Public Extending out of the Shadows of Kashyykk (Jedi)

[Aric Siasides]

TAG:

It had been a few days since the massacre of Kashyykk, the staff, the people, the Jedi, the entire Shadow Temple was in shambles. The Temple in flames, lives burning, and Master Vanagor… gone. The refugees were all over. Aric was not a “touchy feely” guy, often introverted and blunt, but this was not about him. He was appreciative that so many Enclaves and Temples across the “network” took them in, but that left the Jedi and Instructors.

Who were all here.

Sitting in the living room of the main house of the island of Vanagor… well… Mrs. Vanagor owned. They all sat there, comfortable enough, but on edge of what was going to happen next. Aric landed soon enough and was walking up to the main level, he was at the Katadda Temple, thankful for their response and assistance. He did hope that Kei Amadis was alright, and the others, but right now… that was not something he could think about.

Everyone is here? Is everything here? There were a few nods and acknowledgements from those gathered. So what is next?

There was confusion from everyone else, Jenara Starborn wasn’t there. She was good at handling these things, and he was just a glorified scumbag with a lightsaber. Look, Vanagor built the Shadow Temple so it would be self-sustaining, that it was a beacon for Jedi, not just some walls and a neat hiding place. If you’re ready to walk away, do so. No shame in it, not from me.

Then there was someone who approached from the pool area. They all turned.

 

[Taiden Keth]

#Entry 2 PKF Post Kashyyyk's Fall
The Scrolls of Taiden Keth
Tide and times wait for no man.

Aric Siasides

Two members of the Ambiguous Statements Crew remained of the five who had once found the order and called first Voss, then Kashyyyk, their home after the fall of the Republic so long ago. When Coci had taken them in after the crusades and given them refuge, one had been missing, then two, and finally Taiden felt Kei's absence, just as he felt the absence of their home.

But just as he knew he could do nothing to save Kashyyyk—other than curse the stars for turning or the planets for orbiting—he also knew there was nothing he could do about his old friend, who continued to ignore his messages.

Approaching from the pool, his walk carried the weight of the moment, even though his voice was measured and level.

"Change comes, but we will adapt," Taiden said as he stepped beside them, bowing gracefully. For once, he was free of attendants, though Sera Inkari trailed behind, arriving on her own.

He didn't know the man who had arranged the meeting, but his duty was to answer the call that had been made, and so he had come.

"All things can be rebuilt in time." Even shattered souls and broken lives. A burned planet, a scattered people—perhaps Sera had influenced him more than he realized, because he was beginning to sound like her; but then they both had a philosophical edge to them.

"But we must first define... what is it we want?" Repeating the simple question, one with so many answers, ever the scholar he asked for that question, ready to analyze, quantify, and solve the answer. The weight of so many deaths pressed down on him. It was a dark day. He had done all he could behind the scenes, but it would never be enough, a shadow in all but name only himself. Despite his level voice, his body language was turned inward and sorrowful, as loud as any word could be.

 

[Aric Siasides]

TAG: Taiden Keth

The individual, an Echani, made way through the pool area and into the living room. He was clearly of the Light Side so there was no real issue as to who he was, but there was still the question…

… of who he was?

Several asked amongst themselves who he thought he was, but Aric stopped them all, he shook his head at them.

Brothers, Sisters, he is here, he is a friend, and he poses an honest question. What do we want? It was a question that made him ponder what the future was. Would they just hide? Try to survive? Or would they make the best of all of this? Would they be like the last Echani he saw at the Temple some time again, the one called Braze Kai'el , or would they look for Sanctuary? Chrysothemis told him to use the place as he saw fit. What do you want?

Aric was not one who believed in the compassionate side, it was the Shadow in him, but he was protective when he needed and wanted to be, and this was one of those times that he needed to be. This was a school on Kashyykk, and it will be again.

This seemed to cause a stir among the others, an optimistic stir, but a stir nonetheless.

Let’s get the word out, all backdoor channels, all friendly comms. Any Jedi out there that wants to learn from us, but the Glory and Grace of Ashla, we will again.

 

[Taiden Keth]

Tag: Aric Siasides

Echani were often walking into situations without fully grasping the social dynamics at play—doubly so for Taiden, who was often lost in his books or archives. Years of solitude had shaped his social blunderings; he listened less to words and more to physical expression—whether one stood, how they held themselves, how they expressed. Sera Inkari with him remained silent but was no less isolated in nature—the two of them a pair.

"A different world and a different role. Under the eyes of the oppressor, those cut off will need different skills." Perhaps it went without saying for shadows, fitting their temple name, but these shadows had a wider reach—to teach even those ill-suited to the name how to hide in plain sight. Operating in hostile territory, even for the freshest Padawan or a community seeking refuge, might prove to be a challenge.

"And we might think of more than just our own to cloak in shadow. Many once-independent communities and planets will not fare well under this new rule." The truth was that the SJC, SCC, and Levantine Sanctum before them, had always been havens for those who wished for a certain level of self-governance and independence—now placed under a very different form of rule.

Though his decision had been made before he even set foot here, he spoke it. "I offer what knowledge I humbly possess and pledge House Keth's aid in training and cloaking those cut-off or isolated across the wider galaxy. May we preserve their dignity and way of life as long as we are able."

Taiden, in a teaching role—did he think he was ready? Did Matsu or Nima? His old master had long been separated from him, and he feared her dead.

They would need to tread more carefully than ever. The Mandalorians might be hunting them. A flicker of tension crossed his features, but he let it pass—tension due in no small part to how Kei carried himself of late. Troubling news had reached his ears, words not to be spoken in haste.

 

[Aric Siasides]

TAG: Taiden Keth

Aric took a moment to size up both of them as the others gathered seemed to be a mixture of “optimistic reticence”and a palpable sense of curiosity. Aric, however, remained stoic, his eyes flicking between the two individuals, assessing their strengths and weaknesses. The tension in the room was thick, but Aric knew that breaking it would require a delicate balance of authority and empathy.

Then welcome to the “Shadow Sanctuary” as we will call it for now. The name is “name only” as we taught all comers on Kashyykk. It will be more selective due to size differences here, but we will make due. It was a hard pill to swallow, hiding out here, but this was not about him, or anyone but those who wished to learn. Vanagor wanted those who had a difficult time learning the skills that would help them in the future find a “home” in the Shadow Temple, that legacy will continue here. We need to let the planetary government know we are here. I think that there is an Organa… ( Lady Sylvia Organa ) who we could contact.

Offering handshakes to everyone as it seemed to be settled, his next words were simple. When you are ready to, there are houses all over this island. Settle yourselves into one, we’ll use this house as the “Temple” so to speak, meet, train and eat here. Otherwise, let’s come up with a plan/[/COLOR

 

[Braze Kai'el]

TAGS: Aric Siasides Taiden Keth Kaelos Vryn

Braze had brought his newly assigned Padawan, Kaelos Vryn , with him to Kashyyyk. After returning from a mission of his own, he had received word of recent events and felt this was an appropriate time and place to introduce his apprentice—especially given Kaelos's interest in roles beyond the front lines.

Finding the right path here, unnoticed, had taken some effort. Still, they had managed.

Now, stepping into the gathering, Braze observed the scene, taking in the tension and somber atmosphere. The devastation weighed heavily in the air. It was grim, no doubt—but there was much to be done in the wake of such tragedy.

"You're right, Lady Sylvia Organa would be a good point of contact," Braze offered, his tone even yet considerate. After a brief pause, he added, "If you need a refuge—somewhere far from the eyes of the NEO-Crusaders— Tirin Raene sends his regards. He welcomes those seeking peace on a less scrutinized world. The Veridian Jedi Temple stands ready for any who wish to regroup away from prying eyes."

​

 

[Aric Siasides]

TAG: Taiden Keth | Braze Kai'el | Kaelos Vryn

There was another disturbance coming from the pool area. It was proof of the Force’s pull as the one called “Braze” along with a Kiffar… or is it Kiffu? He could never get that part right, what were they doing here? Tirin Raene was a Jedi to whom he knew by reports and reputation.

The mention of the Veridian Temple seemed to bring a level of optimism from others in the room, some of them wanting to take the Jedi up on his offer, Aric noticed this and acknowledged freely. Welcome, I am Master Siasides, but you can call me “Aric” if you wish. That is a generous offer from Master Raene, and I am assuming you are in contact.

He then turned to the others, who all, no matter how much he protested, seemed to look at him for leadership. If anyone here wants to take him up on the offer, you are more than welcome to. There will be no difference in our relationship. You have earned this offer, so if you wish to, please, think of yourselves for once and do so.

Offering handshakes to everyone as something else seemed to be settled, Aric watched many of them get their things and prepare to go as he turned back to Braze and Kaelos. Thank you. Sincerely, you have taken a weight off of the shoulders of a lot of us. I know that my friend and colleague Jenara Starborn will take him up on that if she does not stay at the Katadda. I know that a few of us here though… He paused.

Vanagor was… heh… is a lot of things… but he is also someone that I can honestly say that I owe him my life several times over. I may end up taking Master Raene up on his offer as well, but right now, I think I owe it to him, to Connel, to his wife to continue the teachings here. At least for now. He always said he would teach here if the Shadow Temple fell. I owe it to him. He nodded, with a bit of resolve he had not had in awhile. The past few days have been rough.

Anything I can help you with?

 

[Taiden Keth]

Tag: Aric Siasides | Braze Kai'el

With both hands together, he made a bow to Braze, eyes open, reading the Echani's body language closely.

Taiden voicing his opinion rather than simply following along—a change in him, perhaps, but necessity often bred action. And as others stepped to the forefront, he found his rhythm once more, more comfortable in support than in the lead.

"Evacuation is possible, but many communities will not leave easily." Taiden conceded that it made sense, adapting as he was known to do. Yet, nor could many communities leave—not those he had served all his life to help flourish, now bound under strict rule. He would remain here on the island as a refugee; the notion was well received, and he reminded himself to properly offer thanks when there was time. Likely by doing tasks around the island till someone asked him what or why he was doing them!

More focused on those they had left behind than his own future, as always, even when Aric urged them to do otherwise. Where Kei had fallen to shadow, he could not, but he could walk as one. Nor could he leave, even if it cost him and his house everything in service to his work.

"I cannot leave them, those that have been overtaken" he admitted. "But the offer is well received, and I thank you for it. I may lead those who seek refuge there." Even if it took ten more lifetimes, even if those he aided began to shun him as their governments and cultures reformed, it was never for praise, only the work.

"Will either location hold more than just Jedi?" That was critical. He spent most of his time among those without gifts, and there would be many refugees with nowhere to go. Where could they now find solace?

He only wished his friend were here and nearly voiced as much, on the subject of friends. "Has there been any word from Grandmaster Ike? Were all the portals closed?" A crucial consideration—could they return? Or, for that matter, could the Mandalorians find their sanctuaries?

 

[Braze Kai'el]

TAGS: Aric Siasides Taiden Keth Kaelos Vryn

​

Braze returned a similar gesture to Taiden Keth , bringing a closed fist to an open palm and offering him a bow.

Despite his youth and small stature, Braze stood with a composed demeanor. He was unimposing all things considered but he held a self assured confidence to his stride and stance.

"Yes sir. I am in contact with Master Tirin Raene," Braze confirmed. He understood the reluctance to leave one's home and the desire to defend it, much like Fynch 's commitment to Lothal.

Leaving everything you knew and loved wasn't easy, nor should anyone have to. However, sometimes circumstances weren't so easily managed. He himself had experienced the loss of a home he had built with his own hands to the oppressive might of another. It wasn't easy to part with.

"My Padawan and I are ready to assist in establishing and reinforcing efforts to support the refugees here. We can also provide transport for those who wish to relocate," he offered before shifting to the heart of the matter.

"Will either location hold more than just Jedi?"

"The Academy houses some displaced orphans and has space for temporary but long term refugees. What resources do you have available here, and where are you lacking support? Are there specific families or individuals who are struggling the most?" He knew that large-scale efforts could sometimes overlook those in the direst need. If there were people slipping through the cracks, he wanted to know.

"Have there been any threats to this particular location?" His eyes flicked to the surroundings, reading the land, the people—looking for signs of strain. The galaxy was never short on those willing to exploit the displaced.

"And what's the long-term plan for this location? Has there been contact with the current powers of ' Jurisdiction' ?"

He wasn't here to put out fires, if there was a way to make lasting change, he wanted to know how to help lay the foundation.

 

[Aric Siasides]

TAG: Taiden Keth | Braze Kai'el | Kaelos Vryn

Aric knew that they could not evacuate the entire planet, but they did what they could. He knew that they had all of the Jedi, and the “Shyyyo’s Heart” tribe out of there, so that was important. The offer stands, though I respect your decision, should you need Sanctuary. Anyone who you wish to lead here will be welcome, Jedi or not, and be taken care of. They will be redirected and taken to other Temples willingly, by us.

The question about Grandmaster Matsu Ike and the portals was a somewhat easy answer. I cannot speak about the other Temples, but the portal to the Shadow Temple was closed. I closed it.

Turning to Braze, and offering a very rare smile of appreciation, it took a load off to realize that there was a possibility not only to ensure evacuees were safe, but to potentially reinforce here. Truth is, he had barely just gotten here himself so he could not answer every question, but knew that many were looking to him for some level of leadership and/or encouragement.

Truth is, unless I am mistaken, no one outside of Master Vanagor’s circle knew of this place at all. I know that it does not show up on most maps, and has state of the art early detection systems.

As for contacting anyone. It was only just when you walked in that we… well… I decided and hoped others would agree that while we are keeping much of the supplies, tech, and items from the vault here, I think we owe it to Master Vanagor to teach here as well. Again, it won’t be on the level of the Temple on Kashyykk as this is a sixtieth of the size of that place. I still want to contact Lady Organa, as well as the New Jedi Order. They need to know our plans.

 

[Taiden Keth]

Tag: Braze Kai'el | Aric Siasides

Reminding himself to introduce himself, almost as if the gesture felt out of place now, yet perfectly aligned with a Traditional Echani's focus on substance over names, titles which held little meaning to him.

"I am Taiden Keth of House Keth, Silver Jedi Knight and apprentice to Nima Tann. This is Sera Inkari , a fellow Knight." He gestured toward the amber hooded woman behind him, who had thus far remained content to observe.

Considering Aric's response to the portal question, he noted, "I believe the Silver Rest portal was also closed, but that site has likely been overrun by now." Yet, the SJO and SJC had many such temples scattered throughout what was now Mandalorian space. "I will inventory which temples have fallen or been abandoned and, if necessary, make personal trips to close the portals we select." Given the outcome on Kashyyyk, it seemed a prudent course of action to secure the sites they could, and he believed it was something Matsu Ike might have wished done, selective controls on what portals remained accessible.

Cutting themselves off completely would be reckless, but selecting where to operate made sense.

He nodded to Braze, his stance easing slightly. "We have spent decades—longer—caring for the communities cut off from the Alliance within former SJC space." Humanitarian work, primarily, wherever it was most needed; that had been their mission for as long as he could remember. "I could draw up a detailed list and pass it to both of you?" Asked as a question. Yet, some would refuse to leave their homes, while others might seek shelter within familiar arms. Braze's reasoning—that smoothing things over would be prudent—was sound. In Taiden's eyes, it was never too late for diplomacy. However, revealing their location could be far too great a risk, balance must be found.

Taiden lacked Kei's stubbornness or attachment to a single planet, but this work had been his life. His duty was woven into his studies. Reaching out to the new Jedi Order was a possibility, as was contacting the Foundation, which he had begun to hear more about—both had arrived in their hour of need.

"What is Master Vanagor's condition?" The weight of the question carried in his stance. It was not the most tactful way to ask, but it was a question that had to be voiced.

 

[Kaelos Vryn]

Location: Sanctuary Island
Tags: Braze Kai'el | Taiden Keth | Aric Siasides
Equipment: Lightsaber​

​

He hadn't been back on Courscant long before Braze Kai'el had summoned him.

Together they'd left Courscant, left Alliance space and made for Alderaan. On the way, the events that had transpired upon Kashyyyk had been explained as best as possible. The information was still patchy for all of them, but clearly whatever had happened wasn't good.

The duo had cleared distance quickly, making for their destination with haste. What he wasn't expecting upon his arrival was a state of the art modernised home on it's own private island. It was actually somewhat stunning, almost breathtaking.

A complete opposite to the sombre, defeated mood that hit them the moment they entered.

Kashyyyk had been home to a group of Jedi, he knew that from both hearing about them in the Temple on Courscant and from reading books. When Kashyyyk had fallen, those Jedi had fled and had clearly found their way to the private island on Alderaan.

Braze Kai'el handled the talking, which suited Kaelos just fine. The grown ups (and more experienced children like Braze) were clearly more experienced at dealing with these types of situations and as such Kaelos was just simply happy to stand by and watch, learn from Braze.

"I'll take the list and go through it" he spoke finally, looking towards Taiden Keth . "Those who can't go won't be forced but we can at least offer them safety" he confirmed, casting his eyes over to Aric Siasides . "I'll speak with Ve....the Noble family. Let them know of your plans to continue teaching here" he confirmed, glad he'd bit his tonuge.

His mind wondered to Vera Noble for just a few moments and he was glad he hadn't mentioned her by name. It was a conversation he was most definitely wasn't ready to have with Braze Kai'el yet. She'd be able to get a message passed on though, of that he was certain.

 

[Matsu Ike]

Aric Siasides Taiden Keth

"The unbeing is never really closed though, that arch I gave Caltin just made it easier to access." The jedi master said it while stepping through it. Blue wisps of force energy as she slipped through and looked at them with a hand going back to close it. "In truth if one was skilled enough they could just open the pathway regsardless of it being sealed... most just don't learn." Taiden speaking got a small smile. "The other temples are secured and self sustaining. They were designed to survive in situations such as thiss and much worse." She said it staying there for a moment before clasping hands in front of herself. Black eyes taaking in all of the ones there as well as reaching outwards with the force. "I would have come earlier but we have been handling some of the things we discovered on the edge of the universe. "She said it while finding a place to hover and stretch out her arms. "The temple of the three daughters is reporting their continued seclusion as few come to the middle of the ocean and the other temples can house many more people." She said it and there were others there she hadn't met.

 

[Aric Siasides]

TAG: Taiden Keth | Braze Kai'el | Kaelos Vryn | Matsu Ike

"What is Master Vanagor's condition?"

It was a question that not only needed to be asked, but was dreaded. Aric took a deep breath and thought about how best to answer. He did not know exactly whose lives Vanagor might have positively affected or touched over time, so his normal blunt response would not be good in this case. It made him all but want to just avoid it altogether. It was good that there was still a presence on Kashyykk, if dangerous. Kashyykk was burning when we evacuated. Can we send you back with supplies?

The kid talking about looking over who was closed and who was not in the way of who was there and who may not be able to. Of course the mention of the Noble family made him wonder, as he did not know that Master Noble had a family of Jedi, or maybe that was just the nickname of the New Jedi Order. It did not matter. What he was thinking about was how to approach that. Sure, the kid could talk, but he was a Master. Thank you, I’ll address them. I need to do this… as for…

Then Grandmaster Ike walked through a portal as if it were a door. Aric felt a wave of relief, not that she would take over or anything, but that she could provide some advice. Her mention of the other Temples being safe was important. That was Vanagor’s wish for no one to suffer the same fate. He did not like the situation that they were all in right now, but at least they were all here. Thank you for being here. He offered a respectful bow.Being here is the most important thing and I thank you. I’m sure that I am not the only one here who does. Many of those gathered had once served at the Silver Rest, so they know and respect Ike highly.

There was still the question of Vanagor… Aric took a long deep breath and simply answered. Master Vanagor fell on Kashyykk. He fell defending the planet and to a Mandalorian Dreadnought. It’s all I know.

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

UNINTENDED SURPRISE
Alderaan
Sanctuary Island

The salt-laced wind whipped around Sanctuary Island, a symphony of the ocean’s sorrow mirroring the mood of its inhabitants. Dozens of Jedi Knights, Padawans, and Temple staff milled about, their faces etched with the trauma of escape. Wookiee refugees, their fur matted with grime and tears, huddled together, their mournful howls occasionally puncturing the quiet despair. This island, Caltin Vanagor’s ancestral home, a place meant for respite and reflection, now served as a refuge from the fires of war that had consumed Kashyyyk.

Aric knew he wasn't Caltin. He lacked the man's imposing presence, the booming voice that could quell a riot, the unwavering optimism that could pierce through any darkness. Caltin was a mountain of a man, a beacon of unwavering light in a galaxy teetering on the brink. And Aric, well, Aric was a shadow trying to imitate the sun.

"Master Siasides," a young Padawan, barely more than a child, approached him, her eyes wide with worry. "The med-bay is running low on bacta. The Wookiees... they're badly injured."

Aric sighed, rubbing his temples. Bacta was scarce, a precious commodity hoarded by those who could afford it. He had already sent out a coded message to the Jedi Council, a plea for aid, but he knew help wouldn't arrive for days, maybe weeks. He had to make do with what he had.

Rations, then, Aric said, his voice weary. Distribute the rations equally. Prioritize the wounded, regardless of species until the rest of our supplies get here.

The Padawan nodded and scurried off, her face a mask of determination. Aric watched her go, a pang of guilt twisting in his gut. He was sending children to do a Master's work. But what choice did he have?

He continued his rounds, offering words of comfort, issuing orders, trying to maintain some semblance of order in the growing chaos. He saw Master Lissla trying to help calm some of the wookies, offering them soothing words. It was difficult, but she was making progress.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, a commotion erupted near the beach. Wookiees were roaring, Jedi were shouting, and a sense of panic filled the air. Aric pushed his way through the crowd, his hand instinctively reaching for his lightsaber.

And then he saw him.

Standing on the beach, silhouetted against the fiery sunset, was a figure that defied comprehension. Tall, broad-shouldered, and radiating an aura of immense power, he was unmistakable. It was Caltin Vanagor.

Aric stopped dead in his tracks, his mind reeling. Caltin was dead. He had seen him fall on Kashyyyk, overwhelmed by the Mandalorian onslaught, no one could have survived bombardment from that Dreadnought. He had felt his presence fade in the Force, a light extinguished too soon. But here he was, standing before him, as real as the sand beneath his feet.

A wave of disbelief washed over the crowd, followed by a collective gasp of astonishment. Whispers rippled through the air: "It's him... it's Master Vanagor... but how?"

Caltin raised a hand, silencing the murmurs. His voice, deep and resonant, carried across the beach, calming the frantic Wookiees and the bewildered Jedi.

Peace my friends, he said, his blue eyes, the color of a summer sky, scanning the crowd. You all know I am too damn stubborn to up and stay dead. He smirked.

Aric felt a knot of tension loosen in his chest. Caltin was back. The mountain had returned. He wouldn't have to shoulder the burden alone. He could finally breathe.

Caltin moved through the crowd, embracing the Wookiees, offering words of comfort to the Jedi. His presence was a balm, a tangible force of hope in the face of despair. He stopped before Aric, his gaze piercing but gentle.

Aric, Caltin said, his voice filled with warmth. You have done well. You have kept the flame alive.

Aric felt a flush of embarrassment creep into his cheeks. I was just trying to do what you would have done, Master.

Caltin placed a hand on Aric's shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. You are a Jedi Master, Aric. You have your own path to forge. Don't try to be me. Be yourself.

He turned to address the crowd. We have suffered a great loss, he said, his voice ringing with resolve. Kashyyyk is burning, and many of our brothers and sisters are lost. But we are not broken and Kashyyyk will be reborn, what is lost will grow again. We are Jedi. We are survivors. And we will not let the darkness consume us.

He spoke of hope, of resilience, of the unwavering power of the Force. He spoke of rebuilding, of honoring the fallen, of fighting for a better future. His words were a rallying cry, a beacon of light in the encroaching darkness. Looking to the others who had arrived as well. He recognized Taiden Keth though not immediately, he knew Braze and nodded appreciatively, offering a nod to Kaelos, Master Ike received a bow. Thank you, all of you for being here. I am not back to where I wish to be just yet, but we will survive… and we will endure

As Caltin spoke, Aric watched him, a sense of awe washing over him. He didn't understand how Caltin had returned. He didn't know the secrets of the Force that had brought him back from the brink of death. But he knew one thing: with Caltin at the helm, they had a chance.

Later, as the stars emerged in the inky sky, Aric found Caltin meditating by the shore. The waves crashed against the rocks, a constant rhythm that echoed the steady beat of his heart.

Master, Aric said, approaching him cautiously. How... how is this possible? We saw you fall.

Caltin opened his eyes, his gaze distant and filled with a wisdom that transcended mortal understanding. The Force works in mysterious ways, Aric, he said, his voice soft. My journey back is a story for another time. What matters now is that I am here. And I am here to help.

He paused, his gaze locking with Aric's. The Shadow Temple... it was more than just a place it was never meant to be just a “brick and mortar”, Aric. It was a symbol of hope, a beacon of knowledge in a galaxy shrouded in darkness. We will rebuild it. We will carry on its legacy. Be it here, or somewhere else.

Aric nodded, his heart filled with a renewed sense of purpose. I know, Master. I was trying...

I know you were, Aric, Caltin interrupted, a smile gracing his lips. And you were amazing. But you don't have to carry the burden alone anymore.

He stood up, his towering figure silhouetted against the starlit sky. The path ahead will be long and arduous, he said, his voice resonating with determination. But we will face it together. We will rebuild. We will endure. For the Jedi are more than just warriors. We are guardians of peace, keepers of knowledge, and beacons of hope in a galaxy that desperately needs it.

He extended his hand to Aric, his grip strong and unwavering. Come, Aric, he said. There is much work to be done.

Aric took Caltin's hand, a surge of warmth flowing through him. He looked out at the faces of the evacuees, and even though they were not his to lead, he knew that they had the leadership that they needed. He knew that the darkness may never truly be gone, but with the man leading them that had come back from the very Ether, he could step back into the shadows once more.

For the first time since Kashyyyk, Aric felt a flicker of hope. He had a true North Star to follow.

Taiden Keth • Braze Kai'el • Kaelos Vryn • Matsu Ike
[Text in Brackets is spoken on Comm-link] ~Like this is through the Force~​

 

[Amelia Amadis]

Caltin Vanagor | Braze Kai'el | Kaelos Vryn | Matsu Ike

Packed in with Kashyyyk refugees, a few young Wookiees playing a stick game. Amelia sat among them, absolutely shell-shocked. She had lost a brother, a father, a mother, a home, an aunt, Wookiee friends—Zacka, Patches, Zelly—all of them. And she still didn't know why. Maybe Werucoss Nertivor had made it. Maybe some of the other Padawans had.

She sat by the water, throwing stones, a hollow shell of the girl she used to be. Her hands and nails were marked from the times she'd lost her mind in the interim. Beach sand clung to her, her half-burned clothes tattered. She looked like she needed food—but she wouldn't eat.

There is much work to be done.

She shot up suddenly, looked over, and for one stupid moment, strode over to where Caltin was walking. She stepped right into his path, just right in the way, hands on her hips. A standoff with someone twice her size. She looked up… up… and…

Smiled.

Trolling him.

Like a house had burned down, but something important had been saved. Maybe she had done something okay that day. There was emotion in her eyes—too complicated to explain.

So she didn't try.

"Hey."

She stepped aside, moving out of his way, just wanting him to know, she knew he was alive, kicking the sand up with her toe, so yeah. She felt small and still lost but didn't care. Didn't care seemed to be working right now, getting her through.

 

[Taiden Keth]

Caltin Vanagor | Braze Kai'el | Kaelos Vryn | Matsu Ike

"My thanks." Taiden bowed firmly to Kaelos Vryn , eyes open, hands together. "With what remains of House Keth, I will reach out to the wider communities we have served and see who is willing to move." With what remains… after the Mandalorians had glassed Eshan to cinder and now driven them from all of SJO space. A different group of Mandalorians, but with similar motives, little remained of his influence.

His level voice nearly faltered. Though outwardly composed, his overly bright Force signature flickered—his stance weighted, as if a single misstep might send him to the ground. Until Master Ike arrived, offering a Yoda-like teaching moment about the portals. It was a quiet current of calm against his weary posture. As always, the bow he gave her was deep, eyes closed, and held just a moment longer than expected for any Echani with a fine eye for detail.

"Have the Mandalorians found access to the pathways at all, Master Ike?" Matsu Ike

If so, it could spell disaster for far more worlds than he wished to consider. Could they learn how to? But even that foreboding question paled before the next words spoken.

Master Vanagor fell on Kashyykk. He fell defending the planet and to a Mandalorian Dreadnought. It's all I know. Aric Siasides

So Master Vanagor had fallen. His silence carried weight, a burden heavy upon already wearied shoulders. Amadis to madness, Vanagor to the Force. If the day pressed upon him any further, it might shatter him like glass. The Kethborn's stance turned inward, legs less steady beneath him.

Minutes passed before he found his voice again—even if spoken to, deciding to silently aid the refugees until he spoke to anyone nearby.

"We must honor him with a…"

Turning around, a cutting, graceful swing to his stance, Taiden felt it, even before he saw him.

Hope.

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

UNINTENDED SURPRISE
Alderaan
Sanctuary Island

She might have thought that he walked right by her, but he didn’t, the big man knew that there were many who would not stop until they were face to face with him, but when he had a free moment, Caltin made things right.


What he did was walk right over to her. Right to that poor lost little redhead who had gone through more trauma in a day than a Padawan, a Sentient should go through in a decade, a century, and stood in front of her. Looking down, he matched the grin she gave him. Just wanted to say “Hey.”


Then he took her by the hand and turned around to look at and meet the eyes of everyone. EVERYONE. I am indeed back, but it wasn’t me. Do not thank me for my return. Thank her! My “savior”! Padawan Amelia Amadis! … and when the buzz died down (after all, he wanted her to be accredited), he turned to face the young woman. We are going to find everyone. Everyone will be brought back safely, do not question this, alright? We will get through this. Our family… our friends… they are out there, safe and we will bring them back. I promise you. Caltin does not make promises unless he has every intention of using his resources to see them through.


Pointing to Keth. We will work on a way to effectively serve those still on Kashyyyk.

Taiden Keth • Braze Kai'el • Kaelos Vryn • Matsu Ike • Amelia Amadis
[Text in Brackets is spoken on Comm-link] ~Like this is through the Force~​

 

[Matsu Ike]

Taiden Keth Caltin Vanagor

"THey could, I doubt they would understand what it is. They aren't like the mandalorian knights who were allied with the silver jedi and the pathways are not as easy to navigate. you aare effectively scattering your mind across the universe and bringing it to a singular point. If they had a strong enough force user, knowledge of a location they might be able to get themselves there.... but we developed countermeasures to mandalorian invaders long ago. " She said it with a shrug. "There are few who remmeber how often voss and the silver rest were attacked, it was nearly a weekly thing so we have containment and means to handle majority of their means. Barring a technological upgrade on their part that outpaces the silver jedi's engineers or Sasori but most companies are still decades behind the research that went into our glowrods."