Secrets of the Force

[Rann Thress]

"All kinds of animals on Onderon. I never really got to know them. I'm too tasty, you see."

Rann smiled, again remembering fondly his time back home.

"I didn't really know what I was doing. All I knew was I could use the Force to some degree and people paid me to do it."

Rann didn't know much about the mechanics behind ships, so he didn't pretend to know what improvements Aren and Arekk would be talking about. He hadn't even stepped foot in a space-worthy vessel before leaving Onderon. And even there the buildings were old-looking, not a lot of technology. So, Rann opted to just nod and follow his two companions.

It was then he snuck a quick peek at the strange creature on Aren's shoulder. He noticed something small on the birds ankle. The shine caught his eye and before he could stop himself he asked out loud,

"What's that on the thing?"
he said, expertly, pointing at the porg on Aren's shoulder.

[member="Arekk"] [member="Aren D'Shade"]

 

[Aren D'Shade]

They walked more in a file than side by side due to the size of the ship and at least Ar'ekk agreed to allow her to look at some of the stuff on his ship she could improve. She might be young, but knew her stuff. Not everybody could hack into a ship or even a safe. It was her skill and would only get better with time.

Nodding when he said was from Coruscant. It was something else they shared, it's where she was born. At least that is what her parents told her and where they adopted her. A similar laugh, slant of the eyes and now from the same planet. Aren shook her head, Coruscant has so many people, there's no way they could have met.

"Great, I'm looking forward to that Ar'ekk."

She turned her head to look at Rann as he asked about the band on Skeeter's leg.

"It was mine when I was an infant and my parents kept it for me until I went on my own. Can you imagine being small enough to wear that as a bracelet?"

If they had reached the cockpit or wherever Ar'ekk was leading them, she would stop at the door before being told she could enter...especially if it was the cockpit. He had told her to out of it.

[member="Rann Thress"] [member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

The duo following Ar'ekk resembled a pack of ducklings chasing their surrogate, Rann looking up to the half masked man as a Jedi and Aren trying to find the answers to a plethora of questions. Once they had reached the cockpit, they'd be able to see how decorated to a personal level it was.

It still resembled the ancient Ebon Hawk of a milennia ago but he gave the place a more refined touch with redesigned controls, upgrades to the holocommuniactor, a new holomap with the most up to date routes and planets in the galaxy and much more. However, one thing seemed to stand out more than the ones aforementioned: The same bracelet that Skeeter was wearing on its ankle and that belonged to Aren. Obviously Ar'ekk didn't notice the bracelet on the Porg at first which is why he didn't comment on it.

"You guys can come in anytime, all I ask is you're polite when you do."

The captain's chair was his and as such he used it to sit down, feet on top of the controls.

[member="Aren D'Shade"] | [member="Rann Thress"]

 

[Rann Thress]

Rann looked around the cockpit, simply trying to get familiar with his surroundings, and quickly noticed the bracelet. He didn't have to look hard to see that it was the same bracelet the porg wore. Again, without really thinking, Rann said,

"Arekk has the same bracelet."

He, again, pointed at the bracelet. The implications of them having the same bracelet did not dawn on Rann until later. He simply noticed they were similar, or the same.

He did not know why he reacted by blurting out, Rann generally was a very quiet man. But he could not help himself but speak.

@Arekk [member="Aren D'Shade"]

 

[Aren D'Shade]

Contrary to what Ar'ekk had said earlier that day, he now said she was welcome to come into the cockpit as long as she was polite.

"And here I thought females were the fickle of mind. You're the boss, boss. Speaking of, do you expect me to share any of the credits I earn from any jobs I take on? Already planning on fixing some stuff around here so not expecting any salary from you because you giving me room and board already. You do plan to keep me fed right?"

Closing her mouth as she realized she was babbling like a child, she furrowed her eyebrows when Rann pointed out the same type of bracelet on the wall of the cockpit. Taking Skeeter off her shoulder with a squawk of protest, Aren took the bracelet off and held it in her hand. It would have been small enough to fit on the wrist of an infant, while the one Ar'ekk had was a little larger.

"You're right, Rann. It does look the same. Where'd you get yours, Ar'ekk?"

She knew she was adopted, but nothing of her biological family.

[member="Rann Thress"] [member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

Ar'ekk did not notice at first what they were talking about, which took him around a minute to figure out the topic of this conversation. That bracelet was his ever since he had a memory, all the way from Coruscant to now. Years and years passed and that thing remained on his belongings, no matter what the situation was or how bad things were. It always came back to him, like it was meant to be in his presence forever.

"I don't remember, had that thing since I was a toddler. As far as I can remember it's been with me forever."

Then, his laid eyes upon Skeeter the Porg who had the same exact bracelet ankled on his foot. It was certainly Aren's bracelet which would fit her perfectly and from this view it seemed identical to the one that the half masked Jedi Knight had on "display". Too many coincidences, she couldn't be family to him. It was impossible, right? Right?

Spinning around in his seat to take a good look at the duo, a frown forming upon his face and his tone getting more interrogative by the minute he couldn't help but ask:

"Who are you?"

Obviously, Ar'ekk was talking to the young slicer girl.

"Who really are you?"

[member="Aren D'Shade"] | [member="Rann Thress"]

 

[Aren D'Shade]

Ar'ekk said he didn't remember actually getting the bracelet, but he'd had it all his life. It was the same for her. He turned around quickly in his seat to look at her even though his glance also included Rann. His barked question wasn't very friendly and Aren took half a step back, probably running into Rann if he was behind her.

"I told you earlier who I am. Aren D'shade. I'm adopted though, born on Coruscant and know nothing about my original family. What I do know is the life my family gave me. That is who I am. A girl that grew up on Zakuul and is now standing here talking to you."

She held Skeeter close and almost appeared to be using him a shield. Her voice wasn't defensive or anything, but it sounded a little intimidated.

"Look at it, it's a bracelet I got when I was an infant. You got yours as a toddler...you're a few years old...no way. Who are you then?"

Getting brave as she pieced a possibility together, she turned and handed Skeeter to Rann. Holding her bracelet, she went to look at the one on the wall. If Ar'ekk allowed her to, she would take it down and hold them together.

"Look at this."

[member="Arekk"] [member="Rann Thress"]

 

[Arekk]

The impulsiveness had taken him over and that made Aren afraid, he could sense it through the Force. There was something awaken inside the young girl, a connection between the two that wasn't there when they first met. She was unaware of such gift and the "bond" they shared, everything being confirmed in that instant for Ar'ekk.

A sister... what were the odds of this? Of finding your only relative, your blood, your everything by chance. Luck. Perhaps it was the Force but who really knew?

His eyes lingered on the two identical bracelets, only to confirm the suspicion on his mind that showed up during their first encounter. If this didn't mean they were siblings or related at all, what else would it take?

"I... I'm speechless. You can't possible be..."

[member="Aren D'Shade"] | [member="Rann Thress"]

 

[Aren D'Shade]

Her eyes scanned the bracelets and saw the same numbers on them, just one digit off from the other. Taking a gulp, she would hold them up to Ar'ekk to look at closer. He was the Jedi around here and could probably feel how she felt. May even have something similar inside of himself.

"We're related. How did we get separated?"

As much for a loss of words as he was, Skeeter had something to say and struggled in the grasp of Rann to get down. He knew Aren and could tell something had changed in her. The need for him to provide at least a sense of moral support, he almost cried to get let loose and do what he could for his owner.

[member="Arekk"]

 

[Rann Thress]

The bird struggled against Rann and, not knowing what to do, Rann held it out to her. He was confused and curious about what just happened. The main take away is apparently Arekk and Aren were related. He did not know how, and did not know how a simple bracelet told that. Yeah they were similar but so what? Merchants sold identical jewelry all the time everywhere. There must be something incredibly significant about the bracelet that Rann simply could not understand.

"Errrr..... Here is your bird."

His incredible contribution to the conversation would be remembered for thousands of years.

[member="Arekk"] [member="Aren D'Shade"]

 

[Arekk]

"We can't be possibly related. They're similar bracelets, yes, but does that mean we are?"

Ar'ekk wasn't someone to be skeptic all the time but if he had to follow the Force instead of his guts, then everything that led to this point mean they were brother and sister. Similar expressions, facial similitudes, words, bracelets, actions. It was too good to be true but perhaps that really was the case. Still, if Aren and Ar'ekk wanted to know the real truth then there was only a way of finding that out.

"You and me, we're both from Coruscant and hold a similar bracelet with some numbers on them. Blood test, perhaps? Something that confirms this?"

At this time, he was just spewing out different options to really find out but deep inside... He just knew. She had to be his sister.

[member="Rann Thress"] | [member="Aren D'Shade"]

 

[Aren D'Shade]

When Rann went to hand Skeeter back to her, he practically jumped out of his hands and tried to fly to her. As a flightless bird, it was quite comical and in a way brought any stress down by at least a degree. Being deft, Aren caught Skeeter and set him on her shoulder and nodded thanks to Rann and tried not to laugh at the look on his face.

"Rann take a look at these. You can see these numbers match except the last which is one digit off. To me it seems like these were gotten at the same time."

Looking at Ar'ekk, she tilted her head and shrugged her shoulder not holding the porg.

"I guess. You have a test around that would show something?"

[member="Arekk"] [member="Rann Thress"]

 

[Arekk]

"I don't know but I recently purchased a big medical kit, it's in the cargo hold."

There was the chance to find a test kit where Ar'ekk said it'd be but the chances were minimal, maybe things would work out for them if they digged into the medical bag good enough. Chances that they were related oscilated between 99 and 100%, the odds all in their favor.

Skeeter certainly brought the unease and nervousness of the half masked Jedi down, letting out a brief chuckle that certainly made everything feel a little less tense. Just... the sudden realization of such thing had taken its toll on him. If Aren was truly her sister, he had to see it through other means beyond a blood test.

The Force.

[member="Rann Thress"] | [member="Aren D'Shade"]

 

[Rann Thress]

"Well this certainly seems like a huge moment for the both of you...... If you'd like, Master, I could go try to find the kit myself. Give you two some privacy, probably got a lot to talk about."
Rann just wanted off this crazy ride. He figured it'd be best to let the two figure it out without his dumbstruck gaze at the two of them. The figure he cut must be more than comical, as seen from Aren trying not to laugh at him.

Truthfully, Rann did not know how to react. It wasn't even a bombshell to him but it was clearly a very important discovery. And as Aren showed him the bracelets with similar id numbers he agreed the chances were extremely high they at very least knew eachother. Rann was insanely curious about how they got separated and wanted to know everything, but realized the best thing to do would probably be to try and give everyone some space.

[member="Arekk"] [member="Aren D'Shade"]

 

[Aren D'Shade]

"Maybe I can wire something to test if there isn't one in that kit. How often would one include a blood test anyway? It's possible I guess, so one can know if it is safe to share blood or give a medicine to..."

She spoke with ​a slightly detached way that indicated she was in thought. Her way of coping with this potential news. Skeeker was snugged up against her head and nuzzled in to be close. Aren didn't notice this, but took the comfort he provided not realizing it.

When Rann spoke, his comment was addressed to Ar'ekk.

"Not much talking to do until this is solved for sure, I don't think."

[member="Rann Thress"] [member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

Looking straight into Aren's eyes, Ar'ekk could see beyond their reach. Through the Force and everything that sorrounded them, it was true. They were siblings, he knew it. It wasn't something you couldn't deny right there and then because the gut feeling that invaded him during their first encounter turned out to be true.

Gently taking his bracelet from the girl's hand and comparing it to the one on her other hand he confirmed their procedence.

"I think you really are my sister, Aren. But if you need a more clear confirmation, the blood test will do."

The half masked Jedi knew that had to be done either way for Aren, perhaps she didn't like the whole "mystical" reasoning that Ar'ekk showed and he wouldn't blame her. But the Force... it was strong within her. They looked alike, shared similar expressions, their eyes and face had identical form... It was impossible to say they weren't related one way or the other.

If Rann went to dig into the medical bag, he'd find a blood test kit unopened and ready to be used by them.

[member="Aren D'Shade"] | [member="Rann Thress"]

 

[Rann Thress]

"I'll go take a look. If it is in there, I'll find it."

Rann remembered where Arekk and him had put the newly bought supplies and so Rann went straight there. It wasn't very long, a couple minutes at most, until he found the correct medical kit. However, not really knowing what this blood test would look like and not feeling comfortable rooting around inside a bag like this, Rann simply picked up the entire kit and brought it back to Aren and Ar'ekk.

He held the kit in his arm as we came back in and handed it out to whomever decided to take it first.

[member="Arekk"] [member="Aren D'Shade"]

 

[Aren D'Shade]

For the moment they were alone while Rann went to get the medical kit. Ar'ekk stated he felt they were siblings, but Aren was still slightly resistant to the idea. The proof of the bracelets should have been enough and the conviction Ar'ekk spoke with. Her own look would mirror her lack of belief.

"What are the odds here? This is nuts."

Taking her bracelet back, she deftly replaced it on the leg of Skeeter. Once that was done, he snuggled back in against her head. Looking at Ar'ekk he let out a rather quiet squawk as if to say he trusted the word he said.
​
When Rann returned, Aren took the kit from him and set it on the chair near her opening it up. Picking up a couple of the tests inside, she found one she thought would do and held it out to be taken from her. Holding one of her hands out, she waited for Ar'ekk to do what needed to be done.

"Thanks, Rann."

Gulping, ​she almost reached her other hand out to Rann just to get a little extra moral support. The drawing of the blood took only moments and was almost painless. Now they just needed for the test to complete.

"What exactly will this say? Like maybe you need to use it too?"

[member="Rann Thress"] [member="Arekk"]

 

[Arekk]

He wasn't very fond of a blood test as he found them too unnecessary and sometimes anxiety inducing for a person. A hate for needles was the cause as well for this irrational "fear" but it had to be done now, just to get things out of the way once and for all. Know the truth in its entirety.

"It's my turn now, relax. We'll have to mix both tests and it'll tell us right away with a blue color instead of negative red."

The test kit was pretty straightforward and the instructions were outspoken by Ar'ekk to the slicer girl, who sought the comfort of Rann while she received the treatment first. This was a funny thing to witness. Skeeter let out quieter squawks this time while he looked at the half masked man, something told him he trusted Ar'ekk slightly now.

Strange.

Placing the needle on his vein and taking some blood, Ar'ekk sealed the small vial and shook it to get a clear view of his blood. It was good to start the "real" test. Mixing both of their samples and making sure the kit worked as it should, all proper clean measures were taken. Nitrile gloves and clean hands, always ready.

"Here it goes."

The result turned out to be: Blue.

[member="Aren D'Shade"] | [member="Rann Thress"]

 

[3H-0]

[member=Arekk] | [member="Rann Thress"] | [member="Aren D'Shade"]


Eho had been gone for days, Arekk didn't even know if she was still on the ship, probably. But he never should of let his guard down, not with Eho. As they were talking, Eho was shifting around, quite quietly since most of her body wasn't actually mechanical - but soft. The last time Arekk saw her, she left him and Rann to whatever they were doing and headed for the cockpit - surprisingly, Arekk had entered that room just moments after and didn't seem to be phased by her disappearance. Silly boy. She suddenly fell from the ceiling in the cockpit, just above Arekk. She fell on his lap in a cowgirl position, practically hugging him. "Oh! Hello everyone! Sorry about that," she continued looking at Arekk. "Sorry mister Jedi! I'm just looking for my hand." It was true, her left hand was missing from her arm. She ignored whatever Arekk and the others might say as she lifted herself up and turned around in his lap, again, but leaned down, reaching under the cockpit seat. She dived between his legs as she searched under the seat, her body suit rear now on his chest. "Ah, gotcha!" She exclaimed, finding her hand and attaching it back on, plopping back into Arekks lap. He was quite light, or quite strong, as she lifted herself up from the lapsitting as if she was a feather, getting high enough to angle her rear over Arekks head as she spun around, looking at everyone. "So, what is this some sort of family reunion? Mister Jedi you never told me you had any family!" She turned slightly to grab at the cockpit chair and shake it a little, teasingly.