Incident at Saris

Chapter Eight

A while later they were docked at the station after waiting for about an hour( and even that was because they were Adepts ) above Saris Prime which was as Ren had predicted was in a state of disarray, chaos, and shock due to the mysterious explosion that had happened on Mining Platform One, within moments of landing, Ren had gotten some information.
"110 currently believed dead, mostly workers," Ren said joining them "Noone knows what caused it yet, or whether it was simply an accident or sabotage".
Rik nodded " go on," he said checking the notice board for possible jobs " Hmm someone is looking for someone with a fast ship and willing to take a little risk to run a load of supplies to Asfarus in about a week, it pays well, but it says fast ship required".
Ren looked at the board " Medical supplies run to Severus, in about the same gap" he paused "isn't that near Asfarus?"
"Yes," said Rik.
Ren nodded " enquire about both then; we could take both the supplies and the medical supplies, we have a fast ship".
"Pays good on both," said Rik, he looked at Ren then "shall we?"
"Like I said enquire about both," said Ren " although I'm guessing the medical supplies one is more um.....legal".
"There is a couple of bounties as well," said Rik.
"We're not Bounty Hunters Rik, we're Jedaini," Ren said " enquire about both if you are curious, find out what they are wanted for, but be discreet!" he paused " if we do take a Bounty, it must be justified, we aren't Bounty Hunters!".
Rik said "serious?"
Ren said " check them out first! And be subtle about it, Jedaini Knights aren't Bounty Hunters! Granted we sometimes get called into that area, but it is not what we DO! If we go after a Bounty, it is because said Bounty is either a genuine threat or is innocent! Check them out if you want but I'm interested in the supply runs, we don't need to be so discreet with those"
Rik said, "I will do the supply runs first".
Ren nodded " I 'll go and see if I can help with the medical emergency".
"Ok," said Rik "I'll go check the jobs out, Kayla want to come with me?"
Kayla looked at Rik and then to Ren; Ren waved her off " go with Rik" he said, "Rik you probably need to buy her some supplies, extra clothes, that sort of thing".
"And her own blaster!" said Rik eagerly.
"Well yes, if you must, but you know how I feel about guns in general, but suit yourself" he turned to Kayla then " the Adepts do not automatically reach for a blaster Kayla, it isn't our way, but I'm guessing you already know that and will keep that in mind, blasters like your sword is a tool, but it is a tool you use as a last resort when all else has failed".
Kayla nodded "uh, huh".
"As you can guess, Ren doesn't like guns," said Rik " he can use one but he generally refuses to".
Ren said "I don't like guns! No" he paused and said "but that is your decision Kayla, Rik doesn't have such qualms but then that is who he is. If Rik buys you a blaster it will be he who teaches you in its use, not I" he sighed " is that understood?"
"Yes," said Kayla.
Rik rolled his eyes "you are such stick in the mud at times Ren!" he said.
Ren said, "that Is who I am, as you are who you are, I don't like guns and I will stand firm on that!"
Rik said, " so you will allow me to get her a blaster?"
"Yes, but only if Kayla wants you too! And it is you who'll teach her in its use" Ren said, " she is OUR apprentice Rik, not just mine, we are BOTH responsible for her training" he paused "but only if she wants a blaster".
"Of course she wants her own blaster!" Rik said, "don't you Kayla?"
"Um," Kayla said looking from Rik to Ren.
"It's your choice, Kayla," said Ren "I don't like guns that is all, I know how to use one but I don't like them".
"Yeah he does and he's not half bad at shooting one also," Rik said.
Ren said " she also needs spare clothes, especially warm ones, Asfarus is a world of ice and snow remember? A journal is a definite must if she doesn't already have one, a laptop computer or tablet, just a moment", Ren pulled out a notepad and wrote a list down.
"Your left-handed, " said Kayla.
"Yes," said Ren " although I can write with both hands, I'm strongly left-handed,".
"Yeah, I noticed that Riks right-handed" she remmarked.
Ren said "I know" he handed the list to Rik "this is what she needs, feel free to add more if need be and as to a blaster, that is Kayla's choice" he nodded and looked at Kayla "think about your decision".
"Ok Master Ren," she said.
"Guns are a handy sidearm, but think about it before you decide".
"REN!" groaned Rik.
Ren said " get us some supplies as well...food that sort of thing I will go see about helping the mining accident".
Rik nodded " and I will offer our ship and our services for the two supply runs".
Ren nodded "I can trust you with that'.
Rik said, "yeah Kimmi decided to stay with ship as did River".
Ren nodded "I know".
"I'll look at the Bounties as well," said Rik " into their backgrounds, I know we aren't Bounty Hunters but be realistic! We're pretty much broke and need cash fast, and they pay well and if they are truly justified I reckon we should check them out".
Ren said, "I don't fully agree with that.....but suit yourself".
Kayla said, " isn't that well kinda Dark, though?"
"There is no 'light' or 'dark' side, " Ren said " as you know, it is the choice of the individual....Rik and I...we have what could be classed as 'Dark Side' powers, due to our circumstances and history".
"Even you?" she asked surprised, she couldn't imagine the gentle, kind, wise and quiet spoken Ren hurting anyone!
Ren grinned then and summoned some Force Electricity "yes" he made it disappear "Rik and I,....we almost killed each other with it. We were confused, disorientated, and well, we didn't recognise each other at first" he paused " not our proudest moment I admit and Rik admittingly is stronger at it, he has his darkness more than I do, but we both do. Ok meet you later Rik, get Kayla some equipment and a blaster if you must and if she wants one, but as I said, you train her in its use! Not I".
Rik nodded "ok and Ren, are you sure you're alright?"
"I will meditate later...." Ren said, " maybe you can join me?" and turned and walked off.
Kayla said " if he ok?
"Ren's, Ren, he's a little shaken by the explosion but he won't let it get in the way of his professionalism, as for you and me, let's go shopping kid! Time to start living!" he smiled at her "time to start becoming an Adept in full! Ren won't admit it, but like me, he has been looking forward to this moment as much as I. Getting you as our apprentice, we have watched you since your early training."
He smiled at her then " come on Kid, let's get you started on the Path" and led her away towards where he knew the business district was to get her some equipment.
Ren went back to the ship and asked " Kimi, River you two ok here?"
"Yes," said River " we'll work on the droids, that came with the ship".
"Ok," said Ren and walked off trying to find someone he could talk to on the medical emergency and where they could help.

End of Part Two