Beasts and Burdens [Georgie Boy]

[Coci Heavenshield]

Malachor V​

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[member="George O Rourke"]​

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"Take us in", she said sitting on the edge of her co-pilots seat. The view of Malachor V did little to set her nerves as easy. One can see the fizzing atmosphere from space. Electrical and dangerous just to start with. "Nice and easy", she added as George approached the atmosphere. "Steady, steady", all of which was said for herself, he did not need her input. Her eyes flicking from control panel to the view before them, palms sweaty and muscles tense.

"Set of co-ordinates are on screen, that is our landing location".

Coci has been on Malachor V before, sent on a mission to investigate and capture a criminal, but the lead had been false and nothing found save trouble. Yet today there are here to complete part of that mission. They will travel through the valley of spires to the proving grounds. A place of history, dark history and by all accounts in ruin. Yet, there is still darkness within the rubble and further rumours of a cult now resident there to be determined.

There was little she could do for now, but allow George to land the ship and they would prepare to leave to enter the toxic place.

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

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George had taken the helm for this trip and was entering the atmosphere of the planet. There mission was to explore the proving grounds, a place of dark history. There had been rumours of cults taking up residence within. George didn't really know what was to come, he had never been to Malachor V. Jedi Master Coci was accompanying him on this journey he hadn't known her long but she seemed to be quite a good leader, although her backseat driving was something else. Coaching George as he brought the ship towards the ground.

"Yes Master, we're on course. Everything is fine." George replied as he looked across and grinned at the obviously worried Master Jedi beside him.

As George brought the ship in for its final step of landing George prepared the ship. As the landing gear opened up he felt a small bump as they hit the ground. "We made it Master. Not even a scratch." George said with a big smile as he stood up and double checked his gear was ready for the mission ahead. Lightsaber - Check, other lightsaber - check, Master Jedi - check. Yep all ready to go.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="George O Rourke"]

The view from the cockpit window was uninviting. The Malachor landscape did little to quell any thoughts of a trip that would pass with ease, in fact, Coci felt more disturbance through the force that seem to be awaiting their arrival. The sky above the ship, hissed and crackled as if to bid them to leave, an unwelcoming sign and one that they would have to adjust to. It is dangerous here, on many levels, she remembered that from before, but they will go through the rocky spires until they reach the grounds. "Don't forget your pack, you are going to need it", she said standing up and leaving the cockpit to go find her own.

The lowered ramp, sat on the dusty plateau, the air ion charged prickled against her skin, Coci stood on the surface of the planet, her grey hood of her cloak pulled up around her head and sat around her body to wrap her in shadow. For now while she wait, Coci stood in silence and with closed eyes, the force is powerful here, darkness sits upon the very ground on which they walk. She focuses, reaching out through the force into the darkness beyond, noting many life forms, small and large, prowling within the spires. Although her saber and blaster sits on her hip, she hopes that they will not be needed.

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

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As the ship landed and the ramp lowered Master Coci reminded young George to get his pack. Lucky, seeing George had almost forgot it with the vast interest with the unknown outside the ship. As George left the cockpit to pick up his pack he could feel the rumbling coming from the sky. The planet seemed dangerous and unforgiving. George had never stepped foot on Malachor V so everything outside the ship was something new.

As the pair them left the ship George looked around at the dull landscape around them. It was dark, gloomy and danger seemed to be around every corner. As they reached the bottom of the ramp George noticed Coci had closer her eyes and her cloak was pulled over head head. Leaving her completely covered. He could feel the darkness around them. George ran his hands down his hips feeling his lightsabers that sat at his side. The silver hilt was cold, almost as cold as the feel around the planet itself. "Rather interesting planet we've got here. Quite cold." He said as he looked around at his surroundings.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="George O Rourke"]

"Yes, chills to the bone", and not just the cold. "George, keep your focus through the force, there are things out there I can sense that are not .. 'friendlies'". Turning to him to look him over, satisfied he is prepared as best he can, as is she. "Stay close".

Coci walked to the edge of the plateau, and for moment, she looked down into the dark valley, there is a mist swirling below them, obscuring the view to the surface. The mist is odd, unnatural in it movement, moving as if searching for something long ago lost. Creeping into every nook only to be disappointed and moving on. She reached down into the valley below, the force telling her there is nothing. A void of lifelessness. Odd.

"Shall we?", she said as she force jumped off the plateau, the cushion of the force around her to control the descent, it is long jump,until her feet find the firm ground of the valley. And for a moment, she is hidden within the mist.

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

Master Coci giving George some useful advise and advising her student stay close for safety she walked towards the edge of the plateau. "Yes Master, I will stay alert." George replied confidently as he too could feel a disturbance in the force. He didn't have the skill or knowledge to control the force in the ways his Master Coci could, but non the less he could still feel the force and it wasn't great.

As they reached the edge of the plateau they both looked over the edge, seeing nothing but mist below it was very strange. The moments that could be observed from above was astounding, as if it was alive. As if it was in search of something in the darkness. George had only been on the planet for mere minutes but was already learning so much from the experience.

"Sure thing Master." George replied as he followed his Master off the edge of the plateau. Using the force to leap into the valley below. The cold air rushed around George's falling body as he made his way closer and closer to the ground. He couldn't see anything through the mist but could feel the ground coming. As he sensed the ground before his feet he landed comfortably near his Master. He couldn't see her physically but could sense her near by.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="George O Rourke"]

She walked toward George, the mist swirling around her body and soon she would be in physical view. "We had better get moving". Making sure her own pack was secure on her shoulders, Coci moved toward the spires. The mist is still thick and the way twists and turns, there is no sound, very little, with echoes of strange creatures in the distance, crying out to one another, or baying for blood.

But for now they are in no danger, the force telling her they are alone. It will take them, a good hour to arrived before the entrance of the old ruins, of the Proving Grounds. Coci kept a vigilant 'eye' through the force, sensing George close by, and scanning her senses for anything that might surprise them. There is the presences of the darkness, that much is inescapable, and toys with mind. Illusions can come to one that is not vigilant. A sense of being lost within the shroud of the mists ....

"Focus on me, do not allow this place in your mind. Close you mind to everything but the connection between us".

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

George could then see Master Coci through the thick mist that surrounded them. "Yes Master," George replied as he focused on the connection between himself and Master Coci, clearing his mind of everything except that. As they began walking towards the old ruins it was quite, almost too quite. Sounds of animals off way out in the distance could be heard but not much else. The mist so think that anyone relying on eyesight to make it through these dense fields would almost certainly perish with the sheer amount engulfing them. George continued to focus on his Master watching her every move reacting to her every action making sure to maintain contact with her. It was going to be a long walk and by the seriousness of Master Coci it wasn't going to be a walk in the park.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="George O Rourke"]


The progress had been slow, the spires needed to be navigate with care, the mist had not help and but through the force they are able to negotiate until they are approaching the Grounds. The force is fickle here, the gravity unstable, and so both George and Coci could feel the fluctuations, the darkness would draw strength from the centre of the planet, the light side, they both needed to pull into them in order to combat the growing darkness.

Suddenly Coci stopped, there is a warning through the force, danger is close and watching them. She searched the landscape, the darkness shrouding her search, and she found it. A large creature fast approaching, darkness surrounding it and pulsing with life. A roar issued from the beast as if senses it prey and bellowed it's lust for the hunt. She turned to George pointing the direction of the danger. Within moments, a storm beast came into view between them and the proving ground.

It reared up and roared as it claws extended in a menacing fist. Then another, from the side and a third to the rear of the two Jedi. They are cornered they had walked into a trap.

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

The walk was long and challenging, keeping close to his Master George was cautious ensuring he kept connected to his Master through the force. But it wasn't all that simple, the dramatic fluctuation in the force could be felt by both Padawan and Master, not a good thing. As the pair continued towards the grounds Master Coci suddenly stopped in front. "What is it?" George said quietly as he looked around.

Suddenly a huge roar echoed from in front. What could it be... George though to himself as the thick mist masked the identity of the creature. George could feel danger around him, his Master must have too as the both froze. The creature moved out of the mist as the pair of them looked down at a Storm Beast. The ferocious looking creature stood there watching and waiting before letting out another massive roar.

Just as the first Beast came into view two more came, one from behind and another from the side. The two Jedi were trapped, what would they do... George looked around at the three beasts now closing in on the pair. "Any plans Master?" He uttered quietly as he kept the beasts in his sights keeping tabs on their locations.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="George O Rourke"]

Only a slight grin crossed her lips. Her force senses telling her the exact location of each of the storm beasts, and more importantly, their intentions. They are readable through the force, not only through their physical countenance with displayed much venom. The plan? Coci wanted to see what the Padawan could come up with. She has many 'weapons' at the ready should they charge but this would be a good lesson for the Padawan.

"I want to know what you think we should do", she said keeping alert as the creatures slowly moved toward them. They are hesitate, something is keeping them cautious. And it is the lightside of the force. From both George and Coci, they feel it and they are scared. But their natural instincts are overriding their emotions and they continue to move.

There is much they can do to get out of this trap, the saber the last resort. There would be no need to take their lives.

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

The position they were in was quite dangerous. However Coci seemed less worried than before. With a slight grin coming across her face she responded asking George to think of a plan. George's mind went blank, asking for his plan. Could he even think of one... He knew it was a test and if he were to fail his Master would come to the rescue, but he really didn't want it to come to that.

"We could use the force to emanate the light from within us and could push them away peacefully..." George said hesitantly as he wasn't sure if it would even work. He was strong in the force through his parents, but his control over it was very low. He had never specifically been taught any use of the force. However using things he's learnt in other areas he was able to focus and managed to control the force allowing him to execute simple force pushes and force jumps. He wasn't a master, but he was able to do it.

This on the other hand was something else. He waited for a reply from his Master as he kept in eye out on the beasts surrounding them as they slowly made their way closer and closer to the pair of them.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="George O Rourke"]

She nodded her head in agreement, "Good, you take these two", she indicated in front of her, "I will handle the big boy at the back here". Coci turned to face the large storm beastie. George was being tested, his ability through the force strong, and he with his abilities would be able to handle the two, three might be a push and so Coci, extended her hand, palm facing the creature to use the force to quell the mind.

"Through the force, enter their minds, calm them there as well". Focused, Coci did the said same. A thin thread of the lightside reached the creature through it's chest, filling it with to dispel the darkness. Calm and go rest, you are tired. A direct link to the beast mind, gentle and soothing, repeated over again and again. The lightside continued to expel from her growing stronger by the second until the storm beast stopped and looked at them in confusion.

Moments passed and the creature's shoulders slumped visibly, only a feeble roar issued from it, as if trying to fight against the unnatural intrusion. But finally it turned and lumbered away.

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

Surprisingly George's idea was good. Master Coci agreed and decided to let George managed two of the beasts around them whilst she handled the big one at the back. Quickly glancing over at his Master for a little bit of refining he followed her lead. George also extended both arms, one pointing at each of the creatures. Palms open wide facing the beasts. Listening to his Masters words he focused in on the lightside of the force within. "Yes Master, thank you." He replied as he focused on the beasts in front.

Slowing the lightside of the force began to enter the beasts in front of him. Turn back, you are tired, you must return to the shadows. Repeating this into the mind of the beasts, however it wasn't quite working. They continued to move towards him, George wasn't completely focused, he was worried about failure, about what would happen if he couldn't do it. He needed to clear his mind, focus on the light. Focus on the beasts. He attempted to connect to the beasts again, this time he could feel himself and the beast. He again attempted to reach the mind of the beast. Turn back, you are tired, you must return to the shadows. He managed to enter the mind of the beast. Soothing it and allowing the light to flow from himself into the beast that stood before him. They continued to move forward, but at a slower pace and gradually came to a stop. Confusion began to set in for the beast as the connection began to loosen, but George managed to keep in control. The beast with a small snarl and shake of the head turned and scurried off into the shadows. He had managed to push the beasts away. He managed to save himself from certain danger.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="George O Rourke"]

She remained still, did not even turn around to see how George was going. She did not need too, Coci could sense everything. A smile crept across her face, with each passing moment, feeling the connection between man and beast, feeling that George was beginning to succeed until the creatures obeyed his command.

"Very good", she said finally turning to approach the Padawan. "Very good indeed". She rested a hand on his shoulders and smiled more. "You will come to see, when meeting other Jedi, either in the Silver Order or members of the other Orders, that some Jedi will opt for the saber firstly, it should be the last option. Always. They think a Jedi is flashy swords and bravado but that is not the case, a Jedi is the force. The force is the first option, always".

Coci moved over the a larger rock at the base of one of the spires. "It is time for you to rest, that will have depleted your energy quite significantly, so we will break and eat". The creatures had gone, and would not return.

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

As the beasts turned and left he felt good, he managed to control the force and handle the beasts without reverting to violence. Listening to Coci's kind words he knew it was the truth. Thank you Master Coci." He said as Coci placed her hand on his shoulder. "That is true, the first thing people think of when they hear Jedi is an amazing lightsaber duellist, fighting off everyone and everything with his lightsabers. But the Force, that is our greatest weapon. Being able to control a problem without reverting to violence is something everyone should think about." He continued.

There was a large rock near by, George although feeling good could also feel the amount of strength he used controlling the beasts. As he sat down on the rock he open up his pack. "Sounds good, it did take a lot, I can feel it." He said as he pulled out a wrapped sandwich and water from his pack, taking a bite into sandwich it was delightful. Taking a long drink of water re-hydrated him making him feel a lot better.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="George O Rourke"]


In there moments of reprieve, Coci enjoyed her humble meal as they rested before moving forward to the Grounds. And odd place for a picnic, but on mission one does not have the chance to chose a nice spot. The shadows of the spires loomed over them, their peaks jutting upward toward the sky made them look like jaggered teeath, and high on their peaks lived small creatures looking down upon the two Jedi, chattering to each other, no doubt with voices non-approving.

The sky beyond the spires flashed with electricity cutting across the atmosphere, the crack of lightning striking the ground enough to made George and Coci rush their meals. But still, they would have some time to speak.

"Padawan O Rourke, you have been with us for a little time now, what do you aspire to be among the Jedi?", Naturally, Coci refers to the groups that offer different avenues for their purpose as warriors of the light. While she waited his response, Coci eyed her grey looking ration, no uncivilised.

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

As the pair of them finished their little snacks the skies overhead continued to bellow with thunder and lightning. Despite the hasty eating of the meals they were able to converse, Coci wanting to know a little more about the new Padawan on the block. "Interesting question, I want to be a leader, someone that inspires and is followed by many. To help people overcome the darkness. To be a hero of the light." George said looking light up and away continuing to think of the Jedi path ahead.

"However, whether or not it goes that way is another story. What happens, happens. No one can change I'll be happy as long as I can make a difference for the better within the SSC community." George finished as he began repacking his bag getting ready to move out into the abyss once again.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="George O Rourke"]

Coci did likewise and packed her remaining rations away. She stood up from the rock, "Noble sentiments indeed, George. In order for you to achieve your desire as Jedi, you will need a direction, your path not only is designed by the force, but you have a say in it as well. Consider what path you will take, and guide your training around it. You say you want to help people over come the darkness, tell me.. in what way would you do this?"

Placing her pack over her shoulder, she indicated for George to walk with her as they move toward the Proving Grounds. They are a short distance from it now, and with the creatures gone, there will be no more intrusion to impede their journey.

A narrow passage between two spires, told Coci they are all but there. As she passed through the passage the ruins of the old Proving Grounds entrance stood in view.

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Nothing had changed the last she was here, the place still held an air of foreboding. The darkside strong and sickening and even the skies voiced its power of this place.

"We need to get undercover soon George. There is a storm coming".

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

As the pair moved on Master Coci asked more questions "There is darkness in everyone, more in some than others, but there is also light in all. Helping them embrace the light inside. Forcing the darkness to fade away. That is how I would do it." George replied, it sounded slightly corny but it was true, even a Sith Lord was not beyond seeing the light. Although they always would think that it was impossible. Or conversely believe the light is a trap sucking the weak in. However they wanted to put it George was a fighter of the light and that is what he was going to do.

The Proving Grounds were almost upon them. As they moved between a narrow passage between two spires the entrance of the Proving Grounds was right in front. As they moved into the Proving Grounds the powers of the darkside engulfed the pair. Showing its power in the sky above. Master Coci seeing the changing of the tides thought it was best to seek out cover for the storm was about to come. "Yes Master Coci, there must be something nearby." He replied looking around for something to shield them from the storm.