Ask Jedha The Anointed Path

[Maalik]

Spoiler: Theme

It had been years since Maalik had felt the sands of Jedha beneath his feet. So the prospect of returning to his home and the Matukai under such grim tidings sparked anxiety within him. So much in fact, that the young Padawan had remained awake for the majority of the evening alternating between triple checking his gear and meditating in an attempt to find balance. All he achieved for his efforts was exhaustion from a grand total of three hours of sleep. This left golden glow behind Maalik’s eyes, sigils, and within his hair as more of a faint, dull glow. Maalik’s hopes had been to get some rest on the ship that would ferry them to Jedha itself but so far, he was the only one who had arrived to the hangar bay.

He had been notified some days prior of this mission to Jedha. He was traveling with Jedi Knight Leon Baudelaire and fellow Jedi Padawan Theia Durand. Together the three of them were to aid in building relations between the Jedi Order and the Matukai. However, Maalik knew that this was also a moment of truth for himself.

Since the passing of his former master, Jedi Master Tagetes Cordata, this moment had been on Maalik’s mind. The boy knew the Matukai entrusted him to specifically the late Jedi Master and with their passing, they would likely be hesitant to allow Maalik to continue his Jedi training. He would have to petition to allow for his continued training with the Jedi Order. After this, evidence would have to be provided that the continued training would aid in the protection of the Light Side of the Force.

It would not be an easy approval process.

The mission they were being sent on had to deal with intel the Jedi Order had gathered on a of a group of what was previously believed to be a simple group of bandits. Until recently, these bandits had been targeting shipments of Kyber for unknown purposes. After the attack on Byblos, the true colors of this bandit clan presented itself. Entire families from small hamlets and communities near where the bandit activity occurred had been disappearing in the dead of night. Their corpses would be found over the course of the next several days, each ritualistically slaughtered with bled Kyber Crystals stuff into their eyes.

The Bandit Clan had developed into a cult that claimed to be following “The Anointed Path”.

The Jedi had reached out to the Matukai in an effort aid with the destruction of this cult. But also, to prevent the Matukai from needing to take direct action, for there was a concern about the far reaching consequences that could have on the ancient order. But also the presence of bled Kyber had tolled a dire bell within the Order, a trained Dark Sider was on Jedha.

This is why Maalik had so fervently checked his gear. This would, without a doubt end in bloodshed. The team of Jedi being sent to Jedha would have to root out the cult, destroy the Dark Sider who had influenced them, and do all of this without the intervention of the Matukai. This means they would be on a time crunch and Maalik hoped they would be able to meet it…for the people of Jedha’s sake.

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[Leon Baudelaire]

The number of Dark Side cults Leon had faced in his time with the Jedi was growing at a rate he’d never expected. From the Shekaka tribe on Kashyyyk, to the Hindsnake Cult, the knight was starting to feel like he was destined to be an authority on the subject.

Baudelaire had donned his usual battlegear. He adjusted his utility belt as he stepped off the lift and into the hangar. Daybreak and Moonlight were clipped to the belt, while his heavy blaster rested in it’s thigh holster.

They’d be taking Baudelaire’s ship, The Freebird, to Jedah. Leon had sent Peetwo ahead to get the ship prepped for take off. By now, all they’d need to do was hop in and take off. That familiar pang of anxiety swept over him as he scanned the hangar. There wasn’t much activity happening this early in the morning, but there were enough bodies busying themselves with routine maintenance to hide the Padawan’s he was meeting from immediate view.

The Knight scanned the hangar, looking for Theia’s trademark fiery red hair. He didn’t spot her yet, but he did spot a young man with golden tattoos that seemed to glow.

Huh, that’s pretty cool, he thought as he disengaged the charge cable from his ship. Leon decided to keep preparing for take off, once he was finished he could worry about where his padawans were.

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[Theia Durand]

Theia wasn't too sure what she had decided to help with, she had no perception of what a darkside cult would entail other than what she read about in her studies so far. At least, Theia was getting better with controlling her abilities in the Force, and was starting to show enough proficiency that she could do more. She was getting better preparing for these types of trips, something she was still learning, but Ezzie was able to give her an idea about what she needed to pack. It didn't include her dozens of hair products and that was a hard change to get used to, and she often found it hard to put everything she wanted to bring in one pack. However, she managed and arrived to The Freebird as prepared as she possibly could be.

She stood quietly looking at the ship, her pack strap hung on her shoulder, and she carried the vibroblade she had been working with until Ezra decided she was ready to learn more. Since they were going to Jedha, the girl dressed casually, loose-fitting tunic, utility belt buckled at her waist, trousers, and boots. Her red hair, despite her efforts to try and not make it stand out, still made her like a beacon. Pausing when she arrived to the hanger, she looked at the ship that belonged to Leon. She seemed to had inherited her mother's judgmental attitude toward ships and her light eyes narrowed before letting out a long sigh. The teen climbed up the ramp and dropped her bag in the lounge, seeing the other padawan, Maalik.

"Hello!" she greeted, looking around to see where Leon was located.

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[Maalik]

Maalik had grown weary of waiting for the rest of the crew to arrive. Instead of standing outside the vessel any longer, he double checked the vessel ID tags he had been assigned to and boarded the green freighter. The ship was given the moniker of "Free Bird", if there was a meaning, it was lost on Maalik. Instead, Maalik made his way to the common area of the vessel and placed his belongings in the center of the L-shaped booth.

Before Maalik could really explore his surroundings, a feminine voice greeted him. Maalik forced the luminance back into his eyes, sigils, and the strands of his hair as he turned around.

"Hello, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Jedi Padawan Maalik and who are you?" Maalik would reply as he extended his hand in reply. There would be little warmth in Maalik's voice as he spoke. When combined only the faintest hints of a smile forming at the corners of his lips it would appear a relatively forced and cold greeting.

However, this was the furthest from the truth, Maalik had forced a brilliant shine in his golden eyes, sigils, and strands of hair. This was how he expressed courtesy when meeting someone new, especially when he was pleased to meet them. To anyone who didn't understand this biological variance of emotional expression from baseline humanity would likely view Maalik as an ass.

 

[Leon Baudelaire]

Peetwo chortled something over Leon’s com and the Knight stepped inside to see what was up. He made his way to the cockpit, leaving the boarding ramp of his ship open in case the padawan’s found it before he found them.

Peetwo was connected to the main console as Leon entered the room. The little droid stamped it’s feet excitedly as it’s photoreceptor fell on Leon.

“Whoa, what’s up little dude?” he asked.

The little droid’s excitement bled into a tirade of beeps, chirps, and whistles. Leon put his hands up in surrender as he chuckled, “Slow down buddy, I’m having a hard time understanding you.”

Even though Peetwo didn’t breath, he appeared to sigh heavily, before responding with a longer drawn out very sarcastic version of droidspeak, “Okay,” retorted Baudelaire, “Now you’re being a smartass.”

The little explorer droid found his response immensely humorous. Then he finally clarified, “Really? That’s wild. We should try and find it while we’re there, ya know provided the mission doesn’t get wacky. It’d be good for the paddies too.”

Before they could discuss the little BD unit’s discovery further he heard a familiar voice coming from his lounge.

Baudelaire entered the room just as the light up padawan introduced himself to Theia, he’d let them wrap their intros before throwing his name into the ring.

“Yo, I’m Leon,” he said to Maalik, offering the Padawan a warm smile and a hand in greeting. His attention would flick to Theia, “Hey Theia, glad you found the place, you take the shortcut I showed ya?”

Once they’d wrapped their intro’s Leon would take over and make sure everyone was clear on their objective.

“Master Perun has entrusted us with forging a bond with the Matukai,” his eyes flicked to Maalik, “I’ve been informed you have experience with the organization, no pressure, but would you be interested in sharing your experience?”

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[Theia Durand]

"Theia Durand." she reciprocated as she took his hand, not missing the glow in his eyes as he greeted her in return, though she was uncertain how to interpret it, given he seemed to the redhead perhaps uncomfortable with the exchange. Theia knew more exchanges would be needed before she really got to know the padawan; she gave the benefit of doubt, this sounded like an important mission he would be co-leading and she would probably be anxious or preoccupied with other important things other than formalized greetings.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard Leon introduce himself to Maalik before glancing to her and mentioning the shortcuts. "I did! And I timed it so I would avoid Master Agnus." she nodded, feeling proud that she was able to avoid the elder, hyper critical jedi who already seemed to have found Theia to be too free-spirited in her jedi ethics course. Theia caught herself making a face before hearing Leon mentioned Master Perun; her eyes light up to the name, she recognized that name, but was interested in what it meant to be forging a bond with the Matukai.

Her attention turned to Maalik, waiting for him to explain further.

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[Maalik]

The ghost of a smile touched Maalik's lips as Theia introduced herself and shook his hand. Shortly after, Jedi Knight Leon Baudelaire boarded the vessel to introduce himself as well. Maalik would bow his head respectfully to his superior before shaking the man's hand as introductions were passed between them. It quickly became evident to Maalik that Theia and Leon knew one another at some level already, he remained silent until their exchange concluded.

"It is good to meet you, Jedi Padawan Theia Durand, and you Jedi Knight Leon Baudelaire." Maalik stated as a general reply to the introductions.

However, pleasantries would soon conclude as Leon then asked Maalik about his experiences with the Matukai. Maalik nodded in response to the Jedi Knight's request.

"The Matukai are a religious order aligned with Light Side of the Force." He began. "In that vein they are not dissimilar to the Jedi Order." He explained. "However, the Matukai view themselves as strict guardians of the Light Side and are..." Maalik's voice faltered and trailed off for a moment as he sought for the right word. "...uncompromising in that belief." He stated finally. "They have shown a general disinterest in building any diplomatic ties with the Jedi Order and generally take more isolationist stances." Maalik continued. "Until recently that is, diplomats from the Jedi Order have recently been granted audiences and talks of a fledging training program has been proposed between Matukai and Jedi Orders." He explained. "I believe that is where we come in, correct Jedi Knight Leon Baudelaire?" Maalik asked as he concluded a brief overview of his former home.

At that, Maalik would take a step back and allow Leon to retake the lead on the mission briefing.

 

[Leon Baudelaire]

Leon laughed holding a hand up in a high five for Theia’s accomplishment, Master Argus was the worst.

Maalik’s response to Leon’s question was precisely what he’d hoped it would be. Truthfully, the young man was the literal key to this mission. It was his previous affiliation to the light side organization that made this attempt possible, but that wasn’t his burden to bear.

Leon nodded, “That’s correct. One of our diplomats reported a disturbance in the force, the council saw this as an opportunity, and here we are.”

“Thanks for the run down on the Matukai, I’ll be looking to you for advice before we make first contact. Don’t wanna look like a moron…” he said with a laugh, “Remember guys, we’re basically uninvited guests here, so let's be as respectful as possible.”

Had… Had those words actually come out of his fucking mouth? Aw man, was he… lame?

“That being said, we aren’t just looking to make friends with The Matukai. We’re also here to investigate the disturbance discovered by our diplomat, so keep your eyes peeled and your guard up. Both of you should have received the mission debrief, if you haven’t take this time to refresh yourselves. This mission is important for multiple reasons, and I’m confident we’re gonna crush it.”

Oh my lord, he sounded so lame. What was his life? Was this growing up? This was the WORST!

Peetwo came across the com before Leon asked, “Welp, looks like we’re good to go, either of you need to earn your flight clearance?”

Baudelaire was a solid pilot. He’d been flying for the order since he joined and was a decent teacher. He’d helped plenty of padawan’s earn their wings since he’d been knighted. Either way he’d head to the cockpit and get things moving.

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[Theia Durand]

Theia high-fived Leon and then turned her attention to Maalik as Leon invited him to brief them about the mission. She had volunteered, her interest more of seeing Jedha and learning more about the Matukai that the archives could not tell her, but what sat deep was the concern for the "cult" that was shaping. She had heard rumors from other padawans about what some beings do with the darkside, stuff that one would see in a horror thriller holo, and it nearly seemed surreal.

She didn't say anything as Leon mentioned they were going to do well, and seemed really optimistic about this opportunity to make friends. Her thoughts started to run through her mind, and she quickly shook her head, reciting the numbers of the distances between stars.

"Ooo, let me pilot," she said following Leon into the cockpit, "I know how to fly," this was certainly true, it would have been insulting to be the daughter a renowned astro-engineer and not know how to fly craft. "I just never get to..." she added with a frown; this was also true. Theia took a seat, looking over the control board to get a feel for the layout. "Jeez...how many modifications has this gone through?" she asked, taking a deep breath in disbelief.

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[Maalik]

Maalik bowed his head slightly in response to Knight Leon Baudelaire’s thanks. The Padawan would then take a step back and away from where he had been speaking at. It struck Maalik that Leon had mentioned that the trio were uninvited guests, had the death of Master Cordata not been relayed to the Matukai? Would Maalik have to explain what had happened himself? Maalik felt his lights dim in response to these new anxieties.

The stream of thoughts were quickly shattered as Knight Baudelaire offered to help with flight clearance. Maalik felt his toes curl on the metal floor. The sudden reminder of space travel made his stomach shift and become uneasy.

“Thank you for the offer Knight Baudelaire.” Maalik stated. “But I believe I would prefer to meditate, if it is all the same to you.” He stated, in faux calmness. Maalik’s naturally tanned skin quickly began paling slightly and taking on a light green coloration.

In his best attempt to seem like absolutely nothing was wrong, Maalik would leave the commons area. Once out of sight, Maalik would sprint to the nearest restroom. It would be there that he “meditated” before the porcelain throne. Maalik would find balance in his alternation of retching and begging the Force to make it stop.

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[Leon Baudelaire]

Leon smiled as Theia volunteered to fly, “Well, you’re gonna get to today!” he said, gesturing for her to follow. He looked back as Maalik spoke, and the Knight noted the shifting colors in the guy's appearance. The Padawan looked like he was about to hurl.

“Do what you need to prepare,” then in a quieter voice he said, “Refresher is to the left, may the force be with you.”

Peetwo was already connected to the ship and warbled a greeting as the two Jedi entered. Baudelaire slid into the co-pilot’s chair. He’d be here if she needed guidance, but she seemed confident in her abilities, so that was a good start.

Theia’s question made Leon laugh. He had no idea how many modifications this ship had gone through in the past, but it’s systems and layout were streamlined in a way The Adumarian had taken too naturally. Flying this ship was practically second nature to him.

“Enough?” he answered with a noncommittal shrug.

The take off would be routine, Leon wouldn’t step in or correct Theia unless necessary. Once they were in open space he’d plot their course and then let her put them into hyperspace. The starscape would combust into the swirling mottled blue hues of hyperspace.

Baudelaire leaned back in his chair and stretched, “Good job, I’ll send in your clearance before we land planet side,” he groaned as the stretch evolved into a yawn. He couldn’t believe the order had put him on a mission so soon after the battle on Kashyyyk, but he was here now and gaining an ally in the Matukai would be valuable in the days to come.

He couldn’t explain it, but since the fight he’d had this feeling in the pit of his stomach. It was like a seed of dread had taken root in his guts and he couldn’t figure out why. He pushed it from his mind. He needed to stay focused on the matter at hand.

“I’m gonna get a coffee and check on Maalik, you need anything?” he asked as he started out of the cockpit.

@GABA @Apollyon ]

 

[Theia Durand]

Theia wasn't sure if she should frown like when her mom is disappointed in something, or if she should laugh nervously because sometimes modifications were not always a good thing. She started to flip a few switches to ready the sublight engines as they took off from the hanger, she had to give the ship some credit, the thrusters certainly had a kick to them as they entered the atmosphere. It was an adjustment to not give in to the sudden adrenaline shock; her mind quickly worked to categorize each section of the control panel, the droid behind her busied itself with calculating coordinates for their hyperspace jump, which Theia was already feeling underwhelmed because it will never beat her mom's hypergates.

When she heard Peetwo, smirking to herself, she pulled back on the hyperdrive, listening to the hum of the engines activate and the stars streaking past them. For a quiet moment, Theia watched the blue swirl of faster-than-lightspeed cosmic particles engulf the ship. Her mind leading to the quick calculations of just how fast they were travelling and the equations they needed to figure out their speed and acceleration through space.

She heard Leon speak and she glanced over as he excused himself from the cockpit, suggesting he would check on Maalik. "Nope, Peetwo and I are gonna see who can calculate the fastest."

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[Leon Baudelaire]

Leon hoped his face didn’t convey the worry he felt in his chest when Theia said she and Peetwo were in competition.

“Sounds… terrifying,” he looked at both of them with a raised finger, “Do not run us through a star,” he said sternly before adding a far more meek, “Please?”

Peetwo’s response was blunt as the little droid looked from Theia to the console with a surprising amount of fire in his photoreceptor. It was clear the little guy wasn’t interested in going easy on the Padawan.

Leon stepped into the lounge and made himself an iced caf before moving deeper into the ship to find Maalik. As he rounded the corner he heard a noise that froze him in place. A frown draped across his features and just as he was getting ready to take another step, he heard it again. It sounded like a speeder with a shitty alternator trying to turn over.

Where in the hell was that coming from? His eyes flicked down the hall, but… it was closer than that. Then he remembered Maalik’s urgency before they took off and it clicked. His eyes slipped to the closed door of the refresher just as the Padawan inside grunted and then puked.

Mystery solved.

Maalik was straight up not having a good time. Baudelaire felt for the kid. Missions were stressful. Hopefully this wasn’t indicative of his ability in the field. Deciding not to embarrass the guy, Leon made his way back to the cockpit.

“Well, we’re not dead so I commend both of you for your restraint,” he teased as he slid back into his seat.

Some time later…

Baudelaire’s boots crunched into the coarse sand of the planet Jedah. He’d instructed the Padawan’s to double check their gear before joining him. They wouldn’t have the opportunity to get back here easily once the mission started. Their first course of action was to find the contact that had called for help.

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[Theia Durand]

Jealous that Peetwo had turned all his calculations into an ancient binary program, leaving Theia to translate on top of solving, she eventually conceded, and leaned back in her seat with a huff of defeat. "Next time..." she challenged the droid who gave her a glare with its photo-receptor. Regardless, the girl took her mind elsewhere and pulled out her drawing pad and focused on her sketches, filling in shadows and outlining areas she wanted to emphasized under the glow of swirling stars that engulfed the ship on their way to Jedha. She had spent many hours focusing on her artwork now that she didn't have to worry about recitals or performances; she certainly missed that life, but she was beginning to find new meaning in what she was learning under the guidance of Ezra.

Leon had returned in that time, relieved neither of them had lead to a crash or ran through a star but she couldn't help the coy smile she gave him in his doubts he held earlier. When the navicomputer beeped, Theia and Peetwo got to work preparing the ship to exit hyperdrive, the stars settling and before them was the orb of Jedha, one of many worlds that Theia never thought she would ever need to visit.

Landing went smoothly and she grabbed her pack, following Leon off the ship, mentally checking off what she had packed in her bag before they left. Of course when they arrived, there was no one around, it was as bare as the planet itself, but as Theia practiced with her senses, she could feel the energy of this world and it brought a greater curiosity as she glanced at Leon. Taking one more look, there was no one to be seen, "Were they supposed to meet us here?" she asked him.

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[Maalik]

Urp.

Maalik groaned and slid off of the toilet. He had been retching with every bump and jerk of the vehicle in hyperspace. His luminescence had dulled and his skin was waxy and light green. Everything felt squeamish, even as he laid on the cool bathroom floor.

There was a final jerk of the ship it dropped from hyperspace. Maalik thanked the Light as he felt the ship decelerate. He slowly stood to his feet, rinsed his mouth, splashed cool water on his face, and ensured no spew was on his robes. Once he had freshened up, Maalik made his way from the lavatory and to main area of the ship, where he’d remain until they landed.

Once the ship landed and Knight Baudelaire and fellow Padawan Durand exited, Maalik would follow. The sands of Jedha crunched beneath Maalik’s bare feet, it felt good to be home even if it was under these circumstances. Maalik would glance over to Padawan Durand when she spoke.

“I don’t believe so. I think we are to meet with our dignitary first. Correct Knight Baudelaire?” He asked, turning his attention to the defacto leader of this mission.

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