What Strange Paths We Wander

[Seo Linn]

The Lorrdian was an odd looking one for her planet. Most people from Lorrd had a darker complexion, hair and eyes, somehow she was blond. Perhaps she was what one might consider to be an albino, but her eyes were not the correct color to be one of them. She was a wanderer and never stayed put in one location for long.

That might have been due to how her people had been treated. As time had passed, freedom had been gained by them. She had picked up young by the Dominion and was raised among the Jedi and Sith there. After that government had fallen, she had searched out the Jedi.

With the Dominion she had been a researcher, librarian and information gatherer. Now as she was given the freedom to wander the galaxy with the Silver's, she usually travelled alone. Even belonging to them, Seo rarely came across another and did not mind this at all. She followed where the Force lead her and it seemed wherever she went there was always something she needed to accomplish.

It was odd though, she had felt the call to come to Dorsis and yet nothing had happened. The city planet was much like Coruscant was and with very little natural life here. Normally that wasn't something Seo thought of, but for some reason that crossed her mind right now.

Deciding she had spent enough time wandering the various streets and levels of Dorsis, she returned to the crowded spaceport. Watching what was going on around here, she turned when there was some raised voices about cancelled and delayed flights off the world. Being a Silver did have benefits and she had a ship of her own.

Recently the Alliance had been hit hard by the Sith and it seemed the people wanting to leave Dorsis wanted to flee before everything collapsed around them. While the Sith weren't here, the damage caused by them would be felt across the area. Letting out an almost silent sigh, she continued on to try and make her way through the crowd.

[member="Serian Loria"]

 

[Serian Loria]

The crowds were a major annoyance for Serian as he stood waiting at the reception desk. He was looking for a pilot and had been told the best way to hire one was to post a notice. However when he got to the desk he was shunted to the side to wait as an emergency had put the spaceport into lock down. He wasn’t overly concerned that he would have to wait till this situation was over, but it was the growing crowd that was the main concern. People were milling around and demanding answers and it was getting very loud.

A large man shoved his way through the crowd and made a beeline straight for him and started shouting. When the lady at the desk came over it only got worse and he got in her face forcing her to back up. That was when Serian got involved, because his temper was making things worse with the crowd.

“You will shut up and walk away.”

When the man did exactly that, looking very like he had been punched in the face, the noise died down and eyes turned to him. “Obviously milling around isn’t doing any good, hire out or wait till more information is given and a solution fixes the problem. Unless you too would like to be the next example?”

Normally a mob wasn’t so pacified, but between shock and the eerie feeling creeping down their spines, they reluctantly decided it was better to do just that. All he had done was first hit the aggressor with strong persuasion, then layered a subtle push to the crowd with fear. Force talents, mainly used by those who followed the darker path, but he didn’t act like a typical Darksider. When the woman turned to him to thank him he shrugged “All I wish to do...is hire a pilot, that mess was keeping that from happening. Can we get that done so I may leave?”

Serian stood at six foot even, a lithe one hundred and ninety pounds. He was dressed like a businessman, a nice suit and an air of something extra. His accent however, was very strange, the crisp tones having faded with time, but it was an old imperial accent. Something well out of time and decidedly purer compared to those who had since come from what used to be imperial dominated worlds. His eyes were about the only thing that set him apart, they were like flawless red rubies lit from behind by light. Yet no sign of corruption due to falling too far into darkness. He was an enigma, but at least he was a polite one.

[member="Seo Linn"]

 

[Seo Linn]

Something made Seo stop in her tracks and turn back to that commotion. Scanning the assembled crowd, she found him. The physical appearance was pretty much the opposite of her. He was dark to her light and his demeanor was something she would think of as high class.

If one to look at her, Seo was not dressed like a typical Jedi in robes or cloaks. Instead, she wore pants that were a mix of tan and gold threaded in with an ivory colored top also with gold accents. She had a gold colored belt which held her single lightsaber and brown boots. Nothing really made her stand out either other than having very blond, almost white hair and her eyes which were a gold brown hue.

She approached the area of the recent confrontation to hear the last part of his speech.

"I will take your fare."

[member="Serian Loria"]

 

[Serian Loria]

A shiver ran along his senses and he turned to look just as the woman approached and spoke. His lit ruby gaze looked her over, he could sense she was a lightsider, though the Jedi weren’t the only kind wandering around. Still, her interest in him made him made him suspicious. “I have a ship, I need a pilot for it. Thank you for your offer.”

He turned to look back at the display, but the nagging feeling in his chest didn’t go away and he resisted frowning outwardly. The Force was needling him, was it the girl? He turned to eye her again wondering what possible reason he would need to have someone like her as a companion.

He doubted she would be interested in being his apprentice, but now he couldn’t dismiss her either. He sighed softly and crossed his arms “If you wish I can hire you for my own ship, my last I dismissed from my service…”

An olive branch considering he was reluctant to get involved with her. His last experience with any lightsider had been before he had gone into stasis and had been a hard won fight with the zealot. He had no idea what any of them were like now and would have to be on guard around this one.

[member="Seo Linn"]

 

[Seo Linn]

A reader of body language, Seo picked up on the fact he was suspicious of her. It didn't surprise her, especially in these days. He stated he had a ship, but needed a pilot. The Jedi was determined to assist this man. He had to have been the reason the Force had called her here.

She gave away very little of her thoughts and feelings through her body language. Every movement and expression was a languge of its own and Seo was an expert in reading them.

He turned to look away from her and back at the listing above them. Flights were starting to move again, but that wasn't what he needed. A simple pilot to fly his ship and she could do that. Depending on the type of ship he had, of course. Her own was rather ancient, but it had been kept up well. In leaving it here, she would have to contact the Silver's and have it removed. It could be taken back to Kashyyyk where they had their home now and public transportation could be taken there when her job with Serian was completed.

Eventually he turned and faced her, with his arms crossed, he appeared closed to something. His words indicated he might be interested in her though. It remained to be seen where that interest laid. For her part, Seo was interested in him. There was something about him that told her to turn away, but the louder part kept nudging her to continue with this encounter.

"If you need a pilot, I can do that too."

[member="Serian Loria"]

 

[Serian Loria]

Persistent… He let his hands fall to his side and started to walk away “Follow me.”

He led her to where his transport was, a large sleek thing that had enough speed to flee and enough weapons if it needed them. It wasn’t flashy, but the lines were smooth and it did what he needed. When the hatch opened into the large cargo hold, she would see the starfighter. An expensive and unique ship, it was the real weapon were it to come to it and the paif of the fighter with the transport ship was enough to take a bite out of a goodly number of things that might cause problems. Against a military assault or something like that they wouldn’t be much, but against the occasional pirates? Well, they didn’t stand a chance.

Being a force user also had it’s advantages and in a pinch Serian could and would use his skills if he saw an opportunity. “Choose whichever quarters is unlocked and make yourself comfortable. We leave when you are ready.”

There were several boxes stored and secured in the corner, he had been somewhere before he had lost his previous pilot. “The only stipulations I have are no impairing substances, nothing that has a foul smell and no strangers unless cleared by me. I will have a formal contract for you to sign upon our arrival to my estate, the coordinates are already prepared. Also, I do not care if you disagree with an action I am about to take or have taken, but if you get in my way or hamper me, you will be quickly unemployed. Do it well before or after, but not when action must be taken. I have no problems with those who follow a different path than myself, but I dislike unexpected obstacles.”

[member="Seo Linn"]

 

[Seo Linn]

Two simple words were all he needed to answer her offer and she fell into step with him. Luckily Seo travelled light and carried her belongings with her. There was nothing on her ship she needed to pick up.

They arrived at his ship and it was much nicer looking than her own. Not one to be jealous, she did admire the curves and how easy it was to look at. A simple ship, but it did what was needed. Likely able to hold off the most common types of people, it was the fighter inside that proved to be where his teeth were. She did not show any outward sign, but a fighter was one thing she lacked.

He broke the silence between them as they entered the ship. The rules he placed on her were easy to follow. They would need to gain clearance before they could leave. It was something Seo knew from previous locations such as this. After he finished speaking, her golden eyes looked him and for once he might see a touch of her humor in them.

It wasn't often she fully revealed anything to anybody and while a glimmer might be there, not everything was shown.

"My name is Seo Linn and will abide by those stipulations. However, if your actions put any innocents in danger, I will become that obstacle. Where is your estate?"

Just a part of her gathering information, but still a good question to know the answer to. Once he did answer, she would then head to the quarters area to find one for herself. If he did not follow her, she would not look into the other rooms and only find a place for her bag. After that, she would go to the cockpit and request that clearance they would be needed to take off.

[member="Serian Loria"]

 

[Serian Loria]

Something dark flickered in the depths of his pupils, something stirring at her challenge. Instead of going for her he blinked and looked past her. “I go to great pains to keep the collateral damage to a minimum. You will not need worry in that regard, my primary weapons have always been my mind and my voice. Death dealing violence, is at the very bottom of my list Miss Linn.”

He looked at her and gave a slight respectful nod “My name is Serian Corsair Loria, you may address me by my surname or first, whichever you prefer at the time.”

He then nodded towards the cockpit “The location will be on the star map, anything else pertaining to our departure and arrival will be there as well.”

He looked to his quarters and then back at her “I doubt you will desire, but… If you wish further training or simply an proficient sparring partner I would oblige you. I have no affiliation with whatever fluctuating factions are currently at war. As such, consider me a holder of different methods and information that might be valuable to you upon your path. Regardless of whatever name you happen to have the banner of, my offer is yours to do with as you choose.”

It probably would have come up at some point anyways and so he offered it now instead of simply waiting around for a potentially awkward conversation later. He didn’t judge her by whatever faction or path she chose, the Force had thrown them together and in the end he simply heeded it. He turned to leave “I am going to rest, let me know when we are nearing our destination.”

[SIZE=11pt][member="Seo Linn"][/SIZE]

 

[Seo Linn]

Her words did bring a slight reaction from him, but it was nothing outward. Just a change in his eyes and that he did not meet her direct gaze. His answer Seo appreciated though and nodded.

"A mind is a great weapon. I say the same to you concerning my name. Which ever you think to address me as, I will answer."

Not giving away any additional information as to where they were going, he did indicate the answer was on the star map. Not having been to the cockpit yet, it was something Seo had yet to look at.
​
He looked to his quarters and then back at her with an offer for her to join him if she wished. The offer for further training did interest her, it was something she may take him up on.

"I grew up exposed to different paths and callings. Each with strengths and weaknesses. So which you follow is your path. Right now though it appears we on this journey together for a purpose. Not something as simple as me piloting your ship to your estate. For the sake of information, if I choose to accept your offer, should I just knock?"

He had said he wanted to rest until they arrived. So before he went to do that, that question should be answered.

[member="Serian Loria"]

 

[Serian Loria]

One ink black brow rose “Miss Linn, I looked to my quarters because I was debating rest or further conversation. I did not invite you into my personal space. Should you choose to accept, simply tell me the next time you see me, I prefer to keep my private space exactly that.”

Not that she wasn’t attractive, the idea of such that she had thought was worrisome. Did she think he had expected some kind of intimacy as part of her service? He debated clarifying and just simply dismissed it. He had absolutely no interest in broaching such an impolite topic nor making a foolish assumption. Far easier to set someone at ease by not doing, in the slightest, any of something they might be inclined to worry over instead. “As for your education, good. It means you don’t have unrealistic views of how the worlds around us work nor any silly misconceptions. In any case… I will leave you to getting us away and leave you to settling in.”

He then turned and walked away heading to his space and disappearing inside.

[member="Seo Linn"]

 

[Seo Linn]

Finally a small reaction from him outside of his eyes. It wasn't as if Seo was intenionally attempting to provoke Serian or anything, but it was good to see something more than a straight face from him.

"I never suggested you said anything other than, just enquired on if I was cleared to disturb you by knocking on your door before we arrive."

iHe did clarify to make ​it known the next time they saw each other which only made sense. Once he would close the door, they would no longer be within sight and thus it would be the next time. Watching him leave the area and go to his own quarters, once he was out of sight, Seo shook her head and went into the cockpit to finalize their departure.

Clearance was provided and she lifted the ship up easily with no hitches or hang ups along the way. Once they were out of the atmosphere, she put the specific coordinates into the navi-comp and the blue light of hyperspace filled the view screen moments later.

[member="Serian Loria"]

 

[Serian Loria]

It would take them four days to reach their destination. The first two she saw neither sight nor hair of Serian, nor any evidence he had moved around while she slept. The third however found him in a chair in the small common room reading the news on a holotab a cup of tea near at hand. He wasn’t dressed as he had been, in fact he looked like he had just risen even if he was clean and neat. He was dressed in loose grey pants and a white tank top, clothing to relax in. It however made him look much younger than she might have guessed at first.

Serian had those strange changeling looks that could make him appear in his late thirties or in his early twenties depending on how he dressed. He was actually in his late twenties, but sitting with one leg tucked under the other focused on what was in his hand, he looked about twenty five and a lot less stiff and reserved. His demeanor could potentially change, but he appeared more relaxed now than he had before.

[member="Seo Linn"]

 

[Seo Linn]

The Jedi was a wanderer and used to essentially travelling alone. So the fact he maintained seclusion did not bother her in the slightest. As the two days passed, she took care of what was needed doing, not prying into his belongings. She ate when she was hungry and stopped when she was full. The food she prepared wasn't what a normal person would find on a ship. In her bag, she carried with her some spices from home she used in cooking. Anything else she needed was provided on the ship and she enjoyed the quiet time.

That third morning or what passed for day in space, he was outside his cabin for the first time since he entered at least while she was awake. If he left it at other times it made no difference to her.

He was dressed far more casually and it made him look younger. Somewhat closer to her age rather than a few years older. She observed what he held, wore and was drinking. Seo was a light traveler and did not have much variation in her clothing. Most were lighter in color with earth tones included, usually gold or brown. Styled to blend into a desert environment which was what Lorrd mostly was.

During the days where they did not see one another, Seo had been practicing her art of imitation. If he had been paying any attention to it at all, he would have heard her making progress on his. It wasn't a sign of infatuation or anything, but that accent was unique and she needed to try. She would not imitate it front of him unless he asked about it. When she wasn't doing that, Seo would also read.

On her way through the commons area, she nodded to Serian.

"Would you care for some breakfast?"

[member="Serian Loria"]

 

[Serian Loria]

Serian looked up from what he was reading and brushed a few strands of his hair from his face blinking. So engrossed in what it was he hadn’t paid as much attention to the girl as he should have. At least he could trust that she wouldn’t try to strike him behind, Jedi tended to be too honorable for that, well, unless things had changed. Her words came into focus and he picked up the teapot. “More hot water and...if you can be bothered, there is some melon in the crisper, cut it up and have the other half for yourself. I don’t eat much so you will find very little to offer… I apologize. Usually when I play host I come prepared, though to be fair I’ve yet to read the ‘care and feeding of pet Jedi’ manual. I always thought your kind lived on bull and blather, but I’ve yet to meet anyone who could change that opinion.”

There was a smirk ghosting on the edges at that, he was baiting her, trying to see how easily her feathers were ruffled.

[member="Seo Linn"]

 

[Seo Linn]

Well, she was the one that opened her mouth to offer him breakfast. When he answered, she gave a nod and picked up the teapot. He apologized for not having much food to offer her.

"I can make due with what there is, thank you."

Noticing that ghost of a smirk, Seo wouldn't fall totally for the bait he laid out.

"More and more do live on bull and blather. You will get none from me, unless it is food and obviously blather isn't food."

Not taking any longer than was needed and leaving before Serian could make come back at her, she left, returned with a tray holding the two halves of melon, the teapot with fresh hot water and an empty cup for herself.

"May want to brush up on that care and feeding part. Or we can just talk about it."

[member="Serian Loria"]

 

[Serian Loria]

One ink black brow raised as he looked at her from having gone back to reading. “Miss Linn, I cannot even care for my cats and suspect they have a magic of their own to do it without any assistance from me, what makes you think you will fare any better?”

He then set aside what had held his attention and set to fixing the tea “This tea is mildly sweet and can either be taken with or without more added. Nimian Purple Sweet, is what it is called and hard to find, it has a deep violet color when given a high temperature water to steep in. Tastes like apple, smells like mint, but it gives clarity to the mind and helps ease tension.”

Sharing a bit of information, though he knew not if she cared. “I would like to spar with you sometime after we arrive, I have not done so in a while and I find myself curious to see how things have changed with the Jedi. Probably not much, but an individual’s own choices can shape things in an interesting way. If you do not wish it, I will understand.”

[member="Seo Linn"]

 

[Seo Linn]

She was a person that really only spoke when it was needed, but Seo wanted to hear more from Serian. His clean and crisp accent was unique and while she could already imitate it, she did enjoy hearing it.

"I've never owned any pet​s. It wasn't something I could have growing up and now I wander around too often to take care of one. However, cats are generally independent and can often take care of themselves. No magic involved. Think of me like a cat then."

It would imply the answe​r to his question and that he really didn't need to concern himself with the care and feeding of his pet jedi. Her eyes followed his movements as he made the tea and listened as he told her what variety it was.

"Then I hope the water is hot enough to accomplish the steeping."

It was her turn to rais​e an eyebrow when he mentioned a spar between the two of them after arrival. Something about his wording interested her. He appeared to be within just a few years of age from her, but his words implied there was more to it than that.

"What do you mean by the Jedi having changed or not?"

[member="Serian Loria"]

 

[Serian Loria]

Serian could tell from the heat it was, but he didn’t need to tell her that, her question about his interest in sparring was more interesting. “Exactly what I said Miss Linn. I want to see how the teachings have changed versus the Jedi I remember fighting in the past. Though I am Sith no longer, I am still someone who follows the Dark path, most Jedi I remember could not sit as you are now employed by someone like me. Rare was the exception and they are gone, so then, by fighting you I will get an idea of you and your Order as it stand now.”

He sat back setting the teapot to the side for now. “I was not born to this time, I spent nearly eight hundred years in stasis. The galaxy is both different and the same, even the Sith are...changed, though in some respects they are certainly not. Stands to reason that the Jedi would have followed as well, after all they are the other side of the coin.”

He watched her after that, watching for her reaction to his revelation. He was old, yet not, he was part of yet distant from the age they were in now. He wasn’t that much older than her yet he was many centuries old. She would then get an exact idea of where he had come from, he was indeed old Imperial, because that was where he had come from. He was a living relic, he didn’t fit because he was an old piece fitting into a new board. Except that he wasn’t anyone’s toy to push around.

[member="Seo Linn"]

 

[Seo Linn]

The accent had been a clue, but his answer was confirmation. Even without her looking into his belongings with the Force to get their age, Seo had somehow known he wasn't from this time. A single probing question and he answered it honestly, without heat or anger.

In her time, there were various Orders. Each viewed things just a little differently. They interpreted the code in their own way.

"I grew up in this time. Among both Jedi and Sith. For a time they worked together, but then the current sith came in and destroyed that government. So my personal views may not be exactly as many of my brothers and sisters think."

If he was looking for si​gns of sympathy or understanding, there were none. What he would see was an almost innocent openness and a person willing to have an intelligent conversation. Nor would he see any sense of being turned or pushed away.

[member="Serian Loria"]

 

[Serian Loria]

So she had had some inkling that he was different, she was perceptive or she studied the past, perhaps even both. None of his belongings within reach or on the ship were of his time. There were many within his home, but most were not. “I’ve never held much stock in codes, I was mocked and belittled in my past for my actions, I was considered a heretic and a traitor, not at all a ‘true’ Sith. All because I saw the code in another light than those taught and turned to casual and warring violence. As for the Jedi code, I rather preferred the first and eldest over the newer one.”

Her education among both was of interest, another reason why he wanted to test her. He picked up the teapot and poured, the deep purple liquid filling the cup and filling the air with its fragrance. He passed a cup to her and poured one for himself taking a sip “I am dismal at most dometic tasks, I cannot cook and have actually been told I am a terror in the kitchen. However...somehow I can at least make a decent cup of tea. Remember this if it ever comes down to a choice between you and I needing to fend for ourselves.”

[member="Seo Linn"]