The Ties That Bind Us

[Stedon Ruslip]

<[Vandyne City, Vandyne System, Outer Rim, Evening]>​

Stedon had a fondness for museums. They were quiet, contemplative, and most importantly: a source of knowledge. The industrial cityscape was framed precisely in the vaulted windows overlooking the evening horizon. The architects that had designed the Vandyne Museum of Modern History were good at their job. They intentionally faced the windows away from the various war scars dotting the landscape, opting for a scene of serenity for the museum floor. ”…and that is a summary of the collapse of the Sith Empire, more can be found in our upcoming holonet series on recent history.” Stedon sighed at the conclusion, how quickly the recently freed resign unfortunate events to “history” despite the conductors of their trials still existing mere systems away and a different-but-equal threat looming in their doorway.

The lesson was clearly not learned, and they will be punished for it one day. Stedon mused.

The museum was recently constructed, likely as a memorial of sorts to the fall of an Empire that had lasted centuries, through dark times, as well as the prosperity it occasionally granted. Perhaps it originally was intended as some sort of Sith propaganda ploy, given the severe and sterile design plus the speed it was established with. The smooth reflective tiles gave the impression of floating in a galaxy of stars, pedestals studding the room among benches and tastefully positioned walls holding various artifacts, guiding the visitors through the history of the Galaxy. Or into alcoves with holographic documentaries playing on loop like the one he occupied. It was rather disappointing, nothing particularly new or insightful, but Stedon appreciated at least observing commonalities between historical records. Much less… biased… from the ones preached on Korriban or closer to the Core at any rate.

”The Old Republic and its Jedi allies, weakened by the hundred-years…” the holoprojector began again, humming to life before the cloaked figure sitting at a bench, replaying the same scenes of chaos and destruction not too dissimilar from recent history. However pointless the exercise, perhaps this time the scenes or historian speaking would reveal some new insight Stedon had missed before. He locked his scarred fingers together, resting the plain white mask hidden beneath his grey travelers’ cloak on them, focusing again. The glowing images reflecting off his eyes and illuminating the hints of severe scarring hidden beneath. More disappointing than the gnawing sense of wasted time was the lack of other visitors. Did no one care? Or perhaps they were like many of his brethren, obsessed with the esoteric and exotic while ignoring the mundane. It was little wonder the Galaxy willingly chose to trade one form of aimless misery for another. It angered Stedon, and being alone, he didn’t bother suppressing his feelings. It helped him focus, and what are the chances of his supposed enemies showing up at a museum in the Outer Rim? They were equally guilty of ignoring the obvious.

Although… that would be more interesting… Stedon thought, stretching out his legs and tapping his grimy civilian workshoes on the floor so they slid back into place. Besides, his getup was more likely to have someone concerned he was a common beggar or mauled veteran… wouldn’t be far off the mark. Save for the twisted metal cylinder hidden beneath.

@llamalllove

 

[Iden Farlander]

Iden had not seen the value in visiting the Vandyne Museum of Modern History to see their latest exhibit, a history on the fall of the empire that had fallen after centuries of rule. Surely in a city such as Vandyne there were many other locations she could benefited from visiting. Surely a day spent at this museum viewing an exhibit on the Sith was not the best option available to her. Had she not been taught all she needed to know about the Sith’s history from the Jedi? But alas, her master had seen fit to send her here while he tended to other matters in the city.

“It is always beneficial to see the other side of matters, padawan,” he had told her earlier that morning when she had raised a respectful protest. “Besides, I have heard the exhibit is rather balanced... I am sure you will learn much from it.”

Iden had been wandering the halls of the Vandyne Museum of Modern History for some time now, possibly hours in her mind. She had to admit that the exhibit far exceeded her expectations, and she was actually beginning to enjoy herself. The museum wasn’t terribly busy either, so she was easily able to navigate from exhibit to exhibit.

”The Old Republic and its Jedi allies, weakened by the hundred-years…” A lone man sat before a holoprojector as it played scenes of chaos and destruction before him. The man wore a grey travelers’ cloak and civilian workshoes. Perhaps he had stopped by the exhibit after work, perhaps he was a beggar who had found temporary shelter in this museum.

Iden herself wore civilian clothes, her lightsabers tucked away and hidden.

Approaching the man, she gestured to the seat beside him on the bench and amiably asked of him, “May I?”

@Stedon Ruslip

 

[Stedon Ruslip]

Stedon almost jumped at the sudden request, as focused as he was on the presentation. It was a younger human woman, probably just another worker given the attire. Her tone was neither combative or accusatory, so Stedon merely gave a nod and moved over slightly on the bench. At least there was one interested in true knowledge. Still, something nagged at him, something pushed him not to ignore this newcomer. He had heard the hologram a dozen times already, perhaps dialogue with a local would be of more value. "...using the weakened position of the Jedi, the Sith slowly eroded the Galactic faith in the Order..."

Stedon unclasped his scarred fingers, bracing against the bench. In his articulate and level voice, faintly hinting at the shadows beneath, "You would think the Galaxy would have learned by now. First the Jedi exile the Sith, then the Sith exile the Jedi. They war over who should rule. Everyone else is caught in between."

He didn't care if the newcomer listened, he just had to vent the rising anger in some capacity besides trying to strangle the images of "heros" playing out on the hologram. Now the display was cataloging the abilities and deeds of both Jedi and Sith leaders of the era, red and colorful lightsabers dancing off the polished surfaces.

Stedon sighs, he supposed he hoped the newcomer could offer some insight, "I suppose both sides were left without much in the end. Such a waste..."

@llamallove

 

[Iden Farlander]

“Thank you.” Iden gratefully took the seat as the man kindly scooted over to make room for her. On closer inspection she observed that he was quite a bit older than she, not to mention a good five inches taller. Settling beside him, she got the feeling that there was more to this man than one might think at first glance.

He had been intent on the holoprojector in front of him before she had interrupted his solitude, but now that she was beside him, it seemed that he was content to shift a portion of his focus to her. She was glad to have the company; after a full day of listening to holoprojectors and recordings, programmed to always say the same words without reply, it would be refreshing to interact with another human being.

“Unfortunately, it is always the people caught in between that are affected the most by such wars. Typically the wars are intended to benefit these people, but it is often the case that just the opposite occurs,” Iden replied to the man’s statements.

@Stedon Ruslip

 

[Stedon Ruslip]

Stedon's anger subsided to a background nagging at the words spoken by the younger woman. At the very least, she understood the core of what Stedon hated most about the Galaxy as it was. It was refreshing after being around nothing but blood or power mad individuals for decades. Stedon turned his gaze to the newcomer, mask reflecting the continuing holodocumentary. Now seeing her properly, he could tell she kept herself well, in another age he may have struck up less depressing conversation with her.

Stedon nodded in affirmation, making certain the woman knew she impressed him through his tone, "Indeed."

The hologram continued detailing the various feats performed and diplomatic actions that resulted in the Galaxy as they both knew it. Casting images of legendary leaders in poses befitting their station, always trying to position them as an "ideal" for others to look up to or fear. Grand feats of persuasion, insidious plots of subterfuge, inspiring uses of the Force... Most ending in nothing more than a hologram in a museum. Stedon looked back to the hologram playing what few recordings of epic clashes existed between the giants of history. As usual, the dramatic proclamations over the fate of the Galaxy were traded, neither aware their efforts would mean nothing in a few hundred years. Stedon wrinkled his ruined face beneath the mask as the museum had the taste not to overlay dramatic music to the duels.

"Isn't it strange that despite both Jedi and Sith claiming to have the "correct" idea, neither have survived for long apart from one another? The Jedi betrayed their oath of protection and the Sith failed to properly steward their power. Neither seemed to care for the consequences of their failure." Stedon continued as the hologram moved onto the rise of the Imperial Republica proper, bathing the alcove in red light.

"Or the obvious truth..." he finished as the hologram began displaying the rapidly expanding Sith controlled space and the shrinking Jedi affiliates, again looking back to the young woman beside him.

@llamallove

 

[Iden Farlander]

Iden knew her alliances lay with the Jedi, but she couldn’t deny that she often found herself questioning their decisions and their role in this war. She knew that no organization could he without its flaws and mistakes, but that did not exclude the necessity to question and improve whenever possible and necessary.

“I can’t deny that it is strange,” Iden agreed quietly, her gaze falling briefly to her shoes before her eyes returned to the man beside her. There was most definitely depth to this man. “No group is exempt from failures and mistakes. It is easy to fall into the mistake of idealizing our...preferred alliance, for lack of a better word,” she continued, trying to sound neutral in the matter of sides. “To the point that we fail to see the arrogance or folly they find themselves in... to the point that we make excuses for the inexcusable. This must be guarded against, no matter who we are or where our allegiances lie.”

@Stedon Ruslip

 

[Stedon Ruslip]

Stedon smiled a rare smile behind his mask. It was a crooked thing, a broken thing, something most would see deceit in. But its rarity indicted the genuine emotion of pleasure behind it. He had for so long hoped another could see the Galaxy as he did. The Sith needed guidance to hold their power instead of being consumed by it. Likewise, the Jedi needed guidance to strike where instead they merely wait. Both, matured. To Stedon, anyone who saw the same problems he did, the same disease he did, was worth at least trying to pull into his dream. Their dream.

"Sometimes... I think the Galaxy would be better off without either. Both, are evil." Stedon stated bluntly, getting to his point.

"Light and Dark, it doesn't matter. It is how they chose and have chosen to wield their gifts. Most are decidedly on paths of destruction and death, intentionally or not. A unstoppable force opposing a immovable object, the commoner in between. What if they are wrong, and have merely dictated to the common being what "good" and "evil" are by their own measure? That dictation extends to their allegiance to a "Order", unquestioningly hating who they are told to hate, fearing who they are told to fear. Because of what? A scuffle that occurred nearly a thousand years ago?" Stedon said, letting the undercurrent of anger slip into his voice.

It was largely rhetorical, he knew, but he needed to finally actually talk to someone rather than simmer in helpless depression. She was right. The petty allegiances to factions had lead to a endless cycle of death and vengeance over events most had forgotten. The Orders had both vilified the other over largely personal vendettas and drew the Galaxy into conflicts over petty revenge schemes that could have been settled far more efficiently, and without the massive loss of knowledge and power. To this day, he heard declarations of vengeance against "the Jedi" without specifying any individual. It was, as the woman said, an excuse to continue with unacceptable behavior. After all, he had thus far only fought Sith, what did he have against the Jedi?

...The Imperium Republica was divided into several different sectors, most notably the core sector and Old Empire... the hologram continued, the room bathed in the blue light of a star chart outlining the several Imperial sectors. Stedon thought to himself how it was amusing that the Empire had already splintered so soon after being created. A chance at unity, thrown away. He eagerly awaited the womans response, he hoped they would continue honing their convictions together.

 

[Iden Farlander]

Iden carefully considered her companion’s words, not missing the undercurrent of anger in his voice. She did not take this undercurrent personally; she knew it was not directed toward her, particularly considering the genuine, if somewhat out of practice but endearing smile she thought she had seen him give her.

“I do not think I would say they are both evil...” she answered thoughtfully, honestly. The Sith, yes... the Jedi, no... Were the Jedi perfect? They were far from it, Iden knew and freely admitted, but she would not carry that to the point of deeming them “evil.”

“I do agree with you, however, in that hatred and opposition should not be based off of past generations... Opposition ought to be based upon current actions, current decisions—not events that happened thousands of years ago by people who no longer remain. And your other point, about hating who we are told to hate, fearing who we are told to fear— again, you are right. We all, each individually, must make up our own minds on such matters and not follow blindly.”

Turning to face her bench companion, Iden smiled playfully. “I have a feeling that making your mind up for yourself comes easily to you.”

@Stedon Ruslip

 

[Stedon Ruslip]

The hologram continued to detail the various deeds of the various Emperors. Again, Stedon appreciated the largely flat tones the narrator took, as opposed to the lamenting or bombastic ones paraded on Korriban. He was mildly disappointed by the rebuff, but he wasn't willing to stop the conversation over a minor setback. This woman, she understood.

He hummed a short laugh, acknowledging the womans kindness, he wasn't one for levity but appreciated the attempt, "It's refreshing having a cordial conversation, thank you. I was never allowed to make decisions for myself for a long time. It's only natural that I make efforts to keep my mind independent. Sometimes, I wish I could make up the minds of others."

It was a bad joke, Stedon wasn't good at jokes, it was a joke a Sith would laugh at. It didn't help either that the hologram swapped the light blue pallet of the star map to the dark and imperious tones of the Republica again detailing the tyrannical means it maintained control through. Great... first time making a joke in months and the Force has to go make it awkward. He quietly groaned to himself over the faux pas, he did desire such a power, but forcing minds didn't last in his experience.

"I suppose you're right though. Evil isn't as easy to discern as light and dark. Especially concerning..." Stedon held his tongue, a commoner wouldn't know much about the Force, and it wouldn't do to leave bread crumbs around. Another slip up, another reason Stedon remembered why he disliked being social. But, he wouldn't give up on possessing a potential ally, however minor the benefit. It was more than he had, and he wanted more.

"But I would still argue the Jedi failed to foresee what releasing bitter and resentful losers into the Galaxy would do. They let the seeds of evil grow without crushing them early. But I suppose that is my opinion. I think we agree the wars wrought are evil regardless of the reason," Stedon quickly tried to deflect back to the main topics, it would be a shame to lose someone he could play ideas off of. "I don't think the complete destruction of either Order would accomplish much, but maybe building something new from both would, free from the past, informed by it. Now would certainly be a decent time to start."

"What about you? Do you feel like you make up your own mind? What do you think would end the cycle?" Stedon asked, again turning to the woman trying to reciprocate the playful tone... again frustrated he sounded more sinister than anything. He allowed his eyes to gleam with interest and excitement, perhaps a touch of the obsession that burned beneath.

He felt more earnest and excited than he had in a long time. He had posed a question, but really he had hoped she would respond in the way he wanted her too. A secret code to unlock further truths, to potentially seek greater power together. He resisted the urge to nudge her answer, it was difficult, but it would be a lie. This was real power, not the chants, not the spells, but finding living catalysts to focus what little power one had to a fine edge. Perhaps it was his years of loneliness, decades of isolation, but the thought of gaining even a passing acquaintance that wasn't unpleasant had somehow convinced him to dip his guard just a inch. Maybe more... Stedon thought, a plot forming in his head.

@llamallove

 

[Iden Farlander]

“I was never allowed to make decisions for myself for a long time.”
These words were saddening, and Iden couldn’t help but feel for the man. The life he had led had not been an easy one. Though she could not be sure of the particulars, of this much she could be sure by observation and his manner in their conversation thus far.

“Sometimes, I wish I could make up the minds of others."
Iden had not thought this joke to be in the best taste, especially considering the severity of the hologram before them and their current topic of conversation, but she could not argue with the sentiment. Occasionally thoughts of how much easier life would be were she able to make up people’s minds for them, were she able to convince them of the truth, crossed her mind, too. But this, of course, went against all she and the Jedi had fought and worked for over the centuries.


Momentarily, Iden found herself staring into her bench companion’s gleaming eyes, the interest and excitement in them enough to catch anyone's attention. “I would like to think that I make up my own mind...” she answered, glancing back to the holoprojector.

She often questioned her Jedi teachings for just this purpose—to ensure that she always came to her own conclusions... to always come to, hopefully, the right conclusions. Purposefully, she did not answer his second question; her interest had been piqued by the ‘building something new from both’ comment he had made.

“How would you go about building this... something new you mentioned?”

@Stedon Ruslip

 

[Stedon Ruslip]

The chances had been minimal, the flow of conversation perfect to reach this point, clearly it was the will of the Force that here and now Stedon would be discussing such heretical things with a stranger. He could feel the darker tendrils of the Force guiding him forward, urging him to continue his pursuit. The woman certainly appeared to have a will her own, he respected that, she was not beholden to another interpretation of the Galaxy. Perhaps she would be useful, it would make her strong.

Stedon had seen the holographic documentary enough times to have memorized nearly every scene, and the next would fit perfectly into what he would not do. He turned decisively towards the hologram as it began displaying the royal portraits of the Sith dynasty that ruled the Galaxy for centuries... for it all to be stripped away in a few years. Name after name, stagnation after more stagnation. All because the Galaxy was beholden to a singular ideal, devoid of any meaningful external input. That inflexibility eventually caused the Empire to snap like a twig, like it always would have.

Stedon began speaking with practiced articulation, laying out the core of his grand scheme, even if it never left this lonely museum, at least another would have heard it, "If it were entirely up to me... I would merge the two orders back into one, correct the mistake of the past. Reduce the numbers of those who can wield the Force effectively to a handful, returning to more monastic roots accepting the changes that are intrinsic to their natures. None of these regimes of stagnant ideals, starving themselves out until nothing is left. Or detonating in a Galactic conflagration. The light to keep the darkness in check, the dark to give the light definition. No one goes blind that way. Opposing ideas coexisting to challenge one another to be better rather than superior."

Stedon sighed, the thought of being able to learn and explore free of ideological constraints thrilled him even if he never could fully, "If I'm blunt though, it would involve a coup. I'm aware of the hypocrisy. There would either be a willful succession of power by both, or they would have to be forced to give it up simultaneously. A mutual disarmament of sorts. Ideally, I would think you could spread the idea of a greater good from the lower ranks up, slowly normalizing the idea so that the goal naturally becomes reality. Rejecting the secular traditions. But, I doubt such a change would occur without some conflict, if only to stay hidden from the fanatical devotees to their allegiance. Then, the Galaxy would at least be free from being sucked into their disagreements if they took place far away from everyone else on a far smaller scale. I don't think I would see this change in my lifetime..."

The plot hatched, the ideal released, his evening would either become more interesting still or end in the isolation he was familiar with among a sea of a simulated void. It wasn't perfect, reality often disagreed with planning. He did not know what her reaction would be. That was what made the interaction so exciting! Learning whether his vision was fringe or potentially striking a common chord would be useful, a easy way to expand his power. His peers always sought means of currying favor with the few powerful, ignoring the massive reserve they wallowed in daily. He coveted their raw power, certainly, but he would resent them less if they didn't wield it like a child with a lightsaber. What better way to more accurately swing such a blade than to have it guided by many?

He turned to the woman, forgetting his manners, extending a gnarled hand, "I forgot my manners. I get carried away sometimes. My name is Stedon. It has truly been a pleasure to meet you." She had earned that token of his trust.

@llamallove

 

[Iden Farlander]

Merge the two orders? That was... ambitious. Iden thought the statement that he would not see such a change in his lifetime was very apt. She wondered if they would ever see such a change as he proposed at all. To ask two orders who hated and despised one another, whose very beings lived in total opposition of the other to set their ideals aside and become one... it was not likely to happen. Both the Jedi and the Sith would have to put aside their pride and stances on moral issues for this to happen. Neither saw the galaxy, let alone right and wrong the same way.

Iden, too, had completely forgot about introductions. They hadn’t seemed necessary at first, and in the midst of such a thought provoking and intellectual conversation, the thought of stating her name had not occurred to her.

The man, Stedon, extended his hand to her; she could not help but notice that it was gnarly, probably from whatever type of work he did for a living, but she did not stare. “It has been a pleasure to meet you, Stedon. I’m Iden,” she said sincerely, shaking his hand and offering him a smile.

@Stedon Ruslip

 

[Stedon Ruslip]

He shook her hand, it was soft but with a trained firmness to it. He returned the smile as best he could from behind the mask, again managing only to muster a sinister visage. The stage was set, the plot in motion, now he had to play his part.

"You know... we could try to start the process. You and I. I happen to have some contacts that could get us started, if you are interested. Maybe if we started small, something minor, we could convince members of both Orders to slowly begin the process of doing a more universal good," the bait was laid, the hook set, why wait to begin his grand scheme? He didn't know if she had connections to Jedi or not, but having no connections at all was equally valuable.

The worse thing that would happen is this catch would simply move on from him. That was fine as well, she would be missing out on a opportunity, but the power he sought was only obtainable from the willing. Even if she exited his life as suddenly as she entered it, he would have gained further insight and greater certainty. This, was potentially asking too much from a random civilian. One he would have to decisively earn trust from.

"After all, the greatest deeds are not always conducted by the great, but sometimes the small. Two war weary civilians that met in a museum is as good as any start to a velvet revolution," the tried tempering his request, he didn't want the poor woman to think he was going to begin stalking her. He had better things to do, and her value to him was in cooperation, not coercion.

@llamallove

 

[Iden Farlander]

Iden was flattered, if not a little confused by the fact that he would offer to pull her into this plan of his, a plan that was obviously near and dear to his heart. This was his passion, his vision. It was an ambitious passion and vision; he was not an underachiever, apparently. This offer expressed a level of trust he had in her, which was also flattering as she doubted that his trust or respect were easily attainable.

As to the plan itself... her ideals did not align with the Sith; she hated what they stood for. She did not think the Sith needed to be “improved” or “updated—“ they needed to be changed. Stopped. No more Sith needed to be trained. She realized the Jedi were not perfect, but they strove for morality and justice, if sometimes failing and making the wrong decision. The two could not become one, but the Sith could turn to the light.

One more question she needed to ask before she would give him an answer. “I... how could I be of any help in this plan?” Iden asked him, wondering if he had somehow discovered her profession.

@Stedon Ruslip

 

[Stedon Ruslip]

Stedon felt ecstatic, the plan a inch closer to being put into real action. Never had he met another remotely a candidate for his plans. But, he supposed most of his acquaintances were interested in temporary power at the end of a lightsaber. Like he had said, he needed something different to accomplish his plan.

Stedon folded his arms, "You would need to become a Jedi. Learn the ways of the Force. Or at least be close enough to Jedi to simply be in their daily lives. I would not be the best to learn this from, although I could help hone your skills later. I have transport and means of getting you where you would need to go. I doubt the Jedi can be picky about those in their ranks. Fortunately, our plan would not require more than an entry level position. But I see strength in you, you would do well."

It was a gamble, he knew, there could soon be several Jedi scouring museums for a heretical masked man. Worse, a Mandalorian strike team bent on putting another notch on their rifle. Worse still, a Sith come to purge a traitor. He was sincere in his request, and he was aware of how outlandish it would sound to her. But he sensed something about this woman that most other Sith would have taken a more aggressive approach towards possessing. Stedon preferred cultivation over premature harvesting, a fruit tree was more valuable than the fruit itself. Certainly she could become a enemy, but no great reward was obtained without risk.

He continued, "I think you may have potential. And the Jedi can't be too picky in their recently resurgent state, granted I am unaware of their selection process. You desire to do good, and that will alone may be enough to at least get in the door. We do not seek infiltration, nor sabotage, merely planting the seeds of a different way. You would not live a lie, you would be Jedi, you may do the very things we denounced in order to remain. I would handle the other half we need."

Of course, Stedon meant himself. The time would come when he would reveal his overt alignment, it was inevitable. But he wouldn't want to do that until she was trained. If it came down to having to duel her, so be it, though he would not relish it. He wanted her on equal footing, so they could both grow more powerful together. So she could sense his will and nature more clearly. In doing so, their plan would proceed naturally as they demonstrated the dividends to their colleagues and slowly expanded their secretive Order.

"We can wait, you can say no. I won't be offended. It is a major change, and you shouldn't feel the need to dive headfirst into a new world at the behest of a philosopher you just met in a museum. Call it a hunch I even asked this of you. Forget about it if you must, I would enjoy visiting and talking again either way," Stedon finished injecting a level of sincerity into his voice.

If she was as sharp as he suspected, he wouldn't be shocked if she connected the dots and realized that his "contacts" would likely be Sith affiliates. After all, why would he be pushing her to join the Jedi and then "taking care of the other half". But, at this point, he thought she understood that eventually those connections would be needed regardless. Perhaps he had put these "contacts" together for this very purpose? Still, the paranoia inherent to his profession gently prepared him to flee if the woman started calling for security on him...

@llamallove

 

[Iden Farlander]

Iden stared at her companion, processing his words. Stedon’s “I would handle the other half” comment gave her more insight into this situation. He was a Sith. Of course! How had she not sensed or realized that before? He must have been concealing it well, but with the revelation of his true identity, this whole situation was beginning to make more sense to her.

”I see... I should tell you that I am interested in this proposition of yours,” she told him slowly, thoughtfully, carefully weighing her words. If he was turning on the Sith, he must have had good reasoning behind it. “But... my allegiances and ideals fall nowhere even remotely close to those of...” Leaning in closer, she said in a hushed tone to draw no one’s unnecessary attention, “...the Sith.”

Why he had chosen her, trusted her was still a question in her mind. Evidently he had no clue that she was already, in fact, a Jedi. He thought she was a random woman he had met in a museum. Waiting for his response, she weighed her options—should she reveal her identity now? Or later?

@Stedon Ruslip

 

[Stedon Ruslip]

Stedon had expected a level of hesitation, a eager response would have been more concerning than exciting. But... she clearly had a opposed moral code to anything Sith. He wouldn't let that stop him.

"The Sith as individuals, or the Sith as an organization? There is no doubt in my mind that the organization is clearly corrupt and on the verge of collapsing due to rampant infighting. Of course, that will merely lead to the rise of yet another power mad tyrant with two brain cells that will launch another crusade on the Galaxy with malicious intent. My intention is to break that cycle. From what I understand, the Sith are... scattered... in their ideals right now. It would make the process of consolidating them around a new path to power easier now, than after coalescing around one relying on death and suffering," Stedon carefully explained, acknowledging her hushed tone.

He shifted, still ready to leave if the encounter became sour, "I'm not asking you to adopt the ideals of the traditional Sith. I'm asking you to help build something new. Separate, but together. The current Orders are broken, currently locked in a perpetual cycle of revenge and oppression. I'm simply asking for your trust, for now. Later we would see, and you would know better what is at stake. Perhaps even with the assurance of an ally of your own choosing rather than mere chance encounter with a shady stranger. What we hope to one day see cannot be accomplished by siding solely with one faction or another. It must be conducted within both."

Stedon carefully studied the woman, he had sensed a twinge of sudden guard from her, but he expected that after asking someone to travel the stars with a cloaked figure talking about overthrowing Galactic norms. He didn't know what direction that guard would take, but he had enjoyed their conversation enough he wasn't ready to abandon his attempt at persuasion just yet. He wanted his scheme to begin here and now, he didn't want to wait more. That she wanted to maintain whatever wariness of the Sith she had was a good thing that would temper his more impulsive and aggressive tendencies.

"My offer still stands, Iden. I won't force the point, but I think we are destined for greater things," Stedon meant it.

@llamallove

 

[Iden Farlander]

Considering Stedon’s question, Iden answered after she had given it some thought. “The Sith as an organization. Had you asked me that question a few months ago, I would say both... the Sith as an organization and the Sith as individuals, but now... I’ve met a— shall we say, diverse assortment of Siths over the last few months. Each of them have surprised me in their own way, many a time in a positive way,” she admitted. “And now I’ve met you, and if my first impression of you is correct, I think you might surprise me as well.” She offered him a small smile. “You already have.”

Taking a deep breath and squaring her shoulders, Iden continued. “I do not align myself with the Sith doctrine or organization, and I never will. I have no sympathy for their belief system or actions. That I want to make perfectly clear. I cannot promise that I will agree, consent, or offer assistance to every part of your plan. I can promise you that I will always follow the course of action that I find to be the right one, wether that is the course you take or not... I cannot let my moral compass fall to the wayside.”

Meeting Stedon’s eyes, Iden concluded. “I do not know what all your plan might hold, but I am willing to take a chance with you.” She extended her hand in agreement.

@Stedon Ruslip

 

[Stedon Ruslip]

Stedon felt the stress evaporate as Iden extended her hand to him, "That is all I am asking for right now, Iden. Thank you for even that amount of trust."

Sure, Stedon was partially being cordial in order to gain that trust, but it would benefit him to genuinely have earned it. No surprises down the road, less effort to maintain, and ultimately a path to power more stable than relying on lies. But, it was interesting to him that Iden had mentioned numerous encounters with Sith. It wasn't something he would expect from what he had assumed to be a worker on Vandyne, and Sith are becoming more of a premium like the Jedi these days. Ah... It made sense now.

Stedon appreciated Iden even more, "I wouldn't want you to change for my sake, or even for that of our mutual goal. It is just that: mutual. If that goal changes, it changes, and our experiment ends. My request of you requires that mutual momentum, losing it would slow my pursuit of power, as would gaining a potentially powerful enemy. That does not mean our path together must, although I imagine we are both prepared for that, given our professions..." He had hoped his blunt description of his surface motivation was conveyed. He would not turn on Iden, that would be counterproductive. Particularly if she survived and became a perpetual thorn in his side. His more selfish interests required Iden to be as invested as he was, same path, different aspects of the end goal sought.

Stedon let the pointed comment linger for a moment. He ultimately still enjoyed playing a few mind games from time to time if the result was harmless. At this point he didn't expect to have a lightsaber through his forehead anymore. She had clearly ascertained his affiliation, he'd enjoy seeing her expression now that he had figured out hers. But what he said was genuine nonetheless. Her changing her demeanor or values would ruin the entire point of their envisioned future. He invited disagreement, it was what they did with it that would matter, make them stronger.

He cut the brief tension, "But perhaps a exercise of trust is in order. Let us identify a old Imperial Sith temple with Jedi records claimed following their initial dismantlement. Nothing spectacular, but perhaps something that would decorate the walls here. The Sith had little use for decorative items, so they shouldn't be too secure." Stedon motioned to the various relics mounted on the walls reflecting the hologram now entering into the initial collapse of the Empire.

"Dark places... dangerous places... for a Jedi," Stedon ended, driving home the earlier hint.

"Perhaps even for a lone Sith. Bring someone with you if you like, chose the place if you like, keep me blind of the mission, I intend to demonstrate the first of many advantages of our unified vision. Perhaps even your master? Should I be killed, my plan... our hope... is proven folly to begin with, but if you leave stronger for it... well... there would be work to be done," Stedon continued, quietly where appropriate, pushing sincerity into his voice to emphasize he really was okay being outnumbered by Jedi on a abandoned world. Death didn't concern him, there were far worse things he had experienced first hand.

He turns, a wicked gleam no doubt shining in his eyes, whispering, "If it makes you feel more confident moving forward... I've only ever killed Sith... hehehe." It was an amusing irony to him, unintentional as it was, his laughter was no doubt unsettling as raspy and pained it sounded. Stedon was not cut out for social interactions...

@llamallove

 

[Iden Farlander]

Recognition flashed in Stedon’s eyes, if only for a moment, and Iden knew he had realized she was a Jedi. She did not mind that he had this knowledge. There was no point in hiding it any longer with him, and he would have to find out eventually. “Hopefully it will not come to that.”

When he broke the tension that had followed his statement, Iden replied, “Trust is a two way street... as you said a moment ago, mutual. I will not bring my master, nor anyone else from the Jedi Order for that matter. I hardly think they would approve, let alone help. I am afraid you would be caught at the end of a lightsaber, myself in the middle attempting to keep the two of you from killing one another. That sounds worse to me than whatever may lie in an ancient Sith tomb,” she said with a bit of humor.

Her eyes ran over him, once more determining in her mind wether she would trust him or not. Choosing the former, she stated, “I shall let you choose the place, and I shall come alone.” His statement that he had killed only Sith was comforting, and she was glad that he had shared this with her; the laugh that followed from his throat was... much less comforting, but she managed a smile.

@Stedon Ruslip