Private The Gift of Foresight

[Darth Strosius]

It wasn't often that Darth Strosius found Himself completely and utterly stumped, as it were. Decades of having to scrounge for resources and invent new techniques and methods had ensured several clerical yet unorthodox approaches to any and every issue that He could make use of effectively. Yet at the moment none of them had made any progress of note in furthering His understanding of what lay before Him. During the Raid on Voss a short time ago, the masked man hadn't just sought to retrieve some of their mystics for their capabilities but had also taken scans and copies of various records held within their precious Tower of Prophecy.

A far more reliable and physical method of learning the practices and rituals conducted by the mystics in order to harness their prophetic powers, albeit one that had thus far proven to be exceedingly difficult. The Voss perspective of the Force was entirely foreign to Him. He had studied Sith practices dating from those first recorded on Korriban through to the modern day but all of those were relatively similar in concept and application. The Voss on the other hand were something else entirely. There was nothing practical at all about their practices, mired and meshed into symbolism and opaque metaphor that left Him blind without the necessary context that such things required.

The Sith wielded the Force like a tool, the Voss wielded it like a lifestyle. Darth Strosius simply couldn't make sense of it, nothing was clear and what little He could discern didn't seem at all useful or relevant to the practice of actually inducing visions. The Voss's disgusting hubris and cultural supremacy tainted all of their works and it was a veil that He simply couldn't pierce through. Which was why, after days of agonizing over the texts and records, He relented. There was only one individual that He knew of which possessed both an unfamiliar, to Him at least, perspective of the Force and who He knew had some manner of foresight as well.

Which was why the Harbinger of Absolution made a rare appearance in Sith space, hovering at the edges of the Dostri System as it sent a brief message of its arrival to Brosi. Darth Strosius wasn't certain if Lady Madrona could make any more sense of the Voss ways than He could but if nothing else they could always discuss the results of her findings. He hadn't forgotten her false invitation to that dance not long ago under such a pretense, and now it was time for her to deliver. During their short communication regarding His request for audience she seemed more than willing to entertain His questions at least, as much as He could tell anyway.

Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

Outer Rim
Dostra System
Brosi
Theme
​

Time bent and warped… reality and perception were more like suggestions and impressions rather than some kind of irrefutable law…

A'Mia swam along the laylines of the planet itself, a metaphysical traveler through something more grandiose than three dimensional space. An individual mind, given over to the greatest collective she'd yet experienced since youth. When first she surrendered herself to melding with Psilofyr and lost herself there after the Imperial attempt to invade, the neti held certain reservations and exercised great caution. Now though? The two organisms were so well ingratiated with each other that it was useless attempting to differentiate between their mental landscapes when A'Mia was planetside.

Psilofyr's presence and subsequent terraforming had, with A'Mia's guiding hand, completely transformed Brosi from a rather ragged over-mined planet, to a lush and varied ecosystem. It was within this web of life that the neti so often lost herself in meditation. These days, when she'd otherwise enter a state of reverie such as sleep, she would instead dream the dreams of Brosi. She was alive in the soil, she was one hundred thousand varied sithspawn curled in their dens or competing upon the tundra and drinking from the winding rivers. She was the Hoardmother and watcher, the knower of finite details and grand plans down to their chemical composition or energetic frequency. Here on Brosi, in those deep moments of enmeshment, she was practically omnipotent.

It was from such a state that she was roused by stirrings in the Weave as the Harbinger of Absolution neared atmosphere.

"Alisteri! To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Her bearing was airy and calm as ever, but there was a rare genuine warmth to her tone and appreciation present upon her face. The colors of her red-brown skin and bright green hair were vibrant, notably verdant looking, as if the woman was benefitting directly from the agreeable environment of Brosi.

The Prophet's arrival had immediately been heralded by hasty preparations made on the surface of the planet and provided guidance to land without pause. A'Mia was there at the hangar to greet them.

Redevelopment upon the world had been slower than the rejuvenation of its flora and fauna, but as Darth Strosius and crew landed then disembarked, they were witness to all the signs of industry picking up proverbial steam and greeted with every offer of hospitality that interstellar travel might benefit from.

 

[Darth Strosius]

Darth Strosius hadn't been the most familiar with the world of Brosi prior to Lady Madrona gaining governorship over it, but even from orbit He could tell that it hadn't taken long at all for the Neti to settle in. The surface boasted a vibrant wealth of flora in spite of what appeared to be new and developing settlements and industries in a manner that was simply unnatural. Or perhaps too natural depending on one's perspective, He supposed.

A single shuttle slipped from the Harbinger to weave its way towards the designated landing zone, the crew that emerged from within upon landing similarly modest. Darth Strosius had stepped out first as one might expect, as ornately and heavily clad as ever, with a data-tape clutched in one of His gloved hands. Behind Him came two similarly robed and hooded figures, albeit clad in robes of crimson rather than the dark coloring of the Prophet's own regalia, who bore small incense burners. At their backs and remaining with the shuttle stood a pair of guards, stalwart and watchful.

All of whom aside from the masked man Himself seemed to pause and be taken aback slightly by the greeting offered by Lady Madrona. The two priests exchanged surprised glances and the guards shifted as though concerned that Darth Strosius would take offense. In contrast, He didn't even break stride. "Nothing productive I'm afraid, Lady Madrona." He stopped before the Neti and offered a bow of His head, which was quickly mirrored by the priests behind Him. "I've come to seek some...advice from you on a scholarly matter. Have you ever heard of the world of Voss and its people?"

Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

Bowing just as he did, she subtly showed off her uncanny ability to predict the movements of others before they happened. Large vining Sithspawn surged behind her to set plates of sliced fruits, smoked meats, and various cut vegetables with dips upon a long table they set up beneath the veranda adjoining the hangar. A'Mia wanted to be sure that even the modest crew Darth Strosius brought with him were treated with the utmost hospitality.

"Why yes, I have. In fact when I first reawakened from my confinement on Kashyyyk, the Voss mystics were on my short list of consideration for people's to seek out. Upon further research and reflection however, I determined their thinking was rather too rigid for me to benefit from any teachings they might offer. Not to mention, they almost certainly would not be open to sharing information with me, and at that time I didn't have the means to seize it from them."

The woman paused, her gaze cast about to assess what their next steps might be, "Should we take this to one of my labs or would you prefer the open air? Your men are most welcome to rest and eat. Also, your timing is fortuitous— I've recently completed work on something quite relevant to you."

 

[Darth Strosius]

Darth Strosius and His entourage peered at the offered food as it was set upon the tables, the masked man Himself cocking His head to the side for a moment at the sight before turning His gaze back to the Neti as she spoke. He was relieved to hear that she was somewhat familiar with the Voss already, but more importantly there was a strong sense of vindication at her remarks of their methods being too restrictive and secreted. Unnecessarily so in both accounts given their lack of relevance and presence on the galactic stage.

"We should continue inside, it'll be easier to go over my findings and lack thereof on a console." He idly raised up the data-tape as He spoke before looking back to the crew behind Him. "Have a seat and partake this could take some time." He looked back at Lady Madrona only to pause and turn to regard the armed guards in particular. "The two of you as well. We're among peers and colleagues here, enjoy it while it lasts."

With His entourage assured and cautiously approaching the tables Darth Strosius stepped next to their host. "So something relevant? A breakthrough on our little body project?" His words spoken lower now, more covert and yet more casual at the same time now that He didn't need to address or put on a show for His followers.

Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

The Sithspawn servers retreated as Darth Strosius gave his crew their leave. A'Mia watched his instruction serenely, making note of the way he spoke to them. Though not particularly warm, he was familiar with them and his care was clear despite the curt tone he used to issue orders. She wondered at that, how uncommon it was for Sith to rule with a semblance of just balance. So often they ruled through fear or dogma alone, and while she knew some of that existed within Alisteri's leadership, it was clearly far more nuanced than the more typical proclivities of the average Lord or Godhead who held any kind of sway.

Turning to guide them without pause, the arboreal woman's long stride soon carried them to an unassuming outbuilding. Pressing her palm to the scanner and murmuring what sounded like a humanoid voice caught in wind and rustling leaves, speaking a string of alien words which caused a reinforced blast door to open. There were a set of sleek stairs that led down, underground, and opened up to a terminal where a little railcar sat in wait.

"Yes, in a sense it is directly connected with our project," she murmured agreeably whilst gliding down the stairs, "Though I must admit I hit a bit of a barrier, some logistical concerns and shifting variables due to the nature of your sangnir composition. These we accounted for of course, yet challenging nonetheless."

She stepped easily down into the tram, turning to offer him a hand should he like. Her voice returned to a normal tone when the door behind them was firmly closed and as the railcar hummed to life.

"We'll arrive at my lab shortly," A'Mia explained before carrying on.

"Breakthroughs have been made since then, but we'll discuss that shortly," the tram hummed louder then started to rapidly pick up speed, zipping through tunnels dimly lit with bioluminescent fungi.

"But no, I was referring to a gift I made for you."

It was impossible to know how far they'd traveled but just as quickly as they'd gotten moving, the tram suddenly slowed and soon stopped. Pulling level to another simple terminal, A'Mia stepped up and out of the railcar and turned to regard the Prophet. She was now holding a small oblong glass container with a white rose contained therein, and paused to read his reaction to everything before continuing.

 

[Darth Strosius]

Darth Strosius kept pace with the Neti as best as He could, following her into the outbuilding and making an idle mental note of the scanner and what seemed to be a verbal passcode that locked the door to the depths of it. The tram was somewhat surprising but He made no mention of it even as they stepped into it and set off for her laboratory. Keeping distance between a landing area and a testing site or place of research often proved to be a very wise idea in the long term after all.

"A...gift?" The masked man inclined His head at the mention of it. "For what occasion, if I may ask?" If anything due to the nature of the work that Lady Madrona had undertaken on His behalf He should be the one presenting her with some compensation or present, not the other way around. The ride on the tram ended as soon as it had began and before He knew it He was being shown what He assumed to be the gift in question.

He cocked His head to one side and then the other, examining the glass container and its floral occupant in a manner that wasn't too dissimilar to the way a curious avian might have done. His pale wings twitched at the sight of it, flaring just enough to be visible in their golden light rather than in their repressed and constricted wisp state. "A flower?" His tone wasn't at all ungrateful but rather it betrayed His genuine confusion and confoundment at the sight before Him.

While He may not have been the most in touch with norms and traditions in terms of gifts, Darth Strosius knew enough of the typical associations that floral presents held that He was utterly stumped and surprised by the flower. Was it meant to be a decoration? A rare or cultivated species that Lady Madrona wished to share with Him? He hadn't ever been one for gardening before, but she couldn't have known that. There were of course other connotations for giving away flowers but those notions were dismissed as easily as they arose. "It feels...unique within the Force."

Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

She thought to continue on, to walk them off the terminal and into her laboratory proper. But the calm quiet of that liminal space was actually rather ideal, without the distractions a place of science and study would bring, before they dove into whatever it was the man came here to discuss originally.

"Yes," she answered simply, reaching out to take his hand and turn it palm upward.

She placed the artifact into his gloved hand and the item thrummed with power. For a long moment she stood very near, cradling the object with him as her eyes glimmered whilst gazing upon it.

"More than a mere flower though— it is proof of concept, that we have made progress toward solving for the mind-body connection. In preparing for and creating your new vessel."

Eyes raising to his masked face, she seemed to realize all at once that not only was she crowding his coveted personal space, the purpose of her gift still needed to be revealed. A'Mia pulled away and gave him more room, leaving the flower in his grasp and clasping her own hands behind her back as she continued.

"I’ve created this gift in the spirit of collaboration, and to prove that I've mastered a method by which transference of power from outside sources directly to you is not only possible, but extremely potent. In short, I've granted you an opportunity to explore powers outside your own, my powers and use of my vision. I'll help you attune to it, then you can access its sorcery from anywhere provided that you are on the same plane of existence that the flower is being kept."

She paused, knowing full well that there would be follow up questions.

Darth Strosius​

 

[Darth Strosius]

There was no resistance when the Neti moved His hand, His confusion and the novelty of the situation keeping Him more than compliant enough as they cradled the container and its floral occupant together. Darth Strosius did notice how close Lady Madrona had drifted to Him in the process and did start somewhat, but otherwise kept Himself still for fear of rattling the gift too much. "Oh?" It was a long moment before her words finally filtered into His mind properly. "Oh!"

The masked man chose not to question the momentary disconnect between His hearing and understanding and instead continued on as seamlessly as possible. A task that was made considerably easier when Lady Madrona drew herself away and allowed Him to inspect the flower more closely. As she explained the flower in more detail, He listened intently with a gaze that slowly trailed from the container to the Neti and back again. The mention of Lady Madrona's powers in particular being part of the transference did catch Him off-guard however.

"Your powers and vision?" One might almost His question rather sheepish before He cleared His throat. "Rather..." He bit His tongue before He allowed the words 'intimate' or 'personal' to slip free. "...generous of you, Lady Madrona." That worked. "I suppose before I ask on the specifics of how you managed to imbue this item with such a capability, you aren't all that concerned that I might take advantage of such a boon?" The masked asked with a slight cock of His head.

Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

Noting his body language as they spoke, A’Mia thought it promising that things had grown easier between them. It hadn’t escaped her notice that he’d instructed his crew to be at ease too, and it seemed the Prophet was taking that to heart a bit himself. To his question, A’Mia smiled faintly— keen eyes gleaming with approval at the question he posed.

“I wish to understand you, and I’ve found that generally it means I must allow you to know me in turn. There is the possibility for you to abuse this gift, but that would be an important lesson, and a risk I’m willing to undertake for the benefit of union between our peoples. Consider this a test as much as it is a set of boons.”

 

[Darth Strosius]

Whether He was simply processing her words for some hidden truth or was stunned by the show of trust that the gift represented, Darth Strosius was silent for a few long moments. His gloved thumb idly ran over the container's surface as He looked over the flower within. "I...see." He wasn't quite certain if He did but He needed to fill the silence and stir Himself back to the moment He was in rather than getting lost in His own head trying to dissect Lady Madrona's intentions. A fruitless task really.

"Well, I guess it begs the question of what powers you'll allow me to explore using this then?" The Neti's abilities were still but one of many mysteries about her that He had yet to untangle fully. They had only fought together once before and He had been rather occupied with managing His own forces to really take note her performance properly. Of course she clearly had some level of experience with the more intricate and subtle arts of the Force but to what extent He wasn't certain.

Without a doubt she knew enough to be able to craft something like the gift He carried now at the very least. Even without attunement to it, as she called it, He could sense the surface of a deliberately woven artifact within the floral form. Darth Strosius was exceptionally curious as to how she managed such a feat of artistry but He would save that question for later.

Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

Energized by talk of the gift and the prospect of discussing theory with the man again, A'Mia's general bearing bloomed in response to his question. Her eagerness to share was already outshining any cautious concern that this trust budding between them might have been a bridge too far.

"The passive ability grants you access to communicate with me whenever you wish. A small thing perhaps, but more secure than Holonet and I thought you might appreciate the ability to initiate such telepathic discussion rather than I alone holding that power."

She doubted very much that this particular boon would be of much interest to him, however she'd forged a similar bond with Lysander von Ascania and the ability to connect with mere thought had proven useful indeed.

"As to the active boons, of which this item grants you thirteen separate twenty-four hour periods to access them, the abilities you'll have access to are as follows: increased healing factor which is not dependent on consumption of anima, access to my sight which includes Force visions and Shatterpoint, whilst allowing you to witness the Weave as I do, and lastly, the ability to heal others."

A'Mia paused briefly, eyes dropping to regard the flower in his hands again. Her expression was unreadable but in a rare show of more depth in feeling, the woman's tone lowered and became thoughtful.

"The use of these boons will draw directly from me and in that time, I'll exist in a weakened state. Force nullification will make most of the boons moot, and I am indeed trusting you to be prudent in your use of them."

Her eyes rose again, searching his mask as if the face beneath were visible to her.

"But I do trust that you will use this in moments it might turn the tied for you, so again, I say it is worth the risk. Not to mention, I foresee Wonosa benefiting from the diversification of their Prophet's power. This will merely reinforce proof of concept."

Darth Strosius​

 

[Darth Strosius]

He quirked an eyebrow at the idea of having a more streamlined method of communication but rather quickly bristled at the latter half of her remark. "I have no issues with telepathy!" The masked man huffed defensively, inclining His head slightly. "Just because I don't initiate conversations like that doesn't mean that I can't." The concept of doing so across seemingly any distance was of course far beyond His capabilities, but she didn't need to know that. His own pride wouldn't allow her to.

Darth Strosius perked up at the mention of the more active boons and found Himself very intrigued indeed, soothing His bruised pride almost immediately. While He didn't necessarily need another healing factor, having one without the need to use Anima was rather convenient and He could already picture how it might come in clutch in the future. The idea of having a different perspective on the Force was fascinating and definitely one that He intended to explore at least once.

While He had managed to peer through the eyes of another before, on multiple occasions even, He'd never done so with another Force Sensitive. Or well, not with anyone that knew how to wield such blessings at least. Quite the exciting prospect indeed, although He did His best not to appear too enthused. He did know how to heal others but such a power was reliant solely on His own health being robust and regenerative, another method to attempt it with was undoubtedly going to prove useful.

At the mention that such boons would come at a direct cost from the Neti herself, the communication inclusion suddenly made much greater sense. "Ah, right." He'd almost forgotten about that little quirk. "Have no fear, Lady Madrona, I don't intend on wasting these boons that you've given me so freely." Certainly not when they would be a detriment to her in the process. He still couldn't quite believe that she'd entrust Him with such a gift but He simply had to settle for Lady Madrona proving yet again to be the enigma that she was.

"Oh I'm certain that my followers will be delighted to see me with some additional abilities." The thought made Him chuckle but of course He had no intentions of making use of such a gift in the presence of His Wonosa. He did have an image to maintain after all, for better or worse. "Well then, I suppose that just leaves the question of attunement for this little 'proof of concept' of yours."

Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

His abrupt outburst regarding telepathy struck her like a rogue wave, and she was similarly as unperturbed as a rocky shoreline. One carved brow rose, but she seemed more curious than anything.

"Already we learn more about one another," she responded mildly before listening to him continue.

Unfolding her hands from behind her back, she stood a bit more at ease, ready to interact with him given the direction conversation was flowing.

"I'm well pleased to hear you think your kinsmen will enjoy your empowerment too," the fact he had no intention to reveal the use of these boons to them was beyond A'Mia's capabilities to discern in the man.

"As to the waning of my own powers when you access the boons? I do not fear for myself, nor should you. I am robust and have resource to lend. Should it ever be the case that I'm critically low on reserves, I might notify you. Otherwise, use this how you see fit."

She turned and began to walk again, leading them to a sturdy blast door. Again she placed a palm on a sensor and spoke in a voice like a thousand leaves blowing in the wind. The door slid open with a hiss and gave way to one section of A'Mia's labyrinthine headquarters of Spore Industries.

​

​

The air that greeted them was fresh and felt alive, bolstered by plants which lined neat cubbies in the wall and stood growing between large computer terminals and other such equipment. Initial impressions would give the sense of a perfect blend between natural elements and the cold sterility of a clinical setting. However, even the otherwise stark laboratory equipment looked a bit more merry than usual, bathed as it was in full spectrum light and surrounded by so much greenery.

A'Mia didn't stray far, approaching a tidy desk only ten paces inside as the door slid shut behind them. Clicking a kettle on, she pulled out a chair for him should he wish to sit and she took the other chair. Her keen eyes turned to him then, discerning and thoughtful. What she shared next was not likely to please Darth Strosius but there was no use coddling him.

"Attunement is a rather simple process, one that I will walk you through right now should you wish. If your reason for visiting need not urgently be addressed then this might well be the best time."

Leaning back in her seat, she created a bit more distance between them as she shared the process they'd undertake.

"Forgive me if you already know this, but many botanicals interact most thoroughly with their environment through touch. My sorcery and alchemy is thus, with my most powerful workings created through physical, then metaphysical connection."

Nodding to the flower in his hands, A'Mia completed her explanation in a far more serious tone than was normal for her.

"The most powerful and surefire way for you to attune will be for us to briefly meditate together, to connect both flesh and mind whilst I pass unto you the workings of this object. Put plainly, we will interlock our hands— our bare hands and through united focus, control over this artifact will become yours."

She waited, watching, with pristine posture and red-brown hands folded neatly in her lap, awaiting the discomfort or outburst or interrogation she felt likely to follow.

 

[Darth Strosius]

Behind His visor He fixed the Neti with a slight glare at the mention of learning more about one another, as though she was pleased by His little moment of self-consciousness. Darth Strosius simply added it to the ever-growing list of grievances that He had for her and carried on. He was somewhat relieved to hear that she would inform Him of inopportune times to make use of the boons, perhaps the main intended use for the passive communication that was offered if He had to guess.

The last thing that He wanted was to draw power from Lady Madrona and have her suffer from any complications as a result, and of course He didn't at all want a boon that He intended to rely upon to be inaccessible either. This gift was seeming more and more like a mutual tether between them and He wasn't sure why she'd ever want to craft such a thing. Let alone with Him of all people.

Regardless the masked man followed as Lady Madrona began walking once more, leading Him into what must have been some sort of research area given the equipment and terminals that they soon passed by. The plants providing rather pleasant air, which He could appreciate even through His mask's filters, was a nice touch. It gave the otherwise clinical space a more welcoming atmosphere which was perhaps the intention.

"Thank you." Darth Strosius slid into the offered chair and laid the data-tape atop the desk, choosing to keep hold of the item of the hour for the moment. "Of course, I didn't come on a matter of any great urgency." In truth a distraction from trying to discern the teachings of the Voss was welcome. If He had to try and decipher their enigmatic prose any longer He would be tempted to return to the world only to scorch it to ash simply for vexing Him so.

He nodded with her prompt explanation, physical manifestations and motions had always been a core part of sorcery and especially of alchemy. He doubted that the use of floral components or products would have been any different in that regard. The preface that she offered clicked into place more as a sort of subtle warning however when she relayed the attunement method fully. Darth Strosius went rigid at the implication, and then the outright plain statement, almost immediately.

His grip on the container visibly tightened enough that one could almost see distinctive knuckles pressing through His gloves as He took a breath. "I see." Surprisingly He sounded more aghast than insulted. As though appalled that Lady Madrona would willingly want to have such bare skin contact with Him, which He admittedly was. Darth Strosius opened His mouth to question such a method when their last meeting filtered into His mind. Specifically the ending of their conversation, the peck on His mask.

The Neti was simply unfamiliar with the full implications of such a gesture of course. Just as His initial assumption of her gift's purpose proved to be more useful and less sentimental in nature. Yet with the idea of them having to, for the lack of a better term, hold hands even when she knew how unsightly His appendages were was proving the coincidences to be something else entirely. If He didn't know any better then He'd suspect A'Mia of wanting to become rather, as His mother would have put it, 'familiar' with Him. But that wasn't possible. Right?

Surely not. He cleared His throat yet His next words were nevertheless faint and diminished in their tone all the same. "A-Are you sure? I'm-" He took another breath, His visored gaze unable to stay set on the Neti for the moment. "I'm not-my hands are-well you know. They're just-" Even through His heavy robes, His shaking was very apparent. "I-I wouldn't ask such a thing of you A'Mia, you shouldn't have to touch me. We can find another method-another way. I'm sure of it."

Madrona A’Mia

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

It was as she'd assumed, though not quite so angry or standoffish. A'Mia blinked, attempting to sort out just what he was thinking behind that mask of his.

"I…"

A'Mia paused, thinking carefully on her next words.

"I assure you, I meant no offense. This is just the most potent way to pass the flower into your possession."

Another pause, her eyes flickered down to her own hands— hoping in part to reduce the intensity of her gaze upon him.

"You've already given much for our project, I know. A limb, trust in my discretion, and doffing your armor… that I could obtain a proper scan. So, perhaps it is better for me to ask…"

Her blue-green gaze rose again, searching the lines of his metallic visage before extending her hands out before her and inquiring.

"Would you do me the honor of seeing this through properly?"