+61~

[jedimindtrick]

Who: Obi-Wan Kenobi (jedimindtrick) and OPEN
When: May 1st and beyond
Where: Misc. Locations
What: Catch-all for Ingress shenanigans and general threads for the month of May.
Warnings: Will update as needed.

FAR FROM NOWHERE! SHROUDED IN MYSTERY, THE BARREN WASTELANDS OF AMISSIS-RE HOLD THE PROMISE OF HOPE. GREETED BY AN INTELLIGENT AND HIGHLY ACCOMMODATING, BUT PREVIOUSLY UNKNOWN HOST, PASSENGERS OF THE MOIRA ARE BEING URGED TO UTILIZE A HEAVILY MODIFIED VERSION OF THE FAMILIAR INGRESS TO RETURN TO THEIR HOMES. WITH FEW RESTRAINTS, ONLY FRACTURED TIME WILL TELL HOW THE LAST SECRETS OF THE WAR AND FAR BEYOND WILL BE REVEALED...

[[ Need someone to travel with your character? Obi-Wan Kenobi's your guy!
Need a starter or want to plot ahead? I'm your gal! Hit me up via PM or PP me @blakeroo on plurk. ]]

Comments

Sads and Spacer Booze, Pt. 1

[ex_forcechoke292]

[It has been a trial and a half, wrestling with the consideration, the risks, the weight of all of it. After several trips in and out of the Ingress--some more willing and curious than others--he's finally curious enough to see what happens when he's the first in. (And more than a little anxious to see what he can change...or what might have while they've been away these last two months.)

It takes some cajoling and a proper "please?" complete with the most pitiful expression he can muster, but he finally seems to convince Kenobi to at least subject himself to being dragged along. There are few others at this point that he'd properly consider the question of going back home with, even in a temporary capacity, and especially in one where the situation affords little control.

A fact that is slammed home when they emerge on the other side of the portal, the air suddenly acrid, dry, and oppressively warm. Anakin doesn't dare open his eyes to confirm it until a warm gust of wind sends stray particles of sand unbidden into the back of his tunic, and he groans. Loudly.

Of course. Of course it leads to this. All roads, the spacers say, lead to the outer rim (or was that from?), but for Anakin, that has never been half as true as it has with this damnable planet.

Of all the gin joints backwater hellholes in all the galaxy, it had to be this.]

Think that thing has a return policy? It's defective.

[Or, for once, too damned literal.]

[jedimindtrick]

It might be more paperwork than it's worth. We'll be back soon enough.

[ Rueful, he glances back over his shoulder to take in the greater landscape. His last trip to Tatooine had been some thirteen standard years prior to this moment, and for all that he saw of the place, he could understand the common vein of dislike. If he'd had to spend his years here, he'd very certainly endeavor to never return.

But Anakin doesn't have much of a choice, apparently, and so neither does he. And besides, he's not about to cut and run now, not when he actually has an opportunity to see a bit more of what his companion was forced to endure. ]

When do you think we are?

[ This strange brand of dimension hopping doesn't particularly suit Kenobi — his connection to the Force suffers the reorientation every time — but he's beginning to get the hang of it. He nudges his friend's shoulder and starts toward the nearby structures, back to the setting double suns. If he knows anything about Tatooine, a bar won't be too far in this pocket of civilization he recognizes (from Skywalker's reaction to it alone) as Mos Espa. ]

[ex_forcechoke292]

Who knows?

[He should have his bearings here, relatively. Should being an operative word that unfortunately doesn't apply well. The process of relocation is a dizzying one, taking several minutes (usually) each time to orient himself to new light, new smells, new air. Tatooine isn't something he has to orient to consciously, and that fact alone rankles almost as much as being here does in the first place.

The suns overhead, slowly moving just past midday, burn in a likeness to his irritation, stoking the fire in his heart that he can't seem to put out any time he's here. The last time...

Well. Hopefully not then, is all he thinks, and prays it's true. The Force isn't any more willing to provide concrete answers, focused as it is on the heat and light, anything other only cast into obscuring shadow. There's nothing particular he feels other than a distinct want to be anywhere else.

The Force has a cruel sense of humour, it seems.]

It's not like this ball of dust ever looks any different.

[A little less brighter, maybe. But not in a way he could properly describe; not in a way Obi-Wan would ever see. It's groaned in the dismissive tone of the teenager he claims he no longer is, barbed and tired despite their being here all of five minutes.

It's with a sigh that he catches up to Obi-Wan, matching him step for step in the shifting golden sand. The where is a certain, at the very least. He can still spot the arena flags off in the distance as they approach, the only key indicator that doesn't instantly rankle.

One of the worst things about Tatooine is that there's not much else to do but work. It's not a tourist trap outside of racing season (and even then, calling it as much is still far too gracious). And there's only one way they'll get that answer. The cantinas.

Not that he thinks Obi-Wan will mind overmuch. Anakin keeps the same stride, not wanting to call attention to being here, or to the fact that they shouldn't be, and points out the quickest route once they reach the edge of the port.]

[jedimindtrick]

[ The Force quakes, gently swaying back and forth between two points, one side weighted a bit more than the other. Here he feels the importance of this place so much more safely guarded than the disdainful aspects. And it makes sense; he distantly and incompletely understands why, although he doesn't know why it never did before.

For Obi-Wan's part, he has seen more than a few ghastly locales throughout their galaxy, but he can't entirely hate Tatooine, even if the dry and barren landscape inspires little more than images of quiet loneliness. At one time, this dusty planet was everything to Anakin, and everything Anakin had was here. For that, he's thankful: at least he'd had someone, even if he hadn't had his freedom, and even if the pondering of it is damning Skywalker even now.

It's terrible and altogether wonderful, both at the same time — damaging memories mingled with the few and far between bright moments. He doesn't envy Skywalker's position, so when they enter the cantina, Kenobi's almost pleased to feel how both of their attentions are forced to wane from the more obvious. ]

This isn't what I expected.

[ The smell is wretched enough, but the rather cramped and unkind interior appears to be perfectly designed to turn all eyes on them. Feeling exposed, Kenobi dips his head and considers how they'll pay for the drinks he's certain they'll want to order any moment now. ]

It's busier than I was thinking it would be.

[ He almost hopes that this just happens to be a particularly odorous day compared to the norm, but Obi-Wan's not holding out hope as the shifting bodies around him continue to draw his wariness. Does everyone here have an agenda or am I just being paranoid? he asks himself with a shake of his head. ]

[ex_forcechoke292]

[Anakin sighs and leads them with not much fanfare to a still-open booth toward the back. The cantina is a familiar one--even if they weren't all built in the same domed structures rising from the planet's surface like a wound--the ease with which he does this is in no small part unsettling.]

Don't stare. Otherwise, you'll have a real reason to worry.

[He picks up on that worry, answers to it as if Obi-Wan has asked it aloud, and for once, isn't in the mood to gloat or even ponder on the fact that he has the upper hand, even if his word choice suggests otherwise.

The booth they find themselves in is nestled into a carved out alcove in the stone wall, which provides a modicum of privacy, though it's not any cooler or less stuffy than the rest of the building. It does, however, leave them within easy proximity of the numerous on-going conversations overlapping one another in the already-cramped air space. Better than nothing, and he's glad, not for the first time, for his friend's usual discretion.]

The less you care about them, the more they ignore you. Trust me, you get any of these spacers started and you'll be here for hours.

[Or worse. Get any of the less reputable ones started, and someone usually comes away missing a part of themselves they'd definitely come into the cantina with.]

[jedimindtrick]

By your lead, then.

[ Obi-Wan has no interest in making a scene. For that matter, he has no interest in engaging anyone but Anakin while he's here. With all the memories and experiences still drifting around in the Force, he has a feeling Skywalker's going to need the ear. ]

We won't be lucky enough for drinks to be free, I suppose.

[ And maybe it's saying something that his mind immediately goes there, that he yearns for a little relieve from the tension drawing all his muscles tight. He suspects they'll have to interact with someone if they actually want to do more than warm a seat. ]

[t65]

[When Luke opens his eyes, he's... back. Tatooine is home, perhaps, but after all that's happened, going back there wouldn't seem right. Opening his eyes and finding himself inside Echo base, though, that's different. It's just... back to normal. Routine.]

[He's not dressed for Hoth, though, and they are technically outside, even if they'll be within the cave that makes Echo Base's main entrance in a few steps. He shivers and turns to Ben.]

I know where this is. C'mon. [He starts walking.]

[jedimindtrick]

[ The sudden chill takes Obi-Wan by surprise, but his cloaks possess all the necessary warmth to keep the frozen surface of Hoth from fastening him to the ground and turning him to ice. He tugs his hood up over his head and follows Luke toward the interior of the base. ]

A base. [ Talking very nearly robs him of his breath, the harsh atmosphere quickly stealing away all the heat it can. ] For your rebellion?

[t65]

[He laughs.] It's not my rebellion. It's Leia's, really. [Like, she owns it.]

[Luke trudges forward, and looks back over his shoulder, frowning a little at Ben's cloak and cape. He's trying to decide whether to be amused or worried, and amusement wins out.] You know, you look kind of suspicious like that.

[jedimindtrick]

Suspicious?

[ Well, he certainly doesn't want that. Of course, he wants to be cold even less, so he doesn't immediately drop the hood back down as this conversation maybe suggests he should. ]

What would you have me do? Wear something else?

[t65]

[Luke turns the corner, ambling toward the requisitions office. He finds a spare coat and pulls it over his bare shoulders, hiding his cybernetic hand with a glove. He speaks with gentle fondness,] No, no, dress how you like. Hiding your face just makes you look like some kind of trooper.

[armoured]

[Ever since his conversation with Ed about seeing as many different worlds as possible in order to try and work out how the modified Ingress worked, Al has been hesitating on who to ask. It's a pretty personal thing, especially for people who have been trapped away so long, to ask to see someone's home.

He might not have thought of Obi-Wan, they only met the once and briefly, but he remembers the older man seeming kind and patient. Perhaps he won't mind if Al is a bit too forwards.]

Excuse me, Obi-Wan?

[He rushes forwards waving an arm like an idiot, footsteps loud and clanking.]

I'm sorry to bother you, but if you were planning on taking a trip to your home do you think I could come along?

[jedimindtrick]

[ The sudden appearance has Obi-Wan smiling politely, his head dipping in greeting. ]

Alphonse, of course. I hadn't been expecting to, and I can't guarantee where we might end up, but I would be glad to take you.

[ As far as Kenobi's concerned, there's a good chance they could end up on any number of worlds he's traveled to in his many years crossing his own galaxy. But as long as he's accompanying Elric, he doesn't expect there to be trouble. ]


[[ OOC: Any particular place you want them to go? Or just something random? I'm open to most anything. /o/ ]]

[armoured]

[ooc: Something random is totally good by me! Al just wants to see all the other worlds.]

[Al wants to smile but he can't. Still, despite his unmoveable faceplate, he still somehow manages to give off an impression of warmth and gratitude.]

Thanks, I really appreciate it. My brother and I want to find out everything we can about everyone else's worlds, we're hoping it might give us some sort of insight into how the Ingress works.

[jedimindtrick]

In that case, I look forward to hearing what you both find out.

[ He tips his head toward their ride — the Ingress has become too familiar to all of them, he thinks — and then attempts to steer his mind toward a particular destination he imagines Al might enjoy. Naboo, perhaps, would work well for the both of them. Whether it'll work or not, Kenobi doesn't know. ]

I'll do what I can to cover you, but there's a fair chance we might find our way on to a battlefield.

[armoured]

Don't worry, I can take care of myself.

[He does his absolute best not to think of Amestris as they head through the false Ingress. He doesn't want to accidentally screw up their trajectory and land them in his own home instead, though it's nearly impossible to keep his mind blank of his home when his heart is longing for it so badly.

Winry, Granny, Colonel Mustang... everyone that was waiting for them, depending on them.

Somehow he manages not to mess it up, though, and is deposited on a verdant green field that could have been from his own world had it not been for the droids literally everywhere.]

What--?!

[romanticsoul]

[ It probably isn't fair of her to count on Obi-Wan's affection to make him willing to do her a favor that is likely to cause them both pain, but while Satine is very rigidly nonviolent that does not mean she cannot be ruthless if she has to.

She must see Mandalore again. Must attempt to change things, to do something.

At least he is no longer avoiding her, so finding him is not too difficult a task. ]

Obi, I need your help.

[ You're her only hope, Ben. ]

[jedimindtrick]

[ Even without her asking, he thinks he knows why she approaches him. It leaves a lump in his throat, but with no interest in leaving Satine to go with strangers, he does not show his fear. ]

Of course. Anything you need, Satine.

[ Mandalore in any state is bound to dredge up feelings that are bound to unsettle one or both of then. To what degree will remain to be seen, of course. Timing, after all, is everything. ]

[romanticsoul]

I need to go home.

[ She knows that it likely won't do any good, but she wouldn't be who she is if she didn't at least try. ]

[jedimindtrick]

[ He nods. She isn't the only one who's come to him with this compulsion. His hands fold into the sleeves of his robe and he dips his head to her. ]

Very well. I believe that requires you to go first. I'll follow soon after.

+79

[jedimindtrick]

[ A not inconsiderable amount of time has passed since Obi-Wan met Han at the bar. The ensuing days have not resulted in as many clear conclusions as Kenobi had been hoping for, but even he could admit that the semi-heady enthusiasm that had crept up on him after leaving that conversation wasn't entirely courtesy of the alcohol. Solo had been on to something, and it's taken this long, but finally he's willing to do something other than concern himself about being concerned over it in the first place. It just so happens the timing is perfect.

Rare are the times he's alone in his room — Mero 006 is typically occupied by two younger ladies, both of which keep eccentric schedules. Coupled with Obi-Wan's somewhat nomadic nature and his utter refusal to sleep as much as he should, it's a surprise if he ever stumbles across even small stretches of solitary time.

The first opportunity to be alone in nineteen days and he invites Satine right away. It's a step, but taking it doesn't come with a breath of fresh air (or a breath at all). Kenobi finds, instead, that he's holding out for that breath, that he's pausing and hanging on this conversation as if everything hinges upon some still yet defined positive outcomes.

Somehow he doesn't this that's what anyone meant when they said he needed to live in the moment.

Door left open in anticipation of her arrival, Obi-Wan lingers on his egg bed, his legs crossed beneath him, not entirely comfortable, but certainly not uncomfortable. Knowing there's a potentially strenuous conversation ahead sets him ill at ease, but hiding that in the Force will be much easier than doing so in person. ]

[romanticsoul]

[ Satine is in her civvies when she enters his room, as informal as she can get on this ship. If they are to have some actual privacy together for once, she thinks she can give herself the right to be at least outwardly casual, even if the layers of responsibility that she is constantly shrouded in still remain very much intact. ]

Hello, Obi.

[jedimindtrick]

Satine.

[ He smiles and unfolds from his seated position to stand and greet her. Even after all this time, Obi-Wan hasn't seen fit to give up his traditional attire, so it's a little shocking to see Satine has given up her own. Of course, she has always been a bit more practical in that regard, hasn't she?

Kenobi gestures to the desk chair or the egg bed, offering for her to take her pick of the meager options in seating while he goes and seals the door behind them. He has no interest in interruptions at this point. ]

Thank you for meeting with me. I was— [ He hesitates as he glances back in Kryze's direction. ] I was hoping we could talk. [ And then, not wanting to linger just there, he adds: ] Mostly about— [ Oh, hells. ] About us.

[romanticsoul]

[ Well, unlike a jedi, Satine does like to change what she is wearing every now and then, and she doesn't have that many options here.

She is on her way to sit down on the edge of his bed when his words stop her, and she remains standing as she turns to look at him. ]

Oh?

[jedimindtrick]

[ This is clearly not his area of expertise. He's parsecs from his comfort zone even if he's trying his best to make it look like he isn't. Eyes drifting away, he looks again toward the bed and gestures a little helplessly. ]

Please, sit.

[ It's no assemblage of pillows decorating a pedestal, no grand throne, but it's Obi-Wan's one and only space on the whole of the ship he can call his own and he's glad to offer it to her. Although he doesn't sit right away, in an effort to not pace (It is a direct violation — an articulation of your discomfort, Master Windu had once accused), he pulls the chair from the desk and sets it out near the bed. ]

I realized I... owe you an apology. Many, no doubt. [ Kenobi doesn't usually concern himself so thoroughly with word choice, but it matters so much more when he knows it's going to be analyzed. He reminds himself to tread carefully. And to not wring his hands (Unbecoming, that is, Yoda would bluntly remind him). ]

But in particular, I wanted to express my regret in having never truly acknowledged the feelings I have for you.

[ He'd danced around the reality of it, teased at the idea, but he'd never fully accepted that part of himself knowing full well the violation it suggested. Strangely enough, there are no criticizing voices whispering unkind reminders over this overt expression of his internal turmoil. Not even the Force has an opinion to offer.

Neutral ground, perhaps. ]