Private Alley Oop [Complete]

[Katarine Ryiah]

Tags: Relius Deste

Katarine was glad the village had something beautiful to look forward to but she couldn’t help but notice he had ignored her question about the mission. Maybe he truly did not want to become a Jedi. She didn’t want to force the issue.

“Sure. I may as well make myself useful. What are we hunting?”

 

[Relius Deste]

"Well, that's the fun part."

Relius turned and pointed forward.

"On the ground, we get deer-like creatures called 'jeals.' Very majestic creatures."

And then he pointed to the sky, his arm slightly diagonal.

"Afterwards," he continued, with a smirk across his face, "well, look up."

Above them not-so-far in the distance were birds - big birds - that had marvelous brown feathers and an equally incredible wingspan.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Relius Deste

Katarine felt her throat clench at the thought of killing innocent animals but she tried to smile and show enthusiasm like he was. She was about ready to be off of this planet so hopefully the Alliance would hurry with that ship coming for her.

"Alright lead the way."

 

[Relius Deste]

"Alright, then. Oh, and don't worry about the population. They overpopulate every spring season, so they provide food for the village, and we keep the population stable."

He turned to the trees and thought for a moment, and then pointed forward, slightly to the right.

"This way; tread lightly, don't wanna scare 'em off."

He began to walk in the same direction he was pointing, slowly and softly.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Katarine walked quietly as he instructed. She felt a slight sense of unease still. Katarine loved animals and did not want to hurt them but she understood how nature worked. The village had to eat and it looked like this Jedi was helping to supply for them. This was odd though. Wookies were great hunters. She wonderland again what mission had brought him and his master all the way out.

They traveled lightly, slowly, until they saw their query. Katarine hung back, wanting to see how they were supposed to get the animal.

Relius Deste

 

[Relius Deste]

"There it is," Relius whispered. He took the rifle off of his back and turned its safety off, which made a "click" sound. He stayed as still as he possibly could, breathing very slowly. Finally, he pulled the trigger, and the sound of the blaster bolt was much quieter than a normal blaster. It hit the Jeal, and he fell to the ground.

"If you hit 'em in the right place, they go without any pain. The hard part is getting two or three after the first one, because these guys have great hearing."

Relius reached out his hand, and the limp body came towards him. He then turned back to the direction of the village, and sent it that way, and laid it softly on the ground there. He could barely even see it by then. He then turned back again towards the woods. He spotted another one, and turned to Katarine.

"Do you want to give it a shot?"

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

“No I think I’m okay…”

Katarine was so obviously not a hunter. She watched as he used telekinesis to move the body and start to take aim for the next.

“So… you ever going to tell me about this mission you were sent here for?

She didn’t want to push too hard but it was difficult to see the talents of a Jedi wasted as a hunter.

Relius Deste

 

[Relius Deste]

Relius sighed and lowered his rifle. He then turned to Katarine.

"I suppose I should tell somebody at this point. The Council specifically appointed me and my master here to bond. To patch up our relationship. Our first mission hadn't gone well, so the council sent us to one of the most peaceful planets they could. We were expected to be here about a month. But I was still mad at him, and my anger turned into yelling, and that ended up sending a Force push towards him. His head hit the control panel, and the push damaged it. And then we crashed. Because of me."

His eyes were on the verge of tears, but he quickly raised his rifle again, despite being too shaky to aim well.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Katarine felt bad for him as he told the story. She knew now that it was probably guilt and remorse keeping him locked in this planet.

"We all make mistakes. I'm sure the Council would forgive you if you came back. You could make sure your masters teachings live on."

Relius Deste

 

[Relius Deste]

His hands kept shaking, and he took his finger down off of the trigger, yet did not touch the safety switch.

"I know they would forgive me. They forgive almost anyone. But I... I couldn't even step through those temple doors again. Not anymore. My place is here now. Because it is nowhere else."

His gaze stayed perfectly still, despite his shakiness, yet it was not on anything.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

"I dont want to pressure you. I just feel like it's a waste of your talents not to see your training through. When The Alliance ships arrive I'll leave you my ship and some fuel. That way if you change your mind you can come."

She was hopping he would at least consider it. There was a whole big galaxy out there to see.

 

[Relius Deste]

"I appreciate your care. I truly do. I'll... consider it. But I'm not making any promises."

Relius' shakiness had calmed, and he put his finger back on the trigger. He turned back to the second Jeal he had seen earlier, and did the same thing again. The sun then began to set behind the trees, and one of the moons came into view. The light was not yet gone, but the sky took a marvelous red, yellow, and blue mix.

"Well, would you look at that. The other two moons will come into view soon, too. You may get to see this after all."

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

"It looks like it's going to be beautiful."

She figured she would let it go for now and just let him do whatever he wanted. They would continue hunting for now and soon Katarine would be off this rock.

 

[Relius Deste]

"You know, it'll get dark soon. We should probably return to the village. They may already have the first Jeal ready, they're very quick at the skinning part. I should probably help them so they are ready for tonight, anyway."

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

"We should. The Alliance ships will be here soon as well."

They made their way back to the village, Katarine letting him lead since he knew the terrain better. When they did arrive her droid came buzzing over with a message. The Alliance was in orbit, ready to get Katarine. She could already hear the soldiers sniggers in her mind. She was never going to live this down!

"Thank you for the accommodations. Like I said I'll leave the ship and fuel so you can leave if ever you want. I know the Jedi would really welcome you back. If you ever change your mind."

Relius Deste

 

[Relius Deste]

"Thanks again. I appreciate it, truly."

Right then, the three moons began to move closer, two coming from the West, and one from the East.

"Haven't seen this in a while," Relius said, looking to the sky. Then he looked to Katarine, directly into her eyes.

"I'm just glad I finally get to share it with someone."

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

“I am glad too. Living a life as a hermit is difficult for someone so young. But you do have the villagers. Maybe you should try to integrate fully with them if you intend to stay here.”

She glanced up at the sky and smiled. It was a beautiful sight but the best part was the small ship breaking through the atmosphere. Her rescuers had arrived!

“Take care of yourself. If you change your mind the Jedi will be waiting.”

With that she made her way towards the ship that had landed. It was time for Katarine to go home.

Relius Deste

 

[Relius Deste]

Relius watched as Katarine left, and stood, amazed. Eventually, he turned and walked back home. He had a lot to think about. But one thing he already knew for sure; he would have to thank her someday.