Ask The Trees Have Eyes

[Jaesa Valerin]

Jaesa followed alongside Sace and Isen in silence as she gently rubbed her arm where the plants had constricted her. The plants still writhed closely to the three, but they did not reach out to attack them. Most, if not all, her energy right now was consumed in remaining calm. It had been a while since she'd been in such a stressful situation.

"How much farther are we from it, now?" Jaesa asked this as she ducked under the branch of a gnarly tree. As she did, she swore something was watching her. Trees don't have eyes, she assured herself.

@Isen @Just Matt Now

 

[Isen Ramm]

As Isen started walking in the direction that was hinted to them by the plants, the Knight nodded to Sace. Hopefully, they could get some answers if they got their hands on their holocron or at the very least, were able to quiet the plants. Of course, the purpose of the mission was the reacquisition of the holocron, so this made the most sense from an objective standpoint as well.

"How much farther are we from it, now?" Jaesa asked, and it was only a few steps further before they would come upon the answer. While invisible to the eye due to the overgrowth, the massive cruiser laid two-thirds buried into he ground. A few steps on the steel and metal of the ship told them they were near.

Isen bent down and started gently pushing the plants aside so he could look which side of the ship they were standing on. After a little searching and investigation, they would be able to see that they had walked up on the starboard side of the ship, somewhere between the front and the middle. Standing, Isen said, "We should be close to either the viewport or the hatch. We can cut our way easily enough through viewport glass, and the hatch should have a manual entry if the power coils didn't survive the cash. Let's get to looking. If you find one, yell out, and we'll get in the ship."

He started poking around trying to find one of the two entry points, but stopped and turned back to the other Jedi. "If the plants want to trap us and take us out, there would be no better place than once we're confined to inside part of the ship. I have a feeling it's just as thick with vegetation as the outside here." He shrugged as if it were just part of the job. "Well, let's find a way in."

@lizziie @Just Matt Now

 

[Sace Vsil]

Sace's thoughts were heard upon Jaesa's last query. He too wondered when they will reach their destination. And just as Isen spoke, their 'are we there yet?' moment quickly shut his mind. He could see the gray shades of the side of the ship tucked beneath more vines and plants. The fauna grew to the point of nearly completely submerging the ship, which could only mean just as Isen had said...the ship was probably filled with the same plant life. Sace wouldnt be surprised that this certain points of the ship were compromised from the crash, allowing all of the plants to grow within...that is unless they started from within.

Sace attempted to get a good read of the type of capital ship that they stood on. He had great knowledge of ships and shipbuilding, though even so he could not tell for sure. All he knew was that it was old. Though his knowledge did lead him to a choke point where most ships had an emergency hatch, now knowing what side of the ship they were on. Sace struggled to muscle the vines that covered where he thought the hatch would be. Eventually he got to the gray durasteel.

"Thisss should get us in..." Sace said finally getting all of the plant life away from the 5x5 small hatch door. The Sluissi again struggled to unlock the lever to the right side of the doorway, though managed to get it to move 90 degrees, freeing the locking mechanism. Sace pulled on the door handle hard, ifthe snake could sweat, he certainly would be at this point.

"There...I got it open..." He said with a struggle.

@Jaesa Valerin @Isen

 

[Jaesa Valerin]

Jaesa gently put a hand on Sace's shoulder as she moved forward to peer into the ship. It was indeed filled with just as much plant life within as there was outside where they currently stood. She stood, contemplating for a moment, before stepping down into the ship.

The inside of the vessel was just as overgrown as the outside, if not more densely so. The Dathormirian looked back up at the other two Jedi once she confirmed the plants nearby weren't going to try and kill her and waited for them to join her.

@Just Matt Now @Isen

 

[Isen Ramm]

Isen slipped in next and the plants appeared to create a resemblance of a pathway. By pushing themselves to the sides of certain hallways and doorways, they were painting a path. Whether or not the this sentient hive-mind of plants would lead them to the holocron was uncertain, but as it stood, it was the only pathway they could actually see. Isen waited for Sace to slither in with them before proceeding with a flashlight from his Jedi utility belt, electing the direction given to them by the plants.

As a general rule, Isen was not one to be unnerved. However, as the plants cut off their retreat by filling in behind them which each step, even the Kiffar Jedi Knight wondered if they this former capital ship would be there doom. Ships like these are as often as large as cities and were mazes to find your way through. One look back and the Jedi would no longer see the way they came, just a wall of green.

Up down stairs and through winding hallways, the plants led them to a commons area. On a table now stained green from chlorophyll and plants was a book. No, it was journal. It was a journal from a Dark Jedi named Trai Noil. Isen started flipping through the pages and read sections out loud. At some point Noil had gathered all three components necessary to fire up the Holocron and did so inside the remains of the ship. He practiced there, but left with the crystal and the tree to sell them on the open market. The holocron he left as insurance that all the pieces would not be stolen. When he returned, he found that the found plant life would not allow him to leave. The last words in his journal were, "Should the Force will it, I will leave this ship with the Holocron in hand, but I fear the plants will forbid it."

Isen looked up at his fellow Jedi and said, "Looks like we're looking for the remains of a dead Jedi holding a Holocron. I wonder how far he got."

@Just Matt Now @lizziie

 

[Sace Vsil]

Sace was the last through the hatch, aside from the overgrowth of plants that blocked the way as soon as they passed. Almost as if inviting them in and making sure that they could never leave. When the time came that they got all that they could here, hopefully the retreat would be the hardest part.

Their long journey within the ship was probably the easiest part of their mission. Despite them all being on guard, they were met with little resistance other than the impending trap they were walking into as the growth filled in behind them. Reaching the common area, Isen read through the Dark Jedi's journal. The mere fact that a dark jedi had been here was more than enough of an explanation for the hive-mind fauna that was their biggest issue...for now.

"sssoooo...this guy gave the plants a brain, and now they wouldnt let him leave with the holocron...? Sssounds like the holocron is attached to their sssentience somehow." Sace continued thinking. If they could find the skeleton of the dark jedi with the holocron...how would they make it out with it?

@lizziie @Isen

 

[Jaesa Valerin]

"This whole situation is strange to me." Jaesa would be using her saber as a light source, as she did not carry a flashlight on her. Her eyes were quite good at adjusting to dim light anyways. "If the plants are gaining their sentience from the holocron, then what sort of experiments did he use the holocron for?"

A body was not exactly what Jaesa wanted to stumble across in this mass of plants. For all they knew, it could be under a writhing ball of vines. Regardless, she kept following the path the plants laid out for them.

@Isen Ramm @Just Matt Now

 

[Isen Ramm]

The Kiffar Knight rubbed his chin at the question. Jaesa had some good ones, and answers weren't easy. Isen offered a possible solution. "Maybe...maybe it wasn't the Holocron per se. There is a planet called Zonama Sekot. The planet itself is sentient. It doesn't even have an orbit, it just goes where it wants to go."

Isen watched as the plants once again began to make a pathway, presumably to the body of the dead Dark Jedi and hopefully the Holocron itself. "Then there is the baffor forest. Just seven baffor trees that share a root system can become sentient. There is great power when the living work together." He motioned to everything around them. "Everything that grows within this massive ship all the way to the massive walls that hold it in are essentially one living organism. It's many times over seven baffor trees. If the Dark Jedi purposefully merged this plants together, they may have collected a hive-mind on their own."

The Knight couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle to himself. All those years learning about plants in Pilgrim's Point as a youngling might have paid off. He started walking in the direction the plants were inviting them to go, expecting the others to follow him. "The Force is a mystical, mysterious thing. Let's just hope it doesn't kill us."

The plants led them to a large grassy knoll area inside the hallway of the ship. It certainly looked like the vines were covering something up, and it sure seemed to be about the right size for a skeleton of someone trying to make a hasty exit. He looked at the Padawan and motioned to the large cluster of green foliage before them. "Seems like a job for low-man, huh? Just, uh...don't anger the plants. Be gentle."

Isen folded his arms with a bit of a smirk. He fully expected a dead body in the weeds, and with any luck, a green holocron.

@Just Matt Now @lizziie

 

[Sace Vsil]

Sace had to know that this was coming, though his mind had been snapped back to reality after listening about the sentient planet and trees that Isen had spoken of. Could there really be a sentient planet that could go as it pleased? What the heck does it eat? Sace's mind shot back to the matter at hand. He followed the Jedi Knight to a plan area covered in grass and vines. One could barely tell that they were still in a capital ship.

A large patch of vines seemed to lay right in the venter, almost like a hill among the grass. Sace slithered over, his tail curving in the soft grass until he made his way to the vine patch.

Well...here goes nothing!

Sace reached out with the Force as best he could, trying to lessen his physical impact on the vines themselves. And he was accomplishing just that. Moving the vines away, he could see dark black and red cloth. Gently he began moving it some more, eventually making out the hands and torso of the Dark Jedi. Sace went to touch his hands that had clearly clutched something within, despite his skepticism of touching a skeleton. And once Sace had made contact, the vines lashed out.

Catching him by surprise due to Sace's brief success, a vine smacked the padawan across his face and chest enough to back him away from the corpse. Sace recovered and looked back, the portion of the corpse was still uncovered, though the skeleton hands still pursed shut. Sace made a move, but could see the vines becoming agitated. Sace couldnt move towards the body without repercussion from the vines.

@Isen @lizziie

 

[Jaesa Valerin]

Seeing Sace begin to agitate the vines, Jaesa stepped forward and did as she did before alongside Isen. "Let me help." Her hands outstretched and with a calm mind, she reached out within the Force to settle the emotions of the sentient flora. The plants began to settle down, retreating further from the body just enough to allow Sace (or Isen) to nab the item from the corpse. Jaesa would maintain this connection until the item was removed from the body, after which she would gently end her concentration on the connection.

Dice roll - 66/100

@Isen @Just Matt Now

 

[Isen Ramm]

Jaesa's connection with the plants worked well. They swayed and moved so that the remains of the corpse was clearly outlined and the green cube could clearly be seen and ready to be picked up..if the plants would allow it. Isen pointed to it and said, "Sace, grab the holocron and pack it tight."

Isen wanted to make sure that the plants would be cooperative and actually allow them to leave. Grabbing the holocron would do them no good if they they were swarmed and chocked by killer vines. He knelt down and allowed his wrists to be wrapped up slowly with the vines. He took the thick, green living cords in his hands and much like he would with animal bonding, he allowed his own Force signature to meld with theirs so to the plants, he would be seen as part of them. He could also read their sentient thoughts and memories.

The other two Jedi would see him nodding, eyes closed with nearly silent grunts or hums coming from him. After a few moments, it would stop, and Isen would rise as the vines let loose of his wrists. "Well, they knew this Jedi was...bad. No other way to put it. They were worried that we were full of the Dark Side like this poor soul here." Isen poked around the skeleton and found what he was looking for- a lightsaber hilt. The skeletal hand still held it in its grasp. Isen ignited and the red crystal lit up with a red beam of energy. It still worked. Isen pocketed it and said, "The good news is that they now believe we are bound to the light side of the Force. Let's not do anything to change its mind, huh?"

Once more, the plants parted and provided a recommended pathway for the Jedi to exit the remains of the ship. Isen motioned in that direction and told Sace, "Holocron bearer, lead the way. Maybe we can pick up that amulet and keep the locals happy with us."

@lizziie @Just Matt Now

Spoiler: Dice

77 out of 100 on building on Jaesa's plant/Jedi relationship

 

[Sace Vsil]

Sace was happy to have such experienced JEdi with him along this misison, although it was probably because they wer eon this mission that the Padawan was even there with them. Regardless, he was glad Jaesa came to lend him a hand in calming the vines from their agitation.

The snake moved in as instructed by both Knights. Grabbing the holocron and tucking it away into a pocket inside of his chest. The immediate touch of the holocron gave a shiver down the snakes back. He could feel the history and power that it contained. It became clear to why the plants had revolved their being around the holocron and kept it so safe. Though Sace was more interested in what the holocron could teach them.

The Sluissi nodded towards Isen who had instructed that he lead the way with the aid of the holocron. Hopefully with it in his possession the plants would not attack for fear of its destruction. This hive-mind was smarter than Sace had first realized. If Isen was correct, than it would tell the difference between lightside users and dark. Which was fortunate for them...and less fortunate for the dead dark jedi they had to leave behind. Despite all of this, Sace was able to move freely down the path guided by the very plants that had tried to kill them...and for now without incident.

@Isen @lizziie

 

[Jaesa Valerin]

Jaesa followed Sace down the path, cautious of the living plant system around them. The holocron had been secured safely from the body, so she hoped that their passage back would be without incident. They were led by the plants back to where they'd entered from. Jaesa hoisted herself up into the hole, then reached her hand down to help whoever would follow next. Once they were all out safely, she would ask about the other item on their agenda.

"Should we now search for the necklace?"

 

[Isen Ramm]

Isen nodded at that. The plants were true and their parting gave way to an exit out of the ship. The air was lighter and while the sun was setting and dusk was upon them, it was still remarkably brighter than the interior of the old capital ship. "It's getting dark. We better hurry. Even with the plants help, if it gets much darker, we'll have to accidentally trip over that skeleton to find the trinket."

Speaking of, Isen thought if the plants were this helpful so far, maybe they would give their aid once more. He knelt down and allowed the vines and foliage to wrap themselves around his wrists and arms. Through the Force, Isen would ask where the remains and the necklace could be found. Instead of help, the plants around his wrists gripped tighter and whipped off him, lacerating his arms.

And with that, the the plants no longer feigned interest in the Jedi. Their parting trail to show the way disappeared, and if not for the days events, the Jedi wouldn't even know they were sentient and giving thought to the actions of the Jedi. "Come on, let's get head for the coordinates. Maybe they're correct."

Things started to swirl for the Kiffar Jedi Knight. He became slightly dizzy and nauseous. He didn't want to tell the others just yet, so he tried to manage as best he could, hoping he could keep his situation under wraps for now. He plugged the coordinates into his datapad and started walking in that direction, albeit with the most subtle of staggers from side to side.

@lizziie @Just Matt Now

Spoiler: Dice

21 out of 100 Failure with a minor negative consequence

 

[Sace Vsil]

Sace was comfortable enough to follow the plants direction. And as Jaesa had mentioned he too was curious about the necklace so that they can help the Twilek people. Sace's comfort led him to see some small details as Master Isen took another knew as he had before to learn from the vines. Though this time was different. As he emerged, Sace could see the small lacerations on his forearms. Looking ahead towards their path, he noticed that is soon disappeared.

"Thisss isnt good is it...?" The Sluissi Padawan took out his borrowed lightsaber and ignited it properly. He wasnt sure if the plants were going to attack, but it was clear that their help had quickly ended.. the previous direction of their path had now been blocked, though it was clear which direction it led them.

"Thisss is where the path was leading...If not to the necklace, at leasst it will lead us out of here..."

@lizziie @Isen

 

[Jaesa Valerin]

Jaesa continued to follow the coordinates, keeping a few meters ahead of Sace and Isen. It was much easier to see now that they were outside of the darkness of the ship. The Dathomirian led them towards the coordinates until they came across what appeared to be yet another corpse. This one was more easily distinguishable than the last, as it was not covered in writhing vines. It was a skeleton in fine robes and wearing a large golden necklace, which Jaesa could only assume was the necklace belonging to the twi'liek ancestor. She reached down and unclasped it from the corpse's neck, then carefully placed it in her pocket.

"Already, we're good to leave."

@Isen @Just Matt Now

 

[Isen Ramm]

One thing was for sure, Isen was very happy that the coordinates were accurate. He nodded to Jaesa who picked up the necklace and made note that they were ready to leave. Isen needed to get outside of that fence and either get a Force heal or some sort of antidote for whatever poison or toxin the plant had injected him. Maybe he would be lucky and his body would fight it like a spider bite or some sort of minor rash caused by touching a poisonous plant. With the necklace and the holocron in their possession, they could leave these crazy plants to their own devices.

Isen became more and more dizzy as they made their way to the wall that kept the sentient plants hemmed in. As they approached the gate, it opened quickly and the Twi'lek guards were waiting anxiously on the other side. They saw Isen stumbling, but were too scared to go into the walls and help him out. As soon as Isen crossed the threshold, he collapsed to his knees, shaking his head. He was too dizzy to stand and had a massive headache. Still, he managed to tell the Twi'leks, "Tell your chief we got the necklace."

One of the Twi'leks noticed the scraps on Isen's wrists and forearms and recognized them immediately. "I know what you need. A strand of that plant made its way out of the wall and has become an invasive plant species in a grove not far from here." He spoke into the comlink on his shoulder and told the Jedi, "We are rushing a salve to ease your pain and dizziness. You'll be weak for a few days, but you'll be good as new not long after."

Isen nodded as he managed to fling himself backwards so that he was sitting up against the wall. "Thank you," he said before looking up at Sace. "The holocron. Mind if I take a look at it?"

@Just Matt Now @lizziie