The Rim And Pursuits

~~~(POV: Jedi Padawan Taylor Azure)~~~

~~~(Location: Training Room, Jedi Temple, Coruscant)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 16 Years)~~~

~~~(Date: 569 BBY)~~~

SRRRAAAKK

VBRUUUUM

ZAAAAAAAK

Thud

"Alright, alright... That's enough... You got me..."

Ezark sits on the ground with heavy breaths. His lightsaber is at this side. Mine turns off, and I attach it to my belt. I reach my hand out and help him up. Seems the results in our days as Initiates haven't changed.

He couldn't beat me in saber training then and can't do it now. I feel that one day he'll be able to put me on the ropes. Perhaps even defeat me. His own Master is the Master of the Order, which comes with excellent training and discipline.

Master Hendi is one of the best duelists in the Order. His knowledge of the lightsaber extends to all seven disciplines. It's only a matter of time before knowledge and training begin to greatly affect Ezark.

"I'll have Tezor teach me a proper defense against Ataru and Makashi. Simply using Shii-Cho doesn't cut it."

Mom has taught me her preferred forms of lightsaber combat. Ataru and Makashi aren't the only ones she knows. She's a Jedi Master, after all. She knows all the forms deeply except for Juyo.

"Don't sell yourself short, padawan Olidare. My daughter and I spend more time training together since we're on deployment most of the time. You'll catch up with Master Hendi. You're a powerful Jedi in the making."

Mom enters the dueling circle and approaches us. We've returned to the Temple after our relief mission on Taris for a new assignment.

We're meeting the Jedi High Council shortly. I've chosen to pass the time catching up with old clanmates currently at the Temple. Mom took some time during the last day and a half with Grandmaster Zana and Master Izok.

"Thank you for the encouragement, Master Azure. It's humbling to fall on my butt and lose to someone half my size. I believe this is The Force telling me not to get full of myself."

He places his lightsaber on his belt now that he's fully standing. Ezark has the right attitude for growth. When he fails or loses, he doesn't dwell on it. He takes lessons from it and learns in the process.

"Come, Taylor. It's time we meet with the council. May The Force be with you, padawan Olidare."

Mom lightly bows her head, and Ezark does the same. Of course, I do the same with my old friend. We both chuckle about it before I walk beside Mom to the elevator. Once she presses the button, we're zooming up the tower.

The view of Coruscant takes my attention whenever I'm in this elevator. The Tower of the High Council is a place many Jedi visit. Mom and I come here after every mission for a debrief. It was intimidating at first, but they're all kind.

"Padawan Olidare seems to have grown quite a bit these last few years. Sorry that you inherited my height."

The amused tone in her voice isn't missed, and a light chuckle escapes me. Mom is a little tall for a human female. She's 5'7, and I'm an inch shorter than she is.

One of the more entertaining things about our diplomatic missions is how much she gets hit on. She's very beautiful in the eyes of many, and the whispers I'm meant to miss say I share that with her.

She's been proposed marriage by nobles from Alderaan, as have their sons to me. It's something I didn't expect to deal with as a Jedi.

"Ezark has always been a bigger kid than the rest in Bear Clan. The first time I watched him spar with another kid, he almost broke one of his legs. He was so upset with himself. Couldn't stop apologizing."

He's always been very kind despite his size. If I'm not wrong, he's over six feet now. He'll be a Jedi to be reckoned with as he ages.

"I sense that you have some attachment to padawan Olidare."

As much as I want to deny it, I can't. He's my oldest friend and someone I hold dear. I do my best to adhere to the Jedi Code, but it's hard when you've known someone your whole life.

"Yeah... I can't deny that he's important to me..."

Instead of a reprimand or given a lesson. All my Mom does is smile and wrap her arm around my shoulder. Bringing me into a side hug.

"Much of the Jedi Code can be interpreted in different ways. I've learned that attachments aren't bad for a Jedi..."

We're in the same line of thinking when it comes to this part of the Jedi Code. We've talked about it in the past. The parts we disagree with... Other parts we interpret differently... They've been enlightening conversations.

Our own bond and relationship are visible proof that attachments of a certain kind are okay.

"It's when obsession and reliance enter the attachment that the relationship turns darker. And it's clear that Ezark and you old no obsession or reliance with one another."

Our conversation ends abruptly as the elevator slows down and opens. The doors to the council room are open, and we enter. Everyone is already sitting down and talking amongst each other.

Haden smiles as he sees us enter, and Grandmaster Zana is the first to sit down along with everyone else after seeing us.

~~~(POV: Jedi Master Krayla Azure)~~~

~~~(Location: Jedi High Council Chambers, Jedi Temple, Coruscant)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 36 Years)~~~

~~~(Date 569 BBY)~~~

It's good to see all the Masters again. It's been a few months since we've been back at the Temple. The relief efforts on Taris took longer than expected. Many of the settlers weren't interested in our help in the beginning.

It took longer to gain their trust than the time required to finish helping them. They've been let down and betrayed by the Republic many times before. I can understand that extending to us.

"We've read your reports on Taris. You've done good work, and thanks to both of you. The settlers will open relations with the Republic despite their past issues."

Aleya and I share many of the same beliefs, especially when handling relief efforts with planets such as Taris.

We spend a good hour talking about details that I've left for the council's ears only and left out of the report. Mainly, even on Taris, there was a sharp increase in pirate activity.

It's not something we expected to find on a relief mission. It was fortunate we didn't have to harm or kill anyone. Taylor would deeply struggle with it. She's never taken a life before.

All the missions we've been on together require no violence.

"This is disturbing news. It's only a matter of time before they turn their attention from the Rim and start heading for Core worlds. There are more pirates and general lowlifes today than ever."

Haden's blunt observation isn't incorrect. The lawlessness of the Rim has bolstered the confidence of several pirate gangs. The Core holds far more wealth than anywhere else in the galaxy. They'll want it.

"That's why we're sending you to Onderon."

Master Hendi seems eager to get this meeting on the move. He has many things to do in the Rim too.

"What's our mission there?"

If I could have it any way I want, I'd rather not take any life unless I had to. However, if we're heading to a place where we'll actively be involved with pirates. We may not have a choice in the matter.

"You're to scout the forces they have. Onderon has become a fortress world for them. The Republic plans to launch a strike force there. Taking the world back."

Wow, this is becoming serious if the Republic dedicates troops and ships. They're not sitting idly by anymore, it seems.

"A local contact from the capital city of Iziz will meet you when you arrive. You'll only be working with them. Keeping a low profile is paramount. The pirates of Onderon have bribed officials everywhere."

Our next mission is an interesting one.

"When do we leave?"

I'm hoping for at least another day at the Temple. It's nice to be home. Taylor and I could use the break and spend some time recuperating here.

"You'll be leaving in 36 hours. The contact needs some time to prepare."

That's good. I'll get a little more time than I was hoping for. Now that this part of the meeting is over, Aleya sends me a message through The Force. Asking me to dismiss Taylor from the room.

I do as she asks, and Taylor leaves. Heading for the Archives to read. The Masters around the room lean back in their chairs and many gain tired expressions.

Especially Dysare.

He and Knight Darsana have been chasing ghosts for the last three years. I sense the discussion we're about to have is regarding the growing power of the Darkside. We've had many meetings like this, and it's the same each time.

Nothing new is found, and Dysare is always two or more steps behind.

"Tayda and I have been searching and searching for this growing Darksider. We've been to several worlds. Mostly located in the Rim. However, we've finally caught a break."

Now, that's something I wasn't expecting. Everyone is listening intently as Dysare takes another breath to continue.

"We've received intel that an individual with a lightsaber attacked a slave auction on Nar Shaddaa. Checking through the reports, no Jedi was on deployment anywhere near Hutt Space."

This is a significant break in their search.

"How old is this intel?"

Aleya is now fully invested in this. I can see it in her demeanor and face. She gets a certain way when something has all her attention, which rarely happens.

"Around ten hours. Tayda and I will be leaving after this meeting. We'll need the Order's fastest ship to get there before the trail gets cold. It'll save us a couple of days."

Given that Hutt Space is across the galaxy, I don't see a reason to deny that request.

"Take whatever you need, Dysare. Just be careful. I sense that whatever you're walking into will be extremely dangerous."

Master Hendi and Dysare are old friends. They were in the same clan when they were Initiates. It's rare for Master Hendi to show concern, but he does for old friends.

"Alright, this meeting is over. Haden, you and I will talk with the Jedi already in the field. The Rim is about to become a whole lot busier, and they need to know this."

With that, everyone stands up and begins to leave. I'm one of the last out the door, but not before being stopped by Haden. He pulls me to the side outside the chambers and to a window. He leans against the connecting pillar and looks outside.

I sense there is something important he wants to speak with me about. Something that he's wanted to talk to me about for a long time.

"I wanted to inform you beforehand that you'll likely be asked to become a member of the High Council."

My eyebrows raise slightly at his words.

"Oh, don't tell me you're surprised? You've worked closely with the council since becoming a Master. Aleya wanted to do it sooner, but with everything going on. It was put off."

If I join the Jedi High Council, that'll interfere with my training of Taylor. Preparing my daughter is more important to me than becoming a council member.

"I appreciate the offer, Haden..."

He stops leaning on the pillar and looks at me, a little surprised.

"But I'm not joining the council anytime soon. Not with my still training Taylor. It'll get in the way of my plans for her. Not to mention, I'm very young to be assigned to the council."

The only one that was close to my age when they became a council member was Haden himself. My friend takes on a thinking expression and closes his eyes.

"Aleya and I never expected you to reject the offer. It's happened before, but many Jedi never turn down the offer. We can't force you, but please, think about it. Your wisdom and power are needed on the council."

There isn't much to think about for me. My priorities are different. Maybe one day I'll accept the seat but at this point in my life. It's not something I'm interested in.

~~~(POV: Jedi Master Dysare Izok)~~~

~~~(Location: Jedi Transport Ship Lightrider, Hyperspace, Corellian Hyperroute)~~~

~~~(Current Age: 65 Years)~~~

~~~(Date: 569 BBY)~~~

We'll be there by tomorrow, and hopefully, there will be plenty of clues to go off of. This is the freshest lead I've ever gotten in my pursuit of this person. It seems the trip they took to Zoph was indeed for a kyber crystal.

Tayda listens to the report of Nar Shaddaa as it plays. It's a backwater world entirely controlled by the Hutts. It's a place where few people are welcome.

The Jedi has never been among the few.

"Master, what would this individual we're searching for have anything to do with a slave auction? From what we've gathered, they've done a great job of staying unnoticed. Why do this now?"

The attack on the slave auction has left several dead. Bounty Hunters, Mercenaries, Smugglers, and of course, Slavers. My best guess, whoever we're after is doing this for personal reasons.

"The same reason anyone would, Tayda. A personal vendetta."

The only reason to break the pattern that's kept them so hidden is for something close. It does give me an idea.

"Can you find out who owns the slave auction?"

Perhaps some insight into who owns it will illuminate who we're after. Tayda does as I ask and gains the relevant information.

"It's owned by a Zygerrian male named Desik Dofec. Some dated Republic reports saying he's got serious connections with the Exchange, Black Suns, and the Hutts."

The Hutts, huh... That piques my interest.

"Tayda, what are the odds that whoever we're searching for is a former slave... Every planet they've been to has been in the Rim. Nowhere near the Core worlds."

It'd make sense to stay in a familiar region of the galaxy. If we were searching for someone of high birth or wealth, they'd come from the Core worlds. But that's not what we're seeing.

If not for the fact they attacked a slave auction on Nar Shaddaa, we'd never think of this.

"Actually, Master. I think the person we're looking for was indeed once a slave..."

Revenge.

They're after revenge.

"Is there any way we can get a list of who's working with Desik?"

If we can find out who he's in contact with, we can find potential targets. We'll be able to head off whoever we're searching for. My heart is starting to race, and my older body is buzzing.

This is the closest we've gotten in eight years.

"Sadly, there is nothing the Republic has for a list. We'll have to find one once we reach Nar Shaddaa. Odds are one of Desik's competitors has a copy. Slavers make money by poaching other Slaver's customers."

This is perfect. When we find out what happened at the slave auction, we can start looking for a competitor of Desik. We need that list. It's the only way we'll find who we're looking for.