By Paths that Seldom Mortal Goes

[Ryn'Dhal]

The padwan couldn't help but offer a laugh to [member="Lady Kay"]'s question. "Lots, and lots, of sedatives!" He had called back, as he headed down the corridor as [member="Ultimatum"] directed.

Spoiler

I'm omitting the shifting details because, well, no one's witnessing it IC.

After a few moments, the two friends would witness a sight to behold. A large beast stalked around the corner. Easily much larger than the woman, and easily more massive than Ultimatum. The beast stalked towards them, before settling on his hindquarters, intelligent golden eyes looking each of them in their own eyes in turn. Black fur covered the massive feline from nose to tail, though across back, belly, hindquarters, and shoulders, there were terrible scars. Some appearing as slashes from whips, others appeared as puncture wounds, or surgically precise gouges. The poor beast exhibited a life-time of torment and torture on his hide, in open display before the mechanical man and the woman.

Along the beasts powerful back, a twin row of large spines ran along his spinal cord. Strong, and rigid, they were obviously an evolutionary defensive trait, to keep threats off of their back, and to make even larger predators think twice about trying to take a bite. And protruding from the maw of the large beasts exceptional head were a pair of large, sharp, fangs. Each one a dagger in its own right. The massive creature would sit, letting them visually take him in, before lifting a paw into the air, looking at the pad of his own paw. He then extended his claws, devastating, cruelly curved hooks. This creature was naturally designed for one purpose, hunting and killing prey.

After retracting the claws, and setting pad to floor once more, the beast resumed looking at Kay and Ultimatum, curiosity plain upon his face, ears perked forwards, shifting side to side oh so slightly, as if waiting to pick up every word either of his audience wished to utter.

 

[Ultimatum]

"Impressive," was all Ultimatum could say as he looked at a very remarkable transformation. He would not have believed it normally, but the circumstances made certain he did. He wondered how painful the transformation was, with the bones growing and changing shape. He saved all the visual data of the creature to his database for later study, he was interested in the biology of the transformation.

He was curious as to the level of dexterity in the creature's paws now, could he manipulate them like a hand as easily as in his other form? He was glad that [member="Ryn'Dhal"] had shown this now, it might have been a bit more dangerous had it been accidentally done during the trip. He was already trying to calculate the muscle mass and probable strength of the being.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay just stared in awe. Oh her late husband would have loved him indeed. She could imagine them sparring together and hunting. [member="Ryn'Dhal"] was certainly a marvel. She glanced at [member="Ultimatum"] as he spoke and then looked to the feline creature before them. She reached out to touch his nose, just to be sure that it wasn't an illusion. "Wow....Beautiful. I'm almost speechless. Does it hurt when you change?..." Never in her life had she come across such a species.

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Deep, rumbling purring could be felt by both of them with their proximity. His nose would scrunch up as she effectively 'booped' him. Wriggling his nose, and giving a shake of his head, with a snort, those intelligent, golden eyes focused on the two of them. Then came the really crazy part. That low, rumbling, growling voice would begin uttering. "It does.... hurt.... some...." He growled out, his voice most definitely not the soft, melodic tones of his humanoid form. "I feel.... power.... strong...." His head cocked to the side. "But.... also.... proud.... superior...." He growled the last word with an almost a tone of disgust. "The other.... half...." His head lowered slightly. "See's only.... black and.... white.... pack.... and.... prey...." His growl seemed almost dejected his gaze downcast.

He then lifted his gaze back to [member="Lady Kay"]. "You.... pack...." He turned his gaze towards [member=Ultimatum]. "You.... also.... pack...." Then, lowering his gaze again, giving a slow shake of his head. "Others.... prey...." He sounded exceedingly disappointed that his predators instincts viewed people like that. He looked over his massive shoulders towards the corridor towards the room he transformed in. "I go.... change.... back.... okay?" He'd ask, looking once more towards the two, asking for their permission.

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum listened in the closest thing to amazement he had ever experienced. It could speak as well as have a coherent thought. This was truly an incomparable creature. It was an interesting fact that it saw most as prey of friend. It was an incredibly simple outlook and a very basic one that fit with the concept of most creature's thought process.

He understood [member="Ryn'Dhal"] being somewhat disappointed at the belief, after all he had been through a similar time when first made. Having been an AI intended for extermination and destruction he had been disappointed at such lowly intentions. He had stepped beyond them to become what he was now. He hoped that this Jedi would also come that at some time.

"If you would like go ahead." He got the feeling that the person did not like being this.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay couldn't help but feel for [member="Ryn'Dhal"]. But she couldn't help but smile and bow her head while being referred to as part of the pack. She had been prey enough times for bounty hunters and a couple of manwhores that she had rejected outright.

"Of course. You go and do what you need to do. Thank you for showing us." She then looked to [member="Ultimatum"] "Amazing. I feel a bit safer on this voyage with him here. Don't you? I'll do what I can to help him stay calm."

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum would not have agreed completely with the statement, as the creature was also a threat and he doubted the hull doors on his ship would hold it in. He was actually a little concerned, though he guessed that perhaps tranquilizers would work as well. He had enough of those to take down a Krayt dragon, of course the difficulty was having it stand still long enough to have enough shot into it. Each dart in his weapon was loaded with enough to knock out a slightly above average human for five hours. That equated to... probably in the range of 100-120 darts to sedate the guy. He didn't really believe that he could pull that off in the tight hallways of the ship.

"He will certainly keep away a lot of riffraff." He said jokingly. "I think we will both work on keeping him calm."

[member="Lady Kay"] [member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Eventually, Ryn returned to the others, though now he wore only his tunic, slacks, boots, and a long scarf. All matching his fur in color, asides from the scarf, being crimson. He seemed slightly out of sorts as he entered the room. He'd scratch the back of his head, ears folded back slightly. "I can assure you, unless you plan to keep us in deep space for weeks at a time, the other-me won't likely be making an appearance. I tend to go and meditate for an extended period when long trips are needed. Keeps my anxiety down dramatically." He'd state, attempting to give a confident smile, though failing slightly at it.

Looking between the two of them, he'd offer another contingency. "And, should I feel the change coming, I'll lock myself away if it would make everyone comfortable. Just let me know when we'd landed if that worst case scenario happens." A slight shrug would be given, as he was having some difficulties trying to mentally prepare for every potential eventuality. "I do not know how long we will be out, and how often we may find ourselves planet-side, so I'm just trying to rationalize out any potential scenario that might come up involving my change. In the case of the urge coming on, as I stated before, I can keep my head if I go and make a controlled change. It's the involuntary changes that are risky."

Splaying his hands to his sides, palms open facing [member="Lady Kay"] and [member=Ultimatum]. "As we've not yet left the spaceport, I'll ask once again. Do you still wish for me to accompany you? I believe I won't be a burden or a threat, but it's not myself that needs to have faith in that, it is you two. So, I leave the fate of my participation to you two, my friends."

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay agreed with [member="Ultimatum"] and nodded to show that. They would both work together.

She watched as [member="Ryn'Dhal"] returned to them and smiled. "If you are confident, my friend, then I am too. We all have a monster inside of us waiting to be unleashed. It's just that some are able to hide it better than others. And you know, I find that drinking Sapir tea helps. It is soothing and calming to me. Even the process of making it has become so second nature. If you'd like, I can make you a cup later and then we'll see if it has the same effect."

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum smiled as [member="Ryn'Dhal"] he looked fine, if not slightly harried from the experience. He spoke after [member="Lady Kay"], "If you believe you can handle it then I have no problems. As the Lady has said, we all have our own burdens to bear. If you are both ready we can begin soon. The ship is ready and we can leave within ten minutes."

Ultimatum was glad that the two were getting along so well. It boded well for the trip. He was also appreciative of the fact that the Jedi was willing to stay behind if the other two did not feel trusting, it was a sign of respect that Ultimatum had seen all too few times in this galaxy. He looked forward to seeing this one more often. After all, the trips would probably take days per jump, more than likely. They were going into unknown regions with the possibility of life inhabiting systems was all too likely and they had to take their time.

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

The padawan perked up, ears both forwards, at his friends approval. "Well then, in that case, I am ready to go whenever you are!" He'd exclaim, tail giving a slight flick. He was rearing and ready to go. Emvee would be fine with the ship. He enjoyed retooling the Mask, and would have plenty to keep his little droid mind occupied for weeks on end. Ryn would follow [member=Ultimatum]'s lead from here. This adventure was set to take off, and it was bound to be a good one!

As they walked, he'd look to [member=Lady Kay] with a smile. "As for your tea, I'd love to try some with you." Believe it or not, this kitty loves some warm tea. Or warm milk. Or... well.... warm.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smiled and nodded to the both of them. It was all settled then. They were going to be on their way.

Tea was certainly a good way to start the voyage. She looked to [member="Ultimatum"] "Mind if I brew up some tea in the kitchen for [member="Ryn'Dhal"] and myself? And if you are able to indulge, I can brew some for you as well." She wasn't sure how similar he was to an organic.

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum replied as he moved towards the ship, "Very good. Let us be off then. As for tea, you are most welcome to prepare as much as you would like. I will not take part, I do not have and receptors for taste, unfortunately. But please, enjoy."

He walked aboard and waited for the other two while he made his way to the cockpit, there he began entering commands to set the ship into flight. The first of which was obviously closing the bay door once everyone was aboard. He spoke over the intercomms, "It will likely be another ten minutes before we make the first jump, I will let you both know when we begin."

He set up communications with the Fate, which was already awaiting them in orbit. They would be side by side in the first jump and would hopefully work together during those system searches, looking for life and what not on the planets they would be looking over. He was almost giddy about this, it was going to be fun. One of the few times he could actually say he was enjoying himself.

[member="Lady Kay"] [member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Ryn would follow the two onto the ship, following after [member=Lady Kay] when she branched off from [member=Ultimatum] in search of the kitchen. Once there, the padawan would grab a chair, though not with a hand. His tail wrapped about one of the upright supports for the back-rest, pulling the seat underneath him as he sat at the bar/counter area, to watch the scarlet haired lady as she worked her tea-making-magic. He was never much of a drink-maker, as he never had much opportunity for learning any kind of food-prep outside of making a single-pot stew of whatever left-over old stale refuse the slavers tossed to him and his fellow slaves. So, watching someone who knew what they were doing in the kitchen was always a treat to the padawan. As she would speak, he would watch her movements, ears perked up and following her as she maneuvered around the kitchen. It likely made for an endearing spectacle, much like a house-cat keenly watching someone preparing a treat for them.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay bowed her head to [member="Ultimatum"] and then found her way to the kitchen with [member="Ryn'Dhal"] following in behind. She brought out her tea kettle from her satchel and filled it with water. It wasn't a big kettle and could hold enough water for four small cups of tea. She set it on a burner and turned it on.

As she spotted Ryn watching her with interest she had to chuckle a little. So she took out her two tea cups from her satchel with a flourish and began to speak in a funny voice (think Julia Child) "Now first we put the cups in position. Remember, they are cups, not mugs, so they are to be handled with care. Next...." Kay brought out her tea pouch and opened it. "...we take out a couple of small leaves and crumple it like so..." Right on cue she crumpled up the leaves and set them in the cups. "When the water is hot enough...they will steep and dissolve for a -perfect- cup of tea."

She looked at him and winked at her little game. It was good to do something fun every now and then to lift their spirits.

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum had set the computer commands as best he could for now. He had to take each jump and step one at a time. This was an exploration after all, not a tour. He could not automate the whole process without losing the ability to immediately deal with any complications. Thus he set the ship into flight and very soon thereafter prepared for the jump. "We are making the jump in a minute."

During that time Ultimatum moved his mind over maps of the galaxy and decided on the best course. He created coordinates, set them into the computer, sped up the ship so that the jump would be almost unfelt by the organics. At least that was the plan. After a minute he clicked a few buttons and said, "Making the jump... now." The slightest of lurches could be felt as the ship transitioned from real space to the warp of hyperspace.

He wondered how the other two were doing. He stood, knowing that there was no purpose in staying here. It would be a day at least before they reached the next step. The Fate was beside them, though none would know.

[member="Lady Kay"] [member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

The feline humanoid couldn't help but grin at [member="Lady Kay"]'s display. He'd watch the tea as it started to steep, before bringing his golden eyes once more back to the scarlet haired woman across the counter from him. It was at this time [member="Ultimatum"]'s voice came across the ships coms. He'd cover the glass just in case as the ship prepared to jump. He would tense up visibly, and his fur would stand on end, almost unnoticeable to the naked eye. He felt his insides lurch with the shift from conventional space into hyperspace. He felt the stirring. Subtle, manageable, but present. The clock was ticking. Ryn would take a steadying breath, realizing his ears folded back against his scalp and his eyes clenched shut the moment the ship made the jump. He'd open his eyes, and attempt a reassuring smile to the woman, and then the mechanical man as he joined them. "And we're off!"

 

[Kay-Larr]

Indeed the ship began to move. Kay widened her stance just a tad to keep her balance. But within seconds, all seemed normal again, except for the louder noise coming from the engines. She looked to her cup and smiled, bringing it up to her nose and taking in the scent. "Perfect..." A simple sip was all that it took to put her at ease. She was a little anxious as to where they were going.

Kay looked down to [member="Ryn'Dhal"] and smiled. "Tea is ready. Hope you like it." She then bowed her head to [member="Ultimatum"] as he joined them. "So far so good, my friend."

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum nodded to both of them. He was glad that they both seemed to be doing well. Specifically he didn't notice anything overly wrong with [member="Ryn'Dhal"], but then again he was not an overly observant droid in that regard. He looked around a moment as he spoke, "We will be awhile, a day for this first leg. At latest. I expect some of the others to take longer. The longest I believe will probably be a week."

He took a few steps around. He might have spoken about the scent that was within the air from the tea, though he would be lying if he said anything. He could not smell, but he was glad that the two were enjoying themselves relatively speaking. He wondered how long the Jedi could handle this. And then he wondered if [member="Lady Kay"] could handle the pressure of long term effects of ship travel in this sort. He was concerned that being in tight confines with only a few people.

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

Ryn took an experimental sip of the tea. It was still just a tad bit too hot. A few moments longer before he'd really be able to get into it. But, that little, scalding, sip was quite tasty. He'd smile warmly, hoping his discomfort was masked well enough. He'd not traveled in hyperspace with anyone other than Emvee before, so he wasn't sure how good at bluffing his discomfort he was.

When [member="Ultimatum"] entered and informed them of the potential time-tables of the hyperspace transits, he couldn't restrain a slight frown. "Perhaps, whenever you project a long jump for us, inform me, and I'll assume the other me. Conventional space doesn't affect me negatively. It's the strain of hyperspace that impacts me." He'd lift his glass and blow softly on it. "I think, having friends to travel with for once, I'd rather remain with you two in that form, than in confinement meditating alone. And provided I change preemptively, I will maintain full control over my functions and mind." Taking a sip of the tea, no longer scalding in temperature, he visibly relaxed some. "As I stated earlier, it is the involuntary, unprepared change that causes the predator instincts to take hold. That is what we seek to avoid." He'd finish, offering a smile, before taking another draw of his tea.

Looking from [member="Lady Kay"] back to Ultimatum, Ryn cocked his head to one side, ears at independent angles of one another. "So, do you by chance have any information on our first stop?" The young padawan asked, in equal parts curiosity, and desire to get himself off the subject of his hyperspace 'allergy'.