Faction Force Excursions 1: The Future In Motion (Open to Jedi & Lightsiders)

[Hoon]

"The Iktotchi have developed a culture around a common inborn ability to see visions of the future -- a curiosity or threat? For the earliest Republic scouts who arrived at Iktotch, it was a big surprise. They were stunned to find the Republic symbol carved into a mountainside, and a vivid demonstration of the Iktotchi's power. the Iktotchi foresaw not only the arrival of the Republic, but also their own part in its future, and how to take advantage of that knowledge."
-- A Jedi Holocron​

During the waning of the Jedi Order, many of the powerful Iktotchi who might otherwise have joined the Jedi have now turned to the Seer tradition. Most visions arrive unbidden and are not under the control of the recipient. Of those who have the power to call and focus their visions, many feel it is a gift that they must use to help others. Iktotchi who follow this path sometimes become Seers, honored individuals who are called to help others determine the best course of action by which to arrive at a beneficial future. Though their numbers have grown, they keep a low profile.

Sensing that another change in the galaxy might be forthcoming in the next few years or decades, they just may be open to rediscovery and interaction by those seeking to tap into their latent powers. Learn from this alternative school of thought, broaden your understanding of the Force, and gain unique powers along the way.

Specualtion among Jedi and other Force users has long centered on the possibility that a large vergence is responsible for the Iktotchi's natural Force abilities. Regardless, most visiting force users find some of their abilities enhanced while they are on the moon, especially those related to farseeing. Personal visions also tend to be more common.

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Around 900 BBY, Iktotchi Jedi Master Needa Kame took a leave of absence from his Jedi duties and traveled to Iktotch for an extended period of mediation and study. He built a retreat in the mountains, and devoted over a decade to developing his gift for sight and the Force-imbued gauntlet that bears his name. During his years of training, Master Kame wasn't completely isolated. The inhabitants of the village closest to his simple dwelling frequently made their half-day trek to visit the Jedi, bringing him food and other supplies in exchange for advice, or out of simple neighborliness. Over time, the children of the village transitioned from fearing the strange man to adopting him as a sort of eccentric grandfather. This retreat is now a base for Iktotchi Seers. Discover this alternative school of thought, and broaden your understanding of precognitive skills.

Powers to learn/train:

• Precognition
• Farsight
• Telepathy

The force flows throughout the galaxy, through the blackness of interstellar space, and across the windswept surface of Iktotch. In places where the Force is particularly strong, vergences can occur. These are locations where the Force concentrates like a whirlpool in a fast-flowing river. Here, the power of the Force is strong, and those with the ability to touch the Force can guide and use this power to accomplish great and terrible things. Vergences can occur just about anywhere, and these locations are often places with weighty histories and great importance to the wider galaxy, but not always. Many are the sites of temples, artifacts, or constructs, some dating back thousands of years. Explore the world around you, who knows what things you'll find or run into...

Trained Jedi were difficult to fool, thanks to their trust in the Force. The trial of Insight tests a Force user's ability to resist illusions and deceptions. Vergences, regardless of their classification, are still direct connections to the Force; they are often powerful enough to where they can provide cryptic visions to those nearby. Whether this is a glimpse of insight, or foreshadow of a difficult and critical decision to come...these visions raise far more questions than they do answers. The trial often includes some kind of riddle, or puzzle for the Jedi to solve, with an answer that is further clouded by illusions. Your hidden trauma might resurface, you might interact with the spirit of someone long gone, you might get an glimpse of insight into something to come, or you might face your deepest fears...

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Tag List:
Okkeus Dainlei | Serana | Iris Arani | Kai Bamarri | Kyyrk | Caltin Vanagor | Sergeant Omen | Zahira Trabalos | Kaia Starchaser | Tessa Sedaire | Cortana Jade



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Skills/bling you gain as a participant:

Spoiler

FAQ's:

Spoiler

What is the Jedi Praxeum? - Here

• The Jedi Praxeum is a Jedi Academy administered by the Jedi Order & located on Ossus. The Praxeum a collective of Jedi, not an Order, who are working towards reimagining what it means to be a Jedi. The Praxeum is facility that focuses on the distillation of learning while combined with action. It is a mechanism to break down the walls between Jedi groups, and the public. The Jedi Praxeum has missions and stories that include all the Jedi Orders and Academies.

Curriculum at the Jedi Praxeum?

• With an emphasis placed on learning-by-doing and mentorship, students are taught the ways of Lightsaber combat, Force techniques, meditation, and diplomacy, but were also encouraged to establish their own training programs, to develop their own individual approaches to the Force. Students spent time learning from a mentor & alongside other students, while going on missions and excursions to gain experience.

What kinds of excursions are these?

• These are field trips that include learning interesting Force abilities, interacting with various cultures, and uncovering lost relics and locations that are connected to the Force in some form or fashion.

Structure?

• This thread is meant to be fun, low-pressure, and community. Hop in and out at anytime. It's sponsored by the Prax, but Jedi at all levels, from any faction are welcome to join. Neutral/fringer types are also welcome. Things will start off with everyone arriving together (separately if you want, it's your story at the end of the day), then folks are free to spread out and pursue some story objectives, however they please -- this is what you make it.

Incentive?

• Outside whatever you find, and fancy powers you learn, there will be a gift for participants.

 

[Serana]

The chance for a trip was a fun idea and well she had wanted to stretch her wings... allowing the force to breathe as it went throughout her body and the doors of the cargo bay opened allowing the Del-Ya to move outwards... her hooves stomping on the ground for a moment. She shook her head and her mane flipped in the wind. The large wings stretching out as the tips extended towards the sky... She was moving and there was going to be several jedi as her first instinct was to rise up and go into the sky to recon the area and try to protect the others as her saber gleamed on her hip along with her equipment pack. She could touch and reach all of it within the force so there was good times.

 

[Romi Jade]

Location | The Kame Retreat
​

"Alright folks," Romi motioned to the assembled Jedi. "Let's please be respectful to the Iktotchi. We're extremely gracious to have the opportunity to visit the Seers. There's no real relationship with this group so let's be mindful at all times. If you must take a break there's a small village nearby, but otherwise this trip is yours. I've set my chronometer to make sure we sync up towards the end, please don't be late."

A beat.

"Try not to be alarmed if introductions aren't what you expect them to be, remember the Iktotchi have an innate ability to perceive the future, the Seers are those who've dedicated their lives to building that skill -- they've likely already seen this play out. Let's hope that's one of the skills they'll teach you. A couple of us senior members will act as chaperones, if you should have any questions or need help in learning something please refer to one of us -- chaperones raise your hands."

She scanned the room and pointed to each head.

"On the agenda today, we've touched down at The Kame Retreat, this is where training will take place for those interested. The skills are precognition known as guiding premonitions or warnings. We know it as danger sense. Farsight, which is to gain vague impressions of events happening in other places or times, and Telepathy which is the very basic ability to read and interact with other minds."

"There's also plenty to explore on and around the retreat. Remember, your training experience is what you make it. The best teacher is experience -- oh! you might feel a good boost here, this place is a vergence in the Force. That's also something to study, I'll be giving a small lecture on that myself at some point during our time here."

"Any questions?"

​

 

[Kyyrk]

O B J E C T I V E: I I I
Wearing
​

This planet felt like home. Kyyrk couldn't describe it, but....the feeling in the air. As the Force danced across his shoulders like a breeze. It reminded him of his birth planet. And for a moment, his heart ached. Vylmira. It had been so long since he'd seen his homeworld. He so desperately wanted to return, but there was still a mission to accomplish. His people were in need of help. Others needed his help. There would be a day to return home. But today was not it.

Kyyrk had given his full attention to Master Romi Jade , but his mind was soon wandering. Particularly as she spoke of the Vergence, and how it was a thing worthy of study. Though he did not disagree with her, he'd studied enough of them in his day. Perhaps, when there were not more pressing matters to understand, he would have to pick her brains about it. The purple orbs that adorned his face turned this way and that, looking about the small landing area. They glowed with an unusual ferocity as he stood immersed in the Force seeping through the Vergence.

As the group was dismissed, the pale figure turned to look about his surroundings more intently. He knew the paths to where the class would be held, but...there was an itch at the back of his mind. An itch that he was all too familiar with. He turned and began walking away from the group, taking an aimless walk about the retreat. As he walked, he absentmindedly adjusted the leather gauntlet over his left hand. The Force was calling him to something. Somewhere. But where, he could not pinpoint exactly. For a brief moment, he desperately wish he'd brought his companion Horace with him. Whatever the Force wished to show him? He would witness alone. Whatever test it wished to inflict upon him this time, he would withstand it alone...

Open to interaction...

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

IT'S ALWAYS DARKEST BEFORE THE DAWN...​

Location: First post in Obj I, then Obj II

Spoiler: Lightsabers

"ELOAH" (Secondary - Long Handle)

"CONSERVATOR" (Primary - Long Handle)

Spoiler: GEAR

Comm-link, Rebreather, Custom Robes, Battle Armor,Toraynor-Henkan(mind crystal added) Advanced Jedi Utility Belt

Spoiler: STARSHIP/COMPANIONS

Starship: Starlight Sentinel, (Jedi Interceptor in the landing bay, Dilorian, and Bike both in the cargo bay, the late Karki Eusith's Armor, Shield, Temple Guard Lightsaber mounted on the wall)
Companion: Astromech R01R - "Roller", Pilot droid Mu51c - "Music", "Aricsias" Wookiee Clan (pops in and out of posts)

Tag: Romi Jade / OPEN TO INTERACTION

He didn't want to leave the Ikotchi Village, the learning would be just too interesting. Between the Padawans, and those Knights who have yet to learn what was going to be taught, to watching those who would teach and their method of doing so would prove to be a memorable experience that the massive Jedi Master always tried to be a part of. This would have been no different if he had not read about the planet itself and the various nexus points to which resided on it. This was not something that he took lightly as the planet was well known and it was possible that some had already known about it as well. If he was here alone, that would be one thing, but the "Guardian" in him would not let those around him be in danger. That danger would come from those who would visit these points to exploit the power that they would emanate. He couldn't let this have a chance of standing...

... not for his peace of mind, but for their(the learners) safety.

Would he find anything? Maybe. Would he find what he was hoping he wouldn't? Maybe not. However, the big guy was not going to let these younger ones be endangered in the slightest. If he had to miss out on one of the "good times", then so be it. Romi was addressing those attending, and she was right, the Ikotchi were being tremendously hospitable and that was important. So as they listened to her, he gathered his things and prepared to trek outward. He would not be missed, most avoided him anyway. It was more because of what they would probably go and try to bring up or were going to say to him other than ask him questions about his time in the "Old" Jedi Order. Or ask him what it was like to be frozen. They would also request if he would train them in something without really asking him if he was teaching. Or something along those lines. Caltin didn't blame anyone who made a point of asking him about his past, but it gets annoying.

Come on, that's a little harsh. Put yourself in their shoes.

Yeah yeah. Anyway, he waited until Romi was finished before nodding to her.

I'm going to make a run around the perimeter, just following a hunch. Unless you want me to stay.

Yes, he had his pack on, and his Bike wasn't far away, but Caltin would not go on this trip if she needed him here.

Way to make me sound desperate and pathetic.

Are you serious? I did not. You're just defensive.

... YET THE DAWN ALWAYS COMES.

 

[Starlin Rand]

Location: The Kame Retreat
Tags: Open

The Kame Retreat didn't look like much at first glance. A cluster of small huts around an old wind-battered cabin not much bigger, presumably the home of Master Needa Kame. Romi Jade had led the group of Jedi into the center of the retreat. Iktotchi Seers, monk-like figures in brown robes, walked freely among the buildings, but they seemed busy carrying out various chores and didn't pay the visitors much attention.

Starlin stood off to the side, his hands in his pockets as he watched them go about their business. He knew he'd have to be the one to approach them, not the other way around. Eventually his gaze landed on one figure in particular, an Iktotchi drawing water from a well. The robes made it hard to tell whether this figure was male or female, but judging by the smaller horns jutting from their head, they were the latter. She manipulated the well's pulley system, tugging on the ropes with thick, clumsy fingers, until she had hauled up a bucket full of groundwater. Laying the bucket on the rim of the well, she looked up for just a moment, and her eyes met Starlin's.

His feet carried him toward her almost automatically. "Hello," he said.

She returned the greeting with a slight bow of her head. "You are one of the Jedi."

"Yes," he replied, wondering if the Force had told her who he was, or if she had simply guessed it based on his proximity to the other Jedi. He certainly wasn't dressed like a Jedi, in his leather jacket and jeans. "I came here to learn."

"You are curious about us," she said, with a hint of dismissal in her tone. "But not committed."

"Huh?" Starlin blinked as she turned her back on him, carrying her bucket of water away. He followed her. "But—I am committed to learning more."

"You would learn to see the future, yes—and you would never heed its warnings. Precognition would be useless to you at best, tragic at worst."

"Look, I—that's a cynical way of thinking," he protested, jogging to keep up with her. "Wouldn't it be better for me to at least know what I was getting into?"

"You have danger sense. That is enough." Then, she paused, glancing back at him. "If you truly want to learn to see the future, go into the master's cabin. Sit and meditate for a while. If you are meant to have this power, it will be granted to you there." With that, she resumed her brisk walk.

"Thanks," he called out to her. He looked back at the cabin, then started to make his way toward it.

 

[Kyyrk]

O B J E C T I V E: I I I
​

As Kyyrk walked, he could feel something tugging at the back of his mind. Something pulling him to the edge of the compound. He heard the sounds of an argument. Though of what, he could not discern. He heard shouting, and then his heart stopped. A blaster shot. He broke into a sprint towards the cabin from behind which the shot had rang out. He heard another, and another. It wasn't a murder, it was a firing squad. As he ran, he reached up to unholster his lightsaber. Yet as he rounded the corner, he saw the horror of what lie before him. And it was not at all what he had expected. Kyyrk immediately ducked to one side, shielding himself from an explosion. No, not an explosion. An object hitting the ground at high speed. A boarding pod.

Kyyrk stood back up, looking out across the field in front of him. The once-great sage knew well enough to know when he was looking at reality. And now was not it. He stood, instead, along the formation known as The Final Stand. Though no modern map would show this, Kyyrk remembered the valley well. No longer was he on Iktotch. He was on Denova. The Eternal Empire was upon them. No longer was he clad in the leathers of his noble knightly order. But the mighty battlesuit he once donned as a second skin. What many considered to be his true face. All about him, hellfire reigned. Today, it was do or die.

Kyyrk closed his eyes, and took a breath. He'd never expected to see this place again. Not in such detail. This must be a test.

It must be.

But for now Kyyrk could not concern himself with the factuality of his surroundings. For now, he had but one goal. Survive.

Voph drew another breath, then stepped into motion, sidestepping a cannon shot, and flinging an orb of lightning to remove the emplacement permanently. He took a step forward and felt the ground underneath him shift in a metallic crunch. He stood knee deep in the ruins of his efforts, droid chassis laid upon chassis. Any who dared to challenge the dark lord was struck down. Such was the man's ferocity that he stood atop a growing mountain of bodies.

This was the final stand.

Denova was lost.

They were just buying time.

Buying. Precious. Seconds.

For every ounce of blood and sweat, but a single second was saved.

Voph did not fight for victory. He fought for survival. The Octarchy stood behind him, and would gladly fight to the last man. Voph turned, jamming his lightsaber through the chest of yet another droid, and whipping the blue blade around to behead another battledroid. "My lord, We have but one transport left. All the Baradium has been evacuated per your orders!" "Then fall back. Get everyone on board that you can. Iron Fist, We shall hold the line."

The voice ripped a hole in Kyyrk's chest. Voph fought on. But Kyyrk knew of what his test was to be. The voice of Darth Arka was one he'd not heard since their fateful retreat from the doomed world. "The West flank holds, but not for much longer. Soon the hills shall be overrun, and we will have lost our advantage." "Then we shall die together. Hold the line until that transport is away. We have lost Denova, but we shall win the war." "I stand with you, brother."

Voph turned, witnessing a pair of Knights advancing towards him. Their pikes and shields were held ready. With a flourish, Voph's blade sprung into action once more. He knew what he must do. He would see this through to its end.

Open to Interaction

All forms of violence depicted are discernable only to Kyyrk, and those who venture close enough to share in his vision/memory

 

[Tessa Sedaire]

In the course of tracking down her father, Tessa had resolved to learn to become a Jedi, or at the very least understand her powers more and become of more use to those in need. Part of that was eased by his old friends like Romi Jade and her "uncle" Coren. Legends and elders who would be able to help her take up the mantle they and her father were laying down as age and the war inside caught up. What use a pilot with a twist for non-traditional tech would be, she couldn't yet tell, but coming here to this strange planet, she hoped to develop her sense of precognition and 'danger sense'... To a fighter pilot, it was the most obvious choice, and so she waited until one of the Iktochi approached her.

The approaching one seemed relaxed, almost amused. He looked at her from almost a foot tallet, and smiled as he spoke.

"You don't look used to the life of sages and mystics, but those hands radiate with the Force. Let me guess, a pilot with gifts?"

"Did your powers tell you that about me?"

"No... Just your stride and demeanor. And the flight jacket. You seek to know more of precognition... But the trick to that power is, oddly enough, not always tied to using the Force. Awareness, naturally, of your surroundings and those in it will let your abilities with the Force react along with natural cautions, and the better those are the sharper the instinct overall. Understand?"

For once in her attempts to study, this bit came naturally to her. The better and more you knew, the more natural things worked and the easier the use of precognition without effort became. She merely nodded and waited for her apparent tutor to say more or instruct her further in some way.

 

[Zahira Trabalos]

Location: Kame Retreat
Goal: Objective I
Tag: Romi Jade / Open

The prospect of visiting the moon Iktotchi thrilled Zahira, but the opportunities presented posed a dilemma. What to do in the short time there? Master Jade had arranged a rare chance to learn at the feet of the masters of utilizing the Force for precognition and other extra-sensory skills. But the planet was also rich with vergences, many located within ancient structures, a strong temptation for the scholarly Oktarian Jedi Knight. In the end, Zahira opted to learn from the Seers, and explore later if time allowed.

After Master Jade had addressed the small Jedi group, and Master Caltin Vanagor announced plans to scout the perimeter, the gathering broke up. Zahira stood still for a moment, heeding Master Jade's comment on the present vergence. The Oktarian closed her eyes and drew in a lungful of the dry Iktotchi air, opening herself to the Force. Indeed, it flowed through that place in multiple currents, crisp yet fluid, enervating the woman as she became a vessel within the nexus. Romi was right...it did feel good. Zahira's eyes slid open. She saw that Tessa Sedaire , the talented pilot, had already attracted the attention of one of the Seers and Starlin Rand had began to do his own seeking.

Zahira strode closer to Romi. "Master Jade, of the Seers' skills, which would benefit the Praxeum the most?" Since her recent arrival at the newly established praxeum, Zahira wanted most of all to find how she could best benefit the work that would be going on there. She was a capable instructor, experienced on scholarly expeditions, but her commitment to the rebirth of Jedi training on Ossus compelled her to find more to do.

 

[Kyyrk]

O B J E C T I V E: I I I
​

The battle raged on.

The Empire was in retreat. Voph ducked and weaved through the trees, throwing the occasional bolt of lightning at the pursuing forces. The landing pad had been overrun. Now it was time for them to retreat to the alternate extraction. A handful of civilians ran with them, hoping to escape the violence crashing in about them. These nameless invaders weren't keen on prisoners, it seemed.

"My lord, the enemy has re-engaged! They're coming in much harder this time!"

Voph's stomach sank. He knew that tone. Fear. Whatever assault the invaders were launching against the final bastion, it was one that they didn't expect to survive. Voph was happy to spend the rest of his life fighting the enemy on this gods forsaken rock. But those with him? The group paused in a small clearing at the base of the mountain. Voph looked around as the civilians all took shelter to rest and catch their breath. He was used to this kind of thing. They were not. Nearby, a mother tried to comfort her crying child. What few soldiers remained under Voph's command set up a small perimeter, guns trained on the surrounding trees.

Voph turned towards the sound of the crying child. "Sir?"

He walked over to the two, the mother recoiling in fear once she realized she'd gained the attention of the skeletal faced lord. She held her child tight, silently pleading with Voph. "She'll stop. I swear she will!" Voph reached up, and withdrew his hood, revealing the skeletal helmet underneath in all its fearsome glory. He reached up, and removed his helmet, setting it on the rock the two sat upon. "Voph? What are your orders??"

Voph stared at the child, his blank sockets providing a fearsome sight. And yet the child did not mind. He reached out with a hand, offering comfort. "I'm going to get you out of here. We'll make it back to Dromund Kaas." Voph laid a hand on the mother's shoulder, and nodded softly. Reassurance that he spoke true. He stood, lifting a wrist to his face. "Do what you can, Akra. I have civilians with me. Women and children." There was silence for a moment. "Hurry." Was the only response he received. Voph turned to pick up his helmet and return it to his head. But then paused.

That was the last time he'd ever removed it. He was sure of it. He looked down at the helmet in his hands, then let it fall to the ground. He reached up and began stripping off his armor. "Sargent, help me." Without question, one of the soldiers turned and began helping Voph from his armor. The invaders were on their tails. They too would be overrun. Voph had but one choice. His armor was powered by an Isotope Five core. Quite easy to overload. Quite easy to turn into an improvised explosive.

The trap was set.

As the group fled through the trees once more, Voph found himself dreading what they would find upon arriving...

Open to Interaction

All forms of violence depicted are discernable only to Kyyrk, and those who venture close enough to share in his vision/memory

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

Iktotchi | The Kame Retreat.
Apparel: Tunic/Robes.

Caedyn Arenais stood among the group of Jedi led to the Kame Retreat by the Jedi Master Romi Jade , she who had been trained by his father Veiere Arenais long ago, and someone of whom held great prestige among Jedi across numerous orders of the Galaxy today.

When Caedyn had received the invitation to join the Jedi Praxeum, how could he have declined?

No longer strictly beholden to the Concord, Caedyn had found his way back into the Outer Rim Territories, resumed his mantle over the Enclave of Svivren for a time ensuring the Jedi there were able to assist the Rimward Trade League, while he would then begin contracting out to the Confederacy of Independent Systems in a bid to be more of an active presence in his daughters (Kristyl Arenais) life.

Today, Caedyn was able to enjoy the freedom of choice in where and when he roamed. No longer the Enclave Steward, he had chosen to follow where he felt the Force was calling him in life, feeling as though his decisions had been too guided by his personal ambitions in the past.

Iktotchi was a world that he hadn't visited before, and rather than being there by some great need, he was instead pleased to be able to take the time away from the negativity of the wider Galaxy and enjoy some downtime among those of his peers, fellow Jedi and scholars of the Force. According to their reputation and common rumour, the natives of Iktotchi were well known for their ability to foresee the future, to gain visions from the webb of energies flowing throughout the world.

Standing nearer to the back of the group, Caedyn listened as Master Jade outlined the plan for the day. Here, some would study and learn the art of precognition, extending their senses and improving on their connection to the Force in hope of gaining further insight. Others would likely part ways, able to explore and follow in their own curiosities.

Rather than part with the group alike some of the others, Caedyn would remain. He wished to learn more about those within the Praxeum, and if possible also converse with Master Jade herself. Despite their mutual connection, it had been a very long time since they had last walked the same path and he was gladdened by the chance to see her once more.

Romi Jade | Kyyrk | Caltin Vanagor | Serana | Starlin Rand | Tessa Sedaire | Zahira Trabalos​

 

[Starlin Rand]

Starlin palmed the door controls and walked into the little stone cabin. It was dark, and there were no Iktotchi seers or Jedi visitors to be seen within. He looked around, trying to find a lightswitch—and that was when the door abruptly slid shut behind him, plunging him into pitch blackness.

He turned on his lightsaber, holding it over his head as a makeshift light source. The blue glow of the blade surrounded him. He could see his own body standing in the middle of the void, but not much beyond that. It didn’t make any sense. He should be able to see the walls and the ceiling, right? Unless the cabin was a lot bigger than he thought it was. But how could it be, when it had looked so small and squat on the outside?...

“Starlin Rand.”

Starlin jumped, startled by the voice. “Huh?”

“You have come here to learn how to see the future,” the voice continued. “You believe this will give you an advantage over your enemies.”

“Uh…” Starlin trailed off, having no idea what to say. He couldn’t see the speaker, nor could he tell if they were male or female, young or old, human or alien. “... okay?”

“That is not a good enough reason to learn precognition,” the voice continued.

“Yeah, but that kind of power has a lot of uses. I could look into the future and prevent disasters, or save people from danger.”

“You are a fool, Starlin Rand,” the voice replied, their tone eerily calm. “The future is always in motion. Trying to affect its outcome has led many down a dark path. Do you have the courage to face your own fate and accept it?”

“I—now that you mention it, I’m not so sure.” Starlin gave the unseen speaker a strained smile. “Could we maybe talk this over? I’d like to at least have a chance at learning this stuff. And could you please turn on the lights?”

The speaker complied, though not in the way Starlin expected. There was a blaze of blinding light that enveloped him. When the whiteness cleared, he was on his hands and knees, his face hanging over a puddle.

For a moment he didn’t recognize his reflection in the murky water. The person he was looking at had a full beard, thick and dark as the curly hair on his head. His eyes had aged, years and experience forming creases around them, and he had several more battle scars. But it was him, unmistakably—maybe about ten years older.

The surface of the puddle rippled, disturbing the vision of his future self. He felt the barrel of a gun pressing into the back of his head, before a mechanical voice ordered, “Get up!”

He rose to his feet with some difficulty, his body aching from wounds already dealt. Around him were dozens of battle droids, their silvery bodies so tarnished and dirty that they no longer shone in the sun. Glowing red photoreceptors peered out of skeletal faces, devoid of expression as they trained their weapons on him… and two red-haired children.

The kids, a boy and a girl, looked to be around twelve years old and were obviously siblings. They wore torn and filthy brown robes and had Padawan braids, but their lightsabers had been confiscated. The girl held her chin up in defiance, but she trembled with terror in the grasp of one of the droids. The boy’s dirty face was streaked with tears.

Starlin’s gaze lingered on them, wishing he could say something to comfort them. But there was nothing to say. He had failed them both today.

Out of the cluster of droids there emerged a tall and imposing figure. Clad from head to toe in hulking black armor, it was impossible to tell if they were male or female until they reached up to remove their helmet. Though her visage was aged and covered in so many cybernetic parts that she looked more machine than woman now, Starlin recognized Laertia Io . The droids were no doubt some future generation of her Neutralizers.

“Finally,” Laertia said, staring him down. “You are mine. I never doubted this day would arrive, but it has been a long, long time coming.”

“Well, now that you’ve caught me, you’re going to have to find something else to waste your time on,” Starlin replied. “Maybe get a hobby or something.”

Laertia’s organic eye flashed just before she punched him in the face. Starlin staggered, the world teetering. He heard one of the children whimper.

“You are a waste of life,” Laertia hissed between grit teeth. “You have failed everyone around you. Your master, your family, your friends… soon you will have no one left to fail.”

“You’re projecting,” Starlin spat, flecks of blood spewing from his mouth.

“Am I?” Laertia’s gauntleted hand grabbed him by the hair, pulling his head back. “I always thought we had a lot in common.”

“Oh, sure,” Starlin muttered. “The main difference between you and me is dumb luck. I’ll give you that. That’s still no fething excuse for what you did with the cards fate dealt you. You could’ve risen above it all and become so much better. But you squandered it. You learned nothing from your pain, except how to lash out like an animal.”

Laertia simply stared at him, her gaze cold and ruthless. “And what lesson will you learn today, I wonder?”

At a gesture of her hand, her droids brought the two children forward. “You have killed many of my sons and daughters,” she said. “So I will take yours.”

Starlin’s blood ran cold. “They’re not mine,” he said quickly. “And in case your cybernetic eye isn’t working, they’re just kids. You don't hurt kids, remember? Or have you gotten more monstrous lately?”

“These two ceased to be children from the moment they attacked my forces,” she replied coolly. “Don’t try to deny your fondness for them. You’re the closest thing they’ve had to a father all these years—isn’t that right?” She stroked the girl’s cheek with the back of her hand and ruffled the boy’s matted hair. “But perhaps you’re right. Maybe instead of forcing you to watch them die, I should make them into my apprentices."

“A fate worse than death,” the girl said, still with her chin held high.

Laertia smiled down at her. “Well, luckily for you, I am merciful.”

Starlin turned away, clenching his eyes shut as soon as he saw the glint of a blade in Laertia’s hand. He heard the boy scream and felt the warm spray of blood against his face—

Awakening on the floor of the stone cabin, Starlin gasped for breath. His trembling body was soaked with sweat, causing his clothes to cling to his skin. He felt weak and drained and humbled.

“What you have seen is a possibility,” the disembodied voice rang out in the darkness. "Do you still want to know how to glimpse into the future?”

Swallowing to wet his dry throat, Starlin curled up into a ball. “Yes,” he whispered. “So I can stop... things like that from happening.” His voice broke, the image of the two children still fresh in his mind. He didn't know who they were (though he had a rough idea...) but he was left with a lingering impression of the love he would have for them. To save them, he would do everything in his power to break the cycle of violence before it had a chance to touch them. "Teach me how."

"Rise then, Starlin Rand, and learn the way of the Seers."

 

[Kyyrk]

O B J E C T I V E: I I I
​

The fighting was intensifying. The group was close enough that they could hear it now. Voph urged the soldiers forward. Every second they delayed was another second the second team must hold the line. And they couldn't hold it forever. Darth Arka was the one man that could fight almost as well as Voph. But even he had his limits. "Brother, status?" "Thirty seconds! We're almost there!"

The Miraluka felt the air burning in his lungs. He was tired. So tired. "They're almost upon us, we can't--" A sickening thud and a gasp cut the man off. Voph had heard the blaster bolt from here. He pushed himself to the limit, breaking away from the group. "Darth Arka?" Silence. "Arka, come in!" Nothing. "THALLIS!" Voph didn't need his comm for the last one. He erupted from the trees, both blades shining in their full might. His fury without equal. The invaders had lowered their guard, thinking the place to be secure. But Voph's battlecry had unsettled them. They scrambled to organize against him, but his rage fed a chaos that they could not overcome.

When the rest of his group arrived, they saw Voph standing amidst a field of bodies, Imperial and Invader. Voph's rage subsided but only a little. He turned, desperately looking for the man he called brother. He was still alive. He had to be. "Everyone, on board the ship. They won't be as kind on their next assault." Voph turned to see the smiling face of a Sith Pureblood reveling in what small a victory this fight had been. "Thallis. You're alive." Voph stood dumbfounded. He'd heard the shot that should have killed him. "Good thing about radios. They keep you informed and alive. In more ways than one." Voph turned to look around them. Most of Arka's men had survived. As the civilians and other soldiers filed onto the shuttle one by one, Voph turned to look back towards the main outpost. "Yes...fortunate..."

"Come now, I'm the only one you've never bested in a duel, brother. I knew you were blind, but I did not know your affliction ailed you so. It's time to leave."

"No."

Arka paused on the boarding ramp, turning back to Voph. "Excuse me?" Voph turned back to Arka. "Something is not right here." Akra took a couple steps towards his brother. "Another attack?" Voph watched his brother silently for a long moment. "Thallis. You and I both know you lie." The smile faded from Arka's face. "How do you mean, brother?"

"You never bested me in a duel."

Voph's brow furrowed. This wasn't how any of this happened. "Nor have you ever called it an affliction." Arka frowned in a disapproving manner, but said nothing. "You died."

The reality of his situation was sinking in. The civilians, Arka, his soldiers...None of them had survived. And as this reality set in...

...Kyyrk opened his eyes. He stood in the forrest, where he'd just been moments ago. The invaders had caught his group, and he was forced to sacrifice his armor in order to escape. He'd fought to the last man. Him. As he walked slowly into the clearing around the landing pad, he saw the carnage before him. It was his brother who named him the Archon of Visions. The wise sage of the Octarchy. Kyyrk walked slowly, knowing what he was about to see. He knelt beside a still form on the ground, still gasping for breath. "I....I held them....As long as I could....I'm sorry, brother." Kyyrk gripped his brother's hand tightly. Kyyrk could count on a single hand how many beings had accepted him for what he was. One of them now lay dying in his arms.

"There is nothing to be sorry for. This was my fault." Kyyrk felt a shuddering breath pass his throat. "You should have escaped when you had the chance." Arka shook his head weakly. "I...had...orders." Kyyrk gripped his brother's hand tightly. "Go now. F-finish this. The galaxy needs you, brother. Now...more than ever." Thallis reached across, and shoved something into Kyyrk's chest. His cloak. "Carry my memory...into the next battle." Thallis smiled weakly. "The Octarchy live...only in you now...brother. For...a better..." His breathing grew more labored, and Kyyrk nodded quietly. "For a better tomorrow I will never live to see."

Kyyrk sat motionless long after his brother had expired. He should have brought more troops. He should have warned the Empire. The Force had shown him this was coming. But he'd failed. And now his brother had paid the price for his failure. He closed his eyes and bowed his head as he rested a hand upon Thallis's bloody chest. You always were gifted in the Sight, child. Through it, may your memory be restored. The voice that echoed in the back of Kyyrk's mind carried a degree of familiarity, though he could not explain why. He stood slowly, images flooding his mind. It was as though the galaxy spoke to him more clearly. Amidst the ringing in his ears. He was one with the Force. It had tested him with the one thing that forever eluded him. His shattered mind desperately grasped for anything it could to fill the void. But some days Kyyrk wondered if reliving the horrors of his past were any better.

As he opened his eyes, he found himself back in the retreat, behind one of the shacks. Where he first thought to have heard gunshots. He leaned back against the wall, and slid down it, sobbing quietly. How many other people were dead because of him? How many friends had he sacrificed along the way?

He didn't know. And in a way, that seemed to be the most cruel fate of all. To have fought alongside so many brave men and women, and not even remember their legacy. The ringing in his ears grew louder. More persistent. He took a breath to still himself, and looked down at his comm. He wanted to be alone right now. To grieve his loss anew. But it seemed fate had other plans. His comm rang once more, the name Alessandra Creed flashing across the screen. He answered, his voice hoarse. "Minister. Isn't it late where you are?"

Open to Interaction

All forms of violence depicted are discernable only to Kyyrk, and those who venture close enough to share in his vision/memory

 

[Okkeus Dainlei]

Objective I

​

Wind gently blew through the man's hair, waving it backwards.

Iktotch had this sort of calm feeling to it, as if it was a place you grew up on, or met someone special. The feeling was strange to say the least, especially since he had never been here before. But hey, this trip allowed him to cross another planet off of his list. Some leaves crackled underneath his foot as he continued on down a trail leading away from the village.

Continuing onward, the trail eventually led to an open clearing of grass surrounding on all sides by trees. It seemed to just stop here, taking him to no other place. As soon as the Knight stepped off of the trail though, he was immediately hit with a feeling of dread. A Star Destroyer size ache dropped in his stomach. He wasn't supposed to be here.

Turning back around, the Knight found the trail nowhere to be seen. Before he even had the chance to look for it, he was treated by an unsettling voice.

"You should not have come here, young Okkeus."

Quickly the man spun around, ready to draw out his saber. Standing a few yards away was an elderly Iktotchi, his hands folded in his robe. The Knight's robotic hand backed away from his saber. Yet, the man still held his guard.

"The journey you have taken here shall gift you no reward, as the skill you see, is one that will cause more harm than good."

"I'm sorry, not to show any disrespect, but who are you?"

A small yet creepy smile a appeared on the elderly man's face. His hand moved upward to stroke his long, white beard. A chuckle was let out before he spoke.

"Oh, me? I have no name, as it has been lost many moons ago. But you, I know your name very well. Not only do I know how our interaction will end, but I know how it has started as well. Long before you even were born."

The elderly Iktotchi folded his arms behind his back before beginning to pace around the Knight. His small smile still held. Before he could ask questions, the young man was cut off.

"You see, us Iktotchi not only have the ability to see far into the future, but we also have the gift of looking into the past as well. I knew you were special when you arrived here on Iktotch. Unfortunately, special people aren't always the heroes of the Galaxy."

"What are you getting at old man."

"Young Okkeus, you came here today seeking the ability to see the future. Though you won't use it for its intended purpose. You seek it to escape your past. The death of your parents, your time spent as a slave, your fall to the darkside, multiple times I might add."

Suddenly, the old Iktotchi swept up behind the Knight, placing both of his hands on either side of his head. It was as if the young man was frozen in place, unable to escape his grasp.

"For one to see the future, they must first accept their past."

Dropping onto the grassy surface, the Knight slowly faded out of consciousness. The last thing he heard was the old Iktotchi laughing. His eyes closed as he began to pass out.