Space Is Cool

[Lucian Volante]

Theme​

This was either a really good idea or a really bad idea.

But in the end, Lucian wanted to believe that being a Jedi meant that you were supposed to be able to forgive those who were not too far gone. That anyone could turn their life around so long as they really, truly, meant it.

To turn your life around, however, you needed people to actually help and support you along the way and the first thing that needed to be done was that someone had to go out of their way. Aliyah would help out Kathry because she was her sister... Lucian would help her out because it was the right thing to do.

Kathry was escorted into the hanger, where Lucian was working on his fighter (the one with the slightly larger cockpit), by a duo of Temple Guards. They had a stun collar fitted to her and, upon seeing him, they nodded before leaving. Lucian hopped out of the fighter, having just disabled all of the weapons, and waved to her as she stood there on her new, temporary, legs,

"Morning Kathry." he greeted her with a smile, "So I asked the guards if I could 'look after you today' - do you mind? I just thought you might like to get away from the cells and the Temple itself really."

@TheMorrigan

 

[Kathry Van Alasdaire]

-Paralyzed-​

More damnable guards. These masked freaks seem to lurk wherever I am present.

There was something positive to be said about the manner in which the Jedi treated their captives. Her inner warrior screamed for her to attempt escape, but the small and moral voice in her head did not want to disappoint her sister. The ever-present need to prove herself was, in fact, a strong drive for her to continue, if not simply to spite the Sith for the family they murdered. At least, that is how the Vahla justified still being in captivity despite the many chances that were provided to escape. This morning, she had been taken to the training yards in cybernetic legs that were constructed as a gift. Perhaps this was an attempt to placate her into surrendering information- or perhaps it was not so sinister a motive. The conversations she had shared had given her intellectual side much to discover. How was it that these Jedi possessed such power, a power that could dwarf her own and overcome her in seconds. The Vahla could clearly see they did not discern this ability through emotion. What, then, provided them with such strength? Was it this forgiveness that her sister incessantly preached?

And then, there is this one.

"Morning, Lucian. I have had a busy day, but any chance to adapt to my new circumstances is a welcome one. Though the view from the cells is quite magnificent.

...What manner of craft is this?"

Kathry greeted him warmly by a Vahla's standards. The standards from which taking one's limbs are considered appropriate. Most would not realize that the willingness to do what was necessary was a commended trait in her culture. He treated his foes with respect for the most part as well, another trait that was respectable. The future was yet uncertain, and a certain part of the Sorceress still wanted to seek retribution, but that portion of her was held back. Aliyah, to her benefit, was correct. If her father could somehow overcome Vahl's oppressive nature, she could do the same. And the girl wanted nothing more than to be free of the legacy her mother had left behind. The Galaxy had shown her what that woman had created inside her, and everything she loathed about herself Vahl's minions had taught. She would be free of this, of that there was a certainty. But of this craft, there was none, it was much too small to be a starship of any kind. The freighter she had taken had been massive and crudely built, barely capable of the journey it had performed, this puny thing would not stand against the void of space.

"It appears to be flight capable. But that is preposterous."

@Nefieslab

 

[Lucian Volante]

She was right about one thing - the cells had an amazing view.

Part of being set atop one of the largest towers within the Temple, the cells were actually treated to spectacular views that really did nothing short of take the breath away. It was a bit strange to many that prisoners were treated to such sights but it was both practical and rather considerate.

Better they see the natural beauty of the Galaxy.

"Oh I agree - nothing quite like a view from a great height."

Then again he was a pilot - of course he would say that.

At her question he raised an eyebrow before glancing behind him. Did she...? Did she seriously not know what a starfighter was? That was more than a little bit odd to him. Turning back to her, he shrugged a little bit and gestured to it,

"This is a Liberator Class Starfighter." he told her with a wide smile, "And it's the ship that you and I are going to go flying around in today. The Order refused to let me use any ship higher as they would have a hyperdrive - with this we can flit about the system and that's it. It'll give you a chance to be away from the Temple."

@TheMorrigan

 

[Kathry Van Alasdaire]

The Vahla's eyes seemed to widen as the Jedi this claimed the craft to be a Starfighter. She'd heard and even seen these devices in action, she knew of them, but like most non-nomadic Vahla she was woefully unaware of how to make one function. The sorceress had learned only the very basics of star travel, the majority of her education focused on more tangible subjects. This model, however, was a mystery to her still as it was not a design she was familiar with. She marveled at the ship for a moment before a vale of hair gently fell directly in the way of her vision. Pushing the hair aside, she found the sprite grinning like an idiot while he explained that they would be flying the Liberator together. The Vahla was uncertain whether to be excited at the prospect of space flight in such a personal craft, where the experience would be exhilarating - or terrified of the prospect. One thing the woman knew for certain, if even a single Sith heard of these events they would likely kill her. Though, she found herself amused, knowing that these Jedi would likely stand to protect her. The faith they gave was engrossing. She nodded slowly.

"Wise choice. Though if your council had the foresight they claim, they would realize fighting you without additional training would be pointless in my current state. If we are meant to fly in this thing, might I ask why there is only one cockpit?"

Perhaps this was the way all Jedi Fighters functioned, and they simply relied on their oneness to merge together with some yet unseen force ability. But to the Sorceress, it seemed there was room for perhaps one male of Lucian's size. As her physiology was much more flexible than that of an ordinary human's, she could fit in the same compartment without issue. If Kathry so desired, she could bend or contort herself in such a way that the Dame would fit into the compartment - not necessarily just on the chair, but most other empty spaces too. But such an advantage was not one Kathry wanted to make overt or known, not as a means of deception but for her own privacy. The sorceress was aware that the sight and sound of the contortions caused most other humanoids to look away in alarm and disgust, and though Kathry had grown used to such things she did not wish to cause such reactions now. The girl shuffled forward awkwardly, forcing her newfound mechanized legs to move as requested. Though Kathry knew it was not a habit to be creating, she found herself gripping the things through the Force and moving them both physically and telekinetically. When she was free of these constraints, the Vahla's first priority would be finding a set far superior to the ones she found herself clasped to.

"I have no issues with getting away from the Temple. It's fairly clear you two are the only ones among your Order who welcomes my presence. I can feel the derision even from my cell."

Not that the feeling has changed. The Sith are much the same way when they speak of their foes.

@Nefieslab

 

[Lucian Volante]

Why was there only one cockpit? Well that was a good point - if not really the right point. The good part was that the cockpit was, indeed, not the best for teaching someone to fly. The point she should have made was that the cockpit hadn't been enlarged enough to fit another seat in. It had, however, been altered to allow more space for Lucian however - space enough for another person.

"Well the tandem model hasn't arrived yet so we have to use this one. The cockpit is roomier don't worry." He added before grimacing, "But you will have to sit on my legs... is that going to be a problem?"

Or they could take off her mechanical legs? That would make it easier on her to fit too.

How strange it must be to find that of the two people who welcomed you... one was your sister and the other the man who had maimed you. So strange... be climbed up into the cockpit via the small set of steps and waved for her to join him,

"Come on Kathry - this is the best way to see the Temple I promise!"

@TheMorrigan

 

[Kathry Van Alasdaire]

Kathreveris was beginning to feel the strangest inkling of doubt in this cockpit idea, but did not speak of it at present. Her eyes widened slightly as he explained that the tandem model hadn't arrived yet. The Vahla dreaded the thought of asking him why precisely he required an enlarged cockpit in the first place. Let alone an entirely separate tandem model, it seemed curious from the notoriously strict Jedi Order, to possess such devices. Thought she could not sit it in judgement, no apparently she would sit on his legs. Of course the sprite would ask if it was going to be a problem, in a tone she couldn't quite describe. Nondescript was perhaps the right term, as though someone had dampened everything with a slight layer of confidence and sarcasm. The grimace was an interesting addition to the situation, it created in her an uncertainty. Perhaps he did not understand how he felt concerning this cockpit, or maybe the name was simply a literal connotation. The Vahla looked back at him, unimpressed, but somewhat amused.

"I don't believe it will be an issue... should I be concerned?"

The Vahla smiled gently and began to walk forward, the Guards following her movements awkwardly. Her grin widened slightly, she hadn't attempted to run and jump with these legs as of yet, but now seemed as good a time as ever. If for no other reason than to practice the movements, and to startle these Temple Guards slightly. Unfortunately, Kathry found little joy in dashing forward and hopping onto the first step, as the Guards did not react and merely maintained their distance. The act was more than slightly unnerving, but the Sorceress found her attention presently on entering the strange device. Striking her elbow with a growl, the girl managed to sit down easily enough, looking from side to side slowly. This was strange.

"As long as you don't take any other limbs."

@Nefieslab

 

[Lucian Volante]

Was she going to pass on this opportunity?

She seemed to be rather tentative about this whole thing and he was beginning to think that he might just have to take her back to her cell so she would be fine again. But in the end she seemed to be alright with it. When she asked if she should be concerned he just shrugged his shoulders.

"No, you're going to be perfectly safe." he assured her with a small smile, "And you'll get to experience the thrill that only comes from being in a starfighter. Trust me Kathry - there's almost no thrill like it."

Rolling his eyes at her antics - he would admit to still being slightly amused. In the end through, she sat down on his lap and he made sure that the harness stretched so as to keep them both protected. Pushing a button, the cockpit closed and they were cut off from the noises of Tython, leaving just themselves and the starfighter. Reaching around her, his arms under her own, Lucian did all the pre-flight checks.

"Promise - no limb removal."

With that done, Lucian took her hands and placed them on the controls,

"Alright so I'm going to give it the speed - the throttle - and what you need to do is pull back gently on the controls. We want the nose to lift up first. Once it does? Tell me and I'll put on more speed. Ready?"

He began to bring the fighter up to taxing speed out of the hanger.

@TheMorrigan

 

[Kathry Van Alasdaire]

A single, deep breath left her lungs as she looked around. Whatever it was he was clicking was causing the thing to move and preform a variety of other interesting things. The Vahla had never actually flown in a Starfighter, nor such a personal craft designed to bring one closer to the stars. Or in this case, the temple and the world on which it resided. The girl began to tap her thum gently as the safety checks where underway until complete, laughing slightly at Lucian's comment about no more limb removal. That would be heartily appreciated, though in hindsight perhaps Kathry had deserved it. The Sorceress had been acting impertinent, one of her nonsensical fits, that was obvious enough to her now. There was a slight fear in her that she would never leave this place willingly, and part of that fear played into her decision to join the Jedi. But her curiosty and desire to prove herself was causing conflict in her mind, enough it temporary distracted her to Lucian's instructions. Though, she understood the ghist of what he was trying to convey, and knew what the liftoff would feel like.

"Don't worry. I am certain I will handle these controls without an issue."

What exactly am I doing with these things?

Her hands hesitantly dropped to the base of the controls, grasping them lightly as her hands where placed. Another deep breath marked her preparation, as she gently shifted and looked around the hangar as they where taxed to the hanger. Kathry had only ever flown one ship, one much larger than this, though she was confident that preforming a simple liftoff was within her skills. As the girl felt the vessel turn and increase in speed, waiting to launch completely. It would be obvious enough that a slight nervousness had overcome her, this was completely out of her element. Though the Sorceress was willing to learn, this was pushing her confidence, and Kathry enjoyed the challenge. As the speed would increase, when she felt the nose gently rise, she would begin to pull up on the controls cautiously. The Vahla could keep the controls steady easily enough, a personal craft such a this was easier to control than the vessels she was used to. It was far from perfection, but if the desire existed she was certain Kathry could learn.

"Ready."

@Nefieslab

 

[Lucian Volante]

Well, he was reasonably sure that she was probably going to be having issues with some parts of the flight but that was, really, to be expected. For someone to master flight on their first attempt was, if he was honest with himself, rather mean spirited. Flight took many years to become something you were used to, let alone something that you were naturally able to do well enough to excel at without training.

But she would likely do well enough considering she had himself and the Force as her allies in this endeavour.

As the speed picked up and she readied herself, Lucian nodded before really ramping up the speed. If she pulled on the control right, they would begin to take off. If she didn't, then they would be getting rather close to continuing enough to run out of runway.

If he had to use the controls, he would.

@TheMorrigan