That one time...

[TweedPawn]

Blaster fire streaked above Gaunerei's head. Boy, had he miscalculated. So, maybe stealing some ancient texts from a tomb raider was not a good idea. Sometimes, the tomb raider had something useful. Mostly, they had something that wasn't useful to you. Always, they never let it go without a price.

So, Gaunerei now had a holocron in his pocket, a hive of angry smugglers trying to gun him down, and almost no weapons at his disposal. Gaunerei was going to file a complaint about this to someone for sure. He reached out with a hand and pulled on the Force to flip a stack of crates into his pursuers' path.

"We have a wizard! Don't get close!" shouted from behind.

"Get him alive! They go for bank!" shouted another.

Great. And they hunted Force Users too. If Gaunerei knew who they were sided with, he would have enjoyed the free ride to safety. The Rabbit ducked into a crowd, using a shimmer of an illusion to help him vanish into an alleyway while his hunters went the wrong way. Gaunerei gave a huge sigh of relief.

"I'm literally too old for this." He breathed. He slumped against a wall and held the holocron in his hand. It looked like it was still in good shape. He wasn't sure what to do with it, and it was too dangerous to open it here.

 

[Richie B.]

Jaleer had been trying to relax on the planet with his new girlfriend Alisha holding hands and just relaxing the sage felt at peace but it would never last it seemed, as they walked the couple heard blaster fire and yelling. Jaleer reacting quickly only with his Jedi robes with his recent promotion the sage was stronger and able to finally take on padawans, so when he hear the fighting the sage charged in hoping that his girlfriend will stay safe when the young Jedi took care of the violence. Jaleer wished his master Ebberla could have been there when he was promoted but it seems she is still missing an the sage only hoped she was alright.

Running into the group of smugglers hearing them shutting that they were chasing a wizard, connecting the dots the sage knew that whoever the people were they were chasing a force sensitive. Putting his training to the test the sage entered each of their minds and attempted to forget about the force user and to head back, once that was done the sage would take a while to sense for whoever the smugglers were talking about. Sensing a strong presence in the force, it felt like chaos itself but Jaleer knew that being afraid of it would not help and decided to follow the presence to the source.

The sage stood in front of a strange man holding a holocron approaching slowly, sensing the chaos within the fellow. Jaleer felt how powerful the man was within the force and without his lightsaber the sage would have to rely on the force to fight.

"Sir I am guessing your the one those men were screaming about?" Jaleer asked already building up the force within him just in case.

 

[TweedPawn]

"Sir I a-"
"Gyah!" Gaunerei leaped, caught completely offguard by the force user. He nearly dropped the holocron and scrambled to make sure it didn't hit the ground. He gave a sigh of relief. He looked at the kid from under his messy bangs.

"Jeez, buddy. Don't scare me like that." His eyes studied the force user. Jedi? How was a jedi out here? Not that Gaunerei was complaining. He was mostly unarmed, except for a blaster pistol. Last time Gaunerei knew, Jedi didn't just go around chopping limbs off nilly willy. Still Gaunerei had his own reasons for not wanting to go back to the jedi, it was for their own good.

"uh, can I help ya...?"

 

[Richie B.]

Jaleer also jumped, the mans yelp scared the sage taking a moment to breath a sigh of frustration the sage put on his usual smile and his easy going nature returned. Looking at the holocron the sage was confused as too what was giving off the sense of chaos, something the sage was not good with seeing as Jaleer preferred to plan this out an not just wing it.

"Sorry about it sir, an yes you can help me. I am going to assume that holocron is not yours? An I am correct in guessing your a force user, so tell me are you with any order?" Jaleer wants to establish who the man before him was before anything else happens since if the man was a Sith the sage would have to be careful though Jaleer doubted the man was a Sith though he radiated chaos it wasn't dark or cool the Jedi felt which was strange.

"What are you?" Jaleer asked eventually just completely taken aback by what he felt through the force.

 

[TweedPawn]

Gaunerei raised an eyebrow. Yup, Jedi. He took a good look at the fella. Sage-type, judging by the aloofness and lack of machismo. He looked at the holocron. That diplomatic personality could change in a heartbeat if the jedi decided that he wanted the holocron bad enough. Gaunerei studied its intricate metalwork.

"define 'with', kiddo." He growled, rolling his eyes at the thought of his current predicament. He was also avoiding the other two obvious questions. Of course, the holocron wasn't his. Any holocron that wasn't stuffed in a library was not where it belonged.

And then the million-credit question came. what are you?. Always. It never failed. Usually, a fire fight came shortly afterwards with Gaunerei running like a rabbit from a fox's mouth.

"Guess." he smirked.

 

[Richie B.]

Jaleer knew that now this would be a mental fight trying to figure out the other though the sage knew he was at a disadvantage but that didn't bother him taking note on how he look but using the force to try to figure it out, but no matter what the sage couldn't really figure where he stood. The sage decided that the man had experience with both of the big orders which would explain his frustration, yet his connection to the force was just as strong as his ex master Ebberla which was crazy.

"I am going to guess your not with either but the way you said with tells me you might be having to deal with one of them. But I can't imagine why your strong with the force like my master Ebberla." Jaleer didn't know why he mentioned his master but in comparassion the two were both incredible strong with the force so much so that it scared the young Jedi.

"As for what you are I sense a traveling monk/trickster but I can't be 100% sure." Jaleer said thinking on what else the man could possibly be.

 

[TweedPawn]

Gaunerei sensed the fear. Luckily, for the Jedi, Gaun had no reason to use the fear to his advantage. Gaunerei's ears perked up at the mention of Ebberla. A flurry of mixed emotions followed. Ebberla had sold him out. Yet, there was a strong sense of bonding to the former Grandmaster.

"You're one of the types that's still loyal to her, huh?" He tucked the holocron into his jacket. "I don't blame you. The way the Jedi booted her out was terrible. Inexcusable. You must miss her terribly."

"And you're right, I'm not with any 'side' or 'order'. I'm a ferryman, if anything. Some have called me trickster. But monk? That's a new one.

"I'm the ferryman of chaos"

 

[Alisha Dawnstrider]

Although Alisha thought this was a strange planet, she didn't mind where she was, as long as Jaleer was next to her. Holding his hand as the two walked along each other, Alisha was starting to begin to relax, and then she heard shots being fired and screams..

"Bloody typical. We can never catch a break!" She said, sounding rather annoyed, but Jaleer already sprung to action. His protective body language showed that he would have preferred her staying out of the fight, but Alisha would have none of it. She was trained for such contingencies, and would not back down, especially to help out other people, since she could hold her own.

"No I'm coming with!!" She shouted, readying her weapon. However, she stopped as she witnessed Jaleer simply waving his hand and pointing them to another direction. Although she appreciated his constant try to avoid violence, Alisha seriously doubt these smugglers couldn't use a beating. And that trick didn't work with everyone... She however, refrained from saying that out loud and simply put away the weapon to witness the conversation between the strange individual that Jaleer just rescued and himself.

She was curious about the person, and got closer, keeping her hand on the bolster, just in case. Alisha listened to the conversation, but found it difficult to follow. A lot of Jedi/force terms..She found it also quite a coincidence he seemed to know Jaleer's master..She initially remained quiet, but then stepped forward after the two finished talking to introduce herself.

"Hey there. You alright?" She then noticed the holocron. Clearly he stole it, Alisha thought. Of course, Alisha had stolen a few things herself in the past, and wasn't about to judge the man.

"Nice...find.." She smiled. Obviously, Alisha already told Jaleer about her past, but that didn't mean he would approve of..her approving of stealing things. She temporarily forgot that as she waited for the stranger to reply.

 

[Richie B.]

Jaleer was glad that Alisha didn't jump into the fight having become a knight the sage felt like he needed to start acting more mature and making sure less people got hurt plus he had two new padawans that needed training but also need a good example. Jaleer listened to the strange man an felt his mix of emotions which felt intense making the sage build up mental barriers, though the sage didn't want Alisha to get too close he wouldn't stop her, the sage was trying to take in every word the strange man said.

Though it was hard to understand Jaleer nodded when asked if he missed Ebberla his old master was missing and the sage wished he could figure out what happened to her and where she was at the moment. Noticing that the man put away the holocron the sage decided he should investigate it though Jaleer wasn't sure if the holocron was of darkside origins having a hard time sensing it thanks to the ferry man who was just radiating chaos.

"You sound like you know my master, an what is a ferry man of chaos? But I can feel why you hold that title, what happened to you?" Jaleer had many questions for the man but remembering why they were in this situation.

"An Alisha its a Holocron a storage device used by force users, an I am wondering why you stole it." Jaleer said tapping his foot waiting for a answer from the clearly older and more powerful man.

@TweedPawn

 

[TweedPawn]

Ugh great. And there it was. Two of them were now here and questioning Gaunerei. And frankly, he didn't see why he needed to answer anything to them. He would humor them on some questions. They were being impatient, and that was a terrible attitude to have around a trickster. Gaunerei thought to himself for a moment.

He tried to think of if there was anything he would find useful in these two. No way in hell he would turn them over to the Sith. Screw those guys and their crackpot of an Empress. It looked like the sage was unarmed, so much for swiping a lightsaber. Still Gaunerei thought hard on what to do with these two.

Sith were looking for bounties, maybe there was a way of collecting without killing? But it was for lightsabers turned in. Any padawan braids? Hrrmm, it could work. But at a fraction. Still, good like swiping one without a lot of fists flying. Perhaps it just wasn't going to be a day for profit.

After all, Gaunerei had zero intention of turning the holocron over to the sith. He just wanted to see if there was any traces to the Hound.

"I had...an interesting relationship with Ebberla Daw. If I was you I would tell Orlaan that a Rabbit sent you to find out. Also, tell him Rabbit says hello and that he misses him terribly. Wonderful fellow." Gaunerei smiled. He turned to the alley-way further down. He was nervous about those smugglers chasing after him again in conjunction with these two rapscallions.

"Stole it? I don't know what you're talking about. I obviously rescued it." He flashed a smile, trying to look charming, especially for the little lady. She seemed less worried than the sage.

"As for being a Ferryman, well." He reflected for a moment.

"There are many who claim they can control chaos. That they are living embodiment of chaos and its power. Those people are idiots. I do not control chaos, nor does it control me. I am just a raft in its ocean. I know enough to navigate, and to not be swept up by its current. Anyone who tells you otherwise, is trying to sell you something."

 

[Richie B.]

Jaleer knew that if he tried anything the man could easily destroy him with the force though the sage was not a weakly with it, the difference in power was too great even if Alisha helped him the two of them would be unable to stop the ferry man, but what the ferryman was confusing what would the Jaleer have to find out. An why does he need to talk with the new grandmaster about it, an what kind of relationship was it that the man had with Jaleer's master. So many questions were going through the young man's mind but right now Jaleer had someone know might know were his master was an that was something the sage had to talk with.

"What kind of relationship, an what do I need to find out? But most importantly do you know where Ebberla is?" Jaleer stared into the man's eyes with a intense glare he didn't care much about who the man was though it was interesting, the sage needed to find his master no matter what.

Jaleer wasn't about to lose another mentor and the sage would fight through anyone if she was in danger, even if he had to fight the Sith to get to her the young Jedi would do it. Jaleer began to gather the force within him though it wasn't to start a fight more like in case he went to far the sage wanted to make sure Alisha was safe.

 

[Alisha Dawnstrider]

At first, Alisha didn't like how the man was eyeing them up. It looked like he was considering something that wouldn't have been good for them. She listened with a serious face as the man explained what he knew of Jaleer's master, which suggested that he may have known where she was. Alisha knew this would strike a chord with Jaleer. However, Alisha turned her body half way in the direction the man was staring at. Clearly he was worried about the smugglers. Alisha didn't think they'd give up that easily either. Alisha had a look, but saw no signs of them, neither did she hear them. However, it always paid to be cautious. She grinned back at the man, however, when he mentioned the rescue of the hologram. In her mind, the less the Sith had in their posession, the better. She approved of anyone that relieved them of anything, really.

Although she didn't understand all that talk about his master and rabbit and so on, the thought that he might know where she was clearly showed in Jaleer. She turned back to him when he questioned the man about his master. She has never seen him lose his patience, and although he wasn't exactly going to burst any time soon, clearly he was desperate to know. Alisha understood how close he must have been to his mentor, and got close to him. She placed an hand on his arm to try and settle him, and spoke to him with a soft tone.

"Take it easy" She says, then gave the place a quick headcheck, to see if there was anyone in sight.

"I don't think this is the best place for that conversation. Force users have a huge bounty, and thoese guys might be back. Perhaps we should go back to the ship?" Alisha suggested.

 

[TweedPawn]

Gaunerei felt the Force growing in the Jedi. That wasn't good. The jedi felt threatened, or was planning on dragging Gaunerei to the jedi. Both of these options were terrible ideas. But Gaunerei now had a reason to be nervous. The jedi had to sense his age, his presence in the Force. But what most young mortals did not realize was that using the Force was like riding a bike, you use it or you lose it. Gaunerei was a bit rusty.

He placed his hands up defensively,

"Easy buddy. I get that you wanna know, but maybe you should slow down." said Gaunerei. " and no offense, but I'm not getting on any ship alone with you two. I got my reasons for not trusting you as much as you have yours for not trusting me." He crossed his arms.

"I'll get us a hotel room." He motioned for the Jedi to follow him.

"ain't gonna be the ritz, but we'll have some privacy."

 

[Richie B.]

Jaleer knew he needed to calm down after Alisha placed her hand on his arm realizing that he was acting out and began to stop the build up of the force within himself, looking at Alisha the sage had a apologetic look ashamed at losing his patience.

Glad to see that Alisha still had some sense, an understanding that the Ferryman was right. Grabbing a hold of Alisha's hand the sage held on tightly hoping to keep himself centered an not loss his patience again.

"Alright I have a lot of questions but I will save them until we get to the room." Jaleer said ready to follow the ferryman to their destination.

 

[Alisha Dawnstrider]

Alisha nodded to the stranger. She understood his hesitation and why he didn't trust them. After all, she was born on Tatooine, where trust was extremely rare. Come to think of it, it was rare everywhere, and Alisha was aware of that. They also just met, and Alisha didn't think they made their intention very clear yet, something she wanted to straighten out herself, since Jaleer was clearly a little worked up.

"Yes, that's reasonable. We are willing to follow you to wherever you chose, if it gives you peace of mind. We're not here to cause you any more trouble for you." She said with a kind tone and a warm smile. She had no intention of provoking him. Jaleer seemed to feel nervous about him, which to Alisha was an indication that perhaps he was strong in the force, though Alisha had no way of knowing. But at least she didn't really feel threatened by him, not really.

Alisha felt better when Jaleer agreed to follow him also, and grabbed her hand. She smiled at him and nodded her approval. No point in getting too worked up about things at this stage. She gave one last look behind, to make sure that she didn't hear the smugglers come back back, then moved slightly closer to Jaleer, and was ready to follow the men forward.

"So lead, and we'll follow." Alisha said to the man.

 

[TweedPawn]

"Great!" he clasped his hands together, and cautiously signaled for the two Jedi to follow him. He was still nervous about their intentions. They could easily jump him and send a stun bolt into his sinus cavity. Maybe that was what they were waiting for? To get where Gaun could be carted off. Well, it took more than one trick to snare a Rabbit.

The hotel was disgusting. Insects crawled in such a fearless way that would make cult leaders envious. The Front Desk was covered in mystery stains, and the hum of a half-empty vending machine reminded everyone that the snack had expired three months ago.

Past warn jungle-vine carpet, peeling fresco, and cheap plastic plants, Gaun effortlessly unlocked a random room he certainly did not pay for. Clean, was the suggestion that was only available in the sterile cheap art prints.

"Yeah, so...you have a lot of questions. And I ain't gonna lie. I'm kinda broke and I'm still not really trusting of you two. So, Let's make a deal" The rabbit thought to himself. A crazy idea, but it might work.

"If I like ya, I want to hitchhike a ride off you two. It's a bit far." He warned.

"You get three questions. Any more than that, and you'll have to offer more."

 

[Richie B.]

Jaleer liked that Alisha grabbed his hand it would help the sage relaxed though he was a knight the young man was still new an needed some time to adjust to the new position, glad that Alisha wasn't force sensitive or she might have gotten a bit angry with him for doing that or felt the strange presence that was the ferryman. The sage knew that where the ferryman took the two that Jaleer would have to watch out who knows what the ferryman would do being a man of chaos the young Jedi was worried that the man could just run away or attack them at any moment. So though he didn't start to build up the force within himself the young Jedi was ready for anything, that was until they got to the hotel Jaleer was not ready for that.

The young man hoped Alisha didn't get disgusted an want to walk away but even if she did the young Jedi couldn't blame her, maybe the ferryman wanted to make them feel uneasy. But right now there was a few questions that needed answered hoping that Alisha wouldn't mind the sage decided to ask the first question, looking directly into the man's eye the sage knew he needed to figure out what happened with his master and where she was.

"What was the last thing you know my master did?" Jaleer needed to know everything the ferryman knew about his master and was willing to give up anything to get everything out of the man.

@Frannykins87 @TweedPawn

 

[TweedPawn]

Gaunerei wished he could make the others relaxed, he really did. He couldn't blame them, not really. The neon glow from outside reflected off of his face as his eyes glittered. He had every look of a cunning rabbit.

"She had me retrieve force crystals for her. Must have been last week." He said plainly. Not too much, just enough to want to ask even more questions. No lies would come from him. He could be vague, but where was the fun in that? Really? Buta thought stirred in the rabbit. A thought that unsettled him. What would Orlaan say about all of this? Really, the real reason Gaunerei was doing this was to prevent this fool from making a mistake. Someone as devoted to ebberla as he was was about to get a lot of heartache.

 

[Alisha Dawnstrider]

Alisha thought she saw everything on Tatooine. She was so wrong.The place wasn't just a mess, it was disgusting. She placed her free hand on her nose temporarily, until she adjusted to the rancid smell in the air. She didn't complain however, she was hoping they wouldn't be here for long. She watched in silence as Jaleer asked his first question and the stranger answered, remaining close to Jaleer. She thought he was being cautious in answering the question, not that she could blame him. She didn't think the stranger meant them any harm, but she couldn't deny he was strange. Alisha asked the next question, hoping Jaleer wouldn't mind, but guessing he wouldn't.

"Where was that? Was it on this planet?"

Alisha glanced at Jaleer. If the guy answered, they could probably start a search from there. She looked back at the stranger, with curiosity but no intention of making him nervous. She also had no idea what force crystals were, but that is something Jaleer could have told her. Alisha still held onto his hand, to somehow reassure him. She didn't want him to lose his master like she lost her father. That thought cause a hint of sadness to flash in her eyes, but she shook it off mentally and retained a neutral expression.

 

[Richie B.]

Jaleer listened to the ferryman it seemed he didn't want to give up his secrets too easily which in all honesty is something the sage would do also but right now in this situation the Jedi wanted straight answers, yet it seemed like the young man wouldn't be getting any straight answers from this strange man. Thankfully it seemed that Alisha was still holding onto his hand or Jaleer would have gotten a bit more aggressive, but for now the sage would have to figure out why Ebberla wanted force crystal's it wasn't something that seemed important but than again Jaleer didn't know the full story.

Why was this ferryman even helping them? What did this strange man get from telling them what he knew an making it so hard for Jaleer to get the answers he needed, was it because there was a secret that needed to stay a secret if so than the sage now needed to know more. Staring at the ferryman the sage would be ready to hear what ever answer the Ferryman gave Alisha, but was already to ask one more question an was ready to give up his lightsaber if need be to get all the answered needed. Looking at Alisha the sage could only hope she would stick with him and wondered if he could get her help for a plan he was forming in his head maybe one to get the ferryman to answer all of his questions that didn't involved hurting the strange man or giving him anything else.

@Frannykins87 @TweedPawn