Private Yours is the Earth

[Alicio Organa]

SEASIDE CAFE, SANCTUARY CITY
ALDERAAN
​

There were few bodies of water in the galaxy as clear as the sea off the Sanctuary Coast.

For centuries- millenia if you didn't consider the planet's reconstruction after the Yuuzhan Vong wars- the people of Alderaan have worked hard to maintain the health of it's wild places, and live in harmony with the world that sustained it. Even in and around it's largest cities, the wilderness remained unspoiled, carefully tended to by dilligent hands.

Sanctuary City was no different. Everything, from the port to the water plants to the sewage systems, were designed by Alicio to cause minimal impact to the world, and keep the coast clean and beautiful. Staring out over it now, sitting outside a low-key café only a street's distance from the lapping waves, with a mug of chamomile between his hands, he was glad all the hard work had paid off.

He figured Jenn would like it.

They were meeting to talk business. Alicio rarely had time for much else, these days. But Sanctuary City held a special place in his heart. Before he was a senator, a vice-chancellor, a king... he was a city planner. Sanctuary was the first thing in his life he'd ever truly felt proud of- and he wanted to share it with the galaxy.

But for today? Sharing it with a friend would be enough.

- Jenn Kryze -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | Alderaan - Sanctuary City
| Objective | Diplomatic mission - And two friends reunited

Mandalorians were, by and large, defenders of the past. Inheritors of ancient traditions dating back thousands of years, their creed both binding and liberating, they stood as living weapons, warring for war's sake alone. There never was a goal beyond the struggle of conquest; they were not like the Sith, in that way. Domination held little interest, and peace was anathema to them.​

​

Different as she may be from the rest of her people in many different ways, Jenn resembled them in that lust for battle. Although more than capable of enjoying some measure of normalcy, she would always long for the next battle, and the one after that, seeking a greater challenge with each engagement, until the day of her final battle finally came and her soul returned to the Manda at last to be judged by her ancestors. Fiercely devoted to the cause of righteousness as she was, time only would tell if the Alor could ever stomach peace, forged unto the anvil of war as she was.​

​

But, for now, the Galactic Alliance enjoyed the full support of a mighty force of Mandalorians, following them into war against Sith and Neo-Crusaders alike; they were still so very full of wrath, yes, but under the guidance of The Redeemer, their fury was directed towards those who would bring death and oppression to the weak, the helpless, and the vulnerable. So titanic was the force of Jenn's will that she had turned a horde of mercenaries, crusaders and traitors into heroes whose names would echo in legend for their selflessness. Skeptical as others might remain of their intentions, each and every battle made their intentions clearer and clearer, their devotion to the Light all but blinding in its intensity.​

​

Alas, the Alor's grasp on strategy and tactics did not quite translate to the political scene. A negligible shortcoming in the eyes of those among her warriors who yet resented politicians as spineless creatures worthy of only contempt, but one that reared its head more and more often as she kept on dragging her people further and further away from traditional Mandalorian culture. Turning her back on so many of the Clans as she was left her with but one solution; to cultivate ties with the aruetiise. Keen as she was to maintain her independence and that of her world from the Galactic Alliance, the Alor searched tirelessly for individual planets whose governments reflected the values of her people.​

​

Who better to start with than Alderaan? Theirs was a rich history indeed, famed for the strong moral values of its people! It was, all in all, a practical choice. That she would get a chance to speak with a dear friend as well only made it all the more appealing.​

​

Then again, Jenn had the feeling that the recently-crowned King of Alderaan held some decidedly complicated feelings regarding his station. Why else would he have come to her, asking for a mask to keep his identity hidden as he joined the fight against the Sith? And, perhaps more glaringly... why else would he have chosen such an unassuming locale as a cafe?​

​

Not that she could hold that against him. There were times where she, too, found the sheer weight of her responsibility all but suffocating, allowing herself a short break on some world of her choosing - usually one with pleasant waters for her to flip her fins. It was during her last outing that she had met Jonyna Si , and her perspective changed so drastically. Letting out a contented sigh at the memory of the Cathar, she allowed herself one last look at the scenery before her, all but incapable of tearing her gaze from the carefully-preserved beauty of the wild. It was because of such a gorgeous sight that she arrived but four minutes late. Far more than she would usually allow herself to get away with.​

​

"My friend, you have a habit of exceeding my expectations", began the Alor as she pulled up a chair and sat herself down at the same table as Alicio, still clad from head to toe in beskar'gam. Each and every time her path had crossed with Alicio's, new battle scars adorned the ancient and hallowed suit of armor; painted over as they might be in time, the brutal reminder of her furious assault against the Neo-Crusaders on Manaan was all too fresh, marking her breastplate where Carduul Akahl 's poleaxe had struck true.​

​

"When you told me you were a city planner, this... wasn't quite what I imagined. I should have figured that a man like you would try and preserve the world around him and its beauty. But, I digress. I trust you have been... as well as can be, considering your duties, and the state of our Galaxy?"​

​

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

"Speaking of habits, my friend, you'd better not make a habit of being late. Five minutes? Shameful." Alicio's mouth drew a cuttingly cheeky smirk, as he gestured for her to sit. "It's good to see you, Jenn."

She was in full armor, as expected. No doubt, it would've caused alarm among the city guards and Castle Bastion, had the King not warned them in advance that he'd be meeting a Beskar-plated Mandalorian today.

Alicio sipped his tea, taking a moment to briefly glance around at the scenery. "It's Alderaanian tradition. We lost our planet once- we'd like to avoid losing it again." He chuckled a little. "Sanctuary City... is the first thing I ever did to make a meaningful difference in this galaxy. I'm glad you like it."

"I trust you have been... as well as can be, considering your duties, and the state of our Galaxy?"

"As well as can be," he agreed, his smile curling sadly. "I'm pulled... rather thin, these days. It's frustrating, but I manage." Letting his hands warm around his mug, Alicio nodded to the Mandalorian. "It helps to slow down, enjoy the sights, and drink good tea with a good friend."

"How is Onderon? Have you and your clan settled in well?"

- Jenn Kryze -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | Sanctuary City
| Objective | Speak with a friend

Lifting her hands in surrender, the Alor allowed but a snicker to escape her, answering Alicio's smirk with a measure of levity of her own. "Now, now, surely a seer could have foreseen such an event, mh?" Sitting herself down as she was invited to, the Mandalorian's Y visor (and the Jaig Eyes perched above it) turned to return the monarch's gaze. A pitiless visage to most, whose scratched paint made her seem like a revenant at times. Familiar as she may be with the Alderaanian, Jenn still felt some trepidation at the thought of removing her helm in a public space... but the presence of one she trusted so greatly was enough for her to brave her fear, removing this second face of hers with a hiss of depressurization. With a smirk that revealed her fangs, she spoke once more, her voice no longer modulated by her helmet's speakers. "Likewise, Alicio."​

​

Tearing her gaze from his own, the siren turned her gaze towards the scenery around them, faintly conscious of the difference in features since the two of them had last met one another. No longer capable (nor willing) to hide what she truly was, the Ersansyr's visage had been somewhat... altered. Scales surrounded her eyes, descending down to her cheeks in an elegant pattern; their hue shifting from one shade of blue to the next with each passing moment. A captivating sight to some, and a stark reminder that the being sitting before them was not human. "My steps have taken me all over this Galaxy, from Kashyyyk to Rodia, Coruscant to Tatooine... I'm a well-travelled woman. But I've never seen its like before."​

​

Her gaze cut back to him, then, when the mood somewhat dipped - as it was bound to, with the stars set aflame by war. The very same fire that warmed her palms, and granted her purpose. "As am I", confided the Alor quietly, even as she tried to busy herself with something else, to think of just how much of a taste she had developed for tea (in no small part thanks to Corazona von Ascania 's kind gift of Noctum blend), but there was no escaping the subject.​

​

"We've certainly given our best shot at it. Our first harvest will be coming in soon, and with it, sweet self-dependence. I've dispatched warriors to all corners of Onderon as well in an attempt to strengthen our bonds with its people. Considering the losses we encountered fighting on Coruscant, I had my Nite Owls spread word of a rather... monumentous decision." Marking a pause, she sighed, and began to rub her temples. Thinking about it was enough to give her a headache. "I've decided to revive a Crusader belief, adapting it to my needs. The promise of glory and adventure was enough to get us more than enough recruits for our new auxiliary force; the Hastati. They accompanied me and my warriors to Manaan, where we stood against the Crusader scum and made them pay dearly in lives for their transgressions - but with my return, I was informed that my efforts in building up the military capacity of the Clan have attracted the attention of the court. I realized, if a little too late, that recruiting locals to accompany me in my fight for righteousness ruffled the feathers of some powerful birds indeed..."​

​

Alicio Organa​

 

[Alicio Organa]

"That's the best part, Jenn. I did," he said, his smile warming. "I had a whole ten minutes to be disappointed in you."

Alicio canted his head to the side a little as Jenn removed her helmet, studying the morphed face beneath. No longer was Jenn masking her true nature, in more ways than one. It suited her, he figured.

"Well, thank you." Alicio sighed as he leaned back in his chair, letting the scent of his tea wash over his face. "I've been... beginning preparations for another refugee city, on Alderaan. Force knows we'll need them, sooner rather than later." He didn't need Future Sight to see the writing on the wall.

The King was attentive as Jenn outlined the beginnings of her own settlement, and her exploits in the galaxy at large, finding a thoughtful frown as she spoke about the battles she'd fought. His lip ticked up, however, when she mentioned unrest in the courts. That certainly sounded familiar. "Mmm. Disgruntled nobility. Tale as old as time."

"What are you going to do about it?"

- Jenn Kryze -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | Sanctuary City
| Objective | Speak with a friend

"Shame be upon my name, to leave my august host waiting!" exclaimed the Mandalorian all too theatrically, bringing a hand to rest over her heart as she did so. An overdramatic gesture made in jest; quite a far cry from the impassible and pitiless warrior Alicio had first encountered during a prisoner handover. That she even cared to show such her visage, much less a breadth of emotion like this, spoke of the trust she placed in him.​

​

A thoughtful nod came in the face of his talk of a refugee center, then. The ravages of war on the civilian populace were an inevitable truth; the Mandalorian creed ensured that Jenn and her Clan looked after any orphans they encountered, but their efforts were only ever a drop in an ocean of misery. "My forces are stretched thin as it is, but I can spare a few Hastati to help in escorting refugees from the frontlines to Alderaan. You need only ask."​

​

Alicio's question over the matter of politics was an obvious one - and, no matter how hard she tried, no solution she managed to come up with felt appropriate, frustrating her to no end. "I don't rightly know. I feel it is only a matter of time before they succeed in poisoning the Queen's mind; should I ignore them, then they may scheme at their leisure... but if I seek to tackle the problem head-on, as us Mandalorians are wont to do, they may very well just spin the situation as my lashing out irrationally, and succeed all the same."​

​

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

It was an odd thing, finding himself teasing Jenn Kryze. If he'd recieved a vision of this during their first meeting, of him joking around with the Mandalorian over a cup of tea, he would've called himself insane.

Fate had a sense of humor. Often, he didn't appreciate it, but this time... He could let it slide.

"I appreciate your offer," the senator said, nodding at the warrior. "And... before the Core Wars are done, I'm sure I'll need it." What use was a city with nobody to live in it?

"I don't rightly know. I feel it is only a matter of time before they succeed in poisoning the Queen's mind; should I ignore them, then they may scheme at their leisure... but if I seek to tackle the problem head-on, as us Mandalorians are wont to do, they may very well just spin the situation as my lashing out irrationally, and succeed all the same."

"Sounds like you need to think of a clever approach." Alicio took a sip of chamomile, enjoying it's smooth flavor. "You may have to tackle this like a politician. Perish the thought." He smirked.

"Are you in the market for advice?"

- Jenn Kryze -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | Sanctuary City
| Objective | Politics, that ancient game

Some thought Jenn had changed a great deal since her time in the Enclave, leaving her all but unrecognizable; others argued that the flame within her yet burned, threatening to sear those who would reach out impudently and think her weaker for the friendships she maintained with royals and Jedi alike. If anything, fellow warriors were now far more likely to earn her ire now, so great was her commitment to her belief in the duty of the strong to the weak. ​

​

"We are more than allies, Alicio", reminded the Alor gently, a smile pulling at her lips, honest and true. "I'd like to believe we were friends even before you and I ended up on the same side, fighting for the same thing." ​

​

Then... came the King's smirk, his light-hearted approach to the issue lifting her spirits. Suddenly, the task seemed far less insurmountable, with such a man at her side. His smirk was answered with an amused huff, the thought not as disagreeable to her as it once was. "I could certainly use the aid of a certain Senator, rumored to have played a part in talking a Mandalorian into abandoning her post", mused the Alor with a good-natured chuckle.​

​

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

"For that long, you think?" Alicio wasn't sure exactly when Jenn had switched from enemy to friend, in his mind. Their relationship was more like a gradient. Gradually shifting from eagle-eyed caution to respect.

"I could certainly use the aid of a certain Senator, rumored to have played a part in talking a Mandalorian into abandoning her post."

"Mmm. Sounds like a pretty smart guy. I'd listen to him, if I were you." Alicio echoed a chuckle in return, before looking down at his mug, swirling the contents thoughtfully. "Well, I don't know enough about these particular nobles to tell you exactly what to do, but I can help talk you through it."

He took a sip. "Nobody will disagree with you, or oppose you, for no reason. They have wants, and desires, and they've decided you'll get in their way. Once you figure out what it is they really want, then convince them what they want and what you want are the same, you've won."

"All you have to do is reframe the narrative. It's a battle of perspective." It was a skill he'd learned early, as a politician. Perhaps it would give Jenn some perspective, in their first meeting.

"So... what does your enemy want?"

- Jenn Kryze -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | Sanctuary city
| Objective | Politics, that ancient game

"I'm rather certain of it, seeing how I didn't align Clan Kryze with the Galactic Alliance until the Battle of Coruscant, thus making us allies. I'd say your talking me out of leaving the known reaches of the Galaxy made you worthy of being known as bur'cya, instead of aruetii. But, then again... I am told seers are inscrutable in their designs." There was a smirk, there, but also a touch of thoughtfulness. Although she defied fate at every turn, writing her own story with fire and steel, the Alor was hardly one to dismiss the dubious "gift" of future-sight. How far could Alicio even see? Was this conversation even capable of surprising him? Such concepts left her puzzled, but questioning her gracious host about something so closely pertaining to his nature would be more than merely a faux pas, but an inconsiderate display.​

​

Besides... there was plenty here to keep her busy. So much for her to learn from a man who not only braved the particularly treacherous waters of politics on a near-daily basis, but seemed to thrive in such an environment. Jenn still remembered the day when the council deciding the succession of the crown of Alderaan was held, and the superb display of diplomacy that ensued, resulting in the scion of House Thule himself backing him up - in spite of their history. ​

​

A smile pulled at her lips, if faintly. This, she decided, was a good memory.​

​

"... I think they fear for their power", mused the Alor at last, after a lengthy pause was given for her to consider it all. "They all have their own rules for this game they are playing, and the previous Mandalorians who inhabited Onderon played by those rules. I do not. I'm not just a new player on the board - I am someone they cannot control like they can everything else, directly or otherwise. I do whatever I feel is right, and they're afraid I might just decide one day that doing the right thing involves taking what is theirs. Because, let's face it, the only thing stopping me from doing that is my integrity, and too many people in this galaxy hide their lust for power behind a righteous mask. The Onderon military is still replenishing its numbers and rearming itself; if I were to strike with the full might of my Clan, wounded as we are by this war? I would win. And that terrifies them."​

​

Meeting Alicio's gaze, she let out a groan, massaging her temples with her digits. The unique perspective brought by her friend was as illuminating as it was endlessly frustrating; but if here people were to prosper, then she had no choice but to engage with these adversaries on their own terms. On the field of politics, rather than battle.​

​

"They want me censured by the Queen, or my significant liberties curtailed, so that they can get back to scheming against each other - rather than fearing I might reach out and take what is theirs for the greater good."​

​

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

"Yeah, inscrutable." Alicio made a half-amused, half-pained expression. "To others and myself, in equal measure."

It was intriguing, watching Jenn take a step out of her comfort zone to analyze the Onderonian nobles. She'd no doubt sized up plenty of opponents before- he figured the skill would translate well to the political stage, as much as she may detest that fact.

"Makes sense to me," he said, nodding in support. "They want safety, and they fear you putting your thumb on the scale, and upsetting the balance."

He let his thumb absently slide along his fingernails in thought. It was a difficult situation. "How close are you to the queen? It sounds like their only avenue of attack is through her." He stared into his chamomile. "If you blunt their weapon, they may have no choice but to back off, and wait for you to err."

"Otherwise... Pretend I'm a posh nobleman. Difficult to imagine, I know." He smirked. "I want stability, and I fear this newcomer upsetting the delicate balance of my homeworld. What would you tell me to convince me otherwise? How would helping you help me feel safe?"

- Jenn Kryze -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | Sanctuary City
| Objective | Politics, that ancient game

"Chin up, bur'cya - what is life without its mysteries?" Not quite her best attempt at cheering a friend up, but it was, as with all things that left her lips, earnest. Perhaps the effort may suffice, and bring some measure of comfort to one so profoundly blessed, yet cursed.​

​

Alicio's recontextualization of the issue proved to be just the kind of help Jenn needed, for his assessment was correct; a skilled tactician such as herself would not quite flounder in politics as she so clearly feared she might. When approached through a different lens, the shrewd warlord found the issue at hand far easier to dissect and analyze, all of her attention poured into the task. This, she realized, was not so different from the approach she had taken to leadership. Devoted as she may be to her ideals, Jenn was no fool, and ever sought to balance her acting out in accord with her beliefs with a healthy dose of pragmatism. Coming to the defense of Coruscant was just as much a show of fraternity with the ancient enemy of her people as it was a tactical decision, proving her Clan to be worthy and dependable allies for the Jedi to rely on.​

​

"The queen and I are not... particularly close. Nor are we distant, either", admitted the Alor with a cant of her head, suddenly thoughtful. "We Mandalorians are an insular people, and although we've done our best to build amicable bonds with the local population, we still... stay amongst ourselves, for the most part. I figured this might play to our advantage at first, you know? Show them that we aren't intent on upsetting the way of things. Evidently, this hasn't exactly worked the way I thought it would, what with the nobility buzzing about like this."​

​

It was easy, sometimes, for Jenn to forget that her distaste for bluebloods made some of her friendships all the more bizarre. The King of Alderaan, the Princess of Ukatis - they were dear friends indeed, and yet she still remained wary of those whose birth gave them power. ​

​

Alicio's words earned him a lift of her brow, followed by a pleasant chuckle. "Well, it is difficult. I don't know a lot of nobles who jump into the fray as you do." A compliment, tinted with some light-hearted teasing behind it. Her expression became thoughtful, then, as she tried to follow his instruction. "Perhaps I could change tactics; rather than purposefully sitting out of courtly intrigue hoping to be left alone, maybe we should... engage a little more directly. I can't satisfy everyone, but - what if I were to pick a specific horse to bet on, so to speak? A house for us to stand behind. Our might may very well just make their detractors think twice, and their guile would see to it that the Clan's interests are represented, too. What do you think?"​

​

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

Alicio laughed once, taking another sip of his tea. "Yeah. I think you're right. I dread the day I understand the Future too much." It was a secret fear of his- what if, one day, his precognition became so complete, he could no longer distinguish between what was happening, and what would?

He pushed that particular phobia down for now; not the time, nor the place.

"You're telling me you haven't tried to make friends with any of Onderon's governmental figures, yet?" He tried not to sound too surprised, but some of it leaked through regardless. "Well, that... explains things," he said diplomatically.

Alicio returned Jenn's slanted compliment with an easy smirk, before pondering her solution. "If you want to go that direction, you need to keep two things in mind. Firstly, that would mean you do what they fear, and put your thumb on the scale. That's not a bad thing, per se, but it might be cause to make more overt moves against your people if you join their game. Secondly... if you do that, you better find a House worthy of your support. Your a powerful piece in their game, Jenn. Make sure you give it to the right player."

- Jenn Kryze -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | Sanctuary City
| Objective | Politics, that ancient game

To hear Alicio's laughter was a victory in its own right; a sign that her somewhat clumsy, if earnest effort to cheer him up had borne fruit... to some extent, anyway. "If the world around you begins to feel predictable, you can always call upon me", declared the siren with a hint of smugness in her tone. "I'd like to believe I remain consistent in my beliefs, but not quite predictable, either. The bounty hunter in me would have it no other way." ​

​

That little tidbit of information might come as a surprise to Alicio, who had only ever known her as the Alor of Clan Kryze - although their first meeting was but shortly after her accessing to that station in life, when her mentality was yet that of a humble metalsmith trying her best to do right by her people... oh, how far along she had come, in so little time. There were places in which she yet struggled, as soon evidenced with the revelation of how thoroughly she had bungled the diplomatic side of the equation, but there was no denying the nobility of her intent, nor the wholehearted devotion to the values she championed. Imperfect as she may be, Jenn Kryze ever sought to be the noble hero her people thought her to be.​

​

Hard to believe that she had once been a ruthless bounty hunter, who thought nothing of hunting fellow Mandalorians if the pay was good enough.​

​

"I thought that we had more to gain by displaying a certain... neutrality", admitted the Alor with a sheepish smile, all too aware of her mistake now that the shrewd politician brought her attention to it. "Now, I realize that may have been more akin to isolationism. Which - is something of a Mandalorian tradition, but one I am trying to shed, no matter how the old guard in my Clan grumble."​

​

That was a headache in its own right. Walking the fine line between reforms and traditionalism was a difficult proposition at the best of times; another point of commonality between her own goals and that of Corazona von Ascania . Perhaps theirs was a fool's errand, but the two women were equally driven in their respective struggle, and from therein came their mutual respect.​

​

"I can only hope to find a House worthy of our support without sacrificing the ideals I champion in the process. Which... brings me to another point." She marked a pause, then, almost transparently mulling over her words. Her tone was far more official when she spoke up once more, her gaze critical, and piercing. "I was hoping to discuss the possibility of an accord between Alderaan and Clan Kryze. I think you know I would come and aid you if you ever asked, but officializing relations might prove to be a boon for us both."​

​

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

"I'll keep you in mind, Jenn." Alicio smirked. The road the two of them had walked so far had been entirely unpredictable. If he ever needed an injection of spontaneity, he knew where to go.

Jenn was quick to point out the flaws in her initial strategy, which Alicio couldn't help but shake his head at. "I don't think keeping to yourself was a bad choice at all. Any path would've come with complications. Like, if you'd tied yourself to a House immediately, they would've held a position of power over your people. Staying solo this long has kept you self-sufficient. Now, Clan Kryze can enter a true partnership, instead of a sponsorship, you know?" She was a wise ruler. He wanted to remind her of that.

Alicio was an experienced politician. He felt the shift in conversation before it happened, his head canting curiously to the side, even if there was always some knowing glint in the greys of his irises.

"I was hoping to discuss the possibility of an accord between Alderaan and Clan Kryze. I think you know I would come and aid you if you ever asked, but officializing relations might prove to be a boon for us both."

Ah. Alicio smirked, leaning back as Jenn intensified. "Hmm... I try not to meddle in the politics of other planets..." Bull. He'd just helped her figure out what to do about the Onderonian nobility. "I don't know..."

"Why should the Great Houses of Alderaan tie ourselves to your clan, Alor?"

Time to practice, Jenn. What do I want, and why is that what you want, too?

- Jenn Kryze -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | Sanctuary City
| Objective | Politics, that ancient game

Jenn was often critical of herself, and sharply so. Much like the goddess of wisdom worshipped by some among her Clan, the Alor was a strategist, immaculate... and exacting. Just as she expected greatness and might from all those who chose to present themselves before her demanding eyes, so too did she look to perfect herself in all ways. Satisfaction was a sentiment she seldom experienced these days, ever frustrated with her shortcomings, convinced that she could always do more, that the compliments addressed to her were nothing more than pity. Alicio's words, although appreciated, were thus answered with a thin smile. Too many people depended on her.​

​

Still... Alicio Organa, heir to a long line of diplomats and visionaries, was a great man - and a better friend. If he found merit in her approach, then perhaps she could add some water to her vinegar. ​

​

That smirk, however, told her everything she needed to know. As with any occasion where a teacher passed down knowledge to a student, there was a time for theory... and a time for practice. That bold little lie of his earned him a lift of her brow and a smirk full of mischief - before she schooled her expression into this impassible mask of neutrality once more. A shame that her eyes remained too piercing for it to put any prospective business partner at ease, glowing softly as they were.​

​

"We share significant ideological similarities, even though the virtues I have begun to impart upon my Clan will need time to truly take root. The possibility of there being any conflict between us, through arms or diplomacy, is slim to none." A bold opening gambit on her part, but one she certainly owned up to. "There is, of course, a practical advantage to this as well. I noticed your rather bold policy of militarization, once you acceded to the throne; a wise endeavor, but one that will place you under great scrutiny, given the history of your world, not to mention that of your House. I would assume these assets are far more palatable to your detractors and your people when used defensively... which is where I come in. Some of my warriors are not quite content with settling down on Onderon; they still yearn for adventure, keeping ever on the move, never staying in one place for long... I suppose I could put these brave warriors at your disposition; going wherever you cannot, or will not send your troops for diplomatic reasons."​

​

Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

The King of Alderaan watched on as Jenn laid out her case. His body language was relaxed, encouraging, even as his eyes sharpened with rapt attention. She'd quickly picked up on his game, and had dove in without much prompting. Alicio was glad she did. It was... genuinely impressive.

There was no pretending he would reject Jenn's offer of alliance in any future, but her argument probably would have convinced him, even if that weren't the case.

It was as if Jenn had peered into the center of his being. He wanted, no, needed to help the galaxy in every way he could, damned be his position or image. Jenn offered him a way to save people, without sacrificing the trust of his subjects. If this was an indication of how she would deal with court politics... she would be just fine.

"That sounds perfectly acceptable to me. And in return," Alicio said, inclining his head. "I offer my name. Clan Kryze will be given the blessing of House Organa, to use as you see fit. Wear it like armor, and forge the alliances you need to prosper. Both within the nobility of Onderon, and beyond it."

"And should your Queen fumble your support... we would be more than happy to offer our patronage to you." He smiled, stripping away his half-serious flowery language, replacing it with raw sincerity. "You'll never be without a home. Not while I have one to give."

"Do we have a deal, Alor Kryze?"

- Jenn Kryze -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
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| Location | Sanctuary City
| Objective | Politics, that ancient game

Alicio was unlike any teacher Jenn had ever had before. There was an undeniable warmth about him, a comforting sense that mistakes would be gently pointed out, yet never mocked. Even now, her fear of making a fool of herself was significantly lessened by the sight of him - the way he silently urged her on, his demeanor patient and encouraging. It was... inspiring. A reminder that he was a better man than most, and a most worthy of friends.​

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The Mandalorian could not quite mask the relief washing over her in the face of the king's words. With one more alliance forged, the future of her people became a little more secure, and a small measure of respite was granted to her. And then, just as quickly as the official tone had come between the two of them, the barriers set by power and culture evaporated, and they were little more than two friends enjoying a chat together once again. A toothy (fanged) grin answered the seer's in kind, before the Alor allowed herself to sink into her seat a little more fully. ​

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Maybe she might add this lovely little corner of the Galaxy to her repertoire of places to visit, whenever she found herself in need of relaxing.​

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"I believe we do, your majesty," came her eventual response with the slightest touches of mischief that marked their friendship. "Maybe one of these days, I'll manage to repay you for all the help you've given me."​

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Alicio Organa ​

 

[Alicio Organa]

"Good," the royal returned, continuing to play with their cheeky dynamic. "You can repay me by finally ordering something. It feels wrong to be the only one drinking tea."

He smiled- with all the pressures of his occupations, he hadn't had much time to do that, recently. "In all honesty... You never need to pay me back. Friends help friends. Simple as that." Alicio had said it already, but he'd say it again- anything she needed, he would be there for her.

A gentle breeze, flavored with sea salt, wafted through the café, bringing with it the calls of nearby seabirds. Likely scouring the beaches for unprotected scraps of food. If he strained his ears, perhaps he heard the distant, sad lowing of a solitary thranta over the water.

"But I think I'll have need of your help, sooner rather than later. I sense... dark clouds ahead of us, Jenn."

- Jenn Kryze -

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
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| Location | Sanctuary City
| Objective | Idle jests and light prophecies

"Enabler!" accused the siren light-heartedly, a smirk pulling at her lips. "Ever since Knight Corazona von Ascania got me some Noctum blend, I've found myself appreciating the wonders of tea more and more. All we're missing is for Natasi Fortan to make a recommendation on the topic for me to draw the conclusion that all royals I know of want me to join their little tea club." ​

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With a polite gesture of her hand, the Alor drew the attention of a waiter, and asked for the same drink her friend was having. Turning to face Alicio once more as he mentioned how he never expected anything in return for his help, she lifted a brow quizzically, yet did nothing to comment on it at first, letting the notion sit around in her mind first. In truth, she found herself warming up to that rationale more and more as time went on.​

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"I understand that I do not have to, bur'cya, but I want to, regardless. Because you have ever-been a kind and patient voice throughout the time we've known each other, even back when we stood on opposing sides. Because I know we both believe in helping those in need, no matter the cost. In a galaxy of apathy, we take a stand, and I feel... stronger, for having someone like you to rely on."​

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And with that, she closed her eyes, and basked in the feeling of contentment washing over her. Here she was, sitting in a cafe with the monarch she once held hostage, trading banter and speaking of their shared virtues... graced with the distant reminder of the ocean's allure as the breeze carried with it a note of her domain, her mistress - her peace.​

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Her eyes fluttered open as Alicio spoke of the dark future ahead of them, her softly glowing eyes turning to plunge into his own. "Then we will face the storm together. You can always rely on me; I am only ever a message away from bringing the might of my people to protect you and yours."​

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With the arrival of the waiter, Jenn finally tore her gaze from Alicio, giving the woman a polite smile - and the credits she was owed. Plus a generous tip. Getting people to change their minds about Mandalorians was a struggle on most days; being polite could only help. ​

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Alicio Organa ​