Ask Giving a Helping Hand

[Xylan Shrialla]

While Kalique talked with Zanah, Xylan sipped what remained from the water in the cup. He was happy that her attention had been directed to something else, rather than the mess that he was at the moment. “Simple, he said it while I was threatening to break his second arm.” the Morellian said, her face impassive. “I asked him who he was and what he wanted. He said that he was from Serenno and wanted revenge from the Demici. Since it wasn’t related to Senator Shrialla, I gave him to the IAF to deal with the situation."

“We need to do something. Kalique needs protection!” Xylan said, not liking the fact that the Knight had been threatened by an assassin. His words made Zanah turn to look at him, her eyebrow raised. “I mean, there could be other assassins around...” he tried to find a way to justify his sudden concern, but found nothing. To save some face, the Tionese decided to stay silent.

“Yes, but you aren’t safe.” he answered Kalique, showing his concern to her. By this point, Zanah was wondering how long it would take for Xylan to notice that he had developed a crush in the Knight. Although she was sure that he would deny it, given his disdain with Force users.

Suddenly, Xylan heard Kalique’s voice inside his mind. He never experienced something like that, probably one of the abilities of a Force user. “I trust her with my life. She was basically my mother after my parents were assassinated. And even before that she already was taking care of me.” he gave more details than he wanted, but since it was a telepathic conversation, no one else would hear it.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Despite his concerns sounded genuine, she felt like he had changed rather quickly. Had it been the shock about the attempted assassination that made his real face surface? As for Zanah though, Kalique wasn't totally sure whether she believed her, but Xylan was 0 to 100 quickly.

Her needing protection? Now that was amusing though. ""Curious", he replied to the bodyguard, before she placed a hand on his arm. "Trust me, I'll be okay. I'm pretty good at defending myself and I'm usually not on my own anyway". Well truth was, she sometimes was, but she was not afraid of assasins.

"Let's just hope the refugees will be fine. We can't afford any more casualties" she added, her gaze drifting back to the crowd, but she did also notice that the camp was finally getting opened. She accepted Xylan's reply and gave him a quick nod, still remaining a little suspicious of Zanah, but at least letting it rest. She was still considering why someone had tried to kill her, but she'd maybe have to go investigate if she got the feeling someone was really after her.

@LouJoVi

 

[Xylan Shrialla]

"If you are sure." Xylan said, now feeling a bit stupid for having said that the woman needed protection. Even if he didn't believe half of the things that people said about Force users, he started to believe a bit more after Kalique made telepathic contact with him, she was a well trained Imperial Knight. It wouldn't be a man with a blaster that would bring her down.

Coughing once again, the Tionese decided that they should continue following the schedule of the visit. “Well, I think that we need to go. There is still a speech that needs to be made.” he said, before pointing to a stage that had been built by the Entrallans. The local authorities were going to present the refugee camp in front of the Imperial media and Xylan was going to say some words.

“I think that it’s better than staying here and panicking the refugees.” he justified his change of topics by using his concern for the people that were watching them. While he didn’t care so much for them, Xylan didn’t want to deal with a panicking crowd. Besides that, the Tionese wanted to forget how shameful he was while curled with fear.

While they walked toward the stage, Xylan slowed down to stay close to Zanah. “I know that the IAF will interrogate that man. I’ll want to know who and why he wanted to kill Kalique.” he whispered to the Morellian, who answered with a raised eyebrow. The Tionese looked at her with confusion. “What? It also concerns me. I could be dead as collateral damage.” he said, lying to her and to himself to some degree.

“You should invite her on a date.” Zanah said simply, making Xylan’s face become red again.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

He still didn't seem fully convinced but she didn't find if offensive. After all, he had no idea what she was capable of. He let it slide for now though, and so she agreeingly nodded as he mentioned the speech. Right, he was expected to officially welcome the people, and now that the issue about the assassination not having been targeted at him was settled, Kalique was confident he'd manage to do it just fine.

"Sure, let's go". As she started walking, a guard of the IAF fell into step with her and so while Xylan exchanged some words with his bodyguard, Kalique quickly spoke to the soldier. It was a rather lighthearted talk even if the mood had been rather tense just a few moments ago. The soldier confirmed that the ISB had already been noticed and that they'd interrogate the suspect immediately.

As they were almost at the stage, Kalique glanced over her shoulder, wondering why the senator was a bit behind, but found him blushed and just ending a conversation with Zanah. "I'll get on stage with you. If we have more unwanted blaster bolts coming our way, they won't even get close", she reassured him, giving him another polite smile. Kalique noticed how she found this kind of a mission much more exhausting than her regular tasks, but perhaps that was exactly why it was a good thing. Routine got you stuck, so those were at least new experiences.

@LouJoVi

 

[Xylan Shrialla]

”Yes, thank you.” Xylan said, feeling relieved that Kalique didn’t mention his blushing. He wasn’t sure why Zanah had said that he should invite the Knight on a date. While he was starting to appreciate the woman, even if she was a Force user, the Tionese didn’t think of her as material for a date. Even if she had a gorgeous face, hair, eyes, lips, body in armor, and a cute voice.

Ok, I’m really infatuated by a Force user. I hate how you know me better than myself, Zanah. As if she heard his thoughts, the Morellian smiled.

With that understanding, the Senator decided to do something about it. Even if she was a Force user, Xylan wasn’t going to stop himself from trying to pursue a relationship with her. Of course, it would depend if she was interested in him too. However, he was a nice and interesting guy, she would be silly of not wanting to go on a date with him.

Once the stage was finished, Xylan climbed it with a bright smile. Even when it was his time to speak, the Senator remained with a smile. “It’s an honor to be here.” then he continued talking about the importance of helping those in need and how the Empire was doing exactly that. After some more Imperial propaganda, the Tionese decided to close with a golden key.

“Seeking to collaborate with the efforts of the Empire, I announce the donation from the Shriallan Foundation to the refugee camps of Entralla. This way it’ll be able to give even more comfort for its inhabitants.” he smiled at the public, already expecting the good public image that he would receive from this move.

And thinking if Kalique liked to eat Tionese food.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Kalique kept sensing the nervousness inside the senator and wondered whether it was a treacherous hint of the truth. Had he been involved in this assault after all and he was just a cunning actor? No, it couldn't be. His nervousity seemed different, more of a flustered kind that still didn't cease to amuse her.

He made in on stage though and she followed, her hands resting on the belt of her uniform. While the senator appeared all poised and composed again, she mirrored him, however her attentive gaze kept scanning the crowd. The refugees listened intently, however very few rolled their eyes after having received a classical politician's speech.

Maybe Kalique had hoped for some more authenticity, but in the end, everyone dutifully applauded despite the weariness in their eyes, before Xylan announced his personal assistance. Well, those were good news, and they'd have a face to remember, which was just as helpful.

"Clever move" she said to him, her voice lowered as they were fine to leave the stage again with the refugees leaving for their new housings for now. His foundation could probably afford it with ease, but it was a right gesture. "Apart from this one incident, I'd say that went well. Our job here is done now", and she was looking forward to get back to Raxus.

@LouJoVi

 

[Xylan Shrialla]

Xylan smiled at the crowd, hiding his disgust of the people that were rolling their eyes because of his speech. How these nobodies dared to show disinterest? The Tionsese had spent hours making this thing, they could at least show some interest in it. The next time that he came to one of these events, he would make the speech extra long to torture them a little bit.

The Senator returned to Kalique’s side feeling mad, but hiding it perfectly. “Thanks! It’s a good way for helping people and giving a good image for my family’s company.” he prioritized the last, but it would only happen if he did the second. “Everything went well in the end.” Xylan nodded in agreement. The only bad part was the damage to his self-esteem.

When the Imperial Knight mentioned that their job was done, Xylan felt that he should do something. He didn’t want to part ways with her just yet, but wasn’t sure of what he should do. Then he remembered what Zanah had said to him.

“Do you want to go on a date?” he blurted, making the Morellian behind him facepalm. “I mean, do you want to have dinner with me?” Xylan was more nervous now, believing that he had fucked things up after seeing Zanah’s reaction. “We could eat something, as colleagues. Or friends.” he decided to shut his mouth now.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Despite the attempted assassination, everything seemed fine after all and so she was relatively happy with today's outcome. Kalique felt calm and so did she mood in the camp, so as they starting walking back, to their transports, she nodded. "It did" apart from the breakdown, he had also done just fine.

Again, she felt a sudden panic grasping him and so Kalique looked up, once again scanning their surroundings. There was nothing suspicious...why was he so fazed? She met his gaze, color once again rushing to his cheeks as he suddenly asked her for a date, relatively out of nowhere. Oh no. So that was it...

It came so abrupt that Kalique quirked a brow, especially as she literally heard the face-palm behind them. Her lips curled into a smirk as he fumbled for more careful words after the real intent behind his request had already been revealed. "That's very sweet of you to ask, and I'd love to have some dinner with you, just know that I'm taken". It was better to confront him with the blunt truth right away, now that she know that someone he had developed an immediate crush on her, but she meant it when she said she'd meet him again as coworkers or friend. Networking opportunities were great, but he'd have to receive a warning, hoping he wouldn't just go on and ignore it.

@LouJoVi

 

[Xylan Shrialla]

”Of course.” Xylan said, his smile not faltering for even a moment. “It’ll be a pleasure to have dinner with you, as a friend.” the Senator remained polite and cordial, exactly as he was during the entire visit. However, only Zanah would notice that things had changed, and it wasn’t for the better.

“Perhaps we could meet later tonight? There is a good restaurant in the city that deserves to be visited. I had booked it before arriving in Entralla, for myself of course. However, I can arrange for another seat if you want. Benefits of being an Imperial Senator.” he winked at her playfully.

Whatever was her answer, Xylan would excuse himself. “I really need to go. After all that happened today, I really need some rest before dinner.” with a smile at his lips, the Senator waved good-bye and walked away toward a speeder that was waiting for him. Zanah dutifully followed him.

The Senator remained silent during the trip to the hotel where he was going to stay. Their speeder was driven by a droid, so none was going to listen them. It was so strange for him that Zanah was the one to break the silence. “Are you fine?” she said, looking at him with the same face that she did when he fell from a slide in the Shrialla state and broke his arm.

“Of course, I’m fine.” he said, with a smile on his lips that made Zanah’s shiver. She never saw him this way before. “Everything is clear for me now.” his smile grew to a nearly diabolical point. “I always thought that the Imperial Knights were a stain, a dirty remnant of the time that the Empire was controlled by the Sith.” he nearly spit the word. “I still believe in it and I desire their complete annihilation.” his smile grew even more scary. “But I may need to be friends with them, if I want it to happen.”

“My new found friend can be perfect for that.” he said the word friend full of spite. “Perhaps I can even become the friend of her boyfriend or girlfriend.” Xylan contemplated this possibility. “Meanwhile, I plot their downfall.” Zanah was going to say something, but he stopped her with an open hand. “Before you say that this is a traison, I’m only doing it for the good of the Empire. I’ll not allow the existence of the Imperial Knights destroy our image for the rest of the Galaxy.”

“Besides, who are you to say that I’m a traitor? Didn’t you betray the Sith to become a lowly concubine? Isn’t it right, dear grandmother?” the woman turned away with shame, while Xylan continued with an evil smile. “Now, I need you to arrange a meeting with Senator D’Avignon. Knowing how the woman is obsessed with the well being of the Empire, introducing her to the risks that the Knights can be to us long term can achieve some results.”

And if he succeeded, Dimidici would know that there was nothing more terrible than a scorned Shrialla.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

He immediately suggested the upcoming night and internally, she sighed. No, she actually wanted to get back to Raxus, having a huge list of stuff and objectives piled up already, but this was still an important meeting that would allow some more networking between the Knights and the diplomatic branches.

"Sure, that sounds lovely. Send me the coordinates and I'll meet you there" she answered politely, followed by a warm smile. "I'll see you later then" she, too, wanted some rest and she'd have a few calls to make, messages to send, just the regular business that always kept coming in.

She figured she'd take the journey back either late this night and sleep on her ship or early in the morning, but for now she went back to the hotel room she had rented to freshen up, meditate, attend to work and then to get ready already again. She wondered whether Xylan had anything else he'd want to discuss or whether he too was just looking to get to know a Knight better...

@LouJoVi

 

[Xylan Shrialla]

After arriving at his hotel, Xylan immediately went to the shower. He needed to get rid of the stink of poverty from those refugee camps. “I want you to contact the restaurant and book a table for two.” he said to Zanah, while entering the bathroom. “I also want you to send these clothes to be cleaned. That Twi’lek brat had left it impossible to wear them until they were completely washed.”

While he took a shower, Zanah dutifully did what he ordered. Once she finished, the Morellian went to inform the Senator. She entered the bathroom without knocking the door, making Xylan cover himself with a towel. She simply raised an eyebrow. “Why are you doing it? I changed your diapers and cleaned your butt when you were a baby, there is nothing here that I didn’t see already.”

Hearing it made the Tionse become red, but she ignored it. He deserved it for what he said to her while they were in the speeder. “The restaurant is already booked. There is a table waiting for you and the Imperial Knight. I sent a message to her with coordinates.” she turned and walked away. Zanah stopped when she was at the door. “Did you wash behind your ears? You used to forget about it when you were young.” she closed the door before a bar of soap could hit her.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

For a moment, Kalique just threw herself onto the bed, head buried into the sheets. Her schedule was always so full...she was just tired. The restaurant meeting delayed her further, the hope of a free night was gone and she was stucked with the senator. It was important, but she was drained.

She used a few minutes to meditate, like she always did, before she pushed herself back to her feet and went for a shower. She then dried her hair, added some long, soft curls and put on light make-up - nothing special, but it would be expected on such an occasion.

She had a dinner dress with her and thus slipped onto it, nothing too fancy but offering the professional vibe she needed before she buried her lightsabers in her bag and ordered a speeder taxi. She was everything but thrilled, but her expressions were perfectly polite as she alighted. She expected him to be inside already, but she enjoyed the fresh night air for another moment before she finally entered. It was a relatively fine, fancy place and she realized she hadn't eaten in a while, so the food would at least offer some more energy, she hoped.

@LouJoVi

 

[Xylan Shrialla]

Once he was dressed in a new outfit, Xylan left the hotel. Obviously, Zanah went with him. However, once they arrived at the restaurant, the Morellian remained outside while he entered. This time he didn’t need her to be around him while he was dining. The Tionese allowed her to go eat if she wanted, rather than staying at the door of the restaurant.

Xylan was guided to his table by the maitre d’. It was in a corner of the restaurant, close to a window that allowed them to see a garden that was illuminated by colorful lights. While he waited for Kalique’s arrival. He hoped that the woman wouldn't arrive late. The Politician wanted to sleep early, so he could leave this planet soon.

For his relief, Kalique arrived right on time. When she was close to the table, Xylan rose from his seat. “Good night, Knight Demici!” he said, while moving the chair for her to take a seat. “They serve different types of food here. Do you want to taste some Tionese dishes? Or perhaps something from Serenno? You can even take a bit of both if you want.”

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Internally sighing, Kalique walked in as soon as realized that Xylan was already inside. He was dressed for the occasion, just like her, but while he was most certainly used to such dinner meetings, Kalique only rarely swapped the armor or uniform for a dress these days.

Having grown up in a noble family, the Knight-Captain was well acquainted with all societal norms and manners though, so for an outsider, it was most definitely impossible to tell what her actual line of work was. "Good evening" she greeted him with a polite smile and gracefully took a seat as he moved the chair. "Thank you". She freaking hated these games of pleasantries and sticking to a behavioral codex though.

"Despite my visits in the Tion sector, I'm afraid I'm not really acquainted with their traditional dishes, so I'd be delighted to try some" she replied, giving him a smile. "What about yourself? How often do you frequent the Serennian localities?". She even hated speaking like that, as it had something artifical, but it was the register used on such occasions.

@LouJoVi

 

[Xylan Shrialla]

Xylan noticed that Kalique was feeling uncomfortable with this conversation. For him, it was a surprise that she disliked it. The woman was a noble, it was basically what they did during dinners like this one. She wasn’t really competent in filling this role. The Senator wouldn't judge her, though.

Not every noble deserved to be born in such a position. These privileges were a waste for those that lacked ambition.

“You don’t need to be so formal around me.” he said, before smiling at her. “We are here as a first step toward friendship. You don’t need to act as if we are in the middle of discussing if Serenno wants to be or not part of the Empire.” while Xylan couldn’t promise to her that he was going to be sincere, he at least could maintain a less formal conversation. “To begin, you can call me Xylan.”

If she would talk with him this way during the entire diner, it would be the worst meal that he ever had.

“I went to Serenno a few times. Most of them were from when I was a child, so I can barely remember it.” these years after his parents death were troubled. The few things that he remembers were Zanah taking care of him, while traveling to different planets for business meetings. “I think that I’ll try some Serennian food.” he said, while gesturing to the waiter.

After the waiter left, Xylan turned to her. “Now, tell me, how is your work as a Knight?” he was curious to know more about them. Even with the demonstration of her telepathic abilities, the Senator wasn’t impressed with it.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

She was surprised by how he immediately softened, offering her to treat this less formally. She found the whole situation awkward beyond belief, given that he had literally asked for a date earlier. "Sure, Xylan then. Oh no, I didn't see this as a negotiation".

She was confused by how he brought up Serenno so as if she'd have a weight in it. Serenno was out and negotiations had already been held, didn't he, as member of the diplomatic corps, not know? She was perhaps a little confused but her face betrayed none of it. The feigned smile on her lips just brightened a little as he talked about Serenno.

"Oh is that so? Perhaps we have already met before than...at an event or a gala". Her parents had dragged her to many formal events. He was a noble, too, they seemed the approximate same age, perhaps it was possible. It offered at least something to talk about.

"I could also recommend a Serennian Summer wine then" she offered, waiting for a reply before they'd both order. She went with something Tionese, curious to see whether she'd like it, however her mind already drifting back to her journey home while she was at it.

He suddenly asked about her work and while she normally didn't mind elaborating, she knew talking to politicians often required a certain finesse. She knew diplo members didn't often engage with Knights, but that was generally something she was working on. "My days are never the same, but that's why I like it. I can keep the Empire safe on many lines and there are always new challenges that help me grow", she replied, slightly tilting her head to the side. "What made you decide you'd want to settle as Senator of Centares?" after all, diplomats could also stay flexible and just be a member of the corps without representing a whole planet.

@LouJoVi

 

[Xylan Shrialla]

”Perhaps, but at the time we were only toddlers.” Xylan said, smiling at her. The Senator was only six the last time that he visited Serenno. Even if they met each other here, the two wouldn't remember anything. The only person that could remember it was Zanah. He would ask her about it later.

The Politician smiled when she recommended the wine. “So be it!” Xylan said, replying the same thing that she said to the waiter. He noticed that Kalique had asked for a Tionese Liquor. The Senator wondered if she was aware that this drink was strong. “Be careful with it, the taste can be a bit too strong.” he decided to alert her about it.

After all, they were friends.

He frowned slightly when she talked about her life as a Knight. It was obvious that there was much more on it, but Kalique was obviously hiding it. Xylan would need to press more for her to feel comfortable in talking with him. She was still too bound by formal protocols to open to him.

From his part, Xylan was comfortable in answering her questions. “Well, I’m from Centares. Who better than a local to understand the necessities of the people and plead for them in front of the Senate? I had the opportunity to do it and decided to help.” it also opened a path for him to obtain his ultimate goal.

Become a Grand Moff.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

He wasn't wrong about his assumption. Perhaps a meeting hadn't even happened. Perhaps his parents had even been amongst those who had tried to get her parents into promising her young hand already...oh how she had hated those formal events. She was glad she was the only person making decisions in her life.

Kalique settled on some kind of a liquor and was hoping it would be bearable and ease her nerves a little. "Oh...thanks for the warning" she replied with a soft chuckle, refraining from saying she could probably handle it with ease. She wondered whether he'd like the fine Serennian wine, but knew she'd find out soon enough, so for now she focused on their conversation.

She nodded understandingly as he talked about his decision. "So it sounds like you had a good start then, too. I believe knowing the planet and its people is a huge advantage" their drinks arrived soon after, which was when she asked, "Could you see yourself governing the sector around it?" she was sure he had ambitions of his own, but perhaps he didn't plan on working his way up.

@LouJoVi

 

[Xylan Shrialla]

When their drinks arrived, Xylan muttered a thank you to the waiter and picked his glass. He tasted the wine, smiling shortly after the liquid touched his taste buds. It was indeed very good. Kalique had good taste for Serennian beverages. Unfortunately, he still wasn’t sure if she was going to appreciate the Tionese liquor.

Her question made him stop and look at the Knight. Slowly placing his glass on the table, Xylan calculated what he should say next. He wondered what she wanted with this question, contemplating if there were some secret reasons behind it. Was she studying him? If it was the case, she was more clever than he had expected.

“Well, if the opportunity rises, I would feel honored in being able to serve the Empire this way.” it wasn’t a total lie, it would be a great honor for him to govern an entire sector. The only point that Xylan didn’t tell her was the fact that he wasn’t going to wait for the opportunity to simply appear, he would go after it.

“And you? Do you have plans for your career?” he asked, finally asking the question that he had waited for a long time to ask. “Maybe rise more in the Knight’s hierarchy?”

@LadyRen