Our Lips Are Sealed

[Aren D'Shade]

Once his wound was tended to, Aren would attempt to help Rann to his feet. He struggled to do it himself and picked up his lightsaber on his way up. She held that hand out to steady him and when he was ready walked with him to the bridge.

Looking at two of the droids, they stopped what they were doing and went to remove the corpses of the two guards. Out of sight, out of mind or so she thought. Aren was in touch with droids not people's emotions so much. So what Rann was feeling he would have to tell her personally. Something for the two of them to speak about later perhaps.

He mentioned he didn't know how to be any use and told her to say if she needed anything from him. Stopping to look at him, she wore a bit of a mischievous smile.

"Do you know how to plot a course in a navi-comp or pilot a ship? Yes, these droids can do that, but sometimes the hand of a human is better."

[member="Rann Thress"]

 

[Rann Thress]

Rann smiled sheepishly and shook his head,

"This is probably the fourth time I've even been in the command room of a starship. I'm pretty sure I know how to operate the doors. That's about it."

He slowly wandered around the bridge, careful not to get in the way of the droid crew. He studied the stations and consoles, watching how the droids prepared the ship for launch. Rann was pleasantly surprised when he saw Aren seemingly command the droids with the Force. He guessed force mastery came in many shapes and sizes, and he couldn't doubt the usefullness of that power. He also couldn't doubt that despite the longer time he had been in tune with the Force, Aren was further along. He chalked that up to her having an interest and the force amplifying it.

Although he was still pretty sure he'd be able to dazzle her with some magic tricks. No one could take *that* from him.

"I'm ready to go when you are. I reckon you should take that captain's chair. Captain Aren."

He smiled warmly at her, and gave her a wink.

[member="Aren D'Shade"]

 

[Aren D'Shade]

"This is my first time, unless you count my brother's ship. So you're slightly ahead of me in count."

They walked around the bridge together, looking at the various stations and consoles present. Each one had a droid manning it as the ship was brought online fully.

"Noted for future journeys, you'll be on door duty."

Aren said this with a large smile and wink for Rann. ​Taking the seat offered, she motioned to the navi-computer.

"Go on. Set our course. Where do you want to go?"

[member="Rann Thress"]

 

[Rann Thress]

Rann smiled over and took his spot at the navi-computer. The sheer quantity of planets within reach was mind numbing. It felt as if the whole of the galaxy was at his fingertips. He looked at the planets and for one brief moment his mind lingered on home: Onderon. Rann shook his head and punched in the coordinates for Caluula.

"I've set our course for Caluula. Once there we can ride the Mara Corridor either direction and be half a galaxy away from anyone who'd come looking for this ship."

He let the droids take over the actual preparation and calculations for everything. He turned to look at Aren to see if she approved of this plan.

[member="Aren D'Shade"]

 

[Aren D'Shade]

Watching Rann as he went over to the navi-computer and picked a planet. it took him a few moments and then explained what he wanted to accomplish.

"Well, hopefully there isn't a tracking device on this ship yet."

In theory from the details she had picked up before picking it, there wouldn't be anybody coming for it. There were still a few days before it was going to be fully ready. Those items that were saved for the last minute to check. Essentially they were performing that check up themselves by stealing it.

Once the decision was made, the droids followed directions and set course. Of course, the actual planet he had selected and pointed to wasn't the one he thought.

"Take us away."

The droids had ​started pulling the ship away, removing it from the berth it was attached to all by the book. While the flight was unexpected, it wasn't raising any red flags yet.

[member="Rann Thress"]

 

[Rann Thress]

There was a feeling of pride inside Rann that he couldn't quite explain. He knew what it was, it was pride in the fact that he, himself, had selected a system to go to for the first time in a ship of his own. Well, his and Arens.

Holding his side, he slowly walked back over to Aren in the captain's chair and slumped up against it, watching the droids go to work. The final preparations for lightspeed took seconds for the droids to calibrate, but long enough for the Shipyard to flag them. A creature speaking Mon Cala started hailing them, demanding to know what was going on and, Rann ever the super sleuth, jumped up to the communication console and communicated to them.

"Everythings fine. We're all fine here...now.... thank you..... How are you?"

Rann didn't understand the beings response, but understood that it sounded pretty cross. Warning beeps were also an incredibly clear indicator of danger.

Rann turned to the nearest droid, not actually knowing what did what on the bridge, and shouted for them to go to lightspeed. Some droid some where did something because a brilliant flash of blue and sudden lurch later and Rann was on the floor. The ship, in mere moments, was millions of miles away from anyone who'd care to look for it in the wide, mostly lawless galaxy.

[member="Aren D'Shade"]

 

[Aren D'Shade]

EL came walking over to her trying to tell Aren what the being was saying. She waved her off though and watched Rann as he slowly made his way over to her. Soon enough it was apparent the questions being asked were why the ship was leaving dock a day or two early.

Rann went to answer it and she couldn't help but giggle just a little. The answer was just to simple. Their sensors started going off and he ordered one of the droids to take the ship into hyperspace. Raising a finger as if to prevent it from happening, the full course hadn't been plotted yet. At least they would get partly to where he wanted to go.

"At least you didn't tell him there was a slight weapons malfunction."

Standing up, Aren walked over to him and pointed out how far they would be going on the map. The girl may not know how to fly, but she understood technology and the navi-computer was one such tool.

"We're going to be coming out here. At or around Vjun. From there we can plot for another jump."

[member="Rann Thress"]

 

[Rann Thress]

"I guess I'm not as good at charting courses as I'd have liked to believe."

Rann looked at the map and made sure to become a little more familiar with the consoles on the bridge during the jump to Vjun. The time was well spent, and Rann had a basic understanding now of how most of the consoles on the bridge worked. The wound he had sustained had also healed a little better, allowing him to move more freely and quickly though he still felt twinges of pain. He refused to let it show, however,

Soon the droids and computers screeched that they were about to drop out of hyperspace and within moments they did. Rann lurched forward slightly as they approached the planet.

"So this is Vjun. Aren this planet feels wrong. Dark. What *is* this place?"

Rann's voice trembled slightly. He wanted to leave before Aren could tell him.

[member="Aren D'Shade"]

 

[Aren D'Shade]

Shaking her head slightly, Aren rested a hand on Rann's shoulder as they looked at the map together.

"Can't get it right all the time."

Shrugging, the delay did ​not bother her in the slightest and it would give them some extra time to adventure together. Learn a few more things and not have to worry about anything or so she thought.

Almost as soon as they came out of hyperspace, there was a feeling. Something Rann shared with her.

"We have the holonet to look at. I guess while the ship preps for landing, we can look it up."

With an almost silent command, Aren told the droids to bring the ship down safely. That being done, she walked over to one of the other displays and pulled up what was known about the planet.
​
"It's a lifeless world, no plants and acid rain. A castle was built here and might still be standing, if the rain didn't eat it away by now. Not sure what could be causing the feeling though."

When their ship broke the atmosphere, other alarms started going off. One of them was a sensor that indicated weapons were aimed at them. Turning away from the information in front of them, she rushed over to the unit that was telling them about the weapon's locked​ system locked onto their ship. A voice from the planet came up at them.

"Don't shoot. We're not here to cause harm and will leave as soon as we can."

There was a small conversation that happened between Aren and the faceless voice, but the alarms stopped blaring and the ship came in for a landing. After that, she turned to Rann and chewed on her lower lip.

"Well, we are sort of welcome...for now. Appears that castle is lived in and we are to be taken there under guard."

[member="Rann Thress"]

 

[Rann Thress]

"I've got a bad feeling about this."

Rann watched as the ship came to a complete stop and outside the glass could see armed soldiers and hooded figures advance on the ship under cover from the rain. He didn't know how the rain didn't eat through everything here, but was worried they'd have no ship to come back to. Part of him was worried they'd never leave at all. He tried to put on a strong face and kept his saber within arms reach. He knew he wouldn't really have a chance to use it if they came with the intent to kill, but having it close gave him a measure of confidence.

"I think it's better if we meet them, instead of having them come find us."

Rann said as he moved out of the bridge and towards where the welcome party was most likely to enter. He stood with his arms crossed and saber obviously displayed in the front of his belt. He had hoped this would inform them that that was his only weapon and he wasn't attempting to conceal anything. He also took the time to rid himself of anything else that might say he once belonged to a Jedi Order before unenthusiastic-ally waiting for them to board and either kill them or take them captive.

[member="Aren D'Shade"]

 

[Aren D'Shade]

Luckily Aren only had to scoop up Skeeter in the mix of things. Her bag was already on her shoulder and she carried no weapons. EL and the little spider droid joined them as she and Rann walked off the bridge.

"I think it'll be fine. Let's go."

Attempting to take a hold of Rann's hand, she decided to wrap her arm within his. They would be going into this together.
​
[member="Rann Thress"]

 

[Rann Thress]

The boarding party met the couple with blasters raised. Rann made it a point to openly display his lightsaber in the front of his robe and for even more certainty that he wasn't a threat, he held his other hand up slightly. The thought crossed his mind that he could pull the saber into his hand if he really really wanted to, but he quickly dismissed it. It wasn't something he really wanted to risk. At any rate it didn't matter as some individual clad in dark robes took the saber from him and inspected it, striking it in front of Rann and asking where Rann got it.

Rann responded truthfully, he was scavenging through a Jedi Temple and found it under some rubble. With a little work he got it functional. The being asked how Rann was injured and Rann, not thinking clearly, again told the truth. They stole it from Mon Calamari. At hearing this, several soldiers went into the ship and Rann figured they must have been searching for any tracking beacons or any other devices that may lead curious parties here.

Rann realized that he and Aren may be staying for a while when more soldiers came out demanding they follow and keep a distance from eachother. Sadly, Rann pulled from Aren and complied willingly. He understood that he was as good as dead if they wanted to kill him. So compliance seemed the sure fire way to survive. He looked at Aren with a mixture of confidence and fear

"I promise to keep you safe."

[member="Aren D'Shade"]

 

[Riamah]

The guards separated the two of them and escorted Rann to the library of the castle. Whatever fate awaited Aren was a mystery to him and the agents in the castle said nothing. However, he would not hear any sort of fighting or argument from her.

They weren't rude, mean or cold, but they maintained a professional distance between themselves and Rann. Just before they allowed him to enter, the apparent leader stepped forward and asked for his name. Once it was provided, the door opened and he was lead inside.

Sitting behind a desk was a red headed woman and hovering nearby her was an old and hunched over man. Ra stood up and motioned to Rann to take a seat in the chair across from her. When he was seated, the old man would step forward.

"I am Vincent would you care for any food or drink?"

If anything was requested, he would leave and return a few minutes later with food and drink. He knew what to get Ra without being asked and would return even if Rann did not ask for anything.

For those few minutes Ra looked at him and all but one of the guards left the room. She would be able to handle Rann if he acted out, but the presence of the guard would hopefully dispel any thoughts he might have of doing something.

"Welcome to Bast Castle. I am Ra'a'mah Numare. What brings the two of you to Vjun?"

[member="Rann Thress"]

 

[Rann Thress]

Being seperated from Aren instilled a sense of anxiety inside Rann. He didn't want to come off as disrespectful towards the woman or any of her subordinates but didn't want to ramble. He tried his hardest to remain calm and give clear, concise, and honest answers for any and all of Ra's questions.

"Course plot failure. Meant to go to Caluula. Not used to starship consoles."

He hoped he had given a satisfactory answer towards her question. Although he couldn't help but feel as if he had come off as a little cold. He figured she wouldn't mind.

He looked at the other figure, Vincent, and shook his head. He knew if they wanted him killed or imprisoned he would be, however he still couldn't shake the paranoia in his mind. He was grateful to have his lightsaber and ran his finger around the pommel. He felt the eyes on him. He heard the guards hand on the rifle. This place was overwhelming. It felt similar to the Ruins he had explored but...deeper. Darker. This imposing woman seemed courteous enough, but he could feel more to her. However, it felt as if whatever it was was beyond a locked door. He felt like he was prodding and retreated into himself. He only hoped she didn't notice his accidental attempt to pry.

[member="Ra'a'mah"]

 

[Riamah]

She listened to what Rann had to say and how they handed up on Vjun. Vincent returned with a drink for Ra and since nothing had been requested by her guest, nothing was brought for him.

"Your names?"

Wanting to get this information from them both personally, she would rather not have to dig around in their heads for the answer. That wasn't out of the question though if she felt Rann or his companion were trying to lie to her.

Deciding he was telling the truth on how they had gotten here, Ra nodded before speaking again.

"So are you wanting to continue you trip? To just be repaired and sent on your way again?"

While Ra was oblivious to the mental probe Rann attempted on her, she felt the Force being used.

"Or would you want to learn how to control your gifts better...?"

[member="Rann Thress"]

 

[Rann Thress]

Damn couldn’t help but be intrigued by her apparent offer for more tutelage. He didn’t want to seem overly eager, but a small smile did escape his lips.

“I am Rann Thress. I am formerly of Onderon. The woman I am with is Aren D’Shade.”

Rann kept a mental guard up as best he could. He tried to focus entirely on the conversation at hand and not let anything break his concentration. However, the allure of more training and, perhaps, more power were incredibly intoxicating.

“I haven’t received much formal training. Hardly any, if I’m being honest. My saber combat is more like a butcher swinging a cleaver than any particular style or skill. But I am eager to learn more. Always looking to improve.”

[member=“Ra’a’mah”]

 

[Rann Thress]

[mention=“Ra’a’mah”]

 

[Riamah]

"Onderan huh?"

That world​ meant something to Ra, but not too much. A small uprising had happened, but things were cleared up now or so she assumed. She no longer held any sway or control over what happened on that planet. Such a location didn't matter to her at all and it could return to the hands of Mandalorians that wanted it.

Names were provided for himself and the girl. Not expecting him to try and deceive her, Ra took his word on what he said. It also seemed he was lacking in any formal training and that was actually wise of him to admit it.

"I see. Fighting takes time to learn. Not something that comes overnight unless you are some sort of savant."

Making a small motion with either hand, two small lightsaber hilts appeared in her hands. Setting them on the desk, she motioned to them.

"Those as much a part of me as pretty much anything. Your weapon is an extension of yourself."

[member="Rann Thress"]

 

[Rann Thress]

Rann looked at the woman and the lightsabers on the desk. He felt a strong call to pull them to his hands but willed the impulse away as quickly as it had hit him. His fingers once again began running up and down the hilt of his own lightsaber. He was still in awe of the weapon. Merely possessing one was exhilarating. The legendary weapon of Jedi and Sith. The power of owning it was intoxicating even if he was little more than a child while wielding it.

"I want to learn how to use it. It and the Force."
He motioned to his own lightsaber.

He had hoped he was reading the situation right. It seemed to him that Ra was talking about training him. The mere thought of finally having a teacher to instruct him made him internally giddy. He tried his hardest not to show it, and had no delusions about just how strenuous this training would be.

[member="Ra'a'mah"]

 

[Riamah]

Her words were the first lesson she had for Rann. He may not even have know it. Not even being a natural empath, Ra could feel the desire in him to learn more. Was the same true for the girl that came with him?

"I can offer you training, Rann Thress and a roof over your head. As time progresses, there might be times when training will take you outside of these walls and off this planet. Not at all expecting you to give any vows or promises to me. Two things I can promise you are training and no harm will come to the girl you came with. Now if you will excuse me, I'm going to go get to know her as well."

Standing up, Vincent ca​me back into the room and waited for Rann to follow him.

"If you wish to follow him, he will guide you to a room to stay in while you are here."

[member="Rann Thress"]