Faction Library Hours: Detention (New Jedi Order)

[Oros]

RESTRICTED SECTION
JEDI ARCHIVES

Previously on Library Hours​

Unnatural darkness swallowed the light except for a large glowing crystal suspended upon an ancient looking repulsorlift. Something alive floated within luminous golden mist. It did not look human. A writhing nest of tentacles obscured the creature from close inspection. This part of the temple library was forbidden without a master or librarian's supervision. Artifacts imbued by the Force broke down barriers of our galaxy allowing the world between worlds to bleed through. Anomalous paths made it easy to get lost.

Greetings padawans, the alien's thoughts resonated like soothing chimes, I am Librarian Oros. You are each here to atone. Through noble deeds we find balance.

There was no shame in failing to live up to the Jedi Code's highest standards. Failure was the greatest teacher. Master Oros had spent centuries expanding the limits of awareness. Few misdemeanors escaped his notice. With appropriate supervision simple maintenance procedures here in the restricted section could be accomplished at low risk of serious physical harm.

Your first task is simple. Tomes animated by so much raw psychic energy have escaped containment. Recapture them without damaging the spines, if possible.

Pages flapped like wings somehow keeping aloft. None looked eager to surrender the joy of flight for some dusty old shelf. One or two forbidden texts might even be able to defend themselves.

 

[Sol Lupercal]

Curiosity danced within the frosty silver hues of the young Mirialan's eyes, enticed by the potential opportunity to 'investigate' certain artifacts. Despite the awareness that such an endeavor could land him in even deeper trouble than his current predicament, he found himself unsupervised and within speeder distance of the bustling market district.

Soon, Sol snapped out of his reminiscing about his daily mischief, captivated by a sense of awe and wonder at the intriguing character before him. In all his 15 years of life, he had never encountered someone quite like this. Giving in to those mischievous impulses seemed entirely justified for the unique experience unfolding.

Sol cautiously raised a hand, harboring what he believed to be a thoughtful question.

"Even though this is a library, is there, by chance, a net lying around here?"

The inquiry seemed prudent, potentially saving a significant amount of time and energy in the process.

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Sol Lupercal Oros

​

Braze found himself in the restricted section of the temple library, not out of a scholarly pursuit, but as a consequence of his own reckless actions. His penchant for impulsive behavior, coupled with a flair for dramatic entrances—often involving leaping from higher floors and dashing through the halls—had finally caught up with him. It wasn't the thrill of defiance that drove him, but a restless energy he struggled to channel appropriately within the temple's serene walls.

Detention had become an all-too-familiar concept for Braze, a place where he spent more time than he cared to admit. The label of "troublemaker" seemed permanently affixed to his name. Yet, here, in the shadowy embrace of the library's forbidden section, under the watchful gaze of Librarian Oros, Braze at the very least had a chance to prove that there was more to him than whispered rumors and disciplinary records.

As he listened to Master Oros outline their task, Braze felt a sense of bubbling excitement. The challenge of recapturing the animated tomes wasn't perceived as a punishment; it was a test of skill, creativity, and perhaps most importantly, self-control. It was a chance to demonstrate that his energy and agility could be directed towards a noble purpose, to contribute positively to the Order.

Resolved to make the most of this unexpected opportunity, Braze stepped forward, ready to join Sol in the task at hand. The prospect of using the Force in such a unique context intrigued him, and he was eager to explore the limits of his abilities in a setting as charged with ancient power as this one. Detention, for once, might just turn out to be a fun experience.

"We don't need nets we have...well, you have two hands and I have one."

 

[Sol Lupercal]

Tags: Braze Oros


Lowering his hand with a slow descent, a soft chuckle escaped his lips as his attention shifted away from the prospective detention ward to what appeared to be a fellow in disciplinary trouble.

"It dawned on me halfway through the question that it was rather foolish to ask."

Shrugging off the moment of embarrassment, he observed one of the seemingly 'flying' books, captivated by the mysterious force propelling them into the air, a spectacle truly wondrous to behold.

"Watching these objects move like this, I can't help but wonder if the Force, due to whatever energy permeates this library, might exacerbate the situation."

The question lingered in his mind, yet in reality, Sol was likely overanalyzing the issue, as the solution was likely right at hand.

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Sol Lupercal Oros

"I guess so," Braze responded, not dwelling too much on the specifics. "And probably best not to jump off the walls; wouldn't want to leave any shoe marks behind," he added with a hint of his usual mischief. "I can control wind, but that might just scatter them more. Perhaps a ladder or a chair would be more practical," Braze suggested, considering their options for retrieving the animated tomes with a more grounded approach.

As he spoke, Braze began to stretch, performing a series of lunges and core twists in place. He then pressed a hand against the wall to stretch one arm, revealing that his left arm hung limply by his side, as useful as a wet noodle and slung unnaturally so.

"Only one way to find out right?" Braze asked and flashed him a devious grin.

 

[Sol Lupercal]

Tags: Braze Oros

He cast a quick glance at the ethereal Liberian, swiftly assessing the potential consequences of pushing off the walls. He weighed the likelihood that such actions would lead to more trouble and pondered if it was worth incurring an additional strike against his name. "Part of me worries that using the walls might upset the Liberian over there."

Intrigue sparked within his eyes as the ability to control wind was mentioned, and an idea began to take shape in his mind. "What are the upper limits of your wind control? Could you potentially lift someone into the air with it?" Sol harboured doubts about the steadiness compared to using the Force but found it to be the most amusing option at hand, and he was all for it.

Sol casually shook off the stiffness from standing in one place for too long, a discomfort he was eager to dispel. "No time like the present. This will break up the strain of studying. Making getting into trouble all the more worthwhile."

 

[Oros]

RESTRICTED SECTION
Sol Lupercal Braze

​

Oros did not move his floating crystal. Through Force sight the librarian could see much. Deep concentration stilled a nest of tentacles. He listened to the conversation between auras with near infinite patience. Those with short lifespans burned brightly but often lacked caution. Yet their instinct to help each other showed great promise.

"Part of me worries that using the walls might upset the Liberian over there."

Please refrain from damaging library property.

Eager to be of assistance, Master Oros reached out with the Force causing the gaseous mixture sustaining him to shine brighter. Slowly both padawans began to float. His tentacles trembled with effort. Awareness dimmed to the sage's immediate surroundings.

Don't be afraid, he reassured them, I will catch you.

Noodle limbs writhed mimicking Jedi hand gestures. Oros launched Braze and Sol toward the nearest rogue books with what he guessed was gentle enough force.

​

 

[Sol Lupercal]

Tag: Braze Oros

A nervous chuckle escaped his lips as he dismissed any thought of attempting such a daring feat. The option was carefully considered, and he realized that such actions would undoubtedly result in more trouble for himself. The sensation of weightlessness caught Sol off guard for a moment. Feeling his form being lifted from the ground felt peculiar, and it took a few seconds for him to adjust to the sensation.

A sudden look of panic flashed across his features at Oros's words. Opening his mouth to inquire, the only words that formed were, "What do you -" Before he could complete the sentence, Sol felt his form being propelled toward one of the nearest airborne tomes. With a swift reaction, he reached out for one of the flying books, instinctively bracing for impact should it come.

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Oros Sol Lupercal Jalen Kai'el

Braze's excitement peaked as he was tossed upwards, his eyes locked on the fluttering books. He stretched his arm, aiming to snag one from the air. As he reached the apex of his leap, his fingers brushed against the spine of a book, grappling for a firm grip. By a stroke of luck—or perhaps thanks to his improving coordination—he managed to secure the book in his grasp, a small triumph in the grand scheme but a significant one for him. "I got it!" He squeaked, perhaps far too loudly for a library.

 

[Oros]

RESTRICTED SECTION
Sol Lupercal Braze

​

It was only a slight miscalculation. Oros understood the strength of his own mind, but these young humanoids were so small. For a Jedi Master size mattered not unless you launched bodies at speed. Both padawans reacted with uncanny reflexes snatching tomes from their erratic flight paths. Pride only a librarian could know sent bioluminescent pulses through grey matter.

Trust in the light and you will always find guidance.

True to his word Oros caught each Jedi before they crashed into temple stone. Suspended briefly in midair, he lowered them both gently down. Still hungry for freedom, the books each held struggled against captivity.

Padawan Braze, he communicated directly to their minds, You hold Aspects of the Force, a work by Jedi Knight Tasiele Shan. One of the first to challenge the Order's old views on attachment and marriage. Even from exile she never abandoned her beliefs.

Oros did not believe in coincidences. Through countless seemingly random choices the Force made its will known.

Careful Padawan Sol, the librarian cautioned, That is Those Who Drown. It was written by Jedi Master Vannar Treece during the Dark Age. Life under Sith rule is filled with unimaginable suffering. We must never forget compassion for our enemies.

Next to the floating crystal a pyramid shaped box cracked open. Warm illumination poured out from its peak.

Deposit them in the containment field for now.

 

[Sol Lupercal]

Tags: Oros Braze

"Certainly, Master Oros."

There was a slight uneasiness in his voice, likely stemming from the disorientation caused by being levitated off the ground. Sol maintained a tight grip on the squirming book in his arms. He breathed out a sigh of relief as his feet touched solid ground, the thrill of the action overpowering the earlier sense of nausea.

"Yet we lose ourselves to the dark side of the Force," Sol muttered to himself as he examined the book in his grasp, intrigued by its contents but mindful of the potential dangers. Upon receiving confirmation on where to place the book, he moved towards the designated spot, carefully depositing the tome within the containment field.

Once finished, Sol surveyed the room, keeping an eye out for any additional rogue airborne objects. "Was that all of them, Master Oros?"

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Oros Sol Lupercal

"Exile? What led to their exile?" Braze inquired, his curiosity piqued as he gently landed, each toe touching the ground with practiced precision. His adeptness at navigating falls from great heights was evident. However, his usual thrill-seeking demeanor softened into a frown as he considered the book in his grasp, pondering the stories and fates it contained. With a thoughtful expression, he carefully examined the tome one last time, as if trying to absorb its essence through mere touch. Then, with a respectful motion, he proceeded to place the book into the designated containment field, ensuring it was securely stored within the depository.
​

 

[Oros]

RESTRICTED SECTION
Sol Lupercal Braze

​

"Exile? What led to their exile?"​

Master Oros contracted, tentacles curling around his porous central mass in what resembled a protective posture. Mournful bells echoed in their minds. Somehow each note translated into perfect basic. His people lacked a need for such rudimentary language. Humanoid brains translated raw psychic connection into something more comprehensible like music.

Knight Shan's tale is a tragic one. She challenged the old orthodoxy, and for that the Council of her age ordered her to take the Barash Vow. By the time they saw wisdom all the Order could find were these journals dedicated to her daughter.

Both tomes floated away from the padawans' hands deeper within. Ancient coremaic glyphs began to softly glow as the pyramid device sealed back up. Oros slowly expanded back to his normal mass.

"Was that all of them, Master Oros?"

That will do for now, centuries old repulsors thrummed strangely, I have another task for you both.

Oros floated away at a brisk walking pace. He led the padawans past a massive kyber crystal statue of a serpentine dragon creature coiled around an ancient looking robed warrior wielding a primitive lightsaber. Resonant with the Force, something about his stoic calm felt innately comforting. Beyond this wonder the librarian entered a chamber empty save for what looked like a sphere surrounded by a disc, both constructed of some exotic metal. It floated before them ominously.

This is an astrium, Oros explained, It is a Zeffo artifact from before recorded time. Harmless, but anyone who touches it receives a vision. This psychic echo is our one link to their dead culture. We can only guess as to its true purpose, which is why more testing could produce a remarkable breakthrough.

 

[Sol Lupercal]

Tags: Oros Braze

Sol executed a small bow, falling into step at a reasonable pace, his curiosity piqued about the various treasures the library concealed within its walls. His gaze lingered on the kyber crystal statue, captivated by its design and the untold story it held. However, he swiftly refocused, increasing his pace to keep in line with the others.

As they reached a halt within the chamber, a renewed sense of wonder swept over him. Sol found himself intrigued by the room's design, pondering whether it had a purpose in containing the artifacts.

"Are there records indicating the specific visions one might experience, or does it vary for each individual who comes into contact with it?" he inquired, eager to delve deeper into the mysteries held by the artifact.

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Oros Sol Lupercal

"They made her take the vow? What would have happened if she didn't" Braze asked, following along. He looked around, excited by the neat statue and immediately felt a deep desire to touch it and the next object they saw. He liked touching things but somehow felt perhaps this wasn't an appropriate place to touch these old fancy objects.

"There sure is a lot of neat old stuff lying around the temple, huh?" Braze remarked. "What's next that you want us to do? Are we gonna dust?"

He somehow didn't quite grasp the impending fate before them. He smirked wily-like and looked at Sol, "You could touch it and find ouuuuut~"

 

[Sol Lupercal]

Tags: Braze Oros

Sol's attention shifted from the object to Braze, a mischievous spark igniting within him at the other's words. "I see no reason why not to touch it."

Returning his gaze to the object, he glanced at Master Oros, unsure if the Jedi was observing or how his unique race perceived the world. It was a question he intended to inquire about at a later date.

After a brief pause, Sol took a couple of steps toward the artifact, occasionally glancing over at the librarian. Closing in on touching distance, he deftly prodded the object with one of his fingers.

 

[Oros]

RESTRICTED SECTION
Sol Lupercal Braze

​

"They made her take the vow? What would have happened if she didn't" Braze asked, following along.

Those were darker times whose mercies can seem harsh by our standards, Oros answered before adding hastily, That the Council changed their minds suggests to me even then Jedi lacked consensus on how to deal justly with such matters.

He did not mention those rare cases when the ancient Order had stripped disobedient Jedi of the Force or even worse their own memories. Dark times indeed. Too dark for such impressionable young minds.

The librarian allowed both padawans to marvel at the Zeffo artifact in their own time. Such fascination in academic matters warmed his tendrils. So much had been lost in centuries of darkness but ever since the reconstruction of Coruscant, brave Jedi had gathered wonders to make the sanest mind go mad in this place. Just keeping track of them all kept his powerful mind very busy.

"Are there records indicating the specific visions one might experience, or does it vary for each individual who comes into contact with it?"

Each vision is of a different nature. Over time with the help of enough volunteers we might begin to weave a tapestry of their broadest histories.

Sol reached out to touch the artifact, and the moment his fingers brushed against strange metal his mind was somewhere else. He stood before a massive domed temple guarded by twin looming statues of a proud looking but unrecognizable alien species. Trinary suns illuminated a stone wall with hierogylphs beside a carved alien likeness holding what appeared to be another astrium.

Padawan? Can you hear me?

He was back in the library. The memory already didn't quite feel real almost like waking up from a dream.

 

[Sol Lupercal]

Tags: Braze Oros

The last words Sol heard were Master Oros answering his query, though that notion swiftly faded as, in an instant, his mind and vision were engulfed by darkness before emerging outside what Sol surmised to be some form of temple, but for what purpose?

Assessing the surroundings temporarily, an unease settled within him. Something about it unnerved Sol, and as he glanced at the wall adorned with hieroglyphs, he pondered the meaning behind them.

The contemplation abruptly ceased as Sol found himself back within the library, a hazy and almost queasy sensation enveloping him. Struggling to focus on the sound of Master Oros, he managed to utter, "Some... Some temple," the only words he could muster at that moment.

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Oros Sol Lupercal

"You alright? You went a little spacey there for a bit," Braze chirped. His excitement was reminiscent of a child brimming with curiosity. "So, you saw a temple? Was it a pretty one or an old dusty one?" he asked, his enthusiasm undimmed. "Was it exciting to see?" His questions flowed effortlessly, each one compelled by an eagerness to learn more about the experience, whether it was wrapped in the allure of ancient mysteries or the simple beauty of architectural grandeur.

"It wasn't like on fire or anything was it?" He asked with a frown.

"Hey Master Oros, He's not going have any weird lingering effects will he?" Braze asked looking to the elder.

 

[Oros]

RESTRICTED SECTION
Sol Lupercal Braze

​

A temple? How fascinating, Oros bobbed eagerly in his floating crystal, Intact zeffo ruins are quite rare. Did you notice any familiar star patterns?

Braze reminded the Jedi librarian these questions could wait. He sensed nothing troubling about Sol's presence. That was a good sign. Centuries spent mastering the healing arts meant he could detect most hazards to humanoid lifeforms. In his medical opinion the boy would survive.

Some volunteers have reported unsettling dreams, but I assure you the astrium is quite harmless. Padawan Lupercal should recover quickly.

Oros could tell the padawan's disorientation troubled his friend. Studying the Force's deeper mysteries after all was not for the faint of heart. If anything should happen to this library, it would be a dark day for the Order.

Having second thoughts, Braze? This is not a condition of your rehabilitation.