Jedi Mission: The Colonies

[CJ Solo]

To each assigned Jedi, a datapad is provided that contains the mission's details:

Ilum is a sacred world to the Jedi. Yet it is too isolated and defenseless to stand up to a large battle. Expand our holdings into the neighboring sector to improve our resources for that area and create a buffer zone for incoming enemies. A small detachment of Knights not comfortable with the front lines will assist here to gain experience.

One of the viable systems in the Redoubt system is home to several colonies that migrated here during the Sith wars long ago. They are warring with each other constantly, vying for ultimate control of the entire planet. The last thing they want is outside interference. But can they be convinced of the Jedi's good intentions and perhaps be called to peace?

•Objective: Make contact with several colony governors of Planet X377-B and convince them to a ceasefire, as well as allowing a small Jedi station (resupply and refueling + listening outpost) on the planet surface.
Conflict: While the migrants have maintained galactic silence for some time, it is assumed they will be hostile towards visitors (ASK thread, with HIGH RISK).
•Reward: 1/4 Sector Capture, additional communications relay

@Bigfatpenn
Chel Letto

@Andrewza
Felix

@Siah,
Siah Morvayne

@Vyce Andor
Vyce Andor

@CJSolo
NPC
***

The planet designated as only X377-B was a temperate planet that was small for its class type. It hung against the tapestry of stars like a multi-colored marble as the ship containing the four Jedi Knights made its approach. It was the second planet in its system, boasting a 29 hour day as it spun a little more slowly on its axis. On the surface, the Jedi could expect to see a variety of terrains; forests, plains, mountains, deserts and oceans. Where they expected to land, was a district city called Toaboa that lay in the foot hills of a low rising mountain range, worn down by millinia of erosion. There would be a moderately sized and stocked spaceport that should easily serve the needs of the Jedi's vessel while they completed their mission.

Additional information provided to the jedi informs them that there are nearly a dozen district cities similar to Toaboa scattered across the northern and southern continents. It is believed that Toaboa, in the northwest regions and the district city of Valnern, in the central southern lands, are the two main particpants in the current conflict. Meanwhile, most of the other district cities have chosen a side that they currently fight for with a few whose allegiance has fluctuated based on who was currently occupying these places. The district cities known for their shifting allegiance are at the center of the conflict zone and see more skirmishes and battles in and around their cities than the rest. These conflicted district cities are Astuuna, Daljeer, Ghronth, Mulvur and Pliazra. Joord Amantea has been listed as the governing leader of Toaboa and Ithai Oberto as the governing leader of Valnern. These two are possibly the two most important leaders to get into contact with. Meanwhile, the leaders of Astuuna, Daljeer, Ghronth, Mulvur and Pliazra would be good second priorities given their positions in the primary conflict zone, making it more dangerous than the two primary locations. The leaders for the other district cities are listed in the information as; Sade Gaianna for Astuuna, Egil Cloat for Daljeer, Adjoa Scarpa for Ghronth, Cyrus Agocse for Mulvur and Beyza Romana for Pliazra. It is also noted in the information that a communication was sent to Toaboa so that Governer Joord Amantea would be expecting the arrival of the jedi, however, a response was never recieved. It is currently unknown if the message was unrecieved or if the Governor and his people simply chose not to respond. Lastly, caution is advised as it is expected that the locals may be hostile to outsiders, particularly those who might be seen as meddling, even in the least war effected.

Star speckled blackness fades away into cloud filled blue skies as the Jedi vessel breaks atmnosphere and begins its descent. There had been no objection to their vessel landing once communication had opened between the ship and Toaboa traffic control. From looking at the planet, as they sped through the air, there was no immediate evidence of active fighting on the planet. There were no burned out ruins, no explosion craters and if the locals were capable of it, there was no evidence of fighting in the skies between fighters or similar craft. It all appeared, in short, peaceful. However, active jedi Knights would know that more often than not, not everything was all it seemed to be. In the very least, the jedi were being given a nice scenic view as their ship manuevered in for its landing. In the brief passover of Toaboa, it looked to be an average city made up mostly of one and two story tall buildings, with the exception of one near the center. It sprawled over the foothills, making for streets that were spacious and open instead of narrow. The city as a whole appeared clean with well kept buildings and no real signs of refuse piles. To an uninformed individual, this would be another city on another planet where there was no war.

The hydrolics of the vessel hiss as its final touch down is made. Awaiting for the Jedi when they open and descend the loading ramp of their vessel was a bored looking human with a thinning head of grey hair wearing a red and grey jumpsuit. When he spoke, the boredom he hd to feel was adubiel in the monotone deliverance of his words. "Welcome to Toaboa. Docking fees are 200 credits initially which includes refueling and basic maintenance. It'll be another 30 credits each day you remain." The way he rattles off the statement sounds as though he has said it a million times. A wrinkled hand offered a datapad with the same details he just read off to them to the one Jedi willing to accept it. At the bottum was a place for acceptance of the fees and method of payment.

 

[Siah]

Siah looked out of the plasteel portal as their vessel breached the higher atmosphere. The clouds, foothills, and vegetation offered up the illusion of a natural world at peace. It seemed to Siah that nature was not neglected for industry, but he knew better than to make judgements from way up in the clouds.
As the vessel neared the city, he could make out the buildings. The skyline was flat and relatively uniform. Only one building, near the centre of the sprawling city, rose to any sort of height. The Jedi wondered if the structure of the city was advantageous to a constant war, or if the city was constantly being rebuilt.

He moved to the cockpit, stealing glances from every window he could. There were no signs of war. There were no signs of anything military; no tanks, no aircraft, just a typical city on a slightly underdeveloped world.

As the vessel landed, Siah approached the pilot. "Stay inside, ship locked up at all times. If anything happens you're not happy about, enter a low orbit and stay out of range of their weapons." He looked out at the serene city and saw an elderly man amble up to the vessel. He seemed to be asleep on his feet. "If one of us breaks communication for more than half a day, you're to take off and send a long-range communicative report to Ilum."

Siah turned, his white robes following suit. Walking to the ramp, he wondered what effect his lightsabers might have. He'd be reluctant to hand them over to anyone, yet would feel naked without them on a war-torn planet. Armed with his treasured weapons, he activated the ramp and walked out of the vessel. "Shouldn't keep the welcoming party waiting," he thought.

The old man didn't so much as make the effort to smile, he rattled off some of the typical rules and regulations. Siah took the datapad and facilitated the transaction of 200 credits. He nodded at the man's remark about the additional 30 credits per day. Without skipping a beat, this man was probably going to turn away the moment he got his datapad back, Siah held onto the datapad while he asked, "We have an urgent appointment with Governor Joord Amantea and we require transport immediately, thank you." Siah's last two words gave the impression that he'd already been accommodated by the old man in his faded red and grey jumpsuit.

 

[Vyce Andor]

Rain descended from the dusky skies of Malastare, Jedi Master Kyp Forrell locked in a duel of desperation with his opponent, purple and yellow clashing together with violent hisses as smoke began to surround the two. Vyce stood ready alongside his master, his blue hued blade in hand as he carefully examined his foe for an opening in his form. It appeared their combatant was utilizing the form of Juyo, an aggressive form that played upon raw emotion and focus. According to the words of his master, Vyce was of the impression it was a very dangerous form since it opened a wide door to one's emotions, and thereby falling to the dark side... which was the unfortunate end the Jedi they were locked in combat with had met.

His irises bore the touches of corruption, yellow staining his normally blue pupils, and raw hatred etched across his normally jovial features. Vyce had known this Jedi since he was a youngling, calling to mind the name he was known as before he took on his self appointed moniker as so many dark jedi had before. Before Vyce could make any type of verbal appeal to his old friend's sense of decency and loyalty, a loud, blood curdling scream echoed through the air with a familiar voice, and all at once he paused and wished that what he heard was not so. 'Master!!'
_____

Vyce's eyes popped open from his meditative trance aboard the shuttle that slowly descended to the surface of X377-B. He appeared (for the most part) calm and relaxed, although the small beads of sweat that lined his forehead indicated his true state of mind, of which he attempted to block with the force. Although the events he just moments ago had recalled had happened nearly eighteen years ago, he could still recall every detail as if they happened yesterday. The sensation of rain trickling down his back, the humidity of the jungles of Malastare surrounding them, to the smell of burning flesh... the flesh of his master.

He was an apprentice then, and at that time he... didn't quite handle the situation the way he did now. Now he was a Jedi Knight, in his prime physically and with his connection to the force. And for the sake of those around him, of whom he estimated he was the oldest, he had to show his confidence and resolve to see this mission through to the end. Granted, two out of the party of four wore masks, but most of the time he was the oldest when it came to missions involving knights. He was used to that fact, and perhaps someday soon that would change with his ascension to the rank of General, if he would stop standing in his own way...

But the Jedi Knight digressed. He peered out of the window by his seat to see a world that seemed completely untouched by war, as if it were hidden away from the troubles of the galaxy at large and likely wished to remain that way. Of course, the information all of them were given suggested otherwise. It painted the picture of a world engrossed in a massive conflict over its soul, over the man who would lead it collectively for the foreseeable future. And it was his job, and the job of the three other Jedi with him, to hopefully bring this conflict to rest.

One of the party, one of the ones wearing a mask, approached the pilot upon landing, and gave him instructions regarding if they were not to return or if trouble presented itself. Vyce agreed with the precautions presented, and it seemed this Jedi was of the personality type to take charge of a situation when no one else stepped up. He didn't have a problem with it, but the seasoned Jedi stored that information away in his mind as something to keep in mind for future situations that may arise. Such a personality trait could be a benefit, but could also present problems...

Vyce rose up from his seat, carrying little else but what was already on his person, namely his lightsaber, utility belt, commlink, datapad, and other miscellaneous supplies. As he disembarked the shuttle and stood quietly next to the masked Jedi from before, he did his best to reach out with the force to gain an overall sense of how the populace was amidst the city. Granted, he wouldn't be able to touch every single person through the force, but if there was an overwhelming sense of fear or discord, he could likely sense that.

 

[Andrewza]

Felix sat in medastion as the ship flew through the skies. The planet may of looked peaceful but even a youngling could of felt the tension. The place was a powder keg with a lit fuse and they where here to snuff that fuse out. As the ship came to a stop Felix final got up and joined the other Jedi in leaving the ship. After a Jedi ship was stolen all of them now carried 2 guards. But vs the city states army he doubted it would matter. No they had to avoid war with the different cities here find away to force some kind of peace.

As the land bay officer gave a very scripted speech that was more droid like than a droid Felix got a look of the place. At first it looked peaceful. But looks could be deceiving.

 

[Bigfatpenn]

*Letto sat in the back of the ship as it approached the world, he had already packed his bag with everything he thought he’d need so in the meantime he was repairing part of a astromech droid that somebody had asked him to fix, once the ship seemed to of landed on the planet Letto let to put his project aside put on his backpack making sure he wouldn’t forget anything and made his way to the boarding ramp of the ship.*

*On his way to the ramp he looked outside one of the windows seeing the lush and beautiful landscapes of X377-B, yet looking out at the scenery only made Letto rather melancholy knowing of the travesties of this world.

*Letto had never been to this corner of the galaxy other then his first and only trip to Ilum for the gathering, it baffled Letto that people would even live this far out, away from everything but he brushed it off. He made his way too the other Jedi, Letto wore his poncho and kept his head down but still listening to the stilted local official speak, Letto felt really uneasy on this world, not only from the atmosphere from the world itself but also for who he was with, he was the only padawan here and he didn’t know a single one of the Jedi knights he was accompanying*

 

[CJ Solo]

The elderly man eyed Siah with scrutiny and his eyes only narrowed more as he took note of the lightsabers. "I'm a dockworker off-worlder, not a transport service." He pointed out the building in the distance that they had seen on their approach, the only one that appeared to have more than one level. "That's where you need to go. Getting there's your job, assuming he really wants to talk to the likes of you." Without another word, or waiting for a reply from the Jedi, he reached a hand out to snatch his datapad back from Siah. The man then turned and walked away.

It was a small taste, perhaps, of how their presence on the planet would be recieved.

Transportation would not be easy to find as the group moved forward.. It seemed, in fact, that speeders that approached them sped up to move past them. Asking around would grant them similar cold receptions, provided that those they spoke to even acknowledged them. After some exploration, however, they would find a hole in the wall establishment that looked to rent and sell used speeders. This was evidenced by the run down looking vehicles that sat outside.

 

[Siah]

Siah generally had difficulty dealing with people. It came as no surprise to the knight that he was dealt with in an abrupt manner. Siah noted the man's glance at his lightsabers and wondered if his instincts to keep his weapons on himself had been correct. He took a deep breath as the old man sauntered off with his datapad. The force had lead the team of Jedi here, there was a purpose. He centred himself within the force as the other Jedi approached. He felt the force bolster his resolve. His trust fully established, Siah began making his way down into the streets.

The city, pristine as it looked, was fast becoming a callous place. The people went on about their business, none seemed to take notice of the offworlders until the Jedi came close. When Siah walked near to a citizen, he found they'd quicken their step or cross the street to avoid him. To be distrusting could very well be expected, that they hadn't been outright attacked as potential combatants was a blessing. Siah wondered if they'd run into some sort of military presence at some stage.

Speeders raced by. People pulled up hoods. Adults avoided eye contact. Children pointed and whispered amongst themselves. Siah felt out of place, he reached out with the force and felt the ripples of a bustling city. He felt the life here, multiple lives throughout.
The masked knight kept his head held high as they group approached what seemed to be a shady speeder rental business in a quiet street. "Perhaps we could rent some transport while we're here. It seems the populace is not keen on our presence, and they offer little in the way of assistance." he said to his fellow Jedi. The storefront was dingy, and the floors were littered with oil stains. Old parts of transportation vehicles lay strewn about the shop. Tools lay in heaps, some a decent quality, and others beyond any recognition.

 

[Vyce Andor]

It seemed as though the people of this city, if the dock officer was any indication, would provide the Jedi little by way of a warm welcome. Vyce's hood remained over his head, his face stern as he pondered over how to proceed. The general feel of the people here was of mistrust, fear, a little anxiety perhaps. As the group proceeded through the streets of Toaboa, the stray glances and derisive whispers did not go unnoticed by the seasoned knight.

He kept his hands folded within the sleeves of his robe, keeping silent and to himself with his thoughts until they approached a small shop, which by its appearance was in the business of selling and renting speeders. When his masked counterpart suggested they try the shop out, Vyce glanced his way and finally broke his silence: "The least amount of attention we draw upon ourselves, the easier it will be to accomplish our mission."

Their mission was one of peace, where ideally (though realistically very hard to envision as a possible outcome at this point) they could broker an end to the war that has thus far engulfed this world and already shaped the people's view of outsiders. With this in mind, he approached the entrance to the shop in the hopes of finding the owner to negotiate a transaction. Hopefully he would be more agreeable than the dock worker was...

 

[Andrewza]

It seemed as if the people of the city did not want to the to help any one or at least outsiders. No one would even give the Jedi the time of day. Of course the four Jedi did look a bit threating but the place was used to solders so it was more they just did not care.

In the end they found a shop that seemed like it rented speeders. "We probably have no other choice, though if the city is this unhelpful I would not be surprised he chases us out side. Of course we must do what we can and the shop is our best bet"

 

[Bigfatpenn]

*Letto stayed low keeping his head down hidden by his hat, all of the tension and anger from the locals was giving Letto a headache, he briefly glanced upwards to see the speeder bike store to get an idea as to where they were going then putting his head back down.

Moments later he noticed a lot of movement to his right, by the looks of things a local got up with a gun of some sorts only for a woman with an apron to hold him back, the man sitting back down and taking a swig of the liquid he was drinking now just giving the Jedi a greasy-eye. Letto felt really uncomfortable on this world all around.*

 

[CJ Solo]

When the Jedi open the door, it does so with a bit of a creek on its metal hinges. Upon stepping inside, the area is big enough for all of them to enter; dimly lit as the only light comes in from outside. Dust and dirt fill the air so much that the shafts of light that come in can be seen. Lining the walls are crammed shelves full of various parts that could be for speeders, droids or ships. There were so many piled on each other that it would be hard to tell. In a back room, there was a crash and a whirring sound before they would see a droid come stumbling out.

"Customers!" The droid sidled up to the Jedi. "This is Fetch's Things. What can Fetch do for you?"

 

[Siah]

Siah stepped into the store, the creaky door remained open behind him for the other Jedi. The smell of oil, grease and metal permeated the air within the building. His white robes flowing behind him, he walked casually across the shop floor. He could sense the tension amongst the Jedi. He himself felt an unease in this hostile land. The calm beauty of this planet belied the underlying tension, the angst. Amongst the piles of metal, grease and synthrubber, the force was at ease and in balance.

A droid appeared from a noisy workshop. Siah looked on emotionlessly, he did not sense any threat from elsewhere in the building. The knight was by no means diplomatically equipped to deal with sentients and preferred the cool calculated logic of droids.
"Customers!" The droid sidled up to the Jedi. "This is Fetch's Things. What can Fetch do for you?" The synthetic being moved awkwardly, as they all do, across the workshop's floor. Siah could see obviously that it was no combat droid, he certainly didn't expect an armed droid in a store like this. He was, however not going to be taken by surprise on a war-torn planet.

Deciding there was no immediate threat, Siah answered openly. "Greetings. We are the Jedi delegation from the Ilum Jedi Protectorate," he addressed the droid formally. "You have a very well kitted-out store here. Are you by any chance the proprietor? Fetch? We require transport to the central, multi-storey building for a meeting with Governor Joord Amantea."

A cursory glance around the room gave Siah the impression of a busy business. He expected that the owner of this small shop would certainly know something. Fetch might just be the perfect instrument of the force.

 

[Vyce Andor]

The shop was in fair disarray from Vyce's perspective. Needless to say, this shop had likely seen better days and this was not among them. While one of the masked Jedi proceeded to handle the procurement of their method of transport, Vyce's interest lay with the lone Padawan in their company. At least, he assumed this was the Padawan in question, considering his demeanor. The seasoned Jedi Knight proceeded over to the younger Jedi and gave him a nod. "Be mindful of your surroundings, young one."

A faint smile could be seen on the Jedi's lips as he then proceeded to say: "What is your name?"

 

[Andrewza]

"Why is the only person here with any manners a droid?" Thought Felix allowed. The shop was clean but was not stocked with the newest of brands and models. Though the war could be effecting imports some of the speeders looked well taken care of though. "Yes and we need a reliable speeder to, something that wont break down on us, this is a very nice store by the way."

 

[Bigfatpenn]

*Letto entered the shop cautiously having to duck slightly to get in, the shop was old and dingy but also quite humbling in an odd way, it was clear that their collection was pretty sub par which did disappoint them sightly, even though the shop made him much calmer he was very uneasy still as his eyes jittered about until they made contact with another Jedi who spoke to him, "Be mindful of your surroundings, young one." *The wise older looking Jedi said to him, Letto blushed slightly and looked down, he often got nervous when other Jedi read him so easily, the Jedi continued the conversation on a more positive note, a faint smile in his lips.* “What is your name?” *Letto replied eagerly, much anticipating a conversation* “My name is Chell Leto of Iego, what’s your name?”

 

[CJ Solo]

The droid let out a mechanical 'Ahh' sound. "Jedi. I can't say I've seen Jedi around these parts in a long long time." Backlit eyes look from one Jedi to another seeming to study them. "Yes of course I'm Fetch. Who else would I be? Silly Jedi. Now let's see what Fetch can do for you, yes?"

"This way. This way." The droid sidled off, leading the Jedi out behind the shop where a number of speeders sat in varying degrees of appearance; though they all appeared to be used. Eventually, he would point out a relatively standard speeder that would be big enough to fit all the Jedi. "This will be 70 credits a day and if you break it, you have to fix it or buy it." If this was an acceptable arrangement for the Jedi, Fetch would complete the transaction and let them depart in the speeder.

 

[Siah]

Siah followed the droid and was pleased to find that his initial perceptions had paid off. With a careful eye, Siah appraised the speeder. He then extended his datapad with his gloved hand. After Fetch and he had concluded the transaction, Siah leaned in toward the droid.
"I would be most interested, Fetch, to learn of the political standings of the Governor. What seems to be the reason behind this planetary war?" Siah motioned to the store with his arms spread wide and nodded, "I'm sure that a businessman such as you, would not conduct any business without knowing the risks this war could place on it. What is your understanding about the war, and how best would a peaceful individual go about negotiating a treaty?"

The jedi knight worded his queries carefully. He felt that any information would be welcome in pursuing a lasting peace on this planet.

 

[Vyce Andor]

Despite his normally demure demeanor, s slight smile could be seen upon the Jedi Knight's face as the Padawan gave him his name. The Knight could sense the young one's uneasiness, likely the mission at hand if he wasn't very experienced. "Vyce Andor."He stated plainly.

He remembered when he was the same age as this young one. It could well be overwhelming to be plunged into any situation where the objective wasn't so cut and dry, and although this was by far not Vyce's first mission under such circumstances, things did not feel very clear at this time. So many unknowns hung in the balance. It was highly likely the governor of this planet would not meet them so kindly. While en route to the governor's estate, they could be beset by renegades or sympathizers, or those simply bigoted to outsiders. Any number of things could happen to the group.

By Vyce's summation, each of the Jedi here were capable enough to handle what lay ahead. Even this young Padawan, whether Chal believed that of himself or not. "We will get out of this fine, Chal. Just let the force guide you. Who is your master?" It would be interesting to know who was responsible for this young one. Either he was very capable, or the master was hoping to challenge his prodigy.

 

[Andrewza]

Felix went to inspect the chosen speeders before appearing next to Siah. "The speeders look good, the shop owner keeps a clean store so I don't see us running in to any problems"

 

[Bigfatpenn]

*Letto enjoyed the company of Vyce so far, he was the type of Jedi which he enjoyed to talk to, but nevertheless he froze at the mention of his master.* “I don’t have a master, not any more at least…” *Letto swallowed his pride.* “My first one and master for 6 years Master Ping Woa you may know of her, she passed away about a year ago and I had one for about 11 months until just recently when she left the order in search of her brother…” *Letto looked down.* “I’m kind of in limbo right now, no master, not many friends I’ve just been assigned missions by random Jedi higher-ups who need my service.” *Letto was not paying too much attention to the other Jedi’s work and was deep in though and conversation with Vyce.