Private Trouble on Denon

[Vess Sadragen]

Vess raised an eyebrow slightly at the mention of assassination attempts. "Sounds like there's a story there maybe not a pleasant one." The latter part was a quick addendum, giving Valery an out in case it was a sensitive subject.

She stood, gathering her cup from the table along with a couple of portable terminals. After placing the cup in the sink, she wandered over to where they had piled the wet clothes yesterday. She tried to open a small locker, but the door was bent. Instead, she gave it a hit on the side, and it popped open. Retrieving a bag slightly larger than the one she had used yesterday she stuffed the terminals inside, along with a small metal box she dropped into the bag.

"You mentioned a first pregnancy got a few kids?" she thought a moment, she never even considered to ask about Valery's age, not that it mattered in any way, she was kind and pretty and seemed to genuinely want to help all of those were very rare and you had to jump at those chances. She carried the bag into her bedroom and started stuffing clothes in it. She didn't have much to her name but that was by choice to be certain hard to steal from her if she had nothing of value.

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons Double-Bladed Lightsaber

Valery nodded, "Between being hunted and having terrorists blow up a train in an attempt to kill me, unpleasant is one way to name it." Despite the serious tone, Valery chuckled and watched as Vess began to pack her things. She assumed it'd be some clothing and maybe some tech, but the metal box that was slipped into her bag came as a surprise. Something personal, perhaps, so Valery decided against prying too much.

When her kids were mentioned, Valery smirked.

"I've got quite a big family. Vera was my first, but then I was blessed with triplets. Since then, we've adopted two, and one other was born." Which made for 7 kids in total and quite a difference in age gaps, especially with her adopted daughter being much older than the triplets and Eryx.

But she loved having a big family.

"I'm sure you'll meet some of them. Vera, Aris, and Colette are all training to be Jedi, too."

Vess Sadragen​

 

[Vess Sadragen]

She listened while finishing packing her bag, stuffing it full of clothes. As Valery spoke about her children, a sharp whistle escaped her lips. "Yeah, that's a big family for sure. Sounds nice," she remarked, her tone casual, though in truth, she felt more than a little jealous. She had been on her own for as long as she could remember, with no memories of her parents or any siblings. Taken in by street gangs and raised on the streets, not really a way for anybody to grow up.

She emerged from the bedroom with her bag slung over her shoulder and made her way back to the table, setting it down gently on the floor. Once again, she took a seat across from Valery. When Valery mentioned her children learning to be Jedi, a smile tugged at her lips. "Force talent runs in the blood, huh? It'll be fun to meet them." Her tone was light, she wondered what her children would be like then spoke up. "Well, all packed then."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons Double-Bladed Lightsaber

"The kids mean everything to me, but they definitely keep me busy." Handling one Noble was demanding enough, but an entire horde of the little gremlins could be challenging at times. Luckily, three of her kids were a bit older now, so they weren't as demanding as the triplets and the baby.

Most of the time.

When Vess returned with her packed bags, Valery watched her place them down and smirked, "There's a higher chance when a couple is Force-sensitive, but there's no guarantee. One of the triplets isn't Force-sensitive, for example." In a family with so many powerful Force Users, Valery knew it'd become a subject to talk about when she got older.

For now, she wanted the kids to enjoy being kids.

"Alright, looks like you're ready to go. Been to Coruscant before?"

Vess Sadragen​

 

[Vess Sadragen]

Vess smiled warmly as Valery spoke of her family and how one of her children wasn't Force sensitive. Though she didn't know much about Jedi or their families, the idea still surprised her. In her limited experience, she'd assumed that all Jedi families passed down their abilities, almost like a legacy.

"I didn't realize that could happen," Vess admitted, her curiosity piqued. "I guess I thought it would always run in the family." She glanced at Valery's expression, noting the care behind her words about her children.

Vess stood and picked up her bag and adjusted the strap on her shoulder, she added, "But it's good that they can just be kids, right?" There was a moment of silence before she continued, the thought of the iconic city-planet suddenly coming to mind. "Actually, no, I've never been to Coruscant. Only heard about it in stories. I imagine it's as overwhelming as people say." She looked back at Valery with an intrigued smile, the thought of visiting such a place stirring both excitement and nervousness in her. "I guess nothing for it but to go and see if it lives up to the hype."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons Double-Bladed Lightsaber

Valery's amber eyes softened as Vess spoke, and she nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's good for them to just be kids for as long as they can. Life has a way of getting complicated too quickly." Her tone carried a note of quiet reflection before she shifted her focus back to Vess's curiosity about Coruscant.

"You'll see for yourself soon enough," Valery replied with a small smirk. "It can be overwhelming, but there's something fascinating about the sheer scale of it all. The endless city, the life... it's unlike anywhere else in the galaxy."

---

The shuttle came out of hyperspace with a brilliant flash, followed closely by the smaller ship carrying Vess. Before them stretched the sprawling, glittering expanse of Coruscant. The planet-city was a breathtaking sight, its surface blanketed in countless layers of bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and endless streams of speeder traffic weaving through the sky.

"Welcome to Coruscant," Valery said over the comm, her voice warm and steady.

Guiding Vess through the atmosphere, Valery maneuvered the ships toward the Jedi Temple, an unmistakable beacon amidst the chaotic cityscape. The golden glow of its spires reflected the setting sun, casting long, serene shadows over the surrounding district.

As they landed on one of the designated platforms, Valery stepped out of her ship and waited for Vess to join her. The air was filled with the hum of speeders and the distant murmur of city life, but the Temple grounds remained a sanctuary of calm in the storm.

"Here we are," Valery said, gesturing to the grand structure. "The Jedi Temple. There's no place quite like it in the galaxy." She glanced at Vess, a curious smile on her lips. "What do you think so far?"

Vess Sadragen​

 

[Vess Sadragen]

Vess sat forward as the shuttle dropped out of hyperspace, her breath hitching at the sight of Coruscant from orbit. The planet glimmered like a jewel in the darkness, its surface an endless sprawl of lights and structures. She stared, wide-eyed, at the patterns of life visible even from space.

As they descended, the atmosphere flared around the ship, and the city's vastness grew more tangible. Skyscrapers pierced through clouds, and speeders darted in intricate patterns. The closer they came, the more her senses were overwhelmed by the sheer scale of it all the hum of activity.

When the Jedi Temple appeared, rising above the chaos, Vess suddenly felt very out of place and very small. The structure radiated peace and power, a stark contrast to the frenetic energy of the city below. As she stepped onto the landing platform, her boots clicking softly, she turned in place to take it all in. "It's... unbelievable," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Her gaze drifted up to the spires, their golden light reflecting the setting sun. "I've never seen anything like this. Denon is a city planet but this? and the Temple... it's something else. Like it's watching over everything."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons Double-Bladed Lightsaber

Valery's smile deepened at Vess's awe, her amber eyes reflecting the warmth of the Temple's golden spires. She stepped to Vess's side, letting her gaze follow the younger woman's upward. "It does feel like that, doesn't it?" Valery said softly, her voice carrying a sense of reverence. "The Temple stands as a symbol of hope and peace for the galaxy. No matter how chaotic things get, it reminds us of what we're fighting for."

She gestured toward the main entrance, her movements fluid and inviting. "Come on, let's head inside. There's so much more to see." As they walked, the hum of the city faded behind them, replaced by the tranquil atmosphere of the Temple grounds. The soothing sound of fountains and the faint rustle of Coruscanti wind against the surrounding gardens enveloped them.

Inside, the grand halls of the Temple opened before them, sunlight streaming through high windows and casting intricate patterns on the polished floors. Jedi of all ages and species moved through the space, their robes marking them as keepers of peace and knowledge. Padawans hurried to lessons, Masters spoke in quiet tones, and the occasional Knight strode with purpose toward unknown missions.

She glanced at Vess, her smile softening. "I know it can feel overwhelming at first, especially if this is all new to you. But the Temple isn't just a place of history and duty. It's also a sanctuary — a place to find balance and strength."

Valery led her down a quieter corridor, the air here calmer, almost meditative. They stopped in front of an expansive window that overlooked the city below. The golden hues of the setting sun bathed the skyline.

"This," Valery said, gesturing to the view, "is one of my favorite spots in the whole Temple." She turned to Vess, her expression more serious but no less kind. "You'll find your own places here, too. And your own reasons."

There was a moment of quiet as Valery let the view speak for itself. Then, with a faint smirk, she added, "But first, I should probably show you the training halls. Or perhaps the dining hall?"

Vess Sadragen​

 

[Vess Sadragen]

Vess leaned against the window frame, her green eyes roaming over the sprawling cityscape. The endless streams of speeders and the glimmering lights stretching to the horizon felt surreal, like she had stepped into a holodrama. "I don’t even know how to describe this," she admitted, shaking her head with a small laugh. "It’s like the whole planet is one giant machine, but it’s... alive. I don’t get how it all works without falling apart."

She turned back to Valery, her lips quirking into a wry smile. "And this Temple? It’s got this... I don’t know, weight to it. Not heavy, but... like the air’s different here. Am I just imagining things?" She gestured vaguely around her, clearly unsure how to articulate what she was feeling.

As Valery spoke about balance and sanctuary, Vess nodded slowly, though her expression was skeptical. "Balance, huh?" She rubbed the back of her neck, glancing back out at the skyline. "I don’t think I’ve ever felt balanced in my life. Maybe that’s why this place feels so... weird. Like it’s trying to calm me down or something, but I don’t know how to let it."

When Valery mentioned the training halls and dining hall, Vess laughed, a genuine, warm sound that seemed to break through her awe. "Training halls or food? You know, I should probably say training halls to look like I’ve got my priorities straight, but after that flight, I’m starving." She grinned, a flicker of mischief in her eyes.

As they started walking, Vess took in the high ceilings and polished floors of the Temple with casual glances, though her fingers brushed against the smooth walls every so often, like she was grounding herself. "You weren’t kidding about this place being big. I’d probably get lost if you left me here. Are there maps? Like, actual maps, or is this one of those 'figure it out with the Force' deals? Because I’m telling you now, I’m not ready for that."

Her tone was light, but there was an undercurrent of curiosity and a hint of nervousness. Coruscant and the Temple were so far beyond anything she’d ever experienced, and while she was overwhelmed, she didn’t want to admit it outright. Instead, she let her casual humor fill the gaps where her words faltered.

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons Double-Bladed Lightsaber

Valery smiled at Vess's awe, her gaze flicking briefly to the Coruscant skyline before settling back on the younger woman. "You're definitely not imagining it," she said, her tone light but understanding. "The Temple has a way of grounding people. It's like it's alive with all the history and the Force flowing through it. But yeah, it can feel a little… overwhelming at first."

As they walked toward the dining hall, Valery's smirk widened. "Food first, then training. It's important to keep your priorities straight," she teased, glancing at Vess with a glimmer of amusement in her amber eyes.

At Vess's comment about maps, Valery laughed softly, shaking her head. "We do have maps, but getting lost is part of the experience. You'll find your way before you know it. Just avoid ending up in the restricted archives accidentally. The Librarian doesn't take too kindly to newcomers there," she added with a wink.

The buzz of the dining hall grew louder as they approached, the scent of food wafting through the air. Valery gestured to the bustling room ahead. "Here we are. Let's see if today's menu is kind. Either way, you'll be fueled up and ready to hit the training halls after."

Her smile softened as she glanced at Vess. "You're doing fine, by the way. Don't let the size of this place or the 'weirdness' of it throw you off. You're exactly where you're meant to be."

Vess Sadragen​

 

[Vess Sadragen]

Vess stepped into the dining hall beside Valery, her pace steady, but her senses on high alert. The space was open, structured, filled with movement nothing chaotic. Even in a place meant for downtime, the Jedi moved with a quiet sense of purpose, a rhythm that felt almost mechanical in its efficiency. It was a stark contrast to the places she was used to, where movement was dictated by impulse, hunger, or survival.

She kept her hands tucked into her jacket pockets, fingers brushing over the familiar edge of her tools a subtle reminder of something solid, something she understood. This place, though? It felt like an entirely different kind of system.

Her eyes flicked across the room, picking out patterns. People grouped together naturally, but with a sense of order. No one jostled for space. No one lingered too long in one spot. Conversations were muted, lacking the usual edge of tension or bravado she was used to in cantinas or back-alley meeting spots. Everything here operated on an unspoken set of rules, and she wasn’t sure yet if she was meant to follow them or simply stay out of the way.

Vess barely resisted the urge to cross her arms over her chest, opting instead to keep her posture loose, unaffected. She wasn't about to let on how out of place she felt. But there was something else, too an odd undercurrent in the air, just beneath the surface of sound and movement. She didn’t have the words for it, but it pressed against her senses in a way that was both unfamiliar and unsettling.

Her gaze lingered for a fraction of a second on a group of Jedi seated near the far end of the hall, their presence different from the others. They weren’t just Padawans they carried themselves with more certainty, more control. Knights, maybe? Masters? She didn’t know the ranking system well enough to be sure, but the way the space seemed to shift subtly around them didn’t go unnoticed.

She glanced toward Valery, watching how she navigated the space, how effortlessly she fit into the flow of it all. Vess followed her lead without a word, adjusting, calibrating, making sure her presence wasn’t disruptive. She wasn’t here to stand out.

She was here to figure things out.

Valery Noble