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Post by Icrarusk on Jan 8, 2016 15:12:15 GMT -8
Steclan mopped his browse for the umpteenth time. He was sure he should have been able to see the temple by now, but nearly every plant, weird tree and outcrop looked the same in this overbearing lyrics damp humid place. Thus far with the exception of finding it difficult to move because of such heat his journey had been reasonably uneventful. He now knew the plants were a tad more carnivorous and were to be avoided at all costs. So despite that one pitfall in which Steclan had feared for his life everything had gone okay. Oh, who the hell was he kidding, he was moron. He was now stuck on this God forsaken dam muggy jungle planet with what knows else out there that was going to try and kill him. The only feint glimmer was that the virtual representation of the planet, his destination and himself, told him he was blissfully close, unless that too had been compromised by the condensation from the heat.
How desperate had he been, all this, just for answers, but the Jedi were people to and they had to stand up and be counted, Steclan was not going to let up on that.
He drained the last of the supply water, knowing now he would have to last on hydration bars, not great, but they would tie him over until....until what; he die? Steclan rubbed his face in despair and the galaxies biggest and most gullible idiot trudgedo on, besting away at the tall grasses and thick vines, what was that. Yes, distinctly he heard the sound of rushing water, he picked up his pace, the sound volume increased, as he neared Steclan knew it must be a waterfall from the shear deafening thunderous roar. Moments later he was proved right as the tree lined gave way to a grassy craggy outcrop and a rushing waterfall, even in his current state, Steclan had to admire it's beauty. He looked out across the expanse and saw it, a tall ancient structure built from colossal stones, vines gently shrouding a great deal of the structure. It looked so ancient and yet so suited to its surroundings, and the jungle planet itself seemed to nestle in around, accepting the alien structure as part of it. Steclan allowed himself a brief smile, surveying where he was, where the temple was, and the slight difficulty in making his way to it. Well there was only one way to go Steclan, and that's down. He retreated back to the jungle and pulled the one weapon he had from his pack. Taking the knife he began to cut away the long grasses and set about weaving them, he knew not how long it would take, neither did he know how much grass rope to make. He only hoped it would take his weight. Steclan decided, that as the sun began to set and the cool night began to set in he should build a fire, make camp and begin anew tomorrow.
He awoke with a start the following morning, he felt stiff, both from the cold night and from lying on hard ground. He watched fistfuls of cold breath hover in the air. He rather pathetically rubbed his hands upon his arms attempting to get heathe into his body. He set about rekindling the fire knowing in a few hours he wouldn't need it, but for now....
He then once more returned to the grass rope.....
Steclan swore and immediately scrambled to find his knife, for there on the ground was several metres of completed well made rope. Yet nothing around him stirred, nothing moved. Steclan didn't belive in good fortune, he didn't like it. He was scared, something or someone was pursuing him, why? They seemed to want him to succeed or at the least descend, why? He as suspicious, but he only had to watch the sun kiss upon the earthen walls of the temple and it called to him.
So he fashioned a pick axe by lashing the knife to some sturdy branches, he set the pack on his shoulders and tied the woven rope to a sturdy looking tree. He gave it several hard tugs and neither tree nor rope, nor knot moved. Steclan gulped and slowly, oh so slowly began to creep his way toward the edge. He found his footing and slowly leaned out over the edge, he closed his eyes, he waited for a creak, a groan, a sudden snapping sound, but nothing happened. He thanked whatever God's may be and began to abseil down the cliff face, water roaring not more than two metres to his right. He wound his way down the cliff face and felol to the ground, almost kissing it in thankfulness and disbelief. He then untied himself and turned about, as he did he felt a small sting, at first he thought it was an insect, but then his vision began to haze, his legs went wobbly and he collapsed swallowed by a pool of darkness.
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Post by Kygrek on Jan 20, 2016 20:25:27 GMT -8
*Hasty! That was the word Shaman Kygrek used to berate the hunter who'd used the poison dart upon the stranger. They had chattered back and forth in Felucianese, the hunter defending his actions, stating that the stranger could be a potential threat and was leery of lone Force-using individuals wandering the great jungles of Felucia. Kygrek, however, believed there to be a more peaceful way to settle this. The stranger's influence, while somewhat odd, hadn't been corrupting, which Kygrek alone felt freed him of immediate damnation. Conversely, the hunter believed the somewhat odd influence alone justified the precaution by incapacitating the figure with the poison dart.
At length, Kygrek finally silenced the hunter and crept forward towards the unconscious individual, staff in hand as the additional appendage reached for a pouch in his vest, extracting an antidote to the paralyzing toxin that now coursed through the being's veins.*
"[Shaman, this isn't wise,]" *the hunter, perturbed, pleaded with his superior.
Kygrek didn't bother to respond to him as he brought his free hand to hover above the unconscious being's head, the secondary appendage reaching for his mouth. The two secondary appendages worked in tandem to supply the antidote into his mouth, as the Felucian Shaman channeled the Force through his primary limb and into the being, attempting to halt the spread of the initial poison and allowing the antidote to work more quickly.
As the two substances made minuscule war with each other, Kygrek also exuded a calming aura around the being, attempting to rouse him with a little help from the Force. It was a little more difficult than normal, seeing as the being's genetic makeup was vastly different from a Felucian's; he had little experience with aiding humans, but even then he knew enough to recognize differences within this being's makeup as well. Kygrek let the Force be his guide, preventing him from straying into territory he did not belong, not allowing any accidental damage to the being's body of psyche.
The trio of Felucian hunters began to close around, skullblades drawn, all still wary of the downed being but more concerned with their Shaman's safety than their own. If this being should prove dangerous, they would act without haste.*
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Post by Icrarusk on Jan 22, 2016 14:39:07 GMT -8
Blurry images began to dance toward him, his head swum as though he's gone one too many rounds with a Gundark, the images before him grew and shrank in varying degrees of focus, finally, his eyes began to adjust. He tentatively opened them, slowly, his hand going to the mild area of swelling on his neck, where the dart had entered. As his eyes grew once more accustomed to the strange light of the forest, Steclan was greeted with what appeared to be two foot long furry face. He immediately put his hands and arms to cover his face, emitted a noise of surprise and fear, whilst simultaneously and rather ungaingly attempted to shuffle backward. This just led to the Stennes Shifter sprawling on his back starring up at a bunch of strange creatures all bearing non too friendly spear like weapons, all of which were pointing at him. Good news was, he hadn't as yet been impaled, and doing what came natural he closed his eyes, breathed a with and attempted to leech into their minds to make himself less conspicuous. In truth Steclan wasn't sure if it would work, for he had already been caught, furthermore as he attempted to pull the veil around them, it felt like trying to do it through treacle, Steclan had never had difficulties before, so why now. As he endeavoured to appear as interesting as a fly he decided he had better speak. He only hoped these strange folk understood basic.
"I mean you no harm, im, I'm looking for something, someone, really."
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Post by Kygrek on Jan 25, 2016 22:35:06 GMT -8
*The figure began to rouse, yet Kygrek did not cease his magic. Not until the being reacted in fright and retreated that was. The Felucian Shaman stood to his full height, gripping his staff as the warriors around him tensed and raised their weapons, not chancing a feint. They even felt the slightest bit offended at the meager attempt to influence their minds, though it was the Shaman who was the strongest-minded of them and was easily able to resist the weakened influence. While the hunters were angry, the Shaman was more patient, understanding it was a reaction of self-defense.
After the being pleaded his case, Kygrek calmly responded.* "We as well mean you no harm, and I apologize on behalf of my brother for his rash action." *The Felucian responsible for the dart made a noise equivalent to a grumble. Ignoring him, Kygrek asked,* "Tell me, who or what do you seek?"
*His voice, while spoken aloud in Felucianese, would have its meaning conveyed through the Force. For that was a talent of the Felucians, if they were to successfully communicate with those who did not speak their language; Basic was a language they just weren't easily capable of speaking verbally.*
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Post by Icrarusk on Jan 26, 2016 9:39:15 GMT -8
An acrid tang began to seep into his sense and awareness, something he had not tasted in a long time, fear. Not fear of the creatures around him, although no doubt they had a hand in his current state, but a fear because the had not flinched, nor become disinterested in him at all. In fact Steclan would wager their interest had piqued. Then the furred masked individual closest to him planted his staff and began grunting, and chittering in his native tongue. Now Steclan did not know what language it was, and yet he heard each word and syllable clearly annunciated in his head, he frowned, clearly perplexed by this phenomenon. The Shaman certainly didn't beat around the bush, he was most direct and Steclan even received the meaning laced through the words, it wasn't a question, but almost a statement as in 'you had better explain yourself.'
His usual disappearing act had failed, he knew he normally could deceive others, but not these creatures, so he came to the only logical conclusion that made sense, these beings could also use the same power he had access to. Well there was nothing for it, honesty was the only card he had left to play.
"I come seeking the Jedi.....if they even exist..".
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Post by Kygrek on Jan 29, 2016 17:30:26 GMT -8
*With his attempts to influence their mind failed, the figure seemed to feel some small measure of fear. He'd already been startled by the Felucians' presence, nor had he struck back; he had only been trying to preserve himself, then. Maybe flee. He did not want to harm his would-be aggressors, merely escape with his life intact. But now that it failed, he wasn't sure what would happen next.
After explaining that he was looking for the Jedi, Kygrek raised his left hand, palm open and facing forward.* "Peace," *he assured him.* "We are guardians of this jungle, of this world, and will bring no harm to those who bring us no harm. Same could be said for the Jedi. Tell me, why do you seek them?" *He did not think this man was a threat to their fellow protectors, but still it was best to know their intent before delivering them to the peacekeepers.*
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Post by Icrarusk on Jan 31, 2016 14:04:45 GMT -8
He swallowed and nodded; peace it was. Finding the courage and seeing the Shaman and his compatriots physically relax and withdraw their weapons. Noticeably they didn't stand down completely, always ready and alert then.
Interesting these were the guardians, Icrarusk didn't realise the Jedi had Guardians, so then, the Jedi really didn't want to be disturbed.
Straight to the point and the heart of the matter, he was perceptive this Shaman. Steclan felt under a microscope, scrutinised, no stone unturned. Very well, let them know. Let them see what they thought about being Guardians then..
"I don't suppose you know what I am, little it matters. What does matter. Yet they are to answer for the attempted annihilation of my people. So I have sought them, it has cost me dear and I will not fall at the final hurdle."
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Post by Kygrek on Jan 31, 2016 15:26:31 GMT -8
*The Shaman did not, in fact, know what the figure's species was. While it was his duty to commune with the sky-people as much as it was to tend to the world and his people, he only knew the names and characteristics of few species. He'd been introduced to the strange contraption known as a holocomputer, but the shaman could not operate the thing to save his life. Very few of his people sought after the "modern ways" the sentients practiced, either of the Jedi or of the sky-people civilizations of the world; while the tales of the grand galaxy beyond their home were indeed fascinating, the life of the Felucian was tied to the jungle.
Kygrek felt concern, however, when the figure indicated that the Jedi attempted to annihilate his people, and claimed they were to answer for that. Now this was curious; based on Kygrek's experience with the Jedi, this was not a feat they would carry out, at least not without good reason. And they were to "answer for" this? By this man? He almost felt amused. Concerned, but not for the Jedi; this frightful figure hardly seemed like the intimidating type.
Making up his mind, Kygrek nodded and said,* "Very well, I shall take you to them." *At this announcement, the trio of warriors seemed surprised.* "[ Shaman, you heard his words, you seriously mean to take him directly to his apparent enemies? ]" *One asked.
But Kygrek was already turning to lead the way, answering back,* "[ I do not believe he is of any harm to the Jedi. Whatever matter he seeks to have resolved, the Jedi will do so peacefully; if not, then they will deal with it in their own way. ]" *The warriors still didn't seem trusting, but nevertheless relented to their Elder's command. Kygrek knew they questioned him not out of disrespect, but concern for himself and others, however their concerns were negligible. Still, he welcomed their company as they refused to return to the village and leave him alone with this stranger, regardless of his perceived harmlessness. And thus began the long trek towards the Jedi Base...*
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2016 6:28:31 GMT -8
Fungal Forest West of Har Gau
Spotting a promising looking clearing in the pervasive, bizarre, fungal forest covering most of Felucia's surface, Fumnanya points and tells his co-pilot and first mate, "Set us down there. Looks like a good spot. Decent visibility in the immediate vicinity, nice elevation, far away enough from Har Gau that we shouldn't have to worry about . . ."
"Any one hearing our screams? Dikelide quips dryly as she slows the YT's speed and begins maneuvering to bring them in for a landing. All we have are images of these specimens we're supposed to collect, right? Waving a hand to indicate the extensive variety of rubbery-looking, translucent, fever dream-like plant life on display outside the viewport, all glistening like glass in the sunlight, Dikelide asks, You do realize that this gig could take a while, right?"
Rubbing his stubbled chin, the Epicanthix nods, reluctantly agreeing, "Yeah. Grinning crookedly, he says, It pays really well though. Have I said that yet? As the light freighter descends and settles on the surface, Fumnanya unfastens his safety harnesses and explains, We have the molecular signatures of the flowers and fungi our employer wants too. Vejide said she'd make some adjustments to our portable scanners so we can confirm we have the right specimens when we find plants that match the images. Shrugging, he offers, So, at least we have something to go on."
Not looking particularly convinced, Dikelide says un-enthusiastically, "Super. Standing up and stretching her arms overhead, the Shownarri sighs, Well, let's get started while we still have some daylight to work with."
Not long after the YT-2400 sets down, four members of it's crew disembark, breaking into two groups of two that head cautiously into the fungal forest, one pair moving north while the other heads to the south to begin the search for the flowers and fungi they have to collect.
Dikelide and Fumnanya head north, neither talking unless it is to point out a plant that resembles one of the images they have been provided so that it can be tested to see if its molecular signature matches the profile they have been given. Dikelide, a former Imperial Remnant Biker Scout, moves with the stealth and watchful vigilance her training and former profession have instilled in her, while Fumnanya relies on her instincts, eyes and ears as he focuses on finding the plants they are here to collect.
Nkosana, a gangly Nish with a bushy brown beard, and Sango, a brown and black furred Bothan, head to the south. Nkosana was, once upon a time, a Sector Ranger, and retains enough of the former discipline and conditioning required of one in that line of work to realize the benefit of holding his tongue more than usual, and even refrained from indulging in his addiction prior to beginning the search. Sango, a physician in his life before joining a smuggling crew as their medic, feels more than a little anxious as they move further away from the safety of the ship, but follows his companion's example, keeping quiet and warily alert as they hunt for the plants they seek.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2016 14:38:40 GMT -8
Fungal Forest West of Har Gau
When the crew of the Geheim Masjien returns to their ship as nightfall descends upon the fungal forest, none of them are in particularly good moods. Not only are the four members that had gone into the fungal forest to search for the floral and fungal specimens they are here to collect all hot, sweaty, dirty, tired, and more than a little dispirited that their first day's search had not yielded a great many of the specimens that they are looking to acquire, but two are also slightly injured; Sango having twisted an ankle in a fall, and Fumnanya having developed an itchy rash on his arms from coming in contact with a plant he had no way of knowing he probably should have avoided.
Vejide, having spent the time the rest of the crew had been searching for flowers and fungi preparing the cargo bay to act as a temporary nursery so that the plant samples could survive transplantation from the jungle, and then the subsequent transportation, is quickly infected by the crankiness of her fellow crew mates, and the crew - save for Nkosana and Sango, who have become all but inseparable since the Bothan joined the crew and soon came to share the Nish's love of spice - interacts no more than necessary as they prepare to turn in for the evening after situating the handful of floral and fungal specimens that had been found and brought back to the ship in the make-shift nursery in the cargo bay.
After cleaning up, Dikeledi had grabbed a plate of the unusually uninspired dinner that Sango had thrown together, and volunteered to take the first watch of the evening, making her way to the cockpit to man the sensor arrays.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2016 19:15:16 GMT -8
Fungal Forest West of Har Gau
The crew of the Geheim Masjien finds their second day of Felucia slightly more productive than their first, though it proves no less fraught with danger than their first.
The day begins well enough, with the crew enjoying a companionable breakfast before Fumnanya, Dikelide, Nkosana, and Sango disembark from the relative safety of the light freighter to make another foray into the fungal forest in search of the botanical samples they have come to collect at the behest of their current employer. Making their way further from the YT-2400 than the day before to expand the scope of their search, both pairs of crew members have eventful days while Vejide, left behind to both stand watch over the ship as well as to continue her work on preparing the cargo bay to receive and successfully transport the large number of plant specimens their employer has requested, passes the day without the misadventures that the others wind up facing.
Nkosana and Sango, while debating whether or not to simply transport an entire large dead log that a large quantity of a particular fungus they need to complete the collection of specimens they need to gather from the fungal forest, or to try and remove the fungus to make returning to the ship with it more easily achieved, find themselves forced to leave the log and fungus behind when a massive Rancor charges out from the dense, humid fungal forest surrounding the area in which the two crew members had been hunting for plants. The Rancor, abandoning the hunt for whatever prey had led it to the area, chases Nkosana and Sango deeper into the forest, causing both to become lost and eventually separated before the beast gives up and lumbers off in search of less fleet footed prey. The Bothan and Nish eventually reunite, and while spooked by their brush with death, resume their search, eventually finding a decent quantity of three varieties of flowers they need to collect.
Fumnanya and Dikelide, meanwhile, find themselves facing a very different sort of danger when Fumnanya, while climbing what he takes for a simple tree-like fungal growth stretching up from the forest floor to reach what appear to be several specimens of a particular flower their employer has requested, finds that he is instead climbing an enormous pitcher plant when, upon reaching what he believes to be the top of the plant, he discovers that he is actually on the plant's peristome when it's lid-like operculum flips up to trap him. Fortunately for Fumnanya, Dikelide is able to act quickly enough to save him before he is pulled down into the plant's digestive juices, the former Biker Scout even managing to collect the flowers that had attracted the unwary Epicanthix in the first place.
His encounter with the pitcher plant enough to make him call it a day, Fumnanya tells his first mate and co-pilot that they will head back to the ship early by a different route, watching for additional fungi or flowers they need to acquire along the way. Once the crew has all returned to the light freighter, Fumnanya informs them that they will be moving to a different area in the morning, traveling to the east of Jiaozi in hopes of collecting some of the botanical samples they have yet to acquire in order to fulfill their contract.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2016 19:35:46 GMT -8
Fungal Forest North of Ancient Abyss
The crew of the Geheim Masjien prepares to depart from Felucia at the end of their eighth day on the planet, which is two days longer than any of the crew would have preferred to spend given all that they have endured while searching for the botanical samples they came to collect. As with many a search, however, the final handful of floral or fungal specimens the crew sough to collect proved to be the most difficult to locate; so much so that the crew felt little sense of triumph upon finally finding the elusive specimens north of the Ancient Abyss, only a profound sense of relief that they could finally put Felucia and it's seemingly never ending, fever-dream-like, humid fungal forests behind them, deliver the assembled collection of fungal and floral samples to their client, and get paid handsomely for their troubles.
As he does his part of the lift-off preparations, Fumnanya, every bit as grumpy as the rest of his crew, says nothing to his first mate and co-pilot, his mind already calculating how much of his share of the proceeds from the crew's latest venture he will be able to use to pay off at least some of the debt he sometimes feels he will never be free from.
Dikelide, often silent by nature, is perfectly content to let the silence in the cockpit linger, her thoughts on how to broach the subject of giving the crew some well-deserved, and long overdue leave of some kind after their contract has been fulfilled, and preferably on a far more civilized world than Felucia.
Nkosana, having calculated how long the journey to make the delivery will take, and how long it typically takes for him to come down from a hit of spice, falls back onto his bunk after taking the hit upon concluding that he has sufficient time to indulge in his vice without any fear that doing so might jeopardize his ability to fulfill his duties to the crew.
Sango and Vejide work together in the cargo bay, packing the collected botanical samples carefully in crates according to the methods Vejide had used some of her free time while on Felucia to research.
Once Dikelide and Fumnanya have completed the pre-flight checks and other lift-off preparations, the duo take the YT-2400 up and then make for orbit.
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Post by Light on Mar 15, 2016 17:21:46 GMT -8
What was supposed to have been a journey of a few hours had taken far longer. Perhaps the shuttle's hyperdrive had malfunctioned? She didn't know, and to be honest, it didn't really matter to her. She was here now, and that was what matter-..
The flashing lights on the console seemed to differ with her opinion. The malfunction went beyond the hyperdrive, it seemed, as the streaks of blue and black tightened into...
...a ball of blue and green, way too close, growing quickly into a junglescape before her. She pulled up on the control stick as the ship soared in way too fast, colliding with the treetops of the Felucian foliage, barely heading in a straight path, barely keeping things together.
There was a sudden thicket before her.
There was a sudden collision.
There was darkness.
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She awoke to the sight of broad leaves over her, the smell of fire and moss in her nostrils. This was a strange new world, but it still felt somehow like home. But... something was missing. Her healing touch!! Nothing here had experienced what she had to offer, and she needed to fix that. She rolled over, pushing herself up, brushing her hands off on her tattered clothing. This world needed her, she felt that in her heart, and she placed her hand on a nearby tree trunk, watching it turn blue from her touch...
She smiled.
This was her home. And soon, it would realize it too.
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Morgan Calmcacil
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Post by Morgan Calmcacil on Mar 15, 2016 18:50:53 GMT -8
*Mina was a cute little girl, but when she'd been brought to the Jedi Base from Kashyyyk, Morgan had expected her to have just been a new student, brought away from the Sith and to the light. The last thing she'd expected was for the girl to have been adopted into the family, especially with Lucy still being a relatively new addition and with another baby on the way. Their family was getting really large now, but Morgan was alright with that, and even excited: While Lucy was still a baby, Mina was six years old and already fully capable of being a "student" of Morgan's.
So, it was time to begin her "teaching," and along with that, some bonding. Morgan had sown the seeds when they had first met, proposing the idea of showing her around the jungle sometime, which Mina had seemed interested in; after inoculation against all known illnesses, of course. Now that that was handled and Mina was more comfortably integrated into her new lifestyle, Morgan had decided she was ready. She'd proposed the idea to both Mina and their daddy, whom Mina was clearly the closest to, and seemingly hesitant to pull herself away from; him being her rescuer probably had something to do with that. Daddy was fine with it, though admittedly was a little concerned about Morgan's new pet, which she had to assure wouldn't hurt Mina. Mina seemed hesitant, though not because of the creature, before she accepted.
And so, Morgan donned a simple dress whip coiled around her, lightsaber hanging from her backpack, with Lokay perched on her shoulder; Mina, meanwhile, wore what resembled basic fatigues with a metallic cylinder—not a lightsaber—attached to her belt. While Morgan's feet were bare, Mina had elected to wear boots suitable for the hike, despite Morgan's protest. As they stood at the edge of the jungle, Morgan had signaled for her steed, and half a minute later the akk dog arrived, bounding from the brush and sliding to a halt before them, sitting on his haunches and waiting expectantly.
Mina seemed equal parts shocked and intrigued by the red-scaled reptomammal, asking,* "This is your new pet?"
*Shaking her head, Morgan replied,* "Nope! I've had Rush for a while." *As she answered, she approached Rush and put her arms around him, showing him some affection he eagerly accepted. Lokay climbed from her arm to the back of Rush's neck, spreading his wings and greeting the akk with a chirp. Mina watched quietly, looking amused and enamored by the pair. Smiling, she beckoned her closer.* "Pet him! Let him get your scent so he'll recognize you. He won't hurt you! He won't hurt anyone unless they're trying to hurt me or anyone he thinks is a friend. He's very loyal."
*Mina looked at her sister curiously, then examined the akk for a moment. Slowly, she took a step forward, cautiously raising her right hand, though looking ready to retreat at a moment's notice. Rush tilted his head ever-so-slightly toward her hand, which briefly made her flinch, but she continued the motion. Then he licked it and she yelped.* "It's fine!" *Morgan encouraged.* "He has your scent now! Pet him!" *Mina waited, as though expecting the spot on her hand that met his tongue would suddenly break out in some disease. But when it was fine, she continued her motion and set her hands on the akk's smooth scales, gently stroking them.
Then the sound of rustling brush made her look around for the source. When the tentacled mass also burst forth from the bushes, she shrieked and backed away quickly. But Rush met the mass with a fierce bark and it instantly stopped in its tracks, reorienting itself to display its line of sharp teeth as it screeched at the akk in protest, almost defensively even.
Mina's heart pounded as she stared at the odd, multi-eyed creature, but Morgan only giggled.* "That's the new pet," *she explained, approaching the creature and showing it some affection as well.* "This is Terror, he's a rathtar, a new species. Well, one we don't know much about."
*Judging by the reaction from Mina, "Terror" was an applicable name, even though it seemed to be friendly enough with Morgan, the way it nuzzled against the girl. Morgan giggled again.* "He won't eat people, I already told him he's not allowed to. And Rush is in charge of keeping him in line, right Rush?" *The akk gave an affirmative bark, something that seemed to surprise Mina; she apparently didn't expect the creature to be able to understand speech.
Grinning, Morgan approached Rush and climbed up onto his back, beckoning for Mina to join her.* "C'mon! Riding's fun!" *Mina considered it for a moment, eyes moving between Morgan and the rathtar, before she approached Rush and, with a little help from her sister, mounted the creature in front of Morgan.
And then they were off, dashing through the jungle, past the trees and fungi, while Terror tumbled along, doing his best to keep up with them. Mina was doing her best to take all of it in, completely in awe of the scenery. Morgan relished her reactions, always happy to introduce someone to the world she loved so much, and indeed planned on teaching Mina about as much of the jungle as she could while spending some time getting to know her new little sister.
One of the best activities for this, she realized, was swimming, which was why their first stop on the venture was Morgan's most-visited swimming hole. It wasn't her favorite, but it was close enough to the base that she could reach it on foot; Rush just made the journey much faster. When they arrived, Morgan was the first to hop off, inviting Mina to join her as she shed her clothes and equipment, splashing her way in. Mina seemed to hesitate, then followed her example, but not before folding up her clothes and putting them into Morgan's backpack.
Giggling, Morgan asked,* "What are you afraid of, that something's gonna steal your clothes?" *Mina paused on her way into the water, as though thinking about it, before finally answering with a meek nod. Morgan giggled again and shook her head before waving her in, Mina following instruction with a small smile.
She mostly stayed in the shallow areas, which made Morgan surmise that she wasn't very good at swimming, or had never learned, but she still seemed comfortable in the water, which was good enough for Morgan. Maybe after they were done playing, she could try to teach her, or perhaps later during their little adventure. But for now, it was fun enough just to splash around and laugh and have fun together. Morgan even demonstrated her technique of forming balls out of water, much to Mina's amazement. In the interest of fairness, Morgan didn't use it as a weapon in their water war, staying on even terms with her by not using the Force at all; which was actually still quite fun.
But as they played, something caught Morgan's attention and she suddenly stood still, watching the skies. Mina hadn't at first noticed, continuing to splash her sister before noticing she had stopped. At first, she didn't move, as though expecting a trick, but then she turned and also saw what Morgan saw: Something streaking across the sky. A starship? It was quite far away, but bright enough to be seen.
Then it vanished, a very faint rumbling in the distance telling them of the crash; Morgan, however, felt it like a sting. And she felt something else... familiar in both neutral and bad ways... And then she hissed in pain and clutched at her chest as she felt the touch, the touch of something truly terrible, on her world, her home, her mother.
It was time to move.*
"Mina, we gotta go," *she announced as she waded out of the lake and to the shore, stooping to grab up her backpack and whip as she ran toward Rush. Mina, surprised and concerned, ran after her without questioning, climbing up onto Rush with her sister's help. Morgan, after tossing her backpack on and coiling her whip around her, waited for Lokay to climb up with them before ushering Rush forward with all haste towards the source of the crash. Rush seemingly also recognized their destination, and he seemed... strangely conflicted. As did Morgan, but all she knew was: If that was on this planet, then she was going to send it back home where it came from.
No one messed with Felucia.*
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Post by Light on Mar 15, 2016 19:41:32 GMT -8
Tree after tree turned blue from her touch, and she could feel their life joining into her collective. This entire world was sick, she realized; her home was sick, and she needed to cure it. Just like Mama had said she would. They were all so... singular... and it hurt, knowing that they were so alone.
It seemed that her crash had attracted some attention, though. She could feel the local wildlife looking upon her with confusion, and she giggled quietly. Silly creatures! They would all be part of her soon enough. But there was something in the distance, that felt... off..
Still! Her work here couldn't be interrupted. A laugh escaped her throat as she tore off from the crash site, streaking into the jungle (somewhat literally, the branches tearing at some more of her already tattered clothing), a spreading wave of blue aura emanating after her. There was so much life here, so much she could feel joining her. There was so much sickness to be cured! So much solitude to be joined!!
It was wonderful!!
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Morgan Calmcacil
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Post by Morgan Calmcacil on Mar 15, 2016 20:09:29 GMT -8
*Morgan could feel the sickness growing, and not just because they were closing the distance, but because it was spreading. And it was terrifying. But Morgan wouldn't allow fear to overtake her, wouldn't stand down from the threat, would face it dead on and eliminate it from this world before it could spread further... and then get some help cleaning up what was left. She had the Force, she had her whip, she had the planet behind her. There was no way she could lose.
But Mina, Lokay, Rush, Terror... They were vulnerable. Mina herself seemed very anxious about whatever it was that awaited them, and there was no way she could be of use against this entity; Morgan could never forgive herself if she let anything happen to their new family member.
Rush, she spoke through the Force, I'm gonna take it myself. If something happens to me, take Mina back home, got it! It was a request that baffled the creature, and indeed he almost slowed as though to nonverbally question her. But he dared not question his master and seemed to reluctantly accept her command.
Loyal to a fault, then.
Still, it was the least she could do, but now she had to instruct Mina.* "Listen to me, Mina, what's out there is dangerous. You're gonna stay back and I'm gonna take care of it, and if something happens, Rush is taking you home. I'll be fine! Don't worry, but don't get close. Got it?"
*Mina looked over her shoulder, trying to look her sister in the eye, her own eyes widened. She clearly didn't like it, but she understood and nodded. Morgan gave her a reassuring smile.
Then they finally reached the area. Rush slowed a short distance away and Morgan hopped off the akk's back, gripping the hilt of her Force-imbued whip. As though reacting to her command, it quickly uncurled from around her, ready to be used by its master. The purple strand trailed across the ground as Morgan crept closer to the much-bluer jungle. It was corrupted... and Morgan hated it. Her own mother seemed to be protesting it, but she could only do so much on her own. Who was the figure responsible for this? Where was—
And now it was all clear. For there, dancing about as she went about her business, was a figure that looked exactly like Morgan. No... It had her! And had made an "Echo" of her! Morgan's eyes widened in shock... and then she scowled with determination. She moved forward, whip trailing behind her, seemingly reacting violently to the corrupted ground beneath it.* "STOP!" *Morgan cried out, lashing the whip to the side with a threatening crack.* "You're hurting this world!"
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Post by Light on Mar 15, 2016 20:31:56 GMT -8
She stopped as a voice cried out from behind her. It sounded like her own voice, but it was deafening in its solitude. The speaker must be so lonely. She turned around, tilting her head to the side at the young girl holding a whip. There was a fire in her eyes, and that served only to confuse the young Echo.
"Hurting it?"
They were the first words she had spoken since landing here; indeed, the first words she had spoken in a long time. Her kind had little need for words. Thoughts were all that mattered. Words were for the single-minded. Surely, her way was better.
"We're helping it!"
She smiled, believing the truth of her words, then giggled and turned, tearing off once more into the foliage. From what she had seen, young humans enjoyed a pleasant game, and it would serve her well to play some hide and seek: perhaps after the game, this child would be more willing to accept her gift?
She realized it was a small hope, but it was hope nonetheless. Mama didn't call her her light for nothing..
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Morgan Calmcacil
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Post by Morgan Calmcacil on Mar 15, 2016 20:39:48 GMT -8
*It turned. It faced her. It was her spitting image... but those eyes weren't an emerald green, but a piercing blue. It had taken her and turned her into a weapon. And it made her furious. She was just a copy, and had nowhere near the level of power Morgan possessed, especially when the world was hers. The aching world, crying out for relief from this torment, begging its daughter to put an end to it. And yet, there was still that hint at a connection between them...
Investigate later. Morgan had to stop her. She tried to run and Morgan bolted after her. The terrain reached out to her, and she felt its weak attempts at aid, tracking the false girl's movements, suggesting a path that would overtake her.* "You're not helping it!" *Morgan cried out as she gave chase, leaping over brush and root as she attempted to follow the path directed to her.* "You're corrupting it! Twisting it! If you really were a copy of me, you'd know that!"
*She lashed out with her whip when she thought she had enough gain, aiming for the copy's feet, hoping to trip it up. Why she hadn't gone for a more direct attack, she could not be sure, but her arm had been stayed. Still, as long as she could stop it, that was what mattered to her right now...*
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Post by Light on Mar 15, 2016 20:53:01 GMT -8
"We aren't a copy! We've helped hundreds alread-.."
There was no time to finish her sentence, as something tangled up her feet and sent her sprawling, tearing what little remained of her clothes asunder. As she slid to a stop, she rolled over, looking at the girl who had managed to catch up to her, and for the first time in her life, she felt anger. Her crystalline eyes narrowed, and she shoved her hand forward, palm out, and -- to her surprise -- a dozen tendrils shot out towards the brat.
This was unexpected. She had only ever helped people before, she had never had to use violence, but this..
"We're called the Corruption by those who don't understand."
She pushed herself up to her feet with her free hand, the tendrils still lashing out after the girl.
"Your mind is your own. But it could be so much more. We just want to help!!"
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Morgan Calmcacil
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Post by Morgan Calmcacil on Mar 15, 2016 21:08:59 GMT -8
*Success, the whip had reached its mark, and not too soon: It cut over more of her lies. Except suddenly the copy was now angry. Morgan's senses reacted just in time as she thrust her palms forward, drawing from the Force and the world to defend herself from the tendrils that lashed out toward her. No unfamiliar sight... one she wished she hadn't needed to witness ever again, but she kept her cool; as far as she was concerned, despite the presence of this copy, the Haruun Kal mission had been a success.
This was just the mop-up stage.
The copy claimed only "those who didn't understand" called them "Corruption," and that Morgan's mind could be "so much more." Morgan sustained the barrier with a constrained expression, refusing to relent, though she would have to find some way to counter attack. But not before crying out,* "I do understand! Ruining lives, killing, taking away loved ones..." *She drew upon the world's energy, building up within her as she glared at the copy.* "You're not helping! My mind is free! Not controlled by something else!"
*She then released the energy, the barrier launching itself directly toward the copy. As Morgan caught her breath, she switched the whip to her left hand and unclipped her lightsaber from her backpack, letting the latter fall to the ground as she activated her green blade; the whip alone wouldn't cut it.*
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