[IC-Journal] - The Cookbook

[Amara]

((The following is an IC review of the character Amara Thayne. The observations, notes and thoughts are the characters. Now, I'm sure I don't have to mention this but getting your hands on the things in here IS possible. But should be difficult - if you want to make the attempt. Let me know ;) ))

Hidden, deep in the personal files upon the datapad registered to Apprentice Amara Thayne there was a file. Oddly named: "Cookbook" - the name meant to distract from the true nature of the work. A series of both text and audio files recorded by the pale faced apprentice herself. Ranging as far back as her first day at the Horuset estates. Those first entries were often filled with questions, self pitty - reflections and angry rants about those red skinned bastards. There was one red skinned bastard she'd spoken off fondly, though mentions of him had slowly faded away.

One entry remembers meeting the twi'lek overseer for the first time. Being choked out for no apparent reason and left freezing in the snow. Another entry remembers Apprentice Mharn, chewing out another acolyte - then throwing her into the wall. Again, for no apparent reason. 

The more modern entries are starting to sound colder. More calculating, though she will still occasionally rant about the red skinned menace. Her tone however about some of them having changed. 

//Open secure file
//Password - ********************
//Authorizing
//Authorising
//Password accepted
//Begin recording...

The voice of Amara broke into the dark silence..

Entry - 23

I smell like a swamp - no surprise, that operation might as well have been in a swamp given how sweaty.. Why would I care about that. The hunt was a success, the sith have once more conquered.. wildlife. Though I must admit, like the vine-cat those lizards were magnificent creatures. Don't see what Nivalis plans to do with that damned frog - and I don't want to know either. 

There was a pause in the monologue - the sounds of clasps being undone, and something heavyish being heaved off of a body. A sigh of relief also followed.

Blacksqualls great tits does it feel to be out of that thing.. it is a fine piece of armor.. but horrible in heat. Where was I? Right.. the frog, and the operation. The island was clamed - I just hope it was worth the effort. 

Another brief pause. Sounds of movement in whatever room Amara was occupying at the moment.

Veilak.. Zveris - I'm just going to keep calling him 'the overseer', easier that way. Has taught me the basics of Jar'kai - still no word on that saberstaff.. maybe one day. 

Neithyra.. my.. unofficial sister, something seems to grind her gears. Blacksqualls tits that woman - I didn't think anything could get past her shields. But seems someone shot an ion torpedo right at her exhaustport.

Another pause.

Someone's coming...

//End log

[Amara]

//Open secure file
//Password - ********************
//Authorizing
//Authorising//Password accepted//Begin recording...

The voice of Amara broke into the dark silence..

Entry 24...

The recording began to the sounds of.. sobbing? Then a howl of rage - swishing - swishing before a loud metallic BANG! shook the microphone creating a horrendous screetch in protest. 

The swish of fabric upon fabric followed soon after, creak of leather as a pair of boots were bent.

".. I hate them - I hate them all!" - The voice was shaky, and hoarse.

"One day.. One day I will wear that creatures Lekku as legwarmers, we'll see who jer-" - a snarl followed as the recording was cut.

[Amara]

//Open secure file
//Password - ********************
//Authorizing
//Authorising//Password accepted//Begin recording...

Entry 25

The 25th entry begins with silence, then a pop, followed by another, a third and finally a fourth - a sigh of relief follows with the sound of something heavy brushing over cloth and finally thudding controlled to a hard deck.

Well... that was a wild ride, if I ever saw one. Side note, stop running your mouth - not everyone has a sense of humor, and those that do tend to think autopsy videos are comedies or just generally don't know how to take a jest.

I suppose I shouldn't complain - I got to see not one, but two of our rather potent Sith in action. My Master... I suppose he's technically my Masters senior app- Frack it, I'll just call him Master here. No one's going to bother with this thing anyway - not with that title I gave it.

There was a musing pause in the ramblings of the apprentice, followed by an amused chuckle. Something creaked - and more clasps poped as the speaker disrobed herself.

.. Cookbook indeed - Where was, Oh right - The sith Zasa and Zveris. A dynamic duo of I ever saw one. The man dropped a flying transport.. fine, gunship, with the force. THAT is something I want to do one day.

On that note, I did manage to swat a missile out from its course.. guess that's something. A start. 

On a completely unrelated note, I need to reach out to Sith Na- the hooded growling woman, and Agran. Not going to work for free.

There was a long silence, punctuated by soft breathing - like whomever was doing the recording was listening to something. Eventually she spoke again.

The thing with Neithyra has.. seemingly resolved itself - at least mostly. But I'll get to that later. I need a shower...

The recording ended with a snap.

[Amara]

//Open secure file
//Password - ********************
//Authorizing
//Authorising//Password accepted//Begin recording...

Entry 26

Silence, for the longest time - there was nothing but the sound of labored breathing. 

We liberated some imperials last night - or the night before, space travel always did mess with the concept of time. It is tomorrow on Hutta, but today on Dromund Kaas - and yesterday on Korriban...

Regardless, we liberated some imperials last night. Lets call it that. When I first was told I was to be sith - I did not believe them. I suppose, deep down, I still don't. Maybe that is why Master Zveris, if he had hair, would go grey with me. I hear what he says, I try to act accordingly...

And I get a lecture about recklessness with a shock of lightning to boot. Whcih, hurts.. like hell, I might add.

More silence, punctuated by the sound of fabric rubbing against fabric. And the soft sound of boots against stone - recording on the move perhaps. Indeed, the exageratedly loud sound of a door screaming open follows soon after. 

Apparently I am reckless, and a fool - is that a wonder, given the circus this place is... Center for higher learning and tradition. Cesspit.

Anyway - I am rambling. We freed some imperials - could've used Lord Krevas' aid, turns out the runaway slaves had contacted the Republic. What was a neat rescue became something of a route when the jedi arrived. I.. have heard a lot about the jedi, but these two were.. Not what I had expected.

Her ramblings were interupted by a series of beeps, her voice returned briefly and muffled.

Yes.. basic treatment plan for electrical burns...

The recording ends.

[Amara]

//Open secure file
//Password - ********************
//Authorizing
//Authorising//Password accepted//Begin recording...

Entry 27

The recording comes to life to a presistent huming sound, accentuated by sharp cadance changes and the rustle of clothing. Underlying all the other sounds was a steady rythmic sound. Someone breathing...

It has.. been a while, since my last recording. Many a thing has happened - while my training and power keeps building, both more demanding and rewarding. I find myself questioning certain things - things I wont mention here, even as an apprentice I would not put it past those above me to... snoop.

A couple of days ago - I don't know where the lord got her information - but we went out to... play. And came back with a stray. Sith Zveris was with us and I've yet to be chewed out for my performance, either I did well or he's going to ambush me with a lecture later on.
in
The speaker must've moved away from the reccording device, because while one could hear the notes and tones of someone speaking, drowned out by the sound of footsteps and humming. The words themselves were indistinct, muffled.

Not sure if I mentioned it before, but Apprentice Sah'sha extended a rather interesting offer. One I discussed with my teacher - I have decided to act on the offer. Speaking of which I should send word to the man.. I'll do that after.

... On a less pleasant note, Apprentice Vulker nearly took my hand - will have to repay that back to him one day. I wonder if he'd miss a thumb... 

An amused chuckle followed.

I'm starting to sound like Apprentice Mharn and his quest for fingers... or hair. Wonder where that comes from, naturally bald and jealous - perhaps...

Regardless - many things have happened. And the coming days will see many more happen. An asortment of operations to take part off... maybe I'll finally be out of my Apprentice robes. 

Pain we endure...

The humm dies out, and soon after so does the recording. Another set of ramblings from a certain pale apprentice.

[Amara]

//Open secure file
//Password - ********************
//Authorizing
//Authorising//Password accepted//Begin recording...

Entry 28..

There's a long hush - somekind of a ruckus can be heard in the background. Someone with keen ears might recognise the sound as music in the background. Or at least it tries to be music. It was no sith opera. No - rythmic alien beats and sounds. When there finally is speech, it is hushed.

Acolyte Amara once asked for lessons in the culinary arts - apprentice Amara did not expect to ever get those lessons. Well.. it seems Ve- Zveris didn't forget about that particular promise. Admitedly my palet is not as advanced as someone elses might be.. but he does whip up a mean pasta with sauce.. Could've used something sweet, besides the wine, to wash it all down with.

Silence - the rustle of clothing. Then padding footsteps. It seems someone's not wearing boots as the reposition. The sound of the music has died down too, either who ever was playing it turned it off or the recording device has moved out of range.

I learned a lot today - and not only in the kitchen. Turns out our teachers may have had lives and interest outside of the sith order. Before ending up on Korriban - wont get in on that here. Incase someone decides to be nosey - if it's you, Apprentice Mharn - know that you're too big, and you need a shirt.

A quiet snicker as the recorder moves again.

I do not know how long he's planning for this visit to take - but I must admit it does feel.. liberating to be outside of the estate grounds. It seems Sith Zveris feels the same way. Based on the way his posture changed - though, that could be just because he's on ground he considers his. A haven - would be a shame if someone... No - not yet. 

Another pause, a long one this time. Though it doesn't seem like the recorder is moving. Maybe she'd heard something and was playing it safe.

There is a lot to do - a lot to learn. My operation team seems to be assembled.. here's hoping that goes off without a hitch. Based on Vulker's earlier operation. Play my cards right and I might come into some interesting information.. and credits. Enough perhaps to buy a couch.. I've.. never had a couch before. Funny.

There's a mechanic snap and the recording falls dead.

[Amara]

//Open secure file
//Password - ********************
//Authorizing
//Authorising//Password accepted//Begin recording...

Entry 29...

Panting, clattering - and a long long drawn out sigh. Followed by a lengthy silence...

What. The. Actual. Fuck... just happened..!?

The recording ends.

[Amara]

//Open secure file

//Password - ********************
//Authorizing
//Authorising//Password accepted//Begin recording...

Entry 30...

The audio recording starts with the blaring and hissing sounds of a room meant for working. Something's bubbling in the background, a slow kind of bubbling that suggests a viscous material - not water. The crackle of heat is layered underneath that. And above it all was the steady rythmic beat of a machine doing its mindless work. Whoever the recording belonged to could be heard humming as their clothing moved with a soft rustle. A straining sound, something stubborn being torn from its holder against its will. And the final pop of the two parts becoming separate. Finally, a voice spoke.

... Regular wood - crude, but sturdy. About 50 cm. Split down the middle by a handle. Wrapped in something...

A sniff and a shudder..

... Poorly cured leather - likely hastily made. The spear tip is bronze.. Cheap bronze at that.. but should work fine - I can melt that and reforge it into something pretty. Hmm.. maybe the ring. Neophyte Vulker supplied enough toxin to make an attempt at a crude first draft-- though the smart thing to do would be to use saline fluids.

The speaker rambled on for a while longer about ring designs. The machine that had been thumping in the background came to a stop. Whatever it had been doing seems to be finished for the moment. That slow bubbling went on - clothing rustled as something was reached for. Grabbed. And moved. Metal against something hard, more organic - stone? Could be heard in the background before the wierd sounding liquid made a new sound. Heat rolling over something cold. Followed by a thud.

I Should be able to get my hands on some hardwood - make for a decent shaft. My old acolyte robes - treated with laquer for the handle, perhaps. Mm..The tip though - I'd want something harder than bronze. I'll dive through the scrap piles. But - I should have enough to place a small order for some steel. Need to order materials anyway for the other projects.

There was a series of beeps and boops - rythmic clearly in a cadance. The faintest sound of a mechanical click could be heard underlying the sounds. A scrape followed, complete with a soft thud. 

The hinge I made seems to work - may need to adjust it for the rest of the hilt - the lord of war truly came with a good idea. The work on the circuitry may be taxing. Challenging even. But.. I should be up to the task. I hope. If not - well.. Hmh.. 

I can't focus - I'll return to this later.

A chair creaked as someone shifted their weight, clothing rustled - and the recording died with the sound of a loud snap.

[Amara]

//Open secure file


//Password - ********************
//Authorizing
//Authorising//Password accepted//Begin recording...

Entry 31...

The hum of engines were the first the to hit the devices microphones, a steady background sound without banging or ticking or clicking. The signs of a well kept machine. Above the hum - breathing, not one set but two distinctly separate beings. Though the deeper more relaxed breathing sounds soon fade away as if distance was being created. The swoosh of a door -- padding footsteps, the platter of bare feet on hard deck if you were keen to analyze such sounds. A faltering breath, pained groan and the creak and protest of a leather seat as weight caressed by fabric was applied. A deep, rasping sigh follows.

It has been --

Pause, more breathing - and drumming. Fingers on a hard surface. The soft sound of a chair being swung back and forth and spun at the same time.

-- A whirlwind of a week. Things have developed - things I did not see coming. Couldn't have seen coming. In my wildest imaginings did not expect in the slightest. Where to begin? Hmh, out of safety - I'd better not go into all of it.

The red oaf and his master - well - lesson learned I suppose. Do not greet a red oaf over an open comm unless you want to be kissed by his knuckles.

A dry laugh, cold without mirth.

Though it could be a cultural thing. Perhaps that is how their kind flirt.. if so - well - I suppose the race are built like blocks for a reason.

On the other hand, the new acolyte cadre seems to be consisting mostly of women. And very few purebloods. I wonder if our Darth is rolling in her sarcophagus - or whatever it is she sleeps in. Knowing that little tidbit. Some of them seem - competent. Or at least capable of accepting instruction.  We'll see what becomes of them. Though I must admit I found myself quite enjoying working on their shii cho. Anyone ever tells them that - or tells an overseer I will deny it.

More swinging sounds, a soft skin on deck sound - then another. The hiss of a door opening and the abrupt ending of motion sound followed at the same time. A heavier stride approched - the chair gave a groan of protest as if it was suddenly tilted backwards. There were words - but the microphone must've been covered. The pause lasted for a minute or two - before the sound quality increased and the heavy strides receeded. No words were spoke before the door had hissed twice.

He knows about you, dear journal...

Alas. Today was interesting. We followed a lead to a warehouse - not exactly sure what we were after but. We did leave with a box - bruises and more than a few new cuts and scrapes. Did not think we'd run into jedi.

That apprentice put up a good fight. Nearly had me a good couple of times. I'd  have  had her if not for that blasted table. Impressive though - to be cut open like a fish, and still have the presence of mind to not only hurl me into a table. But use the table to batter me with it. Put a stop to that though - and then her master put a stop to us. 

A pause, during which some sounds could be heard in some other part of the space that was being occupied. Clattering sounds, like someone was digging around in a cupboard on the hunt for something.

GO BACK TO BED!

I need to cut this short it seems - we retreated in the end. Having retrieved a box of somekind.. I'm sure there'll be a debrief once we're back at the estates. For now though... signing off.

The speaker grew silent - a moment later there was a harsh clicking sound and the recording - died.