Clone Wars: Liberation of Navarion IC

[Kirdan Kenobi 167]

(My convention, unless there are problems with it, will be actions in normal text, thoughts in italics, and words spoken in bold.)

Ki-Von-Ahn spent stayed in his quarters throughout the flight out, leaving only to use the refresher.

He poured through his datapad, using his binary brain to read and analyze at the same time, an effort that saved time, but that could be draining over extended periods, such as this instance. When he felt he had studied all that would be useful, he decided to meditate as his late master had taught him. Meditation had always been his greatest weakness, and even though he passed his trials, he felt that he had had the benefit of sympathy. He sat on the floor and tried to clear his mind of distractions. He thought on the tenets of the Jedi Code. "There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge....But why in meditation do I shut out my mind if there is knowledge?"  he thought. Then he reflected on his master's lessons that meditation clears the mind of emotion, which prevents reasoned thinking. So he continued "...There is no passion, there is serenity."  Again his mind intruded, "but without passion, how can there be compassion?" But, Master Yoda's voice echoed in his head "Passion, to the dark side leads." When he had asked Master Yoda what he meant, he only repeated the Jedi mantra, "There is no passion, there is serenity." "Serenity." He did his best to calm his mind as he the last verse "There is no death, there is the force." In the cold and silence of the ship, his mind drifted to the last moment he saw his master, Rahn Vaal. Ki-Von-Ahn was being propelled backward by his master's force push, away from the battle, but somehow in that last moment he could see his masters eyes focused on him before the life left them. That was the image that haunted his dreams. "Your...fault." His master's lifeless face would say to him.

A vibration swept through the floor as the pilot announced they were starting their landing approach.

Ki-Vahn-Ahn stood and took a deep breath while he tried to purge the guilt he felt. "There is no death, there is the force." he repeated, aloud this time. Somehow saying aloud made him feel more like he believed it. But there was no more time for philosophy. He would be expected on the bridge, and he would not want the others to think him unready.  He gathered his things and went to the bridge, recalling what he had read about the planet's environment and technology levels and wishing he had come better prepared for it.

He finds the other Jedi exiting the bridge and heading for the ramp. He nods at the group, not quite trusting himself to speak quite yet.
 

[ColonelCommissar 1,243]

"Ah, Master Ahn. How nice of you to join us. I was worried you'd been flushed out of an airlock when no one was looking," Treyan holds out a hand, grinning as he does so.

[Kirdan Kenobi 167]

Ki-Von-Ahn returns the hand shake, looking even pinker than his usual peachy complexion and forces a laugh, saying,

"I should hope not without an envirosuit."

[ColonelCommissar 1,243]

Treyan takes his hand with a grin. "Ah, relax! This will be fun! A few weeks in the fresh air, no advanced technology, and nothing but a fascinating primitive culture and a legion of death-dealing genocide bots for company! I can't wait!"

[Jedi Ronin 1,588]

"I can see why you were chosen to lead us, Treyan. The Seperatists won't know what hit them." Darex said, joining in with a grin is his own.

[ColonelCommissar 1,243]

"And I'm glad to have comrades like you. Let's show them what the Jedi Order can do! And what the Clone army can do! You know what, let's just go with what the Republic can do," he grins, even as the forward hatch opens and the ship sets down on the surface of Navarion

[papy72 493]

"Sergeant, before we land, can I just ascertain your role? Are you commander of the Clones, or a specialist assigned to us?"

A specialist General. I'm not much of a leader, unless the men I'm giving orders to are to my right or left side, if you know what I mean. I'm not much for leading from a command base away from the front lines.

Personally, I've got my sites set on one of the deep insertion SpecOps units.

[Kyla 1,411]

Tabithia was, for a moment, sent back to her childhood growing up in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. It was during one of the many training sessions on separating mind and body, an exercise treading water in a pool as you were subjected to answering a series of mathematical equations, that increased in difficulty the longer you went. Eventually, your mind could no longer process the movements required to maintain treading water whilst also working through the equations, and one had to be ceased. The lesson was that the mind was required for the equations, but the water required only the stillness of the body, as one would naturally float when serene and at peace.

 

Tabithia was reminded of this lesson not because of Master Vos'kas mention of the Council's oft dubious decision making record, nor was it because of Master Ki-Von-Ahn's obvious difficulties with calmness when he first arrived. It was not even because the confidence of Master Nezuma's that would have allowed him to be calm in that pool. No, it was not those things ... Tabithia realized with a start, that she was taken back to that memory in her mind because the first time she had been given that training exercise she panicked and nearly drowned. Now, here she was nearly drowning again, though this time is not a pool of water on Coruscant, but instead a pool of testosterone on Navarion.

 

"Masters, I am sure that the Council has chosen well, and I have the utmost confidence in the Sergeant and his men, but I have studied the people of Navarion, and they are a stoic and proud people. I do not feel that cavalier bravado would make the best first impressions." She played the role of stern quite well, but a twinkle in her eye belied her amusement at the situation. The twinkle covered well the feeling of discomfort she was beginning to suffer from somewhere in the back of her mind.

Edited December 1, 2015 by Kyla

[ColonelCommissar 1,243]

Treyan stiffened awkwardly, then cracked a smile. "You speak with wisdom beyond your years young one. Of course, you are right. I've spent too long in the company of scoundrels and fringers, and I've forgotten how the civilised parts of the galaxy behave. Perhaps, after the introductions are complete, you would be best placed to lead the negotiations with the locals?"

[Kyla 1,411]

"If the Masters believe that is best, of course I will be most earnest in the duties. Though the Navarions might take affront to a mere Commander being assigned to them and not one of three Generals." In truth, she felt a million times more comfortable in the diplomatic role than in a military one, but her comfort mattered little in the face of the missions success. Smiling at the irony of remembering the lesson on Coruscant, she relaxed, letting her body go - calming and letting herself 'float' in this strange new situation.

 

The realities of the situation were obvious - a droid army, slowly massing through the construction of manufacturing facilities, was opposed by a displaced native people with considerably less technological strength, but infinitely higher personal stake. Losses would be severe due to the technological gap - even with clone training and supplemented gear, the attrition would be most dangerous aspect of the conflict. That would mean that morale would be the most determining factor. With the personal conviction of the natives being their major strength, loss of this would result in the breakdown of resistance. This would mean that the Army of the Republic must ensure a way to maintain this conviction as a battlefield asset and one that the Navarions would accept the Republic to bolster. That means blurring the line in the eyes of the Navarions between the Army of the Republic and the Navarion Resistance.

 

"Master. Might I make a suggestion?"

Edited October 29, 2015 by Kyla

[ColonelCommissar 1,243]

"Of course, but I'm hardly suggesting we split up. We are too few to go dividing our forces - even to split off a single Jedi would be to weaken our forces, and there aren't enough Clones for dividing them to be worthwhile. I simply meant that perhaps if we need to speak to them you might be best placed to lead negotiations. That said, what would you suggest as the way forward young one?"

[Jereru 171]

-Feck. I wonder what they're waiting for, in the name of the Peace Bringer.

 

Nehebka and Istvan quickly look at each other and smile. Kulada isn't the most patient man in the world, but it's always fun to hear him complain in such a rude way.

 

But he's right. Of course, none of them know a darn about tink-flying-chariots (or spaceships), but the Jiddeyes seem to be taking quite a lot of time to make their appearance.

 

-Perhaps they're just building the climax...

 

-Well, while they build their climax, the tin-men build their factory.

Edited October 29, 2015 by Jereru

[Kyla 1,411]

"I think it might assist in the acceptance of our forces as less an outside influence and more of a combined alliance if we were to offer a commission to one of the Navarions within the Grand Army," turning to Jax, "Provided the Sergeant has no objections, of course. I believe that if the Navarions see the Army as part of them, something they have a stake in, then they will be far more accepting of our assistance, and our counsel." 

Edited October 29, 2015 by Kyla

[papy72 493]

Listening to the two Jedi converse, Jax stiffens ever so slightly at the mention of his men and their "cavalier bravado", but says nothing, thankful that his helmet conceals the irritated look that must be plastered all over his face.

 

When Tabithia suggest that one of the locals join the Army group "No objection, and I'd even second the idea.  We need someone close that can liaison to the populace.  With all due respect, Commander..." Jax pauses, as if searching for the best way to word his thoughts "...there is only so much you can learn from the databanks on Coruscant.  Someone who has lived here and is deeply familiar with the populace would be invaluable."

Edited October 29, 2015 by papy72

[ColonelCommissar 1,243]

"Of course, that seems a sound plan. Now then, shall we go and meet these natives?" Treyan leads the way off of the ship, robes billowing as the light cruiser's engines cycle down to idle. Unsure of the local greeting, he falls back on the old standby and raises one hand in recognition. "Greetings, honoured elders of Navarion. I am Jedi Knight Treyan Vos'ka. With me are Jedi Knights Darex Nezuma and Ki-Von-Ahn, Padawan Learner Tabithia Lacala and Sergeant Jax of the Grand Army of the Republic. May I have the pleasure of making your acquaintance?"

[Jereru 171]

-Welcome to the Water in the Fourth Aurora of Ubieth, foreigners. Come with us, Mother Shuzal is waiting.

 

Kulada's short and rough welcome is polished a bit by the words of Nehebka.

 

-We are happy to have you here. Our Mother Kula is elderly, and she needs rest, but she will be very pleased to receive you. Please, come with us and we will offer a refreshment.- Nehebka accompanies her words with a gesture, inviting the Jedi to follow.

 

-Yes, what she said.- Kulada turns around and walks to the village.

 

Everybody looks at each other, Nehebka smiles widely at everyone, and they all start heading to the village. Isvan whispers quitely to Nehebka.

 

-I thought you wanted to leave the diplomacy to...

 

-To Mother Shuzal, yes, not to Kulada. He's no diplomat, c'mon...- Turns to the Jedi and quickly thinks about something to say. -So... uh... How has the trip been?.

[Kyla 1,411]

Tabithia smiled at the short greeting the large native gave Master Vos'ka. Activating her comlink's sub-vocal microphone, she whispered through communications frequency, "As I said, they are stoic and straightforward, much like our troopers, Master, thus I doubt they any more interested in tales of Jedi bravado than our Sergeant and his men. I think we had best stick to necessary facts and data until we get to a more social environment. Then, tales and descriptions of accomplishments and feats, as well a more relaxed and informal manner, should be accepted."

 

Switching off the comm, Tabithia bowed to Kaluda and the others. She spoke in an even and gentle tone to Kaluda though she cast an understanding glance to Nehebka before speaking, "We are most thankful for your acceptance of our presence and your guidance in our travels to meet with Mother Shuzai and establish an accord amongst our forces. Your hospitality and accommodations are more than necessary we are most appreciative. We will travel to speak with Mother Shuzai at your discretion." She will wait for the Masters to begin following before she does, spurring them into action when they take too long.

Edited November 1, 2015 by Kyla

[Kirdan Kenobi 167]

Ki-Von-Ahn feels his tensions ease as introductions were made. Though not his strongest suit, negotiations were familiar territory for him, and this gave him something to focus on besides his past. His master had once lectured him, "Is it easier to change the past, present, or future?" "It's impossible to change the past or the future, only the here-and-now," Padawan Ki-Von-Ahn had answered. His master replied, "Then waste not your energies trying to change what you cannot, and instead focus on what you *can* do."

...As they begin following Ki-Von-Ahn will turn to Nehebka and answer her question saying, "Travel through the stars is cold, like night, but our order teaches how to focus the mind so that we do not feel the chill. Though your planet has had few visitors for the past millennium, I was able to learn a few things about your world as we traveled here. Mineral deposits in your planet's water lend the yellowish tint visible on the ice atop the mountains in the distance, and your sky appears red with blue sunsets because of how the light scatters. On most other planets the sky is blue and there are red sunsets. The view we have now, of yellow-topped mountains backed by a red sky, is one unlike any other in the galaxy."

Ki-Von-Ahn falls silent, feeling a little odd that he just told the locals they have a special planet. "Of course it's special. It's their home."

[ColonelCommissar 1,243]

"Our journey was pleasant enough, save for its cause. My apologies, that this war - any war - should come to this place. Some worlds are too beautiful to fight over," he pauses, looking wistfully towards the mountains that glow gold in the sun. Then he shakes himself. The time for reflection is later. For now, action. "Tell me, warrior, what do you know of your enemy thus far?"

[Jereru 171]

-Mpf.- Enemies, yes, this is something Kulada knows about. He has never been a mystic, his life is dedicated to the physical. He's the sacred guardian of the seers. They do the magic, he does the fighting. -If you mean the Nebtuu, they are ignorant savages. They plague the jungles to the west, and live like common vermin, slaves to the Purple. Eat, sleep, kill each other, nothing more. Numerous and dangerous, but not organized enough to pose a threat if you stay away from their lands. They rarely have Kulas among their leaders, and certainly not now, so I wonder who of them had this idea of contacting the tin-men, and how did they even know about them.- Clearly the Ubseth is not a man of words, but he does know about war.

 

-But if you mean the tin-men, we know close to nothing. Fortunately, we have someone who might.- Kulada stops for some seconds and turns to face the others. -We sent some scouts. One of them returned, an Amonet youngling. You might want to talk to him later. We never faced tin-men before, so his intel is of no use to us.

[ColonelCommissar 1,243]

"The locals here are undoubtedly a threat, but I'm afraid we were not sent here to interfere in your tribal politics, however volatile the situation. We have been sent to fight the enemies of the Republic, and on this occasion that means the battle droids - the 'tin men' of which you spoke. However, I have a feeling that in fighting one we will be thrown against the other. I'm sure when we reach your leaders we can talk more on this."

[Jedi Ronin 1,588]

"I'm confident that if we can work together your people will win greater freedom," Darex advised hopefully.

[Kyla 1,411]

Tabithia listened to the warrior speak of his world, picking up on the casual disgust he had for the Nebtuu. His use of the word 'Purple' was interesting to her. The Navarions attributed colors to both their deities and the aspects of control those deities oversaw. Purple represented the baser instincts, and primal passions. A fact that she relayed to her fellow Jedi and the Sergeant over the subvocal. 

 

The fact that they had contacted the Separatist might be an indicator that they had found some connection to the dark side, perhaps a relic or artifact. Maybe their leader, called on Navarion a 'Kula,' might have uncovered some sith sorcery that put them in contact with Count Dooku.

 

She shivered at the thought of Count Dooku. To think that the Jedi had been brought to this state of war at the hands of one who once counted among their number. Even worse, one that had himself trained under the most prolific philosophical mind amongst the Jedi, Master Yoda. Tabithia couldn't understand what would possess him to leave the Order in the first place, much less turn against it now. Differences of philosophy are common amongst the Jedi, their myriad racial tendencies and unique experiences breed some of the most intense and enlightened debates in the Republic, but to have a difference of opinion large enough to resign your standing in the Order and leave? She couldn't imagine anything that would suffice. A casual thought, one quickly placed aside, Tabithia focused on the here and now. No good could come from dwelling on the fallen Dooku.

 

"It is our desire to resolve this matter quickly, and with as little harm to your planet's peoples and environment as possible." She looked to Kulada, but framed her words and body language to direct the statement to all present.

Edited November 1, 2015 by Kyla

[Kirdan Kenobi 167]

"Do we know for certain that it was these Nebtuu who contacted the CIS and not a different tribe? Or know that these separatists were invited at all? It would have galaxy-spanning implications if the separatists simply invaded a neutral world." Ki-Von-Ahn says to the group, thinking outloud.

[Jereru 171]

-The tin-men were fighting alongside the Nebtuu when they invaded us. At the time, we all thought the Nebtuu had brought new allies. But now that you ask, we don't know for certain that it was them who called the... what have you said? SEE-EYE-ESS?

 

Istvan and Neb's expression makes clear they haven't thought about it before, but the old warrior's face remains as calm as a stone in the middle of the prairie. 

 

By that time, they reach the village - a handful of wooden huts scattered over the land, with no building planification other than trying to be close to the creek. The sun shines, but it is still chilly. The villagers have been setting some large tables outside, and a bonfire is being lit for roasting some local animals. The people of the Water in the Fourth Aurora of Ubieth want to give their potential benefactors a proper welcome.

 

Kids run around the newcomers, staring at their attires (specially Jax's) and everything that's new and exotic. Adults cease their burdens when the retinue passes nearby. Two warriors, younger than Kulada, nod at him and lead the group to one of the huts near the centre of the village.

 

-This is where Mother Shuzal lives. When her time as Kula finished, unlike many others, she went back to her old title of "Mother". That speaks highly of her humbleness.- Nehebka hopes they all get the hint - she doesn't like to be called Kula. She noticed the very first time she called her Kula, some months ago, and since that time she has felt a strong respect for her. Nehebka wishes to be like her, to have her wisdom and kindness, when she reaches elder age - if she does at all.