The Blue Courtyard - Open

[Cyril Khan]

The beautiful planet of Alderaan was at peace that day. In Crevasse City, the sunlight was disappearing into shadow. The artificial lights fluttered on to illuminate the exquisite place. There were few cities on the planet that could match this one’s pleasantness; it was one of the only major ones that did not have a spaceport. The locals enjoyed the serenity of there city; the only people that came only arrived by public transportation. There was little waste within such a place.

People passed through a large courtyard of the city. Trees and flowers of all sorts flourished in the location. It was a very large area, but it was not referred to as a park. The elegant lights shined with a wonderful ocean hue. The blue glow meant happiness within the city; those that knew the color system understood that the lush courtyard was a great place to seek contentment. This was evident with people reading below gorgeous trees and near fragrant flowers. Others sat in meditation on the soft and warm grass.

One being stood out from the rest. He did not sit in silent reading, nor did he rest in peaceful meditation. He was a common man to the location; the locals understood he had his own way of meditation. This being moved about a small area of open grass, taking odd stances and making slow and sudden movements. His actions seemed crazy to many; however it was not. The man stood practicing a special mix of martial arts. It was still odd when people knew what he was doing; his movements did not stand out directly as feasible strikes and blocks.

 

[Storm]

The sun of Alderaan shone down upon the white hair of Sera Orvo, on leave from the Republic on the picturesque planet of Alderaan, a beautiful, fresh and nature filled planet. Smiling, happily, Sera walked on her way across the courtyard, pausing to delicately place thumb and forefinger over the stalk of a flower and raise it to her nostrils, to smell the scent of it. Breathing in deeply, she smiled as the scent reached her nostrils, and looked up as a bird squawked and flew past overhead; it was such a beautiful day, and so good to be away from the noisy, busy and military areas of the Republic for a short break.

Looking over across the area, Sera noticed many people here lying in silent meditation or rest, enjoying the weather as she was, reading, learning or quietly speaking and discussing things in areas of solitude; it was so peaceful. Walking over across the grass, she sat down and placed her hands in support of her body, lying back and tippin her head back to experience the climate better. The sun warmed her pale, white skin, Arkanian, and her white hair glimmered in such light, as she laughed, a soft tinkling sound, and lay her head back on the dry earth and warm grass.

Getting up once more, she made her way furher across, lazily wandering across the gardens and enjoying the sites and smells, the sun, the animals, of avian and insect nature, the people and the relaxed atmosphere of being away from work and the war, away from the Alsakans and their influence. As she looked around, she noticed one man standing out from the rest, who seemes to be practising some form of martial art. Intrigued, Sera wandered over and stood there, watching him as he practised; it seemed he was too involved to notice her. Stepping forwards, she coughed politely, and said: "Such a fine art! It looks very beautiful. May I ask, what is it, and would you mind teaching me?"

 

[Cyril Khan]

An attractive woman approached the man. Most other males would have instantly diverted attention to her. However, this one did not for a very plain reason. He was old; he wasn’t interested in the temptations of life any longer. He saw the youth as nothing more than what they were. His lack of ability to fall into vice made him appear to be ignoring this lady. In short, he disregarded her as she approached. He paid no bystanders any mind while he did his style of meditation within the courtyard.

At the time, the sun was still bright above the crevasse. The courtyard, however, was swiftly left devoid of most natural light. The old man did not notice any shadow of the woman as she stood near. It was not until she verbalized that he realized she wished to speak with him. Even so, he did not change action. He stood in a deep stance while his hands moved peacefully. There was no motion towards the newcomer, and he did not signify any intention to stop or respond.

It was a few moments before his shifted stance again. At this moment he began to oddly walk in a circle; his inside hand was level with his shoulder while his outside one was parallel with his hip. It was at this moment that he responded.

“Garamoch,” the man spoke calmly as his feet traveled in a circle with a diameter no larger than a meter. “It is a difficult form to learn.” This was not the first time he had been asked for training. He rarely ever accepted requests. “And it is not the most useful for combat until after a long training period.” He didn’t often immediately decline; he would state the difficulties and let the student choose if he or she really wanted to request training. Also, he rarely gave away any information about all his forms; Garamoch was the one the woman first saw, but he was currently practicing another of the genre.

 

[Storm]

Sera smiled; it was something about this non-social old man that she liked; maybe because he didn't instantly divert his attention to her, start sweet talking to her and start staring at anywhere but her face in conversation, like so many of the sexist officers of the Republic. As he mentioned the name, her interest was re-kindled; it sounded interesting. "Garamoch", she reiterated, her mouth liking the sound and feel of the word in her mouth. "Sounds interesting!" She flashed him a quick friendly smile. "Reminds me of things I've seen before, a long time ago..." Her eyes clouded over, and she quickly brushed aside such memories; such a nice day wasn't for such thoughts.

Returning her attention to the man, she continued to watch his fluid, developed motions of this form, watching the ability and skill with which he did it with admiration; he must have gained much practise and experience with such a form, and she liked his dedication, so much so that he was turning away human contact. "You look so practiced, and you make it look so easy, but I can tell it will be anything but easy!" She laughed, her voice tinkling like some sort of exotic bird, as her face creased into that easy smile of hers. The wind blew again and the sun continued to beat down, the mans actions making shadows. "I'd like to work with such dedication and fluid movments as you; may I learn it? I'd be willing to work hard, be dedicated and follow your instruction." She smiled at the man; maybe a bit of kindness would help him with his decision.

 

[Cyril Khan]

"Perhaps," the man said in response. He changed his movements and began to walk in a circle the opposite direction. This scene was a bit amusing for him; he wasn’t traditionally anti-social. He preferred silence and solitude while practicing his arts. Had they met within a local cantina, she probably would have thought of him different. He was not a drunk, but a common card player. He usually didn’t make as good a first impression at the tables as he did in the courtyard. Here, people came for the calm training; at the tables, people came for the gambling and stayed for the jokes and stories. The former rarely took place.

“Dedication and will is one thing,” the old man said in a serious tone. When teaching a form of combat, even in the smallest amount, he seldom carried his energetic disposition. “There are other things that are required for training.” He didn’t intend to state the others; that would be up for the lady to discover. However, his next statement was probably not an immediate one to think of. “First we begin with names.”

 

[Storm]

As Sera watched the motions still, whilst listening to the man speak on, about dedication, practise and ability, things she was very keen on improving herself in; this form looked an excellent form of practise, mind focus, and a way to enjoy herself, although that was secondary. As the man stepped and moved, Sera moved slightly to the left so that she could get a better view from a different angle, the sun's heat moving from her neck down to the base of her back, as she watched him. "First we begin with names." She heard him say, his voice echoing out from the shell Sera had constructed around her to watch the Garamoch. Sera nodded eagerly; if the names were anything as beautiful as 'Garamoch', she would enjoy this. "I'm ready." She said.

 

[Cyril Khan]

The old man chuckled for a moment. He supposed that his wording may have been mistaken, but not in the way it had been. Still, he was not going to pass up the opportunity for humor in this situation, considering the fact that the format of her statement was an answer to his own. ”Nice to meet you, Ready,” he said smiling. “I am Battu.” While the woman before him thought training was beginning, it had not yet been agreed upon. Battu had not yet accepted the request. He had only mentioned that training required certain aspects. In essence, he was not planning on training unless certain qualifications were met. He was not the type who hated imparting knowledge; it was the opposite. He often gave advice and gave great philosophical insight. However, he was not enthusiastic about the teacher of combat title.

Battu waited for the woman to reiterate her name. He suspected it wasn’t “Ready;” however, he had run into odder names before. There was no plan on insulting her by considering a unique name peculiar. After his period of silence, he mentioned another training necessity. “Another requirement of study is a purpose,” the old man spoke quietly. “What is your purpose of training?”

 

[Storm]

Sera smiled at the old man, a warm and welcoming smile, as realization dawned upon her; it seemed he wasn't as stand offish as he looked, and was just purely dedicated with his form, a true disciple of such a thing. As he pointed out the unintended pun over the question of her name, she grinned, and said to him: "No, I'm Sera. Sera Orvo." She declined on giving him a history for now; very few people knew her history, and it would take a lot of time and travelling to piece it together from the various sources. Suddenly realizing that the old man hadn't actually excepted her in yet, she said again: "I'm sorry, terribly presumptuous of me, may I learn this? And purpose? Well, all my life, bar my... earlier life, I've been looked down on, because I'm a woman. People assume I can't do as well, that I'm an object, that I'm good for nothing but reproduction. The Republic has so many sexist officers, and this is to prove to myself and them that I can do it, and that women have every right as do men. Besides, I wish to focus my mind, dedicate myself to a practise, and work hard at something in my free time."

 

[Cyril Khan]

Battu did not say anything for a while. He transitioned directions in his circle walking multiple times before moving his lips. He did not stray from his practicing with any out of place motion. Instead, he finally responded as he continued to do his odd circular walking. “I cannot train you in Garamoch,” the old man said. After he spoke, he changed action. He turned towards the center of his “circle” and pushed outward with an open hand strike.

The grass and trees bent lightly with a soothing breeze. Battu did not explain why he would not teach the style. His reasons were not selfish; they were in reality a benefit to her. The form Garamoch was studied for reasons other than she mentioned. Only one that she mentioned fit, but he knew it was not what she was looking for. “Dedicated practice can be done with anything and any combat form,” the man spoke softly. He began to walk towards a tree no more than four meters away. Below the branches was a small table-like tray. A decorated pot and four small cups were on the top. He motioned Sera to follow him. “A focused mind can be achieved through many means as well,” Battu pointed to the other beings in the courtyard. “That man there has a peaceful mind.” The distant man was sitting below a tree reading quietly. “A man who enjoys a calm reading will not become unsettled.” His hand transitioned to another person resting in a meditative stance. “Focus can also be found by cutting yourself from the outside world, and letting your mind rest.”

The final words would have been a bit more appealing to the woman. “As for your difficulties in your duties,” Battu said smiling. “I understand your dilemma. In my past I have met many sexist and speciesist beings.” The old man sat down and poured some liquid into two of the elegant cups. “I can tell you that no matter how hard you try to prove your equality, there will always be some who will look down on you.” he handed one of the cups over to Sera; the object was warm due to the beverage, but it was capable of being held even though it had no handle. “It is not you in this instance,” Battu spoke in a slightly deeper voice. “Those who look down on you and belittle you are only covering an inner weakness you will never have to deal with. The fact you can deal with beings like that makes you the stronger in the long run.”

Battu’s other hand took up his own cup, and he drank from it. “While practice soothes the mind,” he chuckled, “nothing is more relaxing than a well made tea.” He returned his cup to the tray and looked into Sera’s eyes. “If you wish to be able to overcome the appearance of weakness in the face of combat, I know a style perfect for such things.” It was reasonable different than Garamoch, but the man knew it was much more effective for the purpose. “The style is called Eikojun. It features the use of an opponents strength against them.”

 

[Storm]

As the rejection of teaching of Garamoch was first said, Sera's high spirits were dampened, the manner of which the old man spoke of it speaking of no argument with the matter, and Sera didn't overly want to press one. Turning to watch the man indicated reading, she understood what Battu was saying, but didn't actually like it. The sun continued to shine down, not mirroring Sera's emotions at all, however she then heard what Battu said afterwards, and her spirits picked up once more; she was strong in spirit, such a rejection wouldn't have caused anything major, but she did so want to do what she'd said. Taking the cup indicated to her, she smiled her thanks and drank deeply, the cool liquid refreshing her in the heat, and she listened to Battu once more, and heard her lifeline form. Smiling again, she looked Battu in the eyes and said: "May I? I'd so love to and, if you would, I'd be very thankful!"

 

[Cyril Khan]

Battu stood up stepped away from the shelter of the branches. His large green robes bent with the smooth breeze. He stood still for a moment, and after a while he began to speak once more. “Keep in mind,” the old man spoke clearly. “You will have to find a teacher who can train you.” He knew Eikojun very well, but knowledge was not the issue. “I will not always be around,” he said carefully. “And I do not have the time to train anyone fully. I can only steer someone in the right path: prepare them for the road ahead.”

“Eikojun is about circles,” Battu spoke. “Nearly every motion involves a circular action.” The old man demonstrated with a circular blocking motion. He then motioned for Sera to step closer to him. “Eikojun is self defense in nature, but it can be as aggressive as any form,” Battu instructed. “Attacks do not consist of blunt strikes; instead, an Eikojun practitioner will execute joint locks and throws to defeat an opponent. The majority of the form is counteroffensive; however, aggression comes in handy to overpower an unsuspecting enemy.” He took a light stance and the motioned towards Sera. “Strike at me.”

 

[Jorax]

*Tyran Eldres, Jedi Youngling, age 13, watched this older man from afar practice what seemed like a form of hand-to-hand combat. It didn't bother him though. He had seen many old men trying to perform these fluid types of martial arts, but not truly seeing it for a form of self-defense, but merely exercise. However, it did intrigue him that this older man practiced with a solemn face, as the old man emitted this fierce type of focus and concentration. Tyran almost thought that this old man was a master of martial arts.

Yet, that wasn't what he was here for. Alderaan was one of the few places a Jedi Youngling would be, and quite rarer to be by him or herself. But Tyran was an exception. He "somewhat" snuck away from his Jedi friends to by some parts for a couple of mechanical parts he was looking for. The Jedi couldn't provide everything, and Tyran liked to work in peace and quiet. This park was an ideal spot for Tyran to relax and let his mind spout creative ideas and go to work on a spur of the moment. Currently, he was trying to enhance a regular ol' datapad to give him more hardware space and input another application in order to do more than just record data, but rewrite, create, and delete it. With a few more attachments, Tyran would be able to have access to all the electronic devices within the park and be able to rewrite almost everything to his liking and doing, but he was very far off from that.

As the trees swayed gently and the leaves floated on the wind, Tyran breathed in and exhaled deeply, letting his mind relax after an half-hour of concentration. He was not surprised to find new people in his midst, but again, this older man was practicing his martial arts, and he had a lovely looking acquaintance. She wasn't human, but she was sure pretty. Tyran would have to get back with his Jedi troop soon, and he might need a good excuse. It was almost that time of day again, when Tyran would have to perform a physical workout. God, he hated the idea of performing such strenuous things, but it benefited his body and his health greatly. Maybe he would have a good enough excuse by saying he went to the park to get some exercise.

So, Tyran sucked up the courage to ask this elder man and pretty woman if he could join their little conversation. Hopefully, he would be accepted...although things like these never went quite well for Tyran. Tyran always was shunned by the others, and wasn't very socially adept. Calculating the odds, he had a 80% of being denied into their little conversation, and 20% of being allowed into their group. 20% wasn't a lot, but odds weren't always everything, even if they were great indicators. Tyran put his multipurpose tool and improved datapad into his belt pouch as he stood up and walked over to the two. He took his time getting over to the couple, heart pounding loudly and hands shaking slightly. The last time he had done something like this had ended up horribly, and the odds of that happening again were...quite likely.*

"Hello. My name is Tyran Eldras. I was noticing some of your movements and it looked quite interesting to try out. They looked quite martial-arts oriented and I was hoping that I could learn a bit from you, sir."

*Tyran immediately bowed slightly to show respect and good manners to the two. He hadn't screwed up yet, and there wasn't anything about that they couldn't say no to...or so he hoped. Then again, everybody in the Jedi Temple stayed their distance away from Tyran...and that just might happen here, too.*

 

[Storm]

As Sera watched Battu attentively for more on Eikojun, his next comment, about her having to find a new teacher at some point, surprised her; did he not have the knowledge to take her past any more than the basics? If so, then that would be surprising; Battu seemed to be a master of his art. Sera listened on, and Battu did reveal that it was actually because he wouldn't always be around and, with this revelation, a million questions burst into flower in Seras mind. However, Battu had already carried on with his tutorial, and Sera felt it would be rude to interrupt. A light breeze blew across the park, ruffling Seras hair and bending Battu's cloak in a smooth motion, before dying down again, being replace by the still heat of the sun.

As Sera listened to Battu more, she learnt much of Eikojun, learning about the circular motions it revolved around, and the way that the art was based around self defence primarily, but also had the ability for attack upon those who offended. Attack, after all, was sometimes considered the best form of defense. Watching Battu perform some of the motions before her, to show her the way in which Eikojun was performed, she attempted to emulate them in her mind, as she would soon be doing physically. Although Battu made them look fluid, easy and beautiful, Sera had the idea that it wouldn't be, and that Eikojun was much harder than it looked.

Out of the corner of her eye, Sera saw a young boy wandering the path, who looked to have just started his teenage years, wandering aimlessly across the park, although it looked as though he shouldn't actually be there, and was intended to be somewhere else. Smiling a small smile at the lads mischief, she continued watching Battu, although occassionally flicking her eyes to watch the boy, who seemed to be coming closer now by the minute. As Battu performed a particular move before her, and then stopped to ask her something, she saw the boy make a beeline straight for them, and watched him. As Battu fell silent and said to Sera "Strike at me." Sera turned to Battu, but noticed that the young boy was watching.

As she self conciously assumed a position, she tried to emulate the stance Battu had got into earlier, and tried to visualise herself performing some of the attacks and defences that Battu had performed earlier, readying herself for the time when she would strike him. He was reasonably old, and Sera hoped she wouldn't hurt him, although she had a feeling that wouldn't happen... suddenly, her mental preparation was disturbed by the young boy, now watching, who had nervously said: "Hello. My name is Tyran Eldras. I was noticing some of your movements and it looked quite interesting to try out. They looked quite martial-arts oriented and I was hoping that I could learn a bit from you, sir." Sera turned to him and smiled.
"Hello Tyran! I'm Sera." She smiled warmly at him. "I'd imagine Battu wouldn't mind, but if you'd just let us finish this before asking him properly? He's quite focused on his art you see." Assuming that Tyran would understand, Sera assumed the position again, and readied herself.

Suddenly and quickly, Sera transferred, or attempted to, her ability at normal hand to hand fighting into the elegant art of Eikojun, swining her right leg up into the air and in a quick, sharp circular motion at Battu's side, before following up with a cutting motion with her arm, her leg now retreating back to its original position and stepping backwards into a position that seemed vaguely circular. The arm she'd used attempted to cut at Battu's shoulder, and Sera brought it down as a sharp pain hit her leg; she wasn't sure if Battu had parried, or if she had over exerted herself, and she waited to see if her arm connected before carrying on; she didn't know wether Battu intended her to keep up the strike, or just to strike at him once or twice, but she'd wait for his reply first. Turning to watch her arm, she watched for Battu to react and block; she assumed that Battu had blocked her attack on his side, but she didn't know; she'd wait to see.

 

[Storm]

((Note: This is a different character from Sera))

The sun shone down on Alderaan, the grass waving gently in the breeze, the sun shining down. The man who had been sitting and reading beneath a tree looked up, and whistled softly. An answering whistle echoed out from beneath another tree, and an armor clad man emerged from next to a pool of water, looking up and around, his eyes scanning the park and looking for that which he needed. Smelling the air, he smelt the soft scents of summer, a mixture of grass, fresh air and other mixtures, before seeing something that piqued his interest, and he angled his view to watch for a few minutes, head straight up, eyes level.

Standing up, he began to walk between the two trees that flanked him, crossing the stretch of green grass and slowly walking up to the sight which had interested him, watching the two people practice their combat and utilise some strange martial art form. Watching for a moment, he also noticed a young boy, which was an annoyance, but not a problem. Walking over, he stepped up to the man, the one who seemed to be the mentor of the younger woman, and slowly waited until it seemed they paused, before saying: "Battu, Sera Orvo; there's something that I really must tell you, a matter of life and death, in private. If you could.." He said, indicating a small alleyway around the back. "It's a matter of the Republic, and a desperate one too."

 

[Cyril Khan]

Apparently Sera had not fully received the spirit of what he had said. Her kick, a blunt strike, was severely obvious due to it's circular behavior. Eikojun revolved around circles; however, Battu had said that it rarely every used any form of blunt strikes. A circular kick would have power but could easily be blocked. The old man demonstrated this by using a Eikojun technique. Circling his foot into a deep stance, he lowered his base and drove his hips into the blatant kick. The leg was caught by his hands. The punch aimed for his shoulder missed as he lowered and stood perpendicular to the woman. The trowing aspect of the style was then revealed as his legs straightened. The leverage of lifting the leg would send her to her back. A younger man doing this feat would have been considered a criminal; this old man obviously was not trying to beat her into a pulp.

The old man did not have time to critique her action, even though he considered against it. He wasn't going to be a full time teacher, and if basics are to be learned quickly the student must comprehend what he teaches. It was a bit odd for another man to come; it was even stranger when he asked to go into an alley. Considering the fact they were in an elegant city that wasn't known for it's alleys, this surprised him. He must have mistaken it for a corridor; yet, even the least populated corridors of Crevasse City were usually crowded. Battu had no idea of what this man intended to accomplish. Still, it seemed he intended to speak in private. If combat was to take place, this man would be a fool; the old man, though weakened by age, had a history of military action in his past. His knowledge of internal martial arts would also alleviate his inevitable loses to age.

Battu could tell that something was out of place. This was not a usual Republic procedure. Something just felt amiss about the entire situation. Still, he had no fear about being harmed or threatened. If this man was not of the Republic, it would be a benefit to figure that out as well. "Fine," the old man spoke bluntly. He didn't go out of his way to look weak; few knew the advantages of internal martial arts. To some, these forms were just moving meditation positions. Yet, if he was attacked, he would be able to handle himself better than anyone could suspect. He followed the unknown being carefully, though he made certain his suspicions were kept hidden, even from a trained eye.

 

[Storm]

Venator nodded, turning to lead Battu away, watching the girl, Sera from the intelligence reports, follow. The sun faded as they stepped below shade, the light being shielded and making a cool, soft temperature for the people to follow. As they rounded the corner, they reached the alleyway, where Venator would divulge his information, the two following. The alleyway was covered at the top by stone, leading them into an almost tube like situation, the alleyway picked especially for these properties. As Venator turned, seeing that the two had followed him over twenty yards in, he nodded.

Turning to face them, he clasped his hands together in a grave manner, his eyes staring through the slits in his armour like bright glints, staring at the two who had followed him as he spoke. "The information I'm forced to divulge to you two is that we have a slight problem; it would seem that there are thirty Alsakan soldiers standing at the end of here, trapping us all in. Luckily for me, I'm leading them. Unluckily for you, you're our target. We have no wish to kill you, merely capture you. If you cooperate, you will be released. Battu, you will be treated well, as will you Sera. Sera, if you comply, then we're all fine. Please don't attempt anything stupid; it won't work."

 

[Wing]

Thirty Alsakan soldiers rushed out and surrounded them, rifles ready and trained on their target. They were ready to fire in an instant.

 

[Cyril Khan]

There was nothing normal at all about this occurrence from the first moment the man came forward. Armored men don’t spend time in the courtyards. It was also obvious that this man knew nothing about the city as well. Crevasse City was not a typical city; it was made out of a maze of corridors. A man like Battu knew the paths by heart, but this man did not seem to handle the setup too well. Also, the city was very well populated and dense. Any military movement would be spotted with ease.

As the group reached the area referred to as the “alleyway,” Battu could tell much more was amiss. However, he couldn’t exactly put his finger on this feeling. His experiences taught him well not to fully trust this man. It took only a few yards of traveling within the corridors before it hit him. At that moment it was too late; what would he say to them to just walk away. Also, he knew that Sera was in as much danger as he. Instead of turning to flee while the moment lasted, he maintained his honor to protect the girl.

In the moment that the armored man stopped, Battu carefully looked about. The artificial lights of the hall glowed in a magnificent orange. His suspicions were true after all; he had been deceived. A score of men rushed to surround the three; however, there seemed to be few problems. While all the men were armed, they were poorly skilled. On top of which, they had poor leaders. This military action was in the heart of a major city. The foolishness of the trap was evident in the location and the procedure; it also involved a character that would be more harm than good.

“What do you hope to accomplish by this,” Battu turned to the armored man with a frown. He showed no intention to fight; instead, his concentration was on his surroundings. He would discover a way to survive this and end this infiltration. Needless to say, a round of combat would end pitifully at the moment. He intended to comply partially, for the moment.

 

[Jorax]

*Tyran immediately felt a strange sensation in the Force. He could feel life forces drawing away as other, new beings came into place. There was an air of distrust and danger...whether Tyran was imagining it at first or when he saw people with big, scary-looking guns in their hands. This wasn't the type of situation he was trained for, or at least not yet. Tyran had a pretty good Force connection, and he had done some types of basic training with the Force...although he knew it wouldn't be enough to match what seemed to be at least 20 armed men. Drop, duck, and cover, wouldn't be an option either.

Looking at the old man and the girl, Tyran could tell that the old man was ready to make a move. The eyes told the story, and the old man's were a bit shinier than usual...alert perhaps, or more distrusting and prepared to take someone's life away in a second. The old, friendly man that Tyran was hoping to learn from had turned into a man of war. There was nothing about this old man that seemed friendly anymore...just cynical...*

 

[Cyril Khan]

A simple protocol remained for situations like this, and Battu knew it well. The captive must know every part of his surroundings. If an escape opportunity presents itself, it must be taken advantage of. However, preparations for such things always needed subtle action. When multiple men are following every movement, all the planning for escape must be done within the mind. With the thoughts being held captive within the mind, it would be difficult for even a Jedi to read them. However, Battu knew a Jedi was near; if he couldn’t help them, he could get help. The old man left his thoughts wide open for reading, almost as if he were intending to place them within the Jedi’s head. These Alsakans were just warriors; none of them possessed the ability to read minds, and this made the action safe. Hoping the Jedi was trained well enough, he could pick up the man’s thoughts as they flared like a beacon waiting for a mind to read them.

“There are thirty one Alsakans.” The thoughts were sure to carry even into the distant student’s mind. “Get help. This is not for my survival, but for the status of the Republic.” The surrounding men wouldn’t know what this old man was doing. He did not look any different than normal. Battu only stood complying with their requests; he made no visible act against them, and his face did not give his mind away. They all probably figured he had no experience with contacting people who were telepathic; few people alive knew the process of conversing if they themselves do not use telepathy. However, knew that if one’s mind open wide, it is hard for someone not to hear. Hopefully Tyran was still around to listen. If not, a moment would have to present itself for the captives.