Private House of Glass

[Sakadi Marathi Sinvala]

​

The pristine white halls of Sephone Castle were abuzz like never before. Nobility and servants alike crowded every square meter of the castle, forming a sea of colour with their vibrant synethtic silks. The only thing more elaborate than their hairdos were the literal works of art that lined both sides of the halls - the abstract sculptures of the stained Tynzo glass that the Thustra sector was famous for. Despite drowning in all that colour and choking on the thick scent of perfumes, Sakadi was glad to see it. Sephone Castle hadn't been this lively since long before her arrival.

Located on Isobe, the moon of Thustra, it had once been the residence of the Thustran royal family. Long struggles for the throne and the many galactic wars, however, had reduced it to a ruin. It was most notably bombarded and destroyed by Lirka Ka in the Sith Empire's invasion of Myrkr. Then further disassembled by the New Imperial Order, who had better uses for the stones that made up the castle's foundation. The royal family had been subjected to Lirka Ka's systematic kinslaying, and any trace of them that had remained hadn't made it through the New Imperial Order's administration. The Thustra system had been a haven of corruption and crime ever since, despite the Republic's efforts to fill the power vacuum. That was what she had been assigned to. The burning heap that was her homeworld.

Now, many years since, there was finally visible progress. By a stroke of luck she had found a girl who could issue a claim for the throne. The castle had been rebuild, once again serving as the system's center of authority. All that was left - and that which took the longest - was getting the nobility back in line. And that was what today was for.

The now Grand Duchess of Thustra, Althea III, was coming of age. It was a chance for those who thought they were important to show it, and a chance for the young Duchess to establish relations with them. Then there were also the interplanetary guests. Monarchies from far systems, senators with time on their hands, and businessmen who saw opportunities.

With all that to worry about, it was no wonder that her hair had began losing its sheen. Sakadi could almost kid herself into thinking that it had nothing to do with age. Yet - to her great horror - the first wrinkles that had started to show in her face made it hard to mask the truth. It didn't matter how much care she put into her health and her connection to the Living Force. She did not appear to be immune to the grasp of time.

Wrinkles and politics aside, Sakadi felt cautiously optimistic. Today would be a good day. She could sense it. If only because she'd finally get to see some of her fellow Jedi again. That too, had been far too long.

Valery Noble Amani Serys

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Dress | Wedding Ring

"I met Master Sinvala once, years ago," Valery said as she walked along the path to the castle with her dear friend by her side. "That time is a little fuzzy now because of how hectic the war was, but she was a kind soul. A true Jedi at heart, which is why she left soon after to help here." She remembered the woman's face and her determination, but much of that meeting between her, Dagon and Valery herself was lost to time.

Perhaps today would be a chance to leave a lasting impression for both of them.

Looking ahead, Valery sighed when she saw the castle and some of the other guests who were invited. She didn't dislike formal galas or events, but she never truly felt like she belonged in halls as prestigious as these. "Well, hopefully I'm not underdressed for this," Valery said and chuckled. She had done her best to look presentable for the occasion, but seeing some of these nobles and how much time they must have spent on their appearance...

She wasn't sure anymore.

"You've also met her before, right?" she asked to circle back to what she was talking about before.

Sakadi Marathi Sinvala Amani Serys ​

 

[Amani Serys]

Valery Noble - Sakadi Marathi Sinvala​

Galactic politics were an ever shifting maelstrom. Amani almost felt guilty that she hadn't realized the extent of Thustra's own struggles until semi-recently, but with everything going on among the Jedi, the Alliance, and Alderaan, it was no surprise she couldn't exactly take note.

At least now, it seemed, things were being rebuilt. That's what today's events were meant to show anyway. Though Amani also served as a representative of the Jedi alongside Valery, she was actually here on behalf of Alderaan, which she was now Queen of by marriage. It would be one of her first big interplanetary events in that role, and thus there were some extra nerves that came with her presence today. As if to compensate, she was a bit more dressed up; Much like some of the other nobles in attendance, so perhaps that had paid off. It did leave Valery looking perhaps slightly underdressed, "You'll be fine. Not like they can judge a Jedi if she shows up a little more humbly clothed than the rest anyway."

"You've also met her before, right?"

Amani nodded, "She and I were part of the Silvers around the same time, though I don't recall our social circles really overlapping much." After all, back then Amani was merely a padawan. Now she had grown into a master in her own right. Nonetheless, she had been aware of Master Sinvala and her tenure with the Order, "I respect her as a Jedi. It'll be nice to have a proper meeting with her again."

They arrived at the entrance to the castle, passing many of the other mingling nobles and servants. Some turned to look at and greet the Queen and the Sword of the Jedi, others were caught up in the myriad conversation topics of the day. It would probably be more fitting to start making nice with such folks, but Amani couldn't help but try to find Sakadi first instead. Her presence was part of the reason this event stood out in the first place, "Do you see her anywhere?"

 

[Sakadi Marathi Sinvala]

Sakadi, barely in time, managed to sidestep as a retainer passed by with a platter of ornate wine glasses. Her loose white tunic was already below the standards of today's public, and that gave her all the more reason not to let a drop of wine spill on it. Had the retainer even seen her? She guessed not.

It hadn't been her first obstacle on the way to the foyer, and it definitely wasn't the last. Forcing your way past reinstated nobility was like trying to dash through a brick wall. They thought so highly of themselves that anyone with a lesser reputation - to them that was everyone, or so Sakadi noticed - would simply have to wait for them to finish talking. The retainers weren't much better either. They weren't use to these numbers, and seemed in a perpetual state of stress with a hint of panic. Fortunately, she had a secret weapon.

Her white-plated protocol droid, TC-41. The thing had no patience whatsoever, always felt personally attacked by any slight towards her, and could retaliate with the kind of language that would leave even a Klatoonian's mouth wide open. Sakadi was fairly certain that TC-41 would try to fight a Rancor if it thought the beast looked at it funnily.

Like an icebreaker, TC-41 carved a path through the crowd for her. She had to reign it in once or twice, most notably when TC compared the hairdo of a baroness that wouldn't move to a beehive. He wasn't wrong - but that was beside the point.

With some difficulty, Sakadi reached the foyer. Like the design of the castle itself, it was a smooth circular hall with a domed ceiling. Large stained-glass windows depicted tales of old, illuminated by the natural light of the early afternoon. Like the corridors that led deeper into the castle, the foyer too was filled with abstract sculptures of crystals and glass. Some older tapestries lined the walls opposite to the entrance. They looked worn and frayed, with colours that had dulled. They were the only pieces that had survived the monarchy's fall and the occupations since.

The foyer was bustling with moving crowds, either on their way to the gardens or toward the throne room to catch a glimpse of the Duchess. It was there that it occurred to her that she had no idea what the Grandmaster of the New Jedi Order looked like, beside a vague memory. Of course she had seen images and holos, but those had to be greatly exaggerated. She truly did not believe a woman could be in that good a shape.

Apparently, the venerable Jedi Master was wrong.

She recognized Amani first, although that took some squinting. She remembered her as a student of the Silver Jedi when it had been in turmoil. Now, years later, Amani was a grown woman. Both queen of Alderaan and a Jedi Master. It reminded her that the Force was not done producing miracles yet.

The other had a reputation that exceeded her. Despite those intense eyes and the scar that made her appear battle-hardened, there was also something kind and warm about her features. Open and inviting, yet read for action at a moment's notice. It was a fascinating sight, or so she thought.

Sakadi strolled over, hoping to catch their attention with a slight wave. It was followed by a gesture from her forehead to theirs. TC-41 could speak for her, but telepathy gave so much more freedom and privacy. Permission to do so, however, had always been important to her.

The projected voice was soft and elegant. "Thank you for coming Master Noble. Master Serys." Sakadi smiled slightly. "Or do you prefer Queen nowadays?" She gestured for them to follow and headed for the spiraling stairs that led to the upper corridors. "I'm afraid the Duchess may be difficult to reach at the moment, so let me give you a short tour of the castle." She glanced back, this time a little more serious. "I do hope you brought your lightsabers. Security is a bit scarce, and unfortunately there is quite the chance of unwelcome surprises."

Valery Noble Amani Serys

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Dress | Wedding Ring

"Easy for you to say..." Valery squinted at Amani and looked her up and down. After a moment, her lips curled into a playful smirk. The Mirialan obviously had good taste, and it came as no surprise that a Queen of Alderaan would be dressed properly. But it didn't help her feel any better about her dress choice.

Luckily, she figured most would be too busy focusing on other things to even notice.

"Mhm, I look forward to meeting her as well. I'm not sure if she's interested in working with the NJO a little more, but we could certainly use some experienced Masters." There were a lot of Padawans and younger Knights in the Order now, and many of them needed guidance. Especially during times of war.

A Master with her experience would make a huge difference.

"I think I see-" she paused, squinted and smiled. Ah, yes. The memories of their first meeting were starting to resurface. Like before, Sakadi carried herself with grace, and her demeanor projected confidence and experience as well. She looked older now, but those years had done little to wither her beauty away.

"I'm honored to have received an invitation," Valery began with a kind smile. One that shifted into a teasing grin when Sakadi asked Amani about her title, "Oh, she very much prefers Queen," Valery replied with a shit-eating grin that spread like a wildfire. A little bit of teasing never hurt.

The two were given a signal to follow after that. Valery moved up the staircase, careful to not trip over her dress, and looked up at the Jedi Master, "I've got mine in my purse, but I was hoping it wouldn't be necessary today. I was a little nervous about sneaking it inside to begin with."

Sakadi Marathi Sinvala Amani Serys ​

 

[Amani Serys]

"Seems to be a recurring struggle with the NJO," Amani remarked. Even back when she had first joined, their order was quite young if you were comparing averages. It seemed anytime more masters came or grew, a few more were taken away in exchange.

Sakadi made her presence known right on cue. She looked quite similar to how Amani remembered her. Sephi didn't exactly age at the same rate as most other species, nonetheless time had affected them all, "Thank you, Master Sakadi. It's nice to see you again," Amani dipped her head in greeting, envisioning herself back in the halls of the Silver Jedi all over again. Valery mischievously responded to the matter of titles before she could. Amani smirked back, "Queen, Master, Doctor— Nobody calls me Doctor in any of my circles," She clicked her tongue, then continued honestly, "Technically I am here as Queen. But I prefer whatever's simplest for you."

"I do hope you brought your lightsabers. Security is a bit scarce, and unfortunately there is quite the chance of unwelcome surprises."

Amani furrowed her brow. Nothing was ever easy, but such was to be presumed here given the circumstances. She followed Sakadi to the staircase, "Anything specific expected?" She instinctively reached toward the saber to make sure it was there: strapped to her leg underneath the dress. It wasn't exactly easy to incorporate a lightsaber into royal fashion, but she had made do.

Sakadi Marathi Sinvala - Valery Noble​

 

[Sakadi Marathi Sinvala]

While the climb up the spiraling stairway was by no means exhausting, there were notably less guests on the upper levels. Sakadi recognized some representatives from Obroa-skai in grey militaristic attire, and Chuhkyvi from Aquaris. Clearly defined by the bulbous water tanks that they wore as helmets. Neither party, nor the few groups of colourful Sephi nobility, seemed to take kindly to their arrival. It disturbed what this gallery had been up to a moment ago. A place for quiet dealings and secrets to be shared.

"Nervous?" Sakadi flashed an amused glanceat the battlemaster. Unlike the pair, her lightsaber hung openly at her side. "Are you perhaps not at ease at places like this?" Sakadi appeared unperturbed by the displeased looks of other guests as she strolled through the gallery.

Amani's remark made the amused look fade again. "Unfortunately, yes." With her hands folded behind her back, Sakadi turned to face them. "As you know, Thustra is a border system of the Alliance. Other major systems of the Sumitra sector fall outside the Alliance its jurisdiction, like Aquaris and Tierfon. It is also a part of the Daragon Trail, a trade route that goes through Sith space and the Mandalorian protectors all the way to the core." She brushed a strand of silver hair out of her face. "Moreover, this sector has changed hands so many times over the past two decades, that the ruling powers have little to no authority left. Corruption and crime run rampant in the Sumitra sector for that sole reason. As you can imagine, all of that combined has made Thustra 'the' gateway of illegal goods in and out of the Alliance." She'd worked against that for decades now. Even under the Silver Jedi. "And now, with the Duchess soon ascending to the throne as Queen of Thustra, that's about to change. Anyone who's been profiting from Thustra's state of anarchy will want to oppose that." She glanced at some of the nobility behind the pair of Jedi. "But assassinating the Duchess during her coronation? That would only make her a martyr. A celebration like this, however? That will do."

Sakadi looked down, not wanting to show the tinge of shame she held. "I... may have suggested this event to the Duchess for that reason." She was the girl's chief advisor. The Duchess held her in high regard too. Abusing her trust, even if it was for the greater good, felt wrong. Yet she had always been bold like this. Her whole reputation on the Silver Council had been just that. Assertive, no-nonsense, and uncompromising. "It's the only way I could think of to draw them out." She bowed her head a little. "I apologize for dragging you into this. It's unbefitting of the Jedi to leverage innocents, and I will accept whatever punishment you see fit when this is over."

Amani Serys Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Dress | Wedding Ring

"I wouldn't say nervous," Valery said with a chuckle, "But I am prepared." Going into the castle, Valery stowed away her lightsaber in her purse. Anybody attending the event would likely recognize her, especially those capable of causing trouble. So she wasn't hiding her lightsaber for that reason — she merely did it to keep the minds of others at ease.

The last thing she wanted was for some oblivious noble to scream that she was carrying a weapon.

The three moved along and Sakadi used that time to explain the situation. At first, it wasn't anything too uncommon — a lack of true leadership had created a vacuum others had abused. Now, with a new Queen on the rise, all of that was about to change. This world could thrive and-

Valery blinked.

Did she just admit to using the Duchess as bait?

Valery's gaze slowly shifted to Amani with a hint of nervousness. She had no problems escorting or protecting people, but if she had known beforehand, she could have done a lot more to prepare.

"I would certainly have appreciated it if you mentioned this before coming here," Valery began, but she already had a feeling why Sakadi hadn't mentioned it. Now, the two Jedi Masters couldn't stop the plan that was already set in motion anymore. They'd have to help or else risk this Duchess losing her life. "But I'll do what I can to protect her. We can worry about this approach once the Queen is safe and this night is over."

Sakadi Marathi Sinvala Amani Serys ​

 

[Amani Serys]

Sakadi explained the situation, going so far as to admit to some subterfuge on her part, luring the Jedi here to force them into helping. Amani met Valery's shifty gaze. This was a difficult problem to be thrown into. Given the bold strategy at play, it wasn't quite a surprise that she had not disclosed so earlier. Amani just wished it hadn't gotten that far, "We would've helped protect her regardless," A brief sigh, then she nodded in agreement, "We'll worry about that later. We've got enough to worry about now as it is, and not enough time to worry about it."

"What do you need us to do? Are there any known suspects or their affiliations? Obvious access points? As much as you can share, the better prepared we can be."

Sakadi Marathi Sinvala - Valery Noble​

 

[Sakadi Marathi Sinvala]

Their reactions were along the lines of what she had expected. A part of her wanted them to be harsher - the same part that still held her accountable for the lives lost in the Brynâdul war and her former padawan's fall to the Dark side. Yet it'd have to do with the Battlemaster's thinly veiled judgement for now. Amani asked for her to share more information, which Sakadi agreed to with a slight nod. She closed her eyes, then took her telepathic projections a little further.

Images found their way to the women's minds like an intrusive daydream. They were of galleries like this one, and corridors with stained-glass windows that almost reached the high painted ceilings. Doors opened to narrow walkways and stairs, the white-plastered walls only occasionally letting light through arrowslits. The maze of passageways all came together at a spacious balcony that formed a second level above the grand hall. Concealed enough not to be seen from below. "It may not seem like it, but Sephone castle was a fortress once. The grand hall was always under tight surveillance. The balcony you see in your minds was used by servants and guards alike. It is the most obvious access point. It lines up nicely for potential snipers too." It was currently in-use too. The artists - acrobats and singers, mostly - would be using it as their 'backstage' area.

"As for suspects, there's too many to count. Almost any guests could feasibly have a motive to want the Duchess gone. The question therefore isn't 'who', but 'when' and how'." She opened her eyes, limiting her telepathy to just the voice again. "That is where you come in. I do not believe any of them will make a direct attempt on the Duchess her life themselves. They'll have hired someone. If I'm wrong, I have faith in the royal guards that she has selected to foil the attempt." She had made abundantly clear to the group how dangerous today actually was. "What I'll need from you are your senses and reflexes." She smiled. "All the eyes will be on the attacker. Yet the nobility here is the type to come and watch their handiwork. They will be displeased when their credits have gone to waste and even more so when they realize the Jedi were involved. That is the kind of emotion they're not likely to hide, so if our eyes are on the guests in the heat of the moment we'll learn a thing or two." It was simple, really. Make a fuss and look who had the worst reaction.

"I'd like to suggest that we split up between the two levels and keep in touch like this." She tapped against her temple. "Although I do have commlinks available if you'd prefer those instead."

Amani Serys Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Dress | Wedding Ring

Amani raised a good question, and Sakadi did her best to answer — in her own, rather unique way. To keep the stream of information flowing smoothly, Valery opened her mind and welcomed Sakadi inside. The images were much more vivid as a result and paired with the woman's telepathic explanation, Valery was starting to form all sorts of scenarios inside her head. The nobility all had easy access to the castle, so checking them before anything got tense would be impossible.

But a Hunter would have to find its own way inside.

"There is a risk to the plan," Valery said when she turned her focus back to them both, "We're having to wait until something happens and hope that either the guards or us can stop it." That inherently meant assuming they were more capable than the hunter hired for the attack. Not an unreasonable one, but it wasn't without risk.

"But I don't see another way. Not unless we can capture the hunter beforehand and make them talk." She sighed and ran a hand up through her hair.

Splitting up was their best bet.

"I'll head up and keep an eye on the balcony and upper floors. It's a good place to hide and to strike from without risking collateral. Another option we should take into account is that the attacker will be among the people, dressed up to fit into the crowd."

Sakadi Marathi Sinvala Amani Serys ​

 

[Amani Serys]

The situation was tense. Their plan was reactionary, meaning it would rely on them and/or the guards to be at the top of their game to ensure this went off without anyone getting hurt. Having to wait was difficult, but it was the only real option unless they got lucky and the culprit slipped up early. Even still, there wasn't much they could do to force that.

"Alright. Then Sakadi and I should stick to the main level." There was a lot of ground to cover between the three of them, "I'll need to be among the people to keep up appearances anyway." If the Queen of Alderaan was skulking around outside of the mingling, it would probably set off their target's suspicion, "Let's keep to telepathy. Can't be traced quite like a comm conversation can. Keep your senses in tip top shape. If we're lucky, we might catch wind of their intent before they even make the move." A trained opponent could obfuscate such things from a Jedi. But perhaps three of them all honing in would give them a better chance of gleaning something crucial from amongst the crowd.

Valery Noble - Sakadi Marathi Sinvala​