Emotive Negotiations

[Padmé]

Change.

For the past few months Haloburner Lamb has been experiencing incredible amounts of change. More or less a transformation; both internally and outwardly. Some more welcomed and the others well- she’d learned to adapt to it; such as the occasion of this meeting. A gathering really.

Beckoning the Force to do her biding, Lamb would shut the door to her mentor/confidant, Battlemaster Darix Talohn’s chamber door. The Battlemaster was expecting Lamb, along with a guest. Shortly upon entering the room Halo would make her way to the living area- help herself to one of the many Naboo delicacies (exotic shuura fruit). She’d developed said routine based on her sheer amount of time spent with Darix. The elder Jedi has in a way filled in where Lamb’s parents and perhaps old master neglected.

Meticulously swallowing the contents in her mouth Lamb turned her gaze to the elder Jedi. "So, ready to give this guy the test? I have a feeling you two will get-" Haloburner paused to turn her attention to the door. It appears their guest (more so Talohn’s guest) was about to approach the chamber door….

 

[Cassanova]

Truthfully the journey to the Light of the Force was a painful one for Terrsyn. First and foremost he had to get official orders to be sent to the Jedi's flagship, which was hard enough, considering the semi-personal nature of the visit. However, once that was completed, the challenge multiplied tenfold. Getting to the ship, while maintaining the secrecy of it's location, was particularly difficult - especially considering TP had only limited security clearance.

His journey was rather simple. The Corporal was picked up from the Jedi Temple on Coruscant by an unknown pilot. TP shared the cargo area with some crates of nondescript supplies. Based on the acceleration and deceleration of the craft, Terrsyn counted four hyperspace jumps. Considering he was in a largely windowless transport, the exercise seemed rather redundant for himself, but accepted that it made it harder to track down the flagship either way.

Despite his arduous Journey, Terrsyn was eventually admitted onboard the vessel itself, and was escorted by two Jedi, their ranks he could not discern, to the Battlemaster's quarters for this seemingly unorthodox meeting. Truthfully, TP still bore his usual combat-ready state, fatigues overlaid with the MCU leg, torso, and arm armour plating, but as was becoming his trademark, he opted not to include the helmet. His right thigh bore the trademark weapon of the Kushari D.S.E.G. Marines - the C-LAG accelerator modular pistol. On his back, however, was the L.A.W.S. The proud achievement that represented a myriad of research and years of Kushari engineering, sported in the Carbine configuration on his back, omitting the silencer for now, despite it being accessible in a pouch on his back.

His Jedi escorts pointed him to a particular door, to which he nodded and exchanged his thanks. Completely unsure of what he would find behind it, he apprehensively tapped at it's controls, signalling the presence of a guest requesting admission into the room. Upon the door sliding open, TP moved in quietly, and snapped to a salute at the sight of the man that, TP could only assume, was the Jedi Battle Master. "Corporal Terrsyn Pearot, reporting as ordered, sir."

He didn't purposefully ignore the presence of Haloburner, but Military protocol dictated a certain manner of dealing with the Battle Master, none other than if he were a General, which technically he was. Unfortunately for Halo, this meant he was not to address her directly until the Battle Master instructed as such, or set him at ease, or dismissed him. TP had no intention of breaking his duty as a soldier for something as simple as a 'hello'. Not to the man who held so much sway with his career, anyway.

 

[Damien Nightblade]

The door hissed open and through it stepped Terrsyn Pearot. Recently promoted Corporal within the Galactic Alliance Military. A promotion the Battlemaster saw through himself. He had taken notice of Pearot through his file and various informative mentions and debriefings regarding the soldiers recent missions and campaigns. After looking further into the circumstances himself he saw to it personally that he be commended for his hard work thus far with the promotion he had requested. Though despite his so far illustrious career as a soldier, this meeting was not a matter of business. "At ease Corporal" Darix instructed. The usual Battlemaster demeanor he had when addressing soldiers breaking through ordering Pearot relax and make himself comfortable. He respected that he was true to his duties however, not simply forgetting protocol given the nature of their meeting. Talohn extended his hand, greeting Pearot to his quarters in a more friendly manner.

"Darix Talohn, its a pleasure to finally meet you Cpl. Pearot. Haloburner here has told me quite a bit about you. Though the fact that she's taken quite an interest in you tells me that you're dangerous, probably wreckless on the battlefield and do a decent job mixing emotions with reason. Would you disagree?"

The interrogative nature of his questions was meant only to gain a slight understanding of what kind of man Terrsyn was. He no doubt already had some understanding of why he was here meeting with them today. Though Haloburner was one of few people the Battlemaster held dear. Because of that, he would make sure that Terrsyn was up for the challenge, whatever that may be.

 

[Cassanova]

Terrsyn dropped to an at-ease position, clasping his wrist behind his back. And the twenty questions ensued...

"Yes, sir. I would disagree. The only party on the battlefield that I'm dangerous to is the enemy, sir. I make judgement calls based on fact, after thorough assessment of the state of the battlefield," truthfully, TP did exactly that. He did, however, make a point of omitting the fact that on occasion he had brazenly risked his own life to save the lives of those around him. "Emotions and reason, sir? As far as I'm concerned what better reason is there than emotion. I get pissed off at the enemy, I shoot at them. I get protective of my squad mates, I defend them."

TP still wasn't sure exactly why the specific interest was there, nor exactly was the reasoning behind the semi-personal, official-order interrogation style meeting very clear. Was it Halo's doing? Was this Darix testing him for a mission? Another promotion? A demotion? The soldier had nothing. No idea. That scared him most of all.

 

[Damien Nightblade]

Darix's arms folded across his chest as the soldier gave his rebuttal to the Jedi's accusations. It was merely a means of seeing where the Cpl. stood mentally and how he tended to deal with particular situations. Though his aptitude as a soldier wasn't what was in question here. Darix himself had just approved his most recent promotion, and knew he was a capable and loyal asset to the Alliance.

He uncrossed his hands from his chest and extended his right hand forward presenting the soldier with a firm handshake. He displayed that although he was a soldier, he was no drone. Able to act and think independently and put a logical voice behind his thoughts and reasons.

"Then It is an honor to have a soldier such as yourself serving the Galactic Alliance. If the rest of your team is anything reflective of you are Corporal, we're in good hands."

He allowed himself to recall the most recent incident he hand Halo had endured together, a mission to an orphanage on Zebitrope IV that had gotten a bit out of hand, though luckily everyone involved made it out unscathed. Though the encounter with the Sith Lord Illusia was one that stilled weighed heavily on the mind of the Jedi Swordsman.

"Has Miss Lamb got you up to speed with the recent events that took place on Zebitrope IV. Lost a lot of good people to bring others home. Where do your personal attachments rank when it comes down to making the tough decisions..do you tend to follow your heart, or your orders Corporal Pearot?"

 

[Cassanova]

The worst question to be asked ever. TP knew the answer was not a pretty one, and he knew Halo would do the same too. "It's not about me or what I want, sir. As much it'd be hard to make the call if it came up, It's bigger than what I want. It's bigger than what we want," he motioned towards Halo. "The fate of our relationship, despite being important to us, doesn't compare to saving the lives of innocents. Its why we do what we do."

He a solder. She a Jedi. Both committed to dangerous lifestyles, neither willing to give it up. TP expected that Halo would let him die if others were at risk, and TP would hate himself for life, but in the event Halo was caught in a mortal situation that meant he'd have to disobey his mission, he wouldn't be able to do anything about it.

"That being said, sir. Where possible -" he passed an apologetic look to Halo with a smile, "- I'd walk into the Imperial Palace on Bastion by myself if it meant saving her..."

 

[Damien Nightblade]

Talohn smiled as he allowed the warm comfort of emotion wash over him. He had but one cautious thought when it had come to the Cpl. Though within minutes of conversation the doubts and questions were vanished, and answered. He glanced towards Halo, watching as her face lit up upon hearing the soldiers words. Discreetly of course, though he saw it.

He returned his gaze back towards the TP who had managed to surpass any concerns that had grown within the Battlemaster since learning of his existence. He smiled, and extended his hand to firmly shake TP's. A sign of his approval, and acceptance.

The galaxy would be changing around him. As it always had, and always would, though in the midst of a galactic war, and countless other disturbances, he was able to maintain a sliver of peace, and comfort. His dearest friend, Haloburner Lamb, would be well watched over and cared for. Even when he himself could not answer the call, he knew that TP would.

"Your a fine man, Corporal Pearot. Don't ever allow yourself to deviate from that. Despite the forces of the universe around you."

 

[Cassanova]

"Thankyou, sir," TP shook the Battlemaster's hand and nodded appreciatively. In a statement of confirmation, TP then told Darix under what circumstances he would not buckle,"Hell or high water, sir."

TP, although politely enjoying this meeting was still a little confused. Was this a fatherly, 'break her heart and i'll break your neck' type meeting, or a personal assignment -- the concept and possibilities confused him, and he eventually simply stopped caring. He was within six feet of Halo, which was ten times better than he'd been for what seemed like weeks upon weeks.

The Corporal's eyes flashed towards Halo with a sparkle of admiration for the woman, then returned to settle upon Darix. After all - he was still in front of his Commander-in-Chief.

 

[Damien Nightblade]

"Relax Terrsyn," Darix said quickly, surprised that he hadn't already. "I've got something of discuss with both of you." He relaxed and allowed himself to bask in the pleasure of good company, those he cared about. It was a rare occasion in his career that he had been allowed such moments. A sacrifice that he was quick to make, yet over time, painfully regretted.

He sat down. Exhaling heavily as he did so; the feeling of one of many heavy burdens being lifted from your shoulders. He picked up a shuura fruit and bit into it. After enjoying the Nabooian fruit and realizing why Halo appreciated them. He began.

"I've got a lead. I can't disclose much information, though I'm going after someone who could be a serious threat if left unchecked. I've tracked him to Rhen Var. A harsh planet, once rumored to be home to an ancient cult. It is my hope, that by dealing with this threat, It will make the coming months for the Alliance that much easier."

 

[Padmé]

Watching the two men interact brought much joy to Lamb. She adored and valued both men, more than any other she'd ever known. The Battlemaster for his obvious fatherly role, and now the Corporal for his constant support and care.

TP's words still rang in the very depths of Haloburner's being- "- I'd walk into the Imperial Palace on Bastion by myself if it meant saving her..."

Turning to face the Battlemaster's direction, Lamb would set the shuura fruit in her hand down by the table. Completely interrupting the elder Jedi statement, Lamb would move closer to him. A gentle embrace would follow, and then a short whisper close to the elder Jedi ears.

Moving right along, Halo would settle next to TP, the man she'd grown to care about, and love. The sparkle she'd witnessed on him remained. Lamb would finally break her silence.

"I love you Corporal Terrsyn." Halo uttered while leaning over to land a tender kiss on TP’s lips. Quickly removing herself from the short moments of affection Haloburner would speak to Talohn’s statement.

“A lead to Rhen Var, you say?....Another long trip ahead I presume.”

 

[Damien Nightblade]

"too long, it feels." He said with a hint of sadness. He paused for a moment. As if frozen in time. Entranced in a subtle moment, brief seconds. He shook it off, as though he saw something did not understand, and continued.

" If we are to win this war and overcome our enemies we need to be daring, take risks, make sacrifices..." He spoke in a tone few had heard him use, and only on the rarest of occasions. "Always make the right choice."

 

[Cassanova]

Enjoing the kiss that Halo had given him, he cut it short to spare Darix the awkward moment of watching them become enthralled in a moment of passion. He did, however, take a moment to embrace her and whisper into her ear, "I love you too." There was a time for such things, and in front of the boss - probably not it.

The Corporal barely let Darix slip any further into the sullen mood that appeared to be swelling over him, "Sir. If you request it, I'll gather a squad of men to accompany you. Support, recon - whatever you need, sir."

It could have seemed as though he was making the offer because Darix held a place in Halo's life, however, TP would have put himself in between anyone and a potential threat of the likes that seemed to unsettle the Jedi Battle Master. Most likely fruitlessly, but he'd do it anyway. Of course, TP would put a mission like this as a volunteer-only basis, and even if no one came with him, he would do it by himself. As it was, he was already armed, and prepared to move out at the slightest hint of a green light for this mission.

 

[Padmé]

Unlike others Lamb had earned and felt absolutely comfortable basking in such an intimate moment in Darix's presence. As though on cue, Haloburner/Terrsyn both pulled away from the short kiss. Never in her 23 years would she have fathomed such an action, but she was after all head over heels with TP.


"Too long, it feels."

Came the Battlemaster's response. Lamb was taken aback by the elder Jedi tone. Rarely did Talohn speak with such tone and passion. His latter words would confirm what Lamb had suspected.

" If we are to win this war and overcome our enemies we need to be daring, take risks, make sacrifices...Always make the right choice."

"Yes.....Yes, always." Came Lamb's response to the Battlemaster.

Clearly the mission ahead on Rhen Var weighed heavily on Darix. Thankfully, The Corporal offered volunteer for the mission. Between her new role as the orphanage director on Zebitrope IV, her new son, and training Padawan's, the female Knight scarcely had time to pause. Thus she relished in every spare moment she could afford with the friend and mentor.

"This lead you speak of," Lamb inquired while looking directly at Talohn.

Mindful of the mission nature, Lamb would take a long pause- pondering on her next words. Reaching for yet another shuura fruit, she would take a small bite and then speak.

"...Rhen Var. When do you plan on departing?"

 

[Damien Nightblade]

"This meeting is my last before departing. I'm due to arrive within hours."

He finished his fruit and arose slowly, straightening himself as he did so. He wasnt wearing the standard Jedi robes that he normally dressed in. Choosing to leave his cloak on his ship, he had wanted to be comfortable for this meeting. And he was, until now.

"It's been good seeing you both. I'm truly honored to have friends like the two of you."