Chasing Shadows

[Riamah]

Listening to what Daxton told her about getting shown to a room where she could recover until she felt more like herself, Ailuros clearly perked up. Her tail swished a little, whiskers and ears twitched up and forward. When he said there would be clothes for her to wear, she almost felt like sticking her tongue out, but instead just kept it to a sigh.

Since she had left Trian others always wanted her to wear clothes, but her people didn't unless they wore light armor in battle. The only clothing she had with her was her belt with all its tools.

"Thank you, Daxton. Really."

She trusted him totally and then nodded when he continued about meeting him in the garden.

"Is there a map or something I can have? It's going to take me a little to get the lay of the ship down in my mind. It's nothing like I've been on before really."

[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

Upon hearing [member="Ailuros"] request Daxton realized she was right. “How silly of me to forget. I had completely forgotten the layout of this ship is new to you. Give me a minute my dear to correct this.”

Turning to one of the nearby personnel he gave instructions in hard sounding language, and the young man raced out of the room. Meanwhile the rest of the medical personnel began to disperse as cleaning droids entered to sanitize it for its next use. Daxton gestured for her to follow him into the hallway, as neither of them wanted to be underfoot during the clean up.

Minutes later the same man raced back carrying a small red box which he presented to Ailuros.

“Thank you Miles, that will be all. Go join the others, I have some refreshments set up for all of you. Good job.”

“A pleasure Lord Bane. My lady.” And off he went to rejoin the rest of his companions celebrate a successful operation.

“Smart boy, but he never got used to calling me just Daxton. Still his heart is in the right place, I suppose. Open the box my dear.” He referred to the small red box that was handed to her. On the outside was a seal of the Red Ravens but no locking mechanism. Upon opening it she would see an earpiece and small red badge shaped like the one Daxton and the rest of the crew were wearing.

“The badge is a communications badge that would allow you to speak with anyone on this ship, while the earpiece will actually a transparent holo heads up display before your eyes. You activate it simply by tapping it lightly twice and indicating which part of the ship you wish to go. Depending on your indicated preference, the computer will check for the most efficient route and you will see that as a light blue glowing path for you to follow. It will allow you access to any section of the ship except for two. That would be the power core and my personal quarters. The power core is completely off limits to all organics of all sorts and my personal quarters well because I don’t like uninvited guests.”

“One more thing I need to explain, the layout of the ship is dynamic. Just because you have learned a specific route there is no chance of change. To embody my philosophy, changes may occur often without warning so it is important you have both badge and earpiece with you at all times. Any questions so far?”

 

[Riamah]

After she pointed out she didn't know her way around, Daxton sent one of the people off to go fetch something. It didn't take long for him to return and offer her a small red box. This one addressed Daxton as a Lord and Ailuros tilted her head slightly to the side curiously. Opening the box at his request, she turned her attention to the items inside.

Clipping the badge to her belt, she listened to what he said. Looking at the ear piece, she wondered how well it would fit in her ear and which one it would do better in. That she would figure out on her own and nodded at what he said about the two areas off limits to her. When he continued on saying the ship changed, her head tilted in the other direction and one of her ears rotated slightly as if listening for an active change.

"How can a ship change due to a philosophy?"

It was one of many questions she had, but the only one she asked so far.

[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

“Tell me dear, in them course of your travels have you ever encountered the Sekotan or the Yuuzhan Vong?” Daxton paused to wait for [member="Ailuros"] to reply, “A most interesting species, let me assure you. Both races had developed the tech to grow living organic ships. I have long sought to understand how they were able to do this but I have yet to succeed in duplicating this feat.”

“You might wonder what does that have to do with changes on the ship and my philosophy. Well as my philosophy embodies the saying the only constant in life is change. That is to say I have been experimenting on duplicating the living ship technology, to somewhat mixed and unexpected results. Do not be afraid, the changes are relatively minor and harmless but could be confusing which is why I mentioned it now.”

 

[Riamah]

"No, I've heard of the Yuuzhan Vong, but aren't they just called the Vong? The other I've never heard of that I know of."

Canting her head, both her ears tipped and rotated forward to indicate her interest in what he was saying. Ailuros considered an answer, but he had probably already thought of it. Feeling like she could say it though, she continued with her thought.

"Maybe get a hold of some technology they had and reverse engineer it. It would be what I would do first if I could."

He said the only constant in life was change and she agreed.

"Another certain thing in life is death."

Daxton also mentioned something about being afraid and if her face was able to express it in a human manner it would be quite emotionless and rather flat.

"I'm not afraid of anything I can think of."

[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

“Ah you will like them once you get to know them. Perhaps once your training is complete you might encounter them on your travels and perhaps acquire the answer I would love to collaborate for my records.” He assured [member="Ailuros"] as he continued, “Speaking of training, now that you have awakened, I will teach you exercises which will enhance not just to sense the Force but to you use it to make life much easier. It will hone not just the mind but the body and spirit as well.”

“The one who teaches is the Master, while the one who is taught is the Apprentice. In time, when your skills have progressed enough, you will explore the galaxy to further your knowledge in the Force, until you are a Master and take on an apprentice of your own.”

He smiled as she mentioned Death, the enigmatic unwelcome visitor was often feared and loathed. “While it is still too early im your training, let me assure you there is much you will learn once your studies begin in earnest.”

“Well I would suggest holdimg off more questions until you have time to rest and recover. The medical team will do some quick checks and clear you before we can begin.”

 

[Riamah]

Daxton said she would like these other races and people once she got to know them and she believed him. So far there hadn't been a person or race she did not like. He mentioned maybe she could get the answer, but somehow Ailuros doubted that. Having the feeling he was more well versed with how the galaxy worked than she was, if he could not find what he wanted, she didn't think she could.

Bringing up the fact her senses were further awakened, he laid down the fact a teacher was the master and student was an apprentice. Understanding that, the cat nodded. When he mentioned she would become a master at some point, her face displayed disbelief.

"I don't think I'll ever know enough to be a master. There is so much to know! About everything."

Her tail tip flicked a little as she spoke and her voice spoke with excitement and curiosity. Part of her nature showed and there was no way she could hide that within herself. Didn't want to either. Ailuros was an eager young student and wanted to know as much as she could.

At further prompting, he told her to go to her quarters to rest and recover. The thought of being able to get herself clean perked her up, but she needed sleep too.

"I think that's a good idea."

[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

“That is precisely why I chose to help you @Ailuros. The galaxy is filled with mystery and curiosities so much that even I am still learning some new thing every so often. This journey of discovery is what I wish to share with you and in time, you will find those who carry within them a spark of curiosity. Ever fear you will recognize it just as I recognized it in you, it is a gift that is meant to shared with those who prove themselves worthy. Now and rest, we shall pick up again after you have recovered.”

A droid accompanied her to her room, which was spacious and well maintained. Aside from the soft bed that beckoned her, there was a desk, a small fine wooden chest with a brass lock for her personal possessions. Exploring further she saw the room was equipped with a sonic shower but there was a full body automated massage bed.

The droid took a reading of her vitals and then asked if she wished anything from the galley before departing, leaving her in new quarters by herself.

 

[Riamah]

Hearing what Daxton said, she was curious as to how she would know if a person could use the Force like he had her. That was just of many questions she would ask later. For now though, she wanted to get clean, eat something and sleep. When the droid offered her food, her stomach growled at the thought and her whiskers drooped a little.

"Yes, please. Something with a lot of protein, please."

She would then take off her belt and start in on getting herself clean in the shower. Since it wasn't an actual shower with water, it didn't really bother her and she climbed out almost as clean as she could get on her own. If the food had arrived she then eat what was provided and climb into the waiting bed.

Not sleeping like she normally did, Ailuros quickly found herself in a sleep deep enough nothing disturbed her for hours. When she did wake up, she felt fully rested and it had hopefully been a nightmare free sleep.

Climbing out of bed, she stretched a little and finished cleaning herself where the shower hadn't gotten to before and put her belt back on. Figuring out how to use the ear piece was next and it took a few minutes, but it got put into her left ear and rested there comfortably. Moving her ear around a little to make sure it stayed in place, she then turned her attention to the device on her belt. It appeared to be a communication device and she lost interest in it pretty quickly.

Wanting to find food again, she tapped the ear piece twice to get directions to the galley and hoped she could get back into her room without the need of somebody or something else letting her in.

Jerking her head back curiously as the device activated, she watched as a map was displayed for her and how to get to the galley. Attempting to remember it, she turned it off and left her room behind. Walking to the galley, she turned a few heads, but nobody stopped or questioned her. A six foot cat may have brought the interest, but there was no hostility directed at her. Finding where the galley was, Ailuros picked up the food she wanted and sat down to eat.

Unsure of where to meet Daxton or if he expected a time, she took her time eating and when she was done, just started to wander around the ship looking through the various areas she could get to.

[member="Daxton Bane"]
​

 

[Daxton Bane]

The galley was a delight to the senses, the sights, smells and tastes of over three dozen worlds were available for the asking. There was even alcohol, although it became apparent to [member="Ailuros"] observation that discipline was tight that most of those who were there drank to take an edge of a long shift, no one was drinking to excess or being too loud. That behaviour was reserved, she would later discover, for onshore leave where the rules were little more relaxed.

Races mixed among the crew, who all wore the earpiece and comm device, with the gender line roughly down the middle. But despite their numbers, for every organic it seemed there were at least a couple of droids. Most of the off duty crew were dressed in civvies, some more colorful than others. Those on duty wore uniforms of muted scarlet with their rank insignia on their sleeves.

There were even a few who appeared to be students of Bane, dressed in somber cloaks and brooding gazes. Each possessed an aura of competence and danger, like large predatory cats gazing over the savannah. They spoke in hushed whispers as if debating something not intended for others to hear.

Most of the crew were friendly, offering her a smile and an invitation to join their table if she wanted to. From where she sat she could pick up faint sounds of people cheering and the distinct click of fortune reels in play.

 

[Riamah]

Picking up the foods with more meat than anything else, Ailuros didn't know any of these people and declined their offers to sit with them. Not in an unfriendly manner or rude in any way. Being curious about everything around her, her ears kept moving in different directions when a new noise was heard. Eventually her plate was empty of food and she went to find the place to put it so it got cleaned and able to be reused. Following others, she learned where they went and put her items on the pile to be cleaned.

She didn't give into the immediate curiosity that was around her. At the moment, the cat was far more curious about the Force and how to use it. The new feeling of life around her filling her and making her senses better. That is at least how it seemed to her.

Tapping her ear piece again, she asked for the location of Daxton and it lead to the room where they had met. It took her a bit of time to get from the galley to the observation deck, but she did arrive. Unsure about being welcome with the door closed, she would raise her paw to knock at it.

[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

What surprised [member="Ailuros"] was that once the food was consumed, it appeared that all one needed to was stand up and leave. Within a few seconds of departure a team of droids would arrive and begin to clear the table for the next occupant. All done efficiently and quietly so as not to disturb the others who were eating nearby.

Through observation of others she also discovered that the table was a fully interactive device where one could request a holovideo to play of the latest shows or a wide array of sports coverage along with an option to place bets on the outcome.

It seemed that everywhere she turned, there was a something that peaked her curiousity. But again the call of the Force was strongest and she sought out Bane.

The trip to the observatory was quite quick considering the directions given by the device, along the way she encountered several of tje crew heading to different parts of the ship. They would exchange a smile and friendly nod if eye contact is made but did not attempt to question why she was here or where she was going.

As her paw was about to touch the doors, hidden sensors detected her presence and doors slid open with a hiss. Once again Daxton was sitted in his chair, observing the skies, with his back turned to the door. Yet he was aware of her presence when he said, “I trust you find the accomodations are to your liking? Are you ready to begin?”

 

[Riamah]

Pulling her paw back from the knock she had been about to do, Ailuros walked into the room and listened to Daxton as he spoke. One thing on her trip through that ship that made her happy was the fact nobody had said anything about her having to wear pants or a shirt. There had been no funny looks from anybody concerning her lack of clothing.

"Yes, I slept like a new born and nothing disturbed me. Considering the lack of sleep I've had lately, I am not too surprised."

Not that she intentionally lied to him, it was a bit of a surprise she hadn't slept in fits or little naps at a time like she was used to. Perhaps her life was going to change and last night was one of the starts to it.

"I am ready to begin, Master."

He had said to call him Daxton or Bane before, but then he also stated the teacher was master. So at the moment, the cat was unsure what to call him.
​
[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

“Come closer my apprentice. I have something to give you.” He instructed [member="Ailuros"] as his seat swiveled to face her. From his right palm a small flat circular shiny object slowly rose and approached her until she could pluck it from the air. Upon closer inspection it was small metal disc stamped with the face of an unknown human on one size and one the opposite side from sort of flying creature. The features were well worn from untold generations of use, yet was remarkably still clear as the say it was made.

“In the eons before the credit was used as the standard of trade, people used that for trade. Now, it is considered a lucky keepsake. But the reason I give you that coin, is so that you will remember next what I want I am about to tell you.”

“The Force is like a coin, strong and unyeilding, yet every coin has two sides. Once your studies are complete and vyou resume your travels you will most likely encounter other Force Users, most likely they have been taught only one side of the Force. They have divided the Force in two, erronously labeling it Light and Dark. Light is supposed to be the way of peace, while Dark is emotion and war.”

“By codifying the Force, they forget that the Force is neither Light or Dark. It is in everything around you, a tool no different than a blaster or a belt. What matters is intent. When you use the Force, always ask yourself why. Do not blindly say something is good or bad just because that is the way things are. Ask, question and then decide for yourself. Do you understand what I just explained to you, my apprentice.”

 

[Riamah]

Taking the coin from the air and running it over the palm of her paw a couple times, she listened to what Daxton said and nodded. In the amount of time she had been away from her people she had run with Silver Jedi and the Empire. She had seen both aspects and how the people used the Force. None of them had tried to talk to her of beliefs though and it was all new to her.

"I've already run with both sides, but of course they didn't notice what you did."

It was a little confusing, but then Ailuros made a connection between some things.

"Life isn't black and white so the Force being a part of life isn't either. Something like that right?"

[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

“Exactly my dear student.” Daxton replied, quite pleased that [member="Ailuros"] was quick to a pick up what he said. “On one side they call Light, they call for detachment from emotion, and inner contemplation. This way is taught by those who call themselves Jedi. Self righteous folk who tend to force their beliefs on to others, becoming so detached that they forget their own past, deeming themselves uncorruptable and holding all in judgment.”

“Then there are those who practice the Dark Side of the Force, a style usually favored by those who call themselves the Sith. Mecurial, they give in to their passions, wild fighters one and all. But they to forget that not everything is conflict, so they purposely pursue their passions regardless of who they affect.”

“As in life, anything taken in extreme is unrealistic and unpractical. These two are polar opposites that butt heads, failing to realize they draw from the same source, which is the Force. Neither way is incorrect nor is it the only way, you have to journey to find what is true for you.”

“Every journey begins with a single step, your first step is to learn to sense the Force. While the Force is in everything and everyone, you cannot sense everything or everyone at the same time. It will overwhelm your senses and leave you catatonic. Close your eyes, and clear it of all thoughts. Calmly breathe in and out. Feel the beat of your heart, as you breath in and out. Nothing can distract you, there is only you and the Force. In and out. What images comes to your mind?”

 

[Riamah]

Using the coin as an example and listening to what Daxton was saying, as he spoke of the views, Ailuros flipped it from heads to tails and then on its side.

"How are they both not incorrect? There is just one Force."

She did let him finish speaking before she asked her question and then sat down in the chair she had sat in yesterday. While she wait for an answer to her question, the cat closed her eyes. Acting like she was going to take a nap, but keeping herself from falling to sleep, she did what she had always done. While not focusing on any one thing special, she paid attention to what was going on around her.

Breathing like he instructed and feeling for her heart beat, a sense of calm crossed over her. In paying attention to what was going on around her, his question did not disturb her and made her focus turn more inward.

"Stars."

It wasn't the view in front of them, but the galaxy.

[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

“They are incorrect, thinking that their view of the Force is the only valid side of the Force. Whether it is arrogance or ignorance, they fail to realize that Light and Dark coexist and compose the Force together. Always try to see the total picture before you render a judgement.” He explained to @Ailuros. “Many a light sider refuse to listen the minute they find out who I am, as many as the Dark siders who think my studying the Light makes me weak. Many have come and gone, long dead and buried and yet I still remain. That alone should indicate to you the importance of this lesson.”

“Look with more than your eyes, each star you see is a single soul filled with the Force. Listen to the somg they simg for that is the sound of the Force. Some will be soft amd smooth, carressing you like a long time lover. Others will bd loud and crass, seekimg to draw attention to themselves. Reach forward, touch the Force. Do you feel its feel its pulse? Now with just your mind and nothing else I want you draw some of it towards you.

 

[Riamah]

"Are there certain skills then only work with light or dark?"

While she gazed at the stars in front of her, she listened and interacted with ​Daxton. He explained the stars weren't stars, but souls that were filled with the Force.

"Does that mean I am seeing only those that can use the Force and have been awakened?"

Doing as he requested, Ailuros attempted to go forward and touch what she felt. It was almost like there were different colors, shades, sounds, rhythms and tunes involved. He has asked her to pull the Force to her. This being new, she was distracted by the stars at first, the lives of those within them, she couldn't focus on the Force that connected it all. Eventually she calmed down and felt for the calm Force, but while she could feel it, she didn't know how to touch it.

Like water, it slipped through her fingers when she went to take a hold of it. Shaking off the failure, she tried again. Instead of trying to hold it though, she allowed it to just flow and reached for it and felt it surround and swallow her. When that happened, her senses went higher and she could sense so much more.

[member="Daxton Bane"]

 

[Daxton Bane]

“Certain skills and disciplines become more easily done if one possesses theccorrect mindset. For example, Force Healing is more likely to be accomplished by a Light side user than a dark side one. But that is not to say, it is impossible for the Dark Sider to use Force Healing, it is merely not as easy. But we are getting ahead of ourselves, my dear student.” He promised [member="Ailuros"] as he could see the curiousity burning in her eyes. “Before we can run we must first learn how to stand. We will begin wih the basics and as time and your apptitude will show I will teach you more advanced disciplines. Naturally I will be testing you to see what you have learned from time to time as part of your training, but fear not by the time you are finished you will be more than well equipped for what the universe has in store for you.”

“Not just the awakened my dear, although those will burn brighter than the others. What you are seeing if the Force, alive and well, inside every living being within this sector of space. Now imagine how big the starfield would be if you expand your senses a little further. Good, you are a quick study, the Force flows in everything, become one with the Force. Now slowly open your eyes and look around you.”

When she does open her eyes, it would be like she was seeing everything from a totally different perspective. All her senses were heightened to near super sensitivity. Everything seemed sharper, in better focus that she had ever known.