Corellian Jedi — notoriously contrary

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus strode back to VlPER's ship in good spirits. The snappiness in her behaviour gone. As they reached the landing site, Corvus laughed to VlPER.

"Did you really think I'd kill a man in cold-blood?"

'Only if he deserved it.' The thought wasn't Corvus' but it came from her brain. Surely there was no more objective Jedi than she - and if someone deserved to die, she'd be the best judge of the fact. That, thought Corvus, was the truth of it.

[member="VlPER"]

 

[VlPER]

Viper smirked as he walked past her onto his vessel. "You saying I'm lying about my vision?" He walked to the bridge and began to prep the ship for take off. "Look." He said with a sigh as his fingers danced along the control panels. "Normally, I would never have thought so. But then, all I asked, is that you promise to keep me in the loop and make sure we work together on this....thing you are trying to figure out. You didn't. I also didn't make this up. I certainly didn't want to have that particular vision. And be mindful of your thoughts Corvus, they betray you."

He said with a wink over his shoulder. She seemed to have forgotten he is naturally telepathic....actually she didn't know that, ever as he never told her what he really was. Good thing to as it turned out, he supposed. But it certainly made reading peoples thoughts a lot easier. "You say we are going to Corellia to look for a Jedi Master who may have killed your old master...someone I know you were close to."

He turned back to her with a reasoning expression. "This whole situation is a recipe for disaster. It wouldn't be inconceivable for someone even as...abiding to the rules as you are to slip on just once. That's all I'm saying, as a friend."

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus was about to bite at his comments until she saw the familiar smirk on his face. She followed him and helped him with the pre-flight checks.

“Agreed,” was all she initially offered as he shared his thoughts. “But you know as much as I do at present. It’s been a bad few days. Oh and ha ha with the Obi Wan quote.” The good-natured Corvus was back.

Aware that she hadn’t shared any of what happened in the vaults with him, she sighed. As he finished the checks and the ship started to move, she opened up.

“On the morning we were coming to Rhen Var I was woken by a Padawan. I say the morning, it was probably the middle of the night. Anyway, a Padawan named Elara asked for my help. I understand she was the Padawan to Master Sophia Walsh – who went missing on Alderaan. She said she’d been asked to find a Padawan and request they help her find a vault hidden under the Academy. Apparently the Jedi investigating Master Walsh’s disappearance had a map of the ruins and wondered if there was an explanation down there as to why the Sith are able to turn so many.“

“It seems I was chosen as they didn’t know who to trust plus they didn’t want a widespread search in case it panicked people.”

“Anyway, the map took us to an old lab. Blood covered tables and walls. And computer equipment. I suspect it was one of Seras’ labs – he was an infamous Sith butcher. We saw a Padawan run away but didn’t pursue them at this point.”

“Then a hologram appeared. It seemed to think we were Padawans who were already Sith spies but it didn’t recognise us. It was the Sith Lord Balaya. When she realised we weren’t the ones she was expecting, she asked us to swear allegiance.”

“Naturally we didn’t stay – and on our way out we found some rings and deduced they were used by Padawan spies to identify each other. Elara wanted to wear them but I put mine in my pocket.”

“We followed the trail of the Padawan we’d seen before out of the Academy and came upon some Jedi ships nearby. Then another landed – Master Vulpesen's Defender Class. I’m a Corellian, we know our ships!”

“Anyway, Balaya came out of the ship. Elara ran to attack her and the group that was around her and was immediately taken.”

“And I ran away.” This time there were no tears – just a defiant jaw. “So if I seem a little prickly, that’ll be why. I feel guilty over the young Padawan’s capture is all.”

[member="VlPER"]

 

[VlPER]

Viper was somewhat astonished by what he heard. There were ton of questions that could quickly be asked. Though most seemed irrelevant. Heading toward space, he tried to ask. "I'm sorry you lost your friend. It sounds like it was her own fault though, not yours. Though something else troubles me. You didn't see the need to inform any of the masters about Sith being on our main world of Ossus?" A curious glance was shot her way, after he said it. While he waited his eyes drifted down towards her hand again. "And is that the ring you mentioned....now on your hand?"

He hadn't noticed it in the caves. But now on the ship with good lighting, and after her mentioning it, it was plain as day for a woman who in every other way, was very simple in her dress. He didn't really say much else. It was a lot to take in, and he was trying to see if her story somehow fit into this trip to Corellia somehow.

But a connection between the two events was not forthcoming. So, he opted instead, to wait and hear what she had to say.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus looked at VlPER. “Of course we told someone! The fact that ships can seemingly come and go near the Academy without being challenged is a real worry. And the fact that Jedi are turning to the dark side is common knowledge – as are the vaults. But Balaya on Ossus soil was a real shock. She’s one of the most infamous Sith Lords.”

Corvus then stared at the ring. Somewhere Elaya was being tortured – she could almost hear the screams in her head now. “Yes,” she said and toyed with the gold band. “It’s a reminder of how I failed Elaya. A necessary reminder.”

[member="VlPER"]

 

[VlPER]

Viper was naturally wary of anything Sith. You never could be sure what kind of spells or alchemynor whatever they called there dark arts, could have been put into something. Still, it was Corvus. He seemed fine with her responses, and settled in for the trip to Corellia. As she finished speaking about the ring, he placed a hand softly on hers and over it.

Giving her hand a gentle squeeze he smiled. "We'll make it right. Some how, some way. We'll make it right. You'll see." Releasing her hand, he activated the hyperdrive and sent them shooting off into hyperspace.

After the long, draining day, he stretched out and offered. "I think I'm going to get a small glass of a certain whiskey to relax. Care to join me?"

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus smiled at VlPER’s kind words. It had been some time since she’d not been either fighting, running or exhausting herself in one way or another. She was focused and sometimes forgot that just relaxing and having a drink wasn’t a sin against the Order.

“I’d like that.”

As they walked, she spoke out loud as her thought processes kicked in. “In my vision, I couldn’t see the Sith – he, or I suppose she, had their back to me. How do I know who they are? If they’re still on Corellia even?”

Corvus’ brain felt tired and hoped that VlPER had some ideas.

[member="VlPER"]

 

[VlPER]

Viper winced slightly at the topic going back to the visions so soon. He might need a double. Listening to her question though, he pondered how to answer. "Well. Considering both of us had the vision with you on Corellia finding this man....." He paused for a second, as realization dawned on him. "Wait! That's right. In my vision, you were fighting a man. So if the vision is correct, and the force isn't just playing a sick trick on me. We can at least narrow the search possibilities by half."

He shrugged with a small laugh. It really didn't help them too much, but it was a start. "Anyway, as I was saying. Since we both had the vision with you on Corellia. I think it would be safe to say he's still there. As for knowing exactly who it is..." He closed his eyes and cleared his mind so that nothing but his vision remained. Saber slashes, the hums and crashes. Grunts and growls in anger as the two faced off. The sudden strike that signaled the end was coming. Again Viper winced. It seemed so real at the time. As the mans saber fell, his hands went up and his hood fell back. He could see his face. The sudden cowardly look in his eye as he began surrendering. Then-- Viper shook his head and opened his eyes.

"...I can help you identify him." He said a bit more solemnly than he had been speaking, just moments before. "Besides. I have a feeling he will remember the padawan of the master he killed. I doubt strongly that you won't be able to sense who it is when we find him." Walking into the little bar area, he pulled out a couple glasses and poured some of his favorite whiskey. It held a surprisingly small amount of joy for him this time though. Handing Corvus her glass, he nevertheless gave a small smile and held his glass to her.

"Here's to....." He smirked and let out a light laugh. "Here's to bonds of friendship. May they forever stay strong." Viper would clink her glass, and then take a large sip.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus nodded as VlPER spoke.

“OK, a man. And you’d recognise him again. At worst we have to meet every Jedi there until you see the one we want. And you’re right, we have the Force.”

She took the glass. “Odd. Last time we drank this we were going to your home planet.”

“To friendship.”

As enjoyable as the whiskey was, she couldn’t wait for the journey to end.

[member="VlPER"]

 

[VlPER]

"Hmm. Very ironic. Let's not make it a habit to share a drink, only when we are about to embark on life threatening fool hearty missions from now on. Sound good?" He said with a lighthearted laugh.

With that, the rest of the evening was spent in each others quiet company, with casual discussion being the most pressing thing on the agenda for once. Viper actually didn't mind space travel. It was one of the few times in between the hectic, busy, exhausting, or mentally taxing events that ruled their Jedi lives, that they could just relax.

The several days it took to make it to Corellia, did finally pass though. Rover, Vipers little astromech, scooted on through his room and woke him up to let him know. "Ok, ok buddy. I got it, thanks." Viper quickly got, got ready, and went to let Corvus know.

Laying a gentle hand on her shoulder, he shook her lightly. "Corvus. We're here."

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus sensed that VlPER was enjoying the jorney – relaxed almost. For Corvus every minute that past was a minute closer to landing on her home world.

She wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing? At times she was relaxed about it. They would find the culprit and hand him over to the authorities. And then, a darker mood would overtake her. She would make the murderer pay. The only justice Sith understood was death.

But eventually they arrived. Corvus’ nervous system was a mix of adrenaline and butterflies. She quickly dressed and clipped her saber to her belt. All the time she’d planned to create the saber – ideally with her Master and preferably here on Corellia. Well than plan failed to materialise and so did the feelings she expected to have.

Instead she spent time gazing at Elara’s shoto – then at the ring – then back at the shoto. The scream’s of the young Padawan were fresh in her mind. They should be – she’d dreamed about them every night since that fateful morning.

’Don’t worry Elara,’ she thought, ’I’ll avenge your death.’

She found VlPER checking the ship, performing the shut-down protocols before they could disembark. “Ready.”

[member="VlPER"]

 

[VlPER]

He turned to face her and gave a quick nod. Down time was over. Time to get to work. "Alright. I'm going to follow your lead as I don't really know my way around here. Trying to lighten the mood some, he smiled and asked,"Hey, when we're finished here you'll have to show me where we can get some of those cake things you mentioned before. Sound good?"

With that, he stood and began to head to the loading ramp. In truth, he had a bad feeling about this. But he wasn't going to voice that concern with her.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus listened to VlPER. They were about to face a Sith Master and he wanted to go shopping for cakes? She could feel her temper rising. But she needed him. He was useful to her - and therefore should be tolerated.

"Yes, great idea." Her voice wasn't entirely convincing but VlPER would probably put it down to nerves.

Coronet City – ‘The Jewel of Corellia.’ One another day, Corvus would have been pleased to set foot on its soil again. But it wasn’t just any other day.

As they exited the hangar – which in fairness looked like any hangar in any city on any planet – they saw the bustling urban coastal metropolis – and the capital of Corellia.

VlPER may have taken in the fact that it appeared a technologically advanced city with beautiful architecture. Not as developed as say, Coruscant, but so much more beautiful. And VlPER, with his love of ships, couldn’t fail to be impressed by Coronet's spaceport. It was truly second to none. Shipbuilding was, after all, what Corellia was most famous for.

As they left Han Solo Spaceport – the life-size statue of the Millennium Falcon marking the entrance/exit – they hailed a cab.

"Welcome to Coronet City. Your desti–" The droids voice was cut off by Corvus’.

“The Jedi enclave.”

She glared at the back of the droid’s head and punched a button on the console in front of her that gave options like, ‘Facts about the route,’ ‘Current affairs,’ ‘Sports.’ She’d hit the one marked, ‘Silence.’

As they travelled through the sectors, they passed a variety of districts. Like Blue Sector, a rough section of town filled with cantinas, tattoo parlours and casinos.

[member="VlPER"]

 

[VlPER]

Viper new full well the danger of what they were about to embark on. But he couldn't help linger for just a couple seconds and gawk at all the ships, the amazing architecture, and even the replica that was in the spaceport. Corellians certainly had a flare for ships. He still preferred the country setting of his own planet. But he wouldn't throw his nose up at this place. It truly was a sight to see.

Stepping into the cab, Viper raised an eyebrow at Corvus' somewhat rude behavior. Granted it was just a droid, but she was quickly losing her control. "Relax, you're sweating." He said telepathically. "It's good to be a bit on edge, but you must maintain control." His tone was calm and caring. But in his mind, he was beginning to wonder about her. This may not have been such a good idea after all.

As a precaution, and something he failed to mention to Corvus, was his dual pistols that he had hidden under his robes. If things got bad, he now at least had an option to stun her and not have only lethal means to face her. He was determined to not let his vision come true.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

They made relatively quick progress to the Jedi Enclave. A fraction of the size of the one on Ossus, it still housed a library, an academy and all the trappings of a Jedi Temple.

The first difference VlPER would notice was the colour of the robes. All shades of green. Well they weren’t known as the Green Jedi for nothing.

"A Corellian Jedi who leaves the system does so at his own peril." Corvus said it out loud. Turning to VlPER. “It’s an old saying. Well I say a Corellian Sith who stays in the system does so at his own peril.” Her tone was defiant, her jaw set.

Corvus paid the taxi and marched up to the gates. Just before she opened the big doors she paused. “Err…we probably need a plan. I can’t just barge in and demand to see them all – they’ll throw us out – or at least try.” There was now a defiant gleam in her eyes. “And if we check out the Grandmaster and it’s not him, he’ll probably want to take charge – and we both know that’s not going to happen.” Now there was a steel in her voice.

“Let’s just say I was passing and thought I’d show you around. That way there’s a reason to check out every room. Yes?”

[member="VlPER"]

 

[VlPER]

Viper noticeably frowned at the direction this was going. "I suppose that's fine...and what is wrong with asking for help again? If it's the grandmaster, I don't think two padawans are going to win this. If its someone else. We can have the whole place locked down and have everyone search. It would mean far less danger for us. And far more likely that we'll be able to capture the man."

He searched her eyes trying to get some insight into her mind at what her thought process was. From where he was standing, this course of action made little sense. Was there some Corellia custom that might inhibit them somehow? He wasn't sure. All Viper could do, was wait for her response.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

"No." Her response was short and to the point. "My plan will work, trust me."

She pushed at the heavy wooden doors and entered. An elderly female Jedi greeted them and Corvus relaxed slightly.

"Padawan Raaf. You've come back." Her smile was warm and friendly.

"You...you recognise me?"

"Of course, it's only been a few years. Even these old eyes aren't that bad yet."

Corvus bowed to the woman. "Knight Sa'id. I was...passing and thought I'd show this fellow Jedi around."

Corvus looked to VlPER...

[member="VlPER"]

 

[VlPER]

He gave Corvus a look that said he was not happy, nor convinced. But still played along, for now. Viper smiled to the woman and bowed. "Jedi Viper. A pleasure to meet you." Not knowing what else he should be doing, he stopped talking and waited for Corvus to move them along.

It was a strange thing, what they were doing. He felt like he was breaking in to a place he would normally be welcome at anyway. He may also be going along with this for now. But he wasn't going to lie to the Jedi here. Another reason why he remained silent, a cordial smile still on his face.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus bowed once more to the Knight. "Many thanks for your help. We'll be on our way."

She led VlPER from room to room, on the pretence of a tour but every time they met a new male Jedi, she glanced at VlPER, checking to see if he recognised them. They covered most of the site quickly and within two hours they had seen all of the men present. It would have been quicker but for having to stop and say hello every now and then. This seemed to only infuriate Corvus.

Corvus racked her brains. There was only one Jedi she remembered from her time here that she hadn't met. Master Vass. He was one of the Masters that had wanted to take her as a Padawan before she'd agreed to join with Master Jareck.

She described the man to VlPER.

"Does that sound like the man you saw?"

[member="VlPER"]

 

[VlPER]

Viper could feel the tension building up inside of her. But he didn't understand it. This wasn't like Corvus at all. The longer this went on, the more like his vision she was becoming. But at the same point he didn't know what he could do to stop it. When she had finally seemed to run out of places to look, she described the last person she could think of. He thought back to his vision for a few moments, and quietly nodded. "Corvus, if you know who this is. We should get some help."

He cast a quick glance around to see if there was anyone nearby. Satisfied, he continued. "There is no need to take this person on alone. Is he a fellow padawan at least? Can we actually stand a chance against him?" From what she described, and what he remembered, he knew the answer to this. He knew very well the man was a master. But he was hoping she would deduce what he was getting at.

He noticed her attention starting to disappear. "Corvus...are you listening....?"

[member="Corvus Raaf"]