First Reply Better Lost Than Found

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Somewhere in the wilderness, Odessen.
Wearing: XxX.
Equipment: Basic Survival Gear.
Armament: Vibroblade Kukri Knives (x2); The Wraith Blades.
Companions: Maro & Nekram.

Three years...

It had been three years since she left her home-world. Geminidae was slowly becoming a memory and a pain in her heart, one that could not be soothed by the wonders of the galaxy simply because she couldn't share them with her people. And lately Palm's days had been spent in conferences and meetings, hours upon hours buried beneath documents to be filed and reports to prepare. It was even easier for her mind to want to remind her of the places she missed when she was cooped up inside the metal walls of her freighter, but remembrance was nothing but wishful daydreaming. Ambassadors could not return to their planet unless called upon.

She was good at her job, diplomacy, but efficiency did not equal enjoyment. As soon as it was over and she was granted a break, the geminaie lost no time in setting a course to the opposite end of the galaxy with no specific destination, until Odessen called out to her. A planet strong in the Force, balanced between the Light and the Dark, much like she was.

Palm needed to disappear for a short while. Take her time to re-center and gather her thoughts and her feelings. Balance was not easily kept, and the life she led made her face against obstacles and conflicts that did nothing but add to the difficulty. Odessen had welcomed her into the familiar embrace of the grey side of the Force, and its woods and mountains - although not as daunting - held enough resemblance to Geminidae to inspire a certain comfort. Nature, the Force, and the company of the two loyal beasts that had shadowed her since she was barely a teenager. That was all she needed.

The first day, she walked. Carrying only the essentials in a light backpack and flanked by Maro and Nekram she ventured into the wilderness of the forests. Palm bid herself to forget her previous steps, and did not stop until she truly managed to lose her way. She set up camp in a forest clearing, easy to protect if any of the native creatures of Odessen decided to pay them a visit. The next few days she spent exploring and meditating, she had brought no technology with her except for her commlink - unused and kept with her only as a precaution. No matter how much she wanted to, making herself unreachable was not an option.

Simply surviving had always been her preferred method to reconnect. The ache in her muscles due to the daily exertion of running around and climbing mountain walls, the sounds of nature at night both soothing her and keeping her alert, fresh air and hunting for food, going back to the basics of her training days, losing herself in the tides of the Force and feeling at peace. It was a simple and enjoyable life even if it had its hardships, but it was a temporary one.

She reminded herself of this as she knelt next to a river stream, gazing at her own reflection in its clear waters. It had been two weeks and she had managed to keep herself decently clean, for someone who didn't have access to every day commodities. Her clothes were worse for wear and would probably be discarded once her little vacation came to an end. Not wanting to sour the remaining of her stay in Odessen, Palm stopped thinking about the unavoidable and cupped some water in her hands before drinking it. As the hounds proceeded to quench their own thirst, she sat down in a nearby flat rock and allowed the rays of sunlight to warm her skin for a bit before it was time to return back to camp.

 

[Be'iqaronn]

(If its fine with you, I'd like to join, if not then just tell me)


Location: High atmosphere above Odessen
Wearing: (The profile picture)
Equipment: MRE
Armament: R82 Precision Rifle ; The XR-18 Revolver ; Knife

Standing on his ships open bay door he had a respirator on for the high atmosphere jump. There was a cloud below him, he was hoping to land in the wilderness. The dangerous jump was almost suicidal, if any number of things would go wrong, he'd die from the impact. While there are situations he did survive a failure of a fall, he assumed he'd be fine.

Sliding the rifle along his back, he had a knife on his leg and a pistol in its holster. His pack held an MRE and his parachute, for it couldn't fit much else. His visor was bugged due to not being able to determine the distance to the ground. With the wind slicking against his suit, he made sure the commands were in. With that he looked down and jumped.

Falling through the sky he felt weightless, he was above the cloud, his visor eventually turned off and he continued his fall. Breaching the top of the cloud he didn't know what to expect when he came out, A black dot or two appeared in the distance but Renn expected it to just be mountains, but seeing the leaves breaching his vision. He cursed and pulled his chute.

The cloud came out low the tree was high, but he didn't pull the chute early enough, hitting the tree on the way down. His body rammed through every branch, eventually he hit the tree line he continued down hitting multiple trees. The pack tore off of Renn's back, and the Merc hit the dirt rolling, at the end of his role he stood for a second and was in a daze. Standing there for a second, he fell down into the dirt, his suit torn up and his visor shattered.

As Renn fell, he thought about what led up to this, the failed chute, a broken scanner, but it didn't matter. He wondered which would happen first, if he would be eaten, or have his body fail. Finishing the fall he was unconscious before he hit the ground. There the Merc laid on the ground, dirt around him.

Palm-Imer

 

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Camp, Somewhere in the Wilderness, Odessen.
Wearing: XxX.
Equipment: Basic Survival Gear.
Armament: Vibroblade Kukri Knives (x2); The Wraith Blades.
Companions: Maro & Nekram.
Tagging: Be'iqaronn

​

Her chest rose lazily as she took in a deep breath, eyes falling closed. A small smile stretched her lips when she felt Maro's muzzle bump against the hand that had been resting idly on her lap, moving it until it was on top of his head. Humoring him, she scratched the area between his ears. Knowing that the dogs had a better ear and a better nose than she did and due to the fact that it had been several days since she last encountered a sentient, Palm allowed her guard to fall a lot more than she usually did.

So when the sudden feeling of a ripple in the Force coursed through her, her amber eyes shot open and she exchanged her previous relaxed position for an attentive one. The dogs growled, their ears standing tall as they faced a certain direction, apparently hearing something she could not - disturbed leaves and creaking branches. They did not move yet, awaiting a command or a response from their owner. When the geminaie stood up and started silently but swiftly moving towards the general direction, they followed suit.

Her left hand latched on to the hilt of one of her guard shotos, not yet un-clipping it but keeping it at the ready. She reached through the Force and powered by Odessen's nexus influence, it did not take her long to pinpoint the presence of a living being, a human. Unmoving and laying on the forest bed. She only sensed one man and - at least in his current state - he did not seem to pose an immediate threat. This allowed her to be confident enough to pick up her pace towards him. It was a bit of a distance to cover.

Once she reached him though, she was met with a scene she hadn't expected. A mangled parachute still entangled in the branches high above them, its lines attached to a body that lay unconscious and by the looks of it, injured. Parachuting accident. The hounds circled the man, heads low and apparently more than ready to jump on him if Palm willed them to do so. "Éneken" The word in Nexilis was enough to put the dogs at ease. They remained alert, but backed off.

Palm was no medic, but she didn't need to be one to realize the guy's leg was busted. However, what worried her the most was any potential internal injuries. As a soll'nav, she usually refrained from using the Force on others without express consent, but that wasn't a possibility at the moment and letting the man die, if he was in risk of it, wasn't either. She focused on him, and after sensing him was glad to find that he had been lucky. Busted leg, busted wrist, scrapes and bruises.

Palm knew nothing about him, but she would help him until making further judgement was a possibility. To her, it was better to lend a hand to someone who didn't deserve it and then amend the mistake than carry the knowledge of leaving a decent person to a bleak destiny when it could be avoided.

He was armored and well equipped. Probably a mercenary or bounty hunter. Weird to find one in Odessen, not many hits to take out in a planet that was only sparsely populated. Then again, maybe that meant it was a good place for someone with a target on their back to hide. Large guy, armored. Her shoulders complained even at the thought of dragging him back to camp, but she didn't have much of a choice.

Not allowing more time to go by, she took out one of her knives and finished cutting the cords that still kept him attached to the trees. After making quick work of gathering his stuff up and securing it to Nekran's harness, she knelt next the man and slung his limp arm over her shoulders. Carefully, she put his weight on her and she could stand back up and begin the arduous walk back towards camp, dragging him with her. He was lucky the geminaie were a strong species.

The sun was starting to hide behind the treeline when she made it back. The next few hours were spent tending to the man's wounds, to the best of her ability. Palm had removed most of the armor, used the Force to help set his leg and wrist back into proper place before immobilizing them in makeshift splints. Force Healing was not her department, she'd only offer trying once the guy was awake.

Nighttime had fallen, and after getting a fire started she cooked up some of the remaining meat she had into a stew. She'd need to hunt again soon, but for now there were other issues to attend to. Maro and Nekran remained near the man, eyeing him with distrust. Her own amber gaze also fell on him, wondering if it'd be long before he regained consciousness.

*Éneken: back

 

[Be'iqaronn]

Location: Ground of Odessen
Wearing: (The profile picture)
Equipment: MRE
Armament: R82 Precision Rifle ; The XR-18 Revolver ; Knife
Tags: Palm-Imer

Laying in the dirt, the mercenary was brought back to past events in his life. The betrayal of his partner, his first fights, one though was above the rest though, the silencing of the wolf. The wolf was a creature of power or companionship, to prove a point the man had gone up and fought a wolf one on one, the wolf didn't last long in the brawl. Looking over his accomplishment he felt unhappy with what he did, and felt bad about it. What was done was done.

Then a flash of reality came to him, the forest around him, sky above him, he couldn't tell the time but all he could see was that he was in motion. His mind made up images of creatures dragging him along the ground, bringing him to their den to feed upon. His mind also thought it could be a person, bringing him to safety, a hospital, but it was unlikely to him for no one knew he was out there in the middle of no where.

His mind soon went back to memories, this time he was in the bridge of his command ship, with one point of his finger many missiles fired out into the other ship, ripping it to shreds. Until now, he never thought of how many people had died from that, families with no husband to come home, father. While these would bring a lot of light to him in his job, he would ultimately forget as if they were a bad dream.

Opening one eye to see a fire was blazing near him. Opening his second his vision focused to see someone near him his visor flashed, cracked from the fall, red triangles all over it, before promptly failing and dying, sitting up quickly he quickly winced and held his wrist surprised to discover a splint on it. Looking at the person who was near him he assumed this was their doing so he just quietly sat there feeling his splint and staring.

 

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Camp, Somewhere in the Wilderness, Odessen.
Wearing: XxX.
Equipment: Basic Survival Gear.
Armament: Vibroblade Kukri Knives (x2); The Wraith Blades.
Companions: Maro & Nekram.
Tagging: Be'iqaronn

​

It was the dogs that would first welcome him back into consciousness, keeping some distance and raising the hair on their backs. Neither liked strangers, even if they understood their master's reasoning that led to bringing them back to camp. The black one made a sound, a groan that could be easily confused for a growl even if it was not quite so. "Ar'xhan, Nekran." The voice of the woman, firm but gentle immediately made him stop. The hound walked back towards the young woman, sitting besides her and leaving only the brown one near the stranger.

Palm too remained silent for a moment, watching the man carefully. Now that he was awake, there was no knowing how he would react. Even if he was injured and unarmed, and therefore not as much of a threat right now, this did not mean he couldn't become one. Judging a strangers intentions could prove to be difficult, yet the attempt was always necessary. Better safe than sorry. Being too friendly in this galaxy often led to misfortune.

The easier and safest option would have been to prod at his mind using the Force, both Sith and Jedi alike would have thought that to be a wise decision. But she was neither, and as a soll'nav her beliefs and convictions kept her from invading the thoughts of others. No matter if they were friend or foe. She had no doubt that the man must have been in pain, sadly she had not brought with her any pain killers strong enough to soothe the discomfort. After all, this was situation she had not foreseen.

Soon it was clear enough that the man would not speak first, and so Palm's voice would break the silence once more, only this time in Galactic Basic. "You didn't choose a good place to jump, mate." Many things could have interfered with his landing, by the looks of him she didn't truly think this had been a rookie mistake but rather an unfortunate accident out of his control. "I'm not much of a doctor, did what I could." Even though she looked relaxed, sitting on a log and with a bowl of stew in her hand, it would be wrong to assume she wasn't more than ready to jump into action at any given second. Her attention was placed fully on the man.

"How are you feeling?" Palm asked, testing the waters.

*Ar'xhan: be calm

 

[Be'iqaronn]

Location: Ground of Odessen
Wearing: (The profile picture)
Equipment: MRE
Armament: R82 Precision Rifle ; The XR-18 Revolver ; Knife
Tags: Palm-Imer

Renn sat there for a second trying to figure out what was happening, looking around he noticed some dog looking creatures. Sitting there he looked to her again as he tried to regain his words, but found he had none. When the woman asked how he was doing he coldly and quickly stated, "I feel fine." Even though this was far from correct it was what he blurted out without thinking.

His helmet tried to turn on but continued to fail and eventually the power completely died he resorted to quietly taking it off and tossing it off to the side, upon his quick loo at it, he saw that the night vision goggles were gone and part of the jaw would be exposed if used. Once it was off he noticed that the respirator was broken and it was harder for him to breathe with it on.

The rifle on his back didn't appear to be there anymore neither did his pack, he assumed his weapons were with the other person but he wanted to know what state they were in. He assumed they needed repairs. He waited a moment and then said, "So who are you?"

 

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Camp, Somewhere in the Wilderness, Odessen.
Wearing: XxX.
Equipment: Basic Survival Gear.
Armament: Vibroblade Kukri Knives (x2); The Wraith Blades.
Companions: Maro & Nekram.
Tagging: Be'iqaronn

​

The cold tone of his voice, his dismissal of his current injured state and the short response were enough for Palm to begin forming her opinion and understanding of the man before her. Distant, maybe even distrustful. Someone else might have felt offended or put off, but the geminaie simply accepted it as it was. It took a lot more than a dry response to incur her dislike, and a lot more than friendliness or a smile to stand in her good graces. Over all, she took her time with people and her objectiveness when it came to judging them had always served her well.

Her eyes followed his motions as he removed his helmet. She was surprised to see he was younger than she had expected, and quickly checked him for injuries. Hours before, she had decided against removing his helmet. When she sensed him there were no indications that his head had been hurt and she knew many cultures across the galaxy had a thing about keeping their faces hidden from others. In a way, she did too, most of the time. Masks and fake names. Lying was not something she liked, but truth wasn't always on the table.

She readjusted herself, straightening her back after having been leaned forward for quite a while. The flames of the fire danced in her eyes for a moment. Palm had heard his question, she was simply taking a moment before answering. "You can call me Naddej, for now." Of course, her wording gave away that she was either retaining information or giving a fake name. She did not know who he was and was playing it safe. Hopefully, the man wouldn't be offended at her decision to not provide him with a real name but then again, she didn't suppose much would change if he was.

They were two strangers in the middle of nowhere. Nothing to be gained, nothing to be lost. The young woman then stood up and walked towards the tent, retrieving another bowl from the backpack that lay near it. Then she turned to the fire that was still keeping the stew warm and served some. The hounds seemed to grow a bit anxious when she neared him to place the bowl on top of a small flat rock next to him. With his wrist busted, he'd have to manage with one hand if he wanted to eat. But maybe he wasn't hungry.

"So," after another long silence she spoke again, once more nearing the tent although this time it was not a simple bowl she produced from within it but rather the firearms that she had found laying alongside him. She was standing at a safe distance and holding the weapons so that he could see them, they were quite battered, not unlike their owner. "Merc, bounty hunter, soldier...Civilians don't pack heat like this." She did not ask for his name right away, not after she had refused to give her true one. Instead, she was trying to find out what could have brought him to Odessen.

Maro, who had been laying relatively close to the man, stood up. He sniffed a bit in his direction, before moving away to walk around the small camp. Guarding dogs, for sure. The hounds took turns searching their surroundings every now and then.

 

[Be'iqaronn]

Location: Ground of Odessen
Wearing: (The profile picture)
Equipment: MRE
Armament: R82 Precision Rifle ; The XR-18 Revolver ; Knife
Tags: Palm-Imer

Renn sat there for a second finally managing to fully regain the events prior to this, he then looked up and listened to what she had to say, "Well Naddej, it appears I owe you a great deal of thanks for helping me." His words were sincere and decided to leave out the part where this was considered a favor to him, it didn't seem the time to do so.

When she stood up, Renn watched silently no expression crossing his face. Watching her pick up the bowl he relaxed a little assuming she was feeding her dogs or herself. What he didn't expect was for her to give it to him. He knew of the common courtesy of giving food and water to a guest, but people never tended to do that to one they never knew was in their house.

Eyeing the soup he left it there, wanting to learn more before eating. Pulling up her weapons looking at them, quietly seeing what needed to be fixed on them. "If you're asking my profession, I am a Mercenary." Leaving out that he was too a bounty hunter due to his reason for being there also leaving out why he had enough armament for a base raid.

Watching the animals walking around, they seemed to be guarding, he was slightly amused that they took turns. Wondering what was going to happen next, he quietly started on his stew. During this time he always kept a look out on the surroundings, knowing that if anything were to attack him, he would be at its mercy.

 

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Camp, Somewhere in the Wilderness, Odessen.
Wearing: XxX.
Equipment: Basic Survival Gear.
Armament: Vibroblade Kukri Knives (x2); The Wraith Blades.
Companions: Maro & Nekram.
Tagging: Be'iqaronn

​

The night was beginning to grow cold now that it had been some time since the warming rays of the sun had disappeared, but the fire helped keep it at bay. A small smile stretched her lips when he thanked her, dismissing the gesture with a gentle flick of her wrist, "No need. I'm not into letting people die when I don't have a reason to." She was no angel and she knew this, there was no point in trying to deny to herself the things she was well aware she was capable of. But cruelty for cruelty's sake? That was not up her alley, never had been. Maybe the man had a different outlook on things, but the same thought as before came to her mind.

Better to regret helping evil than regret harming good. There were a lot of people she could think of that the galaxy could do without. But until they showed themselves, she'd rather play it safe and not act prematurely.

The geminaie nodded in understanding when he claimed to be a Mercenary, she still had a feeling there was more to be said. The only reason she didn't press him for more was because they were both keeping details from each other. So far as the atmosphere between them remained to be one she felt comfortable in and no dangers surfaced, Palm was perfectly content to remain strangers. He did not seem like the type of man who was too keen on sharing, she respected that and had no need at the moment to get more information.

As she returned to seat on the same log as before, opposite the alleged mercenary, the black hound moved to lay down next to her and place his large head on her lap, golden eyes still firmly locked on the stranger. The brown one was surveying the camp, and this one had apparently picked up the task of guarding him. A distrustful pair. The young woman's hand went to rest on the hound's head, petting at it lazily.

"Does the mercenary have a name?" She asked, raising one brown slightly as her honey-colored eyes met his with interest. The night was long, and she didn't think either of them would feel comfortable enough to get any rest with the other around. Might as well entertain her curiosity. Although then her attention returned to the man's wounds. Whatever he had come to Odessen to do, it would probably have to wait. But another issue remained.

Unless he was a Firrerreo or otherwise had some outstanding healing ability, he wouldn't be walking any time soon. And they were deep into the wilderness. She would help him back to one of the small settlements if that's what he wanted, although the idea of it was not a very exciting prospect. Odessen was a beautiful world and the strong presence of the Force in it made her feel at peace. But it had many predators, and she lacked the means to make the logistics of carrying a wounded person through the thick of the forest an easy task. "Do you have anyone waiting on you here?" Maybe he had contacts, and if he did them perhaps having him picked up was an alternative. Although she doubted his answer would be a positive one.

 

[Be'iqaronn]

Location: Ground of Odessen
Wearing: (The profile picture)
Equipment: MRE
Armament: R82 Precision Rifle ; The XR-18 Revolver ; Knife
Tags: Palm-Imer

Renn watched as the hound moved next to her wondering what it was, he had heard of many animals like it. After thinking of a few things it could be he gave up and went back to quietly sitting at attention a keen eye on everything around him. Watching the other animal he wondered if he were to sleep would he be eaten, while he assumed not he didn't want to test that theory.

Turning back to her when she asked him a question Renn just shrugged saying, "I'm Gastro." That was a name of a former target thousands of lightyears away who was dealt with quietly. Renn didn't want to reveal his real name due to it being well-known in many parts of the galaxy and of many factions that want him dead.

He wondered if this stranger had any force healing, even though he would deny the service due to his outlook on the force, but it would be interesting to know one who could do it. Most of the ones he knew are either dead or in hiding, some sell it but aren't that good and tend to be more of a con.

When she asked him if he had anyone, his hazel eyes looked back with a tinge of sadness, "No, no one but you knows I'm here." Leaving out the part that people were looking for him for there own purposes he just sort of shrugged picking his helmet towards him looking at it, gently putting it down next to him, small pieces of glass still falling out.

 

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Camp, Somewhere in the Wilderness, Odessen.
Wearing: XxX.
Equipment: Basic Survival Gear.
Armament: Vibroblade Kukri Knives (x2); The Wraith Blades.
Companions: Maro & Nekram.
Tagging: Be'iqaronn

​

Palm nodded once more, it was proving hard to get relevant information out of the man. Both of them seemed to be well-guarded people, a prudent trait to have most of the time. Not knowing who she was talking to did sharpen the edge of her caution a bit more than usual, but it was nothing she couldn't live with. At least so far, the unknown did a great job at hiding risks. All she could do was keep a careful eye out for any.

"Gastro," she repeated, testing out the name. It didn't ring any bells, although given how large the galaxy was she wasn't expecting it to. She breathed in and relaxed her posture a bit, out of habit, even if she could still feel her muscles tensed. "Well, pleasure to meet you." Of course, the circumstances of their meeting were highly unconventional but that did not stop her from extending the common courtesies.

She had noticed how the man observed the dogs, and just as Maro was returning back to them after being satisfied with his round, Palm decided to introduce them too. "These are Maro," She gestured towards the brown hound with her head,"and Nekran." The hand that rested on top of the black one's head gave a soft pat. "Not too keen on strangers, I'm afraid." The dogs made some form of groaning noise, as though they were agreeing with their owner's words.

Her amber gaze then settled on the mercenary's legs. He hadn't complained at all since he woke up, but there was no doubt in her mind that he must be in pain. Palm spent a moment considering her words before she made her next question. It was an unavoidable one, so better get it over and done with now. "What are you going to do now, Gastro? We are deep into the forest. I can help you get wherever it is you need to go, if there's somewhere." She wasn't precisely against him staying, but then again she didn't know there were people looking for him.

 

[Be'iqaronn]

Location: Ground of Odessen
Wearing: (The profile picture)
Equipment: MRE
Armament: R82 Precision Rifle ; The XR-18 Revolver ; Knife
Tags: Palm-Imer

When she said the name he had given he nodded to the second part as to mean, as with you. He was a little surprised that he had forgotten to extend the saying when he said his fake name. In the end he hope he got the message through as he quietly sat there still eyeing the dogs wondering what they were still.

His attention was brought back when his 'name' was called and she explained the names. His head following her gestured as she pointed to which was which. The dogs as stated were not keen on strangers which Renn thought was a good trait to have for loyal hounds bred or trained to protect one and yet a trait even some intelligent life doesn't have.

As she looked at him he followed her gaze to his legs, he was so concentrated in what was happening around him he forgot one was broken. All he did was attempt to block out the pain the best he could, and that brought up another thought, which was asked in her next question. Renn pondered what he should do, should he wait it out and go his own way, or have her help him. "I'm sorry, where I am going is for me and me alone, I am willing to wait the leg out, you may leave this area if you wish, I will remain." Looking up at the sky he determined the direction he had to go and silently waited.

On his leg he would be getting nowhere without help, and if she packed up and left so be it, he would continue his wait even if it killed him. His contracted stated for him not to disclose information about the job, or he'd be hunted, while he didn't care about being hunted, he would just do what he always did, fight back, he didn't want that to happen in this state. Determining that if he were to heal he would need rest, he leaned back. If he was killed in the night so be it, all outcomes he could think of where he got off the planet quickly would lead to a painful demise, he may as well take it in his sleep if anything.

Laying there eyes open he wondered what Naddej would do. Curious his weak body forced him to sleep, unfortunately, filled with dreams.

 

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Camp, Somewhere in the Wilderness, Odessen.
Wearing: XxX.
Equipment: Basic Survival Gear.
Armament: Vibroblade Kukri Knives (x2); The Wraith Blades.
Companions: Maro & Nekram.
Tagging: Be'iqaronn

​

Palm couldn't say she was surprised when the man revealed he could not share his destination. It was often that way for people in their line of work - her own too. Of course, it just so happened to be that on this occasion her answer was easy and nothing to hide. She was here just because, to rest, to forget about the many weights she carried on a day to day basis and that she would soon have to return to. But there was no resentment in her, her job was hard but necessary. She had made her peace with this a long time ago.

For the time being she remained in silence, her thought wandering through her mind. It seemed like the choice was hers and it was not an easy one. The geminaie would have an answer in the morning, but for the time being she simply moved to drag her sleeping roll out into the open and laid down. She closed her eyes and once more allowed the tides of the Force to take her into a deep meditation. She wasn't really asleep, but it felt like if she was. This deep rest could not replace sleep indefinitely, but she could put up with it for one night.

Even with her eyes closed she could feel how the sun begun to rise many hours later, warming the air and beginning to lift the veil of darkness that night had put over the forests. Bird singed their songs as everything slowly started to come out of slumber. Palm was included in this last group, she opened her eyes and sat up, coming back into full consciousness and spatial awareness. Maro and Nekran were still asleep, curled at her side on top of the grass. Then she guided her gaze at the mercenary. If he was awake, she would greet him, if not, she'd wait until he woke up.

It didn't take Palm long to resume the musings of the previous night, and she had made a decision. She couldn't just leave him. Broken leg, wrist and messed up firearms, leaving him to his own devices now would have been the same than having left him to die the previous afternoon. She remembered one night a few days ago, when a pack of shade stalkers had decided the hounds and herself seemed like a good meal. With her sabers at hand and the help of the war dogs she managed to deter them and send them away. He wouldn't have the same luck if it happened to him while in this state. "I've decided I'll stay. You won't be fighting or hunting anytime soon and Odessen is not as peaceful as it looks like," She didn't want to carry the knowledge that someone died unnecessarily because of her.

 

[Be'iqaronn]

Location: Ground of Odessen
Wearing: (The profile picture)
Equipment: MRE
Armament: R82 Precision Rifle ; The XR-18 Revolver ; Knife
Tags: Palm-Imer

Even though he was weak and tired, Renn naturally retained a light sleep. This one was not as light as most of his, for it gave way to dreams that he had to sit through. He hated his dreams, all the memories he had coming back to haunt him. This night it was about Talon and the betrayal Renn did. Putting the man through hell and back, make the man insane. All the while looking at the people he killed.

Nearing the end it was Renn holding the pistol up to the woman, a distressed expression on his faced as the room suddenly burst into an inferno. Talon walking up to the burnt body of Renn, kicking it. With the kick Renn jolted awake, it was already light out, meaning the mercenary had slept in a bit. Rubbing his wrist which hurt from using it to jolt up he looked around spotting everything from yesterday's events.

Nodding to her, Renn quietly resumed his sitting on alert. When she started talking he turned his head to pay attention, she, to him, did imply he wouldn't be much use in day-to-day activities. He said with seriousness, lean me against a tree with a gun and I can hunt." He left out how he would probably fix his own weapons when she left, he made them for convenience and easy to fix for single shot use.

What ever she responded with Renn nodded and he would comply with her wishes. During all this Renn's least favorite part of the healing process, the fever. While he didn't complain or make any signs that he had one, he felt like shit on the inside. His body didn't know what to feel and there was a lot of stress on the wrist and leg. Shrugging to himself he quietly waited for instructions, or night to fall.

 

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Camp, Somewhere in the Wilderness, Odessen.
Wearing: XxX.
Equipment: Basic Survival Gear.
Armament: Vibroblade Kukri Knives (x2); The Wraith Blades.
Companions: Maro & Nekram.
Tagging: Be'iqaronn

​

A soft smile stretched her lips upon hearing his words, a determined one for sure. She couldn't blame him, where she in his position she would also be reluctant to accept the reality that she was vulnerable. Palm didn't doubt his ability with a rifle, he did have the right look to justify her assuming to be good at...whatever it is he did, which did seem to involve getting tangled up in scrapes and cross-fires. However, no matter how good a shot he was, shooting was not his only concern.

"I don't doubt that, but even then you can go dragging yourself all over the place. There's shadow stalkers here, cave jurgorans too if we are unlucky and they decide to climb out of their hideouts when the sun goes down." That was partly her fault, Palm enjoyed climbing and therefore had set up camp relatively close too a mountain ridge. Closer than recommended. However, she wasn't counting on having an injured partner tag a long when she made that call.

She stood up and allowed a moment for her muscles to stretch and get ready for movement after hours of stillness. Walking towards the backpack, she took a small pill bottle of bright orange color and a water bottle. Popping one pill, she made quick work of downing it before getting a bowl and putting some more water down for the dogs and giving each a pill too. Iron, the curse of the purple-blooded creatures of Geminidae. Once that was done, she offered a second and unused water bottle to him.

Now closer, the geminaie looked at him again with a bit more concentration before blurting out her thoughts as a question. "You are feeling like chit, aren't you?" He was doing a great job at hiding it if she was right, honestly she was very surprised at his ability to tolerate pain. She had been considering offering to use the Force since the previous day, but now with a clearer outlook on their current situation she was nearly convinced about finally doing it. A broken leg would take too long to heal on its own, and she didn't have too long before it was her time to leave Odessen.

She sighed, finally coming to a decision. "I can try to help if that's okay with you, using the Force. I'm no Jedi Healer, but it'd be better than nothing." She minced no words and tried to be as direct as possible. There was no easy way to reveal to others that one was sensitive to the Force, at least none that she could think of.

 

[Be'iqaronn]

Location: Ground of Odessen
Wearing: (The profile picture)
Equipment: MRE
Armament: R82 Precision Rifle ; The XR-18 Revolver ; Knife
Tags: Palm-Imer

Sitting there quietly Renn thought about the implications of Shadow Stalkers and cave dwelling creatures, nodding in understanding at her words. Then he quietly went back into silence, thinking of how he was going to make his own journey. His current plan was to get his rifle and knife and use the R82 as a crutch. He knew how far away the place was and it was about a days journey, if he was uninjured. His mind brushed it off and said he needed to get there and call in his ship.

She then offered him a water, which he shook his hand as in, he'd be fine without it. Even as he thought this he felt worse due to fever but still contained it the best he could. Turning to her next question about how he felt he nodded in response, but he knew nothing could be done at the moment.

The next question however surprised him, taking his early thought about being helpless back, but when asked he said, "No, I will manage." Really the reason for his rejection was because, when someone looks into Renn, they dont always come out, or at least come out whole. This was known when Renn went to seers, the man's cracked mind was slowly mending but, still the cracks were big.

Going back to sitting there Renn had memories of old times where he would just do whatever he wanted because he could, he was insane in those times. While he still was a bit insane, he's gotten better, he can manage a normal life with it. The cracks are always there though, and they're ready to get wider.

 

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Camp, Somewhere in the Wilderness, Odessen.
Wearing: XxX.
Equipment: Basic Survival Gear.
Armament: Vibroblade Kukri Knives (x2); The Wraith Blades.
Companions: Maro & Nekram.
Tagging: Be'iqaronn

​

Maybe someone else would have insisted that he agree to the healing. In many ways, it was the wiser, quickest and overall the best approach at the moment. Her proficiency with healing wouldn't allow her to weld his bones back together just like that, but maybe she could do enough to at least get him on his feet. Still weak, but walking. And even then, that thought might be too optimistic. But alas, he had refused and loyal to the ways of her people she would not press him on the matter.

The soll'nav didn't believe the Force was meant to affect others or their surrounding but themselves, and as such her external use of the Force was very limited both by skill and conviction. Palm was a duelist, she could heal herself and enhance her own attributes, but she wasn't about to start throwing boulders around or bringing back people from the brink of death anytime soon. The balance of the world and acceptance of the consequences of actions were her axis. Each was the Master of their own destiny.

"Well, I think it'll be best we move camp then." She said, as she stood up to begin gathering the few belongings she had brought along and undoing the tent. "Given our current situation, I'd feel safer in a less open location." The explanation wasn't truly needed, but she was prone to conversation and it just flew out of her.

Meanwhile, Maro decided to approach Gastro, curious about the man and seemingly more willing to properly inspect him now that a few hours had passed with no major events. His muzzle would fall near the man's hand, giving it a few sniffs before the hound's amber eyes met the mercenary's. It had been the closest any of the dogs had been to him, and from this point of view it was even easier to notice how large they were. Palm made sure to keep an eye on them as she packed, although she wasn't worried.

About an hour and a half later she was finished. Fire properly put out, backpack ready. The clearing had now returned to its natural order without the tent and the very few trinkets that had been littering it. The geminaie was ready to approach the mercenary and help him up when the familiar and often dreaded feeling of a disturbance in the Force stopped her. Her brow fell into a concentrated frown, head turning slightly as she reached through the Force to sense that which lay behind her.

People. And she could feel aggression and intent rolling off of them.

Making sure to be quiet, her honeyed gaze fell on the man. "There's people heading our way, and not to offer help by the feel of them." Her tone was more serious than it had been so far. "You said there was no one looking for you, are you still sure about that?" She wasn't judging him or angry and this was clear in her expression, she simply wanted to know if these people were there looking for them - or rather, him - or not.

 

[Be'iqaronn]

Location: Ground of Odessen
Wearing: (The profile picture)
Equipment: MRE
Armament: R82 Precision Rifle ; The XR-18 Revolver ; Knife
Tags: Palm-Imer

Renn sat there quietly his fever making him feel like shit, but even as it got worse he was quietly suffering. Sitting quietly he coughed due to his sickness, he expected it to either kill him or cure itself over the next few days. Quietly wondering how much the force healing would help, but decided against it, for he owed this person, he wouldn't allow it unless absolutely necessary.

Turning to her, when she talked about how they needed to move. "I can try and walk, or attempt with a crutch, my rifle should do." Renn thought he could walk and maybe carry something on his back. This was all speculation on his end, but he didn't quite know. Thinking on it he was surprised when he turned his head when he felt breathing on his hand, he thought for a second on which wolf it was, Maro he assumed.

When their eyes met, Renn stared back into amber eyes. Realizing this was the only time one of the dogs came up to him, they always seemed distant from him, but Naddej had explained how they weren't keen on strangers. Attempting to pet the creature whatever happened, happened. Watching the animal he noted many things about it.

Seeing that she was ready to go he propped himself up, in a way, that all he needed was a hand to get up. Pulling on the helmet, his eyes exposed, the glass fully fallen out. When she looked at Renn, talking about the visitors. "I would assume they are here for me, and personally, I don't know why." While Renn wasn't certain why, he may have to explain stuff after this.

Realizing he didn't have his pistol, he had nothing to defend himself, with his lack of mobility he can't just climb a tree and hunt them. Sighing he waited quietly for a shot or something to start.

 

[Palm-Imer]

Location: Camp, Somewhere in the Wilderness, Odessen.
Wearing: XxX.
Equipment: Basic Survival Gear.
Armament: Vibroblade Kukri Knives (x2); The Wraith Blades.
Companions: Maro & Nekram.
Tagging: Be'iqaronn

​

Maro seemed to tense when the man moved his hand to pet him, but sensing no ill-will from the stranger he allowed it of only to have a chance to further study the mercenary up close. His fur was thick and soft, although the gesture wouldn't last long for the dogs stood at attention when they saw the familiar reaction of Palm sensing something through the force. The dogs followed suit, expanding the borders of their sense ability to about 100m, growling softly once they felt the presence of more strangers.

Palm measured his words, trying to balance her options swiftly in her head before coming to a decision. There were three possible scenarios in her mind, all equally likely judging from the lack of information she had. Justice, revenge or a simple retaliation. Although chaos was very common in the galaxy, there usually was some form of justification for people to begin a manhunt. Palm had many questions, but no time to ask them. She sighed, finally settling on a decision.

If the strangers were hostile, she doubted she'd have enough time to explain that she was only there because of coincidence before getting caught up in a confrontation. And still, leaving Gastro to his own luck didn't sit well with her. "Alright, gotta move. Come on," She helped him up, staying near to help him support his weight before passing him his rifle to use as a crutch. Then her hand fell to her own holster, and she handed him one of the blasters.

No, she didn't feel entirely too comfortable with having him armed, but having him defenseless wasn't a good thing either. Maro and Nekran were already on the move, one taking the lead to scout ahead while on lingered behind, closer to the incoming threat while ready to either alert Palm of any new developments or act as a distraction should they need more time. They needed to find somewhere where they could hide.

 

[Be'iqaronn]

Location: Ground of Odessen
Wearing: (The profile picture)
Equipment: MRE
Armament: R82 Precision Rifle ; The XR-18 Revolver ; Knife
Tags: Palm-Imer

When Renn was helped up, he was given his rifle which he took a look at, upon his quick inspection, it appeared that only one barrel remained straight. This meant the weapon could work if the trigger and action were also functioning. Renn looked back and was surprised to be handed a blaster. He nodded his thanks and got to looking in the direction of the men.

If these were one of the Hutt's men, he could take them all out in his state, if they were other factions he still could, but would die in the process. Though he followed his companion. He moved at a fast pace for one of his condition. Quietly getting ready for the fight that was about to start, he flipped up his rifle, put a shotgun shell into the barrel and put the weapon back down under his arm.

While he expected it to fire, he also expected the weapon to backfire in the process. While it would hurt, it was a last stand kind of deal. Noticing that the dogs went to deal with the crap, he wondered if it would be okay. He was very alert, the pistol always raised, if these men were for him he wondered how he would explain it.