This Time, You Are Invited

[Kay-Larr]

Kay watched as [member="Connor Harrison"] seemed to be trying tea for the first time? The look on his face showed that he didn't really like it too well. She always had hers black, but everyone was different. "You might want to try stirring it, otherwise it'd get too sweet at the bottom."

She nodded at his statement of the hypocrisy of the Korriban situation. "I understand how you feel about being vilified for the actions of one person. The same was done to the Republic, while those accusing them of such an act had done far worse, razing planets and killing millions. But all that was okay for them as their acts of genocide were for their cause......Trust me....I know all about it."

Kay chewed the inside of her cheek at the thought of meeting with the Grandmaster. If she wasn't running Commenor then she might of said no. But such a thing couldn't really be kept between just Connor and herself. "If your Grandmaster wishes it, then we could schedule a meeting. Otherwise we'll just work it all out together."

 

[Connor Harrison]

Ah! So that was his mistake - he mouthed his apology and took a spoon to stir the tea as Kay spoke, the cup and spoon clanking gently.

"I always asked about what happened to the Republic, but never got an answer. Can you shed some light onto what brought them down? I still don't know to this day."

He sipped the tea, smacking his lips - the sugar dispersed perfectly around and balanced the taste to his liking. He nodded.

"That's better. Oh, and you don't have to meet him if you'd rather go through me. I can work with you and go back to Voss and lay it all out for him. I mean I'm sure he'd like to meet you at one point, but in your own time of course."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay nodded a little. "I don't know much as I was never really there in person, but it was the Roche incident that I told you about earlier that had made the downward spiral even deeper. Even though I negotiated and caved to their demands, it just wasn't enough. There were some in the Clans that let their blind hatred fuel their decision making, and so they attacked any planet that was a part of the Republic, and they did so in rapid succession. Soon it was too much to handle, the fleets were spread too thin, and then it all collapsed. Many worlds were tired of being targets for no real reason and so they all removed their support. For some of those planets....it saved them..."

She stepped over to the window then, not wanting [member="Connor Harrison"] to see her face as she struggled to keep her emotions in check. Thinking upon such awful times filled with needless bloodshed and lacking in common sense and compassion, it made her terribly sad and hurt. Her brows furrowed while she kept her eyes to the window and the gardens outside, waiting until she could find her voice again. "You may schedule a meeting. Perhaps my most trusted bodyguard and advisor [member="Veiere Arenais"] would like to attend. He is a Jedi and I know that soon after his exile, he spoke with one from your order for a time. Theodred was his name, I think. And if you could be there too, I'd appreciate it."

 

[Connor Harrison]

Taking a final mouthful, Connor set the tea cup down and wiped his mouth, and then followed her to the window, standing behind her and looked out, feeling her angst and worry for the future.

"Sometimes you question what’s it all for in the end. Most of those who actually control the tide of battle are the ones who are innocent in it all and pull support. Without them, you’re nothing, no matter how big your fleet or army is. It’s that sort of support and morale I’m out to fix to take a unified stand when the next Sith order rises from the ashes of the one before it."

What an outlook. Already it played out like a ticking time-bomb. He just wanted to be prepared for when the time reached 00:00.

"I will contact him at once and suggest a meeting." [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] was as busy as they come nowadays, but he would reach out to his Grandmaster and friend with, hopefully, news that would boost his outlook. "No problem for your aide to attend also. And Theo? Yes, I know him. He’s the Grandmaster’s son."

He stepped back, not wanting to make her feel intimidated.

"Would you like to accompany me? I would be happy for you to, if you wanted."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay nodded a little as [member="Connor Harrison"] spoke from behind her. She could feel him being near, but he kept a respectful distance this time. Maybe it's because he wasn't trying to press her for information. Or it could be because they were both feeling reflective. Either way, it was a nice change.

"I'm just sorry that the situation is happening again to someone else."

And then there was a change in tone. So Veiere had spoken with the Grandmaster's son? He spoke highly of Theodred, so that was a good sign. She turned around and nodded to his request. "Alright. I'll go with you."

 

[Connor Harrison]

Taking his com from one belt (wearing three had advantages, even if it looked excessive) he opened a line to [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] back on Voss.

"We’ve been through worse. I think. And either way, we just come out stronger, with good people like yourselves after the same thing we are."

He flashed a smile as the three chimes signalled the line was open.

"Thurion, it’s Connor. Sorry to bother you, but are you on Voss right now? Only I am with one Lady Kay, President of Commenor, who wishes to extend an arm of support for the Silver Order in exchange for our likewise support to her and her people. We’d like to touch base with you about this, and can do it in person or via holo-call if it’s easier."

Connor waited for the reply.

"If your bodyguard is around but my Grandmaster isn’t, we can conduct it right here if that suits you? As not to waste time in getting the ball rolling at least."

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Veiere Arenais"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay nodded. There were plenty of good people around. But recent events throughout the Galaxy has had others focus only on the bad people and what they were doing.

While [member="Connor Harrison"] sent word to [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] , Kay grabbed her datapad and wrote up a quick message to [member="Veiere Arenais"] .

~Veiere,

If you are able, please join me in the white meeting room. I have a representative of the Silver Order here. They may open an Embassy here and as you have spoken with their Grandmaster's son, it may help to have you with me.

Thank you kindly,

Kay~

She sent off the message and set her datapad aside. "Yes, you'd be a good representative. I'm sure that they'd trust your judgement. What is your position with them, if I may ask?" Kay had little idea as to what Connor's occupation was. And until now, he didn't know hers either.

 

[WolfMortum]

Oh but to have the patience of a Jedi's training; with all the talk of the embassies and those coming in to be stationed on Commoner representing their individual and from the sounds of it very different houses, Veiere was fortunate that he had the tolerance for it all. Delegating between spokesmen for those such as the First Order and the Mandalorian People for example had thus far only been successful in giving him a headache, alas there were needs to be met and being a 'peacekeeper' of sorts, he'd volunteered to step up for the task if it meant helping [member="Lady Kay"].

When Cillian brought word to him that his presence back at the Presidential Palace was requested by Kay herself, Veiere had to physical try not to show his relief, bowing to the group of people that he'd been talking with and turning away with little hesitation to fall in line alongside his pilot and head for The Vegabond. "One of these days you really ought to take a day off, you're beginning to look a little rigid lad" Veiere studied the young pilot with a slight look of concern though Cillian being the man he was, only retorted in equal measure; "You're one to talk Old Man, You're like a stick out of mud around all these people; I thought you hated Politics...". The look he was thrown in response, a half smirk though his eyes confirming the truth, Veiere really wasn't suited to all this though the help was needed and the possible benefit not just for Commoner but many of the systems around them was a fight worth fighting for. "Commoner might one day serve as a centerpiece between differing Government bodies often thought at odds with one another. If it means being able to even have the remote possibility of deterring another battle like Mimban then mine is a small sacrifice to pay" Veiere added rather 'matter of factly' as they moved to board the Freighter and set off for the Presidential grounds. "Right...-That's the only reason of course huh" Cillian piped in again from the pilots seat, his focus on the controls though not with out his sense of humor and like for taking small bites at the old Jedi's pride; "Fly the ship boy" Veiere spoke through a warm chuckle, "...Smart ass".

It had been some time since Veiere had traveled to Rhen Var to meet with [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] and the Silver Watch guarding their district of the Orders territories. It had been an eye opener to say the least and as always Théo had been very welcoming, especially as he knew that Veiere had been cautious having been told that there were those with an affinity or alignment rather to the Force that didn't necessarily coincide with the former Jedi Order; regardless of his concerns, he'd gone into the venture unbiased and found them to have been very hospitable. It was unfortunate that it was during the time between the battles over Mimban and Deneba; followed by the failings of the Third Jedi Conclave where Veiere had been forced to step away and resign his ambitions and hopes for a prospective future. As the Vegabond touched down with the docking bays floor, Veiere was already on the move, the landing barely having lowered, he began to move down it and outside to where he was greeted by one of Kay Larr's people who would lead the Jedi to where she currently was along with her guest, [member="Connor Harrison"] .

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

It was nighttime on Voss when the call came from [member="Connor Harrison"]. Waking up from his slumber within the warm embrace of his beloved, he had half a mind ignoring the call entirely. Still, curiosity got the better of him and it soon turned into the nigh-impossible task of wriggling out of bed without waking up [member="Coci Heavenshield"] in the process. Placing a soft kiss upon her forehead before carefully slipping out of her embrace, Thurion stepped over to the table to find his communicator.

"Connor," he whispered to himself upon noticing who was calling. Looking back at Coci still asleep under the covers, he decided to step into the other room to not risk waking her up. As the bright lights came on in the other room he had to cover his eyes to void being blinded. Finding a chair to slump down into, he answered the call.

"Thurion, it’s Connor. Sorry to bother you, but are you on Voss right now? Only I am with one Lady Kay, President of Commenor, who wishes to extend an arm of support for the Silver Order in exchange for our likewise support to her and her people. We’d like to touch base with you about this, and can do it in person or via holo-call if it’s easier."

While Connor spoke Thurion let out a big yawn, covering it up with his hand so it couldn't be heard. "Sure, I don't see why not," came his simple reply, not really able to muster a more diplomatic answer at the moment. Another yawn before he elaborated. "Connor, my trust in you is marrow-deep. If you have a good feeling about this then by all means. You may commence negotiations on my behalf, and on the behalf of the Order. Please give [member="Lady Kay"] my regards for her kindness."

His head turned towards the doorframe where a barely dressed Coci now stood with a sleepy smirk on her lips. "Thurion, out." Dropping the communicator where it may fall, the Grandmaster rose from his seat to rejoin his wife in the warmth of their bed and the love of her embrace.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor stood, looking out of the window, and smiled. One because he heard he had woken the Grandmaster which was always amsuing. One because had probably annoyed Coci in waking said Grandmaster. One because he could conduct this as a representative of the Order on his own. He signed off.

"I'm sorry Kay, I think our Grandmaster is currently...occupied. Timezones and all that, but he has given me full permission to conduct this on his behalf and of the Order. He sends his warmest wishes to you, and thanks for giving us this arm of friendship."

He turned as he heard others beyond the door and went to stand a little closer to her to answer her question.

"I'm the resident rogue of the Order. Bend the rules a little, break a few boundaries, but I get the job done and I do it for the right reasons. Officially, I'm simply a Master and standing founders of the Order."

He leaned a little closer.

"And you? What ARE you? Really. President or someone doing a job until something else comes up suited for someone rescuing slaves?"

The cheeky smile indicated this was meant as nothing but affection and amusement at their previous encounters.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Veiere Arenais"] | [member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay got the reply from Cillian that [member="Veiere Arenais"] was on his way. Good. She could use his input in these negotiations, though she hardly thought that there'd be much for them to argue about.

She looked to [member="Connor Harrison"] as he relayed his own message from [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] , bowing her head. "You may tell him later that he's most welcome."

And then Connor stepped towards her, explaining his occupation within the Order. A rogue? One that bends the rules? Kay raised a brow as he spoke of getting the job done, and all for the right reasons. It made her wonder how far that he would go, or how far he had been.

Kay blinked as Connor leaned over, getting onto the edge of her personal bubble and enquired as to what she was. His cheeky grin just caused her to smirk, setting her datapad down before she folded her arms across her chest. "Just a rogue like you, or a rebel. I bend the rules, push the boundaries and all for the right reasons." Maybe that was a hint at her being a Force User like himself? Or perhaps she was only implying that she didn't quite follow the rules as they were meant to be followed. It could be interpreted either way and she had still kept her promise to the Elders of not lying about her secret.

 

[WolfMortum]

"Thank you, I will be fine from here..."

Veiere watched as the assistant moved off to return to their typical duties; the people seemed to jump at the chance to help him in whatever his needs were and though they were kind, by now Veiere knew the run of the place like the back of his hand...-He'd spent more time here than anywhere else, including the estate he called home these days. He was a humble man, at-least he thought himself to be and though he tried to be tolerant of those that were serving under [member="Lady Kay"], some walked as if they had something lodged in an incredibly uncomfortable manner; acting in similar fashion as if all the small problems in their lives were world-ending..-Everything had to be done perfectly and on time with no chance of error. Theodred had warned him how unnerving and tense matters of political nature could become, Veiere had even agreed with the lad and yet here he was, somehow a Jedi taught to steer clear of the very business that seemed to be his livelihood these days. Naturally there were only few reasons why any man would pursue a business that they didn't feel confident or gifted in; they either had no choice or there was a woman involved...

Reaching for the door, he opened it and stepped on in through; he was expected and initially there was little need in his mind to knock. His eyes however landed on the pair of them and tilting his head marginally to the right, he fought the urge to let his heart speak in place of his mind; instead clearing his throat softly before speaking up to announce himself and greet the pair; "Madame President" He acknowledged her by her title in the presence of someone who he only knew to be a delegate from another interested organization. The Silver Jedi Order, or the Silver Sanctum Coalition as Theo had referred to them back on Rhen' was a very large organization or perhaps better compared to that of a governing body. He who represented them before Kay and himself, [member="Connor Harrison"] would be offered a formal bow as was the Jedi Custom that Veiere had been raised and trained in, speaking again in presumed title "Master Jedi". It might have seemed somewhat strange to Kay though such was the way that Veiere knew to acknowledge another of the Order who's name he wasn't familiar with, "It is good to meet another from the Silver Order.." He stepped further into the room, closing the door behind him to ensure their privacy remained; "I am Veiere Arenais. I trust I'm not interrupting".

 

[Connor Harrison]

Maybe he had the wrong impression of Kay; she certainly was a mysterious one. She’d be a worthy ally indeed. As he was about to speak, the far door opened and they were joined by another whom he assumed was the advisor and bodyguard.

He looked like a noble fellow, probably one who had led many in battle but had a strong heart and down-to-earth with years of experience showing his the contours of his face and beard. And he had a strong aura, like Kay, but Connor didn’t mention it.

"Please. Call me Connor. Pleasure to meet you Veiere." He said, extending his hand for a shake. "No interruption at all. I’m here representing my Order to discuss with your President the request for an embassy or place of study here on Commenr. Safe to say we are eager to build alliances and strengthen trust in these…difficult times."

[member="Veiere Arenais"] | [member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay looked to the door as [member="Veiere Arenais"] walked in. She smiled and bowed her head to him in greeting. He addressed her by her title, which she certainly picked up on. That was fine though as she wasn't very candid with [member="Connor Harrison"] yet anyways.

"This is a good place to start, Connor. Others will be able to see what you have to offer the Galaxy and that the actions of one doesn't represent a group as a whole."

Her eyes then fell upon Veiere. "Have you heard or read about what happened on Korriban? It's very similar to Roche. And I would hate to see another beacon of light crumble." Like the Republic did...

 

[WolfMortum]

Veiere could write a monologue on the subject of the Republic and their disorder and incapability to defend themselves, on a united front the Jedi could have done more in his mind than what had been left to them and yet his attempt to bring them together had fortunately been returned in such criticism that Veiere had been pushed away weeks before their inevitable collapse. Though [member="Lady Kay"] hadn't said it, the Republic had been the bulk of their experiences together before moving to Commenor (a mere after-thought at the time). "Truthfully, I know little about neither Roche nor Korriban aside from the latter's history..." He spoke almost reluctantly, his mind moved to that of Mimban where the Republic had sought to defend it from the Mandalorian and their Mercenary Allies however; if it were anything in comparison, after seeing the fighting first hand there, Veiere wouldn't have needed much to picture the losses. Looking to [member="Connor Harrison"], he asked gently so not to step full foot into the business of the Silver Order without invitation yet to sate his curiosity and hopefully not offend the other, "Am I to assume that the Coalition had a foothold there?" he then glanced back to Kay and lifted his head in a half nod, a faint curl to the corner of his mouth in subtle warmth; "You certainly have me curious, now".

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor raised his brow at the mention of Korriban - like walking on eggshells with that planet at the moment.

"Well," he said, "we did. We liberated the planet a while ago in a hope to cleanse it from the Dark Side that held it and corrupted it. But then the Sith Order came knocking without an invitation, and things got out of hand. A certain commander in our fleet decided to bomb the hell out of the city. 10,000 or so dead in a heartbeat."

He gave a long exhale and small shrug.

"We've apprehended the one responsible and have a trail imminent, and we are doing what we can to re-build broken alliances and forge new ones. Which brought me here, to your Lady President here."

With a gracious nod, he acknowledged Kay.

"What resources would you like us to establish here? We can provide any and all sorts. Teaching, military, research and development. Anything."

[member="Veiere Arenais"] | [member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay was glad to hear that the rogue that bombed the city on Korriban had been caught. Hopefully it would be enough.

"You're certainly welcome to put up a Temple or an Embassy or both. We have our own military, but perhaps you can help our research and development teams. Most of our University courses fall in line with the arts and politics, but you'll be able to offer more and I trust that what the Commenori can learn from you will not harm them." Better to be taught by a good organization, rather than a bad one. Yes, she let some dark governments establish Embassies here, but that was a part of being a neutral planet. You had to deal with both sides.

[member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Veiere Arenais"]

 

[WolfMortum]

Korriban sounded like no small incident indeed; Veiere's hand rose to stroke the left side of his beard, his eyes shifting to that of [member="Lady Kay"] in a moment of brief consideration. [member="Connor Harrison"] seemed to own the tragedy without focusing too much on it at the same time; the skills of any good representative, he supposed. Ten thousand dead and by the actions of what sounded like a decision made too quickly in haste; Veiere took a moment to feel sympathy for the one responsible, assuming that they would be living in hell within themselves after such an act. Pushing it aside from his mind for the time being however, Connor had asked what resources Commoner might want in exchange for their support and potential alliance. It was a clear question with an easy answer in Veiere's mind. "What kind of support might we expect from the Jedi. I'm aware that not all of your personnel follow the same path nor are all them force users, though Commoner isn't outside of it's own potential catastrophes and having the Jedi of the Silver Order willing to come to our aid in the hour of need would do me some great personal comfort...".

He then turned back to offer a second glance to Kay, dipping his head in brief yet formal respect having spoken first when the question had been directed to she herself; his words however weren't spoken but rather passed on through the use of telepathy to her. "Forgive me, my Lady; I know the reach of a Jedi Knight and though I've seen only a portion of this Order in the past, I am confident in their integrity. My first priority remains with you, yet should we ever face another army like the Sith Empire...", the sentence did not need finishing. Veiere was only one man, though a trained Knight of the former Jedi Order, he knew the reality of his position and it's limits. His focus would always be with Kay and that restricted the defense he could provide the Commenori People. The Jedi, had always been keepers of the peace and though mistakes could and had been made; Veiere trusted them regardless.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor felt the connection between Knight and President, and glanced out of the window for a moment to give them their…moment without intrusion, which confirmed Connor’s earlier suspicion and his main thought all along.

After a second, he responded.

"You will have all the support you wish, both diplomatically and in your military. We have ambassadors who cover all areas; healing, teaching, research and development of technology and ships, our Antarian Rangers and a fleet to rival that of any opposing foe. What you need form us, we can provide and will be there to call on should you need us. It’s as simple as that."

[member="Veiere Arenais"] | [member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

It seemed that [member="Veiere Arenais"] knew more about the Silver Order than Kay did, which was not surprising. She wondered if she even knew anyone else of their Order besides [member="Connor Harrison"] . That was certainly a possibility as she knew a vast array of people.

The suddenness of Veiere's voice in her mind caught her off guard. Rarely had she had such a conversation take place in such a way. Was it to be the new norm? Probably not. It'll only be circumstantial. Kay didn't respond in any vocal or thought manner as she was more focused on keeping her Force signature small. Instead she merely nodded, as if returning the bow of his head.

Kay turned her attention back to Connor. "Thank you, Connor, that's very generous. What is it that you would like from us in return?" Surely just an Embassy and being an ally wasn't enough.