Freedom: What It Costs (Kay Arenais).

[WolfMortum]

It was true, politics could well stand in their way and Veiere be unable to assist her due to the Silver Jedi Order's allies; when it came to she herself however, he was her Husband and she, his wife. Veiere would do all that he could to keep her safe. "The Silver Jedi have many Allies in the Galaxy, hopefully none that would look to you with any hostility. The friendly relationships Commenor shared is more or less the same as the Silver Order's, minus the Mandalorian's of course" Obviously they weren't in the business of supporting imperialist governments, though the Confederacy was sort of an exception to the rules there.

"My hands would be tied if you were to be caught up in conflict with friends and allies to the Jedi...-But as far as the Sith Empire is concerned, I will do all I can", ready and willing to even the playing field when it came to the Zambrano's, especially. The Sith were responsible for so much anguish in the Galaxy, including their family and their former life on Commenor. They'd brought harm to millions of people and as far as Veiere was concerned, it would be justice to see them held responsible for their crimes. "S'long as you don't go causing trouble for the Jedi, we should be fine" he chuckled softly, not actually expecting that she would but rather speaking sarcastically.

[member="Kay Arenais"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

"And what if the Jedi's allies and friends decide to come after me? And in turn invited you all to come after me too? We all know that most of the Sith are against me always. And some of the Silver's friends fight righte along side them." As do the Mandalorians. Kay hated that part, just as half of the Mandos did too, or so they've told her. She hoped to be able to pay them off into fighting on her side, but there were no guarantees. And the Sith had bigger pockets than she did.

"Hands are tied because of politics. In some of the same ways that politics prevented us from jumping to war when we were in charge of Commenor. I'm not going to let that happen again, Veiere. I'm going to see to it that when Zakuul's friends need help, they will get it. We stabalized the region around Commenor. I'm going to do that here too."

She hated thinking about worst case scenarios, but it needed to be done so that she could plan ahead. And the last thing that she needed was to come across [member="Veiere Arenais"] on the battlefield.

"I'm not going to go out and give the Jedi trouble on purpose. Unlike the Eternal Empire of old, I'm not going to seek to destroy them." The Sith on the other hand...they needed to be taken down. However patience was a virtue. Empires were collapsing all over. It was only a matter of time.

 

[WolfMortum]

"There's the difference between running a democracy and running an Empire" Veiere pointed out, his voice gentle so that his wife understood this to be a discussion alone and not an argument or a challenge in any means; "As long as you're not forcing people against their will to follow you and your Empire like so many other Imperial governments have, I don't see us having to even consider finding one another on opposite sides" it was a horrible thought, truly. It was enough that the United Clans of Mandalore had such a grievance with the Silver Jedi Order, that was as close to home as Veiere needed, let alone going to war against his own Wife.

"Remember that the Jedi fight to defend and protect the people, they don't go to war against those who haven't forced their hand or brought it upon themselves by walking over others to solve their problems or achieve their means" he added further, Kay being the last person that should need reminding of such a thing considering she married a Jedi and had been on the receiving end of the Sith Empire's horrific manipulation.

"You know me, Kay. I only fight for the best of others, as do the Silver Jedi", that wasn't to say that mistakes hadn't been made. Korriban had taken a beating like eshan had more recently. Some Jedi in the past had acted well beyond the teachings of the Order and been reprimanded for their actions. But this was years ago and those people were no longer with the Order any longer, for obvious reason. Both he, and the Order of the Silver Jedi had changed since then; if they hadn't then Veiere wouldn't be with them today.

[member="Kay Arenais"]

 

[Mythos]

Knowing where she was located was not difficult, knowing some technical genius to send her a hacked and distorted message was not difficult either. Yet Mythos was an ancient power, an Old God and his ways were that of the old Sith. There was no way he could have known his old ally Veiere would have been there at this precise moment but he doubted that he could have locted her signature in the galaxy had her heart not sparked as it did when they were together.

Deep in the krypts of Angrammar Mythos focused on the light of her blade and no soon after a projection of him would reveal himself to them in the shadows of her quarters. This trick was not easy and it strained him greatly even with his new found might. He would have to be breif.

"I come only to serve as a hope in war". He began, his voice breaking the background of the city noise and the buzz of the Spire. "My mission and my path is still the same."

As he spoke his image became more crisp and clear yet still evidenly a phantom of darkness. His hair and locks still long and golden yet his armor darkened with the tint of dried blood. His eyes yellow and stern and his hand gripping the fuel of his power; The Axe.

"Those who aid The Galactic Alliance will be put to the sword, my oath to the Silvers however I will honor. No harm will befall any of the sons and daughters of Thurion and Coci Heavenshield yet if any aid or harboring of fugitives comes from them I shall make no distinctions"

He spoke with finality and his eyes rested only on the Queen of Commenor, only after lingering did he turn his eyes to her beloved so far away. His lips curved in a wry smile, he had not seen Veiere in ages.

[member="Veiere Arenais"] [member="Kay Arenais"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay wasn't so sure of who would side with her and who wouldn't. These days alliances and agreements were fickle things. Those that were normally good people have ended up on the wrong side, and vice versa. [member="Veiere Arenais"] told her earlier to be careful of who she trusted. So she had to take that to heart because he was right. The Mandalorian's hands were tied by the Sith. How many more faced similar situations where they were led by other groups instead of holding sovereignty over themselves?

"And you know me, Veiere. I don't just go out and wage war."

Still, she was going to work to be sure that she wasn't isolated. The best part was that it kept her new people safe, given the great distance between them and the warring parties.

[member="Mythos"] appeared then. At first she took no notice. That is until he spoke. "Hope in war?" Kay heard what he had to say, but still she didn't understand. He had betrayed her because she took in refugees, innocent people that had caused harm to no one. Yet they were guilty by association in his eyes. And she was guilty for taking them in.

"How does continuing to threaten me give me hope?" The GA held Zakuul before the FO did. So there were people here that had been loyal to both and were now loyal to her. The fact that he could get into her apartment, even just as a projection unnerved her. She'll need [member="The Amalgam"] to ward off the building with her Bogan magic in the near future.

 

[WolfMortum]

Veiere had only recently spoken of Mythos in the context of who not to trust, and whom had betrayed them most recently in the past; yet before them, in the midst of their conversation no less, the man's visage appeared as a force projection. The sudden disturbance caused Veiere to rise from his seat with his hand drawing to the hilt of his lightsaber, a brief moment of hesitation however following as he realized that [member="Mythos"] wasn't 'truly' there, but rather simply his image being portrayed and thus not worth drawing his blade upon. Veiere's anger however, would remain apparent in the way that he glared back at the man opposite him.

"Should you have the gall to show yourself in person, you would be fortunate to keep your head for what you did to us Mythos. Your treachery has not been forgotten, least of all forgiven" Veiere countered the man's would-be declaration, claiming to the pretense of a God was a twisted joke in Veiere's mind and only spoke to the man's vanity which would one day come back to bite him in the ass. "Should we ever cross paths again, you would be wise to carry a weapon" Veiere offered him a piece of further advice, just in case the man's arrogance kept him blind to the truth of their ill feelings felt in his regard.

"You are one of the Sith, and you will be brought to justice for the harm you brought to the people of Commenor. Your selfish loathing for the Galactic Alliance is a pathetic excuse to impose on the lives of others and I will not let it stand unaccounted for should I be given the opportunity", his left hand soon gestured to [member="Kay Arenais"] as he finished, "You will not betray her twice".

 

[Mythos]

Pain. To keep this image going meant to literally burn, or at least that it how it felt. It did not matter, if it killed him he owed her that much. Their voices and images were phantoms to his eyes as he saw through the eyes of his phantom. His smile still strained he nodded once as they spoke.

They did not understand... of all his allies he thought he would understand. He was there, he saw what they did. There was only one way Veiere could have this mind after Atrisia. They had gotten to him, their Jedi ways twisted him even further. "Then you will have to kill me Veiere. Unlike you my oaths last for eternity. I will not raise my weapon on a Silver Jedi." He spat, his eyes fading slowly as his strength was zapped even more. Mythos was legendary Sith Warrior not just because of his prowess in battle and strength in the force, but because of his character and honor among both his allies and his enemies. If Veiere had forgotten that too, Mythos would not allow him to. "If you wish to kill me I will hand you my neck... but not a second before justice is done."

"They killed my son. They killed my people and even the grass that grows in my home is tainted in darkness" He informed them, a fact that he knew now that he had returned. His eyes turned to Kay, his body fading like a ghost but his eyes losing the shine of a Sith.

"I seek not war but justice, If don't beleive me send someone to these coordinates." Those words saw him vanish in the night. Beneath his feet the floor was burned in a small tile with the coordinates for the old gardens of Jar'Kai

Far away in the krypts of Angramar Mythos now needed to be tended to. The strain of the ability was deadly and now he needed to rest.
[member="Veiere Arenais"] [member="Kay Arenais"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay stood up as [member="Veiere Arenais"] did, though she didn't move ahead of him. Her husband was always her protector and she wasn't about to take that from him.

Her eyes studied the image of [member="Mythos"] while he spoke. He wanted justice? He sought to punish those that weren't even there, even to punish children that weren't even born. He sought to punish innocents for crimes that they didn't commit and weren't even around for. Guilt by association was what others attacked Atrisia for. And many other planets thereafter.

She looked down to the co-ordinates left behind, burned onto her floor. Of course she wanted to inspect it herself, but she couldn't. It'd be silly to walk into what could be a trap. "I wonder what he's up to....Don't worry though, I'm not going to go." If she could somehow reach [member="Einon"] , maybe he could go. For Commenor, of course. But if he won't even hear her out, then maybe [member="Ghorua the Shark"] would.

 

[WolfMortum]

"[member="Mythos"] is a man of his own means, he cares not who he crosses if he is to be judged by his actions" Veiere replied to his wife with no hiding of his disapproval, "He's looking for vengeance that he can never gain, hungers for something that cannot be satisfied and believes that the suffering of others will make up for his own. He's a blind fool seduced by the Sith and their ideologies; without them, I doubt he would have found the courage to betray us back on Commenor", it was clear that he certainly wasn't pulling his punches on the subject. As far as Veiere was concerned, Mythos was responsible for the slaughter of innocents. Without his help, the Sith Empire would never have discovered the underground labyrinth that lead north of the Royal Palace; "He will only find peace when he stops making widows and orphans of others".

Veiere moved to take back the last of his drink before setting the glass down upon the table. Thanks to their interruption, they were both back on their feet and though he did not completely understand why, Veiere felt obliged to prepare for the journey back home. "My presence here has caused some unrest..." He spoke his thoughts, his ability to pick up on the feelings of others based upon their aura in the Force was enough alone to tell him that much; it seemed that Jedi weren't exactly welcome guests there on Zakuul, perhaps in part due to it's previous governing power.

[member="Kay Arenais"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

That betrayal by [member="Mythos"] had hit her hard. It had put her right back into the hands of [member="Darth Prazutis"] again. They had fought, but she lost due to his Sith magic and with being trapped in the tunnels. That was something that she hoped would never be repeated. But if there was a next time, she hoped to be on the winning side.

"I tried to tell him that, but he wouldn't listen. Maybe one day he'll understand. I hope so, at least." For his sake, she hoped so.

Her eyebrows raised as [member="Veiere Arenais"] suggested that he leave. Surely he wasn't blaming himself for Mythos' sudden appearence? "Veiere...you will always be welcome here. Even if we argue or find ourselves on opposite sides; you are my husband and I will never prevent you meeting with me." She wasn't sure if she ever could treat him like an enemy. Even when she was tainted by the dark, he had found a way to rekindle kindness in her heart and bring her back to who she was.

"But if you're more comfortable in going, I'll not hold you up. I do hope to see you again soon though."

 

[WolfMortum]

"I wasn't sure the rumors were true when I set out for this side of the Galaxy, to be quite honest with you Kay" Veiere gave her something of a shrug, accompanied by a half smile; "At-least now, I know how to get in touch with you" he added, putting a positive note to the remark. There were still concerns in the back of his mind for how her situation would look to those who would be on the side of the law. She was technically an escaped convict after-all.

"Keep your nose clean and we should be fine" He said with a quiet chuckle, approaching her and wrapping his arms around her comfortingly. "The Jedi are coming together to form an Alliance of Organizations and branches, the Silver Jedi and the Jedi that used to be with the Galactic Alliance for example" Veiere informed her. "[member="Coren Starchaser"], myself and a few others are on the High Council that will help co-ordinate the whole movement. Think back to the Conclave I raised back in the Galactic Republic's last days...-We're finally seeing the Jedi reunite to battle against the tides of Darkness" He smiled, there seemingly a glint in his eyes, his admiration and pride for the venture showing through in his body language. There was still much to be done, but the progress was moving ahead and this meant that the Galaxy would be that much safer from the terror of the Sith and those whom would seek to undermine the laws of society.

"It's as though my life's work is finally paying off" He added, soon placing a kiss to her forehead; "Behave yourself". It probably seemed like an odd way to bid her farewell in his preparing to depart and return for the eastern regions of the Galaxy, but something in his heart told him that nothing from here on out would be as straightforward or as easy as they might have hoped. Especially when their friends and trusted allies stood upon opposing sides of Galactic Politics.

[member="Kay Arenais"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay was certain that there were many rumours out there. Yet what details they shared, she didn't know. It was probably better that she didn't know anyhow.

Her body visibly relaxed as [member="Veiere Arenais"] wrapped his arms around her. There was no greater feeling of protection than that. His Jedi cloak even enhanced the feeling further, though he probably sensed that already.

Kay listened as he spoke of the Jedi from different groups banding together. Hopefully it'd work this time. There had been many such attempts and each one progressed little. The same could be said about other governments though too; all trying to ally themselves against both the Sith and the Imperials. "You're a great leader and advisor. You'll all do well, I'm sure."

It was funny how he told her to behave herself and to keep her nose clean. It was almost as though he expected her to stray somehow. "I'll do my best to be on good behaviour." She couldn't promise that about anyone else though. And the last thing that she needed was to be sent to one prison or another. Hopefully she'd be able to avoid it without having to live on the run.

Having to part from him wasn't easy, but she knew that she had to. "I'll walk you out, if you don't mind."

 

[WolfMortum]

Veiere gave [member="Kay Arenais"] a light nod and stepped to the side so that they could leave side-by-side.

"I hope this new Government that you're trying to build prospers under your leadership as Commenor did" He spoke as they walked, Veiere's would-be deterrants awaiting them both outside and soon falling in line behind their soon-to-be Empress; "We did not have it easy back there, but I still believe that we did the best we could with the burden that was placed on our shoulders" he sought to reassure her. There was no bitterness or resentment behind their previous leadership or the experiences that they had shared. In fact, he blamed the Sith Emperor and the Zambrano family still, for a great deal of their hardships and even current circumstance separated on opposite sides of the Galaxy and the law now.

"There's no easy way to describe your current predicament so I feel I ought to make it clear...-You're an escaped convict, still" Veiere turned to look to her gently, his voice full of remorse; "You'll no doubt face many new hardships ahead...-And I hope the Force is still with you; furthermore, I hope you don't require it" His wife hadn't been subtle about her new rise to power, and Veiere suspected that others would come seeking justice for her sins. The complexity of such a time didn't sit right in heart nor mind with he, a Jedi Master of arguably the largest Peace-Keeping Force the Galaxy presently had in play.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay hooked her arm with that of her husband as they walked, as a show of her trust and affection for him, one that her Knights and other guards would see. [member="Veiere Arenais"] would have his name and image on hand for the proper security clearance that would give him unfettered access. Hopefully bo one would mess with that.

"I know what the Eternal Empire did in the past. I'll not be like that. I'll bring stability to the region, grow the economy through trade and contracts. It'll do well. You'll see."

As he once again reminded her of her escape from Purgatory, she did her best to refrain from frowning. Was that always going to hang over her head? Even though others had done far worse than she had ever done? Why must she be held with different standards?

"I hope that the Force is still with me too, just as I hope that my friends and family continue to be as well. No good could of come from me being locked in Purgatory. I'm not some war criminal, or some crazed tyrant or serial killer. I'm a good person, Veiere. If you can be forgiven; if others can as well; then I should be too....I should be too." It wasn't fair otherwise.

 

[WolfMortum]

"As far as I'm concerned, you paid your dues when you were tortured by Darth Prazutis. Your crimes were a result of his affliction upon you, not of your choosing" Veiere told her, speaking with confidence that she would know he meant what he said. "I am not warning you because I believe you belong there, I'm warning you because others will not know any better. How many were injured in your given freedom? How many of the officers and guards were hurt or worse when your allies fought for your release....-I highly doubt you got out of a high max penitentiary without violence". It wasn't Veiere that would be accusing her either, if someone did come for her. Purgatory had been a place where the Galaxies worst had been isolated; Veiere didn't agree with [member="Lucinda Larr"]'s methods nor her motivation, yet [member="Kay Arenais"] hadn't been wrong when she said she was doing the Galaxy a favor by keeping murderers and worse locked up and away from the innocent.

"I'm well aware of what you are..." He turned and placed his left hand to her cheek, looking to meet her gaze "And what you're not. Like it or not, Laws were crossed in your escape and that's beyond my control. Had I known, I'd have suggested we find another, legal way". The Warden wasn't anything but clean, and Veiere's instincts told him that she was caught up in some ugly business behind the scenes. Surely they might have been able to exploit a vulnerability in order to see Kay freed. Any such possibilities were well out of hand now however. "You were in power over Commenor, and that power managed to keep me from further persecution...-But Purgatory was open space, and outside of Commenor's jurisdiction. Something that, as I said, is beyond my ability to manipulate to your favor...-Your Mandalorian friends have done what they do best, cross laws and endanger others for self interest. This is a reality you need to come to terms with".

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay closed her eyes once they had gotten into the lift. [member="Veiere Arenais"] was right of course. People were hurt in her escape and some had even died. It all just happened so quickly, with allies from different circles each with their own plans and methods. Was she to be held accountable for that too? Even though she wasn't a part of the plans or knew about them? It would be a tough legal battle to fight and right now she was glad that there was no authority over such things right now.

She looked to her husband as he put his hand on her cheek. "I didn't know either Veiere. Not until it was happening. Ambrose was sent just to protect me and keep me company, that was all." Which was true. And he did just that, keeping the gangs away from her when she was put into the general population. He did good.

And then he painted the Mandalorians with the same brush. In some way he was right, but not entirely. "Veiere, it wasn't just the Mandalorians that came. There was a Sith, and Lannis' forces created a blockade around the system to force the Warden's hand. Neither knew what the other was up to. They all just...managed to pick the same day. They all had their reasons for wanting me out. And for Lannis, this was why. To bring me here."

In the past it was Veiere that had to convince her that the Mandalorians weren't bad people. Now it was the other way around. Funny how things changed.