Open Plot A Favor for a Favor

[Nykoria Tallis]

Open to those who might be aware of Jedi Guardians and their plans through any means; possibly some Jedi or opposition as well​

As rain pounded on the glass ceiling of the skycar, Nykoria looked at the tall Fondor skyscrapers flying by her. Although it was nice to lean back and enjoy the ride, the purple-skinned Zeltron couldn't do it while her mind was restless. Ever since she had announced her intention to go after the Sith, it had been nothing but work. It turned out that the Jedi Order didn't have a vessel large enough to house all the interested Jedi and serve as their home away from home. It was up to Kori and the few people who volunteered to gather the resources and prepare a ship for the mission. A daunting task for a member of a monastic order living away from the rest of the galaxy on a jungle planet. "A poor monastic order, I might add."

Luckily, Nykoria wasn't a recluse she had been a few years ago. The Zeltron Jedi had made friends or acquaintances, and one of them was in a place high enough. Mrs. Phyllis Vasser, CFO of Transport Automata Unlimited was one such individual. A few months ago, Nykoria helped with investigating her son's kidnapping. And although Phyllis didn't owe the Jedi anything—Kori definitely felt off about asking the executive for a favor—that was the only option that Nykoria could come up with on short notice.

"Here we are," the voice of the taxi driver snapped Kori out of it and into reality. The door slid open, letting a gust of cold rainy air into the vehicle, giving Kori some chills. "Oh, thanks," she mumbled, getting out of the vehicle and under the rain. It felt weird, standing in front of the penthouse she thought she'd never visit again. The Zeltron felt lucky that Phyllis had even agreed to talk. They had only known each other for an evening.

"Well, can't postpone the inevitable," Kori mumbled to herself, before stepping towards the entrance.

 

[Izel Thral]

Izel looked out the window with mild interest as the taxi carried them towards their destination. She liked seeing some variety in her travels, and she didn't visit city-worlds like Fondor nearly enough. She would have been able to appreciate it much more were it not for this miserable weather. Oh well, at least it was better than Nar Shaddaa. She'd add that this had the bonus of being a peaceful mission as well, but she knew better than to jinx herself at this point. Whenever something was supposed to be simple something always went wrong. Better to just not think of it and let the Force lead them where it pleased.

She got out of the skycar behind Kori, clicking in displeasure as the chilling rain hit her and pulling up her hood. "So you want to bring our ship here for refitting?" The Vratix asked her companion as they walked towards the penthouse, scanning over their surroundings. "Do you think this Vasser woman can arrange a discount for us? Maybe we can convince her to make an investment in the war on the Sith, give credit to her company for helping us take down a galactic threat. That would probably be good for business." Honestly Izel wasn't sure how much help she would be here. She had no experience to speak of when it came to corporate negotiations or politics. But she wanted to pull her weight. She was a Guardian now and intended to serve the Jedi however they needed her.

@Catbert

 

[Nykoria Tallis]

"Yeah," the Zeltron replied to Izel's first question. But an important part was left unsaid: "... If things work out." So far, things seemed to be falling together. Nara Allam had found them a derelict and almost-functioning corvette—something that the Jedi Order wouldn't be able to afford. Kori's acquaintance with a CFO of a corporation from Fondor seemed like the will of the Force at play. That's why she tried not to show any doubt, especially to those Jedi who had been with her. A supposed leader had to radiate confidence, even if mindful of pitfalls up ahead.

The doors slid open in front of the Jedi, letting them inside the penthouse. Izel's ideas about a discount and investment seemed somewhat naive to Kori. They were still nobodies when it came to galactic affairs. If anything, Mrs. Phyllis Vasser could require a little... persuasive nudge. Something that the Jedi should never ever do. However, there was no way to be sure how the CFO would react either way; Kori just tried to plan ahead as far as possible, and consider all scenarios, as terrible as they could be. To Izel, however, she replied with a simple: "We'll see."

Soon the Zeltron led the way into a familiar room, where Mrs. Vasser had received the Jedi and the Ranger months earlier, during the kidnapping. The middle-aged CFO remained seated behind her desk, with a token smile and a welcoming gesture: "Knight Tallis. Come in, take a seat. I see you haven't not alone..." Although polite, from Phyllis Vasser that comment sounded like nothing less than a demand. Something that Kori obliged with a nod: "Mrs. Vasser. This is my colleague, Izel Thral. Jedi Knight." The woman cast a stern glance at the unfamiliar Vratix, but then gave her the same gesture and a neutral-toned comment: "A pleasure. Take a seat if you'd like."

After a moment of awkward silence and an expectant glance from the CFO, Kori felt like she had to initiate the conversation. "How is Thyrs doing?" a question about the son was a polite way to start a conversation; but alas, Nykoria forgot that it could also be perceived as leverage. Something that Phyllis realized as well. "He's doing fine. Thank you," the CFO replied rather curtly, before taking the initiative. "Knight Tallis, I appreciate your concern, but we both know that you didn't come to check up on me or my son. What brings you to me?"

The Zeltron simply nodded with a smirk, her voice rather calm and emotionless, except for a spark of friendly apology: "Guilty as charged. We came here because we could really use your help. The Jedi Order have recovered an old CR90 corvette. It's space-worthy, but could use a little touch-up. Perhaps a few upgrades, like a new hyperdrive, or a hangar, like some sector authorities have. We'd like to make it our home away from home. Unfortunately, the Order doesn't have a shipyard..." The Zeltron was interrupted by a raised hand of the CFO: "I see, that's enough. The Jedi Order apparently doesn't have money either, or else you would've come to a CEC shipyard for that... touch-up." The right corner of the CFO's lips went up in a rather one-sided smirk. Kori remained seated, looking at the CFO intently. She would've cast a glance at Izel, looking for support, but the moment was inappropriate.

Phyllis took a deep breath before continuing: "No offense, Knight Tallis, I'm just finishing the picture for you. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for what you did for me that night. But you are asking for a bit too much. Access to a shipyard, new hyperdrive, hangar bay... I think I've heard of such refits. They do cost a small fortune, equivalent to a ransom that the kidnappers could've asked for Thyrs." The reply obviously hit right home, addressing the very points that Kori was concerned about. For a moment, the Zeltron was lost for words...

@Reyn

 

[Gram Van Alasdaire]

-Music-​

Fondor. Once again, Gale followed the trail of breadcrumbs left by his family and those of the Sith Order and Jedi respectively. Their combined knowledge served him well, and the more he learned, the more powerful he became.

Information was power in this Galaxy mired with filth and degeneracy. Through his connections to his cousin Eileen, he had learned that some members of her Order had been doing business dealings of late. Dealings that involved a certain CFO the sorcerer knew well. Their organization managed his family’s holdings - a sizable sum of credits that were all but locked to him. Nonetheless, his word held some weight here.

This was a rare opportunity to endear himself to a member of the Jedi. Though he could not reveal his nature, Sith or not he still utilized the Dark Side, Gale would present himself as truthfully as the situation allowed. Unlike his peers he held no animosity towards the Jedi, or any force wielder for that matter, simply desiring to allow the Force to run its course and feed into the Dark chaos of the universe.

The door to the meeting office would knock abruptly. Neither Jedi nor the CFO would have any idea who was behind it. But when it would open, there Gale would be, clad in fine azure clothes with an air of professionalism and stoic presence.

“Sorry. Am I interrupting something?”

 

[Izel Thral]

Izel looked at Kori as she spoke. She could sense a certain uneasiness about her, though she was trying her best to hide it. That was understandable, the Vratix could only imagine the level of pressure her fellow Knight was putting herself under for this mission of hers. She would have liked to be of more help, but now wasn't the time to start a conversation about it. She could talk to her about any issues she might be having later.

As she was introduced to the CFO Izel bowed her head respectfully. "The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Vasser." She replied politely. The Vratix would then tilt her head at the seat offered, clearly built for use by humanoids. "Uh... I think I'll stand if it's all the same." She said awkwardly before taking up a position beside her fellow Jedi, hands folded neatly behind her back. She stood silently and listened to the exchange between the two humanoids. Vasser seemed to know she had the superior footing and wasted no time in making that clear. They certainly wouldn't be getting any charity it seemed.

But Izel was somewhat distracted by the conversation when her Force sense told her someone else was approaching. Normally she would have ignored it, but they were coming right for Vasser's office, and something seemed... Off with them. She couldn't quite place it, but she knew something was wrong. She would need to stay alert. But with a twitch of her antennae Izel noticed there was a lull in the conversation as Kori seemed caught at a loss. Wanting to cover for her Izel was quick to turn her attention to the CFO and speak up.

"Surely we wouldn't expect something for nothing." She spoke to Vasser in a calm and relaxed tone. "But as you personally can attest to, when a Jedi says they are going to do something, they get it done. And quite efficiently at that. I think we could both agree that you would benefit greatly from having us owe you a favor no?" Obviously Izel would prefer to repay Mrs. Vasser after the fact rather then in advance. They had a lot to take care of themselves after all. But before the CFO could respond the strange presence entered, a young man in fine clothing. He appeared the part of a businessman, but Izel immediately looked toward him with suspicion, antennae twitching curiously as she tried to feel him out. She didn't vocally respond to his entrance but instead looked back to Vasser.

@Catbert @Aurius

 

[Nykoria Tallis]

"Gram?" Phyllis was visibly surprised to see someone else walk in on their meeting. But that surprise slowly made way to relief. The man had arrived just in time to spare the CFO a rather unpleasant discussion. "No, you're not interrupting anything. In fact, we were almost done with the discussion," the woman stood up and circled her desk to meet the newcomer. Kori had to follow suit. "These are Nykoria Tallis... and... Izel Thral," the woman took an extra moment remembering the name of the Vratix she hadn't met before. "Jedi Knights. Nykoria helped the Sector Rangers with their investigation when Thyrs was kidnapped."

The Zeltron confirmed it with a brief nod, looking at the newcomer, but then shifting her gaze at Phyllis. The CFO too realized that they weren't finished. But to Gram, she could trust. So, she turned to the Jedi to make a conclusion: "Look, I really appreciate what you did for me. But the project you brought up is big. You'd need corporate backing to pull of something like this..." The woman scratched her chin, clearly torn between her gratitude and frugality. Nykoria continued to stare at her intently; that conversation needed to find some sort of conclusion.

In the end, the CFO settled for the middle ground. "Tell you what; I can arrange a berth at the shipyard for you. If your ship even flies, we'll have it patched up and keep it that way. It's coming from my own savings, and I'm doing that for you and your prior help to me, Tallis. Not for the Jedi Order. Anything bigger than that is beyond me." Phyllis tilted her head to the Vratix; Izel's remark had come across as surprisingly sound for the CFO, and sank right home. "If the Jedi need more than that, then perhaps Transport Automata Unlimited could benefit greatly from your services to warrant such an investment." Mrs. Vasser's tone left no room for bargaining.

Nykoria just nodded and cast a quick glance at her Vratix companion. By now, the tow Jedi had spent enough time on missions together that the Vratix might get the general idea of what Kori was thinking: "Well, there's that at least." Saying that outloud would be too rude; besides, the stranger nearby had already heard more than Nykoria would've preferred. So instead, she addressed the CFO: "Thank you, Mrs. Vasser. That's more than I could hope for. I'm sure we'll be able to help each other out in the future." Phyllis nodded, and the corners of her lips curled up into a smile. Kori couldn't but feel that the CFO would make more than she had just spent.

With that part of the negotiations concluded, Phyllis could finally address a more important guest: "Now, is there anything I can help you with, Gram?"

@Aurius, @Reyn

 

[Gram Van Alasdaire]

“My cousin Eileen informs me that the Jedi Order is expanding its operations. From what I heard today, this is proven to be true.”

Gale said calmly to them all before addressing the metaphorical elephant in the room - why was he here? To be of some assistance. He couldn’t just pulls his funds directly, but there was a possibility Phyllis would accept an investment. Or, so he would offer.

“I would like to discuss the possibility of helping fund this venture with the investments in place at your firm. As you are aware, the funds are to be used for that purpose. I believe this startup venture will be beneficial for us all in the long run. Protection against what is to come - believe me - is paramount.”

For the survival of my species, and everything else.

He stood silent for a moment, letting the CFO absorb his words. Gale would in essence become an angel investor for the shipyard they were proposing. And, whether the Jedi knew it or not, it did serve his interests to have a force in place that was funded by him. Though the sorcerer knew he would likely need to start bounty hunting to maintain the consistent flow of credits, it was something the Vahla was willing and capable of doing.

@Catbert @Reyn

 

[Izel Thral]

"Eileen Van Alasdaire?" Izel asked, surprised. She had gone on a mission once with the Vahla Jedi when she was still a Padawan. Perhaps that would explain why she had felt a disturbance in the Force with this Gram character's arrival. He could be a Force sensitive as well. Though why he wouldn't already be a Jedi then was a question that begged answer. With her demeanor brightening a bit Izel stepped forward and offered a respectful bow.

"I worked with Eileen on Eadu about a year ago. It was quite a chaotic experience." She extended a hand to shake. "Dark side cultists. Most insidious opponents..." Though she maintained a polite tone and put up a friendly appearance Izel still harbored a strange feeling about Gram. Reading his reactions to her words would help her build a clearer picture. Thankfully her own kind were very difficult for humanoids to read. Unless of course he was Force sensitive.

She took a glance towards Vasser. "You see? This good man understands the threat the galaxy is under. The Jedi only want to ensure peace is maintained within the Free Worlds and beyond. I'm sure there are many who would be very appreciative of TAU helping us achieve that end. People with credits to spare." Even if she didn't agree, no doubt Vasser would understand what Izel meant. The core itself had seen multiple attacks at this point. The assets of the wealthy would be at risk just as much as the common man. It would only make sense that there would be many wanting to invest in greater defenses for their worlds. The Jedi, despite a few failings, had an impressive track record when it came to defending the galaxy. Several thousand years as it was.

@Catbert @Aurius

 

[Nykoria Tallis]

Eileen?.. That rings a bell... Kori couldn't quite place it, but when spoke, the Zeltron remembered meeting that Jedi she was talking about. It had been barely more than one sparring match though. Back then, Eileen had mistaken Kori for a Padawan, and the Zeltron had given the Vahla a run for her credits. The good old days. But even then, the Sith were stepping up their game already. Let alone their recent attacks.

Meanwhile, Izel continued her conversation with Gram, and didn't miss the opportunity to take a jab at Phyllis Vasser and her financial cautiousness. At least it was clearly perceived as such. From the emotions building up in the woman, Kori could sense that the CFO didn't like it. No, she didn't like it one bit. "Oh, no doubt," Phyllis retorted with a wry smirk. "I'm sure that TAU shareholders would be delighted to sponsor the Jedi Order." Somehow, everyone in the room could say that the CFO didn't really think so. "Donating money 'for peace' to an organization with a track record of its members going rogue and causing wars. Like Count Dooku. Yeah, it'd go down with the board, with roaring success."

Pleased with herself, the CFO quickly corrected one small issue with her statement: "No offense to your cousin meant, Gram. I'm just telling you how the board would see it. Your desire to help Eileen's comrades is admirable. And you could invest your share of the capital into this endeavor... But as your family's financial advisor, I'd urge you against that. Among many things, investments hinge on two Rs: risk and return. And right now, I can see a lot of the former and none of the latter. I'd let Knight Tallis tell what she has in mind, but so far it seems like they need a donor, not an investor. And more than one donor at that."

Despite her disappointment, Kori had to admit that Phyllis had a point. Partly because she could sense her emotions and understood where the CFO was coming from. The new Jedi were newcomers to the galactic stage. In the bigger picture, Nykoria Tallis and Izel Thral were still nobodies... for now at least. And here they were, asking to have their ship retrofitted, so that they could track down the latest threat the Galaxy faced. It could very well end up being a one-way trip.

"Well, I suppose you're right, Mrs. Vasser," the Zeltron turned to the stranger and gave him an apologetic smile. "This is a high-risk, non-profit endeavor. We seek to retrofit an old corvette into a mobile home away from home. And hopefully to better do our part for the Galaxy," Nykoria shrugged. "The Jedi Code would also limit the ways in which we could repay you for your help. And as Mrs. Vasser pointed out, the Order isn't exactly rolling in it."

Despite warning the man about all of this, Kori would be pretty glad to secure bigger funding for her mission. And the stranger's desire to help was appreciated, even if he'd go back on that. "Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt. Just wanted you to know what you'd be getting into. And also curios as to what kind of return you'd expect from your investment, so that we're on the same page." Unlike her more cautious (if not a little naive) Vratix companion, the Zeltron proved to be more practical, but also gullible. Mainly because Kori was glad to have anyone else support her cause. It meant she was on the right track.

@Aurius, @Reyn

 

[Gram Van Alasdaire]

”So her attraction to danger and mischief remain. Some things never change. Gale Van Alasdaire.”

The Vahla nodded low as Izel introduced herself and informed him she’d worked with his cousin in the past. Eileen was, in some ways, the reason he was still alive. Without the saber at his belt and the rudimentary teaching she gave him, he’d have died. He returned the handshake with a smile before turning to retort.

“The returns wouldn’t be solely monetary compensation, though I imagine that’s quite the concept to grasp. A defense force that could be mobilized to restore peace in a timely and nonviolent manner? Donations would hardly be lacking.”

His frustration mounted, but without much reason beyond the mention of the Sith. See, Gale’s hatred was unique to him and his own. He hated the ones who created him, he hated the ones who tortured and murdered his crew - he despised the ones who trained him. Gale hated the Sith, and believed that as they where now required eradication. Or, failing that; at least stalling.

“As for repayment for myself directly - I need help. But that’s something we need to discuss privately.”

Gale’s honesty shocked him, but it was true. His psyche was fractured, and though he sincerely doubted he’d give up the Dark, it was beginning to become hard to control. It took a lot out of the Vahla not to lose his cool at Vasser, over the mention of Dooku. The events of the Clone Wars had occurred hundreds of years ago, historical though it had been. The current example of corrupt force wielders in recent history were the Sith of the Galactic Empire and cultists of the First Order. Rumors of course suggested that a young Jedi had joined the Knights of Ren, but such things were exactly that - unconfirmed tales of the past.

“Yes, I’m certain your shareholders will be immensely concerned about the last two hundred years of galactic history when their homes are being razed.”

Gale chuckled slightly. It wasn’t impossible. But given his current circumstances it was either help and seek help in return, or put aside his difference with the Sith and fully commit to their teachings and agenda. He was not yet a Faustian villain twirling his mustache in the shadows.

@Reyn @Catbert

 

[Izel Thral]

Izel's antennae twitched curiously as Gale spoke. He seemed relatively quick to anger at Mrs. Vasser's words, although he managed to maintain a generally calm tone. There was a certain familiar tension in that anger that made her a little uneasy. And this private discussion he was requesting... that was something she was intrigued by as well. What did this man want from them? Vasser herself seemed resolved not to give them any more than what she had already offered as thanks to Kori, but Izel wanted to take one more swing before giving up on the negotiation.

"I understand your concerns Mrs. Vasser," She said as she turned her attention back to the CFO. "But I would argue individuals like Count Dooku are an extreme rarity among our Order. One in ten thousand. It would be Knight Tallis leading this operation, someone you have seen prove her nobility, and someone I have total faith in as well. For what that's worth. And while you are correct, there wouldn't be any direct return in investment from aiding our cause, I think your company would indirectly benefit from us protecting the hyperlanes and systems that you perform business in. I assure you we are more effective than any security forces currently for hire. It's something you could bring up with your board, without directly advocating for it. The discussion at least would be worth having." Not wanting to press their luck any further Izel would leave it at that. Vasser had already given them something by promising a berth. The rest could be worked on later.

"If that's all, should we see what Mr. Van Alasdaire here has to say?" She asked Kori. It had been her idea to come here after all and the Vratix didn't want to step on any toes. Perhaps Kori had more to add to their offer, although it felt to Izel like they wouldn't be getting any more from Vasser for the time being.

@Catbert @Aurius

 

[Nykoria Tallis]

To Phyllis's surprise, Gram seemed pretty convinced by the Jedi rhetorics and plans. The CFO's mind was made up, but so was the young man's. Phyllis couldn't change it, and she noticed some anger in Gram's reply. Why would she even bother arguing? It was his money, and his mistakes to make; so the CFO conceded: "Very well. If you insist, just say the word, and I'll add your share to the pot. That's still not going to cover everything Knight Tallis has asked me for... But it'll be a good start."

The insectoid's point was worth considering too. Even though Phyllis had her doubts that a single ship full of Jedi would change much. Not to mention that unlike private security, the Jedi wouldn't be at their beck and call. Still, she didn't want to escalate things further, especially with one of the investors backing the Jedi. So, she settled for the middle ground yet again: "All I can promise is that I run it by investors. Gram's money and my money is one thing. Corporate money is an entirely different matter." The woman returned to her seat. "If that would be all, I've got some urgent calls to make. If you have anything else, Gram, I'll be happy to talk to you in an hour."

That's our cue to leave, if there even is one. After she turned to Gram and Izel, a faint smile didn't leave Kori's face. "Yes, I'd very much like that." The sooner that was sorted out, the better. It felt wrong with the Zeltron to owe someone a favor, especially if she didn't know what it was. "Maybe we could talk outside?" Kori glanced at Mrs. Vasser, who was already going through some data on her computer, casting occasional glance at her guests. Apparently, her calls required privacy as well."

@Aurius, @Reyn

 

[Gram Van Alasdaire]

Gale nodded in ascent as both Jedi asked to speak privately, as per his request. It was obvious Vasser was going to hop to the work afforded to her - therefor he and his taciturn allies would have to do likewise.

The Vahla would rise from his seat with a curt nod and goodbye to the businesswoman, before making his way out of her office and down the corridor the front exit. What he was to reveal would not do well to be caught by security feeds. As it was, this would be considered betrayal and treason - and it would result in many unnecessary deaths if he was not careful. Possibly even his own.

“I’m sorry for the silence and secrecy. Out here, it’s a little more private. Uhm...”

Gale paused for words. But perhaps it would be better to just demonstrate. He dropped the pretense of holding his aura in, revealing a taciturn mixture of heavy darkness and smidges of light within him. The lightsaber that Eileen has gifted him flew from his belt and activated is cracking, damaged blade.

“All Vahla have the potential to touch the Dark Side of your Force. In order to survive in the unknown regions, I utilized it - was trained to utilize it. I am what you would call a modern Sith, thought the title disgusts me. Before long... I fear I will lose control of myself. I do not want to become a monster like some of my ancestors.

I need your help.”

@Reyn @Catbert
OOC; Sorry, it’s the birthday week. Very busy with family things up until now but I’m back.

 

[Izel Thral]

Izel watched the Vahla curiously as he led them into a rather remote area of the building. This was not boding well. When the dark side energy began to flow off of him the Vratix was immediately on edge, gripping her pike tightly. I knew there was something wrong with him! She thought to herself. When the dark sider drew his lightsaber she reflexively jumped back to a safer distance and ignited hers as well, adopting a defensive posture. She expected an attack, but when Gale kept talking she found herself ever so slightly intrigued. She didn't trust him for a second, but his words were unexpected to say the least.

"Drawing a weapon is a strange way to ask for help." She commented coldly. Any trace of her previous cordial attitude was gone. "Why don't you put that lightsaber down. Slowly. And then we can discuss what the Jedi can do for you..." For her own part Izel maintained a ready stance to enter into a duel if need be. Based on her past experience with Sith there was no way she was going to allow this man the opportunity to deceive her. Once he was unarmed they could talk to their hearts' content.

Not that she was even certain it mattered. Could anything he said be trusted from here on out? Was he actually interested in turning away from the dark side? Or was this an elaborate ruse to get close to the Jedi? Did he know about the guardians and their proposed mission? Too many thoughts were swarming through her head at the moment. For now she settled on being patient and allowing the Sith to reveal himself. For her part she would be giving him nothing.

@Catbert @Aurius

 

[Nykoria Tallis]

The shifts in Gram's attitude didn't elude Kori's attention. Even before he let the Dark Side flow freely around him, the Zeltron had sensed his concerns, fears, doubts, and apparent sincerity. Few people could fake it. So, when the masks were off and Gram's blade illuminated the surroundings in cracking green, Kori only took one step back, half-turning to the stranger. She did resting her hands on the hips though, closer to the lightsaber hilts.

Thanks to her innate ability to read other people's emotions and apparent lack of Gram's murderous intent, Kori wasn't as "jumpy" as Izel. She was also confident in her ability to draw the blade and intercept any attack quickly, if the worst would come to pass. That's why the purple-skinned woman only raised an eyebrow and listened to what Gram had to say, and to Izel's retort.

...

Here's your first true test, Kori. You have an armed enemy in front of you. He's asking for your help. What will you do?

...​

A supposed enemy. The Zeltron corrected the all-too-familiar voice in her head. He doesn't look hostile, and I've just met him. Can't turn him in for just being a Sith. It isn't a crime. No idea what he did as a Sith either. So, just be cautious, yet open minded; use your best judgement and figure it out.

The Zeltron's eyes shifted briefly to Izel, who was still in her defensive posture, with a green blade of her pike almost mirroring that of Gram's. Ironically, it was the Vratix who seemed the more dangerous and agitated of the two right now. Yet she also had a point."Yeah, ignited lightsabers don't really lighten up the mood," the Zeltron attempted a joke; hopefully, it'd ease the tensions between the trio. But after that, the Zeltron would still be at a loss. So, for now, she only elaborated quite frankly, without any hostility: "We just had some run-ins with the Sith, and none of them ended too well."

@Aurius, @Reyn

 

[Gram Van Alasdaire]

”I cannot attack you using stealth or deceit If my saber is in the open. Honesty, Master Jedi - though you seem unused to it.”

He realized now that perhaps the Jedi Order did not appreciate the notion of respect as much as perhaps his fellow kinsmen would. As he was armed, it would be a grave gamble to continue the conversation without making them aware of that fact. But then again, perhaps his knowledge of societal norms had taken more damage than expected.

However, if either of them looked closer at the hilt’s design, they would notice that it was a Jedi lightsaber. One that shared a design with Eileen’s own - the tool and weapon were one of the few reasons he was still alive, and the fact that the blade was still green was proof enough he was not yet completely lost.

He reversed the grip of the weapon so that the blade now raced towards his own chest, the hilt outstretched. He was offering one of them to take the weapon - Gale wouldn’t just drop it. Even a Jedi had to understand that this weapon was his life. Though he would deactivate the saber and clip it back on his belt if neither of them collected it.

“If I was trying to spy on you, I wouldn’t have told you anything. The fact that I’m even here speaking to you could result in my death. I don’t count myself among them.”

@Catbert @Reyn

 

[Izel Thral]

Izel took a quick glance at Kori, clearly not amused by her joking. When Gale extended his lightsaber hilt towards them the Vratix reached a hand out and called the weapon to her with the Force. She deactivated the weapon at once and began to look it over while the man continued speaking.

"If you don't count yourself among them why identify yourself as Sith?" She asked, still not convinced. "Although... Your crystal has yet to be corrupted... I suppose there must be some truth to what you say." She extinguished her own pike as she looked back at him suspiciously. "Unless you stole it." Despite the accusation she still tossed the lightsaber back to him.

"You should get that thing fixed, unless you want to lose a hand." She commented, noting it seemed unstable. "What is it exactly that you want? Jedi training? We've accepted your kind in the past, but that would require certain changes on your part." Izel still found it difficult to believe anything Gale had said. As far as she was concerned Sith were not to be trusted, and with the escalating attacks across the galaxy it was very plausible he was trying to exploit the order's goodwill to get close enough to deal a deadly blow to the Jedi. Her demeanor had changed such that she was no longer actively hostile, but she was still clearly very mistrustful of the Vahla.

@Catbert @Aurius

 

[Nykoria Tallis]

Izel was quick to take action, an Kori agreed with her overall assessment. Taking the weapon was the most logical choice; returning it was a demonstration of good will, similar to what Gram had done by announcing his allegiance. The Zeltron could understand her friend's concern and mistrust; but she also saw how Jedi prejudice could sway the stranger away from the Order. Kori definitely wouldn't share any secrets with Gram just yet. But seeing how he was a relative of Eileen, how much did he know? The locations of Jedi Temples? The places where Jedi go? The plans of the so-called "Jedi Guardians" against the Sith?

Still, Izel couldn't but take a jab at the man with her "unless you stole it". That left the Zeltron to be "a better cop" in this weird interaction. Even though Izel's act wasn't technically "bad", and Kori's couldn't be fully "good". "As you understand, inducting someone in the Order is not our decision to make," she added to Izel's comment. "We'd have to run it by the Jedi Council and figure out the best course of action."

Although Kori remembered the Jedi teachings and that everyone deserved a second chance, taking Gram to Ajan Kloss or Yavin could be considered a security risk at that point. She felt that the decision would have to come from a Master or a member of the Council. "All that I can do is hear you out, and maybe offer some advice," the purple-skinned woman shrugged, taking a glance at her companion, who still seemed rather unnerved.

@Aurius, @Reyn

 

[Gram Van Alasdaire]

”If the Jedi have learned to control the darkness within themselves, then maybe training or at least - lessons in control - would help.”

Gale paused. He didn’t expect for the conversation to jump from near combat to suspicion to offering help in the form of indoctrination. Considering his last experience in that regard, the Vahla could not help but feel an odd sense of panic and anxiety. His mind quieted those thought ever so slightly - delving further would bring memories. And pain. Unnecessary things.

“As you might imagine, I am quite hesitant to go before your council. Your reaction is telling enough. As for introducing myself - I made it clear I’m disgusted with the idea. Your Council will want to know things I may not have the insight to reply to.”

The idea of spying for either organization wasn’t one that appealed to him. Mainly because it was akin to a suicide pact. If you were discovered, you were likely dead or far worse. The Eternal would no doubt have little problem with tearing the truth from his mind and leaving him a husk for his efforts to stop them. Gale still required vast amounts of training and an immense quantity of knowledge before he would dare do something so brash and hazardous. Though the Vahla was capable of doing what some Jedi would not - using abilities associated with the Dark - it came at a cost even he had begun to recognize.

“If changing my ways means saving my mind, then that’s something I am capable of doing. If you have questions, ask. Then I suppose we must all leave this place.”

@Catbert @Reyn

 

[Izel Thral]

Izel tilted her head curiously as Gale further explained himself. She didn't sense any deceit coming from him, though there was still the obvious darkness. If he was telling the truth it was their duty to help him find the path to the light side. That being said, she still wasn't sure trust was in the order's best interest at this time.

"We can agree on that at least." The Vratix offered in response to Gale voicing his reservations against visiting the Council. She definitely didn't want him going to Ajan Kloss so he could reveal the Jedi's him. "I suppose a Jedi could provide you with some training outside the Order if that's what you wish. Although Nykoria and I both have responsibilities to our own Padawans. But you know, there are other Force-based religions that could teach you defense against the dark side. You could have gone to Bardotta or Mirial to find the peace of mind you seek. Why come to the Jedi first? You must know the Sith are our sworn enemies."

These were strange circumstances. Normally Izel would never even consider turning someone down who was interested in the Jedi. She'd share their teachings even with a non Force sensitive if they showed interest. But she had grown so wary of the Sith that it was extremely difficult to see Gale's request as good faith. At the same time, if Gale was being truthful, she'd be making a horrible mistake in rejecting someone who wanted to redeem themselves.

@Catbert @Aurius