Ask Missing Persons?

[Brienna Lanaamer]

Corran took a seat opposite Bri, on the edge of the booth, so they were both facing each other. The corner of the rounded table lie in between them. Bri held her injured arm out as the Ranger opened the kit, bringing out the necessary items, lining them all up. Her interruption of gratitude ceased his actions only momentarily, before he issued his own reply. "Well, like you said, just part of the job, right?" offering a grin, alongside.

The bacta container was about half full, indicating that Bri had made use of its contents on a few previous occasions. The Jedi evaluated her wounded arm once more, moving it around and peering all around the burned skin. Her own efforts had prevented any serious injury, and she judged the bacta treatment should leave it as good as new. Corran took the application tool and a generous helping of the thick, gelatinous gel, spreading it thinly and evenly over Bri's forearm. The Jedi recoiled slightly, only at the coldness of the bacta, nearly immediately feeling it sooth her burned skin. As the Ranger continued to spread it around, Bri looked up towards his face as he offered a surprisingly personal statement. Its verging on almost a confession.

"I was thinking the same thing. Look at us, Jedi and Ranger takin' on the Galaxy" Bri nodded with a smile, and a good natured laugh at their roles. Put in danger, get injured helping the other. Hopefully no injuries in our next encounter, whenever that may be. Over the course of their interactions, Bri had been able to tell that Corran had a few negative inclinations to Force users. Nothing like the overtly antagonistic Ranger Lorcan, but as far as the Jedi could remember, this was the first time that Lt. Velt had actually expressed them aloud and directed at her. Bri had, of course, encountered those who shared similar view points. In her more youthful days, she often tacked the opinions up to closed-minded ignorance.

However, more recently, Bri had become more and more interested in the why of the question. Why did they feel that way? It was easy to chalk it up to the evils of the dark side and the Sith, but many, like Corran had admitted, felt very similarly towards the Jedi. In her interactions with external contacts, Bri always tried to be as best a representative of the Jedi, and by extension Force users. Not relishing proving people wrong in their assumptions, but helping to be an example. An ambassador of the light. Wow, self-important, much?

Bri was unsure how to measure a response. She sat in silence, save for the soft sounds the spreading of bacta, followed by the unwrapping of the bandage. Bri got the sense by Corran's change in tone, that he was vulnerable enough to speak to his own shortcomings, and the Jedi held a great deal of respect for anyone big enough to admit their own mistakes. There's always room for forgiveness. Bri started softly, but grew more confident in her voice. "I.....I appreciate you saying that," with a sideways smile, wanting to recognize the sentiment. She also didn't want to take the heartfelt moment to start lecturing on why Corran was wrong, but still felt the need to backend his statement. "Look, no one's perfect. But if I can help make a difference. To do good for at least one person. Then its worth it for me,"

Silence returned, and Bri couldn't help herself and filled it with another joke at her own expense. "I mean if you can handle me and all of my nonsense, then you're probably good," with a self deprecating grin. NL rolled by at the most opportune moment, adding a, "she's right." The Jedi turned her attention to the properly bandaged arm. "Nice," she smiled. "Sure you weren't a medic in another life?"

@TerranSteel

 

[Corran Velt]

Good-natured people were often hard to come by. At least in Corran's line of work. Probably didn't help that most people he ran into were criminals who broke the law and really didn't want to see him, strung-out and exhausted law enforcement, or the truly dark of the universe. Bri at least gave lip-service to being sociable and kind. He actually rose his eyebrows in surprise at her agreement to their good partnership. It might have been a joke, but there seemed a hint of sincerity in it. At least to him. Perhaps it was that sincerity and kindness that emanated from the Jedi that loosened Corran's closed-off nature. Anguish and hatred long contained, but when in conflict with someone like her, could not be sustained. So the truth crawled out.

Silence filled the common area. The unbearable quiet allowed doubts to coalesce. Corran didn't display it on his face, which was entirely focused on preparing the right length of wrapping material, but fear crept to his thoughts. All that good-will wasted. Bri had been nothing but helpful, at least, and even likely saved his life once. All burnt down by a single sentence. When she finally spoke, the blond man's gaze darted up almost too quickly. It wasn't quite forgiveness. More like... patience. No affront in her tone or hidden disgust. Relief, like a torch in the darkness, banished the doubts to the shadows. It wasn't a total loss. "You don't need a reason to help people," the Ranger said in agreement, "My dad use to tell me that." If you really melted it all down, Bri's and Corran's beliefs may not have been that different.

Their conversation settled into another natural pause as Corran began the process of bandaging Bri's arm. This part had been painfully tricky when he first learned it. Too loose and the wrap was useless. Too tight and you cut off circulation. He started on the bandage with unblinking focus, nibbling on his lower lip a little. Until one of Bri's usual jokes had him laugh enough to stop progress. NL's perfectly timed beeping didn't help. Corran lowered his head and shook it to ward off the chuckling. His face rose up with a boyish smirk, "You aren't that bad. Usually."

A few more rotations around the Jedi's arm and the bandage was good enough to pass a First Aid class. The Ranger smiled back at Bri's appreciation, "Thanks. And no, just a mediocre one in this life." Some of his jokes weren't as good as hers. "Believe it or not, I've been shot once or twice. I should be good at wrapping blaster shots by now. Though the finesse was taught to me. My girlfriend is a medical doctor." Ilana was also a Force-user, though he never dared utter that secret to anyone. It was hers to tell and hers alone.

Corran sat back against the booth seat, arms folded loosely, as he admired his handy work. The Arkanian doctor would still likely chastise him for anything short of perfection, but he didn't go to many years medical school. His jaw shifted subtly from one side to the other, like chewing on tiny pebbles. Blue eyes flicked up to Bri's face wordlessly. They slowly bounced from one eye to the other, like people do when they are trying to decide how someone will take what their about to say. "Why do you say those jokes about yourself?" Corran finally asked, "The self-deprecating ones." It was something she had done all day and it made no sense. Every good investigator was naturally curious and in Bri's case, there was likely more to it than it seemed.

@ModernMarvel

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

"Sounds like a smart guy," Bri nodded in reply. The Knight had picked up on the changing expressions on Corran's face. As the two sat in the silence that followed his admission on feelings towards Force users, Bri felt the uncertainty emanating from the Ranger. He was worried I was going to react negatively. Though they had not spent a tremendous amount of time together, the woman hoped that Corran was getting a better sense of who she was, despite his prejudices against the Jedi, and would take that into consideration for her future actions. Not like I'm suddenly going to kick him out or anything.

"Usually, being the key word there," Bri added with a grin. Though her droid companion would often disagree with her methods, for the vast majority of tasks she undertook, planning and preparation was always key to success. In her Padawan days, it was something that her Master instructed her she focused too much on, and impressed on to her the need for flexibility. Bri liked order and methodology, things being the way they were supposed to be. But, not everything can be controlled or anticipated, and when you find yourself in such a situation, quick thinking - sometimes outside the box - could often end up saving your life.

The wrap around her forearm was soon completed, finding the right balance between necessary compression, and enough slack to still maintain movement. It was a job well done. Bri chuckled lightly at his description of mediocre. "If this is mediocre, I'd like to see what good looks like." Likewise, it made sense that someone who also occupied a reasonably dangerous field of work, was used to getting shot by blasters. Well, as 'getting used to,' as anyone actually can.

"Believe it or not, I've been shot once or twice. I should be good at wrapping blaster shots by now. Though the finesse was taught to me. My girlfriend is a medical doctor."

The follow-up piqued her interest, with Bri raising an eyebrow in curiosity. It was the first overtly personal detail the Ranger had shared about his present life. The Knight stood up, repacking the items back into the medkit, but couldn't help herself for another bit of teasing. "Oooh! Corran's got a girlfriend!" sounding not unlike a teen aged girl, gossiping with friends about a juicy piece of information, also ribbing him in the side with her elbow. "Let's hear about her," she smiled broadly, not aware that her own curiosity might be overstepping into Corran's personal boundaries. As a Jedi Knight, she didn't really do relationships, at least romantic ones anyway, and as such, was always interested in hearing about other's.

Despite the rather surface-level, and good-natured question about Bri's jokes, there was surprising depth to the Jedi's answer. It was simple to just chalk it up to, 'Bri's dry sense of humor,' but like Corran may have intimated, there was more behind it. "You mean cause they crack you up so much?" she joked, again not able to help herself. Letting the Ranger respond, Bri nodded and turned a somewhat serious more expression. "Often times, people think of Jedi as these mystical beings. Space wizards. Detached from reality, eagerly using their abilities with the Force to tell others what they're doing wrong," she waved her arms, now more freely after being bandaged, to add to the effect. "And, to a certain extent, that is true," she continued to speak, but got up and picked up the medkit, walking it back to her room, before returning. "But," she continued sitting back down in her chair, "I usually end up joking about myself in an attempt to humanize me. You know?" she looked across at Corran's face, hoping he'd understand. Tired of feeling the elastic band holding her hair up, she reached and pulled it out, running a few hands through her blonde waves, tucking both sides behind her ears.

Bri sighed, "Yes, I'm a Jedi, and yes I have a connection to the Force. A connection that guides my journey as a Knight. But - I'm also just a girl who likes meat-sticks, doing puzzles," she tiled her head to the shelf with the trinkets, "and making friends with the people I meet on my travels," she smiled positively, her own blue-eyes looking into Corran's.

@TerranSteel

 

[Corran Velt]

Sing-song teasing from the Jedi about his relationship made Corran weakly roll his eyes. Another one of her attempts at levity. Bri's elbow pressing into the blond man's side made him angle his torso away sharply and sit up straight. He rubbed his side to dissipate the ticklish feeling, glowering at the woman as she packed away the medkit supplies. Corran's face softened when it turned out it wasn't just joking. His cheeks puffed up and he released a long exhale. "Where do I even begin?" Ilana was too complex for words. He looked upward at the durasteel ceiling for a moment, an grin forming absentmindedly, before coming back to look at his host. "We met by accident on my way back from work on Corellia. We talked for a long time and sort of... hit it off, but I didn't know what to make of it. I'm sort of dense when it comes to women," Corran scoffed at his own admission. "Her intelligence is towering. Clever in a subtle, artistic sense. Stubborn in that endearing way. She's beautiful, like the first snowfall of winter. When everything is quiet, serene, and calm. With powerful, intuitive golden eyes. At first I didn't think she'd like me very much. Like she was out of my league by a galaxy..." The Ranger's voice trailed off. His finger tapped on the table until stilled. "But we aren't so different as I once thought. She's mortal, like me. I try and see her as much as possible, given my line of work and hers." Sometimes when it even seemed impossible, Corran rushed to be with her. He tilted his head in thought, turning his eyes off into empty space. "Beyond it all... she's nurturing and kind in a way that even surprises herself, I think." Warmth flavored every word.

Withdrawing his hand from the table, the Lieutenant looked back to Bri. "Do you have anyone in your life like that?" He asked with a quiet and innocent voice. It clearly wasn't out of personal interest or flirtation, but an ignorant curiosity. Jedi were a roving, nomadic sect. He didn't even know where they came from or if they had a homeworld. Were they even allowed to have relationships? The young man had no concept of their religious dogmas on that subject. Or on any at all.

When the conversation turned to the Jedi's own humor, she started it off, predictably, a joke. Corran blew a raspberry in sympathetic amusement, "You should do stand-up because you crack me up so much. Take it on the road. Raise some alms." A sarcastic glint sheened in his eye. Ribbing went both ways. The atmosphere of cheerful jests turned more sober as the Jedi went beyond anything he anticipated. How the Jedi could be viewed as more supernatural than normal. Pious and powerful to those beneath them. The Ranger didn't nod, but he agreed. His eyebrows rose for a moment when Bri did too. Blue eyes followed her temporary departure to stash the medkit box and again upon her return, enraptured where this was going.

She sat down in her spot and got to the point that made Corran think. To humanize herself. He tilted his chin downward in thought. Thoughts whirled in his mind like a morning haze, unformed yet becoming more clear. The young man looked back up at Bri and caught her running her hand through her hair - looking different and very much the same altogether. She spoke with a conviction about her faith, her abilities, and who she was. He glanced up at the puzzles when she mentioned them, lingering on the curiosities. She liked to solve things. Figure them out. Make them whole. Why hadn't he recognized it sooner?

Blue eyes and wide smile greeted Corran as he turned to face Bri. His own, very much like hers, stared back with visible thoughts building together ponderously. He'd never see her with hair down. Or even this casual. The Jedi looked like a girl down the street on Commenor. Someone... normal. Who wanted to get buy in the universe and do right by others. Just like him. All the differences between them in his mind had been undone and stripped away. Jedi had always been Jedi first. Force-users. Different. Others. Dangerous. But now, almost too late, the Ranger realized it. Brienna wasn't only a Jedi. She was a person.

Corran blinked twice at the woman sitting across from him before pointing at himself, "Oh. You mean me?" A boyish grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "We're friends now? Bri, I'm so very honored. I might even risk to say it's mutual." While the sentiment was both genuine and attempt at levity, it was also the cover for a man who had just recognized his own dehumanization of someone who had only done right by him. A recognition of his failings and a desire to make amends. For her, at the least.

@ModernMarvel

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

The dour look on Corran's face after Bri ribbed him about his girlfriend made her laugh harder. There was part of the Jedi that felt a little bad about it. But, he makes himself such an easy target! As the Ranger spoke about his partner, Bri was surprised at the level of detail in which he used for his description. It made sense, however. He must really care about her. The Jedi never really had those similar kinds of feelings towards people. Possessive relationships were frowned upon by the Order. The fear of losing someone cared about could be a path towards the Dark Side. "Accidents are often the best way to meet people," Bri nodded with a smile. "It sounds like you really like her," she added, all suggestions of humorous joking gone from her tone, appreciative of Corran's willingness to share. "Pretty much the perfect girl," she added, alongside a soft laugh, "smart, caring, beautiful. How long have you been together?"

Bri was unsure how to answer Corran's question. There was a short simple explanation, and a longer more complex one. She opted for something in between. "Uhh not really, no," shaking her head. "Jedi .... well, Jedi can have relationships, but not romantic ones. I suppose theoretically you could, but it would have to be under rare circumstances. We try to stay away from attachments," she tried to keep her explanation light with no wading into the more philosophical beliefs of the Order.

"Can you imagine me, doing stand-up?" Bri laughed, rolling her eyes. It was certainly not a career choice she had considered, nor an outlet to relieve stress as a past-time. As the conversation turned more serious, the Jedi caught Corran in reflection about her explanations. It appeared to resonate with the Ranger, like a couple pieces of the puzzle she had been working on, locking into correct place. Again not choosing to dig with her own emotions into his by using the Force, Bri studied his face. If he was coming to the conclusions that she thought he was coming to, then her own sarcastic, self-deprecating sense of humor had worked. I may be a Jedi, but there's more to it than that. More to everyone.

The young woman nodded with another eye roll at Corran's sarcastic description of their newly formed 'friendship.' Well, what kind of person would I be if I could dish it out, but not take it? "Ok, ok, I get it, Mr. funnypants over here," she added with a laugh and a shake of her head. Still, Bri could sense that behind the joking demeanor, there was seriousness in the Ranger's words. Besides, he hasn't really joked with me that often so far. Bri interpreted it as Corran feeling more comfortable around her, which was certainly a positive.

@TerranSteel

 

[Corran Velt]

It may have sounded like Corran really liked Ilana, but that was a watered-down truth. He was in love with her. They had to put utmost trust in one another confronting armed criminals of every kind, discovering a planet, and even facing down Sith. Through such fires, could anything less be forged? The blond man chuckled at Bri's description of Ilana being 'perfect.' The Arkanian doctor would have stubbornly bristled at such a compliment. She was a complicated woman with a checkered past, but Corran felt she was one of a kind and deep down, beyond all the pain and impossible choices, was a good person. Even if she didn't see it. Blond eyebrows dented as he tried to draw upon deep memories, "I don't know where to begin counting the days. But we've been in each others lives for awhile. A few years, I think." It didn't really matter how long they had been together. He just cherished when they were.

Brienna's answer was more confusing than satisfactory. Jedi could have relationships, like friends and comrades, but not romantic ones. Except they could, sometimes, if it was a rare occasion. But they weren't supposed to have those romantic connections if they could help it. The Ranger looked visibly baffled, blinking at Bri with raised eyebrows. Who even decided what was an acceptable romance or not? Did they have a judge or something? For someone so dedicated to the clear-cut guidance of the law, something as complicated as that was a bit much for him to handle. Ultimately, the woman didn't have anyone in her life romantically and seemed determined to keep it that way. That much Corran understood. Such dedication to one's oaths was something he respected and made him feel more positive towards Bri. A potentially lonely path, but it was the one she bravely chose.

The pair had laughed and chuckled all evening in a game of one-upmanship. Playful in a sibling-like way. As Bri recovered from his own sarcasm, a genuine grin appeared on the Ranger's face and his features seemed lighter. If someone had told him he would have actually had an enjoyable time with a Jedi this morning, he would have laughed then too - in mockery. In truth... it had been relieving in a way Corran hadn't expected. To make a friend. Ever since the bombing of Sector Ranger Headquarters, it had been incessant work partnering with those who demanded payment, favors, or otherwise challenging to be around. At best, fellow rangers who served for duty. Not all was pleasant though. Bri had given him a lot to think about. The nature of people and the paths they walked. Maybe he had been blinded by jealousy, distrust, or fear. It would take some time to think on what she had, perhaps accidentally, unlocked.

Silence settled in the main room. A truce in the quick-witted duel. Lieutenant Velt tapped a knuckle on the edge of the circular table before clearing his throat, "It's getting late and I don't want to overstay my welcome. Been a long day for us both and we all know that you've got a strict bedtime." He smirked at her in jest. Corran rose from his seat and walked over to the semi-circular archway where they first entered. One boot slipped on after the other. He turned to look at his host. "Thank you for having me over. Your place is... nice," Corran said sincerely. His face grew somber, wanting to say something but not sure how to say it. "You... uh... you can contact me anytime. Even off the clock. Should you... need anything. Or just to talk." His thumb rubbed against the side of his forefinger absentmindedly. "Friends can reach me anytime." Few people outside the Sector Rangers had such access. Only two, in fact. Now there was a third. He was not entirely settled on if it was the logical choice, but his feelings said to trust Bri and those were rarely wrong.

@ModernMarvel

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

Bri nodded in understanding, well, what she assumed to be understanding, as Corran attempted to describe the history of his relationship with his girlfriend. Truthfully, it wasn't something she fully understood. She had never been in a romantic relationship before. Friendships, sure, mentors, yes, but nothing romantic, nothing based on love. It was not something that Bri was jealous of, but she noted internally, how it would be an experience that she would never get to have. Considering the reflection behind his eyes as he spoke, the Jedi wanted to adjust her initial description. The Ranger more than just liked his partner. Her own personal curiosity wanted to push further, but she held back, realizing she might be intruding. Maybe not the best idea to ask someone who you just spent a day with about the feelings of love.

The Jedi sensed there was further confusion, or apprehension about her explanation of 'relationships,' and the Order. Which is a fair thought to have. It isn't as straightforward as might first appear. But, Bri decided to drop the subject instead of trying to supplement her previous answer. Corran seemed content to not press further, and Bri fell in alongside.

As the two sat in a period of brief silence and a lull in their conversation, Bri's eyes gave Corran a final once over. The Jedi sensed further thoughts from the Ranger, and could only guess what they were. The galaxy was filled with complicated political challenges. Who fought whom, who worked with whom and why - it was tough to keep track of. But, most importantly, Bri knew that change could still be made. Corran himself had admitted the evolution of his own views throughout the day. Who's to say that wasn't possible with other Rangers? They both had described their motivations and found reasonable and fundamental similarities. The basic desire of helping others. Doing good.

Bri laughed outloud as Corran used the excuse of her bed time to make his departure. I think the joking means he likes me. Bri stood up as her guest did. "Well, yes, you've obviously also picked out how much I need my beauty sleep," she added with a grin. Instead of putting her boots on, Bri slid her feet into a pair sandals to walk her guest out. The Jedi offered a short laugh at Corran's description of the residence portion of her ship: nice. The conversation turned a touch more serious for a few moments. The Jedi could sense the Ranger didn't make the offer to most people. Especially using the word friend, not in a joking or comical manner. "I appreciate that," Bri smiled broadly, her light blue eyes sparkling pleasantly. "I hope you know you can do the same with me. Nevermore than a hyperspace jump away," she added with a smile. She was tempted to make one last joke at the expense of her flying skills, but held off. Don't ruin the moment, Bri.

@TerranSteel

 

[Corran Velt]

Some jokes were better than others. Corran could only roll his eyes at Bri's latest quip about beauty sleep. It really needed no expounding on why that self-aimed humor was almost parody in the extreme. On second thought, probably best stick to Jedi work and steer clear of a stand-up routine. The Jedi's face practically lit up after the Ranger's struggled extension of friendship. That was surprising enough for him, but her offer in kind visibly had his eyes widen for a moment until blinking back down to normal size. Lieutenant Velt nodded slowly, "Thanks. I might actually take you up on that sometime. Space wizards are hard to come by." He knew his delivery was bad but still grinned to try and sell it anyway.

With footwear donned, though one more casual than the other's, the Ranger marched down the ramp from the light freighter into the night air. He remembered to duck to avoid hitting his head like with a YT-1300. Ship engines still twinkled into the night sky as they came and went from the busy Botajef space port. The light inside Bri's illuminated the darkness with a long rectangle shape, reaching far into the night. Corran walked to the edge with his hands in his pockets before stopping just short of leaving the light. He turned halfway and gave a quick two-fingered gesture of farewell. "Make sure to not hit anything on the way out of port. I'd hate to see a text from you in the morning saying you need a tow." His hand tucked back into his jacket. "Have a good night, Bri." Corran stepped out into the night.

Several blocks away, the lieutenant's thoughts were forcing him to review the whole day. No matter how hard he tried to shake it. Coming face to face with one's flaws does that. In the mirror of the mind, an ugly, scowling version of himself seethed distrust. Jedi were just the other coin of the Sith. They only took, and took, and took from normal people. Their friends. Their homes. Their lives. But even now Corran could see the falsehoods in the contorted reflection. His own insecurities and doubts. His greatest fear of being powerless. Is that why he disliked them so? Their super-natural abilities were beyond anything he could ever achieve, no matter how hard he trained? His hand drifted up to where his headwound once bled. Brienna's face appeared and smiled at him warmly - kindly, even.

Corran sighed lowly. If nothing else, Bri was his friend and she was a Jedi. She didn't seem the type to take anything. If not a philosophical revelation, real foundations had been laid for a bigoted man to move past his contempt that had snared his beliefs for so long. Finally, the plaguing thought drifted away like a morning, dewy haze in sunlight. A new problem arose. What was he going to tell the trainees? Perhaps something best left to tomorrow.

@ModernMarvel

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

Bri laughed at the 'space wizards' comment. Despite the uneven delivery, she could still appreciate the attempt at humor. His second joke landed a little better, and Bri smirked at it being at her expense. "Ya know, I'll do my best, but no promises," She stood at the top of the ramp and waved with her bandaged arm. "You too, see you 'round."

The Jedi re-entered her ship and closed the ramp. She called out to her droid, "get ready for departure, NL." Walking back around the tubular hallway she plopped down into her chair in the cockpit, sitting in silence. NL rolled in and prepared the rest of the ship for departure. It paused and looked over at its partner. "Oh, nothing NL," she waved her hand. "Just reflecting on an interesting evening," Bri paused with a smile, "and a new friend."

//End Thread