Ask Dust in the Wind

[Perun]

Standing atop a windswept dune on the desolate planet of Jakku, Perun gazed into the distance, his sharp senses attuned to the shifting sands around him. The sweltering heat of the Jakku sun beat down upon his broad shoulders, cloaked in traditional Jedi robes, their fabric whispering in the hot breeze. His hands, large and dexterous, rested lightly on his unique weapons—a vibrostaff and dual-phase interlocking lightsaber.

Jakku, a planet scorched by past calamities and now home to an eclectic mix of scavengers, settlers, and the devout followers of the Church of the Force, had always been a world on the fringe. But recent events had thrust this forgotten corner of the galaxy into the limelight. First Order loyalists, remnants of a once-mighty regime, had re-emerged like phantoms from the sands, threatening to topple the fragile local government. Their sudden resurgence on Jakku was more than just a power play—it was a signal to the galaxy that the shadows of the past still lingered.

Perun's presence here was no accident. Known for his vibrant contradictions—snarky yet loyal, cocky yet generous—he was a Jedi of action, one who believed in making a difference. As he awaited the arrival of a Padawan who had been tasked with joining him, the sands of Jakku shifted beneath him, mirroring the turbulent times ahead.

Surveying the rugged landscape, memories of Perun's past missions flickered in his mind. Yet, as the Jedi Master stood ready to confront the First Order loyalists, he knew this mission held a different weight. It was not just about quelling a rising threat; it was about proving himself as a leader.

The conflict between the re-emergent First Order loyalists and the local government was escalating, threatening to explode into armed conflict. The air was thick with tension, and the whispers of the wind seemed to carry the echoes of past battles, reminding Perun of the delicate balance he must maintain. As a guardian of peace, his role was to mediate and defend, but as a warrior of the Force, he was prepared to stand against the tide of darkness.

@GABA

 

[Theia Durand]

Theia didn't understand why beings choose this world to live on, deep down she understood some social-economical factors were at play (she had never seen so many people literally scrapping by) however, to even come here in the first place, one had to be crazy. Though perhaps it was why this place had such a history and being a focal point for different sects of Force worship and even past regimes, including the First Order. Theia thought they were all gone and those still interested were those weird creepers who become infatuated with romanticizing past empires. When Master Perun told her more on what to expect, she was shocked to see they had some organizing and were hunkering down on the one world that would be just a little too obvious.

There was not enough spf in the galaxy to protect any exposed skin from the Jakku sun as she travelled beside Master Perun. Already, the tops of her cheeks were turning pink from the sun's harsh and unforgiving presence. She wore lighter robes, avoiding layers, but making sure most of her skin was covered. On her belt, she carried the vibroblade and other supplies she tended to now carry with her on the regular.

"So how far do you think they're going to push, Master?" Theia asked him, her light eyes squinting as she looked over the dunes, "This place is so..." she paused, reaching into her own senses to find the right description, "]heavy- do you think the Loyalists are going to attack? It seems like a waste on their part, or do you think they are looking to just cause hurt so the locals cave?" Theia questioned out loud. She always found it best to speak her thoughts, things seemed to get too jumbled and noisy inside her mind at times where it made it hard to sort through ideas.

@Aberforth

 

[Perun]

Perun listened intently to Theia's questions, his golden eyes reflecting the harsh sunlight as they scanned the horizon. He appreciated her inquisitiveness, a trait he believed essential in a Jedi. Her presence, a refreshing contrast to the desolate surroundings, reminded him of the importance of their mission.

"The First Order loyalists," Perun began, his voice resonating with a calm assurance, "are driven by more than just a desire for control. They seek to reignite a flame that has long been extinguished. Jakku's history, riddled with conflict and power struggles, makes it a symbolic choice for their resurgence."

He adjusted his robes, feeling the grit of sand against his skin. "Their strategy," he continued, "is not just about causing harm. It's about making a statement. They want to show that the shadows of the past still have the power to influence the present."

Perun paused, sensing the heaviness in the air that Theia had noticed. The Force on Jakku was indeed dense, imbued with the echoes of battles and the whispers of lost spirits. This was a place where the Force seemed to converge, a nexus of energy both light and dark.

"As for their willingness to push forward," he mused, his eyes narrowing as he contemplated their adversary's next move, "it's a calculated risk. They might believe that the element of surprise and the planet's harsh conditions will work in their favor. However, they underestimate the resilience of Jakku's people and the commitment of the Jedi."

Perun glanced at Theia, noting the slight reddening of her cheeks under the relentless sun. "We must remain vigilant," he advised. "Our role here is not only to confront the loyalists but also to safeguard the innocent. This planet has endured enough suffering."

He then turned his gaze back to the vast expanse of dunes and ruins. "The Force is strong here, Padawan," he said, almost to himself. "It's as if the very sands hold secrets of the past, waiting to be uncovered. We must be ready for anything. The loyalists may be more organized and dangerous than we initially anticipated."

As dusk embraced Jakku, Perun led the way as the pair approached a secluded encampment, where the First Order loyalists were rumored to be gathering. The fading light cast eerie shadows, and the air was thick with tension. Silently, he observed the camp from a distance, noting the armed guards and sophisticated equipment. Perun's instincts told him this was more than a mere assembly of fanatics...

@GABA

 

[Theia Durand]

It all sounded so trivial to the padawan. Her teenage brain still struggling to wrap around the idea of clinging to something from the past when the future is where it was at. The novel and unknown seemed so much more interesting than boring old stuff, especially boring old stuff that happened generations ago. So for her, these First Order loyalist just seemed extra annoying. As best as she could, Theia listened to Master Perun; her attention span naturally limited, but she understood the Jedi Master's concern. The galaxy just seemed so much in upheaval recently, chaos seemed to just spring unchecked wherever they went.

The temperature quickly dropped as dusk paved the way for the night to approach; Theia could appreciate less sun, and humored her own self with the idea of absorbing enough sun, she would glow for the rest of the evening. Luckily, it remained fiction, a wild tangent of her imagination as her focus returned to the stealthy approach to the camp. Her senses picked up on different sensations: caution, greed, even something she would describe as an obsessive or compulsion to fulfill a need.

Theia kept low to the sands, overseeing the busy camp; she could easily note there was something more than just a logistics inventory, they seemed to be prepping and with some rather sophisticated equipment.

"They seem well-funded..." Theia whispered recognizing some of the sensor satellites along what must of been their command hub; a small pre-fabricated hut with a few more guards patrolling that other places. "Could the first order be just an illusion, a proxy for someone else?" she asked quietly while mentally counting the number of armed soldiers guarding around the camp.

@Aberforth

 

[Perun]

Perun, with his acute senses honed over many years, listened to Theia's observations, his eyes never leaving the shadowed outlines of the camp. Her youthful perspective, often filled with a blend of curiosity and impatience, was a reminder of the diverse viewpoints within the Jedi Order. Despite the generational gap, he valued her insights, knowing that each Jedi brought unique strengths to the table.

"The First Order's legacy has always attracted those seeking power," Perun responded softly, his voice barely audible above the whispering sands. "It's possible that other factions are using their name as a façade, capitalizing on the fear and chaos they once spread."

He scrutinized the camp, noting the sophisticated equipment and the organized nature of their operations. The presence of advanced sensor satellites indicated a level of support that went beyond a group of mere fanatics.

"Their funding and organization suggest a larger agenda," he mused, his mind racing through various possibilities. "This is more than just clinging to the past; it's a strategic move, possibly orchestrated by someone with significant resources and influence."

Perun's gaze shifted to the hut, where the most activity seemed concentrated. "That command hub is our key to understanding their plans," he said decisively. "We need to get closer, and gather intel without being detected. Their next move could have widespread implications."

He turned to Theia, his golden eyes meeting hers in the dim light. "Stay alert and trust your instincts," he advised. "The Force is our ally, but so is stealth and cunning. We'll approach from the east; it offers the best cover. Remember, our goal is to observe and learn. Engage only if absolutely necessary."

With a nod to Theia, Perun began his cautious approach, blending into the shadows as he moved closer to the heart of the camp.

@GABA

 

[Theia Durand]

Her eyes started to glaze over as Master Perun continued speaking, feeling the urge to just climb down from their hiding spot to get a closer look at what exactly they were transporting, though when she felt Perun's gaze on her, Theia quickly snapped back to reality, completely missing what he was speaking about as her mind wandered to the more adventurous fantasy of saving the Jedi and being a hero among the people who resided on Jakku. Though she knew it was just fantasy, she wished things were a little more exciting, observe and report was mundane. Internally she sighed and followed the Jedi Master from their location.

Quietly she stepped, tricks from childhood to not disturb the air and sound off one's position, it had helped her many times to get into the kitchen for a late night snack. She followed along the shadows, the darkness of the night shielding the two from any curious eyes along the edges of the camp. Though there were a few times they had to stop as the patrol made their rounds, casually walking past Perun and Theia as they took cover behind or under equipment.

There was a loud rumbling in the distance that caught the padawan's attention as she peeked over storage crates to see an incoming armored transport breaking through the sands to stop not too far from where she and Perun were hiding. A door opened and several locals were ushered off quickly to a neighboring tent. Theia glanced at Perun, concern easily deciphered on her face as she was curious to know what they wanted with scrappers.

@Aberforth

 

[Perun]

Perun observed the armored transport with a seasoned eye, his senses attuned to every vibration in the air. The rumbling of the vehicle, a harsh intrusion in the quiet of the night, signaled a significant development in their reconnaissance. The transport's arrival and the hurried ushering of the locals into a tent piqued his curiosity and concern. He could sense Theia's restlessness beside him, her youthful eagerness for action a stark contrast to his tempered patience.

As a Jedi Master, Perun knew the importance of measured steps. Each decision, each movement, could tilt the balance in unforeseen ways. He remained motionless, allowing the Force to guide his intuition. The locals' involvement suggested a potential exploitation of Jakku's impoverished population, a tactic not uncommon in the shadowy dealings of power-hungry factions.

Perun's gaze shifted subtly towards Theia, communicating a silent message. They had a choice: investigate the transport and its human cargo, potentially uncovering crucial information about the loyalists' intentions, or continue towards the command hut to decode their broader plans. Each path bore its own risks and rewards. The Jedi Master decided to leave it up to the Padawan to choose their course of action.

On the one hand, she could opt to delve deeper into the mystery of the armored transport and the locals it disgorged into the tent. This choice promised immediate insights into the loyalists' interactions with Jakku's residents, potentially unveiling exploitative practices or recruitment strategies. It was a path that would appeal to her sense of justice and her desire to protect the vulnerable. Investigating the tent could provide valuable intelligence on the loyalists' methods and objectives, offering a direct way to impact the local community's well-being.

Alternatively, Theia could decide to continue with the original plan of approaching the command hut, a course that aligns with gathering strategic intelligence about the loyalists' overall operations. This option catered to the long-term goal of understanding and dismantling the loyalist threat at its core. It was a choice that required patience and a focus on the bigger picture, prioritizing the acquisition of broader intelligence over immediate action.

@GABA

 

[Theia Durand]

Theia quietly weighed her options, her mind playing a figurative game of chess in her mind as she went quickly through ever scenario that could possible occur if they diverted from the plan...or if she diverted. Mainly, she understood the respect for Master Perun and his objective; there was a priority and in a way, their original objective will move them further up the river to stop whatever was happening with the individuals they had just brought into camp. In all the ways she could help right now, she could hear Master Ezra's stern, albeit monotone, lecture of her need to be increasingly mindful of her hotheadedness. No doubt she didn't agree with her own decision as she shared a moments gaze with the furred master.

She felt like she sat for an eternity on these thoughts, but somewhat relieved in Master Perun's patience that he would give her the autonomy to decide what she could do next. However, she would give him a nod, ready to move on with the Jedi Master to the larger tent. Luckily for the two jedi, the arriving transport seemed to be enough of a distraction for the loyalists to pull them to registering their incoming labor.

Keeping low behind the treads of an oversized transport, Theia looked over the side to watch the command hut for activity, watching silently as the First Order troopers made their security rounds. "I counted every 2 minutes they come back here." she whispered to Perun, "I haven't seen anyone come out of the tent...yet."

@Aberforth