Land of the Free

[Arekk]

Sanctuary was the promised land for those seeking to escape from their fears and those who strike fear upon the innocent. A peaceful planet known to be one of the oldest Rebel Alliance safe world colonies, founded by pacifists seeking to avoid being drafted by the Imperials to join their military ranks. Ranging from smugglers to former soldiers, Sanctuary has become the primary home for people belonging to the Republic and also for those looking for a fresh start and become independent.

Ar'ekk has been staying in the planet for over six months, investigating several disappearances commited by unknown individuals. The young Jedi Padawan was well known between the villagers and often reached out to him for favors and assistance, where he felt in the obligation of accepting their pleas. Having just managed to avoid a close brush with death on Nar Shaddaa, Ar'ekk made his way back into Sanctuary with the legendary Ebon Hawk as his new property by stealing it from The Exchange and the Sith, who were after his head. The spaceport was crowded as always, so he decided to station himself near the beachside in a spot where he wouldn't be detected by anyone with mean intentions although if someone with enough brain would be able to find him quite easily. He knew it was a safe place to be but there were always going to be someone interested in finding trouble.

The planet's spacestation would allow pretty much anyone to land on the docking bay in-world. Off worlders oftenly seek shelter, do business or simply refuel at Sanctuary. Anyone coming off-world wouldn't have any issue whatsoever unless they were flagged as enemies, where they would have a very big problem on their hands in case they wanted to enter or escape.

[member='Tin'tinag']

 

[Tin'tinag]

A common Y-T series freighter exited hyperspace over the planet of Sanctuary, having long ditched the craft given to her by the Ren as to not be tracked, it felt nice being in one of these ship again, even if it was a older model. "So this is Sancturay hu, looks good enough of a place to rest up for a while". The Rylothian Twi'lek had been moving around the core worlds for a week to keep her location a secret from the FO and now content with laying a confusing enough trail she had made haste for the outer rim worlds.

The ships started its decent to the surface headed for one of the more populated areas, slowly coming to a stop over the sapce port, the rugged look of it bring back fond memories of her time as a smuggler. The ramp of the ship lowered the yellow skinned Twi'lek stretched her are while being greeted by the air of a planet not consumed by steel and durscreate, she was home, in one scene of another.

Disembarking she strode through the street, in search of a place to just simple sit an meditate, despite her best efforts the darkside still plagued her mind. Her initial thoughs of become a Ren was positive, power and place to call home, but more time with the other Ren made her realize they were fanatics following the long lost Sith lord vader, and slowly became less enthusiastic about the whole arrangement.

Tin'tinag made her way towards the beach, hoping the tranquility of the waves would provide the soothing she needed from the past trials she had faced, most notable the skirmish were she received a scar of her Lekku, that threatened to do permanent brain damage. She approached the beach, still not having enough skill to hid her force signature, allowing it to flow around for anyone to detect, though she doubted that any Sith would be on the planet.

@Ar'ekk

 

[Arekk]

The Ebon Hawk was in a great shape despite being a thousand years old and being kept away in a hidden docking bay. As Ar'ekk made the final arrangements for the freighter such as cleaning, fixing and giving the droids something to do he decided to take a walk around. The constant struggle between the light and the dark side was more latent than ever, clouding his mind heavily. He's been having nightmares of his loved ones and of friends lost during the war and that made him prone to feeling exhausted, both physically and mentally.

The beach was a soothing thing to see with the sunray touching down his body and feeling the warmth of the sun. From afar, what seemed a human shaped figure could be seen and then a familiar connection. A known feeling sorrounding those that are gifted or what's more commonly called: The Force. This individual was strong with it but something else told him it could be danger. The constant struggle of emotions flowing through this person made Ar'ekk enter in precaution mode. He watched casually as she walked towards the beach, trying to keep up near her as his intention were not to scare her away but pretend he's walking along just like this Twi'lek.

[member="Tin'tinag"]

 

[Tin'tinag]

Walking across the beach Tin'tinag breath in the salty air from the splashing wave against the shore, finally starting to realax but was slightly unnerved by a finger in the distance, they were tall and even though not being the best at sensing force signatures their presence was an almost direct contrast to the Master of Ren she had served back in the FO. Perhaps they were a run away Jedi of sorts, trying to escape the constant wars of the galaxy, or maybe they lived here.

What ever the case was she decided to slowly approached the finger, its shape slowly turning into that of a man, one wearing white armor and a face plate, which she could only assume was to hide a wound of some sort, much like her former master and his face mask. it seemed as though the person had taken notice of her as well, Tin'tinags years of being a smuggler easily knowing when someone was tailing her.

She stopped walking and turned to face the man fully, waiting for him to come closer, she appeared to have been part of an order at some point or in the military, his walking style being stoic and poised regardless of the casual way they were acting. The distance between the two closed, soon each force user was starring almost point blank at one another, Tin'tinag awaited him to speak not sure of how to start the conversation herself.

[member="Ar'ekk"]

 

[Arekk]

"The sights let you relax the mind and free itself from clouding thoughts." he uttered briefly as he avoided eye contact with her, looking ahead towards the ocean. The fresh air and the marine breeze splashed against his face softly as he stayed on alert, in case anything were to happen. A struggle perhaps? Or simply nothing, after all this was the planet of runaways and innocents.

Ar'ekk clashed glances with [member="Tin'tinag"], nodding to her. "I did not mean to interrupt your peaceful walk." the man said, apologizing profusely. The sea seemed more at serenity than usual, small waves hitting the shore. Not many people come to this side of the beach so it seemed pretty deserted, both of them standing on the warm sand.

The Ebon Hawk remained hidden although a small portion of it was uncovered. The droids working on the ship could be spotted from afar going back and forth, carrying metallic boxes and whatnot on board.

 

[Tin'tinag]

Her gazed followed the mans across the sea, it had been so long since she had seen such a site, "I suppose you are right, though many metamorphose can be made about the sea". The wind blew against her black cloak, is colour clashing with her bright yellow complexion as well as the sand, the person seemed a bit tense, but then again he had every right, to most people she had the look of a dark Jedi at best, though Tin'tinag always had a liking for dark coluors, most notably navy blue.

"No its fine, I needed someone to talk to anyways", she looked past him, noticing a ship in the distance, most likely belonging to the guy, "Might I ask what you are doin out here on the beach, are you troubled my dark though to, or just making sure what ever you stole isn't found, not many people park their ship on the beach and cover it up". Her Rylothian accent giving her slightly sassy remark seem more playful.

[member="Ar'ekk"]

 

[Arekk]

Ar'ekk couldn't feel but let out a small laugh as she mentioned the Ebon Hawk hiding not too far away from them. He shook his head negatively and said: "Just taking a walk on the beach, just like you. Don't worry about the ship."

He sensed the struggle within Tin'tinag, the pull from the dark and the light. A much familiar feeling to him, being torn apart the same way as her although more controlled due to the training and knowledge provided by his master. It seemed like she was an amicable person despite her looks giving away she was an enemy of his or so he thought.

"What brings you to Sanctuary?" he inquired although the question had an easy answer. His eyes followed every movement made by the Twi'lek, unsure of her intentions.

[member="Tin'tinag"]

 

[Tin'tinag]

Tin'tinag gave a cocked eyebrow, she wasn't stupid but decided to drop the subject, she had stolen her fair share of things in the past. He continued to look at her. It didn't take a genius to know that she was a darksider in some regard, other Jedi would probably have attacked her by now, but this person was different.

His next question stuck a slight cord, did she want to tell him her life story, perhaps, but mabye later, a revised version would be all that's needed. "Believe it or not I was a follower of Ren, actually enjoyed it for a bit, power, a place to stay, but I eventually say what they truly are, and how the darkside corrupts a person". "It did help my former master had another student that did not take to kindly to my presence".

She turned her attention back to the ocean, "Now I'm not sure what to do, go back to life as a smuggler, or try and find an order accepting of me, though I doubt they would allow some one such as my self with my track record to become a member".

[member="Ar'ekk"]

 

[Arekk]

"It does not matter who you used to be. What does is what you do next, in the future, for a change." he tried to say, in an effort to comfort her. The reveal about being a follower of Ren certainly made him feel at unease but he could sense something beneath her words and flesh, she was no longer apart of that. Most of the Jedi would've attacked the Twi'lek on sight but him? He's seen a fair share of people sharing the same traits but deep inside they were trapped souls in the wrong hands. Ar'ekk knew she meant no harm or atleast that's what he thought to that point.

His eyes followed the same course as [member="Tin'tinag"], overlooking at the ocean. That same question has been following Ar'ekk's mind for a long time now, without no order to defend and no place to call home.

"We all do as the Force wills it. If you're good at something, do it for you. A smuggler, you say? There's plenty of people who could benefit from that line of work."

 

[Tin'tinag]

"I do not doubt your words, people are able to change, but it is easier to do such thing with help", she was glad the man did not become hostile to her being a former Ren. With all that wars going on such information might of ended up with her in prison, being interrogated for data on the First Order and Ren, or straight up getting a saber to the face.

She wondered if this man was part of some grey order or just someone out for his own, doing good were they could, a vigilante of sorts. "I did enjoy the smugglers life, though I was not much of a helping person, most of the time I was out for my own need, not hesitating to betray others". "Most of the time that did not bother me, as a lot of my accomplices were criminal and most likely deserved it, but I don't know if i can do that sort of thing again, not after doing such an act to survive the skirmish were I was abducted by the First order.

She turned her attention back to the man once more, "Besides I have a gift in the force, and I no longer want to squander it on petty thievery and smuggling, it also doesn't help that the First Oder might eventually find me if I take that mantle up again".

[member='Ar'ekk']

 

[Arekk]

"If times were different, I would already have you arrested and up for interrogation. But now? It all has changed. I've seen my fair share of ugly things and you can see the results reflected on my persona. You did what you had to do but now you're a free person." the young apprentice shared with [member="Tin'tinag"], giving her some relief about the past. It was more about the things she could do now than reminisce on the bad memories that are supposed to be left behind.

As he turned to the Twi'lek, he continued the monologue: "I do not judge you for who you were. You have a gift, same as me. And trust me, it's more valuable than anything you can imagine. It's up to you to become something greater."

Despite being independent he was still a Jedi who followed the ideology although a bit relaxed, due to that being his natural identity. He wouldn't mind getting his hand dirty if it was to survive in the harsh world, just like he did to save innocent lives during war time.

 

[Tin'tinag]

"well that's a comforting though, knowing you'd comb me for information, though such methods would not really be necessary, given the chance I'd gladly reveal what I know about the First Oder", she gave another sight. "Even if I did do what was necessary, those that were with me on that day may still be alive if it was not for me". "It was because I was force sensitive that the Ren's came, I caused the problem and was the only on to make it out, that gives me a light pang of guilt"

She mood then picked up slightly, "yes your right, I can use what I know and put it to use benefiting other, right now I have the power to do more good then I was ever able to, but, I'm still lost on were to go next, should I just hang around some planet and wait for density to come knocking"? It was slightly sarcastic, but also true, as a smuggler she had contacts that gave her work, a rogue light side force users did not really tend to grab those same opportunities.

[member='Ar'ekk']

 

[Arekk]

"I wouldn't feel guilty at all but that's up to you now, let go of the past." he bluntly replied to the Twi'lek, giving her one convicing answer to her doubts.

"Certainly, I do not know you well to offer you anything so I would have to see what you're capable of. You haven't even mentioned your name, so far." A small chuckle uttered by the Jedi with the voice regulator of his mask making it sound slightly muffled. Despite looking and sounding as a serious individual, it was no secret he was definitely a quick-witted individual who wouldn't hesitate to make your life a living hell if he had the chance.

"Tell me about you."

[member="Tin'tinag"]

 

[Tin'tinag]

"Your right, no point in feeling guilty about something I had no control over, accept the past and move on" she giggled a bit at his reference that they had yet to introduce them self to to each other, guess she was to caught up in the conversation to notice. "Sorry, my name is Tin'tinag, I have no last name, I was an orphan, practically raised myself growing up on Ryloth, resorted to thievery to stay afloat, then hacking to make money". "Became good at sneaking, smuggling, and when I had enough money took to the skies".

"It didn't take me long to find out I was force sensitive, and though not having anything to go on, over time I learnt a few trick, even tough myself how to wield and electro staff proficiently". "Soon a joined a large smuggling ring called the 13th rail, had a few good jobs for a bit, but as you know the FO finallly got around to up, was captured, trained, then escaped, now I'm here, spilling my guts to a stranger about it".

She crossed her arms looking the man in the eye, "So what about you, whats your story"?

 

[Arekk]

He nodded as [member="Tin'tinag"] revealed her life story, something very personal of hers to tell a complete stranger. It was certain there was a conflict within her but he could sense the light flourish. At the mention of her being force sensitive, he did not utter a word but broadened a small side-smirk in a way of acknowledging what that meant.

"Ar'ekk Daesharacor. Former Jedi and soldier of the Galactic Republic, working independently after the fall of what I used to defend. An orphan same as you, born on the slums of Coruscant. After the war, I came to Sanctuary as a mission delivered by my superiors during our last tenure during the conflict. That was the last time I heard of them, presumably they all died years ago. I reunited with my master here, on Sanctuary."

His eyes wandered towards the legendary Ebon Hawk, hidden just a few steps away from the duo.

"You told me you don't know where to go, that you are lost. I might be able to help you but we need to gain eachother's trust. Let's take a walk on the beach, clear our minds and keep talking."

Ar'ekk pointed towards the ocean as he took the first steps ahead of the Twi'lek, motioning her to walk alongside him. He removed the mask that covered half of his face, revealing the scarring that has been on his face for a couple of years now due to the war and his left arm was cybernetic replacement for the real one that he lost as well.

 

[Tin'tinag]

'Whats with that smirk of his, does he find this funny, or ironic' she didn't want to call him out on it just yet, though being a smart ass was second nature she knew when to stay quite, beside he was just about to tell his own life story. Her gaze shifted to the old freighter in the distance, she was not sure what he mean, but if they were a Jedi of sort there was a fairly good chance running with them would benefit her in the long run.

They walked a bit along the beach, the wind flapping against both of their clothes, Tin'tinag rubbed her hands together a bit due to the slight chilling of said wind, as she had spent most her life on warm planets. "That is some scar you have, I guess we have something in common", she made reference to the long burn scar running up her right Lekku, "This was from the same Ren that then took me as an student, though I can see that my wound is not as bad as your's".

"Would you be willing to tell me how your received it, you don't have to tell me, but it would be nice to know". Everyone was entitled to keep their past a secret, though if they were to trust one another as Ar'ekk had said, important secrets could not be kept in the closet forever.

[member='Arekk']

 

[Arekk]

The constant looking at the Ebon Hawk was to keep a vigilant eye on the freighter in case someone decided to pull a trick under their sleeve and try something they would vastly regret. As they walked along the beach, they conversated:

"It occured during the battlefield. A thermal detonator exploded near a squad of my men, I was the only one to make it out alive but at a great cost. Lost my arm and got a constant reminder on my flesh." he concluded bluntly, placing the mask back in his face. The breathing regulator made its signature hissing sound and his voice went from deep to rough and robotic.

"My master is not here and will not return for a while, busy with affairs of his own. That's why we must continue ahead."

Ar'ekk took a brief moment before resuming,

"It's saddening to hear how brutal the Ren's were with you. But if you and possibly we want to continue living, we must put that behind. Be strong and survive."

The breeze hit their faces with softness and the sand felt so warm, much more than before. They were near Ar'ekk's ship, with his Rodian friend and the astromech working nearby.

"We should stay here in Sanctuary until we actually plan what we should do next. We don't want to take a rushed decision. I must know first what are your strenghts and weaknesses. Take this as a job interview, perhaps?"

[member="Tin'tinag"]

 

[Tin'tinag]

She had never been in a combat zone before, the closest thing that came such a situation were gang shoot outs and Sith battle droid training at Vader's Castle. His masks hissing sound not being to different to that of Kyrels, it seemed all those she met of prominence all had some sort of facial scar."I've heard a saying were it likens out past to shadows that follow a person as they make towards the sun, no matter how big, or how long they get, they are still shadows, and do not hold any burden". She slightly faced palmed laughing a bit, "That sounded really stupid out loud"

She placed her elbow in hand and rubbed her chin, "I am a ace pilot and done my fair share of flinging, though my methods are somewhat unorthodox, hacking is a specialty, good with staying hidden and light on my feet, I'm also a crack shot with a blaster". She continued to think as they stood near the ship, "Though I've tried to put my past away, lets just say I keep an eye out for the odd trinket, I still may have a small bounty on my head from certain illegal smuggling jobs, but most notably I do not know how to hide my force presence".

Tin'tinag hoped such information didn't dissuaded Ar'ekk from what ever job they had in mind, her only other option beside running with him was to return home to Ryloth.

[member='Ar'ekk']

 

[Arekk]

He acknowledged the long statement that came out of [member="Tin'tinag"]'s mouth by letting out a brief chuckle and said,

"I know what you meant. That's a very true thing to say, I've gotta give you the credit for coming up with that."

As she outlined her skills and miscellaneous abilities, he made mental notes of everything. From the way she carried herself to the way she spoke, every single detail was accounted for. He was known to be a very organized individual with a clear idea of what he wanted to achieve and how he wanted to get it no matter what the difficulty was.

"I like the sound of that. You can fly a ship, shoot a blaster when it's needed and certainly have the personality to tag along. I usually visit not-so-friendly places most of the time but I like to stay in the shadows or in places were trouble doesn't find me."

The Jedi took a brief pause before continuing,

"I need someone who can help me with the Ebon Hawk. She might be a few thousand years old but still holds up to this day, being taken care of always in terms of repairs and modifications. You might be a great candidate if that's what you want. There's not much I can offer you besides that."

Both had been walking on the sand for a while now, their feet feeling warm as ever. In front of them laid the legendary Ebon Hawk, a freighter who saw many battles and escaped the deadliest of encounters throughout the years.

 

[Tin'tinag]

"Yes with my past as a smuggler I have certain connection that may be useful, I know the way things operate, what to avoid the works, in addition I would be great at undercover stuff if you ever need information and don't want to mingle with the criminal scum and what not". Tin'tinag was glad Ar'ekk did not focus on her short coming, though all of those could be dealt with in time with training.

"Ha no matter how old a ship old a ship is as long assssss, Wa Wa Wait, DID YOU JUST SAY THE EBON HAWK?!! The ships used by legendary Reven during the days of the old republic. She stared in-awe at what he just said, a few feet in front of the Rylothian was the famous.

"It would be a honor to fly in that ship, and would be a dream to pilot it one day, I hear that the ship handles like a beauty and with the fire power to match". This was a new leaf, to fly on a legendary ship, using their powers for good, it sounded like something out of a bad holo film, but was very much real. "In other words, I'd love to join your crew".

[member='Ar'ekk']