A mesa named Ben…

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

As the first demonstration ball hit the barrier she was projecting, Taeli could feel the ripples as the rubber ball hit and felt the shield weaken a little. Using the Force, she started to restrengthen it as more balls hit the barrier. The feeling was kinda weird as the impacts weren't hitting anything solid, and yet she could feel them.

"I can imagine why this would strain younger students learning the technique," she said. "The effort to keep it requires stamina and control they haven't developed yet."

"So it sort of is a subset of the Statis Field technique?" Taeli asked, her barrier still up as it started to take more impacts from the balls her sister was throwing at her. Taeli's mind started to grasp a way to minimize energy exerted while keeping the shield at the same constant strength. If she increased the power of an area right before the ball was going to hit it, the ball would only drop the shield down to its normal strength instead of weakening it.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus was impressed by her sister’s application of the Force. She had more material to work with compared to a Padawan but she used it – and that was the key. She was taking the raw knowledge and adapting it to her own use.

“It has so many applications. I used it on Rhen Var when I fell down a ravine and was covered with snow. It gave me enough air to breathe before the rescue came. That was tough because the pressure was all over the Barrier and relentless. I also used it on Manaan. I threw one over a trooper that was firing on our guys. It stopped his blaster bolts reaching them and was easier than trying to put one over a whole squad of soldiers.”

“Actually, let’s work immediately on a Shield. You’ve picked that up quickly enough. I learned this when I was a Knight. I kind of embarrassed myself. Kiskla taught me and a few others. My shield failed at the first hit from a stun blaster. I remember waking up feeling numb and lying in a pool of vomit. Not my finest moment.”

She smiled, despite the memory. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger eh? But back to you. I noticed you’re able to focus on a small area as well as the overall Barrier. See if you can keep that focus but drop the bubble. That’s a Shield. Stronger and easier to maintain but just harder to manifest in the first place. It’s really a Master level ability, but sometimes Knights can pick it up.”

Corvus aimed for the spot where the Barrier appeared thickest and waited to see what her sister would do.

[member="Taeli Raaf"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"Always another pile of trouble you need to jump into," Taeli said, smiling a little at her sister as she explained what happened on Rhen Var. "Is that what I need to expect being a Jedi?"

She could picture what happened to her sister when she was learning this, and had to suppress a laugh so she didn't break her own concentration. Still, she listened as she sister asked for her to try and create more of a barrier than bubble, and with a nod, she focused on making the bubble undo itself wrap around the front part of itself.

As the ball flew at the thickest part of her shield, Taeli focused on the impact zone as the bubble fully wrapped itself around the part of itself that had been in front of her. She wanted ti to be curved still though as her mindset was still about deflection if possible, blocking if necessary. She barely felt the ball hit this time, but smiling a little, she replenished the shield from the hit.

"So, hoping I end up with a similar reaction when you switch to the blaster?" she asked, her eyes dancing in mirth.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

“As corny as it sounds, bing a Jedi is about being selfless. Like you with your friend or our sister. Risking your life for others. So, from what I’ve seen, you’ve been one for a while now.”

Corvus noted how quickly her sister was picking this up but reflected this was a Master-level practitioner, not a young Padawan. “Excellent, excellent and yes…the time has come.”

Corvus lifted the blaster but angled the barrel so her shot would be oblique – and if it penetrated her sister’s shield, it would miss her body. There was no need to stun someone unless you had to after all.

“OK, here goes…”

And she fired the blaster with three short pulses, one after the other.

[member="Taeli Raaf"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"Selfless I get," Taeli responded as her sister picked up the blaster. Time for a true test apparently. "But there is such a thing as too selfless, I believe that was part of Jacen Solo's problem when he fell to the dark side. But yeah, I suppose I've been acting as a Jedi for a longer time than I thought I was."

Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself and the Barrier in front of her as her sister fired off three stun bolts. The first one impacted and she immediately felt a greater drain than the balls required her to replenish, the second bolt just increasing that diminishing. Taeli let the Force flow through her to try and reinforce the Barrier to previous levels, but the third bolt impacted and her shield shattered, but it had absorbed the shot.

"Okay then," she said, breathing deeply for a moment as she refocused. "Three shots right now, I don't think that's enough yet since the third will shatter it and an enemy will have more coming."

Letting the Force flow through her again, the Barrier reformed in front of her and she smiled at her sister.

"Can we try again, I want to try something," she said.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus wrinkled her nose. “Too selfless? Maybe, but better that than selfish. At least in my book.”

Corvus was impressed by her sister’s performance. To heave learned the Ability and stop two blaster bolts was awesome but the third betrayed her lack of experience. “Sometimes you have to take a backward step before you can move forwards,” she said as her sister composed herself and recreated the Barrier.

“And try away. It’s that aspect of the Force that is so intriguing. We all approach it in a slightly different way and what works for one doesn’t automatically work for another.”

Corvus took aim and once more fired of a volley of three quick blasts.

[member="Taeli Raaf"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"I think there needs to be a certain balance between selfishness and selflessness," Taeli replied before her sister fired the blaster again. "As a Jedi, we do put the greater good before ourselves, but we all have things we enjoy and people we care about that we can't toss away for the greater good. That can lead to a very callous and dark path as well."

As the next three stun bolts headed her way, Taeli tried something she thought might help keep the barrier up and not shattering again. As the first bolt hit, and the same result of weakening occurred, Taeli folded the edge of the shield behind the first layer for the second bolt. It had the effect that the bolt hit the same strength of shield as the first without fully replenishing it, but it gave her that few moments before the third bolt hit to unfold the barrier and replenish it enough to take the third bolt.

"I thought so," she said, grinning now as her barrier was still up but weakened again. "Layers keep the strength up in case the first is at risk, but doesn't require as much power as fully replenishing the barrier."

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus wrinkled her nose. “I probably haven’t got the balance right, but I’d rather err on the side of putting others first. But on reflection, perhaps I push others too hard or set the wrong example?”

And she watched as her sister worked a technique for the Shield that Corvus had never seen before. “That’s a new one on me – I have to say I’ve never seen it before but it seems very effective. I’ll have to practice it one day.”

“So, given you’re such a fast learner, what’s next. I mean we can eat supper and chat but tomorrow morning? How about I introduce you to my friend?”

[member="Taeli Raaf"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"It's not really new, it's just folding it into more layers," Taeli said as she let the Barrier fade away. "It's like a piece of flimsi, you'd be how strong it gets after you fold it in half like six times. But I suppose most people don't think of it when they apply the technique, just sticking with the traditional single layer shield. You lose surface area though so that would be the downside to it as an opponent could fire at parts of your body not protected."

"And you're the personification of the older style of Jedi, sis," Taeli laughed as she pulled a water bottle out of her nearby satchel and took a sip. "That's not a bad thing, it's just not right for everyone and you can't say your way is better or worse than someone else's. No one can really say that, although I can think of some people wearing black who say it regardless. Balance is ultimately what we need to strive for."

Thinking for a moment, she smiled again and said, "Supper and chatting sound fine by me, and I'm curious about this Tusken Raider friend you mentioned. We can save another lesson for the next day. Might ask for something on Battle Meditation or Healing."

 

[Corvus Raaf]

“It’s something I’ve not heard of before,” Corvus smiled, “And that makes it worthy of attention. But yes, you’re right. The benefit of the shield is that it’s stronger, whereas the Barrier is better because it covers a larger area.”

She sighed at the prospect of more training. “I can teach basic healing – but someone like Kana or Ava would be better. Or Maya from the Silver Jedi. They would know more advanced techniques. I did some training in a hospital to help my development but I’m more of a field medic.”

“As for Battle Meditation, it’s arguably the longest thing I learned. It took me a few years – but I started before I was a Master, so that slowed it down. You actually learn meditation techniques first – useful in their own right by the way – before achieving Battle Meditation. But it’s worthwhile, trust me.”

“And…did I tell you someone taught me to make an omelette? I’m going to have to show you soon.” Corvus sounded quite proud of the achievement, despite its relative ease for anyone who knew their way around a kitchen. “I tend to put peppers in mine, but I think you can add pretty much whatever you want.” She wrinkled her nose as she thought about it. “So, are you up for me cooking supper?”

[member="Taeli Raaf"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"We don't need to train anymore today, sis," Taeli laughed, catching the sigh. To think, Corvus might actually be tired of showing and teaching something. She would need to immortalize this memory forever. "I'll need to pick up those meditations eventually though, maybe I can join you in the morning for that?"

The fact someone had shown her sister how to cook something did not necessarily make Taeli comfortable, especially after the last meal she had that was prepared by a sister of hers. There was only one way to make a dish right, there were three thousand ways for it to go wrong after all. Still, she was getting hungry.

"If you want to cook, sure go ahead," she said, deciding on a pleasant smile. "Oh! I forgot! I have something for you that you might like. They're part of the first production models we made, the rest are still being tested but I noticed that your Shadow robes weren't really . . . well Shadowy. So I took the liberty of designing something in my free time during probation."

She excused herself for a moment before running over to her satchel and pulling a package out, it even had a little bow and ribbon on it.

"Brand new Jedi "Shade robes," she said, handing the box over to her sister. "I gave Kian a rundown on what they consisted of and well . . . he was excited to say the least. Well open them up! Then we can have supper."

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus blushed at her sigh. It wasn’t a tiredness of teaching, just a desire to be…well…Corvus today. Funny how everyone wanted her to be less of a Jedi sometimes and as soon as she was, she felt guilty for it.

“We can pick up the training in the morning,” she said. “Meditation works well at dawn – or at last it does for me.”

Corvus’ eyes lit up at the prospect of a surprise – and the present simply accentuated the feeling. She hurriedly undid the bow and undid the paper. “Shade robes?” Corvus held them up. She’d received a lot of ribbing for making her Shadow robes white – which she accepted defeated the issue – but black robes had felt wrong somehow.

Instead these were…well she wasn’t sure precisely what colour. They morphed in the light to effectively camouflage them. And they were a lot lighter than the Shadow robes, but she could feel armour in them for sure. “I solemnly swear not to make them white,” she said, her voice a mock serious tone. “And they’re wonderful.”

She beamed and threw her arms around her sister and giving her a big hug before stepping back. “OK, so what sort of vegetables would you like in your omelette? I go for green onions and red peppers.”

[member="Taeli Raaf"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"If you ever want them to be white, just let me know and I can deactivate the photoreactive fibers," Taeli replied with a smile. She was glad her sister liked them at least. "I know you're a traditionalist sis, so that's why I had these cut in the traditional fashion, but they're made of a cortosis-weave and armorweave cloth so they can take a lightsaber hit. Oh, and I took the liberty of upgrading the mask for them to impervium, same with the boots and gauntlets that come with them."

As they moved to the subject of dinner, she heard her stomach give a growl.

"Okay, techno-babble can wait," she laughed. "Um, just cheese and broccoli sis. I like mine a little on the plain side."

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus cocked her head to one side. She saw the benefit of camouflaged robes – but white sounded more…appropriate. “I can use the Force to hide when I need, so white sounds perfect to me.” She smiled, “If you don’t mind me changing them before you’ve even started. I’m sure there will be times when I should wear them – despite my usual avoidance of such things.”

“And the boots are perfect too. The gauntlets? I may have to get used to wearing them.”

“Now, a present for a present. You gave me beautiful robes and I’ll give you…well an omelette anyway.”

She proceeded to crack some eggs – with a little difficulty but all the shell ended up in the waste – which was a start.

Then she chopped onions, peppers and broccoli, which was an odd shape to make the size she was looking for, but she gave it her best shot. The she grated cheese as Lugus had showed her and then she started to cook.

She even managed to flip the omelette as shown, and only needed to push it a little way back in the pan with her fingers. Finally she slid it onto a plate, cut it in two and moved Taeli’s half onto a separate plate. The broccoli made it easy to tell which half was which.

She placed them on the table, grabbed some knives and forks and poured some boiling water into a pot and added one of her sister’s favourite tea-bags before adding it and a cup and saucer to the table. Finally she grabbed some blue milk, poured it in a glass and set it down where she would sit. She sighed heavily – as if she’d finished cooking a three-course meal.

“Dig in, I haven’t poisoned anyone yet.” It may not have been the prettiest of omelettes but it was certainly edible. “Oh, before it gets dark, I have one more thing to show you if you’re up for it." Her smile widened, clearly this was going to be a special treat. “Anyway, a walk will do us good.”

[member="Taeli Raaf"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"Well let me get those set up for you then," she said, pulling out a small device from her satchel. While Corvus went about making the omelette, which she had to admit was a much better attempt at cooking than their other sister had tried, Taeli went about deactivating the color-change feature except until the robes were a soft white color.

Finishing, she sat down and waited for this magnificent omelette.

"Well, this actually looks pretty good," Taeli said, smiling at her sister. "You should have seen Melori's first attempt at cooking. She tried to make a stew and well, she over-spiced everything. Completely inedible."

She started to laugh a little, but then quieted as a sad thought crossed her mind.

"I wish she was here with us," she sighed, taking a bite of the omelette and enjoying the flavor in it. "So what do you have to show me after we finish eating?"

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus was pleased that her omelette efforts were getting better. Part of her was already getting a bit sick of them, as it was her one and only recipe - but she liked the fact it wasn't a salad or ration bars.

Corvus tapped the side of her nose and refused to share anything until the meal was over. But to be honest, the concept of discussing Melori was equally unpalatable. A sister she'd met once, who'd tried to kill her. That she knew, deep down, she loved unequivocally yet had no common ground to share.

Yes, it would be great if she were here. But she wasn't. And she was causing who knows what chaos and destruction in the name of the One Sith.

"Me too," was all she could offer and once they'd finished eating she was pleased for the opportunity to clear up and change the subject.

Corvus led them outside. It was dark but there was sufficient light from the setting suns to walk by. "We're quite safe," she said. "There's a kind of neighbourhood watch scheme around here." She smiled - her teeth white in the fading light - and led them towards what looked to be low sprawling hills. As they got closer, some twenty minutes later, it was clear they were simply large rock formations. Corvus checked her bearings and simply walked towards them.

A few minutes later they came to a small opening - not much bigger than one person could sit in at any one time - and maybe with a small droid for company. "My Master showed me this. It was where I constructed my shoto. It's where Luke crafted his first saber." No more words were necessary...they both knew how important this small cave was.

[member="Taeli Raaf"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"I caught that thought," Taeli laughed as her sister thought about how sick of omelettes she was getting. "Here, this might help you expand your repertiore."

She set a datapad on the small table that detailed several recipes that Corvus could try whenever she was here. It was one thing she could certainly help her sister get better at, and at least she was acting more human here than at other places. One of these days she hoped Corvus would eventually realize she could be human and a Jedi.

"Oh, now where are you taking me?" she asked as she finished the meal and followed her sister out into the twilight that was swiftly moving to night. The Tatooine suns were famous for their sunset, and they certainly didn't disappoint tonight. Following her sister for twenty minutes, she wondered where exactly they could be going until they reached the small cave. As Corvus explained what this place was, Taeli's eyes widened.

"The history of this place," Taeli whispered, slowly moving around the cave. "This should be a pilgrimage spot for Jedi at some point, a place to quietly connect with the past and think. Sis, thank you for showing me this."

Placing a hand against the cool stone, she thought she could feel an echo of the light side here. An echo of the past as that great master of the Jedi learned one of the last pieces he needed to becoming a true Jedi Knight.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus beamed - it was all she had. Words were insufficient.

"I plan to bring my Padawan's here to craft their sabers. Or some at least - those for whom it feels appropriate." Corvus' excitement at the prospect was infectious in its effervescence. "I am lucky that it is on my land and of course I would never deny any Jedi crafting a saber here - given its importance."

"But I'll not advertise the fact of its existence. The stone is well worn here and only secure no doubt because of the lack of foot traffic."

She allowed her sister to drink in the splendour of the place before inevitably taking them back to her house. "I am truly blessed," she said - linking her sister. "To have all of this - but most importantly you. And Melori - even though she won't accept how special she is to me."

Corvus allowed the silence to wash over them before finally saying, "And tomorrow you get to meet my neighbours. I'm sure they'll love you." If the words were supposed to placate her sister, she chose an odd turn of phrase.

[member="Taeli Raaf"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

"One day she'll be with us," Taeli replied as they returned to Corvus's house. "It might take proving to her that the light side can be just as strong as the dark side though. She does have that arrogance problem I was never able to fully temper out of her when I was her teacher."

As Corvus mentioned her neighbors, Taeli's eyes narrowed a touch as she caught the under tone to her words. They definitely didn't make her wholly confident about things, something about the way Corvus said them just screamed that it was going to be a very . . . interesting meeting tomorrow. Looking up at the horizon, the twin suns almost completely gone, she decided she didn't mind. As long as she was able to spend time with her sister, she was content.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

“Arrogance tends to lead to a bad outcome,” Corvus mused aloud. “History has shown us that. Hopefully her lesson will be short, sharp and non-fatal.” There was a faraway look in Corvus’ eyes now. Thoughts of her sister dredged up memories of that one meeting…of their parent’s and sibling’s graves.

So they made their way to their rooms and as ever, Corvus was up before dawn and went for a short run before returning, showering and meditating before preparing a simple breakfast – comprising cereals and fruit and a pot of tea for her sister. Corvus went for camomile herself; she found it refreshing and a good way to start the day.

“So…” Corvus said as she ate some hot oat cereal. “I need to tell you about A'Jork. He’s a Tusken. He lives with his tribe not far from here and uses the well of the ranch that’s on the other side of his domain. It was an amicable and symbiotic agreement I helped broker. The Raiders get water and the farm-owners get protection.”

“Connor has met him and as far as I can tell they get on with each other. My only word of caution is that he doesn’t like to be corrected. He speaks quite good Basic, but if he makes a mistake, it’s best to go along with his version. Just saying. But if you spend any time around here, it’s best they get to meet you. To know you’re my sister.”

[member="Taeli Raaf"]