Take The Moment

[Kriel Firin]

As Ara joined him, he nodded his appreciation. It was not subservience in his eyes, but rather unity. They were Ren. They were the First Order.

“A warrior without a cause is no better than a barbarian. Many see themselves as above others, but in truth they are nobody – just hell-bent on personal glory and gain.”

“And you make a compelling case for the First Order to bring you into their fold,” it was clear he was not going to mention the Ren just yet. “And you appear to understand the difference between the Jedi, the Sith and other orders.”

“Your knowledge is sufficient that there is no value in denying the Ren any longer. I cannot say I trust you yet, you will have to earn that. But I am prepared to take you to our Citadel. Where we are trained. Yours is a different story, but then they all are. You are a Disciple – pure and simple. Serve and you shall progress. I cannot say any more or make any promises. Are these terms acceptable?”

[member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Maybe it was pride in himself for making it this far, or maybe it was confidence he could serve an Order. Either way, his chin rose slightly and he held himself a little firmer.

"They are. I don’t hold myself above anyone of you on my former life as a Jedi. I want to learn, transition my knowledge of the Dark Side to my progression and I will serve the Order with all I have to give.”

It pained him not to look at Ara, but he fixed his gaze on the mask that fixated him. How people would cower before an image such as that in the battlefield.

He gave a half-bow, half-nod.

[member="Ara Ren"] | [member="Kriel Firin"]

 

[Kriel Firin]

Kriel gave a half-bow in return. Ara would know what a mark of respect this was from the Knight of Ren. But he was not about to explain that to Connor. He would learn in time what it meant to be a member of the Ren. It was one thing to believe you understood but quite another to actually live the life day in and day out.

But anyone who made the Ren stronger was to be welcomed – and in truth Kriel was impressed that he didn’t just roll up and talk of being a dark Jedi or Sith. He wanted to be a Ren – and if he achieved half of what Kriel had read of in the file on the man, he would make a significant impression.

“You’re part of the First Order now. We don’t take on personal challenges or help out other Factions. Not unless the Supreme Leader dictates. Other’s battles are of no interest to us. None. Is that clear?”

He wondered what Ara was thinking. Was she pleased or wary of the newcomer. He’d find out soon enough.

[member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

The disciple raised an eyebrow as Connor directed his statement about protecting their cause, and the other Ren themselves, with his life. She'd meant what she'd said before on the Holo, it wasn't she he needed to convince, but her master. And so she shifted her attention back to the masked figure beside her, the movement of her eyebrow the only indication to the ex-Jedi that she'd heard his statement.

His nod of appreciation brought a smile to her face, one that was easily hidden behind the mask, a smile that grew when he agreed to bring Connor to their Citadel. But first, he would have to accept the terms of servitude. He would have to accept that he was one of a group, no longer a master. He was at the bottom of the ladder, a disciple, like she was. Would he agree or would he decide that their life was not his way?

She watched him as he considered, nodding once in approval as he straightened and accepted the terms her master had set down. Cursing herself for the relief that flowed through her, she stood a little straighter herself and schooled her expression back to one of indifference.

As Talon Ren bowed to the newest Disciple of Ren, so did she.

"Welcome, Connor."

She raised her gaze, attempting to catch Connor's, letting him see the smile in her eyes. She wasn't sure what her master had found in his research, but it was enough to convince him to give the man a chance with their Order. She would have to find out more for herself.

"Your orders, Master? My mission is complete and the ball has passed. Shall I return to the Citadel as well?"

[member="Kriel Firin"] | [member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Kriel Firin]

Kriel was unsure if Connor was going to speak again. But Ara posed a question and so her Master answered her.
Without turning his body to face her, his voice rumbled from the vocoder.

“Your mission was successful and given the ball has ended, we should return together. It gives you the chance to debrief me and it will allow the former Jedi to learn – if he has not already – how to access the dark side of the Force, given its fundamental difference to the light side.”

[member="Ara Ren"] [member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor nodded to Ara, the smallest of smiles at the corner of his mouth as she gave him a welcome. It took him a few moments to think on his answer, to which the Master and student before him could converse.

When the synthetic voices stopped, Connor's natural one began.

"Thank you, both. I am not here to wage a one-man war against the Light, and I will relish being part of a bigger Order such as this. And while I do have allies with the Sith, right now I don't think they are going to welcome me with open arms. And you don't need to worry about the Dark Side. That is burning away inside me, but I will not turn down more chances to understand and unlock more potential than I had before.”

[member="Kriel Firin"] | [member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

With one sharp nod of acknowledgement, the disciple headed to the door of the office, opening it and turning to the men behind her. She was not looking forward to the idea of travelling with both men, knowing what space travel did to her nerves and psyche. It was a frivolous thought, considering both men had seen for themselves the affect it had on her, but pride and vanity were hardly logical emotions.

"Shall we?"

She raised an eyebrow at them both in question, knowing her master would value expediency over any sort of social necessity or politeness.

She found herself wondering what the ex-Jedi was thinking. She wondered at his easy acceptance of the terms, even though she knew he'd come to Avalonia seeking exactly what he'd found, a place within the Ren. She also wondered at his impression of the man she called master. She would find time to ask questions later, for now, they had a trip to make, and if she knew her master as well as she thought, Connor wouldn't be the only one who's skills with the force would be tested.

She resisted the urge to sigh, content to take up her place slightly behind and to the left of Talon Ren as they left the garrison, heading for the spaceport and their transport to the Citadel the Ren called home. As they made their way through the city she found herself in a strange internal war. Both men brought out very different sides of the disciple, her natural instincts around them at odds with each other. The only consolation she gave herself was a sidelong glance at the ex-Jedi, an easy smile forming behind the mask.

[member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Kriel Firin"]

 

[Kriel Firin]

Kriel was a conceited man. He was a billionaire playboy that life was way too easy for. He was good-looking, popular and an adrenaline addict. He’d taken up a life of crime just to see how much we could get away with. If back on Cloud City, who knew what his sphere of control would be now, with both good and bad money behind him.

But he’d turned his back on that life. And in a sense, that life had turned its back on him. He was no longer an oil painting, more like the result of an oil fire. And he’d eschewed his personal wealth for a life of service.

Did that make him a zealot? Perhaps? But he was dedicated and honest and above all he saw his place in the greater scheme of things – and he was satisfied with the role he had to play. Right now he was developing Disciples, many of whom would no doubt overtake him one day. It mattered not a jot. At least not to Kriel.

For he was Talon Ren now. His former name simply a footnote on a personal file.

“Time is the true instrument for measuring intent.” Kriel said as he headed through the door that Ara had opened. “How you fill that time is down to you. We can provide training and help you understand our goals. The rest is down to you.”

In a very real sense he had already moved on. Ara’s training was primarily in his mind, as well as his next mission. The former Jedi’s fate lay in his own hands. As Kriel’s was all those years ago on Bespin.

[member="Ara Ren"] [member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Following a step behind the two Ren, Connor listened didn't really take note of his surroundings.

He started to feel at one with the city, and he had a sudden urge to use his funds to find a place he could call his own. He shot a look to Ara, and then to the Master who spoke again.

"T would like training, if that is provided. And any other materials you can give me, as I'm eager to begin.”

He paused.

"So...the Citadel. Can I ask what we will be doing there?”

[member="Kriel Firin"] | [member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

Ara allowed her master to take the lead as they made their way through the city. She also paid little attention to the city around, a bit relieved to be returning to the place she considered home and the familiar surroundings. Although she loved Avalonia and the entertainment that the city provided, she missed the fortress shrouded in darkness and surrounded by forest. She also found she missed the daily sparring matches and training sessions with Talon.

She made sure to keep in practice while away, and the short spar with Connor days ago had been a nice little test of her skills, but she knew that consistent training and practice were the only ways to improve. She found herself glancing at Connor again as he spoke, the thought that they might have to make a habit of sparring together crossing her mind. After all, if she only ever learned to defend herself against Talon, she’d hardly manage to hold her own in the heat of battle.

She resisted the urge to make a sarcastic comment back, as she would have if they had been alone. Instead she fell in step with the newest Disciple. ”I would assume starting your training and getting you acquainted with our way of life.”

Realizing her teasing tone and smile was hidden by the vocalizer in her mask she shook her head and reached up, easily removing it. At this point she had no need of it and would draw more attention to herself in it. Not that the man in full robes and mask ahead of them didn’t garner his fair share of attention, but few would risk bothering the imposing figure. She tucked the mask away, taking a deep breath of air untainted by the tang of metal.

She shared a knowing look with Connor as the group approached the bustling spaceport. A shudder ran down her spine and she shook it off. Yes, this trip was going to be a bundle of fun. Not.

[member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Kriel Firin"]

 

[Kriel Firin]

Kriel allowed Ara to respond to Connor and then added his own thoughts. “What I am about to say will not come as any surprise, but it would be foolish not to air it. You will be trained as any Disciple of the Ren would. Our philosophy, Force training, general training and an understanding of the First Order.”

“Our role is not public. We tend to operate covertly and our missions are a blend of Order business and Ren business.”

“And do not think we are bred to be automaton. There are many different views and styles among the Ren – but there is a common thread that I have referenced many times in this conversation already.”

“I suspect much of the basic training will cover activity you have already undertaken. But if nothing else, it would ensure you learn to call on the dark side as a matter of course and not the light. Sometimes Jedi find it a challenge to open themselves up to emotions – especially the darker ones. And if they do, they sometimes lack control. That is something even Disciple level classes can teach you.”

“And then there will be the myriad of abilities available that would previously be unavailable to you, that we can teach you effectively.”

“Given your unique circumstances, you do not necessarily need a Master – but I would advise you finding at least a mentor that can assess your progress."

[member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Sharing a glance with Ara, he nodded and turned his attention to the Ren Master.

"I will take on all training that comes my way, and I doubt there will be, but I don’t want any treatment different to that of others. I am at the bottom of a ladder I need to ascend, and while I am not as powerful as I have been, it is only a matter of time.”

He quickly continued.

"And power as in a personal strength, nothing more. I’m not out to rule a world or anything.”

The Citadel was going to be interesting for sure – there was so much to understand and take in, and so much he wanted to do. Forge his own lightsaber, acquire or craft his own new robes, get an equally imposing mask.

It certainly was the first steps forward.

[member="Kriel Firin"] | [member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

The disciple burst into a small coughing fit as she bit back the laughter that bubbled up. The ex-Jedi definitely had a way with words, usually requiring him to back track and or apologize more than technically necessary. With a rueful shake of her head, the coughing and laughing subsided. She purposefully avoided looking at Connor, a precaution to keep the laughter from emerging again.

She agreed with her Master, they were not automatons despite their tendency towards a similar style of robes and armor and of course the imposing masks they wore. Each Ren needed to be indistinguishable from the others for the purpose of unity.

She hesitated as they reached the ship they were lead towards, familiar from their trip to Dagobah. She shook her head and followed the men up the ramp, her steps echoing hollowly on the metal ground.

"You can have the co-pilot's seat, Connor."

She glanced towards the cabin and let a slow shudder roll over her as she recalled her last trip in this same craft. Plunging through the thick mists and clouds surrounding the swampy planet had to be in her bottom five experiences. She had no qualms with allowing the man and her Master to converse further while she found a nice spot to meditate and try not to throw up.

As she started to turn away in search of such a space, she paused, glancing at her Master for his approval. He had mentioned a debriefing and testing the newest Disciple's access to the dark side of the Force. She would do well to make sure he had no need of her before disappearing to her corner.

"Do you have need of me, Master?"

[member="Kriel Firin"] | [member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Kriel Firin]

Behind his mask, Kriel smiled. In truth the former Jedi will have a tougher time of it as opposed to an easier path. Many will see him as an outsider. Some may remember his time as a Jedi even. Others will see him as some benchmark and competition would no doubt ensue.
Not that is mattered to Kriel. And it was not that he lacked ambition – it was rather he wanted to develop the likes of Ara more than he wanted to be given the notional Master title. It was, after all, just a word. It carried with it no real advantage – at least none Kriel could ascertain.

He shot a glance at Ara. She clearly found the former Jedi amusing and he was neither interested nor disinterested in the situation. But he noted it none the less.

When they reached the ship, he noted how quickly Ara volunteered the co-pilot’s seat and he nodded his approval. “Yes, you take the navigator’s post and Ara can assume the pilot’s. Beyond that, I have no need of you. I shall take the time to write up a report of our encounter here. To smooth the way when we arrive. The sort of formalities that avoid unnecessary questions when we get there.”

Tests didn’t always come in the shape of a Rancor.

[member="Ara Ren"] [member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Looking between the two Ren, Connor let his head move to look at the co-pilot chair in the cockpit.

"Sure.”

He hunched forward and took a seat in the chair and settled himself, brushing the cloak to one side and getting comfy, he didn’t look back at the Ren as he spoke but made a note about the possible reception one could expect.

"I can fly if you want,” he turned to Ara, "if you’d rather navigate?”

[member="Kriel Firin"] | [member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

Spoiler

I LOVE this. just so you know :wub:

The disciple froze mid-step at the chill-inducing words of her Master. She glanced to the figure of the pilot's chair and back to the masked man, mouth hanging slightly open in a mixture or surprise, shock, and a spike of anxiety. He had to be fething kidding. Right?

Right?

Closing her mouth and frowning, she debated the merits of arguing with Talon Ren, but knew, even in their short time together, that he wasn't joking, nor would he be swayed away from it.

"You have got to be fething kidding me..." She muttered under her breath, following Connor into the cockpit.

As the man settled into the navigator position, Ara stood for a moment, hands clenched on the back of the chair she was supposed to take. She supposed it was a test, but of what? Her willingness to follow orders regardless of her personal opinion? An attempt to see if she could navigate through the fear? She glanced back at the masked figure, her expression a mix of pleading, incredulousness, and anger.

As the ex-Jedi offered to fly, she shook her head sharply, knowing this wasn't going to be one of those assignments she could pass off to another. Letting the anger momentarily take over the fear and anxiety bubbling up within, she took her seat with angry, jerky movements.

She took a moment and stared at the instrument panel, all of which were foreign to her. Still clinging to that anger, she called back to Talon Ren.

"I don't suppose it comes with step-by-step directions as well?" The growl hide the quiver in her voice, mostly.

[member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Kriel Firin"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Glancing at Ara, and then over the chair into the rear, seeing the dark shadow of the Ren, he picked up on her fear and knew right then another chink in her armour was on show.

"Hey,” Connor leaned forward whispered, "you got this, alright?”

He looked back, and then reached out with his hand and placed it over hers giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Trust yourself. Trust the Force.”

With a solid nod, he squeezed once more and sat back, prepared to help if needed but giving her the space and time to prove herself.

[member="Kriel Firin"] | [member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Kriel Firin]

Kriel was no taskmaster. He was firm and fair and tended to know what was right.

And right now he knew that Ara’s fear of flying and inability to pilot were a significant issue. Travelling to and from missions was inevitable. Engaging foes in space was always a possibility. Being able to land and interact immediately was imperative.

She could live without being an ace pilot. There were droids for that sort of thing, but being in the cockpit was important. If it were a phobia she either had to overcome it, or deal with it somehow – create some coping strategy.

And he mused that her fear was something she would have to learn to harness – and if she could, it would be a real boon to her development. Of all of the emotions, it was the most powerful and if controlled, it could really give her the edge in combat.

So for now he completed the necessary paperwork to allow them to land and for Connor to be integrated into the Knights of Ren. A small part of his consciousness was allocated to Ara – but this was her challenge and therefore he knew he could do nothing to help her right now.

[member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Ara Ren"]

 

[Ara Zambrano]

Ara shot one more angry glance at the shadowy figure of her master and sat back, staring for a moment at the instrumental panel in front of her.

"I hope you both blame the Force when we crash." She muttered, fingers flying over the panel and bringing the small craft to life. With the hum of the engine, her anxiety spiked, a thread of fear wrapped around her windpipe.

She glanced side-long at the man beside her.

"If you want to help, tell me when I'm doing something wrong."

She stared straight ahead, a rueful smile barely covering up the quiver of nerves and anxiety in her voice. She thought back to the trip she had taken with Talon to Dagobah, trying to remember for the life of her how he guided the craft.

Somehow, miraculously, she guided them into the air. Another spike of fear and anxiety had her knuckles turning white on the controls, a jerky motion threatening to send them crashing back towards the spaceport.

[member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Kriel Firin"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Glancing behind at the Master, Connor saw this was part of something bigger, but still wanted to help Ara and deal with whatever later. He turned back to the viewport, feeling the lurch forward once they were air-born, and he shot his hand out to hers.

"Relax. Stay in control.”

His hand covered her tight white knuckles and pulled back to level the ship.

"Like anything, you are in control. The second you give up, the ship controls you. You control the speed and the direction.”

Connor looked to her other hand and nodded to it, his right hand still on hers on the altitude.

"Push that illuminated green button and your landing gear will retract, then bring your hand back to the throttle and keep it steady.”

He looked out to the sky.

"You can do this.”

[member="Ara Ren"] | [member="Kriel Firin"]