Mission to Dorin (jedi334, Tesok, keyz)

[keyz]

Jifo watched closely as Tesok instructed in refining the simpler maneuvers in the form. Small things like the angle of the wrist of bending the knees further in footwork, seemed to add a great deal of strength and fluidity to his form. While some of the nuances still escaped him, he knew full well that such a master only came with many more years of practice. He watched the intense focus of the Barabel as he moved step by step through the form; and was amazed as the Knight appeared to enter a sort of meditation while moving. Not only was he a practiced blade, but a practiced mind. Following along as best he could, he did show some improvement from the beginning of the week, and was pleased with his progress; his renewed faith in himself bettering his meditations and force practice as well.

Moving his practice saber in a tight grid around his body, he was stressing correct form and motion, though he was still a little robotic in his movements. After approximately and hour of practicing his forms with Master Baranar, They were bringing the studies to a close for the day; when a face, very familiar to Jifo, approached. Master Chias Nero, had been practicing here as well. She greeted them warmly and offered a few refinements to Jifo's footwork, for him to practice in the future. He followed along at watching her as he had Master Baranar, widening his stand a bit; and indeed feeling more stable, just as she had said. "Thank you both very much for your instruction today Masters, I am very grateful and as always, at your service." he offered with a low bow. He tried to keep his own words brief sensing that Master Nero had something important to discuss with Master Baranar. At her prompting he left them to their conversation and move to place his training saber with the rest, and headed up stairs to the force training rooms.

The door slid open to a room just like many of the others, wherein was a small cushioned seat in the middle of a sparsely decorated room. Four small stone orbs standing atop pillars of similar material and make, stood around the room all equidistant from the seat. Taking a seat and spending a few minutes breathing deeply and clearing his head, Jifo simply relaxed. This felt very "at home" for Jifo, and after about five minutes he was ready. Reaching out with his feelings, Jifo felt the residual presence of the force in the room where many had trained; and pressing further could feel those out on the training floor, including Master Baranar and Master Nero. Coruscant was such a heavily populated world, the combined life of it all felt very warm and made everything seem to have a very faint glow. Finally ready, Jifo will one of the balls to lift into the air and hover for a few moments. Lifting a second on up, they both began to spin in alternate directions. Jifo tried to keep this pace steady. After two minutes of this, he pushed himself further and brought the training stones to orbit around him still in opposite direction. This is where his focus started to stutter, and the stones began to slow and loose a bit of altitude. Freezing them in place, Jifo tried to collect himself to continue.

[Pembleton]

Tesok sat back on his haunches as Chias gently instructed Jifo, and watched contemplatively after the boy as he left, listening with half an ear to his fellow Knight's description of the site they were to visit. He thought for a moment, then replied uncertainly, "There are perhaps certain places which are considered voids in the Force, where for various reasons the energy does not dwell. However, this one is inclined to think that this is a textual inconsistency; such phenomena are the result of devastating amounts of Force energy. An event which could release that kind of power has never been recorded on Dorin. More likely, 'the void' means a place of dark side energy."

The Barabel shifted his gaze to the small Echani woman, fixing her with his unblinking red stare. "You say it is a place of the Baran Do. It would seem they built this temple to contain a dark-side phenomenon. Such things are not uncommon - the Jedi are known for taking similar actions to eliminate the risk of dark side artifacts and nexuses. This one thinks we may find something of interest in exploring how the Sages managed to seal back the energies in the cave."

Tesok's interest was piqued. Perhaps he would not be completely out of his element on Dorin. His Jedi Shadow master had imparted him with a breadth of experience in the detection of dark-side energy, which was an essential skill for a hunter of the Order. He was eager to be on his way to the temple of the Baran Do. However, he also felt a slight twinge of regret, remembering her earlier words upon seeing him practicing with Jifo. He looked around quickly, then bowed his head closer to Chias' and spoke in a low rumble.

"This one wonders whether you know the youngling very well," he said, glancing quickly at the door where the boy had exited. "Has he not been selected as a Padawan yet? He must be at least 12 years old."

[jedi334]

She bristled uneasily at the mention of a Dark Side nexus but nodded in concurrence “I was hoping for something different.” She said “However this makes our investigation all the more urgent. I have done all the research and deducing I can from here. The only way we will learn more is by being at the Temple itself. I suggest we leave as soon possible, the end of the week if possible.”

Her brow rose in surprise at Tesok’s question of the youngling and his status of finding a Master. Though she had only known him for a few weeks Chias deduced that Tesok was not one to take partners or students on lightly; he must have seen something in herself and more important young Jifo.

“As I told you before, I only know him from his time within the Archive.” She said, gently rocking back & forth on her bare feet as she talked. “He is a sweet boy, quiet and very perceptive. He also has quite a grasp of the Force and meditates often. But he has a self doubt which I suspect some Knight and Masters have picked up on and thus passed him for apprenticeship.” She shook her head and sighed “Tis a sad thing too, for he is very close to reaching the cut off and going to the Work Corp within the Temple.”

She turned to go, moving to the weapons rack as she retrieved her lightsaber and clasped it back into place on her belt as she returned the training weapon back to one of the instructors before she looked back to Tesok.

“If you have any last minute business at the Temple or within the city please tend to it." She said softly. "I do not know how long we shall be off world and would hate for you to be distracted when on mission. We shall meet at the spaceport…docking bay 94.”

The cool grey doors exiting the training room slid open as she stopped and looked over her shoulder at the Barabel, a serious expression on her pale face. “If you are considering what I think you are than I for one support it.” She said with a gentle nod. “Jifo is a kindhearted and bright young man but lacks the confidence in both himself and his abilities. If anyone can teach him the ways of the Jedi and possibly see him through the Trails, it is a Sentinel.”

She turned and began to leave, a small playful smile on her lips as she called over her shoulder as the doors closed. “And what’s more…he seems to like you.”

[keyz]

Jifo brought the small force training stones in a single orbit around the room one last time before returning them to their original stands. Keeping perfectly still, Jifo moved seamlessly into his meditations to finish his day. He normally did this in his quarters in the youngling dormitory; though now it seemed a shame to waist such a dead quiet. As Jifo took slow and steady breaths, he felt his muscles relax and his mind clear. It was almost as if he was asleep but still conscious, and responsive to the world around him. Opening himself to the force was like clearing away a fog, and it brought an inner brightness to him, the he'd never been able to describe really; though he was confident other Jedi knew exactly what he was experiencing.

The youngling sat there in silence, feeling the warm daytime sun gleaming across his back as it beamed through the window. He smiled, thinking of how it mimicked the warm feeling of the living force. Breathing in sharply and letting the air go in a slow sigh, Jifo stood to his feet and stepped to the door. The grey metal doors slide to the side and he stepped out onto the walkway, looking over the training area. He thought back on what he'd learned today and incorporating into future training. He did his best to remember everything Masters Tesok and Chias had shown him, as it was unlikely that he would get to train with them like ha had in the past week.

Jifo began down the stairs, his hand sliding down the smooth railing thereby. Reaching the bottom floor, he didn't see the Knights from before anywhere, and set his sights on the exit. It was late in the day and was time for him to head back to the youngling chambers.

[jedi334]

“Left...right…left…right and turn.”

Chias walked back and forth in a straight line in her chambers. She wore her robes, tunic along her new pants and boots and felt like she was naked from the waist down. She hoped that Temple on Dorin’s floor was in tact enough to discard her boots when she and Tesok arrived for their investigation.

After she had spoken with the Barabel and young Jifo, she took her own advice and attended to some last minute errands. She first went to the archivist, a Kaminoan who agreed to take over her duties while she was off planet.

She reminded him to keep up with any messages for her, to water the plants in the East and West study hall and to take notes from Chen’s classes for her. She also made sure the main lecture hall was prepared for the conference of Jedi scientist that was to take place in a few days.

She then went to the healing sanctuary to get over three weeks supply of minor pain medication and to visit one of the medical droids to have her shoulder readjusted. It began with the droid shutting down the implant which made her arm limp and useless.

Then the Plasteel shell would be opened and the nerves and muscle tissue would be carefully separated from the wiring and then the diagnostics of each of the major parts would take place. The process itself was usually two hours and once done everything was put back into place and the casing bolted back in.

Then the part Chias hated began, the droid would hold her arm down and then reactivate the implant, this in turn reconnected the nerves and muscle fiber and white hot bolts of pain would shoot down her arm and left side of her small body which made her convulse and shudder.

She always tried her best not to cry or scream…but had only succeeded three times. She disliked when the droid was the one who keep her still, usually Kamali or her Master would accompany her but with the preparations of her mission she forgotten to ask either.

The ways each helped through the pain differed, Chen would keep her focused on his face and helped calm her mind and Kamali would simply remind her that pain was part of healing.

When she alone however, she simply closed her eyes and hummed absently to herself. Thankfully only a few wires and gears needed to replaced or upgraded and it took an hour complete, in any case it was done and her shoulder was ready for the long journey. Her last errand was her favorite one, buying her food.

Chias was vegan, which meant her diet mainly consisted of vegetables, fruits and grains. Some of her meals lacked a certain amount of flavor so she substituted the blandness with herbs and spices which she got from the local markets around the Temple.

She bought packs of dried pasta, a Naboo spice which she loved and some berries and figs for a dessert. While she knew Tesok had ordered ration packs and freeze dried food for them, despite the presence of Dark side energy and severe weather patterns she doubted they would be in any life or death struggles for survival, if she was going to eat she was going eat things she liked.

And now here she was, her small travel duffel with her extra clothes, toiletries and food sitting on the end of her small bed and heavy duty roiling case with her equipment by her night stand. She had double checked both bags to make sure she had everything she needed. All there was to do now was to practice wearing her boots, remembering her mother’s words when helping her walk as a child.

“Left…right…left…right.” she said as she took each step slowly. “Left---WHOA!!” the toe of the left boot caught the carpet which reeling forward and landed with a firm THUD on the floor.

She sighed a bit as she gathered herself to stand, hearing a gentle chuckle as looked behind to see her Master standing in the door way with his hands on his hips.

“Still having trouble I see.” He said, glancing down at her booted feet. She sighed as she moved and sat on the foot of the mattress “That was the third time I fell.” She said. “Honestly, how the rest of you manage in these things is beyond me.”

“We all have our difficulties.” He said. “But I brought something to assist you.”

He then reached into his robe and produced two small rolls of weighty looking material colored bone white, he handed them to her as she ran a finger along each feeling the rich and thick leather, she looked quizzically at him. "Master?"  she asked

“Here.” He knelt and removed her boots and carefully wrapped each foot in the heavy binding until only her toes could be seen.

He rose and nodded to her. “Now try.” He said. She rose and walked the same line she walked with the boots. While still feeling a little awkward she did not trip or stumble once, as if he was wearing nothing at all.

She turned to him with a exuberant smile. “By the Force!” she said “These are wonderful, I move just as easily as if I was barefoot. Where did you find them?”

“I know a leather master that owed me a favor.” he said “Authentic Bantha leather that will stand up to most conditions.” She bowed her head to him deeply “Thank you; they will be a great help.” She said “I wish…you were coming with me though.”

He walked over to her and smiled “You know I am needed more here. I taught you the best I could and I know you will be fine. Besides, you will not be alone…you have a Sentinel to guide you.

She sighed a bit “Ah yes, Tesok.” She said “An interesting ally to say the least…do you know him?”

“Only through reputation.” He said “Serious in his duties, though most Sentinels are...skilled in tracking and survival in harsh climates. If anyone can get you to Dorin and back safely, it’s him.”

“I’m sure he is very capable.” She said, casting her eyes down slightly “I just hope he feels the same of me.”

“Out of the entire staff of scholars and teachers’ in the Archive he picked you Chias.” He said, placing a hand on her shoulder “The Force brought you two together and that is no accident.” She smiled and nodded, Chen always knew the exactly thing to say to reassure her “Thank you Master.”

“I will probably not see you before you depart. Trust in yourself, remembering your training and look to your allies when you need them. Good luck and May the Force be with you.”

“And with you Master.” She said with a smile and watched him go. She looked at her bags and sighed, one more day and it would be time. She was ready, all she could do now was wait and see where her path would lead.

She took a deep breath and slowly began to walk back and forth in her line, testing her new bindings out. “Left…right…left…right.”

[Pembleton]

Tesok stood stock-still on the training floor as his Echani partner took her leave. Her words had been heartfelt, he knew, but he suspected that she did not realize exactly how much they affected him. Having lived the earliest years of his life with only his mother and her family, and later within the group structure of the younglings of the Jedi Temple, he had not been exposed to a true role model until his selection as a Padawan by Master Synduna. Whereas Barabels were rather undefined in their concept of parenthood, he knew that by the standards of most galactic societies, the relationship between himself and his master would be recognized as something akin to a father and son.

This relationship had defined Tesok's development, both as a sentient being and as a Jedi, and had brought him a much closer understanding of how his fellow beings grew into adulthood and lived their lives. It was therefore incongruous, based on his understanding of humans in particular, that Jifo did not have a mentor at this point in his life. The boy had reservations, like any young Jedi, but he was a fast learner and showed a great deal of promise. He deserved the chance to make something of himself.

Suddenly, the Barabel burst into motion, quickly rearming himself with his lightsaber, discarding the training blade, and making for the exit back to the main Temple floor. He saw a familiar shock of red hair at the door to the training chambers, and gently brushed out with the Force to make his presence known and to encourage Jifo to arrest his pace so that Tesok could catch up. Rapidly composing the words in his head as he approached, the Sentinel gave a respectful half-bow and began to speak.

"Youngling? This one wonders if you might spare an extra moment today...Duty has called for this one to embark on a mission to the planet Dorin at the end of the week with Knight Nero, so we will unfortunately be prevented from continuing our training as we have recently."

He took a slow, hissing breath to steel himself before continuing. "This one has been most pleased with your attentiveness to your lessons, and your progress in this short time has been most impressive. Knight Nero has also mentioned that, as of your thirteenth birthday, you will be joining the Jedi Work Corps with your fellow unselected younglings. This seems, in this one's opinion, to be a misuse of your talents...With your permission, this one would be happy to put forward your name to the Council so as to allow you to accompany the two of us to Dorin...in the capacity of this one's Padawan."

Tesok braced himself for the boy's answer. The Force had brought the two of them together for a reason; he only hoped that he had correctly interpreted its plan for them.

[keyz]

As the youngling descended the stairs intent on heading off to the dorms, he let out a light sigh of relief that the day was finally done. With a sudden spark, his sense of the force felt much warmer and brighter and he arrested his pace. Looking about for the source of the feeling, he saw Master Tesok approaching him, and gave a low bow and greeted the Jedi Knight.

As they exchanged a brief greeting, Jifo listened with his full attention as the Jedi spoke. Jifo looked on with a bit of disappointment as Tesok told that he would be leaving for another planet and not sure when they'd return. However, before he had the opportunity to express that regret; Tesok continued with a question that covered him in chills. The Master Jedi had ask him to be his padawan. Jifo almost couldn't believe it....Almost. Quickly fighting to compose himself, he choked out a response and bowed lowly again. "I would be honored to accompany you as your Padawan, Master." He looked back up with a smile, excitement crawling all over him. This was the thing he'd always dreamed of, and recently the one thing he was sure would never happen. He could hardly contain himself. As they concluded their conversation with a parting and the information of where to he was to meet his new Master on the weeks end, Jifo headed back towards his room; this time at nearly a sprint.

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The following day, he was positively a glow. Many of his teacher went out of their way to congratulate him, and he was more than happy to absorb any advice on his new path that they were willing to give. He was given access to a great deal more of the library and many even talked to him about building a lightsaber. He knew he was still some way off from constructing his own weapon, but it was wonderful to think about. Passing Master Chias in the library he was all to eager to inform her of the new development, to which he was met with her sincerest congratulation. He was glad to know she was also happy to have him accompany them on this mission to Dorin.

While he would admit it to no one, he was extremely relieved to know his path was to be a Jedi rather the the work core. He felt lighter now, like a burden had been lifted off of him.

He spent much longer than usual in the meditation chambers that day, composing himself for his mission ahead and more importantly getting to know his new Master.

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Finally the day arrived when he was to meet his new Master Tesok, and Master Chias. Clad in his new Padawan garb, he made his way to the space port; and then on to Docking Bay 94. It didn't take him long to find them, mostly due to the stature of his Master. He did stand out a bit, even in a crowd of busy travelers. Running up to greet them, he bowed to them and said; "Good morning Masters, I hope I'm not late. I believe I have everything I need for departure; so I am ready when you are." Though his face barely showed it, he was fill with a mixture of excitement, anxiousness and uncertainty. He did his best calm his mind and ready himself for whatever the mission might bring.