To Master Grayson

[Quietus]

@[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

I wish this note could reach you during a more opportune time. I imagine that with the tensions running high between the Republic and the Mandolorian Contingent that the Council has been quite busy. Unfortunately it is these rising tides that have finally pushed me to contact you.

Your name was given to me by Jedi Master Diana Moridena, and it was with her complete faith that she recommended you as a competent contact within the Jedi Council should she be out of reach. With war brewing on the horizon and pressing on everyone's thoughts, I find myself seeking guidance in these troubling times, especially now after what appears to be a large rift forming between the Republic and the Jedi Council. My people have grown wary that with this shift we and our neighboring systems may fall victim to negligence.

I humbly request your audience and ear and eagerly await your reply.

Lady Lorelei Darke
Sovereign of the Kuati Systems
CEO of the Kuat Drive Yards

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

Well. A giant Mandalorian fleet over Coruscant wasn't something that could easily be missed.
With due diligence, the blonde Councillor of Reconciliation replied to the CEO. Negligence was not something The Republic could afford. Which was why the restoration of Ahto City had been paramount. The Republic needed the confidence and backing of the masses beneath it's umbrella.

Lady @[member="Lorelei Darke"],

Thank you for taking the time to contact me, and I will of course grant you an audience. As Coruscant's traffic regulations are somewhat limited at this time, I will deploy for Kuat immediately. Please grant for three days travel time.

Kiskla Grayson
Jedi Council
Councillor of Reconciliation

As soon as the correspondence was sent, she prepared her things to deploy for Kuat. They were a powerful ally, and if they were uncomfortable, that was not good. In fact, she'd already done business with their Senator Beswin; it was strange that she wasn't the one that had brought the concerns forth. Perhaps this was march larger than she was aware.

Nevertheless, the blonde Jedi had Crimson II prepared for deployment and met flight control to make the appropriate arrangements for entering, and leaving Coruscant's space.

 

[Quietus]

"DiVanca, you'll be greeting Master Grayson when she arrives at the Drive Yards. I don't want there to be a scene and I want her escorted directly to my office ....DiVanca? ...Miss Leonardi," Lorelei looked up from her desk and the massive pile of datapads piled there. Ever since the shadow of impending war the Republic had been knocking down her door for their orders.

Trouble was no one expected the Mandolorian Inquisition and, simply put, their orders weren't ready.

"Your Highness?" a timid reply came from her right, "...it's Lacey....Lacey Hardt? I replaced Miss Leonardi two months ago." The impish woman offered a wary smile and a delicate cough.

The Queen blinked, "Of course you did, why weren't you answering me? When I tell you to do something I expect a reply."

"Yes Your Highness," Lacey replied.

Lorelei eyed her as though the girl had walked in wearing a blue chiffon with red pumps and dared called herself a fashionista. Truth be told, Lacey's apparel tastes were clean and chic, just as the Queen preferred, but one couldn't bother with such things in a time like this, "Better," she quipped, "now, as I was saying-"

"Meet Jedi Master Grayson at the arrivals port and escort her directly to your office. No fuss, no crowds, no media. I've just finished sending her access codes. Shall I contact Senator Beswin notifying her of the Master's visit?"

"Heavens no," Lorelei scoffed, "Senator Beswin has much more important things to tend on Coruscant. I can't imagine how she's getting anything done with a Mandolorian fleet hovering over her head and Jedi Temple Womprats running amok. Thank goodness the Princess left last week. What a dreadful mess."

Lacey made a noncommittal noise and nodded.

"Shall I make arrangements for your meal to be taken here during the meeting?" Lacey tempted, lifting her stylus to her datapad to mark the necessary boxes.

"Yes, but keep it light. And no wine. Now where are the reports on the Sector Patrol?"

"Here, Your Highness."

"Tell DiVanca I want patrols doubled while there's any sniff of Mandolorian war ship in Republic space. Send the teams out to make sure the sensor buoys are fully operative and bring in the projects and employ from the outer shipyards."

"Yes, Your Highness. Shall I put up GNN? They may have some further insight to what's going on over Coruscant..."

"Yes. That's all," a dismissive handwave sent her Assistant off and Lorelei released a terse sigh. Behind her the din of the Galactic News Network pinged in details of the movements over Coruscant and she wondered for just a moment if at one point her son had ever watched the GNN reports about Kuat during the Clockwork Rebellion. This was all feeling a bit too familiar. A bit too repetitive. Three days couldn't pass quick enough.

@[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

Negotiating with flight control had been difficult, and Kiskla had to maneuver her ship beyond the reach of the Mandalorian's oversight. It had been tricky, but with a thick cloak she belched into space to the co-ordinates that @[member="Lorelei Darke"] had relayed to her. Kiskla had never been to Kuat before, and this was one of the reasons she enjoyed her diplomatic advantage. Although she had never been trained as a consular, a silver tongue came easily to her. And the ability to travel was more than welcomed.

Time in space was the only time Kiskla spent meditating in a chunk. After three days alone with her thoughts, however, she had decided that the impending war held a gravity the Republic didn't understand. The Mandalorians were not like The Repubilc; their way of life was war. They would rather exercise their will than have an alliance, most likely.

Those thoughts severed, however, when her hyperdrive cut short and the ship slowed to enter Kuat's atmosphere. A staticky transmission broke her airwaves, and the woman had her pilot reply with the landing codes that had been granted her. Without hesitation, other than confirming the purpose of her visit, the planet's orbital defences lowered to grant her access.

They passed over the shipyards, and Kiskla curiously peered below. Machines were whirring and building things of beauty; which served as a pleasant reminder for the importance of The Republic and Kuat's agreement. With a whine of the engines, the ship quivered to a stop, and the ramp lowered for the blonde to descend to the planet's surface. The landing pad was in solace, and only a single person was to greet her. It seemed Kiskla had an inclination for clandestine meetings, and she dipped at the waist in salutations to the woman the Queen had sent for her.

Lacey pleasantly nodded her, and began to escort the Jedi to where the Queen was patiently waiting. All the while, Kiskla's curious eyes never stayed still; it was part of her training after all.

 

[Quietus]

OOC - Sorry, had a very busy week!


"It was not the Queen's intentions of publicizing this meeting for reasons I am sure you are aware. We have no intentions of spreading word of war or instigating panic in the people, even if your presence here would stand as a great comfort," Lacey smiled and her expression was one of bright intelligence. They walked a paved pathway along the rolling private estate of the Queen, and when they reached the back entrance of the manor a primly dressed butler greeted them with a sweeping bow.

"As always, we are happy to receive any of the Jedi Order, but most greatly enthused that a member of the High Council would meet us when even arranging an audience with the Chancellor is next to impossible these days," the blond sniffed over a small frown, but her enthusiasm persisted. She lead the Jedi Master through halls decorated in the rich history of Kuat; House shields, tapestries, portraits of the former reigning aristocracy, antiques and artifacts of the past, works of art, carvings, sculptures, images of the Drive Yards in various states of development. The floor was polished tiles of ebony, columns of deep red and gold stood like guards at attention, rays of sunlight slashed across their path and passerby of the Queen's various employ nodded respectfully, several spared a second glance at the Jedi.

"You know," Lacey glanced to Kiskla with a hint of wonderment, her voice hushed, "you're the first Jedi I've ever met. I shouldn't be bothering you with this, the Queen would be furious if she knew I even thought to ask, but is it true what they say...Jedi can move things with their minds? Oh - this is it."

"Miss Hardt, Master Grayson," another butler of alien origins bowed and directed them through a doorway to the right, "a light lunch will be served during the meeting. Enjoy."

The solar that greeted them was quiet and subdued despite being rather expansive. The walls were lined with a rare curiosity: books, as well as their more current incarnations of holo-articles. The furnishings were made of lacquered wood and housed an oddity of trinkets. Windows lined the far end, bathing the room in a warm afternoon glow. To the left the Queen rose from her seat at a table and looked upon Kiskla with a hint of expectation.

"Master Grayson," Lorelei greeted her with a thin smile, her tone was low but commanding, enough to snap Lacey into a straight-backed stance as she allowed Kiskla the floor, "welcome to Kuat and to my home. I cannot thank you enough for answering my call. I understand you departed from Coruscant? It must have been very difficult, taking leave with the state it's in. You have my deepest gratitude for your efforts."

[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

Spoiler

No worries! May's a busy month

Kiskla listened to her escort's pleasant chatter with enough interest to be considered polite. Especially since she was apparently the first Jedi the woman had ever met. Awe was a wonderful thing to experience, and to think she could inspire anything like that in someone? Well she best make a good impression!
She was about to speak, or demonstrate when they had apparently arrived. And there was going to be food! Awesome. Sometimes she loved her job. Or, at least the perks.
As soon as the butler opened the doors for her entrance, her light eyes were assessing the space. Not to scrutinize the décor, but rather to see if there was any room for surprises. No offense to the queen, but she'd been trained to distrust. To find exists. To evaluate threats and potential hostages. As of yet, things seemed in order. Her scan wasn't distracting either, for the most part it looked as if she were admiring the room's antiquities.

"From what I've seen, you have a lovely home your highness." Kiskla dreaded the day she became queen, and would have to do as queens do. Rule. Her waist bent, and she dipped respectively before erecting her spine once more. It wasn't often Kiskla came across a woman her height, but the lady of Kuat was also quite statuesque with her stature -- that would help for discussion purposes. No neck aches.

"I do what I can when I'm asked to be somewhere." She replied simply enough. She didn't betray Coruscant's defences, nor undermine the Mandalorians this way. She just spoke the guarded truth about her response rate. Not one to beat around the bush, she alluded to [member="Lorelei Darke"]'s initial correspondence. "Especially when there's unease among The Republic's nations." Should she start looking hungry now? When could they eat?

 

[Quietus]

Unease indeed.

The Queen smiled thinly, her eyes making note of the other woman's poise.

"You must be hungry," she said after a few moments of silence, smile stretching momentarily as she motioned for Kiskla to join her at the table, "no sense speaking politics on an empty stomach."

Lacey joined them quietly, large brown eyes trained on the Jedi Master expectantly.

Food and drinks served, Lorelei took a minute to gather her thoughts. When she finally decided on where to begin, her green eyes settled on Kiskla, intense and unflinching, "I believe you have already shared words with my Senator, Miss Alena Beswin, and I am relieved to know of your involvement with the Senate to that degree. Recently there have been further slights against the Jedi Order within the Republic - Beswin's attempts to integrate the Order into the Republic's defenses were met with a great deal of negativity. While I have come to understand that the Jedi are not soldiers to be ushered around at the Republic's whim, it troubles me that some form of more official arrangement cannot be met."

"My greatest fear, grown by the more recent heinous events that have taken place within Republic territory, is that the Senate will alienate the Jedi Order from their numbers. My doubts do not lie in the Republic's ability to buffer the enemies they meet on even ground ... my doubts remain in their ability to handle the enemy that has the higher ground. I think you and I both know our history well enough to realize that this peace we are experiencing with the termination of The Sith Empire is but a solemn breath before what may be a very dangerous storm."

[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

Kiskla welcomed the invitation to fill her stomach, and open her mind and mouth. She obliged all too cheerily, and took a seat across from Kuat's radiant queen. A few mouthfuls in, and it was down to business. While Kiskla chewed thoughtfully, [member="Lorelei Darke"] explained her doubts to the councillor. With a swallow, Kiskla began her shpeel, perhaps playing more cards than she would have preferred, but Kiskla liked to appear as transparent as possible, especially when dealing with such an important member of The Republic.
"The grounds the Jedi stand in within the senate were rocky for some time, this is true. However, Senator Beswin made that an open discussion where a Republic army officer was able to voice his opinions.

The Jedi have always been rather mystical to those who do not understand The Force. Any sign for potential is seen as a threat. That which is not understood, is a threat. Unfortunately, within The Order there has been some misunderstanding. Leadership has been handed over more than once in a lifetime, which is most unusual for the position of Grandmaster. With these transfers of ownership came to fruition different ideals of The Jedi within The Republic.

As it's come to pass I've been given a great deal of authority recently, and with this I intend to define who the Jedi are, and where they stand when it comes to their integration with The Republic's military. I assure you, Lady Darke, that I will do whatever is in my power to make sure the Jedi and The Republic see cohesion as soon as possible. If we're hollowed from the inside, it doesn't matter how thick our skin is.

But you didn't just call me to voice those concerns, we both well know The Republic's tumult. I'm not a senator, and I'm not the Supreme Chancellor. What can I do for you."

 

[Quietus]

>_> Whoops. I swear I'm not senile.


"Assurance," the Queen began, having taken to sipping that viscous dark liquid from her wine glass while the Jedi Master spoke. Expression stoney, she gave no inclination to approval of the other woman's words, "something I cannot seem to get from the Republic. For as long as Kuat has stood by faithfully, loyally to their cause, we have been nothing but slighted for our efforts. In our dire time of need, the Republic fled and left us to the mechanical wolves of Omni. My people have lost faith in the machine that was created to grant them peace and protection. I cannot assuage their fears with the Republics name anymore, and this puts me in a terrible position as Sovereign of this planet."

"If I cannot, and do not, do everything within my power to protect and prepare my people for the horrors of this impending war, then I have no right to sit on this throne. I want assurance, Master Grayson, that Kuat will not be abandoned as it was years ago. You understand the implications of being the largest ship yard in Republic space, in most all the galaxy for that matter. We are a target for our enemies, Master, whoever they may or will be. My people know this better than most. Better than the Republic itself, it seems. What you can do for me is offer this planet and my people the protection of the Jedi Council. I want one of your High Council members here, on this planet, to see us through what could undoubtedly be some very trying and troubling times. I understand that a single Jedi Master, though brave and powerful, is not enough to fend off a war front, but the mere presence and assurance that the Jedi Council has our best interests at heart, enough to station one of their best here, would be a great comfort to myself and my people."

[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

A strange request indeed.
Kiskla folded the napkin on her lap into a square and thought about what [member="Lorelei Darke"] was asking for.

The Jedi council was torn already, [member="Darron Wraith"] was heading the temple on Tython, and [member="Talon Vosra"] was looking after Ossus. She couldn't have them abandon their students -- especially not in this time when they were so actively needed in the trenches against The One Sith that sought to purge them from existence. [member="Ben Watts"] was her right-hand man, she needed him to be mobile; and besides, Kuat didn't seem like his sort of place -- he was too hippy for that. That left [member="Phylis Alince"], a remarkable councillor in her own right, but far better suited to the archives and furthering the curious natures of minds keen to learn.

And herself? As Master of The Order, she needed to be mobile, ready to activate to all stations and whims of her Order and The Chancellor.

"The council is spread thin." Kiskla admitted, after turning over names and scenarios in her mind while silence had hung between the two women of respective power. "With the Sith threat at large, we need to remain mobile and lead by example to the rest of The Order -- stationing a councillor in a single area that is not an academy of knowledge and furthering studies of Padawans isn't a promise I can make. Not at this time." She shook her head, perplexed by the strange request still -- there had to be another way. The Republic needed their allies, The Republic needed support and understanding and it appeared that Kiskla was being painted into a corner. She was unfortunately young, inexperienced and rash with her decision-making. This is why she needed Ben and the rest of the council -- if she could perhaps buy herself some time. "I would like to discuss it with The Council before I commit to a positive or negative response. They are wise and problem-solvers after all -- unless you have another option you're willing to explore.

The likelihood however, of a councillor being a protective overseer is unlikely. The new Chancellor has the best interests of others at heart, and will conduct protective services in the way you agreed to when joining The Republic. Of that, I am confident."

 

[Quietus]

"I see," the Queen replied, tone flat, expression grave.

"I cannot rely on the face of a new Chancellor to sway my people. Especially not one that is untested and inexperienced in his role. Until such a time that the Senate makes the effort and the Chancellor proves his worth, I will not deign to place my faith in unproven promises. Kuat has lost enough of its children to that already."

How many times did they expect her to believe that the Senate had anything but it's own best interests at heart. If the new Chancellor was the one to change her mind, then he had his work cut out for him. The Queen Darke would not be swayed by pomp or show.

"If the Council cannot spare one of its own from within its numbers, is there another Master you could recommend? I would have asked after Master Moridena personally, but to my understanding she has been outcasted from the Order, and while I have complete personal faith in her alone, if the very Order she stood for does not value her, then I'm afraid her presence will be moot."

[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

Spoiler

My bad this time!!

"Master Moridena's leave was self-imposed during a confused time. She still holds the respect of," Kiskla shook her head at the countless numbers that were left in awe at the woman's bladework "many." Perhaps she had been offended by Kiskla at one point, when the girl had been searching people's opinions of The Order -- that thought had never left Kiskla's suspicions, but to be so offended by a single person was not likely; so the blonde didn't pursue it.

"From what I understand, however, she's in a place that she loves and thrives in. Considering the recent defection of her closest friend, I’m unsure of her state right now. I wouldn’t suggest moving her though.” Kiskla tapped her fingers against her thigh in thought. What [member="Lorelei Darke"] was requesting was large and weighty. Reaching into the pockets of the Jedi’s arsenal would be difficult in this time; but if she didn’t The Republic would be the ones to suffer.
"You want a Jedi for protection. Precognition is the greatest protection I can offer you, your highness. There is a Master who would well suit your needs. Her name is [member="Erinyes Draclau"], a seer of the Order with accurate depictions.
I don't want to refuse your request because of the respect and repercussions-- but I do request that if Master Draclau is to take up residence here that she can leave upon my, or the Council's request.

Of course I'll have to convene with her."

 

[Quietus]

"Oh...." came a muffled sound from Lacey Hardt, the young woman touched her hand to her lips, "fascinating."

Lorelei lofted a brow at her Assistant and seemed to consider this. Fascinating indeed. A Draclau Jedi. She made no mention of the fact that the Draclau name was one of significant familiarity to her, as such things rarely mattered at this point in her life. The implications of a Seer in her midst would prove most interesting.

"Yes," the Queen replied, "yes I do believe that would more than suffice. Of course I'm not asking any one Jedi to make Kuat their new permanent home, I'm simply seeking their presence and guidance while the peace of the Republic space is under threat."

[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

[member="Lorelei Darke"] wasn't the only one who quirked a brow at the assistant's noise. She'd been almost afraid in the beginning, and had been strikingly silent up to this point. Suddenly this seemed worth commenting on. Interesting indeed.
The blonde remained focused, however and nodded succinctly "Excuse me," she removed her hand from the table to type on the belova bracer on her right arm. It was a message to [member="Erinyes Draclau"] to see if she was available for a call.

"I'll reach out to her now, your schedule is likely pressing and I'd like you and your people to feel safe as soon as possible." She dipped lightly at the waist "I'll be back in a moment, I'd just like to speak with Master Draclau before making a solid promise." A pleasant smile graced her lips and she pushed her chair back, stepping from the room just around the corner. After all, Erinyes was a seer -- would she be expecting the call?

 

[Erinyes Draclau]

While Erinyes was indeed a Seer, unfortunately, that did not make her aware of the entirety of the Galactic events at a moments notice. Her apprentice, [member="Jannik Morlandt"], on the other hand, might be more keen on receiving far more frequent and vivid visions.

He had such a raw talent for a young man his age without prior training. Erinyes would muse that perhaps it had something to do with his bloodline.

Nonetheless, the comm call would stir the exiled Princess of Lao-Mon's attention. Within moments, the shimmering blue image of the woman would appear before Grand Master [member="Kiskla Grayson"].

A soft incline of her head, and a cordial greeting would follow. "Greetings Grand Master Grayson."

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

The clairvoyant's silhouette flickered on the back of her forearm, and Kiskla nodded in salutations to her fellow Master, [member="Erinyes Draclau"].
"Master Draclau, glad you received my call. I've a rather unique situation on my hands." She didn't waste time, and immediately dove into the predicament "The High Queen of Kuat is requesting Jedi aid during the war time. She's offering a comfortable position for a state of omnipresence. With your abilities, I felt you an appropriate candidate.
This would be with your consent of course, Master Draclau."

 

[Erinyes Draclau]

Wide green eyes would give a slow blink at the request made by @Kiskla Greyson. Her mind would mull over what she knew of Kuat and her Queen. Coming to the fore was the most pressing incident at the Senate almost a year ago, culminating in the suicide of a former Senator of Kuat who, if she recalled correctly, had been removed from his position due to the anti slavery motion he’d set forth. For an economy and culture revolving around slavery, it was a most delicate issue.

Erinyes had yet to travel to Kuat, and while she spent the majority of her time on Ossus, perhaps this could be an opportunity to grow. Her padawan [member="Jannik Morlandt"] might also see this as an opportunity.

In her mind, several thoughts would swirl. Possibilities. The Force would reveal it in time.

An incline of her head stated her acquiescence to Kiskla’s request.

“I shall do as thou requests, Grand Master Greyson.”

 

[Quietus]

"How exciting," Lacey commented in a soft tone once Kiskla had exited the room, "to have a Jedi Master here."

"Indeed," the Queen replied, lifting her glass for a short drink.

"Forgive me," Lacey began, a bit stronger now, unsure under the Queen's narrowed gaze but too excited to hold back, "your Highness, forgive me, have you met many Jedi before?"

Lorelei considered this question and her answer carefully, and after a moment she gave a short nod, "I have met many, Miss Hardt, in my years serving Kuat. We played host to a small group of them when my husband was alive, many years ago. They are kind, hard working people, make no mistake, but still people all the same. Behind the robes and the mystique, they are much more like you or I than we often think."

Lacey nodded, her smile spreading, "but they can use the Force. Did you ever see them do it, you Highness? Ever see them-"

"The Force is not a plaything, child," Lorelei quipped, her eyes watching the doorway for Kiskla's return. She frowned slightly, "it is a tool and a weapon, capable of helping just as many lives as it is capable of ending. If we are to play host to the Jedi again, Miss Hardt, I want you to remember that. The Force is to be respected. You don't ask the Nexu to use it's claws just because it can."

"I understand. I will not bother the Jedi, your Highness, I swear it," Lacey nodded to herself, hands in her lap now, as though that settled her curiosities. She sighed, content, and looked around eagerly for the Jedi's return.

Watching the girl, bemusedly, Lorelei sighed and rubbed at her brow, "Pour the Master Grayson more tea, Miss Hardt."

"Yes, your Highness."

[member="Kiskla Grayson"]