[Day 2 - LM] Soup for the Masses (Twin Event)

[Zeno Thul]

"I can imagine so," he says with a nod. "Doing it for events like this beats scrubbing in a military dining hall."

[Katarzyna Ulgo]

"I can imagine so," he says with a nod. "Doing it for events like this beats scrubbing in a military dining hall."

"It is fulfilling, to be of aid to others. Think of how little suffering there would be in the galaxy, if people were not too proud to help others, or showed more care and compassion for those around them - not just their closest friends and family," she said calmly, in that patient tone she had often used with a haughty youngling or stubborn padawan.

[Zeno Thul]

"It is fulfilling, to be of aid to others. Think of how little suffering there would be in the galaxy, if people were not too proud to help others, or showed more care and compassion for those around them - not just their closest friends and family," she said calmly, in that patient tone she had often used with a haughty youngling or stubborn padawan.

"A fair point. But the galaxy would likely also stagnate. It is greed and selfishness that drives technological advances. The constant search for efficiency and effectiveness. And those advances provide a higher quality of life for many." Zeno continues scrubbing, his tone fully conversational.

[Cynella Andrim]

“I know, hence this chance at redemption,” she said with a smile.

"In the form of ships?" Cynella asked. "I suppose there are worse ways. Yes, let's see if the Queen is amenable to poor public displays in the form of good business."

[Ziandra Thul]

"In the form of ships?" Cynella asked. "I suppose there are worse ways. Yes, let's see if the Queen is amenable to poor public displays in the form of good business."

"It can be done, Thul was once one of the most hated names on Alderaan... and now, only slightly less hated," she smiled mischievously.

[Katarzyna Ulgo]

"A fair point. But the galaxy would likely also stagnate. It is greed and selfishness that drives technological advances. The constant search for efficiency and effectiveness. And those advances provide a higher quality of life for many." Zeno continues scrubbing, his tone fully conversational.

"A very typical answer from someone who grew up in the Empire." Something in her tone seemed to indicate her was not the first Sith, or former Sith, she was speaking to. Like she had had this conversation before. "Or typical answer from one who considers only the progression made nescessary from conflict and war. History on the other hand is full of examples that science, infrastructure, and quality of living improves significantly in times of peace when resources can be distributed more compared to war-times. Peace times is when we see exploration of the galaxy, and improvement for the lives of the majority of sentients."

"Not that I discount the progress that comes from war-time, but it is mostly focused on specific narrow fields in comparison to the options that open up during peace-times. Peace isn't stagnation, but a time for growth and nurture."

[Cynella Andrim]

"It can be done, Thul was once one of the most hated names on Alderaan... and now, only slightly less hated," she smiled mischievously.

That was, perhaps, a good lesson about prejudices. "If you would, I'd appreciate learning more about the history behind such things. As an outsider, I'm at a disadvantage when it comes to Alderaanian politics." Though she craved more information on the subject, she kept in mind that she'd have to remain cautious; the presence of mischievous smiles required some prudence on her part.

[Solara Panteer]

"A very typical answer from someone who grew up in the Empire." Something in her tone seemed to indicate her was not the first Sith, or former Sith, she was speaking to. Like she had had this conversation before. "Or typical answer from one who considers only the progression made nescessary from conflict and war. History on the other hand is full of examples that science, infrastructure, and quality of living improves significantly in times of peace when resources can be distributed more compared to war-times. Peace times is when we see exploration of the galaxy, and improvement for the lives of the majority of sentients."

"Not that I discount the progress that comes from war-time, but it is mostly focused on specific narrow fields in comparison to the options that open up during peace-times. Peace isn't stagnation, but a time for growth and nurture."

"We agree with master Jedi, and look forward to expanding educational opportunities both on and off world for all Alderaanians," the Queen interjected.

[Ziandra Thul]

That was, perhaps, a good lesson about prejudices. "If you would, I'd appreciate learning more about the history behind such things. As an outsider, I'm at a disadvantage when it comes to Alderaanian politics." Though she craved more information on the subject, she kept in mind that she'd have to remain cautious; the presence of mischievous smiles required some prudence on her part.

"We would be happy to recieve you for lunch when your schedule allows," she said.

"If given proper lead time, I might even have a notable guest or two."

[Solara Panteer]

His eyes flicked between the assorted princes and princesses. Perhaps they lingered on Jameelaa moment longer. "It's good to see our leaders so engaged in keeping it that way. I lived on Coruscant for a few years and, well, frankly it's a joy to be home."

“Coruscant has suffered so much, we are negotiating with the Houses on a more substantive aid package but… we can only get so many to the table. Self interest and politics are often the enemies of charity and goodwill. But we will not be deterred. We are committed to aiding the people of Coruscant,” she said to the man.

[Cynella Andrim]

"We would be happy to recieve you for lunch when your schedule allows," she said.

"If given proper lead time, I might even have a notable guest or two."

"How intriguing. Well, I should have time for a lunch tomorrow, if you'd have me then at your estate," Cynella said. "If not, then perhaps another day soon thereafter."

[Ziandra Thul]

""I am sure we can have things arranged by then, Lady Andrim," she responded.

[Brannis Ulgo]

"Well, surely significant in your own right to have been assigned here," he half-says, half-asks, with a smile. "And what does the empire's representative make of Alderaan's festival here?" The politician's face and tone remain politely neutral.

“You Alderaanians are entirely too cheerful, it is an admirable quality,” she responded.

Bran's eyebrows rise with surprise, as he chooses not to restrain them.

"A most intriguing observation after all the unfortunate events that Alderaanians have weathered in recent memory," he says with determined understatement. "I suppose that isn't necessarily admirable in the eyes of certain powers though." Bran raises one eyebrow now to emphasize his curiosity.

[Zeno Thul]

"A very typical answer from someone who grew up in the Empire." Something in her tone seemed to indicate her was not the first Sith, or former Sith, she was speaking to. Like she had had this conversation before. "Or typical answer from one who considers only the progression made nescessary from conflict and war. History on the other hand is full of examples that science, infrastructure, and quality of living improves significantly in times of peace when resources can be distributed more compared to war-times. Peace times is when we see exploration of the galaxy, and improvement for the lives of the majority of sentients."

"Not that I discount the progress that comes from war-time, but it is mostly focused on specific narrow fields in comparison to the options that open up during peace-times. Peace isn't stagnation, but a time for growth and nurture."

"We agree with master Jedi, and look forward to expanding educational opportunities both on and off world for all Alderaanians," the Queen interjected.

"Peace does indeed grant greater opportunity. War benefits few at the cost of many. But in both of these states it is the competitive nature that promotes growth. Conflict is a natural state of the galaxy that has enabled us to become what we are. Even here on Alderaan conflict is part of tradition and has seen the many houses grow and advance. Traditions like feuds tend to allow the resolution of conflicts without needing to instigate war."

[Lana Beniko]

Bran's eyebrows rise with surprise, as he chooses not to restrain them.

"A most intriguing observation after all the unfortunate events that Alderaanians have weathered in recent memory," he says with determined understatement. "I suppose that isn't necessarily admirable in the eyes of certain powers though." Bran raises one eyebrow now to emphasize his curiosity.

"It's an honest observation," she said. "If you wish I could offer bland platitudes that Alderaanians are resilient and will rebuild. But I find that statement true for any sentient."

[Katarzyna Ulgo]

"We agree with master Jedi, and look forward to expanding educational opportunities both on and off world for all Alderaanians," the Queen interjected.

Katarzyna took a moment to lower her head respectfully to the monarch. "Thank you, your majesty. You honor me."

"Peace does indeed grant greater opportunity. War benefits few at the cost of many. But in both of these states it is the competitive nature that promotes growth. Conflict is a natural state of the galaxy that has enabled us to become what we are. Even here on Alderaan conflict is part of tradition and has seen the many houses grow and advance. Traditions like feuds tend to allow the resolution of conflicts without needing to instigate war."

She looked back to Zeno. "I see nothing wrong with friendly competition, as it certainly can bolster performance. The problem arises when competition becomes conflict, harmless rivalry becomes enmity. These are darker sides, born of pride and insecurity. You and I could have a small competition to see who could wash dishes the fastest, but in the end, I am happy with whoever wins, as the victor wasn't me or you, but the ones who benefitted from our efforts; the people we are here to serve."

[Kellen Rist]

“Coruscant has suffered so much, we are negotiating with the Houses on a more substantive aid package but… we can only get so many to the table. Self interest and politics are often the enemies of charity and goodwill. But we will not be deterred. We are committed to aiding the people of Coruscant,” she said to the man.

Kellen bowed respectfully. "Then I will assist your humanitarian efforts in any way I can your majesty. I am certain that my cousin Omandri feels the same way. Know that House Rist stands with you."

He continued to pass out soup, and nutritional advice, to the hungry locals.

[Solara Panteer]

"We shall emphasize your commitment when next we speak with Duchess Rist," she said to Kellen.

[Zeno Thul]

"And I would be happy with whoever won because it is washing dishes. There is nothing to lose but potential for entertainment." He shrugged at that.

"Dark and light are distinctions that I really don't care about anymore, philosophically. Jedi can fall, Sith can be redeemed, the force wages conflict in all of us. I rely on the dark as a practical concern, because it is what my body and mind are attuned to. But I have no fear of reaching out to the light when it presents itself. I don't know if you are aware, but the light tempts those that call on the dark. I accept it's offer from time to time."

[Katarzyna Ulgo]

"Why don't you simply step toward the Light then?" she retorted calmly. "What you call a 'temptation of Light' is an incorrect term. The Light does not tempt, nor does it need to. What you are encountering in those moments, is the truth of the Force - its natural state of balance, the living Force."