A Desert Blossom

[Mirah Mackali]

A small agricultural craft set down onto an endless expanse of sand.

Its lone passenger sat in the pilot's seat, staring out at the desert landscape. Tawny brown, scattered with some red rock formations, and dotted with patches of green. It looked a bit like a painting, Mirah mused, a really tacky painting. With the press of a button, she was illuminated in blue light as she recorded a holo-message.

“So, yeah,” She started, “I'm here now.”

She pressed send. The scientists back at the lab would receive her flat tone and bored expression. But, they were probably used to it by now. Swiveling in her chair, she looked around the cockpit. Mirah had to admit, it was rather nice to be alone in the empty silence. Stopping by her small lab, she gathered up her tools and supplies before heading outside.

The moment she lowered the ramp, she was met by oppressive heat. Raising a hand up to shield her eyes, she gazed out at the sea of sand. “I hate it here already,” She said. This wasn't going to be a lot of fun, she would have much rather gone to a jungle world. With her botanical scanner in hand and backpack on her shoulders, she locked up her ship and started to walk.

The native flora wasn't that impressive, it was similar to what she had seen on other worlds like this.

Cacti, dry sage, and small succulents. It wasn't that she didn't like these plants, she did. But they were fairly run-of-the-mill. She was, however, interested in finding a desert blossom – one that bloomed at night. Still in the shadow of her ship, she knelt to take a sample of the dry, sandy soil. But a sound drew her attention.

Glancing up towards the sky, she spotted what appeared to be another ship.

“What,” She blinked. Mirah had been told this place was uncharted, just who would be dropping in?

[member="Jared Starchaser"]

 

[Jared Starchaser]

He was feeling he had his goals pretty laid out. The Corellian was doing some work, part time, for Corellian Security, while being a flight instructor for them and some of the Green Jedi. A Starchaser by name and upbringing, Jared was one of the favored of Corellia, or at least, that was how his family liked to think it. Still, he spent a lot of time wandering and ranging from the homeworld. He had been born there, and raised aboard the homeship Dawn Treader, taught the arts of combat piloting, offensive Force use, and how to fire a rifle. He had an… atypical upbringing. So did his sister, but she was another story.

Well, they both were. Their father was an explorer who turned warrior, defender of the light. Jared did his best to be a defender, but lately? It was falling flat. His sister was off being a Warden, keeping space lanes clear, but Jared… He was looking to expand himself. More than a fighter jockey. And that was why he made the purchase of the AT-360 and was off doing his own thing.

A few worlds came into his mind while he was preparing to launch from Corellia. A Starchaser always seemed to navigate instinctively, that was a skill he knew he had. What he was doing was letting the Force decide where he should be going. A bit of music on, because, well, look at his ship, and he fell into an almost trance to bring the ship into lightspeed. It wasn’t long before he was in orbit of a small desert dominated world. Moon, really? He would check after.

Something just landed and he brought the Razorbeak in. Hovering not too far off, the ship’s landing gear reached down like the legs of an avian. As the ship hit the ground, the boarding ramp went down, and a few moments later, a man stepped off, pistol on one hip, and an outfit of desert fatigues, with a light cloak around it. Not one that would give the air of a Jedi, but one that was to keep the sandstorms away.

Surveying the landing zone, he saw the woman, but didn’t pay her any mind right away, scanning the area with his data.

[member="Mirah Mackali"]

 

[Mirah Mackali]

Standing up, she watched as the ship descended upon the desert. Mirah squinted as a small draft of sand was kicked up as the craft set down. She drew a small trowel from her belt. It wasn't a weapon by any means, but she could still stab someone with it if she had to. She hadn't thought to bring a real weapon. Had the lab sent someone after her? Maybe they'd had second thoughts about sending her alone. She was cranky, but she was competent.

She glared at the other ship. Approaching, she watched as a man stepped down the ramp. A few steps brought her closer, just until she could see that he was completely unfamiliar. He seemed to be scanning the area. He was dressed for the environment, she was not – in a pair of shorts and a tank top.

“You're not from the lab,” She said, observing.

Mirah stepped back, and her lined-eyes narrowed with suspicion. She held the trowel out, the pointy end of the small spade aimed at the newcomer. It wasn't exactly threatening, but it was definitely there to put some space between them.

“Who are you?” Her heel continued to edge backward slightly.

[member="Jared Starchaser"]

 

[Jared Starchaser]

As he stepped off, he was looking, he wasn’t sure what, but if he was being called by the Force, or some random cosmic chance, to this world, he was going to see what was there. Check his instruments, and head to where it seemed like people were. Or, at least, what, one person? That was fine. Around his neck were a pair of goggles, he was definitely looking like an adventuring time, but with a bit more refined features, or at least that was what he preferred to say. Core born and all.

Looking at her finally, he squinted a bit. Was she hoping for a sun burn, or just doing quick in-and-outs from her ship? Didn’t matter at the moment. He heard her and took a second to put his datapad away. Looking back at her, he shook his head. There was the telltale sound of a small droid beeping at Jared in binary when he stepped forward. “No. I don’t think so.” He laughed. “Coming out of Corellia, lets just say… I’m a wanderer.” Looking for the past. And relics that he felt he could fence, or use.

He wasn’t sure what his end game was, but that didn’t matter.

“Me? Jared, Jared Starchaser. And you?” He wasn’t going to bother with titles, not here.

Wherever here was.

[member="Mirah Mackali"]

 

[Mirah Mackali]

Mirah looked at the man with sandy-blond hair, an expression on her face that was something of a curious glare. Sure, he had those classic jock-type features and the build to match, but she wasn't the type of girl that fell head over heels just like that. In fact, he was little more than an annoyance at the moment.

“Right...” She said, trailing off.

Great, another one of those Corellian wanderers. And when she heard his name, she pursed her lips slightly, as if she'd tasted something unpleasant. Starchaser? What kind of name was that? Sure, it was vaguely famous, she'd heard it before at least. But was she supposed to be impressed?

Her eyes grew narrow, hesitant to answer him.

“Mirah Mackali,” She said, her tone flat. And the botanist withdrew her spade and crossed her arms defensively. She'd noticed the datapad and the unmistakable beeps of a droid. What would bring someone else to this world? Of course, she could always have asked... but that meant talking. Pulling out her botanical scanner, she stepped away, towards a rather prickly cactus. This was more her style.

She held the scanner up, measuring its water content. Still, boundaries were good. “I'm here doing research.” She said, not looking at Jared. “And I guess you're here doing... whatever.” An unenthusiastic glance was cast over her shoulder at him. “We shouldn't need to interact.”

[member="Jared Starchaser"]

 

[Jared Starchaser]

Had life been a bit kinder to him, and he grew up in a normal family life, yeah, he was probably going to end up the jock kid who was way too into speeders, and spacecraft. That one guy who tried too hard at dodgeball, or something. But for now? He was just a Jedi who was trying to find his way. And today, it was apparently right around this woman. And on this world.

Starchaser was a good name. Well, in the history books. Had Jedi written all over it, for sure. His father was a bit of a crusader, so that made life harder for him and Kaia, but as long as he didn’t run into military types, he felt he’d be fine. And exploration was part and parcel of the whole Starchaser bag.

“And what kind of research, Miss Mackali.” He really didn’t want to get her in some sort of angry mood, and she already seemed a bit perturbed about him existing here. “Looking around. I think there is more to this world than the obvious.”

“What brought you here?”

Curiosity on his part, now.

[member="Mirah Mackali"]

 

[Mirah Mackali]

As Jared asked about her research, she dropped her backpack down on the ground. She rooted around for a moment before locating a lightweight reflective blanket, she put it over her head and tied it just under the chin, like a make-shift cloak. It was getting rather hot, and this would help, she hoped. And she didn't really care if her appearance was somewhat peculiar. Continuing to work, she also pulled out a sterile collection container and used it to scoop up some of the sand at the base of the cactus.

“I'm a botanist,” She answered, screwing the lid back on the container and stowing it in her pack. “So, plant stuff.”

As to what brought her here, she looked at Jared with a plain, but skeptical glance. She supposed it wouldn't be of any harm to mention her own reason for coming here. But, why would he want to know?

“A flower,” She said, finally looking to him. “I heard there was a rare orchid that blooms at night, I kind of want to find it.” Mirah's eyes grew narrow again. “What do you mean?” She cast a shifty gaze about their desert surroundings. “What else could possibly be here?”

Mirah stood again but left her backpack at her feet. Sand, rock, hot sun... could there be more to this place?

[member="Jared Starchaser"]

 

[Jared Starchaser]

Curiosity, one of the other lesser known traits of a Starchaser. They were a family who enjoyed learning, and with Jared not no longer military, he was hoping for a change in his life. A change of exploration, and maybe checking out new and interesting planets. Hopefully with important history, or artifacts. Not that he was here for the money, but it could never hurt. It made traveling around easier. Maybe he could update his ship to the larger version, that had room for a smaller shuttle.

Would make a good home base. He had his goals.

“Plants, not bad. I’m more the explorer and tomb raider. Archeology is a bit more interesting to me.” The Corellian smiled, not trying to insult her, he felt she may just be the type to carry knives around with her. Or stab him with a trowel.

“A flower? Well, we got ships, we can get to the night side pretty quick. Or just wait.” He didn’t know why he was including himself in her plans, but he also didn’t know why he wasn’t. The pilot smiled. He had gear here he could use to help her. Or just relax. The world needed to get some research done and maybe there was something here for him.

“And if we’re lucky? Settlers leaving ruins behind. Maybe lost technology.” Always a pipe dream.

[member="Mirah Mackali"]

 

[Mirah Mackali]

“Pfft,” Mirah pushed out the sound. Exploration she could understand, she was something of an explorer now herself. Archaeology sounded boring. And the thought of rifling through some long-dead person's belongings as a tomb raider seemed grim but secretly kind of cool. Her expression might have even softened, but just a little.

It didn't last for very long.

“Wait,” She said, putting hands on her hips. “What do you mean we? I don't remember asking you to come with me.” It hadn't really happened the other way, either. Not that she would have agreed. Okay, sure, it was pretty weird that two people would end up on some desert planet together. But, really? She wasn't the sort that was desperate for company, help, or attention.

“How about you just go... do whatever –” Mirah stopped abruptly when a rather large beetle began to creep up the toe of her boot. She kicked her foot out quickly, sending the scarab – and her boot, away from her. The bug began to crawl away, and Mirah's eyes widened slightly...

“What are they doing?” She hopped on one foot, keeping her now bootless foot off the hot sand. The beetle joined its fellows, a rather strange congregation of them were making their way through the sand and into the dunes up ahead. Squinting, Mirah couldn't really see much. And, suddenly, there was a rather strange chill in the air.

[member="Jared Starchaser"]

 

[Jared Starchaser]

It was what was more exciting about the world, being able to adventure around it, and see what others weren’t looking at, when they were too busy with their own world. Maybe it was the fact that he was a Jedi, or… had been a Jedi. He was raised int eh style of an Imperial Knight and took much of that with him when he tried the Alliance, and the Green Jedi. He still called himself a Green Jedi, but he was the one who was going to end up being rubber-banded to Corellia when something took a spin and he was needed. Hence why his ship was always in good working order.

Unlike most Corellians.

“That’s the thing, you don’t need to.” Offering up a smile, Jared looked at her. “I’ve got supplies and gear to spare if we wanted to get out of this area and see what this rock has to offer.” Confident but really, he was not too good at offering services and not making it weird.

He watched the bug as she kicked it away. Hm, that was something interesting. A hand was going to his pistol as his droid was working on scanning, from his shoulder. Shaking his head, the BD jumped from his shoulder to make its way after them.

“Not sure, there was something placed here , else the Fo—I wouldn’t have been sent this way. Want to check it out, or are you still against the ‘we’ thing?” The man looked at her for a quick second, blaster still holstered.

[member="Mirah Mackali"]

 

[Mirah Mackali]

Hopping over to retrieve her boot, she stuck her boot back inside and turned a small glare over at Jared. They had literally just met, and he was already assuming that they would go traveling the planet together? Just what kind of person does that? An odd one. Despite his good looks, Mirah was beginning to suspect that maybe he was the weird one in this scenario.

As she listened, she couldn't help but furrow a brow. Standing there, small shovel still in hand and the reflective blanket still tied around her shoulders, what else did she have to do? Mirah took a long glance at her ship, where peaceful solitude waited. She could easily trudge back and wait until nightfall.

But, her shoulders shrugged slightly and hunched forward a touch.

“Fine,” She said, stepping over to lift her backpack up and place it on her shoulders. Though her expression was still that of a classic grump, she was mildly interested. “Let's just go see where these bugs are going, and then – ” Mirah huffed. “Then, maybe you can take me to look for that flower.”

She avoided using the word “we” on purpose.

[member="Jared Starchaser"]

 

[Jared Starchaser]

Watchng her all he could do was smirk. For him, it was just safety in numbers, should he go overturning some ancient boobytrap, he wanted someone to be able to get back to his ship and send out a distress call. Or at least know what happened to him, should someone come looking. It was pretty simple math, there. Besides, she was loosing her boot because of a bug? Yeah, she was going to need his help.

Something something what heroes do.

Or he was just going to be annoying her. Still, the end game didn’t change that. Sure, she could easily dismiss him, but after a while, knowing there was someone out here, how much could she really just remain in the quiet of her ship? Not that he was going to do anything, aside from his own work. Him and Hopper turning up rocks, and taking some images that would penetrate the surface here. Maybe they would find it.

After all, the Force lead him here for a reason. When she grabbed her bag, he watched her, and listened. When she huffed and agreed to go, there was a small grin from him, and his BD unit was beeping. He gave a casual ‘shush’ to the droid. “Only if you want, but easier with numbers, with those… bugs.” Nodding. “And yeah, I can find it.” He had some of the best scanning equipment there was.

Before waiting, he nodded down the path of the bugs, following along at an easy pace. There was no hurry here.

[member="Mirah Mackali"]

 

[Mirah Mackali]

Mirah ignored all of Jared's grinning and matched his expression with her own lips in a tight-lipped line. Only if she wanted? Well, it seemed rather the opposite to her. Still, she gave a heavy-shouldered shrug in response and a small grunt that sounded vaguely affirmative. And when he mentioned that he could find her night-bloom, she cast him in a side-eyed glance.

He seemed confident that he could.

But, he wasn't a botanist – at least, not that he'd mentioned. The scarab beetles were well on their way, their number suddenly endless. Where exactly had they come from and where were they going? It was, curiously, like they were being called somewhere. At least, that's how it felt to Mirah. But, she'd keep that to herself until they knew more. As they walked, she kicked up some sand every now and then with the toe of her boot.

“So,” she started, reluctantly. “Is this the kind of stuff you always do? Drop in and interrupt someone's day?”

Ugh, small talk. But, what else was there to do at the moment. It was only slightly more awkward than spending the walk in complete, utter silence... even though that's what she preferred.

[member="Jared Starchaser"]

 

[Jared Starchaser]

Unlike the rest of his family, Jared was all for just goofing around. His father… sometimes was like that, word from his mother indicated he could be like that, but time wasn’t kind to him here. The galaxy was at war and Coren Starchaser couldn’t let that sit. Then there was Kaia. Kaia was a Warden and she worked really hard at running the family business and handling her own tasks, exploring, helping lost sailors, and delivering data on ores and materials. But Jared, he was done with his time serving, and would be there when the Force deemed it, or his House Squadron called him up.

Starchaser Clan was a known name in the Tyrena region of Corellia. Just ancient history, but the family had some land owner rights and would be expected to perform a few things. It was why there was always a Starchaser at the estate near Tyrena. But he was only a call away at this point. If someone came calling to the world, he’d be there.

But for what he was confident in? It wasn’t a matter of being a botanist. He was a Starchaser, they were natural explorers. Finding things was part and parcel of the whole deal. Shaking his head when she spoke he laughed. “No, typically its just empty worlds, or hunting down relics. But if there are people, it does help to travel in a pack. Finding guides, or hiring teams.” To send what he found back to Kaia. “Guess that makes you kind of special!” He spun to take a look back at her before continuing on. His droid was beeping as he lead the way.

[member="Mirah Mackali"]

 

[Mirah Mackali]

Mirah was a bit taken aback by the sound Jared made, laughter. Generally, her words were not received so well. In fact, most of her colleagues and co-workers simply regarded her attitude with an eye roll. Still, she listened as he explained how he normally operated, and she continued to trudge along with him and the droid.

Her dark eyes blinked involuntarily. Special?

Alright, now he was probably just messing with her. By the time he spun to look at her, she had her arms crossed as she walked. Mirah eyed him for a moment, full of awkward unease. She wasn't sure exactly how to respond to such a comment. And so, she defaulted to her typical style.

“Not special,” She said. “Inconvenienced.”

The trail of bugs dipped over the top of a sandy dune, and seemed to disappear completely – somewhere, into the sand. As they approached, Mirah stepped up to look around. Squinting, she was about to turn to Jared, but the sand beneath her boots felt unstable. It felt... like it was shifting.

Looking down, panic filled her as the sand began to swallow up her boots.

[member="Jared Starchaser"]

 

[Jared Starchaser]

He was a lot more calm than his father was. Sometimes he was said to be not, but lately? Since he could really step aside from active military postings and just really live. The man was here now and it didn’t really add to his plan, but the woman here, she seemed to be all alone. Did she have weapons? What if there was something… wild here? Some sort of critter. Chances are, she did her research more than he did.

After all, he came here at the whim of the Force and his hyperdrive. He was fine with that, really, a scavenger now, but he still came prepared. Side arm and lightsaber, if only the former would be on display for her. Not that he was trying to intimidate her. Inconvenienced though? That he didn’t believe.

“Because you’d be getting so much work done inside, right? Maybe these bugs will find you something even more interesting than just the one flower?” He was hopeful, but it was also him chasing in the Force, maybe there was something to this place.

He felt the sand before he noticed her sinking. There was something not right. He shook his head and looked over at the woman. “Don’t panic, hang on.” He was looking around, but knew what the solution was going to be. But that was when he realized he was falling even faster. And the next thing he noticecd, he was on the ground, big room. Dark.

He waited, looking up, knowing she was going to be close behind. Calling the force to him, he was going to catch her, lightly, before she hit the ground.

He thought. Couldn’t really see, but he could feel.

[member="Mirah Mackali"]

 

[Mirah Mackali]

In the next few moments, Mirah had no time to fully resent the words that Jared had just said. But, the bitterness was there, mixed with her sudden panic. As the sand began to creep up her ankles, she froze. Her lined eyes shifted to Jared as he told her not to panic.

Mirah drew in a breath, and the next sensation she felt was... falling?

There was suddenly nothing below her feet, only empty space. It was dark, but that might have also been because she'd shut her eyes so tight. She braced, ready for whatever impact was to come. It was only natural that she'd come crashing down against something, right? But, it didn't come. Instead, she found herself landing lightly on the ground, touching down like a feather.

It was definitely odd. Still curled on her side, on what seemed to be the floor... she remained still.

“Jared?” She said, calling quietly to make sure he was still there. Not that she wanted him there any more than she had from the start, but... she realized, maybe she did need his help after all.

[member="Jared Starchaser"]

 

[Jared Starchaser]

Panic was never the smart move. Patience and being calm, remaining with your wits, that was what was wise. Jared was worldly, and for him, he didn’t always know what was going to happen, but he had inklings, and was getting really versed at trusting his danger sense. It kept him alive in the cockpit, why shouldn’t it remain keeping him alive out of it? On his feet, he was readying himself. This was just a fall through sand, it wasn’t like the pitfalls of the Force that were rumored along the Rim.

Keeping the Force ready, he found Mirah’s falling form and almost cradling it as she came close to the ground. Once he had her down safely, he moved his attention away from her, not to look like he was throwing the Force to help her, though he did sense she may be capable of that feat, if she worked at it.

When she spoke, he cracked a glowstick, holding it up, casting light and shadows around the room. Skittering was heard not too far off. The man looked around, and his hand was on his pistol fairly quickly. “I don’t know what we just found, but I feel… it may be why I came here.” He looked back at Mirah “You ok?” Should probably check in, right?

[member="Mirah Mackali"]

 

[Mirah Mackali]

Mirah was still until the comforting light of a glowstick illuminated their surroundings. The two of them sat, surrounded the light and shadows... and bugs. Sitting up, she drew her arms around herself. To her private relief, Jared was very much alive and well. As he spoke, she let her dark gaze shift about the room, her eyes adjusting to the dim light.

“Yeah,” She said, absently rubbing her upper arm. “I guess so.”

She was okay, somehow. The feeling was gone now, but Mirah wasn't sure what to think of it. It had been brief, like being wrapped in a blanket. Her eyes shifted upwards, where there was still a small trickle of sand drifting down upon them. And, a bug would fall to the ground every now and then.

“If you don't know what this place is...” She glanced over at him. “How can it be the reason you came here? Are you one of those weird fatalist – everything happens for a reason – people, are you?”

Mirah pushed to her feet and rummaged around through her backpack for a moment before locating a glowstick of her own. She cracked it, adding to the light and lighting the room up even more. It seemed the two of them had fallen into some kind of chamber. And, as she squinted, there appeared to be several tunnels that wound into darkness.

“Think there's a way out of here?”

[member="Jared Starchaser"]

 

[Jared Starchaser]

The light was without the hum of his lightsaber, the glowstick was a lot easier to get out and pass around if he needed to, because Force knew he wasn’t passing his lightsaber to someone, even if they might know how to use it. Jared used that as more a symbol of what it was. But this was allowing him and her to see. Watching her get up, he nodded, seemed nothing was broken. That was good. The younger Starchaser was looking around, trying to find anything written on the walls here. There had to be writing somewhere, right?

Stepping forward, but not so far as to leave her in darkness, the Corellian was looking around slowly. Taking care, he was listening for the bugs, but he was fairly certain they’d not come close, not while he was concentrating on them being… over there. And there. And there.

Shaking his head, he looked back at her. “I just have some luck when I’m traveling, really. A great agent.” He shook his head, dismissing that. It wasn’t fate, it was the Force and his desire to find things.

“There has to be a way out of here. Doubt whoever built it climbed that.” He looked up and threw his glowstick up, before letting it fall back to his hand, without the Force, just in case. "Wonder who built it, why?" And what was attracting the bugs?

[member="Mirah Mackali"]