The deepest wounds aren't from other people hurting us.

[Luy]

Aboard the Tempest Hunter
Entering the Ruusan system after leaving Kothlis
Teraab Sector, P-11
Mid Rim

"A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at."
​

In the darkness of his billet on the Tempest Hunter he began fiddling with his comms device. Linking it to the ships long range device was easy enough, bu now he wanted to see if his reading on Kothlis had paid off, could he use this kind of code over a system that had already been tapped into? He fiddled with his communicators mic to disort his voice. “Perhaps the ledger needs the attention of a skilled hand. Machine code is brightest when read by three of the closest. It could take up to eleven days.” This message was sent to Nikka, maybe it was harsh to send code that had not been briefed, but she could always contact him with her ability to get a message coded. The next recipient would be a test, to show the idea to those that could use it the most. “Right now the climate is less than favourable. So for now, I plan to travel with a hairless wookie. No doubt a skilled hand will be required to keep the journal safe and secure. But your wiley old grandmother has asked me to let you know that you should call, she has something for you but wouldn’t give it to me. Not just one package but four!” He’d been in communication with Ion about this sort of thing, maybe he’d enjoy the challenge, after all it was more a situation report than anything.

With the messages sent, Luy meditated on what was to come, the efforts of the Bothan’s could no be wasted. But in what way would he help on Ruusan, the Mandalorians had seized control of the world. They were not a taint upon the Force? But perhaps the locus had already been tainted? Did this explain the aggression into the Outer Rim, or was it a lack of want to directly address the Empire? Either way, much would be risked for the Force, as it had always been done. As his mind calmed with this reality, the hum of the hyperdrive resonated with him. He saw beyond the ship and into the stream of light that they resided in. He felt his presence being drawn through the Force towards Ruusan on their bearing.

He got up, removed his outer robe, and began looking for Ner. He realised that there was some preparation that he could be doing. Something so simple, and yet he felt a knot in his stomach when he thought on this new idea, it filled his mind considerably more than the mission’s goal for the time being? He searched the cupboards and lockers in the corridors and the communal area, nothing to his immediate glances.

After a while, he approached the cockpit and called out. “Ner… erm… I have a request. It might not be achievable considering your usual company, but it is worth a shot.” The mountain of a Feeorin moved in a little more and almost filled thearchway. “But do you have a change of clothes, that might fit me? After all, we are going to a Mandalorian held world? Walking around in my robes might not be the best idea?”

@Ner Giza @Nikka Toren @Hugo Ion

Spoiler: OOC

Only including Hugo to try out my new trick. How it's alright, now lets have some fun!

 

[Nikka Toren]

The Oberon​

Tippy had beeped out a confused series of trills at the message coded their way, circuits attempting in their way to process the meddled space garbage that had been garbled their way. Nikka was busy sitting in deep meditation; legs crossed in the lotus position, palms cupping her knees. The frown on her lips betrayed; voices cried out in the void, many voices called for help, and for her so much was going dark...

She was caught in another vision of the future. One that held her in chains, and somewhere far away someone was screaming her name...

She was suddenly wrenched back to the present by an annoyed series of beeps and shrill trills, gasping with pain. As of late, her shoulder troubled her when she sat a certain way for too long; she rubbed over the ache, rubbed it and rubbed it, slowly clambering upright, she finally made it to the pilot's cockpit, still clasping her shoulder and rubbing the soreness away. "What is it, Tip?" she groaned, trying to rub away the exhaustion that always followed on the heels of such dreams.

He began to replay the message, and she frowned. None of it seemed to make any sense...

"Tip, replay the origin of that message," she ordered, suddenly snapped back to wakefulness. "What's the frequency?" she muttered, and then stilled when she recognized the name.

A slow smile spread over her lips.

Long distance communications was difficult sometimes, but not impossible. That signal... the voice was different, certainly, but...

A message was pinged back; even from this distance, her voice was crisp, clear. The voice was wry, but amused when she would answer.

"And so the three were gifted green, and eleven days grew code of cold endings." A query, and a recall. Perhaps he himself would communicate back, but she did not wish to follow a trail that even Tippy was uncertain of. What did her old Master have in mind, and what adventures called to them next? Thankfully, this personal channel would be more secure than the open channel he broadcasted to her ship; poor Tippy was confused, as was she. None of this made sense; perhaps he would clarify in a personal message, perhaps not.

@Sangga @Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Ner Giza]

99 was angry. The Twi’lek’s face contorted slightly as she wondered what else was new planning on ignoring his protests… for the nineteenth time. Leaning forward a bit in the pilot’s seat she flicked the comm and said, ”Just monitor the area OUTSIDE the ship, Nine-nine. That is all.” It didn’t matter what Luy was doing and the droid could just get over it and leave the man alone!

She had long since ditched The Nightingale and the crew of Wookies under Nyash just far enough from their destination to not trigger any suspicion while being near enough to not take forever and a day in responding to trouble. Ruusan wasn’t exactly the kind of place they wanted to draw the attention of the locals or those currently in power so Slippken had stayed behind leaving the Blue Angel in the corvette's hangar. Not that she had an issue with the Mandalorians, they could hardly do worse than the inhabitants were doing for themselves, the last time she was there. She just didn’t feel this was something they would even want to hear about. Witch craft. She snorted softly at the superstition but knew her understanding was no more educated than that of the fiercest Mando. It was beyond her true ken.

Ruusan was sick, Olom had said, and the old Bothan had told Luy he would find answers in the Valley and off they went! He’d been busy with his communications, she’d been busy with her crew, and pinning him down for some answers hadn’t seemed a wise thing to do while he was scouring the Ship into every nook and cranny as he was.

Nera gnawed silently at a bit of Mynock on a stick wondering what foolishness she had landed herself into now. The last time she went running off with a Jedi there was a dead Night Mother at the end of the road. Reliving that nightmare a bit she nearly jumped out of her skin and snapped the stick in two with her teeth when Luy called out at the cockpit door. Ji Hu, in the co-pilot’s seat snickered and she glared at him when he commented in Huttese that maybe she shouldn’t have restricted the droid to outside surveillance after all. The man never used Galactic Basic, though he understood it well enough, for he felt it was a weak language for weak people.

She wondered if he included Luy in that category but she figured he was smart enough to keep that to himself. Pivoting her chair when the Feeorin entered the cockpit, she faced him as he spoke. Her expression changed as he made first mention of a request in a back handed manner which hinted at some difficulty involved. Her eyes widened in surprise when the nature of his request became known before a perplexed expression crossed her features. ”Oh”, she said as she rose to her feet wondering what would be large enough to fit him.

Standing before him only served to enhance the difference in their sizes and she looked at him and said, ”Ooooh...hmm”. That was going to be a tough one, she thought as she moved toward the archway. ”Let me look around...uhm”, she hedged through the door and began moving back toward the day area in thought. She knew there were tarps in the hold and then she began to laugh.

Turning toward the cockpit she waited for Luy to emerge and shook her head, ”I hate to disappoint. Say…”, her eyes widened a bit as she gazed at him and asked, ”You aren’t any good at sewing are you? I bet there is enough fabric in your robes to alter them into trousers and a shirt…”, she said while tilting her head a bit sideways and amended, ”... with maybe a short cape“. She couldn’t help grin at him over the predicament and didn’t bother to hide it either.

@Sangga @Killa Ree

 

[Luy]

As she moved past him, he stepped aside but noticed the proximity. With her leading the moved around the ship, counting off the places in which he had looked in his head. At her questioning, Luy’s brow rose and then as she discussed the idea of tailoring his robes, the last vestiges of his Order and of the Shrine that he had studied. Looking back to her along the corridor, he realised how far away he was from her. The layers with which he had coated himself that even she had not cleared.

“No, I still need these, but…” he shrugged off the outer robe, moved to an alcove. He began to remove his belt and then unwound the obi. His arms reached up over his head and the tabard was hauled over his head, his tendrils falling back behind his shoulders. Emerging he replaced his belt, the saber at his side. His broad form somehow seemed to fill the space that was covered with the robes. “... A shirt and trousers should be simple enough, but a jacket would be better.”

He took the bundle of fabric back to his room, his communicator was flashing, a message from Nikka. “Perfect! I’ll hold your place in the book. But, the twins hold a bright centre to the three sister’s life. Do I need to say it eleven times?” Luy smirked, maybe he’d have to teach his old student proper? But for now he turned to the door and saw Ner’s form. “Is everything alright?”

@Nikka Toren @Ner Giza

 

[Nikka Toren]

She chuckled. Someone had been around the Bothans too often... it was almost like a game of tag, back and forth, catch and release. He was teasing her. She missed her old Master's easy, calm manner of things... perhaps her Padawans could learn a thing or two from the Master himself. Though she had no doubt he was enjoying flinging unknown code her way... another test, it seemed there was never an end to these.

She chuckled on her end, shaking her head.

"That book is mighty thin-skinned, but repeating my hellos to those handsome triplets would be much obliged, and the twins have got plenty gifts for sure."

In other words: she'd meet them there. However, she did not expect an easy welcome to landing in that particular space... or much of an obliging one in the place they were going.

She leaned back into her seat with a low sigh. Back to one place she hoped never to be close to again.

Back to the corrupted Nexus of Ruusan. What was her Master up to this time... and why her, of all those in the order?

And who was the third party? She had the feeling she had better stock up... something was about to happen, she could feel it in her bones.

@Luy @Ner Giza

 

[Ner Giza]

Nera blinked a bit when Luy said he still needed the robes, but then he began to undress and she turned her back to the man, despite his ducking into an alcove for privacy. She didn’t know what the big deal was about the robes, for it wasn’t like he couldn’t get a new one once this mission was over. Jedi… they were an odd breed to be sure.

A wash of grief assailed her without warning and she leaned against the bulkhead for support as she waited for Luy to finish divesting himself of the few garments he felt he could sacrifice to the sewing project. Aurelian… of course thoughts of him had to surface at just that precise moment. Was it because they were headed back to Ruusan and it was triggering her worries? Was it because she refused to deal with the issue? It made her slightly angry not having command of her emotions. There was nothing she could do about it and living in constant worry was a sure way to trip up on a mission and get herself killed. But her heart just wouldn’t obey. Deep in thought she failed to notice the Feeorin entering his room.

Fortunately Luy spoke up just then, popping his head out the door of his berth, and she fell back into her old stand by of using humor to distract herself from such troublesome thoughts. ”Oh yes, Luy. Everything is fine. I was just thinking it was too bad Wookies don’t wear clothes for then I would have had something to fit you.”

Ji Hu came over the comm announcing they were about to enter Ruusan’s space, in Huttese of course. She didn’t know if Luy could speak the language and translated, roughly. ”We are coming up on Ruusan, Luy. Do you just want me to send Ji Hu to the surface to buy you something that will fit? I don’t think we’ll have time to make you a jacket and trousers.” To be honest she wasn’t all that sure how well he could sew anyway; she just knew if the job were left for her to do he would come out looking like a rag picker for her sewing skills were null and void.

@Sangga @Killa Ree

 

[Luy]

“Send him ahead, but ideally we should not waste time once we are on planetside, afterall we do not have authority here.” Luy fidgeted, it was weird not wearing most of his robes. The undershirt and trousers were sufficient for modesty, but the lack of clothing had him feel a little underdressed. “In addition, we must find our ally. There is another Jedi coming to meet us, a former student of mine. The steadiest hands I know.”

Luy began to gather himself, and moved towards the exit ramp. “I hope you are going to be comfortable with this mission Ner, I am aware on how the Jedi are currently viewed. Not just by the galaxy, but by the Rebel agents.” Luy’s shoulders fell as he awaited at the exit ramp. His usually passive smile still holding. Without his large sleeves, his hand was placed firmly on the bulkhead. The short sleeves framing the muscles of his arm. “We are struggling, as is everyone. But we are trying to hold onto our identity and our teachings in a universe that has all but forgotten them. Our homes have gone, and… well now I’m rambling.” Luy shook his head, he’d heard the criticisms. Nothing but talking, that’s all he was good for. Well, maybe this act would help. Ruusan, and its connection to the Force needed healing. Then they could move on, then he could attempt to help the Rebellion, but this needed to happen. The Force willed it, and it would go a long way to balancing the Force somewhat.

@Kayenta Moenkopi @Killa Ree

 

[Nikka Toren]

Tippy beeped uneasily when approaching closer to Ruusan... she was not happy either. The events that had last happened since they were there left an impression of the Dark Side; the power, yes, but also the destruction, the death that hovered and drained all life... to hold so much destruction within yourself had to be absolutely devastating.

And yet... the man she had come with was one with the Dark Side. Or rather, had followed her...

When they came within orbit, she had settled back into her seat, sighing slowly. So much had happened since she last met her old Master on Rishi... she hoped nothing had changed.

And she hoped they were successful in whatever it was they planned on doing. She knew they weren't exactly welcome here... so she would have to make this fast. Thank goodness her attire usually didn't give her away, just in case however her twin green sabers were strapped to either hip, hidden beneath the folds of her duster.

Though she was calm... she did not know what she would have to anticipate. Only time would have to tell... and Master Luy.

@Sangga @Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Ner Giza]

Nera blanked a bit, her expression turning quite vapid as she realized they would have to land upon the surface in order for Ji Hu to make his little shopping excursion, for the Tempest didn’t have the capacity to hold a small shuttle for separate voyages like the Nightingale did. It was beyond stupid to make such a huge mistake and it showed how far off her focus was these days. She had been too used to the convenience the corvette provided and as such the Tempest served as the smaller shuttle to the larger vessel. Her cheeks turned an odd shade of purple as the blood rushed to her face causing her to flush in embarrassment.

”I’m afraid we will have to land…”, her words halted as she laughed suddenly when her brain solved the issue at hand, ”But don’t worry. I have friends in an outlying village, Captain Layton; he runs the local militia and is not the sort of man to forget a favor. Once we land there you can send word to your Jedi friend to meet us there.” She turned to give 99 his orders, ”Give Ji the coordinates to Captain Layton’s village. I want us to land in the canyon like before, contact Layton and let him know to expect guests.” Oddly enough the droid didn’t give her any guff but complied without complaint.

Luy’s words troubled her, however, all this talk about how his kind were viewed even among the rebel forces and she couldn’t actually say he was wrong. She held her own measure of resentment over how things had been handled, how their lies had divided her very own family beyond repair. Even so, she knew this was not the Feeorin’s fault and not all of her interactions with the Jedi had been negative. She rather liked Horus and Castor, but that Aurora? Well there was no pit of darkness deep enough to cast that wench into. Her face twisted into obvious signs of anger at the very thought of the woman as the ship angled off to the site of their first meeting and the beginnings of the division between she and her brother Aurel.

It was with quite a bit of effort that she forced herself to attempt words of encouragement to Master Luy, for he was nothing like that twisted woman and hardly to blame for her weaknesses. ”That’s a bit racist, don’t you think? Like saying all Twi’lek are slaves? I am sure that most people have a good opinion of the Jedi, Master Luy. You can’t worry yourself over the small minded and ignorant folk in the Galaxy. Just as well stay in bed and never show your face in public again as to do that.”

@Sangga @Killa Ree

 

[Luy]

How simple it sounded from her. Her voice resonated in his mind, so this was her opinion of things as they now stood. He turned his head to focus on Ner. The small eyes under his brow and over his tendrilled upper lip seemed to dart over each little detail in contemplation. Observant did not define the word, it seemed he was acknowledging every aspect of her. Something within the Force compelled him to do so, but even with his understanding of the cosmic energy had him only noticing that he had to pay attention to her.

There was a release of a held breath and then regular exhaling and inhaling returned, his eyes snaching away as he caught himself staring at her. His mind spinning like the free wheels of an upturned cart. "I apologise." He covered his mouth with a hefty hand, willing not to say anymore until he had collected his thoughts. This took a while, in fact the bump of the landing gear was felt before he turned to her. "Thank you Ner, but I think its a little more than that." He stepped onto the ramp and hit the lowering stud. As it descended, he looked back to her then rollled his head for her to follow him outside. He was sick of the confines of the metal ship and wanted to connect to the planet as quickly as he could.

He didn't even need to touch the ground with his hand. There was a feeling that hit him like a wave before he disembarked onto the ground. It was in the air, and he recoiled as if swatted on his noseless face. "By the Force..."

 

[Nikka Toren]

It was always the same feeling, arriving here. A tightness in the chest, an assault and a perverse feeling that nature has been twisted, corrupted... coming here always made the Jedi Knight shudder out of instinct. The sickening, slimy feeling of it still coated her senses, whispered in the air about them with malevolence.

But it was something else, too. A familiar presence, a Sight in the Light. Two familiar forms, as a matter of fact.

The winds stirred at her braided hair, her long leather duster. The hint of twin blades was revealed within the darkened interior as she strode purposefully in their direction, soundless, posture poised and perfectly calm. She would not let such a corruption to affect her... to her Master, perhaps, it was a different matter all together.

"It's been too long, Luy."

Her voice was light, calm as she tilted her chin up... and smiled at Ner.

"Too long indeed, for such friends to meet in such a dark place."

@Sangga @Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Ner Giza]

She had displeased him somehow; she could feel it in the heavy silence, she could feel it in his intense stare. For the life of her she couldn’t fathom why that should even matter. His words were no balm to her troubled mind. Nera had been taken aback when he apologized, clearly there was more he wished to say but for some reason he literally held his mouth closed on the matter. It wasn’t until he commented on the complexity of the situation, however, that she was assailed once more with how out of her depth she was to the situation.

Ever since Olam, the leader of the Bothan spy network, had mentioned Ruusan she had been kept in the dark and Nera didn’t imagine any amount of explanation would make things any clearer. The Force held mysteries she could never possibly understand. She would do her part, keep him safe from all that she could within the mundane existence of her ken. As for the heart of the matter she was just glad that he would have more competent backup in whoever this Jedi was they were come to meet.

Following along the gangplank, she could only hope she didn’t end up being more of a liability than not. She recalled explicitly how ineffectual she had been against the power of the Dark Mother Sycorax and were it not for the Jedi they would have lost Master Reach and probably all of Jehda that day. His words drew her attention to the village which had clearly seen better days. Here within the shelter of the canyon walls which rose all about their small landing site, there were heaps of rubble where the villagers had cleared the remnants of the destruction that had befallen their homes. Even so, clear signs of progress were all around in the newly constructed buildings in the distance. Time had become a blur to the Twi’lek since her last visit to this place so she was uncertain of how long it had actually been; a year, maybe two? So while she could see that a lot of progress had been made, there were still signs of subsistence living going on as evidenced by what looked to be makeshift shelters round the few buildings that had been erected or repaired having survived the bombings.

”Ah well, it's a good site better than it was right after the air raids”, she murmured absentmindedly as her eyes surveyed the scene. But was it? No doubt the village could have used another shipment of supplies and a good deal more than what The Tempest could hold. She gazed around once upon the ground even as a feeling of sorrow began to fill her. She had hoped things would have improved more than this knowing that poverty would be the fate of these people for many generations to come unless some sort of miracle could be performed. She was fresh out of belief in that arena, however for she was not a woman who was prone to living in a fantasy world.

Her eyes spotted a figure making its way toward them, no doubt this Jedi that Luy was expecting. Perhaps he would take heart once more with the addition of someone who was capable of understanding the depths of the struggle he had come here to face. She couldn’t have been more surprised when she realized she knew this woman. A huge smile crossed her face as she heard her greet herself and the Master even as the memories began flooding into her mind. Thoughts of their beginnings when the Alliance was high on their recent triumphs, back when hope was much easier to hold onto. ”Nikka Toren, as I live and breath I never thought to set eyes on you again”, she laughed and moved forward to hug the woman.

Something seemed much changed in her, however. Was it any wonder? This war had changed them all and those who yet lived had seen things, done things, that could never be undone. The thought was sobering. Nikka was Jedi? She had kept this vision of the woman’s carefree spirit in her heart, the rowdy rebel ready to knock back shots of whiskey or jump into the fray to protect her friends. But the woman before her seemed much more reserved and instead of wrapping her arms about her and pounding on her back with her palms as they embraced, she brought her outstretched arms together and clasped her hands together before her with a slight clapping sound. Dark times indeed, and herself without any true understanding of just how dire they were. Sure she knew their losses: Ruusan, Hoth, Savareen, Naboo, Al’doleem, Tatooine, and more beside; too many worlds, too many faces to count. She squinted and sighed refusing to let thoughts of Aurel drown her just then, retreating once more behind humor and said ”If I had known it was you I would have brought some Jet Juice.”

@Sangga @Killa Ree

 

[Luy]

As his former padawan arrived, Luy straightened up and a calmness began to take over his appearance. “It has been exactly how long the Force has deemed it necessary..." the was a severity and a strictness of a tutor in his voice, and then a smile broke out across his face and his voice filled with the warmth of comradeship. "...but on seeing you now Nikka; it brings comfort to this old teacher.” Luy bowed in reverence to her and then smiled at the interactions between the two ladies. He waited for them both to finish their greeting and revelry. His hands formed fists on his hips as he looked out a the expanse behind them. Everywhere he looked the living Force of this place felt ill at ease, there was a permeating presence, a darkness had crept over this world.

When they turned to face him his gaze lowered to meet their eyes. “No doubt you can feel it Nikka, but Miss Giza here had better be caught up.” Luy’s head turned, his gaze falling upon her solidly. “We should begin walking, while we do that we can talk.” He began to stride forward and cleared his throat. “You see Miss Giza, Ruusan has always been intrinsically linked to our order, for on this world there is a valley. Within this place lies the centre of a Nexus of the Force. These places are critically important to all Force users, think of them as the junctions in a web of strands, a fountain of water in a lake.” He looked over his shoulder to see if she was following, he nodded and continued only changing direction slightly when the aura of the Nexus shifted before him. “Now with all that has gone on in the past five centuries, these points have been exposed the mass spread of Dark side energy. We are here to address this balance.” Luy looked back over his shoulder to see Ner and then his other shoulder to look at Nikka.

This venture was not safe, let alone the danger of walking around on the surface of an enemy held world, but the task ahead of the two Jedi was normally done with several Masters and their students that had passed their trials. Such bonds were needed to strengthen the chances of success in the attempt. But who could Luy trust at this point? There were so few he truly trusted.

@Killa Ree @Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Nikka Toren]

She laughed aloud at Ner's surprised exclamation. The moment the Twi'lek was close enough, she embraced her firmly, brows raised and lips turned into a bittersweet smile. She was still somewhat ready to leap into the fray, but this woman seemed more likely to step back and review before leaping headlong. When they parted, she was still smiling somewhat, but it seemed tinged with something else. A hint of nostalgia perhaps... the last time they met felt like a lifetime ago.

"Next time, my friend, you'll bring the jet juice, and I'll bring along some izzy-mold to really bring on the memories." She knew the woman remembered another person that would have made the duo a proper troublesome trio; Aurelian. She hadn't heard from the male in such a long time, that she had begun to count him amongst the dead... not that she would ever say as much. The Force only knew what happened to so many of their number, and the toll showed on both women keenly.

She smiled at her old master, bowing in response. "At sensing you, Master, I know all is right within the Order."

The blind woman and the tutor. It seemed a waste to meet here, of all places...

She followed along silently.

As always, the sickening miasma that was the Dark Side of the Force touched over her like an oily sheen; sickening, clinging, it felt like something you could never truly be clean of.

She schooled her features into neutrality, listening. But in her heart, she already knew exactly what this was.

She had walked here before, felt this malignant energy before. Knew in her bones such a task of purifying this nexus would take far more than one Master to come in for this act... and what he expected of her.

She was deeply humbled by his trust... and deep down, more than a little surprised. It was a massive undertaking, this endeavor.

One she had a feeling would bear witness to more than any of them anticipated. But that begged the question... why did her Master bring along Nera?

@Sangga @Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Ner Giza]

Ner’Giza began to pick up little hints between the interaction of Luy and Nikka, finding it of interest that he had been her Master. It was funny how things worked out; how different might they have been had he trained Aurelian? Might he be here in her stead? Just as Nikka had managed to live long enough to see this day and be called to the work at hand, so too may have Aurel. Her throat felt tight, as though the muscles were constricting, and she swallowed hard against the rise of emotion. Fortunately Nikka spared her the shame of giving way to her rising bitterness by hugging her near.

Stepping back, now at arm’s length, she grinned in reply to the smile upon the woman’s face. ”Sounds like a good deal to me”, she replied before pivoting on her heels to bring Luy back into her field of vision. Yes, how fortunate that her friend had this man to show her the ways of the force rather than the wretch that had traded her padawans lives for her own. She couldn’t ever imagine Luy speaking to anyone with the belittling tone of Aurora and knew first hand he would not sacrifice another to spare his own life. The man had literally picked her up and hurled her like a javelin out the back door of a tavern on Kothlis to keep her from harm’s way.

A bit of sweat had formed on her upper lip from the memory, the sound of blaster fire and her own screams of alarm as she tried to make her way back to his side rose as a mental echo of the day. Her right hand came up to wipe her mouth as she forced her mind to leave the past, both far and near, and attend to the present. Painted brows drew together as she listened to their words. While she didn’t quite understand what Nikka meant by sensing all was right within the order, she felt secure enough to follow this man anywhere. What was it like to feel the force? It was something she and Aurel had speculated, he more so than she, but in the end he learned while she had remained outside wondering still.

Back then she had feared for her brother, for everyone knew there was only the path to darkness for those who were born with the sensitivity. Everyone was wrong for there had been those who kept the light alive. She was not envious of such things preferring to deal with the tangible world rather than unseen forces. Give her something she could hit or some bargain she could strike and she was fine; but this?

At least she wasn’t the only one aware of how ill suited to this task she truly was for Luy now made time to ‘catch her up’, as it were. Bless him for the effort, she thought as she nodded and set her feet in motion. Her eyes grew wide as he likened the force to water, which didn’t really help her inherent fear for she couldn’t swim either. Even so, when he glanced back to see if she was following she smiled a toothy grin and gave a nod before attending to her footing on the rocky surface of the canyon floor.

They were veering away from the remnants of the village, which was just as well. The Militia knew her ship and would not molest it in her absence and if any should 99 and Ji Hu would take care of things. At least she hoped so and wondered if Captain Layton spoke Huttese for Ji wouldn’t speak Galactic Basic. It was not the village she had to worry about but the wilderness beyond where the lawless eeked out their living on the fringes of society. At least it didn’t look like the area had received any new attacks, not on the scale of the bombing which had brought her here so long ago.

Something confused her in Luy’s words, not that she was anything close to up to speed here. ”You mean the dark side has muddied the waters? For five centuries Luy?”, she knew it was a juvenile comparison but in keeping with his model of expression she responded in kind. ”Do you mean to say that you and Nikka are come to cleanse the Nexus?” How much power would they have to use to do that, 500 years of filth building up! Her mind flitted to the showers on the Tempest and the hair balls she was constantly clearing from the system. That would be one massive hairball! It seemed impossible to her, but then what did she know? She had seem what mere padawans could do and Nikka was no padawan and he a Master. Hopefully it would be enough but again she had to wonder what good she would be. Surely something so important would be guarded; best keep alert , she thought and set her eyes to the terrain and signs of marauders.

@Killa Ree @Sangga

 

[Luy]

Striding forth Luy built up momentum, he was reigning in himself, holding back from breaking into a jog. He knew what needed to be done, he knew how hard it would be. But now was the time, it had to be! This is why the Force had brought him here, and why he had such a pair of staunch followers. This were facts, they did not have the smear of falsehood about them.

Soon at this pace they could no longer see the landing site in detail, a mere bump on the horizon. He slowed down, such a run with little practice even for his immense physique was a bit much. So he found a rock and sat upon it, breathing deeply he let out a grunt. His arms opening wide to then clap onto his thighs. “I wish I was much younger, to have the vigour of my youth rather than the strength that comes with age!” He rubbed his legs and then looked to the pair. He could see that they were tired, they may no want him to but he could. So he thought best to take their minds off of their aches.

“To cleanse the Nexus, that would imply that shadow, like the light side could be expelled in its entirety.” Luy raised his index and middle fingers and pointed to the sky, then striked a line before him. “The two are in perpetual conflict, but as our own war has shown, while fighting can be brutal and devastating up close, or to a world… the galaxy and the Force will continue. While this is the case, the Dark Side will rise and fall and the Light shall match its movements. But as long as there are those that choose the path of the Light to help their fellow and to shun evil. Then both will endure.” He took in a breath that ended in a hiss as his back twinged slightly. He stretched the ache and it calmed down but the ember were still there.

He pointed ahead to what looked like a desolate plane to the naked eye, but no doubt Nikka saw more, she would see the Valley making the ground drop away some several hundred feet down suddenly. Luy turned to the pair and placed his left hand over his palm, the wave of the Darkside continued to beat across the stone of his resolve. “Now… well…” he looked back behind him, still maintaining the half bow. “... soon, we will start our work. You will need to guard us Nikka, once we have made the descent.” With that he rose, turned and took a running leap off of the edge gathering the Force to him as he plummeted, easy within such a diminishing radius t the Nexus.

@Killa Ree @Kayenta Moenkopi