Private A New Era for New Cov

[Liin Terallo]

Oh, we are leaving now?

I quickly down the rest of my wine, which thankfully wasn't too much and then set the glass down before following along at a quickened pace to catch up. It is not customary for the guest to take the lead, but the etiquette of Force wizards are probably different.

I keep pace with her motioning towards the left once we had exited NCBC Headquarters. Her commentary on what my favorite dish there was gave me pause. I do not go out to eat very often. My meals are usually cooked by our staff. Even while away on business ventures, my stays on world or on the stations are too short. And it wasn't very Lady-like to go out to eat alone.

So to answer her question, I just make something up. "I am rather fond of the stews and breads. They are very hearty." That should be a safe enough answer. And broad enough. Although a stew is very basic in nature, there are wide varieties of them.

"Do you have your own kitchen staff at the temples?"

Tag: Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery smiled as she listened to Liin's answer, nodding with understanding. "Stews and breads are always a safe and delicious choice," she said with a chuckle. "At the temples, we have a mix of kitchen staff and droids who handle most of the cooking. It's important to keep the Jedi well-fed, especially with how busy we can get." And how much energy they burnt during assignments, or even during training sessions.

Still, Valery preferred to make it home to have dinner with her family.

As they walked, Valery glanced over, curious. "Which place did you have in mind for lunch? I'm excited to try something that you recommend." Her tone was warm and inviting, eager to continue their conversation.

Liin Terallo ​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I quietly listen to her answer. It does not surprise me that the temples had kitchen staff. I think of them as some school for Force wizards and more than likely that is not far from the truth. Though I had never been and more likely than not, I never will. It is not my place to do so. I am not a Force wizard.

As we walk she poses a question to me and fir a moment I wonder if she can read my mind. Although perhaps my lack of knowledge of the local restaurants was written on my face.

"It's just right over.....there." Like a wish had been granted, a little restaurant called Luna's Luncheon can be seen two doors down from where we were. I lead the way half wondering if I was to be made to hold the door open for her. That is something that I have never done. But thankfully a gentleman on his way out holds the door open for us. A sign within the entrance informs the guests to seat themselves. There were a variety of booths and tables. There was even a long countertop akin to what one would find at a bar.

"Where should we sit?"

Tag: Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery smiled as she followed Liin into Luna's Luncheon, her curiosity piqued by the cozy ambiance of the restaurant. She took in the various seating options — booths, tables, and the long counter reminiscent of a classic diner. The inviting atmosphere gave her a sense of ease, and she chuckled lightly as the gentleman kindly held the door open for them.

Turning to Liin, she considered their options and gestured toward a booth by the window, where they could enjoy the view. "How about here?" she suggested warmly, leading the way. "I always enjoy a good view with a meal, and it'll give us some quiet for conversation." She waited for Liin's nod, pleased that they had found a quaint spot to share a meal and continue their chat.

Sliding into her seat, Valery glanced over the menu with genuine interest. "Alright, I'll order whatever you take. You know what they do well here, hm?" she asked with a smile.

Liin Terallo ​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I give her a little nod as she selects the booth. Oh how it is an awkward thing to sit in one of those. One must sit and slide themselves over which is really not at all what I am used to. Of course being in a restaurant such as this is not something that I am used to either. But still I do so, trying my best to make my sliding into the booth appear to be natural.

Collecting the holo-menu, I open it up and skim through the pages. My mind had already been made up well beforehand, yet I ppretend to search otherwise. "Well, I still say that the stew and breads are a great choice. And it looks to be as though I will stick to that." I tap my selection for my order which is then sent quickly to the kitchen.

"A hearty meal gives one more energy to work, I find. And it helps to boost creativity and productivity." At least it does so for me. And I will surely need to put in the extra hours after today's lunch. "Feel free to order whatever that you would like. It will be on me."

Tag: Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery smiled, noticing Liin's careful slide into the booth. She found the gentle awkwardness endearing, a reminder that while they came from different worlds, they were both here to share something as simple as a good meal.

As Liin suggested the stew and breads, Valery gave an approving nod, tapping her own selection on the holo-menu to match. "Stew and bread it is, then. You're right — a hearty meal is perfect for a busy day, especially with the energy boost it brings. I think we could all use that sometimes." She chuckled, closing the menu and resting her hands on the table as she glanced out the window, taking in the bustling view beyond.

When Liin offered to cover the meal, she offered a warm smile, "Are you sure? I don't mind splitting the cost." As always, accepting gifts and kind gestures wasn't her strength.

But she would, in this case.

"So, tell me, Liin," she said after a moment, "What other kind of projects are you working on lately? Or anything that's coming up that has you excited?"

Liin Terallo ​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I had a hunch that she would offer to pay for her portion of the meal and that hunch proved to be correct. However she was my guest and so I am obligated to cover the cost. "I am quite certain. It is no bother."

Upon her inquiry, I took a pause. Not every project is of the kind that can be shared to the public. There are some that are top secret. So I had to think on just what I could share with her. "Well we have been working to infuse biomolecules with certain metals, as you may know. And I am experimenting to see if there is a way for the biomolecules to remove the magnetic field from metal plating. That could be useful in anti-boarding strategies for ships." There are a few experiments that I am working on to make such a thing possible, such as a bio gel, or electrification, or a really high percentage of biomolecules infused in the metal. I am certain that at least one of those will work.

Biomolecules are amazing things, afterall.

Within moments our bowls of stew arrive. The aroma is so pleasant and inviting that my stomach grumbles. Even the bread rolls are steaming as they had come fresh out of the oven. "This looks very divine. I do hope that you enjoy it." I wait for her to start on it first. Afterall, she is the guest!

Tag: Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's eyes lit up with genuine interest as she listened to Liin describe the project, a touch of admiration evident in her expression. She found the concept fascinating — biomolecules with metal, possibly capable of disrupting magnetic fields? It was a blend of science and ingenuity she didn't often encounter, but it made her appreciate Liin's intelligence all the more.

"That sounds remarkable, Liin," she said warmly, her tone sincere. "I imagine such technology would change a lot for ship defense. I wouldn't want to be a pirate trying to board a vessel equipped with something like that." She chuckled, giving her an approving nod. "Your work has the potential to protect a lot of people."

As their food arrived, the rich aroma of the stew filled the air, and Valery felt her stomach rumble in response. She noticed Liin waiting, a small gesture that didn't go unnoticed. Smiling, she picked up her spoon, taking a sip of the warm, hearty stew. The flavors were comforting, a perfect balance that made her pause to savor the moment.

"Mmm," she murmured, her expression brightening. "This is wonderful, Liin. You chose well."

With a warm glance her way, she continued to eat, thoroughly enjoying both the food and the company. After a few more bites, she set down her spoon and looked at her again, "Do you have a lot of people you work closely with on your projects? Or do you handle most of the experimentation alone?"

Liin Terallo ​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I smile to her as she seems rather pleased with my idea. In truth I am quite pleased with it too. Now I have never been on a ship that was boarded, mind you. But pirates have long attacked New Cov, so it is not as though I am unfamiliar with their tactics. "Yes, and I am pretty certain that it will be difficult to counter. An added bonus is that mag locks on landing pads can also be made unusable, so that no one's ship can become trapped."

After she takes her first spoonful, I do as well. I contemplate how to respond to her next question. It is not an easy answer, nor one that shares any kind of consistancy. "For the experimentation process, I work mostly alone. I bring about the other scientists once I am certain that my experiments are successful, or if they are unsuccesful in the first few tries and that I need another point of view. There are different aspects to our work, different fields and avenues upon which it lays, and so the people that I work with also vary. I innitiate the idea and the teams advance it further for production. In a sense it is truly a well oiled machine."

I take pride in it of course. Who would not? We have been very successful afterall.

Tag: Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's eyes gleamed with admiration as she listened to Liin. "That's impressive," she said warmly, her tone filled with genuine respect. "Your ability to bring together teams when the time is right, while spearheading innovation yourself, shows incredible leadership." She paused to enjoy another spoonful of stew, savoring its comforting warmth.

"And for a good cause too, if the new tech offers better protection for ships."

After a moment, she added, "It sounds like a perfect balance between personal responsibility and collaboration. Not many can manage that well." Her gaze softened. "What drives you to keep pushing these advancements? Is it the challenge, or something deeper?" Some people developed companies or technology purely for money. Others worked hard on projects because they were passionate about the product.

What was Liin's main motivation?

Liin Terallo ​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I can feel my cheeks flush ever so slightly as she compliments my work ethic. I do work so very hard and all of the time, and it is because of that discipline that I am able to accomplish what I have. "Thank you. I do strive for the best for the Covie and NCBC."

As I take another spoonful of stew, her questions make me almost feel as though I am conducting an interview. If that is the case, at least it is not a formal one. Still, I am never one to blurt out an answer, for I always think before I speak.

"I do believe that it is in my blood. The Covie have been in this line of business for centuries, and one can admit that it is not a boring business to be in. I am certain that the same can be said about your profession. Do you follow your family line? Or have you struck your own path?"

Tag: Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery smiled warmly, her amber eyes reflecting the soft light of the room. She took a moment to savor another bite of her stew before responding, her tone light yet thoughtful.

"Family legacy does play a role in my life, though not in the traditional sense," she began, setting her spoon down gently. "My parents weren't Jedi, and I didn't really get to know them. When I was very young, they made the difficult decision to give me up to the Jedi because I'd otherwise be a danger to myself and the family."

She paused for a moment and let out a soft breath. Sometimes, her heart still ached because she had not been able to go back to see her parents at least once before vanishing through stasis.

"I do have children of my own, and three of them have already started their Jedi training. So, I do know what it's like to be influenced by family."

Liin Terallo ​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I give her a nod while listening to her speak of her own upbringing and family. I could not imagine it being good for families to be torn apart because of religion. Such a notion does not sit well with me and I am thankful to not have any children of my own to go through it. Whether or not some of Valery's kids or all of them are seperated from her I do not know. But I can imagine that it would feel horrible.

Then again, the Covie families are generally very close. Isolation is a large cause for that.

I allow myself another spoonful of stew, followed thereafter by a second one. The heartiness and spice was very much welcomed.

"Are you enjoying your stew?" At times I feel as though my smalltalk skills are lacking. We do not have a lot in common, afterall.

Tag: Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery offered a warm smile, sensing Liin's genuine curiosity despite her modest attempt at small talk. "I am," she replied, lifting her spoon for another taste. "The stew is hearty, and the spice gives it a nice kick. It's not something I get to enjoy often."

She set the spoon down for a moment and leaned back slightly, her amber eyes softening as she observed Liin. "Do you do this often? Take a break from the lab to go out into the city?" She suspected that Liin preferred to eat closer to her work, but her familiarity with this place suggested she spent at least some of her time in the city.

Perhaps a good first step to getting her to loosen up.

Liin Terallo ​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I am pleased that she's enjoying the stew as I am. I am very lucky to have guessed correctly. It would have been just awful if the food here wasn't as appetizing as it seemed from the menu.

She took a pause during her eating and it made me wonder if she was full. I can only guess at the appetite of a Jedi. Do they eat a lot? Or very little? Does their magic sustain them?

Her question gives me a slight reason to pause. Should I lie and say that this was my favorite spot to visit? Or the truth. Unfortunately I was never really a terrific liar as the truth could often be read upon my face. And Force wizards could read minds, could they not? So I merely answer her truthfully.

"No, I do not venture into the city often. When I am not in the labs, I am working in my office, or at my family's Estate. Or I am travelling to one intergalactic meeting to another. I find those trips to be enjoyable for I get to see things that New Cov does not have."

Tag: Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery nodded thoughtfully, her amber eyes studying Liin with quiet understanding. "You sure lead a very structured life," she said, her tone warm but reflective. "Balancing work in the lab, responsibilities at your family's estate, and intergalactic meetings must keep you busy." There was no judgment in her voice, only an acknowledgment of how demanding such a life could be.

Her gaze shifted momentarily to the bustling street outside the window, where people moved about in a steady rhythm, each lost in their own world. "It's good that you enjoy those trips," Valery continued, a small smile playing on her lips. "The galaxy is vast and full of wonders. Every new place we visit offers something unique — new perspectives, new experiences." She turned back to Liin, her expression softening.

Picking up her spoon again, Valery gestured lightly toward the table between them. "But even moments like this, sharing a meal away from the usual environment, can be just as refreshing," she added, her voice carrying a note of encouragement.

"Don't you think?"

Liin Terallo ​

 

[Liin Terallo]

Oh yes, my life is very structured. And I prefer it to be that way. Afterall, it keeps me from laziness. I could not imagine a life without NCBC and without my work here. There is nothing else for me to do. I would be entirely lost if it was all taken away from me.

I have another spoonful of stew as I listen to her speak of the new perspectives and new experiences. For the former, I get plenty of those while listening in during the corporate meetings. But for the latter I can sort of see what she was getting at. However it was not reality for me. My travels were not vacations. I do not get to explore or even do so much as to dip a toe in the ocean. Instead much of my time was spent fully indoors. Do I long for some of those new experiences? Not really. It is better not to know what one was missing, lest it be distracting.

And now she suggested that eating here was refreshing. On the contrary I am not very relaxed. On the contrary I am a bit nervous. She would not be the first to chide me for not doing anything reserved for the average person.

"I suppose that it could be. Just so long as one does not spend too much of their time away from their duties. I can imagine that it is a juggling act for you given all of your duties and responsibilities."

Tag: Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery listened carefully to Liin's words, her amber eyes reflecting warmth and patience. The structured life Liin described, with its meticulous balance of duty and routine, was something Valery could appreciate. But she could also sense the subtle tension in Liin's tone — the undercurrent of nerves that came with stepping outside her usual boundaries, even for something as simple as this meal.

"You're right," Valery replied gently, her tone thoughtful. "Balancing responsibilities and moments like this can be a juggling act. As Jedi, our duties often feel endless, and it's easy to think there's no room for anything else. But I've learned over time that even the most structured lives need moments of reprieve. It doesn't have to be extravagant or time-consuming — sometimes, just a change of scenery can give us the clarity we need to do our work better."

She leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows lightly on the table, her expression softening further. "But I understand where you're coming from," she continued. "When your work is your life, stepping away can feel… unsettling, even counterproductive. It's hard to imagine anything else when you're so deeply dedicated to what you do."

Her lips curved into a small, reassuring smile. "I just hope that moments like this — even if they don't feel relaxing right away — can help you see that there's value in a little balance. It's not about neglecting duties but finding small ways to recharge."

Liin Terallo ​