Don't Think; Feel.

[Connor Harrison]

Silver Jedi Training Ground: Ruins Simulation Arena
Silver Jedi Temple, Voss ​

One of the small training arenas outside of the Silver Jedi temple, the Ruins were sand-stone, harkening back to Orders of the past. Three tiers, separated by steps and pillars and walkways, the simulation arena was one of a few created to allow the Jedi and Rangers to train and teach in a number of locations.

Connor Harrison stood alone in the sandy arena looking up and the well designed structure. It wasn't large, but it was big enough to lose yourself in during simulated battle or self-discovery of your ability.

Dressed in his combat trousers and black vest, this was the usual training attire Connor wore when wanting to push himself again and again. A training saber was held in his right hand. While he didn't need one over his own, it was still something that would reduce the chance of losing a limb if your mind slipped...or your footing.

He sighed to himself and kicked some loose stone beneath his boot as he walked around the platform in the centre of the arena, giving himself plenty of space to move around as he thought about what he could try next to kill time and gather his thoughts about everyone and everything he had encountered recently.


[member="Dagos Terrek"]

 

[Dagos Terrek]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

Dagos had come to the simulated training grounds, knowing he needed to improve his skill with a blade. Truth be told, he needed to improve all his skills, but today he chose to focus on those involving combat. With the galaxy in the state it was, it was not a matter of if but when the Silver Jedi would be forced to confront the Sith and their allies.

He wore your typical Jedi attire minus the cloak. A training saber clipped at his belt. He had a real saber, but he left it with the rest of his belongings, he liked the saber he was given, but it was not truly his own. He had yet to make his own saber, something he knew all Jedi must do, he was just so behind on everything. that’s why he was here, so he could catch up.

Dagos made his way to the central platform of the training arena and found he was not the only one who decided to brush up on their talents. He recognized the other man as [member="Connor Harrison"], they had never met formally, but Dagos had seen the man in passing. He had also heard strange rumor about the Jedi but he did his best not to listen to gossip.

“Hello, there!” he called out, sure that the other man had already felt his presence.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor stopped kicking the ground under him, getting grip with his boot, and looked over to the figure approaching. He stood up to his full height, as he was crouching slightly, working on shifting his weight.

”Hello yourself.”

With a quick nod, it came across short and blunt, but at times there was no need for being overly welcoming to one of your own, especially after putting yourself through a heavy training routine and breath was still sparse as you warmed down.

”You must forgive me, but I don’t think we’ve met – “ he held out his hand, wrapped in black fabric to maintain grip, ” – Connor Harrison.”

He noted there was an eagerness in the young man, and that was positive to feel in dark times.

[member="Dagos Terrek"]

 

[Dagos Terrek]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

“No, I don’t think we have.” Dagos shook Connor’s outstretched hand. “Dagos Terrek.” it was clear that Connor had recently finished his own training regiment here, his breath was controlled but purposefully so, there was sweat on his brow and a limberness to him.

It may be presumptuous to ask the man to work himself again. But it could hardly be an accident that Dagos had come here to train and found someone of Master Harrison’s skill here. It never hurt to ask.

“Master Harrison. Do you think, I mean, would you consider a lesson? I would love to learn from you.” he smiled and shrugged, trying to be as nonchalant as he could.

 

[Connor Harrison]

He span the black training saber hilt in his hand, as he did with all lightsaber hilts he gripped. It was more a habit than anything, and he listened to the staggered request coming from Dagos.

Connor let out a sharp breath and turned his head slightly.

”You should have come before when I had more energy!”

However, he nodded.

”We are both here, so why not. I’ll be happy to. After all, I may not be your Master, but a little extra spontaneity never hurt anyone. What would you like a little polishing up on?”

The Padawan’s desire to have Connor help was flattering, and it was nice to know his name hadn’t totally been ruined after recent events, and not everyone mistrusted him. If he could help one, others would hopefully follow.

Whilst the Padawan could think on his reply, Connor indicated softly back to the large square, taking note of the surroundings before them.


[member="Dagos Terrek"]

 

[Dagos Terrek]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

He chuckled softly at Connor’s comment about being worn out.

“I, think, Master, the force favors me by letting me face you at half speed. Thank you for indulging me.” Connor had every right to turn him away, they were strangers to each other after all and he had just got finished working himself out. It was a testament to his integrity.

“My ultimate goal is to become a healer, but with everything that is happening now, I think it is prudent I tighten up my blade work.”

The galaxy was plunging ever closer to darkness, and if the rumors he had heard, and ignored, were true Master Harrison knew that better than most. Soon a time would come that the defenders of righteousness would be called upon to hold the darkness at bay, and whether he deserved it or not Dagos, was one of those defenders. He had little choice in the matter, but he would do what he could to rise and meet this challenge. To make up for the mistakes of his past, to hopefully one day clear his heart of the guilt he felt and fill the hole he had created.

Master Harrison, had a reputation for being a skilled swordsman and a fine teacher. Dagos could not have been luckier to find him here today.

“Specifically, I would like to focus on Soresu.”

He knew it wasn’t the most popular form amongst new Jedi, many looked to focus on the flashier more offensive forms and that was all well and good considering, the persistent threat of war that hung over everyone, everywhere. Dagos felt, however that the Silver Jedi were different, they had separated from the Republic, due to the militarization of the Jedi Order there, the Silver looked to be what Jedi were intended to be. Peace keepers, not soldiers and what better to exemplify that, than Soresu.

 

[Connor Harrison]

As Dagos spoke, Connor nodded to himself, and stood a few feet away from him, hilt spinning around. However, the Padawan made one mistake.

”First, call me Connor, really. Not Master. I’m not used to that title yet…it takes a while to grow on you and I know I should use my rank, but we both know where we stand. Connor will be fine.”

He wasn’t a rogue for nothing if not bending the rules slightly.

”Soresu? Form III out of the usual bunch. I see. That’s a fine form to learn – defensive and tight, but with room for swift movement and quick, sharp windows left to attack.”

He didn’t fell Dagos this was his first time teaching for a long, long time. Connor ignited the lightsaber in his hand without making a deal of it, the pale blue blade coming to life. Thankfully, as a training saber, this was duller in colour and would do no damage except leave a mark and greatly remind the opponent not to make the same mistake twice.

”Do you want to take it slowly, or go straight in?”

As soon as he finished his sentence, he strode forward, bringing up the blade with one hand and swung it to the Padawans left hip.


[member="Dagos Terrek"]

 

[Dagos Terrek]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

OW! That was all he could think as he was caught off guard by the strike from Connor’s light saber. He had tried his best to spin away from the strike but was caught on his backside. He finished his spin, facing Connor, with his training saber ignited. The green blade hummed anxiously awaiting to return the favor.

“Let’s jump right in the deep end. We can evaluate after.”

Dagos, stance opened and his saber raised in a defensive position waiting for the more experienced Jedi to strike. He cleared his mind the best he could to allow the force to flow freely and guide him in his actions.

 

[Connor Harrison]

It wasn’t a cocky smile, but it was one that just evoked Connor’s amusement. If you couldn’t toy with those you tried to help, then it’d be boring. After all, Connor wasn’t naturally a teacher and this was sort of a spontaneous meeting.

”Oh…before I forget, you mentioned your interest in healing? If you haven’t already, seek out Master [member="Maya Whitelight"]. Tell her Connor sent you. If you HAVE already acquainted yourself with her, tell her that Connor has sunk his claws into you now and you’ll be far better because of it.”

With a little smirk to himself at the thought of winding up another Master, Connor nodded to Dagos to signal he would begin.

Bring his saber up and stepping right, Connor stalked slowly, maintaining eye contact.

”Guard your shoulders, from a high attack.”

Two more steps, and as his right arm came up, he pushed forward and twisted his left hand in a fist, emitting the Force energy to wrap around Dagos’s feet and pull them from under him with slight pressure.


[member="Dagos Terrek"]

 

[Dagos Terrek]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

“Guard your shoulders, from a high attack.”

Sound advice. Dagos committed it to memory, along with the note to seek out Master Whitelight, who Dagos had experience with before in a group setting. It had gone well, and it had helped stoke Dagos interest in the ways of healing.

Dagos kept his eyes focused on Connor as he moved around the arena. Connor’s right hand raised up and Dagos flinched minutely and as he did he found himself flat on his back, but only for a moment, his feet yanked out from underneath him.

He flashed back to his feet almost as soon as he hit the dirt. Deception. He should of expected as much. He cursed in his mind, upset not at Connor but at himself. He clearly was too tense.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Smacking his lips together, Connor shook his head slightly.

"It's an oldie, but a goodie. Don't trust your opponent, no matter who they are. If you're having to raise your blade to them, they are a threat, and they will fight dirty. So will you."

Leaning on left foot to right foot, Connor had his blade pointed to the floor as he gauged Dagos. He could feel the frustration but that was normal, and the important thing was he was in control.

Holding out his left hand before him, saber then raising behind him with his right, Connor shifted sideways and held the Soresu position.

"Come at me, and don't hold back. I will show you how defence can be used as offence. Don't think. Feel."


[member="Dagos Terrek"]

 

[Dagos Terrek]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

Dagos struck at Connor, letting the force flow through him, guide him in his actions. It both commanded and obeyed, he looked for any hole in the Masters defense, any slight opening he could get to strike.

He charged foreword, using the only form he had any true skill in. Form I, Shii-cho. It was plodding and methodical, the strikes were very telegraphed, meaning one had to have total control, so as to not be overwhelmed of to over step. He did his best to not leave an opening for Connor to counter, and by doing so, he certainly held himself back.

He threw a small flurry at Connor, a strike to the right shoulder to get him to lift his guard, followed by a slash meant to bisect him, from left to right. His feet shifted, just out of balance as he did so.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Holding stance, Connor didn’t move as Dagos came to him, the green blade moving forcefully upwards.

Pivoting right, his body turned sideways and the momentum of his action brought his blue blade across vertically to clash with a small spark, two blades of energy crackling together.

Not waiting, he was sideways onto Dagos and pushed his blade back with his own, spinning around the back of the Padawan, all done from simple momentum of movement and not thinking about where to go – just letting himself move.

”Stop trying to hit me, and hit me.”

Now behind Dagos, Connor stood full on, blade held vertically over his chest, waiting for the next strike.


[member="Dagos Terrek"]

 

[Dagos Terrek]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

None of his attacks got through Connors defense, in fact Dagos seemed to have not even given the man a challenge. Connor stood behind him, goading him to attack. Dagos obliged. He spun around, slashing out with his saber before charging foreword. Not with anger but determination, he let the force flow through him, guide him. He was no longer Dagos Terrek Jedi Palawan, he was only the blade.

He struck, high and low probing for a weakness, his footwork starting to become sloppy, not overly so, but when you were fighting with light sabers, even millimeters counted.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor shouted basic footwork to the Padawan as he came forward with noticeable strength, focusing attacks rather than going blindly.

”Let the Force amplify your movement – don’t fight it!”

Stepping around in a circle, Connor tapped his right wrist.

”When you attack, don’t wait for a reaction. Move to the next – be supple, be fluid, be nothing more than a spirt.”

Connor pushed out with the Force with his left hand into the Padawan’s torso, sending him back a good number of steps.

”The blade is but just one weapon. Use the Force to your advantage – when you face death, it will not wait for you or give you any breathing space.”

He held up his hand.

”Ok – now. Soresu is also about defense – “ Connor said as he backed off to the wall of the square they were on, ” – so defend yourself, but make it your offence also.”

Connor used the brickwork around him, sandy brown and sun-baked, to hover beside him. He gave the Padawan a nod, and launched one brick at him, and he would continue a number of times in different heights for Dagos to hopefully disintegrate with his blade and move forward to attack.

[member="Dagos Terrek"]

 

[Dagos Terrek]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

The bricks came flying and Dagos put on a smile. This was much simpler than trying to strike a Jedi Master. He had faced training droids before, and they shot energy bolts, while you were blindfolded. Compared to that, this was still very difficult but also in Dagos’ mind fun.

He dodged one brick and then another, moving foreword, letting the force guide his steps, another brick came flying and was turned to dust but his blade. Another brick and another cloud of dust, this time however, it was so close when he dusted it the crap flew up into his face. He coughed and choked on the dust as he continued to move foreword, relying on the force more than ever to make up for his blindness. He moved, unseeing and unbidden, he could hear rocks flying past him, almost feel the breeze they produced as they zipped by.

Finally his eyes were clear enough to see, he disintegrated an other brick and caught another mid air with the force and sent it flying back at Connor. And as he did he leapt through the air with the goal of landing within striking distance and hoping to catch Connor off guard and strike.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Each time the green training blade slashed a brick into grit and dust, Connor nodded, noting each step forward and each flicker of pride in his eyes.

Counting down with each successful strike, Connor stepped back an ince as Dagos jumped following a successful repulsion - right back to him. He wasn't expecting that.

Waving his left hand, the brick was batted away and up into the higher tier of the arena but Dagos landed, ready to strike, and was only stopped by the blue blade from Connor rising up - the Padawan was on the offensive.

"Great movement, Padawan. I wasn't ready for that."

Their eyes locked and the hum of the blades filled the air.

"Forgive me."

With that, he brought up his left knee sharply into the stomach of the Padawan who had applied all strength to a full attack but left his lower torso open.


[member="Dagos Terrek"]

 

[Dagos Terrek]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

Connor’s knee came up hard and fast, nothing Dagos could do to stop it from being buried deep into his body. The breath was driven from him and his legs turned to rubber. He struggled to fight against physiology, his body wanted desperately to shut down, Connor’s knee had slammed hard directly into Dagos liver sending toxins flowing through his body causing debilitating pain.

He took a few steps back, and fell to a knee, out of desperation he sent a force push toward Connor.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Watching the Padawan reel back in agony didn't give Connor pride or joy, it gave him purpose. He wasn't the Master, and he wasn't going to make teaching a few lessons in combat easy - because battle wasn't easy.

"Soresu will be best used against blaster fire and to do just what you did - defence into offence, but you neglect the bigger picture."

The Force push came to him, and raising his arm horizontally, he absorbed the blast as if it were a gust of wind.

"The enemy will not adhere to rules, forms or discipline. If you leave yourself open, you will be killed."

He held the blade out wide and stood firm.

"This is your last chance, Jedi. Use the Force to guide you and attack me. Do not attack me out of hate, out of desperation or out of aggression. Attack me because you are a true guardian of peace and justice - attack me and show that the Force listens to you."

He nodded, and waited - ready.


[member="Dagos Terrek"]

 

[Dagos Terrek]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

Connor was right. He was failing, he one day may be called to be a blade of justice, the last line between peace and genocide, and here he sat, unsure, wounded and desperate. That would not do, desperation was not fitting of a Jedi.

He closed his eyes and for a moment he thought of Haruun Kal. He thought of his mother and his father, of his sister, his brother and his niece. He smiled just slightly and got to his feet. He pressed foreword, no more thought, just action.

In his flurry, he felt as though he was in the eye of a hurricane. Blades clashed and chaos surrounded him, but he was calm. His heart beat did not rise, and his mind was shut off to everything but the man in front of him.

He slashed high twice, and flourished his blade, sending another force push to Connor and swiftly following behind with another flurry from his blade.