Traveling the Same Path

[Serian Loria]

When all was said and done the tournament certainly hadn’t been disappointing, but the ruby eyed Crusader was eager to leave it all behind. Every spaceport was pretty much the same, noisy, crowded and busy. He didn’t have a ship of his own, nor if he did could he fly it, so he spent credits to hire transportation. He stood out in the sea of people, he wasn’t dressed like one who traveled the routes and the air around him spoke of danger. It didn’t matter that his aura was hidden, Power marked him and left people giving him wide berth. It was just as well they did because he would have been vastly irritated to be jostled around like the masses around him.

The ship he was waiting on was late and it was good thing he chose never to pay ahead, but on his arrival where he wished to go. He had but one bag, sitting on the ground at his feet, he didn’t need very much with him. The bag was just a greyish duffel bag, large enough for what clothing he’d packed and what very few else he needed. He was used to traveling, even if in this new age he didn’t much, but old habits died hard. Eventually he would probably hare off to points unknown, but he still had too much he needed to do where he was to think of pursuing his interests. This tournament hadn’t been for pleasure to him, it had been necessary.

Service to his new faction, to taste what he’d be meeting with in unregulated battle and to cast the dust from himself. As always he knew that to study the Force was to forever be the student and he’d seen plenty of things that he wished to study. He leaned against the pillar behind him closing his eyes, the noise of the place washed over him and all he paid attention to was the river of life flowing around him. Physically his eyes were closed, but his Senses were wide open taking it all in. Such a different contrast to what his normal sight took in, beautiful in a way he couldn’t capture with paint. It all surged around him as people went hither and yon to points known only to themselves.

An air of such urgent impatience that caught one up in the swirl and almost disoriented the mind. Whether one walked the virtuous path or the dark path, this was the same for all those with Power. There were times he toyed with walking away from the Darker aspects, but the path of Light never seemed that much different. He didn’t go from one kill to another with wanton abandon, though he liked the thrill and challenge just fine. In the past any encounter with those who followed the lighter path usually started with a fight and ended with more violence. It seemed to him that to seek out answers he might just find ears to listen and voices to give answers. It was always moments like this, caught in the wonder, that he thought such things. He always wondered why one was so different than the other, but opportunities never came about to easily question those who walked a path opposing his.

He closed his Sight and opened his eyes with a sigh, pulling out his time piece from a pocket and stuffing down his impatience. Maybe he’d be better off learning to fly a ship of his own than this, at least then he’d get where he wanted sooner.


[member="Darth Tsolan"]

 

[Vulpesen]

Tsolan sighed as he stepped out of his new ship, his tail flicking in iritation. "I really need Alex to show me how to work that thing." Having been born a beast trader, it could be said that the zorren sith didn't have a mechanical bone in his body. It was for this reason that he landed for a walk on planet. He wasn't the type to travel through endless space in some archaic ship(even if it was specially ordered). No, he preferred to let his boots touch the ground and his eyes to observe the sights. Finally ready to explore, he started his way through the spaceport, his golden eyes scanning the crowds behind his perpetually worn mask.

[member="Serian Loria"]

 

[Serian Loria]

The presence he felt was a familiar one, even if he could not see the man through the throng of people. It seemed almost coincidence that they’d end up in the same place, but what if it was not? He closed his eyes leaning his head back against the pillar Your presence is one I didn’t think I’d Sense again.

His mind-voice was tranquil feeling, different than the almost empty it had been during their fight. He didn’t know if the man would answer him or not, but then that was a risk he was willing to take.

[member="Darth Tsolan"]

 

[Vulpesen]

Tsolan's eyes narrowed as he felt the mind breach upon his own, Sure it was only words, but there was still some things he preferred not to have in his head, one of them being other people.He quickly locked up his consciousness and observed the crowd, years as a jedi shadow paying off as he caught sight of a familiar face. "I could say the same for you."

[member="Serian Loria"]

 

[Serian Loria]

[member="Darth Tsolan"] would see Serian give a shrug I’ve long been used to unusual encounters, the Force does not breed coincidences among those of us that can touch it.

He didn’t know if the man felt similar or not, but it always seemed that such things happened more frequently than it did for those without the abilities they had. His lit ruby gaze met his own from a distance, watching him. The sea of people around him simply swam by moving around him without pause blending together in the background.

 

[Vulpesen]

Tsolan nodded and walked to him, flowing through the crowd like water. The use of his force was quite likely, but only a slight amount as he passed through. "And sometimes, those without." The darkside clouded him to an unnatural degree as he walked, hatred, anger, and resentment filling his presence as the man beneath was hidden. Not necessarily at Serian, but at something. "The question is, for what purpose were we brought together?"

[member="Serian Loria"]

 

[Serian Loria]

His lit ruby gaze was thoughtful as he took in the man, the flavor around him was as familiar to him as his own energy. The taint of the Dark path, though in the case of [member="Darth Tsolan"], he still followed the Sith’s teachings whereas the Ruby eyed former Lord, did not. I’ve long ceased in trying to puzzle out the will behind the events. To struggle against it is both futile and counterproductive, going with it however breeds possibilities. I can at least say that I am not unhappy to see you again, but I cannot predict your own feelings on the matter.

For one who followed the Dark path he didn’t seem to fluctuate with chaos. In fact, he was surprisingly relaxed, yet the tailed man would know that the ruby eyed one before him was like himself.

 

[Vulpesen]

"To understand its purpose often leads to finding the easier path in it. To fight the force is futile this much I've learned. But to influence it, manipulate it to serve your means, that is quite possible." A small smiled touched his face under the mask. Having learned form the Aing-Tii in his younger days, he knew the force would always be set straight. But sometimes, a person could take another path for the same destination, for him, that was the trick to survival. "So, what brought you here?"

[member="Serian Loria"]

 

[Serian Loria]

Lit ruby eyes studied the man quietly, hiding as much as they usually did. The ruby eyed man thought the other somewhat silly and even arrogant to think that he had any actual control at all. It was easier to manipulate the things around them, but in the end the only thing one had any type of control over was themselves. Still, he wasn’t one to tell someone they were wrong, that fact would probably come to him on his own eventually. I was knocked out in the second round and chose to go home than stand around speculating on who would win in the end, I accomplished what I wanted, no reason to stay now. The transport I hired is late by fifteen minutes, I suspect I will have to hire another, though I’m not thrilled about it. At least I didn’t waste money, I won’t hire someone I can’t pay on arrival.

[member="Darth Tsolan"]

 

[Vulpesen]

Tsolan twitched a bit. He wasn't one to lose. Especially not one to lost to those who lost so soon after him. Still, such things happen and it wouldn't do to mention such failures when they could easily be put against him. "A pity. I always preferred to have my own transportation or steal something. Do you have something to do during the ride, or do you simply have the money to afford skipping on the occupation of driving?"

[member="Serian Loria"]

 

[Serian Loria]

He’d never had to steal anything since he’d freed himself from his father and it almost made him want to laugh. I’ve never had to resort to theft. I don’t know how to fly a ship and if I wanted I could afford the best offered. However the ‘best’ offered is a waste of money and I don’t feel the need to throw away credits in some pitiful attempt to one up those around me.

He could have asked the man for a ride, but the thought never entered his mind. Firstly because it would have been incredibly rude, but also very forward, another thing he wasn’t. The courtesy and formality wasn’t seen much around him nowadays, but there was something about the way [member="Darth Tsolan"] held himself that was similar to how Serian was. There was a difference however, Serian was old world and Tsolan was ‘new’ however the core elements were the same, courtesy and respect must be maintained.

 

[Vulpesen]

Vulpesen's tail flicked a bit as an idea occurred to him, the same idea that Serian had passed by. "Among the highest reasons I left the jedi, was their lack of information. For a people that praise knowledge and wisdom, they seemed determined to hide me in ignorance, and thus I left for the freedom of the sith. However,t here are some things even they can't provide, such as information on certain groups of people, you're Moros Crusade being one of them. Perhaps if I allowed you to use my ship and services, we could talk about your people so that I might know more about them, than they allow dark siders and fund tournaments."

[member="Serian Loria"]

 

[Serian Loria]

Its been a long time since I was Sith, but if its anything like I recall, its not as free as you believe. There was a hint of bitterness in his mind-voice, a flicker of anger, but it was only briefly there. I’ll tell you what I know, but I am the last person you wish to talk to for some tale to use to try and recruit you. All I can tell you is facts and my opinions, more than that, there is nothing more I can do. I will gladly accept your offer, if you are still interested.

[member="Darth Tsolan"]

 

[Vulpesen]

Vulpesen let out a small smile. There was a danger about this one. Not the kind that came with death. The kind that came with kindred spirits, those so close they could learn who and what you were. Still, the sith couldn't help but speak to him. "The sith have their goals and I've my own. So long as I follow their wishes, I've found little resistance in my own pursuits. As for recruitment, I'm afraid that I must stay where I am, at least until further notice."

[member="Serian Loria"]

 

[Serian Loria]

The only goal he ever knew of was the total domination of the galaxy, the subjugation of ever living soul within it and then the paltry desire to ‘mold it in the image of the great Sith.’ He had his doubts that this had changed much. So long as you follow their image of what a Sith should be and act, nothing else matters. Again there was that bitterness, again the anger. A hint that perhaps the ruby eyed former Lord hadn’t been the ‘ideal’ image of Sithly perfection enough for the eyes of others. Though [member="Darth Tsolan"] would also get the sense that there was a taste of age to the resentment the man felt. As if while he was still touched by it, there was just that, old emotions. Lead the way, I’m ready to leave the noise.

He lifted his bag, tossing it over his shoulder and holding it by the strap, waiting.

 

[Vulpesen]

He grinned and started towards his own ship, his black tail waving behind him. "I'm a soldier of fortune in a way. The sith accept that there are differences in my beliefs and my wishes for the galaxy. All they require from me, is service in my blade in return for the knowledge of their arts." He started to move through the heavier crowd, his body turning slightly to slip through the small gaps between the people. "So, what planet are you headed to?"

[member="Serian Loria"]

 

[Serian Loria]

Serian scoffed softly The Crusade has the most comprehensive library I’ve seen and that includes the information on the Dark path. The archives I used to care for aren’t even the tip of the iceberg of what is available.

The hunger to learn it all was very clear at that point, the ruby eyed man prized knowledge and it came with a sense of vastness to it. As if that wasn’t just what they had, but so much more and all of it was within his reach. I am headed straight to Exocron, the capitol world of the Crusade. What I will pay you will include what is needed for fuel and supplies, I don’t want to have to hop from port to port. I’ll even cover whatever might need to be fixed to facilitate this.

A tall order and he didn’t even seem particularly bothered. He wasn’t in any great haste either, which might seem a surprise. To be honest I would like to find a pilot to keep on retainer for what needs I have, so I won’t deny your arrival into the Crusade is an attractive idea. I know not what your plans are, but I can offer you a salary, a place to stay and a kitchen to use as you wish, but servants as well within my household. Normally I would have an apprentice do such things, but I do not have one at this time.

There was disappointment that he was not where he might be to be willing to have someone teach, for he would certainly take him as an apprentice were he interested. An offer like his wasn’t given lightly either, he’d already assessed the pros and cons. Serian respected the tailed man enough to accord him with generosity he wouldn’t have given most. [member="Darth Tsolan"] had impressed him some, plus he accepted the affinity that seemed to be between them, not something he was likely to just simply ignore.

This event that brought this synchronicity was too obvious to be simply noted, then moved on from. He’d be a fool to just ignore the possibilities.

 

[Vulpesen]

Vulpesen shook his head a bit. The idea was tantalizing to sya the least, but his work had been for a reason. He couldn't abandon it so easily. "I'll keep your offer in mind. But otherwise, I'll be staying where I am for some other personal reasons. As for paymet, perhaps you can merely give me some knowledge on techniques. Shall we say, one for each time you require my services as a transport? If yu've the wealth of resources you claim, this shouldn't be a problem." Such was the interesting thing about the zorren sith. Money and power did not motivate him. Simply peace through unity. The sith proved their power in that respect and as he joined them, he found reason to stay where he was.


[member="Serian Loria"]

 

[Serian Loria]

He gave the man a nod So long as it does not violate the laws of the Crusade and my loyalties, I will pass on what I can. I will still pay for expenses as I already said I would, my other offer will still stand when you are able to accept it.

As far as he was concerned that was that. He’d already had plans to commit those resources, thats exactly what he’d do. He might alter the final price once he saw the state of the ship and what he estimates of the man’s income, but he would still pay as was proper.

[member="Darth Tsolan"]

 

[Vulpesen]

"Understandable." He moved through land platform until he found his ship. By Most standards, the YT-1930 could be considered as hold, perhaps even archaic as it was hundreds of years old. Still, the model had bee his favorite out of the series, in his opinion eve better than the famous YT-1300. "Not much, and if she sparks, the best I can do is tell you to buckle up, but being pretty brand new, I don't think that'll be a problem."

[member="Serian Loria"]