[D5 LM] We've Got to Stop Meeting Like This

[Yslane Tssilla]

Yslane chuckles, "Thank you Captain. As I said, I am just happy to help."

"I'm not sure really how our relationship with the military goes...I know some Jedi were granted the rank of General, I assume some of others have been given lesser commands. The study of warfare is not something many Jedi have spent time on."

[Niall Organa]

"Yes, they were." Niall nodded. "I met a Commander Lorne the other evening. He was quite impressive. In a rather intimidating way, actually. He told me he'd been fighting all his adult life."

He sighed. "I rather hope that I don't have the same future to look forward to. He looked a lot more durable than me."

[Yslane Tssilla]

"That is a good attitude to have," Yslane's expression turned more encouraging, "The Republic, the Jedi....we fight because we must. War and conflict because there is no other option, not as the first response. Better our soldiers be reluctant, stubborn, and brave instead of bloodthirsty and vainglorious."

[Niall Organa]

"Yes." Niall nodded agreement. "It's why I want peace. True peace, not just a temporary one."

His expression hardened, just a little. "On the other hand, I think that the Empire sometimes mistakes our preference for peace for weakness. If they insist on war, well, I'll give it my all if that's what it takes."

[Yslane Tssilla]

"Their society indoctrinates them to seeing hesitation as weakness and that any weakness must be taken advantage of." Yslane sighs, "But that is true not just with us but with their own. Given a cease fire its likely they will turn on each other....if they haven't already."

"Their may be some voices of moderation among them, but I have little hope they can change the Empire."

[Niall Organa]

"I agree with your assessment, on both counts." Niall said, matching Yslane's sigh with one of his own. "I've spoken with a number of Sith, and any time it's come up, they've said that anything more than temporary peace is unlikely, because it's incompatible with their code. Having since read their code, I'm forced to agree."

"May I ask where you are from, Yslane?" Niall smiled. "And I assure you, in case that seemed like a fast change, it is entirely relevant to our current conversation."

[Yslane Tssilla]

"Remember when I claimed to be with the Foreign Office?" Yslane shrugged, "Let's just say that if I hadn't been a Jedi that would have been my life. My parents are both in the Civil Service. Father is with Chancellor's Office and Mother the Defense Office. If you look at cousins, aunts, uncles, etc....well I probably have family in every branch of government service. The Tssilla family has been on Courscant working for the Republic since there was a Republic."

"But I was discovered at age five....so much of my upbringing has been in the Jedi Temple on Courscant. Even in that somewhat cloistered life you pick up a few things about moving and tracking in a city, that's just life on Courscant."

[Niall Organa]

"Ah." Niall gave her a nod. "Nevertheless, it is clear from your words that your family has a history of duty and service. And so do you."

He shook his head. "It's just something that's been on my mind lately. I was reminded by what you said about them turning on each other. A distinguished family, Force-sensitivity... it all just seems to be about avenues of power to them." He brightened. "Or some of them, anyway. Not all. Perhaps there's hope."

[Yslane Tssilla]

"The Dark Side's influence pervades their society," Another shrug, "But for some their lineage seems to place a...sort of noble obligation. The same as yourself might feel. That your position is not simply a boon but a responsibility to those beneath you socially."

[Niall Organa]

"Right, if it weren't for the Sith." Niall sighed. "This actually runs similar to a conversation I had with a Sith earlier, although I doubt he'd come to the same conclusion that I have. Both sides have nobility, who may or may not feel obligation. But while the Republic has the spiritual influence of the Jedi-" He nodded to Yslane, "-the Empire has the influence of the Sith. Selflessness versus selfishness."

His lips twisted. "Or such is my impression, anyway."

[Yslane Tssilla]

"That is the basics of it yes," Yslane nods, "But it is what it is, we can just hope the Sith either devour themselves....come to reconcile their beliefs with coexistence. But that is looking to the long term. For now we have to concentrate on helping the peace talks."

[Niall Organa]

"Yes." Niall said with a sigh. "I suppose so."

"And sometimes that means putting a stop to things." He tapped his datapad. "How did you get this information?"