Family Fortunes (Lynn)

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel sat back. Lynn may be her Padawan, but she had just stumbled into a father and daughter reunion and in a very real sense, she felt like an interloper.

In truth she had no personal reference for those feelings – she’d left her own family voluntarily and at a very young age. She’d come to see the Jedi as family in the broadest sense but had made no strong connections for most of her life. Today she counted a handful as friends but if she was entirely honest, she saw them as Jedi first. It was her way of managing to learn to be prepared to let go of those she might lose one day. It was the Jedi way.

But she had some empathy for a parent and child reunification and she knew her primary role was to be an observer.

So she smiled when Lynn spoke and then when her father made something of a joke. “Being kept in line by my Padawans at very least keeps me humble. And hopefully it demonstrates that we are all still learning. At least that’s the official line. Unofficially? They are a constant source of questions that allows me to revisit my own beliefs. I have become far more tolerant since I took on my first Padawan. But not necessarily better behaved.”

“And please, feel free to give Lynn the benefit of your knowledge. I only know so much and any teaching wider than my experiences can only be a good thing.”

[member="Valiens Nantaris"] [member="Lynn Corerunner"]

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

Watching the two speak she could not help, but reflect. In less than an hour, she had learned of her father being alive and well and not he

wanted to be apart of her life? She knew the Jedi rule of attachments, but also knew it meant being so overly attached that should it come down to

it, could she stay a student of the Light if something bad happened? That was the more questioning side of it all. At this moment in time, she felt so

far from the Dark Side she felt safe, but she did not feel immune.

After they had spoken, her father mentioned showing her his life and even teaching her, something she welcomed. While she saw her Master

as a primary source, she knew a good student always sought more teachings to become more well rounded. She lifted her glass of water and took

a sip as her nervous nature was also making her lips and throat a bit dry. "I would love to see your life, father. Is it ok if my Master comes too? I

enjoy my Master's presences, but also I am still a little...uncomfortable with everything. An hour ago I had no family, now I have family." She was

hoping her words would not offend him, but being honest, it had been 13 years, who knew what kind of man he was.

At the mention of projects she had to pause and think. She smiled and her eyes widened, "Oh, I just finished these!" She reached behind her

back and under her dress pulling out a light disk. Pressing a hidden button she ignited her unique lightdiscs. Light blue plasma shot from the edges

creating what appeared like a razor edge that was spinning. She twisted the small handle area and it broke into two discs. After a few moments

she powered them down and put them back together, laying it on the table should he be interested in looking at it. While she made it, she wasn't

really able to use them yet as they were tricky. "Aside from that, I am trying to make a cloak that can help me blend in with my surrounding better,

but I have no idea where to start."




[member="Valiens Nantaris"] [member="Sorel Crieff"]

 

[Valiens Nantaris]

[member="Sorel Crieff"] [member="Lynn Nantaris"]

Nantaris should have known, but for so many years he’d been accused of telling ‘dad’ jokes, never knowing he still had a daughter. Now it all made sense.

“I find myself far more tolerant, far worse behaved and far more experienced than I was many years before. I would be happy to teach Lynn most of what I know.” He coughed slightly. “All the important stuff.”

“If Sorel wants to come along I have no problems with that at all,” he said expansively.

Her project was fascinating, and he took up the light disks, careful not to activate them.

“You know…I know a Jedi who can help you with the cloak. She does all kinds of crazy stuff with…things. Me, I’m a good deal more straightforward!”

His drink had run dry by this point. “So, want to head over and take a look at my ship? Unless you got a prior arrangement of course.”

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel nodded in gratitude. It was an honour to be included in the group, although she still felt as though she was imposing. She decided to proceed as they suggested but at the slightest hint that they wanted some time alone, she was ready with any number of excuses to depart.

“Important stuff is good,” she said to Nantaris, once he’d shown interest in Lynn’s creations. “And as long as you are absolutely sure I’m not getting in the way; I’d be delighted to see your ship.”

[member="Valiens Nantaris"] [member="Lynn Nantaris"]

Spoiler

Sorry it's a bit short but I didn't want to hold the story up

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

As her father spoke of his flaws, Lynn gently placed her hand on his, "Don't be so hard on yourself, now we are together, maybe I can help you too." She smiled sweetly to her father and then giggled a little, "It's funny, I haven't seen you in years, but I feel like no time has passed at the sametime." She removed her hand and turned to her Master, "Master, you and I...you're like... my sister, I want you to come too." She blushed a little unsure how her Master would respond. She meant sister like soldiers, but also she had been her only Master and friend since coming to the Silvers and had grown close to her.

She scooted out of the booth and stood. happily. "Why wait? Let's go now and maybe on the way you can tell me about your friend." She used the Force to return the disk to her hand where she placed onto her back.

[member="Valiens Nantaris"] [member="Sorel Crieff"]

 

[Valiens Nantaris]

[member="Sorel Crieff"] [member="Lynn Nantaris"]

Nantaris wanted to avoid talking about his ‘friend’ as it would only get awkward. Instead, he steered the topic back to safer waters.

“My ship is a beauty,” he said proudly. As they walked through the station he looked across at Lynn.

“I’m glad you’ve found a Master who understands and guides you. I know how important that is.”

They came to the docking bay and there sat the Liberator berthed and connected to the bay. The powerful corvette was heavily armed and equipped with a squadron of fighters. It was Nantaris’ pride and joy.

Waiting for him in the docking bay was a man in somewhat military Jedi robes.
“Welcome back, boss.” He caught sight of the two other Jedi and raised an eyebrow. “Friends?”
“I’ve had something of a revelation today, Scindia. This is my daughter Lynn and her Master Sorel. Lynn, Sorel, this is Jedi Knight Raloph Scindia.”
Scindia bowed his head. “A welcome to you both. I work with Nantaris, back him up, occasionally save his ass.”
“More usually it’s I who save your butt,” Nantaris said with a grunt.

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel smiled. Being likened to a sister was something special. She had brothers and sisters – or at least she had them once. She did not know if they were still alive or what they were doing and she ceased to think of them as family once she was established as a Youngling back on Coruscant. But the words – if not the emotion – meant something to her.

Sorel did not know families – but she understood ships. Inanimate objects were far more straightforward when it came to interaction.

“Indeed beautiful…” Sorel echoed as Nantaris introduced them to his ship. “How many crew?” In truth she had loads of questions, but decided one at a time was polite.

And almost in response to her question, two of the crew appeared. Sorel bowed politely to Scindia. “Pleased to make your acquaintance. And I presume there has been plenty of mutual butt saving to talk of.”

She stepped forward and put her hand on the ship’s hull, running her hand along it.

[member="Valiens Nantaris"] [member="Lynn Nantaris"]

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

As they walked in silence, Lynn could not help,but reflect on things even more. Her father was alive, that was certain, but now what did that leave her with? Up until now she had been living to continue her father's legacy. She had felt responsible for her father's 'death' thus she had to live on for him, but now, now she needed to find out who she was without that legacy to live up to.

Before she could really dive into the thoughts of who she would become now. They entered the ship and Lynn's eyes widened, she had never seen such an impressive ship. They were greeted by one the crew members and Lynn returned a smile. After she listened to them all speak, Lynn chimed in with her own attempt at a joke, "Seems to me the only one watching out for father's butt was a twi'lek back in the bar." She gave a side glance to her father and smirked, "Ya, I did notice." She giggled, what he did with his free time was his choice. She had no judgement on how he lived his life.


[member="Valiens Nantaris"] [member="Sorel Crieff"]

 

[Valiens Nantaris]

[member="Lynn Nantaris"] [member="Sorel Crieff"]

Nantaris was eager to show off his ship, and pleased by the positive reaction of the two women.
“Two hundred crew, but half of those also double as my attack force infantry. The cargo hold can be emptied out to temporarily hold 150 people, usually when we’ve emancipated slaves and are moving them to freedom. It’s got a squadron of fighters and twelve turbolaser equivalents!”
He was absurdly pleased with his ship and it showed.

He was slightly less pleased when his daughter had been a little too perceptive.
“Yes, well, she’s an old friend,” he muttered.
Scindia laughed. “That sounds about right. The Scourge of Ryloth he’s been called.”
“Thank you very much,” Nantaris grumbled, quite flustered. Normally he’d take pride in his reputation but with a newly discovered daughter…maybe he had to set an example.

“Anyway, if you want I’ll show you around!”

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel blushed slightly as Lynn called out her father’s dalliance back at the bar. It was slightly uncomfortable to be part of the conversation and wondered if Lynn’s comments would break the ice or freeze the dialogue over.

Sorel’s interest was actually split. Her somewhat pragmatic mind was more interested in the ship than Lynn’s father’s personal life – but it was a factor in her Padawan’s well-being, so she had to take note.

So she was pleased Nantaris laughed the comment off and was keen to move on – and onto a topic that appealed to Sorel significantly more.

“Two hundred crew? All I have is my astro-doid and my…well…protocol droid. But only Kaytoo is really crew. Kay tends to do his own thing.” And keen to move the conversation on again, she added, quickly, “And a squadron of fighters. What type?”

Kay was a thorny subject. She’d rescued him from a life as a protocol droid in an old Sith temple – when he was in fact an assassin droid – an ability he’d rediscovered when she removed his restraining bolt. An old HK model. Owning either type of droid felt an unnecessary luxury and at odds with her calling, so she rarely mentioned Kay in public.

[member="Valiens Nantaris"] [member="Lynn Nantaris"]

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

Lynn's giggle broke off into laughter as her father became flustered and his crew member joined Lynn in teasing him. She wanted to be a Jedi and be in control of her emotions like her Master, but the truth was she was still a kid and still not as perfected in mannerisms as her Master.

As her laughter settled to a smile she returned to the conversation, "This is a big ship, do you have starfighters." She was beginning to forget that it wasn't even an hour ago that she thought him dead. All she wanted to do was stop talking all the time and do something proactive which led to her idea, "I thought it might be fun to see which one of us would win a race, if I remember correctly father, you are a great star pilot?"

[member="Valiens Nantaris"] [member="Sorel Crieff"]

 

[Valiens Nantaris]

[member="Sorel Crieff"] [member="Lynn Nantaris"]
“We use whatever we can afford. The X-Wing is a good ship, and we’ve got some modern versions of those. They’re versatile, hard hitting and can operate independently.”

Lynn’s words made him pause, frown. “Well, I do hate to shatter your illusions, my dear, but I am merely a passible pilot. I’m better with bigger ships than the one man Starfighters, but I can fly them both…I’m just no ace. And you wouldn’t want to beat your father too badly would you?”

They came on board. The ship was quite empty, many of the crew taking their shore leave. However, there was a blue Twi’lek tinkering with some controls.
“Boss, we’ve got those power convert-…oh. Jedi, hi,” she said, standing up and wiping her hands on a bit of cloth.
“This is Myr. She’s the pilot in this outfit, and I bet she could put you to a challenge. Myr, this is my newly rediscovered daughter Lynn and her teacher Sorel.”
“Welcome aboard! Man, boss, I always expected any kids you had would have lekku,” she joked.
“Yes, yes, we’ve heard that joke before,” Nantaris groused. Everyone around him was a comedian it seemed.

 

[Sorel Crieff]

With the ice broken and the conversation moving away from her droids, Sorel relaxed once more.

And she approved of the choice of ships. “I fly an X-wing myself,” she said as the subject was raised. She smiled at Lynn. “You probably weren’t aware that I fly – it’s been a while since I’ve been in active combat, due to my commitment to teaching Padawans and Younglings, but I would often be commissioned to deal with pirate fleets when the Order was asked to intervene to help a planet out.”

And then she fell quiet, not wishing to hog the conversation and instead she took in every detail of the ship they were in. Every now and then she hankered after a larger vessel and this would be the sort she’d like to have – as long as the hangar was large enough for her current ship – which was far more practical for missions – especially when discretion was required.

She bowed politely to Myr and smiled equally politely at the joke. It seemed Lynn’s father was the butt of all jokes right now – no pun intended.

[member="Valiens Nantaris"] [member="Lynn Nantaris"]

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

Lynn smiled as she listened to them all banter. She found it humorous, but also sad at the sametime. Her father was not a bad man, but she felt he was hiding from something or trying to forget something bad with women and jokes. She wasn't even sure if it was what happened with her. She held her hand out to her father and looked deep into his eyes, "It is no problem, you can be my co pilot. We can beat these two."

She let go of her fathers hand and held it out to Myr with a welcoming smile, "Nice to meet you, I am Lynn Corerunner." She paused after it, was she corerunner? That was a name she made up because she wanted a last name, but now she knew her father's last name so she knew her last name. She would worry about this all later.



[member="Valiens Nantaris"] [member="Sorel Crieff"]

 

[Valiens Nantaris]

[member="Sorel Crieff"] [member="Lynn Nantaris"]

The banter was fun. It was when Lynn said her surname, he paused. He’s never really considered what her name would be without him there. Maybe she’d end up taking his family name, maybe not.

“Racing will have to wait,” Myr said seriously. “We’ve got another fault in the cooling unit.”
“Right, let's try and get it fixed up. If we need more parts let me know, best get them whilst we’re here.”

Suddenly Nantaris stepped to one side and shouted. “Droid! Get in here!”
A droid lurched in. Its outer skin was patchwork and it limped heavily, but was otherwise a normal looking protocol droid.

“Yes, most munificent one?” he asked.
“Enough with your backtalk. This is my daughter Lynn and her Jedi Master Sorel. Treat them politely or you’re out the airlock.”
“Certainly, most merciful and mercurial master. Welcome, honoured guests. I am D-43, protocol droid and assistant to his worship.”
“Yes, yes, get on with it droid! Take them around the bridge and command room. I’m going to check out the cooling units with Myr. I won’t be long.”

The droid waited until he was gone and bowed stiffly. “Please, this way, oh most benign and beatific guests.” It was unclear if it was being sarcastic.

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel was used to droids. Or rather she was used to the variety of programming that droids had either been given, or had developed. Her own ‘protocol’ droid was fond of sarcasm — but this one made him look servile by comparison.

But at least it was a distraction from the banter, which was harmless but could become a little too deep at a moment’s notice. And that would never do.

“Well met D-43. I’d be delighted to be shown the bridge and command room.” She winked at Lynn. “I’m not sure if I’ve every been called a beast before. Beatific or otherwise. Is it a compliment?”

[member="Valiens Nantaris"] [member="Lynn Nantaris"]

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

Lynn was a bit disappointed she would not be racing, but a tour sounded fun. She gave her rather an awkward hug, awkward in that she was still not use to things or him. She smiled as he left then she turned to the mouthy droid with a smile.

"Well, those are new adjectives to call me." She skipped forward and gave the droid a real hug, he maybe machine, but there was an AI and it probably wasn't use to such kindness so maybe a hug was what it needed. "Ok Dee, lead the way!" She wrapped one of her arms around the droids arm licking elbows like they were old friends.

[member="Valiens Nantaris"] [member="Sorel Crieff"]

 

[Valiens Nantaris]

[member="Sorel Crieff"] [member="Lynn Nantaris"]

The droid glanced at the Jedi Master for a beat. “Of course, oh wise Mistress! I would never offer an insult to one of Master’s honoured guests!”

One got the impression that if the droid could cross its fingers it would.

And then…hug! The rickety droid almost toppled over, but then stabilised due to Lynn’s supporting arm.

“Thank…you…spontaneous and compassionate guest.” He patted Lynn lightly on the head. “Follow me please.”

The tour took them to a large bridge where no fewer than eight persons would work. Only one was there now, a pretty yet dishevelled human female in her 20s. She didn’t look up when they entered, but continued to purposefully work at a computer terminal.

“Alicia, the Master has most nobly sent me to guide some guests of his around. Did you want to introduce yourself?”
“No,” the woman said distantly.
The droid let out an audible sigh. “This fair humanoid is Alicia Prax. She does not understand the finer points of organic interaction. She is proficient in the computers and other technical skills.”
“Too much noise,” Alicia suddenly exclaimed.
D-43 sighed again. “We’d best go. This way, my beloved and friendly guests.”

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel smiled as Lynn hugged the droid. She wondered what his programming made of that approach — if he even registered it. Some droids were fussy about physical contact and others didn't even acknowledge it.

And her smile broadened when the droid’s sarcasm showed no sign of abating. And she decided to let Lynn be the one to try to break down the droid’s attitude towards them — for Sorel figured there was no room for changing it. It was almost as if some droids enjoyed being cantankerous.

So she followed the pair as they reached the bridge and wondered if D-43 wasn’t just another of the challenges as the female programmer acted as if she were a droid and they were merely getting in her way.

Sorel bowed politely to those gathered — neither expecting nor wishing a response — and so was not surprised or disappointed when none came.

“And so the tour continues,” she said, as they left the bridge.

[member="Valiens Nantaris"] [member="Lynn Nantaris"]

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

SHE WALKED ARM and arm with the droid happily as they walked through the ship's halls. The more they walked, the more Lynn was led through the ship the more she was realizing how much had changed. She was young and understood very little, but she had no memory of her father being able to afford such things like this. She did notice recurring words on the ship, FireMane Industries.

She leaned into the droid happily, "So Dee, why does it say FireMane in different areas?" She waited and listened to the droid answer her question before they continued onto the bridge. She looked around in awe of the bridge and size, but immediately noticed it was rather empty. Just as soon as she was in awe, she was also surprised that it was as empty as it was big. She would question why it so empty, but they were docked so they were probably on leave or doing other duties. She saw the one person still working and let go of the droid and went behind the lady known as Alicia to watch her work, but then she heard the exchange between the droid and Alicia and got the impression they would not be staying. She did notice something before she walked away. She did clear her throat, "I am sorry, but I think a 4 would be better than a 9 there when calculating hyperspace travel." She wasn't trying to be rude, but trying to be helpful, but she did leave with the others.



[member="Valiens Nantaris"] [member="Sorel Crieff"]