Private The Book You Don't Read

[Cali Ziiva]

"How to make glowsticks," Cali responded on the heels of Jester's question. She blinked and look immediately to Xobos next. Fully expected a gentle correction on this matter. You know, for reasons. Like the Zletron was in any way wrong about lightsabers being sticks of plasma, which always glowed. Even the Darksaber glowed.

"Oh, so," her bright gaze turned back to the Darth Dude, "I'm guessing it's hard to make a holocron, otherwise there'd be more of them, right? Or is it just down to finding someone interested in stuffing a piece of themself into a holocron that limits the number? Aaand probably some people thinking they're immortal, or that what they know is too dangerous, or... Well, you get the point. Like, what should a cutey, such as myself, be mindful of when constructing such a device?" Cause building holocrons was one of the other things Darth Juek knew about.

Also Sith Histories, but Cali didn't really care? Well, probably some interesting stories and secret devices, but in the grand scheme of things Historian wasn't a hat Cali sported too often. She was more of a contemporary gal, herself. Quite wise to the ways of the world of today. Could learn from the past, but not enough to make it a consuming hobby.

Unlike Big King Malvern, of course, and his fancy book "reading."

"Oh, oh, and so you know how much time passed. Do you experience the passage of time? Or is that just a clock or calendar you referenced when you said hello to my Miraluka?" How much of a person was stuffed into the little box, anyway?

Tag: Xobos Yakieer | Leven Jeyd

 

[Xobos Yakieer]

Location: Illyria, Azurine City, Dragonne Palace.
Equipment: Illyria Knight Armor, Miralukan Eye Mask
Mental state: Silent.
Tags: | Leven Jeyd | Cali Ziiva

The silence that cut in after Cali cut through both Xobos and Darth Juek when both seemed ready to answer Leven’s question was palatable. Obviously, the gatekeeper couldn’t express any emotions about what had occurred, but Xobos’ amusement at Cali’s cut in showed just how little it really mattered in the end. Cali would Cali, and everyone would have the chance to speak here and there. Before Xobos spoke again, and while she was leering playfully at Cali’s description of a lightsaber, not a glowstick, Darth Juek took the opportunity to turn and address the question of Leven’s at a fuller length. “Like most gatekeepers, I am only capable of storing information on very specific topics. Within me, I hold my creators sum total of knowledge on the topics of Sith History, Lightsaber construction, and holocron construction. Other holocrons created by Dark Jeuk would have libraries of information on different topics built into them. In essence, I hold a piece of him that if I were to cease function, the information would be lost to the nether.”

Cali’s barrage of words seemed to start the gatekeeper, as much as such a thing could happen. It didn’t do much to Xobos, whom was quite used to Cali’s bright gaze and spew of happy words that could come at any moment. The gatekeeper was seemingly intrigued, happy to have someone that had not only a built in knowledge already, but was interested in learning more. “The piece of themselves that is taken when they become a gatekeeper is a deterrent, yes, but not necessary in every case. Some holocrons don’t contain a gatekeeper as advanced as me, and instead only have a simple message. But as you create more and more complex knowledge within a holocron, the more one has to put of themselves into the devise to make it work. A give and take.” Glancing over at the Miraluka, the gatekeeper and her seemingly shared a knowing look before he finished addressing the Zeltron. “If you would like to speak about the technical details of creating one, I would be happy to discuss that as well.”

Darth Juek began to start back toward Leven’s side, quickly turning when Cali’s question prompted his attention once again. “Internal clock, yes. I am more machine than…phantom, despite what it might seem. As for you…” Turning back to the Jester, the holocron looked the girl over, glancing back and forth between the apprentice and Xobos. There was a moment a knowing look spread across his face when he seemingly started to understand what the Miraluka wanted, staying plastered there as he turned to the changeling. “So, what else can I answer for you? Any of those topics are completely open to discussion. Any of them.” Standing there, expectantly, it seemed though the gatekeeper was attempting to sway Leven toward a certain line of questioning. He seemingly understood there was a reason Xobos had picked his holocron, after all.

 

[Leven Jeyd]

Location: Dragonne Palace, Azurine City, Illyria.
Tagging: Xobos Yakieer ~ Cali Ziiva

​

The changeling's head turned towards Cali at the speed of a bullet, eyebrows raised and bright-eyed. The next second, she had stood up again - white gaze darting from Cali, to the holocron, to Xobos and back again as she began to move. Her next stop was close enough, positioning herself behind Cali's chair and clinging onto the backrest as she watched over the Zeltron's shoulder at the holocron. Any person would have said she seemed to be paying attention to the exchange between the adored Zeltron princess and this...piece of Darth Juek - but to those that knew her and could feel the insidious aura around her it was easy to tell that this was far from the truth.

She was scheming.

This thing knew how to make a glowstick? Leven knew very little else about lightsaber besides the fact that they were uncommon, wielded mostly by those attuned to the force - and, most importantly, that they were pretty and deadly. It would not have been the first time that the changeling eyed the saberstaff that usually rested on her master's hip with curiosity and interest, nor would she be lying if she said the thought of...borrowing it from its owner and testing it for herself had crossed her mind. Of course, the risk of it had kept her from doing it.

There was a very specific reason why Leven had moved closer to Cali besides the fact that she felt comfortable and enjoyed the Zeltron's proximity. For reasons she didn't understand nor minded much to look into - it had a calming effect on her. Her thoughts were clearer and her mind sharper, even more so than usual, and she seemed to be deciding on her approach. Soon enough, Leven would move again.

This time she reached the end of the table, and from one second to the next - the changeling had jumped and her feet had landed on the table itself. Her movement had been precise and her lithe, feather-weighted body had ensures that the table was undisturbed besides her sudden and unexpected decision to jump on it. Purposefully or not, she had been careful. Now, she was as close to Juek as she could be, folding her legs until she was seated right in front of the hologram, with Xobos to her left and Cali diagonally in front of her to her right.

This time, her eyes settled on Xobos' mask as though she was intently looking at the Miraluka's eyes. The memory of Dorvalla filled her mind, more precisely, the image of the Sith Lady moving her saberstaff and directing the blaster shots aimed at her towards the dead body that laid besides her. After a moment of intense silence, she addressed Darth Holocron once again.

"How?"

"How are they made?"

 

[Cali Ziiva]

The biggest question that might boggle the mind was: did Cali say that knowing what Xobos had in store, because Cali knew it was what Jester wanted most, or because Cali simply liked calling them 'glowsticks'? Only the gods knew. And they weren't talking because Cali had them sign NDAs on pain of chocolate privileges revocation.

"Hmm, so, like, you can put part of your mind inside a holocron, or, like, dictate a journal." The Zeltron nodded. A soft giggle then followed the offer. "Certainly. I think it'd be pretty neat constructing one. There's got to be a lot out there that could use safe keeping. Course I think I'll need to design mine in a different shape. Otherwise people might get really upset if they stole one thinking it'd be worth millions of credits. I mean, I suppose the information I'd jot down in it could be worth something, but probably not Sith Secrets to Super Powers kind of worth."

Course then Darth J turned back to Jester soon enough. Cause, you know, they were conspiring about something particular. Very particular. Doing everything short of just screaming it aloud, really. And Jester herself was doing everything possible to all but scream back 'kark yes.' Like, loitering in Cali's shadow ready to pounce. Not suspicious at all.

With a smile fixated on her lips, the pink one watched as Jester prowled and then literally pounced atop the table to 'confront' the Darth about his knowledge of building lightsabers. "Oh, good. I was worried everyone was going to dance around the subject for a few more minutes. I don't think I could have stayed quiet long as I did." Her lips parted to reveal a toothy grin at the trio in sight.

With a little wave, Cali added, "I'll let her have this round. I think the cuties would tie me up and gag me if I delayed discussing this at length."

Tag: Xobos Yakieer | Leven Jeyd

 

[Xobos Yakieer]

Location: Illyria, Azurine City, Dragonne Palace.
Equipment: Illyria Knight Armor, Miralukan Eye Mask
Mental state: Silent.
Tags: | Leven Jeyd | Cali Ziiva |

Perhaps she had been around the antics of her jester for too long now and gotten used to her…unusual ways. Or maybe she had just anticipated the little thing doing something outerworldly like jumping up on the table. Either way, the sudden movement leven earned her little more than a disapproving look from Xobos, but no words or actions to push her off. Neither did Cali react, but the pink alien seemed impervious to anything and managed to take everything in stride. The only one who seemingly gave an actual reaction was the gatekeeper, who let out a seemingly frustrated sigh at the antic. Better to introduce him to it beforehand, since they’d be seeing each other a lot more from now on.

The reaction was paired with a disapproving look toward Xobos, which was just waved off and motioned to continue. Darth Juek continued to glare at Jester for a moment more, glancing sideways at Cali as she spoke before finally settling his gaze on Leven’s and beginning. “Lightsaber construction is more complicated than might otherwise seem. This is why typically the instruction on how to build one is closely taught by a master or some figure that has built their blades before. Master Malphas obviously helped Xobos create her blade, and I am sure that she will be assisting you through the trials of constructing your blades.” He paused, allowing xobos to say anything that she might like to at this point. Instead, Xobos continued to silently listen and take in the situation, giving the gatekeeper and her apprentice a nod.

Taking this as a sign to continue, Juek began to move forward with his speech, now beginning to dive into the specifics of creating a blade. “There are a few important pieces to each lightsaber, while others can be substituted in and out without much trouble.” There was a moments pause, then a another hologram appeared next to Juek, sized up for ease of sight. This one was a much more traditional style of hologram, showing a deconstructed lightsaber with pieces highlighted and named. Juek began to list and make his way down the blade, the pieces would light up to emphasize what he was speaking of. “Diatium power cell. The powerhouse of your lightsaber. Should last forever if used correctly. Surrounding it would be some sort of power vortex, allowing the power cell to stay isolated. A power field conductor would also be somewhere here. That is all covered by your handgrip and constructs the bottom part of your saber. Next..the crystal chamber.”

Now was the time that Xobos leaned forward, cutting the gatekeeper off with her movement. “I will tell you now, my apprentice, that we will not get all these pieces in one go. You will go through trials, and it will take time. But like my blade,” Pausing, the miraluka lifted her lightsaber on to the table, the low light shining off it. “it will be a work of art that reflects who you are in every piece. Your journey, your trials, all coming together in one beautiful art piece. Like a symphony of music.” Removing her hilt from the table, Xobos then nodded to Juek to continue, giving him the go ahead to continue.

“Right, the crystal chamber. You will have both your primary crystal, which most people go to Ilum or a crystal cave of some sort to retrieve, and a set of focusing crystals. These are interchangeable. Some lightsabers have Kyrat Dragon Pearls as focusing crystals, while some even have pieces of former primary crystals. The chamber emits the blade, which is then shot through the cycling field energizers before finally exiting through a blade emitter of some kind.” Juek looked quite proud, for a gatekeeper, as he finished his basic definition of the components. Standing there, the hologram looked from the image of the deconstructed saber to Leven, awaiting to hear any questions she probably had in his mind.

 

[Leven Jeyd]

Location: Dragonne Palace, Azurine City, Illyria.
Tagging: Xobos Yakieer ~ Cali Ziiva

​

Leven listened.

For the first time in what would seem forever, the changeling was perfectly still and focused even though this task provided to action with which to occupy her restless body. One of her legs had been folded, feet flat on the table surface, her elbow resting over her knee while the hand that dangled from this angle idly scratched at her forearm - at Xobos' mark. It seemed to have become a habit, so much so that the skin no longer grew irritated by the persistent scratching of the Jester's nails. Even if she had grown more accepting of her reality, the thought still lingered on the back of her head of wanting the mark removed - and it made itself known through this coping mechanism.

However, the full of her attention was on Juek. Sharp eyes followed the images presented, committing them to memory. Indeed, Leven was being so dutiful at the moment in her intent to learn this that even after such a short exposure, she would have been able to turn around and draw the components displayed and their order by heart right now. Of course, the theory of a lightsaber's composition was a lot harder than actually bringing it into being - but Leven ignored this.

Indeed, the young girl had already been making a list on her mind, fully intending to waltz out of the library as soon as Juek had said his piece, go gather the things, and get that saber built and ready to chop stuff come nightfall. Xobos words, timed almost to perfection, had put on a pulled the breaks to this train of thought very suddenly. Disappointed eyes reached the Miraluka, before gliding towards Cali - questioning. Eyes that wanted the pink princess to deny that there would be any measure of waiting involved in this. "The princess must know a faster way to build them."

But there would be, and a groan came from the very base of the Jester's throat at the realization as she allowed her head to fall back for a moment. It soon returned to its normal position, eyeing Darth Juek with a much less amused look.

"Master's and Cali's lightsabers are different. Why? What types are there?"

 

[Cali Ziiva]

The Zeltron was absolutely quiet, and quite still minus a wandering eye toward Juek's holocron to mentally map its construction. Perhaps she was too quite and too still. Well, that wasn't her fault. It was her way of not saying anything that would upset her Miralukan cutey... or probably elicit a shuddering groan from Darth Hologram. After all, the man had led with 'lightsaber construction is more complicated than it might otherwise seem.'

And despite Cali's carefully perched smile and silence, Jester still looked right at the pink woman and asked pointedly whether there was a faster way. How did that little ball of everyone manage to suss that out? Oh, probably because Cali pretty much never demurred before a technological challenge. Also had a habit of building things out of wire, tin snips, and bubblegum.

"There is." Boom. Mic drop. Might as well just get it out of the way. Trying to dance around it would only be a 'yes' to Jester anyway. "But," Cali added before Xobos and Juek could flip out, "it's not about the lightsaber. And I know what you're thinking -- it's totally about the lightsaber. Hey, it's neat to play with in your free time," Cali admitted, "but what will you do if I dropped one in your hands right now? How long would it hold your interest? How effective do you think it'd be? How powerful?"

The Zeltron paused to a smile a moment. "Look at the holocron here. It's a mechanical device, like a lightsaber, but it's not just a mechanical device. It's imbued with Force energy preserving a sliver of an actual person. Sitting on a shelf it's not very powerful, but if you use it correctly... Same with a lightsaber, really. Build it, wave it around, cut down trees with it, but that's not its full potential." Cali spared Xobos a glance before she turned back to Jester. "Besides, it's their way. Sith and Jedi alike. Constructing it is as much about the journey as the destination, as my Master put it. Tedious as the journey can be at times. You'll learn more about yourself and your own power doing it this way. A lot more."

"Oh, plus the Crystal? You don't just pick any crystal. You'll know it when the time comes; but you have to be ready for it. Trust Xobos in this." Cali smiled with her hands clasped atop the table. They could talk fashioning sabers far more quickly and all kinds of crazy designs later.

Tag: Xobos Yakieer | Leven Jeyd

 

[Xobos Yakieer]

Location: Illyria, Azurine City, Dragonne Palace.
Equipment: Illyria Knight Armor, Miralukan Eye Mask
Mental state: Silent.
Tags: | Leven Jeyd | Cali Ziiva |

There was just half a moment where Xobos wanted to drag Cali out of the room kicking and screaming about the easier ways to create a lightsaber. The last thing she needed was Leven diving into the books to find the ways, only for Xobos to find half the stuff in her manor cut into various shapes and sizes. That was the absolute last thing she wanted. And it almost looked like Juek was thinking the same thing.

But that moment passed. Quite quickly, in fact, when Cali began to launch into her speech about what was special about a lightsaber. She even began to slowly sit back into her chair, beginning to smile at herself for not trusting the Zeltron. Her over eagerness was a trait that she knew of, and experienced, on the daily, but there was an underlying seriousness that would emerge in the most perfect of situations. Most of the time that involved a machine, or building something, but she knew when to bring it out otherwise. And to her credit, the analogy given by the Zeltron was perfect for the situation at hand.

Everything that Xobos intended to put Leven through would be part of this journey. And while there would be lessons to be learned along the way that she meant to teach, every single they went out the galaxy would teach it’s own lessons. Lessons that may not apply to Leven but could to Xobos, and viceversa. Everything was a journey, and much how Cali spoke of the holocron being useless siting on a shelf, certain lessons and teachings could be useless unless put into the right context. It was her job to make sure that Leven got those lessons.

The mention of her name brought her attention back to the conversation just as cali finished speaking, giving her a grateful nod as she did so. Her gaze fell upon the jester to her right, giving her a nod as well. “The crystal could be seen as..a crown jewel almost. I will take you to get yours, that is a promise, but only when you have gathered all the other necessary pieces. You will know when you are ready, my apprentice. That is something that you will know when the time comes.” Perhaps not what the changeling wanted to hear, but it was how Xobos did it, as did many sith and jedi before them. It was tradition…although there were times such tradition could be broken.

There was still a final question that lingered in the air even after Xobos and Cali had spoken, being what kind of lightsabers there were. Juek seemingly took the silence as his time to speak on such matters. That was what he was created for, after all. “Quite a few types of lightsaber…types exist. You have your standard hilt, the double bladed saber, the shoto saber, a lightwhip, lightspear, and plenty, plenty, plenty more. New types are constructed practically all the time. What constitutes as a lgihtsaber is a hilt powered laser. It can be emitted or shaped in endless ways, and the ones that are adapted quickly or are used by significant users are etched into the hallows. Now,” Stepping back, the gatekeeper looked from each of the guests to the next, giving each a bow of the head. “Do we have any final questions before I leave? Not that I won’t answer. It just seems our business for the day feels concluded.”

That would be up to Leven and Cali. If they had questions, they were plenty free to ask. This wasn’t an way for the gatekeeper to shut down the conversation. It seemed genuinely curious if there was anything more, and if there wasn’t, their business for the day was concluded.

 

[Leven Jeyd]

Location: Dragonne Palace, Azurine City, Illyria.
Tagging: Xobos Yakieer ~ Cali Ziiva

​

There is.

Leven perked up again as though she had just heard the most wonderful bit of news one could ever receive. The happiness that momentarily flashed in her eyes was all consuming, only to begin sizzling away into disilussion as Cali's explanation progressed. The Jester appreciated the fact that the Zeltron had made her privvy to the means of faster saber acquisition that were available to her, even if in this case they did not seem to be the most favorable. If there was one thing Leven was not, was a conformist. Sure, easy roads saved her effort and time and were taken whenever possible - but never if they meant the end result would be less favorable to her.

Cali's words made sense. Her white eyes fell once more on Xobos, the image of the Knight's saberstaff forming in her mind. Indeed, were she to have it within her grasp right this second, Leven would take no longer than a blink to put it to use in some entertaining form or the other - but it would be short lived. When confronted with Cali's words, Leven realized that she did not want another's lightsaber. Not truly. Things that were her own were always better.

So Leven conceded, offering a nod to the Zeltron princess before arming herself with what minuscule amount of patience she had and returning her attention to Darth Juek.

Of course, her acceptance never equated to her agreement. Tradition. Leven did not care for tradition. Leven did not care for anything that did not have her power to adapt, and learn, and change. The girl struggled to see the value in stability, in custom. But she did not fail to see that many people, if not all of them, upheld them, and as such they were a thing to be learnt and keep an eye on - be made into another tool in her miraculously large repertoire.

"Fine, then."

The Jester then paid close attention as the gatekeeper mentioned some of the types of lightsabers there were. And the gears on the girl's mind began turning again. Drafts of designs and their use, their purpose. Slowly but surely, an inkling of a wry smirk began curving the sides of her lips. She had one more question, but it was not for Juek. The white gaze turned upon Xobos once more.

"When do we begin?"

 

[Cali Ziiva]

The pink one leaned over in Jester's direction after Juek had spoken. "Don't recommend the lightwhip. Sure, it looks neat, but is it really a good idea to wield a flexible string of plasma against other people that can move things with their minds?" A sword, a spear, an ax... all these things had a fixed shape and were controlled by the person holding them. Only the base of a whip was in the wielder's control; ordinarily the base governed where and when the rest would follow, but not if your opponent was adept at telekinesis.

"Actually," Cali straightened up with the usual cheer, "I once dreamt up a lightsabercaster. Some people throw their sabers at an opponent to throw them off or catch them off guard. So I figured, why not shoot lightsabers at someone and then, like, control them as a group?" A grin flashed across her face. "But then I realized it was really ineffective. I mean, the hilts aren't exactly small, a Jedi or Sith wouldn't need a caster, and anyone else was probably better off with a blaster or a vibroblade."

Jester's question drew Cali's bright, lidless eyes. Sounded like someone was eager to start building their saber even if they had to take the long way around this time. That was good. She was sure Xobos would get the cunning and shifty woman some good training for when she got the glowstick of destiny.

There was one good thing that came out of their discussion though. Like, Jester totally got Cali on the shortcut, but she hadn't asked about the Zeltron's own story. That one would have been much more difficult to spin a yarn in Xobos' favor. What? How did a cutey like her learn about lightsabers and build hers? Oh, well, you see... she hadn't. Not at first. The Jedi Master had kind of trained her in using it, then he left his behind, and she chased after him. So, like, there hadn't been the whole walk five thousand miles to build a saber ordeal.

Maybe that's why she called them glowsticks.

"Don't worry, your Lordship, I'll be back with a whole lot of questions. Or maybe with a holocron I built to poke at." Cali giggled as she grinned once more.

Not that she planned on cutting a part of her soul off and sticking in a holocron. Goodness no. Like, her bubbly cuteness might be limitless, but it was hers.

Tag: Xobos Yakieer | Leven Jeyd