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Jun 5, 2011 0:25:38 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 5, 2011 0:25:38 GMT -5
Sherasti Rin walked along a corridor of the Jedi Temple, soaking in the familiar ambiance. It was like old leather to her, smooth and organic despite being made by hands and tools rather than nature. A place of tranquility and rest, and one where the floor underfoot was pleasantly cool to her bare feet rather than chilling. A sanctuary, a refuge. A tower in time of war and a shelter in storms.
It was also home. Her first home really. The streets of Abregado-rae in which she'd grown up were almost forgotten. They'd faded from her memory almost completely, cast aside with that past life. These hallowed halls were a part of her now, from the marble to the carpets, everything was etched into her consciousness. The very air she breathed was part of her there. But it was only one of her two homes and two selves. She shared her heart and her soul between the familiar Temple sights and the natural serenity of Shili.
Despite growing up isolated from her own kind, it was in her blood. She was a Togruta through and through, and one fortunate enough to have gotten in touch with those roots. She'd visited her ancestral homeworld, and been accepted as one of her people without reservation. She ran a hand idly over the akul-tooth headdress she wore while feeling the reassuring weight of the ornamental sash that softly made its presence felt with every step. Both symbols of who she was. And besides her, the catalyst for her growth.
She looked to Master Hult Pedara with a smile on her rust-colored face, revealing her fangs slightly. The Corellian Jedi Master had seen that expression on his former Padawan's face often enough that he knew exactly what it was. He looked beyond outer appearances in general and directly into the soul, but with Sherasti it was different. He'd seen her grow from an adorable little younging to a painted rose that towered over him. He knew each of her mannerisms and expressions, and they were as familiar to him as the back of his hand.
"It is very good to see you again Sherasti. I must say I was hoping you'd find some time to join us again on Coruscant. Of course I do realize a Jedi of your caliber is needed all across the Galaxy, but you'll forgive me my selfishness I trust."
"Of course Master," the Togruta said warmly, her rich and lilting voice seemingly making the entire corridor warmer and brighter. Whether it was a subconscious telepathic projection or simple charisma responsible, it had a wonderful effect. "I can say exactly the same thing about you. I'm glad our schedules managed to overlap a little. But we won't have time to eat together, that's probably a good thing though isn't it?" She alluded to her eating habits and Pedara's rather amusing reaction the first time she'd eaten a live thimiar in front of him. The rodents might have been a common meal on Shili, but humans especially didn't respond well to their nutritional value. Apparently by non-Togruta standards they were 'cute.'
"Don't remind me..." The Master mock-grimaced. Yes, he had loathed the sight. But he'd gotten used to it. It was really not that different from his own steak or sausages, only a little more fresh. And much more adorable. "Still, to see you again I'd eat a dozen meals with you. But not one over that." He waggled his finger in jest.
They continued to walk along, strolling almost leisurely and somehow falling in step with each other. From time to time Pedara would look up at his much-taller almost-daughter. A Padawan was the closest the Jedi came to having children, and the bond was every bit as close. For both of them. Hult Pedara was essentially Sherasti Rin's father, a surrogate for the hard-working man the Togruta had never actually known and whose face she could no long remember.
"Master, remind me where we're headed?" Sherasti prompted. She was brilliant in many ways, but tended to forget certain details. Often times her mind strayed to the detriment of her immediate surroundings, leading to her missing bits of conversation or not fully absorbing what was said. She would always remember eventually, if not always punctually.
"Nowhere in particular. I only have a few hours left here, and I was hoping you'd help an old man walk to his ship." His blue eyes twinkled. Their banter had become the subject of legends, and their relationship was incredibly close. Even without using her considerable telepathic abilities, Sherasti had the knack of knowing exactly what Pedara would do and say in a given situation. And she always knew just the right thing to say.
"Well of course Master, I remember now. I'm here to make sure you don't forget the way to the hangar bay in your old age." She smiled impishly at him, a single fang protruding from under her lopsided grin and contrasting beautifully with her skin. The expression on her face quickly changed to her more usual serene appearance, but with an aura of formality. Her violet eyes fixated on the figure approaching them. One which merited respect...
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Bones
The Wizard of AUS
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Jun 7, 2011 3:14:23 GMT -5
Post by Bones on Jun 7, 2011 3:14:23 GMT -5
(( Sorry it took me so long to get here!! ))
His eyebrows raised at what he was hearing from the hologram infront of him. So the situations had changed in the negotiations. He smiled slightly, knowing that one of their best was going to be present to help mediate the issue. Master Hult Pedara would be more than capable of this task, he was sure of it.
He stroked the chin of his mask for a moment. This, of course, left him in quite a dilemma. With one of their most effective and experienced mediators going off world, that left limited options to the council if they needed more consulars. He was very, very much aware that their consulars were spreading thin at the moment, dispersed across the galaxy.
He suddenly had an idea. Obviously he would have to notify Master Pedara about the change in situation, but he could also use the opportunity to ask him for advice, or recomendations, un the subject of any talented mediators he knew of. He nodded to himself. Asking for advice was never below him, and he could think of noone better to ask on the subject except for himself.
He turned, walking out from the room, his brown robe billowing out around him as he walked. He knew where he would find Master Peldara. His best bet was going to be reaching him at the hangar bay. His warm brown eyes scanned the view infront of him. Younglings. Padawans. Knights. He nodded to the ones he knew, and smiled behind his masks even to the ones he did not know.
Eventually, Kaiven reached the hangar bay and looked around the vast space. The ship assigned to Master Peldara was still there. Good news for him. As he continued looking around, he could feel the presence coming closer. Although he could not see the Master, Kaiven knew that his ability in the force was strong enough for him to hear his words, "Master Peldara, a quick word before you leave, if we could?" He said quietly, almost a whisper.
(( Sorry it's not real good. Had to think of a reason for Kaiven to meet them. ))
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jun 7, 2011 9:59:46 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 7, 2011 9:59:46 GMT -5
Pedara made visual contact a half second after hearing the voice. "Of course Councilor, you know I always have time for you. How can I be of service?" The master asked Kaiven with a pleased look on his lined face.
At the same time Sherasti stared at the Councilor's brown eyes. In all her years she'd never met him. She'd seen him around, his mask was distinctive enough to ensure he wouldn't go unnoticed, but she'd never heard his voice until now. And she wasn't sure if she'd been intended to. Her own spatial senses and hearing were extremely sensitive, so she had heard ever single whispered word. And vaguely she wondered how they knew each other? It was subtle yes, but something about the way words were said revealed it.
She cleared her throat, prompting her Master to introduce her. Sometimes he needed a little 'push.'
"Hmmm? Oh, yes. Councilor, may I present my former Padawan Sherasti Rin. My best student."
The Togruta clasped her hands together and bowed, dipping her montrals a good deal with the movement. "It is an honor to meet you Master Kaiven." Her voice was sincere and respectful, reflecting the honor she did feel. It wasn't mere words.
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Bones
The Wizard of AUS
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Jun 8, 2011 4:49:27 GMT -5
Post by Bones on Jun 8, 2011 4:49:27 GMT -5
He looked at the young Togruta, smiling behind his mask. "No, Sherasti, the honour is most certainly mine." He said, bowing slightly to her. He pondered for a moment... So this young woman had been the padawan of their best mediator? He wondered how much of his talent she had inherited. "I will most certainly be keeping a very close eye on your progression, Sherasti." He said, his eyes looking into hers, as if he could read her soul by looking into them. Oh, how he loved using the force.
He looked back to Pedara before saying, "It seems like the situation off planet has taken a back step again. The Defia clan are now accusing the Distri's of kidnapping and murdering their nephew. Apparently the situation has turned rather violent again. The two Sentinels already there are struggling to keep the situation under control. It would not be too late to arrange for some, say, travelling companions to join you?" He asked, his voice showing nothing but concern.
"There is, however, another request the council has of you. Unfortunately our resources are spreading rather thin, and we are running out of skilled mediators. We were wondering if you possibly had any suggestions for more capable minds to assist in this respect?" His eyes turned slightly to Sherasti before saying, queryingly, "Perhaps an ex-padawan could be more than up to the job?"
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jun 8, 2011 8:36:41 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 8, 2011 8:36:41 GMT -5
"Of course I'm always willing to have a few others accompany me, but you have to realize the Defia and the Distri won't respond well to force. Or the perceived threat of force either in fact. They tend to value the actions of a single person. I will make sure to settle this on my trip." Pedara stroked his graying beard thoughtfully as he finished his appraisal of the situation. Sometimes he had a tendency to analyze things out loud.
He turned his twinkling eyes onto his former Padawan and nodded approvingly. "Yes, I'd be hard-pressed to think of anyone better qualified for diplomatic missions than Sherasti. She has my full confidence. And in fact, I was planning to stop by Ukio to arrange a little matter. Perhaps she would make a more suitable candidate for that mission."
The Togruta 'blushed' slightly. It was an expression that read quite differently on her species, the blue chevron markings on her montrals and lekku seemed to grow lighter than their usual navy blue and her skin tinted more towards orange. But she kept her voice calm and serene. "Thank you Master Kaiven, Master Pedara. I know I'm ready for this, I can feel it in the Force. I won't let you down."
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Bones
The Wizard of AUS
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Jun 12, 2011 21:58:37 GMT -5
Post by Bones on Jun 12, 2011 21:58:37 GMT -5
His eyes wandered over the young Togruta, taking in the image before him once again. He reached out with the force, allowing him to see deeper into her. Charismatic, confident, and self sure. He was looking for faults which could undermine her abilities as a diplomat. What made him smile, and also a liottle cautious, was that he could not find any faults. Naturally, he knew there would be one. There always was. He just didn't believe it to be strong, and he knew very, very few would be able to find it and exploit it.
"So be it. I shall put Sherasti's name forward to the Jedi Council for consideration on this subject." He said, his eyes still lingering on the young Togruta. His eyes flicked back to Pedara before he continued, "The Watchman will be there for assistance, naturally. Perhaps the two of you combined would be enough if it turns volitile. You can always call for reinforcements, afterall"
He looked at the ship before turning back to Pedara, "Well, Master Pedara, I do believe that it is time for you to leave. I wish you the best of luck on your mission. May the force be with you."
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jun 12, 2011 22:13:34 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 12, 2011 22:13:34 GMT -5
"And also with you Councilor," Pedara replied to Kaiven with a smile and a nod. He stroked his greying beard thoughtfully, a mannerism those who knew him were very familiar with. He was planning out his next words, making them count. He turned his blue eyes on his former Padawan. "Have confidence Sherasti, the force will be with you. It will always be with you."
He laid a hand on her shoulder, resting it there for a second before he turned to his shuttle and boarded the craft.
The Togruta stared at the craft, and followed it with her eyes as it left. She did miss her master still, and she remembered the good days learning under his tutelage. A smile played out on her face as she remembered their first encounter. She'd been a youngling. A rather clumsy youngling who lost her grip on her training saber and almost sent it flying into Pedara's face. She'd been mortified, he'd been amused.
Yes, she did miss him. But the entire Jedi Order was her family. She couldn't feel alone with so many brothers and sisters.
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Jun 13, 2011 22:09:53 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Jun 13, 2011 22:09:53 GMT -5
{Got the all-clear from lmr, so here I go}
Another day, another damn meeting. Locke's shuttle trailed lazily through Coruscant's crowded skylines. Least it wasn't bad. Not too bad, anyway.
He was leaving a meeting with one of the Masters among the Investigators, along with a contact he'd spent the last few months grooming for a particular investigation he'd been conducting. Both of them had been undercover, of course; the contact wouldn't meet them at the Temple and it wouldn't do for two Jedi to be seen meeting with her. With the meeting done, he headed back to the Temple. The other Investigator had more things to attend to, and so was still out in the city proper.
The talk hadn't been anything too out of the ordinary-simply an update on a trail he'd been following on a rather wealthy crime lord that had some rather interesting ties to the Hutts. That wasn't too surprising, really. What had caught his attention were the things that lurked below the surface; things that pointed to dealings with the Sith. Whether casual or of a more serious nature, he couldn't yet say, but he was looking. It'd probably get handed off to another Investigator the near future, though. Can't go dragging the two kiddies with me down every rabbit hole I come across. Especially not when one required more care and experience than his two students had.
Ah well.
He flew on toward the Temple, absentmindedly humming a raunchy smuggler's tune he'd pick up from a job on Metellos a few years back. As his hands handled the controls and his throat made soft music, his mind churned. Presently it was running through a list of things that needed to be done before the day's end. Most of it involved teaching his students. They'd had their morning sessions together and they would meet in a while, after lunch had come and gone.
For now, though, Locke would have a bit of free time when he made it to the Temple. And he intended to use it as such; the last few days, weeks, had been busy. Very busy, with another new student under his wing, and more than a little stressful with the war. A little time to take it easy wasn't a bad thing.
Before too long, he reached the Temple hangar, just as another craft pulled out. He eased the throttle down, waited for a moment to let the craft pull out and came into the hangar to land. He powered the shuttle down, patted himself to make sure he had all his things and raised the door to let himself out.
He was dressed casually. His usual overcoat was replaced by a black and blue jacket, something that a spacer might wear. He wore a grey shirt beneath, and his trousers were dark grey, tucked into black working boots. A pistol--his pistol--hung at his side, while his two lightsabers were hidden away.
As he stood and stretched, muttering something about cramped rides, he spotted two Jedi nearby. He recognized one--Councilman Kaiven Te'baas--even though he didn't personally know him. The other wasn't immediately recognizable. Mmm, I think I'm feeling sociable, he thought as he walked over to them.
"Hey there," he said, coming to stop a few paces away from him. "Kaiven Te'Baas," he gave the Councilor a slight nod of respect, though he didn't use his title; he didn't call any Jedi by a title, from younglings to the Grandmaster. He didn't particularly care what others thought of it, either. "I've heard of you, but never met. Pleasure to meet you." He held a hand out for shaking, then looked to the Togruta.
She too got a respectful tip of the head and an offered hand. "Can't say we've crossed paths either, 'less my memory's falin' me." He grinned wryly. "Wouldn't be the first time.
"Name's Locke Nemsee. Pleasure to meet you both."
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jun 13, 2011 22:49:03 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 13, 2011 22:49:03 GMT -5
Sherasti bowed her head slightly and accepted the hand. She'd been around enough humans to know their cultural traditions, like the handshake.
"My name is Sherasti Rin," she introduced herself as her violet eyes summed up the Jedi in front of her.
Certainly he didn't fit into the preconceived notion of what a Jedi should look like. Instead of the robes, he was wearing clothing more typical of a spacer. His demeanor even seemed that way as well. Though there were unconventional Jedi, this went even farther. Clearly he was an investigator for the Order, required to blend in around the general public. It was the only possible explanation.
It also helped explain why they'd never met before. Their differing specialties guaranteed they'd never crossed paths on assignment, and given the size of the Temple and their slight age difference things would have been staggered just enough to make contact unlikely. If he'd been perhaps three years younger, or if she'd been three years older, then they probably would have been friends as younglings.
But they hadn't been. And now was an opportunity to make friends. 'Networking' they called it.
"And you're right. We haven't met before, I'm sure I would remember you." A smile tugged at her lips, revealing a pair of fangs as she hinted at his unique characteristics. She could sense that he was quite the individual. And she was actually quite curious to learn more.
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Bones
The Wizard of AUS
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Jun 14, 2011 19:38:14 GMT -5
Post by Bones on Jun 14, 2011 19:38:14 GMT -5
His eyes wandered over Sherasti again for a few moments, sensing her emotions upon watching her old master leave. "You miss your old master? A natural emotional response, but one to be wary of. Remember, missing someone can lead to the fear of losing them." He said quietly, not in a condescending way, but out of concern for the young Togruta. He could sense the other Jedi coming before he heard his words. He turned to face him, and like he did with everyone else, his eyes traced over the man, taking in his appearance and any hints he could pick up through the force about the person. He smiled beneath his mask. He knew exactly who this was, without ever even seeing the man. He noticed that his title was not used as he bowed his head back to the investigator, but it brought no ill-feelings. It was not out of disrespect that Locke refused to use titles. Infact, Kaiven saw it as being out of respect for all Jedi. "Likewise, Locke Nemsee. Your reputation preceeds you as always." He replied, reaching out and clasping the younger man's hand. He looked into his eyes for a moment before also looking to Sherasti. He smiled for a moment, looking at the interaction between the two. "Now, forgive me you two, but I must now take my leave." He bowed once again before turning, walking away back towards the council chambers. (( Thought this would be a good part for Kaiven to jump out and Locke and Sherasti get to know each other. lmr, looking forward to the threads with Sherasti, Biya and Kaiven. Rugs, don't let Locke be a stranger.  )) |
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Jun 15, 2011 17:05:37 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Jun 15, 2011 17:05:37 GMT -5
"Likewise, Locke Nemsee. Your reputation precedes you as always."
Locke lifted his brows slightly as Kaiven took his hand and shook it. "So I have a reputation, do I?" He grinned wryly, gave a soft little chuckle. "Why that just sounds lovely." When Kaiven let his hand go, Locke took a moment to study the man, though beyond his eyes, there wasn't much to see past the mask he wore. For a moment, Locke wondered what was behind it.
Concluding it wasn't any of his business, he turned to the Togruta, who introduced herself as Sherasti. Locke studied her as they shook hands. She was a bit taller than him, and taller still with those montrails that stuck up above her head. She made him think of Tey, a young Togruta Knight he knew. Wonder how Tey's doin', anyway.
For a moment Locke wondered if she ever hit them on things like doors and speeders--Force only knew he'd hit his head enough times when clambering hastily into a speeder. But it was quickly dismissed and thrown away, as many of his... lighter thoughts were.
"Ah, so I was right then," he said, his voice warm and friendly. "Good, good. See, once I forgot this Jedi I'd met a few years back. Went through the whole introduction thing only to find out I already knew her." He barked a laugh. "Awkwardest damn thing, I swear." He grinned again at his made-up word.
"Now, forgive me you two, but I must now take my leave."
Locke turned again to face the Councilman and gave a final respectful nod. "Take care, Kaiven." He watched the Councilor walk from the hangar, and once he was gone, returned his attention to Sherasti.
"So," he started, scratching lightly at his beard for a moment, "didn't interrupt anything, did I?"
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Jun 15, 2011 19:24:05 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 15, 2011 19:24:05 GMT -5
Sherasti silently bowed in response to the Councilor and watched him leave before fixing her gaze on Locke. She was glad to have the chance to meet another Jedi, certainly an unconventional one. Her own focus on diplomacy had meant very little interaction with investigators.
"You didn't interrupt anything at all. My former master was just leaving on a diplomatic mission, I took the opportunity to see him off and ended up in a discussion with the Councilor. I've never had trouble remembering faces, but I used to-"
The Togruta's stomach rumbled audibly, and she glanced apologetically at Locke. "I'm sorry, I skipped breakfast this morning. I need to eat something."
She paused, contemplating whether or not to extend the invitation she was deliberating. It wasn't exactly a gracious one, but she was interested in continuing the conversation and thought making the offer wouldn't hurt. He could always refuse.
"Would you mind joining me for lunch? Or at least walking to the mess with me. But I have to warn you, my diet can be a little awkward for some people and I don't want to offend you."
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Jun 16, 2011 0:01:09 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Jun 16, 2011 0:01:09 GMT -5
Locke chuckled warmly when Sherasti's stomach growled. "Hungry eh?" That wasn't so bad. He was a little hungry himself; he'd hoped to grab a bite while out in the city, but that hadn't really panned out. Ooooh, and she skipped breakfast. Ouch.
Her last statement had him laughing softly, though. "Ah, Sherasti, it takes a hell of a lot to offend me. But I can promise you that if I am in fact offended, I'll try my best to refrain from flipping the table and storming out of the mess. No guarantees, mind you, but I'll try." He grinned stupidly at her and chuckled. "But, to answer your question more directly, yes, I'll eat with you. Been meanin' to grab somethin' for lunch for a while now anyway."
Locke stuck his hands into his jacket pockets and started to walk, but suddenly stopped midstride and turned on his heel to face her again with a finger raised. "Of course, I have to request that this lunch be more pleasant than the last lunch with some other Jedi I was involved with. Not that you had anything to do with it." He turned around and continued on with his walking as if nothing had happened. Just the thought of that lunch made him want to shake his head. It was so hard to have a decent conversation sometimes. Not that he couldn't see why; tensions over the Sith threat had been high, as they were now.
He stuffed his hands back into his jacket pockets as he walked and glanced over to Sherasti. "So your old master's off on a diplomatic mission, eh? Where to?" He paused for a moment. "Well, if I can ask. You know how it is sometimes." If anyone understood the need for secrecy, it'd be one of the Investigators, after all.
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Jun 16, 2011 0:35:41 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 16, 2011 0:35:41 GMT -5
The Togruta Jedi started walking toward the mess and chuckled merrily, an emotion that simultaneously contrasted with and complimented the aura of serenity around her. "Don't worry about embarrassing me if you flip the table, I tend to eat alone most of the time anyway. It is rather difficult when you consider how social we are. But unless there are other Togruta around its hard to find anyone to eat with."
She paused before amending her statement. "In fact, its hard for me to socialize at all. People find me... intimidating." Her voice was a combination of amusement and disappointment. But it was clear she understood the rationale for why she was intimidating. Height. Fangs. Bright colors that would falsely indicate she was venomous.
"And to answer your question about Master Pedara, he's hoping to resolve a dispute between the Defia and the Distri. You may have seen something about it on the news broadcasts? Knowing him, it'll be over inside a week." Her eyes revealed a quiet pride in her master, who truly was the consummate diplomat of the Jedi Order. And who she was privileged to have as a surrogate father.
"Now tell me, what exactly happened at this last lunch? You made me curious. And I think its only fair to take turns interrogating each other." She flashed a roguish and lop-sided smile, a single fang protruding and giving the expression a unique touch all her own.
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Jun 17, 2011 23:38:20 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Jun 17, 2011 23:38:20 GMT -5
"People find you intimidating?" Locke glanced over his shoulder as they walked, studying her appearance again. She was tall yes, and had the whole sharp teeth and bright markings thing going on. Looks like any other Togruta to me. Perhaps it depended on if she meant intimidating like a rancor or that quiet sort of intimidation that could be felt around some of the older, wiser, and more powerful masters in the Order.
"How odd."
She seemed to be alright with it, so he didn't press the issue, but still, he was interested as to why, exactly. Maybe I'll find out.
She went on, answering his question about what it was her master had been sent off to do. Locke nodded twice. "Ahhhh, so he's off to handle that, then, is he?" He chuckled quietly, noting the pride in her voice. "And the Council must have had faith, if they sent him to handle it. Here's hoping," he went on, leading them 'round a corner and into a new hall. "Would be nice to have that mess dealt with and over."
They passed through an atrium as they moved along. Locke glanced about, keeping his ears open to Sherasti as his eyes scanned over the other Jedi scattered about. Students studying, masters and Knights going here and there, or stopping to talk to each other or two a younger Jedi. He didn't recognize anyone that he saw, or any of the myriad presences that filled the place. Don't see Jazen or Elys. Must be off somewhere else.
"The lunch?" He looked back to Sherasti, chuckled slightly at her almost impish little grin. "Well.... guess it wasn't my last lunch, per se. Was actually a while back. But it was the last time I ate with any reasonable number of other Jedi other than my students..." He sighed.
"It was when the Sith were just starting to rear their heads, see. Temple was tense as I've ever felt it. Well, some of us ended up sitting together for lunch. Topic came up and, well..." Locke tilted his head to either side and shrugged dismissively. "Got a bit heated at times. Understandable. Emotions were running high and when Jedi representing the two main schools of opinions came together..." Again he shrugged, looking over at her. "Well, y'know how it can be sometimes."
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Jun 18, 2011 13:03:02 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 18, 2011 13:03:02 GMT -5
Sherasti nodded. “Yes, I know exactly what you mean. Simply because we try to prevent our emotions from ruling us doesn’t mean they cease to exist. Sometimes when we are at our most complacent they rear their heads most loudly. Surrounded by other Jedi in such a place of peace, its easy to forget that emotions won’t simply vanish of their own accord. And they have been running high lately.”
The Togruta contemplated raising the specter of galactic events, and she decided not to risk it. Or at least not yet. She had little in the way of opinions about current affairs with the Sith, but it was always interesting to encounter diversity of thought and opinion. It was a sign of freedom and equality. And the Jedi Order hinged on equality, a cursory glance around the Temple would reveal hundreds of species all in a single family.
Maybe the topic of the Sith would come up again later, or not at all. She’d let it unfold as it would. But for now she’d move on to another topic she was curious about.
“You mentioned your students, are you an instructor here at the Temple? When it comes to teaching, I haven’t done anything more advanced than aid a few Younglings asking about Shili, but I sometimes wonder if I’ll wind up teaching some sort of course in the future.”
Her bare, red feet crossed the threshold into the dining facility they’d just entered, and she continued her leisurely pace and measured strides that ultimately took her up to one of the counters being staffed by a food service droid. She said something in the melodious and lilting Togruti language that prompted the droid to disappear through a backroom for a few moments.
It returned, carrying a small box about the size of the trays they served food on. Sherasti took it matter-of-factly and tucked it under her arm, her eyes examining Locke as she concealed the contents of the box out of a morbid desire to surprise him later on. “And what will you be having today?” She asked politely. The Togruta Jedi had a passing interest in human foods, and had even developed a taste for a few thanks to her tutelage under a human.
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Jun 20, 2011 15:31:35 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Jun 20, 2011 15:31:35 GMT -5
"Right you are," Locke said with a little grin to Sherasti's summation of the situation. "Wish more Jedi would remember that, 'stead'a walkin' around acting 'like Jedi', if you catch my drift." He paused for a moment to ponder what he'd just said and laughed. "Well, not act like me, y'know, but... Remember that for all the philosophy and pontificating and the special powers, we're still people of flesh and blood, just like every other damn person out in the Galaxy, y'know? Ignoring emotions and acting like they don't exist doesn't mean they aren't there.
"Emotion, yet peace," He glanced at her from the corner of an eye as they walked, looking for signs of reaction, and gave a little shrug. "That's what the Code used to say. Don't know why they changed it." The thought was dismissed with a little sigh. He had his own views on a number of things about the Jedi. Some others agreed with him, some didn't. Was just the way things went.
"Me? An instructor?" Locke looked at Sherasti, blinked twice and then laughed warmly. "Ahhh, Force no. That'd be a disaster, having me over a bunch of kids. Hell, I already wonder how the Council let me watch over the ones I have." He shook his head slightly, still grinning a little bit.
"No, no, I'm not an instructor. Have two students, though. Jazen and Elysia. Been with Jazen for a while now, and just picked Elys up. I'm finishing their training."
The conversation paused when they came to the dining hall. He walked along beside Sherasti to the line and had a look at what was on the menu for the day. "Depends on the day," he answered offhandedly. "Feelin' kinda light today..." He indicated to the droid to give him some lightly spiced grilled fish, along with some vegetables to go with. "Nothin' spectacular, I guess. Not today anyway."
He took his plate and tray when they were offered to him and gave his thanks with a simple nod of his head. As he turned and walked away from the counter, he looked over the hall, scanning for a good place for the two of them to sit and eat. "Think I'll find us a place to sit before I get my drink."
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Jun 20, 2011 16:02:32 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 20, 2011 16:02:32 GMT -5
Sherasti contemplated the change to the Jedi Code that Locke mentioned, wondering as to the reasons. Emotions could be perilous yes, but rigidly suppressing them was also perilous. She’d found her own balance where negative ones simply washed over her and dissipated. The Togruta was able to exorcise her anger, jealousy, resentment, and fear that way. But she allowed herself other emotions. Happiness didn’t interfere with her serenity. And sorrow? It wasn’t something she enjoyed, but losing it would hurt her empathy. You had to at least understand the emotions to avoid being ruled by them.
Before she could vocalize any of her musings, Locke laughed merrily at her question if he was an instructor. It answered his question even before he provided the details.
Sherasti chuckled along with him. She’d been excused for judging him by the fact he’d judged himself. That alone was slightly amusing in its irony. But he truly didn’t seem like a teacher, he didn’t have that aura about him.
“Interesting that you have two students. How exactly does that work?” She asked, both out of curiosity and out of the knowledge that simply asking questions about an area of relative expertise was a perfect way to put him at ease with her. And it was also being friendly. And she enjoyed the chance to be friendly with someone who wasn’t wary of her or intimidated. It was extremely refreshing. Locke seemed to notice her height peripherally, but he wasn’t at all affected by her other more exotic traits. She was used to being either an object of wary attention or rather amorous interest from the ranks of the more intrepid. Locke was expressing neither. And she appreciated it.
“I never developed quite the taste for fish,” She said staring at his plate, “I gravitate towards red meat more in human dishes. And understandably I don’t consume many vegetables.” She flashed her incisors deliberately, pointing out the staple of her diet wasn’t generally green and leafy.
"Think I'll find us a place to sit before I get my drink."
“Yes, of course.” Sherasti nodded, following him to a table rather isolated from the general crowd. Reaching it, she set the box down on it and looked for the nearest beverage dispenser.
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Jun 21, 2011 13:13:27 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Jun 21, 2011 13:13:27 GMT -5
Locke chuckled at Sherasti's question. "It is pretty interestin', isn't it?" He flashed a grin at her and chuckled again under his breath, playing up the moment. "It'll just have to wait a 'til we get settled in though." Then they wouldn't have to worry about interruptions as they went about gathering their respective meals.
“I gravitate towards red meat more in human dishes. And understandably I don’t consume many vegetables.”
He glanced to her as she flashed her sharp teeth and gave a little nod. During his years in the Temple and out in the field, Locke had seen a massive range of species. Over time he learned to get used to some of the quirks of others, and their eating habits. A carnivorous-leaning species wasn't anything too out of the blue, to him at least.
Hell, the thought with a silent grin, don't think I can call many people strange after meetin' Roq.
"I can tell," he answered smoothly, walking around a table that had a flock of younglings gather around it. As they reached a table and she set her box down on it, he couldn't help but warmly laugh. "Such sharp teeth must be good for eating... boxes"
A boyish smirk flash across his face for a moment before he went off to get a drink for himself. Outside the Temple (or inside, on rare occasion) Locke's choice of drinks were questionable for a Jedi, often involving alcohol in some form or fashion. But today he was playing as a good little Jedi; he chose the juice of some Alderaanian fruit. It was sweet, with just a bit of tartness on the aftertaste. It was a favorite of his.
When he came back to the table, he settled down and waited for Sherasti to do the same before he picked his fork and knife up and started to cut at his fish. "Now, about your question earlier..."
Locke paused for a moment, then shrugged. "Dunno, really. It just happened. Force knows if you told me a year and a half ago I'd have one student, let alone two, I'd have laughed in your face." He shook his head a bit, grinning stupidly at the thought.
"Both of 'em had masters that left. I wasn't familiar with Elysia's master before she... left." And she was one of us. He sighed. An Investigator.
"Jazen's, though..." Locke looked up from the fish he was cutting and shook his head, chuckling. "That's a whole different story."
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Jun 21, 2011 16:43:37 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jun 21, 2011 16:43:37 GMT -5
"Tell me about Jazen then, I have the distinct impression he must be very interesting indeed."
She took a sip of water then turned her attention to the box. For the first time it was noticeable that it had airholes on the side. With an apologetic look to Locke she offered one last warning. "I hope you have a strong stomach."
Sherasti plunged her hand into the box, and drew it out again clutching a furry rodent the size of her hand. By human standards it was quite cute, with soft fur, whiskers, big ears, and a tail ending in a tuft of longer fur. It wiggled futilely in the Togruta's grasp.
With a quick movement she brought it up to her mouth and sank her fangs into its neck. The rodent started to spasm uncontrollably in her hand, finally going limp after about twenty seconds.
Then Sherasti raised its corpse up to her mouth and bit a chunk out of it, carefully avoiding the bones.
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))