Gala - Jedi Praxeum Ruins

[Dahar Raikanda]

As the two Jedi collided both were pushed backward from the impact. Dahar stood firm as the Wookiee lept into the air. With force he threw his saber down towards Dahar.

 

The Jedi Knight lifted his blade to defend but suddenly found himself being lifted off the ground. Not just lifted, but swirled through the air. He had to think quickly as his eyes were no longer focused on his opponent.

 

He reached deep into himself and exerted a Force Barrier just large enough to shield his body. The lightsaber was deflected but the attack and subsequent defense left Dahar at a disadvantage. As the whirlwind suddenly died down the Jedi came crashing to the ground. The barrier vanished as Dahar hit the floor.

 

He decided to respond in turn, hurling his own Jedi weapon towards Kirlocca in boomerang fashion from his position on the ground.

 

((3))

[Nitestrike]

Gala. Though the mysterious man emerged far on the outskirts of the system, the image of the planet filled the cockpit and memories of the planet filled his mind. Last time he left Gala, his differences with Kitt Fitt, the former Jedi Grandmaster, began to arise, coming to a head at Helix Station. In essence, Gala marked the beginning of his end as a Jedi, a drastic change in his mentality, really it signaled a rebirth of his character. Returning to this planet, he knew, would present some challenges, but he did not expect to be as overwhelmed as he was. Images flooded his mind of a different path, the path he would have followed had he not allowed himself to succumb to his rash dissent with the Jedi Code. It was a life he knew he couldn't have lead, he could not allow himself to be a mindless sheep, blindly following the Jedi Code.

 

For this reason, the man's return to Gala sprung an internal debate. If there were indeed Jedi here, this would be an opportunity to show he was still alive. Perhaps the Order today would be more open to his alternate view. Few people in the Order could serve as a better devil's advocate than him, and the very nature of the organization would serve to temper his recklessness. While he detested how little the Jedi did to protect the innocent, he also knew his great flaw was being too quick to act. Still, limits to his freedom would hamper his efforts to do what needed to be done. Deep down, he knew the Order would never be willing to go as far as he was, and with good reason. Not everyone had his obstinate resolve, and he knew what he did could lead some to evil.

 

Philosophical concerns were an issue for another time, however, and it seemed necessity would force him to show his hand. Hiding who he was would be no easy task if Jedi still walked the Temple's halls. While he had become an expert at hiding his sensitivity to the Force, drawing it deep inside and making his mind an impenetrable fortress to unwarranted attacks, there were those in the Order who knew his face. A beard would do little to disguise himself from a Jedi Master, even if that Master could not access his mind. The Force had been a private indulgence during the man's time in exile, and he had learned much during his studies, but he knew he lacked the power to trick a Jedi Master. If he was quick and used a solid alias, perhaps he could get the details for the job and get out, but doing so wouldn't be an easy task.

 

As the ship edged closer to the planet, the man continued arguing with himself over what he should do, and he was running out of time. The ship entered atmosphere under the guise of The Wayward Raven, the most well known of his ship's aliases, and soon made its way towards whatever remained of the Jedi Temple. It was surprisingly intact, even improved upon, but just by looking at it he knew it was no longer the center of the Jedi Order. A slight thud signaled the craft had set down outside the Temple, and as the man exited the landing ramp the decision was made. He had returned to Gala to do a job, and revealing who he was would make that job easier. It was time to discard the masks that had protected him for so long, it was time for him to stop hiding behind an alias. It was time for him to become Brad Warren, and perhaps a Jedi, once again.

 

Making his way inside the Temple, the exiled Jedi let go of his restraint. His mind was flooded with the overwhelming sensation of life around him, signaling the Force's presence inside him. Reaching out, he knew there were three people inside the Temple. Knowing that they were the only hope he had of establishing contact with the Jedi, he advanced deeper into the structure. With his hat drawn low on his head, covering his eyes, and his lightsaber and pistol both visible and at the ready, just in case, he emerged onto scenes of battle. Seeing a wookiee doing battle with a lightsaber, all Brad could do was let out a sarcastic utterance. ”œGreat,”

[Wookiee Jedi]

Kirlocca had to admit, it was a well met defense and counter attack by Dahar. Perhaps not flashy, but it worked well to even odds out a bit, if only barely. And Kirlocca understood that such flashiness would only get someone killed in the long run. As he suddenly found himself in a position to defend himself, he spun his body, turning just slightly enough to catch Dahar's lightsaber by the hilt on it's pass. As soon as his paw touched the hilt, he leapt into the air with Dahar's weapon in one paw. With his other, he reached out and recalled his own back to his free paw and made a direct downward slash with both blades at the Jedi Knight.

 

Even as he made his maneuver, he could feel a very familiar presence in the Force. Brad, a member of the former Augury. He was also very opposed to Kitt's mentality with the Jedi Order and left shortly after the two had a disagreement. True, Kirlocca himself didn't agree with Kitt's ideas, he would never leave the Order because of it, as Kirlocca felt that it was apart of the Jedi Code and lifestyle to commit to honor the Grandmaster. Once he was done with Dahar, the Jedi Master would have to figure out the what behind his return. But until he was done, he had to focus on Dahar.

 

((4))

[Serpe]

A small freighter pulled out of hyperspace above Gala's orbit, with Moon at the cockpit.

 

"Gala. A beautiful world, though I've only been here once. I wish I could have spent more time here." She mulled the thought over in her head. Her first lessons, an attack by droids that actually turned out to be planned... She couldn't help but chuckle. How naive she was. "At least I've got some more time now."

 

She pushed the yoke forward, intently listening to the engines. To most beings, engines were loud and rather repulsive to work around when they were running. But to Moon their noises were an elegant symphony, fit to entertain the most famous holodrama actors and the most infamous politicians at their most exclusive parties. The freighter crawled forward steadily, allowing Moon to take in all the sights. She used to Force to locate any Jedi, and, as her mind cleared, felt no surprise to feel the presence of a powerful Jedi Master. She felt others, but concentrated solely on it, allowing her hands to guide the faithful ship to that location.

 

As she neared, she could make out the unmistakable shape that was the Jedi Temple here on Gala. She moved the Reflection into a clearing just outside the Jedi Temple, and as the ship made the unmistakable thud of arrival, Moon was already practically jumping out of her seat. The crash webbing snapped back as the woman sprang out of her freighter with the joy of a young girl. That's when it hit her.

 

Her master's death, Cephi, the torture... her joy all but fled from her body. She felt herself losing it again, the Dark Side's cold hand reaching out to console her... and finally finding comfort in knowing that the Force has no sides and takes no sides. Moon knew that what she called the "Dark Side" was only her dark side; her fear and anger and not the doing of the Force. The Force just simple "was," as she just "is." Composing herself, Moon entered the Temple to find what she assumed was the source of her beacon, Master Kirlocca, sparring with another Jedi as yet another watched. But, something was different about this one...

[Dahar Raikanda]

Dahar had risen since throwing his Jedi weapon but was quite displeased with the result of his attack. The Jedi Master now held two lightsabers and Dahar none.

 

A crowd was gathering as well. Instead of one Jedi observing Dahar's final trial there were now three.

 

Dahar allowed the Force to fully penetrate his being. He focused in on Kirlocca. It was the Wookiee Master who had taught Dahar to see inside of all things. He had instructed him well in the art of reading people. Not just thoughts or emotions, but Kirlocca had demanded Dahar to feel deep inside the very essence of every being. To see down to the smallest cell and sense the Force in all things. He could see the one thing the Jedi Master would not expect.

 

The Jedi Knight, facing his opponent head on, called up on the Force. No, he demanded it. And it came to him. Letting loose a growl that came from deep in his chest he summoned a Force Protection Bubble of great magnitude. A burst of beautiful blue light came from his abdomen and quickly formed a dome around himself.

 

Dahar focused in on Kirlocca and ran at him full speed. He took to the air as his body flew towards the Wookiee like an arrow. He speared him, knocking him backwards and forcing both lightsabers from his grip. They flew through the air and back down, landing in Dahar's palms. He stood over the great Jedi Master with the swords scissored at his kneck.

 

((4))

[Wookiee Jedi]

Kirlocca was indeed impressed with Dahar. The actions taken were creative enough to keep up with a flurry of a Jedi Master. True as it may be that both were intending to avoid any harm to the other, skill was still on display despite the lack of push instinct. Kirlocca nodded his head towards Dahar and slowly stood up, indicating that the match was over. Being full aware of the onlookers, Kirlocca decided to go ahead with the trial.

 

<< I must admit that in any normal circumstance, I think both of us would have been pushed a bit further in our actions. However, the case still stands, and Dahar Raikanda, your skills shone very brightly during this match. >>

 

By this point, the lightsabers were deactivated and resting in Dahar's hands. Kirlocca lifted his left paw and recalled his lightsaber hilt to it. It was almost openly indicated that Dahar fall to his knees for the next part of the ceremony. Once Dahar was upon one knee, Kirlocca spoke in a booming voice.

 

<< Dahar Raikanda, with both dedication to the Jedi Order, and skill and wisdom to understand the Force, you are herby granted the rank of Jedi Master. >>

 

As Kirlocca spoke, he slowly moved his lightsaber hilt over each shoulder, but kept the blade deactivated. As he finished, the best Wookiee like smile came to his face, as it always made him feel honored to have another in their ranks.

[Dahar Raikanda]

Dahar returned the smile and then did something unexpected. It was particularly out of character for Dahar who often maintained the image of a stern warrior, but nonetheless, he moved in towards his much taller friend and gave him a huge hug. It was sincere, but also not without thought as he knew other Jedi would be watching. They needed to know that although the Jedi discouraged many different emotions love and joy were at the center of all things.

 

"Thank you Master Kirlocca, I will do my best to fulfill the title you have given me." Dahar knew the responsibilities that came with this position. Most likely he would command this praxeum. With Master Kitt no longer the Grandmaster, or even around, he had the feeling Kirlocca would have much to do.

 

The Jedi Master let out a deep exhale and called the Force in with his breath. It did not taste different. There was no great change that came with the transition from Knight to Master, no list of new powers popped into his head. It was a word. It held great significance of course and Dahar was truly honored. It was with words that beings related to each other. It was a word that represented all he had done for the Order and also what he could now achieve. It also brought with it a level of respect that very few ever garnered. But a word nonetheless, and Dahar didn't feel any different.

 

He turned and bowed to Kailen, the Wookiee's apprentice. "Young one, I hope you observed well. Neither of us fought alone, in fact we share a common pool of strength. My ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. It knows no limits or bounds! Someday, through the Force, you may very well be more powerful than the Jedi Masters in this room combined. Only time will tell!" he shouted the last bit with a joyful laugh. He meant it quite sincerely though, for he truly understood the infinite powers of the Force, that no being was ever any more or less than another.

 

"And you sir!" Dahar called out to the far stretches of the room (at Brad). It was a large hall indeed, large enough that the Jedi on the outskirts could barely be seen watching the action. But it was not a completely new presence to Dahar. The other man may not recall him, or he very well may, but he had seem him once before aboard the Double Helix station shortly before its destruction.

[Nitestrike]

Standing to the side watching the events unfold before him, Brad was only mildly amused. He had seen enough spars during his days in the Order that this sort of thing was rather boring. Two Jedi going against each other would never bring out the best in a fighter, they would always be forced to hold back their power for fear of injuring their opponent. When Jedi Masters were involved, Brad could only imagine how much of their ability was being held in reserve. It was the reason he didn't enjoy sparring against his colleagues. When he draws lightsaber, every fiber of his being is put into the battle, every skirmish is a struggle of his heart and soul. It was the reason he had taken it upon himself to master Vaapad in his exile, knowing that its philosophy would be the only way to use all of his strength to vanquish his enemies.

 

The arrival of another, however, divided Brad's attention between the stranger and the battle taking place. He had felt this one's arrival through the Force, and not sensing a threat from her he decided it was best to ignore this intruder, at least for the time being. There were larger issues on his mind at the moment, and the aloof troubles of a random apprentice were not his concern. Still, her arrival was unsettling, displaying his lack of knowledge of the affairs in the galaxy. When he had arrived, Brad had feared the Temple was destroyed and the Jedi were gone from Gala. The arrival of this woman showed that he may have been mistaken, and it gave him a sense of urgency to get off this rock before something bad happened.

 

As the trial concluded, Brad removed his hat and began to cross the room toward the Jedi Masters. There was no way for him to hide at this point, the Jedi knew he had returned. Abandoning the Order was not something he was proud of despite what he had accomplished. He feared they would accept him with open arms, and the cute little display before him did little to squelch those fears. Emotion, especially affection, was something Brad rarely showed, believing it to be a sign of weakness. Seeing two supposed warriors hugging it out like long lost fraternity brothers was unsettling to him, but it wasn't something worth bringing focus to.

 

”œCongratulations, Dahar, isn't it? I'm guessing you both remember who I am, so let's just skip the pleasantries, I'm here for a reason. There have been some rather unsettling reports going around about the Order, reports I hope are merely the government's lies. There was a rumor about the Jedi being implicated in the recent attacks, something I'm almost certain isn't true. I fear we may be entering into a dangerous realm, and it's not the best time to be off gallivanting around the galaxy all by my lonesome. So one of you tell me what is going on, and who let the galaxy go to hell while I was away?”

[Serpe]

Moon delighted at the display of prowess that the two Jedi had displayed, their mastery of the Force giving her goosebumps on her skin. The fighting had ended with a bestowal of a title on the strange man whom she had never met, and then was punctuated with a final embrace of the two men. An understanding of emotion and love poured through the Force, and she breathed it in; allowed it to flow through her. It felt good.

 

The man near her was uneasy, as Moon could slightly read. He seemed conflicted, not at her arrival, but at being in the wonderful Praxeum itself. He didn't seem lost... Moon couldn't pin down the emotion. She was an excellent reader, but this man was obviously more powerful than she. To be in the presence of these Jedi was an honor for her, to be in the presence of such power... Amazing.

 

"Congratulations!" Moon shouted, following the man who arrived before her. Dahar was the new Master's name. She walked forward to join the conversation, but stayed a few feet back as to not intrude.

 

"...unsettling reports going around about the Order, reports I hope are merely the government's lies. There was a rumor about the Jedi being implicated in the recent attacks, something I'm almost certain isn't true..."

 

What?! This can't be. Moon's mood instantly dropped from celebratory joy to genuine concern. Though she had been redeemed, and had been Knighted before her fall, she still felt that she didn't quite belong in the Jedi Order. Not that it wasn't for her, but more or less, she wasn't for them. She felt as if she wouldn't be accepted again, but wanted to help in any way she could.

 

Moon sure hoped the galaxy had not gone to hell in her absence. She listened intently, waiting for a reply from one of the two Masters.

[Wookiee Jedi]

Kirlocca took some time to put away his own lightsaber hilt on his belt before he moved to join the now growing crowd. The Jedi Master knew all of those whom were gathered, so he didn't feel a need to rush himself into the conversation. He could feel the general reaction in the Force to Dahar and his display of friendship. He couldn't understand part of what he felt, but it wasn't really something for him to attempt to sort out. His job was to keep himself in check and to make sure that the Praxeum was in good order. But now he sensed that perhaps Dahar would take over those responsibilities. As he joined the group, he caught the last words of Brad, something that Kirlocca was no stranger to, as he had already begun to dig into what he could.

 

<< Not really government lies, put perhaps maybe even something worse. Before Kitt's death, he found no trace of an actual Jedi or Sith involved in the slaughter on Kashyyyk, and I have a strong sense that there is something else stirring in the Force. Whatever these acts attempted to do, the Jedi will have to be ready to respond. But for now, it's really only the Council's worry. There are far more greater needs to attend to. >>

 

The truth was, he was certain that it was a Sith involved, but he held no proof. And for him to act upon such a move without fully knowing would make the Order no better than those whom did the acts. And until the Council could find a head to lead, they would keep major threats to themselves.

[Dahar Raikanda]

Dahar could sense the tone in the man. He was on the borderline of the Force, or so the Jedi Master felt. In him were feelings of abandonment and burden.

 

He waited for Kirlocca to speak on his questions, but the Wookiee did not.

 

"Brad Warren," Dahar bowed to the Knight. "There is indeed a disturbance in the Force that spreads out over the galaxy. Surely you have felt it, that is why you inquire." Dahar knew that anyone truly in touch with the Force could not have the facts hidden from them. "The hand of the Dark Side reaches out over everything. There are threats everywhere, and they must be stopped."

 

Dahar recalled the terrorist actions taken on his party recently. And he felt deep inside the ever lasting print of the true raw hatred of the Dark Side unleashed at the Death Star battle. Worlds were shatter by the Force that day.

 

"The Sith have assassinated the Grandmaster, surely everyone can sense that. If Master Kitt chose to live on, his whereabouts are unknown to us. This facility is our new training base. Much of the temple has been left in tact as you can see." Dahar led the group out of the training room and back into the temple area of the praxeum. Basically the core of the structure.

 

"I believe we need to seek out the Dark Side where it hides, and eradicate it. In all my experiences I have never found a reason to allow the Sith to exist."

 

Dahar knew it was a bold claim, that was his intention.

[Dahar Raikanda]

Whoops my bad on the dp.

[Kailen Aeli]

Kailen followed and watched quietly enough as the two Jedi sparred within the ready area beside her. Her focus was split somewhat when other Jedi joined the ensemble of those eying the altercation, but she paid little more attention to them than the humming of the military base around them while it teemed with mechanical life and pulled her attention to its needy melody like a fleshy marionette. Her eyes were drawn away occasionally to commiserate with metal beneath her feet and to commune with the technology within the reach of her long finger tips, but she did her best to channel the force and remain focused upon Dahar's trial like her master was trying to teach her.

 

It wasn't that the events before her were inherently boring, but more things beget her attention than merely the trial beset by her furry master.

 

Even when the interaction ended, and Kailen was reminded of so many other master and knighting ceremonies that she had the privilege of witnessing in the past, the young adult rested silently standing.

 

She did not interrupt the conversation and bowed slightly when acknowledged. The only thing that changed in her demeanor from the active fight, to the inactive fight, was the fact that she was looking expectantly at Kirlocca.

 

She knew there was a path to walk and even though she was eager to walk it, she was willing to wait and watch as her master's business concluded before she questioned the continuation of said training.

[Nitestrike]

Brad was rather taken aback by the newly anointed Master's apparent zeal. It seemed as though Kitt's death had allowed to Order to change, although Dahar could believe in a fringe theory on how the Jedi should act. Admittedly, he knew little about the man, but he felt the man's ideology was clouding his judgment. Darkness was not encompassing the galaxy because of a few isolated terrorist attacks, nor was it due to the inherent flaws present in the new government. In Brad's eyes, it wasn't spreading at all, rather, the darkness existed just as it always had. Confrontation with the Sith was inevitable to protect the innocent, but rushing off to destroy their Order mercilessly and without purpose was not the way to go about it.

 

”œYou might want to calm down Dahar, rushing off with that kind of attitude is only going to get you killed. The dark side isn't something you can eradicate, it always has existed and it always will exist. All you can hope to do is minimize its impact, as you should, but you need to go about it the right way. And perhaps the Order should be more concerned by what's going on right now, Kirlocca. People are starting to talk, and these implications could have a negative impact on the Order's image in the galaxy. I wouldn't underestimate the value of public opinion.”

[Wookiee Jedi]

Kirlocca kept still, but through no means of what was said, rather to listen fully to what Brad had to say. It wasn't that Kirlocca didn't care about the public opinion, but rather knew and understood that it wasn't a priority to worry about right now with other things in motion. But arguing and debating the topic wouldn't gain anyone anything at the moment. Dahar was too eager to deal with it, and Brad doesn't hold a wide view to see everything. Later in time, they both would be on the same page, of that he was sure.

 

With a slight glance of his eyes towards Kailen, whom he could tell was eagerly waiting for something to be taught to her. As of right now, life would be throwing them around in a very fast movement. The chance to teach with words might not be available for a while. However, when he got the chance, he would make certain that she was indeed watching and taking everything in that could become a benefit to her. With a motion with his paw, he indicated for her to move closer to his side. Once he did, he spoke towards Brad.

 

<< From my last knowledge of his whereabouts, he should be on Tython, our current Jedi Temple, as this is just our Praxeum now Brad. I myself have a need to make the journey to see him. Perhaps it would be beneficial for us to go there together. >>

[Serpe]

Moon stood motionless, eyes wide, taking in all the information. She almost missed the beautiful young woman who took her place by the side of Master Kirlocca. Moon concluded that the woman was either an adviser, which was unlikely, or his apprentice, as her connection to the Force basically confirmed.

 

She was slightly surprised when hearing some of the information, and the emotions in the Force when talking about the situations that had occurred in the recent past. That, and Gala was only a Praxeum now, was a change that Moon had not expected. Though possibly necessary. She trusted the Master's opinions and actions, perhaps more than this man named Brad did.

 

Then Kirlocca spoke, saying that he and the man should travel together to Tython, the location of the new Jedi Temple. Moon moved to ask if she could travel with them, but decided it would be better to wait and possibly follow them there instead of interject.

[Dahar Raikanda]

The Jedi Master appreciated the opinions of everybody. He listened in on the conversation between Kirlocca and the others.

 

He bowed respectfully and left without speaking. It was understood that there was much to be done and his presence was not needed there.

 

Dahar decided to do something it had been many many years since last experienced. He made his way out of the room which was grouped with the other training rooms in that wing. He then moved towards the center of the temple area ((which accounts for maybe 10% of the praxeum at the core of the facility, where most business takes place and the Masters teach, hence forth when "temple" is used I am referring to the deep core, with the praxeum itself being more of a defense facility)).

 

Much damage had been done by the attacks of the diabolical Faust, but certain parts remained undamaged. One of these was a courtyard Dahar spent much time in before leaving Gala years ago. He would often go there to meditate and commune with the Force. When he arrived he was pleased to see his favorite tree still stood, strong and at one with the Living Force.

 

The Jedi Master took to the ground, sitting legs folded under the shade of the tree. He closed his eyes and began to breathe in the Force. It was his very being. Dahar faded into a deep trance within the Force, listening to its whispers of guidance and being refreshed with pure energy.

 

If anyone needed him he would be easily found in that spot.

[Nitestrike]

"That's fine with me, we can go as soon as you're ready. Am I driving, or are you?" Not a particularly funny joke, he knew, but it was necessary to lighten the mood after talking about the evil in the galaxy.

 

Traveling with Kirlocca was sure to be a strangely familiar experience for Brad, although it had been some time since he had last been a part of the Jedi. Jedi Masters always had a tangible air of power about them, and that wasn't something you found in the far reaches of the Outer Rim. One Jedi Master he did not understand, however, was Dahar. The man who vehemently championed the destruction of the Sith was oddly quiet, doing little as he left the area. He was difficult for Brad to read, and that made him uneasy after dealing with simple smugglers and crooks for such a long time. Dahar was someone Brad would be keeping an eye on in the future.

 

There were more pressing issues at the moment, however, and Brad nodded a quick farewell to Kirlocca before heading off to his ship. While his ship was modified to prepare to fly in a hurry, it still took some time. He wanted to rendezvous for Darex and find out what this job was all about soon. As The Ebon Blade's massive engines began to hum to life, Brad back in the cockpit, awaiting for Kirlocca and, most likely, his Padawan.

[Wookiee Jedi]

Kirlocca let out a slight hmm sound upon Brad's attempt to lighten the mood. It wasn't meant as something mocking or even mean, just simply enjoying the little joke. As it was, Kirlocca ended up having most of his vehicles destroyed away from combat zones through no means of them actually coming to an end of blaster damage or through an enemy. It wasn't that he was a bad pilot, just rather circumstances would always make it seem that way. Turning towards Kailen now that Brad began to make his way towards the hangar bay.

 

<< Let's go Kailen, there may be a chance for you to learn something during the trip. >>

 

Kirlocca began to walk out of the room they were in, but paused and looked now towards Moon. He could feel within the Force that she herself was wanting to go with them, and the Jedi Master wondered how much difficultly it would be to travel in Brad's ship with four rather than three. Allowing his compassion to get the better of him, as it almost always did, he spoke towards Moon.

 

<< You can come with us too. It may be helpful to have another along with Kailen, just in case. >>

 

Kirlocca then turned himself fully and made his way to board The Ebon Blade with two in tow. As he did, he made certain through the Force that Brad knew that he and a few others were no on board.

 

((Not sure how much of a hurry you're in, so I pushed the others on. If not, you two can feel free to make a post as well.))

[TheEngineer]

Rather than cause an incident that could spark a panic on board a badly overcrowded immigration vessel, the handling of Sophia's illegal passage on board the Solar Flare was handled quietly. Immediately after she was found and incapacitated, the woman was quickly carried away to the brig. The authorities on Gala would have to deal with her.

 

After several days of pleading with the local authorities, some of it earnest, some of it desperate, and sometimes even violent (though her first encounter with a stun pistol taught her to never initiate the violence), she had finally been given some clemency. Her handler promised that he would try to contact the Jedi, though he couldn't promise results. After all, the Jedi kept to their own affairs, and now they were rarely seen by the rest of the galaxy. They had practically disappeared since the end of the civil war”¦

 

Even still, Sophia's eyes had filled with tears after hearing that oath. After having convinced herself that she would never be able to find that noble Order and that her heritage would forever be cut off from her, that meager kindness was too much to bear. She actually jumped up from her seat to try to hug the man””only to fall flat on her face, as the chains of her stun manacles had somehow slipped under the legs of her seat.

 

__

 

 

The Jedi Praxeum on Gala received a transmission from the capital city's police headquarters.

 

Corporal Benson of Gala Police Service at your service. We've had an unusual development in our capital headquarters. We picked up a stowaway on an immigration cruiser. Normally we'd handle this ourselves and just deport her, but she keeps insisting that she needs to meet the Jedi””that she needs to become a Jedi. We have no idea if this Sophia Moriarty is actually Force Sensitive, but if one of your own could meet with her and see if she has the right stuff, we'd rather give her up for Jedi training than send her back to Corrie.

[Kailen Aeli]

Kailen's mind was caught in a whirlwind of motion that she couldn't catch. She did her best to focus her thoughts, but her eyes darted about the assemblage without conscious knowledge.

 

She felt like a kid again, milling about the Coruscant temple through crowds of hopefuls without any particular direction, but the difference of potential futures was enough to lead her blindly through then. Now, she wasn't so sure...

 

The bush of red hair that rest upon her shoulders rustled uncomfortably back and forth as she stretched perception, in the efforts of conceiving what was actually going on, but when the soothing force aided words of her master graced her consciousness she found peace once more.

 

She looked at the large Wookiee with a timid, but honest smile. It was enough to make her entire body glow under the fluorescent light of the room.

 

"Yes Master, where you go, I will follow."

 

Kailen took one look at Moon and continued to smile at the girl with an odd name. She had heard it before, she was sure, but it didn't really seem like a common name.

 

Still, after a casual glance, the young adult traced her fuzzy master into the other man's ship and secured a seat near the rear of the vessel.

[Dahar Raikanda]

From deep within the nothingness a faint sound could be heard. It persisted, slowly becoming less dim and more vibrant. Dahar awoke from his trance feeling quite refreshed. He glanced at the comm on his wrist which was causing all the commotion. The main desk forwarded him a transmission from the capital city.

 

The Jedi Master, as a representative of the order, was happy to oblige the local police force. Things had died down on Gala since the formation of the Galactic Alliance. The rebel base had been downgraded quite a bit drawing much less attention to the planet. It had been a long time since Dahar's last trip to the capital and with the war over there was really no reason for him to visit. Still he was optimistic about the journey. He made his way to the hangar and requested a small shuttle to the city.

 

On the way over he contemplated what was to come. He wasn't aware of many Jedi who started their path with the Force from a jail cell, however he wasn't one to judge. He himself was once a murderer and now a Jedi Master. Dahar quieted these thoughts and allowed the Force to speak to him. The future was uncertain. No one can see past the choices yet to be made. But he knew he could play an important role in this woman's life.

 

The shuttle arrived at the detention center and the Jedi made his way in. He was met by a security officer who obviously recognized him as a Jedi. "Ah Master Jedi, we've been expecting you. Let me take you to the prisoner." The man guided him through twisting corridors eventually leading to a small dimly lit room. He peeked in through the tiny window and saw the Sophia Moriarty he was called to check out. Yes, he could sense the Force in her. It was as faint as it would be with any untrained wielder, but it was there. For now he would keep this knowledge to himself.

 

The officer reached for the keycard to unlock the door but halted his movements as Dahar opened the door himself with a simple movement of his hand. He entered. The woman would know him as a Jedi so he skipped the introduction for now. He reached out with the Force to calm her mind. The Jedi Master spoke in a dry but non-threatening tone.

 

"Why are you here?"

[Scorp Jedi Knight]

ouch

 

It was his first thought as the harsh glare of the medical center's lights slammed into his unused eyes. It was his first sight in a long time and the Jedi master could only help but wonder at his location.

 

There were things he remembered of course. Images that lurked within the grey mists he had resided in. Had it been the neither region? Had he become one with the Force if only for a time.

 

He felt an irritant in his lungs, and knew he was surrounded in a liquid.

 

liquid....murky

 

He tapped on the glass and soon cool air hit his bare skin. It seemed that the Jedi Master was back among the realm of the living.

[Nitestrike]

As the Wookiee's presence filled the ship, Brad knew it was time to leave Gala. The landing ramp raised as the repulserlifts kicked in, bringing the ship up into the air. It wasn't long before The Ebon Blade was heading out of the planet's gravity well. With a slight lurch, the ship shot forward to lightspeed, heading off to Tython, making short stops along the way just in case they were being followed.

 

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking," he shouted back to the main cabin. "We are now at cruising altitude, you are now free to roam about the cabin. We should arrive on Tython in a few hours."

[TheEngineer]

It took no time at all for Sophia to recognize her visitor as a Jedi. The cut of the robes were different from what she remembered, but the lightsaber””the unmistakable icon of a Jedi””was impossible to miss. A hundred other tiny details, such as the high quality synthleather of his boots, the leanness of his build, and the undeniable air of confidence about him, that he knew exactly what he was capable of and that he was a formidable force to be reckoned with. She didn't consciously observe those qualities, but they were readily visible and made it absolutely certain in the woman's mind that he was a member of that venerable order.

 

Even more so, her mind”¦ cleared perceptibly when he entered the room. Perhaps he was using the Force on her? Normally, Sophia would have objected to that treatment, but now”¦ She was one step closer to her goal.

 

Sophia stood up to greet the Jedi immediately as he entered the interrogation room. She almost bowed, but she didn't think it would be appropriate coming from a woman in her position. If this young man didn't opt to take her out of the custody of the police, she would be facing charges of theft, illegal passage and assaulting a police officer””any of those crimes would be difficult to live down if they stuck to her record, and the felony would probably destroy her future. Bowing to him would probably appear pretentious, even arrogant.

 

A snarky comment passed through her mind, which she immediately dismissed. Sarcasm was not the best course of action”¦ ”œSir, I'm here to find the Jedi. The Order doesn't have a presence on Coruscant anymore, but it's well known that there was a temple on Gala during the civil war. I just didn't know where exactly.”

[Dahar Raikanda]

"Well, you have found us." Dahar let a small smile crack his face.

 

He hesitated before revealing the not-so-secret information. "Our temple here was destroyed last year but has since been repaired into a fine and well protected academy. It is no longer our sanctuary but is indeed where someone would go to be trained as a Jedi."

 

He looked her up and down. "If you would like to come with me I can arrange your release."

[ObliviousKnight]

((Delete, please. Wrong thread.))

[TheEngineer]

”œGladly.”

[Dahar Raikanda]

The Jedi spoke to the woman as they boarded the small shuttlecraft. "My name is Dahar Raikanda." He spoke to her with the respect he gave all living things. The Master had learned to see through the deepest cracks in the Force. He could feel it eb and flow around him.

 

"I am a Master at the Praxeum. You have come to learn the ways of the Force?" He asked her this knowing that deep inside she felt it. It was the smallest difference in the grand scheme of things, but that spark that seperated the Force users from the not.

 

"Yes, we are going there. You may stay as long as you wish. I trust you will remain out of police custody from this point forward." The Jedi laughed as he said this.

 

The shuttle brought them far away from the capital to an area thick with trees. Many miles out there was an outcrop where the great academy stood.

[TheEngineer]

”œWell, yes, but it's more like trying to”¦ remember how to use the Force. If that makes any sense. You see, I”¦ um”¦ wow.”