"Okay, so it went all right then?" Mira rubbed her forehead, forcing herself not to get distracted again as she look at the hologram before her.
She was in what once had to have been a meditation room. It was a small circular place complete with dozens of pillows and a central fountain, the edges of the walls were lined with small plants that filled the room with a smell of lavender. With the light shining from the large window in the ceiling that the temple architects seemed so found off one would have a hard time to imagine a more serene place...
Yet...Mira constantly found herself frowning in worry, irritation and anger. It was nice that Atton now had taken to avoiding her while still taking her order to heart and not go down into the lower areas again...yet the constant confusion mixed with guilt assaulting her senses every time he entered the temple was wearing her thin.
Not that her own thoughts on the matter did any good, even without Atton skulking around like a frightened child she hesitated about every action and thought she had had back then...and now. Damn fool had put them both out of balance with his stupid behaviour...it was all his fault...wasn't it?
Ugh...realising she had gotten sidetracked once more Mira forced herself to focus back on the little Visas standing before her. The Miraluka could obviously not see her discomfort though and spoke without a hint of worry. Why didn't Bao-Dur do these things? Bet the zabrak jerk wanted Mira to stop being crept out by the other woman...men really were jerks. Wait, what was she saying?
"...of course the rebels didn't really understand how outmatched they were and after they temporarily seized control of the capital and royal palace we managed to force their submission with some aid from local security forces." The hologram threw what looked like an annoyed glance to the side. "And except for some minor sprains and bruises none got hurt."
"I see, was it...erm...dramatic enough to give us some credit?" Mira felt a little filthy asking the question, the whole thing stunk of something that definitively wasn't jedi...but necessity came before ethics. Ugh...that thought didn't fit well with her either.
Visas nodded. "I believe so, we were instrumental in preventing the rebels from reaching the armouries as well as in awaken and lead the security forces. Without us the rebellion could well had lead to a military intervention with a high number of casualties. The reporters and civilians there apparently agreed with us in that regard, I believe we will come out favourably in the news."
"Good, nice to hear." Mira muttered, remembering that Bao-Dur might be watching she forced a polite smile and said: "It's is going quite well here as well. Me and Atton have managed to get quite a good reputation among the Coruscant people, senator Olmark have even noticed some favourable comments within the senate, though they were of course off the record."
"Change does not happen over night." Visas agreed. "If you do not mind me and Bao-Dur will continue on to other planets on that list of yours. Bao-Dur seem most intent in aiding the republic, an acquired taste I would say..." Mira smiled. "And I agree with him that even if we do those works less dramatically...that planetary support for the senator's view will fade, forcing them to compromise."
Nodding Mira found herself agreeing. "Seems you two have thought this through quite extensively. And since Mical will obviously have no complaints about your plan I can't say I object, whatever you two judge best." She rolled her eyes at her own words. "Besides, we all know you two are the smartest of us all anyway."
"Bao-Dur likes to express his doubts about that..." Visas seemed to shoo something away, the mechanic obviously wanting to say something. "And he's quite...the hologram is not for making jokes through Bao-Dur." The lecturing tone brought a smile to Mira's lips. Apparently she's not the only one with trouble with idiots...
Her smile faded, the thought of the scoundrel bothering her once more returning. Force he annoyed her, especially the way her stomach became a knot at the thought of him, how was she supposed to eat when the thought of him made her loose all appetite? She really should talk to him, or beat him up, either way...
Then a blinking light on the holoprojector caught her attention. "I have to get back to you two on that...later." Pushing a button on the side she switched to the new contact. The robed shape of senator Olmark appeared after a buzz of static, the man's stance was calm, hands behind his back. "Ah, senator, good to see you."
"And you master jedi." Despite the small hologram Mira could see the slight smile on the man's lips. "I'm happy to note that your constant work have made some impression about the neutral senators. However, that is not the reason for my call."
"I sensed as much."
"The reason I'm calling is to invite you and your friend Atton to a ball."
Mira blinked, had he just...a what? "Excuse me? Did you just say a...'ball'?"
"Indeed I did." The smile of the senator was wider now, he was obviously enjoying her confusion. "Queen Talia of Onderon has arrived in a diplomatic mission to assure the senate of Onderon's continued support. To honour her and strengthen the Onderon-Republic bonds the senate has arranged a ball for her and her officers as well as the high ranking members of Coruscant."
"And I guess you have nothing to do with that decision?"
"I might have...greased the wheels for such a development." Olmark admitted. "Though queen Talia herself is equally responsible, she wants to leave no doubt about her loyalty to the repoublic and, perhaps, to the jedi..."
"Ah." Mira rolled her eyes, did the senators ever do something for fun? "I guess this is the time we take points from the opposition and show up with great splendour?" Like prize animals...better not say that though.
"Indeed." The senator nodded. "I have already taken the liberty to send a servant of mine to the temple with fabric tests and a nice selection to choose from."
"Excuse me?"
"A selection, to come in jedi robes would be a little insulting...and usual dress of both of you leaves something to be desired....this is a ball after all." Oh he couldn't be serious... "If I may I would suggest something in republic colours as a nice message...heck Atton might do well with an uniform."
"Well I can't argue with that..." Wait, what? Of course she could! Atton was anything but an army guy! Though he might look strapping...ah stop it! "...but are you sure that's necessary? I haven't walked in heels since...well ever!" That she hated the whole idea of dressing up and the vulnerability coming with a lack of weapons didn't make it any better...
Olmark smiled, sensing her hesitation. "Do not worry, my servant will find you both something stunning and comfortable, he's an expert in his field. Don't be afraid to make demands either, he's used to bossy senators after all..." He chuckled.
"O...okay...?"