Unknown tales from an unknown life (Open - In need of a Master)

[Vexander Graves]

A beeing sound announced the proximity to his destination, waking up the corellian seated in the cockpit of the starfighter from an uneasy sleep. The visions and images were getting out of control, coming more frequently and without real explanation... he just wanted to get rid of them and go on with his life. Afterall, they were painful and usually upset him; it even made him overthink his current life-style and making him board a rollercoaster of emotions that he couldn't even handle.

Following the instructions from his superiors and his contacts in the Republic Military, he set course to the Jedi homeworld known as Tython, the place where they began their studies in the Force and their development as the greatests protectors of the Republic as a whole. It was interesting, strong supporters of justice and what is right across the galaxy, they were the biggest enforces but they were strong supporters of peace and diplomacy... Vexander didn't really understood those concepts and the implications, he has always been more interested in their unique abilities and their fight against injustice.

The humming sound of the engines quickly began to come almost to an halt when the hyperdrive disengaged and transported the man to normal space. In in sights, a big blue marvel appeared in just a few seconds after coming out of hyperspace, the simple view of the planet made him feel a strange sensation that he enjoyed only when he was alone in his sniping missions... but at the same time it was different, it was a strong contrast from what he knew from his youth and what he had experienced so far.

Moving a lever in the right side of the panel, he engaged the sublight engines and increased the speed to head towards the planet... in just a few moments, he managed to set course to what he expected to be the end or at least an explanation of his current status and the reasons of those images that made no sense... yet bothered him so much. At least one Jedi had to know about what could mean or what he could do...

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Some time passed by and finally he made it: the Jedi Temple in Tython. The structures of the building were amazing, the details and statues paying tribute to the old Jedi who fought and died to defend their ideals were something that Vex didn't know. It was common to see wonderful buildings back at Corellia and Coruscant, but he has never seen a beautiful structure like the one he had in front of him.

With haste, he moved his ship towards the designated area where he had clearance for landing. It didn't feel like if they were expecting him but the operator that spoke to him at least told him he was welcomed... Vexander knew that there were more pressing matters to attend and his arrival might even be overlooked, but at least he wanted to try... afterall, he was practically desperate to get rid of those images.

The X-Wing touched the ground, and quickly, the automatic procedures engaged the cooling systems releasing steam from the different valves in the engines. While the ship was doing so, the corellian took the chance to unzip his flightsuit and helmet. Below, he had his normal clothes: the black leather jacket with a concealed DL-18 blaster in a shoulder holsters, a white shirt underneath, black trousers and sturdy military boots. Nothing too fancy but gave him what was needed in case something came up.

Stepping outside of the canopy, Vexander proceeded to close the hatch sealing the ship while a few droids were already working on refueling the ship. The man didn't expect them to arrive so quickly, their efficiency really was something. Still, he just glanced over them and decided to pay for the supplies at a later time.

Moving with a slow pace, working hard in concealing his admiration towards everything that surrounded him, the man moved straight to the main entrance of the temple, hoping to get a guide there or at least a protocol droid so that he could get directions... to know who would be his contact... the sooner he could get rid of what he thought was a nuisance, the better for him.

 

[Syn]

@[member="Vexander Graves"]

Syn was at the temple, more then that he was relaxing is all thing stood. Iella was safe, his padawans able to do everything they needed to do and he had actually been semi welcomed back. Or at least enough that few cared. There wasn't much else that could be done with him the order as it was, ones leaving because of the state the previous grandmasters had left the place. Now it fell to the few masters left to try and pick up the pieces or at the least... Not make too many mistakes. It could be worse though, they could have tried to use loopholes in things to subvert the republic. Well actually they had and that was what gave him a tight lipped expression. Not of humor or joy but deep sadness.

These weren't the jedi he knew they were petty or had egos the size of rancors. At least he was teaching his padawans not to run around like that and hopefully it was sinking it. Or at the very least they were going to not act that way until after he had trained them. His gaze brought him to the man who had arrived and the jedi master moved letting his younger face and form be one of the few things others saw. The robes were the heavier dashi which let the purple trim and inside of the cape show. His sashed face looking him over. "Welcome young one to Tython."

 

[Vexander Graves]

@[member="Syn"]
The gaze of Vex fell upon the man that was in front of him at that moment. With a quick analysis and a fast survey with his well trained perception, the young man managed to determine that such person could very well be one of those he was looking for. It was not common for him to meet a Jedi during his time with the Republic, afterall; he was just a low payed member of the military and he never had the chance actually meet one... and is not that he didn't want to, is just that the need was not present and his mind was elsewhere.

Between the moment he arrived in front of Vexander, and the moment the robed figure said his first words, only a few seconds passed, however; many questions and concerns flooded the man and he was almost eager to shoot them all at the same time... but that was not his way... he was not trained to be like one of those soldiers with repeating blasters shooting without properly aiming, he was trained to use precision and timing for effective results and the same could be said about the way he handled his tongue. For that reason, the man just limited himself to nod briefly and then bow his head slightly as a salute assuming this person was indeed a Jedi.

"Thank you sir. It is indeed a pleasure to be here." Vexander raised his head and met the eye of the man in front of him hoping to look deeper into him... but little could be said of his personality based on appearance since he just showed a calmed and serene stance, something the young corellian was not used to feel in his own body and soul "I am Vexander, Vexander Graves... I was actually sent by my officers to discuss a few symptoms poorly diagnosed by the medics." the young man didn't see the need to explain himself deeper for the time being, just in case the man in front of him was not a Jedi or if he was not the one handling similar cases; the knowledge about Jedi was limited for the bearded man, he just knew the rumors told in the barracks back at base and some stories from the veterans and higher officers "I was told a Jedi would be far more experienced in my condition and could provide further insight in how to heal myself"

At that moment, Vex waited, hoping that the man could give him directions or at least an idea of where the medical ward could be... or if there was someone else he could talk to about where to go... but at the end, he was just hoping he could explain himself further on the matter and receive an answer to his strange visions that were deeply affecting his way of life.

 

[Syn]

@[member="Vexander Graves"]

He had come here for a condition? Syn looked upon him and didn't frown outwardly no he kept that internal enough to just remain neutral. He did moved forward though to give a look to Vexander of curiosity or that could be given with the sash over his eyes. He couldn't see anything wrong with him in the force and he didn't smell wrong so... His condition was more likely mental which could be helped possibly. Something a few of the healers could do. Something he was trained to do... minorly the small amount of healing was only for one person at a time compared to the others weak but that was where Feena Mason's techniques of remaining steadfast of staying conscious when tired came in.

The jedi master spoke offering a bow of his head. He could help or take him to other healers if he needed it there were a few left in the order after all. "What is your condition? If it is something a healer could fix I am a trained one."

 

[Vexander Graves]

@[member="Syn"]

The offer of the jedi was really kind, he seemed to be interested in knowing further about his situation... perhaps he could tell him what was wrong with his mind and why it was making up those strange images. Touching his chin briefly and caressed his beard for a split seconds, an involuntary move that he was used to do from time to time. At the moment it was the only thing he could do, and afterall; he said he was a healer.

Vexander nodded "Very well. Allow me to elaborate" for a moment, the young man looked into the sky, thinking in how to express himself properly; he never had any real friend to talk about this other than the medics and psychiatrist of the Republic Military and he didn't know if he could give the same explanation to a jedi, still, he hoped that he could express himself properly.

Looking back at the Jedi, he began with what he experienced "Since I was a teenager, I have been wandering the galaxy on my own, fighting to survive as any other sentient. However, after some time, I have been experiencing complete set of images... day dreams that show up from time to time while I am on missions, dreams that wake me up; not because they are nightmares but because they show confusing things... events in my life that I have never seen, places I have never been and friends that do not exist." The young man stopped for a moment, he was didn't feel he was delusional because the doctors that treated him never diagnosed him like one, or at least to his knowledge, he never read his own file; but he felt that the following words might be amuzing and he hoped that the jedi wouldn't laugh at what he thought was just odd "All of the images have one thing in common: I am in all of them and I am different, my life is different... and in most of them I am wearing robes like yours and even one of those..." Vexander pointed to the lightsaber attached the the belt of the jedi in front of him "...I am sure it sounds ridiculous, and that is why I want those images to disappear... they cloud my judgement and cloud my reality. They didn't happen and they are..." Vexander closed his fist out of frustatrion "...painful... I want them gone..."

 

[Syn]

@[member="Vexander Graves"]

He listened, it was the only thing he could do and the story was strange and yet... not so much. There were plenty that suffered from visions and prospects of different lives. Of the futures one might be able to live had they made certain choices. It was all the force showing some.. Now this sounded like a stronger case but still it could very well be the future. He had come here to the temple to see what he could learn to become perhaps more then what he was but who knew.

"It sounds as if you are having visions, glimpses of futures that could have been or will be. The force can do that show you things that are from the past, the present and old friends long gone. There is so very much we know and yet do not. If you came here though the force must have a purpose for you... It doesn't usually have a sense of humor." Except when it does, except when it decides to play the god of irony, still no sense in getting his hopes dashed.

 

[Vexander Graves]

@[member="Syn"]

Vexander pondered in the words of the jedi, it was quite odd for him to assimilate that the Force had a purpose for him... he saw no need it might have for him... but perhaps the robed man was right...

The man's arms crossed as he thought in the matter at hand. At the end he just wanted to learn to control those visions or supress them completely, make sure that they do not hurt him anymore. It was hard to see a bright past and future when that he has never seen when his present was a mess, when the only thing that could fill the blank places in his very being was his dedication towards his job in the Republic Military.

The left hand of the man once again moved and touched his beard slightly while the right remained crossed. He was not sure what to do but he decided that he would perform a request at the man. Vex didn't know how it worked or if it was just as easy as asking... perhaps he had to fill a form or perform some tests... but one thing was clear... he was up for it 100%, he just needed to know if it was possible.

Taking a big breath, like building up courage allowed him to finally take the air to express what he thought was blunt "Master jedi" said as a sign of respect without actually knowing if the man was really a master, but many people usually addressed jedi in such ways anyway "how can I make sure that those "visions" are controlled in my mind? Prevent them from clouding my thoughts and for them to get in my way?... Is there something I can learn?"

 

[Syn]

@[member="Vexander Graves"]

"There are techniques you can learn to control them or block them out entirely. There are not many things one can do and at night when your defenses go down... They can come back." His arms offered entrance to the temple as he spoke more. "Come in and welcome, we can teach you muchbut is a question of if you will stay? Or is this a limited term plan before you go back to what you were doing?" Some important questions, kind of mostly it was because the last he had helped with visions defected afterwards. He didn't want a repeat of that.

 

[Vexander Graves]

@[member="Syn"]
Vexander was about to walk towards the entrance when he stopped dead in his track... the questions the jedi just did amazed him and actually caught him off his guard. Does that mean he had the potential to become a member of the Order? He just thought that they would give him like general training they provided to ground troopers or some treatment, perhaps medication or something... but to join the selective ranks of the Order?

His surprised wouldn't go unnoticed, his jaw almost dropped... he didn't know what to make of it since such offer could mean that what he was seeing in the visions were premonitions? But that wouldn't be right... otherwise, the other images of a childhood and a mother that cared for him wouldn't make sense... he still had to learn a lot and, if he wasn't going to erase them he would at least understand them to some degree.

While he looked at the Temple, that incredible and marvelous piece of architecture that filled him with calmness... his mind pondered in the posibilities as a jedi, what he could do and how he would be able to help others... perhaps it would take time and it would be hard, but there was more benefit than negative options... in fact, he couldn't think about any negative options.

It was not normal, but this time Vex's face showed a genuine smile at the idea, he didn't know what was up for him but he needed to learn the force and the techniques the jedi spoke about "As long as I am welcomed, I'll stay..." his voice cracked a little about the thought but he had to know "...but that would mean that I have to train as a jedi?"... said the man starting his walk towards the temple following the man who offered him entrance.

 

[Syn]

@[member="Vexander Graves"]

Syn couldn't see the visual expressions of the boy... he couldn't see what he was doing but his sashed head gave a nod with a smirk. "Yes if you stay you'll be able to learn as a jedi. We do not judge and we can help you. The real question is will you be able to handle it, some say they can and disappear, others think they have all the power because the force makes them better and some do not understand that we serve others to protect the galaxy. The choice will ultimately be yours but we can teach you, we can make your into a servent of the light who helps heal the galaxy if you wish it."

 

[Vexander Graves]

A strong commitment, a decision he had to take in such short notice... but the options were quite obvious and the one he had to take really clear... it just filled his expectations and actually it exceeded what he was looking for.

"If the visions are sign that I can become a jedi to any level... I am definetely up for the task. Is there a place I have to sign?" said the man honestly not knowing what he had to do from here on "Also kind jedi, I wanted to know, what would be your name?"

@[member="Syn"]

 

[Syn]

@[member="Vexander Graves"]

Sign? A joke he was sure, this wasn't a legal thing the jedi kept records sure but it wasn't like you enlisted as in the Republic military. No he just motioned into the temple as he spoke and gave a smirk. "I am called Synlidwirh a master within the order and Bolverk of the jedi council." The jedi master clasped his hands behind his back while he walked further into the temple speaking as they went about. There was much to explain and much to prepare. "You do not sign any papers, you do not enlist. The jedi order is a calling to those who wish to serve, we live a life of minimalistic comfort doing as needed, we do not hold titles among the worlds beyond those within our order and we do not ever rule over others. Some exceptions have been made, there are some species that no matter what a title will be given or held but it is used sparingly. The quartermaster can get your your new gear and there will be a bunk in the padawans dorms for you. Do you have any questions"

 

[Vexander Graves]

A Jedi Master in front of him, and he didn't even noticed... until now. Vex tried to hide his surprised and just walked next to him towards the mighty Temple. The statues that stood in the temple seemed imposing and at the same time magnificient, everything he was looking at and every word the master was explaining was just new... from what Vex could tell, he was an important person in the Order, and at the moment he was just lucky to meet himi... or was it the will of the force?

"I do not have any questions at the moment... I think that first I need to get my gear and try to get my mind straight about the idea...report to my superiors and inform them..." Said while looking at the jedi master "...but I am more than willing and ready to heed any instructions sir. And start the training." at the moment perhaps he was just a little too eager at the idea of training and learning. Still, he knew that pressing at the idea was not his place... the jedi master would know when and how to being in the unknown road ahead.

@[member="Syn"]

 

[Syn]

@[member="Vexander Graves"]

Syn gave a small smirk then it turned into a grin while he moved listening to the man. Yes he might have to talk with his people to tell them, that wasn't a problem it would be needed. Usually the adults needed to tell someone which was fine, the children usually had no one who would know what they were doing or were less likely to remember their families. "It is good your ready and eager but lets get you set up first. You'll need to change into proper attire and get a training saber. A belt and then come and meet me in the southern tower." The jedi master moved swiftly rolling his shoulders with a smirk while he went to meditate in the temples tower.

 

[Vexander Graves]

Vexander saw the man leave with a smirk on his face. It seemed that the training was going to be hard no matter what... or that he was planning something. Nevertheless, before he could find out, the corellian had to do a few things and especially gather the items needed.

With a steady pace, Vex headed towards his ship, where he used the long-range comm systems to report back his current status. The training in the Order was priority even for the Republic Military, and he was sure that the CO would understand pretty well, afterall; he was the one who sent him there.

After the short message was sent, he went to the quartermaster's office to gather the belongings and equiptment needed... he had to ask for a few directions to a couple of Jedi, a public terminal and a protocol droid. In the end, he managed to get there and talked to the one in charge...

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Vexander waited there for minutes, his name was not in the records and he had to explain the whole situation, in the end; he received exactly what he needed: Padawan Robes with sturdy boots, a training saber, the codes uploaded to his datapad with the information about his room and general guides on regards of the life as a Jedi inside the Temple and starting as a Padawan Learner.

After he received everything, he left and headed towards the southern tower where his new master was waiting for him. During his walk, he tried to get used to the robes, at first it was odd and he had a hard time even putting them on, but as he walked he learned at least to bear with them.

The young man lost track of the time that he took, but in the end he managed to get there dressed as a Padawan, although he looked a lot taller than most padawans due to his age. Still, he hoped that such thing wouldn't be a problem for his training.

Just a few meters away, he announced his presence. "I have arrived..." the word was not common for him but he had to get used to it "Master." He bowed his head and waited... it was similar to the salute he was used to do the military but more ceremonial and polite "I am ready to start."

@[member="Syn"]

 

[Syn]

@[member="Vexander Graves"]

Syn had taken the time while his padawan was going about his business to prepare... or at least to change. From robes and clothing to training vestments. Black pants that allowed him to move better, a shirt slightly over sized but enough for freedom of movement without catching. his sash tightly bound over his eyes and the belt with his sabers. He wouldn't need more then one but having all six for training purposes could prove useful. He touched the ornate wooden box of crystals and small trinkets.

Then he was off and had exited the Ravenshyde heading up the southern tower while he held the bottle of ichor, even though he didn't teach the skills he still did have to practice it to get better in the spells they used. Same with the white current, if he taught anyone it would be Iella first but he could still practice using the techniques he had chosen to specialize in. Then he was in the room and standing there waiting with a droid while trying to input the data... Something harder for a blind man who actually had no idea what his padawan looked like.

Then the man arrived as he stood there and crossed his arms over his chest. Taking him in with the force for a moment before speaking. "Ah welcome and I see you got your stuff. Now shall we begin?"

 

[Vexander Graves]

The young man felt a slight pull, odd and intangible; but he felt it nonetheless. However, the corellian dressed now as a jedi padawan knew nothing about the Force. For that reason he just didn't mind it for the moment. He was more interested in the actual lessons that he was about to learn.

Little did he know that such feelings were important... but he was not experienced enough to know that at the moment. Instead, he just replied at his Jedi Master "Yes, lets get started..." he felt embarrased but at the same time thought that it would be understandable for @[member="Syn"] "...however I am afraid that we need to start with what you feel are the basics."

 

[Syn]

@[member="Vexander Graves"]

Syn gave a nod to that, it was time to start with the basics. His hands came up while he crossed them and gave a nod. "Alright from the beginning, we shall start with the jedi ready stance. Feet apart, bent at the knees and your blade in front of you opposite of your stomach. Relax your muscles and breathed in deeply, hold the breathe for the span of several seconds while feeling it. The force will be in it and you'll push it throughout your body. You won't be able to hold it for long, no one can it is there and then will be gone in a moment as you exhale. Repeat the process until you feel that little tingle in your extremities to begin the process of the force flowing through you."

 

[Vexander Graves]

The basics of the Jedi were quite odd, they felt like martial arts somehow... and at first he didn't understand how breathing in a specific position would actually allow him to feel any different from the usual things that he have felt... or to make him contact the Force in some way. Still, he was the Master and he should know...

Following each one of the steps, Vex placed himself in the Jedi ready stance. Slowly, the young man inhaled filling each one of his lungs with the fresh air that was around the Temple. Held it inside for almost 5 seconds and then exhaled slowly. The first time he did it... nothing could be felt... in fact, it just felt like a conscious way to breath and be aware of it, not something out of the ordinary.
A second time... the corellian aprentice tried his best to feel the Force filling him at the same time that the air was going all the way to his lungs. But as he exhaled again, he just didn't feel anything... But even at that time, Vex remained quiet and tried a third time... with little to no success at all.

The situation was kind of frustrating... It was true that he just tried three times... but he just couldn't feel anything... was he doing something wrong? how could he? it was just breathing. But... perhaps it wasn't? The young man reviewed the words of his Master once again and realized something quite interesting: the Jedi ready stance was a lot like the breathing techniques he had to learn to become a sniper.

A member of the military that wanted to follow that path had to learn when to inhale as much as possible, and then use the available time to pinpoint the target, analyze his or her position and predict the movement to pull the trigger before exhaling... In its own way, the breathing for the stance had to face the same steps to find the Force, analyze it and then predict the movement to disperse it throughout his body before it was gone with the exhalation... It made a lot of sense.

Knowing a bit further about it, the young man attempted the process again:

One: inhale... feel the air flow through his respiratory system and let it run through it.
Two: Pinpoint the target.... focus in the Force and find the particles that were "charged" with it.
Three: Analyze it... determine the amount, the power, the warm feeling that it brought.
Four: Predict movement... take it slowly and disperse it through his body to reach, from the tip of his toes, to the top of his head.
Five: Exhale.

The process seemed long in his head, but actually it wasn't... it was just that he was not used to it... Still, just like the breathing technique to shoot with deadly accuracy, this was just a matter of repetition and practice... eventually he would be able to do it unconsciously.

Closing his eyes, the young man repeated the same steps over and over again... until eventually, he could feel the Force following through him in a way it never did in his entire life time... it was a refreshing feeling that empowered him, that calmned him, that ran through his entire body... after several minutes he managed to do it...

His eyes eventually opened with a sparkle of joy at his feat. Maybe basic for many but for him it was a new world... and he was witnessing it. "There Master... I can... I can actually feel it. The Force!"

@[member="Syn"]

 

[Syn]

@[member="Vexander Graves"]

Syn gave a nod of approval to Vex as he stood there. The jedi master couldn't see him properly but he could take in the rest of him and make sure things were going well. His thoughts, his actions were building up for some time and he smirked. This was one of the harder things, finding a way to feel the force more so then without some training. That first step on what would become a future for him, and then... and then he felt it and focused. The force pulsed more within Vexander as Syn gave a nod of approval.

"Very good, now keep that feeling, learning to do this will take time and practice to get into it. Now continue to breathe and then push it into your senses, try to feel the room and then the tower and then the temple."