We are all Slaves, Jedi to the Sword

[Adonari Cinn]

Tattooine Hunt for Innocence​

@[member="Sochi Ru"], @[member="Reela Witko"], @[member="Ane'irna"]​

​

​

​

Hundreds of souls missing? A dark presence had crept forth through the actions of wicked beings and on a planet like that of Tatooine this was little more than yesterday news. If the people who lived on the planet respected life so little why would anyone else's be considered worthy of care. This little known fact was being exploited through the youth unfortunate enough to be caught and sold through the underground slave trafficking scheme.​

 

[Cortana Jade]

A'donari and Sochi had been assigned a mission which would station them on Tattooine. Seeing this as a great opportunity for their padawans to gain experience, they would be brining them along. Sochi and her Padawan had just gotten done practicing, her development was highly important to Ru. She didn't wanna waste any time that would be valuable, so when this opportunity presented itself, she jumped at it. Walking towards the hangar area, with her Padawan beside her, Sochi's robes were following behind her draping along the floor. Her hands were in front of her, waist level, fingers interlocked. She walked calmly, and professionally. In her head she was going over the mission description.

Finally approaching the sliding doors that lead to the hangar area, she walked through and slowed her movements. She was looking for the shuttle that would take them there. Looking around for a second, she was then approached by a droid who told her their shuttle was ready, she followed behind the machine till they approached the shuttle. She turned to her Padawan.

"How are you feeling Padawan? I hope your not nervous. I know this mission was last minute, but I know it'll be good experience for you." She said talking in her usual soft spoken tone. They would have to wait the arrival of their other companions.

@A'donari Cinn @[member="Ane'irna"] @[member="Reela Witko"]

 

[Reela Witko]

The droid that spoke with @[member="Sochi Ru"] was in fact TC-18, the personal protocol droid for Reela Witko the padawan to @A'donari Cinn. She had been waiting near the landing zone with her master for when the shuttle was ready. When it was she had told TC to inform Sochi and @Ane'irna about it. He returned to his princess and said "I have just informed the Jedi of the shuttle." Reela saying "Thank you, TC." After which the droid handed her a bag which, after inspecting, was filled with cantinas and bottles of water. "You may find yourself dehydrating fast givein Tatooine's climate , ma;am." he stated. "Best to go prepared." Reela smiled before saying "Thank you, TC." again, letting the droid walk off to return to the temple and wait for her and the rest of the Jedi to return. Reela looked to her master and said "We should devide this among everyone just to be sure."

 

[Bubák]

After leaving the training room, the young Twi’lek silently paced behind her Master. Adrenaline still pumped through her veins after the training spar, and the girl pondered about the mission. She did not know what sort of mission this would be, but soon noticed she felt a bit excited and nervous at the same time. This’d be the teenager’s first assignment as well as the first mission with her Master, so the girl was not surprised by the emotions that swirled in her. In response, the green skinned girl opened her mind to the Force, focusing at clearing her mind of all worries and letting peace and the Light Side fill her mind, the strong presence Sochi radiated banishing all anxiety she had felt.

Following Master Ru through the door to the hangar, she watched the droid that approached the Togruta Jedi Knight. The machine somewhat reminded her Reela’s TC-18, making Ane’irna smile to herself. It’d be good to see her friend again. When they finally stopped, finding the shuttle they were looking for, the teenage Twi’lek clasped her hands behind her back, answering calmly and honestly. “I have to admit, Master Ru, this is my first mission, but knowing you and the Force are at my side, I am not nervous. I have to ask though, what is the nature of our mission?”

Considering her own inexperience, the girl expected something along the lines like humanitarian help, possibly offering hope and spiritual guidance to the ones affected by the terrible war against the Sith. Ane’irna felt particularly sorry for the children, as the little ones suffered the most. Their homes, parents, friends, childhood, all gone because of the war. That was not the worst though. Some of the Republic propaganda truly terrified the young Twi’lek; the Empire was running out of manpower, so they started sending younger and younger recruits to fight for the corrupt government, many of them being even younger than Ane’irna. Just the thought of it made her cringe.

@[member="Reela Witko"] @[member="Sochi Ru"] @[member="A'donari Cinn"]

 

[Adonari Cinn]

The quick pit stop had been a necessity at the moment. The ship hadn't been ready for their departure so the closest water closet had been found. A'donari, draped in his flowing dark grey jedi robes though hood unadorned, was walking back towards his padawan when he noticed Knight Ru and her Padawan were making their way towards Reela. Sochi's hands were in front of her, waist level, fingers interlocked. She walked calmly, and professionally. A'donari thought back to the months before when he too had spent hours everyday meditating in the force trying to become intune with the light side every moment. He had come to terms with one simple truth. The force strengthened him the most when he just lived within it. As he saw it, it was around him all the time. Still thinking in the moment while walking, the force resonated strongly from the three women standing together speaking with a droid for a brief moment.

Entering the small group his Padawan Reela offered him a bottle of water. At least that's what he had taken it as. He lifted and shook an open palm in a partial 'stop' answer through body language, "No thanks. I just broke the seal. Wouldn't want to spend the entire trip in the bathroom. That's just looking out for all of our sakes." A huge grin and a wink followed the statement. His right hand reached forward and took the sack of water from her, he would hold it until they got in the ship. "Sochi and I believe that would make you Ane'irna her esteemed Padawan." the words warm in a welcoming tone, "If the ships ready then lets underway. The trip isn't short so we'll have plenty of time to get the details of our mission in order." A'donari to the group while partially turning his massive frame towards the ship to show he was moving that way and they should do the same.
@[member="Ane'irna"]@[member="Reela Witko"]@[member="Sochi Ru"]

 

[Cortana Jade]

Being informed by the droid of the shuttle, Ru lowered her head in a bow to show her gratitude. Then she turned towards her Padawan who had answered her question, and now presented her own. "Well Padawan, on Tattooine, civilians have been coming up missing. Now, this might be the results of some form of a slave trafficking scheme, but well have to do some investigating once were there to truly find the cause." She said answered the young girls question before seeing a massive figure that was A'donari, as she walked up the ramp of the ship. Sochi slightly bowed within their companions presences. "greetings Knight A'donari, and Padawan Reela." She said softly.

She took on a subtle smile, when he addressed her Padawan. Sochi looked to the girl to see her answer. Then she followed behind the Knight further onto the ship. Indeed they had a trip ahead of them, besides they did need to go over the objective of the mission. They needed to have something planned out before stepping foot on that planet.

@A'donari Cinn @[member="Ane'irna"] @[member="Reela Witko"]

 

[Reela Witko]

Reela bowed to @[member="Sochi Ru"] while giving a little wave to her old friend @Ane'irna. With everything ready she followed the others onto the ship to head for Tatooine while walking up next to the twi'lek and saying "I didn't know Master Sochi was your trainer. I met her before once. It turns out she was a good friend of the Jedi who saved my life once. Even gave me saber on top of that. You're so lucky!" she said in a whispering manner, as some girls tended to do while on a trip with their superirors.

@A'donari Cinn

 

[Bubák]

Ane’irna frowned upon hearing the Jedi Knight’s words. The disappearance of the civilians could have meant many things, most of them not good. Especially on Tatooine, a planet infamous for having little to no laws, ruled by criminals and next to none police force. Many have tried to change that, but the planet was just too poor, many people joining gangs and various criminal organizations just to have something to eat. A place where life of a sentient being had far less value than a Bantha. As such, Master Ru’s suggestion of a slave trafficking sounded perfectly valid. If that truly was the case, the group of Jedi had to stop it. Almost like the Sith, slavers liked to rule over others, and not in a good manner.

Following her Master into the ship, she stopped for a second and bowed to the Nautolan Jedi, both of them. “Greetings, Knight Cinn. I am Padawan Ane’irna.” She said simply, still thinking of their mission, though giving her friend Reela s smile when the girl talked about Master Ru. “Yes, Master Ru is my teacher. She is a great Master.” Her voice became warmer and smile on her face grew wider and she glanced at the Togruta and followed her again. “Do we have any leads?” asked the Twi’lek teenager in much more serious tone as she paced behind Sochi, though the question was meant for everyone.

@[member="Reela Witko"] @[member="Sochi Ru"] @[member="A'donari Cinn"]

 

[Adonari Cinn]

Walking behind the three female Jedi it occurred to A'donari what he had gotten himself into. A few quick steps took him up the ramp in time to catch the Padawan's question. "We know the city that the children are being kidnapped from and from stories we have suspicions of the Gangs involved. But until we get planet side and have a better understanding of first hand accounts we'll not be accusing anyone or thinking them as guilty. Many of times stories are altered by the speaker to sway the judgement of those around. It is only the natural way of beings that feel emotion to want to effect others through the stories they tell. We will be allowing the force to guide our decisions so leave all feelings behind. We'll have to do everything in our power to remain unbiased and get to the true bottom of this case to stop the culprits responsible." A'donari said stopping himself before sounding preachy.

Moving through the ship he found his way to the cockpit to inspect the ship for any unexpected travelers or tampered equipment. He spoke with the pilots, two of the best men from his old unit. Each of the three men having saved each others lives multiple times and mutually respected one another. The fact of their presence helped bring him closer to peace. After a few words A'donari had learned of their orders as escorts to the planet and to remain planet side as support. On normal occasions he himself would have refused the help but the two men were peaceful by nature. If their weapons were drawn then the time for fighting had come and gone multiple times and on the third try they had failed to avoid the altercation. He knew that if they were here then someone was watching out for the group.
@[member="Ane'irna"], @[member="Reela Witko"], @[member="Sochi Ru"]

 

[Bubák]

Childrens were the ones being kidnapped! Ane'irna could not understand how could anyone be so cruel to hurt something so young and innocent as a child. Maybe because of being very young herself, she found the very thought of that action disgusting. Whoever had done something as terrible as enslaving a child had to pay. As the Nautolan Knight said though, they had to be careful and accuse the right people responsible for the crime. The slavers would be spending a very long time in jail... Absorbing Knight Cinn's wise words fitting for a Jedi Knight, the Twi'lek closed her blue eyes and found her inner peace, quickly stopping her distaste for slavers from spreading from her heart and clouding her judgement and mind. It was not hate or anger she had felt though, more like sadness that someone could have fallen so low to kidnap and enslave another sentient being, and a kid on the top of that. Once the unnecessary emotions disappeared, the teenage Twi'lek opened her eyes again and looked around the ship for a place to sit.

Sitting in a passanger's seat, the young Padawan glanced at her friend Reela, silently wondering if the Nautolan princess felt the same way about slavers as she did, then blankly stared in font of herself before shutting her eyes again. Still perceptive to the world around her, she thought about the mission and what would happen once they stepped on the planet. Since the general population was poor, meaning they wore the cheapest and most common clothing, the Jedi group wouldn't look suspicious in their robes. That was good, as they would not raise any flags to the slavers, giving them time to flee and possibly try to destroy the evidence of their crimes - people included. Maybe, just maybe, someone'd try to kidnap her. Twi'leks were still highly prized among slavers, thus many greedy beings might attempt to deliver the young girl to some crime lord and expect a shower of credits in their way. Nonetheless, whatever would happen, Ane'irna knew she had to stay to the Code and the Jedi tenets. The Force will show her the truth hidden in the shadows.

@A'donari Cinn @[member="Reela Witko"] @[member="Sochi Ru"]

 

[Cortana Jade]

Hmm, Sochi shook her head slowly. It was saddening to hear of the kidnapping of younglings. She couldn't help but agree with A'donari's words. From her experience she had come to know that everything your lead says is true. Sometimes people are trying to purposely throw you off the right track; to hide their own agenda it seems. She also felt this would be good practice for the padawans. Their was much emotions behind this, and one would need to keep a clear head, and remain neutral if you want to receive the correct information. Content because she had taught her Padawan, how to think and access situations before reacting.

Not having any ties to the two pilots, she didn't think much of it. It would seem A'donari knew them well by how they interacted with one another. She sat down, and began to access the situation within her mind. Going over all the possibilities of who and what could be the culprit. So many common possibilities, but who knows, on Tattooine they could be thrown for a complete loop, and it could turn out to be someone they have never expected.

@[member="Ane'irna"] @[member="Reela Witko"] @A'donari Cinn

 

[Reela Witko]

Reela was just as upset to hear of the news as much as the others. It was wrong on so many levels, not just on the fact of slavery. Children, little innocent children, taken away from their parents and homes and family. It wasn't right. Reela would hate to see anyone, from herself down to even the most poorest of child, taken into slavery just for the profit of others. She was eager to see them stopped as much as the rest of the present Jedi. When everyone boarded their seats Reela sat next to @Ane'irna. She didn't see when her friend looked at her, trying to see how she felt about the whole situation, but then Reela looked when she stared out the window. Taking her friend wrist Reela looked to the twi'lek and nodded, showing she was with her every step of the way. They would stop this together, and with their masters. As the shuttle took off Reela looked ahead, patiently waiting for when Tatooine would be in sight.

Half way there Reela had fallen asleep, a little tendency of hers on such long flights....

@[member="Sochi Ru"] @A'donari Cinn

 

[Adonari Cinn]

The girls around him were seemingly lost in thought. The ships gentle shudders from the outside flight was the only sign that they were moving. To A'donari who had found a chair and situated comfortably, cross legged, reached inward and outward at the same time. It was the best way to describe the connection he felt with his own soul becoming aware to the beings, energy, and life that passed by the shuttle continuously. The meditation bringing peace to his mind and life to his body.

-2 hours passed-

Releasing himself back to his physical body he noticed his young Padawan sleeping peacefully. A smile touched the corners of his mouth. Reela would never hear it from him how she reminded him of a friend past who he had met during his years of training in the Academy. News of her passing during the long fought war against the Sith, which had finally come to an end, had been the hardest obstacle for him to over come. A blanket gently lifting by the four corners at his touch of the force was lowered draping over her body without disturbing her. Walking away with sadness attached to his eyes he returned to his seat and his holopad. This time intending to focus on the mission at hand and the connections between missing persons accounts.
@[member="Reela Witko"], @[member="Sochi Ru"], @[member="Ane'irna"]

 

[Bubák]

Feeling Reela's touch, the Twi'lek briefly opened her eyes and smiled at her friend, believing this mission would turn out well. Closing her blue eyes again, the Twi'lek Padawan attempted to meditate, knowing it'd take time to get to the planet. Meditation was probably the most effective way to kill the time in the flight, and it also made the young Twi'lek realize the four of them most likely would not even have to fight. Four Jedi, four minds connected to the Force, what could possibly stop them? Everyone knew the Jedi could effectively fight against greater numbers with ease, the Republic even relied on them to stop the Sith Order, the most dangerous and powerful beings in the galaxy. Once the four confronted the slavers responsible for the kidnappings, it was more than likely the slavers would surrender peacefully. Even the most powerful criminals knew the legends telling stories of the galactic peacekeepers, some of the legends even indicating the Jedi were invincible. Put together with the fact Jedi were very good at deflecting blaster bolts and having weapons that can cut through almost any material with easy, the slaver would have to be insane to fight four Jedi unless they had at least sixty well armed men on their side.

Ane'irna could feel the presences of her fellow Jedi as she meditated and drew the Force into herself, converting it to energy that filled her body and also showed her the memories she had of several disarming lightsaber moves. If the slavers wouldn't give up, the Jedi would have to fight. The Twi'lek remembered the slash meant to destroy her opponent's weapon, and also the Makashi light jab aimed at the limbs of her adversaries. Those would come in handly to disarm anyone attacking them, though Ane'irna still doubted it'd come to that. Suddenly, a disturbing thought emerged in her mind, making her slip out of her meditative state and open her eyes. "What happens to the children after we rescue them?" asked the girl in a worried tone, "Those without families will stay on the streets, either eventually being kidnapped by another group of slavers, or joining one of the numerous gangs. Tatooine does not present one with many opportunities to survive and live a happy life. Shouldn't we take a portion of the children to a more civilized planet?"

@[member="Sochi Ru"] @[member="Reela Witko"] @A'donari Cinn

 

[Cortana Jade]

Hmm Sochi turned her head in the direction of her Padawan, she had presented the group with a question. It would seem her Padawan was feeling some type of emotion regarding the kidnapping a of the children. It was normal, especially for those so new. "If we were to intervene, will taking them to another planet save them from being on the streets?" She asked in return in her soft spoken tone of voice. Sochi knew it wasn't the kids fault, but there was just something that the Jedi couldn't help. She accepted that, also holding true to Natures way; a belief her people hold strong to.

@[member="Ane'irna"] @A'donari Cinn @[member="Reela Witko"]

 

[Adonari Cinn]

Feeling the pheromones change from the young padawan of his fellow Knight Ru allowed him to sense a touch of the true emotion within the youngling. It was pure and a true sense of worry. She cared about the children as a Jedi should for all life. It made him happy to see the Order had young Padawans who still wished to make an impact on the masses rather than extinction.

"I believe it wouldn't be to much of a leap to say that your new friend here might be able to assist in this matter." A'donari said while poking his Padawans ribs with the force. It would be soft enough to tickle and hard enough to wake. When Reela started to stir he spoke again, "The royal family on Glee Anselm has always been more than happy to help those in need. This could be a first step for you to speak with our Senator and call for an orphan refuge to be started. Not only a right step for a Jedi but also a Queen. For your title of Jedi makes you both Queens of all those in need. The best interest of each and every being in this galaxy is what we have sworn to protect. ​

Emotion, yet peace.​

Ignorance, yet knowledge.​

Passion, yet serenity.​

Chaos, yet harmony.​

Death, yet the force.​

The beginning may be backed with money from your family but I'm sure we could gain funding from all over the galaxy for such a refuge. I will help in whatever way I can. All you must do is ask." A'donari finished while looking back and forth from both Padawans.​

@[member="Sochi Ru"], @[member="Ane'irna"], @[member="Reela Witko"]

 

[Reela Witko]

It wasn't until the ship dropped out of hyperspace that Reela finally woke. She sat up and said "I didn't miss anything did I?" looking around to the others. After she was calmed in knowing they were arrving she heard them talk about how, as a Jedi/Queen, how she and @[member="Ane'irna"] were sort of the same in that sense of protecting the people. His speech and recitment gave Reela a lot more confidence as she looked between her friend and Master @[member="Sochi Ru"], giving a more confident smile and nod to them. She turned to look out the window and see as they were approching Tatooine, she taking a deep breath to ready herself for whatever they might find on the surface.

@A'donari Cinn

 

[Bubák]

Ane'irna shok her head upon hearing her Master's question. "Master Ru, we cannot leave them to die or join a criminal syndicate. If nothing else, we will place them to some orphanage on a more civilized planet, giving them a fair chance to live a normal life. It might not stop them from the life of crime, but at least I'll know it won't be because of my indifference." The Twi'lek girl strongly believed she should help the children however she could; if she did absolutely nothing to help them while she could help, then she would be no better than the than the slavers using kids for labour. If she helped the poor orphans, he conscience could rest clear.

When Knight Cinn spoke, Ane'irna turned her head to look at him. His words soothed her, helping her to ovecome her emotions she felt towards the young ones and think clearly, while not giving up on her idea. The Nautolan Jedi Knight had presented something much better though; letting Reela's family help. Not only the children would be taken care of, fed and educated. The royal family would present itself in a great light by helping those in need, being seen as very benevolent rulers who deeply cared for the well-being of the young and innocent. "That is a great idea, Knight!" smiled the green skinned Twi'lek Padawan and looked at her friend who woke up. "What do you think, Reela? Would your family help?" Ane'irna certainly hoped they would, but she did not want to present her family with a group of orphans and tell them to take care of them. No, the Twi'lek wanted Reela to get her family's approval before doing such thing.

The planet they were headed to came closer and closer, the ship would land in a couple of minutes. Ane'irna had never been on a planet like this, full of desert and unforgiving heat. Except for Ryloth, but she was there as a baby before the Jedi took her to the Temple. The Twi'lek would still have an advantage over the two Nautolans, as her people were used to such harsh conditions.

@[member="Reela Witko"] @[member="A'donari Cinn"] @[member="Sochi Ru"]

 

[Cortana Jade]

Her question, and answer were all valid. It was something Sochi would overlook, with her holing so much to the traditions of the Jedi of old. She made sure to ponder her padawans words. From the windows one could see the yellow glow of Tattooine, it seemed like it took them years to make it here. In fact Sochi had only been here once before, there was little she remembered of this place. Coming into the atmosphere the sky's became blue, and the land still held on to the yellowish, orangish color that was its many deserts. It was only minutes before they would land. Their ship flew over a decent sized community, the homes seemed to be adapted to the continuous sand brushing up against them; the people as well.

The ship landed, and the hangar doors flew open, and with that, the hot, and humid heat that was Tattooine, Sochi stood up as everyone prepared to make their way out. She ran her hands along her robes, trying to beat out all the wrinkles if there was any. She checked her belt, and her lightsaber and made her way down the ramp slowly. When she came to a stop, her eyes came to a squint, and she opened her arms, and placed both hands in both of her hips. She looked around and waited for the others.


@[member="Ane'irna"] @[member="Reela Witko"] @A'donari Cinn

 

[Adonari Cinn]

Moving down the ramp, each stride long and full, brought him past Sochi and stepping foot on the hot sand. Heat pummled his robes instantly and on his tenticles. Uncomfortable feelings rushed through him as he felt around the area. Both hands moved up to his sholders and with a yank pulled his brown hood over his head. The cool relief instantly took hold. Feeling outwardly with the force gave him a stronger touch on the area but it was a feeling he had sadly been expecting. The lack of happiness was strong to him.

A man moved forward to him bringing his two workers behind him offering to take their bags where they would be going. "Thank you. We also need you to point us in the direction of this man." A'donari handed the picture from his right robe pocket to the man. "We just want to talk and get an idea of the situation."

---- Eyeing the picture up and down the man recognized the man instantly. Who wouldn't recognize the senator who preached the coming change for their planet. "Of course I know of him. He is our Senator. Planet side if I heard right this morning. He's here for another three days and I'm sure will only be happy to assist the Jedi. Try the orphange three sector blocks down on your right. It will look like a shack to your eyes but hard times are called so for that reason." -------

A'donari nodded and thanked the man with a smile before turning and relaying the message to his group before walking down the sandy street towards the Orphanage.
@[member="Sochi Ru"], @[member="Ane'irna"], @[member="Reela Witko"]