Leap of Faith (complete)

[Darth Ren Malgus]

Voss​

She was making her way to this planet based upon rumors, and information. What she hoped to find there she wasn’t really sure. Jedi perhaps, if everything were true. But was she ready to be a Jedi Padawan again, she had tried before and it had gone rather oddly.

Too many masters, and she was too busy excavating a site to really poor time into Jedi studies. But maybe now would be different, that is if she found Jedi.

They had told her to calm down, but all she wanted to do was feel that thrill of excitement that made her heart pound and her blood run at full throttle.

The approach to the planet seemed the same as any other, it was when they landed that it changed, the entire view changed. It teemed with life she could feel that dull gentle bounce in the force beneath her feet as she walked. This was the place to at least start, to look, maybe this was to be home.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Away from the capital city of Voss-Ka, the mighty Temple of the Silver Jedi Order stood surrounded by jungle and over-looked by the vast mountain ranges. It wasn’t hidden away intentionally, but it certainly wasn’t standing in the open like the once mighty Jedi Temple had been on Coruscant.

North of the Nightmare Lands, the Temple stood atop a mighty cliff that cascaded down below with a grand waterfall flowing from the gardens. It stood proud, and it was home to Connor Harrison and many more Jedi who had found a place amidst a galaxy ravaged with uncertainty and darkness.

On the outskirts of the Temple, not being permitted to leave the area, Connor was traversing the grounds in his morning run to give himself time to reflect on events and embrace life around him, boosting his connection to the Force around him that was ever present. He had seen a ship circle a good few times around the area and now begin to descend, so naturally his interest was ignited at a new visitor – what did they want, who were they after? He had diverted his run to go towards the ship.

Without his lightsaber, he didn’t feel naked as he used to because now he had a better weapon – his own mind, and that would compensate the absences of his blade if he needed it.

Standing still, hands on hips in his black vest and combat trousers and boots, Connor watched the ship come down and he began a slow walk towards it in the distance. Usually the Rangers would have been patrolling the area, but even this was a little way out of the Temple grounds to cover, so Connor would be the ambassador, or protector, of the Temple to the stranger when they made themselves known.


[member="Serena Bouie"]

 

[Darth Ren Malgus]

Serena looked around there was a great deal she could explore here the ruins alone would keep her busy for weeks, the plant life cataloging oh it was a field day for a scientist. And it was a haven for anyone wanting to try something new, like a zip line through the trees, or jumping off a cliff and sky diving or...she stopped she caught movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned her minimal training told her first she wasn't in danger, and second yes there was someone headed her way.

She decided to wait for them and leaned against the nearest tree, so....what did this day hold excitement or a lecture.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

His perception of the surroundings didn’t alert him to danger – the surrounding trees and fauna was the perfect place for an ambush, but why would someone want to ambush a Silver Jedi right on their doorstep, let alone one as insignificant as Connor.

Pushing up a small incline, he saw the fighter and a figure leaning back on some of the tall trees that were blowing in the breeze. Looking behind him, the Temple stood in the distance, grander than ever from such a distance. Connor had never appreciated the Temple from afar, and he stood, breathing steadily and looking at his sanctuary.

Turning towards the figure, he walked forward with a spring in his step and identified the figure as a young girl, neutrally dressed and looking, dare say, a little out of place. Connor felt straight away she was trying to read him, so there was a calling for her to be at Voss and outside the Silver Jedi, but of course there was no indication of allegiance.

”Welcome to Voss, Miss…?”


[member="Serena Bouie"]

 

[Darth Ren Malgus]

Serena pushed off the tree and extended her hand, "Serena Bouie, and you are?" This being Voss and he being a human could mean he was part of the temple, maybe. But only the time and a bit of questions would tell that.

She took in the details of what he wore, this a jungle world and all she wanted to know what would be proper attire, she was considering cargo shorts, and a tank top and go hunting through the ruins. She considered him as he walked her way, she wished now she had taken more training it might come in handy just now.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Smiling and extending his hand to meet hers, he took it gently and gave a solid shake.

”Connor Harrison, Knight – “ he hesitated, force of habit with introductions, ” – former, of the Silver Jedi.”

He extended his hand and turned to the temple in the distance.

”The Temple of the Silver Jedi Order, and my home.”

He returned to Serena and gave her a once over.

”Welcome. Are you here for the hunting season or are you here for… other reasons?”


[member="Serena Bouie"]

 

[Darth Ren Malgus]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

"Connor Harrison, nice to meet you. Former of the Jedi. " She shook her head making a little noise clicking, "were you bad Connor?" She kept smiling.

What do she want, he gave her a once over. She could not help but look past him in the direction of the temple. Was she wanting more? She bit her lip in thought.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor looked away out to the distance, shaking the comment off. There was a lot to the word "bad".

"Well, you could say it's a little complicated."

Sweeping the matted hair from his sweaty brow, he stood before her and noticed her curious expression to the building behind him and hit subtle lip biting.

"Are you here to discover the Silver Jedi? I can sense that you have a Force signature - are you here to see where it will lead you? If so, I can guide you."


[member="Serena Bouie"]

 

[Darth Ren Malgus]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

"Oh that never bodes well when someone has to say it is a little complicated, tends to mean something happened and can't talk about it" She nodded, "I can understand it, even if it leaves me very curious"

Her gaze slipped back to him as he had asked the question she had been asking herself today, "I don't know I've been telling myself I"m her for the ruins, but that excuse will only hold water for short time." She was undecided having been abandoned a few times it was hard to make the commitment again. But these were new people these were other Jedi, perhaps this time would be different.

"What makes the Silver Jedi different from others"

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor smiled, nodding his head in agreement stood still before her.

”You could say that. Maybe I’ll tell you one day.”

As she spoke, he shifted the weight on his feet and folded his arms, listening to her. She sounded very much a girl on a junction – go one way into a new life, or the other into the unknown. If Connor could have guide her into some light, he would be on the right path to redemption.

He nodded his head slowly, and pondered her question.

”That’s a good question, and I don’t want what I say to affect your decision on anything because the Silver Jedi are so much to each individual, so what I find in them could be different from what you are seeking, but I can guarantee you that if you can find your place amongst us, you will be stronger, wiser and part of a team. I find that the redeeming factor – being part of a team who really are more like a family than anything.”

He took a few steps forwards and backwards as he spoke.

”Our Grandmaster and another Master founded the Silver Jedi to be something different and unique from the rest of the fragmented Orders out there. As I say, I may be wrong, but the when you are helping liberate a planet, search for powerful relics or simply discovering your ability in our grounds, you feel alive, not restrained or limited. You only limit yourself.”

Giving a little shrug at his words, Connor looked at her.

”But don’t just take my word for it; are you willing to come along and take the first steps forward in your new life?”


[member="Serena Bouie"]

 

[Darth Ren Malgus]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

Serena nodded, "Fair enough" He was explaining now his words the actions of this order. He could not speak for all of them she had to know that. He seemed genuine in his beliefs of what he spoke of that this order had a uniqueness to it.

Serena looked from him to the temple she was concerned about this step. If she wasn't suppose to take this step than how did she end up here. She could tell herself it was..."I tell you what, I understand that there are some ruins here, I'd like to look come with me to look, and we will discuss whether I am to walk the path that leads to the Silver Jedi Temple, or if this was more of a diversion for us both"

Serena was nervous to be left again would not bode well, he would teach her it seemed,he seemed like a good sort even with his secret. She looked at him again, "I need to ease into this I have" that short pause that should tell him of her reserve, "concerns" she tried to smile through the concern.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor picked up the uncertainty in her Force signature, and her stance was one trying to look confident. However she was sitting on something and it would be interesting to see what it was. The ruins she spoke of could be the one of the Gormak Kingdom, a huge city that stood tall in the prime of Voss.

Home to the Gormak race eons ago, now all that remained was ruins, beaten and corroded by the Voss geography. Situated East from the Temple, it would take a while to get there on foot but the Gormak city was vast and wide, stretching out all around the planet in pockets here and there.

Ruins would be easy enough to come by, so even if the girl was after something, Connor would be happy to watch her.

”Is your ship capable of carrying a Silver Jedi, or are you willing to walk until we hit something? It’s no problem either way.”

Connor stepped forward and placed his hand on her front of her ship.

”And you can tell me your concerns on the way, ok?”


[member="Serena Bouie"]

 

[Darth Ren Malgus]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

She nodded, "that sir is the whole plan to talk about the concerns while we move, I think better when I'm moving I don't feel so....." She made a goofy face, "closed in" With that she nodded and smiled. "I wouldn't mind the exercise actually I like being active that also calms me"

He was really trying to be a most respectful Jedi trying to get her concerns, and make her comfortable that was a plus for this order of Jedi. "This jungle is great, lots of vegetation water bearing plants, and it looks and food source" Serena looked back at Connor. "You ready to stroll?"

 

[Connor Harrison]

Nodding to her request, and his own agreement, Connor extended his hand forward, directing them past her ship and outwards from the grounds of the Silver Jedi Temple.

With nothing on him except the training clothes he ran in, no weaponry or com, Connor was effectively alone. The Force would be a radio to the Jedi of course, but with his current state of mind, he was trying to distance himself from those who frowned upon him as best he could.

”I’ve walked these trails before, they’re rather wonderful. Helps you focus, and put life into perspective. Voss is a relatively peaceful planet, as far as I am aware, and there are lots of hidden treasures to be found.”

The hill began to drop from them, leading down an incline towards a naturally developed path over fields and streams and through thick woodland. It really was a peaceful walk, and as the Force came from life itself, they were surrounded by its very essence.

”So, please, tell me a little about yourself. I’m all ears. And nothing more. No judgement on my part, I assure you.”

There was something there she was fearful of being judged about, but she was masking it very well.

[member="Serena Bouie"]

 

[Darth Ren Malgus]

[member="Connor Harrison"]
She smiled, when he said he was all ears she thought about a gundark and the saying of pulling the ears off a gundark. She had to admit to herself that at times she sounded like a child but that part of the wonder of the galaxy to be able to see it and know it for the magnificence that it was. The creation of all forms of life, the very basic elements that brought them all into existence. Knowing that knowing how small a part of the galaxy she was made her realize that everything she knew was only that of a child.

Serena looked at the world around them she wondered what Conner saw when he looked at all the greenery that covered Voss. The delicate pink flowers whose petals shimmered under golden rays of sunlight. The sparkle of water hidden away in the leaves and trunks of succulent plants.

The trees that reached toward the sky for every ounce of sunlight. She could look and see these things around them. Her last master she looked at Conner, "I've entered training three times prior to my coming here"

Serena reached out her palm hovering above the venus fly trap one of the few carnivorous plants that she could identify. The tiny little hairs on the edges of its leaves trembled.

"My first master was always on missions that were deemed too dangerous for me to go on, I was left to others for training and they having no bond, and having their own students seemed overwhelmed. Which made me feel odd" Serena gave a half smile indicating her confusion over what had happened, and why, "So I left" the failing had been placed on her which she accepted she could have trained more.

The venus did not react which surprised Serena but reinforced that it needed more than just the presence of suspected food.

 

[Connor Harrison]

As the two strolled leisurely through Voss and away from the Temple, the nature started to become evident. Wild animals roamed around and old ruins of fallen bridges, temples and landing pads were seen through foliage; adding history and culture to yet another planet that had seen its share of war and peace over the eons.

Listening to Serena, Connor nodded to some of her opinions and thoughts, each one sounding familiar to him.

”You’re not odd, Serena, far from it.”

They crossed a small bridge over a steam.

”You made a choice, and that is nothing to feel bad about. You obviously wanted more, and so you had to go and find it. If you’re desire to learn wasn’t being satisfied, that’s not your fault.”

He stopped beside her, watching her tease and study the plant before her palm.

”When I was with the Republic Order, I left on my own accord. It’s a little more complicated than your story, but I felt I wasn’t ready and not good enough to be a student and had to find my own way until I was.”

Reaching out with his hand with a small smile, he took Serena’s wrist and moved her palm lower to the trembling plant.

”It only feeds off dark energy, going back from the inhabitants of Voss. It’s trembling because you’re conflicted. Find your peace and it will not harm you.”

Should her thoughts take her to a darker moment, the plant would clamp on her hand and try to feed from her skin, but it wouldn’t hurt much – were she clear of thoughts and at peace, she would be free to hover inside it’s spikey mouth.


[member="Serena Bouie"]

 

[Darth Ren Malgus]

Conflicted yes she was conflicted even as his fingers wrapped around her wrist to show her that the plant would react based on her own emotional state. What was her emotional state? She felt that hint of fear about what would happen when her hand got to close her struggle within, she swallowed hard the closer her hand got. At the base of her spine she felt it crawling through her the darkness, the unknown climbing upwards overwhelming her nerves, driving her fears. Serena gasped pulling her hand away balling it up into a right fist as if to protect it.

She looked over at Conner, "Yes conflicted and afraid" the moment she had drawn her hand away darkness slithered back down to its resting place waiting for the next time it could make the climb. It would in time make it to her mind it was determined the need only to drive her further into self-doubt and fear. It had time, all the time that remained in her life, days, months, years but in time it would find a way and then it would blossom into a black dahlia.

Serena took a few steps, "I wanted more from the Jedi then, I want more now." She half smiled trying to show that she was alright that it was alright but there it was. Would it matter that the other two Masters had done much of the same.

Masters devoted to duty that had taught other padawans the way of the force what was it that the force saw for her if she could not keep a Master how would she master other skills

Serena turned to look at the old ruins, old mostly forgotten. There in the past perhaps there were answers ones that she could hold onto, grow stronger. Would Conner, she looked over her shoulder at him he had experienced the same the growing need and desire to learn more, would he teach her? Was there redemption for them both? Could she resolve the conflict with in? More importantly could she silence her fear.

Takes one to know one her mother would often say, perhaps that is why he met her today, perhaps because he could relate to her misgivings, maybe this was why Voss seemed to call to her.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

As Serena pulled away, Connor stepped beside her and hovered his hand over the plant. The teeth began to tremble and the stem seemed to stretch out for his fingers dancing around the dangerous opening.

”We all have a little darkness in us I think. It’s just how you control it which defines you.”

A little show to help her feel at ease; Connor wasn’t perfect, by no means, and he was more torn than most. But, this was part of the self-discovery he was now on and the path he was walking towards salvation or destruction.

Letting the girl walk on a little, he listened to her needs and thought for a while in silence, before catching her eye when she turned to him.

”What more do you want, Serena? More knowledge, more power or more understanding.”

Her answer would help paint a picture in his mind of what potential the girl had, and what she actually wanted.

”Be honest with me. You can trust me, and I will guide you in the direction you need to go, I promise you.”

With a little leap, he stepped onto a large block of ruins, sat on the edge and looked down at the girl as she chewed over her response.


[member="Serena Bouie"]

 

[Darth Ren Malgus]

Serena was never uncomfortable she was able to smile, laugh or talk through most anything until this moment. What did she want?

She looked at Conner, "I want a sense that what I am doing makes a difference." She didn't smile she was serious to be a Jedi meant many things to her. It wasn't the allure of having special abilities that pulled her back to the Jedi.

"I want to know that it is still ok to be afraid, but to know how to control my fears. I don't want to feel this conflict of failing, of not having enough control" Serena looked back at the plant, why couldn't she just let her hand drift down to it. And the other thing, "I want to still feel like me, the Master's I've had seemed to want to drive out who I am to make me into what they wanted"

It wasn't fear of pain, no she didn't want to fail. She wanted to be able to do it and feel the success of doing it. Not to impress anyone but herself.

"Can you help me with that Conner? Is it possible for me to be myself and be a Jedi?"

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor tapped his boot on the side of the ruin he sat on, listening and nodding gently as Serena talked to him and to herself.

Her fears were recognisable, and reassuring. Connor picked up on her willingness to serve the light, but her constant questioning of her own ability and strength was concerning – manipulation of weak emotion was something that the Dark Side excelled in, and he would not want her to fall as he nearly did.

”Serena, you and I share the same fears.”

Sliding down, he walked over and stood beside her, looking both to the Temple they had left, and the paths leading out into Voss; a virtual crossroad.

”I have been afraid of my own ability to succeed, and my own strength as a Jedi, but to have these emotions is normal. However, it’s how we control and understand them that will separate us from our enemies; to not fall victim to them and have them exploited and feel weak.”

Putting his arm around Serena’s shoulder, Connor gently turned the girl towards the Temple path.

”I have to leave Voss soon for matters off world, but before I go, I can take you to the Silver Jedi and set you on the path of discovery. Discovery of your ability, your strength and yourself as a person.”

Squeezing her shoulder, a reassuring gesture.

”I came to the Order with no clear direction of who I wanted to be, but with the right guidance and support from a small yet effective family around me, I am more settled than I ever have been before, and I promise that I will take you forward as much as you want me to. From Padawan, to Knight, to one day Master – you will change your life from today and never look back.”

He beckoned forward with his free hand for her to accept the path before her.



[member="Serena Bouie"]