Private The Purpose of Disguise

[Liin Terallo]

Sarka is said to be a pretty world. And so far that reputation holds true. At least it does so visually. The foliage, the waters, the sparkling caves; all of it is reminiscent of my home world. Perhaps that is part of what drew me here.

Legends tell of old Jedi Masters hiding on planets teaming with life so that they will not be sensed so easily by their enemies. Perhaps the same could bode true for me. Now while I do not have enemies; I do have a bounty on my head. Not so much as a result of any crime, but for the scientific knowledge that I possess. More specifically on the creation of a synthetic Force serum. If ever I am caught; I hope to convince the Black Sun that my research is a failure. Even though that is a blatant lie. I cannot allow my research to get into the wrong hands.

Speaking of which, my travel here to Sarka is but a pit stop. It is on a route less travelled, which should only serve to keep me hidden all the more. The network of caves deep within the rocks also serve as a great cover. And it is within one of those networks that I find myself now. The underground market is vibrant and bright. The lower half of my face is hidden by a light scarf, while the rest of me is draped under layers of fabric and a robe. Perhaps if I looked like a Force Wizard; people might stay away. I just need to find something that resembles the hilt of one of those laser swords. One of the booths here might have one.

Tag: Vex Drakkon

 

[Vex Drakkon]

The Jedi were now scattered amongst the stars, evading anything from the Galactic Empire that was sweeping through the galaxy, and taking over planets one at a time. Their power and tactics were relentless, and it seemed that the jedi were in hiding. This was to ensure their very own kind wouldn’t perish forever from the forces of evil and darkness. It was a tragic time for all. The fall of the jedi was on the horizon with nothing but hope to keep them motivated. The lives that were taken would only motivate the jedi to thrive. This was something that couldn’t happen overnight, but with patience and training, they would become whole once more.

As for Master Vex Drakkon, he was given strict orders from the council to travel to Planet Sarka. There the young Master Jedi would find trouble in many forms. All of which he was already informed of by the council, but there were other forms of trouble he wouldn’t be able to escape. Regardless, he had a mission to do, and it was in his best interest to make sure anyone associated with the Empire wouldn’t notice him. This meant that Vex had to fit in, wearing robes that matched the Sarkan people. Sticking out like a sore thumb was not a good idea, especially with most Jedi hiding from planet to planet.

With the marketplace filled with life, exchanging credits for items, whether it be food, drinks, scavenged material, or just plain old clothes. You think of it, and the Sarkan marketplace would most likely have it. Vex was investigating a robbery that was happening almost every week. Gems were the main item the Sarkan people would mine and sell on and off the planet. It made more credits than most would like to admit, but it was also a very dangerous job to begin with. Mining deep in the caves could end in disaster with the slightest mistake, which a lot of poor men and women fell too unfortunately.

Vex was at a small stand, browsing some of the produce Sarka had to offer. With how beautiful the planet was, you’d think they were able to grow some tasty fruit and vegetables. That was far from the truth. At least, that was what Vex thought. Instead, he was being nosey, just scoping out the place for anything odd, while keeping conversations going with some of the owners of the stands they had built. "That one there. Give me two, please." He spoke calmly, as if nothing in the world could bother him. It was the fact he was so deeply invested in the light side of the force that was allowing him to give off such a peaceful presence.

 

[Liin Terallo]

My little search was not going so well. The cylinders of metal that I have found thus far have either been too small, or too large, or too long. Perhaps it is but a silly idea for me to come up with. Afterall, who would believe that a distinguished lady like myself could pass as a Force Wizard? I am no warrior. And any battle I had always been whisked away from by my guards.

So I gave up on the search, and instead chose to see if anything catches my eye.....

And that was when I felt it; a vibration in the air rippling outward nearby. I quickly looked for it's source and saw it - a netting full of produce hanging above a vendor's booth. The nail securing one end of it in place was giving way. And someone was underneath it.

Before I even had a chance to stop myself I grabbed hold of his arm and pulled him back. As if on cue the netting broke and the heavy produce dropped and rolled on the ground where he stood. I released his arm as soon as I felt the pressure start from behind my eyes. I recognize this side effect for I have had it before, and it is only the beginning.

Without a word I turn and make my way through the growing crowd. If there are any Force Wizards out there; they are sure to sense me like as if I emitted some kind of beacon. I had to get out of there. My nose has started bleeding, but my scarf hides it for now. Once I can find a good hiding spot I will look after it.

Yet I have the distinct feeling that I am being followed.

Tag: Vex Drakkon

 

[Vex Drakkon]

The cavern was littered with people in search of items to help them daily and the merchants were lined up and down, waving the oncomers forward to see exactly what they were selling. It was a rather easy place for crime to be committed without being noticed, but it was also a place of peace, so getting away with the crime would not be an easy task for the thieves that roamed the cave systems. Even with a well thought out plan, the chances of getting away with it was slim to none.

As for Vex, he was in the middle of purchasing some fruit when he heard a subtle ringing within his ear from the force, calling out to him as if something or someone was approaching. It was at that exact moment the cloth that was shading the merchant’s stand ripped, pulling apart the stand in the process. Vegetables and fruit rolled over the place but Vex Drakkon was moved by a random hand that saved him from flying produce cracking him in the face. "Thank you.." He spoke, turning to see who moved him from the danger that escaped him, but there was nobody in sight. His words fell on deaf ears, making him wonder why they fled so quickly.

With a mess in front of the Master Jedi, he felt only right to make sure everything was paid for, even the damage done to the stand itself. He reached in their robes, pulling out a small pouch, and poured credits into the merchant’s hand. "I am truly sorry for the inconvenience, but I am sure this is plenty to pay for everything that you lost here." His words calm as usual, but his mind wandered back to who saved him just moments ago, and he wanted nothing more than to find out exactly who it was and why they saved him.

The crowd was intense, growing by the second and Vex was now on the hunt. He turned from the destroyed stand and began to pace through the vast crowd of Sarkan people. The bright colors of their robes stood out the most, but up ahead, Master Drakkon could see what looked like someone walking through the crowd with brown robes. With the force by their side, Vex used it to lock onto the figure’s presence. It was a longshot that Vex would be able to catch up without bumping into people and causing a scene. As a Jedi, he felt it was only right to stay back enough to keep a good eye on their movements. Maybe they would lead him somewhere a Jedi wasn’t supposed to be. Either way, Vex Drakkon was on the prowl...

 

[Liin Terallo]

Most of the crowd had moved towards the commotion at the produce vendor's booth. And for that I am thankful. It gave me a better chance to distance myself.

I could feel the blood dripping down towards my mouth. The metallic taste was already there. And I knew that I needed to deal with it straight away. One look over my shoulder told me enough. I do not believe that I am being followed. At least not closely.

After tucking myself into an alleyway, I lowered the scarf from my face and began to use it to wipe the blood from my nose. I sat myself down on a wooden crate and closed my eyes so that I can focus on the pounding behind my eyes. Having gone through this before; I know that it may last but a few more minutes.

Tag: Vex Drakkon

 

[Vex Drakkon]

With the crowd attending the vendor's booth that was just destroyed, it gave Vex time to squeeze through the remaining oncomers, and finally make it into a dark alleyway where his senses seemed to dull down just the slightest bit. Was it the force warning him, or was it another being watching their every move? Regardless of the matter, Master Vex Drakkon slowly walked down the alley in hopes of finding the stranger who saved him. It was only right that he gives his thanks for the save, even if she wasn’t the type to enjoy the extra attention given to them from an act of kindness.

As the Jedi Master continued down the alley, he noticed a figure in the distance just sitting upon one of the crates that were left out by one of the nearby dumpsters. Vex approached slowly, pulling his hood down completely, revealing his aged facial features to the stranger before him. "There’s no need to run, unless you are hiding something. I hope that is not the case." The Jedi spoke in a tone that would show he was being friendly. He had no quarrels with this person at all. In fact, Vex felt that he owed this stranger his life.

There was a short silence in which Vex understood why, but he wanted to keep things calm, so he decided to keep speaking. "It’s nice to see a human face around. Not many of us on this beautiful planet." He added happily. Vex could tell that something was bothering the stranger, but his intentions were focused on getting a name and reason for the help for now, only if the woman was willing to speak. This could end bad if Vex were to be ambushed, so hopefully this stranger was not setting him up for something because he was trained very well and prepared for situations like that.

Tag: Liin Terallo​

 

[Liin Terallo]

For a few minutes I was alone and able to tend to my bleeding nose. The pressure behind my eyes remained, but it was lessoned now; as well as any hint of dizziness.

But that quiet privacy was soon interrupted by the man I pulled to safety. His tone of voice was soft and friendly; however the statement that he made struck a chord with me. I had much to hide; including myself. Although he does not appear to be a bounty hunter.

I cleared my throat a little after his statement on the uniquness of our species on this world, and began to fold the bloodied up scarf so that I could put it in my pouch. Hopefully my face was not recognized. Only those from New Cov, my allies, or anyone after my bounty would know my face. But I do not recognize his.

"I just wanted to avoid any spotlight or scrutiny for what had happened. You seem to be all right, which I am glad to see." I studied him with my gaze; not quite sure of what to make of this overly cheerful individual. "Is there something that you are looking for?" It is an honest enough question. Perhaps I could redirect him in the opposite direction of where I wish to go.

Tag: Vex Drakkon

 

[Vex Drakkon]

With his gaze steadily on the female, she was quick to speak about his safety and how she was glad to see him unharmed. Regardless of the hospitality coming from the woman, Vex kept his guard up because he knew trusting people was one of the hardest things to do. As a Jedi, Vex was trained for this type of situation, accessing the person's behavior, looking for wild movement, or even the slightest bit of pain. It was obvious this woman was in pain and Vex was curious of why and how.

Just as Master Drakkon was going to ask a question, the female beat him to the punch, asking him if he was looking for something. The smile from his face never faded, even when speaking to the female, but he was aware of what was going on and only wanted to know a few things. "Originally, I was only here to purchase a few goods, but then you came along. You running off as if you did something wrong threw me for a loop, so now I am here. You weren’t very easy to keep up with, that’s for sure." He admitted with a slight chuckle afterwards.

But before the woman could respond to what Master Vex Drakkon had said, he continued on about his observation of the woman. "Are you hurt?" He asked curiously, hoping to get the truth, even though Vex knew that getting the truth from her wouldn’t be an easy task. She seemed reluctant to speak much, sharing very little details of the situation, and even trying to push away the Jedi with such short responses. Was she hiding something, or was this woman just not the type to like being around people? Regardless, Vex would push forward to assure her that he was no threat.

Liin Terallo​

 

[Liin Terallo]

"Well, I suppose that it is not often that you require a rescue, but here we are," I commented with a light shrug of my shoulders. For some it may sound as though I am brushing them off; but really I am honestly taken aback that it was I that did the rescuing. I think that this could be the first time that my efforts took someone out of danger, instead of it being the other way around.

At the question of my being hurt, I politely shook my head a little. Only a slight dizziness occured from that little bit of movement, so I knew that I still needed to remain seated for the time being. "I am not hurt, no. It is just a little bit of a nosebleed. It is nothing to worry about; truly."

I stored the scarf into my pouch, speaking to him while I did so. "Did you find everything that you were looking for?"

Tag: Vex Drakkon

 

[Vex Drakkon]

Vex chuckled lightly at the first comment the female made about him needing a rescue. It was a slight poke at the situation he was saved from not long ago. "Yeah, I guess you’d be surprised." He replied in a smooth fashion, knowing damn well he had a knack for getting caught up in situations where the Jedi Master needed a rescue.

As Liin denied that she was hurt, Vex continued to smile slightly, trying not to move away from their current conversation about the nosebleed, so he responded calmly. "A nosebleed could mean many things, it’s not always something to dismiss so easily." The Jedi Master leaned up against the wall behind him, while keeping his eyes on the female sitting on the crate.

Once Vex felt more comfortable against the stone wall behind him, Liin asked him if he found what they were looking for. That same smile faded slightly, followed by a shake of their head. "No, but the Force found you and decided to guide me. There’s a connection there and I am not entirely sure what it is, or why it came out of nowhere." He admitted, revealing to the woman that he was indeed a Jedi, but that was if Liin was knowledgeable in what that exactly was.

That’s when it all came back to him. She was a huge deal in the New Cov at one time, but what the hell was she doing alone out in this sector of space? That was something Vex would have to look into but for now, he felt it was best to keep his new findings quiet for a bit longer. There was still more to be learned before moving on to the next step.

 

[Liin Terallo]

It was true. Sometimes a nosebleed was not something to dismiss so readily. But I knew what had caused mine. And it was nothing so simple as to having had my nose struck or bumped. Still I was not about to disclose the cause so readily. Most especially while being out in the open.

The man leaned back against the wall, no doubt resigned to keeping a watchful eye over me. I find his concern to be a breath of fresh air. For most that do have an alterior motive in mind. And it usually involves gaining control over something that I have.

The words that he spoke gave me pause, however, for he had expressed that he was a Jedi. I have come across a few of them before, and I highly doubt that they would be pleased with my research. I know for certain that one of them is not.

"I have an idea as to why it bade you to follow me. But it is not anything that I would like to discuss out in the open. Yet perhaps more is being read into the situation than there needs to be. Perhaps it is nothing more than me being in the right place at the right time to remove you from harm's way."

Tag: Vex Drakkon

 

[Vex Drakkon]

Master Vex Drakkon was intrigued with the response he received from Liin, causing him to raise a brow slightly, and look around the empty alley. There was literally nobody in sight and it looked as if there would be no visitors any time soon, but he respected the decision of the female to not speak directly out in the open. There were many variables that could cause this reasoning, especially on a planet such as Sarka where thieves and other criminals would hide out from anyone with nosy intentions.

The Force was mysterious in its own way, pushing, pulling, and guiding those down paths that would suit them best. As for Vex, he knew the Jedi teachings were meant for him at a young age. His ability to take in knowledge and use it on the field was nearly impeccable. But as for now, the Jedi Master continued to lean against the wall with both eyes on Liin, curious to what their intentions were. Regardless, he continued to push forward to find out. "I have nothing better to do.." He admitted with a soft tone of voice.

There was still so much to learn about this woman, even if she was involved with the New Cov at one point. This would give him motivation to push for answers on how and why they no longer work for them. It was a curious thought, indeed. One that would remain in the back of Vex’s mind for the time being. He was waiting for the right time to reveal his knowledge of her fully, before digging deeper for more answers...

Liin Terallo​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I am not so certain that he believed me. The alley seemed open and empty, but to me it was far too exposed.

And as he patiently looked at me; I saw something else in his eyes as well that I could not put a pin on. When he spoke; the words that he chose were not what I had expected. Instead he just offered me his time should I want it. In a situation that I had created where everything is spiralling out of control; it is a breath of fresh air to be able to have a choice in the matter.

Carefully I rose to my feet as I made my choice, offering a slight bow of my head as I did so. "Then let us go to my ship. Once there you can decide if you have spent your time wisely." I started to walk in the direction that we had arrived, moving past where he stood. I did not look back to see if he would follow; for I knew the answer to that question. The man was curious. And if he truly wanted the answers that he sought; then he would follow.

Tag: Vex Drakkon

 

[Vex Drakkon]

Curious was an understatement and Vex had every intention to follow through with this. He watched as the woman stood from the crate, walked past him without even turning to look back, as if she already knew the Jedi Master would follow. There was something about this female that had Vex questioning himself, wondering exactly why she was here in the first place, or the fact that the Force itself had guided him straight to her. Regardless, he was ready to begin the trek back to Liin’s ship. It was a risk that he would have to take, even if he wasn’t entirely sure what the intentions of Liin were.

Vex Drakkon pushed off the wall with his right leg, then began to follow Liin through the empty alleyway, and it wasn’t like they would stick out because Vex was dressed in the Sarkan traditional robes. As for Liin, she had on a brown robe. It wasn’t quite like the Sarkan’s but it was enough to allow the duo to lay low on their way back to Liin’s ship. "This wasn’t how I expected my day to go." He added, trying to spark up a conversation on their way to the ship. It wasn’t every day that Vex found himself in such an odd situation, but he planned on seeing this through because of his pure curiosity.

Liin Terallo​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I could almost feel him following in behind me. If anything I am certain that any onlookers might assume that he was my bodyguard. And at worse they would think he was something else. Rumors had often spread about me and a couple of my bodyguards; rumors that held no weight in reality. And yet they persist. They always persist. So more often than not, I try to keep alone.

Listening to him speak about how this was not a part of his plans for the day; I had to agree. "It is not exactly how I planned my day either."

I slowed my pace down a little as I took in our surroundings. The last thing that I need is to get us lost. It was better to avoid the spot where we had fiest encountered eachother, lest we draw attention. So I took us around it, while keeping within the market. " Did you pilot your own ship to get here?"

Tag: Vex Drakkon

 

[Vex Drakkon]

With Master Drakkon trailing behind the female a few feet, his mind wandered off into the future, seeing a glimpse of something to come. The Force was opening up to him, showing a dark figure standing in the distance on a planet that did not look familiar to the Master Jedi, but it was something that would happen in the future. When? Vex had no clue, so he kept this vision to himself, and began to speed up his pace to keep up with Liin.

As they continued to walk and continue their conversation, Liin asked the Jedi if he arrived on the planet in their own ship. With a slight nod before speaking, Vex was ready to answer the question. "With no Padawan to train, I have come alone on a small vessel. It’s not far from this location." He admitted to the female, while keeping pace with her.

The Jedi were issued their own special space craft but with the Jedi scattering across the galaxy to rebuild, Master Drakkon purchased a casual ship to keep eyes off his back. It was the smartest thing to do, especially with most of the Jedi on the run from the Galactic Empire. Even making his way to Sarka was a risk, but it was one that would be worth it in the end.

Liin Terallo​

 

[Liin Terallo]

As expected, he had arrived on his own ship. There was once a time when I would have arrived on a small public transport. Yet the bounty on my head had changed that. Many things had changed that.

In seemingly no time at all, perhaps due to being lost in one's own thoughts, we had arrived at the small private vessel that I had arrived in. It was not mine; but one that I had borrowed. I am no pilot, so a small crew looks after the travel for me. I am merely but a passenger.

The ramp was lowered upon our approach and so I led the Jedi on board. "Here we can speak more freely." After passing through a small corridor, a lounge awaited us. I then pivoted and sat myself down, offering him plenty of space to do so. "So where would you like me to start?" I was not quite sure of where to begin. It could be as easily as right from today. Or it could go even further back.

Tag: Vex Drakkon

 

[Vex Drakkon]

The trek through Sarka’s main tunnels was not a long one and it seemed that the duo were extremely close to Liin’s ship, which Vex was in no hurry regardless of the situation. Instead, his main focus shifted to the ex New Cov because with him as a Jedi Master within the New Cov, it was only right for him to learn some history of this group.

Once inside the ship, Vex was offered a space to sit, so he did just that, pulling the robe upwards just enough that the Jedi Master could sit comfortably, revealing the bottom half of their lightsaber hilt in the process. Whether or not Liin noticed the Jedi’s weapon, she began to ask a simple question, wondering where she would start first with the story Liin had planned. "This is in no way an interrogation, I am merely here because the Force willed it. You can share what you like." He replied to her in the same calm tone as always, hoping that the woman would willingly tell him a little about herself.

Liin Terallo​

 

[Liin Terallo]

He said that this is not an interrogation. And yet it feels almost as though every contact that I have with people turns into one. The fault falls on me of course. For I am the one that started this whole process and situation that I find myself in. Not them. I am the one that they choose to focus on, for better or for worse.

"Well, simply put; I am not a Force Wizard like yourself. What I am now is of my own making, which came about through science. And not by some Force Will. The consequence of my actions have caused others like yourself to seek me out; whether it is to end my research or to own it." I pause for a moment in order to give him a little time to process it. "Now I know that initially it was I that reached out to you to pull you to safety; but I just could not merely stand there and watch you get hurt."

That is the strange thing about me. I do not like to hurt others. I am not a fighter. And I am not some mad scientist as some would like to believe. Instead I am just a lady that keeps to herself and usually within the confines of her laboratory.

I made no mention of my previous occupation of running New Cov for a little while as that is not how I am remembered. Most especially on the Galactic stage. It is my research into a Synthetic Force that has put the spotlight on me more than anything else.

"Now I would appreciate it if you would keep this encounter to yourself. I do not need my whereabouts to become known at this time."

Tag: Vex Drakkon

 

[Vex Drakkon]

Master Vex Drakkon sat comfortably with both hands placed gently on his lap, while his eyes scanned the small vessel, until the sound of Liin’s voice caught his attention. She seemed like a very sweet woman with genuine intentions, but there was something else about her that seemed to intrigue the Jedi Master. He felt that she wasn’t telling him everything, which was fine for the moment. Vex did not expect the woman to speak up on everything right away.

As Liin went on about how she managed to synthetically create a serum that would cause the user to experience life as someone who was Force Sensitive. It was tricky, to say the least, and Vex had no issues with their experiment unless it was used with the intention of potentially hurting those around them. Right now, his eyes remained on the woman, calculating in their mind exactly how this was possible. Regardless of the matter, he showed no emotion to throw off this encounter they had. Instead, Vex was to instill some confidence in Liin. "I will give credit where it’s due. This serum, can it be dangerous?"

Master Vex Drakkon already knew the answer to his own question, but he wanted to hear exactly what Liin thought because their opinion was more important than his own at this point. There was no reason for him to make things uncomfortable, nor did he want Liin to think that Vex thought she was a horrible person, because that was far from the truth. The truth is, Vex didn’t know Liin at all and this was their very first encounter in general, but it would give them the time to get to know one another better, even if it was under such circumstances.

Once Liin finished speaking, it was apparent to Vex that she was hiding something under everything she said. Whether it was the research she was doing, or if she was a part of something bigger. Regardless, Vex remained calm and continued sitting comfortably in the seat next to the female. "This conversation will be our little secret, so you have absolutely nothing to worry about." He replied, making sure that Liin would trust his words. The question was, is Vex actually telling the truth? Time would give away that answer.

Liin Terallo​