Legend of the Hidden Temple [SJO Dominion of Chalacta Hex AD-33]

[Valae Heavenshield]

The Silver Jedi continue to grow their influence in the mid-rim. This time, they visit three worlds, each with very different attractions. Explorers, archaeologists, and history buffs may be interested in a trip to locate a long-forgotten temple on Chalacta. Those willing to put in a bit of elbow grease on Nar Bo Sholla are certainly needed to help rid the world of a rather persistent pest -- stone mites. And if exploration or pest control isn’t your cup of tea, then the economic summit on Nar Kreeta may be a good place to start!

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Today was not just any other day for Zora Djo.

Here she was, seated in the co-pilot’s chair of the Stardust Melody, next to her very dashing pilot, [member="Cassius Droma"]. Along with a team of Silver Jedi explorers, they were currently en route to Chalacta. It was a world with quite a lot of history, this she knew. But today’s visit was truly something special.

Up until now, knowledge of Mesharra Temple had been limited to a privileged few. It had originally been located by a famous explorer, and then the information concerning the Temple’s existence had been carefully passed along to the leadership within the Order of the Silver Jedi. Their ever-expanding territory had bordered the world of Chalacta, and now it was time to finally venture there.

Glancing out the viewport, Zora was positively giddy. Dreams were about to come true.

“A hidden temple,” She said in a quiet, awestruck tone. “Can you believe it?”

It wasn’t the first time she’d asked the question this trip. Zora stole a glance to the side at Cassius, but quickly returned her gaze to her lap.

“I mean, you’re a Jedi… and an archaeologist. That’s very handsome.” When she realized what she’d just said, she coughed and cleared her throat. “Handy. I meant… it’s handy.” Zora quickly clarified. “But you probably get to do stuff like this all the time, right?”

“Not me,” A sigh escaped, and she clutched her datapad close.

Normally, she was cooped up in the archives – working with consoles and entering new data. It wasn’t every day that she actually got to get up from behind the desk and fly on a ship bound for a fantastic adventure. Not only that, but she was entrusted with the task of describing this event for future generations!

She’d been sketching for days, drawing what she imagined Mesharra Temple was like. There were several loose pencil sketches captured in her trusty notepad, she’d made sure to pack it today. The side of her foot touched the backpack that sat nearby on the floor. Zora had even made sure to dress the part of explorer today; her ensemble included a rugged jacket, tan pants, and tall boots. Sure, her glasses probably didn’t help the look, but they were her ever-present accessory. She did actually need them, after all.

Objectives:

Spoiler

1. Expedition – Journey with team lead, Cassius Droma to find Mesharra Temple, hidden deep within the mountains of Chalacta. This place has been undisturbed for quite a long time, but keep your wits about you, there may be a few surprises waiting inside…


2. Extermination - Visit Nar Bo Sholla to help rid the planet of a Stone Mite infestation. Beware, these mites have a penchant for clinging to ships and buildings. While there are a few known ways to exterminate these pests, such as Oxidizer Foam, scientists may seize the opportunity for further study.


3. Economics - There is an economic summit, hosted by [member="Rozalyne Kurganova"], on the world of Nar Kreeta. Travel along to join in the discussions.

Or… feel free to bring your own objective!

[Thanks to [member="Jyoti Nooran"] for help with objectives! And we have [member="Darth Immortus"], a guest writer for this dom!]

 

[Sky'ito Yumi]

Location: WIth Silver Team on route to planet
Objective: 1 (Indiana Jones)
Post: 1

Had someone said ancient temple? well it seemed they had because Sukai was one of the first people to raise her hand instantly one it was set up more then to join in on this expedition to find to find Mesharra Temple. It had been far to0 long since her last trip of discovery and wonder, but this time the young Jin would be with an actual team and freinds along with family, to bad Tana had opted to kill stuff instead of discovery, but it would no doubt work out as a good bonding experience. In addition it added another chapter to the family archives, another bit to be preserved for future generations to read and learn.

Dressed in her newly fashioned Nanban Dou armor data pad and other devices on had the young Knight was pumped and ready to head out, and with [member="Cassius Droma"] helping with the lead things would certainly be interesting. "Calm down Sukai, you are experienced in this, not your first delve into ancient places, you did the same with master Wu and many times with mother, nothing new... oh but what if we find something really grand, and this place, so few have come here, I cannot rule out the possibility of that, what about monsters though? sure that Stone Mite infestation is not near up, but some may stray, and who knows what beast may lurk in the forest these days".

To an onlooker Sukai probably looked like some young teenager fan girling over a meeting a popular idol or band for the first time, though replace teenager with an adult in the early 20's and idol with history and knowledge. Indeed, since becoming a Sith and later Jedi Sukai was back to her old self, in true element, one that made the, ironically energy vampire, feeling young again.

 

[Stephanie Swail]

LOCATION: En-route to Chalacta
OBJECTIVES: Search for the Mesharra Temple | Personally avoid ripping off 'Raiders Of The Lost Ark' in the process

It had been weeks since Stephanie Swail had left Kashyyyk and her studies. But when word of an expedition to find a mythical temple, led by none other than Jade Squadron leader [member="Cassius Droma"] was in the works, then she had to be there.

Dressed in her usual lightweight Silver Jedi tunic which was a blend of style and colour from her heritage of Hapes, the Padawan was engrossed in a small red book. Sat with one leg crossed over the other, head down, she hadn't said a word since leaving the Silver Rest.

The fabled Mesharra Temple on Chalacta was their destination and goal. It was something of legend across the Mid-Rim. Did it even exist? Who built it? Why is it so secret? These questions and more were mused about in her book.

Some say it never existed at all.

Some say that the temple itself is fueled by an alien technology not seen in the galaxy for millennia.

Some claim the temple is protected by the darkest demons, bloodiest boody-traps and mystical magic known to man-kind.

Yet, it was this sort of myth and legend that encouraged the Silver Jedi to continue to seek, explore and expand their discoveries. If the temple DID exist, they could harness and understand it's place in the galaxy and preserve it for future generations, rather than see it fall to the Dark Side or rot away in history.

There were many words to describe such a trip, but Stephanie could only think of one certain - adventure!

[member="Zora Djo"] | [member="Sky'ito Yumi"]

 

[Varindar Asyt]

Location: Jakku -> Chalacta
Objective: Cloak-and-dagger

After the sting operation botched by one Draven Dursden on Jakku, she was about to use a Neimoidian Yacht with a modified transponder to display that it was a craft belonging to the Ta'jar Blood Gang, with a few of the slaves that were somehow saved from that brutal display of power being her instruments to help her out on this mission, and she was still wearing the same exotic dancing outfit as she had on Jakku. Having heard repeatedly about how a spaceport used loans to launder money, she decided to set course for that specific spaceport on Chalacta. Perhaps there are still slaves that can be saved, and a spaceport that can actually be used for something other than laundering money, she thought, while another of her partners for this operation was, in fact, one of those slaves, perhaps with an injury. Once the yacht lands, with a handful of slaves rescued from Jakku, Varindar prepares the three slaves, although unchained for the time being, to get out of the craft and to be introduced to the leaders of this shadowport operation on Chalacta for the Ta'jar Blood Gang.

"Where are the slaves promised? The Sith have purchased all the slaves we had" the spaceport manager asked Varindar, not suspecting that she wasn't a slaver or a slave.

"We are returning from Jakku with a few slaves stolen from rival gangs: it appears we were able to steal slaves from other gangs in the confusion created by roughshod Jedi intervention"

 

[Elisea Apollodor]

Chalacta​

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[member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Sky'ito Yumi"]| [member="Zora Djo"]

It had been a hard transition for the Korrado family, leaving behind their proud First Order roots. Elisea had finally convinced her sister that there was nothing more for them there and whatever dream that their father had for his daughters, died with him on Castameer. The elder of the sisters worked on settling on Durkteel, while the younger found herself embarking on an expedition to the Mesharra Temple. Part of Elisea wondered if it was anything like the books said it was or would be. A small backpack of gear rested on her shoulders her hiking boots landed on Chalacta's surface with calm breaking whatever they had to break in their path. Leaving their prints behind as she looked for [member="Cassius Droma"] who was the lead on this expedition deep into the mountains.

A small tent established by the Silver Jedi could be seen. Elisea crossed the rocky surface to reach it there was a thought or two in her mind about how her sister was settling. The move wasn't easy, Bri had her best mates in Avalonia but the rhetoric they spewed was a little scary. Took their belongings and came on a small freighter, and thus far it felt as if Bri had only put a smile on it was there for others to easy. Elisea knew her sister better and wondered if Bri would have been happier living her life out on Avalonia. Had it been selfish of the girl to drag her sister with her? She sighed, time would only tell she supposed but for now there was an expedition and what came of it would certainly determine where she went from here.

From the looks of things, Elisea had been early on her arrival. Typical Korrado she thought and decided to relieve her shoulders of the backpack's weight and set it down on the ground beside her underneath the tent while she waited for the others.

 

[Eugen Aker]

Location: Vuxirm Starport, Nar Bo Sholla Capital
Objective: Extermination

A veteran of wars with the Vong and Sith, Jyoti was no stranger to biots and sithspawn, but this mite infestation was something else. During her inspection of Vuxirm, she couldn't move more than a few steps with her scanner without running into another colony of them clinging onto metallic support beams and surfaces, chewing chunks out of the stuff. Deeper into the starport, she could see large holes through starships had been lost to the infestation before they could be moved out of the red zone.

The sight of half-eaten structures and ships sent a shiver through her spine. As a cyborg, she was like a walking buffet, though the osmotic field generator mounted on her belt would keep the pests at bay. That's the only reason she hand dared to venture into the starport to conduct an assessment with the team.

"It's good they called in the SSC when they did," she told Charlie. "I don't think this Starport has more than a week or two left before it collapses in on itself from the lack of support."

It was a similar story in the districts adjacent to Vuxirm, many buildings at risk of breakdown. For now, the spread had been halted as the Silver Service Corps had helped the local authorities contain the spread by the use of osmotic fields, but they still had to deal with the infested areas before the locals were left with costly reconstruction on their hands.

[member="Charlie"] [member="Cody Beamont"]

 

[Charlie Nooran]

Location: Vuxirm Starport, Nar Bo Sholla Capital
Objective: Extermination


The thought of metal eating bugs was baffling. On the way, Charlie had done some reading on the creatures that infested the starport. It wasn’t a lot, but it was something to prepare the Padawan for what she was getting into with her Master. Like, Jyoti, Charlie had on an osmotic field generator along with a new toy she had received. Her right hear being a hindrance for some missions, she now sported a new aid. She didn’t use it to its full extent, but being able to hear now from both ears made her more aware of her surroundings.

Looking around, she could hear the skittering. The mites seemed to be more interested in what they were consuming than worrying about the two Jedi making their way through their dinner party. Charlie nodded in response to her Master. “They made quick work of the starport.” Glancing around she questioned mostly because the thought she was thinking seemed straight forward. It was probable that she missed something in her lessons, but she had to ask.

“Why don’t we just EMP the entire place, they’re biots aren’t they?”

[member="Jyoti Nooran"] [member="Cody Beamont"]

 

[Darth Immortus]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM10Zg4GzX0​

​

C O R U S C A N T​

Approximately 650 Years Ago​

The floors of the throne room groaned and buckled under the pressure of Alliance bombs impacting against the palace which presided over the cityscape like a dark monolith. Twelve heroic Jedi had started the perilous journey up to the palace's highest level where their dark foe awaited; nine had been slain in the pursuit of their goal by their foe's defenses. Three of the Order's most stoic and accomplished members remained to face the enemy that stood from his cold throne while his planet burned behind him. His planet.

"This battle is over, Lord Immortus. There are two ways this can proceed. Surrender yourself willingly or resign yourself to death."

The Sith Lord moved down the stairs, his black robes feathering around the hand that retrieved his lightsaber, while the other grasped for dark energy between his fingertips. Of course, the Jedi were right. There was no hope for victory here. No man would ever rule from this dark spire again, and the twilight of his reign would be extinguished into the cold abyss of space forever. There would be no living heirs to carry on his rule, for he was accosted on all sides by death. He, his family and children would never see the light of day again after this black night, and he bore the solemn fate of being the last of his immediate household to remain alive. The only question would be how Darth Immortus proceeded into the void.

"I will decide when this battle is over."

His hand shot out from beneath his robes. A sharp spear of lightning hurled towards the chest of one of his opponents, the scream that followed a grim indication that the blast was not meant to kill; only to inflict as much suffering as possible. The price Immortus exacted from his downfall would be paid, one way or another.

C H A L A C T A​

Present Day​

The scream arced through time and space, never fading, instead remaining in the ancestral memory of the old Sith Lord as his spirit swirled like a maniacal vortex deep within Mesharra Temple. During its most violent throes, its cold tendrils practically grated at the surface of his holocron, desperately searching to be free from its dusty, forgotten prison. Other times it merely resonated calmly, thrumming along like a soft, radiating heartbeat within the viscera of the Temple. It thumped softly today, gently. The sheer energy of his spirit filled the Temple with peculiar Force sensations, the radiations of which could be felt by any Jedi from miles away; even across the galaxy if one only knew where to look.

But no one knew where to look. Not until today.

 

[Cassius Droma]

The model YT-1000 light freighter Stardust Melody popped in from hyperspace, slowing down to a reasonable pace as it headed for the marbled green-blue world of Chalacta. The pilot, Cassius Droma, put in a course that would give them the smoothest angle of atmospheric entry, as well as take them right to the designated landing area. They passed through some cloud cover before breaking through it and they could witness the beauty of the planet below.

He had quite the team with him – old friends, new friends, and a face that was completely new to him. In the cockpit at the moment were himself, newcomer Zora Djo, Jedi Knight Gianna Aegis, and his trusty droid friend, T-4D4. Sky’ito Yumi and Stephanie Swail were elsewhere in the ship, presumably the lounge.

Zora made some sort of exclamation about their destination, her voice filled with a child-like wonder – it certainly was her first time out in the field. He cracked a small smile and gave her a sideways glance when she said handsome rather than handy whilst listing his various job titles. An innocent flub, he was sure.

“Well, not all the time…” Cassius said, flicking a few switches above his head to turn on some sensors that would give him a more accurate weather report. He had to be a Jedi, pilot, and sometimes even a Shadow, and that unfortunately made his archaeological pursuits fewer and farther between than he would like. “I did just recently explore a similar structure on Ansion, however,” Cassius nodded to the redhead woman behind them, Gianna. “It was certainly one to remember.”

“We’re coming up on the landing site now,” Cassius’s tone shifted to a more serious one. Easing the thrust back and lining them up with the small landing area, he slowly brought the ship down. The landing gear’s servos whined and locked into place just before they touched down, and the entire ship hissed steam from its exterior vents. When the gear locked once more, Cassius sat back. “Alright. Welcome to Chalacta,” he said, undoing his crash webbing and standing.

He grabbed his backpack, with the typical equipment and rations he usually carried on these types of trips, and slung it over his shoulder as he exited the cockpit. T-4D4 would wait until everyone else stepped out as well before he locked the ship down.

The landing ramp lowered with ease, and Cassius was the first down, worn boots stamping on the ground. He took in a deep breath of the fresh air. Different planet, new adventure. The grass plains swayed lightly in the breeze. If all went well, this could feel like a nice, relaxing hike. The cave entrance, which eventually lead the door of the temple, was within eyesight. Stretching out a little bit, Cassius waited for the rest of the party to disembark.

[member="Zora Djo"] | [member="Gianna Aegis"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Sky'ito Yumi"] | [member="Elisea Korrado"] | [member="Darth Immortus"]

 

[Audren Sykes]

Location: Nar Bo Sholla
Objective: 2-ish | BYO
Post: 1

TransGalMeg had not been contacted in regards to Nar Bo Sholla's - and specifically Vuxirm Starport's - issue. It was no surprise really, why would a shipwright be called to deal with a pest problem? Yet a representative of the company was here on the planet with an appointment to speak with a representative of the government. The galaxy moved in peculiar ways.

Reality was much simpler. And far luckier, if they were being honest. As a Master of the Silver Jedi Order, Audren had received notice that help had been requested by the NBS government. One Tarion Fenn, a negotiator who'd just been persuaded to hire on full-time with TGM, had been present reading over the specifics of an offer that had been presented to the company. He'd happened to glance up to the hologram as the Sephi was reading specifics of the issue and of the help requested. When the Jedi had switched over to the next notice, the human had chimed in, asking him to go back.

Audren could sense that Fenn had a thought, and so had gone back without question. Another quick read-over, and he'd voiced his opinion that they could use that. When faced with the raised eyebrow, he had relented and explained himself. While it was true that TGM wasn't an extermination company by any means, that was just the tip of the iceberg. Once the metalmites were contained, the damage they'd done would need to be repaired...the metals they'd eaten replaced. With an asteroid field's worth of metals and perhaps another within reach, they could no doubt meet at least part of that demand, if not fulfill it entirely. Heck, if it was needed they could supply the ships to haul the metals to the planet itself.

For his part, Audren wasn't convinced. They'd be profiteering, making money off the misfortune of others. Tarion had disagreed, pointing out that they wouldn't be making extreme profit, that they weren't misusing any authority, and that by doing this they might even be preventing actual profiteers from exploiting the situation. There was a reason the human was a negotiator: he was good at convincing people. They hurriedly arranged a transport and sent him on his way; he would do his research and discuss options while traveling.

Now he was on-planet, patiently sitting in the waiting room for the upcoming appointment.

 

[Gianna Aegis]

Ever since the rather hair-raising archaeological escapade she’d been part of on Ansion the Nabooian native had learned one exceedingly important life lesson. When it came to the Silver Jedi pilot who had come to aid her most recently, despite distance and other obligations, Gianna found that she could not refuse him. [member="Cassius Droma"] had not secured her presence on this adventure through any means of undue persuasion or bribery, no, he had simply and in his own rather blunt way—Asked. Her response was an indulgence. The chance to see him operate among his peers was worth the trip all on its own. The knowledge that no doubt awaited discovery in the Mesharra Temple was alluring, but truly, she was mostly tagging along as a spectator.

Generally speaking, Cassius was lucky. While she loved mysteries and wandering around blindly into the dangerous unknown, as any good Jedi should, her skillsets were better attuned for social settings. Gianna thrived among the living. She enjoyed studying the past and following history in an effort to learn from past errors. The jade-eyed Jedi Knight found little use in a relic unless it had something to offer the people that lived and breathed in the present. A warning, a blessing, if there was a lesson to be had, she would find it.

With the concession already made to skip her stop to Naboo the cinnamon-haired woman found herself on Stardust Melody, observing people she did know, on her way to a place she had never been. It was informative. She rest her mind throughout the trip remaining mostly seated in the second row of seats that graced the cockpit, for the most part, staring at the back of two mouse-brown heads. When [member="Zora Djo"] began to express her enthusiasm about both the temple, and their talented chauffer, her little slip caused Gianna’s countenance to melt into a smile. Zora was earnest and honest. It was sweet.

Cassius naturally let it pass, referring back to the ruins on Ansion with a glance, to which her sincere expression remained a constant. “That’s putting it lightly.”, she responded with a kind little laugh, the sound warm, like freshly collected honey. Everything about her seemed designed to place others at ease. There was no judgment in her expression, no cruelty, and no hidden agenda. She had been softened, made gentle, by her experiences versus letting them harden her.

“I’m pretty sure there were spiders the size of my fist.”

It might have been a slight exaggeration. Slight. Gianna Aegis did not like spiders in any capacity. She understood that they were harmless, for the most part, and less than a fraction of a fraction of her size…But there was something about them she simply couldn’t tolerate. It was an irrational fear that she was doing her best to come to grips with. Definitely, a work in progress.

“Everyone starts somewhere, Ms. Djo. We don’t become who we are meant to be overnight…Give yourself a little credit. I doubt I could do what you do.”, she murmured good-naturedly, meaning to lend a little support and encouragement while Cassius took care of the landing. Of course, it was smooth, but she couldn’t help but tease Droma over his piloting prowess. It was interesting to her that he had access to the Force but scarcely seemed to use it. He was a Jedi, certainly, but a Jedi last. “It’s about time…”, she began, standing as he did, so that she could also collect her things.

“If you flew any slower I’m certain I would be old and gray before we even get to set foot in this temple.”

It would be entirely obvious from her ever-present grin and the particular twinkle to her olive toned eyes that she was joking around. Gianna had brought the same backpack that she’d used before, restocked, and ready to go. Her clothing was simple though a little less scratchy and roughspun than some Jedi garb tended to be. Her robes were the color of a clear blue sky, complete with a brown sash that tied it neatly about her ribcage, and matching leggings that tucked into protective boots. Her lightsaber rest in a slim holster that ran along the outside of her thigh. Rarely, did Gianna actually use it outside of training.

Her hesitance was not a lack of skill or aptitude, but moreso, a choice. Violence always brought more violence. Where there was a better way, a kinder way, Gianna preferred it over brandishing a weapon at the first sight of trouble.

The Jedi Knight smiled kindheartedly at some of the others as they departed the Stardust and greeted T-4D4 on her way out. She breathed deeply once the sight of the landscape came into view, enjoying the fresh air, and the splay of colors that Chalacta had to offer. If she wasn’t mistaken she could smell freshwater nearby. Gianna grinned as she approached Cassius, walking on the balls of her toes like a little pixie, before she settled, hands falling to her hips. “It’s beautiful here.”

Though just as intrigued as anyone else, just as interested, she wasn’t in any hurry to play around in a cave. Briefly, her gaze fixated on the entrance. Realizing that she was staring she turned her focus back to the group and posed a question that anyone present was welcome to answer.

“Will others be joining us?”

​

Tags: [member="Zora Djo"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Sky'ito Yumi"] | [member="Elisea Korrado"] | [member="Darth Immortus"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

LOCATION: Chalacta
OBJECTIVES: Search for the Mesharra Temple[background=#1e1e1e] | Personally avoid ripping off 'Raiders Of The Lost Ark' in the process[/background]

Spiders the size of her FIST?

Stephanie didn’t want to over-hear that, and her eyes went wide on the page as she unfortunately heard the nugget of information. So much so, she had to read the paragraph she as on twice to get herself back into the flow of the book.

Now her mind was distracted, it was harder to read. But she didn’t have much longer before [member="Cassius Droma"] announced it was nearly time to land. Time flew it seemed. Stephanie had time to stretch out, rub her eyes and pack the red book into her satchel before looking up for a sweep of the people with her; some she recognised, a few she didn’t. But that was fine. The rate the Silver Jedi was bringing in new faces from across the galaxy, it was bound to happen as she was still a Padawan and just learning, not guiding.

And with a few light turns and boosts from the engines, the ship touched down on Chalacta. It was time.

The fresh air flowed in as the loading ramp opened allowing them all to disembark. Stephanie flexed her arms, stood up, stretched her back again from being stooped over her book, grabbed her satchel and headed out with the rest. She shielded her eyes for a few seconds to adjust after the darker hold of the ship and then took in the view.

It was certainly was a pretty little planet. Lots of warmth, lots of natural colours and a strong current of Force energy was felt as she stepped on the ground. It was like Voss from the initial survey.

The red-haired Jedi - [member="Gianna Aegis"] – and one with the horrid spider story – spoke up first. So far, it was a small party, but then sometimes the more people you had to headcount, the more difficult it was to keep a tight, carefully orchestrated operation. Especially into the unknown.

”I’ll touch base and let them know we are here, and where we have landed so they can follow safely,” Stephanie nodded politely and wandered off a little to speak into her wrist com.

There was a small crunch under her brown boot. She didn’t look down to notice the small skull fragment embedded in the soil now broken in two.

[member="Zora Djo"] | [member="Sky'ito Yumi"] | [member="Elisea Korrado"] | [member="Darth Immortus"]

 

[Sky'ito Yumi]

Location: WIth Silver Team on route to planet
Objective: 1 (Indiana Jones)
Peps Nearby: [member="Zora Djo"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Elisea Korrado"] | [member="Darth Immortus"]
Post: 2

Sukai raised an eyebrow as Swails reaction to the talk on spider, it was hard not to giggle a bit at the woman's eyes going wide but she had to remember that not everyone here was willing to dive into a swampy danger filled enviroment of the off hand chance to find something. Was it true? who knew, there were many species of spiders that where as big as ones hand, many more bigger, but perhaps it was more the small but large enough to be deadly that made it a frightening thought.

Best no think about it now, focus on what is to come, the wide open jungle enviroment and adventure beyond, @Cassius Droma announcement on their arrival making the young scholars ears peek up. Herself quickly skipping over to the freighter door, wanting to get out into the wild as soon as possible, Sasori supplied traveling backpack and equipment all ready and waiting to go, giving their do gooder pilot a cheery nod as the landing ramp lowered, following him with haste.

The crisp cool and natural air wafted into Sukai's nose, unpolluted, and almost pure, the rays of sunlight illuminating her pale skin like a celestial object in the night sky. "It is indeed beautiful [member="Gianna Aegis"]-san I could get used to this, maybe come here for a day out of some sort, hiking, lunch, even more exploration", she replied to the red head before walking a little ways forward next to Cassius taking out her micro binoculars, zooming in on the nearby cave system.

"I am assuming that is the place we are going Droma-san? it definitely looks old, I wonder how long it has been since a large group like us has gone in search of the temple". Perhaps there would be clues to that within its stone confines, but one could never really know, perhaps mother would have a clue about it. "So, we waiting for the other to make land fall before the expedition? in the mean time we set up a small camp and plan our next course of action".

 

[Micah tol Powl]

THE PLANET CHALACTA​

[ The Temple of Illumination ] [ Bring Your Own Objective ] [ Post 1: The Ice Bear Cometh ]​

​

Meditation class was hard.

It wasn't hard like trying to conjure up a featherpush (on purpose, that is). And it wasn't hard like trying to do the lightsaber-blind-training droid thing. And it wasn't hard like the pop quiz they'd had on vocabulary. It was an entirely different kind of hard, because you just had to sit still.

Sitting still was not the easiest thing for young bears. But, if he thought that meditation class was bad... meditation field trip was, like, horri-bad.

So the small, white bear was one of a handful of younglings that the teacher kept within arms reach at all times. Because a bored bear was apt to get into anything. And everything. And then some stuff you hadn't thought possible.

Voyaging from the Silver Rest on Kashyyyk to the Temple of Illumination, a really, really, really old place where these old yoga instructors known as the Chalk-a-Dips did a lot of thinking, and writing about thinking, and talking about thinking. If Kiriko was understanding, which was entirely not likely at all, then the theory went that the Chalk-a-Dips basically bored one another into some higher plane of meditation.

The younglings of Clan Womprat had been getting lectured all day about this stuff. Before they'd even left the starport on Kashyyyk!

A Jedi must know the Force.

A Jedi must know himself.

A Jedi must know how not to fall asleep doing all this meditation. And, if said Jedi did, in fact, possess this knowledge then they needed to share that. Because the struggle was real for the fat kid with the round, fluffy ears.

All the holovids showed the Jedi Knights having adventures.

Thus far, Kiriko's only quest had been to try and find that library holo he'd misplaced somewhere in the Silver Rest, as it was now overdue.

It was possible that the librarian at the temple was a Sith Lord, but Kiriko didn't think that was the case. Sure, the other younglings all thought so, but to him... that was too obvious. He was going for the librarian being an exiled Mandalorian Death Watch ninja assassin!

It made finding the lost library holo a mega-super-priority mission. His life could depend on it! But no, instead he was here. Learning about how people sit and think and do more sitting and more thinking.

They could talk about that for hours... but not share the part about how they don't fall asleep? Because that was the part Kiriko was stuck on.

 

[Varindar Asyt]

Location: Chalacta
Objective: Cloak-and-dagger

"Jakku? I heard that the slaver you stole those slaves from killed some of his own stock of slaves during the operation!"

"I would also like to check on your repayment schedule: it appears the authorities have been on the lookout for moneylaundering since the events of Ceraluen"

"Ceraluen proved that we could no longer rely on swimming as a medium for moneylaundering"

The question is: if the Ta'jar Blood Gang doesn't use swimming to launder money anymore, would another crime ring use swimming in its place? she thought, while keeping quiet about the exact nature of her involvement on Ceraluen. But she also knew that, if the rumors about the spaceport on Chalacta were correct, they would be incurring high interest expenses, and tips, fees for lost-and-found baggage and fees for seizure of baggage were the main media under which the dirty money enters the system, but also usage fees for the terminal, landing fees, parking slots and other space transportation-related fees, with parking and ground transportation fees also making up the difference, with the Ta'jars being heavy users of both, but there is still enough capacity left for legitimate business capable of masking the money laundering nature of the spaceport. But, in her experience, the most durable moneylaundering schemes are those who use legitimate business most efficiently to muddle the waters. And yet, it was still broad daylight, and she would have to wait until the takeoff hours are over, during the takeoff curfew until she could move to act, alongside any other operatives she brought in tow.

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Location: Chalacta
Objective: HIDDEN TEMPLE!
Allies: [member="Cassius Droma"], [member="Gianna Aegis"], [member="Stephanie Swail"], [member="Sky'ito Yumi"] [member="Elisea Korrado"]
Unknown: [member="Darth Immortus"]

Thankfully, both Cassius and Gianna were kind enough to let her error slide. The archivist’s shoulders relaxed, even if only just. Zora listened intently as Cassius spoke, and at the mention of Ansion, her brown eyes shifted to find the flame-haired woman seated just behind them. Doe-eyes blinked behind their round spectacles. The Jedi woman was quite the sight with her ginger mane and striking features. Zora was certainly left feeling a bit mousey by comparison. Under normal circumstances, she would have simply faded to the background, like a flat shadow against a wall. But, there was just something about Gianna’s presence that made her feel at ease.

“Spiders?” She echoed quietly, grimacing slightly at the thought.

And as Cassius set the ship down smoothly and skillfully, Zora turned once more as Gianna offered her some words of encouragement. Her mouth moved slightly, but she couldn’t even find words to respond. So, she settled for showing the other woman a small smile before moving to gather her things.

Backpack on her shoulders and case of equipment in hand, she glanced down the ramp to find that the light of the Chalactan day was waiting. Zora hung back a moment, letting her companions exit first. Along for the expedition, there were two young women that Zora had met by brief introduction only – Stephanie Swail and Sky’ito Yumi. No doubt, they were in for a treat today. At the mention of informing any others on the surface of their arrival, Zora’s brow furrowed slightly. She supposed that there had been mention of at least one other that wanted to join them, the name eluded her.

But Padawan Swail was ready to make arrangements, prompting a nod from Zora.

“We will be continuing straight to the temple,” Zora spoke up, glancing to Sky’ito. “There’s not a moment to lose.” The brunette was eager to get started, but there was a moment of hesitation before her own boots began to lead the way. The cavern loomed ahead, and the hair on the back of her neck stood on end. It’ll be fine…

As the group began their trek, she willed herself to be strong in the face of such an enclosed space. Her breaths were shallow, but she kept her mind focused on the task at hand – get to the entrance.

It wasn’t long before the cave opened up. And to their side, a small control panel waited. “Just a moment, please.” She said, turning to the group. There were steps that needed to be taken in order to gain entrance. “I have the samples,” Zora said, reaching into her case to provide Sharu genetic samples that her role as an archivist had allowed her to procure.

“The rest is up to you, Mr. Droma.” Zora said, handing the samples over to Cassius.

 

[Elisea Apollodor]

Chalacta​

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Journey to the Hidden Temple​

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"Oh, oh, oh! Hello!" Elisea managed as she looked up from where she sat, shoving books into her bag and lifting up with a bit of a heave. She slung the pack over her shoulders, carefully the Avalonian got down from under the temple and went to meet with the group. First and foremost she had to introduce herself to [member="Zora Djo"] and [member="Cassius Droma"], "well met! Well met! I am Elisea Korrado I was a counselor with the Sacred Lotus." Which sounded a lot better than, hi I'm from Avalonia - but she was sure her accent was a dead giveaway. The First Order had away about their speech and the attempts to 'civilize' the Unknown Regions was evident through their heavy accents. Admittedly, she had signed on last minute but she simply could not waste the opportunity to explore a hidden temple.

Elisea took stock a moment to look at the entire group, and she had the sinking feeling she would once more be the only non-force-user in the group. She didn't mind though time with the Sacred Lotus taught her to truly appreciate the beauty in those who could wield it. The former Imperial adjusted the backpack cheerfully greeted each member that she could, [member="Gianna Aegis"], [member="Sky'ito Yumi"] and [member="Stephanie Swail"]. It was better to be acquainted now than when slipping through a crumbling ruin. She learned that when exploring the temples of Monastery!

 

[Asaraa Vaashe]

Location: Chalacta

Objective: 2: Exterminate Exterminate

Post: 1

This was...more relaxed than past trips with the Silver Jedi, that was for sure. There was no threat of impending death, no threat of violent sith lords jumping out at them, threatening to cut off limbs and bring death and destruction onto the galaxy at large. Instead, they were dealing with...bugs. She'd found herself trailing behind Master [member="Jyoti Nooran"] and her Padawan [member="Charlie"] as they padded through the infested area, discussing the bugs that seemed to surround them, their chittering loud as the bigs seemed to shift over one another, a constant sea of movement that seemed to flow in waves. Gesturing with a hand the Padawan reached out with the force, plucking up one of the bugs to hold it in mid-air, letting it rotate slowly before she threw it to the side.

"It's not an unreasonable idea, it might make things a lot easier if we can figure out a way to take out a lot of them at once. It'd mean we lose the ships and any homes people have nearby but it's better than losing their lives." She looked away to the edge of the starport, at the osmotic fields put up by the SSC, "It just takes one but to breach the fields, to sneak out and then it's all over for the planet. If you can't contain an outbreak like this then you die under it." The young woman shuddered, wiping her hands on her top even though she hadn't touched anything, "Unless we have a better way to handle them?"

 

[Cassius Droma]

Gianna poked a little fun at his piloting abilities, particularly the speed at which he flew. He smiled at her, saying, “You wanna see fast? Next time we get the chance, I’ll put you in a trainer A-wing and make you pass out from the G-forces!” He tapped her on the shoulder as he passed by to accentuate his point.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the beauty that Chalacta had to offer, and Cassius had to admit, it was one of the nicer places where he’d done expeditions. Each location had their unique quirks, though. While Ruusan had been hot and dry, the people there were incredible, as was being able to visit the Valley of the Jedi.

Zora was quick to address Sky’ito’s statement about making camp. There was no need to, as this was most of their group right here. Besides, he wasn’t about to put up a tent went he’d flown what essentially served as his mobile home here. When Gianna asked if there was anyone else coming, Cassius said, “I think we’re waiting on one more…”

Just as he was talking, he could hear a voice in greeting behind him. He turned to see their other team member, Elisea. He nodded in greeting, giving her a small wave. She was a doctor, apparently, which was nice to have in addition to his medical droid.

Soon enough, they were on their way into the cave, with the entrance to the temple soon coming into view. What little sunlight came through the cave entrance sparkled off of the clean parts of the golden metal, giving it a glamorous, if still rusty, appearance. His newest explorer friend handed him the genetic samples required in order to make the holographic camouflage. “Thank you, Zora…” he muttered as he placed the sample into a slot on his datapad.

After a few moments, the holoprojector at the top of the pad began to slowly strobe in its signature light blue. Slowly placing his hand over the screen, the projector shot out a beam to his hand, slowly building around it. His hand took on a more pale, withered appearance, which was apparently accurate to a Sharu hand. The effect ended at his wrist, where blocky blue glitches could be seen.

He put his hand over the console, and the console lit up with a yellow-ish orange energy. A large clang sounded, and a bridge slowly extended over the chasm, allowing them to cross. Disengaging the holoprojector, his hand returned to normal and he looked around at the group.

“We’re in.”

Taking point, Cassius walked across the bridge, careful not to stray too far to any one side. This was easier said than done for the intellectual, as there were still things in just the entrance that his eyes wanted to wander to.

As he crossed, he felt a weight press heavier on his shoulders. Not a physical weight, but one in the Force. It was a phenomena that he experienced often when he explored places tainted with the dark side. The cause ranged anywhere from being visited by a powerful dark side user in the past, or being the former home of a cult. While not uncommon, it still made him apprehensive.

Once he was across, he stood and waited for everyone else to cross safely.

[member="Zora Djo"] | [member="Gianna Aegis"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Sky'ito Yumi"] | [member="Elisea Korrado"] | [member="Darth Immortus"]

 

[Varindar Asyt]

Location: Chalacta
Objective: Cloak-and-dagger

So the spaceport manager ran it like a mostly-legitimate business; that's why they never appeared on the moneylaundering radar. Post-Ceraluen, they seemed to have ceased to resort to taking out periodic loans to launder money, despite having repaid all these loans on time, using dwarfing to repay them, instead using the ages-old tricks using security deposits, paying for those using dirty cash, either in the parking or in the vehicle rental shop, and seizing just enough of those to make a profit, but catching money launderers usually requires another crime to be committed beforehand, such as slave trafficking. If the spaceport cost 17,000 credits a day to run, why bother with loans at that point, if your operating cash flow and reserves are enough to sustain the business... she thought, while going to the vehicle rental shop to rent a speeder capable of disguising the operation as an exterminator. Especially since there are insects and other pests everywhere in the spaceport premises: she has insect stings all over her body by now. So she ought to rent that exterminator equipment as well, alongside any stun gas canisters capable of incapacitating the staff and the slaves.

"I would like to rent a speeder capable of housing exterminator equipment for the spaceport for one day: the passengers have been complaining about pests as of late"

"May I interest you in the Math 25000 truck? That's all we have available that would be suitable for your needs. We're going to need a 500-credit security deposit plus a day's rent"