A Silver Lining

[Connor Harrison]

He swung gently left and right on his heels, each knee going up and down gently as he watched her, taking in her small frowns, her darting eyes and the images burning behind that brow. The Silver Jedi dismissed her politeness with a wave of the hand.

”Please, don’t bother – I can do that. As I say, that bed is just a bed and…well if you found use for it, no problem.”

As she busied herself, he watched her and continued.

”Don’t get me wrong, Jedi and Sith will be at war years after we aren’t here anymore, and we are just foot-soldiers for either side to do what we can for the morals we believe. I don’t agree with the barbaric ways of taking planets and culling innocents and cutting down those who just don’t fit into a faceless Lord’s checklist.”

He scoffed and shook his head.

”The Sith Lords cut themselves down and secretly want to be stronger and more powerful to lead armies across the galaxy and rule whatever. I’m not the Ultimate Being of the galaxy, but I like to think the Jedi, while not as barbaric, can still fight the fight if needed. We do talk more, we do plot more, which at times isn’t always helpful, BUT it makes us different from those who kill first, laugh it off and then move on to the next. I’d like to live a life a little more fulfilled than that.”

Rubbing his chin with his hand, he sighed.

”Sorry, Chastity. I don’t talk much about things like that so when I do it just comes out. The ‘who-is-right-who-is-stronger’ debate will rage on. Yeah the Sith may look better and easier to side with because you can do anything you want for the greater good, but I think the Jedi harvests those with a stronger mind who can resist such obvious temptation and really be the ones to inspire those preyed on by the Dark. If they see you as a light to lead the way, they will remember your name forever. If you strike them down and burn a city to the ground, they will forget you in a heartbeat and never speak of you again.”

He stood up and stretched, giving her a smile and tutting at her still fussing with the sheets.

”This must be boring, sorry! Oh, and as for emotion – the Grandmaster of the Silver Jedi has a wife and children. If that doesn’t allow you to embrace emotion, then I don’t know what does. Good and bad emotion is as natural here as breathing – just be sure to understand it, control it, and let it out. Don’t bottle it up or hide it as it will always be used to manipulate you if people find it in there before you have accepted it.”

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

"Oh no, it's not boring at all," Chastity assured Connor, taking her hands off the sheets and dropping them to her sides. "On the contrary it's fascinating, and not at all what I expected. I really can't wait to sink into my lessons." She paused, letting her eyes wander to the ceiling as she wondered about something.

"Who is going to be my trainer here, Mr. Harris...uh, Connor?"

The young padawan gave him a sweet smile, but had a bit of a deer-in-the-speeder-lights look about her. She was a very emotional girl deep down inside, so what Connor said about bottling her feelings resonated with her. It would be a relief to simply let them run free, but she had been taught on Arkania that wayward emotions lead down a dark and winding path. To eschew that line of thinking would not be easy, but she could try.

"All of this is alot to take in," admitted the young woman with a low, throaty laugh. She smoothed out her dress and chewed her cheek as she looked at the bed. "Sorry if seem a bit overwhelmed."

“So what are the rules here at the temple? Are we allowed to come and go as we please? Or is it like boarding school?

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Walking by her, Connor pulled up the sheets and plumped the pillow as he spoke, not really being precise but easing the girl's obvious sense of nerves.

”I've spoken to you a great deal about the weight of the Jedi - not the best start when you're not even officially one of us, but I am sure you will be in no time with your attitude.”

Finishing, he turned and rested his hand on her shoulder.

”Another rule - don't say sorry to me, you've nothing to be sorry for. Now sit yourself down and let me get you an ice water.”

Indicating to the small table beside the window, Connor went to the kitchenette and pulled out two frosted tumblers and filled them with water from the dispenser, mixed with ice for a simple yet refreshing beverage. Humming to himself, he took the drinks and walked over to join the girl at the table opposite her.

”Now your questions.” he placed her drink down,”Since I found you - or you found me - I will vouch for you with the Grandmaster and, if you like, I would love to train you. Take you as an Apprentice, or Padawan if you will, and introduce you to the ways of the Silver Jedi and the galaxy as a whole. As for this place, you will be assigned quarters and then whoever you take as your Master, you follow their lead - be where they want you to be for training and studying, but when you're NOT needed, the galaxy is your playground. Just play safe and know your limits and you duty as Jedi. How's that sound?”

He sipped the drink, ice teasing his lips. He stopped himself from being a very rougish Master with a comment about quarters.

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

When Connor told her not to say sorry to him, of course Chastity almost immediately began to say sorry, but stopped herself before the words tumbled out. How would she ever break these bad habits? She supposed that fairly soon her days would be so full of instruction and training, that she would barely have time to dwell on her conversational faux pas.

Chastity gave Connor a smile and took a seat at his kitchen table as instructed. As she sipped the icy cold water, she hadn't realized exactly how parched her throat had been, until it hit her throat. By the Maker, she felt almost human again and not like a scared little nuna chick lost and separated from its coop. She listened carefully to Connor, and as he explained that he would be her Master, her lips spread into a wide, enthusiastic smile. Despite her unfamiliarity with him, he was already a comforting presence, a homing beacon when she felt miles away. The way he spoke of being a Jedi and serving the Light only intrigued her more.

The only possible problem was Connor's physical appearance. He was a strikingly beautiful man who made her pulse quicken the closer he came. She supposed that was something she would get over in time. The novelty would wear off, right? She really had no comparison for the situation, so she let the thoughts meander away. He was waiting for an answer after all.

"I think that sounds great," Chastity said, barely able to contain her excitement.

"I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how strong I am. Farm work is the best exercise in the galaxy."

Giving him a soft laugh, she jokingly flexed a bicep muscle.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

She certainly was fun to be around. With a long wink and thumbs up, he chuckled at her show of bravado.

”You’ll do fine, and we’ll put those muscles to the test in time and train you up in body and mind.”

Taking a sip of water, Connor then placed the glass down and drew circles around the lip.

”You hinted about life as a farm girl, is that correct? So tell me, where do you come from and what sort of life have you had? If you don’t mind sharing, of course, I’d love to learn a little more about you.”

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

"Oh I don't mind sharing at all, Master Harrison." Here, Chastitiy paused and bit her lower lip. She knew that her new mentor wanted her to call him Connor, but her boarding school had insisted on using the title "Master" for all the girls' trainers. Another habit she would have to work hard to break.

"I'm really an open book."

She gave him a demure smile and hastily took another sip of water. Drumming her fingers lightly on the glass she continued.

"I grew up on Aduba III in the Outer Rim with two normal parents and my older sister Setzi. My parents were extremely protective of Setzi and I, and we didn't travel much off world. As I mentioned before we were a family of farmers. We raised Nuna and maze-stalk mainly, but every now and then we would sell other things like milk and beef. I learned how to slaughter animals..." She frowned, and then gave Connor a tight-lipped smile.

"Slaughter wasn't a task I relished, of course, especially since I grew quite attached to some of those silly Nuna. And then to have to kill them..."

Her words trailed off. Kark, I sound like such a bleeding heart, don't I? Chasitity pursed her lips, while a small knot creased her freckled brow.

"Master Harrison. Do you think I have what it takes to fight the Sith?"

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor was leaning on his elbows, spinning the glass slowly between his hands and looking – analysing – the girl. He was interested about what she knew about farming, as it was always something in the back of mind that one day he would investigate for when the Jedi no longer gave him a path forward. To settle down out of the way, isolated from everything except this ability to live and sustain himself. But that was many years down the line, if he even made it that far.

He smiled gently at her brief story, letting the Master comments go for now. She’d learn in time. Or maybe not.

”I’ll be honest Chastity. Right now the Sith would tear you apart. And I don’t mean just physically. Mentally, you’re an open book, which is very normal as you don’t know why or how to control your emotion and use the Force itself. Initially I’d be worried they would exploit your eagerness to help others, to put yourself in danger first. The Sith could easily manipulate your feelings about those you care for to have you succumb to the Dark Side without even knowing before it’s too late.”

He let the words hang, sipping the water, before returning to her.

”But, that is now. When I’m finished with you, I hope you will be as strong and brave as I see you being. When you know where you abilities lie, where your strengths are and when we can unlock your potential I see you being able to take a Sith down in the name of freedom for the innocents you’d be protecting.”

He smiled and tried to catch her eye.

”You’ll be ok, I promise you. I’ll make sure of it. Remember, if anyone wants to get to you, they’ve got to go through me first. And that’s not an easy task.”

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

Tiny chill bumps appeared up and down Chastity’s arms, and she clasped her hands over them. She wasn’t going to let her see how Connor’s words affected her. Right now the Sith would tear you apart. His assessment was ominous indeed. Her heart in size and shape was small, but Chastity’s beat bigger than most when it came to the welfare of the galaxy. She was self-aware enough to know she wasn’t ready physically, but mentally? She had always felt strong. She was no foolhardy little nerf. This girl was not going to go traipsing around in a dark woods teeming with Sith. The only thing she knew right now? That she didn’t know anything.

At least he was being honest. That trait she appreciated.

But that’s why she was here wasn’t it? To be molded and shaped, and Connor had faith in her so that was a start. And if there was one thing she knew how to do, it was work hard. Chastity smiled and met his gaze.

“How do I find out what my abilities are? And my strengths?”

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

”That, my dear, is where the hard work begins.”

With a small wink, he stood and took her glass to top up with ice - it certainly was refreshing, and he continued to talk as he did to try and make her feel relaxed.

”If you're under me as Master, then it will be structured to include combat training with me, physical and mental exercises to strengthen your body and mind,” he walked back with the water,”and you will study the galaxy we live in - understand it and how it is bound by the Force.”

Connor sat down and took another mouthful.

”And of course you will go with me and the Silver Jedi, together and alone, to get a hands on feel for what goes on out there. Helping me with any number of situations from calming riots, evacuating planets or repel enemies wanting to take us down.”

He smiled, as if it was all in a days work. Which it soon would be.

”We will get you rested, and establish where you want to stay, and hopefully if you're with me then we will start as soon as you're ready, Miss Lunelle. You're this close to starting a whole new life you probably never thought possible.”

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

It suddenly hit her: Chastity was going to be a Jedi. The anticipation washed over her like fresh waves that left her adrenaline pumping. It was as if suddenly the secret of the universe itself was almost within reach. Sure, that was a fairly dramatic way to put it, but she didn't care. The moment called for it. All those little things she always beat herself up over seemed like drops in a giant bucket. Who cared that she was just an inexperienced farm girl from Aduba III? She was practically a Jedi padawan. Even the combat training sounded exciting.

"I don't know how to thank you, Master Harrison," she said with genuine humility. "I promise, I'm ready to work as hard as you want me to. The Sith have chained the galaxy, and I so badly want to help break those chains."

There was still the little matter of where she was going to sleep, but as the young woman listened to Connor he made it sound like...wait, was he suggesting she stay here with him? She was assuming that she would have to sleep in some sort of group dorm room, as in boarding school, but Connor's private chamber was lightyears better than a dorm room. All those girls crammed in together bred so much cattiness. She assumed that Jedi girls were different, but she wasn't sure if it was possible. They were still just girls after all. Chastity gave Connor a big, hopeful smile.

"Are you saying that I get to stay here?"

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

”You don't need to thank anyone, Chastity - if you want to thank something, thank the Force for bringing us together and getting you here.”

He looked out of the window as he finished his water, which was nice and refreshing.

”When you're settled I'll give you a proper tour of the grounds, so just let me know when you're ready for that. In fact, if you need anything at all, you just have to ask, and yes - you do get to stay here.”

Connor gestured around with his hands as he sat back.

”The Temple is now your new home. You will be here to use all we provide for you. You're not chained to the planet obviously, but it will serve as a place you can escape the stresses of the outside world and find peace - rest, work and play.”

He laced his fingers and tapped his thumbs gently, looking calm and relaxed.

”You got any questions? Anything at all you want to know or aren't sure about?”

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

Chastity gave Connor a playful grin. He couldn't have been sweeter or nicer to her, and she was tempted to take him up on the tour right there on the spot. The Temple grounds were incredible, and she bet they looked as stunning under the light of the Voss moon as they did during the day. But she needed to take care of a few logistical things first. Like for example, her clothing. Or lack of it.

"I would love a tour of the grounds," she said, nodding in affirmation. "But I feel like I've taken up so much of your time already today."

She gestured to her single, overnight bag. "Plus, I'm afraid I didn't pack very well. I only have one change of clothes, and no sleepwear." The young woman gave off a sharp, self-effacing laugh, and started to say sorry again, but bit it back. One bad habit down, hundreds to go.

"I guess I just didn't know what to expect."

Chastity stood and whirled around on her bare heel, craning her neck to examine the space.

"Where do I sleep, Master Harrison?"

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor shrugged off her apology, finishing his second glass of water and looking over at her small over-night bag.

”To be honest, it’s nice to feel human again with some downtime. I’m not in the middle of anything right now, and Jedi business isn’t all crusading across the stars, it’s also about giving people hope; that new hope is you, and so I’m doing what I should be by having you here with us to join our ranks.”

As she stood, he joined her and cleared away his empty glass and talked as he did.

”It’s up to you really, I’m more than happy to take you to your home if you wanted to collect more belongings as you’ll probably need more than what’s in there if you’re making residence with us. And inform your sister, or family, or however you want to do it.”

He wiped damp hands on his trousers and walked into the living area.

”And I can always find you a vacant guest quarter for the night, or take you home if you’d rather be there? Hopefully we’ll hear from the Grandmaster soon and establish where you want to be. Whatever you’re comfortable with.”

Without thinking, he raised his right hand and called his comlink from the side of his bunk to his palm, twirling it around and sliding it onto his belt whilst waiting for an answer. Glancing at the com, there was no communication from anyone as yet.

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

Chastity shook her head. It was irrational, but it felt to her as if going back home would somehow make the entire experience here on Voss fragment and fade, like a lovely, but tenuous dream. She had spent almost the entirety of her teenage years wishing she could get away from Aduba III, a planet with nothing to its name but a famous hill and some tumbleweeds. Chastity was staying put for now.

“No, I don’t think that’s necessary, Master Harrison. I’m an adult now. I don’t need to inform my parents or my sister of my whereabouts. I will eventually tell them I’m here, of course, but there’s no hurry.”

“I would love to stay here if it’s all the same,” Chastity admitted, following him into the living area. “Maybe I can borrow some clothes from another padawan and then go shopping in the morning?”

Curious blue-grey eyes wandered around the room. She still had no idea where she was going to be sleeping, but it hardly mattered. She would sleep on the floor or outside beneath the stars every night if it meant that she would soon be a Jedi.

"How about that tour then?"

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

With a gracious nod of the head to respect her wishes, Connor obliged.

”I understand. Feel free to contact them however when you’re ready. If you wish to see them, please do. Just let me know where you’re going so I know you’re not in trouble. And your tour will commence now – please follow me, my lady.”

Leaving his armour and lightsaber, concealed within his wardrobe, Connor walked to the door and opened it, sweeping his arm for her to leave with a spring in her step he was starting to find infectious and very positive to be around. He walked beside her down the quiet corridor back the way they came as he spoke into his com.

”Status of guest quarters please – all vacant ones.”

He smiled and held the com as he waited and started to lead her back past a few rooms.

”You’ll find a wealth of resources across all floors. Our Grandmaster, Thurion Heavenshield and his wife, Coci, and Master of the Order, reside away from the rest of us little people on the top floor overlooking their Order. Doesn’t mean you can’t seek them; far from it. Coci is one of my closest friends here and will always help you if you need it.”

The two passed a number of lecture halls, map-rooms and libraries where Jedi of all races and status were present going about their day-to-day activities. There was a general feeling of calm and unison, with friendly greetings and nods to the Master and the new girl walking around. Connor made sure Chastity took note of the floors that focused on certain areas; learning, training; meditation. Plenty of places to find peace on your own, to meet others and socialise and eat, or simply read up and interact with all Silver Jedi resources that provided history of the galaxy.

”We work with a group known as the Antarian Rangers also, they are an elite fighting force mostly made up of non-Jedi who aid us in battle and also missions off world. Some great fighters, pilots and leaders there.”

Working back out after a long walk around the Temple itself it was a building that blended a comforting old and new mix of style and décor – decorative in most places, militaristic and muted in others. Coming back outside, Connor took Chastity through the large hangar opposite where they came from which would lead to the Gardens and Training Grounds. Inside the hangar, transports and fighters were being worked on and even taking off and coming into land from recon missions across the system and taking Jedi to and from their business. Connor pointed to a silver E-wing at the far end of the hangar.

”That there’s my ride. Seen me through a lot across the galaxy I can tell you.”

Technicians, soliders, Jedi and droids all just getting on with it.

”What do you think so far then? Pretty much everywhere we’ve been and seen is open for you to explore and go – any door that is locked, then that’s a no, but otherwise this is your home, your comfort and the place for you to become something brilliant. Shouldn’t take long.”

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

Chasitity slipped on her sandals and hurried to the doorway, where Connor was waiting. A red blush crept up her face as she took his arm and the young woman gave him a warm smile. Other than her stoic farmer of a father, she had no grown men to really compare him to, and so she had to wonder: Were they all this courteous?

The two went on their way through the gleaming halls of the Silver Jedi, past lecture rooms and libraries alike. The Temple Jedi all radiated such peace and kindness it was almost uncanny. The atmosphere was light years away from the cacophony of boarding school full of its scheming adolescents. It was so serene. What a great place to study Jedi history and code. Chastity thought she felt something else in the air, an almost imperceptible stirring. Was it the light side of the Force? She wasn't sure as it could have easily been the humming of her own excited nerves.

As he explained, she interjected with a few responses, so that he'd know she was paying attention. "The temple is quite stunning, Master." and "The Antarian Rangers, you say?" Chastity was listening as best she could, but she knew that by the time the tour was finished, she would be as hopelessly lost . Directions were never really her thing. Just give her a good Holomap anyday and she'd be fine.

The hangar, the last place on the tour, was teeming with the most life as technicians and pilots went through their daily routines. Chastity grinned when Connor pointed out his E-wing Fighter. She had never known a fighter pilot before, nor ridden in such a craft. His stories about dogfighting with the Sith would be riveting, she was sure. Maybe someday, she'd even learn to fly a ship like that herself. When her Master turned and asked her what she thought, Chastity made some explosion motions with her hands and puffed out her cheeks.

"Mind blown," she laughed. "I would say that I'm in love with my new home so far, Master Harrison. And if it's not glaringly obvious, I'm dying to get started with my training."

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Leading her past the outskirts of the hangar so not to get in the way, or ruin her nice clothing, Connor tutted playfully and patted her hand.

”Patience, Padawan. Training will begin in time. Get a feel for the Temple – explore, get to know the surroundings and relax. I have no doubt the Grandmaster will be happy you’re with us, and I’ll take you under my wing. We can start some basics tomorrow.”

Stepping down into the glaring sunlight from the dark hangar, Connor pointed left and took Chastity to the Silver Gardens, an expansive and far reaching maze of various places to train, to relax and to reflect. Well-trimmed hedges lined numerous routes, some paths covered in soft gravel and others paved with stone. Fruit trees bloomed in the orchard, and larger trees and plants of various colours and sizes dotted their eye line, as the gently sound of the small ponds could be heard, all converging into one stream which Connor would show her where it went.

”Our gardens. We have places to remember fallen Jedi, we have places to meditate and spa with others, and we have places to simply walk amongst nature and feel the Force as close to you as possible.”

Walking under a stone arch, Connor did a good enough job pointing out various places to her, and indicated the streams which was giving way to a gentle roar the closer they got to the fenced clearing on their path. Connor held her tight and indicated to the edge of the clearing, which looked out into the rolling hills and grasslands down below of Voss, but also where the streams converged a little further on into a large waterfall cascading into the rockery below.

”It’s a long way down, and there,” he pointed past her down where the water disappeared in to the planet, ”is another training ground. I’ve spent many hours there just watching the water fall around me. It’s beautiful.”

He held onto her arm leaning forward watching the water hit the sunlight.

”That’s pretty much the Silver Jedi Temple and what I call home.”

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

Even after her blue eyes had adjusted to the sun, Chastity could hardly believe them. The Silver Gardens' breathtaking beauty almost hurt. It was like something out of a Holofilm, the kind where the guy always kisses the girl right before the credits roll, but in another way it wasn't like a Holofilm at all. It was a sensual dream made real. A nature girl at heart, this place was sure to be one of her common haunts. She made a note to ask Connor what kinds of birds she heard warbling in the trees, and which was the best pond in which to swim.

Connor held her tightly as he stopped to show her a vista. The feeling of his body heat so close to hers, made her pulse quicken. Stop being silly. He's just protecting you from the heights. Wouldn't that be a grand way to die? On her first day as a Jedi, Padawan Chastity Lunelle pratfalled and fell to her doom. It was a morbid thought, but funny enough that a giggle escaped her lips.

"I am completely floored by your 'home'," she announced. "Everything about Voss and the Silver Jedi just keeps getting better and better."

At his hand on her arm, she gently laid her palm on top of his hand, letting her soft fingers rest there for a moment.

"I can't wait to see what you're going to show me next."

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Looking down at her hand, Connor smiled. Sure felt good to feel alive in this new state of mind - he was doing things right, and others were benefiting from it. He slid his palm out and patted the top of her hand gently, pulling her back from the edge.

”This, as they say, is just the beginning.”

Taking her arm, Connor began the walk around the rest of the garden which would soon bring them out to the other side of the great Temple. Looking down a small incline, he indicated this is where she would have come out if she'd have kept walking when they met. The sun was now arching over to signal the afternoon was well and truly here, and a transport flew over their heads as feet crunched on the gravel below.

”I'll chase those quarters for you. I know we must have some vacant, and I'll also get your some robes to start in, and then we can flesh out your attire - go shopping and size you up proper here for armour and your kit. You'll need robes for around the Temple, available armour for heated situations and light gear for training and meditation.”

He indicated to his body.

”What you caught me in, training gear. My armour was in the quarters, if you saw it.”

They came around the Temple finally.

”Where do you feel your heart lies as a Jedi, Chastity - warrior, healer or diplomat."

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

As they made their way back around the Temple, Chastity was asked which type of Jedi she would like to be. Warrior, healer, or diplomat. She tapped her finger to her cheek as she thought about her answer. Wait, no, don't think, Chast. Just...blurt?

"Well I don't think any of them are out of the question, Master Harrison," she said. "I'm not entirely sure since I don't know what each entails. Even if I did, it seems like the kind of choice one would make after one has actually tried out each of them."

Chastity shrugged and adjusted her dress' errant strap where it had fallen over her shoulder. Her eyes absently traced the transport through the clear blue sky.

"If I had to pick one, I suppose I envision myself as a warrior. On the front lines, even. Healing is laudable, that's certain, but I want to stop the Sith before they hurt, not heal their victims afterwards."

She had no idea she even had such strong convictions about until now. But this path felt right to her.

"Can you train me as a warrior, Master Harrison?"

[member="Connor Harrison"]