liriael (liriael) wrote in thegalaxy, @ 2016-04-01 11:00:00 |
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Once Dee had left, Liriael stayed on the bench outside the medcenter as the afternoon shadows lengthened, turning over in her mind all of the things her crewmate had both said, and not said. That Dee was in some sort of difficulty, it was certain. But Liri had promised she would not interfere. She needed to respect Dee’s decision, even if the sense of foreboding would not go away. Taking a deep breath, Liriael let it out slowly, closing her eyes as she tried to release the tension from the conversation. Of course, once that was gone, the ache from her shoulder set back in, and she cursed under her breath, absently rubbing at the pink scar. She would need to start stretching it, working out the muscle, so that they would allow her to leave sooner. There were too many things she needed to do. As she cleared her mind, she sensed someone approaching, a person she did not recognize by their lifeforce. When it seemed clear they were going to be close enough for her to see whoever it was, she opened her eyes. Each day was another opportunity to grapple with the reality he now found himself in. Obi-Wan marveled at the concept of not just traveling through space but through time as well. It was difficult to comprehend. Not only that, but to imagine his influence had stretched so far beyond his own lifespan... it was more than he'd ever hoped for. Obi-Wan found himself wanting to be wary of his circumstances - weren't things too good to be true often proved to be just that? How could a place exist where Qui-Gon and Padme both lived and it was proven that Luke and Leia lived long, healthy, and prosperous lives? He couldn't believe it - he didn't want to believe it. And yet, here he was. If not for the clear presence of the Dark Side, Obi-Wan might have considered this all a trick. A too-real vision. But the First Order and the second destruction of the Jedi brought a stark, dark reality to the goodness this rift had brought. It was clear that war had yet to leave the galaxy and ever the Jedi General, Obi-Wan couldn't sit aside and let it wash over and drown out any good left. Good like the woman, Liriael, who had offered help to the Jedi at great personal risk. He had taken her mention of someone absent in the Force seriously and thought deeply on the matter. Determined to find out more and to make certain she was well, Obi-Wan took it upon himself to pay her a visit at the medcenter. He was directed her way upon his arrival and Obi-Wan approached her. It was easy to sense her in the Force, a strong presence that suggested she was a Force-user herself and he pressed back a smile. No matter how hard the Dark Side tried, they would never be rid of those who would find themselves on the Light Side of the Force. When she opened her eyes as he neared, Obi-Wan offered a polite smile. Dressed in his tunic and robes like the Jedi he was, he doubted she would have too much trouble placing him. "Hello," he greeted, "Master Obi-Wan Kenobi at your service. I trust you're feeling better?" Even feeling the person approach, Liriael was not prepared for who she saw when she opened her eyes. Blinking in surprise, it took her a moment to realize that he was indeed real, and actually there in the medcenter garden where she had been sitting. “Master Kenobi,” she managed, having to clear her throat as she did so, and smiling because she had to do so. “I’m sorry, it’s just….I did not expect you.” She rose automatically, despite the pain in her leg, too overwhelmed at meeting someone who she had only heard stories about as a child. He looked just as she had remembered from old holos, from everything she had studied, but it was still a shock to see his face, to know that he was only an inch or so taller than her, that his hair seemed more blond than it had in old records. “I am doing well enough,” she answered his question with a rueful look, knowing that since she was wearing just the white sleeveless top and pants that Dee had brought from the ship, her scar was very visible on her shoulder. “It’s….please, come and sit,” she added, trying for hospitality and to get her bearings at the same time. “I’m beyond honored that you came here to see me.” She had to sit back down, both because of her leg and that her limbs would not hold her weight for another reason. Taking a deep breath, she reached again for the equilibrium she had been attempting in the wake of Dee’s departure. It was much more difficult to attain now, and that made her smile anew. He opened his mouth to protest her standing, but just offered a small, amused smile instead. It was strange to know that even now, so long after his own time, he could be a name that anyone would remember. When Obi-Wan resigned himself to a hermit's life on Tatooine, he assumed his existence would fade from memory, just as the Jedi would in the aftermath of their devastation. It was reassuring and humbling to know that had not been the case at all. "I thought I would stop by to further discuss your... encounter," he explained the reason for his visit. Obi-Wan took a seat along with her, reaching to place a hand on her unscarred shoulder for a brief moment. "It's an honor to meet you as well," he returned the sentiment kindly. "I'm glad you're doing well. And please, if you don't feel like visitors or if you don't feel up to any in-depth discussion, let me know and we can talk another time." He folded his hands in his lap, "The last thing I want to do is put any undue stress on you. But I was curious about your mention of someone's lack of presence in the Force." Sincerely, Liri answered, “It is no stress to discuss this with you, Master Kenobi. I would be here alone puzzling over it with no answers as it is. Better to have someone more experienced than I am to puzzle with me.” She did not say so aloud, but his presence felt very different than others she was used to, even other Force-sensitives, and it was...calming. When he touched her shoulder, it felt as if he had a self-possessing nature that she could sense. Did all Jedi feel this way? “Truthfully, you are the first Jedi I have ever met,” she admitted, as her thoughts went that direction. “Although I tested well enough to be admitted to the Academy, my parents forbade it, so there are many things I don’t understand about the ways of the Force. In this case, it was vastly outside my experience to discover such a thing.” The encounter was yet fresh in her mind, and she wanted to discuss it, but her nature made her ask first, “Before we get into that, as you are new through this rift, is there anything I can help you with? I know, from members of my crew who are all such travelers, that it can be disorienting at best.” A smile briefly flitted across her mouth, as she added, “You may be native to this galaxy, and a Jedi, but surely this is also outside your experience.” His eyebrows lifted at the knowledge she had been tested for entrance into Luke's academy. He could at once both understand and condemn the decision of parents to forbid their child training in the Force. As it turned out, her parents were wise as it spared her life, and yet training as a child made things so much easier in adulthood. Obi-Wan smiled again, "Well, you will be far more impressed with other Jedi, once you meet them," he said, self-deprecating in a light-hearted manner. "And don't worry, the Force works in ways that are mysterious to us all - even those of us with plenty of training." Obi-Wan laughed and shook his head, waving off her inquiry. "I'm managing," he said. "This is certainly outside my realm of experience but I've learned to accept things as they come. There's no point in fretting over what you cannot change," he commented. "Whatever reason the Force has placed us here, I'm ready to embrace it. After all, here dear friends are alive." He smiled and turned the question around on her, "What about you - as a native to this galaxy, has it been difficult adapting to newcomers? I'm sure there are some who don't even know, but those like yourself must experience some form of culture-shock." He lifted a hand to run over his beard, "For instance, the idea of someone with absolutely no presence in the Force. I would imagine they might not even be from here." An answering grin lit her face at his faint protestation. “I should be the judge of that, if I meet many other Jedi,” she replied, humored. “I cannot deny that those who have arrived are certainly notable. I have spoken with a few on the holonet, but then that is extremely busy with everyone getting their bearings.” And she had been counseling herself patience. This injury, unexpected and dire, had set back her preparations for her ship, and for that matter, meeting more of those who had arrived. And now with Dee gone...she released that thought and let the worry go. She did not need to borrow trouble from tomorrow when there was plenty for today. “A part of me feels that this is all a-purpose, that the Force has created this rift in order to call through those who are needed. But it remains strange, as you say. The variety of people is stunning, and not all are ones you would expect to answer a call. Many are not sensitive to the Force at all.” The look in her eyes grew faraway for a moment as she considered her words. “My three crewmates are all from this other galaxy, with no experience in this one. I find their outlook and their perceptions to be refreshing, truly. And yet, they are...people.” She shrugged slightly, her smile turning wry. “They have their hopes, their wants, and they have adapted as best they can. But you touch on my concern. It is not as though everyone who has come through this rift is on the side of the Light. Rumors are that the First Order can find just as many recruits here as the Jedi ever could. I am welcoming to anyone here who finds themselves out of place and time, but it has made me watch my back more than I ever did before. And in this case,” she touched the healing scar, “I was not careful.” "I would imagine the First Order would have no troubles whatsoever," Obi-Wan agreed, somewhat grimly. "From what I've seen, they appeal to the baser needs and fears of the masses. Safety and peace are powerful notions," he pointed out. The Jedi had sacrificed much to ensure such things, after all. He knew it personally and he knew it from his own studies of the Jedi. Qui-Gon had been right, of course, that the Jedi were too focused on the bigger picture, of protecting peace and safety at all costs. It was a tragedy which still echoed through the galaxy, even decades later. "Those arriving here without purpose or escaping their own dangers would naturally cling to whoever promised them safety." He frowned slightly as she touched her scar. "An unfortunate reality of dealing with people - they lash out, they take advantage, and they will often bite the hand that feeds them." Obi-Wan's frown curved into a tolerant smile. For all the problems in the galaxy and for all the trouble people could be, he still found it worthwhile to reach out to them. He had a feeling Liriael would be of the same train of thought. "You're lucky you had the opportunity to learn from it, though. As are the Jedi you've offered aid to." Obi-Wan shifted. "This person you encountered, do you think they were self-concealing? Using the Force to prevent identification, or how would you describe it?" Nodding in agreement at the assessment of the First Order, Liri replied, “It’s not just those arrivals. But they do pose harsh questions, among the requests for information or aid. Most often, I see those through the rift asking why the Republic isn’t making a stand, or issuing a statement, or even just defending themselves. They crave peace and stability, but even more than that, they crave answers. That is something in short supply.” Even sorting what she knew as rumor from truth, Liri herself couldn’t give her own crew the best response for those questions. It had troubled her, and she did not realize how much until Obi-Wan’s calm understanding helped define it. “I wish I could say my survival was something other than luck, but that’s precisely what it was. As you said before, I expect a certain amount of….sharpened focus on myself because I’ve put the Vagabond out as a safe haven for the Jedi here. But this was still unusual.” Leaving the scar alone, she tucked loose hair behind her ear. “To answer your question first, I do not think this was self-concealment. It was too absolute, and also did not serve the purpose of actually concealing it. For concealing something in the Force, or someone, misdirection would make much more sense, so that attention glanced off-” She stopped with a small laugh. “Forgive me as I explain the nuances of the Force to a Jedi,” she said, dryly, chiding herself. “My point is that it seemed altogether different. I had done some basic bodyguard duty for a man named Lord Bibble. The usual, escort him to a Naboo society function, look intimidating, protect him from an altogether imagined threat and make him seem more important.” She smiled as she relayed that part, knowing enough of his past to know he’d no doubt come into contact with people like that. “I was returning to his estate to pick up payment. It was roughly late afternoon, perhaps a half hour before sunset. I took my speeder out there, walked up to the front door, did not sense anything out of the ordinary.” She had reviewed this in her mind a dozen times, examining her memory in minute detail to see if something should have tipped her off. “From the north corner of the house, climbing down the wall, a Grakkt attacked me. Now, this is what is strange.” She relayed how the creature was not only far from any known body of water, but larger than any Grakkt she had seen, and then how the blaster shots had turned it’s skin blue, rather than scorched, followed by the scent of burning rubber. “When it bit my shoulder,” she explained, “that’s when I reached for it to throw it from me. It…” Liriael hesitated, still not satisfied with how she had put it into words before. “There was nothingness, where it should have been. It was clearly alive,” she continued, with a small, incredulous chuckle, “but there was a void where it should have been in the Force. To maybe better explain it, there was a break in the Force, where it should have been. I wish I could….show you. It’s hard to explain.” Obi-Wan listened to her tale intently, a small, amused smile appearing momentarily as she described being a bodyguard. He could certainly relate and while he didn't care much for politics and upper-level society, the notion of being a bodyguard reminded him of Padme and of Anakin, before they had been lost. His true interest was in the description of her assailant. He could agree that it was quite odd for a Grakkt to attack her in such a fashion and though he kept silent, Obi-Wan's opinion was clear in the furrow of his brow. An inopportune animal attack would be one thing, though, and as Liriael continued her story Obi-Wan couldn't help but begin to believe the Grakkt wasn't an animal at all. At least, no animal from Naboo. "Perhaps not concealment but... deflection," he puzzled. "I wish I could see for myself it as well. I would be of more help." Obi-Wan made a gesture with his hand for her to continue, assuming the story hadn't ended yet. He would be better equipped to provide an opinion once he had all the information. At the encouragement, Liri replied, “You are helping, Master Kenobi, believe me. Retelling it in this manner helps focus.” It was patently true; she was determined to give him the most complete and detailed explanation. “Now, if this blocking of the Force was a conscious effort on behalf of the creature, it was seamless and absolute. Still, as I could feel the edges of where it should have been, I was able to throw it a good distance, although not far enough.” She brought up the bite on her leg in passing, as this brought her to the most alarming part of the tale. She described the sudden lengthening of the Grakkt’s tongue into a tentacle, and how it had wrapped around her speeder and squeezed. “That is outside the strength of a Grakkt, frankly. It was actually crushing the metal of my speeder, with that appendage alone. It did not want me to escape, and it was single-minded in that purpose. All I could do was stun it enough to get it to let go, so the speeder could move.” Liri left off the rest of the trip back to Theed, and the events leading up to being brought to the medcenter, since they weren’t notable and he could likely fill in those blanks himself. Instead, she continued, “If all of this wasn’t strange enough, I have to tell you that I felt this exact sensation once before...with Bibble himself. But only the last time I saw him. In our previous meetings, he appeared normal, easy to sense and track. It was part of how I kept track of him at those functions. But a few weeks ago, when I arrived to escort him to another party, he informed me when I arrived that he was cancelling his trip and that I was not needed. It was a brief meeting, but he had that same...absence. He acted slightly differently as well. I thought he perhaps had some new technology that I was not familiar with.” A touch of self-recrimination crossed her features for a moment; she should have investigated it then, but had been willing to ignore it, and now things had gotten more complicated, for certain. The thought he hadn't quite truly finished formulating was proved true the more information Liriael relayed. Her assailant was no Grakkt at all and, most likely, not even an animal. This was true not only in the idea that a creature could manage to bend the Force around itself so as it appear nonexistent - if that were the case - but to single-mindedly work to prevent escape? That wasn't the work of a wild animal. Obi-Wan thoughtfully smoothed a hand over his beard, contemplating the possibilities that he could conjure up. Something with the strength to crush a speeder, the focus to want to do so in order to prevent escape, and the appendages so described were perplexing. Obi-Wan could read the expression on her face as she relayed the information of her last encounter with Bibble. The ever-damning backward glances of could-haves and what-ifs were familiar to him and he reached out to cover her hand with his own. "This is a peculiar thing," he said, "You're not trained in the Force and you had no reason to suspect anything," he pointed out. "Even someone such as myself could have overlooked such a thing. Naboo is a peaceful place, your client not known to be a Force-user, I'm certain." The reasons were plentiful for not thinking twice. A job could be repetitive and a familiarity with the Force could be taken for granted, and most importantly, a lack of training justified missed opportunities. "For all our training, we often overlook things that should have otherwise brought us pause." Anakin was his own burden in that respect. He leaned back, folding his arms across his chest. "While I'm puzzled as to how one could avoid being present in the Force, I think it wouldn't be too far-fetched to think your encounter with the Grakkt and your last meeting with Bibble are related." Obi-Wan shook his head, "Off the top of my head, I cannot recall a species with capabilities similar to what you've described, but I am several decades removed from present day. And if they came through the Rift..." he trailed off and gestured idly, "I couldn't begin to name a species that could be responsible." He sighed thoughtfully, "Have you come into contact with anyone recently who would know your plans with Bibble?" The knot in her chest eased as Obi-Wan placed his hand over hers, her fingers relaxing as he spoke to the regret and alleviated it. It was one thing to justify her own lax attention, and another to have someone accept the reasons that it was possible. As much as she was disappointed they did not have a ready answer between them, at least it was not something obvious that she had overlooked. She only nodded to the reassurance, but her expression was clearer now, less weighed down. “I don’t think my additional years in this timeline have helped either,” she pointed out. “I’m fairly well-traveled, even more so in the Mid Rim worlds, and I’ve not come across any creature that could emulate that. I don’t want to rule out the possibility that it could be something new from our galaxy, but the issue of the rift is too notable here. Some of those coming through look human, and yet are not and have abilities we have not experienced.” Rolling her shoulders to dispel any tenseness there, she said, “No one knew of my plans there, as until recently, I worked solely alone. At the same time, I was seen with him at two different Naboo society events, so it was not a secret either. This trip, the one where I was attacked, I told no one. In fact, it was spur of the moment, as I had finished work on my ship with Captain Solo, and had the afternoon free.” Her crew had been less than pleased, as none of them had known where to find her when she was in danger, and she winced at the memory of it. “My crew is new, and I did not think to even alert them that I was heading out.” The thought of Dee rose to the surface again. “One of my crewmembers,” Liriael spoke, after a pause, “she informed me this afternoon that she needed to leave, go offplanet to deal with something personal. She wouldn’t say what it was, but even untrained, I could sense her fear. She was terrified of something. Before she left, she extracted a promise from me that I would watch my back, stick close to the others. At first, I thought it was simply because of the Grakkt, but in light of this possibly being a coordinated attack, I wonder if there isn’t something more there.” With a near groan, Liri rubbed at her temple. “I feel as though I am operating in the dark, without the benefit of even a moon. I simply do not have enough to work with, yet.” Obi-Wan didn’t like being in a situation where he was under-informed. While he was still new to this ordeal and hadn’t had much time to meditate in the Force, he was displeased to find it murky when he tried to assess what was going on with the Rift. He supposed it wasn’t too surprising, but it was frustrating nonetheless. He was grateful to have come across Liriael and her predicament, as it provided direction and perhaps a new lens through which to view the circumstances they were now all embroiled in. “The Force can be mysterious in some ways,” Obi-Wan drawled thoughtfully. “I haven’t been able to glean too much from it in this instance, but there’s still time and I’ve only just arrived,” he said with a slight smirk. “I think your instincts serve you well,” he commented. “While there is the possibility of these events being only a matter of coincidence, even if they aren’t directly related, they could be symptoms of a larger problem.” Obi-Wan, even in the brief time he’d been here, had already heard of the dilemma between the First Order and the Resistance. If the Dark Side was present, he knew it would only be a matter of time before it began to meddle in this situation with the Rift - if it hadn’t already begun. And there could be no guarantee something malicious in its own right hadn’t slipped through the Rift. Liriael’s predicament seemed poised to interweave both possibilities. “I’ll help you solve this,” he offered, after a beat. “I’ve been little help so far, but I will do my best to see a solution is reached and a culprit named. If things are as dire as I’ve seen some people claim them to be, we’ll need to be aware of any obstacles and,” Obi-Wan paused to smile, “mindful to assist our allies.” “Jumping into the thick of it?” Liriael teased, with a quick smile, almost more to cover the brief flush that she felt when he volunteered to assist her. Truthfully, she expected that she would pass on what she knew and those more experienced than her would take it under advisement. That he was willing to work directly with her to solve it threw her for a not-unpleasant loop. Perhaps she still had a little hero-worship, as Cassie had accused. Dismissing that for now with an amused thought, Liri continued, “As you said before, Naboo is a peaceful planet. The authorities here are not seeking to determine much about the newcomers, but simply provide them with a place to stay and enough to start a new life. And there are so, so many. I would say….a place to start might be the Resistance. Many involved have been aggressively reaching out, and I know a lot of those people have expressed abilities with the Force. Furthermore, the Resistance might already have intel on those who lean towards the Dark Side, as they would want to track people like that to the best of their ability. I haven’t spoken yet with many who are aligned with them, but they are not difficult to contact.” Thinking back over what she had read so far on the holonet, she ventured, “Do you mind if I ask you some questions not related to this case? As you said, we are allies, are we not?” She grinned, but a trace of nervousness remained for this direction of the conversation. “It’s more about the Jedi, in general. As you are aware….very few people now believe that the Jedi even existed as something beyond a story. What I do know, I have worked hard to track down, as the Empire attempted to destroy any traces.” |