Chedra had been checking the holonet broadcasts every few days since learning of the terrorist attack led by Gareth Gin. Mon Cala had since withdrawn from the Free Worlds Alliance, choosing to claim its neutrality in an attempt to protect its people. Or rather, what remained of them. The death toll was estimated to be in the millions. Thousands and thousands of refugees - a mixture of the native Mon Calamari and Quarren - had arrived in starports all across the galaxy, seeking medical attention and places to live. What was worse, tensions between the two species were, once again, at an all-time high. Chedra had heard the Mon Calamari believed the Quarren were responsible, and vice versa. Personally, she didn't buy into any of the racial uproar.
The Five Syndicates enjoyed sowing discord and devastation among the stars - that was what they did. After flying back to Yavin with Padawan Leonkri, she'd retreated into quiet meditation, searching within the Force. There was no doubt in her mind that Gareth Gin was responsible for the attack, but the path forward - the path to justice - appeared cloudy. The Empire had since announced its support for Mon Cala, with Darth Andruil announcing a bounty of five million credits to anyone who brought Gin in. The Desilijic Clan had also announced its alignment as well, in addition to a message from the Independent System's Consortium. Needless to say, Gin was probably having a hard time resting on account of the constant need to look over his shoulder for a blaster bolt.
No matter. Such thoughts were a distraction. That was a week ago, and it was better to focus on the needs of the wounded. Those left behind on Mon Cala were in great need of healing. Although the Council had not yet made an official announcement on the matter, nor had the Galactic Senate, Chedra was but one of many healers and medical personnel sent on a relief mission to the planet. She had readily agreed to go, shortly after getting approval from the Council to take on Quin as her Padawan. Working alongside him here, among the dead and the dying, would offer them an intimate opportunity to forge their connection in the Force.
Quin was young, and he was from a well-to-do family on Naboo. Exposing him to the horrors of war so early was certainly not something she had planned, although it was necessary. Jedi were made stronger through adversity, and there was no short supply of horror in the galaxy. Her thoughts wanted to turn to Anoat, to the tragedy she had witnessed there, but she shook away the thoughts. She needed to be present here, in this moment, with her Padawan. The industrial solvent used in the attack had done a number on the biology of the people who lived here, in addition to the coral structures that held up their gleaming seascrapers. The Jedi would likely encounter all manner of injuries here. Clarity was desperately needed, but it would be in short supply on this mission.
The transport touched down on one of the landing bays left undamaged outside Dac City. As the ship settled, Chedra turned to the human teenager standing by her side. "Padawan, a moment of honesty. Once we step inside the med unit that has been set up here, things may become very chaotic. You will need to center yourself in the Force. We will be surrounded by all manner of pain and suffering. It can be overwhelming at first." She paused, regarding him with serious eyes. "I want you to find one patient and focus on them. I will be close by should you need me, but I will be busy myself. Focus on what you can do for that person, and listen to the medical professionals that will be walking around aiding us. Above all, trust in your ability - I wouldn't have brought you along if I didn't feel you were appropriate for this mission."
She waited for his response, and nodded when he had replied. The pair of Jedi stepped forward from the transport, and were greeted immediately by the Mon Calamari representative sent to meet them on the landing pad.
"Thank you for coming, Jedi," the female said. "We'll focus on the patients that we have here on the surface at the moment. After that, I'll have you don your seasuits and travel down the tube to the emergency unit set up below the sea. There's a great deal of coral destruction down there, and we're seeing more crushing victims in that area than we are up here. Lots of seascrapers gave way at one time - it was really horrific to see."
Privately, Chedra admired this woman for having the courage to stay behind and help her brothers and sisters trapped among the rubble. She looked over at Quin, feeling his anxiety through the Force. Unseen tendrils of calming energy radiated from her, wrapping themselves around his presence. Everything will be alright, Padawan, she said as they traveled down in a lift tube. Just do your best.
The lift doors opened, and Chedra stepped onto the floor of the med unit.
@Quin Leonkri
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