Wild and Untamed

[Paradox]

Kowak
Uncharted Wilderness

Yirim trudged through the dense underbrush, flanked by two MagnaGuards. The jungles of Kowak were as hot and oppressive as any other in the galaxy with the added bonus of the Kowakian Monkey-Lizards whose mischievous cruelty had been an annoyance for the group in the first few hours of the trek. Throwing rotten fruit, along with other things, it was only after the Echani had unleashed a bit of lightning to fry a few of the pests that they had stopped following them. With any luck the rest of the walk wouldn't be too eventful, but somehow he doubted it would be.

He pulled out his pitch black datapad and typed a few things on it up, pulling up the electronic rangefinder feature. He studied for a few moments as he turned in place trying to get his bearings. There was a faint single a few miles away. They would soon arrive at the first target and then he could stop sweating his ass of in this backwater jungle. He liked planets like this, he liked exploring but his mood was worse for wear considering the difficulty that had been involved in locating the next piece of the puzzle he required for his plans. Now that it was so close he was ready for it to be his.

"Why couldn't they have crashed a little closer to the ruins?" He muttered to himself as he waited for his guards to cut through a wall of vines. "Now we have to head there first then the our actual destination. And knowing all about such places where the Force runs deep, there's bound to be...other things that were attracted to it. Oh. Nothing is ever simple, but I suppose that's why I love life. The challenge and complexity before I break down reality to suit my needs.And it's only just beginning."

 

[Wolf]

Kowak was a strange place situated just at the edge of wild space on the Outer Rim, and for many reasons, it was rarely a must visit destination. The often cruel monkey lizards that called the planet their home had a tendency to drive away explorers and other travelers with their trickery and other shenanigans. If not the creatures than it was certainly the climate that was less than inviting to most, with rain more often than not, and heat and humidity that made air something to be worn.

Nestled deep within the expansive rainforests were temples and ruins left behind by a people that were nothing more than legends whispered from the lips of parents to their children at bedtime. It was said that the Laku'na of Galtea had hailed from these remote rainforest jungles tens of thousands of years ago. The tale of their civilization was woeful as they had been driven from their home by a much more advanced society that forced them to relocate, pushing them further and further from their temples until they were loaded up into cramped cargo ships and dumped off on Galtea in a deciduous woodland with a drastically differing climate.

For this very reason, Nakoma had decided long ago to travel to this mysterious place, possibly the origin of the people that through the ages, eventually called themselves the Laku'na. The dark skinned woman sat high atop a flat platform at the peak of a towering set of stone stairs. Her legs were crossed in the lotus position with her thighs touching the mossy stones beneath her and her back as straight as a board, as she had been trained by her Master to do while in a state of meditation. Her golden eyes were hidden behind thick eyelashes and a warm breeze wove its way through her lengthy raven locks of hair, causing them to dance around her like a fire composed of black flames.

The Force was powerful in this place, perhaps more powerful than anywhere she had visited before. It felt ancient and pure as it around and within the Jedi Knight. Her heart beat slowly within her chest, keeping the rhythm of the planet's life force, something that was mimicked in the drumming of her people. Each breath was drawn in with great purpose, and exhaled with an intentionality that spoke volumes of Nakoma's control over her entire body. If one were to have merely glanced her direction, it would have possibly appeared as though she were levitating...but her mind was sailing the depths of the ocean of the Force and was far from these external observations.

Beads of sweat appeared upon her soft skin and shafts of sunlight broke through the thick canopy to dance upon the droplets, causing the appearance of diamonds all across her body. Her apparel of a buckskin halter top, creme colored leggings, and buckskin knee high boots had been a wise decision as they had a tendency to trap moisture and cool her with each zephyr that kissed her frame. Though she was a picture of serenity, there was a great storm raging within the heart of the woman. Nearly a month ago, she had endured another loss as the love of her life and fellow Cartel member had suffered a tragic swoop bike accident, landing him in a coma with only a twenty percent chance of waking from it. Her situation had become rather complicated as she found herself losing hope that Re'gi would ever regain consciousness....and there was someone else standing in the gap, caring for her now, someone she had begun to open herself up to possibilities of the future.

In short, Nakoma was hurting and confused. She knew that there was so much more beyond the current state of her life, at least, she had hoped so. The recent Grand Hunt had gone well in her eyes, but she had yet to impress the Hutt Council...or even the Jedi Council for that matter. It appeared to the Guardian that she had slipped by, unnoticed and unneeded by either of her affiliations...and this, coupled with her recent heart break, sent her mind to places that she had never considered. Many of her nights now were filled with drinking, but there was always an insatiable ache at the core of her soul that longed to be filled with something. An audible sigh slipped through her lips as she continued sitting in deep meditation, seeking the Force for answers and guidance.

 

[Paradox]

"You do realize that meditation is meant to be calming, yes?" Yirim was crouching a few feet away from the woman with black hair. He and his MagnaGuards had stumbled unto the stone ruin a few minutes ago. They had made their way to the top from the opposite side of where she was facing. She had seemed not notice their arrival so he decided to rest and observe her. There seemed to be some sort of emotional strife she was wrestling from her body language and the very slight muscle movement on her face, at least what he could see of the right side of it. He bit his thumbnail a bit before continuing, "A strange place to find another sentient being beyond the natives. This place is not exactly a must visit location; at least it's not on my list. So I have to wonder what brings anyone to such a place."

He tilted his head to the side slightly as he studied her. In stark contrast to the pale Echani her skin was a light caramel, but both of their eyes were dark; his black as a starless night and her's a soft brown. She was a sight true enough, but being one possessing more skill and power than his appearance would suggest, he knew she could be much more dangerous than she appeared. He had masked his Force signature as he had approached though even if she had sensed him before he did this place was particularly oozing with energy so it could be written off as an anomaly. He also realized how he might appear to a young woman after he appeared from nowhere, "Oh. Don't be afraid or anything, not that I'm saying you are. Just trying to avoid misunderstandings as well as trying to sate my curiosity. Besides I am more than sure I would hurt myself if I tried anything. A toddler punched me in the sternum once and I spent twenty minutes trying to catch my breath."

"This place is beautiful. Pulsing, breathing as one. A newborn cries among the ruins of an ancient wonder. All connected." He looked out over the landscape. He didn't talk to many people and often could become philosophical if he wasn't careful. But never far from his mind was suspicion of others, it was a habit he had picked up. He never really got close to people. He liked it better that way and thus was ready for the inevitable betrayal or disappointment. But enough deep thought for now. He turned back to her, his raven hair framing his face. "If I may. I'm good, very good, at reading people and you bear a burden. It shows as if the weight of the galaxy is upon your shoulders. It weighs on your heart. I won't claim to know your problems nor relate to them. I also can't say that I don't mean to pry, when I absolutely do, but I recognized scars of a deeper nature than flesh all too well."

He attempted to smile and mean it but it died so fast one might not have caught it at all. But he could relate to such problems, though it was better to keep one's heart at a distance. But there was no need to be rude so he would at least try to be himself...even if he wasn't sure who that was anymore. So he simply said, "I am Yirim. Pleased to meet you."

 

[Wolf]

Nakoma had been acutely aware of Yirim's presence as he had sat watching her for the past several minutes. During that time, she had slowly slipped out of the folds of the unending depths of the Force, and returned to the present moment. The Knight had observed the stranger with her mind's eye, and decided that he did not pose an immediate threat however, her instinct was to remain guarded. She too found it strange that there was anyone else out there as the rather uninviting environment typically turned visitors away. "...call it, research," The deaf-mute Jedi spoke an answer into the mind of the Echani as her lengthy coal colored lashes fluttered open.

It was surprising to set her golden gaze upon his face. Her own Master had been Echani and it had been two years since his disappearance. A little flutter of excitement always managed to crop up within her chest when she would meet another of his people, secretly hoping that it was Ze'kyre...but the feeling was short lived each time when she would peer into their eyes and his dichromatic gaze would not be staring back. It was easy enough to spot the differences in this case immediately. This stranger's eyes were dark and each the same, not the silver and violet and his hair was as black as wild space, not the striking white.

This man certainly was...different, primarily in the way in which he appeared within the Force. Nakoma found it somewhat difficult to read him. In the same sense, her mind had quickly become locked down and impenetrable, her Force signature revealing her as nothing more than a devout and bloodthirsty Cartel member to the prying mind of others. That was only half of the truth about this enigma of a woman however, and she closely guarded her other secrets. As he reassured her that he meant no harm and to not be fearful of him, a quiet chuckle escaped her lips. She could have said the same in return, but chose to avoid that awkward conversation in exchange for an all out laugh at his next statement.

The image of a small child physically dominating the stranger's wiry frame was an amusing thought. Nakoma drew in a deep breath to recover from the humorous moment as the pale man spoke once again, this time commenting on the beauty of the planet. He said something rather poetic that incited a multitude of thoughts within the woman's mind. The next words to leave the man's mouth were somewhat surprising, but not nearly as shocking as one would have expected. The Guardian did little to hide the pain of her current plight. It was something she hoped would dissipate over time as it was allowed to bleed out of her like blood from a gaping wound. There were no words to speak in return, only the sadness that like waves, washed over the shores of her sandy eyes.

Nakoma felt the sentiment of empathy as it emanated from the stranger. A hint of a smile crossed his lips but was gone in a blink. She returned the silent gesture but her lips remained curled slightly upward, even as he introduced himself. "Yirim...I've heard that name before..." the well guarded thought blossomed within the mind of the Knight. She studied his face for another few moments before bowing her head slightly in greeting. "Likewise. I am Nika Fiore." Silence filled the gap between them for a minute or so while the woman pondered the next words she would say.

"I crossed paths with a Jedi a few years back that tried to help me with some problems. He said that meditation was good for the heart, so I tried it and decided that it isn't half bad. When life gets overwhelming, I tend to find a place to hide and think for a while." Lying about her name and affiliation was proving easier each time she had to do it. In this case, the words slipped from her mind just as easy as the truth. "Life has been particularly overwhelming as of late. Nothing seems to be helping...not even this ancient religion...Force stuff..." Her words trailed off as her eyes wandered from Yirim's face to the ruins surrounding them.

She smiled weakly before shifting her golden gaze back to the man's dark eyes. "So, what brings you here anyway?"

 

[Paradox]

"...call it, research," The woman said speaking the answer directly into Yirim's mind as her lengthy coal colored lashes fluttered open. The answer was both surprising and amusing. Surprising because he realized she was not only mute but Force Sensitive as well. Many would not make the connection but both of the facts were obvious. She was not of one of the few species in the galaxy naturally born with the skill of telepathy, which meant she was Force Sensitive and had either learned on her own or studied with someone. It also meant she was mute because many would hide this attribute but as it was her only means of communication she had to reveal this. It was very interesting. It was also amusing because of the slight sarcasm it contained, whether intentional or not.

She seemed to be studying him as much as he was her. He noticed some slight surprise in her golden eyes as she turned to face him along with a bit of apprehension and then...disappointment? It was amazing how the slightest movement or even the general air someone put off could tell Yirim more than the words one could say. Just to confirm his suspicions he did try and prod her to see if he could sense her force sensitive nature, but was only slightly surprised to find her mind a wall of impenetrable will. To anyone trying to do as he did would only sense a devout and bloodthirsty Cartel member to the prying mind of others. But being as intelligent as he was and being what he was, he knew better but let it be for now. He wondered what explanation she would give to her telepathic ability. Or maybe she would tell a half-truth. He tilted his head slightly as she laughed at his joke. She had a musical laugh.

"Likewise. I am Nika Fiore. I crossed paths with a Jedi a few years back that tried to help me with some problems. He said that meditation was good for the heart, so I tried it and decided that it isn't half bad. When life gets overwhelming, I tend to find a place to hide and think for a while." He listened to the excerpt from the tale that was her life's story. Or at least it wold appear to be. There was a slight tremor in her 'voice' and a slight amount of hesitation. It made him suspicious of course; but then again he was always suspicious.

"Life has been particularly overwhelming as of late. Nothing seems to be helping...not even this ancient religion...Force stuff..." Her words trailed off as her eyes wandered from Yirim's face to the ruins surrounding them.

When she introduced herself, he finally placed her. "I know the name. You were in the first round of the Hunt yes? I heard you had one of the more infamous beasts; a rancor. And you succeeded. I was surprised you didn't make it into round two. Oh, did I mention I read and have access to a great deal of documentation. Including from the Cartel and...other places. Borga is my patron and he is very generous with anything from personnel to credits to information. Though I am moving further away to forge my own path as I ever have. I recently completed the second round of the Hunt. Perhaps I'll even win it."

"Your name, no offense, but it doesn't suit you." Said Yirim offhandedly as he bit his thumbnail. He was running through several hundred species characteristics as he looked at the woman. He was also of course making and tossing aside plans upon plans; for dozens of situations. "And life, ah life, it is always overwhelming. People like to try to manage it, classify it. They even like to label it. But the truth is it is always present; ending or beginning in the blink of an eye every second. Changing always. But like most elements can be harnessed, refined, and nurtured. The Force is life. But people, like the Jedi, tend to label it as either good or evil. The fact is that it isn't one or the other. It's both. It's neither. Life ins't black or white. It isn't even shades of grey. There are more colors than even I can count or categorize. And I'm rambling aren't I? I tend to do that. Even with people I don't know. I also can be philosophical but change topics rapidly."

 

[Wolf]

The woman nodded when he identified her as having participated in the Grand Hunt and then spoke of his own accomplishments. "Yes, I have been following your progress. Congratulations on making the second round." The sentiment was genuine, but Nakoma was still put off about being dismissed after wrangling a Rancor for the Hutts. She shrugged as a sigh escaped her lips. "It was an experience that I will not soon forget." A saddened tone accompanied the Knight's words but her thoughts of woe were interrupted as her fellow Cartel member spoke once again, jumping topics as he seemed to do while conversing.

"Your name, no offense, but it doesn't suit you," Yirim remarked in regard to her introduction which caused Nakoma to raise a brow. "Doesn't suit me? What is that supposed to mean?" Her guarded thoughts drifted through her mind as her face scrunched into a puzzled look. She shook her head and laughed somewhat sarcastically. "And what name would you suggest in its place?" she questioned him telepathically, her voice carrying an amused tone that danced between the words. The woman's eyes softened as she watched the stranger bite at his thumbnail a bit, a nervous habit she assumed.

The next bit took the Knight by surprise as Yirim went off on a tangent about life, the Force, and the Jedi. She tilted her head to the side out of curiosity while the young man spoke rather intellectually about things that most in the galaxy gave little care to ponder. It was interesting how someone who did not identify with a particular Force using faction, could know such a great deal about the Force and beyond that, could understand things that confounded some of the greatest philosophers on the subject.

Perhaps it would have surprised her Jedi brethren, but Nakoma agreed with Yirim. She believed that it was ignorant to deal in absolutes. The Force was life and gave life to all, animating even the trees that applauded the Great Wind while swaying to and fro. As the stranger concluded his ramblings by acknowledging that he was in fact, carrying on to someone he did not know, Nakoma nodded as a gentle smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "That is a brilliant thought. I believe that the Force is not something to be grasped but rather, we are to live in the wonder of all that it is, an integral part of the colorful tapestry that it weaves throughout the galaxy until one day, we come to a full and perfect understanding when our life energy becomes one with it."

The Knight's golden eyes glowed with the hope of such a beautiful eternal perspective. She sat silently for a moment, contemplating Yirim's words and those of others whom she had conversed with about this and many other relevant topics. "And of the Sith...what do you make of them?" It was a valid question being that he had commented on the Jedi. Nakoma had only a few experiences with the Sith, even now after several years of serving as a Jedi Knight. Her limited exposure to the darksiders afforded her only a limited perspective on their faction and their cause. Granted, the woman had spent hours upon hours researching her foe. She had developed an opinion about them based on the opinions of others within her ranks...but to hear it from an outsider would truly be interesting.

Though he was different, Nakoma appreciated Yirim's company and his conversation. It offered a temporary relief from the pain that gnawed away at her spirit. Still, the pain remained even while a smile graced her lips and peace masqueraded behind the pools of her eyes. Pushing the emotions aside, the Knight leaned in, waiting for the man to speak. There was something interesting and mysterious about him that tugged at her intellect. It was not everyday that she had the privilege of discussing the foundation of life with another, especially another Force sensitive Cartel member.

Though he was clearly attempting to hide this fact, Nakoma's intense connection with the living Force afforded others with sensitivity to it little to no cover. Her mind was acutely aware and perceptive of such things, even in this place where his signature could have easily been an anomaly...and she might have thought so, had she been a Padawan. With this knowlege in mind, she silently kept his secret to herself. Afterall, she had secrets of her own and revealing his very well could have given hers away.

 

[Paradox]

"Doesn't suit me? What is that supposed to mean?" She said as her face scrunched into a cute puzzled look. She shook her head and laughed somewhat sarcastically, her voice carrying an amused tone that danced between the words. The woman's eyes softened as she watched Yirim bite at his thumbnail a bit. He noticed and stopped. "And what name would you suggest in its place?"

"That's not for me to say. A name is a thing both given and found. You either know already, or you will find it in your own time; your own way." Yirim stood up and looked out over the untamed wilderness surrounding the stone structure. He was happy to meet this woman, whoever she was. It offered a brief respite from the mud and blood of the world he was currently involved in. Though if all went according to plan, and it normally did, then he would be able to change a great deal soon. His dark eyes looked towards horizon before he turned back to her with a slight tilt of the head. "I can see the end. Then end of many conversations and situations I involve myself in. And in this instance I see conflict; your heart and soul are in turmoil. I am sorry it is so. But it will make you stronger. We must endure not only for ourselves but for the sake's of others as well. Trust me, not with your life or anything other than this next sentence; with every scar a heart beats stronger."

"And you are stronger than you know. I'm very intelligent so every thing I say must be right, right?" The pale man said with a slight curl of his lips to let her know he was making a joke.

"That is a brilliant thought. I believe that the Force is not something to be grasped but rather, we are to live in the wonder of all that it is, an integral part of the colorful tapestry that it weaves throughout the galaxy until one day, we come to a full and perfect understanding when our life energy becomes one with it." Yirim would never say it out loud but he was happy to be talking to her. As she spoke he kept being surprised by her. He looked at her, once again studying her. Her long black hair caught the the dying light of the sun and her golden eyes seemed to always find his. She was a curious one though he believed he finally nailed down her people but before he could voice his findings she asked, "And of the Sith...what do you make of them?"

"That is an simple question with no right answer. The popular consensus is that they are all evil monsters. But there are no absolutes. I have seen great evil committed by those pursuing good and justice. I have seen incredible acts of kindness and charity from those with dark hearts." He crouched down again but made sure not to be too close to the woman. Not just to make sure she wasn't uncomfortable, but because he didn't want to be close. He hadn't spent time with another living being in, oh, a few months. Not for an extended amount of time like this anyway. He wasn't exactly comfortable around people. He shook of these deeper thoughts and continued, "So what do I think of them? Some are evil, some are...complicated. I withhold judgement until I meet each individual Sith. The situations will all be different. Why should I damn an entire people if they might harbor a single light among the darkness?"

"I feel the same way of the Jedi. But their philosophies and how I want things to change? How I want people to see life and the Force? That's a discussion for another time." Yirim said with a strange look in his eyes. He turned back towards the sunset and spoke the once more offhandedly, as if not realizing it. "It's adorable the way your face scrunches up."

He seemed to realize what he said a few moments later and stood before speaking to recover himself from what could be an embarrassing situation. "Perhaps everyone is. It's been a wonderful experience and conversation, but I believe it's time for me to move on, no?"

 

[Wolf]

"...with every scar, a heart beats stronger. And you are stronger than you know. I'm very intelligent so everything I say must be right, right?" The smile on Yirim's lips made Nakoma grin as she processed the stranger's sarcasm and the fact that while he knew the level of his intelligence, he did not take himself too seriously. He was right about one thing though, her heart was strengthened through every emotional wound she received.

The Knight raised an eyebrow as Yirim gave his thoughts on the subject of the Sith. She too had been a witness to such dark hearted individuals performing a kindness for others, herself included. The woman's mind returned to a time in the not too distant past when she was yet a Padawan. She had traveled to Christophsis with a Master and a Knight of the Jedi Order in hopes of locating a place where they could establish an enclave for training purposes. Shortly after arriving, the trio found themselves confronted with three Sith - an Acolyte, a Crusader, and a Juggernaut.

Nakoma, though an accomplished Force user, immediately found herself at a disadvantage as she was without a true lightsaber, only having a mock weapon for training purposes. At some point as the Sith became poised for a skirmish, the Juggernaut realized the plight of the young Padawan and tossed her own saberstaff to the Jedi. Perhaps it was that very move that sealed the Sith's fate, or maybe a combination of other actions during the duel that led to her demise...but both Jedi Master Kiro Haas as well as the Juggernaut Mira Albion lost their lives that day. To this moment, that act of kindness gnawed at Nakoma's mind each time she would carry the saberstaff upon her utility belt.

A smile that bore a hint of confliction came to rest upon Nakoma's lips as she pondered Yirim's question in return. What did she think of the Sith? Her mind did not return void, but dozens of answers arose from its recesses. "I agree...I think there is light of varying degrees in everyone...just as I believe that there is a bit of darkness of varying degrees in everyone." The woman sat silently for several moments as she gathered the words to complete her next thought. "Yes, there are those that I would deem as complicated. Some are a product of their environment. It is the great question of nature versus nurture. Is anyone born to truly light or truly dark tendencies? I don't believe so. It's something that just...happens."

She nodded as he quickly skipped over the topic of the philosophies of the Jedi. That in itself remained complicated as the Order continued changing its stance on key issues throughout the ages. Just then, the Knight noted a strange look in Yirim's eyes as he turned away and spoke while facing the setting sun. "It's adorable the way your face scrunches up." Nakoma felt heat rise within her cheeks as they turned as pink as the cherry blossoms in springtime. Seconds later, he covered his verbal tracks by noting that perhaps everyone was, and then suddenly, he felt the urge to depart.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed our conversation...though I suppose I was not ready for it to end," the woman's words gently touched the mind of the man. Though she found him strange and on some level, difficult to relate to, he was a fascinating person and Nakoma appreciated his intellect. "Perhaps I may join you as you...what was it that you were doing here again? I certainly could use the company if you don't object," she added with a smile that bore a hint of curiosity.

 

[Paradox]

"I have thoroughly enjoyed our conversation...though I suppose I was not ready for it to end." The woman's words gently touched his mind. Almost as if the unspoken question if they could continue it was there. He bit the inside of his cheek and thought silently for a few moments. He wasn't good with people as...people. Tools, allies, and rivals he could all handle perfectly. But his anti-social nature often kept him from having any real connections as well as his unusual personality. He didn't like letting people close. But, he didn't want the conversation to end either. This was the only real conversation, minus his 'debate' with EXCD-00, that he had had in months if not years. He also admitted, to himself, that he found her interesting. There was something about this mysterious, mute, Force Sensitive woman who claimed to be Nika Fiore of the Cartel.

He decided he had to find out what it was, purely for his own scientific reasons. Or at least so he thought to himself. It was dangerous however. He didn't know her...but he'd like to despite how he always ended up. He would just have to enjoy the present then. He turned back to her as she continued with a small smile, "Perhaps I may join you as you...what was it that you were doing here again? I certainly could use the company if you don't object."

"Not at all. It's a big planet, I can share."He said with perfect seriousness as he offered a hand to help her up. "I'm here for personal research that may lead to new chemical developments that can help me both with my Cartel drug making business and my own, more personal, needs. I'm not exactly healthy as you can-"

He stopped as he realized he was trying to help someone else up. With his strength. Which there was none. So he fell as soon as she gave him her weight. Right on top of the woman and landed where her face was very close to his. He looked into her eyes for a nanosecond and then bolted. No one has ever seen Yirim Thrace move his pale behind so fast. He was up and standing a few feet away, looking towards the sunset as if nothing had happened with stern look on his face. Or at least what he hoped was stern or at least neutral. His pale cheeks were quickly darkening red and he mumbled, "I apologize about that. No strength, sickly and weak. It won't happen again. Completely my fault. And no I'm not blushing. It's the heat of this planet combined with the rapidly dropping barometric pressure as the sun sets. It could also be the sunset's dying light."

"I don't blush," he mumbled more to himself than her. He didn't like this. He had never had any friends and always avoided people when he could. He wasn't sure how to handle himself half the time, let alone another sentient. And more importantly a woman. Of which he had only one experience.

 

[Wolf]

Nakoma was stopped in her proverbial tracks as Yirim gave an explanation for his presence on Kowak. "Drug making business?" she thought to herself as curiosity flexed its fingers and pulled her lips into a smile. With a raised eyebrow, the Knight cocked her head to the side. "So you don't just sell narcotics, you make them?" she spoke into his mind with an inquisitive tone carrying her words. Several months ago, the raven haired woman had innocently eavesdropped on a conversation between Re'gi and another male voice that she did not recognize. They spoke of a great many things from the mundane, to the illicit...and it piqued her interest.

It particularly interested Nakoma to learn how lucrative the drug trade was, especially when it came to something called 'spice'. Curiosity gave way to intrigue which propelled the woman into research. Since that conversation, a spark of intent was birthed within the Knight's mind as she studied various hallucinogens, amphetamines, depressants, and stimulants. One way or another, she was determined to find an open door and not only step through it, but throw herself completely into this luxury market.

"I have been looking to make my way into the drug trafficking industry for some time now, as it appears to be quite profitable for several in the Cartel," she spoke into Yirim's mind with a thoughtful look in her golden eyes. "I suppose I would also like to experience the effects of such substances sometime...call it research." A quiet laugh escaped her lips as she spoke the phrase for the second time in the conversation. If she had to be honest with him, and at this point she could not be, her Jedi life could ill afford to offer her many of the experiences that would educate her to the way of the galaxy. The Knight grew up in a society where there were no other options but to live a sheltered life. It was all that her people knew.

Nakoma smiled as Yirim offered her his hand while speaking of the frail state of his health. His words were cut short however, as he was completely overpowered by his own lack of strength and the woman's abundance thereof. Before she could react to what was happening, the stranger fell right on top of her which clearly shocked both of them. His face was now only inches from the Jedi's as he stared into her eyes for hardly a second before finding his feet faster than he had even likely expected. The raven haired woman pushed herself up from the ground and then gathered her thick long locks of hair into a bunch upon her back as she stood.

The Guardian chuckled quietly, placing a hand over her mouth to muffle the sound as she realized that not only were her cheeks full of the color of the setting sun, but Yirim too was blushing profusely. He began to nervously ramble on about the reason why it appeared as though he was but in fact, he was not, even adding in the fact that he just does not blush. Period. End of story. Clearly the young man was upset in a way that Nakoma did not understand and in fact, she found a little odd. Who was she to judge emotions though? If not the Great Wind, responsible for all things, then no one. Nakoma took a few steps toward the mumbling mess that was Yirim and placed a gentle hand upon his shoulder.

"Look friend, don't apologize. I feel terrible! Are you sure you're okay?" the woman questioned with a smile that she hoped would calm all of his nerves and erase the tension that shackled him to the anxiety that clearly held him in bondage. "So the drug trafficking industry...tell me more, I'm very eager to learn from you." Nakoma hoped that returning to the previous topic at hand would put Yirim's mind at ease after the awkward moment following his fall.

 

[Paradox]

As she said friend he flashed back..to a time too long ago to know exactly when. He was standing in a room with three others whom he recognized very well. One was an incarnation of chaotic darkness, one was an incarnation of tempered light, and the third? Was Yirim. But he felt like that wasn't his name then. He was mixture, balanced. He knew exactly what memory this was. Knew exactly what would be said but it didn't stop him reliving this. The other 'Yirim' looked at the other two before nodding solemnly. "We know what our purpose is. We must preserve the balance; each in out own way but united. It's our destiny. As such there must be rules."

"Rule one; remember the creed. Rule two; pursue the purpose at any cost. Rule three; we stay in contact but never meet directly. Rule four; we must look to the end. Never influence events directly unless absolutely necessary. We need to stay behind the scenes and only appear as our roles demand. If suspicions are raised? Rule five; eliminate. We cannot fail in our duty." 'Yirim' looked between the two figures to emphasize the next part. "We are a part of this galaxy. But we must remain at a distance. Which brings me to one of the harder rules and most likely the unavoidable. But it is also one of the most important ones."

"No masters, no disciples, no lovers, no friends." The other two men shifted in their seats uneasily; even the being of chaos. 'Yirim' smiled sadly and nodded. He understood all to well what they must be feeling. He had been wrestling with it for some time before he brought the rules before them. He already knew the that this rule would fail often and in some ways, but they could keep to the majority of it. So he spoke it as he saw it. "We will follow, but not submit; no masters. We will command and use; no disciples. Seduction and physical needs are allowed, but no emotions; no lovers. We will find allies; no friends. It's better for everyone this way. If we become too attached to anything or anyone we could falter in our duties when harsh decisions must be made. And if we falter, if we fail. Then all crumbles to nothing. We can't fail."

As the memory faded and he returned to reality as the woman called Nika Foire spoke to him.

"Look friend, don't apologize. I feel terrible! Are you sure you're okay?" The woman questioned with a smile, trying to calm him or something to that effect and that's when he noticed her hand on his shoulder. He did his best not to jump away or otherwise offend her for such a simple, kind gesture so he stood still as she continued. "So the drug trafficking industry...tell me more, I'm very eager to learn from you."

"I-I am fine. I...always am." He took in a deep breath to slow his breathing and his erratic heart rate. He turned to face her with a wry smile. "As for my industry? It is like people or places. Words often fall short and don't do it any justice. Like people, it's not simple. But I will tell you it is cutthroat and seedy, but exciting and pulsing with life. I am an artist of that world I suppose one could say, but it's really more of a means to an end. I designed Slither. The newest and most addictive brand of spice on the market. I used my intellect to create a must have drug with no health risks. The only thing I couldn't correct was the damned color of the user's eyes changing from prolonged use. It's not really a negative effect. It just alters your low-light vision slightly, but it can become permanent. Just a small imperfection that makes it unique and perfect in it's own way."

"If you are interested you could try some." Yirim said with a shrug as he produced a vial of what appeared to be golden sand. He looked at the small thing as he spoke nearly to himself. "It stimulates the brain to feel bliss, so you can never be sad when you are high on it. You won't feel alone or hurt or scared. Just happy. It enhances pleasure and makes you feel like you can fly. Fly away from it all. Every little thing in this galaxy and just be yourself. Be happy. But...when it wears off it all comes back. It just lets you forget it all for a little while."

"Here," he said tossing the vial towards her. He didn't think she wouldn't catch. She could always use other methods to catch it as well as he looked towards the sunset once more as it faded and his four MagnaGuards walked up to him. He managed a very small smile, "For free. For your research."

 

[Wolf]

"Slither..." the word rolled around in Nakoma's mind like a small ship being tossed upon a tumultuous wave. She suddenly found herself thirsting for any and every bit of information about this brand of spice. If the industry was as cutthroat, seedy, exciting, and pulsing as Yirim claimed it to be...then she was ready to go all in. Undoubtedly, there were risks associated with this type of...business venture, but the Knight would weigh those as she asked the pressing questions. A few immediate concerns cropped up in her mind, but she shelved those in favor of an explanation of the drug's effects.

The things that Yirim was describing seemed wonderfully unrealistic. "Bliss?" Nakoma repeated the word through telepathy. She loved the idea of feeling all of those things...especially the aspect of never being sad while high on the substance. The last time that she remembered being anything remotely close to any of it...was when she was living on Galtea, long before Ze'kyre found her...long before she knew any of the pains of the 'real world'.

The raven haired woman looked down at the mossy ground beneath her feet as she slipped deeper into thought. There were so many questions yet, none of them seemed relevant as images entered her mind of what it might be like to take a break from it all, even though she was well aware that it was only temporary. "Here," Yirim said as he tossed a vial in the Knight's direction. Her eyes never moved from the ground and in fact, it was almost as if her hand was in place just moments before the drug even left its creator's. Nakoma's fingers curled around the container full of the golden sand as her gaze shifted to the mysterious substance. "For free...for research." She nodded as the phrase crossed her mind slowly.

"You mentioned that it may alter one's eye color. What would it to do mine, for instance?" Her lengthy lashes fluttered open and shut like the wings of butterflies over her golden pools as they came to rest upon Yirim's dark pair. She stared into him for several prolonged moments as if studying his soul. "I would like to sample this, but would you advise I do so while planning on being at rest for a while or is it something to be used while going about day to day activities? I suppose I should like to use this while you're around...just in case."

Though the woman's face did not betray her true emotions, she was somewhat worried about ingesting an unknown substance from a stranger she met on a remote planet, in the heart of the jungle. If he were present during her...experiment however, she felt as though that would be somewhat less risky than taking it at a later time. Her thoughts drifted to Zane momentarily and she began to ponder his feelings about such activities...but then brushed them aside, knowing that that would be a conversation for a much later occasion.

 

[Paradox]

"You mentioned that it may alter one's eye color. What would it to do mine, for instance?" Her lengthy lashes fluttered open and shut like the wings of butterflies over her golden pools as they came to rest upon Yirim's dark pair. She stared into him for several prolonged moments as if studying his soul. "I would like to sample this, but would you advise I do so while planning on being at rest for a while or is it something to be used while going about day to day activities? I suppose I should like to use this while you're around...just in case."

"I doubt it would change your eye color," said Yirim with a smile as the two locked eyes; each seemingly searching the other's soul. His midnight hair blew softly in the breeze as they stood atop the ancient, stone building. He rubbed his bare feet against the somehow still cool stone as he looked over the terrain. "It would still affect your low light vision, tinting what you see with a gold hue. I've heard it described when you are looking at someone, it is almost like seeing their soul float around them. I personally don't use narcotics. I tested it of course on myself, but I don't use recreationally. It's bad for business for a creator and supplier to be their own best customer."

He turned back to her, his hair framing his pale visage; his dark eyes filled with a strange look. "But...I will be with you when you take it. I will try some as well. You have no reason to trust some extremely strange stranger on an uninhabited world after all."

"Now," he said as he gathered himself and dusted off his ragged clothing. His bodyguards formed up, not only around Yirim but his guest as well. "If you truly wish to continue our talk and ask me what you will of my industry we must begin walking I'm afraid. I still have a bit of a trek ahead of me and some company could be...nice. We can take the Slither now if you wish, though using it on the journey back to Nar Shaddaa would be preferred. I have, well, I guess you could call it a home back there that Borga gifted to me. If you prefer to part ways now though, I would understand."

In truth, and he knew he shouldn't, he didn't want their conversation or companionship to end so soon. He should be pushing her away or at least keeping her at a distance. It seemed lonely, countless lifetimes were getting to him as much as he hated to admit it. He shifted his weight awkwardly. He was balance, but she reminded him of a few others throughout his long life. People that would get to him whether he wanted to or not. People he felt drawn to regardless of willpower. These people, like the woman before him, showed him what he could have if he abandoned his quest. But...he couldn't. He had been given this sacred duty and agreed to the price long ago. He couldn't put himself before the needs of countless others.