Leave

I get my final things ready, and I head out.

Master Valerie is waiting for me at the temple exit. She's been my tutor for these last few years, accompanying me on many missions and guiding me in the ways of the ****. She's a good friend. We talk for a moment, discussing the mission and she does her best to advise me. Then I give her a warm farewell, she wishes me luck and I head off.

I grab a taxi from near the Jedi temple, then a mag train to the Starport, and I'm off to the outer rim. I take a quick ship to the planet of Toledian. When I'm there I find myself a smugglers vessel heading past Chibbier. It's a fast journey. A day in space in comfortable and warm private quarters. I spent the time meditating and re-reading the mission notes.

When I arrive at Chibbier I find a scene of devastation. The separatists had taken over the planet and were using it to manufacture weapons. A clone bombing run had destroyed the bases, but the separatists were hiding among the local population, so many people were left homeless and impoverished.

I arrive in time to blend into the local population, and head for one of the refugee ships that have arrived to transport the people off world. The few remaining starports on the planet are crowded with people, most of them desperately trying to leave. It's here that I first spot a cultist from the new group on Bogana; the Church of Marisa.

She was a young woman. A human girl. Early 20s maybe. She looked happy, clean, her long blonde hair hanging freely down her back. Her outfit was startling, elegant but scandalous. She looked liked a high class temple whore. She wore cloths of white and gold. Expensive material, soft and beautiful. And while her breasts and crotch were covered, almost nothing else was, the material leaving most of her body exposed and ****. Her neck was adorned with a golden choker, carved in an intricate and beautiful pattern, and bracelets adorned her wrists.

She walked through the crowd slowly, with a woman at her side. A heavily armored Togruta guard with a rifle. The guard had some gold and white in her outfit, and though better covered, the thick muscles of her arms were on display. The pair walked slowly around the starport, carrying baskets of food and water, and handing them out to anyone in need.

I could see them stopping to talk with some people, and directly them to ship they had at the back of the port, promising safe voyage and a new life on Bogano. After watching for a few minutes i realized that only woman were made this offer, and all men were being turned away. I watched a Challundan approach, a frog-like species with five genders, and after a little debate between the two cultists, and some obviously lewd gazes from the scantily dressed girl, I saw them reach agreement, and the Challundan was invited back to the ship.

I rehearsed some simple lies in my head, waited for an opportunity, then stepped up, asking for food. They gave me some sort of bread, I didn't recognize the flour but it tasted good enough. I ate slowing, savoring the food as if I had not eaten in days. I kept my gaze low, but I knew the woman was looking me over, and after a few moments she invited me back to their ship. Her voice was sweet and lyrical. I sensed no **** powers from her, but her tone was comforting and put me at ease.

I made my way to the ship, in hangar bay 12c. It was a large vessel, guarded by more armed security. A dozen more of the scantily clad priestess were here as well, and one greeted me as I arrived in the hangar. I could sense she genuinely wanted to help me settle in. There was no ill intent and her heart was pure. I boarded their ship, and the priestess showed me around, helping me find a spot to sleep, and providing me with food and a change of clothes.

It was a few hours before we set off, and I spend the time getting to know a few refugees and the priestess who had welcome me onboard. Her name was Vera. She was a refugee herself and had joined the cult after staying at their camp and falling in love with their community and lifestyle. She spoke very positively about the family spirit, the kindness, tenderness and genuine love shown to her by everyone in the church.

Eventually the ship is full. The priestesses are all recalled from the starport, and ship is prepared for takeoff.

The ship is a bit cramped, but the journey is only a few hours. There's a lot of refugees on the planet and it's better to be cramped then leave people behind. For the first part of the journey I wanted a bit. The guards didn't give me access to the armory, but everywhere else was fine, and I was greeted with polite and warm smiles. I didn't see anything out of place for a refugee ship.

As I was starting to grow bored I spotted Vera, sitting on a bench and playing cards with some refugees. I sat down with the group and let the hours fly by as I tried to learn the card game.

After about an hour I began to notice Vera, paying more attention to me, sitting a little closer, gazing at me. She found an excuse at the end of the round to gently place her hand on mine, and looked up into my eyes. She was flirting with me.