Secreto Indicio

[Drystan Marakos]

Location: "Nightshade", The Grand-Master's Quarters
[member="Jyoti Nooran"]

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Drystan sat, speaking to the Grandmaster of the Order.

Her hands were folded in her lap, and the lights were dim - it was "technically" in the late-night hours by Kashyyyk's time, and the two Jedi were alone.

Drystan was seated in a chair directly across from the Grand Master, clad in a silver & grey jumpsuit. Every inch of her uniform was perfect. She was relaxed, speaking to the other woman as if they were friends, simply having a conversation.

"nu've tukodi nuotija successfully, ir sua kash tave process iv developing zo number iv relationships. Tave manti kia insert nun je\'as tave nelaise, then leak nuyak whereabouts kia tave Net savakes perfectly. Tave naugast thing kash, nu zin nie savoka kamz meo actually taptid nuo nun until tau tevolijas. Anas nelaise meo zo netvarka-hole. Tave karuvis tvarka zin nie savoka tau were taptid. Ir, Jyoti, zhol meo tik three iv savimi."

Drystan held up three fingers with a look on her face, and shook her head.

"au itikuda nun del, kad zhol vyktial kair savaka. Tau were gerajea skilled ir duob-disciplined, operating vi zo fazien unit. Tau were Agents iv tave jen\' garthaz, kad tau didn't vaidas. Evil, kais tu jenga expect."

 

[Eugen Aker]

Jyoti nodded along as Drystan spoke, sipping on a large thermos of tea. The lights of the room had been dimmed, basking the Echani in soft lighting that gave her an ethereal quality in her silvery white robes.

There wasn't a single sign of it in her face, looking serene, but in all honesty, she was quite surprised Drystan had pulled it off a successful insertion, and even more surprised by the method. As one wise man once said, never trust a beautiful woman. She certainly didn't, not yet.

She was happy for Drystan's return, all the same. She found herself enjoying the company of the blonde, someone similar in disposition.

She set her thermos down to reply. "Duobe' (See. Kuris Aras Temias Tauta? Kam Dary Tau Dary?"

[member="Drystan Marakos"]

 

[Drystan Marakos]

Drystan reached for a glass of water which sat on [member="Jyoti Nooran"]'s desk, lifting it to her lips and taking a sip. The water tasted cool & fresh, as if it had been drawn from a natural spring.

"they Aras... Agents, iv Zo Klasi. Nu Manyta Tau've Tukodi Tyres by Tave Ari iv Tave Trovas; Lot: Midwanas force-user Vadinija metus. Tikazi Nu Uzpraji Kuris Tau were ir Kodel Tau were Antai, Tau Tariam Tik Zodis "he told Mus Kia Nesti j'us Kia Jis."

 

[Eugen Aker]

"Naugast."

So she had been broken out under orders of the head honcho himself (more of a figurehead these days). What would make him risk serious retaliation to do so? There was something special about Drystan, no doubt about it. This just made her want to be more cautious around the blonde.

"Itik Arti Kia Jis. Xauti Del Kam Tym Noret Sulig Tu. Isar Tu Zinot Kasidz Kitur Kia Zodis Sso Sis Amzi?"

[member="Drystan Marakos"]

 

[Drystan Marakos]

Drystan smiled and nodded, shifting in her seat.

"Nu Dary. Zhol Kash possible Anas metus Kash Nenx Tik Bandumas Kia acquire Azinimas iv Tave cloning facilities Ant kamino, Kad Tau Galez also Zinot access Kia Zo Firusa Zenota Vi "red Hadzuska". Zhol's possible Anas Tave Aeuso Galez actually Zinot Zo completed sample iv Tave Firusa"

"Regarding Nuyak second assignment, Tave Drajunas Uud proven Kia Buti equally Vi Patogus Kia infiltrate. Nu'm Savakias Kia Itik Arti Su Tave donna, ir Fasonimas Kair moves Kia obtain influence Is Tave Vienujen Ruozas. Saugus money transactions ir access Kia equipment Aras Born Ant Nuyak to-do list. Ar possible, Nu'd Kais Kia obtain Sso least Zo Poziuris iv capo Is Tave Drajunas."

The blonde woman talked with her hands, obviously unafraid to express herself. In Drystan's mind, these kind of times were the only ones in her life where she could define herself - so much of her life had been spent living the lives of others that she'd struggled with holding onto her own identity.

In a strange flash of insight, Drystan has recognized a kindred soul in [member="Jyoti Nooran"], and felt at-home speaking with the beautiful Echani Grandmaster. Perhaps more at-home than she'd felt in a long time...

 

[Eugen Aker]

Jyoti nodded, now resting her chin in her hands. Biological weapons were always a pain to deal with. Relatively easy to manufacture and spread, they were low risk and high reward as far as WMDs went.

Despite the bad news, she enjoyed Drystan herself as she spoke, quite animated with gestures. It all appealed to her Echani sensibilities, a martial people who were the masters of kinetic communication. It was all quite alluring to her silver eyes.

"Tave Aeuso Uud folded Atgal Je'as Tave Born Tvarka. Anas Zemas Tave Born Tvarka Galez Dabar Zinot Tave Firusa Kian. Nu Noret Zo sample iv Tave Firusa Ar Tau Gal Buti Vyktija."

"Vi Nuo Sis Drajunas, Nu Zinot Zo Kontakta Anas Gal Tarnas j'us. Nu'll Primyn Tave Zinia Veliau."

[member="Drystan Marakos"]

 

[Drystan Marakos]

Drystan nodded, finding herself all out of reports to make..

[member="Jyoti Nooran"] seemed to be aglow beneath the soft lights, and the blonde Jedi was struck momentarily as-to how beautiful the Echani truly was. Silence fell for a moment as Drystan formulated her thoughts, finding herself strangely (and uncharectaristically) at a loss for words.

The room they shared was somewhat small, but beautiful; the dim lighting and quiet atmosphere softened the moment; they were entirely alone and undisturbed, and for the first time since the two had met, Drystan found that she felt utterly at peace beneath Jyoti's silver-eyed gaze.

After a few moments, Drystan gave Jyoti a smile and reverted to Basic. Her voice softened, losing some of its' professional tone. It was a melody to Jyoti's ears as she asked, "So... I'm curious, Jyoti. I've always been intrigued by Echani Culture... I find their spiritual beliefs quite fascinating. I have studied some, but I've never actually had time with an Echani... Do you believe in Saara and her children, even as a Jedi?"

 

[Eugen Aker]

The atmosphere shifted as Drystan return to basic with her pretty sing-song voice. It had such a lovely lyrical quality that she could enjoy all day. Drystan then surprised her as she brought up the topic of Saara, the mythical creator of Eshan and the Echani people.

She was impressed by Drystan's knowledge. Few outside of Echani themselves ever talked about the Echani Pantheon or the associated pagan religion. However, at the same time, she started to wonder if Drystan's interest in her kind was only coincidence or an effort to win her favor.

"Saara, the Divine Mother. I'm afraid to say that I don't follow the old lunar religions, but it's a fascinating story all the same. I subscribe to the theory that she was a founder of the first Echani colonies on Eshan from Arkania. No one is quite sure at this point."

"That said, I still enjoy celebrating the holidays, even if only culturally. It never gets old dancing under a full moon."

As the conversation had turned casual, she suddenly felt stiff at her desk. She started to eye her coach in the corner.

"I don't mind if we keep chatting - you're good company - but would you mind if we moved?"

[member="Drystan Marakos"]

 

[Drystan Marakos]

Drystan listened to the Echani Jedi Master speak about her culture, and offered a laugh at Jyoti's admittance of dancing beneath a full moon - Drystan had done that herself, on a number of worlds & beneath a number of moons. There was something primal about the pull of Celestial Forces... and though Drystan believed wholly in the power of The Force, other aspects of Spirituality fascinated her.

"I've never actually traveled to Eshan, but I've been on a number of worlds where dancing beneath the light of a Full Moon was not only acceptable, but encouraged... I suppose there could be some kind of Goddess, or greater Spirit in the Universe... but I've no idea who or what it might be called."

The blonde woman nodded, following Jyoti's gaze to the couch in the corner, and she smiled. Drystan stood, "Please.. With business over, I've no place to be anytime soon. Lead the way."

"As soon as I was old enough, trained enough, to understand the permenancy and potency of The Force, I began to question my place in the great order of things. The Galaxy is so vast, full of secrets and old wisdom... I'd like to believe there is something at work within The Force, perhaps something with a Conciousness of sorts; a Goddess, or something like it?"

She sat on the couch, relaxing as their conversation turned to matters of the Spirit.

 

[Eugen Aker]

As the conversation turned casual, the subject turned from the Echani pantheon to the discussion of deities in general. It was a topic that Jyoti thought a lot about as she was a Jedi that rejected the idea of the Will of the Force - determinism - a stance that many hardliners would find quite heretical. Drystan herself seemed pretty open-minded, but she would be cautious in expressing her thoughts none the less.

She joined Drystan on the couch, kicking off her boots before tucking in her legs as she curled up in a corner.

"Considering the work we do, I certainly wouldn't be surprised if there are old hands out there trying to exert their influence through the Force itself. Throughout time, there have been races and several exceptional individuals with power that could almost be described as godlike. However, I wouldn't go as far as to say that there is some kind of one overarching omnipotent being pulling the strings if that's what you're positing. I do believe there is something at work trying to pull us this way or that, but that it comes from the summation of all life in constant competition attempting to exert our wills on the universe."

Relaxing more, she rested her head against the top of the couch, silver eyes focused up at the low ceiling of her cabin. "I don't mind talking about this - I love it in fact - but I wonder what prompted all this talk on spiritual matters?"

[member="Drystan Marakos"]

 

[Drystan Marakos]

Drystan was seated beside the silver-haired Jedi Master, and shifted slightly to better see the woman in the soft cabin lighting. The blonde-haired Jedi Knight inspected her fingernails for a moment, seemingly considering what she would say. It was obvious she was not one to casually share her feelings or opinions... and when she did, they were well-considered.

"Well... I suppose," Drystan began, "That it's bit on my mind of-late. I am a child of the Force, and began learning of it's existance long before I became a Jedi, but I've often looked back upon my past and wondered at the... randomness of it all."

"I have spent a great amount of time wearing strange faces... Becoming people who were, yet were not, myself. I've manipulated people innocent and dangerous alike, and at times, have struggled to understand my place in the Galaxy. Being invisible... yet, having a hand in some of the inner workings of secret plans no soul will remember..."

She paused, glancing at [member="Jyoti Nooran"]. Her hazel eyes seemed contemplative, and a little lost; Jyoti might have seen a brief glimmer of the little girl deep within Drystan's soul. Drystan was still speaking with her hands, gesturing as she expressed her thoughts.

"I was... only curious what your thoughts were, on how The Force interacts with us... moves us... directs us. If you believed it was truly eternal, all-powerful, or if there was something else out there... or, if each of us really just lives to leave a legacy behind."

 

[Eugen Aker]

As Drystan spoke again, Jyoti turned her eyes back on the blonde, totally captive. The woman had interesting things to say, and the ever curious Echani always liked learning more about people, each one like a puzzle for her to unravel.

"One of the most frightening things for people to consider is that perhaps it is all random, that there is no point to the suffering we face every day. Maybe it's just something intrinsic to our being, a need to make sense of it all, but perhaps we need to accept that we really can't. The great thing about that though, is that we are free to create our own purpose, to forge our own destiny."

"What is it that you want out of all this?" she asked, turning the topic more personal. "Your job, your life in general? Are you happy with what you're doing right now? If you need a break from the undercover work, I'm happy to give you the time off no trouble. There are plenty of things that you can do as yourself, not hiding the lovely face under some guise."

Jyoti could easily see her doing well with diplomacy. The interpersonal skills required for such a role wasn't all that different than what she did now, where an agent may only have their words and wit to navigate a difficult situation.

[member="Drystan Marakos"]

 

[Drystan Marakos]

Drystan listened to Jyoti's words carefully, and the wisdom contained therein. She leaned closer, obviously drawn toward the other woman. To Drystan, it certainly seemed as-if she'd made her own destiny... forged her own path.

As [member="Jyoti Nooran"] turned the conversation more personal, the blonde woman remained quiet, thinking on her response carefully. The mention of Drystan's attractiveness (which she was aware of, but never flaunted) elicited a look from her deep hazel green eyes toward Jyoti's face, seeking to make eye contact... If the other woman noticed it, there would be recognition in Drystan's eyes.

Drystan's finger curled around an errant strand of blonde hair as she responded, "I'm... not sure anyone has ever really asked me that, Jyoti... What I want."

"I... love the Galaxy. I love what I do, and what I've done; saving lives, moving unseen across the Galaxy, always seeing something new... being someone new... but, I have rarely spent time as a Jedi amongst my fellow Jedi." Her arms stretched out wide, and her shoulders shrugged. "I've set up multi-million credit deals between Arms Dealers, I've made business with The Hutts, infiltrated the Empire, and wielded power in a number of places across the galaxy... but, I've been on such few "peaceful"" missions that I cannot, for the life of me, remember when the last one was."

Drystan let out a soft laugh, melodic and pleasant to the ears as she brushed her hair from her face and glanced at the Echani Jedi Master.

"I suppose... something different, from my usual assignments, would be a refreshing change of pace. Perhaps... a visit to a peaceful world, where our only enemies might be sneers from across the dining table... or visiting some exotic place to make contact with children, providing aid to some poor planet, or teaching..."

She bit her lip, nearly saying something, but kept it to herself, content to let her companion speak.

Truthfully, she felt overwhelmed by the silver-haired Grand Master, and cherished the intimacy of the moment they'd been sharing. It was a feeling she'd not possessed in some time.

 

[Eugen Aker]

Drystan gave her a certain look right after being complimented. Jyoti didn't even think much about it when she said that particular bit, it was the truth and she was sure that the blonde was quite aware of the effect she could have on others.

There were a few moments of silence as she kept her eyes locked on Drystan's, wordless confirmation between the pair that may be inappropriate spoken aloud.

Drystan continued, and as it turned out, no one had ever asked her the question. A fact that didn't surprise her, Jedi were sworn to protect others, to place their duty ahead of personal desires, so often attention was lost on the Jedi themselves. The dehumanizing effect could be quite demoralizing for an individual, which was when the cracks would start to occur. That's why she always kept a tab on her fellow Jedi, especially the ones directly serving under her.

"I think a change of pace would be good for you," Jyoti agreed with a nod. "The galaxy could use more of Drystan Marakos front and center. Being Grandmaster now, I have quite of few diplomatic trips to make, primarily in the Core which is in shambles politically. We have a prime opportunity to spread our influence while there is a vacuum and hopefully set the Core back on track."

As she spoke, she noticed Drystan begin to say something, then caught herself. Jyoti kept speaking, not immediately acknowledging the reaction.

"Aside from my personal dealings, we have several ongoing humanitarian missions that could make use of your talents. The big mission right now is providing relief to former CSA worlds. Most weren't attacked directly by the Sith, but they all suffered from the effects of a prolonged blockade. So yes, there a quite a few options."

Finished with her official sounding spiel, she became quiet again, giving Drystan a certain special look like before. "Just, tell me what you want."

[member="Drystan Marakos"]

 

[Drystan Marakos]

Drystan listened to Jyoti's suggestions on diplomatic missions to the core, as well as the potential for operating on former CSA worlds. Each option provided certain benefits and required certain sacrifices, and both options interested her greatly. She was torn between both; feeling a profound sense of duty to one side of the galaxy, while also understanding her own questions of Spirit & her place within The Force were all-too-important to simply allow to pass, unanswered.

Drystan broke eye contact for a moment as she looked down at a spot on the couch. [member="Jyoti Nooran"]'s voice seemed to whisper in her mind, repeating the words:

"Tell me what you want..."

"Tell me what you want..."

Drystan closed her eyes for a moment and her body seemed to relax as she took a deep breath, filling her lungs to capacity... then slowly releasing her breath in a series of soft pulses. The Jedi meditation technique helped her find a sense of clarity, and after a minute of silence, Drystan's hazel eyes opened and met the Echani's silver orbs.

"I... feel drawn..." She began, "By duty, to help those in need."

She paused, then shifted slightly closer toward her companion. "As for what I want, I'll tell you..."

"I want... to travel somewhere in the Galaxy, far away from this war... far away from the Systems Alliance, and rumors of wars. I want to go somewhere where I don't have to conceal my identity, where I don't have to be fearful of assassinations in the dark of the night or whether I've overextended my hand... I want to go somewhere where I can see the sights, and not have to pretend I'm not interested in them."

As she talked, Jyoti could hear emotion welling up in her voice; old thoughts, long buried, seemed to be coming to the forefront and Drystan was letting go. The Shadow, for all her strength, seemed at that moment to be vulnerable.

"Maybe, after that's done, I can save the lives of innocent people on war-torn worlds..."

Drystan's hand reached out over the top of the couch, seeking out Jyoti's fingers in her own. Drystan touched her hand, gazing at the slender, beautifully toned fair skin of the Echani woman, then up into her face.

"Most of all... I want to go somewhere with you."

She was praying to... The Force... or whatever else there existed in The Galaxy that this moment was exactly what it seemed. She was genuine in her speech, hoped she hadn't misread the moment... if she had, then she would feel very, very silly.

 

[Eugen Aker]

That one open-ended question seemed to stir up something within Drystan. The normally cool and composed agent broke down as told Jyoti exactly what she wanted. Peace. To be herself.

To enjoy both these things with Jyoti.

At the end, it was the Echani's turn to lose her composure, a flutter in her chest as the blonde touched her. Jyoti kept still - if she moved so much as a single millimeter right now she may not have been able to stop herself from there - but her silver eyes were full of want.

There was a connection between them, one of kindred souls. To people in the midst of an identity crisis, craving an easy quiet life. Craving companionship.

She felt so overwhelmed by Drystan now, struggling with how she should proceed. It all felt so good right now, being with someone with no baggage between them, but at the same time, she was remembering when she had scolded Josh for taking advantage of a vulnerable woman for is own ends. Was it not the same here?

Maybe not. Drystan wasn't some mental Sith, but a quite experienced and capable agent. Still, something felt wrong about doing anything more while Drystan was obviously having a moment.

Then, of course, the elephant in the room: Allyson. She loved the Corellian, but too often she reminded her of an old version of herself, one she didn't like. Drystan was something new, some unrelated to the person she used to be.

She wanted to do the right thing, but at the same time, she also didn't want to lose whatever she now had with Drystan either.

Slowly, she raised a hand to her cheek, grasping Drystan's in a gentle grasp, thumbing the wrist.

"I'd like that...but I don't want to hurt you. Let's just take this slow."

It wasn't a rejection in the slightest, but a simple request not to push at that point. Drystan certainly had her attention, that was for sure.

[member="Drystan Marakos"]

 

[Drystan Marakos]

Drystan's strength and certainty of spirit showed itself at that moment as the blonde woman watched Jyoti. She could sense a powerful tug-of-war within her companion, but recognized it not to be one of remorse or regret, but one of acceptance...

The Gift of Wisdom provided her an insight few might hope to achieve.

She sensed that her momentary vulnerability had touched the Echani Jedi Master in a way she hadn't quite expected - it was true that Drystan felt herself drawn to this woman... drawn to her presence, drawn to learn from her, and drawn to her as a Kindred Soul. Jyoti reached out and touched her in kind - not pulling away, as Drystan had suspected she might. The Sentinel realized she had shown more than she'd intended but found she neither regretted it nor assumed more than what was in-front of her. At Jyoti's request, Drystan took a deep breath... then let it out and offered the woman a smile.

She nodded, taking a moment of silence to collect her thoughts - and in the process, realized the entire galaxy had faded away.

In this moment, herself and Jyoti were the only people alive in the galaxy.

"Okay..." She whispered, giving a soft laugh at her own awkwardness and the sudden shift in their relationship.

A shift she welcomed.

 

[Drystan Marakos]

(One Month Later)
[member="Jyoti Nooran"]
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Laughter could be heard from within Jyoti's quarters aboard The Nightshade. Feminine voices could be heard speaking back & forth, but not in Basic.

Drystan had been laughing, and she leaned back in her chair, tossing her blonde hair behind her.

"Ir Tau accepted Tave Spresti. Fifteen percent iv right: profits Nuo Tave Born Kursas, ir ten percent Nuo Visas Kursas Pagal Anas. Tave gokudo were all-too-willing Kia Tegu Mus Is Tave Dury Pagal Anas."

Drystan gave a wide grin, flashing her beautiful teeth at the Grand Master; her eyes brimmed with humor, sparkling in the soft light of the office. The Jedi Knight seemed completely relaxed.

"Tave Drajunas Valia Buti Akcimas Primyn Su our plans Kia Anga Firma Ant coruscant, ir Nu Manyta Zhol's Itin likely Nu'll Buti promoted Negu Anas Amzi. Tave other capos seem Kian involved Is their Savas Firma Kia Listi Su Kasidz Nu Jenga Dary. ir, Ar Nuyak Manti Kash Klotingas, Nu'll Zinot Lot: direct Ausis Kia Tave Sefas herself"

Drystan reached out, picking up a glass of liquid which rested on a small table beside her chair.. she faced the beautiful Echani Grand Master, seated not before her desk but in comfortable chairs at a small seating area in the same room. Drystan swirled the contents of the glass, staring down into the honey-amber liquid before bringing it to her lips... The taste of the liquor made her tastebuds tingle and her salival glands pucker.

Her soft tongue licked at her lips, and she set the glass back down, returning her gaze to Jyoti.

"Nu'm Duobe' Ant Nuyak Qo toward Chats access Kia Tave highest levels iv Tave Drajunas. Atitrazi another Kelet months Ax Mazo, Nu'll Buti Is Zo Poziuris Kia Stotis actually Fasonimas moves; Ant coruscant, ir elsewhere."

 

[Eugen Aker]

The second time around, the meeting between the agent and handler was much different. Much more casual as both women had become...familiar with each other. Drystan was much more animated, engaging the Echani with small talk as they enjoyed a drink.

Well, Jyoti tried enjoying her drink, but there was little the beverage would do for the cyborg aside leave her throat with a pleasant tingle. For her, it was more about sharing something with the blonde in an intimate moment.

She certainly wasn't buzzed but smiled all the same enjoying Drystan's company.

Sipping here and there, she nodded along as Drystan provided a report of her progress. In only a short time, she was already quite far along in the hierarchy. Jyoti's own contacts within the IGBC confirmed as such.

However, something concerned her. While the promotions were good, she didn't feel all that great about the Shadow becoming a driver within such a nefarious enterprise. Ultimately, she wanted to bring the whole thing toppling down.

"Itin Zyemus. Liepti Nun Lig Tave Vadovas.Kam Aras Tau Kais?"

[member="Drystan Marakos"]

 

[Drystan Marakos]

[member="Jyoti Nooran"] ​

​

"Tave Rengtisan Kash built Nyâsh Kais Lot: pyramid - Su Tave Loimisa tiers supporting Tave weight. Sso Tave Apacia Aras Tave associates; Kuris Galia aloft Tave caporegime, Kuris Is Eile Daboti Tave Sefas; Tave donna. Nu've Tik Jistekijas passing conversation, ir likely Uzsit't Itik Artigaus until Nu've Griztijas Tave higher echelon."​

​

Drystan spoke with her hands, expressing through motion the shape of the structure.​

​

"Nu've Tik Macij Wo capo; Zo Lord: Jidai Vadinija vorkaliin, Kuris Vaidas Kia Buti Zo Midwanas Massassi. Nu Moketi Anas Antai Kash Wo Vel, Kad Nu Zinot yet Kia Svies Kasidz Lig Jis.​

​

The system in question was built on discretion - durasteel control over information, compartmentalization, and a simple command: Do what was asked of you. The only reason Drystan had managed to perform so well up until this moment was that she understood how to survive in such a world - how to show respect, and how to earn.​

​

Drystan sipped from her glass, allowing the moment to stretch on as she formulated her thoughts... reverting to Basic so that she might communicate easily. The language they'd been speaking in was a harsh, power-driven vocal workout - taking a toll on some who spoke it. The companions had been it since their conversation began, but for Drystan, the tone had changed.​

​

"It was... Strange, at first." ​

​

"Becoming this presence", she explained by laying her palms down upon her chest in a blanketing gesture, "seemed so easy. Almost as if I were... tapping into something not of my own creation." She explained, her face turned in an odd manner - she didn't understand it herself.​

"It's not a simple matter of just covering myself in a new face, if that makes sense. I can remember everything... it's just not my eyes that are seeing it." ​

​

Heaving a sigh, Drystan emptied her lungs and gathered her thoughts. Something was stirring within her... Something she couldn't quite grasp; no matter how tantalizingly close it seemed. Rather than saying anything, she simply let the moment pass, silently taking another sip from her glass, indicating she was open to questions.​