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Family Connections 8/15/21
Tesara set in her room aboard the Jupiter One, her legs crossed her eyes closed and the waves of the Force around her. She could feel the threads, just as Durro had told her, pulled tight. Voices from far and near echo through the Force like a million whispers. It was something Tesara could never get used to in this universe. Unlike her own, here there were so many voices in the Force, so many Force Users. It was rare on her own homeworld to have two Force Sensitives in a given generation. However here, on Lanus, Tesara could feel no less than five children born with such a connection.
Tesara focused as she started to her something in the Force, a unison of whispers speaking two singular words. Two words that caused their whispers to become filled with dread and horror. A warning from across the vastness of the Force, a warning so soft and below the other whispers that Tesara nearly missed it. Reaching out beyond her own limits to strain herself to make out what the whispers are alerting her to. She finally grabbed the words and allowed her mind to process them. 'He's coming!"
___
It was then in that moment that Tesara felt something else, and this time she didn't have to strain. "Orchid" she uttered as she felt the draw of her mother in this universe. "Come to me child, I have a gift for you....one you don't wish to miss..."
@Tesara Anerin
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
She sighed quietly. She had been expecting this. It hurt. She missed her mother so desperately sometimes. The idea that her mother here was this bitter, angry, abused person made a lump form in her throat. Orchid had been twisted and treated cruelly by her mother, Tesara’s grandmother in this timeline. Orchid had been used and molded like she was a weapon and not a person deserving of love. It hurt her heart to think on it. She settled herself, took a few minutes to calm her emotions and return to center. When she was once again calm, she sent a reply to her Not-Mother, Orchid.
”I cannot come. But neither will I betray you to the hunters.”
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
There was a grave since to the emotions that came with her connection. Woven in to those emotions was loss and defeat, but also caring and acceptance for Tesara, "You must come," the voice in her mind called out to Tesara. "I know what is coming....I have seen it...."
@Tesara Anerin
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Tesara felt a tear slide down her cheek. ”I’m leading a mission. I can’t abandon it. I cannot risk being followed and unwittingly betraying your location.”
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
Once more, there was urgency to the emotions, *"you can not risk not hearing what I have to tell you." There was a momentary pause then the feelings returned and Tesara saw the images of her ruined home, her village of this universe, "Come my child."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
”Can you show me through the Force? The way you just showed me the village?”
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
"no...." the voice was filled with emotions of anger and rage. "Come.....we must prepare. And you must be warned."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Tesara exhaled, breaking the connection for a moment. The emotions were powerful, but also tinged with panic. Sighing, she re-entered the meditative state. ”I can meet you at the market near the fruitsellers booth in an hour. That’s all I can promise.”
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
There was a hint of anger, but it gave way to acceptance, "So be it, one hour."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Tesara sighed. It could be a trap. Durro would say it was foolish. Pacey would wring her neck. Unless she asked him to go with her. But he’d try and talk her out of it, perhaps. She got up, got dressed and attached her lightsaber to her hip clip and glanced at the blaster she’d been given. She’d be stupid not to take it but the idea of using it on Orchid was abhorrent. Using it on ANYONE was abhorrent but she tucked it into the pocket of her cloak and fastened the pin. She sat down, pulled her boots on and left her room. She stopped at the room she knew Colonel Pacey was sleeping in and knocked softly.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
There was grumbling from a few soldiers that were sleeping in the same cargo bay as Pacey was. He rolled and blinked his eyes when he saw Tesara standing near the hatch was. "What is it" he asked in a start of alarm. Hand under his pillow, most likely a blaster. "Has something happened," he asked.
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
She motioned for him to follow her to the kitchen area so they could speak alone. As soon as he had done so, she spoke. “I’ve been called to meet someone. It’s important. But it could also be a trap. I said I would meet her at the market near the fruitsellers booth in an hour.” She kept her back straight.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
He quickly recovered and listened carefully. "Okay, threat assessment. What do we know of this person."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
“She is a known darksider but…”. She frowned. “She and I have a familial connection. She wants to warn me of some thing so that I am prepared. As she is a darksider, it could be a trap. But it is possible it isn’t one. Will you go with me and promise to watch from afar while I meet with her?”
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
He frowned, "you know you are terrible at giving information. What kind of weapons does this person use. How would you rate her skills? How many men do you think I need to bring. Tesara, this is your safety we are talking about."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
She grinned at him. “You’re handsome when you get irritated.” She revealed the blaster he had given her in the pocket of her cloak. “I brought this because she wields a double sided light saber. She’s extremely proficient with it. She has been trained all of her life to fight and she uses the dark side to its fullest advantage. She did not say I had to come alone, but showing up with a cadre of soldiers will likely anger her.” She let the cloak slip back into place and pulled the hood up. “You alone will suffice. She cares about me an I care about her. If she did not, she would leave me to suffer whatever it is that she wants to warn me about.”
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
Pacey grabbed Tesara's shoulder, "no," he said sternly. "We do this, we do it right. I will bring a squad," his tone leaving little room for argument. "When Ava gave us this mission, I choose these men cause they are." He frowned then gave a nod, "lets just say they have receive special trying on how to deal with those who use the darkside."
He looked in to her eyes, "Go ahead and leave. But circle the hanger twice. That should give us time to position on your six." He gave her a reassuring nod as he continued, "you wont see us, I promise." He then snapped his fingers, "but I can make sure we are in contact."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Tesara began to protest but stopped. She had to trust him. She waited for him to continue
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
He smiled, "okay, let me get something from the gear. Then go a head and leave. We will follow you soon enough." He got up from the kitchen and went back to the cargo bay.
(OOC: If she is going to ditch him, now is the time)
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
She nodded and opened the door to quietly descend the ramp. She checked her commlink and knew she had enough time to circle the hanger twice, but not at an ambling pace. She set out to do as he asked.
(((OOC Why would she ditch him when she was the one to ask him to come with her? LOL)))
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
He rushed out before she could get off the ramp, "wait..." he whispered not wanting to wake anyone else up. "Put this in your ear," he handed her a mirco comlink. "You can hear us and we can hear everything around you."
With that he gave her a reassuring smile, "we will be watching you."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
She paused, nodded, pulled her hood back, stuck the micro commlink in her ear and smiled at him. “I believe I will be fine. You’re my insurance policy.” She put the hood of her cloak back up and continued to begin circling the hanger.
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
He smiled and motioned back to two of the six men following down the ramp. They each carried large long blasters, "no they are your insurance policy. Best marksmen we have on Baklid." He smiled at her, "I was saving them for Durro, but this will work too."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
She frowned, ready to ask why Durro then shook her head at him. “Behave.” She ordered with a smile.
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
He only smiled, "we always behave..." Then as she turned he poked her back adding the word, "badly."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
She barely managed not to squeak in surprise at being poked in the back unexpectedly. She snorted out a whisper laugh. Her heart was hammering in her chest from nerves and giddiness. Not a good idea to meet Orchid that way! She would spend the time circling to settle herself and center in the Force.
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
By the second trip around the hanger, true to his word, Pacey and his six men were ghosts. She could feel them in the Force, but they were far enough way that she was sure that Orchid wouldn't be able to. Moving through the large desert city, it was eerily silent. And the closer she got to the market, the less she saw even the lone wanderer on the street.
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
She made her way to the closed fruitsellers booth. She closed her eyes and reached out through the Force. I’m here.”
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
"so much for not betraying me," Orchid's voice said, making no attempt to conceal it. She moved from a near by stand holding a Jedi behind her in the Force. Tesara could feel the darkside flowing through and around Orchid. Orchid's hand closed and the sound was crushing and breaking bone as the Jedi's neck twisted and the head flopped to the side.
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Tesara flinched as she watched the man die. A surge of guilt washed over her, but she swallowed hard. "You never said not to bring anyone."
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
She blinked and smiled, "nor did I come alone." She motioned to a nearby balcony as a second black robbed fighter emerged. Orchid continued, "did you loose another Jedi?" The figure tossed a motionless body from the balcony and let it hit the sand covered street below.
In Tesara's ear, she could hear Pacey, "we have the second target. Be careful, its a Miraluka," he voice calm and even. If she didn't know better, he sounded like how a Jedi should sound. "They see through the Force. Don't be fooled," he warned.
The figure leap down from the balcony using the force to land gracefully next to Orchid.
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Tesara's shoulders slumped and her voice was hoarse with sorrow. "These are not Jedi, Orchid. These are men who work for SunCo. I would never have brought the Jedi here. Despite what you may think, I would never want them to try to capture you. In fact, when we landed here and I sensed you, I was glad they hadn't!" her voice shook with emotion. "Please don't hurt any more of them. They are not force sensitive, they're not hunters." She swallowed, tears on her face. "Please"
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
Pacey's voice came over her ear again, "well played but we are still whole. We don't know who they two are, but they are not us. I am sending a scout over to clear the area behind them."
Orchid laughed, "strange, they died like Jedi. Weak and whimpering in the end. I didn't know SunCo lowered their standards." There was utter hatred in her voice as she continued, "the Jedi took everything from us. The bastards killed Mother, and now their bitch queen hunts us."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
"Yes, and she also has others we are trying to help free. That is why I am here. I'm trying to help them escape her ship. I know the Jedi took everything from you. I didn't know your mother was dead. I'm sorry, Orchid." Her voice was hoarse.
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
Orchid face only twisted with rage, "tell me, has your Master failed you yet. Have you seen the failures of his ways. Or are you still to naive to see the truth of the Jedi."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Tesara looked at the woman in front of her, feeling the rage and the pain, the hatred radiated from her in waves. But there was also a calmness that suffused her, a feeling of compassion for this woman who could have been her real mother if she had been born here. "Everyone fails, Orchid. Everyone is a living, breathing being with good intentions or bad ones. No one is perfect. He is not. I am not. And yes, there are things about the Jedi here that are disturbing to me. I do not follow blindly. I am trying very hard to watch, to listen, to understand so that I can make informed choices. It's what brought me here tonight." She said quietly. "Because you asked me to come."
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
Pacey's calm voice came in to her ear, "watch the Miraluka," he said softly. "She doesn't like you. Her hand keeps moving to her lightsaber."
Orchid snared at the comment, "he is a fool and won't be able to protect you." She looked around as if she had heard something. "They are coming. Mother foresaw their arrival and had planned to stop them. But the Jedi," the word dripped with hatred, "in their arrogance, murdered her." She slipped forward to reach out towards Tesara but stopped short as it something held her back. She moved her head from side to side as if scanning. Tesara could feel her reaching out through the Force. "we need to band together if we are to survive," she said turning her eyes to Tesara. "You need to come with us," she urged.
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Tesara's eyes closed, because she had been expecting this. She shook her head slowly. "I'm sorry. I can't. I have a mission here I am doing for SunCo. I am trying to free people I care about from Sha Koon." She said softly. "But there may be a way for us to stay connected through the Force when I am not on Lanus anymore. I..." She hesitated, a complex set of emotions crossing her face. "I would like that."
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
Orchid narrowed her eyes, "Tesara, you don't understand." She waved her hand wide around her, "do you see Lanus. ALL WORLDS will be like Lanus when they return."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Alarm skittered down her spine. "Who is they?"
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
Orchid stepped closer, though her face bore the hint of alarm. Still she pressed forward, "the family is coming home."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Tesara stood her ground as Orchid stepped closer. "The family?" her voice rose in agitation. "But they've been...people think they are a myth! What will they do?"
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
She grabbed Tesara by the arm as she heard Pacey's voice, "I have a clear shot. Give the word and that bitch gets a third eye." The words I have told Tesara everything she needed to know. Pacey was behind the weapon personally, was ensuring her protection.
"Destruction of everything," she spoke with object horror in her voice. "You think the Red Queen of the Sith is bad. A Galaxy ruled by Jedi is bad. The Family are the Destroyers of old. Kept at bay only by Mother! But now she is gone and they are coming." Her voice betrayed panic. It was clear that her female companion wasn't liking this.
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
"No!" Tesara shouted, but her eyes were not on Orchid. She looked back at Orchid and could see the panic in her eyes. "Orchid what will they do? Will they destroy everything like Lanus was destroyed? Everyone across the galaxy will die?" She gasped it out, not pulling away from Orchid's grip on her arm. She was getting somewhere. This was vital information. She knew Pacey had heard her command. She didn't know how but she knew she was not in danger. If they moved against Orchid and her companion, she would be.
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
Orchid didn't move but her companion did, she drew her lightsaber but didn't activate it. "We are being watches sister," she said coldly. "I feel their gaze upon us," she added.
Orchid nodded, "they are of no consequence to us." Her voice willed with dismissal and disregard. "Tesara, they are the destroyers and without Mother, there is nothing to stop them," she urged once more. "Come with us, save yourself, and let the rest burn in the fires of the Family's wrath."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
"No." She said quietly, but firmly. "No, Orchid. If my destiny is to die by their wrath, I will die protecting people I love."
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
She pulled back in anger, "fool," she cursed at Tesara. "You can't stop them, you can't reason with them, there is nothing to do but die at their feet," she said flatly.
"With Mother gone, you will all parish," her voice filled with anger. "Do you think the Jedi will stop them. They can't ever stop warning among themselves," she said with a hint of satisfaction in her voice. "I came here to save you, daughter," her voice making an honest attempt to form that mother daughter connection. But her rage, anger and most of all, her hatred poisoning the very word as it slipped her lips.
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Tesara knew what might happen. She knew that this might get her killed, but she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Orchid. "I know you did, mother. I know. I'm sorry I am too stubborn. I hope you survive and show me how stupid I really was." She said, her voice thick due to the lump in her throat.
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
Orchid pushed Tesara back before the hug could even settle. Her hatred had turned her eyes reddish yellow, and Tesara could feel the coldness of the darkside pulsating from Orchid. "There won't be anything left of you," she spoke with anger in her voice. "How do you think you can fight pure entities of the Force," she question in a last ditch effort to convince Tesara. "You can't even see them without Mother's eyes," she said trying hard to keep her anger in check.
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
There was a wave of sadness that hit her that she had been denied that one act of love. She looked at Orchid, saw her eyes turn deadly red, but for reasons she could not explain, she still felt calm. Sad, but calm. "You're right. I likely won't succeed. I will likely die trying to save those I love." She swallowed, grief hitting her like a wave at the vision of everyone she cared about dying horribly.
"You said the Mother is gone, how would you get her eyes to see them with? Will you tell me that at least?"
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
Orchid snapped back, "you can't. Mother is gone, murdered by the Jedi." She turned in a slight attempt to hide her grief, "I saw the light at Elisum go out, and I knew that Mother was gone." Rage filled her as she turned back to face Tesara, "the Jedi did this," she said with loathing hatred. And it hit Tesara like a wave of heat from a massive forest fire after an unexpected shift in the wind. "They did this and they should all parish for their arrogance," she spat. "If you wish to die with them," she once more cursed, "so be it." She started to move back as did her companion. Though they didn't turn, they just walked backwards away from Tesara.
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
She watched them back away and sighed. It might be the last time she ever saw Orchid. She knelt to the dead men at her feet. They were not dressed like Pacey's men and she realized that they very well could have been Jedi from Sha Koon's ship. She backed away quickly, her breath coming in gasps. "Pacey...Pacey we need to get out of here." She began backing away as well.
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
Pacey's voice came over the ear piece, "our scout reported six dead Jedi Troopers." He paused as he listened, "you keep moving we will make sure they don't circle around and try to ambush you."
After about ten minutes, Pacey and his men joined Tesara as she continued to walk back to the ship. "That was some crazy talk," he said calmly.
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Tesara was quiet as she returned to the ship, glad of his presence but still filled with sorrow. "Was it?" She sighed. "I have more information than I had before. But six men died for it." The lump was still in her throat.
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
"Eight" said one of Pacey's men. Not realizing that they were being over heard by @Lady Ryne Roke who was in her room. "I checked those first two. They were Jedi as well. Most likely Knights." The man let out a bit of laughter, "it was pretty good blade work."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Tesara shook a little, the events of the last hour were draining. She turned to look at him. "Thank you, Colonel Pacey. That might have gone terribly awry and knowing you were there made it easier."
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
He smiled and gave her a nod, "any time you need someone to watch your six, you know who to come to."
The other man nodded, "and I got me a lasersword," he said holding out the lightsaber.
"Moron," Pacey snapped then swiped the weapon from his hand. "They can feel the crystal inside the weapon. You take this anywhere near their ship, they will know." He hit the young man with the weapon, "get rid of it."
He turned back to Tesara, "new kid. Hell of a shot, but dumb as a Ewok."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
A laugh bubbled out of her, but it was edging on hysteria. "I've never seen an Ewok or eaten one but everyone talks about them." She said, rubbing her face. "It's late, and I am exhausted and we have a long day tomorrow." She looked up at him, once again fascinated by his features. The tone of his skin, the tattoos on his face. "Thank you for watching my six." She said, backing up before she did something stupid.
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
He bent sideways, "you know you don't have to hide it under all those thick robes." He gave her a wink, "the Palace has really good video surveillance. Even on the pool deck."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Her mouth fell open and she blushed bright red. "What?" She did squeak this time.
Lady Ryne Roke — 08/15/2021
Just as Tesara and Pacey were speaking, Nova's door opened with Nova tumbling out it, "Dang it, stupid thing." She was sprawled out on the floor and looked up at them, "Sup, did you two go for a walk and apparently found eight Jedi?"
TheTraveler — 08/15/2021
Pacey smiled, "more like a date," Pacey said trying to cover for Tesara. Unsure how much she wanted to share. His eyes turned back to her, "we need to do this more often." He gave a respectful bow and then turned and headed to the Cargo bay.
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Tesara stood there mouthing like a fish out of water as Pacey walked away and somewhere in the mad buzzing inside her head she had to appreciate that he had a fantastic ass. "Whhhhhat?" She stammered, then realized Nova was on the floor. "Oh my goodness! Are you all right?" She held out a hand to help her up.
Lady Ryne Roke — 08/15/2021
Nova began to giggle at Tesara as Pacey walked away and to Tesara's reaction. "A date, huh?" Enjoying this as she accepted Tesara's help up. "Now you have to spill, this is big news. I have to record it for Astra." Pulling out her data pad with a smirk as she got ready to write in it.
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Tesara exhaled, looking bewildered. "We uh... we went for a walk." She grasped for how to explain it without lying. "And it was a nice night out and he and his men made sure I was safe and so I am back safely now. Are you sure you're okay?"
Lady Ryne Roke — 08/15/2021
Nova giggled at that, "That is it? Nothing else? Boo that is boring, what isn't boring is that he saw you at the pool." She dusted off her sleep wear, "I am perfectly fine, you however are blushing like the wine I drink."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Her face contorted into a lot of emotions at once, then she just choked out a laugh. "He is really sexy. But he sure did catch me off guard saying that!"
Lady Ryne Roke — 08/15/2021
Nova smirked, "Maybe when we ever get back, maybe you should go to the pool together and maybe you can touch all his sexy curves." She teased as she looked the direction he went. "It is only fair to see him wet since he apparently saw you."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
She blushed again. "I'll keep that in mind. And I promise I will give Ava and Astra all the details."
Lady Ryne Roke — 08/15/2021
"Next time, please let me know where you are going so I can be on stand-by. Eight Jedi killed by you or someone else isn't something I want Sha Coon to find out about." She said with her arms crossed. "Last thing we want is them to ask for reinforcements and refuse your entry onto the ship. It would ruin our plan of getting Lysire off."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Tesara looked guilty. "I'm sorry, Nova. It was a last minute decision. I got information I needed. I promise I will keep you informed next time."
Lady Ryne Roke — 08/15/2021
Nova sighed, "Well hopefully you can put whatever information you got to good use, even if it seems useless, anything is better than nothing." She then pulled Tesara into a hug. "I know I slip many people's minds and often ignored but please don't forget about me, okay? You are a sister to me, I care about you.... and so if you ever need someone to make food for a date, come to me." She said trying to brighten the mood.
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Tesara hugged Nova back, both surprised and heartened by her words. When they pulled away, Tesara nodded. "You're right, I need to trust you. So I will tell you what happened." She lowered her voice a little, as they were still in the hallway. "I met with Orchid. She was terrified, saying the Family were returning and now that the Mother is gone, killed by the Jedi, that the Family will not be held back by the Mother and they will destroy everything. She said they would devastate other worlds the same way that Lanus was devastated. She tried to get me to go with her so she could protect me but I said no." She sighed, looking tired. "It's a lot to unpack."
Lady Ryne Roke — 08/15/2021
Nova listened to Tesara as she spoke, "Thank you for trusting me with this information. If the family is returning then we should prepare for more than just Sinya's present but also expect the ship to be on alert. Sha Coon could be meditating with the force to try to figure out what is going to come, might even know we are coming however if the Family is coming, her attention might be focused on that."
Nova said thoughtfully before smiling at Tesara, "You should sleep and as much as Durro won't like it, you might want to inform him about Orchid and what she told you. He is more knowledgeable than we both are and we might need you both to see what the force tells you."
She then furrowed her brow as she whispered, "I know you said that this world affects you both differently but we might need to know what is coming if the force wishes to show you that much or be as cryptic as usual."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
Tesara nodded. "Yes to all of that. I was going to tell him tomorrow after I had returned from talking to her. She did try to kill him once so there was a chance he would have tried to stop me." She looked thoughtful. "But then again, he might not have." She yawned. "I don't think the Family is coming tomorrow, but I get the sense that they're coming soon. I wish I had access to the locked section of the library at the Jedi temple." She sighed. "She said something....You can't even see them without Mother's eyes. But there is a piece of the mother within Lysire. There is just so much I don't know and I hate puzzles!" She chuckled wearily. "For now I am going to bed. I'll have bags under my eyes for my meeting as a SunCo representative." she smiled. "Goodnight, Nova."
Lady Ryne Roke — 08/15/2021
Nova listened and then gave a nod as Tesara spoke about bags under her eyes as well as getting ready to leave, "If so, I am sure Ava wouldn't mind me using some of her makeup supplies on you." She then waved goodbye to Tesara, "Sleep well."
Tesara Anerin — 08/15/2021
"I've never worn makeup so that will be a new experience." She smiled and headed to her room to sleep.
/end thread
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