Post by Ashla Aneem on Dec 7, 2007 0:08:12 GMT -5
Ashla Aneem
Togruta; Hailing from Shili
45 Years Old [Galactic Basic]
6'6/190lbs
Jedi | Jedi Grand Master
Force Warrior
: Personality:
Ashla's serene appearance is merely a guise, unfortelling of her actual abilities. Togruta on their homeplanet, Shili, use impressive cooperating skills to take down the much larger, aggressive beasts native to the planet that threaten their tribes. As a result, Togruta have gained a reputation as a team-working species. Unusually this is a trait that Ashla does not posses. An exception to her communal species, Ashla prefers to operate alone. She is solitary by nature but often works at her best with other team members. Ashla has taken several apprentices during her time in the Jedi Order, but unfortunately all of them met their deaths fairly early after graduating their training from her. As a result, Ashla can often be found deep in meditation; a way for her to escape from the fierce realities of life and reflect. Togruta possess a form of passive echolocation by means of their hollow montrals, which allows them to sense space and the proximity and movement of physical objects around them.
Ashla is very outspoken and implores her opinions very clearly. These ideas are often quite realistic, as the Jedi very often considers every side to each problem before voicing them. As a Jedi Counsellor, Ashla is a strict believer in the ways of the Force. She views herself as a being created to do it's bidding, and doesn't make any decision before considering the aspects of the issue by delving into the Force for all possible information. Her communion to the Force is exceptionally strong and her wise insights are held in high regard from the Order. Along the lines of lightsaber combat, Ashla is a very accomplished swordsman. She combines the official forms of Makashi, combatant lightsaber dueling form, with the grace and speed of Ataru, the form that utilizes aerobatics and great agility in battle. As a result Ashla Aneem is a powerful warrior in battle and essential to the Order on several levels.
:Appearance:
Togruta are defined by their three lekku which are white with black stripes. On their homeplanet of Shili, these colors ensure the appropriate camouflage next to the native plants and foliage found on Shili. Their skin tone is mostly considered a rusty red but the hue may very between tribes. Togruta are predators on their planet, and therefore have dominantly sharp teeth. This may give the common misconception that their species is a violent race when the truth is in face contrary to their appearance. Togruta women often dress in layers of robes. Ashla carries on this tradition in recognition of her heritage and is often seen wearing billowing gowns though in battle the Jedi adorns much less cumbersome clothing and instead wears traditional Jedi garb. Physically Ashla Aneem is fit. Her outwear fails to flaunt her toned frame, but modesty is an attribute that the Togruta praises in herself.
:Bio:
Hailing from the planet Shili, Ashla was discovered as a Force-adept by the planet's Watchman. Sensing her abilities, the Jedi quickly sent her at age three to be trained under the tutelage of the Order on Coruscant. Ashla notably excelled in her Force training. She had a connection that her peers in the Turtle Clan did not. The Jedi recognized this, foreseeing the young Jedi to one day assent to a great Knight. During her further training as a Youngling, Ashla honed her lightsaber skills to par and continued to delve further into the Force. Chosen as Padawan to human Jedi Knight Torin Dol, Ashla was taken from the solitude of the Jedi Temple and accompanied Torin on a number of diplomatic missions to various worlds. Through these journeys the young Jedi developed and matured. She learned much from Master can-Rin during her time as his Padawan.
At the age of eighteen Ashla found herself in a position she had never been before- on the front lines of a battle. While on a diplomatic mission to quell an uprising on Selima Oasis, master and apprentice failed to negotiate a peaceful resolution. The conference room erupted in blaster fire from both sides. For the first time in her life, she was forced to use "aggressive negotiations". Torin and she made quick work of the enemy shooters but more security guards would follow. The two unquestioningly escorted the diplomats out of the conference hall and made way for the hangar. Together they managed to evade security forces while the diplomats boarded their starships but just as the Jedi entered the hangarbay, more forces arrived. Torin commanded his Padawan onto the ship while he held off the attackers and she obeyed with reluctance. Ashla watched her teacher, overwhelmed, get shot down as the ship hastily departed from the planet.
She knew that it was not the time to mourn for her downed master yet; turrets locked onto the fleeing ship and opened fire in a desperate attempt to retain them. Ashla sat quietly in a spare room on the ship, alone and quiet. Deep in concentration, the Jedi focused her thoughts, her entity, the Force, into the ship's shields. This precursor form of Battle Meditation assisted greatly in the survival of the diplomats. Upon returning to the Jedi Temple and attending the funeral for Master can-Rin, Ashla sat before the High Council. They deemed her ready to be honored with the rank of Knight. Ashla began to establish herself as a prominent member of the Jedi Order soon after. Taking on multiple learners of her own over time and furthering her already extensive use of the Force and lightsaber skills, Ashla Aneem became a well-respected member of the order of protectors that she served so loyaly.
:Lightsaber:
Single orange blade with a chrome hilt
:Sample:
Togruta; Hailing from Shili
45 Years Old [Galactic Basic]
6'6/190lbs
Jedi | Jedi Grand Master
Force Warrior
: Personality:
Ashla's serene appearance is merely a guise, unfortelling of her actual abilities. Togruta on their homeplanet, Shili, use impressive cooperating skills to take down the much larger, aggressive beasts native to the planet that threaten their tribes. As a result, Togruta have gained a reputation as a team-working species. Unusually this is a trait that Ashla does not posses. An exception to her communal species, Ashla prefers to operate alone. She is solitary by nature but often works at her best with other team members. Ashla has taken several apprentices during her time in the Jedi Order, but unfortunately all of them met their deaths fairly early after graduating their training from her. As a result, Ashla can often be found deep in meditation; a way for her to escape from the fierce realities of life and reflect. Togruta possess a form of passive echolocation by means of their hollow montrals, which allows them to sense space and the proximity and movement of physical objects around them.
Ashla is very outspoken and implores her opinions very clearly. These ideas are often quite realistic, as the Jedi very often considers every side to each problem before voicing them. As a Jedi Counsellor, Ashla is a strict believer in the ways of the Force. She views herself as a being created to do it's bidding, and doesn't make any decision before considering the aspects of the issue by delving into the Force for all possible information. Her communion to the Force is exceptionally strong and her wise insights are held in high regard from the Order. Along the lines of lightsaber combat, Ashla is a very accomplished swordsman. She combines the official forms of Makashi, combatant lightsaber dueling form, with the grace and speed of Ataru, the form that utilizes aerobatics and great agility in battle. As a result Ashla Aneem is a powerful warrior in battle and essential to the Order on several levels.
:Appearance:
Togruta are defined by their three lekku which are white with black stripes. On their homeplanet of Shili, these colors ensure the appropriate camouflage next to the native plants and foliage found on Shili. Their skin tone is mostly considered a rusty red but the hue may very between tribes. Togruta are predators on their planet, and therefore have dominantly sharp teeth. This may give the common misconception that their species is a violent race when the truth is in face contrary to their appearance. Togruta women often dress in layers of robes. Ashla carries on this tradition in recognition of her heritage and is often seen wearing billowing gowns though in battle the Jedi adorns much less cumbersome clothing and instead wears traditional Jedi garb. Physically Ashla Aneem is fit. Her outwear fails to flaunt her toned frame, but modesty is an attribute that the Togruta praises in herself.
:Bio:
Hailing from the planet Shili, Ashla was discovered as a Force-adept by the planet's Watchman. Sensing her abilities, the Jedi quickly sent her at age three to be trained under the tutelage of the Order on Coruscant. Ashla notably excelled in her Force training. She had a connection that her peers in the Turtle Clan did not. The Jedi recognized this, foreseeing the young Jedi to one day assent to a great Knight. During her further training as a Youngling, Ashla honed her lightsaber skills to par and continued to delve further into the Force. Chosen as Padawan to human Jedi Knight Torin Dol, Ashla was taken from the solitude of the Jedi Temple and accompanied Torin on a number of diplomatic missions to various worlds. Through these journeys the young Jedi developed and matured. She learned much from Master can-Rin during her time as his Padawan.
At the age of eighteen Ashla found herself in a position she had never been before- on the front lines of a battle. While on a diplomatic mission to quell an uprising on Selima Oasis, master and apprentice failed to negotiate a peaceful resolution. The conference room erupted in blaster fire from both sides. For the first time in her life, she was forced to use "aggressive negotiations". Torin and she made quick work of the enemy shooters but more security guards would follow. The two unquestioningly escorted the diplomats out of the conference hall and made way for the hangar. Together they managed to evade security forces while the diplomats boarded their starships but just as the Jedi entered the hangarbay, more forces arrived. Torin commanded his Padawan onto the ship while he held off the attackers and she obeyed with reluctance. Ashla watched her teacher, overwhelmed, get shot down as the ship hastily departed from the planet.
She knew that it was not the time to mourn for her downed master yet; turrets locked onto the fleeing ship and opened fire in a desperate attempt to retain them. Ashla sat quietly in a spare room on the ship, alone and quiet. Deep in concentration, the Jedi focused her thoughts, her entity, the Force, into the ship's shields. This precursor form of Battle Meditation assisted greatly in the survival of the diplomats. Upon returning to the Jedi Temple and attending the funeral for Master can-Rin, Ashla sat before the High Council. They deemed her ready to be honored with the rank of Knight. Ashla began to establish herself as a prominent member of the Jedi Order soon after. Taking on multiple learners of her own over time and furthering her already extensive use of the Force and lightsaber skills, Ashla Aneem became a well-respected member of the order of protectors that she served so loyaly.
:Lightsaber:
Single orange blade with a chrome hilt
:Sample:
"Master Aneem, Commander Thire wishes for you join him on the bridge. We are approaching Jabiim now."
The serene voice of Serra Keto woke Ashla from her meditation. It was an appreciated interruption; the Jedi Consular had been in isolation since their departure from Manaan days before, determined to focus and calm her mind on the troubles of the murky world of Jabiim. She never minded being disturbed by Serra. At least, most times. This padawan was not much different than Cora Thule had been; so down to earth, focused, determined and quick-minded. Serra had straight black hair that barely reached her chin with two longer strands on each side that permitted a length to the shoulders. Those pieces were beaded with small and ornate metal cylinders from her native planet Humbarine. The young woman's form was lithe at best and her unconventional Jedi garb was a simple tunic-skirt that was bound tight at the waist by a black belt which held two lightsaber hilts and hung loose for comfort on the bottom. Her arms were almost completely covered with brownleather gauntlets.
It was most definitely a comfort to have that persona around her again but it brought sorrowful memories. Cora Thule, her longtime apprentice before the Purge, was the closest thing the Togruta had ever had to a family and loved her as much as the Code forbade her to. Cora was killed on Coruscant attempting to help the citizens flee from the Sith invasion. It was an honorable death, fitting to the highest in Ashla's eyes.
"Master...?"
As her eyes met Serra's it was only momentary that she saw Cora before reminding herself that it was better this way. Her old apprentice was here around her every second. She had become one with the Force. And for now Ashla knew her current padawan needed her the most and she wouldn't let Serra down.
"Yes, I heard you Serra. Tell Thire I am on my way."
Serra Keto nodded lightly, smiled, and then left the small room. For a moment Ashla waited, listening to the fading footsteps of Serra's boots on the durasteel tile of the cruiser. When all was once again silent the Consular allowed a small sigh of stress leave her lips. Then, with a glance out the window at the endless space beyond, the woman left the small compartment and made her way for the control deck.
--------------->
The deck was also quiet with the exception of the twittering and occasional bleeping of sensors and gadgets in the control pits of the room where sat a few officers that maneuvered the Republic Cruiser through space and managed it's equipment. There stood a man before the wide viewscreen that showed the ever-nearing dark green planet that was Jabiim. The man was adorned in white with patches of the Republic crest on his shoulders. If one payed attention they could see the identical resemblance between he and the rest of the crew aboard Hospice. They were clones. Clones created by the Republic to serve for the sole reason of the military. Next to the Commander stood Serra, arms crossed and murmuring intently to the Junior Commander, Bockta. All three looked concerned.
Ashla's black robes trailed on the floor behind her as she approached the trio. Her striking blue eyes met Serra's then flickered to the Clone's. "What is it?" She inquired. Thire shook his head, clearly flustered at something. "Well, Master Aneem, we have lost contact with Officer Gavvet and his Company aboard Nymistic. The last we heard from them was after their initial distress call we received while on Manaan. En-route we sent a reply and a confirment of our location. We were under the impression that they knew were were coming, Ma'am. "
The Togruta looked blankly out the viewscreen at Jabiim. "This is troubling. Tell me, was there received anything back when you replied?"
Serra nodded. "Yes. It was Gavvet who answered. He complied and said he would remain on his ship but many men were injured on impact. A fifth, he estimated, of the one-hundred and forty-four Company were killed on impact. The rest are confirmed injured. They wouldn't be able to hold off any type of offensive for long should that be the case."
Ashla's expression went slightly grim. "I have a bad feeling about this... Make haste Commander. Set co-ordinates on the wreckage and crash site of Nymistic for I fear this rescue operation may turn into a recovery mission. Let us pray it does not become that."
"Of course. We will be in range and ready to orbit the planet momentarily ma'am. Then the transports will be dispatched." Commander Thire explained.
"Good," Ashla agreed with a nod, "Serra and I will take a platoon of troopers to the crash site and investigate further."
"Very well, General Aneem. Your ships are boarding as we speak."
"Well done Thire. Come, Serra."
And with that the Jedi Master and her padawan departed for the hangar bays.
------------------->
When the two had reached the ship's hangarbay, the lieutenant was waiting for them. "General Aneem," he began, "the platoon troopers are loaded into two transports. We will follow you down to the planet's surface."
Ashla nodded in agreement and boarded a transport. She was escorted closely by Serra. Once inside the shuttle, Ashla made her way to the controls where sat the pilot. When the Jedi gave him the approval the pilot pressed a few buttons on the control panel and the ship's engines lifted it from the ground. The enormous durasteel airlock doors slid open on the Capital ship which made it possible for liftoff. And with that, two Republic Transports departed from the shelter of Hospice and made way for the planet of Jabiim.
------------------->
The shuttle shook violently through the atmosphere as the taskforce assembled by the Jedi made their way to the crashsite of Officer Gavvet and his Company of troopers. The vehicles exited the atmosphere with ease but were greeted with less-than-ideal weather. It was common knowledge to the team that Jabiim was host to a neverending pandamonia of torrential rainfall and thunderstorms. Their view screens left little to be desired on the miserable planet but alas, their mission had turned grave and no matter the rain they would not falter. Rain pounded the ships as they glided into the forest to land but even on the ground the canopy provided no shelter from the downpour. Ashla and Cora pulled their hoods and evacuated their ship to meet up with the Lieutenant.
"Master, this weather is horrendous. Will it not only slow us down? Perhaps an operation would be best carried out tomorrow?" Serra was forced to shout over the thundering but Ashla meagerly shook her head and responded in the same shout-
"No, Padawan. We are actually in luck. You see, today happens to be one of the days with less hazards than usual here. You will find that soon any other selected would be putting more risk on our shoulders."
The Togruta motioned to the Lieutenant to follow with his troopers and the taskforce made their way into the thick of the jungle. They walked in silence with the two Jedi side-by-side in the lead and a long trail of clones following behind. Ashla found the wet weather soothing but knew the others thought otherwise. She began to ponder just how they had ended up here in the first place. For one, the Republic was just being reborn like a Phoenix from the ashes. It needed guidance as the Senate and the Courts were just beginning to function once again since the downfall of the Sith. The Jedi took on this job as escorts but already being spread thin across the Galaxy they were able to do very little for now. What was possible was done, however. For now the Jedi Temple rested empty as the few practitioners of the light side of the Force struggled to feed hope and encourage into their democracy. Ashla was one of the many Council members who dispatched themselves voluntarily to aid in small missions. She and Serra gladly accepted missions if it were to help their cause. And that was how they came to be here: one mission after another. The duo had naught a chance to recoup at the Temple for months, going strong on a year now. Their recent assignment was to diplomatically reinstate the ocean-world of Manaan back into the Republic by convincing the native Selkath species that it was for their own benefit. A day after this accomplishment the two had received news that a Company of Republic Troopers and it's Officer had to be rescued.
Ashla slowly came back from her ruminations. Once again she had to focus on the here and now. Things in the present required the Grand Master's attention. Rain poured on the heads of the soldiers and the Jedi, making for a miserable mood. They tramped through thick mud and scrambled over thick downed trees that not even the scouts that had been dispatched first could clear. Using the Force, Ashla could sense that they were somewhere up the trail a mile or so ahead of them. Given the task of removing any brush from the trail they were the first to break away from the primary taskforce. She paused. Something was amiss. With her halted the rest of the force.
"General, what is it?" The clone Lieutenant asked nervously.
Ashla"Master Aneem, Commander Thire wishes for you join him on the bridge. We are approaching Jabiim now."
The serene voice of Serra Keto woke Ashla from her meditation. It was an appreciated interruption; the Jedi Consular had been in isolation since their departure from Manaan days before, determined to focus and calm her mind on the troubles of the murky world of Jabiim. She never minded being disturbed by Serra. At least, most times. This padawan was not much different than Cora Thule had been; so down to earth, focused, determined and quick-minded. Serra had straight black hair that barely reached her chin with two longer strands on each side that permitted a length to the shoulders. Those pieces were beaded with small and ornate metal cylinders from her native planet Humbarine. The young woman's form was lithe at best and her unconventional Jedi garb was a simple tunic-skirt that was bound tight at the waist by a black belt which held two lightsaber hilts and hung loose for comfort on the bottom. Her arms were almost completely covered with brownleather gauntlets.
It was most definitely a comfort to have that persona around her again but it brought sorrowful memories. Cora Thule, her longtime apprentice before the Purge, was the closest thing the Togruta had ever had to a family and loved her as much as the Code forbade her to. Cora was killed on Coruscant attempting to help the citizens flee from the Sith invasion. It was an honorable death, fitting to the highest in Ashla's eyes.
"Master...?"
As her eyes met Serra's it was only momentary that she saw Cora before reminding herself that it was better this way. Her old apprentice was here around her every second. She had become one with the Force. And for now Ashla knew her current padawan needed her the most and she wouldn't let Serra down.
"Yes, I heard you Serra. Tell Thire I am on my way."
Serra Keto nodded lightly, smiled, and then left the small room. For a moment Ashla waited, listening to the fading footsteps of Serra's boots on the durasteel tile of the cruiser. When all was once again silent the Consular allowed a small sigh of stress leave her lips. Then, with a glance out the window at the endless space beyond, the woman left the small compartment and made her way for the control deck.
--------------->
The deck was also quiet with the exception of the twittering and occasional bleeping of sensors and gadgets in the control pits of the room where sat a few officers that maneuvered the Republic Cruiser through space and managed it's equipment. There stood a man before the wide viewscreen that showed the ever-nearing dark green planet that was Jabiim. The man was adorned in white with patches of the Republic crest on his shoulders. If one payed attention they could see the identical resemblance between he and the rest of the crew aboard Hospice. They were clones. Clones created by the Republic to serve for the sole reason of the military. Next to the Commander stood Serra, arms crossed and murmuring intently to the Junior Commander, Bockta. All three looked concerned.
Ashla's black robes trailed on the floor behind her as she approached the trio. Her striking blue eyes met Serra's then flickered to the Clone's. "What is it?" She inquired. Thire shook his head, clearly flustered at something. "Well, Master Aneem, we have lost contact with Officer Gavvet and his Company aboard Nymistic. The last we heard from them was after their initial distress call we received while on Manaan. En-route we sent a reply and a confirment of our location. We were under the impression that they knew were were coming, Ma'am. "
The Togruta
looked blankly out the viewscreen at Jabiim. "This is troubling. Tell me, was there received anything back when you replied?"
Serra nodded. "Yes. It was Gavvet who answered. He complied and said he would remain on his ship but many men were injured on impact. A fifth, he estimated, of the one-hundred and forty-four Company were killed on impact. The rest are confirmed injured. They wouldn't be able to hold off any type of offensive for long should that be the case."
Ashla's expression went slightly grim. "I have a bad feeling about this... Make haste Commander. Set co-ordinates on the wreckage and crash site of Nymistic for I fear this rescue operation may turn into a recovery mission. Let us pray it does not become that."
"Of course. We will be in range and ready to orbit the planet momentarily ma'am. Then the transports will be dispatched." Commander Thire explained.
"Good," Ashla agreed with a nod, "Serra and I will take a platoon of troopers to the crash site and investigate further."
"Very well, General Aneem. Your ships are boarding as we speak."
"Well done Thire. Come, Serra."
And with that the Jedi Master and her padawan departed for the hangar bays.
------------------->
When the two had reached the ship's hangarbay, the lieutenant was waiting for them. "General Aneem," he began, "the platoon troopers are loaded into two transports. We will follow you down to the planet's surface."
Ashla nodded in agreement and boarded a transport. She was escorted closely by Serra. Once inside the shuttle, Ashla made her way to the controls where sat the pilot. When the Jedi gave him the approval the pilot pressed a few buttons on the control panel and the ship's engines lifted it from the ground. The enormous durasteel airlock doors slid open on the Capital ship which made it possible for liftoff. And with that, two Republic Transports departed from the shelter of Hospice and made way for the planet of Jabiim.
------------------->
The shuttle shook violently through the atmosphere as the taskforce assembled by the Jedi made their way to the crashsite of Officer Gavvet and his Company of troopers. The vehicles exited the atmosphere with ease but were greeted with less-than-ideal weather. It was common knowledge to the team that Jabiim was host to a neverending pandamonia of torrential rainfall and thunderstorms. Their view screens left little to be desired on the miserable planet but alas, their mission had turned grave and no matter the rain they would not falter. Rain pounded the ships as they glided into the forest to land but even on the ground the canopy provided no shelter from the downpour. Ashla and Cora pulled their hoods and evacuated their ship to meet up with the Lieutenant.
"Master, this weather is horrendous. Will it not only slow us down? Perhaps an operation would be best carried out tomorrow?" Serra was forced to shout over the thundering but Ashla meagerly shook her head and responded in the same shout-
"No, Padawan. We are actually in luck. You see, today happens to be one of the days with less hazards than usual here. You will find that soon any other selected would be putting more risk on our shoulders."
The Togruta motioned to the Lieutenant to follow with his troopers and the taskforce made their way into the thick of the jungle. They walked in silence with the two Jedi side-by-side in the lead and a long trail of clones following behind. Ashla found the wet weather soothing but knew the others thought otherwise. She began to ponder just how they had ended up here in the first place. For one, the Republic was just being reborn like a Phoenix from the ashes. It needed guidance as the Senate and the Courts were just beginning to function once again since the downfall of the Sith. The Jedi took on this job as escorts but already being spread thin across the Galaxy they were able to do very little for now. What was possible was done, however. For now the Jedi Temple rested empty as the few practitioners of the light side of the Force struggled to feed hope and encourage into their democracy. Ashla was one of the many Council members who dispatched themselves voluntarily to aid in small missions. She and Serra gladly accepted missions if it were to help their cause. And that was how they came to be here: one mission after another. The duo had naught a chance to recoup at the Temple for months, going strong on a year now. Their recent assignment was to diplomatically reinstate the ocean-world of Manaan back into the Republic by convincing the native Selkath species that it was for their own benefit. A day after this accomplishment the two had received news that a Company of Republic Troopers and it's Officer had to be rescued.
Ashla slowly came back from her ruminations. Once again she had to focus on the here and now. Things in the present required the Grand Master's attention. Rain poured on the heads of the soldiers and the Jedi, making for a miserable mood. They tramped through thick mud and scrambled over thick downed trees that not even the scouts that had been dispatched first could clear. Using the Force, Ashla could sense that they were somewhere up the trail a mile or so ahead of them. Given the task of removing any brush from the trail they were the first to break away from the primary taskforce. She paused. Something was amiss. With her halted the rest of the force.
"General, what is it?" The clone Lieutenant asked nervously.
Ashla began to sprint down the trail, using the force to enhance her speed and beckoning for Serra to follow. "Come with us Lieutenant. Make speed. I sense a disturbance in the Force up the trail. Hurry!" began to sprint down the trail, using the force to enhance her speed and beckoning for Serra to follow. "Come with us Lieutenant. Make speed. I sense a disturbance in the Force up the trail. Hurry!"
The serene voice of Serra Keto woke Ashla from her meditation. It was an appreciated interruption; the Jedi Consular had been in isolation since their departure from Manaan days before, determined to focus and calm her mind on the troubles of the murky world of Jabiim. She never minded being disturbed by Serra. At least, most times. This padawan was not much different than Cora Thule had been; so down to earth, focused, determined and quick-minded. Serra had straight black hair that barely reached her chin with two longer strands on each side that permitted a length to the shoulders. Those pieces were beaded with small and ornate metal cylinders from her native planet Humbarine. The young woman's form was lithe at best and her unconventional Jedi garb was a simple tunic-skirt that was bound tight at the waist by a black belt which held two lightsaber hilts and hung loose for comfort on the bottom. Her arms were almost completely covered with brownleather gauntlets.
It was most definitely a comfort to have that persona around her again but it brought sorrowful memories. Cora Thule, her longtime apprentice before the Purge, was the closest thing the Togruta had ever had to a family and loved her as much as the Code forbade her to. Cora was killed on Coruscant attempting to help the citizens flee from the Sith invasion. It was an honorable death, fitting to the highest in Ashla's eyes.
"Master...?"
As her eyes met Serra's it was only momentary that she saw Cora before reminding herself that it was better this way. Her old apprentice was here around her every second. She had become one with the Force. And for now Ashla knew her current padawan needed her the most and she wouldn't let Serra down.
"Yes, I heard you Serra. Tell Thire I am on my way."
Serra Keto nodded lightly, smiled, and then left the small room. For a moment Ashla waited, listening to the fading footsteps of Serra's boots on the durasteel tile of the cruiser. When all was once again silent the Consular allowed a small sigh of stress leave her lips. Then, with a glance out the window at the endless space beyond, the woman left the small compartment and made her way for the control deck.
--------------->
The deck was also quiet with the exception of the twittering and occasional bleeping of sensors and gadgets in the control pits of the room where sat a few officers that maneuvered the Republic Cruiser through space and managed it's equipment. There stood a man before the wide viewscreen that showed the ever-nearing dark green planet that was Jabiim. The man was adorned in white with patches of the Republic crest on his shoulders. If one payed attention they could see the identical resemblance between he and the rest of the crew aboard Hospice. They were clones. Clones created by the Republic to serve for the sole reason of the military. Next to the Commander stood Serra, arms crossed and murmuring intently to the Junior Commander, Bockta. All three looked concerned.
Ashla's black robes trailed on the floor behind her as she approached the trio. Her striking blue eyes met Serra's then flickered to the Clone's. "What is it?" She inquired. Thire shook his head, clearly flustered at something. "Well, Master Aneem, we have lost contact with Officer Gavvet and his Company aboard Nymistic. The last we heard from them was after their initial distress call we received while on Manaan. En-route we sent a reply and a confirment of our location. We were under the impression that they knew were were coming, Ma'am. "
The Togruta looked blankly out the viewscreen at Jabiim. "This is troubling. Tell me, was there received anything back when you replied?"
Serra nodded. "Yes. It was Gavvet who answered. He complied and said he would remain on his ship but many men were injured on impact. A fifth, he estimated, of the one-hundred and forty-four Company were killed on impact. The rest are confirmed injured. They wouldn't be able to hold off any type of offensive for long should that be the case."
Ashla's expression went slightly grim. "I have a bad feeling about this... Make haste Commander. Set co-ordinates on the wreckage and crash site of Nymistic for I fear this rescue operation may turn into a recovery mission. Let us pray it does not become that."
"Of course. We will be in range and ready to orbit the planet momentarily ma'am. Then the transports will be dispatched." Commander Thire explained.
"Good," Ashla agreed with a nod, "Serra and I will take a platoon of troopers to the crash site and investigate further."
"Very well, General Aneem. Your ships are boarding as we speak."
"Well done Thire. Come, Serra."
And with that the Jedi Master and her padawan departed for the hangar bays.
------------------->
When the two had reached the ship's hangarbay, the lieutenant was waiting for them. "General Aneem," he began, "the platoon troopers are loaded into two transports. We will follow you down to the planet's surface."
Ashla nodded in agreement and boarded a transport. She was escorted closely by Serra. Once inside the shuttle, Ashla made her way to the controls where sat the pilot. When the Jedi gave him the approval the pilot pressed a few buttons on the control panel and the ship's engines lifted it from the ground. The enormous durasteel airlock doors slid open on the Capital ship which made it possible for liftoff. And with that, two Republic Transports departed from the shelter of Hospice and made way for the planet of Jabiim.
------------------->
The shuttle shook violently through the atmosphere as the taskforce assembled by the Jedi made their way to the crashsite of Officer Gavvet and his Company of troopers. The vehicles exited the atmosphere with ease but were greeted with less-than-ideal weather. It was common knowledge to the team that Jabiim was host to a neverending pandamonia of torrential rainfall and thunderstorms. Their view screens left little to be desired on the miserable planet but alas, their mission had turned grave and no matter the rain they would not falter. Rain pounded the ships as they glided into the forest to land but even on the ground the canopy provided no shelter from the downpour. Ashla and Cora pulled their hoods and evacuated their ship to meet up with the Lieutenant.
"Master, this weather is horrendous. Will it not only slow us down? Perhaps an operation would be best carried out tomorrow?" Serra was forced to shout over the thundering but Ashla meagerly shook her head and responded in the same shout-
"No, Padawan. We are actually in luck. You see, today happens to be one of the days with less hazards than usual here. You will find that soon any other selected would be putting more risk on our shoulders."
The Togruta motioned to the Lieutenant to follow with his troopers and the taskforce made their way into the thick of the jungle. They walked in silence with the two Jedi side-by-side in the lead and a long trail of clones following behind. Ashla found the wet weather soothing but knew the others thought otherwise. She began to ponder just how they had ended up here in the first place. For one, the Republic was just being reborn like a Phoenix from the ashes. It needed guidance as the Senate and the Courts were just beginning to function once again since the downfall of the Sith. The Jedi took on this job as escorts but already being spread thin across the Galaxy they were able to do very little for now. What was possible was done, however. For now the Jedi Temple rested empty as the few practitioners of the light side of the Force struggled to feed hope and encourage into their democracy. Ashla was one of the many Council members who dispatched themselves voluntarily to aid in small missions. She and Serra gladly accepted missions if it were to help their cause. And that was how they came to be here: one mission after another. The duo had naught a chance to recoup at the Temple for months, going strong on a year now. Their recent assignment was to diplomatically reinstate the ocean-world of Manaan back into the Republic by convincing the native Selkath species that it was for their own benefit. A day after this accomplishment the two had received news that a Company of Republic Troopers and it's Officer had to be rescued.
Ashla slowly came back from her ruminations. Once again she had to focus on the here and now. Things in the present required the Grand Master's attention. Rain poured on the heads of the soldiers and the Jedi, making for a miserable mood. They tramped through thick mud and scrambled over thick downed trees that not even the scouts that had been dispatched first could clear. Using the Force, Ashla could sense that they were somewhere up the trail a mile or so ahead of them. Given the task of removing any brush from the trail they were the first to break away from the primary taskforce. She paused. Something was amiss. With her halted the rest of the force.
"General, what is it?" The clone Lieutenant asked nervously.
Ashla"Master Aneem, Commander Thire wishes for you join him on the bridge. We are approaching Jabiim now."
The serene voice of Serra Keto woke Ashla from her meditation. It was an appreciated interruption; the Jedi Consular had been in isolation since their departure from Manaan days before, determined to focus and calm her mind on the troubles of the murky world of Jabiim. She never minded being disturbed by Serra. At least, most times. This padawan was not much different than Cora Thule had been; so down to earth, focused, determined and quick-minded. Serra had straight black hair that barely reached her chin with two longer strands on each side that permitted a length to the shoulders. Those pieces were beaded with small and ornate metal cylinders from her native planet Humbarine. The young woman's form was lithe at best and her unconventional Jedi garb was a simple tunic-skirt that was bound tight at the waist by a black belt which held two lightsaber hilts and hung loose for comfort on the bottom. Her arms were almost completely covered with brownleather gauntlets.
It was most definitely a comfort to have that persona around her again but it brought sorrowful memories. Cora Thule, her longtime apprentice before the Purge, was the closest thing the Togruta had ever had to a family and loved her as much as the Code forbade her to. Cora was killed on Coruscant attempting to help the citizens flee from the Sith invasion. It was an honorable death, fitting to the highest in Ashla's eyes.
"Master...?"
As her eyes met Serra's it was only momentary that she saw Cora before reminding herself that it was better this way. Her old apprentice was here around her every second. She had become one with the Force. And for now Ashla knew her current padawan needed her the most and she wouldn't let Serra down.
"Yes, I heard you Serra. Tell Thire I am on my way."
Serra Keto nodded lightly, smiled, and then left the small room. For a moment Ashla waited, listening to the fading footsteps of Serra's boots on the durasteel tile of the cruiser. When all was once again silent the Consular allowed a small sigh of stress leave her lips. Then, with a glance out the window at the endless space beyond, the woman left the small compartment and made her way for the control deck.
--------------->
The deck was also quiet with the exception of the twittering and occasional bleeping of sensors and gadgets in the control pits of the room where sat a few officers that maneuvered the Republic Cruiser through space and managed it's equipment. There stood a man before the wide viewscreen that showed the ever-nearing dark green planet that was Jabiim. The man was adorned in white with patches of the Republic crest on his shoulders. If one payed attention they could see the identical resemblance between he and the rest of the crew aboard Hospice. They were clones. Clones created by the Republic to serve for the sole reason of the military. Next to the Commander stood Serra, arms crossed and murmuring intently to the Junior Commander, Bockta. All three looked concerned.
Ashla's black robes trailed on the floor behind her as she approached the trio. Her striking blue eyes met Serra's then flickered to the Clone's. "What is it?" She inquired. Thire shook his head, clearly flustered at something. "Well, Master Aneem, we have lost contact with Officer Gavvet and his Company aboard Nymistic. The last we heard from them was after their initial distress call we received while on Manaan. En-route we sent a reply and a confirment of our location. We were under the impression that they knew were were coming, Ma'am. "
The Togruta
looked blankly out the viewscreen at Jabiim. "This is troubling. Tell me, was there received anything back when you replied?"
Serra nodded. "Yes. It was Gavvet who answered. He complied and said he would remain on his ship but many men were injured on impact. A fifth, he estimated, of the one-hundred and forty-four Company were killed on impact. The rest are confirmed injured. They wouldn't be able to hold off any type of offensive for long should that be the case."
Ashla's expression went slightly grim. "I have a bad feeling about this... Make haste Commander. Set co-ordinates on the wreckage and crash site of Nymistic for I fear this rescue operation may turn into a recovery mission. Let us pray it does not become that."
"Of course. We will be in range and ready to orbit the planet momentarily ma'am. Then the transports will be dispatched." Commander Thire explained.
"Good," Ashla agreed with a nod, "Serra and I will take a platoon of troopers to the crash site and investigate further."
"Very well, General Aneem. Your ships are boarding as we speak."
"Well done Thire. Come, Serra."
And with that the Jedi Master and her padawan departed for the hangar bays.
------------------->
When the two had reached the ship's hangarbay, the lieutenant was waiting for them. "General Aneem," he began, "the platoon troopers are loaded into two transports. We will follow you down to the planet's surface."
Ashla nodded in agreement and boarded a transport. She was escorted closely by Serra. Once inside the shuttle, Ashla made her way to the controls where sat the pilot. When the Jedi gave him the approval the pilot pressed a few buttons on the control panel and the ship's engines lifted it from the ground. The enormous durasteel airlock doors slid open on the Capital ship which made it possible for liftoff. And with that, two Republic Transports departed from the shelter of Hospice and made way for the planet of Jabiim.
------------------->
The shuttle shook violently through the atmosphere as the taskforce assembled by the Jedi made their way to the crashsite of Officer Gavvet and his Company of troopers. The vehicles exited the atmosphere with ease but were greeted with less-than-ideal weather. It was common knowledge to the team that Jabiim was host to a neverending pandamonia of torrential rainfall and thunderstorms. Their view screens left little to be desired on the miserable planet but alas, their mission had turned grave and no matter the rain they would not falter. Rain pounded the ships as they glided into the forest to land but even on the ground the canopy provided no shelter from the downpour. Ashla and Cora pulled their hoods and evacuated their ship to meet up with the Lieutenant.
"Master, this weather is horrendous. Will it not only slow us down? Perhaps an operation would be best carried out tomorrow?" Serra was forced to shout over the thundering but Ashla meagerly shook her head and responded in the same shout-
"No, Padawan. We are actually in luck. You see, today happens to be one of the days with less hazards than usual here. You will find that soon any other selected would be putting more risk on our shoulders."
The Togruta motioned to the Lieutenant to follow with his troopers and the taskforce made their way into the thick of the jungle. They walked in silence with the two Jedi side-by-side in the lead and a long trail of clones following behind. Ashla found the wet weather soothing but knew the others thought otherwise. She began to ponder just how they had ended up here in the first place. For one, the Republic was just being reborn like a Phoenix from the ashes. It needed guidance as the Senate and the Courts were just beginning to function once again since the downfall of the Sith. The Jedi took on this job as escorts but already being spread thin across the Galaxy they were able to do very little for now. What was possible was done, however. For now the Jedi Temple rested empty as the few practitioners of the light side of the Force struggled to feed hope and encourage into their democracy. Ashla was one of the many Council members who dispatched themselves voluntarily to aid in small missions. She and Serra gladly accepted missions if it were to help their cause. And that was how they came to be here: one mission after another. The duo had naught a chance to recoup at the Temple for months, going strong on a year now. Their recent assignment was to diplomatically reinstate the ocean-world of Manaan back into the Republic by convincing the native Selkath species that it was for their own benefit. A day after this accomplishment the two had received news that a Company of Republic Troopers and it's Officer had to be rescued.
Ashla slowly came back from her ruminations. Once again she had to focus on the here and now. Things in the present required the Grand Master's attention. Rain poured on the heads of the soldiers and the Jedi, making for a miserable mood. They tramped through thick mud and scrambled over thick downed trees that not even the scouts that had been dispatched first could clear. Using the Force, Ashla could sense that they were somewhere up the trail a mile or so ahead of them. Given the task of removing any brush from the trail they were the first to break away from the primary taskforce. She paused. Something was amiss. With her halted the rest of the force.
"General, what is it?" The clone Lieutenant asked nervously.
Ashla began to sprint down the trail, using the force to enhance her speed and beckoning for Serra to follow. "Come with us Lieutenant. Make speed. I sense a disturbance in the Force up the trail. Hurry!" began to sprint down the trail, using the force to enhance her speed and beckoning for Serra to follow. "Come with us Lieutenant. Make speed. I sense a disturbance in the Force up the trail. Hurry!"
Thank you guys!