The struggle for liberty never ends…

[Corvus Raaf]

Both Jedi received the same message, at the same time.
It came through the official Jedi Order channel and was simple, clear and devoid of any useful detail.

It read:

The Jedi Order has received a request from a Galactic Republic Senator for a small group of Jedi to meet her off-world, at a space station to be confirmed once you are ready to enter hyperspace.

You have been selected as part of that team.

Please assemble at the Ossus hangar in one hour.

A ship has been prepared for your journey.

Whilst secrecy was common in missions, this lack of even basic information was not. Corvus noticed that even the name of the Senator was omitted although their identity was narrowed. It wasn't a man.

And so, knowing nothing more than the brief details outlined, Corvus made her way to where she knew the ship would be.

It would be a Protector Class Corvette.

It was Corvus’ usual ship and she’d flown one many times before. And she’d even crashed one. Actually more than one - but on each occasion the damage was definitely not attributable to her - and her mission logs stated this fact clearly.


And so she stared at the ships and then followed the technicians with her eyes as they bustled around, waiting to see who else was chosen to participate and smoothing the hem of her robes with the palms of her hands. But why a ship was prepared for them made little sense, why not allow Corvus to use her own ship?

There was something about this assignment that had her wondering - the Force was telling her it was not going to be a routine mission.

[member="Uri Aureleos"]

 

[Uri Aureleos]

Uri's mind raced as he made his way to the hanger. He was more concerned then flattered as to why he was chosen for this. Why him? Uri was just a padawan. For a mission of physical skill, a knight would have been at least a somewhat better choice. Yes, he was a padawan of 6 years but his experience before this is as a monk. Nonlethal. If they wanted covert ops then the golden-skinned boy... Man? The golden-skinned young man wasn't necessarily the best for being unseen despite the face he flew under the radar as a youngling. He didn't get as big of a reaction as when he was a boy but he occasionally still got the odd looks. No he wasn't suffering from a medical condition. It could be a diplomatic mission giving the mention of a Senator. Uri wasn't a big talker but he wouldn't necessarily need to with the senator around. Guard duty. His mind settled on the decision that he was being requested for guard duty. He still didn't think he was the best pick however. There were knight or other padawans that were way more talented that he was when it came to being a jedi.

As he arrived in the hangar, the sight of his master gave him what he considered the real reason he was chosen. He buried that thought however. It wasn't a jedi's place to dwell which for him was turning into a long lesson for him to learn. He approached his master then gave a bow. A light smile came across his face of course. He enjoyed every spare moment he could get with his master even if it was on some shady secret agent type mission that had Uri scratching his head.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus saw Uri and smiled – but her mind was racing. This was a secret mission and so she couldn’t tell him she was going. Her mind was conflicted initially but then, when she saw his demeanour and a bag packed for a journey, she started to wonder.

She bowed as he reached her. “Uri. You’re here for…?” She left the question hanging. If he happened to be travelling someplace else, he’d soon let her know. But deep down she knew he was here for the same reason she was. And a cursory view of the area said no other Jedi were heading their way.

[member="Uri Aureleos"]

 

[Uri Aureleos]

Spoiler

Tried to fix grammatical error... hit backspace and went to the previous page... lost all of what I wrote...

Uri took a second to look over the ship. He remembered this certain ship before, not the ship really but the design. It was like the one he first flew in when his master brought him to Ossus from Agamar. He hoped this time around wouldn't be as memorable at least. He still didn't particularly care for ships. If it were up to him he wouldn't set foot in another. He was a Jedi however this is what is expected of him. He didn't give it much more thought.

Her question confused him at first. Did she suspect he was there to see her? If they chose not to inform her then this mission must more important than what Uri had previously thought. It gave him a nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach. They were really sure Uri was needed for this? A pacifist meditation enthusiast was really a better choice then even one of the other master?

"Just going for a fly," Uri answered trying to wink like one of his friends showed him. He only managed to make it look awkward instead. He wasn't good at the nonchalant wink. It was kind of like sarcasm. He was finally able to pick it out of a conversation, but he was still not fully aware of how to use it. He motioned to the ship, "Will you be joining me, Master?"

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus smiled. She invariably did, and it was always genuine. So perhaps a better description was that she beamed. Uri was clearly also on this mission and she reflected that she’d not spent anywhere near enough time with him since she met him on Agamar.

The six year Galactic Event didn’t help of course, but even since then, various duties kept them apart. “Yes I am Uri,” she said by way of a response. “And was that an attempted wink? Best leave it to the experts. Or learn to use your eyebrows for sharing subtleties. I swear by mine.”

“But I don’t know who else might be joining us. My message was rather…unclear on this matter.” They waited beyond the agreed time by a couple of minutes and Corvus’ body language demonstrated she felt that nobody else was joining them. “I wonder why a brand new ship, and not mine?”

She raised her left eyebrow now – clearly indicating they should board the ship. It was very well trained it seems.

[member="Uri Aureleos"]

 

[Uri Aureleos]

Uri didn't mind waiting though it seemed like a waste of time to wait any longer. He didn't think anything of the ship. Maybe just added security instead of going though Master Corvus' ship and making sure it was secure. That was his best guess. His mind didn't think in why and what if's too often however.

Uri grinned at the motion she made with her eyebrows. He had a good range of motion with his eyebrows being able to raise each of them and even do an eyebrow waggle like motion. He should have thought of that instead of getting the odd winking lesson. He raised his own eyebrow slowly lowering the other at the same time. The twisted his mouth as well. The look on his face saying, 'what are you doing?' His lips curved up slightly however since he wasn't serious. It was fun to have a moment of play. Not necessarily the best moment however since they were about to take on an important mission... or a mission that at least seemed important.

He rubbed his hand over his face as to rub the odd expression off he then smiled again before starting to make his way up the ramp. He paused for a moment however glancing back at his master with his brow furrowed, "What if the ship is... I'll tell you later." He turned back around and proceeded on the ship. He couldn't help it but he felt a sinking feeling.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus carried her small bag onto the ship and dropped it off in the main room, before continuing to the cockpit. It was familiar to her yet strange, given it was the same model but brand new and out of the box. She settled into the pilot's seat and indicated Uri should sit beside her. She did the pre-flight checks and then requested clearance for take-off. As they exited the atmosphere, a coded message came through with coordinates for their hyperdrive jump. But instead of simple instructions, the data was for the astromech to access and input. The destination was being kept secret from them even now.

Turning to her companion, Corvus shook her head. "I've never seen security like this before - whoever we're meeting must want this rendezvous point kept secret pretty bad."

"So I don't even know how long the jump will last. Anyone any ideas what to do to pass the time?"

[member="Uri Aureleos"]

 

[Uri Aureleos]

Uri followed her to the cockpit it was one of the times he had ever been in one. He didn't much care for flying or even learning how to do so. He didn't even care for datapads or other hand held machines... Or droids. He eyed the astromech as it set their destination. Uri didn't particularly like this. His masters words didn't help the feeling either. To say he had a bad feeling would be an understatement. The mix of unease from being on the ship was adding to the feeling as well and that didn't help him. This was the main reason he meditated on a ship no matter what the distance.

Uri glanced over at his master then shrugged, "Mediate...?" He looked back out the cockpit. He rarely got a spare moment with his master to spend it meditating would seem stupid. Meditating was something he could do on his own. "Or learn something new?" He flashed a sheepish grin to his master. He remembered it working well on her when he was a youngling.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus was welcome of the distraction. This level of security meant they were going to meet someone important and the likelihood was that the subject matter was similarly vital to the Republic. It was a lot of pressure on a Padawan and Corvus was pleased that she was going with him.

Not that she underestimated his abilities, but it was a lot of responsibility on someone so young.

Fortunately that grin of his brought her back to the here and now and so she smiled back. "Meditation is a good option - unless there was something specific you had in mind. I'm open to anything."

[member="Uri Aureleos"]

 

[Uri Aureleos]

Nothing came to mind for Uri. Truth of the matter was that he didn't know what exactly he needed to learn. He had learned the main force abilities that he had been wanting to learn yet he hadn't learned another light saber form yet. Giving his unique weapon, he considered that it might be a good idea to get at least a basic understanding of each form. His intentions wasn't to be a warrior however, but he figured with the war he would be thrust into the battlefield sooner rather than later.

"Which lightsaber form do you favor most? Let me guess. Soresu like Master Kenobi?" Uri smiled raising his chin lightly. "It's the defensive form, correct?"

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

"It's also the Form that best represents what it means to be a Jedi. But you're right, it is probably because of Master Kenobi that I first showed an interest in it. The best Jedi is an alive Jedi. This Form is the one that allows you to not join the Force prematurely. I can happily teach you the basics now if you wish. The rest, as you know I will say, will be down to the number of hours of practice you'll put in."

Corvus wandered over to a cupboard and pulled out a couple of training sabers, a remote, a stun blaster and a length of silk. "So, are you game? If so, tell me what you know about Soresu, to stop me boring you with facts you already know."

[member="Uri Aureleos"]

 

[Uri Aureleos]

Uri stood up as well his hand moving to take a sai off his belt. He blinked and moved his hand away from it when he saw the training sabers in her hands. It was odd that such a ship would still have that on board. Uri assumed who ever was suppose to do the sweep of the ship either looked over it or forgot it. He walked over to his master anyway keeping a very calm yet indifferent expression.

"Not a lot so I won't interrupt if you repeat it. It wouldn't be the first time a master told me something I knew," he smiled but then his brow furrowed at how the words came out differently than how he originally thought them. "What I mean is Monk training. As far as the Jedi code and physical training, a lot of it overlaps. Some of it even contradicts. Not the code, but certain training. It's hard to decide which to believe when one truth I know well and the other I just then learn."

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

"Soresu is the third Form of lightsaber combat developed by the Jedi as a defensive form that was initially conceived based on the necessity for a way to deal with ranged enemies. It is a form of combat that a Jedi can employ for their own protection from ranged enemies that can also be adjusted for close range combat and used as a weapon when the style is perfected. It suggests that sharp, simple and precise movements can aid the user in limiting energy-expenditure. This allows those versed to stay fresh and not waste precious energy, or even recover during the use of such a technique while at the same time protecting themselves from ranged enemies, and even enemies up close when the form is honed to the wielder's personal style and preference."

“Once competent, you become the eye of the storm, serene when all around you are frantic. It is the Form that truly embodies what it means to be a Jedi.”

“Now, before we start, any questions?”

[member="Uri Aureleos"]

 

[Uri Aureleos]

It made sense so Uri shook his head, "No questions, master."


[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus handed him a training saber and held up a remote. "It starts when you activate the saber. It'll fire stun blaster bolts at you. They'll sting, no more. One at a time on the early settings. It moves randomly, so it is harder than it sounds. Your task is to simply block the incoming bolt. Let the Force flow through you and guide your actions. Remember, efficiency of movement, don't go chasing the shots, keep calm and in the eye of the storm."

With that she pressed a button on the remote and it moved through the air, its movements were jerky and it was clearly awaiting a saber to be activated so it could latch on to its signature.

[member="Uri Aureleos"]

 

[Uri Aureleos]

Uri took the training saber. It felt odd in his hand he was so use to his own version of lightsaber. He put his other hand on it for stability the watched as little droid... thing jerked and moved sporadically. Uri for one didn't like it. He glared at it even. It was added to his long list of unnatural things he didn't care for.

He took a moment to clear his mind then ignited the training saber. Feel the force. Let it work as a guide- ZAP. Uri jumped as the bold hit his thigh. He jettisoned his patience off the ship for a moment. Immediately he turned the saber off. His face equally holding surprise, discomfort, even a little bit of anger. He glanced over to his master about to ask her if he could end the little ball's existence. It's not a living thing after all. No one would miss it. He took a deep breath calming his mind again. He was okay just a little sting.

He ignited the training saber again. His eyes didn't leave the little machine. Efficiency of movement, don't give chase, keep calm. He managed to defect one only to take another shot. His face contorting and body jerking away but all in all he stayed calm, patient as he readied himself again.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus suppressed a smile. It wouldn't do Uri's confidence any good.

"As a rule, if you can't feel the Force guiding you it's for two reasons. Well three actually. Firstly you may not be accessing the Force. Unlikely, I grant you but I had to say it. Secondly, far more common is that you're trying to make the Force do the work. Don't. Let it do it for you, ask it and well, I'm about to give the most common reason. Trust in the Force. Eliminate all doubt. Even the smallest amount will stop you being able to channel it. Believe and you will succeed. Hope...and you will fail."

[member="Uri Aureleos"]

 

[Uri Aureleos]

He turned the training saber off as she spoke. He would rather focus on her than get shot and miss her saying something valuable because of course, she would say something valuable.

"Believe and you will succeed. Hope and you will fail," he repeated after her smiling slightly and reminding himself to write it down later. He wasn't doing a very good job at believing before. Part of him even blamed the training saber for his failure he realized now that wasn't the case.

He took controlled breaths his eyes focused on the small training bot but his body still. He surrounded himself in the force. The force is what will allow him victory. The force will allow him to succeed. As it fired the first bolt, Uri felt as though he could sense it's path as if it were moving in slow motion. His training saber intercepting it trajectory. The force allowed him this. With the next, he deflected them as well. His mind staying focused and on the task. The force guided his movements showing him were he should be.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus nodded at his progress. At this point there was little she could do except watch and encourage. "In the eye of the storm, time seems to slow. All around you is a raging torrent but you are calm and have more time than anyone else. It comes from the Force. Keep this up for a few moments more and then we can move on to something more advanced."

She smiled and wondered which option to try next.

[member="Uri Aureleos"]

 

[Uri Aureleos]

Uri remained in that focus. It wasn't that the rest of what was around him vanished but it was like she had said. It felt like time was slowing down. He couldn't be doing that however. No, it was the force. The force was his guide he was merely the hand that could be guided. His reaction was timed with the force. Predestined or at least in his mind he thought so. The force placed him and the training saber where the next bolt would be. He grew more confidant with each deflection, but he didn't allow himself to get fancy or cocky. It wasn't his way. When one gets to cozy with what they are doing then they loose focus. He didn't let his focus slip. Calm. Patient. Focused. Eye of the storm. Just as his master said.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]