Ask Coruscant Legacy of a Failed Order

[Hera "The Joyful" Albion]

​

Hera sat quietly in a small cafe on level 127, gazing wistfully out at the passing speeders and various hovercraft. Beyond the horizon, she could barely make out the peaks of the old Jedi temple as it sat, cold and decayed. She had never entered the building, though she had briefly attempted to push for the Jedi to retake the old temple a few years ago. What was it now? A hospital? It seemed like a distant memory now, as the pushback she received for her ideas at the time galvanized her against helping the order.

And now Yavin burns.

Putting down the caf, Hera sighed deeply. It felt almost like a personal failure. As if her mere presence before the battle of Yavin could have prevented it. She surely didn't know. She couldn't know... She knew. But living in the past was no different than a sort of small death in Hera's opinion. The future of her Jedi, and her own future, stood with one foot in tomorrow and the other foot in today. There could be no time to look back, she had to strike out forward.

Her companions would be arriving soon. The two Jedi who escaped Yavin with her were invited for caf. The stark difference between Hera's current location and her location merely a short time ago was not lost on her. Hopefully, though, the others would be able to put aside their trauma to continue forth as well, as hard as Hera knew it might before. Running a hand through her white hair, she quietly murmured to herself, "Another location like Yavin lost, and I feel we will go extinct."

@Malon @ModernMarvel

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

Bri wasn't terribly surprised to be contacted by another of the Jedi that she had escaped Yavin with. It was a traumatic experience, and the Knight often found it more cathartic to speak with others who had been through something similar in hopes of healing. What was surprising was the location chosen for their meet-up. Coruscant. Why here? There may have been some greater significance. Or not.

Coruscant was a maze of a planet, in more ways than one. Bri did not have a solid knowledge of the various levels, and required need of a map to find the cafe that Hera had suggested on level 127. The Knight looked down at her datapad, and then back up at her surroundings. Nearly there. In the distance, the spires of the old Jedi temple were just visible. Bri stopped and stared, reflecting. Of sagas past. And futures yet to come. The weight of history washed over her. A deep sigh, and the Jedi turned, pushing open the door to the cafe.

The smell of caf permeated the area, and it didn't take long for Bri to spot the white hair of Hera among the sparsely crowded interior. The Knight dodged a few tables and took a seat across from her colleague, offering a sideways smile as greeting.

"Hey"

@Malon @Black Noise

 

[Kieran Nomar]

Kieran formed the third in a trifecta of Jedi who had escaped the devastation of Yavin IV mostly unscathed; and he was the group's only Padawan. It had maybe been weeks since the temple's fall? More? He couldn't tell. The passage of time had gotten away from him along with the place he had called his second home. He had half a mind to ignore the summons to Coruscant. The only call he need answer was his Master's; but when he saw it was the companions who had helped him escape, he felt obligated to go.

Coruscant was perhaps not the place he would have picked. He wasn't up-to-date on the political landscape of the New Republic, but he was pretty sure they didn't want Jedi on their worlds. So, he was smart, wearing civilian clothes, with a woolen poncho over the top. He had lost his lightsaber on Yavin, so at least that wouldn't identify him. He would need to build a new one soon.

Upon reaching the cafe on 127, he quickly located his companions. He knew nothing of these Jedi save that they had helped in a moment of need. Yet he felt such familiarity and kinship when he saw their faces again. He resolved then to leave this cafe as friends with them, even if they didn't see eye-to-eye on whatever they had summoned here for.

He scooted into the booth alongside Brienna, nodding politely to both Knights. "Odd choice of locale," he said bluntly. "But I suppose nowhere is safe for us, so what does it matter where we meet?" A server droid approached and he ordered a rich, chocolate caf for himself, and waited for the other two to order and the droid to leave before continuing. "Nothing from the Grand Master yet? I didn't expect her to take losing our home on the chin so well."

@Black Noise @ModernMarvel

 

[Hera "The Joyful" Albion]

Spoiler: OOC

Sorry for delay! Should be able to post faster now!

Hera smiled as her companions arrived, sitting down with a greeting and an observation. Nodding to Brienna before turning to Kieran, the slightly older Knight responded to the Padawan's observation. "Coruscant is an ecumenopolis, the sheer force of life in this world is enough to drown the unprepared. If there ever was a place to get lost, if necessary, this is it." Looking at the server droid, she declined to add more to her order. The caf was enough.

Turning to the both of them once more, Hera stayed quiet until the droid left and Kieran spoke once more. "No, I have heard nothing yet either, but I do not intend to mope about until an order is given. That's, ah, actually why I requested the two of you here."

Hera concealed her emotions through the Force as she spoke. She did not feel guilty per se, or rather, she didn't believe what she felt was guilt. Rather, it was a fear of being caught. A fear of disapproval. Fear of failure. She hoped neither one would pick up on her concealment as she continued, "I have set in motion a plan to acquire a vast sum of money lost to me, and I have need of your assistance in spending it properly. I plan to acquire an orbital works shipyard on Chardaan. While this would be placed in a company headed by myself, I intend for this location to serve our, purposes." Hera kept the words 'Jedi Order' out of her mouth, for fear of those who might eavesdrop, but the Order is exactly what she meant.

Continuing, she sighed deeply as she wrapped her pitch up, "What I need from you, essentially, is to have two trusted adults to co-sign the company. We will be basing it here, out of Coruscant, in order to provide greater legitimacy to our claim."

@Malon @ModernMarvel

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

Bri greeted Kieran with a nod and a smile as he slid in alongside her in the booth. He voiced his question rather bluntly to Hera.

"Odd choice of locale, but I suppose nowhere is safe for us, so what does it matter where we meet?"

Nowhere is safe. Bri didn't want to agree, if more out of her own personal feelings than logical fact.

"Coruscant is an ecumenopolis, the sheer force of life in this world is enough to drown the unprepared. If there ever was a place to get lost, if necessary, this is it."

Again, not incorrect. The sheer magnitude of beings on the planet was almost unimaginable. The Force pulled in all different directions, verging on overwhelming.

The server droid arrived and took their orders; the Knight requested cold tea.

"Nothing from the Grand Master yet? I didn't expect her to take losing our home on the chin so well."

Bri took slight umbrage to the Padawan's comment.

"I'm sure the Grandmaster is trying to deal with things that are beyond are comprehension. Not to mention trying to cope with the personal loss."

Her attention turned as Hera spoke.

"No, I have heard nothing yet either, but I do not intend to mope about until an order is given. That's, ah, actually why I requested the two of you here."

Bri tilted her head and raised an eyebrow in interest. She offered a nod of her head in thanks to the server droid who had arrived with their beverages.

"I have set in motion a plan to acquire a vast sum of money lost to me, and I have need of your assistance in spending it properly. I plan to acquire an orbital works shipyard on Chardaan. While this would be placed in a company headed by myself, I intend for this location to serve our, purposes."

The Knight kept her face neutral, but was surprised by what she heard. She could feel that Hera was using the Force in some way as she spoke, but couldn't feel how or why. It obviously wasn't to try and influence them, but notable nonetheless.

A deep sigh by the white haired Jedi.

"What I need from you, essentially, is to have two trusted adults to co-sign the company. We will be basing it here, out of Coruscant, in order to provide greater legitimacy to our claim."

Bri looked into her tea for a moment. The semi-transparent green liquid resting calmly. She looked back up and tried to measure her voice. No need to jump to conclusions without getting all of the information. And the Knight had questions.

"Ok......," Bri started, offering a holding reply. "I'm guessing your plan to recoup your lost wealth is fully legal?" She paused momentarily, then held a hand up. "Actually, I don't want to know the answer to that."

"What exactly is the purpose of this company? And the orbital shipworks?" It was clear that Hera was not mentioning the Jedi Order in any of her explanation, which added to the mystery of its existence. "And why here on Coruscant? Are we helping people? Turning into pirates?" Her last question was clearly a joke, but it was representative of her overall befuddlement by the offer.

@Black Noise @Malon

 

[Kieran Nomar]

Kieran already liked the direction this was going, though he was still a bit confused. Her requests bombarded him at a rate that was hard to keep up with; and the other Knight's questions only served to confuse him further. "I take it this 'venture' is outside the purview of the Council?" he added in whispered tones.

Not that it was a non-starter for him. The Council's rules could be stuffy at times. They were slow to act in the best of situations, and now he wasn't sure how many of them had even made it off of Yavin IV. Still, his desire to be a Justicar would be quashed if he made the wrong move here, so he kept his wits about him.

His wits were exactly what led him to realize that her words had a double-meaning. She wasn't referring to an actual company. She was referring to the need to get shipyards for the Order. And that made his whole mood change. "I mean-" He coughed "—the board?" Kieran scratched his chin, pretending to be the young investor she wanted him to be. "I suppose it doesn't really matter. I'm in—but you should know I'm on the young side. Might spook the investors to see a rookie like me in an operation like this. I would need you to vouch for me."

His words had double-meaning too. He just hoped he was conveying what he thought he was conveying. @Black Noise @ModernMarvel

 

[Hera "The Joyful" Albion]

Hera gently sipped what was left of her caf as the other two spoke. She listened closely, allowing each to finish what they had to say before responding in any way herself. Both had raised a few valid questions, even the 'half-joke' about them becoming pirates. They had a right to question the Knight as well, therefore Hera would answer them the best she could. Tapping her fingers on the table, Hera spoke, "The board, as a whole, I am unsure of their full knowledge of my actions. However, the chairwoman has been clued in on our planned investments."

Alex knew. Hera had spoken to her before Yavin about this possibility, but she was unsure if this plan ever made it to the council at large. Shrugging, the white-haired knight continued, "The establishment of the main branch on Coruscant allows us an extra layer of legitimacy. While the purpose of this company is to produce shuttles exclusively for our main board of executives and their clients. As for your age, young Kieran, worry not. A young, wealthy upstart like you is exactly what we need in this operation."

The symbolism was thick, and Hera saw no reason not to continue to play the game she started. The shipyards would produce fighters for the Jedi Order. As for Kieran, the padawan was already 18, he would need to grow up fast in this galaxy in order to survive. Looking hard at each Jedi for a few solid seconds, Hera added, "I do not need to remind you we are in the process of resisting a hostile takeover. The board, the executives, even us lowly employees, our opposition wants to see us all fired and our assets seized. Drastic new ventures are sometimes the only viable options."

@Malon @ModernMarvel

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

"The board, as a whole, I am unsure of their full knowledge of my actions. However, the chairwoman has been clued in on our planned investments."

Bri lowered her head slightly and kept her gaze solely focused on Hera. Her eyes, which normally shone a soft, light blue, took on a more steely quality. The look said just as much as any comment she could make. Yes, the Jedi Order was not perfect and it was a challenge to make swift decisive decisions across the entire Galaxy. These shortcomings were more evident as the Jedi waged war against the Sith Empire. But But! now was not the time to splinter off and go it alone. A force united is much stronger than a force divided.

Nevertheless, the Knight knew that Hera was still operating on the best intentions. Doing what she thought was best for the effort. But what if its misguided? Even if it is successful?

"The establishment of the main branch on Coruscant allows us an extra layer of legitimacy. While the purpose of this company is to produce shuttles exclusively for our main board of executives and their clients. As for your age, young Kieran, worry not. A young, wealthy upstart like you is exactly what we need in this operation."

The Knight turned her head towards Kieran, and offered a reassuring hand on his shoulder, speaking quietly.

"I saw what you did on Yavin. You're old enough."

After a pause, Hera continued.

"I do not need to remind you we are in the process of resisting a hostile takeover. The board, the executives, even us lowly employees, our opposition wants to see us all fired and our assets seized. Drastic new ventures are sometimes the only viable options."

Bri was not a fan of talking in code. Why can't we just meet somewhere more secure? But she continued on just in case anyone else around was listening.

"If the Chair has been made aware of our arrangements why not bring the wider board into the matter?" She raised a hand moderating her next point. "I realize that the Board is often slow and not as responsive to our concerns as we would like them to be. But surely in this instance, more cooperation is better?"

@Malon @Black Noise

 

[Kieran Nomar]

"No," Kieran cut in abruptly, only mildly enjoying all the double-talk. "Well intentioned though they might be, the board's slowness is precisely why we shouldn't involve them all right now. We just lost our most critical venture in the Rimworlds. That any of us have careers left after that catastrophe is a miracle, and the board's lack of foresight is precisely the cause for that particular embarrassment."

Kieran paused to reign himself in. He was angry, an emotion Jedi were supposed to control. It was hard not to blame the Council or the Grand Master for Yavin IV, even if his own Master was on that Council. It was the duty of the Jedi Masters to protect their sacred temple. Now they lacked one. Another home gone. Hera was probably right. The Council had a lot on their hands which explained their silence. Yet their silence was still neglect nonetheless.

"Hera's right," he continued. "The actions we'll have to take will be risky. The board may not like it when they find out. But what's left to lose? Nothing. And if we succeed, there's everything to gain." He knew what he was risking. Keeping it a secret from his Master would be... difficult. Unfortunate. But he would do what he had to do. "I'm in." @Black Noise @ModernMarvel

 

[Hera "The Joyful" Albion]

As much fun as the game had been, it was over now. Kieran's response had been exactly what Hera was looking for. Drinking away the last drops of her caf, she nodded to both Kieran and Brienna. "You are either in, or you are out, my actions and decisions are not up for debate nor further deliberation. Kieran, I appreciate your immediate support. Brienna, if your apprehensions hold you back from doing what I believe needs to be done, then I cannot fault you. But if you will join me, meet me here."

At that, Hera slid a piece of paper onto the table. It was a location and a time, a predetermined meeting location. Standing, the Jedi Knight would leave the cafe without another word.

------------------------------------------------------------Coruscant, Level 1312------------------------------------------------------------

Hera walked briskly among the myriad of people. It had been a day since her meeting with the others, and they had their chance to come with her or to move on without her. The location was a small hotel lobby conference room, a place so quiet and unassuming they held pyramid scheme meetings here weekly. The Justicar waited quietly outside of the hotel, choosing to lean against the outside wall.

She would give each Jedi an hour to arrive, her reservation was not scheduled until an hour after she told them to meet her anyway. This allowed time for them to be late, or change their minds before leaving the world and come to her. Hera was dressed in the most formal clothes she owned, a comfortable, white longsleeve shirt, a black, nerf-wool skirt, and a red scarf.

All truth be told, Hera had no idea what formal clothes were supposed to be. But this was the best a Knight known for always wearing armor could do. Her lightsaber was safely concealed in a small business messenger bag she carried slung over her shoulder. In addition to her hilt, the bag carried the important paperwork needed to establish the business.

Breathing deep, Hera calmed her anxious nerves and waited.

@Malon @ModernMarvel

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

"That any of us have careers left after that catastrophe is a miracle, and the board's lack of foresight is precisely the cause for that particular embarrassment."

Bri appreciated the spirit from Kieran, but he was young and had a lot to learn.

"I'm not disagreeing, but I think there are a number of reasons that merit consideration," the Knight replied, again trying to moderate their conversation.

"Hera's right. The actions we'll have to take will be risky. The board may not like it when they find out. But what's left to lose? Nothing. And if we succeed, there's everything to gain."

Bri stopped the approach of the tea to her mouth, to reply.

"Nothing to lose?" She repeated back. "If you lose who you are, and what you're fighting for to achieve your goals, then what's the point?"

The crux of their disagreement was an ethical one. Do the ends justify the means? As with many of the Galaxy's great questions, there did not appear to be a simple answer. Unsurprisingly, the Padawan eagerly volunteered his services for Hera's endeavor, which she seemed to welcome.

"You are either in, or you are out, my actions and decisions are not up for debate nor further deliberation. Kieran, I appreciate your immediate support. Brienna, if your apprehensions hold you back from doing what I believe needs to be done, then I cannot fault you. But if you will join me, meet me here."

Bri offered a simple knowing nod as Hera gave her final pitch and then bid farewell. She didn't want to reproach the other Knight for her actions. She was doing what she thought was best. Kieran was old enough to make his own decisions, but was, after all, just a Padawan. There was still much he didn't understand.

The Knight chewed on her own thoughts as she let Kieran out of the booth. She of course had her own reservations, but, would they accomplish more with her there or not? If she did join, would she be able to help? Could she instead serve as a more moderating role between the three of them? Or, was this venture already doomed to start, and by joining along, would she be signing away her fate.

Guess the bill's on me.

//

Coruscant's Level 1312 qualified as the Underworld of the planet. Compared to her homeworld of Chandrila, the ecumenopolis always felt nearly suffocating to the Knight. Skycrapers, duracrete, and durasteel as far as the eye could see. It had a few redeeming qualities, sure, but there weren't very many on Level 1312.

The location that Hera had provided turned out to be a small hotel. Bri had looked it up ahead of time on a map. Unsurprisingly, the map was nearly as complicated to read as Coruscant itself was to navigate. It was a stupid convolution of levels, bridges, dead-ends, and elevators. The Knight was about 25 minutes late to the appointed time that Hera had scheduled.

Facilitating the business cover, Bri had chosen to wear what she imagined to be 'corporate business attire.' It included an elegant looking black pantsuit, with a flowing white robe-overcoat. Her blonde hair was styled in an updo, and the heels she wore added a few more inches to her height. Said heels echoed along the quiet street as she approached Hera.

"Don't make me regret this," she spoke quietly, the tone emotionless.

@Black Noise @Malon