Private Shock to the System

[Drystan Creed]

ALDERAAN

Drystan kept his barrier up as the exercise wore on, each flicker of electricity reinforcing both his understanding of the technique and his confidence in wielding it. Gradually, the act of conjuring the shield became more instinctual—quicker, stronger, more refined with each pass.

Progress. Tangible and earned.

He was giving it everything he had, refining raw talent through focused effort. Hard work—real work—was what bridged the gap between potential and mastery.

As the final cycle of their drills wrapped, he gave Caltin a nod, acknowledging the point made. It was one thing to anticipate a strike. Another to react to it without warning. That second skill could make the difference in the field—between survival and failure.

"Got it. I'll be on my t—!"

A flicker of light sparked at Caltin's fingertips—fast.

Instinct kicked in. Drystan's eyes widened, and in the blink between the attack's launch and impact, he barely managed to raise his hand. A pulse of energy met the small, hastily-formed barrier, dispersing the shock just in time.

Had he hesitated, even for a breath, it would've stung.

He lowered his hand, letting out a sharp breath.

"Like I said, I'll be on my toes."

Lesson learned. And point taken.

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

Judgment
Sanctuary Island
Around the Island

The kid was getting comfortable, even backing together with his skills and reflexes getting sharper. Yes, that made sense. Now it was time to surprise him.

One more time. This time to see just how much of a tolerance you have built up. Cracking his neck again and then his knuckles..

This time, full strength, at least mine. Throwing a fully extended hand out, Caltin let the full strength of his connection to the Force flow into and through him and then outward in the form of powerful lightning. Then, his other hand. He was not going to kill the Shadow, or even try to hurt him, the big man wanted to make sure that Creed could handle this.The lightning crackled through the air, illuminating the room in a harsh, blue glow.

Once they had both recovered, regardless of the time spent repeating it, after all, this was a bit of a drain to teach this skill, as well as defend against it for the first time, Caltin drank down his smoothie.

Droid, back to work.

Now it was time to finally learn what the kid came here for.

Drystan Creed • TAGS
[Text in Brackets is spoken on Comm-link] ~Like this is through the Force~​

 

[Drystan Creed]

ALDERAAN

Drystan maintained his diligence throughout as they continued. As the intensity ramped up, he endured the sting of lightning, adjusting, reinforcing what he learned, and refining it further with each repetition. Every iteration saw more energy blocked—dispersed. The tingling, static sensation that once lingered during his earlier attempts was now beginning to fade into something more manageable.

Though the foundations were set, Drystan's mind was already working ahead. He knew he couldn't rely on Caltin to guide him all the way to mastery. That final stretch would be his to walk alone.

After the last exercise, he took a moment to catch his breath—a brief reprieve before the next test.

As Caltin called over the training droid, Drystan straightened and readied himself. Now came the true application of what he had learned.

A pause followed, tension creeping in as Drystan stared the droid down. Then, an arc of electricity leapt toward him.

He brought up his hand, letting the bolt strike his palm as the barrier caught it. His jaw clenched, teeth grinding slightly as his eyes narrowed in focus, maintaining the effort.

The currents crackled and surged for several seconds, blue lightning bursting against his outstretched hand before finally dissipating. The droid powered down.

Drystan lowered his arm, exhaling deeply before giving a firm nod.

"I think I'm getting the hang of it."

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

Judgment
Sanctuary Island
Around the Island

That is not what I meant at all. Watching the droid attack Drystan with electrical energy, Caltin realized he was not clear in his directive and was prepared to apologize, but the reaction from the Shadow worked out fine.

Droid, stand down. Cracking his knuckles, and walking over.

It’s time to learn what you came here for. Electric Judgment is a manifestation of the Force that allows a Jedi to channel energy in a way that can incapacitate or deter an opponent. However, it is crucial to remember that with great power comes great responsibility. This technique is not merely a weapon; it is a tool that must be wielded with wisdom and compassion above all.

First, we must remember and understand the nature of the Force. The Force is a living energy that connects all things. When you learn to harness Electric Judgment, you are tapping into this energy and directing it with your will. It is essential to maintain a clear mind and a focused intent. Your emotions can cloud your judgment, so practice mindfulness and meditation to keep your thoughts centered.

Start by centering yourself in the Force. Feel its presence around you and within you. Visualize the energy flowing through your body, gathering in your hands.

Once you feel the energy, practice directing it. You can do this by visualizing it as a current of electricity. Imagine it flowing from your core, through your arms, and out through your fingertips.

It is vital to maintain control over the energy you are channeling. Start with small bursts of energy, focusing on precision rather than power. You can practice on inanimate objects to get a feel for the technique.

Always remember the purpose of this ability. It should be used defensively or to protect others, never out of anger or vengeance. The moment you let your emotions dictate your actions, you risk falling to the dark side. It’s ironic for me to be saying this to a Shadow, I know, but still.

As you practice, take time to reflect on your experiences. How does it feel to channel the Force in this way? What thoughts and emotions arise? Journaling your experiences can help you gain insight into your connection with the Force and your intentions. Finally, do not hesitate to seek guidance from your fellow Jedi. We are all here to support one another in our journeys. Share your experiences, ask questions, and learn from each other.

Remember, Padawan, Electric Judgment is a powerful ability, but it is only one aspect of what it means to be a Jedi. Your true strength lies in your compassion, your wisdom, and your commitment to the light side of the Force.

Dropping into a Lotus position, he waved for Drystan to do the same.

Let’s meditate on this. The first aspect of energy manipulation is to understand the energy and flow itself. So have a seat. Clear your mind, close your eyes and focus on the Force flowing through your mind.

The point was to watch and feel the flow of the Force through the electrical impulses in the mind. As you meditate, visualize the energy flowing through your body, connecting you to the Force. Feel its warmth and power, and let it guide your actions. Remember, the Force is not just a tool, but a part of who you are.

Drystan Creed • TAGS
[Text in Brackets is spoken on Comm-link] ~Like this is through the Force~​

 

[Drystan Creed]

ALDERAAN

Caltin's words fell on hungry ears—Drystan absorbed them keenly, leaving little to waste. He was like a sponge, eager to improve, and more importantly, to do so the right way. A lesson instilled in him by his master during his Padawan years.

With those words echoing in his mind, he joined Caltin in meditation. He would learn through the Master's guidance, reflecting on the ideas given to him.

Wisdom and compassion—two things he searched for each day. Wisdom, to understand the right course of action. Compassion, to recognize the suffering of others and help shoulder their burdens. But he knew he still had far to go. He was young, a blink in the grand eye of the galaxy. And ever since his master's passing, that compassion had eroded, replaced by a rigid sense of justice that often flirted with vengeance.

He was aware of this flaw. He had to work on it. And now, he wasn't alone. He never was.

The nature of the Force wasn't unknown to him, but he understood how deep its well ran. He felt it—how his connection to it had grown with the years. His will was unwavering, his intent resolute—sometimes to a fault.

As he continued to meditate, his thoughts began to drift, visualizing in his own way. Perhaps the Force guided his mind… or perhaps it was something deeper.

The states of matter.

First, solid—what he was. In body and spirit. Coiled, tight, like a spring wound to its limit. He needed to let go, to soften, to relax the rigidity of his soul.

Then, liquid—he imagined himself melting, loosening, letting his form flow and be immersed in the Force. Soaked in it, like a child yet to be born, surrounded by the warmth of something far greater. His spirit flowed, becoming viscous and malleable.

Then came gas. He expanded. He let go even further. He imagined himself as vapor—weightless, invisible, filling the air around him. His awareness drifted, spreading through the very breath of nature, floating where wind carried him. He began to rise—his body levitating softly, hovering a foot from the ground.

And then—plasma.

The fourth state. A realm that could only be reached through complete transformation. His soul excited, his energy alive. Cells danced. Nerves sparked. And then, a golden arc.

A single strand of electric light jumped from his chest into the air. Then another. And another. Small arcs of gold danced and multiplied, growing, spiraling in the air around him. He remained seated, unmoving—but he was immersed in it. He focused, refined, and welcomed it. Made it his.

Electric Judgment.

He was beginning to understand.

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

Judgment
Sanctuary Island
Around the Island

He didn’t say anything when I called him “Padawan”. He must really want to learn this. Getting up and standing fully erect, he looked down at the Shadow.

When you’re ready, start to focus on the electrical impulses in your mind. Visualize them, expand them and bring them outward into your body. Cracking his knuckles, and then his neck, he limbered up.

Focus on one of those impulses and make it grow visually inside you. Let it begin to envelope your chest and shift into your arm and hand until… DROID! Throwing his hand out, tendrils of powerful energy ripped into the droid’s chest as it crackled and shuddered.

The Sith view this as a weapon. If this is what you view, I take you down myself. If you view this as a “safety”, something that will one day save your life, then repeat what I just showed you.

Drystan Creed • TAGS
[Text in Brackets is spoken on Comm-link] ~Like this is through the Force~​

 

[Drystan Creed]

ALDERAAN

Drystan took Caltin's words to heart, the weight of responsibility behind the technique settling into him like stone. He gave a firm nod to the Master, his voice calm and resolute.

"I understand. Just like how a lightsaber isn't just a weapon in the hands of a Jedi… I'll wield this with the same respect and care that I wield my blade. A tool to protect others."

He turned back toward the training droid, squaring his stance. The sparks began to build once more, golden tendrils of electricity coalescing and dancing in the palm of his hand. He focused, letting his breath steady.

A moment of stillness. He closed his eyes—centering himself—before opening them again, his gaze sharpened with intent.

Then, with a swift motion, he extended his hand. The golden bolt crackled outward, flashing through the air toward the training droid in a dazzling arc, mimicking the precision of Caltin's earlier demonstration.

As the last flickers of light faded, Drystan let out a slow breath, lowering his arm. He turned back to Caltin with a raised brow, the corner of his mouth threatening a smirk.

"How's that for a Padawan?"

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

Judgment
Sanctuary Island
Around the Island

A perked eyebrow of his own after the Shadow’s demonstration.

Still curious as to why a Shadow would want to learn this, but at least he has a sense of humor.

For a Padawan? Surprising. For a Shadow to whom I expected to pick up on this quickly?. Letting out a bit of a nonchalant shrug.

Again… Seeing Siasides inside near the kitchen, he nodded. The Shadow Master knew what to do. While Drystan was performing the task again… to which Caltin would ask him to repeat it again if he felt that the Knight was “not quite there”, but in reality was preparing for the next aspect of the skill, he watched.

Alright, now you have proven that you can prepare yourself. However, much like learning how to block Lightning, I am teaching you how to use the skill instinctively. Suddenly two small discs were flying through the air from the roof. In a flash, no pun intended, Caltin blasted the both of them with lightning, shattering them to dust. He might as well be shooting birds with a shotgun.

I want you to the point where all you have to do is decide you are going to use the skill and then use it. No preparation. These little clay “Pijuns” will help with that. This is not to make it as easy to use as you would “Levitation” or “Telekinesis” or even “Alter Environment” like most Shadows should know to the point where you would treat it as such, but out in the field you will not have the time to build up the energy inside you. Take as many tries as you need.

Drystan Creed • TAGS
[Text in Brackets is spoken on Comm-link] ~Like this is through the Force~​