Private Crossroads

[Kyyrk]

T R A N S I T​

"--outside the wall. We've never seen the herds so close. The people, fortunately, have taken this as a good omen. But we suspect trouble." Voph's head turned ever so slightly as he looked to another blue outline, awaiting his response. "Indeed. Perhaps a pack of hounds has driven them from their path?" Voph interjected. "For now, irrelevant. It is true, the Ka'pah herds avoid signs of civilization, but now is a time of great uncertainty. Vylmira City is not the bustling metropolis it once was. It could be a number of reasons. With all due respect, Guidance, you worry too much." The hologram of the slender female bowed her head silently in apology. Voph simply lifted a finger in acceptance of this gesture. "Will you be returning soon, Wrath?" Voph shook his head. "The Vicelord has requested my assistance with a matter beyond our borders. Though I take displeasure at the delay, it is necessary." "Very well, Wrath. I will inform Regret and Sorrow. Sentinel promises to return on the eve of the cycle. Then he travels to meet Hope aboard the Nox." Voph nodded once. "Understood. I'll speak with you if the situation changes, Justice."

The Hologram cut out, and Voph sank back into his chair, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Horace hooted softly in the background. The single sound offered all the comment Voph needed. "I know. No matter how far I run, it always finds me." Horace preened quietly, offering no further comment, to which Voph only sighed. He looked down at the control screens for the Star, and reached up to press a button to display the travel map in greater detail. "We have a guest, you know." Voph arched a brow, looking at the human replica droid occupying the co-pilot's seat. "The worst part of that is I know you act like my mother, and I don't even remember her." Voph pushed himself to his feet, and Horace immediately leapt at the opportunity to perch on his shoulder. Voph reached up to scratch idly at the bird's chin, eliciting a soft peck of affection from the avian.

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Voph strode into the common area of the Obsidian Star and made for the small bar he kept stocked. "We reach Utapau in two hours. Plenty of time to kill what few brain cells survived that." Voph poured a small glass of Corellean Whiskey, gesturing to his guest to offer her a drink if she so chose. "And here I stepped down from Lord Commander to get away from that. Ah well." Voph's brow furrowed as he glanced at Srina Talon and lifted the glass to his lips. He took a quick gulp of the amber liquid then dryly quipped, "Here's hoping this goes better than the last diplomatic venture..."

​

 

[Srina Talon]

OBSIDIAN STAR
Tag: Kyyrk
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The Exarch sat within the functional confines of the common area of the Obsidian Star. The low couch felt as if she were sitting on a concrete bench, but she draped her form along the stark lines with all the confidence and poise of a little queen all the same. Snowy white hair spilled from her head in silken waves of light. It was longer than the last time they had seen one another. Intricate braids wove through platinum tresses with small silver beads intertwined, hidden, like pearls.

She wore a deep-blue traveling dress that would sweep the metallic floor should she stand. Two slits rose from the floor toward her hips while protective leggings the color of coal kept the clothing functional and modest. In her lap lay a dark cloak that Kyyrk would find very familiar. It was too large for her but the extra fabric seemed to fall appropriately. Slender, skilled hands, were occupied with a small puzzle box that Maliphant had given her. It was a game. Something to pass the time.

But—There was also something inside. What? She had no idea.

She hadn’t been able to solve it.

The soft-spoken Exarch didn’t lift her head right away. She was staring at the burnished bronze faces of the box that vexed her. She hated, not to know things. Hated that there was a surprise and a secret in her hands but that she had no idea what it was. Turning the panels blindly wouldn’t get her anywhere.

“You cannot flee from the past.”

It was a quiet sentiment about his transition from Lord Commander into a less demanding role. It would be difficult for him to escape. The nation knew him; knew what he was capable of. It was only natural that the Vicelord would still tap him when the situation demanded it. Allowing her hands to settle neatly in her lap her eyes flickered over the beverage options. “Tea or water.”

A pause.

“Please.”

She was working on being less demanding, though, the way her expression shifted seemed to imply that she would rather be gargling hot embers versus schooling herself to seem more approachable. Srina didn’t care if she was liked, let alone, loved. She merely needed to be effective. Feared.

“Our last diplomatic venture was a rather profound success.”, she intoned, reaching out, to accept the metal mug that contained hot liquid. Tea. She preferred that over most things. “We spoke. They fired. We fired back. They surrendered.”

Her voice was entirely deadpan while she took a tentative sip. It was a touch below scalding, but that was also generally a partiality. Pale pink lips curved slightly against the rim of the cup for a moment and silver eyes flashed. Whether it was with warning or amusement—It would be hard to tell. “Worry not. I have left the weapons of mass destruction behind.”

“Just for you.”