Ask Waters of Jabiim

[Ephiny Daivand]

Jabiim was a world known for its torrential rains, experiencing fewer than five days per standard year without precipitation. Would be expected that so much rain could cause problems to the population, but the Jabiimi were well prepared to deal with the constant downpour with the minimum of damage. However, sometimes not even all precautions are sufficient to prevent a tragedy. This time the endless rain of Jabiim was stronger than normal and caused several accidents across the planet.

Ephiny was visiting the nearby planet of Taskeed, collecting information about the history of this world for the Order's archives , when she heard about the situation in Jabiim. Since it was the duty of a Jedi to help those in need, she took a transport to the rainy planet, planning to see if they needed some help. During the journey, the pilot told her that the landing would occur normally, due to the rain having lessened. After looking outside the transport after it landed, the Jedi asked herself if this information was really true. It was like the entire sky was falling!

Only seconds after she stepped out of the transport, Ephiny’s cloak was already completely soaked. She ran to the main building of the spaceport seeking to escape the rain. There she overheard a conversation between a male Twi'lek and a human male. They were talking about how the storm caused a landslide that destroyed a mine of ore and trapped several miners inside it.

“Excuse me.” she said approaching the two “I hear what you said about a landslide. Where did this happen?” seeing by her clothes that she was a Jedi, they told Ephiny that it happened in a mine outside of the city and that the authorities were already there trying to rescue the miners, but they were having troubles due to the large amount of debris. After the Twi'lek gave her information on how to get to the mine, Ephiny said “thank you” to them and walked towards the exit of the building.

She stopped at the door, looking at what was happening in front of her, the rain had increased again. “I should have bought an umbrella in Taskeed.” Ephiny muttered to herself. After covering her head with the hood of the cloak, she ran in the direction of the mine. In her haste, she didn't notice a small stall beside the spaceport where a Mon Calamari was selling umbrellas.

 

[Alexandria Voran]

Rain. Lovely, never ending, copious rain. It fit the mood. Jedi Councilor Alexandria Voran stalked the confines of the small mobile command center. Reports poured in of damage across Jabiim. The Order can come to assist in relief efforts. They were woefully unprepared. No amount of resources could keep pace with the planetary distress. Alex led the Jedi relief efforts and found herself increasingly frustrated. Yes, the downpour fit her dour mood. She kept her mind calm but some of her displeasure leaked into the Force. The feeling of helplessness never sat well with the Morellian Jedi. Hers flicked to one of the many screens, a mine trapped by a landslide.

“There…where is that?” Her voice was unintentionally sharp as she spoke. The young man viewing the screen jumped. “Oh…just outside of town Master Jedi.” Alex nodded. “Great, I’m going.” Her gaze swept the room. “My coms are on. Keep me informed.” No one objected. The team she brought knew better than to try and stop her. Alex could only be kept still for so long. The Force filled her as she stepped out of the command center. The rain never touched her robes. She found peace in the elements. She did not possess the strength to banish the rain from Jabiim but she could at least stay dry. One nod of satisfaction and she was on her way.

The walk to the mines was quick. The rain pounding away all the same. Her lack of drenched clothing set her apart immediately. That was the point. Jedi still inspired hope in some parts of the galaxy. It was important she continued to fan those flames. Half the war was a public relations battle. One they often loss. She put on her best Jedi Council face while walking towards the rescued efforts. Be a hero, Alex.

@LouJoVi

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

Rain wasn't something new to Laeonas. Cormond experienced semi regular drizzles every few years, though the rain water was often polluted thanks to the poor air quality. Still, no rain storm he had ever witness could compare to this one. He had seen more rain in the past few days than he had the rest of his life. It was nothing but a torrential downpour, and he was absolutely soaked. Had he known this would be a problem, he wouldn't have stopped on this world. But now... well, he was stuck.

"GROUNDED?!" He shouted, reaching a pitch he hadn't hit in months. "What d'ya mean GROUNDED?! This planet's decided t'take an extra long wring through tha 'fresher with 'ow karkin' soaked it's got, and ya want me ta STAY?!" He went on, an uncharacteristic fury in his voice.

The poor sap that was enduring his fit was a middle aged Rodian man sitting behind the custom's office to the city's general landing zone. He obviously wasn't in the mood to put up with Laeonas' less than calm response, but he held his tongue within' his proboscis. "sir, the recent state of emergency orders prevent anyone from arriving or leaving on Jabiim. You'll be able to leave when the current storms end." He calmly explained. Unfortunately, that was the worst thing he could've possibly said.

"BULLSHIT! Ai've been seein' plenty'f takeoffs and landin's fer tha past day! What gives 'em..," The man began, before trailing off as a look of realization slipped onto his face. "Aaaahhhhh... Ai see." He cooed, pursing his lips as he reached into his coat. "Ai won't go any 'igher than fifty, take it 'er leave it."

The Rodian gawked at the human as if he'd just stripped naked. "...sir, I'm not trying to extort you. Those ships are exempt due to providing essential support to the ongoing relief effort." He quickly stated, obviously not wanting to drag on the conversation. Laeonas paused at this, suddenly reevaluating the entire situation. A plan began to form in the man's head, and his demeanor shifted.

"Ai owe ya'an a'pology," he started, before placing a single 20 credit chip on the counter. "Can Ai trouble 'ya a'bout where Ai can find tha 'ead of this relief effort?" He asked, smiling an unnecessarily toothy grin. The Rodian glared at him with his unblinking insectoid eyes, before letting out a sigh and taking the chip. "A couple of Jedi should be near the main command center. It's half a kilo east of here." The man explained, to which the human perked up at the mention of the J word. "Jedi? 'Ere? Really?"

All the Rodian could manage was a nod. Realizing he wouldn't get anything more out of the alien, he placed another 20 credit chip on the counter, prompting the Rodian's face to soften. Turning, the man rushed from his position under a durasteel canopy, off to follow the directions he was given. Nobody would notice one of the umbrellas at a nearbye stand leap from it's position and into his hand in the rush of all that was going on.
​

@Valen Pelora @LouJoVi

 

[Ephiny Daivand]

While walking to the place where the landslide happened, Ephiny managed to hitch a ride on a rescue vehicle, which was leaving the town to help in the efforts of cleaning the debris that were blocking the mine. Now sitting in a dry place, she began to observe the landscape through the transport’s window. The sky continued with heavy clouds, but the rain had subsided again. Through the window Ephiny saw some mountains in the distance and she noticed that the land around the road was very muddy and with little vegetation, probably due to the constant precipitation of Jabiim few plants were able to survive there. She began to think about the possibility of studying the plants and the environment in which they lived, thus obtaining new information for the Jedi Archives.

Ephiny’s musings about Jabiimi plants were interrupted by a member of the rescue team announcing that they had arrived at the place where the landslide had occurred. After she leaved the vehicle with the others, the Jedi was surprised by the chaotic state of the place. The mine was located at the foot of a hill, the place from where the landslide came. She also noticed that some debris destroyed some buildings that were part of the mining complex. Several tents were made, with some being used as command centers for the rescue efforts, while others were being used as places to treat the wounded. There were vehicles being used to remove large rocks and mud.

Deciding to make herself useful and at the same time wanting to escape the rain, Ephiny approached the tent where most members of the rescue teams were. There she was greeted by a black haired human female in a uniform, which had a tag with the words “Captain Hulmdenn”. “Jedi Master, it is so good to see you! My name is Captain Mikhale Hulmdenn. Our command center in the town notified us that the Jedi Order has sent help.” the captain seemed to be happy and excited by Ephiny’s presence.”It's nice to meet you, captain. I’m Ephiny Daivand, a Jedi Knight not a Master. But I’m here to help too.” the Jedi introduced herself to the Jabiimi woman.

“Strange, the command center had specified that a Jedi Master was coming here.” the captain paused, thinking about what could have caused this confusion. “It does not matter. Follow me, I'll explain what's going on.” she walked inside the tent being, followed by Ephiny.

“This year the rain is stronger than normal, there were floods and several landslides like this one across the planet. We had to split our personnel in several teams so help could reach all these places, but now our numbers are very reduced.” she guided the Jedi to the center of the tent, where people in computers were monitoring the situation. Captain Hulmdenn was going to continue with her explanation, when she was interrupted by a man announcing the arrival of a Jedi Master. While they followed him out of the tent, Ephiny started to think about who could be this Master.

@Valen Pelora @Tom

 

[Alexandria Voran]

The Force carried her swiftly towards the rescue efforts. A speeder or shuttle may have been faster, but Alex needed the time to think. She found herself with few moments alone. Her body settled into a careful hum as she ran…her mind at ease. For a brief second, the concerns of the galaxy flitted away. Alex could focus on one problem she could actually solve. The Force clicked in her mind. Her body slowed. Her thoughts spread out as she took in the scene around the mine. It was worse than reported. An unmistakable tinge of panic wafted through the Force. Alex pushed calm. No need for uninspiring emotions. The fear radiating from the mine was more palpable and more concerning. She could nearly see the thoughts of those trapped. They were running out of time.

Her focus shifted, a few leader-ish appearing figures emerging from a tent. The women’s name tag clearly identified her as Captain Hulmdenn. Alex’s focus slipped past the Captain, instead focusing on the Jedi emerging behind her. Had she already sent someone here and forgotten? No. This was an unexpected arrival. Since joining the Council, Alex had made a concerted effort to learn the names and faces of all the Knights. They were so few these days. She quickly rifled through her memories, accepting a helping hand from the Force.

“Jedi Daivand, I did not expect to see out of the Archives.” She quickly flashed a smile at the Captain. “I’m your Jedi Master, Captain...Councilor Alex Voran.” Confidence flowed from Alex in the Force. Perception was key. “If you wouldn’t mind giving us the lay of the land? We should get to work.” The Force was a powerful ally but not even the Jedi could predict what may give rise to another landslide. They could not take the chance of making the collapse worse.

@Tom @LouJoVi

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

The rain continued to pour down and the man, in spite of his so called "umbrella." Such a tool might've been useful during a reasonable storm. However, when water was coming down in sheets from multiple angles, it was less effective. Still, it was better than nothing, and most people were sucking it up. Not Laeonas, however; he wouldn't be satisfied until this storm was nothing but an unpleasant memory.

It finally occurred to the man that he should pull up his hood. It was good that he had concealed his saber within an inner pocket of his jacket. A hooded man dressed in black running around with a lightsaber on his belt would draw attention. He did want to meet the Jedi, sure, but he didn't want them to confuse him for an "enemy." That wouldn't be an issue as he reached the camp surrounding the makeshift command center.

Nobody took note of the hooded man as he began scouring the area. The rush of activity left him in the proverbial eye of the storm, moving without incident. What he was looking for would require him to interact with these people though. That meant he had to find someone with the information he needed. Who it would be was a completely different question, however...

He directed his attention to a nearbye trailer. The door was swung open, and a number of people sat in front of monitors with various pieces of information splayed across the screens. He could only catch glimpses of words as information flew across the screen; precipitation rates, weather forecasts for the following days. Information regarding the emergency situation was also present; mentions of downed power lines, water supplies being contaminated, sewage treatment plants spilling out. All of it had bad situations, but one word came up again and again...

Mudslide.

Laeonas would glance around, spotting a comlink left on the edge of the long desk set up inside. Flipping it on, the chatter was hard to follow; orders, directives, plenty of information. It started to become obvious as to what most of the staff at this place were focused on, and it didn't take long before Laeonas knew where he had to go. Stepping out of the trailer, he let the umbrella casually fly back into his hands. Now, he knew where he had to go.
​

@Valen Pelora @LouJoVi

 

[Ephiny Daivand]

When she left the tent after Captain Hulmdenn, Ephiny finally met the Jedi Master and recognised her as Alexandria Voran, a member of the Jedi Council. If she remembered correctly, Master Voran was a member of the Morellian species, being older than she looked. The two never interacted much at the Jedi temple of Yavin IV, but the younger Jedi knew from conversations with other knights that the Councilor was very wise. Even with the chaotic scenario around them, Ephiny could sense confidence and calm flowing from the Jedi Master through the Force.

“Master Voran, it's good to see you here! I was in Taskeed doing a search about its history when I learned that Jabiim was having problems due to heavy rain, so I decided to come here to help.” Ephiny turned to Captain Hulmdenn, who was watching the two Jedi greeting each other “When I arrived there, Captain Hulmdenn told me that they were waiting for a Jedi Master. She was going to explain the situation to me before your arrival.”

The Jabiimi woman nodded in agreement “Yes, follow me.” she entered the tent and Ephiny followed her. “As I said to Knight Daivand, this year the rain has been stronger than normal, there were floods and several landslides across the planet. We received several requests for help, so we had to split our personnel into several teams.” she made a pause when they arrived at the middle of the tent “However, soon we noticed that our numbers were very reduced. Due to that, we sent a request for help to the Jedi Order. We are grateful that you answered and came to help us.”

“The situation on this mine is pretty bad. The heavy rain of a few hours ago caused part of the hillside to slide, blocking its entrance and also destroying some buildings. It was the beginning of lunchtime, so most miners were in the courtyard going to the cafeteria when it happened. However, there were still eight people inside the mine and now they are trapped. There were people inside the buildings that were destroyed. We were able to take most of them from the rumble alive, but some were already dead when we found them.” Captain Hulmdenn made a pause, Ephiny could sense her fear and sadness “Now we are trying to rescue those trapped in the mine. We tried to use machines to remove the debris, but we discovered that the landslide, by removing rocks from the hill, caused the interior of the mine to become unstable. Now it can collapse at any moment.” she pointed to a monitor that showed a diagram of the mine with several red exclamation points indicating areas of instability.

“ We stopped using machines due to fear that the weight and constant movement could make the mine collapse. We removed the mud and smaller rocks, but we are having difficulty moving the large and heavy rocks that are obstructing the entrance.” Ephiny could sense the despair coming from Captain Hulmdenn and it made her sad “It'll take a long time until we can open the way and time is something we do not have. The land is very unstable and a new landslide can occur soon, this time it will bring the entire hill down. Please Master Jedi, help us save these people.” The Captain looked to both Jedi, with supplication present in her voice.

Ephiny looked to Master Voran, waiting for her command. The situation was difficult, but the Jedi Knight knew that if they trusted in the Force and let it guide them, they could find a solution for this problem.

@Valen Pelora @Tom

 

[Alexandria Voran]

“Wonderful, an extra set of hands is always welcome.” Alex voice was warm, her eyes bright. The melancholy of the command center was slowly dripping away. She had a reputation to uphold after all. She slowly shifted her focus back to the Captain, following Ephiny and their guide into the tent. Her eyes immediately swept across the monitors. This was worse than she expected. The Captain explained the situation thoroughly but Alex’s mind was only half in the tent. The Force flowed from the Councilor to seek the collapse. Yes…one false move and disaster will strike. She knew they wanted absolution. She knew they need faith. Alex gave all she could. “I can’t promise we’ll succeed but we will do everything in our power to save them.”

Her voice was firm, but the sincerity was undeniable. She pushed belief into the Force. Captain Hulmdenn would know Alex meant each word that left her lips. “I will not leave here until our work is done. They’ll drag my unconscious body from the mud before I leave a single soul behind…I promise.” The air vibrated with the strength of her conviction. She meant it. Alexandria Voran always kept her promises. “We’ll need space to work, Captain. If you could clear the area and give Jedi Daivand and I a moment.” Captain Hulmdenn nodded and left the tent, giving the Jedi the requested privacy. Alex turned to gaze at Ephiny.

“This is beyond my skill alone…it is good you are here.” The Morellian Councilor was painfully honest. She never sugar coated even the worst. “There is a way I may be able to hold the land while you remove the rocks. It’s exhausting but perhaps our only chance to clear a path.” Alex took a deep breath. She did not relish what was to come. The elements were her greatest ally, her singular talent in the Force. Still, what she was required to do would be extremely difficult.

@LouJoVi @Tom

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

He'd spent the next few minutes diving into tents, eavesdropping on conversations, and dipping onto the comlink. He wanted to pick up any more valuable information before he did this. Coming in ignorant of the situation would make him look like an opportunistic prick. It might have been half true, but it was a bad idea regardless. He was about to meet up with a Jedi master, and providing a first impression as an incompetent dumbass would be ill advised.

Laeonas' general direction through his softcore espionage was in the direction of the mineshaft. All the while, it was beginning to become obvious that he... didn't belong. More and more of the aid workers were beginning to notice the presence of the unidentified, umbrella holding man in black. A few people were actually started to give him looks, either in concern or contempt for his blatant disregard of emergency protocols. The man managed to maintain a look of apathetic indifference that signaled that he wasn't going to leave, and that he doubted anyone could make him.

In the distance, the hills that had trapped dozens of people grew ever larger. The signs of destruction were obvious; snapped trees, fresh mud, indications of what had been. It caused the man to stop in his tracks, but only for a few seconds. He wasn't going to let the realities of the situation bog him down. These people all had families and friends that lived and suffered on this world; it's fate didn't impact his life at all.

Two guards, completely unarmed, stood outside the tent. In spite of the rain, Laeonas could hear snippets of conversation from within. The man listened closely, hearing bits addresses of names, titles, promises. This was the place he was looking for, no doubt about it. Why the Jedi needed unarmed guards when they were Jedi was another question entirely. It was actually funny, if one ignored the context of the situation.

"Ai've got an appointment," the man cooed, closing his umbrella. Stepping forward, the two guards looked at each other with mutual hesitation. "Sir, I was told that the meeting wasn't to be disturbed. It's of the utmost urgency that they be a-a-aaeeHKK--!!" the guard suddenly croaked, grasping at his neck. Coughing, he'd fall down, Laeonas dropping to his side. "AI! What's kriffin' wrong with ya?!" The man asked, pulling the guard up. He'd begin pulling up into the man's diaphragm, and the choking gave way to coughing.

Laeonas would release his mental grip on the man's windpipe, allowing the other guard to focus on alleviating his comrade's ailments. The man, clad in all black, walked into the tent with a coy smile. He took stock of the woman in military gear, and the two wearing very distinctive robes. That little smile turned into a friendly grin. "So, Ai've 'eard ya got a landslide problem."
​

@Valen Pelora @LouJoVi

 

[Ephiny Daivand]

Ephiny could feel belief and hope flowing through the Force, coming from Master Voran. Feeling that made her calm and determined to help these people. Then the Jedi Counselor asked for privacy “Thank you, Master Jedi! I’ll prepare the place so you two can work. ” said Captain Hulmdenn before she left the tent. The Jabiimi woman seemed to be much happier now, her hope had been renewed.

Now alone, the two Jedi discussed what they were going to do. The Morellian Jedi explained to Ephiny that she would hold the land while the Knight would remove the rocks to open a path so the miners could be rescued. For a moment the younger Jedi was afraid that she alone would not be able to do this. However, she dismissed these feelings. Ephiny trusted in the Force and it would give her strength to overcome this challenge “I’ll do everything that I can to help these people, Master. I''ll remove the rocks, but how will you stop the land? ” She said to Alexandria. Sometimes her curiosity was too great.

After some time Captain Hulmdenn returned “The Rescue teams cleared the area where the landslide blocked the entrance of the mine. Everything is ready for you two.” before she could say anything else, there was a commotion outside the tent. Then a man entered, he was completely dressed in black and had a smile on his lip. He didn't look like a member of one of the rescue teams, not in these clothes.

Ephiny was the first to speak “Who are you? You don't seem to be a member of one of the Rescue Teams. ” she was intrigued by his appearance. Where did this person come from? His accent was clearly not from Jabiim, she couldn't even recognize where it could be from. “What are you doing there?”

@Valen Pelora @Tom

 

[Alexandria Voran]

Fear…pain…Darkness. Alex mind was already spread far beyond the tent, her senses questing across the damaged area. She would have sensed what came outside the tent regardless. Her mental walls flew up in an instant, locking her thoughts away. The full strength of her power in the Force immediately filling every inch of her body. The taint of the Darkside was unmistakable, the terror of the guards spiking through her. Sith. She did not wait for the inevitable attack. She knew it was coming. Security cameras around the encampent would have captured the assault on the guards.

How had they followed her here? Why could she not escape the war? The black robbed figure walked through the tent with a smile on his face.

The Morellian Councilor did not see the smile as coy but sinister. She struck before the man ever spoke, before the smile became a grin. Alex had seen too much the last few years to take chances. Taris was fresh in her mind. Betrayal...defeat...disaster.

Both of Alex’s hands reached out as the man walked into the tent. Roots from the ground burst to wrap his feet and calves, seeking to root the Sith in place. The Force wrapped around his shoulders pulling him down towards the ground…hard. His feet hopefully locked in place would increase the odds of his face meeting the solid dirt. The words left her mouth. “Sith.” Ephiny was an archivist. Alex could only hope the young Jedi would recognize the danger. There was no mistaking the stink of the Darkness that had burst in the Force as the guards were attacked.

@LouJoVi @Tom

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

The man was ready to introduce himself when the first Jedi spoke. He had it all planned out; he'd give them his first name, demonstrate his abilities with a few parlor tricks, and than settle their contract. He'd agree to help the two Jedi with saving those poor, innocent miners... for a price. They'd provide him with a visa giving him clearance to leave the planet, and they'd provide him with at least one Jedi trinket that could help him develop his skills. His terms would be laid out, and the Jedi would accept, or refuse.

But why on Brentaal would they refuse?

They cared about the innocent, helping those in need. On their own it would be extremely difficult to save them. The help of one more, even an untrained mercenary, could mean the difference between success and failure. There was no way the Jedi would take the risk of dozens of innocents dying. His price was small, and their demand for help was high. Everything should've fallen into place.

At least, that's what Laeonas had hoped would happen. The obviously junior partner of the two, one of the Jedi inquired about who he was. That should've been a perfect spot to introduce himself, but he could sense a sudden shift. The other Jedi was gathering the force... a lot of it. Laeaonas could feel it like one would feel an approaching tidal wave. His smile began to fade, and his concentration worked to begin building a barrier-- but he wasn't fast enough.

Would it have mattered if he had been? He got his answer almost immediately, as the branches began to coil around his legs. They'd shoot from the ground, pulling his arms downwards. He barely had time to point his head upwards; though, maybe landing face first would've been better. His lower jaw violently collided with his upper jaw, a distinct crack rattling through his skull. Several of his teeth had been broken, flecks of enamel tearing at the flesh of his own mouth like shrapnel.

No, his powers wouldn't have done jack shit against this woman. In all of his years, meeting Jedi, Sith, or anyone in between, this kind of power and skill was alien to the man. It was one thing to be able to fire lightning from your fingers, but to summon plantlife to come to your aid and bring down your enemies? He couldn't think of any way he could've possibly fought back. His fate was sealed the moment he walked through the tent flap.

Ofcourse, these thoughts were temporarily muted by the agonizing pain rippling through his entire head. He spat out a loose tooth as tears swam down his face, a bloodied mouth looking up at the both of them. But these weren't cries for mercy, or submission; they were furious, spite fueled wails of anger.

And why shouldn't he have been? She'd just cost him thousands in dental surgery, and attacked him without the slightest provocation. Between the slurs and verbal bile he slung at her, he'd screech, "WHAT THA FUCK IS WRONG WITH YA?!!" once, before he choked. Coughing up even more of his own blood, he followed up with, "WHAT KIND'F A SITH WOULD BARGE INTA YER TENT WITHOUT EVEN DRAWIN' A SABER?!! KRIFFIN' MORONIC, KATH 'OUND FACED-" He'd try to continue, but even more of his own blood went back down his windpipe.

The man continued to struggle against the vines, with no such luck. Burning rage turned to hopelessness, and the man began to sob. He was going to go to prison. The Jedi were going to haul him off to some cell, where they kept all the other force sensitives they didn't like. He'd be put on a drug cocktail that would suppress his awareness, probably in a prison a hundred meters underground. They wouldn't even have the decency to execute him.

"Ai 'ope yer miners drown in their own shite..." The man would cry, venom dripping back into his words. "They're kriffin' doomed... with fools laike ya tryin' ta save 'em, 'ow can they 'ope ta survive? Ya'll probably cut 'em down just fer wearin' black. Maybe ya'll mistake their torches fer sabers and turn 'em int'a trees, YA BLOODY SLA-ghhnn!!!-" He tried to shout, but his throat was horse, torn up, and still filled with his own blood.

"Leave me outside with mae face covered in a cloth... dyin' on this pissball is better than gettin' locked in one of yer prisons..."
​

@Valen Pelora @LouJoVi

 

[Ephiny Daivand]

Everything happened so fast. Ephiny had just finished asking her questions to the man in black, when Master Voran said that he was a Sith. The Jedi Knight used the Force to bring her double-bladed lightsaber to her hand and activated it. Adopting a defensive position, the Archivist waited for the enemy to attack. Ephiny knew that she would not be able to defeat a Sith alone, but with the help of a Jedi Councilor it could be possible.

However, the enemy never attacked, Master Voran used the Force to make roots grow from the ground and immobilize the Sith, causing him to fall face down. Ephiny was amazed, she never saw someone use the Force this way. There were rumors about the abilities of Master Alexandria Voran that said how she could control nature. The Knight knew it was possible, she had read about it in the Archives. However, seeing someone do this was amazing. Perhaps Master Voran would allow Ephiny to interview her about this ability, so she could add more information about it for the Archives.

She snapped out of her musings after having heard the screams of the Sith. Ephiny looked at him and saw that his face was full of blood. The man's accent was too strong and he was talking too fast, but she managed to understand some words. He was right, a Sith would never have entered there this way. They would probably have made a surprise attack, seeking to take the two Jedi unprepared. She turned to the Morellian Jedi “Master, perhaps he isn’t a Sith. I don't think they would attack us that way, so blatantly.” she felt in the Force that this man wasn’t completely evil.

Deciding to interrogate him, the Knight walked to the immobilized man, her lightsaber still activated and using the Force to shield her thoughts. While she approached him, Ephiny could feel rage flowing through the Force coming from the Sith. However, she also felt sadness and it intrigued her. When Ephiny reached the man, she checked that he was securely immobilized and deactivated her lightsaber. She was going to interrogate him, but noticed that he was having problems speaking due to the amount of blood coming out of his mouth. That plus his accent made it impossible to understand him. Deciding to heal him so they could speak with each other, the Knight crouched in front of the man, while holding his head between her hands. Closing her eyes, she envisioned his wounds in her mind and focused the Force in them, making them heal.

After having finished healing the wounds, she got up “Now I’ll ask you some questions." she looked directly to him "Who are you? What are you doing here? Are you really a Sith? Why do you speak this way? Is it the language of your planet?” these last questions were the effect of Ephiny's curiosity. She was dying to know which planet in the Galaxy this accent came from. After all she is an Archivist, it’s their job to seek knowledge

@Valen Pelora @Tom

 

[Alexandria Voran]

The Force burned brightly in her heart. Alex next relinquished one fraction of control. Not as the man screeched and sputtered. Not as Ephiny healed the wounds. Not as the rain outside made their situation ever more dangerous. She would take no chances. The roots and vines firmly bound the Darksider. Any chance at escape left like the blood from his mouth. She just simply shook her head. What kind of Sith would just walk in? Most of them. Alex had been fighting the Darkness for years. The Sith came in all shades…just as the Jedi. Some would have exercised caution, others would barge right in. There was no one size fits all spooky evil Sith. The differences between Manat and Asminys had made that clear.

One fact was unmistakable. The rage that burned through the tangled man and the flush of Darkness that had nearly crushed a windpipe outside. That was an unmistakable use of the Darkside. All Sith shared that trait. You could not mistake that for an instant. Alex mostly ignored the man’s gibberish. She found it unimportant. “Think back Ephiny, before he entered the tent. He used the Force to choke the guards…that is Darkness, young one…and not the casual mistaken kind but the kind learned from practice.” The kind you had done before. She felt the Force shifting as the urgency of the situation increased.

“We don’t have much time to worry about this one.” Alex was certain they could save the civilians. Their strength combined would be enough. Her eyed flicked to the Sith. “Open your mind, answer her questions, and quickly.” She was in no mood for games. If the man refused to allow her to see his thoughts, his fate was sealed. If she saw the Darkness, she suspected within…his face was sealed. She could hardly imagine what would change her mind, but she had been wrong before. A young more tolerant Alexandria Voran may have felt differently. That person had slowly disappeared during the war.

@Tom @LouJoVi

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

Bastard.

What a wretch he was.

Of all the beatings from police, the humiliations at the hands of rival gangs, or even his time stranded on Dantooine... nothing had brought him this low. He wouldn't even be allowed to die if the Jedi had their way with him.

He couldn't respond to the senior Jedi's words. Even a few seconds ago, he would've gone off on a fiery tirade, mocking her reasoning in vivid, incomprehensible detail. He'd have pointed out absurdities, and made quips about how "anyone who chokes someone is a Sith." At this point, however, he had neither the energy, nor the drive to respond.

It was the younger Jedi, the one that hadn't attacked, that actually managed to put interest in him. She'd drawn... a lightsaber? It was green, with two blades; a color and style he'd never seen before. It didn't catch him near as much as her defense of him though. For all he could tell, the one that had attacked was the senior Jedi. Questioning a superior was... odd, but not as odd as what came next.

Reaching her hands down, she'd place them on the sides of his face. A strange feeling of... comfort... would wave through the man. He could feel torn flesh mending together, cracks in his teeth sealing. When he was finished, he'd spit out some enamel fragments, and look up. She was... utterly bizarre. They were trying to take him prisoner; what did healing him achieve? The question was immediately answered, in a sick twist.

She wanted him to explain everything. Not only would he be expected to explain how he'd even got there, but who he was.

This wasn't part of his plan; though, getting brought down like this wasn't either. He didn't even plan on giving his name to these Jedi, much less his past. He'd given it to Rishe, and Bri, Vahn. There was some dry joke to be made about how he always spilled his guts out to Jedi. This would be the first time he was forced to do it.

If they wanted to know who he was, and truly look into his heart of hearts, he was ready. In any other scenario he'd be terrified of the results, but this time... this time, he might actually enjoy himself.

The man pursed his lips, licking along the jagged edges of his teeth. "Ba... ca... da... sa... ta..." He tested, trying to see if all the sounds still came out the same. He went on like that for a few seconds, before finally bothering to look up at the Jedi.

"Mae name... is Laeonas Tannaras. Ai... do jobs fer people. Whether that's haulin' goods, guardin' goods, guardin' people, 'untin' people, 'urtin' people. Ai guess Ai'm a merc, maybe. Yeah." He began. "Ai decided t'stop on this pissba... planet... 'cus Ai was tired and mae ship ain't fit fer livin' in. When Ai arrived, the weather wasn't so bad, but this mornin' tha port authority said Ai couldn't leave. Ai found out two Jedi were 'ere, and Ai thought that... if Ai agreed ta 'elp ya save those miners, ya'd let me get off planet." He went on, before adding, "and maybe some of yer texts, or some advice, or what Ai usually get when Ai do jobs fer yer kind."

"As long as Ai can remember, Ai've been able t'do shite laike what Ai did outside, and as long as Ai can remember, every taime Ai'd... hurt someone..." he paused. This was always the hardest part to get through, always the one that made him ashamed no matter what. "Ai... Ai'd feel strong. Ai'd feel laike Ai'm at tha top of tha world... and than a few seconds later Ai'll realize what a fuckin' monster Ai'm actin' laike, and Ai'll meditate until Ai need ta piss." He conceded, before looking up again.

"But what Ai did out there DOESN'T make me a SITH!" He exclaimed, that defiant, angry tone returning to his voice, but it receded as quick as it returned. "Ai... Ai did what Ai did because Ai didn't think Ai 'ad a choice. Ai didn't know 'ow long ya'd be in there, didn't know if they'd even let me in. Ai didn't want ta 'urt 'em by tossin' em around or beatin' em down, so... Ai made it look laike he was just chokin'." He explained, in the tone one might expect of a child admitting to have broken a vase. "Ai... Ai know Ai got carried away, Ai know Ai should've stopped sooner. Ai know Ai could've probably just... kriffin' waited..." he finished, looking down again in utter self disgust.

He... hated this. Hated having to explain himself, justify himself to these people. He could stop at any time, ofcourse; as long as he was okay rotting in a prison cell for the rest of his life. That couldn't happen though; he had people... a person that he had a debt to. He had people he had debts to collect on. It wouldn't be fair if he spent his life rotting in prison, or dying.

"Ai won't pretend Ai won't pretend Ai'm innocent." he muttered, shaking his head a bit. "Ai know ya don't care about mae excuses. Ya've got people ta save, and every second ya spend 'ere tryin' ta figure out if Ai'm some psycho bastard who follows a tiny dicked prick in a mask, assumin' it's even got one, those people, INNOCENT PEOPLE, are gettin' closer ta dyin'!" He suddenly snapped, pulling at the restraints of the vines.

"Ya wanna haul me off planet ta prison? Be mae guest, Ai can't stop ya. But before ya send me off, at least let me do... somethin' good on this planet, before Ai get acquainted with the three walls and a force field Ai'll spend tha rest of mae life in."

There was a final pause, before Laeonas made eye contact directly with the junior Jedi.

"If it weren't obvious, Ai'm speakin' basic. Prick."
​

@Valen Pelora @LouJoVi

 

[Ephiny Daivand]

Ephiny could feel rage flowing through the Force coming from the man, who identified himself as Laeonas Tannaras. She could also feel sadness coming from him and it made her have pity. What happened to this man to make him feel this way?

The young Jedi remembered reading in the Archives a holobook about Brentaal where the surname Tannaras was listed among the noble houses that form the Brentaalan government. Interesting, why would a scion of such a noble family be here?

She ignored him calling her a prick, being more interested in making theories about Laeonas' accent. If he really is a Tannaras, then he is from Brentaal, but she already met some people from this planet and they spoke normal basic, not with this heavy accent. Ephiny wondered if the noble houses developed their own accents. She would ask to interview him after the situation is controlled. Perhaps she could even make a dictionary!

Feeling through the Force that the man wasn't lying, Ephiny decided to intercede for him with Master Voran. "Master, I feel that what he is saying is true. If he is really offering help and can use the Force, perhaps we could accept it. With his help maybe we can save the miners faster."

@Valen Pelora @Tom

 

[Alexandria Voran]

Oh Alex. Where is your compassion? Where’s the Jedi Oren found in the Outer Rim? Gone. Burned away by blow after blow. What was the point of pretending that Jedi still existed? She had changed as the Force required her to change. The Order needed strength. She was that strength. The man’s babbling cascaded around her, ringing true in the Force. His mind was open enough for her to feel the reality of his speech. He was not a Sith…probably…he was a creature of the Darkness. The Darkside corrupted absolutely. There was no middle road. Darkness ate away at your soul until only a monster was left. Alex could see the makings of that monster. She would not unleash that on the galaxy.

“He’s not lying or at least he believes what he says.” Her mind spun quickly. “That does not change what he has done.” Deep breaths. “The Darkside belongs not only to the Sith and it makes no exceptions. The Darkness takes and never gives back.” The taint was on him. “I cannot…will not release that back into the galaxy.” Alex spread her thoughts across the camp again. They were running out of time. “Prove you are more than the Darkness within.”

The roots began to slowly recede. The woman she used to be was not completely gone. A part of her that latched onto the past still existed. A part that honored a dead man. “Help us and we can discuss what comes after.” She allowed the roots to recede even further, the truth in her words vibrating powerfully in the Force. “I don’t take lives, but I cannot allow Darkness to spread unchecked across the galaxy.” Kriff, that sounded dramatic. “And there is Darkness on your soul, sinking ever deeper into your heart.” He would be free from the roots now. “That does not mean a prison…but a chance at something else.” Alex still believed in redemption. She still believed in the good of the galaxy. She’d give the man a chance…for now. “We have work to do.”

@LouJoVi @Tom

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

He couldn't figure out at which part he had won both of the Jedi over. Perhaps it was his admission of disgust at his use of the dark side, or his explanation for why he did what he had done. Perhaps it had simply been witnessing his open heart, and not finding a being that stewed in his own hatred, existing as a sorcerer of death's construction. Or maybe none of it mattered at all, and the older Jedi had simply decided to take pity on the man. The reasons were ultimately meaningless, but he was released.

Were Laeonas still furious, or if he wasn't thinking straight, he might have stupidly chosen to make a break for it. It wasn't impossible; he could disorient them with a mental assault, than run as quick as he could back to his ship. Damn the forced docking, he would fly away as fast he could and never look back. Sure, he'd be relentlessly pursued by the Jedi and consequently the FWA as a possible Sith. He'd never be safe again... but danger was his closest companion by this point.

Fortunately, Laeonas wasn't stupid, drunk, or angry enough to attempt something like that. Nothing would be able to stop the Jedi Master from uprooting some more roots and grabbing him while he ran. Being a fugitive from the Jedi while also having to contend with being hunted by an absolutely murderous, psychopathic Sith wouldn't be fun either. His best option was to cooperate with the Jedi... and, if it ultimately came down to it, submit himself to capture.

Finally bothering to step up off the ground, Laeonas wiped himself clear of the dirt. He wasn't wearing a friendly expression by any means, but it was better than the furious hostility that had existed mere minutes ago. "...thanks. Ya won't regret this, Master... knight... kriff, Jedi. Whatever." He addressed the Senior of the pair, nodding his head. Turning to the younger Jedi, he sighed, and reluctantly quipped, "thanks."

In hindsight, he probably couldn't have gotten out of this situation better. Had he not attacked the guards, Laeonas would've still demonstrated his abilities in the force. Consequently, whatever darkness he exuded would be caught by the Jedi regardless. He didn't know if the master would've reacted so aggressively if he had merely lifted a chair with his mind. Still, he couldn't make any predictions for certain.

As he continued to reflect on the situation, it finally dawned on him as to what the Jedi had said. He'd met Jedi prior to this, opened his soul to them, and they had told him similar. Rishe had said that he risked falling to the darkside. Bri had told him his pursuit of wealth could lead to corruption. Vahn had been the only one who hadn't warned him of the taint in his heart... but he hadn't seen Laeonas use his abilities.

For as long as he could remember, the dark side was both a necessary tool, and a monster to be despised. Drawing on his anger in the most desperate of moments had saved his life a dozen times over. He was powerful, and as the years had passed, it had only grown. Through either self taught discipline and training, to the advice and wisdom of the few Jedi he'd met, he'd gone from a boy that used neat tricks to lift crates and joke men, to a force wielder.

...but to be mistaken for a Sith...

Either the Jedi was a paranoid, overreactive, aggressive and judgmental hypocrite, or she'd seen something in the man that he'd ignored for far to long. "I cannot... will not release that back into the galaxy." It was such a dramatic quote; what he'd expect to hear from a Jedi if she'd brought down the Eternal itself. Yet she'd spoken with such passion about him. Him, Laeonas Tannaras, petty criminal, lightsaber slasher, and alcoholic doomed to die of liver failure at the age of 32.

If he was as much of a threat as she believed him to be... she might have been justified in wanting to lock him away. He would've never let it go on for long, ofcourse; he'd request to write a will, and than kill himself at the soonest opportunity. Spending decades in a prison cell while his mother rotted on his homeworld was an unacceptable conclusion.

But that wasn't how this story was going to end.

"We've wasted to much time on this shite," He firmly stated, rubbing his tongue along the inside of his mouth to feel his still jagged teeth. "Ai'm... still a bit out'f it from that whole ordeal. Ai won't be as much 'elp as Ai possibly can... but yer stronger than me anyways," He'd say to the senior Jedi, before turning to the younger, "...and she probably is to." He'd add, glancing down at that green double lightsaber, still confused as all hell.

"Oh, and because she didn't grab it, and t'show Ai'm not stupid enough ta try shite," He added, raising up both hands, "Ai'll give ya this," He stated, lightsaber floating off his belt, and dropping to the floor. "But Ai want it back if Ai'm not goin' t'jail."
​

@Valen Pelora @LouJoVi

 

[Ephiny Daivand]

Ephiny watched the roots release Laeonas and return beneath the ground. It was amazing, Master Voran was really powerful! The Archivist once again wondered if the Jedi Councilor would allow her to ask some questions regarding this ability. Could she control other things of nature or only plant life?

Her musings about the senior Jedi’s power were interrupted by Laeonas making a lightsaber float off his belt, then it was dropped to the floor. She approached and took it, noticing that the style of the hilt was not one used by the Jedi. Unable to control her curiosity, the young Jedi activated it. A red colored blade appeared, illuminating her face with its blood-colored light. This was interesting, Ephiny wondered how this man, who isn’t a Sith, had this lightsaber. “How did you get this lightsaber? Did you steal from a Sith?“ the Archivist said to Laeonas. Then she deactivated the saber and gave it to Master Voran, after all she was her superior and should be the one responsible to decide if the foul mouthed man before them would go to jail or not.

“Well, since everything was solved, we can continue with the rescue of the miners.” said Captain Hulmdenn, who was watching the entire situation in silence. She was amazed after seeing the Jedi Master control the roots to immobilize Laeonas. The Jedi were really powerful individuals, perhaps they really have a chance to save the people inside the mine. “Follow me, I’ll show you where the rocks are blocking the entrance.” she leaved the tent and was followed by Ephiny. Outside the rain was still weak.

While they walked to the mine’s entrance, Ephiny could see with more details the destruction that the landslide caused. Some buildings were completely destroyed by debris, while others only partially. The Archivist reflected how nature could be destructive at times. While looking around, she noticed Laeonas and remembered what she had read about his family. “Are you from Brentaal?” she asked him.

The group arrived in the place where the entrance used to be, but now there was only a pile of huge and heavy rocks. The Archivist looked to Master Voran, waiting for her instructions. The Knight hoped that they weren’t too late to save the miners.

@Valen Pelora @Tom

 

[Alexandria Voran]

The soft red glow filled the tent. Decades of training prevented Alex from recoiling. An unmistakable frown marred her serene features. Corruption of the kyber slashed against her senses. The crystal had been bled, the Light taken from it. She resisted the urge to slam the not-Sith into the ground again. She had seen his mind, known his thoughts. The saber was not his. He was not a Sith, but he was immersed in the Darkside. She took the saber from Ephiny and clipped it to her belt. A shuddered ran up her spine. It felt wrong. Her eyes carefully tracked Laeonas. The Force roaring in her chest, ready to strike out at any moment. She allowed the Darksider to leave the tent first after Ephiny. She was not taking any chances.

Giving the man an opportunity to prove he was not the sum of his parts and trusting him were two very different things. She kept her distance behind them as they walked. The cave in was worse than she thought. The Force continued to tense with the fear of the miners. They were running out of time.

Quickly.

Alex cracked her knuckles and rolled her shoulders. She took a deep breath. She was not arrogant, that was not her way. The truth was she possessed a singular strength within the Order. A strength she intended to use. “Ephiny, clear the entrance…that one can help you.” Another deep breath as she sank deeper into the Force. “I will hold the foundation in place, a bubble around the miners, while you work.” Alex reached out in the Force. Her mind finding the miners and building from there. “Work quickly.” She set about constructing her barrier. She could not see the work she did, and she aimed to hold a mountain in place. It was exhausting. They would have time but not much. Alex prayed it would be enough. “Now please.” Her voice was distant as she spoke.

@LouJoVi @Tom