Mike Frantz
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Affiliation: The Jedi Order
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Post by Mike Frantz on May 23, 2020 9:53:53 GMT -8
=The boy=The youngling looked very somber at this news. He would have been much more upset if this news had come from a stranger. But he also had been instructed about Master Frantz, and so he knew that everything was still going to work out. He looked down at his well-worn soft leather boots and the ornate floor as the older Jedi put his hand on his shoulder. "Oh no, Master Mike! My mm--" The word caught in his throat. "--will be so sad!" The blond-haired boy paused for a moment, but his face slowly brighten at Mike's offer to help. "Maybe! Are you the Head Master now?" He looked around, then lowered his voice. "It's a secret letter!" The Prime Minister, and the other cabinet ministers, believe that the Coalition needs stronger ties with the Jedi Order. To include them, to whatever degree is agreeable, in the future of the galaxy and assisting the Coalition's direction. The First Order have some powerful force using organizations and the resurgence of the Sith is another issue. We have the Knights of Karabor, but so many enemies may prove too much.Many factions, within the galaxy, were investing in force sensitive organizations for the sake of defense and other matters. Graemon had heard whispers of the Mandalorian Knights, seen reports of the Jedi Lords, and such. The Knights of Karabor were a good bunch, but the Coalition felt they still needed the Jedi. It was a factor of legitimization if the Jedi joined hands with the Corellian Coalition.The Coalition Cabinet knows that we need the Jedi, the Protectors of Peace, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and the Shields against the Darkness that lurks among the stars. One of your own, your Grandmaster, helped form the Rebel and Galactic Alliances. Now, the Coalition wants the aid of the Jedi and desires them to join in a better future for the galaxy. We figured we start first with our fellow Corellians and ask this question. Your academy, Mike. |
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Kay'li Raganella
The Jedi Order
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Post by Kay'li Raganella on May 23, 2020 11:55:57 GMT -8
This boy seemed to know more than he let on, but at the same time it seemed to be second hand knowledge at best. In truth it isn't all that disimilar from other children who have been left at the academy with tales of secret letters and special skills by parents who couldn't bare to have a real conversation with their child before dropping them on our doorstep. It wasn't a common practice but it had definitely happened on more than one occasion. There was something about this boy though that was different. A sense of familiarity despite the fact that I was sure I'd never met him before. Summoning another smile to my face I chuckle a little at his question before answering. Yes it seems like we've finally ran through enough of the qualified Jedi for the Job that that particular title has somehow managed to fall to me. I'll keep your secret and do what I can to help you. I hold out my hand for the letter to see if the boy gives it to me, hopefully ending the mystery so I can find the kid a place to start his new life. "Okay!" He dipped his hand into his satchel, drew out a carefully folded piece of flimsi, and handed it to Master Frantz. "I've seen it already." He said excitedly. "Open it!" Mike would notice that the letter had a curious wax seal, a rather archaic custom not observed in the Core Worlds for centuries. But there would be something vaguely familiar about the stamp that had been used to press the seal, almost as if someone had used the butt of their lightsaber to stamp the seal. Seals were a time-honored way to authenticate ones self.Opening the letter, he would find almost the entire inner sheet covered in vaguely familiar handwriting. The letter was dated nearly three weeks ago.Dropping from within the letter as he opened it was a faded identity card in the old Galactic Republic style, with the name Raja William Halcyon, a holophoto of a laughing toddler, and a date of birth just a few days past ten years ago.The combination of the letter and the identcard were pretty convincing evidence of the boy's identity, but they also deepened the mysteries. Kay'li had taken several long trips looking for her brother before she had left Corellian for good, but her last extended stay at the Academy was from around the same time period that the card was made. She had left again shortly after the Corellian Republic had been re-established. This meant Raja had been born before her last return to Corellia, yet she had never spoken of him to anyone. Second, the last name Halcyon was a clue, but not a good one. Halcyon was a common surname on Corellia. To anyone as well connected as Mike, he might suspect the boy’s father to be Jordan Halcyon, another Knight who had gone missing around the same time as the younger Raganella sibling. But, it could also have been a forgery to protect the boy from ... something. |
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Mike Frantz
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Affiliation: The Jedi Order
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Post by Mike Frantz on Jun 9, 2020 11:12:22 GMT -8
With a quiet unhurried movement I slide the letter into one of the many pockets of the grease stained mechanic's jumpsuit I wear under my blue robes and pull out my flask taking a long pull from it thinking before sliding it back into place. Well I definitely hadn't woken up this morning expecting to hear from anyone in that family, much less have a member of the family I didn't know existed show up for jedi training. Well if Kay'li's son needed training and the protection of anonymity I wasn't about to deny it to the lad. Running my hand through my grey hair I was saved form deciding my next move by a notification chirp from my pocket. Checking it quickly a broad smile crosses my face as I turn back to the boy. Well Raja It's good to have you here at the academy. I'll get you set up with rooms and an opportunity to show what you know soon, but for now I have an old friend to look in on if you don't mind following me to the Infirmary. Keeping my pace somewhat slower than I generally prefer to let the boy keep up without having to rush I make my way deeper into the academy.
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Syren
The Vegemite Enclave
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Post by Syren on Oct 30, 2020 18:11:06 GMT -8
*Lance made his way through the academy grounds. The presence had grown stronger as he moved through the city to a point was it was quite strong here. He smiled a bit to himself, a grin far too wide for a normal human face and full of sharp teeth. His skin seemed to shift color as he moved through pools of light shining through leaves. His green hair flew in a general disarray that gave the uncanny feeling that it was moving on its own accord.
A pair of young children, he did not know their species, ran up to him. One had bright purple skin and lekku that flopped to either shoulder as she ran. The other had feline eyes and a thick ridge of fur between two pointed ears. Lance knelt to their level and offered his smile.
The children stopped just short of him, faces no longer excited or playful. Lance was puzzled and stopped smiling.*
~Fear, yet peace~ *He did not have a strong grasp on basic yet, so he relied heavily on the Force to help him communicate. The children looked from him and then to one another. They did not understand him and backed away another step. Lance stayed still not wanting to further frighten them. He suddenly wished he had stayed to help Droma and the others so that he could at least have someone to translate for him.*
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Graemon Gorgano
New Rebel Alliance
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Affiliation: Free Worlds Navy
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Post by Graemon Gorgano on Oct 30, 2020 18:44:00 GMT -8
I nod politely as Graemon speaks of darkness, politics, and friendship. The history of the galaxy is rich with examples of such arrangements both successful and disastrous. It is a dangerous line to tread but one that should be looked into. There is great darkness brewing in the galaxy, from sources both known and unknown. It isn't a time for the Jedi to sit idle. I obviously can't speak for all the jedi, though I think what you are looking for is an admiral goal. Unfortunately we must take great care in how we make it into reality. The history of Jedi involvement in government is rich with examples of failure on both sides. The fight against darkness is an important one but we need to make sure we don't cause more than we prevent.
Still, despite this up and down path, polished and rough history, the Coalition still wanted the Jedi to be involved. Their skills and prowess would be good against the resurgent Imperialism in the galaxy as well as darker powers that grew within the void of the galaxy. Graemon had already heard of a Sith attack on Felucia and that raid showed the return of the Sith Order in some form or another.I do believe the Prime Minister will want to respect any desires of independence the Jedi may have from politics. But allow me to ask, Master Frantz, what do you see this relationship, between the Order and Coalition, being? What do you believe is the ideal compromise? |
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Mike Frantz
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Post by Mike Frantz on Oct 31, 2020 15:30:38 GMT -8
*Lance made his way through the academy grounds. The presence had grown stronger as he moved through the city to a point was it was quite strong here. He smiled a bit to himself, a grin far too wide for a normal human face and full of sharp teeth. His skin seemed to shift color as he moved through pools of light shining through leaves. His green hair flew in a general disarray that gave the uncanny feeling that it was moving on its own accord.
A pair of young children, he did not know their species, ran up to him. One had bright purple skin and lekku that flopped to either shoulder as she ran. The other had feline eyes and a thick ridge of fur between two pointed ears. Lance knelt to their level and offered his smile.
The children stopped just short of him, faces no longer excited or playful. Lance was puzzled and stopped smiling.*~Fear, yet peace~ *He did not have a strong grasp on basic yet, so he relied heavily on the Force to help him communicate. The children looked from him and then to one another. They did not understand him and backed away another step. Lance stayed still not wanting to further frighten them. He suddenly wished he had stayed to help Droma and the others so that he could at least have someone to translate for him.* |
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Syren
The Vegemite Enclave
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Post by Syren on Oct 31, 2020 15:46:34 GMT -8
*Lance caught the boiling mass of hair churning towards him out of the corner of his eye. He jumped back hand dropping to the hilt of his lightsaber. The creature seemed to sweep up the two children as it growled and barked at him. It took him a moment to realize that a mechanical voice was coming from the wookie's belt.
Lance stared at it, not knowing what to say. He could not understand it. Between the howling wookie and the abomination, Lance was very confused. His perfectly chiseled face looked from one face to the other trying to figure out how to communicate.
He started to form her name in Basic, but it was such a thick language he stumbled over the formation of the name. He tried to switch to Sy Bisti since it was something he could muddle through and hope the abomination could translate for him.*
"I'm looking for someone. I don't know what she is calling herself these days, but I feel that she is here."
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Mike Frantz
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Post by Mike Frantz on Oct 31, 2020 16:02:50 GMT -8
Thankfully C8 was programed to be fluent in thousands of languages and picked up the meaning rather quickly, reversing the translation into Shyriiwook with near simultaneous precision. Simone's demeanor switched from hostile to curious as she tilted her head slightly and adjusted the thick spectacles to make sure that she was seeing things clearly. Perhaps this being wasn't hostile after all, but was just some form of confused madman who needed a little help. That required a completely different protocol. Of course the lightsaber he seemed to be reaching for seemed to indicate something entirely different. Her response came out softer.... at least by Wookiee standards.. and was immediately translated back to the newcomer's chosen language by C8. My mistress inquires as to who this person you are searching for is. The droid's voice shifted slightly to a more snooty tone as it's eyes shifted from gold to white. And for that matter what is your name, don't you know it's rather rude rude to come demanding things without even introducing yourself? A short Shyriiwook conversation between the droid and the wookiee followed with the wookiee seeming to reprimand the droid for something.
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Syren
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Post by Syren on Oct 31, 2020 16:53:55 GMT -8
*The creature's tone shifted, though Lance was not sure if that was in his favor or not. He took a gambol and brought his hand together in front of him and away from his lightsaber. The ambomination seemed to understand what he said enough to pass it to the wookie. The first question posed was difficult to answer. He could remember what Syren had looked like and the various names she used to go by, but names in the universe were like leaves on the wind to the Calnennore. It was much easier to tell who someone was by everything else about them. He would tackle the second question first.*
"I am called Lance. I don't mean to be rude, but your mistress is quite large and loud which is a bit concerning to me. I have never seen your like before. It is quite startling."
*He paused. He felt like he was talking too much, but he still needed to try to fully answer the wookie.*
"The last name I knew my friend by was Syren. Skin like mine, green hair, tall..." *He shrugged, what else could he say about Syren? He hadn't seen her in over 200 years. The feeling might have been random noise, but the Nen seemed to be leading him here. He tried smiling again. He did not realize that he himself was terrifying when he did that.*
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Mike Frantz
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Post by Mike Frantz on Oct 31, 2020 17:18:38 GMT -8
Archivist Simone smiled back in return, showing her fangs to the intruder. She was unsure if his fang toothy display was a challenge or an attempt at approximating a smile but in either case she responded in kind. She stared him down as she addressed the droid giving a few more complex instructions. The droids eyes briefly switched to green before returning to gold and addressing Lance. My mistress has instructed me to send a message to a master of the academy who should be here shortly. She has instructed you quite sternly to stay put until he arrives. It's eyes shifted once again to white as it's voice changed once again. I would suggest you listen, Wookiees have been known to remove limbs when their instructions are not obeyed. Simone gave a quick sidelong glance to C8 but did not contradict the droid and she stood solidly in the hall waiting for an official representative of the academy to arrive.
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Syren
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Post by Syren on Oct 31, 2020 17:27:26 GMT -8
*Lance quirked his head. Had Droma mentioned wookies on the way here?*
"Oh! You are a wookie. Fascinating. I've heard of your species, but the description does not do you justice."
*He twiddled his thumbs while they waited. While almost as tall and broad as the wookie, Lance did not feel an altercation would be the best option. It was better to wait given the wookie's toothy display. While formidable, her smile was not the worst he had seen. There were far less pleasant or sentient creatures in the galaxy that would give her a run for her credits.*
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Mike Frantz
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Post by Mike Frantz on Oct 31, 2020 17:56:54 GMT -8
It didn't take me long for me to make it to the entrance hall from my workshop near the hangars. Walking swiftly I can't help but smile slightly at the sight of our Wookiee archivist staring down what seemed to be a Thallassan male while everyone else in the hall gave the pair a wide birth. It would have been more amusing if I wasn't distracted by the fact that aside that I hadn't met another member of Syren's species before. Today was certainly going to be an interesting one. Getting a brief rundown of the situation from Simone I politely dismiss her, assuring her that I'd be able to handle our guest. Producing my flask from beneth my blue robes I take a long swig before giving Lance my usual half-smile before offering it out to him to him. Hello Lance, my name is Mike, I've been told that I might be able to help you with a problem you seem to be having. The force assisted mental communication came alongside some seemingly useless vocal tones and arm gestures that when combined made up the closest approximation of the Thallassan language that I had been able to come up with in my many years of working with Syren. In theory it should come off understandable but heavily accented, although I'd never tested it with anyone who wasn't already familiar with me.
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Syren
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Post by Syren on Oct 31, 2020 18:35:28 GMT -8
*Lance looked from the wookie to the human that had walked up beside her hulking frame. He watched her stalk away ushering the children before her and out of the way in a motherly fashion, or that is how it appeared to him. A voice pressed on his consciousness and it took him a second to realize this human was trying to communicate. Lance's grin widened. Droma had a knack for this as well, but it was very odd to have an alien consciousness in his head.*
~I would not say it is a problem, more of a misunderstanding.~
*He rolled his wrists to either side of his body in a very small shrug. ~But perhaps you mean to ask why am I here? I am looking for a compatriot of mine. She was calling herself Syren when last I saw her. I have tracked her presence to this place. It seems to be strongest here than where I have previously looked. Have you seen her?~
*While he spoke the lilting sing-song warbling of lalambe, he also attempted to convey the meaning of his words to Mike through their connection in the Force*
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Mike Frantz
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Post by Mike Frantz on Nov 11, 2020 17:54:09 GMT -8
It couldn't be a coincidence that the first time I'd seen Syren in years another of her species searching for her. That suspicion turns itself around in my mind for a moment as I stroke my now white beard studying the strange man for a moment before keying a few commands and a message into my wristcom, manipulating the device with unconscious telekinesis rather than bothering to actually use my fingers. I gesture for our guest to follow me to one of the alcoves in the hall designed for receiving guests with a small semblance of privacy. As we arrive I offer my flask out to him before responding to him in my interpretation of his language. I have sent a message to one of my assistants to see what information we can find for you. It may take a few minutes to get a response if you wouldn't mind waiting here with me for a few minutes. I gesture to the relatively comfortable seating in the alcove before causally dropping into one of the padded benches. I pulled out a small device from one of the many pockets of the grease stained jumpsuit I wear under my blue robes, beginning to tinker with it as we wait, outwardly appearing to be absorbed in my work but in truth watching our guest both out of the corner of my eye and with my other senses.
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Syren
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Post by Syren on Nov 13, 2020 17:28:59 GMT -8
*Lance followed the elderly fellow, though he supposed he still looked hale. It was hard to say really. Aliens were quite confusing to him. He could sense very little from the human, and was quite oblivious that his own behavior was thought of as suspicious.
Lance frowned slightly as he watched the man flippantly use the Force to do his bidding. The wrist mounted datapad wasn't even inconveniently placed... one should not use the Force in such a manner. But no. Lance would not say anything, for now. Perhaps the man was just showing off, a display of power and control simultaneously to make sure Lance maintained his manners.
Of course Lance would mind is manners... his manners just might not mind the culture of the Corellian Academy. The man made a gesture towards him and moved in the direction of the academy entrance. Lance had seen Reed use this same gesture. So far Lance had noticed that it could mean one of two things: 1. follow the human to somewhere unknown or 2. something quite rude that Lance would be surprised of this elderly man using as they had just met. Lance had not been around the universe for long enough to get the nuance in the gestures, they were all so very similar to him.
He hedged that the man was encouraging him to follow and entered the Academy halls.*I have sent a message to one of my assistants to see what information we can find for you. It may take a few minutes to get a response if you wouldn't mind waiting here with me for a few minutes.
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Mike Frantz
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Post by Mike Frantz on Dec 8, 2020 6:37:43 GMT -8
I can't help but smile at our visitor's apparent ignorance. It had been a long time since I'd encountered anyone so unfamiliar with the world as this Lance seemed to be, although considering what he seemed to be it made sense. Pointing to the open flask I gently point out my meaning. It is alcohol. It's customary among my people to offer some to one's companion when partaking of it yourself. Sure I neglected to mention that not everyone carries around alcohol and offer it to everyone they have a conversation with, or any of the other subtle social benefits and determents to the constant consumption of alcohol... but that would have been far too much complex an idea to convey anyway, and some things must be learned first hand.
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Syren
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Post by Syren on Dec 9, 2020 17:20:22 GMT -8
*Lance gently took the flask and took a whiff. There was a hint of smoke, fermentation, and a few other scents the Calnennore could not quite place. Given Mike's enthusiasm to share, Lance di not want to seem rude. Alcohol though. That was an interesting word, but the smell vaguely reminded him of miru but with more wood scents mingled into it. He took a tentative sip, allowed it to sit on his tongue and hummed softly to himself as the flavor filled his mouth.
It wasn't bad, it was not something he particularly wanted to drink again either. He handed the flask back to Mike.*
~Thank you. I trust that this is a custom I may have to become accustomed to?~ *He tried very hard not to grimace, the thought was just mildly unsettling.*
~Oh, I don't know, you might grow to like it, Taurlin.~ *Syren paced from a hallway leading from the medical center. Ahead of her walked a togruta by the name of Desyre Akord. The padawan was working on an apprenticeship in the healing arts of the Force, but she had also developed an interest in Syren well before the incident that had caused the coma.
"Master Frantz, I was able to find Syren in the medical center. 2-1B was reluctant to let her leave..." *Syren had moved a little past the togruta and gazed at Lance. How many years had it been? She had seen the crazed Avarath and Aydyn out in the universe, but never anyone like Vornmatil here. And here he stood. She reached out to touch his arm, to make sure he was real and that the Force was not playing tricks on her.
Once satisfied that he was indeed there, she turned to, Mike.* "You seem to be collecting us."
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Mike Frantz
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Post by Mike Frantz on Dec 23, 2020 13:47:59 GMT -8
A wide smile crosses my face as Syren arrives. It's good to see her up and moving, even if it's not exactly with doctor's blessing. I wave gently to the apprentice dismissing her back to the infirmary planning to make sure Syren returns once this meeting was concluded.
With a soft chuckle at her comment about collections I examine Lance with exaggerated care for a moment before turning my usual half-smile back on Sy. I doubt that. He doesn't seem to like me very much. I was mostly joking of course. Although our guest clearly wasn't sure what to make of me I suspected most of that was cultural difference rather than an actual distaste. In any case I suspected that you'd be interested in the arrival of this particular guest.
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Syren
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Post by Syren on Dec 23, 2020 14:38:34 GMT -8
*Syren quirked an eyebrow in Mike's direction. She had been among humans and other aliens for nearly 200 years. Their mannerisms were fairly common to her, depending on the culture, in fact she could probably pass better as a human than as Calnennore on her home world. But so starved she was for her own people, she grasped Lance's hand and pulled him to a conversation nook along the hall. Mike was more than welcome to join them even if Syren didn't say so out loud, she left the door open for him. While she began interrogating the aquatic man.
For a long moment, Syren just gazed into Lance's face. Drinking him in. He sat so awkwardly and out of place in the white vestibule, almost too big for it. There was a sadness in his face, regret, relief, fatigue... or Syren was projecting it. To the outside world, they both probably seemed expressionless, the cast of eyebrow and jaw placement so subtle.
When she finally took a breath to speak she felt a sharp constriction in her throat, her eyes blurred with a thick fluid that helped to keep her eyes clear of salts and other contaminants, but pooled along the edges of the lid.*
~How are you alive?~
*Her voice cracked and the words came out in a semi-choked sob.
The memory came to her full force, Mike would likely see it if he was still in on their conversation. The whole academy might be able to tune into Syren's anguished thoughts - she was not trying to project, the memory was just so strong and painful it seeped everywhere.
A white sand beach, backed with a dense verdant tangle of trees. Emerald green waters lapped gently on the shore fueled by a gentle wind that tossed her hair in front of her face. Lance stood beside her, words sharp and clear, eyes hard, hand reaching for her arm when a sudden roar with green light filling the air - the picturesque world began to burn.
Syren shuddered holding her eyes open against the memory, struggling to tamp it back into the mental box that normally held it back. The burning feeling made her skin crawl. Lance flinched away from her, holding his arms to his chest protectively, the connection to her memories stronger than anyone else's in the academy.
Both Calnennore were breathing hard, mentally back in the scenario where their planet burned around them from batteries of turbolaser fire.*
~Sulanen! liris endalya samaienhi!~
*Syren cast around her mind for thoughts of cool, opposite of the burning, water, ice, anything to stop sharing the memories. She settled finally on the seas of Selonia: gentle lapping waters, the otter like selonians sliding through mud and general calm.
Lance started to unclench from his protective ball.*
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Mike Frantz
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Post by Mike Frantz on Jan 9, 2021 16:08:29 GMT -8
Planning to keep an eye on her as promised I follow the pair, though I maintain my distance, allowing the two their moment, but being nearby for my friend should I be needed. Sipping slowly on the flask I watch the subtle interactions with curiosity, while I've gotten used to Syren's quarks over time seeing her interact with a member of her own species was an entirely new experience. My observations are cut short however as I feel a strong burst of emotion from my friend. I can feel myself being pulled into the emotions, their strength trying to enfold them. At first I try to resist, building up my mental shields to keep from being pulled in. As I'm doing so however I realize that I'm not the only target of these emotions, if measures aren't taken they're going to pull more than one nearby force sensitive in. Dropping my mental defenses completely I instead invert them, pulling the exposed memory into myself, acting as a lightening rod for my friends errant feelings.... the results are not pleasant.
As I watch it begins to play just as it was, but when the fires begin it is no longer Syren's lost homeworld who I watch burn it is Corellia. The green lances of turbolaser energy shatter the Corellian Academy before my eyes as fires begin to sprout up everywhere on the horizon, the smoke slowly begging to permeate the air. Suddenly I see people I recognize, people I love and have loved all around me, chocking on the now toxic air, falling one after the other until I stand alone, the smoke suddenly enveloping me until.... blackness.
Moments later I am released from the memory, thrust back into reality standing (barely) next to the alcove door breathing deeply, reaching for a lifetime of training to keep the emotions at bay long enough to bring my eyes into focus on Syren silently questioning what had just happened, my brain not quite ready to form words.
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