Ask Yavin IV Stars Around Scars

[Atris Tharen]

"What do I remember from my days as a Padawan?" Atris echoed, arching an eyebrow as she considered the question. She shook her head, laughing gently. "I have a feeling this is a trap. A clever ruse, intended to take my mind off of you and be reminded of all of my past failures."

There were a hundred ways she could answer that question, a thousand different experiences she could draw from, but she decided to respond with the answer she believed Ruzaan needed the most right now. "Wildly imperfect," was the description she settled on, smiling softly at him before turning her attention elsewhere. She settled on the single bench that had been placed alongside the pathway and rested her chin on her hand.

"Thankfully, my Master was a fountain of patience. He never gave up on me, no matter how many times I gave him reason to. Any admirable attributes I might possess, anything laudable I might do— it's all because of him. He taught me everything I know, and he was everything that I want to be. I don't think any of us are ever done growing up, Ruz. We're always changing, and life is always forcing us to adapt. Very little changes day to day, but each sunrise is a new beginning. We wake up every morning and try to be a little better than we were the day before. That's all we can do."

Life had changed since her days as a Padawan learner, particularly for the Jedi Order. Storms laid ahead of them, dark and difficult challenges on the horizon. The fate of the Jedi Order— the fate of the galaxy— was unknown. Life's higher calling, the duty to protect morality and others above oneself rested on the shoulders of the Jedi Padawans of today and the Jedi Knights of tomorrow.

The Jedi were the gatekeepers, the light that drove the darkness from the grounds and kept those nestled away inside the house safe and sound. The people within the house often hated the gatekeepers for hiding the mysteries and allurements of the dark, but without the gatekeepers, darkness would prevail and the galaxy would be plunged into shadow. Nothing worth having lurked in the shadows.

Her brown eyes settled on Ruzaan once again, and a fond smile formed on her lips. In a playful tone she added, "See? There's still hope for you yet."

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Although Atris had playfully questioned his motives for asking, he hadn't intended it as a diversion. Ruzaan tried to keep his spirits up as she described her apprenticeship, but it was difficult. Try as he might, he couldn't image Atris as anything less than brave, strong, and compassionate. She lavished praise on her mentor, but it was clear to Ruzaan that the traits that made Atris so special had always been present in the Jedi Knight. And if Atris Tharen was what passed for "wildly imperfect", what chance did he have of being a successful Padawan?

When Atris decided to sit on a nearby stone bench, Ruzaan chose to remain standing as she reminisced. As she spoke, part of him ached for the connection she'd clearly shared with her master; it was a bond he hoped to have one day with his own master, and a bond he felt like he'd begun to form with the Jedi Knight in front of him. The other part of him, though, grappled with doubts about his own abilities and worthiness. There were days when he felt ready to be an apprentice, and just as many when he was uncertain about his future with the Order.

Then Atris' tone changed back to playful as she appraised his chances of becoming a Jedi; was she mocking him? No, that couldn't be it- Atris had always been kind to him. With a different topic, Ruzaan might've played along and poked fun back at her, but his thoughts were too preoccupied with their current topic to bring levity to the conversation. Frowning slightly as he chose his next words, Ruzaan plopped down on the path, legs crossed, and briefly looked up towards Atris.

"How did you meet your master?"

@llamallove

 

[Atris Tharen]

"On Tatooine, actually," the Jedi replied with an unfocused gaze, her breaths slowing down as memories from her past took over. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, her eyes brightening with recollection. "Believe it or not, he was the first Jedi I ever met, sent to collect me and bring me to Ajan Kloss to begin my training. I never would have joined the Jedi if not for him. I had... changed my mind," she explained, "About joining the Jedi Order. I didn't want to go. I didn't want to leave my family."

Atris knew that was only a half truth, but she didn't know how else to explain it. She had wanted to go, to escape the dusty streets of a forsaken and insignificant space port and chase after a bright future, even if that meant entrusting her life to strangers. It was only the tears of her younger sister, the betrayal that radiated from Paloma and crashed into Atris like a mighty wave that compelled her to stay.

"But Master Trimatt— he was only a Knight at the time— encouraged me to leave. In the end, he changed my mind," An unexplained from settled on her face, her eyes cast downward toward the ground. "I'm afraid it didn't take much convincing. I was... very eager to explore the galaxy." The word she wanted to use was selfish, but now was not the time for that. Ruzaan certainly did not need to hear discouraging stories right now.

"With his arm around my shoulder, he guided me from the backroom of a used parts store to the Jedi Order. And he never let me go. Not once." She was speaking figuratively of course. "Either he took a liking to me or he took pity on a lost and helpless teenage girl and took me under his wing." She chuckled, "I imagine it was the latter. Either way, I'm grateful for everything he did for me. He never let me down, and he never gave up on me. He was there for me when I needed him the most. He is one with the Force now, but his teachings... his spirt follows me everywhere I go."

Not a day went by that Atris did not miss the Arkanian, but she continued to learn from him, even to this day. She always would, every time she recalled his patience or his shrewd intelligence, remembered one of his softly spoken proverbs or aptly timed advice.

Her brown eyes move toward the teenager settled comfortably in the dirt, evaluating him with a soft gaze. If only Master Trimatt was here. The Arkanian would know exactly what to say to Ruzaan. He would know exactly how to help the Togruta, lifting his spirits and instilling confidence in the teenager. Atris, however? She was at a loss, reminded all over again by her own shortcomings and inadequacies. Especially when she compared herself to the man that was her Master.

"You shouldn't doubt yourself so much, Ruzaan," she would eventually remark, her tone considerably quieter. Building him up had not worked, so perhaps another approach was necessary. "Dark times lie ahead of us. The Sith are growing stronger by the day, and it is up to us to meet them head on. You know— I know that you will encounter more Sith, and you must be prepared to face them. If you doubt yourself, they will use that to their advantage. They will not hesitate to strike you down. The Sith... they are not among those that shirk back.

"The Sith are not alone in this, either. The Dark Side itself will use your own doubts against you. Only fools believe themselves to be immune to its call... We all are tempted by it at one point or another, by the power and strength it promises. I have... I am tempted by the Dark Side. It will appeal to your weaknesses, and it will know you better than you know yourself. It will tempt you, too, if it has not already. You must believe in yourself, in the light that flows through you. Otherwise, the darkness will swallow you whole."

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Ruzaan listened thoughtfully as Atris wistfully shared her story of meeting her master- Master Trimatt- and remained silent while she turned the topic back to him. Clearly, Master Trimatt had left a remarkable impression on Atris, and he'd preferred if the conversation remained on happier topics. He didn't want to think about the Sith, or the Dark Side, or the ongoing war, but nonetheless he found his thoughts returning to Felucia and Kabal. He'd encountered Sith there, humanoids who had wanted to kill him simply because he was a Jedi.

"I've learned from my experience on Felucia" he said. Maybe confidence would help banish his self-doubt. "I'll be ready the next time I have to face a Sith." The words sounded hollow even to him- he'd been well out of his league on Kabal, and there was no telling when his duty as a Jedi would once again thrust him into the fray. He'd been spared from fighting on Kabal, and with a sinking feeling he realized that in itself was a mercy and a miracle.

Despite his misgivings his face hardened into determination, and his grey eyes turned serious as he focused on a small bit of moss growing between the cracks in the garden path. He knew what the Dark Side was like- he'd faced it with Atris' help on Tython- and he swore to himself that he would be ready for its temptation. He had to be.

"You said that you're tempted, too" he said finally, although such a concept was strange to him. Atris was calm, confident, and skilled; everything that he hoped to be. Surely she was joking, but if she wasn't... "How do you resist the Dark side, Atris?" he asked.

Ruzaan wasn't really aware that he'd asked yet another very personal question, but given how angry she'd been at him earlier he was trying to make the most of her softer mood while it lasted. He didn't exactly know the rules for disciplining Padawans, especially when she wasn't his master, but Atris didn't seem like the kind to let a technicality stop her.

@llamallove

 

[Atris Tharen]

Atris hesitated, but Ruzaan deserved her honesty. She would not pretend to be someone she was not, not with him. "I don't— not always, anyway. Sometimes... sometimes I indulge in the darkness. I find my thoughts lingering on its power, on what it promises me..." She chewed on her lip, trying to formulate her words. The more Ruzaan understood about the nature of the Dark Side, the more he would be able to defend himself against it in the future.

"The Dark Side seems... generous. Far more generous than the Light Side of the Force, or at least that's what it wants you to think. It fills you with strength and determination and tell you that the Light Side of the Force is restricting you, holding you back from some higher calling or purpose. Some great destiny. Or maybe it will simply promise you revenge, or fame, or admiration. It will appeal to your weaknesses, your doubts, your deepest and most inner desires. It will twist your fears and your past experiences to its own will and purpose."

The Jedi's eyes roamed to her boots, scuffed and dirty from wear and tear. "And it is powerful, like a roaring fire that will consume anything and everything in its path. It's persistent, too," she chuckled, shaking her head, "Your fears, hatred, the inability to let go of the past— all of these can lead to the Dark Side, and yet they are inherently human. We will all experience these emotions at one point or another. The difference is that the Jedi cannot give in to their negative emotions, we cannot feed them and sustain them. Feel them, experience them, but always keep them in check.

"We fall to the Dark Side gradually, with a thousand little baby steps. Resisting the allurement of the Dark Side is something the Jedi do every day, sometimes without even realizing. Meditation. Looking outward instead of inward. Focusing on others instead of yourself. Don't get caught up in your own head. I can attest to that mistake personally," Atris continued,. "Discipline your body and most importantly, discipline your mind and your emotions. Our emotions can be our greatest ally or our greatest enemy. They are what keep us human and in touch with the rest of the galaxy, but they can also be our downfall. Use them wisely. Guard them above all else."

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Ruzaan suppressed a shudder as Atris talked about the dark side. The way she described it made it sound insidious, dangerous, and subtle- which it was. Mentally, Ruzaan updated his understanding of the dark side of the Force; apparently it manifested itself in ways other than a lightsaber-wielding Sith… it was a quiet voice gently fueling his fears, insecurities, and pride.

Unbidden, his mind flashed back to their most recent mission together, on Tython. He’d often replayed his encounter with the dark side specter in his head, and usually his daydream ended with him defeating it in a duel. But there had been more to that encounter than he’d let on, and his gaze lowered again as he recalled the words it had tempted him with.

The dark side had called him weak and unworthy; sentiments that he’d just expressed to Atris. With a start, he realized that it wasn’t the Jedi that were holding him back, as the specter had claimed; it was his own fears and doubts that were doing so. Fears and doubts that were holding him back from...

Capitalizing on his momentary courage lest it desert him, Ruzaan blurted out, "What's the process for a Padawan getting a master?"

@llamallove

 

[Atris Tharen]

Atris blinked a few times, a vacant, faraway expression crossing over her face. "A master?" she echoed, as if buying herself time. Their conversation had taken a sudden turn, and Atris had been caught off guard by the qustion. One moment they were talking about the Dark Side and how to resist its temptation, and now Ruzaan was asking about masters.

"It isn't a difficult process," she would explain in a quiet voice, staring off into nothing for an overlong moment. As if making her mind up about something, she would redirect her attention to Ruzaan and offer him a weak smile. "You may approach a Jedi Master and request that they assign you a master, or you can ask a Jedi directly if they would take you on as their apprentice."


The Knight titled her head to one side, weighing her options as she searched for her next words. Finally, she found the courage to ask, "Why? Do you want a master? Or are you just curious?" She chewed on her lower lip in thought. "Do... do you have anyone specific in mind?"

A part of her hoped he would say no, and another part of her hoped that the answer would be her. Whatever his answer, she hoped it would be the best choice for him.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Ruzaan's question appeared to catch Atris off guard, bringing fresh doubts to the forefront of the Togruta's mind. As quickly as it had arrived, his courage failed him while Atris mused over his question. Thankfully, the process of obtaining a master sounded simple- in fact, he could complete the process right now, if he wanted- but Ruzaan was finding it more difficult than he'd anticipated. A strange tightness gripped his chest, and his tongue felt dry and leaden inside of his mouth; a contrast to the hyperactive internal monologue inside of his head.

"Why?" I don't know where to start answering that question.

"Do you want a master? Or are you just curious?" Yes. I mean, no! Wait-

"Do... you have anyone specific in mind?" No, not since we first met on the shuttle to Tatooine!

Why was this so difficult? Thoughts whirled around inside Ruzaan's head, and for once the Togruta was lost for words. He opened and closed his mouth a couple times, and finally mumbled, "I don't know. I... I need to go and think." He hoped he wasn't being rude to Atris, but his feet were already carrying him away and further into the gardens.

@llamallove

 

[Atris Tharen]

​

Two weeks had passed since their little "incident," and the pair had not spoken since. For that matter, they'd hardly seen each other. Whether or not they would admit it, they were avoiding one another.

After Ruzaan had wandered into the jungles of Yavin IV to think, Atris had not gone after him. Of course she had considered it, wondered if she ought to chase after him and give him a hug or an encouraging word or something. In the end, however, she decided to do none of those things. Ruzaan wanted— needed some time alone. Away from her.

Standing alone in the midst of a jungle clearing, Atris had turned and meandered back to the temple, defeated and confused. She didn't understand what had happened, and she didn't have the slightest clue what was going through Ruzaan's head. Of one thing she was certain, and that was that there was now some divide between the two of them, invisible but nonetheless potent and present.

Perhaps the Jedi Knight had crossed a line, gone too far in her criticisms, but surely.... surely he knew that it was all because she was worried about him? Because she loved him and couldn't bear the thought of losing him? Maybe she had not made that clear.

Two weeks later, the pair found themselves thrown together yet again for another mission, this time aboard a Luxury 3000 Space Yacht bound for New Alderaan. Once they arrived, the two Jedi were to act as additional security for an Ithorian dignitary with lots of high-ranking friends in the Jedi Order. Apparently, his open support of the Jedi Order hadn't won him any friends. Instead, he'd be receiving daily death threats. The Jedi couldn't afford to lose any more allies.

Fortuitous or by design, Ruzaan and Atris would have to put their differences aside and carry out this mission together.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

The distance and space did little to bring clarity to Ruzaan's feelings; if anything, it only added to his confusion. He knew what he wanted- a master- and he knew who he wanted to mentor him- Atris Tharen- but for whatever reason, he couldn't bring himself to communicate that to her... or to anyone, for that matter.

For the next several days, Ruzaan distanced himself from Atris and as many Jedi activities as he could; preferring to spend his time on increasingly long walks into the Yavin jungle or sleeping. His grades began slipping again- just after he'd managed to recover from his post-Felucia slide- and it was with heavy reluctance that he even turned up for his mission- a mission that probably had the Force itself rolling around on the floor laughing at the irony of him working closely with Atris Tharen again.

Even the trappings of the Luxury 3000 Space Yacht did little to better the Togruta's mood, and he absentmindedly stared out a window on the cruise ship while influential citizens of all species partied in the background. The Jedi were supposed to be guarding a prominent Ithorian diplomat, but Ruzaan's thoughts were anywhere but the mission. Instead, he found himself stuck in the vicious cycle of the last several days; unable to break out.

@llamallove

 

[Atris Tharen]

The Luxury 3000 Yacht possessed every modern convenience and amenity possible, despite the fact that the vessel was a relic dating back to the Clone Wars. Its owners had seen to that, sinking credits into new decorations and refurbishments. It might have been a relic, but it certainly didn't look the part.

Atris Tharen was surrounded with comfort and yet had never felt more ill at ease, moving from one chair to the next in an attempt to settle in for the journey ahead. Crossing and uncrossing her legs. Leaning back and closing her eyes. Pacing the compartment hallways. Nothing worked, and the yacht was still hours away from the Outer Rim planet of New Alderaan.

Atris could have blamed her lack of ease on any number of things—on the fact that she hadn't slept a wink last night. On the fact that this was a last minute mission. On the fact that she'd been forced to check her lightsabers at the doors of the luxury yacht. It didn't feel right without her lightsabers—she didn't feel right. It was as if she was off balance, missing a piece of herself.

These were contributing factors, sure, but they weren't the heart and soul of the matter. The crux of the issue stood only feet away from her, at one of the retractable viewports that lined their upper level compartment. Ruzaan stared out into the endless void of space, as still and quiet as Atris longed to be.

Perched nearby on a cushioned chair, Atris opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out. The trip had passed in silence so far, with nothing but brief acknowledgements passed between the two of them.

The Jedi Knight cleared her throat so her voice wouldn't break when she finally broke the silence. "Have you ever been to New Alderaan, Ruzaan?"

Something simple, non-confrontational. An ice breaker, and one that he could easily dismiss if he chose.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Atris Tharen's voice registered on his senses, and he expected a rebuke- he was, after all, supposed to be part of a security detail- but instead the Jedi Knight asked a question. Internally, Ruzaan debated how to respond. It was a harmless question, and the answer was yes, but he didn't really feel like expanding on that answer as he certainly would be asked to do.

Normally, conversation with Atris was pleasant, engaging, and insightful. The Jedi Knight was full of humorous anecdotes and interesting stories that always came with a worthwhile lesson attached- because that was the kind of mentor that Atris was. She was the rare kind of person who made the people around her better, which was why Ruzaan couldn't fathom why her presence was making him feel worse.

A less distracted person might've seen past the question and understood it to be an attempt to bridge the curious gulf that had sprung up between them, but Ruzaan had withdrawn too deeply inside himself and subconsciously rejected the chance to have the necessary conversation about it with Atris at this time. "Yep" he responded, turning his gaze to fix on a point behind her left shoulder- the Ithorian diplomat they were protecting had launched into a tavern song, aided by very expensive looking alcohol. "You?"

@llamallove

 

[Atris Tharen]

Ice breakers rarely did live up to their name and break the ice, and this instance was no exception. Ruzaan was a bona fide pillar of ice, frosty to the touch and chilled to the very core. He was a snowman, left outside to bear the elements on a -60 Celsius night on Hoth. He was one of the icicles that hung from the crystal caverns on Ilum— specifically the one that you bumped your head on and then spent the next few hours complaining about as a bruise began to form.

Atris wasn't sure why she had even tried to break the ice. Clearly, the Padawan was content to sit in silence. The Jedi Knight clenched her teeth, staring off at nothing in particular as she fought to control her emotions. Be mindful of your feelings, she could hear her old master whisper in her ear, the brunt of her anger released in a quiet, insignificant sigh.

"No, I haven't," she would eventually reply in a clear, even tone entirely unaffected by her inner most frustrations. And I'm looking forward to it, she added to herself.

At least on New Alderaan there would be something to do, people to see—distractions. The two of them would no longer be confined to to the same quarters. At least on New Alderaan it would not be so obvious that neither of them had anything to say to the other.

Not to mention their drunk Ithorian friend was beginning to get on her nerves.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Ruzaan considered his suspicion- that Atris' conversation starter was just her trying to get him to open up- confirmed when the Jedi Knight wasn't very forthcoming, either. As much as he wanted to cave and cry and talk things out with Atris, he wasn't ready for that, yet. Besides, he'd set a precedent of crying on her shoulder, and with a slight huff Ruzaan promised himself that he wouldn't do so whenever this was resolved. If it was resolved...

Not for the first time since the mission began, Ruzaan found himself mentally cussing out the Jedi Council for their infinite wisdom in pairing him and Atris up again. They'd failed in their first mission together, nearly died on their second, and the third saw them enduring the off-key singing of a very drunk Ithorian diplomat. Maybe it was a sign that things were not meant to be.

"Cool" replied Ruzaan, nodding solemnly and mentally congratulating himself for using even less words than Atris had. Unfortunately, he wanted some space from her, and his next sentence was impossible to politely pare down to two words or less. "I need to use the 'fresher" he said, excusing himself just as the Ithorian was reaching what he hoped was the crescendo of their song.

@llamallove

 

[Atris Tharen]

Sharp brown eyes followed the Togruta Padawan across the compartment until he disappeared behind closed doors.

Had she been this difficult as a teenager? Caraya's soul, she hoped not for her Master's sake—may he rest in peace. Of course, Master Trimatt had been a fountain of patience. Atris was... not. The Arkanian Master had been full of wisdom and useful proverbs, all of which he managed to pull out at exactly the right time. He always knew what to say, what to do whenever she needed him the most. When she joined the Order, when she lost her sister, when she became a Knight and struck out on her own—he'd been there.

Atris wanted to give that to Ruzaan, to provide the Padawan with the same companionship and comfort her Master had once provided her. To always be there when he needed her, to see him through all of his struggles and be waiting for him on the other side, but she didn't know how. There was an inexplicable gulf between the two of them, and it wasn't going anywhere anytime soon if that exchange was any indication.

The Padawan had pushed her away, and she had done the same. Atris didn't claim to be blameless in this matter, but at the same time she couldn't quite put her finger of what she had done wrong.

Above her, the lights flickered. Then the yacht shook—violently. The Knight steadied the drunk Ithorian as he lost his balance and began to topple over, guiding him toward a chair with the use of the Force. Jumping to her feet, she rushed to the viewport and stared out.

"We're being boarded."

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Ruzaan didn’t actually have to use the ‘fresher, but out of stubbornness and the need to keep up an appearance he found himself heading that direction anyways. Like everything else on the ship, the room was clearly designed with appearance in mind more than functionality, with the interior walls and ceiling covered by a mural so that guests could admire painted scenes of Mon Cala while taking care of business.

Ruzaan would’ve been content to spend as little time in the room as possible, perhaps washing his hands just to feel better about his trip there, but his hand was forced by another guest entering the public ‘fresher behind him and Ruzaan found himself begrudgingly entering a stall for no other reason than to keep up the charade. His mood sank even further as he realized that the other occupant was none other than the very drunk Ithorian diplomat. The scent of alcohol was soon joined by the unmistakable odor of vomit as the Ithorian regurgitated the delicacies they’d been enjoying all over the 'fresher floor.

Suddenly, the ship rocked violently, and Ruzaan almost fell into the toilet. Narrowly avoiding an unwelcome date with a gold-plated seat, the Togruta didn't have to wait long to determine the cause as the funky 'fresher music was replaced by the slightly-panicked tones of a female voice. "This is your captain speaking. All guests, please proceed to your rooms and lock the doors for your safety. We apologize for the inconvenience."

Ruzaan suppressed a sigh; the only thing worse than being stuck in the 'fresher with the drunk diplomat would be to be locked in a small room with him. However, his sense of duty eventually overcame his annoyance, and with a small amount of disgust, he led the diplomat towards the door.

Some 6th sense told him to peek cautiously instead of strolling out into the hallway, and the sight of several heavily-armed pirates coming their way made Ruzaan quickly rush the confused diplomat back into the 'fresher and into one of the stalls. Ruzaan quickly closed the door behind him and mentally bemoaned the fact that he was uncomfortably close to the sloshed Ithorian, who was eyeing the toilet like he needed to get reacquainted with it.

A small pang inside Ruzaan's heart clued him into the fact that he wished Atris were here, but just as quickly he dismissed the thought. He did, however, briefly wonder what she was up to... certainly, it couldn't be any worse than his present situation.

@llamallove

 

[Atris Tharen]

"We're being boarded, sir," Atris repeated, turning to face the Ithorian dignitary. "We need to get you to—"

Gone. The Ithorian dignitary had vanished, no longer slumped over the side of the armchair Atris had guided him to. The Jedi Knight let out a low, annoyed growl. He couldn't have gone far, not in his condition. He could hardly walk, and he looked like he wanted to die. He probably wandered off to the refresher—and if Atris was lucky—the same refresher Ruzaan had sauntered off to find.

Unwilling to take any chances, however, Atris reached for the lightsaber at her hilt, grasping at nothing but air. Also gone.

Oh, dosh... she thought to herself. In her panic to find the dignitary, she'd forgotten that all weapons had been checked at the door upon boarding the Luxury 3000 Space Yacht earlier today. Even lightsabers. It was such a stupid rule, but the Ithorian dignitary had insisted they travel first-class. Now she knew why—so he could get absolutely loaded at his convenience in the yacht's complimentary bar.

Caraya's soul, she hated politicians. This was the last time she escorted one of them halfway across the galaxy. Of course, she'd said that last time, too.

The Jedi Knight rushed across the room, sliding the door open and poking her head out. Brown eyes scanned the hallway—empty. Reaching out with the Force, she ensured that no one was coming and snuck out. The pirates would take over the bridge first, kill or incapacitate the captain, and cut all communication to the rest of the galaxy. Then they'd overwhelm the yacht's light security and search the cargo hold for valuables. Lastly, they'd search the passengers and confiscate possessions or persons of interest.

Down the hall, Atris pushed the door of the nearest refresher open, not bothering to knock. Now was not the time for manners. "Ruzaan?" she called in a whisper.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

While the diplomat was busy making out with the toilet, Ruzaan considered his options. There were at least four pirates marching this way, and while he doubted that they'd check the 'fresher he felt very, very cornered right now. To make matters worse he was unarmed, thanks to the "safety protocols" that the ship enforced; protocols that now were deriving the ship's elite occupants of their best defense. The Togruta eventually decided that the door was the best place to make his stand, as it was as closest to a chokepoint he could find. He had almost made his way around a small half wall to the door when it opened. "Ruzaan?"

Ruzaan, still out of sight of Atris, froze. Internally, he had a hot debate over what to do. On one hand, there was no one else he'd rather be in this situation with than Atris. At the same time, she was the last person he wanted to be spending time with right now. She'd probably fret about him and go out of her way to try and keep him safe...

"Present" he finally mumbled, stepping into view and motioning her further into the 'fresher. Shouting coming from the hallway only soured his mood; Atris had been spotted. "You led them right to us" he complained, unable to keep an exasperated tone out of his voice. "Now we have to fight them." As if on cue, the diplomat began choking; presumably on their own vomit. "Now one of us has to fight them" he corrected himself.

@llamallove


OOC: Rolled a 23/100 to avoid the initial pirate sweep (Mild fail, fail with some minor consequence)

 

[Atris Tharen]

Atris stared down at the Togruta, her brown gaze flinty. 'You led them right to us' was the wrong thing to say to her at that moment. "Now is not the time for petty squabbles, Padawan Kai. The ship is being boarded. People could die," she frowned with a sweeping arm gesture, ignoring the Ithorian politician dealing with his own private crisis. "Do you think you could put our differences aside long enough to deal with this situation?"

The sound of voices grew closer, pirates hot on her trail. "You can remain hiding in here and guard him." Since obviously that was the entirety of your plan, she added to herself. "I'll deal with them." She glanced over Ruzaan's shoulder, brown eyes raking over the ailing diplomat. "And try to keep his sorry exhaust port from killing himself."

Atris slipped out of the refresher, closing the door behind her. From the other side of the door, Ruzaan would hear the Knight say, "Hello there," in a friendly voice, followed by a muffled scuffle and several grunts.

Seconds later, the door would fly open, and a single pirate would storm into the room. Atris stumbled after him, blood gushing from her nose.

Spoiler: Dice Roll

Can Atris convince the pirates to not search the refresher? Rolled a 1/20... Ouch. Atris should probably be dead right now, not going to lie, but I don't have the energy to write a death scene... lol.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Padawan Kai. Yep, Atris was mad. For as long as Ruzaan had known her, the Jedi Knight had eschewed formality in favor of a more casual approach; one that indicated mutual respect. The gulf in Ruzaan's chest, already churning from the unplanned Atris encounter- collapsed further as he processed her words. Padawan... Kai... The Togruta bit back a retort; given that she very much looked like she wanted to punch something or someone, Ruzaan decided it was best that she dealt with the pirates lest she beat up the choking doormat- sorry, diplomat- instead.

Mentally cursing out the Ithorian, Ruzaan dutifully positioned himself behind the man, who had managed to stagger out of the stall and over by the sink. Heave! The Ithorian expelled some vomit, and Ruzaan positioned himself for a second maneuver- forgetting entirely that the Togruta species was in the minority when it came to having more than one stomach. That left him completely unprepared for a pirate to come rushing into the room with a full head of steam, and the Weequay's vicious clothesline attempt cleared the doubled-over diplomat and struck Ruzaan square in the chest; sending him flying backwards and onto a vomit-soaked section of the floor.

Ruzaan wasn't sure what to react to first: the pain in his chest where the Weequay had struck him, his disgust at the puke he was rolling around in, or his frustration with the Atris situation that was very quickly reaching a boiling point. "I hate this stupid mission!" he yelled, his voice taking on an impetuous whining quality. He knew that he was acting immature, especially for a Jedi- here he was, throwing a temper tantrum in the middle of a luxury liner's 'fresher- but he didn't care.

The unintended side effect was that his outburst might distract the Weequay enough for Atris to sneak up behind it, but Ruzaan wasn't sure if she had forgiven him enough to step into his mess.


@llamallove