Hush Now

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Matsu looked at her padawan who seemed to be thinking about things and it gave her a few ideas of what they would be able to listen to and maybe learn. Another tournament would be a welcomed idea to see if it was possible. She didn't know about competing but there was likely a rule against offworlders... Still she had competed in some other planets tournaments and gotten to see from their perspective the grandeur that came from it. Also made her think of something else. "When we met the people at the temple or shrine they said they had been expecting us. What does this mean?" She was wondering about her as well when she got a look but it was more like the hologram was trying to figure out what they meant. "It is written that people would come from the skies much like the ancestors and reconnect Haven with the galaxy at large once they had figured out how to ge through the nebula."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel was cautious she didn’t ask a question that might be perceived as overly-challenging to the culture but was also aware she had a whole host of queries that she wanted to have answered.

So she was pleased when her Master stepped up and asked the next question. And it was one of the thoughts she’d had – and wondered how special the answer would be. When it came it was a little of an anti-climax. She had hoped for a tale of saber-wielding wise women that came from the stars and were able to unlock a secret kept safe for countless millennia.

Sadly, it was a lot more pragmatic than that. They weren’t precisely expected, it was more that they figured someone new would make it through the nebula once more. It didn’t rank up there with being the ‘Chosen One’ but at least it had a happier ending – and fewer deaths inbetween.

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Matsu looked at Sorel and she seemed a little deflated as did she... They weren't awesome and special but hey maybe the next planet they found together they would be some super secret awesome prophecy jedi that were all important. She couldn't be certain but there were more questions. "Do you mind interfacing with our computers, I am sure Rose would be able to learn from you and answer anything for you a lot faster." She was looking at it and holding up the tactical pad with her wrist as she looked over what the computer could do. "Interfacing directly with your computer would serve the most purpose. It would allow me to update records and provide any answers you have not asked the questions to correctly." She gave a frown but was setting up the computer while there was more to do. Matsu looked at Sorel and they could head out around with different. "One more question, what is with the very different cloths. Some seem to be wearing full outfits and some barely have anything on." She was wondering and had almost forgotten. The computer was looking at it and then both of them. "The clothing you see is for the initiates of Kala Moor, they are the sin eaters, the confessors. In the last days of a beings life they will listen to them and hear all of the crimes they have committed. Once their burdens are free they may be returned to the life river. They wear full robes so that no one may know who they are. The secrets they keep could be invaluable to any number of people. Touching their masks is to risk death." She was looking at Sorel and they saw some ideas coming to her. That must have been something of a lonely existence. "The others who wear the clothing of the xablaba serve within the Ivory tower. They serve as the generals of the houses, skilled in combat and prophecy."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel listened to Matsu and wished she’d thought of the introduction of computer systems. It would allow them to better understand their hosts and perhaps downloaded information might allow the locals to understand more about the galaxy – more about the social order and acceptable norms especially.

Once more the AI overstepped the mark of politeness, but Sorel shrugged it off. A planet evolving in isolation had no yardstick for what was generally acceptable behaviour. In fact, planets she’d visited previously were worse and they had no excuse of isolation to fall back on.

And as she listened, she learned more and more. She supressed any questions and allowed the computer’s information to flow readily, filling in the gaps when further information became available.

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Matsu listened and as they finished she was going with Sorel so that they would be able to move around freely with a grin on her face. "Well that was informative." She was walking around and got a chance to learn a better deal about the ones who were walking around and she spoke. "By what they are saying there is some things that might be of interest. That tournament sounds like it could be something to observe if only because how often do you see a test of skill without all the death and destruction." Fighting might not be the best but there was something to be said for respecting people who spend years training for a moment, a match that represents their home, their notion their planet. She was also wanting to learn what they could about the other people here on the world. Their ways of granting everyone a chance at the after life was an interesting thing as she saw some of the robed figured. Matsu was walking around in the temple but she could see some things with a little understanding as some of the men people going around she could guess were possibly training now.

 

[Sorel Crieff]

“Informative yet frustrating,” Sorel agreed. “There is a misplaced arrogance that could be the planet’s undoing. Now we’re found them, others will too. And not all visitors will come with our good intentions.”

“And I picked up on the tournament too, Master. A chance to learn what skills they have, what weapons they use and how – if at all – they use the Force in combat.” Sorel suspected her Master too would like to compete in some way. Perhaps they could enter an exhibition bout? Or even spar between themselves, to show how Jedi duel.

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

She was looking at Sorel and gave a nod to see what they would be able to do and some more of her ideas about them. They weren't being lied to... she was guessing it was below them given their demeanor but Matsu walked out the back of the temple and moved towards the river. Some of the people there were practicing more a tai chi stle of their movement and their outfits were simple enough. "It would be something to see and never know." She was certain this world would be discovered but that might not be a bad thing it would just mean that they needed to be able to work with the people and possibly prepare them. It was not an easy place to get to, you needed to navigate still even if they set up beacons and she was certain they could work to make some ways to help protect them as she looked up and the massive library was visible and getting some looks from the others around the temple but there seemed to be some excitement. Matsu was walking and the jungle around them was moving as she could see some creatures and they were like dinosaurs and massive beasts. Others riding them before the bridge over the river came when they were coming back.

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel kept close to her Master and made a conscious effort to keep her face impassive once more. She wore a polite façade in the form of a half-grin – but anyone who knew her could see it was forced.

And her Master made a good point. It would not be good form to identify the host’s issues and leave them to fend for themselves in the face of new visitors. It fell to them, as Jedi, to warn the locals as to the potential pitfalls they faced and offer advice on how to best protect themselves. Both from attack and potentially offending others that might come wishing to open up diplomatic dialogue.

Sorel picked up on the excitement too. “I wonder what is happening here, Master. I sense something.”

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Matsu agreed that something was happening but she couldn't tell what while she was moving with a look at all of the things around them. She wasn't in a rush to chase after things if they got to see some more when she was moving across the bridge. The dinosaurs were large and they went on them with some mounts where she could see the large creatures had some weapons on them she was guessing for defense. "I agree something looks like it mght be happening but I am uncertain." She wasn't worried as the air felt calm and in the distance there was nothing big. Transports incoming with markings when it flew overhead with a nod of her head to lead them to a landing pad where more people were arriving.

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel indicated the large creatures that had some sort of weapons attached to them. “Master,” she said quietly, when she was sure they could not be overheard, “This planet is isolated and there was no expectation they would be invaded.”

“And the planet itself is ruled by one person – with houses that form the role of government. This much I have learned. So my question is, what are these creatures defending against? Criminals? Or perhaps larger creatures? I was curious, as their presence seems to be at odds with what I’ve heard so far.”

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Matsu looked at her and nodded her head. "I agree but maintaining what would be your defense forces doesn't seem odd. I don't know what they are planning to do." She was looking at other things and there were some fo the children going through the trees as they could explore more of the world. See some of the villages maybe, the paths leading through the jungle as the jedi master was walking. "They don't seem to mind us being here so we can look and see about some of the other places. THis single leader if they can control all of this world must have respect. Perhaps we should investigate and see some of the other continents or look for a way to see the large underground."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel nodded. It wasn’t as if they were seeing significant defences, just some animals with mounted weapons. “I may just be paranoid and looking for things that don’t necessarily exist. I guess I don’t fully trust them and I’m looking for inconsistencies.”

“And I’m all for moving around the planet. I’d be curious to see how the different factions operate and what role they actually play in the government. I haven’t encountered many caste systems and one that has evolved in isolation is an interesting concept to understand.”

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Matsu looked at her with a nod of her head to that, this was well there was nothing on the surface to arouse suspicion and she was not certain about it but walking through it she could see one of the women... and given she was one of their seers from what the computer said she could see it was a woman. "Welcome jedi." Matsu looked at her and he voice was smooth and fairly soothing compared to the others. Her eyes like dark honey and thick curtain like hair as she was standing taller then she had been expecting with a full head and her chest was at the jedi masters eyes level.... though she was shorter then most. "I saw your intentions and have been given lead to travel with you. It would do well to have someone who can explain the world to you."

She was standing there and Matsu bowed her head seeing that she wore on her feet a thin layer of padding and metal as shoes but there was little to the imagination before she was moving around. "Thank you for that, we are very interested in learning more about the world from the people around here." She could see the value in having someone who knew the area and knew what they were doing across the world. The jedi master motioned for Sorel to walk with her as they were being led into the forest and the trees were beautiful. More colorful with shades of purple, pink, red and all of the shades combined in between. it was very beautiful just like the sky and everything they had been seeing around here.

Matsu was looking at more of the forest to get a few other things and spoke. "So would it be rude to ask about your outfit. There is not much and we are not used to such a display." THe woman seemed to look at her while they were walking and she spoke with a small chuckle. "My caste is the seers and we serve the house lords. Able to lead them into battle in the past where they could see the outcome of fights against each other and others. To keep us honest and to prevent visions from being falsified we are declared to wear these outfits. It prevents weapons from being hidden, from us telling lies as all reactions can be seen and those who use the energies can easily detect our auras."

Matsu was listenign to that with a look on her face when she looked to Sorel and in a way... she could understand that. If you had the power to see the future and you were in a way or wanting power... You could use it to maintain that power. She could see some dangers of it and while not fully understanding the armor or outfit or whatever it was but she was working to focus on everything around them while walking forward. "That is interesting I thank you." She was curious to think about it and could see some of the things. She looked at the village they came out in and there were mountains in the distance that she could see snow around them. A large white tower going upwards.

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel fell into step with her Master. Given her own relative inexperience in being diplomatic, she deferred to Matsu at almost every turn, ensuing she was supportive but no presumptuous.

Sorel bowed politely to the seer as she greeted them. Bowing made their difference in height even more pronounced. Her face remained passive as the woman explained she would accompany them. Sorel was unsure if this was to offer assistance or to keep an eye on them, but there did not appear to be an option to decline, so she accepted they would have to make the most of the situation.

So they left the temple area and headed out into the countryside, and were able to take in the beauty of the trees and flora. The shades were different to most planets and this gave it a beautiful but slightly artificial feel – as if they were looking at an abstract painting as opposed to real life.

Sorel struggled slightly but was able to hold her features neutral when Matsu asked the question she had been avoiding even contemplating. The dress code for the seers was beyond what most civilisations permitted in public. And the explanation was entirely logical – the woman would struggle to hide any sizeable weapon in that outfit.

Sorel felt the need to speak and on a safer subject, so she indicated the structure ahead. “Please tell us about the white tower.”

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

The woman seemed to be looking at them as Matsu followed and she seemed interested in Sorel question. "The Ivory tower is where those who can see visions of the past and future go to be trained. Their skills taught to see the energies of the universe but also train them in combat, military leadership, different technologies from the world itself. It is located with the one above all in his kingdom and all lords send children there if they show skill. It cannot be controlled by any one house, does not send back their own to prevent a temptation of misuse. I for example come from the archipelago of Koh but was sent here to Seigar on the other side of the world." Matsu was listening and it kind of sounded familiar but not quite. Taken as children, trained in the force and sent out but she was likely making connections in place of absolute understanding.

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel nodded. The description was similar to a typical Jedi academy – except the training was probably more rounded and gave less opportunity, at least at face value, for a specific Jedi career, such as healing.

“This concept is familiar to us,” Sorel explained. “And it has sparked a couple of questions. Firstly, who is the ‘one above all.’ And secondly what if one is found gifted but their abilities are not on the more traditional list of subjects taught. For example, if someone if particularly attuned to the healing power of the Force?”

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

The woman looked at her and raised an eyebrow. "The Force?" She seemed to ask it more curious as if it was a term she dind't know.... but she seemed to go with it and understand it. "he talents they have are shown and if they can heal there is a place for them. We have healers who come around, it might not be a big thing anymore but there is still a need for them at times. The one above all is the one who united all of the houses and keeps peace between them. While battle between the houses was big the ancient generals and warriors of old eventually soaked the world in blood and it was when a minor house used the time to rise up and take control of all the houses through battle, marriage and his skilled mind."

She continued going forward with more of the things, they were going through the forest here as more of the area came into view. Some of the creatures that were roaming around looked different with colors on them that allowed them to blend into the environment. She stood there motioning for them to stay near before pointing out some of the people walking. More like soldiers with blades and the remains of something large that they were dragging in parts. The beast they had slain a trophy to show off until you could see the markings on their armor and bodies as they passed and bowed in respect. Clearing out some of the stuff they were dragging and carrying to make room so they could pass on the road.

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel realised her mistake. She instinctively referenced the power that these people accessed in this way. But fortunately the woman ignored her faux pas and answered her question directly. And in general it was in accord with the way the Jedi managed their development – all except the concept of one person being in overall control and having assumed that position through combat.

Sorel wondered what might happen if the planet decided to open up to the rest of the galaxy and some of the current Force sensitives chose to leave to join the Jedi. Or even the Sith!

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Looking over at many of the things so that they would be able to see. They continued along the road and all of it was a pretty area. The forest or jugle area they could see leading them out into bigger areas that were more open. More questions were coming to her but she could see through the mountains that there was buildings and another view of the ocean. Matsu wanted to look over and see some more of it when they were going before she stretched out with their guide pointing out a staircase carved into the rocks that were leading up the mountains. "THose lead to one of the training arena's for the grand tournaments. Only the most skilled fighters are able to ascend the steps and reach the top. They come from all across the continent."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel kept step with the guide and her Master. The views were interesting, breath-taking even – but Sorel could only look at so many trees and skies before she became restless.

Finally, her Master noticed something other than scenery and this drew Sorel’s interest greatly.

“For clarification,” Sorel began, unsure how to interpret the woman’s words, “Is it only skilled fighters that are allowed to ascend the steps – or that only skilled fighters are able to climb them?”

She waited anxiously for the explanation. A lot would ride on the answer.

[member="Matsu Ike"]