Ask Hello There!

[Alexandria Voran]

Alex sat in the Council chambers high above Yavin. She was alone, as was often the case. Continued news of President Thorne’s kidnapping beeped on the datapad. Rumors raced around the galaxy. Had the Chancellor betrayed the ISC? Was President Throne dead? An ISC rival maybe? Alex put little stock in rumors. She knew the Republic had nothing to do with the kidnapping. If anything, this was a clever ploy to drive a wedge between the Chancellor and the rest of the galaxy. Alex had faith in Emil, but the Order was her concern. She had been meaning to speak with Carrick since the attack on Firrerreo. The tension between the ISC and Order could not last. She would not let tension boil into something else.

Firrerreo needed healers, healers the Order could provide. Instead, Alex had spent countless hours on Thyferra trying to heal the wounded shipped off world. They should have united to launch the Mercy ship, but their efforts had stalled…gumming up in politics. President Throne going missing was the chance she needed. Alex sat hoping Carrick would respond.

“Secretary, I want to offer our help in returning President Throne safely to the ISC.” Clunky. Awkward. Super great start to building a diplomatic relationship. She knew Carrick sort of. She knew he was not close minded. He had to at least respond. Right?

@Nefieslab

 

[Carrick]

Carrick was already beginning to feel the pressure.

He had signed up to help form and lead the ISC military and to keep the general public safe - and that had since morphed into him now being the man most responsible for the safe return or President Emryc Thorne. It was enough to drive a man to drink but Carrick refrained for now, instead choosing to pick up a habit he had long since quit; smoking.

Taking a drag of his cigarette, he spotted another call coming through as he sat in his office. The first call was going through to some of the Rangers out in the field but he was currently being re-routed via different com-satellites so it was delayed. Figuring he had enough time, he took a drink of water and answered the call.

"Councillor Voran."

He exhaled some smoke as he eyed the holocall representation of the Jedi.

"You'll excuse me if I don't look my typical cheerful self, I hope." he half-joked, taking another drag on his cigarette, "Got to hand it to you Councillor, you've responded quieter than the Chancellor. What is it that you're proposing?"

@Valen Pelora

 

[Alexandria Voran]

She was not forced to wait long. Secretary Carrick’s holographic visage suddenly blossomed before her. The smoke creating a strange blue blur. Carrick’s change in demeanor was obvious. She did not need the Force to read the tight lines of building stress in his face. That told her most of what Alex hoped to learn. Carrick was unlikely to be the kidnapper. “I’ll make an exception this time.” She half smiled. The Secretary did not know her well, but Alex would rather joke to break the ice.

“The Supreme Chancellor is busy, as we know.” Emil had thrown himself into boiling water with his actions over Denon. Alex could not help him. Not officially. She trusted he was crafty enough to solve the problem. “And he is big boy who can speak for himself. The Order is tied to no man or government.” She was fighting so hard to make that true. She would not repeat the mistakes of the past. The Grandmaster had isolated them far too long and the old Order bound themselves too tightly to the Old Republic.

“I know the ISC’s resource are vast, you have more than enough manpower…but that will only get you so far.” She leaned forward. Her eyes locking on the hologram. “The ISC distrusts Force users, they distrust the Order. That distrust is not misplaced. I would like the chance to repair that bridge. You know there are skills we possess that go beyond what your military might can conjure. I want to put those to use to return President Throne.” Alex’s gaze shifted inward. “I don’t think he’s dead. The futures would have shifted, but time feels finite.” The Councilor was not certain they could find Throne. However, she was damn sure willing to try.

@Nefieslab

 

[Carrick]

Carrick took another inhale of his cigarette as he pointedly checked on the status of his first call while she spoke about the Supreme Chancellor. The relationship between the Chancellor and Councillor was not a concern of Carrick's right now though he wouldn't be above using what he learned about it in the future of course.

"Wonderful for you." he responded bluntly, "Not exactly something that matters to me right now, Councillor, but something I know matters a great deal for you."

He rubbed at the middle of his forehead with a sigh. Carrick himself was a trained Force User - he knew very well that there were certain things that the Jedi could do that Rangers and soldiers just could not. And it wasn't like he could ask the Sith for assistance in returning the President.

But the Jedi's aid came with strings as well. Oh sure, they were prettier to look at but there were strings attached regardless.

"We've received a ransom demand." he admitted with a bluntness that was quickly becoming second nature, "The Corellian Corsairs they call themselves. I've got a team of Rangers, Soldiers and Mercenaries heading to Coruscant to pick up a trail - if you want to assist, send me two of your best to assist."

Another pull on the cigarette.

"And when the time comes we'll talk about what this help will cost the ISC."

@Valen Pelora

 

[Alexandria Voran]

Oh yes, Carrick was in a bad mood. She would blast her way through the eventually. Alex listened attentively as the Secretary explained the situation. She did not hesitate. “I’ll go myself.” Tedimor and Lena were otherwise occupied. The Morellian Councilor was best suited to the task. Vahn or Sevrin may have been a more optimal choice, but she needed to see this went well. She trusted the Shadows, they just weren’t meant for this particular mission. Alex very much needed this excursion to be seen in the light.

“No strings attached, Carrick.” Her voice was earnest…strong…as she spoke. “We are not the Order you left, and I am not the Jedi Masters you knew.” She spread her hands to the side. “I just want a chance to be heard and I would offer this help to anyone…because it is right.” She stood from her chair, the Force already gathering around her. “I’ll see you once President Thorne has been safely returned home.” Alex clicked off the communication. Her feet carried her immediately from the room. She would be off Yavin and headed towards Coruscant within the hour. There was work to be done.

@Nefieslab

 

[Carrick]

Herself?

Carrick had been mid-forehead rub when she spoke about who she was going to send but opened a single eye to stare at her for a long moment. It was about as good as the Jedi could offer. A Councillor stepping out to assist was as big a sign of investment and good will as they could actually give.

"You'll be working with some ISC Rangers and freelancers." he warned the Jedi, "They might hate you. Force Sensitivity is a... dirty word here but Jedi or Sith is considered worse."

No strings huh?

He didn't respond as Alex ended the communication before shaking his head as he ended the call on his end as well, pushing the com-unit away from himself.

"Bullshit." he muttered to himself, growling ever so slightly, "Nothing changes unless you force it to and everything has strings..."

/End Thread

@Valen Pelora