Ask Rob the Jewelry Mine

[Connor Vance]

Connor had remembered the crystal on the necklace that Nash had shown him. He’d mulled it over while burning time at his favorite Umbaran bar and eventually decided to look into it a little further. Turns out the little bastards had a name, Kyber Crystals. They were used to power all sorts of weapons, from a lightsaber to the Death Star.

They were also rare and worth a ton of credits. And credits always interested Connor.

So the half-Sephi had put his mind to work. He spent his days researching where to find the crystals, who mined them, who bought them, and a laundry’s list of other questions he needed to have answered. It took more than a few weeks but eventually Connor had compiled enough information to formulate a plan.

His research had found a newish mining company that had come on hard times. Security was likely lighter or at least the workers would be underpayed. Meant it should be easier to rob them of a shipment of these crystals to do whatever he wanted to do with them.

And Connor had ideas.

But as per usual, he’d prefer to have a partner on these bigger jobs. His first instinct was to text Nash but the last time they chilled, he’d thought she said she had something going on at some point. So instead, Connor decided to hunt down a new, temporary partner to work with. So it was back to the Student Roster!

This time, he wasn’t really looking for muscle. He needed someone that likely knew what kind of Kyber was the good shit and what wasn’t. Eventually, he narrowed his choices down to a Pureblood named Arak Ragnos, a prince of some backwater desert world. And a small colony of Bilar. After looking at the pink skinned furless bears and their soulless eyes, he decided on Arak.

So he reached out to the Pureblood Prince and sent him the address to the dive bar with an offer he figured the guy couldn’t resist. Credits and kyber.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Arak Ragnos]

Arak was in a secluded section of the Academy trying to summon Force Lightning again. For some reason it wasn’t working out and he couldn’t wrap his head around it. He pulled the textbook on the technique and its derivatives to himself pondering over its contents. Chanel rage outward to inflict suffering upon opponent. That’s what he’s been doing. He threw the book down and let out an annoyed sigh. What was different between now and when he shot it out to help Nash?

After he returned the book and was about to head to his dorm he got a message from an unknown number. It was an invitation to a dive bar he’d heard some of the other Sith mention. Who was inviting him out to a bar that he didn’t have the number of and why?

Arak arrived at the bar not long after the message. His outfit was quite casual compared to his usual get up. He had his dagger hidden along the small of his back, and his lightsaber hidden under his top. He looked at the building slightly wincing as he imagined the potential bad food and drinks.

He walked in and began scanning the bar. He made sure to note the exits and potential objects to use as distractions or makeshift projectiles. He was obviously on guard not quite sure what to expect from an out of the blue invitation, especially one that offered credits and kyber. He walked over to the bar to get a drink, noticing a dude with a metal arm. "Arm looks cool. How lose it?" Not knowing exactly who to meet he decided to make small talk till he knew.

@Apollyon

 

[Connor Vance]

Connor had just lit up a cigarra when he heard someone talk to him in broken basic. His green gaze fell down to Arak, his ears twitched and then perked a little. So it was a deal too good to pass up. Connor didn’t immediately introduce himself and instead looked down to his prosthetic. He’d stare at it for a few moments and then look back up to Arak.

“I had a string of bad luck.” He replied cooly.

Connor lit his cigarra and then took a long drag. As he exhaled, he leaned back in his seat. He pointed to Arak with his cigarra.

“Name’s Connor.” He stated plainly. “I’m the guy who reached out.” He explained. “And I’m guessing you’re interested in getting your hands on some cash and Kyber?” He asked.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Arak Ragnos]

Arak was able to hide the disappointed annoyance at such a vague answer giving a simple nod. Bad luck was the excuse many used as a way to avoid the truth that they simply fucked up. "Everyone uses that." He responded flatly, unsure on why the stranger was so guarded.

He simply quirked a brow at the cigarra being pointed at him like an arrow. Connor, he couldn't recall that name. So he was the one who invited him, that slightly explained the guardedness he was Sith after all. Connor repeating the offer made it seem like he was trying to persuade Arak to join something best kept secret. Or he was desperate for help and trying to make the prize seem sweeter.

He contemplated what he could be getting into. He was used to the idea that every person was an enemy and that the only trustworthy person is yourself. So such a generous payment must have an equally dangerous catch. "Depends on task. Can you promise both?" Normally in his experience so far a mission offered one or the other never both. "What is job?" He needed to know if what he was doing was worth the potential spoils.

@Apollyon

 

[Connor Vance]

Connor shrugged at the other Acolyte’s annoyed response. If everyone kept their past to themselves, then everyone was smart. Connor prided himself in the fact his cards were kept close to his chest, a first name was one thing, a piece of his past? Nah. All Arak needed to know was there was an opportunity for money.

Connor brought his cigarra to his lips and took another drag while Arak spoke. He had questions, that was fine Connor could answer them all.

“Job’s on Jedha.” He replied. “Small offworld mining company managed to get rights to a Kyber vein. It might have been too much of a risk for them though.” He explained. “We’re going to steal their next shipment of Kyber and we’re going to drain their operations account.” Connor said with a shrug. “Should be an easy job.” He lied cooly.

“It’ll be a 60/40 cut.” He offered. “You in?”

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Arak Ragnos]

Arak's interest was piqued when Connor mentioned Jedha. He hadn't heard of the world and that meant it would be something new. He took in the mentions of the offworld company and how it may have bitten off more than it can chew. So the Kyber was being mined and the credits were just going to be siphoned from the business account.

"Easy isn't fun." He said with a shrug, starting to formulate his own plots to use the turmoil they may cause for his own benefit. If they hit the company hard enough in this heist it would be easy to take over. Something he could probably swing pretty easily with the right help. Having his own source of Kyber would be an extremely useful asset to have as well as the money that comes with the mining of said resource.

He gave a faux smirk as his own machinations began spinning in his head, "Sounds good, I'm in." Even if he didn't score the company right away the money from the heist would be more than enough. Not to mention the Kyber itself which he could use as bargaining chips.

"You have plan? Or we just wing it?" He looked over at him curiously, expecting another vague response from the guarded Sith.

@Apollyon

 

[Connor Vance]

Connor arched an eyebrow at Arak’s response. Why did so many Sith want things to be harder than they had to? Part of him wondered if this was going to be a mistake. Connor pushed the thought aside, the lure of credits was too much to pass up.

Arak agreed to the cut amount, Connor’s ears perked and he nodded once in reply. He’d order them a drink to toast with, it was something cheap and strong. The best way to start a job was with a slight buzz. He’d offer Arak a quick toast.

“To money!” He said, his ears twitching lightly.

It was only after Connor downed his drink that he’d answer Arak’s last question. “Yeah, I’ve got a plan.” He stated calmly. “Going into these jobs without one is suicide.” He clarified. “We can talk about it at the ship, come on.” He nodded towards the door before paying their tab and heading out.

Connor would lead Arak deeper into the Umbaran wilderness for a few minutes before they came out into a clearing. Sitting in that clearing was a neon spray painted light freighter. Aside from the spray paint, it looked oddly like the missing ship that Master Dalon had been looking for.

“Welcome to the U.S.S FUCK DALON” Connor stated as he slapped the side of the ship. “Hop in and make yourself comfortable. I’m gonna make sure everything is good for takeoff.” He explained.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Arak Ragnos]

When he grabbed the drink he took a sniff of it, as was his custom for determining if he felt it was something he'd like. Simply smelling the alcohol and nothing that seemed out of place he met the toast, "To money!" He repeated before knocking back the drink.

Arak was put to ease somewhat when Connor confirmed he had a plan. His further comments gave him the insight that he wasn't one to go in to a job half cocked. "Good, I agree. Having a plan is necessary." He couldn't hide the slight surprise at him mentioning having a ship. Most acolytes didn't even have proper Force training let alone a means to get around.

Arak cautiously followed Connor into the wilderness. Last time he was here there were freaky chickens and hungry tentacle things. To his relief they were at his ship before long, and once he saw it he sat the gawking at it. The paint scheme reminded him slightly of the same kind of body paint he used on Zeltron. But something else was oddly familiar about it.

His gaze snapped to Connor when he stated the name. That was the odd familiarity, this was the ship Dalon had been hunting. He smirked at the realization, "Love the name." As he made his way in and got comfortable. Flipping through some weird letters and notes that he slowly began to understand were unsent love letters. Why doesn't he just tell the person how he feels? It would save so much time and effort. Hiding ones feelings towards someone was a foreign idea to Arak.

As the ship began moving for takeoff Arak made his way into the cockpit looking excited. This was the first time he was on a ship he could actually watch someone fly. He seemed to soak in what Connor's hands did and how the ship seemed to react. He had yet even attempted flying a ship so getting a chance to learn anything was something he would not miss.

@Apollyon

 

[Connor Vance]

Connor nodded at Arak's comment on the ship's name, he liked it too. Dalon, a Sith Master, was just a hall monitor at the Academy and he took his job way too seriously. Thankfully, Connor skipping every class meant his interactions with him were limited to when he went to bed in the dorms. And even then it was usually Connor ignoring him and heading to his bed to sleep.

After a quick flight check, Connor boarded his ship and clamored into the cockpit. He slowly lifted the ship off of the ground and began to guide it out of atmosphere. Part of the way through the process of lift off, Connor realized that Arak was watching him. His ears flicked before he glanced over to him.

"Sit down if you want to learn." Connor told him, his eyes falling to the co-pilot's chair. "I can teach a little."

If Arak opted to do that, Connor would indeed show him a very basic way of flying. The way he flew. He was no Nash, who could likely pilot this ship better than he could. But he could get from point a to point b easy enough. Once the pair were fully out of atmosphere, he'd key in a hyperspace route and their world would become the brilliant light of the lane. Connor would pull out a cigarra and light it up.

"So, I read you're a princeling or something." He stated plainly. "What's that like?"

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Arak Ragnos]

Arak took his suggestion and immediately stat down and listened. He even pulled out a small notebook and begun writing down notes on the teachings of Connor. He wrote them down in Ur-Kittat so if Connor didn’t know the language it would just look like weird symbols. He even wrote down notes on how the hyperdrive was used.

His face became emotionless as he asked about his past and he turned to stare out the windown, “I was born a prince. But am low in succession.” He stated flatly before his expression lowered, “It not as glamorous as holo. It mostly try to out do siblings and no be assassinated.” His voice was low but didn't betray his emotions fully. He had used his Force affinity with mental powers once or twice to survive his sibling various schemes. Although he rarely launched his own against any of his siblings.

He turned to Connor, "What Jedha like?" He hoped Connor knew the planets environment at least. Not really wanting a touristy overview but just enough to know what to expect. He would rather have little information to mull over than a lack of any and be caught off guard.

@Apollyon

 

[Connor Vance]

Connor occasionally glanced to the little journal or whatever that Arak wrote in. Was he taking notes? He arched an eyebrow but didn't make any comments about it. Once they were out and off, Connor would wordlessly listen to Arak's response. Low in succession? How many siblings did this dude have?

Connor kicked his feet up on the dash of the ship, leaned back with his hands crossed over his stomach, and closed his eyes while listening to Arak talk. Connor wasn't expecting a Prince to talk about siblings and assassination plots in the context that he did, it was a little jarring. He'd always assumed all royals were spoiled little bitches, maybe he was wrong on this guy?

Connor would open one eye when Arak asked him about Jedha. "Uh, it's kinda a shit hole to be honest." He replied with a shrug. "Got blasted by a super weapon back in the day, the Deaf Star or something like that." He continued. "So expect deserts." He offered. "It's the only place we can find Kyber though."

Connor would fall silent for a few seconds as he thought. Was there anything else he was forgetting? Oh right that!

"There's also a murder cult from what I heard."

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Arak Ragnos]

Arak was hoping that Jedha would be an interesting world. All Connor did was shatter those hopes. He grew up desert world and the fact he labeled it a shit hole didn't improve it's prospects any. “Oh so it like home.” He said his voice losing its excitement. Although the idea it was turned to a desert rather than being one did intrigue him slightly.

He was about to go back and explore the ship when Connor mentioned the murder cult. He looked at him with his curiosity properly peaked, “Cult? Are they dark side, or crazy kind?” If they were a dark side cult they could possibly sway them to help or even place them under their influence. Arak would try it either way but whether Connor would see the benefit of it or not he didn’t know.

He sat there looking around the cockpit before an interesting way to try and break the man’s demeanor appeared in his mind. “You must love him lot. The letters are sweet.” He said with his face relatively devoid of emotion. Though internally he was wanting to see if the man actually reacted.

@Apollyon

 

[Connor Vance]

Connor didn’t react when Arak mentioned Jedha was like his home. At least it appeared that way, if you didn’t know what signs to look for someone would find Connor to have a serious case of RBF. But Connor’s ears did perk slightly at Arak’s reply, he was interested.

“In what way is it like home?” He asked. “In the desert way or the nuked from orbit way?” Connor arched an eyebrow curiously and shifted in his seat slightly. He uncrossed and recrossed his kicked up legs.

However when Arak asked about the murder cult Connor would offer him a shrug in reply. Then he would fish out his EZphone and bring up the file he’d created for the job and scroll down. Crime scene images of people who’d been ritualistically murdered came up. All the victims had bled Kyber shoved into their eyes. Different messages were painted in blood around them, usually having something to do with “being made to see”. Connor would pass it over wordlessly to Arak to look at.

“Who knows, maybe both.” He replied with a shrug. “Takes a level of crazy to do that to people.” He pointed out.

Connor would enjoy the silence while Arak scrolled through the file. He took a long drag off of his cigarra and held it in, savoring the cloved smoke. That was until Arak brought up the letters. Connor had almost forgot he’d left them out. He made a mental note to sneak all of them back but the sweetest one, that one would be pushed under Azar’s door.

“Not mine.” Connor replied, lazily opening one eye again. “That would be the previous owner’s.” He explained. “He’s got a bunch of stuff labeled for Lord Azar in here.” Connor continued. “Man’s got it bad for him.” A faint smirk touched his lips at that.

Connor would let Arak read the file for a little bit longer before he reached out for his phone back. Then he’d drag his feet from the dash and stand up to leave the cockpit. He’d pass the room Nash usually stayed in when she rode with him and locked the door. He knew it was cleaned out, she didn’t leave any of her shit behind but it didn’t feel right letting someone else snoop around her unofficial space.

“Outside of that room, feel free to explore or turn in the Holo.” Connor stated. “We should probably discuss the plan at some point though.” Connor mused aloud before shrugging.

They had plenty of time for that though.
@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Arak Ragnos]

Arak just blankly stared at him for a moment after his question. Was he really expecting a nuked world to have royalty on it? It probably wasn't the weirdest thing in the galaxy but seemed rather unrealistic. "It desert world. But from war not bombing." His basic was still too broken to give Connor a history lesson on Korriban and he didn't feel like connecting to him telepathically just for that reason.

He took the phone and began scrolling through the images. He could immediately tell the murders were done in as a ritual. Most were even dark side in nature though the Kyber through the eyes was a new one. His expression was focused as he tried picking apart the separate ritualistic murders and piece together what ritual it was. But he wasn't able to as the Kyber in the eyes held an unknown significance to him.

"It seem they dark sider. Most ritual rely on darkside." He said still focused on the phone. He went through the rest of the file relatively quickly making mental notes on the important info that he could read. He was trying to piece together his own plan just incase things went south or Connor's wasn't up to par.

That was when he addressed the letters and got an interesting response. He looked up at Connor when he mentioned the ship was someone else previously and everything immediately clicked in his brain. "This Dalon ship." He stated bluntly, "Good he deserve it. He sent me do his detention." Though the detention with Nash went well he still hated the fact Dalon threw it on them.

Connor took the phone away shortly and began moving back into the hull of the ship. Arak not wanting to accidentally launch them into a star promptly followed him out. He quirked an eyebrow when he stated one of the rooms off limits, considering it wasn't the captains quarters which would be where he slept. "Why that room? Have own letter in there?" He questioned walking past to sit on the couch in the lounge area.

The table looked odd and when Arak pressed a random button sabbach popped up. His eyes lit up momentarily as he saw the holofigures moving. He turned to Connor with a face that looked like a kid getting a present. "What this? It look fun!" He excitedly said, never before seeing something like this.

@Apollyon

 

[Connor Vance]

Connor learned a little more about Arak's mysterious people the more they talked. They reduced their own world to a desert through warfare. Seemed kinda dumb to him but okay. He also listened as Arak gave his thoughts on this cult or whatever. He seemed more interested in them than Connor did and part of him wondered if he was about to be drawn into murder cult leadership role.

That would be hard to explain.

Most interesting was that Arak knew Dalon and that his story was similar to the one Nash had told him. Connor didn't comment on it though, Umbara was the only academy for Acolytes, it made sense they knew each other. Arak just didn't strike Connor as someone who was up to Nash's speed, different circles and all that. But who was he to judge?

"Yeah man, this was Dalon's ship." He corrected Arak. "It's mine now."

This was something that Connor was clearly proud of. Few Acolytes had a ship that wasn't given to them but he'd taken this one for himself. His tone wasn't really hostile when he spoke but was definitely more firm.

Once the pair had left the cockpit, Connor paused to lock the room he'd associated with Nash. Arak stopped to ask him why he couldn't go in there, if he had his own letter. Connor glanced over at him, his ears flicked a little as he thought of what to say. "Yeah, the chick I'm into usually sleeps in there when we hang out." He replied bluntly. "It's not like her room but I consider it hers. Feel me?" He shrugged. It didn't make too much sense but whatever, it was the truth.

While Arak messed with the holo projector, Connor went into the kitchen and popped some pizza pockets in the microwave for Arak and him. He heard the game of Dejarik come to life at the projector and glanced up. Arak looked beyond excited at his discovery, Connor arched an eyebrow and walked out once the food was ready.

"That's Dejarik." He replied. "It's a strategy game, I'm not the greatest at it but I've played a few rounds." Connor continued. "You wanna learn?" He offered as he pulled a small stool up to put the plate of food on.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Arak Ragnos]

Arak simply looked at Connor as he firmly declared the ship his. He contemplated how to respond to him not wanting to be forced to figure out the hard way Connor's skill set. "Then it Connor ship." He said flatly before going quit for a moment. "Unless Master Dalon want it back." He said with warning, he had heard of Dalon's recent promotion. Even Arak knew to be cautious around Masters regardless of skillset.

He shrugged at Connors response about the room. "I never understand love. Growing up marriage for political means. Rarely did noble marry for love." He said casually like if it was normal. "I leave room alone since that what you want." He remarked as he plopped down near the holo projector.

He was still staring at the movements of the creatures when Connor returned. Not only that he returned with food. Arak's face lit up once again as Connor offered to teach him the game. If he wasn't realizing it now he would soon that Arak loved learning new things. "You teach me?" He questioned scooting a little bit closer so he was certain he could learn.

When the food was set down Arak would levitate it towards him then split it with the Force. When he realized it was very hot he blew on it using Cryokenesis to cool it down quicker before taking a bite. "Thank you for food."

@Apollyon

 

[Connor Vance]

Connor wasn't concerned about Dalon, not really. Any Sith that still got detention was likely high key in remedial classes. So he let the warning roll off his back. Fuck Dalon. What was he gonna do anyways?

However, when Arak mentioned love Connor almost shit a brick. He choked on the smoke he'd just inhaled and took a moment to recover once the door was locked. "Dude. I'm into the chick not in love with her." He sputtered. The last thing he wanted was Nash to hear that he loved her. They had just started getting to know one another really and that kinda shit was weirdo shit. Not Connor's speed at all.

If Arak expected a lesson on what love was, he was going to be sorely disappointed. Connor came from a broken home and a part of the Galaxy where love, real love was rare. He understood what love was as a concept and emotion but he wasn't sure if he'd experienced giving or receiving it at all in his life.

"Thanks for that." Connor told him, genuinely thankful. "And don't go telling people at the Academy I'm into a chick. I want to be the one who tells her, not her hearing it as a rumor." He stated sharply.

After Connor had gotten the food ready, he sat down across from Arak, his ears perked a little at Arak's excitement. "Yeah man, I'll show you the basics." He replied. "But only if you show me how to do that ice magic thing you just did." He continued, his ears twitching in genuine interest. It seemed like a useful trick to keep beers chilly.

With that Connor would begin explaining Dejarik's basic rules to him. He explained what each monster was and how it worked. He told Arak how to make moves and what the goal of the game was. After he'd finished, Connor would pop the second to last pizza roll in his mouth and talk around it as he chewed.

"So you wanna play a game or two?"

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Arak Ragnos]

Arak just watched as Connor had his coughing fit. If he was about to die it meant Arak got a new ship. Luckily for Connor he recovered and seemed ok. Arak confusedly blinked as Connor mentioned there was a difference between love and in to. "Into and love different? How so?" He had no idea what Connor was talking about not really having any romantic happenings when he was still a Prince.

He again looked at him dumbfoundedly. "Why would I tell? Not my relationship." He said shrugging at Connor's insistence that he keep quiet. He didn't even understand the idea of rumors himself, and found them stupid. Also he wasn't going to blab someone's business that he had no need to do so about.

He got all giddy when Connor agreed to teach him. His expression changed to bewilderment as Connor asked him to teach him how to chill things with the Force.“You, don’t know how?” He pulled one of the pizza pockets to him holding it as it froze over. “You just use Force to chill item or air around item.” He then slowly defrosted it with pyrokenesis whipping the water off his hand afterwards. Being raised with the Force acting as a tool it never occurred to him that others didn’t know or did what he did with it.

He paid close attention to Connor’s instructions on the game and its various rules. He noted the creatures and how they moved and acted. He took in the various moves he could do and when he should. He looked up to Connor and scooted to the other side of the holo display. “Yes let’s play.” He said as he pressed the board reset button.

@Apollyon

 

[Connor Vance]

Connor and Arak played his first game together and unsurprisingly Arak didn't do so hot. In fact, Connor crushed him. But he didn't gloat or rub it in, instead he simply pressed a button to reset the board and calmly looked up at Arak. "Not a bad first try man." He stated simply. "You gotta remember the rules for attack a monster bigger than yours though." He continued. "Don't take the risky fights if you don't have to."

Connor would fall silent for a moment before addressing what Arak had asked earlier, about the difference between into and love. "About what you asked earlier, the love and into thing." Connor started. "I don't know man." He continued with a shrug. "For me, I just know it isn't love. I like her and I like spending ti-" He cut his words off, his ears turning slightly pink at the ends.

Connor would clear his throat, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the direction he'd taken this conversation.

"That trick with the Force, how did you do it?" He asked again. "I can talk with and put my mind into machines but I don't know much else." Connor admitted. "So, how?"

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Arak Ragnos]

Arak made practically every bad call he could during their first match. He attacked with the wrong creatures repeatedly losing engagements. He heeded Connor’s advice making a note to try and adjust the strategy he used. He also was going to try and find something to read that might help him later.

Arak sat in silence as he went over his loss and the recommendations Connor had made to his strategy. Then Connor begun talking about the love and like difference. He listened to him explaining his thoughts when mid sentence he stopped talking. Also for the first time he realized his ears weren’t the normal ears for a human. He only noticed this because they turned pink as he stopped talking. “If that case why you no tell her? Are you scared she no feel same way?”

Connor redirected the convo to the Force ability. How did he do it? For someone who was a Sith in training he seemed to fail at the training part. “You know how manipulate Force? If so just do so to make cold.” He suggested trying to be helpful but not sure how to explain it. “I can show you if want but no sure on how tell you.” He admitted truthfully. “Maybe if sense how I manipulate Force you understand” He shrugged not even sure if that was a way to teach him.

@Apollyon