik | Faye Malvern John Locke
SJC: Coren Starchaser | Ipali Torru | Thurion Heavenshield |
TSE: Darth Prazutis | Telis Taharin-Zambrano | Cara Dorniarn | Madelyn Lowe | Taeli Raaf

 

[Telis Taharin-Zambrano]

Polaris Court
Naboo​

Telis truly didn’t have what was often considered an “amiable” demeanor. After how well things had been going for him in the war room, and outside the war room, and generally everywhere, to say that he wasn’t particularly positive was an understatement. The Dark Side of the Force festered on him and swirled in the air around him almost like the midnight shade of a cloak, though it was drowned out by the sheer presence of the Nexus that was his Lord-Emperor’s ship. Telis consistently had stumbled from one demeaning event to another, degrading him like water upon a stone, bit by bit until he started to wash away as sand. In the long and short of it… Telis had messed up lately. A lot. Both with friends and old mentors, socially and strategically, and within and beyond his own power. The universe had conspired against him, in his thoughts, and so he thought to conspire against it.

Standing beside the Lord of Shadows as the small shuttle landed down, the Lord of Ambition quietly sighed as he waited, his hands folded behind his back as the shuttle lowered down to the surface of the planet Naboo. Eventually, though, he touched down to the ground, and as the Sith procession began to make its way forward, Telis was briefly stopped by a message that he had received on his holopad; a subtle dig from his friend and trustee, Cara Dorniarn. Looking at the goading message with a furrowed brow and raising his squinted gaze to the Sith Knight that was twice his elder in age, Telis put his holopad away, beside the paired lightsabers that he carried. Flicking his wrist a single time, the only remark Cara would receive from Telis appeared on her own holopad, taking up the screen for a brief moment and saying in bright red words ”NO HOLOPADS AT THE MEETING TABLE.”

Smirking to himself, Telis would once more fold his hands behind his back and take his first steps forward, his sandals clicking against the floor as he joined the procession. Devoid of his normal military garb and having cleanly shaved his beard away, what Telis strode out in was a long, blood-red silken garment, resembling the traditional Coruscanti togas, though far thinner and far more feminine in focus. Along his bare arms and what was able to be seen of his chest and back, golden light was traced into his pale skin, shaped into feathers and scales alike with the Sith Meliora glowing gently above where his heart was; his eyes too shared in such a display, with his sclera being stained gold and his irises being a bright red. The power of the Dark Side swirled around him nonetheless despite his more showy appearance, like a dark ghost of a shroud, and between the faint ruffles of his clothes around his waist the two lightsaber he had, his “Twin Dancers,” made themselves out as a silent threat.

”I have never been to Naboo before… never truly interested me.” Telis mused to himself as he found himself drifting away towards standing by Cara Dornarin and her magical thermos of inebriation, keeping his hands folded behind his back and his posture as straight as an arrow as he walked. He didn’t pay much attention to the security regiments around the Court, keeping his eyes forward and his expression as neutral as possible as the Sith finally entered the room. Scanning through the faces present, the Sith didn’t sneer at the presence of the Jedi, but rather marked them with a single gaze and a prevalent, aloof thought; You don’t do anything stupid, I won’t do anything stupid.

The room was filled with tensions and old feuds. Old enemies, old treacheries, and old stories. But Telis was the one who stood apart, separate from it all. He had not been a player as he was now, and while they had their sights all on one another, he was the secret player in their midst. Nobody knew who Telis was or Lord Aagenti save for being the holder of a seat. They didn’t know him or know his faults, and the thought of that brought the slightest shadow of a smile to the young Sith Lord’s face, a maliciousness behind the boyishness. There was a slight sharpness to his canine fangs beneath his lips, as he looked about the room and proceeded to take his own seat at the table, folding his hands in his lap in front of him. This was where the game began in earnest.

Spoiler: “Tags”

CIS
Darth Metus
Adron Malvern
Faye Malvern
John Locke
Srina Talon
Gerwald Lechner
Kyyrk
Luna Terrik

TSE
Darth Prazutis
Taeli Raaf
Cara Dorniarn
Madelyn Lowe
Arctus Silmar
Grand Moff Aut-X

SJC
Caedyn Arenais
Ipali Torru
Thurion Heavenshield
Coren Starchaser

 

[Darth Metus]

D E F E N D​

Tension.

At face value, those who had made the tremendous voyage had every reason to fight. For those who were guests to the shining gem of Naboo, the cycle of Light and Dark was all the justification. The struggle had spanned over eons - over many governments: the Silver Jedi and the Sith Empire were the latest to take part in this heritage. Though relations between the former and the Southern Systems now paled in comparison to previous...the news still reached the Vicelord's ears. They had been embattled on multiple occasions. In fact, if memory served, both nations were fresh off of some of the largest battles the Galaxy had seen in recent history.

Moreover, even the Southern hosts had reason. The razing of Serenno years ago was a source of agony for the Exarch Adron Malvern . The decimation of a loved one was a source of rage for the Obsidian Gerwald Lechner . Were the circumstances different, blades could be drawn at the drop of a dime. Revenge. Vengeance. Crusades. All could be launched against one another. So it was that there was tension in the air of Polaris Court. T'was as if there was a layer of ice beneath every foot, waiting for one wrong misstep to cause cracks to form.

Despite this, they had all agreed to come together. For, even though there was ample justification, there was something greater than the feuds of the past and the struggles of the present. Threats had risen that had gone unchecked for far too long. Now, the Galaxy was dangling from a spider-wire over the inferno - and only a swift intervention would save all from a brutal conclusion. Thus, three nations had come together. The Confederacy. The Sith. The Jedi. All under a single roof in order to stave off the inferno, together.

The host of the proceedings was the last to arrive.

Before him had gone some of the finest men and women to ever grace the Southern Systems. Security had been handled, thanks to the efforts of Grand Marshal Luna Terrik and Lord Commander Kyyrk . The Obsidian Gerwald Lechner had lent his claws presence that matter. The Exarchs, John Locke and Adron Malvern , had taken their place at the table before the Vicelord. And, as the Jedi and Sith arrived and took their seats, the Vicelord arrived alongside his apprentice. Srina Talon was the first. His first apprentice after founding the Confederacy. The nation's first Exarch. She was a trusted ally. A friend closer than the word friendship. And betwixt them ran a river of unspoken understanding. Her fingers clutched his own hand as they moved. Her words brief and meant for his own ears alone.

"I do." he answered, asking if he recalled the first summit they attended on Sullust. The days were so different then. The Confederacy was but an infant standing in the presence of a giant. The former Galactic Alliance had been the superpower of the Galaxy then. Yet, following its destruction, the Southern Systems had adopted that mantle. The following thoughts of his apprentice were justified. Questions if those joining them would have the same sentiments - especially in the wake of the Confederacy's answering domestic tragedy accordingly. To this, he gave a confident grin and a squeeze of her hand. "Today, we will all stand as one. You'll see."

With thus said, the alabaster woman descended into her seat. Ever the picture of grace. For but a moment, the Sith regarded the quiet words of the Exarch Adron Malvern who was already seated at his side. Darth Metus nodded, placing both hands on the back of his seat. However, rather than descend onto the cushion, the Vicelord took a knife to the tension. The struggles of the past would be left at the door - for this day, they were men and women facing a common threat. And the Confederacy would be that common ground upon which they could stand. Darth Metus' arms opened wide in greeting, lips curved into a flawless smile. "Thank you all for coming. And welcome to Naboo!" he began.

Long, confident strides bore him away from the Confederate delegation. The Vicelord, personification of the Southern Systems, began a deliberate orbit around the table. His path would take him first to where the Silvers had arrived. They had only just begun to take their seats. His gaze first settled upon the Kaminoan among them, Ipali Torru. The species was one he was intimately familiar with. Firstly, due to personal dealings that had seen some of his offspring successfully see the light of day. Secondly, due to Kamino being a longtime member of the Southern Systems. He extended his hand in greeting and, should the gesture be accepted, he would render a firm shake. "A pleasure to meet you, Senator." would come his greeting.

He'd move, face illuminating with excitement as recognition filled his burning gaze. "Master Heavenshield." he breathed. "I was but a young man when your name first graced my ears. I am delighted that you have joined us today, and honored to finally meet." Next was a familiar face, one that he had met during that first summit on Sullust all those years ago. A Jedi with burning conviction - yet one who carried the name Starchaser. "And to you, Grandmaster Starchaser - it is good to see you again. You and your family are always welcome in our midst." His right eye winked ever so slightly. "Please, give Marek my regards when you next see him." The last member of the Silver Delegation was a young man he knew only by name. He rendered a polite nod to Caedyn Arenais, offering a warm "Welcome!" before continuing his orbit.

It was then that he felt the tug of Darkness - a shadow not dissimilar from the ones residing within his very own person. Despite the similarities in religion, the man who approached walked a very different path. Yet, in this day, in this moment, his arms had been open to receive them. He paused first before the new Dark Lord of the Sith: Darth Prazutis , offering his dominant hand in greeting. A smile played at his lips as he spoke. "I don't know how it's possible...yet each time I see you, you seem just a touch bit taller. Is it the boots?" He chuckled at his own joke, rendering a firm shake to the liege of the Sith Empire. To those whose faces were unfamiliar, namely Cara Dorniarn , Telis Taharin-Zambrano and Madelyn Lowe , courteous nods were rendered. Coupled with a warm "Welcome to Naboo, thank you for coming!" The remaining two, he knew by name.

"Lady Raaf," he began, offering a polite handshake to Taeli Raaf . "you are as radiant as the last I saw you. Welcome to Naboo!" Lastly, Grand Moff Aut-X was no stranger to the Southern Systems - though the generation before his photoreceptors may have been new. He had been there at the very beginning, when Darth Metus raised the Confederacy. Though the unit's path had diverged from the South, it was good to see that he was doing well for himself. "Aut-X, welcome home." With humor and with open arms, the Vicelord attempted to bridge the gap between those attending. To take a knife to the tension. To remind all that, despite their differences, they would find common grand within Polaris Court.

Upon returning to his seat, the Sith remained standing and placed his hands upon the pristine tabletop. "Once again, I would like to thank you all for coming."

"Eons ago, the Light and the Dark were one family. One body, capable of seeing past differences in order to accomplish mighty works. Now, I call upon you - honored descendants of this great heritage - to do the very same. The peace of the Galaxy, the peace of our people, is at stake. Underneath our noses, a calamity has taken root and grows each day, shedding the blood of those we hold dear."

"The Incursion is a threat that we cannot ignore. Insurrection is a threat that will bring ruin. I have called us all together in the hopes of accomplishing an accord: that when the extragalactic terror strikes, we raise our shields in defense of one another. And, should chaos erupt within your borders, that your people - for that moment become our people. Together, let us defend one another against these terrifying foes."

"Silver Jedi Concord. Sith Empire. What say you?"

Spoiler: Tag

Darth Prazutis
Taeli Raaf
Cara Dorniarn
Madelyn Lowe
Arctus Silmar
Grand Moff Aut-X
Telis Taharin-Zambrano

Caedyn Arenais
Ipali Torru
Thurion Heavenshield
Coren Starchaser

Adron Malvern
Faye Malvern
John Locke
Srina Talon
Gerwald Lechner
Kyyrk
Luna Terrik

1,403

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

POLARIS COURT
Naboo, Confederate Space
Representing Midvinter/the Silver Concord
Coren Starchaser | Caedyn Arenais | Ipali Torru

​

His head ominously turned towards the meeting hall, keeping his hand on Caedyn's shoulder as they neared their destination. "You'll find out soon enough," he grimly uttered, for to fill him in with the details this late was of little use. Ahead of them walked the Kaminoan senator with that serene stride their species was known for.

"Just know that it was the will of the Concord that we attend this gathering. The Order is of a different mind."

Stepping through an archway, the Jedi delegation appeared within the lush rose gardens of the Polaris Court; stunningly beautiful, no different than Naboo as a whole. Its beauty was largely lost on the aging Jedi Master however, for now he laid eyes upon the other members of this historic gathering. Ones he had a long and dark history with.

Just as the darkness of the Sith would flood the area like a tidal wave, so would the light emanating from those Jedi present, creating a turbulent sphere of clashing ideologies and philosophies. To say that the situation was tense was a grievous understatement.

Rather than find a seat at the round table like some already had, Thurion instead strode over to the Sith side, showing no signs of stopping as he walked right up to the Lord of Lies himself. His hand settled upon the hilt at his side as part of him wished nothing more than to cut the Sith Lord down where he stood, political backlash be damned.

The pair of titans stared each other down with hateful glares. Knowing that Caedyn would likely be feeling the same way he did, Thurion made sure to put himself between the two with his left arm held out to keep the Jedi Knight from doing something rash.

"Braxus," he practically spat his name with barely contained rage. "They failed to mention you'd be attending. How's the shoulder?"

The meeting was about to begin, and so Thurion tore himself from the presence of Braxus Zambrano and led Caedyn over to their assigned seats. The was a grand opening statement made by the host of this momentous gathering, and for the moment Thurion would hold his tongue, letting the official leaders of the Silver Jedi speak first.

For now, he kept a wary eye on the Sith sitting across from him.

Spoiler

Darth Metus
Adron Malvern
Faye Malvern
John Locke
Srina Talon
Gerwald Lechner
Kyyrk
Luna Terrik

Darth Prazutis
Telis Taharin-Zambrano
Taeli Raaf
Cara Dorniarn
Madelyn Lowe
Arctus Silmar
Grand Moff Aut-X

 

[Ipali Torru]

POLARIS COURT
Naboo, Confederate Space
Representing the Silver Concord
Thurion Heavenshield | Coren Starchaser | Caedyn Arenais

​

Before the Silver Jedi would take up their positions at the table, the Kaminoan Senator could not help but study closely the behavior and actions of his peers. The Grandmaster and his subordinates were of a different mind when this prospective alliance was concerned and they'd voiced their concerns well with the Silver Concord prior to the trip to Naboo; Having been briefed on this and having a faint idea of what to expect from them, Ipali considered for a moment the need to intervene before Thurion Heavenshield or the younger Caedyn Arenais might upset their long time enemy, the Sith. As history had clearly shown, it did not take much for conflict to ensue between Silver Space and that of the Empire's.

However, Thurion had the sense to keep his words civil from what Ipali had heard and understood, while also seeing the older Jedi Master physically remove Caedyn from the proximity of Darth Prazutis . It seemed the group were intimately familiar with one another, having possibly encountered each other directly during previous engagements. Quite frankly, Ipali had held his doubt with regards to the Silver Jedi accompanying him where as fellow representatives of the Concord may have been more beneficial to the political relationship.

Darth Metus made his arrival and moved to approach the table once everyone had settled and found their seats, the Vicelord of the Confederacy remaining on his feet as the Host of their reception and welcoming them all. His greeting to Ipali directly was met with a silent and graceful nod of acknowledgement, and were Ipali one to smile, that may have been the appropriate moment.

The Vicelord would soon announce the reason for their gathering...

"Eons ago, the Light and the Dark were one family. One body, capable of seeing past differences in order to accomplish mighty works. Now, I call upon you - honored descendants of this great heritage - to do the very same. The peace of the Galaxy, the peace of our people, is at stake. Underneath our noses, a calamity has taken root and grows each day, shedding the blood of those we hold dear."

"The Incursion is a threat that we cannot ignore. Insurrection is a threat that will bring ruin. I have called us all together in the hopes of accomplishing an accord: that when the extragalactic terror strikes, we raise our shields in defense of one another. And, should chaos erupt within your borders, that your people - for that moment become our people. Together, let us defend one another against these terrifying foes."

"Silver Jedi Concord. Sith Empire. What say you?"

The Kaminoan listened and regarded the Vicelord's words well, yet it was one thing to speak of such things and another to follow through. Already there was evidence of strain between the Jedi and the Sith, a century long rivalry that had seen many friends and family members on either side erased. The Silver Concord understood the growing threat of the Bryn'adul that were showing no signs of ceasing in their hostilities, yet so too did they see the promise that such a treaty would deter further violence, loss of lives and financial crisis that always resulted in the war that had waged endlessly between the two peoples with no sign of slowing or coming to a conclusion until today.

When invited to speak, the Senator would slowly rise to his feet so that all may look upon him and his voice be heard with clarity and grace. "Thank you Vicelord, for your generous welcome" Ipali Torru first acknowledged Darth Metus before turning to look upon the Sith Empire's representatives; "My name is Ipali Torru and today I represent the presence and authority that is the Silver Concord. By my side is the leader of the Silver Jedi Order, Grandmaster Coren Starchaser and Master Thurion Heavenshield " he gestured to the Silver Jedi of significant responsibility.

"I am certain that it will be of no surprise that my colleagues hold their doubts as to whether this truce might hold" Ipali turned to look back to the Vicelord, voicing the sense of doubt in order to convey from the beginning, the obvious weight of such a political relationship; "However the Silver Concord does see benefit in such a political relationship, providing that we come to an agreement and that word remains binding".

"What assurances might we be given in order to trust that the Sith Empire won't betray this alleged treaty?" Ipalli posed the question while turning to look upon Darth Prazutis and the Sith Lords companions; "Many have suffered under your influence, for which we have sacrificed a great deal in order to right the wrongs your people have inflicted, both within our territories as well as the wider Galaxy".

Spoiler: Tags

Darth Metus
Adron Malvern
Faye Malvern
John Locke
Srina Talon
Gerwald Lechner
Kyyrk
Luna Terrik

Darth Prazutis
Telis Taharin-Zambrano
Taeli Raaf
Cara Dorniarn

Caedyn Arenais
Thurion Heavenshield
Coren Starchaser