Private Tales of the Jedi Underground: Epoch

[Brandyn Sal-Soren]

A HIGH REPUBLIC STORY

"My apologies from not being able to accompany you on this mission," the holographic transmission of Jedi Council Member Brandyn Sal-Soren flickered.

"After the Black Sun Invasion, the council is rather thin on the ground and I am needed to meet with the Lightsworn. Thank you to the three of you for volunteering for this mission at such short notice."

The image flickered to show the planet Epoch, along with some statistics regarding it. Brandyn's voice continued over the image.

"Epoch is among the worlds that has recently fallen to the Galactic Empire. It is still in the early stages of them occupying all the Core Worlds, so it is our hope that you will be able to sneak in and out without raising too much alarm. Use the chaos of the time to your advantage. It may be the only one you get."

A box formed around a continent in the southern hemisphere, and then the image zoomed in.

"Reports of a Jedi Master aiding in refugee flights have come in from this city on Epoch's southern reaches. You will set down outside the city, and enter at night. Keep a low profile. Find the Jedi. And extract them along with any other Force Sensitive students. We are working with Republic Intelligence to aide in citizen escapes. Please keep to mission...I know it will be hard. But our part in this is clear. Save the Jedi...so one day, we can go back and save the Core."

The image returned to Brandyn, whose arms were folded. His expression was pensive, at the very least.

"I will see you when you get back for your debrief. Take care of them, Aiden. May the Force be with you."

| TAG: Elenna Sylari Aiden Porte Balun Dashiell |

Spoiler

Welcome to Episode 1 of Tales of the Jedi Underground. I am your Game Master, Bran. I will give the three of you 2-3 posts on the ship for you to chat and get to know each other as characters. Then someone will need to post that the ship is landing, and that you are making your way into town. Feel free to write NPCs as needed, but I will write the Jedi Master for you. I will also bring other NPCs into the mix that will be necessary to move the plot along. This is a not a stroll in the park thread. This is a high stakes mission where one mistake could cost you or your team mates their lives.

Spoiler

For those of you participating in the Hunt for Cerys Dyn sidequest you will probably want to bond over this as it will become relevant in this thread.

​

 

[Aiden Porte]

Aiden stood vigilant with his arms crossed as he stared at the hologram that was his friend and Council member Brandyn Sal-Soren

After the seizure of the core worlds by the Empire, the core was thrown into chaos. Thousands of civilians that had citizenship with the Republic were trapped and even more Jedi had become waylaid by the efforts of the Empire. Aiden knew of their plight, as he was their on Coruscant with Corazona von Ascania when they were evacuating Jedi and younglings alike. He was their on Chandrila during the attack on the Spaceport in Hanna City to distract those Imperials so those that were trapped would have a chance to escape.

However during all those times he wasn't alone, there was always someone there. All the Jedi would look to stand together to fight against this enemy and safeguard freedom and protect the Republic. The message finished as Aiden bowed his head lightly and looked over to Balun Dashiell and Elenna Sylari

"I wish our meeting was under happier circumstances my friends." Aiden already knew Balun to which he exchanged pleasantries a few times before and Master Elenna he didn't know.

"Master Elenna, its a pleasure to finally meet you." Aiden extended his hand towards the woman. He then looked over to Balun. "It's good to see you as well, Balun."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

TALES OF THE JEDI UNDERGROUND: EPOCH
INVENTORY: Spacer Apparel, Lightsaber & K-16 Bryar Pistol
LOCATION: High Republic Transport destined for Epoch
TAGS: Brandyn Sal-Soren , Elenna Sylari Aiden Porte

​

Balun Dashiell stood aboard the Jedi Transport, leaning with his back against the edge of a counter within the briefing room, a makeshift hub for the living quarters aboard the ship, accompanying his fellow Jedi Elenna Sylari and Aiden Porte . Master Sylari, Balun knew only by name and word of mouth from none other than her apprentice Cerys Dyn . She had only spoken of her briefly, yet Balun had taken heed, attentive to the few details that Cerys rarely did offer him in their unpredictable exchanges. Master Porte, on the other hand, was more familiar with Balun and knew him on a first-name basis. However, he would not break procedure and speak to him in such a casual way in front of other students—consideration made out of respect for Aiden, more so than any other.

As he listened to the holo-transmission from Master Sal-Soren, a cigarra held in his right hand, never too far from his lips, Balun subconsciously wore a measure of tension, forgoing his typical practised masking of his emotions, likely an easy read for his peers in that he was feeling pressed thin for patience. On one hand, he was relieved to see that Master Sal-Soren was faring well since the ambush on Sarko IV, an operation in which he had been there to fight alongside Brandyn and Cerys both. Yet on the other hand, everything at the moment reminded him of the unfolding chaos around him, the fact that Cerys had disappeared before they could all safely withdraw from the engagement with the Black Sun Syndicate, not to mention the fact that Balun's Master Ala Quin remained comatosed and enthralled by some form of Force Spirit back on Naboo, surrounded by medical minds that still didn't have a clue how to help her.

"Epoch is among the worlds that has recently fallen to the Galactic Empire...

Imperials.

Balun had been but sixteen years of age when he had first experienced a real wartime battlefield against the Empire of the Lost, fighting alongside other Rebels in the Tingle Arm Coalition. Before that, the Dark Empire had enacted the first invasion of Coruscant, where Balun had returned to defend his former family before discovering the Dashiells and his true origin.

At twenty-three years old, he had hidden the endless trauma of war and fatigue of constant conflict, the loss of comrades, convincingly well. That aforementioned mask, a habit that he had learned from an early age in hiding his insecurities and vulnerabilities from others to safe face in light of his reputation and other peoples views towards him; Yet there were times where the constant struggle of trying to appear as though he had his chit locked-in tight, felt impossible when the scales of life kept tilting afar at his expense.

Atleast with Cerys, Balun had the company of someone who didn't sugar-coat the nature of the Galaxy around them. The small moments of thrill in their back-and-forth discourse, the way that they bickered while trying to compete with who could be the bigger smart ass and trigger the other more, at the same time trying to better understand one another in a relationship that was part rivalry and part...-Well, whatever they had been doing.

"I wish our meeting was under happier circumstances my friends."

Balun smirked, a response that came without thinking. Cynicism instantly reared its head before he dropped his gaze and tried to cover the mistake with a quiet, feigned chuckle, ever insistent on looking the part. "Nature of the life, isn't it, Master?" he replied. The question was rhetorical. He didn't want an answer, truly. Balun knew what he had signed himself up for in the first few months following Ala's acceptance of his apprenticeship.

He decisively took another drag from his Cigarra, to spare a glance back to where the Holo-transmission had been displayed from the emitter. "Do we know what kind of resistance to expect should our cover be blown?" he asked. It was easier to focus on the mission ahead of them. Better to bottle everything else and keep his mind on the objective at hand.

Balun would never admit it, but the wear and tear of the last ten years was beginning to unravel him. He chose to remain in denial, unaware of the silent emotional cancer that was quietly building inside. Denial had served him well enough this long. Never truly at peace but simply trying to stay one step ahead of the chips as they fell, a game plan that had been his self-destructive approach to life ever since Nouqai Veil had turned his life upside down, and not for the first time.

Perhaps Judah Dashiell had seen this coming, the old man's recent dry-spoken remarks about his Son's lifestyle, Or his brothers concerns coming to fruition in how he shared his doubts about Balun's ability to keep his head above water. Neither of which were wrong to be concerned...

Jedi Master: Ala Quin
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Elenna Sylari]

​

ELENNA SYLARI
Ship, En-Route to Epoch

The light of the holograph faded, leaving only the muted glow of the ship's consoles and the soft pulse of status lights along the bulkheads. The silence that followed Brandyn's words seemed almost reverent, broken only by the low thrum of the engines beneath their feet.

Elenna stood a little apart from the others, her hands folded loosely before her. The faint trace of temple incense clung to her robes, a subtle reminder of gardens and meditation halls far removed from cold durasteel and circuitry. A pale strand of curly hair slipped loose from her braid as she inclined her head, her eyes reflecting the dim blue glow still lingering from the projection.

When Aiden stepped forward, his voice filling the quiet, she turned to him fully. The smile that reached her face deepened the lines at her eyes, and she accepted his offered hand with surprising steadiness for one of her years. Her touch was cool, gentle- yet grounded, like stone warmed by morning light.

"And a pleasure to meet you, Knight Porte," she said, her voice low and melodic, carrying the weight of still water. "The Force has a way of weaving meetings just when they are most needed."

Her gaze shifted next to Balun, and she studied him with a small, lingering kindness. "Balun, I believe?" she said, her tone more tender now, "it is nice to finally meet you, Cerys has mentioned you in our meetings- it is nice to finally put a face to the name," she smiled warmly.

She drew in a quiet breath, posture straight though relaxed, and turned her eyes toward the viewport where distant stars shimmered against the dark.

"Epoch will test us," she murmured, her tone carrying like a hush after temple bells.

"How are you both feeling?"


Brandyn Sal-Soren , Aiden Porte & Balun Dashiell

​

 

[Aiden Porte]

"Nature of the life, isn't it, Master?"

"More or less, and no need for the Master portion. I am a Knight same as you." Aiden said with a small smirk and simple nod of his head.

"Do we know what kind of resistance to expect should our cover be blown?"

"Heavy resistance it seems like it, everything depends upon our ability to do this as quietly as possible." Aiden crossed his arms slightly, as in his mind he hoped they would be able to do this without any sort of issued. They would have the cover of night to their advantage, yet who knew what else was out there lurking in the darkness of the streets around the corners of this world.

"We should be prepared for anything and everything. If our cover is blown, I'll do my best to provide cover, while you two round up every last indvidual you can." That was a worst case scenario though, Aiden knew his part in this.

Take care of them, Aiden. May the Force be with you.

Give his life for theirs, if necessary. They were counting on him, he recalled his pledge to them on the day he was Knighted. He couldn't begin with false promises and empty words now.

"Epoch will test us,"

"How are you both feeling?"

He smiled and bowed his head towards Elenna Sylari in response to her greeting. "I'm feeling calm and steady for the most part." Aiden truly hoped they would reach their destination in time. He recalled Coruscant, those Jedi that fell due to the Empire and the rest were in flight and trying to reach safe haven.

Balun Dashiell Brandyn Sal-Soren

 

[Balun Dashiell]

TALES OF THE JEDI UNDERGROUND: EPOCH
INVENTORY: Spacer Apparel, Lightsaber & K-16 Bryar Pistol
LOCATION: High Republic Transport destined for Epoch
TAGS: Brandyn Sal-Soren , Elenna Sylari , Aiden Porte

​

"Balun, I believe?" she said, her tone more tender now, "it is nice to finally meet you, Cerys has mentioned you in our meetings- it is nice to finally put a face to the name,"

Balun looked up, turning to glance across towards Master Elenna Sylari , somewhat surprised that Cerys Dyn had mentioned him at all. "Good things, I hope?..." he smirked awkwardly, a look of amusement mixed with curiosity towards the elderly Master. He couldn't imagine Cerys of all people talking him up to a Master of the Order, let alone one so personal to her.

Master Sylari honestly wasn't what Balun had expected when Cerys had mentioned having a new Master. She seemed a kind, gentle elderly woman, almost harmless if it weren't for the subtle power of the Force, that which could be commanded by even the most tame-looking people. With Force-Users, age was known to bring greater capacity for skill and control in the Jedi Arts. Physical strength wasn't the only form of strength, after all, and Elenna Sylari, Balun figured, was someone who could easily be underestimated by appearances alone. Perhaps that was a strength in itself.

"More or less, and no need for the Master portion. I am a Knight same as you."

Even more shocking to Balun was the remark that came from Aiden Porte , presuming that Balun was a Jedi Knight rather than merely an Apprentice. Did he act like a Knight? Did he seem that qualified? It would've been a pretty massive compliment had Balun been open-minded enough to take it in and believe it of himself.

As his Cigarra hung from his mouth, he glanced back to Master Porte, somewhat embarrassed to have to remind him that Balun had ascended no such ladders of hierarchy. "Still an Apprentice", he informed the man, "...-And probably going to stay that way given my Master's stuck in a coma back on Naboo", he added with no small amount of cynicism. It wasn't Ala Quin's fault, of course. Whatever this beguiling force spirit had done to her, Balun still chalked her up to be flawless when it came to Ala. Too kind, too considerate of others. And she had, of course, taken him under her tutelage even though he refused to consider himself a Jedi. "Appreciate the vote of confidence, though".

Balun was still waiting on Auren Vellisar to get back to him about Katabasis, his friend and now Senator of Jhaessa Prime, quietly pulling some strings to grant him access to restricted space so that Balun could get down there and search for answers as to his Master's current state. Honestly, it was a little surprising that he had been chosen for this assignment at all, considering how much was going on for him at the time. Perhaps the Council hadn't considered or known how turbulent things were, or maybe they didn't have anyone else available to choose from.

"Honestly, I'm feeling tested already", Balun chuckled softly, speaking at his expense. It was a blatant moment of honesty, but between Aiden and the Elderly Master Elenna, he didn't particularly feel like he had to hide his feelings. Not in this space, quiet and comfortable, and only three of them to prepare for the coming mission; "But it won't affect the mission. The fight will keep me focused, distracted on what's important rather than...Everything else".

Jedi Master: Ala Quin
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Elenna Sylari]

ELENNA SYLARI
Ship, En-Route to Epoch

'Excellent, excellent...' her quiet eyes flickered between the Knight & Padawan, 'and of course- all good things,' Elenna smirked warmly, in a knowing sort of way at Balun. She took a deep breath as the two continued to converse. The creaking of the hull and the hum of the engines offering an odd sense of ease to their current situation.

She closed her eyes for but a moment, carefully balancing herself as she did so.

Her mind wandered, firstly to those who were lost in the occupation of the Core Worlds- so much life needlessly ended. Secondly to the Jedi fighting and surviving from within the occupied territory- the struggles they faced every moment of the day. And thirdly, of Cerys- who Elenna had grown quite fond of.

The two had first properly met in the gardens of Shiraya's Sanctuary, and it was a meeting of coincidence; Both of them had just happened to be in the right place at the right time. And now she had lost her.

After a few moments, her eyes opened gently and her attention returned to the room, a small smirk tugging at her lips at Balun's quip about being tested.

'How did you both come to be here?'

Elenna's question was simple yet no less important. Her voice carried no judgment, only curiosity, a soft invitation for them to share more of themselves.

Brandyn Sal-Soren , Aiden Porte & Balun Dashiell

​

 

[Aiden Porte]

"Appreciate the vote of confidence, though".

"Anytime my friend." Aiden said as he also apologized for the error in his previous words. "If you ever need assistance or guidance with training or anything don't hesitate to reach out to me. Always willing to help out a fellow Jedi."

'How did you both come to be here?'

"Upon request by Council Member Brandyn Sal-Soren ." Aiden spoke with a soft tone and a simple smile. "To be truthful since I've been elevated to Jedi Knight I've been throwing myself into mission after mission. Not to prove anything to anyone, but more so to hopefully make a good difference to those I am helping. And honestly it's what my father would be doing too." Aiden chuckled lightly as he took a deep and easy breath, glancing between both Balun Dashiell and Elenna Sylari

Aiden would make it a point to get to know Elenna a bit better once time permitted, he was sure she was full of sagely advice and that was something he could always use. Even as a Jedi Knight there was still so much more to learn.

 

[Balun Dashiell]

TALES OF THE JEDI UNDERGROUND: EPOCH
INVENTORY: Spacer Apparel, Lightsaber & K-16 Bryar Pistol
LOCATION: High Republic Transport destined for Epoch
TAGS: Brandyn Sal-Soren , Elenna Sylari , Aiden Porte ​

Balun lifted his head, nodding halfway in response to Elenna Sylari confirming that she had heard good things. He was half tempted to ask what she had heard exactly, given Cerys Dyn never had good things to say about him. Not to his face, at least. Yet he thought better of it, given their coming mission, it didn't seem appropriate to muddy the waters with something he was so emotionally invested in.

..Emotionally invested?

He frowned to himself, glancing aside to hide the sudden thought that felt all too visible on his face, uncertain where it had surfaced from. Was he emotionally invested? Cerys certainly made his days far more interesting at the Jedi Temple, but then it was a Jedi Temple. There wasn't exactly much there that overly interested him aside from training with Ala Quin and bumping into Cerys to exchange passive-aggressive quips in their typically competitive banter.

"If you ever need assistance or guidance with training or anything don't hesitate to reach out to me. Always willing to help out a fellow Jedi."

He glanced over to Aiden Porte , who had generously offered his time to assist with Balun's training. It was an offer that was well appreciated, and he responded with a small smile before actually voicing his thoughts on the matter; "In most cases I would probably say thanks and then never bring it up again, but given my Master's in a coma, it's not as though I'm getting any closer on my own" he admitted with a wary chuckle. Less so out of amusement but more the discomfort of speaking honestly and about such a sensitive subject, so close to home.

Aiden had struck him as a pretty alright guy, friendly and non-judgemental, which ticked all the right boxes as far as getting along with other Jedi went for Balun. Ironically, for someone so adamant about defending the Jedi in argument with his father, Judah Dashiell, Balun didn't make a habit of befriending them often. Aiden Porte, however, was one of the rare few whom Balun could see breaking through those age-old boundaries.

'How did you both come to be here?'

"Good question, actually", Balun glanced back to Master Sylari with half a smirk, "Not sure why I was chosen over the other candidates. Though I suppose the Council might be aware of my history with the Imperials. This won't be my first fight with them". Perhaps his Master had spoken with Brandyn Sal-Soren on the matter, as Balun hadn't exactly opened up to anyone other than Ala Quin about what he had been through before coming to the High Republic. Once again, Cerys was the exception to this, but she wouldn't have gone gossiping to the Council about him, so it only made sense that his Master could have shared that information.

No doubt the Council did background checks on new Students coming into the Order. That would have been more than enough to flag Balun under several other military banners. In this case, the Tingel Arm Coalition's war against the Empire of the Lost.

There, he had been a Rebel in every sense, rather than just behaviour and attitude alone.

Jedi Master: Ala Quin
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Elenna Sylari]

ELENNA SYLARI
Ship, En-Route to Epoch

Elenna's pale blue eyes softened as she listened, tilting her head ever so slightly at each of their words. There was a quiet weight to what they shared- mission after mission, the scars of conflict, and the lingering shadows of personal trials- but her expression betrayed none of judgment. Only understanding.

'You've both had your hands full, haven't you?' she said, her voice calm, easy, almost like a conversation over tea. 'Different experiences, different challenges… but it seems like the Force has been nudging both of you along, in its own way.'

Her gaze lingered for a moment, her thoughts drifted to Cerys- how the Padawan had always been cautious, yet quietly persistent. Enough to remind her of the quiet pull she felt toward the Padawan. Then she let her eyes drift toward the stars outside the viewport.

She allowed herself a small, gentle smile. 'It's strange, isn't it… how the Force finds its way to us, even when we don't notice it at first.'

Brandyn Sal-Soren , Aiden Porte & Balun Dashiell

​

 

[Aiden Porte]

"In most cases I would probably say thanks and then never bring it up again, but given my Master's in a coma, it's not as though I'm getting any closer on my own"

"I'm sure she will in time, she has a strong will. She has an amazing support system too." Aiden voiced with a smile, and an almost somber expression. His thoughts drifting to Lorn and Isla, and he would have to pay them a visit again soon to check in on them. Just as they had for him when he was going through his own troubles. They were much more than friends, they were essentially his family. He showed a small smile in between the two as they talked back and forth, the small group they had getting to know each other bit more.

'It's strange, isn't it… how the Force finds its way to us, even when we don't notice it at first.'

"Strange, and yet....almost calming to be quite honest." The Knight spoke with a small smirk.

Aiden look towards the front of the ship, as a small constant beep caught his attention. It would appear that they were arriving. He moved forward, taking his position again as their vessel shot out of hyperspace and would begin their descent.

"Keep your eyes open my friends, here we go."

Balun Dashiell Elenna Sylari Brandyn Sal-Soren

 

[Brandyn Sal-Soren]

The shuttle descended through Epoch's atmosphere, the fractured southern city sprawling before you in the night. Smoke lingered above broken districts, and faint lights glowed from makeshift checkpoints and gutted avenues. The Empire's banners already hung over civic halls, yet its grip here was uneven. Its authority fractured between collaborators, those seeking profit, and those merely trying to survive.

The ship set down outside the outskirts. From here, the city stretched in three directions, each with its own peril… and its own promise of answers.

The Market District
Still bustling despite curfews, families whisper of escape routes, and "fixers" sell forged papers. Rumors spread quickly here, perhaps even whispers of a hidden Jedi.
Risk: The wrong word to the wrong ear could mark you as outsiders.

The Docks
Cargo depots overflow with bribes, smuggling deals, and chaos. Ships slip away under false manifests. If there was a Jedi trying to help people escape, this might be the logical place to look.
Risk: Rival crews and militia enforcers see newcomers as competition.

The Prison District
Old cells now house dissidents, and the unlucky. Local collaborators guard the gates, awaiting Imperial officers who visit only to extract the "useful." If the missing Jedi was captured, this is where they might be held.
Risk: Discovery here could mean no way out at all.

The city awaits your choice.

| TAG: Elenna Sylari Aiden Porte Balun Dashiell | ​

 

[Balun Dashiell]

TALES OF THE JEDI UNDERGROUND: EPOCH
INVENTORY: Spacer Apparel, Lightsaber & K-16 Bryar Pistol
LOCATION: High Republic Transport destined for Epoch
TAGS: Brandyn Sal-Soren , Elenna Sylari , Aiden Porte ​

Having his hands full felt like an understatement from Master Elenna Sylari . Balun chuckled under his breath, appreciating the sentiment, she seeming to empathise with the challenges he and Aiden Porte had faced along the way. It was nice of her to show an interest and consider their overall well-being. Outside of his family and his Master, it wasn't a common occurrence. At least, not one that he had noticed.

Their time together was peaceful for the duration of the trip, the calm before the potential storm. Soon enough, they would be arriving on Epoch, where the mission was truly set to begin. Here, the presence of the Galactic Empire was in plain sight, with little effort to disguise their recent victories, as banners hung from street posts and holo-news played on the viewing screens, showing the latest reports from the war effort for all to see. As Balun prepared to depart the ship, he unclipped his lightsaber and concealed it beneath his jacket, clipping it on the inside to hide it from any would-be officials or local law enforcement. It was far easier for Balun to pretend he wasn't a Force-User, given his Spacer clothing and his overall desire to remain outside of their membership.

He was a rogue through and through, albeit one that walked the path of a follower of the light.

From where they had landed on the outskirts of the City, Balun could clearly make out three distinct paths; An intersection where the main street veered off in several directions, leading to other districts of the city. Signs highlighted the route to the Markets, the commercial docking yards, and the E-Sec district, where troublemakers were likely to be incarcerated. With the Imperials out in full force, no doubt these prisoners were really just the unfortunate and the downtrodden. The Empire wasn't in the habit of tolerating any sense of rebellion, from what Balun knew of their type.

Jedi Master: Ala Quin
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Elenna Sylari]

ELENNA SYLARI
Epoch

The shuttle rattled as it came to rest, metal groaning under its own weight. Elenna steadied herself with a hand against the bulkhead, a quiet breath slipping past her lips. 'Epoch...' The name itself felt heavy, carrying more unease than she'd admit aloud.

Stepping down the ramp, the scene hit her at once- smoke curling into the night sky, rubble scattered where homes once stood, and Imperial banners draped like scars across what was left of the city. Her jaw tightened as she pulled her robe closer, trying to push back the sharp bite of ash in the air.

Her eyes swept over the fractured sprawl ahead, lingering on the faint glow of distant fires, the movements of desperate people trying to carve out some kind of survival under the weight of occupation.

'Options, then,' she murmured, her gaze still drifting across the broken skyline. 'The docks… they might hold what we're looking for. But they'll hold trouble, too... '

Brandyn Sal-Soren , Aiden Porte & Balun Dashiell

​

 

[Aiden Porte]

He drew his cloak tighter around his frame, concealing his saber as best he could, though he felt the familiar comfort of its weight at his hip. "Each of these roads offers danger, but also truth. The markets can give us whispers, the docks, movement… and the prison, perhaps the most direct answer." His eyes lingered on Elenna for a heartbeat, then Balun. "But direct answers often come at the highest cost."

Turning back to the city, he let his thoughts drift into words. "We don't need to storm in. Not yet. We observe, we listen, we move carefully. If there is a Jedi here, the Force will reveal their path to us. But we must be alive to hear it."

Aiden drew in a breath, eyes flicking once more across the fractured sprawl of Epoch. The Force rippled faintly, tugging at his senses like a current against his skin. He let it guide him, not as command, but as suggestion, a quiet nudge pointing toward movement, toward passage.

"The markets can give us half-truths," he said after a moment, voice measured, "and the prison, answers, perhaps, but at too steep a risk if we go blind." His gaze turned toward the faint metallic hum of activity at the docks, the smell of fuel and smoke drifting even this far out. "The docks are where people slip through the cracks. If our Jedi contact is trying to move others off-world, that's where their presence will leave ripples. And it's where the Empire's grip is weakest. I agree with Master Sylari, the docks."

He shifted his cloak around his shoulders, the weight of his saber hidden beneath the fabric, then nodded for Elenna and Balun to follow. "We'll start there. Quietly. Eyes open."

As they descended from the outskirts road toward the loading yards, the soundscape grew louder, cargo crates slamming shut, muffled shouts from crews arguing over manifests, and the faint whir of repulsorlifts carting supplies under the watchful eyes of bribed officials. The glow of floodlights painted long shadows across the streets, and silhouettes of starships loomed like steel sentinels, some preparing to depart, others left gutted for parts.


Aiden walked at the front, posture relaxed but alert, every sense attuned. He could feel the suspicion in the eyes of those who lingered near the fences, weighing strangers like marks or threats. "Remember," he said under his breath, his tone low but steady, "Here, everyone is dealing in something, secrets, goods, lives. We ask questions carefully. Push too hard, and we'll draw the wrong attention."

The three of them slipped deeper into the artery of Epoch's underbelly, where fortunes and fates were traded in the open, and whispers of a Jedi might yet be found.

Balun Dashiell Elenna Sylari Brandyn Sal-Soren

 

[Balun Dashiell]

TALES OF THE JEDI UNDERGROUND: EPOCH
INVENTORY: Spacer Apparel, Lightsaber & K-16 Bryar Pistol
LOCATION: High Republic Transport destined for Epoch
TAGS: Brandyn Sal-Soren , Elenna Sylari , Aiden Porte ​

'Options, then,' she murmured, her gaze still drifting across the broken skyline. 'The docks… they might hold what we're looking for. But they'll hold trouble, too... '

"The markets can give us half-truths," he said after a moment, voice measured, "and the prison, answers, perhaps, but at too steep a risk if we go blind." His gaze turned toward the faint metallic hum of activity at the docks, the smell of fuel and smoke drifting even this far out. "The docks are where people slip through the cracks. If our Jedi contact is trying to move others off-world, that's where their presence will leave ripples. And it's where the Empire's grip is weakest. I agree with Master Sylari, the docks."

There wasn't any need for Balun to provide a suggestion. Both Masters, Elenna Sylari and Aiden Porte , were in agreement on which direction they should take, and so he was happy to trust their instincts. He, too, felt that the prison, while being the most obvious place for a potentially captured Jedi, would also be the place of the highest risk. There was no sense running into the flames without first confirming that the Empire had arrested their target. There was still a chance that their Jedi had evaded capture, or, in the worst-case scenario, had been killed rather than apprehended.

Following their lead, Balun walked behind the two Jedi Masters while keeping his eyes peeled for any sign of Imperials. So far, they had yet to be questioned or even spotted by the enemy, yet such good fortune could only last for so long while they were roaming the city now within Imperial control. They hadn't seen a Stormtrooper patrol yet either, something that Balun had expected by now, leaving him to wonder if this wasn't somehow suspicious.

"You'd think there'd be a greater presence out on the streets, wouldn't you?" Balun spoke up as they neared the docking yards, the silhouettes of Starships looping over the three of them. If this weren't an active assignment, he would have loved to take a closer look and get some ideas for Dashiell Retrofit™, but his priorities were on their objective.

Dock workers were busy with their duties as the trio passed across the threshold and into the industrial sector. Balun reached out into the Force, allowing his senses to expand outward to gain a better understanding of the intentions of those nearby. So far, he could detect any hint of disturbance, though some did glance their way with evident curiosity. The small team didn't stop to answer the intrigued glances from the civilian workforce; however, they moved further into the seat of the enemy.

Jedi Master: Ala Quin
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Elenna Sylari]

ELENNA SYLARI
The Docks, Epoch

Elenna began their journey towards the docks, alongside her two new acquaintances. Wrapping her cloak tighter as she pulled up her hood, the cloak betrayed her age as her frail structure underneath created a knowing silhouette.

The docks were eerie as the darkness of the night was pierced only by the blinding lights that stood tall. It was both quiet and busy; The streets, the roads, the buildings remained still yet activity could be found within the docks themselves. Workers, supervisors, yet no soldiers.

Odd.

After some time, she made her responses to the pair. 'I agree, Knight Porte,' she spoke from underneath her hooded robe. 'We must choose carefully. To pry into the lives of the suffering may affect our chances.'

She continued walking with the two of them, quiet filled the streets now behind them yet her attention then turned to Balun. 'Indeed,' she began, her voice lower than before. 'Perhaps the civilians are hiding... or worse.'

Elenna slowed to a stop, her eyes tracing over the horizon of the docks, past the docked starships. Curious eyes laid upon the group, and she imagined the other two could sense it too. Perhaps their next move would be one of intuition, a test of their attunement to the living force.

They needed to pick carefully.

'Where do we think our questions could be answered?'

Brandyn Sal-Soren , Aiden Porte & Balun Dashiell

​

 

[Aiden Porte]

Aiden halted just a pace ahead of Elenna, letting the echoes of her words settle into the tense hum of the docks. He didn't need the Force to know that curious eyes followed them, dockhands pausing mid-task, crew bosses lingering in shadow, smugglers weighing profit against risk. But the Force sharpened that awareness, painting each presence in shades of intent. Weariness. Suspicion. A few threads of quiet desperation that glimmered faintly, like candles clutched against the dark.

He drew his hood lower, folding himself into the motion of the crowd rather than standing apart. "Questions will be answered where need runs deepest," he said softly, his voice carrying just enough for Elenna and Balun to hear. "The ones trying to survive will tell us nothing unless we give them reason to trust. But those with something to lose, or something to hide, will betray themselves without us asking."

His eyes tracked back to the small knot of dockhands he had noticed earlier, huddled around a datapad near a stack of crates. Their body language was wrong: too focused, too guarded for routine work. And when Aiden brushed the surface of the Force toward them, he felt it again, that faint ripple of light breaking through shadow.

He inclined his head in their direction, cloak whispering against his boots as he shifted slightly. "There," he murmured.

His tone hardened just enough to press caution. "But if we approach, we must do so with care. Too much pressure, and they'll scatter, or worse, draw us into someone else's snare."

Aiden let his gaze move between Elenna and Balun, the decision left open yet weighted with his quiet certainty. "What do you think?" Aiden asked as he glanced towards Balun Dashiell and Elenna Sylari

 

[Balun Dashiell]

TALES OF THE JEDI UNDERGROUND: EPOCH
INVENTORY: Spacer Apparel, Lightsaber & K-16 Bryar Pistol
LOCATION: High Republic Transport destined for Epoch
TAGS: Brandyn Sal-Soren , Elenna Sylari , Aiden Porte ​

"Let me handle this, you both scream Jedi", Balun replied, glancing from Aiden Porte to Elenna Sylari , gesturing to their apparel as if to elaborate his meaning. He didn't wait for them to disagree, but started walking towards the group of dock workers Master Porte had pointed out.

His presence was noticed almost immediately; one of the workers glanced up at the approaching motion and soon elbowed his colleague, both of whom turned, while the third, who held the datapad, was already facing their way. "Can we help you, mate?" one of the men spoke up. It wasn't a greeting so much as his tone sounded like the quick desire to be rid of the attention.

"Actually, I was hoping we could help each other", Balun replied with a soft chuckle as he reached the trio. He was every bit the spacer his attire suggested, at home with casual speaking, acting not as an enforcer of the law but much more at home skirting around said boundaries. Balun's easy demeanour, particularly towards those on the streets roughing it, allowed him to get a better feel for those around him, and they, in turn, were quicker to trust him as opposed to figures of authority.

"I'm looking for someone and they're worth a good amount of credits to me" Balun continued, reaching down to the pouch strapped to his belt and pulling out a credit chip, soon raising it for the three of them to see; "There's enough here to go around, but first I'd like to know if you've seen or heard anything regarding Force-Users in the area".

The three workers all seemed poised, apprehensive and yet intrigued by the display of credits. Working the docks was a laborious job, not something that most people chose to do, but rather something they resorted to in order to put food on the table. "What's it to you if we know something? You could be Imperial for all we know".

Balun glanced to the third, larger man who stepped away from the other two and came closer towards him. The Padawan, however, didn't retreat, nor did he move an inch in either direction. "I fought for the Tingel Arm Coalition a few years back. I know how they treat people like us", Balun replied firmly, an expression of confidence in his truth. "If I were Imperial, I wouldn't be asking or risking good credits. I'd be demanding with a squad of Troopers backing me up. You can trust that I'm good for it, and nothing will come back on you three".

( Brandyn Sal-Soren to roll the dice on potential success or failure )

Jedi Master: Ala Quin
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​