Nar Shaddaa

Adrianaa waited outside a museum in the Uptown district. She casually flipped through a directory listing the various attractions and exhibits, pausing on pages mentioning anything about the Sith.

Remmington arrives soon after. He waves at the senator as he comes up to her. "Afternoon lady Morindel. Thanks for coming out with me today. Checking out a museum certainly seems like something more up a senator's alley." He says with a pleasant smile.

"Oh just a moment please." He takes out his commlink and sends out some messages before putting it away.

"It isn't like the museums in Republic space mind you. This features relics and histories of your people. Or at least so I am told. I realized I know very little of the Sith. I find the Jedi to be a bother, so in truth, I lumped the Sith as the same, but opposite."

"No offense. So, I thought perhaps you could teach me a bit."

She looks to her own communication device and sees the chat.

"Ah, important discussions. One moment, I'll let the team know how I feel too."

She types away and sends the message before looking back to the Sith with a smile, offering her arm.

"Not at all." Remmington accepts her arm and they link up as they enter the museum.

"Well I don't know much about the Republic either. So I hope we can both enlighten each other lady Morindel." He says with a pleasant smile. "May I call you lady Adrianaa? The former seems a bit stiff consider how much time we have been spending together and our associations so far."

"Hmm... I guess your opinion of the Jedi and the Sith being the same isn't completely wrong. Like sides of the same coin."

"I don't see any need for titles, Adrianaa, or Adri even is fine. And you, Is it Lord? Darth? Or just Remmington?"

She walks slowly and stops in front of the first exhibit, a statue from Korriban.

"I am happy to explain the ways of the Republic and the military I know and would be comfortable discussing. I know little of the Jedi, so it wouldn't be much use to try to explain them. I can say I find their meddling in the government to be an annoyance, though I am one of the few who oppose it. Most in the Senate think them to be the saviours of the universe."

"Then I will use Adri then. To Imperial citizens they just call all Sith, lord. Though you may call me Remmington/Remmy/Rem. Which ever you fancy senator." Remmington winks at her.

As they walk up to the statue he studies it for a moment. "How does the Republic address Jedi?"

He looks back at her. "I thought the Jedi usually stay out of things for the most part."

"I think most call them 'Master', though I understand few actually have that rank."

Adrianaa studies the statue with her eyes.

"Well Remmington, the official word from both the majority of the Senate and the Jedi is that the Jedi are an advisory group amd have no hand in shaping Republic affairs. However, that is very far from the real truth. They are constantly at work behind the scenes."

She sighs.

"I do work behind the scenes as well, so I understand where they come from. It still doesnt feel right though"

Remmington nods. "So the Jedi put on airs and prefer to work about in the shadows. For the Empire, the Sith are at the forefront. The Emperor rules over all and the Sith are the elite that everyone else bows down to. Force sensitives are highly valued and can accumulate power no matter who or what they are. Imperial citizens celebrate when they have a Force sensitive awaken as it means greater things for the family.

How do things work in the Republic? Where everyone is supposedly equal but you have many different voices? If you were to have a Force sensitive in the family, does anything change with that?"

"Force Sensitives are usually taken off to train in the ways of the Jedi. Some families are proud of it, others are sad. It is a mixed feeling, both a blessing and a curse."

Satisfied with the statue, Adrianaa begins to walk to the next exhibit, a kyber crystal formation.

"Personally, I dislike both of the ways our governments handle the Force. I understand it is powerful, but something so few people have the ability to use should not be a means for governing. It is no better than the ancient stories of kings and knights. Oppressive regimes that are enabled by blood rather than by merit. It doesn't sit well with me."

"To me, it seems only natural for the strong to rise to the top. There are many who lack the means, ambition, or skill and act little better than sheep. Some people require guidance. As for merit, with the Sith at least. Those without merit are quickly replaced by those more capable." Remmington replies.

"Though ancient kings and knights also had their purpose. They protected and ruled over people. Sure you may have some tyrants but there were some genuinely good rulers too."

He looks at the kyber crystal and then back to her. "Can you honestly say that there are those in positions of power who achieved them through merit alone? For the non-Force users I mean."

"If you view Force users as just having gifts that others don't. Is that not a merit as well. Not everyone is gifted with beautiful bodies, keen intellects, powerful muscles. So just think of Force users of being elites with special gifts. I think there is nothing wrong with gifted being in positions of power and importance.

If your Republic's governance is not sufficient for your liking. What sort of system of government are you envisioning Adri?"

"People with strong muscles or quick minds are not blindly given the authority to conduct affairs that influence the lives of billions."

"And yes, while there are tales of kings and knights who protected the lands, there is a reason we moved away from that system. It eventually proved to be unfit for the masses."

She focuses on the crystal, watching it turn and sparkle in the light.

"I see a system exactly the same as the Republic is currently, just remove the Jedi. The Senate is a wonderful organization. People elect who they think best fits their ideals, and as a Senator, it is our job to vote and propose policies that reflect those who voted us in. Having the Jedi as advisors and military officials only muddies the waters. No longer are we reflecting the will of the people, but instead the will of a religion that only a small handful follow."

Remmington nods. "If we do not factor in the Jedi, I hear that the major flaw with your current system is that so many have a voice, it is slow to act. Do you have any ideas as how to form a more efficient yet fair system?"

He looks back at the crystal. "The next question that comes is, do the people even know what is the best? So many are uneducated and/or lack important information and perspective."

"It is slow, but I have never found it to be slow when it mattered the most. In times of emergency, things move rather quickly. And to answer your second point, that is the whole reason someone like I exist. It is'nt like every unwashed mass has a say in the Senate. They vote for a Senator, and it is the Senators job to best represent those who voted them. And most of us are not inept."

"Senators are people too. They may not always work in the best interests of the people. Plus not all of them are the most fit for the job as you say." Remmington points out.

"Granted that may be a minority but it is not like it doesn't happen. No system is perfect."

"Certainly not. I just find it to be the one that best represents the ideals I value."

She looks away from the crystal and at the Sith.

"Tell me, what is your goal coming here for these talks? What is your opinion on peace between our two worlds?"

"I am here to help with the peace talks as peace is what the Emperor desires." Remmington thinks a bit at her question.

"Perhaps both sides are tired from all the war and need a break?" He suggests.

Adrianaa smiles and squeezes Remmington's arm affectionately.

"I am glad to hear that."

She walks them to the next exhibit, a depiction of the Sith Code. She reads it and frowns.

"This is the code your order follows?"

Remmington walks along with Adrianaa as she squeezes in.

To her question he nods. "That is correct. The Sith value power and strive to attain it.

Do remember that the Sith are familiar with the Jedi Code as well. They felt it was inadequate and full of half truths. Our ancestors were hunted by the Jedi and banished to the far reaches of the galaxy. The first line alone is a stark contrast to the Jedi Code for a very good reason. It teaches us that while the Jedi preach peace, they are no strangers to war either.

The Jedi hide their true thoughts and feelings behind pleasantries. At least the Sith are forthright about it."

"I see. It does not then mean that you think peace is something unattainable?"

Remmington thinks for a moment on that. "I don't think it is unattainable. Though for a lasting peace... I am reminded of a quote a heard before.

'As long as there are sovereign nations, there will always be war.'

My take on that is the galaxy should become united under 1 government. Whatever it's form may be. What is your take on that Adri?" He asks.

"I think it is a pessimistic view, to be blunt. Many different peoples and ideologies can exist if we just leave one another well enough alone. I think peace can be attainable and sustainable. Draw a line and leave each of our people to themselves. We can certinly allow trade and interaction, but why must one side try to rule the other?"

She shakes her head.

"Better to let those who wish to be part of the Republic be part of the Republic and those who wish to be the Empire, the Empire. Much like the Hutts have their own worlds and rules and still coexist, I believe we can do the same."

"Well the reason I say that is not merely pessimistic. Wars start for a number of reasons, not just ideologies. There can be wars over trade, territory, even things as petty as slander. I think a central authority of some sort is best to have a cohesive galaxy.

When people are separate, they form groups of them and us. Everyone always wants the best options for themselves. Which is what leads into disagreements and conflict. The history of any world is full of these examples." Remmington argues.

"This is true, but there are precedents for having different nations or governments. Before the Republic for example many worlds rules themself. There are still worlds that choose to opt out of the Republic and are just fine. They do not try to war with us, nor we them."

"I would imagine it would be simpler if there was only one government, but sometimes the simple way isn't the best way."

"Maybe something of a blend. Having representatives like the Republic but an overall authoritative body to make big and important decisions when they are needed in a timely manner and give the overall group and collective unity." Remmington suggests and starts to lead them off to the next exhibit.

It is a mural showing a battle between Sith and Jedi from several millennium ago.

"The issue there is many of us would not wish to be under the government of the Empire. There are a few things that seems completely irreconcilable. Slavery for example. Most in the Republic, myself included, abhor it. The Empire thrives from it."

Adrianaa observes the mural.

"Heh, and there we have it. At least, in my eyes. The real reason for our fighting. Always there, no?"