Ask Bastion A Bastion of Freedom

[Vanya]

Per my OP template, thread is death enabled​

Vanya hadn't been with the Jedi long, but it hadn't taken her long to get to work. She'd taken a dive into the history and looked into the worlds that the Jedi had strong influence and ties to. Of all of those, one that stood out the Vanya above all the others was the planet Bastion.

Located at the edge of Jedi-aligned space and the Empire-controlled space, Bastion - she knew - would become a flashpoint of violence and conflict when the inevitable war with the Empire broke out.

The Empire. They were an enigma that Vanya couldn't quite put her finger on. Her limited time working alongside them had not been pleasant, but they had a certain way about them that she respected even if she didn't agree with it. And yet, while the individuals may have earned her admiration, the institution as a whole was one that blatantly tread upon the rest of the galaxy and the independent planets within it. They had stormed into Dathomir and taken what they wanted. Vanya often found herself wondering if helping them had been a mistake, but she was also no friend to the Forgotten Valley Clan.

Ultimately, Vanya decided that heading to Bastion was the most beneficial option available to her. Despite being a probationary Knight, she didn't really feel like she knew what she was doing when it came to being a "Jedi" and she certainly didn't know how to teach anyone anything other than how to fight. Still, they had elected to send a Padawan with her, and she just kind of... said "cool."

As their ship angled in toward the planet's surface, she looked over to the guy in the seat next to her.

So are you good at this "diplomacy" thing? she asked. Vanya was not. Her entire plan was "try not to ruin the relationship the Jedi have established."

 

[Dimetri Unduli]

When Dimetri caught word of the situation he would be handling it made sense to him, as he was in fact part of the Diplomatic Core within the Jedi as just a Padawan. Though it was his first Diplomatic experience as the lead. He mostly shadowed the higher ranking members and take note of how they handle the situations. So he would implement most of what he learned from his teachings.

Then as the brief ended, they threw a bomb on him. He was to bring the Nightsister in training to become a Jedi. He didn't mind bringing along another but it was the 'not yet a Jedi' thing that made him slightly confused, but he didn't argue, there had to be reason for it somewhere. So he would dress himself in his diplomatic robes and make his way to the meeting room where he meet his soon to be Jedi, Nightsister.

When he arrived he had looked around the room with his usual smile, hoping to find her quickly and try to give her a bit of a brief. When he took notice of her, he had a bit of shock go through him. He didn't lose his closed smile but his eyes told everything, she was gorgeous. It seemed strange to him, he always thought of Dathomirians as frightening but here she was and he hadn't the faintest feeling of fright. Instead it was more so minor butterflies. It only lasted a moment before he gathered his composure and made his way to sit next to her. Though now he forgot what he was going to say.

Just when he thought it was going to be an awkward meeting and blow another shot, she spoke up. It was more so to see if he'd be better at this than her. It wasn't anything he wasn't used to. The Mirialan actually kinda figured he'd be doing most of the work in the this meeting. He only hoped it wouldn't be Stazanski at the podium today. The lady was a hardass to put it plainly.

"Yea, you lucked out. I'm in the Diplomatic Core. OH! I'm sorry, how rude of me I didn't introduce myself. I'm Dimetri Unduli. But you can call me Dim if you want." He held out his hand for her to shake. If he was held hanging to long he would pull it back, no point in letting her embarrass him. If she shook it he would give a smirk and start pulling up the agenda for today on his datapad.

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

Dim. He seemed nice enough, but she hoped that his name wasn't a reflection of his intellect. She didn't say that out loud because of course she was sure that wasn't the case, and instead she shook his hand.

Vanya. Good to meet you, Dim, she said. The ship nudged down and settled in on the landing pad it had been assigned, and Vanya shut the ship down.

I am glad to hear you are from the Diplomatic Core, she said. "Diplomacy" on Dathomir mostly consisted of rival Clans going to war or avoiding each other altogether. Now, they were here to convince the leaders of Bastion to more heavily fortify their world in preparation for a potential invasion. You know, just a little thing.

Bastion had a long history as a heavily militarized world. Most military aged males and a large number of the females went into the military and the government handled a great many of the aspects of the planets day-to-day life.

We need to convince them to bring out their old equipment from storage and run more drills with their reserves. The planet already had a strong military, but we want to be sure they are ready if the Empire attacks, she said. It was truly something in the planet's best interest... from a certain point of view. But they had been almost-fanatically loyal to the Galactic Empire and the First Order, so the two of them would have to ensure that those ties didn't extend to the new Empire as well.

@Scoobert

 

[Dimetri Unduli]

Dimetri would take his hand back after shaking hands. But he would carry on in a good mood setting everything up. "It's good to meet you too Vanya." When she mentioned she was happy he was the diplomatic core, he gave a light chuckle and slightly nodded, "Yea, could you imagine if you got an inexperienced Jedi? That'd be brutal."

Once they were placed and ready to begin, Dimetri checked himself over to make sure he looked as professional as possible. He listened as Vanya spoke, she was saying pretty much exactly what he heard during his brief. So at least he didn't have to explain the job to her now. "We'll do our best," Dimetri smiled to her and then looked down to his robes, "How do I look? Ready to kick some verbal ass or what?" He chuckled lightheartedly.

Then the individual on the podium for the meeting had finally taken their place... and it was none other than Fera Stazanski. Anyone who was around would know she was a bit of a hardass and stuck to what she thought heavily. Anyone trying to sway her opinion got shot down one way or another. "It's gonna be a long day."

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

Vanya smiled at his comment, although she wasn't entirely sure if he was joking or not. He smiled and laughed though so it must have been at least partially humor.

You look nice, she said. She glanced down and brushed the wrinkles out of her own robes and straightened the sword and knife at her hip as she had yet to actually craft a lightsaber of her own.

Why a long day? she asked, cocking her head to the side. She didn't know the woman they were heading over to meet, and had no idea what to expect, but she could sense the practical dread flowing off of Dim, and it put her on edge.

@Scoobert

 

[Dimetri Unduli]

Dimetri stood and smile when she said he looked nice, so he returned the compliment, "You as well." Then his eyes back to focusing on the speaker. It seemed obvious he was dreading this meeting now, but he had to make the best of the bad situation. When he turned to see his companion and her asking why it'd be a long day, he took a deep breath.

"Well, to put it lightly.. she can be a.. pain in the ass." Dimetri spoke quietly to keep from others hearing him speak. "But, this mission isn't impossible so there's a plus yea?" He gave a cheesy grin before turning back to Stazanski.

"People of Bastion, and others. We start today's meeting with the only set item on the Agenda. Our military. We have been building an armed force ready to take on even the strength of Imperial forces, or ISC forces should they attempt to take Bastion by force." Stazanski then took a couple pases back and forth on here platform, "I want to move to cut the funding on the reserve militants and focus on our Navy and Army. This should make to benefit the equipment status of both branches in the vast war."

Dimetri knew the funding being cut would mean the reserves and old equipment would become obsolete and possibly be detrimental to the planet. "If I may, I would like to object and make a counter proposal." Dimetri spoke up, but when he did he could see it in Stazanski's cold blue eyes, he just started verbal war.

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

Vanya didn't like the sound of that. She was beginning to wonder if she was really the right choice for this. Well, she hadn't really been "picked" for it. More like she had assigned herself to it because it was in her nature, and sitting by was difficult for her.

At least that is good, Vanya replied as he assured the mission wasn't impossible. She almost wondered if the woman was someone who would respect strength and directness. Those were two qualities that Vanya did have, Plus they were both women. Vanya tilted her head to the side, reminding herself that men were not viewed as... negatively in the rest of the galaxy as they were on Dathomir.

Vanya listened but found herself surprised to not quite be following the information on the agenda. She somehow felt that there was double talk going on that was going over her head, and she didn't like it. Why did everything in the galaxy have to be so difficult. These people couldn't just speak their minds, could they?

Dim spoke up to offer a counter proposal, but Vanya... well, she actually didn't hate the idea of moving the reserves into the main military. If war was coming, better to have everyone ready. Why did she have a feeling that the woman actually meant downsizing?

She glanced over and waited for Dim to continue his proposal as her eyes moved slowly around the room at the people gathered here. Wouldn't it just be easier to use the Essence to change all their minds? She supposed that wasn't very ethical, was it? Forcing them into a war against their own will was probably not great.

@Scoobert

 

[Dimetri Unduli]

Dimetri would do his best to word this in a way that made sense but also carried value. "In the event of a war, Force forbid it happens, Bastion will want willing fighters. Willing fighter who have the equipment to fight armies of force wielding enemies, droids, and troops trained in stealth. If you cut their funding then they go in blind and that will only cause casualties majorly in the groups of militia who fight in the areas that your Navy and Army can't be." The Mirialan chose to end it there for now. The response was what he feared from Stazanski. She never made things easy for anyone.

There were a few Diplomats who shared views with Dimetri's argument but they had to see where it went from here. "Is that so?" Stanzanski asked. Her face unamused, "If we cut our funding of the reserve units we could be giving the technology and equipment you were mentioning to the ones actually trained to fight. These militias are minor losses compared to our true defense system." Her body language read that she was done speaking with the Mirialan. Unfortunately for her, Dimetri wasn't quite done.

"OR! Or, the Army and Navy can take up the militias and train them in how to use the current equipment, and keep them ready to defend the smaller areas of the planet." Dimetri was insistent and if he wanted the decision to sway his way he needed something strong. "Think about it. These militias move undetected as it is. They don't have the numbers of an Army's battalion, or a Navy's fleet. So when reinforcements are needed, these Militias are closer and faster than the next available battalion or fleet. Training them how to fight accordingly would better Bastion's odds. Plus, the ones who fight because they love their home will fight harder than those who get paid to fight for a place they haven't been."

The Padawan would turn to Vanya, he knew of the attack on Dathomir, and that the Nightsisters fought like hell, Vanya was his inspiration for this argument as of right now. Whether she fought the Empire or not, it didn't matter to him because he knew the Sisters and Brothers of Dathomir were a proud people who fought with all they have. He could only hope the same for Bastion.

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

Vanya listened to the arguments unfolding, and was silent as they did. She was beginning to see where both sides sat, and she saw arguments to both. But she also knew that the best way to defend people was to teach them to defend themselves. Teach a woman to hunt and feed her for a lifetime.

If I may, Vanya said, speaking up and suddenly feeling very awkward as all eyes fell on her. She was also very conscious of her accented basic, which was in stark contrast to the tone of those who had spoken so far.

Bastion's defenses are impressive already. Your military and fleet have earned you the title of "fortress world" and rightly so, she said.

Your standing military could slow an invasion, but your militia and the strength of your citizens is what will truly make occupation impossible. If the Jedi were to set up a facility here, perhaps we could bolster your main forces without you having to redistribute money from your militia, she said. She had no idea if such a proposal was either appropriate or something the woman would be open to, but she could at least give it a try.

There was a long moment of silence as the woman considered Vanya's proposal, but the Jedi could almost sense the turning in her mind.

Yes, that could work, she said, and Vanya nearly fell out of her chair. Work with our Chief of Staff to find a suitable location for your outpost, the woman said. Vanya tried and failed to keep her violet eyes from going wide in surprise at her success, but silently thanked the Winged Spirit for her blessing.

@Scoobert 15/20 for persuading her!

 

[Dimetri Unduli]

In the midst of the argument going back and forth, he heard Vanya speak up. It was a slight shock, but he stood by to hear what she had to say, and it seemed Stazanski as well. When the Nightsister spoke, she made a lot of sense and had worded it in a way that was probably more so an offer one can't refuse. Though it was more work for the Jedi, it was a victory for now. Dim was especially shocked when Stazanski agreed with her. Was it because Dimetri was a man? Couldn't get to relatable level? Or maybe he just came about it the wrong way? It didn't matter in this moment though.

Dimetri looked at Vanya and smiled as he mouthed the words "Thank You." Once Stazanski wrapped up the meeting, many of the board members began taking their leave. The Mirialan gathered his stuff and then turned back to his companion. "You did good Vanya. You'll make a fine Jedi." He held out his fist to her looking for a fist bump, he wasn't entirely sure if Dathomirian culture had fist bumps but he went for it anyway.

"Say, you wanna grab a celebratory coffee? There's a good place down the street. They got the teas with the little chewy balls in them too. I forget what it's called though." Dim decided to get to know her. After all she did just win them the day. Something he was having a hard time with.

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

Vanya was ecstatic and relieved, feeling an absolute thrill running through her as she got up to leave and was congratulated by Dim. She practically lit up with a smile as he said she would make a good Jedi, still not entirely sure of it herself as she tried to get her footing on what exactly that looked like.

Thank you! she said. As he stuck his fist out toward her, she just stared at it for a moment before grabbing it in her palm and shaking it. She was familiar with handshakes, and had to assume this was simply a variant.

That would be nice, she said with a nod before pausing. Although perhaps we should get them to go. I believe we need to meet with their Chief, she said, having missed the last few words, but getting the general idea.

For the moment though, she headed in the direction he indicated and went inside, looking at their list of teas before selecting one that sounded the closest to something she would find on Dathomir. It was served up a few minutes later, and it gave them a few moments to chat in the meantime.

Tell me about yourself, Dim. I know you are diplomatic corps, but what else? she asked.

@Scoobert

 

[Dimetri Unduli]

When the Nightsister grabbed Dim's fist, the Mirialan laughed a little as she shook his fist bump. "Okay we'll work on that." As the two began heading towards the coffee shop, Vanya had the good idea to get them to go, it made sense. They had to speak with the chief and get the plans going for the future. Dim would nod and agree, "Couldn't have said it better myself."

Once they made it to the shop, Dim would pull out his wallet and pay for the drinks. He saw a pink tea and figured why not. As they waited Vanya did the kindness of getting to know more about him. Dim thought for a second and then smiled a little as he answered, "Well I'm related to Luminara, a former member of the Jedi Council. I play guitar and have small gigs at dive bars. I can't think of much else," Dim would scratch the back of his head feeling slightly nervous. "What about you? A Nightsister is all I was told about you, so tell me, who is Vanya?"

His eyes focused on her as he grabbed the drinks off the counter once the employee called his name, and held hers out for her. Surprisingly this was the longest conversation he had with a girl his age. As they kept talking, Dim kept his focus on her, as he listened to what she had to say, he'll look away to pay attention to where they walked as they made their way to speak with the chief.

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

Vanya was excited about their progress, deciding this "Jedi" thing was something she could get used to after all. Absolutely thrilling!

Vanya took her tea from Dim with a Thank you, and once again she practically lit up as she stuck it under her nose and took a deep breath of the steamy, scented goodness before taking her first sip. She had no idea who "Luminara" was, but she was familiar with the Jedi Council, and it sounded impressive that he was related to one of them.

You will be on the Council one day, then? she asked. She wasn't sure how it worked, and while things on Dathomir weren't strictly hereditary, bloodlines did carry heavy weight.

I was the First from the Singing Mountain Clan. Firsts are the apprentices to the Clan Mother and are usually expected to one day take a position as the Clan Mother themselves, she explained. That was assuming they didn't die. More and more of the Firsts had been caught up in the wars of the outsiders.

The Nightsisters have helped spread much violence in the galaxy, and my Clan is one of those that thought it time to help spread some protection and healing, she explained, though that wasn't truly the entirety of the reason.

Mother Therit also thought it best if I spend some time away after my involvement with the recent conflict, she said. Many of the Clans were not happy about the Singing Mountain providing aid to the Imperials. Although they did it for their own reasons, it was not something looked kindly on.

So now I am here, learning how to be a Jedi, she said.

@Scoobert

 

[Dimetri Unduli]

When Vanya asked if Dimetri would be on the Council one day he just kinda scratched his head with a facial expression kinda saying "eh" and would give a couple small quiet laughs, "Well, I have a long way to go. The Council is made up of the best and I'm far from. I can only hope to make it there. Maybe one day though." He would finger at her and then take a sip of his drink.

What really caught his interest was Vanya explaining her past wayyy better than he did. It was obvious who was in a more comfortable position. Maybe he just needed to loosen up. The way she explained what being a First meant, it sounded pretty cool. A lot of responsibility for sure, but pretty cool title nonetheless. Plus this Mother Therit sounded like a pretty good person. Guess it goes to show not all Dathomirians feel the same as the ones who side with the Sith or Empire. "Well, Mother Therit sounds like a good woman. And I'm kinda glad I met you. Opened my eyes a little."

It was true before this conversation Dathomir sounded like a vile place, it honestly still did, but at least there were good parts there. Even if some of the good parts were still pretty bad. Dimetri would look in front of them to see a group of troops and what seemed to be a high ranking officer in front of them. "Hey," Dim would point forward for a brief moment, "I think we found our guy." The Mirialan would look to his new friend and let the corners of his lips curl a tad before speaking again. "You ready?"

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

Vanya saw that he lacked confidence in himself, and she knew that it would come with time.

I'm sure if you keep at it, you will be an excellent Knight and more, she encouraged him. Sometimes that was all it took. Sometimes it took something more, and she couldn't pretend to have an idea of what would settle better for him.

They started walking back toward the are they would find the Chief of Staff, and Vanya continued to think.

Vanya missed Mother Therit and the rest of her Clan, but she tried not to dwell on it. In truth, there was something liberating about being out on her own with no one else expecting anything of her. She could do what she wanted, when she wanted, how she wanted without consulting anyone else. It was freeing in its own way.

Yes, let's speak with him, she said, heading over in the direction of the man Dim indicated.

Hello, I am Vanya and this is Dim. We are from the Jedi Order and would like to speak with you about where our Order might make an outpost. We were told you were the person to coordinate with, she said, as direct as ever.

@Scoobert

 

[Dimetri Unduli]

As Vanya took the lead on introduction, Dim would stand with his drink in one hand and his other on his belt. It was a relaxed approach, but also had the look of business. The Chief took a glance at the pair and then spat at the ground to his right. "Yea I heard a couple Jedi were coming by to talk about something. So y'all setting Jedi up out there? Or y'all need troops?" The man's voice was rough and deep. He stood fairly tall, with a bushy mustache cover his mouth and stubble where his beard would be. Gray hairs growing in random spots.

Dimetri was letting Vanya show her confidence, but he also knew if she needed assistance explaining, he was right there to help. Plus why interject when he liked hearing her Dathomiri accent? Taking a sip he would nod at the man's comment about setting Jedi up out there, but when he mentioned troops Dim slowly shook his head. The point of the post was to train militia, at least he was going to make it the point. The army and navy were strong already, it was the common folk who needed better training with weapons so they could defend their homes.

Though, in hindsight it would be good to have troops present at the base to keep training the militia to its fullest when the Jedi can't be present.

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

Just setting up an outpost and hopefully making it so that you can focus on your troops being ready to fight when the time comes, she said. He seemed to look at her oddly when she used the word "when" as if war was a foregone conclusion.

And you think that this war's inevitable, eh? he asked, looking at them both.

Well, I happen to agree. If war with the Empire or the Sith comes, you'll be able to count on my support at least. I figure we're better off having y'all here and helping us fight than just leaving us on our own. If you're bleeding with us, we'll be there with you, he said with a reassuring nod of his head.

There's an old First Order facility built into one of the mountains. We can help you build something there if you'd like. It's near one of our newer military bases so we can coordinate together, he said.

Vanya thought it was ironic that the Jedi would be moving into a former First Order facility, but sometimes the Force was just ironic like that.

@Scoobert

 

[Dimetri Unduli]

Dimetri would nod at the cooperation that has been made here. It was shockingly smooth how well this was going. Well, a win is a win and the Jedi were making better connections with the planets that work with them. "First Order Facility? That'd be perfect honestly, their defensive setups were top of the line. Should be a fairly easy point to defend with some improvements." The Mirialan take a deep breath look back at the Chief, "So can we get a ride up to the facility?"

The older man would nod and look at the Jedi, "Yea got a convoy heading that direction anyhow, should be able to have them make a pitstop along the way." Dimetri would nod to Vanya and then start walking over to the convoy. This ride was going to take them to the First Order's old facility and the Jedi could report to the Council what resources they would need along with the leaders of Bastion's military.

Riding with the convoy, Dimetri would speak up, "I was told you guys could make a pitstop for the First Order's old facility." A man in a military uniform would look at the Jedi and light a cigarra, "Spose so. You two them Jedi everyone been ramblin bout lately?" Dim looked confused and turned to Vanya with a look of 'wow that fast' then back to the man. "That would be us." Then man took a long drag and then as he exhaled he would sigh, "Get on then, it'll take bout twenty to get there." Dim would nod and then turn to Vanya, "Let's go."

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

Vanya was ecstatic. If this was all there was to being a Jedi then it was going to be a breeze! Of course, she had no idea what it could mean to be a Jedi, but she was no stranger to war and loss. Deep down, she knew that smooth days like today were one in one hundred.

She smiled warmly at the troops dropping by to pick them up, and climbed aboard. She wondered if they would survive the war to come. It was inevitable in her mind, and many would die. She wondered to herself if it was worth it. It had to be, didn't it?

Yes, let us go, she said, pulling her mind back to the present. That was a problem for later. What did the Jedi always say? Keep your focus here and now. Sound advice, she thought.

//Thread @Scoobert