Persistence, in-kind (Samka Derith)

[WolfMortum]

Transmission out of Commenor​

The Force Praxeum​

[member="Samka Derith"]​

​

​

Upon receiving and decoding the transmission, Samka Derith for whom this was intended for, with no subtlety outside typical security encryption, in the being able to track it's source location, would know that it had come from one of two likely people. Standing before the Master of the Order of Ren, the young woman would be introduced to the life size representation of Veiere Arenais across a live feed.

"Greetings Samka"

Veiere would bow, standing within a circular room with the vision of several curiously place seats around him, the windows large with blinds half drawn to allow for a decent light for which this transmission would sustain in good standard. The young Ren had never visited the location before, it was completely off the grid as far as outsiders were concerned and even civilians within their own had been kept in denial as to the knowledge of such an establishment. Nestled within the heart of the Illaria woodlands to the western banks between the Eldritch Mountains and that of the Capital, Chasin City, Veiere stood alone within the Council Chambers for what had been meant to become a neutral Organization for Commenor.

In a sense it had been marginally successful. Nothing by comparison to the Jedi Enclave of Deneba and the numbers that came and went from that location, yet students seemed to come and go, all seeking to learn and practice the ways of the Force in a controlled and safe environment, aided by the guidance of the few experienced Commenori Knights and otherwise free of the judgement of the society of NFU's that typically lacked understanding and therefore often become biased and judgmental of such youth with abilities in need of tending to.

"After our previous discussion, you will forgive me for the manner in which I am contacting you but I would like to organize a visit if you would be willing. Whether you come to me or vice versa, whatever you deem most comfortable given your responsibilities to the First Order and the nature of your position...-If it would please you, this is to be outside of politics. I have no desire to go over what's already been discussed between us...-Quite the opposite, this concerns the Force and your training".

 

[Samka Derith]

THUD

There was a scream.

THUD

Another scream.

THUD

A splutter and then silence.

Samka watched the beating from a distance. Several feet away from the small woman, a man in restraints had been knocked unconscious by his captor.

"You pushed too hard," the Ren informed the interrogator. He was one of the acolytes, rather thuggish but full of enough low self esteem that servitude to others was his only purposeful outlook.

The Acolyte looked between Samka and the man he'd beaten, apparently surprised at the result.

"Remember that the gentleman in question has been starved and sleep deprived, the strength of the violence you require is far lesser than it would be for a healthy subject," her tone was neutral. She didn't seem malicious, she didn't seem to revel in the violence but nor did it phase the teenage girl in the slightest. There was not an ounce of sympathy or shock at the treatment in front of her, after all, she'd done all that as part of her own training.

"Give him a few hours to regain consciousness and we'll regroup then," the girl continued, "in the meantime, I suggest you reflect back on what you did rightly and wrongly. Dismissed."

As she turned to leave the metal room and the subdued prisoner inside, her holo began to buzz gently. An inquisitive look at the device told her the origin, and with it, the only people it could be.

Samka swiftly moved through the corridors of the First Order's prison to find a more secluded office. She made sure to check her reflection briefly, just to be certain a random speck of blood splatter did not stain her image in front of the pacifistic Commenori royalty.

Letting the hologram flicker into life, she was met with the image of the Jedi [member="Veiere Arenais"]. Samka smiled at him, a by now familiar pleasantry to the Jedi although she still wore the dark robes of her order in a contrast to the friendly greeting.

"Mr Arenais, this is a surprise."

"My... training?" She raised a brow at the holographic figure before her. "So be it, my role allows a certain freedom with it. Where would you have us meet?" The Ren asked the Jedi.

 

[WolfMortum]

There seemed to be little of note that would take the mans notice in the way of [member="Samka Derith"]'s attire or appearance overall, she whom eclipsed him in years of experience and yet potentially rivaled him in the power that she wielded through the workings of the Dark Side of the Force stood before him a transparent holo-rendition of her true self while Veiere would bow his head in response to her greeting.

"I had thought to suggest here on Commenor though..." He would pause, the recent rumors spreading throughout the Galaxy of turmoil uprising within the core had him somewhat concerned for what that might mean for the Master of Ren; "Perhaps it would be easier if I were to venture to you, unless you would prefer nuetral ground...-Say Svivren for example. I believe it's currently vacant of political ties to either of us...".

Perhaps not of political ties though it rang true for history to both Veiere and his former apprentice, [member="Brennan Cabrol"] for whom still remained an unanswered question since the boys appearance and threatening of [member="Lady Kay"] before later disappearing and there being no trace of since.

Veiere had sought to pursue any leads, if only he could have found some but either Brennan had been meticulous in his covering his tracks or there were others doing so for him. such thoughts were the invocation of paranoia however, he had forced himself to put them aside for the present time.

"You will find the system on Grid Oh-Five-Two, if you're not already familiar with it. If you're in agreement...-I would advice you tread carefully, you'll need to cross Alliance space first and I look forward to our meeting".

 

[Samka Derith]

Neutral ground was agreed.

The planet was harsher than the young Ren had expected, even in the shadows of the mountains, the world's heat was intense. She wore a shirt loose, free and slightly oversized complete with shorts. The casual appearance, deliberately chosen as such, was a sharp contrast to the outfit [member="Veiere Arenais"] had seen earlier. She wasn't hiding her nature from him, but rather the potential enemies laying in wait for her outside of friendly space.

The girl stood in a shaded spot besides a restaurant awaiting the Jedi's appearance. The message had remained vague and she was still uncertain of the man's intentions but she trusted him enough that this wouldn't be a trap, that wasn't his style.

And he was smarter than that.

Gradually the warm Light presence she associated with the King of Commenor grew stronger. The Ren stretched and prepared for the niceties of a reunion.

 

[WolfMortum]

Veiere's knowledge of the world was intimately keen, his home for many years since the fifth winter of his life he had been recruited into Enclave of Svivren, back then an establishment of the Jedi Order and in todays light, a site that he had invested a great deal of effort and time into renovating for his friend [member="Asha Hex"] and her following. Today however was not to be a meeting buried within the vibrant life of the worlds ravenous jungles or forestry, instead they were coming together within a place of public sight and wanting of as little unusual attentions drawn to them as possible.

[member="Samka Derith"] was well trained, her senses were strongly attuned to her environment and in response to her probing the area in search for him, Veiere opened himself up to be read by the young Master of Ren with out restrictions as to how deep she might seek to pry. His was a trust of offering and generosity in most cases that he met with her, the few times that they had been given; he was well aware that she followed a far darker path and in her position under the First Order, knowledge truly was an aspect of power that those alike herself revered. Despite all of his skepticism and assumptions of the things she might be responsible for, Veiere often shirked his mental guard for the sake of encouraging transparency between them. After all, how could you expect someone to have faith in you, when you showed little in them.

"Greetings Samka..." Veiere lifted his voice some, still in approach and needing to speak over the short distance between them and the voices of those passing them by on the side of the city street; "I do hope you had little trouble getting here. I appreciate you accepting my invitation, honestly, I wasn't so sure you'd be willing to meet with me alone" he chuckled quietly, his gaze turning to take a second glance about the pair of them curious to see if there was anything of note that he hadn't already picked up on.

With nothing catching his attention and sticking out any more than what could be considered typical for a day upon Svivren, Veiere moved for the entrance to the restaurant and holding the door open for her, extended a hand in a gesture of manners; "Please, after you..." he smiled, inviting her to step on in ahead of himself.

 

[Samka Derith]

Naive was a word which Samka may use to describe [member="Veiere Arenais"].

His mind was utterly open to her, she felt it as he approached. It would be oh so easy to peek inside... the man must know a great many Jedi secrets she did not but... it was a test. He may not have intended it to be so but that's what it was. If he felt her Dark essence probing inside his head, she would never be trusted again. It was a long game she'd play with the Jedi.

She offered a smile and a small wave at the man, looking ever the picture of an ordinary young woman here to meet a friend. She resisted a small recoil as the Jedi spoke her name, she had nothing to fear here but instinct demanded her name went unspoken.

"I'm quite well and I'll always make time for a king, your majesty," a teasing smirk creeping at the edges of her mouth as she knew he somewhat resented his position. Veiere was royalty only because he had happened to fall for a Queen. He had no ambition for it, he even seemed to resent the attention. So naturally, Samka enjoyed drawing attention to it.

The Ren nodded in appreciation, "Beauty before age," another teasing smile as she passed through into the restaurant.

"You've... been here before?" She questioned the man following her. "Do you recommend anything from the menu, my experience of galactic cuisine is limited. I don't have much of a choice back home," she explained. "There's, um, rather basic foods only for my people. I'm envious of what you must dine on night after night," Samka signed rather longingly.

 

[WolfMortum]

Veiere's response to [member="Samka Derith"] would likely come about as she would expect, the mention of his status within the Commenor Systems Alliance and his supposed royalty being raised within their meeting there that evening coming with little pleasure to the older male. "It was my hope we could do without formalities here, Miss Derith" He spoke quietly to her, having found their seating soon enough within the rear of the establishment and with some distance between them and the rest of the patrons and occupants that they would not be interrupted nor pried upon by those without restraint nor manner; "Is it too much to ask that we might consider ourselves friends for this evening. I realize there's a rather obvious difference in our chosen paths that separates those of our like from associating with one another in any such strength yet I would hope that you know me better than to judge me by those of my past associations" The Jedi Order for which he was naturally referring to and their blatant opposition towards the Order of the Knights of Ren and the warped sense of obligation to inspiring the end of all lives influenced by the Dark side of the Force, an ideology that had crippled his faith in the so called Keepers of the Peace.

Her curiosity towards their granted menu's for which they'd be encouraged to order from was something of a surprise given the demeanor she often portrayed, Veiere choosing to intentionally remain ignorant of assumptions where her behavior might change within the presence of her Order, preferring not to delve into such matters of thought and suspicion for the sake of their interactions and good standing with one another. "Personally I prefer their steak, scalloped potato's and their salad's. You'll have to forgive me for having a plain palette but you're not wrong, Svivren was once my home for near on three decades of my life before I came into [member="Lady Kay"]'s company...", it would be his desired meal for the evening, a glass of whiskey on the side to smooth over his nerves and savor a good drop of alcohol.

"Tell me something...Would you blame me if I asked how you were doing over there in First Order space?".

 

[Samka Derith]

The smile never left her lips as [member="Veiere Arenais"] spoke of formalities. It was good natured teasing and her expression showed the man it was in a lighthearted jest. "Then I have your royal decree that I am permitted to speak your first name, your highness?"

Privately, she noted Veiere's use of the words "past associations". Most recent intelligence suggested the man had stepped back from the Jedi Order but not that he had abandoned it completely, perhaps it was outdated.

"Salad?" She raised a challenging eyebrow in joking mockery to the man seated opposite her. "I didn't realise you were a person of such excitement, Veiere. I ask for something outside of the basics I get at home, for the chance to experience the finest culinary arts the galaxy has to offer me and you recommend I try... the salad?" She chuckled, a sweet, girlish noise no different than the average woman her age would make when joking with her friends or family. "Well," Samka shrugged in an exaggerated gesture, "I'll deter to your superior knowledge."

The next question made her jovial tone drift away. "In what way?" She asked curiously, the simplicity of the questioning throwing her slightly. People didn't ask how she was when they knew of her nature, not as anything more than a throw away conversation starter anyway. Veiere's question was not a mere "How are you?" of courtesy to guide a conversation, they already had a conversation. It seemed a genuine topic, it seemed that he was concerned for her well-being.

This is what made her curious.

 

[WolfMortum]

Veiere sympathized for [member="Samka Derith"]'s disappointment in his suggested meal for the evening, finding some sheepish humor behind her teasing of him, or perhaps it was simply pointing out his fumbling of an otherwise serious question, regardless it forced him to chuckle quietly under his breath and nod several times in resignation that he had in fact failed to offer up anything exotic of mind blowing as far as menus were concerned. "Try the 'Pappardelle with Sea Urchin and Cauliflower', perhaps that might better suit your tastes for the evening, Samka" Veiere smiled to her in genuine amusement and honestly enjoying the opportunity to have a discussion with the Master of Ren that didn't focus on the separation and differences their paths had required of them. Turning his own menu around to point to the suggested dish, the description below the rather delicious looking image read: "A plate of silky pasta with briny seafood and a hint of heat". "There's no Salad in this one..." He added with a warm smirk, flashing her a hint of comfort mixed in with the amusement he took from the exchange. While it was possibly difficult for her to simply be herself without worrying about things from her line of work coming into play, Veiere was others nothing but genuine and seated across from her, there was nothing to show that he held any distaste, discomfort or dishonesty between them; the matter was simply that not only did he not want any such things between the two of them, it was very much so in his nature that he wear his heart upon his sleeve, so to speak.

Lifting his hands as if to apologize to her, not wishing for her to get the wrong impression, he gave something of a sideways nod of indifference and sought to explain himself. "I realize we've always been on opposite ends of the political spectrum, especially where practices in the Force are concerned..." He spoke, his voice quiet yet casual, not wishing to draw attention to their discussion nor looking the image of suspicion; "I'm not looking for details around the Work that you do when I ask but more so how you yourself are faring with only the information you're comfortable in discussing. My wife introduced us to one another a good number of years ago now, back then we weren't married and Commenor wasn't nearly so controversial in it's position in the Galaxy as it has become since...-If I'm honest, I was conscious of you then. Your potential within the Force was easily noticed and I found myself concerned that someone as young as you were might find themselves in a position that offered only decline..." He smiled, though somewhat warily now and rather embarrassed to be admitting such a thing given that she'd given him no indication that they were on such a level of personal stance and stature.

"I've sort to remain in contact not because of your ties to the First Order but because I thought I saw the potential that comes where one looks over that of a student in the Force. I didn't pursue such things because I knew very little about your background nor your government itself. I'll admit, most if not all is still shrouded in darkness, void of my knowledge today yet I am curious...Perhaps it is to much of me to speak of all of this but it's not unlike me to care for others in such a way". Leaning back into his seat, he soon reached out for the glass of whiskey that he'd ordered and sought the comfort of it's golden fire to the back of his throat, his breath leaving him marginally vocal in sighing fashion though that of relief more so than anything else.

"Before you say anything...-You're far from harmless, I'm well aware. You're progress is phenomenal for someone of your age, I can feel it in the aura that you carry. Your presence in the Force is admirable for one so young...".

 

[Samka Derith]

"Than I shall have the Darpadell with Sea Orchin Cooliflower," she replied, her tone and expression so flat that it would be left to Veiere's own interpretation as to whether the girl was deliberately mispronouncing things or a symptom of her sheltered upbringing as she summoned the waiter.

While [member="Veiere Arenais"] may have been relaxed, there were tell tale signs the young woman opposite was not. While she seemed perfectly calm on the surface, her eyes would flicker and ears twitch with every movement around them. She was alert to respond to the slightest hint of danger. The galaxy should not know her name but to those select few who did, she was a target. Every public gathering therefore had her fight or flight instincts fine tuned. She held very little suspicion that the Jedi Master would act against her, it didn't seem to match his nature, but it was always better to take precautions.

"I see."

They were the only words she'd offer back for a moment. Samka starred at the man, her gaze frosty but not unkind. Her appearance had been disguised for this meeting but as she looked upon him, the deep brown eyes she hid behind had a flicker of crimson. A flash so brief that it could have been nothing more than a trick of the light.

"Had I known you'd called me over for a dinner date, I'd have dressed up more," she said, while the humour remained in her voice, the delivery was much colder than it had been previously. This wasn't a rejection of Veiere but her natural barricades when the topic came to her personal life and the First Order. "I was different then, back when we met," she explained. "I was untested and unproven. My experiences have changed me, I've been on the front lines of a war far younger than anyone should were this galaxy a perfect place. It has a way of making us grow up a little quicker. I've grown ever stronger in the Dark Side since..." the girl cocked her head to the side, observing the Jedi's reaction, "Tell me something, Veiere, and with absolute honesty. Do you count that as a decline?" She paused for a moment before adding a second question, speaking in barely more than a whisper.

"Deep down, are you afraid of me or what I might become?"

 

[WolfMortum]

"You flatter me, Samka" Veiere chuckled in response to her remark of dinner dates and the like, he sharing a quiet chuckle in humor over the presumed joke before listening on and find himself most intrigued by her question regarding his possible fear of her or for what she might become. The subject touched on a number of questions many had asked him before, all suggesting his previous interactions with those enveloped within the Dark Side of the Force and his seemingly unusual association and interactions with such peoples whom contradicted today's views of those within the Light of the Force such as the Jedi Order he had once followed so devoutly.

"As far back as the days I had just come out of exile, and met [member="Lady Kay"] for the first time, I had been known to interact with a number of significant figures that contrasted immensely with my chosen path. One Cyril Grayson that you might know better as Darth Mephirium become close to a brother of mine through the battles we shared, at times against each others opposing interests though never out of spite for one another. He was once even a part of the empire that attacked and slaughtered the Jedi Enclave that used to be on this very world. A place I grew up in...-Yet it had not been him that had been responsible for such an atrocity and I did not judge him for the actions of his peers...", the young Master of Ren would quite likely find herself disinterested in the fact though Veiere wished to convey his indifference to the rest of the "Jedi" in the galaxy todate, he held no such hatred nor aggression against those whom had chosen the path of the darkside; only for those that used it to bring harm upon the lives of the innocent. An adversion for which his former Order were held to in the same standard where his personal ideals were concerned.

"I take people upon their integrity of Character, not their chosen alignment within the Force. A concept I understand is very rare in those having come out of the Jedi Order in todays Galaxy but you must understand, the upbringing that I had as a Consular along the path no longer seems present in the Order today...-The Jedi as a whole concept no longer fit the traditional values for which better served the needs of the Galaxy so long ago" he leaned back into his seat, his gaze leaving the young Master to cast out across the restaurant that they shared, his gaze taking in the many peoples around him though not truly seeing or identifying any of them as he took in a moment of remorse and the acknowledgement of the Galaxies decline. "I'll admit, I am in something of a different place than I used to be; yet the fact remains, I've always sought to treat people fairly and always sought to offer those like yourself a way back but only should that be your wish. Does the Dark Side of the Force strike me as overly dangerous, absolutely. Do I fear you for your chosen path? Not at all. While the Force surrounds us all and is so much bigger than we are, it is you that controls your actions and will have to account for your misdeeds whatever they might be...-Just as I have had to do so".

"At the end of the day, Samka...We're all followers of the one Force. Regardless of our perceptions, none of us are truly so different from one another".

[member="Samka Derith"]

 

[Samka Derith]

She sat in silence, observing the man opposite as he spoke. Contrary to what he may believe, the details of Veiere's past did interest her.

"You have an interesting philosophy, Mr Arenais. I'm sure we both know it's not a popular one. Most of the Jedi I've come across would rather have me dead without a word exchanged," memories of the attempted truce on Skor II crossed her mind, where the Jedi Master whom she had been facing had ignored her attempt at a ceasefire and even tried to take advantage of Samka's guard lowering for a killing strike. It was an incident that solidified her disdain of the Jedi Order.

"I've heard of Darth Mephirium," she acknowledged after a moment's delay. "I've heard only secondhand accounts however I may be beginning to understand why his name is so controversial among Sith circles, if he was truly blood brothers with a Jedi. It would explain too why you've chosen to live in this sort of half-exile that you do, disconnected from the large Jedi groups, all of whom would have my head if they could."

The Ren glanced sideways at the other patrons, quickly checking their talk remained private but they were all seemingly engrossed in their meals or conversations.

"You don't know me," she stated simply. It was a fact, not an attempt at deflection. "You don't know what I've done to get where I am and you don't know how I've done it. Yet here you are."

She let the conversation lull for a moment, unsure if the words were for herself or for [member="Veiere Arenais"].

"I was born on Cloud City, it's an orbital station above the gas giant Bespin. That was were I first met your wife actually, albeit under difficult circumstances, did she ever share them?" She told the man a small collection of facts, nothing dangerous but enough to show there was some give and take to the conversation.

 

[WolfMortum]

"It has earned me no favor among the others. I used to be welcome in Silver Jedi Space, the disdain these days is hard to ignore. As for the Alliance, I fought against their invasion of Atrisia alongside Mephirium for the people of that world who had no place being slaughtered as they were. Contrary to what the media described was a Sith Incursion, the world was at peace until the Alliance came down against them for their meeting with the royal family there".

Veiere's gaze seemed to fall upon his glass, the golden liquid placed within the sphere base that held it atop the surface of the table. Liqour was a curious thing, a relief and escape to remain in denial of so many harder truths. It was no wonder the Jedi discouraged the consumption of such a thing. Their doctrine a quiet background whisper to so many of his activities these days, their lectures and teachings a subtle whisper of disapproval for all that he had become; all of it he had justified by the truth that he had learned over the origins of the Jedi and the Sith.

Right and wrong was a point of view, it was as easily manipulated by the vulnerabilities of the mind and the self-righteousness in peoples ideals that made these concepts so strong, so large a contradiction against their fellow man that wars be waged and millions slaughtered for the similar differences that had forever repeated themselves and yet none had learned to succeed. Veiere didn't see his own ideals as anything special, they had earned him no favor from others yet in his mind it was a way to live by some form of integrity in himself surrounded by a Galaxy that rarely showed any virtue.

"She has not, no".

Veiere spoke up, glancing back across the table to his companion for which he was glad that in light of everything that fought against them, he could find himself in a moment of open honesty even with one that contrasted his path in such a way. Perhaps it was fool hardly but the way of the worlds for which they found themselves upon in each passing day were so inconsistent with the beliefs that he had for so long sought to believe, a life long devotion that in the end had led to his seclusion from his own people not knowing his own place within the Force any longer.

"She herself holds a number of associates for which could be considered...Unethical by some. I've learned not to delve too deep into some of her connections. Frankly, ignorance is bliss...".

[member="Samka Derith"]

 

[Samka Derith]

"The Galactic Alliance causing war? Colour me shocked," Samka remarked drily.

"They're fools to exclude you," she added. "You're powerful and wise, their cause is obviously lessened without you but Jedi being foolish is hardly breaking news." Samka made no effort to hide her utter disdain of the Jedi, she was certain that the man knew vaguely enough about her circumstances to understand why.

A small chuckle left her lips as [member="Veiere Arenais"] spoke of his wife, "Unethical is hardly the word I'd use to describe her. Too much of a conscience within her that she struggles to condemn even the most terrible of individuals." Samka continued to smile good-naturedly. "I can see the appeal. I met her on Cloud City after a suspected terror incident shortly before she became involved in Commenori affairs. Her and a group of mercenaries had been involved, the last ones to be on the platform before it exploded. Naturally, the off-worlders were suspicious and I, undertaking one of the first missions of my Order, arrested and interrogated her. Once it was ascertained the group were innocent, they were released without incident. Odd how things turn out, hm?"

Samka's smile grew darker and more bitter as more of her memories resurfaced. She may not have harmed Kay but perhaps it was best left unsaid that Samka herself had attacked the mind of Darlyn Excron out of irritation, a childish tantrum beneath her now. More concerning was the fate of Kay's pilot... that was something Veiere must have known about.

"Almost without incident. My apologies about the pilot, Kay tells me he was a good man. His mind was shattered by one of my superiors during the interrogation. I'd have stopped him if I could but... I didn't have the authority back then. Now.. now it's a different story. That man is no longer with us, I've made certain of it. Now he's weaker than me in every possible way," her voice transitioning from pity to satisfaction as she spoke. It was true, her rapid rise above peers and superiors who had looked down on her gave the Ren a much treasured feeling.

 

[WolfMortum]

"Kay's extremely compassionate for others, it's true...".

Veiere smiled faintly at the thought of his wife, she of whom didn't currently know about this private meeting of theirs. It wasn't out of any ill intentions or anything of that sort but rather the simple fact that they both went about their own private lives within their relationship and the trust and confidence they had for one another meant they could follow their own pursuits without falling suspicious or jealous; not needing to know each others exact whereabouts or the type of nonsense you watch on the holo-vision from time to time. The Force Bond between them also helped to strengthen and solidify their trust in each other, forever sharing their emotions, able to connect with one another from vast distances through the mysterious gift they had been blessed with within the Force, their relationship and marriage had not once come to a place of vulnerability between the two for how well connected they were.

"I'll admit that she's rather too trusting at times, so much so that it can lead her down some very questionable paths in the pursuit of trying to help and do some good in peoples lives. Fortunately she has reliable people within her service to help and maintain her security and state of health least others look to take advantage".

Veiere's gaze landed upon [member="Samka Derith"] for a moment, his left brow lifting slightly, his head tilting to give her a sudden look of mock-suspicion before smiling and letting it fade away. There had of course been moments where he had been forced to reconsider their ties with Samka herself. The First Order was notorious for acquiring information that they rightly shouldn't be privy too, especially when it came to his and [member="Lady Kay"]'s affairs; not to mention the attack upon Ossus, for which Veiere had already challenged Samka on during the recent ball the First Order had held. Bold of him to bring it up within their own territories yet such was his way. He didn't care for sugar coating the truth when facts straight up and honest were always best for ensuring others knew where they stood with him and vice versa.

"I'm guessing you're speaking of the man that Captain Terrac replaced..." he spoke quietly, his head lifting back slightly in consideration and inward question; "This isn't a story that I'm familiar with, though she might well have told me and I forgotten about it, who rightly knows. Between the many threats we've both faced, together and apart from one another, it's unfortunately hard to keep track of them all...-Such are the paths we have chosen, sadly".

 

[Samka Derith]

"Perhaps..." Samka said slowly, "Nativity is more admirable than suspicion." Foolish? Maybe but to remain unflinching from one's beliefs despite seeing so much darkness in others, even Samka could appreciate that. It didn't change that she would remain mistrustful of others, it didn't change that she believed it was the best and safest thing to do but the wife of [member="Veiere Arenais"] was worth some respect.

After a small delay analysing his expression, Samka returned the tease with a smirk creeping upon the edges of her mouth. "Me? You don't take me for a manipulator, do you?" The pout that followed was deliberately over-dramatic, one that couldn't possibly be taken seriously, but her words that followed were. "I won't be pulling any strings around you, I've got no reason to," she said, her face returning to a neutral expression. "The CSA has proven to be an oddity but a reliable one. The resources you occupy in the core are out of the hands of the expansionist powers who oppose us. We may disagree but neither of us are threats to the other, that's more than enough reason for me to play around with you people. If I did, it would be to your advantage, not your detriment."

Electing to take away some of the heavy atmosphere from their conversation, Samka clapped thrice excitedly, looking the part of an excited young woman, as the waiter appeared with the meals for the pair.

"Remember," the young Ren said as the plate was placed before her, "I'm counting your recommendation here, your worth as a connoisseur of food depends entirely upon this dish. Do not disappoint me!"

 

[WolfMortum]

"Speaking plainly, honestly though I do hope you take as little offense to what I'm about to say as possible, [member="Samka Derith"]...-It's in my best interests, given what little I know, not to trust you; I however choose to do so because whether it's foolish of me or not, I want to believe that Kay and I have some friends in the First Order. Your association with us, isn't based upon political entanglements but a personal relationship in which we both genuinely care. You may find it difficult to believe and we're very opposite of one another but we met when we were both far younger and much too...Ignorant of our place's in the Galaxy. I am not a man whom takes such things so lightly...-My attachment is contradictory to the Jedi way, but my word is one of my strengths and I would like to support you if I can and would hope that the feeling is mutual...", Veiere wasn't entirely certain how foreign and far detached the offered sentiment would be from the young yet none the less powerful Master of the Knights of Ren. It wasn't her place within the First Order nor their contingent of Force Warriors that pulled him to her, but their initial meeting in which he had already voiced a feeling of connection, were their paths different, a sense of guidance that he had otherwise missed his opportunity though felt responsible for all the same. The Galaxy was waging a war within itself and she had already become victimized by the true nature of the live that they both shared, strengthened through the pain and darkness of their society despite how unfair it seemed to involve one so young in affairs of such immense authority and responsibility given her age. He knew that she was more than capable but that was beside the point, Veiere wished them both to acknowledge a personal friendship between them and for his wife [member="Lady Kay"] to be included in that, that they might help her should she ever manage to escape her pride and the First Order's oath of secrecy to confide in either of them.

"Our Systems Alliance is weak compared to the stronger nations that surround us, Imperial regime's such as your own have become a recent envy of mine for what lengths you're willing to go to in order to protect that which is important to you. The Empire is just as so if I'm to speak honestly. I've always sought to be justified in our pursuits of the past yet our ideals could wind up getting many people killed were we to be invaded at this time. Our want to remain on civil terms with all has worked against us in the sense that our lack of support to those alike yourself in times of conflict have earned us no reliable relationships for which we can look too with any assurance should the war reach our borders..." The statement was a breach of security to the Systems Alliance, a moment of honesty shared between them that frankly, wasn't much of a secret and a truth that he and his wife would need to face eventually. In his expression, his age and wary gaze seemed to shine far more evidently than usual, Samka likely to feel an edge of the shadow that had begun to take to his presence within the Force, the slowly growing seeds of descent within his alignment in the Force.

As their meals were finally brought to them, Veiere's attention was drawn to his glass of whiskey and avoiding any further discussion until their waiter had left them to continue on in their privacy. The golden drop offering a burn to the back of his throat for which part of the pain was half of the delight within the drink and eased his nerves against all other would-be worries on the edge of his mind; for those like the both of them, there were many concerns for which would cross their paths along the walk of life that they had found themselves being led down.

"I do hope you're not disappointed..." He said with a faint smile, glancing up at her from the edge of his glass, soon placing it back to the table and beginning to pick at his dish, taking his time while his mind would seem busied by the reality of their differences; "If others could come to work together as we have, perhaps our worlds would not appear nearly so bleak..." he concluded in passing.