Masters's Quarters - Crew Quarters A

Merrick found himself in the quarters set aside for the Master's on the Boundless. He felt the ship rumble and then the slight dip as it lifted off. No dampers made could completely eliminate that feeling.

Despite it all, Merrick was excited. Zambar seemed like a fine lad. He took to his task with vigor and without complaint despite its difficulty. Enthusiasm was something he could work with.

Where was Dynnyana? He had seen her at the meeting, but then lost her before he could speak to her. He had hoped she had come here to settle into her quarters.

Merrick sat down to wait in the common area.She would have to turn up at some point. He let his body relax and opened himself to the Force.

Although used to isolation, it still gives Dynnyana a sadness that is hard to escape. She had found a quiet spot in a rarely used hallway, and meditated on it, trying to become one with the Force and not feel like a failure who didn't deserve a padawan.

Eventually, she finds herself in the crew quarter area for the knights, and blinks in surprise to see Merrick in the common room. "Merrick," she pauses, before heading towards him. "I thought you would be with your padawan." Through the bond that they had shared, he can tell she has no jealousy towards him, but there is a bit of wistful sadness in the sensation that she was standing alone, watching her friends and compatriots continuing onward without her.

The blonde sits down across from him at the low table and smiles. "It's good to see you again, Master." If happiness by proxy is the closest she can achieve, she is more than willing to accept it. She is too practical to begrudge anyone their success.

Merrick opened his eyes and looked at his former apprentice. She had definitely changed since the last time they had spoken. The fire was still there, but it was tempered and focused.

"It is good to see you too. My padawan is busy with a task I set him on" ,he said, smiling mischievously, "I trust you remember the memory game.A starship is no replacement for an actual landscape, but we make do with what we are given."

Merrick directed his focus to her and the bond they had shared. He sensed a sadness that he could not quite pinpoint.

"Why the sadness, Dynnyanna? From what I have been told, being assigned to this project is a great honor or something like that. When they called me back to Coruscant, I expected an expansion of my duties in Hutt Space. The former Watchman, Master Corlis, met with an unfortunate "accident" at the hands of some so-called "mercenaries". My connection on the Hutt Ruling Council had given me some leads, but I was not able to follow up on them due to being recalled. I hope whoever they choose to replace Master Corlis knows what they are getting into."

Merrick came back to the present and really took her in. Time had been good to her. It had smoothed her rough edges, but had not weakened the steel in her spirit.

"I must say I am surprised to see you; pleasantly surprised. When we parted company on Nar Shaddaa, I was not sure what direction you would go. I hoped what I passed on to you would serve you. Apparently, it has. I apologize, but I am rambling. How have you been?"

Dynnyana smiles. "It's good to see you, as well. I suppose," she frowns thoughtfully, "that my sadness is just that there are so few Jedi who understand what being in the real world is like. It's difficult to find connection when your origins are so polar opposite. I was hoping that perhaps I would be paired with a padawan that was similar to how I had been, so I could pass along the lessons that you taught me."

The one thing that always bothered Dynnyana, Merrick knew, was feeling as if she was accomplishing something. Having a "job" was often the only thing that had driven her forward when life had seemed desolate and her future uncertain. Though he had helped her a great deal to find purpose and peace in the Force, she couldn't stay satisfied being idle for long. Some things are just impossible to change . . .

"As for your duties on the Council," she reveals her concern and a bit of surprise. "A Master was assassinated? That is very troubling. I assume there were witnesses," she asks. As a Master, he no doubt had become one with the Force upon death. It was a blessing, but also a curse: investigating the murder of a Jedi was far more difficult without the body as evidence. "Is it possible someone put a bounty on his head?" she asks, alto voice an urgent whisper. "Or even upon the Jedi in general?"

Merrick chewed on that a moment. He had put the murder out of his mind since being given this assignment. Now all the holes in the case came flooding back to him.

"That was my first assumption" ,Merrick said, "you know how the Hutts feel about Jedi interfering in their business. The more I looked though, the more the pieces did not add up. Something is moving and I can't put my finger on it. Now, I likely won't have the chance. I have a padawan..."

Merrick had a hard time keeping a bit of bitterness out of his voice. He did not balk against being a teacher, but with Master Corlis's death and the vacuum that had left in Hutt Space, he thought his abilities were wasted here. There were so many others better skilled and more willing to teach than he was.

"Don't take it too hard, Dynnyanna. You would most likely have been paired up with a padawan the exact opposite of you. Don't get me wrong, Zambar seems like a good kid, but his nose is in his datapad so much I am surprised he doesn't trip over his feet."

Dynnyana nods thoughtfully. "Still, there might be a chance to investigate after all. There are a lot of spirited youngsters here who would be interested in helping."

She sighs, though, and her hopeful expression dims. "But you're right... I thought maybe I would be given Padawan Maxwell to train, since he's been very difficult. But I guess the council is afraid."

He can tell from the hurt in her blue eyes that she feels a little personally attacked: Merrick trained her, so perhaps it was a reflection of their disappointment in her... Merrick had rescued her, but the council might not have the same faith in her that he did.

She blinks, realizing that she is allowing herself to mope. She should trust in the Force... "I'm sorry for being so selfish. Probably you and zambar have much to learn from each other. I suppose this is another time to trust that the Force will lead me to where I am needed."

Merrick smiled at his former pupil. He understood her frustration with the Council. He had felt it many times himself.

"The Council is...the Council" ,Merrick said, "believe me, I don't always know where their heads are. I do know their guidance is very rarely wrong and if they have placed you here, they have a reason for it. I do not think it is for lack of faith in your abilities. Quite the opposite, in fact.

These "children", for there is really no other way to refer to them, are entering a very different galaxy than they are used to; even Mr. Maxwell despite his worldliness. They need Jedi cut from unconventional cloth to prepare them for what lies ahead for them. Things are moving out there that are beyond anything the Jedi have ever faced before. These kids need to be ready. You, Dynnyana, are uniquely qualified to prepare them for those challenges; not just one student, but all of them. In fact, it would seem that all the knights and masters they have assembled for this project are rather unconventional. Perhaps the Council has discerned this fact as well."

She smiles and nods, relief washing across her features. "Thank you, Master. I think you're probably right. I'm truly glad for your advice and your ear." Taking a deep breath, she says, "well, the journey shouldn't be too long. I think I should go and get to know some of the other padawans, just in case the Council does wish me to help the other Knights."

Going to stand, she shivers a bit and starts unwrapping her robe from her waist, actually putting it on this time. "It's always cold on ships," she smiles a bit ruefully. "Have a good day, Knight Merrick," she bows to him.

Merrick bowed in return.

"You as well, Knight Dynnyanna."

Merrick nodded to Master West in return. He did not know the man, but instantly liked him. He had a very down-to-earth manner about him that Merrick definitely appreciated.

"Interesting to say the least, Master West",Merrick said, "I was just reconnecting with my old student. Knight Catalia had the misfortune of my teaching early in her career. Thank the Force I did not mess her up too much. I am sorry that our duties have not allowed us to cross paths before now. I appreciate your outlook."

Making his way through the interior of the ship, Bevik found the primary passageways busy with ship personnel moving about. The purveying mood felt here aboard the Boundless was similar to the feeling one gets walking the halls of the Jedi Academy on Coruscant; "mild excitement mixed with calm composure" was how Bevik would describe the feeling. The layout of the ship was simple enough, and Bevik quickly found his way to the living quarters, navigating short, empty hallways to what appeared to be the lounge used by the masters as a meeting place.

If Bevik felt any anxiety at all it was to have Master Onmp's message delivered and his task complete. What other worry could he have? His mission was simple, important, and about to be complete.

Bevik walks into the Lounge...

Entering into the Master's Lounge, Knight Kaapel stops at the sight of Brevik, "Oh, hello there! I just saw a ship in the bay drop some people off and take some others away and I guess that was you?" The woman in question doesn't look like a Knight at all, she looks, at best, like a Padawan ready to take their final tests to become a Knight. Twenty would be pushing her age. Her long, white hair is pulled back into a simple ponytail, though the length of it is completely unmanageable, almost down to her knees. I'm Knight Kaapel," her voice is a pleasant, soprano sing-song though her smile is a little too broad. Not in a malicious sense but the sort of smile you'd give a small child of five or six.

"Hi!" Bev squeaked in reply to Knight Kaapel. Feeling his spine go unnaturally rigid he worked to keep his face blank. It dawns on him in that moment that he had unconsciously developed a mental image of 'aged and sage-like' Jedi Masters, like nearly every Jedi Master he previously ever had any real interaction with, but the image of the bright Knight that glided past - and actually talked to him - brought reality rushing in on the boy like a crested wave.

Bev returned a faint smile and dutiful nod, adding: "Knight Kaapel," and then turned large eyes toward the rest of the room while alert for queues as to who might be the senior Master present. Not that 'seniority' on it own mattered, but the urgency of his mission and the sensitivity of his message required maximum discretion. Bev would only relay his message when it was made absolutely clear it was prudent to do so.

To the room, Bev introduced himself: "Greetings, Masters. I'm Padawan Malviis; my master, Master Onmp, has sent me to you with all haste to relay an important message to those enroute to Arkania." Bev paused to let his words sink in. Perhaps others have yet to arrive.

Merrick looked at the boy who had just made his entrance. Interesting; the padawan was here but not the master. This mission was getting stranger all the time.

"Welcome, padawan",Merrick said, nodding at the boy gravely indulging the airs he was trying to put on, "I am Merrick Durn. Please deliver your message."

"Thank you, Masters, my message is this: 'A darkn-*" Young Bevik turns to look at the Jedi Knight that has just entered the lounge. Looking back to Master West, Bevik folds his hands together under his robe sleeves as a sign of humility and begins anew, speaking deliberately. "Respectfully, Masters, 'A darkness is manifest on Arkania, contrary to prevalent information; be warned and proceed with all cautionary protocols. The source is as-yet unknown.'"

Bevik paused for a few heartbeats, then added: "My master sent me to give you this message - he thought you all should know before arriving to Arkania." Having nothing further to say, Bevik suddenly felt the weight of so many eyes upon him, and he found it imposing to look any one person directly, so he looked at the table instead and pressed his lips into a meek smile to signal that he was finished.

"I believe my master intended that I complete the journey back to Arkania with you. He said that a number of masters and padawans were to be joining us at the Academy there, and that I might benefit from the association." Bevik paused, eyes glanced down and to the left, then back to Master West, "And as for my master's message, we just don't know much yet. And Master Onmp is wise; he knows that confronting darkness should be done 'with discretion and in numbers'," enunciating that last part in obvious repetition of his master's own words. "But then, Arkania was supposed to have been cleansed of its darkness, which is why the Academy there was cleared for students, so that's the concern I guess." Bevik gave a little concluding shrug.

Young Bevik was used to being tested by his elders. He responded well to his training as a youngling, and as such Bevik didn't have an ego to bruise. Respectfully holding Master West's gaze for a moment, Bevik responded to Master Kain's question directly, though with implications towards Master West's comments as well: "My master didn't share his thoughts with me about what was felt. But I've been thinking about why he sent me to you so quickly, especially since you were all on your way to us. I think it's because all the masters on Arkania did think the planet was cleansed of the darkside. That's why Master Arca Jeth established his Praxeum on Arkania, to cleanse the planet. But, well, if it was freed of the darkside or not," then glancing again at Master West, "or if that's even possible, there's something there now. It was hiding, like it didn't want to be found... and I think we- I mean, I think Master Onmp discovered it quite by accident when we were conducting our life-essence exercise; you know, when you take a species of plant into an environment that it can't live in, but feed it with the force so it can live."

Bevik added, almost to himself: "I think that's what made it curious. But its hard to be certain..."

"Vanilla," thought Bevik, "masters that like sweets - how cool! Bev had only been around older, serious masters for the most part. Master Onmp's idea of levity was sitting still for as long as possible without blinking.

Bev was also impressed with the group before him. No one seemed overly concerned with the message he dutifully relayed, and so he voiced as much to the masters remaining in the lounge.

"No one seems to be too concerned about this news. I've no experience with these things, but this group fills me with much hope."

Bevik also thought back to the masters and padawans that were leaving as he arrived. "Its too bad some left before I got to deliver my message though, we could have used their help I think.

Edit: so many spelling and grammar issues!

The statuesque blonde woman who had been leaning against a wall, saying nothing, glances over at Bev; she finally speaks. "The council tells us where to go, and those that left were no exception." She gives him a small smile. "I'm Knight Catalia. Oh and, don't think we aren't concerned. It's just that, we know there is no sense in stressing ourselves over something we can't affect at the moment. Better to wait, and focus, and gather strength."

The young boy feels his pulse quicken. Academy life on Coruscant was the opposite of 'excitement', and so Bevik really didn't know what real excitement was - but he was feeling it now.

"The darkness won't stand a chance," he said to Knight Catalia with wide eyes and a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. Master Onmp would hardly suffer such sentimentality; he'd certainly have something mentor-y to say right now. But Bevik allowed himself the indulgence, if only briefly.

Feeling more confident, Bevik added: "You know, I should admit something to you. The Darkness... I felt it too." Bevik scanned the faces of those present for reactions and then continued on. "It wasn't scary or anything, it was just... there. Like a spot in the light of the Force, just out of view. It felt... old, that's the only way I can explain it. And I didn't exactly share this with my master. To be honest, he didn't exactly ask either. But I feel a little bad for not telling him. I think he sent me away because he's worried for me. In his own way - Master Onmp doesn't actually worry. He's kinda like Master West in a way. But he talks about the 'Will of the Force' mostly, and says things will be as they will." {Shrug} "Do you think I messed up?"

"As you say, Master Kaine," came the simple reply. Bevik needed some time to absorb the older Jedi's words and mull over what it meant for their collective future.

But in the here and now, Bevik was going to need a little food and a place to rest. Bev could sleep almost anywhere - and would fall asleep in an instant. He spent a number of nights huddled in a cave on Arkania; he could fall asleep sitting on a chair, chin in hand, and wake up fully rested. Some say sleep comes easy to the serene, but truth was, Bev just had no conflict in his young life. In short, he had nothing to worry about. He had no possessions except the clothes on his back, and with so many intrepid Jedi around, no talk of darkness gave Bev any concern.

Yes, Bevik was looking forward to learning more from the masters abourd this ship, and their respective learners.

With a bewildered look, Ian scratches his head as the Knights and Masters discuss what holomovie they're going to watch. "Uh . . . thanks? I mostly did it ta piss everybody off." He frowns quietly looking around the assembled group. Scowling irritably, the young man crosses his arms over his chest, "Well, whatever. Y'all watch whatever y'want." Heading over to one of the couches in the lounge, he up-nods to Bevik, "Say what-up, yo?'

Bevik had never seen a movie before, only instructional holovids as part of one curriculum or another. The thought of watching a holo purely for escape and entertainment was lost on the youth; he was an old soul at heart and would rather be contemplating the nature of the Force, or better yet, preparing to reveal this new malice discovered on Arkania.

This last thought was Bevik's own private indulgence; he would deny it to the last, but the idea of an adventure to search and destroy an as-yet unseen enemy was the proverbial hidden fruit hanging at eye level.

"The dark and the light are balanced within the force... but those who would use the dark side as a tool for their own selfish things have to be stopped," Bev thought to himself. Death and Life are cyclical, but those who would drink of the endless wells of avarice would be capable of anything, harming anyone and everyone who stepped in their way.

"No, I'm kinda hoping we get back to Master Onmp without delay. I really hope he's ok."

Bevik, mouth agape, stands to one side of the room, wide and innocent eyes reflecting psychological horror tearing at the fabric of budding emotions like needles punching through soft hide. Feeling the drool pooling on his bottom lip, Bevik pulls himself together with a self-conscious glance to those within potential line of sight. He wonders at the funny feeling in his tummy, but decides he's too ill for food and ponders whether he can use the force to disappear completely.

"So this is 'movies'... the black thought enters his mind like a data spike, then an uncontrollable giggle begins to escape and Bevik just knows he's blushing. Looking toward the exit, Bev fights the impulse to run because, well, he might pee.

Dynnyana yawns, looking rather bored herself as the movie goes on. She watches Ian and Alyx slip out of the room quietly, and pauses to frown at her thoughts. Finally, the blonde decides to get up herself, rising and stretching her arms high with a sigh, she excuses herself with a small murmur to anyone concerned and joins them in the corridor.

Out in the corridor, Ian waits until the door to the main room is closed. "Holy balls, -that- was painful." The young human chuckles dryly with a wry grin. "Man, what'a day." He shakes his head, long hair swaying gently, "Leavin' Coruscant, gettin' assigned a new master." His eyes twinkle with a bit mischief, "Gettin' ta play music critic. You must be exhausted.""So what'cha think'a all this?"

Veria watches the movie with rapt fascination. At several points she takes out her datapad and seems to . . . be taking notes? At the end of the entire thing she claps energetically. "Oh, I just love a good documentary. They're my favorite." That makes sense.

When Bevik saw others leaving the lounge, he took the opportunity to slip out as well. He could use some food, but he also hoped to find a spot to sleep. If he could get those images out of his mind. But to be honest, he had so many questions...

Alex really isn't in the mood for watching a movie, So she thankfully goes to leave with Ian when he suggests heading out. "What do -you- think?"she asks him back.

Sighing, out in the hall, Ian makes a face of distrust. "I dunno . . . A few of'em seem alright but the rest are tryin' ta be our buddies an I -really- dislike that."

"Yeah," she frowns thoughtfully. "It does kind of muddy the waters... I guess it would be ok if meditating on the Force was all we're going to be doing. But I really hope it's not." Ian can sense her irritation over their bond at how the Jedi never actually make a stand.

"Well -I- think it's creepy as hell." He takes a breath and goes to clap her on the shoulder, "Hey, let's do'the responsible thing, slice inta their personal records an then figure out fer ourselves what kinda people they is."

He gives her a small grin, "An worst comes ta worse . . . I'll train you. An I will pester the -shit- outta all those knights until they give us somethin' worthwhile ta do."

She looks uncertain. "I'm sure they're not actually creepy. Maybe they just don't feel comfortable with being authority figures." She doesn't even dignify his offer of slicing with a response. "Let's go spar and we can talk about what kind of change we would like to make in the galaxy."

"Sounds perfect." He chuckles and turns to go, "I got me an itchin' ta cause trouble fer some Hutts m'self. Wha'dya think, Knight Catalia?" He glances back at the blonde Knight where she was half hidden.

The blond woman smirks as she stepped out of the shadows. "I think you're absolutely right that being friends with your Padawan is anathema to the entire process. I'm only friends with my master now because I'm a knight."

"Well, t'be fair I'm not exactly an -expert- on the process. I've had three masters give up on me, after all, but it's nice ta have my hypothesis be supported." He grins broadly, showing a cheerful glee at having chased off so many teachers but Alyx can sense, through their bond that it makes him angry. Hurt, even.

Dynnyana nods, expression serious. "That's regrettable." Her blue eyes focus on his Violet ones. [/b]"Actually I wanted to talk to you about that."[/b]

Alex looks confused, but doesn't interrupt.

Ian's eyes narrow slightly, less in suspicion and more in confusion. "Uh, sure?" He scratches his head slightly but nods. "I mean I know how it looks but I'd definitely did not slice inta High Council transmissions an have'im reassigned." The link reveals to Alyx, again, his true feelings. It had surprised him when Knight Zatee was reassigned but he was also, apparently, wanting to obfuscate his own irritation on the matter.

Dynyanna nods again. "Well, I don't have a Padawan. And you don't have a knight. I feel a strong sense though the Force that I would be a good match for you." She blinks calmly. "And I don't abandon people. So even if I was reassigned, you would come with me." She smiles then. "Or I would tell them no."

He blinks a few times in surprise. "Uh, wait, you -want- to train me?" He voices rises incredulity, "But . . . I'm an asshole. On purpose. Ask Alyx!"

Alex looks shocked as well. "Um, well Ian-"

"I'm an asshole too," Dynnyana interrupts. "If that's the word you're using to describe how you act out. I'm not interested in what the council thinks. Only the Force and my instincts. I trust myself more than any council."

"Okay. Well." He clears his throat and glances over at Alyx for a moment before nodding, "I mean, at the rate things have gone you'll hafta make it only'a couple hours ta be better than the last guy."

He seems uncertain for a moment before he nods. "You -is- the first one who's asked instead'a told. Be -rude- ta not respect ya in kind."

Ian clears his throat, giving a deep nod that almost brushes against a tiny bow, "Okay, then, Master. I'm in."

Dynnyana smiles, and the expression softens her normally cold facade. "Great! I'm glad." Looking between the two younger Padawans, she gives a slight smirk. "So I overheard you were going to spar. Mind if I tag along so I can get an idea of your fighting style?"

Alex glances over at Ian, blushing a bit out of nowhere. Ian can sense she feels a bit strange having someone watch them when they are otherwise alone, but she knows that's silly...

"Sure!" Ian nods and gestures down the corridor, "I guess it's best y'learn who'the real powerhouse'a this duo is early on." He points at Alyx where the other Padawan can't see, mouthing 'very scary' to Dynyanna.

Across the link, Alyx can sense that Ian is a little disappointed at the lack of getting to spend time alone together but he's also cautiously optimistic that Dynyanna will be more accepting of him than most Jedi.

Before they go, Ian spots Bevik in the corridor, "Hey, new kid. What's the haps?"

Bevik rounded a corner and almost ran into someone's butt. He wasn't sure who, because there were, like, at least 6 legs there, but he stutter-stepped and blushed right on by. Then that one apprentice spoke to him as he passed. Bev was surprised and not too familiar with the parlance the older guy used, so he just pipped "Hi," a little too quickly. Bev was suddenly very aware of his youth and couldn't wait until he grew up like that guy.

The ship interior in the living quarters was very simplistic - minimal and practical, but made comfortable by using off-white and beige tones lit softly by yellowish luminaires and wall sconces in the 3500 kelvin range. All lighting design was purposefully indirect and thoughtfully similar throughout the interconnecting corridors so that the eye didn't have to readjust while walking about. Though once one reached the primary passage way it was back to business with direct lighting using cool white color temperatures and diffusing covers. Bev poked shyly around the main passage, curious but avoiding eye contact as he headed aft towards the hanger. No one paid him much attention, not like that older guy did, and Bev didn't really see much that interested him; it was primarily doors and passageways to who-knows-where, and Bev really just wanted to find some food. If he didn't find anything to eat, he figured he would just go back to the hanger and find a corner, cupboard or tool shed to curl up in and go to sleep. Space was cold, and Bev was already over the stale smell of recycled air.

Bev just wasn't sure of what to do with himself, now that his message had been delivered and his mission complete.

Before Bevik could get too far, Ian reaches out to snag the hood of his robe. "Come on, nerd. There's already enough of us wanderin' round this ship alone. Stay with'the tour group." His expression is somewhere between be used and irritable. "Someone's gotta run'an get a first aid kit after Alyx here kicks my ass." He upnods at the Zabrak girl who looks like she is a foot shorter than him.

Children should have fun - at least for as long as they are children. Bev never really learned to have fun; but then Bev was never really allowed to be a child. So the playful tug on his hood stunned him for a brief moment, and then a bright smile played across his face. Caught in the wake of joy made by Ian and Alyx, Bev followed after without hesitation, ecstatic and curious as to what happens next.

Bev chirped "OK!" at Ian, thinking about how amazing it feels to be included. Bev didnt even remember his hunger, though if he did, he wouldn't have missed - whatever's happening - for all the hot stew on the ship!

"Man, I am glad ta be outta there." As the four of them head along the corridor he glances back to the others, "So, Bevik, you've been ta Arkania? What's the worst part?" He chuckles quietly as they meander towards the hangar. When they enter the cavernous enclosure, the long haired human pauses, looking ahead at some of the cargo containers that look as though they've been cracked open.

"What the hell!" Indignant he jogs over, examining them. "Dammit. An after all'the trouble I went to ta smuggle these on board." Saying it right in front of your new teacher. Classy.