Stand For Something [ CIS/SJO ]

[Malok]

K A S H Y Y K K​

He was as a storm breaching a cloudless sky. An antonym. An opposite. Different in every way. His descent from above was quiet: heralded only by the hum of engines and the deploying of landing gear. From within the confines of the shuttle did Darth Metus rise and take his first steps down onto Kashyykk. As he walked down the ramp, his sulfuric gaze took in the site of the momentous occasion. A Temple had been erected by Jedi hands, on that seemed in harmony with the clearing surrounding it. Nature embraced the ivory walls - and the Light could be felt throughout.

Needless to say, the Sith stuck out like a sore thumb.

This day, he decided to be quite honest with himself and those to whom he would speak. Therefore, he did not dare garb himself in the finest of suits or even a beskar'gam. No, today, he was slashed in onyx. A hooded cloak hung from his shoulders, briefly obscuring his chocolate features from the light of day. Beneath, a blast vest, cargo pants, and boots of similar hue occupied his person. He was armed, as was the norm, with his lightsabre only. The weapon hung by his side and was plainly visible as he walked forward.

But the Sith was not alone. Behind him clambored a pair of BX Commando Droids. And, whenever she was ready, his Apprentice [member="Srina Talon"] would soon follow. As he had informed the young Echani on the way in, today was about deciding the future of the Confederacy. Today, they would break their neutral stance and take the first steps of entering into a relationship with a bastion of Light. For this reason, Darth Metus presented himself as himself - a Sith with no allegiance besides the nation he led. A Sith that would willingly sit at a Jedi table.

And to that table would he be escorted. Masked, Temple Guardsmen had been expecting the Confederacy's Vicelord and promptly guided him through the pristine halls and vaulted ceilings. The journey of the Confederate delegation would be brief: culminating by entering the inner courtyard. Here, amongst gardens and fountains, would a table of marble be set aside for the meeting. Here, the Sith laid eyes upon the Jedi Grandmaster herself. Approaching, Darth Metus lowered his hood, revealing the neat mass of dreadlocks to the Kashyykk morning. He offered a warm smile as he came to a halt before the table.

"I thank you for the warm reception, Grandmaster." he began, inclining his head briefly in a show of respect. "I am Darth Metus, Vicelord of the Confederacy. And this -" he then motioned in the direction of the Echani. "- is my Apprentice, Srina. On behalf of our people, I thank you for being so willing to discuss a relationship between our nations."

[member="Valae Kitra"], [member="Stephanie Swail"], [member="Srina Talon"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

The newly constructed temple, Silver Rest, was ready to receive its first visitors.

The Order of the Silver Jedi were ready as well. The campus was pristine, and the temple itself a warm display of welcome. It was time to make their presence known on Kashyyyk, and this meeting with the CIS would certainly help in that regard. This was the perfect opportunity to show a potential new ally a bit of hospitality.

For her own part, Grandmaster Kitra was working to make her own appearance appropriate for the occasion. Her chestnut waves had been brushed thoroughly, and then tamed back into a simple ponytail. The healer donned her traditional garb, and completed the ensemble with the woolen brown robe that was so emblematic of the Jedi. Valae’s face was left unadorned, save for a kind smile. And the last detail was clipped to her belt, a saber that was rarely used.

Walking down the corridor, her eyes roamed the temple. This space was still quite new to her, having spent so many of her years in the Silver Temple on Voss. But she was pleased with the quick progress that had been made since their arrival here on Kashyyyk. This was home now. Though, even as she looked to the future with a great amount of hope, she couldn’t deny the part of her that longed for the familiar. But she knew that she would soon be seeing the familiar face of her apprentice, and that was enough to renew her mood.

Walking into the conference room to wait, the Grandmaster offered a nod to the Antarian Rangers that stood guard outside the door. While they did not wish to offend their visitors, security was paramount – for all of them. Valae drew a deep breath and gave a nod for the Rangers to step back even further, this meeting was all about cooperation.

As the CIS delegation approached, Valae offered a deep bow of respect.

The tall man that stood opposite her was intimidating; his dark clothing could be described as… ominous. But she met his introduction with a smile, and provided one of her own.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Vicelord. I am Valae Kitra, Grandmaster of the Order of Silver Jedi.” And she offered a nod to his apprentice, “Greetings, Srina – thank you both for coming.” Valae’s smile widened slightly. “Welcome to Kashyyyk, we are very happy that you could make the journey here. And we look forward to the discussions as well.”

Turning slightly, she indicated the young woman that stood now at her side.

“This is my own apprentice, Stephanie Swail.” She nodded steadily to Steph. “Well, shall we?”

She motioned towards the table, where there were refreshments waiting.

[member="Darth Metus"], [member="Srina Talon"], [member="Stephanie Swail"]

 

[Srina Talon]

The small Echani warrior followed her master without question. To most, the Sith Lord was the epitome of darkness, a threat on the wind, but to her, he was an anchor. He tethered her in a world where nothing made sense, where right was wrong, and up was down. If she could believe in nothing else the pale-skinned apprentice believed in the Vicelord of the Confederacy. Silver eyes remained still and fathomless while they evaluated the Jedi Temple that lay before them. The greenery climbing the ivory walls was breathtaking and deeply reminded her of Eshan. No matter their reason for being on Kashykk she couldn't help but take precious seconds to appreciate it.

Srina was clad formally in the light armor that her master had created for her. She had no visible weaponry on her person but to assume that she had arrived unprepared would be foolish. Shimmering white-gold hair ran like molten moonlight down her back, helping to flawlessly conceal twin vibroblades that were harnessed along the length of her spine. The silver ring on her finger seemed harmless, but both she and her teacher, knew better. She had a pale cloak draped over her shoulders that was held closed with a silver pin. She seemed to be everything that Darth Metus was not. Where he was the night, she was the day. “We will prevail, master. Have faith.”, she whispered as they approached, her optimistic outlook born of pragmatism, versus sheer goodness.

She orbited Darth Metus when the Guardsmen arrived, a silent and obedient satellite, as if entirely trapped in his gravitational pull. Their walk to the designated meeting place was brief but it still served its purpose. Srina could feel the weight of this temple, the new beauty it held, and what it represented. Where her master was forced to remove his hood Srina remained motionless as she had foregone it entirely. It seemed pointless to hide themselves when they were sincerely seeking an open and honest lane for discussion. As her master made their introductions to the Jedi Grandmaster her chin dipped briefly as her swan-like neck gracefully inclined—noting that the brunette woman had returned the courtesy.

“It is a privilege.”, Srina responded softly, her dual-toned voice a honeyed birdlike chirrup on the breeze. The pale skinned woman moved to follow her master when it became appropriate and the unnatural stillness that surrounded her person slipped away like water. “You must know that your temple is a sight to behold…. I haven’t seen anything like it in a very long time.”

Her compliment to their gracious host was cut short when the Jedi Apprentice, the Padawan, as she understood it, stepped into the light. Srina also inclined her head to this woman. Her skin tone seemed to be a few shades different than the plain and articulate humanoid that had first addressed them. The Echani visually evaluated who she assumed represented her opposite in this debacle and silver eyes remained unmoved. Did she feel nervous? Did she know how her master truly felt about this potential alliance? Would she have a voice of her own?

Srina couldn’t help but wonder if they were really so different. They were both caught in a web of leftover disagreements that did not belong to them. Her mind stole away, briefly, to the friend she’d made on Coruscant. What would he feel about all this? She wished for his counsel now—even if it was only the tiniest crumb. He had a way with commonsensical words that made the most trying of circumstances seem ordinary.

She found herself returning to the situation at hand rather seamlessly as they found appropriate seating. Srina placed herself between Metus and the Grandmasters apprentice. It seemed to make the most sense, logically speaking, to have a comfort to the right. The Echani sat with her back straight, never touching the back of her chair, long legs resting at a slant, with one foot tucked neatly behind the other. No. She had not missed the Antarian Rangers that stood at a distance. They were close enough to intervene, but far enough, that their enclave wouldn’t feel smothered.

Fragile silence seemed to momentarily reign as beverages were poured and pleasantries continued to make their respective rounds. Eventually, the silvery creature grew weary of the unintended show of formality between her betters. They had arrived on Kashyykk to break custom, and to broker a peaceful, lasting relationship between two very diverse groups of people. Not to endure, a clever game of avoidance and omissions, and an age of uncomfortable staring contests. “Grandmaster Kitra, if I may…I feel the need to impart that the Vicelord often prefers that I express what is on my mind. If you feel that I speak out of turn, you need only to make me aware, and I will refrain without offense…”

“…To that end…I can only admit that I am at a loss. I am not an ambassador nor a politician. I have not studied diplomacy. I am merely the apprentice of a far more important individual.”, she began slowly, tactfully, despite her claims to the opposite. Often, her words were made tolerable, purely by her sweetened tone of voice. “Yet…Even I find it plain to see that both you and my master bear heavy responsibilities that are very nearly parallel to one another. Recent events may have helped to illuminate the individual challenges that you face—but your objectives seem to be the same. Each step you take seems to be for the betterment of your people.”

Briefly, Srina glanced at Darth Metus, gauging his expression for permission to continue. She didn’t sense any disapproval and thus went on with what they had previously discussed. Her gaze flickered delicately between Grandmaster Kitra and Padawan Swail, though there was no anxiety or apprehension to be found. Only endless calm remained, as if she were earnestly addressing distant companions, versus the potentially unreceptive leaders of another party.

“We believe that strengthened relations would deeply benefit both factions. There is strength to be found, stability, security, and prospects of sustainable development. It all sounds so simple. But, these are merely words until they are considered by those with the power to affect change. The Jedi seem well-versed in negotiation. Perhaps, Grandmaster, you could open the floor with where you would like to begin?”

[member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

After feeling she had messed up her own image and that of the Silver Jedi by speaking simple truth in the jumbled meeting of the accords on Ruusan, Stephanie Swail felt out of her depth once more. While her Master hadn't said anything direct, she was worried there was something yet to come of how she had acted. Speaking from the heart with little filter may have worked for her in the old days, but now? Maybe this wasn't her place to do so.

Now, there was no rest for the Padawan. In the gorgeous new temple that felt it was a step closer to the heavens, overlooking the jewel that was Kashyyyk, a meeting was to be held between the CIS and the Silver Order. One she was eager to be part of and see flourish.

Upon arrival, there was no warning of the beast of a man waiting and the snow haired girl by his side. Stephanie shivered slightly as she followed her Master into the room. He looked like a Sith and dressed like one, but he couldn't...no. He was. Darth Metus. A Sith Lord fronting the Confederacy. And an apprentice, Srina. Great.

Valae was calm and collected, and on her introductions, Stephanie called her Force aura tight and looked at their guests, remembering how she vouched to stand for hope, truth and justice. A warm bow of a welcome was given.

As she took her seat and the apprentice talked, Stephanie couldn't take her eyes off her. The silver hair and eyes, the snow-like skin. She was, almost, fitting of the Silver name. Her voice was soft and, for a second, it was like looking into a mirror of what confidence and strength Stephanie could be in time.

It was not her place to speak. She had been lambasted by others in the past for speaking her mind and it had been turned into a negative, which left a mark. So, she smiled again at Srina and, as best she could, at the Dark Lord, before turning to her Master. Thank goodness those Rangers were present. She was sure they wouldn't be needed but...well...in these dangerous times...the Jedi had to be careful....

[member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Srina Talon"]

 

[Malok]

OOC - Going to move us along a little here

Srina...

From the moment she walked into his life, drenched by Coruscant rain, she never ceased to amaze. Whether it was her prowess in battle or strength of character, it seemed as though the Echani always managed to surpass the Vicelord's expectations. Even now, as they stood on the precipice of forging a new relationship with the Silver Jedi, her introduction to the world of politics was...earnest. She brought honesty to the table - a genuine feeling that, hopefully, contrasted the presuppositions of her master's name and nature. Darth.

To say that the Sith was as proud as a father in that moment was an understatement.

With the discussion moving to the table, Darth Metus said nothing initially. He waited until all present were seated before the plethora of refreshments the gracious hosts had seen fit to provide. For the most part, the assortment of fruits and nuts must have been native to Kashyykk - thereby intriguing Darth Metus ever so slightly. He made a mental note to try what appeared to be candied pecans in a moment, but chewing away whilst negotiating an alliance was poor form. Instead, he spoke.

"Well said, Srina." he began, giving her a slight nod coupled with an earnest grin. "Though I will interject on a single point and perhaps we can start there."

While it was perfectly fine to begin with the Jedi's desires and intentions, the Sith decided - again - that it was best to lay their wants and thoughts bare on the table at the get go. Only then could there truly be trust, despite who and what Metus was.

"The concerns of our people are much aligned with your own. Beside us exists the Galactic Empire. They lashed out against the millions under your care. They have trampled upon former, Confederate worlds. They are a common threat that will, ultimately, color the future of both our nations."

"And so I lay bare our intentions - of mutual defense, first and foremost. The Confederacy is not the imperial war machine, and going on the offensive, now, is not within our ability at present. However. What we can do is guarantee that we will be there to defend your people, as well as ours. All that we ask is that you do the same."

He paused, looking the Grandmaster directly in the eye.

"What say you?"

[member="Valae Kitra"], [member="Stephanie Swail"], [member="Srina Talon"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Of course, the name DarthMetus had not gone unnoticed by the Grandmaster. However, she wasn’t the sort to jump to make conclusions or judgements. It was true that recent events had painted her idea of the Sith quite darkly, but there was something different about the Vicelord. And the young woman accompanying him was like a breath of fresh air – a true contrast to the doom and gloom of a Sith.

As Valae was not a career politician by any means, she was thankful for Srina’s honesty right up front. The two had something in common. Watching the blonde woman with what seemed to be quite a delicate appearance; she listened closely to the words that she spoke. There was no ill-intent or malice behind what she said, only the hope that they would be able to work together. Even if Srina was not a diplomat or ambassador, perhaps it would be a fitting career – she seemed to have a knack for speaking to people. She certainly had a grace and elegance about her that Valae could only dream of.

Taking a quick glance at Stephanie, Valae offered an encouraging smile. Her apprentice was unusually… quiet. There had been times when her padawan had taken the chance to speak up, but something was different today. Perhaps the presence of the Sith Lord had put her on edge. No matter the reason, Valae was thankful that Stephanie had chosen to join her today. A familiar face always seemed to help.

Letting her attention focus back on the meeting at hand, she turned her gaze to Darth Metus as he spoke. Indeed it did seem like something of an oddity, but here she was engaging in friendly conversation with a Sith.

“We would welcome an agreement that opens with mutual defense.” She stated with a nod. “The Order has seen our share of battles as of late, and I can tell you with certainty that we are not looking to start trouble. It does, however, have a way of finding us.” Valae offered a good-natured smile. “But when that time comes, we would welcome any assistance that the CIS is willing to provide.”

The Grandmaster clasped her hands atop the table. Of course, she knew the kinds of rumors that went around about the Silver Jedi, and she hoped that this alliance would be a first step towards dispelling them.

“I can assure you that we do not intend to move offensively at this time,” She said earnestly, eyes softening slightly. “We are… still recovering from Mirial.” It was a lesson learned the hard way. “If the CIS has the need, we will be there. The Galactic Empire has sought to wreak havoc on both of our worlds; we do need to band together in the face of this threat.”

Once she’d spoken her piece, she blew out a gentle breath.

“We did want to get off on the right foot here on Kashyyyk,” She smiled, “I think this is a good step in that direction.”

[member="Darth Metus"], [member="Stephanie Swail"], [member="Srina Talon"]

 

[Srina Talon]

Srina was Echani, obviously, and in that knowledge, there was not much that her overly sensitive eyes missed. Her master discretely eyeing up the canapés, likely looking for something with a crunch, almost broke the perfect glass of her exterior. It was likely only the distraction of her own focused dialogue that saved her from an indulgent smile. Her master was not like any Sith Lord she had ever met. And she had met quite a few, each looking to either take her head or abduct her.

Darth Metus praised her words and the slender woman accepted it with grace. The compliment was unnecessary, but appreciated, nonetheless. Honesty, even if it was painful, brutal, and punishing was always preferential to pretty dancing lies. She was silent while the Vicelord spoke his peace and instead found mirrored eyes lingering on Padawan Swail. She was polite. She smiled, played the part, but remained quiet as a temple mouse. Were Jedi apprentices not permitted the same freedoms?

When the auburn-haired Grandmaster Kitra began to speak Srina gave the woman her full attention. She deserved that, considering her willingness to speak, when people under the same banner had just terrorized her order. At least, that was the way that the silver apprentice understood it. The true morality and goals of peace that a Jedi harbored were lost to her. She was only beginning to understand the motivations of the light and dark sides of the Force. That being said, Srina wasn’t certain that she would have been able to handle such a devastating loss with half the dignity that the Grandmaster did.

“We don’t anticipate any immediate trouble for the Confederacy. However, that is always subject to change. Misfortune comes for us all and pays little regard toward our history or strength of character. I know your name, Grandmaster, and I’ve heard, just as sure as my master has, of the things your Order has been accused of. For all of that…We know not what your people have been through. We can only assume that they have suffered as you have suffered.”, Srina spoke plainly, unflinching, at the not so subtle tragedy that was Mirial. Her skin was too thick for that. If she was willing to fight in a war, die in a war, what as the point in skirting around the details? “Enough is enough. Regardless of the truth…We all bleed and we all breathe. We have all made mistakes.”

“When and if the time comes, you have our word, that we will be ready.”

Surely, Darth Metus would reinforce her claims. It was his faction, his army, his fleet, and ultimately his responsibility. However, as his apprentice, she was his representation. She was his long arm of the law when his head was too heavy with the burdens of the crown. For all of his strengths, it was impossible, in the end, to lead alone. Her word was his word and vice versa.

Srina liked the Grandmaster. She had an easy smile and spoke fairly. At least, that was her initial impression. Some people held lies expertly behind their eyes like a jailer held a prisoner. Grandmaster Kitra did not appear to be one of those people.

Her attention once again switched to Padawan Swail. Still, so silent. Such static beauty wrapped in what she assumed to be hesitance. They were all friends; or would be soon. “Have you anything to add? Surely, if I am permitted my peace, your thoughts are just as valuable. I would wish to hear them... Even if it is not at this table.”

Nevertheless, Srina felt as if the finer points of the alliance would fall into place sooner rather than later. This discussion was far less uncomfortable than she thought it would be. Srina reached out and picked up a glass that contained some sort of sweet liquid, she wasn’t entirely sure what, before remembering that the Vicelord still had a gift for their hosts. “My master does have something for you, Grandmaster. It seems it slipped both of our minds…”

[member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

It was so simple.

They will help us if we help them. They weren't at the table to lay out rules to conquer and invade, but to stand together in equal footing to explore, expand and support. Was there really so much beyond the view of Jedi and Sith that not all those bearing the rank title of Light or Dark were painted with the same brush?

The Sith laid his basic request, to which Master Kitra agreed. Again, it was so simple. There were more than just Sith out there. The Galactic Empire for one. Crime lords and Hutts looking to make quick bounties. Rogue Jedi and dictators looking for their share of the galaxy. It was times like this when good natured people had to stand firm.

Srina got her attention, thinking they would simply move on. Yet she had a point, and was kind enough to ask for her view.

Not that her view often got good responses as of late.

Stephanie took a step forward and gave a hint of warmth in her smile to the Dark Lord and his snow-haired apprentice.

"Thank you, both. Thank you for being with us today. There isn't much else I can say, except I am hopeful this will give us new strength and resilience in difficult times, knowing the other is there, and we have allies willing to help. Not just in the tides of war, but exploration and trade, all sorts of things."

It was a lousy statement, but it was true. She gave the two another smile and nod, stepping back to let Srina and her Master present their gift to her inspirational Master.

She looked at Srina again and that snow-coloured hair and silently mouthed "thank-you".

[member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Darth Metus"]

 

[Malok]

The weight in the Vicelord's pocket became very apparent.

At the mere mention of the gift did the Sith's gaze briefly avert from the eyes of the Grandmaster. Reaching, he retrieved that which had been recovered from an era long since past.

A resinwood box was laid upon the table. The sweet aroma of the native arbor yet permeated from the chest, coupled with a presence which clashed horrendously with the Sith's own "aura." Something light rested within - and Darth Metus wasted no time in flipping the lid. Upon a bundle of pure cloth did the Amulet rest.

It called for [member="Valae Kitra"]. Like a child calling to its mother.

"Then let it be known that we will defend one another. That our nations will defend each other. Come what may, we will stand united against it all."

His fingers reached, gingerly clutching the delicate silver upon the cloth. It felt strange to hold one of these again - to remember all that had went into their creation. The Heartstone Amulets were a relic of a simpler time...a time when Darth Metus was young and the Southern Systems were free. A time when the Silver Jedi was still a Sanctum. A better time. A stronger time.

"This is a Heartstone Amulet. The crystal here is one of legend - a fragment of the Healing Crystals of Fire. When I was a younger man, the old Order had created these for its healers, but I kept one for memory's sake." As he spoke, he briefly stepped closer to the Grandmaster, presenting the gift flat upon his palm. "I'm glad I did, as it will serve you well Grandmaster. When you wear this, let it be a reminder that you have a friend - in the Confederacy, and in me."

Only once the Grandmaster accepted his gift would Darth Metus change gears ever so slightly. With the elephant in the room addressed, they could set their minds upon lighter things. Such as trade and exploration, rightly suggested by [member="Stephanie Swail"].

"Your apprentice speaks true - there is more than war that we can support one another in. We recognize that your move to Kashyykk has not been easy, and would gladly lend assistance moving forward. As you are aware, the Confederacy is a nation of droids - we would gladly donate labor units to the cause of getting things further situated."

"Also, I think it would be healthy for our Orders to meet one another and to push each other to greater heights. We can learn from one another and be all the more ready for what may come in the future."

[member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae appreciated Srina’s words; they seemed to illustrate their situation quite well. She was thankful that the Confederacy was willing to acknowledge the rather difficult times they had faced. Such pressure upon any organization would reveal and bring light to even the tiniest cracks. But instead of giving in, the Order was determined to correct their flaws and mend their reputation. But the young woman was right; they had all made their share of mistakes. It was just part of living and learning, she supposed.

She met the bright-eyed gaze of Srina for a moment and offered a nod. And then, her dark eyes moved to find her apprentice. Of course, Valae had no desire to keep Stephanie bottled up here. Her brows rose slightly, interested to know her padawan’s thoughts. Offering Stephanie an encouraging smile, Valae listened as her apprentice expressed herself in words that were short and sweet.

While there would be some here at the temple hesitant to sit at the table with one such as Darth Metus, Valae had a feeling that they would all come to recognize the shared hope for a strong alliance –one that extended far beyond the battlefield.

At the mention of a gift, her eyes fluttered.

Watching as Darth Metus presented her with a small box, Valae couldn’t stop the rosy-hue that found her cheeks. It was a kind and unexpected gesture, one that Valae wished she could repay. The amulet that sat upon soft cloth seemed to beckon, even from her seat… she could feel the energy within.

“My goodness,” She stammered quickly. Her palm came to rest over her heart, and she canted her head to the side at the Sith Lord. “I’m so very touched, Darth Metus – thank you. I promise you that I will keep this safe and use it well.”

Gently lifting the delicate amulet from the man’s hand, she cradled it in her own open palm. As the meeting shifted, Valae listened. With the amulet tucked safely into the pocket of her robe, she folded her hands upon the tabletop once more.

“We would truly welcome any assistance the confederacy has to give.” She gave a nod to acknowledge his statement. “Though the temple is now complete, there is still much to be done here on Kashyyyk and the new worlds that will come into our influence in the future. Speaking of which,” Valae tapped her chin with an index finger as she thought. “We have plans in the future to get Torn Station back in order, once it’s complete – feel free to use it for refueling and trade.”

“And I think you’re quite right, this is a good opportunity to learn – our duty is never done in that regard. If there are any ventures you would like us to take part in, we’ll be there.” The Grandmaster smiled, “And someday, I do aim to repay your kindness.” She felt they had little to offer at the time, but their presence here in the core had only just been established.

As far as she was concerned, the future was looking up.

[member="Darth Metus"], [member="Srina Talon"], [member="Stephanie Swail"]

 

[Srina Talon]

A simple nod from the Grandmaster told Srina that her small dialogue had its intended purpose. The intentions and expectations of the Confederacy were made plain. The wintry woman returned the silent gesture with a well-mannered smile that was lasted neither too long nor disappeared too quickly. Everything was moving forward accordingly, and rather smoothly, in her estimations. Soon enough they would get to the more humdrum details and might possibly find themselves engaged in what could pass for polite conversation.

The pale-skinned warrior was pleasantly surprised when Padawan Swail came out of her shell and responded to her request that she speak plainly. Delicate fingers placed a silver tipped glass back down on the table in order to give the dark-haired woman proper courtesy. She thanked them, sincerely, and brought up trade. That was definitely a valuable point that tied neatly in with sustainable development. Srina caught the silent gratitude that the Padawan passed her way when Darth Metus presented the Grandmaster with their peace offering. Her head inclined, and primrose lips curved into a brief smile, but refrained from commenting. At least, for now.

Instead her focus fell on the expression of the Grandmaster as the Sith Lord presented her with a beautiful amulet. The Echani found the warmth that blossomed on the auburn-haired woman’s cheeks endearing. Such a natural, unintended response. More often than not, her Master had good instincts, and good taste. Not only was the bauble esthetically pleasing, as Srina had discovered from analyzing it before their travels, but it would aid in the healing process. It seemed perfect for even-handed Valae Kitra. Srina could feel its age, the power with which it called, and did her best to temper those inferences as her teacher had instructed.

She listened to Darth Metus speak as she always did. The fair-haired apprentice could listen to him tell stories from his past for as long as he was willing to speak. Picturing him as a younger man was easier for her than it might have been for others. For starters, she had seen him. Her visions were not controllable but many involving the past often involved Darth Metus. The Grandmaster seemed genuinely touched by the amulet and not long after it was stashed out of sight they returned to the issues at hand.

“Torn Station will be most useful.”, Srina returned to the Grandmaster, reaching beneath her cloak to retrieve a small datapad that was attached to her waist, so that she could make a few notations for later. “As my master mentioned, please let us know if you require assistance with the repairs. Labor Droids could easily be ferried to a location of your choosing.”

Darth Metus suggested that their factions meet and Srina nodded her head. It was a good idea to get used to one another—probably sooner, versus later. It would be a hard pill for some to swallow that the Silver Jedi Order was not only accepting aid but an olive branch from a Sith Lord. Diplomatic waters would be murky for quite some time. “Any member of the Silver Jedi Order is welcome in Confederate controlled space.”

Again, her hand slid beneath her cloak, and she retrieved another small device. A holo-projector that they planned to leave with the Grandmaster and her Padawan for informational purposes. If nothing else, the Vicelord had come to this meeting prepared. Slim fingers placed the projector on the table and she activated it without preamble. Blue light sprung from its center and displayed a panorama of the stars. It zoomed in, moving wildly, before focusing on the areas that the CIS called their own. “We can ensure your safety if you remain along the Corellian Run from mid to outer-rim for traveling and trade purposes. You may already be aware, but directly to our right, along the Mara Corridor lies the Galactic Empire. We would, of course, do our best to grant aid if any of your ships crossed into their territory, but we cannot guarantee the outcome. If ever your navigational support is in need of assistance with a flight plan please do not hesitate to request it.”

From what Darth Metus had explained, Confederate space was rather easy to access because the Corellian Run was a major route. But, there were backway hyperspace lanes that could land someone in a world of trouble if they weren’t careful.

Srina turned the holo-projector off and slid it neatly toward both women. Considering the capital of the Confederacy, Golbah City, lay on the sandy dustbowl that was Geonosis, it also made sense to discuss an eventual trade for produce and perishable goods. That could wait, however, until the Silver Jedi had settled into their new home.

[member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"]