Inventing Glorious Horrors

[Swamp Witch]

For the past couple of weeks I been digging into the myth of Sith Holocrons, only to discover they didn't exist among our Order; only the Jedi possessed the knowledge to create them. Naturally, this didn't set well in my sour stomach. If I was to learn the knowledge to create my holocron, and in turn teach the Sith, I needed a Jedi's mind to torment and rip the knowledge from. Looking at the star map, I began to compile my list of where Jedi might be stationed to lend aid to the suffering. I wasn't looking to cause an all out galactic incident, so a lone and isolated Jedi would be required. Also, I needed a Jedi that actually knew how to create a holocron; which would be my greatest obstacle.

A few days later, with a ship fully supplied and my itinerary methodically thought out, I left the Sith outpost on Akuria. Hitting space after breaking through the planet's thermosphere, I entered the navigational coordinates for the planet of Kashyyyk, and braced for the jump into hyperspace.

Using a stolen Republic ship's transponder code, I was able to gain access to the forest world. Since I was here on a important endeavor, attracting unwanted attention to myself could only set me back. Using my skills in alchemy, I utilized the ability known as
Mask to hide the apparent Dark Side corruption on my face, while slightly changing my appearance. Then to further to conceal my identity, I swapped out my tattered robes for ordinary green and white robes, carefully hiding my hilt from plain sight; and lastly adding my mechanized spring action device that held my poisoned daggers to each of my forearms.

I exited the ship, paid the proper docking fee grudgingly, then headed into the nearby trading outpost. Despite all the Republic's efforts, Kashyyyk was riddled in heart warming suffering. I spotted a few troops here and there, but no Jedi; but I could sense in the Force there was one nearby. Being a Vahla, I radiated the Dark Side naturally, but that would mean to the Jedi I was a Sith; so it was not required of me to mask my presence or alignment in the Force, but will need to explain that I wasn't Sith. Besides, my plan was to reveal to the Jedi I was on a pilgrimage until time to reveal my exact nature.

I allowed the Force to draw me to the Jedi, who in turn she was drawn to me where we stood near a medical tent. "You shall go no further, Sith," the young and much shorter Jedi said. Raising my hands to show I was harmless, I answered, "No...no. I'm no Sith...I'm a Vahla and you will since the Dark Side in me. But I assure you, I do not embrace it or the Force."

"I sense the Dark Side is strong in you, and you claim you're not Sith. I find that hard to believe."

"If you allow me to explain my species," I nodded to the right side of my outfit where a satchel dangled.

"I will allow you time to explain. But do not attempt to deceive me."

Preparation is key and vital to the success of one's adventures. I produced a datapad and tossed it to the Jedi. When she concluded reading the text, she tossed it back to me. "You should be more careful when entering outposts where Jedi reside. Now, Vahla, who are you and why are you here on Kashyyyk?"

"My name is Kario Effio...and I'm on a pilgrimage of knowledge."

"What sort of pilgrimage?"

"I haven't eaten yet....perhaps you'll join me for dinner and I will explain. In fact, you might be able to help me."​

 

[Swamp Witch]

"My pilgrimage." I started between taking bites of cooked meat, which was revolting and utterly unappealing, forcing myself to swallow the unsavory flesh. "Is more about discovering ancient mysteries and knowledge than rather soul searching. I know who and what I am."

The Jedi, sitting opposite me, ate her food whilst watching me skepticism. She knew I was a Vahla, but the strong connection to the Dark Side kept her unnerved; I began to fall into an understanding that whether she had the knowledge I sought or not, she might outright refuse to help me. I had to dance around my ambition carefully, unless I wish to drive her away.

Swallowing a red looking vegetable, she took a swig from her mug and asked, "What sore of mysteries and knowledge are you seeking to unlock?"

"I'm interesting in both the Jedi and Sith Orders," I replied with absolute honesty. As an self-appointed well versed historian, I was always on the hunt to learn as much as possible about both Orders. Knowledge, as they say, is power; and the one who holds supreme power would one day hold the galaxy in a constricting hold. "Let me be candid with you...I plan to write a codex with the hopes it is published so the galaxy can see what the Jedi and Sith are really about. Most citizens...as I'm sure you are well aware of...have no real understanding of both. The Jedi...as the galactic citizens believe...are the protectors of the galaxy. But what are the Jedi really? And the Sith...as the galactic citizens believe....are the monsters bent on conquering and ruling the galaxy. But what are the Sith really?"

"I wish you reconsider talking with the Sith. They are more apt to kill you than reveal their secrets but it is not my place to sway you away from what you are trying to accomplish. We Jedi, too, have secrets wished not to be made public for fear of our enemies using those against us. However, I will help you with what I can but as a Padawan I'm may not have much in the way of help."

I raised a puzzling eyebrow asking, "Padawan?"

"I guess you can say I'm an understudy to my Master."

"Oh," I replied. Taking a sip from my mug now, I asked, "Is your Master here...I would love to pick that brain as well."

"Sorry. He has been called offworld and isn't due to return for a few days."

I knew what a Padawan was, having killed my fair share of them, which led me to conclude this girl wouldn't be able to help me. Nor did I have the time to wait around for her Master to return. "Can you at least give me a brief history of the Jedi...from what you know?"

The young naïve Jedi began to bore me with the history of the Jedi whilst I used my datapad to record her words. I knew more than she did, but I allowed her to go about her ramblings; smiling at times as if what she was actually saying was amusing or helpful. When both dinner and that horrendous history lesson came to it's climax, I bid the Jedi farewell and returned to my ship. My first trip was not without some fruit being picked; I had a name of a Jedi Padawan for future references.​

 

[Swamp Witch]

With Kashyyyk firmly behind me, and still feeling slightly angered by my time wasted, I sat in the cockpit as the autopilot performed it's only responsibility, thus freeing me up to better formulate a better approach to this situation. I recalled the datapad from one of the inner pockets within my robes, promptly turning it on and reading the list I compiled at the onset of this endeavor. Perhaps I was going about this all wrong I though as I scrolled through the planets. Maybe I didn't need to visit suffering planets but rather have the Jedi come to me.

The more and more this plan appealed to me, I began to see issues arising from this. First, if I caused to much ruckus would the Jedi send one possibly two Jedi, or overwhelm me with numbers because I was Sith? Second, the main goal was to obtain knowledge not attract to much attention to myself. And finally, I would need to choose a planet, or city, that was not to important but important enough for the Jedi to take an interest. I scanned the list again, electing to delete the file, and finally called up a map of the galaxy via the holonet. After consideration, I chose the planet of Manaan which was important enough for the Jedi to send someone to investigate a series of events, because afterall, the planet was rich in kolto; and in a time where the galaxy was being constantly wounded, this precious healing salve was quite sought after.

I strolled down the ramp of my ship, seeing a short line of visitors filed up at the only manned check-in kiosk. Rudely, I pushed by those before me whilst ignoring taunts from them; because soon enough I will give them cause to scream and holler. The fishman spoke into a modified microphone that changed his language into that of Galactic Basic. "Docking fee is 200 credits. You must fill out an electronic form with the name of your ship, it's class, and transponder code. Further more, you will need to state the length of your visit on Manaan." I paid the fee and fabricated the answers on the form; especially the part about my stay. I had no idea how long I would be here, but knowing what I intended to do; it wouldn't take long for Jedi to come a calling.​