A Silver Lining

[Connor Harrison]

Rolling his tongue across his teeth in thought, Connor looked down as she spoke and it all made sense, and this was nothing out of the ordinary or strange. He now felt worse for showing her some darker thoughts as he wasn’t a shining example of how to develop as a Jedi. He was doing so well, before the pang of uncertainty washed over him. Was he really cut out for training another?

It had taken days a long time for Syala to convince him to train her, and that had gone well, admittedly, but there was a reason he didn’t take on Padawans. He didn’t trust his own standing in the Light – no! Wrong attitude – that was then, this was now. He knew his part to play in the galaxy and what he had to do; he knew who he was and what he could offer.

But could he really pass it on to another as pure as Chastity? Wouldn’t Nima, or Thurion the Grandmaster himself be better to guide her? There was so many fragile Jedi around the Order, was he just the best of a shaky bunch?

He looked up and chewed on his lip for a moment and looked to the stream.

”Forgive me, Chastity. I shouldn’t have done this so soon – what, a few hours into seeing how you feel using the Force and I throw this at you.”

A little shake of the head, and he continued.

”The Dark Side takes your worries, fears and insecurities and presents an easy way out for you. Sell your soul to the Devil, and he’ll grant you what you wish for as long as you’re happy to walk the galaxy without anything that makes you human. You will feel complete, but empty. You’ll feel powerful, but weak. You’ll feel accomplished, but alone. The Sith would have you pick skulls from the floor instead of apples from trees.”

He nodded his head to the stream, bubbling away before them, gently splashes making their way onto the bank.

”I apologise for using that so soon. You have the will to resist, because,” he paused, ”because I understand what it means to feel you have faults and flaws and worries. I have them, but I am learning to accept them because they make me who I am – and I will be the one to battle the Dark, whilst keeping my sanity and my soul, and if I don’t manage to silence the Devils who walk amongst us, rest assured with the Dark Side they’ll soon enough self-implode and destroy themselves.”

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

Connor’s face grew suddenly remorseful. Chastity could see that her Master was wrestling with a few demons of his own. She reached out and took his hand in hers, squeezing it gently.

“You have nothing to be sorry about,” she said plainly. “As a Jedi, I will have to face the Dark Side eventually, right? And when I do, I want to be fully prepared. I’m flattered that you felt that I was strong enough to handle it this early. I don’t want you holding anything back, Master Harrison.”

She pursed her lips and looked around at the garden, drinking in its beauty and tranquility. It was a calming oasis, but was it not a panacea. There were monsters outside the walls of the temple, and they wanted souls to march along with them, striking down what was right and good. Someone needed to fight them. To resist them. Why not her? Everyone faced their own mortality. Why not die preserving the life in the galaxy?

Chastity took a deep breath and looked at her Master with determination in her gaze.

“I can handle whatever you throw at me. I promise.”

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor found that steely gaze of hers again, and patted her hand over his, a gentle shake of appreciation.

”Be careful what you wish for, Padawan.”

The smile cracked on his lips and he took a few steps back, boots crunching over the soft gravel beneath. He reached out his right hand and gently held it out above the pruned hedges, tickling his palm as he moved past. He stopped and centred himself.

”Let's bring it down a little. Trust yourself, ok? Don’t close your eyes, and talk to me about your funniest memory of growing up, and please return those apples to me at the same time. If you believe it, then controlling the Force is as easy…”

With a wave of his hand, Connor pushed forward gently at her hair with the energy around them, blowing it back gently from her shoulders.

”…as breathing.”

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

Chastity smiled as she felt the Force energy lifted her hair, like a light, careless breeze. Easy. Just like levitating apples up from the dewy grass.

“My funniest memory growing up, eh? Well, you know it’s going to involve some Nuna, of course,” she warned him with a shake of her head. Chastity began to walk towards the apples, talking at the same time. Every now and then she would bite her lip as she concentrated, but even while story-telling, the Padawan began to harness the energy of the Force to make the apples gently rise.

“So, Setzi and I were very young, and it was our first day of taking care of the Nuna on our own. Inevitably, we got bored with gathering eggs and feeding the Nuna, and of course being mischievous younglings, we decided to entertain ourselves.” She laughed so hard it almost broke her concentration. The apples dipped in the air, but then stayed afloat as she continued.

“We made a little obstacle course for them, out of various things lying around the Nuna coop. Then we had them run races and such. I think they enjoyed it as much as we did.”

She floated the apples to Connor and put them in his hand. Her movements were not as fluid as she would have liked, but at least she didn’t drop them.

“Sadly, I think we ended up getting punished for our little Nuna races, but if you ask me, it was worth it.”

The Padawan let out a long exhalation, clearly drained from the concentration of the task. Fatigue began to weaken her muscles, but she didn’t complain nor ask to stop their lessons. Chastity was not a quitter.

“You might owe me a funny story now, Master Harrison. It's only fair."

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Cocking his head slightly to one side, only his eyes moving as he watched the Padawan walk, talk and control the Force, it was steady and controlled. A little up and down, but it was fluid. She talked, and she walked, and she brought the apples to his open palms perfectly. And flashed that bright smile to top it off.

”Sounds like I've got a trouble maker on my hands. I hope your sister is well, also.”

He started to walk the opposite way around Chastity, looking at his boots over the grass and gravel.

”A funny story? Oh I don't have many funny stories - it comes from growing up too fast and not having any family, or many friends.”

He slowed down, and placed the apples down again on the grass, a small smile curling up on his lip.

”I do know one funny story though, of a Padawan I know - bright, very beautiful and very eager to serve the galaxy,” he walked around her, ”and one day, in her training in the Gardens, she suddenly was so transfixed with learning, she couldn't move!”

Connor pulled in his fist and exerted the natural Force around Chastity's legs, holding her in place.

”It was so strange! She laughed and cursed and fought but she couldn't get out!” Connor grinned as he started to back away.

”And the only way she made me promise not to tell anyone how silly she looked under an invisible grip, was to find her Master hiding somewhere in the grounds - but only using the Force. She could control it, yes, but could she communicate through it and lock in on a powerful being amidst many others?”

One step, two step, his fist held out. Waving at her, smiling, he twisted his hands to send her a little off balance and stumble, and then he made an enhanced run around the orchard, out of the garden, ready for a test of her ability to find a specific Force user. A Jedi needle in a haystack.

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

There was a look in Connor’s eye that told her he was about to do something impish before he even did it. Right before Chastity could react, she felt the Force wrap around her legs, binding her in place.

“You little nerf!” she exclaimed and burst out laughing. Chastity hopped and shimmied, trying to free her legs. They felt as if they were dipped in wet duracrete and left to dry. She wasn’t going anywhere.

“Grrrrr!” she growled playfully with hands curled into fists. Then as he let her go, Connor gave her a boyish grin and was off, running as fast as his long legs could carry him, until there was no sign of him.

“Oh you’re gonna get it,” she muttered. She regained her footing, and set off after him.

Picking up a quick stride, Chastity began to hurry across the gravel, branching out with the Force, and letting it aloft on the wind. The energy hung in the air, flatlining, until she remembered. You have to direct it Chast. Duh! After a few false starts, she began to direct it outward to find any hint of the man who was Connor Harrison. What made him different from the other Jedi on the grounds? Well, he was powerful for one. He had also said that his energy was not strictly Light Side. So, to recap, she was looking for a powerful Jedi whose power breached the spectrum of Light and Dark. That was a good start.

She freed her powers to span the garden, letting her senses touch this person and that. Could it be this one? No, that Jedi wasn’t powerful enough. Hm, maybe, that one? No, the aura seemed too Light. Finally, she touched upon an aura that seemed both powerful and familiar. There was Light there, and also that sliver of Dark. If she remembered correctly the bearer of that particular aura would be standing on the stairs of the temple. Oh Sithspit, please don’t get lost now, girl.

Rounding the corner in a jog, nearly out of breath, she craned her neck looking for her needle on the top of the temple stairs. Force only knew if he'd be there or not.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Watching his Padawan from not too far away, but enough to make out her expression, Connor leant on one of the arches leading out of the gardens. He hadn't gone too far, but had been able to lead Chastity on a merry dance of chasing a Force aura around the exterior.

Come on Chastity; feel. Don't think. Use your instincts.

He smiled to himself and placed his palms on the stone, moving around it watching her, still full of energy and eagerness.

Just because the Force guides you, be sure that you are in CONTROL of it, so it doesn't lead you in circles.

Connor couldn't help smile.

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

Aaaaand he wasn’t there. Chastity scrunched up her nose in frustration. What had she been doing wrong? The secrets of the Force were still a huge mystery yet to be unlocked. It was as if every answer was right in front of her, as plain as day, but every time she tried to grasp it, it was whisked away and replaced with all the questions she never knew she even had.

Connor’s voice came to her, his deep baritone echoing in the walls of her mind. Come on Chastity; feel. Don't think. Use your instincts. She took a deep breath and unspooled the Force before her like a path. Then the Padawan let her mind go blank. It was only when she cleared her mind of all of its busy speculations that she felt something. A hint of her Master’s aura seemed to be shimmering nearby. She turned and squinted in the direction of the garden.

Just because the Force guides you, be sure that you are in CONTROL of it, so it doesn't lead you in circles.

Chastity doubled back and sprinted into the garden, winding around its mossy paths. She finally found Connor hugging one of the columns of an archway at the entrance. She came trotting towards him and then leaned over with her hands on the tops of her thighs, catching her breath. Raising her head, she gave him a sly smile.

“Gotcha.”

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

There was no point turning, the girl had finally opened up and let all distractions go to focus on her objective – and he heard her, and he smiled as her breathlessness was evident as he turned to see her, hands on knees, with a triumphant quip. Connor clapped his hands and walked forward, rubbing her back and raising her shoulders back to force her to stand.

”And the Padawan was breathless and flustered at the end of the chase, but she did well. And the Master even taught her it was best to stand when you’re catching your breath so you can actually get oxygen to those lungs. Don’t bend over.”

He walked around to face her.

”Funny story, right? But, seriously, you did well. See, you’re applying the Force to everything and doing it right. If you practice these basic exercises of the mind, it will help you immensely.”

Connor began a gentle walk to the crossing, leading to the Temple and out to the garden.

”A strong mind is the backbone of a strong Jedi. Don’t let anyone in, and don’t let anything out. Now, how are you feeling? We can carry on, or take a break and relax. We’ve got plenty of time so don’t push yourself too much to try impress me, ok?”

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

“I don’t think I can move another muscle,” Chastity reluctantly admitted. As she gasped for air, the Padawan could feel every manifestation of her energy, physical, mental, and the Force, all melting into one gooey pile that said “Ok, I think we’re done here.”

“A break would be divine, Master.”

With that, teacher and student parted ways for a while. Chastity retreated to the library to study Jedi History and Philosophy, and Connor went off to, well, whereever he went off to when he had downtime. Chastity imagined him in super serious meetings with the other Silver Jedi Masters, discussing important temple business. She smiled as she perused her Holotexts. Connor had turned on a light inside of her. Never before had she been able to release her powers the way that she did during their morning training session, and it made her feel like the galaxy was unfurling before her. Everything she had ever wanted now seemed possible.

At the first inkling of dusk, Chastity returned to Connor’s private quarters. She had eaten dinner at the temple’s dining hall, and as she looked around his cozy space, she pursed her lips, suspecting that there was something important she was forgetting. Oh yes, a shower! The Padawan dragged herself to the refresher and closed the door behind her with a hiss. After all of the rigorous training she’d done, the water and steam would give her aching limbs the exquisite deliverance from exhaustion.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Lowering his head, and watching her go up the Temple stairs as he escorted her to the Temple, Connor watched Chastity leave to take time out; to relax, eat, sleep – whatever she wanted. Knowing her, she’d hit the books. Connor smiled and exhaled, looking around as everything seemed to go a little quiet. It was early afternoon already, and there was much to be done.

First, he made sure the apples were collected and returned to his quarters. Taking in a glass of water, he smacked his lips and left for the hangar to start work on his E-wing. A number of small issues had been bothering him, and he was determined to try and sort them himself.

Cursed words flew, friendly conversation passed and little progress was made on the ship. However, he had time to think, to get stuck in and also assign a hangar protocol droid to helping him next time he carried out repairs. Time flew by with work in the hangar and also conversations with other Masters, inspecting new dropships and gear from the Rangers and Master Ike, always on the ball.

He returned to his quarters, but didn’t like the fact his door was open. It wasn’t alarming, but it was suspicious. His quarters had always been out the way; quiet and peaceful and so the fact someone had come and left the door open to his isolation was annoying. Stepping in, leaning his head to check the kitchen area, the dining table…and slowly hearing the running water of the shower in the refresher station.

Leaning his head back a little, eye narrowing, Connor suspected it would be the only person who’d used it apart from him. Chastity. He was a little wary why she was here, showering, in his quarters. She’d been assigned a room of her own on the 1st floor like his, but on the other side of the Temple. Taking the com off his belt and placing it in the heavy wardrobe, noting his armour and hilt still where he left them, Connor moved slowly along his room and did all he could do.

Wait.

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

Once finished with her long shower, the Padawan wrapped herself carefully in a towel, finger-brushed her hair, and flicked the switch on the refresher’s wall terminal, gingerly stepping out. Every muscle froze when she saw her Master standing there, with an unreadable expression that could have been anger. She honestly wasn’t sure. Errant drops of water began to pool underneath her bare feet as Chastity contemplated just how to explain her trespassing. The one thing she knew for sure was, that whatever her explanation, it wasn’t going to be a rational or reasonable one.

To be honest, she didn’t know exactly why she stayed in his room instead of heading for the one that she had been assigned. She had sworn to herself that she was just coming to get her things, but deep down Chastity did not want to sleep in the new room by herself. She found Connor’s presence comforting, among other things, and those things she certainly wasn’t ready to face right now. She didn’t want to tell him of her fears, however, for obvious reasons. How was she ever going to fight the Sith if sleeping in a foreign room by herself unnerved her? She steeled herself for their conversation. Ok, Chast, take a deep breath, and now... explain.

The true words didn’t come so, threading a hand through her wet hair as she gazed at him, Chastity deflected the issue.

“Your refresher is to die for,” she said with mock nonchalance, putting on the smile that usually got her what she wanted on Aduba III.

"The water pressure is amazing."

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Not ready for the sight that came out of the refresher station, Connor sighed and looked away – he was struggling now. He was human, and a male, and a confused rogue. Not a great combination and one he was annoyed it.

And annoyed at her!

What a poor excuse. He turned and moved to the door and locked it, the last thing he needed was others coming through to find a Padawan showering and ambling around. He scratched the back of his head, a little flustered.

”You’re a bad liar, Chastity Lunelle.”

Moving across the room, not looking at her, with a little ease now the door was shut, he leaned over the dining table and looked out the window.

”But I agree the pressure is pretty impressive.”

He turned, leaning his hands on the edge and finally looking at her.

”Ok come on, what’s wrong. Why are you here. You know I’d get a right lecture if anyone knew you were here.”

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

“Ok, I’m not here for your water pressure, obviously,” Chastity admitted, averting her gaze. A pink blush began to bloom over her cheeks, crawling down her neck and ending right above the edge of the towel. “I just found the new room to be very solitary. That’s all.” Sithspit what was she doing? It was her first full day at the Jedi temple and she was acting like a spoiled brat. Even worse, a frightened, spoiled brat. She tightened the towel around her body modestly.

“It’s my first time sleeping alone somewhere, and I’m really not used to it.”

It was a weak half-truth and she knew it, but the answer wasn’t technically untrue, just not the whole story. Chastity was a headstrong girl who wanted what she wanted sometimes. Acts of rebellion came as naturally as eating and breathing to her. This drive, would serve her well once she was a warrior, but right now, it was misplaced on random acts of insubordination.

Chastity bit the side of her lip and shook her head. Her wet hair fell forward, making a curtain around her face as grey-blue eyes studied him remorsefully.

“Look, I’m very sorry, Master Harrison. I’ll go if you want me to.”

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

An audible breath left his lips, arms folding and hands tucking under his armpits as he looked up at her, head down slightly.

”Look. You will be fine here. We have the Rangers who help with security, we have holo-cams, we have patrols. I myself even do recon at times. Lock down, and surrounded by the greatest Jedi Masters this side of the galaxy. And you're learning with one.”

He smiled softly. She was stirring emotions in him, and he didn't trust them.

”You...you get dressed, freshen up and head on back. I will be here anytime if you want me, that's part of my duty for you. I'll help you if I can with any worries you have. You did really good today, Chast. I'm proud of you.”

And he was. She was going to be a worthy ally to work with the Silvers, and she would go far. The aura about her was similar to that of his - willing to push boundaries, answer back, and question why. The makings of a troublemaker, too.

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

“As you wish, Master Harrison,” she said with an involuntary pout. Chastity knew she wasn’t behaving very Jedi-like here in Connor's private quarters, but she was a capricious eighteen year old with little control over her emotions. The time would come that she would look back on her own behavior and roll her eyes, but right now her impulsivity was at war with her inevitable maturity.

Cluching her towel tightly around her, Chastity gloomily crossed the room and found the other clean outfit that Connor had given her the day before. She took it to the refresher, hung it on a towel rack and then turned back to face him again.

Connor’s words were reassuring, but she sensed a discomfort in him as he addressed her. Something in his blue eyes told her there there was more there than pride, and the young woman was too curious to let it go. Plus, for some reason she still couldn’t bring herself to leave just yet. Connor was too easy to talk to. Too easy to look at. He told her to speak without thinking, so she would oblidge. Leaning against the doorframe, she titled her head and just asked the question on the bow of her mind.

“Can I ask you why you don’t want me here?”

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

The tiniest smirk flickered in him as Chastity pouted, the shell of naivety slipping a little as Connor senses she would be a little stubborn if she didn't get what she expected. She didn't seem the type, but still her history was pretty vague to him. He'd need to do a little more reading up on his Padawan from information provided to the Silver Jedi Grandmaster.

But, before he could busy himself, she had stopped and now questioned him. While his old Padawan Syala was curious and understanding, and would just follow commands to benefit her, Chastity was strikingly opposite. She spoke a lot, she wasn't putting everything into the Force to dictate her actions, and she talked back.

”Excuse me?”

A tiny ripple in the Force sparked between them.

”I thought that was clear. You have your quarters, and you should be there, Padawan, to take time out and relax. These are my quarters, and they are not open for anyone to stay in as they wish, alright?”

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

As he admonished her, Chastity blushed profusely. Connor was speaking to her as if she were a child! Forget that she was acting like one for all intents and purposes, it was still outrageous. Her Master’s tone sparked a fresh wave of humiliation in her, but also ignited more than a tinge of rebellion. That warrior spirit, however misdirected, blazed silently beneath her grey-blue eyes.

“I-just...” she stammered, and then clammed up. That intensity in his eyes. She needed to know what it was, and she wasn’t leaving until she found out.

Then, Chastity suddenly felt a short but potent charge in the Force starting at the crown of her head all the way through her toes. It seemed to be welling up between them both. Was it from his anger with her? Or was it something else? Chastity knew she shouldn’t poke the bear, but she badly wanted to feel that spark again. Her heart pounded out of her chest as she closed the distance between them.

“Make me go then,” she challenged, a petulant knot in her flawless brow. The towel dropped to the floor with a sweeping gesture.

It was definitely not an accident.

[member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

While he expected a reaction, he didn't think she'd clam up like this react as she was doing. He could feel her emotions through the Force and it was the strongest they had been since meeting her back on Chroma Zed's spaceport. Connor didn't move from the table as she started to move and find an answer, her stance confident and face firm. He would let certain things pass, but not everything.

It was then she goaded him, teased him and put in him a position he hadn't been in before. She dropped her towel, revealing an athletic body, pure and devoid of clothing. Connor inhaled a silent gasp, not know where to look, but found where in her eyes staring at him. He pushed himself off the table to stand over her.

”Chastity, knock it off.”

He held his hand and the towel rose into his palm, soft and damp, and he thrust it into her arms.

”I'll let this one go, but what are you try to prove? You're confused and tired - get dressed and get out and I'll forget this.”

Connor held a stern face, his position as Master coming to the surface. What had pushed her to act like this? It was shocking and unexpected for him, and he wasn't quite sure how to deal with her.

[member="Chastity Lunelle"]

 

[Chastity Lunelle]

Chastity blinked at Connor as frustrated tears threatened to brim. He floated the towel up from the floor using the Force and handed it back to her in a ball. Confused and embarrassed, she wrapped it around herself and ran to the refresher, in typical teenager fashion. Inside the refresher, she fanned her face with one hand. Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Don’t cry. She took a deep breath, and hastily pulled on her clothing, all the while envisioning being put on a shuttle back to Aduba III. Geez, Chast, your second night at the Jedi temple and you’re already making a mess of things. She bet her sister Setzi wasn’t flubbing things up quite so badly wherever she was training.

Finally, dressed, with her hair combed Chastity emerged, red faced. She had managed to valiantly hold back her tears. Thank the Maker for small wonders. Every effort was made to avoid his judgemental gaze. Hunched defensively, Chastity hastily gathered up her things, shoved them in her luggage bag and then scurried off into the night, feeling like a damp and foolish vagabond.

[member="Connor Harrison"]