A Jedi and His Apprentice Episode II: Attack on Sewer Clown

[Dune Rhur]

@Z'Zharen@Sorel Crieff[member="Joza Perl"]

Sorel's reasons were understandable but her actions risky, he thought. "Your desire to experience things, I can understand. Illum is dangerous, though. If the environment doesn't do you in, there are creatures here that could even kill a full Jedi. Coming here alone wasn't the best idea, Sorel."

"Years ago, even in a group of Padawans, a gorgodon almost killed us."

He sighed and he strode the short distance to speak to Zhar. "That last part isn't our Code. It's Sith and therefore it stands in opposition to what a Jedi stands for. We are not bound by chains, we choose to serve."

In response to the first question, how did he explain the schism....

"Once we were united, now it's about ideology, as you said. The Coalition broke away because they opposed Republic corruption. The Galactic Alliance are hard-line anti Sith and significantly more dogmatic."

Shaking his head, he spread his hands in frustration. He'd grown disillusioned with the entire situation, ignoring politics in favour of archaeological studies.

 

[Aldera Antilles]

A stranger appeared at the cave entrance, gloves brushing snow from the sleeves of a dark purple parka, Drawing deeper within, the stranger was glad to be out of the excoriating gale-force winds.

Hearing several voices ahead, the stranger proceeded with great caution, stopping upon seeing the group of Jedi.

The stranger was somewhat tall and humanoid in structure, although their species was unclear, as they were covered head-to-foot in cold weather gear, their face obstructed by their parka's hood, goggles, and a heavy muffler where their mouth would likely be.

Long moments passed as the stranger and the group regarded one another.

 

[Z'Zharen]

[member="Dune Rhur"]
[member="Aldera Antilles"]

Zhar's sense of pride left him like tibanna gas out of a weather balloon as his shoulders slightly slouched. Hearing that the peaceful mantra that kept him going everyday since his enslavement was actually associated with the origins of the Sith...that was disappointing. It made Zhar wonder though about Rune's confirmation on ideology. If the Sith associated his mantra with being dark as some other like Rune might...could it not simply be a symbol of hope to others like it had been to Zhar?

As the Whipid began his deep thinking path about where his actual path would lead him, another figure entered the chamber. Hard to determine who or what it was exactly, it was covered in heavy clothing and other accessories. Another humanoid perhaps, since it was obviously not accustomed to freezing temperatures....though really how many other non Whipids were?

"I did not choose to serve in my time as a slave..." Zhar said, his shoulders regaining the proud pose they once did moments ago. "I broke my chains, I persevered and endured even to this moment that I believe the Force has guided me since."

The proud Whipid eased up as the newcomer just gazed at them, "However I do choose to learn from you." He gestured to the other Jedi, unsure of who the purple over-dressed being was yet.

 

[Dune Rhur]

[member="Aldera Antilles"] @Z'Zharen [member="Joza Perl"] [member="Sorel Crieff"]

"You overcame your trial of slavery by choice, Z'Zharen. You chose to persevere and it strengthened you. Don't let adversity embitter you, but recognise that you are ultimately stronger because you didn't sink into hatred."

"If you choose to learn the Jedi way, I'd be glad to show you."

The newcomer made the Bith smile and shake his head. Her garb was outlandish and her timing a little awkward. But he recognised her from another awkward meeting where he'd invited her to Illum. "Hello, Aldera. Thank you for coming."

 

[Aldera Antilles]

Removing her hood, goggles, and muffler, Aldera smiled back at [member="Dune Rhur"].

He probably knew it was me because of my fondness for purple ... right?

"It's a pleasure to see you again. I hope that I can make-up for my rather ... awkward ... first impression from the last time we met," she said, smiling a bit mischievously.

She regarded the others cautiously, as she often did with sentients she met outside of an academic or professional setting.

"Um ... well met, everyone," she said, a note of anxiety tinging her voice.

 

[Joza Perl]

“Are you looking for a crystal of your own, Sorel?” Joza regarded the other Padawan with a curious look, eyeing her up and down for a moment. The Zeltron had never come alone to the crystal caves, always venturing to the cold planet with at least a Knight. She yearned for the day when she would be skilled enough to move about on her own without having to be babysat. Though improving, she was still a learner.

Turning her attention back to the pair of males, a frown tilted her lips as she felt a wave of disappointment roll from the Whipid. From his demeanor she wouldn’t have guessed that he was a slave, but then again she hadn’t met any slaves before, none that she knew of anyway. She’d heard stories of Zeltron women being captured and sold into sex trafficking on other worlds, something her mother always feared and warned her to keep a sharp eye out for. Glancing over Zhar, she wondered if he’d been subjected to manual labor. It would make sense with someone of his build. Still, she couldn’t imagine the sort of horrors he had to face.

“Voss, the Sanctum headquarters, is a tranquil planet. It helped me find peace when I needed it, so it might be a good place for you as well, Zhar.” She took a step towards the large male, her tone well-meaning. “I’m not sure what type of environment you’re used to, but it’s a lovely, lush planet.” Far better than the heat of Sullust. Ever since leaving the molten planet, Joza had found it easier to concentrate. She’d faced bloody battles with the Sith during the early times of her apprenticeship, and the serenity of Voss helped to center her again.

Oh? Yet another figure appeared, this one unfamiliar to the pink Padawan. She half-turned on one foot, arching a brow at the fully covered profile. The other brow raised when Dune addressed them, seemingly familiar. Aldera? She tilted her head towards the Bith with a questioning look, recalling the name slowly. When she turned back to the stranger, she was surprised to see a female face, the head coverings having been removed. Ah, now she remembered. Dune had mentioned that they may come across her here.

“I’m Joza, Dune’s learner. I hear you’re quite the archaeologist, it’s nice to meet you.” The Zeltron offered a polite greeting and smile while rubbing her gloved hands together idly, the friction helping to keep her warm.

[member="Z'Zharen"]/[member="Sorel Crieff"]/[member="Dune Rhur"]/[member="Aldera Antilles]

 

[Aldera Antilles]

"It is a pleasure to meet you ... Joza," Aldy said, smiling warmly at the young Padawan. "You have a fine teacher. He speaks eloquently, is quite learned, and, like a certain instructor of mine, has a wicked sense of humor."

Aldy smiled mischievously at [member="Dune Rhur"].

"Thank-you for your kind words. I have had some small measure of success in my scholarly pursuits, but that is due wholly to the excellent role-models who have guided me throughout my life."

 

[Z'Zharen]

[member="Dune Rhur"]
[member="Aldera Antilles"]
[member="Joza Perl"]

Zhar grunted, "I did not give fully into hatred...but I did use it in combination with hope. I managed to keep my sanity...unlike other slaves I was forced to battle...some were already gone before I gave them the mercy..."

The Whipid slowly walked backwards against a flat stone wall, and started to sink to the floor. "I choose now to learn the path of the Jedi. I would be honored if you would show me Dune."

Zhar gave a low grunt of common greetings to the new comer whom Dune seen to have known. When Joza spoke once again Zhar found a sense of comfort in her words. Was is the result of her pheromones from before or was it something...else?

"On my homeoworld, the environment is not too much different than here on Illum...but some of my happiest moments were spent on Kashyyk where I was befriended by the Wookiees." That fond memory brought a brief smirk to the Whipid's long face.

"Your Master and yourself seem to be the Jedi I want to emulate, perhaps when you leave Illum I could accompany you to Voss if thats where you're going...." Zhar realized he was doing something he had never done before..he was rambling! Nonsense, the Whipid never spoke unless he had good reason to, but with Joza he couldn't help but feel a little bit awkward.

Zhar grunted and changed the subject quickly, "What will you be learning here on Illum with Dune?"

 

[Dune Rhur]

"If you say so," the Jedi replied with a dismissive gesture. Apparently he'd left a positive impression. Well, beings tended to better understand one another whilst sharing common beliefs and interests.

"We'd come here as a retreat for meditations upon the Force," he spoke to everyone in general "Perhaps we might stop over for a few days. It would give time to train and even explore the crystal caverns, if anyone wanted to."

[member="Joza Perl"] [member="Aldera Antilles"] @Z'Zharen [member="Sorel Crieff"]

 

[Aldera Antilles]

"I would certainly be interested in expanding my knowledge base," Aldy said to [member="Dune Rhur"], a glint in her eye at the prospect of learning something new.

 

[Joza Perl]

The corners of Joza’s lips upturned slightly when Zhar declared his chosen path. She’d never witnessed someone coming to their own decision to join the Sanctum before, and it was actually pretty uplifting to see. Of course, it also felt nice that she wasn’t the chief novice in the room for one. She came in as a close second, though.

“Most everyone takes to Voss quite nicely, myself included. It has a very calm atmosphere, which lends itself to meditation and focus.” She offered a small smile now, as warm as she could muster which looked a bit awkward. Joza wasn’t inherently a warm person, but she’d learned to conduct herself better during her time within the Sanctum. Her gaze swept up to the Whipid’s head hair idly for a few moments, suddenly having the girlish urge to brush and braid it. She could feel that Zhar was less anxious around them, and so her own wariness eased.

Shifting her weight on her feet, the Padawan brought her focus to Aldera once more. “He is, isn’t he? Master Rhur is teaching me the art of subtle sarcasm.” She smiled innocently, fully aware that her mentor disliked being called by such a title outside of formal situations.

“I intend to find a crystal for my lightsaber here.” She tilted her face back towards the Whipid. “Would I be wrong in guessing you’d like to observe?” She prodded him with a curious gaze. Though she’d crafted her current saber very early on in her apprenticeship under the Alliance, the practice had been a bit overwhelming. Now she was more level-headed, and felt as if she could take more away from the experience. Besides, it was always good to have a back-up weapon.

[member="Aldera Antilles"]/[member="Dune Rhur"]/[member=Z'Zharen]

 

[Aldera Antilles]

Aldy smiled at Joza, as if they were sorority sisters at the school of Dune's subtle sarcasm.

"I, for one, would enjoy finding out more about how Jedi choose the crystal for their lightsabers ... or do the crystals choose the Jedi?"

Aldy pondered the intellectual and philosophical conundrum which she had just posited.

"That is ... if you, Master Rhur, and your Whipid friend don't mind my tagging along to observe this rite."

 

[Dune Rhur]

Dune shook his head ruefully, crossing his arms. Joza reminded him of an old friend from his days as an apprentice. He wondered if Ben had ever found what he was looking for after he lost his teacher. Focusing, he brought his mind to the present.

"An excellent question, Aldera. Jedi Scholars still debate those finer points. It's difficult to categorise because it seemed to me like both."

[member="Aldera Antilles"] [member="Joza Perl"] @Z'Zharen

 

[Aldera Antilles]

"Indeed?!" Aldy said, an undercurrent of astonishment in her voice.

She had heard rumors of an ancient temple somewhere amidst the ice fields of Ilum and wondered if they were close to it and, if so, was she somehow gaining a bit of wisdom through osmosis.

I thought it just a quaint turn-of-a-phrase, Aldy thought. But if Jedi scholars have actually debated such things ...!

 

[Z'Zharen]

[member="Joza Perl"]

"I would!" Zhar perked up literally, standing to full height when Joza asked if he'd like to observe the creation of a lightsaber. "I mean...it would be an honor Joza." The Whipid said, trying to regain his more gruff demeanor.

"Do you use tools to forge a saber or is it done entirely through your connection with Force?"

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel nodded in deference to the Jedi Bith. His aura suggested he was a Knight at least and so she respected his words - even if she did not agree with them. She'd faced a Gorgodon when she found her own saber crystals - and bested it. Not that she was foolhardy, but she'd seen plenty of action since being taken as a Padawan and as such, was not fond of being sheltered. She found it patronising even if a well-placed concern. But she would not voice her thoughts here and now. Instead she listened and found it informative to hear a different perspective on how the Silver Jedi came to leave the Jedi Order and the service of the Republic. And also how the New Jedi Order was formed.

She turned to face her questioner, [member="Joza Perl"]. "I have crystals in my saber but I am thinking of adding a second crystal to each - and believe Illum is as dood a place as any to find them." She genstured to her two hilts, hanging from her belt. "They can be used separately or joined to make a staff. I like choices," she added, before once more stepping away from the spotlight and listening to the ongoing conversations.

[member="Z'Zharen"] [member="Aldera Antilles"] [member="Dune Rhur"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza returned Aldera’s smile, taking a liking to the tall woman already. The fact that she seemed to get along with her mentor totally didn’t have anything to do with it.

The pink Padawan would nod over to Zhar, finding his apparent enthusiasm rather charming. “Through the use of The Force.” She answered simply, ruminating on her own response for a few moments. “Typically, a Jedi meditates over each component of the saber before it is assembled. The crystal…requires much deeper thought, I’ve found. As if the energy within must be refined and purified.” She tilted her head as she spoke, surprised by her own words. A short while ago she would have rolled her eyes and scoffed at someone speaking in such a manner.

“That’s right. I think I saw you practicing with your lightsaber staff on Voss. You’re quite good.” It took a few moments for her to recall seeing Sorel practice somewhere within Sanctum territory. The two weren’t exactly familiar with each other, only seeing the other in passing or in common areas thus far. That’s definitely something to consider…

[member="Sorel Crieff"]/[member="Z'Zharen"]/[member="Aldera Antilles"]/[member="Dune Rhur"]

 

[Sorel Crieff]

[member="Joza Perl"] [member="Z'Zharen"] [member="Aldera Antilles"] [member="Dune Rhur"]

Sorel nodded to the Zeltron. "Thank you, I may not know a great deal, but sparring is something that comes naturally to me. Not that I have ever faced a dark-sider in combat with my saber. Not that I'm wishing to fight, but sooner or later I know it shall happen. It's an inevitability I am resigned to and will do my best to champion the light."

"And you're right, I spent some time channelling the Force into these crystals. In part so they are usable in a saber and also so they became mine, I can think of no better description. Once you're connected to them, they feel entirely different and your own saber is so in tune with you, in a way another person's is not."

 

[Z'Zharen]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]
[member="Joza Perl"]

The Whipid's sense of wonder quickly spiraled into an almost child-like state of yearning. Both padawans had constructed their lightsabers, no doubt when they were still younglings. Zhar felt a bit discouraged and yet envious of the two females. The symbol of the Jedi worn proudly at their sides. Zhar wondered when he would be ready to construct his own. "My connection to the Force is still very...new." He said to both women. "How would I..." He searched his mind for appropriate Jedi terms, but honestly he knew very few. "Unlock my potential with the Force?"

He micmed the gesture Dune Rhar made at him earlier, a simple wave of the hand and had rendered a 400 pound Whipid almost helpless. "Your Master, makes it look so easy...the only time I've ever felt the Force even whisper to me has been in circumstances of much distress or in fights."

"I dont believe Im ready to build a lightsaber yet, but perhaps with the blessings of you Jedi I could find a crystal for my future saber?" The Whipid grunted, it could not be that easy to simply ask for one. Surely there must be some sort of trial to prove his worth of obtaining the heart of a lightsaber.

 

[Dune Rhur]

"I've been amongst the Jedi virtually all my life. I've had the benefit of teachers all the while," he explained to the Whiphid. "We never know exactly how the Force manifests itself in someone. It will take training and time, however, and mastery will be the pursuit of a lifetime."

He studied Z'Zharen for several moments in the Force before nodding. "Yes, I was going to suggest finding a crystal today. I think you're ready for that, though your lightsaber will come at a different time."

Turning to address everyone, he spoke. "We will venture into the crystal caverns. Sorel and Joza, please guide Z'Zharen in the process. I'll show Aldera around but if you need me for anything, I'll come as quickly as I can." With a subtle nod to his learner, he conveyed his trust in her with their large friend. One day too would Joza, and Sorel too, guide an apprentice in such a way.

@Z'Zharen [member="Sorel Crieff"] [member="Joza Perl"] [member="Aldera Antilles"]