Private &nbsp; Trouble down Below

Valery stood in front of the projector on-board the Bastion, ready to start her briefing for the mission that her fiancé asked her to join. She knew Kahlil loved to tease her about these things, but there were some important things to cover. She was just going to have to accept it and make sure they were well-prepared. There was time for payback later if he decided to take a shot at her here anyway.

"So, we're going to soon be arriving on M'Bardi, a rather infamous Waterworld. It's home to a large prison facility where some serious criminals are locked up." Valery said as she booted up the Galactic map. A single red dot was pinging in the Outer Rim, indicating their destination.

"They recently requested assistance, so we're going to be delivering some supplies to offer relief. But they also mentioned that they were in need of more help. What exactly, they wouldn't say — they wanted to discuss it in person with Jedi only." Valery said before her attention turned to Rhemti specifically for just a moment.

"We have to make a dive to their facility while the Bastion remains hovering above the water. Should be no problem for you, but Kahlil and I are going to need underwater suits."

Finally, she looked between the two with a smile.

"Any questions before we get going?"

Rhemti Totriddiam · Jan 9, 2022

Rhemti looked like he was about to jump out of his seat with excitement. A water world. Another one! He hadn't been to an underwater world since he left home. He was far too excited, even his head tendrils seemed to shift ever so slightly from it all. "They make specialized suits for non amphibious creatures?!" If dark pupiless eyes could sparkle with curiosity, then Rhemti's surely were doing so. But suddenly he began to wonder about it all, wondering where they might land, where they'd have to travel, and more questions came to mind.

"Will we have to travel through open water? Large portions of the sea without habitation or land mass?" His expression became more thoughtful, though he'd have a slight air of concern for, at least on Glee Anselm, the open portions of the sea that were uninhabited by people were fraught with dangerous creatures of any unimaginable shape and size; he hoped they wouldn't have to deal with any.

Kahlil Noble · Jan 10, 2022

"Pressure suits and the like, yeah. I don't personally like em, but.. Yeah. Need em to get under water." Kahlil chuckled a bit, glancing to

Rhemti Totriddiam with a slight grin. His first mission. There was an odd sense of pride welling in the Jedi's chest. And worry. Always worry. Hopefully he'd be alright. Though, the Padawan's concern quickly turned to his own. What was the problem with open water?

"Maybe, why? Should we be worried?"

Rhemti Totriddiam · Jan 11, 2022

Kahlil Zambrano said:
"Maybe, why? Should we be worried?"

"Well.. Maybe? I don't know exactly just how 'livable' it is in this particular ocean. Is it so salty that its difficult for sea life to survive? Or is just the perfect balance of oxygen and salt, allowing all manner of creature to thrive? Who knows. At least back home on Glee Anselm, we had to be careful when out in the open ocean without the shelter of buildings or natural formations such as coral or rock. Life comes in all sizes and shapes no matter where you go so.. If theres large monstrosities hunting in the open seas of Glee Anselm, its more than probable that this world, M'Bardi, will also have large predatory sea creatures." Rhemti commented casually, as if it wasn't that surprising.

"Even shelters like buildings aren't one hundred percent safe on Glee Anselm. Sure we might have protective measures such as energy barriers, but those aren't a guarantee in an extreme emergency." He'd cast his gaze between the two, blinking, the surprise in his expression more from them not knowing about it? Well, he assumed they both didn't given Kahlil's response.

Valery Noble · Jan 11, 2022

Location: Bastion | En-route to M'Bardi

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Much like Kahlil, Valery felt a sense of pride knowing that this was going to be Rhemti's first mission. Even though he wasn't her Padawan, she was playing a role in his training, and with the young Nautolan being close to her fiancé, she was by extension going to be quite close with him as well.

What further strengthened the smile on her lips was the input he offered in her little briefing. She knew it had been a good call to bring him along for this.

"We're going to be diving close to the actual prison, which is in fairly open water. There are rocks below and around it, and I'm sure there are aquatic animals that could be dangerous. But from what I was told, the diving zone for us should be safe. If all goes well, we won't be in the water for very long." Valery said, hoping that would help settle concerns.

"Unless there is anything else, I think Kahlil and I should get changed into our gear. We'll be able to check each other's oxygen system and then we begin the dive."

Rhemti Totriddiam · Jan 12, 2022

"I'll wait by the off ramp for you then." Rhemti beamed at the two of them, turning to collect his gear. He looked far too excited to go back into the water, even humming a subtle, but disjointed tune as he went, the song full of either long pauses or the Nautolan stopped mid hum to focus on something else for a moment before returning to his song. He'd be waiting just beside the off ramp to the ship, completely ready to get the mission underway.

Kahlil Noble · Jan 13, 2022

"Sounds good. Keep an eye out for anything while you're out there, too." He nodded once to

Rhemti Totriddiam , smiling still. Then the Nautolan was off the ship. Kahlil let out a sigh before starting to pull on the swimming gear. No, he didn't look forward to this. A thin layer of clothing and glass between him and drowning. Sent shivers down his spine. If there was a threat, well.

Getting hit would likely mean death.

"What do you think of him?" He glanced to

Valery Noble , smiling softly. "He's come a long way from the farm boy I picked up."

Valery Noble · Jan 13, 2022

Location: Bastion | En-route to M'Bardi

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After getting into the rather tight swimming gear herself, Valery began to move around Kahlil to make sure all his gear was in the right condition for the dive. Even a single crack could be a problem, and especially the oxygen system had to be working properly. When all was secured, she smirked and tapped against the glass of his helmet.

"Glass is pretty thick, so it can take a hit. But be careful." She didn't know if it was his first time diving like this but she was also just being her caring self.

Valery then looked over to where the young Nautolan had just jumped into the water from, and smiled, "He's a good one." Valery said as she turned so he could check her gear.

"When I taught him Force Empathy back on Ossus, he really blew me away with his mindset and just... the way he is. He's a fantastic student, kind, compassionate, and understanding — he's going to be an amazing Jedi." Valery then turned back around and looked up at him with a smile.

"He's got a great Master to look up to as well." She smirked, took his hand, and began to back up to the open door through which they'd drop into the ocean. Valery then let herself fall backward into the water, and once submerged, spent a moment to get adjusted to swimming with all the gear on.

"Rhemti?" she looked around to where he had been swimming off to. "Spotted anything down here or everything clear?"

Rhemti Totriddiam · Jan 13, 2022

Rhemti stayed only a few feet from the drop zone of the ship, so focused on keeping his wits about him in the hopes of sensing something before it ended them that he was all too aware of Master Valery's entry. His head tails were splayed out in the water, moving now and then, almost as if they were all equally independent, but that wasn't the case, he was simply using them as an enhancement to his force empathy ability, given his head tendrils were what made him extrasensory in the emotions department to begin with.

"It's clear for now, Master Noble, but we shouldn't linger.." Without prior knowledge of the ecology and inhabitants of the sea they currently swam in, Rhemti felt uneasy. He didn't like to stay in the open ocean. He liked to at least have something that could possibly act as a barrier if some large predator did indeed show up, but here.. there was nothing. His unease was actually visible on his face for once, head still turning as he didn't stall in his inspection of the vast darkness around them.

Kahlil Noble · Jan 14, 2022

"Yeah. He is a good one." At least it wasn't blind master devotion that had Kahlil believing that. Not with

Valery Noble thinking the same. He smiled softly, staring at the helmet he needed to put on before finally slipping it over his head. Well, no reason to keep

Rhemti Totriddiam waiting. Especially with how nervous he kept sounding about the water. Kahlil dove in quick, swimming up beside his Padawan to set a hand on his shoulder.

"Take a breath. We'll be fine." He offered his own encouraging, goofy grin before glancing back to Valery.

"Lead the way?"

Valery Noble · Jan 16, 2022

Location: Bastion | En-route to M'Bardi

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Valery remained still in the water while Kahlil moved to encourage Rhemti. While she wasn't nearly as attuned to the water as the Nautolan, her senses were sharp and the water did little to stop them from expanding outwards. As expected, the ocean they were in was full of life but the Padawan was right — everything was clear for them.

"Follow me." the woman finally said when the two were ready.

At a gradual decline, the three Jedi began to swim down and within a minute or two, the large metal structure with a noticeable lack of windows and entry points came into view. Valery directed them down towards a landing pad meant for underwater vehicles, where a decently sized security force seemed to be waiting for them.

"Masters Jedi, I'm glad you could come." the lead warden said once the Jedi had settled down on the pad.

"The supplies you brought are very much appreciated but there is another matter that I wished to discuss." He said before he gestured for them to follow him into the structure. "There was an escape attempt not long ago, orchestrated by a few of the most dangerous criminals we have — serial killers, crime bosses, and the like."

"They got so close that an entirely new facility has been built deep down against the rocks of the ocean floor, one far more difficult to escape from than even this. But it leaves us with a difficult task." He stopped as they finally entered the facility, where there would no longer be any water for them to deal with.

"We have to safely transfer these highly dangerous criminals. My hopes were that a group of Jedi could assist us." He looked between the three, hoping they would agree.

Rhemti Totriddiam · Jan 16, 2022

Rhemti kept close to Master Valery and Kahlil, though he would need to slow or stop now and then where he maneuvered much easier in the water. His usual curiosity and awe resurfaced as they landed on the pad, the young Nautolan looking over the whole security force with wide, awe filled eyes, though he grew less impressed and a bit more concerned when they mentioned moving prisoners.

The padawan stayed silent, this wasn't his place to interrupt, but he did worry they'd have to travel through more open water to get there.

Kahlil Noble · Jan 17, 2022

Kahlil was silent himself, calmly listening to the conversation as

Valery Noble talked with the warden. Prison transfer. He glanced towards

Rhemti Totriddiam , more curious on what the young Padawan thought about this. Sure enough, there was something going through his mind. While he let the Master speak, he reached out to touch his shoulder and start a low conversation with him.

"What's going through your head?"

Rhemti Totriddiam · Jan 17, 2022

Rhemti glanced up to his Master as that hand landed on his shoulder, a faint but goofy smile crossing his lips as he realized he'd been caught in thought.

"Just.. wondering how far this new compound is and just how we'll be traveling there, well, if you and Master Valery agree to take on this additional mission that is."

Valery Noble · Jan 19, 2022

Location: Bastion | En-route to M'Bardi

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After the Warden explained what he needed the Jedi for, Valery briefly glanced over her shoulder. It seemed Kahlil and Rhemti were okay with her handling the conversation, so she turned back to speak to the Warden with Rhemti's words in mind.

"We'd be happy to help, but can you tell us a bit more about where exactly this new prison is?" she asked. Rhemti's thoughts were solid — the location and means of transportation were important to know.

"The new facility is a few miles out, but we have prepared transportation. If all goes well, your trip will be rather dull but having someone oversee it is appreciated." The warden said.

"If all goes well...?" Valery asked with a tilt of her head.

"Right, we have reasons to believe that outsiders are looking to break some highly dangerous prisoners out. Another reason for us to go through with this plan." the warden added.

"I don't like how cryptic you are with this."

"I can assure you that you will be safe, Master Noble. We have taken all the necessary safety precautions." He said with full confidence in his tone. Valery sighed softly and simply nodded before she turned back around to her fellow Jedi.

"I don't think leaving without helping them is the right thing to do. So let's help them escort those prisoners?" Valery asked with a soft smile before she looked at Kahlil with a look that he'd definitely recognize — she felt something was off, and was worried.

Kahlil Noble · Jan 19, 2022

So a break out was planned? That did explain the need to move the prisoners, though at the same time didn't that also mean there'd be a chance for the transport to be attacked? If it was him planning the breakout, that's when he'd strike. When they were on the move. Staying put wasn't an option though, so.. He let out a sigh, glancing to

Rhemti Totriddiam . His Padawan's concerns were valid.

But they were still Jedi.

"We're going to be attacked, I've no doubt about that. We'll keep your guards safe, and the prisoners." He gave

Valery Noble a simple, confident nod. Smiling. "We're Jedi after all."

Rhemti Totriddiam · Jan 20, 2022

Rhemti smiled, reassured by how the two masters 'seemed' to be acting, especially since he'd refused to look into another's emotions without permission again, so he had no clue just how worried Valery felt. Kahlil was certain there would be an attack, but both Varly and Kahlil were in agreement that regardless of whether an attack happened or not they couldn't just leave; people needed their help.

"Just a day in the life of a Jedi, I suppose?" Rhemti chuckled, making sure not to interrupt either Master or the warden when he spoke. It was his way of saying he was in agreement with them; despite his concerns, he had to help. Not that he had any say, but he figured it was better to be compliant.

Valery Noble · Jan 22, 2022

Location: Bastion | En-route to M'Bardi

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The confident nod from Kahlil brought a smile to her lips, which only grew wider when Rhemti chimed in with his comment about the day in the life of a Jedi. She turned to him and chuckled, "That's right." she said with a nod of her head. Finally, Valery turned back to the Warden again.

"Alright, lead the way."

The Warden seemed somewhat relieved at the reaction and without further hesitation, began to guide the Jedi through the facility. The prisoners were all waiting within the transport already, in a separate compartment and fully restrained. The entire vehicle was heavily armored, and with three Jedi stepping on board, it was extremely well-guarded too, making an escape seem impossible.

Moments later, the dive away from the prison facility began, which started with a long descent through open water. But after several minutes, the rocks below became visible through the darkness of the ocean depths, and the pilot of the vehicle leveled the transport. Wherever they were going, it seemed as if a labyrinth-like route through the rocks was necessary to get there.

About half an hour passed, and everything had been quiet on board. The prisoners were silent, the Jedi were able to look out into the ocean, and the Warden was busy with a report on his datapad. But suddenly, the three Jedi would be able to feel that the transport began to slow down gradually until it fully stopped moving.

"What is going on?" The warden asked the pilot, who sat safely in a compartment created to protect the driver.

The pilot didn't answer and simply smirked, but the Jedi could feel a sudden sense of danger. A few seconds pass, and Rhemti especially would feel incredible vibrations through the water that caused the hull of the transport to tremble along.

Then everything went black, as a massive explosion caused the transport to vibrate heavily, knocking all lights out in the process. All around them, armed thugs appeared from behind rocks and began to open fire at the transport, hoping to weaken it. Valery blinked after she adjusted to the sudden explosion, and immediately reached for her lightsaber but Rhemti would experience something else.

His mind was drawn into a brief vision, containing flashes of pirates he had long hoped to avoid. They were here now, and their targets were all on-board this transport.

"We need to get out there and stop them!"

Kahlil Noble · Jan 23, 2022

Danger.

Kahlil blinked before reaching a hand out for the controls. The Force answered his call too late, though, the echo delayed in more than one way. Everything went black as the explosion went off. Thankfully, just because of the light. He refitted his helmet on, letting out a frustrated sigh. He was right, of course. They were going to be attacked mid transport. Kahlil raised a hand again, this time to stop

Valery Noble from taking off.

"No, we know they're coming here. If we figure out who specifically they're here for, we can deescalate this I imagine."