The Je'daii Order, Act I: A New Hope

[Lief]

​

​

So much has happened since Bakura. The Je'daii were forced back into hiding, their construction efforts across the Galaxy ceasing. The Force Master Sargon Vynea has disappeared, Master Jericho is likewise nowhere to be found, and yet despite this, against all hope, murmurs of the Je'daii's return have begun to spread.​

A small gathering was called on Teth, to rekindle what had been lost.​

But who will dare show their faces within The Silent Temple?​

​

​

For days now they had been arriving.

Strangers from across the cosmos, pulled together under the voice of one [member='Jyn Sol']. Truthfully Asha didn't know she had it in her, the fiery woman had always seemed a little too preoccupied for such affairs, tending to the Temple which had sat untouched for decades, monitoring her body for signs of the next flare... And yet here she was. No longer sitting idly by.

During her time within The Silent Temple Asha Hex had well and truly found peace with herself. With the past which sought to torment her every waking hour. She had slept, she had gotten herself into a routine, and now she felt refreshed. Even among these strangers she found herself at ease. No longer checking over her shoulder for signs of a ghostly pursuer.

The Miraluka had been the first to descend upon their world. Master Aotirr had been a solitary Je'daii for longer than Asha had known years of existence, and was wise beyond her years. She looked worse for wear, though, her skin was taut, unseeing eyes sunken. It was worrying to see, but Asha felt it best to leave such things to those who knew what they were doing.

For instance Shor Vo, the healer. Second to appear, quick on the heel of her Master. The Mon Calamari fussed over Master Aotirr whenever she thought nobody was looking, yes... There was definitely something going on with the Miraluka, but she wasn't going to pry.

[member='Sargon Vynea'] had surprised her the most by his arrival, though. Truly the young Lorrdian had never expected to see the Zabrak again after the events of Thule. Asha didn't even recall ever leaving his side, but she had... She'd been gone for a while now. But he was back, and she was ever grateful to see him.

More and more came, several people stepped forward to claim responsibility over sections of the Temple, and between them things finally seemed to be looking up. Progress was extremely welcome. There was also the addition of numerous little kittens which constantly prowled underfoot, adjusting to their new home. Azrael was grateful for the company.

They had gathered, every Je'daii who had made the pilgrimage, within the conference hall. Jyn sat alongside Sargon and those who had taken up leadership positions. Asha, while just another face in the crowd, sat at ground level and smiled to her friend encouragingly. She was so proud of all that the Epicanthix had achieved. And not a hint of the flames in sight.

No [member='Jericho'] though... And Asha was beginning to lose hope that he would show at all.

 

[Lief]

Looking out over a sea of faces, Jyn would have been lying if she claimed she wasn't at least a little apprehensive. She had expected just one or two people to step from the shadows and make this pilgrimage to Teth... Instead the seats seemed to be filling fast. There was barely a single face she recognized, and yet each had come regardless, and now they stared at her for guidance, to see what step to take next. For so long their Order had been splintered, lone wanderers keeping their teachings to themselves, studying in solitary. Some, like Master Aotirr, had taken students. Others had put themselves through the Great Journey. Each had done their name proud in the face of adversity.

[member='Sargon Vynea']'s presence helped to soothe any of the flames which might have sought to engulf her, snuffing the anxiety in her chest before it could truly take hold. He had always managed to keep her calm, though... And it helped that he knew just the right way to do so. Their time on Myrkr had strengthened the bond between them, and while he was not her Master she saw him as her confidant, her mentor, a friend. She exhaled very slowly, and waited for the last drags of the Je'daii, who had come over the past few days, to find their seats. In a sea of faces, she recognized but one. Asha was smiling at her, and Jyn felt her confidence lift ever so slightly.

Look at the progress which had been made since the Lorrdian had sought her out. So short a space of time, and yet the calming influence of the Temple, and Jyn's guidance, had made the girl blossom once more. You can do this, Jyn. No more cowering from your fate. No more running from the Force, from responsibility. When all were seated, Jyn rose and gently brushed down her robes. She took a moment to glance over every row of people, assuring them that she spoke in service to them all, before settling her hands to her back. There they clasped, her posture straight... Radiating confidence. Did she feel so confident internally? That didn't matter. Not right this instance.

"Esteemed Je'daii; I have called you here, from the far reaches of the Galaxy, with the sole purpose of reuniting this once great Order. We have been splintered for too long, our name has become a myth held within the tomes of history. No longer."

She let that sink in for a moment, once again allowing her gaze to travel. This time settling on as many individuals as she could in the time she had given herself to do so.

"Today we take our first steps toward a brighter future; one of knowledge, of balance... One of moderation, and power. The time to act is now. Not in some great sweeping gesture with which to seize the Galaxy, but in each step we take from this moment onward; no matter how small it may be."

This time her gaze lowered to the younger members of the audience, and to them she offered a small smile.

"Our future lies in each student we bring into our fold, in each individual we aid throughout the worlds of this great universe. For we are a people borne not from some blind crusade to conquer, but from a desire to learn, to grow, to understand the universe we were born into."

There were murmurings among the crowd. She allowed their words to linger for a few moments, before gently raising a hand. Surprisingly the room fell back to silence, the people before her attentive. It felt strange to have the attention of so many, especially when usually she was remarkably quiet, the follower... Not the speaker.

"The Galaxy has been ravaged for too long by bloodthirsty sects. Even the Jedi forsake their own vows, capturing worlds under their banner as a claim to peace... But when has peace actually been found? Or the order which the Sith claim to desire? All I see are war-torn worlds, fathers, sons, sisters, forced into wars they did not choose to wage. Let us not follow in their footsteps. Let us lead by example."

This time there were nods. A few still seemed unconvinced, but when she looked across the group who sat beside her, those who had willingly stepped forward to help guide this next generation, they each gave a nod of approval. Even the Anazat, even the Echani. Both had been men she thought she would have to work hard to convince... Yet both seemed to agree with the sentiment. For now, at least...

"I give the floor to you. Any who would wish to speak up, for or against what has just been said, may do so in an orderly fashion. One at a time, no talking over one another. We all serve the same cause here, let us not be torn apart from the inside before we begin."

And with that, any who had words to say could step to the podium in the center of the room. Jyn took her seat beside Sargon and watched, waiting patiently.

 

[Lief]

Kyra had not come here under the correct pretenses.

She had been monitoring the transmissions of one Jyn Sol for years now, ever since she learned that the girl was still alive and in the care of the Space Witch Kära. There had been long periods of nothingness, though never had she lost hope. Still her ships comms were set to pick up on anything the younger girl transmitted... And in the days before the meeting took place Kyra just so happened to pick up on one for the first time in what must have been years, while returning from Jakku to Voss with one [member='Stephanie Swail'].

At first she had sat there dumbfounded while Steph rambled on about how starships weren't giant, no matter how big they were. She could try and trick herself all she liked, Kyra knew that the Jedi had enjoyed their trip to the Giant's Graveyard. Still, while the pair had been talking Kyra suddenly fell silent. Jyn... Jyn was speaking through her comms.

Truly her sister had done a fantastic job at hiding the transmission from any she did not wish to hear it; it was set on a low frequency, one which barely had any traffic, and had been encrypted. She was just unlucky to have a sister such as Kyra, who had never let such things stop her from eavesdropping before.

When Teth was mentioned, Kyra could not help but frown. Hadn't that been one of the Space Witches haunts? Just what had little Jyn gotten herself into? Kyra had to find out.

So she had told Steph of their necessary tangent, and the reason for it, and set a course using the provided coordinates. In a few days they had reached Teth, mere hours before the meeting was due to take place.

Flash forward, and now Kyra and Steph sat amidst a full crowd who were all fixated on a young woman and a group of others who sat across from the audience. She realized, once the girl rose and began to speak, once the room had fallen into utter silence save for her voice, that the woman she was looking at was in fact Jyn... How much she had grown...

The more Jyn spoke, however, the more the older Sol felt connected to her words. Everything she said made sense, and heck... Kyra wasn't even one of these Je'daii... The way she spoke of the Jedi and Sith made her feel safe that her sister had not fallen down a slippery slope, same as Connor. No... Balance, moderation... This all sounded too good to be true. Was it? How could she be sure?

She looked to Steph, trying to gauge the woman's expression. This was a lot to take in. It almost made her forget her purpose for being there. Almost. She would definitely be speaking to her sister after this.

 

[Sargon Vynea]

To say he was pleased at Jyn's growth in taking leadership would be putting it lightly. He'd always hoped she'd come into her own, and in particular this element. If anyone could ever truly understand the Je'daii philosophy it was Jyn, her own body reflected the harmony of her very mind and soul. He was proud of her, now more then ever. He'd helped the order build a temper in Bakura to aid in their growth, and he hoped it was still being used. With a new power over the skies of Bakura though it was hard to say what would be allowed and what not, it wasn't a hidden temple like this one after all. Tolerance was not in ever nations first interest.

He saw the makings of great leadership in her, her dedication, her resilience. Without a doubt in his mind one day she'd find herself a spot on the council, for the good of the order if nothing else. As for Sargon he was just happy to play a part and aid her. He wasn't true Je'daii, the only code he followed was the one the Force lead him down, and as far as he was concerned there was still much to learn. Still he was glad to be sitting by her side, in this moment most especially. It was the moment ever healer hoped for, the moment you watched a broken bird fly away under their own power once more. He was curious if more would join her and the Order, but that might take time, for now it was enough they'd made a stand together.

[member="Jyn Sol"]

 

[Sobaan Palle]

In the crowd of onlookers and intent listeners was a young lad who'd managed to convince his mother, [member="Paa'lee"], that going to Teth was the right thing to do. He couldn't explain the feeling that he'd gotten which had ultimately led him there, but it was akin to trying to explain the Force: it just was. One moment he felt perfectly okay with the idea of staying home, and the next he knew, somehow, that leaving and going to the world of Teth was what he was meant to do. Of course he'd only just met his father recently, and learned a little bit of him and his ways of the Force, so his mother hadn't been too happy about running off and leaving. Likely she was afraid he would end up just like his father.

She needn't worry.

Unbeknownst to him, there was a woman in the crowd, [member="Kyra Sol"], that his father had run into once. Would she recognize the resemblance between them here? It was possible although remote. His father was a full Mirialan and he was only half so. Still, the facial resemblance was there, as were the eyes. Always the eyes. He definitely didn't get orange eyes from his mother. Instead, she gave him his montrals, his lekku, and the purple highlights he wore proudly. He did love his mother and purple was a nice color.

He listened intently as the woman spoke. She said many things, some of which he didn't quite understand, but at least he paid rapt attention. That was pretty good for him. The general gist of what she was saying, as far as he could tell, was that the Jedi and Sith were doing things they shouldn't, and it was causing trouble. His father, though, was a Sith, and he'd explained to Sobaan what it was he was trying to do in the galaxy. The more he listened to [member="Jyn Sol"] speak, the more he saw similarities between what she said, and what his father had told him. That was kind of strange, but at least he now understood why he had been made to come to Teth. It was, quite simply, the place he belonged.

A hand shot into the air and waved around until someone seated near him told him to just speak up, that he didn't have to wait for permission if he had something to say. For a moment he just stared at this person, dumbfounded by this, but then stood up on his seat so people could see him.

"My papa told me the same things you just said when I met him. I haven't actually seen much aside from Lynx and now this place, but if you also say the galaxy is like this, then we can't just let these people kill everyone." Ok, he was still young, you had to bear with it. "If they're doing bad things, both sides, we should stand opposed to them. But I don't want to hurt them. We should just teach them right from wrong."

And with that he sat down, having said his piece, and smiled, rather pleased with himself.

[member="Sargon Vynea"] (since I didn't tag you in mah post)

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Her first real friend, this [member="Kyra Sol"] was. Stephanie had spent a mind-blowing couple of days exploring Jakku and a real graveyard of giants indeed. So much from the past still remained, and she had a thirst for more. She had traversed the desert world, exploring the wastelands and the culture and the homesteads and it had been wonderful.

Returning to Voss, Stephanie was more than alright for Kyra to follow a communication from her sister. Her sister! There was another. The young learner gave full support and understanding for their diversion, and she began noting things in her personal journal.
Names, places, thoughts and feelings.

- - - - - - - - - -​

Cross-legged on the floor, her arm linked through Kyra’s, Stephanie was engrossed in this woman - [member="Jyn Sol"] – and all she evoked. Strength, power and unity. Truth, justice and hope. While they were sat amidst others, the Hapan took in everything being said and processed it. It seemed this was an Order unlike any she had understood or even knew about.

Before, it was so easy to nod to either Jedi or Sith. Good or evil. This… Je’daii Order…. Seemed to be more grounded in the Force. More natural, and more pure.

A Togruta spoke up as the floor was offered, and his voice brought Stephanie around from her daydream of what she had heard. Looking around to see the green-skinned being, she watched and listened. When they finished, she looked to Kyra, smiled and stood up.

"Hello, everyone. My name is Stephanie Swail, and I am a former solider of the New Republic. My destiny, however, has changed since my days serving, and I come to seek a new purpose. I have researched much about the Jedi and the Sith, and the Light and the Dark, all to gain knowledge and insight into how they work. But until today I feel my knowledge was only provided by those telling a story they want others to hear. I am eager to hear more of your Je’daii, and my heart is telling me, somehow, that this is where I can make a different. As a beacon of hope for all to follow. And I owe it all to this girl - " she knelt and lifted Kyra up by the arm to stand beside her, "- Kyra Sol."

She looked around for Jyn, the speaker, and nodded, smiling, as if she was confirming a wonderful truth that her sister was here!

"Th – thank you."

She felt a little embarrassed, and brushed a stand of hair from her cheek and sat down, wrapping her shawl a little tighter.

[member="Sobaan Palle"] | [member="Sargon Vynea"] | [member="Asha Hex"]

 

[Sam Quin]

Sam had made his way into the hall with one of the many crowds that were also entering. He was wearing robes much like many of the others he blended in looking like one of the crowd, while he was still rather new to the force and its uses he was unsure why or what drew him to this place so be was making sure to take extra care not to attract any attention to himself at lest not yet. He took a few deep breaths as he cleared his mind moving his focus to what was around him rather than his thoughts after all he did not have too much time to spend here.


As [member="Jyn Sol"] started to talk he set his focus on her as he listened to her words, watched how she held herself, how she acted studying her closely. Though all of this Sam could not pin point why or what but he feel an odd pull to her and the ideals she spoke. His personal views fell rather close to hers and the order, if she was speaking true but it was some thing deeper than that witch pulled him here. Sam did not know why he felt such a pull to this place but listening to every one around him, Seeing them and the faint sense he got from around him feel oddly comforting but for now he would just listen as they spoke.

Sobaan Palle Sargon Vynea Asha Hex [member="Stephanie Swail"]

 

[Lief]

From where she sat, Jyn watched as a great many of the audience stepped forth to give their opinions. The first was, rather surprisingly, a young boy. He had the skin of a Mirialan, though he had a lekku and montrals of a Togruta. Not a familiar face, but then again who within this crowd was? It took a lot of guts for one so young to speak before so large a group, and he even went so far as to standing on his seat to be seen.

At first she worried that his was going to be a speech breeding violence, something no child had any right to do. But as time went by her concerns were crushed... It seemed even those who would usually be overlooked due to youth had wisdom within. Something to note for the future.

Then some others piped up. Most were in favour, a few stated their more stern stance. A wish to oppose those who were destructive, who used the Force in so blind a fashion. Jyn understood them completely. She knew how it was to want to fix everything in one fell swoop. And there would be times where mere words and moral examples would not suffice...

Everyone remained remarkably calm, however. Nobody shouted over one another. Nobody interjected, or disputed the views of the others. It seemed as though everyone here had come under the same notions... Truly adhering to the ways of their forefathers. It made her internally bristle with pride.

But then something unexpected happened. A girl who claimed to have worked for the New Republic rose in place and stated that her presence here was not intentional, but that she had agreed with what had been said regardless. That wasn't the unusual part, however, but what came next was. She pulled another into standing at her side, and Jyn felt the whole room begin to slow.

It was a face she had not seen for over ten years. One she had somehow missed amidst the crowd.

Kyra Sol.

Her sister stood staring like a deer in headlights. Jyn must have been doing the same, though she remained firmly in her seat. What was Kyra doing here? The junker wasn't even a Force User... Was she?

It didn't take long for further voices to pipe up, and while she listened she also remained unable to take her eyes from her sister. Perhaps the bridges she had once burnt were finally rebuilding themselves. Perhaps further steps could be made away from the shell of a girl she had become.

Things quietened down, and so she rose again and moved her eyes from Kyra to the others.

"I appreciate the honesty of all within these halls. For some of you, it must have taken all the confidence you could muster to stand before so many." Her eyes fell particularly upon [member="Sobaan Palle"] before she continued on. "For others, a strong sense of moral obligation. Know that I, and undoubtedly all within the room with us now, understand the points raised here today."

"There will be times when words will not suffice. When leading by example will be redundant. But that does not mean our first steps should ever be ones of violence. That would make us no better than the others. We learn to discipline ourselves so that we might restrain the urge for vengeance. We learn to fight so that if the time comes we might stand against the tide for what is right. We are taught to understand which route to take, one of compassion or of necessity... But never of rage."

Emotions were all well and good, you could act out of anger, out of love, out of hatred, out of empathy... But rage blinds the senses, it skews what you see, the truth of the matter.

"Our ties lie with no man, no world, no government. We work alongside the Force; to grow within it, to understand and nurture it. Trust your instincts, and the guiding hand it provides. I will condemn no Je'daii among us for actions they believe to have done out of necessity, judgement is not mine nor any among us to pass. But trust me when I say that you will know in your heart of hearts if the need arises."

It would not satisfy all who had raised their voices in concern. She did not expect it to. But not everybody's path was set along the same route. Some, like Master [member='Jericho'], walked a very disciplined and martial path... One which led them into altercations more frequently than others. But the balance remained regardless, because for each Jericho there was a [member='Sargon Vynea'] to bring a calm wisdom. Master Vynea was no Je'daii, but he walked alongside Jyn and Asha regardless. He was a familiar face in these parts.

And between the faces who sat before her now, she knew that all facets of their Order would be tended to. The pacifists, the scholars, the warriors, the mystics, the teachers, the scientists... An amalgamation of thoughts and voices working together to a beautiful end.

"Any who still wishes to speak up may do so. Those who would like to venture through the Temple may leave in an orderly fashion; dormitory and locker numbers will be sent to those who wish to remain among us within the hour. Any who wish to part ways with the Order before our path begins may do so freely and without judgement. Any who wish to remain within this auditorium, to talk or debate what has been said this day are free to do so."

Jyn remained where she was as some rose to explore, a small handful stepped toward them and respectfully chose to walk a separate path from the Order, others lingered within the hall. She saw her sister standing to one side, as though trying to make up her mind. Before she could tend to familial matters though Jyn had to ensure nobody needed her. Her gaze caught sight of the young Mirialan-Togruta half breed and she gently beckoned him over.

"You have a strong spirit, child, and an inspiring voice. Tell me, what is it that led you here this day?"

She noticed a few others in the hall, such as [member='Sam Quin'], who had not said a single word during the initial meeting, and made a mental note to speak with them when her attention wasn't quite so torn.

Before too many had filed out, she quickly raised her voice. "Refreshments can be found within the Crystal Gardens, young Asha here can show you to them." She gave a smile in the direction of her redheaded friend who nodded somewhat eagerly. Jyn saw past that though, and felt disappointment... No doubt missing her Father. Jyn too felt the lack of his presence to be odd, but Jericho was a busy man. He always had been.

[member="Stephanie Swail"]

 

[Sobaan Palle]

He listened to the others speak, his orange eyes seeking out each in turn. One, and then the next. There were so many people. He hadn't realized it before, even when he'd been standing on the chair. Now he felt a little sheepish and his green cheeks took on a slightly red tone as a result, ultimately making them look somewhat brown. Still, the things that had been said were well said. Even the lady who'd made the other woman stand, the woman who somewhat resembled the Fire Lady. Yes, he was going to call her Fire Lady because when he looked at her that's what he saw. Not on the outside, but inside. She brimmed with it.

He wondered if anyone else saw it.

When she spoke again he listened intently, only glancing around to make sure everyone else was listening. When he caught someone chatting he put a finger to his lips and shushed them. They were being rude! And then he turned back as they were, more or less dismissed. Dismissed to where he didn't know, but fortunately it wasn't an immediate issue because, as he looked around, he could see Fire Lady beckoning him over to her. He gulped, wondering if he was in trouble, and made his way over to her, hands fidgeting a bit with the edge of his tunic. She said some things that put him at ease, though, and he smiled at her. The Fire Lady, he decided, was rather nice.

"I had a dream. My momma calls them daydreams because they happen when you're awake and not paying attention when you should be. Sometimes they get me in trouble."

He beamed.

"Also the things my papa told me, now that I've listened to everyone, make me want to stay here. He's very worried about the galaxy and says many bad things have happened and more still will because everyone with the Force wants to kill everyone else with it. I don't understand why they want to, though. It's not very nice. Oh! I've not been very nice either!" He stuck out his little hand towards her. "I'm Sobaan Palle. What's your name, Fire Lady?"

[member="Jyn Sol"] | [member="Sam Quin"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Sargon Vynea"]

 

[Jericho]

Whether it was the matters of the Silver Jedi, the ruins of old that held dark power, or matters of war. There was always something for the warrior to lose his time in. Though he was old, he was far from the end of this prime, there was always more for him to do when the call for the Je'daii was made. The warrior had realized, there was something less for him to do as his old master had called him one last time with her warm voice to renew the Je'daii, he did what he could. Through his great connections from the Silver Jedi among the others he was able to privately fund the constructions of many of the temples of Je'daii with assistance of master Sargon, they had laid the foundation and it seemed there was one who had heeded its call. One Jyn Sol's voice echoed through the auditorium as she spoke with youthful vigor, she spoke of the ways of the Je'daii that seemed almost anarchic and a world Utopia all in one.

She was much more passionate than that of the jaded master. Her words would be more piercing than her own, though the warrior rarely even spoke, when she called out to his daughter as if she was the help, he was slightly disappointed hoping she was be the one to speak as Jyn Sol. But how could he expect his little bird to be something more? She was a slave from quite some time, she was pained, she was soft, he could only be happy that she was safe now. He had failed her as a father as he did with the others aside from Lily and Micah. When he spotted her, the warrior merely gave her a nod to do as she needed. As he walked down the halls of the old temple on his own, this was his old home as a child, the first place that he went to was to the grave of his old master, the Je'daii master to put him in the path of moderation and that of war. Asha.

While the others got acquainted, he remained on his own. In time he would see the new faces of the Je'daii order and restore it to its former glory.

 

[Lief]

Though she very easily could've, though she had words to say on this Order, Asha remained seated throughout the entire meeting. Her eyes remained at first fixated upon her fiery friend, and then the child who spoke, and the woman who claimed to have brought Jyn her sister... And all the other countless voices who had things to say. Some of them chose to leave in the end. The majority chose to stay.

One face amidst them all caught her eye though, and for a moment her heart skipped a beat. Could it be?

Jyn's voice cut through her thoughts, and hearing her name she looked away from who she thought to be Jericho to instead smile at the group which had formed with the intentions of being shown to the Crystal Gardens.

"Of course, right this way! If you haven't seen it before then, well... Let's just say it's quite the sight."

Leading them on, she turned to try and find Jericho amidst the crowd but he was nowhere to be seen. Had he left with those who decided against staying? Had he ventured off to explore the Temple she knew had once been his home? Had he been a figment of her imagination? It was not an easy answer to give. But right now she had a task at hand. If Jericho was here, no doubt she could find him later.

Leading those who were alongside her through the Temple and out into the Sunken Courtyard, she inhaled a long breath of air and once again smiled. It felt so good to be here, the land was pure, the air fresh, the setting was tranquil. Perfect for people like she and Jyn to ease their minds. To resume their healing.

From the Courtyard they moved through a small archway between two of the buildings, before finally the Crystal Gardens made themselves known. Their name was no understatement, amidst the grass and sand and gravel lay bundles of crystals, naturally grown here. None had ever removed one to know their qualities, and Asha had no intentions of disturbing their slumber. All the same a sense of hope and peacefulness rang from them.

It was truly the most perfect space to meditate.

Upon the grass several blankets had been lain, much in the same way they had the day Sargon had appeared. Baskets of food and jugs of fresh juice were set here and there, open for any who might need sustenance.

"Help yourselves. And if you have any questions, about the Gardens or the Temple itself... I'm all ears."

[member='Jericho'] [member='Sobaan Palle'] [member="Sam Quin"] [member="Stephanie Swail"] [member="Sargon Vynea"]

 

[Lief]

Steph's response was wholly unexpected.

The woman seemed engrossed by what her younger sister had to say, on the edge of her seat so to speak, and the way that she kept her arm through Kyra's only heightened the sense she was receiving. How could it be that one so young as Jyn was could captivate an audience so? Even a pair of Jedi who hadn't intended to be here at all if not for realizing who the speaker was. It was... Strange. Was this what Kyra had been waiting for? Would this be her true course through the Force? It was difficult to say.

When Steph stood up, however, following a thought invoking speech from a young boy, Kyra remained utterly perplexed. It seemed as though her wayward friend truly empathized with the Order, on a similar level that Kyra herself did. In a moment she found herself lifted from the ground with one strong tug, and the attention of Steph, Jyn, and a few others, was set to her. And then her name was mentioned.

Down below Jyn seemed surprised for all of a moment before hiding it. The girl seemed to realize that this was not the time or place for reunions, and Kyra knew the same. Instead she gave a slight nod and smiled at her friend for having the guts to stand before so many. When Steph sat so too did Kyra, and she wrapped an arm around her friend gently. The attentions of the crowd fell to the next speaker, but Kyra's remained on Steph.

"That was brave" she said, with a very quiet voice so as not to disturb the rest. "Did you mean what you said, about finding cause here?"

That would be an interesting turn of events. Steph had been looking for a purpose, as had Kyra. Could they find it here? In this Temple on the edge of the Galaxy?

Soon the auditorium began to clear, some remained behind to debate, some ventured down to the de facto 'leaders', though she and the rest used that term extremely lightly, others wandered off with a young redheaded girl that seemed to be a friend of her sisters. Kyra?

Kyra tugged Steph up from the ground and ventured down to where Jyn was, standing to one side. Observing for a moment as she interacted with the child from earlier. Watching. Listening. Trying to get a better understanding of her sister.

She wondered how [member='Cron Revik'] was holding up. He hadn't left their ship, which was understandable given that he had not long since been put into a temporary droid body. What would the young Shard make of all this? Would he be willing to remain around? It was difficult to say.

"Would you like to explore?" she asked Steph, turning her attention from her sister. She had a duty to tend to, so Kyra would respect that and find her later.

[member='Jericho'] [member='Sobaan Palle'] [member='Sam Quin'] [member='Stephanie Swail'] [member='Sargon Vynea']

 

[Sargon Vynea]

He watched with pride as the new comers spoke up, and so it had begun it seemed. Jyn and Asha would do fine here, a place to truly call home once more. As the audience was lead out for a tour, Sargon felt Jericho's presence, but remained silent on it for the moment. Perhaps it was the chance he and Asha finally needed to come back together. He wouldn't rob them of it by being the distraction in the room. Instead he watched it all from the outside, confident in the flower's ability to bloom without interference. The children were all grown up it seemed.

The thought made him feel old for a moment, but he shrugged it off without much effort. He had decades to go before he had to worry about that in truth, and even then he had the strength of a Zabrak, plus a second heart to back it up. Besides he'd seen 'old' students of the Force before, and their age was more a lie then anything. What he lacked in truth was purpose, but one day he would find it agian, of that he was sure. He'd found plenty of them in life, and it appeared as if two of them had grown their own wings and wouldn't be needing him any longer. It was a good feeling.

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Listening to others, never letting go of Kyra's arm as she sat on the ground. Lots of new faces, characters to meet and greet and get to know.

And then, they all broke away and continued through into an open space where her eyes lit up seeing fruit and juice. Juice! She was so thirsty....the climate of Jakku certainly dried her out.

Kyra snapped her out of her little dream, and she glanced over, as they walked through with others.

"What? Oh, yes. Yes of course. This is wonderful. This feels so...peaceful."

She glanced around to catch sight of the one who seemed to lead things - the one called [member="Jyn Sol"] at the head of the opening.

"Kyra, that girl, is she...is she who you came here for? Is she your...sister?"

Her hand tensed a little on her arm. Jyn seemed...dangerous. Intimidating. Not in a bad way, but she chilled Stephanie a little and Kyra didn't seem easily related to her. Hopefully nothing bad would happen or lead to confrontation.

"If you need some time, we can go somewhere. I'm not leaving your side."

[member="Kyra Sol"]

 

[Lief]

From the corner of her eye she saw Kyra and her friend whispering, then following Asha's little crowd out of the auditorium. One less thing for Jyn to focus on, not that she wasn't grateful to see a kindred spirit. Jericho was the second thing she noticed, and like her sister the battlemaster seemed intent on waiting for a better time before approaching either Jyn or Asha. Had her little friend noticed her Father's presence? Hard to say.

Those who had been sat alongside her at the table dispersed, answering questions and showing smaller groups to various locations. In this moment Jyn was truthfully extremely grateful that they had stepped forward. There was no way she could've juggled so many at once by herself.

Soon it left just a few others. Some talked amidst themselves at the back of the room, in a healthy debate. The young boy, [member='Sobaan Palle'], remained with her and a few others were listening in too. The child intrigued her, truly he did.

"That had to be quite the daydream, young one, to convince you to journey all this way. It seems the Force has had a hand in your life already... You should be mindful of the dreams which come to you, both waking and sleeping... We may have a prophet in our midst."

A gentle smile, before she gestured for him to follow. Any other who wished to could do so too. Out into the afternoon sun of Teth, into the Sunken Courtyard, where bridges crossed small brooks and led between the various buildings which made up the complex.

"The trouble with Force Users is... They believe their view on it is correct. And therefore everyone else's must be wrong. Which isn't the case, is it? The Force is not one solid state, it is ever changing, young one, it has many facets... But I'm not going to force you into believing that either. Our connection to the Force is a very personal thing, it touches us and molds to us individually. Being that you ended up here, you seem to have a good grasp of it already... Tell me, what do you think of the Force, Sobaan? Forget what others might have told you, trust your own instincts before you answer."

Stopping upon one of the bridges, she set her gaze over the breathtaking, panoramic vista, and exhaled a small breath.

"My name is Jyn Sol... Interesting that you gave me such a name, child. Truly, your connection with the Force must be strong to note what so few others have without seeing the flames arise with their own eyes."

[member='Stephanie Swail'] [member='Sargon Vynea'] [member='Jericho'] [member='Sam Quin']

 

[Sobaan Palle]

"My momma said I'm sometimes more perceptive than others."

Of course he followed her. He didn't have anyone there otherwise to guide him in where to go or what to do. Considering she was the one who had taken the initiative to speak with him, he decided that he liked her. The Fire Lady. She told him her name, and while it was a good name, he still likely to think of her as the Fire Lady. It seemed to fit her. He couldn't actually see the fire within so much as he could feel it burning inside of her, wanting to get out. It was strange, really. This kind of perception was not something he had ever noticed before, but now he couldn't help but to notice this. She stopped on the bridge, and so he, too, stopped on the bridge as he turned to look around.

Instead of merely standing there, he walked to the railing, and jumped up to lean over it and look down.

"Long way down."

He was still thinking about how to answer her question. To be completely honest, he hadn't been taught a whole lot on what the Force was by anyone other than his mother and father, and each had two distinct views on what the Force was. Well, his father and mother didn't have the same view, at least. That said something to his level of education on the Force to have two people teaching him different ways. He continued to hang over the edge of the wall, looking down off the bridge, legs kicking back and forth, when he finally did speak.

"I think the Force is everything and nothing. I mean, it's kind of everywhere in all living things, which is how we can utilize it. But at the same time, it's just this thing that exists everywhere and people use it however they like. Some for what they perceive as good, some for what they perceive as bad. Like my Papa. Some people think he's evil, but he isn't really. It doesn't matter what way you use the Force so much as the why. My mother uses it mostly to help her with finding things in nature so she can heal people.

"So I guess, to me, it's just this thing that's there that we can use if we want, but we don't have to if we don't want to."

[member="Jyn Sol"]

 

[Lief]

Kyra grinned as they ventured forth into the light of day and Steph all but ran toward the juice which was on offer. A light chuckle left the older Sol, who followed along just as eagerly and swiped a glass of juice from the table, along with a decidedly fresh sweet roll.

"Mm" she said, after having taken a bite, "I agree, this isn't at all what I expected when we followed the call... I'm glad to see that she's found her own path. If you knew her past..." Kyra shuddered. "Poor girl, but she's away from it now. A lot different to when I last saw her."

She could sense Steph's apprehension toward her sister, and could not help but shake her head. She kept her voice low, guiding her friend in the opposite direction to which Jyn was leading the younglings... After ensuring Steph had picked up something to drink and eat of course.

"Yes, she's my sister. You don't have to be anxious around her, she's harmless. Wouldn't hurt a soul unless she really had to. Even the Space Witch couldn't break her, and that's saying a lot."

Heck, the Space Witch had intimidated Kyra, and she had been older than Jyn at the time. A lot older.

"I don't want you to leave my side" she said with a smile, "We should go see what else is here, though... I'm interested in seeing if they have a mechanics station, if not I'll be having words with that sister of mine."

Another grin, before she tugged Steph gently onward. The views here were astounding, truly they were, and the constant trickling of water was serene as could be.

"I have no need to rush back to Voss, but if you do... You let me know, okay? You don't have to stick around here because I'm intrigued."

[member='Sobaan Palle'] [member='Stephanie Swail'] [member='Sargon Vynea'] [member='Jericho'] [member='Sam Quin']

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Stephanie drank a generous amount, wiping her chin from a small line of juice that dribbled off the beaker, all the while throwing cautious glances to the faces – [member="Jyn Sol"] was getting her attention more and more, and she sounded like a strong warrior, which made sense if Kyra shared her genes.

The Togruta [member="Sobaan Palle"] and the one she didn’t identify - [member="Sargon Vynea"] – were all faces new to her, and she was curious as to what they would bring and what they wanted.

She turned back to Kyra.

"I am in NO rush to get back to Voss, Ky." She didn’t even realise she’d given Kyra a short name. ”I have nothing and nobody there to go back, so please..."

The girls continued on and kept looking and listening for a station that Kyra could get involved with.

"Who is the Space Witch you talked about? Is she someone you know?"

They turned a small corner and a blue and gold speeder was in the way, half-assembled, poking out of an archway, with various pieces on the floor, and Stephanie nodded over in that direction.

”Ky, look, a garage or something? Maybe they fix speeders or ships? Go see."

[member="Kyra Sol"]

 

[Lief]

Kyra grinned. It was true, neither of them were tied down in this instance. Both had left Voss with a renewed sense of life, though neither had baggage to carry from the Silver Jedi. At least, none which was immediately evident.

There was Connor, of course, but he had been placed within a box in her heart, locked away from all thoughts and feelings until there came a time Kyra felt confident she could face him. Aela had warned against rushing headlong into confrontation, and she would honor the Jedi's teachings.

"So be it, no rushing for either of us. Let us simply enjoy what the Force throws at us."

She pulled the woman close, this new found friend of hers, and together they wandered through the courtyard. It was beautiful, full of running water, bridges, vines which hung lazily over pergolas. Serenity at its best.

"The Space Witch was some Sith Lord, she ran a company... Coerced me into running it for her by holding Jyn over me. Somehow my little dove fell into her hands, I'm happy to see she's free from such restraints."

What came next was a most pleasant surprise. A workshop! Perfect.

Picking up her pace, she practically squeezed the woman's arm and set her eyes over the old speeders.

"Oh, Steph, it's perfect... It reminds me of how my Jakku home once looked... If you think it was a junker's paradise when you saw it, well, it was much worse before I left."

Stepping into the shade of the workshop, a ridiculously large building which housed numerous work stations, tools a plenty, and parts she longed to get her hands on, Kyra's grin turned into a more satisfied smile.

"I don't ever want to leave this place..."

[member="Stephanie Swail"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

As the new Je'daii group gathered and spoke about the things that were going on. A small ping would echo on a holopad somewhere, first for the young woman [member="Asha Hex"], then another for [member="Sargon Vynea"]. Each message was different, each had a different air to them. For Asha, it was simply a few words from a Master of the Force - one who dedicated her life to the teachings of the Je'daii - just never really bothered trying to be evangelical - mostly because the Master was quite lazy at times and preferred to just do her own thing.


Je'daii Order Shindig person,

My name is Spencer Varanin, I have studied the teachings you're forming an order around. I would be honored if you allowed me to learn and teach others like ourselves the ways of the ancestral bodies of the Force. If not, then that's cool and I wish you good luck with everything. I won't be slighted at all or anything...but if you let me come help, I'll bring snacks.

Thanks!

Spencer

Sargon on the other hand was someone quite close to the Eshan Queen. He had been her right hand while Ovmar was her left and enforcer. Sargon helped her through dark times and for that - she owed him more than her life. A debt that could never be repaid. Spencer this time sent a small holo recording of herself. The woman, despite having not seen Sargon in some time - didn't look much different than when he had left her side. A soft smile spread across her face as she imagined his and the recording started.

Sargon, I don't know another word for you besides friend, but friend doesn't feel right. You are one of my greatest achievements and to hear and feel that you're still alive (because lul he has a blood trail on him that he probably doesn't know about), makes me smile. It has been far too long, but the whispers in the force say that you're following the path of neutrality still. I miss you and I hope that we can see each other again. Don't tell Ovmar, but you were always my favorite.

A wink and Spencer's mischievous smile finished the message.


Now all she could do was wait for a response.