(Jedi Mission) Stopping Darkness

[Sirocco]

A lone lunching pad near one of the countless villages in the Naboonise countryside supported a GA gun ship given to Raleigh many years ago for personal use and mission. Likely the last of its kind, the gun ship was not pretty to look at but it had guns and specs built into it powerful enough to do its capital ship busing duties. With guns dotting the ship as powerful as the ship had, it only needed a good pilot and pin point accurate gunners to bring down even the deadliest of the empire's warships. Unfortunately, the gun ship was undermanned and hardly met its full potential at this point but it was a ship Raleigh knew how to use well alone.

Raleigh had been assigned a mission to Sullust along with 2 knights to investigate the location of a dark jedi cell and capture them for the authorities. Exited to embark on the mission, it has been a long time sines Raleigh had done a mission with some one else.

Raleigh was not keen on landing on cities or largely populated places with the sith hinting them down so he hoped his companions did not mind a long speeder ride. Waiting for the knights, Raleigh practiced martial meditation as he held a training saber and practiced his Djem So form wile levitating large rocks around him. Always training in the force to not only strengthen his stamina and control in its just but also seeking to make it a second nature, Raleigh constantly trained both his saber skill and his force abilities to the point of striving for the ability to fight at long periods.

Being the way of the jedi, Raleigh always seek'd to learn new things and grow his abilities no matter were the source came, even from a padawan.

 

[Wolf]

There was a peace upon Naboo that was nearly unmatched elsewhere in the galaxy. Raging rivers of crystalline blue fed placid lakes by means of towering waterfalls. Cliffs of burnt sienna dotted the landscape between emerald fields and quaint villages. There was something nostalgic...mystic perhaps, about this land. It was a siren among the stars, captivating the hearts of men for thousands of years. Though a seductress in her own right, Naboo was more...much more. Presently, she was a safe haven for countless Jedi that had evacuated Arbra just hours before a vicious attack by the Sith.

"Sith..."

The word slithered through Nakoma's mind as she meandered through the cobblestone streets of a seaside community. The word itself was unsettling, but the images that it invoked within the consciousness of the raven haired woman were far more troubling. She clenched her jaw tightly and slowed to a stop at the harbor's edge. A silent sigh escaped the deaf Jedi's lips as her golden eyes reflected the glittering light of the sun as it touched the water and scattered like a spilled satchel of diamonds.

"Are you ready, Echo?" The gentle words were accompanied by a warm smile that seemed to melt the worry from the Knight's face. The wolf of imposing size sitting beside the olive skinned Laku'na bowed his head in an affirmative response. Nakoma placed a gentle hand upon the broad head of her companion before motioning for him to join her as the pair continued making their way to the waiting ship.

The Guardian, clothed in black from her nearly knee high boots to her sleevless tunic, walked with a grace that could have led others to believe she was much more a princess than a warrior. Quite the contrary was true, however. The woman was presently leading a double life of sorts. While she remained true to the Jedi Code and the duties that rested upon her shoulders, she maintained an allegiance to the Hutt Cartel and was an active member who was climbing her way to the top, quickly gaining trust and respect from Cartel bretheren.

A heavy utility belt hugged her hips and from it swung the silver hilt of her lightsaber, the weapon of the Jedi. Upon her back hung her black blaster carbide, the weapon of the underworld. Her true weapon of choice resided within her, however. The Great Wind, as it was called by her people upon Galtea...the Force as it was referred to in most circles througout the galaxy. While knowlege and training of the Echani martial way of life rested within the woman's mind and hands, nothing compared to what she could do with the unseen, all encompassing power of the Force.

As the silent pair approached the ship, Nakoma's gilded gaze settled upon the face of a familiar stranger. Albeit they had never met, the woman had observed a holo of his image just days before they were to depart for Sullust. Her fellow Knight sat in meditation, one of the Guardian's beloved uses of her time. In fact, she devoted four hours a day to the act: two upon waking in the morning, and two before slumber in the evening. "Greetings, Raleigh...I am Nakoma, Jedi Knight of the Order and appointed by the Council to join you and another on a peacekeeping effort to Sullust," she spoke into the mind of the meditating man.

 

[Symbiot Spider]

For a while now, Dartel had been calling Naboo home. This is where most Jedi found refuge from the Sith and other unfriendly people. Being back in the midst of the council, leading classes and performing missions was the only thing keeping Dartel together, but his mind and heart simply were no longer synched. Quinn had been a large part of Dartel’s life and now that she was gone Dartel found it hard to balance himself within the force; he was able to, but it took a lot longer than it normally would. Dartel didn’t like this new side of himself, but couldn’t find a way to shake free of its grip either.

Dartel currently walked some of the markets in the city before making his way to his mission. It was a way of reminding him why he was about to head out on a mission, to protect places like Naboo. He found himself at the edge of the city before he patted over his robes and collecting his thoughts on his belongings; it felt weird leaving the Quasar Burner behind, but missions made more sense to travel on one than with many.

It didn’t take long before Dartel was at the co-ordinates for his meeting. He could see a large ship, a man meditating and a woman accompanied by a wolf, interesting.

“Greetings, my name is Dartel Vega. We are all heading on this mission together then are we?”

He attempted to stay cheerful, but he knew that on some level people would tell his heart wasn’t in today.

 

[Sirocco]

The large rocks that seemed to wight several tons orbited the Jedi like moons to a planet with relative ease as Raleigh seemed to be almost in a trance. Immersed in the force, Raleigh's fit telekinesis seemed as normal as his physical straining activity with his body and light saber that challenged his body. Raleigh always strives to push his body and mind beyond its bounds to strengthen his durability and stamina physical and mentally. To strengthen his durability and defense against all forms of attack and negate the enemies a quick victory.

Specialty after the brutal trial he went through many years ago.

It was then when he listened for a voice in the force that he stopped his active meditation and gently levitated the large stoned back were they belonged before flexing back to his feet. Taking a deep and relaxing breath, Raleigh calmed his mind and body before opening his his sapphire blues to address the jedi before him and smiled when he sensed who spoke.

Nakoma could feel through the force that his mind was serene and strong but wild and energetic when allowed, traces of mental torture were there but were needle tip minute. His mind had the trace of overwhelming challenge and recovery that strengthened his will and mental capacity. Through overwhelming conflict, Raleigh's mind was as strong as his body, almost broken and then reformed stronger then ever before. A mind of Beskar.

Raleigh's look was simple at that moment with standard boots, slightly loose fitting pants and a tight jump suit with Gauntlets and trimmed gingery brown hair with a bit of a scruff gave him a wolfish look. It was his size and strong body that finished the sight of a seasoned warrior as his tall and power but focused body gave him a powerful balance of flexibility and raw power he enjoyed very well.

reaching back through the force, Raleigh nodded to Nakoma as he responded to her mind in turn "welcome Nakima, Echo and Dartel, as you may know already my name is Raleigh and I was tasked by the counsel to investigate the molten planet of Sulust for a dark side cult. I hope my gunship is not too daunting, I have a preference for combat ships that I have personalized. Unfortunately this is the very last of its kind sines 10 years ago so please be careful, This ship is not the only rare thing I have from a by gone for now age" Raleigh spoke with out moving a lip as he addressed Echo as if a real individual, recognition he bet Echo never got.

Turning around to head into his ship Raleigh motioned them to follow as he telekinetic prepped the ship to take off as he walked, knowing every atom of the ship by memory as it had been his home for over 10 years. Raleigh could feel Dartel's sorrow and he understood well what he was going through, no one should but he knew that this mission would help him bring some sense of acceptance and peace of mind.

A good counseling wouldn't hurt either.

 

[Wolf]

Dartel sure was an interesting looking fellow. Nakoma had never encountered a Zabrak in such close proximity. They had shared space from a distance, but this certainly was a first. The woman's golden eyes searched the face of her fellow Knight. There within his depths resided something unsettled. It was as if his heart was beating only to keep him alive. The Laku'na frowned as she tilted her head to the side, offering a silent yet reassuring expression. Warm feelings of peace and comfort flowed freely through the Force from the Guardian and into her fellow Knight. She hoped that it would help improve his mood at least.

As Raleigh introduced himself, Nakoma could not help but smile as he addressed Echo on the same level as the Jedi. From a glance, one might assume the wolf to be a creature with a simple mind...but Nakoma knew better. The only way that she would speak to her companion was with the greatest level of respect. She loved Echo like a brother. "Your ship is impressive and I do not doubt its ability to aid us on this mission," the woman spoke in warm telepathic tones as her eyes briefly locked with each of her fellow Jedi as well as the wolf at her side.

Soon the time for pleasantries had passed and the group of four boarded the gunship. There appeared to be ample room for stretching one's legs versus the cramped quarters of vessels that Nakoma had found herself on in the past. "How long is the flight to Sullust aboard this craft?" the deaf Jedi continued speaking into the minds of her counterparts. Her gilded gaze wandered over the interior of the ship as Raleigh telekinetically engaged the engines.

The olive skinned woman found a place to sit and Echo took his place on the floor at her feet. The golden pools of his eyes followed the faces of the two men...he was unsure of the level of trust he should place with any stranger but knew that if Nakoma worked with them, then surely they must be individuals with good intentions. The tension in the wolf's muscles seemed to melt away as his Laku'na companion placed a gentle hand upon the back of his neck. Her touch seemed to have a calming effect upon the creature. "It's okay to relax, Echo. We have a lot of work ahead of us," she whispered into his mind.

A silent sigh escaped the Knight's lips as she set her eyes upon Dartel's face. She had not encountered either of her fellow Jedi before, but certainly had encountered them in passing at some point in her time with the Order. "So friend, have you ever traveled to Sullust before? I have seen a great many places in the galaxy, but have yet to set my feet upon this planet to which we now journey," her voice within his mind was almost soothing as she attempted to distract him from whatever was causing his heavy heart.

Soon after getting settled, the ship began to lift from its rest upon the surface of Naboo. It shook and rumbled as deep as a rolling thunder. This was truly Nakoma's favorite part about flying...she loved the sensation of take off and her heart beat hard with excitement within her chest. "Hold on Echo, I know you are not as used to this as I am...but I promise that it will be over shortly," she reassured her companion with gentle words. The wolf closed his eyes and laid flat against the cool floor of the ship for the duration of the ascent. "It has been some time since I have been on a mission with others so I am quite looking forward to working with both of you," Nakoma added with a smile as her eyes wandered across the faces of her fellow Knights.

 

[Symbiot Spider]

There was a calm that Dartel couldn't seem to feel; his clouded emotions distracted him from communicating as the group entered the ship. It was a large ship, much larger than his own, but it seemed to lack personal affection for the most part. A couple hallways were bare and fuelled Dartel's cold shroud. He tried to deter his mind from thinking thoughts of doubt, but memories of his old missions kept pulsing through his mind every time it stabilized. His time with the padawans had only enveloped his mind with false promise; now that he had spent time alone for more than five minutes he was himself once more, alone. He was sitting before he noticed he had stopped moving.

“So friend, have you ever travelled to Sullust before? I have seen a great many places in the galaxy, but have yet to set my feet upon this planet which we now journey.”

When he could feel the swarming of warmth through the force. Dartel shook his head slightly as his mind seemed to find traction. He was met with a beautifully warm pair of amber eyes. It took a second to remedy his face of its worn visage, but he managed to slowly muster a humble smile. The presence of her voice within his mind soothed the pounding failures of his past and pulled back the veil of doubt slightly.

“I am sorry for my lack of company. It has been a long time since I was within the company of others, let alone a mission, so please forgive me if I seem distracted.”

Dartel lowered his gaze from the female knight to her companion as the ship began its course. He had never seen a Jedi with a pet before, but something clung to the back of his mind telling him that it wasn't just a pet. Dartel took a deep breath and then sighed heavily as he expelled his own presence through the force, a calm and easing presence.

“No, I have never been to this planet... yet, but I can assume it is heavy with the presence of the force if there are Dark Jedi clans there.”

His chin flicked up as he glanced from the companion to the leader of the pair. She was simply dressed and Dartel couldn't help find himself despising the fact that he found her appealing; it ate at his conscious like a gluttonous leech. He cleared his throat roughly before placing his hands on the back of his head. Slowly, they wiped down his brown until his left hand found the beginnings of his scar. He had forgotten all about it and now that he had remembered he could feel the swallowing grasp of despair and guilt. He closed his eyes and rested a moment while the ship began to wrestle with gravity.

"It has been some time since I have been on a mission with others so I am quite looking forward to working with both of you,"

"Nakoma is it? I apologize for my lack of company, I really do. I am looking forward to this mission too.”

Dartel had a single thought rolling through his mind as he began to speak. It wasn’t something he thought he could handle discussing at length, but figured he needed to open the wound at some point and see what happens with it.

“I feel I need to explain myself. I have recently come back out of hiding. Eight years in hiding alone does things to a man, so I apologize for my lack of social skills. My last mission was at the beginning of another purge attempt. I lost two very good friends, one of which was something more, but that’s for another time…”

He found himself rolling his hands uncomfortably, but once finished he did feel better. Like the rancor was no longer sitting on his chest. With a great sigh his presence seemed to lighten; after some time it would shift completely back into his more neutral mood which would be better for the mission. He rested his head back and glanced off the ship’s hallway to see if he could spot the cockpit.

 

[Sirocco]

This ship really needed a crew to man the guns or at least keep this place a little lively, a thought Raleigh shared with Dartel as he lead them to the cockpit. Hearing their chatter as systems switched left and right as he passed. Reaching the main controls, Raleigh passed his hand over the systems and telekineticly plotted their course to Sullust before the jedi decided to join his allies. A lot of Feelings had suddenly entered the halls of his ship as Raleigh had flown this gun ship alone for many years, using the force to control some of the guns as best as he could when confrontation arrived. Perhaps this was a start to a new alliance with other jedi and more future missions with him as their ship captain. How ever unlikely, a guy could dream.

Soon with the coordinates set, the ship's engines roared as it flew across Naboo's skies and then increased speed t'words the skies and beyond, the gun ship soon left the planet's atmosphere to space. Raleigh stood there thinking as they left the planet and all the jedi in it that the thought occurred to him; were they staying in one spot for too long? The sith were hunting them left and right and despite sith space being half a galaxy away, that never stopped them. It was perhaps time for the jedi to bail and find sanctuary somewhere else and Raleigh thought of hurrying back to Naboo for his padawan after the mission. Still, the sith couldn't afford a massive assault so far off from their space yet so they would come in waves but those waves would be enough to cause a lot of havoc and death.

The ship rumbled with the hyper space jump as Raleigh made his way to the lady and the zabrak, he heard them talk about their destination. Raleigh could feel Dartel's sorrow boiling deep inside him as something seemed to be bothering him, something personal. If the ship's emptiness bothered him, Sullust would really be a total downer to him so they needed to talk about his problems. There was one thing he shared with Dartel in this mission, he thought that Nekoma was more then stunning and a few thoughts to prodding her affection came to mind. Alas, it was probably not a prudent thing to do despite Raleigh's wish to get around sines Dartel seemed to have his eyes on her and she was a jedi knight above all.

walking up to them, Raleigh slumped on a chair and crossed his hands as he eyed both of them "Sullust is a volcanic planet full of rivers of lava and platues of black rock, dreadful place if it were not for the Sullustians who in contrast are nice people" Raleigh spoke as he looked at Nakoma's choice of clothes and raised his eyebrows at how.....interesting she looked "you look stunning on those garbs Nakoma and I really like the look but we will have to find you something else to wear, because things will get hotter then normal in Sullust" Raleigh spoke to their minds all of the information, remaining chatter friendly to everyone in the room.

 

[Wolf]

"Nakoma is it? I apologize for my lack of company, I really do. I am looking forward to this mission too." The Zabrak spoke with a wavering voice that hinted to the subsequent revelation. Apparently, he had been in hiding for eight years after having lost two good friends. The woman's empathetic heart broke for her fellow Knight as she gazed into the depths of sadness behind his eyes. "I am so sorry, brother. Please, do not apologize. I understand more than you may realize."

The raven haired woman's gaze shifted to the floor as her thoughts traveled to another time when her Master disappeared. He had joined a team commissioned by the Council to join the fight on Bakura...but he was never seen or heard from again. Nakoma had fallen in love with him and was prepared to tell him first thing upon his return, but she was only met with heartache as the wait grew from days to weeks...to months...even years.

A heavy heart birthed a heavy sigh as the Knight pushed the thoughts from her mind and forced a smile back onto her lips. "Attachment leads to misery, but without love...what are we?" The private proverb stayed within her own mind as she set her golden eyes upon the scenery that zipped by just outside of a large window to her right. The craft rumbled and shook as it shot across Naboo's skies and then took off upward for the depths of space and eventually, Sullust.

As Raleigh returned, Nakoma's eyes left the inky space on the other side of the window and focused upon his face while he spoke of their destination. It certainly did not sound pleasant, but the inhabitants were apparently another story. As the words left his lips, the Knight was suddenly aware of the eyes of her fellow Jedi meandering over her body. She shifted in her seat with a hint of discomfort as he followed up with a comment. Her cheeks warmed with a hue of crimson as she cleared her throat and tilted her head to the side. "I have packed the proper attire but being that I am traveling with two men I have only just met, I thought it better to get to know you both first before showing that much skin."

The woman's words were laced with mirth as she gave a wink. Nakoma chuckled quietly at the comment made in jest before crossing her arms over her chest and reclining in her seat. Though the lighthearted conversation did well to temporarily distract the minds of the Knights, the woman thought better than to let herself get too comfortable. "I have done some research about this rogue Jedi group that have decided to fall away from the truth of the Force and the teachings of the Code. While I agree that our Order has become somewhat complacent in this time of war, these few have taken that theory and twisted it into a warped methodology that is doing nothing but instilling fear into the hearts of innocents in the area."

The words entered the minds of both Dartel and Raleigh with a sense of urgency. Nakoma produced a datapad from a small pouch upon her belt and handed it to the Zabrak to share with the other male that towered over him both when standing as well as in a seated position. "There is a map there...the red dots are the last known locations of reports of violence and unrest caused at the hands of these wayward Force users. The citizens are afraid for their lives and with good reason. These fallen Jedi are dangerous and we have been advised to be mindful and approach this delicate situation with prudent actions."

Nakoma shifted in her seat as her eyes became distracted by the streams of stars passing by the window. She could not help but find herself homesick as she journeyed far from Galtea and also from Nar Shaddaa. The Knight had forgotten these familiar feelings that accompanied her on each mission as it had been quite some time since embarking on one for the Jedi Order. After a few moments of silence, her gilded gaze shifted back to the faces of those she now traveled with. "I think it would be wise to develop a plan if at all possible. If we are prepared for anything, then I do not see how we could fail to bring these fearmongers to justice."

 

[Symbiot Spider]

Dartel could feel a similar sensation run through the force from Nakoma that was nearly identical to his own a couple minutes prior. He sighed heavily understanding in the moment before she spoke. There was a brief silence between them as Dartel glanced throughout the ships innards.

"Attachment leads to misery, but without love...what are we?"

His eyes flicked back and stole a glimpse of Nakoma before smirking to himself and resuming his stare out the port window. The thought was a similar viewpoint to his own. It was humbling to know that there was somebody else with the same concept from the force as his own; Dartel was so invisibly jaded to the galaxy because of his grief, but this sentiment brushed all of it off Dartel’s shoulders.

“Love is a brilliantly delicate thing… it either fills the heart of drains it completely…”

Dartel glanced back and caught the amber eyes reflecting back at him from the woman. He didn’t shrug away with his self-consciousness this time, he held fast. An incredibly small smirk crossed his lips before he continued.

“My master said it to me when I told him about… Quinn… He then said that ‘Love is like the force, there is a fine balance to it that has never truly been understood’. I believe him…”

With a quick shrug as a ‘food for thought’ gesture Dartel glanced at the ground and then back up to Raleigh who had now joined them. His size seemed to engulf the frame of the door. It was a wonder how he was able to maneuver through the ship when a faster pace was required. He sat quickly and watched for a few minutes before making his knowledge public.

"Sullust is a volcanic planet full of rivers of lava and platues of black rock, dreadful place if it were not for the Sullustians who in contrast are nice people… you look stunning on those garbs Nakoma and I really like the look but we will have to find you something else to wear, because things will get hotter then normal in Sullust”

It was the latter comment that actually made Dartel curious, he hadn’t looked until it was brought up, but now that it was he looked over Nakoma as she seemed to blush. It twisted something deep in Dartel’s stomach and he was sure it was anguish for Quinn; it couldn’t be anything else, could it? He dropped his gaze to the floor hopefully before anybody noticed.

"I have packed the proper attire but being that I am traveling with two men I have only just met, I thought it better to get to know you both first before showing that much skin."

This caused a jerk in Dartel’s neck as his attention shot back up to Nakoma. If he were human he would almost certainly be bright red; thankfully the green skin tone and the heavily tattooed face, let alone the nasty scar, Dartel was confident that he was safe from being detected.

“I, um, believe he was meaning something along the lines of a heat-resistant layer, unless you’re a practitioner of Tapas.”

His voice slowly trailed off as he felt awkward. He did watch and see the datapad get passed over to him, which he took and placed in a middle ground between himself and the giant of a man.

"I have done some research about this rogue Jedi group that have decided to fall away from the truth of the Force and the teachings of the Code. While I agree that our Order has become somewhat complacent in this time of war, these few have taken that theory and twisted it into a warped methodology that is doing nothing but instilling fear into the hearts of innocents in the area. There is a map there...the red dots are the last known locations of reports of violence and unrest caused at the hands of these wayward Force users. The citizens are afraid for their lives and with good reason. These fallen Jedi are dangerous and we have been advised to be mindful and approach this delicate situation with prudent actions."

Dartel flicked through the datapad as Nakoma spoke about the map and the Dark Jedi. His mind then began to strategize; it was time to work, or at least develop a plan they could toss in the wind if needed. Dartel listened and considered what was said before thinking about what was happening on Sullust.

“I think it will be a safe bet that combat is inevitable. With that said I do believe we should use it as a last resort and attempt to preserve life as much as we can. If things do get out of hand I would not want the residents believing that they are switching one evil for another.”

Dartel took his time to communicate with the others and make sure he was reflecting his goals through the force so they understood that things were serious now, and that he was ready to make any decision that was required of him. He wanted them to understand that he would not be a hindrance on this mission.

“Do we have a contact on Sullust or are we going in blindly? This is something I believe we need to know because it would require two different strategies from us. Aside from that, should we know things of each other that could be helpful at some point? I myself am one of the few practitioners of the Phantom Fist, which specializes in disarming techniques, so as a Sentinel within the Order it makes sense for me to attempt negotiations if needed.”

Dartel glanced around for a brief second before adding finally.

“This is all of course if we agree…”

 

[Sirocco]

Three lonely jedi together in a voyaging 10 year old GA gunship to an unknown mission in a volcanic planet full of some of the most well known pilots in the galaxy. The very thought of all three suffering lonely lover blues in a quest for justice almost seemed story book....they could end up calling themselves the 3 musketeers and it wouldn't be out of place. The force was a truly funny thing in the galaxy, at one time it was controlled by despots to kill millions and in the other did it join rather similar people together. Nakoma's love interest was likely lost in Bakura, Dartel's was murdered and Raleigh had never had a successful love life. The possibility of people thinking he was ugly did cross his mind but it might also be because he was a jedi. Nakoma seemed to allude possible interest but it was also likely she was just being playful sines she did seem a bit nervous when he questioned her rather revealing choice of attire. Dartel seemed to want to start a connection with Nakoma so Raleigh let out a heavy sigh as he thought this was another miss.

What could one do?

"I was talking about Sullust's heat and the ship is big so you can choose any room to change, ill keep lover boy here with me so you don't need to worry about any peeping toms" Raleigh pointed out as he listened Dartel talk carefully wile telekinetic pulling the data pad once the Zabrak was done to look at it. Dartel made a very good point about avoiding confrontations and being diplomatic about their mission but battle did not mean blood shed. Remembering having tought countless classes of lightsaber combat 10 years back, Raleigh knew that jedi are or are supposed to be able to disarm enemies mid combat with out killing them.

"If the jedi are willing to talk and be reformed, although I doubt it, I call the chances of combat to be 40/60. We cant rule out combat immediately because it will happen but it those not have to end in death, there are techniques of the jedi for disarming other light saber users. I am not advocating violence but by their track record, I wouldn't be surprised if they did."

Dartel made another very good point about the contact and in fact there was one who was going to meet them in a specific landing pad. It was a tricky businesses because he was also being used by the dark jedi in public affairs in exchange of keeping his head. that was the down side of Sullustians, they were damn good pilots but were free game to bullies due to their small stature.

"Getting to know each other would be fun and helpful although I have little to hide from you two, I am an open book. I am a versed practitioner of the rare shatter point ability, I can see weakness in objects and the bodies of others as little or large fissures of fire and light. I can shatter boulders or even armor with the force by simply applying it into the microscopic weaknesses in my target. Theoretically I could hurt others but I never tried it and I heard of advanced applications of advanced healing with the abilities but I had the chance to further my training. I should work as a cleaning crew once the galaxy stops being bantha poodoo insane" Raleigh jested at the end as he slumped and began to swing back and forth in his seat wile now looking at Nakoma.

Nakoma was obviously a master telepath, able to easily speak into their minds with well versed vocabulary, if only spelling bees allowed telepaths. Looking straight at Nekoma's golden eyes with his smooth sapphire blues, Raleigh gave a simple but sweet smile as he asked what she could bring into the table besides calming the minds of the dark jedi with her telepathy but chose to let her speak on her own.

 

[Wolf]

Nakoma could not help the laughter that left her lips and flooded the room like a song. Dartel was clearly embarassed and Raleigh had missed her facetious tone laced through her telepathic speech. "I am rather certain that I understood what our counterpart meant, friend," she allowed the thought to slip into the minds of her fellow Jedi before a wink eclipsed one of her golden pools. The woman's bright smile ceased to fade as she watched the men look over the datapad that she had provided. This mission would be an interesting challenge as each of them undoubtedly possessed their own solution.

"I think it will be a safe bet that combat is inevitable. With that said I do believe we should use it as a last resort and attempt to preserve life as much as we can. If things do get out of hand I would not want the residents believing that they are switching one evil for another." Dartel had a solid point and the raven haired woman nodded in solidarity with this notion. "Sage advice...these wayward few have already done enough to tarnish our reputation. They will be hesitant to trust others coming in the name of the Jedi," she added, the solemn tone reflecting the pensive gaze held within her eyes.

Though her face would not betray her thoughts, the Jedi Knight of the Hutt Cartel laughed internally as she reflected on the Zabrak's stress on negotiations. She guessed that their definitions of such would paint a stark contrast upon juxtaposition, but she was willing to consider his approach. The abilities of her fellow Jedi were quite different from each other and from her own, and it was soon becoming clear as to why the Council had decide to bring the three of them into this particular mission.

Raleigh appeared to have a more realistic grasp on the odds of combat occuring upon confrontation with these Jedi that had gone astray. "Our objective is to place these rogue individuals under arrest and surrender them to the proper authorities. Common sense tells me that they will not willingly hand themselves over to us. That being said, we not only need prepare ourselves to negotiate, but we need also prepare for a fight." The Knight's eyes darted to the window behind Raleigh as she became temporarily distracted with a brilliant flash of color that filled the glass port.

A silent sigh escaped the lips of the olive skinned woman who allowed her gaze to fall to the floor for a moment of introspection. Without lifting her eyes, her voice once again permeated the minds of her counterparts. "In a perfect galaxy, we could hope for a peaceful resolution...but I think that the three of us know better. Dartel, as noble a notion it is to discuss our differences and walk away having changed the minds of these rebellious few...it isn't going to happen that way. And Raleigh...a forty to sixty ratio is also rather hopeful, albeit quite generous on the side of hope."

Nakoma's eyes traveled upward and she placed them upon the faces of her fellow Knights as Raleigh spoke of his Force abilities. When asked what she had to offer to the diverse gifts that each possessed, the woman humbly bowed her head and closed her eyes as she allowed her words to accompany live action images as they passed from her mind and into those of the other Knights. "As you can see I have mastered telepathy...though I can only credit the Force as I was never taught and it has been my primary vehicle for communication since I can remember."

A smile meandered onto her lips and her countenance appeared to warm some as she lifted her head and continued. "I am a Guardian and so combat is my calling. I have worked tirelessly to master the lightsaber form of Niman as well as the infamous Echani martial way. My greatest strength lies in telekinesis however, as I can manipulate nearly anything through the power of the Force. My mind sees things differently...my eyes overcompensate for my loss of hearing and thus, I can quite literally see the way that everything is intertwined. Acoustokinetics and pyrokinesis are two examples of unique ways in which I can use the Force to affect my surroundings, both internally and externally."

The Laku'na woman gave a nod in the direction of each man. "I believe that the three of us will be a formidable force as our strengths and weaknesses compliment each other well. The Council in its wisdom has succeeded in sending a team that will easily be able to rely upon one another and complete the task at hand utilizing each of our skill sets." Nakoma's smile returned as she leaned back in her chair and, without a flinch of a muscle, called the datapad from Raleigh's hands to rest upon the table before her. Her eyes briefly scanned over the information once again before she pushed the switch to deactivate the screen and then placed it back into its pouch upon the belt around her waist.

 

[Symbiot Spider]

Dartel grit his teeth slightly as Raleighs comment was taken a little more personally than the Jedi might have intended. There was no way he was allowing his emotions filter through the fog of the force, but when the olive skinned Jedi seemed to illude to the same thing, Dratel relaxed slightly.

"In a perfect galaxy, we could hope for a peaceful resolution...but I think that the three of us know better. Dartel, as noble a notion it is to discuss our differences and walk away having changed the minds of these rebellious few...it isn't going to happen that way. And Raleigh...a forty to sixty ratio is also rather hopeful, albeit quite generous on the side of hope."

He found his eyes glancing back and forth between the occupants of the ship and the space outside of it. Every once and a while, Dartel found himself staring at Nakoma's pet. There was a sense of despair in the pit of Dartel's stomach as he thought about the companion. He listened to the fellow Knights explain their abilities. Dartel couldn't help but scoff at Raleigh's explination of shatterpoint. With the past couple things that Raleigh had said, Dartel had been feeling a little more anger towards him. There was something about his presence that Dartel was now picking up as arrogance.

"Shatterpoint is not an ability that I would consider rare. It is an ability that is difficult to identify unless one knows what they are looking for. I am also a practitioner of Shatterpoint, but I would not explain it in the same way, but each person uses their abilities in their own way. I do not have any particularly unique skills to myself, I can utilize Battle Meditation as well as Force Repulse."

Dartel couldn't keep his moodiness from slipping back into his presence. There were still things that distracted him that always force to push back into the front of his thoughts. It wasn't something he could completely control. Slowly he rose from his seat while staring out into the void.

"Excuse me for a minute, I believe this lover boy should have a few moments alone before this determinedly violent mission begins."

He tried to offer a thinly veiled smile and walked off before too much could have been revieled. Dartel calmly walked off down the corridor and soon found himself passing one of the many compartments for the gunners. Heading into one, Dartel closed the door and took a seat centered in the room facing the void of space. He crossed his hands on his lap and rested his head against the back of the chair. A few seconds passed before he reached his hand to his hip and took out his main lightsaber, companion, and held it out in front of him before letting it go to watch it float in through the force.

Dartel let the sight of his lightsaber hold his attention. The window within his lightsaber exposed both the crystals within its chamber. One was his, the other was Quinn's. Dartel found it hard to let her go, but couldn't help finding himself feeling a weight holding him back. He couldn't allow himself much sleep in the past and he couldn't even allow himself to meditate for long before slipping into memories of the past. It was hard, but Dartel needed to do it. He closed his eyes and used the thought of the empty space as an anchor.

 

[Sirocco]

Raleigh's words did not speak of arrogance at all, but friendliness and a little banter which could have been fixed if he knew the sentinel was going to be so sensitive about it. What ifs aside as Raleigh did not knew how to read minds and dartel almost successfully cloaked his feelings from the two jedi, Raleigh had lived with people enough to recognize the subtle hits in Dartel's expression. The jedi was pissed, but for what? What exactly did the Zabraki knight have to excuse such expression of anger? If Raleigh knew Dartel trained in Vapaad, being a master of the mental aspects of the form, he knew Dartel was walking a dark path if he planned to use form VII in his altered state of mind. If the red headed jedi was his master and he knew the Zabraki in and out, his wisdom was to neglect Vapaad all together in his compromised state of mind. Using Vapaad with such strong emotions and feelings tormenting him was like driving a vehicle with sleep deprivation in the spectrum of the force. It was a great risk to his soul at that moment.

"Excuse me for a minute, I believe this lover boy should have a few moments alone before this determinedly violent mission begins" Dartel's words and boiling mind betrayed him as they screamed anger and contempt for his fellow jedi, specially Raleigh for obvious reasons. Sensing his anger and hearing his words, Raleigh raised an eye brow as he saw Dartel did not listen to the other two and instead took their words as the wish for battle and blood shed. Raleigh looked at Nekoma with a concerned face before seeing Dartel walk away. Once Darte was gone, Raleigh cloaked his mind and that of Nekoma with the calmness of his mind so that they could have a true private conversation about what just happened.

"It seems Dartel took our words as a need to kill and spread violence rather then seeing them as an expression of reality. He is skilled and a powerful fellow practitioner of Shatter Point but his emotions betray him in their unchecked intensity. We are approaching a planet that might as well be a representation of his mind and against dark jedi no less, do you think he is ready to deal with them? The force know what abilities they might have picked up as dark jedi, I have seen the horrors that the dark side can do on some one first hand and even studied them once" Raleigh spoke as he had studied the darkside and its applications extensively in a "defense in the dark arts" class 10 years ago, wile he did not practice them, he knew all to well about the dark side. Looking at Nakoma's silver ayes with his own sapphire blues, he converse mentally with her "what do you think of what just happened in regards to what is to come? I do not wish to sound confrontational but I do not discard reality as a possibility, I am a jedi of the lightside first and foremost but I am ready for any situation weather I like it to occur or not. All I can wish is that things do end peaceful" Raleigh wanted and respected Nakoma's point of view of the topics at hand and it was not just because she was good looking. He was worried about Dartel and Nakoma's natural ability in telepathy likely allowed her a scope of insight he could not hope to achieve.

On the side note, learning pyrokenisis was a very attractive proposition for Raleigh as he always seek'd to learn new abilities either for familiarity or use. Nakoma and Raleigh would surely become fast friends.

 

[Wolf]

Moments before Dartel excused himself, Nakoma - a natural empath, felt a burst of anger from within the Zabrak's mind. The woman's golden eyes widened as he spoke, indignation dripping from his words. In a vain attempt to calm the heart of her fellow Jedi, the Knight allowed a wave of peace and calm to exude from her depths and fill the negative space within the ship to no avail however. Her vexed counterpart excused himself to a room several steps away from the others.

The Laku'na's four legged companion was clearly disturbed by the sudden storm of emotions as he stood from his seated position beside the woman. His own pair of golden eyes glanced down the corridor and held steady upon the emptiness overshadowed by dank lighting. With an audible huff, the wolf turned and glanced between the faces of the remaining Jedi before resting back upon his haunches once again. "Everything is okay, Echo," the Knight reassured the creature.

Nakoma sighed silently before lifting her gaze from her companion to her fellow Jedi. She could feel the man's mental barrier extend to her own mind, but it was an unnecessary measure as the woman had honed this ability through hours of daily meditation. "I should inform you that I am rather uncomfortable with speaking about others outside of their presence...but I do see the point you are making about Dartel." The Guardian's golden eyes skipped across the room and darted down the darkened corridor.

The woman shook her head as her heart and mind filled with the Zabrak's latent emotions. He was struggling with the loss of a loved one and Nakoma knew all too well the width and depth of that pain. "I think he will be fine. Give him some time to reflect and find his center once again," she added with a hint of a smile while turning her eyes back to Raleigh. "I think that your comment, while in jest, was ill received by our counterpart. His heart is aching...let us take it easy on him and focus on the objective at hand."

While Nakoma surely appreciated light banter during travel, she knew that circumstances such as these had the ability to breed division within the group, which would do nothing but harm them in the long run. "I think it would be wise for each of us to spend some time in meditation as we will need every ounce of strength that the Force can offer." The raven haired woman rose to her feet and Echo stood as well nearly simultaneously. "I am going to go check on Dartel. Perhaps after he has some time to himself, you may attempt to reconcile your differences. He knows the reality of the situation...but coming to terms with it is something each of us will handle differently."

The Knight bowed her head slightly before departing from Raleigh's presence. A short walk carried her down the hall to the room that the Zabrak had entered just minutes beforehand. Instead of knocking to announce her presence, the woman allowed a gentle voice to slip into the mind of her fellow Knight. "Dartel...may I come in?" A warm sensation of peace accompanied her words as she stood outside of the door, hoping that a conversation with her new friend would calm his heart and mind.

 

[Symbiot Spider]

Dartel stood in alone in the rain. There was nothing around him for miles, the ground was smooth and borderline metallic. He could hear the rain dance through the sky and leap back off the ground as soon as they touched. The flecking sounds of wetness beat through the silence. Despite the rain, Dartel felt rather dry; none of his clothing was wet nor could he feel the rain hit him. An illusion no doubt. It was the symbolic appearance of his presence of mind. Alone in the dark unable to feel the world around him or see anything but the dark cold world around him.

He sank down into a low stance as both lightsabers flitted to his hands. They ignited quickly as he began to spin around through the empty void of his mind. He worked through patterns of the Jar'Kai forms of Ataru before working into the Jar'Kai forms of the Vaapad. His movements at first were large sweeping and ornate, but as his stance moved from Ataru to Vaapad, Dartel refined them even more; becoming tight and precise. It was how he always dealt with his emotions. He knew the theory of Vaapad sending Jedi over the edge into the darkness, but didn't allow it to deter him. It was why he chose to study this form; the balancing act he sought after in order to tame his guilt heart.

"Dartel... may I come in?"

It broke his trance. The first time in a long time that he was able to even remotely call what he just did as meditation. It took a long few seconds before Dartel registered what it was. He blinked his eyes as he studied the empty space before him. He smirked numbly as he remarked on the reflected emptiness within himself. He glanced quickly at the door and flicked it open through the force. He was delighted to see that he was the female partner and not the other. He wasn't sure if he could deal with it currently.

"Yes, please come in. Not a lot of room in the gunner booth, but your welcome to join me. I should apologize to you. Giving into emotions is not the way of a Jedi."

He spun the chair in order to create some more room and not be completely rude. When facing Nakoma he smirked sheepishly and his eyes quickly found the ground. He felt stupid now that his emotions were balanced again. He closed his eyes for the briefest of seconds while inhaling a slow breath. It was a much needed one.

"I will have to apologize to him to, but he can quickly irk me aparently. I knew that there would be people we must work with that we will not get along with."

Dartel quickly smirked before whiping the emotion from his face. He awkwardly looked up to Nakoma from his seated position. He still found it incredibly hard to express himself, but knew this was something he also needed to do in order to heal.

 

[Sirocco]

One way or the other the time for pleasantries was over as the ship automatically came out of light speed as it reached Sullust's orbit. With jests and lighthearted mentalities pushed aside, Raleigh took a deep breath to empty his mind and set himself for the mission. Needing the full focus and cooperation of Dartel and Nakoma, Raleigh needed to play along their needs and thus chose to get serious for the mission ahead. It was Nakoma's telepathic link that allowed him to listen and sense Dartel's altered thoughts and meditated on his answers to Nakoma although he had to admit he believed it would have gone different if he was there instead. Figures, but it did make some sense as little calm would come between two dedicated warriors which was a fact despite their status as Jedi. Raleigh had the burning soul of battle his mandalorian blood gave him along with genetic strength beyond normal humans due to his genetic roots with the taung,genetics that passed even as the race was long extinct not making him completely human.

In Dartel's case, the Zabraki were a race of warriors known for their savagery in battle with ancient records dictating warriors attacking corpses in a mad blood lust. It is true such traits almost vanished from culture from the Zabraki making them....more level headed but Raleigh knew all to well the difficulty of denying the soul of a warrior. The thrill of battle that was the core principle of Vapaad which Raleigh mastered completely in soul and philosophy and only taking the martial aspect as a supplement to his main form. The thrill of battle that inspired Master Mace Windu to create the form in the first place.

Viewing the semi chaotic planet bellow, Raleigh took a deep breath before making his way to the two as they surely knew by now they had arrived. Sullust was a wander of a planet and a total mystery at how a complete wasteland could breed life. The surface of Sullust was almost compleately covered by volcanic ash and difficult to see beyond the great glowing landscapes of lava rivers, lakes and volcanoes that glowed pass the clouds. Beyond the layer of ash could one see large deserts, mountain ranges and more lava seeping through the countless volcanoes that doted the planet. One could be forgiven if they siply deemed the planet forsaken of all life but the countless cities and mining plants contrasted to such ideas. Cities mainly centered on the workforce in Sullust stood near the mining facilities that made good use of all the lava that flowed out of the planet. Processing dry magma for fertile Sullustian soil, mining for metals and diamonds and other rare bounty one could gain from braving the dangers of the lava were all the exports of the planet that kept the planet alive and thriving. In any case, Sullust was quite pleasant in comparison to Mustafar which was nothing but volcanoes.

The locals were interestingly enough some of the best natural pilots and navigators the galaxy had ever seen, many aces having originated from such a short race. Short with large heads and even larger ears as well as a face only a mother could love, the Sullustians were an interesting sort and quite friendly in nature. Very few if any Sullustians have ever been in shady organisations that caused trouble for others beyond smuggling. One other organisation that had plenty of Sullustian ace pilots was the Rebel Alliance that fought the Empire a thousand years before....how history loves to repeat itself.

Gearing up for the weather, Raleigh checked all of his tools for the task ahead with diplomacy and kindness but with a realistic mindfulness of life. If they were not going to plan to fight, then they might as well leave their light sabers behind, they were weapons as much as they were tools. One needed to be ready for anything and so was Raleigh and Nakoma....hopefully everything would go with out a hitch.

The Ex-GA gun ship made its way down to one of the landing pads of Sullust's miner cities that was the closest to the reported appearances of this lost jedi. Seeing the ship land, a few Sullustians gathered and began to get ready to give the jedi any service they needed for the right price, there was even a Sullustian with a bucket of water and a spray bottle......were the heck did he get all that there, it must have a ridiculous cost! Good thing Raleigh needed very little of what they offered beyond a good refueling and a place to relax and get information on the the dark jedi.

 

[Wolf]

"Yes, please come in. Not a lot of room in the gunner booth, but you're welcome to join me. I should apologize to you. Giving into emotions is not the way of a Jedi," the Zabrak spoke as he spun in his chair to open up a bit of room in the tight quarters. Nakoma slid along a control panel and held her breath somewhat as she found herself within close proximity to her fellow Knight. He glanced at the floor, apparently still ashamed of his reaction to the previous situation.

The raven haired woman smiled as she heard Echo clawing at the door outside of the booth. "I'll be out in a moment. Everything is okay," she spoke into the creature's mind with a reassuring tone. Turning her golden eyes to the other Jedi, she slipped a bit of encouragement into his thought plane. "Do not let this eat at you, my friend. All of us fail to walk the straight and narrow at times. It is how we pick ourselves back up that matters."

Nakoma extended her arm and placed her hand upon the Zabrak's shoulder and offered a gentle squeeze. "You are right...just because we are Jedi does not mean that our comrades are always our best friends. Everyone has a personality and personalities clash at times. Find the strength to overcome your differences and work together. If something Raleigh does irritates you, be bold and speak up. Getting everything in the open is the best way to overcome adversity."

A warm smile illuminated the Knight's face as she spoke the words in whispered tones within Dartel's mind. Her hand slowly fell to her side as she moved to the door, ready to find a quiet refuge of her own as meditation would certainly be necessary before the journey on Sullust. "If you ever need to talk, you have a friend in me," the Laku'na added before turning and departing from the gunner booth. Echo nearly lept up from his seated position by the door as it hissed shut behind his companion. "Time for some meditation," she spoke into the wolf's mind.

A few steps away, the Knight found a small sitting room with a few chairs and a table between them. She took a seat near a bay window and her eyes chased the stars as they darted past. A deep sigh escaped her lips as she closed her eyes and immersed herself within the depths of the Force. It was as if a cool waterfall cascaded over her head and entered her veins, energizing her body, mind and spirit with life and power. It brought peace and calm to her heart and thoughts as she prayed for the Great Wind to guide her actions.

Suddenly the ship groaned as it slowed drastically, almost stopping on its exit from hyperspace. The Knight's eyes shot open as she leaned into the window the view the planet below. A thick layer of ash hid the landscape save for a few breaks where raging volcanoes and rivers of magma could be seen. "This is going to be too dangerous for you, Echo. I'll need you to stay on the ship during the mission." Nakoma's words were not well received by the wolf who nudged her hand in protest. The woman shook her head and begrudgingly, her companion bowed his head in acceptance.

The Laku'na lifted the satchel she was carrying and removed from it the appropriate attire necessary for this mission. Within the privacy of the room, she was prepared in no time. The woman pulled her hair into a tight ponytail at the back of her head before securing the lightsaber upon her hip and the blaster rifle at her back. The heat resistent clothing was something she was unaccustomed to and the only thought in her mind was finishing this mission as quickly as possible so that she could disrobe and change into something a bit more comfortable.

The Guardian set her face as a stone before leaving the room behind to join her fellow Jedi as they prepared to disembark from the ship to embrace the task set before them. Echo stayed close to her side, always dismayed when his companion decided to do things without his protection. A gentle hand found the wolf's head and she offered him a sensation of peace through the Force. "This shouldn't take too long, my friend. Have faith, we will be able to handle these wayward Jedi." The wolf snorted as he found a place to rest upon his haunches.

"It would appear as though we have arrived...is everyone ready?" Nakoma spoke into the minds of her fellow Knights, hopeful that they would soon be prepared to set foot upon this alien land and do what had been asked of them by the Council.

 

[Symbiot Spider]

Her body moved like a liquid beauty. Dartel smiled to himself as she sidled up against one of the walls. “Do not let this eat at you, my friend. All of us fail to walk the straight and narrow at times. It is how we pick ourselves back up that matters. You are right...just because we are Jedi does not mean that our comrades are always our best friends. Everyone has a personality and personalities clash at times. Find the strength to overcome your differences and work together. If something Raleigh does irritates you, be bold and speak up. Getting everything in the open is the best way to overcome adversity." Dartel's shoulder burned with urgency. Not since Quinn had there been a woman who tempted Dartel, but this woman Nakoma seemed to be a natural. As she spoke, Dartel couldn't help but notice the perfection of her complexion, the smooth olive skin that shone slightly with each passing star. "If you ever need to talk, you have a friend in me," Dartel could feel the faintest of a smile cross his lips.

“Thank you, Nakoma. I wish to extend the same thought to you. I am grateful for your council as well as vastyour friendship.”

Her presence was brief, but reassuring. He didn't allow his features to show that he had noticed the warmth she left in the room until she was gone; a deep breath cleared the weigh resting on his shoulders. The door hissed closed again and the room was as silent as a grave. The emptiness was peaceful, and for a while Dartel just sat within it wondering if it would turn dark, but it didn't. It was the first time in a long while that the peace stayed peaceful.

With the room all to himself again, Dartel once more closed his eyes. With the vast expanse in front of him there was an overwhelming peace enveloping Dartel. He hadn't been this connected to the force since rejoining the Order from his exile. The force was calling him and it tethered him to the reality that it was time for him to begin a new path. It was time for Dartel to remember the past for what it was and no longer live in it. There was a long silence, Dartel's eyes were closed as he took his first breath in his new life; it was the first step towards his new life.

With the sudden grasp of gravity within the ship, Dartel could guess that the ship was entering another atmosphere. With a clear mind, Dartel opened his eyes and reached through the force once more, it reached through the ship and pulled the small bag of supplies back to Dartel; he wasn't risking another encounter now that the mission was this close to beginning. Although he did understand that he would be apologizing, he wasn't going to be doing it soon.

"It would appear as though we have arrived...is everyone ready?" Dartel reached inside the bag and pulled out a long sleeve shirt made of a thin heat resistant material. He removed his tunic and the cloth shirt underneath. He slipped the new shirt on and then the tunic back over top. With his ear on and his lightsabers hanging from either hip, Dartel dropped his robe onto the gunner chair and exited the room.

“I am as ready as I will ever be. I believe that we should be try to find this contact first. It would be easier than a scene and hoping they show up.”

Dartel exited the gunner room and walked over to the main room where they were all talking. He walked up from behind Nakoma and as he passed the narrow corridor he placed his hand on the small of her back; it was a gentle gesture that somehow swirled something in his stomach as he walked passed her. He smiled weakly as his hand glided off Nakoma's hip. He simply nodded to her and her companion as he turned to wait for Raleigh before exiting the ship.

 

[Sirocco]

Raleigh awaited them outside of the gun ship as he rejected the offers of a few Sullustians aside from a recharge on gas for his ship. The sight before them was not as severe as Mustafar, the platform was build safely over a large island in the middle of a river of lava and was all protected by a shield that kept the steel safe from melting or damage. Sullustian buildings seemed no different from other buildings in the galaxy made specially to withstand eruptions and lava and instead was connected to a mountainside that connected the surface city to the rest of the underground zones.

Sensing Dartel and Nakoma join him in the platform, Raleigh nodded as he looked on the semi chaotic landscape of lava and volcanoes that could be seen as far as the eye could see. Scanning the area wile meditating, Raleigh took a shallow breath to clear his mind before nodding "If out informant is with the dark jedi and is willing to talk then we will find him in a cantina....any one interested in a nice drink? I sure am" Raleigh grinned as he trusted in the force, knowing that it would lead them to the right cantina and maybe to a good drink. Closing is eyes he continued down the path and into the city as he telekeneticly sealed his gunship and locked it, adding a playful *buck-buip* sound from the ship just for kicks.

The streets were surprisingly clean and well kept as Sullustians were not known for gangs and were a relatively peaceful race. Despite their harmless nature however, barely any one was out to meet the jedi and most were in stores or in locked in their houses as if there was some kind of induced martial law set on the city. Sullusian adults and children alike looked at the three jedi with fear and curiosity as their sabers put on airs of what they truly were and wandered why the were here. Thanks to the dark jedi, the Sullustians made no distinction between jedi, dark jedi or sith so they were equally worry of the all. Only those that knew ancient history understood who they really were and knew why they were here, risking their safety from the empire to help them.

Finally arriving at the Cantina Raleigh felt the force had lured him to, Raleigh gave his trust to his powerful ally with a nod and entered knowing this was the place. Trusting the force with absolute serenity, Raleigh entered in in full march knowing their contact was there and so would his trust be payed in full.

The cantina actually looked good with a lot of table games and in one corner was a rather simple looking game called "pool" with two sticks and a whole bunch of balls with the table having holes in the ends. The bar looked decent with a lot of local drink mixes ready and cigar s still smoking on plates. And then there he was sitting on a corner table by his lonesome as he waited for the jedi. The Sullustian looked as if he had not slept in days and probably felt as bad as he looked as regret seemed to flare from him for his jobs under the dark jedi. Growing worry little by little, the Sullustian hoped he would not be caught so he tried his best to not be the center of attention.

"Well, I bet that is him although he looks a but worried and coming to him all at once might be too much...Nakoma might be best to help him talk calmly?" Raleigh proposed as he walked over to the bar and ordered a quick drink of fruity beer, practically nothing for the experienced drinker.

 

[Wolf]

As the trio departed the craft, Nakoma glanced back at Echo who put on a protest by stomping his front paws and giving a series of barks and yelps in the direction of the Jedi. The raven haired woman shook her head with a frown upon her face, silently informing her companion that it was an atmosphere not conducive to his physiology. She understood the wolf's complaint however, as it had been several months since the Knight had gone anywhere without his protection. "Everything will be fine, Echo. I promise."

The words were still leaving the Guardian's mind as she turned to join Dartel and Raleigh. As they made their way through the city, Nakoma was surprised by the foreign sights, sounds, and smells of this land. She had never withnessed a landscape quite like the one before her and could hardly believe how well the citizens had adapted and even embraced the molten terrain.

Nakoma had opted for a more conservative approach to her clothing and decided to conceal her lightsaber beneath a lengthy black cloak comprised of the same heat resistent materials as the rest of her outfit. These were dangerous times for Jedi and she thought it unwise to parade about with their signature identifier hanging out in plain view. She did however, keep the blaster rifle slung across her back in the event that unwelcome eyes may give her the once over.

As the team of Knights neared the social district of the city, the Laku'na focused her mind to concealing her thoughts as well as her Force signature. She cloaked herself in darkness and nearly disappeared completely from the web of invisible energy, save for a hint of a shadow. If anyone were to be looking for Jedi, they would find one less. Nakoma moved cautiously, walking several steps behind Raleigh who appeared to be sensing from the Force the same thing that held her steps upon their current path: their informant was waiting inside a nearby cantina.

Upon entering the establishment, the woman's golden eyes moved about the room rapidly as she scanned the faces of strangers gathered in small groups all around. She looked for possible paths to escape, if necessary. She also took note of objects that could potentially be utilized as weapons. Primarily, she was searching the Force for the signatures of the patrons to spy any with devious intentions. Thus far, there were none. There was however, a paranoid fellow in the back corner, a Sullustan with light green skin and a nervous twitch.

Before Raleigh had a chance to speak, the olive skinned beauty flashed a smile of brilliant white while approaching a table of men that appeared humanoid...smugglers likely. She traced her fingers along the back of one with a blonde mop who immediately blushed crimson as he gazed up into the eyes of the native woman. "Hey...you want a drink?" he tripped and stumbled over his words, throwing out the first thing that came to mind. "I mean...hi. Uh, can I get you a..." the Knight leaned in close to the man and placed her finger against his lips. He swallowed hard as she reached over and retrieved the full tumbler of liquor that sat before him.

With a wink, Nakoma rose to full height and slowly left the tableside in favor of the insomniac in the back corner of the establishment. Hesitation was something that the woman rarely practiced and with its absence, she pulled a chair from the space across from the Sullustan stranger and slinked down into it with the stolen drink in her hand. A lopsided grin settled upon her lips as she turned her head to the side slightly and gazed deep into the alien eyes of the informant. "Hello there...and who might you be?" Her words slowly slipped into the being's mind. Clearly he was startled and lept in his chair, knocking the bottom of the tabletop with his legs which created a seismic event across the table. "I'm deaf," she tried once more but with the language of the tongue while pointing to her ears.

Silence engulfed the space between them as Nakoma sat back in her chair and began to trace her index finger along the rim of the glass full of a clear liquid. The informant appeared to blink several times as he composed himself, finding his center in the midst of a deep fear. "Do not be afraid...I have not come to harm you. In fact, you have some information that has the potential of helping not only me, but your people as well. I am a Jedi Knight, a Guardian of peace and justice. You know something about another group of Jedi...imposters that come in the name of peace but bring destruction...am I right? Do no speak as it may give us away, simply blink once for 'yes' or twice for 'no'."

The green skinned alien blinked once. Nakoma smiled and looked away as if distracted by the game of pool being played at a nearby table. "Do you know somewhere safe where we may converse freely? Please, blink again to reply." The Sullustan blinked once just as the Knight turned to glance in his direction and he turned his gaze away. The raven haired woman took the tumbler between her fingers and lifted it to her lips before tipping it back and downing the harsh alcohol within. She smiled and set it back upon the rough hewn table between her and the stranger. "Thank you for your help, my friend. Please, get up and leave the bar and I will follow closely behind you with my two associates...also Jedi Knights. We are only interested in the information you possess...and reaching the imposter Jedi that are tormenting your people."

As soon as the words entered the Sullustan's mind, he checked the crono on his wrist and then nonchalantly rose from his seat and made for the door. Nakoma glanced in the direction of her fellow Jedi and relayed a well guarded thought into the backs of their minds. "We are to follow him to a less than public location where we might have the freedom to speak." After the alien made his exit, the woman waited for a few moments before rising from her seat and heading for the door. She gave a silent wink to the smugglers who whistled in her direction and slapped their hands together in some primal form of celebration commonly shared among males.

"Shall we?" she thought to her fellow Jedi as her feet left the surface of the cantina floor and transitioned back to the strange texture of the world beyond its doors. Her mind quickly found the informant within the Force and she took off to the right with a brisk pace. He had holed himself up in the attic of a warehouse just a few blocks away. As the trio neared the building with an abandoned appearance, Nakoma studied a rusty fire escape along the side of the structure. At the top was a wide window with a broken pane, surely the way in which the alien man entered and left the hideout. "Up there," Nakoma nodded in the direction of the the steel stairs.

The trio scurried down the alley and beneath the cover of the shadows of nearby buildings, they climbed the stairs and slipped into the attic through the missing window pane. There within the shambles of an office that had once been bustling with business, stood the stout Sullustan nervously swaying and wringing his hands. "You are safe, my friend. Thank you for finding us a place to talk this through. These are my friends and fellow Jedi, Dartel and Raleigh. We have come to remove the imposters from your midst...those that claim to come in the name of the Order which promotes peace...yet brings nothing but violence. Please, tell us all you know of them." The gentle words entered the mind of the green skinned man. Nakoma wove feelings of peace and wellbeing around the phrases in an attempt to ease the heart of the informant as his role was vital in their mission.