Private Seeking Kyber

[Zinayn]

Zinayn set the shuttle down slowly on the snowy surface of Ilum. As the repulsors whined down, he surveyed the land outside. Snow was falling lightly, and the cave was just up ahead. Perfect. The Chiss rose from his seat and turned to face Tin Zeer , his "student". Interestingly enough, she wasn't Force-sensitive on her on, but an organ within, a Vo, was what gave her the power. He remembered the surprise he felt when he first met the Pantoran aboard Aurora Station with Laphisto .

"Well, here we are. Normally I wouldn't go in with you but word's been that some raiders are trying to make a living out of selling Kyber here. Better two than one in this situation," Zinayn said before hastily adding, "I don't doubt your ability, of course."

With training, Tin would certainly be even more of a force to be reckoned with. He did sense that she leaned towards the power of the dark side, but that wasn't too concerning. He'd be here to help if she was beginning to fall. Although, Zinayn found that help sometimes speeds up the process. If anything was counterintuitive, it was trying to help someone from falling to the dark side. With a clouded mind, trust isn't an option.

The Chiss grabbed his katana (a weapon he'd forged from scratch alone, just several days ago), and donned his heavier set of clothing. He strapped some reflective goggles on his eyes, ruffled up his hair a bit, and waited by the ramp. Now, how to go about this...

 

[Tin Zeer]

Tags: Zinayn
A lightsaber, it was not a weapon she ever expected to try and wield. She wasn't a jedi, she wasn't a sith. She was a soldier. This new system she now followed in the Lilaste order was still ever so odd. But, nevertheless, a lightsaber had it's benefits. She didn't care so much for any ritualization they might be deciding to do here as opposed to just gathering crystals, but the force was weird. So perhaps it actually served a purpose here. Still, the chiss was equipped like she often was anyway. It was unnecessary for the cold. But she was well prepared for it's weight.

"There's no offense. It's more efficient in case of an emergency of any kind." she stated. Honestly. Going alone seemed unnecessary. Of course she could see an argument to leave someone to ensure safety back as well. But decisions were made already. She checked her own equipment one last time eying the choice of clothing. But, he was supposed to be a master. She may still prefer armor, but that's how she was trained.

She swung the rifle around her back and looked around from the ramp, "Quite an old tradition isn't it. How important do you think it actually is each person collects their own?" she questioned, still looking outwards.

Equipment:
Armor:
LO-56A MKII
Energy shield:
Katitik Hive personal Energy Shield
Weapons:
High range rifle
blaster pistol
vibro sword
grappling hook

 

[Zinayn]

Zinayn stepped out into the cold, lowering his parka's hood just a bit for comfort. The cave was still close, it was just...he could've landed closer. He half-turned to face Tin Zeer and answered, "Yes, this tradition goes back thousands of years, though I don't know when it first started. But I know who started it. The Jedi. Let us walk and talk.

"It's been shown in the caves that the kyber crystal that is right for you will call out to you through the Force. I think this is paramount to success. Bonding with a kyber crystal before even constructing a lightsaber? It should be the standard for all Force users with a saber, in my opinion.

"The lightsaber is supposed to be an extension of yourself. How can you use the weapon as such when you haven't bonded with the thing that makes it what it is? The crystal is what makes it blaze against the enemy, or deflect a bolt of high energy plasma coming to end your life. If you're not connected with the entirety of your weapon, then how can you say it is an extension of yourself?"

As the Chiss's rant ended, they found themselves before the cave entrance. An arch was what differentiated it from the other caves in the area. There was an inscription on it, but it was lost to time. "Well, shall we?"

 

[Tin Zeer]

Tags: Zinayn
Tin resisted the urge to point out almost anyone could probably guess who started it, there weren't exactly a lot of options, and the sith were a lot less known for the peaceful kind of traditions. Let alone where they followed the will of something other than a being of superior power. Still, she walked with him. He suggested that any force user with a saber ought to do it that way. Bonding with a crystal. Again, resisting the urge to say anything about it just yet.

"No offense, but what makes a saber unique in that matter. Why not a blaster, or a set of armor." she suggested, "Blasters are more in line with my skill base after-all. More likely for me to use."

But they were here now, she looked up at the missing inscription. That could have been important information once. Or perhaps it was merely a word of warning, or encouragement. Or practical advice. Who knew anymore, "I suppose we shall."

Here came the harder part. Some skills came far more naturally to her. Abilities that aligned with the Vo, allowing her to double her standard power, on top of that of her force sensitive organ. It was easier to feel how they were supposed to work. But those powers were few in number, telekinesis, and self enhancement. Simple abilities. Sensory skills, those were more difficult for her still. At least, this kind was.

Equipment:
Armor:
LO-56A MKII
Energy shield:
Katitik Hive personal Energy Shield
Weapons:
High range rifle
blaster pistol
vibro sword
grappling hook

 

[Zinayn]

"Well, a lightsaber is unique in the way that it has a 'living' component in it in the form of the kyber crystal. The crystal is connected to the Force, and thus connected to you. Your emotions can alter the crystal in very subtle, or very drastic ways. Take bleeding for example. Sith and other dark siders will pour their hatred into the crystal in meditation to bend it to their will. Turning the blade red is just a side effect of the kyber having its will broken.

"You don't have to worry about the negative effects of your feelings on a blaster or armor. However, you can't benefit from a strong bond with one of those weapons because they arent 'sentient' like kyber crystals. Now I suppose you could use the crystal you find today for something other than a lightsaber, if you don't believe that type of combat is for you.. What matters is the crystal. The lightsaber needs it to function, but it doesn't need the lightsaber, " Zinayn said.

All the while, he'd been expanding his senses, probing ahead into the cave for any signs of raiders or looters. Nothing yet. The Chiss gestured into the cave. After all, Tin Zeer would be the one leading the way today.

 

[Tin Zeer]

Tags: Zinayn
She listened to his explanation. Some skepticism still. But, the force was already strange enough. If, perhaps, this crystal could be connected to her mind as closely as her own Vo was. Or...close anyway, perhaps it really could prove important to bond with one of them. The act of beating the thing into submission though was rather unseemly. Not that it was without practicality she figured. There was surely reason for it.

She considered his other point that perhaps she could find another use for it. And that was probably true, but she wasn't technologically minded. It wasn't in her training. She grunted an acknowledgement of his answer, "For now I guess a saber will have to do. Finding some other use of it isn't my expertise." she responded as she took the lead he gestured.

Now for the hard part, Tin started trying to feel into the cave with the force. Shutting her eyes, something she still hated doing when there was the possibility of threats around. Still, she did it. And reached out as she tipped her head and took in and let out deep breaths, opening her eyes occasionally as she started to walk.

Equipment:
Armor:
LO-56A MKII
Energy shield:
Katitik Hive personal Energy Shield
Weapons:
High range rifle
blaster pistol
vibro sword
grappling hook

 

[Zinayn]

Zinayn crossed the threshold of the cave and was almost immediately assaulted with that telltale cave smell. He was no scientist, but it seemed like every cave he entered had the exact same odor. A whiff of 'cave air' always gave him a sense of adventure. He'd been adventure starved for a while on the station for a good couple weeks. The Chiss would never understand those who didn't have that craving for exploration that he did, though that was probably due to his innate inability to empathize with others and understand where they were coming from.

The light from outside was nearly fully gone now, obscured by some heavy, mysterious gloom that had descended upon them within seconds of entering. Zinayn could still see pretty well thanks to his slightly infrared eyesight, but the story might not be the same for Tin Zeer . He reached into his cloak and produced his lightsaber. Holding it high over his head and pressing the ignition, a golden blade flashed into existence, bathing the surfaces of the cave in illumination.

He was about to ask the Pantoran if she felt anything, but closed his mouth after a moment's consideration. Silence would certainly be an ally here. Given that Tin hadn't quite refined her power yet, focusing on her senses might be difficult now. Talking would only distract her from an already demanding task.

Suddenly his eyes widened. Something had entered Zinayn's sense range. It would probably be a while before they encountered the presence considering the many twists and turns in this rocky labyrinth, but they would find it nonetheless. The Chiss further probed the presence. It was dark and tainted, but not in the way a Sith or Dark Jedi was. Probably a raider or pirate, then. Or someone equally evil.

He wouldn't say anything about it yet to Tin. First of all, it would disrupt her focus. Secondly, he wanted to see if or when she would sense the person for herself. A little test. No, more like a benchmark exam to see what he was working with here.

 

[Tin Zeer]

Tags: Zinayn
This was the hardest part, reaching out with the force, vaguely. She tried to focus, listening. As she walked, she let her regular senses drift away more. Closest she could manage was almost like trying to fall asleep, deep sleep. The kind where you were home, not in the field, not in the office. Finding the right spot between that sleep, and actually being able to hear still though. That was difficult.

As they walked she began to think she could feel something. It wasn't...direct. It was like someone tapping in a pool and all she got was the ripple. She could visualize it, something bright, yet, not where. Just feel it's rough direction. So, she kept walking. Letting the ripples guide her. Further she went, the more she could close her eyes, instead keeping a hand out, and moving her feet to be sure she wasn't stepping off a cliff face or something.

She kept going, she felt more things. But wasn't sure what they were. By now, it had gone from a ripple, to something like a laser beam. If you could feel someone shining a bright light on your head without actually seeing it. But the other things felt different. More...grimy? She couldn't tell, she kept on. Perhaps they were other crystals. Then as she stopped while searching, she thought she felt them move and she instantly stopped.

Nothing? She wandered if she imagined it. Those things were still there, but she couldn't really tell what they were. She kept on for a bit longer, she had to be close she thought. Then she thought those grimy things moved again and she stopped again. "What is that?" she muttered, "People? Crystals? Creatures?" she asked quietly.

Equipment:
Armor:
LO-56A MKII
Energy shield:
Katitik Hive personal Energy Shield
Weapons:
High range rifle
blaster pistol
vibro sword
grappling hook

 

[Zinayn]

A small smile played on Zinayn's lips as he heard the sounds of realization from Tin Zeer . Her senses were good, especially considering that this was likely the first time she'd done this. She picked up the raiders' presences just a minute or so after him. What was he working with? Great potential.

It would be a tragedy if it was wasted. And that would happen if one: she gave up on this path, which wasn't out of the question. The Chiss doubted that being a warrior was anyone's dream job. Why not in a nice cubicle on Coruscant, or some scientist, or something else cozy? Warriors didn't get much sleep, or get to eat five star meals by superstar chefs in lavishly decorated ballrooms. But something told Zinayn that this Pantoran wasn't cut out for that life of comfort.

The second reason would be his fault entirely. If he failed as a teacher, failed to tell her how to harness her strength to the fullest, he might be the one to push her astray. And a teacher seeing a student slip away was said to be very painful. Hopefully he wouldn't have to experience it for himself.

Zinayn answered, "Those darker, dirtier presences you are sensing are either raiders or pirates. I have determined from my own probes that they're sentient beings. Are you feeling another presence? Something stronger?"

That stronger presence was most likely the crystal that was singing its song to her. Or maybe just calling. Kyber crystal encounters might not be the same for everyone, though they were similar. Zinayn glanced at his lightsaber hilt, and the gloved fist around it. Within was his crystal, blazing with amber light. His crystal had been very musical in making itself known. Tin's might be less so, though that remained to be seen.

 

[Tin Zeer]

Tags: Zinayn
She listened, raising a brow at who they were and let out an irritated brief hum of acknowledgement. Great, so they went from a possibility of enemies, to a near certainty. If they got near enough at least. That's not to say they couldn't be handled. However they were a distraction from the primary goal of coming here. A group that should be destroyed most likely. But that didn't mean they were completely harmless either, if they were, people like her would not be necessary.

Then he asked about the something stronger, "I think so." she agreed, she realized, it was like it was still there now. Even without her putting quite as much focus on it. It was still some tiny star, humming and shining. Not quite clear just yet. But there. "I think it's close."

She took in and let out a breath, Tin realized that whether or not those were pirates. She had a job to do. So it was best to get to it. She began to walk again, she thought it must be very close...maybe. 10 meters? 30? Somewhere in that range was what she thought, but it still wasn't perfect. All she knew was that she had to be getting closer, and it was getting far far easier to feel it, without having to really focus on it. Despite that, she couldn't help but devote her attention to it anyway. That something so presumably small, so...inanimate. Could seem so alive and full of energy was fascinating, if slightly disturbing.

Equipment:
Armor:
LO-56A MKII
Energy shield:
Katitik Hive personal Energy Shield
Weapons:
High range rifle
blaster pistol
vibro sword
grappling hook

 

[Zinayn]

Zinayn nodded at her words. If the crystal was close, then maybe they wouldn't have to engage the raiders at all. But he winced at the thought of leaving the scumbags alone to profit off of such an offense to the Force.

And it seemed the universe heard his thoughts. Voices echoed off the moist walls, speaking in... Huttese? Zinayn froze and extinguished his lightsaber, relying on his slightly infrared vision alone. Was that a smart move? Probably not. In this darkness they would have flashlights, so they would spot the two anyway. Zinayn assumed a combat position and gestured for Tin Zeer to do the same.

The voices grew in magnitude until he saw two people turn the corner. They wore some type of light armor, and leather holsters for their blaster pistols. Based on this, they probably didn't expect anyone to walk in on their operation. They were approaching slowly, flashlights in hand. He'd let the Pantoran take the first move. She had the range advantage over him, and surprise over the enemy.

They could be dead before ever spotting them.

 

[Tin Zeer]

Tags: Zinayn
Tin stopped and let out a sigh as she heard them. Pulling her rifle into her hands, her HUD had night and thermal vision, regardless of if her skill with her senses was still struggling. She may not know the mystical sides of the force well yet. But she knew her vo very well. And she knew her gear just as good. She was a soldier. This was the simplest way to solve a problem, blow a hole through it.

They turned the corner on her sight, with flashlights, it was only time before they were spotted. NO stealth tech, so, the simple approach it was. They both dropped almost instantly as two shots rang, and two holes appeared in their heads. She started moving immediately, there was no point in waiting afterall. If there was only one of them, a telekinetic squeeze or strike would have been better. Nearly silent. But with two, there was simply too much risk of the noise alerting enemies anyway.

"Should finish them off. Get the crystal later." She said quietly while on the move, her armor didn't lend itself to stealth easily, which was perhaps it's biggest disadvantage. It was otherwise very effective. She'd have to invest in something less noisy for times she needed silence. Or...there came the easy part. Using the Vo, she began cushioning her footfalls with the force. Her normal connection to the force had strength, but little skill. Her Vo had it's limitations, but telekinesis worked just fine. She could produce a counterforce on her footfalls at the last moment of each, nearly going totally silent as she moved quick.

Now she could do what she was actually good at.

Equipment:
Armor:
LO-56A MKII
Energy shield:
Katitik Hive personal Energy Shield
Weapons:
High range rifle
blaster pistol
vibro sword
grappling hook

 

[Zinayn]

Zinayn watched two holes appear in their heads almost simultaneously. Both fell in a heap to the ground, flashlights clattering away and rolling in circles. Tin Zeer began moving immediately, so the Chiss followed, keeping his senses focused on the other raiders. Getting rid of them first would be a good idea, it wasn't like the crystal was limited edition and crowds were swarming to get it. She would get it on her own time.

They walked down a small decline in the cave floor, and up ahead was a large chamber with relatively level ground, and a lighting source around the corner to the left. The ceiling of the cave room was very tall compared to what they'd been walking through before. The enemy was here.

Back against the wall, Zinayn peeked around the wall of the short passageway, behind him. Ten of people all occupying that side of the chamber. A few of them were surveying the wall on that end, one of them holding a drill. Definitely not the most efficient way to gather high-priced materials, but all ten of them working together nonstop for a day might be able to accomplish what a mining vehicle could in a few hours (but Zinayn was no expert at excavation.

Well, they were a good twenty meters away. Tin would have a good time dispatching them ... but she'd already taken care of two. He grinned. I need some fun too. But it'd be bland and boring if I take them by surprise...

Zinayn cleared his throat rather loudly. Still no one turned around. "Back from patrol already?" asked the one with the drill in Basic. "Good, we need to get back to work."

The Gray Jedi's head tilted slightly in disappointment. Whatever. He gripped his sheathe, thumb on the guard of his katana. He'd have fun elsewhere. The Dusate Pirates were still at large, and obviously a massive pain for the Order, so it wouldn't be difficult to ask Laphisto for permission to take the fight to them. If not the entire military, then him alone. He should be able to cause some trouble by himself.

He pushed the guard away from the sheathe, and with his other hand drew the weapon. Zinayn immediately began pouring raw Force energy into the blade, actively imbuing and strengthening it so its cutting power was on par or slightly past the abilities of a lightsaber. Now he stretched out his arm, palm up, and beckoned with his fingers.

The man with the drill was yanked towards him by the Force, and into the slash he'd put in motion milliseconds ago. That got their attention.

 

[Tin Zeer]

Tags: Zinayn
Ten there. Ten threats. A rush of mild irritation flooded Tin as Zinayn chose to intentionally give away their position, regardless of the fact the enemy took it as their people on patrol. But she barely showed it beside her furrowed brow and frown. She let him have the starting move though, if he insisted on making it go this way, fine. Her energy shield activated and she started rapidly sidestepping with her rifle raised, firing 6 shots, 2 a piece into 3 of the men in the chest. Best not risk wasted shots going for the forehead when in motion. The rifle had a pretty good amount of energy behind it, so she was pretty sure it would suffice. If not, she'd have to adapt. That was always a risk.

As she ducked behind more cover, she glanced at Zinayn "Is showmanship a typical objective of yours?" she questioned, without moving a hand, instead, her vo reached out to the weapons of one of the man she downed, turning it while on the ground and firing mostly blindly, but still in the general direction of the adversaries. If she could see it, that'd be a little more precise, but she knew it wasn't aimed at the two of them at least. Gave her a moment to sling her rifle across her back, and her blaster pistol to quickly replace it in one hand, and the vibro sword with a simple ion charge, though she deactivated it for now.

Equipment:
Armor:
LO-56A MKII
Energy shield:
Katitik Hive personal Energy Shield
Weapons:
High range rifle
blaster pistol
vibro sword
grappling hook

 

[Zinayn]

Zinayn felt the rush of annoyance within Tin Zeer at his thrill-seeking. He grinned beneath the shadow of his hood. Doubtless, she was hoping to get this fight over with in seconds, using their advantage of surprise. Where was the fun in that?

He watched three raiders turn abruptly, brows raised in confusion. That was the last expression they'd ever make, as two bolts rammed into each of them. He chuckled to himself, hearing the Pantoran's disapproving remark. "Enjoying my work certainly is!" he responded, cleaving his target's weapon in half from the left, then bisecting him from the right.

The thing about the Harbinger was that it wasn't as clean as a lightsaber. It didn't possess the amazingly high temperatures of the elegant weapon, which would cauterize any wounds inflicted upon the enemy instantly. His katana left wounds wide open. He would have to think about getting a hydrophobic cloak, or ditching it altogether.

A different sounding blaster went off behind him, but he felt no imminent danger. He paused his dash towards another surprised scumbag to see what was happening. Oh, what a welcome sight!

Finally he could evaluate Tin's use of the Force in combat. She (or rather the second Force signature within her) was telekinetically squeezing the trigger of a downed pirate's pistol. The wild shots were certainly having an effect on one of the bigger excavators, who was hopping around like the floor was lava to evade.

Zinayn flicked a wrist, tripping the humanoid into the line of death. One of the more collaborative kills of his career.