Because when do Drops ever go right?

[Kyber Krystal]

Mos Eisley, Tatooine​

Another Casual Drop, Another Credit.

Kyber had come to Tatooine for a quick drop. Random supplies that Kyber in all honesty was not interested in at the slightest. He had recently made a breakthrough with his abilities with the Force, being able to move larger and larger objects every day. All he wanted was to get back to honing his abilities, but credits had to be made. Kyber hated the kriffing credit system. Why things couldn’t be as simple as bartering back on Kashyyyk he would never understand. The point was he had to adapt, and adapt he had.

And he needed more fuel. His ship was nearly depleted.

Typically, Kyber enjoyed going to new worlds. He loved seeing the cultures, the people, the new experiences. Growing up on one planet surrounded by Wookies will do that to a person. He wasn't a huge fan of the planets controlled by the Sith Empire, purely because of the strict authority they held on their planets. But he would take the Imperial scrutiny over the wasteland here. That's all Tatooine appeared to be: A wasteland that didn’t house anything of interest to the young man. Growing up in lush forests, Kyber never liked the idea of scarce deserts. The people he found there were even worse. Criminal Scum who only cared about themselves. As far as he was concerned, the sooner he made the drop, the sooner he could get off the horrible planet.

It was a supply drop like any other. But Kyber always made sure to outfit himself incase something should go wrong. He had his fair share of bad drops and would always find himself doing anything from shooting his way out to walking away from a huge explosion. All in a day’s work for a Smuggler. He outfitted himself in light clothing because he would be sent to the nethers of the Force before he was going to sweat his ass off during a drop. He took his usual precautions, strapping his blaster to his hip. He didn’t feel the need to take his Bowcaster this time, no need to draw unnecessary attention when he only wished to get on and off the planet. Though he did take his lightsaber, dissembled into two distinct pieces and attached to his belt. This modification was something his father created during his years as a member of the Jedi Army, finding it was easy for him to avoid suspicious eyes if he did so.

After docking a little ways outside the larger port of Mos Eisley (no way Kyber would be paying for any kriffing docking fee), Kyber carried the hefty crate into the port. Kyber was pleasantly surprised, as the drop actually went off without a hitch, quite rare for him. The buyer was some rat faced fellow, perhaps making a purchase for a crime lord. Kyber never felt the need to consider his buyers, as long as he was paid in full and up front. With this extra found time, Kyber took some time to walk around the port.

There was nothing much to see, Jawas selling their junk to the denizens of the port but not much else. Such an interesting speech the Jawas had, and everyone at this port appeared to understand them completely. Kyber felt that he might want to add Jawaese to his list of languages. Kyber decided to head to a Cantina to get something to drink, feeling that he might as well celebrate his increasing prowess with the Force. However, he would never get that far.

Feeling there was nothing worth searching for throughout the port, Kyber entered a nearby cantina, looking to cool down and get a drink. Inside was no different that outside, other than the fact that the activity inside the cantina was simply louder and more concentrated. The music was light and airy, encouraging the customers to engage in whatever activities they wanted. The drinks certainly didn't hurt that either. Kyber was interested by the organized chaos, thinking about how much of a departure a place like this was from his life on Kashyyyk.

The young man sat himself at the bar and ordered a drink, chipping the credits forward upfront. He had been reading lately on the HoloNet that some force users had the ability to alter people's opinions, and for a brief second thought about trying to use that technique to get a free drink. However, he decided against that. Not for any morally superior reason, but rather he didn't want to get thrown out of the bar before he could get a drink in his system. That and the young man had never even tested the ability out before, never mind use it successfully.

And so, his plan was to get a drink, take in the sights of the cantina, and head back to his ship. Until his plans changed.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed two thuggish looking men, a Rodian and a human with a cybernetic right eye, escorting a fair looking Blue Twi'lek girl out of the Cantina. Admittedly, the group caught Kyber's attention because the Twi'lek was absolutely gorgeous, but his attention stayed on the group for a much different reason. The woman appeared to be unconscious, her head totally slumped and her arms being held up by the other two men. Her body appeared limp, as though if the men let go she would fall. Kyber was instantly worried. He had heard too many worry stories of women being drugged and kidnapped by crime syndicates to be sold into slavery. He looked around the cantina, and realized that no one was going to do anything to help. No one cared. So he had to care.

Swiftly, he finished his drink, steeled his nerves, and started to follow the group out of the Cantina. He would not let anyone fall into slavery. Not on his watch.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Valen Pelora]

The Aurora burst from hyperspace, the massive Defender-class Star Cruiser gliding through the eternal darkness. The brown ball of Tatooine was barely visible in the distance. Jedi Master Valen Pelora stood on the bridge of the Aurora surveying the bustling activity. Jedi, Rangers, and support personnel, moved swiftly about the bridge. He could remember a time when this had all seemed so foreign. Even the bridge of the Peacekeeper had been slightly disorganized. Now, they ran like a well-oiled machine. Jedi and other personnel worked seamlessly together. The Aurora had seen its fair share of battles, the crew was experienced and skilled. What they did today required far less precision.

The Jedi had received troubling information of a slaving operation growing on Tatooine. The barren desert planet was far outside Jedi influence but that didn’t matter. He worked tirelessly to make sure the galaxy knew the Jedi had not abandoned them. They would not only oppose the Sith but all injustice. Slavery was damn near the top of his list. The Aurora had exited hyperspace a good distance from Tatooine to ensure they did not arouse suspicion. It would be a strange sight for one of the Jedi Capital ships to appear above the skies. Instead, the Aurora would wait here while he took the Puddle Jumper to the surface. He heard a familiar voice chime behind him.

“Sir, the Puddle Jumper is ready.”

He turned to face Alara. She was not the mousy young Jedi she once was. His administrative assistant had transformed into a confident fierce warrior. The war had changed them all. “Thank you, Alara.”

“The Rangers and Knights will stay in the Puddle Jumper until your signal.” Alara rarely challenged his solo sojourns anymore. They had come to an understanding long ago. He took a deep breath and reached for the Force. The Lightside poured through him.

“You have the bridge.” He walked from the bridge and headed straight for the Puddle Jumper. He took the time to meditate as the Star Yacht quickly made the trip to Tatooine. With a fake transponder and credititails they landed at a seedy dock in Mos Eisley. Valen forsook his typical Jedi robes for a tattered unassuming jacket and pants. His boots thumped on the loading ramp. The hot dry air of Tatooine blasted him in the face. The Ranger and Knights would stay hidden on the Puddle Jumper until he gave the word. Then they would put an end to whatever barbaric slave ring was operating in Mos Eisley. The green skinned Jedi set out into the streets. His mind was flung wide in the Force as he searched.

@Kyber Krystal

 

[Kyber Krystal]

In the blink of an eye, Kyber had been thrown back into his element. He was the hunter, and those thugs were his prey. He almost felt nostalgic, reminded of the days where he and Tuft would stalk the forests of Kashyyyk searching for food to bring for the village. Hunting required patience, and a calm level head. Which normally would be quite easy for Kyber. However, suspecting that he had witnessed a kidnapping, he couldn't help but feel angry. All he wanted to do was pull his blaster and fire, save the girl and leave the planet. But he knew better than that, that was not going to work. He would fire, he would cause a panic, and in the chaos the girl and the thug who survived would most likely fade into the crowd and escape. That couldn't happen. He followed the group at about a speeder length's distance, hoping to not arouse suspicion.

As he continued his approach, Kyber suddenly felt something weird. He couldn't put his finger on it. It was similar to the feeling of being watched, but the someone watching didn't exist, or simply wasn't there. He had heard of sensing something through the Force before, but he never really had much practice with it. He never felt the need. In his experience, Kyber typically stuck to the Outer Rim and had never really encountered another Force User before. So he didn't necessarily feel anything of that sort. But here he did. He looked up into the skies and saw a rather elegant looking Star Yacht. Well, elegant looking for this cesspool of a planet anyways. He thought it was weird. A weird coincidence anyways. He felt this feeling as the Star Yacht arrived.

However, he had to write it off as coincidence. And he had to ignore it. In his momentary distraction, the thugs had begun to move much farther.

He had to run after them to catch up, risking blowing his cover in the process. Although, it turned out he did not need to worry about that. They were as thick as they looked, not looking worried at all walking through the port with an unconscious woman. Kyber actually felt disgusted: No one cared at all that this woman was being dragged through the city. They were probably too concerned with themselves to worry about anyone else who could be in danger. Was there no sense of right and wrong in his part of the galaxy? He had definitely seen some general apathy to horrid acts and conditions throughout the Outer Rim, and even in the Core Worlds. But nothing so blatantly ignorant as this. Whatever, Kyber thought. He had to take the responsibility onto himself because no one else would.

He already lost his life to Slavers. He wouldn't let anyone else lose theirs.

Suddenly, the two thugs veered off down a nearby alleyway, just off the main promenade they had been following. Kyber took the opportunity to run closer to the alleyway to close the distance. This would certainly look odd to a bystander walking by, but Kyber could care less at that point. He pressed himself to a nearby wall, edging his hand closer to his blaster. He stuck his head around the corner, slowly and making no sudden movements. This was a crucial moment of the hunt, and to spook his prey here would be to lose them forever. In the alleyway, the thugs walked to the middle of the alley, with the woman, and suddenly stopped. The cyborg raised a holocommunicator, stating simply: "We have the Cargo. Come and pick it up"

That was all the proof Kyber needed. Slavers, he knew it. He wanted to rush in, guns blazing, save the girl and kill the thugs. Anger began to brew in him. But he knew he had to wait. Clearly, more people were coming to grab this woman. He would wait, wait for the others to come, and then he would make his move. He had the time it took for the reinforcements to arrive to come up with a plan. Maybe he could activate his lightsaber and scare them off, or fire some shots from a rooftop to take one out and scare the rest away.

All while he waited, his hand was firmly held on his blaster, ready to draw and ready to kill.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Valen Pelora]

Valen had learned long ago to trust the Force. He walked the path set out before him. There had been a time in his life he found it difficult to tread the road. He had fallen astray, lost his way, or forgotten where he was going. Five years of war and heart ache had reminded him to follow the Light. His faith in the Light would guide his steps. He had been called here for a reason. He would not interrogate the locals. He would not investigate the disappearances. No. He would follow the Force and it would provide. Valen did not always blindly follow the Force but he could feel it working here. He could feel the pull.

He wandered the streets of Mos Eisley waiting for what he was looking for. He would know it when he saw it. He turned to walked down an alley and it clicked into place. The Force hummed in his heart. He saw a pair of thugs standing with a small twi’lek woman. He had arrived just in time to catch the tail end of their conversation. He heard the thugs request a ‘pick up.’ He scowled and ducked back behind the wall. Thankfully, the kidnappers had failed to see him stumble upon their deal. Valen was conflicted. He was certain he could dispatch the thugs before they could harm the twi’lek or help arrived. Their captive would be safer if he acted now. Yet, he would likely lose his chance at uncovering the larger operation. He could wait and see who arrived then gather the kidnapped woman. That would put the girl in considerable more danger. He took a deep breath and let the Force wash through him. He knew what he had to do, as difficult as it was.

Valen waited. He didn’t have to wait long for a speeder to appear overhead. Four perilous looking individuals pilled out of the speeder and into the alley. A Rodian, two humans, and a twi’lek, joined their thuggish allies. This was his chance, he only need one alive. He checked his surroundings and dashed into the alleyway. His Lightsaber sprung into his hand, the emerald green blade springing to life. He slammed into the group, cutting down the Rodian with a quick strike to the back. He reminded himself he only needed one alive. He spun to face the others.

 

[Kyber Krystal]

Kyber didn't have to wait long before a new speeder lowered down into the alley. Kyber was surprised by this. Perhaps this wasn't an isolated incident, and there was a whole slave ring on this planet. What a disgusting thought... And so, Kyber prepared to make his assault on the group. He was both excited and scared, he was never really the type to actively seek out a fight. Sure, he had been in his share of shootouts in bad deals, and hunted his fair share back home, but those were either dealing with poor circumstances or dumb animals. Kyber felt that however thick these thugs were, they were not stupid bantha waiting around to be shot and bagged. These were sentient beings who most likely knew how to handle themselves in a fight. Kyber ducked back behind the wall, steeling himself for the fight ahead.

As he breathed in and out, he once again felt something odd. Kyber felt more calm, more relaxed, almost more level headed. His anxious feelings left quickly as he breathed in and out. It was the same presence he had felt moments ago, there was no mistaking it. He couldn't explain to himself how this made him feel, but it simply gave him peace. Peace he hadn't felt since before his parents were taken from him. However, this feeling of calm wouldn't last

"So, this is the pretty little bird, yeah?" Kyber overheard from behind the wall. The thugs were here and they wouldn't stay long. "Oh she'll do nicely... If she survives long enough". This sick attempt at a joke was met with laughter from the other thugs. Kyber couldn't believe what he was hearing. Sick jokes about an innocent woman suffering and dying. Whatever peace he felt had quickly washed away, and was replaced with feelings of anger and hate. No one who would act so callously and cruelly deserved to live on. "Load her up boys, we got some more pickups to-- What the hell is that?!"

At this exclamation, Kyber drew his blaster and jumped out of cover. To his shock and amazement, Kyber witnessed a strange looking green alien, bounding out from the other side of the alley. Kyber froze in his tracks for a brief moment as he saw a green lightsaber ignite. Kyber had no words. A Green Lightsaber, just like his father's... just like his. Was he a Jedi? He had heard they'd been operating around the Galaxy, but only rumours. He never thought he would actually meet one. He had so many questions, he barely knew where to begin. He could finally... maybe this man knew more about his father. It was worth a chance.

Kyber had to snap himself out. For just a moment he was gawking like a little kid. But he had to be a man. In his distraction, he didn't even notice the man slice through the Rodian. Good riddance, Kyber thought. And now it was his moment to act. The Green-Skinned Man had effectively stolen the attention of the group of thugs, leaving Kyber a perfect opening to take a shot. Without hesitation, Kyber drew his blaster and fired a bolt, directly into the head of the human. The Twi'lek thug was still alive, having had the good sense to dive for cover behind the speeder the second the Jedi came out of hiding. The human fell limp, dead on the ground. The Cyborg, terrified of the lightsaber, began to try and escape the alley. Most likely to gather reinforcements or alert their gang or crime lord of the interruption. Kyber would let the Jedi handle him, if he so chose. For now, he was focused on the Red Twi'lek.

Kyber noticed that they wore little to no protection, aside from the blasters they were too late to draw. Probably didn't expect any resistance, or any challenge to their authority. This made Kyber even more angry; the casual dalliance with galactic decency. Kyber expected slavers to be held with distain in the galaxy and would consider slavery of any form to be a crime against sentient life. But he was wrong. And this was wrong.

Ignoring the Green-Skinned Man and the Unconscious Girl, Kyber went right for the cowardly Twi'lek cowering for cover from the Green-Skinned Man. Blinded momentarily by his anger, Kyber swiftly marched up to the Twi'lek. "To think that you would actually want to enslave someone of the same species as you. It's kriffing disgusting". Kyber pointed his blaster against the Twi'lek's head, hearing a small gasp escape from the Twi'lek man's mouth. "Give me one good reason why you should continue to live. You were willing to destroy her life, give me a good reason why I shouldn't destroy yours!". The Twi'lek said nothing; most likely too scared.

Kyber's finger edged closer and closer to the Trigger.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Valen Pelora]

Valen’s Lightsaber moved smoothly through the air as he turned to face the rest of the slavers. The Force screamed in his mind. Reflectively, he brought his emerald blade up and reached out in the Force. He saw blaster bolts flying that, for once, were not aimed at him. He didn’t give the bolts another thought. He would take whatever help had mysteriously come his way. The galaxy had become a dark and dangerous place. Good people were burned from their worlds but others refused to act. It brought hope to his heart to see someone taking a stand. It reminded Valen there was more good in the galaxy than just what the Jedi could bring. His attention shifted to the Cyborg trying to escape. If the man was successful he would alert the others. Coming to Tatooine would be for naught.

The General did not hesitate. He gathered the Force and jumped. He landed with a thud in front of the Cyborg. The man drew a blaster but it was far too late. Valen’s left had shot out and the Force followed. A wave drove the Cyborg to his knees. He breathed the Lightside deeply. Forgive me. The Cyborg’s head was liberated from his neck. He felt the sadly familiar pang as a life was ripped from the Force. It was a feeling he had become accustomed to, despite years of promising himself he wouldn’t. One day, he would pray for forgiveness. When the Sith were dead and the galaxy was safe, he would beg the Light to save him. Valen returned his attention to the ally way. His well-trained eyes quickly scanned the small battle. The kidnapped girl was knocked out on the ground, the slavers were unmoving. His eyes caught on the remaining slaver with a gun pressed to his skull. He could feel the anger pulsing in the Force. He could feel the scales tipping. Valen reached out and yanked with the Force. He pulled on his surprise ‘ally.’ He shouted as he worked.

“Wait! We need him alive.” He started walking forward. “There are others.” He pushed calm and serenity in the Force. He pulled on the Lightside, urging the interloper to let go. They needed one alive. @Kyber Krystal

 

[Kyber Krystal]

In that moment, all Kyber wanted was to watch this slaver die. He was a pathetic excuse for life that deserved every bit of pain and suffering coming to him. But in that moment, Kyber suddenly felt most of his anger wash away. Again, he was filled with the peace and serenity he had felt moments ago. Was the Jedi the source of that peace? Maybe. Kyber fought for a brief moment, wanting to pull the trigger. But he faltered. The peaceful energy felt too good. Was this an ability with the Force? Kyber would need to ask. All he knew for sure is that this Jedi was a lot more powerful than he was.

Kyber lowered his blaster, hearing a small gasp of relief come from the mouth of the Twi'lek. Kyber had to acknowledge that the Jedi was right. If there were more slavers than they needed information. Venting the last of his anger, he grabbed the slaver's collar: "You're a lucky man... You don't deserve to live..." He said, looking the Slaver dead in the eyes, before dropping him to the ground.

Kyber stood up, finally getting to have a good look at the Jedi. He had some cool facial tattoos, was pretty tall and well muscled. He had heard some stories of the Jedi engaging in some type of war. This guy definitely looked like he had been through something. He had that hardened look in his eyes that he had seen from some of his customers. The look of "I have seen some messed up things". But this man's look was different. Something softer, almost sad... The man looked physically imposing but Kyber almost felt at ease in his presence. It reminded him of better times.

"That was some impressive work with that lightsaber. Guess I've heard right. You Jedi are quite the warriors" Kyber smiled, almost lightening up a little. He certainly felt like a little kid gawking over a super hero, but he wanted to maintain his composure. He wasn't really sure what he should say. He wasn't sure if he should assemble the lightsaber pieces on his belt or ask about the Force... No he couldn't, he needed to stay focused. He could ask this guy more questions later.

"Well, I guess we're allies now... If you say there are others and want to take down more of these Slaving scum, I'll help you however I can... My name is Kyber. We should probably be more familiar if we're going into this together..." Kyber turned his head to look at the slaver, still cowering in the corner. He hadn't even made one attempt to run. Probably knowing Kyber would drop him like a fly if he even tried to run. "Do you mind interrogating him? I can't stand the sight of him...". He didn't wait for a response. He turned his attention to the unconscious girl. He sat down beside her, inspecting her for any wounds, making sure she was alright.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Valen Pelora]

The tension in Valen’s chest melted as the stranger lowered his blaster. That was one life that wouldn’t be lost. It was a small victory. Those seemed to be the only kind he had these days. He had to focus. Distractions caused mistakes, they could not afford any mistakes. They were already walking a fine line by saving the girl. The smarter choice would have been to follow the slavers back to wherever they were based. He had saved one life but put countless others at risk. A foolish, naïve, mistake. He knew better. Valen felt the anger beginning to melt from his unlikely ally. The man was leaning into the peaceful powerful waves of the Light. A step in the right direction. He smiled at the comment, a sad smile.

“We were more than warriors once.” They were trying to be again. He had abandoned that part of his life, but dedicated himself to giving other Jedi the chance. The Order had been reborn and was thriving. He lived every single moment of his life to ensure not every Jedi had to fight. One day, the Sith would falter and fail. They would fade from the galaxy. Jedi who knew how to be more than killers would be needed. “I am Valen Pelora.” He felt no need to hide who he was. “We may be unlikely allies, but I appreciate the help. Too few would have stepped in.” He walked closer to the downed slaver as Kyber walked the other direction. What a strange name. He wondered who would name their child after the crystals beating at the heart of Lightsabers, or was it an assumed name? He deactivated his Lightsaber and clipped the hilt to his belt. Valen knelt beside the terrified slaver. He could feel the fear pulsing in the Force.

“Tell us where you were taking the girl?”

“I-I can’t. I-I d-don’t know. They’ll find me, kill me.” Valen frowned and reached for the Force. They did not have time for this.

“They won’t get the chance.” He slapped his hand on the man’s forehead and slammed the Force into his mind. He saw the hideout, a few miles outside of the city. A system of caves buried in the dunes. He knew where they needed to go. He returned to his own mind, pulled back his fist and hammered the face of the slaver. The man fell over in a bloody mess. “The slavers have set up shop a few miles outside the city. We have some work to do.” He would radio Alara when the time came. For now, he wanted to see Kyber work. He headed off towards the caves. “Coming?” He was curious what path the Light had set them on. @Kyber Krystal

 

[Kyber Krystal]

Kyber sat beside the unconscious girl, carefully inspecting her for any injuries. From what he could tell, she wasn't physically damaged at all. Most likely drugged. Kyber could scarcely believe how easy it could be to kidnap an innocent girl. Slip something into her drink when she wasn't looking and thats all it took. One moment of inattention leading into a lifetime of suffering. Kyber sat the girl up against the wall, making her appear at least slightly more dignified. There wasn't really any more that he could do. The drugs would wear off eventually, but it wasn't like he could carry her through the streets of Mos Eisley. Kyber decided he had to do something to help. He took out one of the credit chips he had obtained from the drop, and slipped it into her pocket. It wasn't much, as Kyber still needed to survive, but it was something.

Kyber sat against the wall, taking a moment to actually catch his breath. He looked at the Jedi interrogating the slaver... Why did he just come out and give the Jedi his name? Kyber always used an alias when he made drops and even when he was just talking to people. He was unregistered on galactic databases and wanted to keep it that way, but without a second thought he had revealed his true name to this Jedi. No one in the Galaxy knew his real name... and now someone did. Kyber had to wonder why himself. He looked the Jedi up and down. Powerful and dignified... Kyber couldn't help but be reminded of his father. The way he carried himself, the reassuring presence he had... Maybe that was why he felt so trusting towards him. Maybe thats why he had given the Jedi his real name.

Kyber had to admit he was shocked to see the Jedi smash the slavers face into a pulp. Shocked, but not unhappy. He didn't expect a Jedi to inflict punishment like that, but he wasn't complaining. In fact, Kyber was impressed. An appropriate punishment. This man was more than comfortable destroying the life of an innocent girl, just so he could profit. It was absolutely despicable. Kyber was glad this Jedi was willing to do what it took to make sure they could never harm anyone else.

"Coming?"

Kyber snapped out of his moment of admiration, looking up at the Jedi. Or rather, Valen. Nice name, Kyber thought. Powerful. Kyber stood to meet him. "Uh yeah, absolutely. If there's more Slavers like that, they all deserve whats coming to them... I still can't believe that no one else wanted to help her. Guess we're her Jedi Knights in Glistening Robes". Kyber smiled at his anecdote and turned to look at the Speeder that the slavers had so graciously brought to collect the girl. Kyber felt they may as well take it, considering their original owners wouldn't be needing it anymore. "I say we take the Speeder to their hideout. Travel in style.".

Kyber had to admit he still felt giddy about meeting a Jedi. The very first active Jedi he had ever met. His father knew some things about the Jedi Order, but he had abandoned the order long before Kyber was born. Kyber had a lot of questions. He wanted to ask about the Force, about lightsabers, about the Sith. He had way too many questions than could be answered while they were hunting slavers. So he decided to ask only one.

Kyber hopped onto the speeder into the Driver's seat. "I can drive, I'm a pretty good pilot if I do say so myself... Valen, right? I had a question for you, if you don't mind. You're the first Jedi I've really met... Did you happen to know a Jedi Knight named Arkon Ortaigen?". No doubt, if it was true that Jedi were able to sense emotions, they would sense a wave of sadness wash over the boy. Kyber wanted to take the Slaving operation down, but he needed to ask that question. He would not be able to focus otherwise.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Valen Pelora]

Valen halted as Kyber suggested they take the speeder. That was wise, the speeder would hopefully get them close to the compound without inspection. It would be far more difficult once the slavers realized their companions were not piloting the speeder. The unlikely allies would have to cross that dune when they came to it. He could sense the bubbling excitement in the young man. What a strange find out here in the desert.

Valen climbed into the speeder passenger seat and instructed Kyber on the location of the canyon. He trusted his new-found ally to get them close to the slavers without incident. It was probably for the best the man familiar with Tatooine drove the speeder. He was struck by the feeling emanating from Kyber. He had foolishly not noticed it before, but it was obvious now. The chaos of battle had blinded Valen’s senses. Kyber was Force Sensitive. Mostly untrained if his assessment was correct. There was a stark contrast between the aura of a trained Force user and untrained. Kyber was no Jedi, or Sith. He wondered if the young man knew of his talents. A small frown tugged at his lips. Now was not the time. His senses were assaulted by sudden sadness as he was asked about an unfamiliar Jedi. Valen could sense a strange distraction pulling in the Force. He had to answers these questions, as best he could.

“I’m sorry, I do not know Jedi Ortaigen.” He smiled and laughed softly. “I am not as old as I look, I’m afraid.” A small sad look passed before he smoothed his features. “We lost many when Tython was destroyed, and have lost more since.” He had lost touch with most of those he knew in the Order when he had joined the Army. When the Sith had ripped Tython from the galaxy he had lost many friends. Now, he tried hard to learn the names of as many Jedi as possible. It was a difficult task, even for a Council member. “If he was a Jedi, his name would still be in the Archives.” He leaned back as Kyber continued to drive. @Kyber Krystal

 

[Kyber Krystal]

As Kyber prepped the speeder to move, he turned and looked once again at the bloody slaver. A small glare. Part of him still wanted to climb off the speeder and put a bolt in his brain. But that would be selfish. They needed to be on their way, and taking any more time out of their schedule would be ill-advised. The slavers might already be growing suspicious of the fact that the group weren't back already. Kyber continued to stare at the crumpled body as the Jedi gave him directions. He ruminated on his need for revenge... before he turned back around. He nodded towards the Jedi, acknowledging the directions towards the compound. He really hoped he could navigate his way towards the hideout.

As he drove, he attentively listen to the Jedi. He had to admit he was disappointed to hear that the Jedi didn't know his father. "I just thought I'd ask, he was... someone that I used to know." But it made sense. If he had renounced the Order, Kyber didn't see why his father's name would be kept in any sort of Archives... Archives. Archives of knowledge. The thought of it was almost romantic to Kyber. He had to scrounge to find even the slightest bit of credible knowledge on the Force. You couldn't trust everything you read on the HoloNet after all. The thought of a body of knowledge dedicated to the Force that was all completely legitimate... It sounded wonderful.

"I don't really know much about Tython. But I did hear about some world that was destroyed by... Sorry, I'll stop... And don't worry, you don't look a day over 25". Kyber just looked at the Jedi and could tell it was a really sore subject for him. Kyber wanted to know more, but maybe that was a topic for after this mission was done. Kyber decided to change the subject. "Your Force abilities are really really cool. I love the Force, it's just so... cool". Kyber, for once, had no words to say. Kyber, the self-proclaimed smart-talking smuggler, had nothing to say. Nothing of worth anyways. He wanted to impress the Jedi. He didn't have any idea why, he just felt the need.

After a bit of time, and a little bit of misdirection, Kyber eventually was able to find the location the the slaving base. He halted the speeder on a dune about one kilometre away. From the looks of it, the band was operating out of a cave. There was one entrance into the cave, at least from first glance. Stealth probably wasn't an option, but the Jedi might have a better idea. Kyber didn't want to assume anything, but from the looks of the Jedi, it wasn't his first time attacking an enemy base. Kyber was used to having lots of cover, but in an open desert that was pretty much unavailable. He turned to the Jedi.

"So, Valen. Any ideas on how to get in? Because all I can think of is sending the Speeder in as a bomb while we jump out." Kyber chuckled. Despite everything, he was having a bit of fun... Maybe he could learn a thing or two from this Jedi.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Valen Pelora]

Valen knew Kyber wasn’t being fully truthful with him. The man he had asked after was not a mere acquaintance, the Force hummed with sadness. Disappointment. He would not push the subject. He had just met the young gunslinger and had no desire to pry into the man’s personal life. He knew all he needed to fight the slavers. Kyber had stepped in to help the girl when hundreds had passed her by. His Force aura was honest, open, and earnest. It was a painfully uncommon feeling these days. It was hard to find good men when the galaxy was aflame. Valen couldn’t help but smile as his partner became tongue tied. Yes, the Force was cool. In the right hands the Force could accomplish amazing things. The Lightside sung to the Jedi, guiding their movements. He had seen the Light save lives, change the course of the galaxy, and gift miracles.

With proper training and guidance, a Force sensitive could do incredible feats. The Darkside was the other side of the same coin. Terrible, horrible, unspeakable things, could be worked by the Sith. He suppressed a shudder. The speeder slowed as they approached the cave. Valen could sense a bundle of life in the Force. They had found the slavers. A cursory glance of the slaving operation revealed only the one entrance to the cave. Kyber had the right of it, there were few options for entering the cave. Years ago, Valen would have sought another way into the slaving den. He would have favored an attempt at diplomacy or stealth. He never would have taken the slavers head on. War changed people. General Valen Pelora feared little, Tatooine slavers did not make the list. He turned to Kyber and smiled. Adrenaline started to pump through his veins, he breathed deeply of the Force.

“The men and women in that cave have been striking fear into the hearts of their victims for years. I think it is time they felt what they inflicted.” He stepped out of the speeder. He wasn’t so bold as to ignite his Lightsaber this far from the cave. No. That would wait until they were approached. He began to slowly walk towards the entrance to the cave. Valen was no invincible warrior, but he had faced every manner of Sith and Imperial Trooper. The Slaving operation would end. Today. @Kyber Krystal

 

[Kyber Krystal]

As Kyber ruminated on how they could potentially break into the slaving base, he turned to his new Jedi friend. He noticed what seemed to be a small smile. From someone who seemed so serious and Battle hardy, it was kind of a nice thing to witness. This Jedi had quite the presence. Kyber almost felt at ease, despite the situation.

This Jedi had a great sense of charisma as well. The way he talked about ending the slaving operation was like something out of the stories he heard as a child. Brave Warriors storming into the enemy's base to fight for what was right. It took him back to more innocent days where he and his wookie friends would reenact the battles that elders would tell him about. A simpler time.

Kyber watched as the Jedi walked slowly towards the cave. He looked determined, like he was really about to attack the base head on. Kyber hung back for a second. He was no Jedi, he wasn't an invincible war machine that could just walk up to the base. But he did have a natural talent for improv. What started as a joke, ended up becoming his real plan of attack. Once Valen had made it about half-way towards the cave, Kyber re-started the speeder. He started flying towards the base, passing Valen on the way. Eventually, he bailed off the speeder, rolling into the sand, hoping it would be absorb some of the momentum. He managed to land into the sand in a pretty good way, not taking too much damage.

The speeder flew towards the cave, exploding on impact as it rammed into the side of the cave. Kyber aimed it so it would cause damage to the facility, but not to anything or anyone inside. There may be slaves on the inside and Kyber wasn't going to take any chances on wether or not they could be injured.

As the speeder exploded, Kyber turned back and ran back to Valen's side. "Well, shall we?"

@Valen Pelora

 

[Valen Pelora]

Valen breathed easily of the Lightside as he walked. The calm ocean of the Force washed over him. His mind was clam, his heartbeat steady, and his breathing easy. The adrenalin of battle began to rise in his soul. The Lightside smoothed his excitement away. He was focused. He reached down and grabbed his Lightsaber from his belt. He left the blade unignited, waiting. As he walked he heard the roar of speeder engines. Valen turned to see the stolen speeder rocketing towards the slaver’s base. His eyes widened. Well, that was one way to make an entrance. Kyber bailed from the speeder before it slammed into the cave. An explosion rocked the entrance of the encampment. If the slavers hadn’t known they were coming, they sure did now. Valen couldn’t wait any longer. He turned to Kyber.

“Run!” His Lightsaber snap-hissed to life in his hands. The emerald green blade casting a glow on the harsh sands. He pulled the Force in and wrapped it around his body. He poured the Light into his legs while running. Slowly he ran faster and faster as the Force pushed him onward. He was close to the cave when the blaster fire started. The explosion of the speeder had distracted the slavers, left them disoriented. They had gathered themselves. It was impossible to tell if any were wounded.

There were enough left standing to pour a stream of blaster bolts towards them. Valen didn’t know how skilled a fighter Kyber was. He did everything possible to draw the bolts to him. The glowing Lightsaber usually got the job done. He let the Force guide him as he batted away blaster bolts. He hammered the bolts back from whence they came. He pushed on. He was close to the cave opening now, he did not know where Kyber was. His mind was fully focused on moving forward and deflecting the bolts. @Kyber Krystal

 

[Kyber Krystal]

The explosion had done what Kyber had intended: Throw the Slavers into chaos. Though Kyber would never admit it, he did possess somewhat of a dramatic flair. That, mixed with the improv skills he had developed living as a Smuggler, usually resulted in some firey outcomes. Kyber regained his bearings as he reached Valen again, taking the chance to draw his blaster and take a good look at the base. He couldn't tell if any slavers had been wounded or killed in the explosion, but it was almost certain there would be more to back them up.

Kyber let Valen take point, knowing for a fact the Jedi would be a much better fighter than he was. Kyber ran behind Valen, finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with him. Even at his full speed, he couldn't keep up with Valen. The Jedi moved almost like a blaster bolt, fast and furious. Kyber could almost feel a surge of power from Valen, almost like he was harnessing the Force to allow him to move quicker. Was this yet another Force ability?

As the blaster stream began, Kyber quickly looked around for cover. His options were limited, a few stones that could barely keep his body covered, never mind his head. But as it turned out, he didn't need to bother. Valen was as if he was a humanoid shield. He was deflecting Blaster bolts like it was nobody's business. Kyber knew that lightsabers could deflect Blaster bolts like this, but he had never seen it done so efficiently. So elegantly. So... effortlessly. But Kyber had no time to behold the feat. He once again remained close to Valen, using his Blaster to pick off a few of the slavers. He was close enough now that he was in range. Had he brought his bowcaster he would have a much greater shot, but alas that was not the case.

As Valen drew most of the enemy attention, Kyber saw an opening to advance into the cave. He could flank the opening and perhaps break into the cave. But if he hesitated even for a second, his plan would fail. The two were close enough to the cave entrance that he could break through. He watched as Valen managed to take a few of the slavers down with deflected blaster bolts and saw it as his chance to enter. Breaking away from Valen, Kyber ran towards the entrance, taking two carefully placed shots and taking down two more slavers.

As Kyber made it to the cave, he noticed that Valen's bolt deflection had made short work of the other assailants. Kybe couldn't help but feel happy, even though there were definitely more slavers deep in the cave. He turned to Valen, beaming. He sheathed his blaster, and took a moment to allow Valen to approach. He was proud of what they had done.

Suddenly, Kyber felt a sense of dread. He couldn't quite describe it but something was wrong. He turned around, seeing a slaver with a vibroblade raised, ready to attack Kyber while his back was turned. As if out of pure instinct, Kyber ripped the pieces of his lightsaber off his belt and assembled them through the Force. Another Emerald-Green blade sprung to life in Kyber's hand as he clashed with the Slaver's blade. He barely managed to catch the Vibroblade, holding it off but still clashing. Kyber couldn't believe what had just happened, it was as if the Force itself had guided his movements.

"So the Jedi's got an apprentice, eh?" The Slaver spoke menacingly to Kyber, still bearing down on him. "Empire's got some pretty big bounties out for little runts like you". For a brief second, Kyber was scared and he knew he couldn't overpower this thug. So he decided to do something else. He disengaged the Lightsaber and stepped back quickly. He garnered a large cut on his face in the process, but was safe from the blade. Taking his opportunity, he drew his blaster and fired three bolts into the blade-wielding slaver.

He took the lightsaber apart again and put the pieces on his belt. He turned to Valen, wondering how much of that exchange he had witnessed. He put his hand to his face, feeling blood dripping from the wound the Slaver had left.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Valen Pelora]

The Force was a maelstrom. Fear, anxiety, violence, crashed through the Light. Valen was calm at the center of the storm. The Lightside flowed through him as he moved. His mind was at ease, his body relaxed. The Force easily guided his movements. Blaster bolts were flung towards him and his Lightsaber hammered them back. In a flash, he was in the cave. He had only a moment to scan his surroundings. The entrance was crude, this was only the beginning. There would be more trouble deeper in the system. Slavers never worked in small numbers. He watched blaster bolts take several slavers in the chest. He blocked the death from the Force. He breathed the Lightside and reached.

Two slavers were slammed into the wall. He jumped, landing between two more blaster wielding attackers. He spun. His Lightsaber cut through one torso and he kept moving. One fluid motion spun the blade through the other. They dropped, smoldering corpses. The Force quieted as the fighting died down. The slavers were dead or dying. He turned to look for Kyber and nearly passed out. A mirror Lightsaber of his own was alive in Kyber’s hands. Valen couldn’t even react as this mysterious man stumbled, deactivate the blade, was cut, and fired his blaster bolts. Another slaver died. He clipped his Lightsaber to his belt and threw his senses wide. He would not be snuck up on while investigating just who Kyber was. The Force was humming in his ear, pushing him down the path.

“I am not often fooled. Rarely lied to.” His voice was low and stern. “You have done both.” He stopped a short distance from Kyber. “You are not trained, but the Force runs crudely through you, not enough to build that yourself. You either stole it or killed for it. It isn’t yours.” The Force confirmed his belief. A Jedi and their crystal were connected. There was no true connection, not yet. @Kyber Krystal

 

[Kyber Krystal]

Although Kyber would never admit it, he was shaken. He had never been a blade away from death. Usually he was able to control the fight, attacking from a distance and making his escape whenever possible. But not here. His feeling that he needed to impress this Jedi had blinded him to his surroundings and nearly cost him his life. He couldn't let that happen again. This Jedi, however similar, was not his father. The lightsaber was similar, the stature and demeanour were comparable, but this was not his father. As much as Kyber may have wanted it to be.

He was already feeling shaken up by the slaver's attack, when he noticed Valen approaching him. Rather, storming towards him. Not like a petulant child demanding something but a unstoppable force with a clear purpose. Against Kyber's better instincts, he stood his ground. He was all of a sudden expecting the Jedi to attack him. But he stood his ground. He was a big relief when the Jedi came to a stop. In that moment, He felt two things: Fear, from the Jedi's tone of voice, and Pride, at having fooled a Jedi for as long as he did.

"You are not trained, but the Force runs crudely through you, not enough to build that yourself. You either stole it or killed for it. It isn't yours."

Kyber felt a great many emotions as Valen said these words:

He felt Uncertain: Usually Kyber liked to conceal his abilities with the Force. He planned to reveal this to Valen after all was said and done. He was unsure how to proceed now that Valen had sensed it himself. He was usually able to control situations he was in. But not with a trained Jedi.

He felt Angry: The very idea that Kyber had killed to get this lightsaber was offensive to him. The death of his father was an incredibly sore subject for Kyber, and the very notion that Kyber had killed for it incensed him. But Kyber had to admit it. He wasn't connected enough to the Force to build a lightsaber, and the lightsaber wasn't his. It didn't make the statement any less inflammatory.

He felt Confused: The lightsaber had nearly moved by itself, as if Kyber was simply a vessel for its defence. Kyber almost felt reassured, but it was nonetheless confusing. He was happy to be alive of course, but the trepidation remained. His confusion only served to fuel his uncertainty and anger.

"I didn't steal it, so don't for a kriffing second say that I did! I didn't kill for it either! How kriffing dare you suggest that! Yes, I can use the Force, but I didn't lie to you! ...Look, Just forget it. Forget it this until we're done! Then we can-"

All of a sudden, Kyber felt another pang, the same similar feeling of dread he felt earlier. The feeling of danger. Kyber drew his blaster, and pointed towards another set of crates against the cavern walls. As he pointed the weapon, another slaver peaked out, ready to shoot. Kyber fired, the bolt sailing through the air and directly into the slaver's skull. This was a very new phenomenon for Kyber. It was like just being near Valen made his connection to the Force more stable and effective. His reflexes were sharper, and his aim was better.

"All I care about right now is saving the people trapped in this cave. Please... I promise I will be honest with you after we're done, but for now I just want to save the people in there..."

In their moment of deliberation, the slavers had begun to regroup and the blaster fire had resumed. Kyber, as he always did, dove behind a nearby set of crates for the best cover he could find.

"Look, I don't know how to use my saber enough to deflect anything." Kyber yelled towards Valen. "If you can draw their fire, I'll move around and flank them!"

@Valen Pelora

 

[Valen Pelora]

Valen felt anger and fear seeping into the Force. Good. He wanted, needed, answers. He had lost too many Jedi to opportunistic marauders. He had been blinded by his burning desire to see the good in the world. He had been so desperate for some ray of hope, he had not seen what stared him in the face. He had wanted Kyber to be something he was clearly not. Valen had made a mistake that had been common in his youth. He had fallen into a foolish pattern. He would have his answers. One way or the other.

He kept his mind spread wide. He knew they were still in danger, he would not underestimate the slavers. A blaster bolt from a slavers gun killed just as well as a Sith’s lightsaber. He let Kyber spew whatever justification he would. The truth would come out. Unfortunately, Valen was given perilously little time to respond. Before he could further confront his new ‘ally’ the slavers had returned. He watched a surprisingly accurate blaster bolt slam into the head of a slaver. Kyber’s strength in the Force was slowly revealing itself. The man was untrained, but not weak. The Force flowed strongly through him. Valen felt a frown tug at his mouth as Kyber dove behind some cover. He was never easily fooled, rarely confused. Franky, he had no idea what was going on. It would have to wait.

The slavers had regrouped and were firing on their attacker. His Lightsaber was back in his hands and casting a glow in the cave. He breathed the Lightside easily and pushed the Force into his limbs. The bolts flew back from whence they came. He turned to face the newest group of slavers. They were behind large durasteel crates, he couldn’t fling the bolts back into their bodies. He was forced to hammer them into the walls of the cave. He reached with the Force. This group was all the remained. He made himself as big a target as he could, hopefully that would be enough for his Kyber to end this. @Kyber Krystal

 

[Kyber Krystal]

Kyber ducked behind the durasteel crates, narrowly avoiding being hit by yet another blaster bolt. For the moment, he was being absolutely hammered by the bolts. Kyber was scared. It seemed that he had lost Valen's trust for the moment, and the slavers were focusing all of their fire on him. Kyber wasn't sure exactly how durable the crates were, but while being repeatedly shot at he didn't have any opportunity to move away. However, Kyber felt a wave of relief as he heard the familiar sound of a lightsaber igniting. Valen would help after all.

Kyber peaked his head out from behind the crate once again, watching as Valen had moved to absorb nearly all of the oncoming fire. Kyber had to assume that Valen had heard and acknowledged his plan, even if he didn't say anything in reciprocation. For a second, once again he watched, utterly amazed at Valen's ability. He recalled his previous encounter with a Sith on Coruscant, remembering how he had called all Jedi feeble. That the Dark Side was the only way to achieve true power... Obviously that wasn't true. Valen was demonstrating true power and control, all to serve a common good.

Kyber had to act quickly. The slavers were not stupid, they were also hiding behind their own set of crates. Valen was able to take out one or two, but some were too well hidden behind the crates for a deflected blaster bolt to hit them. Valen was drawing fire, Kyber had to flank and end this as soon as possible. He fired two more shots at the slavers, mostly to remind them that he was still in his same position. But this was mostly as a diversion. He rolled out from behind his crate to another set, hiding and advancing towards the new group.

Kyber moved incredibly slowly, observing that the slavers were still focusing most of their fire on Valen. The Jedi was powerful but Kyber wasn't sure if he was totally invincible. As he advanced, he aimed his blaster and took more carefully placed shots. These appeared to be the last of the slavers in the cave, around 4 or 5 more, if they could defeat these thugs then the prisoners could be freed. Kyber took three carefully placed shots and the slaver's skulls, three of the slavers immediately falling down. It appeared that one of the deflected bolts that Valen had sent back took out yet another, leaving one more. This one was a bit more prepared, able to return fire on Kyber. He dove behind cover once again, narrowly avoiding another bolt. Kyber breathed in and out, attempting to focus. He needed to concentrate.

Kyber immediately stood from behind cover, reached out with the Force, and threw the thug into a nearby wall. Kyber felt confident and focussed enough with his Valen here that his abilities were more concentrated and powerful. The slaver flew through the air, dropping his weapon as they were flung into the nearby cave wall. He didn't appear dead, but he was certainly unconscious. Kyber smiled. His use of the Force had never been this powerful or poignant... But he had no time to celebrate.

Ignoring Valen for the time being, Kyber ran further into the cave, eventually reaching a prison room. It was filled with beautiful women and even children. Something Kyber could barely stomach. The children in his village had been saved from the slavers by the elders, but the idea of children being enslaved was absolutely... revolting. Kyber reassembled his lightsaber, igniting it and using the blade to slice through the door hinges of the cage. After a few strikes along the hinges of the cage, the door came crashing down. "You're free now, the slavers are gone, you're free!" Kyber yelled at the captives. They cheered, pouring out of the cage. A little Twi'lek boy, looking no older than eight or nine, ran up to Kyber and gave him a huge hug. "I knew it! I knew the Jedi would come to save us! I knew it!". Kyber didn't have the heart to tell the kid that he wasn't a Jedi, that was all Valen, his companion... Kyber didn't really think he was allowed to call Valen an ally yet. Allies required trust, and Kyber didn't have Valen's trust yet. Nonetheless, it made Kyber feel good. He had always tried to help, but rarely did he ever get a thank you so... poignant. "Happy to help, kid."

The same little boy ran up to Valen as he approached, giving him a huge hug as well. "Thank you Master Jedi, thank you thank you thank you!" said the little boy, in absolute gratitude, before he ran off to join a woman who appeared to be his mother. Kyber decided he needed to face Valen like a man. He needed to be honest. He didn't wait. As the crowds dispersed towards the entrance, Kyber walked up to Valen. Shoulders back. Eyes forward. "So... the truth. You were right, this lightsaber isn't mine... It... It belonged to my father. Arkon Ortaigen... He was a former Jedi Knight, the one I mentioned earlier. He... he died a long time ago. This is all I have left to remember him by, so I always carry it with me. I have no idea how to really use it, not like the way you were able to use yours anyways... I didn't mean to snap at you earlier, I was just... angry. So I'm... sorry. I don't apologize to anyone, for the record... Do you happen to have a way to transport these people away from here? My ship is back by the port and I don't think it can fit this many people." Kyber began to walk away, towards the group of people. But then, he stopped in his tracks. He had another question.

"Valen, is this what it means to be a Jedi? I don't care about all the Imperial propaganda, I don't believe all the shit they say about the Jedi." He turned around and faced Valen again. "Is this what it means to be a Jedi? Helping people like this?"

@Valen Pelora

 

[Valen Pelora]

It was over in a flash. The slavers had stood little chance against the combined effort of Valen and Kyber. He fully planned on exploring the young man’s deception, after the slaves were free. He sensed no immediate danger. If Kyber was going to turn on him, he supposed it would have happened already. He watched as his ‘ally’ set about freeing the captives. He felt his heart swell again. He pushed the thought aside. He would not place his faith in this man until he got the answers he sought. He had been lied to, of that he was certain. With the slavers defeated he deactivated his Lightsaber and clipped the hilt to his belt. Valen pulled his commlink from a pocket. He flicked the device on to contact Alara.

“Alara?” The com was dead for a second before Alara’s voice came shining through. “We read you, we have your location General.” He smiled. “Bring the Puddle Jumper. We have a few guests.” He could almost sense Alara’s frown. “On our way.” He clicked the com off. The Puddle Jumper would arrive soon with his fellow Jedi. They could handle aiding the captives and handling the injured slavers. His work here was largely done. Only one thing remained. He kept his expression neutral as Kyber approached him. He searched the Force for answers. Ah, there was the truth. The Force sung with harmony as Valen received the full story from Kyber. Everything made more sense. He could feel his feet stepping on the right path. The Light spoke to him. He knew what he had to do.

“There are others here with me, they will take care of the rest.” He met Kyber’s eyes. “You should have been honest with me from the start. I did not know your father but I can sense the truth in your words.” The Force clicked into place, this was right. “This is who we are. We dedicate our lives to protecting those who cannot protect themselves, we are the last remaining shield. I live to see the galaxy restored and Empire defeated.” He paused. Thinking. “I can offer you a chance, to walk the path of your father. It will be difficult. You will begin your training far later than most, and I make no promise of success. But you will have the chance.” Outside the cave he heard the Puddle Jumper arrive. @Kyber Krystal