Private A good Diner

[Aileen Yssah]

It's been a few days now since I returned to Obroa Skai. I decided to take a little break in a world I know well; I have a small apartment here where I store medical supplies and various books on the subject. They're fascinating, but right now, I have questions that a book can't answer.

Without further ado, I take out my own datapad and contact someone named Valery Noble. She claims to be a GrandMaster. GrandMaster of what, I'm not sure, but she might be able to help me with some information I'm looking for. I send her a message on my datapad saying this:

"Dear Valery,
It would be a pleasure to meet you on Obroa Skai at the Ashen Ale Cantina. I admit I have a few questions for you, and your help would be most welcome. How about discussing it over a nice meal and a good drink? It's a place I frequent often, and it's quite good, too.
If you agree, I'll be waiting at the back table in three days in the evening. Oh, and bring a warm jacket; the climate is harsh around here.
Thank you for your attention.
Yusa."

I then place my datapad in my bag and go back to my work, reading through medical notes and reports scattered here and there. Despite the mess, I can find my way around it all.

Three days later, I'm determined to go to this meeting. I hope my contact will decide to come. Maybe they'll suspect a trap? Maybe not; it depends on their nature, but what I want to share with them affects us all.

I step outside in just a T-shirt, despite the freezing cold, using tapas to withstand the extreme chill, and head toward the cantina, the Ashen Ale. It's aptly named—smooth and warming from the inside out! Ah, they know how to make it right here.

I push open the cantina door and greet the bartender.

"Hello, I'd like a table for two, please."
"For two? But you're all alone, Yusa."
"My guest should be here soon, I hope."
"Well, you're the one paying anyway."
"Exactly!"

I go to sit at the table he points out, placing my bag against the windowsill. I like this spot because it's quiet and secluded, and I can watch the snowflakes fall for hours. I really love Obroa Skai—for its scenery as much as everything else.

My eyes drift between the door and the menu, and I make a little bet with myself. "Will they come? Will they not?" A smile spreads across my face. Something that could surprise my interlocutor is the strength of my aura, I think she wouldn't have much trouble finding me.


Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

The snowy winds of Obroa Skai bit harshly at Valery's skin as she stepped out of her shuttle, even through the thick, fur-lined jacket she wore. The climate here was an unforgiving contrast to the warmer environments she usually found herself in, but the chill didn't bother her much. A faint smirk tugged at her lips as she adjusted the collar of her coat and set off toward the Ashen Ale Cantina.

The message from "Yusa," as she had signed off — had piqued her curiosity. It wasn't often someone reached out with such a mysterious but polite invitation, and fewer still claimed they had information of great importance. Whether it was genuine or a ruse, Valery intended to find out.

The glow of the cantina's sign came into view, a warm beacon against the stark white backdrop of snow and ice. She pushed open the door, and immediately the rich aroma of spiced ales and roasted food greeted her. The low hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses filled the air, giving the place a lively but cozy atmosphere.

Valery scanned the room, her amber eyes quickly locking onto a figure sitting by the window. Aileen was exactly where her message said she'd be, her aura unmistakably strong, standing out like a beacon even amidst the casual din of the cantina. The Jedi Grandmaster let her senses guide her fully now, noting the calm but resolute energy emanating from the woman.

With a small, polite smile, Valery crossed the room, her boots clicking softly against the wooden floor. She stopped at the edge of the table, pulling back the hood of her jacket to reveal her long, dark hair and the warmth in her eyes.

"Yusa, I presume?" Valery greeted, her voice carrying the confident, soothing tone of a seasoned diplomat. She gestured slightly to the empty seat opposite Aileen. "May I?"

Aileen Yssahh ​

 

[Aileen Yssah]

My smile widens as I see the door to the cantina open, and a woman enters. She looks just like the one I saw on my datapad in her photo. Pin Pon! She came! Incredible, I didn't think she would accept so easily. She seems to be searching for me with her eyes, then she stops when she sees me reading the menu, just as I expected. As I mentioned, she's wearing a thick coat, so she clearly read my message.
I nod when she says my name. I flash her a mischievous smile in greeting, amused by how quickly she's reacted.

I place my menu on the table, folding it up once I've made my choice. Before she can do the same, she asks if she can sit down. Hmm, what if I played a little joke on her?

"For What reason?"

I roll my eyes playfully, a smile tugging at my lips, then extend my hand toward the table, inviting her to join.

"Please, sit down. You're not going to eat standing up, are you…? Did you have a good travel?"

I slide the restaurant menu toward her, positioning it so she can easily choose a drink and a meal. There are even some excellent desserts. She can choose whatever she likes.

I discreetly raise my hand, and a Twi'lek server quickly approaches. She holds a small notepad, ready to take orders. She looks at me first, and I give her my order.

"For my part, I'll have a cindered dish, please, oh, and a beer too."

The Twi'lek nods and then turns toward Valery, asking politely,

"And you, miss, what can I get you?"

She scribbles something on her notepad, then watches Valery with a certain curiosity. In the background, the bartender notices my "client" has arrived, rolls his eyes, and continues to wipe his glasses while serving other customers. The cantina's atmosphere is warm and pleasant, the downtown lively—a perfect setting for a conversation.

I like coming here, I find the place very relaxing. Well, I didn't expect her to show up so quickly, but now it's time to ask my questions, I suppose she has some as well.

"First of all, I want to thank you for accepting my invitation, that's very kind of you!"

I observe her discreetly. She has long strands of hair framing her face and a scar near her eye, marking her history. Her aura is undeniably strong in the Force, and that doesn't go unnoticed. I can't help but scan her. She radiates a bright and impressive energy, but if she tries to measure mine, she'll see it's more complex, a mix of silvery gray. But for now, I'm in a good mood and hungry! I glance at the Twi'lek with interest, waiting for her to take the order. And yah, i have a light saber in my belt too, a dark light saber with a red button and a wheel.

I imagine my golden-yellow skin must intrigue her as well; you don't often meet a Firrerreo. Next to her, I probably look like a child. How can I stay credible with this? Oh well. I just want my beer and my hot meal!

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Valery chuckled softly at Aileen's playful response, the faintest hint of amusement tugging at her lips. She took the offered seat, smoothing out her coat as she settled in. "Thank you, Yusa," she replied with a nod, her tone warm and gracious. "The journey was smooth, and the cold is... refreshing, though I can see why you'd recommend dressing warmly."

She picked up the menu, glancing over the options while the Twi'lek server patiently waited. "I'll have the spiced nerf stew," Valery decided, her voice calm and deliberate. "And a cup of hot tea, please."

The Twi'lek jotted down the order with a swift nod and excused herself, leaving the two women in the cozy ambiance of the cantina. Valery's gaze returned to Aileen, her eyes keenly observant but carrying a friendly openness. The vibrant golden hue of Aileen's skin, the red saber at her belt, and the unique blend of energy she exuded — all were taken in, but none provoked outward surprise or judgment.

Valery clasped her hands lightly on the table and leaned in slightly, her posture relaxed but attentive. "You're full of surprises, Yusa," she said, a touch of intrigue in her voice. "And I have to admit, you've piqued my curiosity. What's brought us together here tonight?"

Her words were accompanied by a subtle tilt of her head, her expression patient but expectant. Valery wasn't one to rush into assumptions, preferring to let her companion take the lead. But there was no mistaking the underlying readiness in her tone — she was here to listen, to learn, and, if necessary, to act.

Aileen Yssah ​

 

[Aileen Yssah]

As I'm about to respond to Valery, the Twi'lek returns with the beer, tea, and our two dishes. She sets Valery's meal down in front of her, then places mine before me: a burger with potatoes cut like fries, golden and appetizing.

I pick up my beer, raise it towards the Jedi with a smile, and say, "Cheers!" before taking a sip of the delicious drink. The taste is rich and comforting, perfect for the mountain atmosphere, just like the scent of grilled meat and warm fat rising from my plate. Wasting no time, I begin to eat, savoring every bite.

Valery asks me a question, and I realize it's time to clarify my intentions. There are several things I'd like to share with her, along with some answers I hope to obtain in return. My mind sharpens as I consider our exchange, weighing my "cards" and those I know she holds in reserve.

I decide to start with a simple topic to open the conversation:

"First of all, I'd like to know where things stand on the "blue" side of the Force. Since I last passed through, a lot has changed, and the holonews flash by at an incredible speed… You're the Grand Master of the Jedi Order, is that right? What's your vision of the Force? What values do you defend?"

This question is a first approach, a way to gauge her alignment and convictions. If she asks me the same question in return, I'll explain my own vision, as someone who never had a master to teach me about the Force or its mysteries. I know the Sith's perspective, but the current Jedi vision is foreign to me. And who better than the Grand Master to share the Jedi's doctrinal view? I'm curious to hear what she has to say…

Of course, this isn't the only reason I asked her here. I have a genuine proposal for her, one I hope will benefit us both. In this noisy, bustling place, our words naturally blend into the hum of conversations and background music, giving us the privacy we need.

" Forgive my ignorance," I say, lowering my gaze slightly ." I've spent too long in the shadows. "

"I'll be honest with you, I have something that might interest you Jedis."
Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Valery thanked the Twi'lek server with a polite nod as her tea and meal were placed in front of her. The warm aroma of her dish wafted up, momentarily distracting her from the heavier topics at hand. She picked up her tea, mirroring Aileen's gesture with a slight raise of her cup.

"Cheers," she said with a soft smile before taking a sip. The warmth spread through her, a welcome contrast to the chill outside.

As Aileen began to speak, Valery listened intently, her amber eyes focused and thoughtful. The questions about her vision of the Force and the values she defended were not unusual, but coming from someone like Aileen — with a foot in both the shadows and the light — they carried more weight. Valery set her cup down gently, taking a moment to consider her response.

"You're right; I serve as the Grandmaster of the New Jedi Order," she began, her tone steady but warm. "Our vision of the Force centers around balance, not just between light and dark but within ourselves and the galaxy we serve. We defend life, freedom, and peace, but we also acknowledge that these ideals require constant vigilance and effort to uphold."

She paused, her fingers lightly tapping the rim of her cup. "For me personally, the Force is a guide that I use as sparingly as I can, in a more traditional sense. I will never use it as a tool to stay warm when my coat can do the same. Or to lift something up, when my hands are free and my body is strong."

"I use the Force as an ally when I need its strength to protect the very thing that makes it thrive — life. It connects all living things, and through it, we can find purpose and clarity, even in the face of darkness." Her gaze softened, reflecting her deep conviction.

Aileen Yssah ​

 

[Aileen Yssah]

I start eating as she explains her vision, carefully chosen words, clearly tailored to the situation—she clearly knows her subject well. I nod as I listen to her speak. She talks about the importance of learning to use emotions properly to become a better version of oneself, that she defends peace and justice, and that the great master of the order is the one sitting before me.

In short, she answers all the questions I had asked. I grab my beer and take a sip to quench my thirst. She tells me that she uses the Force as a guide to protect people—nice words, but right now I have no way of verifying whether she's telling the truth, I have to take her word for it.

I set my glass down and decide to reveal my trump card right away. I reach into my bag and pull out something small, placing it in front of her. I'll be direct, I don't see any reason to beat around the bush in this conversation; sometimes not going around in circles is an advantage.

"Well, you seem to know your subject well, Jedi Master, so I have a proposal for you."

I push the small vial of liquid toward her, careful not to knock it over—it's fragile, and it's my only dose at the moment. The vial bears a strange virus symbol, and if she reads it, she'll see that it's an antidote for the Outer Rim virus.

It took me three years to develop this product. Why? First, I had to understand that it wasn't a conventional virus. It was a biological weapon and didn't behave the same way. Once I understood the process, I could finally explore various Vong laboratories to find this strain, neutralize it, and finally present a functional antidote.

"This little vial has the power to save thousands of lives on the Outer Rim. My planet was also a victim, like many others. I think many are waiting for a cure like this. But I'll be honest with you, I need investment. I need funding to produce it on a large scale, and I'm also severely lacking equipment, like, for example, a ship."

There, I've clearly stated what I want—funds and a ship of much better quality than the one I currently have, because my laboratory and resources are painfully limited. Being a traveling healer, although I earn enough credits to cover my daily expenses, doesn't allow for major purchases beyond the norm. And I often refuse money offered to me to save lives.

"You, who say you defend life, I'm ready to hand over the formula to you in exchange for your help. My role? Well, let's just say I'm neither a hero nor a villain. I can be a savior, or a destroyer. Right now, I'm a destroyer. The Vong have gone to great lengths to create a deadly weapon, and I've dedicated myself to destroying theirs. You see what I mean?"

I take another sip of beer and grab a crispy baked potato from my plate. The fry gives off a delicious smell, and I smile as I eat it.
Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Valery's gaze sharpened the moment Aileen produced the vial, its strange symbol immediately catching her attention. She carefully set her tea down and leaned slightly forward, her amber eyes narrowing as she studied the container. Whatever was inside, it was serious. The weight behind Aileen's words only confirmed that.

Her voice remained calm, but there was a new intensity in her tone. "What exactly is this antidote for?" Valery asked, her hand resting lightly on the edge of the table. "You mentioned it could save lives in the Outer Rim, but I need to understand the nature of the threat it's meant to counter."

As Aileen explained further, Valery's brow perked when the Vong were mentioned. She tilted her head slightly, her tone curious but cautious. "The Vong? Their influence hasn't been a significant threat in hundreds of years. The galaxy has scars from their time, but to hear they're still tied to something this dangerous… How did it come to be? How did this virus spread, and who is responsible for deploying it as a weapon?"

If the Vong were a major issue, it would be all over Galactic News.

But there was nothing.

Aileen Yssah ​

 

[Aileen Yssah]

It's no coincidence that I'm here this planet is full of libraries and self-service bookshops. Which allows me to justify the sale and creation of this antidote. After all, I've devoted the last three years to its creation, using somewhat materials because I had no other means.


I reach into my bag, which is hidden under the table, and pull out a small history book written in Basic. I start turning the pages while grabbing a French fry which I eat deliciously, my eyes sparkling, I'm clearly enjoying the food here.

"Then I think we should tell you a little story so we can both refresh our memories".

Once I've reached the relevant chapter of my book, I look at her with a friendly smile, my aura disturbed earlier by the anger of my strong emotions, because I've never forgiven the Vong for what they did to my planet. I take a deep breath, thinking about how to phrase my speech to convince her that this antidote is necessary. She's right to be wary.

"You see in the past, our dear friends the Vongs came from another galaxy to invade ours, I'm talking about that time. At that time, they attacked and destroyed many planets, including mine in the Outer Rim. To do so, they used a deadly virus-a fearsome biological weapon capable of reproducing and
wiping out everything in its path."

As I turn the pages, my story continues, telling him how my kind were enslaved and tortured by the siths.

"The first completely destroyed the environment, and the second denatured the landscape. Although the vegetation is still there today, the fauna no longer exists. The world order of this virus is as follows: either you submit to its will, becoming a kind of zombie in its service, or you die in excruciating pain."

"All these worlds, unworkable today can become so with this antidote, it has the power to make vegetation viable again and heal those who venture onto the land, just imagine to see centuries of history uncovered while avoiding an unfortunate fate."

"The current vong, they haven't done anything yet, but I'm keeping a very close eye on them, let's just say I have a bit of a problem with this species, so this antidote has the power to cure a virus from the old days."

I close the book and hold it out to her as if I want her to take it. This book cost me nothing, since it's in every bookshop in obroa skai. What I haven't told her is that my antidote can also treat a patient and spare them certain death, as I've spent 3 years working on it, there are no unwanted side effects which makes it extremely valuable. i take a good bite of my burger. I seriously lack the means to produce other antidotes, the vessel or the help that I ask from him would serve me to produce other research or treat people in need, I really care about their health, every time I ' 'a serious case happens, it's me who intervenes to repair the damage.

Valery Noble