Ask Unwelcome Tidings

[K’Jun]

”Uh, Fanged Spirit?” Jun asked. “Yeah, I don’t know what that is.” He continued with a shrug. “But it sounds like they weren’t the good guys.” Jun continued, glancing to her.

When Vanya told him that she hoped he could bring the Matukai back around, Jun’s ears flicked a little. He knew most Jedi supported one another. But he hadn’t expected reassurance like this. It threw him off just a little.

“Yeah, me too.” He replied after clearing his throat.

When Vanya inquired about what he meant. If he believed there was something more behind everything and if it was connected to the droid. Jun looked at her and shrugged.

“Things just don’t add up. Raiders usually are in smaller, loosely knit groups.” He explained. “Biggest pack I’ve seen was five strong. Those guy? Way more.” He continued. “And the droid? I’ve never seen them use fire support like that before.” He tossed the memory core between his hands. “Someone or somethin’ is gettin’ them to work together. I don’t think it’s the droid but I’d bet it has the answers.” He shrugged.

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

The Fanged Spirit is lord of the hunt but has to remain in balance with growth and fertility: the domain of the Winged Spirit, she said. It was the absolute rapid crash course in the religion of her people, but he was always welcome to ask more questions.

When it came to her support for Jun it wasn't a matter of her trying to act the part, it just simply... was. They were a potentially great ally in the fight against the darkness and it sounded as if they had, perhaps, just slightly lost their way. They needed a nudge back on course, and sometimes that nudge came from just a single person with the courage to speak up.

She thought about what he said, and could sense that he was likely right. Something inside of her stirred at the thought of this being something more. She wondered if the Sith were behind it. Probably not, but... they seemed to be behind everything. Statistically, it was something much more simple, but her mind continued to churn the thought as they made their way to town.

The town was... towny. Small and with a lot of dirt, the buildings looked run down, but the people living there seemed... happy enough. In fact, she was surprised to see several of them wave - particularly at Jun - somehow identifying that he was a Matukai. Or perhaps it was just that they actually knew him. Vanya wasn't sure, but it was nice to get a decent greeting. Small towns like this everyone knew everyone.

Where's our droid shop? she asked him as they passed the cantina.

@Apollyon

 

[K’Jun]

”So, they’re gods?” Jun asked quizzically. He’d heard of cultures that venerated the Force or aspects of it as deities. In some respects, the Matukai did as well. He wasn’t judge though. “You’ll have to tell me more when we aren’t neck high in problems to solve.” He told her with a smirk.

As the pair walked into town Jun nodded or waved back to individuals that he personally knew. He’d helped this town out a decade or so back. They had a raider using akk dogs to attack moisture traders along the road, caused a serious economic issue in the area. Jun was just a trainee then, didn’t even have his gauntlets yet but he’d helped the people nonetheless. His reasoning? Jedha was home even it if was a a shithole.

“Chop shop is up on the hill.” He replied to Vanya. “The only buildin’ with automated turret defense systems.” He explained. “Don’t uh…move to quickly when we get up there. Owner’s a little skittish.” He shrugged. “Got nabbed by raiders as a kid, never quite recovered from whatever he saw.”

Jun led them to the large rectangular shaped scrap building. The sounds of power tools and smell of burnt ozone from fusion cutters filled the area around the shop. But the sight of ten refurbished and mounted repeaters of different qualities suddenly shifting to lock onto them was a different type of terror to behold. Jun slowly raised his hands up in the air.

“Hey there Jeb.” Connor called out. “It’s just me Jun.”

There was a blast of feedback from a PA system before the voice of an angry, and clearly half deranged man, shouted from a speaker.

“OH YEAH?! AND WHO’S THE LADY WIT YA? SHE HERE TA STEAL MY BLOOD?” The voice yelled.

“Jeb, not even the raiders are interested in your rancid hamster blood.” Jun replied, his ears folded back and his tails twitched with irritation. “But no, she’s with me, she’s cool Jeb.” He replied.

There was a long silence before the automated turrets powered down. The voice from the PA system spoke up again.

“Fine! But she takes ONE wron’ look at a vein and she’s done fer!” The angry little voice shouted.

“Don’t worry, he’s mostly harmless…” Jun reassured her. “…but he will shoot you with a scatter blaster. So don’t uh…make eye contact for too long.” He quickly added.

When they entered the shop, Jun and Vanya would be greeted by the standard affair for a droid chop shop. There was the sound of tiny feet scampering across a sandy floor followed by the sound of a scatter blaster cocking. A tiny little creature stepped from behind the counter. Clutched in its paws was an oversized scatter blaster for its size.

“Jeb, the last time you fired that thing you missed and the recoil sent you flyin’ into a wall, remember?” Jun asked, clearly unphased and unamused at the situation. “You were in cast for months.”

There was a grumble before Jeb sat the scatter blaster down and glared up at the two of them. “Well, whaddaya want? Or this jus’ a damned social call?” He shouted.

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

When aren't I neck high in problems, she grumbled under her breath. This was her entire life. Literally all she ever did. Not that she hated it, but... it was tiring.

The mention of auto-turrets, skittish junkers, and kidnappings didn't do anything to improve Vanya's wavering mood.

Great... she mumbled, bracing her mind for whatever sort of insanity she was going to experience.

Did he just say steal his blood? she whispered to Jun. Sure, there were all kinds of tricks one could perform with someone's blood, but... well, why would she want his blood?

She gave a little wave up at the camera that Jun was addressing as he said that she was with him.

That's not HARMLESS! she hissed as he mentioned shooting her with a scatter blaster. Look, maybe you should go in alone, she muttered, not feeling very good about this. Could she take the man in a fight? Probably, but she didn't really want to kill a civilian even if it was self-defense.

Vanya was fairly certain that her mouth dropped open a bit as she watched the... little man come out from around the corner. She had a picture in her mind of what he looked like - or at least a couple of options - and none of them were this.

We were hoping you could help us. We were killing some raiders and recovered a memory bank from their droids. We want to keep hunting them, but don't know where to look. We were hoping you could help us get some information, she said. Vanya may not have liked or been good at diplomacy, but she was clever enough to make it about hunting down raiders as a motivation for him to help them.

 

[K’Jun]

Jun didn’t initially respond to any of Vanya’s questions. There were answers, none of them pretty and none of them were simple. Jedha was unique and so were a lot of its inhabitants. Jeb was one of those uniquely memorable inhabitants.

Before Jun could even present their case, Vanya took over. Jun looked to her and nodded in approval. Smart move. Something that was accented by a savage grin that spread on Jen’s face.

“Thar’s two thangs I love on Jedha!” He exclaimed. “Mah homemade brew!” He shouted. “And dead raiders!” He nodded at that. “Why didn’t ya tell me ya frien’ was a raider killer!” Jeb shouted his attention shifting to Jun for a moment. “I’ll take a look atcha memry core! Folla me!” He shouted before motioning with a paw for them to follow him towards the back of the shop.

As they walked Jun leaned over to Vanya and whispered to her. “Whatever you do, don’t drink the brew…trust me.” He then leaned up and continued towards the back of the shop.

As they walked they’d see several automated processes as they ripped apart droids in various states of disrepair and activation status. An astromech droid squealed as it was pulled apart by a set of mechanized claws. The light in its optic sensor fading permanently as the machine removed its power core. Jun grimaced, chop shops were ugly places but on Jedha, they were necessary.

Eventually Jeb reached a back room with a Holo projector that had several unusual cables that ran from it. Jeb extended his paws for the core. Jun leaned down and dropped in Jeb’s paws. There was audible oof before Jeb dropped it on the ground and rolled the chrome ball towards the projector. He’d grumble and curse as he tried to get the core plugged up.

“Well, if your life is always like this. Sounds like you could use breather.” Jun suggested. “What about grabbin’ drinks?” He suggested. “You can tell me all about the Winged Serpent and Fanged Spirit.” He continued, butchering the names of her deities. “And I can…I dunno talk about Jedha or the Matukai?” He offered.

Eventually, Jeb would eventually get the screen set up for them. He’d only been shock three times for his troubles and his beard was only slightly singed. Not bad all things considered. “That’ll be three cups!” Jeb shouted as he produced a shot glass.

Jun sighed as he unstoppered his flask and poured three glass fulls up for Jeb. The tiny rodent man glanced between the two of them, tipped his hat, and scurried from the room. “Pleasure doin’ business!”

Jun would lean against a metal sheet wall as the droid’s memory core started playing logs. Jun fast forwarded through years of battle logs, this had apparently been a Sith war droid before ending up on Jedha. Which didn’t bode well. But eventually they got to something more interesting.

A gathering of some sort. Countless raiders were in the optical range of the droid. Some stood in reverent stillness, others seemed leery of restless. They shifted idly while looking around with that insane thirst in their bloodshot eyes. Then a woman with one grossly enlarged arm took to a Dias of sorts, she began to speak in a language Jun didn’t understand but hurt his ears to hear. Some of the raiders began cheering, while others looked around in a panic, almost as if they couldn’t see where the voice was coming from.

“Bring forward the faithless.” The woman whispered.

Villagers were brought to the altar. The woman grasped a piece of Kyber and placed her malformed hand on the first villager’s face. Countless eyes of unnatural shapes and sizes opened on the enlarged arm. The villager screamed as a wet sucking sound echoed into the chamber. The Kyber in the woman’s hand slowly shifted from green to red as the villager shuddered before lying still.

A new set of eyes opened on the woman’s arm.

Jun’s lip curled when the woman repeated the process four more times. Bleed four more Kyber crystals and ending four more innocent lives. Then she issued a call for communion to be given to the new recruits. She explained that they would see and never thirst again.

Jun clicked the projector off as raiders were forcibly dragged to the front and that same vile hand was placed over their faces. Forced to drink whatever concoction that was brewed within.

“This…is a problem…” Jun muttered.

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

Vanya felt some of the tension relax if ever-so-slightly as he seemed to accept that explanation. It was all true as well, and she was glad she had thought to use that angle.

She gave Jun a side eye as he said not to drink the brew, and she could just imagine what was in it.

Winged and Fanged Spirits, she corrected patiently. And that might not be so bad, she said.

It's a deal, she said. She was interested to learn more about the Matukai anyway. They were a strange group and the only other one she had met was the Grand Marshal of the Empire.

As the logs began to play, Vanya watched the ritual in horror, not wanting to watch it any longer. She'd seen horrible things in her life already, but this... this had to be up there toward the top. She didn't want to keep watching it, and was going to turn it off if not for the fact that they needed to know what was going on.

Her hand clenched at her side and she felt rage coursing through her that she did her best to shove aside. It wouldn't help these people now.

Do you recognize where that could be? she asked Jun. It was unlikely... but maybe they would get lucky.

 

[K’Jun]

Jun always wished his problems were simple ones. He hoped this string of murders would have been some acolytes, a mad man, or maybe a Sith. Those were less messy, easier to clean up. Still wasn’t ideal but it was preferable over whatever the hell that thing was.

Vanya drew him out of his thoughts when she asked if he recognized anything. So Jun made the unfortunate decision of cutting the log back on and rewinding to the start of the ceremony. The droid’s vision panned across the hand lumen lit room. His eyes narrowed. He rewound the log again.

“That’s…not possible.” He muttered. “That’s New Jedha City.” He whispered. “I recognize some of those sewer alcoves at the beginnin’ of the tape.” He circled an area on the other side of a doorway with a pair of fingers. He wouldn’t explain how or why he knew those sewers. “Church of the Force has been steadily rebuildin’ the holy city.” He explained. “But how did that thing find its way into there? And how is no one noticin’ that many raiders under their noses?” He asked as he glanced to her.

“I think this needs to be brought to the attention of the Matukai.” He said flatly. “It’d take too long for more Jedi to arrive. And if we can convince them to act this becomes an issue we can deal with now.” He pointed out. “What’re your thoughts Vanya?”

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

Vanya could sense his emotions heightening even as he realized where this was. The fact that he knew where it was was a good thing because it gave them a place to start. It did raise more questions, though. Questions that Jun also pointed out and questions that led Vanya to believe that perhaps her concerns about corruption - at least in something - were correct.

He wasn't wrong about more Jedi, and how many Jedi were there to spare? They were already stretched thin like single ply toilet paper, and it should be the Matukai's problem.

Yeah, I think it's our only choice unless we're going to do it ourselves, she said, which was almost tempting in a way.

I suppose we could try to cut the head off the snake, she said. Hunt down... who or whatever arm lady is, she said. It was... bold. To be honest, they probably needed more information before pitching this to the Matukai, right? They shouldn't but they'd already kind of shown they sat around on their hands, didn't they?

@Apollyon

 

[K’Jun]

Jun’s ears flicked at Vanya’s response. She was cautious with her words, she wasn’t saying what he was thinking too.

“You think someone’s in on it, don’t you?” He asked directly. He was clearly disheartened by the revelation but it made sense. How else did the raiders know about the meeting place? Someone had to have tipped them off.

“Looks like we get to solo hunt a freak.” Jun stated. “We don’t got much a choice then.” He said with a sigh. “Never thought I’d be hunting down a chick that actually has eyes in the back of her head.” He hoped humor would make the situation a little lighter.

“Well, we should can get a ride to New Jedha from the trader caravan that rolls through.” Jun told her. “Should be here tomorrow, unless you want to try out luck footing it through the glass dunes…which is a bad idea.”

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

He asked her directly if she thought there was an insider, and she nodded slowly.

I don't see how there isn't, she said. Maybe Matukai, maybe government or local the local marshal... I don't know, but how would they cover this up otherwise? she asked, motioning to emphasize her point.

People disappearing and no one says a word or looks into it? she said, baffled. She knew things weren't very well connected out here, but you'd think someone would notice if their neighbor disappeared.

Who, me? she asked as he mentioned eyes in the back of her head. She wished... that would come in handy sometimes.

No, I don't think that's a good idea, she said in response to his comment about going on foot. It sounded like a distinctly bad idea.

Maybe the caravans will have heard some rumors, too, she said, heading out in the direction he indicated.

In short time, the "caravan" came into view, and Vanya... had never seen anything like it. Dozens of run-down, patched-up, and barely-functioning vehicles were round together in preparation for their departure.

Wow... Vanya said in a tone that indicated she might not be utterly enthusiastic about this.

 

[K’Jun]

Jun knew Vanya was likely right, didn’t mean he had to like it. His ears dipped slightly and he grimaced when she nodded. Shit.

“Yeah…that’s what I’m afraid of.” Jun admitted. In all honesty, he was more afraid of this being connected to the Matukai. Why else would they block investigations? Why else would they refuse to get involved? That broke Jun’s heart more than anything else.

His jaw tensed as he ground his teeth together. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly to calm himself. “If that’s the case…we’ll do what we have to.” He told her with a slow nod. “These people deserve peace. The victims deserve justice. And the Force must have balance restored.”

In Balance there is purpose.
In duty there is peace.
In the Light lays the truth.

The mantra echoed in Jun’s mind. It ensured his resolve was iron. As a Jedi he would protect these people. As Matukai? He would ensure balance was restored, by whatever means necessary.

Thankfully, Vanya’s quip drew him out of his mind and back to the present. He smirked at that. “Careful, with how quick your teleport is, I wouldn’t doubt it.” He teased. “Oh, you’ll have to teach me that laser trick one day. Bet it’d be useful for you know, punchin’ things.” He imagined his fists covered in the raw stuff of the Light Side for just a moment. Yep, that was cool.

It was quickly decided that they’d take the caravan. Jun was actually excited for it too. He liked the tricked out dune buggies and sand speeders. They were fun to drive even if they had next to no suspension.

So when he heard the Caravan in the distance, his ears perked. When Vanya expressed her excitement too, Jun grinned. His tails swayed and twisted around one another with excitement. He nudged Vanya with his elbow as they got closer. “Aren’t they so cool?” He asked with a grin plastered to his face.

When the caravan drivers pulled up and began to file out, Jun approached them. He talked to several sand speeder pilots until one agreed to let them ride along. Jun was thrilled! This one even had a ceiling mounted heavy repeater that he could use if raiders attacked. Not that he was a good shot, but when you’re firing that many bolts down range, did you need to be?

“I secured us a ride!” Jun chirped to Vanya. “This is gonna be so much fun!”

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

She closed her eyes, shook her head, and smiled slightly at his statement. Everything was punching with him, wasn't it? Not that she could really... judge. That would be the quacta calling the stifling slimy, after all.

Only if I'm introducing you to the wide world of battling Dark Side abominations, she said, laughing coldly. Yeah, make jokes out of it or perish under the weight of the terror and responsibility.

Yeah... Vanya said in response to his question, the enthusiasm just dripping from her words.

Fortunately, he seemed right at home with negotiating with them, and in short order he had secured them both a ride.

Good, she said, her voice attempting to mimic some enthusiasm before glancing over at the heavy repeater on the top.

Wow... that's... they're not messing around, she said, climbing aboard in one of the back seats before the caravan started racing off over the freezing dunes. The wind whipped up and it only made things that much colder, but even Vanya had to admit... it was kind of fun.

@Apollyon

 

[K’Jun]

Jun quirked an eyebrow at Vanya’s response. “I don’t know about you, but that chick’s arm didn’t seem normal.” He pointed out. “So I think the intro classes are probably out the window.” He said with a chuckle.

Jun’s smile only brightened when Vanya noticed the heavy repeater. “Yeah sometimes they gotta blast away at glass flat predators or raiders!” He told her excitedly as they climbed into the back of a beat up dune buggy. “Maybe we’ll get lucky and get to put it to use!” Jun chirped.

The trip to New Jedha was relatively uneventful. There was a small tire blow out that stopped the Caravan for thirty minutes. Aside from the tense time not moving, it was relatively smooth sailing, much to Jun’s chagrin.

“That was a little weird that the trip was so…easy.” Jun whispered to Vanya as the caravan pulled up before the partially completed walls of New Jedha.

Off in the distance a horn sounded from a massive domed structure. The Church of the Force called the citizens to show reverence to the Force. Several of the caravaners paused to tap their forehead, lips, then chest before bowing their heads and mouthing prayers. Jun followed suit out of habit but didn’t pray with them.

“Church of the Force controls a lot of the city.” Jun explained. “Their doctrines focus around findin’ balance and harmony in all parts of life.” He continued. “They used to donate to and support the Matukai but that was a long time ago. Things have…changed since then.” He told her as they walked towards the gatehouse. “Few members of the clergy are actually Force Sensitive but their faith gives the people hope. Which is better than nothin’.”

Jun walked into the gatehouse and presented his Matukai Gauntlets to the guard. The man looked at them, tapped his forehead, lips, and heart.

“Enter New Jedha in peace Kyber Guardian.” The man said before allowing Jun to pass.

If Vanya showed the guard her lightsaber, she too would be allowed to pass into New Jedha. The guard would give her the same series of taps before speaking.

“Enter New Jedha in peace Sister Jedi.”

Jun would wait for Vanya to make her way through the gatehouse. He gestured towards the inner city that sprawled out before them. Bazaars, marketplaces, and shops filled the entrance to New Jedha. This was the commerce district. Cantinas and inns sat at every corner and people flowed in and out them as they shopped in stores or at stalls.

“Welcome to New Jedha, Vanya.” Jun said. A smile had formed on his face, his tails swayed gently, his ears were perked. Jun was glad to be here. “Welcome to my home.” He continued before he glanced down to her.

16/20 for clear trip to New Jedha
@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

Their passage over the open flatlands was swift and smooth, which was a surprise to Vanya, but even she had to have good luck sometimes, right?

Jun seemed disappointed by this fact, but Vanya was glad. Look, I'm not going to look a gift fathier in the mouth, she said.

A huge horn blasted across the city and as it did, everyone seemed to look in the direction of a large dome and Vanya just looked around, flicking her eyes from side to side awkwardly as even Jun seemed to bow his head. She twiddled her thumbs for a moment until it was over and Jun started speaking again.

Oh good, she thought quietly to herself.

It's unusual to see a place so devoted to faith following the Force, she said. It seemed most of the galaxy had strayed away from the truth these days, so caught up in technology and "a good blaster at your side." It was... refreshing in a way.

Vanya followed suit - after a tad bit of prompting - as they arrived at the next guard. She pulled back her cloak to reveal the lightsaber on her hip, accepting the blessing - or at least that was what she assumed it was - as he tapped away at her, thankfully having already seen the ritual performed on her partner and therefore making her slightly less wary.

They entered into the city and he welcomed her in.

Thank you, she said in reply. The place was surprisingly busy or maybe it was just that they had been dumped directly into one of the main markets. It was bustling with people in a vibrant way but not in the same, overwhelming way that she might experience on Coruscant. Enough people to feel like it was alive but not the stifling metal and life force that was a megametropolis.

I kind of like it, she commented almost absentmindedly. Much better than they had experienced with the raiders.

 

[K’Jun]

Jun didn’t miss what Vanya had pointed out when they were waiting to enter the city. But he didn’t comment until they had made their way through the gatehouse. Jun’s gaze fell from the city of New Jedha and to Vanya as she soaked in the sights before her.

“Yeah, the Church of the Force has always had a presence on Jedha.” He explained. “Rumor has it that Jedha City, the original holy city, had a temple dedicated Kyber with some of the largest natural formations found.” He continued. “The Empire raided a lot of that though and then what was left in the temple got blasted by the Death Star.” His ears fell back as he spoke. “All that Kyber used to destroy worlds…” He returned his gaze to the city. “…that’s why it can’t fall into the wrong hands again. Jedha learned the hard way.”

Jun nodded for her to follow him. They had to start their investigation soon, he knew that but there was a little time. Jun hadn’t eaten yet and had a few credits pay for a meal to share with Vanya. “We’re gonna eat then we can start our hunt.” He explained with a smirk.

Jun ordered the pair of them large empanadas that were made from the meat of a giant desert rodent, vegetables grown in moisture houses, and a gravy made from marrow. It was a simple meal, something the people of New Jedha City commonly ate due to how easy it was to carry around.

“There is a sewer entrance a few blocks from here.” Jun told her pointing off in the direction of the entrance. “Might need us to do some convincing to get down there but that shouldn’t be an issue.”

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

Vanya listened to him talk about the history of the planet, thinking about the old Empire and the new one. She supposed it wasn't too terribly different from one to the next. The old Empire destroyed worlds through their kyber weapons and the new just used its fleets.

Times never change, she commented. At least the Empire today isn't as powerful as the old one. And maybe there's some part of some of them who actually want to help people, she said, though she was doubtful. She hadn't spent much time in the Empire apart from her escapades onto Bastion - an occupied world - and she had no idea if the propaganda about Imperial citizens being content was true. They certainly seemed to feed the Empire and keep it propped up.

So in other words, I should finish my food before we get down there, she said unenthusiastically as he mentioned a sewer. She picked through her food, discreetly picking out some of the vegetables before chomping down on the rest.

As they walked, she thought about what they were in for here, and what they had already learned.

What does the Church of the Force believe? Is there a group of them that might have become radicalized to devote themselves to the Shadow? she asked, pausing and starting to angle toward the Church itself and seeing if he would come along with her. Something - perhaps it was just the heart in her chest - told her to go there, and she seldom found ignoring that feeling was wise.

@Apollyon

 

[K’Jun]

Jun’s ears folded back slightly when Vanya brought up how little difference there was between Empires. “I doubt it, if they use the Dark Side they tend to not give a damn about the pain they cause.” Jun replied. He’d heard of the genocides the Empire committed when the Sith led them, the atrocities they committed without them were virtually the same. “It’s why the Galaxy needs to be brought back into Balance.” Jun commented. “There’s a lotta wrongs to be righted and not a lotta people willin’ to do it.”

When Vanya made her remark about eating quickly, she’d earn a snort of laughter from Jun. “Yeah, I’d suggest it. That stench tends to kill appetites.” He commented with a chortle.

As they walked, Vanya would ask about the Church of the Force’s beliefs. She asked a leading question if some of their clergy could be led astray. Jun went to protest but instead he munched on his food and thought about what they’d seen. That was more than just a ritual, what they watched was a religious rite.

“Oh shit…” Jun muttered. “They took a communion.” He commented. “That wasn’t just some dark side ritual…that was a rite…that’s a real cult.” His gaze fell to Vanya and then he looked to where she’d angled herself to head. “But how is tall, mutated, and freaky hidin’ with the rest of the clergy?” He asked. “I think priests’d notice if a nun had a yoked arm with extra eyes and a sucker in the palm.” He pointed out.

He’d follow Vanya’s lead in this one though. It was worth investigating to be sure. He finished up his empanada on the way there. The pair of them would find themselves at the doorsteps of the church. A priest in pure white robes stood before the massive wooden doors, he smiled kindly at them.

“What can the faithful do for servants of the Force?” He asked as they approached.

Jun did the ritual of three dots and then glanced to Vanya. “He’s one of the few Force Sensitive priests.” Jun whispered. “The connection is weak though.” He explained. “You’re the one with the plan, I’ll let you take the lead here.” He muttered with a shrug.

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

Maybe he was right and she was just being too optimistic, but sometimes if she wasn't, the weight of the gargantuan number of evil enemies who had come to power over the last decades was overwhelming and crushing. It was the Empire, after all, that Vanya had assisted in killing the Nightsister Queen. It was also the Empire that had nearly killed her in a fit of rage.

Sometimes it seems like that's not even possible, she muttered. She knew that hopelessness had no place in a Jedi's mind, but... she was still just a person.

More like no one... she grumbled again. Even the Matukai - an allegedly Light organization - sat around with their thumbs up their backsides. Same with the Jedi Council. Same with the remnants of the New Republic and Free World Alliances... everyone. And she knew why... they were tired. They were tired of fighting the good fight and standing up again after being knocked down.

The feelings of hopelessness nagged at her mind and she forced them back yet again, centering herself on the task at hand. "Keep your attention here and now where it belongs," she could almost hear the old Jedi Master holocrons saying.

She instead tried to root herself in the moment, enjoying the taste of the empanada and the chill of the afternoon air on her face.

Maybe she's not, she speculated about the corrupt clergy hiding with the rest. But that doesn't mean that other, unchanged people, aren't, she speculated. She wasn't sure why she was so fixated on this idea of a mole, but it just felt right. That was all she could explain, and it was a poor explanation, she knew. But the Winged Spirit didn't exactly speak directly.

They arrived at the temple, and Vanya looked at the man who greeted them. He seemed to actually hold the Light within him, and though he may not have been perfect, he was a true devotee. It was just obvious. And yet, even as she sensed him, she felt obscurity beyond. As if the Shadow were clouding this place.

Plan... yeah, right, she said. "Plan" was - as usual - pretty strong for what Vanya was here to do. She just kind of plopped herself down and let the chaos roll out whatever would happen.

Hello sir... she said, before pausing. She couldn't just outright blurt it out, could she?

We were hoping to ask if you've seen anything unusual in the city or the building here recently, she said, being about as diplomatic as she possibly knew how. We have reason to believe that something is going on here that... shouldn't be, she said.

 

[K’Jun]

Jun saw Vanya’s expression shift. His ears dipped, he hadn’t meant to discourage her. When she muttered about being there being no one to right those wrongs, he glanced at her. His brow furrowed for a moment before he lightly elbowed her.

“That ain’t true.” He told her with a playful nudge. “You ain’t alone, you at least got me.” He smirked. “And that’s better than nothin’, yeah?” He asked. “Guess we’ll just have to be examples for the rest of em.” He commented.

It wasn’t much, but Jun wanted her to know she wasn’t facing the Dark side alone. He’d chosen to leave the Matukai, to abandon his home to create a better place for everyone. It wasn’t gonna be easy but Jun was determined to show the Galaxy they could aim for hope and a better tomorrow.

“So you think she’s the head of this cult and they’re recruitin’ within the clergy?” He asked. “And then pullin’ in raiders as their militant arm?” He continued, piecing together what he assumed was her theory. “That’s…problematic.” He muttered. “If corrupt clergy are teachin’ the masses, there’s no tellin’ what they are preachin’.” Jun’s mind turned to the worst case scenario, the whole Holy City brought to ruin by a cult led by a single mutated demagogue.

Jun stood quietly as Vanya asked her questions. He felt the shift in the priest’s mood. He wasn’t angry, he wasn’t offended, he was relieved. The old man’s shoulders dipped and his eyes flicked from Vanya to Jun and then back to her.

“Thank the Light.” He muttered, tears welling in his eyes. “I’ve prayed to the Force to deliver the city from what had dug its claws into her.” He blinked back tears as he talked in a hushed voice. “But it isn’t safe here…I have felt corruption in so many of my brothers and sisters.” He whispered.

The priest fell silent as a group of people left the massive citadel. He waited until they were out of earshot to speak again.

“Give me an hour, meet me by the well in the market square.” He instructed. “New Jedha needs help purging this cancer and restoring her purpose.” He reached out to grasp Vanya’s hands. “Guide us back to the Light Sister Jedi.”

Jun’s ears flicked in disbelief. Could she see the future too? When Vanya finally returned Jun would look at her and shake his head. “Aight, how’d you know that?” He asked. “You teleport, shoot laser beams, and now you can divine the future.” He said with a smirk. “Keep it up and people might say you’re the second coming of the Chosen One.”

@Phoenix

 

[Vanya]

It was nice to know that she wasn't really alone. There were other Jedi who had joined her cause, and now there was Jun and maybe even some of his Matukai friends as well. No cause was lost as long as there was one fool left to fight for it.

Guess we're both the weirdos, then, she said with a snicker.

She nodded at his summary of her thoughts. She didn't like it, but it seemed to fit. She was sure some of the pieces were still moving around, but it made a certain amount of horrifying sense.

As the priest started to answer, Vanya was glad that her impression of him in the Essence had been right, and it seemed they had come to the right person. And yet, she still felt the clouding presence of the Shadow nearby.

Be safe and careful, sir, she said quietly as he said to meet them in an hour. Vanya didn't watch a lot of holomovies, but if she did, she would have definitely known that this was the part where the overly helpful informant got killed before he could divulge anything. She was very hesitant to leave him even without knowing that.

Heh, no, I'm not so good at divination, she said. It was a whole ritual and involved being on Dathomir with another person and some chalices. It was a whole ordeal to be honest. Or at least a crystal ball and some more particular knowledge.

I'm just... following the Winged Spirit's nudging, she said with a shrug before heading toward the exit.

They had an hour to kill, but Vanya found herself too tense to just relax, relatively quiet for most of the time as she churned their situation over.

Are you a "try to get them all to surrender" person? she asked, realizing that - although they had technically fought side by side once already - in the heat of the moment they had never really established the... rules of engagement for this particular job.