New Beginning {Jace}

[Dutch]

{OoC: OH! Board cherry popped! 11/29/12}

Levin stood at attention as he stared out at the tunneled lights of hyperspace. His hands were clasped behind his back and his jaw set as his mind wandered. Life was, hectic to say the least lately. Not long after reconnecting with Aoife, he was once more thrust away from her on Council business. Makem Te... It was likely Levin would never forget that name. Vreem Took popped into his mind, the man proved once more to be a stoic ally and true follower of the Light. It was a shame they never got to finish their conversation. But then again, with the direction it was going... it was likely he was aware of the Force Bond. Such potent Force ties were difficult to keep low key.

And it was likely his current partner was aware too. Nobody was simply healed by Levin during a session as intensive as the one Jace Beleren had been through. After all, that very same Force Bond has been forged from Levin bringing Aoife back from the dead. Or at least from mostly being dead. It was likely that as Levin poured his very essence into the former Grandmaster, he would have seen some of Levin's mind, his memories. The Force would have shown no more and no less than Jace wanted to receive. It was only a question as to how much he had taken Levin in.

"...Master Jedi?"

Peeped a small voice from behind Levin. The Jedi blinked once and gazed about the room. The bridge for the Republic corvette Coronet Skygem was peaceful. People went about their workstations, keeping the ship flying smoothly. Lev sensed a small human female behind him, one of the ships' lieutenants. He turned his head to gaze back at her, and nod.

"I'm sorry, Lessa Toyle. What is it?"

Asked Levin in his steady, calm voice. She simply bowed and stepped closer before she held a datapad out to him. Lev turned and accepted the datapad, a nod given again in thanks and once more, Lessa bowed before she walked away. Silver-rimmed eyes would gaze at the datapad. A message from his Padawan. He read it over real quickly, a report from her duties in the Halls of Healing. Apparently she was becoming quite adept at healing, much like her master, and his master before him. It was then that he felt a familiar presence, and looked back up to greet the man who entered.

[Jace]

Jedi Master Jace Beleren was exhausted to a point which he had never experienced. He was resilient in the extreme but even a Jedi of his abilities had limits. The middle-aged man had only a few months ago sat at the head of the Jedi High Council was now somewhat adrift. It was true that he had been through quite a lot yet doubt and indecision were ever gnawing at his mind. Qualities that were completely uncharacteristic for the Master Jedi. His ordeal had struck at the most inopportune time with the galaxy now plunged into the chaos that was war. It was during this critical period that Jace had gotten captured by the Sith and left the Order without a Grandmaster. Fortunately many of his stalwart peers on the Council were quick to take action. Jace considered it a miracle that the Sith had no found out about his capture.

Jace barely had time to heal his wounds, the physical ones at least, before setting off to Thila. He who had once advocated against the Jedi joining the war had found himself right in the middle of it. The Jedi Master was still not sure why he had rushed off to help in the desperate defense but he had placed his trust in the Force. Battles were never enjoyable but Thila was something he was unlikely to ever forget. Jace and a scarce number of survivors barely managed to escape a full-on massacre. The new Sith Empire was known for brutality and little if any leniency. He had left the planet with more questions than answers and that made for a certain level of frustration.

One might then expect that Jace would return to the Temple and lay low for the time being but that was not the case. The Jedi found himself aboard the Republic corvette, Coronet Skygem, and headed for Cilpar. Of course this time Jace was not headed for a battle on the Rim or a dangerous incursion in Sith controlled territory. He was doing something quite the opposite in fact. Jace had to admit that when Levin had approached him about the mission, he had been somewhat hesitant. The Jedi had decided to trust in his friend and it seems his trust had been rewarded. A novelty, a change of pace was exactly what Jace Beleren needed to clear his mind.

As Jace stepped onto the bridge of the corvette, he was met by a pair of crisp salutes from the guards. The Jedi Master would have told them to stop that but he knew they would not listen. Many soldiers often accorded the Jedi with a certain level of respect which was more or less how they treated their officers. Now with many of the Jedi fighting alongside the Republic, the relationship was further emphasized. Jace had worked with many Republic soldiers during his days as a Shadow. The Republic had not been at war but the Sith Empire was not the only enemy of that they faced.

Levin Caelum was one such Jedi who had decided to take the fight to the Sith. The other Jedi had been on the Council when they decreed that the Order would not go to war. Jace watched as his closest friend, Vreem Took, had spurned the Council's decision and took whichever Jedi were willing to the war. His old friend had caused a division within the Order but Jace could not begrudge him, Levin, or any who followed. The vote of the Council had been a close one and Jace was not sure there was a 'right' choice; there rarely ever was.

The other man stood slightly taller than Jace and where his eyes were a vibrant green, Jace's were a dull blue. Even though they were around the same age, Levin looked noticeably younger than the former Grandmaster. The other man wore his favored long brown overcoat which was reminiscent of the standard Jedi robe which Jace was sporting. Tattoos ran down the side of Jace's face, a constant symbol of the sacrifices he had made as a Jedi Shadow. There were more than a few scars on the aging Jedi's body which represented the same.

"Good news, Master Caelum?" inquired Jace of the other Jedi. He noted the datapad in the man's hands and there seemed to be a hint of satisfaction on Levin's face. Jace also seemed to have a deeper understanding of the man before him through their connection in the Force. It had been Levin who healed Jace when the former Grandmaster turned up at the Temple steps in tatters. The High Council member was the best healer that the Jedi Order had at their disposal and Jace's condition was a testament to that fact. Yet there were some wounds which even a Master of Levin's skill could not heal.

[Dutch]

Levin's eyebrows would barely lift in response to Jace Beleren's question. If there was one thing the man was not used to still, it was how formal other Jedi now treated him. Before Grandmaster Roq had asked of him to join the High Council, Levin had enjoyed his anonymity among most of the Order. His prowess was well known within the Jedi Healer's community, but not so much outside the Order. These days, even friends would speak more formally to him. For once, Levin Caelum understood what his friends felt when they dealt with him. Polite behavior could be seen as cold at times. He knew this wasn't intentional though.

"Jace Beleren. Good to see you. How are you feeling today?"

He answered in response. Ever the professional, Lev out of habit spoke those words. A soft sigh would escape his lips and his eyes would turn from Jace for just a moment. It was unlike Levin to answer so automatically, a sign that he rarely did leave duty mode. Always the professional, ever the stoic.

But how stoic can a man truly be when balancing a relationship, a padawanship, and his Jedi duties as the galaxy crumbled and blackened around them?

Instead of dwelling Levin motioned for Jace to follow him to the bridge's small debriefing table. With sure steps he moved, the datapad still clutched at hand. Lev turned his head to look at Jace and handed him said datapad with a tiny smile.

"Good news, yes. It seems the success rate of our Healers has been much better than lately. Reports from across the galaxy suggest that most wounded survive their encounter...

As Lev reached the table he thumbed its control panel and several holo files popped up for the two Jedi to look at. His bright green eyes would watch the console as he slowly punched in commands. He never really was good with machines. Images of a male and a female popped up on the table, as did a picture of a child and a house that the three lived in. He continued to speak.

...However, when compared to the casualty lists, I wonder if our Healers are being more efficient... or if it is just the fact that the Enemy rarely leaves wounded on the field of battle."

[Jace]

"As well as can be expected," replied Jace honestly. He paused a moment before continuing, "I suspect I'd still be soaking in a Kolto tank if it weren't for your skills in healing."

Jace's words were spoken in an even tone yet there was gratitude there for his peer. It was true that the former Grandmaster needed rest but simply sitting in the medical wing of the temple would have grated on his sense of duty. The Jedi Master had always been the proactive type though his years on the Council had helped to temper that characteristic somewhat. Levin had twice now, given Jace the opportunity to be of some use to the Order and for that he was grateful. The former Grandmaster was far from atoning for the mistakes he had made but one had to begin somewhere. Jace was not looking for pity but simply an opportunity to continue to serve the Order.

He was not so lost in his thoughts that he did not notice Levin's sigh. It was a rather unusual display for the Jedi Healer. Jace knew that the other Jedi was well noted for keeping his composure in any situation. It was a necessary quality in any accomplished healer and Levin represented this in the extreme. Therefore while a sigh may seem like nothing to the average person, Jace knew it represented much more. It only served as a reminder that the former Grandmaster was not the only one with a troubled mind. Jace felt a twinge of shame knowing that he had done little to help a man he considered one of his few friends. This war was likely to throw more than a few Jedi into personal turmoil before it was over.

"That is indeed good news," responded Jace as he followed Levin to the small briefing table. He looked over the datapad and studied the numbers carefully for a few moments. Healing was not Jace's area of expertise but he did understand combat statistics and their logistical consequences. It was both good news and at the same time, the type of news the Jedi Master wish he never had to hear. Data such as this was considered good because they were at war. It was still a welcome report compared to the many that had been flooding in. Jace had gone over the various reports from Thila and it had been a morbid task. Too many good people, Jedi and Republic soldiers, never left that planet.

"It's true, the Empire's execution has been ruthless but do not despair, old friend. Take solace in knowing that those who may have otherwise perished, remain in among the living. War can either bring out the worst in a person or the best; we must have faith that it is bringing out the best."

The Jedi Master turned his attention to the holoprojection that Levin brought up. Jace studied the three figures for a few moments before looking down at the data that scrolled on the surface of the table. They would be landing on Cilpar soon and these three represented the reason for their travel. Jace and Levin were taking part in a crucial function of the order which was somewhat odd. The former Grandmaster had rarely ever been assigned to such a task which was usually left to the Watchmen of the Order. It was not that he was above such things but rather there were others more suited for such a mission. Still, it represented an opportunity for both of the Jedi Masters.

"Much hope still remains," added Jace as his eyes turned back toward the child and his parents.

[Dutch]

"I take solace in knowing that the Sith have finite numbers. And that the Force is with us in these times. However, I fear some members of the Blades may be slipping. At Makem Te I watched as a young knight let the Darkness take him. In an instant his face went from friend to Enemy, and the boy used a marine who had just saved him as a way to block an attack that would not have even been lethal...

Levin paused for a moment and once more made eye contact with his friend. His normally keen eyes would look weary, with slightly visible bags under his eyes. He never did sleep well during space travel, nor felt well during. He walked slowly to Jace's side, his eyes looked around to make sure none could over hear him.

... I cut him down."

He whispered hoarsely before he turned from Jace's blue eyes gaze and zoomed in on the young Mirialan boy. Barely five standard years old, dark freckles, crazy unruly black hair. And what may one day be one of the most powerful Jedi known to the galaxy. Lev keyed on the console again, and stats began to scroll about the boy. Height, weight, midichlorian count, known relatives. It had appeared that the boy's ancestors were also mighty Jedi, a dynasty of the Lightside.

"Yes. Hope remains, old friend. This boy has the highest count on record for Cilpar, however, his family has declined the Watchman of Cilpar. Intelligence from your Shadows indicate an interest from the Sith...

Levin keyed up another group of images that snapped from the table to pour more blue light across the two Jedi. This time an image for a seaside metropolis showed up, many islands connected by massive bridges. Stats about the city popped up too, population numbers, location of the target, local police reports. Typical numbers for a seaside fishing export city.

...We cannot allow the Enemy to touch him with their sullied hands. Jace Beleren, do you know why we asked of you to come with me to Cilpar?"

[Jace]

Jace was not sure what disturbed him more. Levin's revelation or the fact that the former Grandmaster had come to expect it. One of the main reasons why the Council had voted not to go to war was due to the potential dangers it represented to not only the Order, but the galaxy. They may eventually win against the Sith but how many surviving Jedi would actually be 'Jedi'. Relatively recent history was an all too fresh reminder of the risks taken. The Jedi Civil War was a dark stain on the Order's past and while it had been three hundred years since then, there were still those who had lived through the experience. It was oft said that history is prone to repeating itself, Jace could only hope that this would not be the case.

He could see the man's pained expression even before Levin's final words left his mouth. Jace cringed mentally even though he had been prepared for such a revelation. It had already begun. Jedi had already begun to lose their way and were forcing their comrades into making terrible choices. There were those who had already fought off the darkness in their hearts but could they withstand what this war had to offer? Jace wanted to reach out and lay a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder but now was not the time for such things and he was in no position to be comforting others.

The Jedi Master opened his mouth to speak but closed it again a few moments after. There were no words that could remedy what the other man was currently feeling. It was simply best to let it lie for now and be dealt with later. If Levin did not come to terms with the necessity of his actions it could push him down a perilous path. Contrary to popular belief, Jedi did not simply repress their emotions but reconciled them with their duties. Some may argue semantics but Jace believed that such a distinction was important to the identity of the Jedi Order.

"Either luck or fate is on our side," Jace began after studying the young Mirialan's statistics. "That this child was found in Republic territory is beyond fortunate."

There was still a certain amount of shock accompanied with the discovery of the Mirialan. He showed potential of the likes which is rarely ever seen. Children with such Midichlorian counts often end up as great Masters of the Order, the type to sit on the High Council. Jace did not even want to think about what would have happened if this child had been born on Sernpidal or Bastion. Of course there was no saying that such a child was present within Empire territory. The Jedi no longer had the ability to recruit from such places and instead potential members of the Jedi Order were now being recruited by a far more dangerous entity.

"Your shadows"

It was a bit odd that the other Jedi had phrased it in such a way but old habits were hard to shake. One might say that during his time as a Shadow, Jace was considered first among them. There is of course no such hierarchy among the Shadows but experience and results did add a certain level of differentiation. Even when Jace had moved from his duties as a Shadow, he still oversaw many of their duties and missions. Only the High Council and a select few knew exactly what the specialized group of Jedi did. In truth it made Jace somewhat of an anomaly. Jedi who were Shadows did not usually come to serve on the Council let alone become Grandmaster and for that Hace had always been accorded a certain amount of what he thought was unnecessary respect.

"I suppose I have a few guesses but in truth I am still a bit unsure," responded the Jedi Master to his peer. Jace was indeed slightly confused about his participation in such a task but he had not questioned it. Hopefully his companion would shed some light on the situation.

[Dutch]

Levin's eyes would turn to Jace as he finally responded. He could feel the other man's mind as it worked, searching for something to say, something to do. But what could be said or done? Levin had joined up with the Blades to help keep them alive, and to stay the hand of darkness that reached for his home, his family. The Jedi. Levin tried not to feel slightly disappointed by the man's choice of words, and had to remind himself that Shadow's often saw the galaxy different than other Jedi. After a brief moment he responded.

"There is no luck, Jace Beleren. You know this."

Once more he looked at the boy's midichlorian count, and could not suppress the chill that ran up his spine and down his skin. Levin Caelum and Jace Beleren were both considered powerful Masters of the Order. Pillars of the Force, Wielders of the Light. Warriors and Protectors. Wards and Arms. This boy's count, was more than Lev's and Jace's combined. He couldn't tell if he felt more hope or dread at what the boy may become.

That was what was at stake. Either the boy followed his ancestors in protecting the public... or he could be a great doom for the galaxy. Levin would sooner let death take him, than this boy's future be sullied at the hands of the Enemy. His eyes would once more turn to meet Jace's, and a single nod was given at the response to his last question. Why was Jace Beleren asked to join on such a mission? Levin certainly knew why, but more importantly, it was important that Jace see why. A ping would sound overhead, and note that they were nearly at their destination.

"Why indeed..."

Levin would say gently, his tone not quite a whisper, and not quite directed at his companion. He pushed a few buttons on the panel to show the nearest spaceport to the boy's family. Lev turned from the holotable and began to move towards the door to the bridge.

"Let us not delay, I am eager to meet this child in person."

[Jace]

There is only the Force, noted Jace to himself as if uttering a prayer.

The Force, luck, fate; they were all one and the same in Jace's mind. He believed in the omnipresence of the Force but the Jedi was a man of the real world. The Jedi Master was more akin to a soldier than anything else. He was a seasoned veteran and stood alongside many who were the same. Almost all of them acknowledged that luck played some form in their lives. It was the difference between a blaster bolt hitting or missing. In all honesty, Jace did not think it all that important but it was something to think about when one had time. On the other hand, the reason they had come to Cilpar was quite important.

Jace raised an eyebrow at his companions response but simply shrugged it off. That answer was very much like Levin, the Jedi Maser thought to himself. There had always been a vague sense of mystery about the man. His dedication to the light was unquestioned but even Jedi had their secrets. A Healer's lifestyle tended to be quite different from others, whether one was a Jedi or not. Levin had no doubt been privy to much information. Of course the man was also a High Councilor so there was that as well. It wasn't the answer Jace had been looking for but such things would make themselves known in due course.

"As am I," noted Jace as he followed his friend to the bridge.

He could feel the ship begin its descent moments after the initial ping. It did not take long for their vessel to finally land at the spaceport. Jace headed to the exit ramp without any delay. Luckily there was no need for luggage or any such things. The pair had not come to Cilpar for holiday but to guide a young toward a more righteous path. It was still far too early to guess at their chances for success. There were too many unknown factors at the this point and the could be met with anything from gratefulness to hostility. Jace could only hope that it would be the former.

It was nearing evening as the Jedi Master stepped from their transport. They had delayed slightly in their schedule so as not to arrive too early. The Jedi could not speak to the child without his parents and they were sure to be working. In truth, this was Jace's first visit to the planet. His duties had either been on far away planets or right in the heart of the Republic. Cilpar was a pleasant planet by all accounts, an agricultural hub. That being said, the spaceport was some distance from their intended destination. It would at least give Jace and Levin a chance to discuss their approach. The former Grandmaster had little experience in these matters so he would likely defer to his companion.

"Shall we proceed, Master Caelum?"

[Dutch]

Levin had to fight motion sickness the entire descent towards Cilpar. Never had the man been a fan of the vertigo that came with space flight. And yet with current events, the man had found himself more and more exposed to the sensation, with no sign of it dulling. But with a small amount of assistance through the Force Lev manage not to vomit. He gratefully breathed in the fresh air of Cilpar as he descended the ramp. His eyes watched Jace as his friend walked in front of him. For much of the flight he had kept tabs on the former Grandmaster, not out of any suspicion to his character, but as one of his patients. The type of injuries he sustained were not easily washed away, even with the Force to aid him. Many times the stoic man had turned down various Healer's offers to assist him more, and when they approached Levin with complaints of Jace's stubbornness, Lev reminded them that it was a Healers job to listen to their patients wishes as much as tend to them.

"Yes... and please, old friend. I think we are past titles by now."

He responded with a slow nod. Levin moved forward to pass Jace and begin to lead the way. As the two walked Levin made sure to return any nods of recognition or bows given to the two Jedi. Lev did not see himself as any more or less important than anyone else in the galaxy, and always made a point of returning any respect given to him. For they were all children of the Force, and the Jedi mere conduits of it. It seemed several people indeed recognized the face of Jace Beleren, former Jedi Grandmaster. Unfortunately, that was one side effect of taking the burden of leading the Jedi on. For some reason the galaxy often treated Jedi as famous folk, and even revered by some cultures. It disturbed Levin to think of any Jedi that let the fame get to their head.

Lev turned his gaze to stop and stare as the sun set on Cilpar. It was rare for him to see such a sight anymore, more of his time spent either in space or in active duty for the Blades and Jedi alike. Levin let the Force sift into him and allowed it to mellow his nerves from the flight, and the thought of his other activities out in the galaxy. Lev looked to Jace for a moment. Had he seen? Did he know? Levin was careful to hold his own memories back when he melded with his friend, but his primary focus was on saving Jace, not himself at the time. He inhaled calmly before he changed the subject of his own thoughts.

"This is my first time on Cilpar. Its sunset is beautiful."

[Jace]

[This post was kinda meh, hopefully next will be better]

"It is mine as well," said the Jedi Master in response. He looked to the sky but Jace did not see the same thing his friend did. All he saw was a fading light, a final caress of warmth before darkness set. The former Grandmaster was a pragmatic man who had spent most of his years in the presence of people and things which were anything but beautiful. He had little appreciation for such things and that in itself saddened him somewhat. Oddly enough he was reminded of his encounter with Danica years ago. She had been quite unimpressed by his lack of knowledge or appreciation of art. Such days had seemed so long ago yet it had only been just before the war.

Jace returned the occasional bow with a wave of his hand in acknowledgement. He was actually quite uncomfortable with the amount of attention he received. It could not be helped though since he had been the face of the Order for a time. That burden had been shifted to Roq and his old friend, Vreem Took. The latter battled on that front lines and would serve as a symbol of courage for the Republic's soldiers. His thoughts often turned to the other Jedi Master who led the Blades and consequently to all those who fought alongside him. They had been his responsibility and a schism was created during his tenure as Grandmaster. It was a difficult truth to face but one he could not simply ignore.

The Jedi quickly removed any thoughts of self-loathing as he picked up an odd feeling the in Force which resonated from Levin. Jace made no show of recognizing any change except for a very slight furrowing of his brow. There was something going on with the Jedi healer that Jace could not properly describe. The other Jedi seemed more melancholy than usual. There was clearly turmoil within but Levin did a good job of hiding it. The former Grandmaster doubted anyone else would have noticed but the bond between the two had grown deep with Jace's healing. Jace could infiltrate a nest of Dark Jedi without detection, could throw a tank at someone with the Force, yet he failed in such basic areas as friendship.

"I believe we are nearing our destination," remarked Jace after many minutes of silence. The pair had been walking for some time now and were nearing the house of the young Mirialan. "I have little experience in such tasks, how are we to proceed?" inquired the Jedi Master of the other.

He was in fact slightly anxious about the prospect of trying to convince this boy and his parents. Jace had little tact when it came to the nuances of conversation, at least in this specific area. He could talk his way into a criminal organization but this would be the exact opposite. A false move and this boy might turn his eyes toward the Sith. Jace knew that he could not simply sit there without speaking but he would need to be careful. As a healer, Levin would have a much better affinity with others. The former Grandmaster was honestly still a bit confused as to why he had been chosen for this task. He had his suspicions but that did not make the situation any less precarious.