Ask A Little Less Conversation

[Maxims Tionson]

Morndell Avon was a dangerous ally to call upon but the Jedi were not currently blessed with an abundance of options when it came to senators who actively supported them. That said supportive senator was also a military man made some members of the Order uncomfortable - many of them were worried that associating with him might taint them or give the impression that they were angling for more militant action against the Sith.

To those members of the Order? Max had zero karking sympathy.

Those same members of the Order, from padawan to council, had approved Kori and the 'Guardians' going out and literally forming a fleet. They didn't get to say that they didn't want to appear to be preparing for battle by accepting an offer of friendship while also making sure that the Order had access to actual, capital, warships. Sure, they were useful to have and Max himself had acquired several dozen starfighters and pilots.

But he wasn't going to pretend they were for anything other than defense in a war that had already started. Just acting as though it wasn't happening didn't make it go away. He ran a hand through his hair as he waited in the waiting room for the Senator to be free to see him.

He was drinking coffee as he waited, dressed in his Jedi robes for this visit in fact rather than the armoured suit he was growing tired of wearing when meeting new politicians.

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Morndell Avon]

Edmund was bored.

General– ahem, Senator Avon had been on one meeting after another, and the young aide couldn't help but feel bad for his superior as the older man was bombarded with more paperwork and problems that needed addressing with regards to their homeworld. It still felt a little odd to him that the citizens had chosen to elect a military man in office, but he supposed that times were indeed changing. That the spiritual and peace-loving people would choose a man who had once walked the path of violence for the sake of peace said so as much.

The young aide might not be Chalactan by blood, but he deeply appreciated the majority's decision when it came to the ever-growing chaos the Sith was intent on sowing in the galaxy.

What did that poem he'd read before say again about a good man going to war? Right. He'd just hope that demons would come running now that Chalacta was prepared to keep the peace.

Piece of bread in his mouth, Edmund continued his daily rounds in the senate building while he waited for Senator Avon and Ramone. The two have gone out to help with repairs to an old temple nearby, and knowing his superior would be hard at work alongside the citizens. He took another turn down the hall just as his commlink chimed. He paused mid-bite, eyes growing wide at the message that the Jedi who had arranged for a meeting with Senator Avon was already here.

"Ah, shite!"

And he was supposed to be the one to attend to the Jedi before the senator's arrival!

Edmund made his way back where he came, reaching out through the Force as he hurried towards the waiting room. Kark. The senator would chew him out for this oversight!

—·—​

Morndell, along with Ramone, stepped inside the senate building. The senator was clad in a simple tunic, khaki pants, and work boots. There was a small smile on the senator's face, dark eyes awash with satisfaction at a good day's hard work – granted it was still sometime before noon, but still. He looked forward to more manual work in the afternoon.

"We've returned just in time before your meeting with Master Tionson, Senator," said Ramone, leading the way to his superior's office. "Should I ask for a helper to bring you your uniform?"

Morndell waved the offer off, wiping the sweat off his face with a towel. "No – I already have one available in my office. Just check on Edmund, see if he's on his way to escort Master Tionson to the waiting room–"

The sight of a set of Jedi robes and the Jedi himself greeted the two Chalactans as they passed the aforementioned room. At least the man looked comfortable enough, and that Edmund had supplied him with a cup of coffee while he waited. But where was the young aide–

Edmund stepped into the room, looking as if he had been chased by a gundark. The young aide's eyes widened comically with horror at the sight of his superior, his fellow aide, and the Jedi congregating in the room.

One brow raised and an unreadable expression on his face, Morndell gazed from his wayward young aide then to the Jedi.

"Master Tionson, good day," Morndell said in greeting, voice even and laced with slight amusement as Edmund seemed to shrink under Ramone's disapproving glare. "Please pardon the state I'm in," he continued, gesturing absently at his work clothes and the towel on his shoulder. "I must ask you to please wait for a moment while I, as the ladies call it, freshen myself and change into something more decent. If there is something you need while waiting, just tell my assistants."

With a quick salute, Morndell walked towards his office, leaving the Jedi with Ramone and Edmund. The younger aide, for his part, looked somewhat chastised by the glare he received from his fellow assistant. Morndell's departure left an awkward air in the waiting room, the silence broken by Ramone when he cleared his throat.

"Master Tionson, allow me to welcome you to our homeworld, and to offer you an apology for the poor hospitality you must have been given upon your arrival in the senate building," Ramone began, bowing apologetically. A subtle glare had Edmund doing the same.

"I'm sorry for my oversight, Master Jedi," supplied the younger between the two assistants. Eager to rectify his mistake, Edmund reached out through the Force, levitating the coffee maker to his waiting hands as he approached. "May I offer you another cup of coffee?"

Moments would pass and Ramone would receive a message from Morndell. The senior aide would then ask and gesture for the Jedi Master to follow him and Edmund to the senator's office. The two aides moved seamlessly in tandem, with Edmund opening the door for Max and Ramone gesturing for the Jedi to enter. The two would only follow after Max had been seated, with Ramone standing to Morndell's right and Edmund, to his left.

"Well met, Master Tionson," Morndell would then properly greet Max, standing from his seat and extending a hand to the Jedi Master. "It's a shame we haven't really been given a chance to share a word or two back in Chandrila, but I am grateful for your presence here. Now," in a more businesslike tone and done with pleasantries, the senator continued, "I believe there are matters of pressing importance that have brought you in my homeworld."

@Nefieslab

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Honestly, reading the emotions through the building had been quite amusing. He had been following the progress of someone who had an almost comical level of mild panic through the building with his mind and when he burst into the waiting room, Max hid his smile behind another sip of his coffee as the source of his panic entered the room from the other end. It seemed the senatorial aide had not been informed of his arrival by the helpful secretary who sat him down to wait with the coffee.

And then there was the senator himself, who seemed more at home with combat boots on and a splattering of sweat on his brow. Upon the senator’s arrival in the room, Max rose from his seat to stand to greeting him. When Morndell saluted, Max responded with a short bow.

“By all means Senator – the wait has been most pleasant so far.”

He sat back down and decided to finish the coffee. Despite what he had expected… it was actually really good coffee, the kind that he didn’t have a hope of having at the Temple so he was going to enjoy it. He waved off the concerns of the aids as he enjoyed the coffee.

“It’s been more thank hospitable to me don’t you worry a single bit.” He assured them before grinning, “However the coffee is excellent – I would adore another cup if you are offering.”

Honesty was the best policy in his book, especially when it might get him more coffee.

Following one of the aides without a word at his signal, Max straightened his robes ever so slightly. The office was nice without being over-the-top which was a nice change of pace from what he assumed most politicians enjoyed. Nicolas hadn’t really been big into showing off either so it was more of an assumption still since his actual experiences erred toward the idea that Senators enjoyed rather Spartan offices.

Shaking Morndell’s hand with his own, semi-cybernetic, right hand and smiled brightly before taking a seat when offered.

“Senator Morndell – I have the same regret. It seems we have a chance to make up for lost time, however.” He smiled wide, “Straight to business then? Excellent. Our business with your planet is two-fold, Senator. We received a call for aid from an expedition into one of the older Temples hidden inside a valley on your planet. Our top archaeologist Master was sent to check on the expedition and report back, so as to preserve the site no matter what.”

He would take a sip of the coffee if it had been produced. If not he would merely smile a little wider.

“To dispense with any subtle actions at all? We would like, with your permission and the permission of your local government, to set up a Jedi Temple within that same site. From what we know of it, it would fit perfectly for the Jedi and we, in turn, would make for excellent caretakers for it.” He explained, spreading his hands slightly, “In truth, Senator no… General. In truth the Jedi need to decentralize to prevent a decapitation strike. That it allows us greater integration with our allies is a benefit that cannot be understated either. Our capacity for joint assaults and defenses would be greatly improved.”

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Morndell Avon]

Edmund was more than willing to make up for his mistake and supplied another fresh brew for the Jedi to take before escorting the latter towards Morndell's office.

The senator's gaze did not linger on the most prominent features the Jedi Master displayed, namely his semi-cybernetic hand, the scar on his face, and his left eye. Morndell had seen gruesome injuries that left lasting, debilitating effects on soldiers during the time he'd served in the frontlines. To say that he was familiar with cybernetics and the like was an understatement, though he was fortunate enough to count himself and his young aides lucky that the massacre they witnessed and experienced first hand back in Morak didn't leave them with lasting, physical injuries.

"Morndell will do, please. I tire of formalities thrown my way even on close doors," he requested, smiling thinly but genially nonetheless.

He was glad that Max was quick to relay the main points for this meeting. The first part was interesting enough. Admittedly, Morndell was partly... detached from the more spiritual teachings of their people. And while he would rather act than waste time to consult the opinions of those who sought spiritual enlightenment, the senator still held respect for the archaic ways of their elders.

From the way Max seemed to consider the importance of the aforementioned Temple (the Jedi Order wouldn't send their top archeologist, and a Master, to boot), Morndell had already expected the second part of the discussion before it was relayed. He might be the representative of his homeworld to the New Republic, but he did not, regretfully, have the power to just say 'yes' to any and all propositions – whether if it was for Chalacta's greater good. But if there was any good news that Max wanted to hear at this very moment?

"I would like to know the identity of this archeologist Master you speak of, as well as the company they might bring with," the senator bespoke though not unkindly, "so we may at least offer any aid we could provide for them during the expedition."

Elbows resting on the table and hands clasped, Morndell leaned forward a little, meeting the Jedi Master's gaze. "The anti-FS sentiments have reached this planet, Master Tionson, but rest assured that majority of my people does not support it one bit. As such, the local government would surely vote in favor for giving you the permission you seek to set up a Temple in any site you prefer." A smile, with a small touch of assurance, crossed the senator's face. "We only need to hear and receive the formal vote for that to happen."

"If I may, Senator, Master Tionson?" Ramone spoke, glancing between his superior and the Jedi Mastet. At Morndell's nod and should Max give the aide permission, Ramone would continue. "Master Tionson... By setting up a Temple here, wouldn't that garner the Sith's attention to our planet? I do not, by any means, wish to offend. But we have been supplied information about the Sith Order forming strong ties with one of the leading Syndicates in the criminal underworld, the Black Sun. Not only that, but the Sector Rangers, as stated by Lieutenant Corran Velt, believe that others from the Syndicate are on good terms with the Sith–"

"All the more reasons to let the Jedi set up a temple here," Edmund supplied helpfully, one hand sweeping towards Max' direction. "With or without the presence of Jedi in our planet, who's to say that the Sith will overlook us? It's only a matter of time until they bring destruction in Mid Rim planets like they've done in the Outer Rim and Core Worlds. And he's right about strengthening our capacity both for joint assault and defenses."

Morndell listened attentively to his aides' words. The senator heaved a sigh, sitting up straight until his back made contact with his seat's backrest. He could understand the need for decentralization Max spoke of. Prevented a group from getting wiped out in one, fell swoop. And from Lt. Velt's report, the Sith Order was growing in power. Who was to say that the Darksiders weren't seeking to destroy their Order's sworn enemy by striking hard at their main temple, wherever that might be?

He understood Ramone's worry and Edmund's insight. Appreciated them, even. But something nagged in the Senator's mind ever since the first meeting he'd attended in the FWA as the newly-elected Senator for his homeworld.

"One question, Master Tionson, if I am to be allowed to ask," Morndell said, catching the attention of both his assistants. "I've heard this on the Senate, but I do not wholly trust the Senator of Ord Tidell's report..."

Inquisitive dark eyes met the Jedi's gaze.

"What really happened on Sullust?"

Morndell didn't need to make any follow-up questions. He expected Max to be truthful, whether if he chose to answer from the beginning of the assault up to the end or not.

@Nefieslab

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Fresh cup of coffee in hand and permission to call the Senator of Chalacta by his first name; Max was happy to say that the meeting was off to a good start. Seemed like the former officer thought himself more of a military man than a political one. They were a good match if that was the case because, often, Max found himself thinking in equal parts as a Jedi and as a cop. More often as a Jedi these days but he could still recite some of the codes he had had to abide by as a cop.

"Then, please, call me Max."

Taking a sip of his coffee, Max allowed Mornwell to say his piece and he was happy enough to divulge the information. He pulled out a datapad from the inside of his robes slowly, making sure he unlocked it before passing the information over to the senator (or more likely one of the aides) to take it and read it over.

"The request was sent directly by the university and we wasted no time in sending Jedi Master Indy Sati and Padawan Crix Aran. Master Sati is a personal friend and experienced hand - Padawan Aran is there to learn." he admitted, the information on the datapad confirming as much, "They should be arriving fairly soon to begin the mission but any aid you can supply would surely be appreciated."

Both of the aides brought up good points and despite the fact that agreeing with Ramone might seem counter to his success... he didn't feel like it was. Being able to accept reality was never a failing and the reality of the situation was that people would, doubtlessly, find out. Even if they attempted to make it a secret.

"Ramone, was it? You have a perfectly valid point. The Five Syndicates are in league with the Sith - I believe several Jedi on Sullust reported seeing a Rodian matching Preef Callo's description standing alongside the Eternal on the walls." he admitted, "I could say we could keep it a secret but, well, the only true secret is between a man and himself. But just as you have a point Ramone, so does Edmund. If the Jedi were not present and the Sith attempted to take your planet - either by subversive means or an invasion - do you think they would stop because you didn't have a Temple of Jedi on hand? Their appetites are well known to the Galaxy by now so I think we all know the answer to that question so, instead, it becomes this. If you're going to be standing in their way anyway, would you prefer it if you had a Jedi in the same foxhole or not?"

All the political speaking was heavy on his tongue but Max didn't shy away from asking hard questions and answering them in turn. Truth was, having a Jedi Temple on Chalacta was both a good thing and a bad thing but the bad things would come anyway. He truly did believe that based on his experiences with the Dark Side and the Sith. They were... hungry, ever hungry.

Of course what Mornwell asked was not... unexpected.

His right hand curled into a light fist before unclenching as he deliberately flexed the cybernetic fingers. He nodded down toward it.

"The Sith had Trys Aran secured in a prison, tracked down by her son and a Jedi Knight. That Jedi Knight sent out the call for aid, for a distraction, and I answered alongside others." he leaned back in his seat slightly, "I fought a member of the Sith Council in combat and suffered injuries at the hands of the Eternal itself. The attack on the walls was a distraction tactic that was poorly executed because we are not soldiers. But the thing I keep getting asked about Sullust is simpler."

The hand flexed again.

"Was it worth it? Was it worth all the pain suffered and the PR hit and the political storm afterward? Was it all worth it for one woman?" He shrugged, "The answer I've come to? Yes. Jedi were asked to rescue a woman - and we did not hesitate. We were called. We will answer."

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Morndell Avon]

Morndell reached for the datapad offered to him, retrieving a pair of spectacles from the drawer on his table and peered at the file regarding the archeologist and the companion they brought. The smiling face of a female Pantoran greeted the senator's gaze, along with basic information such as her feats and accomplishments she made for the Order. But this Crix Aran...

The poor young man whose mother was taken from him by the Sith. If truth be told, the Jedi Order allowing for Crix Aran to make a statement about what had occurred on Sullust displeased Morndell. But he would not bring it up today. Maxims Tionson did not come here to be chastised by a newly-elected senator who knew next to nothing about politics. Nor PR, for that matter. Morndell's gaze softened as he read the child's name, read the small amount of information the Order deemed passable enough to display, and he would take his spectacles off and place it back on the table along with the datapad.

He listened to the Jedi Master's response to Ramone and Edmund's points. Ramone's worry was valid – the senior aide had every right to worry about threats of invasion. He was about to be wed to the woman of his dreams, ready to start a family of his own. Edmund, on the other hand, was always eager to fight to defend his parents and siblings.

As for Morndell?

He would die for these two young men whom he treated as his own flesh and blood. He would die for his homeworld if it meant keeping it and his people safe.

And while Morndell did not mean to reopen old (and new) wounds caused by the events at Sullust, the senator was more thoroughly convinced about one thing with regards to Max and his people.

A somber silence filled the office as the senator let his assistants process the Jedi Master's words. Surprisingly, it was the one who voiced out his worries and fears who broke the silence.

"Your actions on Sullust saved a life, Master Jedi," Ramone commented quietly. "And one life is always worth saving."

Pride shone in Morndell's dark eyes at the senior aide's remark. The corners of his lips turned upwards in a smile as he stood up, wordlessly commanding the former Marines to stay put. He would gesture for Max to stand up before making his way to the door.

"Would you be so kind as to accompany me for a walk, Max? I believe these old bones," he nodded at his legs "need one."

Sure that Ramone and Edmund would stay put, Morndell would step out of the office, mindful of the Jedi Master's presence. The senator would walk beside Max – as equals, if he was allowed the assumption – and lead him out of the senatorial building. The pair would pass by office workers who nodded respectfully at the two, their respect for the senator and the Jedi beside him open and genuine.

"The reason why I support the Jedi, and openly at that, Max, is rather simple," the senator would tell him as they walked down the street, Morndell offering the civilians a warm, revering smile at their greeting. Max would see the citizens' reverence, their complete lack of fear nor discrimination as they waved at and greeted the Jedi Master. "Two years ago, I nearly lost my aides to a massacre on Morak. The culprits hid their faces with masks and the shadows of their hooded robes. They were armed with red blades, weapons they used to mercilessly cut down my men."

This was a discussion he didn't want his two aides to hear. No need to give those two more ammunition to call him Dad or Father every chance they got, no matter how much the name-calling warm his old, weary heart.

The two would stop across the same temple Morndell had been to earlier. The place was currently devoid of workers who were most probably on break. One section of the temple's roof gave during the recent storm. Scaffolding and tools could be seen in front of the temple, and the senator waved a hand towards what remained of the wreckage that hadn't been cleared yet.

"A small troop of fully-trained Marines, wiped out by a few Sith in a matter of minutes... We were powerless against them. We were but children faced against a most vile and bloodthirsty enemy. Ramone and Edmund... they're the closest I have to family, practically my sons all but in blood. I would've lost them if it weren't for the Knights who came to our aid, a Light amid the hateful Dark. Beacons of hope."

Morndell faced Max, the smile gone from his face but remained ever present in his dark eyes.

"I did not know who to call that night. No call was ever made, for that matter – both literally and metaphorically. I was prepared to sacrifice my own life so that my surviving children might live. But the Jedi came without being called. The Jedi came and saved our lives without asking for anything in return. It's their duty, they told us, to uphold peace and protect those without power. A Jedi's life is sacrifice, they said. And they were prepared to give their own in exchange for ours that night."

One hand would find Max' shoulder, grip solid and comforting all at once.

"Your Order is welcome here, my friend. Even if the local government denies your request – which I'm sure they will not, but an old man has his own fears, hm? – I will do everything in my given power to convince them. Even if I have to beg for their approval. It's the least I could do for your people who saved my sons' lives in Morak, for the Jedi who taught Edmund about the Force. Come hell or high water, Chalacta will stand with the Jedi."

@Nefieslab

 

[Maxims Tionson]

It was refreshing to be around people who could understand that rescuing a single life made sacrifice worth it. While it might be true that military men understood the cruel maths of warfare, it was also true that those same men understood that sometimes it wasn’t about winning the war. Sometimes it was just about saving the person beside you in the foxhole. And leaving that same person, leaving an ally against your foes, captured and suffering in energy hands?

Not an option.

Max couldn’t help but smile at the aides as they agreed with his own sentiment that one life had been worth saving. No one had to die to save her – which meant that even in the cold, crueler, mathematical sense it was good as well. He took another sip of his coffee before setting it down to follow along with Morndell.

“Of course, Morndell.” He agreed with a small smile, “I fear if I have much more coffee I’ll be awake all night anyway – best to try and burn off some of that energy.”

The story Morndell shared with him was not as common as he feared but far more than he would have liked; and set to become much more commonplace. During recent years, Sith activity had continued it’s upward trend and it showed no signs of stopping any time soon. Stories like Morndell’s were going to become progressively more the mainstream and Max wanted desperately to make sure it didn’t happen.

Still, it gave him a fascinating insight into the senator’s mind and the origins of the unflinching support for the Jedi that the man had. It warmed Max’s heart that some people still, wholeheartedly, believed in the Jedi. Sometimes it was nice to be reminded of that.

Max nodded to Morndell with a small smile.

“Truly, Morndell, I appreciate this more than you could know. I will, of course, speak to the local government to garner their blessing but this means the world to me, my friend.” He assured the General turned Senator with a brighter smile than before, “And regardless of how it ends up going? Call and we will answer.”

It didn’t matter if the local government refused their request, Max would make sure that the Jedi would answer a call for aid from Chalacta anyway. Because that was what Jedi did – they stood in defense of those who asked and even those who didn’t.

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Morndell Avon]

Another smile, this one more open and warm than the ones Morndell was so used to giving other people, brightened the senator's face. With the ever growing presence of Sith activity and the threats heralded by that dark and loathsome Order, he was reminded that people like Max existed still – beacons of hope that pushed and kept the darkness at bay. It was people like Max who gave Morndell faith that the galaxy could once more find peace, find freedom from the tyrants who chose to enslave it.

"No words could ever fully express the gratitude I feel for that assurance," he answered, believing, trusting, that the Jedi Master would not break his word. The assurance was simple and straightforward, but they held a certain magnitude that brought comfort to the senator.

Morndell would make sure that Max' cause would be well-supported. The senator wasn't lying when he told the Jedi Master that the local government would surely approve of his request, but a little nudge to the right direction wouldn't hurt. Morndell abhorred subversive and underhanded means to get what he needed – he was known for his integrity and high moral standards during his military days and those traits remained with him even after diving into the mud pit that was politics.

Whether if it was against the dreaded Sith or another villanous entity, he would be proud to fight beside the epitome of a true Jedi.

"Just tell me if you need anything before speaking with the local government. My sons and I would be happy to provide whatever aid you might need."

He hadn't realized that he so casually referred to Ramone and Edmund as his sons yet again, but Morndell's spirits were still too high to even notice. Dark eyes found the temple once more, smiling and nodding at the returning workers in greeting. Some offered the pair a respectful bow before returning to their work while the braver ones were more vocal.

"Good day, Master Jedi!"

"Master Jedi! Welcome to our homeworld!"

"May the Force be with you, Master Jedi! Senator!"

"Thank you for visiting our planet, Master Jedi!"

A hearty chuckle escaped Morndell, waving a hand at the workers before glancing at Max with a friendly wink. He would pat the Jedi Master's shoulder again, tone light as he tipped his head towards his fellow Chalactans.

"I see now that I won't be the local government's greatest adversary should they decide against your and your Order's request, friend," he told Max, eyes shining with a childish mischief he had not felt for ages. "Word travels fast around these parts... and I wouldn't be surprised if a peaceful uprising would begin if someone gets wind of a certain Jedi Master leaving the meeting with a defeated slump on his shoulders."

@Nefieslab

 

[Maxims Tionson]

That was it – that was what Max had been missing without ever actually able to name what it was he was missing. Morndell provided it without reservation and Max was able to identify it as something that he had seldom experienced from someone not of the Order; absolute trust and belief. Here was a man who believed Max would hold to his pledge, his promise, with a near unshakable belief and it was both humbling and gratifying.

To know that someone out there - A Senator even – believed in the oath of a Jedi that much?

Well it went a long way to repairing Max’s own belief that there were people out in the Galaxy still who had love for his Order, his people, in their hearts. It was easy to look at the holonet and focus on the demonstrations against Force Users and become disheartened with how his people were viewed. As a Jedi he was able to control his emotional response to it all but even a Jedi found it hard sometimes.

"Well the gratitude is returned, Morndell, it means a lot to me, personally, to have someone be so open to the Jedi."

It really did.

His sons eh? Well Max wasn't going to be checking any family trees to verify it and even if he did, who was he to say what family was? He'd basically adopted half the Order by this point it felt like. Oh but he played favourites he could admit and he doubted that Morndell did. The workers smiling and waving to him was also a nice surprise.

He, not being a heartless monster, waved back of course. Max grinned a little bit before nodding a little bit, somehow a lot happier with his current standing in the Galaxy.

"Well I wouldn't want to give any of them any cause for alarm." he teased back before smiling wider, "Morndell... do you and your sons enjoy whiskey? I find myself in the unenviable position of owning a fine bottle and not having anyone to toast with. Think you and your boys could help me with that?"

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Morndell Avon]

Morndell had no idea how much his faith in the Jedi had done for his newfound friend. As a politician he was expected to never show any form of bias, that he must always use his mind above his heart. The senator, for his part, never failed to put enough effort into always considering this notion with each passing day – even during his days as a military man – but sometimes he was reminded that what the people needed in a galaxy that was progressively growing ever hateful was a heart.

Always feeling, always reaching out with compassion and a helping hand to those who needed it – and without asking for anything in return.

It was rare to meet people like Max and for this, Morndell was eternally grateful to call the Jedi Master his friend. Not because of the man's station, no.

A chuckle, genuine and full of warmth, slipped past the senator's lips before putting a hand on the Jedi Master's shoulder once more and began to lead him back to the senate building. He wouldn't be surprised if Ramone and Edmund awaited anxiously for the pair of gentlemen to return. The citizens were still regarding the two kindly, and the children gazing up at the Jedi in awe like most kids did when seeing their heroes. It made Morndell happy to know that his people share his love and admiration for the Jedi Order.

"This is the part where I would politely decline the offer, seeing as it's still working hours," the senator jested, his smile turning into a mischievous grin. "But for you, my friend? Aye, I think we can help you with that."

Speaking of Morndell's boys, Ramone and Edmund met the approaching pair as they ascended the steps to the senate building. The senior aide's expression was unreadable, his emotions betrayed by the hopeful glimmer in his dark eyes, while a huge grin split the younger's face upon brushing on the thoughts running through the forefront of the senator's mind. Where Ramone was an apprehensive wave of emotion through the Force, Edmund was a newborn star shining brightly with joy and satisfaction.

The reason why Morndell hated the growing anti-FS sentiment was not just because it painted the Jedi in a bad light. He feared for Edmund, the young man touched and blessed by the Force, and something the latter was proud of. The senator would gladly slap someone who spoke against the Jedi, but if the sentiment's supporters shifted their livid gaze to Edmund?

Blaster to the face, no questions asked. The next hateful comment would be a blaster bolt between the eyes.

"Lads, Max here is wondering if we could help him demolish a bottle of fine whiskey," he told his aides as the three now led Max back in his office. "What say you?"

"Gladly, Master Jedi!" Edmund replied with a bright grin, already moving to retrieve four glasses from a nearby cabinet. It was a rare treat, seeing as his superior found less time to enjoy a glass of liquor or two given how demanding his job was. The junior aide was more than willing and ready to jump in the prospect of drinking – even if it would be just a few glasses.

Ramone sighed exasperatedly, a small but genuine smile on his face. It was obvious that he was the more serious one between the two aides, but seeing that something good must have happened during Max and Morndell's walk, he supposed that it won't be too bad to join them for a toast.

"What Rusty said. Edmund, I mean."

Morndell smiled, dark gaze settling on Max. "Looks like we're all signed up to partake in that bottle of whiskey. You'll be leaving empty-handed, Max!"

Literally? Yes. But figuratively? Having faith that the local government would give Max' proposal their blessing, the Jedi Order just gained more than an outpost on Chalacta, but the citizens' undying support as well.

@Nefieslab

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Max knew it was rather early in the day for a drink but he also knew that a toast was something that superceded the time. If there was cause to celebrate then there was cause to make a toast. And having found allies where he had expected none? Well, Max would consider that a strong success and a celebration worth having a toast over if ever there was one. He grinned when Morndell agreed to the toast and patted him on the shoulder.

"When there's good news to toast it's always a good idea to have little bit of the good stuff!"

He sent off a quick message to his little droid, Buddy, to fetch the whiskey he had been saving from inside the Tigris. By the time they made it back inside Buddy was having a minor confrontation with the desk receptionist. Max laughed good naturedly at the antics and enthusiasm of the aides.

"I consider it a good day overall if I walk away with good friends and an empty bottle - speaking of which..."

The door opened as the desk receptionist held it open for Buddy, who beeped a carefully worded apology at the young woman for his earlier rudeness. Max took the bottle offered by his droid with a rueful look. Buddy was a bit of a speed demon when it came to rolling around on the ground it had to be said.

"Alright then..." he poured out a measure into each glass and waited until everybody had a glass before raising his own, "To the bonds of friendship in these trying times!"

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Morndell Avon]

The droid's antics was met with a barely suppressed snicker from the youngest man in the room, with Edmund always seemingly ending up butting heads with the same receptionist but more because of the younger senatorial aide's pathetic attempts at flirting with her. He tipped his head in thanks at the Jedi Master, Ramone doing the same, and the three Chalactans raised their glasses in response to the toast made by Max.

"Trying, these times may be, but may we be blessed," said Ramone, nodding once and smiling at everyone in the room.

Edmund, in true Edmund fashion (cheeky and hopeful), dipped his head in a poor attempt at formality. He raised his glass, took a drink, and said, "May the Force be with us!"

The senator's smile turned into a smirk, rolling his eyes in fond exasperation at the young aide. Perhaps he could persuade the young man to visit the temple that would soon be the Jedi Order's outpost in their homeworld in the near future. Edmund might have been taught the basics when it came to the Force and how to wield it, but further education would most definitely do the younger senatorial aide good – and it would most probably be what was best for him. When they have learned the identity of their attackers that led to the massacre of the senator's troops back in Morak, Morndell had dug up whatever information he could get regarding the Sith and while the results have strengthened his hatred for the abhorrent individuals, he feared that Edmund might fall prey to the Dark Side without proper training in the ways of the Force from the Jedi.

Morndell was – by no means – playing favorites between his two aides, but when Ramone expressed the same worry? Well, it seemed that even if the two of them might disagree on certain things with regards to politics, the fact that they were both looking out for Edmund simply won over their political disagreements.

Perhaps someone who personally knew Morndell could accuse the senator of fulfilling his own agendas in favoring the Jedi for setting up base on his homeworld. But when did Morndell ever care about baseless accusations? He owed his second chance at life – and his boys' – to the Jedi and he was more than glad to return the favor in any way he could. This time, though, it wasn't just an act of repaying the Order for saving them, but it was also for his people. Even if the massacre on Morak did not happen, Morndell had no doubt that his need to ensure his homeworld's safety would outweigh his suspicions and that he would offer the Jedi Order the same magnitude of support he was now offering them.

"To the bonds of friendship," Morndell replied with a smile before drinking. "May it last in this lifetime and into the next."

Sensing where his superior's mind might be drifting, Edmund turned to look at Max then to the Jedi Master's droid with faux innocence. "What's a Jedi like when they're drunk?" he asked the droid, lips twitching as he suppressed a smirk from crossing his face.

"It would depend on the person." Ramone shrugged. "And besides, Master Tionson won't make a generous offer to share his drink with us if he'll end up drunk in the end. Makes for a bad rep for a Jedi to get drunk while in an important meeting with a senator, right?"

Morndell could only grin and shake his head fondly at his sons' exchange. "Careful, young ones. You might find yourself getting escorted to medbay by your seniors for getting drunk yourselves."

Now that he imagined it? The senator's grin widened a little as he chuckled.

@Nefieslab

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Well Max wasn't going to cast doubts on either of the two young men's eagerness to have a good drink with himself and Morndell. If anything, the young fellows seemed more into it than he was which was quite a feat! Seemed as though the trust and appreciation that all three men had for the Jedi was not overstated by Morndell at all and it was enough to conspire to make Max start blushing.

All this love and respect was going to get him used to people in the wider Galaxy giving a damn about the Jedi and that was a dangerous thought. Mainly because he was certain it would result in far too many dashed hopes as he traveled the Galaxy.

What was a Jedi like when they were drunk?

"Ramone got it in one - depends entirely on the Jedi." he agreed with a smirk, "I know a Jedi who gets very touchy-feely and gives out a lot of hugs... a couple who dance a lot. Oh and I knew one Jedi who seemed to always think that the robes got too hot and try and take them off."

Though in Nash's defense, she was also covered in fur and the forest moons the Jedi seemed to prefer weren't exactly cold.

"But this Jedi?" he smirked, "Oh this Jedi has never gotten drunk - always having to escort lightweights to the medbay."

The Force could purge toxins if you knew what you were doing after all... and it was amusing watching Padawans only figure out what he was doing two bottles deep into an ill-advised drinking competition.

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Morndell Avon]

Ramone raised his glass at Max then finished his drink in one go. Edmund was snickering at the thought of drunk Jedi, his overly active imagination supplying him with images of space wizards doing silly things under the influence of alcohol. The younger senatorial aide did not dare make any funny comments, however, knowing full well that anything could and would be used against him.

"Well, I know someone who would flirt rather shamelessly with any grown woman he comes across with despite having made proclamations that the senator from Corellia's the only one who owns his heart," said Ramone in faux innocence, trying to suppress a grin while he poured himself another glass of whiskey. The fist that swung half-heartedly towards him was easily dodged as he stepped away from it, ebony eyes alight with mirth at the embarrassed blush on his fellow aide's face.

"I wonder what's gotten you so defensive, Rusty," Morndell mused, smirking at Edmund and nursing his own drink. The senator drank a mouthful of whiskey and nodded at Max's words in agreement, tipping his glass to the young men in the room. "The number of times I have had to drag these two to the infirmary back in our military days is ungodly. Kids these days, always assuming that they can outdrink their aging superiors."

Morndell chuckled at the look of betrayal on his assistants' faces. He could hold his liquor quite well, but he really wasn't getting any younger so he didn't drink much anymore – and when he did it was always in moderation.

Eager to change the topic lest he and Ramone be subjected into more embarrassing tales the would-have-been general turned senator have about them, Edmund regarded Max with renewed curiosity.

"Do you have a family, Master Tionson? Kids?" asked the younger aide with honest curiosity.

@Nefieslab

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Max was glad that he didn't often spend a whole lot of time getting drunk himself anymore. When he was younger, back when he was a cop, Max got drunk as many times as there were weekends because that was just what you did as a rookie cop trying to fit in. Lasted right up until he realized that he didn't actually want to fit in with the crooked cops that worked his local area. He chuckled a little bit at the idea of flirting with the Corellian senator.

Well he personally didn't think that politics was a sexy look on anyone but, well, to each their own he supposed. He smirked a little bit as he accepted a top of his own whiskey with a small shake of the glass.

"Ah those were the days." he joked back to Morndell, "You ever remember being young, dumb and full or rum? I honestly think I'm beginning to forget half of my rebellious youth as time goes on."

Of course the topic took a turn and he had to resist the urge to flinch. Family was usually a safe topic as far as most people were concerned but Max had a rather complicated relationship with the idea of family. He took another sip of his whiskey to cover for the slight delay in actually answering.

"Feels like I have too many kids." he joked lightly, a small smile all he could bring himself to muster up, "Had a daughter. Or as close to as a daughter as to not matter..."

Damn he was being a downer wasn't he?

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Morndell Avon]

"I remember being young and full of rum, but not dumb," replied the senator, adopting a stern look but the twinkle in his eyes belied the seriousness of his tone. A quick smile and a hearty chuckle followed, showing that he was kidding, and Morndell added, "Well, I wish I wasn't, but that's the thing with being young, correct? And besides, that's how we all learn."

He wasn't Force-sensitive but even Morndell could tell that something changed as Edmund asked his question. The older Chalactan watched Max from the corner of his eye, head tilting to the side as the Jedi Master trailed off. For his part the younger between his two aides looked somewhat chagrined by his own question and instead of replying, Edmund glanced at Morndell and Ramone as if asking for help.

A soft smile crossed Morndell's face as he shook his head at Ramone who was about to open his mouth to reply. He knew these two young men too well to know that Ramone was about to say sorry like Edmund.

"I relate to that feeling of having too many kids," he commented before taking a swig of his whiskey. A sliver of solemnity flashed briefly in Morndell's dark eyes. "Life has a way of having you meet certain people and you can't help but act like a parent because of their foolhardiness and out of concern." He waved a hand at his two aides who jokingly protested. The senator chuckled at the two's antics before he continued. "I don't have children of my own, but I have these two and my nieces and nephews. I lost one of them, and I only ever met her once. She was but a baby at the time."

Morndell's smiled turned wistful but sad.

"My sister died when little Mal was a year old. My brother-in-law did not take her death well and left the planet with my niece. I haven't heard of them since then. We tried to look for them, but without success. Malchus just vanished without a trace, my niece with him."

The senator blinked, and the sadness in his smile disappeared. "But I like to think that she's still out there, living her life just as she may have wanted. I don't know who she is, but she's still family. And if, by some miracle, we ever cross paths? Well, that's something to look forward to."

The senator sighed, chuckling a little as he regarded his friend kindly. "Family, hm? Blood or not, they always give you a headache but you can't help but love them for it."

@Nefieslab

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Max just smirked a little bit at Morndell's little comeback - it amused him that some people thought they had been wise when they were young. It wasn't a slight against someone to say that they had been both young and dumb at some point. To his mind it was just a fact of life and he had seen it well enough amongst many padawans. It was good that Morndell was able to recognize it as well.

He nodded in agreement and raised his glass as if to toast to the Senator's point before taking another drink. Max was glad that Morndell took the chance to change the subject a little bit without looking like he was changing the subject. Just moving it along to a part of his own answer that was safe.

The Jedi just smiled sadly.

"It is not the Jedi way to linger on loss - but to use it to feel the time spent together more keenly." he spoke with a soft chuckle, "An old saying but one that holds true. Don't be sad that it's over - be happy that it happened. And, well..."

He thought back to his earlier days with his first apprentice, with the one he began to see as a daughter more than a Padawan. Remembered how lost he had been before she gave him a meaning.

"Well I wouldn't be where I am today without her. Wouldn't be who I am without having had that time with her... or without having lost her."

Loss built up a person just as happiness did - what a person did with the loss was the most important thing. He finished his glass and set it down with a soft sense of finality.

"I think that's a good sign I should be off though... drag down the mood and it's best to move on, eh?"

@Forsythe Crowholde