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Slayer
Mar 9, 2013 13:37:56 GMT -5
Post by Solaris on Mar 9, 2013 13:37:56 GMT -5
The silver-haired young Jedi Knight, at first glance, might have passed for a Yuuzhan Vong. Like many Jeedai, the new priesthood that had supplanted the old caste which had led the Vong into ruin five centuries ago, she was clad in the living garments of Vonduun carapace and glistaweb robes. However, not only did her hair color set her apart, so too did her smooth, soft skin and bright blue eyes; Miri Dakaar was no true Vong, but rather a Human woman sent to the Yuuzhan Vong fleet as an envoy. She stood beside the captain of the Flower of Light, honored beyond her years for her 'caste' and her supernatural wisdom. They were in the cognition chamber of the great battle-cruiser, the bioship equivalent of a bridge, with representatives from each of the castes aboard the Flower to meet the messenger. Captain Jakan Jamaane was an old, wily warrior, one who ruled over the crew of his cruiser in a benevolent, even grandfatherly dictatorship, but he was a stickler for protocols and proper forms where other Vong were concerned.
He was somewhat less so with outsiders; to his mind, even the honored guest Miri Dakaar was still neither high nor low, but simply outside their culture. She was thus not the representative of the Jeedai of the Flower; that worthy was Malik Jamaane, a middle-aged Vong clad in Vonduun carapace and glistaweb robes much like Miri's own, with his black hair trimmed short save for a cluster of thin braids behind his right ear.
Standing across from them was the captain of the much smaller, and much older, Yuuzhan Zhaelor, a vestige of the old ways. As the captain of the smaller vessel, Urir Jamaane had been obliged to come aboard the Flower to bear his message. Miri knew what he would speak of before he even opened his mouth; her own contacts among the Jedi had suggested to her an unholy alliance between Sith and Vong - of dark warriors combining biots ways unheard-of since the days of the Great War, and using dark sorcery to imbue them with terrible power. Despite this, she was still startled; even among the Vong, beings who were completely absent from the Force were still quite rare. Miri was interested to see how Urir Jamaane, by all reports a great traditionalist and a cunning warrior, would spin this intelligence.post
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Slayer
Mar 9, 2013 15:05:34 GMT -5
Post by Stacker on Mar 9, 2013 15:05:34 GMT -5
Urir Jamaane, a well-known Jamaane Warrior Comander, stood aboard the Flower of Light, a larger vessel than his that, in all honesty, he would have been more well suited to command than the decrepit visage of the past he was put in charge of by the Supreme Commander himself. Aboard this vessel were almost exclusively those of his own Domain, one he had been in line to lead once in his past, though it was passed up for several other more favorable candidates. And yet the 'grandfather' of all the Jamaane, Jakan, was still the power of the Jamaane warriors.
Aboard this vessel was the Jeedai emissary, Miri. He had never been particularly fond of the Jeedai, even the caste of his own people. He harbored a kind of negative disposition towards the Jeedai native to this galaxy, though it may be from a somewhat biased position of being one of the few Yuuzhan Vong still a void in 'the Force'. Either way he would give her respect as he would anyone the NeoVong Confederacy allowed to even know where one of their own ships was at the time.
He had made the customary introductions between himself and others of his Domain aboard the ship, and the few that were not of his Caste as well. He would have introduced himself to the true Jeedai, but the command given by Jakan was not to introduce himself further but to speak of his findings.
"Tsii dau poonsii," the Commander spoke up over the lower-Commanders and those speaking above their positions, his own Vonduun Crab seeming to bow itself to the power of this Warrior's voice. He heard the customary 'belek tiu' from a few, the Yuuzhan Vong way of either asking permission to speak or recognizing someone greater than they.
Further speaking his own language he would give his report, one that a few here already knew. "A Klekket have I spent on the fringes of the space of these...Siith. Those familiar with the heresy of the most powerful and most shamed grandfather of the Jamaane know the stories of what I have seen." He could feel the change in emotion aboard this vessel, one he wondered if Jakan felt a change in the Flower itself.
He waited one more moment, his patience wearing thin. He cared less about how the representatives of the Jamaane felt for his mention of the Supreme Commander that oversaw the fall of the Yuuzhan Vong by the 'Skywalkers', weak enough to be manipulated by Onimi, and was both the beginning and end of the Jeedai Heresy. Despite time having gone by, the Jamaane would know the history of their Domain best - and his report would bring out the spirit of each Warrior in this room.
"There are Vong who have turned from our Confederacy, Kane a bar Vong who have turned from our gods to worship and work with these Siith. Shimrra's heretical abominations are being created, being brought back by our pratte!"
He paced the room, looking to commanders and sub-commanders who understood best the implications. He then pulled out a villip, the Yuuzhan Vong's form of communication, and laid it down. Suddenly it began to morph into different images. "One of mine is currently watching. This is the heresy of the Vong shapers and Siith alchemies." The villip morphed until a picture became clear, at least to the Yuuzhan Vong in the room, what the disgraceful 'vong' and their Sith masters were doing. "These are Shimrra's. These are Slayers, bred enemies of the Jeedai."
After a moment the villip formed back into it's original shape and Urir grabbed it up, tucking it back into a small pouch off his 'belt'. He then turned to Malik and Jakar Jamaane to allow them to finish, as he knew not out of certainty what the will of the Warmaster was. "Belek tiu Jakar," he spoke, ushering the Us-hrok as a sign of deep respect. He then took his place, placing hand over the head of the agitated Amphistaff wrapping itself over a shoulder and down his arm.post
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Slayer
Mar 9, 2013 16:27:24 GMT -5
Post by Solaris on Mar 9, 2013 16:27:24 GMT -5
Jakan looked to Miri and Malik at the appearance of the stocky, black-skinned humanoids wielding amphistaves and fighting in what the young Jedi recognized as a derivative of Ataru. Miri sensed a flicker of confusion from the taciturn Jeedai, and hastened to answer lest he seem unprepared. She couldn't lose face, but he could. "Our history recalls them as Slayers, Captain," she interjected smoothly. "Shaped Jedi clones bred to serve the Yuuzhan Vong during the Great War, and equipped with a suite of biots in an effort to make them mighty. Power and might are no match for skill, courage, and the Force; they managed to kill no Jedi, and did not slow Shimrra's eventual defeat."
"Fortunately," Jakan agreed, then looked back to Urir, his expression grave. "What world are these . . . things on?" he asked. If it were Jamaane, they could deal with it easily and openly - but if it were another Domain's shapers, as he feared, putting an end to these abominations would be a much, much trickier task. "Who among the People have fallen so low as to re-create things best left to rot?"
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Slayer
Mar 10, 2013 0:52:34 GMT -5
Post by Stacker on Mar 10, 2013 0:52:34 GMT -5
Urir was surprised, though he did not show it. He was sure that Jakan or even the real Jeedai would have heard official orders from higher. However, it was also understandable if Jakan were the one to have authority over what should happen with these abominations. He was impressed with the young emissary's knowledge of their history, though it too was understandable. However, her mention of the Force as well as Jakan's expression and question, set his mind to a more disagreeable point.
"Who else could it be," the Commander asked in a flat, yet rhetorical manner. "Than those who created them first; the Shapers of Domain Kwaad."
"Their heresies have long been known," a Sub-Commander spoke, despite it being out of place. "They are one of he only Domains known to support the Sith, and it was their own Most High Shaper who made them first. It would make sense if they were the ones to do so."
Despite the Sub-Commander essentially interrupting a superior, Urir's only response was a distasteful glance, more for a statement that could express that the Sub-Commander questions Urir Jamaane's information. "I am not fool enough to make a report without verifying my information, Sub-Commander. An Adept sent away has made good feeding for my Yuuzhan Zhaelor."
Urir looked back to Jakan and the true Jeedai, noticing the gesture the Sub-Commander made silently as an apology. He would be spared, as despite Urir being more traditionalist than most Domain Jamaane he still held a capacity for letting things slide. Of course, if he did it again Urir might gift the Sub-Commander a visit to his beloved Chair of Pain. "I believe it is your decision, Commander Jakan, what we are to do in dealing with this?"
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Slayer
Mar 10, 2013 1:28:30 GMT -5
Post by Solaris on Mar 10, 2013 1:28:30 GMT -5
"Then the law is clear," Jakan replied. "We can do nothing outside of our Domain." He gestured dismissal, and the other members of the council departed the cognition chamber with bows. They knew what the wily old captain was up to. "Before you go, Commander Urir - I should take it as a favor if you were to look after this one." He placed a hand on Miri's shoulder. "She is afflicted with a certain wanderlust, and is prone to going wherever her whims take her. Do see to it her explorations do not bring her to harm. Her presence brings Jamaane great honor; her death would be our shame."
Miri flashed Jakan a smile as she walked up to the junior Commander. She faced Urir, looking up at the hulking Yuuzhan Vong warrior. He was tall and lean, covered in thick, heavy Vonduun carapace so different from her own. "I feel the Force calling me to the Yuuzhan Zhaelor," she said with a hint of a smile she tried to fight. Miri was still only Human; her face was designed for expression, unlike the Vong. "If her Captain accepts me aboard, that is."
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Slayer
Mar 11, 2013 22:34:49 GMT -5
Post by Stacker on Mar 11, 2013 22:34:49 GMT -5
Urir wanted nothing more than to beat this young Jedi into the 'floor', though it was not because she was being assigned to his ship. It was technically viewed as a great honor. No, he just hated true Jeedai. Actually, he hated all Jeedai, including the NeoVong Jeedai. They allowed a false worship of them because it allows for 'peace', but it weakens all that are involved and spreads fiction. He simply wanted to make an example of her. After all, the Yuuzhan Jeedai did not actually worship the Force. They worship the true Jeedai who wield it.
Hiding his contempt for Jeedai his face contorted to what it could as a smile and he bowed his head. There was a complete logical fallacy in the way she presented herself to come aboard his ship. Actually, there numerous, and he wondered if she took him as a fool or if she herself was a fool. Either way he would, once more, keep it to himself. "Of course, Jeedai Miri Drakaar. It would be an honor to have you." His tone was far from flat, but actually conveyed what might be convincing sincerity. He didn't care if she knew he did not appreciate her. He only cared if his superiors knew.
He looked to Jakan and Malik and gave a farewell gesture of respect. "Come, Jeedai Miri. I do believe it is time to leave and the Yuuzhan Zhaelor is uncomfortable when around the newer ship forms for too long."
Turning to leave he clasped his hands behind his back. The Amphistaff had finally seemed to let it's tension go, which certainly gave him better posterity. The plasma eel, however, was hissing as it wrapped around his hip. It knew the frustration Urir was feeling concerning Domain Kwaad and would only calm when his own frustrations left him. If anything ever told his emotions truthfully it would be the betrayal of his own weapons. However, they were also well trained and better mannered in situations where he needed them to be still.
A thought stirred in Urir's mind as he walked concerning the Kwaad, however. Open war between Domains was not something anyone under the Warmaster, or perhaps even the Supreme Commander himself could, or would allow. However, with Jeedai Miri in his care he could defend her. The Jeedai could make for useful bait in seeing the Slayers destroyed, especially seeing as their foes were failed experiments and Shapers and the Jeedai herself likely a match for him - if not greater. Should the chance arise he would take it, and the thought filled his contempt-filled heart with warmth.
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Slayer
Mar 11, 2013 23:32:22 GMT -5
Post by Solaris on Mar 11, 2013 23:32:22 GMT -5
Miri's brow knit into a frown as she heard the way he emphasized her name and title. "No, let's go." She smiled tightly. "Wouldn't do to have her get tense," she said to Urir before turning to Commandar Jakar. "I'll be just a moment."
"He hates me," Miri said in an undertone when Urir had gone.
"He is a warrior," Jakar replied, showing a ghoulish mimicry of a reassuring smile. He had studied the galactics just as Miri had studied him, though he was less apt a pupil than she. He was hampered more by his physiology in his efforts at mimicking Human expressions than Humans were in mimicking the Yuuzhan Vong. The older Vong placed his hands on her shoulders, looking her in the eye. "Urir looks at you and sees the Jedi, not the Miri Dakaar. Show him the Miri Dakaar and he'll come to . . . well, tolerate you." Jakar chuckled darkly. Urir Jamaane was not known for his jolly temperament. "He doesn't hate you. He hates what he thinks you are. He's a warrior; he'll judge you on your merits as you make them known to him, not on your origins."
Miri nodded, only somewhat reassured. "As you will, Captain," she said with a wry smile.
"Rush'hok ichnar vinim'hok," Jakar said, giving her shoulders a reassuring squeeze before letting her go and gently pushing her towards the valve-door Urir had departed through. "And may the Force be with you," he said in thickly-accented Basic. "Now go, before he begins to think tardiness is one of your qualities."
Miri grinned at him, then took off after the other Yuuzhan Vong warrior. Comparing the two of them, she could see why the Jedi had sent her to the Flower; Jakar was not only wise and well-respected, but he had a kindly side to him that was very uncharacteristic of the Yuuzhan Vong warrior caste.
Urir Jamaane, on the other hand . . . he didn't quite frighten her, but he came damn close. Miri slowed to a brisk walk as she came in sight of him, still moving quick enough to catch up but not eager to run up to a potentially lethally hostile warrior. "I am ready to go right away," she said to the Yuuzhan Vong officer as she walked up. "The Flower will tell my Coralskipper to transfer over when I do."
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Slayer
Mar 12, 2013 16:50:49 GMT -5
Post by Stacker on Mar 12, 2013 16:50:49 GMT -5
Urir was a little annoyed the human girl had stalled to further speak with Jakan. He couldn't be sure what she was holding back for but he did have to wonder how much the Jeedai could tell of him from this mysterious 'Force', if there was anything at all. But it did not matter because once aboard his ship he would not have to be quite as outwardly nice. He would not dishonor himself, his ship, caste, or Domain, but he did not have to be quite as friendly on the outside. There were many who believed the same way he did, even among the Jamaane, which allowed more room for open distaste of the Jeedai despite the Priests having been replaced by the NeoVong Jeedai.
When she caught back up and noted she was ready to leave he released his hands and let himself step more into his stride, only keeping short of his natural stride as the true Jeedai was a good bit shorter and thus naturally slower than he. "Good," the warrior said, still holding back a more gruff tone. The only reason he did not state the Zhaelor would be noticable was because of what little he knew of the Force, in that she would likely find it with both her eyes and the Coralskipper's own eyes blinded.
He stepped onto the biot platform that would take them to the 'bay' where the starfighter analogues were waiting to be taken away. In the mean time he had only a single question for the Jeedai. "Answer me something I have yet to understand, Jeedai Miri. What is the important of this supposedly omni-present Force?" He didn't even bother to look at her. It wasn't truly a question that was entirely out of spite for what she embodied in his mind, though it was still there, but rather a gauge. He wanted to know something about someone he was taking aboard the ship that puts him in one of the most precarious and potentially dangerous positions in nearly the entire NeoVong Confederacy military.
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Slayer
Mar 12, 2013 17:30:00 GMT -5
Post by Solaris on Mar 12, 2013 17:30:00 GMT -5
The question caught Miri off-guard. She could see why he would emphasize 'supposedly' - he was, after all, as blank and devoid of it as any Vong of the Skywalkers' day. She smiled and stepped onto the platform with him, thinking he might have been trying to open up the conversation as a way of trying to get a more amicable relationship. Maybe she'd been wrong about him.
"I don't know," Miri replied, shrugging her shoulders and looking out at the sight of the Coralskippers in their nutrient baths. She picked out her own immediately, a sleek little interceptor-type that she'd grown from a seed-partner herself. "It's a lot like asking what is the importance of life. I think you might have to be outside of it to truly assess it." She'd been about to point out that one of the wisest she'd encountered on the subject of life and the nature of it had been a Shard Jedi she met at the Temple, but that would have been . . . imprudent. Even the most tolerant of Yuuzhan Vong hated droids as abominable imitations of life, and Urir had not struck her as the most generous of sorts. "And please, Commander, just call me Miri. 'Jeedai' carries connotations neither of us likes."
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Mar 14, 2013 19:52:45 GMT -5
Post by Stacker on Mar 14, 2013 19:52:45 GMT -5
What might have been a frown twisted in Urir's face. For once he was no-where near impressed with the Jeedai's response. He had thought that she may give an answer that was worth something, or would have explained who she was as a Jeedai, or as a warrior, a priest, a living being. Something. Instead he felt insulted.
"I think you forget I am on the outside. Perhaps being Jeedai, the importance of the Force is the importance of life, but I do not even have a presence in it." His voice certainly did little to hide his frustration at her response. "How is one not able to interact with it, or doesn't even live within it assess it?" He glanced at the young Jeedai, a look of disapproval upon his face. "Your life is your name, Jeedai. Prove you are Miri and you will be."
Urir looked to the Coralskippers. He found his, but saw none which seemed to call him in any way beyond his older Coralskipper. This was annoying, as he had requested a new space superiority type Yorik-Et, but there were none here for him. His tone changed, this time closer to...kind, at least for him, so that his next words would not be as aggressive. "It would be good to remember than my Warriors and I are of Yun-Yuuzhan tradition."
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