Chapter 5C: Barren Soil, Fertile Mind

After Order 66, few Jedi dare to venture outside the shadows—rumors of the dark and terrible Darth Vader haunting even their waking moments. Yet, some Jedi find this life of fear unbearable. The Empire is always watching, and Vader himself is eager to confront any Jedi that might bring him closer to the whereabouts of his betrayer, Obi-Wan Kenobi.
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Chapter 5C: Barren Soil, Fertile Mind

Post by Shurijo » Tue Sep 07, 2021 9:33 pm

"Pity," Dr. Sorbaru says as she shakes her head. "If they had only given us more time and resources, we might have figured it out within a few decades. I fear that mitigating the negative impacts to the soil might be the best we can offer."

Tavleth nods along with her statement, "There are fertilizers that can be used, but the cost of producing the quantity and quality required may outweigh the cost benefits of the crop."
If you want to keep asking for info, feel free. Otherwise, we can fast forward to the shuttle landing.

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Chapter 5C: Barren Soil, Fertile Mind

Post by Muskrat » Wed Sep 08, 2021 7:41 pm

"Well, I imagine we'll get a clearer idea of the Empire's goals for us once we reach the lab," says Shoshannah.
I'm ready to move on.

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Chapter 5C: Barren Soil, Fertile Mind

Post by Shurijo » Thu Sep 09, 2021 10:26 pm

The academics take in some food and continue their conversations for a bit. A few hours later, the ship exits hyperspace and begin a planetary descent. Once the shuttle lands, Director Acina returns to the lounge where the others sit.

"I hope you find your new living quarters and research facility adequate. If there's any bureaucrats holding up your progress, be sure to include that in your weekly reports and I will resolve the matters." states Director Acina. The director holds up a device and presses a button which releases the remaining shock cuff around Shohannah's wrist.

"You will find clothing and necessaries in your rooms. Food will be available in the mess hall and made to order to your specific tastes. Everything you need will be provided. At the end of the week, you will travel to the moon Raada for a first hand look at the crop planting so you can collect any samples you need for your research. You will be performing analysis on the Raada's crop in order to collect data for the research. Any questions?"

As the director talks, the ramp to the shuttle is lowered. From a quick glance, Shoshannah spots several troopers, but rather than the usual white colors of the Clone Troopers and the newer troopers who escorted her aboard the shuttle, these troopers' armor are a near black color. The clean cut of the buildings and structures that she can see immediately outside the shuttle indicates a most likely government location with prefab buildings and structures.

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Chapter 5C: Barren Soil, Fertile Mind

Post by Muskrat » Fri Sep 10, 2021 11:18 pm

Shoshannah asks, "Can we get a briefing on Raada ahead of time? And how long will we have to study the situation on Raada?" She wanted to assess the possibility of escape, though she suspected she would be too closely watched to actually do so.

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Chapter 5C: Barren Soil, Fertile Mind

Post by Shurijo » Tue Sep 14, 2021 4:31 pm

"The briefing will be made available as soon as possible. You may take all the time required to study the planet. A crop cycle is one standard month from planting to harvest. You may return during the growing phase, or continue your work on Raada. We can move the laboratory to the moon, if all agree to stay there. The living conditions and quality of life comforts will not be as fine as here." The Director states.

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Chapter 5C: Barren Soil, Fertile Mind

Post by Muskrat » Tue Sep 14, 2021 8:38 pm

Shoshannah shrugs and says, "I am used to roughing it. I would rather be closer to my work." She also hopes the security on the moon might be lighter. She looks at the other two to see what they would prefer. She'll need to make sure that they are not implicated in any escape attempts she makes--she doesn't want to have any harm to them on her conscience.

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Chapter 5C: Barren Soil, Fertile Mind

Post by Shurijo » Thu Sep 16, 2021 12:29 pm

Dr. Sorbaru nods her head as the director talks. Afterwards, she says "I prefer to stay here. I assume we will have access to send measurement data and recordings from Raada to here?"

The director nods, saying, "Yes. The Raada installation will have access to HoloNet to send data and communications to this location."

Meanwhile, Tavleth turns to Dr. Sorbaru and says, "I'll go with Shoshannah and help send the data for analysis."

The Director waits to see if there's any additional questions. Assuming there's no further inquiries, the he departs the area.

"I don't know about everyone else, but I could use some sleep." Tavleth says once the director is out of hearing range.

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Chapter 5C: Barren Soil, Fertile Mind

Post by Muskrat » Fri Sep 17, 2021 9:14 pm

Shoshannah asks, "Can we get a tour of the facilities at some point--at least those parts we have access to? It would help to get an overview of what's available here."

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Chapter 5C: Barren Soil, Fertile Mind

Post by Shurijo » Mon Sep 20, 2021 9:22 pm

The Director nods and smiles as the former Jedi seems accepting of the situation. "Follow me," he says. As he moves, the dark armored troopers form around the two researchers and Shoshannah to escort them through the facility. Once they are inside, the trooper detail split and only a few continue following them through the building.

Inside, they are show the various facility standard components including the mess hall, entertainment and recreation rooms, large library of digitized research documents and data relating to agriculture and organic genetic engineering, a pristine and well stocked laboratory with everything Shoshannah can imagine, multiple greenhouses with digital controls over various environmental settings to simulate the various planets and biomes throughout the galaxy, and their quarters.

Shoshannah notices that each person was assigned to their own quarters, something the non-Jedi might expect. Having been raised in the Temple, the Jedi always shared rooms so that one might not become attached or see a physical space as belonging to someone specific -- except for the Jedi Masters who maintained their own personal quarters.

"I hope the lab and library are to your satisfaction. The chefs will cook anything you request, assuming they have the proper ingredients. If they don't have something which meets your needs, we can always see about acquiring those items. Likewise, if you have ideas to improve the entertainment and recreation rooms, please let us know. While troopers provide security, they have their own barracks so they will not be sharing the common rooms alongside you."

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Chapter 5C: Barren Soil, Fertile Mind

Post by Muskrat » Thu Sep 23, 2021 2:46 am

As they are lead through the facility, Shoshannah notes not only what they are told about, but also what they are not told about. She tries to take note of any areas that seem off-limits and assess what might be there. She also looks for ports she might be able to access files, including files she shouldn't have any business accessing and possible escape routes.
Cunning 2/ Perception 1
"My own quarters?" says Shoshannah. "I haven't had those since ... forever." Let them think she was being seduced by the luxury, or what was luxury by Jedi standards at any rate.
Cunning 2/ Deception 0

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