Private Shock to the System

[Drystan Creed]

ALDERAAN

The rain here wasn't so bad. Compared to Woostri—compared to Dorin—it was nothing.

But Drystan wasn't here to chase storms. He was here to master the one within himself.

His thoughts drifted as his ship approached the starport of Sanctuary Island. He had cashed in nearly every favor just to track down the location of this place. It was well-hidden, discreet—perhaps intentionally so. Either way, he needed something here. Something—or someone.

Since returning to the immediate folds of the Order and the Alliance, Woostri had been his greatest life event. Like many others, he had lost much there.

But he had also gained something. The shadowy smoke that once enshrouded him—he now understood it wasn't just smoke. It was clouds. The harbingers of a storm.

And he had realized it only at the apex of his duel with Zachariah Conway .

He had tapped into something hidden—a force he had only ever used as a veil of obscurity.

But his true power was the opposite of everything he had once been.

His final strike had parted the skies themselves—a flash of power unleashed in desperation. And that was the problem.

He didn't want to wield this strength only in moments of desperation.

He wanted to control it. To call upon it's full force at will.

That was why he was here.

Training could only take him so far.

Knowledge. Understanding. Without those, potential meant nothing.

A punch thrown with raw power was useless if thrown wildly, inefficiently. Power required control.

And this—this power—had been wielded by only a select few Jedi before him.

If he was going to harness it, he needed more than instinct.

He needed guidance. His fingers pressed against the ship's comms.

"This is Jedi Knight Drystan Creed, requesting permission to land and access to the facility."

Leaning back into his seat, he exhaled slowly, eyes fixed on the approaching landing platform.

Now, he just had to wait for a response.

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

Judgment
Sanctuary Island
Starport

[“Cleared for approach to the Southern Starport landing. There you will wait for your escort.”]

When Drystan landed, he would have been met by two Padawans as well as a husky looking Jedi in a leather jacket. Creed, I am Master Aric Siasides . Welcome to the Sanctuary Temple. Now please tell me how you found out about us as we have not made our intentions “public” yet.

The demeanor of the Shadow was gruff and suspicious, but was cut short.

Relax old friend. Master Vanagor himself walked out into the landing bay. Connel vouches for him, that is good enough for me. The fact is, he had known Creed, if indirectly, for years. Once the other Jedi nodded, and walked away, Caltin turned to Drystan and simply said.

I’ll assume he told you about this place. We’re trying to keep it “invitation only” for now after what happened on Kashyyyk. Though he smirked, the mention of the Wookiee homeworld and its current state was clearly still a hotbutton for him, but he moved on from it. Sorry, but Connel is currently on an assignment assisting the Republic of Naboo with their “Vanguard”. You’re welcome to hang around until he comes back if you wish.

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

 

[Drystan Creed]

ALDERAAN

Drystan landed as soon as he was given clearance, stepping off his ship to meet his welcoming party.

A quick scan of their faces, taking in their presence.

Then, before he could answer Aric's question, his attention snapped to the arrival of Caltin Vanagor.

A wave of relief washed over him.

He had half-expected to waste time explaining himself to someone unrelated to his search, possibly even being turned away.

Instead, Caltin was here.

"Thanks for vouching for me, Master Vanagor." He offered a polite nod.

As Caltin spoke about Connel's whereabouts, Drystan raised an eyebrow.

Communications between Shadows were rare—their work often isolating, their focus relentless. Wellness checks weren't part of their philosophy.

They were self-sufficient by design. They had to be.

"Actually, I wasn't looking for Connel—" he admitted, his tone curious but measured. "Though that is... interesting to hear."

A pause.

"I was looking for you."

His gaze was steady, serious.

"I need... guidance, so to speak. Some things have been revealed to me recently, and I need someone with experience to help me... develop these revelations."

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

Judgment
Sanctuary Island
Around the Island

Very well. Surprised, he turned and waved for the young Shadow to follow him. Walk with me. Caltin didn’t wait, he simply, slowly walked out of the berth and through the small concourse. This was not a large island, nor was this “Starport” which was little more than a couple of covered landing paths. Caltin was also not wanting to be rude. It was just a nice day, and he was taking the time to enjoy it.

What can I do for you? A question asked more out of curiosity than hospitality.

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

 

[Drystan Creed]

ALDERAAN

Drystan followed along, the leisurely pace of their walk a rare reprieve from his usually frantic lifestyle.

Moments like these were few and far between.

When Caltin posed his question, Drystan's focus sharpened.

He lifted his right arm—his only biological one.

"I want to know more about this."

Taking a moment, he centered himself, feeling the Force within and around him.

His palm lifted. Then, golden sparks flickered to life.

Tiny, crackling arcs of electricity danced in his hand. A statement rather than a performance.

"It's a long story," he admitted, his tone measured. "But I found myself using it in a... rather sticky situation."

His black prosthetic arm caught the light as he subtly gestured to it.

"Same fight where I lost this."

The sleek, heavy-duty cybernetic stood in contrast to the living limb that now hummed with power.

Drystan met Caltin's gaze.

"So, what do you think?"

A pause.

"I figured you'd know more about it than most. I don't think I've seen anyone in the Order use this before—not my peers, not my superiors."

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

Judgment
Sanctuary Island
Around the Island

Interesting. A perked eyebrow was all that Drystan would get for the moment. Nothing more. They walked a little more, and in the quiet of the cooling breeze, one that Caltin was enhancing through the Force just a little bit. When they reached the main house, he looked over to one of the staff. Could you bring up one of the training droids? The staff member quickly nodded, and ran off as the big man himself stepped over to the drink bar and made himself a smoothie.

Want one? He was busy dropping juice, fruit and berries into the blender as he asked, there was clearly plenty. When the Training Droid came lumbering out, Caltin brought over two large mugs full of the blended beverage and then took his eyes to the arm one more time. He knew, from the moment Drystan showed him his arm what was going on, but there was no fun in just coming out and saying it.

Turning and reaching out through the Force, green tendrils of powerful electrical energy blurted through the air and into the “chest” of the training droid. Something like that? The only damage to the droid was the smell of burning cloth… as Caltin sat down, he relaxed.

Youuuu have experienced “Electric Judgment”. My condolences. Caltin hated lightning, no matter what it was called.

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

 

[Drystan Creed]

ALDERAAN

Drystan observed as Caltin demonstrated the technique, his eyes sharp, almost analyzing every movement as if committing it to memory. This was exactly what he had experienced—though with variations. The color was different, and his application of the technique had been unrefined, instinctual at the time of its discovery.

"Yeah, exactly like that."

He nodded in thanks, accepting the other mug and taking a seat across from Caltin.

Electric Judgment. So that's what it was called.

He had felt the difference from standard Force lightning, but he hadn't known there was an actual name for it.

At Caltin's condolences, his brow lifted slightly. The sentiment was… unexpected.

"Condolences? Sounds like you're saying this ability is a curse."

He considered the thought, letting it settle. Searching through his memories of the duel. Searching through his feelings.

"I always thought Sith lightning came from anger, hate—some deep desire to inflict pain." He exhaled, shaking his head as he recalled the moment it had first manifested.

"But when I used it… I didn't feel any of that."

A pause.

"I felt… resolve. Determination." His gaze darkened slightly, focused inward.

"I was determined to see that justice was served. To see my opponent stopped. Defeated."

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

Judgment
Sanctuary Island
Around the Island

I said what I said. He said, holding up his hand, crackling with energy, eventually releasing it into the droid again. Let’s be clear. EVERYTHING the Sith do are based out of “hate”, a “lust for power” and “hubris”. I say this being married to a former Sith Lordess. Again, he said what he said, taking a sip of his smoothie.

That is where the “color difference” comes from. The “purple” as compared to the “greenish yellow” hues depend on the resolve of the purveyor. You have learned exactly what it means to use it. “Resolve”, “Determination”, it is meant to be almost a “last resort” against a foe. He shrugged as he looked at the droid.

As far as “condolences”, I said that simply because I do not enjoy the skill. IN fact I hate it. He sucked on his gumline, collecting his thoughts on how best to explain.

It is “meant to be” a last resort. However, too many tend to use it like a “crutch”, use it too easily, too often, and become too reliant on this. I say this from personal experience. I did as well for a long time.. Caltin hated lightning, no matter what it was called. It’s better to learn how to block, or deflect it to me.

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

 

[Drystan Creed]

ALDERAAN

Drystan was slightly taken aback by Caltin's willingness to divulge details of his personal life. But he listened intently, nodding along as the Master spoke.

"I understand. Jedi who rely on it too much become a one-trick pony. And that's not even considering how easily one could… switch colors, so to speak, if they're not careful."

He agreed—these were valid concerns, wisely stated, as expected from someone of Caltin's station.

But Drystan wasn't satisfied with that conclusion.

His own experience pushed him to question further.

"When I used this power… I didn't use it the way you just did." His voice carried a measured curiosity, his mind already working through the possibilities.

"I was able to imbue the lightsaber I was using with the lightning. It started purple—then the gold slowly took over."

He leaned forward slightly.

"I poured everything I had into that attack."

A pause.

"Have you ever thought about expanding upon it? Not just using it the way you showed me—but pushing it further? Finding other ways to utilize it."

His brow furrowed slightly in thought.

"Maybe it doesn't need to be a last resort."

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

Judgment
Sanctuary Island
Around the Island

Pulling Conservator to his hand and engaging the sovereign gold blade, the energy crackling over it, not in an unstable but more powerful fashion.[/I]

You mean like this? Then Caltin blinked as he shut down his weapon and put it away. Was this kid giving him a lecture? Dressing him down? No, he was a kid in a candy store at the moment.

So you’re looking for a more powerful method? Some kind of… almost “elemental” attack? Closing his eyes and holding his hand up the clouds over them began to gather and “gray” up. Putting his hand down they dispersed.

If you want to learn this, I can teach you, but I am not going to do so until I know that you can handle it, and I’ll be honest. First impressions aren’t very good right now. He shrugged as he looked at the droid.

This skill is an important one to have, but it always comes at a cost. You have to understand whether it is worth paying it, that is the “last resort”. He sucked on his gumline, collecting his thoughts on how best to explain.

It isn’t life or death, but I’m not kidding when I say it killed me on Kashyyyk. Caltin would not explain why he was sitting here, truth is, he was still trying to process it, but he knew he should be “one with the Force”... he was at one point.

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

 

[Drystan Creed]

ALDERAAN

"Yes, something along those lines. Though mine was a bit more... spur of the moment."

Drystan's eyes flickered slightly as he watched Caltin command the technique with ease.

It was both astonishing and reassuring—a clear sign that if anyone was suited to teach him, it was Caltin Vanagor.

And Drystan was willing to do whatever it took to learn.

"I'm not looking for a shortcut to more power than I already possess." His voice was measured, unwavering.

"I just want to learn to wield it. To understand it. To know when to use it—and just as importantly, when not to."

He exhaled, his jaw tightening slightly.

"I just… don't want be involved in a deathmatch again just to tap into it."

Drystan knew this wouldn't be easy. Caltin wouldn't part with such knowledge lightly, nor would he be quick to train someone he had only just met. And rightfully so. This technique—this power—could be dangerous. Misuse could be catastrophic. Drystan would need to prove himself.

"So," His voice was steady, serious, devoid of amusement. "How can I show you I mean business? That I can handle what you have in store for me?"

He had no illusions. This wasn't just another skill to add to his arsenal. This wasn't something to take lightly. And if Caltin needed assurance—Drystan was ready to give it.

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

Judgment
Sanctuary Island
Around the Island

Caltin sat there, listening to everything the young man had to say. Truly listening. He was not invading the man’s mind, or even skimming his surface thoughts, but the big man was looking for clues, subtleties that showed his true motivation. He watched the young man's body language, noting the subtle shifts in his posture and the fleeting expressions that crossed his face. Every gesture, every hesitation, provided valuable insight into the man's true intentions.

It’s not that he did not trust Creed’s word, but the man was a Shadow, and while Connel was a Shadow himself, and he trusted the younger Vanagor, Connel was his son, and originally trained as a Guardian, a weapons master. Shadows as a whole tend to delve closer towards the Dark Side than even he did in his heyday. Nothing against Creed, but he needed proof before he would okay this.

… and he was slowly getting it.

I can see why Connel vouched for you. I will ask two things of you though. The first is to walk me through everything that happened up to the point where you experienced what you did. Putting the mug down, he nodded. Then after that, you are going to first learn how to block lightning, not just “barriers” blocking lightning. He shrugged.

Then I will.

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

 

[Drystan Creed]

ALDERAAN

"There isn't much to be said."

Drystan's voice was even, but his mind replayed every moment—every movement, every strike, the sequence of events that led him to this discovery.

"I fought a Sith. Got my ass beat like a Dathomiri drum for three and a half quarters."

A dry smirk, but the memory wasn't amusing.

"And just when I was about to bite the dust… it came to me."

He exhaled.

"It felt like something—some presence—made sure that wasn't the place for me to become one with the Force. Got me back on my feet, gave me just enough to even the odds… but I couldn't finish the job."

He nodded at Caltin's lesson plan, his focus shifting.

"Yeah. Knowing how to block lightning would've come in handy in that situation."

His mind flashed back to the storm of electricity he had taken head-on—a lesson burned into his skin. That was something he could do without in any future encounters with the Dark Side.

"Didn't really think much about that part of the process." He crossed his arms, considering.

"Guess it's a two-for-one lesson. Block it. Make it."

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

Judgment
Sanctuary Island
Around the Island

Or I could deny this, and send you away having learned nothing, we could do that too. Caltin did not want to, and had no intention of sending Drystan away, but the Shadow needed to understand that neither of these skills were easy to learn, but they were of incredible importance, one more than the other. At least to the big man. Alright.. Chugging his drink and flipping the mug over, he stood.

323(The droid). Power up your electrical generator for discharges.

“Will do, Master Vanagor.”

As Caltin moved to the position he wanted, the droid’s arm slowly began to “crackle” and “glow”.

On your ready… Caltin did not want to be “ready”, he wanted to “react” to simulate what can and will happen out in the field. The big man was about to turn and tell Drystan what was about to happen when the droid expunged the power output.

Caltin wasn’t ready.

The last moment came and he threw his hand up, the electrical blast almost knocked him over, but he soon pushed back. When his arm was straight enough for the ocular sensors of the droid to pick up, it shut down and Caltin caught a breath and cracked his neck. Trust me when I say that this is far more important to have in your repertoire than lightning. Especially when you get some fool who thinks that they are “all powerful” with it. I cannot tell you how many fights I have walked away from that turned to my favor the moment I used this. He would not divulge who taught him this skill. A mystery… that can remain for now.

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

 

[Drystan Creed]

ALDERAAN

Drystan watched as Caltin's demonstration unfolded, his eyes tracking every movement, every reaction. It was impressive, to say the least.

That was no small amount of lightning that had surged from the droid—pure electricity, no Force manipulation involved. If he wanted to stand his ground against the Dark Side, he'd need to learn this.

"Can't argue with that train of thought."

He exhaled, rubbing his thumb over his palm in thought.

"If I'd learned this before Woostri… things would've gone a lot smoother." His voice was matter-of-fact, but there was a twinge of regret beneath it.

"Might still have my arm."

As Caltin finished his demonstration, Drystan pushed himself up from his seat, stepping away from the table and positioning himself in front of the training droid.

"I've got your physical movements down to a T."

His gaze flicked toward Caltin.

"But I'm certain there's a lot more to it than just raising your hand to block."

A pause.

"Was it the Force that helped you disperse the blast? Like a barrier? Or was it something else?"

He wasn't going to rush into this blind. Better to get a rundown first—otherwise, he was in for what would likely be a very uncomfortable jolt. An understatement, really.

"Just hoping to avoid getting fried by your droid here."

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

Judgment
Sanctuary Island
Around the Island

Caltin answered none of his questions, he simply waved Drystan over. The Shadow was indeed not going to rush into this, be it ”blind” or “informed”. This would be taught in the way the big man teaches, show them, and then break it down step by step.

Hold out your hand. Even showing the man how he wanted it, palm out. Alright.. Rubbing his hand against his tunic fast, all to collect static electricity, he waited a moment. Then tapped the Shadow’s hand, completing the circuit, so to speak.

Every journey begins with a single step. Including this one. I want you to form a mental barrier through the Force around your hand. Your task is simple… don’t let me do that again. Now hold your hand out, palm down, and turn your palm upward when you are ready. Rubbing his hand against his tunic again, he let Creed get himself ready.

This exercise was “two-fold” ; it was not only going to incrementally strengthen his ability to build a barrier to the energy that was the Force but to increase his tolerance to it. This exercise would also test the Jedi patience that he did not know he needed. This wasn’t a basic skill, it was highly advanced, but it was also something that he would not be able to learn on his own terms, it had to be the most prudent way possible.

Caltin did not like teaching “lightning” but if he was going to teach it, he was going to do it right.

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

 

[Drystan Creed]

ALDERAAN

Drystan raised his arm, following Caltin's instructions—only for his eye to twitch at the sudden jolt.

Okay. At least they were starting small.

"Got it."

He nodded, taking in the steps for the exercise. And it made sense—if he couldn't block a small shock, stopping anything from that training droid would be futile.

He lifted his hand again, focusing on forming a barrier...Zap. Another shock. Drystan let out an exhale, shaking his head. This was harder than he expected.

"Alright. Let me try that again."

His voice was measured as he raised his arm once more, preparing for the next attempt. This time, as the shock neared, he honed in on the point of contact, forming a minuscule barrier just before impact, the energy dissipated before it reached his skin. His eyes flickered with understanding.

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

He rolled his wrist slightly, testing the sensation.

"From what I've gathered, the trick is to create the barrier before the shock, rather than reacting to it once you feel the jolt. Something like that?"

It made sense—avoid damage before the hit, rather than adjusting after already taking it. A basic principle, but one he could build on.

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

Judgment
Sanctuary Island
Around the Island

Caltin answered none of his questions, he simply waved Drystan over. The Shadow was indeed not going to rush into this, be it ”blind” or “informed”. This would be taught in the way the big man teaches, show them, and then break it down step by step.

For the moment, you’re right. However, we are working on your tolerance. Your connection to the Force is unique to you and needs to understand and build a tolerance to the incoming attack. Eventually what we are working towards, is you able to push the attack out of you and back. He shrugged. It’s how I learned it. Rubbing his hand against his tunic fast, all to collect static electricity, he waited a moment.

Slowly I’m going to add more and more intensity. So be prepared. Rubbing his hand against his tunic again, he let Creed get himself ready.

They repeated this a few more times, until…

Alright… take a couple of steps back. Time to test what you have learned.

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

 

[Drystan Creed]

ALDERAAN

Drystan gave another nod, ever the eager learner. He absorbed Caltin's instruction like a sponge, refining his technique with each attempt. Bit by bit, his execution improved, each iteration bringing him closer to mastery. He wasn't quite there yet—but he would be. He would get there.

At Caltin's next instruction, Drystan straightened himself, pacing backwards til a fair distance sat between them, stretching his hand forward once more. He exhaled, closing his eyes, narrowing his focus.

Not just on his hand. Deeper. His mind honed in on the very cells that made up the skin of his palm, the molecules of the air around it, forming the barrier—atom by atom, constructing it like chainmail, each link reinforcing the next. He visualized every microscopic gap, filling them with the Force, ensuring that nothing could slip through.

Slowly, the structure solidified in his mind—each strand of energy woven together into an impenetrable defense. Then, his eyes opened.

Sharp. Focused. Ready.

He gave Caltin a firm nod.

"Alright, I'm ready. Hit me."

Caltin Vanagor

 

[Caltin Vanagor]

Judgment
Sanctuary Island
Around the Island

This is the last time you are going to know when it is coming, until we start practicing full speed. Cracking his neck. This isn’t “telekinesis”, it’s not an almost every day skill and something you need to be able to use reflexively and it comes only with practice. Extending two fingers, he nodded and small tendrils of greenish electrical energy emanated from his fingers and sailed across the pool deck and into the hand of the Shadow. Drystan would get a strong “jolt”, but nothing truly debilitating. He stood there “shooting” for a moment before stopping and walking inside.

He was in there for a moment before bringing out more ingredients to make another smoothie.

Teaching this makes me thirsty. He started putting together another blender full of items when he subtly threw his two fingers out at Drystan. Caltin was a master of this skill (no pun or play on words intended) so he controlled just how strong the shock would be and it would be nothing more than static shock… it was just proof to his point.

Told you.

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