Secrets of the Force

[Arekk]

"Guess we will find out soon. We won't be taking many supplies to Telos."

The journey revealed itself slowly as the Jedi Knight told along the next destination to his apprentice, a long adventure awaited for them at the end of the line. Things could turn ugly, yes, but they'd be prepared enough for the next foe to come. Should they be in trouble, the Force would be their ally.

Kicking his legs in motion, Ar'ekk motioned Rann to follow him deep into the core of Kashyyk. A bunch of Wookiees paced back and forth through the spaceport, so did many humans and alien species seeking to trade and resupply in their homeworld. Something that resembled a small market provided the necessary supplements to aid in their trip.

"See? It wasn't that far away."

[member="Rann Thress"]

 

[Rann Thress]

"You see something new everyday. I'm kind of disappointed it was this close and I hadn't noticed it. Then again it's not as grand as I'm used to. I feel I'm justified." Rann figured he should lower the guard and warm to Ar'ekk as soon as he could. After all, Ar'ekk was his new master. Rann figured it was safe enough to be more genuine.

The news they were headed to Telos was pretty surprising. To be fair, Rann didn't have any expectations for where their journey would take them, but Telos was within the borders of the Sith Empire. Surely, two Jedi would be out of place.

"I reckon if we're going to Telos I should probably not wear these." he gestured at his robes. The typical garb of the Jedi would be like a beacon to anyone in the area.

[member="Ar'ekk"]

 

[Arekk]

"Take every loss and defeat as a learning experience, my young apprentice. Perhaps you didn't explore Kashyyk further because you didn't feel like it but now you know it might prove useful. Learn about other cultures as it'll enrich your mind."

The vendors throughout the market tried to sell their wares to both Ar'ekk and Rann, indicating how much the item they were trying to sell costed and promising discounts for bulk amounts of such item. The amount of credits carried over by the Jedi Knight were more than enough to cover at least six month's worth of supplies.

He pointed towards a stall that concealed itself within a small structure whose interior seemed to be darker than it seemed, motioning Rann to go forward. If he were to approach the entrance of the structure, the walk inside would take him a few steps until he reached the vendor himself.

"We will need ration packs and medpacks. Give them these and come back with them, once we get back to the Ebon Hawk we'll be ready to go."

[member="Rann Thress"]

 

[Rann Thress]

Rann took the credits and walked towards the dark building. He stepped inside somewhat warily and proceeded to purchase the necessary supplies. Rann wondered what medpacks and rations were doing being sold in such a location, but Rann chalked it up to being used to open air market stalls covered by cloth. Rann purchased the adequate amount of Rations and Medpacks that the amount of credits given to Rann by Ar'ekk would buy and walked back out and towards Ar'ekk, holding the supplies in his arms and trying to take extra care to not drop any of them.

"I hope this is enough."

Rann was about ready to leave Kashyyyk.

[member="Ar'ekk"]

 

[3H-0]

[member="Rann Thress"] [member="Ar'ekk"]


Eho had been dangling around in the trees, walking around in other paths, watching Ar'ekk; she was curious about him. She noticed he had taken up a companion and only wanted to inquire of their relationship and behavior to each other. But now, Ar'ekk seemed ready to leave, and Eho didn't want to bother finding another way off the planet; it would take too much effort she didn't care to plan out. She came up behind the two after she noticed Ar'ekk just gave the organic credits to spend willy-nilly, calling out from a decent distance so Ar'ekk wouldn't feel threatened. "Hey there, Jedi. You know you could have bought those things cheaper on another planet, right? What are you doing all the way out here?"

 

[Arekk]

Creeping from between the shadows, the assassination droid that went by the nickname of Eho had somehow found Ar'ekk and his new companion after they parted ways on Coruscant during their brief meeting aboard the Ebon Hawk. It had been roughly over a week since the trip that took the Jedi Knight back to his homeworld. He certainly didn't expect to meet again with the female android that soon in time but plans were fragile.

"I knew you were going to show up one day, Eho. It's good to see you." He revealed a warm smile to her, remembering fondly their last encounter and conversation held that went on for an hour or so it seemed to be.

Hovering his hand over Rann's shoulder, the Jedi made the introduction between the two of them. The latter was a young apprentice bearing the robes of Jedi apprentices and carried himself in an alert state, wary of his sorroundings.

"Rann, meet Eho. Eho, Rann. She is... a killer droid that I met on Coruscant, prior to my arrival here on Kashyyk."

[member="3H-0"] [member="Rann Thress"]

 

[Rann Thress]

"Oh.... pleasant." Rann, expectedly, was a little wary. It's not everyday you're introduced to someone as a killer droid. And a 'she' at that. It's not as if Rann was unfamiliar of droids, but the ones he knew of were blocky. Protocal droids with stiffer limbs than trees. This one was sleek, person-like.

It put Rann off.

Suddenly the fact that Rann was now a member of the most high-profile organizations in the galaxy hit Rann. He looked like a jedi. So as far as people were concerned, he was a jedi. And that means he already had enemies. He figured the Sith would hate him, which, whatever. That's fine. But now a good chunk of the galaxy was controlled by people who really didn't like Jedi.

He took a second to recompose himself. It was weird to him that just the sight of this person/not-person droid caused him to contemplate his new-found mortality.

"Hello Eho," Rann tried not to let his mind wander, and certainly didn't want to put out an atmosphere of distrust, but was certainly curious about the droid.

"I can't help but wonder why a killer droid from Coruscant is here on Kashyyyk. Kind of curious. In a totally not suspicious sort of way."

Please shut up, me.

[member="3H-0"] [member="Ar'ekk"]

 

[3H-0]

[member="Rann Thress"]

Eho let out that infamous, dry and empty giggle she made last time she was in Ar'ekks presence, in response to Rann's question. "I'm actually what most people call a rogue droid.... I killed my owner. And I'm actually from the Outer Rim. I just stowed away on Ar'ekks ship because I wanted to." Her head tilted as she eyed Rann in a playful way, walking over to Ar'ekk as if in a partial silly dance. "If my appearance scares you, you can call me an it. I'm part Human Replica Droid. And don't be afraid; I'm not under any orders to kill anyone. So as long as you don't lock me in a box, I won't be your enemy. Not like a jedi would have a problem slicing a droid in half," she giggled again.

[member=Ar'ekk]

She stopped in front of Ar'ekk, giving him a glare. "Why are you on Kashyyk? There's cheaper fuel all over the galaxy, and with better shops. Is the jedi looking for something? Also, you know your name is incredibly painful to store, right? I'll have to inquire some time how you got that name.... arr....eck? Arrecka? Eck, eck!" She seemed to twitch as her droid brain seemed to have trouble figuring out how to pronounce it.

 

[Rann Thress]

(New speech, now in TECHNICOLOR)

"Oh no yeah that's much better."

Rann hoped his sarcasm wasn't showing too bad. He decided to watch Ar'ekk's and Ehos exchange and sincerely hoped the droid hadn't noticed the lack of a lightsaber on Rann's belt. Really, Rann was still defenseless, no lightsaber and barely the ability to push the frailest being over. He crossed his arms over his chest and tried to peacock. He wanted to appear as tough as he could. And was quite aware of how foolish he was, deep down in his core.

[member="3H-0"]
[member="Ar'ekk"]

 

[Arekk]

Truth be told, Eho's speech and twitches made his skin crawl from to time as it was an uncommon sight for him. You'd think that for a person that has seen even more twisted things in his life a single droid twitching and acting erratically would cause no effect in him but you'd be wrong to guess that. Things continued to affect him just like they did back then. In a nightmare, every choice you make is a wrong one. He would wake up at night, afraid that day was a dream he'd forget.

"I was low on fuel and couldn't make it to any nearby system. Kashyyk was my only option. Guess I could ask what you're doing here?"

He approached the female android slowly, trying to conversate with her. The question asked was unnecessary as he knew the answer to that question. It was crystal clear that she had been following him. Looking over to his apprentice, he couldn't help but sigh.

"Keep it together, Rann. She means no harm."

Maybe.

[member="Rann Thress"] | [member="3H-0"]

 

[3H-0]

[member="Rann Thress"] [member="Ar'ekk"]

Ehos face morphed into a creepy smile as another hollow giggle erupted internally, "You know why I'm here, Jedi. I mean... it's only what I was designed to do. It is a two part job, you know? I can easily stalk you and not kill you. I told you, didn't I? You were interesting." Just as she finished talking, her head spun slowly as if it was on a turn-table, looking at Rann. "Oh, I can make it... so much better for you Jedi, I really could. But that's if I wanted to, and I_I_I generally don't really care to." Her head slowly started to turn back around as her body turned while she walked around Ar'ekk, which made the head spinning slightly less creepy in a way, or more, as the face fixated on Ar'ekk as she walked. "I guess I'm becoming a lazy robot, hoh?"

 

[Rann Thress]

"I will try."

Generally, Rann didn't care for droids. Not in a disdainful sort of way, he didn't care for them like he didn't care for most people. He just didn't pay them anymind. However Rann could not help but feel unsettled, looking at Eho. He had never seen a droid who looked as near human as she did, the uncanny valley ensured that anything that looked almost human but not quite human was perceived as alien. Even if the differences were unnoticable. But it wasn't like Eho tried to blend in. It was quite clear Eho was a droid and didn't try to pretend to be anything else. Rann tried to get ahold of any prejudice and control it. Maybe Eho would be his best friend in the future, who knew.

"I feel as if I am intruding."

Rann tried to not have a single rude bone in his body. He was a charlatan back on Onderon, sure, but he swindled people with a genuine smile. And he only took so he wouldn't die, but here....

Rann couldn't help himself. And was ashamed on behalf of himself. Eho might have been the sweetest thing ever, and deserved a chance. "I do apologize if I have insulted in any way."

He bowed. To the droid. He felt silly, but WAS genuine. Droids can be people too, and Ar'ekk seemed to.... respect the droid. Rann figured it best to follow his new Master's lead and respect her as well.

[member="3H-0"] [member="Ar'ekk"]

 

[Arekk]

Charming as always, Eho demonstrated that she could be pretty menacing without wanting to and that seemed to have taken effect on his apprentice. Bowing to the female android and demonstrating a nervous attitude towards her could be taken as an amusing sight and if he weren't a Padawan anymore, Ar'ekk would not be able to conceal his laughter.

"There's no need for that, my apprentice. Let's finish loading the supplies so we can head out soon."

Pressing one of the supply containers against Rann's chest, he motioned him to walk inside the Ebon Hawk. This would mean Ar'ekk could speak with Eho in a more "personal" way without having the young Padawan interrupting every now and then.

"I remember our conversation. And I said you are welcome aboard the freighter anytime you wanted, as long as things were kept civil. I'm taking this boy too along the journey, he's strong with the Force."

He paused for a bit before continuing,

"But I guess the latter are just boring details for you."

[member="Rann Thress"] | [member="3H-0"]

 

[3H-0]

[member="Ar'ekk"] [member="Rann Thress"]


When the other jedi bowed to her, Eho looked almost mortified. Whether the face was intentional or just for amusement was unknown, "Mister uhm, Padawan, there's nothing personal between myself and your little master. And ... don't bow to me. Your culture implies bowing to show some form of level above onself. Whether you intend respect or not doesn't matter. I am an uncultured droid, who cares not for culture." Before Ar'ekk pushed the other jedi away she spoke up so they both would hear. "Mister Jedi here knows while I do not conform to any culture, I am no thread and I am tolerable if not respectable. I mean, I did stowaway on his ship without permission by throwing a bunch of my pieces in his cargo containers.... I never did clean up that mess, really, did I?"

By now if the Padawan had continued, Eho would still be talking... now since he wanted to speak personally. "Civil? You say that like I haven't been. Sure, I've been.... ... weird, but Mister Jedi if I'm causing concern I'll leave. I mean, what's wrong with stalking? It's not like I have any..." she leaned in closer to him, making the situation awkward as she whispered, "....bad intentions...." and with that, she winked at him.

 

[Rann Thress]

Rann returned to the market after bringing the supplies back to the ship.

"Are we almost ready to go?" He asked his new master. He didn't want to seem over eager, but he was excited to go explore the galaxy. As he got closer he saw how close Eho was to him and almost turned around on the spot.

"Is everything alright here?"
He knew it was, but was secretly hoping Eho would just kill all of them and save him from imagining what he just saw.
[member="3H-0"]
[member="Ar'ekk"]

 

[Arekk]

Placing his robotic hand on top of Rann's shoulder and squeezing it tight, he nodded. He knew that his apprentice was unpatient and that might affect his decisions in the near future so spreading a bit of knowledge would be the right thing for the time being.

"There is no rush, my young Padawan. Remember to be calm and collected at all times, helps you take decisions with a cold mind when you're in the most desperate of hours."

Noticing Eho's erratic behavior, Ar'ekk stood his ground and didn't move as she approached him in the weirdest of manners possible. He was aware of how the female android acted and didn't think it'd be necessary to be fearful of anything, if at all. Gulping, the half masked man took a deep breath and responded.

"You don't have to leave at all, Eho. I said you're welcome on board whenever you want. We'll be departing shortly and if you wish to tag along our journey, you might as well do so."

Bending down and grabbing the last crate of supplies, Ar'ekk went inside the legendary Ebon Hawk alongside his apprentice Rann. Everything was set up to resume their journey through the Force and learn from each other. After all... it was all about that. Recognize yourself, learn from your mistakes and keep going.

The Force was strong and acted in mysterious ways.

[member="Rann Thress"] | [member="3H-0"]

 

[3H-0]

[member="Ar'ekk"] [member="Rann Thress"]

Eho reached her arm up to rub at the back of her own neck. But Ar'ekk had noticed, he would see she wasn't just rubbing her neck, although it was also not anything bad. Just Eho messing with her own functions, not seemingly harmless to either of them. "Alright, I guess I'll stay awhile," she shrugged. "But don't expect me remain within eyesight. I may occasionally lose my hand... or leg, and you'll find my head under the hyperdrive, looking for it." She giggled almost maniacally as she followed behind the two.

 

[Mordillah]

EDIT:
DISREGARD.

 

[Rann Thress]

Rann sighed to himself and moved with the group. The Force showed him with Ar'ekk in the future, but made no mention of Eho. Yet, however, it seemed as if she was here to stay.

It won't be all bad. I'm sure it's fine, he thought to himself. Maybe we will be the best of friends.

No we're dead men. Dead men be we.

Rann pulled his robes over to cover his body and continued the walk into the Ebon Hawk. Once inside he helped organize whatever supplies were now within the ship and made his way to his bunk. Today had been a long day and, while the conversations and supply gathering had not taken longer than a couple hours, it felt as if days had gone by. Rann was ready for a nap, but allowed himself to wander around the ship once ample time had passed.

Ar'ekk 3H-0

 

[Arekk]

"Perfect. You know your way around the Hawk, feel free to go as you please. I'm going to prepare everything for take off."

And just like that, Ar'ekk followed his young apprentice on board the legendary freighter who apparently seemed busy enough with the supplies. The ship had been refueled in its entirety and the supplies were vast enough to be out in foreign space for a few months without having any issue, a long journey ahead awaiting for them. Ar'ekk didn't think that the Force would lead him to this young interesting boy attuned with a gift and needless to say with a droid so particular and unique like Eho.

Turning back to Rann for a second before heading for the cockpit, the Jedi Knight placed both palms on the boy's shoulders and looked at him in his eyes. He could sense clouding thoughts of fear and mistrust towards a certain topic but couldn't exactly pinpoint what it was, not nearly enough powerful with the Force to even do that.

"Be mindful of your feelings, my young Padawan. Do not let them blind you, reach beyond and see further ahead."

Sharing the word of wisdom of his masters were being passed over to Rann now, hoping he could do that in the future as well. It was the way of the Jedi, their teachings etched on his mind for the eternity to come. He'd shape the young Padawan to become a fully fledged peacekeeper, someone who strives for peace and justice in the galaxy.

[member="Rann Thress"] | [member="3H-0"]