Ask There and Zak Again, a Guardians Tale

[Clove Vanhoop]

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Now that everything was suddenly moving very quickly, Clove needed to take care of a few minor details. Mostly being the agreement between Jedi and Sith that, if they used the Star Guardians' facility, they would follow the neutrality rules. That is, the Sith do not harm civilians or attack Jedi, and the Jedi do not arrest Sith or criminals on sight. The Sith were the easier to talk to because such free healthcare without risks benefited them more than most others, but the idea of talking with a higher-up Sith was terrifying. So she put it off for the time being and decided to go for the Jedi first.

Although, to be honest, speaking with your former Faction about a new Faction's involvement was awkward to say the least.

Thankfully, she didn't have to contact any of the Jedi herself. No, one of the newer Councillors approached her out of nowhere, requesting a meeting. To make matters even less stressful, the Councillor in question was Zak. The man she traveled to Thyferra with and carried all the way back to the ships when he was seriously wounded. Clove gratefully accepted the request, explaining that she, too, had wished to speak with the Jedi and that they could meet on Yavin 8, her base of operations until the Star Guardian's facility was completed.

And so the day came. The home was cleaned, her clothing was sorted and neatly placed in her drawers, and some pillows for the second chair were ordered and tossed on top of it. The diamond-shaped wooden cottage wasn't much; it barely fit two chairs, a drawer, and a kitchen. The bed was on the second floor and showering? That would have to be done outside. But she didn't mind; it was her home, and every inch of it breath homeliness. Clove was more than ready, dressed in a comfortable yet formal-looking white flowing dress with matching heels and her mane of hair extension-fueled curls tied up in a half updo with flowers.

The half-Annfyn looked out one of the cottage's many windows, at the bright lush forest that surrounded them, slightly nervously waiting for the knock on the wooden door with glass window.

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Tag @Apollyon ​

 

[Zakrym La]

Until recently, Zak’s wanderlust had been forcefully contained. Before accepting the position on the Jedi Council he had been a wanderer. He had simply followed the Will of the Force, she guided him to where she needed him and he served her purposes faithfully. Now things had changed, the journeys he went on were still guided by her invisible hands but no longer whimsical instead, they held purpose. Zak knew his responsibilities had shifted and so had the Force’s plans for him, that didn’t mean he couldn’t reminisce about the past.

That reminiscing had led him to remember the young woman in the Holonet address, Clove Vanhoop. She had been a Jedi once, she had also saved his life but now she was positioned to save countless across the Galaxy. In truth, Zak had been researching an old subsect within the Order called the “Hall of Healers”. Before the rise of Palpatine’s Empire, the healers had served the Republic as both traditional Jedi healers and physicians as well. Zak saw that purpose of what they had been as a necessity in the Galaxy! His research had eventually led him to compile a list of Jedi healers and physicians to pursue this project but all of that has been put on pause for this meeting.

Zak saw no reason to revive a defunct part of the Order if instead he could help build up something that already existed. The Star Guardians were just that, the Hall of Healers but without the tainted name the Jedi now bore. Through the Star Guardians and Clove, the rekindling of hope just might be able to flicker back into existence.

This is why Zak had come to Yavin 8, he had reached out to Clove through the only channel he knew how, ShipHikers. Their original conversation had been saved when he thumbed for a ride to Thyferra and so he had messaged through the app again. He had expressed his interest in meeting up, face to face, and to just catch up. It was at least partially true, he did want to catch up but he didn’t want to overwhelm the poor girl by revealing all his plans at once. Instead, they could slowly slip into business talk once pleasantries had been dispensed.

Zak was wearing a tan outdoors vest over a white T-shirt with a pair of Jean shorts and a pair of brown hiking boots. It wasn’t exactly traditional Jedi robes, but in this day and age, Zak wasn’t exactly the traditional Jedi either. It took Zak some time to reach the coordinates Clove had sent him but eventually, the forest parted and a small cottage came into view. Idyllic would have been an understatement for what Clove had designed, it was perfectly proportioned in every aspect…for her. Even at a distance Zak could tell that this would be an…uncomfortable meeting for him but that didn’t deter him. Instead, a smile crested across the Togruta’s soft features as he made his way up to the cabin.

Zak would gently remove his boots before he wrapt his knuckles against the wooden door three times.

“Clove?” He called out. “I sincerely hope this is your home.” He continued. “The last thing the Order needs is a headline from the Imperial Patriot reading Jedi Councillor? Or home invader?” He joked, doing his best impression of an Imperial anchorman.

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

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Clove noticed the grass shift beneath Zak's feet before he reached for her door, but she remained seated out of politeness, giving the Councillor the opportunity to knock before sprinting to the door. Her gaze was fixed on the forest until the Togruta knocked on the wooden door, causing her sensitive fluted ears to twitch. She hadn't expected him to crack a joke or do an excellent impression of an Imperial Anchorman. Clove stood up on her feet, her heels tapping against the wooden boards, and smiled. Between setting up the Star Guardians and finishing her own medical degree so she could enroll in a residency program to become a doctor by law, there hasn't been much time to meet new people. And while the distraction kept her mind from going to scary places, she missed having company and felt rather lonely. So, the idea of a nice and laid back conversation before anything diplomatic was enough to boost Clove's spirit.

"Ah! Councillor La!" She smiled as she reached for the door, which opened with a small click. "You've come to the right place, though an article like that would be fascinatin' to read." The half-Annfyn moved to the side, allowing the man to enter. "You look fantastic, an' I love your outfit! Please come right in! Make yourself at home." She was blissfully unaware of the man's height and how it might cause issues with the shorter roof. In reality, not many people have visited her home. It had been just her parents and Ruzaan and none of them were as tall as Zakrym.

Clove would close the door behind Zakrym and walk over to the small kitchen block once he had entered the room. "Would you like some tea that I was makin'? It has notes of cinnamon, apples, and florals." She asked as she placed the tea pot on a delicately decorated silver tray alongside two white cups with pink florals, sugar cubes, and milk. "I also have some water, Naboo wine, albeit not the fancy kind, an'..." The half-Annfyn hummed, trying to recall everything she had bought specifically for this meeting. "Oh! Cider! Though I have no idea if it's any good, I personally don't drink." Regardless of what he chose, she'd grab everything she mentioned and stuff it onto the tray.

Clove smiled at the Councillor as she grabbed a few store-bought large chocolate chip cookies and placed them on a small plate on top of the tray. She carefully took the tray containing the drinks, cookies, and other items and carried it to the table in between the two chairs. She placed it daintily on top of the wooden table before taking a seat on the empty chair. "Please take whatever you want!"

"So! How are you doin'? You seem like you recovered well from Thyferra an' it turns out that you are a Councillor no less?" Clove giggled as she snatched one of the large choco chip cookies from the tray, breaking off a small piece so she could eat it delicately without smudging chocolate on her fingers or lips. Her large brown eyes lingered on the Councillor, clearly attentively listening.

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Tag @Apollyon ​

 

[Zakrym La]

It only took a moment for the door to Clove’s small cottage to swing inwards and allow Zak to see her humble, albeit beautifully designed home. Zak inwardly squirmed as Clove greeted him by his official title, it was something he hadn’t grown used to and doubted he ever would. That inward distaste never broke through to the surface to mar his warm smile and pleasant expression. Zak beamed at Clove as his gaze fell upon her, the memory of what he had told her before disembarking from her ship on Thyferra bubbled back into his memory.

“You said you were once a Jedi but now you just help where you can. If that’s the case, it sounds to me like you never stopped being one.”

He had never spoken truer words, Clove embodied everything a Jedi should aspire to become. She was kind, humble, and yet she was still willing to protect those in need. Her newest project had proven his sentiment correct, in his mind, Clove was a Jedi in all but name and he was immensely proud of her.

“Please, just call me Zak.” He responded to her greeting. “No need for any formalities today.” He explained. “After all, I hear enough of my title when I’m around the temple, it’s good to get away from Yavin every once in a while.” He joked.

“It is good to see you again Clove.” He said after a short pause. “Thank you for inviting me to your home and thank you for saving me on Thyferra as well.” He continued, genuine sincerity etched itself in his voice as he spoke.

Before entering Clove’s home, Zak would unclip his pair of lightsabers and place him in the boots he had taken off. He saw no need to carry them into her home, Zak trusted her and so knew he was in no real danger. After this, Zak would bend at the waist and step into her home.

Zak was sure this was a comfortable living space for Clove but it was…cramped for him to say the least. Zak had to maintain this hunched over posture to fit in her home, not only this but he also had to be perfectly aware of where his 5 inch long montrals were to avoid breaking any of her belongings. Despite this, the Togrutan Jedi Master never complained, his bright and jovial demeanor never wavered. Instead, he saw the humor in the situation and slowly made his way to the table she had prepared for them.

Zak would carefully push the chair to the side and take a seat on the floor where it had been. Despite his cross legged, sitting position, Zak still had to lean forward slightly to insure his montrals didn’t scrape the ceiling of Clove’s home. He would smile at Clove’s offer for refreshments.

“The Naboo wine would be lovely actually!” He called out in reply. “And you needn’t worry about food, I brought some jerky to snack on.” He replied.

Zak knew from experience that many beings tended to forget his kind were almost purely carnivorous. As such, Zak tended to bring small morsels of dried or treated meats where-ever he went to eat. He produced a sealed bag of the meat now to munch upon while he and Clove talked now.

When Clove finally joined him with the tray of refreshments, Zak would gingerly take his glass of wine. Clove would then inquire about his well-being since Thyferra and his status as a Councillor as well. Zak would give her a soft smirk in reply before speaking.

“I have recovered well enough since Thyferra, the Force was with me thankfully!” He replied, his smirk growing back into a soft smile. “She does work in mysterious ways doesn’t She?” He’d ask Clove rhetorically before returning to their conversation. “The appointment to the Council was very recent, rest assured when we met I was merely a Jedi Knight.” He explained.

There would be a brief pause before Zak spoke again.

“I am very proud of you, I wanted you to know that.” He said at last. “What you’re striving to achieve should have been something the Jedi returned to long ago.” As he continued, Zak would reach across the table to gently grasp Clove’s hand. “We are more than just warriors and you are a shining example of that.” He explained. “I reached out to you because of that, I wanted to know how the Jedi Order could help you with your Star Guardian project.” He continued. “What do you need from us?”

@LilyNion

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

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Clove smiled at the man throughout the introductions. Not once did it occur to her that might have a hard time fitting into her home. It was so natural for her, and Ruzaan had fit right in! ... Had he? It was all a bit blurry. Had he also been struggling? But truth be told, Clove didn't notice it until the Councillor sat down on the floor and declared he'd brought his own food. Another thing she should've known, thanks to Ruzaan, a Togruta as well.

Consider this: she hung out with quite a few Togrutas. How could she have forgotten any of it?!

Clove, instead of being embarrassed or awkward, burst out giggling and slid down the chair to sit in front of him on the floor instead, the table with all the yummy goods in between them. "Sorry, it's a habit of mine to grab anythin' but meat! But I'm sure you're used to those habits by now if you brought your own jerky." She smiled, slightly criticizing not only herself but also those who, most likely, forget as well.

Clove relaxed a little more on the floor as the conversation progressed. Zak's entire demeanor, his aura, carried a sense of relaxation and calm that she really needed. It was incredibly comfortable to just sit there and listen to him explain how well he'd recovered and how he'd been a Jedi Knight on Thyferra. "Well. I'm glad the Force works in such mysterious ways." She returned his smile. "As far as I can tell, you'd make an excellent Councillor. Slightly bold claim because this is the second time we've met. BUT. I stan' behind it." Her grin turned into a smirk.

As he began to compliment her, her smirk faded softly, leaving behind an almost shy smile. It felt... strange. To be called a shining example for the Jedi, despite not being a Jedi anymore. She left because her way of life and thinking didn't fit with the Jedi order, she couldn't handle being one, and yet, apparently, what she's doing now is exactly what Jedi should be doing. She let it go for the time being and humbly lowered her head. "Thank you, that's incredibly kind of you, Zak. I can only hope the Jedi slowly head that way themselves." Her gaze was fixed on his hand, which was gently holding hers, and her twitching ears indicated she was paying attention to what he was saying.

After he finished explaining, her gaze returned to Zak, her surprise visible. "I... Oh, I'm sorry, that caught me a bit off guard! Uhm." She laughed, her shoulders lowering slightly more relaxed. Without even trying, he jumped right into the conversation she needed to have with him! That could only mean well! "Well, what I really need is the Jedi Order's neutrality. I'd love to help the Jedi in Star Guardians' facilities, camps, an' so on. But while the majority of those in the facility will be ordinary citizens, Sith an' other criminals are also likely. The Jedi cannot arrest, harm, or otherwise interfere with them. Of course, in exchange, the Jedi are safe in there an' will get help regardless of why they are there."

"Any type of volunteer is always welcome as long as they follow all of the rules." She paused and shook her head. Normally, she'd shyly ask for donations or investments, but this was the Jedi Order. Everyone knew the Jedi Order was running low on funds. Sugar, she had even donated credits, to them! So no. She wouldn't even think of asking.

"Another thin' I'd appreciate is permission for the Star Guardians to enter Jedi Space an', if possible, to build facilities on planets with significant Jedi influence." Her smile grew brighter. "It means that there's a chance there'll be a Sith in there—Force knows why a Sith would enter Jedi Space for help, but we've seen stranger thin's—but they won't leave the facility an' set foot on the planet itself. If they do, or violate any facility laws, the Jedi are free to arrest the Sith in question."

Clove happily ate another chunk of her chocolate chip cookie after explaining, distracting herself from the fact that she always felt so awkward explaining these stiff political things.

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Tag @Apollyon ​

 

[Zakrym La]

Zak sat silently as he listened intently to what Clove had to say. Her list of demands weren’t unreasonable, she wanted her hospitals to be neutral grounds where all could receive treatment. It was something he could agree with, but he wasn’t sure about the rest of the Council, nor all of the worlds that made up the Resistance.

“Before I speak, I want you to know that I support what you are doing…” He explained, his voice trailing off. “…and while I can speak for the Order, at least until the Council can discuss these terms further, I cannot speak for the myriad of worlds that make up the Resistance.” Zak explained. “That would be entirely up to the resistance council and the individual worlds therein.” He continued. “With that said, I don’t think the Resistance will be opposed these conditions Clove. They are fair and will provide aid to countless billions.” Zak stated warmly.

He gave Clove’s hand a light, reassuring squeeze before sipping the Naboo wine that she had brought him. With his throat wetted and pallet filled with the wine’s flavor, Zak smiled contentedly for a moment. After a brief silence, he would speak again.

“With all of this said, how can we help you?” He asked. “I know the ISC and Empire can provide you with funds and likely countless defensive warships.” He acknowledged. “But we can provide you with something they cannot, physicians and healers to aid in the caretaking of the sick and injured.” He explained. “In fact, there is a Jedi that I know of who might be able to help you some…” Zak began, his voice trailed off as he tried to think of the woman’s name. “…Zathria!” He stated finally as he snapped his fingers, his smile broadening as he recalled the woman’s name. “She is a Knight who’s name popped up when I was looking for potential Jedi to aid in the reconstruction of the Hall of Healers.” Zak explained. “She might be able to help you in some way.” He continued. “If you’d like I can connect the two of you.” He offered calmly.

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

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Hearing those words she desperately needed to hear clearly changed everything for the half-Annfyn. Her eyes widened briefly before softening into genuine happiness, and her shoulders relaxed. She leaned in closer to Zakrym, listening intently to every word he said. "Zak, just the words of the Council are more than enough; don't get me wrong, I'd be grateful if the Resistance agreed as well! It'd make thin's even easier, but... havin' the Jedi on my side-" Clove shook her head, smiling brightly. "Knowing you believe in it is such a relief."

When he squeezed her hand, her smile turned into a short but warm laugh. And from the looks of things, Zak himself was at ease and content with the way things were going. Which only served to calm her nerves even more.

The Star Guardians could truly work. With the support of the Jedi, ISCR and hopefully the Sith, it could actually work.

"I'm more than happy with volunteers, Zak. Any physician an' healer is more than welcome! But I will give each volunteer a personal check, which is not against the Jedi order. I just..." She averted her gaze for a moment, clearly debating how to express what was on her mind. "Not everyone is as good as they claim to be. An' I need to know someone's skill set in order to know where to place them so that the quality of healin' does not suffer. An', well, the whole point of the Star Guardians is that they don't discriminate, so any Jedi volunteers will have to be checked, just like any other volunteers." Clove gave the Councillor a soft smile. "I hope you understan'."

"Zathria..." Clove hummed for a moment as she rummaged through her memories. And then it clicked! She'd met Zathria before, once! Crix took a hand full of Padawans to Jedha for their crystals, and she was there as a protector! "Ah, I know her! I'm very curious to see how she can help, but if you have any suggestions, I'd be happy to listen an' get connected with her!" She smiled softly, tilting her head to the right.

"But I do have a question for you, Zak. Is there anythin' else the Jedi Order wants from the Star Guardians besides free-healin' an' helpin' civilians in war-torn areas?" Clove shrugged her shoulders slightly. "For example, the ISCR has asked for a partnership in which every single facility built on ISCR ground accepts a certain number of refugees who would otherwise go to Consortium-managed facilities, in order to heal an' vaccinate the refugees an' relieve pressure on the ISCR." The half-Annfyn's ears began to wiggle, revealing how excited she was at the prospect of being able to help those refugees. "So, does the Jedi Order have any deman's?"

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Tag @Apollyon ​