A Silver Lining

[Connor Harrison]

South of the Silver Jedi Temple
Voss, Voss System

​

Compared to the Dark Heart of Voss in the Outer Rim, the Temple grounds of the Silver Jedi were much more pleasing to the eye and the spirit. Connor wasn’t in the grounds necessarily, but on the outskirts, down below the large cliff that the Temple sat on looking over the planet.

Instead he was by one of the walkways around the cliff and facing one of the many awesome waterfalls that fell from above, crashing down into the surface below with a roar. And endless cycle that sparkled through the sun rays.

A flutter of white birds flew overhead as he walked in his training vest and combats, minus the armour thankfully. He breathed steadily, having performed a decent run, and was now looking aimlessly around. The rickety wooden bridge was now behind him, always creaking whomever walked over it even thought it was as strong as a bantha.

Yet, Connor had a feeling he wouldn’t be alone if the breadcrumbs could be followed by one who had intrigued him days earlier.

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

Out of a nearly infinite galaxy, Chastity Lunelle couldn't believe that she had only been to three planets. Voss, a lush planet in the Tion cluster had certainly not been one of them. The young woman knew of Voss from geography class so she wasn't totally unfamiliar with it. In fact, if you said, "Quick, what are five facts about Voss? Go!" she would surely be able to come up with them. One, the planet was a Jedi world. Two, Voss was the homeworld of two species that got along as well as oil and water. Three...wait, what was the third?

Perhaps she didn't know as much about Voss as she thought.

It certainly was a beautiful planet in any case. As she padded down the walkway in her light sandals, a warm breeze blowing a few errant strands of smooth, black tresses, she peered down at her Datapad. Her eyes scanned the two bits of information flashing on the screen: a name and an address. She brought an overnight bag with an extra outfit and a few odds and ends. Rations, cosmetics, a bar of sandlewood soap. Who knew what you needed to bring to a Jedi Academy? She could have asked her sister, but she didn't want Setzi to know where she was going. The knowledge would lead to worrying and worrying would lead to a lecture. Sure, it was lying by omission, but she wasn't under her sister's overprotective wing anymore, was she?

Chastity had never been much of a risk-taker, but that was quickly about to change.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Instinctively turning his head left, up where the walkway lead to the high ground, Connor saw a figure of one he recognised and was certainly surprised to see her. And so it seemed he still had a way to influence others with the Silver Jedi way – if anything, they needed all the help they could get after their history had been shattered and desperately needed rebuilding.

Smiling at the way she fitted right in with the nature around her, Connor started up to meet her and was interested as to what she had to say. Getting a little closer, she seemed like she had come prepared – like she knew exactly what she wanted and why.

”Chastity, right?”

He held out his hand as he came before he, the soft gravel crunching under his boots on the sandy path.

”Connor Harrison at your service, and may I be the first to welcome you to Voss. Are you and your sister well?”

Connor indicated his hand to her bag, offering to take it.

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

Chastity blinked when she saw the man from the Chroma Zed spaceport approaching her. She had assumed that perhaps a concierge or apprentice or someone else, would be the one to greet her at the Voss Academy. It never occured to her that she would even see him again.

"Y-yes, that's me," she said with a slight stammer, switching her Datapad to her other hand, so that she could shake his. She slowly swiveled her head, drinking in the panoramic view, her grey-blue eyes tinged with awe.

"I never imagined I'd be somewhere so beautiful."

It was a far cry from a Nuna farm on a dustball like Aduba III anyway.

"Setzi and I are very well," she said. Her smile widened. Then she noticed that Connor was holding out his hand for her bag. She let him take it. Tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear, suddenly plagued with shyness, Chastity laughed.

"And we haven't run into any cyber pigmen, so that's a plus."

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

With a soft chuckle, Connor took her bag as she made a typically shy but honest introduction as a newcomer to the planet and the Silver Jedi themselves.

”Good! I would say don’t talk to strange men in future, but we wouldn’t be talking if I said that.”

He led her back the way she came, with the large Temple coming into view to their right on the cliff as the incline they were on took them to the surface, away from the waterfalls behind.

”This planet has it all and we are far enough away from the chaos of the galaxy but close enough to step in when needed.”

Connor turned to look at her, and silently admired her awe of the place.

”Now, I take it you’re here for something more than a visit – are you here to take the step forward into a life that will make you something more than you ever thought possible?”

He grinned.

”I always like to use drama on newbies, don’t worry. Just be honest with yourself and don’t ever answer thinking there is something I need to hear. I just want to hear what comes from you, genuinely, good or bad, ok?”

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

At Connor's quip about "strange men," she gave him a soft laugh. Men to Chastity were mysterious creatures with whom she barely interacted. Her last school, a small training Arkanian training academy which mainly engrossed her in studying the Jedi code over actually practicing her powers, was an all-girls school. When she had tried to ask her sister for advice about the opposite sex, she was met with steely answers like: "The more you care, the more you have to lose," which lead Chastity to believe her sister didn't want her to broach the subject further. The only comment she gave him was made in obvious jest.

"You don't seem so strange to me. Not yet anyway."

The temple itself came into view, and it took her breath away. She tried to hide it from her escort as she couldn't bear the thought that she would sound that much like a yokel.

The drama that Connor spoke of wasn't lost on Chastity. The galaxy was populated with jaded teenagers who would have given his statement an epic eye-roll amid the sounds of smacking gum. She wasn't one of them. Her life before now had been stable, but boring. Feeding nuna and raising crops? She wanted to explode just thinking about how unexciting it was. His words, spoken in his distinctive baritone, definitely resonated deep down within her. There was candor in her tone as her answer came.

"I don't think I've ever been so ready for anything, Mr. Harrison. I want to..." Here, she took a moment picking just the right words. "...make a difference in the galaxy. To help lighten the burdens of others."

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Two large Ranger transports flew overhead in the silence after the young girls answer. Nodding softly, he indicated for her to continue up the main stairs leading to the Temple lobby and Grand Hall.

”Not a bad answer, but again – you’ll get to learn this – when you talk to me, don’t think about your answers. You want to make a difference, which is good. But anyone and everyone can make a difference just by going with the flow and doing little bits here and there.”

Placing the bag down and exhaling at the top of the stairs, he turned to look at Chastity.

”What I want to know, is how far will you be prepared to go to lighten the burden of others, before you find yourself drowning in the pressures of doing so?”

She would learn in time he wasn’t a typical Master, or a typical Jedi, and his approach would either be accepted or not. This would be a way to gauge her, and her rawest feelings about the Jedi and herself. He looked in her eyes, not prying in her mind, waiting for the answer with a face devoid of pressure or demand.

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

As they continued up the stairway, Chastity was craning her neck to soak in every detail of the temple, and almost tripped on the stairs. The temple was as grand a structure as she'd ever seen. So far this trip had amounted to one stunning sight after another. Once they got to the top of the stairs, Connor turned and put her bag down.

Her eyes widened when he stopped. Oh Frizz, she had said something wrong. Connor was having second thoughts about her. She didn't know why her imagination instantly flew to the worst case scenarios. He seemed to be questioning her ability to handle the pressures of being a Jedi. He told her to answer quickly, which went against the grain of all that she had been previously taught. Think before you speak, Chastity. That's what he mother always said anyway. She gave out a nervous sigh and with a knot in her smooth brow, blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

"I am ready to go to the ends of the galaxy, Mr. Harrison, but I have to be honest. I couldn't possibly know the pressures you speak of. I have felt the pressure that a drought brings to a farm. Or of a virus that decimates livestock. But that's the extent of my experience with pressure."

She sure hoped she didn't blow it.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

With a nod, and gentle smile, Connor took the bag and led her on into the Temple he called home.

”We will get acquainted soon enough Chastity, and you will learn a lot about me and how I see things. Firstly, you can call me Connor. That suits me fine.”

He kept his disarming smile and he walked through, nodding to sentry units passing by and the odd lone Padawan walking to their next meditation session or training class.

”I'd like to find out more about you too, and what brings you here and your past. Livestock and farming you say? So you're good with the rough and tumble of outdoor life then? I think you'll do fine here.”

Cresting the small curved incline that took them to the first floor level of the lobby, standing before the large central water feature over a spinning globe, Connor indicated to the numerous halls and turbo lift beside him.

”Ok, Chastity. We can get you an audience with the Grandmaster as soon as possible if you wish, and you can have a bit to eat while I sort this, or you can come back to my quarters to freshen up, take the weight off. Either way, I'll let the right people know you're here. Well, I know you're here so that's one of the right people.”

She had a little spark about her, which was nice to see and ready for developing. But, in the back of Connor's mind, he knew she was also capable of being greatly manipulated and led down the wrong path at a moments notice.

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

"Ok, I'll call you Connor, then," Chastity agreed with a smile that said her confidence was quickly returning.

She chewed on the sleeve of her sweater as she followed Connor through the temple, trying not to stare at the other padawans even though she was overly curious. Why was she so self-conscious here at the Temple? It was probably the rare presence of the strikingly, handsome man who lead her through the lobby. She gave Connor a chuckle when he mentioned her background.

"There's not much to tell unless you want to hear all about Nuna," she said, shaking her head. "And even then, all I have are silly stories. I used to harvest eggs all day long, and I always kept them in my pockets. Well, one day I went into town by myself, and a guy tried to pickpocket me. He ended up with yolk on his hands, literally."

Yeah, Chastity, when the Sith come to raid the Jedi Temple, you'll just egg them. That will be super helpful. Looking out over the fountain with pursed lips, she was relieved when the subject was changed.

"I ate on the shuttle over here, so I suppose I'll just wait in your quarters?"

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

”Follow me than, Miss Lunelle. And, don't worry, egging Sith would be a very good sight to see.”

He turned and smiled, a gentle probing of her thoughts wasn't the most decent thing, but he was intrigued, and she was honest and true. And her thought would remain her own behind the self-mockery of her own ability and past. It couldn't be one less rosy than his.

So began the walk through the Temple - Connor introduced her a few faces and more so the rooms they passed. The library, the armoury, the meditation chambers and rooms where one could find solace alone. And the training quarters outside could be seen through walkway windows, along with the famous Peace Gardens to the South and the Memorial Garden. Connor took the visitor towards the rear of the Temple, away from the commotion, to his personal quarters.

”Ok,” Connor said as he thumbed open the door at the end of the corridor, away from others, ”please make yourself at home.”

Walking in, he sat the case by the door and swept his hand out before him.

”Freshen up, sit and look out the window to the gardens, have a sleep, make a drink - anything. I'll see Grandmaster Heavenshield and inform him of your arrival and your intentions. Don't worry, nothing will be asked of you today. I'll find a place for you to stay for now while a adequate room will be set-up for you. I shan't be long, Miss Lunelle.”

With another smile, he left Chastity alone while he went to inform the Silver Jedi of their newest arrival.

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

The next few moments were a whirlwind of new names, faces, and places. Chastity calmly and politely nodded at the Jedi she was introduced to. Inside, the young woman was ebullient, still in disbelief that she would be staying in a place like this. She wanted to explore everywhere at once. To let her hands search through intriguing Holos at the library. To feel the grip of a weapon in her hand. To walk barefoot through the gardens at midnight. The farm girl from little old Aduba III could barely contain herself.

Connor had no qualms about setting her free in his private quarters. He was such a trusting man. As she glanced at herself in one window, meeting her own grey-blue eyes, it dawned on Chastity that she looked about as untrustworthy as an Endor rabbit. Of course, he trusted her. Who wouldn't? She turned away from her reflection and smiled, her grin now easy. Comfortable.

"I don't know what to say, Connor. You've been too kind."

She gingerly sat down on his sleeper. Maybe a nap would do her some good after her long flight.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Closing the door behind him, Connor walked casually through the Temple to the higher echelons of the building and to the Grandmaster’s office. The personal chambers belonging to both him and Mrs Heavenshield were now one never to really be disturbed. Along the way, Connor activated the security cam in his room behind the bunk mirror – after all, he needed to make sure Chastity wasn’t taking advantage of the Jedi.

Not that he thought she would, but he didn’t know here from the next aspiring Padawan who turned out to be selling secrets to the Sith, or mercs, or pirates. It was a vicious galaxy, and Connor was going to make sure those who took advantage of him and his Order would suffer. It was a small activation on his comlink, and then it would be reviewed by him alone and erased just as quickly.

He liked Chastity’s spirit – it felt pure and confident and eager. Much like his previous Padawan, and his only one, Syala Daivik, there was potential he could see and it gave him hope that she would excel. While it wasn’t clear which path Chastity would take in the Order, let alone even be granted permissions to join them, Connor would, if it came to it, be the one to guide her.

Maybe even take her as a Padawan learner? While he saw confidence in others and fronted it himself, his struggle with the Dark had tainted his view on what he could give. But, as always, he had to believe in himself or he would be letting down those looking up to him and who wanted to learn from him.

As expected,[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] wasn’t in his office and thus probably not on Voss. With a silent sigh, Connor chewed his lip at the door and pulled him com out again and paced back and forward gently as he left a voice message which would be waiting on the other side of the grand maroon doors.

”Thurion, firstly let me apologise for not having chance to see you or talk in person. I know we need to, but I understand our conflicting schedules. Please let me know at your earliest convenience when you are around.”

That covered the ground left void since their last meeting which needed repairing.

”Second, we have a potential new Apprentice to the Order – Miss Chastity Lunelle. I encountered her first on Chroma Zed Spaceport and identified her Force aura there which evoked a little sense of estrangement, and so thankfully she followed my lead to come here and I think she will be a wonderful addition to our rank. Down to earth, honest and quite bright.”

Looking around for a second, he span on his heels and paced more.

”I am willing to vouch for her, to train her and stand with her to take her as my Apprentice if you entrust me with the task and she accepts of course. I will take care of her until your return and you can meet her and settle her in. I’ve not yet assigned her quarters or anything – that’s your job as the big boss man, remember.”

He smiled and signed off, and made his way back down to his quarters. It took minutes, and holding his com link in hand all the way, he killed the recording signal before pocketing it, and reaching for the door…before stopping, remembering who was inside, and knocked. Residing alone was fine, but privacy wasn’t thought about when you usually had no-one else to think about.

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

As the doors closed with a hiss, Chastity felt all the air leave her lungs in one grateful whoosh. She was excited to be getting started along her Jedi path, but she was still adjusting. Making sure she said all the right things, and what exactly were those "right" things? Connor told her not to think so hard before she spoke. If only it were that easy to correct an ingrained line of thinking. To relax and just be herself.

Connor's comfortable room was a good start down that path. First, Chastity kicked off her shoes and explored his chambers, just to get the lay of the land. She was careful not to touch anything. However badly you wanted to snoop, you left people's stuff alone. Privacy was a sacred thing.

Chastity stopped in front of the bathroom's large refresher. What was it about transport shuttles that matter how clean they were, they always left you feeling as if you needed a hot sanisteam to wash off a patina of imperceptible grime? Perhaps she would sneak in a shower before he got back. She took off her clothing, hung her garments neatly on a towel rack and let the hot water soothe her skin.

Now she felt more human. Once dry, she pulled on slipdress from her bag and lay on the sleeper, crossing her arms over her head. Although she couldn't wait to get started, Jedi training was known to be rigorous. Might as well rest up as much as she could. Her heavy-lidded eyes, lulled from the shower, finally closed, and she fell into a light sleep.

Maybe once Connor Harrison returned, she would be relaxed enough to just be herself.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Leaning into the door, it was quiet, and Connor knew she was there, but she wasn’t answering. It was rather obvious. Opening the door, it parted and he stepped through quietly; Chastity was asleep. Changed and making herself quite at home it seemed. He smiled, and took her in for a second. Quite at peace, which was nice to see his small abode was comfortable enough.

Turning to lower the light above the bunk, Connor moved past fluidly and edged into the table to the far side of the room, opposite the small kitchenette and beside a circular window looking over the garden.

Gazing out of the window, he absently began to draw down the vicious scars on his right arm with the fingers of his left hand as he people watched. Padawans out picking fruit and tending to the gardens – something Chastity may get involved in – and Knights out for a stroll with friends and students. Anyone else stroking the sensitive skin on the under arm would bristle with a tickling sensation, but Connor just felt his finger on the skin, as all the nerves pretty much were shredded under his touch.

Glancing back at the girl, Connor’s eyes moved to his armour beside the bunk on the wardrobe, it’s dark and imposing build carried the Silver Jedi emblem on the shoulder to show even dressed as a shadow, he was still at heart a servant of the Light.

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

The sound of footfalls as someone moved softly around the room, stirred Chastity awake. After a moment of disorientation where she thought she was back on Aduba III, she realized exactly where she was, and it wasn't the nuna farm. The young padawan would never curse out loud, but inside she was hissing. Feth. feth. feth. How long was she asleep? Was it rude to just take over Connor's bed like that?

Her body sprang up from the sheets and she untangled herself. She hastily fixed the strap of her slipdress and finger-brushed her hair. She probably had the worst case of bedhead. Chastity turned to see Connor sitting at the window, absently gazing out. She watched him in silence, wrinkling her freckled nose as she squinted at his arm. Maybe it was the trick of the light that framed the window where he sat, but his forearm seemed horribly scarred. Curiosity got the best of her. She didn't want to pry, but he did tell her to say whatever it was that was on her mind.

"What happened to your arm?"

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

”If you’re ever climbing a mountain on the coldest plains of Rhen Var, and I tell you to stop – you stop, otherwise you’ll find out.”

He turned to see her looking a little bleary eyed and smiled, not bothered by her resting at all.

”Please, don’t worry – it’s fine. I can’t remember the last time I slept in that bunk so glad it’s still got a use. Help yourself to a drink. Water, Blue Milk in the fridge – there should be anyway unless I’ve forgotten to get some.”

Leaning on his arms, he drummed a few fingers on the marble table, carved with an endless cycle of patterns and small L.E.D lights under the glass.

”The Grandmaster wasn’t here, which isn’t too uncommon, but I’ve informed him of your arrival so I’m hoping we’ll hear from him soon and you can get on the path of the Silver Jedi.”

Watching her through the shelving separating the two units, Connor looked out to the window again to continue painting a picture of her in his mind from what he could draw from her.

”Next question, Miss Lunelle – what sort of Jedi do you dream of becoming? Strengths, ability, your goals, blah blah blah.”

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

Daylight fell on the dark waves of his hair and made its way down his face, casting him in a halo of sunlight. Chastity couldn't help but feel strangely attracted to the curve of his lips as he spoke. She bit her bottom lip and inwardly shook off these thoughts. This was not the Jedi way, was it? Lust was a path that lead to the dark side or so she had been told by the Jedi Masters at the all-girls Arkanian training school where she spent a few formative years.

Chastity sat up straight and crossed her legs on the bed, covering her lap demurely with the sheets. His question sunk straight into her soul. What sort of Jedi did Chastity want to become? Well, that was a good question wasn't it? If only she knew! Resting an elbow on her knee she put a finger to her lips and tapped lightly.

"I am sure my answer won't be as coherent as you're probably looking for," she admitted, cocking her head to the side. "But I see Holo news reports of the Sith's plague upon the galaxy. It hurts me so badly to see people slaughtered and enslaved." Her voice began to quaver a bit, but then took on a steely tone. "And I want to do something about it. To fight them. And stop them before they claim more victims. I cannot just...just...sit back and watch things happen!"

Chastity gave a passionate head shake, and smacked the palm of her hand down on the bed.

"Not if I can do something about it."

Her dark black hair curtained around her face, as let out a sharp laugh, convinced her answer probably sounded like such a joke.

"I suppose that didn't really answer your question, did it?"

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Resting his chin in the cup of his palm, Connor’s lips curled slightly at her visible passion and he grinned as she hit the bed in a show of frustration and power. She certainly had spirit!

”I’m not looking for any answer, Chastity, only your honest one and I think that was it! And your thoughts serve you well…it’s ok.”

He sidled across the seating and turned to face her sat there and leant forward, resting his arms on his elbows. The problem for Connor was he never understood why he managed to help people feel at ease around him – well, all those new to the Order at least. If he could cover the murky past as best he could, hopefully going forward he could see what others did. Right now he was enjoying the company.

”You’ll come to learn in time I don’t fall under the usual bracket of ‘Good Jedi’,” he teased with a sly smile, ”and I like to say things how they are, and won’t try to say one thing and do another. I’ve experienced a lot, and am coming to accept myself and who I am, and what I am. I have flaws, but I life to serve the Light. How I do that may be questionable in some eyes, but I believe the enemy don’t fight fair and that is why they conquer planets and murder innocents and repel Jedi. So, in that respect, why should we always play fair?”

He shifted gently and didn’t stop looking at her.

”I’ll lead those who want to be lead and protect those who need protecting, and I will throw myself forward against anyone who threatens what I stand for as I don’t mind getting my hands dirty…or bloodied, burnt, stabbed – it’s all part of the job and my body serves as a constant reminder what the Sith will do to try and break my spirit and standing. They can break your body and puncture your flesh, make you bleed and scream in pain, but if you find that strength than they can never break YOU – that is what makes you a true Jedi, and who can use the Force as a tool to save the galaxy and not give in to become a brainless agent of the Sith who will be cast aside when they have no use for you.”

Taking a small swallow, that was a speech born from nothing but experience, and he wanted to see how Chastity reacted to nothing but the truth and bluntness of this “Rogue Master”.

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

As moved as Chastity felt by Connor's passionate words, they opened a whole floodgate of other questions that went pouring through her mind. What did he mean by "good" Jedi and "not fighting fair?" Was this just Connor's mindview or did it belong to the Silver Jedi Order? Her rudimentary studies had taught her only the basic tenents of the Jedi code. She was exhausted from her travels, but perhaps an evening trip to the Temple libraries would help her sate her curiosity on the topic.

Her eyes widened when Connor talked about the horrible things the SIth would do, or did to him, perhaps? The way the Jedi Master described painted a vivid, bloody picture. It pained the young woman to have watched the footage from Maanan and Kashyyyk on the Holonews as a child, but Holo footage was a mere impression, just lights and sounds depicting something happening very far away from the safety of the nuna farm. Removed from the acrid smell of burning bodies, and the feeling of a lightsaber sizzling through her flesh, there was no way that Chastity could even imagine what it was like to actually fight the Sith. What Connor described sent a shiver up and down her spine.

She could not fight the knot of distress that formed on her youthful brow as she spoke.

"I would also like to serve the Light, and to use my passion to fight the Sith." she agreed with a nod.

"I always thought that Jedi were supposed to be emotionless, but..." Here, she glanced down coyly, and then faced him with a smile and a shrug.

"You are so full of passion, and it's, well, a bit unexpected."

Chastity looked around at her surroundings and realized that she was still wrapped up the sheets of Connor's comfortable bed. A blush blossomed on her cheeks, spreading all the way down her neck, as she hopped up out of the sleeper and began to carefully smooth the sheets.

"I'm so sorry. Where are my manners? It's horribly rude of me to just lounge around in your bed like that."

[member="Connor Harrison"]