Ask Laguna Blade

[Katherine Stargazer]

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"There's a what? What the hell is a Kybur Crystal?"

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"I need to talk to whom? What the hell is a Jedi?"

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"Sa jedi es arriving, warlord" The Rattataki, Stetti, said. Kat considered correcting her, claiming that she wasn't a Warlord, but they have had that conversation before. 'You hold the Cauldron, you are a Warlord,' was always the thin woman's answer. Kat would always retort 'Celeste and I hold the Cauldron, and you don't call her Warlord!' But she always got pitying looks from the Rattataki whenever she did, and they would still come to her with their problems. Don't get her wrong! She did her best to help, but she was only seventeen! Why couldn't the Rattataki latch onto her friendly Warlock friend, and not her?

Kat had since resigned herself to the idea that they only followed her because of her big muscles. "Thank you Stetti. Let's head to the landing pad." She wasn't quite up to speaking Rattataki, but she was getting better at understanding it. Stetti was a big help. "Celeste will be meeting us there?" Kat asked her... assistant? She got a silent nod as an answer.

Good enough for her!

When she had heard that many local tribes paid tribute to whoever held the Cauldron, she didn't know what to expect. She was uncomfortable with the idea of tribute, but the tribes seemed really enthusiastic about it! A lot of them liked her, Kat thought. Probably because she kept beating up their champions whenever they challenged her, but it was best not to think about that. However, when one chief had mentioned something about a crystal cave in the mountains, Celeste had lit up like a life day tree.

So now, they were waiting for their new Jedi friend before they went exploring, and if all went well they would have some support when they had to go make the other tribes on the planet fall in line! Because apparently the Cauldron was really symbolic for the Rattataki, and because she held it, allegedly, they would come, kill everyone and try and take it from her!

Kat couldn't allow that.

She reached the landing pad, waved at Celeste and stood with her hands on her hips, smiling up at the descending ship, waiting impatiently. She bounced from one foot to the other until finally the ship landed, and the ramp descended. "Hi! I'm Katherine! Welcome to the Cauldron!"

@LadyRen @Mockingjay

 

[Celeste Stythani]

"Oh great, wise sorceress, but we do need your guidance! They've taken our lands yet again!", she heard the scrawny old man desperately plea another time. "First af all: Do not call me that" she growled warningly, unintendedly making the man shy away yet another step, his eyes huge with fear. "Secondly, you don't have to be afraid of me or Kat. We're nothing like your tyrannical predecessors. I'm constantly reminding you of that. Thirdly, I will tend to those matters as soon as we have welcomed our guests. I've told you before: Your land is not going anywhere. You are welcome to stay here as long as you need to. I promise I will deal with them as soon as I can" she went on, trying to keep her voice softer and more empathetic, but you still couldn't deny the authority inside it.

She had already grown oddly fond of Hybenthas, the old white-haired man, whom Celeste interpreted as some sort of tribe eldest. He had enlightened her about the Rattataki culture and some traditions, telling her valuable stories that made Celeste understand the people better, but he had something on him that regularly pushed her buttons. He was constantly nagging, always complaining over yet another trifle and while he came to her with literally a dozen problems, other inhabitants barely confronted her with one. During the small amount of time Kat and she had spent inside the Cauldron, they had already won their respect and trust and Rattataki were not usually easy to trust.

After Kat and Celeste had overthrown the Cauldron's leaders, they had been celebrated like some new found Gods. The former slaves and surrounding tribe members had welcomed them like the new warlords, even though they had repeatedly informed them that this was no position they wanted to obtain. Yet, Kat was still addressed as the new warlord, while Celeste had secretly managed to pull herself out of that, rather moving into the position of a consultant and contact person for any sorts of concerns. It was a but amusing, because the Rattataki still looked at to the both women as though they were overmighty. They had huge respect for Kat as she was incredibly strong and smashed any upcoming challengers with brute strength, while they were frightened of Celeste's use of the Force. They pictured her like an evil, unpredictable warlock, therefore always approaching her carefully, but on the other hand they entrusted her with their worries.

However now, Celeste signaled the old man that she had to leave right now, but he still possessed the audacity to follow her. "I will be back soon, then I will help", she assured him once again before picking up her pace. She reciprociated Kat's waving as soon as she saw her, actually relieved for being able to escape the Cauldron for some time, attending different matters today. Unfortunately, there was however no time for a chit-chat, as the approaching ship was already landing. Celeste had no idea how she should feel about the Jedi answering their call about the Kyber Crystals, but she had sworn to keep an open mind. She was a trained Sith, but her political views had always been slightly different and that's why she wasn't holding any grudges against the Jedi. Per se, she thought that even after what happened on Kashyyyk, a whole Order should not be blamed for the mistakes of a few others. Not to mention the Empire in any way...Celeste was generally convinced that it was always the people themselves who mattered the most, and not the affiliations with the Sith Empire, the Jedi Order or whatsoever.

@Shax @Mockingjay

 

[Celesté Naberrie]

A small N-1 starfighter pierced the veil of clouds separating the upper atmosphere of Rattatak from its surface. It dove towards the small landing pad that had been designated for its pilot and settled gracefully on the tarmac. Celesté had been back on Jedi duty for only a few days when the request for a Jedi on Rattatak came in. The Order was in needed of new sources of kyber crystals for its Padawan learners, but Celesté hadn't expected to be sent all the way out into the Western Reaches. As she climbed down from her starfighter, she was greeted with her second surprise of the day.

The muscular blonde girl who greeted her was so young. Seventeen or eighteen at the least. She shouldn't have been surprised. On her homeworld of Naboo, girls far younger had become queen. In fact, the current queen of Naboo was barely eighteen herself. It wasn't Celesté's duty to judge the local customs of any given world, only to keep an open mind and work with them to secure aid for the Order. So, she bowed deeply and reverently, as she would to anyone in authority on any world.

"You honor me with your welcome," Celesté said. "I am Celesté Naberrie, Jedi Knight."

She briefly averted her gaze to the second young woman. This one was different somehow. Older, with an air of power around her that Celesté couldn't place. It was difficult to puzzle out why this woman wasn't in charge of the Cauldron, or the planet, but that was a mystery for another time. She was here about kybers.

"I have it on good authority that you've come across a crystalline cave in the nearby mountains. I would be very interested to hear more about yourselves and this cave you seem to have found." @Shax @LadyRen

 

[Katherine Stargazer]

As Celesté spoke, Kat's grin grew very smug indeed. She laughed; What a coincidence! She had heard that the so-called Jedi were Warlocks of a different stripe than she knew, but certainly, their magic must like playing tricks on them. "Yep! At least, so one of the tribes says. First, however, come meet my friends!" She proclaimed grandly, gesturing to the two other women on the platform.

"This is Celeste! She is a great friend." She wrapped her arm around the woman in question, and before the other tinier Rattataki could escape, grasped her wrist and pulled her in with her other arm, doing the same to her. "And this is Stetti! She is also a great friend." The woman in question squirmed, blushing at the praise. She had, over the weeks since they had captured the Cauldron come to learn Kat's eccentricities, but that didn't mean she liked being hugged.

Kat felt enormous! Why was everyone on this planet so small? She had fought several bigger creatures in the arena, so why couldn't she find anyone like that now? "Warlord, let me go before I knife you," Stetti grumbled; Kat laughed and did as asked.

Kat let the two women say hello to their new Jedi friend before speaking up again. "Alright! So, Stetti tells me that the tribe that holds some lands to our west tells her that if we follow Krenka's dagger south, we'll find a tribe hidden in a valley that holds secrets about these crystals!" She pointed her index finger to the sky to emphasize her... point.

"That will be a day's travel by foot," the bald woman rasped. She would be coming with them as a guide since she was the only one experienced with the Terrain.

Kat was positively giddy at the chance to see more of Rattatak. More than that, though, she would finally be in a place she could ask all the questions she wanted. Celeste kept avoiding her whenever she started asking lots of questions, but there would be no escape! Both Celeste and Celesté would feel the wrath of her burning curiosity!

@LadyRen @Mockingjay

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Celeste watched closely as the Jedi approached them. She as well had an undeniable presence about her that could even intimidate some of the Rattataki locals, she assumed. Throughout the years, she had met many Jedis and usually it was not only the Force she could sense in them. They always shone in a certain way, which was not just a literary trope, but an actual fact. The Jedis' connection to the Light was perceivable by any Force sensitive being and this particular woman was no exception. Besides her robes, the whole energy revolving around her spoke volumes.

Celeste forced herself to a warm, welcome, respectful smile. Today, she was not the 'Dark Warlock' but a business woman. Her mission was of diplomatic nature. She knew that by helping the Jedi find those Kyber Crystals, she might achieve a better stance, if not even valuable connections to the Order. She had no intention of messing with them, but rather to ensure a mutual benevolent relationship concerning not only her company, but also her current position here on Rattatak.

She watched the Jedi bow and lowered her own head respectfully. "What an interesting name" she replied politely, before adding "Thank you for your energetic introduction, Kat. Seems like we share our first name. I am Celeste Stythani of Kalist", with a grin. Celeste realized that she had definitely not heard of the dark-haired woman before, but that was no wonder.

When Kat started to answer the Jedi, Celeste felt obliged to step in and try to slow her down as she was starting to blab like a waterfall again, but just like always, Kat had finished her sentence before Celeste got the chance to interrupt. Celeste knew that Kat was never aware of the impression she might evoke to outsiders, but she couldn't even blame her due to her young age. A little amused, she shot Kat a short glare before shifting her gaze back to the Jedi knight. "Exactly. My associates speak true. We've only heard rumors so far, but those rumors sounded promising from the very beginning. Our journey might become somewhat perilous, as Rattatak does neither exhibit the friendliest terrain nor the most amicable inhabitants, but the prospect of findings Kyber Crystals piped our curiosity" she explained calmly.

@Shax @Mockingjay

 

[Celesté Naberrie]

Celesté took stock of the assembling gathering to greet her. They were an odd assortment to say the least. But that was not entirely unsurprising. Jedi tended to meet eccentric beings in their travels. She had certainly met her fair share during her Barash. These were hardly the most strange she had ever met. A light smile played at the corner of her mouth. She even found them somewhat endearing, strangeness in the Force aside. "As a Jedi," Celesté said to the one who bore her name, "I am accustomed to perilous journeys and missions. You shall not find me a burden on our quest."

But she was not eager to start their quest so quickly. The mountains might be a few days walk away, but she would be being too hasty to head that direction without learning more about her hosts. One of the assembled had called the blonde girl, Kat, his 'warlord.' The other one, the one who bore her name, claimed to hail from Kalist: a world nestled deep in the Core Worlds. What brought one as young as her out into the Western Reaches? The only way to get the answers to these questions was to get to know more about the women in charge.

"Before we set off, though," she said, "It has been a long flight and I am in grievous need of a bath. I'm told Rattatak has hot springs, and I would assume a place called 'the Cauldron' would have a few, yes? Why don't we women reconvene there for the evening? You can tell me all about these tribes and crystals, and how the two of you managed to become warlords of an entire world at such a young age. I'm sure the story is fascinating."

Celesté hoped she didn't come across as condescending. She was genuinely interested in the women, and in getting clean. It had been a long time since she had soaked in a hot bath. She was looking forward to unwinding and hearing both women's stories. "We can leave for the mountains in the morning." @Shax @LadyRen

 

[Katherine Stargazer]

Kat nodded happily. However, she was a little confused because she had never heard of any hot springs on Rattatak. She glanced at Stetti, and the smallest woman nodded like everything the Jedi had said was common knowledge. "That sounds great! Why didn't anyone tell me we had hot springs?" She said, nudging her two friends to lead the way.

"You didn't ask," Stetti grumbled. "The Cauldron is carved out of an active volcano-" She continued, but the sudden gasp from Kat cut her off.

"IT'S WHAT?!" Kat exclaimed, shocked because again, nobody tells her anything. Stetti nodded, confused. "Why are we living in a volcano?" She groaned, rubbing her eyes. She stopped, then looked up at the sky. "I have both asked and answered my own question! We live in a volcano! Hell yeah!" She cheered.

She was going to change that quickly, though, because whatever she built here was not going to be exploded by random chance, thank you very much. Kat let herself be led through the warren of tunnels because despite being here for weeks, the oddly cut routes through the mountain were still an enigma to her. That was one mystery solved, however! Most of the tunnels are probably former lava tubes!

"I also have some questions for you as well, Jedi! I'm sure you have many stories about the Sea Between Worlds; you will have to tell us some!" Kat grinned.

@LadyRen @Mockingjay

 

[Celeste Stythani]

To Celeste, it wasn't very unexpected when the Jedi knight explained that she, as a Jedi, was accustomed to dangers. Jedi were trained as well. They were also used to dangerous missions. The knight would not be afraid of the dangers here on Rattatak, but maybe she was underestimating the planet a little, Celeste pressumed. Rattatak might have been part of the FWA, but as a planet in the Western Outer Rim territory, just a few knew what to expect here. However, a slight smile crossed Cekeste lips, as she appreciated the Knight's optimism.

When the Jedi requested to take a hot bath first, Celeste could not blame her, as her journey had been long and probably tiredsome, but she could sense a hint of caution as well. The one who shared her name had not just set foot on a foreign planet, but she was also meeting with the newly de-facto heads of the planet. Her suspicion was appropriate, and if she hadn't asked for getting to know them better first, Celeste might have assumed the Jedi would be foolish, or maybe even a little tired of life.

When Kat started babbling again, seemingly a little outraged about the hot spring incident, Celeste slightly shook her head while grinning amusedly. However, she came to realize it herself: They had not greeted their guest appropriately. They were actually supposed to present a higher degree of hospitality. "Excuse us, Knight Naberrie. Since we have just recently found ourselves in those new positions, we are not quite accustomed to the laws of hospitality yet. Of course, you should get the chance to freshen up first and we will let you rest for the night. Nevertheless, your idea with the hot springs is highly appreciated. It will not only give us the chance to physically prepare for the exhausting journey ahead by relaxing our muscles, but we will also get to know each other better and this might be an important prerequisitive for our shared journey. Trust is an important value these days, and I would understand, if you, Knight Narberrie, would not just want to accompany two strangers on this quest" Celeste answered politely, putting her usual coldness aside. She smiled rather warmly, but not with her usual artifical fassade. She felt actually quite positive about their mission, as she would finally get a chance to catch up with the Order and a different kind of light would soon be shed on Rattatak as an Outer Rim planet.

@Shax @Mockingjay

 

[Celesté Naberrie]

The one called Stetti led them to the springs on the edge of the caldera. Celesté wasted no time disrobing and joining the two women in what must have been the most heavenly warmth she had been enveloped in in many years. The heat of the water seemed to soak through her skin to her very bones, and she found herself smiling more brightly than she might have had the planet not had such springs on its surface.

Finally, she said, "I will, of course, address any questions you have. I'm sure there are many, though I cannot promise to be a very good storyteller." She rubbed circles into her bare shoulders. Above the steam of the springs, she focused her gaze on the faraway peaks of the mountains they would be journeying to in the morning. She observed them for but a moment before her eyes trailed downward to meet the woman who shared her name. "Please, don't mistake my insistence for a group bath for suspicion," she said with a light grin. "I have embarked upon many a quest with strangers. Sometimes, it's part of a Jedi's job. I simply seek to know more about the beings and world I have been called upon to help. Too often, outsiders come to plunder a world's resources without taking any time to learn about the people who live there."

She was not such a person.

Her own homeworld of Naboo was often coveted for its vast quantities of plasma. If the crystals here on Rattatak were indeed kyber, it would not just be the Jedi who would take interests in the world. The Sith Empire might take notice too, especially with the planet squarely within the borders of the Free Worlds Alliance. She could do little to prevent Jedi or Sith from extracting the world's resources, should they prove authentic. But she could get her small part right. She could treat this plant, and the beings who lived on it, with the respect they deserved.

Sometimes, that small act of reverence made all the difference. @Shax @LadyRen

 

[Katherine Stargazer]

Kat stripped easily and lowered herself into the pool. She wasn't necessarily comfortable bathing in the buff with random people, but as a former slave, she had grown used to it. If you were a slave and your master deigned to keep you healthy, they damn well weren't going to spring for private baths for each of their slaves, so public bathing was the norm for her.

Kat lounged back, leaning her arms on the lip of the spring, idly splashing the mineral water with her fingers. Celeste and Celesté babbled some formal stuff which Kat didn't pay much attention to. She didn't want to insult them, but those were a lot of big words! Kat was already learning one harsh, guttural language, and she didn't need to add some sort of high common to her dialect!

"No sweat!" Kat grinned, giving a thumbs up. She was either unaware of or ignoring the potential rebuke in the Jedi's words. "To start with, we kind of stumbled into this situation." Stumbled, punched, stabbed. It wasn't hard breaking crunchy bones. "And really, we only 'control' about half of the planet. There were plenty of challengers when we took over the Cauldron, but I beat them up, and now they really like us!" Kat laughed because while she could appreciate fighting for power, the quick switches in the mood on the part of the Rattataki were a little ridiculous

"The Cauldron is a significant site for the Rattataki. It's where they hold all their biggest blood games, and us holding it means we consider ourselves overlords of Rattatak or something. So because we have it, all the other Warlords are looking at us as an opportunity, so apparently, they are gathering warbands to come kill us!" Her smile was an odd contrast to the subject. "I had thought it would be best just to leave and let them have it, but the previous Warlord was a real big jerk, and I wouldn't want whoever came after to be the same, you know what I mean?"

"Anyway, first question! Why does the sky-fire rise from the mountains in the west when it's supposed to rise from the ocean to the south?" Kat asked eagerly. This puzzle was anxiety-inducing!

@LadyRen @Mockingjay

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Stetti led the small group of women ride towards the Cauldron again, showing them they way towards the hot springs. Actually, the idea of relaxing the sore muscles after weeks of exhausting work was not only extremely promising, but very very welcome. Kat and Celeste had been working so hard and Celeste couldn't even wait to go on this outside mission, as this would mean that they would basically get a few days off, but starting with a nice warm bath was the best way to get even started. It was well deserved for sure and they would learn some more about their guest which would definitely be helpful for the future.

She stripped down and slowly entered the natural pond, immediately being wrapped in the pleasant warmth from the steaming water. It felt unbelievably good and relieving and she was hoping that this would not only be informative, but also relaxing, but as soon as the thought had crossed her mind, she immediately realized that this wouldn't necessarily be happening. With a slightly wry smile, she shot Kat a look when she started to blabb again. However, she let Kat finish with her usual, young, fizzy enthusiasm, before she herself wanted to adress the Jedi's questions.

"Yes, Kat is right. We have already gained control of half the planet and we are starting to win the rest over as well soon, but freeing all the slaves, dealing with the former slavers and warlords and thereby establishing peace is a complicated endeavor. The Rattataki tribes are used to their ancient systems so of course many try to hold onto to them, but the majority is slowly starting to realize that democracy might not be too bad". Celeste didn't directly respond to Kat's first question because she was not so sure whether she was actually serious about it and additionally, she might as well give Celesté the chance to enlighten Kat herself.

@Shax @Mockingjay

 

[Celesté Naberrie]

Celesté watched the women intently as the spoke. They were clearly quite comfortable with each other. The disturbance that was beginning to form in the Force was not coming from them. It was coming from elsewhere, but close by. Something was soon to happen. But she said nothing. Waiting was a better option. Both women mentioned having enemies who desired the Cauldron. Perhaps she was merely sensing that ill-intent.

Alas, she was wrapped up in her thoughts and observations and very nearly missed Kat's question. "The sky fire?" She looked up to where the sun was beginning to set, bathing the sky in hues of oranges and purples. "The Sun, you mean? Each star system has them. Some have more than one. Where they rise or set is usually determined by the planet's rotation."

To illustrate her point to the girl, she held her palm open just below the surface of the water and focused the Force. Two small spheres of water rose from the hot spring. One larger, representing the Sun, one smaller, representing the planet. The smaller orb of water rapidly rotated the larger one so that Kat could get a sense of what planetary rotation looked like. In the meantime, Celesté turned her attention to the woman who bore her name. It was easy enough to keep the orbs floating even without her full attention.

"Those more traditional Rattataki," Celesté said. "I presume they disapprove of your rule here in the Cauldron? Have any every made a direct attempt to take this place from you?" @Shax @LadyRen

 

[Katherine Stargazer]

Kat stared, enraptured by Celesté's watery orbs. She didn't know what a 'sun' was, but from how the Jedi had looked at the sky, she assumed it was just another term for the sky-fire. Less unwieldy as well! Celesté is a true font of wisdom. Kat pondered what she understood of the universe, which was unfortunately not very much. Her caretakers had always said that the Sea-Between-Worlds was an inhospitable path between realms. They could never explain what the lights in the sky were, however.

Of all the time she had been on a Star-Sailor, she had never managed to see anything of the transition between Realm and Sea, so perhaps Celesté was correct? But if planets spun, why didn't she get dizzy? Kat returned her attention to the conversation because there were also important topics to talk about regardless of what she wanted to know.

Celeste, Kat thought, was relatively optimistic about the tribes. She didn't know what this 'democracy' thing was, but trying to change them from their war-like ways was silly. The best they could hope for would be to redirect the energy to something else. Put some rules down that tell the Rattataki when they can act and when they can't. Besides! The Rattataki were good fun, even if they could be rather dumb. It's much easier to instill discipline than to change the way people kill each other.

Stetti was in the pool with them, sunk to the nose in the water. She watched them with a bored expression, only half listening. Kat spoke up, "Stetti says there haven't been any direct attacks, but it's only a matter of time! Besides, the other tribes need to navigate halfway around the planet through mountainous terrain before they can launch an attack. They'll raid along the way, but we've got time to prepare."

Stetti nodded.

"Also, what's Democracy? And why don't we get dizzy if the planet spins?"

@LadyRen @Mockingjay

 

[Celeste Stythani]

Celeste had her eyes closed, relaxing for quite some time while listening to their little conversation. She thought that Celesté did a great job with her little explanation, even if she was showing off her Jedi powers. She had never seen anyone bending light that easily, so she was actually quite impressed by her little show, but of course she wouldn't comment on it. She simply smiled warmly, grateful that she took this educational little lesson in her own hands.

When the conversation shifted away from this little lesson and towards the current status, Celeste sat up again, first patiently listening to Kat's report before deciding to comment on it herself. "Yes. We do expect fighting and certain waves of resistance to hit us soon, we we are doing our best to prepare. Some have already...figuratively speaking bent the knee without challenging us, but others are harder to convince. They sent out their fighters and we have to show that we are strong enough to lead them" she explained calmy into Celesté's direction, before turning back to Kat. "Democracy is what I have explained you before. We cannot say for sure that we can establish a full blown democracy here, but we agreed on one thing already: Abolishing slavery and quelling the tyranny, giving more power to the people and establishing a system that is more just" she reminded Kat softly, even if she knew that justice was a very subjective matter. The topic wasn't easy and especially hard to explain to outsiders and Kat, who hadn't had much education in her life, but until now Celeste had always tried to carefully explain everything to her. Leaning back with a grin again, she tended to her second question:" We don't get dizzy because the planet spins so slowly that we barely notice its effects. It's such a large radius and a slow acceleration and additionally, we have gotten used to it" she then said to Kat, splashing a little water in her direction.

@Shax @Mockingjay