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Jazen
Beelzaboot
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Jul 28, 2010 18:08:00 GMT -5
Post by Jazen on Jul 28, 2010 18:08:00 GMT -5
The thing about traveling through hyperspace in a single manned fighter was that there was only two things to do during the trip; sleep or sleep harder. In this case, it was the former. As the white lines of hyperspace slid past the canopy of his cockpit, Jazen squirmed about, trying to find a sitting position that was not only comfortable, but not restricting in case he had to move quickly for any reason.
After trying everything he could think of, Jazen finally managed to seat himself in his cockpit in a way that felt right for him. It wasn't a sleeping position he had been looking for, however, but one that he could use to slip into a relaxing trance. One that would allow his body to rest, but leave him awake enough to snap to should something occur that required his immediate attention. Of course, the only thing he had to really worry about at the moment was when they would arrive at their destination. After a quick check to confirm that his ship would sound a series of noises when they were about to leave hyperspace, Jazen let himself go into the Force.
Within seconds, Jazen felt its warmth and touch seep into every opening it could find on his body, giving strength to his weary body. Little rest had he taken over the last few days and his body had begun to show signs of it, slacking in both mobility and stability. Now was the only time he could find to give himself a chance to recharge before he would be knee deep in something that needed him at 100%. As Jazen felt his body slipping into its semi-resting state, his mind went about the task of running how he came to be at this place.
Four days ago, an messenger had arrived from the distance Mid Rim world of Haruun Kal. The man had been distraught and frantic upon arrival and demanded almost instantly to speak with the Jedi Council. After screening him to make sure he wasn't a threat, he'd been ushered into an audience with the Council members available; only about half of them were present as the rest were out performing their duties or handling missions of their own. What he had exactly told the Council, Jazen did not know. By the time it got to him, he only got the short story.
Regardless of how much information had been passed on, the Council had summoned Master Locke shortly after their meeting with the man. Jazen knew that part of the reason they had for asking him was because his skills as an investigator would be invaluable to this mission. The other was simply that he was nearby when the Council had convened. Jazen had been called shortly after to join him and together, they had been briefed by the Council about the journey they had to make.
According to the man, who was a native of the planet, a great deal of the planet native creatures, the Akk Dogs, had been mysteriously disappearing as of late. Normally, a species disappearing like this would simply be looked at as the natural flow of life. However, other factors had come into play. First off, the Akk Dogs, like their Korunnai handlers, were Force sensitive creatures. Because of this, both sides had formed a mutual bond with one another; the Akk Dogs were as close to the Korunnai as their own brothers and sisters. So a large number of them disappearing without warning and reason was easily spotted by the Korunnai.
Of course, the Korunnai had investigated the matter themselves first. Scouting parties headed into the mists and towards the caves where many Akk Dogs lived. The scouts that went in to search the mists reported finding the bodies of several of the villages Akk Dogs festering in the wastes, torn at by every manner of scavenger possible. If they were killed by something unnatural, there had been no way to tell. Other scouting parties reported the same thing, although what looked like blast marks had been found on several of the trees near Akk dog bodies. Again, while they were disheartened by the lose of the beings they felt so dearly for, there was no reason to suspect anything other that life's cruel ways.
That changed in an instant when the scouting parties sent to investigate the caves never came back. Two more expeditions had been sent after that with the same result; not one of them returned. Now they Korunnai were afraid. Something out there in the mists was killing the Akk Dogs.....and anything that tried to find out why. Many of the Korunnai wanted to mount a larger force to investigate the matter, but another idea was voiced by one who remembered an incident about a year back. Of the Jedi woman who had saved so many lives that day, who had almost lost her life in the process. The Jedi had aided them before; would it not be possible to ask for their wisdom and assistance once again? And thus, the messenger.
Of course, Locke had accepted the mission on the condition he was allowed to select another Knight to join them. And that knight had been Master Talau; they both knew she had experience with the planet and thus would be a great asset into solving this mystery. Should they encounter trouble of the more violent sort, her combat skills would be just as welcomed. Nether he nor Jazen had thought that the Council would refuse the request and of course, they didn't. The real trick, his Master told him, would be to convince Talau to come.
This turned out easily than it seemed. While Locke went to the matter of requesting her help, Jazen turned almost all of his attention to researching the planet and its inhabitants to the fullest degree. For the next three days from the conclusion of the meeting, Jazen had huddled away in the library, datapads becoming his only companions while he poured knowledge into his brain en masse. The only time he wasn't filling his brain was when he needed to go exercise his body, eat or visit the bathroom and to work on another project he had underway. Locke had given Jazen the space he needed to work and Talau, fully committed to the mission, came by often to assist him in finding things he wouldn't notice unless he'd been to the planet.
On the eve of the day they were to leave, Jazen had presented the benefits of his three day study session. The majority of the Akk Dog disappearances, while affecting a fairly large area, had been concentrated around one village in particular. Comparisons with what Talau knew had shown this to be a major factor to where their search would entail. Also, the messenger had returned during Jazen's studies and given the Council a small hold-vid recording a passing crew had shot. The vid was mostly nonsense, tourists admiring the planet. But as they passed by the area where the disappearances were occurring, the vid had caught something; humanoid shadows and what looked to be something like a cage near the caves.
This had sent Talau storming; not physically, but within, from the room. Locke had chose to end the briefing there and went to speak with Talau, while Jazen himself went back to taking this new data into account. Jazen wasn't as skilled as Locke or Talau was in reading the Force, not yet anyway. But he knew how to read body language from all those games with the smugglers in the bars and although it was only for a moment, her entire body had gone tense. This worried him, but her business was her's alone; if she choose to share it, that would come when only she was ready to give it. Till then, if ever, he had to believe she could be the same person who had drilled him on more than one occasion.
A series of loud whines and whistles stirred Jazen from his thoughs and he glanced to the board in front of him. He almost winced when he did. When he had gone into the trance, they still had almost half a day till they arrived. Now they were seconds away; just how long had he been like that? Regardless, his body was alive now, restored to a fighting state. His actions would be swift, his motions fluid, his mind clear and sharp. Just the way he needed it to be. Jazen flicked controls all over the cockpit as the timer came ever so closer to zero, making sure everything was in proper working order. He hadn't much time to get used to using a starfighter well, but his lessons at least gave him the knowledge how to exit from hyperspace and not crash himself.
As the timer hit zero, Jazen's hands switched to his controls and he braced himself for the sick feeling he knew was coming. The white around him slowed, till all that was left was the black dark of space, lit only faintly by the thousands of stars all around him and the eerie shine of the planet itself. Not so far off, the sun of the system burned brightly, granting its light as well as warmth to the planets close enough to receive them.
Harrun Kal sat before him, its large body masked in colors of purple and pink clouds. Tiny specs of blue and green were visible from their position relative to the planet, but just like the information Jazen had studied said, there wasn't much of that. From space, the pink and purple colored parts of the planet resembled the oceans of other worlds; only this ocean was made of gas and was toxic to all but a few organisms on the planet's surface. Jazen whistled low in his cockpit, then turned to check on Locke and Talau, who were already moving toward the planet itself, their fighters moving ever so closer to its miasma colored skies. Jazen clicked the ship to life and felt a small impulse of joy pulse through him as his engines roared to life to follow the knights. As the ships made their way towards their destination, a spaceport close to their objective, Jazen clicked his comm to life.
"Well, that had to be the most boring twelve hours of my life I'll never get back. Aside from my stomach though, all systems are green; no problems on my end. Following your lead Masters; I'll let you talk with the native forces. I'm still shaking off a little bit of a sleep haze off here.
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Aug 16, 2010 18:56:33 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Aug 16, 2010 18:56:33 GMT -5
I can see the lights in the distance…
…Trembling in the dark cloak of night
The slipstream of color and light that danced about the fighter, echoed closely in the colors that worked in and out of the young Rilan knight’s eyes. The light of those passing stars reflected in them almost eerily as her mixture of emotions shown in the multitude of colors and shades weaving a tapestry through her irises. There was one place she didn’t wish to return to so soon, and that was the one place she was going…Haruun Kal. Fortunately, she wasn’t alone this time.
Stretched out before her, through the swirling mass of light that was the hyperspace tunnel, were three ‘threads’ of force…her own, that of Jazen (Locke’s padawan), and that of Locke himself. There were, of course, an infinite amount of threads leading from her to a multitude of other things, places, people and situations, but there was no way the young woman could see them…after all, they weren’t important at this particular moment, some she didn’t know to whom or what they led, others didn’t even have a possibility of happening yet…but that didn’t mean that she wasn’t clever enough to know they were there. They simply weren’t her concern at the moment and so she didn’t bother trying to catch hold of them. What she did focus on, however, were the linking ‘threads’ that led back to Locke and Jazen, and their ties to the distant point before them, eying them for weaknesses.
Content for now that there was no danger in their immediate future, Talau eased back once more into her seat and mulled over the events of the last week or so. The meeting of Kvothe on Cerea, the request of the Council for her to go with Locke and Jazen to Haruun Kal and her obvious reluctance to go, the information about the Akk dogs, the anger and fear she’d felt at the thought that the akk who’d helped save her life might be in danger or dead, then her talk with Locke…maybe she was slipping already? No…she couldn’t allow that to happen, not so soon…she just couldn’t. With a sigh, she shut the alarm off moments before it sounded, counting down the last few moments before pulling the ship out of hyperspace. The ship (and her stomach) lurched appropriately as they reentered sub-light speeds and the miasma colored globe that was Haruun Kal loomed up before her.
Studded about this poisonous gas shrouded planet were points of land, forest, and water, surrounded by the roiling ‘seas’ of those gasses. The planet, in turn, was folded in amongst the velvety black of space, pinpricks of light forming the stars and the large, nearly blinding, glow of the system’s star peeking out from behind the planet itself. Shaking her head, Talau eyed the three ‘threads’ braided together before her. Both others seemed strong and shimmered brightly in her ‘sight,’ helping her feel a bit more at ease. All three present and accounted for with little to no harm done…good. Touching each with her own presence, she further assured herself of the continued health first of Jazen, then of Locke. Her thoughts lingered about that one a bit longer than intended, a bit of her reluctance to return to this Force-forsaken place slipping through her barriers as she decided it was likely best to leave contacting the other knight to another time.
She had a bad feeling about this mission…but considering her previous experiences on the planet, she could easily attribute those feelings to the anxiety she felt upon returning.
A few simple motions later and the fighter she was in began gliding steadily through the void toward the planet. All she could hear, at first, were Shoal’s words about facing one’s fears to get over them…but steadily Jazen’s voice filtered into her consciousness, bringing her fully back to the present. There was little reason for her to say much more than a simple: ”all clear here, contacting control now,” and continue on her way, switching the frequency to that of the Haruun Kal landing control. As per usual, the Council had set everything up nicely, the landing codes and IDs being accepted without question and their arrival expected in one of the few space ports on the planet.
Her com would crackle once more as she was given the green for them to enter the atmosphere and land before she would transmit the green to the others and make her way down to the landing pad designated. Talau had never been one for fighters, honestly, but she knew enough to make it look fairly easy as she dialed up the entry shield power and make her way to the coordinates that were now programmed into the fighter’s computer. It would still take a bit of time to get to their destination, but that didn’t particularly bother her. It gave her time to watch the planet pass below and start to make something of a mental map, though the gas covering much of the land didn’t make it easy to note the terrain beneath it. Mildly she wondered just how much of that stuff she’d passed under in her time with the akk dog. Much of it was still a blur to her mind, but she did remember one occasion where there had been little to now way around those gas clouds and she’d had to use her ability in the force to hold her breath long enough to get out of it again.
It was lucky for her that the akk dog moved swiftly when it needed to.
Sighing, she brought the fighter around, starting up the landing procedures as their destination came into view, swiftly appearing below them. Settling the ship down, Tal rested her head back for a moment and closed her eyes before shutting the ship down and popping open the canopy to let the warm and humid atmosphere of the partially jungle planet flow in and immediately make her regret her actions. Huffing, she didn’t even bother with the coiled up ladder inside the fighter, instead simply standing carefully and vaulting over the side and out onto the platform. Grey and orange tinted eyes took in the area fully as she pushed herself up again then turned to watch the people approaching herself and her two companions.
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Sept 1, 2010 10:08:08 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Sept 1, 2010 10:08:08 GMT -5
The slow, gentle hiss of the fighter's repulsors as they eased down onto the landing pad proved to be enough to wake the Investigator up the rest of the way from his in-flight slumber. The trip to Haruun Kal had been long and uneventful, and after spending some time catching up with some reports from his contacts around Coruscant, he'd decided to sleep the rest of the way.
Now they were here, and he was, more or less, awake. And now we can find out what's going on with these Akk dogs and the Korunnai. It was bound to be oodles of fun, no doubt. I just hope Tal's alright. He glanced over to her fighter. She had to be worried about her friend, about the Akk that had helped her out so much during her first crash landing here. Hopefully he's alright, Locke thought, leaning his head back against the seat as his fighter made it the rest of the way down. For her own sake.
The fighter shook gently as the landing gear came out and then it settled onto the ground. Locke popped the canopy open and then sighed as the world's hot, humid air came rushing in. "Wonderful," he muttered. Of course, he'd known it would be like this. He'd dressed accordingly. While he still had his coat on, the robes he wore under were a bit lighter than his usual ones, and sleeveless. He could deal with the heat if he had to, but it never hurt to dress for the environment properly when allowed a chance.
He hopped out of the fighter, landing easily in front of its delta-shaped wings and stretched, yawning and pushing away the last of the tiredness from his body. "Well, here we are," he said to no one in particular. "Sun is high, sky is clear and there's a sea of gas that could kill us all not too far away from here. Gotta love it."
A few figures approached as he finished speaking and he looked over. Must be some Korunnai come to greet us.
"Welcome, Jedi. We've been anticipating your arrival," said their leader, and older man with greying hair that topped the dark skin of his head.
Locke gave him a lazy salute, with two fingers held up and moved in the man's direction from his forehead. "Welp, we're here to help. The situation's dire, so we made an effort to get here as quickly as we could."
"We appreciate your punctuality." The man turned, motioning for the trio to follow. "Come with me. I will take you inside, where we can give you some more information before you begin your investigation."
Locke glanced to his companions for a moment and then shrugged, putting his hands in his coat pockets and falling in behind the man. "Lead on, then."
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Jazen
Beelzaboot
1,617 posts
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Rocking from the Great White North
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last online Apr 20, 2022 19:46:47 GMT -5
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Sept 6, 2010 20:45:37 GMT -5
Post by Jazen on Sept 6, 2010 20:45:37 GMT -5
As they passed through Haruun Kal's atmosphere, Jazen kept his hands firmly on the controls of the fighter, still not used to having to pilot one. He had the lessons and had passed back onto Coruscant enough times; but all planets were different and so was the turbulence when going from empty space to planet atmo. This one shook his fighter like it was a leaf in the wind, but violently due to the ship's much greater mass over a leaf. Still, it was only a few rough spots and every time he cleared one, his control at holding the ship steady got better. Practice, practice, practice Locke had always said.
It didn't take long to make it down to the planet's surface, his ship following in the wake of Locke's and Talau's. Both of them flew perfectly aligned, Locke's parallel to hers, hers to his. Years of experience that they had on him no doubt. Though they did tend to waver from this every now and then; personal thoughts taking over or just pockets of turbulence in the air around them. He already knew Talau had her issues about the planet from the briefing and Locke was concerned about how it would affect her state of mind on this mission. He kept this to himself though; he was just a learner right now and he didn't have the experience to be of any help. Locke and Talau would work it out without him.
As they headed for the landing pad, Jazen took the time to look over the world they were passing over. Truth be told, there wasn't much to see. Most the planet was covered, like the profile had said, in what appeared to be a dense fog. Expect that it wasn't fog; it was a poison so strong that it would kill them within minutes should they be in there without the proper equipment. And it was everywhere. Aside from the rock they were heading towards, all he could see around him was the poison fog. They were going to be flying a lot on this mission; or walking long distances in something that could kill them painfully and quickly. This was gonna be a "fun" trip.
Landing shortly after both Locke and Tal had, he nodded to them each in turn after exiting, then tilted his head to acknowledge the approaching figures. One of them, the older of the pair, greeted them kindly enough and Locke took the lead, speaking to the man and then motioning for them to follow. Falling in step with Master Talau, he took a glance around to position orientate himself, then turned to her.
"Its amazing that something that looks so calm and peaceful could also be so deadly. I guess the same could be said of us though.
So, are you alright Master Talau? I mean.....you stormed off during the briefing and I only have Master Locke's word that your okay. Its not that that's not enough for me or that I distrust his word; I just want to hear it from you. I doubt you need me saying it, but we can't let personal matters overwhelm us here. The planet's dangerous, what we're facing may be dangerous. I don't want anything to happen to anyone here because one of us makes a mistake. I've made too many of those already myself."
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Oct 17, 2010 23:17:22 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Oct 17, 2010 23:17:22 GMT -5
(no, I didn’t forget about it, I was just…trying to keep Tal from jumping down Jazen’s throat but….>__> I make no promises)
Force she loathed this planet with a passion. Jedi weren’t supposed to hate, but she certainly couldn’t help but hate this place. It was like walking through air so dense it felt like you were wading through it instead. The humidity, that thick and horrible humidity previously referred to, had her irritable already. Sleeveless clothing? Not here…oh no…she didn’t want to give the planet’s disease carrying insects any more skin to find tasty than she had to. So, not only was it hot and humid, but SHE was hot. Pulling her hair back, she swiftly tied it up into a tail to get it off her neck. Huffing slightly, a displeased look formed along her face as she eyed their surroundings. ”Don’t remind me, Locke…” she grumbled when he had stated the ever-so-obvious line of “here we are”…though, to his credit, the sarcastic addition of loving the sea of poisonous gas not far off earned an almost morbid chuckle from the woman, and a few ‘brownie points.’
As the Korunnai arrived, welcoming them, she gave a courteous smile and nod of her head in return. She would let Locke speak for now, after all, she didn’t have much to say and had her mind busy with sorting through the information her senses were bringing her. Following after the group she noticed Jazen come along side her. Sighing slightly she decided that now was as good a time as ever to apologize for the other day…until he spoke. Not only did he contradict himself about his trust in Locke’s assessment, he also was giving advice when he admitted that he’d made too many mistakes himself…advice that, while well meaning, was like rubbing salt and lemon juice into an open cut. All she could do was give him a stern look and move on silently, now less thrilled than ever.
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Nov 18, 2010 12:45:24 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Nov 18, 2010 12:45:24 GMT -5
Locke continued on behind the Korunnai that came to greet them, glancing around as he walked to take in more of the area around them. Despite the humidity (it was as if the air was just... sitting there), it was nice enough. Could be worse. Anything was better than Rhen Var. Heat, he could deal with, but Locke did so hate the cold.
As they walked toward the building, he heard the sound of Jazen's voice and glanced back over his shoulder for a second. He could make out some of what they boy was saying (it wasn't like they were far apart from each other, after all) and only winced internally, especially at the growing irritation he felt from Talau. It's not that what he said isn't enough, I just need to hear more... Locke chuckled to himself. Ah, he'll learn. He's still young.
"I'm sure Tal here is just fine," said Locke, glancing back at the pair with a smile. "And while I'm sure your concern is appreciated, remember, she knows about the dangers of this world more than either of us." It was a very gentle reproach, one that was implied more than stated outright. Locke wasn't going to chew his student out here, especially not for an honest mistake, but Tal's issues were better left alone now.
"Kids, ah?" he joked to the Korunnai as they passed through the threshold into the building. The native man only chuckled and shook his head.
Within, the building was spacious, well lit. They were led to some stairs, up them, down a hallway and then into a room where a few more Korunnai men were seated at a large table, waiting for them.
"Please, have a seat," said their escort.
Locke paused near the doorway, motioning for Jazen and Tal to go in before him. Once they were in, he'd follow and take a seat, waiting to hear what there was to be said.
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Jazen
Beelzaboot
1,617 posts
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Rocking from the Great White North
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last online Apr 20, 2022 19:46:47 GMT -5
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Nov 18, 2010 20:12:07 GMT -5
Post by Jazen on Nov 18, 2010 20:12:07 GMT -5
Jazen didn't need the Force to sense he had said the wrong things; a natural buzzer went off in his head as the last of his words, which were meant to be encouraging, passed through the air in between him and Tal. Some part of him realized just how BAD his words had sounded; like he was trying to teach her when it should have been the other way around. The look she gave him in response solidified that part of him and he flinched in fear under that glare. Whether by luck or or her own restraint, Tal did nothing more than that other than keep silent as she looked to the road ahead.
He was struggling to find the words to apologize for his lack of understanding when Locke, in all his wonderful glory and timing, did some of it for him. His quick words and light humor to the matter dispelled some of the tension that Jazen had caused, which got a sigh of relief from him. Count on Locke to know what to say and do to cover for yet another of his mistakes; he really had to stop making Locke's job harder one of these days. But, as they say, Jazen was the student, Locke the master. Every time Locke corrected a mistake Jazen made, Jazen was able to learn from that and with any luck (on both their parts), the days would come when Locke no longer had to cover for Jazen's blunders. At least, not all of them anyway. Re-spirited by Locke's words, Jazen straightened his stance, turning his head to look at Tal again.
"I'm sorry if I implied otherwise, Master Talau. I hope you're experience and knowledge of this world will help us to avoid a situation where you'll have to pull my, and probably Locke's, butt out of the fire."
He really hoped that would help lighten her mood, even if it was stale. Must have been the humidity playing havoc on his ability to function. Well, he had given his apologies; if she wanted her space right now, he would give it to her. Giving her one more quick nod and a small smile, he trotted up to follow pace with Locke and their guide. It wasn't long after that that they were ushered into a fairly spacious building, the well lit interior making Jazen's eyes wince as they adjusted to the artificial light. It didn't take them long, his eyes fully open again as they ascended a staircase, traveled down an equally lit hallway and finally moved into a room where a procession of Korunnai were waiting. Locke was the last one in and only after Jazen and Tal had taken their places did he join them and that was when the Korunnai started to talk. The biggest one of them, seated between his fellows, stood as the Jedi arrived and gave a wide smile and motioned with his arms his welcome.
"Welcome, our esteemed Jedi guests. I am Ko-Faia, the head of this small council. We thank you for responding to our call for aid so quickly. I wasn't sure our plea reached any willing ears; it was to my surprise when I was informed that not one but three Jedi were being sent to investigate the matter. It fills my heart with confidence that the matter will be resolved in short order.
Now, as I'm sure you were informed, the matter at hand resolves around our fellow natives, the Akk Dogs. For generations, we the Korunnai and the Akk Dogs have been living in peaceful co-existence. Our Force bonds with them show just how much we matter to one another. So, when a large number of them suddenly started disappearing, both from sight and the Force, we were deeply distressed. We feared some kind of predator or disease at first had been claiming them, so we sent groups into the mists to see what they could find. Another group was sent to investigate the home of the Akk Dog's, a series of caverns and caves about half a day's travel away from here on mount.
Our mist scouts found......a large number, larger than we had thought, of Akk Dog remains within the mists, pillaged by just about everything possible Because of this, we were unable to tell how they died. Several bodies were later found, these one's bearing marks that were much like the blast scoring from a blaster rifle. Still, he believed that those deaths were unrelated and still did not suspect foul play. Only after the scouts that headed to the caves did no return did we really begin to suspect something much worse. And as the item we sent our messenger shows, we believe that there may be a humanoid factor behind this incident.
I'm sorry, I'm sure this is all stuff you have gone over in great detail. If you have any questions or requests to make, please don't hesitate to do so. The faster we get the necessaries out of the way, the faster I hope this situation finds its solution."
Jazen remained silent as the eyes of the Korunnai skimmed the Jedi, which he gave a small shrug too. " I learned more than enough when I was looking into the planet and this mission. Though I do have to ask how we're gonna get to those points of interest; I guess there's a way to avoid falling to the mists?"
"But of course. We have equipment to protect the wearers mouth and nose, though I'm sure you brought your own. And of course, before you get underway, your gear will have to be rubbed down with portaak amber; it will prevent the fungi in the mists from destroying them. As for how you'll get there, the fastest way would be via mount; we have several roaming Akk Dogs here we could spare you for the journey."
Jazen nodded, giving a quick "understood" in response before turning to see if Locke or Tal had anything they wanted to add or ask about.
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Nov 19, 2010 17:14:10 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Nov 19, 2010 17:14:10 GMT -5
“I'm sure Tal here is just fine, and while I'm sure your concern is appreciated, remember, she knows about the dangers of this world more than either of us.”
--Locke, I love you right now.-- Her thoughts conveyed just the barest hint of amusement, and more than their fare share of gratitude. Yes, she was feeling snippish…very snippish…but she understood Jazen had meant well, and so she’d tried exceedingly hard not to say something she’d regret later. Now she was glad she’d chosen to do that…it made it that much simper for her pride to accept his words when he apologized. Sighing slightly, she’d pat his shoulder a bit and nod slightly in reply to his words before he hurried after Locke. Ah well…yet another reason why she wasn’t ready to have a padawan, she supposed.
Following after the two like a silent shadow (pun only slightly intended), she would move up the stairs with them and nod to Locke as she passed him into the room. Moving to the place she would sit, she’d bow respectfully to them before taking the offered seat. Quietly she let their leader speak, gently probing out through the force. She didn’t want to step on any toes, but she needed to get a feel for them if she could. Honestly, Talau didn’t expect much more than she got. They were force sensitive, and trained in some manner or another…at least well enough to shield their thoughts and emotions. What she did get from them all, however, was a gnawing sort of unrest…perhaps concern. Of course they said they were concerned, it’s why they had called on the jedi, but she wasn’t one to take simple words for truth, she had to find out for herself. The eyes of several of them had caught her own as she reached out, either curious or silently challenging. Obviously some liked their privacy more than others, but she never wavered in her return of their gaze, simply nod slightly to show she understood they felt her and went about her business, one ear half on the conversation.
The mention of using akks had her pausing and stubbornly pressing down the hope one of them might be her friend. He’d made himself quite clear that he avoided the Korrunai, preferring to live wild. For a moment longer she was silent before finally speaking up. ”Their companions will be coming with them, I assume? Or have they agreed to take us on their own? I understand how it is to stretch a bond like that and don’t want to put extra stress on either Akk or Korrunai. Also, we’ll likely be out there for a fair amount of time, I know the place you mean…the caves they favor…they’re a decent distance away, even with an Akk, if you have some amber to spare, it may be a good idea to bring some with us…” She paused a moment, drumming her fingers lightly on the surface of the table as she considered her final question carefully.
”Whasp fever…is there a way to prevent it or treat it that you’ve discovered, or…should we simply stick to bug spray, lots of clothing and ‘old traditions’ should all else fail?”
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
6,347 posts
1,102 likes
Friendly neighborhood CEO
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last online Jan 12, 2024 11:24:20 GMT -5
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Dec 23, 2010 23:33:52 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Dec 23, 2010 23:33:52 GMT -5
Once Jazen and Talau filed into the room, Locke made his way in, letting the door slide shut with a soft hiss behind him. As he walked to his seat at the table, he offered a semi-polite nod to the Korunnai that awaited within. Then the meeting began.
Most of what the leader, Ko-Faia, said was a recap. He spoke of the results their own investigation into the case of the missing akk dogs. Locke only nodded once that part was done, though the part about using Akk dogs as mounts was... interesting. While he could appreciate the natural world and its beauty, Locke had always been a city slicker of sorts--a man who was inspired by the things built by living hands than the wonders of nature. That and he wasn't much of an animal person.
Ah well, what can ya do?
He mulled over things as Tal spoke, trying to think of anything he might want to ask. Nothing in particular came to mind. So he waited for Ko-Faia to respond to her, and once he had, he'd nod and stand up.
"Well," said he, "everything I might have to say has been covered. Time is of the essence, of course, so if I may, I think it's time for us to be on our way." Again, he offered a polite nod of his head to the Korunnai. "Where might we go to get the amber rub down?"
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Jazen
Beelzaboot
1,617 posts
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Rocking from the Great White North
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last online Apr 20, 2022 19:46:47 GMT -5
Master
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Jan 2, 2011 4:32:57 GMT -5
Post by Jazen on Jan 2, 2011 4:32:57 GMT -5
Jazen remained silent as to give Tal and Locke their chance to speak, although only Tal had something she wished to ask. Locke remained back, as he had been doing a little more often recently, letting Jazen take the lead in the investigation. Jazen figured this was his way of showing he trusted him, despite all that had happened and had been done since the two became Master and Apprentice. It was also what a Master did for his student; showed him how to approach people and find out what they needed, then let him take the charge now and then to see if he had learned anything. And Jazen had to admit...he was learning bit by bit.
He pondered the questions Tal asked Ko-Faia, noticing that she was reaching out towards them in the Force as she did. Jazen himself felt no malice towards them, though his senses were much weaker compared to that of the two knights that he had come with. When he tried to sense them, all he found was a wall around them that prevented his access, a barrier against those that might seek to harm them through the very connection that they cherished. He did get what felt like a feeling of worry from some of them, though he was only able to get a small taste of it before they sealed it up from him. He cast Tal a look, then returned to his silence as he waited for the leader to respond to them.
Ko-Faia narrowed his eyes a little when he felt the presence of the Jedi licking at him, but he had to be fair. He had been probing them a little too. He had to be sure they were who they said they were and by luck, the padawan was easier to touch than his counterparts. And while there was some lingerings negativity, the boy was honest in his questions and intentions, along with his respect for the two knights that had accompanied him. That would have to do.
"Our breeders have some unbounded ones you could use if you wish, otherwise I'm sure a few of our riders would not mind braving the journey to take you there. We will provide you with maps of the valley and ways to locate where you are, although the Akk Dogs know the way. As for excess amber, we have plenty in excess after the latest harvest, so we will provide you with however much you need for this journey. The Akk Dogs are worth that much to us.
Sadly, we still have not found a way to treat the sting of the Fever Wasp. Get it, your as good as dead; pardon me for being direct. But we have several methods that should keep the wasps at bay, so along with lots of clothing and the "old traditions", you should be adequately safe from the creatures. The Akk Dogs also know where the biggest concentrations of them are, so simply telling them that you wish to avoid those paths will be enough for them to go around them.
As for the amber rub, it's located next to the Akk Dog stables. So-Daty will be your guide while your in the village and my best soldier, Fan-So, will be your key escort once you head into the mists. Once again, I thank you for your assistance Master Jedi's, and wish you the best of luck in your search. Please, find out what is harming our friends. Find it and stop it."
With that, the Korunnai bowed to the Jedi and one by one, filed out of the small room. Jazen bowed to them as they exited, waiting till the last one was clear to stand back up to his full height. That left Jazen, Tal and Locke inside, along with the two Ko-Faia had indicated. Looking at them, Jazen assumed that the woman left behind as So-Daty, their village guide. She stood about as tall as Tal and he couldn't be sure, but she seemed to be just as well built as Tal probably was. And if she was So-Daty, then the giant of a man that stood at attention near the entrance to the room, spear and shield in hand, had to be Fan-So. Jazen had to chuckle to himself as he compared the big guy to Locke; it was a good thing they were allies, because the mental picture of Locke trying to fight him brought a smile to Jazen's otherwise serious face. Catching himself and forcing that smile to relax a little, he turned to Tal and Locke, then watched as their guide exited along with the soldier, moving to follow in turn.
Once they were outside, he feel into step with Locke, looking up at him when he was standing at his side, making his voice loud enough for Tal to hear.
"Well, that went about as well as expected. Should we rest today and head out tomorrow, gather what intel we can during that time, or hit the road as quickly as possible? Personally, I wouldn't mind a little more detail but if we have to go now, we have to go now. I won't argue the point."
While Locke mulled that over, they came to the small building that stood next to the stables, where a small herd of the Akk Beasts, of all sizes ranging from newborn babies to fully grown adults mingled about. Each of them was...so alive in the Force that Jazen was almost overwhelmed by just being near them. And that was before he felt them reaching back, their curiosity and awe tugging at his mind and body. And what amazed him more was that he understood what they were trying to convey in the Force to him....was that how the Korunnai created that bond with them? Jazen couldn't even begin to imagine what being linked to them, through a bond that connected the rider and his comrade until the life of one faded, felt like. And would it persist if the two were separated for a long time? So many questions, not enough answers at this time. He'd worry about them later; right now, he waited for Locke and Tal to put in what they thought before handing over his mechanical gear to So-Daty, who had been indicating for him to do so.
"I'll take your gear inside and coat them with amber, as well as gather the extra supplies you will need. In the meantime, your free to either find a mount for yourself, or if you decided to go with our escorts, get to know those that will be joining you.I will join you by the stable entrance when I am finished, should you wish to get along right away. Fan-So, get in here and help me."
With that, the two headed into the small building before them, leaving the three Jedi to attend their own matters. The only thing he had kept on his person was his lightsaber, which Locke and Tal had done as well.....and Locke still had his blaster as well. His saber was the one thing he wasn't going to part with; not with the events that had been happening here and not since the odd feeling he had gotten on the way in. They could always coat them alter. Turning to Locke and Tal, Jazen rested his arms across his chest, a small smile of eagerness trying to free itself.
[color=3fff00["Masters, what would you suggest? Should we take our own mounts or ride with the others? I confess...I'm a little afraid of making this "bond" they speak of, even though I know its a good thing."[/color] Jazen looked over at the group of warriors and scouts gathering on the far side of the stables, near what looked to be a path into the mists. [color=3fff00["I defer to your wisdom this time."[/color]
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
Master
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Jan 7, 2011 4:54:59 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jan 7, 2011 4:54:59 GMT -5
Quietly she listened, through the force and with her ears. She didn’t mind their probing back at her, she had nothing to hide and, to the more insistent ones, she showed them (for just an instant) the reason why she understood their worry. It would hit them in a flash; her crash, the injuries she’d had, the akk dog who had assisted her…oh yes, she understood their concern. It was personal for her.
Nodding every once in a while to what Ko-Faia said, she sighed slightly. ”No, I didn’t believe so, but hope springs eternal. Thank you for meeting with us, and your generous assistance. I assure you, we will do our utmost to do that very thing.” Standing she bowed slightly to them as they filed out before turning to her two companions and the other two Korunnai still remaining. It was fairly simple to assume that the warrior, shield and spear in hand, was Fan-So…the soldier Ko-Faia had mentioned. That left the other, a woman, to be So-Daty, their guide. As the woman motioned them to follow, and left with Fan-So, Talau followed obediently, golden-brown eyes streaked with unhappy grey and flecked lightly with irritable yellow.
“Well, that went about as well as expected.”
It could have gone much worse, I was pleased with the outcome…
“Should we rest today and head out tomorrow, gather what intel we can during that time, or hit the road as quickly as possible.”
So much to learn still…We’ll gain nothing by rushing in this environment.
“Personally, I wouldn’t mind a little more detail but if we have to go now, we have to go now. I won’t argue the point.”
Good…
”We have nothing to gain and everything to lose if we rush. This is a hostile environment, and if we rush we will make mistakes or leave unprepared. You two will need to get clothing that will protect you better if possible. The fever is not something you want to risk getting. Also, you have a point, Jazen, it might be wise to speak to some of the other warriors or townspeople who may know something, anything, about the Akks as well as get to know our guides better.”
As they reached the large yard the Akks were kept in, her spirits lifted…if only slightly. Drawn to them, she came to the boundary of the yard and probed them back, holding out her hands, palms up, for them to sniff at. One of the littler ones attempted to chew on one of her boots after sniffing them, which had her pulling her foot away and chuckling as she knelt down. ”No, little one, you cannot eat my boot. I need that and it isn’t good for you. It will make you sick.” The little Akk looked up at her and twisted it’s head from side to side, making her chuckle as she (the Akk seemed to be female by the touch of her thoughts) insisted that she wanted to taste the strange smelling objects which her Tal’s boot.
As So-Daty came around for her gear, she handed over her entire belt, sans lightsabers. ”Thank you. There are quite a few objects in there that will need it, unfortunately.” The woman nodded and took her gear, leaving the three jedi to their own devices for the time being. Talau, however, was quite content to be around the Akk dogs. Their presences were almost like a balm to her on this force-damned world…but that didn’t really surprise her. The last time she’d been here a majority of her time had been spent in the presence of an Akk dog. For a moment she pined over the separation silently, running her hands over the scaly head of the pup that still wanted to nibble on her shoes.
She reached out, searching through the force for him her eyes searching those threads of force for the one she associated with him, but she knew it was in vain. Too far, Talau…even for your senses it’s just too far. Sighing, she felt hot breath against her head and shoulders and a sharp burning against her mind. Another female…looking up, she found herself gazing up the muzzle of an Akk. Staring back at it, she didn’t bat a lash as she stood slowly. ”You don’t need to challenge me, I'm not taking your pup. Go on now.”
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