Ask The Million Crowns of Tion - Part I

[Trini Halrixien]

THE PLANET BARANCAR...

Trini Halrixien, adventurer grad student, leaned on her elbow as she looked out at the bleak, industry-scarred landscape of the planet Barancar, touch-typing at a datapad balanced on her lap.

After thousands of years, there isn't much left of Xim the Despot's fabled shipyards. The land molders under leaden skies, scattered with the remains of once-mighty industry and scarred by the byproducts they once generated. It's a fesedsds-

The speeder-bus jounced as its repulsors caught a crater in the ancient highway surface, causing the little Amaran to mistype. Sighing, Trini picked up her datapad, looking at what she had written and backspacing to correct the typo.

Trini had arrived on the planet Barancar about an hour or so before. Her reason for coming to the planet, as usual for her travels, concerned the past; she had been given a special assignment by her pre-Republic history professor, and having nothing much better to do, she had taken it. In hindsight, she wondered why; archaeologically speaking, it was a dead end that better scholars than her had chased answers down, and she wasn't sure why her professor's suspicions should be any more successful than the countless others who had sent grad students on wild mynock chase.

The Lost Crowns of Tion were a myth, and ten thousand years of fruitless searching had only reinforced this notion. While it was widely accepted that Xim had taken the heraldry of conquered noble houses as trophies, the notion that there was a vast trove of these items secreted away somewhere seemed ludicrous in the face of the fact that nobody could seem to come up with so much as a jeweled scepter.

Extra credits were extra credits, though, and Trini would humor her professor, at least this time.

Idly, Trini looked around the bus, seeing who else was on it. She wondered what business some of them had on Barancar; certainly something more rewarding than her task. Or so she assumed.

 

[Minerva Wren]

Sitting a few feet in front of Trini on the right hand side was a human wearing an outfit that would peg her as just another spacer. Leaning on the side of the chair her intense brown eyes looked out the window. The polluted soil and the massive fumes that covered much of the sky would give an outsider pause. Not for this one however…

Manda I’m not used to being out of my armor. Thought Minerva of Clan Wren. Folding her arms over the chest she now leaned further back in the chair. It had been a long rotation for her personally. Inwardly she hoped this was not another false lead like Jakku had been.

Beneath her feet was a light brownish backpack that seemed to be a bit heavy. While any observer would conclude the contents would be just salvager equipment nothing can be further than the truth. In reality it was her jetpack and helmet inside in addition to a blaster rifle. The rest of the armor and the gauntlets were concealed underneath her disguise.

As the speeder bus continued on its path Minerva suppressed a sigh.

One of Armand’s killers is supposedly obsessed with Xim’s lost treasure. I can care less about that myth but if it leads me to my target then so be it. To think I just might owe the Despot a debt for having creating such a legend to attract greedy fools.

Maintaining a bored expression Minerva’s heart burned with furious intent. Arms still folded, her hands squeezed tightly for a few moments. Should her target really be on Barancar he will join it’s ancient conqueror in death.

@AutoFox

 

[Jaecar Algyr]

This world was said to have its own standard of technology a bit diffeerent from others. The young Deucalian had recently looked into all the wonderious figures in galactic history and Xim was certainl one that stood out. Perhaps Jaecar could glean some information about how to improve himself to such extensive capabilities if he visited Barancar. So that was exactly what the young man did and now found himself on public transportation looking at the other occupants.

From what he had heard, there weren't much in the way of big game on the planet. That meant if things were dull Jaecar probably wouldn't be able to get hunt something dangerous. There was a short nelvanian girl though she wasn't blue at all. Maybe she isn's nelvani. There are a lot of other species out there. He told himself and sat quietly while tapping his fingers against the edge of his seat.

@AutoFox @Minuteman75 *

 

[Trini Halrixien]

@Darasuum @Minuteman75

Trini closed down her datapad after a few more minutes of writing, tucking it away in the bag at her feat and leaning back in her seat for a few moments. The little Amaran sighed, and looked over her shoulder out at the bleak landscape.

"You know this was a planet to rival Kuat or Fondor, once upon a time." She muttered, watching the remains of a sprawling abandoned factory complex roll past the viewports as the bus sped along. "I wonder if they'll both look like this in a few thousand years too?"

Seeming to come back to herself, Trini blinked, and looked around, spotting the two other passengers closest to her. They looked to be a pair of more or less nondescript humans, a male and a female.

"Ah, sorry. These sorts of places make me thoughtful I guess."

Smiling, she nodded to the two passengers. Like her, they seemed to be travelers.

"Trini Halrixien, University of Rudrig Archaeology Department. So... what brings you two to Barancar, if you don't mind my asking?"

 

[Minerva Wren]

Minerva’s thoughts were interrupted by a voice meters away. Glancing over to Trini the uncovered warrior raised an eyebrow in silent shock. That is actually...pretty insightful. Not bad for an Aruetii I’ll admit. Thought Minerva, clearly impressed..

The little Amaran seemed to realize the attention she just drew to herself and awkwardly apologized. Shrugging her shoulders that declared it was alright Minerva was about to look away. However, the vulpine introduced herself with a smile and asked her and another stranger, a teenage boy no less, why they were here. Surprised again, Minerva blinked. Not many aruetii(save for rare exceptions) talked with her so casually. Then again she wasn’t in her more recognizable gear.

In the back of her mind the widow thought.

If I don’t say anything or tell her to piss off she and the pup may get suspicious. Need to maintain my cover for the time being.

Clearing her throat the Mandalorian answered.

“Minerva Fhirdiad. Came here looking for some salvage work.”

To prevent Trini from probing further, Minerva subsequently asked. “Trini is it? Why are you here exactly? I mean beside giving commentary on worlds to complete strangers.”

Genuine amusement surfaced on her expression at that comment followed by a brief chuckle.

@AutoFox @Darasuum

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

To most, Barancar was one world of many. The planet had once been pristine, but over millennia of industrial development, it's surface had been laid to waste. Nothing but old ruins and industrial trash existed now, littering the surface of an outer rim world that had once been great. Few knew this history, least of all the man whose education amounted to basic arithmetic and writing. To Laeonas Tannaras, this world was as all others like it: a rotten ball.

Lounging backwards, Laeonas would idly stare at the gunk covered durasteel roof of the transport the small group was on. Tired, he hadn't registered the other passengers as he stared into space. That was until the jolt stirred him from the haze he had entered. Blinking a few times, awareness slipped back into his mind. Bright eyes looked around, eardrums pulsed, the mind began to race with sensory information. Information that translated into words.

University, salvage work, thousands of years ago. They meant different thing, covering different subjects. Uncommon or common, high or low, accessible or no. Slouching against the chair right of the door, Laeonas sat up before he decided instead to simply slouch forward. On first glance the man could be mistaken for a native of the smog covered world. There were just a few key differences.

The man's usually pale skin was slightly bronzed, and he was decidedly free of soot. Apart from the dull browns or vomit greens the people of Balancar were used to wearing, almost every article of his clothing was absolutely black. His hair contrasted against his skin heavily, appearing to absorb any light that came into contact with it. There was also the matter of his eyes; a radiant, bright aquamarine, both of which stared at the alien and slightly younger human woman.

"Did Ai'ear right," he began, with an accent that definitely wasn't native, "Or's one of ya a student?"​

 

[Jaecar Algyr]

The fox-like one spoke up with a feminine voice and talked abou the planet. His eyes looked over the area but was not sure what to imagine. Those planets did not ring any bells for him. But judging by the tone they must be impressive. A murmur came from the boy at hearing the information like it was something he could speculate on.

The ice blue eyes looked towards the other woman that was present on the ride. He was trying to gauge her reason here as Trini introduced herself. Jaecyr didn't understand all of the title she possessed but it had big words. Minerva, as she introduced herself, followed in introductions. The marks on her face and the way she carried herself made the youth cock his head to the side a little and back at Trini.

Compared to his homeworld this place was a wasteland. The cold tundra or harsh mountains were still natural and beautiful if not utterly devastating to the unprepared. Here it was a place of many battles and would see more. He didn't need to be a wise old man or have foresight to know that. The sound of what he was sure was basic, or maybe a dialect of it, was a spoken to the trio. Jaecyr didn't answer Laeonas and just look back at Trini as if to say. I think he means you
Public transportation was definitely one of the strangest experiences the young Deucalian had to experience thus far. Traveling, while monotonous sometimes, could become very interesting at the drop of an icicle.

@AutoFox @Minuteman75 @Tom

 

[Trini Halrixien]

@Darasuum @Minuteman75 @Tom

Trini chuckled sheepishly at Minerva's comment. The young Amaran sagged into her barely comfortable seat, shrugging her shoulders a bit.

"Salvage work, huh? Sounds a bit like what I was doing before..."

Trini waved her datapad vaguely, sitting up again. As Laeonas chimed in, she turned to the male human, nodding to him.

"I'm a student, yes... grad student, actually. As for why I'm here... well, something of a wild Mynock chase, I'm pretty sure."

She shook her head ruefully.

"My professor has this notion that the Royal Barancar Navy's archives might contain the location of the Lost Crowns of Tion. All the heraldry that Xim the Despot stole from the royal houses whose worlds he conquered when he ruled this region of space, thousands of years ago. Of course, people have been looking for these ever since Xim died, and nobody's ever found so much as a monogrammed royal handkerchief, so I don't know why this search would end any different."

The Amaran shrugged helplessly.

"But, my professor got the notion into his head, and he's offering a lot of bonus credits toward my Master's if I humor him. So, here I am."

 

[Minerva Wren]

Leaning back in her own seat Minerva pondered on what had been revealed. Of course she also noticed the man in the back with long black hair. As someone who had fought her share of combat and traveled the galaxy she can tell the fellow at least seemed capable enough. Also the accent was very obvious to put it mildly.

It’s definitely not Coruscanti nor from Tatooine for that matter.

Trini then went on to explain her purpose for being on Barancar. Tilting her head at the vulpine in question. “If he truly believes that, why just send only you? Don’t take this the wrong way but it sounds careless of him to have a student to search for such legendary treasure without some kind of backup.” Silently the Mandalorian considered the possibility that Trini’s professor was either using her as expendable pawn.

As for the boy he was keeping his cards close to the chest she realized. The sight of Jaecyr caused Minerva to close both eyes and turn away from him, reminded of her daughter and sons back home. While Jaecyr was far older than them but still his presence made her conscious of her children.

I trust the clan to care for Eisa, Jorrel and Adrian but...it’s so hard to be constantly away from them like this.

Her heart ache and a pained expression surfaced on her face while staring out the window again before that expression quickly disappeared.

@Tom @Darasuum @AutoFox

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

The alien's answer confused the man. "Student? Grad student? That's just student with another word in front." He'd think, though his expression remained blank, failing to betray the inner confusion. He'd simply nod, listening on as the student explained why she'd arrived. It almost sounded like the plot of a holo movie; a young explorer, going off to find the treasures of a long dead someone. Her attitude didn't match the protagonists of such stories though, and instead took on a more realistic approach.

When the spacer chimed in, he nodded in agreement. "Ayy, woman's got a point. Yer describin' this guy and his treasure laike he's worth a lot. That either means yer boss, professor, teacher or whatever, thinks 'ighly of ya. Th'at, or 'e's expectin' ya ta fail." Laeonas stated, putting to words what all three were thinking. Aquamarines portrayed a neutral, almost apathetic look, despite the obvious interest in what the student was doing here. What did any of this matter to the boy anyways?

"Ai mean, say ya actually did find this treasure; yer not equipped ta keep it safe. Job's laike this require people with weapons to stop other people with weapons from kriffin' it all up." Laeonas went on, simply voicing the continued train of thought he was developing. Laeonas' beskar was only kept safe because Laeonas was, at all times, armed. Concealed within his jacket was a lightsaber, and so was a medium sized blaster rifle. His ship was locked tight, hidden away, and nobody would know to look in a random duffle bag. But it'd be hard to hide royal artefacts that thousands had searched for over centuries.

"Ai mean... does he expect ya ta find it, or d'ya just get all those bonus credits fer free? 'Ell, 'ow much are we even talkin' about?" Laeonas suddenly chimed in. The idea of monetary wealth hadn't actually been introduced to the conversation up until that point. For a man like himself however, it's introduction opened up a wave of opportunities. "Has ta be a lot ta travel all tha way out 'ere. Ai'm only 'ere on... business. Yeah, business." ​

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[Jaecar Algyr]

Jaecar listened to Trini speak enthusiastically. His eyes watched her and was curious about the subject she spoke on. It was for grand tails like the ones Xim was known for that had brought the young Deucalian to the world. Looking for glory though was like looking for a kyber shard in the Dune Sea. Tatooine was a place Jaecar had the misfortune of visiting.

Minerva had some points as did Laeonas. They were questions that the Deucalian asked himself and he wasn't sure if he knew the answer either. He had left his home to make his own destiny and did so without knowing what the outcome may be. "You cast yourself unto the planet hoping to find fortune....me too." Jaecar gave a nod of his head and smile to the Amaran. They were comrades in that regard.

His short legs wiggled and fidgeted as the ride continued. Perhaps it was more accurate he threw himself to the galaxy itself. The teenager hoped to hurl himself hard enough to make an impact and do right by his people.

@AutoFox @Minuteman75 @Tom

 

[Trini Halrixien]

@Darasuum @Minuteman75 @Tom

Trini bit her lip. The others collectively had a good point; indeed, it was a point which had not been lost on the little Amaran.

"I mean, I expect it's like this; my professor doesn't expect me to actually find anything, same as I don't. He stumbled across something he thought might be worth investigating, but not so compelling that he thought it was worth risking a hit to his career by investigating personally and being wrong."

Trini spread her arms helplessly.

"Me? I don't have a reputation to risk. After what happened to the Raxus Prime expedition, my thesis is in shambles; without a lot of help, help my professor was willing to trade for this favor, I doubt I'll get my degree."

The Amaran sighed.

"In the unlikely event that I do find something, I fully expect him to swoop in and take all the credit."

She turned to Laeonas.

"How much? Oh, uh, I mean academic credits... points toward my degree. I mean, I suppose the artifacts that I'm after could be valuable... there are thousands of inhabited and once-inhabited systems in the Tion Cluster, and they all have or had their own little noble houses and petty tyrants with delusions of aristocracy; Xim stole treasures from all of them. Weapons, art, lots of jewelry..."

Trini rubbed her chin thoughtfully.

"...come to think of it, it could be a really impressive haul! If anyone could find it..."

 

[IG 55]

IG-55 had been listening for long enough. He remained in the shadows out of the way of the others to spot him lurking. IG had been told of a crown of sorts that had been stolen a while back- something Crimson Dawn would love to have as a ransom.

There were two more targets in the building IG-55 would’ve loved to smash and grab- but those targets weren’t the current priority. The first being a Mandalorian that had been met by one of IG’s associates, and the other target being a rogue Force user IG got information about from another one of his sources.

^Target 322171- Minerva Wren, acquired. No engagement necessary. Target 412739- Laeonas Tannaras, acquired. No engagement necessary. Creating…profile…Target 808081- Trini Halrixien, acquired…Engagement…open for interrogation.^ The bounty droid finished his new assessment and then continued listening in silence. Sure the others could look back and see the IG unit, but they’d have no idea what he was doing- except the weapons strapped to him. He was simply hunting…anything that came up for a price. Right now? It was the little furry creature IG thought would be a fitting rug for a particular scaled hunter he knew.

Now all he had to do was wait.

@Tom @Minuteman75 @AutoFox @Darasuum

 

[Minerva Wren]

Laeonas’ analysis was impressive, Minerva concluded. Anyone with enough experience and good sense can figure it out. Of course quickly his interest grew, more or less on the possible credits to be made. The secret Mandalorian wasn’t surprised at all by the conversation gone to that point.

If I wasn’t part of my clan I would likely be doing the same thing really. Minerva silently admitted to herself.

Before joining Clan Wren she had been a freelance mercenary. Suddenly a nostalgic grin formed her face, reminded of Eisa and that little pest of a droid with her. Knowing them they’re probably causing mischief somewhere. Oh Red would jump into this kind of thing without hesitation. She shook her head in amusement at the very thought.

Subsequently Jaecar spoke up, claiming his own purpose here was similar to Trini’s. Her motherly instincts kicking in she was tempted to ask the teenager where his kin was but she suppressed the tendency while looking down at the floor. Such questioning may give her away.

Instead she quietly listened to the little Amaran’s confession. In response the warrior nodded in understanding and some sympathy. Within the confines of her mind Minerva considered the possibilities.

Perhaps this place she is going to may draw in that filthy womp rat too. Or at least point me in the right direction.

Leaning her head back and putting both hands on the back of it as she lounges the left leg over the other one.

“Well hopefully you will get something out of this. Tempting as treasure is I got a job to do. The sooner I’m done with it the sooner I can go back to my kids.” Minerva commented before her eyes widened for a second, realizing what she just blurted out.

Stang!

She thought very much embarrassed at such carelessness on her part.

@Tom @Darasuum @AutoFox @Kell Rook

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

It seemed as if the student had come to a similar conclusion. He'd pick up on the words of a very young looking ginger who'd been listening in, but he paid no attention. The student was his main focus; more accurately, the opportunity she represented. Everyone would be able to witness his slightly eager expression turn to a depressive frown when the alien clarified what she meant. There would be no riches that came from working with this woman; if she succeeded, he couldn't even sell their find.

Putting aside the question of what an "academic credit" was, Laeonas turned his thoughts inward. He tried to, but for whatever reason his mind began to throb. Reaching out with the force, he felt a general sense of foreboding at what was to come. "Joy; what's it gonna be this taime? Is a Sith about ta break down the doors and start shootin' lightnin'? Maybe Ai'll finally drink past mae limit and drop dead." He thought, pushing his feelings aside so he could concentrate.

The spacer brought up something about her children. He sensed the apprehension and sudden realization of a naiduerf slip, and he grimaced. Such a vital mistake was one he'd done before, and under seriously dangerous circumstances. The man said nothing; revealing his immediate understanding of her feelings would give away his abilities. It wasn't much, but it was proof that this woman was as vulnerable as the rest of them were, and probably just about as professional.

He took the following seconds to collect himself. Thoughts rushed into his mind; options, possibilities, anything. He could choose to abandon the spacer, treasure hunter, and teenager. There'd be no net loss for him if he did what he'd originally planned; stop here, sell the stolen spice on his ship, drink a bit, and leave. The likelihood of success was slim, and the likelihood of the student willingly selling the treasure probably wasn't high either.

But the last years of his life had taught him that nothing was impossible. Mataou's vault and all it's riches had been denied to him, but the beskar, waiting on his ship, was proof that he could succeed in the most unlikely circumstances. But that success came with a cost-- the final cost, in some cases. Would he be willing to risk everything for a second time, looking for a treasure that nobody had found for thousands of years? The risks were incredible, but the reward...

"Assumin' she does get somethin' out of this-- emphasis on ASSumin'-- what's 'er plan if she finds it?" Laeonas followed the woman's words, before turning his eyes back to the educated alien. "This world maight've been real karkin' nice however long ago tha guy who owned yer treasure died; Ai've 'eard tha same about mae own 'ome," He began, before standing up slowly. "But it ain't so anymore. It's a rathole, and while most ya might find will be a'right, the planet's crawlin' with scum of all kinds."

The man was surprisingly tall, but behind his height was a surprising level of authority in his tone. He didn't sound hostile, nor was he trying to intimidate. Laeonas just wanted to get his point across, and this was the best way to do it. "If ya find this, and if ya don't die haulin' it out, nothin' would be able ta stop a band of pricks from robbin' ya blind. Ai've met people who've killed for less than what yer lookin' fer." He stated, enunciating a bit on every word he spoke.

"Even if ya can 'andle yerself, a couple people comin' at ya'd be a tricky spot ta get out'f. Only way'v gettin' out..." He continued, before gesturing to himself, and than outstretching his arm towards the other two who'd spoken, "...is by gettin' a few bodies ta back ya'up." He finished, crossing his arms definitively. That was when the cabin jerked again, and he stumbled, falling backwards onto the durasteel floor.

"OW!"​

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[Jaecar Algyr]

Jaecar listened to Trini speak about what she knew and her opinions on the matter. She spoke a bit fast but that just showed her enthusiasm in the young deucalian's opinion. Maybe there would be artifacts and weapons that he could use in the horde. It sounds like its worthy of a dragon's wealth. Now that was enticing. Maybe there would be some interesting foes along the way for him to meet. The blue eyes of the youth beamed with excitement as his own imagination took him.

Keeping in mind what he understood to be the context of the situation, there was a possible famous horde of treasure, some of which could be tools for Jaecar to use for his own glorious endeavors, but also he could earn more for himself in the eyes of the gods. Also there was possible payment on the side or something for being helpful to others. But even the teenager doubted the fox-like scholar was rolling in riches. Otherwise she would have an entirely different appearance. Even someone like Jaecar could see that.

@AutoFox @Minuteman75 @Tom @Kell Rook

 

[Trini Halrixien]

@Darasuum @Minuteman75 @Tom @Kell Rook

Trini looked over at Laeonas, raising her eyebrows at his assertion. A few years ago, she would have considered the idea faintly ridiculous; academics didn't go around with bodyguards, after all, the pursuit of knowledge was above such considerations!

But then, it had been a few years, and Trini still had nightmares about the event which had shown her just how false that assertion was.

"You're... not wrong about that." The Amaran admitted reluctantly. "The navy archives are probably safe enough. But if we have to go digging somewhere... mind you, it might not even be on this planet. Xim's empire stretched from the Radama Void to the Maw; the treasure could be hidden anywhere, if it still exists."

She turned to Minerva and shrugged.

"No hard feelings... archaeology is generally pretty boring, anyway. But hey, if you and your kids are ever on Rudrig, look me up and maybe I can get you some museum passes!"

She sighed, and crossed her arms.

"Anyway, protection... the department does budget for that. I might be able to expense a bodyguard or two, especially if I have to go out into the field."

As she spoke, she noticed the bus coming slowly to a stop. She stood, grinning, although she noticed a sensation of unease tickling the back of her mind.

"Anyway, how 'bout it? Any of you want to follow me around a dusty old library for the next few hours?"

Abruptly, the bus jolted as it came to an abrupt stop at the station. Trini yelped as she unceremoniously tumbled to the deck, thrown off balance.

 

[Minerva Wren]

Laeonas more or less confirmed he was up for treasure hunting. It’s like he is planning an expedition already. The widow thought with mild amusement. She was relieved not to have exposed any further secrets of herself. So far the others didn't realize who she truly is. Rubbing her left arm with the right hand Minerva considered her options.

Before joining Clan Wren she had worked as a mercenary for aruetii. Some had been honorable employers, some annoying and others utter scum. Then there were a few she still called as friends. Shaking her head Minerva thought.

Chasing dead myths would hardly be worth my time. All the same I can’t but admire this student’s determination. It’s almost...Mandalorian.

Suppressing another chuckle she subsequently nodded in appreciation when Trini offered to give both Minerva and her children museum passes if they came to her world. That gave the warrior pause.

Adrian, Eisa and Jorrel had never been outside of Krowest. Well they’re too busy rough housing with one another to care about relics. Maybe when my debt is completed and they’re old enough I‘ll take them to see the galaxy.

As the bus slowed Minerva watched Trini stand up and make her offer. Then the little lady comedically dropped to the deck. Much to her own surprise Minerva let out a laugh while slapping her right knee.

“Oh how can I dare refuse such an invitation?” She remarked in an voice filled with amusement before adding. “Besides, it should be easier than some jobs I have done in the past.”

Standing up, Minerva got her backpack with one hand and offered the other hand to Trini.

@Kell Rook @Tom @Darasuum @AutoFox

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

As their transport stopped, Laeonas pushed himself up off the ground and practically flew back into a standing position. Unless anyone was paying attention, they wouldn't notice that he'd barely used his arms, and had almost been carried off the ground by an invisible force. "Shite, probably got whatever schmucks leave on tha floor'v these trams..." He cursed, wiping his jacket before collecting himself. It seemed that the spacer and teenager had avoided his embarrassment. The alien hadn't, but that was hardly his concern.

He felt the unease from earlier flair up again as he approached the doors. There was a heavy throbbing in his temples, almost like alarm bells. This was similar to what he'd felt on Mataou, but rather than a blinding haze, it felt like there was a wall blocking him from seeing what came next. Had he done something that had left his senses so greatly unbalanced? What could possibly stop him from feeling what was going to happen... unless there was nothing to feel?

His apprehension grew regardless of whether or not he could figure out the answer. The alien was getting up, and the spacer was approaching the door. If there was danger, either of them dying would jeopardize their new mission. The alien was the only one with extensive knowledge on the artifacts, and the spacer was his only other backup. Even on his own, a serious situation would require at least one other person to help deal with complications.

He turned back to the two women with a concerned look, before clutching his temple. "Sorry... headache from th'at fall." He began, hesitating before he added, "If Ai'm gonna be guardin' ya, Ai'll start now. Ai'll go out first." He stated, taking a deep breathe as the doors slid open. The clack of his boots hit the pavement, and the man drew in a deep breathe.

...and he wasn't immediately blown to pieces.

The man would pause, blinking a few times. The last time the foreboding he'd felt had been this bad, he'd been on a world infested with AMS victims. His reaction than had been delayed, and had he been a few milliseconds slower, he'd be a hobbling corpse, croaking and snarling as it looked for anything alive to sink it's teeth into. Or more likely he would've been hacked down by the Jedi, Bounty Hunter, and Sith he'd grouped with. Or he would've been blown to bits in the subsequent bombardment.

Regardless, Laeonas' ability to draw on the force was necessary for his continued survival. The advantage gave him a chance to react in situations where ordinary beings would face immediate death. The fact that he was only able to grab a vague sense of a threat troubled him greatly. Would his senses only provide him with greater information when the threat was on top of him? It was still an advantage; but only just so.

"Just... be on guard." He finally conceded, though his stance didn't grow any less rigid. "This planet's a real cesspit. Don't wander off, don't trust anyone." ​

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[Jaecar Algyr]

Jaecar already had his mind made up. When the bus came to a stop the Deucalian stepped off after Trini and did not go far. His young curious blue eyes were not that much higher than the Amaran's compared to the other people present. "Sure. Should be....illuminating." He was forever trying to expand his vocabulary of GSB. It was his way of showing some modicum of enthusiasm in the subject itself and not just being some raider hired as a mercenary.

The teenager looked towards Laeonas, noting his body language. "You reminded him of a white-bantha I saw once." He would reply to the man's comments about the planet. "It had become separated from its herd and was wandering, skitish after probably getting attacked. Were you attacked or being chased?" Jaecar thought out loud more than anything while looking at the stranger he had only recently met. What kind of Horax has been chasing this guy? A phantom predator that would probably only consume the man through paranoia and fear until that led to his demise.

@AutoFox @Minuteman75 @Tom @Kell Rook