Message in a Bottle (Zorua)

[Ben Kenobi]

***Mid Rim, Prelemian Trade Route - R-7***
***The Wheel***

He stared quietly at a tiny piece of paper he had been carrying since receiving the communique. It seemed that every time he turned around there was more to do and this was no exception. A handful of days prior he had returned to his ship only to be intercepted by a protocol droid that carried a message. Nothing more than a set of coordinates and a time. No specifics in location, no name, no details no nothing. At first he thought to simply discard the note and carry on but he could not help but dwell on the wafer of parchment he was given and as the time drew near… here he found himself.

Sitting in an open booth within the Tasia’s Tapcafe, a simple restaurant, the aged Jedi accepted his water from the server with a gracious smile and then he proceeded to order. It was roughly midday and he had skipped breakfast.

The cafe itself was not very lively at this time being just before the noon rush though there were several patrons sparsely scattered about. Ben took in the far wall and noticed the mural along the back wall; it was covered in holograms, paper notes crudely attached, candles that had been long forgotten and even pictures of those lost so long ago during the destruction of Alderaan.

He was pleased to see the menus of the establishment had not changed since he had been here last. They still served food based from the Alderaanian culture, of course they could not do imports so the best offered were near imitations and it was well done as far as Ben could tell. He had only been to Alderaan proper once in his younger years and honestly he could not quite recall the flavors or the customs of their food. Regardless, he enjoyed having something other than his poor excuse for cooking. Lately his Padawan Aliclair Austjor had been taking care of that but she was dealing with other things today which left Ben to handle the mysterious messaged he had received.

With no weapons on his person he wore only his Jedi robes of brown and tan with a large cloak of charcoal gray over the top. A belt with various items such as a comm-link among others but nothing else. His hood was up though in effort to conceal his likeness; Imperials did frequent The Wheel from time to time and he had no interest in being accosted by their nosey nature.

Patiently the Jedi Master sat in his booth… the next move was on his guests…

[Zasabi Ray]

It shouldn't have surprised Zasabi that he had never visited this place. The galaxy was full of boltholes in the form of space stations, asteroid bases, and strange wandering merchant fleets. No one spacefarer, no matter how long lived or well traveled, could experience every one of them.

Still, the gently spinning ring was among the largest structures he had seen, and that included the strange superlaser created by an offshoot Imperial faction years ago. Each spoke of the 'Big Wheel' was larger than some entire orbital defense stations he had seen, and the middle ring itself was the circumference of a small moon. How did anyone build this thing without the Republic's help?

Shaking his head, he began guiding the Luxury Yacht toward the berth he had been assigned. He had initially assumed it would be a simple docking port, but as he approached he could see countless docking bays no doubt facilitating the operation of this station as a trading hub. It easily swallowed the large ship, the interior of the bay made up of a mixture of pre-republic and post-Imperial technology.

"Alright gang," he announced through the ship's intercom. "Behave yourselves and keep any curious visitors out, but don't engage otherwise. If you have any shopping you need done, just send it to my datapad."

His personal datapad was chiming almost before he rose from the pilots chair. "For droids, they sure are materialistic," he groused as he shrugged on his heavy trench coat. The high collar and thick material obscured his features from passive observation, and while the Sith hadn't been after him in a short while, it didn't hurt to be safe.

On his way out of the cockpit, Zasabi paused. On the table adjacent to the main corridor were his weapons. The Shadow's hand hovered over his lightspear, compartmentalized into it's three sectioned staff form. The ornate black metal shone dully in the artificial lighting of the cockpit. He had only just recently made the weapon, and while it gave him a significant sense of security to have it on his person, it was also incredibly identifiable. If things went poorly, the distinctive shape of the weapon would make his presence clear to anyone looking for it.

He sighed and grabbed hold of the spear, clipping it to the holder inside the back of his jacket. His charge's safety was paramount, and if that meant he was a little more identifiable, then so be it. Moving swiftly, he made his way to the guest cabin he had assigned her and paused, knocking softly.

"Hey kid, we're here. You sure about this meeting? I sent the message like you said, but.... I can't help but feel like this might be dangerous."

[Zorua Silver]

Zorua had been with the Theelin for quite some time now. She had enjoyed the time they had spent together, and genuinely hoped they could share so much more. However she was worried. Something had nagged at her about the Jedi, about the Enclave, and most importantly, about her fate. She kept having those urges to come back, to return to her faction and just... to just make sure they weren't mad at her! Yes, she had disappeared, and not returned, however she hadn't went out of her way to leave! She hadn't placed herself on that transport. She hadn't even packed these bags. But whoever had done so knew her well enough to know what she wore, and her favored robes. They were even nice enough to place a few of her old dresses in the mix, though she preferred not to wear the floofy things anymore. That was the only way she had figured someone had packed this bag for her, without her knowing.

Just as she pushed the last of her clothing in the rucksack satchel, the intercom rang with the familiar cheery voice she had grown fond of in the cycle she had spent with it. She had offered the wall's audio box a gentle smile at the offer, as though Zasabi's face hung there, his smooth voice chuffing the offer directly to her. She wasn't very keen on buying things, but the shiny nice toys and things he had in his possession the Arkanian Angel hybrid had been captivated by, the most. He had so many things! All of them in their cases, just as she remembered when she was littler, just first meeting him, in one of the very same dresses, that specific dress left folded nicely on an empty pedestal in his fancy trinkets room. Of course she couldn't fit it as well as she had when she was 12, however memories had been awash the dress, and she didn't plan to forget them. Hopefully, now that she secretly gave him the cleanly laced pearl novelty, he wouldn't either.

A knock rapped her door, and she jumped, being pulled from her sweet reverie with the taps. Cerulean eyes glazed over the door, some curiosity glowing bright as she wondered how he could go from the front communications system of this huge ship all the way to her little nook he gave her, so swiftly. The man was mainly legs, and clearly he used them! As she listened to his inquiry, she swiveled from where she stood, and flittered to the door. A quick pull opened it, and her deep sapphires met the Theelin's with a soft affirmation. A nod sealed it, and she hoped she allowed none of her previous hesitation to show on her faintly glowing features. She was elated to hope. At this point, this was all she had. Clearly there was no hope for Buggie to find her in this unbelievably expansive universe - how could he? And with her winding up in random places where technically no Jedi Verpine would be found... what else could she do but go back? And maybe her escort would allow her some clothes shopping, just to build some sort of bond. Atleast until he cuffed her, and threw her in the back of a shuttle with a ysalmari and forced her through rehabilitation. She shivered, trying not to let the negativity darken her day. Shouldering her bag, she hid her wings underneath the basic cloak and cape he had given her, hoping to pass as a regular humanoid until she had arrived to their target. She didn't know who the escort was, but whatever Jedi had answered their note was quick, and patient!

[Ben Kenobi]

When the server finally returned with his water he asked if they could hold his meal until his guest arrived so that they could eat together and just sit and talk for a while, chew on the weather as it were. The server acknowledged with a smile but Ben caught the hint of annoyance on the wind and he smiled in return to the server, the notion of annoyance dimmed at his expression… and vanished. Pleased enough the server retreated into the kitchen after delivering his water and a fresh cup of hot steamy caf. Taking another moment he looked around the room and then down at his chrono, he was curious if the courier had delivered a faux message or perhaps the sender would never show at all.

He sipped his water as he waited for the caf to cool down enough to be consumed. The condensation drizzled down from his touch and pattered onto the table which he dabbed up with a napkin. His thoughts moved to the possibility of this being a trap and while Ben Kenobi surely had his enemies out there, he was also certain that he had covered his tracks and also that he had not exposed himself with any fanfare or outward bluster. He was just a simple man sitting in the prescribed booth that his visitor had inclined for him. He had not sensed that this would be a trap or clever ambush, nothing truly nefarious ever had crossed his mind here and so he sat there content to sip on his water once more as he waited.

Watching the patrons of the little cafe was an interesting sight. He spotted an Ithorian, one of the creatures that had lost their homeworld to the Yuuzhan Vong many cycles ago. They had colonies throughout the Galaxy but all in all an Ithorian was becoming a rarity. Across from the Ithorian sat a Bith, its instrument case joined the stereotypical band member in its booth seat. Many stickers adorned the case and Ben was instantly curious as to what kinds of places and how many that the pair had seen.

A laugh caught his attention next and he turned to view a young couple enjoying an early lunch and gabbing on about their lives and no doubt about their future plans of life. He smiled at this, it was good to see a success story when one lived in a Galaxy so filled with turmoil and ruin. He took up his caf in both hands, letting the ceramic container warm his hands quickly and he sipped the bitter liquid.

It was sharp and perhaps a bit too hot but he enjoyed the sudden spike of caffeine. He was not necessarily tired but when one was on the road as much as he was any support to get through the day was welcome. Setting the cup down he leaned back and finally took a deep breath. He could not remember the last time he just sat back in a booth like this… and did nothing.

Always on the go. Always rushing into danger. Always there was a next mission or task. But today he had but one and it was to meet whomever had sent him that message. He did not even know truly what this was about! Jedi, Galactic Alliance or personal business, none of which he was made privy to. But Ben Kenobi had never turned someone who had asked something of him down. Or at least not without good reason.

So he had found himself here, amid the quiet of the morning and sitting within a booth sipping on bitter caf…

[Zasabi Ray]

Zasabi let out a sigh at her nod. "Alright. I trust your instincts. But... here."

His hand swept up in front of her, palm up to reveal a dull gray hairclip. It was small and simple, with a single pin of no particular design.

"Put this on. It's a tracking beacon that will only turn on when it detects blood on the tip of the pin. If this doesn't go well, if they take you somewhere you don't want to go... just prick yourself with the pin and I'll come running no matter where you are."

The device was significantly more expensive than it's commonplace design implied. It was intended to be an infiltration tool, remaining entirely inert and impossible to detect until activated. With it's lack of obvious control mechanisms and very specific activation mechanism, it was a useful if rare tool.

With that, Zasabi strode quickly toward the docking ramp. He trusted the girl had prepared all of her belongings- she struck him as the diligent sort. It was funny, in a way- they hadn't been able to exchange words since meeting due to the potency of her voice, but they had come to an understanding all the same. Despite the Shadow's nature as a loner of sorts, her presence and interactions with his crew had given the days a sort of lightness he hadn't experienced in some time. It had left him feeling both worryingly protective and anxious about the absence he'd feel once she was gone.

Stopping at the edge of the ramp, he took a deep breath and focused. Over the years of pursuit by the Sith, he had learned to mask his presence in the Force to the extent that even Xavius had trouble detecting him without significant effort. Doing so blinded him to those same senses, however, meaning if there was a trap ahead of him he would have to rely on his natural skills and experience to detect it in advance. Still, the familiar feeling of numbness settling into his skin had a similarly calming feeling on his emotions.

Their passage through the station was slow, if steady. The thoroughfares were a bizarre spread of massive multi-level walkways leading into narrow corridors covered in shops and stalls. The station itself seemed to employ a mixture of rotation and conventional gravity generators to maintain gravity, leading to one side of the station becoming the 'roof' of sorts . It gave shoppers a wonderfully unobstructed view of space that gave Zasabi a small smile. Despite the ramshackle look of the place, someone clearly had a taste for aesthetics when they built the station.

Before long they arrived within sight of the cafe they were supposed to meet their Jedi contact. He stopped Zorua short before they walked any closer, taking a moment to scout the area. His mop of green hair swayed gently as his eyes danced from patron to patron before landing on a man who seemed almost impossibly close to the stereotype of a Jedi Master. Older, wearing well-made but simple brown robes and other similarly bland garments. He seemed to be drinking some sort of beverage and, strangely, didn't seem to have a lightsaber on him.

What kind of Jedi doesn't bring their Lightsaber? Zasabi considered in surprise. Unable to help himself, he began to slip back into the embrace of the Force, gently opening up his senses to passively take in the man's presence.

It was shocking. Zasabi had never met a true Jedi Master before, only the occasional knight in years past. Compared to them, the dull bass of the man's latent power struck him like a drummer's mallet. It reminded him of a hidebound drum he had seen once on a technologically limited world. The small size of the instrument belied the impossibly deep noise that it produced. No doubt the man was similarly powerful.

"Great," he muttered to Zorua with a slight twinge of concern. One hand pulled his trench coat tighter against him despite the temperature controlled station interior. "They sent an actual Jedi Master. Hope he came in peace."

He advanced, pulling his presence inward once again. Once he arrived a few feet away from the man, he looked down and stifled his anxieties. His voice couldn't help but take a slightly cold tinge. "I take it you're our contact?"

[Zorua Silver]

She knew how much they had bonded through their slight interactions and occasional talks- well, him talking to her, and her merely listening and trying to convey a message back, soundlessly. Only naturally would they have a friendship that would last throughout time...Or atleast miss Silver hoped it would. She took the hairpin, watching the concern crease his features almost depressingly. She felt so sorry for him, his stress riding the emotions he typically only occasionally hid from her for her own good. She saw this man as a big brother at this point, someone she could rely on should she be incapable. And Force above, she prayed she would be able to get back in contact with him should anything go awry. However, at such a thought, she began to worry for him! What would happen if he had attempted to rescue her, and she wound up getting him killed from her aggressors overpowering him or something terrible? It would be all her fault, and she could never allow herself to find peace in the matter. Thus began the competition of 'who worries for the other, the most' in an near endless loop. Taking the simple pin, she stuck it really close to the root, near the crown, where thick icy gold kept it hidden in it's veil.

Ensuring she retrieved all of her belongings, she went out of her way to hug his two droids, even if only briefly, as though they had been her friends. Well, they had! They were funny, and sometimes her laughs almost came true from mere chuckles! She had to stifle herself a many of times because of them, and even Zasabi's interactions with them forced her to excuse herself to breathe. Once the connection had been broken, she hauled up her satchel, and followed the Theelin to the ramp, already on the lookout for something to bring grief to their attempts at a peaceful meeting. She had turned to Zasabi, completely amazed that he could go so silent into the Force in the manners that he had, appearing just as a Non-Force Sensitive with such a degree that even she questioned whether he was utilizing some of his fancy gadgetry or not again. No, she smiled. He was just this talented! She, however, was nowhere near as able as he. In fact, being so uncultured in her ability, her own signature was a glittering golden chime, not nearly as breath-taking as her voice, but certainly more eye-catching than the full beam of a lighthouse on a mid-night's full and moonless eve.

Her deliberate attempts to follow Zasabi's lead, knowing how sophisticated and agile he was at finding his goals, she didn't want to step on his toes, but luckily enough she was rewarded with his immediacy! His eyes dimly narrowed in on a rather lonely looking soul at a booth near one of the cafes, and with confusion Zorua looked on. This was him? Zorua held no prejudice, but she didn't want to involve a soul that was not meant to be. He certainly did look out of place among the happy and laughing crowds or couples and relaxing families, so monochrome and quiet against a world of color and sounds. He stood out-...and it was then she knew it had to be him. She wondered internally if how this man had so vulnerably presented himself, if she too was on such a plane of existence. After all, she was just as he is, held in robes too big for her, a stranger among familiar faces, silent and wondering. She hadn't even touched upon his Force with her own yet, but his demeanor, stature, and even the slight knowing in the gaze they caught as they walked up confirmed it to her. This had to be him.

Zorua turned up to Zasabi's voice, a light dip in her brow attempting to console his anxiety even as he hid it through apathy and a strong front. Her pale hand softly patted his forearm, her wanting him to relax before he scared the nice man off. What was it that had set him so abrasively to the Jedi?

Cautiously, she unveiled the slight temperance of her own Force sensitivity, hoping to meet the man in a more intimate and telling way. He would have possibly wanted her to speak at any time of the meet, but of course she wouldn't. Her aura itself would speak for her, and hopefully Zasabi would fill in any pieces she could not.

After she had come across the man's own Force, she was certainly amazed! No wonder why Zasabi was so quick to be mean! This man was super strong! Cerulean eyes were alight in wonder, and almost immediately she wanted to know more about this kind-faced elder, but no- something this powerful was most definitely worth being slightly wary of... And almost just as quick, her curiosity constricted into a worry, leading her to hold Zasabi's arm a bit tighter. She wouldn't let go until it was confirmed to be safe to do this thing that she had signed herself up for, ironically.

[Ben Kenobi]

Another sip of his caf later he caught the very faint and very brief sense that he distinctly knew was a Force Adept. One talented and schooled in the ways of the Force. It was so slight he had honestly almost missed it entirely. Had he been actively doing something he probably would have but sitting here and patiently waiting he had caught the touch of the air just right. He looked up to see a man in a trench coat and green well kept hair enter the cafe. Instinct told him that this man was the culprit but he had no proof and so returned to his drink, sipping more of the bitter liquid, it was running a bit low now. He’d looked away from the traveler for a moment, but he failed to miss him now that the younger man approach his booth.

Zasabi did not have to say a word. Instantly Ben knew this fellow was the one… no… Ben paused. He was not the one. Behind the traveler came a young woman whose aura was a bright flash of sunlight on a murky day, a breath of fresh air that was so crisp and new that the Jedi Master’s own breath was taken for a moment. Stolen by reverie a moment, he failed to let his manners escape him and Ben scooted his way out of his seat. Then the man addressed him and the elder Jedi closed his eyes and with a smile inclined his head respectfully, “Yes sir, that I am.” He declined the notion to bow fully before these two, he did not wish to draw attention when it most certainly was not wanted.

By the look of the traveler he seemed tense. So taking this into account, the Jedi Master slowly and openly lifted his hand to the traveler, the hand was open and welcoming, a gesture of greeting. “I am Ben Kenobi and it is my pleasure to meet,” he looked at the girl as well, “both of you.” He made no intent of title or rank, he usually never did. Ben was not one to wear a label so easily. Others surely referred to him as a Jedi Master and many other headings included, but these were the reflections of others. He did admit and agree he was a Jedi and even a Jedi Master, but he did not believe these things mattered as much as the name behind it.

Deeds, not words. This is what Ben Kenobi lived by.

Despite the cold outlook of her companion, Ben delivered nothing in return but a simple smile. “Please.” He offered and motioned for both of them to take a seat. “I’ll be right back.” Not willing to show patience in this moment Ben moved a few feet to the front counter where he grabbed up two clear glasses and a pitcher of water. If they wanted something extra that was fine, but he did not have access to the kitchen and they would have to order something. Calmly and slowly so that the traveler could see every move he made, he returned and planted the glasses on the table and discharged the water from the container. Their measures delivered he set the pitcher down.

If only in an effort to set them both more at ease he carefully took off his heavy gray cloak and discarded it into his seat of the booth. They could both see for themselves now that he was hiding nothing at all from them. Still he did not even slightly touch the Light of the Force. It was not his way either. The Force was not a toy. It was not even a tool to be used in time of hardship. It was an aid to make due in a time of dire need or failing a moment of said need it was to be used with care and caution. The real makings of a Jedi Knight was not the gear he carried nor the weapons on his belt nor even the Force behind him, it was what was in their hearts and guarded by disciplined minds that truly mattered.

Finally he too took a seat.

Immediately he did not say a word about the specifics of any such ‘meeting’ between the three of them. First thing, he inquired to an issue of importance in any person’s life. “Hungry?” He asked plainly. “We can get an order in if you’d like. They aren’t that busy so it’d probably be pretty quick to get something.”

He had not failed to notice that the girl was not entirely comfortable and he could see it in her lovely eyes that she held worry in her heart. If he could have done anything to ease those concerns then he would surely have gone to any length to do so.

“I’m glad you weren’t delayed. The Prelemian Trade Route’s Checkpoints have been packed lately. I hope your flight went by smooth enough.”

He did not want to waste anyone’s time and so he swept right to the point from here. From his belt he took up a small device, just a hand held datapad. Hitting the screen with his finger it lit up and he showed them the contents. It was their message. A confirmation that he was without a doubt their contact. “I received your message and I arrived as soon as I was able.” Again his green eyes slipped to Zorua, “I have a feeling that this is about you?”

In that moment in time her aura became exposed to him. Initially her signature had been brilliant enough, but now as she looked at him through the Force he really saw her for the first time. It was so slight and gentle at first, a whisper is all it was. A breeze through the canopy. Her presence was one of innocence and purity. She was amazing to even be sitting so near. A marvel. Almost indescribable. Her aura was so beautiful and free that his right eye almost teared up in response. Quickly he took a long sip of caf to cover it up and maintain his composure.

Setting the cup back down and clearing his throat he looked to them both. “How can I help you?”

[Zasabi Ray]

His arm tightened in a way that briefly left Zas concerned before he realized that it wasn't some strange Jedi attack, but instead a very concerned young girl who had sensed his tension. He took in a slow, carefully measured breath and snaked his arm from her grip before forcing a smile. It'll be alright he willed at her. He couldn't speak to her mind directly, but he hoped she could sense his feelings.

Pulling out the cheap synth-wood chair for her, Zasabi encouraged her to sit but kept one hand lightly on her shoulder. Support, or possessiveness? He had a hard time telling for himself. Taking his own seat, he looked the Jedi dead in the face.

"Zasabi Ray," he responded calmly. It was possible that the Jedi still had him on some sort of wanted sheet, even if he hadn't crossed them in years. Hiding his name would only make the man more suspicious of him.

He carefully observed Kenobi, following his movements with a steady gaze while keeping the hand on Zorua's shoulder light and tension free. If this Jedi was on the level, it wouldn't do to poison the young angel's experience of them more than had already been done.

Once the Jedi returned, Zasabi maintained his eye contact with the man. He evidently intended to play with his cards on the table. Well, fair enough.

Letting out a small breath, Zasabi released his Force mask, allowing his presence to radiate forth. This was in part to make it clear that he intended to operate honestly, but also to allow him to draw on his own abilities.

Years ago, a lifetime ago even, Zasabi had learned how to read the eddies of the Force such that, when focused, he could detect the subtle sound of a lie leaving someone's lips. It wasn't a matter of physical reality so much as the fundamental dissonance that deception created in the liar. Whatever the individual believed to be true would ring golden and true, and what they knew to be false would ring hollow notes of copper. The Jedi was strong, but he hadn't met anyone yet who had managed to pass an outright lie through him when his senses were up.

"I'm sorry, Mr Kenobi, but I'm not much for small talk. My charge here has felt that she needed to meet with one of your order and I've done my best to facilitate that."

He took out his data pad and brought up a simple word editor. Putting it before Zorua, he looked back to the older man. "It's best she doesn't verbalize. She can explain why if need be."

[Zorua Silver]

The man - Mr. Kenobi - had retrieved water for them, and she briefly looked up to Zasabi as he gave a seating place. It was a look of gratitude, and a silent wondering if he would deem the water fine for her to drink if he too saw the man had poured it from a publically served pitcher. It couldn't be poisoned if it was so broadly shown, would it? Were the Theelin able to smell poisons in liquids? In all of her time with him, she never thought to ask him, not even on the day where he had instructed her not to drink or eat anything provided from a stranger. Would he trust this water? She hoped he would - the fae was parched! Perhaps it was the nervousness of this entire ordeal. Meanwhile, she tried to ignore the glass, only allowing her Theelin brother to catch her cut gaze between the glass and himself, the question remaining. Until she received a subtle response, she would not drink. But she did however find comfort in his hand atop her shoulder, and she shuffled a bit in the chair to lean into it for emotional support. This was a major day for her, and she would need all of the strength she could get from the last familiar face she had cared about to last her until her goal had been met.

The Jedi Elder brought up the message, and illustrated the words in galactic basic to the pair, the note she had remembered as though she had typed it up yesternight. Well, yes, she wanted to meet them. But it was only to see if Buggie would be who responded. This man was not Buggie! But maybe he would give her a trail to the Verpine Jedi? She took the wordpad, appreciative of Zasabi's quick thinking, and immediately typed up her hopeful desire to the Elder. Would he happen to know Buggie? And if so, to take her to him? She had been looking for him for seemingly eons, and for her to nigh grow up at the Enclave without seeing him return for her... she feared the worst had happened to the kind Verpine. She had missed him. And needed to know the fate or atleast even the destiny of her Master. Was he okay? Or had he perished somewhere? Many questions flew like a windstorm in her mind, and she bit her bottom lip as the negativity threatened her again, the harsh vision she had while under the influence of the Dark Side artifact pulling at seams she desperately tried to keep sewn. Zorua had to know that Buggie was still Buggie, that he was still okay, and that he was not this awful monster that had been in that vision she was left with. Cerulean sapphires climbed from the face of the datapad to the jewels of the aged Jedi; would Mr. Kenobi help her find her Master?

[Ben Kenobi]

“Zasabi Ray…” Ben mused to himself, churning the name over in his memories but nothing came to mind. He was almost certain he had never come across this fellow in any of his travels. Not a bad thing, there were plenty of new faces out there and to meet one more, one that was not a rabid Sith fanatic or an Imperial die-hard… it was nice for a change. He quite liked the idea of being able to meet someone out here and not having to fighting his way back out. Then brought to the fore was Mr. Ray’s own aura and signature and when Ben breathed this in and sensed the man’s potential he was nothing short of impressed. Most folks that were sensitive to the ways of the Force out there were usually wild or slight in comparison. Zasabi was refined, powerful and he had a discipline to him that felt unique. The Jedi nodded in acceptance and thanks alike, it was an honest gesture from Ray and Ben would not forget it.

Exposing oneself as he had just done was potentially a dangerous thing. The Empire for instance would hunt down Adepts and enslave them or neutralize them entirely. The Sith would kidnap and brainwash in some twisted ritual. Even the Jedi would make an effort to recruit the man. His exposure in this way was genuine and he truly appreciated it. It spoke volumes to who Zasabi really was inside, underneath the tough duster coat and the weapons.

Ben nodded graciously, he would eliminate further small talk and keep to the message of the meeting. “I understand.” He replied with a smile. But otherwise Zasabi made himself silent, only offering that she preferred not to speak. That did not matter. Zasabi had made it clear that his part here was specifically to ferry her where she needed to go and grant her protection, both of which he had done and now he was simply here to mediate and ensure this is what she wanted. He respected that. Yes, it was a bit cold and uninviting but to be honest that was the world they all lived in. Get your business done and move along. Anything more tended to attract unwanted attention or brought about issues that were equally unwelcome.

As such Ben turned curiously to fully focus on the young lady beside Zasabi Ray and he did so with his full attention. If she did not speak then he needed to learn her facial expressions and her body language in exchange for her communication. Whatever she felt more comfortable with he would make certain to accommodate her.

He viewed the datapad and he looked at her, very interested now. “I know Master Buggie well.” He confirmed. “I am sorry, but he is no longer part of the Jedi Coalition. But I can tell you that he is doing fine where he’s at now.” Ben was going to use a bit of caution from here, as Zasabi did not fully trust Ben, he did not fully trust Zasabi. While he was prepared to tell them both anything about himself, Buggie’s whereabouts were more delicate. He would not lie to Zasabi but he would not expose Buggie to reveal he was working for the Blue Star Pirates. Telling Zorua would come later in private. “I have the means to get a hold of him too if you’d like. I would be happy to get you in touch with him. Though it may take some time to do, he is not easy to track down these days.” Ben took the last of his caf and set the empty cup down, pulling over one of the glasses and pouring himself a measure since Zasabi seemed not to be interested and he took a good swig of the water to wash down the bitterness of the caf.

“It may take a few weeks.” He added, “But I can definitely get you to see him sooner rather than later. It is a big Galaxy out there and I do not know his present whereabouts.” He finished with a confident smile. Glancing back to Zasabi he offered, “you are more than welcome to come along if you’d like, or just as well you can have my ship’s transponder codes to track if you’d rather not come along but still wish to keep tabs. My ship is a YT 2000 registered as the Talon under a Jedi Coalition registration and licensed with the Alliance.”

Sitting back he took them both in and now the next move was theirs. “And after all is said and done, I can make sure you get to wherever you would like to go.”