One Way to Pray

[Armand Temi]

Planet: Bardotta
Location: Misty Mountain Monastery

Upon the return to her home world of Bardotta, Cath Lorr visited her mother briefly at the palace. Her father had gone to the Outer Rim on an expedition, preferring the quiet of space rather than the various battlefronts of the galaxy. While Queen Unathi had completely recovered from the illness that nearly killed her, once the half-Eldorai Jedi had left the snowy world of Hoth, like her father, she was not at peace.

The Misty Mountain Monastery had the most majestic view out of all of the temples, structures and totems of the Dagoyan Order. In order to get to the top of the tiered building made of white stone, one had to take a transport shuttle which practically scaled Mount Sprouse and then climb hundreds of spiraling stairs up to the back of the monastery where an unadorned entrance sat. The front of the structure with its outdoor areas were mostly used for meditation and reflection.

Cath knew the monks well as the Masters made up the fabled Bahk-tov Council which served alongside her mother. This time the ascent up the stairs caused her a bit of unusual vertigo which she had to will away using concentration and the Force.

Master Sang greeted her as she walked into the monastery.

“I knew you’d be coming back to join us, Cath.”

Smiling she answered, “You know my path is with the Order.” Though retirement among the serene Bardottan monks was never out of the question.

“One day. Your path will be revealed to you, and what lies ahead might surprise you.”

Cath gave a bell-like laugh at the wisdom, dressed in a dun-colored robe and before meditating, walked to the open window - no glass between she and the sky - and breathing in the fresh mountain air began to feel the solace she’d been craving.

[member="Sol Damerin"]

 

[Sol Damerin]

The room Cath entered to meditate in wasn't empty though she might think it was. A figure dressed in a similar robe was sitting in front of a window in lotus position clearly deep in meditation. He looked so perfectly natural, so perfectly normal sitting there that she'd likely think him just another monk in the monastery. He wasn't worth examining or remembering he wasn't worth worrying about he was somebody else's problem.

Of course, that was what Sol wanted everyone in the monastery to think.

It was just a small trick with the force something that was easily located within one's mind and removed if one thought to look for it if you had reason to be suspicious. However, when there were always strangers coming to the temple in pilgramage a stranger didn't arouse suspicion. Especially one wearing the robes they gave all visitors and who minded his own business just meditating.

Of course, that wasn't the entire reason Sol was there.

While he didn't harbour any ill will to anyone in the temple his pilgrimage was not one of enlightenment, he had no desire to follow the Dagoyan philosophy. However, he did want to learn it. He may not have looked it, he looked more like a thug than anything else, but he'd become a bit of a scholar in the various ways other people embraced the force. The Dagoyan way was of particular interest since it was similar to his own views though not exactly the same. Thus after his last job, he'd decided to take a vacation to get some hands-on experience with them. He'd finished learning a while ago they'd shared their ways freely with him and he was now just enjoying the spectacular views and meditating until it was time for him to leave.

Sol doesn't look up when Cath enters the room, he doesn't even move a muscle. He didn't know who she was and even if he did he wouldn't have cared. As long as she didn't bother him things would be fine.

 

[Armand Temi]

Cath suspected nothing. Bardotta was a peaceful planet, with very little threats from outside of the galaxy. When she sat upon council meetings at the Palace with the Bahk-tov in attendance, there were whispers of an Axis of Evil, unfounded of course, but prevalent just the same. If the Sith, First Order and the Galactic Empire would only turn upon each other, perhaps peace would stand a chance, but like good despots, they’d theoretically aligned and had been assaulting both primitive and domesticated world since. At least Coruscant was no longer controlled by the One Sith.

Her gaze flicked over to the fellow monk, but she was careful not to disturb him. In soft sandals she padded over to a stone ledge near to him taking the lotus position and slowing her breathing. Before she closed her eyes, the half-Eldorai drank in the expansive view of the Mount Sprouse and its foothills.

But her solace was soon interrupted by a ripple in the Force. The hair upon her arms raised up and much like the day that there was an attempt upon her life as she served on the Galactic Senate, a representative of Yutan, she felt uneasy and unfocused. While political aspirations still tugged at her ambition, today may not be the day to contemplate a career change.

“Do you feel that?” she whispered.

Not all, but most of the monks were Force users, so it would not be unusual to ask a fellow meditator if his trance had been disturbed.

[member="Sol Damerin"]

 

[Sol Damerin]

When looking down at the perfectly smooth perfectly black surface of a lake even the smallest ripple is noticeable. A single pebble sending out tiny little waves until they are eliminated by distance and time. That is what Sol saw in his mind's eye, the force was smooth undisturbed at rest and then something happened. A single pebble, a single small ripple spreading out and out towards him. He follows the ripples to the epicentre of where they started his mind searching for the cause. He can't tell what it is yet but he can see that it is just the first of many, the first pebble to fall in what soon would be an avalanche.

Before he can see more the girl speaks up and ruins his concentration.

Cracking an eye he gives the girl a look that is somehow simultaneously completely neutral while giving a feeling of minor annoyance. He was a bit annoyed she thought to talk to him but he supposed he was the only other person in the room. "No." He says simply as he contradicts this statement by getting to his feet. If he'd truly sensed nothing he might have tried to go back to meditation, then again maybe she would just think he was that annoyed with her. Either way, he had to get to his rooms quickly. Something was about to happen and he didn't want to be caught unarmed in robes when it did. Turning away from her he heads towards the door intent on getting to the guest room he'd been assigned.

 

[Armand Temi]

Somewhat nervously, Cath cleared her throat, acknowledging that she’d annoyed the monk, but he rose to his feet, and she watched him with her silver-grey eyes. Facing forward again she listened to his footfalls as he left the room.

Internally she chastized herself for the disturbance, but went back to her own inner reflections. Twenty minutes went by with nothing but calm and peace until she could hear the whine of a starship’s engine from above which was unusual because the transportation vessels, like a repulsorlift would, only came up from the bottom of the mountain to the base of the monastery and back down again.

Something was wrong unless it was some kind of cargo ship bringing in supplies.

Cath scrambled up and began to walk outside close to the stone ledge where a steep drop lay right below her. The half-Eldorai craned her neck, her hand fluttering to her forehead to block out the sun’s glare. An unmarked transport hovered there above the monastery and she could see masked individuals beginning to lower ropes down. This was no food or medical supply drop.

It was an attack.

“Master Sang! Quickly! Something is amiss!” The Jedi Padawan grabbed a huge wooden stick began banging an immense copper gong that lay in the room to get the attention of anyone and everyone in earshot.

[member="Sol Damerin"]

 

[Sol Damerin]

It didn't take long for Sol to arrive back at his quarters. Once inside he strips out of his robes and cracks open the simple wooden chest they'd provided him for his possessions. Pants and shirt first, followed by heavy-duty combat boots. Then he grabs the durasteel battle chest plate he uses for protection. He eschewed a full suit since it was heavy and cumbersome but the chest plate by itself made him seem more mercenary and provided some protection. It could soak up a bolt or two if he needed.

The last pieces of equipment he grabs are his blaster belt and pistol which he slings around his waist and his twin short vibroblades which clip to shoulder holsters on his back. This all takes less than ten minutes and then he just sits in his room and waits.

When the gong starts to sound he gets up and moves to the main chamber where people are gathering. The attack had yet to start and he, so far, looked like the most prepared for it. When he is spotted and questioned in fear he does his best to reassure those gathered. "I'm a mercenary, not an attacker. I was just enjoying the temple. I'll do my best to help."

 

[Armand Temi]

As the Force Masters and monks assembled, Cath recalled her short-lived stint as a politician with the Galactic Republic which had dissolved in recent months. Their Jedi sect was highly militarized, and while she knew that many of the older Bardottans, especially those on the Bahk-tov Council would defend the monastery with the strength of the Force behind them, she gazed sadly upon the weaponry they wielded - a staff, a small blaster, a bow with arrows even. The gong in her own small hand seemed so insignificant to a threat which employed the latest in destructive technology.

The Padawan hooked the gong back upon the wall and drew out her lightsaber. They could hear footsteps upon the roof as the intruders had landed and began trying to make their way inside. Just then a young teenage monk came running in and blurted out:

“The palace has been attacked and Queen Unathi is dead!”

The half-Eldorai’s silver eyes widened and her knees buckled. Shaken to her very core, tears sprang to her eyes, and she suppressed a howling wail by placing both of her hands to her mouth and shaking her head. “It can’t be. It can’t be,” she murmured. Her saber lay beside her and she made no move to retrieve it.

She momentarily made eye contact with the man who’d declared himself a mercenary, an unusual type of visitor for the mountain retreat, but also not unheard of. Was the ripple she felt earlier the moment her mother had been assassinated?

“Cath, you have to get up,” said Master Sang in a gentle but prodding voice. “We are indeed under attack, and we will need everyone to fight."

[member="Sol Damerin"]

 

[Sol Damerin]

The girl on the floor makes eye contact with him and Sol wonders just what her relationship was with the Queen. Sure, she could just be a Bardotta loyalist but she was acting like she'd been personally hurt by the news. Maybe she'd worked in the palace or something? Not really his concern.

What was his concern was the knowledge that the capital had been attacked at the same time as the monastery, that suggested a coup. Take out the queen and the seat of the government, then attack the biggest collection of force wielders who might be able to fight back. All in all, it sounded like Sol might have just inadvertently got caught up in a war.

With a sigh, Sol says to the girl and the monks. "You can't grieve if you are dead. Want my advice, focus on staying alive for now. Once the dust settles you can grieve for the fallen. Also, if you don't have experience fighting in groups. Stay together, watch each other's backs, and use your knowledge of the terrain against your enemies. This is your temple and you have the force use it to get around your opponents, flank them, surprise them and then melt away."

Maybe it wasn't his place to give advice like that, but he could very well be the only one here with any real military experience. For all, he knew they were all career monks and every bit of advice helped.

[member="Cath Lorr"]

 

[Armand Temi]

Cath wiped at her silver-grey eyes with the back of her voluminous sleeve. The mercenary spoke, but his voice sounded so far away, barely scratching the surface of her consciousness.

Queen Unatha was dead. Her mother, who she’d just nursed back to health in recent days had her life cut short but who? Barbarians and philistines? Sith or Stormtroopers? This was the peaceful Inner Rim, a veritable sanctuary these days...

“It makes no sense,” remarked Master Sang, calmly lending his hand to Cath so that she may take it and rise to her feet. “Bardotta has no enemies. But we will know soon enough who we’re facing as they attempt to enter.” As though the monastery was not about to be swarmed by infiltrators, his voice was serene and placid as he asked the half-Eldorai, “Princess Unathi, will you be okay or do you need to compose yourself?”

Nodding, Cath said in a soft and pained voice, “I don’t think I have the luxury of composing myself.” She supposed she would sob through the entire battle if she had to, blinking the moisture from her eyes. The turn of events had astounded her, shaking her to the core.

“You are correct my esteemed friend,” Master Sang said as he glanced at Sol. “Use the terrain. Head into the mountains if you must. And protect the Princess at all costs.”

[member="Sol Damerin"]

 

[Sol Damerin]

Well, that was one mystery cleared up. The girl was the princess so the Queen had been her mother. He could sympathize maybe even empathize a bit. He'd not know his parents but his Master had been like a father to him and he was dead, something that had haunted Sol for years. Still, now wasn't a good time to cry and the monk seemed inclined to agree with Sol considering his words.

Cracking his neck Sol sniffs and looks around at the monks, then grimaces. They really did not look like a fighting force. "Well, try not to get shot." Sol says helpfully before turning and moving towards one of the hallways. He'd been here for a little more than a week and knew the layout fairly well once he was away from the monks he'd drop Force Stealth and go after the mercs. He probably couldn't take them all out himself but he could make a dent in their numbers easy enough. Besides, while it was normally better to act in a group Sol didn't like working with amateurs, he wasn't crazy about giving orders or taking them. He liked commanders who trusted him to know his job and he liked comrades he could trust to do their jobs. That would be in short supply here.

[member="Cath Lorr"]

 

[Armand Temi]

Stop your sniveling now, Cath. There is no emotion, there is peace.

But she felt nothing of the sort. Inside was a turbulent storm of grief and despair. How did the Jedi Order deal with such significant personal losses? The petite half-Eldorai could not even contemplate how she was going to get through these next minutes, much less rule Bardotta. No her father must come back. He must-

Her thoughts were broken by a loud crash as four Bardottan rebels forced entry through the doors and two additional ones swung into the open window from the rooftop. The Padawan immediately ignited her green blade.

“The Princess!” shouted Master Sang to the monks and to the lone mercenary. “Again, we must protect her.”

“No!” protested Cath. “The Dagoyan Brothers do not judge you. Nor do I. You may fight or you may flee. It is your choice. If I am to die here today I sacrifice myself in hope that you live again.”

“You don’t know what you’re saying, young one. You!” The elderly monk pointed at Sol and lovingly pushed the Padawan towards him. “Shield her from harm.”

And with that command out of the way, he used his own mastery of telekinesis to slam three of the assailants into the stone wall where the gong sat, causing an awful clattering and ringing to fill the room. Cath, not content to sit back and be harbored like a set of fragile, antique porcelain, eloquently moved into the Form I position and defended herself from another assailant who was wielding a more conventional sword with phrik accents so it would withstand the heat of her blade for at least a few rounds.

[member="Sol Damerin"]

 

[Sol Damerin]

Sol was about halfway to the hall when the old man started yelling at him. A second later a whole bunch of mercenaries were bursting into the room. "Idiots." He'd told the monks to stay on the move and get out of the room and instead they were standing and fighting. The princess was even going toe to toe with a mercenary. With a sigh, he draws his blaster pistol and shoots the one attacking Cath in the head. The man who hadn't noticed the merc in the corridor and hadn't been expecting blaster fire from the monks drops in a heap.

Looking at the princess for a moment he points to the corridor. "Move." He orders as he draws a vibroblade and steps forward. Another mercenary as going for the girl but Sol catches the overhanded chop meant to split open her back on his sword, plants a boot in his guts, sends him sprawling to the floor and then puts a blaster bolt into his head. "Don't stand and fight you'll get slaughtered! Split them up, hit hard, fade away!"

Hopefully, the monks will listen but he has more pressing concerns, like keeping the kriffing princess alive because apparently, that was his job now. Turning if he finds the princess isn't doing as she is told he will grab her and drag her along. "Come on, you can die heroically some other day. Preferably when I don't have to watch you get your fool head cut off." He hated watching kids die it was right up there with talking to them for him.