Intuition

[Thresh Sken]

Cloud City is pretty small. I noticed this as I flew in, following the preset course that was fed to me through one of the mid-level docks. So small, I bet that you could see the curvature of the place from the top levels. Sadly, I would not be able to view this wonder, as I was not rich by any means. The upper levels devoted to luxury and high-class casinos would dry my wallet up in just one meal.

But that wasn't what I came for. I had this itch in the back of my head, sort of like an intuition. It had told me to come here. Maybe to pick up some decent paying work? I had no idea. But what I did know was that the itch had never served me wrong. So I followed it.

I stepped down off of my landing ramp, taking in the dock. It was in decent condition. I could see a couple cleaning droids, one or two repair droids by a terminal and a scattered presence of translation droids. Nowhere near as much as the amount in the upper docks, I bet, but this was good enough.

I closed the landing platform up, and locked it. Just like any other space dock, I didn't want any scavengers lurking around on board. I put some work into customizing my ship, and I wasn't going to let anyone tamper with it.

I started walking towards a blast door a little to the right of where I landed. It looked like it had a fair amount of traffic passing through it, and plus, the itch was telling me to go there. I walked through the doors into the hall with two other beings, who quickly passed me by as I stopped, taking in both directions the hall split into. Left, or right? The itch wasn't very strong now, and I was left wondering what to do. It looked like a mid-class cantina down the hall to the left, sabaac players frequently heading in and out of it. The hallway to the right just kept going in a gentle curve, to who knows where. I stood stopped in the center of the hall, waiting for some inspiration to strike me as to the direction I should head in.

[member="Caid Centurion"]

 

[Caid Centurion]

Caid was not on Bespin in any official capacity this day. In fact, it was the first trip he'd taken as Caid Centurion in quite some time. There were precious few that knew much of anything about him, particularly within the First Order. Beyond that, his last name only carried notoriety in rather specific circles. Cloud City, specifically, was one of those places though not for the reason that most would think. Though he knew of his father's past involvement with the Moross Crusade, he was not presently aware of the man's minor connection to [member="Danger Arceneau"]'s company and, more specifically, a number of her female employees that had adopted certain aspects of the Moross Lore.

On this particular evening, that wasn't much an issue as he avoided the more affluent areas of Cloud City, sticking instead to the more seedier aspects. Since the arrival of the First Order, most of these areas of relative ill-repute had actually diminished. Imperial law wasn't as harsh on Bespin as it was elsewhere, due in large part to arrangements made with Arceneau Trade. Still, Imperial society could not tolerate degenerates in any proximity to the cream of the crop mere stories above them.

Dressed in the casual clothing of someone hailing from the middle-class, Caid sat quietly at the sabaac table. Silver-green eyes were focused on his opponent even as the Force whispered directly into his subconscious, the feeling of an increase in unnatural force activity within the establishment almost impossible to ignore.

[member="Thresh Sken"]

 

[Thresh Sken]

It only took me a few seconds longer to decide. Left it was. I started walking down the hall towards the cantina, a force seemingly pushing me down the hallway towards it. It was like I wasn't even moving of my own accord anymore. I tried to maintain a steady, un-rushed pace as I continued down the hall. I matched the flow of the crowd. Some people were peeling off into the cantina as the river of beings flowed past it. I was prepared to stay with the flow of traffic, when my ankles took a sharp turn into the door of the cantina.

Ok, I thought. I guess I'm supposed to go in here.

I stood in the right side of the doorway, my short stature and shadowy appearance helping to conceal me from unwanted attention. I stepped inside and to the right of the door to observe the layout. On the left side there was a rather extensive bar, with stools lined up along it. All along the right were tables spaced geometrically throughout the room, most with sabaac being played on them. In the shadows I was almost unseeable, my fur absorbing most of the waves of light the beings in here could see in. To them, my fur appeared as black as the darkest shadows. Unless they could see in UV. Then I stuck out, with my dark blue fur showing its vibrant pigment in the UV spectrum.

I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do next. The itch had gone away, or at least faded, from what it once felt like. I decided to take initiative. I started a slow walk towards the bar, thinking a nice human liquid, this thing called tea, would quench my thirst. A wonderful thing, this tea was. It was made by surface plants and gave off this taste, this unique taste, which I found delectable. Particularly when served hot.

[member="Caid Centurion"]

 

[Caid Centurion]

The sensation continued to intensify as the unknown presence drew closer. It was fortuitous that the game came to an end shortly thereafter when he completed a Pure Sabacc, the winning hand. Truth be told, it was entirely random that Caid even knew how to play Sabacc. He supposed that he owed to some of his former employees whom had been the most impressive sabacc players he had ever seen. Years of being destroyed by the likes of them had...taught him a thing or two.

After collecting his winnings, Caid departed the table, much to the irritation of his opponent who repeatedly demanded a rematch. Slipping the credit chips into a small bag that he stowed in a pocket of his jacket, the large Dathomir native casually made his way towards the cantina's exit. Just as he was about to reach the exit, however, the sensation hit him once more.

Turning his head to the right slightly, he pretended as if he'd elected to have a drink instead of leave. Arriving at the relatively crowded bar, Caid did what he did best and made himself known. "Hey! Let me get a glass of Corellian Ale." Caid didn't drink, but he couldn't very well be at a bar and not drink. It was in that relative moment that he overheard a weequay and a kiffar making snide comments about a shadowy individual to their right. Apparently, [member="Thresh Sken"]'s choice in drink order had not gone unnoticed.

For a moment, Caid's silver-green eyes lingered over the man before he shifted them back to the bartender. "Hey make that two. One for my friend over there, I didn't see him come in." Making his way over to Thresh, Caid clapped him on the back. "There you are! Man this place is pretty wild tonight." As he spoke, Caid tactically wormed his way in between the man and the other two. His initial reason for intervention had merely been to keep the peace without having to do so officially. However, the moment he settled in beside, Thresh, Caid became aware of the reality.

 

[Thresh Sken]

I stiffened as I felt a clap on the back. A man squeezed in between me and my neighbors, whom I had noticed were making snide glances in my direction. The most striking feature about this human was his eyes. They were emerald green, with bright silver pupils. Mesmerizing, in some ways. Daunting in others. Like he was taking not about every little movement you made, and making an assessment about you. A very accurate assessment.

But his tone was friendly enough. Besides, there wasn't exactly anything I could do. I was at the front of the cantina, for goodness' sake. I did not want to make a scene.

"Well, uh, hi there." I said. "It does look very energetic tonight, you're right."

During that stunned response, frantic thoughts were running through my head. I don't have any credits! I thought. What could this guy possibly want from me? I mean, if he was just friendly, that's ok. But not very many people in the galaxy approach a stranger just to make their acquaintance. I fumbled for something else to say, trying to figure this guy, and his motives out.

[member="Caid Centurion"]

 

[Caid Centurion]

The drinks arrived shortly after [member="Thresh Sken"] had offered his response. Caid managed a subtle nod of the head before taking a sip of his drink. "Not much for intelligent interaction, however." With his free hand, Caid jerked a thumb over his shoulder. "Those dudes hanging out near the Sabacc tables were talking up a pretty good game before they got wrecked."

Feigning the actions of someone that simply been desperate for a night out, the young Ren down the rest of his ale. It tasted like complete poodoo, but it helped maintain the facade. Placing his mug back on top of the bar, Caid turned such that his back was against the bar, allowing his silver-green gaze to maintain view of the establishment. Eventually the two sentients nearest to them elected to move about their business.
When he was satisfied no one was really within earshot, Caid whispered something to Thresh. "You're obviously not from around here. Don't let the glitter of Cloud City fool you, not all areas of this planet are so comfortable and safe. Plus...you're about as likely to run into an agent of the First Order in one of these establishments of ill-repute as anything. What's your business here anyways?"

 

[Thresh Sken]

I let a small smile, in the appearance of my fangs peeking out, to escape my lips. "By you, I would guess?" I'm not one much for gambling, but I do enjoy hearing a good story of beating someone who's pockets got a little bit too full of credits.

The man downed his drink in one go. Surprising. I couldn't choke one of those down in five gulps given the chance. The stranger leaned up against the bar, casual looking, scanning the area with his piercing eyes. I wondered if he was as paranoid as I get sometimes. My neighbors, the ones who made fun of my drink choice, eventually got up and moved. I wondered if it was because of [member="Caid Centurion"] 's withering gaze. It would be enough to scare anyone if given with enough intensity.

The human whispered now, like he was sharing a secret. "Well, you would be right. I'm not from around here." Something about the human lent credibility to him, making me trust him. Besides, I'm sure newcomers are here all the time. You can't really stay away from Cloud City that long. It's a huge attraction, especially if you appreciate engineering.

But his next sentences betrayed some of the dirt on Cloud City. "The First Order is here?" I didn't really have a problem with them. Not unless some of the stories were true. About torture and their unwavering demands of dicipline on certain planets. But those were just stories, unproven so far, right?

As for my business... How much to tell him? "Well, I came here for an opportunity. I'm not sure what it is quite yet, but I know I'll find it here." There. The truth. Not that he would exactly understand it, but I would at least be able to talk freely without fear of contradicting a made-up lie. But something was still bothering me. "The First Order. What do they want here? Why would they have agents?"

 

[Caid Centurion]

Caid did not immediately pay [member="Thresh Sken"] much attention, but he did eventually turn his gaze to face the sentient being once more. Slowly, a single eyebrow arched at Thresh's questions. "Were you asleep when you past through customs, or is your memory just that bad? The First Order controls this entire system. In fact, they control the majority of the sector."

Laughing slightly to himself, Caid shifted his body such that it was facing Thresh. "So I suspect they, quite simply, want to maintain their version of order and discipline. Don't have much a problem with them myself, the First Order has been pretty good for business." Unknown to Thresh, Caid had actually signaled in a number of troops that remained largely assigned to him following the operation near the Dread Nebula. It was merely a matter of time before they arrived. "Where are you from anyways?"

 

[Thresh Sken]

"Well..." I say. "I guess I just wasn't paying attention. New uniforms, maybe?" In fact, that would be highly unusual for me to let something go by unnoticed. But the pressure, the intuition, the tingling sensation had completely occupied my attention. I really hadn't noticed the First Order when I docked.

With [member="Caid Centurion"] still talking, a key word struck home to me. Business. Maybe that was what I was here for. But then I realized he was silent, looking at me with those piercing eyes, waiting for a response.

"I'm from Af'El, the home planet of my species, Defels." I had wondered if the human had seen my kind before, because he hadn't responded to my, quite literally, shadowy appearance with surprise or apprehension, as most beings do. We aren't nicknamed "Wraiths" for nothing.

 

[Caid Centurion]

Caid had most certainly not had any experience with a Defel. However, he'd seen a great deal in his life, so different species did not tend to draw any particularly strong emotions within him. "New uniforms..." The young Centurion permitted himself a brief, serious laugh. "Yeah. Maybe that's it. This isn't your first time away from Af'El is it?"

No sooner had Caid's question left his lips than four men wearing the uniforms of the First Order Ministry of Security entered the establishment. In rather short order the music was cut off and the lights brought up as several murmurs of indignation began to erupt. "Citizens and Sentients. This establishment is closed by order of the Governor of Bespin. Please gather your belongings and begin making your way towards the exits for screening and processing."

As the announcement was made, two of the officers approached Caid and [member="Thresh Sken"] with a determined look set into their features. "Citizen, collect your belongings and proceed to the exit." The security officer indicated Caid as he spoke before shifting his attention to the Defel. "You. You're under arrest for violation of Statute 12, Section 123."

Caid stepped in between Thresh and the officer, towering over the latter. "That's bantha poodoo! He didn't ev-" Caid's rant was cut short by a stun baton impacted with the side of his neck. Immediately, he collapsed to the ground in a drooling mess as stun cuffs were placed on Thresh.

 

[Thresh Sken]

I was about to respond to Caid that it actually was, in fact, my first time away from Af'El. My first trip just hasn't ended yet. I was lucky I had gotten off the planet the first time. I hadn't tried again due to the very high level of gravity on my homeworld.

All of a sudden, interrupting my train of thought and my response, four smartly dressed men with First Order insignias on their uniforms entered. Everything just stopped. A palpable sense of dread and apprehension hung in the air.

As per the voice over the speakers requested, beings started making their ways out of the place. I had no sooner than started to rise up out of my chair when two of the men detached from the group and approached the human and I. They told [member="Caid Centurion"] to leave, but arrested me for some violation of some statute. It made no sense to me whatsoever. But then Caid shot to his feet and confronted the officer that was arresting me. He started to explain heatedly that I had done no wrong, but was quickly stuck in the neck with a stun baton. He hit the floor with a thud.

Now on my feet, I started to go invisible, the light bending around me, obscuring me in most wavelengths of visible light. But then I stopped. This human had stood up for me, a complete stranger, and took a stun baton for it. I decided that I had to honor his sacrifice. I became visible again and held my hands out for stun cuffs to be attached.

"Whatever you do, don't hurt this guy," I said "It was not a violent protest. I will come willingly."

I didn't see what happened to Caid. I was dragged away too quickly. As I followed the officer, staring at his back the entire way, I could only hope they were not as quick to violence as the officer had been to Caid.

 

[Caid Centurion]

Thirty-six Hours Later

[member="Thresh Sken"] had been placed in a rather simple cell, under guard with a number of others rounded up the same evening. However, the vast majority had been steadily transferred to other locations within the first twenty-four hours of their time of detention. Thresh had not been questioned or even spoken to since his arrival. He received three meals a day as was Imperial policy for low-threat detainees.

Mid-afternoon on his second full-day of time in the prison, the heavy steel doors opened indicating an arrival. However, there was a great deal more interest in the arrival this time than usual. The timing was off...it was not time for another meal, and they'd only just finished their exercise period. This meant someone was either arriving or, perhaps, being transferred out. Faces plastered against the bars, hurling a number of random statements until eyes registered the flowing black and silver cloak over the featureless black mask.

Booted feet traversed the stone hallway casually as two white-armored Stormtroopers flanked the Knight of Ren. Stopping just outside of Thresh's cell, Ciardha Ren slowly turned his body to face the detained Defel. For several moments there was silence. Eventually, his metallic voice drifted forth. "A Defel. Uncommon but...perhaps...useful." A wave of a gloved hand disintegrated the locks on the steel door. The securing device fell inward. "Come with me." Turning, the Ren began to depart, the Stormtroopers remaining behind to ensure the Defel's compliance.

If Thresh asked any questions or made any protests, they would fall on deaf ears. Exiting the cell block, Ciardha turned and proceeded down a long corridor towards a waiting transport.

 

[Thresh Sken]

I've been in this cell for at least a day. No one come to get me. No one talking to me. Not even the guards. I hear the door open, as it has for mealtime every day. But... It can't be mealtime. Maybe a prisoner come to get released?

I press up against the bars of my cell, curious to see who was coming. I see a man with a dark cloak and a full-faced mask head towards my cell. It can't be. No one's come to me before. His heavy boots clomp closer and closer. I watch as they come to a stop... right in front of me. I look up and stumble backwards. This figure is even more imposing at close range. He radiates power, and I feel like I should be afraid. I am a little bit. But I'm used to being the top predator, nothing to fear. So I wait and conserve my judgement until he proves himself... or doesn't.

He stands there, just looking at me. Then a metallic voice rings out with commanding authority, no doubt hiding the being's identity under it. I'm surprised he knows what species I am. But it is quite unsettling how he called me useful. What for? Why am I useful? He waves his hand in my direction, and the locking mechanism just... falls to pieces in front of my eyes.

My glowing red spotlights of eyes widen behind my visor. Powerful indeed. The two stormtroopers outside my cell are preparing to come in, ready to use forceful means to persuade me. No matter. I leap to my feat and scurry to them, fully prepared to receive whatever restraints they wish to put on me, however much I might despise them. The hunter in me does not like to be held captive.

[member="Caid Centurion"]

 

[Caid Centurion]

Once [member="Thresh Sken"] had been guided out of the inner corridors of the prison facility and to Ciardha's waiting transport, the Ren turned and waited as the man's restraints were removed. Casually, Ciardha motioned up the loading ramp of the waiting shuttle. "Get onboard," came the metallic command. The two Stormtroopers remained stationary, prepared to stun the Defel if he decided to attempt fleeing.

Ciardha, on the other hand, did not wait for Thresh. Instead, the Ren made his way inside and to the front of the passenger cabin. Taking a seat, he leaned his head back and exhaled softly. If the Defel had a question, he would ask. Otherwise, he would complete the journey to their destination...in silence.

 

[Thresh Sken]

I walked, flanked by two stormtroopers into a courtyard where a ship was waiting. The man in the metal mask, [member="Caid Centurion"] , wasted no time. His voice came through his mask commanding me to board the ship. Not giving me an option. He did not wait, just turned around and disappeared into the depths of the ship. The stormtroopers remained behind, probably as insurance to force my compliance, if I wasn't willing.

Which I totally am, so no need for violence. Nope. Not at all. I nodded towards the stormtroopers, just a casual gesture, as if to say: Nice meeting you all, even though they didn't murmur or speak once during the trip out here.

I entered the ship, wondering what to do next. I walked along the hallway which seemed to split the ship in half. I would sometimes peek into rooms whose doors were open, but found nothing of interest. Just some shipping crates which I wan't inclined to open. Whoever my captor was, I did not want to incur his wrath. I vaguely felt the ship lift off, but paid no heed to it.

I eventually found myself in a cabin of some sort, with seats littered about, some pushed against tables, some just free-standing. And then I noticed the figure dressed in black seated in one of the chairs. I walked up to him, feeling a sense of confidence. I should know why I am here, shouldn't I? They just can't expect me to comply blindly with directions forever.

I clear my throat. "Um... E.. Ex.. Excuse me, mister. I mean sir. I mean..." Suddenly I was very nervous. It was like I could feel his icy gaze on me, even though he didn't appear to be directing it at me behind the mask. "However you wish to be called... A question, if you will. Why am I here? Who are you? And where are we going?" They all just flew out of me in a nervous frenzy. It wasn't like me to lose my cool, but these were no normal circumstances, if I did say so myself.

 

[Caid Centurion]

Caid's attention hadn't been focused on anything in particular. In fact his most proximate intention was to meditate for the duration of their journey, but he would not deny the Defel a few answers given all he had been through the past two days. Sitting up straight in his seat, Ciardha Ren tilted his chin forward to bring the back of his head off the headrest. "Ciardha Ren is what I am called."

Silence lingered for a moment as the masked figure seemingly studied the Defel. "You asked if you might ask one question...but proceeded to actually ask three. You would do well to learn clarity and accuracy of communication in my presence. Pick one of your questions. I will answer the rest at a time I deem necessary."

[member="Thresh Sken"]

 

[Thresh Sken]

The imposing figure [member="Caid Centurion"] lifted his head to look directly at me. It was rather unnerving, a monotone voice coming from a face concealed by a mask. Ciardha Ren, he called himself. He looked at me for a few more seconds.

My only response to him was a gulp."Yes, sir." I replied. Best to grant him his wish of clarity. Now I have to be careful of what I say. "What am I doing on this ship, Ciardha Ren? I didn't think all criminals got so comfortable transportation." I tried the half-hearted joke, which kind of doubled as a jab to see what he said. I honestly didn't think that criminals got such a nice ship just for relocation to another prison, which is why I am slightly suspicious.

 

[Caid Centurion]

Ciardha's response was swift, effortless. "Travelling to another location. Now go and take a seat. It will be a few hours before we arrive." Once the statement had been made, Ciardha Ren ceased to give [member="Thresh Sken"] any further attention. The man's one question had been utilized.

Six hours later, the shuttle very obviously initiated re-entry into a planet's atmosphere. Roughly thirty minutes later, the shuttle decelerated until it was hovering over the ground. No sooner had the tell-tale sensation of touchdown completed than Ciardha was on his feet, sweeping towards the vessel's exit. "Come, Defel."

As they stepped onto the durasteel deck of the hangar bay, Thresh wouldn't recognize much. If he gazed out the hangar's exit, he would see that the upper atmosphere was rather dark. It was suspended ash that perpetually blotted out much of the sunlight provided to the world. As such, it was a rather dismal place, drawing few citizens. This was a good thing, mind you, for it reduced the need for the secretive facility to carry much in the way of security.

Retreating to the structure's inner corridors, Thresh would fine them to be Imperialistically simple. The floor was a polished black and the walls were a stark white. What few people traversed the corridors were dressed in a variety of clothing, some masked others not. Ciardha extended courtesies to as many people as he received them from, indicating that, wherever they were, he was but a middle-figure of the organization for the time being. Within a few minutes, they'd arrived at simple quarters.

Palming open the door, Ciardha motioned inside. "These will be your quarters. Clean yourself up, put on the black uniform, and then meet me in Training Room 4." Saying nothing further, the Ren departed.

 

[Thresh Sken]

Well, if that wasn't a generic answer I don't know what is. We're on a ship, naturally we would be traveling. But I quell my curiosity and sit like I'm told. After six long, tiresome hours of sitting and being ignored, we start a re-entry. A planetary re-entry that is. The tell-tale stress on the ship and the vague roaring noise of the atmosphere passing by us at supersonic speeds.

We disembark the ship, following [member="Caid Centurion"] into a hangar bay. The place was very clean, no blemishes, obsidian floors polished to perfection, white-washed walls bleached to a blinding sort of luminescence. Ciarhda Ren greets many people, seemingly a popular figure among his peers. But some people greet him, to whom he offers no response. A leader of some sort? An important figure? If so, then why is he dealing with me? Nothing makes any sense.

We stop by a door, one of many that is alike to all the others that we have passed. I'm told that this room will be mine. A black uniform lays on the bed, looking like the perfect fit for me. I try it on. It fits like it was custom tailored for me. Strange. Ciarhda Ren said something about training room four... Where could that be? I look in a locker at the corner of my room, and find a data pad that holds a map of this place. Or at least, the wing that I'm in. I look and my room is marked on the map, letting me know where I am. I scrutinize the rest of the map to find the training room.

There it is. Down the hall. I take a deep breath. What could this be? A reconditioning program for criminals? But I didn't think I had any misconducts. I stand in front of my door.

And step through. I turn down the hallway, trying to look as professional as everyone else that walks by. I stop in front of the door that says "TRAINING ROOM 4" beside it. I stop before this door too. What will happen when I step through? Ciardha Ren is supposed to be waiting here for me. What does he have planned?

Time to find out.

 

[Caid Centurion]

Ciardha arrived in the vicinity of the training room some moments later. His masked gaze immediately fell upon the Defel standing by idly. "Enter," was the singular command he issued as he swept into the room himself. Unlike the corridors of the facility, the training room was much darker in lighting and feel. An area of the floor was cushioned by a mat, but the vast majority of the flooring was completely stone. There were obvious doors and hatches built into the ground, but it was anyone's guess what they contained. Lining the walls were several other training aids and an observation room was a level up, situated behind a glass screen.

Coming to a stop in the middle of the room, Ciardha clasped his hands behind his back and turned his gaze to [member="Thresh Sken"] once more. "You have entered into the halls of the Knights of Ren, a well-trained Order of dark side force practitioners serving the Supreme Leader of the First Order directly." Ciardha paused just barely long enough for the words to sink in. It was likely that Thresh would have heard rumors of the Knights of Ren at the very least, but that was dependent upon just how much time he had spent on Bespin prior to his incarceration. "You remain an outsider. This is not a place you can yet call home, and your success in the weeks, months to follow will determine if your visit turns into residence...or ends with your life. You may ask your second question now."