A (Not so) Average Trip

[Helios Venth]

[member="Zmej Ren"]

Well. Helios was off Commenor... Once again, it so happened to be. He wasn't quite sure what the planet's leader thought of his leave of absences. Helios had obligations amongst the system, and Helios did intend to fulfill his duties. However sometimes the force made it clear he needed to travel. This particular journey had something to do with a rising group of force users.

Helios had no idea who they were, aside from the fact they were dark siders. That, and they had connections to the first order. An organization Helios had only recently been introduced to, and whom he considered aiding in some manner. Especially if they could help him gather resources and a militia to establish a military base. Helios had plans he wished to set in motion. Though all in good time. Even if he was impatient at moments. Helios was sometimes able to display acceptance that something might take time.

Helios looked out the ship that he had borrowed. Though, Helios had read a piloting manual. He felt more comfortable getting a pilot to transport him. In fact it probably involved a bit of mind tempering, and threats. Though, it was an effective strategy as Helios looked upon the surface of Skye. It seemed different from some of the planets Helios had same. Yet, similar at the same time. It was clear that there was some form of social hierarchy occurring amongst the planet. The geographical descriptions helped give an idea of where the richer regions were, down to where the pourer regions were.

Helios decided he would work from the bottom up. As he found the closest he could to a desolate region. His plans to eventually move to the wealthier areas, as he knew somewhere amongst this planet. Someone was here he was meant to meet. They would help him find a higher purpose, and hopefully eventually find him someone he could learn from. Self teaching in the ways of the force, and light saber combat could only go so far.

Helios closed his eyes and dove off the ship. Yep, he wanted to try a little sky diving. He was a bit insane after all. Helios would off cackled as he descended rapidly. Though it was a bit difficult to do with all the wind rushing up and pressing against you. Helios when he knew he needed to. Slowly worked at shielding himself from the impact with the force, while also manipulating the environment to slow his decent as much as possible. He hit the ground with a tumble, and laid for a bit laughing. Deciding he needed to plummet to the ground more often.

Helios stood up and looked around. "Hmm... Well that was fun. However it doesn't help me much. I need to get into contact with someone. Yes, someone would be good to get into contact with. No killing them with fire... Maybe singe them a little? No, probably not that either. Oh well. Ay, Night! Where be the people I am looking for?" Helios called out. Yes, Helios called out to the night time. As the planet was experiencing night. Helios had a tendency to speak to such inanimate objects. A lot of times they replied to him. Helping him accomplish what he needed. Either the force was guiding him, or the more sensible thought. Helios was just so insane such odd acts just worked for him.

Either way the night time here wasn't responsive. "Stupid silence." Helios frowned and proceeded to start walking. In search of whomever it was he was meant to meet, and not kill with fire. They would have answers to what he sought. Perhaps even connections, and with the right possibilities. Helios might even serve the cause. Especially if it meant he gained someone to teach him more about the force. Yes, Helios had learned plenty of techniques on his own. Though it had been time consuming, energy consuming, and sometimes even costly. Furthermore, Helios had a basis of Soresu. Though that didn't help him much wielding a saberstaff, or practicing Jar Kai. Helios did own two light sabers with a locking mechanism after all. His martial arts training could only help him so far with the unique weapons.

 

[Zmej Ren]

[SIZE=10pt]When treading the cold, desolate landscape surrounding the academy, most would not expect to encounter anything noteworthy, maybe except a hardy animal or two lost high above its ordinary habitat. Sharp, howling winds raced across the inhospitable mountain edges, carrying snow from one peak to another, and the chilling temperature reached particularly deadly limits at night. Environmental hazards did not stop Zmej Ren from doing her duty though. After being notified of a suspicious vessel passing over the mountains, dangerously close to the structure serving as home for many young Ren in training she set off, clad in armour and several layers of robes to keep herself from freezing. Alone, far away from civilization, feeling the frosty weather seep into her very core, the Ren silently listened as her superiors offered updates via a comlink. While the authorities have swiftly pulled the ship down and apprehended the pilot, the man claimed to have been forced to fly another being into this area and drop him off.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]That wasn’t good at all, confirming suspicions many feared. Shivering as the cold poked its needles into her skin, Zmej scoured the general area. Snow crunched beneath her boots, but no footprints remained long enough to allow backtracking, immediately covered by another layer of white. She had hoped to avoid the blizzard threateningly looming on the horizon, but it seemed the weather has decided to throw a wrench into her plans. The thought of having to spend a night outside with an enemy sneaking about certainly did not appeal to the young agent, who wanted to get this over with. Like a predator searching for its prey, the Ren’s mask slowly turned as she looked for a track to lead.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Zmej did not see him – it was the maniacal yelling that brought the intruder to her attention, with the Force further pinpointing his location. A strange behavious for someone who wanted to stalk on the Ren. She approached, treading softly, handgun in hand, its barrel pointed at the uninvited visitor and trigger finger dangerously close to taking a shot. Probably the only thing preventing Zmej from doing so was her discipline and knowing dead men spilled significantly less information than their living counterparts.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“It’s pretty late for a walk,”[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] stated a distorted, yet feminine voice coming from behind the midnight visitor, [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]“Do not move, I’m aiming at your head. What is your business here?”[/SIZE]


[member="Helios Venth"]

 

[Helios Venth]

Helios blinked some as he heard the voice. Was it really aimed at the back of his head? If so Helios could possibly... No. That would not do. Much safer to see if he couldn't talk it out first. "A force vision lead me here." Helios responded almost reflexively. He didn't have any need to decieve. "I twitch... It is impulsive. Give me a moment." Helios added as his fingers and hands shook a little. Helios wasn't sure why. Though when he is anxious. He twitches, generally before doing something cynical. So, by reading the amount of impulsiveness. He and others could determine how close he was to being unstable.

Helios closed his eyes and focused on breathing. He had to admit now the adrenaline was going down from the jump. Helios was getting cold. He wanted to set a fire. Though it might result in his death. Helios reached a little out with the force. Only enough to sharpen his senses. If he started a fire and the woman shot. Helios wanted to be able to react. In fact his fingers started to spit out a few embers as he contimplated things. Though eventually he managed to calm down enough to relax.

"Is there a way I can help you? It is a rather unsuitable environment. I have things I would like to accomplish." Helios admitted and tried his best to control his impulses. He wanted this woman to get off his back. Quite literally as it wasn't exactly fun recieving a death threat. Who would like to be told a blaster is aiming at them?

Helios frowned and contimplated. It was very tempting to the less then sane side of himheTo consider the possibility of setting this woman on fire. Though he guessed the woman was only being pre-catious. Maybe if she fired Helios could kill her with fire. Either that or slice her up with his lightsabers... Or better yet help her! Oh, how Helios loved helping people. Twisting their minds to better serve him, and breaking their will. It added perspective! Made everyone so much happier in the end.

Of course it was merely thoughts in his head. For the moment Helios had stabilized himself enough to be still. Well, as still as you could expect from him. Hos breathing help centering him, so he could better control his impulses, and his thoughts. Perhaps, allowing for a rational conversation between the individual.

[member="Zmej Ren"]

 

[Zmej Ren]

[SIZE=10pt]Her eyebrows quirked at the explanation, not something she had expected to hear. She took a step forward, weapon still trained at the intruder’s head, but her mind reached out to quickly search their surroundings for another. Fortunately, the suspicious individual was there on his own, only the cold and rapidly falling snow making him company. Not that it eased her concern much - the man in front of her appeared neither sane nor stable, rambling about visions and uncontrolled twitches. A dangerous combination due to its sheer unpredictability, not something to be underestimated. Zmej’s grip on her pistol tightened. Despite the unbearable cold making her fingers numb, she trusted to be able to fire a perfectly aimed shot into the back of the man’s head should it prove necessary. As much as she wanted to be on her way back, the man still posed a threat that needed to be taken care of.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Drop your weapons then. Slowly. And explain what is it you want to accomplish here.” [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]Zmej Ren ordered, frown safely hidden behind the visor.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]White haze now concealed the mountain ridge, descending upon it swiftly with a fresh bombardment of snow. The blizzard was getting worse and Zmej managed to see mostly thanks to her helmet. Unlike the poor visibility though, it was the dropping temperature that plagued her mind with worry. Getting back to the academy’s confines would take significantly longer in this weather and with a prisoner in to be kept in her sight. The young Ren shivered, free hand moving to wrap her clothes tighter around herself and save every bit of warmth still present in the robes. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=10pt][member="Helios Venth"][/SIZE]

 

[Helios Venth]

Helios frowned some and extended his senses further. He hated the thought of departing from his weapons. He had spent quite a bit of effort to get them, and they had a unique feature. If this lady tried to pick them up. Blaster aimed at him or not. He would be setting her on fire. Though for diplomatic sake. Helios gave a slow little nod. Then used the force to pull his twin lightsabers out of their holders. Slowly hovering the hilts in plain view over to the left. Before letting them slowly down onto the ground.

"I didn't explain?" Helios asked and frowned some. He swore he could told her he was following a force vision. Oh, well he guessed he needed to explain a little more. "I am suppose to meet someone here. Something to do with a group of people who could possibly help me." Helios explained some as he shivered a little himself. He decided winter should be killed with fire. It was terribly inconvinient at maintaning warm body heat. Perhaps he would tackle that another moment.

"You know. I am dying a lot slower from my core body temperatures dropping. Then it would having you place a blaster bolt in my head. So, are you able to let me make a fire. Either that or would you shoot me if I tried?" Helios spoke his tone suddenly becoming deathly calm. He had centered his mind and he checkef his pulse. Remembering with the force he didn't need his weapons to be a danger. Where he was from Helios was an authority figure. He maintained peace on Commenor's streets. Mostly he acted discreetly. Though generally he was the one taking charge. "I so far have been willing to comply and answer your questions. I do however have a limit of patience." Helios added and prepared to respond to if she pulled the trigger. His senses having just finally reached around her. Helios was a man of facts when he found a semi-rational state of mind. The facts were he was slowly freezing to death. This woman had a blaster bolt aimed at him. He had a decreasing stable mindset as he was cold and wanting to accomplish his tasks. That and he was pretty sure she was force sensitive. He could vaguely feel something different about her presence.

[member="Zmej Ren"]

 

[Zmej Ren]

[SIZE=10pt]Two lightsabers, strongly indicating her captive knew how to battle with both at the same time. Most disconcerting. The man was even more dangerous than she previously though, not just an unpredictable madman. Zmej’s index finger gently licked the trigger, not even feeling its shape anymore as she contemplated the option of simply killing the man and rushing back to the academy. Perhaps she’d make the trip if she let her anger fuel her, without having to watch over an incredibly dangerous, deranged individual. It was infinitely tempting to make that choice, leave one frozen corpse in this place and return for it later.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Yes,”[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Zmej Ren replied, distorted voice leaving her mask colder than the surrounding weather, [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]“I am going to execute you unless you do what I say and when I say.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]The blizzard started getting worse, raging as if some ancient deities decided to drop their anger onto the duo. It was time to set off, trudge through snow and over slippery ice, walk the white covered mountain ridges and get back to safety – but knowing the distance she had walked and judging their chances, the disciple knew all too well they wouldn’t make it. Even on her own, she'd be dead before the academy's warm fires could be reached. Quickly, the Ren's sight shifted from the prisoner over to the sharp rock formations, searching for cover to shield them from the worst. Hiding inside one of the numerous caves scattered over the mountains seemed like a good enough alternative to freezing to death. Golden eyes darted from one rock wall to another until finally coming still, seeing what could be used to wait out the worst. A large crest towering over a sizable enough spot with no snow.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“The cave to your right. Move it.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Keeping her pistol aimed at his head, Zmej raised her free hand and telekinetically summoned both weapons from the ground, clipping them to her belt.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=10pt][member="Helios Venth"][/SIZE]

 

[Helios Venth]

Helios heard the clicks of the belt and glanced to where he set his weapons. He frowned as he noticed them moved. Whelp, he was going to be setting her on fire. When and how long he had yet to determine. He might recobsider before then. Though the likelyhood was low seeming she kept up pushing his buttons. He glanced to the cave she mentioned. Then gave a slight smirk as she asked him to proceed towards it. He was more then happy to comply towards her command.

Helios tapped into the force and focused. His environment slowing down, as he utlizied the force to increase his mental and physical speed. He moved forward in a blur as he entered the safety of the cave. If the lady had any complaints. He would gladly point out she neither asked him to proceed slowly. As well as she had instructed him to act upon her instructions immediately. Helios was pleased to lean against a wall. At least the snow, ice, and wind had been cut from the equation. Now, if only he was allowed to start a fire.

Helios frowned and thought about circumstances. This certainly had not been what he expected when he arrived. Though he was going to make sure he worked with it. He would be getting his lightsabers back. They were dear to him in the fact he made them, and the fact he had good and bad memories tied to them. If this lady didn't plan to give them back. Helios would have to find the right moment to pry them off of her body. Not necesarilly dead body. Though that would depend on the circumstances.

Helios looked around the walls of the cave. Staying silent having no questions he wished to ask. Nor, any comments he wished to state. He wanted to keep things rather simple for now. He closed his eyes and began to sense his surroundings. Till he felt he wasn't alone again. Helios had gone unarmed against an opponent with a ranged weapon before. Though not one who was force sensitive. It would add an interesting challenge if he felt he needed to fight her.

[member="Zmej Ren"]

 

[Zmej Ren]

[SIZE=10pt]Arms flexed, fingers gripping the small weapon tightly, aim set at the running man. The smallest of motions was all that separated Zmej from unloading a couple of blaster bolts directly into his back, dropping him like a lifeless sack of meat. Only when the disciple saw the man’s run ended in the cave, where he stopped and waited, she allowed herself to relax a bit. Still, her patience was running out and this bizarre, annoying creature appeared to be doing its best to get on her nerves. It needed to be addressed, and Zmej fully intended to do it through pain, the best teacher in the galaxy. Finally, a few more steps and she stood inside, enjoying what little shelter the cave offered. Before doing anything else, the masked Ren approached her prisoner, keeping a respectful distance from his form in case he tried anything.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Neat trick,”[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] stated the blonde, lowering the weapon’s barrel, [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]“I'm not impressed though.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]One pull of the trigger, one flash of red, one mark burnt deep into the man’s thigh. It was a warning, the last she was going to give to stop him from acting like a fool. Purposely irritating the one holding him at gunpoint probably wasn’t the best way to go and Zmej hoped he understood the language of violence if words were not enough to tame his madness. With the message delivered and hopefully understood, she holstered the blaster, hands moving to inspect the lightsabers. Their design appeared fairly ordinary, nothing too unusual, thus the Ren’s thumb moved to the weapon’s ignition button.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Snap-hiss![/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]The emerald green light swiftly cast away all shadows left inside the cave and its soft hum offered a much needed respite from the raging storm outside. Zmej observed the pulsating plasma in quiet fascination, admiring what it symbolized. Her golden eyes behind the mask set upon the prisoner’s recent injury – and prompted the young Ren into activating an emergency beacon to signal her brethren to come, knowing there would be no walking all the way back to the academy. On the bright side, the injury would be treated with the utmost care. Whether that happened before or after the interrogation, Zmej did not know.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“My people will be here as soon as the storm relents.”[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] The disciple informed.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=10pt][member="Helios Venth"][/SIZE]

 

[Helios Venth]

Helios didn't much flinch when the wound hit his leg. Maybe blinked to show it did indeed sting. He even managed a chuckle as his eyes narrowed some. "Hurts some. I assure you. Nothing compared to a fire." he spoke his tone sickenly calm. It was unclear if it was just a statement of truth, or a promise that what goes around comes around. Helios supposed retrospectively he would of probably done similar. If an individual had tested his patience. Though the individual's actions likely were counter intuitive in the long run. Trying to utilize pain to reverse what pain had caused served little effect to straightening his mental state.

Helios glanced away from the light as it snapped into existence. Then glanced down to his thigh and shrugged. "So, be it." Helios acknowledged her words briefly. Nice thing about blaster bolts. They cauterized the wound they inflicted. More painful in some respects it did make the infliction. Though less likely from bleeding out. Which meant Helios remained un-concerned. He would have to account for his thigh should she attempt further violence.

Helios relaxed back against the wall. Humming as he waited patiently for the storm to subside. Helios felt along his body and gently jabbed at some nerves. To slowly lessen the amount of pain his neurons translated. Martial arts was as good for healing as it was for hurting. That and he had nothing better to do. He certainly wasn't talking to this woman. His words for the moment certainly wouldn't help the situation. So, he would quietly wait until they could move forward from this cave.

[member="Zmej Ren"]

 

[Zmej Ren]

[SIZE=10pt]Waiting for help promised to be a long, uneventful, and most importantly, cold experience. Without anything to do, no means to build a campfire, the two faced their sentence to suffer through eternity-long minutes for several hours. Even though the large ridge offered some degree of protection, flesh-stripping winds did not ask for invitation and often peeked into the humble cover, kissing the fleshy forms of those who resided within. No amount of clothing would prove a valid adversary in this fight; the arctic temperature cut through clothing, skin and muscle without difficulty, eliciting shivers in those affected. Zmej, seeing no better alternative, delved into her anger. Unlike her prisoner, the young woman knelt in the dirt and tried to meditate, senses sharp and reaching out to get a timely warning should the man decide to attack. Fortunately, it appeared he knew better than to charge a heavily armed, uninjured opponent. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]As such, the insufferable wait for rescue passed more smoothly than expected. Hours went by as the raging snowstorm slowly lost its destructive temper, opting to retreat and fight another day. That was a signal for the Ren to board a small, discreet shuttle and follow their disciple’s distress signal. It also marked the end of Zmej’s meditation far away in the mountains, as she rose up from the kneeling position and stepped out, treading the freshly scattered snow. Not many sights were more welcome than one like this; a rapidly approaching vessel Zmej felt to be bringing her brothers and sisters. They poured out as one once the shuttle found a suitable landing location, the blonde greeting them with a wave of her hand. The meeting was surprisingly short, formal.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“His lightsabers.”[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Zmej stated, handing both hilts over as two armed knights of Ren moved to recover the prisoner, who would find himself thoroughly searched, restrained and loaded into the shuttle, guarded by several Ren including Zmej herself.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Just as quickly as they appeared, they left, reaching the now cleared skies and setting course for the academy in a short flight that meant a return for one and a new start for another.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=10pt][member="Helios Venth"][/SIZE]

 

[Helios Venth]

Helios finished neutralizing his pain receptors. Before looking around to study the cave's design once more. Studying the way the wind blew in. To mercilessly tear at anything it came in contact with. Helios would of built a fire. Probably even use the annoying woman to hrlp fuel it. Though the woman had the better chance of survival. That and he would have a hard time edplaining to a group of people why he cooked one of their members.

Helios heaved a sigh of relief when the storm cleared. More so when the shuttle arrived. He wasn't suprised when they checked him over. Neither that when they restrained him. Though he still could be agitated about it. Helios had a particular grudge against captivity. The last cell he was in he melted. Of course Helios wouldn't try such a tactic with multiple guards around to kill him if he tried. The least they could of done was give him a break from the crazy lady. Whom he had gotten stuck in a cave with.

Helios closed his eyes and meditated. He didn't have any desire to speak much at the moment. There would be blood of some sort if he didn't recieve his weapons back. Though he wasn't too concerned about the situation at the moment. It was likely just a precaution to dissuade hostility on his end. Helios listened to the sounds of the craft. Using that to help him center his thoughts. While he waited to see what lied ahead.

[member="Zmej Ren"]