The Tide Changes (Tide of Light)

[Coren Starchaser]

The Jedi of Old had their training vessels, one such famous one Chu’unthor, had taken Jedi around the galaxy, spreading their knowledge, training the Jedi, and spreading hope and protection to the galaxy. It was a wayfarer’s life, but for many, it was exactly what they needed to be. In a galaxy with numerous super powers, there are always those Jedi who fall through the cracks. And that was why Coren Starchaser, with the Ven school, apparently what some Mon Cala called families, had taken to retrofitting one of their family’s large liners.

The Oasis was currently the first of such vessels to assist the small movement started within the Jedi and Light Side communities, the ‘Tide of Light’. An organization that is built upon several principles. The first, to help unify and support the message of the Light, the second, to bring peace and knowledge out to the farthest reaches of the galaxy, and finally, to be a beacon of hope for all. The MC65 was serving as the main vessel of the loose gathering of Jedi and light siders.

The vessel had collected a number of supporters, including a pair of escort cruisers from the Sullustan Home Guard, and several Jedi from across the galaxy. Coren Starchaser stood at the top of the briefing room, looking over those that had opted for this life. Some came, some went, no one was expected to stay for long, but if a call came, people were expected to do their best to show to provide aid.

“We are orbiting the fifth planet of the Adrathorpe system. Down below is an estuary world that serves as a hotbed for life for a number of aquatic species, as well as the primary food source in the system. Currently, they are being over run by bandits, hoping to take over the farms for their own profit. Its been something that’s occurring out this way since the fall of any major nation. And a call for aid has come out.

“We’ve just so happened to be out in the area on our inaugural voyage.” Truth be told, the Forcers who came along had signed up for a trip towards Jedha. “They have mentioned that there is very little credit involved, but they have a store of relics from Jedha that we are welcome to.” He looked around at the group. “We’re taking transports down, we’ll meet with the locals, and see what we can do to bolster their defenses.”

He looked around. “Questions?”

The Tide of Light was heavily based off the Underground of the OPA. A flat system of hierarchy, a collection of star ships. If a captain made a choice, people were allowed to sign up for the mission or not. The thing that was certain, the Tide was not looking to hold land, just make the galaxy a better place.

 

[Aja Shen]

Aja stepped back out into the open, misty salt air was there to meet her. For a moment longer, her elegant features and black hair was visible before she covered herself with cloak and hood once more. She'd just answered the call that had come for help.

But, she'd just learned that she wasn't the only one.

Her dark eyes turned skyward, where there would soon be at least one ship breaking through the dense gray cloud-cover. Jedi – so she'd heard. The locals had already promised them a cache of artifacts, and had bit her to work with them. Of course, logically, she knew that there was much strength in numbers. But Aja had learned to work alone; it was easiest to get things done without fuss and extra distractions. Payment, whether in the form of artifacts or credits, didn't really matter to the woman. She did good when and where she could lend a helping hand.

This time, however, she was curious.

A skilled martial artist and trained force-user, she was well capable of holding her own in battle. But, there were still skills that she lacked, having been trained by a rather small sect of monks on Atrisia. They were unlike Jedi, focusing more on self-improvement and less dabbling in the affairs of the galaxy at large. Though, she traveled far and wide – she did not fancy herself a Jedi. As far as she was concerned, they could work side by side well enough, but she would not count herself one of their number. Not yet, at least.

Her dark form walked the dock, lined with workers and crates of their daily catch. There were already a number of options to dive into: ship raiders, rooting out the bandits in the area and loosening their hold on the local farms. Aja would wait to see where these Jedi chose to go.

For now, she would watch and wait.

Tags: open!

 

[Chaaj Priest]

"Jedi use their powers to defend and protect."

The words echoed in my mind as for what we would be doing on this venture. While the idea to simply stop on by and outright destroy these potential pirates, It was not part of our job. Jedi were to defend those who needed so. Acting as aggressors would not serve justice, or honor. However, as these natives, were facing an injustice of their livelyhoods being challenged, we were asked to step in.

A group of Jedi who all sought, within some changes, the same thing. A Galaxy that would be defended against forces that would seek the end of people who were considered innocent.

In practice, I know that there is no one without sin. No one is truly ever innocent. Everyone has made a mistake, done a bad thing, or made a decision that did more harm than good. However, Jedi, are to respect this life. Even if we must protect the very pirates we seek to stop currently, from a more oppressive force, we would do so. As it was within the various tenants of the Jedi code. I may be only an apprentice, not a elite mentor, or master of the force, or of maturity to understand years worth of experience. However, I am a Jedi. One who through my own personal experiences understands that I will too, fail.

I joined this group of Jedi, to learn, grow, as well as to perform my duty. As any man who has the power to stop such acts, should do so, or he himself, would be guilty of all the good he did not do.

"Do these pirates know that we are here to lend support?"

It was best to know if these pirates would be bringing a more heavily fortified assault against us, by knowing that we were here, or if it would be one of the more mundane raids that were being carried out. if we had to prepare them for a simple fight, then we would not have too many problems. However, if they were potentially going to be bringing a lot more firepower, then I may need to get something more than just my blade in order to keep myself, my like minded Jedi, and the people safe.

Aja Shen Coren Starchaser

 

[Phalsi Drynchen]

Phalsi had arrived in the Gray Messenger, following behind the more permanently based home vessel in the Tide of Light group. She had her own space on board the Oasis, but was flying as an extra escort as it traveled through the system. Her ship was fairly large in design, more designed for running blockades or even just making a damn quick blue milk run, but she could at distract something in a fight.

She was tapped into the onbaord systems of the Oasis, listening as Coren spoke and then another asked a question. She had nothing to add to the conversation, instead focusing on preparing her vessel to run in whoever or whatever they needed.

She wasn't exactly the best at negotiating, having to much temper to actually be able to peaceably negotiate. She also wasn't quite as able as some to back up her mouth. She waited to hear more about the whole thing, and kept quiet for the mean time.

 

[Cyprian Ichar]

Cyprian was no Jedi, interests aligned as they all sought to make the galaxy a better place, and the Balarac was keen on learning more about the Jedi. Thus far, his only real exposure had been with ex-Knights and fleeting conversations with those who currently followed the Path.

It was high time to see them in action.

The Tide's current course took him far from Wild Space, but the problems that plagued this system was much the same. Enterprising bandits preying on the defenseless, betting that no one would care to help. That bet had just gone bust.

The leading Jedi of the cohort asked for questions after providing an introductory brief. Cyprian allowed the other Jedi gathered to make their first questions before taking a turn.

"If no peaceful resolution can be found, then what sort of resistance can we expect from the brigands, and what defenses can the locals muster currently?"

While awaiting an answer, he wondered if Kain felt any nostalgia for his past.

Spoiler

Kain Aldore
Coren Starchaser
Aja Shen
Chaaj Priest
Phalsi Drynchen

 

[Kara Munroe]

Kara wasn't a captain of any ship, or even that good of a pilot. She knew how to make it to the ground when in an atmosphere...not always of her own volition.

So she stood on the Oasis and listened to a Jedi high muckety muck give them marching orders. After her experiences in the Rim, she was trying to be more intentional about watching the Force users, try to learn by watching. She idly felt a pocket on her armor beneath which was a badge that marked her as claimed, for lack of a better term, but a force order unlike any she'd heard of. She had a lot to learn, and had to spend a major portion of her time on missions for the GA, but learning on the move was something she'd been doing since she first stepped out of her parents home on her own.

Pushing the thoughts of her being some kind of Jedi aside, she checked her weapons and armor as she listened to Coren speak and others ask questions. It seemed like a fairly typical mercy mission, with a bit of uncertainty thrown in. All missions had that to some degree, and at least they knew that going in on this one.

Cyprian Ichar | Coren Starchaser | Phalsi Drynchen | Chaaj Priest | Aja Shen​

 

[Okkeus Dainlei]

He shifted his weight against the wall of the briefing room.

After all of the recent events happening in the galaxy, he knew he needed a new change of pace. After Grandmaster Starchaser made his announcement about his stand against the Concord, he decided that it was the right choice to follow this man. He could bring peace to this galaxy, defeating threats such as the Sith and the Bryn'adul.

All it took was hope.

When the Grandmaster brought up the part about ancient relics from Jedha, this instantly got his attention. A gateway into the past, about how the Jedi lived and worked through the force. Recently he had been studying some ancient prophecies and tales. But that is for another time...

Some of the other members had asked questions. Nothing came to his mind yet, but it would be better if they got some more info, if there was any. So he just waited to see what the Grandmaster would say.

Coren Starchaser | Cyprian Ichar | Phalsi Drynchen | Aja Shen | Chaaj Priest | Kara Munroe

 

[Coren Starchaser]

No stranger to having people follow him, or look to him, he was very vocal Jedi on the galactic scale for a long time now. Coren would retreat to the recesses of space when he needed to, but he always came back and always did his best to help bring light and hope to the galaxy. Today, he found a sense of calm across him. For once, he wasn’t tethered to any one group. He still supported the Silvers, but he supported the New Jedi Order as well. He supported the Jedi. And the Light. Seeing others willing to walk the path, and work collaboratively and to their own accord.

Self-policing was the goal here.

“They may not. So I don’t want to go in sabers waving. A Lightsaber can send a strong message even if it is turned off.” He answered the first question, letting himself roll immediately into the following one. “The pirates seem at least more than able to handle or scare off the local constabulary. The Oasis will be on stand by to deploy a company of soldiers to assist us, but I think that they’ll turn tail pretty quickly.” At least he hoped.

“What we can use though, is more information on the pirates. If they have a base on the world, I’d like to know where it is. It’d be better to help these folks protect themselves than for us to come back in a month’s time to pull them from the fire.” He knew he had a few people with that sort of skillset aboard.

“I’m sending you all a data burst with the local map and arrest records. Its mostly strong arming, some weapons dealing, and extortion. No mistake that they’re criminals, but not on the same level some of us have dealt with. If we’re ready, we have shuttle ready to bring us down to the planet.” He offered as he looked around.



OOC: can go ahead and jump onto the ship and get to the surface, go over the data. Data would record a small gathering outside the main city, but not much else, light vehicles, surplus weaponry.

Okkeus Dainlei Kara Munroe Chaaj Priest Aja Shen Phalsi Drynchen Cyprian Ichar

 

[Cyprian Ichar]

Cyprian was pleased to hear that Master Starchaser didn't simply intend to chase off the bandits in a one shot operation. They would ensure that the locals would be up to the task of properly defending themselves in the future so a similar crisis wouldn't befall them again. In truth, the locals had been gambling themselves, putting little premium on security to maximize profits. Hopefully they had learned their lesson.

"Indigenous training is right in the wheelhouse of the Balarac. We help stand up militias in Wild Space to defend homesteads against pirates and barbarian hordes. I'd very much like to meet with their surviving peace officers when we have the chance."

He looked around the room, now addressing everyone present. "I'm not Jedi, so I am honored that you have allowed me to stand with you today in pursuit of a common goal. I wish this to be a start of a successful collaboration.

"I'll see you all in the hanger. I'm going to meet with my team and quickly review the intelligence before liftoff."

After a small bow, exited the room for the turbolift, trying to recall if there was any amphibious gear available on the Swordwind. His heavy shock armor wouldn't do.

If not, he trusted the Jedi to share. They seemed like a generous bunch.

--------------​

"You know, they weren't bad," he told Penny back on their gunship in the hangar. "I even found them to be somewhat pleasant. I think you could have endured a ten-minute briefing. Besides, we'll be working with the Jedi for a long while. Best get used to it."

Spoiler

Penny Rasalas
Coren Starchaser
Aja Shen
Chaaj Priest
Phalsi Drynchen
Kara Munroe
Okkeus Dainlei

 

[Aja Shen]

Aja could see several transports heading for the surface. It looked like help was on the way. For now, she decided to get to work on her own. If anyone came to join her, she wouldn't turn them away.

Walking down the boardwalk, she approached a group of fishermen.

She listened to them speak, using the force to give her an edge. “Karkin' pirates – hit the Seeker last night.” One of them said. “Killin' off our livelihoods.”

From her position, she watched them scramble to prepare their own ship. Their shoulders were tense, their faces set and grim... as though they knew they were about to sail off to their death. Stepping forward, her dark cloak swept about her ankles and she greeted the fishermen with a nod.

“Pirate trouble?” she asked, canting her head to the side. “I may be able to assist.”

An enigmatic smile would be visible beneath the hood of her cloak.


Coren Starchaser | Okkeus Dainlei | Kara Munroe | Chaaj Priest | Phalsi Drynchen | Cyprian Ichar

Spoiler

I'm planning to head out on the water to protect a fishing vessel and possibly discover an island hideout. Anyone is free to come join

 

[Penny Rasalas]

The hangar felt stuffier than usual, and it showed. Well, something showed, but understanding its source was even less important than it was clear, all things considered. They had a job to do, and that was their focus. Playing the 'good guys', saving the 'little guys' from the 'bad guys'. What was bad and good anymore, though? It was all a matter of perspective, really. Pirates could--

'You know, they weren't bad,'

"Mmm..." Penny nodded slowly as he interrupted her thoughts, the stern brow and dissecting look she was aiming at one of the control panels of their gunship hardly deserving. Looking like she was trying to decipher all the secrets of the universe at once. She was...again...distracted.

'...be working with the Jedi for a long while. Best get used to it.'

"Mmm...yep." Nodding again, it took her a couple seconds for the words of her Lord Commander to actually sink in. He'd know when they did, because her head would swivel in his directions finally. Returning to reality. "Hey, I have no problem with Jedi. Why would I? Jedi are...fine. They mean well. They don't murder, rape, and plunder...like some people." A convincing enough rebuttal against his inferred jab at her testy disposition towards them, but he would be able to sense there was some strain in that truth.

"But why go to a 10-minute briefing when you can give me the more efficient 2-minute briefing?" With a heavy slap on his shoulder, she pushed off the seat she'd been half-leaning on and paced restlessly, fingers locking behind her head in what she thought was a relaxed position. It only made her look stressed.

Spoiler

Cyprian Ichar

 

[Violet Horne]

Coren Starchaser | Okkeus Dainlei | Kara Munroe | Chaaj Priest | Phalsi Drynchen | Cyprian Ichar | Aja Shen

She stepped off the transport that had carried her planetside.

Brows furrowed as she looked back and forth. In that Violet was trying to figure out where to go next. Oh, she had been in the briefing room, but truth to be told it had intimidated her a touch too much to ask any questions. Coren fething Starchaser himself. Who didn't know about him? General of the Underground, Grandmaster, dozens of other titles- each and every one of them telling a tale about his bravery.

What was Violet compared to that?

potential, don't sell yourself short. you have a long way to go. earn their trust, learn about them.

Why?

you don't need to know right now. Go.

Violet started walking, grimacing slightly, she still felt nauseous whenever that voice seeped into her consciousness. Like something wet, swampy, trickling in and trying to drown you from within. Something drew her towards that lake-side, where gruff looking sentients were working on their boats. These were the folks that they were supposed to help, she assumed.

They didn't look like pirates anyway.

“Pirate trouble?” she asked, canting her head tot he side. “I may be able to assist.”

That drew her attention. "Hi? I am... here to help. Um, we are here to help." Gesturing awkwardly towards the other transport ships traveling and landing nearby.

"I am Violet..." Voice trailed away slightly at the sight of the sails drawing out. It looked majestic, this was the first time that she had seen a boat like that.

 

[Phalsi Drynchen]

The Gray Messenger waited quietly, the young woman inside balancing a pen on her bottom lip as the man spoke. She thanked her lucky stars she had opted for bringing her own ship to this mission as he spoke on. The call to make it to the surface was made, and the Gray Messenger awaited for the shuttles to start going.

She ran interference for the lot of the shuttles headed planet side. If they watched, the alarmingly fast ship would dance between each departing shuttle, taking a moment to tally it as she moved to the next one and back again. Almost like an energetic nerf herder she wound herself between each group going down, tying their communications line to her ship as they left.

She would flyover the planet before running back to just inside communicator range to run errands for those below. The ship wasn't made for ground attack, more like a supercharged courier but she would do what she could. Even just presenting a turret for laser fire could work wonders at times.

 

[Coren Starchaser]

One of the things Coren knew during the time with ORC was that on the Rim things were always bad. Being the solution once meant you were always going to have to be the solution. But teaching people how to solve their problems was important. The team that was assembling here was very strong, but he knew they were also capable of teaching. Even the padawans would have something to share. Maybe it wasn’t a blaster but it was something they could teach.

The lead ship was ready for him, and the Jedi Master stepped into it as an old friend would step onto any vessel. His lightsabers on his hip and one up on his chest, the dark brown robes covering his tunic. The trip to the planet wasn’t a long one and once they had made their landing in the city, Coren was greeted by a few of the posse that served this settlement as law enforcement. A few slug throwers and the big guy had himself a repeating blaster.

“Master Jedi, thank you for answering the call. Out here we’ve been at a loss lately.” Said the one with the repeating blaster. Big but also well spoken. He lead Coren and those that came with him into a tent. Inside an astromech projected a map of the local area.

“They’re coming from the South, and seem to hit it at shift change. Seems they have a few airspeeders but they shift their drop zone. Maybe they have someone on the inside. If your people want, maybe they can talk and see what your mystics can gleam?”

Coren nodded. “I’ll see what I can do, and what my people are capable of. I know a few are here to help you prepare to repel them.”



OOC: I’ll bring in the raiders soon, but start up a story for yourself, interviewing the citizens, helping with defenses, scouting out.

Phalsi Drynchen Violet Horne Aja Shen Kara Munroe Okkeus Dainlei Cyprian Ichar Penny Rasalas

 

[Aja Shen]

Turning, Aja set her dark eyes upon a newcomer – a young woman. A brow arched slightly, but she gave a nod to acknowledge her introduction all the same. Her gaze flickered from the ships indicated by a rather awkward gesture and back to the dark-haired woman.

“Aja,” she said in response. “I'm sure a couple more helping hands would not go amiss.”

The dock workers gave a shrug and started up the ramp to their ship, the vessel already swayed back and forth on the waves. Glancing skyward, the gray overcast didn't look all that threatening. But she knew that weather could shift; she only hoped the winds would remain in their favor.

She nodded towards the ship and then moved to board. Looking to Violet, she felt the tug of curiosity. “I take it you are with the...Jedi?” Aja asked, her tone even and calm. “I heard they would be coming to assist here as well.”

In that simple remark, she'd let Violet know that she did not count herself among them. Still, she was open to collaboration.

Violet Horne

 

[Okkeus Dainlei]

The wind blew softly through his hair as he stepped out of the ship.

He watched as his fellow Jedi brothers and sisters spread out, assisting anyone they could. Taking a quick look around he spotted a group of children all talking together. Maybe he could go greet them, see if they needed anything. With the recent bandits attacks that Grandmaster Starchaser mentioned, who knew how many were in need of help.

As he got closer to the group he started to guess that they were around ten to eleven years old. They were all talking to each other, yet something was off. They all seemed nervous and jittery. The children were huddled together, as if they were trying to protect themselves.

"Hey, mind if I say hello?"

They all turned around quickly, worried looks painted on their faces. But those soon went after after they saw it was only a single person.

"Are your Jedi, like the ones the people were talking about?

"Yes, I am a Jedi. We came to help get rid of those bandits."

One of the members stood up, facing the Jedi. He looked to be smaller than the rest. Without a single word he came over and hugged him. Confused, he simply kneeled down to the kid's level, hugging him back. After the quick hug he backed up slightly, and then spoke in a small voice.

"My dad was killed by those bad guys. Please stop them."

Damn. He didn't realize it was this bad. Standing back up he addressed the kids one final time.

"We will stop them, for you. For all of you"

 

[Violet Horne]

Aja Shen

"Hi Aja! Nice to meet you!"

You can be a little less enthusiastic

It was still so odd to have a voice, disembodied and all, constantly piping up at the back of her head. Constantly criticizing, berating, but then again... didn't a lot of people suffer from self-confidence issues have similar experiences? Just that in her case the voice was actually real, instead of imaginary and a product of her own mind.

That trail of thought had her distracted enough that she didn't immediately follow Aja onto the boat. This meant she had to quickly hop on, the boat already parting from the land, before it would leave her behind.

"Oh. Um. Yes, I am, I guess? I am still new at this." She fidgeted a bit anxiously. Looking back and forth, the way the ship was weaving and shaking as it pierced through the waves was something she wasn't familiar with. Pay attention to her, she is not a Jedi, but she might still prove important. Almost at once Violet glanced back to Aja, studying her curiously and perhaps a little too intensely. "Yes! General Starchaser- Well, Master Starchaser I suppose, has been trying to bring back the Jedi's focus on helping people, instead of politicking the entire time."

This elicited a few grunts, disbelieving noises and bemused chuckles from the crew around them.

Clearly not all of them had a very high opinion on Jedi.

They feel abandoned. And the way the voice said it... it almost sounded curious.

"But you are not a Jedi, Aja? You must be very brave to come and help on your own then." Violent sounded and looked very earnestly. Maybe that is when her age would really strike Aja. All youth, bravado and full of ideas on how to help people. But these things rarely met up with reality. The latter was often far more complicated than that.

 

[Cyprian Ichar]

Then

"Mmm, I can feel you brimming with enthusiasm," he chirped while rummaging through the armory, matching her sarcasm drip for drip.

All things considered, she was actually taking the situation better than he had hoped. While obviously reluctant from resentment, she was ultimately compliant. A true professional.

"The earlier invitation to the mission briefing wasn't just about parsing information, but getting a feel for our new allies before we set out. You never liked to mingle with your clients before a job?"

The exchange between Cyprian and the Jedi had been quite brief, but he now had a working idea about their command structure, at least for this operation. It was a flat organization, with one obvious leader - Master Starchaser - but otherwise quite decentralized, working through consensus.

Whether such a structure panned out here would only be known by the fruits of their labor, good or bad.

"The details can be found on the data shard I left for you, but the nitty-gritty is that a regional gang overpowered the local security forces and have now rooted themselves in all major population centers and now oversee all farming operations. It appears that some pockets of resistance still exist, so the raiders don't yet have a complete hold of the planet, but the resistance is powerless without external aid."

He set the equipment he had gathered on the table, then proceeded to remove his outer armor plating piece by piece.

"I skimmed the shard - they're mostly relying on 'infantry' with some vehicle support. Perhaps a cut above normal raider rabble, but inferior to an army." Seeing the meager state of the raider's force strength, he could only imagine how much the locals had been skimping on their own defense. "When it comes to raw force, they could be eliminated easily, but by now I'm sure they're well embedded within all population centers. Urban combat is shite."

Each plate fell to the table with a heavy thud, until all that remained was his helmet and armorweave underlay.

"The Jedi are looking to settle things diplomatically to start, so for now we'll be focused on gathering information and dealing with the locals."

He pulled a latch along the bottom ridge of his helmet, unsealing it with a soft his. He cracked open the helmet to reveal...a balaclava covering every inch of his face save for eyes slits in the mask. Right before this point he had turned away from her, so she couldn't see what little part of his face was now exposed.

"That about covers it for now. We'll keep the rest of the company aboard the Oasis, and it'll just be us with the Jedi on the surface. Oh - don't forget to dress for the occasion."

There came the snap of an elastic band as he replaced his helmet with goggles. When he turned toward her again, his eyes were obscured by the reflective golden glassteel of his tactical visor.

"Adrathorpe makes Isonov look like a dustbowl."

For once, she would be able to see him smile, in a way, as his curling lips and cheeks made an impression through the armorweave.

--------------------​

Now

After a short flight planetside with the Jedi, they all arrived at the first settlement with Coren in the lead. Cyprian had donned a hooded poncho to better blend in with his allies, but every few steps, the head of his mace poked out from under the hem, its teeth glinting angry red even under muted light.

He initially hung back, watching the Jedi begin to interact with people from the settlement. Reading the surface thoughts of the gathering crowds, the initial impressions to the ground party appeared mixed. The spectrum ran the gamut from pure jubilation to suspicion. The Jedi very well could be their liberators, or the catalyst for more suffering.

As untenable as the situation was, a new order had been established, and most people didn't like to rock the boat.

Spoiler

Coren Starchaser
Penny Rasalas
Aja Shen
Okkeus Dainlei
Violet Horne
Phalsi Drynchen

 

[Penny Rasalas]

Then

'...mingle with your clients before a job?'

"They're Jedi. Once you've met one..." Penny made her point clear with a snort, "Hardly a surprising people. I know them well enough." Whether or not she was justified in her perspective, it didn't seem to matter to her. Simply put, she was here to take orders, and do her job. As far as she was concerned, she was fulfilling the role required of her just fine. The rest was sprinkles on a sundae she couldn't give less a shit about.

That wasn't all true either, but it was a tangent she had no interest in exploring.

Sparing a glance as he began disposing of his armor, heavy thunk by heavy thunk, her mind was mostly elsewhere. Taking in everything he was saying, and perhaps listening more intently than it would seem. He turned away as he pulled the infamous helmet off. The helmet that never left his head. Eventually, he'd hear a short, soft chuckle.

"Di-plo-ma-cy." Repeating with thick emphasis, Penny apparently found the idea amusing. "Of course that's their goal..." It sounded as if she meant to say more, yet her jaw locked shut, and remained that way until he was done speaking. Then, she returned his balaclava-coated smile with one of her own. "I'll give them all the diplomacy they want." If that was sarcastic, it was impossible to tell by her tone alone. One thing was certain though, if she signed up for a mission, she followed through. That much he ought to know by now.

"I'll review the data, and change." Turning, she aimed to find a more private place to collect her things, and her thoughts.

"Oh, and by the way, Lord Commander... No one cares how ugly you are." Quipping about his obsession with keeping his entre head covered, she turned and left the hanger, smile unseen.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now

Whether it was expected or not, she stayed close to Cyprian, taking his lead as he took the lead of Master Starchaser. A wallflower, for all intents and purposes. Ready and willing to act when needed, but until then, nearly invisible. Everything about her was shrouded. Thoughts, feelings, intentions, all masked under a cooperative and alert presence.

More than once her eyes made an appraising pass over the Coren Starchaser , and more than once, they snapped away again sharply. She paid attention to the way he interacted with the locals, but when he disappeared into the tent to discuss matters, she stayed behind. Letting her attention wander the settlement. Reading the faces, body language, and surface thoughts of those within range.

Penny blended in well enough, though she didn't sport a cloak, like some others did. Funny enough, she made it a point not to wear one, but that was alright...it wasn't a staple in her wardrobe anyway. It really should be though, sometimes she got caught in some killer weather, but anyway. Instead, she was dressed in comfortable layers of leather and cloth. Nothing that provided any real protection, but it let her move quite easily and quietly, and that's what she cared about. Overtop, her tactical belt held the usual necessities, including the silvery hilt of her single lightsaber clipped by her hip.

Parting, she drifted through the crowds as a quiet little information sponge. Exchanging any pleasantries locals cared to give, and leaving alone the more suspicious and shy folk. Until she overheard the voice of another Jedi...

'We will stop them, for you. For all of you'

Glancing, Penny found Okkeus Dainlei , rising from a hug he'd just given to a child. More of them were pressed close together, a palpable cloud of fear and uncertainty hanging around them. Her pace slowed as she observed them all. She didn't know him any more than she knew the rest that had gathered under Coren's command, but something compelled her silence to break.

"And then you must learn from the mistakes of the past. Protect each other, and defend what's right." It was a neutral gaze she leveled them with as she remained standing. Eyes flit from one small, confused and wary face to the next. "Because we won't always be here...will we?" A fleeting look landed on Okkeus. Passing from the eerie electric quality of his eyes, down to the bionic arm, and then she continued on her slow walk.

Spoiler

Cyprian Ichar Coren Starchaser Okkeus Dainlei

 

[Kaia Starchaser]

oops