Color out of time.

[Not Ordo]

Her glacial blue eyes blinked at the street vender of the open air market as he told her in as broken basic as a riding could have that he didn't serve her kind here. Her objection died in her throat as he sat a blaster on the counter and jerked his head to the left.

"I see." she said sadly as she pushed the item she had chosen back across the rough wooden counter top and turned to walk away. She heard others laughing at her back as she walked by and couldn't help but feel a bit low. It had been more than 800 years and still the galaxy only saw evil in he kind.

A piece of rotten fruit hit her back as she walked and made her spin around glaring into the crowds but she didn't see the culprit. She turned back and began walking again when more items; fruit, rocks, trash, began to hit her over and over. She covered her head as a rock cracked against her forehead, and then began to run. Why were they so hateful? She just didn't know.

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

I watched the commotion unfold from a little bit away. Why were some people so foolish as to hate someone based on the species they were. That was no reason to hate someone. If anything it was a poorer reason than simply because you wanted to hate them. No bother, the poor Vong girl had run off.

I turned and paid for the piece of fruit I was eating from and started my leisurely walk down the market stalls, looking for the poor girl. I had no hatred for Yuuzhan Vong. If anything I respected them more than anything else, their warrior culture, their willingness to trudge onward despite the obstacles they faced. Granted, she was more timid than the Yuuzhan Vong I had met or seen in battle.

I took a bite from the piece of fruit and continued down the walk way glancing at the merchant stalls, until I noticed the Yuuzhan Vong down one of the ally ways. "Hello there. You aren't hurt are you?"

[member="Ulu Rin"]

 

[Sekhet-ka-nefer]

Padawan Kao Soqa Krusak had been minding his own business, sparing the Yuuzhan Vong naught but a glance as he continued his food shopping. But, then his mind tingled and he frowned. When he turns back around, he sees what is, too his surprise and shock, the Force-Sensitive(!) Yuuzhan Vong woman running away after a rock had collided with her head. Frowning in concern, he steps forward to her, catching another rock that had been thrown and tossing it to the side. With a stern glare at the crowd, the young Jedi strides off after her, but not before speaking his mind to the crowd.

"It has been nearly a thousand years. You should be ashamed of yourselves."

After chasing after her for a while (Force, she's fast!), and even calling out to her a couple of times, even if the crowds drowned out his voice, he finally manages to catch up with her, not paying the Mandalorian much mind other than a simple nod to him out of respect. Looking over the back of her head, he studies her to see if she was hurt anywhere, noticing the various bruises and cuts she had received from hard and sharp objects thrown at her.

"Ma'am, are you alright?" Kao questions her as he looks up to the larger woman with concern written on his face. He was by no means a small man, standing proudly at nearly two meters tall, but... she was Yuuzhan Vong, and they were naturally bigger than most species native to the galaxy.

 

[Not Ordo]

[member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Kao Soqa Krusak"]

She came to a halt in an alley, her forehead dripping obsidian life from a small gash. It would scar without healing but at least there had not been a riot or a need for her lightsaber to leave her cloak pocket. She reached for her belt that encircled her narrow waist and removed a small vial of clotting powder. The simple brown mixture sprinkled into her hand as she poured a portion out and applied it to the wound. The burning was unpleasant but the bleeding stopped almost instantly. Vial replaced she turned to look back the way she had come and saw first one figure then the next moving toward her with obvious focus on her lithe form.

She reached up and pushed her long brown hair off her shoulders and smoothed her lavender skirt and top before looking up at the two taller beings.

"No," she began in her thick sekotan accent, "I am very fine. I just felt it best to leave before I should have to defend myself. "

Basic was a strange tongue but it was what they used so she did her best at the grammar. Her violet tattoos on her bare neck and shoulders pulsed with increased heart rate and she looked slightly shaken but it was obvious she still had control of herself. She looked into the lifeless visor of the armored being and gave a small tight lipped smile before turning the same look on the zabrak. The violet eye sacks darkened by the increased blood flow around those striking blue eyes.

"Thank you for your concern." she said as she checked her belt for her belongings and thought of the best route out of the city.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

I grimaced at the Jedi and took another bite from my fruit. "Well good, I guess some folks ain't forgotten the old grudges, but you're alright." I said, giving the Jedi a death stare that should translate to 'scram' in any language. What was with it with Jedi everywhere these days. "What may I ask is a Yuuzhan Vong doing out here though? Its a bit far off from the Legion or the Hrosha Gul don't ya think?" I asked inquisitively. I knew why I was asking. I was genuinely curious about the situation. A random vong woman, out on a random planet outside Sith Space being berated and having things thrown at her without fighting back. But the Jedi's concern, it was almost as if he didn't know about the Vong killing whole worlds, or Alderaan having been scarred and vong formed for years now. The Vong carried with them the stigma of old sure, but there was new hatred and distrust as well.'

"And before you go all Crusader of the Light and try and kill her, I would like to hear what she has to say." I said, glaring daggers into the Jedi who had appeared. I was walking around armed to the teeth wearing enough weapons for a squad and kitted out for hunting Force Users. Certainly I could handle this kid, he didn't feel to big and bad in the Force.

Certainly she did know that most Jedi these days killed Vong without much question or mercy. I took a step forward, getting closer to the young female and putting myself in between the her and the Jedi. "I have seen the Jedi stooping low after Black Flag, I didn't realize they would stoop to trickery just to get a notch on their lightsabers these days." I was distrustful of the man, and with any luck, I could convince her to be as well.

[member="Ulu Rin"] [member="Kao Soqa Krusak"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

The padawan observed the entirety of the scene from his rooftop perch. The callous nature of the citizens, the assault, and then the, hopefully good natured, pursuit of the assault victim. Out of a desire to see the individual unharmed, the cloaked padawan followed from the rooftops.

From his new vantage point, he could see trouble clearly brewing. He'd clear his throat from his position, holding both his gloved hands up where the three below could see them. "Greetings! Please don't shoot, or anything!" He was more than a little intrigued by the female that the man in armor was seemingly trying to protect. "Perhaps we can expand the parlay? May I come down to join you all?" His voice was gentle, and melodic, if not slightly distorted from his mask. He saw a golden opportunity to perhaps make a new friend in the universe. Not everyone can be so brave and confident in themselves to go un-shrouded in a place where you 'didn't belong'.

Golden eyes focused on the woman through the mask. "I must admit, I envy your courage Miss."

[member="Draco Vereen"] | [member="Ulu Rin"] | [member="Kao Soqa Krusak"]

 

[Sekhet-ka-nefer]

[member="Ryn'Dhal"] [member="Ulu Rin"] [member="Draco Vereen"]

"I don't kill indiscriminately, Mandalorian. Nor do I care for what you think of me." Whatever the Mandalorian thought of Kao, it wasn't true, same thing with the crowd. Jedi don't try to 'get an extra notch on their sabers,' especially not him! Whatever, its not like it matters what other people think of him, sighing to himself, he looks back up to the rooftops, to the masked Jedi. He was rather jovial, that one, definitely a lot better to converse with than the old cog-- old man, here. But, he's not what's important, and whether he comes down or not is not up to him, or anyone.

Pivoting his face to the larger woman, seemingly uncaring of what her race is, he gives her a nod as he continues to inspect her for wounds, mostly ignoring the existence of the Mandalorian altogether.

"I know your people are able to go hand-to-hand to a wookie, but those were some pretty sharp objects they were throwing. Just needed to make sure is all. And know who did this so I can have them arrested for assault..." With a glower at a staring passerby, he

 

[Not Ordo]

[member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Ryn'Dhal"] [member="Kao Soqa Krusak"]

So many concerned. That didn't seem right. Out of nowhere she went from being hated among a crowd to being checked on by three grown men. Unless, they were up to something. She focused her mind and tried to keep her head clear for any sense of danger but she was no expert and could sense nothing... Yet.

"I am from Zenoma Sekot, Armored one." she said not fully sure of his people's name, "The Yuuzhan Vong you speak of are shamed ones, in my opinion."

She gave her self a once over again and looked back to the three men that had converged on a 1.8 meter tall slender daughter of house Rin in a back alley. This sounded like a crime in progress to her.

"Gentleman I apologize but three men alone in an alley with one woman feels uncomfortable." She drawled out, "Could you point me to the quietest way to the star port, I think I better go."

 

[Laira Darkhold]

I glared at the two Jedi. We really did just all follow someone woman into an ally... not suspicious at all was it. Her comment about the Vong of the Legion and Hrosha Gul did perk my interests though. What peaked my interest more was that I could sense her. There was more to that story than she was letting on so far and I wanted to hear the rest of it. "Sure, I got you. I am headed off world as it is. Cover up and I'll walk you there if you'd like. I want to know a bit more about you. I have spent all my time fighting the Legion and Hrosha Gul, I have yet to meet an Yuuzhan Vong not aligned with them." I said, placing myself in between her and the two Jedi defensively. Say what they will, but Jedi and Yuuzhan Vong didn't get along for long. It would only be a matter of time before one of the Crusaders decided they could take the woman in a fight, and then I wouldn't get the answers I was after.

"I'm heading off world anyway so I have to head in that direction as it is." I turned to the two Jedi, "However, y'all need to run on home." I said, making room for the woman to walk out of the alley.

It was no wonder she was uncomfortable, she needed to get back out into plain sight. Even angry towns folk were less likely to seriously injure her than three men in alone in a back alley. I tried my best to show, that no, in fact I was not with these other two. I even decided it might be best to try a little suggestion. Just whispers. Just to let her own mind wander and put the pieces together. <Who knows what would have happened if the third party had not have been there? Would she have gotten a moment to explain herself if the two Jedi had cornered her without the good Samaritan? After all these years of war and the degradation of the Order's champions would these have cared about the who she was and not just what she was without someone to intervene and make them slow down and think?>

[member="Ulu Rin"]
[member="Kao Soqa Krusak"]
[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Sekhet-ka-nefer]

[member="Ulu Rin"]

With a frown, he turns around to step out of the alley. She was, indeed right, it was rather suspicious. With another annoyed glare at the stereotyping Mandalorian, and a nod to the other two, he steps out of the alley and into the crowds of *Insert Planet Name*. Now that the Mandalorian could properly escort her to the nearest space port, he could worry about getting back to... what was he doing again? Kao shrugs to himself, idly whistling a small tune to himself as he looks around for a place where he can grab a bite to eat.

The comments many of the people made about her that he had heard were... distasteful, to say the least. Kao, however, adamantly believed that anybody could be good, and that most could be turned from evil. But, he was also a realist; He knew when a Sith had fallen to far to madness and evil, or that many Yuuzhan Vong still clung to their old, zealous ways. But he never judged a book by its cover.

Why was she Force-sensitive, though...?

[member="Draco Vereen"]
[member="Ulu Rin"]
[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

The masked padawan's head cocked at an angle as the woman expressed being ill at ease with the scenario. He scratched the back of his head with a laugh. "I can appreciate the sentiment there. Be safe then. But be wary of your new friend. The force of his argument reeks of self service. Pray my observation is wrong for your sake."

With that, the padawan headed to the edge of the roof near the street, and tumbled down to ground level. Hands clasping behind his head, he glanced towards the other Jedi, with a tilt of his masked face. "Walk with me a while friend. Let the others take their own paths, and we shall go our own. Aid given without being desired is no good service to either the giver or recipient."

If [member="Kao Soqa Krusak"] elected to walk with the masked padawan, Run'Dhal would be quite happy with the advancement towards accomplishing his hopes of gaining a new friend. Otherwise, he'd likely soon be lost to the eye in the crowd. Let the other two ([member="Draco Vereen"] | [member="Ulu Rin"]) go where they will. Any attempt to intervene on the woman's behalf would likely be viewed as a hostility. Let them choose their path. Accepting a helping hand when it is offered is not for the offerer to enforce. The ball has been placed in her court, as it were.

 

[Sekhet-ka-nefer]

Glancing towards the [member="Ryn'Dhal"], Kao shrugs as he looks back over his shoulder to the armored warrior with a slight amount of annoyance. Truly, he had no idea why the Mandalorian was so distrustful as he was... But, alas, things happen. But, the Yuuzhan Vong was a rather interesting woman, as her kind is normally dead to the Force. But, he could feel her quite easily, and it was intriguing. With a simple thought, he casts out his mind until he makes contact with [member="Ulu Rin"]'s mind, sending her a single, unthreatening telepathic message to her.

So... out of curiosity, how is a Yuuzhan Vong Force-Sensitive? Aren't your people dead to the Force?

With another glance to the jovial masked man, he tips his head to the side in acknowledgment and agreement of what he had said.

"Indeed. She was grateful, that much is certain. And I understand why she did not wish so many males there... But the Mandalorian confuses me. He's... an interesting one, especially making claims on Jedi 'stooping to such levels of trickery' to 'get another notch on their saber.' Unbelievable!"

 

[Not Ordo]

[member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Kao Soqa Krusak"] [member="Ryn'Dhal"]

She nodded calmly to the armored man as she began to pass. The other two didn't seem as overtly dangerous but she felt compelled to be concerned that they had less than kind intentions. The thoughts echoed in her mind and seemed out of place when she considered the zabrak's expression. His face had held no malice and most beings not of her race wore their emotions like this other man wore armor, plain for the galaxy to see.

She began walking a step behind the man to better follow him and cast a glance back at the other two. She was conflicted and she couldn't place why.

When she suddenly felt the force reach out to her she let the touch in. The zabrak's voice grazed her mind and she nearly sighed. Her people, the Yuuzhan vong, had been cut off from the force by their home world and without it they had remained so for millennia but with the renewed bond with Zenoma Sekot a very very few were beginning to feel the force once more. Among those very few Ulu was the strongest.

My people were but only those that cling to the old ways remain so. Zenoma Sekot is healing us, slowly. she replied.

"How far to the star port, armored one?" she said calmly though her eye sacks contracted nervously. "I don't think I asked your name. Mine is Ulu, Ulu Rin."

 

[Sekhet-ka-nefer]

[member="Ulu Rin"]

Kao smiles to himself when the answer arrives. That's always a good thing to hear, her people healing an' all. Now, they may have a chance to truly be a part of the galactic community without being hated for near-millennial old rivalries. Sure, there were still extremists that had attacked places like Corellia, and he vowed justice to be brought against them, but that doesn't mean all Yuuzhan Vong were evil. Same case with the Purebloods, not all of them were followers of the Sith (Even though they are few and far in between, the good ones).

That's a good thing to hear. Perhaps, one day, the galaxy shall know peace again. But first, we must learn to accept other cultures, and eliminate the Sith.

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

"Call me simple, but life is too short and scary to run around waving weapons all the time for any reason. I just wish more people were willing to just.... Get along." His shoulders slumped slightly in a dejected motion, but only for a moment, before perking right back up, mask turning quickly to face the other padawan. Turning body as well, a gloved hand was extended. "Padawan Ryn'Dhal of the Silver Sanctum Jedi, at your service friend!" He melodic tone flitting warmly as he introduced himself.

[member="Kao Soqa Krusak"]

 

[Sekhet-ka-nefer]

[member="Ryn'Dhal"]

Turning to him, he glances to the padawan's hand before clasping it in his own. With a nod at [member="Ryn'Dhal"]'s introduction, he gives his mask a quick, studiedly stare before his thoughts go back to the Yuuzhan Vong and Mandalorian. Run was right about one thing, people just can't get along. But, its how the galaxy works: All prejudiced and filled to the brim with eternal war.

"Padawan Kao Soqa Krusak, Jedi Academy."

 

[Laira Darkhold]

I let her walk past the two Jedi and followed right beside her guiding her down the alleyways. "Oh we are not far." I responded, listening to her name. I didn't have a helmet on so I couldn't exactly search for the name, but an Yuuzhan Vong I could feel in the Force, and someone that considered the Legion and the Hrosha Gul Shamed Ones... I could have fun with that. "They call me Draco, of Clan Betna. I'm just a hunter with the Mandalorian clans. Sometimes I bounty hunt freelance for the Silver Sanctum and the Republic." Would have been true six months ago. Should have been true were it not for, other circumstances.

We approached the berth of the space port, the one where my ship was kept. "I must say I am... intrigued by you. I want to hear your story if you have the time. I tell you what, passage on my ship for your story, what do you say?" I asked, moving to put an arm around her. I solidified my mental defenses. She didn't need to know my true intentions. What was the saying. True Enemy or False Friend. The poor girl, those Jedi could have helped her... too bad. Instead I tried to confuses what ever she detected to be genuine interest in her and come off as a good natured Mandalorian bounty hunter. One of those righteous ones from back in the day and not someone who thrived on making people live out their darkest nightmares in fits of rage.

[member="Ulu Rin"]

 

[Not Ordo]

[member="Ryn'Dhal"] [member="Kao Soqa Krusak"] [member="Draco Vereen"]

Mandalorian, yes that was what they were called. She had somehow lost the word. It seemed a good proposal. However she had little by way of money and she feared a Mandalorian would have a steep price. Her hands lifted and pulled two halves of her ponytail to tighten it, blue eyes bright in the sunlight.

"I would appreciate the help, but i have very little money." she said honestly, "How much for a trip to the nearest republic outpost?"

She slipped a food pellet from her belt pouch and into her mouth as she looked at the big human. He seemed polite but she had second thoughts about getting on a ship alone with a strange man, especially one covered with light saber proof armor.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"Oh don't worry about it. I would just like to hear your story. Its not everyday you meet a Jedi Yuuzhan Vong." I said, arm around her now, ship in sight. Well, one last chance for her to come with me and get on the ship willingly, then I would choke her into unconsciousness. I was already halfway to a rear naked choke, and certainly she would prefer peaceful and quiet to violent struggle. Personally it only mattered to me in that a struggle would be seen and people would take notice. Eh, people noticing wasn't a big deal out on the fringes of society. But there were two Jedi on planet, and I was a wanted man.

"You have perked my interests, and well, I want to have my thirst for knowledge sated. I will take you to where you are going in exchange for that." I smiled a bit. I could think of a particular Sith who would love to have a look at this one, and she would probably be pleased with me after this. And there was the added benefit that if this woman was willing to go without a fight and just not realize what was happening at first, perhaps she wouldn't be such bad company. I could be kind, gentle even when I chose to be.

"This is my ship, the black corvette. So, what do you say. Take a little trip with me?"

[member="Ulu Rin"]

 

[Not Ordo]

[member="Draco Vereen"]

Dust rose like miniature clouds around her sandled feet as she stopped infront of the large ship. The man spouted benevolent intentions like eruptions from a yorik-et. Half of her mind cried warnings, the other half cried destiny, and neither made her feel sure about her course.

The sounds of busy people filled the air as she looked at the ship. Servos whined, steam vented from various locations, and he seemed very intent on having her aboard. She looked at his face and then to the ship and back to his face as he put an arm around her.

"OK, deal." she said before ducking under his arm and standing with he hand out like a coruscanti business person. "I'll tell you my story and you take me to the closest republic outpost."

She had every intention of getting on the ship now but something was wrong with this man and she would find out what soon enough.