Ask Changing like the Tides

[Darth Caelestis]

Artorigas liked Naboo, well the little that he had seen of the green and lush world. It reminded him of home, though it was without his father, brother and the concerns of the overarching Sith Eternal. Perhaps he would get a second home here, a place to spend time away from the demands of his title. Yes he was only an Acolyte at the moment, though he hoped soon to change that, but just being a member of that order brought expectations from those above you.

He had been on the planet for a few days and he would soon have to return to Sith space, power comes with responsibility even to a Sith it seems. Walking through the market squares around the city of Theed, he paid for pair of apples placing one his pocket and taking a bite out of the later. The weather was warm a spring breeze blowing through the trees lining the walkways. Artorigas wore his typical noble attire the emblem of House Wessex upon his chest, though none if any on the planet would recognise him or it.

Taking a seat by a park he looked out over the famous waterfalls surrounding the palace. This would be a great place to meet someone he thought with a smile.

@Rhogar

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Naboo. One of the most beautiful worlds Drastus had ever seen.. If only, Lani was here to see it now. He'd left Yavin under direct orders to not leave the world, all for a crumb trail he was chasing. Word was, someone that was aboard the frigate that Kori was captured from, had settled here. Maybe they had information, or maybe even a hint. He didn't know. All he knew, was that he hadn't given up on his promise to Lani, but he also didn't want to fill her with false hopes, at least, not until the false hope could become -real- hope.

It had been four days since he arrived on the planet and a day since he talked to the survivor. The man could remember nothing of value, and it was a time like that Drast wish he had Max to help guide him. The late Master had been able to do such incredible things and though he taught Drast much, there was still so much more he never had a chance to pass on. His heart was still heavy from loss and even more bogged down by his own failures. If there was a path forward, he couldn't see it.

Clad in his original attire of a fancy button up shirt and a vest, not to mention his shades, Drast would just stroll through the trails of the city. His lightsaber was tucked into the vest and his blaster was holstered at his hip, one could never be too careful. Between the shades and his thoughts elsewhere, he had little mind of where he was walking. So little, in fact, that he would end up bumping into a young woman, an action that would finally pull the young Padawan from his reverie. Cursing internally, he'd offer an apologetic smile "Sorry."

"Oh.." she'd start. "Don't be." she would reply with a smile as her own gaze fixed on him. "Maybe I will... see you tonight at the fair?" looking a bit hopeful.

"Huh?" Fair? He had no idea. "Uhh.. maybe?" he offered. If she was flirting with him, he was far too distracted to really give it thought. "I'll see ya around." he'd say before stepping off. He probably wouldn't. He'd be gone tomorrow night and he still had to comm Lani and make sure she was still doing fine. He had hated leaving so quickly after she woke up, but it was important. He couldn't even remember what he told her he was doing.

His steps would find him in the market square and he stepped from one booth to the next, hand gliding across the surface of each stand as he inspected the wares. Though he was searching for nothing in particular, he paused as hand grazed leather. His gaze would shift downward to the jacket and he lifted it, unfolding it gently to see the whole of it. Kori's jacket had been damaged on Kloss, as had the speeder bike. Well, everything her and Xiann really cherished. This may not have been Kori's jacket, but it looked similar. Dark brown, with a more regal design then her old tribal look, though it still was trimmed with tassels. It was perfect. "Excuse me, I'll take it." Drast would say.

The shopkeeper would smile and take the jacket from him, bagging it up and telling him the price. Kriff. That would really hit his savings. Oh well, that was worth it. He procured the credits and handed them off to the woman with a smile. Turning he'd see a park on the other side of the market and so he thought about getting some respite under the trees. It was a beautiful day with a gorgeous breeze.

Crossing the square, he paused before a box on the corner of a stand. An old defunct pit droid. He would sift through the pieces, and though it didn't look like it was missing anything (in his totally 'expert' opinion) he figured if anything was missing, Xi could definitely fix it. A droid for a droid and a jacket for a jacket. He was unstoppable right now! Paying the shopkeep, he would drop the bag the jacket was in into the box of parts and lifted and walked.

Drast didn't have to go too far to find an open spot with decent shade. He'd just lower down onto the ground and relax. Life was so beautiful here, it was a wonder the Jedi weren't on Naboo.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

The little park was pretty busy for the afternoon, couples and families strolled by talking amongst themselves a few of the more athletic type jogged around the parks edges working up a sweat in the midday sun. Artorigas just watched the world go buy as he ate his apple, maybe he could bring his sisters here one day, they might like it. Better than being stuck on Serenno all the time.

He closed his eyes and let his head drop back as he soaked in the world around him, by accident he let The Force around him swirl, little tendrils flittering out around him. It was a subconscious defence mechanism more than anything, his mind keeping an eye out for any threats that might be around. Though if he thought about it he suspected no threats on this neutral world.

It was one of these tendrils which pulled him out of his doze, there was power here, in this park. Someone with control, power and ability within The Force. Taking control with his mind he pulled the tendrils back and opened his eyes, looking over he spotted a young man sat on the grass surrounded by his shopping. It appeared that the man had not noticed Artorigas which was good, he had not brought his saber with him that day for their was no need.

Caution told him to leave, if this be a Jedi then he could strike Artorigas down for no better reason than the group he belonged to, but if this man was untrained, then perhaps he could be someone new for the Sith. And a new recruit was always a positive thing in the eyes of those above him.

Throwing caution to the wind, Artorigas rose from his seat and headed over to the young man. Stopping next to him and look up into the clear spring sky. "It is a pleasant day is it not?" He waited for the answer before continuing. "What brings you to Naboo?" The man was clearly a traveller from the look of him and Artorigas' Sereenian accent would give him away as one too. Hopefully a little conversation would offer some insight on the man and his loyalties.

@Rhogar

 

[Drastus Drahr]

The last thing on Drastus' mind was battle. In fact, he was somewhere admist the reverie that the war with the Sith had come and gone and that somehow, he and his loved ones managed to scrape it by unscathed and were now living somewhere like Naboo. It was a dream made possible, only by the fact that so many families looked happy. He didn't have that on Corellia, he didn't have that at the Temple. This was... peace.

He was lounging in peace until once more, his reverie was broken by a voice. Eyes opening, he'd look at the source and offer the smile. Where Art looked nothing like a Sith, between his clothing and the numerous tattoos that were visible, one would be hardpressed to know that Drast was a Jedi. "Hmmm? Oh yeah. Absolutely beautiful out. Just stopping in for a small R&R, how about you?" he asked.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

"Myself, just traveling. Perhaps looking for a place to set up roots once all this chaos in the galaxy is resolved." He replied, even if the pair where not on specific sides of the war they both would have seen the Holo stories and potentially felt some of the impacts of the Sith's return to the galaxy. Even here on the far side of the galaxy the wars ripples had reached Naboo.

Wondering if this man was what he thought Artorigas decided to ask a more inflammatory question, if this man was Jedi or Sith like he suspected then perhaps the answer or at least the tone would give it away. "Have you had any impact from the war? My business has slowed unfortunately." It was a half truth, some missions for the Sith had slowed his plans, though the presence of the Sith was the only thing which had given him the power and means to start these plans anyway.

@Rhogar

 

[Drastus Drahr]

"Yeah, I hear that. Maybe not Naboo.. but something like it." Drast would agree. He would sit up, gesturing for the other young man to sit. No point in standing when all around them was free real estate.

Then the kid went and asked a big question: Had he been impacted by the war. Drast would bow his head in thought, one hand reaching to his face where there were some healing scars. "Had to flee Denon with my brother. Not quite as pretty anymore, but I'm lucky to be alive.. Our father... he.. wasn't as lucky..." Drast wasn't one to announce what he was to the whole galaxy, with the way public opinion towards the Jedi was fickle, at best, he would be slow to ever admit his involvement with them, outside of missions for the Order. As far as his story went, it was a half truth. He had nearly died on Denon with his fellow Padawan Felix.. And they had lost Master Tionson, a father figure. The loss in his voice would be authentic, even the look as he relived that moment on Denon. "What kind of business are you into?"

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

Denon that was an interesting one, perhaps he was as expected a Jedi? He would have been surprised that someone with obvious sensitivity within The Force could be around Jedi without being at least attempted to be recruited. Had he perhaps drifted since that defeat, was that why he was on Naboo running from the Jedi? "The Wine business is my families primary venture, though I am trying to see if there is anything else we could look at heading down as well." Artorigas replied.

That wasn't actually much of a lie, his family had a pair of vineyards upon the grounds back on Serenno and their produce was one of the primary sources for the family coffers. His father Malendor was also an avid wine collector, Artorigas let out a chuckle about the wine he had brought to the rather bloody ended ball a few months prior. "May I ask, as you were on Denon did you have any contact with the Jedi?" It was a bold statement, but Artorigas was feeling bold, Stolas was bold hence why he is now on the council. Time to follow suit.

@Rhogar

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Wine. So this was no doubt a rich kid. The exact opposite of Drast. "Vineyards, not a bad business to be in. Any brand I would know? Or just something local for wherever you're from? If your family has the money, you may want them to try to invest into the AMS cause. Do something good with the money, yeah?"

The little warning bells in his head were going off. This man was obsessed with the war, or rather Denon. And the question of 'interaction' with the Jedi seemed a bit.. targeted or from left field. His hand would reach into his vest, brushing against the hidden saber hilt, ready for anything, before grabbing ahold of his flask and pulling it free. Popping the top he'd take a pull from the container, fingertips drumming along it. "Beyond them ensuring we got on the transports? No. I haven't had an extensive history with the Pajama Bandits. You? You have any prolonged exposure to any Force slingers?" he asked.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

"I doubt it, Wessarian Ruby? And I wish I had that much control over what my father did with his money, yes I get to travel the galaxy, but I think its more to keep me out of the way than him trying to give me privilege." He answered the tattooed individual. Artorigas tensed when the man reached into his jacket, if he was a Jedi would that be his saber? Artorigas was unarmed, he had felt no need to carry a weapon out here. Or maybe a blaster? If he was touchy about Denon maybe he could pull it just to get away from the conversation, he had seen people with mental scars act so in the past.

He chuckled at the Force slingers line. "No only from afar I am afraid, I would love to meet one though. To ask them how they see the galaxy? Their political views? Their history? They are remarkable, are they not?" Artorigas asked with enthusiasm as he crouched down next to the man, he felt rude looking down on him for so long. Though some who knew his true heritage would believe he was being patronising he was actually interested into meeting one of his Light Side counterparts, knowing ones enemy and all that.

@Rhogar

 

[Drastus Drahr]

"Well, I can say I have never heard of it before. Where did you say you were from?" He would offer Arty the flask as he sat. "Everyone has got to have a hobby. For some parents, it's just keeping us busy." he'd laugh a bit as he relaxed again.

"Honestly? I could see why people become disenfranchised with either side of it. One wages wars, one is just weird, but both make sacrifices. Worlds controlled by the Sith are somehow doing okay and the galaxy is starting to like Jedi again. it's a weird concept. History is taught by the victor so it makes you wonder if good and evil are as black and white as it appears to be. I'm sure both sides commit unspeakable horrors in war." He'd turn to his companion. "Name's Drastus." He may have been one of the most travelled Padawans, but he was a Padawan nonetheless so his name was never important enough to know.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

"War is anything but pretty I will agree with you there, thank you." He replied taking the flask and pulling a small swig from it, it wasn't half bad. Artorigas had easily tasted better but also much worse in his time travelling around the galaxy. "Artorigas Wessex." Like his new friend here he doubted that anyone would recognise the name, the only chance would be if the man had visited Serenno in his time though he doubted it. Being in Sith space most people tended to avoid it due to the spooky horror stories most in Republic space told of the Sith. Artorigas liked to think that he was not one of these scary Sith, he preferred conversation and diplomacy over death and destruction. Maybe that is why he wanted to learn more of the Jedi, to see how they handled the galaxy in their unique way.

"I have another question if I may? It is one I have asked a number of people as I am trying to get a sense of the galaxies mind set." He paused a moment before continuing. "I am from Serenno, a planet within Sith Space. My father serves the Sith Lord who overseas the planet though I lucky don't have to travelling like this. He only serves him as the Sith now rule the planet which is his home not out of any deep felt loyalty to the Sith. Now I ask, if lets say the Sith invaded and took over Naboo and say this is your home. Would you serve them or would you resit or perhaps flee?" The question was two fold, he was curious on the matter and had asked it before but only after a bottle of wine at the hotel yesterday night. But he was more intrigued in if this man said he would fight or follow, Artorigas was sure this man had something more about him, but without outright asking him and risking a blade being drawn he had to skate around the issue with vague questions like this.

@Rhogar

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Artorigas Wessex. Definitely money. Way more syllables then needed to even be used. The next slew of words surprised him. Serenno, a world owned by the Sith. "After living on Denon? I would resist. They used... unibombers there. Men with exploding vests that killed innocent people far from the fighting. And if resisting failed, I would have to flee once more."

He'd keep up that relaxed posture. "If they tried to take the planet via peaceful means.. maybe I would stick around to see how they ran it. You catch more flies with honey.. and the same can be said for people. I can understand killing soldiers, but the innocents, children.. That's too far. A line that should never be crossed."

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

Artorigas dropped onto the ground, his knees starting to ache from all the crouching. "So, you would join the Sith if they ran things well and didn't kill innocents?" It was a bold question, not so much because he thought that man sat next to him might be a Jedi, but just in general, Holonews liked to paint them out like monsters which was rather annoying. Artorigas hoped to one day if he had the political clout to put some news stories back showing the benefits of the Sith Empire and the negatives of the Republic. So asking a question out like this could cause anyone to get their defences up and blurt into a bit of verbal rage.

@Rhogar

 

[Drastus Drahr]

"Well, that is the way of conquered peoples. To be ruled by whoever leads them. I imagine you would have less to complain about if things improved. Given Denon, I wouldn't. Ever. Just because I've seen the evils they're capable of." He'd shrug. "But.. your home is ruled by them, I don't know the details, but if your people thrive as a whole, then they are lucky."

He'd take a sip from his flask. "I would only fault someone for thriving if it was at the expense of another's suffering. So.. if you don't mind me asking, what have they done for your world?"

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

"Stability, being in the Outer Rim we get little help from the Core Worlds or the Republic, before the Sith came Serenno and the surrounding worlds were all individuals just trying to improve themselves over each other. It was organised Chaos and no one planet could truly thrive. Since the Sith have arrived that has changed, we are now able to concentrate on our affairs without worry of other planets getting involved with our plans and ideals." He replied before shooting his own question back.

"So you say of evils that the Sith are capable off, what about the evils that the Republic and the Jedi have done in the past? Would you not distrust them as well?"

@Rhogar

 

[Drastus Drahr]

"I never said the Republic was a beacon of goodwill. But Sith War Crimes are far more recent than the Jedi ones. That alone is something that would give me pause. You're perpetually at war with people that have never wronged you. So Denon, for instance, we never did anything against Serenno or Sith controlled worlds and suddenly we're invaded. Ships and troopers are killing innocents left and right and suicide bombers are targeting children. Now, Sith troopers don't just phase into existence, they're recruited." Drast would say back before taking another sip from his flask and offerring it back to Arty.

"A pity the ISC didn't form to aid Outer Rim worlds sooner.. Though.. it's not like that's a new problem. The Core can only stabilize so many worlds and it would likely be far too tricky for a single governing body to keep law and order. Eventually, the Outer Rim would have to come together." he added with a shrug.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

"I ask you thought, if the Sith came out of the void, peacefully took over a few worlds. Would the Jedi and the Republic not attack the Sith, just simply because of who they are? Are you telling me that they would let the Sith live in harmony? Or that for them to attack is the only means of defence? I cannot justify or explain what happened on Denon as a billion people live within Sith space with a million commanders control what happens." The acolyte replied before taking a sip from the man's flask.

"The galaxy is to big to be ruled by one government. To many worlds, to many people, to many cultures and history. I would say a split of three or four would be the best. Your thoughts?"

@Rhogar

 

[Drastus Drahr]

"Perhaps they would, for the Jedi only seek peace. But who's to say, they could fear the ulterior motives. It wouldn't be the first time that Sith claimed to be at peace then planned a sneak attack at the same time. Honestly, if the galaxy could be governed by different powers, Sith included, and be done peacefully.. Maybe the galaxy would actually know peace. But... power corrupts. The same could be said for every major Order, organization, or government. The truth of the matter is galactic relations are far more fickle than we perceive them to be."

He would adjust his sitting. "We could hash out the best way, the most peaceful way, to do it.. But there are so many factors we never consider. It's also why I don't think all Sith are innately evil. Some, were just never given another option, or forced into their current position.. Its the same for a lot of criminals. People can be saved and you don't need to be on either side of the war to be good or evil."

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

The last point hit the nail on the head for Artorigas, he was only stood on the side of the Sith because he was born on Serenno right next to Sith space. If Korriban had been Ajan Kloss maybe things would have gone down differently. "Perhaps, people are born into rich families with poor souls and poor families with rich souls. So it stands to say that the same could be of the Jedi and the Sith. Perhaps just having that conversation is the best thing that either side could do."

With that Artorigas was over playing games, he took the flask from the man for another drink but instead of taking a swig he pulled The Force within his hand and allowed the metallic instrument to levitate in the air. It was a pure a sign as any of who he was, he had told the man where he came from, spoke about his thoughts upon the galaxy. A little show of power would well and truly confirm in the man's eye what he truly was.

@Rhogar

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drast would laugh a bit at that. "Yeah, well.. That's as true a statement as any I have heard. It's a conversation that needs to happen, but most times..." He would would watch Arty levitate the flask. All the signs just falling into the others lap, the young man was a Sith. And beyond that, based on his questions alone, he was probably sure Drast was a Jedi.

Drast's gaze would flit from the flask to Art, but there was no hatred in his eyes nor disdain, not even the slightest hint of judgement. The Corellian just half-laughed and looked forward a moment. "You're a Sith, I'm a former criminal." he'd say with a shrug. "I got pulled from my gutter by the kindness of an older woman. Rescued. I could have just as easily wound up where you are." his gaze would shift back to Arty. "So.. where do we go from here? Epic battle between good and evil? Or do we just keep talking and enjoy the weather?"

@Braden Drake