Public A Rose Among Thorns

[Kiara Ayres]

Open to: Anyone who isn't a member of a faction SJC are at war with
Location: Silver Rest, Kashyyyk

In the wake of their success at Sev Tok and Nar Kreeta, the Concord were feeling ever hopeful of their eventual triumph against the Bryn'adul. For the first time it was beginning to look like the tide of the war was waning in their favour. With support from allies and many of the humanitarian issues within their own border resolved, the Concord took a collective sigh of relief. They were not out of the woods yet but there was a light at the end of the tunnel.

Today, the Concord sought to act as a paragon of hope to the galaxy by hosting an event to celebrate the cultures and diversity from the planets both within its own borders and beyond. They were at war but all was not lost yet. The event was to be a reminder of just what they were fighting for.

The invitation was open but security was strict. The navy had doubled their forces around Kashyyyk and there were numbers of Antarian Rangers throughout the Silver Rest, reminding them the reality of their situation. However, despite the military presence, the atmosphere was lively and cheerful.

Tables lined the courtyard of the Silver Rest, atop were hundreds of platters of different food in a fusion of cultures. The Concord's flag flew high, whipping gently in the breeze. There were steamers and decorations hanging in and around the Silver Rest akin to something of a party.

While some stood around and talked, there was opportunity for the less-idle to involve themselves with the various activities stationed around the Silver Rest. Reluctantly, she had allowed the Jedi Order to provide training lightsabers for the entertainment of others. She had hoped the focus would be on their peaceful aspects rather than their duelling but she was reminded that the Order experiences its own culture and there was something beautiful in the art of duelling.

For one day, there would be no grieving, only hope for the future.

​

Kiara walked along the line of tables, picking out food as she did. There were all manners of food ranging from the rich cuisine of Zeltros to some of the more simplistic food the Jedi were used to in their humble existence.

Today was not a day for politics so she dressed and behaved like any other Jedi present, though with an air of formality given that she was still representing the Concord in the public light. She was naturally easy to get along with but she had never been one for being a socialite. Keeping up appearances was easy when what was expected of her aligned relatively closely to her character anyway.

The Grandmaster expected to get wrapped up in diplomatic exchanges at some point that day but she had managed to escape it thus far. It was inevitable when she was so easily accessible. The Concord always faced questions and criticisms and the Silver Jedi Council took the brunt force of it.

However, she was able to engage in the festivities while remaining relatively undisturbed by commitments and once she had chosen all her desired food, she picked at it while her gaze scanned the masses for her Padawan Kadan Scipora .

Spoiler: OOC

This is a social thread following an invitation here. Kiara is open to interactions

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Following their victory at Nar Kreeta, after the remaining Bryn'adûl strongholds were overtaken and the last of the resistance was taken out, Thurion and his brave 1st Legion that had played a part in forcing their way through the tunnels leading towards the Bryn command center were invited to partake in the festivities on Kashyyyk rather than return home to Midvinter straight away.

The appearance of hundreds of hungry, jovial Valkyri was sure to lighten the mood of any party, as you could depend on there being heavy use of ale and mead involved. Always looking to test themselves, several would even challenge the native Wookies in feats of strength. Loud and boisterous was their way of feasting, regaling their peers with tales of valour that became more and more ludicrous with every tankard of mead.

Their King did not share the same enthusiasm for feasts, but would not deny them their small pleasures. While glad to have survived and emerged victorious at Nar Kreeta, it had also been his first time fighting the Bryn. His mind was preoccupied with ways his people could possibly withstand such an enemy should they choose to attack Midvinter, even as he went through the buffet and filled his plate.

He was glad to be out his armour and to see his kinsmen interact with the countless different species that filled the Silver Rest's ranks, some of which led to rather humorous results. A secondary concern of his was that they would become too inebriated and cause some sort of intergalactic scandal.

Navigating through the festivities while guarding his plate from being pilfered, Thurion spotted the Sephi Grandmaster sitting alone at one of the tables.

"Grandmaster Ayres," he bowed his head in greeting. "You looked lonely, mind if I sit here with you?"

Kiara Ayres ​

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

IT'S ALWAYS DARKEST BEFORE THE DAWN...​

Location: Silver Rest

Spoiler: Lightsabers

"ELOAH" (Primary - Long Handle)

"ELOHAI" (Secondary - Long Handle)

Spoiler: GEAR

Comm-link, Rebreather, Custom Robes, Battle Armor,Toraynor-Henkan,Advanced Jedi Utility Belt

Spoiler: STARSHIP/COMPANIONS

Starship: Starlight Sentinel, (Dilorian and Bike both in cargo bay)
Companion: Astromech R01R - "Roller", Pilot droid Mu51c - "Music"

Tag: Kiara Ayres

He did not look to argue semantics, or whether or not he should be here, frankly, Caltin was hungry. So as he looked, and he picked, and he chose, the big guy gave an awkward but clearly attempting to be respectful to the new GrandMaster. They had yet to meet at his point, so there was a first time for everything.

Greetings. Master Caltin Vanagor at your service. May say "thank you" for this. Holding his hands out, he was referring to the gathering. I don't care if it was during my time as a Padawan, Knight, or now some eight hundred-sixty or so years later, this sort of thing always helps with what Jedi need the most. Morale.

Anyone who knows the big guy knows he preferred being out in the fight, but not all Jedi operated like he did and it meant a lot to him to see those who realized it and would do something about it. Then when Thurion Heavenshield approached, Caltin offered the traditional Midvinter royal greeting. This was primarily because the man and his son had both had heaping helpings of his respect. The Heavenshield! Glad to see that you are up and around, Highness.

...YET THE DAWN ALWAYS COMES.

 

[Jyoti Nooran]

Robes

It felt as if a great weight had been lifted from Jyoti's shoulders upon news of the Concord's success in the Pabol Offensive. Injuries incurred at Sarka kept her from fighting on the frontlines, but more broken limbs hadn't prevented her from planning the Concord's first major offensive against the Bryn'adul. Now the Concord had been able to prove to its people that they could do more than simply hold ground against the the Bryn'adul. They could take the fight to the enemy and prevail.

You were wrong Laertia, the Silver Jedi has what it takes...

However, that was just one campaign. There were still manage more battles to come to remove the scourge of the Bryn from Silver Space, calculations and projections running through the Echani's mind even as she entered the banquet hall.

After entering the hall, she pushed such thoughts to the back of her mind, enmeshing herself in the present. Now it was time to celebrate. For their preservation, and for an ever brighter future.

While exchanging greetings and small talk, Jyoti gradually worked her way to the Grandmaster and the surrounding congregation of Jedi Masters. She nodded at her peers, then gave Ayers a small bow of respect.

"The Bacta chambers have been my regular haunt as of late, so I haven't yet had the pleasure of meeting you in the person until now," she addressed Ayers with a smile. "However, from what I've heard of you so far, the Silver Jedi are in competent hands. Quite the diplomat."

She shifted her attention to Thurion. "It's always a pleasure to see you around."

While he had long hung up his GM robes, Thurion had proved to be a reliable ally over the years. He would always have a place in the order as a spritual patriarch.

Spoiler

Kiara Ayres, A ARS VAMI , Thurion Heavenshield , Caltin Vanagor

 

[Sergeant Omen]

​

​

Omen snuck into the garden and went straight to the food table. He was on a mission that his grumbly tummy had tasked for its host. To fill up with the most food possible and then scramble back to his ship like an animal to back to their nest to complete her repairs. As soon as he came in, he could hear all the padawans discussing if he really had committed Order 66 back then with the most exaggerated rumor being that he ate his enemy's hearts because of faulty programming. That he was "broken" and the kaminii had still let him out to play because they needed every clone that they could muster to defeat the CIS back in the day, even the mentally deranged ones. He had to grit his teeth just to prevent himself from punching them in the face. "I heard that he goes to Master Malnorn to deal with his problems, he probably is one of her special cases that no one else wants to burden themselves with." "Rumor has it that he hasn't had his chip removed yet so keep on guard if you're tasked with him, he is just as likely to shoot you in the back as he is the enemy. He really should be locked up until we know he is safe." All the Clone could do is to turn up the heavy metal music in his helmet to try and ignore these people who didn't know him as he was, a clone with PTSD and probably more disorders than he could count just trying to get through each day without trying to bust his head open on the inside of his gunboat's hull. He could only go back to his original mission, getting food and getting out of this "happy" place.​

​

He spied the Masters talking to each other but he knew if he went over he would be out of his social depth and lecturing a Grandmaster on where they should deploy their forces in a two-front war wasn't worth the time and effort that he would waste in his suggestions and she would waste in shooing him away. Maybe he would see Phalsi Drynchen here but he didn't have that kind of luck. As he reached the buffet and started to load up, he tried to keep aware of his surroundings, looking over his shoulder once and a while just in case someone wanted to tap his shoulder to talk to him. Hopefully, there wouldn't be any takers that he wouldn't embarrass himself in front of his doubters and he could just go back to his ship in peace.​

​

Bounty: 1,000,000 credits payable on Denon by Owen Gates​

 

[Kiara Ayres]

The Jedi was distracted from her search for her Padawan when she noticed fellow council member Thurion Heavenshield as he neared her. She offered the other Jedi a friendly smile. "Not at all." She replied. "It's nice to finally be able to meet without the war looming over our heads at least for one day." She commented before adding a positive remark in the spirit of the day. "Hopefully it's a taste for what is to come."

When a second Master approached, she offered a short bow of the head in greeting as he introduced himself. "Master Vanagor, pleased to meet you. Thank you though I can't take all the credit. A large part of the preparations were done by groups of excitable Padawans. It's nice to see the youngest be children again without the threat of being evacuated to a backwater world." She replied, noticing her pessimistic tone was beginning to creep through again.

​

Despite the dire situation they had been facing in recent years, they were fighting back harder than ever and while there would be plenty of grieving after the war, there was no place for her pessimism here, not today.

Kiara smiled warmly at the third Master who made her presence known and returned a small bow of the head. "Thanks to you that there's still an Order to lead." She replied. "Well and I suppose Thurion played a part too." She smiled playfully and glanced at Thurion if he hadn't been absorbed into another conversation.

At least around the other council members she could be comfortable being herself without concerning herself with the representation of the Concord. Most of them were just as worthy of being Grandmaster, several even had been, so she felt comfortable letting her guard down around them.

Taking on the brunt of the effort during the course of the war had been rough but as she sat surrounded by fellow council members she was reminded of the strength of those present and while she was still early in her relationship with some of them, the war provided a bonding like none other and the Jedi Order would be strengthened throughout its ranks as a result.

Thurion Heavenshield Jyoti Nooran Caltin Vanagor

 

[Auteme]

Open | Kiara Ayres | Thurion Heavenshield Caltin Vanagor Jyoti Nooran ​

There was always a dissonance in such places. A festive mood always seemed like a distraction -- even as the shuttle settled among the trees of Kashyyyk, she could still see the looming warships and gathering soldiers. Like any of them she wanted space, she wanted happiness, she wanted room to celebrate. Yet every time she wondered if now was the right time to gather.

Could they truly celebrate a victory, when there was yet more to do? Even if they defeated the Bryn'adûl wholly, there were more threats to the galaxy, ever more dangers to face, people to help. Every moment spent here could've been spent pushing back the darkness, doing more good.

Yet there was some small good here. As tempting as it was to keep going, running oneself into the ground would be worse than a moment of respite. There were many evils beyond the ones that slaughtered and burned. Exhaustion, depression, stress were smaller, but no less worth opposition.

Thus Auteme arrived at the Silver Rest, entering first into the main courtyard where many were feasting. As important such a reprieve was for her personally she knew the power of a bit of political theater. She did not arrive simply as a Jedi, but equally a representative of the New Jedi Order, Galactic Alliance, and the Triumvirate; allies of the Silver Jedi Concord, her presence a sign of unity and friendship. She chose the Alliance's blue for her dress. Even on her own her attire and demeanor evoked an image of the Chancellor herself; Auteme was ever a younger mirror image of the eminent Adhira Chandra.

She searched the crowd for a few moments, eyes eventually finding the Grandmaster. It was only upon her approach that she realized Kiara was surrounded by fellow Jedi, but Auteme moved to greet them nonetheless.

"Grandmaster Ayres," she said, bowing her head to the woman first before turning to the others. "Master Heavenshield, Master Vanagor, Master Nooran -- ever a pleasure. I think I speak for the many guests here when I say that this moment of respite is much appreciated and much needed. Thank you for your most gracious hosting."

She smiled, turning back to Kiara. "I admit, there are some matters I wished to speak to you about, but I think -- for now, we might simply enjoy the festivities."

Her eyes wandered back to the party. Those gathered had brought a great many matters to her mind, but she felt they might be less than appropriate to speak of now. Sometimes, political theater could be more dramatic -- or even tragic.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

"The Heavenshield! Glad to see that you are up and around, Highness."

It appeared that more than one Jedi Master was drawn to the Grandmaster's table, as several colleagues joined in the sharing of greetings and welcomes. First was Caltin, whom he knew from Nar Kreeta as his squad of padawans and knights aided in storming the Bryn defenses. The man was built like a tank, not wholly unlike the stature of the Valkyri. One couldn't help but wonder who would win in a game of arm wrestling.

"Master Vanagor," he approached with a smile and shook the man's hand, in part to interrupt the overly formal greeting. "Please, we are all just Jedi here. Let's not bother with lofty titles on such a lovely day, hm?"

"It's always a pleasure to see you around."

Next appeared a face he'd not seen in a very long time. Jyoti had been there in the waning days of his own extensive tenure as Grandmaster, and had helped fill the vacancy he and his wife had left behind in the wake of their "retirement". Though, both Coci and himself knew in their heart they could never truly step away from the Order they'd help found so long ago. It would always be a part of them; its failures their failures, its triumphs their triumphs.

Not unlike being a proud parent.

"Master Nooran. I am relieved to see you well after so long."

"Well and I suppose Thurion played a part too."

Thurion shrugged off the compliment, setting his plate of food on the table before another could steal away his attention.

"Please. Those days have long since passed," he deigned to place a hand on Kiara's shoulder. "This is the new era, with new alliances to forge and new threats to overcome. I am honoured to have played a part in establishing this Order, but I am even more honoured and humbled to have lived to see it thrive and evolve thanks to brave new souls such as yourself, Kiara."

He found himself looking around at all these strange, young faces, none of which he recognised.

"There are not a lot of original members left. They've either moved on or passed away. But their spirits walk among us to this day, offering guidance to those who seek it." His kind gaze landed back at the recently elected Grandmaster, taking a moment to briefly counsel her. "Use their strength and their wisdom. Allow them to inspire and inform your decisions. Build upon the wisdoms of the past to fashion new wisdoms for the future."

"Grandmaster Ayres," she said, bowing her head to the woman first before turning to the others. "Master Heavenshield, Master Vanagor, Master Nooran -- ever a pleasure. I think I speak for the many guests here when I say that this moment of respite is much appreciated and much needed. Thank you for your most gracious hosting."

Then appeared Auteme representing the Galactic Alliance and their sister order. The young lady had always acted out of kindness and wisdom, especially considering her age. Many Jedi do not reach such levels of integrity of character until several decades of service.

"Lady Auteme," he bowed his head and smiled.

More proof that the young and vibrant should take the place of the old and weary.

 

[Varn Barakis]

The feast was only just beginning when Varn arrived with his family and padawan in tow. Wearing simple robes that flowed around him as he moved, the Battlemaster couldn't help but smile to himself as they passed by the guards into the Silver Rest's main courtyard. "Well, how about this for a celebration, Nara. Food, festivities, even practice sabers. Worth coming out to take a look, no?" Turning to his left, the Jedi smiled as his young daughter stared about, wide-eyed and gobsmacked. Having spent most of her life safely tucked away in the Silver Rest, the young Zabrak was no stranger to the sights, sounds and experiences that accompanied growing up among the Jedi. Even so, the surprise on her face was as clear as day to Varn. Clearer still was the answer she gave him.

"There're so many people! Are they all Jedi?"

Taking a look around, Varn shook his head, a small chuckle escaping his lips. "No, not all. See that man there? He's a member of the New Imperial Order. We formed a pact with them not too long ago in order to combat the Sith. And there-" "I don't like Imperials. Rayfe said they're mean, and that they stink!" Brought up short, Varn looked from his daughter to his wife, Kalira, who stood just behind her. Who's Rayfe? He mouthed to her before turning back to Nara. Putting on a stern expression, the Zabrak did his best to appear serious. "They're not all mean." He said, taking his daughter by the shoulder and steering her through the crowd, away from the NIO official. "They've been most useful in battling the Sith scourge. I had the honor of fighting alongside some of them not too long ago. Grandmaster Kiara Ayres can tell you all about that. Speaking of."

Through the throngs of people, Concordians and allies, Varn could just about make out the Grandmaster as she occupied one of the nearby tables. She didn't see him over the mountain of food she'd stuffed on to her plate. Not that she would've recognized him, anyway. Important as she was -or perhaps as busy- the Grandmaster had little spare time to entertain the thought of conversation with the knight. More's the pity. A hand brushed his shoulder as he noticed Thurion Heavenshield and Caltin Vanagor among the crowd.

"Hon? Hon~"

Turning, Varn smiled as Kalira leaned in close so her voice could be heard above the growing din. "Mind if I take Nar' to grab some food? Only you've been standing there gawping for the last five minutes and I'm starting to get hungry." Smiling sheepishly, Varn nodded. "Of course. My apologies, just got caught up staring at other women." Slapping his arm, Varn couldn't keep the grin from his face as Kalira gave him a quick peck on the cheek. So he wasn't in the doghouse. That was good. "Animal. Come along, Nara. Let's leave the lecherous old man to it."

"What does le-lecherous mean?" He heard his daughter ask as he watched his family disappear into the crowd.

"And then there were two." Gazing around at the festivities, Varn let out a satisfied breath. It had been so long since the Knight had been able to just rest and forget all his woes. In an age of constant war, gatherings like this were a rarity. But he had to admit it was well worth the struggle. Spending time with his family had reaffirmed his belief in the Order, his belief in the men and women who had fought alongside him. On Sev Tok. On Nar Kreeta. Beyond.

Andromeda Malvern was one of those women. His padawan, she was both his best friend and adopted daughter. He loved her, would've happily died in her defense had the events on Nar Kreeta called for it. They hadn't, though only just. "Well, my young Padawan, what do you think? Was it worth coming out to take a look?"

Tags: Auteme Sergeant Omen Jyoti Nooran

 

[Sergeant Omen]

The ARC could feel many eyes on him and all the noise... the whispers they were making about how they should just lock them up themselves and throw away the key. Even with the music in his head drowning the voices out, all he could hear was "Relic... Relic... Relic..." clogging up his brain. He needed to get out now before he caused a scene but as he collected his plate and moved towards the exit, fate conspired against him. There certainly would be a scene, though how big of one was yet to be determined.

As he walked towards the exits, two temple guards with their yellow lightsaber pikes blocked his way. "I'm sorry but we have been told that you are a threat to yourself and others. We will have to escort you to get evaluated to see if you are mentally of an able mind to function by yourself. Now if you will please follow us..." Omen could hardly believe what he was hearing. They actually believed the gossip?! No... No... this was a mistake... Either way, he wasn't going to put himself in the hands of the Jedi. Not after what had happened 800 years ago. Never again would he trust a Jedi with his life and his answer through his helmet's comms reflected that. "Thanks but no thanks... Your reports or whoever you got that information from are dead wrong so thanks for the offer but I think I'll just be going back to my ship thank you..." Two other guards flanked his rear, the yellow blades of their ceremonial but still deadly weapons flashing to life when Omen turned around. "This is not a request. You will comply or you will be detained." The Clone Trooper could only narrow his eyes and plant his feet, ready to get out the LPD-30 thermal detonators he had stashed away in his arms before coming to this event. He had no one to call on (hell the Grandmaster probably couldn't see the event happening over her plate of food), though the dozens of guests starring at him like he was a mad man very well could. Maybe he was a mad man to want to go back to his only home in this galaxy and to get away from all these onlookers. Omen never wanted to cause even scandal for the Silver Jedi but the Special Forces Trooper would fight to get his ship or die trying, no matter the consequences.

 

[Kadan Scipora]

.​

ROSE AMONG THORNS​

​

Out of all the people they had to get to fix the 'heating' trays for the food line, he had no idea why he had been selected. Being the apprentice to the grand master, he had to wonder for just what reason he was being selected for a such a trivial task. Then again, being humble and servant to others was the role of all jedi, which was Kadan was currently fiddling with the wiring under the tables, hoping no one would notice the faint movement underneath. He wasn't much of a mechanic, at least not with common devices like this, but he had found the problem; someone had chewed on the main circuitry, probably some small critter that the sanitation droids had missed.​

​

He was frankly relieved to have gotten the job done, as he could finally attend to seeing his master. Carefully, he crawled back from under the table, emerging and startling one of the Wookiee diplomats, who gave a roar of disapproval at the surprise. Kadan raised his hands, trying to calm the matter before it tumbled into something unmanageable. "Apologies, just checking the wiring." He wasn't sure if it was effective or not, but the Wookiee in question seemed far less agitated, giving something of an understanding growl. With one crisis averted, he moved to the next one, finding his master.​

​

Moving to the food line, he found Kiara Ayres sitting with several other notable individuals, and felt a tad annoyed at the situation.​

​

He gave a small wave, just trying to inform her that he hadn't skipped out of this meeting, and was now help captive by the food line. Hopefully, he'd be able to join in before the conversation had dried up.​

​

Auteme Thurion Heavenshield Kiara Ayres Jyoti Nooran Caltin Vanagor Sergeant Omen​

 

[Audren Sykes]

"That's enough."

The spoken words were quiet, barely enough to be heard over the hum of the four lightsaber blades. The lack of volume was more than made up for with the tone of command carried by the voice, accompanied by a force of will that could clearly be sensed through the Force. The two Temple guards facing away from Audren didn't turn but those facing his direction flicked their eyes - all that was visible behind their masks - towards him, then past him to the guests. Their mental signatures shifted from a razor-sharp focus to a blend of frustration and embarrassment. It was clear that they understood why he'd stepped in.

There were enough eyes edging towards the confrontation already. Pressing the issue would only attract more, and in this sort of social situation that was very much undesirable. The guards had chosen their moment very poorly: had they waited just thirty seconds or a minute more the soldier would have been well outside the periphery of the main event. Not to mention that once their focus was a bit more encompassing they were able to sense the increasing tension suggesting further violence. Violence not initiated by them. There were guests present, and at this point the primary duty was protection of said guests.

"Display pattern Jenth, you're part of the entertainment now. Resume your duties when you're done, we'll speak about this later. Let's get out of their way, shall we Sergeant?."

With the eyes already on the altercation simply having the guards extinguish their blades and walk away would have garnered significant speculation. Pattern Jenth was a multi-person lightsaber form that started with two pairs facing each other and stepping through approximately thirty seconds of graceful semi-sparring. It would be even flashier with the lightsaber pikes instead of single hilts like normal. The Grand Master probably wouldn't be all too pleased - the focus of this event was studiously not violence after all - but she would be less pleased with a genuine brawl. The four guards had good enough manners to turn and bow to the guests once complete to make it look more so like an entertainment attempt.

The Sephi didn't plan on letting the soldier just slip away unaccompanied. The guards wouldn't have stepped in without a good reason and the trooper's mental state was not good. There was tension not far from violence, stubbornness that didn't help the situation, and what seemed close to paranoia. Put all of them together and the simplest spark could set it off; things could get ugly quick. He would not be detained unless he further escalated the situation.


Sergeant Omen

 

[Sergeant Omen]

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/starwars/images/9/98/Darman_Etain-ERC.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120707185545/img][/center][indent]
TAG: Audren Sykes

The Clone's breath went out as he felt like collapsing the floor. He was glad that the danger was over but he knew that now would be the more difficult part, talking to who seemed to be a Jedi Master that he had no experience with before. The ARC quickly picked up his plate of food and scrambled to get out of the Guards' way and out of the sight path of the guests who[I] [COLOR=rgb(251, 160, 38)]"oooed" [/COLOR][/I]and [I][COLOR=rgb(226, 80, 65)]"awwed"[/COLOR] [/I]as the pikes danced and twirled, immersed in the exercise just like a tourist to a circus act. The soldier walked over to the Jedi Master somewhat sheepishly, sorry for the mess he had created at this event that clearly showed the Galaxy what the SJC had to offer. [COLOR=rgb(97, 189, 109)][I]Which is apparently a crazed clone who is a threat to his own life... That will be fun to see on the holo news...[/I][/COLOR]

[COLOR=rgb(0, 168, 133)][I] "I apologize that you had to get involved Master, the guards probably caught wind of the Padawans' rumoring that I was going to commit a delayed Order 66 against all the Silver Jedi and decided to put a stop to my rampage before it started. I probably shouldn't have come in here at all but of course, like all men I fell in the trap of free food"[/I][/COLOR] The Trooper took his helmet off, put his best [I][COLOR=rgb(85, 239, 196)]"I'm really not that crazy" [/COLOR][/I]smile on display, and offered a hand towards the Jedi... Sentinel. He did believe they called it in the different roles of the Jedi but hopefully, he didn't need to see the Jedi's skills in action today. [I][COLOR=rgb(0, 168, 133)]"As for the fears that I have a chip in me that makes me prone to shooting people in the back, you can rest assured that I don't think it is functioning after an 800 year trip in carbonite and a nice-sized chunk of shrapnel to the skull. I don't know that status or shape it is in, I would have to get it x-rayed and operated on but that takes money and I don't have a lot of that. Plus clone freighter pilots don't have insurance..." [/COLOR][/I]He could probably get some but all that paperwork... Oh, it would be a nightmare... [COLOR=rgb(0, 168, 133)][I] "I'm Omen by the way, and yes, I'm a clone trooper who stayed past the expiration date of his timeline a little too long, I take it you run the temple guard Master..."[/I][/COLOR] As he waited for the name to be filled in by his conversational partner, he took a bite out of one of the Nuna legs on his plate. His belly had been rumbling since he had gotten to this party Whoever he was, the Jedi surely had authority in his voice and that was something only the Masters and sometimes the Knights had in the Silvers. With this information, hopefully the ARC had guessed right. [I][COLOR=rgb(97, 189, 109)]Well, time to see if we can mingle. I need the practice anyway. I don't need another blow-up like with Aayla...[/COLOR][/I]​

 

[Audren Sykes]

Focused though they may have been, those given the position knew better than to take the word of Padawans as writ. They would absolutely respond to reports of imminent threat even from Padawans, but they were also trained to use their brain and trust the Force. For four of them to be present and have activated their lightsabers in such a gathering...no, something additional had occurred. Either they'd been ordered to apprehend the soldier by someone else or they'd noticed a threat.

"Sykes."

Audren answered the soldier's - Omen - unspoken question about the name. When he shook the offered hand it was immediately obvious that it was a prosthetic since there was no sense of the Force flowing through it. As a matter of fact, all four limbs were replacements and there were weapons within. he followed the threads of the Force to the future of the ones in the arms and sensed explosions. The Sephi's face remained impassive; he would hold to his course but was starting to regret it. The explanation that the clone - not the Clone Wars veteran he'd heard of - offered was less than reassuring and he'd also played a part in escalating the conflict. He'd come dressed in armor, carried explosives, and was contrary and combative to local authority. Didn't make use of some of the best medical facilities in the galaxy while he was here. That carbonite freeze and shrapnel definitely had this clone acting differently than what they'd been trained to.

"You're free to mingle. A bit of friendly advice though: try to not start any fights, and the next time you're at a friendly party leave the charges at home."


Sergeant Omen

 

[Sergeant Omen]

Tag: Audren Sykes

All the Clone could do was nod at the Master's words but this party was anything but friendly. The eyes all around him, watching him said otherwise. To say he was a little paranoid was an understatement but the Master didn't need to know or would he probably care. It was time to go.

"I'll keep that in mind for next time Master if there is one. Have a good rest of your party."

And with that, the Clone quickly rushed out of the party, wanting to get out of that cesspit of eyeballs. He needed to get this chip out of his head before it caused major damage. That brew that was he was making better be on point if he was going to win the Great Hunt contest and the credits for the operation. He would be a liability for the SJC otherwise and no one needed him dragging them to the bottom of the sea.

 

[Kiara Ayres]

The Jedi's head turned to Thurion beside her as she felt his hand on her shoulder. She listened to his words, a small smile forming on her lips as she did, not out of pride but rather happiness. The Jedi Order had been her family for the best part of five decades and it had become the place where she believed she belonged. "I am equally as honoured to be chosen follow in the footsteps of those who came before me." She replied.

For someone born into a poor farming family, it had previously been unimaginable for her to find herself as Grandmaster of the Silver Jedi Order - not that her family knew, having cut off contact with them for their own protection while under the tyrannical rule of the Sith Empire. The Jedi Concord was very special to her in the regard that birth rite didn't matter and the future was what you made it.

"I will." Kiara offered a grateful smile to her fellow Jedi Master. "Thank you, Thurion. Our wisdom is our strength and we are stronger when we share it." She was thankful she had a strong council to support her. Together they were a team and she would treat them as such.

The Grandmaster returned the bow of the head to the Jedi Knight who addressed them. "I'm glad you joined us. This is a cause for celebration for the whole galaxy after all." She replied before standing up to properly speak to Auteme. However, her gaze caught the wave of her Padawan so she beckoned him over with a hand gesture.

Rather than awkwardly shouting across the room, she spoke to her Padawan telepathically. "Come over here and bring a couple of chairs." She instructed him so that he and Auteme could join them.

"As always." She smiled and shook her head. "For once, we can focus on what little positivity there is. Speaking of which: are the New Jedi Order still wanting to do mixed classes with the Silver Jedi?" She asked. It was an opportunity to continue the building of their somewhat tense relationship and to break down the perceived differences each Order had about the other so she hoped it would prove to be fruitful.

Thurion Heavenshield Jyoti Nooran Caltin Vanagor Auteme

 

[Auteme]

Kiara Ayres | Thurion Heavenshield Jyoti Nooran Caltin Vanagor ​

At the Grandmaster's invitation, Auteme found herself a seat at the table.

"Of course," she replied. "As it stands, the New Jedi Order is still small, and we have few Masters, fewer still who are able to spend time away from their duties elsewhere." It was one of the greatest shortcomings of her order; no matter how important training the next generation was, there was always more work to be done. How could they keep their most skilled away from where they were most needed, when already they were so few? Being a great Jedi oft intersected with being a great teacher, but no one had time for everything.

"Thus our classes have been limited at best. I've taught occasionally, but -- I feel I am a better student than I am a teacher. Still, most of our knights have found time for padawans... how they'd react to larger group classes I cannot say, but the intermingling of our orders is as important as good education. I would be happy to arrange something in the near future to help in that respect." She had no idea who might give a lesson on behalf of the New Jedi Order, but Kiara didn't need to know that.

 

[Tulan Kor]

​

The Antarian Rangers.

His Rangers.

Say what you wanted about Tulan Kor, say what you wanted about what he did. The murder of the Senator that he took the fall for, his leave of the Silver Jedi, his beloved Rangers, and the formation of Demon Company within the New Imperials, and the subsequent conflicts that saw him oversee the death of hundreds of his soldiers, many of whom-

Wore the Ranger uniform at one point.

Tulan Kor was the grandfather of the Antarian Ranger's Special Operations mindset. His Rangers in Katarn armor were the tip of the spear of the Silver Jedi, striking deep at the enemies of light... and routinely, saving Jedi's asses.

Tulan Kor was a walking Reaper, a man touched by Death himself, serving as an arbiter of destruction of life. Tulan's friends, family, comrades, dead. Stormtroopers under him died in droves, Rangers that came with him to the New Imperial Order from Dorn Company were largely dead. Rangers that followed him to the jaws of hell, dead.

And yet, he inspired confidence and zealous loyalty to those that he commanded. It was not as if he walked through these battles unscathed. Tulan's face was largely scarred, his body littered in scars and deep cuts, holes where flesh had been mended, crudely sometimes by shaky hands of a scared medic, or the expert touch of synthflesh and droids. Despite all of this, however-

Tulan cleaned up well.

Tulan's elegant dress uniform, his Antarian Ranger one, displayed medals, victories, stripes, and the mark of a man dedicated to the military and the service of the Silver Jedi. Despite his newfound Masters, the Silver Jedi would always hold a place in the heart of Tulan Kor, the place that redeemed him, gave him purpose, and set him on a path towards making the galaxy if only a bit brighter, with the only way he could.

Jedi changed worlds through peace, understanding, meditation, and kind words, and when all else failed, the flash of a plasma blade. Tulan changed the galaxy for the better down the barrel of a gun, or through the edge of a knife. Or at least... he tried to.

As a representative of the New Imperial Order, but also for himself, Tulan held in his hands as he entered Silver Rest a banner- a flag carried by the Antarian Rangers of Dorn Company, the one they even took with them to the Imperials following their self-exile. It was encased in a frame, and below it was a photo of the company following the assault on Bastion.

Dorn, then Demon, was now largely dead. But the men and women in the picture- only roughly 14 out of the entire company remained. He wanted to return them home.

And part of him wanted to return, maybe to atone, maybe to apologize, or maybe just to reminisce.

Tulan said nothing, simply observing the room, holding the glass and wood encased memento of the sacrifice by dozens of his troops in his hand, trying not to show how torn inside even being in Silver Rest made him.

 

[Thirdas Heavenshield]

His wounds sustained on Sev Tok fully healed, his recovery aided when news of the victory at Nar Kreeta broke out, Thirdas had busied himself putting together his own fighting force. What began as scribbles from his hospital bed eventually became reality when he presented his ideas to Ranger Command. Jaeger Battalion was greenlit.

For now however, the newly promoted major took some time off to partake in the celebratory gathering at the Silver Rest. Felt like a lifetime he last set foot there, for once Nida had received her trial and was shipped off to serve her sentence, he no longer had cause to walk these grounds. Fortunately there were plenty of merriment to go around in the form of his inebriated kinsmen that had followed his father into battle at Nar Kreeta. He would leave his father to his Jedi business, or was it kingly business?

He patrolled the perimeter of the party, observing the guests from afar without any real drive to mingle. He would see his father in private later, though the two had noticed each other's presence. Thirdas had warned him about the Bryn prior to Thurion's departure, and from the looks of it he seemed to have heeded it well.

His calm expression changed when he noticed one specific soldier appear on the scene, wearing an outdated Ranger dress uniform. A former serviceman come to pay their respects?

His expression turned to visible shock when closer inspection revealed who it was.

With newfound purpose he left his selfmade post and would appear on Tulan Kor 's left.

"Gunnery Sergeant Kor," he knew no better way to greet his old CO back in Dorn Company. Once Tulan would turn his way Thirdas would throw up a salute for his old leader and teacher.

"Private Heavenshield, reporting for duty," he added for nostalgia. The rank insignia on his uniform would tell a different story however.