A Neglected Conscience

[Jake Daniels]

Jake heeled over as a punch landed into the gut of the exhausted man. Tired, wobbly knees barely kept him standing; albeit with the aid of unseen braces that added support to the worn down joints. He could have been on his ancestral home of Dantooine, living a quiet and secluded life. Letting life simply pass him by, as it had centuries prior, forgotten and alone.

The Knight raised both of his forearms to block a punch from his right. Unfortunately that left his other side exposed. A weaker than expected kick hit him dead center between his shoulder and hip. A huff of agony escape his lips and the man felt his insides shake. Still he stood. He could have been back on Honoghr, the resting place of a family that had long since passed. He could eat feasts with the Noghri, tell war stories, and live a Warriors life among their tribes forever remembered as the Apprentice of their Mal'ary'ush.

Yet here he was; surrounded by drunken farmers and merchants whom liked to put together little fighting pits and wager bets on the poor, foolish suckers dumb enough to throw themselves within. Just as his opponent went to lay in another attack, Jake let experience continue to guide him. His opponent was half his age and just as fit, if not more so. Faster and more agile, he had a pretty boy gaze about him, or he would had it not been for his own brushing and the dirt that caked his complexion.

Jake wouldn't win a foot raise with this lad, nor would he win a punching contest. The plan had been what his plans always were. Wait for his opponent to make a mistake. As the man brought his left fist in, Jake ducked, grabbed the mans other wrist and twisted both of their bodies around. As Jake continued his spin, he landed a surprisingly fast punch of his own across the jaw of his young prideful opponent.

Felucia.

The rainbow colored planet was where Jake found himself. In a villages public square, putting on a spectacle for money. There was more to this for Jake though. More reason for why he was fighting. Each hit, each cut, and each bruise that he received was an attempt at atonement for a life full of sin, for a life full of letting those closest to him down. He had a dark passenger residing in him, a dark passenger that even now wanted to emerge. It wanted to strangle this young whipper snapper with the force then snap his neck.

That's what he would have done in times past.

Now? Not so much. The urge was there. To deny that much would have been a lie. The passion gone. That in itself was the truth. In recent weeks the Knight had bounced world to world, following a trail on the force that seemed to have been set out to him. For the first time in a very long time, Jake listened to the force.

And the force spoke. It guided him here. To this planet. To this village. Into this fighting pit, and right to this exact moment. The force, in its own way, was acting as a light guiding a ship astray from it's course. But why Felucia? Why now?

Daniels snapped out of thought as he was hit again. With the way the fight was going, Jake knew it would end in one of two ways. Either this young brawler would win all of the prize money, or both would go down swinging. Jake knew that without cheating, without using the force itself, he wouldn't outright win. This new hit though, for the briefest of moments, caused the barrier within Jake to crack. For the faintest of seconds, so few for a standard Felucian or Human to truly comprehend what they just saw, Jake's eyes went from their standard brown, to a flash of brilliant yellow. The dark side itself seeped out.

With all the he could muster Jake bit down, buried his dark passenger deep within, and with nothing but a blink allowed his eyes to return to their standard coloring. With everything he had, Jake unloaded a single punch that connected again to the chin of his opponent. The momentum carried both men to the ground.

Even if Jake wanted too, he could get up. His knees screamed at him. His head pounded. With a lick of his lower lip, Jake noted a massive cut that allowed a decent amount of blood to seep out. That was the trigger for his dark passenger. Jake needed to be more careful. He wanted atonement. He wanted a life.

He wanted to truly live.

​

He wanted to truly laugh.​

He wanted to truly love.​

​

Or however that damn motto went...

​

'Alright you pain in the arse. I've followed you this far. Why the hell was I guided to a place that looks like a Unicorn pissed a rainbow over the landscape?' Those were the only thoughts Jake had for the force as he lay on his back, his hazy eyes fixated on the white puffy clouds above.

[member="Valae Kitra"]​

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

A modified YT-Freighter set down on the small landing pad. Well, it was more a wide-open dirt patch than it was an actual port. It was a spot that Valae Kitra knew quite well, for she’d been her many times. Gazing out at the colorful landscape that waited outside her ship, she heaved a content sigh. It was good to be back on Felucia. A hand found the straps of her rucksack, and her weathered boots brought her through the cargo bay. She dropped the heavy woolen robe from her shoulders, and folded it neatly. Such a heavy garment just wasn’t necessary here. Next, she reached up and tamed her unruly locks into a ponytail. With her rucksack now securely on her back, she set her lightsaber onto her belt. It was a weapon that was rarely used, but she recognized that times had changed…

Trouble had found the Silver Jedi Order.

There were battles to be fought, a fact that weighed heavily on her mind. And now that she found herself in the position of Grandmaster, she was expected to lead. It was not a station that she had ever desired or imagined occupying. However, she was honored to serve the Order nonetheless. She only hoped that she would not fail them. All of this was new, she found herself overwhelmed. This trip to Felucia would be a very welcome chance to decompress and let it all sink in. But she knew that he wouldn’t be able to leave all of her worries behind, such anxious thoughts seemed to follow on her heels these days.

Walking down the ramp, she felt the heat and the humidity against her skin. These were the conditions that usually saw folk drenched in sweat, but Valae was of different stock. Having grown up in the deserts of Tatooine, she tolerated the heat quite well – even if it was a much dryer heat than this. Brisk steps brought her down the familiar path that led to the marketplace; she would pick up a few items before making her trek into the jungle and to the small village that was nestled in the mountains.

As she entered the small square, she noticed an unusually large crowd. There were shouts, cheers, and the sound of fighting. Her eyes narrowed slightly.

“What in the--” She started to push her way into the sea of people.

And when she saw the two men inside the ring, her stomach dropped. She had to guess that this was not simply a brawl, but blood sport. Not only that, but there was a strange presence here. For the briefest moment, she had felt it – darkness. Momentarily distracted, she completely missed the final blow dealt by one of the men. Both of their bloodied forms were now on the ground, she sensed that one consciousness was out cold, and the other was still awake.

“Hey! Break it up now!” She hollered to the people standing around her, and her show of waving arms seemed to make them back off and move on with their day.

A few steps brought her inside the ring; she couldn’t leave these men like this. But the unconscious man was now being hauled away. Her attention shifted to the man that remained on the ground, his eyes cast up towards the sky. Even from here, she could see his chest rise and fall in a pattern of ragged breathing. There was something that drew her in, but also something about him that made her hesitate.

But what?

[member="Jake Daniels"]

 

[Jake Daniels]

“Hey! Break it up now!”

Jake heard the words that held a distinct authoritative kick to them. Even if Jake wanted to play the game of ‘What does that look like?’ the presence of a woman quashed it. He was quick in sizing her up. She had no official badge and no assistance which meant she was not a member of some local policing agency. Her attire did not speak to that of official representation of the Felucian people either. She did have a type of badge however, one that rested against her hip and reflected some of the light from the sun above like a diamond in water.

Jake laughed, “Holy hell.” The hearty laugh turned in a series of deep coughs. Forcing himself up into a seated position the Knight wiped away the blood that continued to escape the wound on his lip. It’d need stitches at the very least. He knew he’d be sore for days, perhaps weeks after today. Oh well. Still as he took a second look at the woman, and her unique form of identification, Jake fumbled with the knee braces beneath his pants. Dumbest thing he did today besides fighting a man half his age? Aggravate a joint that was now simply bone on bone. No ligament left. No tendon to help cushion a blow. He felt every step, jump, kick, and leap in ways most never would.

Finally removing his gaze, Jake looked about the area. Twisting his frame, he spotted his old messenger bag off in the distance. The problem? The woman and her form of identification; a lightsaber. That was why he laughed. The force pulled him all of this way, to this very moment, to run into a woman with a weapon? Into the potential grip of a foe? Jedi? Sith? It didn't matter. Odds are they'd try and kill him. What the hell was the force itself doing?

Jakes connection with the force was limited when compared to others; which was why he had to become a Master of the Blade. He wasn’t able to easily detect another force user. If there was a halfway point between a non-force user and a Master of the force, Jake would be right there. That mixed with life of servitude and solitude had made him wary and suspicious. Who was she? Why was she here? Perhaps the most important question that rolled around in the thick skull of Daniels, was she a threat?

“So...” Jake said with a groan as he rolled onto his knees, the joints instantly screaming at him in protest. The man licked his sliced lower lip, the exposed tender flesh stinging as his tongue passed over the wound. A quick spit of some mopped up blood to his side allowed the man to finish his question, “You here to arrest me?”

Then a surge was felt through the force. The idle messenger bag was pulled from its spot some meters away and into the palm of Jake's waiting left hand. He let his own revelation sink in.

[member="Valae Kitra"]​

​

​

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Note: Jake's outfit (albiet dirtier now)

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

From a distance, Valae continued to observe the man. She could see that his face was marked with red; she suspected that there would be areas of bruising present as well. The whole of his form was still quite dusty, both from his scuffle with the other fighter and the fact that he was now on the ground. Her eyes narrowed slightly as muttered words escaped, accompanied by laughter, and quickly followed by a round of coughing.

Valae found herself in motion before she could form another thought.

Her medkit was already in hand. Perhaps in the back of her mind, she did wonder what was so funny… but now really wasn’t the time to ponder. This man obviously needed medical attention. As she neared, she saw him push up to a sitting position, and she paused again as he spoke. And as she opened her mouth to respond, the words were held there a moment longer. She felt movement in the force, her heel edged back slightly.

Watching closely, she saw a messenger bag shoot into his grasp. Brows lofted, this was an interesting development. At the moment, she felt no malice or ill intent… but she would remain cautious.

“I haven’t come to arrest you,” She spoke, the twang in her voice more apparent now that she wasn’t shouting. “I’m here to help.”

She knelt down before him, and she began to assess the damage. Valae could easily see the deep gash on his lower lip. The wound was in desperate need of cleaning and sanitizing, it would likely need a weave to keep it closed… but it was nothing that the force couldn’t fix. Her hand reached out to tilt his chin up, but stopped half way.

“That is, if it’s okay with you.” She added in a friendly tone. “What do you say we get out of the sun?”

Valae nodded towards the shade of a tall tree. There were still some stragglers hanging around the ring, and some passersby let their gazes pause on Valae and her new patient.

[member="Jake Daniels"]

 

[Jake Daniels]

Jake was tense as this woman knelt beside him. His muscles continued to tighten as she began to extend a hand towards his injured lip. Thankfully she stopped. Courteous. Polite. Something was amiss. In a galaxy so dark and so cold; when was anyone ever courteous or polite with Jake? It was such a rare occurrence that the man was simply dumbfounded for the slightest of moments. Normally when this did happen, it meant someone wanted something from him.

“Show’s over.” Jake said to those that still lingered, “Time to slog off.” There was a distinct edge to his tone.
Rude.

A few groans were heard, along with a couple of unmistakable slurs, but some left. Others remained standing and staring. Jake didn’t like feeling like a side show. What’d they want now? He just gave them one!

He turned his attention back to the woman. He ignored her first statement, about being there to help him so long as it was ok with him. Instead he focused on her remark about getting out of the sun.

“Alright. I don’t tan well anyway.” Jake halfheartedly joked as he pushed himself up.

Almost instantly his knees buckled. Without asking Jake reached out and placed his right hand upon her forearm, gripping firmly as he sought his own balance. Still he made little to not eye contact. His focus was those brittle bones. Beneath his jeans he felt the metal braces do their part. They gave necessary support. The problem? When all of his weight was levied against the metal, the metal itself dug into his skin.

Finally looking at the woman, “Probably should have asked to use you as a support. Thank you.” His one hand never left her forearm however. He needed the support.

The dark passenger within Jake, the essence of a damaged and dark soul, wanted to be let out. This woman, these people, all of them were potential threats. In the old days Jake handled potential threats with a swift unyielding brutality. Today? Not so much. The man was different these days. He did what he could to keep it buried. Burying it didn't get rid of it however and with a person so close with a visible weapon, the dark passenger wanted to come out and dance.

To the dark passenger, this woman was a threat.

"So what are you?" Jake asked as his rump found a seat on the solid earth. His back pressed firmly against the trunk of the tree. His skin cooled beneath the much appreciated shade. The humidity on Felucia was a queen. Before the woman could answer his rather open-ended question Jake added on, "Warrior, Diplomat, or Healer? If you're a healer, I'll accept your offer to help me. If you aren't then I'd rather take my chances with a back-alley surgeon on Nar Shaada."

[member="Valae Kitra"]​

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

A smile appeared on Valae’s face as the man quipped about the sun. She stood close by as he began to stand, her attention momentarily draw back towards the stragglers around the ring. It seemed that they were finally clearing off. But then, her eyes went wide as she felt the injured man’s hand grasp her arm. When she realized what was happening, she did her best to make her arm steady for him to lean on. Valae blinked a couple of times, but only offered a nod to acknowledge his words. But truly, she didn’t mind helping in such a way. It was a fairly normal part of her job as a healer.

Though the man’s eyes found her very few times, she fixed him in a sidelong glance.

She was watching for any apparent signs of pain. And she may have been looking to satisfy curiosity. As they made their way to the shade, the force seemed to draw her focus towards his legs. No doubt he was tired, but she had a feeling that his injuries there had not been caused by his recent brawl. It was just an inkling, information she would later confirm. Valae kept a gentle hold on his arm until he had lowered himself into a seated position, and she sat down on the grass as well, legs folded beneath her.

Already opening her med kit, she spread a small sterile sheet down next to her. Next she prepared a bandage, and cleaning solution was poured onto a cotton cloth. Valae looked up from her work as the man questioned her, and she wrinkled her nose at the mention of back-alley surgeons.

“Well, I’m not much of a warrior.” She admitted with a sheepish grin. “I’m a diplomat when it’s called for, but today I’m just a healer. My name is Valae, by the way.”

For the moment, she would hold onto the fact that she was Grandmaster of the Silver Jedi – couldn’t be too careful. She still had little idea who this man really was, and it was always possible that he was dangerous. Had he been the source of the darkness she had felt before? Valae couldn’t say. Now that she had revealed that she was indeed a healer, she decided it was time to proceed with treatment. Holding up the cotton cloth, she brought it up towards the gash on his lip.

“This might sting just a bit,” She said with an apologetic glance up at him.

She touched the cloth to the wound as gently as she could, while still removing the dirt and blood. And when the wound was much cleaner than before, she gave him a small breather as she prepared a new cloth.

“So, what’s your story? What were you doing out there in the ring?” Valae asked, genuinely curious.

[member="Jake Daniels"]

 

[Jake Daniels]

Jake was still leery, even with her attempt to assure him that she was no warrior. He had known way too many women in his life that had proven to be masterful liars. A pretty face was just as deadly as a grizzled one. Still she stated her name, Valae, and in that the Fallen Knight did believe her. Why lie about something as simple as a first name? Sure there were times when it was necessary but this wasn’t one of those, right?

As she warned Jake and then proceeded to touch the cloth to the wound he tensed up once again. Much like an stray cat, the man had a boundary issue. Its how nearly every scar he held, those seen and unseen, occurred. He hardly ever let anyone tend to him. Trust. That was the hardest thing for Jake to do. Yet Valae’s touch was as gentle was one could expect all while cleaning out the gash. It stung and the occasional squint of Jakes upper brow indicated such. Still the pain was negligible.

“Well, Miss Valae. Nice to meet you.” Jake said while trying not to move his lips too much, “I am Jake.”

As she cleaned the wound as best she could and began prepping a new cloth, her question caught Jake off guard. She wanted to know his story. This was where the man was at an impasse. He had always told lies when away from Honoghr. He had always deceived strangers. That life, it just wasn’t for him anymore. Deep within the recesses of this mans very deprived soul, he yearned for more. He wanted more. Perhaps telling someone the honest truth would be a start.

“My story is a bit long and complicated. I wouldn’t dare bore you with the details of a life such as my own.” Jake replied. That wasn’t a lie. His life story was long. His life story was complicated. It was also his. He wasn’t just about to share the good and bad with someone he didn’t know. Why he was in the ring though? Now that was something he had no problem answering.

“I am finding penance for past sins.” Jake replied. The way his tone never wavered, the way his eyes locked upon Valae’s own, his expression, all of it represented a moment of pure honesty. It felt good. “That’s why I was in the ring. The only way I know to answer for past misdeeds is through pain. Now for why I’m on Felucia? I’m on what some would call a vision quest. I’ve been following the force’s call, allowing it to lead me across the galaxy; Honoghr to Dantooine, Dantooine to Coruscant, Coruscant to Yavin and now Yavin to Felucia. This is where it stopped. The path. The trail.” Jake paused as he shook his head as he glanced about the multicolored environment, “Whatever the force was leading me too. It is, or was, here. I just don’t know what I am to find.”

Turning his attention back towards his new companion Jake turned the tables, “Miss Valae, why are you here? I don’t see many other force wielders around these days. Most hide on Capitol worlds from what I’ve discovered. Last real run in with anyone of significance was during a Battle on Coruscant when I ran into a rather mellow Jedi Master and his loud mouth friend.”

[member="Valae Kitra"]​

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

It was easy to see that her new companion was wary; Valae noted the way he tensed. Of course, it was fairly normal response to pain. As she removed the new cotton cloth from its packaging, she glanced over and offered a genial smile in response to his introduction.

“And it’s nice to meet you, Jake.” She added with a polite nod.

Valae turned back to her work for a moment and poured a bit more of the cleaning solution onto the cloth. However, instead of moving back in to finish cleaning the wound, she listened patiently as Jake began to form a response to her question. As he made a remark about his past, she nodded. While Valae herself was fairly open about her own past, she recognized that others guarded theirs closely. It wasn’t her place to press the issue, so she would let it be. But she matched gazes with Jake again as he voiced his reasons for visiting Felucia.

Her chestnut gaze grew a touch wider. Penance for past sins, these words stayed with her. Valae herself could not truly understand seeking atonement through pain. It was a concept that almost reminded her of the Sith. There were much healthier ways to cope, but Valae had a feeling that it might not be the best idea to go meddling in Jake’s problems. After all, they had only just met. Still, the urge was there… she did have a tender spot in her heart for people that were suffering.

In the back of her mind, she had to wonder… just what had he done to deserve this?

As Jake shifted the conversation to Valae, she brought the cloth back up to his lip and dabbed it carefully against the wound. She remained silent for a moment as she began to wipe the blood away from his chin and jaw.

“I’ve been to Felucia several times,” She started, letting her gaze flicker to his briefly as she worked. “I’m here to visit a local tribe.” Valae smiled fondly at the thought of her friends at the village. “See, there’s a native plant called Nysillian – it has powerful healing properties. I’ve formed a close bond with the tribe, and they allow me to bring a few planets back to Voss for our students. It’s harvest time now, I’m here to help out… even if only for a day or two.”

She paused and lowered the cloth again.

“Alright, Jake…” Valae’s eyes lingered on the gash. “The wound’s clean, and I can certainly stitch it up… But if I use the force, it’ll heal much easier for you – if you don’t have any objections.” She offered a kind smile.

[member="Jake Daniels"]

 

[Jake Daniels]

Jake would never be an artist. He never paint a masterpiece. He’d never write then conduct a tear jerking symphony. His mind didn’t work in such ways that allowed for real creativity. He was a calculator. He analyzed. He studied. That was Jake. Every word Valae spoke, Jake listened too. He studied her facial expressions as much as he did the words that escaped rosy lips. He was searching. For any sign, any signal that would indicate she was lying to him or that she was truly a threat.

The dark passenger within, the essence of rage, hatred, pain, and anger wanted her to be. She wasn’t. Everything that Valae said came off pure.

As Jake studied the woman, he hadn’t realized she had finally finished the initial cleaning of the gash. What she offered Jake was a choice. Stitches or to use the force and heal it. That there confirmed what he had been told. Anyone could use a medkit. Hell, Jake knew how to sanitize a cut, though nearly to the degree Valae just had, but to actually offer the use of the force? Only healers would do that. People like Jake would never pass off as such simply because they couldn’t do it.

It took a special kind of force user to heal those in need; a patient one.

Then the man looked down at his knees. He’d be lying to himself to say that the assistance of a healer would not be more than welcomed. Even when [member="Ereza"] had stated she could heal his legs on Honoghr, Jake didn’t take her up on the offer; nor did he ask for it. The everlasting pain. That was a reminder of his failures. That was his punishment. Those ghosts of his past, the many people he had harmed, the few close to him that he had failed, all of that weight seemed to be crushing down upon him. That weight exposed itself in the aspects of worry lines across his forehead; telltale signs of premature aging caused by the stresses.

His gaze met her’s once again, “No objections.”

“Miss Valae, why don’t you just take a couple of the plants and propagate them where ever it is that you come from? I understand its native here but wouldn’t just be much easier to grow it in a controlled environment?” Jake simply asked. He had a bubbling curiosity growing about this women. "To that extent, is it even worth it?" He turned to look at the native Felucians, "Every little bit you help, inevitably someone else dies. Why not just let the galaxy implode in on itself?"

[member="Valae Kitra"]​

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

As their eyes met once more, Valae let her own gaze linger there for a long moment. It was at this moment that she really took in his rugged appearance. Despite the fact that he was still a bit dust-caked and tattered, there was a certain charm – and his mysterious nature seemed only to add to the effect. She store her chestnut orbs away as she began to tidy up. The soiled cotton cloths were placed into a bag for disposal, and her hands fumbled with her tools as she set them back into her kit.

“Good,” She started, and cleared her throat. “Honestly, stitchery isn’t my strongest suit.”

She chuckled softly, attempting to keep the mood light. Her brows lofted as Jake posed some additional questions.

“Well, you see… it’s part of my agreement with the local tribe. Though we’re allowed to use the Nysillian as we like, we’re not to profit in anyway. The plant has a sordid history, unfortunately. They prefer that we do it this way. And it’s a nice way to keep relations between the Silver Jedi Order and one of our planets amiable.”

Valae pushed out a breath, considering Jake’s comment about letting the galaxy implode in on itself. There were some days when it seemed that it would be easier to give in to thoughts like that, but it just wasn’t the Jedi way.

“Death is a natural part of life – as a healer, I can’t change that… even if I wanted to.” Her tone grew softer, perhaps even a shade sadder. “But as long as I can still do some good out here in the galaxy, it’s well worth it.” She smiled, and moved a bit closer. “Alright now, just close your eyes and try to relax.”

Letting her own thoughts fade away, she sat silently with her hands folded in her lap. Slowly, she began to draw in the force. As the moments passed, she would seem to have an aura of calm that would even reach Jake. It was a warm healing energy that often gave others a sense of well-being. One of her eyes peeked open to make sure that her patient was stilling still and quiet. And then her hands reached out, palms close to the sides of his face.

The healing energy began to flow. Valae could feel that the wound closing as she applied the force to that area. And though she sensed deeper wounds, the kind that left scars in the mind… she focused solely on those that were fresh from Jake’s brawl. There would be no bruising or swelling left behind from his fight now, and the gash had faded. As these injuries were superficial, it didn’t take long. But she let her companion bask in the light for a moment or two longer.

“Feel better?” She asked, her voice just above a whisper. And after allowing him some time to recover completely, she tilted her head to the side. “So, where will you go from here?”

The words had simply slipped out, and Valae flushed slightly at way her curiosity had revealed itself.

[member="Jake Daniels"]

 

[Jake Daniels]

Silver Jedi Order.

Jake let those words sink in for a few moments. Jedi. Jake had met two during the past year out of cryosleep. One was tolerable, the other not so much. It was a wash out in terms of first impressions. Since his youth Jake didn’t trust Jedi. Not since his falling out with his former Master, Samara Galloway, as a Padawan. Not since his time as a Sith Apprentice turned Knight. The Jedi he knew had all been warmongering fools who would do just as much evil as the Sith to win a fight.

She addressed his comment about letting the galaxy implode on itself. When she brought up death, Jake quietly listened. It had taken a very long time to let old wounds heal. It had taken even longer to accept the fact that there was nothing he could have done to save those he loved. Valae was right; death was a part of life and that sucked. Just as Jake was about to rebuttal a bit on her comments, Valae ordered him to close his eyes as she moved closer.

Jedi.

The dark passenger in Jake swirled about, demanding to let loose as the thought of a Jedi approaching neared. Like a oilrigs man, Jake ensured he had a secure cap on it. Valae hadn’t done anything to destroy the bit of trust he was allowing her. She was civil; far more civil than he expected or deserved. Jake did as he was instructed. His eyes closed.

The touch was warm and inviting. Starting with his cheeks, it radiated throughout him. Every worry, every stress, every ache and pain, they all vanished as he quietly sat and allowed Valae to work her magic. These moments felt like a reprieve from… everything. It was something Jake hadn’t felt in a very long time. Then as quickly as it had come, it had ended.

“Much. Thank you.” He replied to Valaes inquiry about feeling better. A quick lick of his lips, feeling no cut and tasting no blood, along with the aches from the earlier bruising ceasing, brought a small smile to his face.

Jake thought on her question a bit, noting the momentary pink shades on her light toned cheeks. “I followed the force all the way out here and then it stopped. The trail. Everything. I don’t know what it wanted me to find; if anything.” The Knight was frustrated. It was evident in both expression and tone. “Perhaps I didn’t follow the trail right?” He bit at his thumb nail, “No that’s not it. I followed it to this exact spot. Here and now. I showed up. It vanished. Why?”

He let out a long sigh as he returned his gaze to Valae's, finally answering her question. “I will probably borrow a ship.” there was something to the way he said borrow that indicated that indicated borrowing wasn’t the right term, “There’s an astromech I inadvertently left stranded with my lightsaber on a planet in the midrim. I don’t recognize the planet but I remember the coordinates. I’ll head there, fetch the little guy, and then...”

Jake broke his gaze with Valae and looked down at his fingers. They picked at one another in apparent anxiety, “I don’t know.”

For the first time in a long time, Jake didn’t have anything planned out. He had trusted the force, hoping it would help him on his path towards redemption. Yet, here he was. Alone on Felucia getting into street fights with unnamed locals for no other reason than because he could.

“I’m by no means a botanist but do you need help collecting your plants? I can assist in any way you need. After all, it’s the least I can do after the help you’ve given me.”

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

“Glad to hear it,” She responded, relieved to hear that Jake was now feeling better.

Valae could even the slight changes in his posture and expression; he was not as tense as before. And she was pleased to see him smile; it brought warmth to her heart. Truly, moments like this were the best part of her profession. No matter the hardships that had found her of late, if she could make a difference in someone else’s life, it was all well worth it.

She listened as Jake began to answer her question. It wasn’t long before she could see the anxiety return. Valae pressed her lips together into a thin line, and canted her head to the side as she listened. Jake was searching for purpose, and she could feel the frustration at being presented with this dead end. But her smile returned upon hearing his offer to help collect the Nysillian plants.

“I am sure that the tribe would be happy for an extra set of hands to help with the harvest.” She reached over and placed her medkit back into her rucksack. “And I’d be happy, too.”

Valae placed her backpack on her shoulders again, and gazed out at the Felucian landscape for a moment. It would be nice to have a traveling companion, she reflected silently. Though the trail that would bring them into the mountains was fairly safe, she did always worry about the chances of a rancor attack or falling prey to some of the sentient and very dangerous fauna. She glanced at Jake out of the corner of her gaze. Valae didn’t want to distract from his journey… but sometimes distractions were good.

“I really do hope you find what you’re looking for, but maybe this little detour will do you some good.” She offered an encouraging nod, “You never know, the force does work in mysterious ways.”

Pushing up to her feet, she brushed herself off. A hand rose to shield her eyes for a moment as she surveyed the area once more, this time gaining her bearings. Squinting, she located the trail up ahead. Turning back to Jake, she offered a hand to help him rise to his feet.

“See that trail?” She pointed towards the mountain path, “We’ll be going that way. It’s not a terribly difficult hike, but it always leaves me huffing and puffing by the end.” Valae laughed, “I’m not the most athletic of folks. We’ll be there by early afternoon, and we'll have a little time to get some work done before nightfall.”

[member="Jake Daniels"]

 

[Jake Daniels]

He took the woman’s hand. She was stronger than she looked, able to help all 180 lean pounds of Jake to his feet. When she remarked about not being athletic, Daniels doubted that. She had the figure of a track and field hurdler. To the Knight, she was simply hiding facts about herself. At least that’s what he convinced himself anyway. Honesty was a rare commodity in the galaxy and even rarer for Jake to encounter. Though Valae had been civil with him, there was still that part of him, that itch that wanted him to keep his guard up.

The darkness wasn’t going to be subdued so easily.

Jake did as Valae had done, dusting himself off. As she explained the hike, Daniels grimaced ever slightly. This was going to hurt. A lot. Perhaps he was better off getting back into a scuffle with the young chap once he woke back up? An offer was made however, and Jake Daniels was truly a man of his word. He’d help Valae on her endeavor. The force had failed Jake. Jake wouldn’t fail Valae. Jake wouldn’t fail his word.

Felucia was hotter than he ever remembered. The humidity was rising as the sun slowly crept further into the skies. It wasn’t a feeling Jake liked. Honoghr had its days but the plant life was vastly different. The trees on Honoghr helped to cool the planet; Felucia felt like a roaster. That was evident in the vast amount of sweat that beaded on Jakes face.

“I was born on Dantooine,” Jake randomly said as the duo hiked. He didn’t plan to go the entire distance in an uneasy silence. Small talk seemed to be the best way to pass the time. “The weather is nothing like this.” A small smile broke his face again. “I can’t even remember a humidity like this on Yavin, Correlia, Coruscant, or even Korib...” He caught himself. A near slip up. That planet had a vast history with darkness. Given that Valae had revealed herself Jedi, perhaps now wasn’t the appropriate time to reveal what he had once been. Perhaps now wasn’t the time to reveal what he still fought inside.

He gave Valae a glance. Would she, by any means, realize what planet Jake was about to say? Not many planets began with Korib in their name. The Knight chewed at his lower lip in frustration as he contemplated what to do. Quick thinking meant a quick change in topic. Jake had to stop any chance at Valae inquiring about it.

“I will say that this one of the most beautiful planets I’ve ever been on. I can see why you would like it. The natives are quite nice and it’s easy to make a quick buck in a street fight.” Ok, that was a bad attempt at a joke. Jake knew it.

“Miss Valae, you mentioned the Silver Jedi Order.” Jake said with a brow perking towards Valae as they walked. His eyes continued to study her every feature, taking her various expressions as they walked. “Is that a sect of a larger Jedi Order? Is it something completely different? I’ve only ever heard of a Jedi Order, or at least where I was from. Never knew there could be multiple factions of them.”

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

While Valae was no stranger to heat, even she had a few small beads of sweat on her forehead. She fanned herself with the palm of her hand as she walked along next to Jake. The colorful landscape of Felucia was now on full display. Much of the plant-life here was so foreign to Valae, especially the varieties of carnivorous plants. Her eyes took the opportunity to roam the sights, and paused on Jake every now and then, too. She started to feel a slight rumble in her stomach, she was getting hungry. But luckily, Jake gave her a distraction in the form of small talk.

A smile found her lips as she listened to Jake name some of the other planets that he had visited. Her brows lofted slightly when his list was seemingly cut short. Had he been about to say what she thought he was going to say – Korriban? Valae had actually been there once, for the Silver Jedi had held the planet within their space for a time. And it was the home of the Sith Academy, as she understood it. For the moment, she wouldn’t question him.

“It is beautiful here,” Valae had to agree, and her smile widened.

She even offered a small chuckle to follow after Jake’s jest about the locals. Valae remained in thoughtful silence for a moment or two, considering his question about Jedi Orders… it was a bit complicated.

“At this time, the Silver Jedi Order does not exist as part of a larger order. However, it’s strange… Indeed, there are other groups of Jedi, and most of us are united in our beliefs of the Jedi Code.” She said, furrowing her brow. “As far as the Silver Jedi go, we are protectors. We do have some warriors among our ranks, but we’re not warmongers by any means.”

Valae added a soft laugh. Some of the darker forces in the galaxy would like to paint the Silver Jedi in a negative light. She drew a breath and pushed it out into a content sigh.

“Sorry, I do tend to ramble on at times.” She said, eyes briefly falling to the ground. “So, you’re from Dantooine? Can’t say I’ve ever been there myself. I’m from Tatooine – born and raised. I guess you could say that’s why I like this place so much, it’s far more interesting than the sandy desert landscape I grew up with.”

She pulled her rucksack off her back for a moment and fished inside for a couple of canteens. Smiling, Valae handed one over to Jake.

[member="Jake Daniels"]

 

[Jake Daniels]

Jake smiled as he took the canteen, “Many thanks.” Spinning the cap off, the Knight took in just enough to quench immediate thirst but not so much as to leave him without sustenance later on. As he put the cap back on he thought of Valae’s comments of Tatooine. The only things Jake knew of the planet were that it was desert and hot. It wasn’t entirely void of life from his understanding; that much being ever apparent as he was speaking with a well spoken Tatooine native. In some ways, the reputation of Tatooine reminded him much of the planet his little astromech was currently on; hot, inhospitable, and filled with rather unsavory individuals.

“Dantooine is nothing like this.” Jake said as the pair continued their trek. “Large swaths of the planet were discovered eons ago to be perfect for farming. That’s what many of the industries revolve around. Wheat mainly though some other crops. My family were more educators; filled with primary school and college level educators.”

Jake’s biological family, his parents, grandparents, aunt’s and uncle’s, were ever rarely spoken off. The only times they had ever been brought up had been in passing conversations with his Master @Mahet. When they discovered that he had become a Sith, forgoing the Jedi ways, the Knight had a less than civil falling out with them. He’d been disowned. A fact he kept buried from nearly everyone. Before their deaths to the Gulag Plague, Jake had never made peace. Unfortunately.

“Don’t worry about rambling. I’d much rather be talking with someone than listening to myself think.” Jake remarked. His tone though seemed to give off a hint of seriousness beneath its veil of playfulness. The Knight was being subtly truthful. His thoughts did often play with him. Paranoia being one of his biggest flaws.

“Where I’m from the Jedi Order loved to pick fights.” Jake began to explain, “They were led by a Council of six Jedi Masters, four of which were hell bent on destroying anything they perceived as threats. They would invade planets, cause carnage, level entire cities, and leave countless dead.” As they began to head down a rather steep part of the trail, Jake could see a small silhouette of what looked like a village ahead. He grabbed hold of Valae’s hand, without asking, and held tight.

It was instinct.

Jake Daniels had many flaws. One of his few redeeming qualities were that of a protector. Instinct dictated that he help her. Should he have asked? Probably but it was a bit too late now. As his feet slid slightly against the angled rocks and soil, the Knight waited until both he and Valae were on solid foot before letting go.

“That’s when I fell out with my Order.” Jake said as knelt over. His knees screamed at him. They scolded him for walking this distance and for taking this path. Still, that pain fueled him. He needed it. It was a reminder; a painful one.

His face grimaced as he rubbed one hand over his right leg, “Sorry. Bad legs.” Jake took another swig from the borrowed canteen, and then continued on, “I was a Jedi Padawan at one point. Trained by one of the Orders finest Knights. I learned real quick just what kind of Jedi Council ran the Order when we began invading Sith held worlds.” Jake looked over at Valae, “I respect your Jedi Code, it’s just unfortunate that it is so easily interpreted in so many different ways by so many different people. Same can be said for the Sith Code as well."

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

As Jake told her about his home world, she listened with a quiet smile on her lips. It sounded nice there. Valae could already imagine the rolling fields of wheat and the lush farm land. Her fingers loosened the cap of her canteen, and she took a refreshing drink. And after letting out a content sigh, she glanced sidelong at her traveling companion.

“Maybe I’ll make my way ‘round to Dantooine someday.” She nodded.

The mention of Jake’s family brought Valae to thoughts of her own. Well, there were none left now, so she basked in what good memories she could recall – the few that there were. It occurred to her that it had been quite some time since she’d been home to visit the site where her father’s ashes had been scattered. That night was long in the past now. But, she had heard whispers that the Galactic Empire had taken control of the desert world, so her trip would be postponed indefinitely.

Valae was far away in thoughts as Jake spoke about his experience with Jedi from the Order. She nodded to signal that she was listening, but his words might not have been sinking in like they should have. But she was brought back to the present quickly as she felt Jake’s hand wrap around her own.

Chestnut eyes blinked a couple of times, and a bashful blush found her face.

She swallowed hard, but then realized that he must have been offering her assistance down the trail. The narrow pathway had wound into a steep slope, the rocks and dirt were a bit loose beneath her boots, she even felt her feet slip once or twice. Valae silently mused that Jake’s hand was rough against her palm, and she found that her own fingers had curled to grasp hold. But as they reached the bottom of the hill, she let go. The village was fairly close now, a few minutes walking would bring them there easily.

“Thanks,” She said, clearing her throat and offering a stiff nod.

Valae watched as Jake paused to rub his knee, and her eyes softened with concern. Surely there must be something she could do to help him. Her mouth opened to ask, but she paused. The Sith Code? Drawing in a breath, her head canted to the side slightly. It seemed there was more to this story.

“You were a Jedi padawan?” She asked, eying him curiously. “You respect the code, but you no longer follow it for yourself?”

[member="Jake Daniels"]

 

[Jake Daniels]

"I..." Jake's voice faltered as he came to a complete stop and looked deeply into the curious eyes of Valae. He was at a momentary loss of words. There was no mistaking his hesitation. There was no mistaking the sudden surge in the force. A clash of light and dark the radiated, for a moment from the Knight as he debated what he would say.

"Yes, I was a Jedi Padawan." Jake said. He looked at the village, now just a stone throws away from where he stood. Quietly the man knelt down, glancing up again to Valae, "I was on a mission to Korriban. A strike force of Jedi were sent to invade and conquer. During the battle I managed to fend off two Sith Lords and a Sith Knight in different encounters; all while being separated from my Master. It was during this Battle that my luck and skill ran out. I was beaten by a Sith Lord named Rach Sullen. She abducted me and gave me as a prize to Lady Silencia."

"That was the day I saw what the Order for what it was. Not once did any Jedi, my Master included, come looking for me." Jake explained, "I was tortured until I broke." There was an unmistakable aura of darkness that radiated from the man. His eyes never left Valae, even as they flashed their Sith nature towards her. The memories of the pain, the memories of the Jedi's betrayal, it all still haunted him.

Jake broke his gaze with Valae, clenching his eyes tightly, and suppressing his dark passenger just enough for his iris's to return to their prior state. "I was christened Darth Gravis by my Master. I was unleashed on the galaxy. What I did established me as a threat to both Jedi and Sith alike. I was trusted by no one and trusted only one."

"Miss Valae I am no threat." Jake said with a pureness of absolute truth. "I mean you no harm. I am simply searching for who I am now. The force wanted me here. Standing in this moment..." his voice fell to a whisper as his eyes took in her features, "...with you."

Jake took an apprehensive step towards Valae. He finally felt it. The tug on the force. It was so faint that any other person could have just as easily ignore it. Not Jake. Not now. The tug was pulling Jake towards this Jedi... towards this woman.

His voice was suddenly sheepish as he spoke, "It's you."

His eyes widened in disbelief as he took a second equally apprehensive step towards her. Now his sheepish voice stuttered as he spoke, "You're why I'm here."

​

[member="Valae Kitra"]​

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae blinked as Jake’s voice trailed off. As a silence fell between them, she could feel the conflict growing within him. It was an odd push and pull, almost like two forces were fighting to take control. She remained still, watching quietly as Jake knelt down. And she listened to his explanation patiently, though his words made her brow furrow. She couldn’t imagine having been abducted by a Sith and given away as a prize.
But that was not the only thing he revealed.

Abandoned, tortured… it was likely enough to turn anyone away from the light. And Jake confirmed that point -- his eyes shifting in hue. Valae let her gaze drop away for a moment. Her thoughts drifted back to the village square and the hint of darkness she had sensed there. The sudden realization made her lips part slightly. It had not been a coincidence… it was him.

“… Darth Gravis,” She repeated, her voice hushed.

Her eyes snapped back to Jake, watching him cautiously. And as he voiced that he meant her no harm, she let her gaze soften slightly. It was true; this could all have been a clever ruse. This could easily have been a plot cooked up by the Sith. However, there was a strange tug at the back of her mind that told her otherwise.

As she sensed Jake moving closer, her feet stayed rooted on the spot. After another step, the toes of his shoes were close to her own. Chestnut eyes opened wider. Had Jake truly been on such a journey – guided by the force… to meet her? No, certainly it couldn’t be… but Valae knew better than most, the force did work in very mysterious ways.

“Me?” She murmured, “I-I’m not sure what to say.”

Valae glanced away to compose herself.

“Let’s say the force truly did bring us together…” She started, speaking her thoughts aloud. “I’d be willing to help you, Jake. They used to say that one could never truly be redeemed, but I don’t hold to that. It’s possible, but likely not easy – I can’t say myself.” It was a rather complex situation; she needed more time to mull it over. “We should head to the fields, not much daylight left.”

She placed a hand on his shoulder for a moment, and then nodded towards the field of Nysillian waiting to be harvested.

[member="Jake Daniels"]

 

[Jake Daniels]

Why hadn't he felt the pull of the force the moment Valae arrived at the impromptu fight show? Why had he not felt the pull of the force when she mended his wounds or while they hiked? Instead, here and now, as Jake let his own cat out of the proverbial bag, did the force finally say ta-da! It was unmistakable now. He felt the pull. It was to Valae; no longer the planet. This was very interesting.

When Valae spoke of redemption, to hear the words spoken by another, nearly floored Jake. What did it mean to be redeemed? With his path to finding his new life in the galaxy going through Valae, was it her or her order that the force led him too? Could it have been both? Perhaps. Perhaps not. When Valae placed a hand of James shoulder, the Knight stiffened. He had proximity issues with people. A life filled with war, battle, espionage, and training within the Darkside would make any man jumpy. Valaes touch was different. It was gentle. No threat. No threat meant no harm.

"Then let's get to picking some of your needed plants." Jake said in response to her remark about daylight running out. There was no mistaking it. Jake smiled. Though he didn't have the prettiest face around, at least his smile rivaled the best any man could offer.

When they made their way to the field, Jake simply stared at the plants for a moment. This was one thing he had never learned to do. How do you pick these things? If these were the Nysillin, they were unlike any plant He had seen before. Were they a type of flower? Were they an herb? Was he supposed to just take the bulb or take the bulb and its natural leaves?

"Bloody hell." Jake said as he looked about with some confusion. He turned his attention back to Valae, "Miss Valae, do you want the entire plant or just bulbs?" He looked down at the plant before him, then the one beside it, "How do you know which ones to pick and which ones to leave alone? I know to leave the smaller buds be but what about ones that look the same size but are different tones?"

Was Jake overthinking this? Yes. Gardening and plant maintenance were just not his forte'; analyzing, plotting, and planning were. "On top of that," Jake said returning his gaze to Valae. For the briefest of moments Jake caught his voice in his threat. The image of the Valae, with the late days suns aha reflecting off her soft light colored skin had left him speechless. In this field the most beautiful thing wasn't the Nysillin.

Clearing his threat he continued his question, if we pick them, they die. Won't that impact whatever healing benefits the plant offers?"

[member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae matched Jake’s smile with one of her own. As she looked at him, she couldn’t help but notice how his face changed when he did so. His expression was lighter, almost boyish – and very charming. Turning to walk towards the field, Valae lost herself in a pool of thoughts. Can you trust him, really? Her brow furrowed slightly. Does he really want to be redeemed? She pushed her lips to the side as she walked.

Be careful, he’s a former Sith…

The last thought left her mind ringing. However, the view set before her brought back to the present. Pods of Nysillin were ripe for the picking. She offered a small wave to the Felucians that were already working in the field, they acknowledged the pair with nods, and then returned to their work. The villagers recognized Valae now, but they seemed to be a bit wary of Jake. Valae noticed the way they looked at him out of the corners of their gazes.

There was a brief sinking feeling within. She would not allow harm to come to this place. Valae knelt down to inspect a nearby plant, feeling a storm brewing inside her. There was something about Jake that she liked, but she made a silent promise to protect those around her – not that she truly suspected him. But she could not deny the fact that he could be dangerous. The sound of Jake’s voice made her head turn, and her gaze softened when she heard his many questions.

“Not much of a gardener?” She said, chuckling slightly, and her worries began to dissolve away.

Standing, she moved to stand next to Jake.

“Alright, we’re looking for the bulbs that are completely red. See the way this one is still green on the bottom? It’s not quite ready.” She pointed to a plant by their feet. “Before I leave here, I’ll take some plants with their roots in tact… but for now, we’ll just harvest some of the ripe ones.”

Reaching out, she snapped one of the Nysillin bulbs from the stock. She held it for a moment; it was heavier than it looked. Valae held it out to Jake, and nodded towards the basket on the ground behind him.

“The Felucians will use some of these right away, but they do have methods to preserve the pulp inside. Later on, I’ll show you the salve they make here. But, you’re right; some of the benefits are lost the moment the planet dies. Luckily, it’s quite potent. You have to think about it this way; if we left the plants alone… they would die before going to seed. It’s just the cycle.”

[member="Jake Daniels"]