Nar Shaddaa

Lyshea Mersl paced about the gardens. Her posture was serene and elegant, much unlike the slaves and Hutt Security personnel patrolling the area. If it were not for her humble Jedi robes, it might have been easy to mistake her for a noblewoman. "Do not be distracted by the comings and goings of those around us. There is no chaos, there is harmony."


Her padawan, Zuraa, sat with her legs crossed with a hefty rock orbiting her. Her expression was strained, her lips curling inward and her eyes shutting harder. "You chose a great place for that!"

"The location was intentional, young padawan."

"Well, I don't need to ignore what's going on around me! I should keep my senses ready when there're others around!" With an annoyed shriek, she tossed the boulder, inadvertently shattering a table. "This is stupid!" And with a huff, the Falleen padawan stormed off.

"Huh," commented a short, dark woman in Republic military uniform who was passing by, gazing after Zuraa as she stormed off. "I always heard you jedi were supposed to be a lot more even-tempered than that. She having a bad day?"

Zuraa did not stop at all for the newcomer. Her master, however, turned to Varra with a soft smile. "You may have heard that about Jedi Knights. However, my pupil is only a padawan." She let out a soft laugh, muffled ever further by the sleeve of her robe. "I cannot name a single Jedi who did not struggle on the path to the trials."

The Miraluka Jedi took a breath. "I will answer you question more specifically. Zuraa has been struggling with meditation for awhile now. The distractions aboard this cruiser are challenging her further." She then bowed her head. "Forgive me, I neglected to introduce myself. I am Jedi Master Lyshea Mersl. However, you need not be formal with me. You may address as you please."

"I'm Varra," the Republic officer replied. "Pleased to meetcha. I don't know much about jedi or padoo ones, but wouldn't it be easier if you meditated in a quieter place? You must have a private room, or at least a bunk somewhere?"

"I am surprised you have not had more encounter with the Jedi Order." She shook her head. "No matter. I will do my best to help you understand." Lyshea took a breath. "I could have chosen a more secluded location. However, I sought to test her resolve."

"Oh, so it's training," Varra said, nodding understandingly. "That does make more sense. Are you traveling to Nar Shaddaa as part of your petunia-anh's training too, Jedi master? Or are you part of the diplomatic delegation?"

"It is both for my young padawan." Lyshea again laughed softly. "It began as the latter. Or perhaps it began as the former. The Force can act in mysterious ways." She paused. "My padawan was recommended by a few members of the Galactic Senate. I believe that this is another trial on her path to becoming a Knight."

"Well, good luck with that," Varra said, nodding. "If the Senate sent you two, you must be very important to our negotiations. I'm assigned to security and military support for our delegation; although I'm sure a Jedi Master can take care of herself, if you need any help along those lines, just let me know."

"I would not wish to overstate my importance. I am present as much as you are, Varra," Lyshea responded with a soft smile. "I extend the same offer. It is my primary concern to keep the senators safe." For a brief moment, her serene composure faltered. "I have foreseen troubles ahead for the team. The troubles will not be insurmountable but there are unpleasant omens."

"Trouble? What sort of trouble?" The lieutenant became much more alert at Lyshea's ominous words. "What have you seen? We need to be prepared."

"There are disturbances in the Force. It may be due to the natural ripples a Sith may cause or there may be occurrences on the moon." Lyshea gave an apologetic smile. "I imagine you wish for me to say more. However, I do not have concrete answers for you and for that I must apologize. My only wish is that you and the others be ready for any trials to come."

"So, nothing specific? You just have a bad feeling about this?" Varra asked, her brow furrowed. She sounded disappointed in the lack of detail. Apparently Jedi premonitions weren't available in high-def.

"Well, I'll take that under advisement," she allowed. "I've heard Nar Shaddaa is supposed to be a rough-and-tumble place, so I was planning to stay alert anyway. This just reinforces it. Thanks, Jedi Master."

"I may find more clarity when we reach our destination. My proximity to events to come may strengthen my vision." She muffled another laugh. "I am unsure how helpful my advice has been if you are already prepared for the worst. That is the duty of a soldier."

Varra cracked an impish smile at that. "If you expect the worst, you're hardly ever disappointed," she explained.

"I have heard that before. It is a common idiom among soldiers." The Jedi Master smiled and nodded, slowly and seemingly consumed with her own thoughts.

Eventually, she turned back to Varra. "I must apologize. I was distracted by a vision from the Force involving my own padawan. But you do not need to concern yourself with it."

Varra looked askance at the Lyshea's peculiar behavior, obviously suspecting there was more to it than that. But she said only, "No problem, Jedi Master. I'll leave you to your visions and meditation, if you'd prefer?"

The Jedi smiled. "I do not need to distract you longer from your duties. I hope you allow yourself to approach me if you have any other questions." She gave Varra a nod. "I enjoyed meeting you."

She smiled. "Nice meeting you too," Varra agreed. "I'll see you around. Good luck with your, uh, visions."

"I do not need luck with my visions. They will come and I will receive them." With that, the Miraluka took a seat and seemingly began to meditate. After all, it was hard to tell if her 'eyes' were ever closed.