Shadows, Assemble!

[Connor Harrison]

Silver Shadow Headquarters
Nightmare Lands, Voss​

Connor was back on Voss, and snapping himself out of the troubles following on from the Ziost invasion. Whilst the Silvers had formed new alliances, a sect within the Silver Jedi itself still remained, and was growing. The Silver Shadows.

Walking along the established walkway under the mystical Dark Heart of Voss, boots softly ringing out on the metal, Connor looked over to Coci who held a datapad with the names of those who had voiced interest in such a cause around the Temple, and have been given coordinates to the Dark Heart, and in turn the Shadow headquarters.

There was no better place for privacy than here, a home from home. Lights flickered on monitoring stations, and a lone fighter was docked on a landing pad which was accessible from an underground cavern leading to the surface from a pothole.

Turning on the walkway, Connor took a breath and looked up to the neon blue lights illuminating the blast doors that would lead to the outside where, and where the new recruits would come in if they took the chance to follow the opportunity presented to them. From here, they could initiate a training programme and get to know each other; they would, in times of crisis, hold each other’s lives in their own hands.

”Let’s hope they know what they’re letting themselves in for.”

One chance only. A new breed of Shadows.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Chashmona"] | [member="Syala Daivik"] | [member="Kal'n Drasco"] | [member="George O Rourke"] | [member="Abygail Ericson"] | [member="Bjork Corsair"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Baalagor]

To find Syala on any sort of offensive was a rarity by itself. Typically she was one of those quiet and reserved Jedi, possessing a voice of her own but only choosing to put it to use only when she believed her input was necessary. Always she seemed to be in harmony with her surroundings and the Force itself, never going so far as to disturb another being unless they threatened the very well-being of the Order itself. Even when she had been blinded by a Sith she refused to lash out first.

That someone like her would consider the mere idea of joining the Shadows was strange by itself. After all, if she was so content in passivity there was no reason to willingly expose herself to further violence. But she hadn't been truly content with her peaceful way of life since Belgaroth. It wasn't that she disregarded it per se, but now she understood that something more had to be done in order to eliminate the same threat that had taken her sight. And this was the solution.

Following the coordinates given hadn't been much of an issue even with her blindness, and she had managed well enough despite what should have been a debilitating factor. If she was going to join the Shadows, a lack of sight would be the least of her worries. It was an obstacle that necessitated overcoming, and one she had learned to live with and work through in the previous months. Now she could move near as easily as one with physical sight. This was the true challenge.

Her pace slowed, and eventually she came to a stop meters away from the set of blast doors that separated her from whatever fate lay within. All she could do now was wait, and that she would, reaching out through the Force to gently touch on any nearby presences, whether familiar or otherwise. It was a semi-meditative state, and one that allowed her to delve into the Force while still remaining aware of her surroundings to a degree.

One in particular lit on her senses that was just as recognizable as the aura she possessed, and lightly she touched on [member="Connor Harrison"]'s mind with a small smile, "You really need to stop keeping secrets, Master."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Syala Daivik"] | [member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Chashmona"] | [member="Maya Whitelight"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

​

From her position within the control center, Coci's eye lifted up to see Connor and Syala. She is watching the monitor, the constant feed of data sent back from the Will of the Force, which has the ability to reach wide within the SSC protected space. So far, the 'skies' are clear, but the crew of the Will are on full alert. After Ziost, much needed to be processed, much needed to be learned and moreover, the Silver Shadows now had a purpose to fulfill. There are plans behind the scene, to set up a network of infiltrators to monitor the enemy from within. They are close, too close and need constant vigilance now.

"Lets hope indeed", Coci muttered more to herself. She looked over the names on the list of new recruit to the Shadows, some interesting names, but one of them worried her. Chashmona. Coci is not convinced a child should be here attending this meeting, simply .. she is not ready yet. There is much work to be done with this girl, and she is not a Padawan even.

However, Chashmona is focused on what she wants. So let us see.

Spoiler

[member="Tionne Thanewulf"], might you be interested in this? you would be most welcome to join the shadows if you wish.

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Syala Daivik"] | [member="Connor Harrison"]

After initially showing interest in living in the shadows, infiltrating and breaking the enemy from within George was given a set of coordinates for a secret meeting with superiors who shared this vision. As George followed the coordinates given to him he found his way to a blast door, not knowing who or what was on the other side of the doors George was cautious. George couldn't feel an disturbances in the force, but that was not to mean there wasn't any.

As George entered through the blast doors he saw a well constructed valley of walkways leading through the Voss underground. As he made his way down toward the walkway. He could see three shadows in the distance, the lighting underground was well... Limited to say the least. Leaving many areas blind and dark. As George moved closer he could begin to unveil the people in the shadows. Master Connor Harrison, someone he had heard about but never spoken to. Master Coci Heavenshield, someone George had met several times and had undertaken a couple of missions with and another lady. Someone George had not met.

As George made his way over to the group he kept quiet. His footsteps could be heard gently tapping as he walked. As the shadows followed George he was hidden by the darkness. As he made it to the group he stood between Master Coci and Master Connor. "Hello Masters, and..." George paused seeing the woman in front. "Hello young lady." He continued as Secret section of the Coalition grew larger.

 

[Zen Phoenix]

Chashmona wasn't instantly leaving the ship. She was holding he teddy bear by her side and stayed in her own little room, hidden under her bed away from the others. She was by far the youngest and the location wasn't exactly the most happy places.

When everyone was leaving a dim slight of force sensitive light stayed within the ship. When it got quiet, she ran through the ship, covering corner after a corner until she came outside. When she finally came outside, she jumped and had hidden under the stairs. The girl knew how to hide herself physically but from the force, their was no escape. She was easy to be followed by the force and by simply waiting to see her move to her next objective.

"Teddy, do you see something?" She whispered, her teddy bears head sticking out, as she ran again to her next point. Till she suddenly came at the low fences, where she went low and stayed, close near the edge of the deep abyss. She was acting somehow like a shadow or a spy like person, but it was her way to be secure.
[member="Connor Harrison"]
[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[Abygail Ericson]

[member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Coci Heavenshield"]

It felt weird to be on this world, it felt weird being away from those she had initially joined when the woman Alex Feanor recruited her. But times changed ... and so did Abygail. She had thought she could do some good with the Vitae ... but things had faded rapidly for them. She wasn't sure why and she just felt like an outcast from all the, to be frank, weird beings that made up its members.

She had left a note saying she needed to go out and discover who she really was, who she was in the Force because she still had not had any true lessons about it. So, she had sought out the Silver Jedi on Voss for help ... actually not just help, but to join them.

When she arrived, she had heard about a division of the Silvers known as the Shadows and she had immediately been interested. From her training as a Hapan Royal Commando, it truly fit her skillset so she had gotten the coordinates to this secret base, in this ... well a good word for it would be twisted place ... but it felt appropriate in a way.

Dressed in just a simple pants and shirt, she stayed quiet as she entered the base and sought out the others there, her nascent Sense abilities helping her navigate well enough to find the two Masters and the others gathering.

"Uh ... hi, I'm guessing this is the meeting place?" she asked, a bit nervous as she had no idea who these people were really.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Abygail Ericson"] @Chashmona @George O Rourke [member="Syala Daivik"] [member="Connor Harrison"]​

​

"Good evening everyone, Master Harrison will begin shortly and explain this meeting", she said stepping out from behind the monitoring screen. "We shall wait a little longer for those that are late". she added looking at the chronometer. A shadow should never be late, time is very valuable to them and precision paramount.

"Knight Daivik, it is good to see you once more", Coci smiled slightly, remembering the last time they had seen each other, before flashing a quick glance to Connor. Syala is wise beyond her years, and will make a powerful master soon. But a presence is felt, a new one but familiar to Coci.

"Excuse me one moment", Coci bows her head and left the area for a moment. She soon found the vast cavern in which Chashmona hid behind a fence, dangerously close to the edge of a long drop.

The gentle hand of the force was placed around the girl, she would feel it as Coci's touch is almost invisible, the little girl is safe from falling. "Playing hide and seek? .. I found you", she said, but inwardly she sighed.

"Come Chashmona, we need to go and have a talk", she said reached out a hand for her to take, yet still had the grasp of the force around her. This is no place for a child.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Rolling his fingers on the metallic barrier across the walk way, as if slowly revving a speeder bike, Connor rocked gently on his heels as he watched the figures come through to the Silver Shadow hideaway.

First came Sy – his former Padawn – and already she touched upon his mind with a sly remark. It curled the edges of his lips into a small smile, and he somehow knew that she would be here first to prove not just to the others she was not beaten by her blindness, but to those doubting themselves for any small reason. She was living proof that strength and hope made someone far stronger than what the Force could do.

Next, a face he knew – George – who had been seen more and more around the Temple and always seemed so eager. He was a worthy asset to have, and Connor nodded to himself as he was thankful he had come to the coordinates.

A new face – Abygail – came next, and one Connor did not know. But, this was the place and time to forge new alliances and bonds with those willing to be something the rest of the Silvers could not. She seemed confident in her physical appearance, but her timid voice showed she was nervous. Who wouldn’t be?

As Coci spoke, Connor looked to her and nodded once, excusing her. She would be back, and he trusted her more than anyone else. She was as much a foundation of the Shadows as he, if not more so. He waited a moment, and eased his grip on the barrier. He looked in deep contemplation, and looked over the faces before him. He knew more had been reached, but already these three stood out to him.

”Welcome to a side of the Silver Sanctum few will ever get to see, except those we deem worthy. By coming here today you’ve taken a step forward to showing that.”

He circled around the room with his hand.

” You are here for one purpose and one purpose only. To serve as Shadows. Infiltration units, special-forces and gatherers of intelligence who will not exist to anyone other than your fellow brothers and sisters. Using your own personal strengths and qualities, you will blend into any environment and become all-but invisible to the untrained eye of your allies and enemies alike. Even those in the Order will not know you serve as Silver Shadows.”

Letting it sink in, he pointed towards the 3 before him.

”My name is Connor Harrison – some know me, some don’t. I am a Master of the Order and leader of the Shadows. I am not a Jedi like Grandmaster Heavenshield, and my methods are different from most, but my heart is in the right place and my loyalty is fixed. I am proof, alongside Master Coci Heavenshield here with me, that any soul, however tormented, can be someone strong to lead and to inspire.”

He leant on his elbows.

”Can you each tell me why you came here and what you want to achieve from becoming a Shadow. And what you will do in order to protect the Order you serve.”

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Syala Daivik"] | [member="George O Rourke"] | [member="Chashmona"] | [member="Abygail Ericson"]

 

[Abygail Ericson]

[member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Syala Daivik"] [member="George O Rourke"]

Listening to Master Harrison explain the Shadows and then his question, Abygail felt like this was a place she could finally fit in. She wasnt adverse to using methods outside the norm of the Jedi, she just would stay wary of the dark side like she had been.

Looking around, no one spoke so she guessed...

"Um guess I'll go first," she said. "Um sooo umm I came to the Silver Jedi because I wanted to explore my Force Sensitivity more than I was able to when I was a member of the Vitae. Um, when I heard about this section, it sort of plays into my skillset and I want to serve the Jedi and the Force in the way that bests suits me and will allow to be as effective as I can be."

No need to mention she had commando training from the Hapans yet, she thought

 

[Baalagor]

A singular bow of her head was the only initial response to [member="Coci Heavenshield"]'s greeting. "It has been awhile, Master Heavenshield. It's good to find you well." While Syala wasn't as close to her as she was to her own Master, the two had crossed paths in the past, conversing here and there. There was no doubt in her mind that the other woman was a powerful Jedi in her own right, and more than deserving of the title of Master of the Order. The other was one to be respected, and one she was thankful to share something of a bond with.

There was a sort of tension she could sense about Connor, one she wasn't sure just how to interpret. It was almost as if he was on edge when it came to the shared responsibility of ushering in a new era of Shadows. It was something anyone would shy away from, and an endeavor she was proud of him taking on. The two had grown together, each watching the other transform into a formidable Jedi in their own way. This was just another diversion on that same path, and one she was determined to take.

Silently she listened to both his explanation and the first introduction made by [member="Abygail Ericson"]. Her voice was timid, but then, this was an elite sect of the Silver Jedi. Only the best of the best had been gathered here, and there was bound to be some pressure felt that prodded one to succeed no matter the odds. But personal safety and comfort took precedence no matter the circumstances, an ideal she hoped to instill in the Padawans that had found themselves here. Mission success was important, but so was looking after one's own safety. No lives needed to be needlessly sacrificed.

Only when the other had finished did she step forward. "My name is Syala Daivik, a Knight of the Order," Perhaps unnecessary information, but introducing herself as such was nothing more than habit, at this point, "One of the reasons I came here to join the Shadows was so that I might further explore what it means to be a Jedi. But it goes deeper than that," Briefly her attention shifted to Connor before she continued, "I would like to prevent what happened to me from being inflicted on another. No one should be forced to confront the Sith without first being aware of what danger they're facing. No one should have to fight unwillingly."

Taking a breath, she spoke one final sentence, "I want to prove that anything can be overcome." Her blindness had likely been obvious the moment others laid eyes on her, but it was something worth vocalizing regardless. This was a test for herself just as much it was a desire to combat the darkness that had already taken its toll on her life. It was for herself and those others that had faced the same dangers as she. Most of all, it was for the future of the Silver Jedi in their entirety.

[member="Connor Harrison"], [member="Chashmona"], [member="George O Rourke"]

 

[Kurogan]

[member="Connor Harrison"],[member="Coci Heavenshield"],[member="Syala Daivik"],[member="Abygail Ericson"],[member="Chashmona"]

Kurogan walk through the blast doors before him he could see the confusing maze, each path leading to different area's it was all most enough to disorient someone.. all most. Taking a deep breath he could smell the old air around this place his nose scrunch up the smell didn't bother him, he just prefer fresher air then this his ears twitch as it pick up sounds around him.. he could barley make out voices in the distances.

Cursing to himself he took off in the direction he could hear them coming from, he didn't think he was that late but to his luck or rather his lack of the new time he didn't realize that he was. Tho the years of being in the military told him that was no excuse but it still didn't make the situation better, it didn't take long until Kurogan came up to a group he recognize two of them the others he didn't.

His eye's scan the room as he walk up behind them not wanting to disturb anyone who was talking "~Hmm seems like a normal meeting like the military..."~he thought himself as he continue to look around he could see a that everyone here look battle ready and fit to fight if need be.

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Syala Daivik"] | [member="Abygail Ericson"] | [member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Chashmona"]

As George entered Master Coci departed, as something had came up. Remaining was Master Conner and two other young females along with a Shistavanen. As Master Conner spoke about the Shadows and what it meant he also had a few questions for the new shadows that stood before him. George decided to speak next.

"Hello everyone, I am Padawan George O Rourke." It was all that could come to his head at this stage, as he paused before his brain finally clicked into gear. "I want to do the best I can for the SSC and I feel that I can achieve that through the Shadows. The people in this room will become my new family and I will do anything to ensure the safety of everyone here." George finished up his little speech. As he finished he turned to look at the Shistavanen standing next to him, waiting to hear what he had to say.

 

[Connor Harrison]

As they talked, Connor knew some hadn’t arrived. So be it – he wasn’t wasting time chasing others who didn’t want to be with the Shadows. As Syala talked, the doors opened behind and another new face and a rather imposing one at that, but there was no threat to the Shistavanen. He looked past the others and waved him into the room more. He let George finish before lifting his hand.

”Ok, I want to hear from the Shistavanen before we start. Already none of you are thinking like a Shadow, but I’ll come to that.”

Connor indicated for him to speak, not before looking out for Coci and the young child, who were still absent. That was clearly the maternal side to Coci taking over and giving the Youngling a talking to.

”Care to introduce yourself and answer two questions. One; what brought you to the Shadows, and two; what will you be prepared to do to protect the Order you serve?”

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Syala Daivik"] | [member="George O Rourke"] | [member=Chashmona] | [member="Abygail Ericson"] | [member="Kurogan"]

 

[Kurogan]

Shistavanen ears twitch in response as he begin to gather his thoughts to the master questions. What brought him here it was the same reason why he stay in the military the eagerness to do something new, to face something challenging that will put his mind and body to the test. He smile at the thought "My name is Kurogan, I came here to the shadows because I believe it will be a challenge, I'm looking for something that will push me to the limit both my mind and body."

"As for what I am prepare to do.." he though about his time in the military "I willing to fight to protect the order and my friends... regardless of what it takes.. down to my last breath.. I still be fighting." he watch the master in front of him he wasn't sure if this was the response he wanted but he felt confident in it.. this is what he was train for to support his fellow members and friends.. even now it was imprinted on him and he wanted to keep that with him as long as he can.

[member="Connor Harrison"],[member="George O Rourke"],[member="Syala Daivik"],[member="Abygail Ericson"],[member="Coci Heavenshield"],

 

[Connor Harrison]

With a grateful nod, Connor looked over the new Shadows before him, glancing over to where Coci had gone. He would wait for her as she was as much a vital cog in this machine as any. Connor started a gentle pace along the walkway, making sure to look them all in the eye and hold it. He could see then he felt intimidated, or who felt confident to hold his gaze.

”Somewhere along the line, you changed. You stopped being you. You let people tell you you're no good and when things got hard, you started looking for something to blame. Yourself. Let me tell you something you already know. You’re here because of those who made you question yourself and what you can give to the galaxy. You once felt you had to hide in the shadows, but now we will lead you to strike from it and to protect those who at one point unknowingly made your resolve stronger.

The galaxy is a very mean and nasty place, and I don't care how tough you think you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. I’ve been hit. Coci has been hit. But it’s not about how hard you hit out, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. That's how the Shadows move. Forward. As one.

Now if you know what you're worth, follow me and show what you're worth. You must be willing to take the hits, and no pointing fingers saying you couldn’t cope because of him, or her, or them, or that, or whatever. Cowards do that, and I know that’s not what you are, because you wouldn’t be here if you were afraid of what’s out there. You don’t want to be here? Leave.”

He’d said this variation of a speech numerous times, but each time he meant every word and made sure his voice conveyed he was sincere in what he said. Connor stopped for a few moments.

”I’m Connor Harrison, leader of the Silver Shadows. Second in command is Coci Heavenshiled, whom I’m sure you all know. As Shadows outside of these walls we exist only as Agomar and Creimire, as will you only exist by your chosen codenames. Listen to us, learn from us, follow us. Disobey, deceive or betray us and you will be expelled from the Silver Shadows and face me to answer for your crime.

Operate separately and we are nothing. Operate together and we are unstoppable.”

He turned and rested his hands back on the cold metal walkway.

”Nothing you do or say will shock me, but what I do or say may shock you, but my methods skip the sugar coated gloss many apply and I seek results and make you find that strength inside that will help you survive. I’ll throw the floor to you now; any questions you have or concerns then now is the time to ask.”

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Syala Daivik"] | [member="George O Rourke"] | [member=Chashmona] | [member="Abygail Ericson"] | [member=Kurogan]

 

[Kurogan]

The Shistavanen listen to every word the master said, he knew deep down inside that he was right. From all the things he had done when he was young and while he was in the military he put the blame on someone else instead of taking it for himself. He was bound and determined to show that he can take the hit of the world even if it feels it's going to end he would keep on pushing until it was his time to pass on.

He watch Master Harrison when he ask if there was any questions, Kurogan shook his head the excitement of the unknown begin to build up inside of him. He was ready to get started as soon as possible.

[member="Connor Harrison"],[member="George O Rourke"],[member="Syala Daivik"],[member="Abygail Ericson"],[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Kurogan"] | [member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Syala Daivik"] | [member="Abygail Ericson"] | [member="Chashmona"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"]

George listen to Master Connors speech, he was right about the whole thing. After his parents died he used it as an excuse to push the blame of anything and everything onto other people, he never took responsibility for what he had done, always running from it trying to escape it. But since joining the Silver Jedi George had changed, he seemed to begin taking more responsibility for his actions and the Silver Shadows would expect nothing less than that.

As Master Connor asked if anyone had any questions, George had quick think to see if he could generate any in his head, but nothing at this time. Shaking his head he waited and listen to see if any other Shadows had questions.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="George O Rourke"] [member="Kurogan"] [member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Syala Daivik"] [member="Abygail Ericson"] [member="Chashmona"]​

​

She could not wait any longer, and so picked up the small child and moved back to the assembly area. Coci placed Chashmona on a chair behind one of the monitoring screens so she can remain there and listen if she wished too.

"Master Harrison, and fellow Shadows", she began with a bow. "I believe you have been apprised as to the nature of this meeting?". She looked to each in turn.

"The threat of the darkness is nearing, as you are aware of what happened on Ziost, and it creeps ever closer. We now have a lot of work to do, but in order for us to do our duty we must train and be ready for when the call to arms is sounded".

She turned to Connor and indicated for him to continue his directive.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor drummed his fingers gently, and the Shadows turned to welcome in Coci with Chashmona. He watched her move, a woman of many labels to the Order; friend, wife, mother, warrior, teacher.

”Master Heavenshield is right – threats come without warning, and they will not wait for us to be ready. We will move out of here into the surrounding area of the Dark Heart for training. Not the everyday Jedi training; that we know you can do. This will be training to test your attributes to be a Shadow – speed, stealth and determination.”

Connor gave a small nod.

”[member="Abygail Ericson"] - [member="Syala Daivik"] – have you anything you want to ask or check with me before we move on?”

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="George O Rourke"] | [member=Chashmona] | [member=Kurogan]

 

[Baalagor]

It seemed strange to say that Syala was proud of Connor for all that he said, given that he was the one that had witnessed her grow into a capable Knight, instead of the other way around. But she was proud of him, and exceedingly so, being perfectly aware of how difficult it was for him, sometimes, to stand up in front of others as a representative not necessarily of just himself, but a sect of Jedi as a whole. It took more strength than most were willing to admit to stand up in front of others like this.

Carefully she had listened to what the others had to say, studying their presences in the ethereal as well in order to gain a better understanding of just who they were. They were older than she, but younger in the aspect that they were still learners, though she wouldn't deny her status as such either despite her rank. It wasn't that she didn't respect them still, because she did, but it left an unspoken gap there that was yet to be tested. One that would be in time, it seemed, given what Connor had to say.

"Masters, may I speak?" Taking a breath, she exhaled slowly. "The threat they both speak of is real, even if it might sound like a tale told to the younglings in order to get them to behave. It doesn't appear as something out of nightmares, like you might imagine. No, it looks human, just like you and I. For all intents and purposes they are normal, and you won't think them to be anything other than just that. But there is an undertone, one of a grave darkness that you'll learn to sense. And then you'll know.

"I don't mean to frighten any of you, but it's something that must be known before you venture out into the galaxy. You won't always know if one is Sith on sight. I think I speak for all that have faced them, including myself, when I say that it is that aspect which makes them the most dangerous." That had taken something of a dark turn, but it was a truth that was necessary to bring to light before any continuation. Only then did she turn her head to Connor and Coci. "No questions, Masters."

[member="Connor Harrison"], [member="Coci Heavenshield"], [member="George O Rourke"], [member="Kurogan"], [member="Chashmona"], [member="Abygail Ericson"]