Private Shadows Over Karvos II

[Briana Sal-Soren]

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:// Rogue Matukai Threat //:
:// TO: Briana Sal-Soren and Aris Noble //:

Greetings Knight Sal-Soren and Padawan Noble,

The Jedi Council has identified a matter of urgent concern that requires your immediate attention. While our eyes were turned towards other conflicts, a troubling development has arisen within our very own borders on Karvos II that cannot be ignored.

Recent intelligence reports have indicated a disturbing shift in the behavior of a segment of the Matukai, a group historically known for their peaceful coexistence and harmony with the Force. This rogue faction has fallen under the sway of the dark side, engaging in unprovoked assaults against their own kind and causing widespread unrest across Karvos II.

The leader of the rogue Matukai is reported to possess and utilize a dark side artifact of considerable power. This artifact not only amplifies their Force abilities but has also been said to coerce and subjugate members of the Matukai community against their will. The potential for further corruption and the expansion of dark side influence is a significant threat. Protect and aid the innocent Matukai by locating the leader of this faction and securing the artifact. If containment is not possible, the artifact must be destroyed.

The Council trusts in your abilities to navigate this complex situation with the wisdom, compassion, and courage that embodies a Jedi of the Order. Report back with your findings and progress.

May the Force be with you both.

 

[Aris Noble]

"Would this make the group technically the Sith of the Matukai?"

Aris swiped through the pages of reports, calmly reading up on the information provided. They weren't Sith, of course, but much as the Sith had been Je'dai once before utilizing the Dark and eventually making a new way of life, this group could be on a similar path to that. If left unchecked, they could become something far more dangerous than just to the Matukai.

".. No, not quite. It wasn't an artifact that made the Sith Sith.. Though, how did they get such an artifact?"

Briana Sal-Soren

 

[Briana Sal-Soren]

Wearing: XoXo | Equipment: Lightsaber | Location: Hyperspace, traveling to Karvos II | Tag: Aris Noble ​

Briana was seated comfortably in the pilot's chair of the Verè next to Aris, who was deeply engrossed in the reports and other articles pertaining to their mission, his youthful face furrowed in deep concentration as he began to muse a loud. It was valid question, yet it opened the door to a conversation and topic that she'd been trying to figure out a way to broach ever since Valery told her about his recent trials. While she wasn't going to force him to talk to her if he didn't want to, Briana wanted to impress on the young Noble that she was there if he needed her, ready to help him sort through what he'd faced.

After all, Briana knew all too well the shadows such actions could cast upon a soul.

She remained silent for a moment, inhaling deeply before letting her gaze shift from the viewport to Aris. "From my understanding, the last Elder of the Matukai was seeking for a way to best protect his people and unearthed ancient texts about an artifact that was supposed to grant those who held it a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Force. Those that haven't been affected, said that their Elder took a small expedition with him into the mountains to locate it, and didn't come back for several weeks. When he did... well." Briana's lips pulled into a slight frown.

They wouldn't be going to Karvos II if everything had ended hunky-dory.

"Sometimes, dark side artifacts like these can draw in those who are more susceptible to their pull and influence." she began softly, "And other times, they find their way into hands unprepared for the burden they bring."

Her fingers grazed the controls of the Verè absentmindedly, the smooth surface grounding her as she collected her thoughts. Turning her chair slightly, Briana angled her body towards Aris, her posture open and inviting. "Listen," she said, trying to keep her tone warm, "your mother told me about what happened. What you did was a very brave and noble thing... but I know how those decisions, even the best intended, can leave a mark. I want you to know that whatever it is you're feeling—anger, guilt, confusion—it's natural. And if you want to talk about what happened, I'm here."

​

 

[Aris Noble]

"The desire to protect."

Aris's expression stilled to something rather neutral as he thought through something with that. Which Briana pretty quickly touched upon anyway. It made sense that mom would tell Briana what had happened, she was his master after all. It was important for her to know where his headspace might be. But was it something he was prepared to actually talk about?

He took a breath to calm his mind.

"I'm sill not sure how I feel. I don't regret anything that I had done, only that it had to be done to begin with."

Briana Sal-Soren

 

[Briana Sal-Soren]

Outfit: XoXo | Equipment: Lightsaber, Echo Stone | Tag: Aris Noble ​

"It's...an unfortunate part of being a Jedi." Briana said, her nod slow and thoughtful, trying not to cringe at her own words. 'Unfortunate' felt like much too light a word to be used in this context. Especially with someone as young as Aris was. He might have stood at her height, but he was still only a child at the onset of life's journey, each day unfolding new emotions, new connections, a Galaxy of 'firsts' that should have been filled with discovery, not somber realities.

There was no small part of her that worried over how the experience might impact him down the road as he came to terms with it. Afterall, the weight of such experiences could mold or mar a soul. "Sometimes we are called by the Force to make choices that no one else can — or will... and in my own experience, usually before we actually feel ready for them." Her eyes settled on him, brows drawing together as if trying to read his expression. "And it's normal to be uncertain about how you feel right now — even the most experienced Jedi among us still struggle to understand their feelings." She offered a gentle, reassuring smile to him. "But that regretful feeling? That's a good thing. That's the inner compass that keeps us in check, helps us make sure that we don't lose our purpose or our compassion. You'll need both in equal measure, to be a good Jedi."

​

 

[Aris Noble]

Regret, was it? Aris fell silent for a moment in thought. Maybe that was exactly what this emotion was. He wasn't sure exactly what emotions all meant, but this did feel like a first step towards at least understanding what he was currently feeling. The only relief was that it wasn't just a normal emotion to feel, but a good one to have. He let out a breath before looking ahead.

"Who are we going to meet here?"

It was time to focus up. They were here to help, after all. And that's what he really wanted to focus on.

Briana Sal-Soren

 

[Briana Sal-Soren]

Outfit: XoXo | Equipment: Lightsaber, Echo Stone | Tag: Aris Noble ​

"Done talking about it for now?" Briana asked with a rhetorical sigh, offering him a half-smile. Her fingers flexed against the control in her hands, rolling her shoulder back against the pilots seat as if she were sloughing off the conversation, at least for the time being.

"We're meeting with the previous Chieftain's daughter," she answered, her tone shifting to one of business. "She's been leading the resistance against her father's rogue Matukai faction and trying to keep them safe. She's young, about your age, actually — but very resourceful and clever, from what I could tell." While most would likely see it as strange for someone so young to be leading a people, to Briana who'd been raised on Naboo, it was just another Taungsday.

Many on her planet believed the young had a clarity and vision sometimes clouded in the eyes of the experienced, and that their purity of intent made them less likely to be corrupted by power. A reality that'd come to pass during the last few elections before Naboo's current Queen, Kalantha had taken the reigns.

Briana had only spoken to the young woman leading the Matukai faction once, but she could see much of that same strong spirit in the young woman, that she did with their own Queen. And that gave her hope.

"Her name is Lysara. She's been holding her people together the best she can, but without help neutralizing the rogue faction, it could all collapse." A note of empathy wove its way into her tone. It couldn't be easy for Lysara to have to stand against her own father like that, to see him corrupted. There was nothing worse than having to raise a sword against your own flesh and blood.

"Which is where we come in." Briana's gaze flitted between Aris and the viewport, motioning or him to get strapped in as the proximity alarms started warning them that they were getting close. It'd be time to land soon. "She should have the latest reconnaissance on her father's faction to help us find them. And, hopefully by the end of it, we'll bring some peace back to the Matukai."

​

 

[Aris Noble]

"For now."

They had a task to handle first. He listened to the information provided as he frowned. That was a lot of pressure to be put on a child not even that much older than himself. He nodded his agreement to her plan at least. Information was a necessity. He walked beside her, letting his gaze travel over the area. Taking note of the people. Potential threats. There was no denying that there could be threats already here.

Not after what had happened in Niv Hani at least.

"That is what we strive for. Peace."

Briana Sal-Soren

 

[Briana Sal-Soren]

Outfit: XoXo | Equipment: Lightsaber, Echo Stone | Tag: Aris Noble ​

"That's right, peace." Briana echoed as they descended towards the Matukai village.

The thrusters of the Verè kicked up dust and debris as they came down, their arrival signaled with a gust. The rural setting of the settlement meant that there were no official landing pads, so Briana made due with the first clearing that she could find that would support the ships weight and was relatively flat - luckily, it wasn't more than a few brisk steps away from the village.

After a few minutes of going through all the necessary landing protocols, Briana jumped from the pilots seat and grabbed for her satchel, slinging the bag of doo-dads and basic necessities over her shoulder for safekeeping. Some of the items included a handful of medical kits and stim shots that she'd intended to pass along to Lysara. It wasn't a lot, but it would, in the very least, tide the Matukai over and treat any individuals who'd been injured in previous attacks while waiting for the proper shipment of supplies to arrive.

The trek to the village was a short one—a collection of modest, weathered structures with thatched roofs that seemed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment coming quickly into view. Drawing closer, the sounds of daily life within the village started to filter through the air—children's laughter, the clink of a smith's hammer, and the soft murmur of conversation. Yet, these comforting sounds were underscored by an almost imperceptible tension that stirred through the shadows of the Force - and, considering everything these people had recently been through, it was understandable. It would be almost more concerning if she felt nothing at all.

Waiting for them at the village's boundary stood a young woman whose very presence seemed to command the air around her, despite her short stature and apparent youth. Lysara, the chieftains daughter, did not disappoint; standing at the ready for them with that same determined gaze and firm stance as Briana had seen through their brief holo communication—a leader, born of necessity, who carried the weight of her people's hopes on her shoulders. Her attire was simple, yet functional—a tunic of homespun fabric dyed in the muted greens and browns of the forest with a utility belt stocked with tools about her waist, and a small dagger against her hip. Her dark hair was pulled back in a practical stylization of braids, keeping it clear of her face as she surveyed her new guests.

"Greetings, Jedi," Lysara's voice was strong, unflinching, yet there was still no mistaking the hint of wariness that played at the edge of her words. "I am Lysara." She extended a hand in greeting, that Briana shook, noting the feeling of obvious callouses on her palm. "Welcome to our village. It is nice to meet you in person. I understand that you come bearing aid and..." her eyes turned and lingered on Aris for a moment, her head subtly tilting with curiosity. "Support?"

Briana nodded, a wide smile pulling over her lips. "This is my Padawan, Aris Noble ." she introduced, gesturing with pride towards the young Noble standing beside her. "He's a strong fighter, quick on his feet, and soaks up knowledge like a sponge. I brought him along because I have every confidence in his abilities and believe he'll be able to help in making meaningful contributions to the protection of your village."

Lysara regarded him for a moment longer before a flicker of approval crossed her features, and her posture relaxed ever so slightly. "An honor, Padawan Noble," she said, her voice carrying a newfound warmth as she extended her hand towards him. "Your assistance is most welcome, we need all of the help we can get." Her gaze swept back to encompass both Jedi. "There's much to discuss," she stated, gesturing for them to follow. "But first, let me show you to the council chambers. We can speak more privately there."

 

[Aris Noble]

Aris's gaze traveled through the town, exploring just with his eyes. No matter how far something was, his eyes could see it. The people, the objects. He could see the wear on the blacksmith's hammer in such detail he could tell how many times it had been swung and repaired. The scent of dried blood caught his attention. It wasn't fresh, which meant there hadn't been a fight too recently.

That was good, though the fact there were still injured wasn't.

He stood at attention beside Briana once they stopped before what he assumed was the current leader. Sure enough, she turned out to be. He only gave a brief smile as he took her hand to give it a firm shake.

"We will follow, Lysara."

Briana Sal-Soren

 

[Briana Sal-Soren]

Outfit: XoXo | Equipment: Lightsaber, Echo Stone | Tag: Aris Noble ​

The 'council chambers' that Lysara lead them into couldn't be more different when compared to the grandiose Jedi Council Chambers that Briana was more acquainted with back on Coruscant.

The hexagonal room was quaint, barren, its space more void than filled - aside from the intricately carved wooden pillars that spiraled upwards to kiss the curving domed ceiling. At the heart of it all sat a quartet of long tables, the only furniture to be seen, arranged into a neat square around a roaring fire that burned from a stonepit in the middle of it.

"Make yourselves comfortable," Lysara told them, removing her outer cloak and folding it neatly over her arm, taking a seat in one of the many chairs surrounding the table and being nearly dwarfed by its height.

Briana just shook her head, choosing to remain standing. Last thing she wanted to do was sit down again. "Why don't we just get down to it? We had to travel a long ways to get here already, and the sooner we get the information we need, the sooner Aris and I can start helping your people."

Lysara, for her part, seemed to take everything in stride and simply nodded. "Very well." For all of the turmoil and upheaval she'd been through in the last couple of weeks, Briana was impressed by how the calm and relaxed the girl seemed, at least from what could be seen on the surface.

"The raiders last came again about three days ago," Lysara began, "and though we were able to chase them away, they succeeded in destroying many of our defensive barriers—a calculated move, I wager, to weaken our village ahead of their next assault."

"We'll need to start with reinforcing your defenses then." Briana nodded, looking towards Aris to see if he had anything to add. "Do you already have a strategy in mind?"

In that moment, a shadow of worry crossed Lysara's features, her youthful certainty momentarily washing away as her brows furrowed in on themselves. "Some in the village are working on it, but with so many of our healthy and able taken in the last few raids, we lack the numbers to repair them all."

​

 

[Aris Noble]

Aris similarly stood beside his Master, listening in silence. His expression tightened a little once he realized just how serious this all was. If they took the healthy and able, then.. It reminded him of slavers, if he was honest. They were going to be put to work. At least, that's what he hoped. If they were, that meant they were still alive and mostly safe. "Do you know where your people are being held? If we can rescue them, we might be able to have them help rebuild the defenses."

Briana Sal-Soren