Wish You Were Here

[Finley Dawson]

Finley hadn't seen Eliza in person since she had completed her probation, but they still kept in regular contact over the Holonet. Every few months, he provided updates on new excavation sites and other discoveries.

Currently, he was stationed on Ahch-To, home of the “First” Jedi Temple. A few days into his pilgrimage he transmitted his latest posting.

Howdy,

After years of holding off coming to Ahch-To, I finally made it.

By now I'm sure just about every inch of Temple Island has been cataloged by researchers proceeding me, but it's an experience in itself just being here. It's certainly not the grandest temple I've seen, but I find its simple rustic quality quite more appealing than the elegant architecture of Coruscant. I just feel closer to nature here, especially when I sit near the peaks away from everyone else.

That's not to say I haven't seen some impressive sights. There are a few intricate mosaics, the most interesting being of the so called “Prime Jedi” set at the bottom of a pool. I think I've shared pictures of it before (but if not I've attached some files for your viewing pleasure). If this is believed to be authentic, then it raises some interesting questions about the origins of the Jedi and past attitudes about the nature of the Force.

I suppose I'll have long time to think about it, I'm going to stick around around to help catalog some artifacts and translate some texts. Chill times ahead.

So, how are things in your corner of the galaxy? I figure you must be elated by the implosion of the First Order in the Outer Rim. It’s been all cheers around here at the news, but how are people there taking it?

 

[Samka Derith]

Samka frowned at the message on her personal terminal. It wasn't an unpleasant frown, she didn't outright detest the man on the other end, but he was a very strange lingering reminder of a very strange time in her recent life. She could almost pass it off as a dream were it not from the occasional message from Finley Dawson, the Jedi Knight who seemed under the impression he'd made a friend.

Closer to nature? The young Ren snorted aloud. Here she was wishing she could be further from it. Dagobah's wildness and strength in the Dark Side made the planet an ideal location to base her less savoury exploits from. But that didn't mean she had to like being in the putrid swamps.

She rested her thumb over the screen as she reclined atop a branch of a great mossy tree, contemplating a reply. Beneath her, the waters bubbled dangerously but she paid them no mind. Finley kept her up to date with all sorts of Jedi discoveries, it was curious and could prove useful in the future. Keeping him friendly was a good source of information within the Silvers. Samka began to type her response.

Hey there! ^_^

You finally made it!! I'm so thrilled for you!

The Ren paused as a bone curdling screech echoed across the canopy, sending many birds and reptiles flying, scampering or swimming away.

"Hush now," she hissed at the bubbles growing larger beneath her. "I know it hurts but it's for your own good. Soon you'll be so big and strong..." With a comforting, motherly tongue tinged with the Dark Side, the creature beneath the deep was placated.

It did however make her review her message. Moronic. It may work on new faces but Finley had been exposed to her for a while. He knew her as someone more reserved... Scrapping what she'd written, Samka started over.

Hello,

Lovely to hear from you and fascinating pictures.

Ach-To sounds wonderful, I'm slightly jealous given my surroundings here. The nature isn't lacking to say the at least.

It seems as though you could draw some interesting hypothesis. If you publish anything, I would love to give it a read over so do let me know. I could even offer a few pointers. Though I'm no academic, I have background most people you know don't. An idea to keep in mind!

​As for things here, well, the situation is complicated. The First Order's collapse has brought some joy but very little to me. War wrought by an enemy even less palpable for many has proven little cause for celebration. Some cheer, some celebrate independence and regained freedoms with a smooth transition from Imperial rule. Many others don't. Starvation, economic collapse, civil war, dictators rising in place to make even Seiger blush.... My own world has fared better than many but worse than we would've hoped. It's certainly keeping me busy to say the least. I'd say I've never been so stressed but that would be an awful lie when I thought I might be executed on Kashyyyk.

Kind regards.

That would do the trick. Sending the message, Samka decided to take a closer look at the photos sent by the Jedi. It would help pass the time while she waited.

[member="Finley Dawson"]

 

[Finley Dawson]

Finley was holed up in one of the stone huts of Jedi village working on his translations when he received a new message from Eliza. Her response had come unusually quick which made him giddy. He closed the books and sat back to read her message on his datapad.

Her description of the situation within former FO space was just about what he expected, its downfall mirroring that of the first Galactic Empire in some ways. There would be chaos (well more than usual) as different factions vied to establish themselves amid the power vacuum.

While the FO may be in tatters, he got the impression that Eliza herself was doing fine. She even offered to help him out with any research. That could have just nothing more than a polite gesture on her part, but he knew that she was pretty bright and seemed well versed in history. He recalled she had been arrested at a temple on Kashyyyk originally.

He'd take her up on the offer, if that meant he could see her again.

Eagerly he typed up a response right then and there in quick time.

Hey,

You replied quick! I'm not going to lie, it's always nice to hear back from you sooner rather than later.

It's unfortunate what's happening there. We have contemplated intervening to bring some some measure of peace to the area, but there are some that believe that any overt action could risk galvanizing would be revanchists. Personally, I'm all for some humanitarian aide, but it may be best to let the fires snuff themselves out. I don't say this lightly, but it was reckless crusading that helped fuel the rise of the First Order into the terror that it became.

That said, if you or your people ever need any help, just say the word and I'll be there.

Don't sell yourself short on your lack of credentials. I know some of the Librarians on Kashyyyk were understandably wary of your work there initially, but later they never had anything but good things to say about your work ethic and knowledge. You're a smart cookie. Honestly, I was a bit miffed you didn't stick around, but I understand the Jedi scene wasn't really your thing. At least I hope we left a good impression on you. No one wanted your execution at any point. That's not our way.

Well, if you're offering your assistance, I would be remiss not to accept. I'll be on Ahch-To for a while, why don't you come and visit? Ahch-To is pretty great, something best experienced in person.

Just let me know. Hope to hear from you soon.

Finley

[member="Samka Derith"]

 

[Samka Derith]

Samka gave a small tsk as she read Finley's response. He described the First Order so negatively... yet she mostly had to play along. Sympathetic but not supportive was about all she could get away with. As much as she ached to yell at the man how it was the opposite of terror, it was peace, security and opportunity... she held her tongue.

The rest of it was interesting, however. The Jedi spoke as though they were allies. He would assist her in trouble? Something to keep in mind for sensitive situations. She hadn't expected an offer to go visit in return. Sam had assumed any aid she offered would be over messaging systems like this, not in person. Tapping her tongue deep in thought, the Ren considered the offer. This would be the first time she'd been around Silver Jedi since she left. At a base level, the idea made her uneasy but they would surely be no threat. The reward was far greater. Insight into the early Jedi Order. Whether that would expose weaknesses to exploit wasn't clear but it would at the least be of academic interest.

Very well.

She would take Finley on his offer. A small smirk settled on her girlish features. It could even be fun.

Hello,

You caught me at a rare time where I have plenty of availability.

(The creature in the swamp needed to be watched but not worked on. She had expected to be rather bored in the process. Finley's timing had worked well.)

Your offer of aid is greatly appreciated, I may call upon you if a Jedi's touch is needed! You don't need to send Silver resources though, many locals are deeply distrustful of your kind after years of Imperial rule.

You're too kind! But I never did attend university or engage in academia much so I wouldn't be of much use in publishing or language, only the ideas. That is all I meant. I know I wouldn't have gotten this far if I wasn't a 'smart cookie', as you say.

As for the offer, that sounds rather nice actually. I'll send you my calendar. It'll be strange to be back around your people but it would be nice to see you at least. You were always good to me.

I hope to see you soon.

[member="Finley Dawson"]

 

[Finley Dawson]

Sometime Later:

Night was quickly descending, but Finley was still wide awake. As promised, Eliza was on her way to Ahch-To after they had planned out a meetup about a month prior. He hovered around the southern coastline where most ships touched down. The coast was dotted with some runaway lights to help guide pilots down, but otherwise, the island was mostly dark. Jedi and researchers had retired to their camps for the night, while the Caretakers were all back in their village.

Finley himself was seated on the access ramp to his own ship, the Nosey Knave, ostensibly reviewing a draft on his datapad, but really thinking about how to make a good impression with Eliza. It was one thing corresponding over the 'net, but another thing entirely meeting in the flesh. It would be their first encounter outside of Kashyyyk and he really wanted to make a good impression in a more casual setting. She still seemed quite leery of Jedi, so he definitely aimed to improve their image in her eyes.

It was a tall order, but even if he just convinced her of one, then that was something.

[member="Samka Derith"]

 

[Samka Derith]

Ach-To was colder than she was expecting. Or maybe she was just used to a warmer atmosphere now. Samka had dressed for the occasion in a furry winter coat but it still nipped enough to turn her nose and cheeks slightly red. Was it always like this? Or was this part of the planet in its cold season?

And where was Finley? He was late! Well actually she was early but that was besides the point.

Samka had sat on a rock close to where the passenger ship she'd shared with a few Jedi scholars and their loved ones landed. She considered messaging Finley before an idea crossed her mind. She wasn't the most communicative, especially over messages which could be intercepted. It occurred to her that she hadn't actually told the man how she'd be arriving. He may have assumed she'd bring her own craft. Not into Jedi territory, she wouldn't.

A sigh. A hop and a skip and she was off back to the port.

She felt him before she saw him. It was strange since the two had never interacted without her powers repressed but it still felt of the man she'd met there. Warm and bright like so many others who walked a similar path. The major difference was that it was familiar and so didn't make her feel nauseated.

"Hello?" She called out ahead. "Mr Dawson? I've made it"

[member="Finley Dawson"]