A Planet of Space Wizards and Knowledge

[Andorreth Vikar]

I'd been looking for a mentor to teach me the ways of The Force for some time now....Unfortunately there'd been nobody tripping over themselves to teach me. So I'd been taking jobs here and executing heists there. One of the last heists I'd run with my crew we'd come across several crates of medical supplies, another crate full of saber crystals and lastly a holocron. I didn't know about much but I realized that I had the opportunity to bring those items to Voss and perhaps be paid for them. So I'd hit the jump coordinates for Voss and engaged the FTL drive.

Now we were landing at a pad inside the Voss Temple, I'd left Jae sleeping in my cabin she'd looked peaceful and I hadn't wanted to disturb her . I still had my armor on, experience had taught me it paid to be paranoid. Not to mention I was somewhat of a wanted man on Corellia, Jedi being defenders of the galaxy one or two might be tempted to bring me back to Corellia forcibly. At the very least I was dressed for war with a smile to woo female padawans or knights and the skills to defend myself and my crew against people who'd try taking me by force.

As it was I was supposed to meet a Master in order to deliver the medical supplies, saber crystals, and holocron. Celiana had updated me on five Masters she'd trust. I hoped that I'd be dealing with at least one of them. Odds were I wouldn't but I could hope at least. Locking my twin sabers against the upper thigh plates of my armor. The beskar razor whip in my left gauntlet was secured, the Force-imbued blade of Tamerlein sat in an inverted sheathe along my spine, my twin DC-15s highly modified blasters sat on either hip and I bristled with multiple other weapons.

I was told the Master who was supposed to meet me had worked with Celiana on several prior occasions. Hopefully whoever it wouldn't be someone who had a thing against criminal elements....

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Celiana had sent him this weird message about this guy who had come across a shipment of holocrons and saber crystals, as well as medical supplies. And with that, he'd been chosen as the Silver Assembly rep to retrieve them, credits in hand. Not sure why he was the delivery boy, or what relation this guy had to Celiana, Josh would just shrug it off and wait at the landing pad. Before the man had come out, Josh had disappeared into the White Current, re-appearing just before the ramp came down to bring [member="Andorreth Vikar"] out. Why? Well, Josh WAS a bit of an untrustful sort, and he found this funny...

He'd deactivate the tracker he'd put on the ship while invisible if it turned out the contents weren't fake.

The Jedi Master would wave the man over once he arrived, indicating he was who he was to meet in regards to the shipment...

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Seeing the man waving towards me I was on edge about this whole deal. Me, exiled prince of Corellia. Wanted for answer about my involvement in the death of my brother. In a karking Jedi Temple.... Sighing I simply nodded that I'd seen him and had the sensors on the Salvation go over every possible thing about him from appearance to weaponry. Suddenly a notification on my left forearm datapad, Master Joshua Dragonsflame, noted for his......snark? Also known for his unorthodox methods...Huh, that was....intriguing. Probably an assessment from those he'd worked with over time. Married man too, interesting...I also saw there was a small device that'd been placed on the hull of the Salvation. Sighing I wondered why the Jedi bothered. Triggering the small ion field on the hull of the Salvation I fried whatever it'd been on the hull.

Pushing the cart of items down the cargo ramp I moved them towards the Master. "I suppose you're my contact then Master....?" I knew who he was partly due to Celiana's mention of Masters she trusted. Partly due to the tech aboard the Rogue's Salvation, in any case the odds were that I'd be paid and leave but something was...different here. I almost felt at home in a sense....weird. Looking at the man I said "Well in any event I figured that The Jedi could always use more medical supplies, crystals and such. The holocron is a bit weird I wasn't able to open it but then again I guess that's a Jedi thing. Can't exactly vouch for the authenticity of the lot but I had my crew run scans on the Med supplies and crystals so if the crystal are fakes they're incredibly good ones. Then again I kinda stole the lot from a Hutt who has a thing for slavery and keeping people in chains. I'll level with you though I did take a finders fee of several crates of med supplies and a small bag of the crystals."

"I find there's a beauty to the crystals, they're useful for spreading hope in the outer rim too so that can't exactly be bad." I didn't want the Master to know I'd tried opening it either. Last thing I needed was to be arrested for interfering with Jedi artifacts...Hopefully this would go over smoothly as it was being here unnerved me though I couldn't exactly see why Celiana had left a place like this either....

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Hearing a "ksssh" it was clear that his plan had somehow been discovered. Shame, and he'd cloaked it so well too. "Bloody hell, those things don't come cheap..." He muttered under his breath. "The hell does he think I am, made of money?" The Jedi thought to himself as he would walk toward the smuggler and greeted him. He listened as he gave his briefing on the whole thing, even the fact he'd stolen the stuff. Blinking a few times, and more than ever doubting the authenticy of them, he would then simply nod his head. Though he quirked a brow when he admitted he'd taken a "Finder's fee" as well.

"Uh huh..." He responded as he casually would walk over and, looking first at [member="Andorreth Vikar"] for permission, would motion the crew over that had been on tap to transfer the items, since Josh wasn't going to haul it all over by himself. Communicating with them quickly, he was able to determine the worth of the items and get a good idea of how much he had taken as his "Finder's fee". He would deduct from the credits he had on hand, passing the ones he'd deducted to the crew to give back to Valae, before tossing the rest to the smuggler as his payment.

"If they're mostly fake, we'll be in touch" He would respond with a light chuckle. "So how do you and Celiana know one another? You wouldn't be lovers, would you?" He would joke. "She mentioned something about a Rasu Gan, which is weird since I know her husband. But..." He added with a shrug. None of his business, he supposed?

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Smiling at the payment and his comment on if they were fake he'd be in touch. Then a comment about Celiana and us being lovers I chuckled and said "Not lovers, more like....a student who graduated her and her blade master on Eshan's rushed training. As to how we met....well how do most smugglers meet each other? In a pub of course. As for Rasu Gan I was only told that she was on a list of Masters she'd worked with and trusted. You were another, as was Master Coci Heavenshield. In regards to the crystals being fake well I'm guessing I wouldn't have had to have my crew come and help me fight off a bunch of ridiculously equipped Hutt mercs in order to make off with the crystals and med-gear."

"Celiana also said there was a fire in you Master Dragonsflame. Not to mention sarcasm....personally I know I'm at least a bit Force sensitive and I also know well enough to double check people I've never met and have my ship run facial recognition. I just figured it was around time t o at least try bringing something of worth to The Silver Jedi. Keeps me from being hunted by people who think most times they're helping rather than inflaming other issues they weren't thinking of. In any case Celiana said you had an interesting way about yourself. That you preferred combat to council chambers and fancy robes...I wonder how exactly that works...."

Pausing I continued "see what I've gathered is most Jedi aren't fans of drastic measures which is why they most times can only treat the symptoms ailing a planet or system and not the disease itself. Too much restraint, had Jedi or Sith had enough sense to keep their sabers on their belts versus toying with untold powers my homeworld would still be intact. There's a reason I came here was for pay but more than that was to learn from a proper Master. Or as close as I could get to one who had a more roguish way about them . Celiana said you were it. So Master Dragonsflame who do I see about learning from wise Masters?" I realized a lot of what I'd said was fairly provocative I just didn't like mincing words plus in general I hated most Force wielders because they grouped together to keep power which was why Corellia had been basically split in half, I doubted he like mincing words either...Hopefully my distaste for Force wielders hadn't pissed him off...

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

The Master simply shrugged his shoulders, and just watched casually, with no real emotion on his face as this smuggler would suddenly go on some kind of tirade about how the Jedi are bad and this and that and oh no there's so many rumors and he's just following rumors and bleh. When he would finally end his rant, he would just shrug again.

"I mean... I don't know what to say, dude" He would remark bluntly. "I mean, this random dude comes here, requesting me personally and selling us supplies that might be fake that he says he stole from a Hutt... And then uses it as an excuse to go on a tirade about how the Jedi are this and that, and blaming the Jedi for the destruction of your homeworld and... Now you want to learn? You sound like someone who thinks you know everything already. What exactly do you want me to say?" He would remark, just flat out speaking his mind at this point.

"What exactly do you want to learn here? That's the real question. You're clearly not here looking to learn good manners... So what is it then? There are plenty of Masters here on Voss... But the question is what exactly are you looking for?"

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

"What do I want exactly? Interesting way to phrase things I suppose....I want the knowledge of how to disappear entirely from Jedi or Sith senses. See I don't think either Jedi or Sith are evil I just think that when a group of powerful individuals get together and wield power for the sake of helping others disaster is a result. I don't blame Jedi or Sith specifically for what happened to my homeworld I do however think they should all spread out so as not to invite the wrath of Gods and Goddesses, So The Force itself strikes back at both to balance the scales. Disaster seems to follow people who overuse powers without thinking of how those powers should be used. I want the ability to make myself not a target and just disappear."

Sighing I said, "I ain't got anything against Force users personally I just want to be able to vanish from their senses so as not to endanger my family." Pointing behind me I said that ship, it's my home least as good as I got at the moment. My crew, they're from different walks of life. First mate was a punching back for the previous Captain, my gunner or tech guy, he's on the run from some people who got someone close to him killed then pinned it on him, my pilot yeah she's my girlfriend. Out in the mid and Outer rim that's all any of us really have. So I came to learn how to vanish from Force wielders so as not to paint a flaming target on any of our backs."

Looking at the paycard I said "I have a problem with Hutts and authority in general but I've my morals. The Hutt who had those med supplies was selling them to refugees who needed them but could barely afford to feed themselves my finders fee? a few boxes of med-supplies those aren't on my ship they are now in the hands of those who needed them more. The crystals, those went to spread hope and there's a little Nautolan girl somewhere in the verse now that has hope or at least comfort from the crystal shard I gave her."

Looking at Master Dragonsflame I realized liked this guy and his comment on good manners. "Ahhh yes....my manners, see there again we ain't got much of that out in the mid and outer rim. Further I despise mincing words to make people feel better. Though I can appreciate you calling me on it I suppose I could at least learn to be more conscious of that. So Master Dragonsflame, think you can teach me? Or point me to someone who could?"

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

He didn't like the Jedi. He didn't like the Sith. He even seemed to blame the Jedi in some vein for the destruction of his homeworld. He seemed to dislike Force Users in general, even, and yet... Here he was, wanting to learn how to use it's skills. Quite hypocritical, really... If he knew of the existence of the ability to hide, then he must have trained. While untrained Force Sensitives could be sensed... It was nowhere near as easy, and even Josh had to put potential candidates through testing in order to see if they were Force Sensitive or not. It was not as simple as merely sensing it... If it was untrained, it was almost impossible to find through the traditional sensing means.

Meaning this man was trained. Trained enough that his presence could be felt by normal means. And yet, now he wanted out. He wanted away, he wanted to be hidden from them... Using talents that only a Force User could learn. Ironic, really.

But Josh wasn't one to just refuse to give an answer, even if the man's logic was flawed. "You want to mask your Force Presence" He would respond calmly, nodding his head lightly. "As you're clearly already trained, otherwise you wouldn't be worrying about this... This should be something you can accomplish on your own" He would admit.

"Suppress your presence. Reach deep down inside yourself, and suppress it. Mask it, make it unable to be sensed by others. It may not always work, especially a novice using the technique against Masters who are actively looking for a presence... But it always has a chance of success no matter who it is against. That is your best bet."

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Listening to his explanation I let out a breath saying as quietly as I could "Fierfeck...." I was acquainted with the technique physically having had to learn to pick pockets on Coruscant had required me to learn how to merge flawlessly with crowds. Doing so with The Force would require much more focused practice.....Osik that'd be.....doable it'd just take a lot of failure to perfect or be remotely decent at. Looking to Master Dragonsflame I said "Master Dragonsflame....just because I've asked to be shown how to disappear to Force wielders doesn't mean I am not interested in learning."

"I simply need that skill to keep certain people away from my crew....I'm unfamiliar with the internal workings of The Jedi and I need to refit my ship while here anyways. I wonder....what can you tell me of job opportunities with The Jedi? I'm not likely going to be allowed into any formal training but...perhaps the Silver Jedi could keep someone like me around for say a rogue element? Such as delivering relief supplies on behalf of the Jedi while being under false pretenses. Smuggling for the Jedi essentially Master, see there are worlds which The Jedi I'm sure are interested in beginning trade or peace talks or any number of things with. That they can't exactly be seen getting involved with publicly due to certain political or religious reasons. You'd use me as a tool for the Jedi, I stay within the confines of the law none of you or your knights are sent for me, and the only thing I ask for is the occasional paycut or training in whatever you or other Masters choose to teach me...."

I had the sense that he was at least intrigued at a smuggler being vouched for by a former associate. The Jedi were known for their relief aid, I mean the worst that could happen is he'd say no or for me to get my filthy smuggler vessel and crew off Voss and away from their temple. Hopefully that wouldn't happen though....

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

The Master didn't trust him, flat out. For he had given him no reason to trust him. "Uh huh" He would respond. Whatever his reason, he didn't really care. He had given him the means to learn. Of course, the moment he did, he immediately turned to wanting more from them. A business relationship of sorts with the Silver Jedi Order. Scratching his head, the Jedi Master really wasn't all that sure about the idea.

Of course, it didn't really fall under his jurisdiction anyway.

"Regardless of my opinion of the matter, it matters nothing. I am a part of the Silver Assembly, but I do not lead this operation" He would decide to make clear then and there. "Grandmaster [member="Valae Kitra"] is who you should seek out about the matter, sir. I do not make this decision, she does. You can yammer on to me all you like, sir, but Master Kitra is the woman who you need to convince... Not me."

He wasn't lying, of course. Whether he wanted to deal with this or not, this was not his call.

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

"Trust but verify huh? Can't say as I blame you Master Dragonsflame...then again I wasn't the one sticking trackers on your Jedi ships was I? Trust goes both ways I thought you'd be excited about med supplies but instead I was treated with mistrust upon landing. Besides I know you aren't the leader of The Silver Jedi interesting you mention the Grandmaster though.... I'll treat rudeness with dismissal as I realize I'm an unknown. You've no reason to trust me fine. You've also no right to stick trackers on my ship and I did know about that I've some pretty interesting detection gear inside her."

Pausing I thought about what I was about to do next....I could always simply brush it off but I wanted him to know I knew he'd put the tracker on my ship. I could always toss the money back in his face and simply give the Jedi the payload...that'd make a statement. Plus I had plenty of ways to get more of those things should I want to... Looking back to Master Dragonsflame I said "You know what Master? Keep the pay, and keep the med supplies and rest of the payload. I only need an answer to two questions....First, where can I find this Grandmaster? Second.....will I be stopped, questioned or otherwise accosted if I do seek out an audience with her? If so then I've no reason to not expect being treated as though I was a Dar'jetii."

Sighing I realized what I was going to do. Grabbing the credit chip I'd been paid with I flicked it back towards this Master with the speed of a throwing knife knowing full well he'd catch it. "Consider the supplies a gift then Master I wasn't only looking for profit I was only looking to be given a chance. Celiana said you could be trusted...Sorry to have to disagree on that perhaps in the future I'll be given the opportunity to prove I can." Rapping my right hand agaisnt my beskar breastplate I inclined my head and then walking forward I brushed past him entirely. Time to find myself the Grandmaster of the Silver Jedi then....

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"] ~ [member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

With that, the Jedi Master looked the man dead in the eye. Well, that was it. No more holding back his words, this slip of the tongue would not be accidental, not at all... "Dude" He would remark, indicating the end of being formal. And a reminder that Josh was human, not some droid to push around. "On the tip of someone who has done and said some questionable things, a smuggler pops up here wanting to sell us supplies with no real indication of their legitimacy, only the tip that they'd "profiled" it from someone else illegally. We have no clue who you are, or that you might be swindling us.

Fact is, bud... If you swindle us out of credits with fake supplies, you're just robbing the worlds we're trying to help of credits we can be using to bring about that help. We're not exactly filled to the coffers, you know. We're not a governing body, we're Jedi, trying to make a difference. So yeah. I put a bloody tracker on your ship. So we could confront you if you sold us fake chit. I'm not even going to deny that. Put yourself in my shoes a moment and ask yourself if you would have done the same thing" He would remark flatly, shaking his head.

"Hell... Imagine this scenario... Everyone you ever trusted. Everyone you worked with closely, served for several decades from the age of five... Suddenly decided that it was in their best interests to turn their back on you. For no reasons other than their own personal benefit and their own advancements to power... Ignoring everything you'd done. All the years spent doing nothing but serve, do nothing but blindly serve and try to make a difference and follow what they believed in, what THEY made YOU believe in... Only to be turned on, and for half of that lot to want you dead.

Put yourself in those shoes... And ask yourself if you'd have done the same thing I just did. Ask yourself if you would have taken a precautionary measure, to make sure that someone else doesn't have to suffer if someone else turns out to be a cheat. You'll learn, that precaution keeps you alive...

I mean... Isn't taking precaution why you apparently came here to begin with?"

Shaking his head as he tossed the credits back to one of the people checking through the supplies, he turned back to him after he brushed past him rather rudely. Being about to speak again, he decided to change his mind, knowing that he'd already said enough, and the man had already pushed him to speaking his mind instead of being formal.

Taking his communicator, he would ring up a line.

"Grandmaster [member="Valae Kitra"], there is a smuggler who wishes to see you about some kind of business proposition."

That was [member="Andorreth Vikar"]'s indication at least, that he did not intend to have him stopped.

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Pausing before I left entirely I said "Master I do realize the position you're in I didn't come to simply be another smuggler I DON'T SELL FAKE GOODS. Have your Jedi techs look over everything. I'm not every smuggler, fact is the sith and every other bugger wants something. Kinda why I gave you your money back not simply as an insult I realize that y'all ain't made of money. Thing is I have a talent for picking up things I 'm not supposed to have strictly speaking. I thought even if fake the crystals would be useful to Jedi for spreading hope. Not exactly like there's much of that in the outer rim. Think though if Jedi simply go around putting trackers on potential merchants bringing payloads y'all wouldn't much have any of what you need to continue fighting the good fight."

"As for precautions...I'm wearing beskar'gam with multiple weapons specifically for if Force users got hostile. I locked the weapons in safe mode no way I walked in blind but I also didn't scan your hangar either. I have no problem with you personally I just want to be given a chance. That's what Jedi are supposed to be about yeah? I'm sorry for what happened in your past not really my business but to quote an ancient Corellian "Never tell me the odds." See Jedi and everyone should be about beating the odds even though there really aren't any just ways of proving we can. Then again what do I know I'm simply a Corellian wearing Beskar wanting a chance to fail or succeed based on my actions."

"Maybe next time we meet I can prove I'm not just another smuggler out for himself. Maybe I can swoop in and save some Jetiise shebs?" With that I spun on my heel and continued on my way out of the hangar and towards a lift to take me into the temple to meet this Grandmaster...

OOC: I'm not actually ticked I was going for the whole tough guy who doesn't much care about how to behave.

[member="Josh DragonsFlame"] ~ [member="Valae Kitra"]