Chương 195: A New Problem
~~~(POV: Nathen Opal)~~~
~~~(Location: Reydoth, Traveling Through Forest, Dantooine)~~~
~~~(Galactic Time: 6:09 PM)~~~
The forest we're traveling through is coming to an end, and even above the canopy of trees, you can see the large ruins waiting for us. I can sense there are a lot of people here. Jedi, military, and civilians.
"How come everyone we meet is either too stupid to know who you are or knows you too much?"
The sarcasm and condescension un-become her. Not that I haven't had my fair share with the lowest form of wit, though.
Based on the question from my apprentice, she's sensing what's happening ahead of us. While she'll not be able to sense them to the extent I am, it's impressive she's come this far.
Sure, I train her in saber combat and try to teach her the ways of The Force as I know them. But her natural and innate talent helps her immensely. Her growth in power is starting to escalate, and I feel that her struggles with the Darkside will begin soon.
"Those of power recognize it, and those who aren't of power don't."
It's a relatively simple answer, but that's how I've seen it. People with true power are so covetous of it that they watch for those who could possibly steal it. Only a few exceptions exist, and one of them is the Jedi Order.
Nella takes my words as a lesson most of the time we speak. Using her head in most situations is considered a good quality, but there are times she uses her head when she shouldn't.
The Force can reveal far more about what's happening than the conscious mind. All you need to do is know how to use it.
"What do you think we'll be running into? I'm sensing that some people in the ruins are ready for a fight."
She's not wrong about that. I feel it as well. Several individuals believe a battle is coming, especially the Jedi within the old ruins.
"Whatever it is, we'll deal with it how we need to."
Dayla won't stay asleep on the ship forever, and I want to get back before she wakes up and starts messing with the ship. The last thing I need is someone crashing about in my home.
SCORPIO still has my old ship and everything that was on it. One day, I'll find her and my ship. But that's a problem for a different time.
Soon, we're out of the forest and scaling a long stone staircase. There is someone waiting at the top for us, and as we reach the pinnacle. I'm met with a beautiful woman. She's older than me, I'd say around 30 to 35.
Her arms are relaxed at their sides as she watches me. Her gaze shifts from me to Nella. I assume she's trying to find out why we're here.
"I'd say it's a pleasure to meet you, Opal. But I can't help feeling like you want something from here that we're not allowed to give you."
The gentle feminine tone has confidence and surety. Making her words stand on their own without the threat of harm or conflict. It's not necessarily something I experience often when dealing with people of the Jedi Order.
She reminds me a lot of Satele in that manner. They must be friends. I can sense she holds a connection with my old Master.
Nella looks at me from my side and wonders when I will respond.
"To whom am I speaking?"
Introductions are important, and a name to go with a face is a nice thing to have. I also don't like being at a conversational disadvantage. She knows my name, but I don't know hers.
She folds her arms over her chest. Unintentionally emphasizing that she's got a more than generous bust. A small smile appears on her lips at my question. She takes a moment and slowly makes her way to us.
Standing in front of Nella and me.
"I'm Jedi Master Ulta Mers. I'm in command of the operations in progress at these ruins. I'd ask you what you think of Reydoth, but I'm betting you're already familiar with this area."
I'm actually not. All I know is it's a site that dates back to the Je'daii. Abeloth sent me here after our encounter on the planet Dagobah.
My apprentice is quick on her feet as she holds out her hand.
"I'm Nella Opal, daughter of Marissa Opal."
Master Mers accepts the handshake, and gives a bright smile to my apprentice. I don't blame her for that. Nella has a tendency to bring out the best in people who see good in the world. Those who are misaligned with debauchery and low character find her annoying.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Opal. I've heard word that the infamous Nathen Opal had taken on his cousin as his apprentice. Many in The Order believed you fell on the path of Darkness."
While she's different from the Jedi in some ways, I can see she has fundamentalist ideals from that statement alone. Or maybe it's my own prejudice against the Jedi.
I'm capable of blinding myself with my opinions and anger. I've made strides in not succumbing to that part of myself. However, it's not something you can shake after a few months of work.
"Let's cut the pleasantries."
My voice stops any conversation from forming after Master Mers speaks. She looks at me with slight caution, and I can sense she's becoming nervous. However, she's not garnering any threatening emotions toward me.
"My apprentice and I need access to these ruins."
Nella gently bumps my arm with her elbow, trying to remind me of the artifacts on the ship.
"Also, we have some relics to sell."
The Master folds her arms and looks at the two of us curiously. Trying to come to a conclusion about whether or not to let us in.
"Are you going to damage or remove anything from the ruins?"
I don't see a reason to right now. Unless it's required, I won't need to do as she fears I would.
"No, we're here in search of information only attainable in this old temple. Not only that, it's unlikely you're people will be able to access anything that I'm looking for. I doubt you know it exists."
Now, that piques her curiosity.
~~~(POV: Nella Opal)~~~
~~~(Location: Reydoth, Ancient Je'daii Ruins, Dantooine)~~~
~~~(Galactic Time: 7:49 PM)~~~
I watch as the archaeologists and miners gently dig through a collapsed pathway. But before Nate gets too far ahead of me, I turn and run to catch up. Master Mers has decided to let us in and is giving us a tour of the ruins they've discovered so far.
We're being escorted around by some Padawans and a Knight. From what I've gathered, Master Mers is the only Jedi Master here.
"While we've been excavating the past year, we've had trouble making great progress. Using The Force could speed things up, but the environment is so delicate we must go slow with tools."
She explains why they use archaic methods to remove debris from old passageways. I don't know how large this place is, but I'm betting they've only discovered around 25 to 30 percent of everything here.
"That's a problem. The place I need to go is likely buried under thousands of pounds of rock and rubble."
It's starting to sound like a wasted trip for Nate, but we were able to sell the artifacts. We'll have funds that'll last us a long time, all our lives, really.
But knowing the trouble we get into. It's not like I shouldn't expect some huge bill to come my way.
We eventually enter a large chamber where the majority of workers are. There are scaffolds, cranes, and around 20 different passages being cleared. This must be the nexus of where everything part of the old temple is connected.
"I'm sorry that you wasted a trip, but as of now, there is no way to proceed beyond the progress we've made ourselves."
I watch the expression change to one of thoughtfulness on Nate. He's trying to scheme up a plan to get deeper into the old temple. All the while, not upsetting the people here.
He releases a long sigh and folds his arms.
"There are other methods for me."
That's when I raise an eyebrow. I know Nate is capable of amazing things with The Force, and I don't know every ability out there. I'm starting to worry that he will do something stupid.
I can sense a light shift in the Jedi around us. They took his words as a threat.
"Don't worry, I won't damage or break anything. If the only option is finding a way through a solid object, I know of a way."
Um, what...
As I'm about to ask him if he's crazy. I watch him close his eyes and start sinking into the floor. Before I can even choke on my own air at the sheer stupidity of this, he's already gone.
Master Mers turns her head at me as we all look at the same spot where Nate just disappeared into the ground.
"What'd he just do..."
I have no idea...
There is so much I still have to learn with The Force...
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