Faction Echoes of Solitude: The Chronicles of Valor

[Valor the Forsaken]

Ko Vuto

In the vast and echoing chambers of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, the stillness was more profound than ever. The recent attack by the Dark Empire on Tython had sent ripples of urgency through the Jedi Order, prompting a mass evacuation of the temple's most vulnerable and valuable assets. Now, the grand halls and storied libraries, once teeming with the vibrant energy of Jedi scholars and younglings, stood eerily silent, under the shadow of the looming threat that hung over the galaxy.

Valor walked alone among the towering shelves of the library, his footsteps muffled by the thick, ornate carpets that lined the floors. The air held a scent of ancient paper and lingering Force energies—a remainder of the countless generations of Jedi who had sought wisdom within these walls. Here, amidst the emptiness, Valor felt both the weight of impending conflict and the solitude of his house arrest more acutely.

With most of the Jedi relocated to safer locations, Valor was granted permission to use this time to construct a holocron of his own design. This project was a chance to leave something lasting behind, perhaps a guide for those who would one day learn from the ashes of war.

As he perused the scant remnants left in the library, Valor was drawn to a section that had been overlooked in the hurried evacuation—a collection of texts relating to the art of holocron creation. Each volume was dense with lore and technical diagrams, the knowledge of ages that he would now seek to embody in his own creation. Here, in the quiet shadow of the library, surrounded by the echoes of a thousand silent voices, Valor began his work, all while the dark shadow of the Empire crept ever closer.

 

[Ko Vuto]

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Location: NJO Temple Library
Tags: Valor the Forsaken

Seeing the hustle and bustle of the NJO temple gradually diminish as more and more sensitive information and vulnerable people were ushered out Ko felt a odd mix of emotions from it. It was sad to see his home seemingly lose its energy and life. On the other hand he was glad. Glad that others with the means to act have done so. Glad that it seemed that at least some absorbed what he had to say when many members of the order came together to discuss the uncertain future.

In the past Jedi were rarely afforded the luxury of such clear foresight. He dreaded imagining what would happen if the leadership in the Order chose a more stubborn path. Digging in its heels and burying its proverbial head in the sand even as the Dark Empire marches to their very home. He didn’t want what could seem like the mistakes of the past to haunt the present. The Jedi were not immune to armageddon. History has proven that three separate times. He hoped to avoid a fourth, at least in his lifetime.

Ko made his way into the seemingly abandoned library. A great chamber was already one of polite and quiet academia. Now the silence that befell it was eerie and uncanny. Libraries were supposed to be quiet, but not this quiet…

However, there was another. Sitting with a collection of books and data. It seemed that even now, someone could find value here, using the library as intended. The individual was unfamiliar to Ko. He didn’t recognize their force signature. But he got the idea that they were young. Perhaps a padawan of some kind?

“What’s the subject of your study?” Ko asked as he approached. “If you don’t mind me inquiring, that is.” Ko added, wanting to respect their wishes if they saw the Kel Dor’s presence as intrusive or distracting. ‘Glancing’ down at the books he was unable to discern anything about them or what kind of information they contained. “My ability to read isn’t quite what it used to be. So I can’t actually tell what sort of books these are.” The Knight mentioned with a soft chuckle over his own phrasing.​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

Ko Vuto

Valor blinked and looked up. Someone else was here, possibly a Keldor? His life had mostly been among humans and near-humans; the galaxy's diverse races still seemed foreign to him.

"Um? I'm trying to learn how to make a holocron. I've only ever seen someone else use them," he explained, his voice tinged with curiosity. "The books detail the construction process... I'd like to create one to chronicle, starting my life anew." He paused, adding softly, "I'm Valor. It's a pleasure to meet you... sir?"

His tone was uncertain, but the being before him felt dignified, prompting him to use 'sir.' Valor's demeanor was soft-spoken and polite, exuding calmness and a sense of relaxation. He refrained from inquiering about his struggle with reading, not wanting to impose or seem rude.

"If it's not too much to ask, may I know whom I have the privilege of speaking with? You're welcome to join me, if you like. I haven't seen many people around. I've only caught snippets of stories about the grandeur of this temple before I was brought here. It's humbling to be within its halls," Valor offered, inviting the stranger into his quiet reflection and learning.

 

[Ko Vuto]

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Location: NJO Temple Library
Tags: Valor the Forsaken

“Making a holocron?” Ko repeated to himself. “Interesting, I haven’t made one myself so it sounds like it could be quite the endeavor.” He added, expressing that he too was unfamiliar with the process of crafting such a device. Having used plenty of them as a Jedi, even before his time training as a padawan in the agricultural corps. Occasionally visiting the Corellian enclave’s own library to better understand telepathic abilities that could aid in herding and caring for livestock.

“Nice to meet you too, Valor.” The name rang a bell slightly for Ko. Possibly recalling Braze going on an upset tangent about a fellow boy by that name. From what he was getting from their conversation so far it sounded as though Valor was younger than him. Being addressed as ‘Sir’ only confirmed that. “I’m Jedi Knight Ko Vuto.” Even now, calling himself a Knight still felt strange to him. Hearing that he was welcomed to join him, Ko simply sat down across from Valor at the table.

“Sounds like you’re quite new here then.” Ko was beginning to suspect that the teen was a very new initiate. Or even a padawan, if they’d been recruited by a Jedi who sought to train them. “Yeah, it seems like a bad time sadly to be starting your life anew here. Soon enough the temple will be operating with only a skeleton crew I believe.” ​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

Ko Vuto

"Yeah... I figure it would be a good way to chronicle my new life here," Valor stated simply, his voice steady but carrying a hint of contemplation as he stood in the vast NJO library. The quiet hum of machinery and the faint scent of aged paper filled the air, creating an atmosphere ripe for reflection. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Knight Vuto," he added softly, his tone respectful and sincere.

" Silas Westgard brought me here after we met on another planet," he continued, recalling the pivotal encounter that changed his trajectory.

"He helped me understand that my former Masters were not people I could trust, nor should I. I'm looking towards changing my life for the better and starting to take care of myself rather than trying to do everything I can for individuals who only want to use me as a tool. I figure a holocron would be a great first step in this," Valor admitted openly, his eyes reflecting a newfound vulnerability.

"This is all very new to me. Just being out in the galaxy is new too. I haven't seen so many sights, sounds, or people before. This truly is a new world for me, so vastly different from the confines of the life I knew," he confessed, the enormity of his new reality evident in his voice. "I'm sorry we have to meet under such dire circumstances, with the enemy looming close," he added, his words trailing off as a hint of sadness mingled with the hope in his tone.

 

[Ko Vuto]

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Location: NJO Temple Library
Tags: Valor the Forsaken

Valor explained that they’d been brought into the order by Silas. A fellow Jedi knight that Ko had little to no interaction with. However with his own rise in rank he wondered if perhaps that might change for him soon. Hearing more than the explanation Ko simply nodded some. “Exploiting the talents and abilities of young Force Sensitives is unfortunately not that uncommon of a fate. I’m sorry to hear that happened to you.” Ko expressed, letting Valor know that what he went through wasn’t entirely unique.

“I think looking into crafting your own holocron sounds like a good idea actually. A sort of journal for you here.” The Kel Dor found it to be a good undertaking and could admire the initiative of trying to look into making one this early on. It also seemed as though the teen had quite an enclosed upbringing. It reminded him of some of his other peers with sheltered upbringings. Chief among them likely being Corazona von Ascania , who came from nobility in an unassuming agrarian society. Or even Loomi whom Ko still knew very little about her own background.

“But yeah the temple, and the wider order have certainly seen better days. So I could certainly understand if you don’t see yourself having a future here. Since the future feels so uncertain these days.” Then again Ko wasn’t sure if asking a teenager what they wanted to dedicate themselves to for the rest of their life and trying to hold them accountable to it was a wise idea. Even now the Kel Dor was unsure of which path he wanted to follow now that he was a Knight himself. ​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

Ko Vuto

"It's more than that.... I was made—designed for a purpose. Now... What do I do? It seems like I have freedom of choice for the first time in my life. No predestined designation, no ordained function... no real... expectations or demands... Just... me right here right now... to do what I want to do.

For so long, my existence revolved around a singular goal, a defined path. Each step was meticulously planned, every action dictated by a higher calling or external mandate. But now, it's a sense of unprecedented autonomy,

I am face to face with the daunting yet exhilarating prospect of self-determination.

The weight of this newfound liberty is both liberating... and paralyzing. Without the guiding hand of destiny, without the reassuring confines of purpose, who am I? What do I truly desire?

In the silence of my thoughts, I realize this is uncharted territory. It's a blank canvas awaiting the brushstrokes of my decisions, a thread to be woven from the results of my choices.

The past no longer holds sway over me, and the future is an open horizon of endless possibilities. I stand at the crossroads of my existence.

And in this newfound freedom, I feel a strange sense of peace, a calm acceptance of the unknown.

For the first time, I am not bound by the expectations of others, nor by the constraints of fate. I am simply me, in this moment, with the power to shape my destiny as I see fit. And that, in itself, is a profound revelation.

One I feel... I should chronicle. "

 

[Ko Vuto]

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Location: NJO Temple Library
Tags: Valor the Forsaken

What the teen said certainly added a lot more context. From the sounds of it they were either a clone or selectively bred. It only added an extra element of tragedy to Valor’s situation. It also seemed as though they had a lot to say as well. Ko patiently listened to how they articulated and expressed themselves.

“Despite being on very different parts of our personal journeys, it seems to me like you and I have both reached a similar situation. A sort of crossroads in our lives. I myself only recently graduated into the rank of Knight. I’m finding myself both thrilled and overwhelmed with this sudden shift.”

“It’s an interesting phenomenon and one that’s very common. It often seems like the more choices we have, the more indecisive we can become. Freedom and independence can be powerful. But also a lot of responsibility. Given what I know of your particular situation, which admittedly isn’t much, I’d recommend not fret too much about what it is precisely what you “truly desire”. So it’s good to hear you’ve already found a measure of peace and calmness in the uncertainty.” ​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

He nodded softly listening to Ko. " So... what's it like to be a knight? Is it everything you hoped and dreamed of? It's a big step forwards in your life right? Do you know what you want to do now that you're a knight?"

 

[Ko Vuto]

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Location: NJO Temple Library
Tags: Valor the Forsaken

“Well… So far it’s felt like being a padawan. But with less direction.” Ko answered simply. “I suppose it’s too early to tell now. But it is a goal I strived for since I was a youngling. As for what I want to do, I suppose the logical thing to explore is how I might wanna specialize as a Jedi. Something that I haven’t quite undertaken yet to be honest. Even before I got knighted I found myself often needing to fill many roles.” Even in something as straightforward sounding as the Agricultural Corps, Ko found that his responsibilities and duties then were surprisingly broad. Acting more as an environmental generalist than anything.

“I had some ideas before. About wanting to travel to other worlds to learn from different Force Traditions and Orders. I really think I would have a lot to learn from the Luka Sene if I could ever manage to study under them.” Ko explained, some more before letting out a deep sigh. “But life has a habit of getting messy and is full of unforseen trials and tribulations. It seems like the near-future I envisioned as an academic will instead be as a warrior.” With escalating conflict seemingly around the corner it seemed like it was going to determine the fate of countless people. Not just within the Jedi’s ranks.

After a moment Ko let out a soft chuckle. "There was a saying I once here. A find it a bit amusing now. It goes something like... "The future isn't what it use to be." Which feels quite true at the moment."​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Valor's question laced innocent curiosity, hung in the air like a soft mist. "Specialize? What is available to specialize in with space wizardry?" His voice carried a sense of bewilderment. "Other Force traditions? There are others?" His eyes widened. His exposure to the myriad paths of the Force had been minimal, his knowledge confined to the boundaries set by his mentors.

"Time changes everything, whether we want it to or not," Valor continued, his tone turning reflective. He spoke of the inexorable passage of time with a wisdom that seemed at odds with his sheltered experience. "That is a fact of life that we cannot escape. We must make the best of it while we are here." His gaze drifted slightly, as if he could see the invisible currents of time flowing around him, shaping destinies with silent, relentless force.

"I'm not sure what lies beyond our mortal coil, but I'm not anxious to find out," he confessed, his voice lowering to almost a whisper, revealing a rare vulnerability. The concept of death and what followed was a shadow that loomed, unwelcome and unexplored.

Turning the conversation from the philosophical to the personal, Valor looked back with renewed interest. "What is it you enjoy most about being a Jedi?" His question was earnest, seeking to understand not just the duties and the discipline, but the passion that fueled the heart of a Jedi.

 

[Ko Vuto]

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Location: NJO Temple Library
Tags: Valor the Forsaken

“Well applications in using The Force are remarkably broad. Or they can be at least. For example when I was your age I had duties in the Jedi Agricultural Corps. Where I largely used my connection to cultivate healthy plants and animals as well as other environmental matters. Even when one looks into specializing in their journey as a Jedi they can still find that their actions can have broad repercussions and consequences both good and bad.” Ko tried to explain without getting into exhausting ramble about the specifics of every kind of path a Jedi could take. “But to better answer your question, there’s largely three kinds of general roles that Jedi tend to fall into. Those being Jedi Guardians, who focus on martial arts and being warriors. Jedi Consulars who bring most of their attention of more academic and cerebral activities regarding The Force as well as diplomacy. Then Lastly there are the Jedi Sentinels, who are kind of like a mix of the two, while also tending to have greater aptitude in more practical skills. From that there’s many more specific branches one can take. But I won’t get into those now. As a Jedi myself this is where I see a crossroads on my own personal journey right now.”

Ko felt that was a satisfactory enough explanation given to the curious teen. “And regarding your question about other traditions. Yes there are many other organizations and traditions that in some way are about or involve The Force. More than any one person could really know.”

He listened to Valor talk about the passage of time and mortality. Expressing his own disinterest in trying to understand what may become of himself and others after life. The Kel Dor knew that I could explain what he believed, as a Jedi, what awaited him and every other being in existence once they departed the mortal world. But Ko was taken aback by Valor’s last question. Asking about what it was that Ko most enjoyed about being a Jedi.

“Hmm… I would have to say it’s the community. Maybe that’s just because there’s an obvious and ever present disconnect for me. Given my physiology. So getting to share in an experience and role like this offers connections that I might not otherwise have.” Ko explained, rather openly. ​

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

"So... it's because you feel you belong?" Valor asked.

 

[Ko Vuto]

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Location: NJO Temple Library
Tags: Valor the Forsaken

"... Yes."

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[Valor the Forsaken]

TAGS: Ko Vuto

Valor listened, his gaze distant yet introspective. "I suppose that makes sense... Everyone seeks a sense of purpose or a place where they feel they belong. If one finds that among the Jedi, then it's indeed something to cherish. I can empathize with you, Ko. Now, without a clear purpose, I feel incredibly lonely. It's like there's nothing to strive for, no expectations to meet. It's a surreal experience, really. Yet, there's also this strange freedom in the absence of defined paths. Perhaps it's a chance to discover who we are when we aren't defined by missions or wars. What do you think, Ko? Is there a peace to be found in this uncertainty?

In finding your place among the Jedi Order, do you ever feel torn between your heritage as a Keldor and your identity as a Jedi? The traditions of one's people are said to be profound, yet the teachings of the Jedi are a different kind of calling. How do you reconcile these two aspects of yourself? Do you feel more aligned with the values and culture of the Keldor, or does the Jedi path resonate deeper within you?"