Ask Minefield

[Perun]

EPISODE 6
MINEFIELD

A distress call echoes through the galaxy, beckoning two Jedi Knights to the Anaxes asteroid belt. Will they be able to overcome the challenges ahead and emerge victorious, or will the darkness of the asteroid belt claim them?
.

Perun sat in the cockpit of his sleek starfighter, feeling the slight vibrations of the engines as they navigated the treacherous Anaxes asteroid belt. His golden-hued eyes scanned the swirling celestial debris, his senses keenly attuned to the dangers that lurked within. The metallic scent of the starfighter's interior mingled with the faint aroma of ozone, a telltale sign of the ionized gases that powered the engines.

Perun couldn't help but feel a pang of curiosity and excitement at the prospect of working with Roalik Novarish, the Chiss Jedi Knight. The Chiss were a rare sight in the galaxy, and he had never had the opportunity to collaborate with one before. Given their contrasting backgrounds, he wondered how their experiences and perspectives would mesh.

As the starfighter continued to dance and weave between the rapidly approaching asteroids, Perun felt the subtle vibrations of the craft in his bones. His fingertips tingled from the tactile feedback of the controls while the shifting gravitational forces played with his sense of balance. His lightsaber hilt, nestled comfortably on his belt, felt like an extension of his own body, a silent reminder of his dedication to the Jedi Order.

Perun's ears picked up the low, steady hum of the ship's systems, punctuated by the occasional blip or chirp from the various instruments. He focused on the sonorous melody of the engines, finding solace in their reassuring rhythm. His tongue, flicking out to taste the air, was met with the dry, sterile atmosphere of the cockpit, a stark contrast to the humid jungles of his homeworld, Ma'alkerr.

Despite the inherent dangers of the asteroid belt, Perun couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the scene before him. The asteroids, illuminated by the distant starlight, seemed to sparkle like precious gems strewn about the cosmos. The vast expanse of the galaxy stretched out before him, a canvas painted with a myriad of stars, each one a unique story waiting to be discovered.

He turned to Roalik, unable to resist the opportunity for some friendly banter. "So, Roalik, how does it feel to fly through this cosmic minefield with a Ma'alkerrite ape-man at your side?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of playful arrogance. "I imagine it's quite the change of pace from your usual missions."

As they continued to traverse the asteroid belt, Perun couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation that welled up within him. He knew that the distress call from the mining station could signify any number of potential dangers, and he was eager to prove himself as a Jedi Knight. But more than anything, he looked forward to forging a bond with his new Chiss companion and facing whatever challenges awaited them in the depths of space.

@TheKolonel

 

[Roalik Novarish]

Roalik was used to working alone. It's not that he disliked having company, it was simply more efficient that way. No need to explain every single step that you're about to make and being able to change plans in a matter of seconds proved useful in his last assignments. That is why when he was paired alongside Perun, he found himself outside of his normal safe-zone.

Perun and himself couldn't have been more different, Roalik believed. A man, or rather, a Ma'alkerrite ape-man to be exact, such as Perun, who exemplified himself with virtues of generosity and loyalty seemed to have just as much recklessness in him. Roalik wasn't sure what it is that he was to take from this joined venture, but he solemnly believed every experience in life is one to learn from.

The start of their flight was quiet, and that silence was only disturbed by the hum of the engines. The asteroid belt that was watching them from every window was scaringly beautiful. Intimidating, yet somehow inviting. It reminded him a bit of his home, which was usually a bad sign.

Perun turned to Roalik and started a light conversation. There was a glimpse of arrogance in his voice, but Roalik chose to pay it no mind. They are not yet acquainted enough for Roalik to judge his companion.

"Well, I do try to not exaggerate the matter of race. I myself find it unimportant where one is from." Roalik's tone came out a bit condescending. He took another second of examining his newfound partner for the time being. "But I suppose you are quite right, this is definitely far from what I'm used to." He gave out a faint smile, and although to him it felt like he was tensing every muscle of his mouth, his lips movements were barely visible.

"What about you, Perun? I suppose I am not your usual type of partner for this type of mission?"

@Aberforth

 

[Perun]

Perun chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement as he considered Roalik's question. He appreciated the fact that his Chiss companion was engaging in conversation, despite the slightly condescending tone. "You're right, Roalik. I'm used to working with a variety of beings, but never a Chiss Jedi. It's a refreshing change," he replied, his voice mellow and sincere.

"As for the mission," he continued the playfulness in his voice replaced by a more serious tone, "I've had my share of experiences with asteroid belts and remote outposts. But every situation is unique, and I've learned that adaptability is key in the field."

Perun took a deep breath, the sterile air of the cockpit filling his lungs as he prepared to share a bit more about himself. "My people are known for their connection to nature and our ability to adapt to different environments. I hope to bring that skill set to our partnership and perhaps learn a thing or two from you as well."

His eyes drifted back to the mesmerizing dance of the asteroids, feeling a momentary sense of serenity amidst the chaos. "Each mission is a new challenge, a chance to grow and evolve. I find that having someone by my side, especially someone as skilled as you, only enhances the experience."

Perun glanced back at Roalik, offering a genuine smile. "I look forward to working with you, Roalik. I believe that together, we can achieve great things."

As their starfighters closed in on the mining station, Perun couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. The source of the distress signal loomed before them, a sprawling complex of metallic structures, tubes, and conduits clinging to the surface of a massive asteroid. The station appeared to be a leviathan, gnawing at the heart of the celestial body, extracting precious resources from its core.

Flickering lights and sparks danced across the station's exterior, evidence of recent damage and malfunctioning systems. Shadows cast by the distant starlight created an eerie chiaroscuro effect, adding to the sense of unease that gripped Perun. He studied the scene with a mixture of fascination and caution, keenly aware of the potential dangers lurking within the station's labyrinthine corridors. He could almost taste the acrid tang of fear and desperation that hung in the air as if the very metal of the station was infused with the emotions of those who had sent the distress call.

@TheKolonel

 

[Roalik Novarish]

It took Roalik a few moments to find words to respond to his new ally. Perun described feelings that Roalik himself didn't mention out loud. He wondered if he knew he even felt them before Perun spoke. But he spoke truly. Every challenge, obstacle and danger are means for growth and development. And the people around us are valuable assets, if we choose to learn from them.

Roalik was glad to hear of the unique abilities Perun mentioned. He never encountered anything quite like this 'connection to nature'. Adaptability however, he knew well. "I look forward to working with you as well Perun." He offered a sincere look. "I too believe that co-operation and careful study are means to success and to greatness. I do hope our partnership will bear fruits such as these." Roalik nodded slightly, almost bowing, and walked towards the large windows of their fighter.

The asteroids around them seemed to bear ill news, but Roalik seemed to feel as though their environment isn't the only danger they are to face out here. He surprisingly enjoyed the conversation with his comrade, but as of now he had to focus. He wished to try and sense where exactly the distress signal came from, and perhaps more importantly, why it was sent?

He reached out both of his hands ever so slightly from his body, and took a deep breath, trying to connect to the force around him, and feel the woe and despair of those who called for their help.

@Aberforth

 

[Perun]

Perun watched Roalik's contemplative demeanor. The Chiss Jedi Knight seemed to carry a deep well of wisdom and thoughtfulness beneath his stoic exterior. As Roalik reached out with the Force, attempting to sense the origin of the distress signal and the emotions behind it, Perun took a moment to ground himself as well. He closed his eyes, his eyelids momentarily shielding him from the chaos of the asteroid belt outside. He focused on the steady thrum of the starfighter's engines, allowing the rhythmic vibrations to center his thoughts.

Perun quietly observed Roalik's concentration, not wanting to disturb him, but also feeling the urge to support his companion in this moment. He focused on his own connection to the Force, allowing it to flow through him, feeling the pulse of life around them, the vibrant energy that permeated every corner of the galaxy. The sensation was like a kaleidoscope of experiences and memories that played out in his mind's eye.

The Anaxes asteroid belt itself seemed to hold secrets – the echoes of forgotten battles and the whispers of lost souls, forever entwined with the cold, unyielding rock. And within the confines of the mining station, the emotions of the miners and workers called out to them, their fear and despair swirling like a maelstrom amidst the darkness.

As they neared the mining station, Perun couldn't help but feel a combination of anticipation and trepidation. He knew that the challenges they would face would test their abilities and their partnership, but he also sensed that the bond they were forging would prove invaluable in overcoming the obstacles that lay ahead. "Do you reckon it is safe to approach the landing pad?"

@TheKolonel

//Just so you know for the future, people don’t get notifications if you tag them in an edit! If you miss the tag, just ping me on Discord!

 

[Roalik Novarish]

Roalik took another moment before opening his eyes and replying his comrade. He took another second or two to examine their environment. The asteroids and the station itself seemed dangerous, but not so much in a way that was more than he expected to face. Despite that, as he lowered his hands and turned to Perun, Roalik could clearly sense something was very wrong in the area they quickly approached. He felt suffering and pain, agony and the loss of hope. It was painful, maddening, almost. The clear anticipation around them was tense, and it did not sit well with Roalik, causing him to twitch his face a bit in discomfort.

"I quite honestly reckon that we will rarely encounter anything safe from here on out." He said, trying to adapt to himself the type of playfulness his companion managed to slip into almost every sentence, although when the words were said they came out more menacing than he had hoped.

"Although I am certain we'll be able to withstand anything that stands between us and completing our objective. For now I think this landing pad is as safe as it gets." While talking he turned his gaze from Perun to the landing pad, as the look of discomfort frowned his face even more, painting his expression with one of concentration and worry.

@Aberforth

 

[Perun]

Perun watched as Roalik opened his eyes, his gaze carrying the weight of the distressing emotions he had tapped into. He saw the twitch of discomfort on Roalik's face, and his own heart echoed the sentiments his comrade had sensed through the Force. The anticipation hung heavy in the air, a specter of foreboding that seemed to cast a pall over the cockpit.

Roalik's attempt at levity brought a hint of a smile to Perun's face, a small spark of warmth amidst the cold reality of their situation. "Well, it wouldn't be much of an adventure if we only encountered the safe and predictable, would it?" he responded, the playful tone in his voice undercut by a sobering undercurrent of understanding.

Perun followed Roalik's gaze to the landing pad, his eyes scanning the seemingly safe refuge nestled amidst the chaos of the asteroid belt. He could see the stark contrast between the tranquil emptiness of the pad and the disarray of the mining station beyond.

As they prepared to land, the metallic scent of the starfighter grew more pronounced, a tangible reminder of the danger they were about to face. The faint hum of the engines rose in pitch as they maneuvered towards the pad, the vibrations rippling through the cockpit and echoing in his bones.

Perun felt a surge of adrenaline as he gripped the controls, his Ma'alkerrite senses heightening in response to the imminent danger. He could taste the dry sterility of the cockpit air, feel the chill of the metal beneath his fingertips, and hear the steady throb of the starfighter's systems as they prepared for landing.

The starfighter touched down with a gentle shudder, its landing gear settling onto the durasteel surface of the pad. The engines died down to a low murmur, their once comforting rhythm now replaced by an ominous silence. The shadows cast by the mining station seemed to creep closer, swallowing the landing pad in an unsettling embrace.

Perun glanced at Roalik, the corners of his mouth twitching into a confident grin. "Alright, Roalik. Let's see what this mining station has in store for us. I'm sure it will be an experience worth remembering."

With those words, he unbuckled his harness and rose from his seat, his emerald lightsaber hilt gleaming in the dim light as he moved towards the starfighter's hatch. As he braced himself to face the unknown, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gripped him.

@TheKolonel

 

[Roalik Novarish]

As his companion unbuckled himself, Roalik soon followed suit, nodding with a smile at his partner's confident comment.

Roalik paid extra attention to his lightsaber, that rested on his belt. He allowed his hand to hover over the hilt, prepared for anything.

He made sure to allow Perun to walk out first, not wanting to slow him down. He seemed like an energetic man, and that trait paired with the fact he seemed thrilled for the task - Roalik did not want to interrupt him. He decided to try his best to show co-oporative spirit.

After walking out of their starfighter, he scanned his surroundings. The area seemed empty. More than that, it was clearly deserted. There wasn't a trace of any lifeform ever setting foot on that landing pad before them. In vast contrast, stood in front of them the ominous mining station. Shallow gasps could be heard from within, but it was very difficult to tell if those were the cries of survivors, the calls of a menace lurking within, or perhaps simply the howl of the wind.

Roalik reached for the ground. He pinched some dirt with his fingers, trying to feel it, to deduce the last time a living being set foot here. He tried to feel wetness or look for something that might have been hidden from his first glance. He recalled a comment his partner had made earlier. Adaptability, he called it. He mentioned a connection with nature. Perhaps he'd have something useful to point out before they mindlessly charge inside.

"Perun, what do you make of this place?" He asked, gazing curiously.

@Aberforth

 

[Perun]

Perun felt a thrill of anticipation as he took his first steps on the landing pad, the cold durasteel beneath his feet sending a chill up his spine. He paused for a moment, taking in the harsh reality of their surroundings. The landing pad was eerily deserted, its sterile emptiness clashing jarringly with the vitality he was used to.

He watched as Roalik knelt to examine the ground, a thoughtful expression on his face. Perun admired Roalik's methodical approach, his attention to detail. He had a feeling that Roalik's analytical mind would prove invaluable in the challenges that lay ahead.

At Roalik's question, Perun crouched down beside his companion, running his fingers through the gritty dust that coated the landing pad. He closed his eyes, focusing his senses, tapping into his unique connection to nature. But this place was barren, devoid of the life force he was used to feeling.

The silence of the landing pad was unsettling, broken only by the distant gasps echoing from the mining station. Perun shivered, the sounds sending a prickle of unease down his spine. They were harsh, grating, a far cry from the harmonious symphony of life he was accustomed to.

"This place..." Perun began, his voice low, "It feels... Empty. Lifeless. As if it's been abandoned for a long time. But those sounds..." He gestured towards the mining station, "There's something not right."

"Let's proceed with caution, Roalik," the Ma'alkerrite said, his tone serious. He knew that banter had its place, but now was not the time.

Leading the way towards the entrance of the mining station, Perun's heart pounded in his chest, his hand instinctively drifting towards the hilt of his lightsaber. As he stepped across the threshold, he cast a glance back at Roalik, his eyes conveying a silent message of camaraderie and mutual understanding.

The darkness of the mining station seemed to swallow them whole, the dimly lit corridors stretching out before them like the maw of some great beast. But Perun was undeterred. He had faced darkness before and emerged victorious, and with Roalik at his side, he was confident they could do so again. Together, they ventured deeper into the mining station, their senses alert and lightsabers at the ready, prepared to confront whatever lay in wait.

As they delved deeper into the belly of the mining station, the mechanical hum of the distant generators echoed ominously through the cold, lifeless corridors. The only light came from the intermittent flicker of the overhead panels, casting long, twisting shadows that danced and shifted with every pulse. The corridor twisted and turned like a labyrinth, leading them further into the heart of the station. The silence was almost deafening, the heavy air feeling oppressive and charged with a sense of foreboding.

Suddenly, a scuffling sound pierced the silence. Perun halted in his tracks, his sharp Ma'alkerrite ears swiveling towards the source. His heart pounded in his chest like a war drum as he reached out with the Force, trying to discern the nature of their unexpected company.

Without warning, a pack of scavenger droids rounded the corner, their red photoreceptors glowing menacingly in the dim light. Rust and grime covered their metallic bodies, hinting at years of neglect and disuse. They moved with a jerky, erratic motion, their programming corrupted and degraded from years without maintenance. As they noticed the incoming Jedi, they leaped into their direction.

@TheKolonel

 

[Roalik Novarish]

Perun's reaction to his question only caused Roalik's expression to grow more serious, and his mindset to turned more worriesome. If his ally's ability to connect with the nature itself couldn't dissect what had occurred here or what the strange, menacing voices were, Roalik doubted his knowledge or skill would be of any help in the matter. They had to go in blind.

The Chiss Jedi tried to concentrate on his surroundings as the two of them stepped into the elaborate corridors in front of them. He could barely see, his red eyes shining ever so slightly in the dark. He didn't sense living beings close to them, but he could almost hear the beating of his companion's heart. He couldn't blame him, the situation made he himself feel at unease, although he tried to maintain his calm. Despite that, he found the fact that both of them had their hands floating over the hilt of their lightsabers relaxing. Something about two people understanding each other and being ready to defend one another, a sentiment he valued both in his partner and in the order in general.

After some time in the dark halls of the mining station, which Roalik couldn't decide how long they'd spent there already, he felt he grew accustomed to the lack of light, as well as to the silence. It allowed him to think more clearly, to listen, and to feel.

When a sudden sound of rattling and ruffling appeared, it caused Roalik's heart to miss a beat. It was unexpected, but he had still tried to maintain his calm, not allowing fear or excitement cloud his judgement.

Perun halted in place mere seconds before the Scavenger Droids leaped towards the two. Roalik quickly drew his lightsaber and lifted it forward with one hand, extending it ever so slightly, for just a brief moment. With a flash of green light, he had stabbed one of the druids and moved into fighting position, holding the closed lightsaber with one hand and having his left hand wide open, stretched forward, letting out a force wave, knocking the rest of the Droid pack back, allowing himself and his partner time to react.

@Aberforth

 

[Perun]

Amidst the chaotic symphony of whirring servos and snapping sparks, Perun found an almost serene focus. Each move, each leap and twirl of his emerald blade was a dance choreographed by the Force, guided by the primal beat of his own heart. The unexpected clash had surged adrenaline through his veins, the tension in his muscles now manifesting in the raw energy of his movements, a vivid testament of his species' inherent agility and strength.

Roalik's actions were swift and precise, his Force-wave a masterstroke of ingenuity that bought them precious seconds. Perun spared him a quick, approving nod before he leapt into the fray. His senses were heightened, drinking in every detail. The taste of ozone filled his mouth as their sabers cleaved through the air, the scent of seared metal flooding his nostrils. His hands clenched tightly around the hilt of his weapon, fingers dancing on the controls, each subtle movement an echo of the whirlwind battle around them.

The Ma'alkerrite felt his breaths come shorter and quicker, his pulse pounding in his ears like a war drum. But there was no fear. There was a thrill, an exhilaration that coursed through him. It wasn't the thrill of battle, but the knowledge that they were not alone in this struggle. That he stood side by side with Roalik, and that together they were strong.

Perun's voice echoed in the emptiness, a paradoxical mix of humor and earnestness. "I think that was the mining station's version of a welcome party," he quipped, the corner of his mouth tugging upwards. His eyes met Roalik's and he added, "I guess we're on the guest list now."

As the last of the droids collapsed, Perun extinguished his lightsaber, his heartbeat slowly returning to a more normal rhythm. He took a moment to survey the carnage, the sparking remnants of the droids littering the ground. The battle was over, but the war was far from won. There was still much they did not know about the distress call, the ominous silence of the station, and the reason behind the droids' aggression.

Steeling himself for the unknown, Perun gestured for Roalik to follow. "We're not going to learn anything standing here. Let's see what else this place has in store for us." With that, he ventured further into the heart of the station, the eerie silence enveloping them once more. Every instinct screamed at him to be on guard, but also to keep moving forward. The solution, after all, was not behind them, but ahead.

@TheKolonel

 

[Roalik Novarish]

As Roalik sent forward his force wave, he took note of Perun's fighting style. His agility was remarkable, but not as much as the Chiss Jedi knight appreciated his concentration. He joined his companions slashes and twirls with his own flash-slashes, a technique in which he turned his lightsaber on and off constantly. He found that it gave him room to move, see and focus. The feel of a weapon in his hand wasn't new to him, but for a long time it has not been a welcome one. The usage of violence was necessary to complete the tasks he had faced, this one included, but he tried his best to use a deadly piece such as the lightsaber as little as he could.

After the noises and glows of the fight had died out alongside the last of the Scavenger droids, Roalik couldn't help but chuckle at his ally's comment. He wasn't used to joking around the battlefield, but Perun made it feel casual, normal even. "I suppose we are. Let us hope they treat their guests well in these parts." As he said the words they felt wrong. Banter wasn't his strong side. Roalik tried to push the thought aside and went to examine the droids.

The rust and the grime hung on to the droids as he lifted one of them. It made a shrieking metallic noise as it was lifted, probably the rusting parts crumbling from within. Roalik noticed it was easy to detect the slashes Perun made on the destroyed droids, as opposed to the marks left by his own stabs. That said, he did not see anything unusual about the Droid he picked up, nothing but neglect and old age. Their code must have been mixed up from being left here for this long.

His thought process couldn't go any further before his comrade urged him to continue. Roalik wished to be thorough, but Perun was right of course. They had clear instructions and knew what they were to look for. These old Droids were not their true target. "Yes, of course. You are right. Let's move on." He quickly dropped the Droid to the ground and continued following his fellow jedi knight, his red eyes examining every turn they make.

@Aberforth

 

[Perun]

With the sound of Roalik's light chuckle reverberating through the desolate mining station, Perun couldn't help but throw him a wink, his own corners of the mouth tugging upward into a sly grin. "If this is how they treat their guests," he retorted, gesturing at the scorched remnants of the droids with a flourish, "I'd hate to see how they treat their enemies."

The aftermath of the battle had left the air heavy with the scent of burnt wiring and charred metal. There was a certain beauty in the devastation they had wrought, a testament to the combined power of the Jedi. Yet, it served as a grim reminder of the perilous path they had chosen to tread.

Perun watched as Roalik knelt to examine one of the fallen droids, his red eyes piercing the gloom with an intensity that could only be born of a keen mind. A sense of admiration stirred within him. Here was a man who saw value in understanding the enemy, even if that enemy was but a mindless automaton.

However, they couldn't afford to linger. They had a mission to complete, lives possibly hanging in the balance. With a nod of approval to Roalik, Perun beckoned his fellow Jedi forward.

The duo pressed on through the oppressive darkness, the silence weighing heavy upon them. As they delved deeper into the labyrinthine network of tunnels, the scenery shifted from bare, utilitarian passageways into a more industrial setting. Huge drills, their purpose long abandoned, loomed over them, their sharp teeth gleaming ominously in the sparse light. From the corner of his eye, Perun could spot a control room, its monitors flickering erratically, casting eerie shadows on the walls.

"Looks like we've reached the heart of the operation," the Ma’alkerrite mused aloud, his eyes scanning their surroundings with a critical gaze. "I say we take a closer look at that control room. Who knows, we might just find something useful."

With that, he strode toward the room, his heart pounding in his chest, the anticipation a thrill coursing through his veins. There was danger ahead, he knew, a latent threat hidden amidst the darkness and desolation. Yet, he felt ready, invigorated. Every instinct told him they were on the right path.

With a quick flick of his wrist, he summoned a tiny flame from his lightsaber, the ethereal green light banishing the shadows that clung to the room's corners. Amidst the tangled mess of cables and blinking consoles, there might lie a clue, a path forward, perhaps even the answer they sought. But they would not know until they tried.

@TheKolonel