Storm's Silence

[Ben Kenobi]

Ben could not lie, he was surprised the mammoth of a Zabrak had finally agreed. He had anticipated that Null would be going back to sleep and off to an Alliance penal facility. But right here before him one of the most famous Imperial Soldiers that had ever lived was standing there with his hand out and offering it willingly. Ben extended his hand as well and grasped the warrior’s hand. The sheer size of Kyr’amur swallowed Ben’s own and he winced as pain shot up his sensitive right arm but he bit his tongue and shook the hand like a man. Released, he then took Kyr for his word and on his honor he inclined his head and bowed graciously to the Warrior of Iridonia.

“Kyr’amur Null. I agree and will vouch your terms to Alliance Intelligence. Consider them accepted in full until you receive them in writing.”

Kyr’s ultimatum on Silas was dark enough. Either he would redeem Silas or kill him. But Ben also knew that Kyr’amur was a hard man brought up in hard times. This was who and how he was. It was not a strike against his character. That said, Ben signaled the nearest Rangers who lowered their weapons and left. The Jedi Knights also casually departed the room until only Aliclair and Ben stood with the mighty Zabrak.

“You are welcome to continue the healing process. But we’ll be ready to track Silas Karn down soon. Once you’re ready and feeling about consider our armor open to you as well.”

[Aliclair Austjor]

The whole situation was strange. it stirred questions in Aliclair's mind; why did her Master wish to help this... Sith? It was hard to tell who was what now a days; when her mother used to tell stories, she'd tell her Siths were easy to pinpoint but times change. People evolve, and so did their tactics. Ali's fought Kita Ikari. Dark Lord Tomentous. Beasts at their skill and loyal to their faction. But, she also met Kressandra Thryn... Ali wasn't sure if she'd believed her story or not but, she had all chance to kill Ali, and didn't. She kept her eyes on Kyr’amur. It was hard to read him; if he was sincere or looking to just get close and stick a knife deep in Ben's side. She felt compelled to be at her Master's side now more than ever during this... search and rescue, or eliminate, mission. But it wouldn't be her, or Ben's job to pull the trigger. As the men shook hands, her face twisted slightly as they exchanged hand shakes to seal their deal. Did he need to be so rough?? When they dislodged, Ali gently took the hand they shook hands with and made sure he didn't break any bones; "Brute..." she growled lowly.

Ben's words froze her in her tracks; he'd have full access to their arsenals?? Now that's not good. "Master, can we talk? Privately.." She added, looking up at him before stepping to the side, and not releasing his hand. So, either way, this conversation was happening. "Is it wise to allow him access to the GA's arsenal..? Armor. Ships... Weapons." she added, her eyebrows quirking at weapons. "And who is this guy? Who's Silas? I've heard his name while captured but never met him. And I'm glad I didn't, but still. C.. Can Mr. Null even be trusted to keep his word...? Siths are quick to do anything to get their way." She bombarded her asks, but low enough for only his ears. "Why not get Commander Varn involved? At least he could help us keep this goliath of a Zabrak in check." she added, her concern nothing short but an open book.

[Ben Kenobi]

Releasing the Zabrak with a wary smile Ben was soon seized by Aliclair and he let the younger lady take him aside willingly. Ben had never been one to pull rank or feel that a Padawan could not voice their opinions. That she chose to do so away from their guest was telling of her respect for him and while not her place to disagree, it was welcome in Ben’s mind. He followed her aside and flexed his hand a bit, he could feel the grind of not completely set bones in his wrist. After a wince he stilled himself and collected his thoughts.

“It is wise to know with whom we deal with.” He stepped to the side and motioned to Kyr. “That is Commander Kyr’amur Null. Formerly the commander of Omega Company. The most effective military organization in recent history. Imperial, as it were. However,” he held up a finger with a smile, “he despises the Sith and everything they do as much as we do. The Sith have hurt the Zabrak people and Kyr’amur just as much as anyone else. That said, he is a man of honor. He is dangerous, yes, but once his word is given I do have faith in that. The Alliance through its history has accepted ex-Imperials just like Kyr in times of need. Are these not also times of need? When the Sith are more prevalent than they have ever been?” He smiled at Aliclair and knew her caution and it did her credit.

“Silas Karn was never a friend of the Alliance or the Jedi. However as a Sith he has been awful to any definition of what evil can be described. If Kyr, who knows Silas more than anyone, is willing to step out there and make this effort then he is our best chance of ending Silas Karn’s reign of chaos. We want Sovereign stopped, Kyr wants his friend Silas back. If this is as close an agreement as we came come across then it is the best we can do for now. Maybe as time goes on Kyr will come to change his ways and then the Alliance gains a valuable ally and in turn we have made the Galaxy a better place by giving this man a chance.”

He sighed and looked at her seriously. “I am not one to judge anyone. I have made my own weight in mistakes. If Kyr’amur Null can be turned away from the past then who am I to deny it. Without hope, even in the darkest of men, we are lost.”

[Aliclair Austjor]

Aliclair listened with open ears. But it didn't change how she felt. Anyone opposing the Sith despised them; to some extent anyways. Her eyebrows knitted slightly. Her nose slightly scrunched; "It's not about judgement. It's about caution. A Warmonger with access to our arsenal. Redemption." she remarked bitterly. It wasn't her usual state of mine; her judgement clouded by experience. She looked back down at the hand she held of Kenobi's and gently let it go, gripping her own with her free hand to stop it from trembling. But, it did. A light tremble. She began to think of her home; Auschia. And how her parents married to have the GA on their side if enemies decided to attack. And how her people, although part Zabrak, had to retreat to the planet, because of the sith and this war for power. Ali always tried to keep a level head, and hope for everyone. She glanced at Kyr'amur and kept her tongue to herself. Her trust was in pieces but she knew he didn't need or want it.

The next question, Silas, was answered. Her eyebrows knitted slightly as her eyes looked back up to her Master. He was wise. More trusting with others. And he could afford to be; he could keep composure and his guard up at the same time. As usual, she put her fate in Ben. "Alright. I'm assuming we'll be aiding in Silas Karn's hunt?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.