A Reunion on Alderaan

[Simeon Alde]

It was the first truly relaxed smile he’d seen on Arabella’s face and Simeon’s heart almost melted. He had never been in love or felt the need for that significant a relationship so the thought didn’t cross his mind now, but, he knew he had never felt the attraction for anyone as he was her now. And it was totally on a level he didn’t understand. Instinct told him he should be running for his until now fully enjoyed batchelor life. He also knew instinctively, no matter how far apart he was from her, they would always be connected. If he’d been trained differently he would realize it was a force connection - a blending of two kindred souls - but, he was naive to those nuances of the force. For now, he would be happy with whatever time she granted him.

“All of that sounds wonderful,” he answered. “Plus anything else we can think of while we explore. I’d love a closer look at the thantra if we can get that high into the mountains safely.”

The food arrived and proved to be excellent if a rather basic plate. Meat and potatoes pleased him often enough. The wine was the best part of the meal by far.

“When he’s well, we’ll have to talk Trevor into cooking for us. One of his hobbies is gourmet cooking and desserts are his specialty.”

He was babbling. He could tell by the amused look in her dark blue eyes and the slight smile at the corners of her lips. He just smiled back at her and took another bite of his steak.



[member="Arabella Darkhold"]

 

[Arabella Darkhold]

Bella felt special. Here on a world that seemed where everyone looked at her seeing all her flaws and shortcomings Simeon seemed to not care or took no notice. Perhaps because they each walked that dark path the one that pulled and taunted the soul.

It was easier to talk, understand, and admit a desire without it becoming a weapon.

She had felt only this comfortable with one other person this was different in where she did not have to hide what she was, she had every reason to smile at him. She could feel the blending of their force presence, she had felt it once before a deep bond that could be more intimate than the union of two bodies. That was frightening, she remembered how it felt when it was torn away.

But still she smiled at him encouraging him in whatever thoughts he might entertain, "Thranta the House at the Apalis Coast has tame ones to ride. Seems my Aunt and cousin are quite fond of the creatures." She lifted her drink again letting the lip of the glass linger on her lower lip before she took a drink.

"As soon as Trevor is well enough to be left alone, we should go." She didn't want to break this moment not when the conversation, and dinner were going so well.

She leaned forward just a little, "Tell me more about you Simeon" she whispered so that no one would hear, "What do you like to do?"

[member="Simeon Alde"]

 

[Simeon Alde]

When she leaned close and whispered to him it took his breath away. He relaxed back in his chair. It wasn’t a retreat… it was more of a surrender although that wasn’t at all what was on his mind.

He smiled at her conspiratorily and replied, “Riding a tame thranta seems so… tame. Let’s go to the heights and try to bond with a wild one and ride it.”

If they had to wait for Trevor to be recovered, he might have to go back and try to hurry the process with revitalize again. The idea of exploring the world with this woman had Simeon enthralled.

He leaned slightly closer and matched her tone, “You want my deepest, darkest secrets?” His smile was teasing before he confessed, “I suppose my fondest Hobby is jumping off mountains.”

He left it at that, not yet explaining his love for gliding on wind currents in a wingsuit.

“Your turn, what do you do to amuse yourself in your spare time?”



[member="Arabella Darkhold"]

 

[Ian Milàn]

Ian frowned at her question. What did his danger sense tell him? Perhaps he should simply tell her everything he had felt and sensed when Simeon was present.

“Honestly, Master… when he first entered the room my impulse was to reach for my light saber.”

Which would have been problematic since he had left it aboard his ship in deference to the medical center’s peaceful mission.

“Then I perceived the mixture of light and darkness in his force presence. Not being sure what that signified I decided to observe him more closely. After the antidote arrived and you were able to begin intensive force cleansing of Duke Alde, if appeared Simeon was caught up in the work of the healers as well. Before he left I could see no darkness in his presence without examining him so intently as to be detected. It may have been there but I no longer sensed it.”

“That, I suppose, is why he mystifies me so much.”

He fell silent awaiting her appraisal.


[member="Rianna Ar'klim-Organa"]

 

[Arabella Darkhold]

[member="Simeon Alde"]

Oh he liked to weave a web of dark secrets did he, jumping off moutains he said. She smiled one of those seductive dark smiles while beneath her calm her emotions began to churn. "I understand the Juran Mountains can be dangerous and beautiful." She wanted to be coy and seem aloof but she had a feeling he would straight through that.

"I am not opposed to seeing if a thranta would allow us to be so close. You know they have no legs, they are all wings and body. sleek, smooth, and large." She bit her lip as she thought about this mysterious man across from her. His force presence swarmed over everything she knew caution, she reminded herself to be cautious even though she might jump in, both feet.

"We'll need transportation to the mountains at th e least." She didg n't worry about warmth she knew tapas, and if they didn't work she'd steal his body heat. Now that might prove interesting as well to peel him like an onion to the layers below.

She looked at him hoping her musings remained her own.

 

[Rianna Organa]

"I recommend you follow your senses Ian perhaps my distraction with his brother has kept me from seeing a truth. However, do not engage him with your lightsaber a determination of what he is and his intention is needed"

If Ari found out there was a sith on Alderaan again she'd have the Alderaan forces combing the entire planet before any of them could even say boo.

"It is odd that you sensed darkness and then did not. Perhaps he was hiding force presence." Rianna for a Jedi tended to look at the good in people by their actions, her senses of darkness and light were honed quite well but perhaps she had been too distracted. This did not bode well. She had talked to Coci recently about going to Voss to indulge in some training, perhaps she should.

A conversation with Simeon might be dangerous, and could provoke him, or not, But for certain what Ian sensed needed to be investigated,

[member="Ian Milàn"]

 

[Ian Milàn]

Ian was concerned. He wasn’t confident enough in his perception to risk condemning a man unnecessarily. Although he had been improving, working diligently in his lightsaber skills, even considering his initial impression, he would never consider challenging Alde unprovoked. Besides, Simeon masking himself did not make sense to him.

“Master, I don’t think he was hiding anything. He seemed too preoccupied with Duke Alde to consider the need. Indeed, he was awash with the force and it didn’t diminish as if he were masking it… it just changed and I saw no reason to think that he either caused the change or even knew it occurred.”

“The simplest solution would be that the cleansing, healing effects of the force you were channeling through the Duke also enveloped Simeon and cleansed him a taint of darkness. That may be the simplest solution, but, I have no idea how that would logically be possible.”

Ian realized the limitations of his training and appreciated that his Master allowed him to ramble like this when he was working out problems in his mind.

[member="Rianna Ar'klim-Organa"]​

 

[Rianna Organa]

Rianna did not mind him rambling because it gave him time to think through things, and she was not so consumed by her own gifts to think herself incapable of making an error. She considered what he said, could the healing force have cleansed him.

"If it did [member="Ian Milàn"] I would have to say that his Sith training was not as strongly rooted as it could be. It is not so easy to turn a Sith" She knew Jedi that had fallen because they could not accept their emotions and lost their control once they began to let them in. Sith however embrace those emotions but they do suffer their doubts.

Was there an or to this? Or he wanted to change and didn't know how? She'd have to think on this a bit, truly. If anything Ian certainly gave her much to think about and consider.

Even still with this pattern of thought, "Ian it still might be wise to be mindful of Simeon just in case the speculation is premature or incorrect. We do not know and knowledge is something we Jedi embrace." She smiled then she spent a lot of time smiling.

"I also need to check on Trevor, and Ian have you been taking care of yourself too? I can't have you suffer from lack of sustenance."

 

[Ian Milàn]

Ian frowned still somewhat distracted by the dilemma Alde presented. “Even if he is or was sith, he has a legitimate reason to be here with his ill brother and his actions have been as expected in that situation and possibly commendable. Do we have a reason to consider this as anything other than a possibility to help someone pursue the light side if the chance arises?”

He stood at her mention of checking in on Trevor and gave a guilty smirk at her question. He had noticed when he bothered to look in a mirror that his face was looking gaunter than he had ever seen it. He ate when he remembered but the fact was, he was in best shape physically he had ever been. But he realized he was ravenous.

“I’ll take a trip to the center’s cafeteria and see if I can find something to eat.”

He took the lift down to the ground floor and made his back to the cafeteria. It was a nice, new medical center with a nice, new cafeteria but the fact was, it was still in Ian’s opinion “hospital food.” No matter what they prepared, it always seemed to have the smell and taste of a hospital cooked into it. It must not be too bad, though the place was full.

He made his way down the buffet line and and filled a tray with an assortment of the varied offering. Some of the things he wasn’t really sure what they were, but, they did look tasty.

Turning, he began looking for a seat. He was afraid he might have to eat outside or take the tray back upstairs to the office, but, finally saw an empty seat at a small table occupied by a young lady. She looked tired and sad, but, did not appear closed off. A glance outside showed why the room was filled. A steady drizzle made eating on the patio less than desireable. He shrugged and approached her.

“Pardon me. May I join you?”

The young blond looked up and glanced around, understanding his problem. “Of course. Have a seat.”

“Thank you so much,” Ian replied as he sat down. “My name is Ian Milan.”

“It’s very nice to meet you, Ian. I’m Mimi Haldron.”

[member="Rianna Ar'klim-Organa"]​

 

[Trevor Alde]

Trevor’s eyes fluttered open with difficulty. He glanced at the IV fluid wondering what they were pumping into him. He raised his hands up and looked at them, clinching his fist and then stretching out his fingers exploring the aches and wondering how it would feel to try and move in general.

He was almost relieved the room was empty. He had the vague impression that he hadn’t been alone more than a moment or two since he’d been transported to the hospital. He hoped that mean the was improved and not a that they had given up on him.

He did feel remarkably better, but, an odd question was nagging at him. Why did Claire want to rebuild House Alde as a treehouse?



[member="Rianna Ar'klim-Organa"]

 

[Rianna Organa]

Ian seem to get the message that it was time for him to eat, yeah he might think he felt great but he looked like he had not slept in days, likely he flew straight through to get the biotoxin to her. And he had a point about Simeon, if all that Ian was presenting was true than was this an opportunity to turn him.

She had to think, but she also needed to check on Trevor. At least for now Ian had gone to find food, now whether he ate it that was a different story.

She walked into the room expecting him to be asleep however he was not, "well good afternoon Duke Alde, how are you feeling?"

He had a quizzical look on his face like something was confusing, "you're at the hospital on Alderaan in new Aldera City. Your brother Simeon is about somewhere and Claire Organa is also nearby." Least Rianna believed she was nearby.

"How are you feeling?" Did he still want to live in a spruce tree?

[member="Trevor Alde"]

 

[Ian Milàn]

Before they could converse further, a uniformed security officer approached and bowed slightly before saying, “Jedi Milan… we understand the urgency of your arrival, but, would you be so kind to remove your shuttle from the north lawn? You are cleared to use the Organa’s private landing pads adjacent to the Organa estates. There is a shuttle constantly available there to return you to the medical center or anywhere... you may need to go.”

The way he said anywhere gave Ian the distinct impression he was referring to a refresher. And Ian was embarrassed to admit that he couldn’t disagree.

“Of course, I’ll move it as soon as I’m through eating, if that’s acceptable.”

“Perfectly, sir. Thank you for your cooperation.” The man bowed again and made his departure.

Ian looked at Mimi sheepishly and said, “I apologize for the interruption. I arrived hastily and seemed to forget that I needed to move the ship away from the medical center.”

For her part, Mimi was even more intrigued by the implications. That fit with the rumors circulating regarding Master Organa and Trevor.

“You must be Master Organa’s student,” she said. “You are the one that delivered the antidote.”

Ian was shocked at the recognition but his face remained impassive as he confirmed, “Yes. I’m currently working out of Alpha Mae and when I heard she had an urgent delivery I volunteered. I’ll be returning there soon I expect… as soon as she no longer requires me here.”

Mimi cocked her head to the side and gave him an appraising look.

“Do you suppose you could give me a lift?”

[member="Rianna Ar'klim-Organa"]​

 

[Trevor Alde]

“I’d have to say that I feel like an arthritic octogenarian,” Trevor replied with a weak smile. “Every joint aches, but… otherwise… I’m feeling remarkably well.”

He arched a brow when she told him where he was and about Simeon and Claire. He remembered all that. Had he been acting goofy enough for her to question his mental status? He gave a slight shrug and chalked it up to being normal medical recovery procedures - to keep patients oriented.

“Do you think you can turn the meds down? I’m tired of sleeping the time away and I want to get up and get moving.”

In his wanderings through the mountains during his escape, he’d found a deep mountain valley that was filled with evergreens - spruces he thought although he wasn’t an arborist. It had a crystal clear river running through its bottom where he had hidden for several days before moving on and finding the other refugees.

His mind returning to the present, he looked back at Master Organa and said, “I have lots to get done.”

[member="Rianna Ar'klim-Organa"]​

 

[Simeon Alde]

Simeon sensed she was having thoughts that amused her that she wasn’t willing to share. That was fair, he supposed. He knew that he definitely was as well.

“Trevor has a ship secured at the New Aldera spaceport although it’s much too large for what I think we want to do. A small atmospheric shuttle will suffice. I’ll find one. I need to be able to move around the area anyway so I may as well get busy and get that done.”

He had a line of credit arranged by his master. He would never use that now. Nor would he draw on any of the family’s accounts on Nubia to avoid making a money trail back there and leading his master to his family. He would have to see if House Alde had any local connections he could use.

He chuckled, “I don’t know if actually riding a wild thranta is practical. Even if it’s not, I’d love to see them close up in the heights.”

“If we can find a wind tunnel, I’ll teach you how you fly in a wingsuit and we can fly with them… if not on them. I have an idea you would be a natural flyer.”

He could easily envision it and would love to actually see her flying next to him. It was, however, something you didn’t learn by actually jumping off a cliff. You had to have a vertical wind tunnel to learn how to use the wings.

“So… do you think we should start at the bottom and work our way up. Or at the top and work our way down?”

[member="Arabella Darkhold"]​

 

[Rianna Organa]

[member="Trevor Alde"]

"Arthritic considering what being poisoned by the vong can do to someone, I'm relieved that you only feel arthritic." she gave a knowing nod, "but yes we can cut back the pain meds and let you stay awake longer, and it might do you good to get up and walk around don't want atrophy setting in."

She stood there for a few moment remembering what Ian had said, "Trevor a question, are there force sensitives in your family?" She wondered now what answer she would get. She did not expect a dodge of information no she was merely investigating perhaps there was something, or nothing to the change that Ian witnessed or sensed.

She wondered where Claire had gone, perhaps to check with the engineers again that were building House Organa near the Apalis coast. If it were done she would mention to send Trevor there to heal. But then the Mountain palace was done, hmm, she'd see how he improved and if it looked good she'd recommend he convalesce in the Mountains. The lake was beautiful and the history interesting.

 

[Arabella Darkhold]

[member="Simeon Alde"]

Oh her mind went some place else and it was not on mountains, she smiled ahd tried to clear her mind of the imagery there. Clearing her throat and her thoughts, "Oh let's be adventurous and start at the top and go down. That way once we are down there are other things to do enjoy the the snow, the cold, bring along something hot to do, or be totally spoiled and have a droid waiting with it"

She had to admit Simeon had a sense of life about him that she had not see in a time he seemed to vibrate with it, enthusiasm, and a seductive smile that made you want to go with him, see what he saw, and find out whether it was all talk or if there was a man of action behind these words.

"A wind tunnel..." a pause ever so slightly, "my brother could fly he used the gravity of the planet in such way it held him up" yes her brother Garith had flown much to the amazement of those around them, and even her. "I don't know if they have a wind tunnel here, where would it be if they did?" She was curious about the kind of flying Simeon wanted to do.

Course, she was up to anything. "There is only one way to find out if I'm a natural....and that is to indulge" Could she do it? Fly? ooooooooo the thought made her shiver.

 

[Claire Organa]

Claire had come down to the cafeteria to get something to eat on the go, and to touch base with the engineers on the rebuild for House Organa. She couldn't have been gone very long.

She was touching base with [member="Marzena Choi"] and with @natasi forton to see if they had any events coming up that they needed a gown for. She wanted to keep them happy, but she was also beginning to reach out to others. Her business was growing. The Spira show and the Coruscant show had given her an audience, now she just needed to meet the needs.

She thought of [member="Trevor Alde"] alive alive. She still had a hard time believing it she thought for certain he had died, or forgotten completely about her. And yet no..she wanted to take him up to the Mountain Palace just as soon as Rianna cleared him. The fresh air would be the best thing for him, lots of long walks and the things that belonged to Princess Leia all there.

She noticed many groups sitting in the cafe no one she really knew but armed with her chicken salad sandwich in one hand, and blue milk in the other she headed back towards Trevors' room.

The hospital was now like a second home, she knew what doors she could go through and ones to avoid. Tori slipped into her mind, all the things she was missing by not being here. She'd have to find her soon, at least know where she was and talk to her, know she was alive instead of this void of nothingness.

 

[Ian Milàn]

Mimi couldn’t help but smile at Ian’s confused look at her request. She tried to explain, “Master Organa has told me that I may go to the medical center on Alpha Mae and continue my training both in general medical procedures and force healing. I’ve... “

She took a deep breath and continued “I think I’ve done all I can here.”

Understanding, Ian relied, “You’re the healer that brought in Trevor Alde aren’t you? You’re actually somewhat famous upstairs. Of course, when I go you are more than welcome to join me. If you’ll give me contact information, I’ll let you know when Master Organa has released me to return.”

They chatted amicably as they finished their meal. Then they parted and Mimi returned upstairs to her patients. Ian hurried out to move the small courier type ship he had been assigned on Alpha Mae to deliver the antitoxin. It was a short flight to House Organa’s private landing pads. He landed on the rear edge and decided to use the ship’s refresher before returning to the medical center. He had to admit after the rushed flight and the time he’d spent at the medical center, he was grungier than normal.

Later... Ian sat next to Master Organa’s desk and told her, “I met Jedi Haldron in the cafeteria, Master Organa. She asked if she could fly to Alpha Mae with me when I return. She said she was going there for more training. If you have no objection, I’ll have her accompany me on my return.”

That was one thing. There was something else on his mind as well. “Umm, Master, I was wondering… do the jedi still have Knight trials?”


[member="Rianna Ar'klim-Organa"]

 

[Trevor Alde]

Trevor looked at Master Organa with no small amount of confusion. What did that have to do with anything?

“My mother is a jedi knight although she gave up her affiliation with the order to marry my father and raise a family. As far as I know, my father is not force sensitive, but, all three of us siblings are. Mother trained Amilee and Simeon and offered to train me, but, I really had no interest.”

Maybe he should have been more attentive, he though in retrospect.

“Why do you ask, Master Organa?”



[member="Rianna Ar'klim-Organa"]

 

[Rianna Organa]

"I ask Trevor because he used the force I am curious to his training" She smiled "I will return in a moment, Claire should be returning, excuse me" So he was trained by his mother but what he did was not the basic skill so his mother must have known more. Interesting. Rianna walked slow thinking...

Rianna went to he office and was preparing a request when Ian entered and sat down.

Rianna rested her hands on the desk she wanted to give [member="Ian Milàn"] the best answer, "Yes some of the orders do. Jedi Trials consist of nine steps to be tried: teamwork, isolation, fear, anger, betrayal, focus, instinct, forgiveness, protection each test designed to push the candidate in their skill."

Sometimes she wondered from where he drew his information, perhaps from reading, perhaps through intuition, or his last master. She could have such a test designed for him it would promote him quicker. He had much of the training he needed and she knew that he was capable of all the basic skills, the medallion though bothered her the uncertainty of what it meant.

Of what it could do.

Rianna studied her student after this much time there were times she could not read his thoughts or intention the remnants of his last master still clouding a deeper bond and perhaps at times over shading the progress he could make.

"And as for Jedi Haldron I have no objection to her going with you, however." How much to say, "As a word of caution Ian has an emotional attachment to one of my patients and she may be experiencing disappointment and hurt because of it. Be mindful of her."

"Now as for trials, are you thinking you would like to undergo the trials?"

Spoiler

we can do a series of threads and then appeal to an RPJ to have Ian promoted to Knight based on those threads