Better Circumstances [jedi334, Mal]

[Mara]

[...from Soldiers, Jobs, and Droids]

"Come with me. I will contact Jedi Nero and Jedi Chias; they will be down momentarily." The young Tholothian woman nodded at them and then serenely led the senator and her small entourage away from the northern entrance to the Temple. This gate was expressly in use for the public, visitors to the Jedi, and as such was not as grand as the main entrance with all its statues and grandeur. Or the great hall with its sweeping heights and ceiling that it led into.

However, Ina still found it awe-inspiring and spectacular, unable to keep her gaze from lifting upwards as they walked forward. She had never been to the Temple before and wanted to take it all in. The junior senator from Arkania had been on Coruscant for quite some time now, but a trip to the headquarters of the Jedi had never come up until now. Her work had kept her busy, stuck in Senate proceedings or committee meetings. And when she wasn't doing that, she was spending any free time trying to accomplish important breakthroughs regarding the plight of the voiceless, those beings she felt for.

Also, if she had admitted it to herself previously, she just was not all that interested in the Jedi. She didn't dislike them; in fact, quite the opposite. The Offshoot respected them and their place in the Republic greatly. Ina knew they were important. And their connection and use of this mysterious Force left her quite confounded. However, they weren't the only path in the galaxy that could do so. There was the government, which she was a part of, and which she felt just as important, if not more so, as the Jedi. Thusly, a trip to see the lightsaber wielders had never been on her agenda.

Arriving at a small but tastefully and simply decorated reception alcove, the female Jedi gestured for the group to make themselves comfortable before taking her leave of them to return to her duties at the visitors' entrance. Ina smiled her thanks and then found a seat to settle into to wait. Ofi, the avianlike droid that served as both her bodyguard and translator, hopped down off the woman's shoulder and found a perch on a nearby chair. And then there was Mal Denton, the male human who she had just hired as her secondary bodyguard, a concept that was taking her a bit to get used to. Not much of an escort, but it was all she needed. Especially among all these Jedi.

She was here to meet with the Jedi who had saved her and give them a proper thanks. After all the chaos in escaping Boz Pity--she had only learned the planet's name later--there hadn't been much time for that. What with wanting to get out of there and her father needing medical attention for his hand and arm. Not to mention just needing to put that awful place behind her, a dismal lair that she had briefly thought would eventually be her tomb. Her mind had been on other things, understandably. And so she had decided to stop by the Temple today to take care of what she hadn't been able to do before. Getting to finally see the inside of the magnificent building that she could see in the distance from her office was a bonus.

They had not been there long before Ina caught a glance off in the distance of a familiar figure. A wide smile of recognition spread across her pale features seeing the Echani form of Jedi Chias making her way towards the alcove where they waited. Ina stood and stepped forward.  When the other woman was close enough, she began signing, her hands excitedly moving; behind her, Ofi translated aloud in her mechanical female voice. "Hello, Chias!" On the way back to Coruscant, the senator had taken to calling the Jedi by their given names instead of addressing them more formally.

"I am so glad you had time to come and see me. Us. I appreciate it very much." She glanced back at Ofi and Mal before returning her blue eyes to the Jedi. "I do hope you have been well?" Ina lifted her arms up but stopped short of actually hugging the Echani, not exactly versed in the etiquette regarding Jedi and what was frowned upon, what was allowed. But then her gaze took on a worried look; Chias had come alone. "Where is Reiko?" The Offshoot senator had planned on thanking the pair who had saved her and her father together.

[jedi334]

Chias Nero sat in her garden eating her mid day meal. She knelt on her knees quietly eating her small bowls of noodles and broth trying her best not to slurp even though she knew that she was the only one who came to this garden regularly.

She had just finished a lecture with her morning class on the many the different classes that were in the Order and if they made pass their Trails and knighted that they would have the opportunity to choose which suited them best.

It had been a lively discussion. The boys wanting to know which class gave them access to he double sided lightsaber and the girls wanting to know which let them talk to animals. It was rather amusing to the young Echani, when she was their age she had no real interest in where she was put…in truth she doubted she would be picked for apprenticeship .

Her first year as a youngling was very lonely; she would simply go to classes, eat and then return to her chambers to read until her next lesson. Then she was assigned an essay Jedi philosophy. Knowing nothing of the subject she had went to the Archive for reference materials.

It was there that the Archive Head Master saw her walk into the Main Hall barefoot and began to chastise her for being disrespectful and should wear proper footwear. Then a young human male with a cybernetic eye intervened and saved Chias from being brought before the High Council.

This was the day she had met her Master Doreas Chen, he helped with her essay and Chias became regular to the Archive…years later she became his padawan and the rest as humans said was history. So unsure she was back then but now her she was, she hoped the same road lay in store for this new class of younglings, for in this uncertain time the Jedi needed as many Knights possible, both on and off the battlefeild.

She was brought out of her chain of thought by the arrival of a young Tholothian she was a Knight assigned to greet the public whenever they visited the Temple. “Master Nero?” she said “Forgive the disturbance but they are some visitors here to see you.”

She tilted head slightly in confusion. “Visitors?” she asked rising “Who is here may I ask?”

“Junior Senator Irrina Icharus of Arkania, her translator droid and her bodyguard.” She said “A Mal Denton I believe.”

Thoughts of her and Mal misadventure with the flower vendor came inot her mind. To make him stop price slashing she had made him thin Ina was some highly fear member of the Senate. It had worked but she worried that Mal would get in trouble. Perhaps she was here demanding answers.

“I see.” She said brushing some stray grass “Where are they now?”

“I brought them to one of the reception areas.” The Knight said

“Then take me to them.” Chias said “Never let be said a Jedi leaves a Senator waiting.”

They walked down the spiral ramp leading to the garden. “She also asked for Knight Reiko Shae. I have looked for her all over but I can’t find her.”

She sighed in relief but still frowned at Reiko’s absence “Keep looking.” She said “Reiko is proud but she should be here nonetheless.”

“They are right around the corner.” The Knight said then left to search for the Wroonian.

Chias entered her bare feet peeking from under her gown as she walked, seeing Ina’s happy expressions and tried her best not o giggle as she attempted a hug her but stopped herself.

Chias instead took the initiative and wrapped her small arms around the woman an embraced her for a long time. She then broke the hug and began to sin moving her hands and speaking silently so she could read her lips.

“Senator.” She said bowing her head “A pleasure to see you again…under much better circumstances I am sure. Welcome to the Jedi Temple. I have been very well thank you.”

Her blue eyes moved to the avian droid that sat on the Senators chair “Ofi.” She said a loud nodding with a smile “Wonderful to see you as well. I see you recovered from the damage suffered during the mission. Ina is lucky to have such a loyal friend beside her.”

She then looked to Mal her smiled widening as she ran to him and hugged him tightly pulling her small body up slightly as she squeeze

She looked up at him smirking “I have a feeling you had something to do with this little visit sir." she said poking his nose with her pointer finger "and do not try to deny it...I am a Jedi after all.”

She motioned for them to the chairs and small table in the middle of the room, her face apologetic as Ina brought up Reiko.

“My apologies Senator.” She said settling herself “Unlike myself, Reiko’s position within the Order calls her away from the Temple more often then not. If she is not found by the time you leave I shall give her your regards.”

A protocol droid entered as Chias saw and looked to her guests. “Can I get you anything to eat or drink?” she asked smiling, very happy at this visit.

[Mal]

Mal rolled his neck, this wasn't his first trip to the Jedi Temple, but this was so far the deepest he'd gone into it. The last time he'd been here, he'd just sat at the tables and spoken with a Jedi Knight. This time he was being led into a deeper room where Ina could speak privately with Jedi Chias Nero and Jedi Reiko Shae. He already knew Chias, he'd met her not long ago and found that the young knight was quite friendly and nice. He enjoyed her company and considered her to be his friend. She was a good person first and foremost, and that was what mattered in the long run. He'd never met Reiko Shae that he knew of, but she had helped save Ina, so she was good in his book for the time being. And he doubted anything would change there.

The soldier took in everything as they walked, a young Tholothian leading them to a small alcove for them to wait. He nodded and smiled politely at the Tholothian as she left to go and get Chias and Reiko. Looking around the place, Mal let out a low, soft whistle. The alcove they were in probably held more credits in one corner than his entire apartment had ever possessed. Of course the same thing could be said about the senate. But then, he liked the spartan style of his apartment. He had what he needed and then some, so he really didn't have room to complain about anything. Besides, he knew there were people on Coruscant that had far less than he did. And here he was working as a bodyguard to a senator, so that he could learn more about the Force. He couldn't help but feel a little guilty about that, but pushed those thoughts aside. Best not be a Force sensitive feeling a negative emotion in the middle of the Jedi temple. Could be bad.

He smiled as he felt Chias getting closer, the last time he had been around her he had memorized what she felt like in the Force. So he knew she was coming a few seconds before she rounded the corner, he would have said something to Ina and Ofi, if he'd had time to say anything before she arrived. He needed to exercise his ability to use the Force more. It was all still so new to him, he felt lucky that he was even able to touch the Force, let alone be able to sense what he could. Still, he needed to work with Clerix some more.. No, best to tear his thoughts away from that subject. He was in the middle of the Jedi temple, no need to risk getting the Jedi in trouble for helping him how he had been. So his mind came back to the present, and none too soon at that.

Chias ran to him and pulled him into a tight hug, which he happily returned with a smile matching hers. "It's good to see you too Chias." Mal picked the Jedi up off the ground for a moment before setting her down and holding her at arm's length. "And for the record, I had nothing to do with this visit. It was all my boss over there, she has something she wants to tell you." His smile widened and he winked at the Echani in front of him, before he let his arms fall back to his side and he motioned with his head for her to go over to Ina. And he hadn't lied one bit at all, the Jedi could search his mind throughout and would not find any deception about why he was in the Jedi temple today.

Mal looked to Ina for a moment and gave her a apologetic look, that had been very unprofessional, but he had no doubts of her safety in the temple. The Jedi wouldn't let anything happen to anyone within these walls, he was positive of that. They were guardians of the peace after all, what good would they be if they couldn't even protect people within their own walls? So he wasn't as concerned about her safety, though that didn't mean he was taking things easy. He still had his senses spread as far out as they could go, which wasn't far he had to admit, but it was better than nothing. And he was paying attention to everything, his eyes moving to the protocol droid as it entered, and shaking his head lightly at Chias' offer. "No, thank you Jedi Nero." Due to this being a more formal meeting, he felt that it was only right to be more formal with Chias than if they had met up outside work for a cup of tea.

[Mara]

Ina's blue eyes widened as the Jedi took her up on her half-attempt of an embrace. But she soon got over her astonishment and squeezed the slight Echani back. The action still might not have been polite protocol for beings of their status, but after all, they had been through a lot together, her kidnapping and rescue still fresh in her memory. And she was happy to consider this member of the Order a friend, even if might be taboo for her fellows.

They let go of each other, and the senator had a new surprise: Chias was signing! If the other had spoken with her hands before this moment, the Offshoot had been likely too shocked and traumatized to notice. This young Echani was full of surprises, this the most pleasant of all, as Ina had never run into another being besides her father and dear friend Riqi who know the language. Especially not in the realm of politics where they all expected it the other way around. Concessions by by others not themselves. So one more point in the favor of the Jedi.

She nodded and smiled pleasantly at the Jedi's words, pleased at being able to communicate more directly with her. Ina then returned the favor, not realizing that Ofi would continue to translate aloud, out of habit and out of grudging respect for Denton. << Indeed. The circumstances much better this time around. >> No one in the Temple was trying to run experiments on her while she was strapped to a metal chair. The woman was relaxed and not in fear of her life.

<< And thank you... I have never been in here before. It's very beautiful. >> Expressing her awe at seeing the grandeur of the Temple for the first time. She had never realized, having gazed at the exterior of the complex from time to time, what it held inside its walls. Of course, it was rather imposing from the outside, a little stark, with its monuments and towers. But within, it was just spectacular, like another world all itself. Ina could see why Jedi would love living there.

When Chias turned and greeted Ofi, the droid merely just stared back at her. A slight tilt of her head the only sign that she had even heard the Jedi speak to her. Because she had nothing to say to the Jedi. She already knew that Ina was lucky to have her. Without her, she would still be in the clutches of that crazed Caamasi. Not to mention everything else she provided for the senator, from security to friendship.

And then Ina was left shocked once more, as she watched her new bodyguard, Mal Denton, and the Jedi Chias greet each other. As if they were already familiar with each other. The senator realized she shouldn't be too amazed about that; after all, the man had been military and had likely associated with the Jedi from time to time perhaps. But that it had been the same member of the Order that had helped orchestrate her rescue was a little against the odds. It really was a small galaxy, despite outer appearances.

Soon, all the pleasantries had been finished, and they were seated comfortable in the small but tastefully furnished alcove. Chias addressed Ina's question as to where her Jedi counterpart was, and she sat quietly. Trying not to let any disappointment cloud her pale features. She should have expected it; dropping on them unannounced, the likelihood that both Jedi would be in the Temple was slim. But Ina had gotten the idea in her head and just ran with it.

With a smile, happy to at least have one of her saviors here, << I completely understand. And I appreciate the gesture, but I will just stop by another time when Jedi Reiko is here. It will be no trouble. >> Ina would much rather deliver her heartfelt thanks in person. Especially since she had more than words to offer to the two Jedi. And even with all her senatorial duties, she would be able to schedule another time to visit the Temple.

<< Some tea would be wonderful. Thank you. >> Though not particularly hungry or thirsty, Ina felt it would be very rude not to accept at least something from the Jedi. After all, Chias was just trying to be a good host to her guests, even if they had dropped in unexpectedly. The senator knew she would have done the same had the tables been turned. Wanting to do her best to make any visitors feel welcome.