The Desert never gives up its dead

[Cerys]

She had walked out of the enclave to go to Mos Eisley just as she had done numerous times before but this time something else had caught her attention. She blinked several times to clear her eyes the suns were at just the point where many things were hidden by the glare. She had sworn on the horizon had been a group of raiders but they never came this close.


She had been studying them for months now trying to figure out the culture their hierarchy and now it seemed the tables had turned they were watching her. The masks that covered their faces were turned toward her, the gurgling, clicking, yelling sounds grew louder as they raised their arms above their heads. She felt her heart skip a beat, “oh my” she whispered, they we removing again. She stopped. No, they were coming right at her. She turned and began to run.

Two months later
The Leader of the enclave looked out across the endless sea of sand. Guilt riddled his mind. He had no choices left he had to ask for help from an old friend, someone who knew the ways of the desert of Tattooine, someone who would handle everything with tact. Someone that he trusted.

To his friend he wrote the following,

Greetings Dallas I hope this finds you well. We are in a bit of a quandary here on Tatooine among our number we have been hiding a woman. A talented healer her family it seems holds a very high political position and for some time there have been death threats sent to her parents regarding the safety of the daughter. She has a rather intriguing history one that you would find interesting.

It was never uncommon for her to go out into the cities to offer help and be gone for a month as she traveled, but it has now been two months and there has been no word. I have sent out knights to see if they could find her, or get word of her but they came back with very little.

An error in judgment I may have made, for what if the girl has been taken by those that are seeking her life. Your assistance in finding her would be greatly appreciated. Can you come to Tatooine and assist us?

Now all he could do was wait, and if the answer was no then what he would have to send more knights out he would have to anyhow she was part of his enclave his group under his protection she had to be found.

[member="Dallas Taylor"]

 

[Dallas Taylor]

[member="Cerys"]


Dallas sat on a driftwood log on a secluded area of Corellia’s Golden Beach. His memories of Corellia were for the most part, all positive – even if they did evoke a sadness of nostalgia and missed opportunities.

It wasn’t far down the beach from this very spot that he and Master Organa had brought orphans for a day of play at the beach. Secondarily, it was a time of evaluation to determine if the youngsters were force sensitive and could be invited to join the enclave on Tatooine. Dallas smiled as he recalled the jedi master in a swimming suit playing in the surf with the children. Good memories no doubt, but, oh, how he missed Master Organa.

He reread the message from Dominick Keller, the Master of the Jed Enclave on Tatooine and an old friend. Dom must really be panicked to call on Dallas.

Dallas pondered Tatooine and the likelihood of finding someone who has been missing two months. The desert offers deadly peril to even the most experienced, much less a young woman – no matter how talented she may be.

But Dallas was one of the most experienced. He wandered those seas of sand for years doing his best to keep the peace between the different factions. Raiders, jawas, Hutts, sundry and assorted criminals – the list of those that might be involved with her disappearance was almost endless. Assuming she hadn’t simply gotten sick of the desert and its oppressive heat and left Tatooine for a more hospitable climate. He glanced at the gentle waves rolling onto Golden Beach in their endless procession and thought, ‘like Corellia.’

As much as he dreaded returning to the world on which he had experienced so much loss, he knew he couldn’t deny Dominick’s request. He typed in his response…

On my way, Dom. If you haven’t already, please make a list of the known locations the young lady visited as far back as you can.
Summarize all the interviews your knights have made in their inquiries. Tatooine is a big place, I’ll need some place to start.

 

[Cerys]

The leader of the Jedi put together the list of individuals, and places. He also added in the one thing that he thought Dallas should know about Cersy the fact that she was a full blooded Firrerreo, and bits about her research.

The desert sea sparkled under the moonlight off in the distance at the bottom of a cliff one camp of tusken raiders was oddly silent, the fires burned and the bantha wandered looking for food and water. But there was no other movement, there were no gentle snores to be carried on the wind. This camp would never wake again in the night someone had come and killed them all. Was this part of the decree from the Hutts, or was it something else?

Under the twin suns of morning the bantha finally wandered off in search of what they needed water nothing lasted for long under the hot suns. The brittle white bones that littered the desert stood as a testament to that. Were the bones of Cersy strewn onto the desert testifying to a life short lived?

The caravan of Jawa’s a few days earlier had thought they saw among the raiders someone with long hair but that wasn’t possible raiders hated outsiders. The Raiders were merciless even to their own, and no one except another raider even spoke to them. What the galaxy knew about them or spoke of them was they were not human, but even that was questioned.

The Wastelands were their home so why a group would come close to Mos Eisley was still the talk of the space port. More than a few had seen them which had caused groups to form to find them, they had found nothing but signs that said they were there.

Could a woman like Cersy still be alive among them? And if she was, what was her mind like? Those that had been tortured by raiders were never the same, their minds deranged and disjointed leaving the person more animal than person.

[member="Dallas Taylor"] would find out the answers to these questions and the fate of Cersy answered.

 

[Dallas Taylor]

[member="Cerys"]


A lone figure walked the ridge of the dune - a once familiar figure in a hooded, full-length grayish-tan jedi robe that, when below the skyline, would blend in perfectly with the dunes. On this day, however, Dallas didn’t seek to blend in. He wanted to be seen by the locals – jawa, tuskan, hutts, even any humans seeking refuge from their pasts in the vast expanse of the desert. There were many that would remember the walker and come out of respect and honor of his past friendship and service to them.

The jawa he looked upon with some degree of affection; the hutts disdain; the humans indifference; but the tuskan… the tuskan he had a special hatred for. A marauding band of raiders invaded the enclave many years ago and killed or captured all that failed to reach the safety of the inner caves. Dallas’ wife among the victims. That clan of tuskan no longer exists. Dallas tracked them down and killed them all, leaving only the children to be adopted into neighboring clans.

That episode nearly broke Dallas and turned him to the darkside. Only the concern and care of the remaining members of the enclave saved him, but, he remains marked by it to this day. That’s one of the reasons for his compassion for those that do turn and his willingness to do everything in his power to help them return to the light. Falling is easy, the climb back not so much.

A breathy huff sound from an intersecting rocky canyon drew Dallas’ attention. He walked a dozen meters into the canyon, stopped and gave a long, low whistle. He soon heard something approaching cautiously from the shadowy depths of the ravine and smiled as he recognized an old friend. He held out his hand to allow the Massiff to gain his scent. The massive beast soon began prancing around with happiness just as he had as a young pup when Dallas first found him hiding under his dead mother all those many years ago.

“Well, Grinder,” Dallas said to him. “You are looking well fed. Care to go for a walk?”

There was no doubt. The great reptile had adopted Dallas long ago and would stay with him as long as he walked the desert, or, sent him back to his lair where he would wait patiently until their next walk.

They walked on towards their first destination – the site of the recent tuskan massacre. Oddly, having a massif accompanying him would encourage those that really knew him to come out and greet him – no other human walked the desert with such a beast. Anyone that didn’t know him would most definitely keep their distance which at the moment suited Dallas’ purposes well enough.

Dallas knelt on a rise overlooking the tuskan camp a sick feeling of déjà vu overtaking him. It was eerily similar to the scene found at the tuskan camp after the night of his revenge – his madness. He knew that at that very moment there were at least a dozen pairs of eyes watching him; waiting to see what he would do.

With a deep sigh, he stood and walked slowly into the camp looking for sign. He examined everything, but, could find no sign that Cerys had been here nor could he find any indication of the ones that attacked. A variety of weapons were used from what appeared to be wounds from small, primitive hand blasters to traditional gaderffii. Of course, although they might implicate another tuskan clan, the weapons could be used by anyone desiring to cast the blame elsewhere. But, many of these people seemed to have been killed in their sleep indicating that the perpetrators were among them when the camp settled in for the night. Who would the tuskans allow so near them?

Dallas began the gruesome task of gathering the bodies. He laid them neatly side by side making sure that their cultural need to have no exposed skin visible was honored. It was the best he could do to honor the dead. Related clans would come and perform whatever funerary rights they preferred.

He climbed to the highest point overlooking the camp and squatted down leaning against his ornately carved walking stick and waited. Dusk was coming soon and it would be a cold night. Dallas knew he had been colder.

 

[Cerys]

[SIZE=12pt]Dawn filtered through the canvas tent tiny beams lined up touching all that fell under its touch. The daily life within any clan began with the morning meals prepared by the able and willing hands that served.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Children played about as any child would, the layers of clothing that protected them not only from the double suns but hid their faces. Only those within the clans, among the camps could actually tell one from the other through sounds, and markings.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]There was much confusion among the males of the clan they had heard about the others being wiped out all, women, children, and men. Many called on them said they were animals with no souls but who had taken time to even think on it there were not welcome anywhere so in kind they did not welcome anyone.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]They bred the bantha to create more, they fought amongst themselves for the right to lead, and when their lands were invaded they fought to drive them out. But how did one fight an enemy that they could not see, that left as little sign behind as they did. Which had slowly now been leading them to believe that it was their own killing them.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]A Clan war for dominance, or for annihilation it was not known.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]They took prisoners from their enemies, ones that sought them out to kill them. The Clan had thought that having them would prevent more killings it had only increased which only fueled their anger more.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]A scout was coming back from the morning patrol reporting how they had seen walking among the dunes the hooded figure, the one that the stories had been told about. The one that had spared the children, so odd the story was. No one knew what was fact, and what was the embellishment but knowing this figure walked the sands again was reason to hunt.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Through roars, and chirps, and clicks it was decided to find him, and bring him to the clan. Maybe having him as hostage would prevent the others from hunting them. It would show their fierceness, their power, the ability to destroy.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The group gathered into a party within the hour they were hunting the hooded man.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt][member="Dallas Taylor"][/SIZE]

 

[Dallas Taylor]

[member="Cerys"]


Dallas sat in the same position on the hilltop since he left the devastated camp. Anyone observing may have thought he was sleeping, but, he was extremely aware of his surroundings. He heard and felt the sand shifting underfoot of a stealthy approach.

The Massiff lay down in front of him and gave a low growl of warning.

“I know, Grinder. They’re coming.” He gave his companion a pat on the back and continued, “Go back to your nest, my friend. We will walk the sands another day.”

The huge reptile made what could only be described as a whine of protest, but, he complied; sliding away silently down the sand dune and away into the darkness.

Dallas returned his concentration back to the force, sensing the approaching tuskan warriors. A circle eighteen were working their way up the dune, surrounding him. He scowled and prepared himself; hoping this was the band he needed to contact to pick up the trail of the long-haired woman, Cerys.

Finally, in position they charged. Dallas responded with a 360 degree pulse of kinetic energy called a Force Wave. To a man the tuskan were blown off the dune stunned. Dallas rose quickly and raced down to the one he perceived to be the leader. Dallas lifted the helpless man with a thought and held him suspended a meter above the ground.

The tuskan growled but quit resisting. Dallas lowered him back to the ground, fully aware the others were recovering and beginning to crowd around him and the leader. Dallas could use Comprehension to understand some of their guttural communication but he couldn’t speak to them. Instead he projected an image of the long haired woman in the leader’s mind, much to his dismay. A look of panic washed over the warrior, but, he nodded and pointed in the direction of their camp.

Dallas nodded and indicated that the man should lead. Dallas pulled his hood back up over his head, an act that caused a ripple of excitement among the hunting band, and followed silently.

 

[Cerys]

[member="Dallas Taylor"]
There was a commotion in the camp she could hear them they were agitated but yet compliant sounds that she had not heard them make before low gurgles, and clicking noises.

She looked down at the children before her they were currently sleeping peacefully, the reason they had taken her was to save their children. They had seen her walking on the desert sands helping the Jawa, taking pity on the escaped slaves of the Hutts, and how she had watched them. She had thought she was being so careful but it turned out they were cleverer than she had given them credit for.

Like any species their children were important, when a child dies due to a single illness they would say it was the survival of the fittest. But when several of the children became sick all at once the mistrust that already existed flared up someone was poisoning their children and their anger flared.

She harbored no ill toward them the bruises from them beating on her to subdue her to their will were fading. As a healer she couldn't stand to see anyone suffer and when they threw her into a tent full of children. Children suffering that pulled at her heart the most as it did with most.

They were not completely trusting of her she was shackled by the ankle to the center pole, but she was allowed to walk around the tent in order to help the sick children. Not knowing the physiology was a disadvantage, not having anything that would allow her to analyze, or draw samples had left her completely reliant upon healing skills. They would gather anything she asked for, as long as it did not mean going into Mos Eisley.

She was concerned about asking for too much, they were after all raiders.

But now something else was happening, when the flap of the tent opened the sun poured in and for a moment she could only see a figure, an outline. The sun was blinding she had to look down until her eyes could focus on who had just entered the tent.

 

[Dallas Taylor]

[member="Cerys"]


Dallas followed the hunting party leader as he made his way across the dunes. The others, save one, followed behind in groups of 2 or 3. That one, Dallas had noted, had run ahead undoubtedly to let the remainder of the camp know what was coming.

They crested a high ridge of sand and the tusken camp appeared below them in a large swale between dunes. A rocky outcropping provided some protection for both the wind and possible hostile advance on two sides.

Entering the camp, he sensed several emotions. Fear, anger, uncertainty… these he expected. From several though, he sensed relief, and that he did not understand. He was the hooded man, the clan killer, and, despite the efforts he had made after that period of darkness to make renewed contact with the other tribes, he was still feared. This tribe feeling relief at his appearance made no sense.

The tribe’s chief, if it had one, made no appearance. The hunting leader knew what Dallas was seeking and led him to a large tent located in the center of the camp, well protected by the rocky ridge the camp hugged against.

The hunter grunted and pointed at the doorway before melting back into the crowd that was observing Dallas from a respectful distance.

Dallas pushed back the hide flap that served as a door as stepped inside. He appraised the situation from the shadows of his hood. He saw the woman who was certain to be his target, Cerys. She was bound but seemed unhurt for the most part. At least he didn’t sense any distress on her part. He looked around the tent with concern. He pushed back his hood and stepped closer to the missing woman. “Cerys? I’m Dallas. Dom sent me to find you.”

Dallas bent down to break the shackle free from her ankle with a small application of the force and asked as he did so, “What’s wrong with the children?”

 

[Cerys]

She did not know how to react, "Dallas?" she had to think some she looked up into the face of a man she had never seen and yet his face told a thousand stories all at once. His eyes had seen many things and not all of it had made him happy, it seemed as though much had touched him and left a dark mark. She blinked several times as the shackle fell away, he had a great deal of kindness in his soul it seemed to ripple off of him touching her lightly to ask if she was alright.

He was not touching her with his hand but his words, she heard it as much as there was a stiffness when he walked with the group in, here among the children he seem to soften. "I have been looking at them, there is some discoloration from what I've observed, they are quiet almost lethargic as if they wait for something" It pained her children who seem to wait for death, "I think it is a poison Dallas"

Light her hand touched the child closest to her a soft moan escaped the lips, "I know most people want them dead, I just hate to see them in pain" Cerys had a very gentle soul most would see that first. then they would notice her skin color, and eventually her hair.

"Can you look at them?" She asked so softly that her words caressed the child's skin giving healing to the starving.

[member="Dallas Taylor"]

She did not know how many of her still existed in this galaxy, she only knew she did not see many. And that was sad too.

 

[Dallas Taylor]

[member="Cerys"]


As far as Dallas could recall, he had never met a Firrerreo before, and, if Cerys was an example he was relatively sure he wouldn’t forget meeting one such as her. If her appearance wasn’t enough – a rare beauty standing out brightly among the crude desert dwellers – then her compassion humbled him. Dallas looked at the children remembering those he had spared even during his darkest hour as he reaped his revenge on the adults of that clan.

He sighed and said, “Despite the shackle, they honor you by allowing you to see their young so uncovered.” The Tusken were rigidly paranoid about allowing an outsider to see any uncovered part of their bodies. The children were dressed lightly as if for sleep at night.

“I’m no physician, Cerys, but I will look to see if this is something I have seen before.” Over the years Dallas walked the desert he had seen the effects of most of the poisons and toxins of the Tatooine wilderness. “Which child is the most critical?”

Cerys led him to a small girl in the back corner. Dallas could immediately tell she didn’t have long to live. He knelt down next to her used his force sense to examine her. Her lips and fingernail beds were turning blue. In humans that would be indicative of certain poisons, but, Dallas didn’t confuse Tusken with human physiology. The symptoms were familiar however, but, then they weren’t.

“This looks like sand bat poisoning, but, the symptoms, as bad as they are, aren’t as severe as one with expect with an acute envenomation. It’s almost like the poison was highly diluted prior to exposure.”

He rubbed a hand over the child’s forehead, satisfying the human need for tactile confirmation of what his senses had already confirmed. “She won’t make it through the night,” he said softly.

He knew he had only one option and that was a skill in which he was only marginally proficient – detoxify poison. It was normally performed on one’s self; but, he would have to try to do it for the girl.

“Monitor us, Cerys. Make sure I’m not making things worse.”

Dallas wrapped the child in the force, delving deeper and deeper, seeking the molecular level at which the poison was attacking. When he could differentiate the poison or the girl’s tissues, he began using the force to break it down into inert fragments.

He had purified most of the poison when he reached his limits with the strenuous mental exertion. He released the force and slumped down, leaning back on the wall by the girl. She was already stirring, making sounds indicating hunger – signs that Dallas took to be very positive.

“Cerys, can you check the food they are being fed? Make sure someone isn’t using it to poison the children. Also, we need to find out where they are getting their water. Have you seen any of the elders? Do they appear well?”

If their water source was contaminated, it may be at small enough levels that only the youngest and oldest would be affected first. In a way, Dallas hoped it would be a natural problem like that rather than someone murdering children.

 

[Cerys]

[SIZE=12pt]She nodded in a sage like manner as he said to monitor them. She had seen the concern for her safety melt away into the concern for the children.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“the Leaders do not come in here, they fear the illness, and when they do come in my presence irritates them causing them to lash out, thankfully one of my natural abilities is to heal quickly. I wish just I was able to pass it to the children” Her voice was soft the sound seem to come slightly from her throat giving her that sultry sound that the holo movies advertised.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]She watched how gentle he was with them, trying to find out what it was, “I have asked them several times over the last few months to bring me samples of what they eat” Cerys brought out the data pad, “I recorded each meal, and watched for new illness”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She could them feel the swell in the force as Dallas wrapped the child in it drawing away what it was that was threatening her life. Cerys could see the aura of the child the tones of gray and black that would lead to a death slowly changed to the hues of the setting sun, and golden sand healthy. But unless they found out what was happening they had only put off the inevitable.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“There is something else Dallas, there seems to be a clan war going on. But the signs are all wrong for a Tusken Raider only the very basic of what is known seems to be mimicked.”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]The child looked up at them blinking and making little grunting noises that Cerys recognized as contentment. “She’s ok right now, she’s comfortable”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Then she saw Dallas fall back against the wall his own energies depleted. “You have done something that many would not do Dallas, how extra ordinary you are. Dom has told me countless stories, many things that perhaps he should not have.” She smiled softly.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She put her own hand upon him her own healing energies passed to him, to help him.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]There was a roar outside, Cerys got up and moved silently to the tent flap looking out to see what little she could, it was mostly about listening within the camp. Hi pitches, there was an argument. The cry of bantha.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Then it began to fade, she looked back at Dallas.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]His own aura showed different emotions, sadness seemed to cover him. What was it that made a man such as this have such sadness that it would filter out into the world around him probably affecting him and his mood.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She moved back and listened to the children they were all sleeping now the low sounds of sleep filled the tent, even the little one beside them. Cerys reached up her fingertips barely touching his forehead as she swept them over his brow. “Rest there is time”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The little girl who he had just saved curled up next to him as Cerys sat next to him watching over the children, and him.[/SIZE]

[member="Dallas Taylor"]

 

[Dallas Taylor]

[member="Cerys"]


Dallas slipped into a deep meditative state; one he had found to be much more restorative than simple sleep. Plus Cerys touch was invigorating. He wondered at her natural healing abilities but tried to resist the impulse to think about her… too much. Instead he let his awareness flow with the force; allowing it to take him where it would.

He observed the altercation and the enraged Bantha; the agitation of the adult clan members milling around the campsite; the departure of elders of a neighboring tribe of Tusken; and the hurried meeting of the leaders of this one.

He saw and followed two who were carrying water containers to their collection pool and a broader circuit revealed more that would require closer investigation.

He sensed Cerys resting quietly beside him and reached out; taking her hand. He sensed her residual pain from the abuse she had received and her fatigue. Despite her vigilance, Cerys was wearing down. He wondered, deeply concerned, if she was being poisoned along with the children.

Dallas shared his recovery with her through her weak force connection; sufficing them both with needed strength. When he felt they were both as revived as they dared take time to be, he slowed the flow of the force, finally releasing it. He did, however, remain holding her hand.

“Cerys,” he said softly with a hint of a smile on his lips, “Dom is an old friend, but, he is an old hen of a gossip.” Dallas could very easily imagine Dom thinking he should act as matchmaker between the two of them.

 

[Cerys]

[SIZE=12pt] Sitting quietly listening to the sounds around them she took in what could happen at this moment from the sounds. Her vision was a bit blurry but she had felt this was from being tired, she could not sleep well in this place she could feel emotions all the time.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]Only when they finally all slept did it become silent enough for her to close her own eyes. She thought they were a bit more accepting of her because of her teeth, and the membranes on her eyes. It made her look perhaps more feral.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She had noticed that Dallas when he looked upon her seemed intrigued and then acted as if she were just like anyone else. She wondered did he know how often some were frightened of her, not many but a few.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She looked over at him he was not resting she shook her head and closed her own eyes, and then as if sensing that she may need some comfort or strength his hand took hers. It had been sometime since someone had held her hand, within his grasp she could feel the force flow from him to her.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Thank you [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]she thought she had needed that strength, but more she had needed the touch of another person. She had needed a touch that was not looking to wear her down, or inflict damage because of their own fears.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]He was the rain that fed the parched desert, she was the desert absorbing all that he would share with her comforting her with that tiny gesture of a touch.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]He was waking up now pulling from his meditation then she heard him speak . Dom is an old friend, but, he is an old hen of a gossip. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]She squeezed his hand gently, “Are you saying he exaggerated the depths of your kindness, the humility of your soul, or are you telling me you really didn’t kiss all those women and make them cry from longing?” She smiled teasing him.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Dom had said much about his friend, and yes it made her wonder about him. She was intrigued in the very least about Dallas Taylor.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]As they sat there toying with one another through light conversation there was a roar, and then it sounded as if the whole camp was awake.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Cerys rose up and ran over to the door, the children all sat up screaming. Without thinking she pushed aside the opening and walked out looking around. “It’s a raid” she said loud enough for Dallas to hear. Then there were shots fired Cerys screamed.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The grunting and squawking of urgency filled the air.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt][member="Dallas Taylor"][/SIZE]

 

[Dallas Taylor]

[member="Cerys"]


Dallas jumped for the doorway trying to pull Cerys back inside but it was too late.

He saw her crumple to the ground and visions of the enclave following the raider attack flooded his memory. He straddled her protecting her from further harm while seeking out the shooters. Blasters or firearms of any kind were rare among tusken and those that existed were almost invariably relics of a bygone era. Anything remotely modern was suspect. Dallas remembered how the hunting party sent to capture him was equipped - gadderffii were all he saw; no slug throwers or blasters. These attackers had more modern weapons.

Dallas activated his light saber in time to deflect a blaster bolt. That gave him a target. He was dangerously close to the rage that had filled him when he attacked the tribe that killed his wife and there was nothing to restrain him.

“THIS ENDS NOW!” he shouted in a voice amplified by the force to the point of shaking the small buildings and knocking down a few unfortunate of the local tribe that happened to be standing closeby.

The attacker that fired at him drew a much more dire response. Dallas built up the energy of the force releasing it in a burst of electricity. Force lightening, electric judgment – whatever you preferred to call it, it was devastating attack. The man was blasted back and fell dead and convulsing.

The local tusken were horrified. They had heard of the hooded walker and the tribe he killed. They scattered like a covey of quail. The attackers concentrated their fire on Dallas – three blasters. He easily deflected the bolts from the slow recovering blasters and had his new targets. They met the same fate as the first.

Searching the camp with his vision as well as the force, he found no more aggressors and bent to pick up Cerys. He carried her back inside and lay her down on a mat. He tore aside her blouse to see how badly she was wounded. He was relieved to see the blaster, as much damage as it did, had missed her vital organs. Dallas was much more experienced at healing wounds such as these than the poisoning he had attempted to mitigate earlier. He focused on relieving the pain first, then turned his force healing on repairing the damaged tissues. He used the force to speed the natural healing of her body which shocked him with how rapidly the wounds sealed and began to heal. He realized this was more because of her natural physiology rather than his skill.

When he had done all he could he sat and held her trying to draw some absolution from her still unconscious body for the killings he’d just done. Many people had said he had too hot a temper to be a jedi. Perhaps they were correct.

The local tusken, when they saw he wasn’t directing any of his attacks towards them began returning. A couple of the elders stood in the doorway watching him heal Cerys.

Dallas looked at them and said, “Can you understand me?”

A quick nod confirmed that at least one of them could.

“Bring those bodies to the light of the fire. I want to see who they are.”

Another quick nod and the younger of the two disappeared to do Dallas bidding.

 

[Cerys]

[SIZE=12pt]Cerys turned her face into Dallas’ chest she could breathe in the warmth that he radiated. She could feel his concern, his slowly she opened her eyes the membrane stayed over her eyes for a moment as if making sure there was nothing that would harm her eyes.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She lifted her chin and could see Dallas looking down at her it was there in his eyes she could read it slowly she raised a hand and put it at the base of his throat she could feel his heart here slow steady. She did not need to look around to know that he had taken an action that he thought correct. That pain in his eyes that needed some absolution.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She could not smile yet her body mended quickly and yet she did not move from where she was cradled in his arms drawing on his body heat, his strength and feeling the force flow around them. She mingled her own force signature with his as it swirled around them trying to reassure him, trying to give him a form of comfort.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“It’s ok Dallas” she whispered she had woken long enough to see the Elders leave. “If I am right they are mercs not raiders. They are the cause of all this.” Her words were like feathers soft and light. She took a deep breath now, and still did not move.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She could feel him now, feel his signature his presence, the emotions were deep entrenched. Slowly she raised her hand to his cheek hovering just above her fingers touched and yet did not touch. “When this is done you should walk with me in desert.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She shifted slightly her hand to his shoulder as she pulled her feet beneath to begin pushing up to stand. As she got to her knees she was before him looking into his eyes. “There is work to do; we do not allow the random killing of anyone. If this group were guilty of such acts they would be so punished.” She tilted her head, “I tell you they are not like the others, and they are changing”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]His eyes he had seen so much and the pain that he bore within had the ability to swell up and consume him. She would not allow this to happen, she would do her best to calm that storm before it took form.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Now she smiled the tips of her fangs showed slightly, “Are you ok Dallas?”[/SIZE]

[member="Dallas Taylor"]​

 

[Dallas Taylor]

[member="Cerys"]


It had been a long time since anyone shared their force presence with Dallas so openly. He was experienced and strong enough in the force to seek and identify most anyone with a connection that was near enough for him to have a concern about; but, this open revelation and mingling of themselves in the force was sublime. He felt his rage towards the attackers begin to melt away into the background. Yes, he would walk with her after this ordeal was done but he didn’t verbalize a response. He knew she could sense his reply through their connection.

“I should be asking you if you are all right, Cerys,” he replied softly as his fingertips gently caressed her cheek. “You were the one shot just now.”

He sat them more upright but continued holding her as if afraid she might collapse into a thousand pieces if he let her go too soon.

He sighed and realized they had things to discuss less pleasant than he might have wished.

“OK, tell me… how are they changing and why do you think mercenaries are attacking the Tusken? Who would benefit from such attacks?”

 

[Cerys]

She felt the rage slowly drain away till nothing remained of it, she shared of herself her presence with him. Radiating her own calm her own balance in this place for him to feel to latch onto and hold it.

She knew the reply to her request he would walk and she knew that on that walk they would talk of the things that Dom had spoken to both of them about, but that was not now that was for later. Right now they needed to find the answers to what had happened.

She whispered back to him as if every word spoken was a hidden treasure of such value that only the softest of words would protect it. "I heal quickly, and quicker yet when someone gives of themself to me." She had felt his force presence his force healing as it had illuminated all of her nerves, pushing the healing to move quickly.

Precious, he made her feel precious with every gesture of kindness, with each gentle touch. She sat there for mere moments but the mingling of their force presence together made it feel like eternity wrapped in the silver blanket of the force with emotions so tender that a single touch of darkness would shatter it into a million sparkles on the sand. Darkness never touched them as they sat there looking after one another, each more concerned about the other.

How were they changing, "This group sent scouts to Mos Eisley to find help, rather than to take help." There was a distinct difference to go for help, and taking it. "They kept me safe, bruised at times from fear, but as you saw they kept me here with that which they treasure their children" Cerys looked around to see were the children ok she did not hearing sounds that wept no it was silent.

Now as for why she thought that this was the work of Mercs. "A few months back in one of the canyons I found six bodies, all shot with the same weapon. I couldn't tell if their weapons had been fired, too much time had passed. But if it had been raiders, they'd have stripped the bodies of weapons, and anything else that could be used. These were just dead" Cerys shook her head she hated to see life treated so poorly and left like trash.

"One of the Hutt's was said to have put out a contract because they had raided one of their shipments as it was on its way to being delivered to their palace" Cerys had both her hands now resting on Dallas' shoulder keeping her balanced, and focused on answer his questions, and looking at him.

"I petitioned the Hutt's for answers, and received a very clear mind my own business response" Cerys was breathing softly now her own fear slowly dripped away.

She looked down for a moment, "Plus I've been studying them, and interacting with them, this group. no others would allow me close enough" Cerys turned to look now around them who was there, who was not.

"Dallas, this group is not the same as others" Would he accept this answer, would he see it, and if he couldn't could she convince him.

[member="Dallas Taylor"]​

 

[Dallas Taylor]

[member="Cerys"]


Dallas nodded thoughtfully, accepting Cerys’ explanation and finding the reasoning to be the most logical of the possibilities. A vengeful Hutt wouldn’t hesitate to kill indiscriminately, nor would poisoning children be beneath them.

The younger of the two Tusken stuck his head back in the door and motioned for them to follow him. The bodies had apparently been collected.

“Do you feel strong enough to examine them with me?” he asked Cerys.

As a healer, he didn’t think she would be squeamish dealing with dead bodies; but, if she preferred not to, or, if she was still too weak from being shot… he wanted to give her the option to remain with the children.

 

[Cerys]

[member="Dallas Taylor"]​

[SIZE=12pt]Cerys looked at Dallas again she was strong again with everything that had happened her resolve was firmly fixed she was able to stand even though the skin where the shot had entered her was still tender, it would still a little more time for it to be fully healed.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“I am strong enough Dallas”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]Dead bodies did not bother her, the absence of life hurt only because sometimes lives were cut short too soon. It was that thought that troubled her, the reasons why life had ended. These bodies they were preparing to see they too ended too soon the choice of a life that made this possible.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Cerys and Dallas walked together behind the young raider. The Raider did not look back his task was to lead them and there before them laid in a line were the bodies of those that had come into the camp.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Cerys looked to Dallas leaving his side she walked over to look down at the body just looking one would know this body was portly as if it had seen too many meals and not enough exercise. Cerys had never seen a portly raider, food was minimal and the amount of energy spent in a day used what precious meals they had right up.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Cerys kneeled down and began to work the helmet off, revealed beneath was the face of a man. Behind her she heard the grunts of the Leaders. This was just another reason they would add to the avoidance of humans. She looked to Dallas, “This has to stop” It was all she would say for now.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She stood up, she could see the group was packing already preparing to move. Now she was torn between going with them, and finding out how to stop this. Stopping it meant going to see the Hutt’s again. Perhaps the presence of Dallas would influence them this time. One could only hope.[/SIZE]

 

[Dallas Taylor]

[member="Cerys"]


Once again Dallas agreed with Cerys. This DID have to stop. Tusken had enough reasons to hate and avoid men; another directed attack against them would just make matters worse and more dangerous for innocents on both sides.

“They are right to move, Cerys” he said when he saw her concern. “You can stay with the children if you wish. I think when they reach a different water source the children will begin to recover. They were fortunate that the poisoners underestimated the volume of water and its diluting effect on the toxins they used.”

“Or, you are welcome to come with me to confront the Hutt.” He paused a moment, thinking before continuing. “That encounter will be very unpredictable. Hutts I’ve known in the past have believed themselves to be a law unto themselves; answerable to no one. That’s the attitude I expect to see when I question him.”

“My goal will be to get him to confess his involvement. At that point we won’t be in a strong enough position to do anything. If we have cause, we will begin the process of his undoing as a power on Tatooine.”

From all his years as Tatooine’s primary Jedi Guardian, Dallas had alliances even within the Hutt population… as well as some enemies. He was sure he could orchestrate a power play between the rival Hutts that would eliminate the one that was targeting the Tusken.

Dallas had mixed emotions concerning Cerys. On one hand, he would prefer for her to be safe and staying with the Tusken would be safer than entering a Hutt compound. Especially now that they knew she was protected by him. She would no longer need fear being bound or beaten.

On the other, he was loath to leave her company now that he had found her. He was upset with himself that he would place her in danger for his own selfishness. But then… this was really her case. In a way she was acting as a guardian of these people – a relationship Dallas knew and respected. She had the right to decide if she wanted to see it through to the end.