Private The Olive Branch...

[Kel Se'Taav]

THE OLIVE BRANCH
Shatterpoint, Pt. I​

Tags: Valery Noble

Location: Alliance Parliament, Abregado-Rae
Timeline: Three weeks prior to the Battle of Tython
Music: The Tower​

"This is a diplomatic transmission for Jedi Master Valery Noble,” Kel Se'Taav said as his protocol droid recorded the message.

"I've a matter of utmost importance, one that I believe would be a welcome start to soothing the tensions between the Jedi and the Alliance. I would provide more information if I could, but in light of recent events on Coruscant, I feel that we should conference in person. Should you wish to discuss this matter with me further, I invite you to visit me at your earliest convenience on Abregado-Rae. My assistant, E-3PO, will transmit you directions to my offices should you accept my invitation.”

The Senator gave E-3PO a curt nod, and the recording was complete.

"Shall I send this straight away, Senator?" the droid asked, tilting its head slightly. Kel nodded again.

"Yes, please do, E-3. Thank you."

Kel stepped away from the droid and walked over to the sliding glass door that separated the senator's office from a balcony that overlooked the busy square below. Emissaries, diplomats, and representatives bustled about, busy with the logistics of the battle to come: the Battle of Tython. The senator had been made aware of the Maw's plan to invade the ancient Jedi world of Tython just days ago, and already it seemed the entire galaxy knew about the looming battle. The last few months had undoubtedly seen some of Kel's most eventful experiences during his tenure as the Senator of Abregado-Rae. He was no stranger to challenges, but he was a much older Bothan now and felt the strain of all the excitement in his muscles and bones.

The senator rubbed a hand over the scar on his right arm, a shallow gouge that he could feel beneath his sleeve as he ran his fingers over the wound. Blaster fire, during the Hutt's attack on Coruscant. A stray bolt had caught him in the bicep, burning away a sizable chunk of flesh. A young Jedi Padawan, Anneliese Kaohal, healed the wound, restoring his muscles nearly to their original form. He smiled, wondering where she was now that the Maw's plan had become common knowledge.

"Senator, your transmission and directions have both been sent successfully to Master Noble," E-3 said from inside the office before shuffling across the room and out onto the balcony.

"I'll keep your inbound channels open."

A cool breeze swept past the face of the Parliament building, blowing Kel's hair around gently as he peered at the city before him. He thought of the people on Tython, many of them packing their lives up and preparing to leave for stars-know-where. Some would be looking for places to lay low, hoping the mongrels of the Maw wouldn't find them. Others were preparing for war. He'd read a report that a militia was forming to support the Alliance forces and the Jedi when the Maw reached Tython.

E-3PO broke the silence after several moments had passed.

"You seem troubled, Senator," the droid said, cocking its head to the side. Kel shook his head dismissively.

"Not worried, E-3, just... focused," he replied, not taking his eyes from the horizon.

As a Senator, Kel was largely disconnected from the Alliance's war machine. Sure, he commanded the standing forces that defended Abregado-Rae, but he couldn't risk pulling his planet's defense force to fight in a war that was - to the common Abregadan citizen - so far away. In truth, Kel felt rather useless, standing on the balcony. As he'd been told many times over by his colleagues and fellow senators, his pen was his mightiest weapon.

And if that was the case, he'd put it to use.​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Location: Abregado-Rae
Appearance: Link
Outfit: Factory Link
Weapon: Double-Bladed Lightsaber
Ship: Link
Tag: Kel Se'Taav

With the great battle of Tython approaching fast, Alliance personnel and Jedi were all busy preparing themselves for a fight beyond any they had seen before. Tython had never been of any strategic value, so its defense required the military and Jedi to divert a lot of resources and prepare an otherwise calm and peaceful planet to become a battleground. As one of the prominent leaders of the NJO, Valery took part in this and ensured Jedi were all aware of the various objectives planetside and helped them prepare in the difficult days before the storm.

However, while she had planned to remain on Tython until the battle started, a call from a Senator came that piqued her interest. Her interactions with politicians after her time in stasis had been extremely limited, so it was a good opportunity to work on that relationship and listen to the man's matter of trust at the same time.

So without any hesitancy, she accepted the offer and traveled to the core world where he'd be waiting.

...

"Transmitting clearance codes," Valery said after ground control had requested them.

"Codes check out, please proceed to the landing zone."

Valery let out a soft sigh and took her X-wing down through the atmosphere and to the landing pad close to the parliament. A pair of fighters escorted her along the way but without any problems, she made her landing and climbed out of the cockpit. Because she represented the Jedi today, she had chosen against more formal clothing — she was dressed in her typical outfit and even had her weapon attached to her belt. Of course, she'd be willing to give it up if they asked her.

Making her way over to the building, she spotted someone on the balcony above and figured it was the Senator. She hadn't met him before and simply kept walking for now. It was only when she was allowed into the room with him that she stopped and greeted him with a respectful bow of her head.

"Senator Se'Taav, it's a pleasure to meet you."

 

[Kel Se'Taav]

The sliding doors to Kel's office slid open with a gentle whoosh as the Jedi entered the chamber. The senator stepped inside from the balcony, the glass panels closing behind him as he approached Valery. He returned her bow earnestly, before saying:

"Master Noble, the pleasure is mine. Please, sit,” Kel said, waving a hand to a nearby sitting area that featured several armchairs and a glass coffee table adorned with a potted succulent.

Kel followed the Jedi and took the seat opposite her.

"I appreciate your willingness to convene with an old man like myself, especially considering the matters on Tython you're undoubtedly overseeing.” Kel began.

"As you're aware, Master Noble, it has been quite some time since the Senate has entertained any official business with the Jedi Order - barring the Alliance's involvement with Tython, of course.”

The Bothan held Valery's gaze for a moment before continuing.

"I'd like that to change,” he went on, "in a way that encourages fair diplomacy and friendship between the Alliance Senate and the Jedi Order.”

Kel paused, gauging Valery's disposition towards the Alliance and allowing her a moment to question him if necessary.​

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Location: Abregado-Rae
Appearance: Link
Outfit: Factory Link
Weapon: Double-Bladed Lightsaber
Ship: Link
Tag: Kel Se'Taav

At his gesture, Valery made her way over to one of the armchairs and briefly turned to the table to pour herself a cup of hot tea. If it was going to be an interesting discussion, she'd at least make herself comfortable.

"I appreciate your willingness to convene with an old man like myself, especially considering the matters on Tython you're undoubtedly overseeing."

"It's not a problem at all, Senator Se'taav," Valery said before she carefully took a sip from her tea, "The efforts on Tython are running smoothly, so they can easily miss me for a few hours, or even a day." She hoped to reassure him a little.

"As you're aware, Master Noble, it has been quite some time since the Senate has entertained any official business with the Jedi Order - barring the Alliance's involvement with Tython, of course."

Valery nodded, "It's something that has at least been the case since I got out of stasis, and that's quite some time ago now. But if it's something you'd like to change, I'm more than willing to listen and offer my perspective," the woman said before she allowed the silence to linger a moment longer with another sip of her tea.

"The safety of the Alliance is a lot easier to guarantee when their working relationship with the Jedi is good. So I'm quite curious if you have any ideas as to how to get things to change?"

 

[Kel Se'Taav]

Kel smiled as Valery reassured him. He felt guilty calling the Jedi away from her duties on Tython, but it was a necessity if he wanted to mend fences between the Senate and the Order. After sipping her tea, Valery broke the momentary silence that had beset them:

"The safety of the Alliance is a lot easier to guarantee when their working relationship with the Jedi is good. So I'm quite curious if you have any ideas as to how to get things to change?"

"I feel the same as you, Master Noble,” Kel started with a nod.

"Things like this take time of course, but I’ve begun working on something that I believe would be a step in the right direction,” he said with a sincere smile, "and a well-overdo show of good faith on part of the Senate.”

Kel paused, reaching for a datapad. He passed it over to Valery, its screen displaying the rough draft of some kind of relief plan. While it was clearly in the beginning stages of development, enough of the plan was formulated to get a clear picture of its intent.

The Senator shifted confidently in his seat before elaborating.

"Lending the Jedi on Tython our soldiers is noble, but we can do better. That is the Tython Refugee Relief Act,” Kel said, gesturing to the datapad.

"The goal is to support the citizens and Jedi of Tython after the battle is over, regardless of the outcome. The Relief Act would guarantee secure housing, food, water, medicine, and support for the people of Tython, Jedi combatants included.”

"I’ve begun compiling a list of suitable host worlds for supporting the refugees. I took the liberty of meeting with Parliament here on Abregado-Rae to model the logistics of the Relief Act, and we’ve found it relatively simple to enact; Needless to say, Abregado is ready should the Act pass in the Senate.”

Kel glanced at the coffee table, an apparent shroud of shame coming over him. After a moment of silence, he continued:

"Far too many times have the Jedi selflessly defended our galactic society from the terrors of the Dark Side. So long as I’m in office, I’ll do my best to make sure you’re not doing it thanklessly.”

​

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Location: Abregado-Rae
Appearance: Link
Outfit: Factory Link
Weapon: Double-Bladed Lightsaber
Ship: Link
Tag: Kel Se'Taav

"Things like this take time of course, but I've begun working on something that I believe would be a step in the right direction," he said with a sincere smile, "and a well-overdo show of good faith on part of the Senate."

He certainly heightened the woman's curiosity with that, so she accepted the datapad with a smile and began to look over the relief act he was trying to get off the ground. While she read through the draft he had made, she listened to his explanation as well — a relief act for Tython much like the efforts they had gone through for Jedha. But with Tython's location and historical meaning to the Jedi, it was quite a different story this time.

"This is... perfect,"

Valery looked up at the senator and offered him a warm, genuine smile of gratitude. It wasn't just the gesture towards the Jedi that she appreciated, but the fact people, regardless of who they were, would get the help they needed after the battle.

"Have any other Senators expressed their thoughts about it already? Or is it something you haven't shared yet?" she asked, some excitement clearly audible in the way she spoke. But when she noticed some shame in the way he looked, Valery let the moment of silence linger until he felt ready to continue.

"It is appreciated, but not something to worry about too much — the Jedi will do what they've always done either way. What I appreciate most of all is just support to make a difference in the war, as well as for the people affected by it. I don't need recognition or a thank you if I know that we can keep people safe."

 

[Kel Se'Taav]

“This is… perfect,” Valery said as she read over the draft.

Kel felt better already. He wasn’t sure why he felt the burden of the galaxy’s disposition toward the Jedi was his to bear, but he felt it’s weight nevertheless. To hear that Master Noble not only approved of his plan but absolved him of the past was deeply relieving. Realizing he’d let her question lapse in the silence of his contemplation, Kel cleared his throat and regained his composure.

"Have any other Senators expressed their thoughts about it already? Or is it something you haven't shared yet?"

“The latter, I’m afraid,” Kel answered.

“The Senate has been very preoccupied recently, as you can image. Between the Hutt attack on the Senate complex and now the Maw converging on Tython, there’s been little thought to anything beyond rallying the troops.”

“I’ve only had the liberty of sharing the draft with a few other senators, and they voiced their support of the act. Some have even elected to help get it off the ground, namely Senators Ashanti Chandra of Coruscant and Xasha Callisto of Constancia. There’s a real chance that even the Corporatists can’t keep this from passing the Senate. There’s too much at stake if if fails, too many lives lost.”

Kel reached for the teapot and offered Valery a fresh cup before pouring himself one. He sipped the steaming liquid and nestled back into the armchair, crossing his leg. He looked at the Jedi Master sitting opposite him and gave her a solemn nod.

“Things on Tython are going well, you say? As well as they can, I mean.”

He knew as well as she did the Alliance and NJO had less than ample time to respond to the Maw’s invasion. It would take an enormous amount of effort and cooperation between not only the Jedi and Alliance High Command, but with the other Galactic powers who’d offered their support against the Maw as well.

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Location: Abregado-Rae
Appearance: Link
Outfit: Factory Link
Weapon: Double-Bladed Lightsaber
Ship: Link
Tag: Kel Se'Taav

As much as she would have loved to hear that this plan had been elaborately discussed and supported, his answer was to be expected. All eyes were currently turned to Tython, but with preparation and imminent war in mind. This also included her own, so the fact at least someone was already thinking about the aftermath and the people who were going to need help was quite heart warming.

"I can't blame anybody for being focused on the incoming attack, but I'm glad to hear you've already gotten some support. Especially since you're still in a draft stage... and you already have two other senators who offered their help." She smiled warmly and accepted the fresh cup of tea, which she raised to her lips for a sip, before settling it down in her lap.

"I also believe you have something here that many more will support, and I'm very grateful for it. If there's anything I can do to help in the process, feel free to contact me at any time. This extends to the future — I'm more than willing to be in contact with the senate to help with coordinating efforts between the Alliance and Jedi. Or just to maintain a working relationship."

It was her first time really dealing with politicians on such a scale, but she figured this was the right time. Her position in the Galaxy had changed greatly after her stasis. In the past, she had been a leader of a small Enclave but now, she felt responsible for so much more.

"Things on Tython are going well, you say? As well as they can, I mean."

Valery dipped her head, "Despite the losses on Empress Teta and Foerost, the Jedi and Alliance military is holding up well. We're not going to let them break our hope and will to fight in defense of our people," the woman said with confidence and determination in her tone. "Preparations are in their final stages too, so it's going to be a matter of waiting soon."

"The calm before the storm."

 

[Kel Se'Taav]

“The calm before the storm.”

“Indeed,” Kel said in agreement.

He was no stranger to war, nor were his people. The Bothans have found themselves a part of many major conflicts in galactic history, though their most notable duty had been undertaken during the Galactic Civil War. A team of Bothan spies managed to liberate a copy of the infamous Death Star’s schematics, bringing about an end to the superweapon. Kel himself trained as an agent for the Bothawui military as a young man, following in the footsteps of those brave Bothans before him. It was this background that made him both an effective senator and a respected commander.

Kel sipped his tea, ruminating on the rocky relationship between the Jedi and Alliance. Though tensions hadn’t been addressed in some time, since the Battle of Jedha to be precise, it was still undoubtedly awkward between the two factions to say the least. Kel recalled stories from his childhood of the brave Jedi Knights and Masters who’d acted as peacekeepers during times of galactic rest, and served as noble generals during times of war.

He longed to honor the Jedi for what they represent in the galaxy: The constant resilience of the Light Side, hope, and prosperity.

”Perhaps that’s what the Jedi named their temple for… their unending, unfaltering prosperity…” Kel thought to himself. He took another sip of tea before continuing the conversation.

“As I said before, the logistics of the Tython Relief Act are quite simple to orchestrate for citizens and soldiers. The standard supplies, fresh food, clean water, and safe housing are already taken into consideration and accounted for. Medical supplies, clinics for the sick, bacta for the wounded, too. But I’d like to ask, Master Noble, without seeming insensitive or ignorant, what provisions would your fellow Jedi require in terms of aid?”

Kel understood the Jedi experienced the galaxy in a unique way, one that he never would. He wasn’t sure if they would need specialized care, treatment, or aid once the dust settled on Tython.

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Location: Abregado-Rae
Appearance: Link
Outfit: Factory Link
Weapon: Double-Bladed Lightsaber
Ship: Link
Tag: Kel Se'Taav

"Perhaps that's what the Jedi named their temple for… their unending, unfaltering prosperity…"

Valery smiled at that and raised a hand to tuck some loose strands of hair behind her ear, "Maybe, but the Jedi can only ever stand strong when the people are behind them. We bring peace and prosperity to the Alliance together," the woman said with a soft smile before she briefly focused on her drink, and enjoyed the taste of the warm tea.

Her eyes only shifted back up when he asked a question, and she hoped the soft smile on her features would make sure he didn't feel like his question was rude or insensitive.

"We really only need the essentials. Food, water, shelter, and medical aid for the injured. Nothing fancy and certainly no special treatment is needed," Valery said with a dip of her head. "Especially in times of war, we shouldn't be asking for too much. Not when people lose their homes, their families, or their own lives."

"Treat the Jedi the same way the civilians and soldiers are treated. That would already be greatly appreciated."

 

[Kel Se'Taav]

“Ah, pardon my verbiage, Master Noble. I didn’t mean to insinuate the Jedi need special treatment, only that should the Order require any specific forms of aid, the Act would provide it as well,” Kel said, a tone of embarrassment in his voice. He cleared his throat, redirecting the conversation.

“Yes, well… Nevertheless, I’m proud to say that the Tython Relief Act will provide equal support to the Jedi, the refugees, and Alliance combatants indiscriminately.”

The senator took a final sip of tea before placing the empty cup onto a saucer. He gestured to the datapad in Valery’s hand.

“I plan to present the draft to my colleagues once again before we bring it to the Senate for deliberation. If everything appears in order, I’d like ask your blessing as a member of the Jedi Council. Your endorsement of the Relief Act will go a long way. I’m sure of it,” Kel said with a smile.

Though he tried to remain placid during such meetings, the Bothan’s excitement was easily noticeable. Valery could sense how much the Tython Relief Act meant to him.

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Location: Abregado-Rae
Appearance: Link
Outfit: Factory Link
Weapon: Double-Bladed Lightsaber
Ship: Link
Tag: Kel Se'Taav

"Oh it's quite alright, Senator Se'Taav," Valery said with a warm smile — his verbiage hadn't upset her, nor did she believe that he was insinuating anything about the Jedi. If anything, he seemed determined to make the public perception of Jedi better. "I only mentioned it because I want to make sure nobody within the Alliance feels Jedi are ever elevated above others. Even if that's not intended, the public can still view it that way if we're not careful."

At the end of the day, the Jedi never viewed themselves above others. They were taught to conquer arrogance and use their connection to the Force to help others. But sometimes the Jedi needed help as well, but not to an extent above and beyond what civilians or soldiers were offered. But with that cleared up, the woman turned her gaze back to the datapad and smiled.

"You have my blessing to propose this to the Senate when the time is right, Senator. Of course, I would love to see your proposal when it's finalized as well, but I'm quite positive that you can count on my full support with it." She offered the datapad back and with a final sip from her tea, she finished up her cup.

"Thank you for wanting to help make a difference with this. I'm very grateful."

 

[Kel Se'Taav]

Kel smiled and nodded, glad to have cleared up any miscommunication between him and the Jedi Master.

"You have my blessing to propose this to the Senate when the time is right, Senator. Of course, I would love to see your proposal when it's finalized as well, but I'm quite positive that you can count on my full support with it."

The senator allowed a sigh of relief to escape his lips. Not that he thought Valery would've disapproved of the Tython Relief Act, but because of what such a gesture would mean not only for the Senate and the NJO, but the galactic community as a whole. In times such as these, with the ravenous Brotherhood at the Inner Core's doorstep, the people needed to see that the Alliance was whole and looking out for their own. Kel stood from the chair, flattening the wrinkles in his pants with his hands before extending his arm for a shake.

"Thank you for coming to see me on such short notice, Master Noble. Once the draft is finalized, I will transmit it to you for a final review before we present it to the rest of the Senate. After that, well... we shall see what the galaxy decides is best."

Valery Noble