Ask New Arrival

[Thor Wolfe]

Location: Tanaab
Tags:

Sounds of screams and cries filled young Rath's mind. Suffering that had nobody to call their own, and yet Rath could sense them all the same. The Padawan was in a trance, a meditative stance, in order to reconnect with the Force and what the Force had to show him. What he sought for answers to the glimpses of possibilities was met with only more questions. Instead of obtaining a clear answer, the Force answered in images of himself walking through a smoky fog in an unknown direction. Yet he felt something from amidst the fog, a presence that was strangely familiar and yet not familiar.

Rath pulled himself out of his meditation as he found himself sweating and a tad worn out. It was only then that Rath noticed that there was in fact another voice speaking through the intercom overhead.

"...approaching docking bay C022 in five minutes. Prepare to disembark." The voice warned the passengers on board of the transport ship before there was a change of turbulence. Not violently, but enough to where it was noticeable. Rath took this moment to gather what little he had to bring aside from the usual jedi robes, utility belt, and the trusty hilt of a lightsaber that remained clipped to his belt.

Today was the day that Rath started as a Padawan as a Jedi Knight was said to teach him. It was fine with Rath as it meant that he wouldn't be stuck in the academy for long, and it also meant that he could learn new things too. His curious mind played different scenarios of how things could be and what possible outcomes that could happen. Worst case scenario in his mind was that his new Master would be one of those highly strict ones. Namely the 'elite' versions of the Jedi.

Once Rath gathered his things and the ship touched down on the docking bay. Rath would step out of the ship ramp as he intended to either find who his Master was or to meet up at a rendezvous point.

 

[Hera "The Joyful" Albion]

"Docking bay C020, bay C021, ah, here we go. Bay C022."

Hera muttered quietly, speaking to no one. Her mind was in a thousand different locations as she moved, the mercenaries operating for her on Coruscant, the wonders of where the Sith might be operating next, and now this Padawan she had offered to take on. In her time of absence from the Jedi, she had not seen how far the rot of Padawan's running about without masters had gone.

Now, with her return, she sought to fix this problem. At the very least, she would see that every Padawan had a chance to learn from a more experienced Jedi. A naïve and foolish Padawan made for an excellent Sith. Of course, so did an arrogant master. "Humility Hera, you are only a woman." She told herself, looking towards the shuttle as it set down in the docking bay. Pulling back her hood, she folded her arms into her robe and watched for the Padawan.

Rath Nihro, she was told his name was. A recent arrival to the order, and it appeared he did not join out of a traumatic past. Hopefully, through probing questions, Hera would discover more about him. Spotting the young man, Hera raised an arm and called out, "Rath! Over here!" A smile spread across her face as she saw him, offering a friendly greeting. Stoicism was not in Hera's nature, as her new Padawan would surely find out soon. If Rath approached, she would greet him kindly, "I'm Hera, Hera Albion, it's a pleasure to meet you. I hope your trip was amicable?"

@AsenMahawa

 

[Thor Wolfe]

Location: Tanaab
Tag: @Black Noise

Let’s just say that Rath has yet to see a Jedi with any sort of armor. He wasn’t exactly sure why that was the case since a lightsaber can only do so much when deflecting blasters or other forms of attack. Something about armor restricting their movements, but truthfully Rath never had any issues with armor weight. Perhaps he was simply used to wearing something like a padded leather jacket, but at any rate he was a bit surprised when the Jedi Knight that was to teach him wore such armor. Hearing her call for his name only solidified his assumption and so Rath walked over to his new Master.

She had a warm personality, from the smile to her tone. Typically this would make anyone more approachable, but in Rath’s case it put him more on guard. Too many cases he has seen and experienced that the worst enemy were those who pretended to be their friends. Said people often attempted to swindle for money, information, or valuables. Or even go as far as robbing the person while in mid conversation. Rath didn’t think that the later introduced Hera would be willing to do such a thing, but he still subconsciously kept a subtle guard over his pocket that contained the basic necessities such as credits.

”Rath Nihro. I suppose so, not a lot happened before we landed.” Rath would tuck his hands in his pockets, but it was more of assurance that a peculiar object was still there in his possession. Ever since he got this crystal, Rath has been hyper conscious over it since according to his father the crystal could be used as a kyber crystal. How could such an expensive thing be used in a lightsaber was beyond Rath, but then again he often saw blades of blue and green. But whenever he could construct his own lightsaber, Rath at least had his crystal on hand. Quite literally.

”So what exactly are we supposed to be doing here?” He asked as he was never informed what the mission was. Something about the Master briefing him of the details, but that annoyed Rath to some extent. The young teen could understand why it was done that way since the Master at the scene would have more information, but he would still like to have some idea of what they’re doing instead of going in blind. Any job that involved very little information was either a death trap or someone was trying to be sneaky. Sometimes it was both.

 

[Hera "The Joyful" Albion]

Hera looked her new apprentice up and down as he approached, the kind smile never leaving her face as he introduced himself. Then, with a tinge of that young annoyance, Rath asked what they were supposed to be doing. Hera seemed confused for but a moment before sighing, "Of course, there was no briefing. A Padawan can't be trusted with knowing his mission details, right?" A hint of anger graced Hera's tone for a moment, a righteous annoyance in the secrecy of an order slowly dying.

Hera removed the blackened goggles and rubbed her pale eyes for but a moment before replacing the covering. Waving the air to clear away her annoyance, she continued to speak, her tone relaxed and her emotions reeled back in. "I apologize, Rath, I have my own issues with how the Order operates and I need not thrust them upon you. Our mission is simple, walk with me-" Hera turned and began walking out of the docking bay.

She would lead Rath out of the starport and towards a small speeder parking area, speaking as she walked. Plates of her armor gently clicked against each other as she moved, a rhythmic sound that echoed the consistent rhythm of every movement the Jedi Knight made. Even in walking, her steps echoed the beat of a starship sailor's tune. Her hands moving with her words, she explained their mission to the young man, "We are to be negotiating with a handful of local mercenaries to enlist their assistance. The world of Bimmiel is currently under the threat of a pirate takeover. Bimmiel is a small planet with primitive natives, a pirate takeover would mean their exploitation and possible enslavement. We will use the mercenaries to help us eliminate the pirates and bring Bimmiel into the influence of the Jedi, establishing a foothold there to continue to protect them."

Hera paused for a moment as if a thought had just occurred to her. Stopping her walk and turning to Rath, she asked, "You do have a lightsaber, do you not?"

@AsenMahawa

 

[Thor Wolfe]

Location: Tanaab
Tag: @Black Noise

Rath wasn’t familiar with how the order handled their mission affairs, but it did seem odd that they would send a Padawan out by themselves to a Jedi Knight so far away from Coruscant without at least giving some details of what they’re supposed to be doing. However, Rath deemed to be unsafe and easy to exploit as the order could’ve lost a Padawan. Even if Hera wasn’t here at arrival, Rath would’ve at least gathered his wits before getting in touch with the Order. It wasn’t uncommon that Rath would have to fend for himself in a few days or even weeks. So he would’ve been fine either way.

At the very least however, both Hera and himself were of the same mind of how the Order ran things. Hera even went as far as apologizing while explaining her reaction. That was rewarded with a light chuckle with a small smile from Rath.

”It’s alright. It’s not the first time I’ve been sent somewhere with little information to go on.” Whether that was by the Jedi Order or not remained to be confirmed, but not everyone was keen on Rath to begin with. In a short time period his progress with the lightsaber and aptitude in the Force was enough for him to be recognized at least. The teen could never put it into words, but the lightsaber had always felt like it should’ve already been there all along. Even the crystal in his hand felt like it was part of him. Or perhaps it was arrogant of Rath to think that he was simply claiming what was natural to him.

Rath would of course follow along with Hera as the gentle clinks of her armor shifting with every motion brought some familiar memories to light. His parents were often garbed in armor, even if they were not on a job. So the sounds weren’t off-putting as some Jedi might have been. His own steps however were almost soft and quiet. Masked by the constant sounds from other sources around them. Once Hera began to explain the details Rath was surprised to hear that enlisting mercenaries was on the table. But he did not interrupt her as he knew better to at least hear the whole details first before speaking his piece. Least to say he was listening to what she had to say until she stopped walking. Rath of course would stop walking as well, but he was next to her as Hera questioned if he had a lightsaber.

”I was basically loaned one, but the Order mentioned that I was supposed to make my own lightsaber at some point.” At this he pulls out a durindfire crystal from his pocket as he simultaneously lifts the left side of his cloak to reveal the familiar hilt of a lightsaber. ”It is still a work in progress, but I still have a functioning one.”

If nothing else he would simply stow away the crystal back into his pocket as he shifted the cloak to keep the lightsaber out of sight. ”I won’t lie, I’m a bit surprised that you wish to employ mercenaries. Not too often that Jedi would bother buying their services, and fewer still would accept as such without some substantial payment. But if the payment is too high they’ll grow suspicious that either it is a trap or too high risk…” It got Rath thinking on what they could use, but as information was power in the field of negotiations Rath was currently lacking both in information and assets. He figured it was already the sort that Hera might have thought of, so Rath simply shrugged off those thoughts as he attempted to bring the focus back to the one at hand.

”Sorry, don’t mind my rambling… should I call you Master or Master Albion?” It wasn’t like he was unfamiliar with the terms the Order loved to use. However, some people (mostly the old croons) were very particular in how Padawans or lower ranking addressed them. That one Rath had to learn very quickly to prevent wasted time of lectures. If anything, Rath was confirming on how to address Hera as well. For a second there he nearly slipped and called her by her first name without the Master slapped on there.

 

[Hera "The Joyful" Albion]

Hera listened quietly as Rath spoke, she was not the type to interrupt another. Looking down, she observed the Durindfire crystal in one hand, then the loaned blade in the other. A rare crystal, a family heirloom perhaps? She would have to ask him more about that later. As Rath did possess a workable weapon, his personal blade could be completed after this mission. Nodding, she continued to listen until the Padawan learner asked his final question.

"Whatever you feel most comfortable with. I am not one who clings strongly to tradition, you may refer to me as simply Hera within private company, should you wish."

Turning, she started back along the city streets. It would be clear now that she was headed towards a local bar. She had a meeting already set up with a local mercenary company, the Tanaab Red Reavers. They were well known and feared as a gang that ran the local protection racket in this part of town. What interested Hera the most, however, was their known ownership of a small squadron of fighters.

As skilled pilots, the Tanaab Red Reavers dabbled in the art of 'protecting' vessels entering and exiting the local port as well. A little bit of 'protection' was exactly what Hera wanted as well. Realizing she hadn't answered Rath's first question, the Knight began speaking once more, "Oh, mercenaries, yes. To look down upon mercenaries and gang members is a grave mistake. Not everyone is gifted with a luxurious life- or even a life without constant hardship. To look upon those that ply their trade in violence with disdain or judgement is, uhg, hypocritical. A single change in our path earlier in life, and perhaps we would've ended up the same as them."

Hera stopped, looking up at the sign hanging over a small 'hole in the wall' bar. 'The Sloshed Pazaak' read the sign. Looking to Rath, she asked a short question, "Define 'Jedi'." At that, she turned away and entered the bar.

 

[Thor Wolfe]

Between Hera and the teachers within the Academy, Hera was surprisingly laid back in terms of formalities. Not that Rath was going to complain as he still displayed some level of respect. The teenager remembered his father mentioning that often Jedi on the field were easier to get along with than those who would rather stay at the Academy. Even the other Younglings were easier to get along with, but at the same token Rath didn’t approach them nor bothered to maintain any kind of friendship with them. The teenager only went to the Jedi Order with a clear goal in mind, and he viewed the Academy as simply a step towards that direction.

”It’s fine by me, truthfully the stuff that Jedi do and mercenaries have to do are pretty similar.” Rath spoke earnestly. He had nothing against the mercenaries, and in fact was familiar with a few companies due to both connections and meeting them personally. ”I’m not familiar with the mercenaries around this area though, so I might not be of much help in the convincing part.”

The Sloshed Pazaak was in short a primary hub of cantina with a specified area for Pazaak. People from all species occupied mostly in said area as they played a few matches. Some lost, some won, but nobody went as far as to bet all of their credits just yet. What was originally thought to be slight fog was exactly gray smoke that rolled from the open kitchen as the bartender made use of its many thin arms to perform multiple tasks at once. Anywhere between cleaning, pouring drinks, and taking orders. The wooden floorboards were surprisingly soft to the feet as it did not let out a creak of any kind. The golden lights overhead were spaced to provide lighting throughout the cantina. Mostly with the focus being primarily on the center and the Pazaak area.

Scents of seasoned food with the faint whiff of smoke made Rath wonder if he should grab something to eat while he was here. It has been a few hours since he last ate anything, and with the activity being relatively average. The teenager figured he could get something served to him in reasonable time. Hera popped a question to Rath, or rather it felt more like a command than a question. The teenager blinked as his mind formulated an answer.

”What it is supposed to be in theory, Jedi are peacekeepers and protectors of the people. Whether that is to take place out in the field such as this, or tangle with other politicians to ensure no one starts any wars within the galaxy.” Rath briefly paused as he stepped out of a patron’s way who was leaving. The rodian gave the teenager a curious look, but said nothing to him.

”But in practice there’s too many young Padawans and even Jedi Knights who are too eager to draw their lightsaber rather than determining whether the situation calls for subtle diplomacy or dissuade the situation from worsening. The older ones are often holed up in their temples away from the fields, but either they’re too passive to act or so stuck to tradition that their own sense of pride prevents them from doing what is right.” He was certain that he might be speaking out of turn here, but he was essentially pushing the boundaries to determine what was okay and what wasn’t. Additionally, he was simply calling it out as it was, and they were his genuine opinions of the Jedi.

 

[Hera "The Joyful" Albion]

Hera breathed deeply of the bar scents as the pair walked inside. Roasting meats, vegetables, and various strong drinks filled the atmosphere with aromas both savory and foul. The Jedi Knight did not look at Rath as he answered her question, but she did listen to him while she moved. She moved like a woman on a mission, knowing exactly where she wished to be as she navigated around the pazaak tables and various seating areas. The pazaak tables were rowdy, for sure, but fairly self-contained, it was the diners they passed that gave the odd second glance at their clothes.

Finally, as Rath finished speaking, Hera spotted their target. A small, unguarded door led to a concealed backroom. Ducking through it, the pair would find themselves in a large conference-style room with half a dozen small tables placed about. The room was packed with more than 20 weequay, nikto, and humans all playing, eating, and drinking. The group didn't even seem to notice their arrival until a man in the back stood up.

He wore thick green armored plates, not dissimilar to Hera's own armor. However, instead of a cloak, he wore the same tattered black jacket as every other being in the room, embossed with a red symbol depicting a heroic figure holding a blaster. Pointing directly at the pair, he shouted, "Weall weall weeeeall! If'n it ain't the bitch that owes me money!" Briskly, the human strode towards the two Jedi as every table quietly began standing and facing the pair.

Hera neither moved nor spoke as the human approached until he stopped just short of 5 feet from them. Looking around to his men and laughing, the leader began posturing in front of the Jedi, "If'n I recall rightly, I thinks I told ya that if ya done ever showed ya ugly monk face 'round here again without my money I'd-" Suddenly, his words were cut short as Hera loudly interrupted him, "You're still in range Haddoc."

The human stood rigid for a second, what little color remained in his pale face drained, then took a single step backward, "Uh, how 'bout now?"

Hera smiled and nodded, "Yeah that's better. C'mon Haddoc if you're going to fight a Sith you're going to need to know how close you can stand without getting stabbed. Now, what's this about me owing your ass a single red credit?! Last I checked you haven't done anything for me yet!"

Their leader, Haddoc, paused for a moment before laughing heartily. At his laugh, nearly every mercenary in the backroom turned away and back to their own entertainment. "I's just joshin' ya! No harms no fouls ya know? Now! Who's this new face I done see beside ya?"

 

[Thor Wolfe]

Hera made no comment during or after Rath finished answering her pop quiz. Whether that was just an attempt to get him to talk or simply checking to see where his loyalty lay. Rath couldn’t figure it out without asking her directly about it, but now wasn’t the time or the place. Hera found a closed door that Rath at first assumed to be the refreshments room until the door opened. He was never exposed to this side of the mercenary hideout of sorts since he was often left at a ship or waiting at the bar.

The people at the table were either oblivious of their presence or they didn’t think it strange. But when an armored individual stood up from his chair. The looks from everyone else in the room as they silently stood up on their feet as well. Rath recognized this to be an intimidation tactic as they show their numbers were much greater than the two Jedi. It also was a demonstration of their unity since they would be more than happy to gun down some idiot that tried to make unreasonable demands from them. At least the assumed leader among them was familiar with Hera, albeit there was a hint of aggression as he droned on about how Hera owed him.

Hera kindly reminded the man named Haddoc that he just stepped within range of a lightsaber. Even with a step back, Rath could see that Hera could still reach him. Rath’s dark eyes shifted to the people around them, more so to get a reading from the group as a whole, but neither one was going to budge until Haddoc signals the okay. Once Haddoc began to laugh, and the crowd joined with the laughter as they turned back around. Rath assumed that whatever the worst case scenario might have been averted. At least for now. For now, both Haddoc and Hera appear to have some history together, so for the moment Rath would revert his attention solely on Haddoc.

”Rath Nihro, pleased to meet you Haddoc.” On that note Rath extends an open empty hand to shake Haddoc’s. A gesture of greeting, or so Rath thought of as such. In truth it was also his little test to see Haddoc’s reaction and what he will do. Basically, a measure of his character. If anything, it will solidify whatever the direction of future negotiations into more friendly terms. Rath would rather not get involved in hostile negotiations.

 

[Hera "The Joyful" Albion]

The older mercenary smiled as Rath introduced himself, giving the young man a firm 'high five' sort of slap on the palm instead of a handshake. "Wraith! Weird name but what'eve sail's ya starship, now 'Eera let's get down to business ya?" Pulling up a couple of chairs, Haddoc provided a place for the two Jedi to sit down at his table. A small spread of untouched food, drink, and prepared pazaak decks were strewn about the table. The mercenary gestured for the Jedi to partake as he snatched up a roasted leg of some animal and began to eat.

A single, small cup of caf had been left for Hera. Exactly what she wanted and all she needed. Picking it up, she began to sip it as Haddoc started off talking, "Alrighty alrighty alrighty I know I's heard ya message from 'afore 'Eera but I dunno, we ain't exactly in the flyin's 'round business no mores ya dig? I needs ya to be tellin' me's what 'xactly you wants us to be doin' for ya's? And and and! Most importants! How much ya's gonna be payin'." Smiling at the mercenary, Hera reached a hand out and placed it on Rath's shoulder.

"Actually," She began, a mischievous smile creeping across her face, "Rath here will be negotiating the deal. I've given him the basic rundown on what we need to be accomplished, if you have questions about details, payment, and possible spoils of war, then this man will have all the answers."

The 'spoils of war' bit was the closest thing to a hint that Hera would be giving Rath. She knew she was throwing him rather hard and fast into the deep end, but she also knew that Rath was already seventeen. He would be an adult very soon, and within a few years a Jedi Knight of his own accord. The faster he could pick himself up and find his footing, the more capable a Jedi Knight he would become. Of course, Hera wasn't going to leave him out to dry either. If negotiations began to sour, she would interject as needed to recover.

But now, after Hera's redirection, the faces of Haddoc and the four mercenaries sitting behind him -likely his officers- were completely affixed on the Padawan.

@AsenMahawa

 

[Thor Wolfe]

What’s the term when someone throws a new hire into a seemingly impossible task? Rath went along with the Hera as the two chatted away. Haddoc went straight to business as he inquired what exactly they would be doing and what the pay was. However, instead of just answering the man, Hera passed the spotlight over to Rath. The sudden change made his mind go blank except for two words.

’Well poodoo,’ he thought to himself before he simply took his hands out of his pockets mostly to show that he is empty handed. Perhaps Rath was overthinking it, but Haddoc didn’t trust Rath enough from earlier. Not that the teenager can blame the man considering they just met, but neither one has drawn a blaster out so that was something. Perhaps he could’ve gone through the whole winded circle of who gets what, but frankly Rath was a simple young man.

”Well, to put it simply, there's a group of pirates that’s planning to take over a primitive planet called Bimmiel. We’d like you to assist us in taking care of these pirates to prevent harm to the natives of Bimmiel. As for reward, whatever you can salvage from the pirates is yours to claim. Be it credits, weapons, armor, or even a ship.” Credits at least were universal for a reward, but weapons and armor was a bit on the gamble side. A ship however, even if it was damaged, such an asset was valuable to everyone. A ship could be fixed provided they have the skill, credits, and effort to do so. A ship could enable them to do more work outside of a single planet without having to plan a travel route a week ahead of time with a time frame. At the very least, with Rath listing out what exactly the spoils of war entail, it might seal the deal easier when everyone knows what they’re getting.

 

[Hera "The Joyful" Albion]

Hera watched Rath closely as the Padawan spoke, only looking away to glance at Haddoc to give him a look that clearly said 'Listen to him!' if the mercenary became distracted. Rath presented Hera's plan excellently to the gang, as well as offering the same reward that Hera almost always gave these guys when they worked for her. Of course, Haddoc always protested at the pay and the work to Hera, so it did not surprise the Knight when he spoke up in response.

"Ahey ahey aheeey no! Now Wraith let's us be thinkin' what ya be wantin' us to do ya-ya? Ya's be wantin' us to kill a buncha pirates for ya's an' ya's only pay bein' the salvage rights? Heeeeell no! We's gonna need somethin' to sweetin' up this deal ya get it? Otherwise what's gonna be stoppin' us from just takin' the pirates base an' takin' over ourselves? Mhm?"

Hera smiled at that. Haddoc wasn't entirely wrong, the pay was the norm for Hera but it was also exactly what they'd get if they did the job for their own accord and took over the pirate's operation for themselves. Of course, they would never seriously consider such a proposition, Hera terrified them. But they could outright refuse the job, and that was the last option Hera wanted.

"How's about this'n thens-" Haddoc started, "We's gonna do this job for ya's, but! Ya's owe us a favor." Turning to Hera, the mercenary added, "Both of ya's owe me a favor." And at that, Hera just looked at Rath and smiled.

@AsenMahawa

 

[Hera "The Joyful" Albion]

Hera laughed as Haddoc finished his rant. Clasping Rath on the back and Haddoc on the shoulder, she stood up and declared loudly, "Then we have an accord! A favor we can owe you, if you do this one for us. Drinks will be on me!" And at that, the entire bar erupted into roaring cheers. Outside and inside the room, as it appeared more than a couple outsiders were listening in on their conversations.

The rest of the night would go well, with Hera drinking her fill and Haddoc roundly warming up to the pair. They had work to do soon, after all.

/end thread

OOC: Wrapping up this thread to continue the storyline, Asen has had extenuating circumstances that have taken him away from the site for now.