Sober Buddies

[Placeholder 0128]

The thick cloud of smoke coiled from Cedric's lips slowly. The chemical hit his brain almost immediately, casting aside whatever worries had begun to plague his mind previously. Such pains were replaced by a growing sense of calm, one that made him far more amiable to Jaster's arrival.

The man had been a driving force behind the Dominion in years long past. He had served Cedric's father with pride, and now he was being called upon again. The difference this time was that Cedric had no intention of holding Jaster in any level aside from that of an equal.

The doors slid open to admit the older man. Cedric flashed a smile from his chair, and offered the still-burning cigarillo to his father's old friend.

"Jaster," the smile broadened. "You got fat!"

[member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"]

 

[Jaster Awaud]

Jaster had great admiration for [member="Cedric Grayson"] Father. He only knew the man in the later stages of life and heard the legend of his youth from those who survives contact with the long dead legend. To be honest, Jasters thirst for understanding and a place of being was what got him where he was now. Grand Moff of the Fel Imperium, CEO of the UTC, and a growing influence within the Galactic Community that he once just served as a shadow broker. Those that meet Mepherium Grayson and lived to this current day were far and few in between. He was proud to hold that rank of "Those that Lived", but it would seem that the mans son was also affected by the mans last curse. Once you live in the shadow of greatness, you only want to find meaning and renew that once great pride. Jaster did it by jumping from master to master, finding a place to belong, to only be forced to lead and turn fledgling Empire, into greatness that would rival the legends. Cedric, was now just trying to escape that shadow of his father, and Jaster was visited by a vision to aid the man in his mission.

Walking into the room of smoke and depression, he knew this feeling well. Living in that armor for several years only reminded him what pain and loneliness was. Once the Emperor was able to free him, he only wanted to show that freedom to others and live his life as he wished. Once the young man offered the light cigarillo to him, Jaster shook his head and pulled out a small case. From there he pulled out a home rolled Cigarra and a small torch lighter. "No need, I bring my own around."

Sitting down and hearing the comment about his weight, he knew that was just a joking jab. Jaster lost weight since he lost the armor and would never be able to put it back on no matter how hard he tried. "Yes yes, I figured I looked a little more slimming without the armor personally."

After lighting his Cigarra and taking a drag, he pulled a small data-tablet from his back pouch and slid it across the table. "Your father visited me in a dream a few months back, said to find this thing and help you should you ever call upon me."

The datapad showed a picture of Mepherium's Lightsaber being placed in a box held by two Atrisian Guards with the words, Atrisian Security Armory. "One of the amenities of being Grand Moff, I found your fathers blade."

 

[Placeholder 0128]

For a moment, Cedric allowed himself to simply enjoy the smoke. There were few that he could share this form of kinship with; to simply relax and cast aside the worries of the world. Jaster had always been one of the few men his father had trusted; quite the feat when one took into account Mephirium's growing paranoia near the end of his life. It was for that reason that Cedric had chosen to put his trust in Jagger's own son, and now in the father just as his own progenitor had.

"You look better without it. Happier," Cedric smiled, and one could tell he genuinely meant his words. "It's good to see you Jaster. There are very few men in this galaxy I can afford to make time for, but the Fugas will always have a place at my table."

He paused.

The datapad was shown. Cedric's lips parted, but he found himself at a loss for words. After a few moments of silence, he finally spoke.

"How did you get that?"

[member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"]

 

[Jaster Awaud]

Sitting more comfortably in his seat, Jaster continued to smoke his Alderanee Tobacco Cigarette. Being that he had called [member="Cedric Grayson"] after he had found the information he took his time to enjoy the smoke in his lungs. It was nice to hear the words of the Fuga Family still ringing the halls of any building. They had fallen on hard times since the fall of the Dominion, but being a Branch Family of Clan Awaud after his Brother Married Jaggers Aunt. He took the man under his wing and taught him in the ways of manning a fleet. Together they were a menace on Galactic Society. Jaggers death at Atrisia was felt to this day, though he did not carry revenge for the Alliances hand in his death. Drox was now living on Hapes, serving the new administration as best he could.

With his head in the now, he responded to the question. "The Fel Empire has embedded spies in the GA, FO, and the Sith Empire, while going through the files of the Atrisian Force Storm Forecast one of my agents accidentally came across this while looking for One Sith Tech in the evidence vault," He leaned forward to ash his cigarette, looking at the picture he leaned back, "He reported the lightsaber was also with other sith artifacts of unknown origin, the agent committed suicide three days later and no other agent is free to look into this."

He leaned back to continue to smoke and continue this conversation.

 

[Placeholder 0128]

" I hadn't wanted to meet with you to discuss forgotten artifacts, but that lightsaber is important to me," that much was true. Cedric had already begun to devise a plan to retrieve the ancient weapon. Corrupted as it may have become, the lightsaber had once been the weapon of the Grayson patriarch. It had been passed down from generation to generation, each new son modifying the weapon to suit his own particular needs. To lose such a storied artifact was truly devastating, though Cedric had known in his heart that the weapon would not be kept from him forever.

"My father came to you?" That made Cedric pause. "He rarely stirs from his place in Netherworld. It's difficult for him to contact the physical world, let alone carry on a conversation," the youth's brow furrowed. "It must have been important." Cedric paused for a moment, let his eyes meet Jaster's.

"It's time we reclaimed our home." A faint smile flitted across his features. "I need your help Jaster."

[member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"]

 

[Jaster Awaud]

Jaster knew the young man that was [member="Cedric Grayson"] would not turn down the opportunity to find his fathers saber. Yet there was some objects of interest there that Jaster was also interested in. Also, gaining favor with the Grayson Family was not something many was able to gain. His father was a well connected individual, and this boy had once controlled a nation that nearly swallowed up this part of wild space. He did however did not want to boy to fall to the way of the Sith. He was not a believer in the Force Orders, but his nation was surrounded by both the First Order and the Sith Empire, having the likes of the Graysons join the Sith would not do will for his new country.

Still seated and smoking with the man he responded to the mans interest, "Yes, your father pointed me to find the Emperor I serve, and I was in a plane between worlds, or possibly a second doorway to the Neitherworld," He sighed, the meeting between him and Meph was short, but he was pointed to the Fel and asked to offer help to his son. "As for my help, you have it, but I will need whatever else is in that vault, and since none of this can come back on my nation, that means its just us."

The Fel Empire was in a state of neutrality, as well as trying to open negotiations between the Fel and the GA. Being isolated in the Unknown Region meant that they were vulnerable, and with the Emperor working a plan of "Conquest without War", they butted heads with the Sith and Order.

 

[Placeholder 0128]

Cedric felt the buzz falling over him like a warm blanket. It was an intoxication he welcomed; one with which he could function. He felt his connection to the force shifting in an unusual way - it did not dampen, nor did it grow, it simply changed. "I'm surprised my father has the sentience to speak with anyone anymore. Figured he would be bound to the realm of chaos," the youth's brow furrowed. "That being said, I truly do thank you for this find. I don't know how I would have gotten the blade otherwise."

Cedric offered Jaster a grateful smile. "It'll all remain under wraps. If you've any need of my help, all you must do is ask."

The youth paused.

"Before I continue," Cedric pulled in another drag. "I want to know how you've been. Are you alright? How is your family? Did they escape the fall?"

[member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"]

 

[Jaster Awaud]

Talking with [member="Cedric Grayson"] seemed to get off topic and Jaster did not mind it. The man had fallen on hard times after he fled the First Order. Since then he was named Alor of a Clan that was on the Brink of Collapse, as well as owned a company that was not making profits as well as just failing at every turn and living in the shadows.

Turning to the young man he took a puff of his cig, releasing the smoke into the open air. "Things have only gone up for me since I left the Republic, I traveled to the Unknown Region, where my ship skimmed some kind of spacial anomaly that allowed me to momentary enter the Netherworld and speak with your father,"

Taking in another hit, he continued his story, "From there he sent me to a planet to find a Lone Emperor, I figured your father was crazy and the Dark Forces clouded his judgment, but I always trusted the man and went to his planet," Leaning to the side he ashed his smoke. "I found a descended of the Fel Dynasty, and he cured my disease to leave my armor, in return I serve the interest of the Fel Empire, since then I have been given the Rank of Grand Moff, I am a close confidant and guardian of the Princess of Commenor, and now serve on the Mandalorain Wue'gi'vode, or Councilor to Mand'alor the Infernal,"

Continuing on he explained how he created the Jaster Trade Spine, is building an Empire to fight all Empires, as well as finally willing to protect the Innocent. "I have served in 13 Wars, seen the fall of 6 Nations, and watched 100 planets burn, I no longer wish to see these atrocities happen, not to my citizens." He snapped out of his daze as the cig burnt his finger, he placed the burnt tobacco roll in the ash tray, "Apologies sir, it seems I have gotten soft in my old fat age."

 

[Placeholder 0128]

"Sounds like you've been doing well for yourself." Cedric sounded pleased about that. "I've met the Mand'alor myself. I sought her assistance against the Sith, but my request was denied. Truthfully, I never really ever expected her to even let me have an audience," the youth snickered as his thoughts drifted to [member="Yasha Mantis"], "Very beautiful woman, very tall. One could say she was intimidating," another drag, another cloud. Cedric rolled his own cigarillo into the nearby ash tray, though its pungent scent lingered within the confines of the office.

"I was going to ask you about the armor," he gestured toward Jaster. "I'm glad you're free of it. No man should have to ever live in a such a cage. I'm glad to hear you're doing well in general. I suppose I could say the same for myself." He paused, "Perhaps your presence on the Mand'alor's council could get us some progress. You know the dangers of the Sith Jaster, help the Mand'alor to learn of them as well, before it's too late."

Another pause.

"Jaster," Cedric waved a hand, "Don't call me sir. If anything, I should be giving you the honorifics. You've far more experience than me."

[member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"]

 

[Jaster Awaud]

It was nice to hold a conversation with the [member="Cedric Grayson"] and smoking to their unhealthy habits such as fighting, drinking, and charging into danger. Compared to that all, this was turely no problem and to be honest his daughter never let him smoke since he was freed from the armor. It was nice to just sit back and carry a conversation before a mission.

However, it was weird the conversation switched to his Mand'alor, [member="Yasha Mantis"]. He held up a hand as he suggested working to get the Mandalorians to up and arms against the Sith Empire, "It has been over 25 years since I was in the service of any Leader of the Clans, the last I served banished me for speaking out of self mind in the defense of my people, so it says a lot that the Alor of Clan Awaud gave an Oath of Unity to Mand'alor the Infernal," He did not want to offend the man, so he needed to explain more, "Mand'alor Yasha Mantis is possibly the strongest in both strength as well as in mind of all the Clans, she has the greatest chance of Uniting the Mandalorian Clans and making them more then a Lap Dog of the Dark Side of the Force, with her at the head, the Mando Empire has a real chance of being a Nation to rival them all."

Jaster leaned back in his seat, thinking on the matter of the Sith, "Though I agree with you, the Sith, First Order, as well as parts of the Galactic Empire are a massive problem for the Galaxy at large, I do not think the Mando Empire is ready for all out war with the Sith Empire," It was true, a few in the Mando Empire wanted to keep the Sith at a distance, but there were still those in Death Watch that kept them close. "The Fel Imperium has gathered info stating that the Sith are waiting for a moment to strike, conquering the Tingel Arm before moving towards the Core, my spies say the Imperium still has years possibly before any threat of the Sith or First Order make it to the Unknown Region, but we do plan on fighting those who oppress and enslave, but at the moment neither the Mandos, or the Fel will be able to openly fight the Sith on common Ground."

 

[Placeholder 0128]

As Jaster spoke, Cedric listened.

His initial reaction to the man's words was to argue, but experience told him that doing so would be counterproductive. That, and after a long spiritual journey, Cedric had finally come to terms with the fact that he simply enjoyed being right. All the time. With that in mind, the knight held his tongue, nodded along with Jaster, and allowed himself to join the remainder of his cigarillo.

"You're right," Cedric relented, "I've come to realize that expecting the help of others is foolhardy. We no longer live in a time of trust or mutual friendship; only opportunities." There was no bitterness in Cedric's voice, only facts. "That being said, it will not always be that way. I'll do this my own way, and in time, others will see that working together is the way to prosperity."

The knight paused.

"I've a plan. My father wouldn't have liked it, but I don't plan to fight the way he did."

[member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"]

 

[Jaster Awaud]

Jaster knew that [member="Cedric Grayson"] only wished to argue his point. He carried the blood of Grayson after all, and being a man who once lead a nation as well as someones who never stood against his opinion the man was always looking to be correct. With the mans answer he knew there was a misunderstanding.

Jaster pulled out a flask from his chest pocket and set it on the table to offer to Cedric. "Dont get me wrong Cedric," He opened his cigarette case to offer the man one of his Cigs, "The Sith Empire will slip up, Emperor Carnifex will become greedy and will slip up, and the Mandalorians are still recovering from the Civil War, as well as rebuilding our homeworld, and when they become stronger they can face the Empire not as trade partners, but as enemies, we just must bide our time and find ways to show the Sith weakness to show the Mandos their true colors, for Yasha will need evidence of our claims."

Listening more, he was interested in this posibility to face the Sith without help. He knew that the cruelty of the Sith Empire had forced many to mind their own. Rebellion in the Empire had happened once before, but nothing was heard from their front for some time. So the idea seemed something he should push.

He waited till the man finished, "What are you planning Cedric?"

 

[Placeholder 0128]

"Ession must be free." Cedric said simply, as if that explained everything he'd been hinting at. A few moments of silence passed between the two men, as if Cedric had truly thought his words would be wholly understood for what they were. The silence almost grew uncomfortable before Cedric spoke again.

"I have gathered a team of elite operatives to help me get into the heart of the Sith Empire," Cedric's brow furrowed. "I plan to hijack a holocomm station, and transmit a message of rebellion across imperial space. From there, we move forward. My forces are nearly ready. I expect we will begin by next month."

A brow was raised. "It all culminates in the recovery of the scuttled Dominion fleet. My father left sixteen Mephirium class star destroyers at the edge of the galaxy. With that fleet, we can do some serious damage to the empire's infrastructure. All I need is an admiral to command the Chimaera."

Cedric stared as Jaster purposefully.

[member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"]

 

[Jaster Awaud]

It would seem that coming to visit [member="Cedric Grayson"] was not a waste of time like many suspected. Jaster trusted Mepherium with his life, next to the Mandalorain God of War, he always prayed to the man to offer him an edge in battle. The man attained a new level of understanding and power where he was, and Jaster knew better then to go against something so powerful. His son had his mind and his body.

Jaster knew what the man was offering, but he could not accept. The Fel Empire was a mission that Mepherium had sent him on, and he needed to see that to the end. It was almost his destiny to follow the path of the Imperium and see where it took him. "I am sorry Cedric, I am the Grand Moff of the Fel Imperium now, and I feel I can be a better ally from the Unknown Region then serving in your fleet," The man lite another Cig and puffed it, "The Fel Empire is located where it is not by accident, we have the ability to cut off trade between the First Order and the Sith Empire all together, we are located between the Blood Trail and the Rausgeber Stretch, both if captured would slow all trade between the two nations,"

He tapped on his wrist and a droid came in, "We also have access to many rare resources out there that if the Sith or Order got, we would all be in trouble," The Droid placed a leather pouch on the table and left. Jaster opened it and there laid a Lightsaber Crystal, "The planet of Na'Jedha and Rakatta Prime are hot spots for crystal mining as well as hundreds of untouched planets."

 

[Placeholder 0128]

There was disappointment in Cedric's eyes, perhaps even the faintest sliver of despair. It flickered out half a second later. "I understand Jaster," his tone was apologetic. "I won't try to pull you from your people. I understand the strategic important of the Fels as well."

He paused a moment, eyes shifting to the crystal. "It seems you've far more to offer than I," Cedric snickered. "I want to meet with your emperor. I need to get his measure. You Jaster, I would trust with my life, but I do not know this emperor. I do not know his integrity, nor his intentions. I must meet him face to face before I offer the Fels aid."

That much was true, though Cedric's intentions were sincere. Jaster was a friend. He wasn't going to lose him over politics. "That being said," Cedric's eyes affixed upon Jaster's own. "When the time comes, I am going to need your help Jaster."

[member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"]

 

[Jaster Awaud]

Jaster set down his cig and placed his hand on the arms of the chair he was sitting in. His eyes went from a playful nearly family look, to one of business and politics. His Smile melted to a look of a hardened man. "I apologies Cedric, but the Emperor is gravely ill, I have taken command of the Imperium in his stead while taking orders from his Transmission Droid, meeting him will be impossible."

The Emperor, the man that saved him from his cage of sickness and metal. The man that gifted him with the ability to feel the wind and the touch of his daughters face. That man was now in the palace suffering from Cryp-Sickness, though it should not be lasting this long. Buried under the endless paperwork of dealing with trade and building the economy of his people he was not able to properly visit his Emperor, but he trusted the system and was given a powerful position to fill. He was now sitting with [member="Cedric Grayson"] looking for the support to cripple the Sith Empire.

Jaster still sitting nodded to his friend, "Should your Rebellion need any help, the UTC or the Fel Imperium will assist so long as we preserve order and balance in the Galaxy," He leaned forward to pick up his flask that was left on the table. "The Sith supress their people and have caused more pain then stability in their space."

He took a swig of his flask and felt the Whisky burn as it went down, "Its kind of funny, I came here originally to offer you a position within the Imperial Knights to serve in the Balance of the Force, but it seems you have a plan of your own, and I will offer our support should the time come you need it."

 

[Placeholder 0128]

"You know I've never been one to follow anyone's else's will," the knight offered Jaster a playful grin, but Cedric's words were deathly true. "I have a problem with authority. It's why I dislike our enemy so much. No one tells me how to live my life," that wasn't entirely true.

"I'll gladly take your help Jaster. I'm sure we're going to need it very soon. I've seen some nasty reports from the edge of the Sith Empire. Figure we might take a look and see what's going on." The knight ashed out his cigarillo, and leaned back into his chair. "And if the Fels need assistance, you have it."

A pause.

"What is he ill with? Perhaps I can help."

[member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"]