What is this feeling?

[Aurora Blackwood]

Life never exactly went the way one suspected, or rather the Force was a mysterious element that never traveled in a singular line. These were the thoughts that passed through Aurora Blackwood’s mind as she sat in the corner of a seedy bar on Anoat. She had found her way here after the disastrous result at the Czerka embassy. Aurora had fully changed her clothes several times, and taken a very round about way to get here. Her arrival preceded her partners. The terrible bar in the back corner of Anoat’s capital was the meeting place for the two Jedi should they have been separated. Of course, they were separated.

Aurora and Val had been accosted by two of the edgiest Sith she had ever seen. They had somehow figured out the two Jedi were there to stir up trouble. They were saved by the appearance of a Mandalorian woman who Aurora had never seen, but Val appeared to know closely. A million questions had whirred through her mind but it had not been the time. There was no point in risking the Alliance or the Jedi. So Aurora had come here, waiting for Val. There was more than one thing they needed to discuss. First, his strange relationship with that Mando. The same woman the Sith had confessed his love for. Two, how best to keep the Alliance and the Order safe. The Alliance Internal Division needed members and the two of them were best suited to choose those members.

Aurora trusted Val more than any of the other Jedi, simply because she knew him best. Leah was growing on her but the twi’lik and Master Luy were still a mystery. Aurora pushed around the glasses on the table while she waited. Kirff, Val hurry up. She could only imagine what was holding him up. Aurora did not want to hear too many details of his meeting with that Mandalorian woman. That was simply something she didn’t’ need to know. @Valentine Rayth @Orbit

 

[The Eternal (?)]

Valentine eventually arrived back on Anoat, in a new change of clothes as well as he walked through the busy streets. It was only a few days ago that he had been at the embassy with Aurora before some Sith changed all that dramatically and Raz getting involved in the very end. All that happened from him being taken by her was a long walk back to the spaceport. The two Jedi had a meeting point to a random bar and it was in Val's view, the neon sign pulsating brightly and reflecting off everyone below. He could already sense her signature and it seemed like he was the only one who had precaution enough to keep his suppressed when out like this.

Walking through the front door of the bar, it was slightly filled with an assortment of different races while the bartender continued handing out drinks. Aurora was easy to spot for him as she was the only who didn't look like she came from a local refueling station. Val made his way over to her his gaze already locked on hers before he gave her grin as he sat down. He already knew she would ask about one thing and that was Raz. Val didn't have a coherent answer for her even if he wanted to, she was most confusing thing to him ever and most of the time he didn't even know they were on the same side. Another thing he guessed was the discussion of AID, a newly discovered program that would need a careful selection process.

Val maintained his gaze with Aurora for a few seconds before gesturing a hand towards her, "Pleasure to see you as always," His hair was slightly disheveled and he appeared tired, more lack of sleep and remaining on the move than anything else. Other than that he didn't show any sign that he was affected by it. When he glanced around at the bar and the scene, he looked back toward Aurora before smirking, "I quite like your taste."

 

[Aurora Blackwood]

Aurora drummed her fingers on the table. Waiting. She was typically a more patient woman, but her questions needed answering. The Jedi were few and she would never trust a Mandalorian. Had Val forgotten his history? Or had he just never learned the truth of the horror put upon the Order at the hands of the Mandalorians. They could not afford to take any risks. Finally, Val arrived. Aurora scooted so that he could more easily slid into the booth. She clicked her tongue and ran it for her teeth. “Seemed like the kind of place two Sith and a Mandalorian wouldn’t wander into.” She cringed. “Yikes, start of a bad joke.”

Her voice adopted a much more somber tone. She trusted Val, if only because he was Jedi. She sensed no darkness in her companion. Frankly, Val was the Jedi she knew best. She ran her hand through her hair. “Alright…what’s the deal with the Mandalorian. That creepy Sith professes his love for her and then she whisks you away like you’re best friends?” She leaned back against the dirty booth seat. “They hunted the Order to extinction. Murdered our ancestors like dogs.” A small sigh escaped the Morellian Master. “I know they confess to hating the Empire now, but they are dangerous. She is dangerous.” She held her hand up for a moment. “This isn’t a lecture, I’m concerned. That’s all.”

Aurora didn’t live under a rock. She knew the armor of the Solus leader, and she knew exactly the trouble that followed a woman like that. Trouble the Alliance and the Jedi did not need. She could only hope Val was smart enough to realize that. Deals with the Mandalorians would be deals with devils. She did not doubt that for one moment. Aurora would not forget the past. @Orbit

 

[The Eternal (?)]

Valentine had seen plenty of times that Aurora was one for words and he wasn't disappointed, Immediately referring to the situation on the planet from before. Despite that, he couldn't but chuckle softly despite her visible cringe, "I kinda like that joke." That situation still seemed like something out of a comic book and he wasn't surprised that it was brought knowing him being taken by Raz and flown off somewhere wasn't really the best look. Val leaned back into his booth, waiting for Aurora to speak her mind before he said anything.

While she spoke it was clear to him now that completely despised the Mandalorians. Val had to admit he didn't know much of all the past stories of Mandolorains besides the typical ones that they were bloodthirsty savages who tried to raze the galaxy. He didn't disagree that they would have to keep an eye on their up and coming ally but they had to get through this first. When Aurora finished her words, Val sat forward and rested his elbows on the table as he locked gazes with her. He was going to tell her the whole truth, wanting to squash any suspicion between them now instead of letting it grow in the back of her head. "Her name is Raz, she was the leader of Clan Solus and potential allies to our little alliance but I'm assuming you know that. We met five years ago where she most likely was snooping around my camp. To cut a long story short we were attacked by pirates, she saved me and my men's lives and I have saved her life." She may have been a pain in his ass, but they couldn't have made it off the planet without each other and he owed her for that.

"Now I don't know about the Sith because I don't keep track of her personal life. And I'm sorry to break to you Aurora but you're going to have to look past their history. We both know our ancestors weren't the angels that they tried to make themselves believed and you have to wonder what irked the Mandalorians to suddenly try and hunt our old Order to near extinction?" Val let his question hang in the air for a moment before speaking again, "I'm not saying we accept them blindly but we're gonna have to start tearing down some walls if we want this to work. It's a joint effort."

Val then held up his hand so that he could say his final words, "And to let this not grow in the back of your head, No, I am not a lovesick puppy for her. I recognize what's on our shoulders." Even if it wasn't on Aurora's mind, he at least wanted her to know so that he didn't have to worry about her forming those thoughts later. Val then leaned back in his booth, a grin touching his lips, "Now come on Aurora, don't look so glum." The Jedi stretched his arm along the spine of the booth before cocking an eyebrow at her, "I'm sure you have a list of candidates for our little program?"

 

[Aurora Blackwood]

Aurora listened carefully as Val explained his odd relationship with the Mandalorian. She had not requested this meeting to pass judgment. Aurora was many things, but she was not perfect. The Morellian Jedi Master could admit her flaws. She tried to accept those problems and not judge others. Well, she tried. Aurora was not always successful. Val seemed honest in his convictions. He always seemed honest in his convictions. It made it difficult for Aurora to read him, but she did trust him. “There are no easy paths forward.” She shook her head. “I know that. Even on our best day we our outmanned and outgunned a thousand times over.” This was a sad truth they both knew.

“We need allies, but if the day ever comes when balance is restored I don’t want to begin another war over again.” Her voice was soft as she spoke. “We were enemies once, I have no reason to think we won’t be enemies again.” Aurora would not repeat the failures of the past. She would nto allow the Order to fall again. She raised a hand. “I don’t know Raz, and I trust your assessment. We both know damn well what we are up against.” Aurora fought the urge to sigh heavily. None of this was easy. She wished they had a manual. “I will not judge her or the other Mandalorians on the actions of their ancestors, just as I hope we will not be judged on the past.” One finger raised into the air. “But I don’t like any of this.” She flashed a quick smile.

“Our little side project is a more pleasurable discussion.” Her face scrunched up in through. “I have a few I’m considering, but I have concerns. One mistake and this all falls apart. The list is far too short for what we need.” She hoped Val had a few he was considering as well. @Orbit

 

[The Eternal (?)]

Valentine wasn't surprised that Aurora didn't like the situation. When she raised her finger to bring that point he couldn't help but laugh softly, "Duly noted miss." He offered his own smile to her as he was glad that she would at least try and make this work. Val always hated that people made alliances and then hated each other without at least trying to understand. He hoped one day he could change other people's view on it. Aurora brought up what they were really here, for now, listing that she had a few candidates but she didn't seem quite happy with her own selection. Val sat forward as he pulled his arm down before murmuring, "Then let's not make a mistake."

The Jedi pulled out a PDA from the inside of his coat, placing it down gently on the table before sliding it over to Aurora. "I only have one candidate but he seems solid. His name is Thomas Walker, an MI agent who recently hasn't approved of the Empire's actions." Val sat back in his both before shrugging his shoulders, "He isn't in a high up in the chain of command but he's experienced. Enough to teach us how the MI operates and what their potential targets would be. Also, he's right here on the planet with us, on one of the Imperial's listening post and what not." He spoke quietly and just to Aurora, taking the precautions that nobody was listening to them. Val reached for his glass before taking a sip of his drink, savoring the taste before placing it back down softly. "There's a catch though."

"Thomas believed he's already compromised somehow, to what extent? He doesn't know. The man wants us to retrieve him or he'll offer his services somewhere else that will give him a safe haven." Val bounced his head back and forth lightly before shrugging his broad shoulders again at Aurora, "Could be a trap but that's why we're here, to make sure our boy Thomas is telling the truth and getting a new potential asset." Val was silent for a few moments before gesturing his hand to Aurora, "What do you think?"

 

[Aurora Blackwood]

The formation of the Internal Division was always going to be dangerous. There was a certaint amount of faith they needed to place in those around them. Aurora had never been great with trusting others. Oh, she had faith. Plenty of it. The Force she trusted absolutely, it was the people of the galaxy she struggled to always understand. The Order was so fragile, so close to the end. Aurora could not imagine being responsible for the mistake that ended the Jedi or the Alliance. This was the risk they took forming AID. The Alliance needed an unflinching internal intelligence service. The Jedi were in the perfect position to create that service. That didn’t mean she felt entirely comfortable with what they were doing.

Aurora nodded slowly while she listened to Val. A valuable resource undoubtably, and they had the ultimate advantage in the Force. They could peer into the minds of their recruits. They could ensure there were not secrets that would topple the Alliance. “I’ve got one too, one of Leah’s students. Apparently he abandoned the Dxun cell before they turned terrorist.” Aurora didn’t trust any of the Rebels who advocated for such extreme violence. That made them no better than the Empire they fought against. “I’ll figure out if he’s worth the trouble.” She tried not to sigh heavily.

“Sounds like a trap, probably is a trap, but what choice do we have? She absentmindedly patted the sleeve hiding her saber. “We have to start somewhere and knowing how MI operates could be invaluable.” There really wasn’t a decision to make. The Morellian Master stood slowly. “Well, lets go get your boy.” A smile briefly lit her face again. “Hopefully, less jet packs and ass grabbing this time.” She motioned for Val to lead the way. The Force knew she had know idea where they were going. @Orbit

 

[The Eternal (?)]

Valentine chuckled as Aurora heaved out a heavy sigh at the prospect of checking out one of Leah's students. He couldn't help but chuckle at her response to it, "Have an open mind Aurora. You already don't like people before you meet them. Doesn't look well." Aurora cracked him up, the woman seeming to be so pessimistic at times and then turning it into pure optimism. Val was glad to have met her, she offered an interesting perspective on things.

Regarding her question, Val shrugged his broad shoulders, "Don't really have a choice. That's what makes it exciting." They did have to start somewhere and not every move they make was going to be risk-free and good rewards. They were going to have to take some leads that could very well be an ambush or be their demise if they weren't careful. Val stood up with her, stretching his muscles slightly before rolling his neck, feeling a few pops in it. With her comment, Val couldn't help but laugh softly before looking over to Aurora, "Then where is all the fun going to come from?" He remembered the show they failed to pass off in order to convince the Sith that they were a couple. They did seem more persistent then needed to be but either way that was in the past.

With Aurora ready, Val threw down a couple of credits on the table before making his way out of the establishment. From the last communication he had from Thomas, the operative wasn't far from their location and Val stepped onto the busy sidewalk. The MI had set up a secret listening post on the planet, just there to monitor any unusual activity and such. Thankfully their man was stationed there and it would make this a lot easier instead of hopping to a different part of the galaxy. While they walked towards their destination, they still had quite some time before they reached it and Val used it to speak. "So, are you glad you decided to join with us or no?" Val hadn't really spoken to her since when they first met and other meetings. He heard the vast amount of students she was taking on and he was proud to see her involved in such way compared to her words when they first met. While they walked, Val kept an eye out for any suspicious activity around them, knowing they would still be getting closer and closer to an MI operating base.

 

[Aurora Blackwood]

Aurora hated small talk. She was terrible at it, awful really. A life lived alone wandering the Outer Rim really robbed her of that skill. As she walked beside Val her eyes swept across the street. She was too easily reminded of how horrible things had gone the last time they tried a little maneuver on Anoat. Aurora would really like to avoid anymore [i[]inappropriate[/i] contact. She didn’t sense anyone creeping on them in the Force, and didn’t see anything overtly suspicious. They were probably safe for now. The closer they got to the listening post, the more likely something terrible would happen. Sadly, there was something far worse on the horizon. She had to admit Val was right. Her voice was cold as she spoke.

“Do not repeat this…I kriffing swear I will turn us all over to the Sith.” One deep breath as her voice softened. “You were right, I was wrong to think we could not do this…no.” Another deep breath. She really hated admitting she was wrong. “I was afraid and I let that fear control me.” Aurora shot Val one glance as they continued to walk. “You were right, Val. It was time and our little band of misfits might not fail.” She winked. “So yes, I am glad…and you better keep this to yourself.” They were getting closer to the MI listening post.

A prickle ran up her spine. She was drawn to two men standing on a street corner looking up the building where the listening post was located. They appeared to be just run of the mill citizens. The Force ran up the back of her neck again. She had learned a long time ago not to ignore that sensation. She nudged Val. Her voice was low as she spoke. “He is being watched.” There was almost no universe in which this went as smoothly as they hoped. In fact, she was pretty sure this was about to get all kriffed up. Nothing every went according to plan. Why did nothing ever go according to plan? @Orbit

 

[The Eternal (?)]

Upon hearing Aurora telling him not to repeat her next statement, Valentine couldn't help the grin that was already forming, knowing her answer. He glanced over to her, completely relishing in the fact that she admitted he was right and her wrong. Val knew it bothered her, it bothered anyone to admit they were wrong, but he had a feeling it bothered her more than most people and that's what made him relish it more. When she told him to keep it to himself, Val chuckled before just nudging her in the arm with an elbow, confirming that she had his silence on the matter.

When Aurora pointed out the two men, Val's eyes followed to where she went before back to the base where their VIP was. After a moment, the Jedi pulled out a comm link, opening a screen before typing a message out quickly and sending it. It was only a few moments before a response was given and Val opened the link, their target inside indeed confirming that he was being followed and that he couldn't just ditch them. The only the Jedi could do was let out a sigh, "Seems your right." Stashing the device away in coat, he cast a quick glance around before motioning Aurora to follow him, "Let's get a closer look." Val slipped his hands into his coat pockets, leading the way towards the base on the opposite sidewalk. He expected Aurora to pull up next to him to make this look more discreet and actually passable.

As they strolled down the sidewalk, Val took occasional glances at the building, looking for entrances or any apparent weaknesses that he could. He knew it wouldn't be that much of a fruitful effort, it after all an MI base but he might as well have tried. When that showed no obvious signs, the next thing he did was looking around for any more operatives that set up position around their little informant. This seemed so much like a trap but Thomas did warn him that he thought his peers/superiors were catching on to him. Either way, it was time to move fast. When they reached the other side of the building and out of view of the other two, Val pulled out his comm piece once more, deciding to ask Thomas if he knew a secret way that they could get in. While he did that, he asked Aurora, "You see anything as well?" It was the same format they did at the embassy, it working before the Sith decided to show up and ruin their fun.

 

[Aurora Blackwood]

They were reliving their last jaunt on Anoat. Aurora could only hope it did not end so terribly awful this time. She hadn’t seen any spooky Sith, nor sense anything in the Darkside. The last time the edge lords had appeared was a complete surprise. Anoat was a long way from either Empire, and Czerka wasn’t exactly known for hiring Sith. The entire interaction was strange. Besides, Anoat had secretly allied with the Rebellion. Hopefully it would be less likely for the Imperials to intervene.

As Val took off for a stroll Aurora followed. She kept her own hands casually by her side, wistfully looking from Val to the buildings surrounding the Jedi. She was nothing but the casual tourist wandering through the streets with her man. Aurora kept here eyes sweeping back and forth as they walked. She didn’t see a damn thing. Her senses in the Force came up equally empty, other than the remaining feeling of dread. The hideout was being watched. She was certain of that. There was almost no doubt in her mind that this was some form of a trap.

As they finished their rotation she turned to Val. Hopefully, this Thomas had another way in the building. “I didn’t see some fancy hidden entrance, or any entrance that wouldn’t blow our cover immediately.” She sighed heavily. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this…they must know he is defecting.” It was the only explanation for much of what they saw. Aurora smiled smugly. “These alleys aren’t very busy…we could always make our own entrance.” Her smile grew wider. It was incredibly risky, but not the worst plan she could come up with. They had the single most dangerous weapons in the galaxy. It was probably time they started to act like it. The Jedi couldn’t be afraid to use their gifts forever. @Orbit