And then the witchdoctor he told me what to do...

[Jon Burke]

Ian sat in a chaise lounge on the balcony of his hill-side apartment overlooking the skyline of Coronet City. It was nice view from a nice apartment in a nice area of a nice city. He enjoyed it, but, it was more than he needed. There was nothing here that he wouldn’t give up in a second to have both his parents back together and living on Mustafar. But that would never be. His father died and his mother was traipsing around the galaxy with a jedi. It would never be.

Ian rarely felt sorry for himself. He knew how fortunate he was to be who he was, where he was, doing what he did. But on occasion, nostalgia overwhelmed him and he went through brief periods of melancholy.

He picked up his glass and looked at it sadly. All that remained were a few mostly melted ice cubes; all the Whyren’s sipped dry earlier. He rose and went into the dining area where he had set up a makeshift wet bar; emptied the glass then refilled it half way with ice before topping that with two fingers of his Corellian whiskey of choice.

Returning to the balcony, he saw the message light on his communications terminal blinking. He
looked at it thoughtfully for a moment before shrugging and continuing to the balcony. It could wait. At best it was work with a new assignment. At worst it was one of several young ladies Ian had been to dinner with, or to a play, or a concert and wanted him to call on them again. Whatever it was, it wasn’t nearly as important as the nearing sunset over the city and Ian fully intended to watch every minute of it. Especially if that avoided having to come up with another reason not to see them.

Ian had a rule. No second dates - especially if he really liked the girl. If he thought he would like them before hand, he might not even go on that first date. It was just too dangerous. He knew himself too well. He knew that in his heart he craved the relationship his parents had before that jedi arrived. He saw how fragile that turned out to be. How destructive its failing was. No. It was safer just to remain alone than suffer that pain again.

As usual the sunset was splendid over Coronet City.

~ ~ ~

The next morning Ian remembered to check that message. As luck would have it, it was from work – a cover letter for a prospectus on a new research project.

Ian,

Rumor has it a Felucian Shaman located approximately fifty kilometers north of Jiaozi has a Felucian variant of the Iegoan Reeksa. If so, and it’s roots have the same anti-viral properties, R&D wants samples to see if it can be synthesized to have available should The Blue Shadow Virus make a reappearance.

Attached to the prospectus is a list of all catalogued medicinal spices and herbs known to be used by the Felucians. See if you can confirm the list and update it as needed.

Your survey ship is being prepared for a 2200 departure. Be there or… just be there.

Oh, yes…

Suzanna said Hi.
Marylee asked where you were hiding.
Corinne said call her.
Joanne said drop dead and never call her again - I don't think she really meant it, she ran away crying.

You never cease to amaze me, buddy. Have a safe trip.

Toon

Ian made a face at the thought of Felucia. Hot, humid, fungus-ridden, rancor-infested, force sensitive plants that want to kill you – just the kind of place to avoid when you hate heat and glow like a furnace with the force.

He reread the last few lines and thought… “maybe a trip to Felucia won’t be so bad.”

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Ian Milàn"]

[SIZE=12pt]She checked the temperature gauge in the hot house one last time, before she closed the door behind her. Finishing tending to the Nysillin, Seren is undergoing a case study on his medicinal plant, to ascertain the optimum conditions to produce a crop of high yield. Located in several areas around her farm and within the jungle, are more plots of Nysillin each of which are specifically chosen for varying environmental conditions, some she tends to more than others with one crop left to fend for itself, so to speak. It will be weeks before she begins to see results. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Immediately, she went to her bedroom to change clothes as the hot house high in humidity causes moisture to cling to her clothes and her body. The afternoon will be filled with collecting samples of water plants which will not take long, but she must travel a reasonable distance, so she decided to make some fun out of the journey and take her sketch pad. She enjoys nothing more than to sit and draw the exotic beautiful fungi and plants of her home planet. Her love for science knows no bounds, but drawing and painting is her passion.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Seren peeled on her white tank top and climbed into her cargo pants, sitting on her bed to pull on her boots. She need not pack, as her speeder is stored with all requirements, and protective gear if required. Standing, she goes to her dresser and looks in the mirror as she ties her hair in a quick pony tail. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She will eat before she leaves, the kitchen stocked well enough for her needs, she prepares her lunch. A blinking light on her wall monitor indicates a message, she grabs a cloth to wipe her hands before she hit the button and the message springs up in blue across her screen. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Darling Seren[/SIZE][SIZE=12pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]it is her mother. [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]Your father and I want to know when we will be seeing you next. He is worried you are spending too much time alone out there and not having a social life. I told him you are happy in what you do, but you know your father, he frets so. And I worry for you as well. Come and visit your silly parents darling. Love Mother. [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt] Seren sighs, but will answer tonight.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Taking her prepared lunch to a small table, Seren eats and watches the insects dance around the plants sitting on the ledge of her window. Maybe they are right, maybe I should get out more.[/SIZE]

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Serendipity"]


Ian stowed his gear and settled in pilot seat of the Nova-Drive 3-Z light freighter. Designed for a crew of two, the ship was modified to be run by one with the assistance of an R9 astromech droid. The space for eight passengers was adapted into a small lab, a sealed storage compartment for safe shipment of potentially hazardous specimens, a remarkably small galley, and the captain’s berth. Except for the berth, it was functional and utilitarian as no in-depth analysis was expected at the field level. The berth was small but richly appointed –an obvious effort by the company to keep their prize employee happy while on assignment.

The bridge was shaped in a semi-circle; consisting of two stations Ian’s pilot’s chair could be shifted between with a flip of a lever and a kick off the bulkhead. If the bridge had been a complete circle, the R9 droid’s lock-in interface station would have been in its dead center – as it was – it was located just behind Ian. Overtime R9 evolved into ‘Arnie’ when Ian was addressing the droid.

“Arnie, final systems check and report,” Ian commanded.

“Third final systems check completed,” Arnie replied snippily continually miffed by his pilot’s need for double and triple checks. “All systems are optimal. Fuels at 100%. Flight plan calculated, filed and approved by Corellian Air Traffic control. Ready for departure on your command.”

Ian smiled and replied, “Very good, Arnie. Take us out.” Ian could pilot them out, but, frankly, piloting the freighter was like flying a box and he preferred something a little more snappy. His dream ship was a Baudo-class, but, he would probably buy a DPx because he would save up the 125,000 credits for the DPx a lot sooner than the 400,000 for the Baudo. Either one was a few bonus checks away.

He monitored their liftoff, slow exit from planetary space, and transition into hyperspace for the first leg of their journey. A short hop to the Perlemian, a couple of long transit out that old trade route, and a jump down the Shaltin Tunnels and they would be there. A simple route, but, it was rather lengthy.

Unlike some, Ian didn’t care for hyperspace. It made him feel queasy so he either immersed himself in a project or slept most of the time in transit. On this trip he would have time for both.

When they had completed their first jump and Arnie reported all systems were nominal, Ian released the lock on his seat, kicked off and slid around the track to the other work station.

“Computer, play file: linguistics/jungle felucian,” he instructed as he inserted an ear bud into his ear.

The company realized one of Ian’s greatest assets in dealing with new cultures was his ability to learn their language and communicate with them on their level – or nearer than most other humans ever would. To this end, they provided him with the most updated recordings of the native language available and their translations.

The first time through the recording he just listened. The second time, he filled himself with the force and began his efforts at replicating the sounds.

Ian realized his abilities were derived from his force connection and were not just comprehension as many jedi are capable of learning; but, that comprehension plus an actual physical alteration of his throat, voice box and vocal cords – the specifics and extent of which varied with each new language he learned and how alien it was to the human tongue. It still mystified him as much as it had his original jedi instructors back in his youth.

By the fourth or fifth time through the recording, he could imitate the vocalizations almost perfectly. He realized there was something missing in this recording, however. It was said, the Felucians demonstrated a guttural, barking language similar to the Tusken Raiders. He knew now that comparison was entirely superficial. There was a layer to the Felucian speech that was missing and he was relatively certain what it was. The Felucians were force sensitive and able to communicate through the force. Ian surmised that missing element to the recording was undoubtedly the mental, force enabled element of their speech. That he couldn’t practice with a cooperative Felucian.

Knowing he had accomplished all he could, he rose and went back to the galley for a snack before retiring to his cabin for a long hyperspace nap.

~ ~ ~

Ian watched with curiosity as the sphere that was Felucia grew in his canopy. The day side of the planet revealed as a glittering, multicolor tapestry reflecting the sun’s light, while the dark-side was very dark. By most galactic standards, Felucia was sparsely populated and light pollution was virtually non-existent. Only dimly glowing fungal luminescence marked the areas of densest jungle.

His destination was a small landing field on the outskirts of Jiaozi which was currently deep in its night cycle. He let Arnie confirm clearances and set them down as he continued to watch the planet grow before him during their approach.

He would spend the remainder on the night on board and begin his investigation at first light. He had an aversion to stumbling around an unknown jungle in the dark.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Ian Milàn"]

[SIZE=12pt]A strong gust of wind entered through her window, dislodging a trestle of dark hair which Seren immediately pushed back behind her ear. Moving from the table to the kitchen she put away her plate to be cleaned before heading to the door, grabbing a light jacket which hung by the door. The afternoon light offered the promise of clear weather, however Serendipity knew all too well the fickle nature of the planet. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Her ever ready small pack sits on the passenger seat of her speeder, filled with food rations and water, many times she had been caught within the jungle because of unexpected circumstances, mostly due to her finding something that triggered interest and a driving want for further research and if she wished to remain overnight, then she would not go hungry.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Seren started up her Gian Land speeder and pushed the throttle forward. Her journey would take over two hours and through a small village that serviced the surrounding water farms, through the dangerous terrain of the Felucian Spore plants and their counterparts of the orange-green spike plants. Her destination the lush dense jungle filled with exotic vivid coloured fungi and flora and home to the carnivorous Reeksa Vine which grew within the large watery sinkholes.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Her journey ended without incident, Seren much practiced at navigating through the hazardous fields, knowing the most advantageous route to avoid disturbing the violent plants. She jumped out of her speeder into the humid air of the rich green cathedral. The canopy high above her, only allowed minimal light to pierce the floor, the scent of decaying foliage organic and rich filled her senses, coupled with the aromas of flowers enticing insects to pollinate or be lured to their demise. The mingling aromas intoxicating and sat delicately on her exposed skin. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The sound of falling water not far in the distance, invited her to join it, refreshing to her ears and mind, the small babbling brook feeding the main sinkhole, sourced from a spring deep within the jungle, a spring she has yet to find. The landscape undulates and many small crystal watered pools gather before letting into the sinkhole. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She grabbed her sampling bag from the back compartment of the speeder and threw it over her shoulder and began her way toward the pools. [/SIZE]

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Serendipity"]


The sun was creeping up above the horizon and Ian imagined he could see the steam rising over the jungle. Or maybe it wasn’t his imagination. Raised on Mustafar, he had an unusually high tolerance to heat, but, this was heat plus a near 100% humidity and he was already sweating. He shook his head in resignation and turn back to Arnie.

“Deploy the exploration droids, Arnie,” He instructed. “Standard mapping grid pattern. And prepare the Astral for departure. Full loadout for an extended stay.”

“Yes, sir,” Arnie replied. “And will I be accompanying you?”

"No. I want you to stay here and take care of the ship.”

“As you wish, sir. And sir, please hurry. I think I’m already beginning to rust.”

Ian gave him a sympathetic chuckle. “We will be away from this sauna as soon as possible,” he assured the droid although he knew Arnie’s alloys were safe from problems of rust and the little droid was just being his usual, dramatic self.

“I’m going for a walk about to see if I can get any information,” he informed the R2 droid on his way out of the ship. “Be sure to get those droids away, ASAP.”

Ian needed information. He had a general direction of the Shaman’s village but needed more information not to spend weeks wandering around in circles in the jungle.

~ ~ ~

After walking through the small town several hours, Ian was more confused than before he started. Everyone had a different location for the Shaman and most weren’t even in the direction he had been given in his report. One thing he learned made that problem seem more logical. It seemed the Felucians roamed around their territory frequently and were often seen in different locations tending and harvesting crops specific to those areas. Another suggestion actually perked his interest… “ask a Felucian.”

Ian walked to the outskirts of the town again and looked for the farm he had been directed to find. In this case the Felucians were the reptilian hominoids that grew nysillin for their livelihood. They were vastly different from the Jungle Felucians, but, provided a cultural bridge Ian hoped to exploit.

The ‘city’ Felucians spoke basic making his inquiries easier, but, no more fruitful. They did have one possibility he might investigate. It seemed there was a location on the edge of the jungle where curious adolescent Jungle Felucians came to spy on the human community. ‘Darn kids,” Ian thought as he made his way to the location he was given.

He knew he would never see one of them if he simply walked into the small clearing. He found a log about twenty meters away and sat on it cross-legged. He filled himself with the force and recalled the recordings he listened to in route.

He made a rattling, croaking sound that approximated ‘greetings’ while projecting peace and welcome through the force. An immediate, startled rustling in the underbrush was the only response he received, but, he did sense waves of curiosity washing over him via the force. He continued projecting his invitation and heard and sensed something coming nearer very slowly. After several minutes of invitation and reassurance he came within sight. At least Ian had the impression it was a he. It was light grey with bright blue markings and stood about 1.4 meters tall – either a really small adult or a ‘teenager…’ and his name was Meerv.

Meerv was an approximation of the Felucians name. The entire name even Ian couldn’t approach with his linguistics gift. Meerv was just as intrigued as Ian at their meeting and the two chatted for almost three hours. During the course of the conversation, Ian gained two things: an in depth knowledge of both the verbal and the mental/force components of Jungle Felusianese, and, an agreement from Meerv to meet him the next day at noon at the river crossing ten kilometers north of town. From there he would guide Ian to the Shamans’ current location. For the first time today, Ian felt excited about the prospects of this assignment.

~ ~ ~

Arnie had the Astral unloaded, fueled and packed and was now monitoring the progress of the exploration droids. The EDs were small cylinders roughly half meter tall that were equipped with an almost silent repulsor. They were programmed to move stealthily through their assigned territory, recording a HD holovid as they went, simultaneously recording and transmitting the feed back to the freighter. He had so far marked the locations of many large animals he had no identity for, several of the Jungle Felucians, and one human female. The presence of a human female was unremarkable to Arnie, but, not so to Ian.

When Arnie made his summary report to Ian upon his return, Ian immediately replayed the video recording and scratched his head thoughtfully. She appeared to be following a stream while occasionally stopping to collect plant samples. Or was she sketching them?

Ian was perplexed. Was another company already on world collecting the samples Ian was sent to recover? Or was there some other explanation? Certainly a human… especially one as attractive as she was… wouldn’t voluntarily LIVE in this hothouse of a jungle. Would she?

Ian sighed and turned off the recording. He looked at the chronometer and estimated how long he had before dark.

“Arnie, I have to leave now. Bring the EDs back for recharging and send them out again in the morning. Transmit anything that looks unusual to me and I’ll determine if I need to investigate. Oh, and take care of the place. No wild parties.”

Ian left the befuddled R9 unit and set out for the coordinates of the mystery woman. He wove the Astral deftly through the increasingly dense vegetation, fungal and otherwise. After what seemed an eternity he found the woman’s Gian. Securing the Astral nearby, he set out on foot following the route observed by the EDs. When he reached the end of that coverage, he followed her trail sign in the damp soil.

Finally he saw a flash of movement further up the stream. He hurried to keep her in sight and catch up. Shortly, he burst into the clearing where she was engaged in collecting what looked like a slimy toadstool to Ian.

Ian gave the shocked woman a smile and said, “Dr. Livingston I presume?”

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Ian Milàn"]

She was almost ready to call it a day, having collected the samples of water plants and fungi required, she had only just stood up when the sound of someone approaching made her head snap in that direction. No one is every out here, save for her. Her brown eyes fixed on the man, although her face showed the surprise of his arrival she remained stoic. There seemed to be on malice coming form him, at least what little force ability she has informed of this. She pulled in a deep breath, "You presume incorrect", she spoke but would not give her name just yet, "Who might you be? and what is your business here?".

The area of the sinkholes is little known to most and she is suspicious of how this man would come by this location and even more so in his purpose. Her eyes traveled over him, searching for any sign of intent, no weapon visible at least but that did not mean none was hidden. His attire however, suggested practicality for the terrain and framed his body well. Her eyes returned to his face, a handsome face showing signs of facial growth and hair slightly unkempt, but she had to admit to herself, pleasant to look upon.

However, she turned away her gaze and secured her last sample for the day, before placing it in her bag. As she placed bag strap over her shoulder she turned back to him now, and awaited his answers, with a strong sense of curiosity.

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Serendipity"]


Well, that little icebreaker joke went over like a lead balloon.

Ian watched with some amusement and some embarrassment as she coolly completed her collection before turning back to face him. He hadn’t meant to startle her, but, when thinking on it, how could he not. A stranger walking up on her here in the middle of nowhere.

“My name is Ian Milàn. I’ve been sent by a medical research firm on Corellia to collect some plant samples used by the Jungle Felucians in their Shaman’s ritual healings.”

He gave her an apologetic smile and continued, “I’m very sorry to have startled you crashing in here on you like this. One of my survey droids spotted you collecting samples and marked your position. I have a meeting somewhat early in the morning so I couldn’t wait until you returned to your Gian for fear you may be planning to overnight out here.” Although Ian had no idea why any human would want to do such.

“I though perhaps, if you know the local plant life and the territory and you're willing, you could advise me on the best way for me to proceed. I’ve always found local knowledge to be invaluable in searches such as this.”

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Ian Milàn"]

"I was about to go for a swim", a dive in actual fact, to collect samples deeper within the pools. She moved passed him, indicated for Ian to follow and started back toward the Gian. "I Shaman's use many plants and ingredients in rituals, which of them are you looking for?".

As he caught up to her, she offered a more conducive smile, although Seren is aware of the necessity of medical research groups, she distrusts them, as far too many of them are corrupted by the bottom line with operational and development procedures that are very questionable.

"I am Serendipity, Xenobotanist and researcher. Call me Seren it is easier".

Finally reaching the Gian, Seren placed her samples securely in the trunk, before she closed the door she looked over her dive equipment and then back to Ian. "I tell you what I will help you find what your need only if you will assist me. Can you swim?".

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Serendipity"]


Ian felt as if he had hit the jackpot. A botanist and a researcher… He couldn’t have asked for a better resource.

“I have two goals. We have a catalog of medicinal plants found on Felucia that I was charged with updating as best I can; however, my primary goal is to meet with the Shaman whose territory is north of here. We have received word that he has a plant that is very similar to the Reeksa of Iego. If so, I’m to try and get a sample to see if it contains the same alkaloids in its roots as the Reeksa.”

He didn’t mention the fear his superiors had of a return of the Blue Shadow Virus. She could probably connect the dots but it wasn’t something he felt comfortable discussing.

He was sure he got a panicked look on his face when she asked if he could swim. First because he would normally not get in these jungle waters without some sort of full body armor. If for no other reason he had an irrational fear of the candiru, even though he had no reason to think they existed on Felucia. Second, he couldn’t swim.

“Umm, Seren… I grew up on Mustafar. We didn’t have many opportunities to swim there. I would probably sink like a rock. I’ll help you any way I can, short of drowning.”

Besides, what would he swim in? He didn’t have a swimming suit, just some bright red boxer briefs that were bound to attract every predator in the sink holes. But… if that was the price for getting her assistance.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Ian Milàn"]

"A baptism of fire", she mused. "I have never seen Mustafar, an interesting place by all accounts, I would like to see the lava".

She looked toward the north, the Shaman's villages a good distance away and through some treacherous jungle, from this location it would not be easy to get there. She thought about his needs for a moment and in her ability to assist. "I can help with an updated list of medicinal plants for Felucia but that information is back at my farm on my database. If you like we can go there once finished here".

"Now for a baptism of water", she said smiling throwing him a re-breather. Seren pulled out her skins only to find an old wet suit, only the bottoms however, but that would have to do him. "Try these for size", she said holding them out for him to take. Seren began to remove her clothing until she stood in her underwear, divers have no time or patience for modesty and did not regard any awkwardness Ian may feel. Soon enough she had peeled the skins around her body and zipped up.

"You don't have to come in deep with me, I will collect my samples if you would hold the sampling bag for me .. oh and don't mind some of the water creatures they nip but don't eat much". She grinned as she began her walk back to the pool.

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Serendipity"]


Ian looked at Seren’s retreating back as she walked towards the sink hole with undisguised dismay. Not that he’d been dismayed as she changed into her wetsuit. It had been all he could do not to gawk. Research xenobotanists had no reason to look so good. He wondered if he should complement her appearance; once again chagrined at the uncertain social skills he developed growing up with Mustafarian children rather than humans. Was it appropriate to compliment a stranger as she undressed? He shook his head in frustration and as usual said nothing. Despite the way he attracted women at work and the times he went out with a few of them, Ian had never experienced intimacy. Yes, our boy was still a virgin. Paradoxically, at least to Ian, when the women he dated realized that little fact, they seemed to become even more interested in him. He doubted he would ever understand women.

Ian looked at the wetsuit bottom she offered him and imagined dozens of those little nips on his exposed skin. He opened the back of his Astral and pulled out a self-contained biohazard suit. It was bulky and awkward, but, he would receive none of those “little” bites she alluded to. And he definitely couldn’t swim in it but he could manage. He’d just walk instead of swim.

He quickly undressed down to the aforementioned red boxer briefs and slipped into the biohazard suit with the skill of experience. He was soon following her into the sink hole. He watched her give him a look of amusement before she slipped under the water.

He couldn’t help but blush. He took a step out into the water and… OH CRAPPPPPPPPP…..

He really hadn’t expected that drop off. Not too far away from him he watched her forlornly as he slipped past, deeper and deeper.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Ian Milàn"]

Placing the re-breather in her mouth, Seren was about to dive under the deep blue waters of one of the smaller sinkholes when she sudden heard the splash and Ian's sudden spike of adrenaline. She sensed it and her head snapped around to see him sinking fast. His feet had missed the ledge only a yard from his position and with all thoughts of her assignment and the amusing sight of him, gone. Seren immediately dived under the water to his position, her legs kicking to propel her fast through the water. She had to move quickly, or that suit would soon weight him down and she would struggle to bring him to the surface. Seren hoped at least he would have his re-breather she handed him.

Seren came up from under him, placing one arm around his waist and used the other to push them both back up to the surface. She looked at him through his protective mask to see if he was still breathing or if fear had gripped him, for the most part he seemed surprised and unsure and so she removed her re-breather to mouth instruction hoping he could read her lips. "Kick your legs", she said more then once as air bubbles issued from her mouth.

Little by little they began to move upward, Seren had contemplated removing the suit but that would only make the situation worse, as soon as she would unzip the suit it would fill with water and make the rescue almost impossible.

Finally, the two broke the surface of the water and Seren guided Ian to the ledge, she has not the strength to pull him up out of the water but held him there until he found his feet again.

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Serendipity"]


Well this was embarrassing.

But there was something more important at the moment. Ian kicked as best he could in the suit. After his initial shock of stepping off the underwater ledge, he calmed knowing he could levitate himself out of the water whenever needed. That was difficult to communicate when you were being rescued. And so ably.

What was more on his mind, though, was the glimpse of something he saw resting on the bottom of the sink hole. He couldn’t tell what it was but it definitely stood out among the various water grasses.

When they broke the surface, he stepped back onto the ledge and opened his face plate and turned to face Seren. “Thanks, Seren,” he offered. “I missed that first step.” He gave her a grin that clearly showed he was having fun rather than frightened or intimidated. And he had enjoyed his rescue immensely.

“I want to go back down there. I saw something I want to see closer… and we can get your samples. I can control my ascent and descent now.”

He resealed his face plate and motioned for them to go back down. Ian stepped back off the ledge and this time descended in a more controlled fashion using the force to slow his fall into the darkness of the depths of the clear water of the sink hole.

Ian reached the bottom, his feet sinking into silty bottom. He regained his balance and turned towards the center of the pool. He immediately saw the shadowy image he’d glanced before and something about its shape nagged at him. He stepped closer, one ponderous step after another until near enough to see the container clearly. He stopped dead in his tracks and did a double take, making sure he was seeing the image clearly. He snapped a holocam of its holder on his wrist and took a series of images.

This time he put his arm around Seren’s waist and levitated the two of them up much faster than she could have swum to the surface; indeed he didn’t stop levitating them until they broke the surface completely and he dropped them gently onto the soft grass surrounding the sink hole.

He unclasped the helment of his biohazard suit and removed it. By way of explanation he projected the holoimage he’d taken. A shimmering aqua image appeared in which a metal canister with a familiar warning symbol sat ominously.

Ian indicated a series of clasps around the canister and said, “The seals are still intact. Any idea why a biocontainer of a neurotoxin is sitting on the bottom of your sink hole?”

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Ian Milàn"]

[SIZE=10.5pt]She grinned back relieved he was in good spirits after the rescue, one can never tell in these situations, as most people that cannot swim, panic, and can be dangerous to the rescuer. But what caught her attention at this point, was Ian’s smile, it seemed to ignite his face with expression and his eyes sparkled, or maybe it was just a trick of the light?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]However the delighted expression on her face dropped away when he suggested going back down. She did not wish to have to pull him back out of there, but he assured her he could manage this time. Reluctantly she agreed, but her curiosity was piqued as clearly something bothered him. Seren would stay close to him however, just in case.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Considering his last venture into the deep waters was less than successful, Seren was surprised as to his control and wondered how he came to do this. She could sense a strong pull of the force around him and it was then she realised his is force sensitive. This awareness only comes to her by chance mostly, as she is not trained in any way to recognise signatures with any degree of knowledge. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Seren was close as Ian reached to floor of the sinkhole, her bare feet feeling the slimy ooze between her toes which as strangely nice to the touch. However, she remained alert and as Ian moved toward the centre of the waters she followed with her arms waving through the waters to help propel her. Then, Seren saw it, a dark object nestled within the long grasses of the waters, she frowned knowing this was never a part of the sinkhole and new. However, she could not make out what it was. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Her eyes caught of Ian reaching for something but she wanted to move closer to the object, however he had stopped dead and an alert through the force ceased her movement. More questions entered her mind, which took her attention however, the next moment she knew was Ian taking her around the waist and pressing her to his body as they both propelled upward toward the surface at a rapid rate. The next minute she knew they are both standing back within the grass by the edge of the pool. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Quickly removing her re-breather, “What is that..”. She did not finish as the holoimage jumped into view and answered her unspoken question. With complete shock written on her face, for the moment she could not answer him. “How? … I have no idea”. Her face darkened, “Ian, we have to get that out of there and secure it, the force knows what type of neurotoxin it contains. One thing for sure is that it has not been there long. I come here frequently”. [/SIZE]

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Serendipity"]


Ian continued to examine the image projected before them listening as she exclaimed that it hadn’t been there long.

“It may be a new addition here, but, it’s not new. It’s a really old style container. It was found all those exposed, external locking clamps were a vulnerability and easily damaged allowing leaks.”

He rotated the image looking for any possible problem areas and couldn’t see anything he could indentify.

“Do you think maybe this could be left from the old Commerce Guilds attempt to poison the planet’s water supply? It could be from that era. The question then would be who had it and why did they drop it in this sink hole.”

The logical answer to that to Ian was to hide it. He saw no signs of weaponization. And what would they do if they knew they had been discovered. He turned the holoprojector off and did a slow 360 degree survey of their surroundings before stepping over to the Astral and opening a compartment, revealing a sophisticated communications package.

He send Arnie an encrypted tight beam message rather than sending it over an open network.

“PRIORITY ONE ASSIGNMENT. Reprogram and deploy droids ASAP. Full precautions; search parameters: Locate and identify all surveillance droids and any other non-native activity in a 10 kilometer radius from my current position. Immediate initiation.”

Ian turned back to Seren and told her, “I can get it out. The problem will be what to do with it then. And will the people that dropped that in there be unhappy with us for spoiling their plans.”

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Ian Milàn"]

It was true, the canister looked old indeed. Thankfully, for now still in tact. "You be could right, but I think if someone had dropped it here to get rid of it or hide it, then I doubt they will be back to check on it and if they had other more sinister intentions then we must work fast, if what you suspect is to correct".

"I don't care if whoever dropped it here is unhappy. I am unhappy.. and want to get to the bottom of this", her face furrowed further as her temper rose at the thought of someone deliberately contaminating her home planet once more. Seren began stalking around the area, getting more furious and frustrated by the second. Her fling her arm out and pointed north, "There are people living in this area that rely on this water to supply them and their crops, if that thing leaked..", she stopped and took in a deep breath to calm herself and there is no need to tell Ian what it would mean, he would know well enough.

"I am going to find out who done this and have them brought to justice", she looked directly at him with a firm face, her venture to collect samples and their chance meeting had rapidly developed into a situation neither of them had envisaged.

"I have an isolation chamber in my lab back at my farm, it would safe there. My father would be able to collect it and dispose of it in the correct manner, you say you can get it out, the problem is transportation back to my home. It is located south and through some dangerous terrain and will take over two hours journey".

"The question that needs answered is, was this just someone scared and trying to get rid of an unfortunate find or a deliberate act". She looked into his face for answers, but she knew he would not have them, just as much as she. What a welcome to Felucia for him.

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Serendipity"]


Ian watched Seren pace back and forth and suppressed a smile least she think he thought the situation inconsequential. He didn’t. He knew it was very serious if that canister still had a payload as it appeared. It was just that the passion she was showing right down to the flush of her cheeks moved him in ways he hadn’t experienced or expected.

“I can transport it to your lab, Seren. My Astral is equipped to transport specimens up to Biosafety Level four. If you can arrange for its destruction from there, I will be happy to transport it home for you.”

He released a series of clamps and a clam-shell hatch opened. He opened it fully and walked back to the sink hole, stopping right on its edge. Although his training was abruptly ended, he’d learned levitation on his own well before that training began; levitating his young 3 year old self to reach the cookies cooling on the counter top. Training only focused and strengthened that skill.

He shut out all the external distractions he could and filled himself with the force. That was a fine distinction with Ian. He always had a force presence and had the force moving through him all the time. He consciously filled himself when he had a challenging task he wanted to be sure he had the strength to complete. Indeed, masking his presence was a lesson the Knight was concerned about for Ian and intended to train him in the skills necessary. But that was before Ian’s life fell apart.

He closed his eyes, mainly to enhance his concentration as a rather shapely woman was standing nearby in a form-fitting wet suit, and used his force sense to locate the canister. Wrapping it with tendrils of force, he began pulling – to break it free of the mud it had sunk down into – and lifting.

It was stuck in the mud so tightly he began to wonder if it was bolted down somehow, but, he finally sensed it breaking free. It was easy after that. He lifted it up through the clear water and suspended it in the air as he stepped back to the Astral. He lowered it into the waiting compartment and set it down gently, releasing his force hold on it. He looked it over quickly, assuring himself there were no leaks or signs of damage that might lead to leaks. Satisfied, he closed the hatch and reset the latches. He then pressed a switch that filled the compartment with a jel-foam.

“We need to give that foam a couple of minutes to set up, but, then we need to leave. If there are any force-predators in the area, what I just did will draw them in rather quickly.”

He began stripping the biohazard suit off and enjoyed a moment standing there in his shorts after the heat of the suit before slipping his clothes back on.

“If you’ll lead, I’ll follow you back to your lab.”

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Ian Milàn"]

"Thank you Ian that would be most appreciated", she said as she unzipped the back of her wet suit down to the small of her back and watched Ian ready the compartment toward the back of his speeder. Seren was about to peel out of the suit but stopped as he closed his eyes, wondering what had come over him she moved closer to inquire but did not speak.

Again she felt the powerful surge of the force around him and waited to see what would transpire, she did not have to wait long. The surface of the crystal blue waters lifted as the canister broke through and steadily rose up into the air. Seren continued to watch with ever increasing amazement, although she is aware of such abilities within force users, she has never advanced her ability which is basic at best. However, since meeting Ian she began to realise the value of it and applications that would be beneficial to her work.

The canister floated toward the speeder and placed down with steady hand secured with in the compartment. Ian wasted no time insuring this and she could hear the compartment fill with the gel. A small sense of relief washed through her and it was now she began peeling off her wet suit from the shoulders. "There are many force predators in this area that would be prudent", she said as she wriggled and pushed her suit to her waist as it is never easy or graceful to remove when wet. She looked up from her endeavours toward Ian to find he had peeled out of his suit and stood there basking in the cool air. It is now apparent what frame of body his clothes so nicely fitted and her eyes took in his strong and fit physicality.

She looked away quickly as he began to dress and moved to her speeder to find her own clothes, that and the fact she suddenly felt a sense of modesty as they both stood closer semi-naked. She had never felt such awkwardness before, many times she had climbed in and out of her wet suit in front of fellow divers, but never had she felt uncomfortable from a warm flush running through her. Seren made quick work of it and soon stood in her cargo pants and tank top, water patches forming on the fabric from her wet underwear, but that did not concern her.

"Stay close to me as we travel, I know the safest way through the forests of spore and spike plants", she said as she climbed into her speeder and started the engines.

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Serendipity"]



Ian hadn’t thought about the appropriateness of their dress as relieved as he was to get out of that extremely hot biohazard suit. That, plus the humidity of the jungle, had him glistening with sweat. He grabbed a towel out of his kit and dried off before putting his clothes back on.

He sensed, rather than actually noticed the change in her demeanor from casual to… embarrassed? Was that right? He looked at her trying to determine the cause of her consternation and was amused that the liberal farm-girl diver had become self-conscious being in a state of undress in front of him. Amused and disappointed as he quite liked having her standing around in her wet under clothing. He had been pool side at his apartment complex in Coronet City many times when the women tried to outdo themselves on who could wear the least swimming suit. None of them were nearly so appealing as Seren in her skivvies; none of them nearly so endearing as she when she became embarrassed.

He smiled and looked away, giving her a moment of privacy to redress and knew it was time for them to be leaving. He could feel the primal force of the jungle swelling around them and really didn’t want to find out what might be at its center.

"Stay close to me as we travel, I know the safest way through the forests of spore and spike plants," she instructed. Ian was happy to do so and entered his Astral and activated the repulsors, lifting the truck-like land speeder a couple of meters off the jungle surface. He would pilot his larger speeder slightly higher than her and stay a safe distance from her rear.

“Ready, Seren. I’ll monitor local channel 32 on the comm if you need to tell me anything.”

Ian looked at the sky. It would be dark soon and she said it was a two hour journey. He hoped the creatures of the night weren’t early risers.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Ian Milàn"]

As soon as Ian was ready, Seren wasted no time pushing the Gian forward. She had acknowledge his suggestion of keeping an open channel and immediately opened a link to him if required. The colour light of the evening sky not visible to them yet, the canopy thick with vines and heavy leaves, but soon they would push through this to the giant fungi fields. Although, as kilometers go, they are not far, but the terrain demands caution and provides natural obsticles.

Seren is also worried about the canister in Ian's speeder, even though all precautions have been take with what they have available, she would hate for anything to happen to him. With a heavy sigh, she proceed to glide with ease through the terrain and soon they entered the giant mushroom fields.

​

​

"Ian, stay close now and watch my movement", she said through the comm. She slowed her pace and wove her well traveled track. Seren is never without trepidation each time she comes this way, but she has a natural ability to calm the plants through the force and so nothing befalls her. As long as Ian remains behind her and mirrors her movement they will soon approach the water farms.