Private The Dead Man's Map

[Sakadi Marathi Sinvala]

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The long shadows of the setting sun masked the rapid advance of the two figures who scaled the cliff side. The massive metal construct that stuck out of the cliff like a sore thumb was their target. The landing platform and base hidden deep within the mountainside served as a vault for all things occult: old and rusty lightsabers, religious writings of the church of the Force, but also a variety of Sith and Jedi artifacts. Bold as they were, the group of smugglers who resided in the mountain base had obtained an ancient star chart, carved in a centuries-old death mask. Unknowingly, they had attracted the attention of the Jedi Order once they openly revealed that they were in possession of this mask, hoping to sell it to the highest bidder.​

For as long as it remained in their vault, the Jedi Order had a chance to obtain it. But with most details of the base unknown, the Jedi Master had no idea what to expect. Not even the numbers of the smugglers were known, or the crime syndicates they had established connections with. It worried the Jedi Master, who gracefully leaped from one shaky foothold to another, fully relying on the Force to perform the huge leaps.​

Once they had gotten close to the platform, Sakadi would glance over her shoulder. The rock formations in front of them granted them cover from the security lighting. Within a couple of minutes, darkness would completely envelop them, providing them with the right opportunity to extract the artifact unseen. All they had to do, was stay patient, and trust in the Force. To make sure that they were on the same page, Sakadi would reach out to her fellow Jedi. "Let's rest here for a moment. We won't really get a chance once we're inside that maze." she would telepathically state, flashing a smile to her fellow Jedi.​

Sunfrog

 

[Kaira Ayres]

The newly Knighted Jedi followed in the Master's footsteps along the cliff face, evidently much slower in scaling the cliff than her elder counterpart and even with the Force on her side, she showed moments of difficulty with her footing slipping numerous times, though never dangerously so. She paused for a moment to watch the Jedi Master in awe, clinging to the rock, feeling like an overgrown Padawan with the skill and grace the Master was showing but she soon picked herself up and continued, not wanting to hold Sakadi back.

The smugglers were either stupid or very brave and it would soon become apparent which if they came head to head with them. From Kaira's understanding, smugglers were crafty and while intelligence was an important factor in avoiding getting apprehended by the law, sometimes dumb luck could be enough to get by - But these smugglers would need more than dumb luck to deal with two Jedi.

Once she had caught up with Sakadi, Kaira stood with her hands on her hips, trying to catch her breath covertly after the strenuous climb. "Ok, nice." She replied with a smile before sitting down on the floor and setting her backpack down beside her. "Do you want a snack? I brought fruit, sandwiches... oh and some of this cake I made yesterday. It's really good - if I do say so myself." She whispered, looking up at Sakadi. "Maybe later?" She added after sensing the Sephi didn't seem receptive to her offer. The Knight stood up and slung the bag over her shoulder again before signalling her readiness to Sakadi with a nod.

Sakadi Marathi Sinvala

 

[Sakadi Marathi Sinvala]

Her focus had already returned to the task at hand, which was infiltrating the base, when her fellow Jedi asked her if she was in the mood for a snack. A little absent-minded, Sakadi would look at Kaira with a confused expression. It took her a moment to recall what Kaira said. "Later would be better." she conveyed with a kind tone. "Eating before combat never really works out for me" ​

After their short pause ended, Sakadi would take the lead again as they approached the landing platform. Every once in a while, the Jedi Master would glance over her shoulder to make sure that Kaira wasn't falling behind. With every step she got closer to the platform, Sakadi's dependence on the Force would increase. She listened to its guidance and its warnings, gracefully evading the security lighting and patrol droids. The Force was her guide and companion; a friend who gave her a detailed summary of the situation. Following its instructions, the Jedi would finally arrive at the base of the platform. ​

"Once we're inside, we will first have to find out where they are keeping the mask." she explained, as she reached for the fibercord attached to her utility belt. "But truth be told, I've got no idea what we can expect find inside there." After spinning the fibercord a few times to increase its momentum, Sakadi would throw it upward. The strong magnet at the end of the cord connected to the edge of the platform, providing the two Jedi with a way up the platform. Pleased with her throw, Sakadi would turn to face Kaira. "After you." she conveyed, gesturing at the fibercord. ​

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Kaira Ayres

 

[Kaira Ayres]

"Ok." She replied with a smile, it was a fair judgement to give and yet it didn't eliminate the possibility of cake later. It was an honour to be on a mission with a Master and a nice one at that. Her first impression of Sakadi was good and she didn't want to ruin anything by letting her down so she jogged a little to catch up with Sakadi when she had fallen behind until they were walking at an equal pace.

The Knight couldn't help herself though as once they reached the base of the platform, she placed her hands on her hips and admired the view behind them. "Woah..." She said in awe but quickly snapped back to attention when she heard Sakadi's voice echo through her mind. Her old Master had always used to warn her that she needed to be more serious but where was the fun in that? However, she wasn't willing to sacrifice a Master's approval over something as trivial as fun.

"Oh, right." She replied to show she understood before looking at the fibercord with a look of hesitation. She took the fibercord in her hands and pulled on it to check its structural integrity before beginning the difficult job of ascending. "I'm sure we can handle whatever it is." She told Sakadi, through strain. Half-way up the urge to look at the view was almost overwhelming but still seeking Sakadi's approval, she fought the urge until she reached the top and lay sprawled across the floor once she had climbed over the top.

Kaira quickly got back to her feet and scanned the area while she waited for Sakadi but there didn't seem to be any obvious signs of danger, however she reached out into the Force to check anyway and found nothing sinister, although the presence of other life forms nearby was clear. "Maybe they aren't too bright after all." She thought out loud and once Sakadi had joined her, she smiled cheerily at the Master before announcing "Let's go." And walking towards the entrance.

Sakadi Marathi Sinvala