The Rebel Faction

(ooc: This thread starts just before Kalshion's 'A new life' thread in the TJO forum)

Hyperspace: Hunter's Way

It was quiet, save for the sound of faint snoring from Asri beside him, allowing his troubled thoughts to be heard load and clear in his mind. There wasn’t really anything to help keep his mind off them either, everyone either sleeping or otherwise unable, or unwilling, to hold any conversations with him. With sigh he glanced Lavality’s way, the young human sound asleep in her seat across from his. Her two bodyguards however, a Wookiee and a fellow Trandoshan, where far from asleep.

For the most part they ignored him, but occasionally they glanced at him and he could feel the faint sense of contempt they had for him. There was little doubt they knew he was the one that had hurt Lavality so badly, well, his body anyway, as at the time it was really under the control of a malevolent spirit. It was only that fact that kept the Sarendivus Fleet from wanting his head.

Another sigh expelled from his lips as he remembered the ‘debriefing’ his father gave him after he had woken up, outlining all the major things that had happened during his nearly three year absence. The Clan’s alliance with the Fleet and the peace talks going on with the Wookiees were a pleasant surprise, though the brief civil war that occurred wasn’t so. It saddened him that many of his people were so stubbornly set in their ways and he feared that those against this new way that were left were simply bidding their time before striking out. What was even more surprising to him was the attitude someone close to him had toward another.

His father didn’t say anything about the ‘feud’ between his half sister Varcanna and the albino Asri, but even someone not gifted in the Force could almost feel the tension between them whenever the two females were in the same room. He never knew his own sister would be so prejudice against someone like Asri, but knowing what he did know about the K’Satizitus’ past, he now had a theory as to why albino Trandoshans were so mistreated.

While he was imprisoned in his own mind he discovered the K’Satizitus in life had been abandoned as a hatchling, dumped in the harsh wilderness of Trandosha by his mother: simple because he was an albino. When the spirit started his attacks on the Trandoshan people, they would have seen only a white blurr and when Tassu, his ancestor, returned with the spirits head and revealed the spirit to be a mutated fellow Trandoshan, it cemented in the populous’ minds that white Trandoshans must be killed. While the reason for the hatred had been long forgotten by the general populous itself, the hatred remained.

He glanced up at Asri, still snoring faintly in her seat beside him, and couldn’t help but smile. If it hadn’t been for her he would still be a prisoner in his own mind and it very likely there wouldn’t have been a home to return to if she hadn’t warned his father about the Sovereign. Both acts had earned her a permanent place in the Clan, a home and acceptance she had longed for. With the exception of Varcanna, she was seen as an equal to everyone else in the Clan.

If only she would be more open toward me… He thought. He wasn’t sure it was shyness or something else, but Asri hadn’t been very forthcoming about herself to him, to anyone according to his father. Her past was mysterious, with only pieces of it revealed. She once worked for a Sith Lord was one tidbit and the fact she had killed her father, the notorious Besk, was another. Beyond that however, there was so precious little known.

He wanted to know everything about her. Why he felt that way he wasn’t sure, but chalked it up to being, at least in part, due to the fact she was the one that freed him from the spirit’s grasp. She looked genuinely surprised when he asked her to come with them and he guessed she wasn’t used to being included in things like this. He invited her because since she was so good with his kids it would be a good idea for her to met his other son, Silonik, who was enrolled in the Jedi Academy.

His mood dampened at that thought. He loved his kids, but his reintroduction to them hasn’t been completely successful. The three girls warmed up to him almost immediately, accepting him as who he was to them without question. Trissan, however, was cold toward him, even hissed at him. When Rissonik told Trissan that he was his father, his retort had been harsh, almost cruel.
”He’s not my father.” Trissan had snarled. ”My father doesn’t exist.”

He winced at the memory. It had hurt, really hurt, but what hurt more was that he could only blame himself for it. He had no excuse to run away and abandon them for the rest of his family to raise. He could only hope he could repair the damage.

That is, if he survives this trip.

Ever since he woke up he had been thinking about what he had done and what the spirit had done. He had hurt so many people, both willingly and unwillingly. So many people killed by his blade, most of which were innocents he never would have even considered worthy of death. He knew he had to pay for his crimes, but it would be impossible to have every system try him: that would take the rest of his life. So he decided to do the next best thing by traveling to Naboo. To confess his crimes to the Jedi and have them decide his fate.

He couldn’t help be feel apprehensive about it, as he had no idea what the Jedi Order does to criminals. What if they decide to put him to death? He would never get to raise his kids, or really get to know Asri.

Again he looked up at the albino female, admiring how her pearl white skin seemed to sparkle. Without thinking he reached over and touched her hand. She was apparently a very light sleeper, as she not only startled awake, but snatched up his hand with the one he didn’t touch. Briefly he felt her starting to crushing his hand before she realized who it was.

“Oh….Trazu. You startled me.” She said, quietly.

“Sorry, I….wasn’t watching where I was putting my hand when I…uh…shifted.” Trazu said, suddenly finding it hard to think straight.

“It’s…alright.” She said, letting go of his hand. “I’ve always been a light sleeper.”

An awkward silence followed, Trazu wanting to talk to her more, but he had trouble thinking of anything to say. “So…uh…have you ever been to Naboo?” He asked finally.

“No.” Asri replied. “Never been there. Heard it’s a beautiful planet. Have you been there?”

“Yes…but only actually ‘saw’ it through the spirits twisted perception.” Trazu said. “I’m afraid it tore up some of the scenery during our visit though.”

“So the residents likely won’t be very kin on seeing you again….”

“I’m hoping the general people won’t recognize me. Though I can’t hope that with the Jedi.”

“I’m sure they’ll understand the circumstances around the last visit. From what I heard, the Jedi Order is full of a bunch of softies.” At Trazu’s raised brow she added. “Well…according to the Sith side of things.”

“So you really did work for a Sith?”

“Briefly.” Asri said with a sigh. “It was on Coresuent when one of them found me. I had no memory of my past or who I was at the time. He took me in and soon after I remembered who I was and why I am…” She looked at her skin with disgust. “Like <I>this</I>.”

“I think you’re beautiful.” Trazu said before he could stop himself.

Asri looked at him, shocked. “One of your little girls called me that when I first met them.” She said. “I chalked it up to the naiveté of youth, but to hear you….”

“I may not have gotten as…harsh…reactions to my appearance as you Asri, but I know what it’s like to be treated different just because I look different.” Trazu said honestly. “Therefore I have no excuse to treat you any differently then anyone else.”

“If only everyone else would do the same…”

“Well, things are off to a good start aren’t they? The Clan accepts you.”

“Minus one.”

Trazu sighed and shook his head. “I don’t understand her attitude toward you either.”

As if on cue, Varcanna’s voice suddenly graced their ears via the intercom.

~Attention gentlemen, lady and…thing…we’ll be exiting hyperspace in a couple minutes so make sure you are all strapped in.~

Trazu saw Asri bristle at how Varcanna referred to her and placed his hand on her’s comfortingly. “She’ll come around, I’m sure of it.”

“I hope so.” Asri sighed. “I’m tired of walking on eggshells around her.”

“You should stand up to her.”

“I don’t want to give her more reason to hate me.”

“I know my sister Asri, the best thing you can do is to stand up to her.”

“I….don’t know….”

“It will be alright…I’m with you.”

Asri stared at him for a moment, then smiled. It was the most beautiful smile he’d ever seen.

Trazu stared at the open door, the light coming in from it almost seeming to be taunting him, laughing at him. Why did he have to go face his fate now: she was just starting to warm up to him! Oh the cruelty of the fates.

I guess it’s probably better this way… He thought bitterly. The less they grew comfortable around and got to know each other the less likely she will suffer should the Jedi decide he was unworthy of continued existence. It was still painful for him though, knowing he’ll likely never see her again.

He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, but likely any other Trandoshan admitting such feelings was hard, if not impossible. But what was the point of telling her now anyway if he, as he truly suspected he was, walking to his death? He also regretted the likely fact that he’ll never get that chance to patch up relations with his eldest son, Trissan, or just be there as a father to all of his kids and watch them grow up and have kids of their own. So many things he would lose out on, if things went negatively here. Thus he couldn’t move from his spot and could only stare at that open door, unwilling to go through it and risk losing it all.

“It's alright. You’ll be alright.” Her heard Lavality say, her two guards gesturing for them to go ahead.

“If only I could believe you….” Trazu said under his breath before saying. "No, go on ahead, I may be a bit."

“Is something wrong Lord Trazu?” He heard Asri say beside him as Lavality and her guards just stood there waiting instead of heeding him.

He winced at the title ‘Lord’, a common distinction for a noble such as he was, but he right now he didn’t feel he deserved any ‘title‘. “Please Asri, just ‘Trazu’.” He said.

There was a light chuckle. “Rather humble aren’t you?” She teased.

He glanced up at her to see her smiling down at him. “Not really, just right now I don’t think any form of title fits me right now.” He explained.

“You’re the only son of Rissonik K’Satikur of the K’Satikur Clan.” Asri countered. “A noble. Thus unless you are disowned by your father you deserve the title of ‘Lord’. You have more then I ever could help for….” The last sentence was barely audible, but Trazu not only heard it clearly but sense the sorrow and longing in her heart. “I had the chance to truly be someone important.” She continued. “But it was taken away from me by a simple lie. All my hopes and dreams were shattered, with no hope of being put back together again.”

Trazu looked up at her again, hardly believing what she just said. “You already are someone important.” He said. “You are a valuable member of the Clan and are seen as someone special to the kids.”

“But that doesn’t change what I am!” Asri said. “What I truly wanted in life is denied because of it.!”

“Have you even tried!?” Trazu nearly yelled. She gulped and shook her head. “Then how can you really be sure?”

“N…no one would have me…” Asri said quietly, tears forming in her eyes. “That’s why I am sure.”

He stared at her in shock, what she really wanted in life becoming clear as day to him. Now that he understood that, he understood her sorrow and pain. Yet he also felt hurt as well, because she wasn’t even considering him and his own feelings. But how could she do so if he hadn’t admitted them? He wanted to tell her right then what he felt, but knew now wouldn’t be right: it would be too cruel to her to admit his feelings only for him to possibly die before she could act upon it.

“Asri…” He said softly, taking one of her hands into his. “There are those that would have you, you just need to open your eyes and give them a chance.” It was the closest he dared to admitting it and not giving her a chance to respond he turned and started to walk down the ramp.

“You try to do anything to him…I’ll kill you.” He heard Varcanna hiss behind him, obviously directed at Asri. He almost turned to offer a retort to his sister, but Asri did it for him.

“I’d like to see you try.” Was Asri’s calm response. Trazu couldn’t help but smirk.

Thankfully Varcanna didn’t take her up on her ‘offer’ and the trio walked in relative silence down the streets of Theed, making their way toward the Jedi Academy. Varcanna led the way, as out of the three she had been there before. Well, technically Trazu had been there as well, but Trazu wasn’t about to trust the recently banished spirit’s ‘directions’ left behind in his head.

Trazu couldn’t help but feel a bit apprehensive as they traveled, not being able to help looking around him every minute at the general populous, trying to see if anyone recognized him. So far no one even so much as gave a hint of recognizing him, but then again he made sure not to wear the same attire as he was during his last ‘visit’. Instead of the black cloak and purple tunic, he wore blue shirt with brown pants and a simple black jacket : the only reason he even had the jacket was to conceal the lightsaber on his belt.

Then the real test came when they entered the market place. Trazu winced at state of the place, which was still under repairs due to the extent of damage the spirit did to it. It was light crowd, no doubt in part because not all the stalls had been replaced yet, so they didn’t really have to push their way through. There were some nervous glances their way, but Trazu sensed it was more because they were seeing three Trandoshans walking together rather then recognizing him as the one that tore up the place.

The market place was passed through without incident, much to Trazu’s relief. But now the Main building of the Jedi Academy was looming before them and he felt a bit sick to his stomach. Trazu hesitated at the main gate, his feet suddenly unwilling to step through it. A gentle push helped him through and he looked up to see Asri smiling at him.

“Don’t worry. I’m with you.” She said.

He returned the smile, reassured that he won’t be facing this day alone, and took his first willing steps onto the Jedi Grounds.

Both Asri and Varcanna had started to react to the guard when Lavality's guards disarmed the man for them. Well, that's one thing they have in common. Trazu thought.

"Bullshit, he was here before! he killed here before!" the officer had argued when Lavality tried to assure him he met no harm, to which Trazu couldn't help but raise a brow. The spirit hadn't actually killed anyone during it's visit to Naboo not so long ago, which was surprising considering the recently banished spirit's tendanices. Trazu didn't inform the guard of this however, deciding it was best to keep his mouth shut about the matter until he met up with a Jedi Master.

"Don't worry about it." Trazu replied when Lavality apolozied for the commotion. "I am actually surprised it took this long for someone to recognize me." He offered her a small smile, trying to be somewhat lighthearted about the incident. It was hard to keep it up however when he felt he was walking to his death.

Soon after Lavality met up with a Jedi Master and her two guards departed. Trazu couldn't help but feel a little...unimportant...considering what he was here for, but then it was possible this particular Jedi had been off planet during the spirt's rampage. All he, and the two females that were with him, could do was wait until this Jedi turned his attention to him or a different one approached him. It wasn't long that he spotted a familiar face on the grounds...

"Class must be out for the day." Varcanna said with a smile as she spotted the individual as well.

"Is that...your other son?" Asri asked him, to which Trazu nodded, a broad smile on his face. "He looks a lot like you."

"Yes....yes he does." Trazu said, deciding not to call out to Silonik. Instead chose to watch him and a younger Trandoshan, who Varcanna quickly identified as Mortor, chase and wrestle each other. It was obivous they were friends by the way they treated each other, Silonik purposely holding back so he wouldn't injure the smaller Mortor.

Suddenly Silonik stopped, his gaze shifting to look directly at Trazu. He sensed briefly fear in his son, his young eyes searching his own for any indecation of his intent. Trazu opened himself up to him, letting him see for himself that thing that had controlled him before was gone completely. Almost instantly Silonik relaxed and before a puzzled Mortor could ask him what was wrong he ran toward Trazu, a joyful cry of 'daddy' springing from his young lips.

Trazu knelt down and caught his son as he lept into his arms. Trazu embraced his son as tight as he dared, tears of joy streaming down his face. Silonik had forgiven him for his sins.

A duel clearing of throats alerted him to another presence, one that was approaching them. He coaxed Silonik off him, setting him down on the ground as he rose back up to his feet. One thing was for certain...it wasn't Lavality that was approaching them, so the mentally prepared himself for whatever fate was about to deal to him.

Dolash had returned to Naboo.

An Azguardian Jedi Knight, he stood twice as tall as the average human and had gray, rubbery skin. His hair was short but spiney, little spikes of black across his head. He wore the robes of the order proudly, although his were worn and tattered, cut and marked. Looped upon his belt was no lightsaber, but sheathed was a sword - the significance of the act his alone. He was glad to be back to the Temple where his master Cole had taught him, now as a full member and accomplished Knight.

On this particular day, however, something strange was taking place. He had heard of the time where a Trandoshan had gone wild on Naboo, he had heard the rumors of possession by dark spirits and was quick to believe it. Such a spirit had killed the Temple's Librarian Yuri during Dolash's trials. Now, however, he was confronted by the sight of the Trandoshan in question, standing side-by-side with his son - a student of the academy.

Dolash had realized that - with the few Knights and Masters around busy training students, he was the senior Jedi present at that time. Quickly, he took it upon himself to act, and bowed to the Trandoshan.

"My name is Dolash, Jedi Knight of the Temple here on Naboo. I was personally unaware that we were to be having visitors on this day, but welcome you nonetheless - I apologize if I am uninformed of the situation, but I have only just recently returned from a mission elsewhere. Is there anything you require of myself or the others here at the Temple?"

It was then that Dolash noticed the little girl, and had to raise an eyebrow. Had he heard something about this? An arrangement with the masters of the Order? Something about a... Lavality, was it?

It was in this brief pause that a Frozian Jedi approached him, patting him on the back and saying "Success, my friend. We may soon be granted the audience to discuss - "

"Please, Fwar, we have guests." said Dolash, interrupting neatly. The Frozian quickly bowed and stepped back, allowing Dolash to turn his attention back to the recent arrivals. "My apologies. So I take it there is something you require?"

Maskis was watching the event unfold, he was leaning up against the wall, sipping a glass of water. The water tasted better here than it did back with the fleet

"Interesting debate," he smiled, although he wished he had learned there dialect, the fact being he would probably never be able to be accepted into there clan, both due to duty to the fleet and duty to Lavality. He was assigned a life mission, until Lavality died of natural death, or unless she was killed, he was forbidden to leave her side, or the planet

What he did notice was that Lavality seemed to trust him, she had no fear, no hatred, no worry of being near him, despite him being a Trandoshan. "Maybe thats due to the fleet's nature" he said to himself and looked at his blade to his side

He didn't know how long he would be on this planet... days? Weeks? Months? The only person he could really ask was a Jedi Knight, but he felt inferior considering the justice they've done, and the live's he's taken

"Oh well," he shrugged at himself and just watched the Trandoshans as they talked to the Jedi Knight