Shadows Need Light Too

[Andorreth Vikar]

I'd been working with two young women these past few days getting them ready for their journey to Trandosha and they were both proving to be incredibly resourceful. Liuna was quickly becoming a leader while Raven was becoming a little sprite quick on her feet and even faster with her mind. As it was I needed to be out of the Silver Shadows HQ, maybe a drink or interactions with other Knights or even a Master? Then a thought struck me, Master Valae. She'd once spoken of coming to her for guidance and though I was now leader of the Shadows I still wanted to make a home for myself and my crew on Kasshyyk.

Sending her a message I said "Excuse me M'lady, I understand you're likely busy being Grand Master but I was curious if you'd be interested in escaping an office for awhile and perhaps getting to know each other better. I find myself looking for a location on Kasshyyk that I could make a home in. Also working with the shadow candidates is teaching but I was curios if you'd mind bringing your saber to perhaps have a friendly sparring match? I'll be coming up towards the Temple shortly should you wish to accept my offer." ~Andorreth

Finishing the message I sent it out and headed to the elevator with my swoop bike I'd decided to forego my usual beskar'gam in exchange for a light combat vest and blaster with sword on my left hip. My sabers were clipped to my belt as well and I'd thrown on a simple leather jacket before pulling on my buy'ce worked as a motorcycle helmet too so why not? Then I took off up towards the Temple. Guess I'd see if Master Valae were free either on the way or when I arrived....

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

The last meeting of the shadows had been some time ago now, and Valae was interested to hear about how things were progressing. She sat quietly in her office, cooped up for the time being with a bit of research. A small yawn escaped her, and she paused to rub her tired eyes. Perhaps it was time for a quick break. As if on cue, she turned to see an incoming message from Andorreth. It was quite curious, she had to admit – perhaps the Shadows knew more than she thought. This brought a smile to her face.

Her brows rose as she listened to the message. They could certainly arrange for some quarters for Andorreth, there were a few choices in that regard. As she heard the invitation to spar, she blinked. Hmm, it was certainly not her comfort zone, but she would make sure to bring her saber, just in case. It was less a weapon these days, and more a symbolic gesture. The Grandmaster’s saber was there for protection, but had not been used in battle for quite a while.

Standing, she moved out from around her desk and began to pick up her things. She placed her saber on her belt, and slid her arms into the sleeves of her brown robe. Before returning to her desk, she cracked the door open – an invitation for Andorreth to enter when he arrived.

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

I'd pulled up to the new Silver Temple on Kasshhyyk and after dismounting I pulled my buy'ce off my head and set it on the the seat of my bike. After getting the security measures activated I pulled on a robe I'd kept inside a side pouch on my bike and donned it. Moving through the courtyard I inquired where the Grandmaster's chambers and office was, a young female Nautolan padawan pointed me in the correct direction and soon I was headed towards Master Valae's office. Noticing the door slightly askew I knocked on the door frame before entering then entered the office to find Master Valae sitting in a chair. Bowing slightly I said "M'lady, good to see you again...."

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae’s eyes flickered to the door as a knock was set upon the frame. She offered the Shadow a kind smile and motioned for him to have a seat. Eyeing him for a moment, she saw him clearer now in the light of day. For some reason, the Shadow’s hideaway in the woods seemed to suit him, mused Valae.

“Good to see you again, Andorreth.” She smiled, “Please, just call me Valae.”

While they were speaking privately, there was no need to be formal. It wouldn’t be long before they would set out to complete the objectives outlined in Andorreth’s message, so she figured a little catching up was in order. She understood that there had recently been some business concerning one of the royals of Alderaan, a mission she was curious to know more about. But for now, she would start off with a simple question.

“So, tell me. Are you finding the Shadows to be a good fit?”

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

"Valae then..." I took a seat moving Tamerlein to the side so I could sit comfortably. Valae's question of if I found the Shadows to be a good fit was interesting. Looking into her eyes I nodded and said "Aye, there's two I'm working with now that show promise. Liuna Ondizi and Raven Sorenova, I feel Liuna will be perfect as a leader of a two man team. I plan on pairing her with Raven, the intriguing thing is that both will need to learn from each other."

"However......I have concerns about the Shadows and our.....desire for restraint. While I can outfit all potential Shadows with weapons intended for non-lethal take-downs, odds are with what we're wanting of the Shadows they'll need to be trained and able to actually strike lethal blows when the time comes.... As spies we'll be stealing sensitive information from people in The First Order and various other organizations."

"I'm a believer that eventually one of the operatives will be caught and it'd be prudent to teach the how, why, and when it would be permissible to take a life Valae. I'm not wanting us to be body baggers either but, there's a limit to what we can do if attacked." Glancing at the saber Valae had on her belt I gestured to it and said "Master there are times for peace and times when we must raise arms, whatever they may be. I'm curious....how often have you had peace work? Because my point in asking you to bring your saber is to train and keep skills sharp" Rising from the chair I gestured towards the doors and said "Shall we?"

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae listened closely to Andorreth’s appraisal of the two new Shadows he had been working with. Indeed they were two young women that the Grandmaster had not had the chance to really get to know. Raven was quiet and elusive, while Liuna seemed eager to spend her time away from Kashyyyk. She would have to trust the new Shadow leader would train them both well.

“I see,” She nodded, “I look forward to hearing about their progress.”

Her brows rose slightly as Andorreth stated that he had concerns. Blinking, she motioned for him to continue. As she listened, her hand cradled her chin in thought. The image of deadly assassins found her mind as the young man spoke. Of course, she knew that his history and experience was far different han her own. Andorreth was a trained warrior, she was not.

“Hmmm. I see where you’re coming from, really I do. I recognize that our people do need to be able to defend themselves – key emphasis on defense.” Valae’s gaze flickered to Andorreth. “I understand that our Shadows may find themselves in dangerous situations…”

Valae trailed off, still hesitant to give permission to use lethal force. She listened as the Shadow leader elaborated, and she drew a deep breath. “I admit that my own sensibilities may have influenced some of my choices.” She smiled, “Please teach our people the how and why, as you said. However, make sure that you make certain it is a last resort – we won’t be out there taking life needlessly.”

She rose from her chair as well, and made her way towards the door.

“Alright, if you say so--” Valae said, grinning to lighten the mood. “Promise you’ll go easy on me.”

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

I could understand the concern from Valae, dealing death out wasn't a Jedi trait nor should it be. She radiated concern about it though... As we exited her office I said "Valae I think it prudent to inform you I wasn't trained first as an assassin but rather for espionage. Moving into and out of places without ever having been noticed, Violence was always last resort because it's more efficient to build cover identities and with the exploits through your career. These things support those covers, which means learning to deal in half truths. I wanted to reassure you violence won't be the first choice."

We continued walking towards one of the outdoor arenas and I started chuckling. "Valae, there's no way I'll be going as easy as I would on a padawan. I promise you a challenge though..." Grinning we entered one of the outdoor arenas and I moved away from Valae to take my place opposite her. "Prepare yourself Valae." Thumping my left fist against my chest I brought my right foot back and waited for Valae to draw her saber.

[member="Valae Kitra"]