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@Valen Pelora
The Jade Rabbit
- Thread starter saam
- Start date
@Valen Pelora
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2016
- Messages
- 135
- Reaction score
- 64
Ikora had arrived on Chandrilla. She had caught a public freighter onto the planet in order to keep her arrival discreet, and yet was still concerned that the Jedi's arrival had already been leaked to The Jade Rabbit. For that reason alone she had opted out of using a Jedi spacecraft as she did not want the flock of birds to scatter before she had a chance to see them.
Drawing back her hood she disembarked the freighter amongst the throngs of civilians. She wore a darker cloak than the Jedi usually wore to avoid suspicion and left it to drape loosely about her frame. Moving with the crowd, Ikora eventually made her way out of the docking bay and headed towards some stalls located outside. It was here she would wait until her partner arrived.
Drawing back her hood she disembarked the freighter amongst the throngs of civilians. She wore a darker cloak than the Jedi usually wore to avoid suspicion and left it to drape loosely about her frame. Moving with the crowd, Ikora eventually made her way out of the docking bay and headed towards some stalls located outside. It was here she would wait until her partner arrived.
- Joined
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Valen took a deep calming breath and placed his hands on the child. The Force flowed through him, lighting the world around him. He could feel the mother's worry, the father's calm resolve, the sibling’s confusion. The room thrummed as he focused his attention on the child. A young human boy no more than 6 lay on the bed, sweat beading on his forehead, illness ravaging his body. The boy's parents were poor they could not afford the medical care to save their son and the care they could afford would only ease his pain. They had come to Valen begging for help, hoping for a miracle.
He had been on Chandrilla for a handful of days. The planet was one of the regular stops he made to offer healing, consul and what little hope he had. He would stay for a few days and aid those he could.
He had been scheduled to depart this morning when the family found him. He was exhausted, the healing he had done the last five days had left him drained. He should have turned the family away. He should have told them he would send for another Jedi. He couldn’t. He had the family take him back to their small apartment in the downtrodden slum of the city. That was where he met the boy clinging to life.
He took another deep breath and focused on the child. There was considerable damage, the boys lungs were scarred, his kidneys struggling, his heart working furiously. Sickness ravaged him. One last deep breath and he set the Force to work. The Force was life and washed over the boy like a river. Valen need only to point the Force in the right direction, move the river and the Force would handle the rest. Unfortunately, directing the river was an exhausting effort.
Moments, that felt like hours, past and Valen stood. Sweat covered him as he looked at the boy’s parents. He gave only a simple nod as the boy’s breathing returned to normal. As the family surrounded their child, Valen grabbed his cloak and left. His legs shook, his body ached but he had saved that boy.
Slowly he reached into his pocket and pulled out his datapad to check for departures. A message was flashing on his screen. His tired eyes scanned the message, he sighed. Chandrilla had a crime lord problem, one he knew well but avoided. One war was enough for him but not the Jedi Army. They had deiced it was time to ‘deal’ with the threat and sent one of fellow Jedi to ‘aid’ him in that task. Valen turned towards the rendezvous point, one tired leg at a time. When he arrived he closed his eyes and looked. There she was.
He approached slowly and gave as small wave.
“Good morning, or afternoon, whatever it is. I believe we have some dealings to discuss.”
His body was tired but he tried to sound amicable.
@saam
He had been on Chandrilla for a handful of days. The planet was one of the regular stops he made to offer healing, consul and what little hope he had. He would stay for a few days and aid those he could.
He had been scheduled to depart this morning when the family found him. He was exhausted, the healing he had done the last five days had left him drained. He should have turned the family away. He should have told them he would send for another Jedi. He couldn’t. He had the family take him back to their small apartment in the downtrodden slum of the city. That was where he met the boy clinging to life.
He took another deep breath and focused on the child. There was considerable damage, the boys lungs were scarred, his kidneys struggling, his heart working furiously. Sickness ravaged him. One last deep breath and he set the Force to work. The Force was life and washed over the boy like a river. Valen need only to point the Force in the right direction, move the river and the Force would handle the rest. Unfortunately, directing the river was an exhausting effort.
Moments, that felt like hours, past and Valen stood. Sweat covered him as he looked at the boy’s parents. He gave only a simple nod as the boy’s breathing returned to normal. As the family surrounded their child, Valen grabbed his cloak and left. His legs shook, his body ached but he had saved that boy.
Slowly he reached into his pocket and pulled out his datapad to check for departures. A message was flashing on his screen. His tired eyes scanned the message, he sighed. Chandrilla had a crime lord problem, one he knew well but avoided. One war was enough for him but not the Jedi Army. They had deiced it was time to ‘deal’ with the threat and sent one of fellow Jedi to ‘aid’ him in that task. Valen turned towards the rendezvous point, one tired leg at a time. When he arrived he closed his eyes and looked. There she was.
He approached slowly and gave as small wave.
“Good morning, or afternoon, whatever it is. I believe we have some dealings to discuss.”
His body was tired but he tried to sound amicable.
@saam
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Watching the man as he approached, Ikora could tell that he was tired. His gait and his general appearance looked worn down. This didn't bother her as long as he could still complete their mission, dead weight upon what she expected to be a rather combative interaction with lowlifes wasn't appealing in any way.
She repaid him the common courtesy, although she didn't put much enthusiasm in it, "Good morning," She paused, looking at him closely, "You look tired. I trust you're in fit condition for this mission?" she left him ample time to respond before continuing, "And yes it would seem we do. Let's talk while on the go, I'll inform you of the general situation." She started away and spoke over her shoulder "By the way, my name is Ikora Kal."
She repaid him the common courtesy, although she didn't put much enthusiasm in it, "Good morning," She paused, looking at him closely, "You look tired. I trust you're in fit condition for this mission?" she left him ample time to respond before continuing, "And yes it would seem we do. Let's talk while on the go, I'll inform you of the general situation." She started away and spoke over her shoulder "By the way, my name is Ikora Kal."
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Valen let a weary smile spread across his face as his fellow Jedi inquired into his fitness. He simple shook his head and let out a small laugh, he couldn't remember the last time he had been well rested. He couldn't remember the last time he had taken a break.
"I've been tired for two years, it hasn't slowed me down yet." He ran his hands absentmindedly through his hair. "I pushed myself a step too far this morning. It will wear off in a few minuets, I'll be fine as long as we don't run into any Lords of the Sith."
His mission partner began to walk and talk. He fell in beside her. He had been roped into this mission because he was nearby and available, he was beginning to suspect Ikora was more 'involved.' Most of the Jedi in the Army were more battle minded, rarely did they share his views. On first impression alone, he doubted Ikora was looking to solve the crime lord problem peacefully. He hoped this was an opportunity he could use to show her alternative solutions to conflicts. He took every chance he got to remind the Jedi Army that they came from the Jedi Order and to never forget their origins. He feared for what would happen if they ever forgot.
"Pleasure, my name is Valen Pelora. I must admit I only skimmed the briefing and only have passing familiarity with our 'friend.'"
He was careful not to identify who or what they were looking for. He knew from his time in the slums the Jade Rabbit had eyes and ears all over the city.
@saam
"I've been tired for two years, it hasn't slowed me down yet." He ran his hands absentmindedly through his hair. "I pushed myself a step too far this morning. It will wear off in a few minuets, I'll be fine as long as we don't run into any Lords of the Sith."
His mission partner began to walk and talk. He fell in beside her. He had been roped into this mission because he was nearby and available, he was beginning to suspect Ikora was more 'involved.' Most of the Jedi in the Army were more battle minded, rarely did they share his views. On first impression alone, he doubted Ikora was looking to solve the crime lord problem peacefully. He hoped this was an opportunity he could use to show her alternative solutions to conflicts. He took every chance he got to remind the Jedi Army that they came from the Jedi Order and to never forget their origins. He feared for what would happen if they ever forgot.
"Pleasure, my name is Valen Pelora. I must admit I only skimmed the briefing and only have passing familiarity with our 'friend.'"
He was careful not to identify who or what they were looking for. He knew from his time in the slums the Jade Rabbit had eyes and ears all over the city.
@saam
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She listened to the man with an occupied mind, trying to discreetly look at their surroundings. At the mention of Sith she said rather absent minded and longingly "Ahh yes if only that was the case." To her that was the main problem, that was what the war was about, not these dingy little criminal organisations even though they could be just as cancerous. The war was against the Sith and it did pain her in a way to be so afar from a battle that had greater meaning, and yet a voice in the back of her mind reminded that everything has a reason. Besides she did not question orders and this mission was hers to see through.
He had only skimmed the briefing. Ikora was surprised at that though she didn't show it, clearly he had been doing other things as he had mentioned and although she could be sympathetic to it, she wasn't. To her it lacked organisation and what his priorities were.
Her voice was neutral as she said "Friends. The Jade Rabbit are a bunch of well coordinated thugs, not much is known about them." She turned and made her way down a busy street before continuing. Talking to Valen using her telepathy now as to avoid any of the civilians overhearing, We're going to a little warehouse just up a few blocks from here, the information was newly collected and hasn't yet been fully disclosed to officials. It's our best chance to see their operations and collect intel.
Just as she had finished, she noticed a man looking at the two Jedi, his eyes darting away as she saw him. Continuing to walk down the street she made the next left and went down a narrow alley with various dumpsters and rubbish strewn about. It was a long alley and eventually the sounds from the busy street disappeared. Coming to an open junction they turned again and walked further into the labyrinth that would keep them somewhat obscure, and to their goal. Ikora noticed the faint sound of feet scuffing the ground twenty feet behind them, as they approached a crossroad she reached out to Valen Take the next right, I continue straight ahead. We have a tail.
He had only skimmed the briefing. Ikora was surprised at that though she didn't show it, clearly he had been doing other things as he had mentioned and although she could be sympathetic to it, she wasn't. To her it lacked organisation and what his priorities were.
Her voice was neutral as she said "Friends. The Jade Rabbit are a bunch of well coordinated thugs, not much is known about them." She turned and made her way down a busy street before continuing. Talking to Valen using her telepathy now as to avoid any of the civilians overhearing, We're going to a little warehouse just up a few blocks from here, the information was newly collected and hasn't yet been fully disclosed to officials. It's our best chance to see their operations and collect intel.
Just as she had finished, she noticed a man looking at the two Jedi, his eyes darting away as she saw him. Continuing to walk down the street she made the next left and went down a narrow alley with various dumpsters and rubbish strewn about. It was a long alley and eventually the sounds from the busy street disappeared. Coming to an open junction they turned again and walked further into the labyrinth that would keep them somewhat obscure, and to their goal. Ikora noticed the faint sound of feet scuffing the ground twenty feet behind them, as they approached a crossroad she reached out to Valen Take the next right, I continue straight ahead. We have a tail.
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Valen measured his stride to match Ikora’s as they walked the streets on Chandrilla. She had a stronger opinion on the Jade Rabbit and didn’t share his caution on invoking the mysterious crime bosses name. He opened his mouth to respond when a foreign thought cascaded through his mind, then another. He nearly stumbled from the strangeness of hearing Ikora’s voice within his mind. It took tremendous skill in the Force to project one’s thoughts. Few Jedi could manage it, most could only project feelings and even then, it usually required a deep personal connection. He had never experienced it in his life.
As he struggled to verbalize his thoughts a memory from his past bubbled to the surface. Iktotchi could communicate telepathically but he couldn’t remember if all Iktotchi were born with the skill. It didn’t matter if the telepathy was learned or a birth right, he was impressed. It was a tremendous skill, if an exceptionally strange feeling. Another thought pierced through his musings.
They were being followed. He pulled the Force tight around himself and veered off at the next right. He briefly reached out in the Force and felt no one following him. The interloper had chosen to stay with his mission partner. Valen quickly continued towards the warehouse, he needed to regroup with Ikora. He couldn’t know for sure if the tail was friend, foe, or working for the Jade Rabbit. He doubted it was a friendly sentient looking to offer a helping hand. He reached out in the Force, stretching his signature wide so that his partner could find him.
@saam
As he struggled to verbalize his thoughts a memory from his past bubbled to the surface. Iktotchi could communicate telepathically but he couldn’t remember if all Iktotchi were born with the skill. It didn’t matter if the telepathy was learned or a birth right, he was impressed. It was a tremendous skill, if an exceptionally strange feeling. Another thought pierced through his musings.
They were being followed. He pulled the Force tight around himself and veered off at the next right. He briefly reached out in the Force and felt no one following him. The interloper had chosen to stay with his mission partner. Valen quickly continued towards the warehouse, he needed to regroup with Ikora. He couldn’t know for sure if the tail was friend, foe, or working for the Jade Rabbit. He doubted it was a friendly sentient looking to offer a helping hand. He reached out in the Force, stretching his signature wide so that his partner could find him.
@saam
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A short while after Valen turned right, Ikora could sense that the tail was still following her. She had initially thought the the interloper had followed Valen to their meeting but now she was not so sure, perhaps their mission had somehow been uncovered.
Continuing down the alley, she turned left and wait around the corner with her lightsaber in hand.
The man turned the corner rather briskly and was startled to see the Jedi. He quickly drew his blaster and fired two shots. Ikora deflected the bullets as the man reared back around the corner, his footfalls slapping on the hard concrete. He was running. Ikora quickly rounded the corner and tried to reach out with her telekinesis to pull the man towards her, but amidst her concentration he fired several wild shots over his shoulder and turned down where Valen had gone. Ikora dodged one shot and let the others spray against the alley walls. Lunging forward she ran after the man.
As she rounded the corner she was met with a vibro blade slashing past her face. She ducked and reflexively unloosed her sapphire blade across the man stomach. Suddenly, all was quiet. A guttural sound came from the man before he fell to the ground.
She sheathed her blade and let out a mental sigh. Ikora looked around for any others, but she was alone. Reaching out with the force she felt around for Valen, he was close, just around the block now. She opened herself up to the force to allow him to sense her better, and called out to him, 'Valen.' She could also feel another potential interloper on their way.
Continuing down the alley, she turned left and wait around the corner with her lightsaber in hand.
The man turned the corner rather briskly and was startled to see the Jedi. He quickly drew his blaster and fired two shots. Ikora deflected the bullets as the man reared back around the corner, his footfalls slapping on the hard concrete. He was running. Ikora quickly rounded the corner and tried to reach out with her telekinesis to pull the man towards her, but amidst her concentration he fired several wild shots over his shoulder and turned down where Valen had gone. Ikora dodged one shot and let the others spray against the alley walls. Lunging forward she ran after the man.
As she rounded the corner she was met with a vibro blade slashing past her face. She ducked and reflexively unloosed her sapphire blade across the man stomach. Suddenly, all was quiet. A guttural sound came from the man before he fell to the ground.
She sheathed her blade and let out a mental sigh. Ikora looked around for any others, but she was alone. Reaching out with the force she felt around for Valen, he was close, just around the block now. She opened herself up to the force to allow him to sense her better, and called out to him, 'Valen.' She could also feel another potential interloper on their way.
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Valen was moving quickly towards Ikora. The Force thrummed with tension emanating from where he faintly sensed his fellow Jedi. He had to resist the urge to enhance his speed with the Force, he didn’t dare waste energy he might need later. He was getting closer. He could feel Ikora moving towards him, the Force still roiling with conflict, and then silence. Death. Ordinarily he wouldn’t have been able to feel it except he was fully open to the Force and so close. It was a shock to his system. He had felt men, women, and beasts die before but it was a feeling he had never become accustomed to. He didn’t ever want to wake and find himself unmoved by the snuffing out of a life.
He felt Ikora brush his mind and could more easily locate her in the Force. Shaking himself focused he trotted off towards her. He only rounded two corners before he came upon his mission partner. His eyes drifted down to the dead man he assumed was the one following them. The unmistakable wound of a Lightsaber strike clear against his stomach. More violence. He could see the scorch marks down the alley from blaster fire, he knew Ikora had been given no choice. It didn’t make him feel any better.
“Someone must have tipped them off.” His right hand slid down to his belt and unclipped the silver tube resting there. His grip tightened as he searched the Force for danger. “I wasn’t assigned to this mission until right before I was set to depart, how could they have known?” Valen could feel two more life forms approaching. The tension in the Force built again, the newest arrivals were not here for cordial greetings. The Force blared in his mind. His emerald green Lightsaber sprang to life and batted away blaster bolts. He doubted he’d be able to talk them into putting down their blasters but they needed answers.
“We need to question one or both of them.” He quickly returned his focus to stream of blaster fire.
@saam
He felt Ikora brush his mind and could more easily locate her in the Force. Shaking himself focused he trotted off towards her. He only rounded two corners before he came upon his mission partner. His eyes drifted down to the dead man he assumed was the one following them. The unmistakable wound of a Lightsaber strike clear against his stomach. More violence. He could see the scorch marks down the alley from blaster fire, he knew Ikora had been given no choice. It didn’t make him feel any better.
“Someone must have tipped them off.” His right hand slid down to his belt and unclipped the silver tube resting there. His grip tightened as he searched the Force for danger. “I wasn’t assigned to this mission until right before I was set to depart, how could they have known?” Valen could feel two more life forms approaching. The tension in the Force built again, the newest arrivals were not here for cordial greetings. The Force blared in his mind. His emerald green Lightsaber sprang to life and batted away blaster bolts. He doubted he’d be able to talk them into putting down their blasters but they needed answers.
“We need to question one or both of them.” He quickly returned his focus to stream of blaster fire.
@saam
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Ikora mulled over what Valen was saying, she didn't, couldn't understand it either. Unconsciously she shared her thoughts with Valen, in a drawn away voice, 'It doesn't make any sense.' Then she felt others arriving quickly, no longer acting reserved or worrying about being discovered. Soon enough she could hear their shouts and echoing footfalls. Ikora was simply perplexed at the scenario, How? kept repeating itself in her mind. Then blaster fire sounded all about them, Ikora's blue lightsaber shot to life once more, rapidly deflecting plasma bolts besides Valen.
She spoke briefly, affirming Valens statement in her own terms, "Just one." And with that the force swelled beneath her feet, she spun behind Valen to have better cover and focused her energy. Then in a sudden burst she leaped up into the sky, grasping hold a ledge of one of the alleyway buildings before propelling herself onto the roof.
Timing was imperative, she did not want to leave Valen alone for too long against the brunt of the two men. Sprinting along the edge of the building to cut behind the assailants, Ikora tuned in on the melody of fire below. She could hear their positions easily and leaped down upon the closest man, her lightsaber came down upon him and severed off a limb before cutting back and ending his life. She had barely enough time to raise her saber to deflect the onslaught of fire from the other man across the narrow width of the alley. Ikora bide her time for Valen to move in on the man.
She spoke briefly, affirming Valens statement in her own terms, "Just one." And with that the force swelled beneath her feet, she spun behind Valen to have better cover and focused her energy. Then in a sudden burst she leaped up into the sky, grasping hold a ledge of one of the alleyway buildings before propelling herself onto the roof.
Timing was imperative, she did not want to leave Valen alone for too long against the brunt of the two men. Sprinting along the edge of the building to cut behind the assailants, Ikora tuned in on the melody of fire below. She could hear their positions easily and leaped down upon the closest man, her lightsaber came down upon him and severed off a limb before cutting back and ending his life. She had barely enough time to raise her saber to deflect the onslaught of fire from the other man across the narrow width of the alley. Ikora bide her time for Valen to move in on the man.
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Blaster bolts hammered Valen’s defenses. The alley way gave him precious little room to maneuver and gave their assailants a strait corridor to fire down. He tried to keep his breathing calm, let the Force guide his movements. He could feel his arms tiring and his reactions beginning to slow as Ikora spoke and leapt into the air. He regretted his choice of words. He didn’t have time to mull the life about to be taken. Without a second target the blaster fire was fully concentrated towards him. He breathed deeply of the Force and fully focused himself. He was a green blur in a haze of blaster fire. He knew he couldn’t keep the act up for long. Luckily, he didn’t have to.
He felt Ikora move rapidly above him, he saw her fall upon their attackers, blue saber flashed and a life ended. A pang shot through the Force, a life extinguished. He didn’t wait for the second shooter to react. Valen shot his hand forward, pushing with the Force. A shockwave flew from his hand, slamming into the living attacker. Man, and blaster went skidding across the alley. Valen quickly closed the gap between them. He flicked his Lightsaber off and kicked the blaster away. The shooter couldn’t have been older than his early twenties. He was a human male and clearly had not lived an easy life. Valen stood over him as the man shook his head, opened his eyes, and saw the two Jedi standing before him. Fear flooded the Force.
“We are not going to hurt you. We need answers.” He wouldn’t needlessly take another life. He could get what they needed without killing the young man. A hard life lead to hard choices but Valen firmly believed all creatures deserved a second chance.
“Who do you work for? How did you find us?” He looked at the defeated young human and waited for his answers.
@saam
He felt Ikora move rapidly above him, he saw her fall upon their attackers, blue saber flashed and a life ended. A pang shot through the Force, a life extinguished. He didn’t wait for the second shooter to react. Valen shot his hand forward, pushing with the Force. A shockwave flew from his hand, slamming into the living attacker. Man, and blaster went skidding across the alley. Valen quickly closed the gap between them. He flicked his Lightsaber off and kicked the blaster away. The shooter couldn’t have been older than his early twenties. He was a human male and clearly had not lived an easy life. Valen stood over him as the man shook his head, opened his eyes, and saw the two Jedi standing before him. Fear flooded the Force.
“We are not going to hurt you. We need answers.” He wouldn’t needlessly take another life. He could get what they needed without killing the young man. A hard life lead to hard choices but Valen firmly believed all creatures deserved a second chance.
“Who do you work for? How did you find us?” He looked at the defeated young human and waited for his answers.
@saam
Last edited:
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Ikora lowered her guard and hooked her saber onto her belt, coming to stand beside Valen, she listened to the young man.
"I-I can't say anything," his eyes darting all over the alleyway as if he was being watched, frantically he attempted to leap up, only to be immediately thrown to the ground with the force, Ikora simply shook her head at the man. His hands slammed against his forehead in frustration, "You don't understand, they'll kill me just for this, just talking!", he groaned, "My family..." He was becoming hysterical, and extremely agitated at being forced into such a position. He kept shaking his head, his hand scratching in nervousness, his foot tapping against the ground, just trying to think of something. Then he remembered the grenade hooked onto the back of his belt, he looked up beneath his hands at the Jedi, noticed their stern gaze and figured he wouldn't be able to make it in time. But then the female looked away as a noise drew her attention. It was his best bet and he immediately he grasped the grenade behind his back and activated it. He looked to Valen, his eyes pleading "I-I'm sorry, I just cant." He closed his eyes as the grenade beeped it's closing tune.
"I-I can't say anything," his eyes darting all over the alleyway as if he was being watched, frantically he attempted to leap up, only to be immediately thrown to the ground with the force, Ikora simply shook her head at the man. His hands slammed against his forehead in frustration, "You don't understand, they'll kill me just for this, just talking!", he groaned, "My family..." He was becoming hysterical, and extremely agitated at being forced into such a position. He kept shaking his head, his hand scratching in nervousness, his foot tapping against the ground, just trying to think of something. Then he remembered the grenade hooked onto the back of his belt, he looked up beneath his hands at the Jedi, noticed their stern gaze and figured he wouldn't be able to make it in time. But then the female looked away as a noise drew her attention. It was his best bet and he immediately he grasped the grenade behind his back and activated it. He looked to Valen, his eyes pleading "I-I'm sorry, I just cant." He closed his eyes as the grenade beeped it's closing tune.
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The Jade Rabbit’s operative was visibly anxious, he kept babbling his fears. Valen projected calmness into the Force in an effort to soothe the man. He usually had success even in high stress situations but the man was only growing more distressed. Valen frowned slightly as he locked eyes with their struggling captive.
The Force roared in his mind. He had a half second to react, to choose. The Lightside moved through him, he stretched out his hands and Force flowed from him. In an instant a barrier sprung up between the ‘thug’, Valen and Ikora. In that split second he poured as much as he could into the barrier. It would not completely shield them from the blast but it would keep them alive. The grenade detonated.
The Force barrier held for a moment but that moment was long enough to take the brunt of the explosion. He braced himself for the rest. Valen went cartwheeling through the air as the remaining blast hit him. He felt his body slam into a solid surface, his vision swam, and his ears rang as he opened his eyes. There was nothing left of the body. His whole body ached. His robes were singed and torn, only a miracle of the Force had kept his Lightsaber with him. He could feel bruises and scrapes up and down his skin. Thankfully, a quick sense of the Force reveled no broken bones or internal bleeding. He was hurting but alive. He knew he would pay for his excessive use of the Force later, the body could only tolerate so much.
Rubbing the spots from his vision he looked around for Ikora. He hopped she had fared better than he had. He tightened his grip on his Lightsaber, this was far from over.
@saam
The Force roared in his mind. He had a half second to react, to choose. The Lightside moved through him, he stretched out his hands and Force flowed from him. In an instant a barrier sprung up between the ‘thug’, Valen and Ikora. In that split second he poured as much as he could into the barrier. It would not completely shield them from the blast but it would keep them alive. The grenade detonated.
The Force barrier held for a moment but that moment was long enough to take the brunt of the explosion. He braced himself for the rest. Valen went cartwheeling through the air as the remaining blast hit him. He felt his body slam into a solid surface, his vision swam, and his ears rang as he opened his eyes. There was nothing left of the body. His whole body ached. His robes were singed and torn, only a miracle of the Force had kept his Lightsaber with him. He could feel bruises and scrapes up and down his skin. Thankfully, a quick sense of the Force reveled no broken bones or internal bleeding. He was hurting but alive. He knew he would pay for his excessive use of the Force later, the body could only tolerate so much.
Rubbing the spots from his vision he looked around for Ikora. He hopped she had fared better than he had. He tightened his grip on his Lightsaber, this was far from over.
@saam
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Just before the grenade detonated Ikora sensed a surge in the force and before she could even turn to look, an explosion sent it's shockwave rocking against her chest, slamming her into the adjacent alley wall. Her head bounced off the wall causing her sight to fall into darkness before she slumped down to the ground. After a short while, slowly, and stiffly her hand came to softly probe the side of her head; it throbbed and her fingers met with blood. At first she thought it was hers, but then as her head began to clear she opened her eyes and looked straight ahead. She saw nothing but a spray of blood and charring where the culprit had once been. Looking around she saw more blood stains spattered violently all along the alley walls. As her eyes came to rest before her once again at the black sooty residue from the explosion she looked down at herself and inspected herself lumberingly. She seemed fine, asides from the pain that wracked her body and the heaviness of her joints.
Ikora remembered her partner and reached out for him, her eyes searching as she did so, but she couldn't project her telepathy, 'Valen' it fell short and so she called out, with a raspy voice "Valen! Valen, are you there?"
Ikora went to stand, her hand feebly supporting herself against the alley wall, slipped and sent her stumbling to the ground. As a result she waited a moment to gather herself before successfully standing, her eyes dancing, her hand reaching out against the cracked alley wall.
@Valen Pelora
Ikora remembered her partner and reached out for him, her eyes searching as she did so, but she couldn't project her telepathy, 'Valen' it fell short and so she called out, with a raspy voice "Valen! Valen, are you there?"
Ikora went to stand, her hand feebly supporting herself against the alley wall, slipped and sent her stumbling to the ground. As a result she waited a moment to gather herself before successfully standing, her eyes dancing, her hand reaching out against the cracked alley wall.
@Valen Pelora
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Valen’s headed whipped around as he heard his name called out. He was filled with sudden relief as he recognized Ikora’s voice. They had both survived, barley. He walked gingerly towards his fellow Jedi, his eyes scanning the alleyway. His Lightsaber remained unignited but he would not be caught unaware again. His mind was thrown wide searching for any hint of hostility in the Force. The Jade Rabbit, or someone, was becoming more determined to kill them. What had started as a simple mission was quickly becoming something else. The man who had detonated the grenade had been terrified, more afraid of what might happen than the two Jedi standing over him. Valen had run across only a few beings who could strike that kind of fear. Fear that could make a man do anything. He was beginning to suspect they were up against much more than a local “crime boss.”
He reached Ikora and quickly examined her in the Force. She, like him, was worse for the ware but had avoided any major injuries. The Force barrier had worked. A rueful smile spread across his face as he approached his partner. She was covered in soot, debris and ‘other’ material, he imaged he looked much the same.
“I haven’t seen fear like that in a long time, we need some answers. Whoever or whatever the Jade Rabbit is we don’t have the full story.”
He felt like since the start of their mission they had been walking towards a trap, pushed this way and that. No more. They were going to get some answers, one way or another.
“Any ideas?” Swashbuckling around the streets of Chandrilla wasn’t his specialty. He spent most of his time avoid fighting but he doubted words were going to get them anywhere. If a man would rather die than betray the Jade Rabbit that was a sign.
@saam
He reached Ikora and quickly examined her in the Force. She, like him, was worse for the ware but had avoided any major injuries. The Force barrier had worked. A rueful smile spread across his face as he approached his partner. She was covered in soot, debris and ‘other’ material, he imaged he looked much the same.
“I haven’t seen fear like that in a long time, we need some answers. Whoever or whatever the Jade Rabbit is we don’t have the full story.”
He felt like since the start of their mission they had been walking towards a trap, pushed this way and that. No more. They were going to get some answers, one way or another.
“Any ideas?” Swashbuckling around the streets of Chandrilla wasn’t his specialty. He spent most of his time avoid fighting but he doubted words were going to get them anywhere. If a man would rather die than betray the Jade Rabbit that was a sign.
@saam
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2016
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- 64
She heard steps approaching and looked up to see Valen come into view. His robes were tattered and coloured with a dusty red and black. He seemed to hold himself somewhat differently and his eyes were far away yet very aware. Ikora stood straighter, noting the somber expression behind Valen's smile. She finally realised that he did not have taste for so much death, but always in conflict Ikora saw only two sides, and when life was on the line, the other could not coincide. But she was grateful to this man, "That was quick thinking Valen.." she hesitated, "I owe you for that."
She looked down the alley, towards where they were initially heading while she listened to Valen, "I agree, that man was...compelled." She wondered if something larger was behind this. Thinking about the mission at hand she mused, "They were following us for a reason, do you think the warehouse is a tr..." She was interrupted by the beeping of a datapad. Looking around her eyes fell upon the body of the first man who had been following them. He had been far enough away from the explosion so that his body as well as his equipment were still in tact. Walking over Ikora hunkered down beside him and searched the man, finding the datapad she tapped the screen for a message to appear,
@Valen Pelora
She looked down the alley, towards where they were initially heading while she listened to Valen, "I agree, that man was...compelled." She wondered if something larger was behind this. Thinking about the mission at hand she mused, "They were following us for a reason, do you think the warehouse is a tr..." She was interrupted by the beeping of a datapad. Looking around her eyes fell upon the body of the first man who had been following them. He had been far enough away from the explosion so that his body as well as his equipment were still in tact. Walking over Ikora hunkered down beside him and searched the man, finding the datapad she tapped the screen for a message to appear,
- Do you know where they are heading yet? -
Ikora stood and held out the pad for Valen. "The warehouse may still be viable. But this could be a trick could it not?" Ikora thought the explosion would have been heard several blocks away, but she was not sure and waited for Valen, "It's your decision," she searched his face and added, "But there will be more death before we find answers."
@Valen Pelora
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- 1,314
Valen wearily smiled when Ikora thanked him for saving their lives, he knew she would have done the same. He had simply been better positioned to quickly act. The message on the datapad was troubling, and more likely than not a trap. Their mysterious target was still pulling the strings. Master Rork had always taught him the best way to handle a trap was to spring it. That would lead to more death. Ikora seemed to sense his unease with taking lives, it was a feeling deep in his soul. An insidious darkness that crept over him.
He had always had a choice, he chose to walk a different path. He had walked that path all his life, solving his problems without picking up his Lightsaber. He had healed the sick, talked gangsters into putting down their blasters and worked tireless to bring a small measure of peace to the galaxy. Now, he felt he had lost that choice. He was going to have to take more lives before all of this was over. Ikora knew it, he knew it and there was nothing he could do. He had used the Force as a weapon. He had used the Force to kill. The Lightside was supposed to be his ally, not a tool. He felt helpless. He took one large deep breath and reflectively ran his hand through his hair.
“I have a bad feeling about this, but I think we need to spring that trap.” It was dangerous, foolish, but he saw no better way. He had to trust in the Force, he had to trust in himself. The Lightside had always guided him and he did not always understand the path he was on until he looked back. He hoped he would look back on this and understand why he was surrounded by death. “After you.” He motioned for Ikora to lead the way. His knuckles were white around the hilt of his Lightsaber, the Force flowed strongly through him. They would make it through this. The Force would guide them.
@saam
He had always had a choice, he chose to walk a different path. He had walked that path all his life, solving his problems without picking up his Lightsaber. He had healed the sick, talked gangsters into putting down their blasters and worked tireless to bring a small measure of peace to the galaxy. Now, he felt he had lost that choice. He was going to have to take more lives before all of this was over. Ikora knew it, he knew it and there was nothing he could do. He had used the Force as a weapon. He had used the Force to kill. The Lightside was supposed to be his ally, not a tool. He felt helpless. He took one large deep breath and reflectively ran his hand through his hair.
“I have a bad feeling about this, but I think we need to spring that trap.” It was dangerous, foolish, but he saw no better way. He had to trust in the Force, he had to trust in himself. The Lightside had always guided him and he did not always understand the path he was on until he looked back. He hoped he would look back on this and understand why he was surrounded by death. “After you.” He motioned for Ikora to lead the way. His knuckles were white around the hilt of his Lightsaber, the Force flowed strongly through him. They would make it through this. The Force would guide them.
@saam
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2016
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- 135
- Reaction score
- 64
Since Ikora had noticed Valens unease she searched for a compassionate stance towards him and the matter of killing, feeling obliged to leave the final decision to him alone. Her oaths were true to the blade and she never second guessed herself in that regard, but his seemed to be elsewhere, away from violence and death. And so she decided to herself that it was only fair for him to make that choice for himself, as it would be an acknowledgement within himself that action was required, and perhaps in all of it he would come to see himself in a new light.
“After you.”
It was a declaration of violence to come, and it was their decision. Ikora looked to Valen with a sharp gaze, a newfound respect building for the man. To set aside ones inclinations for what must be done was admirable, to walk astray from a peaceful path towards one of violence were there was always pain, always that darkness lingering over each life taken. Ikora hoped that he would see more reason for the blade, to see that sometimes peaceful actions were not enough, but also that through martial combat, one could really come to terms with themselves.
She nod at him in respect and acknowledgement, before turning to run down the alley to continue their journey. Several times she had stopped, bringing up the datapad and checking a map of the surrounding area to make sure they were on track. The alleys continued to crisscross over one another as they went further into the labyrinth, and upon occasion the Jedi even spotted what seemed to be scouts. Seemingly ordinary looking people laying back in chairs atop the roofs of surrounding buildings and others strolling down the alleys themselves, but always the scouts had a tenseness in them which gave them away.
Ikora and Valen managed to sneak around these patchy scouts, veering down alleys to avoid them. They sought to come upon their destination somewhat unknown.
Finally Ikora came to a final stop, taking refuge just behind a dumpster bin. Bringing up the datapad and looking at the map she confirmed that this was the warehouse. She peered down the alleyway; it lead into an open courtyard in front of the warehouse and there seemed to be only one man standing guard in front of the door, his gun leaning against the larger roller door. It seemed very suspicious on only reinforced her perception of the trap. Ikora searched the rooftops but could see nothing, turning to Valen she asked, "What should we do?"
@Valen Pelora
“After you.”
It was a declaration of violence to come, and it was their decision. Ikora looked to Valen with a sharp gaze, a newfound respect building for the man. To set aside ones inclinations for what must be done was admirable, to walk astray from a peaceful path towards one of violence were there was always pain, always that darkness lingering over each life taken. Ikora hoped that he would see more reason for the blade, to see that sometimes peaceful actions were not enough, but also that through martial combat, one could really come to terms with themselves.
She nod at him in respect and acknowledgement, before turning to run down the alley to continue their journey. Several times she had stopped, bringing up the datapad and checking a map of the surrounding area to make sure they were on track. The alleys continued to crisscross over one another as they went further into the labyrinth, and upon occasion the Jedi even spotted what seemed to be scouts. Seemingly ordinary looking people laying back in chairs atop the roofs of surrounding buildings and others strolling down the alleys themselves, but always the scouts had a tenseness in them which gave them away.
Ikora and Valen managed to sneak around these patchy scouts, veering down alleys to avoid them. They sought to come upon their destination somewhat unknown.
Finally Ikora came to a final stop, taking refuge just behind a dumpster bin. Bringing up the datapad and looking at the map she confirmed that this was the warehouse. She peered down the alleyway; it lead into an open courtyard in front of the warehouse and there seemed to be only one man standing guard in front of the door, his gun leaning against the larger roller door. It seemed very suspicious on only reinforced her perception of the trap. Ikora searched the rooftops but could see nothing, turning to Valen she asked, "What should we do?"
@Valen Pelora
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Valen followed Ikora as they slunk around the backstreets of Chandrilla. Slowly, they neared the warehouse, forced to dodge past sentries. He could sense the tension swirling around the ‘watchers’ in the Force. They stood out like sore thumbs, making it inconvenient but possible to avoid their prying eyes. Each and every sentry appeared to be a regular citizen pressed into the service of the Jade Rabbit. A scout with military training would not have been so easily recognized. He again wondered how the Jade Rabbit held such tremendous sway. What exactly were they headed up against?
Their maneuvering towards the warehouse gave him time to steel himself for the fight ahead. His knuckles were white from clutching his Lightsaber. He held desperately to the hope they could resolve their mission without more violence. He had to believe there was another way out of all this. He remembered the fear in their captive before he had committed suicide. He silently shook his head. He knew they would not defeat the Jade Rabbit with words. He had to accept it was going to be a fight. He wouldn’t put Ikora at risk because he hesitated. He would put his trust in the Force and pray he had the strength when the time came. He hoped it would be enough.
Eventually, the Jedi partners arrived at the warehouse. Both spotted the loan guard standing lazily before the front doors of the warehouse. The courtyard was eerily empty. It was a trap if had ever seen one. He briefly closed his eyes and threw his mind wide. He searched the Force for their hidden attackers. He sensed nothing. Strange. He had expected to sense a host of enemy forces hidden in the wings, waiting to attack once the Jedi revealed themselves. He turned to Ikora after her question.
“I don’t sense a trap but it has to be. It can’t be this easy, it just can’t be.” He looked around and then up. He smirked, well if they couldn’t go through the front door they could always make their own. “How do you feel about climbing?” The side of the warehouse had just enough handholds for Force user to make their way to the roof.
Their maneuvering towards the warehouse gave him time to steel himself for the fight ahead. His knuckles were white from clutching his Lightsaber. He held desperately to the hope they could resolve their mission without more violence. He had to believe there was another way out of all this. He remembered the fear in their captive before he had committed suicide. He silently shook his head. He knew they would not defeat the Jade Rabbit with words. He had to accept it was going to be a fight. He wouldn’t put Ikora at risk because he hesitated. He would put his trust in the Force and pray he had the strength when the time came. He hoped it would be enough.
Eventually, the Jedi partners arrived at the warehouse. Both spotted the loan guard standing lazily before the front doors of the warehouse. The courtyard was eerily empty. It was a trap if had ever seen one. He briefly closed his eyes and threw his mind wide. He searched the Force for their hidden attackers. He sensed nothing. Strange. He had expected to sense a host of enemy forces hidden in the wings, waiting to attack once the Jedi revealed themselves. He turned to Ikora after her question.
“I don’t sense a trap but it has to be. It can’t be this easy, it just can’t be.” He looked around and then up. He smirked, well if they couldn’t go through the front door they could always make their own. “How do you feel about climbing?” The side of the warehouse had just enough handholds for Force user to make their way to the roof.
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2016
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- 135
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- 64
Ikora watched the lone guard leaning against the wall, her own body leaning forwards in anticipation. She felt Valen reach out with the force, searching for others, and waited for his reaction. He didn't sense anything. It was very odd, but regardless they would enter the warehouse one way or another.
"I mean we could go through the front door," she said simply, adding, "I wonder if they're expecting two of us." The whole scenario was that one of them had been marked out and whether or not both had been reported together was yet to be known, but a chance remained that the expectation was for one jedi.
Her eyes drifted up and took into account Valens idea, "I like climbing," she said happily. "Perhaps, we should take this on two fronts," she considered lightly, "I don't suppose both of us in one place within what no doubt looks like a trap would be, useful."
She turned back to the guard and estimated the distance, it was a bit far, but not far enough that a quick dash with the force couldn't cover in time. The sentry was unprepared.
Turning to face Valen again she said, "It's up to you Valen, as there is a downfall to splitting up."
@Valen Pelora
"I mean we could go through the front door," she said simply, adding, "I wonder if they're expecting two of us." The whole scenario was that one of them had been marked out and whether or not both had been reported together was yet to be known, but a chance remained that the expectation was for one jedi.
Her eyes drifted up and took into account Valens idea, "I like climbing," she said happily. "Perhaps, we should take this on two fronts," she considered lightly, "I don't suppose both of us in one place within what no doubt looks like a trap would be, useful."
She turned back to the guard and estimated the distance, it was a bit far, but not far enough that a quick dash with the force couldn't cover in time. The sentry was unprepared.
Turning to face Valen again she said, "It's up to you Valen, as there is a downfall to splitting up."
@Valen Pelora