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[Approved] Cora Alcyon Jedi Knight Healer

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[Ryloth, 6 ATC 6] A Long Year Amongst the Twi'Leks

Week 6, Day 6, morning

A calming breeze gently blew one of the older Twi'lek's lekku as he worked tirelessly with his wrench. The recently retired mercenary was down on one knee as his gloved twisted in the final screw on his speeder bike. He let out a sigh of relief then wiped the sweat from his brow with an old towel, letting himself fall backwards to sit on the ground. Jer Vusid smirked at the sight of his familiar ride, having finished a few simple repairs on the repulsorlift vehicle. The fresh grey paint he'd given it a week before made it look brand new. He'd even painted over the insignia which had sat on the side of the craft for almost a decade. The all too familar sign of his mercenary band, a golden rancor skull. He technically wasn't a member of the group anymore, he was one of the few that could say he'd retired from the business. He rose up to his feet with a stretch, then grasped a metal canteen on top of his speederbike.

As Jer took a swig of water he stepped away from his bike and gazed upon the valley to his side, the canyons of Ryloth spread around his home. He'd nearly forgotten how beautiful the world was, but also how damn humid it was. He was practically soaked in sweat from working outside barely for a hour. As he swallowed the refreshing gulp of water he felt himself cool down internally. The ex mercenary then sat down on the sturdy wooden fence near him, which encircled his property. He smiled as it held his weight well, he impressed himself with his own building. Since he'd arrived back on his homeworld he'd taken it upon himself to do all of the groundwork at his new home. It was a simple cabin he'd purchased cheap, abandoned but not very run down. No major housework was needed, which was had filled him with relief.

The cabin was in a more isolated part of Ryloth, a ways up from one of the villages. Jer hadn't even set foot in them since he had landed on the world. He honestly did not wish to go into any of them unless it was necessary, they were dangerous and infernally noisy. He'd brought enough rations and supplies to last for a little while. Any food they needed could be hunted or harvested, as evident by the growing vegetable garden behind the cabin where Jer was. They were practically in the wilderness where they'd chosen to live, but it was quiet. None of the native predators gave them much trouble, if they did Jer still had his proud collection of blasters. His starship, the Fortitude was parked not far from his home, it was an old Corellian light freighter he'd bought the day of his retirement from the Golden Rancor company.

"Jer, there's people approaching the cabin. They have blasters." A female voice exclaimed to him, breaking him out of his state of relaxation. His wife's words caused him to drop his drink, splashing water all over the grassy ground. He stared at Sienni, noticing the fear in the green skinned twi'lek's eyes as she held onto their son Adal's hand tightly. Seeing his beautiful wife in fear instantly filled Jer with anger at the 'visitors'.

"What? How many of them?" He asked, walking past her to get inside as he darted into his bedroom. The twi'lek pulled open a set of closet doors then frantically pulled his set of armor from out of it.

"I counted five, I don't know if there's more but they were coming up the hill and heading towards the front door. They're all holding blasters. I'm scared Jer, what do we do?" She asked as her husband speedily put on his armor. He quickly adjusted his boots, then walked to a locked cabinet where his heavy blaster rifle resided.

"I will handle it. They might be bandits or something. Hunters from the village wouldn't approach a home like that," Jer stated calmly as he held onto his V-201 in one hand, approaching his wife and son. Then spoke with total certainty. "Stay inside, stay out of sight, do not let them see you or Adal. If you hear blaster fire take Adal and run to the Fortitude. If I'm not back within a few minutes then also run there. Go out the back, get in the ship and lock it down behind you. Arm yourself and sit in the cockpit, do not let anyone inside but me. Make them think the ship is abandoned, use the cannons if you absolutely need to."

"But what about you? They could kill you. They don't look like twi'leks. You're finally done fighting wars the last thing we need is to bury you. Adal and I need you Jer." Sienni replied, tears welling in her eyes.

"Don't worry about me Sienni, you're even tougher than I am. Just listen to me please. A few bandits are child's play," Jer said calmly, flashing a tension breaking smile as he brought his wife in for a brief but powerful hug. Then he spoke once more, forcing his determination to protect his family overtake his sadness. "I love you both so much, please let me handle this."

"Be strong for us both Adal, I know you can be." He said to his young son, the boy was barely three years old. He reached out and hugged the young twi'lek, then rose to his feet.

His wife and son ducked into the kitchen, away from the impending conflict. Jer stepped out of the front door and shut it tightly behind him. He was greeted by the sight of five armed Zygerrians, each looking ready for a fight. Four of them held blaster rifles while a fifth clenched onto a sword. They were slavers, had to be. Ryloth was in Hutt space and he never recalled the Hutt cartel and the Zygerrian Empire working together. The situation made his skin crawl but he kept any fear in check. None of the feline beings were heavily armored and he had the biggest gun as well as the most combat experience.

"What the hell are you schuttas doing here? Leave now." Jer loudly exclaimed towards them, mindful of the distance between them. The quintent of slavers had just crossed over his fence, well within blaster range.

"What do we have here? We thought this building was abandoned, it was last time we flew over it. Instead we find an old tailhead, maybe more? Seems to be our lucky day." The sword wielding Zygerrian replied in words more akin to a taunt. A deep scar embedded in the slaver's right arm.

"I'm the only one here. Get out of here now, I'm giving you one chance. I'm not some weak twi'lek, I could easily rip through all five of you like nothing." Jer declared, narrowing his brow as the invaders took another step towards him.

"You sure are cocky for a future slave, I'll take delight in watching you toll away working. Take him in alive!" The scarred swordsman hollered back, as Jer answered with a volley of blaster fire which sent the Zygerrian to the ground in a heap. Smoke seeped from where the laser bolts impacted as the other slavers advanced, firing back at the twi'lek.

Jer dove to his right, sliding behind a set of metal crates. He thanked himself for not having brought the contents inside as the shots impacted into them instead of him. The former mercenary reached for his belt then flicked the ignition on a thermal detonator. With a grunt Jer heaved the explosive towards his attackers, causing them to scatter. Two were not quick enough and were caught in the ensuing blast. Dirt and wood kicked up as one of the Zygerrians screamed in pain, severely injured and blown away in the explosion. Another laid fallen on the ground, gruesomely taking the impact directly. The two still on their feet shifted to flank Jer as the mercenary rolled out of cover, firing into one of them with his blaster. Not letting go of the trigger until there was a hole in his target's gut.

The last slaver fired at the twi'lek, bolts slamming into the ground around him. One glanced off his leg, causing him to grunt in surprise. His adrenaline carried him forward as he dashed to duck behind a set of rocks. More shots rang out, filling the once serene landscape with the sound of battle. They sailed above Jer as he held onto his weapon, waiting for the exact moment to retaliate. Once the volley of blasterfire was finished he rose from behind cover and shot back, his heavy blaster rifle kicking like an angry bantha as he made his mark. His shots struck into the skull of the last remaining Zygerrian, ending the attacker's life suddenly. Jer shifted out from behind the rocks as he was the last man standing. The slavers likely didn't expect such heavily armed resistance.

The twi'lek strolled towards the other bodies as he ensured all of his attackers were dead. One of them still took labored breaths, his legs heavily disfigured from the detonator's blast, weapon out of reach. Jer approached the incapacitated slaver, making eye contact as he stood above the beaten raider victorious. The ex mercenary did not speak a word, only leveling his blaster at the slaver's skull before unleashing a trio of shots to finish the kill. He did not intend it as mercy, he simply did not want to leave the scum alive to potentially report to other of its vile kind. Then he walked with intent back towards his cabin, going around the left side to where his speederbike was. As he approached the vehicle he climbed onto it, flipped a switch and ignited the hovercraft.

"Sienni its me, are you and Adal on the ship?" He asked, turning on his comm link. Directing his words to the communications device in the Fortitude. He prayed deeply that his wife would answer.

"Yes, are you okay? Please tell me they're gone!" Sienni replied, speaking from aboard the ship. She sat inside the freighter, having locked it down completely. Adal on her lap as she tried to keep the child calm.

"They're all dead. I survived without a scratch, I'm gonna hop on my speeder and investigate. I don't want any others coming around here." He stated as he gently throttled the controls of his speederbike, coming into the open near the Fortitude.

"Jer don't. Get on the ship with us. We can leave the world and go somewhere safe. You don't know whats out there." Sienni said, on the verge of pleading. But she kept herself strong for Adal's sake.

"I can't Sienni, this is our home I have to protect it. I will contact you later, I promise. Do not leave the ship, do not let anyone aboard, its the safest place to be. The slavers didn't look armed enough to cut into a freighter." He replied, a somber tone in his words as he continued to speak. "I love you so much, I promise I will make it back."

Then the twi'lek speeded away, a part of him doubting his decision making. He very well could have hopped aboard his ship and left world. That wasn't the right choice, they'd work so hard to settle down on Ryloth they couldn't just pack it up and flee. His people were strong, even if they tended to be disorganized. He would bet there were some that were fighting back and Jer could help. Slavers were the worst of the worst, he couldn't have lived with himself if he let Sienni and Adal be taken by them. The former mercenary throttled harder on his speederbike as he headed into the tunnels beneath the surface, it was the best bet to find others. He'd found himself plunged into another conflict even in retirement.

[Ryloth, 6 ATC 6] A Long Year Amongst the Twi'Leks

Temporary character - Jer Vusid

Name: Jer Vusid

Species: Twi'lek

Age: 51

Gender: Male

Appearance:

Image of Jer

The veteran soldier has an appearance befitting his former occupation a strong, athletic frame. His eyes are a dark brown in color, his skin a very light tan shade. Jer's facial features are masculine and grizzled, with a notable scar going across his right eye up to his forehead. He stands a couple of inches over six feet in height. He's typically clad in his metal suit of armor which he's had for years. Though once things settle down on his homeworld he plans to finally hang up his armor.

Personality:
Jer at first impressions to some comes off as a hardened soul, someone who is not easy to crack into and converse with. He treats people around him with a measured caution as it is not an easy task to gain his trust. In general he is a cautious man, one that does not dive headfirst into situations before going through all possible solutions. He does not crave violence even though its what he's made living in for over three decades. Part of him is tired of all of the war and battles, his bones ache from the constant struggles he's taken a part in. The one thing he truly cares about is his wife, Sienni and his son, Adal. They are the biggest reason as to why he's retired from career as a lifelong soldier. They are why he's come back to live on his homeworld, a planet he has not step foot on in many years.

Skills:

• Despite now being middle aged Jer is still a great shot with blaster rifles. His body might be older and he less athletic, but his aim is still fantastic.
• Jer has an elite tactical mind. He's very knowledge of the art of warfare and is a talented battlefield tactician. He can effectively come up with battle plans on the fly.
• The twi'lek knows a few forms of martial arts and his bulky frame makes him a tough combatant even when unarmed. His punches still deal pain out.
• As he was once one of the most important members of a his mercenary company he's able to command respect from people serving under him. He's decent with words but is no suave charmer.
• Jer has fought across the galaxy and faced down all sorts of opponents in conflicts. It takes a lot to truly rattle him. He's fearless in battle with a confidence to take on practically anyone. He's able to make the toughest decisions.

Flaws:

• While he’s still a fierce combatant he is not as quick and limber as he used to be. He’s slower on his feet than he once was, with less stamina than he had in his best years. His body has been pretty worn from many years of combat.
• The veteran mercenary can give off a gruff manner to himself. Its not that he's a mean person, he's simply been hardened by all the violence he's seen. He's not really looking to make friends.
• Jer has an overconfidence to him, most mercenaries in the business as long as he was don't make it to his age. He's a survivor and a warrior who will not mince words when it comes to showing how proud he is out of it.
• He's confrontational with those that go against him and does not stand for backtalk from those fighting with him.
• The twi'lek has been betrayed before during his long career as a mercenary. He does not trust easily, or let many people close to him.

Equipment:

• V-201 Heavy Repeating Rifle
• Z-10 heavy blaster pistol
• His armor, medium weight and sturdy.
• Thermal detonators
• Smoke grenades
• Remote charges
• Vibroknife
• Grappling hook
• Comlink

Biography

Like many of his species he was born on the Twi'lek homeworld, Ryloth. He did not come from any wealthy upbringing or esteemed background. His parents often fought as the young twi'lek wondered if they actually even liked each other. Still they each tried to provide him with a loving childhood. His uncle, Laral was a hunter who would frequently travel into the dangerous wildernesses of their homeworld. Laral taught Jer how to use a blaster rifle and fend for himself. Jer never particularly enjoyed Ryloth, it was an unforgiving world that many who had been born onto it were dealt a bad hand. As soon as he reached adulthood he looked for a way offworld, he'd find it after convincing a visiting merchant, Kalon Hilbre, to take him on as a bodyguard.

Then he was off his homeplanet and into the stars. For almost five years he served as a bodyguard to the merchant, protecting the man when he would land on worlds to conduct business, as well as man the ship's cannons when raiders attacked. It was how he first experienced the greater galaxy. He purchased his own starship then ventured out on his own into the world of mercenary work. He would make contact with Usulf, an old mercenary friend of Kalon's who the merchant linked Jer up with. Usulf was a member of the Gold Rancor mercenary band, and Jer would find himself welcomed into the group some time after meeting Usulf.

The Golden Rancor mercenary company was a well known one across the galaxy, they participated in all sorts of conflicts. Wherever the credits could be made. They'd have a hand in the Great Galactic War which raged throughout the stars. The mercenary band worked for the Sith Empire, often serving as paid shock troopers and frontlines reinforcements. Jer would take part in multiple battles on the Sith side, though he didn't exactly like the Empire. They paid well and the contracts were honest enough. As the war went on the mercenaries continued to participate, while Jer climbed the ranks of the group. As the years rolled by he'd rise into higher roles within the mercenary company. His voice become an important one, and he earned respect from those around him.

As the war winded down the Golden Rancor company stayed in it until the end, once it subsided and the credits stopped flowing they ended their part in it. The galaxy was never wholly at peace, there were always conflicts and skirmishes to be found. In the last decade Jer met his future wife Sienni, a dancer. They'd fall deeply in love and it would take his focus away from his mercenary group. He'd leve the Golden Rancor band decisively, shortly after his son Adal was born. Now they have very recently all settled down on Ryloth, buying a cozy cabin in a more calm part of the world. He is on his way back to his homeworld to meet up with his family in order to hang up his blaster and retire. But it seems he's found himself pulled into a new conflict.

What Are You Listening To?

[Approved] Jedi Knight Aren Bec

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[Interest Check & OOC] Beyond the Void

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Star Wars - Knights of the Last Republic

Ryndi Das, Jedi Padawan

The powerful warmth of the Force held her in its embrace, basking the young Jedi in serenity and peace. She was on Dantooine once more, deep in meditation. It was as if she had never left the placid farming world, once more her fingertips danced through the tall, gentle blades of grass. Tickling her palms and sending a nostalgic sensation throughout her veins. It was where she been all those years ago when the Jedi knight arrived, like an angel descending from the heavens on a metal chariot. She was such an youth at that age, a code bound warrior of peace was the last thing she would have predicted she would become. It was a far-cry from the sensible ranching of her homeworld which was what her family did for a living. Yet in the stress filled mental state she found herself the Force guided her back to Dantooine, away from war which plagued the stars and made corpses of innocents. Far from the horrific reoccurring images of Master Gesi's brutal cessation at the hands of machines.

Wind whistled in the padawan's ears, it blew her flowing black hair across her shoulders gently. In her Force attuned meditative stance she strolled wordlessly through a lush field as she scaled a flower topped hillside. She reached the top to stop and gaze upon what laid before her, seemingly endless fields of nature covering every single inch of dirt. Thick forests of trees dotted the horizon, the air nudging the leaf filled branches gently. Clear blue skies hung far above her, devoid of smoke and flame. It was the picturesque vision of calmness for the troubled Jedi, the serene meditation she had seeked out in the Force. Ryndi was alone in her peace, as she had desired to be. The other Jedi tried their hardest to help her and she appreciated their efforts but solitary serenity was what she wished for more than anything at the moment.

In her vision she moved to sit atop the hill, ceasing her forward stroll as meditated in the same position she was in actuality. The tall grass welcomed her acting as a comfortable cushion for her frame. Each breath was deep in its length, helping to usher in the inner peace she desired. As her meditative counterpart gazed upon the horizon she felt a strange twitch, then watched as every single tree in her sight was enveloped in flame. Each leaf they carried turned to embers as the formerly lush plains turned to fields of fire. Internally she screamed, as the Force echoed her silent shriek. Her last sight in her meditation was blackened skies, as the formerly welcoming blades of grass cut into her like daggers and she was jolted back to reality.

Ryndi's eyes came open in a blaze to the sights of panic and sounds of utter chaos. Her pupils darted around madly in confusion like her head was a on a swivel as she tried to make sense of it all. She heard blaster fire echo down the hallways of their solemn temple, accompanied by horrific screams and the sounds of marching boots. The terrified padawan wondered if the Confederacy had broken through and against all odds launched a daring attack on Coruscant. If battle droids tore through the halls and slaughtered the Order's peaceful Jedi. She dismissed that panicky speculation as the Jedi who had awoken her shook her to her senses, hollering about clones. As Ryndi scrambled to her feet she felt the other Jedi's hands on her, recognizing him as Brel Kam, a Muun Jedi knight she had made an acquaintance with. He had been injured in battle, his left leg heavily bandaged. She could see the terror in the knight's eyes and felt it through the Force, then she finally comprehended his words.

"Lets go Ryndi! The clones are attacking the temple, they're killing everyone!" The Muun exclaimed, finally releasing the young Jedi as she felt her heart accelerate in her chest. Practically threatening to burst through her rib cage in her panic.

"W-what? They can't possibly..." The padawan replied as she took a step back, speaking between rapid breaths. It took every ounce of strength to pull the words from her own mouth as she did not even know what to say or think.

"There's no time, we have to move now!" Brel replied, as a few other Jedi around them walked around unsure, some scrambling to run. "Oh no, they're coming. Go now!"

She heard the Jedi knight holler as he ignited his lightsaber, the shimmering green blade sucking the tension from the room as it was followed by the thunderous sounds of combat boots across ground. Ryndi just started to run in the opposite direction, deeper into the temple and away from the main entrance. The clones couldn't have possibly have reached that far inside. A couple other Jedi had thought the same and ran ahead of her as Brel engaged the clone troopers. Her last glance back caught sight of him cutting down three of them valiantly, before being overwhelmed by a barrage of blaster fire. Then her running graduated into a full on sprint as she dashed with every ounce of strength she had. Shots rang out behind her, slamming in the trail where her footsteps had once been as another Jedi behind her fell in a heap.

The Force was clouded with pain, death and despair. The only thing keeping the already grief stricken padawan from plunging into the darkness was the sheer horror of the temple attack. A part of her told her to stop running and let herself die, without Master Gesi she was just some weak and broken girl. That she was doomed even she somehow survived this menacing assault on their beautiful temple. But the part of her mind that contained her survival instinct overcame the despair, and carried her footsteps ahead even as tears once more began to seep down her face.