Ask Seekers of Peace

[Kuzon Lu Ten]

Suller’s Point, Ruusan, Mid Rim
​

Inside a cabin Kuzon stood looking out from a living room window admiring the Ruusanian countryside. It was in many ways different than his own island filled homeworld. But one thing both to have in common is storms. Outside the thunder roared and rain from the heavens began to pellet the ground.

Life is full of surprises. It was a statement Kuzon had come to believe in after everything that happened up to this point. Not long after joining the Order and arriving on Ajan Kloss he was assigned to assist a Jedi Knight named Maxim Tionsan. Their mission to help a local community and band of outlaws reach a peace settlement.

Turning away from the window the nineteen year old sat in a nearby wooden chair and thought about the situation. The two opposing sides each were to send a small party to this abandoned farm while the Jedi guard it before presiding over the negotiations.

I understand this is an important task but why me? Haven’t even begun my force training, much less know how to hold a lightsaber.

It was a question that was bothering Kuzon even before arriving on Ruusan. He already concluded Maxim is more than capable of handing the proceedings but his own presence was puzzling to say the least. Could this be some sort of test he wondered. Clasping both hands together while leaning forward Kuzon closed his eyes.

Trust in the force.

That was what the Jedi healer back on his homeworld had told him many times at her small clinic before sending him offworld. I’ll give it a shot at least. Squeezing his hands Kuzon quietly fought to suppress nervousness from openly manifesting. The last thing he wanted was to be a coward. In spite of his inexperience Kuzon was determined to help however possible.

@Nefieslab

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Well at least it wasn't another karking jungle.

It was probably getting to the point of parody within the Order by now but Maxims Tionson did not do well with jungles. The last few jungles had gotten extremely violent and basically decided to try and chew him up and spit him out. After them, a diplomatic mission to Ruusan seemed to be a fairly easy mission, a cool down after all the chaos caused by his most recent outings into the Galaxy. He was even happy enough to bring along someone new with him.

New to him or new to the Order? Yes.

Nice to see new blood in the Order.

Max had been checking the perimeter for traps and ambushes again but the time for the meeting was rapidly approaching. Knocking before entering, he opened the door and leaned in slightly.

"They're going to be arriving soon Kuzon. Make sure you've got your stun baton visible but everything else hidden." he shrugged a little bit, "People like their Jedi to be melee-based. Gives them a false sense of security if they want to try and fight us."

Stepping back outside, he took a deep breath and relaxed. He released his emotions into the Force slowly and with purpose.

"Are you nervous yet?"

@Minuteman75

 

[Kuzon Lu Ten]

Hearing the knock on the door, Kuzon looked up. The Knight Maxims leaned in and announced the meeting would begin soon and to get himself ready more or less. Nodding the Islander made sure the baton was indeed visible at his left hip while concealing his stun blaster underneath the back of his jacket. Of course he found the older Jedi’ words about people's view of them pretty interesting.

Kinda makes sense.

Deciding to join Maxims he walked out next to the former, looking out to the mountains in the distance. Subsequently Kuzon paused when asked if he was nervous. At first the young man didn’t know what to say in fear of embarrassing himself. However, he relented seconds later and confessed.

“Yes sir-I mean yes master.”

Straightening his jacket a bit Kuzon was tempted to stay quiet but the questions from earlier continue to surface in his mind.

“Uh master Tionson I have to ask...why me? I understand the reason you’re here to handle the negotiations but I haven’t even started force training yet. Surely there must’ve been others more qualified that could’ve assisted you in this mission.”

@Nefieslab

 

[Maxims Tionson]

They were all ready and waiting on both delegations to arrive - in the distance Max could see some dust being kicked up either by a wheeled transport or a repulsor craft with a dodgy engine. Either way, they were still a few minutes out by Max's estimates so he didn't feel the need to stand to attention yet.

He chuckled slightly at Kuzon's answer.

"So am I but keep it to yourself, yeah?" he joked before adding, "If you're lucky that nervous energy right before you do something like this will never go away. Diplomacy, combat or anything else. It's a sign that you're under no illusion that things can, and often, go wrong and that's alright. Only the arrogant go in with the mindset that every situation is under their control."

Raising an eyebrow slightly, Max thought about the question for a moment before answering.

"I'm not a Master, Kuzon, so just call me Max." he assured the young man, "I don't claim to have any insight into the minds of the council but if I were assigning people to this mission? I'd pick you too. Too many of our ranks learn how to be a Force-powered warrior before they learn how to talk to people. I've always thought that was a bit backwards but with you they seem to be trying it another way; teach you how to be a diplomat before they show you what to do when diplomacy fails."

He approved.

Far too many Jedi were combat-first and talking-second these days.

@Minuteman75

 

[Kuzon Lu Ten]

Kuzon was a bit shocked how casual Maxims was being about how he felt as well. In addition what the knight said about how nervousness can be useful next seemed insightful. Not that Kuzon was proud of the past by any means but the previous few years had shown him repeatedly how things can turn for the worse.

All the same I don’t understand the part of all that being okay. What does it mean exactly?

Even with that silent question the Islander didn’t ask it outloud. Because honestly the young man feared he would accidentally reveal some things he would rather keep buried. Beside Kuzon can already see in the distance someone coming toward them, there was no time for in depth discussion.

When Max subsequently answered his question the young man jerked his head looking at the knight to see if that was a genuine statement and it was. Kuzon at first didn’t know what to say and so leaned on the wall, watching the unknown party coming closer.

“Never thought of that way before. The few stories I heard about the Jedi were mainly about some of their battles, the lightsabers and the incredible powers they use.”

@Nefieslab

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Seemed like he had confused the young Jedi but that was pretty much expected; being a Jedi just starting training was often a confusing time where seemingly nothing made sense. Hell, being a Jedi at all was an experience in thinking you knew something only to be reminded that you didn't know half as much about the truth of the matter as you thought. It was humbling and slightly aggravating in equal measure that was for damned sure.

Kuzon would get used to it.

Max had gotten to the point where it was a pleasant surprise (most times) to realize he didn't know half as much as he thought he did because it gave him direction, it gave him an idea as to what he had to focus himself on in the future. Sighing a little bit, he thought about how often those epiphanies seemed to relate to the rank of Master.

Something he didn't want.

"If we were warriors with powers first we would have taken over the Galaxy by now wouldn't you think?" he questioned with a small smile, "Those with martial power find the excuses they want in order to exercise it. That's why we temper it with learning first so that it shouldn't be your first urge."

Their conversation would be cut short however as the first of the parties involved arrived, the locals. Their vehicle had been wheeled actually and it looked a bit ramshackle but that was to be expected. Only three people were in the vehicle as had been agreed, the village leader and two people to serve as guards. The Leader headed to them.

"Masters Jedi." he nodded to the two of them, offering a hand to Kuzon first, "Prigalas."

@Minuteman75

 

[Kuzon Lu Ten]

Maxims raised a point with his question. Folding his arms behind his back Kuzon considered it. Back from where he is from, often those with power and the resources had used to triumph over rivals or extend their influence. I was even part of that kriffing game as a member of the Dawn of Liberation Front.

Closing both eyes Kuzon tightened his hands that were clasped together. The Dawn Front had claimed its goal was complete liberation for galactic beings from the chains of all oppression whether it be political, social or economic. For a time Kuzon had believed in all of that only to discover the bitter truth.

We did not liberate the people nor eased their suffering. It was all an excuse for either revenge or vain ambition. I do not understand a lot about the Jedi Order but I don’t regret joining it.

Sighing Kuzon straightened to attention as the first delegation arrived. When the village chief introduced himself and offered his hand Kuzon accepted it with a polite bow despite not feeling worthy.

“You honor us with your presence sir. I am Lu Ten.”

@Nefieslab

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Maxims was happy to note that Kuzon was conflicted and confused but so very open. It felt as though the young man was doing everything he could to accept and take in different points of view and that was good. He didn't care if Kuzon never came to agree with him on anything so long as the young man learned to listen and accept other's point of view despite not necessarily agreeing with them on the matter itself.

He took the offered hand after Kuzon.

"And I am Maxims." he introduced himself, "If you would like to take a seat at the bench to the side, my fellow Jedi and I shall continue to wait for the other delegation. We have set aside some basic refreshments for you."

Prigalas smiled.

"Going to guess there's no alcohol?"

Maxims smiled in return.

"The toast happens after peace is assured, Prigalas."

The villager laughed in good humour and they went to sit down. In the distance the second delegation was pulling up and Max felt the need to add something to Kuzon.

"The next group will be difficult. They will try to provoke you and if you feel that they may be succeeding I would like for you to excuse yourself and take a few moments to calm down, alright?"

@Minuteman75

 

[Kuzon Lu Ten]

Hailing from a remote village himself, Kuzon understood the significance of Prigalas’ presence. If he was to guess the delegate was likely someone trusted by the community leadership or even part of it. Whatever the case, the padawan took it to mean that the locals were taking this matter very seriously and placing a lot of trust in the Jedi.

A chuckle escaped Kuzon as Maxims and Prigalas bantered about alcohol. That would be nice. He thought hopefully as the first delegation went inside. It wasn’t too long before the second group, the bandits, were making their approach. Tensing up Kuzon instinctively gripped his baton with one hand.

Old habits die hard.

The Jedi Knight beside him spoke up again and Kuzon with one eye toward him and listened. Grimacing the nineteen year old subsequently cleared his throat. “Understood, I’ll do the best I can.”

In the back of his mind Kuzon was concerned. “I am one with the force and the force is with me.” The Islander whispered to himself, memorizing what the Jedi healer had to say to him often before leaving home. Honestly he didn’t know what that meant when it came to dealing with brigands but right now any sort of comfort was welcomed.

@Nefieslab

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Max smiled a little bit and patted Kuzon lightly on the back.

"I know you will."

And there was nothing more to it.

Kuzon would do his best and Max trusted him to do that; once he was doing that there was nothing more he could be doing so Max wasn't going to try and ask it of him. Instead he took the time to center himself within the Force just as the Padawan was doing, though he managed to do it without repeating the verbal mantra.

Though as mantras went, that was a decent one.

It took only a few moments more before the delegation from the raiders arrived. They were armoured, unlike the villagers, but they left their weapons inside the speeder they arrived in. Likely they didn't trust anyone, Jedi or otherwise, with said weapons but were still willing to abide by the rules that declared there could be no weapons present. As with the villagers there were only three of them and the leader appeared to be a woman.

She had dark skin but her face was mostly a lighter shade of scar tissue due to her lifestyle. Still, it wasn't a Jedi's prerogative to judge someone based on their appearance. Max bowed his head slightly.

"Miss Vajorni." he greeted her, "I am Knight Maxims Tionson and this is apprentice Kuzon Lu Ten. We shall be mediating these talks."

The raider looked between the two of them, noting something straight away.

"The pipsqueak hasn't got a lightsaber; we so unimportant we don't get two Jedi? Instead we got a low-level Knight and some charity case of an intern?"

@Minuteman75

 

[Kuzon Lu Ten]

Once the second delegation got closer Kuzon was able to examine them more thoroughly. Despite their lack of weapons the young man can tell from their appearance, body language and eyes that they were fighters and killers. Kuzon couldn’t help but wonder. Was I like that to others? It was a question that made the apprentice uncomfortable answering himself to say the least.

Nonetheless, he searched his feelings and knew it to be true. Fighting down guilt that threatened to surface Kuzon stood by as Maxims greeted the leader. The latter took notice of the boy and made her displeasure pretty clear. The insult stung, causing Kuzon briefly narrowed his eyes in anger but bit his tongue from retorting back.

His past self would’ve slugged Vajorni in the jaw instantly and deep down that side of him wanted to come now. I am one with the force and the force is with me. Kuzon recited silently. With great reluctance he gave a slight bow before straightening up and meeting Vajorni’s eyes then said.

“No disrespect intended but we were in a hurry to assist with this meeting, considering its importance.”

Of course it wasn’t the full truth and probably not the perfect response but it was better than throwing fists in his opinion at least.

@Nefieslab

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Max could tell that Kuzon was annoyed at the barb and that was expected to be honest but it spoke well of the young man that he hadn't been too bad about it. Instead his response had been measured although not nearly as calm as Kuzon would have preferred he was sure. It was clear to even people without the Force that he had been nettled; the trouble was trying not to let emotions get to you was that not doing anything, not reacting at all and being stone-face, was as much of an emotionally telling reaction as a punch to the face.

Still, it didn't give the raider anything to pick at so she merely scowled and headed towards the meeting table. As they turned to do the same, Max patted Kuzon on the back lightly.

"Good job."

With that quiet praise done with, he headed to the table. The Jedi sat in the middle of the long table while the two groups sat at either end with their leaders in the top and end position. Oddly enough Max got the impression that the two would argue about even which end of the table was the top if given a chance.

"We are gathered here today to see what can be done to help close the rift between your two groups." he smiled slightly, "Firstly I want to hear from the villagers; what do you, ideally, want from this meeting?"

Time to listen to the boring bits of the job.

@Minuteman75

 

[Kuzon Lu Ten]

Watching the outlaw walk past him into the room, Kuzon felt a great deal of relief. Thank the ancestors that was a close one. He let out a soft sigh with the thought. It was an unexpected confrontation but at least it didn’t end in violence.

Upon being complimented by Maxims, the young apprentice gave a simple nod but nothing more. Even he knew it was far from over. The Islander proceeded to follow the Knight inside and sat beside him at the makeshift conference table. Kuzon couldn’t help being reminded how he was sometimes a guard or lookout at meetings for the Dawn Front.

Thunder rumbled outside the house and sure enough rain began to fall from the heavens. It’s going to be a long one if I was to guess. The young man crossed his arms over the chest and watched and listened as Maxims initiated the meeting. The body language from the warring groups gave him the suspicion that these negotiations won’t be too pleasant.

@Nefieslab

 

[Maxims Tionson]

Maxims didn't care to pay attention to the details of the meeting because most of it was local things, local knowledge and local concerns that he did not know about. Neither he nor Kuzon had had the chance to suddenly become experts on the situation so their job was relegated to making sure the discussions stayed civil. He would be the first to admit that he had used some low-level, non-intrusive, Force abilities to make everyone at the table slightly happier.

It meant that no fistfights had broken out at least but it had been half an hour at this point and they were still no closer to a solution in the end so Max caught the attention of both groups.

"If you are both in agreement, I would like to suggest a short rest before we continue?"

Neither side objected and Max stepped away from the table, gesturing for Kuzon to follow as he did so. As they stepped out of hearing range, Max spoke again.

"There's a bomb under the table." he told his ally quietly, making no sudden movements or acting differently at all, "I'm not sure which side put it there or if there's a third party involved in this. Don't react... just... we need to speak to them alone to see if we have reason to believe it could be either group. Understood? Who do you want to speak to?"

@Minuteman75

 

[Kuzon Lu Ten]

Amazingly the discussion hadn’t turned into a brawl as Kuzon had feared. They’re not reaching an accord either. I feel like a referee on a grav ball event waiting for something to happen. The padawan tried to maintain a calm exterior as the rain outside grew louder.

In a strange way it reminded him somewhat of home during the monsoon season. A mixture of homesickness and mild contentment filled his soul. Sometime later Maxims put the meeting on a short break for everyone involved. Noticing the knight’s gesture for him to follow.

Once they were out of earshot from the two parties Kuzon heard what Maxims had to say. At the mention of a bomb the young man had to fight the urge of openly expressing his shock. With only a slight rise of the eyebrow he listened further.

At the end of it Kuzon replied in a whisper.

“Understood, I’ll take the village representative. I imagine you want me to ask without raising suspicion about the bomb.”

@Nefieslab

 

[Maxims Tionson]

The fact that Kuzon didn't immediately panic about the fact that there was a bomb under the table they had been sat at for the last hour or so was good; it really spoke to the young man's Jedi-like poise that the most it got out of him with a trill of fear and anxiety through the Force. But Max would have honestly doubted the man's humanity had he been able to feel nothing at the thought that he could be blown up by a bomb.

He nodded.

"Best of luck Kuzon and..." he grinned sheepishly, "Maybe keep them all away from the table just to be on the safe side yeah?"

But with the village representatives covered by Kuzon that meant that Max had to deal with the raiders. Although they were not an altogether unreasonable bunch, he could already tell that his patience was going to be tested just by speaking to them about possibly moving away from the table.

"Hey old man, the hells going on?"

And already he regretted not pulling rank to speak to the friendly villagers.

@Minuteman75

 

[Kuzon Lu Ten]

After Maxims’ last instructions Kuzon walked toward the village delegation. While trying to appear casual the young man’s anxiety grew. He certainly knew the kind of canarage a bomb can wrought… Don’t think it focus on the now. Kuzon silently told himself

Reaching the group the young man then asked. “May we speak privately? I have questions about your community. It could help with the negotiations.”

Prigalas displayed a curious expression before shrugging his shoulders. “Guess it wouldn’t hurt.” Subsequently they exited the room, coming to a front porch that shielded them from the storm now raging all around them.

@Nefieslab

 

[Maxims Tionson]

With the two groups moved away from the table, the bomb plot was foiled already and they hadn't actually needed to try and defuse the bomb. Max wasn't exactly adept at bomb disposal so he was actually rather glad that they had managed to get around that by making sure the bomb was too far away to be deadly.

Of course that only works to save the day, as it were, when the assassins in question didn't have a backup plan. As Max moved into a separate room with the three raiders, he went to speak but paused when he suddenly realized something.

"Where is your other guard?" he asked the leader sharply, "He was here a second ago."

The leader looked around as well, just as surprised, before a blaster bolt screamed through the air, hitting the leader in the side of the chest and sending her spinning to the ground. Another bolt slammed into the remaining guard, killing him instantly as Max drew his lightsaber and parried a third shot back to source - the missing guard holding a hold-out blaster. The bolt slammed back into the man's face, exploding half of the man's skull out the back.

Cursing, he grabbed the injured raider leader and started to drag her away from the windows as long-range blaster fire tore into the room through the glass.

"Kuzon! Secure the leader - we've got attackers inbound!"

@Minuteman75

 

[Kuzon Lu Ten]

Kuzon and Prigalas were starting to discuss the latter’s village when they and the two other villagers heard the unmistakable sound of blaster fire. “What the hell?!” Prigalas exclaimed but suddenly one of his companions, a woman drew a hidden pistol aiming toward the representative.

Sensing the immediate danger Kuzon knocked the gun away with a well placed kick. Subsequently the Islander struck the would-be killer twice center mass with his stun baton. She cried out with the electric shocks and collapsed sideways.

Before anyone can say anything a laser shot from a long distance blasted the other companion in the back. Prigalas jumped back in horror before Kuzon tackled him out of the way from several blaster bolts striking where they once stood. Hitting the pavement Kuzon gritted his teeth and dragged the representative up to his feet and they ran for cover behind a corner.

“Those bastards they set us up!” Prigalas shouted in both fear and anger. Heart pounding Kuzon put up the baton and drew his stun pistol with the other hand. Then he received Maxims’ alert. “Understood!” Turning to his charge the Islander gestured for him to stay close and keep low.

Once answered with a frantic nod Kuzon took the older man by the hand and rushed for the other building. With a violent kick he opened the door and let Prigalas in before shutting it behind them. Keeping away from the windows Kuzon looked around and noted the old speeder on the side. Quickly he messaged back to Maxims.

“The elder is secured, we're held up in the garage for now. Where are you sir?”

@Nefieslab

 

[Maxims Tionson]

More blaster fire and here he was looking after an injured raider woman who likely would have shot him to save time had their situations been reversed. Luckily for her, he was a better person than she was so instead of leaving her or killing her, he was bringing her along with him despite her protests that doing so hurt. If it hurt that meant she was alive and she would probably forgive him should he need it.

"Good to hear it Kuzon." he admitted as he dragged the screaming woman into a fresher and opened up a small medicine cabinet, "I'm in the main building - in the fresher looking for something to stop her bleeding."

Tearing some of the bandages within, he wrapped them around the raider as she bucked and screamed in pain. Reaching out with the Force he held her in place with Stasis as he wrapped the wounds.

Better.

"Any transport within the garage you can get working?" he suggested as he finished giving her a quick field patch up, "We'll come to you but we might be coming in hot so we'll need a getaway vehicle."

@Minuteman75