A New Beginning

[Ben Kenobi]

Once the doors of the tram slid closed, the Jedi took a breath of relief that the Imperials hadn’t chosen to pursue for the aspect of a close quarters fight would not have been a clean run thing here in this vastly populated area and it would have forced decisions made in haste or even out of necessity to protect those people. But now they were safe for the moment and Ben sat back in the little booth seat they’d chosen and he allowed himself to relax and resume a sense of ease and calm that would hopefully set Evelyn to the same. First and foremost he offered her a warm smile, though he also donned his hood that he’d be granted a small measure of concealment too.

“My apologies miss, I did not mean to suggest any deception towards you earlier. Though for the Empire’s outlook and reaction to any Force Adept, particularly the Jedi, it is often best to approach situations with caution. You see, as a Jedi the Force speaks to us and gives us direction though it doesn’t show us everything. We need to fill in the blanks ourselves. The moment you set foot here,” he paused and looked carefully into her eyes, “I felt something echo and I still feel that your destiny has something special about it. In caution, I approached you; I had to know, when I touched you it was confirmed...”

He gave her a moment to process the information, surely it was much to take in. Though honestly still demanded that he continue to speak to her now, “I asked you for directions to gauge not only your reaction but to find out who you were. The first impression I received of you was one of compassion, though that turned swiftly once the Imperials intervened and our introductions were cut a bit short.” Another smile and he straightened up a bit, clearing his throat and extending his hand to shake hers, “Ma’am, it is a pleasure to meet you, I am Ben Kenobi,” usually he tended to leave his official title behind, it made the personal connection easier to obtain but the rancor was already out of the bag as it were and he finished, “Jedi Master of the Jedi Coalition, and I am offering you sanctuary for several reasons.”

His gaze fell out the window, observing the passing terrain in a blur of motion, “First of which; there is an obvious hesitation, if not outright fear of the Empire. Their pursuit only made the situation that much more blatant and to intervene, if not simply to grant you safety of passage from this tram stop to the next seemed the right thing to do.” He turned back to her and nodded though this time with a far more serious look about him. “Secondly and perhaps more pressing; I am ignorant to your purpose here and if you have more pressing matters than that is of your own accord. But I have felt something inside you, my earlier confirmation. The Force. Within you burns a fire and that fire is a dormant connection to the Force itself. I can see it easily now that I’ve the time to look. Miss Swann, you have a great potential and while I’ve no doubt that whatever your current business, you’ll find success… I also feel the Force guiding me to offer you an opportunity here.”

Casually he turned aside and looked to watch for snooping eavesdroppers, he saw none. While it was no crime on neutral territory to announce such things, it was better left to caution and discretion and so he kept his voice low, enough she could still easily hear. “Come with me. Join the Jedi Coalition and train to become a Jedi Knight.”

[Evelyn Swann]

The young lady followed the Jedi to a small booth. He seemed to be more relaxed now where the doors had closed and the tram began to move. Taking a deep breath, Evelyn tried to do the same. Her pulse and adrenaline were still high and she needed to tell herself that she was safe now. When offered a warm smile, she couldn't help but return a smile herself. She was both curious and uneasy at the same time, but not more than she couldn't force herself to chill and listen to what the man before her had to reply to her questions.

Her breathing slowed as her thoughts began to wander as she listened intently about the Jedi. It all seemed so familiar, yet so distant. The whole thing about the Force made her confused as to why her mother used to tell her bedtime stories about the Jedi and about the saying of wishing others to have the Force stay with them. It had always been an odd thing for Evelyn, but nevertheless had she continued to do this for years in her mother's spirit. Now where this Jedi Master in front of her speaks about her destiny and that she had something deep inside her echoing... Evelyn clenched her teeth and felt her entire being tense. He had been able to read her like an open book basically. That was slightly terrifying but reassuring too.

Blinking rapidly a few times when he stretched out his hand for a greet, the young brunette did the same and gave a polite nod along with a small smile. It made her snap out of her wandering thoughts as to why she was here and what had brought her here as well. It was this.. Force? Quite possible. Only time could tell now what lied before Evelyn on her path into the unknowing depths of adventure.

Miss Swann shifted her gaze downwards to avoid further eye contact. He was right. She did fear the Empire, but it was fear of getting caught. If they knew her background history, then she would have been executed. Her father had been a double agent for many years and he'd tried his best to keep Evelyn, her younger sister and her mother safe, but that didn't last in the end. She refused to give up on her search for her missing sister. Evy knew she'd find her... someday. The young lady couldn't risk getting caught and killed while her sister was still out there in the galaxy somewhere.

When Master Kenobi mentioned the Force again and how he felt it burn inside of her like a fire, Evy's eyes gazed up and her features seemed insecure. Her feelings were toying with her mind. For so long she knew she felt something others couldn't, but she had never been sure why. Now she runs into a Jedi Master explaining what she's needed to hear for years. It made her feel... happy. Now she would be able to have some of her questions answered. However, Miss Swann rose a brow in confusement as to how he knew her last name. Did he know her parents while they were still alive? Her curiosity would get the best of her someday.

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes to listen. She took all of this as a sign. Evelyn just knew it. Something deep inside of her heart told her to go with him. To trust him. She was certain all of her questions would be answered when time was right. Nodding politely, Evy replied short but with respect and with a soft tone in her voice. "It's a pleasure to meet you Master Kenobi. How you know my last name will remain a mystery to me at the given moment, but I am sure more will be revealed with time. This is all a lot to take in, but I would love to go with you. I am sure I will find my purpose on this new path you have proposed to me. Please... lead the way Master Jedi."

[Ben Kenobi]

He looked a bit awkward when she pointed it out that he’d mentioned her last name. In truth he hadn’t known, but he had. As his eyes wandered over the curved and lines in her face, the girl looked so very familiar, it only seemed natural when he’d called out her name and for it to be correct; it was an uncanny mistake and a revelation alike. This meeting was no coincidence and Ben had a fleeting feeling he knew the kin of this young lady though he couldn’t yet place it for those memories were distant and faded with time, but it was a time long ago, that much was certain. They would have to talk more about this when time permits.

But it was her acceptance of his offer that set things into motion. Apparently her purpose here was to find meaning to questions left unanswered and be that it was, he held those answers or at least a large portion of what she was seeking. But the way ahead now held a torch light along the path and Ben nodded at her acceptance. “Excuse me,” he briefly commented and lifted a small comm.-link from his belt up to his face, clicking its activation he spoke aloud into the device, “Talon, I’m heading to the landing pad with some company, prep for immediate take off and some hot food for our guest please.” Instead of using the name of Sophii Zahra over the open net, he’d called the name of his ship so that if they were being monitored, at least they’d keep some semblance of security around the situation.

Lowering the comm.-link he reset it to his belt and sat back once more, looking back at Evelyn, “Soon as we arrive at our landing pad we’ll set off for Kashyyyk. From there we can speak within the Jedi Enclave there and hopefully obtain a few more answers for you in addition to formal permission to teach you in the ways of the Force.” He paused a moment, thinking about the route they’d be on to get from here to Kashyyyk, they weren’t far from Lantilles right now and that was essentially the gateway world from the Prelemian Trade Route to Kashyyyk itself, “Honestly it shouldn’t take more than two days, three at the most, to arrive on Kashyyyk.”

Onwards the tram sped, passing through the lengthy corridors of the Star Port from one end to the next where they finally found themselves within the vast proximity of the Galactic Alliance Embassy, safe from the prying eyes of the Empire. At this point the scenery changed from the lean greys and blues of Imperial Order and the patrols of Imperial Army Soldiers, to the far more diverse prospects of the Alliance. Species from every thinkable race began to fill these streets and avenues and instead of seeing the Alliance Military, aside from such members that were traveling themselves, the local security and law enforcement were prevalent here as the Alliance relied more on member states rather than the overall governance like the Empire did.

Alas, the views were spectacular even for the limited environments of the Embassy area and tram station. Once they arrived at the docking bays, Ben stood and awaited his new charge to follow him from the tram. “We’re heading,” he pointed to a specific location, “to Pad 31-K.” He checked his chronometer on his datapad, “if we make it in time then I’ll be able to void the overnight parking fees!” He was excited about that prospect, perhaps a telling moment in that even a Jedi Master could affect some form of emotion, regardless of how trivial the matter at hand. Certainly, the fee was a simple matter, to be so unconcerned about the greater troubles of the Galaxy at large was also a measure of Ben’s mindset. ‘Take stock in the small things because if you are too concerned with the birth of a star then you won’t realize how much you passed along the way.’

[Sophii Zahra]

Sophii almost dropped the pot that she'd been cooking in when her communicator chirped at her. She cursed to herself and set it back on the stove before picking up the comm to listen to the message. "Dinner is already on the stove," she replied in her usual smooth Zabraki baritone, "I'll have the droid warm up the ship. I hope our guest likes nerf stew! How long until you arrive?"

"R6!" she called, cranking up the heat to hopefully get the herbs to break down and really invade the meat and vegetables she'd picked. As a Zabrak, she wasn't fond of veggies, but she had to consider the human she was now living with. Now she only hoped that the new person traveling with them could even stomach this kind of meal... but asking over comms seemed rude, and at this point it didn't matter. In the worst case scenario, she would just have to throw something else together with whatever else was aboard.

After stirring the pot a bit more, she made her way to the cockpit to check on the astro-droid's progress. He was plugged into the computer just port of the pilot's chair and booting up systems. Sophii went to the co-pilot's console and- leaning over the chair- she keyd in a message to the traffic controller that the Falcon was preparing to leave in the next few minutes. By the time she got clearance, the repulsors and sublight engines were charged and the main hyperdrive was warming up, just in case. Right about then, she recognized Ben's Song and looked up to see him through the viewport, turning the corner with what looked like a Human girl a little older than herself, and paler than any human she'd ever seen before.

No longer worried about dinner, she walked back into the galley to check on the stew and see if she'd gotten any more messages. The stew and rice she had made were rapidly approaching the critical point of cooking that would either make or break this meal, and R6 seemed to have everything under control. Sophii breathed a small sigh of relief that the newcomer was another young woman, and not some frumpy old dignitary or businessbeing. Someone like that might make a fuss that she was in her underwear.

[Evelyn Swann]

Evelyn politely returned the nod when he excused himself. She still couldn't believe it. Young Miss Swann felt happy again, she felt excited to go on this new path of adventure. This was just what she needed. If she became a Jedi, she could help others. The last thing she wanted was for others to go through what she had experienced. The only thing she had self doubt about was how her parents had hid this from her for so long. Had they known all along and just kept it a secret for her to discover when time was right? Her eyes gazed out at the window watching the landscape in a blur. It all made so much sense to her now. May the Force be with you had a completely different meaning to her now. Her mother knew for sure. When Evelyn thought back at it all, her mother had given her subtle hints and guidelines to follow to this very moment. The brunette was sure of this.

Blinking a few times, she returned to reality and Master Kenobi in front of her. He mentioned Kashyyyk and a Jedi Enclave and she couldn't help but smile softly. Miss Swann rose from her seat and gestured for Ben to lead the way once they reached their stop. Shaking her head with a slight chuckle at his comment of saving the overnight parking fee, she felt so much more at ease now. Evelyn knew this was the right choice she'd made.

As they moved through the docking bay and through a hall, Evelyn spoke gently. "I trust in your judgement Master Kenobi. I will go where you go. I just have a feeling telling me that I should. And I have always listened to my gut feeling. That's what brought me here to begin with." Her voice turned into a mere whisper. "Once we are on your ship, I can explain myself more, and the reason as to why I avoid the Empire..." Once they turned around the corner and her eyes catched sight of his ship the Talon, Evy couldn't hide her thoughts of how beautiful this ship was. "She's wonderful Master Kenobi, truly beautiful. Please, show me more of her." She'd always loved ships. Her father had taught her much about them when he was alive. It was almost an obsession he had back in the days.

Evelyn followed Ben up the ramp and she noticed rather quickly the young female Zabrak being in only her underwear. Smiling gently at her, Evelyn nodded and reached out her hand for a polite introduction. "Evelyn, pleasure to meet you young Miss."

[Ben Kenobi]

“Consider this,” he smartly interjected once she paused as they still moved towards the dormant ship, “you gut feelings aren’t just chalked up to basic instincts nor is it just a saying that we use; rather it has been the Force guiding you forward all this time. All you have to do is learn how to recognize these feelings for what they actually are. It is a learning curve, but one easily done with some patience and a bit of discipline.” They arrived within the specific bay and came to the view of the Talon, she was an older Corellian YT 2000 Light Freighter though gently used and well aged through the years. In good condition and without the carbon scoring of battle, she had gentle blue accents over the bright grey hull.

“Thank you,” he commented as they arrived and already the entry ramp was lowered, “I’ve had her for a while now and I have no complaints.” It was true, this YT had been in Ben’s possession for nearly a decade yet he’d only recently begun to use it for the Talon wasn’t his first vessel but rather his third. Prior he’d owned two Corellian YT 1300s, of which unfortunately both had been destroyed over his service with the Jedi Coalition. First had been the Stinger, lost during the Yuuzhan Vong Invasion many years ago, the other had been the Bright Lance, lost in an ambush against Darth Tormentous and his Sith warships.

Up the ramp in a few steps, Ben was assailed with the smells of a wonderful meal and instantly he was astonished at how Sophii could have prepared such with the meager rations aboard the Talon, but then again he’d never been much of a cook and was simply unused to this kind of treatment. Indeed, since Sophii’s arrival on the scene, the Talon had been made far more lively in almost every manner. Music played on occasion, things were a tad more disorderly but not messy, even the dour ‘mood’ of R6, Ben’s little red and silver astromech seemed to have lifted to a more acceptable level. Having Sophii around had been nothing short of a blessing even if it had only been but a few days. Now with Evelyn joining them, he hoped they’d get along well and was excited to see them train together once they reached Kashyyyk.

Once Evelyn was aboard Ben hit the lift icon for the ramp to seal itself into the belly of the ship and immediately he started up with the tour, however brief it would be for the size of the Talon was not overly immense. From the entry corridor came the central galley where in the center dominated a large holotable. Currently on the table was a projected image of this world along the Prelemian Trade Route and a white line tracing a path of their current course heading for Kashyyyk. Slowly it rotated in place. The table was not just a mapping tool but a communicator as well as many other functions. To one side of the galley in a corner was the kitchenette area and obviously a fantastic aroma rose from there. It was not impressive and only functioned for the basic needs of living, despite this it hadn’t deterred Sophii from making the best of things.

Straight ahead from the galley was an angled corridor that made for the cockpit, it was less lit up than the rest but mainly to preserve the pilot and co-pilot’s vision as they were already surrounded by bright lights and screens when they were within. No one currently occupied the cockpit. To the left was a short corridor with three rooms. Two on the rear side that were small and enjoyed enough basic space for brief living quarters of a bunk, footlocker and closet. One on the front side that was perhaps a third of the size larger and in addition to the living space only sported a half desk and small table. As Ben took her to these areas, one he mentioned was Sophii’s and the other twin room would be hers for the duration of their flight to Kashyyyk.

To the right of the galley were two rooms that dominated this wing of the craft. One was the training room, a firm mat lay in the center and various training tools were stowed along the walls. The other room was an armory of sorts, mostly empty lockers and a few crates though a lift was in its center that held access to the cargo hold of the Talon within the belly of the ship. The cargo hold was largely empty save for a single old and beat up 74z Speeder Bike that was stowed for transport with brackets bolting it to the deck.

But the primary gem of the ship was the pale Zabrak female. Ben happily introduced them first thing after complimenting Sophii that the meal smelled terrific. “Sophii, this is Evelyn Swann and she’s joining us on our trip to Kashyyyk, like you she is seeking an audience with the Jedi Council to begin her training as a Jedi Knight.” He didn’t say a word about her running around the ship scantily clad, it definitely didn’t disturb him and he definitely didn’t mind the view. Though he managed to remain gentlemanly about it and not act the fool or stare.

Finally that the basics were out of the way, “Miss Swann, if you’d like you can stay here with Sophii and get situated but here shortly we’ll be lifting off.” He turned to view both girls, “If you’ll excuse me ladies,” he then turned and made off towards the cockpit.

[Sophii Zahra]

"Dinner is almost ready," Sophii called to the Humans as they came through the central room of the ship and Ben took the new girl on the grand tour. By the time they finished and returned to the kitchen, she had set the pot onto the counter and set out three bowls, spoons and some crackers.

"Oh please, you're just trying to butter me up!" The dark-skinned girl cast a knowing grin at Ben. "The Force knows how long it's been since you've had any women aboard your ship. Especially young and pretty ones like us! Hi," she turned her violet eyes to the long-haired Evelyn and shook her hand. "My name is Sophii," she flashed her teeth and spun around to pour a bowl of the heafty stew, "And you smell like you could use something to eat!" She quickly handed the bowl over and then held up a finger. "Just a minute, I need to get something from my room."

After gesturing to the table where Evelyn could sit, she disappeared for about a minute, returning with a large glass bottle in her hands and a flowing black sundress with little white and red flowers draped over her body. "I think this counts as a special occasion, don't you?" she asked as she slipped by the table and set the red wine down on her way to find glasses for it.

"So, Evelyn," Sophii said as she finally sat across from the other young woman after getting her own bowl and pouring a glass of wine for each of them, "What made you want to be a Jedi? You're the first person i have met who is my age and chooses this path. And don't worry about him hearing you; it will take a few minutes before we are far enough from the station to hit lightspeed."

[Evelyn Swann]

Evelyn had listened to Master Kenobi as their journey lead them to the Talon. The young lady still couldn't believe that she was going to follow a Jedi Master to a Jedi Enclave on Kashyyyk. It was almost surreal. She had for so long wanted to get answers about her past. Now it would seem they'd be answered one at the time as she moved forward on this new path. If the Force really was guiding her as he had explained then many things made much more sense to Evelyn now.

Smiling softly, her eyes looked eagerly around to take in every detail about the older Corellian YT 2000 Light Freighter. She was truly beautiful, and Miss Swann was certain that if her father had been here he would have asked millions of questions about the ship to poor Ben. The thought made her chuckle a bit inside as they continued to move through the ship. When presented with a room for her own, she nodded thankfully. It was perfect when she thought back on all the uncomfortable travels she'd had to endure over the past couple of years. Now having her own room while on this journey, she felt like a princess.

They had come to the kitchen area where the dark-skinned Zabrak girl waited for them and had made a lovely stew. Well Evy hoped that it would be lovely because it smelled wonderful and her stomach had already begun to twist her insides. The brunette couldn't remember the last time she had eaten a home cooked meal.

Evelyn had just barely made it to say her name before Master Kenobi had already introduced the two to one another. It caused her to smile even more as she wanted to laugh but held it back. Once the young human lady was addressed again, she gave a respectful nod and a light bow. "Thank you Master Kenobi. I think it would be a shame if we didn't try some of Sophii's lovely home made stew first." Speaking of Sophii, the young Zabrak girl had a very lively personality and seemed rather giddy and bobbly. Almost innocent compared to some of Evy's past and old encounters. But who knew? Sophii might carry more in her luggage than what the mere eye could see. Only time would tell.

When Sophii mentioned that Evy smelled like she could use something to eat, she blinked rapidly while tilting her head to the left. Miss Swann couldn't help but chuckle slightly at that remark. She knew she had been running for her life a couple of hours ago, but she didn't think that her persona was smelly. Maybe it was a saying the Zabrak's used? Shrugging her shoulders lightly Evelyn decided it must be something along those lines as she took the bowl with stew given to her.

However as Evy was about to ask Sophii how old she was and where she had stumbled into Ben, the Zabrak girl had darted off to grab something in her room. Smiling softly to herself, Evy shook her head. This girl was so full of energy that it almost made her tired but in a good way. Miss Swann took a seat where Sophii had gestured her to sit and placed the bowl on the table in front of her. Sophii continued to surprise Evelyn as the young lady now wore a black sundress with little white and red flowers instead of only wearing her underwear. She rose a brow when the red wine came to sight and the next thing she knew two glasses were filled. "First and foremost, yes I can accept to have a glass of red wine, thank you very much Sophii for wanting to share this with me. I don't drink alcohol often. Like anybody else, it clouds my judgement and I have had to keep steady on my feet and always be on my toes. So only one glass please dear." Smiling gently at her, Evelyn thought about Sophii's question.

"As for what made me want to be a Jedi... I am not entirely sure to be honest. I believe there are things happening in this galaxy that can't be explained. And I've sort of always listened to my gut feeling, which now according to Ben has been the Force guiding me all this time. In a way it makes sense and in another way it doesn't. You see I have always been taught that Jedi and stories about the Force were only stories and not real. So I have many unanswered questions about my past I now seek answers to. Me joining the Jedi can help give me further guidance to what I should do and which path I should follow." Digging into the stew, Evelyn took a bite with a spoon. It was amazing! Oh she had missed a good full meal. "The stew you've made by the way is absolutely wonderful I must say. It's been too long since I have had such a good meal, thank you Sophii. Cheers, to a new beginning." She took hold of the stem of the glass and raised it politely to make a cheers with Sophii. This was the beginning to something new.

[Sophii Zahra]

"One is all I ask," Sophii said with a small grin as she lifted her glass- a squat, square affair likely intended for whiskey, for lack of proper wine glasses aboard the ship. "You wouldn't want too much of this anyway, it's from the Muunilinst Vinyards on Rusaan, so it's a bit stronger than most Human- made wines... sweeter, too." Sophii gave the other girl a playful wink as she began to answer the question of her motivation. The Zabraki girl made sure to make eye-contact and nod as she began to eat, and couldn't fight back a smile at the praise of her cooking.

When Evelyn raised her glass, Sophii raised hers to meet it and said, "To our future, and the battles we face," before taking a long sip to savor the deceptively sweet drink just as the ship made the tiny lurch into Hyperspace...