Strangers Once, Brothers Now

[Kyber Krystal]

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MON CALAMARI
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Kyber was planet-side on Mon Calamari, taking a break from his work. He had always wanted to visit such a pristine, oceanic world and he decided that he had earned it. Kyber had officially been a Jedi for about a month now. The life of an Initiate, especially with the Empire's tight control over many galactic systems, wasn't easy and didn't afford much time to rest. Kyber was under the impression that he worked hard while training himself. he was sorely mistaken. While his connection to the Force had grown in strength, and he felt fulfilled being a part of something, he was tired. After a solid month of constant training and missions for the Jedi, Kyber had earned some time off. He didn't have long, only a few days, but he decided to regain a semblance of his old life. Flying through the galaxy on his freighter, and drinking his days off away. Mon Calamari was a little dangerous, as it was so close to Imperial Space, but Kyber didn't care. After being cooped up on Dantooine the past little while, he needed a bit of danger.

Kyber sat in a booth in a small bar overlooking the massive oceans of Mon Calamari. He was fortunate that he was able to find a place to dock on a world that was essentially pure ocean. The cities the natives built were true feats of engineering, and beautiful to look at as well. He was enjoying himself, putting his feet up and simply relaxing. Usually he had gone to more party oriented planets like Nar Shaadaa to wind down, but for once, he was enjoying just sitting there and relaxing. No loud music, no noisy patrons, no bar fights, just the sounds of the ocean waves crashing on the edges of the floating city. He merely sat and just enjoyed himself.

But he wouldn't be alone for long. Kyber had contacted his friend, Orlan Lanfire, to meet up with him on the planet a few days before. Kyber was a bit eager. He hadn't seen Orlan in weeks, though the two had talked a little bit within that time. When they met, it wasn't exactly in the most relaxed setting. Taking down muggers and partaking in a hazy Nar Shaadaa night wasn't the best place to really talk. Also, he was excited to let Orlan know that he had joined the Jedi. Especially because he had not behaved at all like a Jedi during their first meeting. All in all, Orlan was the first real friend that Kyber had made since leaving Kashyyyk, and he was excited that he would get to see Orlan again.

He would be arriving soon, but for now, Kyber simply sat, drinking a nice glass of ale. He was content. A really rare feeling for the young Initiate.

@Alhon

 

[Alhon]

The fish was a curious shape, taller than it was long, with a narrow bill for picking plankton from the reef. Orlan reached out to touch its tail, tickling the creature before it darted away, gliding effortlessly through the water. He chuckled in spite of himself, covering his mouth with his hand even as bubbles escaped through his fingers.

The sea wasn't that scary after all. Mon Cala had taught him that. Having arrived a few hours early, he'd spent most of the day cautiously exploring the shallows, reassured enough by the large sandbanks all around to wade deeper into the water. He'd committed to facing his fear the moment Kyber had chosen this world for their meet up. With its vast oceans and friendly natives, it was a better place than most to try his hand at swimming and get a look at the marine life hiding beneath the waves. They were all the Gods' creatures after all.

Kicking off from the seafloor, Orlan propelled himself upwards, breaking the surface and squinting in the sunlight. He rubbed the water from his eyes, wading back towards the beachfront in his blue shorts. The island was a small thing, perhaps only several hundred metres across. Connected to the mainland by a long causeway, it jutted out into Mon Cala's southern ocean, quiet, remote and away from the hustle and bustle. Besides the one beach bar and a few other low-set buildings, it was all jungle, sand and sea. A perfect place to kick back.

As usual, Orlan hadn't done much kicking back recently. His training with Master Valen was constant and intensive, while what little spare time he had was quickly swallowed up. Whether it was spreading the word of the Way, or running errands of his own, he rarely found time to pause and think. It was one of the reasons he'd jumped at his new friend's invitation; he hadn't seen Kyber since their run in on Nar Shaddaa, and if nothing else he really knew how to relax. Plus, in a strange way, he'd kind of missed the guy.

Orlan made it to the beach, finding it much emptier than earlier, with many of the sun worshippers and native Mon Calamari heading back to the mainland. He headed over to the large rock where he'd stowed his belongings, reaching for his towel as he glanced up towards the beach bar.

Familiar green eyes looked back at him from one of the nearest booths, and Orlan froze in surprise.

Kyber! He'd been out in the water longer than he thought and now his new friend was already waiting for him. More than that, he now had front row seats to Orlan in his swimwear - a fact that made the young Jedi slightly self-conscious. He waved a hello in Kyber's direction and quickly hung his towel round his neck, letting the afternoon sun finish drying him off. Scooping up his pack, he hurried across the sand to the bar, smiling through his half-naked entrance.

"Hey!" he said, grinning in embarrassment "Didn't realise you were here already!"


@Kyber Krystal

 

[Kyber Krystal]

As Kyber stared out at the water, he witnessed a familiar looking man emerge from the nearby body of water. Kyber was just as surprised to find out that it was Orlan. When they had met on Nar Shaadaa, Orlan had struck Kyber as a devout Church Boy that was mostly business oriented and never pleasure. Yet here he was taking an afternoon swim before they met. It made Kyber smile. In most of their correspondence, Orlan was typically on his way to another mission or doing missionary work. Purely business. It was nice to see him just relax for once, take it easy.

Kyber couldn't help but stare at his new friend as he emerged from the water. For two reasons. The first, Orlan was totally unaware he was being watched. He was blissfully alone, swaggering along the beach like he owed the place. It was amusing. Watching the modest Jedi show off a little, it was a new side to Orlan that he previously was unable to witness. The second... He wasn't that bad to look at.

It didn't take long for Orlan to notice he was being watched. As their eyes met and Orlan waved, Kyber let out a laugh. His private show was over and his friend was about to join him. Kyber waved back, a large grin resting on his face. As Orlan began making his way to the bar, Kyber called to the bartender to order another glass of ale. Being with the Jedi had a few perks, such as not having to live credit to credit anymore. He was in no ways rich, but Kyber had disposable income for once in his life. He was more than happy to buy his friend a drink.

As Orlan walked into the bar, Kyber couldn't help but grin again. He expected that Orlan would put on a shirt before entering the bar, rather than just scrambling in half-naked and still damp. Not that he was complaining, his chest was fun to look at. "About time you showed up." Kyber said lightheartedly. He was trying to bust Orlan's balls a bit, but his smile betrayed his attempts to be sarcastic. He genuinely missed Orlan. "Great to see you again, man! Sit down, I ordered drinks already"

Kyber took his feet off the other seat in the booth, leaving room for Orlan to sit. "Glad to see you had some time to swim. I know we're a bit close to Imperial Space for comfort, but... I don't know there's something about this world that's really serene." Kyber smiled once again. He was just in a very good mood. "So, I have some news that you might find interesting... So you know how I was teaching myself how to use the Force? Well... I have officially joined the Jedi. Surprise. I wanted to tell you in person." Kyber spoke in a lower, quieter tone. He was proud of his Jedi affiliation, but to be on a planet this close to Imperial space, he had to wonder if there were Imperial sympathizers in the bar who were anti-Jedi. But Kyber wanted to tell Orlan as soon as they met. Kyber was really interested to see how Orlan would react. How he would react to the Hutt Space Vigilante deciding to join the Jedi Order.

@Alhon

 

[Alhon]

"Yeah, it was good fun but I lost track of time!" Orlan replied, standing there sheepishly. He caught sight of the Bluebreen barwoman over Kyber's shoulder, giving him a stern look while she polished a glass. He hastily dried himself off and pulled on a sleeveless tunic from his pack, sliding into the booth as she slowly turned away. It seemed the battleaxe didn't think much to half-naked tourists in her bar. Orlan was all for keeping up standards, but part of him didn't see why it mattered - there were hardly any other patrons about this late on.

He suddenly remembered the guy sitting across from him. If Kyber had any thoughts about his unconventional entrance, he'd kept them to himself, but Orlan still cringed inside at the long moments he might have been watching. His friend had made a living out here in wild space, and he had the shoulders to show for it. Orlan couldn't compete.

He reached for a drink as they arrived, trying to relax back into his seat as Kyber started talking about his news. He took a swig, but nearly spat it back out when he got to the punchline.

"Pffft! You've joined?" Orlan was shocked and surprised, but glad all the same. They were part of the same team now, even more than before. Jedi brothers! "How?" he asked, "how'd it come about I mean? You know, if I'd known, I could have helped you in...". He half-wondered if Kyber had been planning to join way back when they'd met on Nar Shaddaa. He certainly hadn't seemed like it. In fact, now Orlan thought about it, Kyber and the Jedi didn't necessarily seem that good for each other. Being a Jedi was a way of life, a calling even, and his friend...well...he liked to play life by his own rules. Would he be able to handle what it really meant?

@Kyber Krystal

 

[Kyber Krystal]

Orlan's reaction was one that Kyber had expected. A healthy combination of disbelief and excitement. Kyber was more than perfectly aware that he was not the typical example of a Jedi. But as far as he was concerned, that was a good thing. So many Jedi in the Army were Jedi since they could walk. The Jedi needed outsider perspectives to find ways to defeat their enemies. Kyber may not be the best with a Lightsaber yet, but he could shoot better than anyone and he was one hell of a pilot. Skills that were very valuable in war. Though, Kyber was happy that Orlan appeared pleased with his joining. It was nice to have a friend in the Order, besides the man that had inducted him in the first place.

"To be honest with you, I wasn't really planning on it, it just kinda... happened" Kyber took a swig, as usual in a very relaxed manner. Appearances were important. If he behaved as if there was no big deal, then those around Orlan and Kyber wouldn't perceive the conversation as a big deal. Keeping up appearances was important in any situation. "I was on Tatooine, and I uncovered a slaving operation by pure accident. I tried to help, and I encountered a Jedi there, who already knew about the Slaver's activities. We teamed up, saved a bunch of people and he... gave me the chance to join. Gotta admit, it's been an experience thus far. But being trapped on Dantooine... I just can't do it for that long." Kyber smiled. He wasn't actually sure how long Orlan had been with the Order, or if he felt the same way, but it was nice to just be able to talk to someone earnestly for once.

"I'm not sure, maybe you know the Jedi I fought the slavers with. His name is Valen Pelora. Does that ring a bell at all?"

@Alhon

 

[Alhon]

"I know what you mean about Dantooine" Orlan said, fidgeting with the beer bottle. "It's great being around everyone else and learning so much; there's so much to the Order that I never knew about back home. It's a bit....stifling...though. I worried what was going on out in the galaxy while we were sat there, writing essays and sparring with sticks..."

The young Jedi trailed off, half-wondering what he'd really done for the galaxy since he'd left the Sanctuary. He'd worried about the spreading darkness while in training and since getting out into space he'd tried to get around. He'd been spreading the Jedi and the Way where he could, but sometimes the galaxy just seemed too big to make a difference.

"Ring a bell?!" Orlan laughed, shocked at Kyber's revelation. "Well apart from the fact he's the, our , Grandmaster, he's my training Master too! I've been out here in the Rim training with him for the last few months. Heavens, I just came from a negotiation on Nal Hutta with him!". He sat back, taking another swig of his beer as he marvelled at the odds. How did he not know that Master Valen had brought Kyber in to the Jedi? The Master had no way of knowing they were friends of course, so maybe it was no surprise he hadn't mentioned it, but still....

A sudden thought struck Orlan and he drew closer to the table, lowering his voice in case they could be overheard. "What do you think of him, Master Valen?" It was hardly treasonous to ask and the young Jedi hadn't had chance to discuss his new Master with anyone since leaving the Sanctuary. Orlan thought highly of him, sure, but he did seem a little aloof at times. And Gods know, a little too perfect. He was fascinated to hear Kyber's take, especially after their apparent fight with slavers. Orlan hadn't yet seen Valen in action, a prospect part of him yearned for despite the teachings of the Way.

@Kyber Krystal

 

[Kyber Krystal]

Kyber was happy to see Orlan sharing his sentiments about the sequestering nature of Dantooine. Kyber had only been in the Order for a few weeks now, and he was really feeling antsy being stuck on one planet for so long. Sure, his early life took place entirely on one planet, but since then he had spent the last few years living in his ship, never really staying on a single planet for more than a week at the most. And it wasn't like Kyber had too many friends on the planet as it were. He was just happy he wasn't force to write any essays yet, like Orlan had previously described.

"I totally understand... Like when we met on Nar Shaadaa, I knew helping that girl wasn't going to stop all wars or anything like that, but it helped a bit... being trapped on Dantooine doesn't let us help out the innocent people, you know?" Kyber took a drink. Typically, he'd be all about cracking jokes and making light of the subject matter, but he trusted Orlan more now. He was willing to let his fellow Initiate get a glimpse and what he actually felt. How he actually felt. "...Do you actually have to write essays sometimes? Kriff man, not me, no way I can handle that" Kyber took another sip from his bottle.

Kyber was a bit surprised at Orlan's reaction to letting him know that Valen was the one who recruited him into the Order. Kyber knew Valens was the Grand Master of the Order, he was told by a friend during a mission for the Jedi in casual conversation. Valen, whenever he and Kyber had talked, never treated himself like the leader of the Jedi. He was just a guy. Something Kyber respected a ton. So, he did Valen the same courtesy and never really bragged about how it was Valens that inducted him. But he was surprised that Orlan had noted that he was Valen's personal student... For the sheer size of the galaxy, it really did seem like a small world at times. "Wait a second, so when I flew you out near Nal Hutta to rendezvous with your Master, you were meeting with..." Kyber smiled and started laughing. "Maybe it was our destiny to be friends after all? Pieces certainly aligned themselves neatly."

Kyber smiled a mischievous smile when Orlan leaned in and asked his opinion on Valen. From the tone of voice and the way he moved, Kyber assumed that Orlan never really had anyone he could discuss his Master with before. Or at least no one he'd be willing to outright ask. Valen definitely did not seem like the type who would distain opinions formed about him, but Orlan most likely didn't ask around out of respect.

"I'll say one thing about Valen: I'm sure you've seen him fight, attacking Sith or something, but you do not want to be on the hot end of his lightsaber. You can barely see where he moves, he's almost faster than a blaster bolt. He took down eight slavers in the time it took me to take out two. He was... really something. That's for sure." Kyber smiled, and took another drink. He reminisced on that day on Tatooine. Kyber had a very vivid memory, especially for days that were emotionally taxing. Kyber remembered that day with Valen very clearly. "He's respectful, pragmatic and sometimes a little harsh, but you know he's like that only because he cares, you know? There was a moment when he was furious with me because... can I show you something?"

Kyber reached down to his belt, unclipping the two pieces of his lightsaber that on their own, looked like pieces of junk. In his father's craft, the lightsaber had been designed to look rustic and a bit ancient. On their own, it appeared to look like two random rusty bits. Something Kyber enjoyed, because it contributed to the element of surprise. Kyber began to speak very quietly, whispering to his friend. "This doesn't look like much but... This was my father's lightsaber. It's funny now but... Valen thought I stole it off a Jedi that he thought I killed, and he... You know, I don't think I've ever been scared by any one person before. In recent years anyways. He's a nice guy, but... damn he's scary when he wants to be... You know I've never really shown anyone my saber, or told them about it... " Kyber took the pieces off the table and re-clipped them to his belt. He wasn't about to assemble a lightsaber out in the open. "I'll be honest, I don't really understand the war with the Empire, or why you guys don't like the Imperials, and why the Sith are so evil in your view. But Valen, like you, is one of the few good people I've met in the galaxy. And if he is the leader of the Jedi, then I think the Jedi are worth helping." Kyber ended with a smile. "Besides, I have no idea how to use that kriffing laser sword and I really want to learn how!" He ended his emotional story on a lighter note. As Kyber always wanted to do.

As Kyber finished the story, the bartender approached the two young men. He was an older fellow, with a few scars on his face. He looked like a man who had some good stories to tell. "Last call for drinks, boys. We're closing soon." Kyber was a bit confused. "Closing? The sun's not even down yet. Doesn't most of your business come at night?" Kyber asked earnestly. "Yeah, well it used to. Now I can't take the risk. Pirate activity has been picking up lately. Town is under a mandatory curfew. If you boys aren't from around here, I'd leave the planet before curfew goes down. Have a good night." Without another word, the bartender left the two, as he went to start closing up shop.

Kyber turned to Orlan. "Pirates? Never actually encountered any before..." A gleam emerged in Kyber's eyes as he smiled to Orlan. "Orlan, we're two dashing Jedi in a small town. Why don't we go and deal with these pirates ourselves? Could be kinda fun, and we'd be doing right by the villagers! Besides, Valen would certainly be pleased to know we were doing something constructive with our time off and not just sitting around drinking... as we have been doing" Kyber smirked, realizing the irony of his statement.

Looks like the boy's vacation may have gotten a lot more interesting.

@Alhon

 

[Alhon]

"Well yeah, we had to write some essays, in the subjects I took anyway..." Orlan trailed off, feeling strangely embarrassed about revealing his inner bookworm. He'd always been more academic than practical and he'd never been afraid of showing it, until now. Kyber was so much more adventurous than him; he had a way of making the young Jedi feel silly when few others could. Orlan didn't want the guy to think he was boring - though he had to hope that coming out here, to a beach bar on a frontier world, counted for something.

Kyber was right that the pieces had fallen into place with them, on a number of levels. Orlan didn't exactly visit Nar Shaddaa every day, and yet the one time he had, he met the one guy who then joins the Jedi and shadows the same master? It did seem pretty unreal. For him, it seemed like downright providence. All Way Walkers believed that their path was laid out for them from the beginning, designed and tended to by the Gods. Was Kyber part of his path? If so, how so?

He knew better than to suggest as much to his friend. Though Kyber had joined the Jedi, Orlan didn't expect he would embrace the Way any time soon. Instead, he listened intently to his fellow Jedi's recounting of the fight on Tatooine, raising an eyebrow at the image of Valen in combat. Kyber thought highly of the Master it seemed, higher perhaps than Orlan. The idea of Valen being scary surprised the young Jedi, but not half as much as the components Kyber suddenly laid out on the table.

"Your father's? So he-" Orlan looked across at his friend. He'd had no idea that Kyber's father had been a Jedi. If he had been, then it made it all the stranger than his son was only joining up now. Why hadn't he been inducted from childhood? He was about to ask the question when the grizzled bartender appeared, silencing their conversation whether he meant to or not. Orlan leaned back from the table as the man swept up their empties, blue eyes darting from him to Kyber as they bandied words about local pirates. A knot formed in the Jedi's stomach; one that only tightened when he saw the burgeoning grin on his friend's face.

"Deal with them?" Orlan repeated, trying not to sound too cynical. He was over the moon that Kyber thought he was 'one of the few good people' he'd met, but less pleased how eager he was to throw that good person into danger. "I'm all for helping people out, but don't you think that's a bit, you know...bold?" Seeking out danger was not exactly his style and the two beers he'd just downed would hardly sharpen his skills. Was Kyber really serious? He glanced around the bar - they were shutting down true enough, but there was no sign of anything untoward. 'Activity' could mean just about anything.

"Besides, we don't even know if they're round here. Or who they are or what they've got. Where would we even start?"

@Kyber Krystal

 

[Kyber Krystal]

Kyber was more open with Orlan than he had been with almost anyone with his entire life. Although really, that wasn't saying much. Most people didn't even get his real name, never mind get a good look at his lightsaber. Orlan was certainly different from anyone that Kyber had encountered. Though again, not saying much. Before joining the Jedi. he mostly hung out with thugs, whores and all-around disreputable people. Out for themselves and only themselves. Orlan just had the type of presence that made Kyber want to open up. Something he wasn't used to. It both made him very uncomfortable, and also very happy. To have someone he could trust. A Jedi Brother, for lack of a better word. Kyber realized that what he had said would open the floor up for a lot of questions further down the line. Questions he admittedly wasn't ready to answer... He would answer more and more as their friendship progressed.

Though another thing Kyber knew about Orlan is that he was a lot more thoughtful. He liked to think about what he was going to do before he did it. Even when they had first met. Kyber had immediately moved in to save the girl from the mugger, whereas Orlan was ready to mediate the situation. Kyber hated nothing more than bandits terrorizing innocent people. He wanted to stop these pirates, however and wherever they operated, but he needed help. He wasn't able to do it by himself.

"Orlan, I know it's a bit... much to throw on you, but think of it this way. We live in a galaxy where the Empire is going to demonize and make us out to be monsters. And this is right on the edge of Imp Space. If we can help the villagers here, maybe we can show that the Jedi aren't all bad? Come on man, please? I'll do you a favour down the line?" Kyber flashed another grin to his new friend, looking him straight in the eye. He was confident they could succeed. "We don't have to go right now. We can just sit back for a second and plan our strategy out. Hey, I've never seen you in action, how good are you at fighting with your lightsa-"

Kyber didn't have the chance to say anything as the door to the bar, as if on cue, was kicked in. It wasn't subtle and in no ways way it quiet. Following a large bang, inside walked three more grizzled men, each with vibroblades on their backs and blasters on their hips. They certainly weren't here on a simple social call. The lead pirate, a younger looking Devaronian, strolled and strutted throughout the bar like he owned the joint. He flashed a big smile in the direction of the bartender.

"Knock knock, old timer." He said in an almost mocking tone. "Hope your business is keeping we-. Oh no, looks pretty empty tonight. What gives?"
"We've had busier nights, without your thugs chasing them away." This provoked a response from the two lackeys, which was quickly quelled by the lead pirate.
"Well hate to break up a fun time, but we got business here. Your fees are due."
"But... But you said you were't collecting until next week! I got nothing to give right now! Who do you think yo-"
"Shhhhhhhhhh..." The Devaronian spoke, again rather mockingly. As if shushing a loud child. "Listen, we have this arrangement for your benefit. We give you guys protection from the dangers of the galaxy" He pulled his blaster out slowly, as if to taunt the bartender. "If you didn't pay, who knows, maybe-" The Pirate slowly pointed his blaster and shot at the bar, destroying a full bottle of liquor. The bartender didn't even flinch. "Shit like that, might happen"
"I don't have your blasted credits you blaster-brains. So do what you will, I'm not paying your stupid 'fee'" This provoked a menacing smile from the two lackeys.

While this exchange took place, Kyber simply sat staring at the invaders, stewing in his anger. No doubt Orlan would be able to sense his growing anger with the situation. Kyber looked at Orlan, mouthing the words "What's the plan?". He then gestured to his leg, hoping that Orlan would be able to figure out what he was pointing to: A blaster, ready to fire.

"Hey, you little shits" The pirate yelled over to the two Jedi. "You should probably get out of here, before things get a little more... tense". Kyber grimaced, clenching his fist. He wanted to kill them, he wanted them dead, but knew it might not be the most responsible choice. He stayed sitting. "Since when do people here need protection from anything. It's a floating village on a kriffing ocean, it isn't Hutt Space." Kyber didn't speak in a way that was directly antagonistic towards the pirates, but in a way that was certainly rebellious. He had the feeling he could easily disarm the pirate and take out the other two with a few quick shots. But Kyber had a partner who might have a better way to handle the situation, or might not approve of his methods.

"You know, if I had a brain, I would leave right now before things start getting broken"

Kyber clenched his teeth in anger. His hand moved closer to his blaster, ready to perform a quick draw. He tapped into the Force to focus, insuring that his shots would reach their marks

@Alhon

 

[Alhon]

Orlan listened to his friend, resisting the urge to interrupt. Kyber was right in one respect; the Empire would demonise them at them every opportunity. In war, men usually tried to demean their enemies, blackening their name in the hope none would find sympathy with their cause. The Jedi had much work to do to win the trust of those oppressed by the Empire, but they had to be careful nonetheless. Seeking out conflict was simply not the Way.

He raised a hand, keen to make his own point, when the doors to the bar suddenly swung open violently. Three men sidled in, their weapons and demeanour enough to signal trouble. They immediately set about hounding the bartender, demanding credits for a protection racket loudly and proudly.

The pirates! Not for the first time that night, Orlan felt the touch of providence. Kyber had tried to persuade him to seek these men out and he had hesitated. Now, they had come to them. It was almost too much to believe, but then Orlan had never shied away from belief. The Gods took hold of them in strange ways, but right now, their will was clear - these men had to be stopped. It was a little hard to let go of his doubts so rapidly, but knowing the Way was with him gave him a newfound confidence to act.

A blaster bolt lanced through a bottle of liquor and Kyber's voice cut through the air, the defiance in his tone unmistakeable. His friend seemed to have a knack for dragging him into these situations, and stirring them up further, but this time Orlan shared in a rising anger. He gripped the edge of the table with both hands, incensed not so much by the pirates insults as by the injustice of the situation. Who did these men think they were? What right did they have to terrorise and harass the barman plying his trade? How could they live with themselves, paying not their own way but extorting credits from others.

"You know, if I had a brain, I would leave right now before things start getting broken"

Orlan saw Kyber go for his blaster, but he stood up, motioning to his friend to hold his fire.

"The peace has already been broken" he replied, looking the Devaronian straight in the eye, "and the peace is one of the Gods' greatest gifts". He closed the gap between them, moving between the tables as he threw the Force into his words. "Another is humility. You've terrorised the people here long enough - leave them be. Leave this place. Show some humility and ask forgiveness for all you have taken from them".

Orlan stopped a few feet from the young pirate, letting his hand fall to his saber hilt. "Do that, and your lives may yet mean something. Do nothing, and the Gods demand they end here".


@Kyber Krystal

 

[Kyber Krystal]

Kyber shot a look to Orlan as he was told non-verbally to hold his fire. Ordinarily, no one would be able to get him to hold. He shot first. In a blaster fight if you weren't first, you were last. And Kyber was always first. But he trusted Orlan, perhaps a bit more than he should. So he held his fire, at least for now. His body remained tense and focused towards the Pirates.

Orlan's words cut through the air with the unmistakable presence of the Force. When the two had met, Kyber's senses were more or less dulled and he was only able to detect the Force when it was used on himself. However, his time with the Jedi had helped him to open himself more to the Force. His senses were improving, and it was unmistakable that Orlan was attempted to coerce the Pirates to stand down. Kyber was certainly intrigued. He knew not his friend's prowess with persuasion through the Force and certainly wished to see Orlan in action.

The two henchmen nodded dumbly as Orlan spoke. It was no surprise that Orlan was able to persuade them. They looked dumb enough to not know which end of the blaster you point. The Deveronian, however, continued to smile cruelly. Especially as Orlan mentioned the existence of his Gods.

"Gods?" he said with a scoff. He continued to speak as Orlan walked closer and closer. "Get real, kid, there aren't any kriffing gods in this galaxy, none that I've seen. What the hell is wrong with you, kid? You actually believe shit like that? In this galaxy, There's just the guy holding the blaster" He raised the weapon up. "And the chump on the other end". He mockingly pretended to shoot the gun, adding in a loud sound effect with his voice for emphasis. "And anyone who believes in any kind of god besides that, is a kriffing idiot."

Orlan was standing dangerously close to the pirate, and Kyber was beginning to stew in his anger. He cared for a precious few in the galaxy, and although he had his own reservations about his friend's faith, he wasn't about to let anyone talk to his friend that way. The Jedi taught that anger needed to be tempered with patience and reason, but in this moment his anger felt valid, even righteous. Kyber shifted over in his bar seat to get a better angle on the pirate and to not hit Orlan, still focusing on the Force to guide his aim.

"Look, I get it" The lead pirate continued. "You don't like me, and frankly I don't like you either, you stupid kid. But you two probably aren't from around here, so I'm going to be generous and let this slide... we'll leave, and keep your peace." He flashed another cruel smile. "But first, we need to show this shithead what happens when he is late on his payments". As he spoke, he slowly raised his blaster towards the bartender.

PEW!

A single bolt was fired past one of the Devaronian's horns, slightly singing it. The bolt sailed towards a nearby wall, leaving a discernable blast mark. The Devaronian, In contrast to his cool demeanour, sharply turned to face Kyber, who was still sitting in the booth with his blaster extended. "I don't miss twice." He said simply. Having captured the attention of the room, Kyber stood from the table, his blaster still ready to fire.

"I would listen to my friend here, if I were you". Kyber continued. "Stop the stupid kriffing protection shit and let the people of the village go. Or... oh, wait, how exactly did you put it? Oh yeah, things might start getting broken." Kyber was returning the mocking tone he had received thus far. He held power in this situation and he knew it. He was ready and focused, able to fire on a brief notice. The two stupid thugs did not have their weapons drawn, and the Devaronian had lowered his blaster. They were outgunned for the moment. Especially considered Orlan was there ready to use a lightsaber. "Leave. Now. Or your lives end here, plain and simple." It was a simple threat. No more words needed to be said.

The Pirates stood there, processing what had just happened. No doubt they had faced no resistance so far, and were surprised they were being defied. Kyber stood ready to attack, ready to fight if need be.

@Alhon

 

[Alhon]

To Orlan's relief, he felt the two henchmen relax at the sound of his voice. They were big brutes, but their minds were weak and Orlan's was not. He had been practising such sermons, or his words as he called them, quite a lot during his recent travels - and thank the Gods too!

Unfortunately, the lead pirate was not as easy to turn from his path. Dismissive and arrogant, he mocked what he did not understand and the young Jedi wrestled with his instinct to react.

"Yes, I believe" he said firmly, "but in something far greater than your blaster. Your weapon is nothing more than metal parts bound together by knuts and bolts. Its maker is mortal, just like you, its owner". He fixed the man with a long stare, even as began to turn away from Orlan. "But who made you and I?" he asked, hand still on his hilt "but the very same Gods who are watching us even now?"

But the pirate had already lost interest, weaving back towards the bar as he took aim at the barman, words of punishment on his lips.

Kyber's pistol sounded, sending a bolt lancing past Orlan and between their adversary's horns. The pirate wheeled immediately, teeth bared in anger as crept back towards them, his eyes darting left and right. The Jedi suspected he was assessing the situation, weighing up whether he could take revenge on the two of them after all. They still had the upper hand though and Kyber couldn't have been any clearer. Surely this guy knows he's lost it?

As if on cue, the Devaronian seemed to pause, slowly straightening up some three feet away. "You little scum" he hissed, "We'll leave alright, but don't think this is the end of it. Upstarts like you make enemies fast. When one of em decides to roast you, we'll be there to help!". The pirate spat forcefully in their direction, motioning to his friends as if to leave.

Orlan let his hand drop from his hilt.

That was when his foe whirled, sweeping a boot across the ground and kicking sand in his eyes. Instinctively, his hands went to his face, but too late he realised his mistake. Strong arms grabbed him, pulling him forwards and pinning his arms by his side. He shook his head to clear his eyes, but felt cold steel at his neck, realising with horror that they had a dagger to his throat.

"Thing is...." the pirate began, his warm breath on Orlan's neck "leaving here with nothin would be a poor night for us! So we'll just take you with us I think. Good little lad like you could fetch a fair price at Ribbon Isle market. They won't like your Gods mind you, but we'll find you a new one". The pirate was enjoying himself now, waving the sharp dagger in Kyber's direction. "You've had your fun now ya little shit! Sit down, shut up and don't even think of following us - wouldn't want your friend here to get hurt now...."



@Kyber Krystal

 

[Kyber Krystal]

Kyber felt panicked. He had not felt this panicked in years, not since his early days on Kashyyyk after his father was taken from him. Not even when a Sith had held him at bladepoint on Coruscant had he felt this panicked. Orlan was being threatened with a blade to his throat, and it wasn't something that would be lowered any time soon. Kyber felt fearful for his friends safety. He also felt angry, but he couldn't let his anger get the better of him... it was time for a gamble.

"Okay... Okay fine. You win. You outplayed us. Just let him go. Here, as a show of good faith." Kyber placed the blaster slowly on the ground, before backing away and raising his hands above his head. The Devaronian gestured his head towards the blaster, silently commanding one of his lackeys to retrieve it. Kyber lifted his hands high above his head, pointing them slightly towards the bar. "I'm just going to sit, slowly. Please don't hurt him."

He began to concentrate.

Slowly, as Kyber moved, he began to focus and tap into the Force. He tried to calm himself. A Jedi did not get their power from fear or anger, but from calm and patience. He felt anxious and sacred, but he calmed himself as best he could. He kept his arms above his head, stretching them out near the bar as he moved back to the seat. Slowly, but surely, a large bottle of liquor was lifted from the top shelf of the bar. As Kyber sat back down, it slowly floated above the head of the Devaronian. There was a chance that Orlan may be damaged by shattered glass, but really it was a chance that Kyber was willing to take for his friend's safety.

As the bottle floated above the pirate's head, Kyber finally took his seat back at the table as instructed by the Pirates. His arms were still high above his head. Admittedly, Kyber looked a bit awkward and foolish with his arms fully outstretched while sitting down, but it was a necessary sacrifice. Having his arms stretched out like this provided the perfect conduit for this precise use of the Force. "Okay, I did what you asked... too bad that's not going to do you much good!" Kyber threw his hands down, smashing the large bottle onto the Devaronian's head. He hoped to disorient the Pirate, and catch the lackeys off guard.

"Orlan, now!" Kyber yelled to his friend, hoping he would be focused and ready enough to free himself. Kyber then began assembling his lightsaber below the table. He may not know how to use it properly, but the Pirates didn't need to know that.

@Alhon

 

[Alhon]

Orlan tried hard to maintain his composure, straining against the pirates' hold as the knife glinted viciously in his peripheral vision.

Everything had changed. A moment ago, he had felt confident and in control, backed by the Gods and his friend's keen aim. The pirates had been made to see the error of their ways and they were about to see them off without further violence. But now, their fortunes were reversed. These savages had regained the upper hand and now they were going to take him, sell him it seemed. To who and how were worries too great for him to handle.

"Kyber don't-" The lead pirate slapped him hard across the face, silencing him before he could shout across to his friend. Orlan tried instead to speak with his eyes, looking straight at his fellow Jedi with a pleading expression. He knew Kyber's instincts would be to fight, but the odds were against him. Believer or not, Orlan didn't dare take any gambles with the cold steel at his throat. Also, quite aside from his own safetly, he genuinely didn't want Kyber to get hurt, or worse, on his account. He'd got himself into this by underestiamting the Devaronian. He saw that now.

Orlan was quite surprised then to see his friend lay down his blaster and step back. He should have been happy Kyber was moving out of danger, and yet his surrender still hit the young Jedi hard in the gut. It almost...hurt him. Kyber was actually prepared to let them take him. It was the most sensible course of action, absolutely, but it wounded Orlan all the same. His friend would make a good Jedi. But just how good a friend? Didn't he care?

It was then that he sensed a strange movement overhead. A quick glance left him doing a sublte double take, shocked to see a large bottle of liquor hovering through the air. Orlan traced its path backwards, his eyes tracking across to Kyber's outstretched arms. Suddenely, he understood. He'd have smiled if he wasn't still shit scared. His friend wasn't about to give up on him after all - he was just far more ingenious than Orlan ever guessed.

When Kyber's arms dropped, bringing the glass bottle sailing downwards, he gave it his everything.

The container crashed down onto the pirate's horned head, smashing into two dozen pieces even as Orlan tried to twist away. The Devaronian roared in pain but grasped harder instinctively, pulling at the Jedi's tunic and ripping part of the shoulder. A jagged shard became trapped between them as they scuffled, cutting into the Jedi's arm and drawing blood at its edge. Orlan gritted his teeth against the pain, elbowing the pirate hard and tearing himself free of his grasp.

He stumbled backwards in Kyber's direction, trying to marshall his own powers to move the sand beneath their feet. His mind was racing through, clouded with fear and the pain from his arm. His aim went wide, sending a bolt of Force energy straight into the ground between, throwing a spray of sand in every direction.

"Enough!" he yelled, his right hand pulling his hilt free and igniting his pale green blade. "If you guys only understand violence, then the Gods will be only too willing to oblige!". He raised his weapon high, ignoring the blood beginning to trickle down his arm. Where was Kyber? What was he doing?

Orlan turned back to the pirates, his gaze as hard as ever. If they knew anything of the Jedi they would run. If they knew anything of Orlan Lanfire, they would know justice would find them wherever they went.




@Kyber Krystal

 

[Kyber Krystal]

There was absolutely no time to be wasted. The second that Kyber had his lightsaber assembled, he bounded from the table. Just in time to see Orlan send a large blast of sand in every direction. It was fascinating. Kyber had yet to witness Orlan actually use his powers, and the sight of them was something to behold. He managed to shield his eyes from the blast of sand, but the sheer force of the sand particles could be felt on his arms and body. The bartender, fully uninvolved by this point, ducked behind the bar and out of sight.

Watching Orlan ignite his lightsaber, Kyber decided to follow suit and do the same. After all, the only thing scarier than one hostile Jedi was two hostile Jedi. Kyber's blade, in contrast to the pale green of Orlan's lightsaber, was a verdant Emerald green. The colour of the forests of Kashyyyk, the colour that once belonged to his father. The two blades complimented each other well, perhaps symbolic of the bond of friendship the two began to develop. Kyber had little to no training in the arts of lightsaber combat yet, so he posed and attempted to look as threatening as possible.

"Makes sense... you two goody-kriffing-two-shoes are Jedi. Alright, fine! I like a challenge! We're right on the edge of Imp space, and I bet the Empire will pay top credits for some Jedi prisoners". The Devaronian smiled cruelly again, shaking off his disorientation from the bottle. He was angry now, his anger perhaps even clouding his judgement.

"What the hell are you two waiting for?! Break em in half!"
"I dunno, boss" said the lackey lazily, still clutching Kyber's blaster in his hand. "I'm not fighting no kriffing Jedi. They can do weird shit like-"

Interrupting the thug mid-sentence, Kyber used the Force to rip the Blaster from the thug's hands. The blaster was incredibly important to him and wasn't something he was going to abandon. It was his mother's and was of the highest important. The Blaster sailed through the air and straight into Kyber's hand, his focus on the Force in the last few minutes giving him the precision he needed. "Shit like that?" Kyber asked rhetorically. In the next second, he grabbed the blaster and fired a shot at the thug, hitting him square in the shoulder. He wasn't about to kill anyone... yet. This could be a valuable opportunity for the Jedi. The bartender was still present, and no doubt listening. This could be a chance for some positive influences.

"The Jedi will never tolerate scum like you preying on hard-working, innocent people for your own greed and amusement!" Kyber was speaking much more eloquently and properly than he usually did, but he wanted to deliver a message. "Swear on your lives that you will apologize and make reparations to the villagers, or we'll be forced to end you here... And believe me, we are more than capable of doing so"

Kyber had to suppress the anger he still felt at the threats delivered to Orlan, but this opportunity to have a great story circulate about the Jedi was much too good to pass up.

@Alhon

 

[Alhon]

Kyber was really quite impressive. It wasn't that Orlan hadn't noticed before, more that conflict seemed to bring it to the surface. The way he leapt into the fray, always ready never scared, still amazed the young Jedi. Kyber didn't have faith at his back, he hadn't even had the Jedi until recently - but he never even seemed to pause! His bold nature, combined with the sudden eloquence and Force sleight of hand, made him pretty damn cool in Orlan's eyes.

"end you here?" he whispered in surprise at his friend's tone, before realising he'd said something similar only a moment ago. He'd been appealing to their spirituality at least though, Kyber was just out to scare the shit out of them.

It appeared to be working where the two henchmen were concerned. The first took Kyber's shot to the shoulder and scurried backwards, fleeing almost as fast as his will to fight. He disappeared into the darkness, which had itself descended on them with frightening speed. The evening sun was gone, the last of its warmth fading from the air. Orlan gritted his teeth against the breeze and the throbbing pain of his wound, focusing instead on their two remaining foes and one very good friend.

Without warning, the second lackey charged. Uncertain, but emboldened by his Devaronian master, the man danced towards them with a heavy vibroblade, swinging straight for their heads. Orlan pivoted, shouting to Kyber to dodge out the way. He brought his weapon up, breaking from Niman's low guard stance to meet the vibroblade in mid air. Steel met light in a flash of pale green, and Orlan shoved the man's blade away, trying his best to press the attack. He'd never been an exceptional duellist, but he was a Jedi; his training and conviciton were superior by far.

He went to throw the Force at his enemy, but the man grabbed his outstretched hand and pulled him forwards, throwing him off balance. Orlan turned the stumble into a roll, regaining his feet just in time to parry a blow aimed at his knees. Suddenly, through the commotion, he saw the Devaronian raise his blaster.

"Kyber! Watch out!"

@Kyber Krystal

 

[Kyber Krystal]

They didn't listen. They never listen. Why in the Galaxy would people listen to reason when they could just be kriffing idiots and continue to fight a clearly lost battle. Kyber knew when to fight, yes, but he also knew when to give up and cut your losses. These idiots didn't. It seemed one had the good sense to run, granted it did take a shot to the shoulder to convince him of his side's futile efforts to garner a victory. But there were still two that didn't. Two that needed to be taught a lesson.

Kyber stood poised like a total badass in his own mind, his blaster in his left hand and his lightsaber in his right. As he finished his statement, he smirked as one of the henchmen bolted out the door. It almost caught him off guard when the second moved forward with a vibroblade, considering he had shown no initiative up to that point. Kyber, hearing Orlan's warning, dove to the side and out of the blade's path. What Kyber did not expect was for Orlan to intercept the blade in midair. It was something to behold, a lightsaber clashing against another blade. The sparks that flew, the pure adrenaline it invoked. Orlan looked amazing as he defended, like a warrior. A warrior that Kyber had yet to see from his religious friend.

In all the commotion, and in admiring Orlan's skills with a lightsaber, he barely had time to register his warning. He turned sharply to the Devaronian, who had a blaster trained on him. A bolt fired, and began to sail towards Kyber. In that moment, Kyber felt instinct take over. He sliced his lightsaber through the air, deflecting the blaster bolt away and destroying yet another bottle of liquor. Kyber was astonished, he had seen Valen deflect numerous bolts at a time and send them back to their assailants, but never had he deflected a bolt himself. It was exhilarating.

Orlan had the other thug well in hand it seemed, having obviously had some training in lightsaber combat, so he focused his attention on the Devaronian. He ran towards the Pirate leader, firing two more shots, both of which were dodged. The Devaronian fired back, with Kyber attempting to deflect the bolts as he ran but failing miserably. It had been a fluke before it seemed and without proper training he wouldn't be able to deflect bolts. Though, the slicing of the lightsaber allowed for a heightened level of intimidation. Just then however, one bolt flew way too close to Kyber for comfort. He dove into a nearby booth, hoping to gain some cover. When he rose from the booth, he saw the Pirate escaping as well, heading out the door and into the night.

"We can't let him get away! We owe it to these people to catch that son of a hutt!"

@Alhon

 

[Alhon]

Kyber seemed to hear his warning just in time, twisting away and deflecting the bolt back at the pirate with a whirl of his emerald blade. Orlan didn't have much time to appreciate the feat, ducking another swipe from the vibroblade as he held his own opponent at bay. The man was relentless, but haphazard - seemingly tired from swinging the heavy weapon, he kept coming all the same. Orlan had to wonder what motivated the man. Fear? Credits? He parried another thrust, his expression hardening as he regarded his foe's scarred face and hate-filled eyes. If their was light in the man, it was buried deep.

"Enough" he panted, pushing back hard as his patience thinned. "Enough!". He shoved his hand out on instinct, calling the Force in an instant. A percussive blast lanced across the space between them, carving through the sand before striking the henchman square in the chest. He went down in one, the heavy vibroblade spinning away beneath a nearby table.

Orlan rallied, turning at the sound of blaster fire to see Kyber's head disappearing into the cover of a booth. Over the far side of the bar, the Devaronian was running for his life, at the door before the young Jedi could move.

"That we do." he breathed. He couldn't agree more with his friend. Running over to Kyber, he helped the guy up from the battered booth, hurrying to chase the pirate down. "You asked for us to spend our time constructively..." he said as they ran, "I think we might just manage that...."

@Kyber Krystal

 

[Kyber Krystal]

There was still a part of Kyber that was still a complete lone wolf. For years he needed no one and made it just fine by himself. So needless to say, he was quite fine with getting himself up from the booth... until Orlan offered his hand. He never had help like this ever. Even if it was as simple as helping Kyber up from a booth, it was a symbolic gesture. A gesture that indicated that they could count on each other. Orlan could have easily left and gone after the pirate on his own, but he decided to stop and help his friend before doing so. It was comforting to the young Jedi. He was learning companionship and gaining a friend. The thought was nice.

"Think Valen will give us some credit for this?" Kyber said jokingly to his new friend, as they stormed out into the night.

The two ran out onto a nearby boardwalk, that was mostly deserted due to the imposed curfew. Their surroundings were silent, minus the occasional waves that crashed on the shores of the floating city. The lights of the city were fading and the stars shone on the ocean, reflecting in a luminescent brilliance. In another circumstance, this place would be almost romantic. But not today, not when there were important things to do. Kyber's eyes darted back and forth, trying to see which way the pirate had run. It wasn't difficult; the lack of sound gave a huge indication as to which direction he headed. However, he already had a sizeable head start, due to Orlan helping Kyber up in the first place. The emerged just in time to see the pirate, turn a corner and rush out of sight

"Split up". Kyber said in a split second decision. "I'll run down an alley and try to head him off. You run after him and follow him directly. Really hope you're fast". Kyber didn't wait for an answer, he just started running. The longer the two debate, the more time the pirate had to get away. They needed to move and they needed to move now.

@Alhon

 

[Sergeant_V]

The city was indseed a beauty to gaze upon, tho Rhex didn't have much to explore during his freetime. However his captain recommended him to travel to Mon Calamari for a week to "take a brake" after the difficult rescue mission that he and his team accomplished. He stops for a brief moment and looks around, he was of course completely lost. He gives out a heavy sigh and pulls out his hologram and activates it, a small sizeable map shows up indicating his exact location. Currently the nearest pub was about half a block away which sounded about good right now, he was a bit parched from sightseeing and purchasing goods and small trinkets. He moves forward and takes a left near an alleyway when suddenly a figure came bumping into Rhex which the stranger fell on his ass and cursed in what appeared to be Devaronese.

"YOU DAMN FOOL WATCH YOUR BLOODY WAY YOU INSOLE-" The Horned bastard stopped when he realized that he had bumped into a mandalorian. The red maggot then began to quickly stand up and fix his posture with a toothy grin. "Oh I'm terribly sorry my friend, I must apologize for my abrupt encounter! But listen my friend I can make it worth your while if you can just help me reaaaaal quick! I got some jedi's chasing after me, so maybe if you help me and capture them or preferably kill them either way works. I'll give yah some credits if we get them to the Imperials. What do you say?!" Rhex stayed silent for a minute. It was somewhat strange that some jedi's would be this close to the Imperial borders, tho they could be on some top secret mission. The possibilities are endless, however the case may be. There are jedi's here and this worthless trash is in front of Rhex urging him to kill them. He strokes his chin for a few minutes and finally replies, "Alright just lead me to these jedi's and I'll take care of them for yah." The devaronian chuckled in the most stupidest way (Just his opinion) and quickly urged Rhex to follow him quickly. He readies his blaster and follows behind, "This should be a bit interesting."
@Kyber Krystal @Alhon