Broken Laser Swords

[Vuthari]

Brazen Electrical Engineering & Repair (BEER)
Corellia Sector
Nar Shaddaa

Since he returned from Rishi, the twi’lek spent a great deal of his time off staring out into the bustling metropolis. Looking out into the night sky, he found himself thinking about the events of the last few weeks: the death of Jedi Master Eli Reach and the meeting with Luy, who was another Jedi. For years, Master Reach explained to him that they were not the only Jedi left—there were half a dozen that he knew about. He had pleaded with Vu’thari to join him, his wife and the few others to rebuild the Jedi Order and help the fledgling rebellion. This was an offer that the twi’lek declined time and time again. He did not want that part of his life to surface again—the memories of what he lost were too painful.

However, when Master Reach, his only Jedi friend died, circumstances changed in an unforeseen way. A message was sent as a contingency upon his passing that gave Vu’thari a set of coordinates. The twi’lek felt he owed it to his long-time friend to go where he was requested. As fate would have it, he met Master Luy, the Feeorin Jedi, during that trip to Rishi. While he made a new connection and friend of the Jedi, he still was not convinced to join them and returned to Nar Shaddaa with the Jedi artifacts Eli had hidden away in the vault on Rishi. Those items were promptly stashed away with a small stack of credits, fake passcards, and his lightsaber.

This evening was busier than usual. Air speeders and swoops streaked by his shop at dizzying speeds. The flashing lights put up by shop owners from across the street flashed endlessly to draw customers into their place of business. While the cacophony of sounds had begun to be a comforting backdrop of noise to the Jedi, the occasional scream of terror or pain was a reminder of the dangerous, terrible place he called “home”. Reaching over, he took another sip of his caf and tried to relax after his 10-hour work day…but he couldn’t.

Ever since he had returned from Rishi, he could feel the Force flowing through him like a strong river. It was as if the Force was trying to get his attention. While that was not possible in a literal sense, he had to admit the dreams that had come to him every night since he returned were glimpses into the future…at least that is what they seemed to be. He couldn’t remember much of them, just flashes of strange faces, some benevolent in demeanor and others obviously malevolent.

Sleep deprivation was an issue at this point—he had a hard time going to sleep. SAD1P, or “Saw-Dip”, rolled over next to Vu’thari. His singular red eye looked up at the Jedi and beeped in binary, “whatswrongboss?”

Looking down, the twi’lek patted the astrogation droid on the head and replied somberly in Twi’lek, ”Change. I cannot explain it, but I have a feeling that our life will never be the same since Rishi, little one…”

@Minuteman75

 

[Hugo Ion]

Nar Shaddaa never changes.

According to the silent opinion of one Hugo Ion. Deck out in a simple flight jacket, pants, and matching boots the thirty three year old Duros walked past from one corridor. The infamous smuggler’s moon wasn’t high on his top ten worlds to visit much less live here. Though the newly made resistance leader understood the various reasons why people would be on this world. Not many of them good.

Of course Hugo had to come here, specifically for an electric shop owned by a certain Twi’lek who rather remain forgotten. Vu’thari by the galactic view did not seem to amount anything more than some handyman trying to get by. ”I know differently.” The Alliance Commander whispered to no one but himself. Outside he can hear the engines of vessels and speeders going by in a never-ending cycle before the door to the shop known as BEER.

He stopped in front, hesitating but remembered the purpose of this ‘social call.’ Having fought and worked within a rebel cell for several years Commander Ion was no stranger to recruiting people to the cause. However, this occasion did not feel like the other calls he had made before. It’s not everyday one seeks out a member of a long believed to be dead order.

The Durosian from Denon feel unworthy for the task. I’m no Jedi can’t even wield the force much less understand it for that matter. My best friend and a great Jedi tried convincing this man before and turned down . His gut wretched, as the memory of what happened to Jedi Master Eli Reach replayed before him. In that moment Hugo was attempted to turn around and walk but restrained himself.

I can’t turn back now. This must be done regardless of what happens next.

His resolve strengthened, Hugo took a deep breath and released it. Ready Hugo Ion pressed the entry button with a soft beep and the door slide opened. Walking inside the undercover partisan quickly note of the place but saw no one. Concerned he called out.

“Hello is someone here?”

@Mithias

 

[Vuthari]

Brazen Electrical Engineering & Repair (BEER)
Corellia Sector
Nar Shaddaa

Music made the long tedious work go by fast. The electronic apparatus covering his ears served many purposes, but most of the time it was to block out noise, protect from hearing loss, but mainly for music at the moment. An instrumental beat that was fast, but smooth had kept him working underneath the land speeder he found himself beneath now. A chime rang above the music in his earphones. Smoothly, the twi’lek reached over and keyed up his datapad. With a few taps of his slender fingers, a holovid of a nondescript duros entered his shop. Reaching over, he placed the grimy datapad down and grabbed a clean rag instead, wiping his hands free of the grease and filth all over them.

The shop was big enough for a pair of land speeders, but not big enough for a light freighter. Tools were organized neatly throughout the workshop, some in mobile boxes and cabinets, but most of them were settled onto the wall, secured in place magnetically. The door the Duros entered in through was the main entrance to the space, but a large opening on the other side revealed the Nar Shaddaa night air. One side of the walls was a halfway open garage door that split the space in half, shared by his business partner. To most of the world, his business partner was a human who kept to himself. Vu’thari knew a bit more about his partner—he was Mandalorian. The twi’lek pushed those thoughts aside and prepared to meet his potential customer.

He heard the Duros call it in his accented voice to see if anyone was in the shop. Sliding from underneath the speeder on a simple repulsor creeper, Vu’thari rolled off the creeper and deftly came to his feet. The twi’lek had already had an intense workout earlier in the morning, so he felt great. The three-hour slog of working on the land speeder’s control systems did not wear on him as much because of his being active.

Working his way around the land speeder to greet him, he quickly did an assessment.

Duros. Fit build. Grooming speaks of at least moderate wealth. Walk is surefooted. Spacer outfit. No huge alarms here.

Meeting the Duros with a smile, he pulled up a comfortable eight feet from the other alien.

Here is the part I hate—the whole talking to a stranger thing. How awkward. How awkward every time I open my mouth...

His eyes shifted up to meet the Duro’s red eyes and began, ”Umm…hi. I am Vu’thari. Sooo…this is my shop. How…how can I help you today?”

Just another day. Just another customer.

@Minuteman75

 

[Hugo Ion]

Already Hugo Ion was assenting the new surroundings. Just stated like in Eli’s reports. He appears to be sharing the place with someone in a mutual business partnership. From the rebel leader’s view that one or two things about Vu’thari. Either it is simply a policy of safety in numbers in a deeply corrupt moon or the Twi’lek trusts the man on a personal level.

Whatever the case, Hugo briefly admired the open view provided by the other side of th shop. He can respect the want to have a spot to look out and clear one’s head. Force knows the Duros needed do it many times himself. Commander Ion subsequently quietly inspect how the shop was set up. The fellow likes keep to keep in order, judging by how professionally those tools are arrayed.

In the next moment he heard the creeper rolled and saw a reddish Twi’lek in a mechinal’s outfit stand and walked up with a somewhat awkward greeting. Instantly Hugo knew this was Vu’thari.

A bit taller than I expected. Dosen’t seem sick and keeps himself heathy. Not conformable with strangers that matches up with profile.

Done with the mental observation, Hugo smiled and nodded like.

“Pleasure to meet ya. The name’s Cal Mogun, a merchant from offworld. I was told you’re an expert at fixing stuff. Well yesterday my freighter’s hyperdrive was leaking. It was fully charged up earlier but now nearly depleted after one full rotation of travel. My old mechanic Eli can’t make sense of it. He told me to reach out to you instead Mister Vu’thari.”

The so-called merchant purposely mentioned Eli’s name and used his surname as a verb to get the Jedi’s full attention. Once that was so Hugo brought out a datapad from his jacket causally and displayed its screen with was written basic for Vu’thari to read.

A friend of Eli. Is there somewhere where we can talk more privately?

@Mithias

 

[Vuthari]

Brazen Electrical Engineering & Repair (BEER)
Corellia Sector
Nar Shaddaa

As the duros was talking, the twi’lek nodded absently at his words as he was putting a smattering of spanners back in their housing on the wall. He looked over and smiled periodically as he wiped off his grimy hands with a mild cleanser. But then a word jumped out of the conversation: Eli.

He stopped midstride as and put down a portion of a speeder bike dashboard, setting the bulky piece of gear to the side. The Jedi’s brilliant green eyes looked over at the Duros with a very different appraising glance. He listened to the rest of the Duros’ words and the innuendo clear to him. Anyone else, it would have been just another customer and just another day full of just a bunch more words—this was very different. Opening himself up to the Force, Vu’thari locked eyes with “Cal Mogun” for many moments. There was nothing that seemed “off”, but the Jedi had been wrong before…

As the Duros showed him his datapad, Vu’thari replied simply, “Ummm…well, nice to make your acquaintance, Cal. Hyperdrive leaks aren’t really my thing, but you can step into my little office here and I can show you a list of some fairly reputable mechanics who might could help you…”

As be began leading the “Cal” over to the small office in the back of the workshop, he looked over to his antiquated astrogation droid, ”SawDip…lock down the shop. Contact me on my comlink if you need me.”

“BeeBoopBeeBee!”

Rolling his eyes, the twi’lek responded, ”Yes, you can take a ‘break’, you lazy droid. After you help me out here.”

An instant later, the massive blast door leading to the night air of Nar Shaddaa disappeared as the door closed shut. At the same time, the door separating his business partner’s space closed down as well. Another small locking sound could barely be made out from the front door, where the Duros entered.

The twi’lek led the Duros into the small office, which was fairly organized, but still fairly dirty. Once the office door closed and locked behind the two, Vu’thari tapped his datapad that was laying on the desk which produced soothing, instrumental music that filled the small room.

Looking over at the Duros as they both sat in a pair of chairs, he leaned in with a look that was not casual. It was clear that “Cal” now had his undivided attention…

“Who are you? How do you know Eli?”

@Minuteman75

 

[Hugo Ion]

Vu’thari make it clear he was someone can stay calm despite facing an unknown and figure out what a stranger is implying.

Very impressive, then again this is someone who has spent a lifetime in hiding. One doesn’t stay alive by being stupid. Hugo reminded himself.

The Alliance Commander followed his Twi’lek into the office, playing out their little act even though no one saved a droid were present technically. This was the smuggler’s moon, however. You never know who maybe be watching. Knowing this truth Hugo appreciated the security measures Vu’thari just taken.

This wasn’t a conversation for anyone else. Sitting in a chair, the Durosian stayed perfectly like he was actually going over a business deal. He met the other alien’s piercing gaze unwavering. Vu’thari’s questions weren’t long in coming. Crossing arms over his chest Hugo dropped the merchant act and replied.

“For now just Cal, I rather not say too much given the moon we’re both on. Like the note stated I’m friend of Eli. If that wasn’t the case, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

The blue skinned rebel paused, revealing a hint of grief as he looked down the on the floor. Memories of that night still haunted him. Especially how Master Reach died. Hugo’s crimson eyes turned to back to the ‘mechanic.’

“Eli is gone if you weren’t aware already through that certain connection people of your talents shares. I know about his visits to here and the others. Furthermore all of you for one reason or another turned down his offer to join up in a venture my organization happens to be a part of.”

Commander Ion let all those words sink to Va’thari. Moments he leaned forward with a determined stare and said.

“I’m here to pick up where Eli left off.”

@Mithias

 

[Vuthari]

Brazen Electrical Engineering & Repair (BEER)
Corellia Sector
Nar Shaddaa

While his intuition told him to trust the Duros, his paranoia was alive and well. You don’t survive Sith-controlled Nar Shaddaa by being careless. It was dangerous enough just being a resident in Nar Shaddaa, but if you were actively avoiding the “law”, that amplified the danger exponentially. What he did know was that Master Reach spoke of a Duros among these rebels. He wondered if this was the one he spoke of. Whether he did or not, Vu’thari knew he had to find out why he was here—and if he was a threat. Again, his instincts assured him to be at ease—Vu’thari was not convinced…yet.

His green eyes searched the Duros for any hint of deception as he spoke.

“For now just Cal, I rather not say too much given the moon we’re both on. Like the note stated I’m friend of Eli. If that wasn’t the case, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

The twi’lek nodded in agreement. The blaster pistol on his right hip was already unsnapped from its holster…just in case. But his words did not bring the Jedi any closer to understanding his motivation for being here. He could almost sense a slight change in the Duros’ emotion as he looked down to the ground, but then his large red orbs met the twi’lek’s own…

Grief?

There was a pause and the Duros began speaking quietly again.

“Eli is gone if you weren’t aware already through that certain connection people of your talents shares. I know about his visits to here and the others. Furthermore all of you for one reason or another turned down his offer to join up in a venture my organization happens to be a part of.”

Pause.

“I’m here to pick up where Eli left off.”

While the Jedi was not surprised that the Duros knew Eli and he was not completely surprised that he was here, Vu’thari was surprised that the plea for him to come back and join fellow Jedi. Which also meant to take up arms in this rebellion against the Empire and the Sith that were leading them. He could sense the grief—it was apparent to him now that this Duros was indeed close to Eli.

A bit of sorrow crept back to him as well. It was his turn to look down at the floor in silence. A flood of emotions began to surface. The Jedi took a deep breath to gain control of his outward appearance, subsiding the strength of the emotion threatening to burst. Whenever he thought about life as a Jedi again, thoughts of his family rose to the forefront of his thoughts. An anger welled, growing from the sorrow, when he thought about the Sith that mercilessly ended the lives of his wife…his son…and his infant son. Combined with the death of one of his good friends, Eli Reach, it was an emotional journey that was painful in every way. Perhaps this Duros thought him a coward for not coming with Eli. Perhaps he believes that Vu’thari did not believe in sacrifice or helping others. Perhaps he thought of some other conjured reason that this Jedi would not join the “cause”. But it was none of those things…the emotions of his life as a Jedi brought out strong emotions: hate and sorrow. This pain threatened to consume the Jedi and send him spiraling into the Dark Side.

What would my wife want me to do? She would be chastising me right now for not following my heart and doing what I know is right…what the Force is guiding me to do. But with Eli dead, that meant that there only five Jedi left from his meticulous list…and I am one of them. That is pressure I don’t need in my life…

Vu’thari looked up. His eyes were glassy from the moisture pooled up in his eyes. Quietly he responded, ”Cal…whatever your name is…you don’t want me. I am damaged goods. There is so much hate and sorrow swirling inside of me—I don’t know what to make of it. I don’t know if I am the Jedi you are seeking. That Jedi you seek in Vu’thari may already be dead…”

@Minuteman75

 

[Hugo Ion]

It can take a great deal to make a grown adult tear up. Despite not being linked to the force, Hugo recognized what he right now. A battered soul struggling to maintain what’s left of his essence. The Twi’lek’s tears restrained from dripping through sheer will were clear as crystal to the rebel on the other side. It was something rather familiar to him, to be perfectly honest.

Sighing, Commander Ion unrolled back the long sleeve on his right arm. Once the blue limb was bare he lifted it up for Vu’thuri to see something. Etched permanently on Hugo’s skin was a dark colored number in basic, 37235. Having lived in Hutt Space the tali head mechanic would surely recognize what the tattoo meant. He was talking with a former prisoner of an Imperial labor camp. Their horrific existence was an open secret whispered in these parts. Done the Durosian silently covers up the arm and pulled it down.

“We’re all damaged goods. You’re not the only one struggling with demons Vu’thari. There are days when I wonder why I survived where others did not. It’s a question that haunts me even now.”

Squeezing both hands into fists as he held back the flood of emotions threatening to burst. “Eli saw something in you and it’s not just your abilities and training.” Shaking his head no Hugo pressed on with the conversation.

“I’m not asking you to be someone’s savior. No, we however need people willing to do what is right in spite of themselves to restore balance to the force and help us free this galaxy. Eli died still believing it.”

Leaning forward Hugo Ion looked Vu’thari in the eyes and asked. “Was he wrong?”

@Mithias

 

[Vuthari]

Brazen Electrical Engineering & Repair (BEER)
Corellia Sector
Nar Shaddaa

The twi’lek watched as the duros rolled his sleeve up and showed the tattoo on his skin. Tattoos like those were familiar to Vu’thari. On Ryloth, those markings were all too common. Twi’leks had more slaves among their number than most any other species in the galaxy. He nodded somberly in recognition of the marking and looked up at the duros as he rolled down his sleeve.

“We’re all damaged goods. You’re not the only one struggling with demons Vu’thari. There are days when I wonder why I survived where others did not. It’s a question that haunts me even now.”

The Jedi watched as the Duros also fought emotion, balling up his fist as an outlet for control. Vu’thari could see the sincerity in his words. Again, he nodded, understanding the words of the duros. A few breaths later, the Jedi was back in control of his emotions. Not suppressed, but mitigated as to not interfere with the thinking needed in the present.

“Eli saw something in you and it’s not just your abilities and training.”

Hugo shook his head and slammed home his point…

“I’m not asking you to be someone’s savior. No, we however need people willing to do what is right in spite of themselves to restore balance to the force and help us free this galaxy. Eli died still believing it.”

The duros leaned in closed and stared in Vu’thari’s eyes. The twi’lek meet his look and listened.

“Was he wrong?”

For many moments the Jedi just stared at the Duros. Eventually, he shifted his eyes and leaned on his knees, looking down at the floor. He knew if it were left up to him, he would stay in this cesspool called Nar Shaddaa until he grew old and died. But that is where his heart was stronger than practicality. He had always cared for others, honored others’ memory, been loyal to a fault, and did wish those he loved to be proud of him.

Was he wrong…

So many people important in his life were lost to him: his grandfather, the Jedi Master, his wife, his two sons, and now Eli Reach—all of them were affected by the evil that had spread its dark tendrils across the galaxy: the Empire and its Sith masters. On a larger scale, they had also wiped out the Jedi. He suddenly felt a heavy weight on this shoulders. Especially as he thought about all of those he cared for and belong to, he could not help but ask himself one question…

What would all of those that I care about think of me and my decision to stay here, hiding out from the injustice that has soured the entire galaxy? Would they be proud of me? Was my grandfather wrong in teaching me everything I know about how to be a Jedi? Was it a colossal waste of his life, training me to be the best Jedi I could be? Was my family wrong to believe in me as an honorable twi’lek who believed in honor, justice and what was right? Was Master Eli Reach wrong for thinking that I could help the fledgling galactic alliance and help the Jedi Order reestablish itself?
Was Eli wrong?

Slowly, the twi’lek looked up. Vu’thari could not believe the words that were tumbling out of his mouth, ”Eli was…not wrong. There is nothing left for me to hold onto of consequence. I will help you…”

Pause.

He asked bluntly, ”You are Hugo, aren’t you. You were there? When Eli died? I felt it…

@Minuteman75

 

[Hugo Ion]

This was the moment of truth. Where his knowledge about the Jedi was lacking, Hugo was very experienced on making hard decisions. Sitting back the Durosian watched the other man making his own. What comes next for both of them depends on the answer.

Never I thought be interviewing a Jedi for recruitment. Guess that stuff they say about the Force having a will of its own maybe true after all. Just hope this won’t turn out to be a waste of time for both of us.

As that line of thought passed through his mind Hugo paid close attention to Vu’thari who finally gave his answer. Finally, a genuine smile appeared on the blue alien’s face. To be honest he had half expected the tail head to say no. Well, Commander Ion wasn’t going to look a Gift Fathier in the mouth, especially not right now.

Before Hugo reply back Vu’thari ask a blunt question that kept the visitor silent. The rebel with a sincere expression he nodded before confessing with one word. “Yes.”

Sitting up Ion subsequently remarked. “We’ve have more time and freedom to talk once we’re in space. I will wait for ya to pack but please hurry.” Immediately he chuckled.

“Hope ya don’t got an outstanding debt here cause I would hate to pay one of those some overgrown worm anything.”

The End​