An Offer He Can't Refuse

[Val - Warning:Contains Sarcasm]

Jedi Mission: Take No Prisoners thread 2

Jedi: Elsie Therin [sparrow] + padawan Eaite Nayrus [Midnight], Val Adeera [Valadin] + padawan Rein Akai [Anackis], Xierra Zalq [Mara]
NPC Players: Templar Forge [DireWolf], Tas Bey [Jace]

---

The light blinked red as the autopilot was engaged, and Val could finally leave the cockpit in the capable hands of the autopilot. She checked over all of the buttons with a glance once more, then checked the navigation chart to check she hadn't accidently set their course for the nearest sun. Luckily that wasn't the case and she continued out of the cockpit and headed to the nearby room. It was quiet in there and the engines weren't as profound through an extra few walls. Taking a seat on the floor, she decided this would be as good a place as any to meditate. She had several questions she needed to answer.

Who was that other Jedi she had seen before? What had her first mission with Master Garrow been? How would she train Rein? Where was her mission objective? The Force held knowledge of all these things. Not necessarily answers, but knowledge. She had been rather studious all her life though, so knowledge wasn't an unfamiliar friend of hers. She would plunge through the archives of the Force as best she could in the current situation and see what answers she could dig up. If left in peace long enough, that is, and she probably wouldn't. They needed a plan, and it was only a matter of time before they gathered to make one.

For the minute though the others should be content pottering around the ship figuring out where things were, hopefully buying her a bit of time.

[sparrow]

Elsie sat in the main room of the ship, happy that they had finally taken off. She was feeling quite nervous as well. On every mission that she had been involved in up until now, she had always been supervised by her Master or followed the lead of an older Jedi. Here, she was the oldest, though not by very much. It was an odd feeling.

There wasn't really much to do at the moment. She didn't feel like meditating, and there wasn't really enough room on the ship to do any sword or saber drills. Maybe some stretching, she finally decided. Those didn't require too much space, and would help her relax a bit.

A few minutes later, she was settled in the center-splits while looking over a holomap of Stratablock 7, the area on Metellos where they would be landing. There was still some time before they would arrive at their destination, so she figured that they might as well put that time to good use with some planning.

[Anackis]

Rein sat quietly by himself in a disrupted attempt to meditate. He could not clear his mind or keeps his thoughts focused on one thing. At first he tried to focus on the mission and what he might do to give aid and not be in the way, but he knew so little about the mission the his thoughts began to drift towards his inabilities. He soon found himself thinking of his master and how he was not suitable for her. He forced himself to replace these thoughts with ways he could be of use only to lose track of his focus again by letting thoughts of areas he needed more training in enter his mind.

He gave up on trying to meditate altogether and began looking around the ship. He sat in his seat and kept his head to the floor, letting the force wander the short span of the main room which he sat in. He paused momentarily on one of the Jedi Knights in the act of stretching and pondered her reasoning. The force soon took him towards the cockpit where he knew Master Adeera was, though she was not there.

Rein reached out with the Force and could sense her nearby. He opened his vision like a child opening his eyes wider to absorb the full experience of a moment. He could see everything around him at once, as he had always seen. But the more he reached with the force the more everything began to feel like something. It was exciting, he had tried it a few times before but it always seemed to make him tire quickly. He could already feel the strain prodding at the back of his mind.

Rein smiled as the Force relieved to him what he sought. Master Adeera sat on the floor in a side room, meditating. Rein did not know if she could tell he was watching from his seat back in the main room, and he sudden;y didn't care. The force seemed to dim and draw back towards him. He felt weaker then normal and very tired. He had tried too hard again.

Rein suddenly began to cough, a horse wheezing slipping painfully from his mouth with each violent exhale from his lungs. He placed his pale hand over his mouth to muffle to cough and leaned forward. "I am not making a good impression." he thought to himself as the coughing subsided. He shook his head "Not at all."[/color]

[Mara]

[...from Estrogen Overload]


After all her time spent flitting around the galaxy in the past couple of weeks, plus losing her Master and coming to grips with his death and her own recent Knighthood, all Xierra wanted to do was find the closest bunk and crash for a few hours. So after the all-clear from Val and safe entry into hyperspace, the young Falleen decided to do just that. She unstrapped from her seat and walked her way back into the ship, looking for a cabin or just any place to lie down in.

Xierra smiled as she spotted an empty cabin. She went in and closed the door behind her. Belatedly, she felt a little bad for isolating herself from her team members, but she was sure they would understand. Just a little hour nap was all she needed to refresh herself. They would have plenty of time from the trip to Metellos to plan out what exactly they were going to do to accomplish their assigned mission.

Not bothering to undress at all, she crawled into the bed and laid her head down on the pillow. Just an hour, she told herself as she fell asleep. Just an hour...

[sparrow]

Still deep in thought, Elsie stood up and paced around the room for a bit. There were just so many questions? What did Tas Bey find? How was he captured? Having managed to capture a Jedi, Templar Forge surely would be expecting a search party. Metellos was a densely populated urban planet. If Forge wished to stay low and remain hidden, then he would be extremely difficult to find. If perhaps there was a way to draw Forge out, make him reveal himself...

Suddenly she noticed the young Miralukan padawan coughing loudly on the other side of the room. "Are you alright?" she asked, concerned. He wasn't her padawan; it was proper than she maintain a certain amount of distance. Yet that didn't mean she wasn't supposed to care if something was wrong.

Elsie Therin wasn't a teacher. She had never taught a padawan and had no idea how to teach one if she did. But perhaps if she could help this boy in some small way then she could be more confident for when she finally had to instruct her own padawan.

"So,... Is there anything I could help you with?"

[Anackis]

Rein sat up and turned his face to the Jedi, not because he could not see her leaning over but to show respect. The shadows from the corner mixed with his frail frame and pale skin gave him a look of near death. His blindfold had slid down a bit reveiling an empty socket, quickly Rein pulled it back up and tightend it.

He pondered the Jedi's actions a moment wondering why she would care about his well being. If he had had eyes they would have shown surprize. Forcing out one last cough to clear his voice, Rein responded, "Thank you, but I am fine." Normally he would leave it at that, but he felt the Jedi would want to understand the cause of his weakened state. "I have been like this since birth, it is nothing too seriouse." He did not tell her how it burned each time he coughed or that, dispite his thoughts when younger, it wasn't something he was able to get used too.

[Mara]

Twenty minutes later, the young Falleen was awakened by her stomach screaming for food. Groaning, Xierra slowly sat up and glanced at her chrono to find out how long she had been asleep. Not long enough... She sighed and stretched as she sat up on the cot. If she ignored her hunger pangs, she wouldn't be able to get back to sleep anyway, so she might as well try to find some food on this ship.

She stood up, straightening her robes. Xierra hadn't known how hungry she really was, but her stomach was doing somersaults in her berry. She had been really busy the past few days, lots of stress. Until now she had been able to sustain herself with the Force, but that was no longer working. Xierra needed to find some real food; she couldn't remember the last time she actually sat down and ate something, instead of grabbing something on the fly or forgoing food altogether.

Xierra smiled wryly at herself. Those thoughts definitely meant it was time to eat something. If she couldn't remember the last time, well, it was high time to settle down her body. Perhaps after a full belly she could finally rest, or at least think about the coming mission with a clear head.

Smoothing out all the wrinkles from her robe, she exited the cabin and went looking for the galley. After a couple wrong turns, and not meeting any of the others, she finally came across it. It was small but serviceable for her needs. Xierra began opening up doors and cupboards, looking for anything resembling food.

[Val - Warning:Contains Sarcasm]

The images of Coruscant filled her mind as she swam through the depths of her memory. A time long ago with the Master she had since been separated from and whom she missed. She could almost her his voice speaking to her even now, but that was so long ago the voice was nothing more than an echo reverberating around her skull. No, long before that night on Coruscant, long before she was almost sold into slavery. Her first mission with Master Garrow was not near Coruscant. Dantooine, investigating a crashed shuttle for survivors. That was right, they had only just joined up, and they were sent into the jungle. It was a good mission... well, an easy mission. The term 'good' hardly encompassed the state of the survivors who had begun to feel the effects of several days of solitude.

Val had helped fix the communications on the ship and provide some warmth for the survivors. She had also helped bury the dead. That part wasn't really pleasant, but Master Garrow had made it feel OK that it happened. That there was no shame in death and that they should treat it as just another part of life. Easy words for a man to say when he can't fortell his own future. Can't fortell the screaming hulk of metal plummeting through the skies, ablaze and splitting through the atmosphere like a dreadful siren, crashing into the ocean like two moons colliding. Easy words indeed.

She moved on through her memories now. She did not like pondering too long on her old Master. It troubled her that he was gone and yet she still felt as if he was still there. Troubled and saddened, to know the painful truth. Still, she was doing well for herself and she had come to accept the fact that death happened to all things. Now, however, she seeked the other answer she needed. The name of that other Jedi who was so familiar to her from the Senator's gala, but yet who's name eluded her like a swift insect. She focused on their first conversation together. Walking together through the suits and the bow ties, the dresses and the slow music to the count of one, two, three... The image formed into her head. The fist to palm as a quick salute. Then the words "I'm Elsie." Elsie? Yes, that was right. Elsie, she was the one who did a lot of lightsaber training.

Val was perplexed as to how she had forgotten this, but overlooked the matter at the moment. She had two more things that she would need to meditate on at the moment before she would be called upon to do something either for a person or for the ship, or maybe for the mission - she wasn't sure, but she'd prefer to get most of her inquiries of the Force out of the way.

[sparrow]

Elsie nodded at the padawan's response. She didn't have to a skilled telepath to realize that the boy was in a bit of pain, but since he didn't seem to want to talk about it, then she would not press the issue. Time to change the subject. "This is your first mission, isn't it? The first one's always a hard one. It can be a bit... disorienting if you don't know what to expect. Of course, we need to concentrate on the success of the mission, but if there's anything you need or if you just have a few questions, we're all here to help."

It suddenly occurred her to she had never actually introduced hersle to the boy. In fact, she didn't actually know his name yet either. "I'm Elsie Therin, by the way," she said, holding out a hand, trying to cover that mistake.

In the other room, she could hear Xierra rummaging about.

[Anackis]

Rein looked down at her hand and hesitated a moment before placing his tiny pale hand in hers. He felt uneasy making contact with her, letting her see his frail hand and feel his weak grip. He choked back on his timidness and introduced himself, "I am Rein Akai." He hesitated again not knowing how to address the Jedi propperly, "I am pleased to meet you, Master Therin."

Rein took his hand back and hid it under the sleeve of his cloak. He began to rub the cloth of his cloak nervousely with his fingers. "Uh, Master Therin... He wanted to ask her what use he could be on this mission but decided not to. He quickly changed his question, "Who are the Jedi and padawan we are going to find?"

[sparrow]

"The Jedi we are looking for is named Tas Bey," Elsie said, as she brought up a picture of the aforementioned that had been provided during their mission briefing on the holoprojector. "Weequay male, late twenties. Last known to be investigating the operations of suspected crimelord Templar Forge on Metellos. Other than that there's not really much I can tell you. I've never met Bey myself. I heard he was one of those Knights who liked traveling and spending time away from the Temple on missions."

[Anackis]

He paused a moment in thought. A Jedi Knight who preferred to spend most of his time away from the Temple and traveling to who knows where. He was also investigating the operations of a crime lord. A thought popped into his mind but he discarded it quickly, there was no possible way Tas Bey could be the crime lord. Even if he were he would have no reason to kidnap himself.

Rein shook his head, no that couldn't be a possibility, besides, if it were his padawan would have turned him in long ago. His padawan... "Does anyone know anything about his padawan or the crime lord?"

[Mara]

Half an hour later, Xierra was sitting at one of the small counters in the ship's gallery, forgoing all sense of daintiness as she ate. It wasn't much; the pantry hadn't been stocked super well. And the supplies they had gotten to take with them hadn't been put away, and she hadn't wanted to spend time looking through cargo boxes. But what she was digging into was fairly palatable and satisfying. Enough to calm her stomach for a couple of hours.

Finishing up her meal, the young Falleen disposed of her dishes and cleaned up her small mess before deciding what to do next. She could go back to the cabin and get some rest, but now she was much too awake for that. Xierra was refreshed after the meal she had eaten. The sensible thing to do would be to find her fellow Jedi and figure out what their plan was.

So she left the gallery and went in search of the others. Quickly she came upon two of them: the Jedi Elsie and one of the padawans. She wasn't sure if he was Elsie's or not. But either way, at least she had come across them--not too hard on this ship. It wasn't huge. Xierra stepped quietly into the room, drawing a little on the Force to announce her presence. As she got closer to the pair, she heard the boy ask about Tas Bey's padawan.

[sparrow]

"Bey is known for his lightsaber skill and brash nature, and from what I have heard, his padawan, whom he took on only recently, is much the same in temperament," she continued. "As for Forge, he has the appearance of a successful legitimate businessman running a large catering company, but most believe that to be only a front for his illegal operations. Operations which Bey was assigned to investigating when he lost contact."

Elsie looked up to see that Xierra had entered the room. "Is there anything you'd like to add, Xierra? Did I miss any important details?"

[Val - Warning:Contains Sarcasm]

The Force around her rippled as the other Jedi in the ship moved around. Their presences were much larger than their actual bodies, so they displaced even into the room she was in. She listened with half a mind as Elsie's words came to describe the Jedi they were to find. Saber fighters hmm? Looking for a pair of Guardians then. She resisted the urge to follow up with her opinions of Guardians. They weren't particularly bad, but she didn't really think drawing your lightsaber at everything makes things better. Exhaling she delved further into the Force, slowing her heartbeat and feeling it pound the blood through her ears.

I must train my padawan. He is young, sick, frail, but not weak. I can condition him to be strong, but not if I don't address his illness. Why is he sick? The thought circulated around her head a few times, no answers came to mind in particular that could help her explain things, and nothing stood out from the others, so she dismissed the question, deciding to focus on giving him training. There'd probably be someone on Coruscant who can make him better if it causes such a problem. It could involve risky procedures though, and the coughing didn't appear to be dangerous at the moment, but when he had coughed earlier she could sense the burning in his throat.

I need to teach him Shii Cho, but I think this one will rely on the Force more. And not only can I help him manipulate it well, it could be that his vision is a benefit to him. Very valuable. But the Jedi, we need to find them. Where are they? Thoughts of the two Jedi they needed to find came to mind now as she attempted to find their Force signatures. This was probably not going to work, as they were still in hyperspace and they were heading towards a densely populated planet. Several frustrating seconds later she decided to postpone the search until they were at least in the atmosphere. If nothing else she could at least let the Force guide them.

Standing up she felt the muscles of her legs stretch from their extended period of being folded beneath her. It wasn't painful at all, just an unusual feeling she never got used to. She paced the room a little, getting the blood flowing to her feet again.

[Mara]

She grasped her hands in front of her and shook her head. No, she didn't have anything else to add. Xierra didn't know much more than the briefing they had been given. Plus she didn't know the Jedi at all, having never really encountered them at the Temple. Not much more than a passing through the hallway. Her only knowledge would be that she would recognize Tas Bey out of a crowd, no more. "No, I think you've covered it."

She smiled smally at the padawan, a young Miraulka, hoping that her gaze was kind. "Master Therin has told you all what we know." Xierra refused to mention that they were going in blind, choosing her words carefully. "This mission sounds a bit like a bantha chase." She glanced back over at Elsie. "We must be prepared for the unexpected, and let the Force guide us."

[Anackis]

Rein nodded at the new arrival. He had seen her approaching but did not say anything. Xierra was what they called her, but he was not sure how to properly address her. Nervousely he rubbed at the back of his hand searching his mind for something to say. He wished Master Adeera were here, he felt a bit more calm around her. He felt out with the force once again letting his vision expand to see his master. Rein frowned, she was pacing the room. She had to be worried about something. Worry struck his small face and a slight cough escaped his lips.

This mission was worrying his master and no one knew too much about the Jedi or his padawan. He let his hand drop to his side to feel his practice lightsaber through his cloak. What use would this pathetic toy be against anything? He began to worry about getting in the way and what help he might be on this mission.

[sparrow]

Elsie nodded as Xierra finished speaking. "Finding Forge will be difficult. If he as indeed captured Bey, then he will be no doubt expecting the Order to send searchers. He will be prepared."

She looked over at Xierra, and then at Rein. Falleen were certainly not a common sight in the galaxy. In fact, many considered them to be a rather... exotic species. Miralukans were a bit more widespread, though they still often drew stares.

"A human, a Falleen, a Miralukan, and an Echani," she said, "We appear to be a rather strange group, a group that will attract attention when we should be staying low. Before we land, it would be beneficial if we could come up some sort of story as to who are, and not reveal ourselves as Jedi unless absolutely necessary."

[Val - Warning:Contains Sarcasm]

Val emerged from the room she had previously isolated herself in, hearing he last parts of the converation from round the corner. Yes, they did stand out, but only as long as they were together, or not in unison. She thought for a second, before joining her team.
"Slavery, though I hate to admit it, is an easy option of explaining why we're together. It's a good fallback excuse if nothing else. The more elaborate story would be two of us have a relationship going on, travelling here with a friend and our son." She shrugged a little. It was never difficult to lie on the spot, but deciding how to lie to cover all possibilities for each member of the team was very hard.

She glanced down at Rein, giving him a quick smile. He seemed to be dealing with this well. He'd make a good Jedi if he kept his heart in the right place. She could still hardly believe she was his Master, or that he was her padawan. She disbanded the distracting thoughts, returning to the concerns at hand.
"If we lack appropriate attire, one of us can go out and buy some. I expect there'll be plenty on sale around the area. Someone who's not likely to draw attention to themselves though." She got the feeling she might be handling a lot of the frontal work, being the least to stand out of the four.

[Anackis]

Rein noticed his masters glance and reassuring smile. He felt as if he should contribute to their planning somehow, but how... he did not know. He hadn't considered how odd the group must look and while he didn't like the idea of slavery, he had to admit it would probably work. Master Adeera's other plan would work as well, but Rein couldn't figure out who would be the father if they tried that.

An idea popped into his head, but he was reluctant to speak up. He thought the idea might work, but then again, his ideas usually weren't the best. He let his vision wander over his Master and saw her smiling face, it seemed to encourage him, to try even if he failed. Rein searched his feelings, letting the force guide his thoughts, even if his ideas were idiotic or fruitless, Master Adeera wouldn't laugh. Besides, if he didn't at least try when given a chance, how could he become a Jedi?

He thought a moment longer before speaking up. "Master Adeera? Uh... I could..." His sickly body might make it more believable, he thought as he placed a hand on his blindfold for a moment. He quickly disheveled his hair with is fingers letting it hang loosely over his face, slightly covering the blindfold. "The only thing that makes me stand out from a human are my lack of eyes. I... I could always pretend." He paused waiting for some kind of response then quickly added, thinking they did not understand, "Uh, pretend that I was blind." He dropped his head though it did not help him divert his vision from any of them. He felt embarrassed to have suggested such a thing.