Private Mudslide

[Alina Tremiru]

​

"And now you've touched onto why I'm here." Her gaze finally flicked back to Mathieu Brion , studying him. He was wise to learn everything he could, even if he couldn't use it. Or wouldn't. It was her belief herself. She could do little in the Force compared to her betters, but she could still learn how it worked. Knowledge was it's own power, if only to counter and break it. Though, she doubted that was his reasoning. He was too kind for his own good.

"I want to change the Sith. But to do that, I need to know how the galaxy sees them. And I don't mean how the Jedi see them. We both know there's too much religious zeal in many opinions. The regular people. Do they care? Do they fear? What can be done to change that?" There was much more to it, of course. But he didn't need to know it. Not if she could keep as many things to herself as possible. Who knew what his masters might try to rip out of her if he turned her in.

"It's foolish, I know. I've heard plenty of you tell me 'why not join the Jedi? Stop the Sith!' Because I am Sith, and I have no shame in admitting that."

 

[Mathieu Brion]

Mudslide​

He'd be interested to hear more on why she was here when she actually intended to talk about it. For now, the conversation continued. The woman started to speak of her ambitions - they were grand indeed, causing him to raise two surprised eyebrows "That's no small task. Funny how you ended up speaking to a Jedi about in anyways, eh?" he said, producing a brief smile, hoping to clarify that he didn't have any hostile intents in saying so. There was parts of what she said which puzzled him "So, if regular people really want a democracy, would you give it to them? If they want sovereignty and freedom from both Jedi and Sith influence, would that be something you granted them? Would it even be necessary to maintain an empire? Why not just retreat to Korriban?"

Just as he finished the question, they arrived by the base. Slowing the pace of the landspeeder, Mathieu brought them down into a garage. On most planets, it was acceptable to just park vehicles outside - but on Jabiim, they had built a structure in which to park, allowing people to avoid getting drenched between the building and their vehicle. "I've got a few sandwiches in the back, we could eat them here" he said, looking at her with friendly eyes, trying to hide a certain degree of awkwardness "There's also the cafeteria... but it's in the Security Office"

Alina Tremiru

 

[Alina Tremiru]

She did at least return the smile. There was humor to be found in the fact she was telling this to a Jedi. Not much, given she was still trying to get off world without getting interrogated, but there was some. "Retreat to Korriban and let the Jedi slaughter us in one place? The Empire is as much a protection for it's subjects as it is for the Sith. Or at least, that's what they want to believe. Sith and subjects alike." She herself didn't believe it. It's why she was here. If she was a firm believer, she wouldn't be here to begin with.

Parking inside was a bit of an issue, for her. Somewhat. If she needed to escape, trying to get out of a building was much, much harder than open air. "Sandwiches sound pretty good, not gonna lie. Better than being a Sith inside a Jedi security office."

 

[Mathieu Brion]

Mudslide​

Mathieu was silent for a while as he looked to her. He wondered if she had just admitted that they were indeed lying to themselves - it was just a step off of brainwashing themselves. It was hard not to do a little bit of self reflection when someone from the opposing side was as open as she was. For now, he just said an absent-minded "I hope we're not the same" Soon, his mind seemed to return to the conversation at hand "I'm not so sure that people would want to oppose you if you just kept to yourself on Korriban." he paused only briefly before looking her in the eyes "Do you really think I want to slaughter Sith?"

Chuckling, the large Padawan nodded before reaching to the back seats to grab a plastic bag. "Good choice. People say that I'm good at making 'em." He purposefully didn't answer her on it being a Jedi security office. To his knowledge, Mathieu was the only Jedi in the vicinity and so, calling it a Jedi security office really wasn't all too accurate. Holding the bag open for her, numerous bundles with aluminum foil shells could be seen with some doodles on to indicate type "Take your pick. I've got porg, bantha, halloumi, gooberfish... maybe something else too"

Alina Tremiru

 

[Alina Tremiru]

"You? No. I'd be an idiot to say that after you decided to treat me as you have. But other Jedi?" She trailed off. Her expression soured, going completely cold as the memories of just what a Jedi could do if they were blindly following what was tasked of them. "The academy on Zoist was not a good place. But no Sith academy is. They're ruthless and cruel to make Sith the same way. But the Jedi that attacked there. They slaughtered everyone. Purged in the name of the light. Even the children."

Truthfully, food only went so far for the young Sith. As a Sangnir, blood was the only true sustenance. But she still could eat. And while it'd never sate her hunger, the feeling of fullness would last her until she could get her next meal. Alina blindly took one of the foils, opening it right up to start munching away. Halfway decent, but not the best meal she'd ever had.

"There are too many zealots on both sides, too willing to throw away honor for mindless revenge under the guise of justice." She blinked after a moment, then laughed. "Ah, right. Sorry. I tend to go into a ramble all too easily."

 

[Mathieu Brion]

Mudslide​

Of course it felt good to hear that she didn't think so poorly of him. But hearing such a negative view on his fellow Jedi was never pleasant. What she told him next caused his attention to quickly snap to her as his eyebrows furrowed and he looked at her with a serious expression. Mathieu didn't sense any deceit in her - but then, he had not yet reached the point where he could rely on such senses. But this was something which he could probably easily look up - and he would - but there was no real gain for her to lie now. The words slowly bounced around in his mind Jedi had slaughtered children in the name of the light. He spoke, his voice clearly taken by the information "I'm.. Alina..." he struggled with formulating a proper sentence "It probably shouldn't be me... I'm not the right person. But Alina, I am so sorry" It was hard to wrap his head around it all. How could a Jedi ever slaughter children in the name of the light? Did they not see that it was a most skewed and rotten version of it? Did they not feel the corruption in their neighbours? In themselves? Mathieu kept his gaze fixed on her for several long moments. He tried to look strong but he was devastated inside. The large Padawan's wide shoulders fell as he let out a sigh "I'm sorry" before he turned his eyes up ahead, preparing to land the speeder.

* * *​

Once she had picked a sandwich, Mathieu pulled up one with port and sneakily tried to keep on eye on her to see if she enjoyed the one she grabbed. It was disappointing to see that she seemed rather neutral on it but he couldn't convert everyone through his food. He took a bite and proceeded to eat whilst she spoke of her views on the conflict between Jedi and Sith in general. It was hard to deny that his own side had zealots, seeing as some of them seemed to be willing to kill children in the name of their cause. "In some ways, I might be one too" he said before quickly swallowing what remained in his mouth "I don't want to see people live under the rule of the Sith unless it was decided democratically. I don't want to see what happened to Mandalore be done anywhere else." While he did speak with conviction, there was no animosity in his voice. Instead, there was a sense of idealism "I just don't want us to loose ourselves in the process." he said, pausing only briefly before asking "But is that why you're here? To fight zealotry?"

Alina Tremiru

 

[Alina Tremiru]

Mandalore. Another cycle of revenge born from the old that the young had to carry as a burden. How many Sith would die as revenge for what happened? Sith who weren't even part of the needless slaughter. Would another world be razed under the banner of justice, to propel the cycle onwards? Alina's brow furrowed with these thoughts as she went to take another absentminded bite of the sandwich. There was no reaction to Mathieu Brion 's apology. She had no idea how to accept such a thing. In truth, it wasn't even his order.

"Democracy is flawed. Money sways too many minds, and the system is far too easy to corrupt. Look no farther than the Republic of old." She didn't feel the need to go further into detail. Then shook her head. "I'm not here to fight zealotry. I'm here to learn what makes it, and how to break the cycle." The Sith wouldn't survive constantly making enemies with everything around them. That, and she had plenty of Sith she absolutely despised. Zealots who think themselves gods.

The worst.

"Can't exactly do that from in a cell, though, can I?"

 

[Mathieu Brion]

Mudslide​

She didn't seem to be much of a believer in democracy. No big surprise there. And while there were merits to some critiques against democracy, he still didn't have any qualms with countering it with a quick "That doesn't make us superior rulers. Or give us a right to rule over them for that matter." but she had continued in the same breath and so did he "Maybe you won't be able to fight it from a cell" he said, admitting that she had a point "But maybe you could learn about it and how to break it by talking to a Jedi Master. They tend to be pretty wise" he said, offering a friendly smile. Mathieu diverted his gaze as he thought about it for a few moments - pondering on why she was so reluctant to meet one. Of course, there was the part about them making an attempt at converting here, but was there more? Finally, he looked back up at her "A Jedi Master isn't necessarily a staunch pillar of mantras, many are more dynamic than that. Maybe you could give it a try with an open mind. It sounds to me like it is the reason why you came here."

Alina Tremiru

 

[Alina Tremiru]

"I learn nothing from being in a cage, and I refuse to let anyone put me one again." She snapped her words this time, now glaring at Mathieu Brion . The annoyance was clear. "You are warped by the Jedi. I am warped by the Sith. I want to know what people think about our groups. Not the completely warped mindset of a Jedi Master. They could be just about anyone in this galaxy, but if they're Jedi, their beliefs are already skewed beyond what a normal person has. Don't assume your masters are the say all end all of what is right and what might break the cycle."

Alina huffed before finishing her sandwich with another far too aggressive bite. She crossed her arms over her chest, eyes glaring out the window to stare at the garage they were in. "Democracy is all about accepting other points of view, yet you see Sith and think they need to all be saved from their 'dark path'. It just makes you a hypocrite."

 

[Mathieu Brion]

Mudslide​

He was still far from done with his own sandwich when she was done with hers. Mathieu looked down to the plastic bag with a nod and a smile, indicating that she was welcome to take another one. Still, he remained quiet, letting her come to an end. While their conversation had remained unexpectedly decent for some time, had now seemed to argue with more passion. At first, he was quiet - but when he spoke, he did so with serenity "Democracy and politics are, fundamentally, about swaying people and gathering majorities who can support your point of view. Is that so different from when I want to see Sith redeemed from the dark side?"

Briefly, Mathieu returned to her previous point "I don't think speaking to a master is about blindly accepting everything they say. I sometimes do so without much reflection but nothing stops me from thinking about their reasons and coming to my own conclusions. Meaning and wisdom can be found, even when uttered by someone who is biased. Don't you think that a Jedi Master might have some insight as to why some of their pupils turn out to be zealots by the end of the day?"

Another short pause was taken as his mind returned to what she said at first. "What if we skip a cage? I could travel to Kashyyyk with you." He struggled for a bit before continuing "I don't really have much control beyond that, but maybe I could talk to them, see if there's another way?" he said, hoping to find something which was more acceptable to her "Do you... uhm... have bad experiences with cages?" he asked with slight hints of hesitation as he carefully tried to observe if he upset her when asking the question.

Alina Tremiru

 

[Alina Tremiru]

"Converting those who don't believe the same as you until there's not enough left to stand against it. Sounds more like a cult than a government." Alina was steadily growing more and more impatient as Mathieu Brion went on. Her yellow eyes were firmly locked in a glare now. Everything he said was exactly why she did not want to meet a Jedi Master. "You will take me prisoner until I decide my way of life is wrong and follow yours." She was vastly simplifying just how complicated of an issue it was, but that's all it was.

"I refuse to go back to Kashyyyk. I've already learned everything I will there." She completely bypassed his question about cages, not even acknowledging it.

 

[Mathieu Brion]

Mudslide​

It was clear that the Sith was becoming even less pleased with him. To him, convincing, or 'converting' as she put it, sounded exactly like what democracies was all about. Trying to convince people that you were right so that the vote would sway in your favour. The Padawan couldn't to much else than produce an innocent shrug and an agreeing nod as he continued, for in a way, they did indeed agree. Although, he did not really dream of seeing a democracy infused with the teachings of the neither the Sith nor Jedi.

It was difficult to speak to her honestly when he knew that she seemed to be getting angry at what he had to say. She was Sith, that much was true - but Mathieu still felt like her opinion mattered. In fact, the number of people whom's opinion didn't matter to him were rather limited. Still, he had to steel himself - if he didn't say what he meant, what was the point in speaking at all? "I don't know what they'd do if they can't reach you through reasoning. I don't think they would keep you locked up forever and I don't think that they would invade your mind through the force" Mathieu's voice told a clear tale of him really not knowing to what degree their punishment would reach - but he was making an honest estimation.

"What about another planet?" it was a question which he regretted almost as soon as he had asked it. More than likely, it was not the planet which she was so opposed to visiting. The Padawan let out a heavy sigh "Alright, so what do you want me to do? What do you expect me to do?" he asked in a resigned voice "If I was shot down because an unauthorised presence over Velmor, I'd expect something between torture and death. What is it that makes you so opposed to speaking to another Jedi?"

Alina Tremiru

 

[Alina Tremiru]

"You're right, they'd probably just kill me. Or let me starve." The later part she only brought up because of her need for blood, though she certainly didn't explain it to Mathieu Brion . It just seemed like an exaggeration. Maybe it was. It was hard to trust anything he said, simply because she'd seen first hand just how terrible the Jedi could be when it came to their purge. She closed her eyes, taking a moment to calm her nerves. She wasn't angry at him. Just angry at the Jedi in general.

"You would indeed be tortured or killed. At best, twisted to serve the dark side. But if it was an acolyte, someone no different than you, it'd be because of fear. If they let you go, it'd be them getting tortured or killed. Do you fear being killed by your masters if I were to escape? If you were to let me go? If I'm imprisioned, or worse, manipulated, by the Jedi, torture and death are all that await me. There are Sith who don't deserve that fate, and if I want to spare them, I can't stay here."

 

[Mathieu Brion]

Mudslide​

"No, surely they wouldn't" he said, surprised by her thoughts on what they would do to her if she remained dark after their talks. "It is not the Jedi way to just let people die like that" he said, choosing to state his own beliefs rather than speaking in reflection of what she had told him about Jedi killing children - something which was rather far from what he saw as acceptable.

It was a grim thought - being twisted to serve the dark side. Mathieu had a hard time seeing himself ever doing something even remotely related to what he so often saw dark siders do. But then, he had also had friends fall and knew how much its wicked corruption could change a person. The Padawan suppressed a thought of if that was how she viewed his wish for her to speak to a Jedi Master. The situations were different, of course, but it was not very comfortable to think of regardless.

"No. I think they would reprimand me for letting a Sith escape. If nothing else, they would think that you should be investigated for the unauthorised presence over Jabiim." What she said next confused him - for in one sentence, she implied that she risked being tortured if she was captured, and in the other she spoke of the need to save Sith who did not deserve the same fate. Was it something she spoke from a purely altruistic perspective? "Don't go back to them if they'll torture you, or kill you. I am sure there is a place for you outside of the Sith." he paused for a moment to think over what he was about to say "Even if it is not the Jedi that you ultimately decide to join in their stead. Just don't go back to a people that would do those things to you"

Alina Tremiru

 

[Alina Tremiru]

Alina had truly embellished the story a little. While true those who would let a Jedi go would be cruely tortured and likely killed, she would not get into any such trouble being captured. At this point it wasn't trying to convince Mathieu Brion she meant no harm so much as needing to convince him she needed to leave. Her eyes narrowed, however, as the padawan went on to tell her to run from the Sith.

"And forgo what I intend to do to fix this? To turn coward and run? Look at how you speak of the Sith and the culture. It is by far not the cruelest culture in this galaxy, but as a Jedi it is your duty to destroy them. You haven't even thought about me wanting to be Sith, what it could mean to me. How important it could be. 'See the Jedi. Become a Jedi. If not, don't be Sith.' This is why I don't want to speak to your masters. All you, and they, see is a girl who needs saving."

That was ultimately it for her. The anger she had on the Jedi was confirmed. They wanted the Sith to be the villain of their story, and those in it either in need of saving or slaughter. At least the padawan wasn't the kind who wanted slaughter. "Give me back my family's saber, and let me leave this planet. All you have convinced me of is that I will be purged by your masters, and I will not listen further or allow myself to be subjected to such a fate."

 

[Mathieu Brion]

Mudslide​

It was tragic to see how her mind seemed to twist his words and that it ended up with her only being able to see the worst version of what he said. Mathieu brushed away a lonely thought on what had made him deserve such a thing - was she unreasonable or was that too, the influence of the dark side. Of course, it was possible that he was - but then, when he reflected on what he had said, it really didn't seem that way. "I told you to leave the Sith because you feared that they would hurt you if you returned - just as I would tell someone to leave drinking if it was damaging for them or a relationship where they are abused. And I did so and would do so, even knowing that they kept telling me and themselves that they are indeed very fond of the drink, or the relationship, or the Sith. If I was truly this zealous drone, I would've told you to become a Jedi - but I didn't."

Mathieu's gaze fell when he heard her ask for her sabre. "So that's it, huh?" he said, his voice carrying a soft defeated tone. With a heavy breath, he stepped out of the speeder that was parked with its front against a wall. The back of the speeder still faced the open garage gate. The rain laid heavy outside their sheltered zone. Walking around it, Mathieu stayed after turning the corner around the vehicle's back to stand on her side, waiting for her to come out. If she did, he would unclip her weapon from his belt and hold it out for her to take. "It was nice of you to let me have it when we travelled here" he said. Mathieu's voice was no longer carrying the same enthusiasm as it did before. By all accounts, he seemed to not only have failed in convincing her to abandon the dark side and join the light, he even seemed to have alienated her further. The large Padawan would take a step closer to hand her the blade "Just know that I don't think you would have been purged." When her lightsabre still rested in his open palm, he glanced away for a few moments before looking back and letting his eyes meet hers "And cannot just let you go"

Alina Tremiru

 

[Alina Tremiru]

That was by far the most solid argument Mathieu Brion had offered this whole conversation. Enough so that the annoyance faded from her gaze. It was a thought process she'd avoided her whole life. Why stay when life could be better? Her mother wanted her dead. How many times had she almost been killed, both in war and by her mother's assassins? Even by Sith standards her upbringing had been cruel. And he was offering her an out. Sure, she'd have to deal with the Jedi for a little while longer. But afterwards?

She could be free.

For the first time since she crashed here, the Sith façade dropped. Alina was just a confused girl brought up in a life of death and cruelty. When he stepped out of the car her gaze fell to her lap. Doubt was a hard thing for her to ignore, especially with all the reasons she had in the first place. She stepped out once she realized he was waiting for her, eyes focused on the lightsaber to try and avoid letting him see the doubt anymore than she already had. The Padawan really didn't want this to go the way it was going, huh? She could hear it in his voice.

But she couldn't be free. If she ran, she'd be hunted. There was no doubt of that in her mind. And she refused to leave Darth Strosius behind. Her hand reached out for her saber, fingers curling around it slowly. She didn't want to have to fight him either, if she could avoid it. But if he was going to get in her way as he said.. Alina leaned upwards, getting more face to face with the Padawan as she let the grip on the saber loosen.

"Thank you, for being so kind." Her intention was simple. She wanted to kiss his cheek. Though the innocent motion would be anything but. Her grip tightened once more on the saber as she once more reached out. The flow of Anima was strong in him, like any force sensitive. She'd sought to sever it when they first met.

Now she sought to drain him.

 

[Mathieu Brion]

Mudslide​

He couldn't sense the conflict within her. In part, it might have been Mathieu being poorly trained at such arts or Alina being good at hiding it. But none of that played as much of a role as the fact that he was not actively trying to probe her state of mind. It was a moral choice, and one which he could actually make now that his capacities were still limited.

She did not respond to him before reaching for her weapon. But it didn't seem like an eager move, it was slow, calm, perhaps even peaceful. It made the Padawan feel as if he could relax. Even if it was just a little. It was curious how she suddenly loosened her grip of it, making him believe that, maybe she was going to come with him after all. Soon, however, she moved in, seemingly to put a kiss on his cheek - at least if her movements were interpreted from a more trusting perspective. It made him wonder if she felt something more for him than expected. Mathieu couldn't risk having her come along for a reason such as that - his heart belonged to Inara and for as long as they were together, there would be no one else.

Turning slightly to face her, making it harder to put a kiss on his cheeks, Mathieu brought up his free hand and put it on her arm to ensure that she didn't misinterpret it to get even closer. His lips carried a soft smile "Of course" he said, responding to her. If her grasp over her lightsabre tightened, the Padawan would naturally be quick to put his own guard up. If not, he would maintain his friendly tone "We can probably arrange a transport away from here without too much delay. Are you good to go?"

 

[Alina Tremiru]

Her eyes narrowed as pulled away. Everything she was planning was for naught if she couldn't weaken him. But, perhaps, there was something she could gain from this. Alina pulled her hand away from the saber, letting Mathieu Brion keep it as she stepped back. "I'm good to go. Where?" At this point she didn't dare try to run away. Not yet. Once they were on the move, she'd have way more options.

"I still don't want to go to Kashyyyk. The last time I was there, well. The spiders aren't friendly."

 

[Mathieu Brion]

Mudslide​

He nodded. It was good to see that she didn't take offence to it and that she was not quite as eager to repossess her weapon as it first seemed. A soft smile grew on his lips "I will keep it secure for you" he said, trusting that there was a greater chance of it not getting lost with him rather than the guards.

"The security office is that way" he said, casually pointing towards a door on the speeder's left, opposite to the door on the right which lead to the cargo load-off bays, conveniently connected to the shuttle bay for personnel transport a bit away. The locals did a lot to avoid having to step out into the rain.

Taking a couple steps back to move around the speeder towards the door, he allowed her to take the lead - once they were inside the door, the way would be rather self-explanatory "I can contact someone once we are at the office. See where else they'll have us. There should be plenty of Masters on Voss and Ossus, still. Many are trying to heal the worlds after the war."

Alina Tremiru