Ask Felucia Trading with the Tribe

[Tiberius Fenric]

Felucia. It was hot and humid. The humidity was so caustic that it had caused most of the natural flora and fauna to evolve to be tough, rubbery, and fibrous. The plant life, mostly consisting of ferns and fungi, boasted a wide variety of colors, but due to the poor nutrients several plants had evolved to be carnivorous. If worrying about whether the plants were going to eat you wasn’t enough the wildlife on Felucia was equally as dangerous consisting of rancor and ackley to name a few.

It was to this planet that the Jedi had come to. Their services had been requested to act as escorts for a diplomat who hoped to negotiate a trade deal with one of the local tribes. As the diplomatic transport touched down on the ground the ramp lowered. Tiberius Stood up from his seat and adjusted his Jedi wanderer robes. He began to make his decent down the ramp. Almost immediately the hot and humid atmosphere of the planet caused perspiration to gather on the young Knight’s brown.

For this mission Tiberius had been paired with a fellow Jedi Knight, Lucien Adami. He had never met Lucien, but he knew that they were about the same age and that Lucien had recently been knighted himself. Tiberius looked forward to working with his fellow Jedi and getting to know him. Tiberius looked back up the ramp at Lucien and the diplomat as they were descending. “We had better get going. We still have a little bit of a hike ahead of us.”

@Die Shize @Lucien

 

[Lucien Adami]

Lucien's first breath of Felucia air was unpleasant. Cloying and humid, the Jedi Knight felt as if he was breathing in soup. It was in stark contrast to the cool, climate-controlled environment of the ship. To add to insult to injury, he was poorly dressed for the occasion. He looked with envy at Tiberius' light Jedi Wanderer robes, the layers of his own more traditional robe swaying behind him as he descended the ramp.

He took his first steps on Felucia soil and surveyed the landing site. The plant life surrounding them was bright and saturated. Lucien knew bright colours in nature meant keep your distance, but there was no getting around it on Felucia - they'd have to get close and personal with the flora and fauna if they were to complete their mission. He brushed a finger along the lightsaber hilt that was clipped to his belt. The cool durasteel was reassuring.

The Knight looked over at Felucia's sun, still low in it's journey across the sky. It was still morning and Tiberius was right - better to get some good miles in before the star brought it's full mid-day heat to bear.

"Agreed. The village should be South of our position if I've got my bearings right?" He replied. Lucien's sense of direction had not always been reliable. "By the Force, have you ever been on a planet like this before? Yavin was more than tropical enough for me. This is something else..."

He swatted away a large flying insect that had landed on his shoulder.

@logn2665 @Die Shize

 

[Tiberius Fenric]

Tiberius nodded in agreement to his fellow knight’s indication of directions. Tiberius began leading the way southward. “It’s a lot different than back home, eh?” Tiberius said in response to Lucien’s comment. Lucien was right, rather than the dense green foliage of Yavin IV the small group was surrounded by Fungi of varying colors that towered over them. Tiberius pushed through the fungi forest along a trail that was likely made by the wildlife in the area. “Mind the plants.” Tiberius said, noting the large bulbous mouth of one of the carnivorous flora that inhabited Felucia. “It looks like they haven’t had a good meal in a while.”

As they continued on their journey the sun was darkened. Tiberius looked skyward and saw a flock of Felucian birds flying overhead. The fauna of this planet were just as colorful as the flora. As he began to push on he heard the voice of the diplomat, “Wait, wait.” He panted. “Can we take a short break? I don’t know how much longer I can go.” Beads of sweat were rolling down the diplomats face. Tiberius looked down the path they were taking. There appeared to be a clearing up ahead. “Just a little further” he responded. “We’ll rest in the clearing up ahead.”

They broke through the dense jungle into the clearing. Tiberius looked to the sky once again. This time it was to check the position of the sun. They had been trekking through the fungi and ferns for several hours now and the sun was almost at its highest point in the sky. “I think we’re about half way there.” He stated bringing his eyes back down to the planet’s surface. “We should make it before nightfall.” He said finishing his thought.

@Lucien @Die Shize

 

[Lucien Adami]

Lucien rested in the shade, back propped against one of the less scary-looking plants that surrounded the clearing. His tunic and trousers were drenched with perspiration. He'd shed the outer layers of his Jedi robe long ago, opting to carry them over his shoulder. Fat load of good that had done. Felucia's sun didn't care. It was unrelenting.

The hike had taken its toll, leaving Lucien in a sour mood. More than once he'd drawn on the Force to calm himself down - to ignore the insects, ignore the diplomat's whining, ignore the way his clothes clung to him with every step. There was one positive thing about Felucia. The planet was teeming with life. He could sense the Force emanating from every colourful vine, tendril and leaf. It was a good feeling for Lucien who had always felt significantly weaker in the Force than his Jedi contemporaries.

Lucien stood as Tiberius commented about completing their journey before nightfall, picking up the outer layer of his robe from the ground.

"And just as good," Lucien replied, "I don't fancy spending the night camped out here."

The Jedi Knight's gaze jerked in the direction of the diplomat. Whether by his Force-heightened perception, or by blind luck, Lucien had managed to spot a subtle movement behind the man. The plant the diplomat was leaning against had been slowly poising itself for attack. Its lips had split open in a menacing snarl, revealing rows of teeth like daggers.

@logn2665 @Die Shize

 

[Tiberius Fenric]

Tiberius turned to look at his fellow knight as he spoke. “Agreed.” Tiberius responded wiping the sweat off his brow. Lucien’s sentiment was one that was shared by all in the group. Staying out here under the stars could prove to be a hazard to their health. Despite the heat and humidity, Tiberius was eager to get moving again. The knight noticed that Lucien’s gaze shifted to the diplomat. Tiberius followed Lucien’s eyes and he too noticed the hungry plant.

Using the force to enhance his bodies own strength Tiberius leapt into the air towards the diplomat. At the peak of his acrobatic jump there was the familiar snap-hiss of his lightsaber coming to life. Tiberius landed and swung his lightsaber at the carnivorous plant severing the bulbous head from the stem. He grabbed the diplomat by the arm and briskly escorted him away from the severed plant whose jaws were still flapping. He deactivated his lightsaber.

The diplomat was clearly shaken. His eyes were fixed on the plant that had just tried to make a meal of him. “Good catch.” Tiberius said to Lucien. He continued, “Let’s not stay here any longer than we have to.” His eyes scanned the perimeter of the clearing. There was a rustling in the foliage just beyond the clearing. “No telling what else might want to make a meal of us.”

@Lucien @Die Shize

 

[Lucien Adami]

With a flick of the wrist, Lucien's lightsaber flew into his hand but Tiberius was faster. He had leapt to the diplomat's rescue, ending the plant's life before it could claim its meal.

"Good catch." Tiberius had said.

"It was all you. Quick thinking." He replied, still feeling the adrenaline course through his veins. The crisis was averted but it should never have happened. Stupid. I should have seen that coming. He wouldn't slip up again. Lucien was sure to be on his guard for the remainder of their mission. His sour mood had been forgotten and in its stead remained only keen determination.

The Jedi Knight's ears pricked up at the rustling in the foilage.

"Good plan. Let's go."

Lucien strode across the clearing with pace, boots kicking up dust in his wake. He kept a watchful eye on both the surroundings and the diplomatic official in their care. Reaching the path again, he resumed the trek towards the village.

@logn2665 @Die Shize

 

[Tiberius Fenric]

Lucien was now leading the small group through the fungal that made Tiberius feel like he had been shrunk down in size. As Lucien made his way to the edge of the clearing to renew their trek Tiberius walked over to the diplomat who was still shaken up. “It’s time to get going.” Tiberius said helping the man to his feet. The diplomat seemed reluctant but then his eyes met with the plant that had tried to eat him. He got up and began to follow Lucien.

Bringing up the rear Tiberius followed the other two as together they pushed through the dense, alien forest. His head was now on a swivel. They had one close call and he didn’t like the thought of anymore. They had now experienced the dangers of plant life here on Felucia, and he didn’t want to see the dangers of the wildlife Tiberius was constantly scanning their environment, casting a glance behind them every now and then for good measure.

It wasn't long before the sweat began to flow again. It was like walking in a sauna. The humidity clung to Tiberius. He could feel the sweat running down his face. He couldn’t imagine how the diplomat was dealing with this. The Jedi had extensive training and were used to strenuous activities. The diplomat on the other hand sat behind a desk most days, or at least that what Tiberius imagined. Hopefully it wouldn’t be long before they arrived at the village.

@Lucien @Die Shize

 

[Lucien Adami]

The journey to the village was arduous. Lucien led the rest of the way there, on his toes the whole time - metaphorically speaking. Forging the path through the jungle, Lucien felt as though he was being watched. He noticed every little sign of potential danger. Every twig snapping, every rustle of the leaves. And yet, tiring as it was, the second leg of the journey proved to be about as eventful as a parliamentary session on Naboo.

They crested a small hill and there it was. For a tribal village, it was respectably sized. The native Felucians buzzed back and forth, finishing up their evening tasks as the sun slumped over the horizon. There was a softness to the scene that made Lucien forget for a second what a royal pain it had been to get there.

It was rare for the young Jedi Knight to be uninformed about a mission and yet here he was. This assignment had taken him by surprise, and he'd barely had time to even skim the mission brief that was provided to him.

"And here we are. Umm what exactly was it we were here to negotiate anyway?" He asked of both his fellow Jedi and the accompanying diplomat.

@logn2665 @Die Shize

 

[Tiberius Fenric]

Although on the alert after the after the diplomat’s close call earlier that day, Tiberius was grateful that the rest of their journey to the village was uneventful. The sun had begun to set by the time they had reached the village. Although still quite humid the temperature on the planet had dropped to slightly more comfortable range.

As they neared the village the dense jungle began to fade but was silhouetted in the distance against the back drop of the setting sun. “We’re here for the nysillin.” Said the diplomat in response to Lucien's question as he made it to the top of the hill. “It’s a healing herb.” Tiberius chimed in. “One of the most valuable crops in the galaxy.”

As the trio got closer to the village they were greeted by welcoming party consisting of the village elder and her entourage. “Welcome” the elder began. “You must be here to discuss the nysillin.” “That is correct.” The diplomat replied with a nod. “Come, it is getting late.” The elder motioned with her hand for the trio to follow her. She turned and began walking back towards the village center. “You must be tired from your journey.” She continued, “We have prepared a feast for your arrival and prepared lodgings for you. We can discuss negotiations tomorrow.”

As the group made it to the center of the village long tables could be seen covered in food. The table were lined with chairs some of which were occupied by individuals. Other residents of the village were standing around mingling. “Please sit and help yourselves.” Said the elder motioning to the tables and chairs before taking a seat herself.

The diplomat took a seat next to the elder and the two began a conversation. Tiberius looked at Lucien “Shall we?” he ask rhetorically. He took a seat on the opposite side of the table. He grabbed a plate of food and began to eat. He was famished from their long journey

@Lucien @Die Shize

 

[Kayden Skyler]

Spoiler: Music IC

Truth be told, Kayden was quite taken with quaint little villages like this one. Remote, self-sustaining, unimpeded by the intrusions of the galaxy’s denizens, unhindered by the march ever forward toward a more productive tomorrow. Boring shit and boring shits. He thought most folk were except these villagers. Somehow, they were much more exciting right now, even at the dinner table.

Oh, what a dinner it was! These people did not hold back on their hospitality, and why should they? Derek Mathalangar, a lone wanderer, had stumbled upon their village just yesterday asking for food and water and lodging. The next day had been a new day but the villagers confessed that they felt remiss to turn such a kind man away so soon.

“But it is time I take my leave, fair folk,” Derek had insisted. “Not a chance, young man!” insisted an elderly woman. The man did, after all, gift the village with some hard labor, repairing a hut here and wheeling a barrow over there. Their relationship had been one of mutual benefit.

So, Derek sat at that table and ate hearty! Kayden, his name was, but folks round these parts knew him only as Derek. Today, he was joined by two new guests beside himself, and they would sit at that table with him, though they would not discover a Sith as much as he was masking his Force signature.

Kayden/Derek rolled up the sleeves of his weatherworn grey cloak, hood lowered, and reached for a bowl of orange cabbage before salting it on his plate. “Greetings, visitors!” He smiled at the two men who had joined the feast, one enhanced by the live music. “Name’s Derek. Derek Mathalangar. What brings you two to this humble village?” He was just as much asking for their own names.


@logn2665 @Lucien

 

[Lucien Adami]

The feast was a heavenly sight for Lucien's eyes and he made no attempt at hiding his eagerness to join the revelry. He dropped into the seat beside Tiberius and took stock of the delights that had been arrayed before them.

"Lucien. And this is Tiberius. It's a pleasure to meet you." Lucien answered, gesturing at his Jedi companion. "You wouldn't believe the trek we just made through the jungle - dusk til dawn with those angry plants nipping at us the whole way. It'd make the Kessel Run look like a walk in the park! How about that Felucian folk music though? I must say it sounds vaguely familiar."

The Jedi Knight had chosen not to answer Derek's question. Given the nature of their assignment, it seemed prudent to avoid revealing too much about themselves or the VIP who was in their care. The Galaxy was cut-throat, doubly so here in the Outer Rim - you never knew who might try take advantage of a situation.

He wondered whether Tiberius would reveal anything. Not that it would particularly matter - dressed in his green traditional Jedi robe, it was obvious what Lucien was to anyone that knew anything.

Now that the pleasantries are out of the way, at least for the moment, let's fill this plate up! His plan was interrupted by a tap on the shoulder from the native Felucian seated next to him. The woman gestured at his empty cup with the bottle of purple liquid that she held. Lucien was never one to turn down a drink.

Sweet, zesty and smooth, the beverage went down like a treat. Lucien could barely taste the alcohol, but it was certainly present.

@logn2665 @Die Shize

 

[Tiberius Fenric]

Luckily, Lucien made introductions to the new face that had appeared at the table because Tiberius had begun to shove food into his mouth the moment they sat down. “Pleased to meet you.” He said after forcing down a mouth full of food. He stuck his hand out for a hand shake. Tiberius noticed the lack of an answer to Derek’s question in Lucien response. Not wanted to raise suspicion Tiberius made up an answer. “We’re just here to visit some friends.” He took a bite of a deep fried Nuna leg and swallowed. “What about you?” he returned the question. “What brings you all the way out here?” While not out of the question it would have been quite rare for this many foreigners to meet up in an unnamed village on Felucia.

As the music started Tiberius began to bob his head slightly to the beat. He had heard this one. It was one that his father used to play. The notes triggered memories that took him back to sitting in the Livingroom of his family home on Dantooine. He could see the faces of his Mother, Father, and brother. He was snapped out of his reminiscence by a tap on the shoulder. Tiberius turned to look it was a native Felucian offering a drink similar to the one that Lucien had just received. Tiberius put up a hand and politely declined the beverage. It was his personal policy not to drink while on a mission.

 

[Kayden Skyler]

Spoiler: Music IC [Recurring]

Kayden nodded and smiled as he listened to Lucien speak of angry plants and Felucian folk. “Does it?” He couldn’t put his finger on the familiarity of the tune but, upon the comment of his counterpart, it suddenly rang some bells in his head beside the musician’s violin. Around the fire, maybe, when last I heard such a piece…

As purple liquid flowed down cup then throat, a taste that Kayden himself found somewhat titillating, he mused on Tiberius’ words with both eyes into his. What friends might Jedi have in a dunghole like this one? Beyond the village, perhaps?

Hands shook, firmly but subtly; just enough for Kayden to test the grip of the young man. All three appeared to be roughly the same age but Tiberius looked little older than seventeen. Introductions concluded as a blade sliced sausage, green against the weird rainbow of food and drink, before teeth gnawed.

“Oh, mine is no exciting story,” Kayden spoke after swallowing, washing meat and vegetables away with a swig of violet nectar. “In truth, ‘all the way out here’ is not out of the way for a wanderer like me at all.”

“Derek has been a fine help to us,” smiled a man sitting beside him.

“A strong, strapping lad,” patted an elder female.

It was all Derek could do to offer a modest shrug. “They’d make me blush if it were possible. No, I’m simply passing through, gentlemen. This village happened to be in my sights as I traveled toward the sunset…and here we are.”

A bare moment passed. “You said you are visiting friends? Are they Jedi?” It was no unusual question given the robes. If these two men were wearing lab coats then it would be about the same as asking if their friends were doctors.


@logn2665 @Lucien

 

[Lucien Adami]

"If quaint little Felucian villages aren't your idea of 'out of the way', then I'm sure you have some exciting stories to tell." Lucien prompted Derek. He noticed a native Fellucian looking directly at him and was quick to add, "Uhh of course I mean no disrespect by that. Your village is a fine establishment from what I have seen and the people have proven to be most kind and hospitable."

If he had stepped on any toes with his comment, he hoped that had made up for it. Surely what I said wasn't that bad in the first place? Ugh, thank the Force I'm not meant to be the diplomat on this mission. Maybe those wishy-washy talking types have their uses after all. The young Jedi grew up an affluent city boy through and through, and it showed every once in a while.

He hoped Derek would elaborate more on his story. The Jedi had not been expecting to encounter another foreigner on this trip and he was very curious to find out more about the self-proclaimed wanderer. Surely as the night passed the liquor, and by proxy the words, might flow more freely. I've gotta be mindful. Lucien had accepted his drink a little carelessly, being on Jedi business and all. He had been swept up in the merriness of the feast and was already feeling the effects of the tasty beverage. His tolerance wasn't exactly stellar.

He glanced over at the diplomat, deep in conversation with the Felucian chief before Derek asked his question. No answer immediately sprung to mind and so continued chewing and glanced over at Tiberius, hoping his companion could come up with a convincing response.

@logn2665 @Die Shize

 

[Tiberius Fenric]

Tiberius nodded as he listened to Derek’s story. The man didn’t really tell them what his purpose was out here other than he was a wanderer. Maybe he didn’t have a purpose. Based on their comments the Felucians seemed to think highly of him though.

Tiberius cringed a little inside as he heard Lucien’s response to Derek. It didn’t appear that the Elder heard the young knight’s comment so it was unlikely that it would affect the diplomat’s negotiations later on. It would be a terrible thing to report back to the council that they failed their mission because of their words.

Derek retorted with his own question. *What is this, the third degree?* Tiberius thought. Derek was asking too many questions. Maybe it would have been better if Tiberius had kept his mouth shut. It was hard to hide the fact that they were both Jedi, but it couldn’t be helped at this point. “Uh, no.” Tiberius began to respond to Derek’s question about who their friends were. He was trying to think fast. “They happen to run an orphanage in the next village over, and we’re just going to check if they have any children who might want to come with us to the academy.” It was no secret that the Jedi still recruited from orphanages. He hoped his story checked out.

The band started to play a new song. Tiberius was unfamiliar with this one. “You said that you were a wanderer?” Tiberius wanted to know a little more about their new friend. “Please, elaborate.” He said with interest.

@Lucien @Die Shize

 

[Kayden Skyler]

Spoiler: Music IC

There was really nothing out of the ordinary with Kayden’s speech, at least he would think so. After all, they were three individuals having a group dinner. Whilst some ate in silence, the galaxy was filled with souls who enjoyed making conversation at such an occasion; hardly an interrogation.

Lucien wasn’t wrong though. Derek might have been a boring nobody but Kayden had many, many stories to tell. Just not the kind that these fair folk would find suitable for the dinner table. The Felucians sitting at it were exchanging a couple of corner conversations themselves and, all things considered, all seemed swell.

Breaking bread, Kayden cocked a curious brow as Tiberius elaborated on those friends of his. “Oh?” Didn’t the other one just make a point about how ‘out of the way’ this village itself is? If that was the case then perhaps the Jedi were just making a pit stop on their way to the next one. Perhaps.

“It’s an elementary term, I know,” he smiled. “Pass the butter?” A Felucian humbly obliged and was thanked. “Wandering is just what I do, so, the term fits, but I’m more officially an explorer, you might say.”

Oh, that was far from a lie. “Not to get philosophical in the presence of two Jedi but, well, as charted as the galaxy is I’ve always felt that there is so much more to see. Like…”

Kayden studied a corner of the room in thought, sourcing for words, admiring a wicker basket hanging down. “...Like this village, for instance.” He searched everyone’s eyes. “Far be it from a prime politician or business magnate to even know this one exists but it does indeed. Its residents are real. So, Master Jedi, I can only admire both of you for heading to the next one to help its children help a galaxy in need!” Just as I do, after a fashion, night after day. He raised his cup to toast to that.


@logn2665 @Lucien

 

[Lucien Adami]

At Derek's comment about being an explorer, Lucien was eager to reply. "Oh how exciting. You know ever since I joined the Order I think I've become something of an explorer myself. Before that I was stuck on the same planet, in the same routine, practically confined to the walls of my parent's estate. It's been so freeing to get out and actually meet all of these new people, see all of these sights first hand. Wouldn't you say, Tiberius?"

He surprised himself with how talkative he was. The young Jedi Knight was enjoying himself getting to know their new acquaintance. He cut into a piece of steak as Derek continued in a more philosophical direction.

As he was toasted, the Jedi Knight nodded and took a sip from his cup. Truth be told he was never one for flattery, but bound by politeness, he accepted the toast with a warm smile. Compliments are cheap. And most freely given by people who want something from you. As often as he found that to be true, Derek's apparent admiration did seem to be genuine. It felt a little off being praised for something he hadn't done, though he approved of Tiberius' quick thinking in coming up with the alibi.

"Thank you, and well said. While we're on this philosophical tangent where do you think this Galaxy of ours is going to be in the years to come?" He addressed the question to both of the men, though he was particularly curious to see how Derek would answer, "We've been trying to shake this cycle of war, strife and crime for so long now and yet we seem destined to repeat it."

He wanted to know whether the wanderer Derek Mathalangar concerned himself with such issues. Was he content to travel from place to quaint little place, watching the Galaxy pass by him, or was there a deeper purpose to it all?

@logn2665 @Die Shize

 

[Tiberius Fenric]

This was obviously not an interrogation. Tiberius was mostly just annoyed that he had to keep up this false story. He was worried that he might slip up and be caught in his lie. The band began to play another song. “Yeah,” Tiberius began to answer Derek’s question of “oh?” “We’ll be staying her a couple days before heading onto the next village. As you probably know the jungles of Felucia are unforgiving and we could use a bit of a respite.”

Derek went on to explain that he was an explorer. Tiberius took a bite of the bread on his plate as Lucien chimed in. Tiberius nodded in agreement. “You definitely get to experience the galaxy when you’re a Jedi. That’s for sure.”

Tiberius continued eating as the conversation took a more philosophical turn and a toast to the two young Jedi. Although not filled with spirits Tiberius still raised his glass to the kind words that were shared. Then it was Lucien’s turn to be philosophical, asking about the state of the galaxy. “Like you said,” Tiberius began his response looking at his fellow Jedi, “it’s an endless cycle that is destined to repeat itself. Although the actors change the plot stays the same.” He finished and shifted his gaze to Derek to hear his response.

@Lucien @Die Shize

 

[Kayden Skyler]

Spoiler: Music IC [Recurring]

Kayden was glad that his two dinner companions had shared his toast. Some found the gesture superstitious, Jedi or not, or were just plain rude; but, clearly, there were three strangers at this table in a Felucian village who had no immediate desire to rub each other the wrong way. Derek will remember that.

The conversation was even juicier than the drink, than the steak, than the hole between a woman’s legs as she slept the night away in a hut nearby. Come morning, Derek would probably forget that.

The words of these two Jedi were nothing if not alluring. They spoke truth, naturally, and it was not waxing poetic by any means. Idealists, but realists, these two men. Sure, they sat before an opportunist who was as much as the other -ists, but they didn’t really know that. Yet.

“Though the actors change…the plot stays the same…” Kayden nodded as though bopping his head to the music. “Too true. Would that I could disagree. However, my sentiments are much the same.”

The three men had a few others at the table now turning their attention to the conversation. Derek always did like an audience, so, O-Kay-den. “Lucien here mentioned ‘this galaxy of ours’ and I say that is part of the problem. It belongs to everyone in it, every species, every group, every individual, but we fight each other for it instead of uniting to take care of it. Compare these Felucians around us.”

He smiled at each and every one of them. “You can see how they take care of their village, their land, upon entering it. Ho, smaller than a galaxy, I know, and that is another part of the problem. Where this is one humble community on one world, we live in an even larger world with uncounted communities, and cultures, like Jedi and Sith.”

There was no facial twitch that would make that last word obvious. “You two, for instance, try your best to balance your Force, but as long as you have such evil lingering in this galaxy, like the Sith Empire, well…” Kayden shrugged, twisting his lips in forfeit. “I don’t know much, Master Jedi, but your war has been a cycle all on its own, destined to repeat itself, and here we are…” Yes, Derek, here we are: two Jedi and one Sith, sharing food and drink and chitchat at the dinner table.


@logn2665 @Lucien

 

[Lucien Adami]

Cycles within cycles. And yet there has to be an answer somewhere. What is the point of sitting by and watching the play if you already know how it's going to end? Lucien nodded in somber agreement as their new friend across the table steered to the topic of their age-long conflict with the Sith. You say you don't know much but you speak the truth.

"There are ways of stopping evil without waging war." Lucien contemplated. He glanced at Tiberius, continuing. "I know this is an opinion that a fair number of my Order might take issue with but I do not believe the extermination of the Sith is the way we break our cycle. We've certainly tried that approach long enough"

He poked his fork at the roast vegetables on his plate, took another sip of his drink. "I don't know how to solve these problems but I think you're right about this village... and the Galaxy for that matter. From the noble nysilin farmer to the supreme chancellor himself, we all want the same things in the end. I bet life would be a lot more fair if we took the time to break bread with our fellow inhabitants in this chaotic world, and really listen to what they had to say."

Completely oblivious, he extended that idea to its extreme. "Would I apply that to the Sith? Honestly, I don't know. I've yet to meet a Sith... But when that day comes I hope I'll still hold the same frame of mind."

He wondered if Tiberius had ever had a close encounter with wielders of the dark side. Experience did have a way of tempering idealistic thoughts. The discussion had taken a pensive direction, perhaps too much so for a jolly little village feast. Lucien didn't mind, he was never one for small talk.

@logn2665 @Die Shize