Ask The Frozen Doors

[Harald av Svendsen]

Teakroof, Fiana
​

It would be considered cold on Fiana by most people. Looking at the viewport, it was snowing and the ships' instruments were showing it's at cold tempetures. Doing his research beforehand, Harald was sure to come prepared, in addition to his nice fine outfit, he would also be wearing a matching winter jacket over it, beanie hat, and a nice scarf. As Harald comes from a different planet that also is known for it's harsh cold weather, knowing how to handle it is almost second nature and weathering it is second nature

Harald's ship, the Svanevit was about to touch down on the Fiani homeworld's de facto capital city Teakroof. De facto because the world doesn't have a singular planetary government, with their being assorted, independent communes. But fortunately they were able to work out representatives of the communities gathering for a meeting in Teakroof, the planet's largest and most technologically advanced city.

Their objective, access to the Jedi temple on the planet that was abandoned long ago and an alliance with the Fiani. The Jedi already have a big presence in the Kashyyyk system, building upon it would be a big boon. Jedi expansion has been on Harald's agenda and this will fit in nicely.

Harald was checking a few things on his EZPhone while making the frequent view through the viewport. Just in case too, Harald has EZPods, just in case there is a language barrier with one or more of Fiani representives They are about to land at the designated landing pad. This is first time working with Knights @Kane Seros and @R'ashtaro but he has a good feeling about them and this mission. As Harald is actually part of the Diplomatic Corps, he is taking it upon himself to take initiative and lead.

Since they are about to land, he would make sure they are all ready, checking his chrono, the meeting is coming up, and it wouldn't be nice to keep them waiting. "Alright, we are about to land. Is everyone ready?" he would then ask. "Remember, we want to build a relationship with the Fiani based on a foundation of trust, friendship, cooperation. And we do have various perks to offer that they will be able benefit from." the Sverendi went over the group's overall diplomatic strategy just one more time. Jedi do indeed have quite a few cards they can play, practical ones too that the Fiani stand to benefit.

Harald would then turn towards R'ashtaro. On this mission, the group has the fortune of having a Fiani on the team. "R'ashtaro, do you have any last minute insight going into this?" Harald asked thinking the Fiani might have good ideas for dealing with members of the same species.

@Casmer @TheDudeMike

 

[Kane Seros]

Kane pulled a long, black coat over his crimson tunic. A black beanie covered his head and ears, and kept his shoulder length black hair close to add just a tiny bit more insulation to the back of his neck. Dark brown eyes watched through a viewport as black void of space turn into blue atmosphere, and then into snow and ice. When Herald appeared from the front of the ship, he knew they were about to land.

It was a diplomatic mission, and while he wasn't well versed in words and negotiation, he was one of the few Jedi to have faced an infiltrator abomination. His main role would be security, but he wanted to learn from an accomplished diplomat how to be more cordial. Talking with a blade was fine and dandy, but it didn't grant you too many friends.

Kane's eyes shifted to R'ashtaro. Another Jedi he'd just only met. His gaze was unassuming, almost apathetic with the way stress formed bags under his eyes. Kane's own readiness would be told not through words but by him standing up, reaching up and grabbing a hold of a handle to keep himself from being thrown around in the landing. He'd stay quiet for now, waiting for the Fiani knight to impart insight about his people to them.

@Casmer @The Good Doctor

 

[R'ashtaro]

It was not without hesitation and thorough consideration that R'ashtaro had agreed to accompany two of his fellow Jedi to Fiana, the homeworld of his species. He was concerned. Mostly because his brethren were reluctant to become enmeshed in Galactic affairs - affairs which, if you aligned yourself with the Jedi, painted a significant target on your back. The Fiani on Fiana regarded their isolation as safety, and he couldn't blame them. At the same time, R'ashtaro knew that no world was truly safe from Raze's horrors or the encroachment of the Sith and the Empire. A world's isolation only lasted until someone decided to disregard it. And disregard came natural to the Darksiders and tyrants that sought to swallow the Galaxy whole.

At least the Jedi asked before they entered.

Another reason for his hesitation was personal. It seemed silly, all things considered. This trip would be his own first visit to the homeworld of his species. Compared to the threat of dark-side abominations and expansionist fascists, this ought to be very simple. So why wasn't it?

It was the tremors of the ship's atmospheric entry that pulled R'ashtaro out of contemplation. He was in his own cabin, possibly the most luxurious cabin aboard a starship that he had ever been in. While the tremors shook the bulkhead, none of the interior decoration or cabinetry came loose. The red-coated Fiani knew many starships whose cupboards and shelves had to be repaired and reassembled after each atmospheric flight. This? This was something else.

Earlier, he had laid out a set of thicker Jedi apparel on the bed. Now, he put aside the thinner ones he had worn during his visit on Takodana. The thicker set had a grey-blue tint that looked peculiar on him; he was used to his browns and reds. The sash that he tied around his waist was black. He tried pulling up the hood of the cloak; it had been fitted to allow space for his ears, so they wouldn't hurt. Same for the back of the cloak, where the design accommodated his two fluffy tails and a third, still-growing one. It was warm, but a far cry from thermal gear. He knew instinctively that he wouldn't need it.

R'ashtaro ambled into the ship compartment where he and the Knights Svendsen and Seros were to meet to consider any last-minute alterations to their plan. He acknowledged both of the Jedi as he entered. He nodded at Knight Svendsen's reminder. When he was asked if he had any last-minute insights, his ears flattened ever so slightly, a sign of slight discomfort decipherable only to other Fiani or, perhaps, those non-Fiani who had mingled extensively with his species. "A few, perhaps," he said, his Basic rolling melodically off his tongue. "My people are hospitable and kind-hearted. They will likely treat us with the same respect and dignity they would show each other. But we would be wise to remember that courtesy does not translate into willingness regarding our objective. They have every reason not to involve themselves in Galactic affairs, especially at a time where open displays of sympathy to any one faction could paint a target on their backs, no?"

He paused, looking at each of the two Jedi in turn. "Two things to consider when interacting with Fiani: One, we are very proud of and deeply entangled in our culture. Show it the respect and consideration it deserves. Two, although hierarchical structures do exist, and we are likely to be speaking with representatives of the different Fiani communities, remember that Fiani culture is steeped in communal values, no? Be careful not to patronize; try to treat everyone as an equal."

@The Good Doctor @TheDudeMike

 

[Harald av Svendsen]

Maybe Harald got more than what he bargained for when he asked for advice. He couldn't help but listen and listen closely. He absorbed more usual information in about a few minutes here than Harald did doing his prior research. Harald will have to be sure to watch himself - because truth be told - he is prone to being patronizing among other things at times. The points about the Fiani peoples' isolation are true as well, and how it could invite trouble. If an alliance is to be formed, it would have to be a secrets. Or at least an agreement where Jedi can access the temple, but on the down low.

"Very good advice, this is all good to know." Harald is glad he asked. The other Knight seemed reserved, but they look ready however.

The Svanevit would then touch down at the landing pad in the city. "Keep the engine warm" he asked his droid, who which he received an affirmative reply.

Now gesturing the other Knights to come with, he would open the entrance ramp, and immediately cold air would come rushing in. "Alright we are off"

Snow, cold, and frigid winds, just like Harald's home planet, he could see his own breath as well. But fortunately, it was only a short trek to into the interior of the starport, and then they would be safe, even though it meaned towards the cold side.

Once the Jedi party would be inside, they would find a female Senko Fiani attendant waiting for them. "Greetings Master Jedi. Welcome to Fiana "she said respectfully, smiling as she would look upon all three. Two humans, and another Fiani, one of the Reiko variety. "We are expecting you. Please follow me" she would then usher the Jedi to where they are meeting with the Fiani representatives. "I trust that your journey was pleasant?" she would make conversation with the Jedi group.

It won't be long until they arrive at their destination, in which the Fiani representives will be there, and the diplomacy will commence.

@Mike @Casmer @Remileah

 

[Kane Seros]

Kane watched the small, pleasant, but most importantly educational interaction between the two. Everyone's equal here. Myrell'anay's words rang in his head from Coruscant. She of course had meant him in the moment, but the teaching held true for others as well. It was finally time to put the Nar Shaddaa street urchin where he belonged; in the past.

The cold bit his cheeks the moment the ramp opened. He followed Harold, ducking his chin lower into the collar of his long coat. It was a temporary thing, this cold. They'd be inside again soon enough. Kane remembered the initiate he had sparred in front of with Mako. How did that girl come from here!? The small trek was temporary, yes, but it felt like it took a mile. By the time they had reached the interior of the starport, Kane's face stung with the cold.

He perked up when the Fiani woman greeted them. Kane stopped himself from sizing her up, studying her. FIani were for the most part just like him or anyone else. There'd be plenty of time later to ask them all the questions he had. While the Fiani woman led them along, Kane took in their surroundings, enjoying the architecture, and the art hanging along the walls. He gave a polite nod to some of the Fiani that had passed by.

"This is your homeworld, R'ashtaro?" Kane asked quietly, turning to the Knight. "It's amazing." His eyes turned back to the art on the walls, tracing each corner and pillar.

@The Good Doctor @Casmer @Remileah

 

[R'ashtaro]

After he said his piece, which was acknowledged by Harald, the de facto head of the Jedi delegation, R'ashtaro followed his fellow Jedi out into the cold air of Fiana. As he had predicted, his fur went a long way to keep him warm (it was only fair, given the discomforts he had to deal with in warmer climes), but he wrapped his two bushy, orange-and-white tails around his body anyway.

The Fiani Jedi glanced at his colleagues as the three of them walked towards the starport. Harald seemed relatively unaffected by the freezing temperatures. Kane, however, shielded himself from the elements. Even amongst humans there could be quite a variety of tolerances to cold climates, he knew. His two colleagues seemed to occupy each end of the spectrum.

Once inside, R'ashtaro unwrapped himself of his tails. The three of them were greeted by a female attendant - a Senko, like the young T'vani he had mentored on Takodana not too long ago. "Bezra'ea 's diti, domra nya'mayu," he greeted the woman in Fianan, the language sounding almost like melodic purring to those who did not speak it. The two Fiani exchanged smiles and gestures of respect whilst the group made its way to the meeting.

Comfortable that Harald was taking care of the early small talk and exchange of formalities, R'ashtaro followed Kane's example and ran his gaze along every piece of art, every finely spun fabric on the walls, every ornamental decoration embedded in the architecture. It was bizarre, to say the least, to see patterns and artisanal styles here that he had recognized from his own community on Nimban.

R'ashtaro was delighted to see that Kane expressed interest in the Fiani homeworld. However, when Kane posed his question, R'ashtaro hesitated before answering: "It's the homeworld of my species. That makes it somewhat my homeworld, no?" His ears twitched. "I am of a diasporic community. Many of us are. Far from here."

The red-coated Fiani glanced at the young Human Jedi. "And you - where are you from? Not a cold planet, no?" It was a quick question, warranting only whatever answer the Jedi could manage before they reached the conference room.

@The Good Doctor @TheDudeMike @Remileah

 

[The Storyteller]

Teakroof was a city with much colour and vibrancy despite the bleakness of its planet.

No building was taller than four stories, all wrought with timber frames. Only a couple straight dirt roads made their way through the settlement, cutting across the otherwise winding and gracefully arching roadways laid with brick and stone. In the direct centre of the town lay a clearing for a large park. Well-maintained grass spawled within that confine, along with various coniferous trees. Orange points of light dotted the skyline, like hundreds of pinholes in a tent from the numerous lights cast by buildings in the distance.

As the group travelled through the town, scattered along the roads were stalls for trading, behind which Fiani of every subspecies hawked their wares. Families of all sizes could be seen running, walking, and playing games on the streets, devoid of vehicles other than the occasional wagon or carriage. Several booths of complimentary refreshments and small meals were set up, and despite being given out at breakneck speeds, there was not a single piece of litter on the ground.

Harald and the others were guided to a timber-and-brick two-story building with a grey tile roof and large windows. The double doors were opened, and they were ushered inside into a large, sprawling room with a long table on which lay a veritable banquet of food. There were numerous seats around the table, where several Fiani of different subspecies sat, presumably the representatives from other settlements. No sooner did the doors behind the Jedi close than one on the opposite side of the hall opened, and through it waddled a brown-haired Senko woman. The woman was heavy with child, cradling her belly as she shuffled towards the table, and the other Fiani sat around it.

"Greetings, and welcome to Teakroof," she said with a cheerful smile as she gestured towards the finely crafted furniture and spread of food. "You are the Jedi who were going to meet with my husband Sanjiro, yes?" she asked. "My name is Kayo. My husband has taken ill and is resting, and in light of this, we held a public assembly to decide who would represent our town, and the people decided I would take his place."

The woman, now identified as Kayo, shuffled up to the table with a sigh. She was dressed in a simple black jumpsuit with a long, white coat, almost dragging the floor dangling from her shoulders. "Please, treat our home as if it were your own. Enjoy our food and drink, and make yourselves comfortable. You are welcome here."

«Kayo, ri eup ri komiz tya eta?» one of the other Fiani grumbled in Fianan, looking towards Kayo. He was a grizzled, older Reiko man whose fur was grey with age. «Komiz ri nei nar srd tiltil ri, irhifie?»

«Ra vysa, Gomoto, Ra bul ri,» Kayo replied, regarding the man with another smile warm enough to melt the snow blanketing the village. «Vonya, chast re nya a' rei tep'mayu s' torom srd ii nir'a ler zalku, ja?» she asked. The Reiko man nodded and grunted again, his nine tails swishing behind him. Seemingly satisfied with the resolution, Kayo turned her attention back to the Jedi as she pulled out a chair and sat with a laboured sigh of relief.

@The Good Doctor @TheDudeMike @Casmer

 

[Harald av Svendsen]

Harald was impressed with what saw, the city is warm and vibrant, a contrast to the environment around it. Overall. Truth be told, he doesn't recall seeing a place like this before in his travels. It's a city full of life in it's own way.

When they arrived at their destination, through the double doors, and soon they feel into a hall. The first thing that caught his eyes were the fine table of food and drinks. The food looks delicious too. When Harald first heard about the Fiani's hospitality, didn't imagine something quite like this. Not that he would be complaining of course.

When asked if they are the Jedi, Harald would give an affirmative nod. "Thank you for the generous hospitality, Kayo. Harold would sincerely and politely nod his head towards the pregnant host. New life is on the way, he thought. She was brave and bold for taking his husband's place. "I must say" he started to look around " This place is amazing." It was admirable. "My condolences that your husband isn't feeling well. If there is anything we can do, we would be happy to help." he offered. Most Jedi knew force healing, even at the most basic level, and if nothing else, Harald's ship has a small medical bay that may have some supplies.

"We are indeed the Jedi. I am Knight Harald Svendsen." he would then gesture towards the others to introduce them "This is Knight Kane Seros and Knight R'ashtaro. It's a pleasure and honor to be here."

With nothing else, Harald would relax himself and slide into an empty seat and begin eying over the food and drinks. Harald wasn't sure if they wanted to do diplomacy over dinner or after dinner. Either is fine, Harald isnt in a hurry or anything.


@Casmer @TheDudeMike @Remileah

 

[Kane Seros]

For a moment, Kane wondered why any Fiani would want to leave this world. Sure it was cold, but they had fur to help them handle it. The architecture, the art, the people, everything seemed to be beautiful and ornate. R'ashtaro's return question made Kane think of a different kind of streets. It was never cold on Nar Shaddaa, unless you went to the underlevels; Nar Shaddaa was just cold hearted. It was a deep contrast to Fiana. "Nar Shaddaa," Kane answered quietly. "It's a different kind of cold there." He gave a smiling glance at R'ashtaro.

When they entered the large hall, Kane couldn't help but look around in wonder for a moment, before focusing his attention on the Fiani at the large table. Out of respect, he clasped his hands in front him. There would be no accidently touching a lightsaber, or fidgeting on his part. Kane gave a small bow of his head when Harold introduced them. It was a good thing, he thought, that Harold was the one doing the speaking. His elegance in speech was something Kane could only dream of.

Kane sat to Harold's left in an empty chair, sliding into it smoothly. He sat with an uncomfortable, straight, but respectful posture. With a single hand, Kane removed the beanie covering his head and stuffed it into his coat pocket. His shoulder length black hair fell about, and it took a few swishes from his fingers to get it to behave and not just block his vision.

@The Good Doctor @Casmer @Remileah

 

[R'ashtaro]

R'ashtaro acknowledged Kano's words with a respectful nod. He thought he had some notion of the coldness that Kane spoke about. Nar Shaddaa had a reputation. It had more than a few things in common with Nimban, too. The Fiani Jedi was aware that he shouldn't presume to know his colleague's history. However, he suspected they might have some shared experiences, if they went looking for them. Whether amongst the masses of the lunar ecumenopolis or in a Fiani enclave outside of Kirill, Hutt Space left marks on those that grew up within it. "Coldness - whatever the kind - teaches one to avoid it, no?" he said softly, without specifically looking to Kane for a reply.

They continued through the spaceport and out into the streets of Teakroof. He wasn't sure why, or even if he liked it, but he was arguably mesmerized by what he saw. Once again, the sensation of concomitant alienation and recognition overwhelmed him. The buildings; their materials; the booths and pedestrians and life the in street despite the cold. In some ways, it looked like a version of his own settlement on Nimban - or, rather, the settlement on Nimban seemed like a crude copy of this place. In other ways, Teakroof looked like a fairytale, a mirage, that couldn't be real. Or at least it shouldn't be. Not in a Galaxy cruel as theirs.

And yet, it was. Step after step through the snowy streets convinced R'ashtaro that it was. He knew the principles, the ethics, that kept it so. Inside the community hall they were led into, it became even more evident. The mutual respect between his kith; the recognition of a shared goal. Those were values that he had grown up on himself.

Now, the Fiani Jedi hoped that his brethren would see the necessity of sharing a goal with the Jedi. Yet, there was a part of him that worried that what he and his colleagues were bringing would rob his people of their future.

They were received by a woman who introduced herself as Kayo. R'ashtaro listened to the interaction between Kayo and the older Fiani gentleman, a Reiko like R'ashtaro himself. He noticed the genuine concern they had for each other and couldn't help but bare his fangs in a grin. He waited until Harald had spoken before he said: "Ri nir'a nei nato nid ra, domra nya'mayu." He directed a smile at his two colleagues. "Though, for the sake of my brothers, we should keep it in Basic. It's a pleasure to meet you, Kayo. I am R'ashtaro, of the enclave on Nimban - and now the Jedi Order," he said, leaving the 'R' of his name customarily unpronounced. He seated himself on Harald's right side, greeting the nearby Fiani with various gestures of respect common to his people.

@The Good Doctor @TheDudeMike @Remileah

 

[The Storyteller]

___As Harald expressed his gratitude, Kayo smiled benevolently. She laced her fingers together and rested them atop her belly, her beaming smile shining brighter as he continued his appreciation of their home.

___"I'm certain I speak for everyone when I say we appreciate your kind words," she stated. "My husband will be okay, but thank you for your generous offer. He's a tough one," she continued with a playful wink and merry titter. As Harald introduced the other two Jedi present, Kayo nodded at them in turn.

___"The grumpy old man over there is Gomoto, the acting representative for Hoarfrost Post," she said, gesturing towards the grizzled grey Reiko she had spoken with previously. He grunted in response. "That is Y'Miko, the representative for Le'ai, the second largest settlement on Fiana," Kayo continued, gesturing to a stately Reiko woman with pristine white fur and deep amethyst eyes. "Then we have Sese, the representative for Rimepost," Kayo concluded, guiding her hand over to a Yako woman whose lower body was digitigrade and covered in fur but whose upper half was entirely human other than the lofty ears crowning her head.

___"A pleasure to make your acquaintance," Y'miko said.

___"Welcome ta Fiana! Always nice ta see new folk around!" Sese chirped happily.

___"Welcome," Gomoto said with another curt nod.

___Once introductions were concluded, Kayo rested her hand on her stomach again. Her attention turned to R'ashtaro as he introduced himself in Fianan, causing her to smile again.

___"Whether you are indigenous or foreign, you are no less Fiani than if you were born here in Teakroof, and you are welcome," she reassured her distant kin. "I agree, though! We shall stick to Basic. You'll find none of us lack comprehension of it," Kayo teased with another melodic giggle. "Please feel free to eat while we talk, and, dear," the matronly woman paused, looking at Kane, "you needn't be so stiff. You can relax," she finished with another reassuring smile. "We may not know much of the Jedi, but we know you do not come here intending to cause us harm."

@The Good Doctor @TheDudeMike @Casmer

 

[Harald av Svendsen]

Harald would nod and smile his head at Kayo's kind words. Indeed the Fiani have shown to be very welcoming and kind. And they can eat while they talk. The Sverender would look at his partners and make sure they are doing fine.

Don't mind if I do, he thought. He would then pick out with something that looks delicious and go from there, along with a beverage. Usually in Harald's experience if it looks good, it is good. He would just take a bite with a fork and it would taste great. "Wow, this is good" he said aloud.

Alright then, now to business. "Alright. My friends and I - on behalf of the Jedi Order - come to your wonderful world on a task that's two-fold. First, we would like to establish diplomatic links between us and the Fiani people. Second, we are seeking permission to restore and re-settle a Jedi Temple on the planet that has been abandoned long ago." Harald spoke with a kind, gentle voice.

From the mission briefing, Harald took some liberties. The briefing said to form an alliance with the Fiani, but he is opting to go for a 'slow-burn' route. The start of diplomatic links now, and if all goes well, could blossom into an alliance in time. The Kayo said they are unfamiliar with the Jedi, asking for an alliance now feels... awkward, to put it simply.

"I know you said you all don't know much about the Jedi. So if there are have any questions or concerns we will be happy to answer." he looked across the room, to Kayo and the other representatives. Harald can imagine that there would be lots of questions. The Fiani are nice and welcoming yes, but they just met so trust may not be there. Still, Harald is optimistic that they can achieve at least some of their goals.

@Casmer @TheDudeMike @Remileah

 

[Kane Seros]

Kane visibly relaxed, as the woman addressed him, painting a smile on his face. He was still well out of his element here. While Harold partook in the food and drink happily, Kane found himself a small pastry and nibbled. His stomach wasn't going to be able to handle much beyond it. It was that he was searching for darkness within the Fiani people, more so that it was he could not stop looking for darkness.

He looked to Harold as the Jedi spoke about their mission. There was one question that lingered in his mind about the temple. It was a security concern and not necessarily something to bring up now. Biting his lip until he could put the pastry in his mouth, Kane looked to his plate and gauged the room of faces. Such a beautiful species, steeped in tradition and culture. Kane wondered if they had ever seen the horrors that lay beyond the atmosphere of this planet; the horrors that plagued a galaxy at large.

@The Good Doctor @Remileah @Casmer

 

[R'ashtaro]

R'ashtaro nodded and gestured respectfully towards each individual representative of the various Fiani settlements. He was awed to experience first-hand elements of the communal aspect of his culture as it functioned on a global scale. He made a mental note to treat each of the representatives and their respective points of view with equal seriousness. It would not do to imply, indirectly or otherwise, the paramountcy of either one of the settlements.

Like his two colleagues, R'ashtaro partook in the food that was offered. There were some dishes that he recognized from home, but most of them were new to him. He opted for something novel, a dish consisting of dumplings and various seared green vegetables drizzled with what he hoped would be a spicy sauce. He was not disappointed.

The red-coated Fiani would nod in agreement with Harald's words. "Yes, indeed," he said in between bites. "We will answer whatever questions you may have, no?" He pointed to the few dumplings still left on his plate. "This is delicious, by the way."

@Remileah @The Good Doctor @TheDudeMike

 

[The Storyteller]

___As Harald elaborated on why he and the other Jedi were present, the Fiani representatives around the table listened silently. They allow the man to speak uninterrupted, absorbing the information with subtle flicks of ears or tails.

___"I see," Kayo said. "Thank you for your willingness to answer our questions and alleviate our concerns," she continued, smiling as she reached out to take a warm bun from a basket on the table. "While I have no qualms against allowing the Jedi to reclaim what is rightfully theirs, you understand that may put Fiana in an unfavourable predicament?" the woman inquired, tearing the bun in half to begin nibbling on it.

___"We do not know much of the Jedi," Gomoto began speaking in Kayo's place, "but we do know some, and what we do know includes your Sith enemies. The same ones whose actions we need not elaborate on, for we're certain you know of their misdeeds more than anyone," he stated, dark grey irises peering at Harald and the others appraisingly. "We may be estranged from the larger galaxy, but we are not ignorant of it. News carries on the winds to us all the same."

___"Were we to allow the Jedi to restore and settle this temple, would that not draw the attention of the Sith to us?" Kayo inquired, taking the place of the predominant speaker. "You have seen Teakroof, the settlement in which you are now. We have no meaningful defences to speak of were they to set their sights on Fiana, and none of us desire to turn our homes into fortresses or fields into blood-soaked battlegrounds."

___"The people in these settlements are not fighters, either," Y'Miko took her chance to expound upon the things already being said. The Fiani representatives, though they may self-govern, indeed spoke with the cohesion of a well-established planetary government. "We have hunters, but not fighters, and our best defence is our climate. It's enough to ward away would-be attackers, but those attackers never had an explicit reason to try," she murmured. "If we were to permit the Jedi to station themselves here, the Sith would have a reason."

___"No one at this table desires to have the blood of their people wetting their hands," Kayo picked up sombrely. "None of us here would be capable of living with the guilt of responsibility for inviting the indiscriminate slaughtering of our people, simply so the Sith could get to their reviled enemies."

@The Good Doctor @TheDudeMike @Casmer

 

[Harald av Svendsen]

Harald ate some more food and had another drink while listening intently. The diplomat knew that this wasn't going to be easy. Asking people to form some sort of agreement - no matter how big or small - with Jedi is a tall order. "I understand all of your concerns" he panned to all the represented. He really did. Harald really needed to sell this. If the Fiani agree, then they would indeed be putting their world, their treasured communities at some level of risk just by being associated with the Jedi in some way. And if they declined, then they don't get those risks.

"All good points, all very valid concerns." he nodded his head. "I do understand what we are asking for is a lot for so much risk. I would like to say though, we do have safeguards just in case." he said. "The Jedi temple is located in the frozen mountains. Us resettling the temple should be safe from prying eyes. " Not really broadcasting it to the greater galaxy. "Just in case, great relations with the wookies close-by, we have. Kashyyyk has also shown to be a very reliable and trustworthy ally and partner to the Jedi. We are also set up there as well and the wookies have this system well defended from threats." That adds a safety net, just in case word somehow gets to the Sith or any other enemies.

Harald also added "Also on Kashyyyk, we have defeated Sith who attempted to destroy our temple at Kashyyyk. The temple still stands. Should worst come to worst, I have the utmost confidence that the Jedi will keep your people safe."

That should be sufficient for now, if the Fiani have any other concerns, Harald would be happy to address them


@Casmer @TheDudeMike @Remileah

sorry for the late post :D

 

[Kane Seros]

Kane continued to nibble on a pastry while the Fiani voiced their concerns, and Harald countered and addressed those concerns. It was like a lightsaber spar, but with words. Each side playing for position, and moving to convince the other side to lower their defenses. It was truly just as amazing to watch as a lightsaber duel was. The only real issue Kane had with it was he knew there were no winners or losers here, but it was still hard to tell who had the upper-hand.

Working up enough courage to speak, Kane rose his hand slightly. "I can show some of the Jedi security protocols in case of attack with anyone interested. I can also help work out a security protocol specific to Fiana," he said, lowering his hand when he was done. His eyes searched the faces of the Fiani in front of him, hopeful that he hadn't stepped on Harald's or R'ashtaro's toes in the process. With a temple here and a temple on Kashyyyk, the system would effectively become a Jedi stronghold.

He went back to nibbling on his pastry, finishing it up. Grabbing a cup of water he began to slowly sip on it.

@The Good Doctor @Casmer @Remileah

 

[R'ashtaro]

R'ashtaro nodded along to Harald's and Kane's points, showing his agreement with what his two fellow Jedi said. His kinfolk were right to be hesitant and worried about getting implicated with a faction that operated on a galactic scale. There was no denying that tragedy had befallen other planets that aligned themselves with the Jedi before. Luckily, neither of his two comrades attempted to scoot around that fact. Instead, they did their best to alleviate any such worries by providing nuances and concrete suggestions for how to make such tragedy as unlikely as possible.

The red-coated Fiani followed suit. "Morbid as it is to admit, Kashyyyk is also a bigger target for any who would want to strike against our order. A direct attack against the system is likely to target the Wookies, not Fiana, no? Should an attack happen, there are forces close by that would not be slow to react."

He snipped a dumpling from his plate and tossed it into his mouth, chewing happily. "Initially, our presence here would be minimal whilst we recover and restore the temple to livable conditions. Working with your municipal government, we could work to fortify the temple and Fiana against interstellar assault. However, our intention is not to turn Fiana into some kind of Jedi fortress, no? Our main wish would be to keep the Jedi presence here a secret, utilizing the temple as we would use most of our other temples around the galaxy - as a center of learning for those who follow the Light."

Lastly, he added: "We have several Fiani members of the Order. With your permission, we could assemble a diplomatic mission, including some of them, that may work with your municipalities throughout the process. Should you decide to accept our petition to resettle the temple, it might be fruitful to work with Jedi representatives who have the right cultural sensibilities, no? I would offer my own services as a diplomatic liaison alongside my two colleagues here, if they agree to it."

@Remileah @The Good Doctor @TheDudeMike

 

[The Storyteller]

___As the three Jedi acknowledged the implications of their request, the council of Fiani leaders sat and listened attentively. Kayo continued nibbling on pieces of her bread while Gomoto thoughtfully stroked his chin, and Y'Miko and Sese sat and watched with rapt attention.

___"It's true. It is pretty far out there," Sese was the first to speak, shrugging as she glanced at Kayo. "If they keep a low profile, it'll attract less attention. The Sith might not even notice, 'specially if they aren't assembling some big army here."

___"A valid point, Sese," Kayo responded, "but there is still a chance."

___"To my understanding, the Wookies of Kashyyyk don't have a significant presence when it comes to starships and naval power," Gomoto countered, his nose scrunching. "How do they have the system well-defended from threats when, as I understand, their forces are primarily grounded?"

___Y'Miko chose to remain silent, her fingers steepling together. She closed her eyes as the others engaged with one another, clearly mulling the finer details over in her mind as her tails swayed behind her. Meanwhile, Kayo continued to break off and eat pieces of her bread, her eyes sweeping over the gathering assembled in the hall.

___"I do lotsa work with organising hunting routes and safe houses," Sese said, looking at Kane. "I'd be happy ta work with ya! We might be able ta learn some things from one another, and if we can come up with some plans everyone's happy with, all the better!"

___"We're aware that you have some of our own in your temple, R'Ashtaro," Kayo said with a smile. "If you've met a young girl named T'Vani, she's one of our own, born and raised right here in Teakroof. Knowing her parents, I'm sure they're outside, waiting to ask you how she's been," she elaborated with another melodic chuckle. "I also believe you took little Yae once upon a time, but I digress."

___Kayo shifted in her seat in an attempt to adjust around the weight bearing on her lap, eliciting another sigh as she made herself comfortable again.

___"I am more amiable to the idea that the temple would solely be for the intention of education. Given how Fianese culture embraces and thrives learning about the cultures of others, I believe I speak for all of us when I say that?" Kayo asked. The other Fiani collectively nodded. "We have your reassurance that you would amass no significant forces here? The temple—and by extension Fiana—would not serve as a staging point for any assaults? If you ensure that, I believe we may have grounds to begin negotiations upon."

@The Good Doctor @TheDudeMike @Casmer

 

[Harald av Svendsen]

Things in negotiations were proceeding well. His partners were added valuable input, which is good, and it's having an effect. And there are more Fiani part of the Jedi already?As Harald contuined picking out what he is going to have next, one was skeptical of the wookie's starfleet. Interesting. While it may seek odd that a tribal and heavily forested peoples may have such a large fleet, they do. "The Wookies do command a rather large fleet for a star system. Their Senator commanded a large fleet against the rogue Republic fleet and led the defense against the Hapan fleet." It's safe to say against external threats. Rest assured, Fiana would be under Kashyyyk's umbrellas of protection.

And as for the rest, the idea of the temple being educational purposes only, not for military one or any other purpose is very agreeable. "You have my word, the temple would be used only for education. It, nor your world would not be used for offensive purposes or be used in such away that it will draw unwanted attention." The diplomat nodded his head as he said firmly. Truthfully, it was never the Jedi's intention to put the Fiani people in harms way.

@Casmer @TheDudeMike @Remileah