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

[Aldera Antilles]

"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."

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="Dune Rhur"]

Aldy listened carefully to the Bith Jedi's words, coming as clearly to her as if he was addressing her directly. Then a bit of encouraging enlightenment sprang forth into her mind.

Wouldn't it be wonderous if my animal rapport ability and what I had thought a thrice-accursed sensing of an item's history were actually manifestations of 'The Force' ... and if Master Rhur or another Master took it upon themself to take me under their wing, as these students have been. Yeah, keep dreaming, Aldy! You've been looking at too many holo-novels!

Snapping to attention at Dune Rhur's mention of her name, Aldy smiled at her guide.

"Thank-you. I look forward to learning quite a bit."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel nodded as the Jedi Knight gave an indication of how they should split up. She was no expert of things Jedi, but she had plenty of experience and would gladly share whatever she knew with anyone who asked.

“We should keep together at first but eventually we may need to split up, but not lose sight of each other. There may not be traditional enemies down here, but Force caves tend to have a way of presenting you with things you’d rather not face, often your own worst fears. They say it is part of a Jedi’s rite of passage. So often a Master is around to ensure we come to no harm. But there are three of us, so we should be OK.”

“Now, the cave will be full of crystals and you’d think they’d all be the same. In a way they are, but you will probably find some stand out more than others. That will be because you have a connection to them. So choose the one that feels right, in both your heart and your head, and you won’t go wrong.”

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

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza was somewhat relieved that Sorel stepped in to field most of the explanation to Zhar. Out of the three Jedi here, Joza had spent the least amount of time studying the Jedi ways. Dance lessons? She could teach. Need someone to fix your hair and makeup? She had your back. Jedi philosophy? Not so much. She was more adept at swinging a lightsaber, given the tumultuous nature of her introduction to her apprenticeship.

A flash of surprise shone across her face when Dune insisted that she and Sorel guide Zhar in finding a crystal…on their own. Her expression quickly melted into a smile, pleased that her mentor trusted her to do this on her own. Well…on her own with another Padawan. But still, without his supervision!

Closing her eyes for a spell, Joza inhaled deeply and immersed herself with the Force. As close as they were, she could feel the energy of the nearby crystals pulsing. It was a sensation that never ceased to amaze her, even as she furthered her connection with the Force. Opening her eyes lest she fall into an impromptu meditation seesion, Joza smiled confidently at Zhar and Sorel. “This should be a good exercise for the three of us. Zhar, are you ready to take your first steps onto the Jedi path?”

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

 

[Z'Zharen]

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

Zhar looked ahead, analyzing the different passageways of the crystal caverns. Both padawans would guide him as best they could and he was very thankful for that. The only Force user's he had come across were either dark users or simply looking out for themselves and no one else.

When Joza asked if the young Whipid was ready to take his first steps onto the path of a Jedi, he blinked twice. Taking it all in, that after so many months of traveling the galaxy he was finally going to train in the ways of the Force or at least learn something new and also potentially find a crystal to forge his future saber!

"I am ready." He said solemnly, gesturing with his huge hand to the multiple paths. "Lead, and I will follow." He spoke to both of them, unsure if either of them had a better sense of direction of where to start or what to show and teach him first exactly.

 

[Dune Rhur]

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

Dune stood with Aldera, watching the others head off. "I was fifteen when I came here for my crystal," the Bith said "I remember that day very well." As well he might, gorgodon attacks not being something any youth might experience. Not to mention being meters from death.

He studied the surroundings in silence before he spoke to Aldera again. "This Temple was already old a millennia or more ago in the time of Grandmaster Yoda. It has again became a right of passage for our apprentices. Once, during the time of the Emperor Palpatine, this place was forbidden. He tried to rob us of our history but he failed as will all Sith Lords in the end."

 

[Aldera Antilles]

Aldera nodded to [member="Dune Rhur"], then smiled, mentally noting his comments but not interrupting him. Surrounded by such ancient history was an electric, palpable feeling, and Aldy was intent on remembering everything that she saw and heard.

If 4-D7 was here, he'd probably say that his circuits are abuzz with anticipation. I can't really blame him.





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

 

[Joza Perl]

“Good.” She spoke simply, a nod to Zhar and then a nod to Sorel. As serene as she may have seemed on the outside, Joza was giddy on the inside. She was proud that her mentor had this level of trust in her, eager to help a new apprentice in his own journey. She could vividly recall her own early days of apprenticeship—as confusing and amazing as it was, it also frightened her a bit. Thankfully she was able to settle and become more accustomed to the Jedi lifestyle, owing that to those who had helped to guide her.

Inhaling deeply, Joza observed the paths available for a few moments. Take your time. She reminded herself, calming her mind to a point where she could focus better. Feeling a gentle tug, she started off down one of the paths, seemingly at random. “Can you feel anything yet, Zhar?” She called back to the Whipid, curious to see if he could connect with the Force at will.

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

 

[Dune Rhur]

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

Dune gestured for Aldera to follow him into the crystal caverns. Taking a different path than the apprentices, he began to see sporadic clusters of gems. "These are Adaegan crystals, but perhaps you knew that," he pointed a long finger towards them "Mostly they're shades of green and blue. Seldom will they be anything else." The Bith continued along the rocky path through the caverns.

"There are different grades, the finest being pontite. Though out of thousands, maybe one will be." Like a forest untamed, the clusters dotted the walls as ceiling haphazardly. They shone, a reflection of the Light side power permeating this place. In the Force they softly hummed to the Jedi. It was a peaceful feeling and it was good.

"Perhaps the history of this place would interest you more. As I've said, this place is ancient and so virtually every hero you've heard in story came here. Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Ki-Adi Mundi and the list goes on."

 

[Aldera Antilles]

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

Dune gestured for Aldera to follow him into the crystal caverns. Taking a different path than the apprentices, he began to see sporadic clusters of gems. "These are Adaegan crystals, but perhaps you knew that," he pointed a long finger towards them "Mostly they're shades of green and blue. Seldom will they be anything else." The Bith continued along the rocky path through the caverns.

At the mention of the type of crystal, Aldy recalled the sad tale of Nomi Sunrider's husband, Andur, who was murdered before he could deliver such crystals to his Master, thus leaving behind his wife and infant daughter, Vima.

"Thank-you," she said with a smile. "I did not know that."

"There are different grades, the finest being pontite. Though out of thousands, maybe one will be." Like a forest untamed, the clusters dotted the walls as ceiling haphazardly. They shone, a reflection of the Light side power permeating this place. In the Force they softly hummed to the Jedi. It was a peaceful feeling and it was good.

Aldy nodded respectfully at the Bith Jedi's words, swept-up in the powerful tingling from the crystals, which she could feel even through her gloves and cold weather gear.

It's almost as if they're trying to communicate with me ... maybe even develop a rapport of sorts, Aldy thought. Wouldn't it be something if a pontite called out to me ... maybe a purple one, since that's my favorite color? Not going to happen, of course. The only recorded instance of a purple crystal is the one used by Jedi Master Mace Windu, nearly 900 years ago. Besides, what would *I* do with any sort of crystal? Put it in my blaster? Aldy sighed to herself.

"Perhaps the history of this place would interest you more. As I've said, this place is ancient and so virtually every hero you've heard in story came here. Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Ki-Adi Mundi and the list goes on."

Even Exar Kun? Aldy wondered.

For a moment, her senses were sharpened, perhaps because of the proximity of so many powerful crystals.

Yes! I sense his foul stench!

A wave of nausea cascaded through Aldy as she recalled the rogue Jedi who posed as an archaeologist for a time, trying to get access to forbidden Sith artifacts, and eventually became a Dark Lord of the Sith. She stumbled for a brief instant, then righted herself, fighting back the nausea ... and the anger at what she considered a betrayal of her profession ... and of the Jedi.

A valuable lesson for me to consider, even millenia later. I must be wary of such anger, lest I unleash that monster who killed those raiders years ago and then basked in the empowerment of that heinous act. Rather, let me be more like that magnificent scholar, Odan-Urr, if I am going to draw parallel between an historic figure and myself. It is what my parents would have wanted.

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel held back a little. She wanted [member="Z'Zharen"] to learn as much as he could without instruction and also sensed that the other young woman was enjoying the freedom and so allowed her free reign to speak and instruct.

With the volume of crystals near them, the new Jedi would never get a better chance to have his first proper connection to the Force boosted. She remembered the teachings when she was a Youngling and recounted them as best she could remember. "Close your eyes. You cannot see the Force, so your eyes will only confuse or deceive you. Relax and allow your other senses to kick in. But above all, give in to the sensation of feeling. The Force surrounds us and is in us, and nowhere is it more present than here, with all of these crystals. As you relax, you should be able to feel their presence. A warmth, a power, all around you and within you. Don't reach for it, allow it to come to you. It is there and it will make its presence known to you, believe me." Sorel closed her own eyes and relaxed. It was a little different for every Jedi, she knew that and practice was a great help.

She immediately felt the power. It surrounded her and was within her. She felt joined to it and to her two companions. In her mind's eye she could see them and the crystals and two crystals in particular shone brighter than any of the others. But she stool still for now.

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

 

[Dune Rhur]

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

The archaeologist listened, courteously acknowledging Dune's speech. The Jedi, for his part, could tell Aldy was rapt in her study of the crystals around her. It was as if she felt the resonance within her and he knew the human could. Did she know that she was touched by the Force, he thought not.

Dune had felt the resonance in her weeks ago upon first meeting. He'd said nothing, wanting to gauge the woman. Now he felt as if he had a better measure of her and now was the time to tell her. "They seem to hum and vibrate," he remarked as he looked on the crystals "Though a being not touched by the Force wouldn't feel it. The crystals are simply a focus and it's the Force that hums."

 

[Aldera Antilles]

[member="Sorel Crieff"] [member="Joza Perl"] [member="Z'Zharen"]
"They seem to hum and vibrate," he remarked as he looked on the crystals "Though a being not touched by the Force wouldn't feel it. The crystals are simply a focus and it's the Force that hums."

Aldy was nonplussed at [member="Dune Rhur"]'s words, a mixture of shock, hope, excitement, and ... fear!

Did Master Rhur just say what I think he just said? Can it really be?! I'd hoped and dreamed that that was what it was, but I dared not actually admit it to myself ... not fully. Mom, Dad ... who am I? What am I?! How did I come to be this way?! What does it mean for my future?! Will I become like Exar Kun? Please ... PLEASE ... let me be more like the GOOD Jedi ... like Odan-Urr and Nomi Sunrider and Adi Gallia.

Tears began to well-up in Aldy's green eyes and she tried to brush them away and buffer the oncoming stream.

Breathing deeply, Aldy composed herself, then looked toward Dune Rhur.

"A being ... not ... touched ...?! Do you mean to say that I might have some sort of ... connection ... to The Force?!"

Aldy took a deeper breath as she looked down at the ground. Can I trust him with my secret? Once she again felt more like herself, she looked back up at the Bith Jedi.

"I've had ... strange ... abilities," she finally said, haltingly, "since I was very young. I would ... feel things ... and I understood foreign languages -- including those of animals, with whom I have always had an excellent rapport. Was that The Force at work? And then there's ...!"

Aldy removed one of her gloves, exposing the bare flesh beneath. She regarded her hand clinically for several long moments before she spoke again.

"I ... know ... things ... about objects and people with whom I have contact. That's why I wear the gloves. Without them, I would be overwhelmed by flashbacks from the item's past. WOW! I've never told anyone my secret before -- not even my parents!"

Aldy's demeanor improved, and she was able to smile, one of several burdens lifted from her shoulders. Then she replaced her glove.

 

[Dune Rhur]

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

The Bith listened, seeing the tears but sensing the relief all the same. Not all societies reacted positively toward a child with the inborn gift. Among the Bith, they knew that the Jedi were best able to teach their younglings. Therefore they had a long-standing tradition of Jedi in the history of the species.

"Yes Aldera, you have the ability to touch the Force. Already it has given you certain skills, as you said. I too can communicate with wild creatures. Some call it the 'beast trick' and my Master could comprehend any language spoken also. Your last gift, it's something very rare indeed, called 'psychometry'."

It was an odd thing for a human born outside Kiffex or a similar world to possess psychometric abilities. Dune guessed she may have had some inborn ability as a telepath. Perhaps she might view it as a curse as many beings did before they gained understanding. Telepathy was something Dune couldn't claim any true expertise.

"I must admit I knew of your ability when I first met you. I asked you here so that your might feel the Force in a place of concentrated power. Then, I sent my learner with Sorel and Z'Zharen on so I could speak to you privately. It can be something tremendously personal."

 

[Aldera Antilles]

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

"I must admit I knew of your ability when I first met you. I asked you here so that your might feel the Force in a place of concentrated power. Then, I sent my learner with Sorel and Z'Zharen on so I could speak to you privately. It can be something tremendously personal."

Aldy looked down at the ground and nodded to [member="Dune Rhur"].

"Thank-you for your kindness and understanding," she said. "I fear that this revelation is a two-edged sword, though. Was I better off a few minutes ago when the thought of my Force-sensitivity was just a romantic notion and I was unaware of what was stirring inside me ... or am I better off now that I know the potential I have for good ... or evil? I must admit to you that there is now a terror within me at this knowledge ... at a time when I should be rejoicing. You may not want me around when you hear what I have to say ...!"

Aldy's voice trailed off and it took several heavy minutes before she was able to steel herself for what she expected to be a shocking revelation to this sentient who had become something of a mentor to her, like his fellow worldsman, Dr. D'an.

"Many, many years ago," she began, "when I was a teenager on a dig with my parents, we were accosted by raiders intent on stealing my parents' discoveries, probably to sell on the Black Market. My father bravely sought to defend my mother and myself, but both he and she were murdered before my eyes. Then the raiders turned their attentions to me ... !

Aldy's face contorted into a grimace of pain, remembrance, ... and anger dammed-up for over half her life.

"As they advanced toward me, my worst instincts took over and I found myself possessed of incredible speed. I grabbed my father's blaster and killed the raiders before they could react. That's not the worst part, though. After the deaths of my parents' killers, I felt awash with negative emotions and a surge of power such as I had never known before. Thankfully, the darkness within me receded and the light of reason returned. I fell to my knees and properly mourned the deaths of my parents and swore never to raise a weapon in anger again nor kill another sentient being.

"Still, I have been worried that the ... darkness ... might take a greater hold on me in the future. There have been times since that day when I have been in ... difficult ... circumstances, but I have always tried to use verbal persuasion rather than a weapon. Even still, though I carry a blaster, it is always on the Stun setting ... unless I have to shoot through a pile of rubble or I am beset by droids or other mechanical devices."

Aldy sighed heavily, but was greatly relieved to have unburdened herself of her greatest secret, her greatest fear.

 

[Dune Rhur]

[member="Aldera Antilles"]

After she'd related her story, Dune was silent for a time. He considered the events carefully, weighing and measuring as was his won't. A Bith's mind was based upon logic and might seem cold to a human. However, he understood her fears and apprehension.

"Given the circumstances, what you did was unintentional. It's true that your gift can expose you to Darkness. However, with training, you can overcome it. That is if you wish; unlike years past, it isn't mandatory that you undergo training."

He looked to her weapon and gestured to it with a long-fingered hand. "Your distaste for violence is admirable given what was done to you. Like you, it's something I look to avoid."

 

[Aldera Antilles]

"Again, I thank you," Aldy said as her blaster floated toward [member="Dune Rhur"]'s hand.

"I would very much like to undertake training from you or another Master of your Order, as I would not wish to encroach upon the student or students you are currently training. I would welcome the opportunity to become a student again ... and to learn how to achieve both mental and emotional control over my ... abilities.

"I must admit that, in those silly, naive, and romantic times when I daydreamed about what it would be like to be a Jedi, it was always with the hope of being another Odan-Urr, Nomi Sunrider, or Adi Gallia. When darker thoughts intruded, I feared becoming another Exar Kun!"

 

[Dune Rhur]

[member="Aldera Antilles"]

"We all must guard against negative emotions. It isn't wrong to feel them, but rather, to act on them. That's what is meant by 'There is no emotion, there is Peace.'" It was a common misconception that the Jedi forbade feelings and nothing could've been farther from the truth. A Knight or Master acted in a calm way, never rushing to actions or conclusions. Setting aside one's personal feelings allowed to clearer judgement.

"If you want to learn, we will teach. Myself or another, you will not impede our students. In certain regards, your process will be easier but in others more challenging. Don't worry about this nor should you compare yourself to others. Each progresses in their own way."

"The first lesson is our Code, as you overheard. Commit it to memory and understand it though it's said true comprehension may take a lifetime. Still, in the attempt to learn, you will gain wisdom."

 

[Aldera Antilles]

"Thank-you, Master Rhur, for your kind words. I shall endeavor to be the best student that I can be and to understand the fullness and depth of the Jedi Code."

'There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. There is no passion, there is serenity. There is no chaos, there is harmony. There is no death, there is The Force.' Thank-you for these words, Master Odan-Urr!

Aldy again removed her glove and extended her hand as she closed her eyes and concentrated.

Where are you, little purple pontite? Aldy thought, half-kiddingly, half-hopingly.

Aldy turned her hand westerly, then northerly. When she moved it easterly, her palm began to tingle.

"Fascinating," Aldy said to [member="Dune Rhur"]. "It appears that there is a crystal calling to me from our ... right. Whether it's actually a pontite, much less a purple one, remains to be seen. The game ... is afoot!"

Aldy smiled sheepishly at her Bith mentor.

"I read that ... um ... somewhere."

 

[Dune Rhur]

[member="Aldera Antilles"]

"I can't say that I'm familiar with that tale," Dune said with a shrug. (OOC: )

He turned to regard the direction Aldy reached out towards. It had taken him significantly longer to find a crystal, traversing deeply. Then again, who could say how long it could take. Some seekers found them virtually right away but that was up to the Force. Afoot though, he thought whilst glancing down at his boots.

"Regardless of colour, let's go and find your crystal."

 

[Aldera Antilles]

[member="Aldera Antilles"]

"I can't say that I'm familiar with that tale," Dune said with a shrug. (OOC: )

He turned to regard the direction Aldy reached out towards. It had taken him significantly longer to find a crystal, traversing deeply. Then again, who could say how long it could take. Some seekers found them virtually right away but that was up to the Force. Afoot though, he thought whilst glancing down at his boots.

"Regardless of colour, let's go and find your crystal."

"I don't know how far it is within the cavern, but I'll be happy with anything to which The Force leads me," Aldy said to [member="Dune Rhur"], moving toward the right, focused on her objective.

I hope we don't encounter a Kreemorian Fangor Beast, she thought. Once was enough. Oh dear ... oh dear!

Aldy took a deep breath, then forged ahead with vigor.

Allay your fears, Kid. For whatever reason -- The Force only knows -- you're here in this cavern with a Jedi Master, who's just told you that you've got the right stuff to be a Jedi. Don't blow this opportunity. You're always looking to the past. Look to the future, live in the moment!

Aldy nodded her head slightly and continued onward, toward her ... destiny!