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(5.11) Another Place
Another Place
Darken Tunnels of the The Colony
Temple of Inner Light
Core World of Mearisa
October 1st, 1936
Mearisa was one of the forgotten worlds of the Great Republic. While it didn't sit next to any major space lines, it did sit at the hub of a number of minor lanes that granted access to southern regions of the Core Worlds. It was one of the first worlds conquered by the Varl during the first century after the fall of the Great Republic. It was held in Varl hands till they withdrew from the region in the sixteenth century. The world became infested with pirates shortly there after. By the seventeenth century, Mearisa had become home to nearly fifty different pirate clans or fleets. In an attempt to ensure that Mearisa remained a safe harbor, the combined pirate leaders elected a governing council which brought in the Jedi to ensure the enforcement of the Council's rules and bylaws. By the end of the eighteenth century, Mearisa had become the headquarters of the Jedi Order and a hot spot of trade and ill gotten goods. It is told that if you can't find it on Mearisa, it doesn't exist. Though a warning does come with any journey to Mearisa. 'Watch where you step, less you become something to be sold within one of its vast markets.' With the expansion of the Reich, Mearisa has seen a surge in fat plump targets to raid just across the boarder. These attacks have made many of the pirate clans very wealthy and also have started to attract the attention of the Reich Military.
Mearisa is divided in to three major continents and a large number of islands scattered throughout its two oceans. Shortly after the Great Fall of the Republic, a rouge fleet of ships blasted the smaller of the three Continents leaving it a radioactive wasteland. Thick jungles have reclaimed the largest of the continents. Just over the tree tops low flying ships can make out where once great cities stood. Dangerous wild life have left the region larger unexplored. The last continent hold over seventy percent of the population. With most of the population split between four main cities along the eastern coastline, the western ranges of the second continent like the largest continent has been reclaimed by the jungles. The atmosphere of the world has become thick with pollution that has caused most of its inhabitants to wear breathing masks. The pollution of the world is so thick at times, that it can actually dim the light of the sun during midday. While many inhabitants have complained about the pollution and the large number of ships that keeps coming and going to the twenty plus space ports, the Pirate Council refuses to slow the pace of wealth which is lining their pockets.
Deep below the surface of Mearisa winds long forgotten tunnels part of ancient Temple that predates the Great Republic. Here time has forgotten them as they have become disconnected with the world above. Dark shadows flickered as the small torches along the dim walls cast their light up and down the cold damp stone tunnels. Carved in to the wall in pain staking detail, a history of their culture, a history long forgotten by the Galaxy. The sounds of dripping water could be heard echoing off the walls from a number of origins. Through the shadows a cloaked figure moves carefully down the tunnel. There was a sense of urgency to its pace as it moved passed a group of similarly robed figures. The group took a side step and bowed as the figure walked passed. Its hands were tucked inside the sleeves of the rob to which it wore. The hood pulled all down to nearly conceal its face, only shadowy features of its face can be seen. However everyone knew all to well who this figure was. There was no hiding this fact. The figure moved down the tunnel and side stepped a large bucket that is used to catch one of the sources of dripping water. The bucket is being tended to by a pair of small humanoid children. As the figure started to approach they stood up and bowed as it walked passed. Even as the figure rushed passed, the children held their bow out of respect.
The figured walked toward a interaction of the tunnel and turned left in stride. Within a few feet the figure walked through an opening and paused at the door. It did not walk fully in to the chamber, instead it stopped just a meter passed the entryway and slowly bowed. “Reporting as ordered, Masters” the female voice of the figure said softly and calmly. She didn't see them, but she knew that they were here. They were the Council of the Colony. They were their leaders and most wisest of them all. Here is where she was summoned and here is where she came. The room was shrouded in shadows as a central fire pit filled the room with heat yet little light.
From the shadows a voice called out, “Knight Murl, your findings please” said the high pitched voice of a familiar voice. It was Master Akarin (Vratix), leader of her people.
She bowed once more and this time held the bow till she was done speaking, “Yes Master, the storm is growing on the surface. It is the largest we have ever recorded. Flooding is already being reported in some areas of the colony closer to the surface. However the colonist are reacting to the floods quickly. The preemptive measures we have taken has ensured that the colony will survive this Master.”
Master Akarin let out a set of clicking sounds before continuing, “Thank you Knight Murl. Once more you have proven yourself to be an exceptional leader. We have your efforts to thank in avoiding what could have happened. Go with the memory of what you have learned through this crisis. You are dismissed Knight Murl.”
She bowed her head slowly but didn't move otherwise. “Masters, I wish to address the Council.”
From another shadow in the darkness a new voice filled the air “something troubles you my young friend.” Knight Murl knew this voice well also. It was the voice of Master Scorylance (Frozian), her mentor and friend. He trained her from a child in to becoming the Knight that she is today.
Before she could reply a third voice spoke up, “your former padawan has had issues dealing with her feelings. I can sense how her emotions are at odds within her mind. They are very strong” the voice said coldly. She knew this voice as well, it was the voice of Master Kalor Salaban (Arkanian). He had always been her harshest critic. Though, she had learned more from his criticism than any other member of the Council short of Master Scorylance.
Master Scorylance sighed as he replied, “I sense them as well Master Salaban. However I can also sense that she has been doing well at keeping these feeling well under control.” There was a moment of silence before he continued, “Knight Murl, please speak. What is in your heart?”
Knight Murl took a step forward but was mindful of not moving too far in to the chamber. She lifted her hands to make sure that they were clearly seen, “Masters of the council, I know that I have not earned much faith due to my past poor choices in the past. You have sound reasons to suspect my ability to control my emotions. I will not lie about them for they do run deep. But it is not only mine. Almost every member of the colony knows of the visions. Even some of our youngest are started to experience them. This storm is the omen of more that is to come. During my time working closely with the others I was able to feel their fears, feel their emotions. Masters, fear is growing as the Force is showing us what is to come. This is all that I mean to say, is to report the state of the colony.”
There was a long silence before finally Master Scorylance spoke up once more, “thank you Knight Murl. Your voice has been heard. Please leave the chamber and wait for me. I shall call you when you when we are finished.”
Once more she bow as she started to walk backwards from the chamber as she said, “thank you Masters. I shall await as instructed.”
A silence fell over the chamber as the fire flickered in the center. It was clear that the figured shrouded in the shadows were drawing on the force. The flow of energy was something of wonder to see. Each knew what had been said, and knew the truth of it. There was no arguing or debates worth holding. Each took their time to reflect deeply on the force and feel how it was guiding them. It was a time honored tradition for them. The time passed slowly as no one rushed to bring an end to the silence. Finally a new voice spoke up, “Knight Murl is right. The emotions of the Colony are high.”
Master Salaban spoke up from the shadows once more, “Knight Murl is indeed correct. Even I can sense the emotions running high throughout our tunnels. I know I am hard on her. She is a fine leader, and growing in to a good Master. One day she very well could sit here among us. I know she can do better than she has in the past. I expect more from her. However in this, she used the coming storm to gain a closer insight in to the Colony. She has shown great wisdom, this should be noted.”
Master Akarin spoke up after a short burst of clicks. “Yes, her future is filled with greatness if she chooses to take these paths. IF she can learn to control her impulsive tendencies.” He paused to let forth some more clicks before continuing, “I think we all agree on the fact that the emotions are high. The real question is which direction do we go?”
The forth voice spoke clearly and painfully bluntly, “we lack the ships to evacuate the colony.”
A female voice entered the conversation, “the visions that the Force is showing us is clearly a warning. If what we see is to be an accurate time line of the events. Then we can assume that this storm marks the start and the end of the vision will come in four weeks. If not sooner. If we are to evacuate the colony, we most set in motion a plan.”
“It is clear that evacuation is essential” stated Master Scorylance, “This is clear. If we are to allow ourselves to be caught up in these events, our destruction is assured. The safety of the colony must come before our secrecy.”
“We have remained hidden here since the Great Betrayal over two thousand years ago” cried the forth voice. “It was our founders' desires that we hold on to the teachings of the past and become the protectors of the light. If we are to evacuate, then we must ensure that we protect the teachings of the great Masters. We must ensure that we do not loss who we are in our efforts to save our colony.”
Master Scorylance offered his wisdom once more, "should the destruction of the colony come to be. All that has been done here will be lost anyway. We all knew that at one point the colony would have to move. That this place was never meant to be our permanent home. And yet here we are still. I see these visions of more proof that we must begin to look beyond our underworld home to find a new home that will house our colony.”
The female voice spoke once more, “we must also consider the dangers of relocating the colony. As stated, we have no ships to leave this world. Should we move the colony from here, they will surely fall victims to the greed and darkness that thrives on this cursed world. We have been able to remain hidden on this world for two millennia despite the efforts of our ancient enemies. I sense we are trapped between two horrible positions. However I am sure within the visions there is a sense of hope.”
“Yes I agree” Master Akarin said softly, “being trapped does appear to be our place currently. The Force offers much more than just hope. If one is willing to see beyond the limitations of one's own sight. I feel we have a plan yet to be heard?”
“Yes I have considered a plan” Master Scorylance said softly. “Knight Murl has shown great potential to lead. Her faith in the force has far exceed her mistakes early on. I agree she is not yet ready to take her place here among us. However she is ready to take the tests to be granted the title of Master. She has far proven her self ready for these tests and I can think of no better test than placing the lives of the colony above her own. If we send her from the colony, I have a strong feeling that she will discover the answer that is currently alluding us. Two nights ago, she confided in me of a vision she had. I feel that this vision might be the secret to the colony's salvation.”
The female voice offered her opinion, “if we are to place the colony's fate in Knight Murl's hands than we all must be sure that this is the wisest course of action. I see no reason that we should not trust Knight Murl on such a mission. I too feel that she is ready for the tests to become Master. I feel that this mission will define her tests and her successes.”
Master Salaban spoke up clearly and boldly, “I have watched Knight Murl grow from a stubborn and over egger teen in to the powerful Knight she has become. Knight Murl has proven time and time again that her ability to coup and understand is her strongest trait. Even if it has been from her own mistakes. She has my vote as well.”
Within moments the rest of the chamber offered up their votes as well to support the plan and to show confidence in the young Knight that they were placing their faith in. Master Akarin finally spoke up “I believe that Knight Murl is indeed a very gifted and talented Knight. However she still needs training if she is to become the Master she was meant to be. Training that I am sure that she will encounter along her journeys during this mission. She has always been one of setting her own direction and path along side ours. While her path is not ours, it has always been true to the light within her heart. Maybe through this mission to which the Force has laid out for her, this training will come to be.”
“There is something else Master Akarin” Master Scorylance said softly. “Knight Murl has also informed me that she has been visited by a Force Spirit. I believe that it is the same Spirit that has guided this Council from time to time in our past. I see this as one more sign that she is coming of age.”
There were clicks heard before Master Akarin spoke up, “I agree. Give her your mission and let her face her tests to become a Master. The rest of us will leave you in private. We must make ourselves available to the rest of the colony. Helping calm the emotions of the colony should be our focus now. If we all are to survive, we will have to survive together or not at all. We must help those who look up to us and help them find peace during these troubled times. May the Force be with you Master Scorylance, and with Knight Murl.”
Master Scorylance nodded slowly as the others started to get up and leave the chamber, “Thank you Master Akarin.”
Another Time
City of Disperes
Core World of Mearisa
October 1st, 1936
The bright lights of the city made it clearly visible from space as its skyscrapers reached in to the havens. Some were so high that they reached up right in to the clouds. Disperes was one of the most active cities on Mearisa. Here the planetary Government was seated as well as each of the major pirate clans held their own spaceports. Disperes, like all of Mearisa was a place of no conflict between the clans. While on paper this was a sound idea, in practice it did not serve to well. The city was quickly divided up in to sections and each section was governed and policed by the clan which control it. Depending on the clan depended on the level of involvement in controlling crime within their section. Generally, throughout the city, the Jedi have been left to maintain law and order with brutal efficiency. The only laws they uphold are those few spelled out by the treaty signed by the clans themselves as well as collecting taxes for their services. Mearisa is a place that only the truly brave or stupid come to visit. Here is a place where anyone could disappear, rather intentional or otherwise.
The thick haze from arriving and departing ships caused smog throughout the city and surrounding areas. There are days when the smog is bearable then there are days where the very sun is dimmed by the smog. Even on the best of days, the smog can still be see and even tasted at some lower levels of the city. Tonight, the thick smog mixed with the lights of the city casts an eerie orange glow over the city. Deep within city rested one of many large areas where the local crowds are entertained by what ever happened to be going on within the area. The largest spectacle ever seen in the areas was a month long set of gladiatorial matches in the eighteenth century. De'Denutirn Clan had captured an entire troop transport of soldiers from the Varl Empire heading to reclaim this very world. The Clan had the would be invaders fight in a series of blood matches to the death. It was a show of strength and bold disregard for the once all powerful Varl Empire. The fouled attack marked the end of fear regarding a Varl return to the world. Tonight, once more the area finds its self filled as locals scream out to be entertained. Like all other nights and days, locals come here to see the suffering of others while escaping their own personal suffering. In this area, ran by the Jedi Order, the crowds have never been disappointed. Here for top billing, one can see a number of combatants battle to the death. Despite the smog tainted rain, the crowds have come and are expecting their nightly show of horrors and suffering.
Tonight, they are cheering so loudly that their voices are carrying like a wave over the area. “Blood! Blood! Blood” is the chants from the crowds as the first battle is being lined up. The rain an hour ago has made the sandy area in to a wide mud pool. As the drums sound followed by trumpets, two groups of creatures make their way from opposite sides of the area. Each group is carrying a large wooden boxes as the crowd's chants go wild with cheers, their blood thirst is about to be quenched. Despite the mud, both groups walked on towards the center of the area. While they made their long march towards the center, a third door opened and group of beings walked in to the area. Their outfits only meant one thing. They were the hosts of the area and the world's protectors. They were Jedi, and here they were loved by the locals. The local leader and hero, a Togruta, of the group need no introduction as the crowds started to chant his name, “Dyani! Dyani!” He answered their chants with a few bold shows of his lightsaber and combat skill. The result gained cheers from the crowds as they continued to walk towards the center of the area. The groups carrying the large boxes stopped short of the center as the Jedi proceeded in to the center of the area. The crowds were still cheering as Dyani rose his hands up and soaked in their cheers. He gave them a moment before waving his hands lower causing the crowds to lower their cheers as well.
From inside one of the boxes, Vikers could see crowds yelling and cheering. He couldn't understand them but knew that this was a bad place. He could sense the darkness around him and the fear and pain of others. It drew a tear from his eye, not for his own fate but for those he could feel. "Please, I don't want to be here. Let me go" he pleaded with the creatures around the box. He already knew that no one here spoke his language, but had to try. His life was turned in to this horrible nightmare last week when their ship was attacked by pirates. Before that, it was his idea of a wedding gift to the woman he loved to take them on a journey back to their historical homeworld. He had saved up nearly three years to afford the trip. Secured visas through the Reich Government and bought tickets for the month long trip. It was going to be the trip of a lifetime for them. A chance to explore their culture and their own racial history. It was going to help them connect with who they were and help them build a life together afterwards. It was what they had both wanted for as long as he knew her. Now, he wished he had never boarded that ship.
Once they crossed in to Reich Space they thought the worse of the journey was over. Their ship had linked up with a Reich escort ship and all seemed to be going well. The morning before they were to reach their destination, both ships fell under attack by a group of pirate ships. The escort was destroyed and their ship had been boarded. Vikers and his newlywed wife were taken from their ship along with many others. Their belongings stolen from them as the pirates took as much loot as they could fit in to their holds. The passengers had begged for mercy only to find that none of the pirates spoke their language or cared. Though, many thought that it wouldn't have mattered if they had. The pirates left their cruise ship burning in space as they headed off to some unknown place. Vikers would come to think of this world of the Hell the Priest had warned them about. The first night of their captivity, members of the pirate crew came to their holding cells. They took many of the women along with Vikers' wife away. Vikers could feel the cries and suffering of the women while they were repeatedly raped. It would be the last time he had seen his wife. The next morning they came to this horrible world.
It was as if he had awoken from one nightmare in to another. He and the other males were pulled from the hold of the pirate ship and placed in shackles and chains. They were dragged from the ship on some flesh march through the streets to a strange kind of market. Once at the market, they were paraded around as strange creatures looked them over. Some were bought for metal coins while others were traded for goods by the pirates. Vikers knew that the man who came to him was a Jedi. He didn't know why but the man singled Vikers out. He was taken from the market by the Jedi and led away. Vikers tried to explain that there had been a mistake and that they had money back home and could buy their own freedom. Vikers did everything he could to communicate with the Jedi. He knew that they served for a fee and knew that if anyone could get them out of here it would be one of them. His hopes fell as the man didn't respond to Vikers at all. There was simply no communicating with any of them. Vikers was forced in to a box and locked inside it.
During his stay in the box, there was no food and very little water given. Vikers was so hungry, so worried for the safety of his wife. He missed her and hoped that somehow she had gotten away. He tried to make himself believe that somehow she was okay but for some reason his heart knew better. With each passing day, his heart sank deeper and his mind did what it could to hold on. He had been living in his little box since they brought him to this world. He couldn't remember how long ago it was when they stripped him of his clothes and blasted water while he was still in his box to clean him off. However once wet, the cool damp air took its toll on him. He felt the fever growing already and the coughing came. Now they brought him inside his little box to this loud place. Vikers knew that he was in some kind of area and could hear someone speaking over loud speakers. 'Am I to be sold now' he questioned himself. "Please let me go" once he pleaded to one of the creatures who only kicked the box.
One of the creatures next to him reached through the wide spaces between the boards and grabbed Vikers' right arm. It pulled his arm outside the box and pinned Vikers to one side. "Owe" He yelled as they pinned him harshly. He felt as they secured something to his arm as their were cheers echoing in the area. “OWE!” he yelled as the pain got much worse. They let his arm go and Vikers pulled it back. He was confused at the strange glove like thing now pinned through his arm. There were thin spikes along the outer part of the glove and little metal plates over the fingers. He could see the creatures beginning to rush away from the box. Without warning the sides of the box fell away as the top was flung off it. For the first time in over a week, he could finally stand up. The light was blinding and Vikers used his left arm to shield his eyes. He slowly stood up and looked around trying to get an idea of what was going on. He heard strange noises but his eyes couldn't adjust to the lights very well. He could see another figure before him but the sound of the crowd was simply too loud to make out anything else. His eyes just adjusted in time to see the man was dressed just like him with the same kind of weapon on his arm. The man was rushing towards him as Vikers was trying to figure out what was going on.
The man leaped forward at Vikers and knocked him down just as a massive shadow flew over head. Vikers saw what was about to have attacked him. It was some kind of massive snake like creature. From what Vikers could tell it had no eyes and its scales were a brownish color. What surprised Vikers the most was that he could sense the creature's anger for him. As well as sense that the creature could sense him as well. There were two of them in the area moving about reading themselves for their next attack. Vikers saw that there were others in the area as well. Six men total were rushing trying to get away from the large snake like creatures. The one who had saved Vikers life leaped back to his feet and pulled Vikers with him. They ran as the creature moved up behind them. It was fast but they could keep ahead of it as long as they ran. The man pulling Vikers along took notice of a opened box and reached his arm towards it. Vikers eyes opened wide as he saw the man toss the large box without touching it at the snake creature. Vikers had known that he and his wife were special. No one else on their world had possessed gifts like them before. He looked around to see that the others were gifted as well. He was even more confused by what was going on.
Vikers looked behind him to see the creature had vanished. The man turned around also to look for the creature. He moved slowly looking at the ground as Vikers watched him curiously. The man glanced up for a moment at Vikers then back to the ground. “Nuketa” he said pointing at the ground. It didn't take Vikers long to realize what was going on. He too started to look at the ground for any sign of the coming attack. The crowds were cheering so loudly that he could barely hear the man next to him. Than without warning the mud under their feet exploded upwards as the large creature pushed through. The force of the blast blew both men over twenty meters away from each other. The creature turned towards the man who helped Vikers and shot its large head forward while opening its mouth. The high pitched scream from the creature was deafening. However it was the think spray of something which hit the man sent him flaying about on the ground. Vikers' hearing was all but gone but he knew that the man was in pain. He moved to flank the creature as to get a clear path to aide the man. The creature had other plans.
With lighting fast reflexes, it lunged at Vikers and bit him on the upper left side of his body. Without letting go, it flipped its body over Vikers sending him flipping along with the creature. Vikers rolled within the creature as coils of the creature's body circled around him. Before he knew it, the coils had entrapped Vikers as the head let go and vanished from sight. He could hear the creature's heartbeat as he felt the coils moving tighter around. Vikers fought hard to try and free himself from the coils only to find as he moved the coils grew tighter. The heartbeat grew louder in Vikers' ears as he felt the coils tightening around him. He could no longer hear the crowds as the sound the heartbeat grew even louder. Through the top of the coils, Vikers could make something out. It was the stands and a group of Jedi. They were watching the scene unfold from their own viewing platform. But what drew his attention was who he felt over there. He could see in shackles, the woman he loved. His wife was standing behind one of the Jedi in chains. 'She had survived the pirates' he thought as the sound of the heartbeat grew even louder. His vision slowly coated with red as he tried to make out more of the scene. He wanted to make sure that she was unharmed. 'I love you, Gashi' he thought as the sounds of bone cracking echoed in his ears. 'Please great spirits watch over and protect her' was the last thought he had.
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