Metroclus
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"I will do my duty until I cannot."
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Affiliation: The Republic
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Post by Metroclus on Sept 22, 2022 6:54:00 GMT -8
[ Metroclus Garrik | Western Hemisphere - Alpha Site | Ossus' Open Terrain | Ossus ] Attn: Mira Yim & Lucien Malvern The Yuuzhan Vong woman was certainly something of a novel experience, to Metroclus. He'd met people like her; very focused types dedicated to their profession. Eccentric, and socially awkward. Though slightly scandalized, he showed no outward reaction at her suggestion that he breed with the princess.
He didn't need to do any reacting. The thirteen-year old would do all the spluttering and shrieking for him at the mere suggestion. Though he was rather touched she saw him as a father figure. And not for the first time he wondered how she would fare given the lifespan difference between the two of them.
The Aldar would outlive him by generations.
Mira for her part, had another amusing conclusion about Sorsha's protest, and saw it more on the genetic issue rather than social taboo.
Having calmed the princess down and away from the awkward thoughts put forth by the Yuuzhan Vong, they were able to offer their positive review of what they've seen so far. Sorsha was mostly happy to have rain, though she much preferred cooler climates and was hoping to find a nice place to build a dwelling in the hills, surrounded by a forest and a lake.
But Metroclus could see also that Mira Yim was quite busy, and while his and Sorsha's presence was an attractive curiosity in terms of research, she was focused more on developing the world to be suitably habitable again, so they eventually left her to her work whilst the princess continued to bask in the rain, with him watching over her carefully.
[ The Spire | Ossus' Open Terrain | Ossus ]
Sorsha abruptly turned her head and darted off in the direction that Metroclus' helmet sensors just picked up the approach of several lifeforms. He could tell there were humans among them, and figured it was some of the Jedi Lords. He lumbered after the princess at a more sedate pace, and was smiling under his helmet as the girl curtseyed before Lucien, still dripping wet from the rain, and looking like she'd just gone diving through a lake.
“Lord Malvern,” greeted Metroclus casually, “amazing work, isn't it?”
He gestured lightly around them, “I've never seen anything like it.”
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Sept 22, 2022 17:06:49 GMT -8
Mira Yim MetroclusThe Jedi Lords that followed Lilith kept a silence that was more out of respect. True, there were known records of the Yuuzhan Vong on how they operated, but they were right at the heart of their work. It was best not to be too disruptive even if the High Lord was their gracious host. They were the ones putting all their efforts into the revitalization of Ossus after all. Occasionally, they looked around, noticing others of the Shaper Caste working and moving about.
However, when Lucien noticed the statue of Jaina Solo, the male did come to a noticeable halt and gazed right at the small structure. Jaina Solo Fel... the Sword of the Jedi, the twin sister of the fallen Jacen Solo, mother of Fel II, and she who was said to have started the Order of the Imperial Knights. He recalled the stories of her being depicted as a goddess of tricks among the Yuuzhan Vong. Was it true observance or merely to show good faith to the Jedi of Ossus? Lucien did not have an opinion either way, but he did show a slight bow to the statue of Jaina before continuing onward. Afterward, the attention was turned to she who would be identified as Master Shaper Mira Yim. However, Lucien barely had any time to even remotely give a formal introduction as, unlike Lilith who was intrigued by the lizard-crab, Mira was immediately interested in the biological form that was the High Lord.
Yar Sho seemed to change his stance slightly as none were allowed to come close to the Lord of Ossus without permission, but Lucien subtly raised his hand, indicating to his loyal retainer to be at ease. The Vong were their friends after all. Mira seemed like the rather informal type, considering her words and questions. But that was likely due to all her mind's processes being focused on her work rather than social etiquette. Lucien would take a step back, giving himself a little room.You are correct on your estimation of my person. I am from the planet of Serenno, a planet on the Hydian Way on one's way to the Corporate Sector Space. House Malvern has deep roots with the world, perhaps as ancient as the Old Republic itself. It is hard to say, but that was the story my grandfather told me as a child.As for the question of Midi-chlorians and the Force, Lucien was not too scientifically aware of such things.From what we understand, there are likely bloodlines with stronger connections to the Force, perhaps through the number of midi-chlorians. The Skywalker bloodline, for instance, has brought forth many a strong Jedi. Not to mention the noble bloodline that resulted in the birth of Lord Hoth, commander of the Army of Light, and the notable Horn and Halcyon families of Corellia. Many of their members were well-versed in an ability called Tutaminis as well as producing many powerful Jedi Masters of the Old and New Jedi Orders.Perhaps there was a matter of bloodline that resulted in such powerful dynasties within the Force. The descendants of Freedon Nadd, overlords of Onderon, who were steeped in the powers of the Dark Side. The Solo family that produced the Jedi Allana and Ania Solo. Allana's mother, Tenel Ka Djo, was descended from the Dathomiri witch, Teneniel Djo, and was a proven Jedi herself. Lucien then raises his arm to Mira.If you desire a sample of blood, you are welcomed to it for your scientific purposes, Master Shaper.It was at this moment that he took notice of the Republic trooper, Metroclus, the guardian of Sorsha of the Aldar.Commander Metroclus. You were alive at a time when the Yuuzhan Vong were not known to the galaxy, yet it is believed that a certain Canderous Ordo, of your time, may have discovered one of their craft on the edge of the galaxy. Once before, this very same technology struck fear in the galaxy... but it will be the very means to make Ossus beautiful and alive once more.Ossus will be revived. The Yuuzhan Vong will prove that they can be trusted and redeemed in the greater galaxy. Much will be accomplished here.
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Mira Yim
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
"I can fix this."
Posts: 117
Affiliation: Handmaidens of Yun-Ne'Shel
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Post by Mira Yim on Sept 29, 2022 7:34:25 GMT -8
Unable to contain herself as Metroclus and Lucien commented on the Yuuzhan Vong's efforts and progress, Lilith stepped between the two and chimed in enthusiastically, her wing like ear lobes fluttering as her pale face became flushed. "What you have seen thus far is merely the start. The Master Shaper can do anything. She once combined one of your galaxy's rancors with one of our tank beasts, to create a ferocious acid breathing behemoth."
"Ah yes. The Tank-Rancor." Mira responded, using her unaltered hand to stroke her elegant chin. "As I recall it breathed fire. The acid came out of its other end, making them difficult to house, thus why we never produced them on mass." The second Lucien's arm came towards the Master Shaper, she extended her right arm and delicately pricked Lucien's arm with one of the tentacle digits of her shaper hand. Beneath the digit, a translucent sac enlarged to the size of a human thumb, filling with bright crimson. Retracting the unusual finger, she removed a squirming beetle from the satchel on her hip and brought its sucker like mouth to the sac, allowing it to latch and leach the freshly acquired blood. This all took a matter of seconds, for none had a quicker hand than the Master Shaper inside of a laboratory setting. She handed the plumped up beetle to Lilith. "Be a dear, Loraine, and see that this sample joins the other. Run an analysis between them looking for any genetic abnormalities." She then turned and knelt before Sorsha, taking her hand in her own whilst focusing her glowing pink mqaaq'it on the princess' face. "Rest assured, I will restore the height that has been taken from you. Lilith was quite correct. I can do anything."
Inspiring hope was one of her many gifts, though not quite on par with her impressively brilliant mind.
Smiling warmly, which was odd for a Yuuzhan Vong, Mira straightened and once more placed her foremost attention on the Jedi High Lord. She pursed her lips before speaking, almost hesitating which was unlike her, but then quickly found the tongue she had been lacking.
"It is good that you are here, Lord Jedi. There is a matter I wish to bring to your attention. A time ago we received a report of some of the local Ysanna acting unusually in a region about half way between our present location and your castle fortress. I had not thought to bring this to you; however, the world brain has informed me that this is the area in which Bnar's sapling is located. I sent out one of the Praetorite's shadow hunters to investigate the nearby village, but it has been a full day and they have not yet reported back." She shrugged her exposed shoulders. "I'm sure it is nothing to be concerned about and was actually planning on investigating it personally, but, if there is danger I admit to be sorely equipped to handle it. I have no combat abilities of which to speak; furthermore, as a handmaiden of Yun-Ne'shel I am oath bound by the Yun'o to do no harm."
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Sorsha Sunrunner
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“Death is lighter than a feather, duty is heavier than a mountain...”
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Post by Sorsha Sunrunner on Oct 7, 2022 7:23:42 GMT -8
[ Princess Sorsha Sunrunner | The Spire | Ossus' Open Terrain | Ossus ] Attn: Mira Yim & Lucien Malvern When Mira Yim knelt down before her and took her hands, Sorsha struggled to keep the grimace off her face. The woman's thoughts were so strange! She instinctively drew on the Force, and the motes of light began floating around her head and body, giving her the infamous ethereal Aldar glow. Her reason for pulling on the Force was not because she felt threatened, but more because she was struggling to accept that she cannot sense what she can clearly see in front of her. It was like looking at a holovid that was solid, but she cannot sense anything around the Master Shaper. And it was slightly distressing to the young girl.
And there was other pressing matters now. She decided to withhold informing the Yuuzhan Vong that she was only thirteen and not done growing, and even then, Aldar women rarely grew very tall.
The Ysanna were intriguing native folk, and Aldar were generally inquisitive and eager to befriend new races they've not met before. Sorsha was no exception to this, so she perked up and moved to stand off to the side between Mira and Lucien.
“Perhaps Metroclus and I can join the team that investigates?” she offered hopefully.
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Oct 9, 2022 18:47:26 GMT -8
Lord Malvern's eyebrow arched slightly at this matter brought to his attention. A Vong patrol, if he understood correctly, that was meant to scout a village near Bnar's sapling had gone missing due to the lack of communication. The Ysanna were as diverse as any community; there were allies of the Jedi Lords, neutrals of the planet, and hostiles of the newcomers. Although, the hostile elements had not gone so far as to outright open rebellion or bloodletting, they still harassed patrols by their war cries and blocked transport routes. All a means for them to make their disagreements known.
However, in this case, Lucien didn't know much about the region. And so, the Jedi Lord turned to the one, in his entourage, who may. At a glance, an older female stepped forward, a representative of the Ysanna who was at the court of the High Lord. Their ambassador as the official posting went.
Lady Mana, what can you tell me about those that live in proximity to Bnar's sapling?
The woman looks at the High Lord and then at the Master Shaper.
=Mana=
They call themselves the Wardens of Bnar. They are not a tribe, but rather an order made up of volunteers from other communities. Similar to the Jedi Order, they protect the sapling and ensure that it is nourished. The wardens aren't ones to take sides, but if they ever have feared that the sapling is in danger, they will attack anyone who threatens its existence, perceived as such or in truth.
Lucien rubs his chin slightly, recalling the name mentioned several times in his negotiations with the Ysanna. They weren't a powerful organization, but had prestige and great respect for the role they played as defender and parent to the sapling. They'd likely believe that the Yuuzhan Vong could potentially harm the offspring of Bnar and thus reacted without thinking. Hopefully, there was no blood spilt, but rather just a simple detainment. Visibly, Lucien sighs.
Lady Mana, please speak with the other tribes and see if there is a way that we can communicate with these wardens. Yar Sho, keep patrol and our manned transports away from that area for now. I'd rather not agitate them... as for the next step...
His gaze turns to the one called Princess Sunrunner, who was guarded by Metroclus.
You two can join up with a second team. This time, it will be composed of two Yuuzhan, two Jedi Lords, and two Ysanna. Lets see if we can at least figure out what happened while we try to communicate with this village.
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Mira Yim
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
"I can fix this."
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Affiliation: Handmaidens of Yun-Ne'Shel
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Post by Mira Yim on Oct 12, 2022 10:10:39 GMT -8
It seemed she was right to bring the matter to the Jedi Lords attention. Where others might have debated overlong the appropriate course of action to pursue, these armed guardians of light and all that was good seemed ready to spring into action at the first sign of trouble. From what Mira had surmised thus far, it was unlikely the scout would have failed to report in over some unusual behaviour presented by these Wardens of Bnar. The Praetorite's shadow hunters were elite members of Domain Yin trained in the lethal disciplines of assassination and espionage. They could move unseen if they wished and were capable hand to hand fighters. Even a skilled Jedi Knight would have had some difficulty facing one, let alone a few villagers. There had to be more to it then that. Well, they wouldn't know anything until they went to go check it out.When Lucien suggested two Yuuzhan Vong be allowed to join the team, the Master Shaper's mqaaq'it shone brightly in expressed excitement and she brought the mismatched digits of her hands together in a loud clap.♪♫♪ "Excellent." ♪♫♪ She sang melodically. "I know just who I would like to bring." She brought two fingers to her lips, formed a seal around them, then blew. A sharp whistle pierced the air as Mira exhaled, then she called out towards the door. "O'Scyther! Come here, dear! Come on, come to Mama Mira."A clacking noise sounded near the dilated hatch-sphincter as a creature appeared at the entrance, walking into the room on four segmented legs of armoured carapace, similar to the limbs of a crab. The bio-organic creation had two muscular arms that hung from a broad shouldered chest that was covered in green scales, each limb ending in long scythes of bone. A crest of razor sharp quills went up its back, forming a deadly mohawk of sorts. Its face, however, was remarkably rodian. In fact, that's exactly what the creature used to be. With a friendly wave of her arm, the Master Shaper motioned to the crab/rodian beast to come closer, to which it complied. As it came to stand beside her on its four legs, the hybrid creature was a head taller than Mira."Allow me to introduce Scyther." She brought her shaping hand up under the creature's tapir-like snout and stroked it, eliciting a cooing noise from the crab-rodian as it leaned into her hand for further scritches. "I'm afraid we don't know his original name, but Scyther here is one of the surviving Vagh Rodiek from the war. Believe me when I say what happened to the rodians, being transformed into...well, war beasts, was wrong. Its not something we would ever consider doing these days. But in Scyther's case here, the damage was already done by the heretic shaper Taug Molou. Sadly the transformation process wiped away his past memories, as well as his ability to act independently. He would not be able to survive if we released him back into the wild, so we remain responsible for his care as a means of atonement for the past actions of our people. These days Scyther here is more gardener than war beast, isn't that right?"She patted the Vagh Rodiek on the back and stepped away, giving it some space as it raised its tree trunk thick arms and scraped the edges of its long bone scythes together, eliciting a grinding sound like a blade on a whetstone. The edge of each scythe glinted, suggesting they were honed to lethal degrees. When it lowered its arms, Mira stepped in again and wrapped one hand around one of its large biceps, resting her head against its shoulder."He doesn't speak, but his carapace and bone scythes will make up for my lack of combat abilities if we run into any trouble, though I certainly hope that's not the case and this is all some misunderstanding." Though she had her doubts. Mira took a few minutes to confer with several of her staff, nimble Yuuzhan Vong shapers of adept ranks and lower, before returning to Lucien, Metroclus, and the Princess. "I've arranged for one of our dovin-basal skiffs to meet us out front to take us to the village, if you are ready to proceed. Unless of course you'd prefer it if we take one of your transports."
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Metroclus
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Post by Metroclus on Oct 16, 2022 8:03:23 GMT -8
[ Metroclus Garrik | The Spire | Ossus' Open Terrain | Ossus ] Attn: Mira Yim & Lucien MalvernMetroclus' mild panic began the moment Shaper Mira mentioned a minor mystery involving a team of specialist from her race going missing. He knew that Sorsha would be unable to resist this. Aldar were so inquisitive and curious about everything. The problem with that was the Aldar were far too naive and innocent, assuming the best in everyone and everything, and apparently the modern Aldar were even worse, though they made up for that with some incredibly nimble reflexes and prowess in the Force.
That didn't mean they were always lucky, or able to evade danger when it presented itself.
Feeling gray hairs beginning to appear ahead of time, Metroclus could only give a soft sigh as Sorsha predictably offered her services and his to assist with investigations.
He had no problems with it. He was a soldier, and it was his duty to serve the Jedi and the Republic - what little of the Republic might be left in this day - but it was the thirteen-year old barely able to safely wield a lightsaber and far too little actual training in the Force princess running headlong into potential danger he was not comfortable with.
But since the princess could technically overrule any decision of his, Metroclus sought a compromise.
“We'll take up the rear, then.” He said, and Sorsha shot him a look, but she was smiling.
Taking up the rear opened them up to ambush from behind, but given how little he knew of the Yuuzhan Vong and the Ysanna, Metroclus was counting only on the Jedi Lords to hold the front if everything went wrong, and the odds were high that they would go wrong. He just hoped his cannon and armour were sufficient to protect the princess.
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Oct 29, 2022 20:23:13 GMT -8
Lucien would hope that this mission would bear fruit in terms of communicating with the Wardens of Bnar and, hopefully, no damage done to what possibly might be a hostage/prisoner situation. He didn't want to send in his own troops, so the High Lord would have to trust those who were going on the mission. When Metroclus spoke up though, there was a shake of his head by the Jedi Lord.
Metroclus, I actually want you and the Princess at the front. Lady Sunrunner has the potential to be a good diplomat.
Many a great people started as younger than adults after all.
Leave the rearguard duty to our allied Ysanna that will be joining. The middle contingent will be made of several of my own household troops and a handful of Yuuzhan Vong. You two, along with the Ambassador and Chieftess Mana, will be at the forefront with whoever will be my personal representative and someone that Shaper Yim can trust.
This is how Lucien wanted the arrangements to be. Metroclus was a good soldier, but that meant he was better suit at the front. Besides, the High Lord wanted to give a chance to both of these individuals; a soldier of the Old Republic and a Princess of the Aldar. Add in the others mentioned, it represented the whole of the Jedi Lord's faction and their important allies. He'd have to speak with the Neti to see if they wished to join in this attempt to diplomatically speak with the Wardens.
I want you all to be ready to depart in a few days. Coordinate with each other and have a plan on how to approach this... isolated group.
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Sorsha Sunrunner
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Post by Sorsha Sunrunner on Nov 9, 2022 15:20:18 GMT -8
[ Princess Sorsha Sunrunner | The Spire | Ossus' Open Terrain | Ossus ] Attn: Mira Yim & Lucien MalvernSorsha had accepted Metroclus' suggestion without question. She trusted his judgement and experience over her own any day, and more because she knew he had her best interests at heart. Plus, she was often a little too reckless in her enthusiasm for anything new and curious. Mysteries were just fun little surprises to an Aldar. She lacked the human intuition, something that was lost when when the ancestral Sylvans and Humans of Archon mated and mated until there were no humans left, leaving behind a new race known as the Aldar. The Sylvan nature of trust and curiosity for the unknown all but replaced the more cautious nature of humanity.
So when Lord Malvern overrode Metroclus and all but ordered that Sorsha take the lead role for diplomat, she turned around and inhaled so hard, she hiccuped and the motes of light that had been placidly orbiting her head and body, suddenly shot out in all directions, going through a few people, leaving behind a slight warmth, expressing the depth of her shock.
“M-my Lord Malvern...” began Sorsha, “...yes, milord.”
She wasn't going to protest, but was merely surprised. She was practically a child in the midst of adults. Plus Princess Lyrica technically had more interaction and authority, even if she behaved otherwise in Sorsha's presence. Not to mention she was older and was more up to date with direct experience of current events, and that impressive knight who was Bonded to her had a literal army.
Sorsha just had her wits and Metroclus.
Still, she was here, not Lyrica, and Lucien wasn't a reckless man. He was human. He surely knew what he was doing, better than she did.
“We will do as you ask.” She did not need to look or use the Force to tell Metroclus wasn't happy about this, but he would follow, and if anything, he'd be more fervent and fanatical in protecting her now.
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Mira Yim
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
"I can fix this."
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Post by Mira Yim on Nov 21, 2022 6:09:17 GMT -8
I want you all to be ready to depart in a few days. Coordinate with each other and have a plan on how to approach this... isolated group.
Two days later... In the time that had passed all manner of preparation had been made. It had taken some effort to convince Lord Lucien that the most practical method of approaching the village was to take a chom-vrone, but the big softy eventually relented and agreed. Imagine if you will a massive worm monster at least a hundred meters long and nearly as wide across. It's body was made of dense mineral rich yorik-coral, sporting numerous meter wide tubes that were capable of spewing plasma to clear a perimeter. Bessy, as she was affectionately referred to by Mira, was a much smaller specimen of her species. Half the length and width of a standard chom-vrone, her interior compartment was just large enough to comfortably house the team. In the open grounds outside the shaping spire where they all agreed to meet, the massive worm drill waited, half submerged in the earth already. A seam in its rocky surface was split and a long tubular appendage known as a molleung worm was unfurled from the opening onto the ground, forming an organic boarding ramp. The interior was lit by glow lichen grown into the walls and lambents embedded in the ceiling. Along the walls of the interior compartment were a number of wide and flat protrusions of coral to serve as benches for the team to sit upon. While there were no obvious seatbelts or safety harnesses, the team would find that if they touched certain pulsating growths on the veiny interior wall, arrest tentacles would emerge to encircle their upper torsos to the same effect.Mira, who was as far from a warrior caste as one could get, surprisingly looked the part as she emerged from the shaping spire wearing a pink hued set of vonduun-skerr kyrric, otherwise known as crab-armour. The rigid carapace covered her slim build from toe to neck, though parts of her naked bosom and arms were exposed, revealing intricate tattooing that reflected her devotion to the Modeler, She-Who-Shapes. Her hands and head were free of obstruction and her long raven hued hair seemed to float behind her as the biots and buzzing insects threaded through it seemed more animate than usual, likely picking up on the Master Shaper's own excitement. She held a long stemmed crustacean to her lips, inhaling through one fluted end while the other burned a familiar organic herb that the Praetorite Vong had been growing on Ossus to cleanse the soil of corruption. When she removed the stem from her pursed lips, she blew a smoke ring that floated in the air in front of her, then more remarkable blew a smoke bissop that seemed to gallop through the ring before dispersing in the air and fading away.Lowering the pipe biot, she turned to the Vagh Rodiek beside her and stroked the quills on its back, carefully avoiding the razor tipped as she ran her shaping hand over it. Scyther cooed in pleasure, clacking its scythes together. The two waited at the bottom of the ramp for the others. |
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Sorsha Sunrunner
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Post by Sorsha Sunrunner on Nov 21, 2022 16:12:33 GMT -8
[ Princess Sorsha Sunrunner | The Spire | Ossus' Open Terrain | Ossus ] Attn: Mira Yim & Lucien MalvernIn the two days since that fateful meeting, Sorsha had sought out training with her blade, and consulted the Loresingers of today, much as she was reluctant to address any of her fellow Aldar, she knew she couldn't avoid them forever, especially since Princess Lyrica led them in concert with Lord Lucien Malvern. And in those two days, the man did not appear to decide otherwise. Though innocent and naïve, Lyrica was of these times, and older biologically and mentally. Still, Sorsha supposed the man knew what was best. A lot of abilities and skills came easily to her after just being shown them once. Sorsha did her best not to show just how easily it came to her, because Lyrica kept growing more and more awed, which led to the rest of the Aldar reacting in much the same way.
It was bad enough now, she did not need them getting worse.
She was as ready as could be, but still preferred if the actual grown ups gave her cues.
That said, she was also still a teenager and she appreciated the opportunity for some excitement, like jumping out of the transport from thirty thousand feet in the air and no parachute in sight. She also pulled Metroclus out with her using the Force. His shocked yell told her how much he appreciated the surprise.
“THIS IS FUN!” Cried Sorsha happily. Motes of light trailed in her wake, her body producing them continuously until it looked like she was a streak of multicoloured lights with her rapid descent.
She had been diving head first the whole way until she was only a hundred feet from the rendezvous, then she flipped herself upright, with one knee raised, and her other leg pointing straight down, and her toe reaching first. She used the Force to slow her descent until she was just floating downwards, her arms outstretched to either side of her, the motes of light finally slowed as she did, and she was still aglow as her toe touched the ground.
She then turned to catch Metroclus but the man had extended his cannon and shot something green and glowing. When it hit the ground it expanded rapidly, looking like a large gelatinous cube. He fell into it, tumbling wildly for an instant and was quickly in a kneeling position, cannon at the ready, as the liquid rapidly lost its coherence and melted down onto the ground.
“I was going to catch you!” protested the princess, her head formed a small flashing crown of light that expanded outward before returning in a calm fashion over her brow.
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Metroclus
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Post by Metroclus on Nov 21, 2022 16:25:20 GMT -8
[ Metroclus Garrik | Outside The Shaping Spire | Ossus' Open Terrain | Ossus ] Attn: Mira Yim & Lucien MalvernHe didn't like that the Princess was being made to go right to the front, but if that was where Lord Malvern wanted them, the Trooper saw no choice. He helped the princess get as ready as possible in those two days. He was proud of the girl, really. She finally relented to speaking with her fellow Aldar. He wasn't always going to be around, and the princess needed to be able to communicate with her own kind if she was to have any future.
Still, he should have known the girl would seek some kind of payback. She probably blamed him for having to speak to the Loresingers. They were the Aldar scholars and researchers. Due to their shortened lifespans, he wasn't surprised when most of the scholars were no older than Sorsha herself. But they still viewed the princess with a mixture of awe and wonder. Most were so starstruck, they took minutes before they could even speak properly, and he'd seen how the thirteen-year old took that reaction. She was blushing and trying to hide behind him.
Treacherously, he'd sidestepped her before she could completely conceal herself behind his large armoured form.
Giving him a glare of one betrayed, he should have seen it coming when she pulled him out of the transport in a suicidal jump.
Tumbling and screaming through the air was quite undignified, but he recovered his presence of mind towards the end before he crashed. he'd pulled out his cannon, and deployed a impact absorber. This was normally reserved for vehicles and resource crates, but as many Republic Troopers discovered during the first war with the Sith, it was great for breaking their fall in case they fell out of a damaged or destroyed transport ship. The moment he hit the gelatinous liquid, the absorber began to lose its coherence and dissolve, but it gave him enough time at least to roll into a kneeling position and he wouldn't look entirely as embarrassing as he did moments ago as he tumbled and flailed wildly through the air at high velocity.
“I hate it when you do that...your highness.” said Metroclus as he straightened up and marched to her side, holstering his cannon once more.
He turned to Mira Yim, and inclined his head in greeting, saying, “Master Shaper.”
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Mira Yim
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
"I can fix this."
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Post by Mira Yim on Dec 7, 2022 7:51:15 GMT -8
A faint sound caused Mira's wing like ears to flutter against the sides of her narrow head, drawing her attention upwards as she focused her pink hued ocular implants on the sky above. The advanced biots magnified her vision, spying Sorsha as she accelerated rapidly towards the ground, before slowing at the last moment to gracefully descending the remaining few feet. Though she surmised this was likely due to the princess' eldritch abilities with the Force, a part of the Master Shaper wondered if the same result could be produced by a personalized dovin basal. The thought passed as quickly as it came, for her attention was drawn to the teenage Aldar's guardian companion. Her mqaaq'it widened in surprise as a glowing green glob of something launched from the cannon the falling trooper carried. She found herself forced back at the last moment as her own protector, Scyther, pushed past Mira on its four crab legs and placed the bulk of its armoured carapace between her and the expanded impact absorbing gel.He turned to Mira Yim, and inclined his head in greeting, saying, “Master Shaper.”
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Jan 3, 2023 20:13:31 GMT -8
Soon enough, Jedi Lord entourage approached after a gunship landed on the outskirts of region. Trekking the rest of the way to their rendezvous. When they arrived, they were led by a white-haired Arkanian male, Lord Dendarrion Ras, a Baron of the Jedi Lords, a trusted advisor of the High Lord, and the Headmaster of the Ossus Academy. As a Jedi with a strong academic background, Lucien felt that Lord Ras as an ideal choice. Along with him were a few knights of his Baronial Guard, a trio of knights, escorting a senior civilian official, from the High Lord's bodyguards, and the rest were a few squads of armed soldiers. Two of the squads immediately removed themselves and sat as peripheral scouts while the third made up the mixed escort for Sosha Sunrunner, Commander Metroclus and the Master Shaper. The squad leader keys in, listening to communication with the Ysanna that were to the rear of their meeting place.
=Commander=
Perimeter secure and all in place, Lord Ras. Weapons have been set to stun if hostile action occurs.
Master Ras thanks the Lieutenant for his diligence before addressing the Master Shaper and Princess Sunrunner. The Jedi bows to the pair of them.
=Ras=
Master Yim, and Your Highness, a pleasure to formally meet you both. My duties as Master of the Ossus Academy certainly keep me busy. I was surprised when the High Lord requested my services in this diplomatic venture. A few days from the academy shouldn't pressure my teachers too much.
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Sorsha Sunrunner
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“Death is lighter than a feather, duty is heavier than a mountain...”
Posts: 13
Affiliation: The Force
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Post by Sorsha Sunrunner on Jan 17, 2023 16:59:08 GMT -8
[ Princess Sorsha Sunrunner | The Spire | Ossus' Open Terrain | Ossus ] Attn: Mira Yim & Lucien MalvernSorsha had watched with mild amusement and wonder as the Yuuzhan Vong woman had collected a sample of Metroclus' impact absorber before it dissolved completely. When addressed, she lightly curtseyed. Her pleated light travelling skirt pinched between the fingers of both hands. When she released her hold on the skirt, the material slowly floated back down, indicating just how light the material was.
She goggled at the described tube of rock named Bessy.
It was two hundred years old?!?
When told not to sit in the back, and despite Mira's claims to the contrary, something told her sitting in the front was the better idea. Or at least somewhere in the middle. But not the back.
“Uhm...I'll sit in the middle...” she flushed as she said this, and then turned, grateful for the distraction of the arrival of the rest of the contingent setting out on this mission.
She curtseyed politely once more and eyed the soldiers wonderingly. It seemed like quite a fair few personnel, and would they all fit in Old Bessy?
Casting a glance at Ras, she said, “It's going to take a few days?”
It wasn't a problem per se, but the girl wasn't exactly high energy, contrary to the excitement she showed with her landing and arrival. Leaning on Metroclus' armoured form wasn't a very comfortable venture to catch some shut-eye.
Motes of light floated lazily around her form as she looked at all the adults.
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Mira Yim
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
"I can fix this."
Posts: 117
Affiliation: Handmaidens of Yun-Ne'Shel
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Mira Yim on Jan 22, 2023 15:00:28 GMT -8
"Days?!" Mira exclaimed incredulously as she interjected herself into the conversation, before offering a dismissive wave of her eight digited shaper hand. "Nonsense. I happen to be an expert when it comes to field work." Reaching into a robeskin satchel adhered to Scyther's back, the shaper retrieved a crustacean-like creature with a flat scoop shaped head, including a gnarly set of what appeared to be its teeth, and narrow but very rigid looking body. "See, I brought my shovel. We'll be done before the Kaastoag finish cleaning up all the dung in the quednak pens. She cupped her slender chin and nodded. "Although to be fair that is an awful lot of dung."If you thought banthas made a lot of dung, clearly you've never owned a quednak. Mira's wing like ears fluttered as she forced her easily distracted mind to focus on the task at hand. She glanced around at team of soldiers the one identified as Lord Ras had brought with him, then faced Ras and did her best impression of an infidel smile, doing everything she could to project confidence despite the creeping sensation at the back of her mind that something was off."Between my superior intellect and your diplomatic talents, I am certain we will have this matter resolved quickly." Once more she found her eyes lingering on the soldiers. "I do hope there will be no need for armed intervention, but I certainly feel safer for having so many capable members of your warrior caste at hand. Isn't that right, Scyther?"Her Vagh Rodiek bodyguard came forwards on its four carapace armoured legs and raised it large bone scythes, grinding the edges together in an aggressive display. Mira's light blue eye sacs puffed and she clicked her teeth at the vong-spawned rodian, calming it with a gentle caress across its chitinous shoulder with the back of her unaltered hand. It's point made, Scyther let out a sad moan and stepped back behind the Master Shaper.With a resounding clap Mira brought her hands together to draw everyone's attention. She motioned towards the opening in the massive organic worm vehicle, otherwise known as a chome-vrone. "In the words of an ancient Yuuzhan Vong proverb, there is no time like the present. Shall we go?" She asked, before assuming consent and wrapping a slender hand around Metroclus' armoured arm and trying to lead him towards the front of the vehicle. Her attraction to the infidel was purely scientific of course. Between the armour he wore and the weaponry he carried, the soldier was a great curiosity to examine, contemplate, and replicate using her vast and unequalled compression of bio-engineering. Being so brilliant wore on her. "You're coming up front with me, Metroclus. That way I can get a better look at all your magnificent gizmos and whatchamacallits. Don't worry, Sorsha, I haven't forgotten about my promise to resolve your condition. I already have several theoretical solutions we can potentially try along the way. I like to keep a well stocked field lab. Have you heard of ewok growing powder? It's a rare substance found only on the Forest Moon of..."She rambled on for a while as they boarded the giant drilling worm.
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Lucien Malvern
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
Posts: 240
Affiliation: Jedi Lords/Ossus Jedi
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Post by Lucien Malvern on Feb 13, 2023 19:06:43 GMT -8
The eyebrow of the Arkanian was raised when the two were surprised by the mention of days.
=Ras=
I have been relieved of my duties from the Academy for two days already. Being brought up to the situation at hand. It may not be days for you, but certainly has been for me. I am already getting some messages from my subordinate educators on... well... questions and inquiries.
He had a strong team of instructors, but they were taking on a bit more work to keep the Academy going under the administration of the Deputy Master, a fellow Arkanian, but a female. She, like Ras and a handful of others, had come to the Jedi Lord's former headquarters on Serenno and joined their ranks after the First Order took over their planet. Nonetheless, even when prepared, it certainly felt different when the headmaster was away for a time. Everyone felt they had to do their best to keep the ship of students running in accordance with the standards of Dendarrion, even from afar.
For a time, he waited as everything was organized appropriately for their departure. Three groups in total with diplomats at the front and mixed in with only a handful of Yuuzhan Vong warriors and soldiers bearing the sigils of the High Lord. The second group was the same size, keeping an eye on the front to assist if need be. The third group, keeping further back, was equipped with lighter troops, a few of which were snipers. Merely an added precaution. The plan was that, once they were within the believed territory of this sect of Ysanna, only the lead group would continue, but keep in radio contact with the second group. The third would fan out to secure and survey the area.
=Ras=
Shall we then?
Once all was arranged, the Arkanian gestured forward to where they needed to go, to encounter and hopefully negotiate with the Wardens of B'nar's Sapling.
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Metroclus
Member
"I will do my duty until I cannot."
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Affiliation: The Republic
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Post by Metroclus on Mar 5, 2023 0:22:58 GMT -8
[ Metroclus Garrik | Outside The Shaping Spire | Ossus' Open Terrain | Ossus ] Attn: Mira Yim & Lucien MalvernMetroclus watched Mira with mild curiosity as she tried to steer him to the front. He took the hint and compliantly allowed himself to be led, making sure the young princess was not far behind. She generally never strayed far from his side, so it wasn't too big a concern for him.
But he hoped the Yuuzhan Vong's confidence of the situation being resolved quickly was true. He preferred keeping the princess out of danger and sleeping in a comfortable bed. Not...whatever this living vehicle was.
He was surprised however, that Mira was interested in his outdated tech and armour. It was literally three thousand years out of date with little advancements to make up for the transition from three millennia to the present. He listened to her going on about Sorsha's non-existent "condition". He finally spoke up.
“Excuse the interruption, Master Shaper,” said Metroclus, “but Princess Sunrunner doesn't have any condition. Aldar females are naturally quite petite even in my time. She most likely will not see past five feet three when she's fully grown.”
He did his best to hide his amusement at how insistent Mira seemed to be about Sorsha's shortness being a health problem. She was hardly the smallest sentient being in the galaxy. But then, the Yuuzhan Vong weren't natives to this galaxy, were they?
He let the woman lead him on board Bessy, and as she said, he was settled closer to the front, which meant the little princess was right next to him in the front as well.
[ Vong Driller Beast, Bessy | Passenger Cabin | Ossus' Open Terrain | Ossus ]
As the rest began to embark the living transport, Metroclus continued to explain the Aldar, hoping to put to rest Mira's concerns that Sorsha is malnourished in any way. Though given the girl's own propensity to perform odd acts of magic, it was likely she'd earn the Master Shaper's interest in other ways.
“Some substances that might be beneficial to a native species can have adverse effects on an Aldar, and a lot of the Aldar women take pride in being small sized. The smaller the better. It doesn't make them any less dangerous an opponent in battle. If anything, the smallest sized ones are the most skilled fighters.”
By that mentality, Sorsha was not going to be the best since she was likely to top off over five feet in a few more years.
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Sorsha Sunrunner
Member
“Death is lighter than a feather, duty is heavier than a mountain...”
Posts: 13
Affiliation: The Force
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Sorsha Sunrunner on Mar 5, 2023 0:42:03 GMT -8
[ Princess Sorsha Sunrunner | Vong Driller Beast, Bessy | Passenger Cabin | Ossus' Open Terrain | Ossus ] Attn: Mira Yim & Lucien MalvernSorsha's lips curled up on one side and down on the other. The Yuuzhan Vong woman was persistent in her belief that she had a problem. But she blushed again for a different reason when Metroclus began to explain a bit about Aldar physiology and culture. It wasn't anything to really be embarrassed about. What he said was true. Though perhaps somewhat differently.
Sorsha just believed it was better being small, since it was easier getting into and out of a lot of places that someone of a bigger size couldn't. Metroclus even without his armour was a big man, he certainly would not be able to slip through a crack in the wall the way she could. Motes of white light floated lazily around her body, and pale blue motes formed a crown of light that orbited her head.
It was a form of practicing her abilities in the Force as she learnt to control heat, light and energy to such an extent, she was doing it unconsciously even as she performed other actions or concentrated on other matters, like going on a diplomatic mission.
“Master Shaper?” Sorsha spoke once Metroclus finished talking, “Uhmm, how many of your people went missing?”
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Mira Yim
The Jedi Order - Ossus Jedi Conclave
"I can fix this."
Posts: 117
Affiliation: Handmaidens of Yun-Ne'Shel
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Mira Yim on Mar 10, 2023 10:42:42 GMT -8
"Oh, really? How interesting!" Exclaimed Mira, practically beaming as she turned her head to the right and leaned forwards to observe Sorsha who was seated to the right of Metroclus' armoured form, who in turn was sitting to the right of the Master Shaper. Her luminous pink mqaaq'it ocular implants seemed to glow brighter in intensity as she studied the aldar like a science project. Based on Lieutenant Garrik's statement, the Master Shaper could infer that the princess must be an incredibly skilled fighter. In fact, there was every possibility she was even more capable than Metroclus, which was perhaps why he required the armour and she did not. But then if she was so combatively capable, why the bodyguard escort? Perhaps it was a ceremonial position required by rank or hereditary title, rather than an indication of skill or demand of need. "Princess Sorsha must be one of the aldar's most talented warriors then. I admit that I am disappointed not to have a puzzle to solve, but I do feel much safer to have along a master of the aldari martial disciplines. I know Scyther agrees."The vong-formed Rodian, now known as Vagh Rodiek in the Yuuzhan Vong tongue, made a few wet sounding clicks at the mention of its name. Mira's mutant guardian had position itself behind the coral bench the three of them were sitting on at the front, next to Ras and just in front of the rest of the soldiers and team that had boarded the chom-vrone."Exactly, Scyther, excellent point." She said in reply to the creature's attempt at a dialogue, which she seemed to be the only one capable of understanding. Mira then began to manipulate the controls in front of her. The coral dashboard was a bizarre near flat rectangular surface covered in a serious of glowing screens and bio-circuits. Despite the technology being entirely organic, there was a logic to the controls that was not entirely different in practical usage from infidel mechanical technology, even if it differed greatly in appearance. The Master Shaper's fluid movements over the drill-beast's controls caused the entire worm to rumble, venting steam through crevices in its hull while super-dense mandibles began to chew and churn dirt, propelling the chom-vrone into the ground as it began to burrow its way away from the Yuuzhan Vong shaping spire and across Ossus' changing terrain.“Master Shaper?” Sorsha spoke once Metroclus finished talking, “Uhmm, how many of your people went missing?”
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