Total Recall 2/21/22

[Anatketani]

Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/21/2022
Hours later, just before noon, Durro stirs from meditation. The stillness was more his body than his mind, and he feels it. He smiles at Astra's sleeping form while putting on his over-shirt, vest, and new belt and grabs his long coat off the back of the chair he had thrown it over. Carefully he moves around her to exit the room with nothing but the hiss of the door to disturb her.

Out in the hallway his slings his coat over his shoulders and goes in search of Hadaza. His search is short; he finds her in the hall heading towards him.

"Hadaza, just the person I was looking for. I'm almost ready, what about you?"
@Haj
Haj — 02/21/2022
Haj was lost in thought as she hears Durro's voice. Jammen, she thinks, with a frown. Reddet av klokken "As I'll ever be, I suppose.", she replies gravely.

As they walk they walk towards the door, she comments, "What a mess I've made. Is Astra alright?"
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/21/2022
"She will be." Durro says, looking her up and down. "That's it, that's all you're bringing with you?"
@Haj
Haj — 02/21/2022
She looks over her gear, confused.  Her clothes are probably a bit too casual for an actual "mission", but the blaster is still on her hip from earlier. She didn't see any reason to have her new daggers, but the stun baton might not be a bad addition.

"Give me a sec. I'll be right back", she says, touching his arm as she bolts past him to fetch one.

She comes back down the hallway swinging the familiar weight from her wrist. "Better? Though it may as well be pillow for all the good I think it will do us."
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/21/2022
Durro mentally kicks himself; he had missed the blaster on her opposite hip.

"That should be plenty." He continues walking towards the door. "This is a simple recon mission; I'm not armed at all. Well, except for the Force. I doubt you'll need the baton or the blaster. I was just making sure you felt ready."

"Which reminds me, there is one more thing we need; or rather, I need. Information." He stops and looks her in the eye. "You know more than you're letting on. Talk to me; what exactly happened? Who is the little girl? What did she look like?"
@Haj
Haj — 02/21/2022
Hadaza sets herself behind guarded eyes. He can feel the wall slam between them Å snakke for mye er det som fikk oss inn i dette rotet

"I was in the lab, researching the info that Handyman had gotten on the tubes, when I heard a voice behind me. I turned to see a youngish, midage human girl, shoulder length black hair, brown eyes, in a uniform of some type - robes with a symbol on the breast ... some kind of large furry creature ... small bantha maybe but no trunk?" We spoke for a few minutes, and I escorted her off the ship. The rest  you know."
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/21/2022
Durro closes his eyes, mentally searching for something. Exuding a sense of calm, like talking by one of the pools in the Room of A Thousand Fountains.

"Vague. She gave you a name; you pretend not to remember. What exactly did she say to you? It has you rattled; I don't need the Force to see that."

"I need to know what we're dealing with, before we tangle with it."
@Haj
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/21/2022
(((Meant to post that last sentence, not sure how it got yeeted.)))
Haj — 02/21/2022
Still guarded, she speaks a touch sharper to him than she would, especially after their time together yesterday. "I see the Venerable Jedi has returned to our collective. Yes, I'm rattled. I hurt Astra with a feckless, self-indulgent act."

She takes a breath and softens her tone, "She offered to help me, to find answers, to tell me truths. When I pressed her about the fact that she was on board without permission, she said I gave it to her. Durro ... she knew my name."
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/21/2022
A look flashes across Durro's face, too briefly to be identified. Something tickles the back of his mind; makes the fine hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

"You touched her? When you removed her from the ship."

"What was her name?"
@Haj
Haj — 02/21/2022
Hva har jeg gjort?!, her mind screams.

Hadaza can feel her own distress deepening, churning her gut. She draws on her memories and the energetic connections to her family to stay calm. She also remembers her thoughts earlier on the ObDeck about talking too much. She closes her eyes for a moment to gather herself to pull more deeply on the memories of the last few hours so she can answer his questions fully and accurately. What she says next surprises her.

"Durro, you're frightening me", she says softly. "Yes, I touched her. I took her by the arm and escorted her off. Why? And why is her name of any importance? What aren't you telling me?"
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/21/2022
"Good." Durro says firmly. "There are some things we should be afraid of."

He sighs heavily and finds a place to sit.

"I don't want to treat you as a child; but you are 'young' and relatively untrained. You've only just begun your journey into the Force. There are things that should not be pursued, questions left unasked, until you are ready; mentally and physically to handle them. I'm not sure you are."

"Suffice to say, there are Spirits the likes of which most Force-Wielders can't begin to comprehend. The girl you saw was one such; lost to the darkness beyond. The answers she promises are lies. Lies by omission; they will give you the truth, factually true answers to all of your questions, but they fail to convey the true cos. The cost is your life and soul. Like a powerful drug; you need more and more to gain that high, you come to depend on their 'knowledge' and 'wisdom', and in time you lose yourself completely to it. Like the girl; once a mortal like us lost to the darkness. Do no listen to her, do not indulge her, and do not let her touch you."

Durro remembers the mountain village, and the family he stayed with on his journey there.

"Something tells me the ship you were on is a delusion as well. Which would put Astra at ease."
@Haj
Haj — 02/21/2022
Hadaza pales as she listens to Durro. "I told her 'no'," she whispers. "Over and over, I told her no. But part of me, the part of me that wants to know ... everything ... almost said yes."

Her voice is barely audible as she's lost in the memory, the desire for all of questions to be answered, for everything hidden to be revealed to her. She remembers her strength, and her conflict, her fierce need to protect these people being rolled over by the promise of revelation.

Her head drops. He can feel the walls around her drop with it. She can't look him in the eyes. "Malora. She said her name was Malora. And she never touched me. But I touched her ... more than once."
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/21/2022
"I want to be next." Durro hears echoing in his mind. "I am... um... I think it starts with a M... Well it doesn't matter. The others didn't want me to be here, but they can't stop me."

"Malora." He mutters. "Starts with an 'M'."

"That is how they mark you; mark their prey. The physical connection strengthens their bond, a bond they use to feed. To manifest themselves here. I can't promise she won't return to tempt you again, but I do know you're not ready to face her; to face where she comes from. With time and training, certainly. But not yet."

He places a hand on her shoulder.

"Thank you for telling me. You've done nothing wrong; this was something you are unfamiliar with. I'm hoping the knowledge of what she is arms you to deal with her, and see through her temptations."

"Now, let's go see what we can find outside."
@Haj
@Princess Astra Korraay
Haj — 02/21/2022
"That is how they mark you; mark their prey." Durro's words echo in her chest, her heart hammering in time to each syllable. Merket. Jeg har blitt merket. Ashanti hadde rett

Hadaza only nods and follows the Jedi Master silently for a while. Finally, she speaks, touching his arm to stop him, "Durro?"

@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/21/2022
Durro, was nearly at the door, tensed briefly before relaxing.

"Yes?"
@Haj
TheTraveler — 02/21/2022
It didn't take long for Ashanti to find Durro as he was preparing for their journey. She took her time to ensure that she was ready, and more importantly, Astra's most charised items were safely secured in their room.

She had actually been looking forward to this, the moment it was suggested by Astra. A chance to spend time with Durro, and to let him see that she was worth his trust.

Her slight smile faded when she caught up with him and saw the has been.

"Master Thel-Tanis," she said trying not to let her disappointment be heard. She failed at that basic act of deception.
@Durro Thel-Tanis @Haj
Haj — 02/21/2022
Whatever Hadaza was about to say to Durro fell as quickly as her hand from his arm as she saw Ashanti walk up. In place of the unguarded self that she was about to share with him, she hisses, "What is that helvete doing here?"
@Durro Thel-Tanis @TheTraveler
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/21/2022
"A question I'm asking myself." Durro says. "Perhaps less colorfully."

He fixes his gaze on Ashanti.

"I said I was going alone. Perhaps Tesara and the Professor would like to join us too? Was this Astra's idea, or did you take control?"
@Haj
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/21/2022
Ashanti’s eyes narrowed slightly as she tried not to show the fresh wound, "for someone going alone, you seem otherwise occupied."

The worst of her wanted to lash out, but she bit her tongue. The slight taste of copper dancing across her taste buds.

"I was hoping to get some fresh air and sunshine," she said speaking in half truths. For Durro the attempt was spotted with ease.

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Haj
Haj — 02/21/2022
Hadaza can feel the brandy's effects in her system, coupled with a sudden craving for maple. Where moments before there was a soft reaching out, an unfortified heart, now the memory of Professor Kenobi bleeding out before her clouded her vision.

Hvilket kaos vil tispa bringe denne gangen, she rages inwardly. She doesn't move from Durro's side, though she purposely turns her back to the Sith woman, watching Durro's eyes to see his reaction to the interloper's arrival
@Durro Thel-Tanis @TheTraveler
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/21/2022
"I was against her coming as well." Durro answers. Closing his eyes he takes a deep breath.

"Fair play though; neither of you are children. I'll not order either of you to stay behind. Though I still think I should go alone."

He continues down the ramp a step or two before wheeling on them and pointing a finger at each of them in turn.

"We are a team. If there is any threat to our cohesion, both of you are going back to the ship. Coming with me is an agreement to those terms."

The rules laid down, his demeanor changes from hard lawgiver to curious adventurer. Turning, he continues down the ramp. At the bottom, he turns to Hadaza.

"Now, where is this derelict?"
@Haj
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/21/2022
Ashanti reached up and pulled the hook of her cloak up and concealed her head in to its darkness. Once more her desire to cut the Has Been by both words and blade was great. She heard Durro's warning and for once tried to abide by it.

"Yes, Master Thel-Tanis," she said ensuing her acceptance was the first voice he heard.

She tilted her head to the side slightly to see in the Has Been was coming, "we are a team." She tried to make her voice neutral, and yet again failed to hide her disdain for the being next to her.

Followed Durro down the ramp.
@Haj @Durro Thel-Tanis
Haj — 02/21/2022
Haj takes a breath before continuing. She says nothing; she doesn't need to. By joining Durro and the elendig fitte, she is agreeing to the Jedi's terms. She may not like it, but she respects him enough to hold her tongue and play nice … for now.

"This way," she says as she takes point, walking alone through the concourse with Durro and Ashanti a few steps behind her.
@Durro Thel-Tanis @TheTraveler
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/21/2022
(((Allowing Traveler to set the scene)))
TheTraveler — 02/21/2022
((OOC: it is my understanding that the matching order is Hadaza leading the way, with Durro next to her or right behind her and Ashanti bringing up the rear. Is this correct? @Durro Thel-Tanis @Haj ))
The walk across the spaceport was like a walk back in time. Craft no longer than shuttles are spread out, some loading others unloading. It is a hive of activity.

In the distance, a pair of shuttles move in to position and are set in to orbit by a massive booster assembly. Others drift down and land on long runways.

Reaching the place where Hadaza had seen the large ship, they found a massive field with no ship in sight.
@Durro Thel-Tanis @Haj
Haj — 02/21/2022
Hadaza stops, refusing to appear disconcerted before Ashanti's judgmental gaze. She scans the concourse looking to see if the vessel had moved. She reaches out to see if she can sense Malora in the immediate area. Neither seach reveals their intended target.

"Well, that's that then. The Sisters have moved on. May the Great Gods of Seething Darkness bless them on their way."  Nonplussed, she spins on her heel moves to return to Gungnir.
@TheTraveler @Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/21/2022
Durro lets her go, holding Ashanti's gaze with his own.

"I sense it too. What're your conclusions?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/21/2022
Half glancing up at Hadaza at she just storled past. Ashanti was confused by the lack of reaction from this base creature. She nearly turned to follow when her action was stopped by Durro’s words.

She turned her head to the and closed her eyes. Durro could feel her reaching out with the Force as she sensed the area around them.

"I feel the decay of death, the weeping tears of lives shattered and....." she snapped her eyes open and turned finding his eyes looking in to hers.

Durro knew what else she felt. The hatred he sensed during his Spirit Journey.

@Durro Thel-Tanis

( @Haj , hold off before declaring your return to the ship. Also, a Listen ck at DC 10 will allow her to hear what is being said as she turns and walks away)
Haj — 02/21/2022
((OOC - 18 for Listen ck - she only turned away and started moving that direction. Is still close enough to listen))
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/21/2022
"What do you make of it?" He asks simply.

He is aware Hadaza can likely hear everything, but he did not wait for her to get further before he spoke.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/21/2022
She shook her head, "I don't know. Something primal, maybe. Woven in to our being. Meant to warn us of danger not of the simple people." She turned to him expecting him to understand what she was talking about.

After all, she was like him, a higher evolved being. Unlike the base creature still lurking about waiting to mate.

Ashanti shook the thoughts from her mind and refocused herself. "That is it, Master," she confessed truthfully.

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Haj
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/21/2022
"For now."

He begins returning to the ship, clapping Hadaza's shoulder.

"This isn't over. Remember what I told you; be mindful, and prudent. Temper your desire to know with a healthy dose of pragmatism."

He continues his walk towards the Gungnir.
@Haj
@TheTraveler
Haj — 02/21/2022
Hadaza smiles at Durro and lets him pass her, hanging back. She wants to talk with Ashanti privately, and where better than an open, busy concourse teeming with people.

"Will you grant this lesser being an audience, Great One?", she asks derisively
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/21/2022
Ashanti shifted in her cloak and allowed the hood to keep her face hidden in the shadows.

"You made a point," she said softly. "But only if you can't become distracted again," Ashanti spoke in a cold and bitting tone.

@Haj
Haj — 02/21/2022
Hadaza feels exposed, the bare shoulders of her casual outfit do not allow her to hide in a cloak. This may just be the scariest thing she has ever done. She sets her shoulders square, preparing for the viscous onslaught that will inevitably ensue.  She will never get to her weapons fast enough. She's seen what the Sith woman can do. All she can do is accept the hit and pray to any gods that will listen that Ashanti doesn't kill her outright.


"Ashanti, I want to thank you", she says matching Ashanti's soft tone, though without the ice. "Astra told me what you did … … … I'm grateful."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 02/21/2022
For Ashanti, all she could think of, was how this lesser creature and her lack of anything useful led to the suffering that Ar'alani was now going through. Her eyes kept locked on Durro and anything that might bring him harm. She wouldn't allow those events from happening again. They all suffered enough.

She drew in soft calming breaths as the creature spoke in simple words and thoughts. Ashanti listened with care and gave a simple nod as she continued.

Forcing her mind on task, she watched him approach the ship as she softly spoke, "you are welcome." There was nothing else to be told.

"Master," she called ahead of them. "Its such a pleasant day," she said to Durro. "If you don't mind, I would like to go shopping." As she finished her statement, she saw the other venomous serpent, Tesara... her eyes narrowed with more hatred than she felt for the creature next to her.

It was by will she pushed the emotions back as she waited for Durro to answer.

@Durro Thel-Tanis @Tesara Anerin @Haj
Durro Thel-Tanis — 02/21/2022
(((Come and join going-home then. lol)))
(((After @Haj's next reply.)))
Haj — 02/21/2022
Hadaza nods acknowledgment. There was nothing else to say. She watches as Ashanti hails Durro and Tesara, watches her demeanour and countenance fluctuate like a sail in the wind, like her own are so often want to do. And realization dawns.

Vi er for like, du og jeg, til å være venner., she smiles to herself as she watches closely. Kanskje mer likt enn jeg først hadde forestilt meg. Lykke til, barn. Måtte alle guder du har tro på velsigne deg. Du kommer til å trenge det. Jeg er redd vi alle er det
/end  - thread moves to going-home