Between a rock and a hard head 1/28/2022

[Anatketani]

Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/30/2022
Durro smiles slightly. "Kenobi." He thinks. "That bravery must be a family trait."

He glances around for Aohd, having not heard him for a hot minute, and continues watching the scene unfold.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/30/2022
Aohd clearly terrified, was cowering behind Durro, "this is when it happens." He pulled on Durro's robes once more, "we have to leave, now!"

As Sol lead his team to the location, their comms started to become jammed. It was something that tugged at Durro's mind. Something familiar about it, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

As Durro followed the group up one deck and towards the Passenger Lounge, they were alerted to a new clue about the situation. One of the Cadets who had been murdered by pirates still wore her valuable bracelet.

Durro stopped as the team moved forward. His mind raced over the clues, "Brutal, beyond savage murders of Jedi Padawans and their Masters, Communication Jamming, and no theft of valuables."

The sounds of combat snapped Durro from his thoughts as he rushed to the hatch and saw the Engineer take his heavy blaster pistol and aim it at the face of the 'Pirate'. He pulled the trigger and the blast knocked the head back.

When the monster righted his head, Durro and the Engineer saw the glowing red eyes of the monster. Durro uttered under his breath, "a Stalker!"

The Stalker reached out and grabbed the man's hand and the pistol and crushed both in his hand. The Engineer screamed out in pain as the Stalker slammed his fist in to the man's chest. Durro heard bones cracking and breaking under the impact.

True to his bravery, Sol leaped to the attack. His sound experience with Ataru was more than enough to impress Durro. Though Durro knew the futility of the Lightsaber attack.

A terrified Astra moved along side with a slug thrower that she had picked up.

Sol's blade slammed in to the Stalkers forearm and just what Durro knew would happen. After a short crackle, the weapon short circuited.

The stalker grabbed Sol by the throat and slammed him in to the deck then flung him in to Astra as she was trying to take aim. Both Cadet and Student slammed in to the wall with so much force, Durro though he heard skulls cracking.

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/30/2022
Durro watches helplessly. He knows it is only a memory; that these events are in the distant past and he can do nothing to help. Still, every instinct is to summon the Force and do what he can to assist against the stalker. He calms his mind, focuses on the Force, and continues to observe. He must know what happened here; for Astra's sake.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/30/2022
The massive seven foot monster slowly walks past Roza who was visible shaking while standing in a pool of her own urine. The monster hardly noticed her, or the Engineer who was trying to crawl away.

Instead, he walked over to Sol and grabbed up the young man with both hands on either side of his head. Lifting up Sol, while applying pressure to either side of his skull. Sol let out a scream of pain.

Durro felt the darkside surge around him. The entire ship seemed to shutter as Ashanti rose up, using Astra's body. Astra's eyes were not complete turned, but Durro could feel the girl drawing heavily on the darkside as she weaved it around her.

The Stalker hardly noticed the failed Force Attack on him. Waking the battle unfold, Durro knew she had tried to knock him back with a Force Push. It was enough to get him to drop Sol and turn his attention to Ashanti now.

Her gaze moved to a nearby table as she flung it at him. The table hit the monster and shattered against him. He moved at her with speeds Durro had already seen. The twin powerful hits sent Ashanti back in to a Food Despenser.

She scanned the room and flung anything she could set her eyes on, with little success.

On the surface, one might see the attacks as frantic, but Durro saw something else. They were measured and calculated. Never the same attack twice. She was testing this new monster.

She attempted to block his next attack only to be sent flying back again. This time Ashanti moved up to a nearby wall and leaned back against it.

To Durro's surprise, this little girl drew upon the Force and bent the wall plating around her like armor. She gave herself metal gauntlets. And waved the Dark Side through her muscles and impowered her.

Ashanti went on the attack will all the rage and anger she could muster. Her fist nailed hit after hit after hit. She screamed out in fury.

It was impressive, and futile. The Stalk soaked each blow and quickly learned the new attacks, and how to counter them!

Durro's attention of the battle was drawn to a voice. A female talking. He moved and saw her, the same woman from Raxus Prime. But here, she was cut in half, and still speaking!

"Control, link my signal. We have found something worthy of Report," The woman said with no sign of pain or distraction from being cut in half!

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/30/2022
"The Crusade!? Of course, how could I've forgotten; they make the Stalkers."

He moves over to the woman, inspecting her closely to see if he can glean any details about her. How is still alive? Is she a droid, like the stalkers, or something else?

While he wishes to know, he does still keep an eye on the battle. He must know how it ends.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/30/2022
The woman moved closed to get a better look of the battle. Seeing inside the upper half of the woman, Durro could see that she was not droid. But then she wasn't completely alive either. He was sure that she fell solidly in to the something else category.

"No, Extraction at this point is not possible," she said.

The battle was as impressive as Durro had expected and with the same results he had expected. Ashanti through everything she had at the monster and drove him back. But she couldn't overcome him.

Still, Durro was impressed by the mere fact that Ashanti could stand up against a Stalker for as long as she was.

The Stalker on the other side, was hammering Ashanti with blow after blow.

Durro turned to hear the woman once more, "there are several ships entering the area."

Even drawing on the Force as much as she was, Durro could feel the girl reaching her limits. The Stalker switched and moved for the kill. He hammered Ashanti over and over again knocking her from her feet and stomping at her with his large foot.

"Understood Control, sending the abort command now," the woman said.

Stopping in mid attack, the Stalker took a step back and went ridged. Then collapsed to the deck. Within moments the body was melting away. The woman next to Durro was also gone in a quickly dissolving goo

Ashanti moved up to her knee, clearly exhausted and aware of why or how the battle had ended without her death. Her eyes rolled up in to her head and she collapsed from exhaustion.

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/30/2022
"The same goo!? Nano-droids? What was that woman!?"

Durro desperately wishes he can take some of the goo for study; remembering again that what he sees is merely a memory. He stays to see the identity of the new arrivals, though he is sure he already knows. He will watch as much as Aodh will show him.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/30/2022
Aodh touched Durro arm, "there is no more here. It will just come again." He looked around in fear, "please I will tell you want you want to know. Just lets leave before it comes back."

He pulled Durro's arm, "please...it will come again, soon."
@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/30/2022
Durro nods and turns.

"Very well, let's go."

As the corvette fades to become one of the balconies of the Jedi Temple, looking over the sunset above the never-ending city of Coruscant Durro asks;

"If I recall correctly; you saw what happened to Astra on Raxus Prime, even after she was knocked out. What can you tell me?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/30/2022
the man nodded his head, "I did," it was like this, but they didn't know Ashanti never let that defeat go. When the rest of us would slip in to darkness, she would come to my home and face them again. Time and time again, she would face them."

"We were different too, Ashanti was much more powerful," there was a hint of pride in his voice. "When the monsters came, Ashanti was ready for them." He started to tug at his left ear.

"She took two down, but three and four overwhelmed her. We all watched in horror as they ripped her in half," there was pain and sadness in his voice.

"Saba did what she could to save Astra, but when we went in to the water I was still there." he pulled at his ear again. "I watched the lines all go flat. And I watched them do something," he added looking down.

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/30/2022
"They... ripped... Astra in half?" Durro asks, his mind racing. "How the hell does this work?"

"What... What did they do next?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/30/2022
He turned and crossed his arms in panic, "I don't know. I know what I saw. They pulled on her! one on her arms and one on her leg. I heard Ashanti scream like never before."

He tried to calm himself, "The put the parts in the bath. and they did things."

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/30/2022
"Please, Aohd, I know you're scared." Durro says calmly. "I only want to help Astra; anything you can tell me is helpful. What did you see? What did they do? Even if you don't know the purpose, anything you can tell me is useful."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/30/2022
He spun on his heels, "you don't care about us! You just want to know more so you can keep trying to kill us!"

There was fear and pain of betrayal in his eyes, "Ashanti was going to escape and save all of us. But she gave that up so your Professor would be saved. And how did you thank her for that, you keep trying to kill us!"

He stood there with tears in his eyes, "Ashanti never hurt anyone who didn't have it coming. So what do you have against her! or any of us for that matter?!"
@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/30/2022
Durro places a hand calmly on Aohd's shoulder. He calls up a memory; of him talking to Astra, their conversation in the shuttle. About talking to the Professor and making their case.

"Aohd; I care about all of you. I want to help, but you all still exist as part of Astra. I'm trying to learn what I can, to prove to the Professor that you are more than part of Astra and deserve to continue to exist. Astra isn't taking the poison anymore and I'm not making her. I'm trying to get the Professor to come around as well. Please, any information is useful. The more I know, the better equipped I am to help."

He takes a step back.

"I've nothing against you, against any of you. Even Ashanti; I only want to help. Whatever that looks like."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/30/2022
He looked down clearly confused, and concern on his face. "Ashanti told me that the next time she was able to get free, she would take the first chance she got to escape," he explained. "She was going to save everyone, including Astra!"

He looked down, "but she said she was weak and couldn't let him die. She brought Astra back just to save his life." Aohd looked back at Durro, "she traded our freedom for his life and he repaid that with more death and war on us!"

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/30/2022
"He didn't know." Durro says simply. "I didn't know either. I'll make sure he does, and considers that when making future decisions."

He smiles at the fearful Umbaran.

"Thank you, Aohd. You've been very helpful. I meant what I said, you have my word, I only want to help. That's why I'm here, why I've made the effort to speak to you all."

"Who met Astra next? Who was the next to come after you?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/30/2022
He looked down, "if you still see Ashanti as some monster, you will never understand." He frowned, "she has always been here to save us."

He looked up with a frown on his face, "Ar'alani is the youngest of us." He motioned out a nearby window, "the poison has hurt her the most."

He looked out to window, "Ashanti promised that once we escaped, she would show Ar'alani and me, her homeworld." His frown grew deeper, "Ashanti and Ar'alani are very close."

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/30/2022
"I don't see her as a monster." Durro says with a smile. "Honestly, I see a scared little girl who hides behind a tough persona. I've seen or heard nothing that convinces me otherwise. I really do want to help her, and help all of you. Which starts by keeping you all safe and poison-free."

He glances around the balcony, darkness rapidly falling and showing the city lights coming to life in the darkness.

"Where can I find Ar'alani?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/30/2022
Aohd didn't appear convinced but nodded anyway, "since the poisoning, she hasn't been able to keep her home. Ashanti brought her to her home instead."

"you have been to Ashanti's home," he said softly. Just picture the place and walk through any door and you will find yourself there."

"Most of us don't trust you and your friends for what you did," he said softly. Saba says we should try. Saba even convinced Ashanti not to kill your leader for his war against us."

He stepped back, "but that doesn't mean I trust you."

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/30/2022
"The poison was not my idea." Durro says. He looks down regretfully and adds; "Though I didn't do much to fight it. Now, I'm trying to make it right. I hope to gain your trust, though I know it'll be slow in coming."

He bows respectfully to the Umbaran.

"Thank you again, Aohd."

He steels himself before the door leading from the balcony. He picture Ashanti's home, the room with Astra's great-grandmother, and steps through.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/30/2022
Stepping through the door, Durro was surprised to see Kiki here. She turned to Durro with equal surprise, "I wasn't expecting you here so soon."

She was still holding the little girl in her lap, carefully stroking her hair. "Have you learned anything useful," she asked him softly.

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/30/2022
"Yes, I have." Durro answers just as softly. "I've learned much and yet have so much more to learn."

He looks around at the carnage.

"Are Ashanti or Ar'alani here?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/30/2022
She shook her head, "even before she moved her home, Ashanti spent more time with Aohd then here."

She frowned, "I tried everything I knew to try to help Ar'alani, but she kept getting weaker and weaker. Ashanti moved her to her new home. A place she said she saw with her own eyes. I heard her tell Saba that this was her real home, whatever that means."

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/30/2022
"Of course." Durro says, mentally chiding himself. "Saba mentioned she moved her home."

Durro squats down and strokes young Astra's hair.

"It's alright young one." he says kindly. "Things are terrible now, but our past shapes our future. Things get better, I promise."

With a nod to Kiki, he visualizes Ashanti's home; the home of the actual Sith Warrior he and Astra had visited. Steeling himself once again, he steps through the door.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/30/2022
Stepping through the door, Durro find himself back on the world that the Swarm had destroyed. But something big had changed. The world was alive with people, but it wasn't prefect, it wasn't real. And he could see that.

Still, Ashanti had done a fair job of linking the dead world she had taken them, to a living world here in Astra's mind.

A blue skilled woman was sitting near the fountain within the town center. She was the only one that stood out in the crowd of purple and pale skinned Sith Warriors.

This woman was dressed in a Republic Officer's uniform.

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/30/2022
Durro walks over to the woman.

"Ar'alani? I'm Durro Thel-Tanis; I'd like to talk to you if I may. Mind if I have a seat?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/30/2022
She looked at him with cold deep red eyes, "I know who you are." She frowned, "you told Astra all about who you are." She coughed, and for the first time, Durro could sense more than just base emotions from one of these creatures. She was dying and he could feel it.

"Come, sit with me while Ashanti is away," she said motioning him to join her. "Ashanti built this place for me. She created all the people and even remade the buildings." She smiled softly, "I think she did it to help me feel better."

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/30/2022
"That was kind of her." Durro says, taking a seat. "What do you know about me; what did I tell Astra?" His tone is conversational, and he looks around curiously at the reconstruction around him.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/30/2022
She moved slowly and tried to get comfortable, "she told me about you, and all your experience during, what do you call it, the Clone Wars."

She tried to smiled, "it is where I come from." She turned her face to the sky, "Ashanti has tried so hard to make this place comfortable for me, but I don't know what it feels like to feel the warmth of a sunny day on my face."

She turned to him, "can you tell me what it feels like." She blinked her eyes, "you know, to feel the warmth on your face."

@Princess Astra Korraay @Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/30/2022
Durro looks thoughtful for a moment before answering.

"I'm not sure I have the words; but perhaps I can do one better."

He reaches out with his mind and tries to connect with Ar'alani. He calls up a memory; a memory of the jungles of Lanus. The sun is high overhead and he is out in his paddock attending his brakka lambs. The rays beat down on his weathered face, warming his cheeks and making his hair feel warm and wiry. A breeze ripples the grass among the huts of the river village, cooling his skin and causing the hairs on his arm to stand. He closes his eyes and smiles, turning to take in the sun; mindfully taking in the moment, locking it away as one of life's precious gifts. A lamb bleats angrily beside him, frustrated that dinner is tantalizingly out of reach. Durro laughs and continues his chore as the memory fades.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/30/2022
There is something wrong with the connection, that prevents him from creating it.

She frowns slightly and shakes her head and pulls up her sleeve, "its been like that since the poisoning."

Her arm looks withered like how Lysire's body looks. But it also has taken on a blackish discoloration.

"I don't want to tell Ashanti, but I am scared. I haven't been around like the others. I have only known this existence," she said with tears in her eyes. "do you think we will become one with the Force when we die?"

She turns back to the sky, "Saba says so. Ashanti tells me not to listen to them, that I will get better."

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/30/2022
Durro's mind quickly goes through what he knows; "Is there any way to help her? This isn't like healing someone in the 'waking' world."

"I think they're both right." Durro says gently. "If you're a unique individual you'll become one with the Force. Ashanti is also right though; you will get better. Especially if you have the will to fight for your existence."

He looks at the young woman, wishing so badly he could help her.

"Astra's no longer taking the medication. You should recover. I'm so sorry this happened to you; I didn't know. None of us did."

He sighs, a bit frustrated. He calms himself and asks;

"I've been trying to get to know everyone here. You said you've not been around for very long? Where did you first meet Astra?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/30/2022
She moved slightly one more as if to ease some unseen pain, "Do you remember the first time you met Astra," she asked.

"I remember how she was both taken by you, and worried at the same time," she said with a slight struggled smile. "But you gave her something that she hadn't had for a long time," she explained.

"As you two grew closer, I came in to being. I can see her dreams for tomorrow. A world where she is the Jedi in her mind and heart."

She coughed as struggled, "you gave her hope. You gave her me."

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/30/2022
It is as if a knife twists in Durro's chest. He looks at the young woman again, remembering when Tesara introduced Astra; Queen Lenora's daughter. With a wry smile, he remembers his costume of Durro Thel-Tanis, terrorist of Baklid. What kind of first impression was that?

"Me..." He says softly. "I did this?" The implications of this, of the young woman's peril are not lost on him.

"I'll not let that hope die." He says firmly. "You will recover; I give you my word to do my best."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/30/2022
She smiled softly, "you and Ashanti sound the same."

She tried to get more comfortable, "you didn't come here to talk about what is happening to me. You wanted to know something."

She smiled, "Kiki can't keep her big mouth shut." She tried to laugh but it hurt her.

"Please ask your questions and I will do my best to answer them," she said softly.
@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/30/2022
Durro does smile at this. "Well, we both have Astra's best interests at heart. Even if we go about things differently. I suppose we're more alike than either of us want to admit."

"You already answered my main question. I'm trying to understand what I can about this, who you all are and how you came to be here. I know now where and when everyone 'met' Astra. I think I understand what you all represent. What I'm still confused about is what happened on Lanus, and at The Pool while mind-walking."

He takes a deep breath and continues.

"What do you remember? About before, and then after?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/31/2022
She let out a painful sigh, "I wish I could help you about such thing, but I don't know."

She looked down, "I know that Astra was fearful of the future. Fearful of not being there for Roza." She looked up to Durro once more, "that is Kiki's doing. Whispering to her that she has to be a better mother and to be there for her daughter."

"Saba said that Palpatine sensed this fear and lured her in to the world of shadows and to the pool," she explained. "Astra had a vision of Roza as a young adult. She was bright in the Force, young and strong. But Astra wasn't there to raise her."

She shook her head, "this brought fear to Kiki and Astra." She laughed slightly despite the pain. "They are more alike than anyone else."

"Driven by this vision, Astra sought to change the future. She willed her path to change. And Saba says, she might have already made changes that can not be undone."

"Ashanti cheered the changes, claiming that the future is what we make it."

"Then came Olivan and the World of Shadows as Master Palpatine knew it to be. She gazed into the Pool and saw the new path she was trying to forge. Her daughter, Roza, hated her. There was so much disgust in Roza's eyes. Astra was a broken woman, and Kiki wasn't able to hold them together." She turned to face Durro, "Roza set out to join the Sith Queen."

"For Palpatine, he saw a ruined world that held a large needle like structure. Tesara was there with another, blind woman. They were trying to do something to some old device, some crystal like thing."

She frowned, "I am sorry I wasn't very helpful."

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/31/2022
"The Light at Elysium?" Durro mutters to himself.

To Ar'alani he says, "On the contrary,  you've been very helpful. Pieces are starting to fall into place."

He takes a deep breath. "It's time, finally. Where's Ashanti? I need to speak with her as well."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/31/2022
Ar'alani gave a nod, "you are within her home." She motioned to a row of buildings. "You know where to find her," she added.

She reached out and took Durros arm in a gentle hold, "I know Ashanti and others believe otherwise. But I believe Saba is right. If we need to die for Astra to survive, then it is what we must do." There were tears in her eyes as she spoke those final words.

She pulled her hand back and allowed Durro to seek out Ashanti.

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/31/2022
Durro brushes her cheek, a kind but sad smile on his face. He turns and finds the dwelling Ashanti had taken them to. Taking a deep breath, he enters.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/31/2022
Unlike before, the house was remade and reflected life. It was a place that Durro had seen before. The architecture, designs and colors all matched something in his memory. Had he been to a place like this before?

He found Ashanti in the large back yard kneeling next to a small pond. Durro found it odd that there was even fish in the pond.

Sensing his approach, "here we are," she said softly. He could feel her rage and anger just below the thin surface of calm she tried to present.

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Princess Astra Korraay
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/31/2022
Durro searches his memory, focuses: where had he seen this before?
(I would roll Intelligence, but I am at work. lol)

"I like what you've done with the place." He says cheerfully. "It's much less depressing. What was your inspiration? I'm no art connoisseur, but I feel like I've seen this before."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/31/2022
(OOC: @Durro Thel-Tanis  I could, but for the sake of the discovery and surprise, I would prefer to let you the player try to remember. Don't forget you can poll the party)

Ashanti didn't move as she struggled to find calm. Durro could feel the struggle within her.

"It was the very first dream I ever had. The world I took you to. I couldn't see this place like this, I only saw the death and destruction," there was a heavy sense of sadness in her voice.

"Saba offered to search through the force and see this place as it was, or can be." She shakes her head, "Saba can be confusing at times. Still, if I agreed not to kill the Professor for his crimes and give you time to uncover who and what we are, she would help me bring my world to life."

She half turned her head to Durro and added, "I only agreed to the later. I haven't made up my mind on the Professor."
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/31/2022
"I understand." Durro says. "I know how seriously you take the job of protecting Astra. Of protecting the others. I admire your strength, your drive to overcome failures, and your unwillingness to stop fighting. You and the Professor are more alike than you'd like to admit. He wants to speak with you when he returns, I think I've convinced him to give you another chance."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/31/2022
Ashanti returned her gaze to the pond, "how kind of him." There was resentment in her voice as she spoke, "to give me another chance while the lives of others hang in the balance."

Her anger threatening to burst forward despite her efforts to keep it under control. "How so Jedi of you," she said harshly.

Then making a visible effort to regain that control, "I'm sorry." The words sounding as bitter and painful as Durro expected coming from Ashanti towards him, as she meant it.

"I never trusted him," she said softly. "Not since the first dream, I never trusted him."

@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/31/2022
"What dream?" Durro asks gently, as a realization occurs to him.

"...it's me, isn't it? It's not all Jedi, but me in particular you hate. This place; it's modled after the Summer Palace in Austerity. Astra lost Sol and Dooku in that bombing, and you think if I hadn't broken into the palace that Astra wouldn't be in so much pain. That she wouldn't have lost everything. I'm a daily reminder of everything she lost, you both lost, and you hate me for it."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/31/2022
"It was the darkest of times for her. The only man who loved her, gone. The only man who cared enough to raise her like a father. Her mother, everything gone in just a few months," she said with pain and sorrow.

"Nights hiding from the Serrano Guards, while silently begging Roza to be quiet. there was so much fear and anger back then."

She sighed deeply, "that was when the dream came. Horrible dreams of unseen worlds and events. Dreams she choose to forget. But because of the rage and anger woven them, I can't."

She turned and gazed at Durro, "I saw him, weak laying in his bed. The darkness only pushed back by my red Saber." She bit her lip drawing blood. "I knew I would kill him, I heard my words, not Astra's, mine. I called him out for his war on us. At the time I didn't know what it meant, but now I do."

"Saba retained Astra's gift after Olavan, so I asked her when the Professor came in to our life, if this was the man I was meant to kill. She said that the image was true, but what I decide in the moment would decide my own fate in the Force."

She shook her head, "Saba gives me more credit than I deserve."
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/31/2022
"I was told you believe that the future is what you make it." Durro says simply. "You can make a different choice; the hard choice that takes courage and inner strength."

"You can forgive. We have all made mistakes, myself most of all. Instead of more pain, suffering, and destruction you can break the cycle and forgive. You might find that true strength comes not from fear and rage, but hope and love."

"Saba isn't the only one. I sense the good in you, an ember, a small point of light. The promise of what you could become. Please, let us help you fan it into a fire."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/31/2022
Ashanti turned away and back to the pond. She didn't want him to see her eyes, "I forgave you months ago. Though, I held my grudges for obvious reasons. But you gave me Ar'alani, and for that I am grateful."

She laughed slightly, "I never knew these feelings before Olavan. But now I can't deny there is more to me than rage and hatred."

She scoffed, "and now I too sound like her."

"Would you have me lie to you, and tell you I won't kill him," she asked coldly, but with an honest tone. "I don't even know that answer for myself," she admitted.

@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/31/2022
"Well, that's progress." Durro says with a smile. "I meant what I said; I admire your strength. I admire your drive to protect Astra, and the others. You can protect them and be strong for them without rage, without destruction and death, without fear. You're no longer a mere reflection of Astra's fear and rage, you're a consciousness and mind of your own; you can choose to be whatever you want. Whether that's the Sith warrior to makes others fear them, or whether that's the friend who is always there, always strong for you, and always does her best to protect others even when it's not easy... that choice is yours alone."

"I meant what I said earlier; it takes strength to resist the Dark Side. It's easy to give in to fear; fear of loss, of suffering, fear of what others can do to you. That fear leads to anger; anger at that which makes you afraid, and even angry at yourself for being weak. That anger leads to hate; you hate those who threaten you, who take from you. You hate your own weakness. You lash out, with all that rage and hatred; and then, finally, that hate leads to suffering and even death. Like with the girls on the roof at the orphanage. Fear leads to anger, leads to hate, leads to suffering. It's easy to fall into the cycle, to perpetuate it. It takes strength to defend oneself and others without fear, anger, and hatred. You have that strength, I know you do. Break the cycle. Choose to forgive. Choose life; for all involved."

Durro offers Ashanti his hand.

"You could be a valuable part of our team; of our fight against the encroaching darkness. We need you. Astra needs you. Please, let us help."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/31/2022
She drew in a deep breath and took his hand and rose to her feet, "I trust Saba's faith in you. Not you, or your team," she spoke plainly and flatly.

Pulling her hand back, "don't forget, what you and your team didn't understand, you sought to destroy." Her eyes were like ice as she spoke.

"And I warn you, don't give me more credit than I deserve. I'm unsure if I can ever forgive him for the suffering he caused." She leaned back slightly on her leg crossing her arms. "I won't return to your team, not after what he, they, did to Astra."

She frowned, "Though, I will not stop protecting her or the others." Her voice filled with calm anger, "And if," she brought a warning finger towards Durro, "IF any of you so much as tries to poison her again, I will kill all of those responsible."

Calming herself, or at least trying to. "Saba and Ar'alani both speak of peace," she brought her arm back across her chest, "I'm not there yet, but I will see this as a cease fire."

@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/31/2022
"That's enough for me." Durro says, smiling. "For what it's worth; I am sorry about the medicine. I thought I knew what was what and I acted on it. I know better now, and I won't try and destroy you anymore."

He lets out a breath and looks Ashanti in the eye.

"Something doesn't make sense to me, though. You still aren't sure if you'll kill Kenobi or not, yet you sought out Astra to save him. Why save him if you want to kill him?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/31/2022
Fire came to her eyes, "I don't want to kill anyone. The only time I ever killed when Astra's life wasn't in harms way was with your team.

She frowned, "well since Olivan that is."

She lowered her eyes as she spoke, "Astra respects you, and at the time, he was important to you."

She frowned and turned from him, "that and I was confused by something."

@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/31/2022
Durro looks slightly confused for a brief moment, before his face returns to its normal neutral expression.

"What was confusing?" He asks. "I'll do my best to explain."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/31/2022
She didn't turn to look at him, "why did he choose to save Hadaza, but he wanted to destroy us."

She made sure to keep her tear filled eyes from his sight, though Durro could sense the girl's pain. "What I saw in her broken mind, and yet he wants to destroy those like Saba and Ar'alani. Kiki is over the top protective and annoying. I can understand me, but the others." She shook her head, "what makes us so," she stuttered at her word, "so worthy of destruction."

She pulled her arms tighter around herself, "why does he hate us!"

@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/31/2022
"I can't speak for him; but knowing what I do of him I'd venture a guess it's because Hadaza is tangible. She has her own body that can be interacted with in the real world; while you all are limited to speaking through Astra. As a non-Force wielder, he can't understand without patient explanation what you are; even you don't know the answer to that. In contrast, Hadaza is simple, and easy to explain."

"The way forward is simple; talk to him. Ask him these questions, and let him explain himself. Listen to him, and I'm sure he'll listen to you. Talking is the ultimate way to settle misunderstandings."

He gives her a moment to mull it over, but he cannot help himself from asking:

"What did you see? What did you glimpse in Hadaza's mind?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/31/2022
She didn't turn to Durro right away, "why should I expect him to listen to me. I am not tangible." There was pain in her voice.

He could see her shake her head, "I can feel the Force, even here. I can feel the cold of the darkside. The Light, I can sense it around me. And when I was there with you, it felt the same." She fell silent for a moment, "I know I am real. I..." she fell silent for a moment, "I have dreams."

@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/31/2022
"Because that's the only way to prove to him you're real." Durro says matter-of-factly.

"I believe you're real." Durro says after a moment. "You just have to prove it to Kenobi. You can do it, I believe in you."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/31/2022
She stands there silently for a long while. Her eyes gazing outside the large widows to the living city beyond. She let out a long sigh, as she half turns her head, "you are just as annoying as Saba is, you know that right."

@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/31/2022
Durro grins at her.

"Oh I know. It's a requirement to be a Jedi."

His face turns more serious and he adds;

"Kenobi should return tomorrow night; I'll arrange a time for you to 'take over' and talk to Kenobi. Tesara and I will be there as mediators." He smiles, "I'm hopeful this meeting will be productive."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/31/2022
She turned to face him, "no," she said demandingly. "I want you to bring him here. Let him see all of us. Let him see the harm and suffering his ignorance has caused. Let him see our faces, to know who we are." There was fire in her eyes as she stood on this singular demand. "I have been there, to see him in his world. Time for him to make the same journey."

@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/31/2022
Durro starts, genuinely surprised.

"Is it... even possible? Astra and I can connect like this because we've developed a close bond, as master and apprentice. Kenobi's not even a Force wielder."

He recovers from his surprise and looks thoughtful, hand resting on his chin and eyes focused on nothing ahead.

"I suppose I could try to link with him... be the gateway between his mind and Astra's. Tesara may be able to help."

He stops musing and looks at Ashanti.

"Very well; I'll see what I can do. I can't promise results, but I do promise to put forth my best effort."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/31/2022
She frowns and nods, "I am curious if he is even willing to come to our homes like you have."

she turned back to the city and gazed out over the wall and to the city beyond, "did you have any other questions of me," she paused just a moment before adding, "Jedi."

@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/31/2022
((I thought they were outside?))

"I did have two others." He says, looking out over the wall with her. "The Sith here... most of them aren't like you. I know this isn't... 'right', where did you find the imagery? It's very good, but there's still something familiar about it."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/31/2022
((Crap, you are right..good spot. Edited))

"After Olivan, when I started to have my own dreams," she said softly. "This place, as you see it now, was my very first dream. Its the reason why I took you here. But even then, that world wasn't this one. In my dreams, this place is what I saw. But I know the world is right. I can feel it."

She motioned her hand around, "I don't mean the destruction, I mean so much more. The people, the buildings of glass, all of it was not the same as the one I saw in real life."

She turned to Durro, "through Astra's eyes."

"The dreams continued," she pulled her arms across her chest once more. Durro noticed that she pulled them tighter then before as she stood there. "I felt the Force calling me to this place. Pulling me," she dropped her arms and turned to him.

Facing him she looked in to his eyes, "not Astra, not Saba, me...calling me..."

She turned back and looked at the city once more, "like a parent summoning their child home."

@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 01/31/2022
"So the world you saw in your dreams wasn't the world of remains we found in Wild Space." Durro says thoughtfully. "Then why is it familiar to me as well? The only time I've ever seen a Sith village was..."

He pauses for a moment.

"...in the world between life and death. On my journey into the Mountains of Baklid VI. Come to think of it; this is very similar. Which is all fascinating mind, but what does it mean?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 01/31/2022
She doesn't turn to him as she speaks softly, "this is the world I will make. Its where I already sent my supplies."

"I had planned on escaping in a ship and going there." She let out a long sigh, "to build the world of my dreams."

@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/01/2022
"You sent supplies?" He takes a moment, a smile flashing across his face. "I'm curious, but I also don't want to interrogate you. Though perhaps your hopes and dreams should be part of your conversation with Kenobi. It proves you're more than the sum of Astra's parts."

"I have two more questions, you can answer both, one, or neither. Again, this isn't an interrogation. Question One: What happened to Astra on Raxus Prime; what did The Crusade do to her? I asked Aohd, but he was sparse on the details. Question Two: What did you see in Hadaza's mind; what makes you so sure she's a monster? It really doesn't matter much to me who she was, but since those actions can have consequences I would still like to know."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/01/2022
Ashanti pulled her arms around her tightly as her fingers dug in to her forearms, "I will not tell Kenobi anything of my plans or what I have done. I don't answer to him."

She turned still holding herself, "and you won't either." She frowned, "I don't mean anyone harm unless they threatened those I care for." She gazed in to his eyes like an animal trapped, "Saba says you are trustworthy. Lets see if her faith in you is misplaced."

She sighed, "I don't know what happened. I can't remember. But I know what Astra remembers isn't real." She scoffed, "if you got anything from Aohd, take your minor miracle. He won't speak of it to anyone."

She fell silent for a long while just looking at him. Her face matching the conflict within. "I won't share what isn't mine to share. But the man who attacked her, he hated her like no other. I saw flashes of death in his eyes and heart."

@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/01/2022
"Fair enough." Durro says, nodding. "It is only a suggestion; your secrets are your own and safe with me."

He sighs with the mention of Aohd; "Well then, I'll take what I can get. I'm sure it'll come back to bite us, hopefully we're prepared."

"I can respect that." He nods appreciatively at her statement. "That is something else I feel bears investigation."

He shifts his position as if to leave. "Thank you for your time and candor. I'd be lying if I deny a quiet hope to earn your trust if not your respect; though it's an effort that'll take time. Just know you have my respect, if not my trust."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/01/2022
Ashanti frowned as she watched Durro getting ready to leave. She held her ground for a moment waiting. The nervousness clearly showing as the Master Jedi continues to walk back to the house.

"wait," she said flatly then added, "you'll want to see this."

"Damn lizard," she grumbled as she walked past Durro.

"Here, let me show you something," she added.

She walked in to the house, "After Olivan, we all have found ourselves with free time. Time to do things." Walking over to a large desk, "after Raxus, I have been having dreams. I don't know what they mean. But I also know that they are not mine."

She picked up a large drawing book and flipped it over to dozens of images of the same woman. "This might be helpful to understanding what the Crusade is after."

She showed him, "I don't know who she is. Or where to find her, or anything. I just, in my dreams know that she is going to kill Astra and I have to stop her."
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Image
"Each dream starts the same. She is trying to kill Astra and she ends with me killing her," Ashanti finished. "Only Saba knows of this. No one else."
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/01/2022
Durro looks at the drawing, hand on his chin.

"Master Depa Bilaba. Master Mors was going to meet with her. She won't be a problem until we return to Republic Space. As long as we're out here, fighting the Swarm, we don't have to worry about Jedi, and certainly not masters of the High Council."

"I'm familiar with her from my universe. I don't know her as well here. Thank you for telling me this. I feel this is a case of us crossing that bridge when we come to it. The Swarm should be our main focus."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/01/2022
Ashanti nodded as she put the pad away, "agreed."

She moved between Durro and the desk, "I think I have been more than open in my willingness. You can report to that lizard that she was right, and I was," she rolled her eyes, "a good hostess."

@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/01/2022
Durro smiles and nods knowingly. Leaving Ashanti's home and her village, he goes in search of his apprentice, to see if she has made any progress.
@TheTraveler
@Princess Astra Korraay
TheTraveler — 02/01/2022
((OOC: @Durro Thel-Tanis will have to break the link and exit the meditation to find her))
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/01/2022
(OOC: should I waght for Durro to post again or should I make my post) @TheTraveler
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/01/2022
((So she gave up on the memory? OK.))
TheTraveler — 02/01/2022
(( @Princess Astra Korraay @Durro Thel-Tanis It might be best to play out the scene in character))
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/01/2022
((Please tell me im not the only one confused))
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/01/2022
His calls unheeded, Durro focuses on gently breaking the connection, coming out of meditation aboard the shuttle several hours later.
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/01/2022
((Not the only one. lol))
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/01/2022
Astra is sitting across from him a distant thoughtful look on her face. " Hello master iv been waiting for you" she said after a moment.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/01/2022
Durro stands and stretches slowly, trying to bring back feeling to his limbs.

"Waiting? You were out of meditation? For how long?"
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/01/2022
" Umm... A while, I spoke to Roza for a bit not that she was really much help. And it was getting frustrating being stuck in a child's body. So I came back here to cool off and think" she said watching him. She was fairly still. A some was dark expression crossing her face. " I was thinking about my past did you find what you needed" She said. She shook her head forcing herself to smile.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/01/2022
"I'm not sure. I know I gained a deeper appreciation for you and your friends. I'm reminded of just how little I know and how I need to keep myself open to new ideas and possibilities."

"Did you make any progress on recovering your memory of mind walking?"
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/01/2022
" Unfortunately no I did not master," she said shaking her head and looking down at the ground in front of her. She was disappointed and frustrated with herself for her inability to complete the task she had been given.

" I did come to some relations of my own though master" she said quietly.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/01/2022
"That's alright." Durro says, finishing his stretching. "It's useful information, and I'm sure when we truly need it, it will come."

"What did you realize? What was gained from this experience?"
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/01/2022
" you remember when we first met well the second time when we talked in the back yeard of my parents secret house?" She said looking up at him. " Befor then after the bombing and mom was arrested. I was so angry and afraid. I was angry with you for breaking into the palice and getting my mother arrested. I was angry with the tarist who bombed tha cathedral." She said the pain clear in her voice as she looked away. She took a deep breath trying to focase her thought into words that made sense. " I was angst with Sol and lord sereno for leaving me. As will as with myself for not looking into the future and trying to do sumthing to spot the disaster" She said quietly. She sit her eyes the pain and disapontime clear on her face. She could have done sumthing even if it was only to worn then but she was to afraid of her power to use it.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/01/2022
"Understandable. What about now? You've asked me to train you. Are you still angry?"
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/01/2022
" No master im not angry in fact I was able to forgive you at least in that back yeard. Though the other things have still bothered me keep me change to the past. I know I need to let go if im to move forward past this." She said quietly tears streak her face as she struggled to find the right words. She reaches up with her left hand to try and wipe the me away. Silently curssing herself for crying. * I'm a jedi I should be able to andle this without crying* she thinks in a mixer of frustration and disappointment.

She shuts her eyes taking another deep breath. " I wish to move forward past this master. I'm done being stuck in the past" She said.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/02/2022
Durro wraps his apprentice in a hug.

"Don't suppress it. Let if flow. Feel it, really feel it, then let it go. Bottling it up is not the way."
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/02/2022
Astra froze shocked for a moment. Before she broke down in a fit of silent crying. Dam it! How many times was she going to brake down sobing in Durro's arms? How many times had she broken down like this in Lord Sereno or Sol's arms? She had never once gotten into trouble for it. They had both encouraged her to feal the emotions. Though even now that she was starting to feal better as if a great deal of weight was lifted from her. She know she did  not want the reality of their "friends" to see her like this or know. A slight smile crossed her face as she started to relax a strange state of half-awake.

Her mind drifting back to that day in the yeard. The journal her mother had given it to Durro. Could it have been how could she have known. " you remember fathers journal master. The one my mother gave you? im not so sure it was me how chose you." She said quietly. Opening her eyes and looking at Durro. " I remember what drew my attention was that you mentioned that she said you were a lot like him like Lord Sereno. I still don't understand that one but your are definitely the teacher I need" She said and hugged him tightly.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/02/2022
"You're a remarkable young woman, Astra. You will be a wise and powerful Jedi. I foresee great things for you, and I look forward to witnessing them."

He looks her in the eye when they separate.

"We should get some rest. We have one more long day ahead of us."
@Princess Astra Korraay
Princess Astra Korraay — 02/02/2022
" I know you have to be existed. Or has walked through my mind made you crazy master" she said with a slight smile.

" thank you master I would not stand a chance of convincing the professor if you were not so willing to help," She said. Before settling into her bed. " Good night Master," She said sweetly. Within minutes of laying down, Astra was out cold.

She was tired from a combination of the long day of healing and the very emotional episode just moments befor. There was a slight smile on her face as she curled up peacefully asleep Trusting her master almost completely, witch helped her settle and sleep much better then the had been in a long time.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/02/2022
Durro smiles, laying down himself. He intends to mediate before sleep, to Farsee the question that nags him most. Like Astra, he is asleep almost as soon as he is still. Questions will have to wait.
/end