[Eriadu] Restock, Rest, Serve

[Bruce Guleya]

A small little colony on a planet expressing little development. Although, this lack of development certainly had it's benefits, the air was clean and crisp. The rolling landscapes rich for sight seeing. Although the war wasn't very kind to the galaxy, every once and awhile you always had a gem. After the war, a small colony set up on the planet and was operating as intended. It's locations served excellent for a resupply outpost. Some people had come out this way to setup a new life and one of the smallest things here was the creation of various shellwork jewelry, although delicate. Truth be told, this planet would be overlooked for anyone vying for obvious power - Bruce always suspected there would be secrets, no matter where.

Bruce stood outside in for what passed for a market in these areas. He wore a tan tunic with gray robes and white pants. His outfit and been well kept and in traditional Bruce attire, he's lightsaber was on his person but well hidden from prying eyes. He walked with an upright posture that breathed confidence and someone with a positive outlook at things. He moved from stall to stall, browsing the various mundane goods, things that posses little to no monetary value. He stopped at a food stall, looking at the various produce - fresh from locals. He picked up an odd looking red spherical object, he was told it was a fruit of some kind. He returned the product before moving on to the next stall - a stall selling various jewelry made out of shells, he picked up one necklace, it had various colours, a very pretty object that just popped at you, very eye catching. Bruce had little need for the item, nor did he think he held much material objects, but he thought for a support he'd go ahead and purchase this item. It simply seemed to catch his eyes and speak to him, he didn't know what it was but he liked it he smiled to himself while he completed the transaction - stowing away the item.

"Stop that! Get them!"

He heard cry out from afar, uncertain as to what was happening he scanned the market. He could see a crowd had gathered but he'd also noticed a bit of a struggle happening, he tried his best to get a good look but no matter what he couldn't quite see until a young male rodian broke free from the crowd and started to run - he had something in his hands, Bruce wasn't sure what but he immediately recognized that the young rodian was heading nearby. Bruce casually walked to intercept the rodian, once within range he stuck his foot out tripping the rodian who hit the ground with a loud thud, dropping the item and a small blaster pistol - which slide away from him. The rodian looked rough, young, Bruce picked up the Rodian by the scruff of the neck, "Well what do we have here? A rodian fleeing from the scene of a crime? Come now I'm sure we can solve the issue, yes?" the shop owner emerged and approach the two, Bruce simple handed the small time over to the shop owner who thanked him before leaving his side. Bruce scooped up the blaster, it was fake. Bruce laughed to himself and put it away for now, unsure how to properly dispose of it.

Bruce had to remind himself that he was there to investigate. He'd received a book earlier in the day from another shop, a book that outlined weird and unnatural occurrences happening around the colony. Various caves and subterranean tunnels could be located, he would certainly have to investigate them when given an chance. But he'd also heard that they were experience a few ne'er-do-wells infringing on the peaceful nature of the colony.

One of the neat aspects of such a peaceful living? They often had small food tents or drink tents. Bruce now had taken a seat at a small outdoor tent which provided him with some shelter from the midday heat of an unobstructed sun. He took a drink, just some water this time. He'd strike up casual conversation with the attendant.

@Phoenix

 

[Darth Kravos]

Eriadu was a world seemingly untouched by war. It was one of the few worlds he could think of that still fit that description, and he wondered how long it would stay like that. For one-hundred years of war, Kal was convinced that every corner of the galaxy had felt the effects, save perhaps Lothal. It was one of the reasons Kal liked to go there, and Eriadu seemed just like that. Perhaps it would be a new world to visit from time to time.

Of course, now there was no telling if the war would stay away. Kal had a nasty way of being the war itself. Not just bringing it with him, but being one of its major sources himself. He killed, maimed, and led others to do the same on world after world against the Jedi. He would have liked to avoid having the same happen to this world, but as he'd said to a mercenary recently: sometimes the mission involved making an nice world ugly.

While it was possible to have it come to that, today he wasn't bringing an army with him. He wasn't going to be undoing the entire world and he wasn't even really planning to run into any Jedi here today. He was here on business, but not any that involved needing dozens of Exiles with him. He was going with the incognito look this time.

He had heard stories about there being some strange occurences on the world recently, and while that could be the case on a hundred worlds, something prompted him to come to this world, as if whispers from the darkness had told him it was prudent like he would find something here of interest. A week's worth of dreams prompted him to finally tear away from his regularly busy schedule to investigate what exactly he might find out here.

So here he was, dressed in his regular street garb with gear and weapons hidden away from sight and making his way through the markets and streets as he searched for anything that might be of value in what the locals said... or thought. He would have been lying if he weren't running his mind across the surfaces of those around him, hearing a slew of concerns from a dozen people about things unrelated to what he wanted. Most were unaware save perhaps the slight aura of being watched.

Only a moment later, his delving into the minds of others was interrupted by the shouting at the other end of the market and Kal's attention was drawn shortly. Someone stealing? Petty theft wasn't really what he was here for, but even Kal had a curiosity to see what was happening and he strained his neck just a bit to be able to see.

He saw a blaster pistol slide out from the kid as he fell and he saw someone snatch it up quickly. Wait, this one, he knew this one. Jedi, right? Kal's head quirked to the side, but it was obvious that neither of them were attacking each other yet. Kal was, of course, immediately alert to the possibility that this was a trap and his mind reached out to those around him, looking for intent to attack. Even still, his eyes glanced to the Jedi and he didn't make any particular effort to hide his presence.

We just keep running into each other, don't we? he said as he watched the Jedi slip the pistol away. What brings you out to the edges of nowhere? he asked, surprisingly amiable for him. Sure, he might fight with the Jedi, but he wasn't interested in killing every Knight wandering the galaxy. He wanted to eliminate the Order itself but fighting constantly with every random person wasn't really the goal. @Zigara

 

[Bruce Guleya]

He sipped at his water, not making eye contact with the familiar voice. "Oh, well - you've got yours and I've got mine it'd seem." He was referring to the reference to the edge of nowhere comment. He laughed quietly. He continued to listen to the attendant; He had suspected Kal, but only because as he approached him he did sense the light touch on his mind, but he brushed it off; which wasn't easy. Kal was certainly an imposing man; parts physical, power, and reputation.

Bruce waved his hand before him inviting the man to take a seat, "It appears that seems to be the case. Thank you by the way, I don't think I had the opportunity to say that." He now turned himself to face the Exile. "I'm sure there would be plenty of reasons for this chance meeting, for example, this lovely lady has informed me that the little scene in the market - which you no doubt saw - was becoming more frequent. Although, I don't think this one incident is related."

"But, enough about me - what brings you out to my little nook?" His attention was now focused on the Exile. He suspected he'd tell him a story - or maybe just a conversation about fine drinks or something entirely different. He was curious, perhaps the rumors have reached his ears, maybe he knew something.

Bruce was driven here, something pulled his attention here. The occasional dream, the magnetic pull exhibited. Perhaps these rumors were exaggerated, maybe they were just false and there was another reason why he'd have been pulled her; could have just been to run back into this Exile.

@Phoenix

 

[Darth Kravos]

Kal assumed that any Jedi who was nearby would be able to sense what he was doing, but he was surprised that there actually was a Jedi nearby. It seemed the man was unperturbed by the presence of the Exile Master - either that or he was just very good at acting and playing it off. Either way, it was nice to see that the two of them weren't already at each other's throats and trying to kill one another. There were more than a few sects that would have gladly drawn blades on him the moment they saw him. In fact, the Jedi even seemed to chuckle at Kal's comments, which was an odd and distant change from what many would be doing.

In fact, as he offered Kal a seat, the Exile almost became suspicious. He shouldn't have been acting this friendly, should he? Was this all a part of a trap? If it was, things would turn ugly, he was sure, so he remained cautious even as he sat. But the Jedi had no way of knowing he would be here, would they? Could they plant dreams in someone's mind? Probably someone could, but even Kal wasn't sure how. Might as well just keep himself alert until he figured out what was going on.

Little bit of this, little bit of that, he said noncommittally. Heard there was some trouble stirring and brewing out here, so I decided to come out and see for myself, he said. It was a partial truth at least, though there was a great deal he'd left out. He'd made no mention of the dreams or that whatever he was searching for was in and of itself likely linked to the Force... or something else. A feeling of unease about being here had settled over him as soon as he arrived and he wondered precisely what he would find if he pressed further. Could it be the same thing that brought the Jedi here? Or were they truly here for completely unrelated reasons?

I suppose it's not chance meeting that you and I ran into one another again, he added a moment later. Not that I'm hunting you or vice versa - he hoped - but perhaps the Force brought us both here, he said, taking a shot in the dark. The fact was that while many people had conflicting views on how the Force worked in guiding their lives, Kal was convinced that there was some element of the energy field that did, in fact, direct them. Anyone who had felt its pull in combat knew at least there was that level of control and he saw no reason that there weren't more subtle manipulations that they may not have felt physically.

For that matter, speaking of hunting, I'm surprised you're not trying to kill me, he said. Of course, it was blatant classification of all Jedi under one blanket and in reality Kal knew better than to do that. He recognized the irony in his own words and that he could have cast the same blanket over himself as an Exile who were in and of themselves typically more violent. What sect are you from? he asked, wondering if perhaps that played a role. Consulars? Or perhaps Sentinel and "your little nook" is Eriadu? he asked. It would have certainly explained why the Jedi felt so at home here on a comparatively isolated planet that was off the beaten path. Either could have explained his less bloodthirsty tendencies than the Shadows or Crusaders, though he'd met more level-headed of those two groups as well.

Perhaps the strangest thing was that despite all that had happened, Kal found himself able to sit down with the less upward-ranked Jedi and converse with them. Was it because he had once been a Jedi or was it rooted in something else? There were many times that Jedi Knights were not people he instantly wanted to murder. He still rarely - if ever - killed without cause, even if the Jedi wouldn't have called it "good" cause. @Zigara

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Although Kal was making him uneasy, Bruce made every effort to remain level headed. He was mostly successful too; despite what he witnessed from Kal back on Lothal. As he grew up on Bardotta he was taught ways to maintain his professional demeanor, he did train with Dagoyan Order for most the majority of his childhood, it was these teaching that became ingrained into his being. The Dagoyan were neither aligned with light or dark, he was taught harmony and balance between the two sides. He was taught to wield and harness it passively - it was these aspects that served him greatest when dealing with adversity, at least when it came to talking.


He was pleased the Exile chose to join him. He relaxed a little but he suspected his new acquaintance wouldn't relax, understandable so. He had a visible smirk on his face now, “Well, I could ask you the same. Especially after how you handled yourself last time.” he picked up on the irony of the question he was asked, figured he'd play it. “Besides, I've no reason to attempt to kill you. It accomplishes nothing. Have you wronged me directly? No. We may disagree on certain things but as it stands, we're just two guys having a chat. We both serve The Force.” A slight pause “Besides, I'm alone. An independent.”


He finished his beverage and asked for a top up, and did something he suspected the Exile didn't expect “Would you care for something? It would be on me. Food or beverage, or nothing. It matters not.” Despite this continued relaxed pace, he started to lightly tap his glass as he tensed but he quickly relaxed his body. He felt there was something deep here, between these two. Perhaps it wouldn't be just a random “Keep the Peace” or “Serve out Justice” encounter like their last meeting. “Eriadu is nice. Out of the way, people lead a simpler life here - like Lothal. I've come and go a few times in my travels. But, can't say I've spent an exponential amount of time here. Don't have friends here, haven't been meeting people here… which is odd, given it's usage.” He shrugged it off, sipping again.


“Consulars.” He said flatly, as he rested his elbows on the counter. “So yes, I share the sentiment. It flows through all of us, doesn't matter if you're attuned to it or who you choose to side with or where you call home. We serve it as one. There is a good chance we've come on the same guidance. And I suspect you're here for something beyond 'check out the trouble,’ Kal.” He was calling out an Exile. Not in a fight but calling him out on his purpose, his nerves were high now. His mind raced at the possibilities of why Kal was here, the possibilities of angering Kal from his statement. He was a bit of a mess, but he refused to to allow it best him.


Perhaps, perhaps they have a common goal. Perhaps he as a different direction. He waited with anticipation.

@Phoenix

 

[Darth Kravos]

Kal's eyebrow quirked upward as the man mentioned he was an independent. This was where he was both interested and, admittedly, less knowledgeable. He wasn't extremely well versed in the lesser Force-sects in the galaxy. He knew a Matukai who he had met once when he was a Shadow, but that was one of the only Force sects he'd met apart from various pockets of cults and... oh my. This one wasn't from a cult was he? That was... unpleasant, and most of the cults he'd met had involved some very squeamish things that even he, as an Exile, wasn't particularly comfortable with. Blood sacrifices and the like. He assumed that wasn't what this man was, but perhaps it was worth the ask.

An independent? What type, if you don't mind my ask, he said, legitimately curious. Though the fact was that he knew little of the topic. His training said that he should never enter into a conversation where he didn't have the upper hand in knowledge or at least a trump card, but he had to remind himself that this wasn't about gaining intelligence, this was actually just a casual conversation.

Those thoughts aren't exactly something reflective of the rest of the Jedi, he said. I'm not sure that your friends in the Council would look too kindly on letting me go, he pointed out, though that seemed to be a running theme: many Jedi didn't want to just kill an Exile on sight, though sometimes it was a necessity. But I hear what you're saying. Never liked to idea of senseless killing anyway, he admitted. He liked to think that most of his killings were for a reason, even if not everyone agreed.

A moment later, the Jedi - or whatever he was - offered him a drink from the restaurant. It was oddly polite and reminded him of his sit-downs with Cregan, though he was fairly sure that only happened because of the pre-existing relationship. Kal didn't expect the average Jedi to be willing to do that. Even so, Kal waved off the drink. No, thank you, but I appreciate the offer, he replied, sincere in his gratitude.

He listened to the man's explanation of his thoughts on Eriadu and Kal thought about it for a moment. It wasn't all that surprising or different than what Kal might have expected, but he wondered how many times he had come through here and how many more he would come through. How long until he made friends or attachments here? Without them, Kal thought it sounded perhaps a bit lonely. Not that he needed close friends, but at least some acquaintances to pass in the street or at the bar or cafe.

Kal considered for a moment the fact that the Jedi didn't seem to think much of titles or labels, and Kal was again left to wonder what the precious Council would have to say about that. You don't sound much like a Jedi. Best be careful where you say that sort of thing. Jedi will throw you out on your rear awfully quickly. He found himself giving that warning more often than he would have thought. Perhaps he was just planting the seeds for when it happened, and then the Jedi could come to their own conclusions themselves.

And then came the challenge. The Jedi wanted to call him out, but Kal was completely unfazed and his face remained straight. Kal had triggers and didn't care for insolence - particularly in the form of people threatening him - but asking a simple question wasn't enough to set him off. Kal could sense tension and almost found it amusing. Well, I'll show you mine if you show me yours, he said after a moment. Give a little get a little, and Kal wasn't the most giving type. Things like why he went places was what strayed into the territory of information Kal wasn't so ready to share in casual conversation. @Zigara

 

[Bruce Guleya]

So he rejected the offer. He wasn't surprised. Just meant Bruce didn't have to pay another tab. He nodded in acceptance as he listens to all the questions being presented to him. He maintain a stone face, sipping away. When Kal finished his questions and comments, Bruce just went silent. Sipping. He'd let the silence linger for a minute.


“I'm sorry my good sir, but you're not exactly my type.” A slight grin creeped across his face. “Being human and all.”


He'd answer everything that was presented to him. Picking and choosing his words as they came. He had nothing to hide, wasn't his nature to do that. He was a scholar and researcher, knowledge was this thing, knowledge would be what he'd prefer to share. He'd often crave various pieces of knowledge, anything to give him a leg up - but the greatest power would be to share. Bruce could tell by the questions - and the fact that he was asked outright - that Kal was interested, but the Exile couldn't believe he was in fact part of the Jedi Order.


“Allow the council to think what they will. It is my belief, it is the very thing I carry. If the council disagrees then the disagree - I'm not the first to ever have a unique approach. No matter the teachings they all derive from the fundamentals. I hold them close and I think you so too. The basics, we must never forget the basics.” He twisted his neck to face the man he'd been talking with. “I’m the crazy kind, if you ask some of your brethren. But some of mine could say the same about you. I misspoke. Not a true independent, what I meant to say is this is strictly an independent mission - or trip. I'm here on my own accord. I do belong to what you once were.” Looking forward and leaning back, “But I won't be like the foolish ones who go on about redemption. You are your own person and I refuse to say otherwise.”

“But that's good I mean. I'm sure you had your own reasons and as much as I'd like to have a philosophical discussion, this isn't the place nor the time. I am here in search of something - just don't know what yet.”


He finished off his water and smiled at the attendant, extending his appreciation for the girl. “Nice girl. Lived here for a few years now, been keeping pace. You should give her food a try some time. She often gets creative.”

“I'm sure they probably would toss me aside, but I'll cross that bridge when it comes. For now, I keep my distance from the upper echelon. They do their thing and I do mine. I often do their Will but I've also received plenty of freedom. Besides, I'm just a lowly Bardottan in an Order of hundreds or thousands… not really sure the confirmed numbers. They pay me no mind.”


Bruce lifted a finger, “I also like long walks on the beach, sometimes late night swims in temperate waters oh and a good dinner date, with candles... A little romance goes a long way. I also think red is a nifty colour, like the strips and patterns I have.” He clearly had been making a joke at this point.

@Phoenix

 

[Darth Kravos]

Kal just sat there in silence as well, waiting for the Jedi to say something. It seemed that perhaps he had managed to tick off the Jedi with that comment. Either that or he was weighing his options for what to say next. How much he wanted to say or reveal to someone who was technically his enemy, after all. What the Jedi actually opted to say was certainly not what Kal had been expecting. It took him a moment to register it and when he did he actually started to laugh. What? That's not what I meant, he said, though he figured the Jedi knew better and was just going for the comic element. It had worked.

While Bruce may have bene happy to share information, it went against Kal's very reserved nature. He wasn't one to trust others, and with trust came sharing intel. He preferred to keep things close to the vest, even to the point of sometimes keeping friends on the out. It was just part of business he'd been raised in and it certainly had its drawbacks sometimes. He wasn't brought up or trained to want to teach and share with others. He was good at killing, though even now, he was doing his best to actually build something up.

That's an extremely unusual line of thought, I'll admit, he said. He wasn't going to try to convince the Jedi out of it because in reality, if more people were like that, perhaps the Jedi wouldn't be as corrupted as it was. But that wasn't the reality of life. Perhaps if he purged the rest of the people from the Order, there would be no one but Bruces and Cregans left. People who weren't so bad. But even they could fall back into the same cycles, and that was why the structure of the Jedi themselves had to be torn down. Maybe it'll get you somewhere other than thrown out, he offered, though he was doubtful. Who knew?

Bruce's life didn't sound so bad. Doing his own thing away from the Jedi. Helping people out, living comparatively off the grid. In fact, it was a great deal like the life Kal had lived before he was thrown out of the Jedi. Before he'd begun to mix in with the more prominent figures. He had a fighting chance until he began doing that.

He snickered slightly as Bruce made another joke, somewhat surprised to be having someone in so light a mood about all this, but it was clearly being established that he was another example of what the Council would classify as a "bad" Jedi. That was no doubt why he would sit here and joke with one of the most powerful Exiles in the galaxy rather than try to kill him: a pleasant change.

It was the comment about not knowing why he was here that piqued Kal's interest. It sounded a great deal like why he, himself, was here. Like something drew you here and you don't know what it was? he asked, knowing the feeling all too well and giving a nod. I think I know what you mean. Something is going on here... or there's something we're supposed to see, he said with a bit more thought. What it was remained to be seen. Don't suppose you're interested in looking into this disturbance, are you? he asked. He could do so on his own, but better the company, right? @Zigara

 

[Bruce Guleya]

He rose to his feet, his nostrils flaring as he thought about everything being presented to him - from each and every comment made to him. He took it in, one by one, deciphering it and breaking it down, piece by piece. He understood what Kal was getting at when he mentioned 'somewhere other than thrown out' he understood it very well, but he pushed it away. That wouldn't be his path, not yet it wouldn't be and he'd do what he can to keep from that specific line of thought. He lived the line like so many others, leaning more toward the Order than the Exiles - at least that was his take on it. Perhaps Kal may have had a different thought, he wasn't sure; but Bruce did not aspire to be on the council or beyond that - a master someday maybe yes. But just because you're a master doesn't mean you'll be in the spotlight. He craved that status, only because he thought it would mean he had a much stronger grasp on his craft and that he could use it at that time to better himself and those around him.

Curious though. The Exile was brought here by a driving force as well? Shared visions didn't cross his mind, he doubted that would be the case in this but certainly acknowledge the chance to being intertwined with the human. "Indeed." Was all he said for the moment. Bruce wasn't one to receive images and foresight, what had happened to him was that his frequent visits as well as a book he'd discovered long before managed to weave it self together allowing the Force to guide him; that was the only way he was able to track down ruins, books, artifacts and the like. He needed to know about the objects themselves - or that's what it appeared to be. He received a drive that indicated something he had reviewed in the past could be found on Eriadu, but as he had revealed - he had no idea.

"A chance to investigate this is an opportunity. It's what I enjoy and it is what I live for it seems. That and my other talents I've come to practice. The ability to unearth something buried deep within always excites me, people sometimes argue that it consumes me when I start. I like what I do. I've no idea what I'll stumble upon; be it a ruin or an object, for all I know we've been duped... or we arrive and it's surrounded by formidable defense and security patrols and protocols."

"It's kind of exhilarating."

He had to pause a moment to think of the next steps. "I've been here several times before - I'm sure you figured that much out - but I hadn't felt an overwhelming pull. It's a vast planet, I'm sure there's plenty of rocks that need to be turned and flipped to help figure it out but..."

He was caught off by a small feminine voice; "umm.. excuse me? uuhh... I'm sorry for listening..." The voice was from the attendant who'd been serving him not moments ago. A delicate & shy young lady, "There's um... there's this cave? Maybe? Umm.. maybe, yeah?" Bruce looked at Kal and shrugged a shrug that said 'worth a shot?' His attention returned to the attendant. "Thank you. We really appreciate it."
@Phoenix

 

[Darth Kravos]

Kal could see - or at least thought he saw (he wasn't very good at reading duck-expressions) - that the Jedi was considering and weighing each one of Kal's words. Of course, if they were the first time hearing something like this, the Exile doubted that they would immediately sink in or take hold. They weren't meant to. They were meant to sit there and fester, and every time the Jedi saw something that fit the descriptions Kal had given, they would return to him. The greatest part of the words, as well, was that they weren't untrue. Each one of the thing Kal uttered was mostly rooted in fact with the occasional, minute element of bias from personal perspective. Kal had figured from the beginning that attempting to convert people through force or false words was pointless. The key was to merely plant the truth in their minds and let it grow with the water and fertilizer of the actions the Jedi themselves did. Perhaps if Bruce never returned from the Outer Rim, he had a chance of remaining safe, but otherwise, his odds were slim.

Then there was what brought them both here. Kal had been on the receiving end of the Force drawing him places before, but it was rare, and when it did happen, he usually decided it was a good idea to go. The trouble was differentiating whether it was a true call or a bad burrito the night before.

He listened to the Jedi appraise his abilities and passion for unearthing secrets. Kal couldn't help but wondering that, if there was an Exile here for whatever this was, if the Jedi perhaps might find that whatever he was here to pursue might not be something quite so pleasant. It might be something the Jedi found unpleasant or dark. And what if the Jedi wanted to destroy whatever dark thing? To blows then? Kal caught himself, pushing the thoughts aside and realizing he was getting far, far ahead of himself.

He could see that the Jedi was truly enthused about the idea, and it was infectious. Kal was legitimately surprised when a nearby patron mentioned a cave and Kal's eyebrow went up. His mind was still whispering "trap" but he decided it was worth the risk.

He gave a nod to the girl as the Jedi thanked her and she walked away. His mind delved lightly into hers with tendrils to go unnoticed even by her, just gaining enough to glimpse a location and "heading" for the pair. Well, I guess that's our cue, he said as he stood from his seat and punched some things into his datapad, setting off shortly. Looks like it's nearby, he said, before skimming through subsequent news articles as well. Oh, lovely, it also looks like it's had at least a dozen hikers disappear there over the past decade, he said rolling his eyes. Suspicious, he muttered before shrugging. There was something or someone down in the cave, Kal was guessing. It was just a matter of finding out who or what. @Zigara

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Bruce watched the Exile stand up, he tried his best not to laugh; it wasn't a laugh of insult it was just an amusing observation. Here is this big powerful Force user who could easily best Bruce in one weak attack - Kal wouldn't have to even use an ounce of his power - but Bruce was taller than him by maybe 3 or 4 inches; obviously the size never did matter.

He could see the enthusiasm building in Kal. Apparently this was some unknown power he had, people seemed to enjoy following Bruce on this odd adventures - or at least that is what it seemed. He watched the man program his datapad as he did some searching, he waited patiently to see what the man came up with. So it was nearby? He pondered how he could have figured that out - but then he realized, nearly everything was possible with the Force. "Dozens you say? Hm. What could cause people to just disappear? Dozens of options. Perhaps a creature? They investigate and get eaten or drained of life? Just a better life and city buried deep within the crust? Perhaps they go there simply to die by self-infliction?" He tapped his chin pondering, "I haven't had a chance to investigate something this similar so I don't think I've got much of a lead. I do know of various creatures and artifacts that might result in this kind of outcome, but without being closer..."

Bruce turned away from Kal and started walking into the market he'd come from. It was midday, they probably had a solid 6 or 7 hours of daylight before they'd be left in the dark. He checked himself over, taking stock of what was on him. He had some of the essentials they'd need for a cave adventure. "We've got some time for dark, I suggest if you happened to forget anything you take a moment to browse through these stalls. This could be a simple in and out, or we could run into trouble."

Should be simple right? Head to the cave, check it out, either solve it or at least take note and maybe come back eventually? In and out... Bruce had to remind himself that that was what the plan was back on Lothal, but look how that turned out. Full on firefight, some explosives, and a shot to the arm. This can't end well, but it should be fun? @Phoenix

 

[Darth Kravos]

Was the duck-man smirking at him? Kal couldn't quite tell, but he could have sworn that he was smirking! What was so funny? Kal, of course, noticed that the duck man was taller than him by a few inches - it was hard not to notice - but he honestly didn't think much of it. It wasn't like he was several feet taller than Kal, right? Fine, so maybe he was still pretty big.

Oh yes, Kal had his ways of gaining information. In the intelligence business (which for all intents and purposes was what he did as a Shadow and now more or less as an Exile), he had to be able to get information from people that weren't always willing. While torture could be a useful tool or even something as simple as paying someone off, the Force was the most useful tool of all. It could loosen tight lips in an instant or bypass the lips altogether. Such was one of the uses of the Force.

Kal gave a nod as the Jedi talked about the possibility of disapppearances. He had seen things like this before and thoughts were already beginning to form in his head. With my luck, it'll be some beast down there feeding on people, he said. on the bright side, he'd seen enough of them that he was beginning to get much better at tackling such monsters, and he had someone else to help him out, which always made a difference.

It was Bruce's comment about self-infliction that caught Kal by surprise and got his mind stirring. Or maybe there's something down there that causes them to want to self-inflict injury, he said. If whatever this was was linked to the Force (and it was pretty obvious by this point that it was) then it was very possible it exerted control through the Force, which came back to Kal's intelligence gathering techniques again: convincing others to do things they wouldn't normally do.

As Bruce headed into the market, Kal walked beside him. When he suggested they get supplies, Kal mentally patted through the things he had on him. He pulled a great deal of the most important equipment with him at all time, and he thought he had everything he might want. I'm good to go, he said, waiting for Bruce to gather whatever he might want before heading out.

With that, Kal set out toward the cave.

---​

By the time they made it to the cave, it was only a short while later, and it was a striking outcropping. The walls and ceiling were large and shimmered with all sorts of stones and crystals. It didn't appear nefarious, but Kal could feel something just below the surface. It was inviting to the outside, but he knew something else lurked deep within.

Can you feel that? he asked, drawing attention to the subtle aura. If he weren't looking for it, perhaps he would have missed it. He wondered to himself how deep in this cave went or if perhaps people just got lost inside. He could have seen something like that happening, after all. Time would tell, but he doubted that was the answer. @Zigara

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Bruce nodded at Kal when he checked himself, he was good just as Kal was. He had most of the things he'd need, when we went from location to location he generally carried the essentials for short expeditions.


He contemplated the implications that Kal mentioned. Something could be calling to them, potentially consuming them or driving them to unforgivable acts. Perhaps it was a cult? But dozen over the course of 10 years, it wasn't steady. It broke down to roughly one missing each year - that's not cult, that's creature or creatures.


---


The walk to the cave was mostly uneventful, they exchanged a few views and had mundane conversation, but the hike was so short they didn't have any conversations of great depth. It was when they came to a halt when things began to formulate.


The crystals shimmered and glistened in the afternoon light. The shine danced from crystal to crystal, it was rather striking. Bruce was wondering now if the crystals could be harvested and used in lightsaber hilts to modify the capabilities. He was curious if the crystals would produce unique colours as well. Bruce's gold coloured saber was unique - he thought. He hadn't seen it used by another. It would certainly be something to study - but they weren't here for sightseeing and speculations.


Kal didn't have to mention that he could sense something, Bruce could feel it too. He seemed cold, he swore he could hear a cry of pain at some point to. Someone at some time died here, it resonated. “Something happened here.” He wasn't trying to sarcastic, the way he delivered that line indicated something serious. He could only receive vague sights and sounds, he couldn't quite make it all out - not from this distance.


He was not accustomed to these feelings, the Galaxy was in turmoil not long ago and he continued to place himself into the sufferings of individuals. Some days it took its toll.


He traced the back of his hand as he looked upon the cave. “What do you see? What do you feel?” If anyone could safely and strongly interpret this, it'd be a Dark Side user and not a Light Side Knight… but the Knight could certainly learn thanks to the experiences.


Not entirely sure how to proceed, one thing was certain… they can't just go running in there without taking some form of precautions.

@Phoenix

 

[Darth Kravos]

Kal knew the Jedi didn't speak in jest. He could feel what had happened here and he knew that whatever it was, it was terrible. He could sense pain and the overwhelming "scent" of fear in the air. It had left an impression on this cave that lingered long after the physical evidence was gone.

He gave a silent nod of agreement to the Jedi's evaluation. The question is: what? he said, and of course it would take a great deal of investigation to discern what had happened. He was curious what sort of beast they might face down here or if it was a beast at all. He sensed something older and more nefarious than just a non-sentient monster.

While the Jedi grappled with the realities of the pain he sensed here, Kal was entirely unfazed. He had not only been around, but caused similar and worse pain to others, and it had calloused him and even allowed parts of his mind to feed on the pain of others, swelling as he made his way deeper toward its source.

Something is here. Or someone, he said as his face twisted slightly, trying to pick the right words. It has a mind, but it's not human... or alien. I'm not even sure it has a body, he said, wondering if this was a nexus much like he'd been to before. No, this felt different. It was as if a spirit of the Force of some likeness was here, but it wasn't a nexus in the traditional sense. It was a darkness that had managed to bind itself to this place.

It dawned on him what he was sensing, but he didn't even know if it was possible. I think the cave itself has... some sort of sentience that has infected it, he said, slightly surprised that such a thing was even possible. Whatever it is, it's centered deeper and... I don't think it can move, he said, though as he now looked at the ground, he saw dozens of small footprints, almost like those of a child but with only three large toes. They were certainly not human, and Kal suspected not of anything sentient. Look at these tracks, he said. I wonder if these things respond to the tunnel, he said. And killed whoever came here, he thought to himself, though with nothing to confirm his suspicions yet, he didn't say it. @Zigara

 

[Bruce Guleya]

He gripped his mind and locked it up. He should be fine now. He looked upon the cave trying to connect the dots as Kal put out suggestions. Purely energy, nothing tangible. This intrigued Bruce, which is why he was able to lock his mind down now - he had something he drew strength from, that was his curiosity. Could it be possible to, 'capture' this he wondered. If something could infect something as simple as a cave it had to be relatively dangerous - what if it could spread? What if it could be harnessed and used as a weapon? It had to be addressed, perhaps he could learn to defend from it.

"You've dealt with this kind of energy before haven't you? You must have - you draw your power from something similar do you not?" He was genuinely curious, he liked the idea of trying to find a balance, at least he could gain some insight on the works on the other side of the spectrum. "If this is an infection of sorts, could it be studied further? Could it be purged or harnessed?" At this point, it didn't matter that he might have been giving ideas to the Dark Side users, now it was purely for study. Although eventually he'd have to come to the realization that he may have given some suggestions and if he had, what would he do if it could be harnessed? He couldn't use it and Kal probably shouldn't either. The council would be most upset with him had he not reported this back to them... but frankly he had no plan to report this, not until he was done with it. He liked to keep new discoveries to himself and share with only a select few until he's unlocked most of the secrets himself - that is what separated him from a power wielding maniac, he'd be willing to share instead of hide and destroy.

He walked closer to Kal and knelt down to observe the footsteps more closely. They were small, but he couldn't quite decipher where they might have come from. Three toes, there wasn't much in the galaxy that had just three toes; granted his species was one of the few he could recall with three toes - but his toes were small. He traced around the foot steps almost making a note of what it looked like, the Force couldn't reveal anything to him - he didn't have that particular gift. "They appear erratic, no rhyme or reason to them - seems whatever this maybe might be wrestling with the energies which may drive it mad." That was something he was familiar with, the Exiles had a way of twisting the energies to do that and this source might have similar effects.

@Phoenix

 

[Darth Kravos]

Kal considered what Bruce said about him having dealt with this before. "Kind of" was probably the best answer he could give. It gave him the same feelings as the cave on Dagobah, but even so it was... different. More sentient and more centralized. It wasn't the pure energy of darkness that the nexus had been, it was something else that was far more devious.

I doubt it, he said, but gave a shrug to say "but who knows." Kal had a sneaking suspicion that there wouldn't be any way to harness it, but that didn't mean he couldn't learn something from it. In fact, Kal wondered if he could harness parts of the darkness for himself, though Bruce doing that would probably not be a very good plan for the Jedi.

Kal began to follow along with the tracks, glancing at every outline along the ground, but there was little to be deciphered. They moved erratically, but the highest concentration seemed to move in the same direction. Kal followed them along, horrified by what he saw when he reached the end. There was an alcove within the cave where the tracks seemed to be even more common and several holes burrowed down into the ground at the edges. In the center, he saw a body, severely mangled with claw marks running across, laying in a pool of blood and hardly even recognizable as a human anymore. @Zigara

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Kal was probably right, but it still wouldn't stop him from at least looking at the potential, he shared the conclusion of Kal. He wasn't far behind Kal when he began to follow the tracks in the cave, but he broke away from Kal for a moment as he clipped a few cuts of the various crystals nearby. A white one, a yellow one, an sandy-red one. He continued to look around the environment taking a note of the settings - he didn't notice the body right away, distracted with all the area. He nearly slammed into Kal when Kal stopped, it was then that Bruce's attention returned to where it matters most; right before them. His eyes fell down to the grisly remains. Although grisly, he looked at the remains - unfazed.

They were in the mouth of the cave. The tainted atmosphere was starting to be much more apparent. The scent of death clung to the walls of the cave, fresh death. The spats of blood indicated a most aggressive of attack, one of pure chaos - this individual here did not stand a chance, and the creatures wanted to ensure there was nothing left behind; picked clean with no chance of survival. They still had some light, but it wouldn't take them long to be swallowed by the darkness of the cave. Bruce reached into his robes and produced an expendable glowrod, activating it he tossed it down what appeared to be the main path, he removed two more and tossed one in a hole and one down the alcove that had the biggest concentration; the goal was to see if they could make visual contact with anything. So far he didn't see anything.

He looked around in all the directions, he opened his mind to see if he could get a better baring of the zone but this place was beyond his capabilities; he couldn't penetrate the veil that wrapped itself around the cave, he couldn't see beyond his immediate surroundings. If they were attacked he might be able to sense it, once they got closer but he couldn't look deep within the caves. "Something is alive, like you said. This is no coincidence."

He heard some scattering in the distance. Something was shuffling and Bruce suspected they were possibly moving in. The duo wasn't welcomed here, and whatever was inside knew it. The two of them were clearly offensive to the residents of the cave. No matter how dangerous. Bruce could feel something was nearing now, he pushed his robes aside and unclipped his lightsaber's hilt. He held the hilt in his right hand, the end of the hilt facing down toward the ground; his grip tightened. "They're coming." No sooner did those words escape his lips did he hear a faint screech from the depths of the unknown.

 

[Darth Kravos]

Kal gave a gentle nod as Bruce said they were coming. It was inevitable, and Kal suspected they would move at the direction of the creature that infested this cave. He let out a quiet sigh as the skittering grew closer and Kal's blade lit up. As soon as it did, it cast the cave in a deep crimson and Kal caught glints of the red off the eyes of some small creatures that stood about waist tall and looked furious. He moved away from Bruce, giving them both room to maneuver for the moment.

The first one leapt directly at Kal and his saber arced upward, cutting the creature cleanly in two as both halves flew to either side of Kal. There were more, though. So many more. Another leapt at Bruce while a second went to his legs. As Kal's blade moved to catch another, he missed the fifth managed to sneak past his guard and nails dug into his right leg. Were it not for his last second movement of his leg it likely would have shredded the calf muscle entirely. As it was, it tore into his pants an dug through his skin. He could feel warm liquid run down the back of his leg and as his leg began to buckle, he slammed his fist down on the ground, sending a pulse in the Force that channeled his pain and hatred into the ground.

A burst leapt out like a dome around him, flinging several of the creatures to the side and even vaporizing the two nearest creatures. This was the Dark Side as harnessed by a master and it was capable of incredible feats of violence. Meanwhile, more of the creatures moved in on Bruce and he would be forced to deal with the beasts as well. @Zigara

 

[Bruce Guleya]

With a flick of his wrist his hilt erupted with the signature golden blade, causing their illumination to mingle and turn the dark halls a dark orange. He brought the blade up from his side to the center of his body hilt located by his waist; he shifted his position away from Kal as he locked his gaze forward.

The first one leap at Kal who dispatched the creature rapidly, the second leapt for Bruce who tracked the beast in the air, he stepped to the side while cleaving downward with the saber catching the creature's neck, Bruce followed through with the attack by curving the blade upward splitting the creature's forehead, as he completed the transition he lowered his saber to his side as he stepped back he rose his hand and an blast of kinectic energy erupted from his hand as a creature dropped down from the ceiling, the creature cried from the blast smashing into the ceiling in which it came, the sound of bones cracking and stone falling.

A burst of energy erupted from Kal causing Bruce to lose his balance and stumble. He quickly shot Kal a glance to confirm his suspicions of where the shockwave came from. That was a blast from an injury Bruce noted to himself. With his attention away from the fight at hand, this moment of loss of concentration gave a creature a chance to claw at his support arm tearing at his flesh and slicing the surface of his muscles, he quickly delivered his shoulder to the creature using the Force to provide an extra power into the attack causing the creature to skitter backwards before Bruce used the Force to kick off the wall and kick the next one, landing beyond the area in which they all honed in.

Two quickly adapted and locked eyes with Bruce, they jumped at him resulting in the two glancing each other and knocking them off balance, with a quick twist from the ground up he slashed at their legs, missing one but making contact with another debiliating the creature, he quickly spun the blade down impaling the creature his missed as it rose behind him, Bruce was looking toward Kal before retracting the plasma blade, he regained his stance but only for a moment as he tossed his lightsaber in Kal's direction, just gliding past Kal with a controlled precision, the blade penetrated deep into a creature beyond Kal before the blade rose up and glided across the ceiling and returning to his hand.

It was a risk, but he needed to take it. More creatures emerged and had Bruce in their sights, advancing. Bruce tightened his grip, bracing himself for the inevitable onslaught.

His wound oozing blood. Dripping steadily on the cave floor, Bruce wasn't sure but it almost felt like the cave enjoyed the life force.

@Phoenix

 

[Darth Kravos]

Kal was vaguely aware of the Jedi being wounded, but had issues of his own to deal with. He turned his attention to the next of the creatures coming at him, raising his hand and spewing a stream of unusually adherent flame toward the approaching creatures. The flames almost moved like they had minds of their own and clung to two of the approaching monsters, causing them to stop and flail about as they slowly succumbed to a flame that burned hotter than any natural flame could. The noxious smell of charred flesh filled the air.

Kal saw a saber coming toward him and he stepped quickly to the side, wincing from the pain of setting down on the leg. Why that cheeky... but then he saw where the blade found purchase and realized what had happened, redirecting that spike of anger once more into these creatures. He slashed his blade in a wide arc again to catch one of the screechers along the waist.

Another jet of flame directed at a hole where one of the creatures stuck its head out flooded down into the hole and Kal continued to pour energy into it. After a moment, he saw flames flood out one of the other nearby holes, a testament to just how much blazing flame there was coming out of the Exile Master. Kal could hear screeching and screaming from deep below.

The number on the surface was dissipating and all that was left were a few stragglers, one of which Kal cut down and the other two ran at Bruce but shouldn't be a struggle for him. After several moments more, the only sound was the crackling of burning and Kal stopped, breathing heavily. Well... that was fun... he said. @Zigara