The Hoth system is supposed to be devoid of human forms

[Ayden Cater]

Several minutes passed and the dropship began to slow as it approached the Protectorate outpost. A heavy turadium blast door slide away, revealing the hanger within. Technicians were scrambling to push aside crates and tools so the dropship could land safely. Once it was past the blast door, the blast doors shut soundly. Even with it closed, it remained very cold within the hanger. This was both a necessity and unavoidable. If it were kept much warmer, the temperature difference would cause the entire base to crack. It would take considerably more power than the outpost had available to make that happen.

Once the dropship touched down, the loading bay door slid down to allow them to disembark. The soldier they had dealt with led the way down the ramp. At the bottom he flipped several clasps to unlock the helmet before removing it entirely. When he turned around, a near perfect image of the Lord Protector stood there to greet them. "Well. Now that we've got you here, we can head to the Commander's office to debrief or we can get y'all some rest and food. Your choice."

[member="Corvus Raaf"], [member="Enya May"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus processed the information from Enya as quickly as she could. First the good news, that her Master wasn’t one of the casualties of the crash. Next, that means she didn’t have a Master of her own. Corvus mused that she seemed to be making a habit of making routine journeys to planets she had never been to before – just to run into Padawans without a Master.

‘Well the Force isn’t considered enigmatic for nothing.’

They were at least in the relative warmth of the dropship now. Her own ship would be fine out on the snow for a while. Corvus smiled to herself at the term ‘her’ ship. It was a Jedi ship – she just happened to be the one piloting it. But since the new class had been commissioned, she was the only Jedi she knew that had flown one and had taken a fancy to this particular vessel.

As they reached the Protectorate outpost they entered a heavily armoured hangar. It was warmer inside than out – but only just. As the ‘soldier’ removed his helmet, Corvus was surprised to see who it was. She knew of him only by name, reputation and his image – but she was sure it was him. She wondered if she should, in some way, warn Enya – but then the girl had her own mind and could express whatever view she held on any subject (as long as she remembered she was a Jedi first and foremost).

Corvus also reflected on her habit of calling others of her own age or even a few years older ‘boys’ or ‘girls.’ It was a mark of the growing up she’d done in the past two years since arriving on Ossus that she thought that way. But it was a habit she’d have to watch for.

“I can’t speak for my fellow Jedi of course – but I’d certainly recommend to her that she gets something warm to eat and drink. You can only live on dried meat for so long.” Corvus smiled broadly at Enya, hoping to put her at her ease.

“And to what do we owe the unexpected pleasure of your company? I always pictured Hoth as a desolate place – and for you to be here, suggests something interesting is happening.” Her tone was light and not too inquisitive. “Although of course, it’s none of my business – but you’ve piqued my professional interest is all.”

[member="Ayden Cater"] | [member="Enya May"]

 

[Seth Harkness]

[member="Corvus Raaf"] [member="Ayden Cater"]


" yes I am rather hungry I would like something to eat please" Enya said looking around still shivering as she did. " I should be alright after i get something warm to eat in me"

 

[Ayden Cater]

[member="Corvus Raaf"], [member="Enya May"]

The main raised an eyebrow for several seconds before a look of realization came over him and he laughed. "Oh, I'm sorry. I forget that you wouldn't have heard this story before." He set his helmet down on a crate and turned back to the Jedi with an air that clearly said he had told this story several times. "I imagine you must think I'm Lord Protector Ayden Cater given the striking similarities between us. As much as the power and fame would be nice, I'm sad to say that I'm not." There was something in his voice that made it sound like he wasn't that sorry.

"The similarities are coincidental. My name is Varen Corr. I'm a Second Lieutenant in the Protectorate Army." He held out a hand for the Jedi to shake. "If food's the priority for now then let's head off to the mess hall. I'll let my CO know that we'll be in his office later."

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus smiled politely, shook his hand then then bowed.

"Jedi Corvus Raaf and this is..." she paused to allow her fellow Jedi to introduce herself.

"My apologies Lieutenant for the mix-up. The Lord Protector would only be here if there were something really interesting happening. Please lead on, we'll take up as little of your time as possible and when you're happy with the debrief we'll be out of your hair."

"So, Enya, what have you been eating until I got here?"


[member="Ayden Cater"] | [member="Enya May"]

 

[Seth Harkness]

" i'm enya." She said with a small smile, turning she looked at [member="Corvus Raaf"] when she spoke to her " mostly dried meat and fruit.. ran out about two days ago" she said sighing and looked down.

[member="Ayden Cater"]

 

[Ayden Cater]

Lieutenant Corr smiled in understanding and nodded. Gesturing out with one arm, he lead them on further into the base. Much of the walls were simply carved into the packed snow and ice, reinforced ever so-often. The temperature of the base was just below freezing for much of it to prevent the ice from melting. When they came up to a door, it slid open to reveal the mess hall which was contained in a converted cargo hold. It was heated to a more comfortable temperature which often felt sweltering to those who had been out in the cold for extended periods of time.

"You can head over to the line there to get a hot meal. I'll go talk to the CO now and give you two some time to relax. You can head on over to the medbay to get yourself checked out at your leisure." Varen gave the two Jedi a polite bow and turned to head out.

[member="Corvus Raaf"], [member="Enya May"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus waited politely whilst Enya got herself some hot food. Corvus grabbed them a couple of cups of caf and some water - dehydration is an issue, even when you're surrounded the frozen kind.

When Enya sat, Corvus allowed her to sate her appetite before speaking. Sipping on her own caf, periodically blowing on it to cool it down she said, "So, Enya. Not the most usual of meetings. And as we're going to be sharing a long journey to wherever you want to be taken to, it makes sense to know a little more about each other. So, what's your story?"

Corvus avoided using the Padawan prefix for now. She didn't want the conversation to seem in any way formal - and she also made sure she kept her tone casual and conversational.

[member="Ayden Cater"] | [member="Enya May"]

 

[Seth Harkness]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

Enya sighed at the question and set her cup down. "Well first off let me explain something else. because i know you will ask. My mother was a Jedi, why i chose to become one myself was to honor her and continue learning... Yes I also know thats not the best reason to want to join. " She added with a laugh as she finished off her water. " Thing is i enjoyed learning from my mother, but ... that was cut short when my father came home drunk one day.. and not just a little.. no he was in a drunken rage. put it this way, i'm glad i was hiding or id probably be dead too " She said picking up the cup and levitating it in her hand as she spoke " One thing she did teach me, i practice every chance i get with it." she said setting the cup down.

[member="Corvus Raaf"] [member="Ayden Cater"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus listened to Enya - and gave her all of her attention. So much of what she said sparked questions in Corvus' mind but she chose to be patient, to hear what the young Jedi had to say.

And rather than probing further, Covus chose to say a little about herself. "Neither of my parents were Force sensitive. And to be fair, I haven't seen them since I was four. Through choice oddly enough. I could have kept in contact, my local Order was very flexible in this matter, but I chose - even at that young age - to devote myself entirely to serving the Force."

Corvus looked at a nearby wall, a faraway look in her eyes. "I couldn't even tell you if they were alive or not! That probably sounds callous but I have suffered loss in my life and for now, I have trained myself not to fear losing those close to me. It hasn't been an easy road, I have lost my way more than once, but for now I am at peace."

"And learning is good - at least to me. On my journey here I spent my time reading datacrons, meditating and practicing Faalo's Cadences. So at least we'll have something in common to discuss when I take you where you want to go. Oh, and I am impressed by your Telekinetic skills. Lifting rocks is one thing. The gentle manipulation of a cup is much more challenging. Back on Ossus was have some Muntuur stones. I can lift one at the moment but with continued practice, who knows?"

Corvus let the silence ride, waiting to see if Enya wanted to talk or continue the conversation.

[member="Enya May"] | [member="Ayden Cater"]

 

[Seth Harkness]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

" yeah, my mom always said this was my strong point because i picked it up so quickly. I've learn to move quite a few things.. nothing too big mostly nothing that can't be carried in your arms" she said smiling " Had to do something stuck out here why not practice with what i could. " she said smiling

[member="Ayden Cater"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus was impressed by her improvisation and work ethic. She'd survived the crash, survived in a hostile environment, saved Corvus' life and still found time to practice.

"I like your style. So what's next for you. Whilst we're waiting for the debrief, we may as well discuss where you're heading next."

There was no pressure in her voice, just a chance remark. At least Corvus hoped there was no desperation present. She really wanted this girl to say she wanted to go to Ossus - to the Academy.

[member="Enya May"] | [member="Ayden Cater"]

 

[Seth Harkness]

" im really not sure but i do think i need to head back to the Temple and find another teacher." She said setting the cup down " pluss i still would like to find someone who can fix my mothers lightsabers. " she said brushing a hand threw her black hair.

[member="Corvus Raaf"] [member="Ayden Cater"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus smiled. She hoped she wasn't being manipulative but this was exactly what she wanted to hear.

"It just so happens I know someone that is looking for a Padawan and I think they'd really like you. And if I'm honest, the best person to repair your mother's lightsabers is you. And with training that is more than just possible. Your have a strong connection to them already which means that, when repaired, they will truly be yours - but also your mothers. If anyone else did that, they would no doubt lose the aspect that was your mothers."

"I can teach you. And I can I can show you how to repair those. If you would like that is?"

[member="Enya May"] | [member="Ayden Cater"]

 

[Seth Harkness]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

Enya finished her food before she responded " Sure, I would like that " she said smiling a little her sapphire blue eyes shining brightly not looking dull as they had out in the snow.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus looked around for the officer who was probably due to return to take them to the debrief.

"We have much to discuss but perhaps on the ship is best. But since we're here and have time to kill, I thought I'd ask a few questions. What we don't get covered here, we can continue later. So tell me, what are your strengths?"

[member="Enya May"]

 

[Seth Harkness]

" well thats a tough one.. hmm. Well for one you will learn I'm protective of my friends i won't tolerate people messing with my friends... but to be honest i really don't like talking about myself it feels like bragging even though its not i like people to find out about me from just being around me" she said


[member="Corvus Raaf"] / [member="Ayden Cater"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

"It is never wise to brag, but a true understanding of your strengths is necessary to truly understand your development. If needed for a mission, hiding your strengths could endanger a life. This might sound drastic but if you think about it, it makes some sense. One day, I hope, you will be able to answer that question to yourself and some time after that be able to tell me. I'll not press for now - but reflect on what I have said at your leisure."

"Now, I am curious to know what you consider to be your weaknesses?"

[member="Enya May"] | [member="Ayden Cater"]

 

[Seth Harkness]

" well there is one thing i need to work on..At times i can have a temper that mostly comes in to play with me being protective of my friends.. i pisses me off if people i care for are hurt or put into danger by some careless jerk" she said " another thing is.. i'm terrified of heights..." she said shivering " and i trust people way to easy"

[member="Corvus Raaf"] [member="Ayden Cater"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus reflected on Enya's answers. This was no time to be coming across too formal but some things should not remain unsaid.

"We will have to work on that temper then. You don't need me to tell you where anger leads. The height one I could have guessed at - although you managed well enough back there. That's probably one you'll have to work at yourself. And trust? It's a fine line. If I had any advice there, I'd quote a Master that thought me a few things. Trust in the Force. People let you down. Governments let you down. Even you will let you down. But the Force will never let you down. I'm not saying don't trust people but the more you come to rely on the Force, the fewer mistakes of character judgment you'll come to make."

"So tell me what you'd like to achieve - be that training, specialisation, whatever.". Corvus smiled, Enya's honesty was refreshing and enlightening.

[member="Enya May"] | [member="Ayden Cater"]