Private In the Shadows we live.

[Ilwynog Cysgod]

Tags: Aayla Shan

Ilwynog had been at the council meeting that discussed young Aayla's fate, they had been mixed about the decision the council gave. While they believed that the Order needed to be using every person they could, it was also a concern that things for Aayla would not change. That several months down the line she would be back at the council, pleading to return to the field again after ignoring orders given in the field. This was where Ilwynog decided to step in, while they weren't Aayla's Master, they were interested in overseeing the Padawan's progress to ensure the best is brought out of her. Especially since she seemed interested in the Shadows, something that Ilwynog had dedicated their lives in order to serve best. Donning their armour once more, Ilwynog looked around the safehouse they were staying at on Nar Shaddaa, while it was part of the SJC, Ilwynog did not disregard it was a location with heavy criminal activity, just better hidden than before. They were searching for a gang that was operating outside of Nar Shaddaa but sending drugs and weapons to SJC opponents. Information could be useful on any activity but at the moment it was rumours and suggestions.

They had figured it would be a good idea to bring Aayla in on the mission, test her skills in the field and give her a chance to see how a Shadow works. It was a throw into the deep end and Ilwynog knew that they would not go gentle if she messed up or disobeyed but Ilwynog was curious to see how well she would do. It was clear that Aayla had skills and going slow and gentle was not Ilwynog's style, if she didn't have the powers to keep up with them then Aayla would have to improvise and they were curious to see how well she could improvise. Ilwynog threw the cloak over their armour and lifted the hood over their helmet. Wandering through the slums of Nar Shaddaa, it was a wake up call that the resources of the SJC couldn't always change things that were rotten at the core and Nar Shaddaa was linked to gangs, criminal activity and desperation for eons now.

Reaching the destination, Ilwynog looked around, it was a dark alleyway somewhere off the beaten track. This where they told Aayla to meet them, somewhere out of sight to meet and discuss the plan moving forward. Ilwynog was working on arranging a meeting with some small time criminals that could lead Ilwynog to the bigger criminals, it was a good chance to work with Aayla and test her skills in the field. If she turned up on time, Ilwynog was early so they were frustrated yet but they were keeping an eye on the time.

 

[Aayla Shan]

Certainly, this was a new fiasco altogether. A welcome one, but fresh. Nar Shaddaa. If she hadn't looked this place up in the archives, and on the holonet, it would've been easy to discern the type of place it was. The Jedi, wasn't dressed as one. In fact, she was indiscernible from any of the populace that called the planet home. Any of its humanoid inhabitants anyway. Her Padawan braid also, was absent; ivory strands hung free, obscuring her face slightly with purpose. With the hood she wore, she mixed into the crowds, as she should. Though, it was hard to tunnel vision her objective with so much new things to experience. She was mindful of course, not engaging anyone, or stopping for too long in any one place; but Aayla absolutely took in the sights of a planet she had yet to venture too.

It was time... Ilwynog Cysgod had followed through on his offer, and she (literally) tripped on her way out of the temple. This journey took two separate shuttles to be executed properly. A testament to the work of a shadow, well before she (in her own mind) had even started. She left Kashyyyk on an old model transport, it rattled horribly, and at times seemed like it would fall apart; though, that didn't happen. Once they arrived at Nanth'ri, she received this change of clothes she wore now, and a specific set of instructions to follow to specifically outline her next objective. From Nanth'ri, she was here. Ilwynog was on this planet, probably not far now. She was enthralled, captivated even by the secrecy of it all; Yet the precision of it.

At this point, she was indeed a shadow. In actuality of course, not in title. She was a nobody here. Just another person that mixed into the sea of lawlessness that was common on this planet. She felt it in the Force, and was warned beforehand. In that regard, she didn't feel out into the Force too much, maintaining her pace, and direction to make sure she showed up on time. It was so weird they kept mentioning that, not a minute before, or after... She didn't understand, but wasn't going to press that envelope. As she walked, she looked up at an overhead screen, some wonky advertisement played, but she was more interested in the local time. She was on schedule.

Coming to a stop nearby a railing she pulled back her hoodie a little, not enough so that it would come off of her head, but so she could see a full view of her surroundings. She pressed her back against that railing for a while, looking around with a stoic gaze. This was one of the first times she had been to a city like this, unless you counted Coruscant. And not to knock Coruscant, but this place was rough... In comparison, she would never want to live in a city like this. The way they talked, and moved... Living here took a certain way about ones self she wasn't interested in learning. A hand was raised as Aayla rubbed at her nose for a second, eyes still panning... Now!

She turned, jumping that railing, falling about ten feet and landing with a thud in something... Squishy. She had no interest in deducing exactly what it was. With that, she broke into a light jog, maintaining that jog consistently for the rest of her journey. About four minutes later, and she would turn the corner into the alleyway that Master Ilwynog was currently standing in, breaking her jog into a smooth stride and walking up to him with a nod. She was early, but only slightly. Also, it being her first time may have merited some leeway.

As she was directed, she wouldn't speak outside. Only nodding in his direction when she arrived, and moving to stand close by him. For now, she would secure that hoody atop her head properly, and glance about; keeping herself from gagging at whatever the smell in that alley was.

 

[Ilwynog Cysgod]

Seemed that Aayla was following the instructs well, they were a little unnecessary and overly dramatic but Ilwynog couldn't help but add some flair, show the exciting ways of being a Shadow. Ilwynog watched the Padawan descent to the ground and approach, it was easy to get lost in the crowds of Nar Shaddaa, the moon was teeming with people and life that a person's connection to the Force could drown out. Using Force Concealment as well would just make a Force User invisible to anyone searching you through the Force. It was good way to test one's ability in stealth, they watched Aayla approach silently and nodded their head slowly. Placing a blaster into the Padawan's hand, they looked at the girl before turning around and leading the way silently.

The path was roughly 20 to 30 minutes and Ilwynog did not slow down, moving through the streets and alleys of the city like a native expert. They stopped abruptly outside a warehouse, there were refugees living in slum housing nearby but it was relatively quiet. Pinning Aayla to the wall, they looked at the Padawan, "we are meeting two local lowlifes, nothing they have done is major but they are connected to people who we are interested in, however, they can't know that. They think we are here to help with their spice trade, what we will do with the spice is take it and impound it. We aren't going to sell the spice but we need them to think we are and that we are spice dealers."

They paused then looked over to the warehouse before looking back to Aayla, "also, I need you to check out the surrounding area, make sure that there are no guards or enforcers with these two, I told them to come alone but we can never be certain and must know the area before we enter. If things don't go well, use the blaster, only use your blaster. A Lightsaber will give us away, especially yours, mine is white so I can say I am from any faction, or be independent if I have to but yours, they are going to assume you are Jedi and we will lose all information on the operation we currently have." Ilwynog was stern, their robotic voice reinforced this tone.

"Check the area, be stealthy and show me what you got, once you have checked it. Come back here and report what you see, I will then tell you what to next after that. Understood?" Ilwynog was going in the deep end and needed to know that they could rely on Aayla if they needed to.

Tag: Aayla Shan

 

[Aayla Shan]

Aayla stood amongst them, hand opening and receiving a blaster. She couldn't help but swallow on nothing as the metal was pressed in her hand. It was... Strange, to be honest. She suddenly felt out of place, as if she was doing something wrong immediately. A blaster? She pocketed it without a word, glancing behind her once before following. Aayla, being a person that was easily learned in different things learned just following him. How to walk, where to walk, just that quickly, she displayed she was not only a tactile learner, but a visual learner. When she was forced against the wall, she was taken off guard, eyes flaring open in surprise. Though, she listened. She wasn't a fool, and knew there was a reason shadows were sometimes... Outcast. She would have liked to think what they did was noble though... She had to believe that. At that point, she would probably show more of herself than she wanted with one simple question. Albeit, note her dedication to the path she wanted.

"How does a.. Spice dealer act?"

An innocent, and plain question... She simply had no idea how to be... Well, like these people here. Civility, and structure was what she was from, it would be somewhat difficult to jump into someone else's shoes at the drop of a hat, but she wanted to learn. She wanted to show she had the minerals for this kind of work... Whatever that entailed. The fact she had mentally resigned to doing this was already life altering, not so much so as what she did next. Glancing around, she pulled her saber from within her clothes, and handed to Ilwynog, swallowing hard again. She hadn't used a blaster in so long, albeit she knew HOW, she just never focused on using them.... It couldn't be that hard right, point and shoot.

She would wait for his answer, and after hearing it, or possibly not hearing it, she would head on. Moving with a purpose, but also with intent to be inconspicuous. At the ground level, it was difficult, so she relied on old habits. Getting around the corner, and walking down partly she would elevate. Making sure she wasn't seen before jumping up, and relying on her superb climbing skills to get into a position where she could better see the area.

With that, she did what she was tasked to do, she looked about. Everyone seemed regular... Hell, she didn't even know who she was looking for. And in this area, to her everyone looked shady. Instead, she trusted in the Force, using, but not relying on her eyes. Within a few minutes of stalking around on a rooftop. There were three things of note... Three men stood on the corner of the meeting point, they stood out because their clothes were... Well, admittedly nice. Clean, well groomed; and armed. There were potentially enforcers. No proof, but she would report them. Two, there was a person standing just outside the complex the meeting was supposed to be going down at. Repeated, and rapid hand to hand transactions took place with him. No doubt, he was involved with whatever they were investigating.

And three, almost killed her. felt it more than saw it. The sniper on a roof two stories above her, and about a half block down. He was smoking something, but she could see the barrel of his rifle; and noted he was intent on the area her and Ilwynog were supposedly about to be walking into.

This was dangerous... Well, so she thought, without her lightsaber.

In any case, it was time to go... Slinking away, she looked back down in the alleyway, and hoisted herself off, breaking the fall by making one drop two instead. With that, she would return to Ilwynog, moving to lean back against the wall near him.

"There are three men on the corner over there, they're behind that speeder, you can't see them.. You could probably feel them if you reached out."

she gave a subtle nod in the direction, then backed up and did another subtle nod down the street.

"Another, with a rifle... He's smoking on the roof down there... He has overwatch on the entire courtyard.. And speaking of, I'm sure there's a spice dealer that works with these guys sitting on the steps of the building we're walking into... That's all I could see.."

Aayla would finish, wondering if she had done good, but also wondering if this was the type of thing you got pats on the back for. It felt different, not like working with Master Moric. That felt... Well, more... Honest.. This felt like she was going to kill someone inevitably. Hopefully, she wouldn't.

Ilwynog Cysgod

 

[Ilwynog Cysgod]

First question that Aayla asked was a solid question, only a handful of Jedi have been around spice dealers and a limited number of those could easily imitate the dealers. Ilwynog had been around enough of them to know how to act, gained a persona in the criminal world as well that aided their believability. Looking at Aayla, there wasn't much that they could do right now to improve her appearance as a spice dealer, but they could work with what they had. "Most part, say nothing, it will be too clear that you are not criminal when you speak and from your stance. Also, try holding the blaster like you know how to shoot it." Using the Force, they pulled their blaster into their hand and held it to demonstrate how a person actually holds a blaster and a way to hold it in order to look intimidating.

Placing the blaster away, Ilwynog nodded their head and watched the Padawan disappear to inspect the surroundings. They could have easily used the Force to inspect the areas but this method demonstrated the Padawan's talents which were important to them. Waiting patiently until the Padawan returned, Aayla described the situation to them, Ilwynog nodded their head. "Karabast. There should have only been the two of them around here. Seems like this might turn into a fight, nasty one too." Muttering to themselves as they felt the situation through the Force to confirm what Aayla felt, she was right and did a decent job scouting around. "Right, this is likely a trap. For whatever reason, these lowlifes have gone and found a group to hang out with and protect them. We need to be careful, usually a Padawan with your lack of experience wouldn't go into the field in this situation but can't leave you out here on your own."

Ilwynog wished that they had focused on training the Padawan up first now, they were pretty confident that the Padawan's blaster skills would not be up to scratch for this fight. "So, stay silent, follow me and make sure that you don't engage unless I say otherwise. Even if they surround us, look like they are going to attack or threaten us, you do nothing unless I say so." Ilwynog would protect the Padawan best they could and make sure they weren't hurt but Ilwynog needed Aayla to follow them no matter how rough the situation looked or sounded. Things could usually heat up before a more peaceful resolution was discovered.

Walking towards the building, Ilwynog took scope of the situation, ensuring that Aayla wasn't too far behind. Wandering inside, Ilwynog spotted the two criminals that they would be dealing with, "so, those guys outside with you?" Ilwynog asked as gestured to the door, "thought we agreed two of us, two of you." The Rodian and Human looked at each other with worry then looked back at the pair.

"They are here to make sure that this deal goes down right, that you are legit and that we get outta here alive." The Human replied as he held a blaster at his side.

"Cool, just here for the spice and then me and my partner are out of here." Ilwynog retorted with a sinister tone.

Aayla Shan

 

[Aayla Shan]

She listened intently to everything said, nodding a few times as he spoke. It seemed easy enough, don't say anything. Ilwynog did the talking, and she would do the back watching. She slid her hands in the deep pocket of the clothes she was wearing, they were perfect for hiding a blaster, and she mentally went over the buttons of the blaster, trying to recall what each one did. Prime, safety, and trigger. Yeah, she got that covered. It was the bit about upping it and putting a hole in someone that would be iffy. That wouldn't happen though, she hoped for that.

They would walk in, get what they were getting, and walk out. She kept the positive imagery in her head, even as she walked behind Ilwynog with her head down, perfectly shrouding enough of her face so as she didn't look so much like what she was. Yes, even as they spoke, she paid attention to what was right in front of her, keeping her head down and canted slightly as she stared at the blaster one of the thugs was holding. She didn't need to take the blaster out of her pocket to shoot it, and idly pointed it at his figure, relaxing as Ilwynog noted their intent. There was a large window to the right of them, she purposely stayed out of the line of sight of the sniper.

Ilwynog was smart, noting his awareness that they had backup, but didn't mention how much of the backup they knew about. In fact, for the rest of the time they spent there, she would make a point to avoid his line of sight at all times, a subconscious, and tactical series of movements always making sure she was either not visible from the snipers location, or had one of the baddies blocking the path. Aware of course, how they seemed to move in a way that promoted her and Ilwynog being near windows, or on one side of the room apart from them.

Sure, she knew nothing about Spice Dealing, but she remembered in her youth how people baited Nerfs into a slaughter pen. You didn't force it, you simply strung it along, keeping it calm if anything, and then....

Well, that wouldn't be the case for them. They were prepared, and quite frankly even with blasters... She felt suddenly, content. There were no cameras as far as she could tell, and dead men told no tales but the ones they wore.

It would behoove them to be cordial.
Ilwynog Cysgod

 

[Ilwynog Cysgod]

The atmosphere was tense, Ilwynog made it clear that their intention was to survive and that they would not take any frith from these guys. The pair looked at each other nervously, biting their tongues, then looked over to Ilwynog, whose cloak was open and their holstered blaster was on display before they sighed and whistled loudly. The three guys from the outside came in carrying the spice and were clearly well armed as well, walking past Ilwynog and Aayla, they placed the large supply of spice in from of the pair and Ilwynog checked the boxes, seeing the spice then looked at the pair. "How do we know this ain't tainted? Can't be supplying my customers with bad goods." Ilwynog pointed out, "think big guy here should try someone, cause I ain't foolish enough to let me or my partner risk of lives over this." The Rodian narrowed their eyes unimpressed at Ilwynog's accusation as they gestured to the biggest guy of the trio who just came in.

"You question us!" The Rodian exclaimed, clearly not happy.

"I question everyone, I don't know how this is made or where you got this so I want to know this is safe and that is it good." Ilwynog argued in a firm tone. Handing a sample over to the big guy, "now, either he tries it or the deal is off." It was aggressive but Ilwynog was standing strong, the Human whispered into the Rodian's ear, muttering quietly. Ilwynog was able to hear what was being said thanks to their skills in Force Listening but made it clear that they were just waiting.

"Not him, but other guy will try it, happy?" The Human gestured to another guy, who came up to Ilwynog and showed that the sample was safe. Ilwynog waited silently in case something happened then closed the box's lid and handed it over to Aayla.

Gesturing their head to Aayla it was time to leave, Ilwynog turned to the group, "good doing business with you. You'll have the credits when we have left here alive." Ilwynog stated but then the group got very excitable, in a bad way.

"Now! Pay us now!" The Rodian shouted loudly, Ilwynog sighed as guns were drawn on the pair.

"If I pay now, what stops you killing me?" Ilwynog pointed out, as they didn't react to the guns at all. "Kill me now, no credits and you gotta find another dealer, which be hard to do when people find out you have been killing dealers. Wait 5 minutes and get paid, then everyone is happy." Ilwynog gestured to Aayla to keep behind Ilwynog and keep moving back towards the door as they stood still, guarding her.

Aayla Shan

 

[Aayla Shan]

Her head remained lowered as Ilwynog saw to his work. She paid attention, but was also aware of the situation. Idly wondering if this mission was worth both of their lives. Watching the man intake those drugs, she noted it was the first time she had actually seen someone using illegal drugs. Showed she traveled... When the box was forced into her hands, her head rose for the first time, locking eyes with one of the guys in the room, a determined glare cast briefly, then returned to what she was carrying. A rare breed of intuition told her to keep moving though, as they hadn't shot yet, perhaps out of sight, out of mind could we well here.

It still left the sniper on the roof, but she steadily back-pedaled and turned at the nearest corner, releasing a pent up breath and continuing to walk as if there wasn't a rifle trained on her. Certainly, this wasn't what she imagined on Kashyyyk, but she was here now; she had to trust in The Force, and Ilwynog, it was as simple as that. She would continue moving even, until she arrived in the hallway that lead to the one unblocked exit to the building. At the end of the hallway, a lone guard stood by, a huge one at that; a large bore blaster rested over his shoulder, and as she looked, it narrowed its slits on her. Squarely in the way.

She pressed forward though, and stopped about four feet from the other, illegal goods still in tow. She looked up at the Trandoshan, who licked at their lips, releasing a rhythmic hiss at her, and yet hadn't made a move to attack, or impede her travel. She sensed however, that what this creature wanted, was to illicit a reaction from her.

'Sssssoo, onlee' tha biiiig one speaksssss?'

He prattled, not in basic, but Dosh... She had heard languages similar to it, and for some reason it was extremely understandable to her, all she would do is shrug at his words, taking a step to the side, and moving to walk around the Trandoshan.

 

[Ilwynog Cysgod]

Things were a bit high stakes for Ilwynog's liking. This was meant to be a much smoother deal then this, however, with the organisation that Ilwynog was truly interested in, it wasn't surprising that this was the growing response. Ilwynog watched Aayla head off to the exit as they keep a firm, expressionless gaze on the 5 gang members. If they needed to then the situation could be handled quickly but violence was the utmost last option. Burning this bridge would set them back weeks. Weeks that would be impossible to get back involved in without new armour and name, something that Ilwynog did not want to go through again. Starting over with a new cover was never fun, taken years to cultivate this identity to be perfect and unrelated to the SJC. Instead they needed to work out this issue of trust calmly.

Walking backwards, slowly towards the exit, Ilwynog kept an eye on the blasters. Any movement and Ilwynog be able to react in an instant. They weren't turning their back on this lot. That would have been a death sentence. Instead, they were trusting their skills and the Force on this one. Heading to the exit, they turned out of sight of the group and spotted Aayla blocked by the Trandoshan bouncer figure. Walking over to them, Ilwynog moved swiftly and barged their way past, allowing Aayla to follow suit.

Ilwynog knew it was a risk to barge aggressively as they did, but they calculated that the chances this one Trandoshan start something with the two of them was unlikely, especially when Ilwynog's strength slammed them into the wall, knocking the wind out of the Trandoshan and revealing Ilwynog's strength underneath the armour. Guiding Aayla away out of sight, Ilwynog paused for a moment then looked at the Padawan. "This mission went as well as it could have, given the circumstances. We got the product and now we can get this off the street, and we are a step closer to finding the people creating this. Which is my real target. If what you have seen here kept you interested in the Shadows then you can follow me and I will detail you more on the operation I have going on. If it doesn't, that's fine, hand the box over and you can head back to Kashyyyk."

It was a choice, a choice that Ilwynog was letting Aayla make. See if she wanted in on their mission or if she was happy to go her own way and explore her options. They were able to see the potential but couldn't force this. Shadows lived dangerous lives and not everyone was ready for that lifestyle.

Aayla Shan

 

[Aayla Shan]

Aayla was just about to make a rash decision when Master Ilwynog came up behind her and made it himself, causing the Trandoshan to simply snarl in response, clutching at its own chest. She was sure that it was all over then, but instead the creature just shuddered another snarl in their direction; seeming particularly interested in the Young Jedi still, and practically ignoring Ilwynog.

'Sssssssseee you sssssssssssoooooon. Ssssssofft Flesssssssssh' it rasped, moving in the direction of the apartments they had just come from. She had to admit, it was unsettling to think she had someone like that after her, but in actuality it was him that should be worried. When they got outside, she would hand over the box, and think about what Ilwynog had said. Sure, it was precarious, and it wasn't her usual dig; but quitting because it was hard wasn't her style.

She had to look at it for what it was, she couldn't just swing a lightsaber at her problems working as a Shadow, but it was still something she wanted. To be fair, she didn't really feel close to much people at the SJC. The few she did were well on their way to finding their own forms of success, she felt held back in dozens of ways, and like she had made progress in none.

"I'm seeing this through till the end..." she mumbled, eyes peering past him, and up to the sniper that was a ways away. Her glance timed perfectly to see him stowing the rifle, but still watching curiously. "I want to make my own choices, if I can't succeed here, then..." she trailed, and sighed aloud.

"Lets get outta' here.." she said, smiling at Ilwynog. She had her own reasons for pushing this issue. She wanted to be able to explore the galaxy of her own accord, not to mention find her own avenues to mastery. Beyond that, she had hoped Ilwynog could teach, or expand on the Force abilities she did know, or teach her thing she never thought of. In any case, she was an exemplary student; soaking up information like a sponge, and a very quick study in her own right.