Shadows of Bankor

A Mandalorian made their way across the rolling hills out past Rygor. It was late - the day had been busy and prevented them from making it to the enclave in decent time. The public transport had taken them as far as it could, and the rest was on foot. It was a nice evening out, the breeze slowly cooling in the evening. Not a bad feeling out here at all - they could see why the enclave had decided to form out here.

They swung the duffel onto the opposite shoulder as they went.

She wasn't the only traveler on the road. Her overcoat flowing behind her, medpac over her shoulder. Juri whistled quietly to herself, taking the overland trek to Daunt's home.

She seemed quite at peace with the world around her.

They didn't miss the other person on the road, simply nodding in acknowledgment. Most outsiders tended to take it as a invitation, but they'd survive.

"Good evening." Her voice, an alto, spoke up as she saw the nod. "You were on the Righteous Star weren't you? Did you have any problems with customs enforcement?" She asked, looking to the Mandalorian.

They nodded. "I was." Their own voice could be alto or tenor - it was hard to tell beneath the slight distortion of the helmet. "No, no trouble. Looked like the Imperials were expecting trouble to come through, though."

"It was a surprise, to be sure. An unwelcome one." She lowered her voice as she moved next to the armored one. "Would you be offended if I walked with you? I live nearby but I wouldn't mind chatting with a fellow traveler." Just turned, offering a smile.

"My name is Juri. A doctor, of a sort."

"Their extra attention rarely brings good tidings," the Mandalorian responded in a murmur with a surprisingly degree of venom. "Feel free. I am Sacha Ordo. Pleased to meet you, Juri."

"I agree. It probably will make more sense to always travel with someone." She nodded as they walked, listening to the sounds of the wild around them. "It is very good to meet you, Sacha Ordo." She took in the armor, admiring the craftsmanship.

"I don't mean to intrude. Your armor is very lovely. Compliments to the smith."

The craftsperson looked down at themselves. "It's just the base... Not much yet. I need to complete it."

"Well. It is a fine start then. Your handiwork is very detailed, even if 'only the base'." She mimed the air quotes, remaining pleasant as ever. "What brings you to Bankor, Sacha Ordo? And has the new arrival soured your opinion?"

She could hear the smile in their voice as they answered. "Thank you. It's my first effort at real armor. I want to do my best," they admitted. "Research and resource gathering. I'm getting ready to pursue my calling, but there are questions I would like to answer first. What brings you to Bankor? You were on the transport, as well."

"I was. But I've lived here for several years." She spoke up, keeping up with the Mandalorian next to her. "I volunteer my services as a doctor for refugee ships from time to time. People get sick, and in those close conditions, it can be catastrophic. Refugees have suffered enough already, don't need to add infection on top of that."

She held onto her medkit, adjusting the strap around her shoulder. "It seems I do volunteer more and more these days, though."

"Mm... Yes," they replied, the tone slightly dark. The voice of someone who'd seen the damage sickness could do. "There's more need, or you feel the urge more often?"

"Both." She pursed her lips in response. "The need for help multiplies, and so I find myself drawn to help even more. And it seems there are more refugees every month, coming to the Outer Rim, just trying to make their way."

The Mandalorian nodded a little. "Several years after the Clone Wars are over, the refugees should be decreasing. It's not as though my people haven't created more than their share... but whatever would happen to increase their numbers after... I doubt it's honorable."

"No. Worlds are being mined for resources. Imperial flags fly as a reminder to all. The galaxy gave up liberty for security. The War... terror was everywhere." She quietly responded.

"People come to the Outer Rim, because the grip and focus isn't so apparent. But the gaze can always be focused, like it is here, now."

"Some people saw the power shift that could happen with it, too." Juri could hear the anger in the voice. "People that would sacrifice anything for that power."

She didn't just hear it. She felt it. Radiating off the other woman. Yet she said nothing about that feeling. "And if you pick the wrong side of that power, or try to really push it to your own advantage... it ends in pain."

"For everyone involved, yes," she replied, letting out a long breath. "And it's usually just a matter of time."

"Pain clouds everything. And breeds more of it. A cycle of suffering that just feeds on itself." She nodded, quite enjoying the walk with the Mandalorian. "But if there are enough people who try to ease that pain, maybe the cycle can break."

"Perhaps. I hope so. But I suspect that won't be easily or soon."

"Small steps lead to larger strides, and eventually, the destination." She continues, almost radiating optimism as the pair walked. "Something we all have to work to remember, otherwise darkness consumes us."

She nodded, and when she spoke next, she sounded a little more positive. "You're right."