Ask Valley of Plenty

[Carrick]

Vardos was an odd planet.

It was a core world and it had more credits than it knew what to do with but it was still somewhat tainted by association. Association with the Galactic Empire at first and the First Order after that - that the planet still bore the scars from the actions of both organisations was something that was so often forgotten by the general public at large. They saw only that Vardos had grown fat and rich from the association with the Empire, that it's punishment by the Imperials and the First Order was somehow justified because they had profited in the past.

It might very well have been but that was now a long time ago.

What was more was that Vardos was still flush with credits but now had such a bad reputation that they were falling over themselves to actually invest their credits in projects that would hopefully restore their lost status. It was probably very un-Jedi-like to manipulate the peoples of a world desperate for acceptance to open their pocket books but Carrick didn't much care - he wasn't a Jedi any longer and the Mercy Ships project could use all the credits it could get. His own planet, Tinnel IV, would be sending donations but his planet lacked the same credit-rich atmosphere that Vardos had.

That this was due to an inherently corrupt system currently in place on Tinnel IV was irritating but not something he could simply fix at the drop of a hat. Wearing a new suit that he had gotten for the occasion, he had his shiny, bright, lightsaber hilt connected at his waist. Despite some issues having arisen from his status as a fully openly Force Sensitive senator, Carrick was not willing to shy away from the truth even now.

Even if the one at his waist lacked a power cell and the one hidden along his back did not.

Waiting behind the stage for the Jedi who had started up the program, he busied himself making sure that his suit was free of an lint that might have been accumulated in the last few hours.

@Phoenix

 

[Zathria]

Although she frequently wore regular clothes, Zathria was one of the Jedi that actually didn't mind wearing robes either. Not because of tradition, but because it was basically wearing pajamas to work all the time. They were deceptively comfortable so long as you weren't on a hot world.

But tonight wasn't a night for robes or "regular" clothes. For this event, she had to put on a dress, do up her hair, and generally look far nicer than she did on a day-to-day basis.

This was somewhere that she was entirely uncomfortable being, as well. She'd prepared a speech for the people here and reviewed all the numbers of the project. If successful, this would be one of the largest sources of funding for the new ship, and that was terrifying. Because it meant if she messed up, that money could be gone.

The man who had set all of this up was one she was a tiny bit dubious about if she were honest. He had been a Jedi at the same time she had, but the two had never had anything more than a passing interaction or spotting one another across the temple cafeteria. There were some rumors around his leaving, but she didn't really know the whole story.

What she did know was that he had helped her set up a chance to get funding for her project, and that was bought him a great deal of good will in her book. Even if she didn't generally like or trust politicians, this was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.

She was glancing down and smoothing out her dress as she made her way over and spotted the senator a few moments later behind the stage.

Good evening, Senator Carrick. I just wanted to thank you for helping set this up. This is an amazing opportunity that I couldn't have done without you, she said, her tone genuine.

@Nefieslab

 

[Carrick]

Ah there she was.

It wasn't through the Force that he spotted her in the first place, but rather from the mutterings of some of the team behind the stage. Apparently none of them had expected the Jedi Knight to present herself as anything other than as a Jedi Knight. There were some hushed comments about how strange it was to see one of the Jedi without their customary robes - even a few about how well Zathria pulled off the look.

Though now that he had spotted her he didn't resist the temptation to view her through the lense of the Force. She was bright and warm, things he expected from a Jedi of her standing and he was reassured that he wasn't going to be dealing with one of the saber-happy Jedi that tended to make the news. Make the news and make his own life as a Force Sensitive rather difficult no less.

He bowed his head slightly in greeting with a smile.

"Knight Zathria you don't need to thank me for anything; I merely provide the stage, you will be the reason these people part with their credits for such a worthy cause."

Despite the fact that the two of them would be taking the stage together, Carrick would mainly serve a backup role. With his political experience, he would field questions from the reporters in attendance and draw flak away from her when it inevitably came. Which reminded him, actually.

"Do you want to open with a speech or just take questions from the reporters? The donors are mainly here for the dinner and the optics - how well you deal with the press will determine how generously they give." he held up a hand before adding, "Don't worry - I've made sure to cull some of the most outspoken reporters. There will be one vocal Force-Hater there - he will be the large Rodian on the left - but that's to keep the appearance of an un-moderated media coverage."

But Carrick didn't get to where he was by playing nice and fair - though he was willing to take those issues on so that the Knight didn't have to.

@Phoenix

 

[Zathria]

Zathria couldn't stop fidgeting as she stood there. Jedi were supposed to be the pinnacle of calm, detached from emotion, and beyond nerves. Right now she didn't feel that way. While she was actually decently comfortable with public speaking after having taught some classes at the temple, she knew how much was riding on this. That was why she felt this way.

I did prepare a few words. Unless you think that I shouldn't? she said, suddenly beginning to second guess what she was doing. A dinner like this was not something she had ever been to before. Not with this many... richies.

Big Rodian on the left, got it, she said with a nod. She kind of wished that she could have just used the Force to calm his mind during the questioning, but she was relatively certain that wasn't' ethical and she was also relatively certain it would only reinforce his hatred of Jedi if he saw through it.

I suppose you've lost count of how many of these you've done, right? Any tips for a newbie? she asked. She peeked out from behind the stage once again, looking at the crowd gathered in the main room.

They're not really here for you, she reminded herself. It was what the Senator had just told her. Well, but the press is, so maybe your thought process is faulty, she reminded herself.

@Nefieslab

 

[Carrick]

Ah yes, Zathria was a healer. She might be a Knight but that meant that she was also a fighter and a negotiator. But there was a difference between all of those skills and public speaking - namely that public speaking was something that barely anyone ever knew how to do without some experience. A tutor who knew what he was doing and trial and error had been what taught Carrick himself but he didn't think they had the time for that all things considered.

He could see she was getting nervous so he placed a hand gently on her shoulder and looked her right in the eyes.

"You're going to be alright." he assured her in a measured, calming, tone, "I'm going to introduce you, then you give a small speech and then the questions."

Tips eh?

Well that was a loaded question really because Carrick himself would certainly not be above using the Force to reinforce his own confidence. In the end he knew what he was going to tell her so he removed his hand from her shoulder and took a deep breath, arms moving with it.

"Take a few deep breaths before you step out - you'll probably feel lightheaded when they all start looking at you. Do this now rather than taking shorter breaths up there; that doesn't help your nerves." he explained before tilting his head up, "Keep your chin up - not like the coreworlds joke either - literally keep your chin up. You might be above them on the stage but you don't want to look down at them, it'll encourage mumbling. Look just slightly over their heads and pronounce your words to the room, not to the people in it. And whatever you do..."

He grinned a little bit.

"Don't imagine them naked. It never looks pretty." he joked with a nod of his head, "You ready? Say the word and I'll head on out there first and call you out as an introduction."

@Phoenix

 

[Zathria]

She felt his hand on her shoulder and forced herself to take a deep breath. She wouldn't have been surprised if he was using the Force to help calm her as well, but she didn't resist. She could use a little voluntary relaxation.

She listened to what he said, taking several deep breaths in and out and nodding. She mimicked his movements, probably unnecessarily, but there it was.

She was following everything he said, deciding that it sounded like it would work. She liked the advice about speaking to the room, not the people. Just like you're practicing in private. And now uncomfortable swaying.

But as he reached the comment about them being naked her face scrunched up and she shook her head vigorously.

Yeah, no, hard pass, she agreed. It took her mind off of what was to come until he asked if she was ready.

She nodded.

Yeah, let's do this, she said, looking back to the stage.

Around the corner another man appeared. Mr. Sparatus was well known for being obnoxious but had no shortage of money and power. He also wasn't supposed to be backstage. Apparently, he wanted a little "one-on-two" time with the fundraising hosts.

Ah, Senator. Master Jedi. I was hoping to catch you both before you went out on stage. Tell me, what makes this operation a necessity? he asked. @Nefieslab

 

[Carrick]

She was watching her breathing and she was already beginning to look less like she was about to keel over the second she came under scrutiny by a few dozen sentient beings from across local space. Of course that was just the press, not even mentioning the largely human audience she would be speaking to who were here to have a fancy dinner and ball. Everyone loved a charity ball but one with a five course meal attached was something that even the worst kind of capitalists could get behind.

That this planet was full of them was evident by the number of people in attendance to act as donors for the cause. They were the typical core-world fatcats and the idea of them naked was often enough to turn stomachs, even if half of them were the trophy sentient partners as per usual.

“Just be glad I warned you.” He joked with a grin, “My uncle told me to do it as a joke and I nearly threw up on the front row. The press thought I had caught a strange infection because of how green I went.”

Ah.

Of course the trouble with the type of people they were appealing to was that they were entitled schuttas and entitled schuttas could only ever be trusted to stroke their own egos. Sparatus, one of the three main shareholders in a conglomerate known as Serrice Council. Carrick had heard of the man before but he hadn’t had the displeasure of meeting him.

“Sparatus, what a lovely surprise to see you on this side of the stage.” Carrick greeted the man with a not so subtle rebuke for his presence, his smile firmly fixed in place, “A pleasure, to be sure. Come now Sparatus, surely you haven’t attended such a lovely ball just to ask a question that your assistant was surely informed of prior to the date?”

He tilted his head to the side slightly.

“It is a sad fact of life that mercy is in short supply while the over half of the Galaxy is at war with the Sith. Regrettably, it seems that existing infrastructure is not sufficient so the Knight beside me – the lovely Zathria – is doing what she can to remedy this deficiency.” He explained slowly as though he was explaining a difficult concept, “Truly, she is doing amazing work and asks only that we provide some meager credits to assist her.”

@Phoenix

 

[Zathria]

Zathria laughed as he mentioned having nearly thrown up at the thought during a previous speech of his. He was already making her feel more relaxed, and she understood why he had managed to make it into office. He had a magnetic personality, as cheesy as that sounded.

Plus he was apparently good at dealing with idiots, which Mr. Sparatus was quickly showing himself to be.

Ah yes, "Sith." We have dismissed them as a real threat. Cultists simply trading on the names and horror stories of the old days, he said, holding up some terrible quotation marks in the air on his three-fingered hand.

I suppose we shall see how compelling your narrative is tonight, Master Jedi. A continuation of your war with these so-called Sith is not what we are here for, he said skeptically before giving them both a nod and turning to walk away.

If they're all like him, I'm not going to get anywhere tonight, she grumbled, looking over to Carrick. What an insufferable man that Sparatus seemed to be.

@Nefieslab

 

[Carrick]

... did Sparatus really just air quote at him?

Well if Carrikc had needed another reason to find the man to be unreasonable and bullish then he had his evidence right in front of him. The fact that Carrick had resisted the urge to literally roll his eyes at the either stupid or ignorant man was a sign of true restraint. Surely if he had been a Jedi still, it was worthy of being called a Master for that small gesture at the very least. He was sure the Council would agree once they had actually met Sparatus.

Dismissing the Sith as a real threat... well not everyone in the Galaxy was given survival instincts he supposed.

"Perhaps not to people of your standing, Sparatus, but they are a real threat to those of differing standings." he nodded to Sparatus as he walked away before adding, once he was out of earshot, "Though anyone not standing atop a pile of their own shit ought to have a better standing than that man..."

Seriously.

It just rubbed him the wrong way.

"Sparatus was born with a stick up his backside but, if he's lucky, I'm sure that after several surgeries..." he winked, "The stick will be free of the cancerous blight it finds itself surrounded by, so it may attempt to salvage a personality."

But they were already being urged on stage by a stagehand so Carrick nodded to the silently urging young woman before turning back to Zathria. Straightening his suit out slightly, he looked her in the eyes before nodding.

"Follow me out, I'll go to the podium first, introduce you and then step to one side." he smiled, "Remember; to the room, not to the people."

Striding with purpose, Carrick moved out onto the stage proper and waved with a bright smile as there was a loud splattering of applause from both attendees and the more polite members of the press. Making his way to the podium, Carrick smiled easily as he placed his hands upon the podium.

"Sentients of this fine world... friends... we are here today because we can do some good in the Galaxy. More good than can be accomplished by a fleet of starships or a company of battledroids!" he declared, earning some small cheers, "For we here today can have more of an impact on the lives and health of millions with a single digital signature each than most planets can dream of! Now I am not the one to give you this chance, this opportunity to be a part of philanthropy on such a large and impressive scale. No, the person responsible for that stands beside me."

He raised a hand, gesturing to Zathria.

"The woman standing beside me tonight, looking impeccable in her dress, is not, to my dismay, my date for the night." he admitted, giving the audience a little joke, "No, I give you the architect behind one of the greatest medical movements in the history of te Galaxy. The woman who had shed bled for freedom and saved countless lives with her medical skills; I give you Jedi Knight Zathria At'Arel!"

True to his word, Carrick stepped to one side and clapped alongside the audience as Zathria was given the podium.

@Phoenix

 

[Zathria]

Zathria snickered at Carrick's comment. She didn't care for that "Sparatus" either, but hearing someone else say what she was thinking always made her feel better.

She nodded quickly as he gave instructions for what she should do. To the room, she thought to herself.

She followed him up on the stage and stood to the side as he gave an introduction. Oh, he was much better at this than she was. He was a natural, and made it sound... so grand. It was a noble cause, but he had such a better way with words than she did.

As he complimented her dress and the audience chuckled slightly, she thought she might have blushed a bit. She was glad she wasn't truly in the spotlight yet. That didn't last long as he motioned to her and introduced her.

She set the paper that contained her notes on the podium in front of her with a wide smile.

Thank you, Seanator for your incredibly gracious introduction, she said, looking over to him with a smile. Had she not been so consumed with her own thoughts of getting through this speech, she likely would have stopped to consider him for several more moments. He was... well, he had captured her attention.

And thank you to all of you for coming out this evening, she said, looking out over the room. True to his advice, her eyes stayed sweeping over the room, but not really settling on any person.

Don't tell anyone, but the dress is a necessity to draw everyone's attention away from my lack of public speaking ability, she said in jest. Her relatively prudish traits prevented her from choosing anything that was truly "distracting," but it also made the joke more appropriate for a Jedi. Or so she thought.

In truth, though, what I really hope you take away from this evening is the message that I'm bringing to you. The galaxy has suffered: if it is not war, it's disease, and if it's not disease, it's poverty, she said. Her face had grown grave, but if she was correct, this wasn't the part of the speech she should linger on for too long.

Each of these creates a need for medical care. Care delivered directly to those in need without barrier or hindrance. That is what this program, this ship... this hospital is about. It's about bringing health to those who need it, she said.

I could stand up here and tell you that you're not investing in a hospital, but in hope, and it would be an entirely accurate statement... I also think it might sound a little cheesy, though, she said, smiling widely, chuckling, and hoping against hope that they decided it was funny as well.

Ultimately, you all know what's going on in the galaxy. I want to start setting things right, and I want you all to be a part of it, she said.

Thank you all for coming out and I hope you enjoy your evening here. Are there any questions? she asked.

@Nefieslab

 

[Carrick]

Carrick stepped away from the podium and was glad to see that Zathria didn't seem to show her nerves. He could tell, through the Force, that she was still nervous but he couldn't see it on her face which meant that no one in attendance would be able to tell that she was nervous at all. It was a great first impression and he very much approved of her strength and cool under pressure. When she thanked him, Carrick merely smiled back politely and bowed his head in acceptance.

This moment was about her though and he was glad to see she understood that and gripped the opportunity with both hands.

A decent start from her introduction, Carrick could already see that some of the people in attendance were reconsidering their previously held beliefs. He knew from experience that several of the assembled people would make token efforts to support the cause. Half of them would be considering this as the taxable write off for this current tax year for Force's sake but he didn't care. Zathria herself might object to their less than perfect reasons or she might not - it depended on how practical she was about the why people were giving them funds.

But overall her introduction had gone well and it seemed the harsher critics within the press were scrambling to think up different angles of attack. She had knocked them off kilter merely by being a good speaker and able to present her case in a way that showed she knew her audience and that was enough to knock them off their stride? Hmm, knowing half of the people in the press pool, they likely believed that she would have just gone with "the Force said so" and leave it at that.

The scrambling of the more acidic reporters allowed one of the moderates to stand forward with a question first.

"Yes, Jedi At'Arel, Stacy Philips from CNN - Corellian News Network - I just wanted to ask you if you have specific ship types in mind for this program? Would you be partnering with ship manufacturers directly or buying second-hand?"

Ah a question from the heartland of ship production about whether or not she would support them or the growing second hand market. Moderate but not easy!

@Phoenix

 

[Zathria]

Zathria didn't catch all the subtleties of the reason the woman was asking the question. The audience gave the general impression of being calm and at as close to peace as she could expect from a crowd, which was a good thing in her book.

She nodded along for a moment at the question before considering her answer.

Well, I think that's what we're here to determine this evening, she said with a slight chuckle. It wasn't untrue, and it was a slightly humorous angle to put on things.

I have some ideas in mind, but whether we buy straight off the line or second hand will largely be determined by funding. The same will hold true for future ships if the opportunity presents itself, she said. It was the first hint given that this may turn into more than a single ship project. It was unwittingly an answer that might bring about excitement and endorsement among ship manufacturers looking for a contract.

Good evening, Khalisah Bint Sinan al-Jilani for Westerlund news. This question is actually for Senator Carrick. Senator with your previous ties to the Jedi and a Jedi Knight running this project how can we ensure the neutrality of this vessel? she asked.

 

[Carrick]

Well she hadn’t fallen into any pitfalls that he could see so he wasn’t going to need to step up and assist her just yet. Instead he watched the crowd of potential donors rather than the press themselves – as much as the press were the loud ones, they were also the ones who didn’t matter. The donors seemed to be interested in the answer to the question.

It made sense really because if she was buying new then they were going to have their names associated with a shiny new ‘fleet’ of medical ships that would reach the hearts and minds of billions. But if she was only going to go with second hand ships then it would be far less to their tastes – that she had thrown it back out there as something that was dependant on this contributions was perfect.

Of course one member of the press couldn’t just leave him to his people watching.

“Miss Al-Jilani – a pleasure as always.”

Always nice to know the names and faces of those who had written scathing articles about him on the holonet even if her own contributions tended to err into self-aggrandizing. As though she was the lone voice in journalism who asked the hard questions! That half of her ‘hard questions’ for him were thinly veiled Anti-Forcer sentiments made it rather hard to listen to her without a roll of the eyes.

“Well you’ve partially answered your own question there I’m afraid. My previous ties to the Jedi are just that – previous. I believe that is well documented by this point but the additional information is equally as simple; while the lovely Knight here shall be helming the venture, she will not be alone.” He assured the ‘worried’ reporter, “The venture is registered as a Galactic Charity and, as such, abides by the laws of the FWA, New Republic and ISC regarding neutral charities. Independent observers will be welcome aboard the vessel, or vessels, at any point and several medical professionals will be on-board assisting from all bodies.”

He smiled a bright and wide smile – one he had practiced far too often in the mirror for his own liking but one he knew people liked.

“This is not about political lines; this is a helping hand to all those who need it.”

He gestured to the next reporter who spoke up.

“Emily Wong, The Free Alderaanian; how closely will the two of you be working on this project?”

Carrick laughed good naturedly and turned to Zathria with a boyish grin.

“Depends how close you would like me working with you, wouldn’t you say Knight At’Arel?”

@Phoenix

 

[Zathria]

Zathria was thrilled to listen to his answer. He was just so good at this, she was a tiny bit jealous. It was all smooth and well oiled. No stumbling over his words, no pausing to try to think of the answers, and no land mines he stepped on.

Ah, a good question from Miss Wong, mostly because it was one that Zathria hadn't either asked or answered. All she could think was how instrumental he had been in getting things off the ground so far.

I would be more than happy to have your continued help, Senator, she said with a genuine smile.

Several more questions were peppered at the pair without too many issues, and the time flew by. Before she knew it, they were being ushered off the stage to the sound of applause. She let out a heavier sigh than intended as soon as they made it backstage. She was sure that they would have to go around and speak to donors directly, but the scariest part where she could screw the entire operation up in one sentence... seemed to be over. Hopefully.

@Nefieslab

 

[Carrick]

Zathria had survived the gauntlet of the press pool and delivered a decent opening speech which meant they got to the stage of the evening where mingling was the word of the day. Carrick made sure to smile and wave to the cameras while standing beside Zathria – at least there wasn’t an actual photoshoot. He had had one or two of those and he had decided, rather quickly, that he would never again subject himself to that.

That she was happy to work with him again in the future was a good sign – meant that he had made a good enough first impression that she didn’t seem to want to lump him in with the other politicians in the room just yet. Hopefully nothing she saw of him today would change that opinion of him but, well, he was a politician and he might just have to keep acting the part.

As they stepped away from the stage he smiled a little bit, the expression more natural than the practiced smiles he gave the reporters.

“Glad I pass the Jedi Test.” He teased with a sly wink, “Still willing to work with me even as you’ve seen me acting like such a politician? I’m flattered, Zathria.”

But now that the press was dealt with (for now) that meant that the drinking and the eating and the dancing would begin. Which meant that the two of them would be expected to press the flesh. Well… Zathria was expected to do so. She was the star of the show – he had just managed to get himself integrated with her so he could enjoy being dragged along in her orbit. He was now associated with her and all the goodwill she had built up.

And all he had to do was be… genuinely helpful to her he supposed.

“Out of the frying pan and into the fire now though I’m afraid. Some of the Great and the Good want to press the flesh.” He warned her quietly as they moved deeper into the hall, “If you need a break first we can dance a little – I’ll say I just had to dance with you first. Has the advantage of being mostly true.”

@Phoenix

 

[Zathria]

Zathria let out a breath and felt herself relax ever so slightly. She looked over to Carrick and smiled at what he said.

I've also seen you acting like not a politician, no? she asked. It was a lightly probing question to see if he was keeping his political face on even with her. You never could be too sure, and she wanted to like Carrick, but she couldn't shake... the little bit of suspicion.

Pressing the flesh? she said with a face that looked something like this :|. Well, that was part of the deal. At least the worst of it was over.

His offer of dancing caused her to pause and frown. Most of the "dancing" her people did involved unarmed combat. She was fairly certain he wasn't talking about Echani dancing, and she didn't really know any other kind.

I'm not sure I'm the best dance partner, she admitted sheepishly. She glanced back over to the dance floor, and her face twisted up ever so slightly at the sight.

@Nefieslab

 

[Carrick]

Well Zathria was cautious if nothing else and she had reason to be. Carrick was often more politician than he was man these days and even his kindness had been… semi-calculated. Not to the degree that it had even been anything but a minor factor in his decision to be so supportive but it had been present. Mostly it had been because he didn’t like to see people nervous if he could help it but he would be lying if he said his mind didn’t acknowledge how good it would be to endear himself to her.

So he was honest.

“It’s impossible to separate who we are from what we do entirely, Zathria.” He admitted with a small smile, “Just like it’s not possible for you to be entire separate from your work as a Jedi – it is a part of you and being a politician is part of who I am in the same way. Not to say I manipulate people on a whim or lie all the time, of course, but I would be lying if I told you that I didn’t think things in line with my profession.”

He grinned a little wider.

“Please don’t hold it against me too much, I haven’t lied at all tonight and I intend to keep it that way.”

Which was… honestly true, strangely enough. Zathria was the first Jedi he’d encountered since he left the Order and he had wanted to assure her that he was honest by not lying at all. Half of it was for her and the other half was for him – he wanted any level of acknowledgement from the Order that he hadn’t simply “lost his way” and “become what he swore to destroy” by leaving the Order. Slightly petty in hindsight but he couldn’t help it.

“Just a few clammy handshakes and we’re off to the bank.” He joked before adding, “No but seriously, there will be some clammy ones. Sweaty palms from clutching their credits so tightly I’m sure…”

She looked… rather put off by the dancefloor actually.

“There’s a story to the way you’re looking at the dancefloor like it stabbed your Jedi Master.” He remarked as he caught two flutes of wine from a passing server and handed her one, “I think you might actually like handshaking and glad-handing more than a waltz.”

Not that he could blame her – learning the different forms of waltz had been an absolute pain in the arse even with Force assisted dexterity.

@Phoenix

 

[Zathria]

She listened to what he said, curious at what he said. Could separate what you were from who you were. She knew it was true in a lot of ways. Being a Jedi was ingrained in her way of thought these days. It was a natural byproduct of being a part of an Order for so long.

Is that why you left? Didn't like the way who and what you were became intertwined? she asked almost before giving it any more thought.

Sorry, that was probably too personal, she quickly followed up, realizing it wasn't a question she should have been asking. She was being a bit too familiar with him, even if they were getting along and had some shared history.

Echani dance is not exactly a waltz. I don't think anyone here would take kindly to it, she said.

I guess it's time to take the plunge, she said, heading out in the direction of the guests. So many guests. Ew.

@Nefieslab

 

[Carrick]

Ah she was asking the big question.

Even better, she had waiting until they were within full view of members of both the press and his own social circle - clever. He basically couldn't afford to make a scene if the question had been too personal and she likely had done it without even meaning to. Carrick smiled a little bit, admiring the play even while acknowledging that it was not required. He had made no bones about his reasons for leaving the Order when asked in the past.

"Not too personal - I get asked it weekly. The boiler plate answer?" he shrugged ever so slightly, "Irreconcilable differences. Same excuse most people put on divorce paperwork so it seemed kind of appropriate in a tongue-in-cheek kind of way."

He hummed ever so slightly.

"Really though? My last remaining family member came to me and begged me to come away with him, to try and restore something to the family name as he was beyond an age to do so." he admitted with a small frown, "As you can see, I don't use my family name but I am determined to help make it mean something again. And I couldn't do that as a Jedi."

Part of the truth... a big part actually but not the whole truth because the whole truth was made up of so many small things. Small disagreements with the way the Order ran things that, on the surface, usually wouldn't mean much but when they were all added to each other? Alongside his family needing him? The Order had lost that fight and he had parted ways before any resentment could begin to form.

Echani dance, huh?

He didn't imagine most of the people here would take kindly to a display of martial prowess, even if Carrick himself was slightly intrigued by the idea of it. But, well, his affinity for women who could punch him out was well known and accepted by himself at this point so it was hardly a surprise. As they approached the first table of guests, a rather small table all things considered, Carrick gave her some information.

"Thomas Harper and his date, Mirathda something or other." he whispered to her as they approached a man with bright blue eyes, a large cigar and a woman who sat prettily like she was supposed to be arm candy but who's eyes (and hidden thigh holster) said otherwise, "CEO of Cerberus Industrial Solutions. Unfortunately acronym, big credits."

He stepped away from Zathria to grin at the man as they approached.

"Harper you old so-and-so, Knight Zathria here just had to meet you so I thought I'd make the introductions."

Harper eyed them both with a wariness before tapping his cigar's ash onto the table... the ash never making there as his date had an ashtray waiting before the tap was even done.

"Knight Zathria... would you say you have a vision for this Galaxy's health care system?" he probed her, not at all making any moves to offer a hand, his eyes piercing, "Or is this the extent of your... vision?"

@Phoenix

 

[Zathria]

He was correct that Zathria had done such a smooth move with absolutely no intention behind it. Entirely an accident and a byproduct of her curiosity.

The cookiecutter answer was, of course, uninteresting, but the real answer was far more interesting. Making something of his family name? Yes, she suppose that wasn't something that the Jedi Order "stood for" but that didn't mean that it was a bad reason for leaving. It wasn't like he had joined the Sith or something.

I guess that means no convincing you to return, she said with a smirk. Still, that wasn't to say she wouldn't potentially try. But then, he was still helping her do good work. Work she couldn't have done without him.

She opted to let it rest for now as they were making their way over to the first set of guests. Perhaps she could bring it up again later.

Zathria found herself approaching a pair who were... interesting. Something about their impression in the Force spoke to depth. She had a feeling that whatever she saw on the surface was only a tiny fraction of what was actually there.

She extended a hand to him, but it was not taken. That didn't put her in the best of moods and left her a bit uncomfortable but she quickly moved past it. Awkward. But she needed to remain unflapped, and his next question caught her off guard.

I have a vision to help as many people as I can, she said. Whatever form that may take from here or beyond, she said. Wow, that felt like she had just given a political answer. Was this what politics felt like? It felt like... being vague.

@Nefieslab