Campaign Balance Point (Open to All Jedi)

[Briana Sal-Soren]

Illum Patrol​

Themes: XoXo
Tag: Valery Noble , Kahlil Noble , Zaka , Tieuvelli Renlas

The group she was meeting with was just up ahead, according to the coordinates that Valery had sent out. Briana was not used to the cold at all, and while the enviornsuit helped keep her warm, it did nothing for the chill that blasted against her face, her whippy ponytail feeling like a lash against her icy cheeks. Nothing green grew for as far as the eye could see, only a stretch of infinite white. Weird place for a temple.

Trudging ahead, little animals skittered out of the way as she strode by, chattering up at her as if in protest of being pushed off their path. At the apex of the hill she paused, oceanic gaze panning over the horizon of Jedi that'd gathered together. Some she recognized, some she did not, and one drew her gaze a beat longer than the rest.

A titan among ants.

Could it be that strangely aggressive Jedi that Iris had told her about? Seemed to fit the bill by appearances alone. Briana hummed thoughtfully and shrugged, arms folding across her chest as a shiver tried to set in. A mystery to be solved another time, perhaps. As it was, she was already running behind.

Seeing the forms of Valery and Kahlil coming into view, a sudden sense of self-consciousness settled around her shoulders. Reaching up, she swiped an index finger beneath her lips to check for any smudges of lipstick, one last time. Cleared of any wardrobe malfunctions that may have happened, she sighed and came up behind them, adjusting the pack of supplies on her back.

"Hey Kahl." Briana grinned, noting his over abundance of layers. She could sympathize, having fought the urge to come out looking like an over-stuffed teddy bear herself. "Master." she gave a polite bow of respect, unburdening the bag from off her shoulders and flopping it on the ground. "Sorry I'm late."

 

[Coren Starchaser]

He knew that Romi wouldn't be far behind. Wayseekers were a dime a dozen nowadays. So many Orders that have found their place and served their purpose. Many Jedi working to help others, but sometimes it was better to take lessons and learn from them, without stressing too heavily on the teaching. Coren would tell others what he knew, help teach and ensure others learned from his mistakes, but he was realizing, like many Jedi should, that he was not infallible.

The world of Ilum was cold, yes, but that wasn't the concern here. The Light of the Force was growing here, and maybe it was just his belief, but he felt as if it was warming the world itself. The Force felt more alive here. Seeing many of his comrades was heartwaring in its own right.

Clasping arms with Zark, he noticed the other veteran had fallen prey to an injury, not unlike his own. "We're working hard on Ossus, that is for sure. Jade has a great vision." Nodding, he kept himself, at least for the short time, around Zark. He was here to assist, and when he was hearing Zark speak to the one who didn't quite recognize, Aeris Lashiec , he could only nod along. "There does come a time where attacking hard is unwise, being a beacon may be the thing that turns the tide more than anything else." He was not an integral part of the New Jedi Order, but he did know a few things.

But the other one that was of great interest to him was Rin. There was a time that he had issues with the Yuuzhan Vong, those who worked with the One Sith, at least, but post-war Coren saw the brilliance in working with the Vong again. And he provided her a proper bow. "We appreciate your assistance."

Turning to Dagon Kaze . "I used to operate out here, during the Fringe days. Csillia was home. I can provide paths through the regions. Several Chiss have run, but they won't abandon their space…" He was thinking. "We could put out beacons." For warning and tracking. He was hoping to not start some strike and fade mission, but it would be more in line with his current approach.

Still, when he saw Romi Jade , he turned and smiled.

Zark San Tekka Shimrra Rin

 

[Jax Thio]

Location: Temple Archives aboard The Prosperity
Equipment: Snow Coat, Jax's Prosthetic Arm, Jax's Second Lightsaber, Promise Ring to Jairdain, Eyepatch
Tag: Madison Starr

Jax walked out of his room and strode through the halls of the Prosperity suited up and ready to hit the surface of Illum. His heart fluttered with joy at the thought going back to the planet again. It was teeming with history of the Jedi specifically regarding the Lightsaber, from the Jedi's discovery of the Crystals to the many forays into the caves by Jedi Artisans and Archeologists. Illum was considered a sacred planet by the Jedi, Jax had only been on Illum twice in his life. Both visits were to build his Lightsabers, but the Jedi Master received the call by Zark San Tekka to assist in building a new training ground and fortify defenses in preparation of all possible Maw attack.

No doubt that the Brotherhood of the Maw would try to strike Illum next. When they attacked Coruscant, the bulk of their damage was towards the Jedi Temple. The Brotherhood didn't just want to defeat the Jedi, they wanted them to be erased from history and what better way to do it by trying to destroy the planets that were important not just from a pragmatic standpoint but a cultural one as well. "We sure as hell make sure that they won't even set foot on the planet." Jax said looking out at large window overlooking the planet.

He went to get his padawan: Madison who was waffling on wanting to go on the surface. As much Jax wanted to drag Madison around the Galaxy to train her, adventuring the galaxy wasn't her thing. Part of Jax felt it was best for her to stay on the Prosperity, train, and keep a look out for any hostiles in orbit though Jax doubted it. If he had to guess, the Brotherhood probably wanted to keep Ilum intact so they could mine for Lightsaber crystals. The Galactic Empire did the same thing with the Inquisitors after the Clone Wars. No, the Brotherhood were more ambitious judging by their sacking of Coruscant and the battle of New Jedha.

"Madison," Jax ran into his Padawan. "I'm heading to the surface, if you wanna come then get dressed into something warm. We can assist the Jedi in building the training area or we can explore the caves."

The Jedi Master shrugged. "Or you can stay here though if you do, take a Starfighter and start patrolling the planet." he said. "Up to you my Padawan I'm actually giving you a choice this time."

A smirk formed on Jax's lips while he ruffled her hair.

 

[Heinrich Faust]

Tags: Geiseric , Eina L'lerim-Vandiir

The cold air of Ilum nipped at Heinrich's face, causing him to pull his jacket tighter around his neck as he approached the crevasse alongside the others. Geiseric had kept himself separate from his crusader brethren for some time now, and upon his return to the fold, he came with a desire to search. His prize, an ancient artifact that meant everything to a Jedi. Heinrich knew not of the validity of the clues that led them to this point, but he trusted his friend wholeheartedly, and as such, would accompany him and Eina into the frozen plains of Ilum.

There were many secrets kept on this planet. Even the Brotherhood of the Maw, in all their plundering ways, would struggle to locate certain pieces of ancient lore, long forgotten even by the Jedi themselves through the years. Heinrich had never been to Ilum himself. He was gifted a crystal by his former master, and he had kept it in his possession up until his lightsaber was destroyed against his other former master... the traitorous Kaigann Fosk. Heinrich had still not told many about the interaction between him and the Dark Voice on Ession, and even though he wanted to confide in the others, he often found himself still at a loss for words. It was a wound that would take time to heal, and Heinrich was unsure of just how long the process would be.

Shaking himself from his own thoughts, Heinrich looked toward the entrance of the darkened path of the crevasse, doing his best to survey the path ahead as best as he could. It was tricky to see through the snow and wind, as his eyes hadn't yet fully acclimated to the planet's luminous, white glow. He stood next to the others, attempting to weigh their options.

"I sense something as well... a calling, or a pull... I can't put my finger on it."

Turning toward Geiseric, he motioned toward the crevasse entrance.

"If you think this is the place, I'll be right the with the both of you. Regardless of what comes of this, it certainly calls for further investigation."

 

[Madison Starr]

Temple Archives, Prosperity​

​

Jax Thio leaves to investigate Ilum. Meanwhile, Madison Starr contemplates her place in the galaxy. Assisted by the arrival of an old friend from Devaron. Silver Spymaster Mads Nadine.​

"Goodbye Master Thio. Try not to freeze to death down there. And try and make some new friends, alright."

Now. Why, you would ruffle the hair of a perfectly grown woman, I have no idea.

She frowned and waved him away. Anxious to get back to doing something she considered important. Like getting her poor soul caught up on all this history and space magic. So when the Jedi Master left her to her 'choice'. She was honestly relieved to see him go.

The galaxy lately was a terrible place for Madison Starr. Especially since Cato. The world she lived in seemed to make less and less sense everyday. And she honestly hated Jax's "go with the flow" attitude about all this too. She still considered herself a woman who came from a world that made sense. Logical, mathmatical, rational sense. Ugh. Not some 'fantasy land' where magic changes everything. All the time.

Alas. And yes. Such was her most terrible realization as of late. That perhaps after becoming a Jedi, she too was awakening into a world where only the later rules applied. This was indeed, 'Jedi fantasy land'. And you didn't have to go far to get proof of that too. She was surrounded by it. Literally.

"God damn Jedi."

She stood up and began pacing. Cycling her datapad between historical topics.

"So. Let me get this straight. The Force is a living energy field with a moral polarity. That bends reality in whatever way it wants. And the Jedi and the Sith have been caught in a never-ending loop of conflict since time immemorial. Still battling each other physically to this day. And the Netherworld itself exists. And you can go there too."

She raised a finger and flipped the datapad over to her present-day galactic map representation.

"Oh. And the Maw. Plus politics. ...Nice. Great. And now I'm stuck in the middle of this mess too. Because I have super powers that other people don't. Great. Lovely."

She sighed and tossed the datapad back onto the table. Half frustrated. Half relieved to have said it all out loud.

"Well. I feel all caught up now. ...Lucky me."

She frowned and sat down again. Suddenly thankful for the profound silence of an empty Archives. It meant you could talk to yourself and nobody could hear you.

Well. Almost nobody.

"Ah. Another Existential crisis again Madison? Ha ha. You never change."

Came a familiar deep voice. Causing Starr to almost fall out of her chair in joy and surprise.

"What! Mads!" She cried happily with a spin.

"Ah. The one and only. ...Ha ha! How you doing girl. Made the rank of Jedi Master yet? Eh." The old scoundrel smiled.

"Oh. Shut up. Come here." She gave the handsome devil a smile and a great big hug. It had been months. "Oh my God. It's been so long. It's so good to see you."

"Ha. You know. Figures I'd find you hiding away up here from all the Space Wizards." The spymaster smiled and gave a gesture to the empty hall, "What's wrong lass. Last time we met you seemed so sure this was your future. Ah. Lose your nerve already."

"Pfft. No." She smiled. Pointing back to the messy table from which she had ascended. "As if. In fact. I'm still butt-ass deep into all this terrible Jedi lore these guys keep lying around here. I mean. Have you seen this place Mads? It's floating Temple, for Gods sake. The audacity of it all. Ha."

"Ah! Yes. Yes." The handsome fellow smiled and raised a single finger. "There it is. Written all over your face. The final piece of the puzzle. Acceptance."

"Excuse me." Madison frowned.

"The final piece. The answer to your little puzzle, yes. ...Because, you see. It always goes in steps Madison. It's a process. First. There is just The Ordinary World. Then. There is the Call to Adventure..."

"The Heroes Journey. Really? What the fluck, Mads? Seriously?"

"No no. No no." He smiled and walked over to the table. Picking up the Songsteel Jedi Axe and musing to himself, "It's true. It's all true. Every new Jedi must follow the heroes journey. No matter how obvious or cliche. It's fate, you know. You can't deny it."

"Oh Gods. I'm not some... Mystical hero, Mads. This isn't a fantasy holo. Okay."

"Ah! But it is! ...It is!" He spun and gestured madly. "Can't you see. It's the piece of the puzzle you've been missing all along. The solution to your latest... Existential crisis. Your latest hurrah. ...Mmm. Yes indeed. Acceptance. You must accept your place."

"Oh Gods." Madison shielded her eyes. Almost ashamed of his new passionate vocabulary. "And here I thought I was happy to see you again. Pfft. What the hell Mads."

"Ah. Madison, Madison. My poor poor, lost Madison." He smiled and twirled the axe around with his wrist. Like a delicate toy. "I told you this would happen. Didn't I? ...That going to the Jedi of Kashyyyk seeking answers was only going to be the death of you. Tsk tsk. I told you so. I really did."

"Yeah, well." She sighed and nodded. There was some truth to that. "It honestly almost was. Cato was... Nuts. I've never seen so much carnage. Ugh."

The old scoundrel smiled with distaste, "Yes. I heard. Even back on Devaron, news travels fast. Quite the spectacle too. These Maw friends of yours. My my. They have such a touch of gusto. The theatrics, of it all. Mm. You have to give them that. Heh."

"Yeah. Something like that. Pure psychos is what it is." She retook her seat. Sighing to herself about recent events.

"Oh Madison. Poor poor, Madison." Mads smiled and tossed the silver axe back onto the table with a heavy thud. "I told you. I really did. You weren't going to like this brave new world the Jedi were going to show you. I said, you should have stayed with me. Hunting down bad guys and just staying normal."

"Pfft. Hunting down bad guys isn't normal Mads. Being a spy isn't normal people shit. And besides, you were doing just fine all on your little lonesome and you know it. Tsk."

"Oh. Madison. ...Scoff all you like. You're breaking my poor little heart here." He smiled. Almost playfully. "What a terrible thing to say. Not normal. Not for normal please. Please. As if a poor little fellow like myself could ever, ever compare to such a great and powerful Jedi Padawan. Like yourself. Ha ha. Please, have mercy. He he."

"Oh shut up Mads." She turned and smiled. "What are you even doing here anyway? Come to spy on another frozen holy world for the Concord."

"No. No." He shook his head in disgust. He wasn't spying on anybody today. "I came to deliver you this."

"Oh!"

Mads held out a familiar golden Lightsaber crystal. G-38's lucky charm. From their adventures back on Devaron.

"In the end. He wanted you to have it."

"Aww. Poor G-38. So funny to find superstition in a droid. This was his lucky charm. He never parted with it." She stood up and took the gem carefully.

"He said it's power is what drew you to him. Said that it's might is what protected you two that day in the tower. He wanted you to have it. Said that it was probably always yours to keep, anyways."

"Aww. Poor G. Such a sap. I never thought he'd change his mind about that. Heh. I don't even have a use for it anymore. Poor guy." She smiled happily. Almost content.

"Well. ...Anyway. That's what I came for. A happy little delivery. His way of saying thanks. I think."

"Mmm. Wait? You're not staying for the base building? You came all the way out here just for this?"

"Yep." He smiled.

"Aww. Mads." She frowned and embraced him again. "...Thank you."

"Ah. It was nothing. What are terribly-secretive friends for, anyway."

They smiled together and hugged. Then slowly pulled away.

"And don't you forget my words today either." The old scoundrel nodded. "Acceptance. Young Padawan. That is what your Master wants for you too, ya know. To accept your place in the galaxy. Not to go hiding in books of old lore or in old fairy tales like this Temple."

"Oh. You devil. Like you even know what it's like to be a Jedi." She scoffed and wanted to wave him away again.

"No no. It's true. I'm no galactic space wizard myself. Who can control people's minds or summon the dead from the farthest darkest realms. ...But I'll tell you what Madison Starr. I've been a spymaster for the Silver Jedi for a very long time. And seen the Dark Heart of the Silver Shadows for myself. I know what it means to live a life that nobody else could possibly understand."

She paused. Almost wanting to believe him.

"It's not magic. Madison. It's just people."

He gestured to the whole world around him. The walls. The technology. The unbelievable craziness of it all.

"It's not magic. My girl. It's just people."

"Oh..." Madison rolled her eyes and ushered him away. Clutching her new golden jewel in one hand. Meanwhile thrusting him towards the door with her other. "...Go on. Get out of here, you old scoundrel. Don't you have more purple Devaronian women to seduce secrets out of or something."

"Ha ha. I do. I do." He smiled and let himself be ushered out the door. "So many beautiful women. So little time. Ha ha. ...It never changes."

"Mmhmm." She smiled knowingly. Happy to see him go. Yet. Grateful to have seen him again too. "Scoundrels never change."

"And neither do you Madison Starr." He bowed happily. "Never change, my dear."

"Alright. That's enough. Go on. Get out of here. ...And it was good to see you again. Try holo'ing next time. These random space deliveries to the ass of nowhere, don't suit you."

"Ha ha! I'll try! I promise!" He waved as he escaped down the long hall. His voice trailing off into the distance. "Good luck, Little Jedi! Don't go spending all that good fortune in just one place!"

"Ha." She smiled and looked down at the new golden crystal in her hands. G-38's old lucky charm. Poor droid. It still radiated with The Force too.

"I won't Mads. I promise."

. . .

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Location: Ilum | Patrol Rally Point​

Valery: Appearance​

Outfit: Factory Link​

Lightsabers: Link!​

Tag: Kahlil Noble Tieuvelli Renlas Zaka Briana Sal-Soren Caltin Vanagor | Open​

​

"Ah, yeah. When do we find heat again?"​

​

Valery looked over at Kahlil and smirked, "It's only going to get colder where we're going. So you'll have to wait until we get back home." She said with a smile before her attention was caught by movement around her. Looking over, she spotted Tieuvelli Renlas and greeted her with a bow of her head.​

​

"A pleasure to meet you, and thank you for joining us. The patrol will begin with a walk over mostly open grounds until we reach the nearby canyon. I'm sure you'd be able to give us a decent view from above?" ​

​

At this point, Zaka, Caltin and Briana joined the group as well, making for a total group size of 6. Valery wasn't really expecting trouble that would require a lot of Jedi, but it was a lot safer to travel with a group like this. Ilum could be a treacherous world for those unfamiliar with it.​

​

"Good to see you again too, Zaka. And glad you were able to make it too." She said, turning her eyes to her Padawan. Finally, her eyes settled on Caltin, who she greeted with a bow of her head, "Glad to have you with us." Valery smiled briefly then moved around the icy rock and gestured for a canyon not too far away from where they were.​

​

"It has been a long time since any Jedi thoroughly investigated the canyon. The last report is decades old, and only mentions a cave — not the crystal kind but one where animals may be living. I'd like two or three of us to go through it while the others scout a bit further through the canyon itself."​

​

"I don't mind who goes where, but I do believe having Emirentha in the canyon would be best." She looked at her feathered ally and smiled. "If there is any trouble, you'll likely see it long before we do. Especially if it's hidden."​

​

Finally, the woman stepped forward and took a deep breath as she connected with the Force, layering herself where her outfit would not. She looked over her shoulder and with a slight nod, she signaled for them to start moving.​

​

​

 

[Aeris Lashiec]

Not pride, just the safekeeping of a planet that nobody lived on so that they could reach people that didn’t live there. At least he understood part of why Aeris wanted this snowball left alone, so that was a small comfort. She wasn’t as angry as her furrowed brows might have made her seem, there was a hint of frustration wafting off of her, but if Jedi was a sign of the dark then they all would have fallen at one point or the other.

Then Dagon talked and Aeris shook her head. Not out of disagreement — they definitely agreed on some points — but out of the fact that everyone here seemed to forget that Aeris had already safeguarded large parts of the Jedi lore. Unless the Sith could assault the entirety of the HoloNet, then yeah, they could certainly try to destroy every mention of the Jedi if they wanted to. It would fail. The more you wanted something gone, the more people asked themselves why.

Dagon wanted to go on the offensive. Aeris would give no visible reaction to it, at least not beyond a continued frustrated look down at the maps.

“Then why are we on this copy of a frozen rock?” Aeris began and pointed at Ilum. “And not here?” She trailed ever so slightly along the charts until it pointed to Bilbringi. “The Ilum that Jedi treasured in the past has been dead and gone for the better part of eight-hundred years. It was literally used to blow up an entire star system, and before that parts of it was used to blow up a whole planet.”

Ossus--hope I'm not interrupting, just checking in here. How goes things?"

“Master Jade.” Aeris said and gave the new arrivals a nod each. “Starchaser. Kai. Rin.”

“People look at this place and they see countless Jedi going on spiritual quests. I see Starkiller Base, I see the Galactic Empire devastating this place for the kyber crystals used when constructing the Death Star.”

Aeris sighed and rubbed at her eyebrows.

“We can talk about it later.” She whispered under her breath. “We’re already here so we might as well just get this over with. Working with Master Starchaser's contacts is a solid start.”

Zark San Tekka | Dagon Kaze | Romi Jade | Coren Starchaser
Shimrra Rin | Kai Bamarri​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"It's only going to get colder where we're going. So you'll have to wait until we get back home."

He gave that wonderful, grimaced smile. No, he wasn't looking forward to this at all. Well, it being about the Jedi and helping out sure. He just.. Yeah, cold wasn't his style. Kahlil let out a sigh, hiding more in his scarf before nodding as the others arrived. A good sized group and- Oh. Wait that was an owl. A big owl. He snickered a little. Sassshra was the one he immediately thought of. Some people just looked like animals.

The Galaxy was truly wonderful.

"Bri." He nodded his head to Valery's Padawan, smiling. It was good to see her. In person. The last time they met was him.. Not really being there? What was real and what wasn't was hard to tell with the Dyad, at lest when it came to the space distortion timey wimey stuff.

"Knight Zambrano. .. Just Kahlil." Mm. Another reason to look forward to the eventual marriage. Loosing the name. But, well. There was no reason for him to hide who he was, right? Zaka wasn't just gonna try to kill him over a name, right?

Right?

Don’t look so surprised that I’m here… and don’t mind the droids, their sensor suites can be a big help out here.

Kahlil's gaze drifted down to the other arrival, blinking in surprise. It wasn't often someone came close to his height, outside his own family. And they tended to dwarf him anyway.

".. Are we supposed to be surprised you're here or something..?" Genuine question. There was an odd air of depression around the other man that.. Didn't make sense for a patrol. Did he really not like the cold? Ah, that must be it. Maybe Kahlil seemed just as depressed then.

"I make good bate. I'll check out the cave, then. Hopefully I won't get eaten, mm?" He cracked a grin, glancing to his Fiance for a moment, then again to Briana Sal-Soren . "Wanna come with? Bet I can show you somethin' new that Val might not of."

 

[Geiseric]

Heinrich Faust | Eina L'lerim-Vandiir

The expedition began their careful descent into the subduction. Their armour kept temperatures regulated, so all they had to worry about was their footing. Halfway down, once they were under the great overhang of tectonic plate, the snow got thinner and gave way to iced over rock. Geiseric sensed the same feeling as his confidantes.

"We should be more than careful here. We are truly entering the unknown." the geological marvel made for an awe-inspiring approach, but it signaled a potential danger further in, one that wasn't related to what they already felt. This place was ancient, and he suspected few Jedi had walked the same path in almost two-thousand years, if any at all had. He turned his helmet's comm channel in order to speak to the entire troop.

"Be wary of structural integrity, in the caves and the vault, should we find it. This world was once pieced back together. It is not as stable as one might think." he understated. Nobody understood the full effects of the great planetary rebuildings that followed the Yuuzhan Vong invasions. In all likelihood the place they searched for was buried deep in the folds of where Ilum's wounds were sewn shut.

As they progressed, the great cavern tapered into a tunnel, still large enough for the crusaders to march in a formation three men wide. Geiseric, Heinrich, and Eina took the lead.

"Are either of you concerned with this? The Jedi Order is not known for leaving behind guardians, and my research indicated kyber is sparse in this region. Whatever is producing this aura is powerful. If it's the vault alone... then we will have discovered a great treasure."

His mind flashed to what they would do if he was correct, if a vault of crystal records did exist. There had been a time long before when kyber harvesting was common all across the galaxy, before only a handful of Jedi worlds assumed the burden. It had been Ilum's singular importance in that regard which had made it a target for Darth Sidious. If Darth Solipsis had the same intentions, especially with Ilum sitting so close in the Maw's reach... the information Geiseric believed he sought could save many Jedi.

"Have you any insight, Eina? You see clearer in the Force than any of us."

 

[Zaka]

BALANCE POINT
BLACKFANG - THE (NEW) JEDI vol. II
Issue #5 - Ilum Patrol
Valery Noble Kahlil Noble Briana Sal-Soren Tieuvelli Renlas Caltin Vanagor

​

Zaka's features remained inert for the most part as the introductions went underway. Whether it was because of the cold, or because of the combined names and arrivals. Who was to know? Certainly didn't help that he usually stuck to himself on the fringes of the galaxy.

The first to arrive after him must've been some famous Jizz star to warrant prematurely calming everyone at his arrival. He shrugged his shoulders, causing some of the snow that adorned them to slide off before he turned to level a gaze in the direction of Kahlil.

Zambrano.

The name was familiar. Must've been some Dark Lord or other his Master mentioned a time ago. At this point, there were too many for him to even keep track of, and considering his presence here, it was clear he'd chosen his side. Merely bobbing his head in the direction of the pseudo giant, Zaka tugged his coat around himself again.

"That makes sense," he says in reply to Valery. "Those droids should be plenty helpful too," he adds. Force knew the wonders his astromech had done for him in his X-Wing.

Turning to Kahlil, he side-glances at - who, context clues gave away was Valery's Padawan - Briana, offering an upwards nod in greeting, before turning back to the Knight. "Mind if I come with?" He was counting on the caves being warmer.

And to sate some nosy curiosity.

 

[Tieuvelli Renlas]

Tieuvelli watched from her perch as more Jedi arrived by the minute each, in turn, introduced themselves;

The first was Padawan N'Jazaka, a human far she could tell winters breath. After he exchanged a few words he fell into the group, clutching his chest as if he could grab the warmth her feathers had.

Next was something else, a giant of a man to whom the winds of the Force swirled and yet different. Something distinctly alien all the same. Perhaps it was his size or something else entirely she could not quite pin. She didn't like it, and her feathers ruffled as if that would somehow make her any less insignificant against the titan. Still, he brought droids, and no one else in the present company seemed too concerned.

Third but not least, another Padawan. She carried herself well despite the cold, well presented too. Valery's Padawan, no doubt. That brought their number to six.

Hearing the plan, Tieuvelli took a moment. She was caught off guard by the mention of life, discounting the possibilities of mineral life she never heard of much living on Ilum, if anything at all. The possibilities both excited and troubled her. It was not unreasonable to think life could survive beneath the surface or nearer shelter that the canyon and caves would provide.

Her eyes went to N'Jazaka, the Padawan who seemed the least comfortable. She made up her mind and returned to Valery to address her, "Of course! I would not be much of a Songwing if I could not see you safely to our destination." Her head turned once more to look upon N'Jazaka, "N'Jazaka, I can help alleviate the burden of the cold?"

Valery Noble | Kahlil Noble | Briana Sal-Soren | Zaka | Caltin Vanagor​

 

[Ishida Ashina]

LIGHT MUST COME FROM THE INSIDE
OBJECTIVE II - PATROL | ILUM
YOU CANNOT ASK THE DARKNESS TO LEAVE
YOU MUST TURN ON THE LIGHT
Iris Arani

​

Peering out at the icy waste that stretched into the impressively carved-out temple, she pulled her fur-lined cap down more snugly about her head and crunched forward toward the welcoming hole that was meant to be the door. At its base, she looked up at the ornate carvings in the ice and dipped her head in appreciation for for the artwork. It was no Eleven Starboard, but it was still so beautiful, amidst the snow, the great doors of the Temple were accented by a silvery alloy. When she was right at their base, so too was another. The Padawan she was meant to work alongside for today.

"Ishida Ashina," She smiled behind the masklike bandana that protected her against Ilum's frigid winds. The girl she was introducing herself to wasn't much bigger than herself, and probably around the same age. So why was she just embarking on her crystal journey now?

The New Jedi Order had a tendency to be unorthodox and lenient, but Master Noble had mentioned Iris as one of her Padawans. Surely a student of the venerable Valery wouldn't go without a weapon.

"Is this your first time?"

​

---

PROXIMITY AND MAYBE WE OVERLAP AT SOME POINT IDK: Valery Noble | Tieuvelli Renlas | Zaka | Caltin Vanagor

 

[Iris Arani]

Objective: Crystal Trial
Tags: Ishida Ashina

Oh. For a moment Iris stared at the other Padawan. Someone shorter than her. Even by an inch, Iris could tell. Who was shorter than her and still y'know, human? Or humanish. The Keshian wasn't human, after all. And- Wait, she introduced herself. It took a moment for her to process it, distracted by her own thoughts and the colors coming from within the cave behind them. Beautiful lights, blinding. Much like the first time.

"Iris." She smiled warmly, bowing her head. Formal greetings, right? Come to think of it, Iris rarely ever just introduced herself. Most people pried for her name after she ended up drifting somewhere. Maybe she was growing, after everything.

Nope, she drifted again. Iris laughed, nervously, turning her gaze back to the cavern farther on.

"Domxite was stolen." No, no. Ishida wouldn't know who that was. "Domxite, my lightsaber." No, wait. People always looked at her weird for giving her lightsaber a name. It took a bit, but she learned it's because most people didn't have an actual person living in their lightsaber. As their lightsaber.

"They're a Rainbow Gem. They.. Fought alongside me as my lightsaber, until they were taken. If I want to get them back, I have to get a new lightsaber." There, that should explain everything. Though was she oversharing now? Her brow knitted together. Talking to people was hard when she actually tried.

"U.. Um. Thank you. For coming to help."

 

[Eina L'lerim-Vandiir]

Lady Eina L'lerim-Vandiir
The First and the Light of Ashla
Heiress and Princess of the Eternal Empire and Terraris; Angelic Mascot and Representative of the Ashlan Crusade
Eternal Empire's Ambassador to the Ashlan Crusade; Matriarch of the Valkyrja; Leader of Sanctuary and the Fjölkyngi Smiđr Guild​

Objective: Explore the Vault
Location: Surface, Ilum
Equipment: Sverð Fyrstr (swords) | Ljósspjót (spear) | Skrúð Engill Fyrstr (armour) || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m || Current appearance
Tags:: Geiseric | Heinrich Faust

[ Dawn ]
<"High Nelvaanian"> | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

Not only did Eina go ahead in the end, but the two men joined her. This was probably the first time since Ession that anyone had seen Eina and Geiseric together in Realspace. At Netherworld, they often showed up together at the Sanctuary, or they were just together on the expedition, but not here in this world. Of course, it was common knowledge that they were a couple, since after the Crown of Ashla, all this could not be denied; especially not after the man joined Eina in the Sanctuary until the Valkyrja was healed nearly completely.

That’s why it might have been very noticeable to Force users right now as Eina and Gei moved around the cave. In essence, they could have been as if they were one, at least for an outside person or observer. Eina's movement was completely assimilated to the man's, in harmony. It was not intentional but instinctive. Because of the dyad, she knew exactly how the man would move, how she would be stepping, where and how she would be acting. And she reacted. True, the reverse was also true. They didn't even have to read each other's minds for all this. And that was the most natural to them.

"I agree, so strange, not tangible." she agreed with Heinrich.

In Eina's hands, the end of the spear was still lit, illuminating the cold passages; she was glad both men were here with her. After all, the two of them were the most important to her in Realspace. It means, they were closest to her if she didn't count Isla. The walls were icy and snowy, it was quite dark inside, the light of the Force light sometimes gleaming on the ice on the wall where it was just smoother and able to reflect the light.

"Omni did…" she shuddered as she completed Gei's words. She didn’t like Omni, the “droid-god” upset the balance of Netherworld a few years ago when he tried to return.

The Valkyrja never forgave him for that. Gei's voice jolted her back from her thoughts, for she was moving forward, instinctively. Eina thought for a moment, then shook her head gently.

"I don’t know what could be weird, I haven’t really felt similar before. But you know, I’m much more at home at the Netherworld for things like this than here at Realspace." she replied.

What may be striking is that the girl talks to Gei somehow differently than with others. It means, her voice seems to be softer, more caring and more private, more personal, more insider than towards others. Before her partner addressed her, Eina already knew, so she looked at him questioningly before the question. She probably hadn’t done this for the first time since they’ve been together, so the man certainly wasn’t surprising, at most, to Heinrich.

"We should stop for a while. And please give me your hand here… no, you don't have to take off your gloves, I don't want you to get cold."

Her face was not covered, so she seemed to blush when she asked Gei to do so. If the man gave his hand, she weaved her own between his fingers. With very gentle and caring movements. Her body language and movements were also much more intimate than in the direction of others. Although they did not need a physical connection, it reassured her and suggested more security. It was even from the time when she had regular seizures after Ession. In the early stages of her recovery. But ever since, she’s loved being able to walk hand in hand with him. Even if she were embarrassed by this in front of others. Eina looked up at the man's helmet, where his eyes had to be, and smiled gently.

"You can use my senses and my powers; you know the Jedi better than I do. I am extending my power, my senses, and you use this Gei. I think your knowledge is more of a help than mine." she offered, then she looked at Heinrich. "Unfortunately, I can’t get you involved in this unless you… Do you allow me to create a Force bond between the two of us?" she asked.

The last time she asked for something similar, it became a dyad between Gei and her. Eina didn't think it could happen between her and Heinrich, but it was the easiest for her to help. If her adopted brother allows it, she will, as before, on the Dark Planet here, she will build and create the bond between the two of them. And after that, she extends her consciousness and power in the Force to the entire vault so that the two men can investigate. If not, she will not create one, and in this case only Gei can look around through Eina's senses and powers.

 

[Shimrra Rin]

Zark San Tekka | Dagon Kaze | Romi Jade | Coren Starchaser | Kai Bamarri ​

One of Shimrra's mothers flinched, still bowed. The other was not so subtle and stood up straight and gasped at Aeris Lashiec and her dismissive, harsh words. She was about to say something but Shimrra grabbed her mother's arm and shook her head. It was not the Extolled's place to question a Jedi. Luckily Shimrra was a Jedi.

"The New Jedi Order is not the only Jedi Order to exist Master Lashiec, and we do get pilgrims from time to time- Both Jedi and non-Jedi who simply seek the guidance of the Kyber or the quiet of the ice caves. It may not be all the same stone, but my ancestors did not choose Ilum as one of the worlds to be restored for the Jedi to be so unappreciative and dismissive of its symbolic importance to the Jedi as a whole." The words started off as a soft reprimand, a reminder that the Jedi did not revolve around the 'New' Jedi Order. But as the words tumbled out the anger built until her eyes were daggers and she could feel her fists clenched. She folded her arms and stormed off. Maybe the Jaded Jedi didn't see the importance of this place, but it was obvious the others of the Circle did, and that was enough. Her mothers, dumbstruck by the outburst bowed again and scurried off to help other Jedi unload their burdens.

They could follow their vows, but Shimrra needed a place to cool off. A place to meditate. Alone.

 

[Bernard]

Bernard walked into the gathering of Jedi, awkwardly trudging with a large, heavy rug on his shoulder and the last clumps of snow still sticking to his boots.

"People look at this place and they see countless Jedi going on spiritual quests. I see Starkiller Base, I see the Galactic Empire devastating this place for the kyber crystals used when constructing the Death Star."

Heaving, Bernard let the rug drop onto the table with a subdued thud and a cloud of dust. The holoprojection flickered once and mixed with the dust particles, that danced around inside its photon-matrix structure like snowflakes.

"It will continue to be that place. A place of horror, terror, and power for our enemies," he said. "But we have the power to change that."

He unrolled the rug, an old and ancient thing that was coming undone at the edges. It spanned the length of the table and flopped over its sides at either end. Bernard brushed his hand over it to get rid of the last vestiges of dust. Three circles, green, blue, yellow dotted its surface, connected in a large triangular shape with white lines. A crude attempt to draw a starmap. Each circle had a scribble next to it in some language, but Bernard had taken the liberty to attach small holoprojectors into the threads that cast Basic translations over the stitching.

Ilum, blue, Jedha, yellow, Metellos, green.

"This," he patted the rug, "is the Pathway of the Mystics. It's how the Maw made it into the Core. But what goes around comes around. This is also how we can make it back into their territory."

Bernard fiddled with the table to alter the holoprojector's display to match the rug, and then made all known star systems appear between the three points, highlighting the ones between Ilum and Jedha in red. A good stretch of the line crossed into Brotherhood territory.

"Jedha is already secured by the GADF, and they've taken Adrathorpe recently. That end is secure. However," he traced the line to Ilum, "this side isn't. Ilum, this very world, is the cornerstone for a route the Brotherhood needs to jump directly into the Core Worlds."

He looked at each Jedi in turn.

"If we secure this world, make it a stronghold for the Jedi, we can make sure, certain, that they won't use this path again, and," he tapped on the worlds in the section that crossed Maw territory, "it's also the Jedi's staging ground for operations into Brotherhood space.

This is the Jedi's Gate. We watch who comes in, and we get to leave the safety of its walls here to strike back at the Maw. Mobus is closest to the route, it's a neglected world with routes into the rest of Chiss space, but the Pathway also crosses the hyperlane to O'reen."

Aeris Lashiec Dagon Kaze Zark San Tekka Coren Starchaser Kai Bamarri Shimrra Rin​

 

[Kai Bamarri]

Dag wasn't in the mood to talk. Kai deflated and turned to go—only for his way to be blocked by the arrival of Master Romi Jade, whom he did not know, but whose presence was instantly acknowledged with reverence by the others. Kai carefully stepped aside to let her pass, then he heard Aeris say his name. Turning around to face her, he lingered, thinking she meant to ask something of him. But she had just said his name among a list of greetings for everyone in the room, then went back to talking strategy.

Yeah, he didn't really belong here and should probably get going—then the Vong female came over, leaving in a huff. Kai backed out of her way, and literally a second later, Bernard walked in. The massive rolled-up "rug" he carried on his shoulder nearly smacked Kai in the face as the chevalier blanc passed him, and Kai finally gave up on trying to leave.

He approached the table as Bernard rolled out the crude star map, looking at the holoprojections of planets. The Path of the Mystics. A hidden hyperspace route. The Jedi's Gate... wait a minute. These were the long-term plans for the Second Great Hyperspace War they were discussing. Was he even supposed to be here? Well, unless somebody kicked him out, might as well stand around and feel important.

Dagon Kaze Zark San Tekka Romi Jade Aeris Lashiec Bernard Shimrra Rin Coren Starchaser​

 

[Heinrich Faust]

Tags: Geiseric , Eina L'lerim-Vandiir

The descent into the cold, dark abyss was slow going. Each step had to be planned as they made their way further into the crevasse. Heinrich has ordered a few of their companions to stay behind, just in case. His experiences with such dark recesses of the galaxy had taught him to take precautions, even on a planet such as Ilum. Eventually, the crevasse gave way to a long tunnel, forcing them into a bottleneck, yet able to maintain at least somewhat of a formation. Heinrich took a moment to reach out through the Force for a moment, reaching deep within himself to channel the power once bestowed unto him by Ty. His left hand reached forth, and after several moments, a small ball of flame produced itself within the palm of his hand, providing additional light for the party as they pushed further into the tunnel.

"The Maw found their way to Ilum some time ago, but I doubt that they would have delved this far beneath the surface. If something were to be guarding this place, it would have to be old... very old. Even then, I doubt it would have survived."

Though Heinrich was certain that there wouldn't be a guardian of sorts, he couldn't count the possibility out. Eina had a way to potentially figure this out, however, and was as willing as ever to help her companions. As she offered to create a Force bond he politely motioned her hand away.

"I appreciate it, Eina, but it'll be best if it's just the two of you. I'll help the others keep watch while the two of you search."

In truth, a large part of his hesitancy stemmed from the events on Ession. Though he trusted his friend completely, Heinrich still felt that he wasn't ready to open up more than necessary. Then there was also the matter of Gei. Heinrich hadn't had a chance to speak with Geiseric about what had transpired in the ruins of the Grand Temple, and given that there was much about Eina's abilities that were not yet fully understood, he didn't want to spring such heavy news onto Geiseric when they were so close to potentially finding something truly special. For now, he would simply keep watch while they attempted to discover what was waiting for them.

 

[Ishida Ashina]

LIGHT MUST COME FROM THE INSIDE
BYOO | ILUM
YOU CANNOT ASK THE DARKNESS TO LEAVE
YOU MUST TURN ON THE LIGHT
Iris Arani

​

With all the clothes it took to tolerate Ilum's chilly charm, the only part of her face that was visible was the space between her forehead and the bridge of her nose. And when Iris started her introduction, those stormy eyes blinked once.

Beneath the bandana covering her mouth, she tried out the shape of the word Domxite — about to ask what that was. It sounded like a person, but within a few heartbeats, it was explained to be sentient, yes, but not a person. A weapon. She smirked at some sort of distant irony not quite tangible enough to articulate the relationship between human and weapon, a weapon being personified, a person being weaponized. Somewhere in that juncture, there was familiarity with Iris' loss, so Ishida nodded as if she understood the impact.

She bent at the waist briefly, her puffy coat confining the range of the gesture. "Your accomplice to a mission of vengeance." The atrisian relegated herself to that position, finding likability in the ferociousness of defending territory. Even if that territory was something as small as a crystal.

Not to waste any further time outside, Ishida stepped forward to initiate their trajectory into the ancient caverns. The last time she'd been in here, she'd been surprised by renegade Mawites and an Imperial HRD. A bad mix of blood with the holy water. The scorch marks on the walls had long since been buffed out and restored to their pristine state. The doorways that had been covered by snowbanks or other perils were cleared and glittering winterly.

"A rainbow crystal?" Ishida echoed the parts of the story she wasn't familiar with. That must have made a dazzling blade. "Are they all sentient?"

Once they were through the first doorway, the blue shimmery of the icy walls turned black. What had been light and glistening ice, turned to dark and shiny stone, and Ishida took a precious second to run her gloved hands over the volcanic walls.

​

---

 

[Iris Arani]

Vengeance?

Iris blinked, watching Ishida Ashina for a moment. Then frowned. Shook her head. Vegeance? "No, not vengeance." That wasn't the Jedi way. But she didn't press further than that. Didn't dare to. Her gaze turned, looking over the pristine walls. That was better than trying to think about what the other Padawan could mean by vengeance. Then, blinked, looking over to Ishida again.

"I think. Domxite didn't talk much about their past or where they came from."