The perimeter surrounding the base—[i]Enclave Zeta[/i]—appeared secure enough to withstand assault from a respectable group of enemies. Those that were not hard at work unloading supplies, managing information on consoles, or communicating with other individuals were well-armed patrolmen making rounds. Anari could not deny the Commander in charge of the base kept the men and women watchful, for not one appeared lax in the duties assigned to them. Everyone remained alert, their bodies and minds focused on the task at hand, acting with the drive she came to expect from members of the New Republic. As the perimeter check concluded, she let herself breathe easier.

Now, only the other members chosen for this assignment, as well as the Commander’s decisions, were to be critically examined.

By the time she finished introducing herself to some of the staff responsible for watching the perimeter, as well as those who maintained the defense systems in place, she stepped out to find that the gathering of unique individuals vanished, and in the place of that gathering was single, elderly man closely flanked by five armed men. They did not wear garb related to the New Republic, nor did she recall the man’s mention by description. From what she could tell based on how several men stopped to stare at the group, they were new to the base. Locals. An opportunity for diplomacy, perhaps.

Anari counted down from ten before she strode after them, noted the men watching the door, and came to a stop nearby to listen in to the conversation within, ignoring the curious and lustful gazes from the guards. Her eyes trained to the ground below her, she heard the introductions—“Match” was the name, or alias, of the elderly man within. The exchange between the two told her much, yet it brought several more questions to the forefront of her mind. Questions that no one—not the fellow Jedi within, nor the Commander, nor the other, a Senator—seemed to be asking. If there was one thing she could not stand in the galaxy, it was carelessness.

Biding her time up until the Senator concluded her introduction and attempt to relate closely to Match, Anari could no longer stand idle. Her eyes opened and she moved for the door, opening it with a subtle wave of her hand. Once inside, she contained her irritation, instead bringing her attention to the most important question she could for Match to answer for. Her desire to receive his complete attention was strong, so much that she stepped in front of him and met his eyes with a powerful stare betraying her soft features. 

[color=fff79a][b]“Before you answer the senator, I would ask that you answer me.”[/b][/color] Anari gave a brief pause, yet spoke again before any could intervene. [color=fff79a][b]“The New Republic’s presence here is not welcome by all. We have enemies both mysterious and resourceful on all sides, and they likely outnumber you and your community. There are forces here that may not take kindly to you being here and suggesting you could help us. You, who traveled with five armed men, would not have gone unnoticed. Don’t think it for a second.”
[/b][/color]

Five men armed and surrounding you made you difficult to approach, but not difficult to see. Coming here so boldly was careless. Careless and stupid. What good was an ally that lacked tact and believed only in immediate safety, rather than the long term?

[color=fff79a][b]“So, I ask you, “Match”, what good is an ally that cannot keep their head down—especially one that may have been followed here?”[/b][/color] Anari asked. [color=fff79a][b]“You not only risk your life, but the lives of those who have confidence in you. Reckless. Foolish. Someone is going to want you dead for this.”[/b][/color]