Ask Maura Sees A Ghost

[The Storyteller]

The Jedi Fleet, now serving as the Order's mobile Temple was on mild alert. A single Y-Wing fighter had come out of hyperspace nearby and signalled that it was ready to dock. While the Y-Wing was recognized by the Order as the craft of Jedi Master Drow Venn, the fleet was on guard because Drow Venn was supposed to be dead. Killed aboard a haunted space station by a dark presence after he stayed behind to help young Quin and Maura escape from that godforsaken place.

The Order let the Y-Wing attach to the Sphyrna-class frigate Chainbreaker's docking ring and sent a couple of Jedi Knights and the remannts of the Yavin Temple Security force to greet the seemingly-undead visitor. However, it was not Drow who departed from the Y-Wing but, rather, his astromech droid, Sparky. The cantankerous and belligerent droid refused to talk to anyone or give the Order any information until he met with one Maura Starwalk. Confounded and at their wit's end, the guardsmen sent a holomessage to Maura, requesting her presence if she wanted to meet with the droid.

@lizziie

 

[Maura Starwalk]

Maura definitely wasn't expecting to get a summons to the mobile temple, nor was she expecting to be presented with an astromech who had apparently been beeping and trilling for her to come. But it was Drow's droid, so her curiosity was amplified tenfold, and she felt a sense of duty to speak with it anyway.

The padawan crouched down in front of the droid and stared at the droid, her head tilting slightly to the left as her wide, black eyes stared at Sparky's visual sensors. "Uh, hi!" The girl looked a bit different than what Sparky would have stored in his memory files, but it was clearly the same girl, just with grown-out roots and tired bags under her eyes.

For once, Maura had no idea what to say. What did anyone say to the droid of someone they'd failed to save?

tag: @Fantasy Liver

 

[The Storyteller]

The yellow and black droid beeped excitedly when he saw Maura but those happy beeps trilled off after only a few seconds, almost as if he was happy to see her but reluctant to converse with her.

As Sparky whirled over to her, further down the ship, the docked Y-Wing's cockpit would come to life. What was dismissed as a powered down droid shell in the pilot's seat, it turned out, was a very-much functioning droid that exited the cockpit and began to smoothly, if loudly, walk down the corridors. The surrounding Guardsmen looked very confused by this - it certainly wasn't threatening anyone but who knew what its purpose was?

Sparky would begin to speak to Maura. If Maura didn't understand Droidspeak, a protocol droid or multilingual Jedi were easy to find in the ship's vast corridors. The astromech would tell Maura that he too was aboard that haunted and fateful space station that day, ordered to stay behind by Drow and to alert the Jedi Temple and flee if things got dangerous. He saw her and several other Jedi escape the fray but not his master and demanded to know what had happened.

@lizziie

 

[Maura Starwalk]

"How many droids did this dude have?" Maura peered over Sparky and around the approaching droid into the ship, wondering if he was a droid collector or if he just had two droids. Maura had zero, so two was two more than she was used to having around.

Unfortunately, she was also pretty rusty on her droidspeak, so translating what the little ball droid was saying into Basic took some processing time for the girl. Once the just of it got through to her though, her face fell, and she looked away from Sparky's visual sensors.

"He uh, he didn't make it," she mumbled, the memory of the fight and the sound of his creepy voice making a sudden appearance as she spoke. She didn't really like thinking or talking about it since she had nightmares every night about that station, but since Sparky was his droid... she felt obligated to elaborate.

"He's with the Force now," was the gentlest way she could think to put it.

tag: @Fantasy Liver

 

[Eileen Van Alasdaire]

"So... he really is gone."

Eileen had been walking down the corridor, quite by happenstance, and... could not help but overhear. When she'd seen Drow's ship pulling in, she expected him to be on board, and went to greet her old friend. But, to Eileen's surprise... a youngling had emerged from the perch where he once sat. And even in the shadows, as Eileen felt for his presence through the Force, she felt a deep gap. A gaping wound where once the light of the Jedi had shone so brightly, now a calm and taciturn void.

She stepped forward. And to anyone's surprise, there was a few tears in her eyes. So many Jedi had died, that by now she was one of the few left from her class. She never wanted to be a Master, and she wasn't a fighter... so she'd lived. Where her friends, her mentors, her allies, and even her family died around her. All at once, the tears evaporated as the familiar glow of azure energy began to pulsate from her eyes. The emotional reaction triggered an overflow in her Force sensitivity, something that happened to any Vahla, similar to a mood ring. It began to change from her usual azure to a deep indigo.

"What happened? How did he go?"

@lizziie @Fantasy Liver

 

[The Storyteller]

The droid let out a sad beep that Maura didn't have to understand Droidspeak to realize meant a deep melancholy about the revelation. He sat in silence for a few moments, a silence that somehow permeated the noise of the ship's thrusters and the commands being barked at across the intercoms. However, after a time, his holoprojector came to life and a holographic video recording of Drow suddenly sprang to life on the ship's floor.

"Okay Sparky, make sure you have the right camera angle this time. This is Jedi Master Drow Venn. I'm recording this in the case that I've died and the Jedi Order is in need of a new temple. I am currently standing in an abandoned monastery on Teth that I previously discovered on a mission for the Order. Back when I was in the Order publicly, I suppose." the holographic ghost of Drow remarked sadly.

"The monastery has fallen into ruins but it used to be inhabited by an ancient Jedi Master by the name of Dune Tarn. There's an treasure trove here of research and books that the Order would find useful if it ever needed to rebuild. Even a couple of lightsabers lying around, belonging to the old Master. As far as safety goes, Teth is just about the last place anybody would think to look for anything. Not to mention there's security droids here that patrol the grounds and a couple of rancors here that seem to have a very strange connection to the building, almost acting as its protectors."

"I've also discovered an old Imperial transport that crashed here back in the Galactic Civil War. They still had some cargo onboard that I think will be quite useful for my little training droid project I've been working on..."

The rest of the recording was Drow giving the coordinates to this abandoned monastery and expressing his desire that this holo never needed to be shown. Sparky let the recording play before sadly switching it off. If either of the Jedi in the corridor were wondering what the "little training droid" project was, their questions would be answered very quickly by the arrival of the droid from Drow's cockpit.

@Aurius @lizziie

 

[Knight-Bot]

"Greetings valued Jedi. I have been designated Knight-Bot. I was built by Master Venn to be a lightsaber training droid for the Order. I am well-versed in many combat techniques and simulations and can provide security and reinforcements as needed. As SUBJECT: MAURA STARWALK was who Master Venn was last trying to protect, I offer my SERVICES: FULL to her." the DT-series droid told Maura and Eileen. At the end of his speech, he ignited a white-bladed lightsaber and kneeling, almost comically resembling an archaic knight of old.

"Please let me know which enemies you need defeated or which training program you wish to run. I have also been programmed to serve as a LISTENER: EXCELLENT."

@lizziie @Aurius

 

[Maura Starwalk]

Maura didn't know Eileen, and though she could tell the woman was hurting, she didn't want to retell the events of what had happened in detail. It was painful for her to remember, but she did give the woman the short version out of respect. "Me and some others went to investigate a distress call. There were...things there, and he didn't make it out." (@Aurius)

The girl's ears twitched at the droid's sorrowful whistle, and she turned her attention back to him with a sympathetic frown. Her eyes didn't meet his visual sensors, looking anyplace but directly at him even though he had her attention. But when Sparky's holoprojector came to life and cast right in front of her, they snapped into focus and she couldn't tear them away.

"Teth?" Where was that? It didn't immediately ring a bell for location, but the name was... somewhat familiar. The padawan suddenly became much more interested as the holovideo went on, so much so that when Knight-Bot appeared, he almost scared her half to death.

"Ah! Uhh, um, hi!" Wide eyes stared at the droid for a second before she went back to quickly tapping down the details into her datapad, sacrificing spelling for speed. She made sure to be accurate for the coordinates, at least. That was important.

"Knight-Bot?" Maura gave the droid a good ol' look over once she was finished, and her whole attention. He was kind of intimidating-looking, but his voice was pretty friendly for a droid, she thought. The artificial way her name was programmed in almost caused her to giggle - almost. "Okay!"

Before she did anything else, Maura turned to Sparky and crouched down. "I'm sorry about your master," she began, trying to inject as much sympathy into her voice as possible. She did feel bad for him... kind of, but consoling others was so far down the list of things she was good at. "I promise that I'll find that temple." If anything, it was the only way she felt she could relieve the guilt she felt for leaving him.

"Okay Knight-Bot, we're gonna go find that temple together, okay? I'm gonna..." She should definitely find some others to go with. She wasn't sure if Eileen would want to come along. Quin though... he definitely would, she thought (@Sicadorito). He'd been the only one down there with her before Drow lost to that thing.

And she'd ask Ferrin too. He was pretty cool, and she was pretty sure he was on the fleet right now too for one reason or another (@Altaris).

--- The Next Day ---​

A day later, Maura sat waiting by the hanger with Knight-Bot (@Fantasy Liver), waiting for Quin, Ferrin, Eileen, some, or all three of them to show up. Despite what had led to this happening in the first place, she couldn't help but feel the buzz of excitement running through her. If they really did discover a new temple for the Jedi, that would be huge! Alex would be so proud.

 

[Quin Leonkri]

While it had been a sudden and unexpected change at first, Quin found that he was starting to get used to life on the mobile temple. His schedule was more routine, and things seemed to have settled down a little. That was, until he received a call from Maura about potentially rediscovering a new Jedi temple. It would be part of the legacy of Master Drow Venn.

Knowing this, Quin would be at the hangar early the next day. Upon seeing the Padawan though, his expression would break into a smile.

“Maura, it’s great to see you again!” he exclaimed as he approached her. He hadn’t been in the best mood the last time they’d seen each other, but today was different. Hopefully they would be able to finish what Drow had started. Then his gaze went over to the DT-series droid next to Maura, and he gave him a nod of greeting.

“Pleasure to meet you too. I’m Quin.” With that, he would offer the droid a hand to shake before wondering if that was a good idea. It was no joke for how strong they could be. Once they’d gotten acquainted and reacquainted, Quin would wait with Maura and the droid for the others to arrive.

@Altaris @Aurius @Fantasy Liver @lizziie

 

[Knight-Bot]

Knight-Bot had retired for the evening doing what he had been programmed to do; wander the hallways challenging random Jedi to test their dueling mettle against him. It was mildly successful; out of 102 Jedi he asked, 5 agreed. He was currently dueling the fifth one - a fourteen year old Ottegan youngling - on his easiest setting when his internal alarm beeped, signifying that it was time to depart for Teth.

"Apologies little one but now it's time for you to learn a rather painful lesson." Knight-Bot said apologetically before absolutely blasting the poor kid with his repulsor cannon. The Ottegan went flying across the room before colliding with the wall and sinking into a heap, regretting taking the strange robot up on his challenge.

"I have been designated Knight-Bot. It is a pleasure to meet another brother in the Force." Knight-Bot said before absolutely crushing Quin's hand in his metallic hand.

"As Sparky has the coordinates to the Temple on Teth and has been there before, I recommend following him in the late Master Venn's Y-Wing. I am happy to ride in the cockpit to avoid taking up room in your own ships." Knight-Bot volunteered, as he hopped into the aforementioned Y-Wing. Sparky the astromech beeped happily at this and waited for the others to signify they were ready to go before he hopped into hyperspace on a course to the wild and untamed Teth.

@lizziie @Sicadorito @Aurius

 

[The Storyteller]

Whichever ships the young Jedi elected to ride in, Knight-Bot and Sparky would take point in Drow's old Y-Wing. Following them and the coordinates the droids provided would lead them to Teth.

The planet was an an untamed jungle, and teeming with life. Of course, most of this life stemmed from the various flora and fauna that dotted the landscape, although there were a few signs of sentient life as the Jedi crew flew in; some monk hermitages, a couple of smuggler holdouts, and some destitute villages.

Despite this, Sparky reported that life scanner readings and energy output readings were much higher than the last time he and Drow had visited the world. Regardless, there didn't appear to be any signs of either as the ships landed in a large clearing next to the former B'omarr monastery that Drow had previously visited. It was made up of two large and round structures that were connected via a large stone bridge. Or at least they would have been, had the bridge not long ago been destroyed. The jungle had started to reclaim the old building and rancor tracks dotted the ground before the monastery.


@lizziie @Sicadorito @Aurius

 

[Maura Starwalk]

The Jedi all loaded up onto a ship - some transport just big enough to take them all the way to Teth without being too cramped - and settled down for the journey. Maura spent most of the time in the common areas playing games on her datapad and only retreated to her cot once it got 'late'. She was nervous, but excited. Discovering a new temple for the Jedi could be huge, but she was also fulfilling what was kind of like Drow's last request. She could only hope things went okay.

Later, when the ship landed on the jungle planet, Maura was the first one off the ship. She was vaguely paying attention to what Sparky was trilling on about. She gave him one ear at least, but the other was tilted toward the jungles around them, listening to the sounds of nature surrounding them.

"The bridge wasn't broken last time you came?" Maura asked, turning around to make sure she heard the little droid right. She assumed the bb droid would be staying with the ship, since Knight-Bot was coming with them - or more specifically, her. "Does anyone recognize these tracks?" she added, gesturing to the large animal tracks not too far off.

tags: @Fantasy Liver @Sicadorito @Altaris

 

[Ferrin Sipal]

Ferrin was still partially asleep by the time they landed. The Pantoran had been tapped for the exploration mission early on, and had spent the majority of their journey within his own cabin - snoozing the hours away. It was only after significant nudging from the droid that he actually, finally, sprang up.

“Looks pretty old to me..” He muttered, stepping down the ramp with Maura. Ferrin jutted a chin towards the bridge, which looked downright ancient in its construction. The Pantoran tugged the pack on his shoulder a bit higher, while the hilt of his newly-made saber swung on his waist.

When Maura mentioned the tracks, Ferrin frowned.

“Something I hope we don’t run into?” He glanced between the group. They were Jedi, but that didn’t mean Ferrin necessarily wanted to deal with whatever made tracks that big and likely wanted to eat the lot of them.

 

[Knight-Bot]

"There is nothing in my databanks to identify the type of being to make those kinds of tracks, sentient or otherwise. However, it should be noted that I have been programmed for combat training and security and not animal identification."Knight-Bot replied to Maura's question about the rancor tracks.

"According to to Master Venn's mission reports, there are three notable areas housed within; a library, a garden and a tomb. He also wrote that he helped repair the monastery's security droids and notes that they are loyal to the Jedi Order, if a bit belligerent and jumpy."Knight-Bot related.

"Shall we investigate what might have made those tracks? Or have a look inside?"

@lizziie @Aurius @Sicadorito

 

[Quin Leonkri]

Quin thought that all the time spent in the ship would have helped his hand recover from the handshake he knew he shouldn’t have offered, but his arm was still a little sore when they landed. That, however, was about the last thing on his mind when he saw the giant tracks in front them. Even if he couldn’t tell if they were fresh or not, it wouldn’t hurt to be on guard.

“No kidding.” He shook his head at Ferrin’s remark. “We’ll have to be careful.” He turned to Knight-Bot as he described the layout of the temple and the security droids inside. It was good that they were still loyal to the Order, even if they might be hostile. Hopefully they would be able to show that they were on the same side, if it came to that.

“I think we should have a look around the temple first. Maybe we’ll get lucky and whatever creature this is isn’t around,” he suggested, glancing at Ferrin and Maura. “If it is… I hope it’s not aggressive.”

@Alhon @lizziie @Altaris @Fantasy Liver

 

[Maura Starwalk]

"That's helpful," Maura snorted in response to Ferrin's answer. If it was that big, she wouldn't want to run into it either. Unless it was some sort of friendly gentle giant who would give them all a lift.

"I think we should go look inside too," Maura piped up in a agreement with Quin. "We should definitely... go check out the..."

She really wanted to say the tomb, but that seemed like the sort of thing you investigated last. "...library first. 'Cause like, records n' stuff?" Yeah that made enough sense. The padawan strode forward, leading the group toward the two rounded buildings.

tags: @Fantasy Liver @Sicadorito @Altaris

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

"Younglings, Master - yes." Nor'baals eyes fluttered open as his Majordomo repeated his answer to the Hutt's question. "Just outside, yes." Nor'baal sighed - children.

How they had managed to get here, to his sanctuary on Teth was beyond him. But, here they were. For decades, Nor'baal had used this out-of-the-way 'palace' as a retreat during the winter months, retreating her for a month or so to celebrate 'Boonta'. From here, he usually headed off to Tatooine for the Boonta's Eve race.

Yet, today he had been woken up and told that they were a collection of 'the young' outside.

<Kouwahe bu cahbasa, cohou hoohah du.> he commanded. The Majordomo leapt into action, and the young Jedi would soon find the door before which they stood opening, to reveal a set of heavy Gamorreans, lead by a thin-looking Majordomo, who bowed, and greeted them saying "Welcome, travellers - to the Winter Palace of his Grace, Nor'baal the Magnificent."

OOC - Posted at Fantasys request.

 

[Knight-Bot]

"Your assumption is false. Records indicate that this is the final resting place of Jedi Master Dune Tarn and belongs to the Jedi Order. What happened to the security droids that were present here?"Knight-Bot demanded of the Gammorrreans, referring to the droids that had been restored by Drow and Isen on their last visit.

He ran a quick HoloNet search on the name "Nor'baal" and was disappointed with the results. Seemed this Hutt had quite the reputation, even if most of it had never been proven.

"Stay behind me young ones, I fear this could get violent."

@lizzie @Norbaal

 

[Maura Starwalk]

Maura was expecting this trip to be a grand adventure. They'd traverse the jungle, uncover the old temple, clear it out, then return home to praise and hopefully a proud smile from her master.

What she was not expecting was to see the door before them open and present a group of Gamorreans and another thin, frail-looking man who revealed that this was the palace of -

"...the Hutt?!" Maura immediately looked over at Knight-Bot, as well as Ferrin and Quin, surprise widening her eyes much like everyone else might be feeling as well. Knight-Bot proceeded to 'disagree' with the guards in front of them, and then seemed a bit disappointed when he discovered who Nor'baal was. Of course, Maura knew who the Hutt was. She paid enough attention in class and to the HoloNet that just not knowing him was totally out of the question.

But Nor'baal wasn't just mindlessly violent, wasn't he? "What would Master Voran do?" Maura, figuring the answer was probably just to talk with him, looked over at Quin and Ferrin then said, "Perhaps we should speak with him? They seem... friendly?"

tags: @Fantasy Liver @Altaris @Sicadorito @Nor'baal

 

[Quin Leonkri]

The group seemed to agree on exploring the temple, and Quin made his way over with the others. However, he tensed up and went to grab his lightsaber when the gates began to open as soon as they approached, revealing Gammoreans and an unfamiliar man. He felt a sinking feeling in his stomach even before the man introduced who they were representing. He exchanged a glance with Maura, equally as surprised. Then came the question for what to do next.

“Friendly… I hope so,” Quin said, eyeing the Gamorreans warily. Things could go south with a flick of Nor’baal’s finger, but maybe they would be able to work something out with him. The Hutt wouldn’t have been as successful as he was if he was completely unreasonable. With an effort, he was able to relax a bit more to not seem threatening, but he would still keep an eye out for trouble. He wouldn’t let the situation on the space station repeat itself.

“It can’t hurt to talk,” he said with a nod in Maura’s direction and taking his hand off his hilt.

@Altaris @Nor'baal @Fantasy Liver @lizziie